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Seven Deadly Sins #2
Fallen
New Orleans, 1880s. Sent to watch over the decadent city, the angel Gabriel loses himself in the liquid pleasure of absinthe. So when his mistress, Anne, is murdered, and all evidence points to him, a foggy Gabriel cannot be sure he didn’t do it. His penance: to be forever denied love. Should he seek pleasure with a woman, she’ll know the depths of despair.
New Orleans, today. Hoping to unlock that unsolved mystery, forensic scientist Sara Michaels, Anne’s great-great-granddaughter, meets the ageless, tormented Gabriel. To work together would mean suppressing their mutual attraction,he can’t allow himself to touch Sara, for her own sake. And for Sara, already familiar with the dangers of addiction, Gabriel poses the ultimate threat to her self-control.
But can the desire burning between them turn into their salvation,or lead them both to destruction?
New Orleans, today. Hoping to unlock that unsolved mystery, forensic scientist Sara Michaels, Anne’s great-great-granddaughter, meets the ageless, tormented Gabriel. To work together would mean suppressing their mutual attraction,he can’t allow himself to touch Sara, for her own sake. And for Sara, already familiar with the dangers of addiction, Gabriel poses the ultimate threat to her self-control.
But can the desire burning between them turn into their salvation,or lead them both to destruction?
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2008
22 people are currently reading
1133 people want to read
About the author
Erin McCarthy
215 books4,826 followersUSA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written over a hundred novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 17, 2020
Fallen is the first book I have read by Erin McCarthy. I can say I adored Fallen. I love anything that has The Seven Deadly sins and or with Angels and demons. Erin delivered that plus more. Then she added some New Orleans flair to it and wrote an epic book. I love the original storyline , the suspense, and Character development. To me it could have been a five-star book, however the very end seemed a little rushed to me.
May 6, 2008
WOW! I just finished this book. I had to take a few minutes to absorb the story, the ending, and come back to the real world. This is a weighty story. It's about love, murder, revenge, power, lust, forgiveness, innocence, and absolution. All this in 302 pages of engrossing reading. I couldn't put it down...definately another for my keeper shelf.
This is book two in the Seven Deadly Sins series by Erin McCarthy. DON'T pick up this book if you're looking for a light-hearted, humorous romance like her Vegas vampires series. This book will make you think...I'm still thinking!
Gabriel is damned. Once an angel, now a demon (and a smoking hot one too). He is bound to New Orleans for losing himself in the addictions of flesh, alcohol and drugs. His living hell is his demon lure that causes women he touches to become obsessed with him and never be happy without him. After a relationship that ended in a murder while he was under the influence, he's been left wondering if he could have fallen so far as to kill. So for more than 160 years, he's cut himself off from everything and everyone...trying to serve penance.
Sara is the great-great-grand daughter of Gabriel's murdered lover. She's trying to solve the mystery of why the women in her family are violently murdered in a similar manner after bearing a daughter. She's also wondering if, and when, her time will come.
I don't want to give anything away, but I can say that I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in this series as I've heartily enjoyed books 1 & 2.
This is book two in the Seven Deadly Sins series by Erin McCarthy. DON'T pick up this book if you're looking for a light-hearted, humorous romance like her Vegas vampires series. This book will make you think...I'm still thinking!
Gabriel is damned. Once an angel, now a demon (and a smoking hot one too). He is bound to New Orleans for losing himself in the addictions of flesh, alcohol and drugs. His living hell is his demon lure that causes women he touches to become obsessed with him and never be happy without him. After a relationship that ended in a murder while he was under the influence, he's been left wondering if he could have fallen so far as to kill. So for more than 160 years, he's cut himself off from everything and everyone...trying to serve penance.
Sara is the great-great-grand daughter of Gabriel's murdered lover. She's trying to solve the mystery of why the women in her family are violently murdered in a similar manner after bearing a daughter. She's also wondering if, and when, her time will come.
I don't want to give anything away, but I can say that I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in this series as I've heartily enjoyed books 1 & 2.
March 1, 2009
This is the first book i read of this author,and im always a little nervious getting invested in a book by a author iv never read before. i didnt want to be disapointed. i love angels and all this history and lore that goes with them. this book was wonderful. i love charecters with real issues, and both main chartecters have enough to keep this story going. i would love to see this book have a sequel. maybe made into a series of itself. you could tell research was put into this book,with its knowledge of the stroy of gabrial, the fallen angel, of course there is fictional elements added to it,alot really. but thats what makes it so great. im very happy i gave this book a chance.
September 21, 2010
I really enjoyed the story between Gabriel and Sara and was glad with how things worked out between them.
The murder mysteries were a little intense at times and I wasnt sure how they would work out but I dont think the story wouldve been as good without them.
The sex scenes were HOT. Probably some of the most intense that I have read. It might have had something to do with Gabriel being a fallen angel whos touch would cause you to become obsessed with him!
The murder mysteries were a little intense at times and I wasnt sure how they would work out but I dont think the story wouldve been as good without them.
The sex scenes were HOT. Probably some of the most intense that I have read. It might have had something to do with Gabriel being a fallen angel whos touch would cause you to become obsessed with him!
December 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this story and the two main characters, Sara and Gabriel. I was pulling for the HEA, and the mystery behind the reasons for the murders (while not original) compelled me to keep reading. I knew what had to happen at the end of the book (it was similar to Susan Krinard's Prince of Dreams), and I was theoretically biting my nails until I finally got to that satisfying conclusion.
I felt like I was (correctly) guessing what was going to happen maybe a bit too soon--way sooner than Sara and Gabriel did. Also, the random-ish insertions of newspaper articles, while necessary to the story, were distracting; in my not so humble opinion, I think there could have been other ways to insert some of that information throughout the book so as not to take me out of the primary narrative as often. There were places where the dialog didn't seem authentic, too. I mean, would an angel, fallen or otherwise, revert to calling someone he's not technically in a relationship with "babe"? Twice?? Instinct tells me no.
