A Black Dagger Brotherhood Novella - Zsadist and Bella's Story

I'm a huge fan of J.R. Ward and the Blackdagger Brotherhood so this was a perfect quick read for me - I wish there were more, I could read them everyday! The guys are great and the women are strong and can really "handle" their men :) Thanks!

Zsadist is the favorite character of mine. He is the best. I wish we could have more of Bella and zsadist love and their daughter nalla when she grove up little bit more. I love them spesialy Zsadist. God he is just so so good

This was a natural follow up to the first book. It gave good background on why Zsadist was the way he was. It also showed the strength of Bella in accepting Zsadist the was he was and learning to love and accept their child.

I bought this intending to only read if I found the time. Thank goodness I decided to read it after Lover Awakened (I do not know if this is the intended order). The story is heart wrenching and uplifting. A must read in the series and gives you such a greater insight to Zsadist and Bella.

I loved this Novella. Like Zsadist and Bella's story, this story made me cry. Zsadist is my all time favorite male.Thank you Ms. Ward for your outstanding, heartbreaking, story telling.
You are my absolute favorite author.
Again thank you,
Sue

I just love the atmosphere of all of the Black Dagger Brotherhood men. They are all so broken, and yet, they are loyal, strong, and brave. Plus, they love their significant other the way we all want to be loved, but rarely are.

4 1/2 stars

Short and sweet interlude between Nalla's birth and Zsadist coming to terms with fatherhood in light of his traumatic past.

FM doesn't advance the BDB storylines; but it is a very nicely done character driven exploration of the relationship between Bella and Zsadist. It's not necessary to the series, but it is a little treat for fans of Zsadist and Bella.

This was such a touching story about my favorite BDB couple, Zsadist & Bella. I just discovered the Black Dagger Brotherhood series about a month ago, and I've gone through all the books. I'll be reading this one again while I wait for the latest BDB book to come out (in about a week).

I purchased this thinking it was the entire book = 496 pages - It is NOT - it is only the Father Mine short story. The story is good - but don't believe the book details listed. The Kindle price of $3 is a good value for the story.

Zsadist is my favorite brother. He won my heart in book 2 "Lover Eternal". He can be stubborn but so why so many threats, Bella?

I am disappointed with Bella. She has her fears and they are true concerns, but she knew Z was not much of a talker when she mated him. Instead of talking to each other, they let their thoughts build up and neither one of them can read minds. So Bella is left with threats and ultimatums. And that just broke my heart. All ends well but it was "much to do about nothing" if they only talked to each other.

Any Z & Bella fan, this is a must read!

Ther is no way this was 496 pages....maybe a 120 if in paper. I would not have bought it if it hadn't said it was 496. I thought I was missing something by not reading this, but I hadn't missed anything. It is well written, but not necessary if you are following the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

This is a great story. If you have followed some of my reviews you know that I am obsessed with a tortured/wounded hero. Zsadist it that hero. In his previous book, Lover Awakened, we meet Z in all his wounded glory. He has been through so much in his life and I am glad that he got his happy ending. In this story we get to see what really happens when his daughter, Nalla, is born.

Zsadist will always have demons to fight no matter how long it has been since he was held in captivity.

When Nalla is born he feels as though he is not good enough for Nalla. In the previous book we see Z feels the same way about Bella as well. Everything good that happens to Z he feels as though he does not deserve happiness. I can understand since he has been in pain and in limbo for such a prolonged period of time where it feels that everything can be ripped away from him at any moment. Over the course of the book we can see Z battling with not only himself but also with Bella about what he thinks he should do as a father and a male to his woman.

I love getting to see Z battle for his family and realizing he is a great person and he like everyone around him deserves love as well.

I also loved the fact that Nalla is a daddy's girl. I never doubted she would be. :)

I loved this short story about Z, Bella, and their baby girl. Z is such a tortured soul, but very lovable and heart wrenching... I love Bella; she loves Z inside and out. J.R. Ward continues to be on my auto-buy list. If you haven't read the Black Brotherhood series yet, especially the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, you are in for a treat. Memo to Ward: Can we get a short story about Wrath and Beth?

"OMG"

Let me start by saying how much I enjoy reading books by J.R. Ward, and this series is one of my favorite. Out of all the books I've read so far in this series, my favorite character is Zsadist, from book number three (Lover Awakened). His past is what nightmares are made of. His torture lasted hundreds of years and has left him with marks of body, mind and spirit. His inability to heal leaves him with a need for pain in all aspects in life. Pain is the only thing that gives him release. He pushes his body to limit in exercise, he eats so little he's starved, and he turns to his brother for physical pain to feel alive. His brother, Phury, sacrificed his leg to save Zsadist and sacrifices a piece of himself everyday keeping watch over a brother he knew existed, but could never find and can still not reach. He dies every time his brother asks him to hurt him and lives for the sole purpose of watching out and caring for him.

In this book Zsadist's story continues from the last few books where his mate, Bella, is pregnant and finally gives birth. His retreat from her and their child was expected to some extent, but Bella can no longer deny the fact that his retreat is now affecting their child Nalla. Nalla craves Zsadist's touch and attention. Her love for her father grows everyday and his inability to connect with her is affecting both mother and child.

Zsadist is now having nightmares of his pure and innocent child being a witness to the depraved things his slave owner did to him. He's stuck in nightmares night and day of being unable to save or protect those he loves. He feels unclean and does not want to contaminate his innocent daughter.

It takes his wife and the mate of a brother to help him stop running from his past and confront it. The part where he role plays with another the conversations he may have one day with his daughter to explain why he has slave band tattoos and scars over his face and body are beyond words. To see how hard he tries for the sake of his mate and daughter is heart wrenching.

I loved this book and can't wait to see more with Zsadist.

If you are a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and have not yet read this story, it is an absolute Must Read. The story was previously published in The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide, so if you don't do e-readers it's still available to be read. Or, if you do have the Insider's Guide you already have this story and don't need to repurchase.

As can be told by the product description it gives more detail about Zsadist and Bella--the main characters from the third novel Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)

If you have not yet read any of the BDB series, this is NOT the place to start, you should really start with Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1). Following the way many paranormal romance series are published, each title in the series features a main character who happens to find his/her fated love. With a lot of angst and hot/detailed nookie involved to make it interesting. That said, this series is fabulous in that aspect--JR Ward does a great job with her world building and each story continues an overall plot arc. Each tale is also good at keeping tabs on favorites from other books. Because there is a lot of story arc going on it is pretty important to keep going in order.

This novella was not integral to the story told in Lover Awakened, but clearly more Z/B was needed. This is a wonderful, prolonged, epilog in a manner of speaking. Truly a wonderful read and I hope she does more like this to keep us up to date with the other characters.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (both this and the whole series!)

JTG

It was nice to go back in time and revisit the Zsadist/Bella storyline. While I know that things end up good (as they almost always do for the BDB), it was definitely worth a read for completion sake. We join Zsadist and Bella right after the birth of their daughter, Nalla. If you thought watching Bella and Zsadist battle through his abuse and aversion to touch, it is even more difficult to watch the same thing happen with his baby girl, Nalla. There are layers upon layers of trauma in Zsadist’s head, and none of it would be an issue if he could articulate these things to Bella.

Bella, being the strong woman and new mother that she is, knows that it will only hurt her child more if she continues to let her endure a father who won’t even reach for her. While heartbreaking, she’s willing to take the risk until a horrible night brings everything into perspective. This short story reminded me why I love this series and convinced me to dive back in where I left off.

Proof Ward can still write wonderful stories for the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Where has this magic been in the last two books?

This short (approx 85 pages) focuses on Bella, Zsadist, and their new daughter Nalla.
I was a little confused in the beginning with the timing from when book 6 ended to how close it was to when this one ended. It didn't seem like Bella was far enough along in her pregnancy to have already had their baby. Ward eventually clears this up but it's about 40% into the story and I think it would have been better if done sooner because up until that point I was ready to tear Ward apart for continuity (which is a pet peeve of mine).

This is real. This shows that when the "honeymoon period" is over there is more to love and marriage/mating than just the initial falling in love and attraction. Things for couples to work through. Showing that it's okay not to have all the answer and to seek outside help.

This really was a beautiful story of a young family and how they all fell in love with one another. Bella is still there to see Zsadist through the tough times but she knows she is also a mother and protecting her daughter has become the most important thing to her.

