Devil's Bargain

Red Letter Days #1

by Rachel Caine

Jazz Callender’s whole life just got turned upside down.

Her friend Ben’s been convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and Jazz is determined to clear his name, even if it means enlisting the help of dark forces. Enter James, a stranger with a mysterious offer. If Jazz pledges to work for The Cross Society, a shadowy secret organisation, he’ll help her save Ben.

But as she’s thrust into a world of psychic powers and dangerous magic, Jazz isn’t just bargaining for her friend’s freedom. She’s bargaining for her soul too. And how high a price is she willing to pay?"

'Thrilling, sexy, and funny! These books are addictive. One of my very favourite vampire series.' – –Richelle Mead, author of the international bestselling Vampire Academy series on Black Dawn (Morganville Vampires)

'A first class storyteller' – Charlaine Harris

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Adult, Thriller

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2005

About the author

Rachel Caine was a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad.

She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell

Her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/rachelcainef...

Her Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/rachelcaine...

Reviews

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Devil’s Bargain started out as a calm mystery and turned into an enthralling read. There is romance, a touch of paranormal, plot twists, and heart pounding action.

Jazz used to be a decorated homicide detective until her partner was found guilty of murder. No longer on the force and unable to exonerate her partner, she has reached a low point. While schlepping at a dive bar trying to drown out some of the depression, she is approached by James Borden. He’s handsome and completely out of place, but he comes bearing an offer. Take money to start a private investigation service, and be fully backed. The two requirements are that she partners with Lucia Garza, unknown to her, and give priority to cases given by Gabriel, Pike, and Laskins law firm. Jazz feels like there must be some catch and is reluctant to take their offer. So is Lucia, who has received the same offer. Lucia has an impressive resume working in law enforcement in some shape or form.

They partner and the assignments they receive are a bit baffling and seem to be without purpose. They have instructions to observe and photograph people, when nothing seems to happen. Then things change and one of the surveillance jobs Jazz is assigned to ends up murdered. Can these assignments be the product of some type of foreknowledge? Is it possible they’re being sent to prevent crimes? Larger forces are at work and Jazz and Lucia need to figure out what the heck is going on. What exactly did they sign up for?

Like I said, this was a calm mystery to begin with. The first third of the book was relatively uneventful and even though it held my interest, I wasn’t sure what was going on. By the time I got the second half of the book the action kicked in and I was anxiously turning the pages, anxious about what was going to happen next. Both Jazz and Lucia were likable characters, but this book focused more on Jazz. She was one tough cookie, able to kick some major behind, with her precision fighter skills. It’s funny that she seemed tougher than her love interest, James, for most of the book. Yet, he wasn’t threatened, and didn’t take this as a bruise to his ego. I love a confident man, especially one in a well-fitted suit! Even though romance wasn’t the main focus of this story, James manages to get Jazz’s blood pumping whenever he’s around.

Their relationship starts out slightly antagonistic, with Jazz being difficult and snarky, but there’s no fighting their attraction!

I enjoyed the easy friendship Lucia and Jazz fall into. It’s so nice when female characters actually like each other and has each other’s backs. There are some notable secondary characters, as well: Pansy, the office assistant and Manny the genius independent crime tech. He’s paranoid from a truly horrifying experience, and majorly quirky in an adorable way.

Devil’s Bargain wasn’t a particularly deep read, but it was a lot of fun and quick, it's just under 200 pages. The next story focuses on Lucia, and I have to say I’m excited to find out what happens next. This was labeled as Urban Fantasy, but I would call it light UF. Not that I’m an expert on UF, mind you, but hey I’m coming along!

A copy was provided by Harlequin UK through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

You can read this review and more at The Readers Den.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: March 2018
Rating: 4/5 stars

I didn't know what to expect when I picked up Devil's Bargain as I hadn't read any reviews for it. I kept waiting for the urban fantasy side of the story to kick in and it never really did. It reminded me a bit of Rachel Vincent's Unbound trilogy which also steers away from common UF tropes. Devil's Bargain was even more subtle than that, and focuses on Jazz Callender, a former police detective, who receives a mysterious red envelope offering her a large sum of money to set up a private detective agency with a woman she has never met - Lucia Garza.

I really enjoyed this story; it had mystery, the lightest touch of urban fantasy, and romance, but the best part was the friendship that developed between Jazz and Lucia. I love reading stories where the female characters actually help and support each other rather than reading about any clichéd bitchy nonsense, something which all too often spoils the UF genre for me.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited when I saw this on Netgalley, being the massive Rachel Caine fan that I am. It's also quite different from her Morganville Vampire series. At the same time I was somewhat worried because of the similarities this particular cover bears to those of the Morganville books. I don't really know if that was a particularly rational concern, but there you go. However, Devil's Bargain proved to be an enjoyable read, Caine once again showing herself to be a superb writer. And this is the thirteenth book of hers that I've read.

Jazz Callender is not exactly having the time of her life right now. Her ex-partner is in prison for murder and she is no longer a homicide detective. Her plan to drown her sorrows one night are interrupted when a mysterious man walks up to her, offering a red envelope that contains a job offer and a cheque. The money is to set up a private investigation service, which she can use to help free her old partner. The conditions are that she team up with Lucia Garza, another stranger, and that the cases given by Gabriel, Pike & Laskin, the law firm which this man is acting on behalf of, take priority. Soon Jazz finds herself immersed in a world she hadn't bargained on, in which the ability to be psychic suddenly exists and cases that seem to have no purpose.

The way this is written is quite interesting. It builds up slowly, easing us into the world of Jazz Callender and the new life she suddenly finds herself in. At first the book assumes the appearance of a regular thriller, but after a while it takes on a vaguely paranormal element. This is not introduced explicitly - it's approached in a more subtle and obscure way, and you're left with questions as to how, for example, this person can possibly be psychic and who exactly is the Cross Society? How did this all start? And what about this idea of Actors and Chorus? Reading it, I was somewhat dubious - but then, looking back, the entire way in which this is written has us thinking exactly the way Jazz does. And I really appreciated that. I could see precisely where she was coming from in everything she was saying and doing.

Jazz is a kickbutt heroine. I suppose she has to be, being an ex-detective and all. But she's not whiny and moany; actually she's very smart. She doesn't rush into the decision of whether or not to accept the offer just like that. She takes the time to look into it properly, and even when she accepts it there are still the constant questions. I liked that she was still trying to fight for Ben McCarthy, her old partner. She never accepted anything at face value. The same went for Lucia Garza, her new partner. She, too, was smart, and very perceptive. The two of them together make a wonderful team. Their partnership – and indeed, friendship – also builds slowly. They complement each other nicely. They’re different, but at the same time so similar, and I was really happy to see this kind of relationship: something outside of romance, where two complete strangers become such close friends that each can trust the other to have their back no matter what.

