Review: Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Enshrined
Author: J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood, #6
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: June 3, 2008
Pages: 534
Rating:

In this "frighteningly addictive" paranormal romance sage there's a war raging between vampires and their slayers. Here are the stories of 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 obligated 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 is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love....

“Fuck. Me, "Vishous Breathed. 
"I will so pass on that, "Lassiter muttered.”

Never in a million years did I think I would give LOVER ENSHRINED such a high rating. Prior to starting this book I was horrified at all the negative ratings on this book, and I was dreading reading this book, putting it off for the longest time. I even considered skipping the book all together and perhaps finding a summary of what happened between the side characters in this book, but I am so glad I decided to read it! Because for what hundreds of readers hated, I loved!

Even though I loved this book, I completely understand why others didn't like it. But I am looking at the bigger picture here. This book felt more like an explanation for the side stories. I think that is what I needed most. For the last two books I was at the point of wanting to give up. I did not like Butch's book, nor did I like Vishous' book. To a point, Phurry's story is horrible too, but Phurry's story only takes up about 15% of the book, the rest is side character stories!

“Got a problem.” “I can’t fix your personality, sorry.” Lassiter laughed, the sound ringing through the house like church bells. “No.. I like myself just as I am, thank you.” “Can’t help your delusional nature, either.”

I know this is a romance book and you expect to see a romance, and for the romance part of this book, yes, it was horrible, but the side characters stole the show and did wonderfully at keeping me captivated until the very end and now I am very interested in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series.

I will say it. I hated Phurry's story. I think he absolutely stupid and made so many wrong choices and, "What the hell?" I don't really know what to say that this point, but I felt like his story was pointless, and yes, it had to be told because he was apart of the Brotherhood, but I'm glad I'm done with his shit. Maybe I just didn't understand why he was going through all that shit with the drugs and everything. It's a real shame, because Cormia was a wonderful heroine and I would've liked to have a real romance between them. At least their story only took up 15% of the book and I wouldn't have to sit through all this stuff.

“Your wish is my command, prince of mine.” 
Don’t call me that.

The real story began with all of the John Matthew, Qhuinn and Blay stuff. Most of the story centered on them, because big changes happen between them. I was just introduced to Qhuinn and Blay not too long ago and it was a bit hard to focus on them with me not liking the last two books, but now they are front and center in LOVER ENSHRINED and I absolutely adore these two, oh, and of course John too! Lass is being an ass as usual and a bit of information leaks from his mouth for him just being an ass and all hell breaks loose!

Qhuinn does something I couldn't believe and there are some new realizations for John and Blay in the group! But everything goes well. I find that I am falling more and more in love with John because he is really one hell of a character. I love going through all of his emotions with him and it really took a great friend and some bravery for what he had to tell Wraith to help Qhuinn. Like I said, "One hell of a character." 

"What is wrong with you,” he whispered, “that you care so much about me?” “What is wrong with you that you can’t see why I would?”

I'm going to go back to Qhuinn and Blay. It is well past this book already and of course many of you know the "Qhuinn + Blay = ♥♥♥♥♥" thing. I felt like this is the book where you totally become Team Qhuay for the first time! I don't know. I just fell madly in love and was hating that this is only a side story because from all their scenes I got, I go and scream, "HAVE SEX ALREADY!!!!" I mean the sexual tension makes you go insane! But my heart seriously breaks for these two! Especially Qhuinn!

His parent already hate him because he is different, with the mismatched eyes and it's like no one really cares about him but John and Blay! And his father won't even speak to him! He sends the butler to speak to him. That is messed up! We had a lot of scenes in Qhuinn's POV and I"m glad we had them! I really look at him differently and feel for him very close to how I feel for John! Of course, Xhex and Rev had their own spotlight in the book and I really think all these characters taking over the show in LOVER ENSHRINED is because their books will be coming up next. It was quite nice to get more acquainted with them!

Tohr closed his eyes and opened his arms. John ran to the bed and grabbed on to his father for everything he was worth.

And, I forgot to mention, Tohr's back!!!! Yes! I missed him! Tohr is a bit messed up a little bit and apparently he looks horrible and I hated him a little for being a little cold to John Matthew, but I was so emotional when Tohr opened his arms for John to run into. It was so sweet and I hope Tohr ends up recovering from loosing his Weslie! Oh, and I also have to mention the introduction to Lassiter, the fallen angel that I am so in love with! Trust me, you will be too!

Overall, LOVER ENSHRINED was a sucky romance book, but it was a wonderful book just to further the side characters stories a little more in anticipation for their books which will be coming soon. So, LOVER ENSHRINED wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be and I am so glad I decided to read it and not skip it due to all the 'Negative Nancies' out there!