Customer Reviews

Devil's Bargain (Silhouette Intrigue S.)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Otherwise, 5stars all the way.

Not at all your typical romance, in fact, there was hardly any romance in this book. The book was instead a situational paranormal mystery.

Jazz, the lead character, reminds me an awful lot of Anita Blake, without the zombie raising ability. She's strong, pithy, and loyal. She has dangerous enemies and strong friends.

Supporting characters - like Lucia, Jazz's new detective partner, Ben, her jailed former partner, Manny, Pansy... are quirky but believable and likable. The love interest isn't as well formed as he should be for a romance - and the relationship takes second place to the paranormal sitch.

The thing that disappointed me most, though, was the cliffhanger ending. I hate nothing more than a book which insists I buy a bunch of other books.

This one, though, was a good read.

(*)>

After devouring all three of Caine's Weather Warden series (if you haven't read them yet, go buy Ill Wind right now! Now!) I had high expectations for this book that weren't quite fulfilled. I'm not sure why--it was an interesting plot, interesting characters, etc. I just never really sympathized with any of them, except for one secondary character who happened to be in jail as a serial killer. Hmm. While this is definitely worth a read, and I'll check out the sequel, I can only give it three stars, because it just doesn't have the verve and hook that her other books do.

I know, the phrase *I couldn't put this book down* is a cliché, but I really had a huge problem putting Devil's Bargain down. I'm a fan of Ms Caine's Weather Warden series, so I thought I'd try this one, hoping it would be just as good. To my surprise, Devil's Bargain is even better.

I've been reluctant to read the Bombshell line, for fear it would be shoddy writing under the Harlequin/Silhouette label, I am happy to say that this is not so. The imprint seems to be hiring the best. This is not what I'd consider a chic-lit book and has a reasonably good mystery attached, that even male readers might enjoy.Devil's Due, the second in the series, is out in January.

let me preface my review by stating:-I own hundreds of books, so if a book doesn't grab me, out it goes. That being said-I quit Devil's Bargain about half way through.

The writing was enjoyable the first 50 pages or so, but I personally didn't like how the main character, who was all kick butt at first, turned internally whiney and full of self doubt as soon as the other female character entered the picture. I was dissappointed that such a seemingly self assured heroine turned wimpy as soon as Lucia-who the author really plays up as extremely beautiful-meets her.

The character Lucia turned me off as well, as she was written very coldly. The hero, or romantic lead is bland, and seems to have his own agenda, leading the heroine blindly into some dangerous situations, but evasively telling her to "watch out"-blech!!

All that aside, I just found the story inplausible-this "dream" offer of a private eye firm quickly turning into a life or death situation-both heroines almost killed, and no idea or hint as to why.

It may get better, I'll never know.
3 stars for a pretty good start.

Lightning strikes again for the talented Rachel Caine (author of the best-selling Weather Warden series) in this fresh, tense thrill-ride. Devil's Bargain is an honest to goodness face-hugger of a read, the kind I can never find enough of and am oh-so-grateful when one does come down the pike. My hat is off to the publishers for bringing in skilled writers of this caliber who can deliver edgy, believable characters and a cliché-free page-turning story. Make sure you set aside enough time to read it in one sitting. I'm not kidding here, it made me late for work!

This book is more than strong enough to stand on its own in the mystery/thriller genres, written in a clear, crisp style that made the read seem like I was watching a movie in my head. I've enjoyed the other Bombshell books, but this one has significantly raised the bar. Caine's secret? Really cool characters, true to themselves to the point of risking everything to do what's right. Good choices, bad choices, they deal with the consquences, however crazy it gets.

Jazz, the heroine, is by no imaginative stretch a shrinking violet. How many dames do you know who take on drunken bikers on their own turf---and win? To be fair, she had the upper hand since she'd not yet had her coffee. The hero, James, is a match for her, balancing her raw power and passion with stubborn courage, a clever wit, and a sexy glint in his eye. (Not to mention that killer wardrobe.) There were times I wanted to toss a net over Jazz and jump his bones myself, he's so hot. It's clear to everyone he's fallen for her at first sight, but Jazz is the last to figure it out. (Hey, she's BUSY taking out bad guys, okay?) In lesser hands this wouldn't fly, but Caine's deft word-craft not only has her getting breezily away with it, makes you love it, and leaves you hungry for more, more, more.

I hope there will be more to come from this awesome writer!

Now please excuse me, I'm going to re-read this one again.

No need to get into a detailed plot synopsis here as other reviewers have already done that quite skillfully. Suffice it to say that Devil's Bargain is yet another action-packed thrill ride of a read from author Rachel Caine. Fans and newcomers alike will be delighted with her skill at combining powerful, emotional and deeply-grounded characterizations with sensitive, penetrating and up to the minute dialogue. The main players fairly leap off the page, and their stories unfold against a backdrop so vivid, you almost feel as if you're right there watching them.

The plot does take a bit of time to get going, and is heavily laced with a mystical or maybe even futuristic bent. Kind of like a fusion of "X-Files" meets the current TV hit "Numb3rs." It may take a bit of work to follow, but it's intriguing enough to hang in there for some big payoffs in the end. There's exposition here. A lot of it. But I understand this is the first in a new series from Caine, and if her Weather Warden novels are anything to go by, I know that each new installment is likely to build on the strengths of the last. With Devil's Bargain, we've got Jazz Callender, Lucia Garza, James Borden and their world. Now it's time to bring on the stories. I can't wait to see where we're going next, and for me, that's good enough for five stars.

I decided to read Devil's Bargain because it was written by the author of one of my favorite series, the Weather Warden series. I am sad to say I was very disappointed in this book. The plot of the story was pretty original and interesting enough. The biggest problem I had with this book is the main character, Jazz.

Jazz is very unlikable. She is mean, rash, angry, bullheaded, short-tempered, and stubborn. I have no idea why James Borden would hold any iota of liking for her. At one point she slams him into a wall and twists his arm behind his back because she didn't like what he had to say. Than she is feeling all hot and bothered as she does so. Furthermore, Jazz is always insulting and belittling poor James even when she knows it hurts and upsets him. I love books where strong woman are the main characters, but not when they are angry and mean to the people who are supposedly on their side.

The other problem I had with this book is the lack of romance. I like all types of genres so a lack of romance is no problem. The problem I had is the fact that I am buying a romance book so expect romance. Jazz spent very little time with Borden so any romance that was actually prevalent caused it to feel forced and fall flat.

Lastly, the ending wasn't well written. It seemed rushed and sloppy and left me feeling like there should have been at least another 50 pages, if not more.

I am glad that Rachel Caine was able to improve her writing style and more importantly her characters for her Weather Warden series. I will probably still read the 2nd book to this series since I have already purchased it, but don't think I will be reading it anytime in the near future.

I am a fan of Rachel Caine's Weather Warden series and decided to check out this new series she has in the works by Harlequin/Bombshell. I found this first book to the series really enjoyable and could not put it down.

First off, Caine has written some really interesting characters- Jazz, Lucia, Borden, Manny- all are different yet believable and work well in the context of the greater story.

The plot setting was interesting as well, and I was intrigued by the Cross Society, the idea of Leads and Actors. The questions and suspense kept coming and by the end of the book you are left scratching your head over the mystery and where it is leading.

All in all, a great story. This book is different from her Weather Warden series but just as well written and interesting. At best I would call this a paranormal mystery series in the works. So if you are a fan of Caine's, check this new series out and for the price it is a really good bargain!

Great job, Ms. Caine!

Upon reading this book i was kind of bored but slowly i got immersed in the story's intrigue and suspense. Before i knew it was the end and i couldn't wait to read more. Filled with mystery wit a bit romance this book was a great read. Still it didn't even compare to most of Richelle Mead's other series i've read.

I actually really liked this one. I think some paranormal romance authors seem to be in a rut (Immortal warriors and vampires) but this one was just different enough to be interesting. I loved Jazz as a character. I'm a big fan of the In Death series, and Jazz reminded me a lot of Eve. I liked Lucia also, just not as much. I felt there was a lot of chemistry between Jazz and James and I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship blossoms.