Phury, one of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, searched years to find his twin, Zsadist, who had been kidnapped as a baby. Both brothers are now Black Dagger warriors, a cadre of men who protect the rest of the vampire race from their deadly enemies. After a lifetime of physical and emotional torture, Zsadist has finally found happiness with Bella, but Phury still lives under the strictures he placed on himself when he came into his manhood and became a warrior.

Phury is celibate and suffers from guilt at both the pain his twin suffered and the length of time it took him to find Zsadist. Because of his emotional pain, Phury has become addicted to Red Smoke, an easily attained drug, if one has the money. The drug allows him to temporarily escape his emotional pain, but is quietly becoming his master. Phury is becoming unreliable and a danger to his brother warriors. But he's taken a vow to give up his role as a Black Dagger warrior and become the Primale of the Chosen, the father of the next generation of Black Dagger warriors. Without new warriors, the race will not survive the fierce enemies dedicated to their total annihilation.

Cormia is Phury's First Mate, one of the Chosen, the ones who will bear the next generation of warriors. But she's only the First mate -- every other female there will also be trying to bear his children. Cormia has resigned herself to doing whatever is required of her, but she's fallen in love with Phury and wants him all for herself. The looming prospect of having to share the man she loves is breaking her heart. She's also spent an extended period of time living in the Brotherhood's mansion, while she tries to get to know Phury, and has grown to love this world and all the modern marvels it offers. But she'd rather give up both the world she's grown to love and the man she loves and spend her life secluded, not really living, than to bear the heartache of sharing Phury with all the other women.

Meanwhile, with the future pressing upon him, Phury is becoming more and more addicted to Red Smoke and could soon move to a stronger drug if he doesn't get help. He's falling in love with Cormia, but is likely to lose her and his entire future if he can't beat his addiction, overcome his emotional pain and give himself to the future hopes of his race -- or come up with a way to have Cormia, his Warrior life and ensure the future of the vampire race.

LOVER ENSHRINED was an absolute treat. The story seamlessly takes up the saga of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and adds a richness that will make you sit up and cheer, while wiping the tears off your cheeks. This is the best thing I've read in a long time. If you haven't been introduced to the Black Dagger Brotherhood before now, it's time you stopped denying yourself the pleasure. If you like paranormal, you'll love this series. Treat yourself to all six novels. J.R. Ward is a phenomenal talent -- and this is truly an excellent read.