Lover Awakened is the third book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood vampire romance book series by J.R. Ward. Those of you who have read the previous novels know of the conflict between the “Lessers” (rogue vampires) and the vampires. The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a band of six warrior vampires who are the self-sworn protectors of the remaining vampire population, and their story is a dark one.

This book focuses on Zsadist (Z), one of the most dangerous yet intriguing of the brothers. With a history of being a blood slave for a female aristocratic vampire, he has experienced the worst abuse imaginable, including physical, sexual, and mental abuse. As a consequence, his heart is cold and his soul is scarred. However, a strange turn of events finds him tending to a female vampire whose presence unsettles him and affects him emotionally.

Bella is an aristocratic vampire that was kidnapped by the Lessers. Because of the reputation of the Lessers Bella’s family had given up on looking for her. However, Z decides to use his skills to track her down; he perseveres until he finds her held captive underground in a tight metal cylinder. Z is able to free Bella and takes her to his mansion to keep her safe. It’s ironic that he should fall for someone who is of the same clan that was responsible for his torture, but perhaps it’s befitting. While recuperating Bella tries to get closer to Z and to gain access to a part of him that was closed-off to the rest of the world a long time ago. Readers will be pulled in by Bella and Z’s dramatic relationship and will be excited to find out their fate.

The intense character development adds thought to an already engaging book. While most of the book focuses on Z, we also see a glimpse into his twin brother Phury’s world that shows his inner self to be just as bleak as Z’s in some aspects. Phury is a fellow member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood who rescued Z from his bitter fate many years ago. Phury’s blind devotion to his brother causes him to be a silent victim, as he backs off and locks up his own attraction to Bella.

In addition to the noteworthy character development, the storyline in Lover Awakened holds its own. The plot progresses smoothly with several heart-pounding and heart-wrenching events as well as sinuous twists and turns.

Lover Awakened is a must-read; it’s a hybrid of adventure, suspense, and romance. J. R. Ward has written another strong addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood paranormal romance book series.

You MUST get Lover Awakened and experience the sweet romance that develops between Z and Bella. Don’t hesitate – I know you’ll love this vampire romance book!