Lover Awakened

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3

By: J. R. Ward

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Length: 15 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's Summary

Author of the number-one 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.

Listen to another Black Dagger Brotherhood chiller.

©2006 Jessica Bird (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic Reviews

"This genre-bending third novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series...is a perfect fit for those who like fast-paced urban fantasy rich in both fury and poignancy." ( Booklist)

My Favorite!

Hands down, this is one of the most addicting series I've listened to. I'm on a BDB roll these days and I can't get enough. It's like a movie that I don't ever want to end, the books seamlessly transition to the next one, and so far, each one has been enthralling, erotic, funny and for me, emotional. I was so ready to be consumed by book 3 when Bella and Zsadist met in book 2-----I knew his story was going to be a good one, and it totally surpassed my expectations. Loved, Loved, Looooooved this story! Can't wait to hear what happens next!

LOVED IT! WAITING FOR BOOK 4

I love this series but am very disappointed that they do not put them out in order! please, hurry with book 4! There are several series books that I have looked at here in Audible but will not purchase them because the whole series is not available. They go from book 1 then my skip to book 6 or 7. Very annoying!

Adore Zsadist...abhore Jim Frangione

What did you like best about Lover Awakened? What did you like least?

The depth of pain the leads have to overcome makes for a conflicted yet tender storyline.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Zsadist is my favorite brother...definately the character that has the most growth in the series and the most depth.

What didn’t you like about Jim Frangione’s performance?

It was unremarkable, bland even. The Brothers do not have individual voices, even Butch who has a Boston accent, was read in the same tone as Wrath (also suppose to have an accent.) There is such a richness in dialogue, snappy sarcasm and smart ass one-liners, contrasted with sincere, heartfelt depth that the practically monotone reading was just horrible. If you can READ this book, don't listen to it. The AUDIO is a WASTE of an incredible story. I would avoid all books read by this performer, at all costs.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

A better narrator would have sent this over the top. And less time spent with the Lessers, I always just skipped over those parts as I read. They really did not add much depth or more conflict to the story.

FINALLY!!!!!

This is the best book of the series, and it is great that it is finally available on audio.

🌟🌟 5 Stars 🌟🌟

Oh Zhadist, his story is so heartbreaking but he is a tough guy and he pushes though and come out on top! This series is everything! I could listen to it 100X and still love it. JR Ward is amazing at world building without it being over the top. I love how she writes a story about the world and not just the couple. There were so many things I loved about this book. Zhadist, Bella, John Matthew, Tohr and Welsie :( This book made me laugh and cry and was hot and badass too! Cant't wait to re-listened to Butch next!!


Personally I love Jim Frangione but I know some don't, for me he will always BE the brothers in my heart <3

Starting to get disappointed...

Too many loose ends with characters. Hopefully the next books will connect its' characters
better.

Into the series now!

Lover Awakened is the 3rd Black Dagger Brotherhood books and so far I have to say is my favorite. I couldn't put this one away, walked around with my headphones in my ears for much of my days while I listened. This book started out at a rapid pace and stayed that way. This is mostly about Zsadist and Bella. If you haven't read the first two books I recommend it because I think its a good idea to have an idea of who Zsadist is and where he fits in the brotherhood before starting this book. Have already downloaded Book 4. Really am enjoying this series but its a very unusual take on the whole vampire thing. Be warned these books are highly sexual/erotic reads but I thought of the three so far this one had the most substance in it.

My favorite so far

Any additional comments?

This book centers on Z, who is the darkest character of the Bothers (so far). Because of my growing curiosity of Z in the previous books, I was looking forward to getting his story. I was not disappointed. Ward tackled very strong, emotional and physical traumatic subjects very well.

It's a great story - my respect for Ward is growing as a writer because she forces her characters to grow and confront their inner demons. She doesnt chicken out by grazing over obvious serious issues. And she does it very subtlety - no preaching to the reader behind her characters. Very solid series.

Jim is still his stuffy self, but you know what? I like Jim. He *is* the voice now of the brothers for me. I am an out spoken narrator snob, don't let the negative reviews of the narrator (even mine) keep you from downloading. Yes, it's not the very best casting choice, but it's not so bad you can't enjoy it. I don't even mind it now. If you have actually read the paper book, then don't download - you will hate it, but if this is your first read/listen then download book 1 and enjoy! You will. :)

Wonderful story of overcoming trajedy!!

I love this book...and hearing it on audio was a special treat! J. R. Ward has a way for drawing you in to the lives of her characters...and this story of Zsadist is my favorite of hers. It is a compelling emotional story of victory over enormous abuse. Everyone loves to see the victim rise above the ashes to soar in life. Zadist is that victor!! I loved it!!

Lover Awakened

I loved this book. The reader did a pretty good job. He was a little flat as a reader, but once I got used to his tone, it worked pretty well. Z has always been my favorite and his book is outstanding. He had so far to come for redemption, it was really well done.