*This was my 2nd time reading this book. I've lowered my original rating from 4 stars to 3. 
 I'm not sure that I enjoyed this book as much the second time around. It was better than book 2, but not as fun as book 1. I'm starting to think that the author might be a little sexist. The women in her books aren't developed well and in the last two books they were treated poorly by their lovers (They're also treated like property to their brothers). Zsadist wasn't as bad as Rhage, but he still dealt out his far share of mental and emotional abuse to Bella. Considering his background, I do understand why he acted the way he did. I suppose it really bugged me because Bella never reacted as she should have. Just like Mary from book two, Bella kept coming back for the abuse. She never stood up for herself. In the end, it was still her coming to Zsadist. It should have been him coming to her. The ending was sweet and I see what the author was going for, but it wasn't enough to make me grin like a school girl. Like an old fashion chick flick, I wanted him to run to her in some grand gesture where he apologies for being a douche and submits wholly to her love. 
 Also like book two, this book was too long. There were too many POVs and they mostly weren't interesting. I don't mind reading from the perspective of others, but it could have been cut down a lot. Generally, with Adult Romances, the only other POVs besides the main couple will go to those who will lead in the next book. This gives us a reason to be invested in these POVs. But this author doesn't work that way. She seems to just follow characters at random. So, I skim a lot. Generally, not a whole lot is happening during these scenes anyway. I will say that I enjoyed Phury's POV more near the end. It made sense to show his POV because he was almost like a 3rd main character. His actions were essential to the overall plot. Plus, I found him more interesting than Zsadist's self hatred and Bella's blandness. 
 I'm hoping at some point we get a strong female. So far, it only seems like the author regards a "female of worth" as one who is delicate, loyal, and pure. I find that I can rarely relate to these docile women. 
 My spoilery thoughts: (view spoiler)[ I just want to add that I respect that it was Bella who killed David. That was unexpected, considering the author's track record. Belle was the only one who deserved to end her attacker, not Zsadist or her brother. I also like that she saved the men. She was the hero in the end. Though, she didn't get the credit for it. (hide spoiler)] 
 Watch my original spoiler-free video review here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d9dk4... 
 Recommended, but only for fans of the series. 
 Yes/No Checklist 
 Sex: Yes 
 Gore: Yes 
 Rape: Yes *In flashbacks a male is raped by a woman. It's unpleasant, but not graphic. 
 Magic: Yes *Vampire powers and soulless people 
 Drugs: Yes 
 Star Categories 
 Romance: 2 Stars 
 Action: 2 Stars *there isn't much 
 Pacing: 2 Stars 
 Writing: 3 Stars 
 Plot: 3 Stars 
 Overall: 3 Stars 
 Protagonist Meter 
 Damsel--*--------Badass 
 Bella is generally a damsel, but action scenes aren't really the point to this book anyway. 
 Original review: 
 Enjoyable, but Dark Lover is still my fave! Watching my spoiler-free video review here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d9dk4...