Review: Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
Black Dagger Brotherhood #2
434 Pages
Goodreads, Amazon, Author Website

From Goodreads: 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 his only passion-until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society. 

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for each other begins to overtake them, 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.

This is by far one of my favorite books in the series. Zsadist has many emotional and physical scars from his time as a blood slave when he was also sexually abused and is pretty scary and intimidating with his cold black eyes (they used to be yellow before his soul "died"). Bella isn't turned off by his scars or scary demeanor, and at first baffles Zsadist. He is so used to everyone looking at him with fear or weariness and the fact that Bella makes the first move causes even more confusion and unease for him. I've liked Z's character since the first book, Dark Lover. It was obvious that there was a wonderful and caring person underneath his harsh facade, he also has the voice of an angel. I'm so glad his story came early in the series, he is one of those characters you wish happiness for. Although good things come his way he is still far from being 100% okay. Bella and Z met in book #2 as she was Mary's vampire neighbor (Mary and Rhage are doing swell by the way). He avoided her at first, but then something happens to her to make him realize that he cares for her... a lot. The new leader of the Lessers is pretty intense and he ignores his duties to pursue a very personal mission involving Z and Bella. Another great installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood!

I give this book 5 stars!