What do you think?
Rate this book
Eternity Gambit #1
Devil to Pay
The first book in the new Eternity Gambit series from USA Today bestselling author Renee Bernard. This is a romantic comedy series with an original paranormal twist that defies categorization and turns every notion of Heaven and Hell on its ear.
Workplace comedy is always fun but when the company in question in H.E.LLc (Hades Enterprises LLc) and your job is being Lucifer, let's just say, there are some unique challenges beyond Casual Fridays and who keeps taking your lunch out of the break room. Even if Hell really is just a place where evil is tracked and analyzed in endless cubicles—no brimstone and not a human soul in sight—there’s no room for error. This Lucifer (who is the seventh unlucky archangel to get the position behind the black onyx desk) is about to have his entire world rattled when a very sweet and likable mortal woman crosses his path.
After all, angels can't lie. And when Jayne Hamilton wants to know what he does for a living, all bets are off. Because "dating" isn't exactly in the cosmic scheme of the Eternity Gambit, but Love... Well, Love is never really off the table.
Now, if Lucifer can just figure out how to win the girl and get himself fired, he'll be one very very happy angel.
“Filled with sparkling wit and devilish charm, DEVIL TO PAY is a delightful visit to the Shangri-La of Hell!” -- Erin Quinn, The Three Fates of Ryan Love, NYT Bestselling Author
“Only Renee Bernard could make dating Satan sexy as sin! Funny, fresh, irreverent and utterly adorable!” – Dakota Cassidy, National Bestselling Author
Workplace comedy is always fun but when the company in question in H.E.LLc (Hades Enterprises LLc) and your job is being Lucifer, let's just say, there are some unique challenges beyond Casual Fridays and who keeps taking your lunch out of the break room. Even if Hell really is just a place where evil is tracked and analyzed in endless cubicles—no brimstone and not a human soul in sight—there’s no room for error. This Lucifer (who is the seventh unlucky archangel to get the position behind the black onyx desk) is about to have his entire world rattled when a very sweet and likable mortal woman crosses his path.
After all, angels can't lie. And when Jayne Hamilton wants to know what he does for a living, all bets are off. Because "dating" isn't exactly in the cosmic scheme of the Eternity Gambit, but Love... Well, Love is never really off the table.
Now, if Lucifer can just figure out how to win the girl and get himself fired, he'll be one very very happy angel.
“Filled with sparkling wit and devilish charm, DEVIL TO PAY is a delightful visit to the Shangri-La of Hell!” -- Erin Quinn, The Three Fates of Ryan Love, NYT Bestselling Author
“Only Renee Bernard could make dating Satan sexy as sin! Funny, fresh, irreverent and utterly adorable!” – Dakota Cassidy, National Bestselling Author
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2014
2 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Renee Bernard
34 books255 followersWhat in the world is a retired Navy chaplain’s daughter doing writing scorching hot historical romances and paranormal graphic novels? Renee Bernard is applying a great education from traveling all over the world to story telling and doing her best to keep her father proud. Truthfully, her father is her number one fan, even though he has sworn never to read a single word of her books (a vow he has kept to this day!) Nothing stops him from telling everyone he knows that his daughter is now a USA Today Bestselling author or from handing out bookmarks on the golf course. Love can make even a minister do strange things!
Renee Bernard is a freelance writer and host of “Canned Laughter and Coffee” on Readers Entertainment, as well as a contributor to Romantic Times BookReviews magazine. Renee currently lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. (Note an interesting proximity to great wineries!)
Renee Bernard is a freelance writer and host of “Canned Laughter and Coffee” on Readers Entertainment, as well as a contributor to Romantic Times BookReviews magazine. Renee currently lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. (Note an interesting proximity to great wineries!)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 4, 2017
When I received a copy of this book from Renee Bernard, I was rather intrigued by the curious comment that accompanied it…”It’s NOT a historical romance but I’m hoping it makes you smile”.
This book was not only a complete departure from anything Ms Bernard has ever written before, but also a complete departure from anything I’ve ever read before. Well, did it make me smile? YES! Did I enjoy it? YES! ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
I love Ms Bernard’s imaginative and fun take on the generally accepted idea of hell. She has created a unique world populated by a wonderfully diverse group of offbeat characters.
Lucifer (Luke) may be CEO of H.E. LLc., but whoever heard of the Devil loving ballet or treating his demonic workforce with respect even allowing them office parties and karaoke machines! Caring, sincere and honourable, this Prince of Darkness is seriously flawed.
The romance is sweet and funny (definitely no hot, sweaty sex) as Luke woos the no-nonsense Jayne in a charmingly old-fashioned way…flowers, dinner, dancing. Luke has such an endearing quality and I adore the scene where Jayne spots the spider plant he has acquired because she told him he needed some greenery in his office.