But of course, where would we be without at least a little bit of romance? And I don’t think this would be a Rachel Caine book without some either. (Shane and Claire, people. Adorable.) James Borden, the mysterious man who walks up to Jazz at the beginning, is something of a contradiction. He has his nervous moments, but he’s also more collected and stronger than you might think at first glance. The relationship between him and Jazz is incredibly slow, the main story interspersed with quiet, sweet moments between them. Again, it is very subtle. Even at the end of the book, they don’t have a defined relationship. They both challenge each other, neither willing to put up with any rubbish. There’s still a lot of mystery to James, so I’m definitely curious to see more of him.

Devil’s Bargain was a thoroughly entertaining read, going from a comfortably slow pace to one that has you caught up in action. The partnership between Lucia and Jazz was something different and pleasant to read about, and the romance between Jazz and James subtle, but definitely there. Full to the brim with mystery, it leaves you with questions – but not in a way that leaves you overly frustrated, more that you’re curious as to how certain things happened or existed, and what’s going to happen now. I definitely look forward to (hopefully) seeing some answers in the second book, Devil’s Due.

Note: In all the excitement, the fact that this was an adult book kind of slipped out of my mind when I requested it. As such, I’m going to stay true to my blog, so this review won’t appear there. I feel like I should apologise. Sorry!

A big thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

And how disappointed was I when I discovered that, although I received this book from Netgalley, it is not the beginning of a new series but in fact the first of only two books written in this world, and the second book was published over six years ago? I was a bit crushed, is how disappointed.

Out of the blue one afternoon, Jazz Callender is handed a red envelope by a handsome man (in a ridiculous outfit, but I'll let that be a surprise). She's not in the mood for a Valentine from a stranger, and it's the wrong time of year, so it takes some convincing on the stranger's part to get her to open it – and even more convincing to make her take what's inside seriously. The stranger is James Borden, a lawyer with the firm of Gabriel, Pike, and Laskins, and what's in the envelope is an offer from said firm: they propose that she take the check for one hundred thousand dollars enclosed and use it to open up a private investigation agency. Two conditions come with the check: cases from their firm would take priority over any others, and she must go into this project with a partner she's never met, one Lucia Garza. It could be a golden opportunity – or it could be an elaborate trap of some kind. Or something else entirely. There's only one way to find out.

The worldbuilding in this book was terrific. The details are doled out carefully, and naturally – Rachel Caine knows what she's doing. She knows how to set the hook, and get a reader on the line, and reel her slowly in … She knows there's no need to dump all the facts on her in Chapter One, or even Two or Three or Ten. Once the reader's caught, she's going to be there, dying to know why Jazz isn't a cop anymore, and why her partner is in jail, and what happened to make Manny the way he is … It's a level of confidence in the patience and intelligence of the reader that isn't seen very often. It drove me crazy – I wanted the answers – but at the same time I was favorably impressed by the buildup. And there was certainly plenty to keep me occupied while I waited – this was an action-packed book. Well done.

The people who inhabit that built world were also terrific. Jazz isn't cuddly, by any means, but she's interesting, and she's sympathetic without asking for anyone's sympathy. She does not trust or take to Lucia at once; their interactions are note-perfect, completely believable. As are those between Jazz and Borden. And did I mention I loved Manny? The second-tier characters could each of them carry a book, easily. They're all competent without being superheroes (except for Manny, and he's admittedly a freak), fallible and vulnerable and coming to the page each with his own fully realized past and present, and future as well. They're not a cookie-cutter Scooby Gang, this lot.

The plot never really lets up. Caine moves it along masterfully at professional-driver-on-closed-road speeds until it executes a three-hundred-sixty-degree spin and stops on a dime, rocking gently. I've meditated before on when and whether to give out five-star ratings, and the philosophy I've developed about it is that if a book fulfills its promise, does everything it's supposed to do as an exemplar of its genre, shows off its writer's abilities nicely, and makes me happy to read it, then it doesn't have to be Tolkien or Austen or Kay: it has earned five stars.

I am very put out with Netgalley for reeling me in with this book as if it were the beautiful beginning of a gorgeous new series rather than the eight-year-old first of two books. Teases.

Great quote: P 30 - Having a family doesn't mean you have a life. Only relatives.

[AH · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars...

“If everything we do makes a difference, is this right? Are we doing the right thing?”(…)
“You could make yourself crazy, thinking these things.”

What I like about Rachel Caine is her versatility – she can write young adult books about vampires, an adult series about djinn and the weather, and some really original zombie conspiracy theory books. While I have not yet had the opportunity to read the Morganville Vampire series (I know! I should get on it right away), I really do enjoy her conspiracy theory thrillers the most. I was very excited to get an advance reader’s copy of Ms. Caine’s Devil’s Bargain, a re-release of a 2005 book. I love the new cover!

Devil’s Bargain is a thriller with a touch of the paranormal. It has two kick-ass heroines: the ex-cop Jasmine (Jazz) Callendar and Lucia Garza, the beautiful former special agent for the OSI. Both are brought together by a mysterious offer from James Borden a lawyer for Gabriel, Pike & Laskins. Both women are oddly well-suited to work together. Once they agree to work for Borden, mysterious red envelopes begin to arrive at their detective agency. The envelopes contain cryptic instructions to observe or photograph a target.

This book has an intriguing premise namely that every action has some sort of consequence. People are divided up into groups: Actors, Chorus, and Leads. Actors have the ability to create events. The Chorus is just everyday people, doing what they do naturally. The extremely rare Leads are destined for greatness because everything they do makes a difference. Unfortunately, being a Lead is dangerous and an opposing society wants them dead. Psychics predict outcomes and arrange for Jazz and Lucia to effect a change on the event, sometimes merely by standing by the victim, other times interfering.

Sounds complicated? Just a little. If you enjoy conspiracy theory type books with a touch of the paranormal, then this book is for you.

Readers of Ms. Caine’s new Revivalist series will be pleased to notice two characters in this book: Manny Glickman and Pansy Taylor. Manny is the same paranoid security and computers expert however we learn why he is so very paranoid. A truly horrible experience. Pansy is the same take-charge keep everyone around her sane and organized type.

Jazz and Lucia are complement each other well. Their skill set is extensive and both enjoy their work. Jazz seemed a little jealous of Lucia’s beauty and connections:

“You fly in from some supersecret mission looking like you dressed out of a Bond girl’s closet. You’re so hooked up that you can score a gun without leaving the airport, for God’s sake.”

I enjoyed the banter between Jazz and Lucia.

The relationship between Jazz and James Borden was quite interesting. There seemed to be a little bit of an attraction but Jazz was in denial. James was quite business like, however it soon became apparent that he adored Jazz. Each time Jazz needed him, he would jet from New York to Kansas City to be by her side. I had to laugh when he brought her a fruit basket, not your usual gift to a potential girlfriend.

“Pear honey,” Pansy called after her. “He must really like you. That’s kinda kinky. Think of all the applications…”

I’m glad I discovered this book. Readers who enjoyed Ms. Caine’s Revivalist series will enjoy this series. Devil’s Bargain is a thriller with a touch of the paranormal and a little bit of romance. I’ll be on the lookout for the next book in the series Devil’s Due.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin MIRA for a review copy of this book.

Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC of this book from Harlequin UK via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*

This book is genius! Jazz and Lucia are two strong, honest women who are very good at what they do.

This and other reviews can also be found at (un)Conventional Bookviews.


Devil’s Bargain isn’t what it seems when you only read the title. But it does have a great story with a mystery and some things that are difficult to explain. Two strong women are the main characters, and this made Devil’s Bargain even more enjoyable.

[Paula Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jazz Callender is an ex-cop whose cop partner is in jail for homicide. She wants to set up a private investigation firm to prove his innocence. She gets the chance to do that when lawyer James Borden recruits her for his firm. She's provided $100,000, but is dictated to work with a woman called Lucia Garza - and they have to make priority cases of any assignments that arrive in a red envelope. The assignments are strange, and Jazz and Lucia soon learn that they are instrumental players in the future fate of the world.

Or something. Apparently the world is made of people who are either Chorus (one of the crowd) or Actors (people who make a difference). Jazz and Lucia are not only Actors, but Leads, and are the only ones capable of stopping the various plans of a corporation that wants to start war. Or something. It's not terribly clear what the antagonists are really after. Throw in a psychic, and my interest just waned. I wasn't aware I was in for a story with supernatural elements.

The book is more a series of vignettes as Jazz and Lucia figure out what they've become mixed up in, and never bothers to resolve anything: the corporation's end game, whether Jazz still has a kill order against her, et cetera. I believe there's a follow-up book, but I doubt I'll bother with it. I didn't mind the characters, especially Lucia, and there's some amusing dialogue. Think of it as a TV show pilot that never got picked up for series.

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

The supernatural element is barely there -- I would probably love this better if it's a straight-up P.I. stories with two ladies. I got tired with the "secrets" the main players keep from the two heroines, I skimmed the rest. The only thing that I found interesting was the beta hero because Jazz definitely kicks more ass than Borden.

[~Tina~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I am such a Rachel Caine fan! True, I've only read one other adult book that she's written, which was the first book in her Weather Warden series, which I loved, but I'm the biggest Morganville fan evah!!
And it's that simply fact that I wanted to read this book. See, I'm not a big reader on detective type books and I'm still easing my way into adult reads, but I'll read anything Caine puts to pen.

Devil's Bargain starts off with ex-cop Jasmine Callender (Jazz) at a local bar trying to drown her worries away thinking about her ex-partner McCarthy in prison, when a guy comes strolling in and hands her a red envelope, changing her entire life. She's offered a lot of money to work with a non-profit organization that also sets her up with a new qualified partner. Jazz needs the money. Lucia needs the challenge. They're the perfect team. Only things aren't exactly what they seem and Jazz and Lucia play a bigger role then they could have possibly imagined.

This book is very different then what I thought it was going to be about. It has a little bit of everything. It's a detective novel, a mystery-thriller, part-paranormal and even has a touch of romance.
I liked the story line. I found it a tad creepy with its dark background and the unsettled feeling of something bigger and unknown following the story around like a black cloud. But I have to admit it took a bit to wrap my head around the whole Actors/Chorus/Leads explanation and the complications and the consequences that surely follows. Yeah, I'm actually not gonna try to explain that. You'll see what I mean when you read the book.
Still, Caine brought a lot of unique and fresh ideas for this particular genre that fans will surly appreciate. While I may not have loved this the way I wanted to, I still found myself consumed from start to finish.

If there is one thing that Caine seems to nail in any book she's ever written is the remarkable way she develops her characters.
They all seem to have something in common. They are all instantly easy to connect with, likable and enjoyable to read about. The characters in this book are no different.
Jazz can seem like a giant pain. She comes fully loaded with pure attitude and sarcastic wit, she's a bit paranoid (okay a lot) but proves how truly bad-ass and capable she really is. She tends to question everything and while I usually would find lack of faith in a character to be annoying, in this case, Jazz was right on the money. The strangeness of it all is very hard to swallow.
I liked her and Lucia's banter and the way they look out for one another. They may have been two strangers thrown together for a bigger purpose but it was good to see them develop a kindred friendship. They really do make an excellent team.
As for the romance? There is some but not a huge amount. I found James and Jazz to be such a funny and unlikely pair. She's wild, careless and unpredictable while he's intelligent, educated and confident. And yet, it turned out to be this really sweet and inevitable thing. Oh! And the fruit basket scene? Adorable!
One last character shout-out goes to Manny. He has a sad and horrible tale, but I really loved what he brought into this story.

All in all, this turned out to be a really good read. It's action packed, creatively cunning and has a mean punch. It's an interesting whodunit story with a twist of paranormal that only Caine can accomplish.
It may not be a favorite, but it was still quite the experience. Caine continues to amaze me and makes me curious enough to want to know what happens next in; Devil's Due!

(Arc provided by Netgalley and Harlequin UK Ltd)

You can see this review and more at; WinterHaven Books!

[Stephanie (Stepping Out Of The Page) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I am a massive fan of the Morganville Vampires series, I have never read anything else by Rachel Caine. When I heard that Devil's Bargain was going to be re-released here in the UK, I thought it was definitely time to try some of her other work and I was very excited to do so.

From the blurb, Devil's Bargain appears to be a book that has a very strong supernatural/paranormal element to it. However, when I began reading the book, it wasn't quite what I expected. The story did flow well as it was, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I could have - this is probably because I was expecting something else, something more. I am only used to reading paranormal books that are aimed towards young adults, so perhaps this was the main difference for me - the writing in this book is probably more suited to adults. This isn't a bad thing at all - just not something I'm used to for this genre and something that I will have to get used to.

The thing that mostly bothered me about this book was that it felt certainly more like a thriller rather than a supernatural book, despite the description. The story starts when we meet our main character, an ex-cop, Jazz in a bar where she is approached by a man, James Borden, and offered a job of a lifetime. Jazz is naturally suspicious and so contacts Lucia Garza, her potential business partner. They meet up, learn about each other, discuss the business and although still slightly suspicious, decide to accept the offer. There is a lot of mystery about who Jazz and Lucia are actually working for and why, but towards the end we learn that there is a connection with The Cross Society and a psychic convicted murderer. The psychic element of the book only comes in around the last half of the story and I personally would've liked it if we had got to learn more about it. I hope, and expect, that this will be further developed along the series. The story is very eventful and something is always happening. However, despite all of the action, I wasn't completely compelled by the book - it wasn't something that I was eager to keep picking up.

The characters in Devil's Bargain are a positive point of this book. Both female lead characters definitely have kick-ass attitudes. I really liked Jazz's confidence and her determination. Though Lucia definitely had a different personality, she was the perfect business partner for Jazz and they interacted extremely well- the strength in this book, for me, was certainly the character interaction. I thought Manny, Jazz's friend was probably the most intriguing character and I would love to learn more about him. There was romance in this book, but to be honest it was a little too predictable for me and I'm glad that it wasn't the main focus.