I loved how Ward touched on Vampire women having body image issue too after birth and though Bella is beautiful she still is very human in that aspect. Just another way of showing even happy-ending romance novels have more to them after the last page is done.

Read it. Even if you don't read any of the other books in the series after Love Awakened.

Zsadist has always been the extremely troubled brother. After his time served as a blood-slave left some very deep emotional and psychological scars. His relationship with Bella has helped to heal some of those scars, but after the birth of their daughter, Nalla, things fall into a quick downward spiral.

This isn't a romance so much as it is a reconnecting of souls. Bella will have to prove once again that Zsadist isn't the monster he believes himself to be. It's a touching story and a nice look deeper into their relationship. It was a sweet story of redemption and second chances, of leaning on those you love and allowing them to help you.

I just love Bella and Zsadist! I just wanna bottle them up and never let them go. After six books, I still look forward to the two of them the most. If my pure love for them wasn't enough, add those scorching sex scenes and you got a banger baby!!

I love how this story focused solely on them. With exception for the chapter that gave us a brief view on the Doc, it was all Z and Bella with Nalla. They are the cutest little family, and who would have thought that Z would have been the first to carry on the line of Aghony and the aristocrats? Not me!

It was like watching Z and Bella fall in love again. It also gave us an update and dose of reality as to where Z is in his recovery. He's not as far as I suspected at the end of 'Lover Awakened'. He s struggling and with even more baggage.

Even though Mary has paled quite considerably since 'Lover Eternal', the brothers never take a weak female. As such, it's good to see the fruits of Mary's labour and I always love it when she and Z get together. Whether learning or therapy, those two got a rhythm that no one else has with Z, not even Bella. Maybe it's her training, but Mary definitely knows how to handle him.

I don't know T.W. and we might never see him again, but I love the man and what he stands for. His moment with his wife was precious, and was a slice of life outside of the supernatural, something that has been missing and slipping as this series grow.

An update was also provided on the other members of the brotherhood, however minimal. Phury is back how I remember and respect him, even if he isn't fighting, and it was good to get back out in the field with the brothers. Their tactics and battles always fascinated and intrigued me. I loved 'Dark Lover' where we got more fighting than romance. There was plotting, scheming and failure. I secretly would have liked at least some action from Mr. D, but then again, this novel was about love, reconciling and building new bridges.

I searched without seeing a book for Nalla, but I already love the young and anticipate spending time with her uncle Rehvenge in the next novel. Hopefully we get some more Bella and Z time from this, however small :)

I usually don't read the side novellas in a series, but with Z being my favorite brother I couldn't pass this up! I loved being able to see more of Z and Bella along with their new baby girl Nalla. This book made me fall even more in love with Z. I loved hearing him read Oh, the Places You'll Go, one of my favorites, at the end of the book to Nalla. If you love Z as much as I do, then you definitely need to read this!

I really enjoyed this short book. I had not visited the brothers in a long while as I had grown tired of the Lessening society stories. However, Z and Bella are my favorite couple and I am so glad I was able to read their story. Tortured Z is still keeping those who love him at a good distance. After Nala was born I had figured he would jump right into fatherhood, but his horrendous past keeps him from connecting with the tiny babe. Bella tries to remain strong and keep it together but she has had enough. Once Z realizes she has had enough he opens up again to her and realizes how much these two females are his forever to protect and to protect him from himself. He also starts to open up to Mary about his abuse and even allows an outsider try and help him get rid of his slave bands, and even allowing him to touch him... Such a wonderful story I loved it...such a touching story to give hope to those who might not ever feel they deserve love and kindness

*happy sigh*

I loved Father Mine! In fact, I will say that it is my favorite book of the series so far.

And yes, I read it out of order, I didn't realize until after I'd started. And yes, there were some spoilers, but I still loved it. Father Mine is what happens after Happily Ever After, the story that happens between the "end" of Lover Awakened and the epilogue that takes place sixteen months later.

I knew that Zsasdist had overcome his past enough to be with Bella, but I was very curious as to how that would play out in his daily life, and with a family. Father Mine was dark. It went more into his past as a Blood Slave, how he's still haunted by it, and his fears as to how it will play a part in the future. And even though this is about vampires, the family and marriage aspect of the story is one that is very relatable.

