What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Dagger Brotherhood #3
Lover Awakened
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.
Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…
A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.
Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…
434 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 5, 2006
2,646 people are currently reading
57.6k people want to read
About the author
J.R. Ward
216 books51.2k followersJ.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,206 reviews
March 22, 2023
5 Fuck I love Z Stars
"I...I can't get clean. I don't want you to get dirty, too." He lifted his wrist and blood oozed down from his forearm. "See? Look at the dirt. It's all over me. Inside of me." -Z
Spoilers
First read 2014
Reread 3/26/2017
rereread 2023
"When I was..." She cleared her throat. "When I was in that hole in the ground, I thought of you. I wanted you to come for me. I knew you could get me out." His brows went down even though his lids were lowered. "I thought of you, too." "You did?" His chin moved up and down, and still she said, "Really?" "Yeah. Some days... you were all I could think of."-Bella and Z
OMG OMG OMG Can I please give this book more than 5 stars!! I just want to say that Lover Awakened is one of my top 5 favorite books of all times!!! I can't get enough! It's one of those books you read straight through and then when you finish it you wish you could delete it from your head so you can enjoy discovering it all over again. I loved Z so much. And as much as I loved Z I loved Bella too. I don't know how J.R. Ward does it but she somehow writes these books that bring to life this exciting, dark, and sexy world filled with heroes that I fall madly in love with. When you pick up one of the books in this series it looks like a normal book but when you open and read it it wraps around your heart and lives in your mind long after you finish it. This series is just amazing and this book is my favorite of the series!
"If you don't want to be with me, fine. Just say so. But don't hide behind wanting to protect me. You think I don't know the sex would be rough with you?" "Is that why you want it?" he asked in a dead voice. "You think you only deserve to be hurt now, after the lesser?" She frowned. "Not at all. But if that's the only way I can have you, then that's how I'll take you." He ran his hand back and forth over his skull trim, hoping the friction might get his brain to work. "I think you're confused." He looked down at the floor. "You have no idea what you're saying right now." "You arrogant bastard," she snapped. Z's head shot up. Well, that was slap in the ass number two... "Excuse me?" "Do us both a favor and don't try to think for me, okay? Because you're going to get it wrong every damn time." -Bella and Z
He wanted to see her eat. After the sex, after he came inside of her, he wanted to have her eat food he'd brought her, and he wanted her to take the stuff from his hand. Hell, he wanted to go out and kill something for her, bring the meat back, cook it himself, and feed her until she was full. Then he wanted to lie beside her with a dagger in his hand, protecting her as she slept.-Z
My God I ached for Z. Zsadist was so tortured, scarred, totally badass, and sexy as hell. The first time I read this book Z crawled into my heart and he has lived there ever since. He was just such an amazing and deep hero. Something that really made me mad in this book and the two books before this one was the way everyone treated Z. All the Brothers including Z's own twin Phury acted like he was a ruined, nonredeemable, crazy, evil, pos. Everyone always jumped to bad conclusions about him and no one really cared for him. I don't feel Phury really loved him. To Phury Z was just a burden. It pissed me off so bad the way Phury especially treated him. Z was so left out and all alone. All the flash backs into Z's past and reading how he felt about himself damn but my heart just bled for him. I loved Bella because she was strong, brave, loyal, sassy, and she fought for her man. She went through six weeks of hell at the hands of the Lesser David but he didn't break her. I would have loved her alone just for the way she loved Z. She seen his worth and beauty when everyone else treated him like he was a wild animal.
"I mean, why? Of all the males you could have, why me?" "I want you." She put her hand on his chest. "It's a natural, normal response to the opposite sex, isn't it?" "I'm not normal." "I know. But you're not dirty or contaminated or unworthy."-Z and Bella
"Oh, God… Zsadist, I love you." His eyes flared so wide, his brows nearly hit his hairline. "What… ?" "I love you." "Say that again." "I love you." "Again… please," he whispered. "I need to hear it… again." "I love you…"-Bella and Z
Together Bella and Z had a beautiful and emotional love story. I loved the way Bella needed only Z. He was her rock, her safety, and her hero! And Bella showed Z that he wasn't dirty or ugly but strong, sexy, and an male of worth. Their love story is why I read romance novels. The powerful connections I feel for them. The way their story makes me feel when I read it. Like they are real. The happiness their book brings me is why I enjoy reading so much. My God I melted when Z and Bella made love. Z discovering the beauty of love making after what he had been through was so moving. They are one of my top 5 favorite couples ever. Though this is Bella and Z's book there was so much going on in this book. Especially with John, Tohr, and Wellsie. I enjoyed all the stuff about John adjusting to his new life, finding out his bloodline, and bonding with Z. But OMFG when I was all over the place in this book. But my main feels was love. Love for Z, love for Bella, love for their relationship, love for John, love for Butch just lots of love. I will say that I wish there was less Lesser time in this book. I didn't wanna spend that much time reading about the bad guys I wanted more time with Z and Bella. The End of the book was total icing on my cake. I swooned over the epilogue. This book is love story perfection!
"I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came... and I was awakened."-Z
"I...I can't get clean. I don't want you to get dirty, too." He lifted his wrist and blood oozed down from his forearm. "See? Look at the dirt. It's all over me. Inside of me." -Z
Spoilers
First read 2014
Reread 3/26/2017
rereread 2023
"When I was..." She cleared her throat. "When I was in that hole in the ground, I thought of you. I wanted you to come for me. I knew you could get me out." His brows went down even though his lids were lowered. "I thought of you, too." "You did?" His chin moved up and down, and still she said, "Really?" "Yeah. Some days... you were all I could think of."-Bella and Z
OMG OMG OMG Can I please give this book more than 5 stars!! I just want to say that Lover Awakened is one of my top 5 favorite books of all times!!! I can't get enough! It's one of those books you read straight through and then when you finish it you wish you could delete it from your head so you can enjoy discovering it all over again. I loved Z so much. And as much as I loved Z I loved Bella too. I don't know how J.R. Ward does it but she somehow writes these books that bring to life this exciting, dark, and sexy world filled with heroes that I fall madly in love with. When you pick up one of the books in this series it looks like a normal book but when you open and read it it wraps around your heart and lives in your mind long after you finish it. This series is just amazing and this book is my favorite of the series!
"If you don't want to be with me, fine. Just say so. But don't hide behind wanting to protect me. You think I don't know the sex would be rough with you?" "Is that why you want it?" he asked in a dead voice. "You think you only deserve to be hurt now, after the lesser?" She frowned. "Not at all. But if that's the only way I can have you, then that's how I'll take you." He ran his hand back and forth over his skull trim, hoping the friction might get his brain to work. "I think you're confused." He looked down at the floor. "You have no idea what you're saying right now." "You arrogant bastard," she snapped. Z's head shot up. Well, that was slap in the ass number two... "Excuse me?" "Do us both a favor and don't try to think for me, okay? Because you're going to get it wrong every damn time." -Bella and Z
He wanted to see her eat. After the sex, after he came inside of her, he wanted to have her eat food he'd brought her, and he wanted her to take the stuff from his hand. Hell, he wanted to go out and kill something for her, bring the meat back, cook it himself, and feed her until she was full. Then he wanted to lie beside her with a dagger in his hand, protecting her as she slept.-Z
My God I ached for Z. Zsadist was so tortured, scarred, totally badass, and sexy as hell. The first time I read this book Z crawled into my heart and he has lived there ever since. He was just such an amazing and deep hero. Something that really made me mad in this book and the two books before this one was the way everyone treated Z. All the Brothers including Z's own twin Phury acted like he was a ruined, nonredeemable, crazy, evil, pos. Everyone always jumped to bad conclusions about him and no one really cared for him. I don't feel Phury really loved him. To Phury Z was just a burden. It pissed me off so bad the way Phury especially treated him. Z was so left out and all alone. All the flash backs into Z's past and reading how he felt about himself damn but my heart just bled for him. I loved Bella because she was strong, brave, loyal, sassy, and she fought for her man. She went through six weeks of hell at the hands of the Lesser David but he didn't break her. I would have loved her alone just for the way she loved Z. She seen his worth and beauty when everyone else treated him like he was a wild animal.
"I mean, why? Of all the males you could have, why me?" "I want you." She put her hand on his chest. "It's a natural, normal response to the opposite sex, isn't it?" "I'm not normal." "I know. But you're not dirty or contaminated or unworthy."-Z and Bella
"Oh, God… Zsadist, I love you." His eyes flared so wide, his brows nearly hit his hairline. "What… ?" "I love you." "Say that again." "I love you." "Again… please," he whispered. "I need to hear it… again." "I love you…"-Bella and Z
Together Bella and Z had a beautiful and emotional love story. I loved the way Bella needed only Z. He was her rock, her safety, and her hero! And Bella showed Z that he wasn't dirty or ugly but strong, sexy, and an male of worth. Their love story is why I read romance novels. The powerful connections I feel for them. The way their story makes me feel when I read it. Like they are real. The happiness their book brings me is why I enjoy reading so much. My God I melted when Z and Bella made love. Z discovering the beauty of love making after what he had been through was so moving. They are one of my top 5 favorite couples ever. Though this is Bella and Z's book there was so much going on in this book. Especially with John, Tohr, and Wellsie. I enjoyed all the stuff about John adjusting to his new life, finding out his bloodline, and bonding with Z. But OMFG when I was all over the place in this book. But my main feels was love. Love for Z, love for Bella, love for their relationship, love for John, love for Butch just lots of love. I will say that I wish there was less Lesser time in this book. I didn't wanna spend that much time reading about the bad guys I wanted more time with Z and Bella. The End of the book was total icing on my cake. I swooned over the epilogue. This book is love story perfection!
"I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came... and I was awakened."-Z
April 21, 2015
“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came… and I was awakened.”
Beautiful.
Don't know what more to say about this book.
Amazing and beautiful and those 5 stars don't do it justice.
Z is definitely my favorite BDB Brother <3
"He couldn’t stand to have anyone put their hands to him…though he wished he’d let Bella find a piece of his flesh just once. With her, he might have been able to handle it."
The story
**this will be spoilerish to everyone who hasn't read the first two books**
Six weeks has passed since Bella's kidnapping, and Zsadist has become more and more violent. He has only one goal: kill as many lessers as he can, and find out what happened to Bella.
The Brotherhood is worried about him, and they have no clue why he's taken a personal interest to Bella, but then, it's not like anyone understands him at all.
When a call comes with information that Bella is still alive, Z almost goes crazy because he has to wait for nightfall to go to her.
The rescue... Won't talk about that, you have to experience it by yourself :(
The real story begins there, Z wants Bella badly, but he knows she shouldn't be with him, even though she refuses to leave his side.
Will he be able to set himself free of his past, with Bella's help?
Read and see <3
"He was terrifying, a horror of her species. Ruined, not broken, in the words of his twin. But that was what would have made him such a good savior. He alone was a match for the lesser who’d taken her. Zsadist’s kind of brutality was probably the only thing that could have gotten her out, though she knew better than to think that he’d ever try to find her."
The story - Heartbreaking. Just totally is. Even though we see the HEA, Z's past and all he went through... :(((
But it was so wonderful to watch him heal, get past it, all with Bella's help... Amazing <3
The rescue scene was one of the most emotional ones for me, and my favorites were when Z was taking care of her <3
And then the mirror scene with the brothers! Loved it so much!
Well damn, I pretty much loved the whole book, except the lesser parts!
The flashbacks - There are flashbacks to Zsadist's and Phury's history in this book, and those scenes are tough and disturbing, when he was a blood/sex slave and when Phury rescued him. Not easy to read, but we learn so much about both of them, and why they're the way they are.
The characters - There is a lot of John Matthew in this book, we see him adapting to his new life, and living with Tohr and Wellsie :)
Butch and Marissa are going in circles, but nothing really happening between them.
We meet Rehvenge, Bella's brother, who will have his own book later :)
Phury has a very big role here, he's in love with Bella too, so we get to see his jealous and self-sacrificing side.
Tohrment... My heart goes out to him.
The sex - Well, you have to know that Z has a lot of baggage, being a sex slave for decades, and it isn't easy seeing him opening up to Bella, trying stuff, and ultimately having sex with her. Not the usual "OMG this is so hot I'm going to combust" type of scenes, just to warn you. But they are amazing, and very emotional! Just seeing him letting go of his fear... Yep, definitely worth it <3 But yeah there'll be the combustible scenes later on ahahah :DDD
Oh… God. What was a male supposed to do in this situation?
"I'm sorry," he muttered. "If I… uh, hurt your feelings or something."