The shifting POV, though, made me crazy, as at the beginning and end of the book--and those were the places I was most invested in--the POV was all over the place without any clear signal that it was going to change, so... yeah, that was annoying.
Overall, I'm invested enough to read the other two books in this series. Since they're supposed to be individual stories without any real overlap beyond setting (past and present New Orleans) and situation (what happens to these fallen angels?), I was content to start in the middle. I'm curious to see if I can find what probably is a bigger theme of redemption to connect everything together once I've read the other two books.
I felt like I was (correctly) guessing what was going to happen maybe a bit too soon--way sooner than Sara and Gabriel did. Also, the random-ish insertions of newspaper articles, while necessary to the story, were distracting; in my not so humble opinion, I think there could have been other ways to insert some of that information throughout the book so as not to take me out of the primary narrative as often. There were places where the dialog didn't seem authentic, too. I mean, would an angel, fallen or otherwise, revert to calling someone he's not technically in a relationship with "babe"? Twice?? Instinct tells me no.
The shifting POV, though, made me crazy, as at the beginning and end of the book--and those were the places I was most invested in--the POV was all over the place without any clear signal that it was going to change, so... yeah, that was annoying.
Overall, I'm invested enough to read the other two books in this series. Since they're supposed to be individual stories without any real overlap beyond setting (past and present New Orleans) and situation (what happens to these fallen angels?), I was content to start in the middle. I'm curious to see if I can find what probably is a bigger theme of redemption to connect everything together once I've read the other two books.
September 17, 2011
Second in the Seven Deadly Sins paranormal-romance series. This story is set in New Orleans, Louisiana with Gabriel Saint John as the angel who has Fallen.
The Story
Overwhelmed by the misery humans endure, Gabriel, assigned as a Watcher over humanity, attempts to drown the despair with absinthe and opium becoming addicted to avoidance. As a consequence, God tosses him from Heaven sentencing him to an everlasting demonhood, part of which Gabriel assuages by taking a mistress, Anne, in 1849. When said mistress is murdered horribly, Gabriel swears off women and his drugs of choice retreating into a solitary existence. Until he learns of another murder. Committed exactly the same way. In the early 21st century.
Desperate to learn if there is a connection. To learn if he had killed Anne, Gabriel teams up with the daughter of today's murdered woman to discover the true killer never dreaming just what that connection is.
My Take
A major weakness here is Gabriel's being unable to touch a woman without her becoming addicted to him. A simple brush of his skin against hers is enough. Okay, that's fine. It's the counterpoint to his addiction. But it falls apart with Sara. He's constantly touching her and, while she does seem to fall in love with him fairly quickly, it doesn't appear to have anywhere near the same effect. Eventually, McCarthy claims that it's because Sara is so strong. But, c'mon, ONE mention of Sara's strength when McCarthy has been going on and on about the effect of his touch?? McCarthy should have been playing this, creating tension with it instead of just brushing it off.
Nor does McCarthy give us a good reason for Gabriel taking up with Anne. We hear all about his trials with the absinthe and some about the opium as well as his need to create but there really isn't much about why Gabriel "needs" Anne.
The idea behind the true crime book Gabriel wants to write is to demonstrate two things: how important forensics is in solving a crime and that people are still a necessary tool in addition to the forensics. However, this premise is just an excuse to bring Gabriel and Sara together. The story explores addiction, Sara's and Gabriel's. The weaknesses which led to their relying upon their individual crutches and how they resolve them.
That said, I did enjoy the story! Exploring New Orleans, delving into its mid-19th century history, the developing attraction between them, and the approach Gabriel takes to building his true crime story.
The Cover
The is kinda weird in a kinky sort of way. A woman is dressed in a slinky mint green backless dress, blonde hair cascading partway down her back with a wings tattoo at the small of her back, embracing the statue of an angel whose back is to us
The Story
Overwhelmed by the misery humans endure, Gabriel, assigned as a Watcher over humanity, attempts to drown the despair with absinthe and opium becoming addicted to avoidance. As a consequence, God tosses him from Heaven sentencing him to an everlasting demonhood, part of which Gabriel assuages by taking a mistress, Anne, in 1849. When said mistress is murdered horribly, Gabriel swears off women and his drugs of choice retreating into a solitary existence. Until he learns of another murder. Committed exactly the same way. In the early 21st century.
Desperate to learn if there is a connection. To learn if he had killed Anne, Gabriel teams up with the daughter of today's murdered woman to discover the true killer never dreaming just what that connection is.
My Take
A major weakness here is Gabriel's being unable to touch a woman without her becoming addicted to him. A simple brush of his skin against hers is enough. Okay, that's fine. It's the counterpoint to his addiction. But it falls apart with Sara. He's constantly touching her and, while she does seem to fall in love with him fairly quickly, it doesn't appear to have anywhere near the same effect. Eventually, McCarthy claims that it's because Sara is so strong. But, c'mon, ONE mention of Sara's strength when McCarthy has been going on and on about the effect of his touch?? McCarthy should have been playing this, creating tension with it instead of just brushing it off.
Nor does McCarthy give us a good reason for Gabriel taking up with Anne. We hear all about his trials with the absinthe and some about the opium as well as his need to create but there really isn't much about why Gabriel "needs" Anne.
The idea behind the true crime book Gabriel wants to write is to demonstrate two things: how important forensics is in solving a crime and that people are still a necessary tool in addition to the forensics. However, this premise is just an excuse to bring Gabriel and Sara together. The story explores addiction, Sara's and Gabriel's. The weaknesses which led to their relying upon their individual crutches and how they resolve them.
That said, I did enjoy the story! Exploring New Orleans, delving into its mid-19th century history, the developing attraction between them, and the approach Gabriel takes to building his true crime story.
