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Fallen Angels #5
Possession
#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward explores what really happens when good and evil toy with humanity in her new novel of the Fallen Angels....
When Cait Douglass resolves to get over her broken heart and lose her inhibitions, she’s unprepared for the two sensual men who cross her path. Torn between them, she doesn’t know which to choose—or what kind of dire consequences could follow.
Jim Heron, fallen angel and reluctant savior, is ahead in the war, but he puts everything at risk when he seeks to make a deal with the devil—literally. As yet another soul is unwittingly caught in the battle between him and the demon Devina, his fixation on an innocent trapped in Hell threatens to sidetrack him from his sacred duty....
Can good still prevail if true love makes a savior weak? And will a woman’s future be the key, or the curse, for all of humanity? Only time, and hearts, will tell.
When Cait Douglass resolves to get over her broken heart and lose her inhibitions, she’s unprepared for the two sensual men who cross her path. Torn between them, she doesn’t know which to choose—or what kind of dire consequences could follow.
Jim Heron, fallen angel and reluctant savior, is ahead in the war, but he puts everything at risk when he seeks to make a deal with the devil—literally. As yet another soul is unwittingly caught in the battle between him and the demon Devina, his fixation on an innocent trapped in Hell threatens to sidetrack him from his sacred duty....
Can good still prevail if true love makes a savior weak? And will a woman’s future be the key, or the curse, for all of humanity? Only time, and hearts, will tell.
576 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
502 people are currently reading
13165 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Ward
221 books52.4k followersJ.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 977 reviews
February 3, 2018
Spoilers
What does it feel like when you love an author to pieces and then you find a series of hers that you really don't like.....
This series has mostly been okay reads nothing special but nothing horrible. Now this book has to be the worst of the series. I hated the heroine, hero love triangle of death. I was bored with the whole love part of this book and couldn't tell you anything that stands out about any of them. I was into the Jim, Sissy parts until Jim slept with Devina the Demon again.... by choice. WTF for someone who hates that demon and has feelings for Sissy he sure sleeps with rotten demon woman a lot. And I am just so over it. I am so damn glad that I only have one more book in this series and then I'm done
What does it feel like when you love an author to pieces and then you find a series of hers that you really don't like.....
This series has mostly been okay reads nothing special but nothing horrible. Now this book has to be the worst of the series. I hated the heroine, hero love triangle of death. I was bored with the whole love part of this book and couldn't tell you anything that stands out about any of them. I was into the Jim, Sissy parts until Jim slept with Devina the Demon again.... by choice. WTF for someone who hates that demon and has feelings for Sissy he sure sleeps with rotten demon woman a lot. And I am just so over it. I am so damn glad that I only have one more book in this series and then I'm done
July 21, 2021
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one! I enjoyed it so much I ended up taking it with me to work and reading it during my lunch break, I don't usually do that. :P Great continuation of the Fallen Angel series and a step up from Matthius's book in both romance and plot. I loved the pairing in this even though I really wish Ward would step away from the 3-4 days window time frame for the couple to meet and fall in love. I hate the rushed restriction Ward is putting on each of these books and how everything needs to happen and unfold in a matter of days. Why? Is there a reason for this? After all this is a game of good vs. evil, give the characters at least a week-2 weeks time to deal with and try to prepare for that crossroad.
Duke/Cait/G.B.
I was pleasantly surprised with the shift in POV in this. We got much more of the heroine, Cait's POV and back story than we did both guys combined until much later on. There are obvious reasons for that but I liked that Cait seemed to be more of a lead in this. She was sweet, compassionate, relatable and trying to live life to the fullest and break out of her own comfortable safety bubble. And I LOVE that she was an artist. I thought Duke was sexy as hell. I wasn't sure what to make of him at first but I fell for the guy. He's the typical brooding silent, gargantuan Ward alpha male, and the guy pulled it off. So shmexy. I have a thing for towering gruff silent type heroes. I wasn't overly thrilled how they started off, and Duke's motives behind pursuing Cait bothered me but we get more intel on him and what drives him and he starts to truly fall for her so he won me over. Plus their sex marathons were enthralling and very hot. His insatiable appetite for her was quite addictive and all kinds of delicious. Unf. There are some clever twists and surprises with these 2 and G.B. which I think was nicely handled, kept me in suspense and not wanting to put this down. And I do think G.B. was quite a departure from Ward's traditional recipe of characters, that was another surprise for me.
Jim/Sissy/Devina
Yes I want Jim and Sissy together. *ducks head* After reading this? I'm there. I want them. I honestly didn't think Ward would take it there even with the subtle and not-so subtle hints given all the hokey-pokey fuckery with Devina going on so I wasn't sure how serious she was about the potential of Jim with Sissy. But Sissy has intrigued me and I really like her. She's smart, patient, clear-headed, brave and wants her shot at helping Jim and Adrian in the war. The age difference doesn't bother me and Jim clearly is smitten with her (and is trying to fight it tooth and nail), and Sissy seems to be slowly coming around. It doesn't seem forced or contrived which is another plus. Sissy definitely has matured and seems wiser than her years given what she went through. And once again, for a male-dominant-POV series, we got a lot more POV and reflection from Sissy in here which I liked. It was a nice shift in gears. This managed to squeeze tears out of me when she visits her family and thinks about all those she has left behind. Pretty heartbreaking. For someone who has officially 'entered' the series and now has a play and POV in the games she's a very well-rounded character with a lot of depth and maturity which I really liked. Kudos to Ward!
I will say I did NOT like how things left off between Jim and Sissy at the end and I wanted to rip my hair out that Ward went there...again. I honestly get enjoyment out of seeing Adrian and Jim hurl insults and barbs at Devina. I see that Ward is valiantly trying to humanize her in different ways with her OCD therapy, deep insecurity and falling for Jim. Guess what? Still ain't working. All that does is just razz me up more and wishing someone would just stab her in theeye heart with her stiletto shoe and be done with it. She's great as a villain, she's cunning and quite terrifying (lessers take notes). She's a total sociopath and I loathe her. But as a misunderstood 'I feel ugggggly' whiny woman? No. No no and once more with feeling....
NO
.
And for all the BDB fans, there was a lovely JM sighting in this that was a nice little surprise. And yes Xhex aka 'Alex Hess' plays a small part in this story as well. I get a kick out of all these character cross overs and cameos between the 2 series. Hope Ward keeps it up! :P
I'm still trying to figure out who will be the next 2 souls in play as Ward playfully hinted at it being 'obvious'. Umm...Jim? Sissy? Eddie? I don't see how that would work. Given the title it's probably Jim or Sissy.
Ward has definitely managed to keep things interesting and fresh with the surprise twists and turns. And she seems to be shifting gears and changing things up a bit I noticed it in here and I hope this trend continues.
Great read!
I really enjoyed this one! I enjoyed it so much I ended up taking it with me to work and reading it during my lunch break, I don't usually do that. :P Great continuation of the Fallen Angel series and a step up from Matthius's book in both romance and plot. I loved the pairing in this even though I really wish Ward would step away from the 3-4 days window time frame for the couple to meet and fall in love. I hate the rushed restriction Ward is putting on each of these books and how everything needs to happen and unfold in a matter of days. Why? Is there a reason for this? After all this is a game of good vs. evil, give the characters at least a week-2 weeks time to deal with and try to prepare for that crossroad.
Duke/Cait/G.B.
I was pleasantly surprised with the shift in POV in this. We got much more of the heroine, Cait's POV and back story than we did both guys combined until much later on. There are obvious reasons for that but I liked that Cait seemed to be more of a lead in this. She was sweet, compassionate, relatable and trying to live life to the fullest and break out of her own comfortable safety bubble. And I LOVE that she was an artist. I thought Duke was sexy as hell. I wasn't sure what to make of him at first but I fell for the guy. He's the typical brooding silent, gargantuan Ward alpha male, and the guy pulled it off. So shmexy. I have a thing for towering gruff silent type heroes. I wasn't overly thrilled how they started off, and Duke's motives behind pursuing Cait bothered me but we get more intel on him and what drives him and he starts to truly fall for her so he won me over. Plus their sex marathons were enthralling and very hot. His insatiable appetite for her was quite addictive and all kinds of delicious. Unf. There are some clever twists and surprises with these 2 and G.B. which I think was nicely handled, kept me in suspense and not wanting to put this down. And I do think G.B. was quite a departure from Ward's traditional recipe of characters, that was another surprise for me.
Jim/Sissy/Devina
Yes I want Jim and Sissy together. *ducks head* After reading this? I'm there. I want them. I honestly didn't think Ward would take it there even with the subtle and not-so subtle hints given all the hokey-pokey fuckery with Devina going on so I wasn't sure how serious she was about the potential of Jim with Sissy. But Sissy has intrigued me and I really like her. She's smart, patient, clear-headed, brave and wants her shot at helping Jim and Adrian in the war. The age difference doesn't bother me and Jim clearly is smitten with her (and is trying to fight it tooth and nail), and Sissy seems to be slowly coming around. It doesn't seem forced or contrived which is another plus. Sissy definitely has matured and seems wiser than her years given what she went through. And once again, for a male-dominant-POV series, we got a lot more POV and reflection from Sissy in here which I liked. It was a nice shift in gears. This managed to squeeze tears out of me when she visits her family and thinks about all those she has left behind. Pretty heartbreaking. For someone who has officially 'entered' the series and now has a play and POV in the games she's a very well-rounded character with a lot of depth and maturity which I really liked. Kudos to Ward!
I will say I did NOT like how things left off between Jim and Sissy at the end and I wanted to rip my hair out that Ward went there...again. I honestly get enjoyment out of seeing Adrian and Jim hurl insults and barbs at Devina. I see that Ward is valiantly trying to humanize her in different ways with her OCD therapy, deep insecurity and falling for Jim. Guess what? Still ain't working. All that does is just razz me up more and wishing someone would just stab her in the
And for all the BDB fans, there was a lovely JM sighting in this that was a nice little surprise. And yes Xhex aka 'Alex Hess' plays a small part in this story as well. I get a kick out of all these character cross overs and cameos between the 2 series. Hope Ward keeps it up! :P
I'm still trying to figure out who will be the next 2 souls in play as Ward playfully hinted at it being 'obvious'. Umm...Jim? Sissy? Eddie? I don't see how that would work. Given the title it's probably Jim or Sissy.
Ward has definitely managed to keep things interesting and fresh with the surprise twists and turns. And she seems to be shifting gears and changing things up a bit I noticed it in here and I hope this trend continues.
Great read!
December 9, 2015
The Battle of Good and Evil continues and
***** 4 ~"Very Sexy Love Triangle" stars*****
Eight months ago, Caitlin Douglass was dumped by a cheating ex. So she joined a gym, got sexy, and died her mousey brown hair blonde. Now everyone wants a piece of her sexy new look. She's proof that blondes have more fun.
