Customer Reviews:
roller-coaster of a read.......2007-08-23
Devil's Due by Rachel Caine is a fast paced thrill ride of a read. I kept wondering when the heroine would get a chance to catch her breath. Devil's Due takes place right after Devil's Bargain. It follows along from Lucia's point of view. Jazz and Lucia still are involved with the Cross Society and growing more disenchanted with it as time goes on. Jazz's old partner, Ben, is now out of prison being exonerated of the murder charge, and is working with their firm. Ben and Lucia are undoubtedly attracted to each other as they continue to try and fight the good fight.
I'm not sure what genre these books fall into. I wouldn't necessarily classify them as Urban Fantasy. The only supernatural element seems to be a psychic character. The rest follows along more as a spy thriller. Ms. Caine imbues her characters with complex emotions and hints at deep back stories without bogging down the action. I found it easier to connect with the cool and controled Lucia than to the loose canon that is Jazz. I think that is why I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series.
Future Prospects - bright.......2007-07-09
Firstly, let me say, I - an adult male, am greatly embarrassed to admit that I have purchased and happily read a Mills & Boons novel. Ahem! Yes, indeed, it was pleasurable. Well, to start off, at the bookstore chain they were giving away M&B for Rs.99 each, which is like USD 2. So I saw through those tempting names and fixed my gaze on `Intrigue Series'. This was about a detective, a female one of course. So I said to myself, why not, I like crime (not in a criminal way). Plus the cover was indeed intriguing with the `Red Letter Days' series stamped on the back.
So Devil's Due, I realized is a second book in a series and even though I never read the first one, this was very much unabridged and easy to follow. Told from the perspective of Lucia Garza, a strong, fashionable, desirable, cold femme fatale; who manages to get her way most of the time; she is loaded and rich by her past experience and now working as a private eye due to a benevolent gift of finance from a secret agency - the Cross Society. Now all is normal till half of the book is over. Then you realize about timelines and leads and how events in the future are being manipulated. Lucia and her partner Jazz have to give priority to any red letter order they receive from the Cross Society. This does some good and some bad. They are joined by relevant male love interests. Ben McCarthy joins their operation and falls for Lucia like moth on flame. There is good chemistry described in these pages.
All the characters are well developed. The plot also moves swiftly and there is plenty to worry and wonder about. Eidolon the rival time-future manipulator is planning a big hit. Our heroes are losing faith in Cross Society. A nerd with a vault like residence and Hummer for commute is also present. It is all very well-done mix with plenty of thrills in intermittent spaces.
The last four chapters are exhilarating to say the least. These had me on edge. It was unfolding events and info like an ocean with an upset stomach. I was very much engaged during the last few chapters and was happy with the way everything took place. It's a Mills and Boons so no one reads it for tragedy-news. Things were kept real and yet pleasant. The concept of changing or altering future is very interesting background and how the characters affect or force changes is very entertaining.
As my first Mills & Boons novel - it was very enjoyable popular fiction. Not what I usually read but would check out similar things from Mills and Boons again.
Hidden gem .......2006-11-04
Couldn't put the book down. I adore Rachel Caine's writing and found she doesn't have a pattern like most authors. I literally gobbled it up.
Caine fan.......2006-11-03
It was a very cute story, but seemed written more for teenagers. Although all of her books so far are light, quick reads, I have hopes that she will delve into stories with a little more meat to them, because I like her writing style. I will still get the rest of the books in the series to see how it turns out, and I can depend on them not taking up too much time.
4 stars.......2006-10-24
What Jazz Callendar has worked for is now reality; her former police partner is now a free man, but Ben McCarthy's fresh start at life means more to her detective partner, Lucia Garza. Over the past few months, Ben has become dear to her. His release comes just as the Cross Society and the Eidolon group have begun turning up the heat on them. It seems like their benefactors want them and Borden, the Cross Society lawyer who is Jazz's lover, out of the game they play. Anthrax, knives, and psychological warfare are just a few of the punches thrown. Lucia and Jazz are on the verge of finding out how twisted the people they work for are, and how complex the plot they are in the middle of is.