The Cover
The is kinda weird in a kinky sort of way. A woman is dressed in a slinky mint green backless dress, blonde hair cascading partway down her back with a wings tattoo at the small of her back, embracing the statue of an angel whose back is to us
December 27, 2011
I only made it through about 150 pages of this book, then started skimming, then gave up altogether. This book moves very, very slow and I was just plain bored.
In 1849 Gabriel (a fallen angel) was accused of the murder of a prostitute, Anne, who died while he was drunk/high from opium and absinth. Gabriel doesn't know whether he committed the murder or not because the drugs caused him to forget many events. In the modern day, the now sober immortal writes true crime novels and continues to pursue the long cold murder case. He comes across a recent case that parallels Anne's murder, and contacts the victims daughter about investigating and writing a book on the case. Sara is herself a recovering addict, struggling to make peace with life after her mother's death. What Gabriel doesn't realize is that Sara is Anne's descendent, and the women in the family have a long history of being murdered. Sara dives into both investigations in hopes that she won't be next.
The romance aspect of this book had potential. I liked the concept of two former addicts finding strength and understanding in one another. Like everything else in the book, however, the relationship doesn't seem to progress at a natural pace. Gabriel is apparently cursed when it comes to women, so he's afraid to touch Sara. In my opinion this was a pretty lame road block for the author to throw up.
The murder mystery unfolds through newspapers, letters, and documents put in the book. They slowed the plot down even more and were at times repetitive. The murder issue is not complex, and the description of it's solution could have been told in 100 pages if you took out the filler.
SPOILER, Highlight to read: The plot point that really broke me was when the heroine decided to try absinthe, to know what it's like. I realize that her addiction was to sleeping pills, not alcohol or the like. Fine. But is it really a good idea for a person with an addictive personality to try something so potentially addictive. Why would she think that was necessary? If she wanted to know what the substance was capable of, couldn't she ask someone who's done it. Bare in mind, Gabriel HAS done absinthe (at this point Sara is unaware that Anne's lover and Gabriel are the same person), so you would assume that he would discourage Sara from trying it. But he gives it all of two seconds thought before he breaks out the bottle.
This book might have been great, but in the end my impatience got the better of me. I would only suggest reading this if you are found of slower, milder, less complex paranormal stories. I also want to point out that the connection to the first book is pretty weak (or was up to the point where I read). Don't look to this book for complex world building or fantasy. DNF
In 1849 Gabriel (a fallen angel) was accused of the murder of a prostitute, Anne, who died while he was drunk/high from opium and absinth. Gabriel doesn't know whether he committed the murder or not because the drugs caused him to forget many events. In the modern day, the now sober immortal writes true crime novels and continues to pursue the long cold murder case. He comes across a recent case that parallels Anne's murder, and contacts the victims daughter about investigating and writing a book on the case. Sara is herself a recovering addict, struggling to make peace with life after her mother's death. What Gabriel doesn't realize is that Sara is Anne's descendent, and the women in the family have a long history of being murdered. Sara dives into both investigations in hopes that she won't be next.
The romance aspect of this book had potential. I liked the concept of two former addicts finding strength and understanding in one another. Like everything else in the book, however, the relationship doesn't seem to progress at a natural pace. Gabriel is apparently cursed when it comes to women, so he's afraid to touch Sara. In my opinion this was a pretty lame road block for the author to throw up.
The murder mystery unfolds through newspapers, letters, and documents put in the book. They slowed the plot down even more and were at times repetitive. The murder issue is not complex, and the description of it's solution could have been told in 100 pages if you took out the filler.
SPOILER, Highlight to read: The plot point that really broke me was when the heroine decided to try absinthe, to know what it's like. I realize that her addiction was to sleeping pills, not alcohol or the like. Fine. But is it really a good idea for a person with an addictive personality to try something so potentially addictive. Why would she think that was necessary? If she wanted to know what the substance was capable of, couldn't she ask someone who's done it. Bare in mind, Gabriel HAS done absinthe (at this point Sara is unaware that Anne's lover and Gabriel are the same person), so you would assume that he would discourage Sara from trying it. But he gives it all of two seconds thought before he breaks out the bottle.
This book might have been great, but in the end my impatience got the better of me. I would only suggest reading this if you are found of slower, milder, less complex paranormal stories. I also want to point out that the connection to the first book is pretty weak (or was up to the point where I read). Don't look to this book for complex world building or fantasy. DNF
May 15, 2008
Gabriel was an angel sent to Earth to guard humans but what he never thought was that he would be sucked in by the despair and sadness humans are capable of feeling. He ended up falling victim to that same despair and the only thing that could make it go away temporarily was absinthe. That was 150 years ago.
Now it's modern New Orleans and he, of course, is still around. Immortal, but a fallen angel. He's kicked his absinthe addiction and has been cleaned for years now. But something he can't escape is the death of his mistress, Anne, that many years ago. She was murdered with him right in the room passed out on absinthe. Unfortunately then, all signs pointed to them, there was a trial but he was never convicted. All those years, he's agonized over who murdered Anne and why which is why he's become a true crime writer. Now he wants to try to solve her murder with today's technology.
Sarah Michaels lives in fear of a curse that seems to follow her family. All of the women in her family have been brutally murdered, starting with her great grandmother, Anne. After going through the ordeal of her mom's murder and the trial, she's fled Florida to New Orleans in hopes of uniting with Gabriel to solve the murder of Anne Sullivan. Hoping that maybe solving that murder will help solve her own mother's. What Sara doesn't know is that Gabriel knew Anne and was even a suspect. What neither of them expect to find is an attraction towards each other. But before they can try to have a relationship together, they must try to go back in time to try to solve the murder of Anne and hopefully of Sarah's mother as well before she ends up being next.
Fallen is the second book in McCarthy's Seven Deadly Sins series where she takes on the darker side. I've always been a fan of her "lighter" books so I was a bit wary about reading this one. The premise for this book sounded great but as I read, it began to drag a little. It annoyed me how whiny Gabriel sometimes seemed and I think it's ridiculous how he practically waited 150 years to solve his girlfriend's murder - uh, a little too late.
