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. 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.

When I first picked up Covet, I was expecting more angels and demons than humans. Well, it didn’t quite turn out that way. However, I can’t say that I’m disappointed so far. I enjoy reading Ward’s version of humans, though not quite as much as her vampires.

Reading Covet initially is like putting on a pair of comfortable shoes, if you’ve already read the BDB series. It is set in the same Caldwell of BDB, at the Iron Mask, approximately 4 months after the demise of ZeroSum. We are reintroduced to a few of the minor characters from Lover Avenged, but as far as these humans are concerned, there are no vampires.

So…it seems that the powers that be are not happy with how things are going here on earth. An ending is set for mankind and whether or not that will happen depends on whether the angels or demons win out. However, it is not their play…it is up to us mere mortals. There is an amusing sports analogy used, comparing earth to a football field with human players…angels supporting one side, demons the other. However, there is only one human chosen to determine the outcome…decided upon by both the angels and demons…so he has the capacity for both good and evil. He has to influence the outcome of seven souls. The winning team has the most number of souls. Outcome is the usual…if demons win, they get to keep earth and all the souls therein, and the angels will become their slaves. Angels win, the humans will be safe, demons wiped out and there will be a whole lot of happy-happy joy-joy. I know…I rolled my eyes a bit on that one too.

Our chosen champion, is one Jim Heron. He is an ex-military-man-now-carpenter who moves from place to place and is something of a mystery. We do find out bits along the way though that paint a clearer picture, which only made me more curious about him. My interest in Jim never waned throughout the book, and I’m looking forward to reading more about him in the next few books. His physical description is quite yummy… tall, strong, wears a lot of flannel…I have to say I’m a fan of that blue collar look. I am Canadian after all. *grins*

The first soul up for Jim to save is Vin diPietro. First impression of this character…I didn’t like him much. He’s a cold business man, who approaches the purchase of an engagement ring with no more passion than a man choosing a pair of shoes. Until he meets Marie-Terese. She works at the Iron Mask, selling her goods when Vin and Marie-Terese first cross paths. He finally feels the emotion he’s always been lacking and Marie-Terese finally finds her reason to quit what she has loathed doing for so long…even though she was a victim of circumstance and had very good reasons.

Jim is trying to put these two on the right path, but with there is a twist when the demons throw an illegal pass and intercept these two lovers on their path to redemption. What did you expect? Demons, by nature, are going to cheat…

I am a big fan of most J.R. Ward’s male characters, and this book does not disappoint. However, as always, her female characters are likeable but lack that something that would put them on par with the male leads.  What I enjoyed about this book is that we not only get the male lead in the romance…we also have Jim to cheer for. I really hope that by the end of this series, he gets a shot at love and his HEA.

All in all, I was very satisfied with this introduction to the Fallen Angels series. There are lots of good lines, romantic, swoony and steamy moments…fast paced and lots of action. If you’re looking for a similar experience to BDB, you will likely be disappointed. However, if you enjoy Wards style of writing and her romances, you will be sure to enjoy this.
Here are some quotes that I found particularly amusing:

Jim: “Am I going to have to die first before I come here every time? Because no offense, but for fuck’s sake, I can just give you a cell phone to call.”

Jim: “I don’t think we’re fit for visual consumption.”
Adrian: Adrian reached up and cranked the rearview mirror his way. “Whatever, I’m gorgeous…wow. I…”
Jim: “Look like shit.”

Jim: “Unfortunately, beer was only a short-term answer. And head transplants had yet to be approved by the FDA.”

Jim: “No offense-but until I see it, I’m not going to believe it.”
Eddie: “And that is why you will fail.”
Adrian: Adrian cursed and hit the door. “Great, you’ve got him channeling Yoda again. Can we get moving before he levitates my fucking bike?”

Jim: “Let’s take my truck,” Jim said as he hit the gravel. “Less noise.”
Adrian: And it has a radio, right?” With tragic concentration Adrian started warming up his voice, sounding like a moose being backstroked by a chesse grater.
Jim: Jim shook his head at Eddie as the doors opened “How can you stand that racket?”
Eddie: “Selective deafness”
Jim: “Teach me,master.”

Gina