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Lover Awakened
Lover Awakened
Lover Awakened
Audiobook15 hours

Lover Awakened

Written by J. R. Ward

Narrated by Jim Frangione

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

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About this audiobook

Author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Black Dagger Brotherhood novels, J. R. Ward enthralls fans with her erotic urban fantasies. The third book in the series tells the story of the vampire Zsadist, a former blood slave with a violent past. When he meets Bella, Zsadist thinks her human love could be his path to salvation. Then Bella is kidnapped, and Zsadist will stop at nothing to get her back.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateAug 14, 2009
ISBN9781440760419
Lover Awakened
Author

J. R. Ward

J.R. Ward is the author of more than sixty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. There are more than twenty million copies of her novels in print worldwide, and they have been published in twenty-seven different countries. She lives in the south with her family.

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Reviews for Lover Awakened

Rating: 4.373256551849606 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

1,649 ratings95 reviews

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  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This one was not my favourite but is is the first in the series that made me ugly cry. Did enjoy.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    So far this is my favorite book of the series!!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This one had a lot of drama and suspense. I loved the touching moments between the Brothers in this one.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Lover Awakened is so much more than the story of Zsadist and Bella. It is also a story of redemption, forgiveness and an awakening that will leave you in tears.

    Our emotions are tested as we learn the story of the twins Zsadist and Phury. With most of their lives painted in pain, self loathing and guilt they didn't believe happiness would ever knock on their doors....and then came Bella who changed everything for both of them. One brother scarred emotionally and physically is damaged, we thought, beyond all repair. The other brother is physically beautiful but out of guilt for his twins torture, has taken a vow of celibacy and depends on drugs to deaden his emotional pain. Two brothers couldn't be more different. But in some ways they are the same. They both love Bella.

    We cry as tragedy reminds us that even the greatest and strongest of warriors can feel the emptiness of loss. I cried along with you and my hate for the enemies of the race increased ten fold. I am looking forward to having the grief I feel for the loss of innocent lives replaced with the victory of vengeance.

    There are other side stories to be enjoyed. John's story continues as he begins his training. Butch and Vicious' relationship become even weirder in their dedication to each other after Vicious takes drastic action to protect Butch from an unknown threat. Mary's role begins to change.

    This book is a fun house of stories and I enjoyed each and every one of them. I can't get enough of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the Best one yet!!! Loved it 5+ stars
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Zsadist and Bella turn out to be the most dramatic of all the other books. The experience of wrong done to Bella and the suffering in the hands of the enemy. What this couple went through from the lesser and came out from the pain and hurt. It is the most fascinating thing in books that I have ever read. One of the best and most fascinating tails. It is nice to know that among all the families the two that suffers most were the most blessed in many ways. Loving each other gives this two all.

    Additionally Blog Post: By Jan 02, 2010Buggy rated it it was amazing
    ~ZSADIST YOU BROKE MY HEART~
    This is an amazing book and my favorite in the series. LOVER AWAKENED tells the agonizingly painful story of Zsadist, a former blood slave and most feared member of the Blackdagger Brotherhood. After Zsadist rescues the beautiful, aristocrat Bella from the Lessoning Society's torture facility she refuses to leave his side (or bed.) Craving the strength and security she now finds only with him. And it's with her growing love and patience that this reluctant hero ultimately `awakens'. It's a bumpy ride for our pair and this relationship will leave you in tears, both of joy and sadness as we witness Z's transformation from the `cold one' into a male of worth. A multi-layered novel L.A. of course has several stories and POVs running simultaneously and the action never stops. Full of suspense, erotic, and ultimately heartbreaking.

    Introduced briefly in the past two books, we now get to find out what made Zsadist the way he is. A confirmed sociopath who avoids all relationships, Z is scarred, pierced, tattooed, violent and illiterate. He's the most feared Brother and distrusted by all because of his intimidating and just downright mean nature. He enjoys pain yet can't bare any kind of physical contact due to the years of physical and sexual abuse he suffered during his time as a blood slave. Zsadist makes for an unlikely romantic hero but JR brilliantly gains your sympathy and you will grow to love this misunderstood and abused character.

