Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #6)

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Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 49,642 ratings · 2,387 reviews

In this "frighteningly addictive" paranormal romance saga, 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...more

Published June 3rd 2008 by Signet

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Mar 25, 2013 Blacky *Mistress of doom* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-paranormal, favorites, of-course, 4-stars-for-enjoyment, 4-stars-for-quality, favorite-pnr

“You tell the others I was not worthy of her.” As the Directrix’s mouth fell open, he pointed his finger at her. “That’s a goddamned order. You tell them . . . she is too good for me. I want her elevated to a special rank. . . . I want her fucking enshrined, do you understand me? You do right by her or I’ll bust this place into ruins.”

I have to say that these 4 stars go to the BDB world and stories revolving around all the other characters. I enjoyed the book even though I wasn't thrilled wit...more

66 likes · like · see review

Jan 16, 2009 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of star-crossed lovers

Shelves: addiction, angsty-read, arranged-marriage, celibate-or-less-experienced-hero, family, flawed-hero, hero-to-die-for, heroine-i-adore, hot-and-steamy-romance, knight-in-tarnished-armor, less-than-perfect-hero-or-heroine, paranormal-romance, owned-copy, part-of-a-series, redemption, tortured-hero, unrequited-love

I loved this book. I had heard many criticisms about it not being as good as the others, and Phury not being as fleshed out. I have to say that I have a real understanding of Phury now. His torment is very much internal and revolves around his sense of failure, his not being able to "get there on time", as my mother so wisely said as we discussed the book last night at dinner. He failed in helping his parents, he failed in getting his brother back faster. Boy does he have a whopping case of Surv...more

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Jun 08, 2008 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of urban fantasy

Shelves: urbanfantasy

Auntee, you were right. This novel is unlike any other in the BDB series. I would call it a major work of urban fantasy. But not really a paranormal romance. If you consider the romantic story of Phury and Cormia to be the main plot (because of the title), it only takes up about 15% of the book. The rest of the book is composed of 10 or more subplots. Yes, this is a very, very busy novel. *grin*

Okay, back to Phury and Cormia. Because Ward’s other novels are PNR you get evenly spaced sex scenes a...more Auntee, you were right. This novel is unlike any other in the BDB series. I would call it a major work of urban fantasy. But not really a paranormal romance. If you consider the romantic story of Phury and Cormia to be the main plot (because of the title), it only takes up about 15% of the book. The rest of the book is composed of 10 or more subplots. Yes, this is a very, very busy novel. *grin*

Okay, back to Phury and Cormia. Because Ward’s other novels are PNR you get evenly spaced sex scenes and satisfaction fairly soon. Not so with this one. Ward does something in LE that I have never seen before. She takes the first sex scene with Phury and Cormia and spreads it over 2/3 of the book, breaking it up with cliffhangers. Seriously, I kid you not. Cliffhangers in one sex scene. Can you spell FRUSTRATION?

I lost count how many times Phury and Cormia started to have sex for the first time. He would penetrate a little bit. Then change his mind and pull out, leaving her a virgin. I got to the point where I wanted to tell Cormia: “Girlfriend, the next time Phury does that, grab the Brother by his shoulders, push hard, and impale yourself! Just do it!” Dear Goddess, I know these characters aren’t real, but I am, and I need RELIEF! *big smile*

It’s kinda like when you’re in high school and college. I don’t know if you did this, but I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains, and this is what mountain girls do. When we find a guy we like enough to have sex, we did it in stages. Remember that? One date we’d let him get to “first base.” The next date “second base,” then “third base,” then we’d let him hit a “homerun.” Well, let me warn you. Phury and Cormia have many more “bases” than four in their relationship. And when they finally hit the “homerun,” they make a heartbreaking, agonizing mess out of it. In fact theirs is no easy relationship. The word that comes to mind is PAINFUL (yes, in all caps).

But, you know what? The HEA ending is so incredibly sweet it makes it all worthwhile. Lots of wonderful changes lead up to it, too. As a fan of Phury, I couldn’t be happier with how things turned out with Cormia. This alone makes the entire novel worthwhile for me.

I’m not going to say more, because this novel is packed with surprises in all the subplots, so no spoilers from me. However I do want to say something about the condemning voice in Phury’s head. The one he calls the Wizard. I believe Ward uses the Wizard as a metaphor for the condemning voice in the head of every child who has been emotionally and verbally abused. It’s composed of all the horrible things your parents ever said to you. It’s also composed of all the love you were denied. Trust me, all abused children hear that voice, and it doesn’t go away when you grow up. The good news is you can silence it, and it’s simpler than you think. All you have to do is realize the truth: the Wizard is a liar. Talk back to that voice, call every condemning comment a lie, and the Wizard will eventually shrink and disappear. This voice is not exclusive to addicts. Every addict I’ve ever known started out as an emotionally or verbally abused child. That’s where it starts. How your life turns out depends on how much you listen to and believe the lies the “Wizard” tells you 24/7. Yeah, the Wizard never shuts up, until you shut him up.

