Winged

Winged #1

by L.M. Pruitt

I fell from the Talmadge Bridge the week before I turned thirty.

I was given a choice: Go to Heaven. Go back to my life in Savannah. Or spend eternity fighting evil under the direction of the archangels.

I chose the demons--and the angels.

I chose the Winged.

Genres: Paranormal, Angels, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Fiction

410 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2012

About the author

L.M. Pruitt has been reading since before she can remember, and writing nearly as long. She fell in love with New Orleans after spending one week there, and visits the city as often as her schedule permits--which isn't nearly often enough. She is the best selling author of the Jude Magdalyn series, the Moon Rising series, the Frankie Post series, and the Winged series. She makes her home in Florida.

Reviews

[Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Warning, this is an adult book, Not YA. Explicit sex scenes, they are done tastefully, but for mature readers only.**

I really liked this book. I was not sure what to expect at first. It did start of a little slow, Joanne’s life before she died was so boring, which was what we were supposed to see. I would have looked for some way to get some change too.

It doesn’t last long, the boring life part. She gets to choose to either go back to that boring life, move on, or joined the angels in the Winged to fight demons. She of course chooses Winged, and the excitement, which I do not blame her, for sure not wanting to go back to that boring life.

I found the Archangels very interesting, and different than I would have thought. I loved it though. The whole world created for this is awesome. The author did a great job, and I felt like I was there myself.

I do not want to give too much away. I will say, there are some really steamy scenes, and for those who like the steam, you will be satisfied.

I was happy with the choices she made, especially with a certain Archangel, won’t mention who, will leave that surprise for you.

I really liked Raphael, he is great, and in my head I pictured long haired Chris Hemsworh, as the description was exactly like him, with them bright blue eyes, blond/golden hair, big with a body to die for. Michael I found to be a brute, didn’t care too much for his personality, sounded hot though. I loved Gabriel and Lucy’s relationship, it was very sweet. Gideon was so sweet and found him entertaining.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys steamy paranormal books.

I give 5 out of 5 stars and really look forward to the 2nd book.

I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/24/2020)! 🎁

[Heather Book Savvy Babe · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.M Pruitt never ceases to amaze me. Each time I pick up one of her books, I am hooked on the story, characters, setting, and desperate for more. Winged is no exception. L.M. Pruitt has amazed me once again with her combination of detailed, unique, creative world building, well-developed story lines, and memorable characters.

I will admit that I have always been a sucker for angels, they are my favorite paranormal/supernatural species. So, when I had the chance to read Winged, I was automatically sold. However, LM Pruitt's take on the angelic is utterly unique and completely new. The basic angel/biblical mythology is there, with archangels and demons, but everything else is completely Ms Pruitt's creativeness at work. The angels/heavenly side are struggling in the war against evil and demons. To help combat the enemy, the beings on-high give certain humans the opportunity to join the angelic ranks and fight demons upon their death. After combat training (led by the archangels), if the human passes their tests, they are given wings and sent to fight evil.

Life in the Winged training camp is where most of this story takes place. After Joanne died, heroically saving a baby, she was offered the chance to join the Winged. She was unprepared for the Winged camp, where the people train hard, fight hard, and party hard. Joanne is first drawn to the complicated archangel Michael, who runs hot and cold towards her. As Joanne recovers and trains, Michael's brother, Raphael, steps up to help her and a real attraction develops. Joanne has to face judgement by the other humans, derision from Michael, and is constantly working to prove herself. Despite obstacles constantly placed in her path, Joanne determines to become one of the winged with an archangel at her side.

Joanne is a brilliant heroine. She is snarky, determined, outspoken, but also sensitive at times too. She lived her human life pleasing other people, and in her new life, she shows more spunk and moxie. I love Joanne's humor, even in tough times, she manages to insert humor and levity. She has a lot of hurts, and I really felt for her when she was so lost and confused when she first got to the winged camp. She really grows as a person and character though. I also love Raphael, he is dedicated to Joanne and always there for her to lean on. Raphael does have his faults as well, he has a tendency to turn a blind eye to some things and not question decisions that are questionable.