She glared at him. "I'm not hurt. I'm pissed off and sexually frustrated."
Bella has been held for six weeks by a deranged lesser maniac person, endured lots of horrible stuff, and thought she would die there without anyone knowing what happened to her.
After she is rescued, she clings to Z and doesn't want to leave him.
It takes her some time to realise what happened to Z when he was a slave, and she wants to help him get over it.
As the book goes on, Bella falls in love with Zsadist (of course), and she happens to find herself in a terrible situation where she needs his help badly...
“When I said I won’t apologize for it, I meant I never regret killing those bastards. But I didn’t…I don’t like you having those images in your head. I’d take them from you if I could. I’d take all of this from you…bear it all for you. I’m so…fucking sorry this happened to you, Bella. Yeah, I’m just sorry about the whole thing, including…me.”
Bella comes with baggage herself, although, not as serious as Z, but it's still there. The torture and everything she endured while in captivity is something she can't forget, and Z is the only person she trusts enough to be around.
She is very insecure in herself, after Z constantly pushes her away, thinking there's a problem with her, that he is repulsed by her now. It was very hard to read, I really felt sorry for her :(
But just love the scene when she It was just so sweet because of what Z did <3
Anyway, she doesn't know exactly what happened with Z, and he doesn't want to tell her, so that leads to a lot of difficult situations when she pushes him too far out of his comfort zone :(((
But still, it's all worth it when we see the
Beautiful scenes!
"He was the cold that made her condense into herself again. And the heat that stopped her from shivering.
He was the killer who made her safe."
"He thought about all the holes in him, the blank places, the voids where others felt things. When it came down to it, he was really just a screen, more empty than solid, his emotions blowing through him, only the anger catching and holding."
Zsadist is a killer, emotionless and cold. He doesn't care about anything or anyone, even the Brotherhood doesn't trust him.
He is scarred, inside and out. He wears piercings and has slave bands tattooed on his neck and arms.
Not a fuzzy one, that Z.
It all goes back to when he was being held as a blood slave, and was being sexually used as well. His mistress was a b*tch from hell, and with what he went through... No freaking wonder he turned out that way :(
He hates sex and anything sexual because it reminds him of that woman, and he thinks himself unclean and unworthy of Bella, even though he is fiercely protective of her, and wants to have her for himself.
He tries to push her toward Phury, even though it kills him, but he wants her with a male of worth, someone who he could've been.
Still, we get to see him heal, all thanks to Bella, and the change in him is remarkable <3
"He knew he was being overbearing as hell, but he couldn't help it. There were few things on the planet more aggressive or dangerous. And those bastards were called hurricanes and tornadoes."
I can't say how much I love Z. He's definitely my favorite brother <3
He goes through a full transformation here, and it was just beautiful to see.
First, when he was pining for Bella in her house. He wouldn't call it that way ahahha but it looked like it to me :)
Poor guy, and then the rescue, even though she was the one who was wronged and endured terrible things, I still felt terrible for Z in that scene :(
Later on, every protective thing he did concerning Bella had me swooning and sighing and wanting to cry and hug him like crazy <3
He fought it all the way, pushed Bella away from him almost all the time, even though he terribly wanted to be with her :(
Like I said before, his biggest problem was him feeling unworthy of Bella, and everything he did was because of it. So, so sad :(((
But this book really was all about him, how he changed completely, by overcoming his fears and insecurities, and becoming the person who he was supposed to be.
The ending, with the paper <3
End the epilogue!!!
Best! Ever <3
"Phury... what happened to me?"
As the male came up behind him, his brother's face appeared right beside Z's. And then Wrath's dark reflection showed up in the mirror, all long hair and sunglasses. Then Rhage's star-fallen beauty. And Vishous's Sox cap. And Tohrment's brush cut. And Butch's busted nose.
One by one they reached out and touched him, their big hands gently on his shoulders.
"Welcome back, my brother," Phury whispered.
Zsadist stared at the males who were behind him. And the oddest thought that if he were to let himself go limp and fall backward... they would catch him.
My favorite quotes from other characters:
"That female who’d walked in on him and the Reverend clearly had a big mouth and…Christ. Butch must have already told Vishous. The two were like an old mated couple, no secrets between them. And V would squeal to Rhage. And once Rhage knew, you might as well have popped the news flash on the Reuters wire."
“The snow falls slowly tonight,” V said, rubbing his thumb back and forth over a thick jugular vein.
Phury blinked as an odd calm came over him, his heart slowing to the rhythm of his brother’s thumb. “What?”
“The snow…it falls so slowly.”
“Yes…yes, it does.”
“And we’ve had a lot of snow this year, haven’t we?”
“Uh…yes.”
“Yeah…lot of snow, and there’s going to be more. Tonight. Tomorrow. Next month. Next year. The stuff comes when it comes and falls where it will.”
“That’s right,” Phury said softly. “There’s no stopping it.”
“Not unless you’re the ground.” The thumb stopped. “My brother, you don’t look like the earth to me. You’re not stopping him. Ever.”
“Oh, man,” he said with more gravel than voice. Then he glanced at Vishous, who was passed out next to him. “Oh…man, this is too weird.”
“Get over yourself, cop. You’re not that attractive.”
“Butch? Maybe you could…call on me.”
“Why would I do that?”
She flushed and seemed to wilt. “I had hoped…”
“Hoped what?”
“That perhaps…”
“What?”
“You might call on me. If you had some time. Perhaps you could come…calling.”
“I’ve only ever had you to live for. If you die I have nothing. I’m utterly lost. And you are needed here.”
Zsadist tried to reach out, but couldn’t lift his arms as Phury stood up.
“God, Z, I keep thinking this tragedy of ours is going to be over. But it just keeps going, doesn’t it?”
Verily, the most beautiful book ever. <3
April 11, 2012
My dear friend Karla and I went on this emotional roller coaster of a ride together. It was so much fun and I enjoyed every minute! Her unique way with words and her humor kept me in stitches. Thank you sweet Karla for reading this with me and to all our friends for their encouragement along the way!
Whew...What a story! There is no way I can do a review and do justice to this book. Zsadist's story was everything and more that I was told. I have fallen hard for another one of JRW's brothers! Below are just a few of my thoughts/feelings.
Zsadist is without a doubt one of the most tortured heroes I’ve read. He broke me. My heart shattered. His deep feelings of unworth tore me to shreds! His self loathing is palpable and the intense anguish he endures each day left me in pain. His intense self hatred at times was difficult to read.
As the author reveals his past in small portions, my heart ached more. And when all was told, a nursery rhyme came to mind, Humpty Dumpty...all shattered to pieces never to be put together again. No, I promise I didn't relate this warrior with the fat egg, only the results of their fall. I soon learned the horrifying scar he wears on his face is nothing compared to his inner anguish.
“Ruined, not broken” ----Heartbreaking words issued as a warning to the heroine, Bella, to stay clear of this brother!
And what a heroine! Bella is so easy to love and I admired her inner strength and her determination.
Portions of their story are absolutely sizzling hot and heart wrenching! It had me crying, laughing, cursing, holding my breath in fear, gasping in awe, and at times, fighting mad! But Oh my, what a love story! Intense, hot, emotional, tender; unfortunately, their love is fraught by Z's demons!
In addition to Zsadist and Bella’s story, this book is slam full to the brim! There is a heart breaking scene that had me in tears, and I mean crying heartbroken tears! I was even mad at the author! I also learned how much one can hate a lesser! I wanted to pouf him out of their world myself!! And OMGosh, the love I have for Phury, who is Zsadist’s twin brother! The sacrifices he made is a beautiful thing and there is one particular scene that I nearly cried buckets! And what’s up with V and Butch and I must read Butch’s story next! And last but in no way least, there is a scene that had me gulping in total, shocked, didn’t see that coming surprise!
While this was an amazing, intense and emotional read, and one that I loved, I needed more Zsadist and Bella alone time. I felt there just wasn't enough intimacy given to this couple, especially toward the end. Also, while I loved the epilogue, I wished for more.
Thanks again sweet Karla! It was so much fun sharing our thoughts and feelings along the way:) *Hugs* ♥
A great big thank you to my dear friends Dhes, Dorsey, Jaynie and Dee who encouraged me to start this series! I am totally hooked and off to Butch's story:)!
One of my fav pics of Zsadist and Bella.....
May 6, 2020
➽ This is where most people would say something like: "warning! Unpopular opinion time!"
➽ This is where I say something like: "this is my opinion! I don't give a damn what you think! Oh, and by the way, I don't like you either!"
Just so you know.
Sooooo. This was ridiculous, stupid and boring. Wait, I think I'm forgetting something here. Oh yeah, it was pretty lame, too. I think it's high time to get my favourite antediluvian beast out of extinction:
Good doggy.
Believe it or not, the main problem with thisthing book is NOT that it is PNR. Well, as 99.99% of PNR novels, it is indeed silly and OTT and slightly ridiculous. But that's to be expected in this silly and OTT and slightly ridiculous genre. A note to all you adorable PNR trolls out there: this is not a bad thing in itself. Unlike this literary masterpiece here, some books can actually be silly, OTT, ridiculous and NOT STUPID. They can even be entertaining sometimes. I kid you not. So the answer to the question you didn't ask is: yes, I am aware that this thing book never pretended to be deep and complex and à la quantum physics. Doesn't mean it had to be this crappy, though.
Now, the main problem with this delightful story? Its Bogus Alpha Asshole MC (BAAM™), aka Z. aka Zsadist (if, like me, you think his name is somewhat stupid and vaguely laughable, please feel free to eyeroll here). So the guy is supposed to be this super antisocial, twisted, sick bastard who rejoices in being a total prick 24/7 and supposedly loves nothing better than inflicting pain.
J.R. Ward, you are so damn funny. Because Z the Counterfeit Sadist (ZtCS™) is nothing but a big, pathetic, woe-is-me cry baby with the mushy heart of a 13 year old schoolgirl. I swear, the guy is an insult to all the Gloriously Fucked up, Slightly Unhinged, Mentally Unstable Jerks (GFUSUMUJ™) currently living in peace and harmony in my High Security Harem. Shame on you for creating one of the most ridiculous characters in the history of ridiculous characters, J.R. Ward. Luckily enough for you, Fleet Admiral DaShrimp and the Murderous Crustacean Troops (MCT™) are away on holiday at the moment (they are visiting their decapodic cousins in the South Seas), so I can't unleash them on you. BUT I do have a few fluffybunnies mercenaries on my payroll. Not impressed, are you? Well don't let their disgusting cuteness kill you. These little guys are devious, ruthless fuckers fiends with deliciously homicidal tendencies. So if I were you I'd start running now. FAST.
And that is all. Well, it's not really all, but I've wasted enough time with this thing as it is. Besides, the story is your basic, standard PNR crap, so there isn't much to say about it. Well I could tell you that it is silly and OTT and ridiculous and slightly stupid, but I think I might have already said that, so it's better if I don't repeat myself, right? Right.
» And the moral of this Fantastically Fascinating Non-Review (FFNR™) is: this is it. I've had it. I am done done done trying to commit PNR-induced suicide.
Yes, that's right, the divorce is final and the masochist in me has finally decided to give up on thispathetic charming genre. Except if Ilona Andrews, Pippa DaCosta, Glen Cook or Craig Schaefer decide to tackle it, that is. Unfortunately, that seems a bit unlikely. But you never know, a crustacean can hope. Oh, and by the way, I reserve the right to read books by Veronica Del Rosa, too. Because the girl wouldn't know how to write harebrained PNR even if she tried.
The end. You're welcome. And stuff.
✉ To the threelovely ladies nutcases who collectively recommended I read this thing: it was nice knowing you. I'm sorry you have to die such a slow, horrible, painful death.
• Book 1: Dark Lover ★★★★★
• Book 2: Lover Eternal ★★
➽ This is where I say something like: "this is my opinion! I don't give a damn what you think! Oh, and by the way, I don't like you either!"
Just so you know.
Sooooo. This was ridiculous, stupid and boring. Wait, I think I'm forgetting something here. Oh yeah, it was pretty lame, too. I think it's high time to get my favourite antediluvian beast out of extinction:
Good doggy.
Believe it or not, the main problem with this
Now, the main problem with this delightful story? Its Bogus Alpha Asshole MC (BAAM™), aka Z. aka Zsadist (if, like me, you think his name is somewhat stupid and vaguely laughable, please feel free to eyeroll here). So the guy is supposed to be this super antisocial, twisted, sick bastard who rejoices in being a total prick 24/7 and supposedly loves nothing better than inflicting pain.
J.R. Ward, you are so damn funny. Because Z the Counterfeit Sadist (ZtCS™) is nothing but a big, pathetic, woe-is-me cry baby with the mushy heart of a 13 year old schoolgirl. I swear, the guy is an insult to all the Gloriously Fucked up, Slightly Unhinged, Mentally Unstable Jerks (GFUSUMUJ™) currently living in peace and harmony in my High Security Harem. Shame on you for creating one of the most ridiculous characters in the history of ridiculous characters, J.R. Ward. Luckily enough for you, Fleet Admiral DaShrimp and the Murderous Crustacean Troops (MCT™) are away on holiday at the moment (they are visiting their decapodic cousins in the South Seas), so I can't unleash them on you. BUT I do have a few fluffy
And that is all. Well, it's not really all, but I've wasted enough time with this thing as it is. Besides, the story is your basic, standard PNR crap, so there isn't much to say about it. Well I could tell you that it is silly and OTT and ridiculous and slightly stupid, but I think I might have already said that, so it's better if I don't repeat myself, right? Right.
» And the moral of this Fantastically Fascinating Non-Review (FFNR™) is: this is it. I've had it. I am done done done trying to commit PNR-induced suicide.
Yes, that's right, the divorce is final and the masochist in me has finally decided to give up on this
The end. You're welcome. And stuff.
✉ To the three
• Book 1: Dark Lover ★★★★★
• Book 2: Lover Eternal ★★
June 11, 2008
Oh. My. God.
I'm not even sure I can convey the complete absurdity of this book. Any description I try to make is typically interrupted by my own peals of laughter at the general ridiculousness and/or groans of immense pain.
The hero, Zsadist-- yes, he is actually named that-- is a self-proclaimed misogynist. (Yayz!) Profoundly psychologically damaged after several years of torture, abuse and slavery at the hands of an evil female vampire, he spends most of his time moping about, feeling angry, and hating his gignormous penis for causing all this trouble. He likes to beat himself to get off, but then he hates himself for getting off. Then he falls in love with Bella and moans a lot about his evil sperm, how dirty he is, and blah blah blah. Meanwhile, our heroine stands placidly by (of course), feels compelled to love him despite his faults (of course), and gradually tames the beast within-- after several rounds of rather rough sex (of course). We also get some lovely flashbacks to Zsadist being tortured and abused (of course).
Seriously, this reads like the worst of fan fiction AUs brought together. The other male leads have names like Vishous, Phury and Rhage and this is not supposed to be take as comedy and/or irony??? Also, the soliloquies where Zsadist is hating on his penis are pretty amazing.
Also, the universe! ZOMG, it is so freaking complicated. Vampires! Vampire slayers! Vampire protectors! Vampire drug addicts! Seriously, there are guide books sold to help readers understand this universe! Clearly, this is the romance industry's version of Anne Rice and Laurel K. Hamilton. Clearly it has been very successful as a crossover money maker. But really, really: W.O.W.
I'm not even sure I can convey the complete absurdity of this book. Any description I try to make is typically interrupted by my own peals of laughter at the general ridiculousness and/or groans of immense pain.
The hero, Zsadist-- yes, he is actually named that-- is a self-proclaimed misogynist. (Yayz!) Profoundly psychologically damaged after several years of torture, abuse and slavery at the hands of an evil female vampire, he spends most of his time moping about, feeling angry, and hating his gignormous penis for causing all this trouble. He likes to beat himself to get off, but then he hates himself for getting off. Then he falls in love with Bella and moans a lot about his evil sperm, how dirty he is, and blah blah blah. Meanwhile, our heroine stands placidly by (of course), feels compelled to love him despite his faults (of course), and gradually tames the beast within-- after several rounds of rather rough sex (of course). We also get some lovely flashbacks to Zsadist being tortured and abused (of course).
Seriously, this reads like the worst of fan fiction AUs brought together. The other male leads have names like Vishous, Phury and Rhage and this is not supposed to be take as comedy and/or irony??? Also, the soliloquies where Zsadist is hating on his penis are pretty amazing.
Also, the universe! ZOMG, it is so freaking complicated. Vampires! Vampire slayers! Vampire protectors! Vampire drug addicts! Seriously, there are guide books sold to help readers understand this universe! Clearly, this is the romance industry's version of Anne Rice and Laurel K. Hamilton. Clearly it has been very successful as a crossover money maker. But really, really: W.O.W.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2011
Opening Line:"Goddamn it, Zsadist! Don't jump--"
~ZSADIST YOU BROKE MY HEART~
This is an amazing book and my favourite in the series. LOVER AWAKENED tells the agonizingly painful story of Zsadist, a former blood slave and most feared member of the Blackdagger Brotherhood. After Zsadist rescues the beautiful, aristocrat Bella from the Lessoning Society's torture facility she refuses to leave his side (or bed.) Craving the strength and security she now finds only with him. And it's with her growing love and patience that this reluctant hero ultimately `awakens'. It's a bumpy ride for our pair and this relationship will leave you in tears, both of joy and sadness as we witness Z's transformation from the `cold one' into a male of worth. A multilayered novel L.A of course has several stories and POV's running simultaneously and the action never stops. Full of suspense, erotic and ultimately heartbreaking.
Introduced briefly in the past two books, we now get to find out what made Zsadist the way he is. A confirmed sociopath who avoids all relationships, Z is scarred, pierced, tattooed, violent and illiterate. He's the most feared Brother and distrusted by all because of his intimidating and just downright mean nature. He enjoys pain yet can't bare any kind of physical contact due to the years of physical and sexual abuse he suffered during his time as a blood slave. Zsadist makes for an unlikely romantic hero but JR brilliantly gains your sympathy and you will grow to love this misunderstood and abused character.
Phury as Zsadist's twin plays a major role here, and through a series of flashbacks we learn the details of Z's enslavement and Phury's daring rescue of him. It's a striking scene resulting in the loss of his leg and Z's brutal scarring. Phury has spent his life consumed with fixing his twin and is riddled with guilt, sacrificing time and again and it's starting to take a toll. Now exhausted, he's playing a deadly game with the `red smoke' and despite his vow of celibacy can't help being attracted to Bella.
We also get to know Rehvenge the Sympath club owner of Zerosum and John Mathew's story starts to unfold as he begins his training and accepts the love of a family. Of course all the Brothers get some attention so we get shots of Wrath, Rhage, Vishous, Butch and their respective `Shellans.' Some of my favourite scenes involve the Brothers just going about their daily business, little interludes in the kitchen, or hanging out playing pool and teasing each other. Unfortunately the Lessers continue their torment making things personal now as their leader Mr. O attempts to reclaim Bella and a shocking loss occurs within the Brotherhood family that will be felt throughout the rest of this series.
Z and Bella's love story takes center stage throughout though and is utterly fascinating. From the moment of rescue Zsadist won't let anyone else near Bella. And despite being frightened of him she wants him. To Bella he is perfect and she slowly begins to seduce him. Z is subsequently terrified, feeling dirty and hating his body's response to her. When the two finally kiss however...sigh. Ultimately Z's feelings of unworthiness force him to push her away. Into the arms of a male of worth, those of his twin brother. When Bella goes into her 'needing' though which twin will ease her suffering? The celibate one or the one who can't bear to be touched?
The climax of this book is simply unput-downable. With a suicide mission forcing one twin to sacrifice everything for the life of the other and a HEA that brings tears to your eyes as we get a rare glimpse of the future. Each book in this series just gets better and better but JR has outdone herself here. I would give this more *s if I could and can't recommend it enough
~ZSADIST YOU BROKE MY HEART~
This is an amazing book and my favourite in the series. LOVER AWAKENED tells the agonizingly painful story of Zsadist, a former blood slave and most feared member of the Blackdagger Brotherhood. After Zsadist rescues the beautiful, aristocrat Bella from the Lessoning Society's torture facility she refuses to leave his side (or bed.) Craving the strength and security she now finds only with him. And it's with her growing love and patience that this reluctant hero ultimately `awakens'. It's a bumpy ride for our pair and this relationship will leave you in tears, both of joy and sadness as we witness Z's transformation from the `cold one' into a male of worth. A multilayered novel L.A of course has several stories and POV's running simultaneously and the action never stops. Full of suspense, erotic and ultimately heartbreaking.
Introduced briefly in the past two books, we now get to find out what made Zsadist the way he is. A confirmed sociopath who avoids all relationships, Z is scarred, pierced, tattooed, violent and illiterate. He's the most feared Brother and distrusted by all because of his intimidating and just downright mean nature. He enjoys pain yet can't bare any kind of physical contact due to the years of physical and sexual abuse he suffered during his time as a blood slave. Zsadist makes for an unlikely romantic hero but JR brilliantly gains your sympathy and you will grow to love this misunderstood and abused character.
Phury as Zsadist's twin plays a major role here, and through a series of flashbacks we learn the details of Z's enslavement and Phury's daring rescue of him. It's a striking scene resulting in the loss of his leg and Z's brutal scarring. Phury has spent his life consumed with fixing his twin and is riddled with guilt, sacrificing time and again and it's starting to take a toll. Now exhausted, he's playing a deadly game with the `red smoke' and despite his vow of celibacy can't help being attracted to Bella.
We also get to know Rehvenge the Sympath club owner of Zerosum and John Mathew's story starts to unfold as he begins his training and accepts the love of a family. Of course all the Brothers get some attention so we get shots of Wrath, Rhage, Vishous, Butch and their respective `Shellans.' Some of my favourite scenes involve the Brothers just going about their daily business, little interludes in the kitchen, or hanging out playing pool and teasing each other. Unfortunately the Lessers continue their torment making things personal now as their leader Mr. O attempts to reclaim Bella and a shocking loss occurs within the Brotherhood family that will be felt throughout the rest of this series.
Z and Bella's love story takes center stage throughout though and is utterly fascinating. From the moment of rescue Zsadist won't let anyone else near Bella. And despite being frightened of him she wants him. To Bella he is perfect and she slowly begins to seduce him. Z is subsequently terrified, feeling dirty and hating his body's response to her. When the two finally kiss however...sigh. Ultimately Z's feelings of unworthiness force him to push her away. Into the arms of a male of worth, those of his twin brother. When Bella goes into her 'needing' though which twin will ease her suffering? The celibate one or the one who can't bear to be touched?
The climax of this book is simply unput-downable. With a suicide mission forcing one twin to sacrifice everything for the life of the other and a HEA that brings tears to your eyes as we get a rare glimpse of the future. Each book in this series just gets better and better but JR has outdone herself here. I would give this more *s if I could and can't recommend it enough
November 27, 2013
5 THOUSAND BELOVED-NALLA STARS!!!
I've read this book countless times, but this is my first review. Zsadist is my 5th favorite book man ever!!!
...even though his face was harsh, his voice was so soft and beautiful, like the candle flame.
A dark musk with an evergreen spice.
My Zsadist:
Zsadist is a tortured soul, the darkest of the Brothers, the meanest. After spending a hundred years as a blood and sex slave, he has nothing left to give anyone, and he can barely stay alive for himself. He has survived pain, mental anguish, cringing depths of humiliation and degradation, hopelessness, helplessness.
Z is my favorite kind of man. He is scary shit, and I dig it. He is beyond saving, and he doesn’t want to be saved. He is HILARIOUS!!! Humor is my #1 favorite attribute in any man, especially sarcastic humor. I laugh at (almost) everything Z says. The other stuff he says just shreds my heart.
Z had no love to give anyone. But the hatred he had he would channel for Bella until the last breath left his lungs.
Bella is a HEROine!!!! She saves Zsadist from himself. She saves Zsadist from death. She is devoted to him whole-heartedly and fights through all of his darkness. She is his constant.
My Bella:
Bella is drawn to Z, and she decides that she wants him, and when Bella makes a decision, it’s final!!! I love her devotion to Z!! She is so confident and has such courage that she is the perfect match for him.
He was the killer who made her safe.
Their love is...Gah!!! It’s push and pull. There isn't another love like theirs. He pushes her away so many times, but he cannot resist her love because she gives so much of herself to him.
“I love you.”
Z squeezed his eyes shut. “Don’t be a tragedy, Bella.”
”Don’t make me go,” she whispered.
He was going to take her with all the strength he had, and she was going to be sore when he was through using her. Sore and utterly blissed out. She couldn’t wait.
I LOVE the ending to this book! It has me up on my feet pumping my fist in the air! I love Z to death, but Bella makes this book so much better, and she contributes her own badass-ness to this ending!
In conclusion...I love Zsadist!!!!
