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Book Reviews of Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1)

Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1)
Covet - Fallen Angels, Bk 1
Author: J. R. Ward
ISBN-13: 9780749952150
ISBN-10: 0749952156
Publication Date: 10/1/2009
Pages: 496
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 15

4.1 stars, based on 15 ratings
Publisher: Piatkus Books
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

50 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

Erinyes avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 279 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 16
This book is set in the same universe as the Black Dagger Brotherhood. If you have read the Black Dagger books, you will recognize some people and some places. It is not necessary to have read the Black Dagger books to understand this one.

All right first let me say I really enjoyed this book. It is a bit more complicated than the BDB books in terms of plot in my opinion. The first forty or so pages were hard for me just because I was trying to work out who was good who was bad and I found it difficult. Once I got past that and found the rhythm of the story it was a really good one. The premise itself seems a little strange. Heaven and Hell agree to call off the war and place the fate of everything onto one guy and seven souls. However, JR Ward really does a great job of selling it. I didn't anticipate every aspect of the book in advance, I was genuinely surprised a few times. I love it when that happens in books!

In shorter words, go get this book. Because you cannot have mine! :)
PengQueen avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 114 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
I'm a huge fan of the Black Dagger Brother books, so I really looked forward to this series. While I enjoyed this book, however, it has a very different tone than Ward's other work.

As is typical of Ward, the point of view jump around a lot. We meet Jim, a 40-year-old ex-assassin construction worker who, following a near death experience, is charged with saving seven souls from sin and damnation. The first of these souls is the leading man of the book, Vin. Vin is a very wealthy man who is basically always unsatisfied with what he has and greedily seeking more. Vin's world is turned upside down when he meets Marie-Terese, a prostitute who is desperate for a normal life. They pretty much immediately and inexplicably fall in love (another typical theme for Ward). However, they are both in danger as Vin's greedy past and Marie-Terese's less than pleasant current circumstances catch up to them. Jim must help them find there way out of danger and to each other.

The romantic moments in this book are surprisingly touching. If you can suspend disbelief and assume love at first sight, that is. There's no build-up, just instant knock out attraction followed quickly by "the L word". I actually enjoyed this aspect of the book, because it made their love seem urgent and fated. I had some trouble liking both characters at first, because they just aren't that easy to relate to. But Ward quickly explains why they are what and who they are, so I was able to start to sympathize with them. Similarly Jim takes some time to warm up to, but you like him by the end. Most importantly, I can't say I was ever bored by this book.

Having said that, there were a few not so good things about this book. I felt like it changed points of view a little too often, even cutting into romantic moments to tell us what Jim is up to. While he's vital to the plot, he's not the romantic lead and in my opinion he got just a little more air time than was necessary. Also, there is a stalker subplot that made almost no sense and could probably have been left out entirely. Meanwhile, we are given a lot of background on how Marie-Terese ended up where she was, and in the end those background circumstances pretty much remain the same--i.e. the abusive scary ex-husband is still out there to pose the same threat as before. Loose threads like that, as well as Vin's special ability, are left to hang so the reader must guess and assume (or perhaps they will be tied up in future books). Overall there was a little to much "Buy The Next Book To Find Out" going on at the end of the story--it doesn't function as a stand alone at all.

This is decent paranormal romance. It's nothing like the Black Dagger Brotherhood, so it's best to read it without expectations.
whatstacy avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 235 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
If you are looking for a Black Dagger Brotherhood kind of story, think again. This book was slow and tedious, and it's about 150 pages to long. I really wanted to like this book because i love J.R. Ward, but it was a struggle from the start. Fallen angels? The main character was not an angel, he was recruited because both sides of the "battle for humanity" decided he was a middle of the road player to play the part. The whole story was confusing and the ending didn't leave me impatiently waiting for the sequel. The love story has its own sub plot with a stalker thrown in that has nothing to do with the story. I even tried to explain the plot to a friend, and i couldn't make enough sense of it to describe it. I own all of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books, but this series is not a keeper for me. Sorry Ward, better luck next time.
SassenachD avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I have to agree with Stacy's review.. This is NOT a BDB book by any means..or Fallen Angels, that is misleading... I must have missed that part... but, it is nice to see some of the minor characters getting a crack at the lime light. Caldwell is one freaky town... I agree the start up was SOOOO LONG...I was almost finished by the time the real action got going, but this is book one... The love story was nice...I figured the two main characters would be partners for future books...who knows?... Again, not sure where Ward was going with this...It has potential to be a good series.... I would like to read number two since this looks like a 7 book deal...
jemedwards avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
It has nothing to do with or even references the BDB series. With that said I have to say I love the BDB series more than this first work in the new series.

