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 charge 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, 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 to redeem his very soul.
Really, what can I say about this book that hasn't been said numerous times? Not much, if anything. "Covet" has been reviewed by better and more eloquent people than me, however I still feel compelled to add my jumbled thoughts to the mix.
The premise of the book sounds intriguing, and if anyone is addicted to the crack that is the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by Ms. Ward, it was only a matter of time before this book would be consumed by said addicts. I would almost describe myself as a recovering addict, because while I loved the first 4 books (yes dammit I did love Butch's & Marissa's book, and no, you can't take that away from me!), the next 3 books started to lose the magic. I'm sorry to say that I feel like JR Ward promises big yet delivers little. She holds back from really giving us the genuine goods. Take the whole Butch/V thing. Come on, why not go there? And who isn't irritated with the Scribe Virgin, right? Yet at the same time, the author doesn't follow through in her own mythology. And don't get me started about Jane...
However this is not a review of the BDB books. This is about "Covet". We have this guy, Jim, who teeters on the edge of being good and bad, who ends up being chosen to save the world because of it. Okay, I'm good with that. Then there's Vin, this mega rich hottie who is about to propose to his girlfriend. Loved Vin when we first meet him. And finally we have Marie-Terese, an extremely reluctant prostitute who's in it for her own personal reasons. I really liked M-T, and felt sympathetic towards her situation.
But then once all the players are in place, the action begins to drag. Turning each page is an effort as we try to follow along with the rules of the game without falling asleep. We discover some interesting facts about Vin, and his past, which should have been a huge freakin' clue to the guy why bad stuff was going down. We also find out some things about his girlfriend, which, even if you weren't paying attention, were pretty obvious from the minute she shows up on stage. There are no real surprises here. Even the discovery of the guy tracking M-T is rather anti-climatic.
If there is anything good to be said, at least JR doesn't lapse completely into the BDB slang, though the word "freshies" makes an appearance, and makes me cringe every single time. I know many readers were annoyed by the silly lack of question marks. Count me in with that. The lacklustre performances were hurtful. I didn't even care for Jim by the time the movie is over. That is probably the biggest disappointment - not feeling anything while reading this book, other than relief when it was over. Seriously, getting through the book was like fighting a battle, a battle to stay awake.
Now I know this review doesn't really "say" anything. I'm not giving you plot, or the order of events. I'm sure if you look at a lot of reviews out there, you can find it. I just wanted to express my feelings about the story. As I stated, I have nothing original to add. I think I'm mostly patting my back here that I actually finished the book. It does feel like a major accomplishment.
But I have a feeling I'm in it for the long haul. I'm rather disappointed in myself for deciding to stick with it, but at this point it's some compunction that won't let me stop. It's embarrassing really, this need to continue reading. But that's how it's gonna be.
Rating: ***1/2 out of ***** : a big fat MEH.
Labels: JR Ward, quickie reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 11/20/2009 07:38:00 AM
I think you are being extremely gracious and generous giving it 3.5 stars. This one was a big disappointment to me...I too was hoping for the magic of the first 4 BDBH books.
byWhen I reread that series, it will only be the first 4 books. I agree, why not go there with Butch and V?? Would have been great- much better than V getting a stupid ghost for eternity! I'm still sick over that ignoramous turn of events.
Damn, I had such hopes when i read about this first and foremost being a paranormal romance. I still have to read it but there aren't many all that happy and over the moon with said paranormal romance.
byI've read the last three BDB books more for the UF overall plot etc then the romance. *sigh* A 'Meh' reaction is not good ;S Of course I will find out if I'm all going to join you or be actualy flabbergasted by COVET as soon as I'm going to read it.
I love the BDB series and was so excited to find out the WARDen was writing a new series. I did enjoy the book and will even read more, but not to the level that I love her BDB books. I liked Jim, Adrian, Eddie, and Dog, but really didn't care much for the H/H, so I never really connected or cared much about what happened to them. I hope in the next book I can connect more with the H/H.
byI agree - MEH!
byAnd I am totally reading the second in the series...LOL ;)
Ms Moonlight, I probably am being generous, but I loathe giving bad reviews. I didn't find it horrible, so there is that. And I felt like both V & Jane got ripped off in the HEA department. No fair (pouts).
bySorry Leontine my dear. I have to side with the disillusioned here. There's just no other way to describe it.
Liza, I'm glad you've been able to love this series. I know a lot of people do. Personally I try not to let other reviews affect me too much, which is why I went into Covet with an open mind. In the end however, it just didn't live up to its potential. That being said, I will still be getting the next book.
Mandi, we're pathetic, huh? LOL. (j/k). I can't help myself. I will be getting book #2.
I can't quit the BDB series as it truly is crack, but I'm going to skip this one I think. oh well.
byStacy I'm with you this was not one of Ward's best. But can I say no to Ward? Ah no. I'll be reading the 2nd one fo sure - like Mandi says Ward is my crack.
byHi Tracy, I did not like Covet all that much either, I liked the start but not the end. I loved Ward's first three BDB books, but with V I hated the end, Phury deserved a better one, and now I still have to read Rhev's because I am afraid I don't like his book either... but I will still buy and read Ward's books.
byI haven't read this one yet, but my mom did the other day and she said she loved it. So that's pretty much a guarantee that I'm going to really like Covet too. I actually have not read any reviews for this book yet. Once I noticed that it seemed most were disappointed and since I'm on the other side of the fence than most with the BDB series, I love all the books, as with any series, I like some more than others, but I kinda figured this is how it would go with this new one of hers. I love the way the woman writes! And I just can't bring myself to find any faults in her books! :)
byTotally agree and I will wait to read what you all think about book 2 before I buy it!
byMeh is the way to put it. I did like some aspects of the book, but it didn't feel well-thought-out to say the least.
byThank you Stacy. Hmmmm. Am really on the fence about whether to read Covet, keep it in my TBR list or delete it. I just...I don't want to read a meh book. There are too many good books out there.
byLover Avenged was my 'hit the wall' book. The brand names and slang had me livid, which is a shame as I could really relate to Ehlana..
And I so agree with you on Butch/V. I hadn't even started reading m/m when I read Lover Revealed, but...their connection was so there. I kind of feel like they were cheated.