IMO this novel is a major literary accomplishment for Ward in the genre of urban fantasy. If you haven’t read it yet, all I can say is buckle your seatbelt. You’re in for a wild ride!! *big smile*
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Apr 23, 2010 Mel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fan-freakin-tastic, favorites

Lover Enshrined, the sixth addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, is Phury’s book. Mind you: it’s not only about Phury finding love. So if you’re looking for a simple, straight forward romance and you’re satisfied with boy meets girl, boy loves girl, boy gets girl, please: skip this book. (At least you won’t be adding to the undeserved critiques the book has been receiving.)

Lover Enshrined goes deep: it’s hard, painful, frustrating, heart breaking. It is about Phury coming of age, deci...more Lover Enshrined, the sixth addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, is Phury’s book. Mind you: it’s not only about Phury finding love. So if you’re looking for a simple, straight forward romance and you’re satisfied with boy meets girl, boy loves girl, boy gets girl, please: skip this book. (At least you won’t be adding to the undeserved critiques the book has been receiving.)

Lover Enshrined goes deep: it’s hard, painful, frustrating, heart breaking. It is about Phury coming of age, deciding what’s important in life, changing his perspective and safe ways.

Alienated by his own parents, growing up to believe he was the reason for the misery of people around him, Phury has spent life alone, tortured and with a desperate need to make things right. It’s this kind of reasoning which made him look for his twin for decades. Which made him put everyone else’s well being before his. Which made him deny himself of the pleasures of life. And which strengthened the wizard’s voice in his head and made him a drug addict.

Phury’s love interest Cormia has her own battles. As a Chosen she’s learned to believe she serves only meaning as a part of a whole. That she is not important as a person. And, like Phury, she has a hard time differentiating ‘thinking about your own happiness’ from ‘selfishness’.

Both Phury and Cormia needed to fight their own demons before finding love. This might have made the love story a little less romantic in the traditional way, but it did make it more real.
At first I was thinking Phury got the shaft by getting this kind of romance, but now I think Ward did him a favor. Phury gets a realistic personal and love story and he features in a book which crossed the boundaries from PNR to UF.
A shift (looking back) Ward started in Lover Revealed, which became apparent in Lover Unbound and is now fully blooming in Lover Enshrined. The well layered story involves a lot of characters and viewpoints but in the end it all comes together.

We see a surprisingly gentle side of the Omega, get a deliciously wicked new villain, learn more about Rehvenge and Xhex, get reunited with an old character and acquainted with a new one and we see the younger generation stepping up (JM and his gang).
I absolutely love John Matthew. His inner monologue is often funny and- while it shows his vulnerability in spite of his big bad warrior body- it also depicts his intelligence, strength and resolve.
We also get to know Qhuinn up close and personal and might I say: it was a pleasure. Also: I’ve found my new favorite romantic pairing! Let's just say: I really hope Ward doesn’t chicken out. Again.

*spoiler alert*
At the end of this book we see Phury has stepped up and has managed to change things for the better, both in his personal life as in vampire society. But, eventhough he has shown great strength and mentality, Phury no longer is in the Brotherhood. To me, this only shows how misunderstood and unvalued he still is. I hope this will change because Phury deserves so much more.

Lover Enshrined was a very solid and engaging read. A well deserved 5 stars.
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Nov 05, 2011 Aquit rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: No one, unless you like 20 plots smashed into one book

Recommended to Aquit by: No one, I wanted to read it but got burned in the end

Shelves: books-i-reviewed, waste-of-time-and-tree, twit-tstl-argh, guy-has-dicks-for-brains, contemporary-pnr-romance, books-i-own-then-donated, characters-spine-removed, guy-i-would-bang-him-and-leave-em, guy-is-emotionally-abusive, guy-is-rude-overboaring-ass, guy-needs-to-be-hit-by-sledgehammer, guy-needs-to-fall-off-a-cliff, need-more-chemistry-damnit, no-connection-between-h-and-h, no-redemption-for-these-two, the-infamous-misunderstanding, twit-cant-seem-to-buy-a-brain, twit-is-sexual-doormat, twit-is-useless-twit, twit-need-a-backbone-not-a-dick, twit-you-wanna-smack-and-shake

I was so excited when Phury's book came out. He was the only man I liked in Black Dagger Brotherhood. I thought he was different in a lot of ways from the other guys. Stronger and more reliable. My type of hero. I bought the book and planned to love “Lover Enshrined” and Phury even more. . .