It took me about a third of the book to get past the "come on....come on already" syndrome I was having cuz the book seemed slow. However I see now that maybe it was just laying out the series and the characters for both this book and future books. My favorite genre is paranormal romance and this book is not written in the standard fare that I'm use to with those books but you know what......I ended up enjoying the book. Around the last quarter of the book I was actually looking forward to reading the rest.

I liked the characters but it was (and kind of still is) hard to get with Jim in his role as the main character. My favorite character - Dog. I can't wait to see what's up with him - there's a secret there I'm sure!

Yes I will read the next one. I have to say that I'm worried that if a battle is lost in one of the seven then maybe I won't enjoy the books because I'm a HEA kinda gal.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 2
This book is about a war between good and evil. One man is charged with saving 7 souls, he must bring them to light or the evil wins. If the evil wins, the world is over and everyone becomes mindless slaves. So Jim must save Vin's soul (who is the first of seven I assume) in order to save the human race. Obviously, there is more too it than that, but you will have to read it, I don't want to give too much away. From this book and what I have read from other sites and such, I believe each soul will be confronted by one of the 7 deadly sins, and therefore there will be 7 books in this series. Vin's sin I believe was greed. I don't know this for a fact, it is just speculation.


The beginning was sort of slow, I had to make myself keep reading, at about half-way I would have rated this book a 3 star, but...right about a tad after the half way point it got much better. There is some super steamy scenes between a couple of the main characters, and there are some awesome fight scenes as well. The plot picked up considerably and I finally started to see Ward's biting sarcasm from her characters. This book is definitely a must read if you are a Ward fan. I am super happy I got it in hardcover now.

Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-covet-by-jr-ward.html
tioga avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 167 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book is certainly different from her "Black Dagger" series. This is the first in a new series, I think, covering the seven deadly sins.
This interesting cast of characters is several fallen angels that are assigned to save someone from making the wrong decisions about his life. This is really a battle between Good and Evil and saving the world. The fallen angels against the team representing Evil -- the winner to determine the fate of the world.

I enjoyed it very much. 4 stars
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 103 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love JR Ward. She could write a book about basket weaving and I'd read it simply because she was the author. So I was so excited to see she had started a new series. But this book sucked so bad that I truly wonder if someone else wrote it for her. The story line was looooong and boooooring and very predictable. The sex scenes were cold and lacking. The only redeeming qualities of this book were the name of the author and some of the character references from the Brotherhood series. I'm hopeful book two is better but since it couldn't be any worse I think I'll be happier than I was with this book.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I was hesitant to read this series because I read some reviews that weren't that great. However, after reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood books, I couldn't NOT read anything that J.R. Ward has written. I really liked this book. It took me a while to catch on to what was going on because I was expecting Jim to be like the fallen angel in Lover Reborn, but once I let go of that train of thought and just went with it, I was hooked. I like that it is set in the same city as BDB and that some of the characters are the same. It eases my craving for more BDB (barely, for a few minutes...) and the ending leaves you wanting to know what happens next, clearly making way for more to come.
I love her writing style and it was a good story. I would recommend it. I just got book 2 via a swap the other day and will be reading it very soon.
ashleyhoffenberg avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charged with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option. Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough- talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. But then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart-and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

I love the 'good vs. evil' plot - who cares if it has been done before. What makes it cool is that Jim is so far removed from your typical hero. He has done a lot of bad shit in his life but at the heart of his soul, he is good. And throughout this series, he sets out to 'save' 7 people from the Seven Deadly Sins in order to save the world from the big bad uglies. I'm still wondering if he saved 1 or 2 in this book...