Cait
Two men have the hots for Cait, and they are both sexy as hell. But Duke makes her blood boil and her panties wet. Cait is determined to seize the day and live life to it's fullest. So she's determined to see where this sexy relationship goes.
Duke
Duke is jaded and has given up on women and love. He's content with the occasional lay. But when it comes to Cait, he's on a mission. She tuns out to be different than most women and that presents a problem.
Duke's got competition for Cait's affections. He's an ultra smooth singer, that has a swarm of female fans.
GB
GB's the perfect man. Beautiful in a tux, with a voice that will melt your panties off. He has the sweetest personality and is very sincere. What woman wouldn't want him. But Damn if he isn't having to work for Cait, and he likes that. She's nothing like the skanks that throw sex at him each and every night.
The battle for good vs evil continues with Jim Heron and the Demon Devina. This one had some twists that I didn't see coming. Jim is attempting to bargain for Sissy's freedom and the Shit is about to hit the fan!!
This installment was fast paced and sexy and shit. It felt like the Warden was back because her last book of this series sucked ass. But she has redeemed herself and I can't wait to read the final book of this series.
***** 4 ~"Very Sexy Love Triangle" stars*****
Eight months ago, Caitlin Douglass was dumped by a cheating ex. So she joined a gym, got sexy, and died her mousey brown hair blonde. Now everyone wants a piece of her sexy new look. She's proof that blondes have more fun.
Cait
Two men have the hots for Cait, and they are both sexy as hell. But Duke makes her blood boil and her panties wet. Cait is determined to seize the day and live life to it's fullest. So she's determined to see where this sexy relationship goes.
Duke
Duke is jaded and has given up on women and love. He's content with the occasional lay. But when it comes to Cait, he's on a mission. She tuns out to be different than most women and that presents a problem.
Duke's got competition for Cait's affections. He's an ultra smooth singer, that has a swarm of female fans.
GB
GB's the perfect man. Beautiful in a tux, with a voice that will melt your panties off. He has the sweetest personality and is very sincere. What woman wouldn't want him. But Damn if he isn't having to work for Cait, and he likes that. She's nothing like the skanks that throw sex at him each and every night.
The battle for good vs evil continues with Jim Heron and the Demon Devina. This one had some twists that I didn't see coming. Jim is attempting to bargain for Sissy's freedom and the Shit is about to hit the fan!!
This installment was fast paced and sexy and shit. It felt like the Warden was back because her last book of this series sucked ass. But she has redeemed herself and I can't wait to read the final book of this series.
November 22, 2013
3 ½ stars – Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance
I’m a devoted J.R. Ward fan, and I loooved Covet. But I have to be honest; my enthusiasm for this series has somewhat dwindled.
I think it’s partly because of the yearlong gap in releases and that I read so many books in between. I just can’t keep everything straight with all the Devina/Jim/Sissy/Adrian and battle for souls drama that seems to get more confusing with each book. And I also feel like way too much time is spent on Devina and all her OCD and idiosyncrasies, not to mention her and Jim’s depraved, hateful, twisted, vengeful use of as a weapon in their good versus evil war with each other.
I loved Duke! He was a seriously yummy, growly, broody, tortured alpha hero. I devoured every scene he was in, but I wish he’d been given additional page time. The relationship between him and Cait was much more satisfying than the romance storyline in Rapture. And their sex scenes were yowza hot! But I was still left wanting extra Duke, further time spent on the romance, and a more satisfying, detailed HEA.
Although my interest in the series has slightly diminished, I’m curious how the battle will play out and who wins the war and hopeful of a HEA for Jim, so I’ll still read on to find out.
I was only going to give 3 GR stars for my rating, but I loved Duke and his steamy romance with Cait so much that I added another star and bumped my rating to 3.5 stars. This probably would’ve been just a 2 star read for me if it wasn’t for Duke.
I’m a devoted J.R. Ward fan, and I loooved Covet. But I have to be honest; my enthusiasm for this series has somewhat dwindled.
I think it’s partly because of the yearlong gap in releases and that I read so many books in between. I just can’t keep everything straight with all the Devina/Jim/Sissy/Adrian and battle for souls drama that seems to get more confusing with each book. And I also feel like way too much time is spent on Devina and all her OCD and idiosyncrasies, not to mention her and Jim’s depraved, hateful, twisted, vengeful use of as a weapon in their good versus evil war with each other.
I loved Duke! He was a seriously yummy, growly, broody, tortured alpha hero. I devoured every scene he was in, but I wish he’d been given additional page time. The relationship between him and Cait was much more satisfying than the romance storyline in Rapture. And their sex scenes were yowza hot! But I was still left wanting extra Duke, further time spent on the romance, and a more satisfying, detailed HEA.
Although my interest in the series has slightly diminished, I’m curious how the battle will play out and who wins the war and hopeful of a HEA for Jim, so I’ll still read on to find out.
I was only going to give 3 GR stars for my rating, but I loved Duke and his steamy romance with Cait so much that I added another star and bumped my rating to 3.5 stars. This probably would’ve been just a 2 star read for me if it wasn’t for Duke.
October 15, 2013
I have to mention all the name brand dropping! I know JR is into it, but I think she now has an obsession with name brands. It feels every few sentences she's name dropping LOL. Stop, just stop.
I'm 6 chapters in so far and the characters are all blending together. Tall, Sexy, White and a mouth like a trucker *Yawn* Nice to see Xhex/Jm.
Still don't understand Jim's sudden obsession with Sissy. Not to mention he gave up on the game for a piece of ass. Mother be damned, so long as he gets his cock licked *Rolls Eyes*
I've had discussion lately about JR and someone mentioned that her characters no longer have a voice of their own, but JR's. Have to agree on that point. Unfortunately maybe giving up on JR after THE KING. It was only Qhuay that got me back and even that fell short,so it's one last chance with my boy Wrath and I'm out.
Over half way, and things are NOW beginning to get interesting. Devina losing her mind over Adrian not being able to stand at attention? Priceless. I'm sick to death of Jim and his "But Sissy . ." bull shit. He has chosen her over the war his mother and the angels. So a big middle finger to him.
Nigel killing himself is a bit suspect. If he did do it, OK but if not? Who? I still don't understand how that was Jim's fault. Can someone explain why? he did it please. Collin WOW! show of power there mate. And Dog, where, why and how did he get there?
I know Duke is social awkward in terms of communication, but man, don't like their relationship. It's nothing but a physical one. So GB is the Cray, Cray one aye. Wonder if he'll go all psycho when she tells him about Duke. Also, what's the deal with these two?
Duke and GB brothers eh, figures. Yip can't stand Jim now, he cost the damn world a flag fucking around. Now the damn fool goes and fucks Davina? Piss off!
I never did get why the house was repairing itself. I thought maybe it was Eddie and him NOT being dead, but maybe not. Seems as though it's Sissy herself. Speaking of . . What's with the Halo business? Halo = Bad? since GB had one. Maybe even the souls in play?
Looking forward to seeing if Jim does replace Nigel. Speaking of . . Why the hell did he give up! Not liking that at all. So I hope it's a good reason. Over all? Meh, didn't get interesting till the end.
Forgot the clock. What's with the hostility toward the damn clock? Also the 13 tolls thing what is that? Anyone else feel as though we read a novel about descriptions and Ward-Isms? it felt like every other sentence was a description or Ism's of some sort.
I'm 6 chapters in so far and the characters are all blending together. Tall, Sexy, White and a mouth like a trucker *Yawn* Nice to see Xhex/Jm.
Still don't understand Jim's sudden obsession with Sissy. Not to mention he gave up on the game for a piece of ass. Mother be damned, so long as he gets his cock licked *Rolls Eyes*
I've had discussion lately about JR and someone mentioned that her characters no longer have a voice of their own, but JR's. Have to agree on that point. Unfortunately maybe giving up on JR after THE KING. It was only Qhuay that got me back and even that fell short,so it's one last chance with my boy Wrath and I'm out.
Over half way, and things are NOW beginning to get interesting. Devina losing her mind over Adrian not being able to stand at attention? Priceless. I'm sick to death of Jim and his "But Sissy . ." bull shit. He has chosen her over the war his mother and the angels. So a big middle finger to him.
Nigel killing himself is a bit suspect. If he did do it, OK but if not? Who? I still don't understand how that was Jim's fault. Can someone explain why? he did it please. Collin WOW! show of power there mate. And Dog, where, why and how did he get there?
I know Duke is social awkward in terms of communication, but man, don't like their relationship. It's nothing but a physical one. So GB is the Cray, Cray one aye. Wonder if he'll go all psycho when she tells him about Duke. Also, what's the deal with these two?
Duke and GB brothers eh, figures. Yip can't stand Jim now, he cost the damn world a flag fucking around. Now the damn fool goes and fucks Davina? Piss off!
I never did get why the house was repairing itself. I thought maybe it was Eddie and him NOT being dead, but maybe not. Seems as though it's Sissy herself. Speaking of . . What's with the Halo business? Halo = Bad? since GB had one. Maybe even the souls in play?
Looking forward to seeing if Jim does replace Nigel. Speaking of . . Why the hell did he give up! Not liking that at all. So I hope it's a good reason. Over all? Meh, didn't get interesting till the end.
Forgot the clock. What's with the hostility toward the damn clock? Also the 13 tolls thing what is that? Anyone else feel as though we read a novel about descriptions and Ward-Isms? it felt like every other sentence was a description or Ism's of some sort.
January 9, 2023
Cait siempre ha llevado una vida sencilla, sus rutinas y su trabajo siempre predecible, hasta que una noche cuando se reunia con una amiga en un cafe, vio a un hermoso hombre que la atrajo de inmediato, su frescura, su brillo, su voz, todo le indicaba que podia ser una cita perfecta, y cuando el hombre se fijo en ella, pues la emocion fue mucho mas alla. Pero esa misma noche, al salir del cafe se consiguio con otro hombre, un hombre salvajemente atractivo, cuya quimica tambien la atrajo a niveles viscerales, un hombre que prometia sexo por todos sus poros. Asi que ahora, despues de tanto tiempo, no solo sentia atraccion por un hombre, sino por dos en la misma noche. Como podria decidirse, por un lado, uno parecia todo un caballero y el otro todo un salvaje, que querria ella realmente en su vida?
Por otro lado Jim logro que Devina liberara a Sissy de su prision, pero ahora su foco esta en que Sissy se acostumbre a su nuevo entorno, y no en el alma que debe liberar. Y por eso no solo el arcangel Nigel esta enfadado, sino tambien Adrian. Pero para el ahorita no hay nada mas importante que Sissy, el no solo quiere ser su salvador, quiere se el unico en su vida. Podra Jim lograr enfocarse realmente en el alma que necesitan salvar o perderan tambien esta ronda?
La trama de este libro se veia desde el comienzo, la prota tenia que escoger un lado y cualquier que escogiera Jim iba a perder. Pero tambien nos dio por fin una historia romantica entre Sissy y Jim, tambien vimos un poco mas del Iron Mask (el club nocturno donde trabajan muchos de los vamps de Black Dagger Brotherhood) y su gente. Lo que no me gusto, fue que eran tantos personajes, tantos puntos de vista diferente, que realmente no vimos la encrucijada del que se supone que deberian salvar.