Boy, was I wrong. How many times did we had to see how tormented this guy was? How many times did we had to know that he had emotional issues that go way back to the century he was born in? How many times di...more

31 likes · like · see review

Jun 08, 2011 Buggy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: shelf-09, paranormal-rom, tortured-hero, addicted, vampalicious, shelf-10, scars-r-sexy, re-read, tattooed-hero, multiple-pov

Opening Line:"The Wizard had returned."

In Book 6 of Ward’s awesome Black Dagger Brotherhood series we finally get Phury’s story… sort of. Unfortunately for him (and us) with this instalment Ward switches from the romance genre to urban fantasy and consequently Phury’s love story gets lost in the shuffle. Sure he still gets the girl in the Chosen Cormina and we still get a few awww moments but Phury’s terribly overshadowed by sub-plots and many, many alternate POV’s, never truly getting his chanc...more Opening Line:"The Wizard had returned."

In Book 6 of Ward’s awesome Black Dagger Brotherhood series we finally get Phury’s story… sort of. Unfortunately for him (and us) with this instalment Ward switches from the romance genre to urban fantasy and consequently Phury’s love story gets lost in the shuffle. Sure he still gets the girl in the Chosen Cormina and we still get a few awww moments but Phury’s terribly overshadowed by sub-plots and many, many alternate POV’s, never truly getting his chance to shine.

LOVER ENSHRINED see’s everyone from previous books returning and there's a lot of growth involved within the story as a whole. As usual Ward has several distinct plotlines running simultaneously and a host of secondary characters who continue to develop and grow. John Mathew, Blay, Quinn and Lash all take on huge roles here, evolving into very interesting main characters who captured and held my interest, often stealing the spotlight. Wrath as our foul mouthed King is wonderful and Zsadist will make your heart break all over again as he deals with his twin’s struggle and Bella’s dicey pregnancy. Vishous and Butch are barely mentioned and I found myself missing their banter. Xhex gets some major character development as does Rehvenge who has been set up brilliantly for Lover Avenged.

There are also some fantastic action scenes and those Lessers are back with a new leader who’s nastier than ever. Ward builds the suspense throughout here, introducing new characters and making me cry as old ones finally return. And even though this is a departure from the rest of her series there’s still plenty to love and fans won’t be disappointed, much. Its obvious Ward’s heading in a new direction I just hope she doesn’t stray too far.

Phury's character has always been a tragedy, continually sacrificing himself for the good of others. He's given up hundreds of years (and a leg) to save his twin Zsadist, remained celibate for centuries (although that's just changed) and most recently gave up his independence and future when he stepped in for V and became Primale of the Chosen. You could say he has a hero complex. He's also been pathetically in love with his twin's wife for at least 3 books now. This little predicament has filled him with such guilt and self disgust that the wizard and his red smoke have now taken up permanent residence.

This book is a tough journey for Phury as he succumbs to addiction and faces the consequences. It was heartbreaking watching him destroy himself and his Brothers having no choice but to let him hit bottom and ultimately let him go. There are some great scenes here with an exasperated King and a disgusted Zsadist. We also get many interactions from the other side with Cormina, the Chosen and the Scribe Virgin as Phury struggles to fulfill the role of Primale. Through it all Phury still manages to have perfect, flowing, multi-coloured hair, how does he do it? Cheers. (less)

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Jun 04, 2008 Julie (jjmachshev) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: All BDB fans

Shelves: 2008-reads

Well, Ward has done it again. I just couldn't put this book down once I started. There was so much going on, it was non-stop from the first chapter! There have been lots of complaints about Ward's books and her characters, and where the series is going. I, for one, kind of enjoy the fact that I don't expect the series to go in any certain way. I like s/f, I like fantasy, and I like romance. This series, once again, just speaking for myself, seems to be a blend of all three and it works for me.

Ph...more

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Jun 07, 2008 Auntee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of BDB series

Shelves: paranormal-romance, keepers, tortured-hero

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Wow! This one was unlike any of the others in the BDB series. It didn't focus so much on the romance between the H/H (Phury and Cormia), as the other books in the series did, and at first I missed that. This was more about Phury coming to grips with his past, and his ability to finally forgive himself and allow himself the freedom to love and be loved. It was also heart wrenching at times to watch Phury battle with his drug addiction, which he had for (hundreds!) of years! At times Phury's self...more Wow! This one was unlike any of the others in the BDB series. It didn't focus so much on the romance between the H/H (Phury and Cormia), as the other books in the series did, and at first I missed that. This was more about Phury coming to grips with his past, and his ability to finally forgive himself and allow himself the freedom to love and be loved. It was also heart wrenching at times to watch Phury battle with his drug addiction, which he had for (hundreds!) of years! At times Phury's self destructiveness and hero complex did grate on my nerves, but at least the author took the time to reveal his heartbreaking back-story, so I could see the motivations for his actions. And when Phury finally got his act together and allowed himself to accept Cormia's love, it was a beautiful moment and brought tears to my eyes.