I realize it’s a bit puny but I’m assured these things grow. And the red coffee cup is a nice touch of color. Do you…like it?”
Jayne’s reactions to situations and her inner thoughts are priceless.
Is there a remote infinitesimal chance I just tried to pitch PR services to Lucifer, Prince of Darkness and Overseer of Hell?
The secondary characters – Luke’s Personal Assistant, Malcolm…love his demonic humour; the poker playing Archangels Azrael, Uriel and Michael; Jayne’s best friend, Eliza…her idea of a fun day out never involves shopping; Jayne’s mom, the kind of mom everyone should have – all serve to enhance the story.
The dialogue sparkles and there are plenty of great one-liners like this…
So cry in your cocktails all you want, Lucifer, but I don’t think eHarmony is taking applications from the ninth circle of Hell these days.”
There were moments that had me giggling…the Archangel of Death playing a game of miniature golf; Archangel Michael giving a performance worthy of an Oscar. The overall light tone of the story lends the more poignant events a greater impact.
How I imagine Luke…
“Hi! I’m Satan! Would you be my girlfriend?”
How I imagine Jayne…
Gee, Mom and Dad! I’m dating Satan! Want to give me your blessing?
Memorable moments:
Oh, man… If the Marlboro Man, Fabio and the guy who played Thor were put into a blender, they could be this guy’s ugly sidekick.
“A-a demon? Really?” Jayne couldn’t help the shock that crept into her voice. “I mean, sure—demon. Why didn’t I guess that?”
“Granted, we don’t physically resemble our bad image in the press.” He shrugged as if casually discussing baseball scores. “But what an inconvenience that would be! Sulfur fumes and maggots would make it awfully hard to function, don’t you think?”
“Are you…humming to yourself, sir?” Malcolm asked.
“Hmmm. What?” Lucifer looked up from his desktop and the productivity reports of Hell’s various departments. “No. I’m the Prince of Darkness, Malcolm. I don’t hum, whistle or sing.”
Devil to Pay probably isn’t perfect but it was so entertaining, romantic and funny that I really didn’t notice. Now I’m anticipating more hi-jinks at H.E. LLc. with the future books in the series.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
My sincere thanks to Renee Bernard for sending me a copy of Devil to Pay in return for an honest review.
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
This book was not only a complete departure from anything Ms Bernard has ever written before, but also a complete departure from anything I’ve ever read before. Well, did it make me smile? YES! Did I enjoy it? YES! ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
I love Ms Bernard’s imaginative and fun take on the generally accepted idea of hell. She has created a unique world populated by a wonderfully diverse group of offbeat characters.
Lucifer (Luke) may be CEO of H.E. LLc., but whoever heard of the Devil loving ballet or treating his demonic workforce with respect even allowing them office parties and karaoke machines! Caring, sincere and honourable, this Prince of Darkness is seriously flawed.
The romance is sweet and funny (definitely no hot, sweaty sex) as Luke woos the no-nonsense Jayne in a charmingly old-fashioned way…flowers, dinner, dancing. Luke has such an endearing quality and I adore the scene where Jayne spots the spider plant he has acquired because she told him he needed some greenery in his office.
I realize it’s a bit puny but I’m assured these things grow. And the red coffee cup is a nice touch of color. Do you…like it?”
Jayne’s reactions to situations and her inner thoughts are priceless.
Is there a remote infinitesimal chance I just tried to pitch PR services to Lucifer, Prince of Darkness and Overseer of Hell?
The secondary characters – Luke’s Personal Assistant, Malcolm…love his demonic humour; the poker playing Archangels Azrael, Uriel and Michael; Jayne’s best friend, Eliza…her idea of a fun day out never involves shopping; Jayne’s mom, the kind of mom everyone should have – all serve to enhance the story.
The dialogue sparkles and there are plenty of great one-liners like this…
So cry in your cocktails all you want, Lucifer, but I don’t think eHarmony is taking applications from the ninth circle of Hell these days.”
There were moments that had me giggling…the Archangel of Death playing a game of miniature golf; Archangel Michael giving a performance worthy of an Oscar. The overall light tone of the story lends the more poignant events a greater impact.
How I imagine Luke…
“Hi! I’m Satan! Would you be my girlfriend?”
How I imagine Jayne…
Gee, Mom and Dad! I’m dating Satan! Want to give me your blessing?
Memorable moments:
Oh, man… If the Marlboro Man, Fabio and the guy who played Thor were put into a blender, they could be this guy’s ugly sidekick.
“A-a demon? Really?” Jayne couldn’t help the shock that crept into her voice. “I mean, sure—demon. Why didn’t I guess that?”
“Granted, we don’t physically resemble our bad image in the press.” He shrugged as if casually discussing baseball scores. “But what an inconvenience that would be! Sulfur fumes and maggots would make it awfully hard to function, don’t you think?”
“Are you…humming to yourself, sir?” Malcolm asked.
“Hmmm. What?” Lucifer looked up from his desktop and the productivity reports of Hell’s various departments. “No. I’m the Prince of Darkness, Malcolm. I don’t hum, whistle or sing.”
Devil to Pay probably isn’t perfect but it was so entertaining, romantic and funny that I really didn’t notice. Now I’m anticipating more hi-jinks at H.E. LLc. with the future books in the series.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
My sincere thanks to Renee Bernard for sending me a copy of Devil to Pay in return for an honest review.
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
August 12, 2014
Holy buckets of awesomeness I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Bernard creates a world that is intoxicatingly clever and fun. The dialog in this book is addicting and their is no doubt you will laugh out loud many times while reading this book. How can you not laugh when the Archangels are having a poker night? It's fabulous. The hero, Luke aka Lucifer is dreamy and sweet; yes, Lucifer is sweet (you'll just have to read the book). He is CEO of H.E.LLC, yep you read that correctly, see there is that wit I am telling you about. Jayne is a heroine you'll fall in love with. She is the typical girl next door trying to shine in the workforce and maybe find a date. Along with her bff and parents the cast of characters are amazing. Oh, wait, I forgot one character that stole my heart... His name is Malcolm and he is Lucifer's personal assistant and let me tell you he is everything HOT and STEAMY. :)
Well done Ms Bernard! I am looking forward to his series.
**Received ARC copy for an honest review.**
Well done Ms Bernard! I am looking forward to his series.
**Received ARC copy for an honest review.**
August 8, 2014
Devil to Pay... A Very Funny Love Story.
Historical romance writer, Renee Bernard, soars into the contemporary romance genre with her new book, Devil To Pay. As book one of the new series Eternity Gambit, Devil To Pay also features a bit of the paranormal. The lovable characters and exceptionally witty dialog will keep you entertained throughout the pages. When Jayne, PR rep seeking a major client, meets Luke, the CEO of H.E.LLc, the unbelievable happens. Between the laughs, the rules, and good 'ol free will, the story unfolds. No steamy scenes... no villains to outrun... just a very funny love story. @ReneeBernard #DTP
Historical romance writer, Renee Bernard, soars into the contemporary romance genre with her new book, Devil To Pay. As book one of the new series Eternity Gambit, Devil To Pay also features a bit of the paranormal. The lovable characters and exceptionally witty dialog will keep you entertained throughout the pages. When Jayne, PR rep seeking a major client, meets Luke, the CEO of H.E.LLc, the unbelievable happens. Between the laughs, the rules, and good 'ol free will, the story unfolds. No steamy scenes... no villains to outrun... just a very funny love story. @ReneeBernard #DTP
August 7, 2014
This book has great humor and great characters. I can't wait for the next one. I laughed and fell in love. It's a wonderful read and definitely worth reading over and over again!!!!
August 12, 2014
Will never think of Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness and all the Angels quite the same again! Funny, irreverent, and just plain entertaining. How can Renee Bernard do it? Great in both romantic comedy and historical romance. Best part folks, this is only the beginning of a new series!
About the Story: Jayne Hamilton was exceedingly good at her job, but not good at tooting her own horn. She’d headed more account teams than she could count and had always delivered award-winning campaigns and service. She quietly did her job, helped others in theirs, and was forever overlooked by management. Her boss Tyson Tanner says this.
“If you ever want to be more than an account monkey, you’ve gotta bring in the big fish, Hamilton! Bring in someone new and land us millions, and I’ll let you punch your own ticket, kiddo.”
She left the office one afternoon to get some air stifled with the size of her cubicle and frustrated with work. Rather than finding the usual ma and pa shop as she was walking, there stood in its place, a huge, dark skyscraper.
"She glanced around, mentally mapping her location and setting the familiar landmarks down to get her bearings. Yup, there’s the Transamerica Building and the good ol’ Millennium Tower, and yup, the rest of San Francisco’s biggies just the way they should be. So where the hell did you come from?"
She made her way into the building, noting the company name was H.E., LLc. From this moment forward Jayne’s life changes. She fears she has either gone insane or those within the building belong in a mental institute.
Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness and overlord of Hell, better known as Luke to his friends, saw this woman enter his domain. He couldn’t fathom how she had gotten into the building. Humans NEVER were able to enter the building let alone see it.
When Jayne decided she better escape this strange building and the man at the concierge desk, she dared not turn her back on him, but edged backward, ending up backing into a person. Screaming, for her nerves were that frayed, she through her purse at the apparent attacker. Unfortunately her purse strap broke and all contents were strewn all over the black marble floor. Embarrassed she began collecting her things off the floor.
"Ms. Hamilton?” he asked, holding out her purse to drop in her lipstick. “Here, let me help you up.” He held out one hand and waited.
“I’m fine. I just…” But as illogical as it was, she found it easy to ignore the mess and took his hand to stand to face him. He really has golden eyes. The electric warmth of his touch was like sweet honey across her skin. “I really should pick all this up before someone does a Chevy Chase on a ballpoint pen.”
He smiled and her knees turned to rubber. “You’re kind to worry about others.”
“I’m just imagining a lawsuit would top my morning so perfectly, that I’d best not leave anything to chance.”
He laughed, and Jayne decided she was as infatuated as any girl could be. “I love your humor.” He politely returned her purse to her. “There, all restored and as it should be.”
She felt the familiar heft of it and a small twinge of confusion at the sensation. “Well, yes, but…” The strap was fixed and a single glance inside assumed her that everything was back in place. She looked around the lobby and was amazed that not a single object littered its floor. “How did you do that?”
He smiled and shook his head. “I can’t see allowing a lawsuit to ruin the rest of your day.”
My purse strap broke. My stuff went everywhere. He never moved from that spot. Who is he? David Copperfield?
“Thanks, Mr…?” she fished for a name.
“Morningstar. But please call me Luke.”
Where Jayne seemed to be drawn to Luke, he too, was drawn to her. But the Devil being an Angel was not allowed to coerce, seduce or interfere with a human unless he receives Sanction from Upper Management. Nor could he lie about his nature and who he was. But it appeared that Upper Management had Sanctioned Jayne because she had seen the building and had entered it.
My Thoughts: I have read Renee Bernard’s books in the Black Rose Trilogy. It amazed me the same author had written both books. What a talented writer. She is adept in both genre. This story was enchanting! Truly I will never look at Heaven, Hell, Lucifer and other Angels of the realm quite the same again.
This book is chock full of humor. Jayne’s mind concocts laughable thoughts while she is trying to deal with meeting the Devil. It takes her some time to wrap her mind around the fact that she wants to spend time with him. All she sees is politeness, kindness and just plain sweet. Since Lucifer can tell no lies they discuss ‘all the elephants in the room’ so she can understand him and his job better. When his driver comes to pick her up from her apartment and tells her he’s a Demon, she seems to begin taking things in stride. She only hopes he knows how to drive!
I was enchanted with the interaction between all the Angels, the angel of wisdom, the angel of death, Angel Gabriel, etc. They actually play poker together, bantering back and forth. It is apparent that Upper Management had planned wisely when these angels were created because they were a team, although representing different aspects of realm, light and darkness.
Lucifer hated his job, but he had applied for it and found that Upper Management was quite happy with the way he ran things. He suffered for all the evil that happened in the world. He spent most of his time monitoring and looking at review reports. So in Renee Bernard’s story, Lucifer was really just doing his job, he had no choice. As the other angels did theirs.
It’s comical, and romantic and being the softy I am, I cried. Of course, there is a happy ever after ending with just enough thread for us to know that Malcolm, the assistant to Lucifer will be having his own story.
Irreverent to some, I suppose, but extremely entertaining, a page-turner and just plain funny. I absolutely loved, loved, loved it!
About the Story: Jayne Hamilton was exceedingly good at her job, but not good at tooting her own horn. She’d headed more account teams than she could count and had always delivered award-winning campaigns and service. She quietly did her job, helped others in theirs, and was forever overlooked by management. Her boss Tyson Tanner says this.
“If you ever want to be more than an account monkey, you’ve gotta bring in the big fish, Hamilton! Bring in someone new and land us millions, and I’ll let you punch your own ticket, kiddo.”
She left the office one afternoon to get some air stifled with the size of her cubicle and frustrated with work. Rather than finding the usual ma and pa shop as she was walking, there stood in its place, a huge, dark skyscraper.
"She glanced around, mentally mapping her location and setting the familiar landmarks down to get her bearings. Yup, there’s the Transamerica Building and the good ol’ Millennium Tower, and yup, the rest of San Francisco’s biggies just the way they should be. So where the hell did you come from?"
She made her way into the building, noting the company name was H.E., LLc. From this moment forward Jayne’s life changes. She fears she has either gone insane or those within the building belong in a mental institute.
Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness and overlord of Hell, better known as Luke to his friends, saw this woman enter his domain. He couldn’t fathom how she had gotten into the building. Humans NEVER were able to enter the building let alone see it.
When Jayne decided she better escape this strange building and the man at the concierge desk, she dared not turn her back on him, but edged backward, ending up backing into a person. Screaming, for her nerves were that frayed, she through her purse at the apparent attacker. Unfortunately her purse strap broke and all contents were strewn all over the black marble floor. Embarrassed she began collecting her things off the floor.
"Ms. Hamilton?” he asked, holding out her purse to drop in her lipstick. “Here, let me help you up.” He held out one hand and waited.
“I’m fine. I just…” But as illogical as it was, she found it easy to ignore the mess and took his hand to stand to face him. He really has golden eyes. The electric warmth of his touch was like sweet honey across her skin. “I really should pick all this up before someone does a Chevy Chase on a ballpoint pen.”
He smiled and her knees turned to rubber. “You’re kind to worry about others.”
“I’m just imagining a lawsuit would top my morning so perfectly, that I’d best not leave anything to chance.”
He laughed, and Jayne decided she was as infatuated as any girl could be. “I love your humor.” He politely returned her purse to her. “There, all restored and as it should be.”
She felt the familiar heft of it and a small twinge of confusion at the sensation. “Well, yes, but…” The strap was fixed and a single glance inside assumed her that everything was back in place. She looked around the lobby and was amazed that not a single object littered its floor. “How did you do that?”
He smiled and shook his head. “I can’t see allowing a lawsuit to ruin the rest of your day.”
My purse strap broke. My stuff went everywhere. He never moved from that spot. Who is he? David Copperfield?
“Thanks, Mr…?” she fished for a name.
“Morningstar. But please call me Luke.”
Where Jayne seemed to be drawn to Luke, he too, was drawn to her. But the Devil being an Angel was not allowed to coerce, seduce or interfere with a human unless he receives Sanction from Upper Management. Nor could he lie about his nature and who he was. But it appeared that Upper Management had Sanctioned Jayne because she had seen the building and had entered it.
My Thoughts: I have read Renee Bernard’s books in the Black Rose Trilogy. It amazed me the same author had written both books. What a talented writer. She is adept in both genre. This story was enchanting! Truly I will never look at Heaven, Hell, Lucifer and other Angels of the realm quite the same again.
This book is chock full of humor. Jayne’s mind concocts laughable thoughts while she is trying to deal with meeting the Devil. It takes her some time to wrap her mind around the fact that she wants to spend time with him. All she sees is politeness, kindness and just plain sweet. Since Lucifer can tell no lies they discuss ‘all the elephants in the room’ so she can understand him and his job better. When his driver comes to pick her up from her apartment and tells her he’s a Demon, she seems to begin taking things in stride. She only hopes he knows how to drive!
I was enchanted with the interaction between all the Angels, the angel of wisdom, the angel of death, Angel Gabriel, etc. They actually play poker together, bantering back and forth. It is apparent that Upper Management had planned wisely when these angels were created because they were a team, although representing different aspects of realm, light and darkness.
Lucifer hated his job, but he had applied for it and found that Upper Management was quite happy with the way he ran things. He suffered for all the evil that happened in the world. He spent most of his time monitoring and looking at review reports. So in Renee Bernard’s story, Lucifer was really just doing his job, he had no choice. As the other angels did theirs.
It’s comical, and romantic and being the softy I am, I cried. Of course, there is a happy ever after ending with just enough thread for us to know that Malcolm, the assistant to Lucifer will be having his own story.
Irreverent to some, I suppose, but extremely entertaining, a page-turner and just plain funny. I absolutely loved, loved, loved it!
September 1, 2015
WOW!!! First let me say that I have not read a Contemporary romance novel in 30 years, and I have never read a Paranormal one.
That being said I loved this book. It was romantic and very witty. Welcome to H.E. LLc, also known as HELL or HADES located in an invisible high rise in downtown San Francisco.
Jayne Hamilton is a young PR rep trying to work her way up the corporate ladder. When she is passed over for another promotion she decides to leave work early and take a walk. She finds herself in front of a 70 story black and glass building that she has never seen before. She enters the building and her life will never be the same. Why? She meets her soul mate who happens to be the Archangel Lucifer, also known as Satan.
Combine instant attraction between the two characters, a sweet love story with tons of laughs, rules, free will, and other demons, and Archangels and you have a book that you will read in one night.
What is different about this book, there are no bad guys coming in between the characters. Also this is the first romance I have read without sex scenes and you didn't need them to tell the story.
For being the Devil, Luke is sweet and kind and very romantic. His cast of demons and fellow Archangels are hysterically funny and I laughed my way thru this book. With lines like this how can you not?
"Is there a remonte infinitesimal change I just tried to pitch PR services to Lucifer, Prince of Darkness and Overseer of Hell?
And rules that state "Angels Rules 101" "They cannot interfere or change the course of human's path without Sanction from Upper Management" (Heaven).
I enjoyed this book very much and cannot not wait for the next one in The Eternity Gambit series.
For me to read a romance that is not Historical is truly mind blowing to me. I never thought I could enjoy a book that takes place in the present, because I read Historical Romance to escape this world, but Renee has converted me. She is truly an amazing writer and want to thank her for writing a book that combines everything we all love in Romance.
Do Not Miss This Book!!!!!!
That being said I loved this book. It was romantic and very witty. Welcome to H.E. LLc, also known as HELL or HADES located in an invisible high rise in downtown San Francisco.
Jayne Hamilton is a young PR rep trying to work her way up the corporate ladder. When she is passed over for another promotion she decides to leave work early and take a walk. She finds herself in front of a 70 story black and glass building that she has never seen before. She enters the building and her life will never be the same. Why? She meets her soul mate who happens to be the Archangel Lucifer, also known as Satan.
Combine instant attraction between the two characters, a sweet love story with tons of laughs, rules, free will, and other demons, and Archangels and you have a book that you will read in one night.
What is different about this book, there are no bad guys coming in between the characters. Also this is the first romance I have read without sex scenes and you didn't need them to tell the story.
For being the Devil, Luke is sweet and kind and very romantic. His cast of demons and fellow Archangels are hysterically funny and I laughed my way thru this book. With lines like this how can you not?
"Is there a remonte infinitesimal change I just tried to pitch PR services to Lucifer, Prince of Darkness and Overseer of Hell?
And rules that state "Angels Rules 101" "They cannot interfere or change the course of human's path without Sanction from Upper Management" (Heaven).
I enjoyed this book very much and cannot not wait for the next one in The Eternity Gambit series.
For me to read a romance that is not Historical is truly mind blowing to me. I never thought I could enjoy a book that takes place in the present, because I read Historical Romance to escape this world, but Renee has converted me. She is truly an amazing writer and want to thank her for writing a book that combines everything we all love in Romance.
Do Not Miss This Book!!!!!!
September 17, 2014
In a market filled with growling dominant heroes, Renee Bernard brings a refreshing and different twist to paranormal romance with the lighthearted debut of her new series, the Eternity Gambit.
Turns out, Hell isn't so extreme after all. It's really just like the corporate hel-, er, um, offices that we've all worked in. With a few supernatural quirks, of course.
Jayne Hamilton is an ambitious PR and marketing "account monkey" trying to get out of a cubicle and into an office. In her quest to land a whale to impress her boss , she happens upon H.E. LLc. Little does she realize that it's more than just a really unfortunate corporate name.
It seems that rather than a pit of burning lava, Hell is just an intimidating black skyscraper in downtown San Francisco, at least at the moment. Apparently, it moves around occasionally (I worked in a building just like that in Southern California years ago. I wonder...), complete with cubicles full of demons in suits (even if they look just like regular people).
And the CEO? Instead of red skin, horns and a tail, Lucifer is tall, golden and gorgeous in an Armani suit, and just about the nicest guy you'll ever meet.
Devil to Pay is a fun, cheerful romance with lots of witty dialogue, and charming, G-rated relationship building. If you're looking for steamy love scenes with a tortured alpha hero, look elsewhere. In fact, I'd almost go so far as to say Lucifer is a beta rather than alpha, except for one scene where he finally gets to flex his muscles. Otherwise, he lets Jayne take the lead, setting the pace and boundaries of their relationship, happy just to be with her at all.
Overall, this is a sweet story, and an easy read with an upbeat, feel-good tone. A perfect book to raise your spirits when life is wearing you down.
Disclosure - I was provided this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This is that review.
Turns out, Hell isn't so extreme after all. It's really just like the corporate hel-, er, um, offices that we've all worked in. With a few supernatural quirks, of course.
Jayne Hamilton is an ambitious PR and marketing "account monkey" trying to get out of a cubicle and into an office. In her quest to land a whale to impress her boss , she happens upon H.E. LLc. Little does she realize that it's more than just a really unfortunate corporate name.
It seems that rather than a pit of burning lava, Hell is just an intimidating black skyscraper in downtown San Francisco, at least at the moment. Apparently, it moves around occasionally (I worked in a building just like that in Southern California years ago. I wonder...), complete with cubicles full of demons in suits (even if they look just like regular people).