MT/Gretchen's stalker subplot was a bit odd and I was struggling with the purpose of this character through the entire book. I guess he served his purpose in the end, but I think we could have seen that ending with some actual fighting from big, bad Devina. I was really itching for some serious Demon throwdown. Maybe it will be delivered in future books...?

I am not entirely sure why so many people were disappointed with this book. It is definitely very different from Ward's BDB series, so you can't have the same expectations. I was emotionally connected to Jim, Vin and MT/Gretchen by the end, and I look forward to the next book, Crave. I found all the characters to be very strong-willed and determined. Plus, Dog was a star in the story, and I love Ward for allowing an animal to have a touching role in the series. Just like Boo in BDB.
snowkitty avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 114 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
When I started this book I had no expectations of the BDB being in it at all. You'll find it's still in the same town, but that was all. (so far?) It took about the first one-third of the book for setup, and a few times I almost put it down, but so glad I didn't. The length and small print was a little intimidating, and I'm hoping the next one is not that long, but I loved it. My only problem was while I was reading, I wondered why none of the characters ran into any of the Brothers, or slayers, or at least smelled baby powder at some point. I think the "Fallen Angels" are the angels that spend their time on earth fighting evil. Can't wait for the next one.
tammieleah avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wow!

This was the best written book I've read in a long time! I couldn't put it down. I love the Brotherhood books but I really enjoyed reading something with a different plot and characters. JR Ward is too good of a writer to just stick with one story line.

I don't think the book was "too long" as some others have reviewed it. It was just long enough and quite possibly not long enough - I really wanted it to continue and can't wait for the next book in the series.

Get the book, you won't be sorry!
frazerc avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 672 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wow!
Setting: Detailed and complex
Characters: Multifaceted and complex
Plot: Intense, action oriented and complex

Yes, I think the book was complex. Ward has to deliver a lot of setup and backstory in the first portion of the book; the reader is discovering 'the rules' along with the lead character, Jim Heron. Then you reach the cascade point - do not go past this point if you have cookies in the oven, children to pick up from school, or a job that requires your presence and active participation...

The book is loosely affiliated to the author's Black Dagger Brotherhood series but reading it first is not a requirement [although it is a wonderful series!]

My favorite image? The Demon seeing itself as a Free-Will Coach and the anti-Oprah...
PeachesNCream avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Ward has a very popular series called the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and I will get around to reading it one of these days, that has come highly recommended on many fronts. I did read a short story of hers in an anthology once and enjoyed her style. This full-length novel just cemented me as one of her loyal fans. From what I understand, Covet is a spin off of the BDB series, but I didn't feel left out of the loop by starting with this one.

Ward beautifully wove two story lines here. The first is about Jim and his destiny to save humanity during the final battle between good (angels) and bad (demons). The second story line is the romance played out in this book by Vin and Marie-Terese. The plot moved along wonderfully with a smooth and fast pace. The world was rich. The characters are real with flaws. Ward includes enough back story to let the reader in on the goals, motivations, and conflicts within each character.

I'll just leave it with...I loved the book and am looking forward to the next one in the series!
Bookfanatic avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
If you're a JR Ward fan, you can't read this book expecting it to be just like her Black Dagger Brotherhood series because it's not that. It's different, but different isn't always bad. Fallen Angels is not paranormal romance. It's grittier, and more action oriented like urban fantasy books. The romance is there, but ancillary to the story, and not the main focus like in the BDB series.