I liked Sarah, she had her demons but she was willing to face them to be able to move on with her life. She was a nicely-developed character and I enjoyed reading about her. There are some very sexy scenes in Fallen and the chemistry between Gabriel and Sarah seemed real enough, although I felt something was missing. The end seemed a bit rushed to me, especially how after the "villain" was finally find out and what followed after. Overall, Fallen was a good and enjoyable read.
Now it's modern New Orleans and he, of course, is still around. Immortal, but a fallen angel. He's kicked his absinthe addiction and has been cleaned for years now. But something he can't escape is the death of his mistress, Anne, that many years ago. She was murdered with him right in the room passed out on absinthe. Unfortunately then, all signs pointed to them, there was a trial but he was never convicted. All those years, he's agonized over who murdered Anne and why which is why he's become a true crime writer. Now he wants to try to solve her murder with today's technology.
Sarah Michaels lives in fear of a curse that seems to follow her family. All of the women in her family have been brutally murdered, starting with her great grandmother, Anne. After going through the ordeal of her mom's murder and the trial, she's fled Florida to New Orleans in hopes of uniting with Gabriel to solve the murder of Anne Sullivan. Hoping that maybe solving that murder will help solve her own mother's. What Sara doesn't know is that Gabriel knew Anne and was even a suspect. What neither of them expect to find is an attraction towards each other. But before they can try to have a relationship together, they must try to go back in time to try to solve the murder of Anne and hopefully of Sarah's mother as well before she ends up being next.
Fallen is the second book in McCarthy's Seven Deadly Sins series where she takes on the darker side. I've always been a fan of her "lighter" books so I was a bit wary about reading this one. The premise for this book sounded great but as I read, it began to drag a little. It annoyed me how whiny Gabriel sometimes seemed and I think it's ridiculous how he practically waited 150 years to solve his girlfriend's murder - uh, a little too late.
I liked Sarah, she had her demons but she was willing to face them to be able to move on with her life. She was a nicely-developed character and I enjoyed reading about her. There are some very sexy scenes in Fallen and the chemistry between Gabriel and Sarah seemed real enough, although I felt something was missing. The end seemed a bit rushed to me, especially how after the "villain" was finally find out and what followed after. Overall, Fallen was a good and enjoyable read.
January 7, 2010
This is my second book in the "Fallen Angel" genre. This concept is a little different to me in contrast to vampire books. Fallen kept me reading because I wanted to know who killed Anne and Sara's mom. I also wanted to see if Gabriel was capable of killing Anne based on how his character was described.
There is definitely struggle within the trust and relationship between Sara and Gabriel. I wanted to see if a relationship would eventually develop. The passion and ferocity (i.e. relationship between Sara and Gabriel) of the story line was lacking. It just seemed weird to me he fell for his 'mistresses" great-granddaughter. I can say this book has a good plot and overall catchy concept.
***Now time for the Spoilers***
I had a few questions while reading this book?
How come when Sara touches Gabe she doesn't get into a desperate frenzy for his love? The author did not even touch on this point (unless I totally missed something, which can be a possibility!).
Did Rafe kill Anne and her female descendants because he wanted them to become immortal and leave the insignificant mortal world?
What exactly caused Gabriel's mortality?
There is definitely struggle within the trust and relationship between Sara and Gabriel. I wanted to see if a relationship would eventually develop. The passion and ferocity (i.e. relationship between Sara and Gabriel) of the story line was lacking. It just seemed weird to me he fell for his 'mistresses" great-granddaughter. I can say this book has a good plot and overall catchy concept.
***Now time for the Spoilers***
I had a few questions while reading this book?
How come when Sara touches Gabe she doesn't get into a desperate frenzy for his love? The author did not even touch on this point (unless I totally missed something, which can be a possibility!).
Did Rafe kill Anne and her female descendants because he wanted them to become immortal and leave the insignificant mortal world?
What exactly caused Gabriel's mortality?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2014
Fallen
3 Stars
Series note: Fallen can be read as a standalone as aside from the setting of New Orleans and the reappearance of a secondary character from book #1, there is no connection between the books.
The romance has potential but never really gets going and the characters, while interesting in terms of their struggles with addiction, ultimately fail to evoke any emotion or caring.
The mystery is interesting and the excerpts from newspapers, police reports and trial excerpts add a realistic tone to the description of events and the investigation. Nevertheless, the ultimate revelation of the killer is anti-climactic and the motive ambiguous and vague. Moreover, the ending is unnecessarily drawn out and the paranormal elements are superfluous.
Will probably get around to reading the last book sometime but it is not a priority.
3 Stars
Series note: Fallen can be read as a standalone as aside from the setting of New Orleans and the reappearance of a secondary character from book #1, there is no connection between the books.
The romance has potential but never really gets going and the characters, while interesting in terms of their struggles with addiction, ultimately fail to evoke any emotion or caring.
The mystery is interesting and the excerpts from newspapers, police reports and trial excerpts add a realistic tone to the description of events and the investigation. Nevertheless, the ultimate revelation of the killer is anti-climactic and the motive ambiguous and vague. Moreover, the ending is unnecessarily drawn out and the paranormal elements are superfluous.
Will probably get around to reading the last book sometime but it is not a priority.
April 1, 2010
Gabriel and Sara are seriously damaged people who seem to share a connection although each on hides that connection. As they work together on a book they start to see each other as the person they can't see themselves and the secrets come out. While each one tries to deal with them an old enemy comes backs, one neither knew they had. Once they deal with the trouble they find just exactly what they are looking for.
June 24, 2009
Well it wasn't what I expected. It was so slow in the begining and it almost made me want to give up on it. But I pushed through and yes it turned out okay. I did like the murder mystery part of it. By the end I really wanted to know who did it and i didn't expect the outcome to be what it was. Overall it's not something i would read again but I love Erin McCarthy so I will read the next one.
December 16, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5/5
I enjoyed how this story had a mystery plot that was equally as important as the romance plot... and it honestly felt more important the paranormal part, which was interesting too. I didn't see the murderer coming, so well done there too. I would've liked a bit more explanation at the end as to why the hero was okay with fully being with the heroine after all, especially considering the reasoning he gave for not wanting to about 2/3 of the way. All in all, though, a solid read.
I enjoyed how this story had a mystery plot that was equally as important as the romance plot... and it honestly felt more important the paranormal part, which was interesting too. I didn't see the murderer coming, so well done there too. I would've liked a bit more explanation at the end as to why the hero was okay with fully being with the heroine after all, especially considering the reasoning he gave for not wanting to about 2/3 of the way. All in all, though, a solid read.
July 26, 2025
This is more murder mystery w/only small amount paranormal romance.
After less than quarter of this book I had a hard time continuing to read to...got a digital book from library that I enjoyed better then came back to this skipping over slow annoying past murder revisiting chapters but still could not get myself to finish reading this book before the end of 21 days. Keep mind I did enjoy reading author's previous book.
After less than quarter of this book I had a hard time continuing to read to...got a digital book from library that I enjoyed better then came back to this skipping over slow annoying past murder revisiting chapters but still could not get myself to finish reading this book before the end of 21 days. Keep mind I did enjoy reading author's previous book.
May 10, 2017
It took me a little longer to get through. There were a few slower segments in the middle of the book. At two-thirds of the way through it picked up and kept me interested.
August 20, 2018
I cannot finish this one. It isn't a bad story; I just cannot stay awake reading it. I don't know why.
December 17, 2020
Read on the Chapters App.
It was nice. Didn't really get the reasoning of Rafael.
It was nice. Didn't really get the reasoning of Rafael.
February 27, 2022
Man, this was a struggle to get through. But when I figured it was going to be unraveling a murder case, I knew it was going to be difficult to get through. I'm not really a fan of those but yeah.
August 28, 2022
I really liked the premise but the unresolved potential incest was just too much!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
Good ending. And some great twists. But I’m starting to think I’m some form of asexual.
November 29, 2025
3.5.OG paranormal romance
February 17, 2021
After Not being able to get into a book for some time it was nice to find one that swept me away like this one did.
I really enjoyed the story.
It had a bit of everything I could want in a story from interesting and colour characters, to a rich story full of mystery, and lots of romance too.
It was a great introduction to this authors work and I look forward to reading more.
I really enjoyed the story.
It had a bit of everything I could want in a story from interesting and colour characters, to a rich story full of mystery, and lots of romance too.
It was a great introduction to this authors work and I look forward to reading more.
May 19, 2022
"Fallen" (2008) by American author Erin McCarthy.
Second Installation in the "Seven Deadly Sins" Series.
In modern-day New Orleans forensic scientist Sara Michaels meets Gabriel, a true-crime author.
They start a partnership researching and trying to solve the murder of Sara's mother and a murder from the 1840s of a prostitute named Anne.
What Gabriel doesn't know is that Sara is the great-great-grand daughter of the victim from the 1840s. And the women in her family has been murdered every generation ever since Anne was murdered. Sara is trying to solve why the women in her family are violently murdered in a similar manner after giving birth to a daughter. She's also wondering if, and when, her time will come.
But Gabriel has his own secrets.
Gabriel is a fallen angel, now a demon damned to be bound to New Orleans for losing himself in the addictions of flesh, alcohol and drugs.
And the victim from the 1840s they are investigating was his lover. And he is the man in the old court documents who where looking very guilty.
But Gabriel had an absinthe addiction and wasn't capable of murder at the night of Anne's death.
So when his lover, Anne, is murdered and all evidence points to him, he isn't sure if he did it or not because of the influence of the alcohol and his blurry memories.
So for more than 160 years, he's cut himself off from everything and everyone...trying to serve his penance: forever be denied love.
But who really did kill the women in Sara's family?
Second Installation in the "Seven Deadly Sins" Series.
In modern-day New Orleans forensic scientist Sara Michaels meets Gabriel, a true-crime author.
They start a partnership researching and trying to solve the murder of Sara's mother and a murder from the 1840s of a prostitute named Anne.
What Gabriel doesn't know is that Sara is the great-great-grand daughter of the victim from the 1840s. And the women in her family has been murdered every generation ever since Anne was murdered. Sara is trying to solve why the women in her family are violently murdered in a similar manner after giving birth to a daughter. She's also wondering if, and when, her time will come.
But Gabriel has his own secrets.
Gabriel is a fallen angel, now a demon damned to be bound to New Orleans for losing himself in the addictions of flesh, alcohol and drugs.
And the victim from the 1840s they are investigating was his lover. And he is the man in the old court documents who where looking very guilty.
But Gabriel had an absinthe addiction and wasn't capable of murder at the night of Anne's death.
So when his lover, Anne, is murdered and all evidence points to him, he isn't sure if he did it or not because of the influence of the alcohol and his blurry memories.
So for more than 160 years, he's cut himself off from everything and everyone...trying to serve his penance: forever be denied love.
But who really did kill the women in Sara's family?
April 8, 2010
Ok, this was a really strange book.
The premise was intresting and it started off really well, but then it just seemed to slide downhill slowly, till it reached a pretty average ending.
The characters were intresting and i was really invested in their journey, but it got to a point I lost intrest.... and when that happens you know its bad!
The story is about Gabriel, a fallen angel who is unsure if he killed his lover about a 160 years ago. Since then he has been condemend to life on earth and that every woman he touches ends up obcessed with him.
Sara has lost her mother who was murdered in almost the exact same way, 160 years later. She ends up working with Gabreil on a true crime book about both murders.
The book's pretense is to compare the cases and see how forensics have changed the way the police investigate cases, but each character has a hidden agenda. Gabrile to try to know for sure if he did or didn't kill his lover. Sara to find out why the women in her family keep being murdered in that way. (She is Gabriels lovers great great grand daughter.)
As is predictible in these books, the hero and heroine are instantly attracted to each other, but the nice twist is the fact that Gabriel cares for Sara so much he doesn't want her to become a drone like all the woman. For a while this provides intresting tension, but again it gets to a point where you lose intrest, or at least I did.
My favourite scene is when, in an effort to replicate the affects of absininth (the drink that Gabriel was addicted back in teh 1800's and was completely out of it on when Anne was killed) Sara drinks some and loses practically all inhobitions. she begs Gabriel to play the piano, which he gave up becasue he lost all insperation. All I can say is that was the best scene in the whole book......
This would have been a two star book, had it not been for how well written the piano scene was and the character development up to a certain point.
a shame really. Showed such promise and especially after My Immortalwhich was a far better book
The premise was intresting and it started off really well, but then it just seemed to slide downhill slowly, till it reached a pretty average ending.
The characters were intresting and i was really invested in their journey, but it got to a point I lost intrest.... and when that happens you know its bad!
The story is about Gabriel, a fallen angel who is unsure if he killed his lover about a 160 years ago. Since then he has been condemend to life on earth and that every woman he touches ends up obcessed with him.
Sara has lost her mother who was murdered in almost the exact same way, 160 years later. She ends up working with Gabreil on a true crime book about both murders.
The book's pretense is to compare the cases and see how forensics have changed the way the police investigate cases, but each character has a hidden agenda. Gabrile to try to know for sure if he did or didn't kill his lover. Sara to find out why the women in her family keep being murdered in that way. (She is Gabriels lovers great great grand daughter.)
As is predictible in these books, the hero and heroine are instantly attracted to each other, but the nice twist is the fact that Gabriel cares for Sara so much he doesn't want her to become a drone like all the woman. For a while this provides intresting tension, but again it gets to a point where you lose intrest, or at least I did.
My favourite scene is when, in an effort to replicate the affects of absininth (the drink that Gabriel was addicted back in teh 1800's and was completely out of it on when Anne was killed) Sara drinks some and loses practically all inhobitions. she begs Gabriel to play the piano, which he gave up becasue he lost all insperation. All I can say is that was the best scene in the whole book......
This would have been a two star book, had it not been for how well written the piano scene was and the character development up to a certain point.
a shame really. Showed such promise and especially after My Immortalwhich was a far better book
August 14, 2025
Gabriel has spent the last 200 years trying to atone for his sins and find a way back into heaven.
Bound to New Orleans, he has shut himself out from human interaction, fearing that once again his
punishment will be the death of another woman. He's been searching for answers to an old murder
which he may or may not be responsible for, coping with the fact that every woman he touches becomes so love sick that they end up taking their own life because they can't have him. When a young woman, who is just as tortured as he is, becomes his study partner of sorts, Gabriel fears that his involvement in her life will end in tragedy.
Sara is haunted by the murder of her mother and sleeping pills quickly became a dangerous addition in the attempt to cope with the grief. She contacts the author out of New Orleans with the intent to help him research clues for his murder mystery and he help her with the case of her mother. She didn't expect to meet such a handsome man who is socially awkward and has the same history with addition as she does. She can't help but form an attachment to him because he understands what she is going through.
Their search into the past reveals a gruesome history of jealousy, possessiveness and senseless killing all of which is tied back to Gabriel's divine punishment. Sara, who only wanted to survive the death of her mother, finds herself in love with a Demon and in the battle to save his soul.
This book was a success. It was the first book in a long time to have truly erotic and heartfelt
sex scenes though the characters didn't actually have sex until the very very end when Gabriel's
curse is broken. That didn't stop them from having some very sensual encounters along the way.
I loved both characters because they were truly cut from the same cloth. Both tortured by the deaths
of people they loved, suffering from addition and learning to live in a world in recovery. Their
relationship was far more then passion and was actually rooted in a deep understanding. Both were
very awkward and unsure of themselves and that made them both very endearing to me. The story was well flushed out, including articles and statements from the past which provided a deeper understanding of Gabriel's long and very sad life on earth. I loved this book.
Bound to New Orleans, he has shut himself out from human interaction, fearing that once again his
punishment will be the death of another woman. He's been searching for answers to an old murder
which he may or may not be responsible for, coping with the fact that every woman he touches becomes so love sick that they end up taking their own life because they can't have him. When a young woman, who is just as tortured as he is, becomes his study partner of sorts, Gabriel fears that his involvement in her life will end in tragedy.
Sara is haunted by the murder of her mother and sleeping pills quickly became a dangerous addition in the attempt to cope with the grief. She contacts the author out of New Orleans with the intent to help him research clues for his murder mystery and he help her with the case of her mother. She didn't expect to meet such a handsome man who is socially awkward and has the same history with addition as she does. She can't help but form an attachment to him because he understands what she is going through.
Their search into the past reveals a gruesome history of jealousy, possessiveness and senseless killing all of which is tied back to Gabriel's divine punishment. Sara, who only wanted to survive the death of her mother, finds herself in love with a Demon and in the battle to save his soul.
This book was a success. It was the first book in a long time to have truly erotic and heartfelt
sex scenes though the characters didn't actually have sex until the very very end when Gabriel's
curse is broken. That didn't stop them from having some very sensual encounters along the way.
I loved both characters because they were truly cut from the same cloth. Both tortured by the deaths
of people they loved, suffering from addition and learning to live in a world in recovery. Their
relationship was far more then passion and was actually rooted in a deep understanding. Both were
very awkward and unsure of themselves and that made them both very endearing to me. The story was well flushed out, including articles and statements from the past which provided a deeper understanding of Gabriel's long and very sad life on earth. I loved this book.
January 31, 2010
This book marks Ms. McCarthy's second foray into more serious, 'darker' paranormals, on the theme of the seven deadly sins (cool!). I didn't read the first one (lust), titled My Immortal, but this second title (gluttony/addiction) is a stand alone story.