I've read this book countless times, but this is my first review. Zsadist is my 5th favorite book man ever!!!
...even though his face was harsh, his voice was so soft and beautiful, like the candle flame.
A dark musk with an evergreen spice.
My Zsadist:
Zsadist is a tortured soul, the darkest of the Brothers, the meanest. After spending a hundred years as a blood and sex slave, he has nothing left to give anyone, and he can barely stay alive for himself. He has survived pain, mental anguish, cringing depths of humiliation and degradation, hopelessness, helplessness.
Z is my favorite kind of man. He is scary shit, and I dig it. He is beyond saving, and he doesn’t want to be saved. He is HILARIOUS!!! Humor is my #1 favorite attribute in any man, especially sarcastic humor. I laugh at (almost) everything Z says. The other stuff he says just shreds my heart.
Z had no love to give anyone. But the hatred he had he would channel for Bella until the last breath left his lungs.
Bella is a HEROine!!!! She saves Zsadist from himself. She saves Zsadist from death. She is devoted to him whole-heartedly and fights through all of his darkness. She is his constant.
My Bella:
Bella is drawn to Z, and she decides that she wants him, and when Bella makes a decision, it’s final!!! I love her devotion to Z!! She is so confident and has such courage that she is the perfect match for him.
He was the killer who made her safe.
Their love is...Gah!!! It’s push and pull. There isn't another love like theirs. He pushes her away so many times, but he cannot resist her love because she gives so much of herself to him.
“I love you.”
Z squeezed his eyes shut. “Don’t be a tragedy, Bella.”
”Don’t make me go,” she whispered.
He was going to take her with all the strength he had, and she was going to be sore when he was through using her. Sore and utterly blissed out. She couldn’t wait.
I LOVE the ending to this book! It has me up on my feet pumping my fist in the air! I love Z to death, but Bella makes this book so much better, and she contributes her own badass-ness to this ending!
In conclusion...I love Zsadist!!!!
August 6, 2012
In my opinion, this is THE best of the BDB series, not to mention one of my favorite books of ALL time overall. I absolutely LOVED Zadist. His tortured, scarred soul creates such an amazing character and the way he falls in love with Bella is beautiful.
For me, this was one of those books that sucks you in and makes you forget and/or ignore everything else around you. I was absolutely enthralled and literally saddened when it was over.
For me, this was one of those books that sucks you in and makes you forget and/or ignore everything else around you. I was absolutely enthralled and literally saddened when it was over.
April 1, 2011
Plot: 5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Sexiness: 4 stars
Ending: 5 stars
Overall: 4.8 stars
I've fallen in love with Zsadist :)
October 31, 2016
“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came...and I was awakened.”
This is the best of the series. Zsadist is a real tortured hero. What he has been through shatters my heart. And Bella, she is a savior of this broken man. She has fire in her heart, especially when he tries to push her away, she resists. That's why I love her. That's why I love this book so damn much !
“He knew he was being overbearing as hell, but he couldn't help it. He was a bonded male. With his pregnant female. There were few things on the planet more aggressive or dangerous. And those bastards were called hurricanes and tornadoes.”
I cried many times while I was reading. Z has a soft heart if I stare hard enough. He think he was broken by his former master, so he doesn't deserve anything.
“She is more beautiful than I have words for. And last night, I was blessed beyond measure to serve her.”
J.R. Ward mastered this book immaculately from the start to the end. She slowly built my anticipation for this book in the previous ones. My hope was too high before reading this, and she didn't make me down even a little. Lover Awakened is beyond perfection. It's a masterpiece. It's a jem. It's everyting I could have asked for.
https://goo.gl/hPuahO
February 20, 2012
Jesus, I hated Zsadist before this book. I thought of him as a ruthless killer, and he is. But there is another side of him that is revealed in this book. With Bella, Zsadist's tortured soul is exposed. You see a much darker side of him that is painful and I feel ashamed to say that I am captivated by him. Knowing him, that is the last thing he would want. Zsadist has no patience for those who show sympathy or pity him. And I respect him more for that.
This is one of the more darker books of the series. It's content is brooding and involves a lot of self-loathing. A lot of Phury's story is told here as well. Damn, the thing he goes through for his brother... I can't even imagine his pain. Now I can see why in Lover Enshrined he is such a mess. But God bless him for his efforts. He is a good male. Both of them are.
And Wellsie. Poor woman. The hurt that Tohr and John must feel... I still cannot believe it.
Also, John seems to be growing up already in this book. In the last few pages I found myself saying, "Good for him" as he picked up those weapons and practiced with them.
Ward does an amazing job fitting happiness and sorrow and pain all together to create a delicious mix that is consumed by all. This series is to die for.
This is one of the more darker books of the series. It's content is brooding and involves a lot of self-loathing. A lot of Phury's story is told here as well. Damn, the thing he goes through for his brother... I can't even imagine his pain. Now I can see why in Lover Enshrined he is such a mess. But God bless him for his efforts. He is a good male. Both of them are.
And Wellsie. Poor woman. The hurt that Tohr and John must feel... I still cannot believe it.
Also, John seems to be growing up already in this book. In the last few pages I found myself saying, "Good for him" as he picked up those weapons and practiced with them.
Ward does an amazing job fitting happiness and sorrow and pain all together to create a delicious mix that is consumed by all. This series is to die for.
February 18, 2012
4 1/2 stars
"Everyone" has already read this book, so I'm just going to rant a bit...
Zsadist had me intrigued since I read Dark Lover, because he was pretty much an outcast within the Brotherhood and I knew there had to be something "good" inside him. I also knew that his story would be "scary" (for lack of a better word) and, boy, I was not mistaken! I thought Sin MacAllister from Kinley MacGregor's Born in Sin was the most tortured hero in Romancelandia but, compared to Z's, Sin's life was a merry walk in the park. Z's mind was so twisted that, for a moment, I doubted the possibility of a believable HEA for him. I shouldn't have, though. Can I just say I loved the epilogue? :)
Bella was everything Z needed. She had been attracted to him since they first met in Lover Eternal and, for reasons he couldn't understand, he also felt a strong connection to her. When presented with the chance to be with Z, Bella was honest and direct about it - and I congratulated her for it. But then, Not what I expected but that gave room for the wonderful scene with Z writing her that sigh-worthy note, so I guess I can excuse that.
Now, Phury... Call me insensitive but, at this point, I almost despise him. I was probably supposed to embrace him as a larger-than-life, altruistic man/vampire, but he just came across as a pathetic loser - not to mention, drug addict - to me. Get a life, my brother!
And Tohr... Why, oh why did Ms. Ward feel the need to do that to him? Didn't we have enough wild and wrecked Brothers? Couldn't we have at least one "normal" guy among them? Based on some comments I'd heard before reading this book, I knew but that didn't make me less unhappy when the time came.
As it happened in the previous book, Lover Eternal, I didn't care for the scenes with the lessers in this book either and I wish Ms. Ward stopped giving them so much "screen time". I know I don't stand a chance of seeing this happening, so I guess this series will never get a 5-star rating for me. Oh well, it isn't like that would make any difference, because these books have already a gazillion rabid fans and I won't be missed, LOL.
"Everyone" has already read this book, so I'm just going to rant a bit...
Zsadist had me intrigued since I read Dark Lover, because he was pretty much an outcast within the Brotherhood and I knew there had to be something "good" inside him. I also knew that his story would be "scary" (for lack of a better word) and, boy, I was not mistaken! I thought Sin MacAllister from Kinley MacGregor's Born in Sin was the most tortured hero in Romancelandia but, compared to Z's, Sin's life was a merry walk in the park. Z's mind was so twisted that, for a moment, I doubted the possibility of a believable HEA for him. I shouldn't have, though. Can I just say I loved the epilogue? :)
Bella was everything Z needed. She had been attracted to him since they first met in Lover Eternal and, for reasons he couldn't understand, he also felt a strong connection to her. When presented with the chance to be with Z, Bella was honest and direct about it - and I congratulated her for it. But then, Not what I expected but that gave room for the wonderful scene with Z writing her that sigh-worthy note, so I guess I can excuse that.
Now, Phury... Call me insensitive but, at this point, I almost despise him. I was probably supposed to embrace him as a larger-than-life, altruistic man/vampire, but he just came across as a pathetic loser - not to mention, drug addict - to me. Get a life, my brother!
And Tohr... Why, oh why did Ms. Ward feel the need to do that to him? Didn't we have enough wild and wrecked Brothers? Couldn't we have at least one "normal" guy among them? Based on some comments I'd heard before reading this book, I knew but that didn't make me less unhappy when the time came.
As it happened in the previous book, Lover Eternal, I didn't care for the scenes with the lessers in this book either and I wish Ms. Ward stopped giving them so much "screen time". I know I don't stand a chance of seeing this happening, so I guess this series will never get a 5-star rating for me. Oh well, it isn't like that would make any difference, because these books have already a gazillion rabid fans and I won't be missed, LOL.
May 23, 2020
Edit 2020 - the Kindle version of this book effing suuucks. I'm annoyed that I paid for it. There are multiple scene breaks in every/almost every chapter and none of them are delineated from each other so it goes from one scene/character to the next without any additional spaces to give an expected and needed visual indication that you've just hopped from Zsadist's freezing bedroom to the locker room with John Matthew being bullied by Lash.
It almost makes me think I could/would/should threaten to never reread it ever again but that would be a weak ass lie.
Zsadist and Bella get all the heart eyes.
---[original review]----
Oh, my sweet peas and carrots! I lost count on how many times the bottom on my stomach dropped out and sank somewhere down by my feet only to bungee jump right back up and fly straight through the top of my head in sheer delight. Oh yes, this book was dee-licious!
I got married in July 2008 and brought the first two books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series to keep myself amused on the honeymoon flight. They were cracktastic and addictive and fun and I eagerly added the next title to my queue on booksfree.com (the site I’ve been relying on ever since I put myself on an economical and restrictive book diet that prohibits the purchase of books I won’t reread). Fast forward to October 2008 and I’m still waiting for Lover Awakened, the third book in the BDB series.
The availability of this book has never been on track for the rate that I have returned books and others were repeatedly bumped to the top and sent out instead. Things were getting serious and I was going into some major BDB withdrawal but I lucked out recently when a friend graciously offered to lend me not only this book, but also the fourth, fifth and sixth in the series (thanks Jen!)
And now that I’ve finally had a chance to read this installment, it comes as no surprise that the waiting list is so long. This book is beyond hot!
Zsadist is one twisted mofo and I’ve been extremely curious as to how Ward was going to portray him in a way that would make me sympathize with his unusual tastes. Personally, I think it was a success. Zsadist was a perfect blend of anger, dementia, anger, anger, terror, anger, confusion…and…and…timid tenderness? Which, wow, totally floored me.
***spoilers past this point***
The second book in this series, Lover Eternal, had bothered me for several reasons, one being that the author spent waaaay too much time building up for number three and left a cliffhanger completely neglected at the very end of number two. To me, a cliffhanger means ending the book with an unsatisfying shocker that leaves your reader nearly in pain but eager for the next installment (ie Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series which I’m still twitching in anticipation for!) But in Lover Eternal, the fact that Bella had been kidnapped by a bad guy and had not yet been recovered is not even mentioned at the very end. Instead, Rhage and Mary go on to have their own piss-poor happily ever after and to be quite frank, the fact that they never even mentioned Bella’s kidnapping or even expressed some concern over their friend’s predicament cheapened both of them as individuals in my eyes.
Fortunately this one was totally different. Bella was rescued. Bella was messed up. Bella had a freaky new tattoo. Bella decided Zsadist’s room was the only place she’d feel safe (hmm). Zsadist tweaked out. Zsadist had complete meltdowns on numerous occasions and when Bella finally leaned in and kissed him for the very first time, I almost fell off the couch. It was that good.
Also of noteworthy mention is that the number of times the word “shitkickers” appeared in this novel’s pages was significantly down (thank god). The number of times one Brother said to another Brother, “bla bla bla bla bla bla, true?” was down (what a relief). And references to rap artists I don’t listen to was also down (yesssss!) Overall, I think this book was a complete success and I need to own a copy I can love and cherish forever. I love crack laced with rat poison!
It almost makes me think I could/would/should threaten to never reread it ever again but that would be a weak ass lie.
Zsadist and Bella get all the heart eyes.
---[original review]----
Oh, my sweet peas and carrots! I lost count on how many times the bottom on my stomach dropped out and sank somewhere down by my feet only to bungee jump right back up and fly straight through the top of my head in sheer delight. Oh yes, this book was dee-licious!