Some secondary characters from the BDB series appear in the book, but the main story revolves around new characters who aren't necessarily as compelling as the Black Dagger Brothers. The love scenes are not up to par with what's in the BDB Series, but it's still better than so many other paranormal romance books. I found the story intriguing enough to continue with the series.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Unfortunately though I love JR Ward I couldn't get into this story line. Maybe I was just to anxious while waiting for another Blackdagger Brotherhood Book. Now that is a great series by her.
Clair avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 225 more book reviews
I think if you like her style you'll like this one as well. If you expect the brothers you'll be disappointed. This is different but it's very good. Her Blackdagger Brotherhood books are my gold standard. I judge everything else against them. They are my ten. This is a nine/nine and half. Loved it.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
It takes a little while to set up the story line for this new series in this first book, but be patient, it's well worth it; and when it gets rolling it's quite a ride! The Fallen Angels are awesome and you'll fall in love with Jim very quickly. It's also great to be back in Caldwell (I'm a HUGE Black Dagger Brotherhood fan) and there are cameo appearances from some familiar characters, even a very tiny glimpse of Phury! Covet is a great start to a great new series and if you're a Ward fan, and especially if you love her BDB style I think you'll love the Fallen Angels. (I just finished the 2nd book, Crave, and it's even better. Can't wait for book 3)!
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
SLOW START BUT ONCE GET INTO IT IT'S WORTH READING
emmey43 avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 105 more book reviews
Love This author, she is one of the very best. Great Book, Took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I did, I had to finish it. Great story.
orchid7 avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 266 more book reviews
I found this book to be interesting, but I had to make myself keep going back to it rather than needing to finish it. I had a bit of a tough time getting into it at first, but it did start to pick up a bit after about the first 75 pages or so. The plot was a bit confusing in parts. I did find myself interested enough at the end to wonder what happens next with the main character "Jim", so I guess I'll try out the next one in this series- Crave (when it gets released). I haven't read the BDB series yet that everyone keeps comparing this to, but I'm glad to hear that it's better than this (I have them all in the TBR pile!) I wouldn't say that the book was bad, but it was hard to follow in parts & felt a bit too long. I also never really liked the heroine very much, which I guess is why I had to keep "reminding myself" to go back to the book.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Stacy's review is spot on. As a fan of the BDB books, I was really looking forward to this series, but the plot is so unnecessarily convoluted, and for reasons unknown to me, Ward (for arguably the first time) does not do well in terms of character development. Further, it's important to note that this book cannot be categorized as a romance: it's urban fantasy. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but the fantasy aspects are tedious to the point of being inexplicable and a little absurd. There is a little bit of romance, though it doesn't concern who I would consider to be the main character, and again, the quality of this aspect of the novel is spotty, at best, and concerns characters that are difficult to care about because they are not developed as well as they should be. And, yes, the book is much too long. I'm hoping that this is just a slow, not-so-good start to the series, and the next installment will be better.
mizsarmy avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
I started reading this because I loved J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood books and this book really lived up to my expectations! Steamy and captivating...in all a very good read.
scollins avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
A big fan of J.R. Ward and the Brotherhood series. Looked forward to the new series and was not let down. Book one did take a while to get the story started and bounced back and forth between characters which I always find a bit annoying as I have to flip back to previously read pages to put pieces together. Once the story uncovered it was a story of loss, revenge, betrayal and love. An interesting twist on the fallen angels and I look forward to the next in the series.
upst8nygirl avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Slow and utterly boring, very little passion. I'm a huge fan of the BDB Series and was so excited to finally read this, BUT unfortunately, the only thing I liked about it was the Hot Biker on the cover. I am sorry to say, I will not continue reading the series.
deb-loves-bostons avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
This book is definitely not the same caliber as the BDB but it is still a good read. It is a bit on the long side and takes awhile to get moving but it still should be a good series to read.
dessrell avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Yes, this was not in the same reading satisfaction as the "Brotherhood" books. I could not get pass Chapter 4. It was boring and a little drawn out?? This is definitely not a keeper in my library.
hclarson avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
The setup of the storyline took quite a while. I was almost halfway through the book before I got really involved with the characters. I am hoping that now that the sieries is set up, the rest of the books will flow a little smoother. A few cameos from the Brotherhood Series pop up and I hope that they cross paths eventually. Overall, a good read.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 146 more book reviews
I was so pleasantly suprised by how much I liked this book. J. R. Ward created a story that I just fell right into. Her writing style made me feel like I was right there in Caldwell, mixing it up with Jim, Marie-Terese, and the boys.