And the CEO? Instead of red skin, horns and a tail, Lucifer is tall, golden and gorgeous in an Armani suit, and just about the nicest guy you'll ever meet.
Devil to Pay is a fun, cheerful romance with lots of witty dialogue, and charming, G-rated relationship building. If you're looking for steamy love scenes with a tortured alpha hero, look elsewhere. In fact, I'd almost go so far as to say Lucifer is a beta rather than alpha, except for one scene where he finally gets to flex his muscles. Otherwise, he lets Jayne take the lead, setting the pace and boundaries of their relationship, happy just to be with her at all.
Overall, this is a sweet story, and an easy read with an upbeat, feel-good tone. A perfect book to raise your spirits when life is wearing you down.
Disclosure - I was provided this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This is that review.
February 12, 2015
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.
OH!! no blurby bit, I'm a-jumping!
This book, these 500odd pages, was such a refreshing change! Its hilarous, its amusing, it makes you think. It has love and passion (but is fairly clean!) It has angels and demons, but they are all flipped on the head and changed around. It has invisible buildings and weekly poker nights between the Archangels. IT HAS IT ALL! And it made me laugh (thats a rather difficult thing at the moment) and I loved it.
Jayne is awesome, she has faults but doesn't care. Luke is..well.. LUKE! He can't lie, since all angels can't, and his job is Lucifer and H.E.LLc and all its holdings. The weekly paparwork is a small forest by all accounts!
I cant say all I need to say, cos I will be here all day, so, listen up, cos this is gonna be short and sweet.
If you love angels and demons, one for you. If you are a sucker for a good love story, one for you. If you like funny books, check. If you like your books relatively clean, again, one for you. First in series, check. Awesome heroine, check. Sexy hero, check. Shall I go on?? No, I'm not gonna. But I will say this:
READ IT!
This is the first I've read oh this author, but it won't be the last. I would like to see who comes next, because I didn't see that in this story, and there are so many to choose from!
5 stars, all shiny and black like the marble in Luke's building :-P
**same review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
OH!! no blurby bit, I'm a-jumping!
This book, these 500odd pages, was such a refreshing change! Its hilarous, its amusing, it makes you think. It has love and passion (but is fairly clean!) It has angels and demons, but they are all flipped on the head and changed around. It has invisible buildings and weekly poker nights between the Archangels. IT HAS IT ALL! And it made me laugh (thats a rather difficult thing at the moment) and I loved it.
Jayne is awesome, she has faults but doesn't care. Luke is..well.. LUKE! He can't lie, since all angels can't, and his job is Lucifer and H.E.LLc and all its holdings. The weekly paparwork is a small forest by all accounts!
I cant say all I need to say, cos I will be here all day, so, listen up, cos this is gonna be short and sweet.
If you love angels and demons, one for you. If you are a sucker for a good love story, one for you. If you like funny books, check. If you like your books relatively clean, again, one for you. First in series, check. Awesome heroine, check. Sexy hero, check. Shall I go on?? No, I'm not gonna. But I will say this:
READ IT!
This is the first I've read oh this author, but it won't be the last. I would like to see who comes next, because I didn't see that in this story, and there are so many to choose from!
5 stars, all shiny and black like the marble in Luke's building :-P
**same review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
February 8, 2015
52% and I'm out...
I'm writing this at the 52% complete mark on my Kindle. I'm slightly more than halfway through and NOTHING has happened in this story beyond the female protagonist, Jayne, mooning over how beautiful Luke/Lucifer is, eating dinner in H.E., LLc. corporate headquarters (Hell, get it? Yuck, yuck, yuck), an aborted night out and taking a walk through San Francisco's Chinatown. There is no action, there is no tension and as a consequence there is no continued interest on my part.
There is, however, entirely too much silly, convoluted description of Hell's corporate structure, references to the poker games of the Archangels, the bowling league of the Guardian Angels, and the 'betting pools' of H.E., LLc.'s employees. There is nothing in either Jayne's or Luke/Lucifer's characterization that makes me want to keep reading. Ms. Bernard's attempt to create a tortured, sympathetic Satan who will be saved by the love of a good woman is just--plain--boring.
Bottom line: I bought this book on the strength of Ms. Bernard's work in The Black Rose trilogy. While I may have criticized her choice to break that story up into three parts, I praised her story telling. Unfortunately, her talents at writing humor don't match her skills at writing romance and drama. Devil to Pay is not worth your money or your time.