    Phury as Zsadist's twin plays a major role here, and through a series of flashbacks, we learn the details of Z's enslavement and Phury's daring rescue of him. It's a striking scene resulting in the loss of his leg and Z's brutal scarring. Phury has spent his life consumed with fixing his twin and is riddled with guilt, sacrificing time and again and it's starting to take a toll. Now exhausted, he's playing a deadly game with the `red smoke' and despite his vow of celibacy can't help being attracted to Bella.

    We also get to know Rehvenge the Sympathy club owner of Zerosum and John Mathew's story starts to unfold as he begins his training and accepts the love of a family. Of course, all the Brothers get some attention so we get shots of Wrath, Rhage, Vishous, Butch, and their respective `Shellans.' Some of my favorite scenes involve the Brothers just going about their daily business, little interludes in the kitchen, or hanging out playing pool and teasing each other. Unfortunately, the Lessers continue their torment making things personal now as their leader Mr. O attempts to reclaim Bella and a shocking loss occurs within the Brotherhood family that will be felt throughout the rest of this series.

    Z and Bella's love story takes center stage throughout though and is utterly fascinating. From the moment of rescue, Zsadist won't let anyone else near Bella. And despite being frightened of him she wants him. To Bella he is perfect and she slowly begins to seduce him. Z is subsequently terrified, feeling dirty and hating his body's response to her. When the two finally kiss, however...sigh. Ultimately Z's feelings of unworthiness force him to push her away. Into the arms of a male of worth, those of his twin brother. When Bella goes into her 'needing' though which twin will ease her suffering? The celibate one or the one who can't bear to be touched?

    The climax of this book is simply un-put-downable. With a suicide mission forcing one twin to sacrifice everything for the life of the other and a HEA that brings tears to your eyes as we get a rare glimpse of the future. Each book in this series just gets better and better but JR has outdone herself here. I would give this more *s if I could and can't recommend it enough
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Getting a little annoyed with the tragic hero saved by the flawed yet perfect woman. Yet I find I'm invested in some of the characters and want to know more. Hoping, like LKH, the writing will improve as the series ages.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The books are getting more serious and the plot gets more gruel. I think too many of the characters died or disappeared in this book but I totally loved the ending. I think that was the best ending in all the three books.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is definitely my favorite
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I love this book! It really touched me, a hard unloved soul finding the one true love to break his cruel unloving heart to love something and to learn to be loved. This book really spoke to me and lets me know there's always that one true love out there for you to show you the way to love and be loved. Awesome!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Lover Awakened
    3 Stars

    Synopsis
    A former blood slave who suffered ceaseless sexual abuse at the hands of his mistress, Zsadist has developed an intense aversion to women and sex until the day he meets Bella. Able to see beyond his external scars to the wounded warrior beneath, Bella refuses to accept Zsadist's attempts to rebuff her and is determined to make him see that he is worthy of love. Can this mismatched pair overcome all the odds?

    Review
    Bella and Zsadist's story is the definite highlight of this book. Their relationship is intense, passionate and heart-wrenching. Bella is a truly lovely character, and as tortured heroes go, Zsadist is up there with the best. Nevertheless, even though his experiences as a slave are painful and distressing to read about, something about the writing and descriptions did not completely resonate with me. I am usually the first to break out the Kleenex with this type of character but in this case my packet remained unopened. For a seriously good cry, I recommend Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Zarek's book requires at least two Kleenex packets.

    After discussing the issue with some friends in another forum (you know who you are), I've come to the conclusion that my problem with this series stems from the fact that I am a plot rather than a character driven reader. The BDB characters are well-developed and engaging but that simply does not compensate for the lackluster plot, the mediocre dialogue and the ridiculous villains.

    I found myself skipping over large portions of the book, which is not the way that I want to read. I gave myself until this book to decide whether or not to continue with the series and have decided that it just isn't for me.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    3.5 stars

