A review by allingoodtime
Envy by J.R. Ward

challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is the third book in the Fallen Angels series, and so far I hold to my belief that you can read this series without reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. A peripheral character is shared in both, but there’s nothing you need to know about his role in the BDB series that pertains to his role in these books. This story is the first time vampires are referenced, and it’s so brief it’s barely a blip.

As for this story, the continued saga of Jim Heron and his angel helpers to save the souls of more people than their adversary condemns (to put it in simple terms) continues at a fast clip. These guys go from one shitstorm to another with nary a breath between. This time they are back in Caldwell, at first because of Jim’s obsession with helping Sissy and ultimately to save the soul of Thomas VelVecchio, Jr. aka Veck. (Yes, if you have read the BDB books you have seen this character before, but you don’t need to know anything about his appearance in Lover Unleashed to follow this story.)

I really enjoyed the love story in this one. Veck and Reilly have a great push/pull going on. They both know that getting involved with each other is a recipe for disaster, yet they cannot seem to keep things professional. My heart aches for Veck as his story unfolds. Reilly is compassionate and patient, exactly what he needs. I was rooting for them and beyond disturbed when things went off the rails.

There is a lot of heartbreak in this book. I’m not sure where it’s going to lead and can only hope for a miracle. For the most part, I felt this story moved faster than the previous two. There were some parts with Nigel and his friends that dragged for me. I’m not sure if the details given will serve the overall story arc or not so I barreled through. I’m intrigued and a bit dismayed about what is to come next, but it definitely is keeping me reading. 
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