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The Visconti Devils
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN Maggie Pacelli didn’t believe in love at first sight. She was about to lose all belief in true love. But that all changed when she met Michael LeClaire, the new curator at the Beinecke Library at Yale. Michael is fascinated with the new tarot deck that Maggie is painting—and he also seems to be fascinated with Maggie. Maggie can’t believe how perfect he is for her—or how hard she’s falling for him. A DATE WITH HELL When Michael shows Maggie the rare 15th century Visconti tarot cards in the Beinecke’s archives and reveals to her that The Devil is missing from every one of the surviving decks, Maggie is intrigued. The Devil is the one card she can’t decide how to paint. Maggie feels certain that the answer to the riddle lies in Milan. Unable to dissuade her, Michael accompanies Maggie to Italy on her quest to discover the truth about the missing Visconti Devils. Their search takes them to the Brera, where they meet Luca Arcangeli, a wealthy art collector who may hold the key. But in Milan at the height of Carnevale, nothing and no one are what they seem—and Maggie will soon find herself at the center of a struggle between the forces of light and darkness that will challenge her beliefs and force her to choose the fate of her soul.
329 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 26, 2025
It took me several years to track down a copy of this book. Was it worth it? Meh.
Dimitra is not a very good writer and the story is mostly a shallow, repetitive romance novel:
"I love you."
"Well, I love you."
"You are so beautiful."
" Well, you are so beautiful."
"I want to have sex with you."
"Well, I want to have sex with you, but I can't."
There are far better novels out there with a creative tarot backdrop ... Erika Swyler's The Book of Speculation and Gwendolyn Womack's The Fortune Teller are two recent examples.
Dimitra is not a very good writer and the story is mostly a shallow, repetitive romance novel:
"I love you."
"Well, I love you."
"You are so beautiful."
" Well, you are so beautiful."
"I want to have sex with you."
"Well, I want to have sex with you, but I can't."
There are far better novels out there with a creative tarot backdrop ... Erika Swyler's The Book of Speculation and Gwendolyn Womack's The Fortune Teller are two recent examples.
December 7, 2018
too much biological clock is ticking dear in the first chapters. couldn't finish
March 6, 2018
A good book, very entertaining. I enjoyed the characters and the setting.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Aventine Press and Netgalley
Recommended.
Many thanks to Aventine Press and Netgalley
July 23, 2018
This story is my first by Ria Dimitra. It falls in the supernatural angel category for me. But, it is unlike any other angel story I've read. I love these types of reads and was so excited when Ria reached out to me. I read this one on vacation and have finally been catching up to get it posted. My first thought about this book was the sequel would be fantastic. I think she concluded it in a perfect place for a future story. My second thought was how awesome this would be as a movie. It reminds me of the secrets and intrigue I found with reading The Davinci Code. It kept me on my toes and guessing right up until the very end.
Maggie is an intelligent woman with a passion for art and tarot cards. She has a unique ability to capture the art and hidden truths behind each card. On her life journey, she hopes to find a connection a love like her sister and best friend. Her sister is all too eager to help with that. Overall I really liked Maggie's character. Her personality was one you could see in a real-life friend. There were moments when I wanted to smack her upside the head. Mainly when she made Michael chose between his values and lust. Also, when she didn't heed his warnings and concerns.
Micael has secrets. When Ria first introduced him I felt like something was shady. He did not turn out like I thought, which is a good thing. I think he really showed me as a reader his true nature in the last half of the book. I was intrigued by him and his intelligence. He really fueled Maggie's passions and mind. Again, I found this character enjoyable and loved how he was written. He had passion, heart, and faith in Maggie and life.
The supporting characters were great. Her sister and niece added a closeness and family bond that fit in the story. Rachel, Maggie's best friend, has a fantastic personality. While she wasn't a huge player in the story, I did like their banter.
The antagonist in this story comes out in a surprising way. I was fascinated by where Ria took the story and how Maggie played such an important role. The last half of this book flew by. I felt some pieces moved too quickly and had to reread some sections to make sure I was following along correctly. That is probably my only sticking point, are some things moved in a huge blur.
Overall I really enjoyed the story. I found it original, unique, and different from anything else I've read. I really want another book and will be following this author. The plot was concluded and there is what I feel an opening for more in this world to be written. This blogger gives it 5 pointe shoes for intrigue, mystery, and all around interesting read.
Maggie is an intelligent woman with a passion for art and tarot cards. She has a unique ability to capture the art and hidden truths behind each card. On her life journey, she hopes to find a connection a love like her sister and best friend. Her sister is all too eager to help with that. Overall I really liked Maggie's character. Her personality was one you could see in a real-life friend. There were moments when I wanted to smack her upside the head. Mainly when she made Michael chose between his values and lust. Also, when she didn't heed his warnings and concerns.
Micael has secrets. When Ria first introduced him I felt like something was shady. He did not turn out like I thought, which is a good thing. I think he really showed me as a reader his true nature in the last half of the book. I was intrigued by him and his intelligence. He really fueled Maggie's passions and mind. Again, I found this character enjoyable and loved how he was written. He had passion, heart, and faith in Maggie and life.
The supporting characters were great. Her sister and niece added a closeness and family bond that fit in the story. Rachel, Maggie's best friend, has a fantastic personality. While she wasn't a huge player in the story, I did like their banter.
The antagonist in this story comes out in a surprising way. I was fascinated by where Ria took the story and how Maggie played such an important role. The last half of this book flew by. I felt some pieces moved too quickly and had to reread some sections to make sure I was following along correctly. That is probably my only sticking point, are some things moved in a huge blur.
Overall I really enjoyed the story. I found it original, unique, and different from anything else I've read. I really want another book and will be following this author. The plot was concluded and there is what I feel an opening for more in this world to be written. This blogger gives it 5 pointe shoes for intrigue, mystery, and all around interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews