Review + Giveaway: Crave by J.R. Ward
October 4, 2010 
63 Comments
Crave
by J.R. Ward
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Signet
Available: October 5, 2010
Genre: Paranormal Romance
The battle between good and evil has left the future of humanity in the hands of a reluctant saviour and his band of fallen angels. Seven deadly sins that must be righted. Seven souls that must be saved.
While his first task was success, Jim Heron is battling a demon that can take any form for the soul of someone he must identify on his own. If that weren’t enough, his old boss Matthias wants Jim to assassinate an AWOL member of The Firm – Isaac, the man Jim is pretty sure he is supposed to save. Jim knows first hand that once you’re in The Firm, there’s no getting out. But when Jim finds Isaac to warn him, he has been picked up by the police for illegal street fighting, and it is clear that Isaac is falling for his gorgeous public defender. Is their love the redemption that will save Isaac’s soul? Or has the demon Devina set an elaborate trap?
Reviewed by: Samantha
Crave is the second book in J.R. Ward’s Fallen Angels series. And while I go fan girl crazy over all things Ward, I do look at each of her series (including her Jessica Bird books which I have read every single one of) as independent from each other and try not to compare series to series while reading. I hope to do that with this review as well. I should also mention the very first thing I did when I got this book was turn to the back and read the preview for Lover Unleashed…3 times in a row. That’s right – 3 times! All I can say is that the preview had me giddy.
In Crave, Jim Heron is battling the demon Devina in the quest between good and evil, and Jim must find the next one of the seven souls that he needs to save. In comes Isaac Roth, a former comrade of Jim’s back from their days as Special Ops soldiers. Isaac is almost like a feral animal. Isaac knows he is on the run for his life as he is sure he is being hunted by their former boss and Special Ops leader Matthias. But like the feral animal he is, let’s just say Isaac dashes in and out of danger and makes some wild choices. Isaac earns money from doing cage fights and he is good at them. One evening his cage fight gets busted by police, and Isaac gets arrested. The public defender assigned to him is the beautiful, rich, and straight shooter, Grier Childe. Grier sees something behind that mask of solitude Isaac wears and the book basically takes off from there. And while Grier is trying to save Isaac’s life, Jim Heron is trying to save Isaac’s soul.
I have struggled for days on how to write this review in a way that will give you enough info to decide if you want to read this book but not enough to give away the plot. In fact, I even read the book twice. Being that Crave is a J.R. Ward book, it has its twists, turns, and in the end a surprise. Overall I will say I enjoyed this book immensely more than Covet, the first book in the series. I found the characters of Isaac and Grier were instantly likable upon introduction. I rooted for them to find a way to come together. I really appreciated the way Ward shows Isaac’s vulnerable side and the way she showed us Grier as an intelligent and strong female character while also keeping her warm and kind-hearted.
I also really enjoyed getting more background on Jim Heron. I have a feeling throughout the series more bits and pieces of Jim’s past will be revealed instead of Ward giving it to us all at once. She will keep enticing us with little tidbits until we want to pull our hair out. But if you are a longtime Ward fan, then you have probably come to expect this. Covet was also dark at times, as we learn in fairly graphic detail about the torture Adrian endured in book one. We also get a little more insight into the relationship between Eddie and Adrian. While I am speaking of Adrian, by the end of Covet he is clearly turning out to be one of my favorite characters Ward has created through all of her series. I know there must be so much more for us to learn about Adrian and Eddie. Ward also gives an interesting glimpse into a side of Devina I really didn’t expect to see. The intimate scenes between Isaac and Grier were very satisfying and steamy. However, towards the last third of the book the steamy scenes take a back seat to the actual story and suspense and so if you are looking for pure romance throughout the whole book you may be slightly disappointed.
In the end I really liked this book and the characters of Isaac and Grier. This book was much stronger and meatier in terms of character development and story than Ward’s first Fallen Angels book. If I have any complaint, I would have liked another steamy scene or two with Isaac and Grier, because frankly Isaac is just plain smokin’ hot. I also felt Ward fell back on her use of slang a little too much in this book. There were areas I felt like it was an actual distraction to the quality of the story. But Crave also left me wanting more, more, more of Jim, Adrian, and Eddie.
Favorite Quote (there were quite a few to choose from, but instead I am choosing a little glimpse of Adrian because I think he deserves it)
Adrian stood and went over to the heating unit that was under the windows. Turning the dial to “sauna”, he ditched his leather jacket and shut the connector to the other room locking them in together. Then he got on the bed, stretched out on top of the thin blanket, and put his chest to the angel’s back to warm him.
“I’ve got you, Jim,” he said hoarsely. “I’m right here for you, man.”