I got married in July 2008 and brought the first two books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series to keep myself amused on the honeymoon flight. They were cracktastic and addictive and fun and I eagerly added the next title to my queue on booksfree.com (the site I’ve been relying on ever since I put myself on an economical and restrictive book diet that prohibits the purchase of books I won’t reread). Fast forward to October 2008 and I’m still waiting for Lover Awakened, the third book in the BDB series.
The availability of this book has never been on track for the rate that I have returned books and others were repeatedly bumped to the top and sent out instead. Things were getting serious and I was going into some major BDB withdrawal but I lucked out recently when a friend graciously offered to lend me not only this book, but also the fourth, fifth and sixth in the series (thanks Jen!)
And now that I’ve finally had a chance to read this installment, it comes as no surprise that the waiting list is so long. This book is beyond hot!
Zsadist is one twisted mofo and I’ve been extremely curious as to how Ward was going to portray him in a way that would make me sympathize with his unusual tastes. Personally, I think it was a success. Zsadist was a perfect blend of anger, dementia, anger, anger, terror, anger, confusion…and…and…timid tenderness? Which, wow, totally floored me.
***spoilers past this point***
The second book in this series, Lover Eternal, had bothered me for several reasons, one being that the author spent waaaay too much time building up for number three and left a cliffhanger completely neglected at the very end of number two. To me, a cliffhanger means ending the book with an unsatisfying shocker that leaves your reader nearly in pain but eager for the next installment (ie Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series which I’m still twitching in anticipation for!) But in Lover Eternal, the fact that Bella had been kidnapped by a bad guy and had not yet been recovered is not even mentioned at the very end. Instead, Rhage and Mary go on to have their own piss-poor happily ever after and to be quite frank, the fact that they never even mentioned Bella’s kidnapping or even expressed some concern over their friend’s predicament cheapened both of them as individuals in my eyes.
Fortunately this one was totally different. Bella was rescued. Bella was messed up. Bella had a freaky new tattoo. Bella decided Zsadist’s room was the only place she’d feel safe (hmm). Zsadist tweaked out. Zsadist had complete meltdowns on numerous occasions and when Bella finally leaned in and kissed him for the very first time, I almost fell off the couch. It was that good.
Also of noteworthy mention is that the number of times the word “shitkickers” appeared in this novel’s pages was significantly down (thank god). The number of times one Brother said to another Brother, “bla bla bla bla bla bla, true?” was down (what a relief). And references to rap artists I don’t listen to was also down (yesssss!) Overall, I think this book was a complete success and I need to own a copy I can love and cherish forever. I love crack laced with rat poison!
November 22, 2015
And finally, 04/11/2012, my re-read over.
My favorite scene from the book:
Doing a re-read 04/09/2012
I just read this part:
"I've only ever had you to live for. If you die I have nothing. I'm utterly lost. And you are needed here."And I sobbed harder this time reading it than I did almost exactly 3 years ago when I read it the first time.
Zsadist tried to reach out, but couldn't lift his arms as Phury stood up.
"God, Z, I keep thinking this tragedy of ours is going to be over. But it just keeps going, doesn't it?"
I adore Zsadist. He is, by far, my favorite brother. Tormented, he has given up on finding love, believing himself both unworthy and unlovable.
April 20, 2015
5 STARS!!!!!
And I thought it couldn’t get any better than Rhage’s book... I was wrong!
Z’s story was just beautiful. I loved it!
Reader beware... If you haven’t read the first two books, there may be some small spoilers.
(Just add the scar and this is my PERFECT Z)
Zsadist is the broken warrior of the BDB. He had a different upbringing than the rest of the brotherhood. As an infant, he was taken from his family. When he was a child, he became a blood slave. He was abused in more than one way, and he never really got over it. The only person who can usually get to him is his brother Phury. Z is the way he is for a reason. He doesn’t feel good enough. He seems like a cold blooded scary killer, but underneath his hard exterior, there is so much more. He is sad, scared, tortured, and self loathing.
Then there is Bella...
Bella comes from an aristocratic vampire family. She is a woman of worth. She had a connection with Z in the last book, and he felt it too. But he felt unworthy of her, so he pushed her away. Now she has been missing for months. Z makes it his personal mission to save her. She has been captured by the lesser known as ‘O’ and he is more than obsessed with Bella. Zadist doesn’t give up no matter what, and he finds Bella against all odds. Once Zsadist rescues Bella, she won’t let him leave her. He tries to get Phury to take care of her, but she wants no one but Z. My poor Z... he just can’t handle the feelings Bella has for him, or the feelings he is starting to develop for her. We learn much more about Z’s ugly past and why he feels the way he does. Bella wants him, needs him, but he pushes her away. No matter what she says or does, he still feels unworthy, unclean.
Z broke my heart. His story crushed me. He is so beautiful on the inside, I couldn’t take all the self-hatred. He keeps pushing, and eventually, he pushed Bella too far. I felt so bad for that poor soul. But he tries to do better for Bella and for himself. Then when he finds out he knows he has to do even more. The transformation he makes is incredible. So many happy tears at the end of this one!
My most favorite part
There is a lot more going on besides Bella and Z’s story of course... We get a lot of Phury in this book, and we get introduced to someone named Revhenge, who I’m sure we will see more of later down the line! I loved getting to see more of John- don’t know what it is about him, but I LOVE that kid! Along with Z and Bella’s heartbreaking story, something even more tragic happens
This was truly one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. I can’t even put it into words how much I loved it. Probably my favorite PNR ever. If the rest of the series is even half as good as this book, then I can’t wait to get to it! The epilogue was just wonderful! Can’t wait to see more Zsadist and Bella In the future books!!!
A MUST READ!!!
And I thought it couldn’t get any better than Rhage’s book... I was wrong!
Z’s story was just beautiful. I loved it!
Reader beware... If you haven’t read the first two books, there may be some small spoilers.
“I'm not broken, I'm ruined. Do you understand the difference? With broken maybe you can fix things. Ruined? All you can do is wait to bury me.”
(Just add the scar and this is my PERFECT Z)
Zsadist is the broken warrior of the BDB. He had a different upbringing than the rest of the brotherhood. As an infant, he was taken from his family. When he was a child, he became a blood slave. He was abused in more than one way, and he never really got over it. The only person who can usually get to him is his brother Phury. Z is the way he is for a reason. He doesn’t feel good enough. He seems like a cold blooded scary killer, but underneath his hard exterior, there is so much more. He is sad, scared, tortured, and self loathing.
Then there is Bella...
Bella comes from an aristocratic vampire family. She is a woman of worth. She had a connection with Z in the last book, and he felt it too. But he felt unworthy of her, so he pushed her away. Now she has been missing for months. Z makes it his personal mission to save her. She has been captured by the lesser known as ‘O’ and he is more than obsessed with Bella. Zadist doesn’t give up no matter what, and he finds Bella against all odds. Once Zsadist rescues Bella, she won’t let him leave her. He tries to get Phury to take care of her, but she wants no one but Z. My poor Z... he just can’t handle the feelings Bella has for him, or the feelings he is starting to develop for her. We learn much more about Z’s ugly past and why he feels the way he does. Bella wants him, needs him, but he pushes her away. No matter what she says or does, he still feels unworthy, unclean.
“I love you."
Z squeezed his eyes shut. "Don't be a tragedy, Bella.”
“I’m filthy. I am so very dirty. I am dirty, dirty... Can’t you see the dirt? I see it everywhere. It coats me. It seals me in. I can feel it on my skin-”
“I don’t want this for you. All this... ugliness.”
Z broke my heart. His story crushed me. He is so beautiful on the inside, I couldn’t take all the self-hatred. He keeps pushing, and eventually, he pushed Bella too far. I felt so bad for that poor soul. But he tries to do better for Bella and for himself. Then when he finds out he knows he has to do even more. The transformation he makes is incredible. So many happy tears at the end of this one!
My most favorite part
“You are the one. For her, you are the one.”
There is a lot more going on besides Bella and Z’s story of course... We get a lot of Phury in this book, and we get introduced to someone named Revhenge, who I’m sure we will see more of later down the line! I loved getting to see more of John- don’t know what it is about him, but I LOVE that kid! Along with Z and Bella’s heartbreaking story, something even more tragic happens
This was truly one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. I can’t even put it into words how much I loved it. Probably my favorite PNR ever. If the rest of the series is even half as good as this book, then I can’t wait to get to it! The epilogue was just wonderful! Can’t wait to see more Zsadist and Bella In the future books!!!
A MUST READ!!!
November 6, 2017
Zhadist and Bella
This is how Bella and Zhadist were introduced and one thing that you have to learn about the BDB is that all the books are connected somehow. So, when you open Lover Awakened, you will realize that the two main characters have already started their love fairytale in the previous book and in Lover Awakened, they will be finally together.
It will not be easy for them to be together, because Bella is missing. Someone has stolen Bella and Zhadist is going mad trying to discover where she is and if she is alive.
When Zhadist finally saves Bella, their relationship will have another major problem which is Zhadist himself. Although born a warrior, Zhadist had spent the majority of his previous life as a sex slave of a ruthless, sadistic mistress. It was the only thing that he knew until he was saved by his brother Phury. Now, he mainly uses females for feeding – not for loving.
On the other hand Bella has grown up as a pampered princess. She would most probably have been already married to a male of aristocracy, but she liked her loneliness.
The tortured scarred inside and outside male has nothing in common with astonishingly beautiful Bella. And this fact does not really matter. Because when Bella needs him the most during her “needing”, he will be there for her. And he will be more than willing.
Zhadist and Bella is one the favorite couples in Black Dagger Brotherhood. If I am not mistaken, I think it is Ward’s favorite couple as well. Their love story will not be an easy ride. It may have a happy ending in this book, but later on there will be doubts and fear and Zhadist’s self loathing which doesn’t go away easily.
Nevertheless, Zhadist and Bella have one of the strongest bonds in comparison to the other couples.
“What is your name?" she murmured.
He cocked an eyebrow at her and then went back to staring at his brother. "I'm the evil one, in case you haven't figured it out."
"I wanted your name, not your calling."
"Being a bastard's more of a compulsion, really. And it's Zsadist. I am Zsadist.”
(From Lover Eternal)
This is how Bella and Zhadist were introduced and one thing that you have to learn about the BDB is that all the books are connected somehow. So, when you open Lover Awakened, you will realize that the two main characters have already started their love fairytale in the previous book and in Lover Awakened, they will be finally together.
It will not be easy for them to be together, because Bella is missing. Someone has stolen Bella and Zhadist is going mad trying to discover where she is and if she is alive.
When Zhadist finally saves Bella, their relationship will have another major problem which is Zhadist himself. Although born a warrior, Zhadist had spent the majority of his previous life as a sex slave of a ruthless, sadistic mistress. It was the only thing that he knew until he was saved by his brother Phury. Now, he mainly uses females for feeding – not for loving.
On the other hand Bella has grown up as a pampered princess. She would most probably have been already married to a male of aristocracy, but she liked her loneliness.
The tortured scarred inside and outside male has nothing in common with astonishingly beautiful Bella. And this fact does not really matter. Because when Bella needs him the most during her “needing”, he will be there for her. And he will be more than willing.
Zhadist and Bella is one the favorite couples in Black Dagger Brotherhood. If I am not mistaken, I think it is Ward’s favorite couple as well. Their love story will not be an easy ride. It may have a happy ending in this book, but later on there will be doubts and fear and Zhadist’s self loathing which doesn’t go away easily.
Nevertheless, Zhadist and Bella have one of the strongest bonds in comparison to the other couples.
November 22, 2023
LOVER AWAKENED is hands down my favorite book so far in the BDB series. Zsadist is such a tortured soul and I was just itching to get his and Bella's story from their first steamy encounters in the previous book. Zsadist's tender care of Bella as she recovers from the abduction, and his reliving of the memories that have haunted him for years as a blood slave are so well done. This is really JR Ward at her finest!
Reread March 2020: I had forgotten how much I adored this book. I really think these first books in the series are JR Ward’s very best. The love triangle with Z/Phury and Bella comes off the page in a way that’s so painful to read it’s palpable. You feel sorry for both of them. The opening chapters with Bella’s rescue and recovery were breathlessly exciting. The development of the relationships of JM, Tohr and Wellsie was so well done. Even knowing what will happen with Wellsie, I was still on the edge of my seat. All the B stories are really interesting and well balanced with the main romance.
I really love the Vishous we get in these early books. He’s philosophical, the future-seer, wise. In later books, we get a different side of Vishous, one I’m not really as keen on, and I’m really enjoying this reread, because this uber-intelligent mysterious version of his character was the one that totally got me hooked.
But of course my favorite part is still the delicious relationship of Z and Bella. Those two sizzle on page together. I devoured this reread in little bites, reading a few chapters a day and loving every bit.
A few interesting things I noted: This is the first book where Phury’s red smoke habit is introduced. I had forgotten the fun Reverend/Rehvenge reveal!
Trigger Warnings:
Reread March 2020: I had forgotten how much I adored this book. I really think these first books in the series are JR Ward’s very best. The love triangle with Z/Phury and Bella comes off the page in a way that’s so painful to read it’s palpable. You feel sorry for both of them. The opening chapters with Bella’s rescue and recovery were breathlessly exciting. The development of the relationships of JM, Tohr and Wellsie was so well done. Even knowing what will happen with Wellsie, I was still on the edge of my seat. All the B stories are really interesting and well balanced with the main romance.
I really love the Vishous we get in these early books. He’s philosophical, the future-seer, wise. In later books, we get a different side of Vishous, one I’m not really as keen on, and I’m really enjoying this reread, because this uber-intelligent mysterious version of his character was the one that totally got me hooked.
But of course my favorite part is still the delicious relationship of Z and Bella. Those two sizzle on page together. I devoured this reread in little bites, reading a few chapters a day and loving every bit.
A few interesting things I noted: This is the first book where Phury’s red smoke habit is introduced. I had forgotten the fun Reverend/Rehvenge reveal!
Trigger Warnings:
December 31, 2015
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Type: Book 3 of Black Dagger Brotherhood series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
Zsadist (Z) was a notoriously feared and despised warrior of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. Growing up as a blood slave, his past shaped his persona, repelling him from physical contact and affection.
Bella was born into aristocracy. Despite her bloodline, with beauty and poise, she was attracted to Z’s ruthless recklessness because she could see the goodness within. But breaking in was never as simple as it seemed.
I love The Black Dagger Brotherhood series (even though I don’t normally read the genre), but I delayed continuing the series for a long time due to the book length. Now I’m regretting doing that because I could have progressed in the series a lot more than I currently am. Even though the books are long, they certainly worth every words.
When Z was first introduced in the series, I found him repulsive. But very quickly I was intrigued by his nature and I wanted to know more about him. This book certainly brought justice to this misunderstood character. He was surprisingly endearing, and paired with his past, I just can’t help but falling in love with him.
I admired Bella’s strength and determination. Outwardly, they were like day and night. But inside they were more similar than anyone would guess.
My heart hurt so much for his twin Phury. Their bond, conflicts and sacrifices was heartbreaking, yet heartwarming.
I’ve always loved Butch and V’s bromance. And this book, they took it to the next level. I also love John Matthew. His story was a prominent secondary story chronicling his growing pains.
Lover Awakened unsheathed a different side of Zsadist while actively including several secondary stories making it an exciting and engaging story. I can’t wait to see how things are going to evolve from here.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 3 of Black Dagger Brotherhood series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
Zsadist (Z) was a notoriously feared and despised warrior of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. Growing up as a blood slave, his past shaped his persona, repelling him from physical contact and affection.
Bella was born into aristocracy. Despite her bloodline, with beauty and poise, she was attracted to Z’s ruthless recklessness because she could see the goodness within. But breaking in was never as simple as it seemed.
I love The Black Dagger Brotherhood series (even though I don’t normally read the genre), but I delayed continuing the series for a long time due to the book length. Now I’m regretting doing that because I could have progressed in the series a lot more than I currently am. Even though the books are long, they certainly worth every words.
"I am sick. I am disgusting. I can't be trusted."
When Z was first introduced in the series, I found him repulsive. But very quickly I was intrigued by his nature and I wanted to know more about him. This book certainly brought justice to this misunderstood character. He was surprisingly endearing, and paired with his past, I just can’t help but falling in love with him.
I admired Bella’s strength and determination. Outwardly, they were like day and night. But inside they were more similar than anyone would guess.
"So you've got to understand why I die for you every day. Your pain is mine."
My heart hurt so much for his twin Phury. Their bond, conflicts and sacrifices was heartbreaking, yet heartwarming.
"The two of you are spending way too much time together, you feel me?"
I’ve always loved Butch and V’s bromance. And this book, they took it to the next level. I also love John Matthew. His story was a prominent secondary story chronicling his growing pains.
Lover Awakened unsheathed a different side of Zsadist while actively including several secondary stories making it an exciting and engaging story. I can’t wait to see how things are going to evolve from here.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 28, 2022
Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
5 Stars! 8/29/19 Reread!
4.5 Stars 1st Read rating
Loved it more the 2nd time around.
More thoughts later. (I'm at work right now)
If you have read Rhage & Mary's story & thought that was emotional, in this one, Zsadist & Bella's story, you will get an all new concept and experience of what emotional truly is.
Zsadist history will make you gasp in horror and break your heart. I loved him.
While I liked Bella a lot, I can't say I connected with her as much as I did with Zsadist and the mc's from the previous books.
However, what happens to Bella is horrifying also. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat 'Eating Every Freaking Word'.
Fantastic action, suspense and steamy adult romance all packed into this amazing world of the BDB.
My thoughts from Nov. 11th, 2014 below⤵
I can't get enough of this series.
More! Must have MORE!
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
5 Stars! 8/29/19 Reread!
4.5 Stars 1st Read rating
Loved it more the 2nd time around.
More thoughts later. (I'm at work right now)
If you have read Rhage & Mary's story & thought that was emotional, in this one, Zsadist & Bella's story, you will get an all new concept and experience of what emotional truly is.
Zsadist history will make you gasp in horror and break your heart. I loved him.
While I liked Bella a lot, I can't say I connected with her as much as I did with Zsadist and the mc's from the previous books.
However, what happens to Bella is horrifying also. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat 'Eating Every Freaking Word'.
Fantastic action, suspense and steamy adult romance all packed into this amazing world of the BDB.
My thoughts from Nov. 11th, 2014 below⤵
I can't get enough of this series.
More! Must have MORE!
October 12, 2022
Guilty pleasure read 🤗😍 3rd in series… Caution: 🛑 Rated R. This series is older- but still good. Steamy hot adult content. Not suitable for ya or wholesome folks. 😉
February 22, 2022
“It had been so long since anything had broken through the anger or the numbness. He had a thought he was… sad?
Whatever.”
You guys don’t understand, Z’s POV broke my heart. He has gone through so much and his perspective reflects that, he honestly doesn’t understand human interaction or feelings. He thinks he is broken.... *weeps*
“Z panicked. There was so much of her against him that he didn't know what to do. He wanted to shove her away. He wanted her even closer. He wanted…”
Don’t cry don’t cry
Bella is a high class female. God I just really loved her already being involved in their world. A lot of the time, the heroine will be confused and not understand the consequences of her actions. Bella knew exactly what she was doing, and she knew she wanted Z
I loved that both Z and Bella went through so much together and neither one was trying to “fix” the other person, they just wanted to survive together.
“Then he looked straight into her eyes and did the most amazing, ballsy thing.
He smiled at her.”
“Shit. Now what was he going to do?
Unfortunately, his instincts answered. As his body roared, he picked her up and headed for the bed.”
yes yes yes yes yes yes
“He was a bonded male. With his pregnant female. There were few things on the planet more aggressive or dangerous. And those bastards were called hurricanes and tornadoes.”
Honestly I am trashhh for bonded males haha
Overall I loved Z and Bella’s story so much, the characters were just so real and vulunerable to me. Honestly I haven’t read a book with this many feelings a in while. I really loved the first half of this book but the ending was disappointing. How I view a protective male is more ~go after her~ but he also needed to work on himself so I can (never) be mad at Z but still disappointing.
Whatever.”
You guys don’t understand, Z’s POV broke my heart. He has gone through so much and his perspective reflects that, he honestly doesn’t understand human interaction or feelings. He thinks he is broken.... *weeps*
“Z panicked. There was so much of her against him that he didn't know what to do. He wanted to shove her away. He wanted her even closer. He wanted…”
Don’t cry don’t cry
Bella is a high class female. God I just really loved her already being involved in their world. A lot of the time, the heroine will be confused and not understand the consequences of her actions. Bella knew exactly what she was doing, and she knew she wanted Z
I loved that both Z and Bella went through so much together and neither one was trying to “fix” the other person, they just wanted to survive together.
“Then he looked straight into her eyes and did the most amazing, ballsy thing.
He smiled at her.”
“Shit. Now what was he going to do?
Unfortunately, his instincts answered. As his body roared, he picked her up and headed for the bed.”
yes yes yes yes yes yes
“He was a bonded male. With his pregnant female. There were few things on the planet more aggressive or dangerous. And those bastards were called hurricanes and tornadoes.”
Honestly I am trashhh for bonded males haha
Overall I loved Z and Bella’s story so much, the characters were just so real and vulunerable to me. Honestly I haven’t read a book with this many feelings a in while. I really loved the first half of this book but the ending was disappointing. How I view a protective male is more ~go after her~ but he also needed to work on himself so I can (never) be mad at Z but still disappointing.
March 17, 2018
This is my favorite story out of all of JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Bella is OK, but I always fall for the Hero of any romance book. Have to. Or what's the point of reading romances??
Zsadist is the ultimate tortured-hero-badass-turned-good romance fantasy guy. And can I please rent him when I'm "in heat" next time? Cuz the sex scenes when Bella has her needing?...DAMN!
Zsadist is the ultimate tortured-hero-badass-turned-good romance fantasy guy. And can I please rent him when I'm "in heat" next time? Cuz the sex scenes when Bella has her needing?...DAMN!
November 24, 2013
I have enjoyed the first 2 books in this series but was highly anticipating this one. Z seemed like such a tortured hero in the previous books.
“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came...and I was awakened.”
It would take a strong woman to save Zsadist. But then again, I think the women I have met so far are strong – ya hear me, Irene?
“Z: "You know, this was a hell of a lot easier when you were out cold in the back of that truck."
Phury: "That was you?"
Z:"You think it was Santa Claus or some shit?”
Phury and Zsadist are twins but Z was taken when he was young from his family and kept in slavery in horrific conditions
“She is more beautiful than I have words for. And last night, I was blessed beyond measure to serve her.”
He wept then, wept from the generosity of her, from the kindness, from the feel of her gentle hand as it rubbed over his shoulder … the only touch he had welcomed in … forever.
Some parts of the story were so sad. You just felt so bad for him and what he had been through.
“You are in a prison with no bars. I worry about you.”
“Sometimes your whole life could hinge on a fraction of an inch. Or the beat of a nanosecond. Or the knock on a door.”
This one seemed a bit darker than the first two
“I… What are you saying, Zsadist?" she stammered, even though she'd heard every word.
He glanced back down at the pencil in his hand and then turned to the table. Flipping the spiral notebook to a new page, he bent way over and labored on top of the paper for quite a while. Then he ripped the sheet free.
His hand was shaking as he held it out. "It's messy."
Bella took the paper. In a child's uneven block letters there were three words: I LOVE YOU
Her lips flattened tight as her eyes stung. The handwriting got wavy and then disappeared.
"Maybe you can't read it," he said in a small voice. "I can do it over."
She shook her head. "I can read it just fine. It's… beautiful."
"I don't expect anything back. I mean… I know that you don't… feel that for me anymore. But I wanted you to know. It's important that you knew.”
I am really looking forward to the next book as I love Butch in the books. Not so sure about Marissa. Will have to wait and see. I might give them a break after the next but Karen warned me that I HAVE to read Number Five!!! Pressure, pressure.
September 3, 2016
OH FREAKIN VIRGIN ! P.S:It's a book reference...I swear I'm not being weird.. ;) I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK !! AND THAT TWIST IN THE END !!
I FEEL SO STUPID FOR NOT SEEING THAT COMING...lol...XD
Even though it's true....
I STILL think I need Atleast a 24 hour break to recover from reading all THREE books in a stretch.Lol...it sure was one heck of a ride !
I FEEL SO STUPID FOR NOT SEEING THAT COMING...lol...XD
Even though it's true....
I STILL think I need Atleast a 24 hour break to recover from reading all THREE books in a stretch.Lol...it sure was one heck of a ride !
August 7, 2012
Never do a review like this, but, this is my fans letter to Zsadist , hero of Lover Awakened :D (okay, Roarke, Raphael, Bones, Eidolon, and all my harem, I'll do love letter for you all. PROMISE!)
Once upon a night , a lonely time in a one single room at Jakarta, Indonesia...