Father Mine was absolutely brilliant. It made me laugh, get steamed up at the hotness, and yeah, I cried. I loved it.

Zsadist is one of my favorite brothers----oh, who am I kidding, they are all my favorite because JR Ward is the BEST---so I was really excited to see that we get a continuation of his story in this novella.

I was disappointed to see that it was only 96 pages, but as usual, JR Ward made every word count and it was an emotional, heartfelt 96 pages. I think I teared up three times, and my husband kept asking me what was wrong.

I'm no fan of short stories or novellas but I loved Father Mine. I think it is the best novella I've ever read.

Just One Gripe:
It was just too short!

The Best Thing About This Book:
I liked seeing someone working through their problems in therapy. I liked that the problems weren't magically solved by love.

This novella was super cute. Zsadist and Bella are one of my favorite couples in this series and ever since we saw she got pregnant, and how dangerous these moments are for vampires, things changed a little in their relationship. We can see Zsadist more concerned with Bella but talking less about their life. Nalla was born in the end of the previous book and everything looked perfect, but reading this story is clear to me that Zsadist needed more time to understand the new reality and his fears are still very close to the surface, so it took him some difficult moments.

I loved this new glimpse in their life together. I think we could have more insights like this for the other couples, since we lose touch with them as this series grow.

Loved to have more of Zsadist. He is my favorite Brother. He is so complicated and dark but heartbreakingly beautiful. This story shows how deep his scars are and how much love he is capable of but still afraid of. He is so strong and courageous but raw and vulnerable at the same time.

I always enjoy the BDB books, and Zsadist is my favorite of all. I enjoyed the book, but I think the length of time it took for him to deal with the demons of his past was way too fast - thereby a short novel. Zsadist's life as a "blood slave" took away his humanity - it turned him into the savage, untouchable warrior he became. I don't think J.R. did Zsadist justice - but that's my opinion.

This is, as so many reviewers have stated, an excellent story and a good addendum to the Bella and Zsadist story line. But, it is a re-issue of the short story of the same name which was included in the book, the "Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insiders' Guide", published in 2008. If you haven't purchased/read the "Insiders' Guide", I recommend it highly as it includes many details, etc. of the Brothers along with "Father Mine". In fact, for true, hard-core BDB fans, the "Insiders' Guide" is, I believe, a true must-have.

I preface this with the possibility that I may be biased because I absolutely love the Zsadist-Bella relationship. I think it is Ward's most thoroughly developed and logical relationship in the series, and I find Z's whole story the most heart wrenching and romantic. I like this particular book because it adds to Z and Bella's depth and doesn't feel as forced as I would have expected it to. I love how Ward shows how a child can change even the most solid relationship (but of course love conquers all haha). If you liked Lover Awakened, you will like this short story. Go team Zsadist!!

While I wholeheartedly agree that the lenghth of the book is disceptive that should not detract from an excellent story. Give the publisher hell they deserve it. Back to the story, it was great. The author explores the fact tha HEA does not come without set backs and challenges. The love of Z and Bella proves worthy of these challenges. The story of the plastic surgeon and his wife was beautiful. They are characters worthy of the series. Inspite of its length the story rates a great read.

Zsadist is my absolute favorite of all the brothers in the Back Dagger Brotherhood. Seeing him settle into being a father to Nalla just brings his story to a satisfying end for me. His story breaks my heart no matter how many times I read it and this short novella about him coming to grips with being a dad makes it better. He deserves this happiness.

I read and enjoyed the prequel to this book, Lover Awakened, so I thought I would try this shorter e-pub. It was good!

As a new father, Z must come to terms with his past so he can embrace fatherhood, and baby Nella, without fear. Tender scenes with Z, Bella, and Nella. Sizzling sex, too.

SPOILER -----

I was expecting the visit to the dermatologist / plastic surgeon to end differently. Usually, in most romances, everything gets tied up in a pretty bow, but that gets old. This seemed more authentic.

I love Z one of my favorite characters,you always knew he struggled you just never knew the extent of his suffering. Bella & Nalla were the best things to ever happen to A ( besides his brothers of course)

OMG!!!
Yes, that was my reaction, after I finished reading this sweet novella of my favourite couple, Zsadist and Bella. Here a new character has entered the life of this couple, their sweet daughter, Nalla. Bella is both excited and nervous about being a mother. Z, on the other hand, is not even looking towards his new born baby and fears that is his mere shadow will make her dirty.....