**** This is a fascinating book. If you enjoyed the Matrix, or if you didn't, you'll love it. Illusions and counterplots abound. You never know what will happen next. Reading this book will wake up your mind and keep you on the edge of your seat. ****
Reviewed by Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews.
Book Description
Gray Sinclair has spent a lifetime doing exactly as he pleases - and women are one of the things that please him most. But a fiery Scottish lass is determined to show him that indulgence has a price, and it's time this handsome libertine pay . . . The Devil's Due
With four protective older brothers, Bonnie MacTavish has had little experience with romance, but she has no intention of being seduced by a black-hearted English scoundrel whose devilishly wicked smile tempts Bonnie to forget he's been charged with murder. Yet when Gray's shrewd determination provides him with the means of escape from his cell - taking Bonnie with him - she learns that the charming outlander cannot be the murderer her brothers believe him to be. Gray is no ordinary pirate, but rather an extraordinary and haunted man - one who deserves her help. If only she can convince him that the greatest adventure is love.
Customer Reviews:
Romance at its best.......2006-02-15
Melanie George is one of my most favorite authors and she never disapoints ever I first found Devil may care in the library and read it and after that knew I needed to own them myself although it was very hard to find them because I didnt know at the time they were out of print a backstep when you get a book from the library. I eventually found them all at a place called Half Price Books (go there if you cant find a book its usually there but be careful not always) and I bought the devil series which is the best and of course some of her others like Naughty or nice and pleasure seekers get them all any book written my Melanie George will be the best read you ever have believe me and I know I love to read enjoy her you will. She is absolutely 5 stars, but if there were more she would have infinite stars.
Good, but not a keeper.......2006-01-18
From the back cover:
Gray Sinclair has spent a lifetime doing exactly as he pleases--and women are one of the things that please him most. But a fiery Scottish lass is determined to show him that indulgence has a price, and it's time that this handsome libertine pay...
With four protective older brothers, Bonnie MacTavish has had little experience with romance, but she has no intention of being seduced by a black-hearted English scoundrel whose devilishly wicked smile tempts Bonnie to forget he's been charged with murder. Yet when Gray's shrewd determination provides him with the means of escape from his cell--taking Bonnie with him--she learns that this charming outlander cannot be the murderer her brothers believe him to be. Gray is no ordinary pirate, but rather an extraordinary and haunted man--one who deserves her help. If one she can convince him that the greatest adventure is love...
And my review:
First of all, although this book is part of a series, it also worked as a stand-alone. I hadn't read any of the other books in the series, and I never felt lost.
However, if you're looking for a keep-you-up-all-night, can't-put-it-down book, then I don't think this is the book for you. It is just another average read, though at least both the hero and the heroine were likeable, which many writers don't seem to be able to manage. The hero was swoon-worthy without being a domineering jerk, and the heroine was feisty without being annoying or mean. Also, this was a captive / captor romance that doesn't stray into abuse. If you're like me, you're probably disgusted by books that have the hero raping the heroine, as if this is something romantic or forgiveable. Thankfully, this author doesn't sink to that level; in fact, the hero is more honorable than most men would be in this situation, which I really liked.
My main complaint with the book was that the focus of the book was not on the romance, but on the other themes: of adventure, of a lost treasure, of intrigue, of false accusation, of exotic lands and of brushes with death. All well and good, but I want to read about the romance, with the other things being secondary. Not everyone will agree with me, but I think this book could have been a little more balanced in this aspect. I just couldn't feel the special spark between the lead characters that is vital to making a romance work. And the mystery and action part of the plot just weren't that gripping. I often found my eyes glazing over and my attention wandering. I had to keep forcing it back to the book. A good romance shouldn't make you do that.
I am a natural speed-reader who can read the average 400+ page romance novel in 1.5 days. This 350 page book took me almost seven days to get through it. That ought to tell you something about how gripping it is (or lack thereof). Entertaining, and I wasn't left wishing I hadn't read it, but it certainly wasn't a five-star book.
What can I say? Maybe if I'd been reading this as a part of a series, I would have enjoyed it more. Was this enjoyable and entertaining? Yes. Would I recommend it? Perhaps, but not with glowing praise. Was it memorable? Not really. Would I try something else by this author? Probably, if I could borrow it from the library or find it at a garage sale. Was this book a keeper? No.