    I really like learning about the brothers Zsadist and Phury, their pasts, the extent Phury is willing to go to save Zsadist and the bond between them. For me a brotherhood relationship is often more appealing than a romance.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Lover Awakened is the story of Zsadist, a former blood slave, and the most loathsome and feared of the Brotherhood. We discover that there is another side to him as he falls for Bella. At first, Zsadist tries to scare Bella away, but she is tenacious and finally wins him over. Bella is the only one able to reach into his broken and tortured soul and help mend him. I so liked that through Bella’s love Zsadist is able to reach his fully potential in the Brotherhood. Behind every strong man is a stronger woman.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ahhh Z... this story was a helluva ride. I wanted to kill this male at times, and I adore Bella. You have to read Father Mine too!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Oh Zsadist...so broken. I loved this story. I love the fact that finding your soul mate can truly heal a person (or vampire ha ha) We also get to see a little more about John Matthew, which I enjoyed. The sad moments though...I'm not sure how to move past what happened. (keeping trap shut for those reading this who haven't read the book) I hope there is a healing to be found there as well. I would love for Butch to have given Marissa more of a chance to talk, so I'm hopeful for that in the next book. OH, and I just love a shocker like was revealed when we found out who Bella's brother was. Yes, excellent installment, every element of this book is designed to keep you engaged and involved in the story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    My favorite black dagger book
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    " 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." -quote from Lover Awakened by: J.R. Ward

    That quote pretty much sums up the entire book. Zsadist, a brother of the Black-Dagger Brotherhood" was ruined from a long and horrible stint as a blood slave. When he met Bella his entire world flipped over, and he started to realize what it meant to live.


    This book is also one of my favorites, though it is not my favorite of this series. There is so much going on in this book, we lose a strong secondary character, and then a main character disappears. It was tragic and I balled my eyes out. This book will make you laugh, cry, and totally hot in just a few short chapters. Oh, and this is the steamiest book of the series in my opinion. Be warned.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    3 1/2 stars for this third in Black Dagger Brotherhood series book. The story continues with this book focusing on Zsadist. Blurb on this site, accurate so not going to reword.

    I finally am really into this series. The first two books were good reads but not really standout for me with all the paranormal genre books flooding the market. Per a friend's recommendation, I persevered to this one which supposedly would hook me.

    I am hooked on series and will continue with.

    This book moved the story forward nicely and the characters began really coming alive for me. Zsadist's story in this book and the backstory on his background really made for a complex character you wanted to read about and rooted for. Most of the book progressed nicely with any changes or revelations in characters flowing well in line with story. There weren't any jarring frilly-tea-party type of moments where the brother's stopped being macho and sounded like girls-night-out-BFFs agonizing over their relationships in girly conversations.

    Mostly flowed, not all. The end resolutions/redemptions, while led up to, still sprang in rather suddenly. The lessers' characters got a bit more fleshed out, too; somewhat awkwardly compared to earlier books although I'm glad to get out of Mr. X serial killer mind even if these guys are still as insane.

    And the book spent way, way too much time on Zsadist's body parts, his feelings about private parts, his exploration of privates, the size of his privates, what everyone else felt about his privates, ... how the big sex scene between him and Bella gave the other in residence brothers problems with privates they had to tend to themselves...the attraction and romance between him and Bella went along nicely but the sealing of the deal was not well done (less about relationship than the biological proclivities of the species) nor the followup (breakup sex of all things).

    I did not add or subtract star ratings for all the characters, existing or newly introduced in this book, that will obviously be getting their own volumes. I expected that going in.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    These books are campy, cheesy, adventurous, and original. I hate that I love reading these.It reminds me of when I go to the grocery and buy something like fiery hot Cheetos, or bacon flavored SPAM. Or even those cheap pot pies in the frozen section, or a bag of pork rinds. I have to shop produce first because then I can...or ONE can hide them under the healthy food. You don't want people to know that you love those things but you can't stop buying them from time to time, or in this case, reading them. So I've heard....
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This one burnt up in my hands and I thought the story couldn't get better. Late to the party but right on time for a book binge. I started this series on March 28, and have just put the finished book #9 down. If you love action, drama and suspense all together you will love this series. Twilight is for teens the Brotherhood is for adults. This series is no child’s play. J.R. Ward beautifully weaves the erotica, action, romance, drama, and suspense together to create some awesome works of fiction. I have enjoyed reading thus far and plan to finish the rest.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Loved the book. I must admit that the only thing I don't like about this series is that it spends a lot of time switching from character to character, and often to ones I couldn't care less about. But all in all, I love the plot, I love the uniqueness of the vampires and their world, and I love the Brothers of the Brotherhood. This book was pretty awesome, though I can't say it was the best in the series, and it was definitely the most depressing so far. Still, good book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Lots of exciting action in this paranormal story and I was sympathetic for the tortured hero but the hero fought the relationship too long and building a situation to a high point then switching to another character was frustrating. Vampire Zsadist rescues Bella after she is captured by the bad guys.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews

    I have had a crush on Zadist since the first book! He was just so very!

    This was another great story in the series. The brothers had so much going on. it was easy to follow an nicely paced.

    Bella is a perfect mate for Z! It was wonderful seeing the get together. And there was of course plenty of steamy action! oh la to be a female vamp in need!!

    This maybe my favorite book so far even with the heartbreak.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The ending is what earned this book the fourth star. Zsadist straightening his life out and learning to read just for Bella was so sweet, showing her that he hadn't given up on them, just retreating until he was good enough for her. And that dead faint was hilarious!

    I'm not as in love with this series as many others are but I am intrigued by John Matthew so I may just continue reading just for him.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I read this vampire romance/adventure because of rachelmanija’s review, which suggested that it might be in my wheelhouse. Sadly, it wasn’t. Hero: suffered decades of slavery, including sexual abuse, and now abuses his own body and thinks he’s irreparably dirty. Heroine: rescued from bad guys by hero, teaches him to love. (1) As it turns out, I can’t take a book seriously where the vampires have names like Zsadist and Phury and Rhevenge, and they add extra ‘h’s to other words that mean what the regular English words mean (sehclusion, ahvenge, I can’t go on). (2) Also, there are no men and women, only “males” and “females,” and not just in the sex scenes (though it got to grating there too). (3) The bad guys call themselves Lessers, and not ironically. (4) Way too much gender essentialism for me (like, more than Sime/Gen levels), plus a lot of bad gay rapists and weird “no homo” male appreciation of other males’ bodies—the author didn’t seem to endorse homophobia, but I wasn’t enjoying the rest enough to make fine distinctions. (5) Relatedly, vampire society accepts total male control over female members of “good” families; various people in the story resist this as applied to the heroine in particular, but everyone seems to agree with the general aristocratic hierarchy. (6) Also relatedly, the hero in particular (but not alone) thinks about how the whores he fucked didn’t matter, but he can’t inflict himself on the pure heroine, and as a bonus this is tangled up with his belief that rough sex = not love and tender Sarah McLachlan sex = love; again the author didn’t seem wholly on board but again I was not in a forgiving mood.I can understand why this might work for someone else, especially with scenes in which a woman is crying, the man apologizes for “hurt[ing] your feelings or something,” and she tells him “I’m not hurt, I’m pissed off and sexually frustrated.” In between the stuff I found preposterous, there were real human moments. I think it might be a bit like Twilight, in that there’s gender essentialism I find horrific, interspersed with real concern for female pleasure.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I wasn't sure I'd like this pairing, but I ended up finding this the most emotionally satisfying of the series so far. The interplay between Zsadist and Phury (and Bella in between) took it up a notch for me and the last chapter was the cherry on top. (More so than the Epilogue, although that was like an extra bonus lick.) I realize that I'm way behind everyone else when it comes to this series and it's hard to believe that I'll enjoy the next ten as much as I enjoyed the first three, but I'm looking forward to finding out!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was lukewarm on the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but this book stole my heart. There was just something about breaking down the barriers of a tortured soul that drew me in. Even if you aren't an avid paranormal romance junkie, I'd highly recommend this book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was so excited to read this book, as it focuses on the warrior Zsadist. While it was very good, on par with the book before it, it fell victim to my high expectations. Wanting perfection, I had to accept decent. While I found Bella very similiar to Beth/Mary, her backstory felt more complete, allowing me to accept is more than another cookie cutter heroine on which females readers could project their own personalities. I was also mildly irritated by Zsadist being able to walk away from the psychological effects of his century of abuse so easily. I guess the love of a good woman really does conquer all (end sarcasm and begin gaggging).

    Don't get me wrong; it was a great book. Just a little too pat in spots.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is probably the best book in the series so far. I haven't read the rest but I can guess it's the best book in the series. How do I know this? Because Zsadist. Fucking Zsadist. Man, I love that dude, in all his messed up, tortured glory. Bella is also adorable.

    I liked how Zsadist slowly opened up and eventually found himself to be deserving of love. The epilogue also made me squee from pure joy.

    I haven't gotten around to reading book four or the rest, I'm not even sure I will. I think I only read to book three to get Zsadists story, I was that intrigued by him from the very start.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Typical JR ward book. All of them are pretty interchangeable. That's not to say I don't enjoy reading them. I don't like the use of the serviced but it is common theme in many of the books, so push through them. Also, the word true is over used.