Winged is a fantastic start to a new paranormal series. The world structure is laid out and explained, giving a solid foundation to the series. The world of the Winged definitely has some problems. Joanne becomes a key player in the Winged world and I can not wait to see where the series goes from here.

Readers, if you like paranormal books, especially paranormal books featuring angels, then you really have to read Winged. I loved this book and can't wait for more.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LM Pruitt is the queen of show not tell. I love her books because we are immediately immersed in her characters' world as her mastery of language, dialogue and revealing scenarios creates tight tension, great flow and illuminating understanding. Winged tells the story of a young woman whose development is stunted by her life mate and family. A life neglected. Soon a life ended as she demonstrates great courage and self-sacrifice. Once death occurs, real development, choices, joy and sorrow begin...life begins. This book is superb and is absolutely enthralling. I read it in one night. Joanne's afterlife is riveting, gritty and sexy. I loved the Archangels of Nalini Singh's series but this book leaves it far behind for me and what a bunch of sexy bastards.

[FallingFeathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

WARNING: this book is totally addictive, I just couldn't put it down. :)
contains sex scenes (beautifully written)

When I read the synopsis I was really enthusiastic (I love angels).
And I have to say that I loved reading it.

The characters were interesting, and I found it easy to relate to the main character, Joanne. She goes from a boring to an amazing life full with action and true love.

The author has an unique perspective on the whole angel theme. It's a mix of the angels you normally read about + her own vision.

I don't want to tell much about what happened (just read it for yourself).

I recommend this to people who likes to read something different about angels.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winged is a great read. It is about a girl living a bland life who dies and is given the chance to be something more, to live a more exciting life. She does just that by going in training to become a Winged, Angels who fight demons. This is about her training and adjusting to a new life. Along the way she deals with friendships, bullying, heartache, love, leadership, betrayal, and just true living. She lives more in her death than when she was alive. This is a fun adventure that doesn't follow your usual plot line. There are several twist and turns. This is very enjoyable to read and I look forward to the next one. L.M. Pruitt is an author to look-out for!

[A. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made up a fun drinking game to play while reading this book. Every time a body part is referred to as a "nub," take a drink.

All romance bits and nubs aside, I enjoyed the paranormal stuff in this book, especially when it finally got around to demons near the end.

[Terrie Mintram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every single book in The Winged series, The Fallen and The Damned. And I have loved every word. But I am really anxious to know when Triumph is going to be released. I am so eager to see if Julie can break Azazal. Please, please PLEASE, when is the book coming out. I've decided to go back and start the books all over again. Maybe by the time I get near the end, TRIUMPH will out. If you want to read some amazing work, read these books. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM.🌹

[Loves To Dive · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read practically everything Ms. Pruitt has written from the Jude Magdalyn Series to her quirky southern novel, New Moon Rising, to her intensely dark Taken: A Frankie Post Novel. I was excited as all get out to receive this new series to review. Ms. Pruitt delves into the world of angels and demons in Winged and true to form, these are not your mama’s angels.

Savannah socialite Joanne Watson lives the life she is expected to live, she volunteers (women in her family don’t work), and she is about to get engaged to her long time beau David Roberts. It’s the perfect life; it’s just a shame that Joanne is bored silly with the whole thing. When she plunges to her death off the Talmadge Bridge her life – um death - takes a turn to anything other than boring. Joanne is going to learn that there is something to be said for normal. Upon arriving in Limbo she is asked to make a decision, go to heaven, go back to her life just moments before she died or become a Winged – neither human nor angel they are trained to fight demons and other dark forces and will never get to heaven. Joanne chooses Winged – a decision she will come to both regret and love, a decision that will be anything but normal and boring.

