Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

August 26th, 2016 Kimberly Review 66 Comments

26th Aug
Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
Lover Awakened
by J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #3
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchase
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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…

2016 Fave TEARJERKER SUSPENSE Truffles

Z.  ALL OF THE FEELS. Read it. That is all.

LOL, I guess I should share more about Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward the third book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yes, I am finally reading this series and loving every minute. Each book supports the overall ARC and shares one of the brother’s romances. Addictive and well balanced with a dash of suspense Lover Awakened delivered one hell of a book high.

This series is best read in order as it has an overall arc involving the Lessers and Brotherhood. I will try to keep this spoiler free for those who have not started the series.

“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.”

Zsadist better known as Z is perhaps one of the scariest and most volatile member of the brotherhood. Since the beginning, I have been drawn to Zsadist and Ward gave me everything I could have asked for. Z is severely scarred and bears the tattoo from his life as a former blood slave. He is the twin brother of Phury. He has anger issue, doesn’t like to be touched, denies himself pleasure, and sleeps on the floor. I delighted in hearing his story, even as I wept for him.

Bella and Zsadist met in the previous book when she made clear she was attracted to him. Bella was taken by a lesser and in Lover Awakened, he finds Bella and their relationship begins. I loved how Ward allowed their relationship to unfold. Zsadist shared his past, bared his soul and through Bella awakened.

Their romance has all of the feels and some were downright hilarious.  Moments involving Bella’s cycle had me laughing so hard there were TEARS! While reading I laughed, cried, shuddered and cheered. Ward provided such an emotionally gripping romance. It was dark, and edgy, with as much pain as there was pleasure. I honestly did not know if Ward would give this couple an HEA. She had me flipping the pages and biting my nails. The book left me emotionally spent and I didn’t pick up another book for almost two days!

If you are looking for a fluffy vampire romance skip the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Like the previous books, Lover Awakened was complex, with multiple threads and while at times I wanted to be with the couple, the other threads held weight and furthered the overall world and story ARC. We had threads involving John, Butch and Bella’s brother giving dimension to these characters.

Ward has us spending times with the Lessers, particularly our twisted villain David, who believes Bella belongs to him. The lesser thread is dark and these characters live and breathe evil. I shiver every time we travel in David’s head. We meet other lessers and learned of some of their plots.

Fantastic, engaging, and an emotional ride from beginning to end Lover Awakened is a story I would gladly read again.

Quotes

“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?”

“Bella: “Then why are you wearing that bandage like a sash?”

Phury: “It makes my ass look smaller.”

“Your hands on a gun butt right now, isn’t it? Afraid of me?”
“Just want to make sure I can take care of you.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah, in case you need Glock-to-mouth-resuscitation.”

Z. ALL OF THE FEELS. Read it. That is all. -Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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66 Responses to “Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward”

  1. Dani Chapman

    This series is so crazy additive!! I love Z’s story so much….
    This is one series that I could easily go back and reread all over again…

  3. Tiffany

    Great review! Z is one of my favs, and I loved how Ward developed his relationship with Bella. It felt more earned, as it wasn’t just insta-love. I can’t wait to see what you think about the next book.

  4. Melanie Simmons

    Great review Kim. I agree that this was one of my favorite books. V’s book is right there too with the feels. I can’t wait for you to get to it. Hollywood is still my favorite brother, even if he didn’t have my favorite book. 🙂

  6. Michelle

    I have not read this series yet. I think I’ll enjoy this series coz the review makes the book sounds so interesting!

  7. Lover Of Romance

    oh I just LOVED this book so dang much!!! One of the best books this author has written. These two were brilliant together…just BRILLIANT!!! I love the way Z become such a swoon worthy hero. This book and Lover Eternal are my top favorites of the series. I can’t decided which one I love more to be honest, but both give me the feels.

  8. AngelErin

    Excellent review!! This is my fave BDB novel so far, because Z of course!! He’s my favorite brother and this book is amazing. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 😀 😀

  10. Melliane

    lol I’m really really late in this series! I need to read the 4 first books I have at home, even in French. One day!

  13. Heidi

    I am glad you are reading and loving this series. I have long been eyeing it. One of these days.

  15. Lorna

    These books were my true beginning of reading as much paranormal as I do. First 8 or 9 read back to back so they all kind of mesh together as one for me. But boy do I remember Z’s story! I am so happy you are loving these!

  16. Debbie Haupt

    Oh wow Kim, you brought back a lot of good memories from Z’s book. I’m glad you’re finally reading this series. I just finished The Angels’ Share from her Bourbon Kings series and am getting ready to listen to Possession catching up on her Fallen Angels series too, guess you can say I’m kind of oding on Ward LOL

  17. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Z was my fave character so I would have to agree with this one. I think it was my fave in the series (what I’ve read, I’m so behind!). I do think I need to do a reread or something of this one. 🙂

  18. Sophia Rose

    You are making me smile with all the good memories I had from reading this for the first time. Someday I will go back and re-read b/c I really loved how the early books hit all the emotions particularly Z’s book. Great quote choices!

  19. Leona

    YESSS!!! YESSS!!! Become addicted so we can gush about it YESS!!! I can’t wait for you to get to Vishous’ story which is book 5.

  21. Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

    The most amazing book in the series! I’m so glad you’re reading the series. I read the books until I got to the ninth book and switched to audio. I’m loving the narration.

    Enjoy the rest of the series!

  22. Tracy Auerbach

    I recently plowed through this series. The second and third books (Rhage and Z’s stories) were my faves so far. Their stories continue in the later books. Excited to hear what you think of the rest. Definitely a worthwhile read (although I must admit there were two books I skipped in the middle because I just wasn’t interested enough in those particular characters. SUPER addictive series/guilty pleasure.

  25. Jenny

    Z IS MY FAVORITE KIM!!! I love him so, so much:) This is definitely my favorite book of the series, I’m so glad to see you loved it too:) I feel like I need to re-read this one now!

  26. Kristin

    yes, Yes, YES!!!!!!!! I forgot this was the third book!!!! Oh, Z!!! You have got to find the “Father Mine” story!!! If you can’t, I’ll mail you my BDB An Insider’s Guide!! It’s an 81 page story and everyone swears it’s better than this story!! Let me know… seriously…

    Thank you for the awesome review… memories… 😀

  28. Angela

    Zsadist is my FAVORITE brother. I LOVED his story. It’s an emotionally journey with some hard moments barring ones soul and some fun times with Bella’s cycle. J.R. Ward did this couple fabulously and the story was told so well, that it stays with you and you don’t want to read anything for a few days. Those are the books that stick and you want to read again someday.
    Thank’s for a wonderful review. I loved revisiting this couple through your review! ^_^

  29. kindlemom1

    I’ve heard this was a fabulous series for a pretty long time so hopefully you enjoy them all. Have a great weekend!

  30. Cyn

    It’s so awesome to read a book and love it from beginning to end! This definitely sounds like a great series! Glad you’re moving it! Great review, Kim!

  31. Natasha

    I love every book of the series! Ward’s writing never disappoints! I think Zsadist and Bella’s story is probably my favourite among all, I also loved their spin-off Father Mine, which I think surpasses Lover Awakened (I’m still reeling from it). There’s just something about Zsadist’s tortured past that made him my favourite book boyfriend. Love your review and I’m glad that you liked the series!

  32. Christy LoveOfBooks

    I go back-and forth on wanting to read this series. Mostly want. I love that it made you laugh like that.Definitely makes me want to read it more.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am so glad I decided to begin. I am currently working on this series and the Psy-Changeling series. I quit the Chicagoland Vampire series…the characters annoyed me..lol