Dear Zsadist,
My heart will always broke for you.
You such an arrogant ass!
Oh yes, but you have a reason because of that...
You hurt Bella's feeling!
Oh yes, but you can't help it even you love her...
You think you not deserve her!
But hey, who are you to decide like that?
Bella still love you. Its you who fulfill her special needs
And you are father of her child, Nalla.
You have a book and story with so many heartbreaking moment...
I'm still crying when know about your horrible past with Mistress...
I'm still crying when reading about Tohr and Wellsie..
I know how devastated John Matthew after that...
I know how Phury's feeling to you. Why he must love woman who his twin's mate, while he doesn't want to hurt you because you are his one and only family?
You seems can't be redeemable...
Your last action at the club make Bella angry. And yeah, me too...
But, your effort to make it up, learn reading and writing, it really make me cry (again).
You have Bella's heart at that moment you write " I love You" to her (and my heart too)
And you have the best BDB quote ever :
I was dead until you found me, though I breathed.
I was sightless, though I could see.
And then you came...and I was awakened."
And the epilogue of your book? One of the best epilogue I've read !
Dear Zsadist,
You will always be my favorite Brothers (beside Vishous, of course).
I'm glad you find your own happiness, to have family at your own. Well, not always happily ever after, but life is good,right?
I might be crazy to love you so bad. But really, you are one of heroes that always be in my heart... forever.
From your #1 Fans
Ren
Note : And thanks to J.R.Ward to write the best book of BDB series. I think I will always miss her early writing at the first 3 books. Not that I don't like BDB anymore, I'm sure I can love this series again like before.
And thanks, God! Indonesian Publisher learn from their fault and well, this is the Indonesian cover of Lover Awakened
Never know why they used man titty abs, but ehm, that's not bad. And I'm not complaining, tho.
End of the Letter
Once upon a night , a lonely time in a one single room at Jakarta, Indonesia...
Dear Zsadist,
My heart will always broke for you.
You such an arrogant ass!
Oh yes, but you have a reason because of that...
You hurt Bella's feeling!
Oh yes, but you can't help it even you love her...
You think you not deserve her!
But hey, who are you to decide like that?
Bella still love you. Its you who fulfill her special needs
And you are father of her child, Nalla.
You have a book and story with so many heartbreaking moment...
I'm still crying when know about your horrible past with Mistress...
I'm still crying when reading about Tohr and Wellsie..
I know how devastated John Matthew after that...
I know how Phury's feeling to you. Why he must love woman who his twin's mate, while he doesn't want to hurt you because you are his one and only family?
You seems can't be redeemable...
Your last action at the club make Bella angry. And yeah, me too...
But, your effort to make it up, learn reading and writing, it really make me cry (again).
You have Bella's heart at that moment you write " I love You" to her (and my heart too)
And you have the best BDB quote ever :
I was dead until you found me, though I breathed.
I was sightless, though I could see.
And then you came...and I was awakened."
And the epilogue of your book? One of the best epilogue I've read !
Dear Zsadist,
You will always be my favorite Brothers (beside Vishous, of course).
I'm glad you find your own happiness, to have family at your own. Well, not always happily ever after, but life is good,right?
I might be crazy to love you so bad. But really, you are one of heroes that always be in my heart... forever.
From your #1 Fans
Ren
Note : And thanks to J.R.Ward to write the best book of BDB series. I think I will always miss her early writing at the first 3 books. Not that I don't like BDB anymore, I'm sure I can love this series again like before.
And thanks, God! Indonesian Publisher learn from their fault and well, this is the Indonesian cover of Lover Awakened
Never know why they used man titty abs, but ehm, that's not bad. And I'm not complaining, tho.
End of the Letter
May 18, 2013
5 ZSADIST STARS.
If I was choose to drop the F BOMB in any review, this book would be IT ...
I loved this book, if I haven't quite made myself clear yet, then let me just tell you I have an unhealthy Fixation on all things BROTHERHOOD. This is (so far) my favourite book and brother of the series, and if possible I'm more addicted then ever.
Zsadist THE ultimate in the alpha kingdom of vampires ~ Broken, destroyed, scarred, damaged, dark, dangerous and I LOVED him.
Zsadist is my favourite of the brotherhood and his story stole my thoughts, feelings and book heart. I loved delving more into the brotherhood world and the author has a brilliant talent of bringing other characters into the limelight as the story develops.
In this instalment we see more action and drama and definitely more of the 'lesser' soulless beings, yes the alphabet crew O, X, U, M etc play their staring roles in the book and I actually enjoyed reading about their part to play more in this book than I did the previous two. What grabs me about this series is the real hand on heart, honest to goodness friendship between the characters. The Brotherhood has me in laughter and tears in equal measure and this book showcases it to a fine art.
Once again great story telling, a little more angsty and gritty and I found myself more nervous of the outcome of Zsadists journey, lets say 'on the edge of your seat' reading experience.
There wasn't much if anything at all that i didn't LOVE about this book, but my favourite scene was the First kiss. Yes all out epic first kiss, my heart melted and I was in a puddle like state.
So what's this crazy fang like story all about you ask? Take a vampire, a dark, dangerous one who has seen the world in all it's darkness and cruelty, mix in some yummy brothers (the kind that are protecting its race). Bring along a beautiful she-vamp who falls into danger (she's also a top tastic character ~ sassy, gorgeous and a go getter). Throw in tonnes of action, bloody drama, knock your socks off romance, tickle you pink love and a few grab your tissues scenes and here we have it ~ a bloody great black dagger package! (please revert to authors blurb, i'm sure it will make more sense). If this hasn't convinced you, check out my favourite quotes:
❤❤“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came...and I was awakened.”
❤❤“She is more beautiful than I have words for. And last night, I was blessed beyond measure to serve her.”
❤❤“Sometimes your whole life could hinge on a fraction of an inch. Or the beat of a nanosecond. Or the knock on a door.”
❤❤“Dedicated to: You.
There will never be another like you.
For me...you are the one.
Yeah, I don't have enough words for this....”
So don't wait any longer to dive into this series if you haven't already (I do realise I'm a tad slow on the uptake with these books). A paranormal romance with plenty of bite (see what I did there?).
5 ALL OUT FAVOURITE BROTHER STARS.
As always a shout out to my BROTHERHOOD BESTIE BUDDY and her joint love for these tasty vamps, loving the journey Anna ❤❤❤.
If I was choose to drop the F BOMB in any review, this book would be IT ...
I loved this book, if I haven't quite made myself clear yet, then let me just tell you I have an unhealthy Fixation on all things BROTHERHOOD. This is (so far) my favourite book and brother of the series, and if possible I'm more addicted then ever.
Zsadist THE ultimate in the alpha kingdom of vampires ~ Broken, destroyed, scarred, damaged, dark, dangerous and I LOVED him.
Zsadist is my favourite of the brotherhood and his story stole my thoughts, feelings and book heart. I loved delving more into the brotherhood world and the author has a brilliant talent of bringing other characters into the limelight as the story develops.
In this instalment we see more action and drama and definitely more of the 'lesser' soulless beings, yes the alphabet crew O, X, U, M etc play their staring roles in the book and I actually enjoyed reading about their part to play more in this book than I did the previous two. What grabs me about this series is the real hand on heart, honest to goodness friendship between the characters. The Brotherhood has me in laughter and tears in equal measure and this book showcases it to a fine art.
Once again great story telling, a little more angsty and gritty and I found myself more nervous of the outcome of Zsadists journey, lets say 'on the edge of your seat' reading experience.
There wasn't much if anything at all that i didn't LOVE about this book, but my favourite scene was the First kiss. Yes all out epic first kiss, my heart melted and I was in a puddle like state.
So what's this crazy fang like story all about you ask? Take a vampire, a dark, dangerous one who has seen the world in all it's darkness and cruelty, mix in some yummy brothers (the kind that are protecting its race). Bring along a beautiful she-vamp who falls into danger (she's also a top tastic character ~ sassy, gorgeous and a go getter). Throw in tonnes of action, bloody drama, knock your socks off romance, tickle you pink love and a few grab your tissues scenes and here we have it ~ a bloody great black dagger package! (please revert to authors blurb, i'm sure it will make more sense). If this hasn't convinced you, check out my favourite quotes:
❤❤“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came...and I was awakened.”
❤❤“She is more beautiful than I have words for. And last night, I was blessed beyond measure to serve her.”
❤❤“Sometimes your whole life could hinge on a fraction of an inch. Or the beat of a nanosecond. Or the knock on a door.”
❤❤“Dedicated to: You.
There will never be another like you.
For me...you are the one.
Yeah, I don't have enough words for this....”
So don't wait any longer to dive into this series if you haven't already (I do realise I'm a tad slow on the uptake with these books). A paranormal romance with plenty of bite (see what I did there?).
5 ALL OUT FAVOURITE BROTHER STARS.
As always a shout out to my BROTHERHOOD BESTIE BUDDY and her joint love for these tasty vamps, loving the journey Anna ❤❤❤.
February 12, 2017
5/5 stars
Oh. My. Gosh! I am completely speechless, spellbound and unable to think a single coherent thought. It was just so breathtakingly amazing!! It's as if every single great thing about the first two books was made 100 times greater and then put into this single book of pure perfection. This is without a doubt my favourite book of the year so far and definitely the bets book of this series!
Since I was at such a loss for words I thought maybe gifs would be better at portraying my feelings! Do you kind of understand how passionate I am about this book yet?
Zsadist was kidnapped when he was a child and sold as a blood slave to a completely evil and sadistic mistress. Over a span of many years (from childhood until he was an adult) he was abused physically and mentally, raped and was left with so much hatred and vengeance in his heart. Even after returning to his brother, the baggage that he carries is endless and seems to last forever. Now, Zsadist is a cold, scarred and ruthless killer with so many sinister stories and rumours surrounding him. Hatred is his constant companion until one day when he rescues Bella from his enemies and feels an unfamiliar surge of protectiveness and desire towards her.
Bella has been captivated by Zsadist from the very first moment they meet. Even with his scarred appearance and cold exterior, she can't help but desire him. But, he's made it clear over and over that he isn't the kind of person that she should form attachments to, but even his warning won't deter her. Neither can deny their feelings for each other for long. If they are truly going to be together, Bella and Zsadist must work together to look past his baggage and help him overcome his wounds.
This book was absolutely gorgeous! It included all my favourite elements from the past two novels and then included more emotion, stronger connections and a more breathtaking love story. J.R. Ward has created a phenomenally written, agonisingly painful yet beautiful love story. It was filled with so much angst, hope, steam, anger and finally forgiveness. It tugged on all my heartstrings and made me feel so strongly for all of the characters, especially Zsadist.
I fell in love with Zsadist in the first book and he has been my favourite character ever since. He is probably the most tortured hero that I've ever read and definitely needed some loving, forgiveness and redemption. Throughout the book we hear little pieces of his back story and they each broke my heart a little bit more. It was so heartbreaking to read from his P.O.V dealing with feelings of unworthiness, insecurity and feeling tainted. Even with his hard exterior, his internal dialogue was always honest, raw and very vulnerable.
Scenes like this just broke my heart!
In each of my reviews for these books, I mention how much I love the brotherhood and other three-dimensional and intriguing characters. This book once again showed so many developing relationships between the characters and also introduced new characters that I can't wait to hear more about. I particularly loved the focus of Phury as a minor character. In this book we delved deeper into his personality, his flaws and the sacrifices that he's had to make. He is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters and I can't wait to read this book.
I feel like I've spoken lots about the sadness and heartbreaking moments in this book and little about the more positive and hopeful moments. There were so many rewarding scenes where Bella and Zsadist were overcoming their problems and finally trusting in each other. I have so much respect for both these characters and how they helped each other and other characters in this book. Zsadist, in particular, developed more than any character in this series and his growth brought so much hope to the book. It also seems that he has a more humorous and light used which sometimes has one through in the book. Another great moment — which definitely had me hot under the collar — was Bella's needing...I mean WOAH! By far the best moment in the book was the ending scenes with confessions of love and hope for the future. It was a truly heartbreaking and beautiful rollercoaster with the best possible ending.
“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came...and I was awakened.”
Oh. My. Gosh! I am completely speechless, spellbound and unable to think a single coherent thought. It was just so breathtakingly amazing!! It's as if every single great thing about the first two books was made 100 times greater and then put into this single book of pure perfection. This is without a doubt my favourite book of the year so far and definitely the bets book of this series!
Since I was at such a loss for words I thought maybe gifs would be better at portraying my feelings! Do you kind of understand how passionate I am about this book yet?
