Lover Enshrined by J R Ward

Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #6)

by J. R. Ward

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now, a dutiful twin must choose between two lives...

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

Reviewed by Amanda on

3 of 5 stars

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Original review: http://onabookbender.com/2012/01/23/review-lover-enshrined-by-j-r-ward/

I am just going to come out and say it: Phury is kind of pathetic. This BDB book felt less like Phury’s story, and more about furthering the overall series. Of all the books that I have read so far, it seems that there was far less focus on one specific brother (i.e., Phury) and more on Rehvenge (next book) and John Matthew (eighth book). There was even a focus on Qhuinn and Blay, which I totally and absolutely adored. And Lash? I abhor him.

In many ways, though, Phury’s story is important to the overall story arc for the series. I’m not sure exactly how it will influence the rest of the series, but it’s a big enough change that makes me wonder what is in store. There is also the development with Lash and his general awfulness. I am trying to figure out why Phury’s story holds less of a draw than others. Phury is just as tormented and broken as the other brothers. But there is something about him that is not quite as appealing as the previous brothers. Perhaps it is because much of it seems to be that he put himself into the mess he is in. He makes some really stupid decisions, and it’s hard to understand them. There is also less time spent on building the romance between Phury and Cormia, which is sad given that part of the reason I enjoy this series as much as I do relates back to the emotions that the romance J.R. Ward writes evokes.

Lover Enshrined is a necessary continuation of the series, but not exactly a story that will captive you like previous books. There is a good amount of time spent on the lesser POV, but in this case, I do believe it is necessary, albeit somewhat boring until about halfway through. It really is the secondary characters that make this book what it is.

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  • Started reading
  • 7 December, 2011: Finished reading
  • 7 December, 2011: Reviewed