Review: Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward
Black Dagger Brotherhood #6
534 Pages
Goodreads, Amazon, Author Website

From Goodreads: 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....

*Do not read the synopsis if you have not read the previous book Lover Unbound, it contains spoilers* You may have noticed that the books in this series are getting longer, this book is the first one to have made me actually notice the length. Phury's character frustrated me a bit, as did Cormia's character. They like each other but can't seem to communicate that until the very end. Since Phury is the primale and Cormia is a Chosen they are in what you would call an arranged marriage. He was supposed to "take" her during a ceremony but he uncovers her face and sees that she is crying and very scared, so he releases her and does not complete the mating. He brings her back to the mansion where the Brotherhood resides and lets her do whatever she wants. They don't talk much and only see each other at meals. Phury believes himself to be in love with his twin brother's pregnant shellan or mate and his drug habits are spiraling out of control. I don't usually speak about the other characters in my reviews since their story comes up in a later book, but I have to say hat John Matthew is one of my favorite characters in this whole series so far. I can't wait to read his story in Lover Mine (#8). The ending was very sweet and very exciting. The war with the Lessers is getting intense and has taken a new turn. 

I give this book 4.5 Stars!