Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3) by J.R. Ward

Lover Awakened (J.R. Ward)

SUMMARY

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… 

MY REVIEW

Zhadist and Bella

“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.