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Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3)

J.R. Ward

Start date: March 1, 2013

Finish date: March 31, 2013

Discussion: Challenges: What's the Rush

Why we're reading this: Part of our group series (re)read: Black Dagger Brotherhood …more
[close] Part of our group series (re)read: Black Dagger Brotherhood

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Challenges: What's the Rush

* 2025 Series Read: K.N. Banet's "Jacky Leon"
By Steph , Serious series addict · 103 posts · 33 views

last updated 3 hours, 26 min ago

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* YEAR-LONG CHALLENGES
By Steph , Serious series addict · 1 post · 389 views

last updated Aug 17, 2010 11:14PM

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What Members Thought

Apr 06, 2009 Adele rated it really liked it

I cried with this one.
I Love the story of John.
I Love Bella and Zadist. He is like a really big ferocious dog, who is just a big sook- the lesson for today kiddies don't judge things on appearances only!!!!
I Have a few questions though that I hope will be answered in the next few books such as
What is happening with john? I have a few speculations but I won’t do that here.
What happens with the lessers? ... I don’t care but I’m curious after the events in this book.
And what was that thing with Bu ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jul 22, 2009 Charlotte (Buried in Books) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

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1 like · Like · see review

Mar 09, 2011 Logan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own-bought-ebook, romance, paranormal

Five big fat stars! I don't think I fully understood the BDB obsession until this book. Sure, the first two were entertaining and steamy and campy fun, but this one...whooooooie! Zsadist is a tortured and misunderstood soul, and at times I got so frustrated with all of the characters' self-absorption and inability to see through the others' facades that I wanted to scream, but the book is still immensely satisfying. I think I would almost recommend people read this one first, except that you do Five big fat stars! I don't think I fully understood the BDB obsession until this book. Sure, the first two were entertaining and steamy and campy fun, but this one...whooooooie! Zsadist is a tortured and misunderstood soul, and at times I got so frustrated with all of the characters' self-absorption and inability to see through the others' facades that I wanted to scream, but the book is still immensely satisfying. I think I would almost recommend people read this one first, except that you do get some important backstory from the other two books. I bet I could catch someone up on the details around Z and Bella, though, and then staple them to a chair and watch them read this one. SO GOOD. You're not moving until you finish it, I would say. *stares sternly*

Z's past certainly explains a lot about his behavior, but I was surprised at how little Phury especially seemed to understand how that past impacted Z's life. I didn't fully buy that Phury would think that Z could hurt Bella. I mean, really? Z's twin brother wouldn't get that all of his cold fury and isolation and self-punishment was a front for self-loathing despair? He would really just assume that what he suffered turned him into a sociopathic woman hater? Nope. Don't think so.

I thought Ward did a really nice job depicting what happened without being overly graphic. We don't need to know all of the details, and she gave us the information without dwelling on it. I also felt that Z's perspective on everything was well done and I really believed his experiences and how those shaped his self-image. Heart-breaking stuff.

I was most happy about his change toward Phury. He seemed finally able to love him as a sibling and not just as this fellow warrior brother. I think faced with the enduring support of Phury and Bella showed Z that there are people willing to do anything for him and that he is worthy of their love and respect. I liked that his transformation was gradual and didn't happen overnight. He grew and changed but at an appropriate pace considering his past. I loved watching that change happen.

I've always had issues with Phury. Until that moment, I didn't really see the depth of his sacrifice for Z. Sure, he's celibate and does whatever he can for his brother, but it always seemed kind of doormat-y and pathetic instead of honorable. When he decides to shave his head and take a knife to his face, though, I got it. He's not messing around. He seriously loves his twin, so my apologies Phury. I get it now.

I have to mention that I cried at the end when Bella interrupts Z and Mary and he shows her what he's been working on. I hope that's vague enough to not be a spoiler but specific enough that you who have read it know what I'm talking about. That moment kicked me in the gut and it was so sweet and beautiful that I couldn't contain the tears. I can't think of a single other urban fantasy or romance novel that touched me to the point of tears. Good stuff. ...more

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Dec 09, 2011 AmyD rated it it was amazing

As promised this tale of the Brotherhood is quite a ride, to say the least! Zsadist's story comes out as promised, but others do as well.

An emotional book, it had me in tears and laughter. I sincerely appreciate the author's gift of descriptive scenes from multiple characters' point of view.

As always, looking forward to the next