This was also a transitional book, setting in motion what is to come later in the series, with not many plot points being resolved. The plot about the future BDB brothers, John Matthew, Qhuinn, and Blay, and their close friendship, was especially interesting to me. Qhuinn's horrible treatment by his family, was especially disturbing and sad. (They shunned him due to his mismatched eyes? (One blue, one green) Haven't they ever heard of David Bowie? lol! And the friendship that blooms between Blay and Qhuinn reminded me much of V and Butch, but went much farther than theirs went. I am curious to see how far sexually the author is going to take this friendship.

John Matthew continues to have a fascination with the mysterious Xhex, but we only learn just a little bit more about her. Obviously more will be revealed in a future book.

And thankfully, a person very important from John Matthew's past makes a somewhat suprising return, brought back by a mysterious fallen angel. (once again--future book)

And the sympath Rehvenge gets a fair amount of mention in this book. The 'creature/princess' thing/person he is being blackmailed by I found really creepy yet intriguing. Once again, just enough to whet your appetite for a future book.

There is also a not so suprising revelation of who is the son of the villianous Omega. I think I saw this one coming, but the future war between the Omega's son and the Brotherhood will continue on in the following books, I'm sure.

Finally, a few of the things that I would have liked to see but were not in the book: more on the other brothers and their shellans! Although Zsadist and Bella were featured a little (mainly in a storyline regarding the birth of their child), and Wrath had a few moments, the others were barely mentioned. Doc Jane made a few 'ghostly' appearances--but only to do some 'doctoring'. Beth made one brief appearance. No sign of Mary or Marissa. Butch, V, and Rhage had token appearances. I would have loved a page or two just to see what they were all up to. But that's a minor quibble. Even though this was not the most romantic or exciting of the BDB series, this was a worthwhile book, bringing to light the future direction of the series. And I find J.R. Ward's writing style so exceptional, she could write a phone book and I would probably find it interesting! I would give "Lover Enshrined" 4 1/2 stars, and I will definitely look forward to more in this exciting series!(less)

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Jun 07, 2008 Kathrynn rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series-bdb_ward, romance-paranormal, romance-contemporary, own, 2008, reviewed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I did not care for this book--at all. I thought it had too many plots, scene interruptions and not enough romance. I was very disappointed in Phury's character--FIVE months and he all but ignored Cormia, then "assigned" John Mathews to show her around.

Did not think Phury's way or style of killing "lessers" should have been grounds for kicking him out of the Brotherhood. It wasn't just the drug problem because he'd had that for several hundred years. The icing on the cake was his torturing the "...more I did not care for this book--at all. I thought it had too many plots, scene interruptions and not enough romance. I was very disappointed in Phury's character--FIVE months and he all but ignored Cormia, then "assigned" John Mathews to show her around.

Did not think Phury's way or style of killing "lessers" should have been grounds for kicking him out of the Brotherhood. It wasn't just the drug problem because he'd had that for several hundred years. The icing on the cake was his torturing the "lessers" coupled with his carelessness. Yes, he was a hazard to have watching your back, but he did his killings alone.

Phury's reasons for being a drug addict and vow of celibacy didn't tally up for me. He was whining about his childhood, when it wasn't that bad, certainly not enough to warrant several hundred years of drugs, celibacy, and guilt. I did not care for his internal wizard or his drug addiction and felt the Brother's should have undertaken prevention long ago. He was known as a liar and they believed he would be the Primale? They knew he was prone to dishonesty and they knew he was celibate.

For me, Wrath really lacked in leadership in the past couple of books. He should have been more aware what was going on in Quinn's life and how he was being treated by his family. He should be more aware of what the Brother's are doing as well.

As for Quinn's story, I fail to see how the race can be so desperate for "young" and treat one as an outcast because he has two different colored eyes. No wonder they are faced with possible extinction. Between the asinine rules on The Other Side and Glymera coupled with "lessers" killing them, their ability to remain a solvent race is slim. Toss in the added Brother's are practically falling apart and what a mess.

I did not care for all the details on Quinn, John Mathew, Blay. Their "coming of age" scenes and internal drama's were too much for me. I didn't need to know about their bodies baser urges to such detail and frequency. I got it the first time! Talk about throwing a wrench in the mess--Blay.