Si el autor pensaba utilizar este libro como un Cliffanger, no funciono en absoluto, porque hasta ahora es el libro mas aburrido, cliche y mal disenado de toda la serie. Pero bueno, en este punto, la curiosidad es mas grande, asi que voy a leer el ultimo de la serie esperando que al final pueda entender realmente cual era el objetivo de toda la serie, o la moraleja de esta lucha entre el bien y el mal.
Por otro lado Jim logro que Devina liberara a Sissy de su prision, pero ahora su foco esta en que Sissy se acostumbre a su nuevo entorno, y no en el alma que debe liberar. Y por eso no solo el arcangel Nigel esta enfadado, sino tambien Adrian. Pero para el ahorita no hay nada mas importante que Sissy, el no solo quiere ser su salvador, quiere se el unico en su vida. Podra Jim lograr enfocarse realmente en el alma que necesitan salvar o perderan tambien esta ronda?
La trama de este libro se veia desde el comienzo, la prota tenia que escoger un lado y cualquier que escogiera Jim iba a perder. Pero tambien nos dio por fin una historia romantica entre Sissy y Jim, tambien vimos un poco mas del Iron Mask (el club nocturno donde trabajan muchos de los vamps de Black Dagger Brotherhood) y su gente. Lo que no me gusto, fue que eran tantos personajes, tantos puntos de vista diferente, que realmente no vimos la encrucijada del que se supone que deberian salvar.
Si el autor pensaba utilizar este libro como un Cliffanger, no funciono en absoluto, porque hasta ahora es el libro mas aburrido, cliche y mal disenado de toda la serie. Pero bueno, en este punto, la curiosidad es mas grande, asi que voy a leer el ultimo de la serie esperando que al final pueda entender realmente cual era el objetivo de toda la serie, o la moraleja de esta lucha entre el bien y el mal.
sat-on-shelf-waiting
December 11, 2013How the hell have I missed this?
We have a title.
we have a cover.
We have a synopsis.
We have a release date.
We even have a VS date...
Devina must of locked me away with the souls for me not to notice all this. Now the question is, Did Jim break me out? ;)
We have a title.
we have a cover.
We have a synopsis.
We have a release date.
We even have a VS date...
Devina must of locked me away with the souls for me not to notice all this. Now the question is, Did Jim break me out? ;)
October 20, 2013
I don't think I liked this book. At all. *SPOILER* So the fight for good and evil is on. For some reason the good guys are sleeping with the bad guy(girl) whose real body is decomposing and in the middle of this shitstorm there is a love triangle between two brothers one is good the other evil and a totally clueless girl. So of course what goes on from there she hooks up with the good brother. In the meantime the evil brother murders a woman. Then the evil one finds out shes dating his bro and goes apeshit. Oh and surprise! back in the day the evil brother slept with the good one's then gf and got her pregnant. So now the good brother pays child support every month for the evil one's son. The evil bro. tries to kill the clueless girl when he finds out she's loving on his bro. and so the bro's get in a fight the good one gets stabbed and the clueless girl ends up shooting and killing the evil bro. So in the end the evil side wins this round in this book. Because all of the good guys had their thumbs up their butts the whole time and didn't save the soul of the evil brother in time. So I don't know you tell me is this good material to read before going to sleep? No, I don't think so. It just pissed me off and creeped me out and know I have to try and go to sleep. I'm pretty sure I'm done with this series. Seriously why would I want to read something I don't even enjoy reading. Next!
July 6, 2025
Possession by J.R. Ward
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
5++ Stars
Lord have mercy I just had a
'BOOK ORGASM'!! 🎆📕🤯💥
WOW! 5 stars is not enough! 10 STARS! 🌟
I thought book #3, 'Envy' was great, but this one was Absolutely Spectacular!
Moments so INTENSE you have to take a break to just Breath!
It kept me on the edge all the way to the very end. Nothing given away.
It ran the gamut of emotions. Arousal - Sorrow - Fear - Uncertainty - and everything in-between.
I cannot recommend this book & this series enough.
From beginning to end an absolutely FANTASTIC READ! Warning! Once you start reading this book you WILL NOT want to stop.
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
5++ Stars
Lord have mercy I just had a
'BOOK ORGASM'!! 🎆📕🤯💥
WOW! 5 stars is not enough! 10 STARS! 🌟
I thought book #3, 'Envy' was great, but this one was Absolutely Spectacular!
Moments so INTENSE you have to take a break to just Breath!
It kept me on the edge all the way to the very end. Nothing given away.
It ran the gamut of emotions. Arousal - Sorrow - Fear - Uncertainty - and everything in-between.
I cannot recommend this book & this series enough.
From beginning to end an absolutely FANTASTIC READ! Warning! Once you start reading this book you WILL NOT want to stop.
June 26, 2014
UPDATE:
****SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW****
Just finished & I think this is probably my favorite out of the series so far. The Warden's books tend to jump around from one character to another & sometimes it comes out a bit disjointed. I personally felt that this book had a good flow to it even with these changes of perspective. I do have to admit to being severely irritated at her overuse of acronyms. I can understand an occasional, COMMON, one that most people have heard of. Unfortunately, she uses them excessively and are very rarely any I've ever heard of. I used to look them up as I read her books but after a while it gets a bit aggravating to have to google them & not always finding an answer. At this point I just kind of gave up on doing that & continue reading even if I don't fully understand what's being said. As is usual for a J.R. Ward book, there's a lot going on so I'm going to section off my review so I don't start rambling incoherently.
CAIT/DUKE/G.B.:
Although Cait has had some emotional upheaval I think she's grown from it & I really enjoyed witnessing her character finish that kind of personal growth. She was a likable heroine, in my opinion. She has a successful, fulfilling career, is independent, intelligent, & kind.
Duke is crazy shmexy. He's intense & strong, broody, smart, INCREDIBLY kind, &....yum. He pays his cheating ex $500/month for a kid that isn't his?!?! I mean...C'MON! AND the bitch still has the gall to ask him to talk to her son when he gets in trouble?!?! Ugh. I understand he is the uncle, but under the circumstances of that whole situation, he's much kinder than he needs to be.
G.B. is yucky to me. Yes, I said yucky. I know he's presented in a pretty package with a great personality, but I found him plain ol' creepy, fake, & a bit of a show off. I didn't like him from the very beginning & I guess that was a good call. I don't think his soul could've been saved even if the "good side" would've had their heads in the game. I don't think I could've seen a way for any sort of redemption to come from him.
I gotta admit to being severely annoyed at Ward's constant need to make their H/h fall in love in a matter of days. I could certainly "feel" that spark between Cait & Duke & was definitely rooting for them but let's get real. They saw each other what? 4-5 times...before they "loved" each other? The first of those times was BARELY a conversation, then the following 3 times they didn't even speak! They just had sex! Where the fuck does love make an appearance in this equation?! Doesn't make sense & feels forced which disappoints me because I liked them as a couple.
SISSY:
Ok, I love Sissy. She may be young, but she's got some fire in her soul!!! She's "innocent" but mature, caring, & feisty. We've really only gotten to know her in this book & I can say that I'm liking her so far. Also, she is perfect for Jim. I'm definitely thinking the saying "opposites attract" works when it comes to them. I'm thinking she's one of the souls at a crossroads in the last book because of that halo she's sporting & that anger that keeps bubbling up inside her.
JIM:
Oh, my dear Jim. You're a hot mess right now. He's letting his responsibilities slip but in his defense, I really don't think he would have won this round anyways. G.B. was nucking futs. He seems so lost right now. Half the time I want to clock him & the other half I'm loving the way he takes care of Sissy. It's sexy. He's been breaking my heart & drawing me in in this book. When he broke down & was crying in that bathroom, the comfort he felt when he thought Sissy was coming to him at night, & the way he felt while taking his very literal walk of shame.....ugh! & then after Sissy tore in to him! Omg. My poor little Jim. He really grew on me in this book. His vulnerabilities made him sexy in my eyes. I don't think he's going to take Nigel's place. As I said before, I think he's one of the souls in question. Especially after he said that he KNEW he was starting down a bad path. I have all the faith in him though. I want to see him with a HEA & Sissy is it for him.
ADRIAN:
Adrian has probably made the most character growth in this series. He is truly an amazing man/angel. He seems more patient, kinder, & 1,000 times more mature. Witnessing his grieving has been heart wrenching but for some reason it was a but more touching in my opinion. His silent vigils in the attack & his careful packing of Eddie's things....poor thing. I think he is going to end up being the true savior in all this for some reason. Either that, or he is going to take Nigel's place. He may not think so but he is an inherently GOOD man.
DEVINA:
Gag me! This bitch is absolutely CRAZY! More so than she ever has been. She is truly, out of her mind, delusional kind of crazy. Like....insane. She's nutso! She's crazy in love with Jim & somehow her twisted mind thinks she's the one for him also. I have NO idea how she got to this conclusion. What a nut bar. I know it's supposed to humanize her in some way with all her therapy & giving us an insight to her inner feelings & what not but all I can see when her POV starts up is "blah blah blah". I'm over her. She's the strangest representation of the devil that I've ever encountered. I can't wait for them to beat her.
The battle for the soul was really non-existent in this book. Devina had a few little interactions here & there but she really wasn't all that involved, not that she needed to be. As I said previously, I don't really think Jim would've been able to influence G.B. He was too far gone. This book focused more on the character's relationships & personal growth & I was completely ok with that, even if Devina did take this round. I believe the good guys will win. I must say that one of the good guys pissed me off though. While I was irritated with Jim's lack of focus on the game, it didn't last because I think his relationship with Sissy is amazing to read about & something ultimately necessary for the good guys to win. I was however SUPREMELY irritated & angry with Nigel. Seriously?! KILL YOURSELF?!?! The game isn't going well & Jim has lost focus, but damn dude!! YOU picked him! Have some effing faith! He's supposed to be the leader, strong...to me he is nothing but a weak bastard & I have no respect for his character. Suicide is such a weak act. He should've fought for what was right. I don't buy this whole, "he killed himself to separate Jim from Devina" crap she came up with & I wouldn't buy it if he did it to desperate Jim from Sissy. It's stupid. It makes me angry. Weak & selfish. UGH. That peeved me so much.
Overall, this has been my favorite out of the series & if the next book is truly about Sissy & Jim, as I feel it will be, I'm beyond excited & can't wait for the final installment.