I'm writing this at the 52% complete mark on my Kindle. I'm slightly more than halfway through and NOTHING has happened in this story beyond the female protagonist, Jayne, mooning over how beautiful Luke/Lucifer is, eating dinner in H.E., LLc. corporate headquarters (Hell, get it? Yuck, yuck, yuck), an aborted night out and taking a walk through San Francisco's Chinatown. There is no action, there is no tension and as a consequence there is no continued interest on my part.
There is, however, entirely too much silly, convoluted description of Hell's corporate structure, references to the poker games of the Archangels, the bowling league of the Guardian Angels, and the 'betting pools' of H.E., LLc.'s employees. There is nothing in either Jayne's or Luke/Lucifer's characterization that makes me want to keep reading. Ms. Bernard's attempt to create a tortured, sympathetic Satan who will be saved by the love of a good woman is just--plain--boring.
Bottom line: I bought this book on the strength of Ms. Bernard's work in The Black Rose trilogy. While I may have criticized her choice to break that story up into three parts, I praised her story telling. Unfortunately, her talents at writing humor don't match her skills at writing romance and drama. Devil to Pay is not worth your money or your time.
August 15, 2014
Who would have thought that one could make the Devil like able? Or a hot romantic lead, for that matter? Ms. Bernard has done that, and so much more, with Devil to Pay. This book was so much fun to read and a great kickoff to the H.E.,LLc series. The scenes with Luke, aka Lucifer (yes, that Lucifer!), and his poker buddies are priceless. Should I mention that his poker buddies are none other than Michael (as in the Archangel), Raphael, Gabriel (who is a woman, LOVE that!), Azrael and Uriel? The writing is fantastic and very witty. Some definite laugh out loud moments.
The courtship between Jayne and Luke is also very well written. The chemistry between them is hot. One of my favorite scenes is the Angel of Death, The Devil and Jayne the heroine playing mini golf...yes, mini golf. I can't tell you anymore than that! You have to read it yourself..so good. There's also a great scene where Luke goes kick butt on the Archangel Michael that's pretty intense. I actually read that scene a couple of times it was so good. I can hardly wait for the next in the series. There are so many great characters that seem ready for their own stories and I'm looking forward to reading them all.
The courtship between Jayne and Luke is also very well written. The chemistry between them is hot. One of my favorite scenes is the Angel of Death, The Devil and Jayne the heroine playing mini golf...yes, mini golf. I can't tell you anymore than that! You have to read it yourself..so good. There's also a great scene where Luke goes kick butt on the Archangel Michael that's pretty intense. I actually read that scene a couple of times it was so good. I can hardly wait for the next in the series. There are so many great characters that seem ready for their own stories and I'm looking forward to reading them all.
August 14, 2014
Welcome to the world of the Devil and get ready for an interesting ride. I loved this book and it was wonderful how Renee was able to give the Devil a humorous side and to show that he isn't evil as he has been portrayed in the past. My favorite line is when he is playing poker with the archangels and says, "I hate to win and run, but I have to see a Demon about a fruit basket."
Jayne Hamilton is a wonderful character and she has tried so hard to move up in the world and then she meets Luke and her world changes. She has to learn to erase the preconceived ideas she has of Lucifer and learns that not everyone is as they appear and there are other sides to the archangels that we as humans don't realize. I loved Malcolm, Luke's assistant and I hope he gets his own story. He was a character and he was pretty funny.
Jayne Hamilton is a wonderful character and she has tried so hard to move up in the world and then she meets Luke and her world changes. She has to learn to erase the preconceived ideas she has of Lucifer and learns that not everyone is as they appear and there are other sides to the archangels that we as humans don't realize. I loved Malcolm, Luke's assistant and I hope he gets his own story. He was a character and he was pretty funny.
May 24, 2016
An unusual entry from the author. She certainly does not shy away from possibly controversial material (if you are a black and white religious type). It is amusing, makes some very good comments about perception and context when we judge people (and we ALL do).
It was at times a bit slow and Jayne (the main character) certainly stretched my credulity a bit. Most women would not have shown such restraint (no sex people!), but then again she IS special.
4 stars for a fun, quirky read.
It was at times a bit slow and Jayne (the main character) certainly stretched my credulity a bit. Most women would not have shown such restraint (no sex people!), but then again she IS special.
4 stars for a fun, quirky read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2014
This was a fun book that was lighthearted and funny, I loved the two main characters Luke was an incredible " Lucifer" and Jayne was so real and down to earth. The supporting characters were great as well, especially the other Archangels ( loved the poker nights) and I want an assistant like Malcolm as well. Overall a great read can't wait for the next book.
February 1, 2015
I have read every book and this was very different from her usual style. The story wasn't as interwoven as say her jaded series..I still enjoyed it and will read any others she brings out with a paranormal spin.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews