Throwback Thursday: Lover Awakened – Book Review

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
Published by Signet on September 5, 2006
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Vampires
Pages: 468
Format: Print
Source: Purchased
Five Stars

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…

 

I have spoken before on comfort books, those books that you re-read year after year for the feels. So I figured for Thanksgiving what could be better than one of my favorite comfort books.

Lover Awakened is number three out of 12 (so far) in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. I have spoken of my love of Ward before and particularly of this series. This series is one of the few that I buy the hardcover on release day. No waiting for the library or a paperback to get these. Frequently I get the BDB books on Kindle so I can start reading them late Monday night, then I go buy the book after work on Tuesday. For some reason the BDB just makes me happy, and this book is the best of the series to me.

Zsadist is our scarred and reckless anti-hero and Bella is the delicate flower who loves him despite himself. Filled with fighting, blood, angst and steam Lover Awakened is what my husband refers to as Vampire Porn and I’m fine with that. I love the juxtaposition of the damaged male and the stronger than she realizes female that this book brings. Bella was kidnapped at the end of Lover Eternal (book #2) and that story line is immediately picked up in Lover Awakened. Zsadist has basically lost his shit and is doing everything in his power to find Bella and bring her home. He is not sure why he has this drive but he must find her. Bella doesn’t know why she cannot put the dangerous male out of her mind, but all she can think of is Zsadist.

Squee, I heart Z and Bella so very much. I read Lover Awakened at least four times a year and it still gives me the feels. World building and pacing are fantastic, supporting characters are well though out and well positioned and I love how the subplots build into the following book. Now, do I know they are going to get their HEA? Yup. Is is cheesy and kindof ridiculous? Yup. Do I care? Not one bit. I heart the Black Dagger Brotherhood and I totally ship Zsadist and Bella.

 Favorite lines – “I love you.” Z squeezed his eyes shut. “Don’t be a tragedy, Bella.”

 Biggest cliche – “I am strong man, you weak woman. You must listen to me.”

 

 

This review contributed by 125 Pages. Laura is an addict. She reads 5-8 books a week. In addition to writing her own book reviews, she frequents other book review and blogger sites for just that little bit more.

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