Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

First for full transparency, I didn’t buy this book from Amazon. If this book had been written by a newbie author I would have more than likely given it a generous two stars, and encourage them to learn to hone their writing craft. Despite me being bored in places while reading, I think a newbie author would learn to hone their craft, after this first book. Alas this book was written by a New York Times author who should know better, so this book by Ward gets a one star. Here is the reasons. Yes Ward’s devoted readers will take umbrage with this review, but you’ll all know in your heart of hearts; what I say is simply true. I have been reading Ward for many years, when Black Dagger Brotherhood were paperbacks, this is not her best effort. SPOILERS AHEAD First, I felt as if I was playing catch-up in the relationship between Danny and Anne. They were already in love when the book opens. Geez so much for a firefighter romance. YES, I know to novella were released, and they greatly impacted this book’s plot/romance. The book is sold as the first in a new series which it is not. The novellas need to be read. Second, no one in real life talks or uses nicknames for real life items. It is a coffee not a Dunkins. We humans use item names in the lexicon of our real life. In Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood this type of speech pattern works as they are another freaking species, in this book it is just lame. Third, Ward seems to hate woman. Anne is a highly judgmental character, especially where her mother was concerned. She would have stoned people in biblical times. The mayor of News Bruinswick is portrayed as a entitled sexual predator, who will to do anything to get re-elected. Fourth, Ward writes every person of wealth as a racist, Trump supporter or a psycho. Yes, I get that the book is set in Massachusetts, but stereotyping is ramped in the book. If it’s cliche Ward has it in this book. I don’t appreciate stereotyping of any class, race or religion. Ward should have written characters, not caricature. Fifth, Ward introduces an HIV and suicidal storyline and then proceeds to drop it, like a hot potato. This gave me whiplash. Sixth, Ward’s rich villain psycho’s conversation with Anne is too off the rails for reality. Seventh, Ward left too many loose ends dangling at the end of the story. Eighth, Ward introduced 499 firehouse characters extremely late in the book. They just pop out of the ether. Ninth, Danny’s brother turns into a twin very late in the book. His brother’s backstory is never truly addressed. Tenth, the Fire Chief Tom disparage volunteer firefighters, as not being as good as ‘real’ firefighters. Which I take umbrage with, as without volunteer firefighters who have literally no resources and don’t get paid rural America would have no fire protection. Ward thanks real life firefighters in this book, who would tell you the same thing as I just did. In the last several years I have noticed Ward not living up to the standards of writing she set for us as readers. Her books have been filled with continuity errors and plot holes large enough to drive a semi trucks through. I need Ward challenged, to bring herself to write to her previous high standards. I felt as if the ‘Empress has no clothes’ and no one is brave enough to tell her. Yes I know this book will sell millions, but this Black Dagger Brotherhood knock -off is by far of the worse books I’ve read this year, as it is by a seasoned author who doesn’t get a pass.