I did not care for Rhevenge or Xhex's stories. My WTF meter was at its maximum toleration level when their tales unfurled. (eyes rolling)

For me, the ending was the best part, but because there was very little interaction between Phury and Cormia, just didn't add up to a great "I love you."

Finally, there were a lot of mundane details throughout the book that I thought dragged the story lineS down. I got the impression this book was rushed and not as well edited as past books. I realize all the Brother's have now had their turn at the wheel and this one allowed for the story line to continue--albeit in a slightly more sci-fi/urban fantasy genre and not necessarily romance. (less)

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Apr 01, 2013 Pavlina Michou rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pavlina, vampire, hot-male

3,5 stars
Ok I dint like it very much sometimes I was pissed with Phury...
But in the end I love it!!!!I like Phury with Cormia.!!!!
I like the scenes between Zsadist and Phury...
Still my favourite brother is Zsadist!!!I love him and in the end with Bella....so sweet!!!!

description

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Mar 21, 2013 Kellie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bdb

Re-Read 2013
Hmmm.. I've decided I'm demoting stars from this book.. and I must have been smoking crack or had been abducted by aliens, when I originally gave it 5 stars because of the secondary story that I loved so much. But this re-read I found myself skipping over the parts with Phury cos I just couldn't stand him being a whiny bitch all the time..
and Cormia being a whiny bitch, but one that still made me giggle at her naivety.

I still find that they were indeed perfect for each other.As al...more

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Aug 05, 2008 L8blmr rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of the series (don't be discouraged by negative reviews)

I began reading this with trepidation due to a lot of negative reviews I read - no romance, more urban fantasy, too many characters, to many NEW characters (particularly new "species' of PN's), etc. Well, I loved it! It may not be the same ratio of romance to adventure or an awful lot of character development, but you have to admit that it's head and shoulders above most of the new stuff out there to read! It saddens me when someone says "that's it - no more Ward books for me ... too much of a d...more

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May 22, 2008 Inky rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was lucky enough to get a review copy of this book and can I just say: Wow.
This is my favorite installment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward. The emotional depth of the book is vast -- it's about brothers, lovers and comrades in arms. It's about budding friendship, distant parents, and painful change. She takes us through addiction, societal restructuring and the ravages of a growing war with the Lessening Society.
And at the heart is the love story between Phury and Cormia. Don...more

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Jan 26, 2009 Julie (Mom2lnb) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of the BDB, PNR Romance & Urban Fantasy

Shelves: paranormal-romance, read-2009, urban-fantasy

Reviewed for thcreviews.com
I had noticed that Lover Enshrined, like Lover Unbound, its predecessor in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, seemed to have quite a few low ratings, but unlike with Lover Unbound, this time I did not let the discontent of others influence my reading of the book. I am so glad that I didn't, because even though I cannot say that Lover Enshrined is one of my favorites in the series, it was still a very good story. It was also a very busy story with so much happening wi...more

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Feb 19, 2012 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 1-series-i-am-rabid-about, author-goddess-j-r-ward, paranormal-romance, va-va-voom-vampires, hot-male-in-my-harem, kings-of-the-harem, 1-top-5-bestest-series, couple-made-in-heaven, hero-i-wanna-hug, lover-the-cover, virgin-or-inexperienced-hero

Phury has selflessly volunteered himself. Again. He is to be the Primale, the strength of the race, with his very own harem of Chosen to bare his young and continue on his bloodline. Now with the burden of being the Primale, his inappropriate love for his beloved twin's shellan, his life is finally slipping out of control, the only thing getting him through the day is a bale of red smoke and the chance to cut up lessers up in new and torturous ways. But when his black daggers are taken away for...more

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May 31, 2009 Eastofoz rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I didn’t particularly like this installment of the BDB. Ward still writes well but plot wise I felt that she was all over the place. Phury’s story, that was supposed to be the main story, meandered throughout the novel. I didn’t like him and I didn’t think that his sudden love for Cormia was in the least bit believable. He was boring and tedious. Even their love scenes were blah and Ward has always written phenomenal ones for her lead characters.

The other brothers were also stale. Lots of exces...more

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Mar 28, 2009 Christel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: any JR Ward, BDB fan

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. After waiting for this one to be released, I read it on one night. This is a transitional book in the series, setting up for future books in the series. Now he is my take on what I read:

1. Cormia- I really felt sorry for her in the beginning. Taken from Sanctuary and only knowing her world there, I know the way she felt, complete culture shock!! I have been there and done that, it's not fun and you are completely overwhelmed. Finally she becomes friends with John Matthew and Bella. And grows som...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Alex Economides rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jr-ward, paranormal, favorites-books, series

After rereading this book I still find it the one I like the least...
Phury is just not as interesting as he was in previous books and Cormia kinda fades into the background....perhaps if there had been more about their relationship in this book I may have had a different opinion about them. There are so many sub-plots and characters....my head reeled....who, what...where/????
Of course I devoured each word on Qhuinn....I just adore this guy....I wish he could be mine.......he's hot hot hot....
I a...more

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Feb 07, 2013 Breann rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, vampires, reread, 2013-rrrc-challenge

I really don’t know how to rate this one. I don’t know whether I should rant or rave. So I think I’ll do a little bit of both and see where I end up.

