Lover Awakened Book Review Raunchy Reads Book Blog

Lover Awakened

By J.R. Ward

Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟(4.5/5 stars)

By my favorite romance author, Lover Awakened is a captivating and emotionally charged book in The Black Dagger Brotherhood series. This third book in the series explores the tumultuous journey of Zsadist, a tormented soul vampire warrior, and his surprising connection with Bella, a beautiful, strong-willed vampire. From the very first moment Z was introduced, I immediately loved him and wanted to read his story.

Zsadist/Bella

Zsadist, or Z as he is called, is one of the Black Dagger Brotherhood warriors, who is twin to another warrior, Phury. Second to Rhage in skills, he is deadly. Z is a tortured soul, and I cried a little bit…okay, a lot while reading the book. Z is a loner, which is self-imposed due to his tragic past. Click here to read the start of the series, Dark Lover Book Review.

I won’t give anything away, so you’ll have to read the book to find out why he is a tortured soul (literally). Troubled by his past, he believes he is not worthy of love and affection and makes great efforts to reject any attempts at bonding or forming connections with others—except his twin brother, Phury, who rescued him from captivity as a blood slave (okay I gave away a little bit). However, when he met Bella, that all changed. He became her possessive protector, and he slowly battled his demons. He opened himself to the possibility of love and felt worthy to be her mate.

Bella is a beautiful, captivating, and determined woman. As I mentioned, Z was drawn to Bella immediately and would stop at nothing to find her after she was captured by the enemy. He is utterly numb to the world until Bella breaks through his heart. Bella was tenacious and only wanted to stay with Zsadist. She never gave up on Z and knew he would be her mate. Their rocky journey to their HEA is filled with passion, resistance (on Zsadist part), and healing for both; He fought his battle and won.

My Thoughts on the Book

The Warden ~ The Plot Queen

J.R. Ward cleverly creates complex characters with depth and realness. Zsadist’s emotional internal havoc and Bella’s strength make them compelling leads in the book, and the chemistry between them is burn-up-the-pages hot. Their relationship developed slow burn, giving it a realistic feel. I was enthralled by the pages of Lover Awakened and their explosive love.

As with the rest of the books in the series, multiple storylines are building up to the following few books. The Black Dagger Brothers are NOT stand-alone and must be read in order. You will find the different storylines intriguing, with levels of intricacy.

The story is not all about chasing the bad guys. Still, the brothers’ interactions with each other are sometimes funny (and I love my plots with both suspense and humor. I can say that Lover Awaked will have you on the edge of your seat.

As in true J.R. Ward fashion, the book is jam-packed with steam and tons of sexy times. This series is not for you if this is not your cup of tea.

Almost Perfect…Except

Z and Bella’s book was overshadowed by the other background stories. Although I know necessary, I would have liked less page time with the other background noise.

Favorite 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.”

Final Thoughts

Of course, I would 200% recommend this book to all Paranormal fanatics. This book and the series will have you on the edge of your seat. This book of healing, redemption, and abundant love will break your heart and mend it together. Are you a fan of the series? Is this your first time reading anything by J.R. Ward? Either way, you won’t be disappointed when you pick up the books.