I am excited for this book!!!! More Jim & Sissy PLEEEEAAASSSEEE! In the description it says "Can good still prevail if true love makes a savior weak?" TRUE LOVE?! YAY! I've been rooting for these two. I want to see some progress! ❤❤
****SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW****
Just finished & I think this is probably my favorite out of the series so far. The Warden's books tend to jump around from one character to another & sometimes it comes out a bit disjointed. I personally felt that this book had a good flow to it even with these changes of perspective. I do have to admit to being severely irritated at her overuse of acronyms. I can understand an occasional, COMMON, one that most people have heard of. Unfortunately, she uses them excessively and are very rarely any I've ever heard of. I used to look them up as I read her books but after a while it gets a bit aggravating to have to google them & not always finding an answer. At this point I just kind of gave up on doing that & continue reading even if I don't fully understand what's being said. As is usual for a J.R. Ward book, there's a lot going on so I'm going to section off my review so I don't start rambling incoherently.
CAIT/DUKE/G.B.:
Although Cait has had some emotional upheaval I think she's grown from it & I really enjoyed witnessing her character finish that kind of personal growth. She was a likable heroine, in my opinion. She has a successful, fulfilling career, is independent, intelligent, & kind.
Duke is crazy shmexy. He's intense & strong, broody, smart, INCREDIBLY kind, &....yum. He pays his cheating ex $500/month for a kid that isn't his?!?! I mean...C'MON! AND the bitch still has the gall to ask him to talk to her son when he gets in trouble?!?! Ugh. I understand he is the uncle, but under the circumstances of that whole situation, he's much kinder than he needs to be.
G.B. is yucky to me. Yes, I said yucky. I know he's presented in a pretty package with a great personality, but I found him plain ol' creepy, fake, & a bit of a show off. I didn't like him from the very beginning & I guess that was a good call. I don't think his soul could've been saved even if the "good side" would've had their heads in the game. I don't think I could've seen a way for any sort of redemption to come from him.
I gotta admit to being severely annoyed at Ward's constant need to make their H/h fall in love in a matter of days. I could certainly "feel" that spark between Cait & Duke & was definitely rooting for them but let's get real. They saw each other what? 4-5 times...before they "loved" each other? The first of those times was BARELY a conversation, then the following 3 times they didn't even speak! They just had sex! Where the fuck does love make an appearance in this equation?! Doesn't make sense & feels forced which disappoints me because I liked them as a couple.
SISSY:
Ok, I love Sissy. She may be young, but she's got some fire in her soul!!! She's "innocent" but mature, caring, & feisty. We've really only gotten to know her in this book & I can say that I'm liking her so far. Also, she is perfect for Jim. I'm definitely thinking the saying "opposites attract" works when it comes to them. I'm thinking she's one of the souls at a crossroads in the last book because of that halo she's sporting & that anger that keeps bubbling up inside her.
JIM:
Oh, my dear Jim. You're a hot mess right now. He's letting his responsibilities slip but in his defense, I really don't think he would have won this round anyways. G.B. was nucking futs. He seems so lost right now. Half the time I want to clock him & the other half I'm loving the way he takes care of Sissy. It's sexy. He's been breaking my heart & drawing me in in this book. When he broke down & was crying in that bathroom, the comfort he felt when he thought Sissy was coming to him at night, & the way he felt while taking his very literal walk of shame.....ugh! & then after Sissy tore in to him! Omg. My poor little Jim. He really grew on me in this book. His vulnerabilities made him sexy in my eyes. I don't think he's going to take Nigel's place. As I said before, I think he's one of the souls in question. Especially after he said that he KNEW he was starting down a bad path. I have all the faith in him though. I want to see him with a HEA & Sissy is it for him.
ADRIAN:
Adrian has probably made the most character growth in this series. He is truly an amazing man/angel. He seems more patient, kinder, & 1,000 times more mature. Witnessing his grieving has been heart wrenching but for some reason it was a but more touching in my opinion. His silent vigils in the attack & his careful packing of Eddie's things....poor thing. I think he is going to end up being the true savior in all this for some reason. Either that, or he is going to take Nigel's place. He may not think so but he is an inherently GOOD man.
DEVINA:
Gag me! This bitch is absolutely CRAZY! More so than she ever has been. She is truly, out of her mind, delusional kind of crazy. Like....insane. She's nutso! She's crazy in love with Jim & somehow her twisted mind thinks she's the one for him also. I have NO idea how she got to this conclusion. What a nut bar. I know it's supposed to humanize her in some way with all her therapy & giving us an insight to her inner feelings & what not but all I can see when her POV starts up is "blah blah blah". I'm over her. She's the strangest representation of the devil that I've ever encountered. I can't wait for them to beat her.
The battle for the soul was really non-existent in this book. Devina had a few little interactions here & there but she really wasn't all that involved, not that she needed to be. As I said previously, I don't really think Jim would've been able to influence G.B. He was too far gone. This book focused more on the character's relationships & personal growth & I was completely ok with that, even if Devina did take this round. I believe the good guys will win. I must say that one of the good guys pissed me off though. While I was irritated with Jim's lack of focus on the game, it didn't last because I think his relationship with Sissy is amazing to read about & something ultimately necessary for the good guys to win. I was however SUPREMELY irritated & angry with Nigel. Seriously?! KILL YOURSELF?!?! The game isn't going well & Jim has lost focus, but damn dude!! YOU picked him! Have some effing faith! He's supposed to be the leader, strong...to me he is nothing but a weak bastard & I have no respect for his character. Suicide is such a weak act. He should've fought for what was right. I don't buy this whole, "he killed himself to separate Jim from Devina" crap she came up with & I wouldn't buy it if he did it to desperate Jim from Sissy. It's stupid. It makes me angry. Weak & selfish. UGH. That peeved me so much.
Overall, this has been my favorite out of the series & if the next book is truly about Sissy & Jim, as I feel it will be, I'm beyond excited & can't wait for the final installment.
I am excited for this book!!!! More Jim & Sissy PLEEEEAAASSSEEE! In the description it says "Can good still prevail if true love makes a savior weak?" TRUE LOVE?! YAY! I've been rooting for these two. I want to see some progress! ❤❤
October 10, 2013
B-O-R-I-N-G! Can't believe I spent $11.99 (kindle) for a bk from a series I'm not even all that excited about and then to have it turn out to be a snooze. JR Ward is high on my list of my favorite authors, but no more for me with this series. By bk 5 this should have been a good to really great bk or else I was calling it quits. Possession sure took care of that. This series has been a middle of the road 3 stars since the beginning but Possession takes a nose dive into just plain dull. The occasional Caldwell BDB cast mentions have been a help to this series struggling for my attention, but this one, despite all the rave reviews I read was just painfully boring. Started skimming the details around 25% and just zeroed in on the dialogue. The story was still going nowhere near entertaining or even interesting. Stayed with it to the end though but still wasn't impressed.
November 12, 2014
Took me over a month to read this and was honestly a bit of a slog to get through. Disappointing romance between Cait and Duke/G.B and what the hell was Jim doing here? Not much. I didn't feel that this advanced the series at all. The whole 500 + pages could have been accomplished in about a chapter. Sorry Ward. I used to love you.
August 27, 2017
3 1/2 - 4 Stars
I really liked this one but didn't love it, for some reason I had a hard time staying focused....I think it was me and not the book. I will reread at a later date because I hate that I didn't love a J.R. Ward book. ....although I did LOVE Duke!!!!!
I really liked this one but didn't love it, for some reason I had a hard time staying focused....I think it was me and not the book. I will reread at a later date because I hate that I didn't love a J.R. Ward book. ....although I did LOVE Duke!!!!!
November 5, 2014
2.5 stars
I am a BIG fan of JR WARD and love her BDB Series and when I found her Fallen Angels Series, I couldn’t be happier. A fight between good and evil….with a bit of the BDB world thrown in!!! Can’t go wrong!!!!
I loved the 1st book, Covet and even liked book 2, Crave and book 3, Envy a lot. But when I arrived at book 4, Rapture…I was like…no, I don’t feel for this story!!! Not at all!!! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... .
Did that stop me from reading book 5??? No…..this is JR WARD…..Possession could not possibly be worse than Rapture!! Well, it’s not worse but it’s certainly not a WOW that I was so looking forward to!! Even a scene or two with Xhex and JM from BDB could make me happy…it actually made no impact to the story……it just felt “thrown” in to fill some pages!!!
Jim Heron, the good angel – who I started off liking in the beginning, really irritated me….his obsession with Sissy (the good person being held captive by the evil side) is beyond irrational. He makes a deal with evil Devina to save Sissy from hell, without thinking of the consequences. He floats all over the place without any purpose or aim, except SISSY, SISSY…when he should be finding the soul he has to save. He’s a total selfish idiot. I have some doubts where his relationship with Sissy will go.
I am not sure how I feel about Sissy yet……maybe I will warm up to her in the next book.
Adrian and all those angels and archangels….a tad boring!!! Same oh…same oh!!!
The soul or souls that need saving….Cait, the heroine, who was a bit weird at times…has to choose between the one good and the one evil brothers……….the whole thing between Cait, Duke and his evilish brother kept going …nowhere….I felt no romance between the tormented Duke and Cait….just a lot of sex!!
The parts I liked a lot….all the scenes with Evil Devina!!!
I just adore this character. Her insecurities and OCD behavior
….her love for fashion and Laboutin shoes
.................
and Chanel lipsticks
…her hoarding….and her scenes with her therapist are to die for.
This is not a read again book and I am hoping next one will be more interesting.
I am a BIG fan of JR WARD and love her BDB Series and when I found her Fallen Angels Series, I couldn’t be happier. A fight between good and evil….with a bit of the BDB world thrown in!!! Can’t go wrong!!!!
I loved the 1st book, Covet and even liked book 2, Crave and book 3, Envy a lot. But when I arrived at book 4, Rapture…I was like…no, I don’t feel for this story!!! Not at all!!! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... .
Did that stop me from reading book 5??? No…..this is JR WARD…..Possession could not possibly be worse than Rapture!! Well, it’s not worse but it’s certainly not a WOW that I was so looking forward to!! Even a scene or two with Xhex and JM from BDB could make me happy…it actually made no impact to the story……it just felt “thrown” in to fill some pages!!!
Jim Heron, the good angel – who I started off liking in the beginning, really irritated me….his obsession with Sissy (the good person being held captive by the evil side) is beyond irrational. He makes a deal with evil Devina to save Sissy from hell, without thinking of the consequences. He floats all over the place without any purpose or aim, except SISSY, SISSY…when he should be finding the soul he has to save. He’s a total selfish idiot. I have some doubts where his relationship with Sissy will go.
I am not sure how I feel about Sissy yet……maybe I will warm up to her in the next book.
Adrian and all those angels and archangels….a tad boring!!! Same oh…same oh!!!
The soul or souls that need saving….Cait, the heroine, who was a bit weird at times…has to choose between the one good and the one evil brothers……….the whole thing between Cait, Duke and his evilish brother kept going …nowhere….I felt no romance between the tormented Duke and Cait….just a lot of sex!!
The parts I liked a lot….all the scenes with Evil Devina!!!