Rant
Phury & the wizard - ERMAHGERD could this man have thrown a bigger pity party for himself? No. He could not. I get it, he’s had it rough, needs some smoky smoke to get through it all, but talking to himself through “the wizard”? No, please, never again do I want to read about the British man living in Phury’s head.

Phury & Cormia - It’s b...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: paranormal romance fans

Shelves: pnr, vampires, warriors, books-i-go-rabid-over, tortured-bad-boys, my-hottie-harem, author-j-r-ward, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, virgin-heroes, the-hymen-club, favorites, ebooks, read-in-2010

Lover Enshrined is actually the sixth book in the BDB series, but the first one that I have read. To be honest, I was a little skeptical when I heard about this series because: one, it involved vampires and I read and own way too many vampire books. Two, because it’s a paranormal romance and I have never read anything from this genre. I was a virgin, so to speak with this variety.

After reading Lover Enshrined, I am so happy that I picked it up! I was expecting lots of sex scenes and just lust a...more

7 likes · like · see review

Nov 12, 2008 Beth F. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, urban-fantasy, wizards-r-us, paranormal-romance, 2008

There were several concurrent storylines in this book. I counted seven. I think it goes without saying that if you haven’t read the first five, don’t you dare start here because nothing will make sense.

I’ve ordered the seven storylines from most to least prevalent, basing my decisions on how much time Ward spent on each of these issues:

1 - John Matthew was, by far and large, the main character of this novel. And by extension that covers his buddies, Qhuinn and Blaylock and also that little shit...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jul 05, 2011 Nichole (Dirty H) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy, vampires, 2008, books-i-own, 2011-re-reads

About halfway through the book, I got curious about what other BDB fans thought, so I went to Amazon.com and read some reviews and some discussions.
Wow, people are not happy. People feel like they've been tricked. They feel like the series has gone from romance to urban fantasy.

While I don't necessarily feel tricked or upset about the whole thing, I have to agree that this is definitely more urban fantasy. The supposed "main" storyline, i.e. the romance between Phury and Cormia, is really just a...more About halfway through the book, I got curious about what other BDB fans thought, so I went to Amazon.com and read some reviews and some discussions.
Wow, people are not happy. People feel like they've been tricked. They feel like the series has gone from romance to urban fantasy.

While I don't necessarily feel tricked or upset about the whole thing, I have to agree that this is definitely more urban fantasy. The supposed "main" storyline, i.e. the romance between Phury and Cormia, is really just a B or even C story. The main story is the war between the vampires and the lessers, particularly how it relates to John and his friends as well as another character that has gone from secondary to front and center.

Yeah, I'm a little disappointed. This series completely sucked me in, to the point where I would not have recommended it to anyone with a job, a family or any concern for personal hygiene. But this book did not suck me in that way. I was not as invested in the characters as I had once grown to expect from Ward. I used to if not fall completely in love with the lead character, at least grow to like them and feel a bit attached as the book progressed. After finishing this book, I feel no more invested in Phury than I was in the very first book.

The series has changed; in direction as well as scope. However, as far as urban fantasy goes, this is probably some of the best I've read. I was still invested in the story, and I will continue to read the series. I'm curious to see where things go with John and Xhex, and I'm intrigued by the new character Lassiter.

So for BDB fans, no, this is not what you signed on for when you fell in love with the first 3 or 4 books in the series, and for the people who were very disappointed with Lover Unbound; those problems have not been fixed. Character development is still nill, the romance storyline is even less prominent, and the part that bugs me the most: For those of us who were very interested in the Butch and V storyline and very disappointed when Ward completely turned away from it - she did it again!!! Yet again she flirted with the idea of a homosexual relationship (or even encounter) and then shied away. I thought she would have learned her lesson the first time....

Anyway, if you were frustrated with the direction the last book took, this book isn't really any better. However, despite some annoyances and disappointments, this is still a great series. I am still interested in the story, I am still drawn into Ward's meticulously crafted world, and I will continue to read this series. If you go into it expecting less romance and more urban fantasy, then you will get some of the best urban fantasy out there. The fans who came to the series for the romance (like me) will be disappointed, but I think if you can let that go and just enjoy the ride, you'll ultimately be glad you did.
(less)

8 likes · like · see review

Aug 02, 2009 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-pnr-uf, species-vampires, zz-reviewed, genre-paranormal

As i am completing this review after I finishing the series to date, I have to remain firm on my original feeling--this is for sure my least favorite of the series.

