Tag: Urban

Marked

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Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Series Name: House of Night
Volume Number: 1
Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Urban, Vampires
Intended Age Group: YA
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-312-36026-9
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

ENTER THE DARK, MAGICAL WORLD OF THE HOUSE OF NIGHT, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change – and not all those who are Marked do. It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint her human ex-boyfriend. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny – with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

Personal & Info

I’m going into this without reading any descriptions. I’ve heard so many people praise the series. When I found a few volumes cheaply at my local store, I made sure to grab them. All I know going into it is that it has something to do with vampires.

The shop links go to copies of the singular volume, but there are also box sets for the series. So, if you prefer to purchase your books in sets, you can easily find those on the same sites.

Content Warnings

-Teen deaths

-Insensitive language (This book is from 2007 so characters throw around words like “retarded” due to that being the type of language used at the time the book was written.)

-Sexual themes (The story mentions things like blowjobs and erotic dancing.)

-Bullying (The gay character experiences bullying, and the mean girl character bullies everybody.)

Characters

Zoey Redbird, original last name Montgomery, is the sixteen year old main character. Her heritage is Cherokee on her mother’s side through her grandmother, Sylvia Redbird. She has an older sister and a younger brother, and she doesn’t like either of them.

Stevie Rae Johnson is Zoey’s roommate from Henrietta, Oklahoma. She’s a true country girl with a love of country music, cowboy hats, and cowboy boots. Zoey considers her a “true Okie” because she speaks with a southern “twang.”

Erin Bates is a pretty blonde girl from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her best friend is her roommate Shaunee, because they are extremely similar in personality and share a shoe size.

Shaunee Cole is Erin’s roommate from Connecticut. They are so similar in personality and interests that they call each other “Twin.”

Damien Maslin is the guy friend in the group. He’s from Dallas, Texas, has a sophisticated vocabulary, and faces bullying due to being gay.

Aphrodite is the mean girl of the story. She’s the “it girl.” She’s blonde, pretty, gifted, and prone to inappropriate behavior. Her three friend followers are Pemphredo, Enyo, and Deino. The main friend group refers to these four people as the “hags from hell.”

Erik Night is Zoey’s new crush. He’s about six feet tall, and good at acting. Zoey describes his appearance as reminding her of Superman with the hair curl. He’s also apparently the hottest guy at school. Absolutely everyone fawns over him.

Neferet is the High Priestess of the House of Night. She has beautiful red hair and green eyes, an affinity for cats, and a gift for healing. Neferet is also Zoey’s mentor, and she teaches Vampyre sociology class.

There are many more characters with names: Zoey’s friends and family from before, various teachers and other students, cats, etc.

Story & Thoughts

The story takes place in Oklahoma. Zoey attends school at Broken Arrow South Intermediate High School, but quickly ends up having to transfer to the House of Night finishing school in Tulsa. The book starts off with her getting marked as a fledgling vampyre, and vampyre fledglings can’t survive on their own.

Based on what I gather from her friends and family in the beginning, becoming a fledgling is the best thing that could have possibly happened to Zoey. Her family no longer feels like a family, so she’s unhappy at home, and her friends don’t seem like they are actually friends. Her best friend Kayla isn’t a very good friend, because she keeps important secrets from her. I’m not sure how much Zoey really likes her either, considering she calls Kayla’s speech “K-babble.” On top of that, Zoey’s almost boyfriend is the star athlete of the school, but he’s taken up drinking alcohol as if it were also a sport.

The friends Zoey makes at the House of Night seem way better than the people she previously surrounded herself with. Erin, Damien, Shaunee, and Stevie Rae already have a wonderful friendship. When Zoey gets to her new school and meets her roommate’s friend group, she experiences a warm welcome, and finds great friends in them. There’s a level of trust she has with this group that there’s no possible way she could have had with her previous friends.

I like this book. It’s really easy to get into and hooked me in the first few pages. The characters are well done. The way they speak and act feels more solidly real than a lot of other books. I was similar in age to the characters around the time this book was published, and I can tell effort was made to make it seem authentic. Granted, I did not speak the same way these teens do, but I am well aware that the “cool kids” did indeed speak in a similar manner to what is portrayed in this book. It’s a little annoying at first, because it means not everything is as grammatically correct as most books. But, once it gets going it feels natural.

Vampyre lore in this particular world is a little different than the usual. First and most obvious, their faces are marked with a crescent moon. Most adults have elaborate forehead decorations adorning the crescent. It’s easy to identify a vampyre on sight.