Melanie George has another winner here.......2002-10-02
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
Gray Sinclair is a ship captain on a mission. He is on a quest for a mythological gemstone, the "Sacred Heart," a rare flawless red diamond. His brother is on the brink of losing the family estate and Gray believes finding this diamond will save them all from ruin. He never expected to find himself tried and condemned to death in a small Scottish town, for a murder he did not commit!
Bonnie MacTavish is the sole witness to the gruesome death of her friend. She found Gray crouched over the body, bloody knife in hand, concluding he is the killer. In spite of that, she wanted Gay to receive a fair trial. When he is convicted in the farce, her doubts of his guilt begin to surface, leading her to the decision to help him escape.
Gray doesn't need her help though, and makes good on his escape, taking Bonnie with him. She is furious over her kidnapping and vows to make his life miserable until she can make her bid for freedom. Things change while they are at sea, however. Bonnie begins to see a whole different side of Gray, one of compassion, and she realizes he is not capable of brutally murdering anyone.
As Gray continues on his quest for the stone, he and Bonnie grow closer, but he carries additional emotional burdens he is afraid to tell her about. He believes that if she knows the truth about him, and his family, that she would be unable to care for him. Will Gray complete his quest for his own personal Grail? Will Bonnie manage to break through Gray's personal barriers to reach his heart and the love he denies himself?
This was a novel full of adventure and passion. Ms. George gain proves her skill at penning a tale to tug at the heartstrings. Gray and Bonnie are full of personality that leaps off the pages. His demons and her fire are always evident. The colorful cast of characters, right down to a cuddly canine, and a rather ugly, but loved no less, pet vulture, entrance the reader, making the story all the more enjoyable.
The sometimes overly wordy passages takes getting used to at first, but once familiar with it, it is hardly noticeable. Also, the murder which begins the story takes a back seat to Gray's quest. This reviewer had trouble believing that Bonnie could apparently forget all about her friend's death, thought hat is what appears to happen for most of the story. Other than a few references to Gray's label as "murderer," most of the novel no one even thinks about that which started the whole adventure.
All in all, this was an exciting story full of emotion, dangers, action, and conflict which is par for the course in the genre. Ms. George puts her own signature on the romance world, drawing people in and making them eager for the next story.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2002. All rights reserved.
Ms George does it Again.......2002-08-23
This is a wonderful story of the power of love and trust. Bonnie is not afraid of the Devil himself, in this case Gray. She is attracted to him and is convinced that is not a killer. ...This is a definite keeper.
Sexy Hero!.......2002-02-28
I've read all the books in Ms. George's "Devil" series and have liked them equally. I thought I would end up reading 3 books that were identical, but this series was far from that. Each book was unique. In THE DEVIL'S DUE, Ms.George takes us on an high seas adventure, with Gray Sinclair being the beleaugered, tortured treasure hunter searching for a rare red diamond known as the sacred heart. Bonnie is Ms. George's usual high spirited heroine who takes no guff and could give a darn about the way a woman is "supposed" to act. I must admit, the ending took me by surprise (no peeking now!). Original and different, which is exactly what I've come to expect from this author.
Book Description
Matt Murdock - desperate to see Elektra Natchios again - makes an attempt to contact this mysterious young woman, putting himself squarely in the crosshairs of the biggest crime boss in New York City! Award-winning writer Mike Carey and original Ultimate Daredevil & Elektra artist Salvador Larroca team up for the blockbuster follow-up to the smash-first series!
Customer Reviews:
surprisingly enjoyable.......2006-01-09
from reading the other review i was expecting this book to be dull and slow like the first ult. DD+elektra book, but i thought this was solidly written and enjoyable. i haven't really read any of the other DD/elektra books, but as a continuation of the ultimate versions of these characters i liked the plot's nice amount of twists and the characters' development. carey does a particularly good job highlighting the duo's conflicting beliefs and attitudes so that even when they're working together they're working less as a team and more as individuals. good to see the two sharing fight scenes, and although their relationship isn't explored so much, elektra's character does undergo some major events. looking forward to more ult. DD/elektra.