I just adore this character. Her insecurities and OCD behavior
….her love for fashion and Laboutin shoes.................and Chanel lipsticks
…her hoarding….and her scenes with her therapist are to die for. This is not a read again book and I am hoping next one will be more interesting.
to-be-published
April 8, 2013These covers...SMH!?! Looks like a graphic novel.
Hope that Sissy and Jim get some serious face time. I like that story but it's going to lose my interest if there's not any actual romance going on between those two!!!
And who are these two men that she has to choose from?!? Do we even know any men other than the nummy nummy angels?
Hope that Sissy and Jim get some serious face time. I like that story but it's going to lose my interest if there's not any actual romance going on between those two!!!
And who are these two men that she has to choose from?!? Do we even know any men other than the nummy nummy angels?
October 4, 2013
This book is GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!! I am a HUGE fan of pretty much everything J.R. Ward writes but this book defiantly takes the cake when it comes to her Fallen Angels series, my favorite thus far! I am sorry Crave you are a very close second but Possession is just that good! Ward keeps you guessing at every turn and her knack for surprising you just when you think you have figured out what's up is simply amazing!
Cait is torn between two men both of which seem to have good qualities. She wonders throughout the whole story which one will be right for her and just when she thinks she knows.....well you gotta read it to find out but the surprises will keep you GASPing! In the battle of souls Jim and Devina do not disappoint. Adrian is amazing as ever...and you get to learn all sorts of interesting tid bits about the arch angels, the creator and the war in general.
I am left with about a zillion questions! As I turned the last page on my nook I kept pressing the "next page" button going NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO give me MORE!!!! The wait for the next Fallen Angels book is going to be pure torture LOL I CAN'T WAIT to find out what's next!!!! I would read this book again tomorrow!!! OH and there is a PRETTY FRIGGIN AWESOME Cameo in this book that I might add is THE BEST CAMEO EVER in a book hands down!!!
Cait is torn between two men both of which seem to have good qualities. She wonders throughout the whole story which one will be right for her and just when she thinks she knows.....well you gotta read it to find out but the surprises will keep you GASPing! In the battle of souls Jim and Devina do not disappoint. Adrian is amazing as ever...and you get to learn all sorts of interesting tid bits about the arch angels, the creator and the war in general.
I am left with about a zillion questions! As I turned the last page on my nook I kept pressing the "next page" button going NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO give me MORE!!!! The wait for the next Fallen Angels book is going to be pure torture LOL I CAN'T WAIT to find out what's next!!!! I would read this book again tomorrow!!! OH and there is a PRETTY FRIGGIN AWESOME Cameo in this book that I might add is THE BEST CAMEO EVER in a book hands down!!!
October 31, 2013
These books just get better and better!!!
Such an easy read, the flow of all the various storylines eventually coming together for that brilliant ending...
I love Jim, I love Ad too and the fact that Sissy has such a huge part to play in both their lives seemed to make things so much more fulfilling. I wonder what she is actually going to end up doing, she can see those halos, it has to mean something don't you think? Along with all that pent up anger... I'm thinking power here!
Devina, I truly love to hate that demon, she needs a good kicking and I actually hope that Sissy is the one to do it!!! I don't mind if Jim or Ad gives her a good going but Sissy would do it for me definitely!!!
Nigel??? WTF??? Colin certainly dished out for that didn't he!!!
So the story that goes on between G.B., Cait and Duke held me real fast, I was wrapped up in this from the start, it took a different turn to what I expected, which made it even better!!!
ok so the scores are uneven now... I can't wait for the next round!!!
Such an easy read, the flow of all the various storylines eventually coming together for that brilliant ending...
I love Jim, I love Ad too and the fact that Sissy has such a huge part to play in both their lives seemed to make things so much more fulfilling. I wonder what she is actually going to end up doing, she can see those halos, it has to mean something don't you think? Along with all that pent up anger... I'm thinking power here!
Devina, I truly love to hate that demon, she needs a good kicking and I actually hope that Sissy is the one to do it!!! I don't mind if Jim or Ad gives her a good going but Sissy would do it for me definitely!!!
Nigel??? WTF??? Colin certainly dished out for that didn't he!!!
So the story that goes on between G.B., Cait and Duke held me real fast, I was wrapped up in this from the start, it took a different turn to what I expected, which made it even better!!!
ok so the scores are uneven now... I can't wait for the next round!!!
March 28, 2016
Ok, although I liked the story, this was a very confusing book. And if it was hard to follow for me that I have been reading one book after the other for the past month, I can only imagine how hard it was to follow for the readers who waited one year for it to be published.
The book became more complicated as most of the times Sissy's story seemed to be the centre one. The lost soul that needed to be saved was not really important after a certain point and the story was more a mystery one than a PNR after a while.
Anyway, the book was good but just not what I expected...
The book became more complicated as most of the times Sissy's story seemed to be the centre one. The lost soul that needed to be saved was not really important after a certain point and the story was more a mystery one than a PNR after a while.
Anyway, the book was good but just not what I expected...
October 4, 2013
Possession begins immediately after Rapture, book 4 in the series, ends. Jim is ahead in the war at the end of Rapture, but he makes a decision to “deal” with the devil, Devina, in order to save a tortured soul trapped in hell. A soul that Devina knows that Jim wants, and the price offered by Jim can change everything……..
As always in the Fallen Angels series, Jim and his sidekick, Adrian, have no idea whose soul is in play. Nigel, the team captain for the good side, pays a visit to Jim once he realizes the deal that Jim has struck with Devina, and he is livid. And, as Adrian hears the argument between Jim and Nigel, he pays a visit to Heaven to speak with Colin, Nigel’s friend and partner, to try and find out whose soul is up for grabs in this round. Of course, it’s against the rules for Colin to intervene and divulge such information, but he does give him a clue. The problem with clues? You can never be sure you’re on the right track.
Cait is a successful book illustrator and art professor. And when her best friend, Teresa, invites her to meet her at a bar downtown to hear an amazing singer, Cait can’t tell her no. Once the singer, G.B., finishes his set, he meanders through the crowd is drawn to Cait. He introduces himself, and after a bit of conversation, asks her for her number. Cait hesitates, but Teresa gives him the number and he assures Cait that he’ll call her. After all, it’s been a long time since Cait and her boyfriend broke up due to his having cheated on her, and it’s time to get back in the game. As Cait is leaving the bar, she encounters another man, Duke, whom she cannot take her eyes off of, nor can he take his eyes from her. The attraction is instantaneous and when he approaches her vehicle, she somehow knows her life will never be the same.
The next morning, G.B. calls and invites Cait to hear him sing backup for another artist, and she accepts. Once she arrives at the theatre, she is surprised to see Duke there. He approaches and tells her he wants her to meet him towards the end of his shift at, wait for it…………………the Iron Mask. (BDB fans know this place well!!) She tells him she’ll think about it and goes on her way to find G.B. so that she can get her ticket for the event. Through a series of events, she ends up not being able to get her ticket and see the show, unbeknownst to G.B. Once she leaves the theatre, she gets spooked in the parking garage, and sure enough, someone is chasing her. Fortunately, she is able to get away and calls the police. And, where does she end up later that night? Yep, you guessed it. The Iron Mask. And, oh my, do things get steamy…….as in H.O.T……………. The attraction between she and Duke is off the charts. And, then there’s G.B. What’s a girl to do?
Meanwhile, Jim is having to handle the fallout from the deal he made with Devina and get his butt back into the game. After all, there is a war to win. Because if Good doesn’t win best out of seven, Evil will rule and life as we know it will end. As I said earlier, Jim and Adrian are always at a disadvantage in not knowing whose soul is in play. But, they run with the clue Colin gave Adrian…………..Unfortunately, they trip……………
I can tell you that the soul in play is either G.B. or Duke. And, Cait is an awesome heroine. There are twists and turns in this one that kept me glued to the pages, and an ending that had me cheering for Cait and her happily ever after. She literally saves the day and her man. Want to know which she chose? Well girls and boys, you’ll have to read to find out. As for who wins this leg of the game, you’ll have to read to find that out as well.
This was without a doubt, absolutely, positively the best so far. I was literally afraid that I would not be able to read the book in time to get my review in. I got it last week, but was sick over the weekend and didn’t get to start until Sunday. Pfffttt….. What in the world was I thinking??!! Once this one got going, it did not stop. Ward did a magnificent job with the twists and turns in this book. Once I found out the connection between G.B. and Duke?? Holy hell….. There is a major player whose status changes in this book and it leaves things wide open to change significantly. Something that I didn’t see coming AT ALL!! And, it was heart breaking. Seems battling for eons gets old for everyone. Parts of this book literally made my heart pound. I absolutely fell in love with Cait and her man, and know you will too. And, Duke’s boss at the Iron Mask makes an appearance or two, as does her hellren………hmmmm………….seems no one has ever heard him say a word. Imagine that?!?!?! Everyone who knows me knows that I am a Ward junkie. I have literally read everything she’s ever written, and if you haven’t, you are seriously missing out. Well done WARDen, very very well done.
Copy provided by publisher.
As always in the Fallen Angels series, Jim and his sidekick, Adrian, have no idea whose soul is in play. Nigel, the team captain for the good side, pays a visit to Jim once he realizes the deal that Jim has struck with Devina, and he is livid. And, as Adrian hears the argument between Jim and Nigel, he pays a visit to Heaven to speak with Colin, Nigel’s friend and partner, to try and find out whose soul is up for grabs in this round. Of course, it’s against the rules for Colin to intervene and divulge such information, but he does give him a clue. The problem with clues? You can never be sure you’re on the right track.
Cait is a successful book illustrator and art professor. And when her best friend, Teresa, invites her to meet her at a bar downtown to hear an amazing singer, Cait can’t tell her no. Once the singer, G.B., finishes his set, he meanders through the crowd is drawn to Cait. He introduces himself, and after a bit of conversation, asks her for her number. Cait hesitates, but Teresa gives him the number and he assures Cait that he’ll call her. After all, it’s been a long time since Cait and her boyfriend broke up due to his having cheated on her, and it’s time to get back in the game. As Cait is leaving the bar, she encounters another man, Duke, whom she cannot take her eyes off of, nor can he take his eyes from her. The attraction is instantaneous and when he approaches her vehicle, she somehow knows her life will never be the same.
The next morning, G.B. calls and invites Cait to hear him sing backup for another artist, and she accepts. Once she arrives at the theatre, she is surprised to see Duke there. He approaches and tells her he wants her to meet him towards the end of his shift at, wait for it…………………the Iron Mask. (BDB fans know this place well!!) She tells him she’ll think about it and goes on her way to find G.B. so that she can get her ticket for the event. Through a series of events, she ends up not being able to get her ticket and see the show, unbeknownst to G.B. Once she leaves the theatre, she gets spooked in the parking garage, and sure enough, someone is chasing her. Fortunately, she is able to get away and calls the police. And, where does she end up later that night? Yep, you guessed it. The Iron Mask. And, oh my, do things get steamy…….as in H.O.T……………. The attraction between she and Duke is off the charts. And, then there’s G.B. What’s a girl to do?
Meanwhile, Jim is having to handle the fallout from the deal he made with Devina and get his butt back into the game. After all, there is a war to win. Because if Good doesn’t win best out of seven, Evil will rule and life as we know it will end. As I said earlier, Jim and Adrian are always at a disadvantage in not knowing whose soul is in play. But, they run with the clue Colin gave Adrian…………..Unfortunately, they trip……………
I can tell you that the soul in play is either G.B. or Duke. And, Cait is an awesome heroine. There are twists and turns in this one that kept me glued to the pages, and an ending that had me cheering for Cait and her happily ever after. She literally saves the day and her man. Want to know which she chose? Well girls and boys, you’ll have to read to find out. As for who wins this leg of the game, you’ll have to read to find that out as well.
This was without a doubt, absolutely, positively the best so far. I was literally afraid that I would not be able to read the book in time to get my review in. I got it last week, but was sick over the weekend and didn’t get to start until Sunday. Pfffttt….. What in the world was I thinking??!! Once this one got going, it did not stop. Ward did a magnificent job with the twists and turns in this book. Once I found out the connection between G.B. and Duke?? Holy hell….. There is a major player whose status changes in this book and it leaves things wide open to change significantly. Something that I didn’t see coming AT ALL!! And, it was heart breaking. Seems battling for eons gets old for everyone. Parts of this book literally made my heart pound. I absolutely fell in love with Cait and her man, and know you will too. And, Duke’s boss at the Iron Mask makes an appearance or two, as does her hellren………hmmmm………….seems no one has ever heard him say a word. Imagine that?!?!?! Everyone who knows me knows that I am a Ward junkie. I have literally read everything she’s ever written, and if you haven’t, you are seriously missing out. Well done WARDen, very very well done.
Copy provided by publisher.
October 17, 2013
Torn about my feelings about this book. First off, I feel like Ward needs to stop giving the Brothers cameos and allow this series to be its own entity. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Brothers and understand that this series is also based in the world Caldwell, NY but I feel it distracts from what is happening in this story. The story itself didn’t flow well and at times, especially at the beginning, I felt lost and wondered if I had missed a chapter.
After the end of the last book, we were told that Jim was willing and ready to do anything to free the soul of Sissy. Even if this meant giving up a win. So far the Angels are winning the war 4-1 and Devina is not happy. I’ve always enjoyed Jim and have known that he is tortured and conflicted but has always had eyes on winning the war. Well… not so much anymore. It was hard to read about Jim make mistake, after stupid mistake and have tunnel vision that focused on Sissy and Sissy alone. I understand how torn up he has been about her but… GAAA!! Even after he accomplishes his goal, he is still tortured and fucked up. Enough already. That particular storyline is getting really old. I realize that Ward is a fan of tortured males being saved by the virtuous woman but this really pushed it. I appreciate that there was a step into advancing the Sissy/Jim saga but I need more. I also suspect that ultimately Jim’s soul will be one of the assignments.
Some MAJOR shit goes down in heaven. HUGE!! I really wished there had been more explanation and insight as to what was happening up there. Once again we are left hanging. I’ll admit that I’ve never been a fan of the way Ward portrays the angels up there. The term “dandies” just makes them sound well… derogatory. Not sure if that’s what Ward’s intention is but I don’t like it.
The main story of Cait, Duke and G.B. was ok. This storyline was very predictable. Enjoyable in that there are some nice passionate scenes but I just wasn’t feeling the love for these three too much. It was so rushed and though I’ve come to expect automatic lust/love from these stories, there just was no foundation. Duke was an angry and an asshole but he sees Cait and poof! all is changed. I wish a bit more time had been taken with this storyline because the characters did have a lot of potential. Too much focus was placed on Sissy trying to figure out what is happening and on Jim being obsessed with Sissy. Even Devina seemed a bit lackluster!
Overall this was alright… some aspects were intriguing and had me engrossed but other parts were a big yawn.
After the end of the last book, we were told that Jim was willing and ready to do anything to free the soul of Sissy. Even if this meant giving up a win. So far the Angels are winning the war 4-1 and Devina is not happy. I’ve always enjoyed Jim and have known that he is tortured and conflicted but has always had eyes on winning the war. Well… not so much anymore. It was hard to read about Jim make mistake, after stupid mistake and have tunnel vision that focused on Sissy and Sissy alone. I understand how torn up he has been about her but… GAAA!! Even after he accomplishes his goal, he is still tortured and fucked up. Enough already. That particular storyline is getting really old. I realize that Ward is a fan of tortured males being saved by the virtuous woman but this really pushed it. I appreciate that there was a step into advancing the Sissy/Jim saga but I need more. I also suspect that ultimately Jim’s soul will be one of the assignments.
Some MAJOR shit goes down in heaven. HUGE!! I really wished there had been more explanation and insight as to what was happening up there. Once again we are left hanging. I’ll admit that I’ve never been a fan of the way Ward portrays the angels up there. The term “dandies” just makes them sound well… derogatory. Not sure if that’s what Ward’s intention is but I don’t like it.
The main story of Cait, Duke and G.B. was ok. This storyline was very predictable. Enjoyable in that there are some nice passionate scenes but I just wasn’t feeling the love for these three too much. It was so rushed and though I’ve come to expect automatic lust/love from these stories, there just was no foundation. Duke was an angry and an asshole but he sees Cait and poof! all is changed. I wish a bit more time had been taken with this storyline because the characters did have a lot of potential. Too much focus was placed on Sissy trying to figure out what is happening and on Jim being obsessed with Sissy. Even Devina seemed a bit lackluster!
Overall this was alright… some aspects were intriguing and had me engrossed but other parts were a big yawn.
October 26, 2013
A gripping, complex pivotal book in the Fallen Angels series.
When we start off Possession, it was all about “Go Fallen Angels! 3 won, 1 to go! Gimme an A! Gimme an N! Gimme a G...” Right? Wrong!
The overall plot is so multifaceted that it takes a shape of its own. All the main characters from Jim to Sissy, Devina to Nigel, Adrian and Eddie each have a story, their personalities are intricate and their actions and decisions have vast ramifications.
But there are also new players involved in each book which take time to introduce. All this in combination makes for a demanding read. There was no hand-to-hand action but choices made throughout were total game changers.
We live through Jim’s commitment to win the war
And we experience a love awakened in the mist of the conflict between Cait and Duke.
This series that needs to be read in order. By what I read of J.R.’s signing interview we have at least two more rounds to go, and at the end of this book we can actually figure out the soul or souls left in the war. It will be really interesting to see how this all develops.
When we start off Possession, it was all about “Go Fallen Angels! 3 won, 1 to go! Gimme an A! Gimme an N! Gimme a G...” Right? Wrong!
The overall plot is so multifaceted that it takes a shape of its own. All the main characters from Jim to Sissy, Devina to Nigel, Adrian and Eddie each have a story, their personalities are intricate and their actions and decisions have vast ramifications.
“ This was the culmination of Jim’s decision to focus on Sissy.”
“Yes it had caused terrible, unforeseen consequences.”
But there are also new players involved in each book which take time to introduce. All this in combination makes for a demanding read. There was no hand-to-hand action but choices made throughout were total game changers.
We live through Jim’s commitment to win the war
“He was going to die a little on the inside. Funny, he hadn’t been aware of being alive. Sissy had brought that to him.”
And we experience a love awakened in the mist of the conflict between Cait and Duke.
“She had woken him up, and he didn’t want to go back to the shadows.”
This series that needs to be read in order. By what I read of J.R.’s signing interview we have at least two more rounds to go, and at the end of this book we can actually figure out the soul or souls left in the war. It will be really interesting to see how this all develops.
November 13, 2013
Fifth in the Fallen Angels urban fantasy series which is set in Caldwell, New York, and revolves around a bet between God and the Devil: Can Jim Heron, a former professional assassin-turned-angel, persuade a soul to change?
My Take
This was a conflicted mess of the lame and the well-done in the moves and counter-moves of the many games in this story. I don’t know if Ward was in a rush to get this story to the publisher or what, but I can see where people are pissed about reading this series. Lots of jumbled bits with Jim obsessed with freeing and caring for Sissy---no matter the cost. He's so absorbed that he's not paying attention to the soul he's supposed to save, and it’s a desperate play to catch up.
It’s the classic “don’t judge a book by its cover” scenario, although it took me by surprise. What was the deal with the house? Sure, I know Jim and Adrian are men, but they must have some clue about wiping down counters and washing windows?
Oh, please...the way Cait is going on about Thom, you’d think they broke up last week! Then the choice Nigel makes??? WTF? WHY? Ward doesn’t give any indication as to why he does this. We’re left to assume it’s because of Jim’s decision to rescue Sissy, but, c’mon...it is so unbelievable. Well, yeah, Jim’s obsession is also unbelievable. Oh, intellectually I understand Jim’s desire to save her, but Ward doesn’t make me believe his desire. There’s no compelling argument for it. Of course, there are consequences which irritate Devina no end, although how she could be so stupid to even imagine it was possible?? And there are yet more consequences for Jim. A particular attraction he never expected.
Well, yeah, it’s gruesome, but it is rather funny, that Devina should be so grateful for technology helping her get round that chronic shortage of virgins. All those lovely geeks… Oh man, oh man, that scene with Adrian and Devina when he’s “busy” distracting her...!
Ward’s tease over the back history on Nicole and her son was useful, and her contention between G.B. and Duke caused me to rush through the pages, desperate to know why, what caused it.
Too funny, Jim’s mojo powers go on the fritz; not funny is no explanation from Ward as to why. What? She needed a problem at that point and this was the best she could do?
As much as I’ve enjoyed Ward’s portrayal of Devina as the fashion- and Jim-obsessed OCD devil, this one was more annoying with Devina’s stupid assumptions. Previously she seemed evil, in this one she comes across as more stupidly juvenile.
Oh, boy, we learn Jim’s formative history.
Hmmm, the halos are interesting, but I sure am curious about G.B.’s.
The courtship is sweet with an unexpected direction.
Hmm, yummy, Prismacolor pencils, drawing paper...sounds like heaven already.
The Story
It’s a mess as Nigel could tell you, with Jim distracted by his obsession for Sissy. And Cait Douglas is falling in love. With two men. Two men who are so incredibly different, each determined to cut the other out of her life, and yet only one will win her heart.
The Characters
Cait Douglas is struggling to step out and away from the religious background that pokes and prods her conscience. It doesn’t help that she works as an illustrator of children’s books from home, although she does get out: teaching art classes at Union College; Sissy was one of her students. Teresa Goldman is her best friend, pushing her out the metaphorical door. Thom is the boyfriend who left her for Margot. Charlie is Cait’s little brother who died; her parents travel outside the country a lot as missionaries.