They don’t burn up in the sun. Sunlight is unpleasant to them, but it doesn’t kill them. They don’t have fangs. The change from human to vampyre is triggered by a special combination of genetics and hormones. And, the weirdest to me, they’re allied with cats. Most lore usually says cats hate the undead, but I guess these vampyres are not really undead, or at least it doesn’t seem like they are.

I also find it interesting most of the names and culture for vampyres involves Greek mythology. Many kids choose to have Greek names. Their Goddess is Nyx, and their sociology class talks about many of the roles vampyres play throughout history. The one that jumps at me the most is that the Amazons were all apparently vampyres. That one bothers me, because it mentions the disproven fact about them removing a breast.

This is a series I definitely intend to read more of. There are plenty of plot hooks to keep the draw. Something mysterious is going on at the school. Zoey’s uniqueness as a Cherokee fledgling is ongoing, and the book ends with a drop of more intrigue.

My only real problem with the story is so minor, it doesn’t even matter. I don’t keep up with celebrities, so I pretty much have no idea who any of the famous people are that the characters mention. A celebrity comparison is used to describe how Aphrodite looks, and I had to look up a picture to see who they were talking about. Aside from that, my only gripe is that the book wastes paper by always making chapters start on the right page. If a chapter ends on the right page, the back side of the paper is blank to make sure the chapter starts on the side they want.

The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12)

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The King by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban, Vampires
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-41706-0
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath finally assumed his father’s mantle – with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sits heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessoning Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything – and everyone – at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure-blooded vampire on the planet. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response – or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out…or will Wrath’s tortured legacy take over?

Personal & Info

I need to find time to circle back to this series more often. Between the main series and the spin-offs, it’s long. I like reading it, and I still have a lot to get through. It just takes more time than my other books because these are around six hundred pages each. I shall strive to shorten my gap between volumes, but I promise nothing.

Characters

Wrath, the king, and Beth, his queen, are the lead couple for the book. This is the first book that readdresses a couple instead of focusing on one getting together for a happily ever after.

Wrath’s father, and his mate Anha are important backstory characters.

Assail, I don’t remember if his last name was ever said, is vampire nobility who chose to become a drug dealer. He doesn’t care what anybody does, as long as it does not interfere with his business.

Ehric and Evale are Assail’s cousins. They act as his assistants, bodyguards, and enforcers.

Sola Morte is the human woman who fascinates Assail. She specializes in things like thievery and breaking and entering.

Sola’s grandmother is also technically a character worth listing. She’s mostly referred to as Vovo, and I love her. I can’t find the words to explain why, but it involves how she interacts with people.

Trez is something they call a Shadow, and part of a civilization by the name of s’Hisbe. From the sounds of it, they are vampires with different abilities and rules from the norm. Trez runs the night clubs, and he is promised to a princess he wants nothing to do with. The previous book establishes his crush on Selena.

iAm is Trez’s brother. He owns a restaurant, and he cooks to relieve stress. We get to know his character a little better in this book, and I’m starting to like him.

Selena is a Chosen who regularly services the Brotherhood for their blood needs. She has a crush on Trez, as well as some issues she keeps to herself.

Layla is a Chosen carrying Qhuinn’s child. She is infatuated with Xcor, but does not let that affect her judgement for what is right.

Xcor is the leader of the Band of Bastards. He is infatuated with Layla, and causes problems for the Wrath and the Brotherhood.

Story & Thoughts

As per usual with this series, there’s a lot going on in this book. Every book in this series has a ton of perspectives and jumping around to various plot pieces. It can be a lot to follow, but I love it.

The main focus of the book is Wrath and Beth. Beth wants a baby, but Wrath does not. Drama ensues, and they have to deal with political nightmares at the same time. It’s nice to see Beth play a larger role in a book again. She’s been stuck in the background ever since she had her love story as the first book in the series.

There’s also a historical perspective. Not all of the books have this kind of perspective, but they are good for lore and background. This one specifically is about Wrath’s parents. You can sort of think of it as a short story. It takes place while Wrath’s mother, Anha, is pregnant with him, and essentially proves the politics never seem to change. Someone is always trying to take or manipulate the throne.

My favorite part of the side content is Assail and Sola’s story. Their romance was introduced in Lover at Last. I didn’t care for it when it came up back then, until the later parts in that book. However, I absolutely love it in this one.

