Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #3
Published by Signet on September 5th 2006
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 468
Goodreads
Beautiful, angst filled, Heartbreaking
“I’m not normal.”
“I know. But you’re not dirty or contaminated or unworthy.”
THE STORY: The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a group of warrior vampires who are to protect the civilian vampires from threats. Zsadist is one of the brotherhood but goes his own way. Kidnapped as child and forced to become a blood slave (used to feed on by another vampire), Z was also raped and sexually abused by his master. As a result of his century of being a slave, Z is physically and emotionally scarred. As LOVER AWAKENED begins, Z has been searching for several weeks for a female vampire, Bella, who was kidnapped by one of the soulless humans that the Brotherhood is fighting. Bella’s loss has hit Z hard and he is obsessed with her. Bella was immediately attracted to Z when they met. Weeks of captivity have begun to make her question who she is. This is their story.
OPINION: I love this book. It is my favorite of the series. I am a sucker for those damaged men who are healed by the women who love them. Z is just an amazing character. He has been damaged both inside and out by his time as a blood slave. He begins to heal, however, from the first time he meets Bella. His determination to find her or to avenge her when he believes her dead allows him to care about her in a safe way. Z believes himself dirty and unworthy of love because of the abuse he suffered. His contempt for himself is so incredibly difficult to read at times. At the same time, his ability to care about those around him even as he claims he doesn’t shows the resilience of the spirit. I loved everything about Bella and Z’s story. They have a very difficult road, but this book is emotional and sexy and painful all at once.
WORTH MENTIONING: The stories in these books are multiplying. That means that there are stories that aren’t resolved here and there is less time for the main couple.
FINAL DECISION: This book is painful and heartbreaking and incredibly beautiful at the same time.
CONNECTED BOOKS: LOVER AWAKENED is the third book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It can be read as a standalone although it is best read in the context of the others in the series since Bella and Z’s story actually begins in LOVER ETERNAL.
STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.