Ms. Pruitt tells her story from Joanne’s point of view, slowly showing us the world into which Joanne has been thrust and introducing us to the key characters who will share the world with her. After we are familiar with Joanne’s new home, Ms. Pruitt begins each new chapter with a different quote and a time frame, giving us hints as to what is to come and showing us how time is passing. Anyone familiar with Ms. Pruitt’s writing knows that she can give us sensuous, mystery, action and intrigue, doing it all with more than just a little bit of humor. We are taken to the world of angels and see the politics that exist there, we are transported to Savannah, get to party in New Orleans, and we even live through a riot and a Scots battle.

There are a number of key players, some that will melt a woman through and through, some that will make you mad enough to want to jump off a bridge yourself, and some just fun. Joanne starts as a southern flower, but eventually we get to see the steel that lives under the exterior of most southern belles as she turns herself into one strong, kick butt lady. There is no way I could list all the wonderful people we meet, but I have to mention a few notable ones. First we meet the secretary in Limbo, a wonderful character that even Archangels are afraid of. There is Joanne’s guide, the wonderfully ditzy Poppy who hasn’t met a man she doesn’t like. We meet Archangel Michael, he’s big and beautiful in a stern sort of way, sexy as all get out and not always nice. He refuses to use Joanne’s name and calls her “girl”. Soon we meet Archangel Raphael, just as big and beautiful as Michael, but he’s a healer and probably the most human of all the Archangels, he calls Joanne “librarian” and will be huge in her future. There is also a mysterious man we meet in New Orleans,who I have a feeling is going to become important.

I loved this book, I read it from beginning to end in one sitting, and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. There are a number of action scenes that can get a little gory but I have to admit, I liked them. There are a number of love scenes that are so sensuous that steam just came off the pages. Anyone who likes a smart, stubborn woman, good looking larger than life angels and some great settings is going to love this book.


Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team

[VampireRomanceBooks ThatsErotica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne lives in Savannah Georgia trapped in the confines of what her family expects of her, and discontent with her life. One day she has the chance to do something selfless and heroic, but it comes at a price. In limbo, Joanne must make a choice, go back to her life, spend the rest of eternity in heaven, or fight demons under the direction of archangels.

Joanne’s character goes through quite the transformation in this story. It was incredible watching her grow from someone who set back and did what was expected, at the cost of happiness to someone who shows great strength and the ability to stand up for what is right. I loved reading about the archangels. Everything about them was fascinating, and I was excited to learn more, and I have to say certain ones were quite swoon worthy!

I didn’t really know what to expect when I started the book, but in mere moments I was completely captivated. Pruitt’s use of imagery in her writing makes it impossible not to feel like you are right in the center of the archangel’s camp. The way she conveyed the character’s emotions from anger, lust, fear, and pure happiness was nothing short of incredible. The story didn’t lack steam either, with some very hot archangels comes some very hot sex scenes! Pruitt’s storytelling is pure entertainment. I have read books in the paranormal genre about archangels before, but they aren’t as common as other subjects such as vampires and fae. That was the biggest draw for me in choosing this book, and the author still managed to put a unique spin on the subject matter.

Sometimes a book will come along that has all of the right elements, and you are on edge wanting more. For me, this was one of those books. I can’t wait for Pruitt to bring these fascinating characters back!

**Reviewed by Teresa D. by VampireRomanceBooks.com**

[Noelle Blakely · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 of 5 Stars

Joanne’s life is everything her mother could have ever dreamed for her. With the right (almost) fiancé, the right clubs, the right clothes, the right manicure, her life is that of a perfect southern debutant, but she never really wanted any of it. When she comes upon a horrible car accident on the very evening that would have, at the very least, symbolically sealed her fate, she leaps at the chance to be selfless and heroic. In her last moments of life, she experiences something that makes her feel truly alive… and then she dies.

In death, she is given a choice. She has earned the right to determine the manner in which she will spend her afterlife and she chooses to become Winged. The Winged are a trained group of volunteer souls who assist Archangels in battling demons. I will stop here for fear of spoilers, but the training is rigorous and exciting. The Archangels are lusty creatures with a tendency to be ruled by their hearts, and Joanne’s new besties would never have been allowed at the county club.

I thought it was original and I loved the story. Going the way of the Angels can sometimes get very dark and creepy in fiction, but for the most part Winged stays out of the heavy realms of biblical prophecy, revelations and end of the world rhetoric that fills a lot of books in this genre. It was action packed, steamy and full of interesting characters. It wasn’t deep or difficult and it wasn’t perfect, but ultimately it was terrifically entertaining. In my book – pardon the pun – that’s fantastic fiction.

I was provided a copy of this book without charge for an honest review. My opinions are my own and have not been influenced by any payment, agreement or other compensation.

[Laura *Little Read Riding Hood* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to think going into this book. Especially when I realized it was another angel book, and I had just finished 2 others; one mediocre and one decent. But I freaking loved it for some unknown reason. And that makes me happy :-) I guess I was going through an angel kick when I signed up to be on all these tours. ANd I wasn't sure I was going to even get a chance to read this one, but boy am I glad I did.

Joanne's life sucked. Well, ok maybe it wasn't horrible, it was just, stifling. So when she dies doing something terribly heroic, she jumps at the chance to become a Winged, human not quite angels, that help battle demons. But there is pretty intensive training involved. With the Archangels. Who of course are sexy. And she manages to catch their eye on day one. But not in the best of ways.

And that's when things get interesting. Pruitt has a way of taking you on a journey, that you think is predictable, then spins it and you have no clue where it is going. Then you are settled in a peaceful blanket of familiarity again and just when you get comfortable, some jerk comes along and steals your blanket. What an ass.

And the sex ... *fans self* is very hot. And OH MY GOSH she wasn't a virgin? What is this world coming to? I'll tell you, more relate-able characters, that's what.

I really don't want to say any more about the book, for fear of giving things away. While I wouldn't call the twists HUGE, they are part of what made the book fun for me. And I want it to be fun for you too.

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ive had this in my TBR pile for a while.
Not sure why i never picked it up, but i was flicking through my books, and read the first page, and i was hooked.

Joanne is living a "normal" life...normal family, normal boyfriend, normal job...just NORMAL and frustrating.
On her way home one day, traffic is at a standstill. She goes to investigate and finds a car half off a bridge with a baby in the back seat. The mother was on the bridge screaming and crying. Joanne decides to rescue the baby.....but it doesnt go to plan. At the last minute it was either save the baby or save herself - she saved the baby.

The she in limbo!
This is a new way to view angels and their way of living!

joanne chooses to be trained to be a "Winged" - a human who is trained to fight demons on earth. Its not easy sailing and the archangels make it even more trying and more confusing.

I have to say, i really enjoyed reading this! Well written, characters are great, storyline is consistent (remember its fiction, not real life or trying to be anything like real life).
As soon as i finished this, i went straight to the next one "Uprising" and its started just as well.....
recommended read.
Makes a refreshing change from my normal preference of dark paranormal, vamps, witches, weres etc, yet still staying in the paranormal realm.

Read on behalf of Bewitching books for an honest review

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winged is the first book in this series. It is in this book that we meet Joanne. Joanne is born and raised a southern girl. Though her life is fraught with tradition she is bored. Fortunately and unfortunately she dies and that’s when her real adventure begins. Joanne’s journey to becoming Winged is filled with danger, love, hurt, anger and adventure. With two archangel’s vieing for her affections and others hoping to stab her in the back she must always watch her back. I loved this book. From the moment I picked it up I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down. Joanne becomes such a great heroine. She really learns about herself all the while she must also prove herself not only to the Archangel’s in charge but to those whom she serves with. I also adored the supporting characters especially Danielle and Angus. But, putting all that aside how could a girl not have a crush on Raphael and Michael. They are both polar opposites but both have their own redeeming qualities. Overall, the story and the characters really draw you in and make for a wonderful start to a great new series. Once you finish Winged your hands will be itching to get them onto Uprising.

