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

Synopsis: 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…
5 Stars!

Review: Zsadist's story was so heartbreaking! As Ward slowly weaves each Brother's story into the others, you already get to see how trapped Z is by his past. He has scars, not just on the outside of his body, but also deep inside of him, as well. Bella, the female vampire that brought John and Mary to the Brotherhood's attention, has been drawn to Z since she met him. She tries to reach out to him, but he is unwilling to open up to anyone else. When Bella goes home, she is captured by one of the lesser, who sees Bella as someone that used to be close to him, when he was still alive. He decides to keep her as his wife, unbeknownst to his other lessers.

The Brotherhood, and Z, specifically, look for Bella for weeks. They finally get lucky and get information about where she is being held. Z feels a strong connection to Bella, even though he continues to push her away, so he has to be the one to find her and bring her home. Thus begins the battle between the two of them - Z to stay away from Bella and Bella to capture Z's heart from his past. The scenes from Z's time as a Blood slave are very difficult to go through, for they are so heartbreaking - not just for his physical violation but also for how he gives up on himself.

Bella's fight for Z is to help him find himself again - and also to help Phury, Z's twin brother, who's fate is forever tied to Z's. Zsadist will not be rescued easily, however, as he faced much abuse and violation and does not feel worthy of Bella. For her, however, his brokenness is a part of what she loves. Her love for him and her fight for him made this story truly beautiful to watch because the Brother is supposed to be the strong warrior, and yet, I think Bella shows more strength than Z in this book.

Jessica