Zsadist was kidnapped when he was a child and sold as a blood slave to a completely evil and sadistic mistress. Over a span of many years (from childhood until he was an adult) he was abused physically and mentally, raped and was left with so much hatred and vengeance in his heart. Even after returning to his brother, the baggage that he carries is endless and seems to last forever. Now, Zsadist is a cold, scarred and ruthless killer with so many sinister stories and rumours surrounding him. Hatred is his constant companion until one day when he rescues Bella from his enemies and feels an unfamiliar surge of protectiveness and desire towards her.
Bella has been captivated by Zsadist from the very first moment they meet. Even with his scarred appearance and cold exterior, she can't help but desire him. But, he's made it clear over and over that he isn't the kind of person that she should form attachments to, but even his warning won't deter her. Neither can deny their feelings for each other for long. If they are truly going to be together, Bella and Zsadist must work together to look past his baggage and help him overcome his wounds.
“I'm not broken, I'm ruined. Do you understand the difference? With broken maybe you can fix things. Ruined? All you can do is wait to bury me.”
This book was absolutely gorgeous! It included all my favourite elements from the past two novels and then included more emotion, stronger connections and a more breathtaking love story. J.R. Ward has created a phenomenally written, agonisingly painful yet beautiful love story. It was filled with so much angst, hope, steam, anger and finally forgiveness. It tugged on all my heartstrings and made me feel so strongly for all of the characters, especially Zsadist.
I fell in love with Zsadist in the first book and he has been my favourite character ever since. He is probably the most tortured hero that I've ever read and definitely needed some loving, forgiveness and redemption. Throughout the book we hear little pieces of his back story and they each broke my heart a little bit more. It was so heartbreaking to read from his P.O.V dealing with feelings of unworthiness, insecurity and feeling tainted. Even with his hard exterior, his internal dialogue was always honest, raw and very vulnerable.
"As she carefully dried off his ragged flesh, she said, "You are clean."
"Oh, no, I'm not. I'm really not." His voice started to rise, a terrible momentum growing "I'm filthy. I am so very dirty. I am dirty, dirty..." Now he babbled, the words running together, the volume lifting until hysteria pinged off the tiles and filled the bathroom. "Can you see the dirt? I see it everywhere. It coats me."
Scenes like this just broke my heart!
In each of my reviews for these books, I mention how much I love the brotherhood and other three-dimensional and intriguing characters. This book once again showed so many developing relationships between the characters and also introduced new characters that I can't wait to hear more about. I particularly loved the focus of Phury as a minor character. In this book we delved deeper into his personality, his flaws and the sacrifices that he's had to make. He is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters and I can't wait to read this book.
I feel like I've spoken lots about the sadness and heartbreaking moments in this book and little about the more positive and hopeful moments. There were so many rewarding scenes where Bella and Zsadist were overcoming their problems and finally trusting in each other. I have so much respect for both these characters and how they helped each other and other characters in this book. Zsadist, in particular, developed more than any character in this series and his growth brought so much hope to the book. It also seems that he has a more humorous and light used which sometimes has one through in the book. Another great moment — which definitely had me hot under the collar — was Bella's needing...I mean WOAH! By far the best moment in the book was the ending scenes with confessions of love and hope for the future. It was a truly heartbreaking and beautiful rollercoaster with the best possible ending.
“I won’t leave you,” he said. “No matter how long, no matter how many times. I’ll serve you and let you take my vein until it’s over. I will not abandon you.”
July 19, 2014
5 ZSADIST-IS-MINE-AND-MINE-ONLY STARS!
When i finally received Lover Awakened in my mail..
I almost fainted of excitement because as most of you know Zsadist is my favorite brother in the BDB.
Did his book reach my expectations?
Meet then my Zsadist and Bella...
Zsadist.
He is the most terrifying and scarred member of the black dagger brotherhood.
Zsadist has a lot of demons from his past that just won't let go of him no matter what.
Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike.
Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion.
Until he meets Bella.
Bella.
She is a beautiful and lost vampire, and is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses.
Bella knows there is much more to him than ugly scars and violence he is so well known for.
But can she make him see that? Can they find a future together before Zsadist's thirst for vengeance ruins it all?
(LOL. Sorry, saw it and couldn't help myself).
What i thought of Zsadist and Bella?:
I LOVED them both with all my heart!
They were very realistic and unique characters to read about.
Bella didn't annoy me and i understood Zsadist perfectly. I had a connection with them.
There were a few complications to their relationship - like Zsadist pushing Bella away. And even though he changed, i though he could do it without her if someone would show him a bit of love and support.
My heart was clenching in pain everytime i read about how mean, and unfair everyone was to Zsadist.
I wanted to lock them in a disgusting hole and let them rot there. They were blaming him for all the bad stuff without getting all the facts and evidence. They just automatically thought it was him.
The ending was the reason this book didn't go to my 'favorites' shelf ( i was very tempted to do so at the start, but then i was like no way).
It felt too rushed and cheesy to be realistic and satisfactionary enough, but i still found it a sweet HEA.
Overall...
Lover Awakened was full of action, heartbreak, suspense, angst and hot scenes. It was a book about moving on, love, forgiveness and trusting again. The writing style and characters were as usual FANTASTIC. Great plot too, really enjoyable.
I would recommend this to all BDB fans who haven't read this yet, and for those who have to re-read it.
And for those who haven't read this series at all i would recommend you pick it up immediately, especially if you're a fan of Larrisa Ione and her Demonica series!
When i finally received Lover Awakened in my mail..
I almost fainted of excitement because as most of you know Zsadist is my favorite brother in the BDB.
Did his book reach my expectations?
Meet then my Zsadist and Bella...
Zsadist.
He is the most terrifying and scarred member of the black dagger brotherhood.
Zsadist has a lot of demons from his past that just won't let go of him no matter what.
Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike.
Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion.
Until he meets Bella.
Bella.
She is a beautiful and lost vampire, and is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses.
Bella knows there is much more to him than ugly scars and violence he is so well known for.
But can she make him see that? Can they find a future together before Zsadist's thirst for vengeance ruins it all?
(LOL. Sorry, saw it and couldn't help myself).
What i thought of Zsadist and Bella?:
I LOVED them both with all my heart!
They were very realistic and unique characters to read about.
Bella didn't annoy me and i understood Zsadist perfectly. I had a connection with them.
There were a few complications to their relationship - like Zsadist pushing Bella away. And even though he changed, i though he could do it without her if someone would show him a bit of love and support.
My heart was clenching in pain everytime i read about how mean, and unfair everyone was to Zsadist.
I wanted to lock them in a disgusting hole and let them rot there. They were blaming him for all the bad stuff without getting all the facts and evidence. They just automatically thought it was him.
The ending was the reason this book didn't go to my 'favorites' shelf ( i was very tempted to do so at the start, but then i was like no way).
It felt too rushed and cheesy to be realistic and satisfactionary enough, but i still found it a sweet HEA.
Overall...
Lover Awakened was full of action, heartbreak, suspense, angst and hot scenes. It was a book about moving on, love, forgiveness and trusting again. The writing style and characters were as usual FANTASTIC. Great plot too, really enjoyable.
I would recommend this to all BDB fans who haven't read this yet, and for those who have to re-read it.
And for those who haven't read this series at all i would recommend you pick it up immediately, especially if you're a fan of Larrisa Ione and her Demonica series!
September 11, 2017
5 Stars!!!
OMG this book was the BEST book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series yet!!
There was so much drama and angst and it hurt so much to put the book down and continue with life when I had to :(
So...into the details!
This book was about the brother Zsadist! It told the story of Zsadist and why he is so feared and standoffish compared to the other brothers. The book explained Zsadist's past by including flashbacks of when he was essentially kidnapped by this rich cougar "mistress" who feeds off of a young male until he can't take her odd and perverted ways and they commit suicide. So unfortunately Zsadist was a blood slave for this terrible woman and she REALLY fucked him up...so much that he "lost his soul" and his eyes turned a lifeless black.
Also, the book gives us some details about Phury and his relationship with Zsadist. Phury's love for his brother is soooo inspiring but heart wrenching! Phury will do anything for Zsadist, even sacrifice his own life for him. Like COME ON THAT MOVIE THEATER SCENE???
So...like the previous books, there was a shellan! Bella who was Mary's friend from the second book in the series, is absolutely captivated by Zsadist and falls in love with him almost instantly. She knows he is dangerous and arrogant and pretty much an asshole but she thinks he has more to him than what he leads on. Their journey was such a slow burn romance and it kept me captivated the whole time! But to be honest...the ending of the book was such a surprise!!! That reunion...sooo cute omg.
This book left me with a couple questions that I will probably find the answers to in later books but right now I'm just soooo confused on a few things...
Okay first, WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO BUTCH WHEN HE DRANK V'S BLOOD?
WHY THE FUCK WAS V LOSING HIS VISIONS??
REHVENGE IS THE REVEREND??? WHY??
And lastly... during one moment in the book I was like FUCK YEA and that was when Butch denied Marissa after she shut him down so many times. Like you go Butch...don't let her play you like that!
Overall, this was an amazing read!! I will definitely be continuing this series and I believe the 4th book is about Butch and Marissa...which shall be interesting!
OMG this book was the BEST book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series yet!!
There was so much drama and angst and it hurt so much to put the book down and continue with life when I had to :(
So...into the details!
This book was about the brother Zsadist! It told the story of Zsadist and why he is so feared and standoffish compared to the other brothers. The book explained Zsadist's past by including flashbacks of when he was essentially kidnapped by this rich cougar "mistress" who feeds off of a young male until he can't take her odd and perverted ways and they commit suicide. So unfortunately Zsadist was a blood slave for this terrible woman and she REALLY fucked him up...so much that he "lost his soul" and his eyes turned a lifeless black.
Also, the book gives us some details about Phury and his relationship with Zsadist. Phury's love for his brother is soooo inspiring but heart wrenching! Phury will do anything for Zsadist, even sacrifice his own life for him. Like COME ON THAT MOVIE THEATER SCENE???
So...like the previous books, there was a shellan! Bella who was Mary's friend from the second book in the series, is absolutely captivated by Zsadist and falls in love with him almost instantly. She knows he is dangerous and arrogant and pretty much an asshole but she thinks he has more to him than what he leads on. Their journey was such a slow burn romance and it kept me captivated the whole time! But to be honest...the ending of the book was such a surprise!!! That reunion...sooo cute omg.
This book left me with a couple questions that I will probably find the answers to in later books but right now I'm just soooo confused on a few things...
Okay first, WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO BUTCH WHEN HE DRANK V'S BLOOD?
WHY THE FUCK WAS V LOSING HIS VISIONS??
REHVENGE IS THE REVEREND??? WHY??
And lastly... during one moment in the book I was like FUCK YEA and that was when Butch denied Marissa after she shut him down so many times. Like you go Butch...don't let her play you like that!
Overall, this was an amazing read!! I will definitely be continuing this series and I believe the 4th book is about Butch and Marissa...which shall be interesting!
August 22, 2014
Family portrait!
Zsadist, Phury, Tohrment, Wrath, Rhage, Vishous, Butch
I admire all of you who read BDB when it was first released and had to wait a year between each book. I can only imagine the anticipation as you waited a year for the next book to be released. *thumbs up*
Even though this book is almost a decade old it has all the elements we as romance readers love:
♥ protective alpha male
♥ conflict
♥ sexy time
♥ imperfect characters (blind, mute, dark past, etc...)
♥ forbidden romance
The bonding moments between the twins tore at my hearts. To brotherly love someone that much made my heart ache. "I've only ever had you to live for. If you die I have nothing. I'm utterly lost. And you are needed here."
SERIES:
To find out when The Shadows will be released and if there will be more books in the series click here.
Novellas:
(#6.5)
Zsadist, Phury, Tohrment, Wrath, Rhage, Vishous, Butch
I admire all of you who read BDB when it was first released and had to wait a year between each book. I can only imagine the anticipation as you waited a year for the next book to be released. *thumbs up*
Even though this book is almost a decade old it has all the elements we as romance readers love:
♥ protective alpha male
♥ conflict
♥ sexy time
♥ imperfect characters (blind, mute, dark past, etc...)
♥ forbidden romance
The bonding moments between the twins tore at my hearts. To brotherly love someone that much made my heart ache. "I've only ever had you to live for. If you die I have nothing. I'm utterly lost. And you are needed here."
SERIES:
To find out when The Shadows will be released and if there will be more books in the series click here.
Novellas:
(#6.5)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,206 reviews