The Devil Inside [Paperback]

Ali Vali (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2006

Brains, guts, and ruthless ambition should be enough to come out on top in any fight. Except when the battle is over love, all bets are off. Derby Cain Casey was groomed from birth to take the reins of the Casey family enterprises, which just happens to be one of the major crime organizations in New Orleans. Surviving by never turning away from a fight and knowing how to win at all costs, Cain is as careful with her heart as she is with her business - until she meets Emma Verde. The farm girl from Wisconsin puts a hit out on Cain’s heart and leads her down a dangerous road filled with great joy and devastating sorrow. The Devil Inside is the story of unexpected passion, a shattering betrayal, and the challenge of love put to the test.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933110309
• ISBN-13: 978-1933110301
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #240,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Originally from Cuba, Ali Vali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which carries till today. She has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-Provoking, Unconventional Story, February 2, 2006

By 

K. Isserman "Kisserman" (Columbia, MD) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Devil Inside (Paperback)

The Devil Inside by Ali Vali is an unusual, unpredictable, and thought-provoking love story that will have the reader questioning the definition of right and wrong long after she finishes the book.

While on the surface the story is about Cain Casey, a reputed crime boss and her attempts to elude the FBI, Vali gives us so much more as the book evolves. She tosses challenging questions at the reader as the plot progresses, drawing out the suspense of this intricate and intense tale. We want to know why her lover of eight years, Emma Verde, leaves her and their son and then after no word in four years comes back. We are puzzled by why the FBI is hunting Cain with a vengeance, and what part Emma's parents have in the pursuit. First time novelist Vali, as an experienced author may do, does not leave the reader hanging for too long, but spins a complex plot of love, conspiracy, and loss. As the book ends, we see hope for a new future for the Casey family.

The Devil Inside is rich in character portrayal. Vali has cultivated a believable Cain Casey who is full of contradictions. While she may be ruthless and unforgiving on the surface, the reader finds a loyal, caring, and deeply hurt woman underneath who will go to any length to protect her family, including Emma. The depth of Cain's unpredictability draws the reader in. We are fascinated by Cain's vulnerability, and we can't help but like this charming and genuine woman despite her seemly corrupt activities. It becomes easy to root for Cain as the story unfolds and we learn who the bad guys really are.

As the story proceeds, Vali uncovers Emma's and Cain's past, and we slowly learn the truth behind their break-up. The author fills in the gaps easily while advancing the plot smoothly. We are given enough clues to keep us guessing as to what comes next, but the ending leaves us wanting more of the Casey family. Vali has purposely left the story unresolved and has done so without frustrating the reader. Far from leaving the reader up in the air, we are totally wrapped up in the future of this enigmatic family. From a first time author, this is a quite a coup.

Most romance authors neatly tie up all of the pieces as the story moves forward. We know that the girl will get the girl in the end. The Devil Inside's strength is that it is unlike most romance novels. Nothing about the story and its characters is conventional. We do not know what the future holds for Emma and Cain, but Vali tempts us with every word so we want to find out. I am very much looking forward to the sequel The Devil Unleashed.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy Me!!, February 27, 2006

By 

E. Varellas (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Devil Inside (Paperback)

This book rocked my world. It was very well written and was jam packed from beginning to end. The flashbacks were not overdone which is really great considering part of this story HAS to take place in the past to understand what is going on in the present. This is definately not a traditional love story. Neither character is a hero type (however if I could find a woman who treated me like Cain treated Emma TRUST ME...I wouldnt leave..lol). The girl is already gone from the first page and the big question is whether or not they can reconcile in the end. This however is not even the main thrust of the book. The romance comes secondary to the real story of Cains life as the head of a crime family and the push by numerous people to pull her down. I disagree with the reviewer above me in the comment about the "girl getting the girl in the end" because it really leaves things open for the next book which is a HUGE hook and attraction for an ongoing series. I can not wait for the second in the series. As a first book this is solid and really really really worth a shot. Ali Vali is definately one to watch and support.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite a book, June 1, 2006

By 

CJ "avid reader" (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Devil Inside (Paperback)

I am compelled to commend this writer after just finishing this book. Wonderful, unusual story. Not your typical fluff love story, but much more. Extremely well written and thought out. I can't wait for the sequel to the story of the Casey crime family.