Bound and Unbound: A paranormal novella duology
Ali Hazelwood
Lover Awakened: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3
by J. R. Ward
About this book
Haunted by a brutal past as a former blood slave, Zsadist is the most dangerous and volatile member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. He is a warrior defined by his jagged scars and a cold, impenetrable exterior that keeps even his closest brothers at arm’s length. However, his dark, isolated world begins to fracture when he crosses paths with the beautiful Bella, an aristocratic vampire who sees past his lethal reputation to the broken soul beneath.
Their connection is a masterclass in dark-romance, evolving from a fragile curiosity into a desperate, all-consuming need. As they navigate the complexities of a fated blood-bond, the stakes skyrocket when Bella is abducted by a sadistic enemy. Thrust into a relentless race against time, Zsadist must confront his deepest traumas to reclaim the woman who offers him the only chance at redemption he has ever known.
This gripping entry in the urban-fantasy series perfectly balances intense, high-octane action with a devastatingly beautiful emotional arc. For readers who crave the found-family trope and a visceral, slow-burning love story, this saga delivers an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be consumed by a tale where love is not just a choice, but a battle for survival.
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2026
- ASIN
- B002IN7PPK
Reader Reviews
December 5, 2006
This is a wonderful new series from a fresh new writer bringing us a much needed, fresh twist! J.R. Ward has come into this genre and turned it on it's toes! This series was desperately needed! So many of the books in this genre have turned to using endless amounts of sexual scenes to just fill up space and I am growing tired and bored with those authors! I have even stopped buying books in many series that I've followed and loved from the beginning because they have turned their once thrilling...
April 30, 2026
Another great book in this riveting series. )
April 30, 2025
Lover Awakened is hands down my favorite book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series so far. Zsadist and Bella’s story is devastatingly beautiful—full of raw pain, deep scars, and a slow-burning love that feels incredibly earned. I found myself tearing up more than once; their emotional journey hit hard in all the right ways. Zsadist is such a broken, haunted character, and watching him slowly open up to love, trust, and healing through Bella's unwavering presence was powerful. If any two...
April 4, 2015
\"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...
November 4, 2025
\"I dont think I've ever read an MMC who was as complex and broken as Zsadist. A former blood slave, his past is filled with abuse, mistreatment, and trauma. His personality is complex nd interesting - watching him grow, evolve, and forgive was amazing. Bella pushes him to be his best and open up, and she forces him to let her in. This book is one of my favorite in the series. Seeing the side characters including Butch, John Matthew, and learning more about Rhev...I can't wait to get to their...