Personally I couldn't give a book in this series a bad review if I wanted. They are great books to read if you are into the vampire, super natural books. Series best when read in order but they can each be read as a standalone if you wanted.

A short story that shows a couple with a dark history; dealing with the changes a child brings to a relationship. A well developed story. Falls between 'Lover Enshrined' & 'Lover Avenged' in the time line.

What a heartwarming story of Zsadist's continuing journey to reconcile the horrors of his past with the realities of his current life. His daughter Nalla's birth triggered these bad memories, obstructing his ability to form a relationship with her. The path he takes to transform his relationship is poignant and lovely. This is a short but delightful interlude with one of my favorite members of the Brotherhood.

The whole series is a must read and this novella is another look into the lives of Zadist, Bella and the Brotherhood of the Black Dagger. If you have read the series then this will be a good addition. However, if you have not started the series you need to read them in order before picking up this book.

Oh how wish this story could have gone on and on. These are my favorite characters of all the many romance books I have read. Lover Awakened is my all time favorite book and this is just an extension of that wonderful story. I just hope that JR Ward will revisit Bella and Zadist in other Black Dagger books. She is an excellent story teller and you should check out her other books under her other name Jessica Bird.

This was a great addition to the BDB series. The love between Z and Bella was a classic love story, but adding Nalla to the mix just showed that love that we always knew that Z had. I wish J. R. Ward would add Nalla to the other books I would love to see her walking and getting all the love the Brothers have to give her.

At first I was like everyone, not wanting to like Z much less love him. Now he is one of my favorite characters in the entire series. Who would have thought Z a father, and when the time was right, he became a great daddy..........Loved it

this story was published in another book. it is available at the public library. if the price was 99 cents i would say buy it and avoid the trip to the library. it is not worth $3.99. But it is a good stand alone story.

It's refreshing to read this book! Ms. Ward's books have been a really engaging fantasy & my favorite escape.....but it really touches my heart that she writes stories about these amazing characters not only about romance and hot scenes but also real life topics such as what happens to "life" when u start having children. I'm forever ur loyal fan......thank you so much for taking time in weaving these wonderful escapes. With love & pls give us more :)

I have read all of the Brotherhood books that have been written so far but Z's book is the best of all.This book is right up there with it you get the inside look at what happened in the birth. J.R. Ward writes the best books.

The author is able to present a sad story in an inspiring way. Zsadist's twin Phury describes him as "ruined, not broken" to Bella. Zsadist is a true survivor. He not only loves beyond his ordeal, he overcomes the emotional and psychological scars to become whole for his shellan and nalla. It's the power of love. It's the determination not to be defined by an event but how you live your life. I'm really enjoying the Brotherhood series. This novella was a story that needed to be told on its own. Brava!

I really loved this book. Without spoiling it, this book is so worth it. I really enjoyed reading it, it had me sad and crying on some parts. Love the relationship of Z and Bella. Was so happy of the turn out of Z with his daughter Nalla. Wish to read more of this family.

I could read a whole series about Z and Bella. This book was about how "marriage" and having children can impact any relationship. Even vampires. I love how Z was willing to change himself for the women he loved. But I also loved that his women loved him anyway and didn't want him to change.

I have read all of J R Ward's books and this was a great follow up to the book of Zsadist and Bella. Lots of action and sex with heartwarming story lines. I can't wait for " Lover at Last" due out the end of March.

The story takes a new view gives the reader a look at Zsadist that you can only guess at in other novels. Not quite as much action as other books in series but a must read if you are a true lover of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is my favorite series! I love all the characters and the depth J.R.Ward brings to each of them. I am always disappointed when I come to the end of the book because I want to know more about them! Father Mine was a wonderful story and yes, way too short. My question is....why wouldn't HBO make a series out of the BDB? Just sayin'.....
oh and another thing....if you haven't started this series, start from book one and what are you waiting for!

What a wonderful, heartwarming addendum to lover awakened. This is my second trip through the series and certainly not my last! Absolutely love J. R. Ward, can't wait for the next book! I'm so thankful for the co-worker who turned (pun intended) me onto this series!