J.R. Ward – Covet

The first book in the Fallen Angels series, published September 2009.



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 has surrendered himself to his business -until fate intervenes in the form of a tough- talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior, and a woman who makes him question his destiny. With an ancient evil ready to claim him, Vin has to work with a fallen angel not only to win his beloved over … but redeem his very soul.


The first time I picked up this book, I laid it back on the shelf after the first page. So not in the mood for this. But a few weeks ago, I read that this series, and the BDB are going to connect. So to fully understand everything, I had to give this one a second try. And I am really glad I did it.
This story sure is original, and I had some trouble understanding where it would all go.

Jim Heron is a former black ops military man. He dropped out some time ago, and now lives quietly in Caldwell, working in construction. Some rich man, Vin DiPietro, is building a gigantic new house near the river. Jim is an einzelganger, not connecting with his fellow workers, but he is good at what he does. Only two guys on Harley’s are trying to contact him. And so he finds himself in a bar, called the Iron Mask, with the two of them, celebrating his birthday. Which is something they don’t know. When Jim leaves, he is followed by a gorgeous woman in a blue dress, who has been eying him for the past hour. He is not interested, but when she starts talking to him, he cannot help himself. And so they have sex in his car, even though he knows she is involved with someone else.
The next day, he finds out with whom. His boss. And then Jim has an accident, and dies. And wakes up in Heaven with four very strange guys who tell him they are Angels. Apparently, the powers that be have grown bored with the ancient battles between good and evil for the souls of humanity, and they have decided on one last battle. 7 souls, and who ever wins, will win everything. And both parties have chosen Jim Heron as the one to sway things for their side. 7 souls to win or lose. And Jim will have the power to influence those 7 people in giving up their sinning, or indulging in it even more.
Jim is so no interested in that job, but he cannot refuse. And when confronted with his mother’s memory, he is determined to do a good job of it. And with some unlikely help, he is send back to earth, to start his new job as an angel. Without of course the halo and the wings.

At first he thinks it is his job to bring his boss, Vin di Pietro and his girlfriend closer together, but when they meet a woman, a prostitute, in the Iron Mask, and Vin is instantly attracted to her, Jim is getting doubts. They defend Marie Therese from two stoned punks who won’t take no for an answer, and when those two men end up dead later one, things are getting complicated.


I was feeling a lot in the dark with this novel, but kept on reading, as I also was captivated by what was happening. Never knowing what would be next. And well, this is an angel-demon book, but you are not to expect something heavenly, or lots of faith and church and god in this. Of which I am very thankful. Though guys, motorcycles, fast cars, fights, yes, all of that. And little referrals to her other great series, the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I do believe Phury showed up for one second, and Zero Sum is mentioned as Marie Therese’s previous job. I also think the owner of the Iron Mask is not human. They way he manipulates the police is a certain giveaway.

I like this book. None of the characters in it are purely good, or evil, well except the demon of course. But the humans are just, real. They make choices, good and bad, and live with the consequences. They do have the power to change themselves, and they do that. Or not. So I am looking forward to reading the next book, which is already somewhere on my shelves.

It is not an easy and funny book to read. Don’t expect that. Or insta love. I did have some trouble with believing in the sex scenes, and yes, I did skip them. I wanted to know where the story was going. Also, if you cannot handle this: there is no HEA, but a HFN for the characters meant to change. An for the real hero in the story, which should be Jim, no romantic interest whatsoever. But I did like his Dog. And how he got him.

8 stars.