I am not much of a series reader, but I am happy to say that even though there will be at least 7 books in this series: I just can't wait to read the next one.
robinmy avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 2106 more book reviews
The Fallen Angels series is about the war between good and evil. The two sides have decided to let one person decide who will win the war. In the first book, Covet, we are introduced to Jim Heron, a former assassin who is charged with saving the souls of seven people. If he doesn't succeed, evil wins. Jim's first assignment is Vin diPietro, a very rich man who never has enough money. Jim tries to set Vin on what he believes is the right path. Both soon learn that things aren't what they seem. And when Vin meets Marie-Terese, he starts to question his destiny.

As always, Ward writes complex characters and an interesting plot. The first 50-pages are a little slow with the introduction of many so many characters. It took me a while to sort out how they would come together and who was good vs. evil. But, I found the romance between Vin and Marie-Terese kept me glued to the book. The overall story arc of good vs. evil is very well done. I also loved Jim and his new side-kicks. Can't wait for the next book in the series. My rating: 4.75 Stars.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 458 more book reviews
I really looked forward to this book. I hate to say that I did not like it. I put it down and picked it back up several times before I finally finished. The brotherhood series was soooo good that I guess I expected too much. I have not decided if I will continue with the series to see if it gets better or not.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
If you are into Vampires and love matches...J.R. Ward is the gal for
you. Terrific book.
Barb in San Diego
morebooks2read avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
This book is totally different from the other BDB series but definitely as good. You need to stop associating this as part of the BDB, once you get the hang of it ;) you wont be able to put it down. GREAT STORY !!!
Sheri avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
JR Ward hits a home run with her new series of the Fallen Angels. Loved the book can't wait for Crave the second in the series.
elsasdaughter avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 115 more book reviews
I love the Black Daggerhood series. So I thought I'd give this J.R Ward one a try. I got to page 183 and just could not read it. Too many people, too much going on. Jim is not the main guy but is always there, apparently there might be 6 or 7 books left but Jim just did not do it for me as a hero or character or anything. Vin was Ok and Marie was Ok too, not a keeper.
mluvsj avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
I have always been a fan of JR Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood and was very excited to see a new series come out. I was not disappointed. This series is great. The main character is strong and the series has a lot of promise. Covet kept me turning the page from the beginning to the end..there was never a dull moment. I look forward to reading others in this series.
asrxtec52 avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Covet, Book 1 of J. R. Ward's Fallen Angels series.
Jim Heron is the quintessential bad boy, but he is also very good. So good that he's been selected to tilt the scale in the battle between good and evil. Given seven tries, I'd put my money on him every time. He's bad to the bone, yet he's as good as gold, and the future of mankind is on the line.
kildee avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
I have read all the Black Dagger books and thoroughly enjoyed every one of them, This series however had elements that turned me completely off. Devina's actions throughout the series were more in tune with a horror story than a romance and a little over the top for me. The rest of the format was good and enjoyable, but the author needs to tone down some on Devina's deviousness.
Amberlani avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 56 more book reviews
Another great series from J.R. Ward. With only little references to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, this series is totally different but no less enjoyable. The good guys are easy to root for.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
Really enjoyed it!! The start of another series. Rough and tuff hero. Yea!!
swampmolly avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 150 more book reviews
Just as totally awesome as the Brotherhood Series but w/angel twist! Can't wait to read #2!
mshrm avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 144 more book reviews
It will be another good series from J.R. Ward.
stephanie13w avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 300 more book reviews
Not a good book ~ the characters were unlikeable, the story all over the place & I just thought it was a jumbled mess.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
I love J.R. Ward and read her black dagger brotherhood. I thought I would try this series. I was not dissappointed.
bookdeejay avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 132 more book reviews
Another series of J R Ward's that promises to be just as enthralling as the BlackDaggar Brother hood. Loved it.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Interesting new series by a favorite author of mine.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Great J.R. Ward book- soft porn, well drawn characters, good plot. Fun read.
LaurieS avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 504 more book reviews
I am going to admit something shameful. I have not read the Brotherhood books by this author that everyone else has read ages ago. Because of this I have no expectations. Im only hoping for a decent paranormal that doesnt bore me to death with endless action and subplots. I dont think I could stomach another one of those right now. Im reading this on audio and the narrator is a guy (I usually prefer a woman) but hes doing a decent job even though he sometimes sounds like Casey Kasum. Im waiting for him to end a chapter with Keep your feet on the floor and keep reaching for the stars. which makes me laugh at the oddest of places in the story. I really hope he sneaks it in there somewhere.

If Im following the setup correctly this is the beginning of what appears to be a series of seven or eight books, perhaps? Behind the scenes angels and demons are engaged in a battle and one human will be chosen to determine who wins it for them. This human must save seven souls from one of the seven deadly sins but naturally the demons being evil and all arent going to play fair.

Jim is a construction worker with a mixed sense of morality which is why he is the choice of both the angels and the demons for their little end of the world game. The day after his 40th birthday he meets the angels and learns of his mission. The angels arent very angelic in manner and the narrator gives them all accents which made their banter even funnier. Several sound like Simon Cowell while another sounds like that sexy Australian guest chef they always have on tvs The Biggest Loser. I sure hope we get to meet the demons if the angels are this offbeat.

But the book isnt all about the funny, soon after the angels make their appearance it takes a turn towards the dark and pretty much stays there. The characters are troubled and all are a bit mysterious which is what hooked me right off. I was unsure who was the good guy or gal and that kept me reading in the early stages of the book. The author does a fantastic job of making her flawed characters realistic. Not always likable but realistic. The main characters have brutal pasts and many secrets and that horrific baggage has shaped them into who they are now. This isnt the minor fluffy stuff that torments many a hero/heroine in romance novels and drives me up a wall when they start up with the Eeyore act. These are traumatizing, life altering events.

Jims now a fallen angel and his first subject is Vin DiPietro. Vin is a successful businessman and is about to engage himself to a gorgeous but strangely secretive beauty. Vin is one of the tormented men who starts off the book as cold and unemotional. Im curious to see which of the seven sins belongs to him. Im guessing its either greed or pride but hey maybe hell get lucky and itll be lust.

The book alternates between Jim, Vin and another main character named Marie-Terese who is working as a prostitute. She loathes what she must do but is determined to pay her debts. Why she couldnt find another option, any other option (perhaps working two normal jobs?) to pay off that debt though is beyond me. Its not like she was an undependable junkie-type and this felt too contrived. Marie-Terese remains shrouded in a cloud of mystery too. And Im not being sarcastic for once. I actually enjoyed all of this mysteriousness. It made me want to keep on listening. This author has the secret to the ever elusive hook many books seem to be missing.

I wont go into the plot any more than that and will only say that I mostly enjoyed the book and am glad to have finally discovered this author. It captured my attention and wasnt so action packed that I ever became lost and the authors voice worked for me. My interest began to wane a bit midway and I never became fully emotionally involved in Vin and Marie-Tereses love story for whatever reason. Actually my attention began to drift when they got together. But Im cold like that. So, it just misses being a four star book (Id give it 3 ¾s if I could) and probably isnt one Id read again but Ill be checking out the sequels. For now Im off to rescue all of those brotherhood books from tbr purgatory.
gray9cat avatar reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 89 more book reviews
I love suspense, and J.R. Ward does a good job with this paranormal story of suspense. Looking forward to Crave the next book in the series.
reviewed Covet (Fallen Angels, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Love this author