A Love to Make You Feel Alive

"I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. 
I was sightless, though I could see. 
And then you came...and I was awakened."”

--J.R. Ward, Lover Awakened

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Signet, 434 pages

Publication Date: September 5th, 2006

Source: Bought
Goodreads
Previous Books in Series:Dark Lover & Lover Eternal

Goodreads Description

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 is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, 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…

My Thoughts

Oh. My. Gosh. So I was foretold by Betty before even starting Book 1 that Zsadist was her favorite and I was to keep my hands off...good thing I didn't promise shit. I won't lie, after reading the first book I texted her all...uhhh, Betty? I'm concerned that this man is your favorite...he is seriously crazy and completely unstable. Wait...what's that sound? Oh right, I'm getting used to this, it's the sound of my entire foot leg and lower extremity getting shoved forcefully into my mouth. Ouch. ZSADIST IS AMAZING! Holy shit, like I can't even BEGIN to talk about...but I'll try...

So we get a sneak peek into how Zsadist and Bella met in Lover Eternal. And let me say, they don't get off on the right foot. But Bella is completely intrigued by this Warrior and cannot get him off of her mind. Rawr. Their courtship is definitely rocky...but holy hell is it hot. Wow. Picture fanning myself and re-reading passages over and over just to experience that which is Zsadist over and over again. I have to say I cannot get enough of the deeply wounded soul of a man who on the exterior looks unstable and crazy but on the inside is kind and has so much more going on for him. I was immediately invested in him once a bit of his inner self started to come out. I couldn't get enough of his guard coming down and his complete devotion to protecting Bella...*sigh*...

Bella. I LOVE HER! Ironic that I used to solely associate this name with Twilight and THANK YOU JR WARD for giving me a reason to not despise this name. She is the best! OK, so I miiiiight be just a tad bit biased seeing as this is totally an interpretation of Beauty and the Beast...I KNOW but seriously I loooooove this story! Bella wants to get to know Zsadist for who he is and what makes him the way he is. She doesn't back down or give up on him which I LOVE! She stands up to him, pushes him when necessary, and also backs off when she knows it has gone too far. Zsadist conceding some of his harshness for her absolutely melted my heart. Like liquid puddle, sop me up, I'm done for. His desire and need to protect her and care for her was my favorite part. I could not stop both the mental and audible sighing I was doing when I was reading about him taking care of her. His tenderness, his concern, his need to make sure she was okay. Killed me in the best way possible. Like I've said before, I am a highly evolved human but I cannot suppress my animalistic tendencies. I find it scorchingly hot when a man goes all feral and primal to protect his woman. Sorry not sorry. I like a man's man.

The progression of their relationship was beautiful because of their give and take. And their sexy times?...oh my...I can't..like, I just can't. So hot. So. Incredibly. Hot. 10 alarm, bring a hose, I need a cold shower. The vulnerability Zsadist shows just breaks me and I loved every second of it. The back and forth between them had my chest hurting and my heart racing. I was just dying  in anticipation for every page turn. I NEEDED more of their story and I was so sad when the book actually ended. I wanted more! I still want more! WHERE IS MORE OF THEIR STORY?!  Ok, sorry, I'll calm down. There is a novella on the horizon...gotta get through Book 6. 

The side stories were all equally compelling. I adored getting to know Phury more. I cannot wait to get to his book and I hope he can find a happy ending. John is SO interesting and I cannot get enough of him! Tohr...I need more of him...that's all I can say. 

This book was FUCKING PHENOMENAL and as I told Betty, right after finishing the book I wanted to re-read it. It's that good. Mmm Zsadist...Love him and Bella and all the rest of them...;) 

Should You Read This? Hell. F'ing. Yes. GO start with the first book if ONLY to read this one. You wont' regret it ;)