The Devil Knows

by K.C. Cavanaugh

Megan has met her soulmate, her eternal love. The problem is, he is immortal. Not only that, he is a minion of the Devil sent to steal her soul by using her desire to save her best friend from death.

Jeremiah, a real devil of a man, is truely in love with Megan. But his work with the Devil requires him to ask the immortal question, "What would you give to save a life?" A better question might be, "What would you give to save a love?"

Eternal love and mortals, those words are not something that go hand in hand. By definition eternal love is, well, it's eternal and mortals are so fragile and break so easy. How can something that can die so easily ever really know eternal love? And how can something damned to eternal life ever know love at all?

Genres: Paranormal

Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2013

Reviews

[Annabell · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you approach reading The Devil Knows based off the synopsis you’ll be somewhat misled. The synopsis makes the book sound like it contains this epic, deep romance, but although it does contain a good deal of romance, it isn’t as deep as you think. The story focuses on two separate issues: Megan’s growing feelings for the demon who takes her soul in exchange to save her best friend Anya and the struggle Anya faces to stay alive in the fight against cancer.

I liked Megan and Anya’s friendship. They are best friends who treat each other more like sisters. They take care of each other and give each other strength and face everything together. It’s a beautiful friendship and the emotional struggles that play out as both Megan and Anya fight to come to terms with Anya’s cancer fight was executed well enough.

Those are about the only elements to the book that are enjoyable though and that work.

Even though Megan can be caring and loving and bold, she falters a great deal in characterization because she is selfish, weak-willed, lacks common sense, lacks self-preservation, and lacks smarts. Yes, she offers to give up her soul to the Devil in exchange to save her best friend’s life, but even that gets turned around to mainly focus on her needs and wants. Her fears or worries about Anya took a backseat as Megan worried about her growing feelings for Jeremiah, which made Megan look quite pathetic considering he’s the one who takes her soul then spends the majority of the book waiting to save Anya like he said he would. Why would ANYONE automatically think that going to an occult shop to sell her soul to the Devil is a GOOD IDEA?! Or the BEST way to get help for her best friend?? Why not pray to God or ask an angel?? They’re the good guys after all. That would have at least made far more sense!

Jeremiah is supposed to be the hot, sexy, irresistible demon but he doesn’t fit any of those qualities. Instead he’s very melodramatic and unrealistic. He suddenly decides there’s just something about Megan that makes it hard for him to resist her even though he’s taken dozens of human souls before hers. What was so special about Megan?? He’s in her home making breakfast or taking her to dinner or, and this is the kicker, WORKING AS A DOCTOR AT THE HOSPITAL! I just couldn’t handle it. Jeremiah keeps saying he needs to stay away from Megan because he can’t grow any type of relationship with her, yet he’s always STALKING her.

Jeremiah and Megan’s relationship didn’t have any depth and there wasn’t enough of a build up to it. They meet. They decide they like each other. They decide to pretend not to have feelings for each other even though they keep having these mini make out sessions and Jeremiah is a DEMON. They give in to their feelings. The romance was too one-note, too cliché, and too ridiculous to take serious.

The narration of the book had a tendency to drag, repeat, and state the obvious. Every minuscule detail is presented to the reader of Megan’s actions, what she’s wearing, what she’s thinking. It became so taxing to read because of it. A scene doesn’t need to be broken down so much. It didn’t help that much of the narration TOLD the reader everything and skipped through certain parts of the plot instead of SHOWING them. The romance was too sped up and the plot dragged, focusing completely on Megan’s idiotic relationship with a demon instead of saving her best friend, which originally was the point to the entire story.

The way Jeremiah came into Maya’s service was quite sad and horrifying, which was probably the only scene in the book that fit the atmosphere of despair the book failed to create, but that didn’t explain why Jeremiah felt INDEBTED to Maya. He should have felt revengeful because it was after all Maya’s fault what he turned into and what happened to his family.

Oh but the hardest part of this book to swallow was the ending. First Jeremiah is a demon who works for Maya who is a vampire wrapped in a Goddess wrapped in the Devil. How is that possible? No clue. It’s never explained. Then there’s the big revelation of what Anya is: a Maefaw or fairy, who can not only inspire all those who come into contact with her, but somehow magically heal Jeremiah from being a demon slash vampire back into a human being. How you may wonder? No clue. That isn’t explained either. The thing is Anya never knew she was a fairy but one quick phone call to her mother confirms her family heritage.
Just take a moment here to let all of that sink in because I needed to stop reading and actually think about it myself. NONE OF IT MADE SENSE. Anya NEVER knowing she was a fairy, NEVER experiencing any fairy like gifts, NEVER finding out her family heritage but then one quick phone call to her mother and she’s completely okay with having been lied to, with being a darn fairy?? No questions. No reeling from the truth like a normal human being. Just complete and total acceptance like it’s not the craziest thing in the world to hear. Then she’s off to the hospital with her husband to get the test results like it’s nothing weird or out of the ordinary just happened.

Then there’s the clencher: the Devil knew about the whole thing and was compassionate enough to let Megan and Jeremiah have their happy ending. When it was revealed who Anya was I had to physically get up and walk away from my computer because I couldn’t take it. But when the ending came and the Devil was showcased as this good supernatural entity when only pages ago she had been threatening Jeremiah with finishing the deal he made with Megan, I had to get up and walk away from my computer because I was laughing so hysterically.

I stuck this book out hoping beyond hope that an ACTUAL story would develop but the book is basically about Megan’s struggle to accept what her best is going through which then turns into struggle to fight her feelings, quite unsuccessfully, for a demon then everything is nicely (and very quickly) wrapped up. There isn’t really a plot to the story. The book just drags out close to 200 pages a romantic relationship that came off shallow more than romantic.

Somewhere in the mist of this story, there is potential. The writing isn’t half bad and the story still manages to engage the reader a few times. There are just far too many loopholes in the plot and far too many clichés with the romance. Both lead characters lacked any real depth or redeemable qualities and there wasn’t much world building.

Would I recommend The Devil Knows? As is, no. Would I read something in the future from the author? Sure. But the author needs to study the elements to writing a book better first and get a far better content editor. Loopholes in a plot are ALWAYS noticeable and they ruin a story.

Wishing the best of luck to the author and her success in the future!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from K.C. Cavnaugh. I couldn't put this book down. Read it in a day. From beginning to end you can't wait to see how this one turn out. Once again she puts a twist into her story you don't see coming. She has the ability to pull you in and not let go until it ends. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a next book but it didn't leave you wondering it came to a perfect close. It does leave you not wanting it to end but it is a great ending. so if you like vampires, demons and sassy women you'll love this book.
Only in the last chapter did I come across 2 sentences that were not completely written right.(a forgotten word).
most people might not even catch theses errors if their reading fast like most people don't. not a big deal. Other then that this book was written very well.
I give it 5 stars without a doubt.

I was a copy given this book for a honest review and I loved it. Great job well done K. C.!!
K.C.Cavanugh is 1 of my new favorite authors and I can't wait for her new series to come out!

you will also find a review on http://thereaderhaven.WordPress.com. you are welcome to add your thoughts and review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book. I was well written and I could really see what Megan was going through. Every person deals with finding out that someone they love has cancer. I know how I felt when my grandma passed away in 2011. I have also lost several more people in my family to cancer. My father in law was in surgery for 17 hours with his.

None of us ever know what we would do if we had the chance to save someone from cancer. I would probably do what Mega did.

The plot was good and it kept my attention to the very end.I know that there will have to be another book after this one. I would just recommend that you read this book. I felt that if I hadn't had the chance to read this book I would have missed something.

[Kayla De Leon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A free digital copy of this book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review

Originally seen at: The Bookish Owl

The Devil Knows intrigued me right from the very start because of its ominous title. This book not only came with an interesting plot but also with a touching back story from the author. During the course of our emails, K.C. Cavanaugh told me how and why she came to write this book. For the sake of privacy, I won’t talk about it here but allow me a personal message to the author first. K.C., I pray to God that your friend may be granted continuous strength and faith.

The Devil Knows had a very good writing style although I think that the pacing was a little off and too fast. The scenes with Megan and Anya were touching but Jeremiah and Megan’s relationship happened too quickly for my taste. It would have been better if there had been more build up to their relationship as that would have made the romance more intense and swoon-worthy.

To be honest, I didn’t really like Jeremiah’s character. I thought he wasn’t developed enough and I hated his “I-can’t-be-with-her-because-I’m-a-killer-so-I’ll-stalk-her-instead” attitude. I wish his past had been shown more since apart from adding interest, it would have made him a more realistic character instead of merely a paper one. So yes, he wasn’t a three-dimensional character and I found him and his voice dry and humorless.

Some parts of Megan I liked; her dedication to her best friend and her confrontational ways, for example. However, there are also aspects of her which I wasn’t a fan of. I hugely disliked the way she came to the decision of using a demon to cure her friend’s cancer. I wish she had come to this choice a bit more slowly. I felt that the book would have been more improved if Megan came across the demon summoning through some book or whatever instead of a split decision in the middle of the night.

The Devil Knows was a pleasurable read but nothing that really stood out in my mind.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.

I’m still really conflicted about this book. I tore through it in one sitting last night. When I started the book, you are introduced to Megan, who has a best friend dying of cancer. This is sort of a sore spot for me, having lost someone I love to cancer a little while ago. I’m not the type of person to read or watch movies that hit that particular nerve, but I decided to push on because the synopsis said that I’d get some paranormal romance somewhere in there. I love some good paranormal romance, so I was hoping it would begin to outweigh the more depressing aspects of this book (for me).

You do get to meet Jeremiah, the paranormal romance love interest. I really did love reading the romancey bits, but found them way too few and far between. I guess I enjoy a more drawn out romance, or some sort of mystical explanation (“soul mates”, etc.) as to why the romantic phase was so short. This could be my own experience clouding my review, but my only real complaint was the lack of balance between the depressing cancer storyline and the romantic paranormal storyline. It just hit me as a little abrupt to be almost crying for Anya in one scene and then hot and heavy for Jeremiah in the next one.

I did enjoy the fact that you get your happy ending and the entire storyline looks pretty nicely tied up. I had some questions at the end about some of the supporting characters, but I assume either there will be another book, or another edit that gives us some closure. I’d like to see more of the mythology that was introduced in this one be pulled out and expanded on. I can’t say I’ve ever encountered it before, so it would be an interesting learning experience. All in all, I did end the book with a smile on my face, so it was worth the bit of torment for a fulfilling ending.

[Yuki Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Paws – An Emotional Roller-coaster!

First off I would like to thank Black Cauldron Publishing for sending me a copy of this wonderful book to read and review – I hope I don’t disappoint!

This little ditty is a emotional roller-coaster type novel, with a demonic/paranormal twist. You follow Megan and Anya, two best friends, and how they deal with the news that Anya has progressive cancer which has no cure and gives her only a short time to live. Megan goes on the hunt for some type of cure but instead ends up travelling down the path of the occult and mysticism … and in the process ends up calling up a minion of the devil – Who happens to be Anya’s Doctor? A little creepy – and agreed to a contract to allow Anya to be cured and live her life, whilst Megan has to pay the price!

Now I have to admit I do actually like this story and you really do feel for Megan, Anya and Anya’s husband and daughter Kia. Mean they seem so real, how could you not feel for these people … they are just like you, me, your neighbour and so you really get into the lives of the characters. With that said, I didn’t like how it ended up with the whole demon thingy. I understand the whole, looking at other options to try to save a friend who is basically family – but wanting to make a deal with the devil … issues is an understatement.

If you would like to read more of this review, click on the link below!

The Devil Knows by K.C. Cavanaugh - Foxy's Review

[Whitney Baer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love intense emotion, fantasy, and romance “The Devil Knows” is most definitely for you.
This book was an addicting 5 out of 5. I read it in one sitting and found my self intoxicated by the storyline and the characters. Sometimes Authors give excessive amount of details that do not pertain to the plot, but not K.C Cavanaugh. Each sentence sucks you in and comes together to form a wonderful read. The emotion in this book will consume you. There are parts that have you screaming at the characters one moment and rooting for them the next. The topics discussed in the book will pull on your heart strings and have you thinking about life and how much you have to be thankful for. It is so hard not fall in love with Jeremiah, the Dr. and demon. He may have a dark side, but he proves that one kiss can change the way you go about everything. The friendship portrayed in this book is that of family. The two girls lay everything on the line for one another and don’t think twice about doing such. Towards the end of the book new concepts are introduced and adds a twist to the plot. The fantasy in this story allows you to escape reality, then before you know it the term “Cancer” pulls you back in. I think a lot of times Authors try to write about real situations, but fall short. K.C did a great job with writing raw intensity that proves to be real issues in everyday life. Throughout the book I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and by the end I was begging for book 2. I think the Author did a fabulous job with this book and I would recommend it to all readers.

[Alicia Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading The Devil Knows and finished it overnight. There were twists and turns, heighten emotions, tears and smiles! I could actually feel the emotions through out the book, and felt like I was going through everything with Megan.

What do you do when you find out your best friend has been diagnosed with advanced cancer & there is no hope for her? Time is running out so what do you do to save your friend? Would you trade anything? Your soul? When Megan's best friend Anya informs her that she is dying and things start going downhill and quickly. Megan is desperate. In fact she is so desperate she is willing to make a deal with the devil and trade her soul. However, when Jeremiah begins to fall for Megan he wonders what he can do to save her friend and keep Megan. Can everyone have their cake and eat it too?

[S.L. Dearing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! It was a quick read and the story was intriguing and the characters charming. I enjoyed the ending very much, it was very fulfilling, as well as the depth of characters in the story and the revelation of layers we are exposed to when the finale comes. There are some formatting issues (due to errors from publisher) and this should not deter you from enjoying this book (it is also my understanding they are currently correcting these issues). Definitely worth the read and just a wonderful story.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about how you will do anything for love.
When Megan's life long best friend Anya is diagnosed with incurable cancer Megan does the only thing she can to save her friend.
She makes a deal with the Devil.
That's the easy bit, getting the demon to actually follow through with the deal while resisting the growing attraction that's another matter!
This is a great book with with a good twist that I never saw coming. It had me laughing one minute and crying the next.
Will definitely be looking out for more by this author,

[Marinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. This is a story about how far someone would go to save someone they love.. When Megan finds out her best friend Anya has terminal cancer she is devastated. Turning to the only hope she has left, Megan decides to give her life for the Anya with strange and unusual consequences that you don't see coming.There are more twists and turns than a road in San Francisco. I started this book and couldn't put it down. I really recommend that you pick up this book and get ready to be drawn in to a wonderfully written story.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

True friendship is going to great lengths to help one another, but would you sell your soul to the devil? This book has a great story line that pulls your right in. However the ending seems a little rushed. I wish we were given a little bit more to complete the story. But if you enjoy anything paranormal this story is for you. WaAR

[Morgan Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book from the author. Can't wait to see the next one!