Duncan “Duke” Phillips is a bouncer at the Iron Mask by night and a road worker by day---not the cardiac surgeon he had dreamed of becoming. Hard, tough, with a love for fighting, and valued by his boss, Alex Hess (in truth, she’s mated to John Matthew, Lover Mine , #8 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series). Nicole is his ex; Tony is her son. Rolly is his freeloading roommate more concerned about his next hit than his next job. He’s mostly in here for color. Big Rob, Silent Tom, and Ivan are his fellow bouncers. Yasemin Oaks is the psychic Duke can’t stay away from.
G.B. (Gordon Benjamin) Holde is the most incredible singer and such a very charming man. He’s enough to cause Cait to fall hard. Jennifer Espie was useful in the theatre front office and elsewhere.
Jim Heron is, well, an angel. A former XOps mercenary who is the pivot in a bizarre bet over who will inherit the Earth. Small hint: it ain’t the meek! Adrian is an angel in spite of the leather, combat boots, and piercings; he’s all messed up about Eddie's death and needs a cane to get around---Eddie’s body, smelling of roses, is tucked behind a door in the attic which Dog, a.k.a., God, guards with his life.
Sissy Barten is the blonde Devina "collected" in Covet , 1. She's left a big impression on Jim and on Cait, her art teacher. Chillie is Charles Brownary, Sissy’s best friend’s little brother. Detective de la Cruz has been hunting a serial killer for some time now.
Devina D’Angelo is the devil, headquartered in Integrated Human Resources, Inc. One with a preference for Louboutins and OCD enough to need a therapist, Veronica.
Colin and Nigel are two of the archangels overseeing the bet. Byron and Bertie are the two who take cover in the manse. Tarquin is Bertie’s wolfhound.
The Cover
The cover is a flare of wing hiding his face, the oranges of the wings reflected in his eyes and glinting on the rusty chains below.
The title is who does, have Possession that is.
My Take
This was a conflicted mess of the lame and the well-done in the moves and counter-moves of the many games in this story. I don’t know if Ward was in a rush to get this story to the publisher or what, but I can see where people are pissed about reading this series. Lots of jumbled bits with Jim obsessed with freeing and caring for Sissy---no matter the cost. He's so absorbed that he's not paying attention to the soul he's supposed to save, and it’s a desperate play to catch up.
It’s the classic “don’t judge a book by its cover” scenario, although it took me by surprise. What was the deal with the house? Sure, I know Jim and Adrian are men, but they must have some clue about wiping down counters and washing windows?
Oh, please...the way Cait is going on about Thom, you’d think they broke up last week! Then the choice Nigel makes??? WTF? WHY? Ward doesn’t give any indication as to why he does this. We’re left to assume it’s because of Jim’s decision to rescue Sissy, but, c’mon...it is so unbelievable. Well, yeah, Jim’s obsession is also unbelievable. Oh, intellectually I understand Jim’s desire to save her, but Ward doesn’t make me believe his desire. There’s no compelling argument for it. Of course, there are consequences which irritate Devina no end, although how she could be so stupid to even imagine it was possible?? And there are yet more consequences for Jim. A particular attraction he never expected.
Well, yeah, it’s gruesome, but it is rather funny, that Devina should be so grateful for technology helping her get round that chronic shortage of virgins. All those lovely geeks… Oh man, oh man, that scene with Adrian and Devina when he’s “busy” distracting her...!
Ward’s tease over the back history on Nicole and her son was useful, and her contention between G.B. and Duke caused me to rush through the pages, desperate to know why, what caused it.
Too funny, Jim’s mojo powers go on the fritz; not funny is no explanation from Ward as to why. What? She needed a problem at that point and this was the best she could do?
As much as I’ve enjoyed Ward’s portrayal of Devina as the fashion- and Jim-obsessed OCD devil, this one was more annoying with Devina’s stupid assumptions. Previously she seemed evil, in this one she comes across as more stupidly juvenile.
Oh, boy, we learn Jim’s formative history.
Hmmm, the halos are interesting, but I sure am curious about G.B.’s.
The courtship is sweet with an unexpected direction.
Hmm, yummy, Prismacolor pencils, drawing paper...sounds like heaven already.
The Story
It’s a mess as Nigel could tell you, with Jim distracted by his obsession for Sissy. And Cait Douglas is falling in love. With two men. Two men who are so incredibly different, each determined to cut the other out of her life, and yet only one will win her heart.
The Characters
Cait Douglas is struggling to step out and away from the religious background that pokes and prods her conscience. It doesn’t help that she works as an illustrator of children’s books from home, although she does get out: teaching art classes at Union College; Sissy was one of her students. Teresa Goldman is her best friend, pushing her out the metaphorical door. Thom is the boyfriend who left her for Margot. Charlie is Cait’s little brother who died; her parents travel outside the country a lot as missionaries.
Duncan “Duke” Phillips is a bouncer at the Iron Mask by night and a road worker by day---not the cardiac surgeon he had dreamed of becoming. Hard, tough, with a love for fighting, and valued by his boss, Alex Hess (in truth, she’s mated to John Matthew, Lover Mine , #8 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series). Nicole is his ex; Tony is her son. Rolly is his freeloading roommate more concerned about his next hit than his next job. He’s mostly in here for color. Big Rob, Silent Tom, and Ivan are his fellow bouncers. Yasemin Oaks is the psychic Duke can’t stay away from.
G.B. (Gordon Benjamin) Holde is the most incredible singer and such a very charming man. He’s enough to cause Cait to fall hard. Jennifer Espie was useful in the theatre front office and elsewhere.
Jim Heron is, well, an angel. A former XOps mercenary who is the pivot in a bizarre bet over who will inherit the Earth. Small hint: it ain’t the meek! Adrian is an angel in spite of the leather, combat boots, and piercings; he’s all messed up about Eddie's death and needs a cane to get around---Eddie’s body, smelling of roses, is tucked behind a door in the attic which Dog, a.k.a., God, guards with his life.
Sissy Barten is the blonde Devina "collected" in Covet , 1. She's left a big impression on Jim and on Cait, her art teacher. Chillie is Charles Brownary, Sissy’s best friend’s little brother. Detective de la Cruz has been hunting a serial killer for some time now.
Devina D’Angelo is the devil, headquartered in Integrated Human Resources, Inc. One with a preference for Louboutins and OCD enough to need a therapist, Veronica.
Colin and Nigel are two of the archangels overseeing the bet. Byron and Bertie are the two who take cover in the manse. Tarquin is Bertie’s wolfhound.
The Cover
The cover is a flare of wing hiding his face, the oranges of the wings reflected in his eyes and glinting on the rusty chains below.
The title is who does, have Possession that is.
January 7, 2014
I had some very mixed feelings about this book. The things about it I loved, I loved a lot. The romance was incredibly sexy and awesomely unpredictable. But I am sick to death of Jim and every single bit of the storyline associated with him.
Let’s start with the good. The romance is actually a love triangle, which I usually can’t stand. Here, though, it worked in a big way and kept me intrigued from beginning to end. Our heroine is Caitlyn, a children’s book illustrator who is trying to transform herself after a failed relationship. (Way, way after. Think years.) She looks better than she ever has and now is trying to get out there and live her life instead of insulating herself for protection. As the story begins, she goes out with a friend and crosses paths with sexy singer GB. She is instantly drawn to him and can’t believe how quickly they click. But in that same night, she locks eyes with Duke. Her attraction to the dangerous and hard bouncer is like a lightning strike. After years of celibacy, she suddenly has two men in her life who she undeniably wants –and who both want her.
From years of reading Ward’s book, I was pretty sure I knew who the ultimate love interest would be, but what was so unexpected was the road to get there. There is much more to both heroes than meets the eye. GB is so charming and great with Cait. But with Duke, it’s raw sexual attraction. Ward puts us inside both of their heads, and I loved how their backstories were slowly revealed. I don’t want to spoil anything, but in a genre were so many books are painfully predictable, it was really awesome how she crafted this part of the story. It was angsty and dark and artfully interconnected. I loved Duke. He is so sullen and angry, nearly broken, but while he has made some bad choices, he is still a good guy underneath… and hella sexy too.
While the story surrounding Cait, GB, and Duke was my favorite part of the story, it wasn’t perfect. My biggest beef with it was that I didn’t believe in any deeper emotions in the relationships. The attraction I could feel –and the rapport—between Cait and GB. And the sex with Duke?? Holy cow. Just… wow. But love? No way. There is absolutely no foundation to support that.
Yet the real fail here is in the Jim-Devina-big picture storyline. I have reached critical mass with Jim. He is an idiot. A short-sighted, selfish, lovesick, borderline pedophile, masochistic idiot. I was never big on the Sissy storyline, but now it’s just about ruined his character for me. I actually like Sissy ok, but Jim? Blech. Adrian is stepping up, which I appreciate, but even he can not save this side of the story. I’m sick of Jim. I’m sick of Devina. I’m sick of all the sex-torture drama and punishment. Seriously. Stick a fork in me.
I’m not quite ready to throw in the towel on the series, because the triangle was reminded me of how much Ward can kick ass. But she needs to clean up the series arc… and fast.
Rating: B-
*ARC Provided by Penguin
Let’s start with the good. The romance is actually a love triangle, which I usually can’t stand. Here, though, it worked in a big way and kept me intrigued from beginning to end. Our heroine is Caitlyn, a children’s book illustrator who is trying to transform herself after a failed relationship. (Way, way after. Think years.) She looks better than she ever has and now is trying to get out there and live her life instead of insulating herself for protection. As the story begins, she goes out with a friend and crosses paths with sexy singer GB. She is instantly drawn to him and can’t believe how quickly they click. But in that same night, she locks eyes with Duke. Her attraction to the dangerous and hard bouncer is like a lightning strike. After years of celibacy, she suddenly has two men in her life who she undeniably wants –and who both want her.
From years of reading Ward’s book, I was pretty sure I knew who the ultimate love interest would be, but what was so unexpected was the road to get there. There is much more to both heroes than meets the eye. GB is so charming and great with Cait. But with Duke, it’s raw sexual attraction. Ward puts us inside both of their heads, and I loved how their backstories were slowly revealed. I don’t want to spoil anything, but in a genre were so many books are painfully predictable, it was really awesome how she crafted this part of the story. It was angsty and dark and artfully interconnected. I loved Duke. He is so sullen and angry, nearly broken, but while he has made some bad choices, he is still a good guy underneath… and hella sexy too.
While the story surrounding Cait, GB, and Duke was my favorite part of the story, it wasn’t perfect. My biggest beef with it was that I didn’t believe in any deeper emotions in the relationships. The attraction I could feel –and the rapport—between Cait and GB. And the sex with Duke?? Holy cow. Just… wow. But love? No way. There is absolutely no foundation to support that.
Yet the real fail here is in the Jim-Devina-big picture storyline. I have reached critical mass with Jim. He is an idiot. A short-sighted, selfish, lovesick, borderline pedophile, masochistic idiot. I was never big on the Sissy storyline, but now it’s just about ruined his character for me. I actually like Sissy ok, but Jim? Blech. Adrian is stepping up, which I appreciate, but even he can not save this side of the story. I’m sick of Jim. I’m sick of Devina. I’m sick of all the sex-torture drama and punishment. Seriously. Stick a fork in me.