Other books in the series:
Other reviews on GoodReads
Author’s Website
Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository
Thanks to Signet I have a copy of Crave by J.R. Ward to giveaway to one lucky commenter. To enter just leave a comment on Samantha’s review. Because the prize is shipped directly from the publisher, contest is open to Continental U.S. only. Open until October 9, winner announced soon after. Good luck!!
Related Posts:
Post Author Info:
Glad to hear people liked this one better than Covet, although I really enjoyed it. I really can't wait to read Crave!
I went to Borders to buy this over the weekend and they didn't have it in yet ;( I've been dying to read Crave.. I so love JR Wards books, I can't get enough of them. I hope this is were I am suppose to comment at
Stephmartin71(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like exactly what we've come to expect from Ward. I'm sooo excited that now we get two Ward books a year versus waiting and waiting of just one BDB book.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one – and that you feel it is 'meatier' than Covet. I had trouble with Covet to begin with – because I was comparing it to BDB. Once I got it in my head that this is different – but still in the same world, Covet started to groove for me.
Michelle
kweenmg at yahoo dot com
I wasn't a huge fan of Covet. Maybe because I expected it to be similar to her BDB series. Glad to hear this one carries more weight to it. Wonderful review Samantha.
I'm one of the people who loved Covet! If Crave is even better, I'll be giddy, too!
I've got a push-pull attraction going on with this series but I'm glad the overall consensus is that the series increases in quality instead of going down the sink. One day I'll have to take the plunge in this series *grin*
I haven't read Covet so I've nothing to compare it too. I do however think the cover looks great with the play on wings.
I didn't love Covet either, I felt like JR was holding out. I also didn't love Dark Lover, but ending up loving the series because it got better with each new book. So, I'm very anxious to see where this new series is going to go.
I liked Covet! It wasn't BDB or anything, but I still liked it and loved that we caught glimpses of Phury and it took place in the same area as BDB!
I can't wait for this one – I am disappointed there's not more smexy times in this one, but I'm still curious to see what happens next! Great review Samantha!
Thanks go Bells, I have Covet now. I'm going to have to give it a read soon. I'm anxious to dive into the series.
I'm excited to read Crave I just finished Covet Saturday night so I am up to speed and ready for book 2.
Great review, glad you liked it! I love JR Ward so please count me in to win!
I'm glad to hear that you liked this book better than the first in the series. I thought the 1st book was just okay; I wasn't sure if I was going to read Crave or not but you have convinced me to give it a go Samantha
Great review. Really looking forward to getting to read it.
Thanks for the review! I loved the first book and look forward to this next installment in the series. The dark tone is just my style.
Great review!! I love JR Ward, too. I haven't read Covet yet, but I have it at home on my TBR shelf. I can't wait to read both it and Crave!
I had a brain fart and forgot this book was release tomorrow O_o. I'm glad this one was better than Covet
Great review. I haven't started this series yet but I can't wait to get into it. Thanks for the giveaway.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
That was a really good review. I would love to read the book.
I just got me Covet and now I'm looking forward to this series even more. Fabulous review, Samantha, and thumbs up for reading the book twice!
*I'm from Europe, so, not entering*
I thought Covet was just so-so – some good scenes but overall meh. Nice review of this book though. I may have to give this series another shot.
I have not read this author. Your review makes me want to pick up this book.
I'm a brand new reader to the paranormal world and have only read a few books. I've always been a comtemporary girl but I'd love to read this! I'm going to go place an order today for whatever is before it. Thanks so much for the contest!
Great review! You certainly made me interested in this book. I've only read a couple of Black dagger Brotherhood books so books from any other series of hers are new to me.
cories119[at]yahoo.com
Great interview. I would love to read this book. Please enter me in contest.
I'll take anything I can get by JR Ward! Thanks for the contest!!
Kristin
kristincheee (at) AOL (dot) com
I enjoyed your review and now I think I know a little bit more about what this series is about. I haven't started it yet but I will be soon.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
Oh my, there can never be too much Ward slang! Thank you for the review, I cannot wait to add these books to my Ward collection
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
want to talk about giddy – i'm literally jumping in my chair. LOVE WARD – i can't be more thankful for chatting with stranger on the train in NY while on vacation and came to find we liked the same books – she referred me J R Ward and the BDB series and that was 1.5 years ago. LOVE the series, Love WARD, just got into her Bird books. Can't wait for CRAVE
jennscl at gmail dot com
I loved Covet so I really can't wait to read Crave! This was a great review. Loved the quote you picked out!
Oh now you've got us even more impatient for the release of this book with that review. Great quote by the way.
I loved the Black Dagger Brotherhood so I am sure I would like this one too!!! Need to start reading it.
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
I'm really glad to hear this one is an improvement over Covet as I adore JR Ward! I thinking this is going to be a series that gets better as it goes once we start to understand the angels a little better. Thanks so much for the review and for the giveaway, I'm looking forward to this one:)
Nice review Samantha. I liked this one better than Covet – but I as well wish there had been a few more steamier scenes with just Isaac and Grier.
I did really enjoy the ending…oh yes.
I bought Covet but I've never read it. I have to be in a mood to read a book and so far I just haven't felt like reading it. Your review makes Crave sound really good. I have the same problem with Wards other series I loved Dark Lover and the next couple then when V's book came out I never could get in the mood for it and the with Lover Mine all three books are still waiting for me to read them.
Great written review. I actually enjoyed the first book in this series, so it's nice to know this one's even better. That seems to be the consensus among reviewers. So I definitely would love to read this. Please sign me up.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Ah! I am so excited for Crave! I love everything J.R. Ward. I liked Covet but if you say this is better then I cannot wait to read it!
Great review Samantha! I can't get over this cover. I LOVE it.
Stephanie G
sgradel(at)gmail(dot)com
Paranormal Haven
Hm, I just don't know, I guess Ward has disappointed me lately
Fallen Angels are quite fascinating, and I'm glad to know that Ward has manged to give us action and romance with her new series. The character development you described has me very intrigued.
I'm also curious to know what you mean about the slang. I have a love/hate relationship with how Ward uses it in the BDB series. I don't think I could take too much more. LOL
Thanks for the giveaway! So exciting!
missie at theunreadreader.com
P.S. *squees* Lover Unleashed! Read it one more time, for me!
I have not heard of this book, but it sounds so gooood! Thanks for the review and giveaway!
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Great review. Glad to hear this book is better than Covet.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot}com
I feel like such an impostor! How can I call myself an avid reader if i haven't even read a J.R Ward novel yet? Lol, But this one sounds SO good and I'd love to read. please enter me in the drawing =D
Thanks for the contest and many blessing everyone!
HRJ Rita
email: historicalromancejunkie(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thanks for the review and giveaway!
I love the quote you gave.
Please don't enter me in giveaway… I bought the book today. Ward is an autobuy for me… I really enjoyed the first book, but I don't know when I'll fit in time to read this one. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for the giveaway! Hopefully this one lives up to expectation.
spettolij AT gmail DOT com
It looks like a good story.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Fab! I was just looking at books to add to my cue and saw your review! Thanks for offering a giveaway. chriswhatiruninto.com
Now this is the kind of book I could get lost in. Sounds wonderful.
I would sooo love to read this! I love Covet, and can't wait to read Crave!
Thanks!
fineinsanity {at} live {dot} com
Thanks for the great review.
I love J.R. Ward's books.
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
Crave sounds really good!
juliecookies(at)gmail.com
Oh man I have read all of her books so far and love them! I hope to read this one as well!
couponhuntingchik at gmail dot com
Thank you for the review and the giveaway. I think that the enjoyment of the Fallen Angels series can be dimmed if you read them expecting more BDB. I discovered Dogfish by reading this series lol.
I would love to win a copy. I actually didn't mind the first book in the series, which surprised me because I get annoyed by all the subplots that don't have anything to do with the hero/heroine in her BDB books.
I love anything J.R. Ward writes. I am really looking forward to this one!! Tx for the giveaway and great review.
wendyhines at hotmail dot com
Great review. I haven't read anything by JR Ward.
tyhadas.place(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks
I'm new to J.R. ward and have heard so much about her so I just purchased and read Covett and loved it!! I can't wait to read Crave and if it's even better than Covett then Yay, 'casue I loved Covett. Thanks for the chance to win
I've been a J.R. Ward fan since Dark Lover. She has amazing worldbuilding skills and her heroes are simply deicious! Would absolutely love to win a copy of Crave.
Thanks for review =) I just ordered the box set of her Blackdagger Brotherhood..I know, I can't believe I'm just now getting introduced to her writings. I've heard so many good things. Crave sounds really good but I'll have to start with book one. Please enter me into the contest.
Great review Samantha…I love J.R. and although Covet was good it was not a great read for me. I expect Crave will be even better…
ctrim(at)wi(dot)rr(dot)com
Fantastic review. I'm very much looking forward to reading Crave… Although, while I absolutely LOVE The Black Dagger Brotherhood, I wasn't a huge fan of Covet…. Could possibly be BECAUSE of the fact that I so love the characters from the Brotherhood that I was slightly resistant to Covet. I'm anticipating that the Fallen Angels series will grow on me!