Phury has pretty much gotten on my nerves from day 1, but he really started to grind on my nerves in Zsadist and Bella's book--argh!!! In this one, his self deprecating actions wore pretty thin on me...the red smoke...enough already! let's not forget his self imposed celibacy, it just got to be a little much for me.

There are many fan...more

5 likes · like · see review

Leah I feel the same way, Cherra. Phury started irritating me in Lover Eternal, though, when Bella came to the house for Mary's "party" and he tried to get...more
Mar 08, 2010 01:11pm

I ♥ Bookie Nookie Leah *~*Pherocious*~* wrote: "I feel the same way, Cherra. Phury started irritating me in Lover Eternal, though, when Bella came to the house for Mary...more
updated Mar 08, 2010 04:15pm

Leah Cherra wrote: "yeah, i was pretty pumped with JM was beating him up--it made me feel like: ok, so I'm not the only one who thinks he is being an idiot...more
Mar 08, 2010 02:53pm

Jun 10, 2008 Penny rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Too many storylines, so little cramped space. I think J.R. Ward spent so much time interweaving the various storylines that she let the main love story lapse. This is supposed to be Phury/Corima's story and it ended up becoming a race to see how many characters she could cram into the book. Yes, she moved alot of different plots foward but in the end, she ended up not giving Phury/Corima the storyline that they deserve.

One reason I love her books is because she gets me invested in her character...more

16 likes · like · see review

May 12, 2013 Christy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angst, book-boyfriends-with-issues, emotional, paranormal

photo f7b6e684-d780-4fb8-8faf-27149046b3cb_zps0dc83f81.jpg

I’m going to have to go with a 4-4.5 Stars for this one. There were a lot of things I really liked, but I guess following Vishous’ book was too tough of an act to follow.

photo ea7832e1-7f75-4a00-b242-6150509ac263_zpsb885df35.jpg

Phury is Zsadist’s twin. He is the calm, cool brother. Always willing to sacrifice himself to help anyone out. Thats whats got him in this predicament in the first place. After being celibate for over 200 years (can you say world’s oldest virgin?) Phury takes V’s place as the Primale. This means he has to ‘bed’ and impregnate...more

20 likes · like · see review

Mar 21, 2012 Brittany B. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, great-series, high-recommend

After reading so many negative reviews, I dreaded reading this book. But for me, this was a great addition to the series.
I will write a proper review soon. But wanted to add my votes fo the lot now:

Lover enshrined was fascinating. I enjoyed every moment of it. Maybe this is a love it or hate it book, I don't know. I totally respect that many wanted more romance between Phury and Cormia. But it's still very sweet and smexy. All in all there is so much to enjoy with the plot, I never felt that th...more

9 likes · like · see review

Nov 10, 2012 Lazy Jeff added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-read, paranormal, vampires, recent-reads

While reading this I remembered one old Russian joke about a hedgehog and a horny elk. It's ugly and indecent so if you're very sensible, please, don't read this :)

A hedgehog went for a walk in the woods and met a fox. The fox was clearly in distress, she was sad and miserable.
'Why are you so sad?' the hedgehog asked the fox.
'The elk went mad! I was running around the forest and then suddenly he attacked me from behind and fucked me to my ass!'
Jesus, though our little hedgehog, The elk truly wen...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jul 01, 2010 AH rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: zzread-june-2010, vamps, own, used-book-sale-finds

3.5 stars

OK, so this definitely is not my favorite book of the series. I found that both Phury and Cormia frustrated me. Phury had way too many inner demons, guilt, and a drug addiction to be a sympathetic character. Cormia was a little bit of a dish rag. I kept wanting her to stand up for herself and tell Phury off.

In this book, Phury becomes the Primale. Phury is responsible for repopulating the race. Problem is, he had taken a vow of celibacy and he was a virgin. So we have a Black Dagger Br...more

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2010 Kristin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own

I don't think this should really be categorized as romance.

But action/suspense/war/drama! But hardly enough coverage on the romance. There was about as much romance in this book as there was in Charlaine Harris' "Dead Until Dark" and that's not all that much. But the difference is when romance is discussed in this book, MAN, is it steamy as hell! Cormia and Phury really do have chemistry off the charts and maybe that was the point the Warden was trying to make. That their chemistry is so good th...more I don't think this should really be categorized as romance.