Overall, whilst Devil's Bargain was a decently written book, I didn't feel as though it was anything exceptional. I did have high expectations for this book, so perhaps that was why I was a little let down! The thing that disappointed me most about this book was that there wasn't enough supernatural substance for me - however, if I was aware of that before reading, then I'd probably have enjoyed it more. The writing style flowed well, the story was never slow - something was always happening and for me, the characters were certainly the best part of the book. Recommended for thriller and paranormal fans who want an easy, action packed read!

[Anna (Bobs Her Hair) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Jasmine “Jazz” Callender life is in a downward spiral. Her former partner, Ben McCarthy, convicted and sent to prison for murder taints Jazz’s stellar service as a homicide detective. Now she’s unemployed, nearly broke, drinking yet remains determined to prove Ben’s innocence using her dwindling resources. Her fate changes with a red letter offering her one hundred thousand dollars in seed money for an investigation agency with two stipulations: form a partnership with a stranger and investigate cases from a mysterious group called the Cross Society. Strange events indicate supernatural forces are at hand.

With a juicy carrot dangling before Jazz’s eyes, she does the smart thing, investigate. Jazz’s credibility as a decorated detective shines through and slows the story’s pacing to a crawl. Under the impression Devil’s Bargain was a paranormal romance, I waited for the paranormal. Then I waited for the romance. It was a long wait!

The relationship receiving the most development was Jazz building a relationship with her new partner Lucia. Both women demonstrated skill, quick thinking, and courage under fire. Then their plotline faded and moved in several directions - Jazz investigates Ben’s case, the Cross Society, and the mysterious red letters & cases. It’s rich in mystery. Ultimately, little is revealed by the story’s end and my sense of this series’ direction remained very vague as to its purpose.

The Devil’s Bargain settled comfortably into mystery fiction in an urban setting. The paranormal is tucked in the dialogue and alluded to in peculiar investigative cases. The romance made impractical appearances, especially with the lack of development between Jazz and her love interest. (I had to check the blurb to verify the hero.) The romance had unexplored possibilities – her dominance, their roles in the grand plan, his fateful choices - and short cuts were taken. Overall, book one of Rachel Caine’s Red Letter Days showed it had an interesting seed at its core; unfortunately, there were a few too many underdeveloped possibilities.


Galley courtesy of Harlequin UK Ltd. via Netgalley

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full RTC

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure whether it's a function of authors I've previously known and adored in the fantasy realm, of the Bombshell line of romances being generally way more about the suspense and less about the romance, or both, but Rachel Caine's Devil's Bargain has joined C.E. Murphy's Cate Dermody novels in demonstrating to me that there are in fact category romances that I can read and enjoy. It is therefore a damn shame that the Bombshell line is now defunct.

Devil's Bargain has the same crackling action and pacing familiar to me from the Weather Warden series, and much the same general level of badassery on the part of the two central characters, Jazz Callender and Lucia Garza. They are approached by a mysterious organization and offered $100,000 to found a private investigation agency--as long as they give any cases that come to them in red envelopes top priority. It doesn't take long at all for the two women to discover that they've been pulled into a shadowy game with stakes of worldwide consequence, and that refusing to join in is not an option.

Overall it wasn't what quite what I expected, given the title of this book and its sequel, Devil's Due; I'd gone into this expecting a paranormal romance, with a probable main theme of demons. That I got a suspenseful shadow-game instead is not at all a problem. I quite enjoyed the chemistry between POV character Jazz and her love interest, James Borden; extra points, too, for James being atypical in my romance-reading experience, which is to say, not a macho action-man. Instead, he's a lawyer, fit enough and rather on the pretty/gorgeous side, yet not at all a wimp. (Though I'll have to admit that I was vaguely disappointed that the paranoid ex-FBI guy, one of the more interesting side characters, did not actually turn out to be the love interest. Nor, as near as I can tell, is he queued up to be the featured love interest in the sequel. Drat!)

Anyway, a fluffy read and easy to blow through quickly, but enjoyable all around, with exactly the right mix of action and romance for my tastes. Four stars.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really should know better than to pick up a book by Rachel Caine with the intention to read just one chapter before bed because the next thing I know the sun is coming up, and I’m trying to decide between getting a few hours sleep or starting the next book in the series.

Devil’s Bargain introduces Jazz Callender, a disgraced ex cop who receives a too-good-to-be-true offer from an elite New York law firm acting on behalf of an unnamed client. In exchange for funding her own private detective agency, Jazz must partner with a stranger, ex spook Lucia Garza, and carry out the occasional task for them, no questions asked.

Devil’s Bargain is a fast paced, action packed thriller with a paranormal twist.

Caine gives us two kick@ss heroines who complement each other both personally and professionally. Jazz is impulsive and rebellious, while Lucía is analytical and decisive. They each have their own reasons for accepting the offer from Gabriel, Pike, and Laskins, though neither are willing to let their employer’s secrets stand indefinitely.

Supporting characters include Manny Glickman, an ex cop and tech genius with his own demons, and James Borden, Gabriel, Pike, and Laskins representative, who serves as a love interest for Jazz. Jazz’s former partner Ben McCarthy also has a passive role as the catalyst for Jazz agreeing to the deal, and her emotional state.

The mystery surrounding the firm, and their client, begins to unravel about halfway through the book, introducing the paranormal element. It’s an interesting idea that Jazz and Lucía struggle to accept, even as it grows increasingly more difficult to dismiss. I think it’s quite an original concept, I understood the characters disbelief but thought the the idea was plausible and intriguing.

Even though it’s one of Rachel Caine’s earliest published books, Devil’s Bargain is almost as polished as her later work, much of which I also love. I really enjoyed the combination of mystery, thriller, paranormal and romance in this book, and I’m eager to start the next, though as there is just the one, I’m hoping Devil’s Due won’t leave me hanging.

[Hannah ⚔️ Jaedia]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Devil’s Bargain knowing it was very early Rachel Caine and reading through a large chunk of the novel that felt more thriller than urban fantasy didn’t help me feel much more confident, but a little over halfway through the paranormal aspect of the story kicked in and I realised that this was another of Rachel Caine’s urban fantasy greats, as well written and addictive as her others.

My biggest issue with Devil’s Bargain was the lack of much of a paranormal aspect for the first half of the novel. This is very much a personal problem because regular thrillers are not my thing but it did spoil the read a little for me. My other issue was Jazz’s antagonistic attitude. She seems adamant to push people who can genuinely help her away and I know this is a common character flaw in many urban fantasy heroines but I just can’t understand the appeal. I mean, her first conversation with Lucia ends with both of them hanging up on each other because of it, yet later on we see them working together very well. It’s such a dislikeable quality.

Once the novel goes into paranormal territory, I saw that Devil’s Bargain is just as good as any of Rachel Caine’s later novels. Jazz gets into a lot of trouble, and also gets herself out of it. I became so gripped that I couldn’t put the book down for long enough to remember to take notes so excuse me if my review is missing anything but the good bit was really good. It is fast paced and even a little bit scary, particularly that ending. That sent goosebumps down my spine. You’ll see.

To sum up? Devil’s Bargain is a fast paced urban fantasy thriller that will have you unable to remove yourself from the world of Jazz Callender and friends. But then you knew that – it’s a Rachel Caine novel after all.

[Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for giving me a copy of this book to review.

Jazz’s life has reached rock bottom, she has no job, her friend and partner has been convicted of a crime he did not commit. Until James Borden offers her a job, for a shadowy organisation called the cross society, which could be on offer that is good to be true.

I have been a fan of Morganville vampires for ages so I was interested in what Caine did in Devil’s Bargain. It is a really good book with romance, psychics and action. The pace of this book is good because it is slow enough that you can understand everything but not so fast that it gets boring.

Similar to Morganville, Caine strength in this book is her characters. Jazz is a kick-ass person who is head strong and stubborn but also does not mind running into danger to save someone. However I did find it a bit hard to connect to Jazz mostly because we are in very different times of our lives as she is mid-thirties and I am early 20s. The other characters in this book are also awesome including James the mysterious lawyer and deliver of the red letters and Lucia who is Jazz’s calm and sophisticated new partner.

The romance in this book is good but a bit obvious, because as soon as the love interest enters, it was clear that is what he what is meant to be in this book. That being said it was enjoyable reading about the romantic tension between the two of them.

If I have one criticism is that there is not enough paranormal romance in this book. There are a lot of unanswered questions in this book and I can wait to read the next book. I would recommend this book to anyone who like Rachel Caine’s books.

[Jillian (NetGalley Addict) · Rating 2 out of 5]

NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review

Jasmine spends her days drinking in bars; she is no longer a homicide detective since her partner was convicted of murder. One day while she is drinking in a bar a mysterious man comes to her, he tells her the company he works for is offering to set up a private investigator firm if she partners with a woman named Lucia. Whenever a red envelope arrives the women have to do what it says, at the same time Jazz is trying to find a way to prove her partner Ben was innocent of the murders. Jazz is strong, woman with self destructive tendencies, she rushes into situations without knowing what it going on. Lucia is more reserved, she is still a kick ass woman, but she holds back and doesn't let people in. James, Jazz’s love interest, faded into the background for most of the story, he was a very blah character. I had a really hard time getting into this book; there were too many questions and not enough answers. There was some action in this book and a whole lot of mystery. When I thought that I was finally going to get some answers, I was left with a cliffhanger. I had a lot of problems with this book and the only thing that saved it from being a one star was the writing. I did not like the story but Rachel can write a good action scene and the book was put together well. I will be reading the next book in this series simply because I loathe cliffhangers so I have to know what happened.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-cop Jazz Callender needs a paying job and a way to prove that her former partner is in prison for a crime he didn't commit. A stranger with a mysterious proposal might help with both problems: Lawyer James Borden offers her the funds to start a P.I. business, provided she agrees to partner with Lucia Garza, a woman Jazz has never met, and they give priority to cases sent their way by the law firm Borden works for. Both women feel dubious about this questionable-strings-attached offer, but decide to give it a go. It's not until one of the seemingly random tasks assigned to them by said law firm results in a death that they begin to dig deeper into what exactly it is their employers have gotten them involved in.

What starts as a mystery eventually reveals itself to be the first part of what promises to be a very intriguing UF duology. I'm not really sold on the romance subplot thus far, but very interested indeed in seeing what book two has in store.

[Kajol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.7 stars

An advance copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

'Tis true, what they say- Deals with the devil never go well..

Emotionally tortured by the iniquitous condemnation of her partner with the charge of murder, and his resulting arrest, Jasmine aka Jazz Callender never expected life to turn out the way it did. At least, the psychic mumbo-jombo part she never imagined.. she already new life as a conniving bitch.
Approached by an enigmatic lawyer, James Borden, with an outrageous business offer and a check with a damning amount, she finds herself getting tangled deep into an unbelievable world where nothing is as it seems.

The first thing that disconcerted me about this book was that it wasn't the paranormal romance I was expecting it to be. I mean, I'd anticipated a hefty chunk of the story to be filled with paranormal gore and suspense, but what I found was a mystery/suspense with a paranormal underlining. Not exactly disappointing, but slightly restive nonetheless.

I also thought that the romance was lacking. Intending no demerits to the characters- as they were pretty much up to it- I just thought that there could've been more intimate or romantic scenes between the leads.

Lastly, I couldn't really pinpoint some particular fault that finally sealed my opinion, but I just believed that there was quite a room for improvement with the suspense and romance. Especially with the suspense, cause more often than not, I found myself getting so engrossed in the criminal, ass-kicking parts(cause hello, they were made to shine into an almost perfection), that I didn't even care what the mystery about those red-envelopes was.

Although, I would like to mention, the story was good.. sometimes really good. I loved the criminal parts most, you know where either Jazz shot someone or someone else shot Jazz or when Lucia and Jazz chased someone. Very interesting, that, hehe.

Anyway. The writing..

The writing was clean, flowing and meticulous, totally suiting the theme and characters. It gave the descriptions a sort of intimate tone with an undertone of a clipped and well-informed voice, totally befitting the main leads' personalities.

Let's talk about the characters now.

James Borden. I like him. I mean when the fight broke out in the pub and he got pummeled, I thought- okay so not my type, can't even hold his own, but then his character was made to stand in light, and we see that he's an attorney-at-law, and easy to like. I don't know, there's something immediately engaging about that guy, of course after you get over his introduction that began with a creaky 1000$ leather jacket and no bad-boy vibe which is actually pretty easy to do once you focus on the washboard abs and the high-wattage smile and oh, the kind eyes.

He's smart. I guess that's a word especially tailored for him. Adorable with the uncertainty and the quiet caring. Not to forget the beguiling fact that he's sharp as a shark's molar(if they have one.. they do, right?), and slick as a seal with business dealings. I say that's a guy who knows how to work it, in and out of a bed.

Jasmine Callender. Hmmm.

I gotta admit.. the girl is bad-ass. Like, hell yeah bitches! I liked her. From the beginning. And then fell halfway in love with her when she kicked the sexist, biker-guys tattooed fat ass. And that was all in chapter one. What comes next, is nasty, hardcore, I-mean-business, we're-all-badass-here pages of "Fuck, this is great" moments.
Later on, as the story progressed, I realized that apart from being totally awesome, she was also a person who appreciated justice. But the downside of this placement of faith was that she ended up being a little narrow-minded towards the paranormal. Not wrong, not exactly, but still insular.

Lucia Garza was an amazing character- beautiful and dangerous, isn't that a combination we all love? I loved her sharp professionalism along with her loyalties that soon came to lay with Jazz. And did I mention how kickass she was with that attitude that said, "I kick ass like I was born doing it".

The rest of the supporting characters, Manny, Ben and Pansy provided a nice backing, if slightly cliched.

Till the very last minute I was sure I was going to give it a 3.7 stars, I mean really- you know all the faults that I found with it, but the ending somehow pushed it to 4.
I am like, wow. O-kay.
But then I slept over that decision and I realized, no.. It has to be 3.7. It lacks the certain.. awesomeness of 4, and like I mentioned before, has quite some room for improvement.

Overall, quite an interesting plot(that would've been more interesting if the story had delved more into the paranormal, but oh well) and a good book, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for paranormal, suspense reads.

This review can also be read on-
The Dark, Delicious and Dreamtastic.

[Literary Ames · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting premise similar to The Adjustment Bureau, but the execution's iffy, with a mean and bitter protagonist leading the way.

Devil's Bargain isn't urban fantasy, not the way it's written. Nothing paranormal is introduced until the second half of the book. A little late in my opinion. And despite the genre classification on Goodreads, it's not romantic. Expectations and enjoyment while reading suffered as a result.

The paranormal lowdown: Two opposing psychics and a theory about what and who influences human events. There are two types of people: Chorus and Actors. Chorus are people going through the motions, and Actors are influencers with the power to change major events. A person can be either one at different times of their lives. However, Leads are permanent Actors; almost everything they do is important, radically impacting events. The two opposing psychics are master manipulators, puppeteers if you will, pulling strings to further their own agendas, sometimes clashing. Jazz and Lucia are hired as Leads in this ultimate game of chess by the "good" side, working against the avaricious enemy.

Jazz and Lucia's partnership in their PI firm I liken to that of Rachel and Ivy, respectively. Lucia and Ivy are both moneyed, well-connected and elegant with mad skills executed with sophisticated grace, and act ever-so-slightly aloof. Jazz and Lucia are their opposite, struggling to get by on little money and hard-earned skills and knowledge, painfully blunt in their social interactions and a self-destructive need to save everyone. Unfortunately, where Jazz and Rachel differ is in Jazz's extremely unpleasant personality. She makes a terrible first impression on everyone she meets. Everyone. Perhaps this is down to her ex-police partner's recent incarceration, but her lack of friends is noticeable and very telling.

Ben McCarthy, the imprisoned partner convicted of murder, I seriously believed to be a figment of Jazz's imagination. Though Jazz thinks of him all too often, no credible character made reference to him for the first half of the book - Manny isn't mentally stable and I thought the tiny scene with Stewart could also be a hallucination. The possibility of a schizophrenic, and therefore unreliable, main character intrigued me. And then we meet him, about 60% in, at the prison hospital after being beaten. Several hints were made indicating he'd been raped but sadly, Jazz never picks up on it. A chance to address a sensitive, important and emotive issue missed.

Counselor James Borden, the lawyer who hired Jazz and Lucia, seemed to have an instant, unfathomable crush on Jazz, and her familiarity with him over several short meetings bred lust, though romance never enters into the equation. Borden put up with a lot of crap from the hostile Jazz, including physical manhandling. Most wouldn't have stuck around and got rid of their girlfriend in anticipation of something maybe happening with her, they'd have walked away or retaliated, physically or otherwise.

Traumatised, and now paranoid, super-geek Manny Glickman was the most interesting character, the only one with a past. He just so happens to be the only character I actually liked. I'm glad to hear he also appears in Working Stiff which is currently sitting on my bookshelves unread.

I've been encouraged to view this as a conspiracy thriller with paranormal elements but, honestly, I wasn't thrilled. Temptation to DNF saw me scan a few reviews to see if there was anything objectionable I could use as a reason to walk away other than "this is boring". No specific objective is available for the characters to pursue, only the red envelopes with their oddly benign instructions provide any real mystery; who issues them and why? During that time the audience is strung along with shoot 'em up action which isn't particularly compelling without a reason for the duo to be hunted down and killed, which come much later.

Structurally, I find this novel frustrating. Meeting Ben earlier, having Jazz's investigation into his conviction take centre stage to focus the story, revealing the truth about the red envelopes sooner, and softening Jazz's attitude, would've proved a more engaging read.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in the Red Letter Days paranormal-suspense series based in Kansas City and revolving around a new private investigation agency funded by a New York City law firm for a former FBI agent and a former KCPD detective.


My Take
The main theme in Red Letter Days is fine-tuning. Psychic fine-tuning. Allowing some people to die while preserving the lives of others depending upon what the future reveals about their actions. Of course, this information takes a while to trickle down to Callender and Garza so there's a lot of conflict between what Jazz and Lucia observe and what GPL is pushing.

I'm curious as to Borden's girlfriend. He claimed he had one but he sure is hot after Jazz.

All in all, a good story. Caine created a good bit of tension as she fed us the bits and pieces that filled in the blanks and we were never quite sure of the purpose of the missions in which Jazz and Lucia were engaged. An interesting development in Ben's case and not what I was expecting although the romance is sweet. I do like Manny. Hey, I'm a gadget girl and Manny has some fun toys!

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on Devil's Due.


The Story
Down on her luck and chucked off the force, Jazz is trying to get a glow on at Sol's when she's interrupted by James Borden with an invitation. If she's willing to accept Lucia Garza as a partner, a private party, the Gabriel, Pike, and Laskins law firm (GPL), will fund the start-up,pay expenses, and provide an advance against salary for the private investigation agency Jazz wants to open. All they have to do is some odd jobs for GPL.

Well, you know what they say, you're not really paranoid if there really are people out to get you and both Lucia and Jazz are extremely careful when they think they're being set up. After an exhaustive investigation, neither of them are interested even with the kind of money they're talkin'. An interest that suddenly returns when someone tries to take 'em both out.

Jazz does have added incentive. She wants that money as it will help her prove her former partner's innocence.


The Characters
Jasmine "Jazz" Callender is a former police detective in Kansas City ever since her partner, Ben McCarthy, was arrested and convicted of murder. Jazz refuses to believe he murdered anyone and is determined to prove it. Lucia Garza is with the FBI (I think) but she wants independence from accountants and bureaucrats.

James Borden is a lawyer with Gabriel, Pike, and Laskins, LLP in NYC and is the go-between for the law firm and Callender & Garza in Kansas City. Milo Laskins is one of the principals and acts for a spinoff from the Eidolon Corporation. Max Simms had begun the Eidolon Corporation using his own psychic skills to fine-tune life but a difference of opinion caused Eidolon to oust him causing him to be imprisoned for multiple murders. The board at Eidolon wanted to use his psychic abilities to make money; Simms wanted to ensure the survival of the human race.

Manny Glickman "used to be the go-to guy at Quantico" until a serial killer on a case he was investigating kidnapped him and buried him alive with an audio of the last victim's experiences. Pansy Taylor is enticed away from GPL where she's Borden's assistant and over to C&G.

Detectives Kenneth Stewart and Hermann are more interested in putting Jazz away than actually investigating anything although Jazz still has some friends on the force. Friends who have to be very careful in case Stewart comes after them.


The Cover
The cover is perfect. GLP delivers a large red envelope containing the particulars of each mission to the ladies.

The title could well be a Devil's Bargain as there are quite a few people out to get either Jazz or Lucia nor are they totally assured they are on the side of goodness.

[Fangs for the Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jazz is an ex-police officer whose life was well and truly derailed by her partner being arrested – and convicted – for murder. Quitting her job and leaving some hostile officers behind who would love to lock her away as well, she is determined to have him proven innocent and validate herself, her judge of character and the trust she placed in him. And silent that nagging doubt at the back of her own mind.

Then there comes an offer that seems more than too good to be true. Funding and guaranteed cases to set up a PI firm – something she had tried to do but failed to get the financing for. And there’s only one catch – she needs to work with a partner, Lucia Garza, ex-FBI agent who is looking for a challenge and a less structured work place.

They’re both duly wary but they quickly work well together and even if it is too good to be true, who turns down such an offer? Even if there are guys who seem to be willing to fight – and even kill them – since the offer arrived.

But, in between their other cases, they complete their benefactors cases. Cases which seem both trivial and bemusing. It’s only when these seemingly benign cases are connected to a murder; revealing a much larger and more bizarre reason for their recruitment.

For a long time I thought I’d made a mistake with this book. I thought “Devil’s Bargain” was entirely metaphorical and there was no supernatural elements at all. I thought I’d actually picked up a standard mystery without any magic, vampires, angels or even a slightly confused Christmas elf.

And I was fine with that.

Which is saying a lot for me. Unrepentant geek that I am, I have little time or interest in books which don’t contain some element of the fantastic. Aliens, vampires or elves, it has to have something non-mundane to keep me interested. But this book I was quite happy to keep on reading without the supernatural.

The main reason for that was probably the characters. I loved Jazz and I loved how she and Lucia bounce off each other. They did fit together perfectly – and yes, it was a little freaky how quickly and amazingly they gelled (but explained within the book) – but they did gel so well. They’re funny, they’re witty, their skills go together – and even with Lucia having so many qualifications, Jazz still fits in with useful skills and additions, she isn’t the junior partner. We don’t face a classic situation of the cool, competent one and the spunky, inept yet plucky and lucky one. They’re both competent, both capable, both extremely good at their job and both bring unique elements to the partnership. I even love how she bounces off Pansy, and she only has a bit role. In fact, this is what makes the book for me – all the characters, even Manny and Pansy who are in such minor roles, are such great characters in their own right.

Read more

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Rachel Caine and it was all right for me. I had a hard time staying focused and getting through it as it moved very slow and was a bit confusing at times.

I liked the premise of the book. Little bit mystery, little bit romance, and little bit fantasy. Each action they made meant something,meant life or death for innocent people. I would not classify this as paranormal, there was very little of that aspect to it. There was a slight other worldly feel to it, but other than that not much else. The story line was good but it need more…I do not know if it needed more mystery or romance, just more of something. The characters were well developed and while it was not an intense connection, I could feel some chemistry between all of them.

My main problem was that it was a slow moving read, and not much happened until about 3/4 of the way through the book. Once the book started to pick up on the action and the love interest, I felt like it ended too quickly. I wanted more of that style writing.

I liked the characters. Jazz and Lucia were a kick ass girl team. They were offered a deal that in the end they could not refuse. Jazz was a take action now and ask questions later kind of girl. Lucia was just as lethal but very level headed. Both loyal and I will say it again kick ass. I loved them as a team. Their personalities so different but yet the same really complimented each other.

James and Jazz, now there is a couple I liked. Their relationship started off on the wrong foot, Jazz was snarky and James well not so much. She is a kick ass chick and he is a lawyer. She literal kicks ass on the streets and well he does it in a courtroom. The two of them had some great witty banter. I liked that their relationship built slowly. You could feel the two of them fighting it, and the tension between them growing while they slowly warmed up to each other. By the very end of the book you finally got to see them together as a couple, I really wanted to see this a lot sooner because they were good together and it would have been a great element to the book. Hoping to see more of them in Lucia’s book.

With that said, I would have to say that my favorite character in the book was a secondary character by the name of Manny. He was so intriguing and eccentric, but there was a reason for that. You got bits and pieces of his story but I wanted more. As the story progressed with Jazz Manny started to come out of his shell and you saw a totally different Manny from start to finish. I will pick up Lucia’s book if for no other reason than to get more of him.

I was provided with this book from the publisher for free via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

[Jon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seen at Scott Reads It
Devil's Bargain is a book written by Rachel Caine of Morganville Vampires fame. I didn't really have any high expectations going into Devil's Bargain and yet I was still disappointed. I was looking for a fun, and light paranormal mystery that I would enjoy but Devil's Bargain just didn't fit those requirements. Devil's Bargain takes the cake for being my least favorite book of 2013 (so far).

Jazz's partner in crime been committed of murder and she is pretty much a wreck. Soon she makes a deal and starts to receive red envelopes with weird investigation cases.

I didn't like Jazz or any of the characters much at all. All of the characters in the Devil's Bargain were bland, undeveloped, and just uninteresting. I couldn't make a connection with any of the characters because they were just so uninteresting. It was extremely stupid how Jazz decides to check out of the hosptial against the doctor's orders. Why does Jazz call James counselor every five seconds? Jazz is just your typical investigator and Lucia is just your typical partner in crime. How do Lucia and Jazz become best friends in literally 30 seconds? Right after meeting each on a plane , they become best friends and start doing everything together. Jazz and Lucia's friendship was beyond ridiculous and it really infuriated me.

I am not sure how Devil's Bargain is considered a romance or mystery. There is zero romantic chemistry between any of the characters and James Borden was one of the worst love interests I have read about. The mystery in Devil's Bargain is lacking and so is any suspense. The fact that Jazz is an investigator, doesn't automatically make this book a mystery. I felt like the entire book was Jazz just going on random cases without a true purpose. We never really learn much about James Borden at all and there was no true devil in this book. How can you have a book called the Devil's Bargain and lack a devil? It would be fine if there was a metaphorical devil but there is no metaphorical devil either.

Devil's Bargain was one of the worst paranormal books I have ever read to date. This book lacked any plot, tension, or anything memorable about it. The characters were one dimensional flat characters that lacked any depth, emotion, and personality. I felt like my ARC of the Devil's Bargain was missing a huge chunk of the book because there was no mystery or romance. There was little conclusion and I felt like nothing was actually resolved in the end. I would not recommend this book to anyone and now I am questioning whether I should read Glass Houses.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided with this book from the publisher for free via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Originally posted at: Geekery and Book Reviews
Devil's Bargain is a dark and fast paced story that you won't be able to put down. Jasmine (Jazz) Callender is a tough as nails ex-cop at the end of her rope. She is approached by the James Borden, a lawyer with a unique deal for her. Jazz must team up with a stranger, Lucia, to accept missions delivered in a red envelope. Lured by the promise of money and dangerous odds, Jazz and Lucia accept and are plunged into a deadly world of deception and mystery. There is also a growing attraction between Borden and Jazz which develops gradually between each time they meet.

The dialogue between Jazz and Borden is one of the best aspects of this story.

"Okay," she said at last, "let's say I let you guys pay for the medical stuff. This time"
"There's going to be a next time?" Borden said, as he replaced the pitcher.
"Could be." She smiled wolfishly. "I tend to get into trouble, in case you haven't noticed."
"Hasn't escaped me," he agreed. "Jazz..." He leaned forward, and clearly didn't know what to do with his heads. He ended up dangling them between his knees, looking lost. "You baffle me. You're all edges and angles and whup-ass, but..."
"But?"
"I don't know," he said. "I hate seeing you like this. I feel like I got you into it, and I don't like it."

Oh Borden, how I love you. He's a genuine guy and I was cheering him on from the first moment he and Jazz met. They have such a witty banter together and the attraction builds between them at the perfect pace! Borden is not your typical male protagonist. Despite the fact Borden falls in the Beta Male category, he is able to hold is own against Jazz. Jazz knows that she can push Borden only so far before he walks away. The other aspect that I adore about Jazz and Borden's attraction is that they work well as a team. Like most heroines that I love, she has major flaws and actively works to get past them. Jazz learns to trust her partner Lucia and Borden making them an excellent team.

This novel has a very subtle paranormal aspect to it. I don't want to say too much because it gives away major spoilers for the novel but, it's done in a very refreshing way!

Lucia is another amazing character! She practically steals the show when she is featured. I'm hoping that we'll see a standalone novel with Lucia is a main character in the future!

[Joe Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmine Callender is approached by a tall, skinny, lawyer dressed in new leathers while she was tossing shots in a biker bar. Naturally this lawyer caught the attention of a couple of belligerent, large bikers who butted into her business and accosted James Borden, the lawyer with their fists. Jazz intervened and quickly kicked the butts of both of the bikers and was tossed from the bar by the owner and his large club. He told her not to return and that the police were in route. The lawyer, Borden followed her to the street, still trying to press the red enveloped card he had on her while also trying to control the bleeding from his mouth and nose. She was surprised by the card when she opened it as it was a generous offer from a non-profit foundation to fund her Private Investigation office providing their conditions were met. Taking on a qualified partner they had chosen and taking cases from them, usually short and well paid. Her proposed partner, Lucia Garza was competent but different in many ways, fastidious dresser for one and no former partner in prison for twenty five years after a murder conviction. Jazz still thought Ben McCarthy had been railroaded and had made it her mission to prove Ben's innocence. After a period of guarded reservations and a dance between them while trying to decide whether or not to accept the conditions of the partnership, they jointly decided to not bend to the manipulators and go their own ways without the commitment and contract. That's when outside forces took action and shot Jazz who's life was saved by Lucia. Both their lives were threatened, making them angry and determined to find the source for these threats and promising to deal with it in an appropriate fashion. The took the check, made the commitment and opened an office. Both had scores of intimate friends (and enemies) along with valuable resources both financial and human. They thrived together and managed to be that competent support, covering each others backs. This story introduces a number of interesting characters and an intriguing web of their benefactors as well as a counter organization that is like the opposing side to a chess game using people as board pieces. No satisfying conclusions to this story but plenty of action and enough curiosity to drive you to immediately pick up the sequel, "The Devil's Due". This is an engaging two book series worth the effort of picking up them both!

[Ornella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire Series, and I was hoping this one would be just as good, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The book isn't bad, but it isn't great either, probably cause I was expecting something else.

The blurb says "But as she's thrust into a world of psychic powers and dangerous magic, Jazz isn't just bargain for her friend's freedom. She's bargaining for her soul too." So I picked it up expecting some serious psychic mumbo jumbo and dark powers (which in my head = demons and the killing spells and the likes), but instead I am left with red envelopes, super secret societies, an ex-super spy, an ex-cop and lawyers. Yes, lawyers...

Most of the book is Jazz and Lucia doing their investigative work and doing the odd job for these 'lawyers', with some gun/fist fighting scenes every now and then, which I liked. The psychic powers part didn't come till about halfway through the book and even then it was just touched upon. Once Jazz and Lucia find out what those red envelopes mean they get all gung-ho about it being BS and they quit. It really started getting interesting to me once they have their talk with Max Simms and then it really all comes out, or at least all for this book. I wouldn't be surprised if there are some twists waiting for us in the later books.

The whole concept of Leads, Actors, knowing the future and seeing all the possibilities is fascinating. But this only really came into play by the end of the book, which is a shame. I really would have liked it if it had been more developed.

Character wise I must say that I found Jazz a bit annoying at times. I don't mind her violent streak but their close mindedness was pissing me off. They are detectives, they should have done more, not just swallow what they were told and leave it at that.

All in all, this series does have potential, so I'll be keeping my eye on the next one.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-cop Jazz Callender is trying to drown her sorrows in a biker buy when James Borden walks into her life with a strange offer. Dressed in brand new, squeaky leathers, she can’t take him serious but he’s offering $100,000 for her to set up her own private investigation company. She can’t help but be intrigued and the resources would help her find a way to prove her ex-partner’s innocence. The catch is, she’s got to partner with a woman she’s never met and Borden refuses to tell her who he’s working for.

Full of suspicion and intrigue with kick-ass heroines, Devil’s Bargain is a thriller with only a hint of supernatural, but one that should appeal to fans of Rachel Caine’s writing. You really feel that Jazz is in a no win situation, with corrupt police threatening to stitch her up for something, just like Ben, her ex-partner who is now serving a life sentence and a suspicious sounding, secret organisation offering her the world. Jazz sways between denying ben’s innocence and blaming herself for trusting him. She’s altogether a bit of a mess but one thing the offer does, is bring her into contact with other people, people who may just help her put her life back together.

I liked how the supernatural side was just on the edge of being believable. No immortal creatures or fantastical powers here. I’m looking forward to see how that is explored in the next book, Devil’s Due. The explanation came across as a little rushed but that may come down to Jazz’s lack of belief and the fact they were in a life or death situation half the time.

A word of advice, don’t read the cover blurb; it contains a big fat spoiler. The cover itself has been designed to mirror the Morganville Vampires series, which may draw existing fans in but it isn’t young adult and relies heavily on the crime aspect, which I personally loved. I just think the whole package is a bit misleading, even down to the title.

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review on NetGalley

[Julie-anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jazz is a former cop who is determined to clear her ex-partner of a murder charge, unfortunately she needs money for that. Luckily for her, James shows up with an offer of $100,000 to start up her own PI company with a partner of their choosing. All she has to agree to is to take on the assignments they send her - all of them in a red envelope. Soon Jazz and her partner, Lucia, start to wonder about their benefactors and their seemingly useless assignments.

So it seems this is a series I didn't know about from Rachel Caine but I'm assuming that the publisher (at least the UK one) is re-releasing it, perhaps just to give it a new cover that matches the Morganville covers? Who knows.

Jazz is a very likeable character, as are Lucia and James but I think Manny is my favourite. He's just so paranoid that he's instantly loveable, plus his friendship with Jazz is also an instant seller for me. And as usual for Caine, this book is a page turner (or button presser for me since it was on my Reader) with an awesomely intriguing storyline and a lead that can kick ass.

The only thing that's bugging me right now is that Amazon & Goodreads list this as having 300+ pages but my copy from Netgalley had 199. So I don't know if I actually got the full book or not so I now have to wait until the release date to make sure I have it all ..... *sigh* Man, that seems like a very long time.