Lame, I expected more from Carey.......2005-02-21
With Marvel's Ultimate Daredevil & Elektra mini-series scribe Greg Rucka signed exclusively to DC, Mike Carey (Vertigo's Hellblazer and Lucifer) was enlisted to script this mini, focusing more on Elektra this time around. I expected Mike Carey to do this Ultimized version of DD & Elektra more justice, but like Rucka's mini, this pales in comparison to Frank Miller's classic tales. It starts off with would be assassin and revenge driven Elektra Natchios attempting to infiltrate a criminal empire which, in turn, is operated by Wilson Fisk. Young Matt Murdock, attempts to persuade his lost love from making one mistake too many, which culminates in an encounter with a balded man with a tattoo of a bullseye on his forehead, and who can make anything in his hands a weapon. The story goes nowhere, and if you think this will lead up to a final confrontation between Elektra and Bullseye, you're dead wrong. Maybe this is good or bad, who knows, but what is known, is that Carey most likely wasn't given any creative freedom to give the story some spark. X-Men artist Salvador Larroca's (who also did the art for Ultimate Daredevil & Elektra) gorgeous pencils save Ultimate Elektra from being a complete dud however, so in the end this is worth a look. All in all, if you didn't like Ultimate DD & Elektra, chances are you won't like this either.
Book Description
On the trail with Louisa Bonaventure, "The Vengeance Queen," bounty hunter Lou Prophet is caught in a bloody crossfire of hatred between an outlaw who would shoot a man dead for the fun of it and Louisa, who has sworn to kill him--even if she dies trying.
Customer Reviews:
"Don't forget, I sold my soul to the devil ,so I might as well be takin' advantage of it.".......2006-07-15
This is the first of Peter Brandvold's Westerns that I've read. If his others are anywhere as good as this one,I be reading lots more.
This yarn has everything in it that I look for in a Western and stays clesr of becoming more of a Whodunit or mystery novel.
In this tale, we know who the culprit is, right off in the first chapter ;and the storyline stays on focus right up to the end.
Along the way we get introduced to lots of Old West characters;including young damsels who have been wronged,homesteaders,Indians,Deputy Marshals &local Sherriffs,ranchers,owlhoots,saloons & their bars,pianos,card games ,bar tenders,and the ever present bat-wing doors. Dusty ,hastily constructed old west towns,lots of descriptions of the country,horses, trail camps,guns,hunt downs and shoot-outs; and even a travelling Preacher to round out the story.
What I like about Brandold,is that his writing is so descriptive and he keeps the story moving right along;and never ends up with a bunch of verbage . Not even each chapter,but every page holds your interest and conveys what life was on the Owlhoot trail;and even makes you feel you're travelling along with them all. One can almost hear the din of the saloon,the hoofbeats of the horses,the smell of the coffee at the desert campsites;and even the crack of the snipers rifles and the blast and agony of the shoot-outs.
There is no mistaking the character of the main hero,Lou Prophet. He is a Bounty Hunter,through and through. There is no doubt as to where he stands ;and all he comes into contact with him; soon learn or pay the price.
"He always believed in giving a man-no matter how evil-a chance to be taken alive. It was part of the code necessary in an occupation where,if you weren't vigilent,you could easily become as depraved as the men you hunted."
I am always interested in the artwork of the covers.In this case we get a good idea of the desert landscape as well as the two main characters in the story.It leaves no doubt of what the author had in mind when he created these intriguing people. I only wish that a little more effort was put forth by the publishers ;and we were given pictures of several other principle characters. It would add an awful lot to the story ,and only prove that a picture is worth a thousand words.
As this is my first Western by Peter Brandvold,I must say that I have been very impressed. I don't know if Lou Prophet is a charaacter in his others,I hope so,because he looks like he is well thought out and would be great for a continuing series. My interest has been whetted,and I'd really like to see where Lou goes from here. Wouldn't it be fun to see Lou and that delightful Louisa meet up again along the Owlhoot Trail.
I really got a kick out of Prophet's thoughts on "The Vengence Queen"..