I’m not quite ready to throw in the towel on the series, because the triangle was reminded me of how much Ward can kick ass. But she needs to clean up the series arc… and fast.
Rating: B-
*ARC Provided by Penguin
October 4, 2013
I love J.R. Ward's writing. But Possession just didn't work for me. There were things I did like and I'll put it behind a spoiler cut
Like I said Love Ward and won't stop reading the series - the same thing happened in Book 5 of BDB. And truthfully I did expect the ending - for the series to go 7 books as planned - 1 side had to win and then the other side win book 6 - tying it up for the big showdown in book 7. I just wish that one of the things I mentioned under the spoiler cut hadn't taken most of the book to resolve.
Like I said Love Ward and won't stop reading the series - the same thing happened in Book 5 of BDB. And truthfully I did expect the ending - for the series to go 7 books as planned - 1 side had to win and then the other side win book 6 - tying it up for the big showdown in book 7. I just wish that one of the things I mentioned under the spoiler cut hadn't taken most of the book to resolve.
April 17, 2015
The best part of this book was a mention of Zhex and John Matthew :) I loved their 5 sentence interaction LOL Even though Jim is starting to grate on my nerves it is always so rewarding to see the characters mature (I'm talking about Cait and Duke) and get better. Jim's attention so was not in the game and he ever forfeited a ... to Devina. How could he do that? And I really hope Sissy is going to be a good asset for the Angel's group (I'm curious why she's seeing halos around people's heads, but maybe it will help Jim discern who is a next project) - she's a good girl!
November 20, 2018
I love WARD so much but even the best have an off book. OMG how chincy some of the reasons for motivating Duke in his history. the Duke/Cait section was just excrutiatingly trite. OMG G>B> was interesting and wow what a turn around. ANd for once Jim Heron is a complete idiot. Devina is so amazingly evil with OCD just an amazing character
February 6, 2017
I'm lucky Duke made this book worth reading. I don't understand why this author drags the story so much in this series. In the beginning it's a bit complicated because of all the characters. I will still keep reading to find out who wins the war.
February 6, 2019
Not a fan of this one, Devina the Demon is at it again cheating and being just weird. Jim and this Sissy thing have me scratching my head. I liked her until she got out of He – l – l, since then she has kind of just been meh.
I was expecting this strong a – s – s B to come back from He – L – L.
And the side story I felt took a back seat, and if that was part of the game it should have been front and center.
I don’t know I am just meh on this book. On to the next!
Eric’s performance was good.
I was expecting this strong a – s – s B to come back from He – L – L.
And the side story I felt took a back seat, and if that was part of the game it should have been front and center.
I don’t know I am just meh on this book. On to the next!
Eric’s performance was good.
October 5, 2013
The Nitty Gritty: We are back folks for another round of Heaven vs. Hell. The angles had suffered some major losses, and Jim is tired of it. So he sets out to snatch something back from the jaws of hell itself.
Jim Heron had just given Devina a deal of a lifetime. Sissy Barten's soul for a flag. Those flags that represent the wins for each side.
Cait Douglass is a woman on a mission. With a new body, new hair style and new attitude she is crawling herself out of her comfort zone and she starts with the sexy songbird at the Black Crow. G.B could sing the stars out of the sky with his sultry voice and heartfelt words. Cait is instantly attracted. As she goes to meet him for a date a mysterious man pulls her attention
Duke Phillips is a black cloud looking for a landing strip. Being a bouncer at the Iron Mask affords him the fight club he needs to keep himself on an even till. Until a blond bombshell rocks his solitary life to its foundation.
Opening Line: "Okay...where am I? Where am I...where-"
The Good: The sex is of course always good. Better than most erotic writers out there. Its almost more than a pleasure to get to those nuggets of sex slide in between the pages.
The plot twists in Possession were really good. Unexpected really. It gave the series something it had been lacking since the beginning. Surprise.
I have to admit that I feared Sissy would be a pain in the butt, annoying to the point of frustration. She wasn't. There were times where I wanted to slap her silly, but they were fleeting and few in number. Sissy put on her big girl panties and stepped up to the plate. I got a little pissy with her towards the end, but I can see how Ward is going to write out the ending for her and Heron so I can wait that out. I just hope Sissy is going to do what I think she is going to do in the next two books.
Devina. I've got to say that I am digging this "character." Here is a demon with a severe ODC problem, not to mention a delusional sense of love for the enemy. I don't mean like the fat nerd in English thinking the high school quarter back is going to ask them to the prom. I mean the when Heaven loses Jim will stand with me as the world burns then we will screw till the end of time delusion. Devina honestly believes she is in love with Jim and the he loves her in return. If only the war for the souls of mankind weren't in the way. Then they could be together. This is an illusion of epic proportions. Right up there with me believing Jay Baruchel is going to propose to me. Don't rain on my parade about that please. Have to love a woman committed to her delusions.
The Bad: I had to say that I think Ward is a bit sexiest. Not in the sense that the women don't play central roles, but they are playing THE central roles. None of the souls that have been in play are women. Even the demon Devina isn't a "real" woman. The demon is just wearing a flesh suit with a great rack. I want one of the souls to be a woman. Give us some variety. I am sure there are plenty of women out there with dark and cloudy pasts that she could give us.
The characters are just starting to be interchangeable. I mean you can line them all up in a line and they all look, and sound the same. Nothing is special or different about any of them. All the woman are small, shockingly white, delicate, blond or brunette. I mean Caldwell is maybe an hour from New York. You can't tell me that there aren't black, Hispanic, Jewish, Cuban, Middle Eastern men and women in Caldwell that Ward can give us. Its all just starting to be blah for me. The men are all too huge to be believable with dark sordid pasts that would make Ted Bundy blush. I'm just looking for some variety. Something different. I mean its getting to the point where I can tell you what's going to happen before I read the book and I really hate that because then I don't have to read the books. I guess its silly to want a white author to give me characters of color, but I don't think thats so far off the mark. Isn't not like we live in a homogenous society. Even Cheerios got with the program and gave us an interracial couple and child.
Get with the program Ward. Give us a sistah, or a chica, damn even the stylist could have been Korean or Samoan. Hell I will take an Italian Jersey Shore style at this point.
I think its beyond silly that the souls of these men all depend on the women in their lives. And its always the women trying to point them in the right direction. As if all women are virtuous. I know it might sound crazy that as a woman I am advocating for a "bad" girl but I am starved for variety here. All around variety. I guess. I want her to play with some different character archetypes and plot devices. Sure you can go with the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it,' or you can take what works and make it better.
My Hope for the Series: I just want Ward to get back to the basics. We have two more books to go before the end. Let Sissy get into the game and take Eddie's place or give us back Eddie. I hate that the guardians of the Manse of Souls is splintered. I liked them and I want them ALL back in the game. The book was entertaining, but it wasn't her best.
Jim Heron had just given Devina a deal of a lifetime. Sissy Barten's soul for a flag. Those flags that represent the wins for each side.
Cait Douglass is a woman on a mission. With a new body, new hair style and new attitude she is crawling herself out of her comfort zone and she starts with the sexy songbird at the Black Crow. G.B could sing the stars out of the sky with his sultry voice and heartfelt words. Cait is instantly attracted. As she goes to meet him for a date a mysterious man pulls her attention
Duke Phillips is a black cloud looking for a landing strip. Being a bouncer at the Iron Mask affords him the fight club he needs to keep himself on an even till. Until a blond bombshell rocks his solitary life to its foundation.
Opening Line: "Okay...where am I? Where am I...where-"
The Good: The sex is of course always good. Better than most erotic writers out there. Its almost more than a pleasure to get to those nuggets of sex slide in between the pages.
The plot twists in Possession were really good. Unexpected really. It gave the series something it had been lacking since the beginning. Surprise.
I have to admit that I feared Sissy would be a pain in the butt, annoying to the point of frustration. She wasn't. There were times where I wanted to slap her silly, but they were fleeting and few in number. Sissy put on her big girl panties and stepped up to the plate. I got a little pissy with her towards the end, but I can see how Ward is going to write out the ending for her and Heron so I can wait that out. I just hope Sissy is going to do what I think she is going to do in the next two books.
Devina. I've got to say that I am digging this "character." Here is a demon with a severe ODC problem, not to mention a delusional sense of love for the enemy. I don't mean like the fat nerd in English thinking the high school quarter back is going to ask them to the prom. I mean the when Heaven loses Jim will stand with me as the world burns then we will screw till the end of time delusion. Devina honestly believes she is in love with Jim and the he loves her in return. If only the war for the souls of mankind weren't in the way. Then they could be together. This is an illusion of epic proportions. Right up there with me believing Jay Baruchel is going to propose to me. Don't rain on my parade about that please. Have to love a woman committed to her delusions.
The Bad: I had to say that I think Ward is a bit sexiest. Not in the sense that the women don't play central roles, but they are playing THE central roles. None of the souls that have been in play are women. Even the demon Devina isn't a "real" woman. The demon is just wearing a flesh suit with a great rack. I want one of the souls to be a woman. Give us some variety. I am sure there are plenty of women out there with dark and cloudy pasts that she could give us.
The characters are just starting to be interchangeable. I mean you can line them all up in a line and they all look, and sound the same. Nothing is special or different about any of them. All the woman are small, shockingly white, delicate, blond or brunette. I mean Caldwell is maybe an hour from New York. You can't tell me that there aren't black, Hispanic, Jewish, Cuban, Middle Eastern men and women in Caldwell that Ward can give us. Its all just starting to be blah for me. The men are all too huge to be believable with dark sordid pasts that would make Ted Bundy blush. I'm just looking for some variety. Something different. I mean its getting to the point where I can tell you what's going to happen before I read the book and I really hate that because then I don't have to read the books. I guess its silly to want a white author to give me characters of color, but I don't think thats so far off the mark. Isn't not like we live in a homogenous society. Even Cheerios got with the program and gave us an interracial couple and child.
Get with the program Ward. Give us a sistah, or a chica, damn even the stylist could have been Korean or Samoan. Hell I will take an Italian Jersey Shore style at this point.
I think its beyond silly that the souls of these men all depend on the women in their lives. And its always the women trying to point them in the right direction. As if all women are virtuous. I know it might sound crazy that as a woman I am advocating for a "bad" girl but I am starved for variety here. All around variety. I guess. I want her to play with some different character archetypes and plot devices. Sure you can go with the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it,' or you can take what works and make it better.
My Hope for the Series: I just want Ward to get back to the basics. We have two more books to go before the end. Let Sissy get into the game and take Eddie's place or give us back Eddie. I hate that the guardians of the Manse of Souls is splintered. I liked them and I want them ALL back in the game. The book was entertaining, but it wasn't her best.
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