So - let's see here: We have a fallen angel, recovering addict piano player-slash-painter who hasn't had sex for eighty years. And a self-conscious young heroine fleeing the tragedies of her past while trying to unlock the mystery of a family curse and related murder. And yes, it was just as angsty as it sounds. I loved it.
Other reviews for this story have consistently had two issues. First, they think it's slow and don't like the internal angsty monologues and expositions. Secondly, they find the ultimate conflict and resolution (i.e. antagonist) too wimpy. I strongly disagree with the first, and only sort of agree with the second. If you try to read this book as an urban fantasy, or anything other than a romance, it won't work. To me, the main antagonist in the story was Gabriel's all-consuming guilt. There is enough of a story and mystery surrounding the death of Sara's ancestor to keep the plot moving along, but this one is truly a character journey. Each of them are hunting for the truth, wanting each other, but unwilling to 'take the plunge'. I enjoyed the depth of both characters, and Ms. McCarthy did a successful job of interchanging viewpoints without confusing or annoying me - a real feat.
Stylistically, I enjoyed the interspersed newspaper clippings and court reportings, which added depth to the story. The tension was great, the angst better. If the climax was anti-climactic, I didn't notice. The ending was supremely satisfying (since the author held over the *actual* love scene until the second to last chapter!). If you want an emotionally engrossing angst-filled romance, this one's for you.
So - let's see here: We have a fallen angel, recovering addict piano player-slash-painter who hasn't had sex for eighty years. And a self-conscious young heroine fleeing the tragedies of her past while trying to unlock the mystery of a family curse and related murder. And yes, it was just as angsty as it sounds. I loved it.
Other reviews for this story have consistently had two issues. First, they think it's slow and don't like the internal angsty monologues and expositions. Secondly, they find the ultimate conflict and resolution (i.e. antagonist) too wimpy. I strongly disagree with the first, and only sort of agree with the second. If you try to read this book as an urban fantasy, or anything other than a romance, it won't work. To me, the main antagonist in the story was Gabriel's all-consuming guilt. There is enough of a story and mystery surrounding the death of Sara's ancestor to keep the plot moving along, but this one is truly a character journey. Each of them are hunting for the truth, wanting each other, but unwilling to 'take the plunge'. I enjoyed the depth of both characters, and Ms. McCarthy did a successful job of interchanging viewpoints without confusing or annoying me - a real feat.
Stylistically, I enjoyed the interspersed newspaper clippings and court reportings, which added depth to the story. The tension was great, the angst better. If the climax was anti-climactic, I didn't notice. The ending was supremely satisfying (since the author held over the *actual* love scene until the second to last chapter!). If you want an emotionally engrossing angst-filled romance, this one's for you.
December 3, 2012
Gabriel St. John is a demon, trapped in the city of New Orleans, cursed by his own sins. Sent as an angel to help humanity, he fell under the influence of alcohol addiction, and now if he is with a woman, she becomes hopelessly addicted to him. He hasn't touched alcohol or a woman in 75 years, but a new temptation enters his life.
Gabriel writes true crime novels, and this time, he has decided to tackle a crime he believes he may have committed in 1849. He wants to find out he didn't, but he isn't sure, because he had been under the influence. He works with a forensics expert, Sarah, whose own mother was recently killed. Together, he hopes they can shed new light on both murders.
I enjoyed this book on a lot of levels. Gabriel and Sarah honestly struck me as kindred spirits. Both suffered addictions, Gabriel the alcohol and Sarah sleeping pills after her mother's death. Gabriel's newest book was attempting, aside from solving such a personal crime, to prove that modern forensic evidence is still subject to the whims of the court and to the human factor, which is the same today as it was 150 years ago. The book went into some detail, including courtroom transcripts from both trials at the beginning of each chapter.
I did find the writing style to be a little tired. I don't know if that's the right word for it -- it's a matter of tone and definitely of personal opinion. I had trouble getting into the story early on, and I never felt that compulsion to turn pages. I both put the book down easily, and picked it up again easily. Maybe that's a good thing for a busy reader. :)
In terms of character, mystery, theme, and suspension of disbelief I am a big fan of this book and would highly recommend.
Gabriel writes true crime novels, and this time, he has decided to tackle a crime he believes he may have committed in 1849. He wants to find out he didn't, but he isn't sure, because he had been under the influence. He works with a forensics expert, Sarah, whose own mother was recently killed. Together, he hopes they can shed new light on both murders.
I enjoyed this book on a lot of levels. Gabriel and Sarah honestly struck me as kindred spirits. Both suffered addictions, Gabriel the alcohol and Sarah sleeping pills after her mother's death. Gabriel's newest book was attempting, aside from solving such a personal crime, to prove that modern forensic evidence is still subject to the whims of the court and to the human factor, which is the same today as it was 150 years ago. The book went into some detail, including courtroom transcripts from both trials at the beginning of each chapter.
I did find the writing style to be a little tired. I don't know if that's the right word for it -- it's a matter of tone and definitely of personal opinion. I had trouble getting into the story early on, and I never felt that compulsion to turn pages. I both put the book down easily, and picked it up again easily. Maybe that's a good thing for a busy reader. :)
In terms of character, mystery, theme, and suspension of disbelief I am a big fan of this book and would highly recommend.
October 18, 2011
Dulu, di abad ke-19, Anne Donovan dibunuh. Gabriel St. John dituduh membunuhnya. Meskipun sudah seratus tahun berlalu, Gabriel masih bertekad untuk menemukan siapa pembunuh sebenarnya. Dia kembali ke New Orleans dan menjadi penulis novel misteri. Sang Malaikat Jatuh ini kemudian tertarik dengan pembunuhan ibu Sara Michaels, seorang investigator, yang mirip dengan pembunuhan Anne Donovan.
Sara Michaels, seorang ahli forensik, meninggalkan Florida dan pergi ke New Orleans untuk membantu Gabriel memecahkan kasus pembunuhan Anne Donovan. Gabriel tidak tahu Anne adalah salah satu nenek moyang Sara, dan setelah ibunya dibunuh, Sara berharap kedatangannya ke New Orleans nggak akan sia-sia. Ternyata memang nggak, karena Gabriel sangat tampan meskipun terkesan berjarak. Gabriel dikutuk tidak akan bisa merasakan cinta sejati, meskipun Sara sudah mengubahnya.
Untung aja ceritanya bukan budak iblis kayak My Immortal tapi malaikat jatuh/terbuang. Gabriel memang lebih baik dari Damien. Di masa lalunya, dia mungkin emang pemabuk, tapi dia nggak jahat kayak Damien.
Untuk novel dewasa, aku lebih suka karya-karya Erin McCarthy ,ceritanya bagus-bagus dan nggak terkesan maksa. Manis dan romantis banget
Sara Michaels, seorang ahli forensik, meninggalkan Florida dan pergi ke New Orleans untuk membantu Gabriel memecahkan kasus pembunuhan Anne Donovan. Gabriel tidak tahu Anne adalah salah satu nenek moyang Sara, dan setelah ibunya dibunuh, Sara berharap kedatangannya ke New Orleans nggak akan sia-sia. Ternyata memang nggak, karena Gabriel sangat tampan meskipun terkesan berjarak. Gabriel dikutuk tidak akan bisa merasakan cinta sejati, meskipun Sara sudah mengubahnya.
Untung aja ceritanya bukan budak iblis kayak My Immortal tapi malaikat jatuh/terbuang. Gabriel memang lebih baik dari Damien. Di masa lalunya, dia mungkin emang pemabuk, tapi dia nggak jahat kayak Damien.
Untuk novel dewasa, aku lebih suka karya-karya Erin McCarthy ,ceritanya bagus-bagus dan nggak terkesan maksa. Manis dan romantis banget
May 17, 2008
I'm such a sap. Bought this mostly because the cover intrigued me. Such judgment has burned me before, so we'll see...
Finished this one last night. Is this part of a series? I really hope there's a first book that explains this whole "fallen angel" thing a little more in detail. Because the explanation here was pretty much "we're angels, we fell, so now we're demons and immortal." Um, okay?
The premise of the romance is that the fallen angel/demon Gabriel can't touch women, because doing so makes them addicted to him, turning them mindless. Logic problems abound with this when it comes to the heroine of the book. Obviously she's not affected by this curse, but he doesn't seem to notice that. He's all "I can't touch you," so her response is "I'll touch you then." He seems fine with that, even though it was shown a hundred pages back that that doesn't really matter. Then when they're separated, he's too busy moping that she's gone to think "Huh. She left. She's not standing outside my door crying because she's addicted to me. Ergo, curse not in effect." For this to occur to one of them would have made the relationship a little better, I think.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I liked it just fine. Not sure if it goes on my shelf of books to reread though.
Finished this one last night. Is this part of a series? I really hope there's a first book that explains this whole "fallen angel" thing a little more in detail. Because the explanation here was pretty much "we're angels, we fell, so now we're demons and immortal." Um, okay?
The premise of the romance is that the fallen angel/demon Gabriel can't touch women, because doing so makes them addicted to him, turning them mindless. Logic problems abound with this when it comes to the heroine of the book. Obviously she's not affected by this curse, but he doesn't seem to notice that. He's all "I can't touch you," so her response is "I'll touch you then." He seems fine with that, even though it was shown a hundred pages back that that doesn't really matter. Then when they're separated, he's too busy moping that she's gone to think "Huh. She left. She's not standing outside my door crying because she's addicted to me. Ergo, curse not in effect." For this to occur to one of them would have made the relationship a little better, I think.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I liked it just fine. Not sure if it goes on my shelf of books to reread though.
May 31, 2011
j'ai vraiment bien aimé ce tome, je n'ai pas lu le premier mais cela ne m'a pas du tout dérangé dans le déroulement de l'histoire.
Alors j'avais un peu peur avant de commencer en lisant le résumé je savais que c'était de la romance paranormale et j'esperais que l'histoire allait aussi suivre que ce ne soit pas que baser sur la romance. Et finalement j'ai été agréablement surprise (vous me direz en partant pessimiste ça aide aussi).
La mère de Sara a été assassinée d'une manière assez atroce et Gabriel un ange déchu auteur de livre veut ecrire un nouvel opus sur la mort de cette femme et celle d'une amante morte de la même manière des siècles plus tot. Sarah l'aidera dans ses recherches et il sera vite attiré par elle bien qu'interdit d'esperer quoi que ce soit étant sous le coup d'une malédiction qu'il ne supporte pas.
J'ai trouvé que leur enquete était vraiment intéressante et bien menée. J'avoue que je ne m'attendais pas à ce coupable.
Les articles de journaux a chaque début et fin de chapitre sont originaux, cela permettait de retracer l'histoire petit à petit par nous même.
Alors j'avais un peu peur avant de commencer en lisant le résumé je savais que c'était de la romance paranormale et j'esperais que l'histoire allait aussi suivre que ce ne soit pas que baser sur la romance. Et finalement j'ai été agréablement surprise (vous me direz en partant pessimiste ça aide aussi).
La mère de Sara a été assassinée d'une manière assez atroce et Gabriel un ange déchu auteur de livre veut ecrire un nouvel opus sur la mort de cette femme et celle d'une amante morte de la même manière des siècles plus tot. Sarah l'aidera dans ses recherches et il sera vite attiré par elle bien qu'interdit d'esperer quoi que ce soit étant sous le coup d'une malédiction qu'il ne supporte pas.
J'ai trouvé que leur enquete était vraiment intéressante et bien menée. J'avoue que je ne m'attendais pas à ce coupable.
Les articles de journaux a chaque début et fin de chapitre sont originaux, cela permettait de retracer l'histoire petit à petit par nous même.
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