"Fool girl,"he called, "You're gonna be the death of me yet!"
If you are on the hunt for a great Western;gou can't go wrong with this one.
Another Good One!.......2004-07-31
Brandvold has an amazing ability to stick you smack dab in the middle of the action in just a few short pages with little pretense or wasted words.
Once again bounty hunter Lou Prophet is in business doing what he does best-tracking down not just stereotypical bad guys but refreshingly new bad guys for reasons and motive that have more to do than just money.
What I like about Brandvold's style is that he is not only a good storyteller but he has a keen grasp of the territory, weapons, and people who lived in a time lonmg gone but live again in his stories. Good fiction? You bet but also a good look into the hearts and souls of the men and women who made the West young before it got old!
Oh hell, it's just another good book and more fun to read than a bunch of who-dunnit novels.
The Devil Sure Can Write.......2004-03-29
On a dreary Sunday afternoon in Minnesota, Pete Brandvold took me through the Dakotas and all the way to Kansas. This book was such an easy, exciting read that it would have taken me longer to drive (or ride a Mean & Ugly horse) than it took me to read the book...I couldn't put it down. I couldn't believe how much I really hated Dave Duvall by the end of the book. Pete Brandvold is a fantastic writer with much to offer the literary world.
Book Description
Chris Griffin takes the spotlight, as he offers his wisdom on all things Chris! Mainly dealing with an angry monkey in his closet! More antics from the twisted mind of Matt Fleckenstein and the wonderful world of the Family Guy!
Customer Reviews:
For Hard Core Fans Only..........2007-01-12
It's a comic book that's over priced... but I did laugh out loud a couple times in it. Doesn't really have much of a re-read value, but like I said, if you're a real hard core fan... get it, you'll laugh (although out of the 3 comics... this was probably the poorest one).
It's alright.......2007-01-10
They are short comics for the huge Family Guy fan. Not worth reading more than once though.
Customer Reviews:
Confusion Abounds With This Motley Crew........2006-08-09
By the turn of the century, there will be more banks robbed by businessmen with pencils than there will be by outlaws carrying guns. This story about four reckless renegades after a jail break plus a cast of characters like real Indians, gypsies, federal deputies, even a Sheriff Harris Sweet, and a dandy dog, comprise to create much confusion. Things just aren't like they used to be. Let's start all over again. This time, we'll know more about what we're dealing with.
Ralph Cotton is a prolific western writer going great guns now with a new one due out in December. He uses some strange combination of names, which makes reading the script a bit complicated. Why choose such a dramatic way to expose the real criminals? In the Pullman rail car they purloined, the players staged a shoot-out to get the confession they needed from Priest. There was chicanery and devious play acting in that train car, so realistic it confused Kate who was filled with rage and determination to protect her man.
I'd just as soon work with the devil. I don't trust him but got to give him his due, as they played card games and gun play with blanks to insure Kate getting a keepsake. Charlie had a calm, confident smile, and always (or most always) got the girl. On this trail of revenge, nobody really got hurt but the culprit got caught and the Pullman left for the owner to find. Strange goings-on for a city girl to understand.
If you like westerns you are due to read "DEVIL'S DUE".......2001-09-27
Ralph Cotton has written another pretty good western. New people with funny sounding names are in this one. Quick Charlie Sims, Twojack Roth and Steelhead Radner to name a few. I did not like the two men who were really women. Which two----read to find out. This will hold your attention and has a lot of action. The ending is fantastic. Would never have thought of it ending the way it did. It is well worth reading the book for the last few pages.
Amazing story!.......2001-08-08
Wanted Dead or Alive trilogy began with Hangman's Choice, a quick paced action story. Book two, Devil's Due is another action packed story, filled with the unexpected. Plus, a surprise ending you'd never expect. I can hardly wait for the next in this trilogy.
Quick Charlie Sims is another fine example of characters that Ralph Cotton brings to life. Well worth the read...
Average customer rating:
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The Devil's Due (Signet Regency Romance)
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Army of Darkness - Ashes to Ashes #1 (Bruce Campbell Photo Cover - Devil's Due Publishing, Dynamite Comics)
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