[J.C. Cauthon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating and reviewing this book is a bit tough for me. I loved it. I'll be absolutely honest. Although I have read several books with the same basic idea at the root (girl dies, goes to purgatory, chooses the life of a hero), this one is by far my favorite one.

For me, the characters came alive. Each of the archangels were completely different from the others. And the trainees were colorful. Joanna was the modern girl, while the Colonel was definitely someone who rode on a river boat at some moment in the distant past. Titanic James died in the early 1900s, and Danielle felt more like a 50s girl to me. Caroline was the only one that did not seem to stand out in my memory.

The only reason I did not give this book 5-stars is because there are a lot of dry passages where nothing is really going on. Some people would say that those were being used for character development, but they were so dry and slow that anything that happened in those could not be seen as development, but more as a detriment to character.

I did love the ending, and I have the rest of this series on my list to read when I find the time.

[Megpie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off I have to say this book was written really well. I loved the world set up and the characters too. However, the plot seemed too slow for me, there were a lot of boring scenes that I would skip pages and pages of, and the heroine gets herself into A FREAKING LOVE TRIANGLE with two powerful archangels Michael and Raphael. And of course she chooses the one I didn't like. . . Story. Of. My. Reading. Life. It's why I avoid love triangles, I hate them.

Besides my few complaints I have to say I couldn't put the story down just for the simple fact I wanted to know what was in store for the characters and in hopes our heroine came to her senses and chose my favorite archangel. However, I don't think I'll continue this series because I was told of the very weird relationship that ensues to the very end between Joann, Michael, and Raphael. . . like they decide to share Jo and even have kids together and both are the fathers. . . Ummmm no. Sorry that's just not my cup of tea, and completely ruins the story for me.

For free though, this book was definitely a steal!
3 STARS

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.M. Pruitt is one my favorite authors of all time. I continuously recommend her books to people looking for something to read with a little edge to it. Winged is another book I will be adding to that list. The most original approach to angels and demons I've ever read. Joanne Wright is another female protagonist with the right combination of strength and vulnerability. The Arch Angels, Michael and Raphael are cold enough to give you a shiver, but so HOT that you enjoy it. After a life of pleasing everyone else Joanne is finally free to be who she wants to be, even if it means she's dead. What I love about this story is how messy it is. Not everything is wrapped up in the perfect little package. Joanne, along with her friends, make mistakes. With a lot of alcohol and snarky comments they learn from them too. Battles, parties and steamy sex weave this story into the start of a fantastic series.
This book is recommended for mature readers only. Age 17+.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book that I got as a kindle freebie. This is a story about a woman on the verge of turning 30, about to get engaged and hating the expectations of her life who martyrs herself saving a baby in a car that has been in an accident. She is given the option to go to heaven, go back to her life or become a Winged--a supernatural who fights demons and evil in the world. She chooses to become Winged. I loved the back drop of this book (the encampment), the archangels, the training runs and the side characters. I was also pleasantly surprised when she ends up with the guy I didn't think she would, but wanted her to anyway. I mean girls usually go for the bad boys and the good guy gets shafted, right? Well this was a pleasant surprise and I was rooting for him all along. I am looking forward to reading more of the series.

This review and many others can be found on my blog Free Bookster.

[Jovhanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and if I could give it more stars I would, that is how much I loved it. Can't wait for the next one to be out so I can read more of these characters.
Each of this characters were unique and so perfectly tied into the story that it just fit so well. Made it believable, if in any way you were in her shoes.
This story is a whole new tale on angels. Especially if you were given a choice of what to do next after you died. Like in Joanne case she had a very normal life but wasn't happy, but then she got the choice to be and do something different and she picked to be winged and that's we're her journey began. You will love this book, the author wrote the story where it pulls right from the beginning and not put it down till your read it all. You will inpartculat love the angels. So if you love reading about Angela this should definitely be on your to be read pile.

[Jocelyn Dex · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Wow. I really liked this book even though I was a little mad at the author for tricking me! I won't spoil it but I thought things were going one way and then they went the other.

The heroine was very determined to succeed, spurred on to be the best, because of an "encounter" with a sexy archangel. She really takes a beating in the story but keeps getting back up and kicking ass.

The hero is delicious and I loved his personality but I can't say more or I'll ruin it. Winged has angels, demons, action, fun characters, romance and steamy sex. What's not to like? I highly recommend Winged and can't wait to read the second book, Uprising, when it's available.

I was provided a free copy of this book by Bewitching Book Tours for my honest opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a hard book to rate. Based on the reviews I went into it hoping for a great series with characters I loved filled with ups and downs. It was a good story but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Even by the end of the book I just didn't really care about them. The girl was at times very passionate and then very mechanical. Many of her emotions and choices didn't ring true as if she was written for the actions then later the emotions and passion were put in to make her more real but it just wasn't consistent and didn't quite work. The ending left me glad it was over and disinclined to pick up the next one, especially after reading the blurb. I didn't connect with main girl enough to care what happened next.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It probably isn't quite fair to give this book a rating since I didn't finish it, but I'm doing it anyway. I got about 2/3 of the way through the book. Maybe a bit more. I thought it was okay. It kept my attention, but I started to get really frustrated at the battle scenes. I know it's just me, the writing was fine (the formatting drove me nuts though) I just do not like gore and war. I guess I wasn't prepared for there to be so much violence in the book, and I couldn't finish it because of these scenes. As for other things I did not like about the book, I can't comment on them since I didn't finish.

[Lorraine White · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book description is what drew me into this book, but somehow some verbiage as to the fact that there's lots of sex and battles should be incorporated! I was having some moral issues at the start and thought that would get in the way of my enjoyment, but I pushed through and ended up enjoying the book enough to want to read the next in the series. I like Joanne more than I thought I would. She was a simpering girl at the start but became much more respectable at the end. I'd like to get to know her more.
But really, there should be mention of the fact somewhere that there are angels having sex in this book. It's rather shocking when you don't see it coming.

[Alicia Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

I really liked the main character. I could relate to her a lot. I also loved that she ended up with the right guy. I have respect for the author for making that decision.

I will admit the final challenge seemed a bit lacks considering the extensive training they were put through. And her reaction also seemed overplayed as most of her training seemed much more intense than the final test.

The sex scenes were tasteful and hot. I am the kind of person who can squirm when things get too hot, especially when the author doesn't know what they are doing, but this author did it right.

It is a must read. I would recommend it!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few paranormal Angel books but none like this. This was definitely different. I really thought there'd be training and Joanne would be thrust out into the World. Not so. This was about her decision of where she went and how she trained and about her afterlife. She was definitely thrust into several situations especially at the end. I liked it. It looks like it's a series. Although I'm not in any hurry to check out the rest of the series right now, I will eventually.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to our bookclub by the author and I would consider this a paranormal romance. I am not much of a reviewer but I have to say I loved this book. The story was great and the characters are strong. I read it in about a day and a half. The mark of a great story for me is if I want more when it's done and boy, do I want more!! Can't wait for the next book in this series. Well done!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book at random after going through Amazon looking for a light read. It's been a while since I have taken a chance on a book and I'm glad I did.

It does of the obligatory angels but it reads like a totally different take on this genre. The lesser characters are well fleshed out. The book reads quickly an is very suspenseful.

Give this book a go!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book had me hooked from the very first page. the characters are great and love the tension between two male characters and the female. no spoilers but this book is good . read in a day and half couldn't put it down. will suggest to all my friends. keep up the great work L,M.

[Laura Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different perspective of the archangels, that's for sure!! I loved the story! Strong characters, sexy angels, a little history, action, sex, and an all around good read. Didn't want to put this book down, just have to know what happens next!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. I absolutely loved it!! I finished it in one day. I loved the original story and different view of how angels are depicted. I bought the second one immediately!