The Devil To Pay [Mass Market Paperback]

Stephanie James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000

This collector's edition of an out-of-print romance is by one of the genre's most popular authors--Jayne Ann Krentz, writing as Stephanie James. Desperately trying to break into an empty beach cottage, Emelina is greeted by a man as lethal-looking as his Doberman--a man who exudes a potent sensuality. Emelina gets his help--but at a price.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Silhouette; Collectors edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373806965
• ISBN-13: 978-0373806966
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,089,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sexual Content: Rated PG-13, October 23, 2000

By 

Tina "tinaellorascave" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Devil To Pay (Mass Market Paperback)

This is my favorite JAK book under the name James. It left me either grinning or laughing the entire way through it.

Emelina Stratton's brother is being blackmailed. In an effort to save him, she turns the tables and does a little spying to try and get some bargaining info on the blackmailer. The darkly handsome Julian Colter (who is a rumored mob boss) agrees to help Emelina in her scheme, but will demand a payment from her when all is said and done. Emelina is nervous about what the payment will be, having no idea Julian intends for the payment to be herself...

This book left me in stitches. From Emelina faking an orgasm--and getting caught!--to Emelina's overactive imagination concerning Julian's "occupation", I couldn't stop grinning. Don't miss this one while it's still in print.

(sexual content R = consummation scenes described in lots of detail)

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Devils and Dobermans.., May 23, 2001

By 

Book Addict "B.A." (Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Devil To Pay (Mass Market Paperback)

In "The Devil to Pay", Jayne Ann Krentz clearly shows the foundations of her trademark style. Emmy Stratton and Julian Colter strike sparks from their first meeting (and we have to love Xerxes the dog). Written in the mid '80's, Jayne reaches a point where she allows her heroines to be feisty, opinionated and to take risks - some with the hero - there is much less surrendering here and much more mutual satisfaction. The dialogue is delightfully witty (another soon-to-be-Krentz trademark) and the plot is carefully crafted as always. If you are looking to spend some time watching two lovers stumble into their future together, this is the book for you.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An anti-climatic yet satisfying story, October 13, 2000

By 

C. M. Chen (CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Devil To Pay (Mass Market Paperback)

Writer Emelina Stratton is determined to help her brother who is being blackmailed. Her search for the blackmailer leads her to Oregon where her attempt at breaking and entering is called to a halt by Julian Colter who is rumored to be a part of the Mafia that is in hiding. Julian is willing to help Emelina catch her blackmailer for a price. Initially, he longs for the type of loyalty and trust she bears for her brother. Instead, he finds himself longing for her heart as well.

Stephanie James is the pseudonym for Jayne Ann Krentz during an earlier period of writing and there is much about this story to recommend. The humor surrounding the local lore about Julian's true occupation becomes a source of contention between Emmy and the locals when she gets fed up with their warnings and innuendoes. Julian pragmatically defies Emmy's vivid imagination when it comes to handling the blackmailer. There is a thread of suspense but it doesn't pan out and the plot involving the blackmailer proves to be anti-climatic. But as the story mainly focuses on Emmy and Julian's relationship, it is not much of a disappointment or even a mystery. This is a story well worth reading and there are clear hints of Krentz's present style and characterizations in this story. What is interesting in reading this book is seeing how far along Krentz has come as a writer.