Publisher: Silhouette Bomshell / Harlequin (UK)
Release Date: First published December 14, 2009/Re-released February 1,2013
Format: Galley
Pages: 297 (Paperback)
Source: NetGalley, Courtesy of Harlequin (UK)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Date: February 25, 2013
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Synopsis: The psychic world will never be the same again...
Lucia Garza is trapped in a supernatural power struggle. To save a friend she adreed to work for sinister psychic organisation The Cross Society. But after a death threat that almost succeeds, she's starting to think they want her out of the way. Forever.
Worse, as Lucia uncovers the society's most dangerous secrets, she discovers that she's being used as a pawn between two warring paranormal factions. Caught in a battle no-one can win, Lucia's only choice could be to go against long told prophecy to destroy both the Cross Socitey and its sworn enemies. But what are the consequences of defying destiny?
Disclaimer: I received this book as a galley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: First published December 14, 2009/Re-released February 1,2013
Format: Galley
Pages: 297 (Paperback)
Source: NetGalley, Courtesy of Harlequin (UK)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Date: February 25, 2013
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Synopsis: The psychic world will never be the same again...
Lucia Garza is trapped in a supernatural power struggle. To save a friend she adreed to work for sinister psychic organisation The Cross Society. But after a death threat that almost succeeds, she's starting to think they want her out of the way. Forever.
Worse, as Lucia uncovers the society's most dangerous secrets, she discovers that she's being used as a pawn between two warring paranormal factions. Caught in a battle no-one can win, Lucia's only choice could be to go against long told prophecy to destroy both the Cross Socitey and its sworn enemies. But what are the consequences of defying destiny?
Disclaimer: I received this book as a galley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Very good read. Fast paced and the plot was very well put together. It was a well thought out sequel to Devil's Bargain. The plot goes pretty in depth to be such a short book. I was surprised when I saw this book was under 300 pages. Like the last book, I love Lucia and Jazz together, they are both witty and entertaining ladies to read about. They play off each other in a fun, BFF, sisterly way.
The POV change, was very clever. Lucia and Jazz are partners so reading a story from each of their sides was unique. The first book was focused on Jazz, her blooming relationship with James and her involvement with the Cross Society. This installment was focused on Lucia and Ben McCarthy, who is Jazz's old partner who got released from prison at the end of the last book. Plus Lucia's troubles stemming from those little red envelops. I also liked that we saw all of the characters from the first book, including Jazz's new lawyer boyfriend, James Borden. Their assistant, Pansy, and the super smart yet paranoid and unwilling side kick Manny. I said it before and I'll say it again. Huck from Scandal is exactly what I think Manny's character would look and act like. Minus the past as an assassin, of course.
Like the last book, this is a paranormal-ish type book. We have more psychic predictions, and even more versions of the future are shaped. Lives hang in the balance, based on decisions that Lucia and Jazz make.
Getting a clear idea who the villain is in this whole deal isn't so easy this time around. I felt that both of the corporations involved, Eidolon and Cross Society, are both equally bad. Even the law firm that James works for comes out to be a not as above board as they like to appear. Add that to some additional not so savory characters, a dose of anthrax and this makes for a nonstop roller-coaster ride for Lucia, Jazz and the gang.
Even though this book isn't a "romance" at all, there were a scene or two of some "adult" time between Lucia and Ben if you know what I mean. LOL, the scenes were well timed so that it didn't seem out of place with all the other drama going on.
One thing that was missing was the explanation of how Lucia is never in danger of death. The Cross Society's psychic declared that he didn't see an end to Lucia's life line. Plus something else involving Lucia and Ben specifically seriously needed to be explained further, but I don't want to give it away. It's a bit shocking and I don't want to spoil it for you. Sadly, it's nothing good.
I'm disappointed that there isn't a 3rd book, but with that being said, I enjoyed the ending. Everything was tied up in a nice little bow, with exception of the few things I just mentioned. In addition, at the very end there was a new law firm was introduced, Black & Foxworth. I believe this was done to leave a bit of wiggle room so that if Ms.Caine ever wants to come back and revisit the series, she can smoothly transition into a new book. I absolutely would continue reading about Jazz and Lucia if the series continued.
If you read Devil's Bargain and liked it, then read this book! I know you'll enjoy it as well.
Happy Reading,
~Tamara
Like the last book, this is a paranormal-ish type book. We have more psychic predictions, and even more versions of the future are shaped. Lives hang in the balance, based on decisions that Lucia and Jazz make.
Getting a clear idea who the villain is in this whole deal isn't so easy this time around. I felt that both of the corporations involved, Eidolon and Cross Society, are both equally bad. Even the law firm that James works for comes out to be a not as above board as they like to appear. Add that to some additional not so savory characters, a dose of anthrax and this makes for a nonstop roller-coaster ride for Lucia, Jazz and the gang.
Even though this book isn't a "romance" at all, there were a scene or two of some "adult" time between Lucia and Ben if you know what I mean. LOL, the scenes were well timed so that it didn't seem out of place with all the other drama going on.
One thing that was missing was the explanation of how Lucia is never in danger of death. The Cross Society's psychic declared that he didn't see an end to Lucia's life line. Plus something else involving Lucia and Ben specifically seriously needed to be explained further, but I don't want to give it away. It's a bit shocking and I don't want to spoil it for you. Sadly, it's nothing good.
I'm disappointed that there isn't a 3rd book, but with that being said, I enjoyed the ending. Everything was tied up in a nice little bow, with exception of the few things I just mentioned. In addition, at the very end there was a new law firm was introduced, Black & Foxworth. I believe this was done to leave a bit of wiggle room so that if Ms.Caine ever wants to come back and revisit the series, she can smoothly transition into a new book. I absolutely would continue reading about Jazz and Lucia if the series continued.
If you read Devil's Bargain and liked it, then read this book! I know you'll enjoy it as well.
Happy Reading,
~Tamara