But action/suspense/war/drama! But hardly enough coverage on the romance. There was about as much romance in this book as there was in Charlaine Harris' "Dead Until Dark" and that's not all that much. But the difference is when romance is discussed in this book, MAN, is it steamy as hell! Cormia and Phury really do have chemistry off the charts and maybe that was the point the Warden was trying to make. That their chemistry is so good that not much should be covered? I don't know. But this book is for my fellow action junkies and people who loves revolutionary stuff, which is why I gave this book five stars.

This book started out REALLY slow. If it wasn't enough of a chore to get through Cormia and Phury's POVs in Lover Unbound, I expected it to be so in this book and it kinda was in the beginning. Phury is one of those characters who can't help but love but he'll piss you off a lot because of the decisions he makes and I think that's the point. He someone who wants to do good and be everyone's hero but while he sets flowers on one side, he pollutes the flowers on the other. You can't sweep someone elses porch until you've gotten yours straightened out.

Turns out for five months, Cormia has been a sitting duck, unknowingly discovering things about herself. Meanwhile, Phury is smoking up a storm (literally) and turns out he has an inner demon than hinders him from making something out of himself. I can empathize with Phury here. We all have that inner voice of doubt in our minds that can stop us from taking potentially good risks or just doing well, but Phury's demon of doubt is so strong that it is ruining his life, royally, bit by bit, and this story is the tale of his complete breakdown, the straw that finally broke the camel's back and how he will rise up. And I just want to say that it's inspirational as hell, his story.

The rest, or must I say the most of the book, is all about the war between the lessers and vamps reaching a very critical point because as the brilliant Jack Nicholson in the Departed said, "There's a rat in my crew"---that's just a hint. It comes to a point where it gets unbelievably depressing. You see this traitor using all his prior inside information of the vampire community to slowly eradicate the civilization and you begin to feel really hopeless. I haven't screamed at a book this much since "The Darkest Pleasure" by Gena Showalter. You root so hard for this evil to be revealed at ANY time or for some clandestine group of warriors that no one knows about to come out of no where and join in with good guys. You won't care where they came from, just as long as they come! This book, it's like Spartans vs the Persians, a small number of strong warriors against a a large, still growing, number of evil (who fight better with corruption and dirtiness)

I also fell in love with Blay, the big sweetheart he is, and Qhuinn, the hilarious sexpot who comes from a very fudged up family. We only get Qhuinn's POVs but lemme tell you, his story and background made my chest ache something fierce and things that are yet to come for this guy. Q is a glymera offspring and because of his defect, he's completely alienated by his entire family and the group of vampires. That was what solidified my hatred for this class. I have never seen such stupid group of vampires, they all deserved to die in my bias and harsh opinion. In our world, they're the Bush folk, as I call 'em. Loaded, but ignorant as hell, and they see everything in black and white. Makes me wanna spit.

This is the first book I've read, when I didn't know how it was going to play out. Yeah, yeah, the whole romantic H-E-A ending but like I said, that wasn't really a major part of the story, even if it was intended to be. POV's changed a lot, more lesser POVs--but I'm not upset about this one because this lesser was very interesting--there was a very big twist and surprise as well although or at least that's what they call it. I wasn't all that surprised, and I don't think you would be either because it makes so much sense. You will get pissed off that no one is using their real deductive skills, or not looking farther into what they're actually seeing and therefore they're still blindly chasing something they had the tools to figure out all along. THAT is what teed me off about the book, but the rest of it was GREAT.(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 20, 2010 Tara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, read-and-reread, read-in-2009, read-in-2010, vampires, featured

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 4/20/10- I think I liked this book better the second time around- it still gets 4 stars, but now it's really 4 not 3 1/2. It still is a little lacking on Phury & now that I like her a little more Cormia. Not them together, but them in the past. The backstory on Cormia, more on Phury while he looked for Z or him & Z living together before they joined the brotherhood... those first few weeks together... there are things I wish I knew. When Phury actually started hearing the wizard, when he...more

3 likes · like · see review

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About J.R. Ward

J.R. Ward is a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passi...more

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Books by J.R. Ward

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1)

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3)

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #2)

Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #5)

Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #4)

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Quotes from Lover Enshrined

“After a moment, Wrath turned to John. "This is Lassiter, the fallen angel. One of the last times he was here on earth, there was a plague in central Europe-"
"Okay, that was so not my fault-"
"-which wiped out two-thirds of the human population."
"I'd like to remind you that you don't like humans."
"They smell bad when they're dead."
"All you mortal types do.” — 389 people liked it

“What brings you onto my property?" Rhev said, cradling his mug with both hands trying to absorb its warmth.
Got a problem"
I can't fix your personality, sorry” — 254 people liked it

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Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6)

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