The ground work has been set in the previous volume, so this book has all the juicy parts. Assail gets to show off his alpha male instincts as well as his sweeter side. Sola gets to show off how capable she is in a pinch. I love these two characters, and I think they make an excellent couple. I look forward to seeing where it goes, if it goes anywhere. Their section is likely not complete, yet. I just can’t see it ending like this. There has to be more.

The most important side content is probably Trez and Selena’s story. The next book in this series, volume 13, The Shadows, looks like it will be their novel. The ground work for that also began in Lover at Last. Qhuinn and Blay were the main focus of that book, though, so I didn’t think much of the introduction at the time.

The last perspective worth mentioning is Xcor and Layla. Their complicated Romeo and Juliet feelings for each other continue to be complicated. They don’t gain much traction here, but their story continues to build. I suspect they will eventually get their own book, but I don’t know for sure. I try not to look too far ahead, so I can avoid potential spoilers.

Something I think is worth mentioning, the lessers have been a very minor part of the story for the past several books. Lately the focus is on the internal vampire problems. I think the reason is because the lessers are struggling for cash, so they are busy focusing on drug dealing to rekindle their funding. We only seem to see the odd lesser here or there, either when the Band of Bastards takes them out, or someone stumbles across one on the street.

I feel like I’m forgetting something I want to say, but I can’t think of what it might be, so quick recap of my thoughts. It’s good to see more of Beth again. Vovo is awesome. I love Assail and Sola’s romance, but there has to be more. Selena is great, but her circumstances are unfortunate. Trez needs to get his life together. I don’t like how his downward spiral is turning into a different kind of downward spiral. iAm is growing on me. Layla and Xcor are complicated. I love this series. The characters and writing are so engaging and comfortable.

Trigger Warnings

I’m just keeping a running list of trigger warnings that have been in the series so far, from what I can remember. If you’re reading the series, or considering reading the series, and you have sensitivities, you might want to know these. The list so far: abuse, attempted rape, pregnancy problems(ex: miscarriages), drugs, kidnapping, sexual themes, rape, mutilation, torture, and violence.

Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11)

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Lover at Last by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban, Vampires
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-41880-7
Rating: 4/5
Amazon Barnes&Noble ThriftBooks

Description from the Book

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has found and identity as a brutal fighter in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another…

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: It seems Qhuinn has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young. It’s hard for Blay to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. And Qhuinn needs to come to terms with some dark things before he can move forward….

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions, but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn learns the true meaning of courage, and two hearts meant to be together finally become one.

Personal & Info

As with Lover Mine, this is a volume I was looking forward to reading. Lover mine was a smidge disappointing though, definitely not as good as I thought it would be. I think Qhuinn’s book is done better. Both have long buildups over several volumes, but I just think this one is all around better in comparison.

I have to give props for putting an M-M story in the middle of an M-F erotic romance series. And not pulling any punches at that. No scenes have any censoring in comparison to the content we see in all the other volumes. I imagine this volume might make some angry if they are not expecting it, or have an extreme disinterest in M-M romance.

Regarding crossover parts with the BDB and Fallen Angels series, there is a mention in this volume. Back in a different book, when Assail makes his first appearance, the description of his home gives pause to wonder, but it is confirmed now. He lives in the house Vin DiPietro builds in volume one, Covet. He gets a mention in this book.

Characters

Qhuinn is essentially the main character for this volume.

Blay is important, because this is his and Qhuinn’s book, but he doesn’t get nearly as much screen time.

Layla gets a lot of attention, because of her arrangement with Qhuinn.

As minor characters for the volume, there are Tez and Assail. I don’t really care about the parts pertaining to Tez. I’m sure that will amount to something later, but in this book, all I care about is the romance. I don’t care about the Assail parts, either, at least not until the later parts. They seem irrelevant early on, and get more interesting toward the end.

Story & Thoughts

Upon finishing Lover Reborn, Qhuinn seems to have a strong resolve to make a move with Blay. That got me excited to read this volume. Fast forward to starting the book, and I find it surprising Qhuinn seems to have lost that motivation, and is instead rather unchanged from the previous book. This, I think, throws off the pacing.

I also think that Blay, as the love interest, has less screen time than the love interests usually get in the series. Things focus primarily on Qhuinn, and what goes on in his mind, and his life. He’s the one experiencing all the big changes, good and bad.

I both love and hate this volume, though. So many of the problems between Qhuinn and Blay could be easily resolved if they would just talk to each other honestly. Blay makes so many assumptions about Qhuinn’s life and doesn’t believe him when he tells the truth. And Blay chooses to live behind a lie of omission, which just makes things harder for Qhuinn, because he’s trying to respect something that doesn’t exist. So frustrating, but dang this is a good volume.

Aside from the primary couple of the book, I’m constantly drawn to the Layla x Xcor parts of the story. It’s like a variation of Romeo and Juliet, minus the suicide. I’m curious to see what happens. If they’ll ever be together, or if their relationship will end in tragedy. It’s already pretty tragic. They are unlucky to be drawn to each other.

Notable Issues

Why does Payne have to “recharge” but V doesn’t?

When Blay needs to feed, I swear his conversation with Qhuinn says he will do it alone, but when it actually happens Qhuinn goes with anyway. Did I misinterpret? Is this a mistake? Blay acts like he agreed to share all along, but that isn’t the context I see in that section.

Trigger Warnings

I’m just keeping a running list of trigger warnings that have been in the series so far, from what I can remember. If you’re reading the series, or considering reading the series, and you have sensitivities, you might want to know these. The list so far: abuse, attempted rape, drugs, kidnapping, sexual themes, rape, and violence.

Rapture (Fallen Angels #4)

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Rapture by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Fallen Angels
Genres: Angels, Contemporary, Demons, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Signet/Penguin Group (USA)
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-41479-3
Rating: 3.5/5
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Description from the Book

Mels Carmichael, reporter for the Caldwell Courier Journal, gets the shock of her life when a man stumbles in front of her car outside the local cemetery. After the accident, his amnesia is just the kind of mystery she likes to solve, but she soon discovers they’re in over their heads with his past. Over their heads with passion too. As shadows walk the line between reality and another realm, and her lover’s memory begins to come back, the two of them learn that nothing is truly dead and buried. Especially when you’re trapped in a no-holds-barred war between angels and demons. With a soul on the line, and Mels’s heart at risk, what in Heaven – or in Hell- will it take to save them both?

Personal & Info

This is the most recent volume in this series I’ve read. After this one, the reviews will be posted as I read them, so the content will be more fresh in my mind. I believe I finished this one in July, so it’s not that far back.

Reminder, I’m reading these in tandem with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by publication date, because that is recommended. They will be shelved this way in the index.

I’m keeping an eye out for any cross-overs with the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and there are a variety of things in this one. They are mostly small nods toward people and events. These are the ones I noticed:
-The farmhouse massacre is mentioned.
-Beth is mentioned at her previous work place.
-There is a brief implication of the Band of Bastards walking down the street.

Characters

Jim Heron, as usual.

Matthias is the soul to save. This is not a spoiler, because the context is intended to be vague, but the story heavily hints at him, and you learn fast who it is.

Mels is the love interest.

Adrian, Jim’s only angel assistant. If you’re wondering where Eddie is, you shouldn’t be here. Go read Envy, or whatever other volume you’re at. Adrian has a lot of character growth over this book and the couple before it. I didn’t like him in volume one, but now I think he is potentially my favorite character in this series.

Devina, also as usual.

Story & Thoughts

My thoughts at the start: I am not fond of Matthias. I can’t bring myself to care. I don’t think I will like this volume.

This is the kind of book I have to read slowly, one or two chapters at a time. Initially, I don’t like Matthias, so my prediction is I won’t like the story. I go into this expecting disappointment, and planning to read through it just to be able to get to the next book.

In the end, I find myself pleasantly surprised. As the story goes on, I get more sucked into it, and I grow to like Matthias. I didn’t think I’d ever like his character.

Story-wise, I think Matthias has an unfair advantage. He can remember what it is like to be in Devina’s wall, so he knows what awaits him if he doesn’t change and make the right choices. I suppose it’s not completely unfair, though, because Devina, knows him well, and knows how to manipulate him.

For a brief time, I thought Matthias might join the war. They have bounced around the idea of recruiting before, and his actions made me think, maybe.

I can’t say I agree with Jim’s final decision of the volume. It’s reckless and risky, but it could very well get rid of his primary distraction to make the rest of the game easier. Only time will tell if this is a wise choice.

There are some significant reveals, especially toward the end. We learn more about the mysterious creator.

Both this book and Lover Reborn address the after life. If you read them by publication, they are next to each other, and both point out that everyone’s afterlife, or hell, looks different. You can draw your own conclusions on what that means. I find it interesting they have the same theme and similar timing.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual themes and violence are the main ones for this series. Maybe torture, too. I can’t remember if there are others.

Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood #10)

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Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban, Vampires
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-23828-3
Rating: 3.5/5
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Description from the Book

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment has been a heartbroken shadow of the vampire leader he once was. Brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel, he fights again with ruthless vengeance, unprepared for a new tragedy. Seeing his beloved in dreams – trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld -Tohr turns to the angel Lassiter to save his former mate. The only way to rescue her is for Tohr to love another. As war with the lessers rages and a new clan of vampires vies for the Blind King’s throne, Torh struggles between an unforgettable past and a hot, passion-filled future. But can his heart let go and set all of them free?

Personal & Info

This is the most recent volume in this series I’ve read. After this one, the reviews will be posted as I read them, so the content will be more fresh in my mind. This one isn’t exactly fresh, but it is the freshest. I read it in May of this year, so the gap is only a few months, as opposed to being a year ago, like most of them were.

Qhuinn’s book is next, and I’m super excited to read that. I’ve been putting it off until I get caught up with these reviews for the previous volumes.

Characters

Tohr is the main character for this book. This is the first time in a while he is getting any solid attention. I’m actually surprised his book is occurring this soon.

Lassiter is important here, because he is guiding Tohr.

No’One, also known as Autumn, is Xhex’s mother, and the love interest. I will be referring to her as Autumn, because that’s a little less confusing.

John and Xhex experience some growing pains in their relationship now that they actually have a relationship.

Qhuinn and Blay’s plot building sections come to a head. Qhuinn’s book is next, and I’m excited to read it.

The Band of Bastards gains more significance as they plot. The BDB might have two enemy factions to contend with from here on out.

Story & Thoughts

I don’t agree with the premise for this one. Being forced to move on and stop grieving because your dead loved ones are essentially hostages with a time limit and it’s all your fault, I hate that. I mean, I get it if it’s because last rights haven’t been carried out, because that’s a common thing in multiple religions, but that’s not the case here. There are multiple criteria to be met to “free” them.

None of it is fair to Autumn. It’s like Tohr uses her and insults her throughout most of the book. Forcing a relationship on them that they are not ready for does not make for good story, nor does it make for a healthy relationship. We see Tohr’s less flattering sides often in this volume.

John and Xhex get a lot of attention here. It’s almost as much their book as it is Tohr’s. They have their first real fight as a couple, and it’s ridiculously blown out of proportion due to stubbornness on both sides. I think they are both wrong, but Xhex isn’t willing to so much as try to understand where John is coming from. Everything has to be her way or the highway, and that’s not how a relationship should be.

Regardless of those two things, I like the story. A significant amount of important plot things happen aside from Tohr’s romance. The book doesn’t feel bogged down by any perspective for too long.

If you are reading these in tandem with the Fallen Angel series, like I am, you are likely aware how angels like Lassiter function by now. However, I think this is the first time it’s stated that they are essentially solar powered in some ways. It’s definitely wise to read both to have a solid grasp on them as a species, if species is even the right word.

Trigger Warnings

I’m just keeping a running list of trigger warnings that have been in the series so far, from what I can remember. If you’re reading the series, or considering reading the series, and you have sensitivities, you might want to know these. The list so far: abuse, attempted rape, drugs, kidnapping, sexual themes, rape, and violence.

Envy (Fallen Angels #3)

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Envy by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Fallen Angels
Genres: Angels, Contemporary, Demons, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Signet/Penguin Group (USA)
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-22945-8
Rating: 3.5/5
Amazon Barnes & Noble ThriftBooks

Description from the Book

As the son of a serial killer, homicide detective Thomas “Veck” DelVeccio, Jr., grew up in the shadow of evil. Now, on the knife-edge between civic duty and blind retribution, he atones for the sins of his father – while fighting his inner demons. Assigned to monitor Veck is Internal Affairs officer Sophia Reilly, whose interest in him is both professional and arousingly personal. And Veck and Sophia have another link: Jim Heron, a mysterious stranger with too many answers…to questions that are deadly. When Veck and Sophia are drawn into the ultimate battle between good and evil, their fallen angel savior is the only thing that stands between them and eternal damnation.

Personal & Info

I’m giving this book a small rating boost to be fair, since my reading frequency of it was erratic, so it took me longer to finish than normal. It’s nothing against the book, just life stuff getting in the way. It holds my attention just fine.

Reminder, I’m reading these in tandem with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by publication date, because that’s what was recommended to me. They will be shelved this way in the index. I’m glad I’m reading them this way, because Veck is actually introduced in Lover Unleashed (#9). Envy picks up literally right where that book leaves off with Veck.

Characters

Jim Heron is obviously in every book since he’s the main character.

Veck is the soul to be saved.

Sophia Reilly is the love interest.

Adrian and Eddie retain their roles as Jim’s angel assistants here, as with the previous books.

Devina, obviously important since she is Jim’s rival.

Story & Thoughts

I like reading about Veck. He’s similar to Butch (from the BDB) in that he is a loose cannon cop, but they also have their differences. Veck’s father is an incarcerated serial killer, and he is terrified of becoming like him. He’s terrified that he might so much as have the potential to be like him.

Jim’s group seems to do very little. They appear to be trying different approaches. In this book, nobody is even sure Jim is real. I guess you could say he plays up the angel aspect of things. He leaves no footprints and doesn’t seem to exist. They have a history of good results when they are more involved in things, so I find this approach surprising.

I don’t agree with how the romance plays out. It feels forced to me. Veck and Sophia constantly say, “we won’t do this,” and almost immediately do exactly that. It seems more like lust and lack of self control than anything. I don’t like how easily manipulated Sophia is, either. It’s like she is looking for a reason the whole time.

Get ready for some heartbreak. Something tragic happens in this volume.

Overall, I like the story, and I’m curious to see if it’s going to affect anything in the BDB series since Veck first appeared there. It probably won’t, but you never know.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual themes and violence are the main ones for this series. Maybe torture, too. I can’t remember if there are others.

Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #9)

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Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban, Vampires
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Signet/Penguin Group (USA)
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-23511-4
Rating: 3/5
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Description from the Book

A fighter by nature, a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of the Chosen female, Payne is cut from the same warrior cloth as her brother. And that’s before human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello gets sucked into her dangerous world. Although he’s never believed in things that go bump in the night – like vampires – he’s more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks him as her own. But as the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and the vampire worlds collide…just as a centuries-old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.

Personal & Info

Based on my rating, this is one of the worst volumes I’ve encountered in the series. It’s a three, and yes, that’s not bad, but this one is a low three. Like, teetering on the edge of a high two.

I do think I should warn you, if you don’t like super corny plot devices, you might not like this volume. This book uses sex as a type of magical solution. It’s an erotica, so it doesn’t matter to me, but I know that kind of corny nonsense annoys some people.

Characters

Payne was introduced in the previous book, and she is the female lead in this one. I have a problem with how she is portrayed, though. She is built up to sound like a tough girl, as strong as any male, whom loves to fight. This book does not do her justice in my opinion.

Manny Manello is a surgeon, and the love interest for this volume. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because he used to work with Jane.

Vishous is significant in this one because Payne is his sister, so insert all overly protective brother tropes.

Jane is also significant here, because she and Manny are doctors, and Vishous plays a big part. This book is about as much about Jane and V as it is Payne and Manny.

Qhuinn and Blay’s stories get a little bit of attention here. They’re still building up for later.

Story & Thoughts

This book focuses more on relationships and interactions with the characters instead of combat or anything with the lessers. It seems like there’s been a long break from them. There were a couple “small” encounters with them in this, but that was about it, not nearly as much as in previous books. It’s actually a little baffling after a majority of books so far contained a lot of content involving the forelessers’ perspectives.

I don’t care much for all the Vishous and Jane drama in the first half of the book. I couldn’t wait for those sections to be over so I could get to the other characters. That same drama gets better in the second half, though. The resolution of it is the best part of that section.

I like the Manny and Payne sections, but at the same time they feel like nothing was really happening. The big issue concerning Payne builds up from the prologue and feels anticlimactic resulting in pretty much nothing. I don’t think they get enough screen time in their own book. The conclusion of their story also leaves me wanting. I feel like it was missing something

A new group of vampires is introduced in this volume as part of Payne’s past and comes to find her in the present. I’m not sure how I feel about them, yet.

I find it odd the entire book says Payne has eyes like diamonds, but the prologue says they are violet. That doesn’t make any sense.

Trigger Warnings

I’m just keeping a running list of trigger warnings that have been in the series so far, from what I can remember. If you’re reading the series, or considering reading the series, and you have sensitivities, you might want to know these. The list so far: abuse, attempted rape, drugs, kidnapping, sexual themes, rape, and violence.

Crave (Fallen Angels #2)

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Crave by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Fallen Angels
Genres: Angels, Contemporary, Demons, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Signet/Penguin Group (USA)
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-22944-1
Rating: 3/5
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Description from the Book

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls that must be saved. One more no-holds-barred battle between Jim Heron, a fallen angel with a hardened heart, and a demon with everything to lose.

Isaac Rothe is a black-ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender, Grier Childe. His hot attraction to her is a totally wrong place-wrong time kind of thing – and that’s before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil….

Personal & Info

Reminder, I’m reading these in tandem with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by publication date, because that’s what was recommended to me. They will be shelved this way in the index.

Unlike the first book, I didn’t notice any subtle crossovers with the BDB. They might be there. If they are in this volume, I can’t tell. I don’t care if they are there. I’m just trying to keep an eye out for them.

Characters

Jim Heron is the main character for the series.

Isaac Rothe is a former coworker of Jim’s, and the person Jim attempts to save in this book.

Grier Childe is a public defender, and the love interest for the volume.

Adrian and Eddie are Jim’s fallen angel assistants, whom advise and teach him as the game proceeds.

Matthias is Jim’s former boss. He was vaguely introduced over the phone in Covet, and appears in this volume.

Devina was introduced in Covet as the first soul’s fiancée. She is the demon trying to manipulate the game in favor of darkness.

Story & Thoughts

I get the feeling all of the books in this series will be a little slow to start, because each book is going to have to introduce new characters for each mission. The new characters being the soul to save, and the love interest who will be important to ensuring success.

This one feels a little lax. It seems like Jim and his friends do a whole lot of nothing. Isaac and Grier significantly overshadow the fact this is a fallen angel themed story. It feels like reading a love story between a military man and a lawyer with little else going on. I guess Jim makes the decision to be more hands off than he was in the first book.

I think Adrian has some significant character growth between this and the first book. The time difference is only a few days, so it seems fast. I think I like his character a little more than I did in Covet. I hate them abbreviating his name as Ad, though, it sounds so dumb to me.

I’m baffled at how big a mistake the angel team makes. Either Nigel lied, or Eddie was given bad information. It makes me question the rules of the game. Jim even questions the rules of the game because of the mistake. That kind of mistake should not have been possible. I know this is vague, but I can’t fully vent the frustration of what I’m talking about without spoiling a major plot point.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual themes and violence are the main ones for this series. Maybe torture, too. I can’t remember if there are others.

Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8)

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Lover Mine by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban, Vampires
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Signet/Penguin Group (USA)
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-23155-0
Rating: 3.5/5
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Synopsis from the Book

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was – or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face, and very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war between vampires and their enemies, he will need to call upon both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate – and rescue his one true love.

Personal & Info

If you weren’t looking forward to this volume, you’re probably lying. John has had plot building going on in the background of almost the entire series, and his sections have been some of the most alluring. I was impatient to get here.

There is a coded message before chapter one, and after the end of the last chapter. I’ll translate for people who don’t have the Insider’s Guide, which has an alphabet decoder in it. The code at the beginning says, “XHEX,” and the code at the end says, “JOHN MATTHEW.”

Characters

John Matthew finally gets his own book after being introduced in volume two.

Xhex, the love interest, experiences a lot of trauma and recovery. It’s similar to what Bella experienced, but a lot worse. Sex plays a big part in the recovery, which may not make total sense, but it’s fiction/fantasy and vampires, so whatever. If she needs good sex to recover from trauma sex, who am I to question fiction/fantasy erotica logic.

Lash is the most threatening villain so far, in my opinion.

Qhuinn experiences frustrations.

Blay starts dating, good for him.

Payne is introduced in this book. She spars with Wrath because she is not like other Chosen. Her book is next.

Story & Thoughts

I like this book, but I think there are things that could have been done differently to make the story and characters a little better.

We get a lot of Darius and Xhex backstory in this one. I like how it ties together with the current story involving John and Xhex. However, it can be considered a little weird. If you don’t see it, I’m not going to point it out.

I don’t like how Xhex, essentially, what did she call it, “chicked out.” That seemed out of character for her. She goes through a lot of trauma and stuff in this volume, but it’s like her whole personality tweaked and she became similar to all the other girls, at least for a little while. The balance of her vulnerable side versus her tough side seemed uncharacteristically different. I didn’t think she’d change THAT much after how she handled herself.

Lash’s part in the story feels anticlimactic. It seems necessary in order to tie up the story neat and tidy, but I just don’t find it satisfying.

Blay and Qhuinn’s sections feel more solid than John and Xhex. I found myself disappointed to only see glimpses of their story. I’m impatient to see more.

Kidnapping seems to be a running theme in the series. This is at least the third time someone has been kidnapped in proximity to the Brothers. I’m sure it probably won’t be the last.

Notable Issues

There are inconsistencies with John’s hair. This whole thing takes place over, maybe, a few days. The beginning of the book says he has a buzz cut, shaved bald, basically. Later on, fingers are run through his, “thick hair.” There’s no way his hair would have grown long enough for that in that time period.

I’m not sure what the ghost hunter parts have to do with anything. I get it’s probably a set up for later, but it seems so random and out of place throughout the book. It drags the story, and makes me get that, “why am I reading this,” feeling. I don’t care about the love life of two ghost hunter TV people. The parts that are likely to be important later are so small, I think the entire sub-story could have been cut. What Xhex sees on TV is probably enough.

Trigger Warnings

I’m just keeping a running list of trigger warnings that have been in the series so far, from what I can remember. If you’re reading the series, or considering reading the series, and you have sensitivities, you might want to know these. The list so far: abuse, attempted rape, drugs, kidnapping, sexual themes, rape, and violence.

Covet (Fallen Angels #1)

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Covet by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Fallen Angels
Genres: Angels, Contemporary, Demons, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Signet/Penguin Group (USA)
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-22821-5
Rating: 3.5/5
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Synopsis from the Book

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 to redeem his very soul.

Personal & Info

I don’t remember how I came across this. I think it popped up as a recommendation on Goodreads because I’m reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Upon researching this series, the first thing I saw was people asking the relevance to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I’m not sure of the extent, yet, but this is definitely noticeably crossed. Timeline-wise, it’s recommended to read this series in tandem with the Black Dagger Brotherhood based on publication dates.

The series can probably be read without reading the BDB series, but if you choose to read it in tandem, like I am, Covet would be read after Lover Avenged. They mostly alternate except for after Rapture, at which point there are two BDB volumes before the next Fallen Angels book. Then it goes back to alternating every other single for the last two.

I’m not even going to try to pinpoint which books are based around which sins, because I didn’t realize that was a thing until I was at least a couple books into the series. It’ll probably be more fun for you to figure it out for yourself anyway.

Characters

I don’t want to say much about some of the characters yet, because unknowns for some are needed in this volume to keep the story from being spoiled as the introductory volume.

Jim Heron is the main character, and based on the plot, he probably will be for the whole series.

Adrian and Eddie…it’s been a hot minute, but I think they are construction workers on Jim’s crew. I vaguely remember finding Adrian to be annoying.

Vin diPietro is a wealthy business man, whose soul is in need of saving. Jim’s construction crew is working on building his house.

Devina is Vin diPietro’s fiancée.

Story & Thoughts

There is no mention of vampires in the entire book, but references to the BDB series constantly pop up in other ways. This book takes place in Caldwell, New York, the same place as the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Characters from the BDB books pop up everywhere, mostly by description, but Trez is just blatantly a side character in this. Trez is not a Brother, but he is a fairly significant character in the BDB series. The leading lady, Marie-Terese, was literally introduced in the BDB series. I chose to read these as recommended, by publication order with the BDB series, and I think that was the right thing to do, so I will continue to do that.

An angel named Lassiter was introduced in, I think it was Lover Enshrined. He hasn’t had a big role in the BDB series yet, but I feel like reading these in tandem gives better insight into angels on both fronts. How they operate, what their abilities are, how their powers work, etc.

I was a little confused at the beginning of the book, because the descriptions of Marie-Terese and Devina were extremely similar. I thought they might be the same person, but the order of events made that perspective very confusing. It took a few chapters for me to get that straight.

The story had a slow start, as most first books in a series do. It took at least a good quarter of the book to really get going. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but I enjoyed the story.

I do think it’s a little strange, if Jim is supposed to be a neutral party, someone demons and angels can both agree on for their savior candidate, why should he become a fallen angel as the synopsis says? Doesn’t that make him obviously lean one way over the other? It would make more sense if he stayed human. I guess it could just be that might have been the only way to keep him in the game.

Trigger Warnings

There very well might be things worth mentioning for trigger warnings. I can’t remember much on that front, but I’ll try to list what I can remember.

Necrophilia? (not sure if this is accurate, but there is a brief sexual scene involving a person who looks like a rotting corpse), sexual themes, violence