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McKenna Brothers #2
The Devil You Know
From the USA Today bestselling author of This Gun for Hire and one of today's “premier western romance writers,”* a captivating new Western historical romance . . .
WHAT HE DOESN’T KNOW . . .
After a horse drags him through the countryside, Israel McKenna awakes bruised and battered in a field in Pancake Valley, Colorado. He can recall where he came from and where he was going, but the memory of how he came to be on the Pancake homestead eludes him. He’s certain he did something wrong to deserve such a harsh punishment—and so is the beautiful woman who reluctantly comes to his aid.
. . . COULD HURT HER.
Wilhelmina “Willa” Pancake must focus on running her family’s ranch. With Israel’s hazy memory, she is unsure if she can trust him, let alone handle the budding attraction between them. And as men fight to steal her land and the truth about Israel’s past rides toward them, love is a risk she cannot easily take.
WHAT HE DOESN’T KNOW . . .
After a horse drags him through the countryside, Israel McKenna awakes bruised and battered in a field in Pancake Valley, Colorado. He can recall where he came from and where he was going, but the memory of how he came to be on the Pancake homestead eludes him. He’s certain he did something wrong to deserve such a harsh punishment—and so is the beautiful woman who reluctantly comes to his aid.
. . . COULD HURT HER.
Wilhelmina “Willa” Pancake must focus on running her family’s ranch. With Israel’s hazy memory, she is unsure if she can trust him, let alone handle the budding attraction between them. And as men fight to steal her land and the truth about Israel’s past rides toward them, love is a risk she cannot easily take.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 3, 2016
39 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Jo Goodman
60 books479 followersTo find characters to illustrate my first family saga, I cut out models from the Sears catalogue. I was in fourth grade, but it was a start. In seventh grade I wrote a melodrama about two orphan sisters, one of whom was pregnant. There was also a story about a runaway girl with the unlikely name of Strawberry and one about mistaken identities and an evil blind date. My supportive, but vaguely concerned parents, sighed with relief when I announced I was going to write children's books. They bought me an electric typewriter and crossed their fingers, but somehow PASSION'S BRIDE came out. No one was really surprised.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
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August 15, 2016DNF @22%, no rating
I'd been reading this book for several weeks until I decided to throw in the towel at 22%. It was too long-winded and boring. Neither the main protagonists nor the storyline could hold my interest. I guess even good writing can't always save a book. Thus I never felt like I should pick it up again. DNF it is.
I'd been reading this book for several weeks until I decided to throw in the towel at 22%. It was too long-winded and boring. Neither the main protagonists nor the storyline could hold my interest. I guess even good writing can't always save a book. Thus I never felt like I should pick it up again. DNF it is.
May 24, 2016
The story line in The Devil You Know is not only layered with secrets, mystery, and humor, but features a very adorable 8-year old girl who, I believe, steals the show throughout the book.
Protagonists:
Israel isn’t a possessive, tough-as-nails alpha nor the sweet, reliable beta hero. He is more like...a sigma hero, one who has a clever, cunning mind with ability to persuade people.
Wila is a fiercely practical heroine. Halfway through the book, I admit I wasn’t sure what to make of her character. But the moment I found out what’s in Wila’s past, my heart skipped a beat. See, the plot point in Goodman's book sometimes caught me by surprise just when I thought I had all figured out;)
Anyway, if you are interested in western HRs with superb character development and slooooowly-built romance, you can also try Goodman’s The Last Renegade, In Want of A Wife. Happy Reading!
Protagonists:
Israel isn’t a possessive, tough-as-nails alpha nor the sweet, reliable beta hero. He is more like...a sigma hero, one who has a clever, cunning mind with ability to persuade people.
Wila is a fiercely practical heroine. Halfway through the book, I admit I wasn’t sure what to make of her character. But the moment I found out what’s in Wila’s past, my heart skipped a beat. See, the plot point in Goodman's book sometimes caught me by surprise just when I thought I had all figured out;)
Anyway, if you are interested in western HRs with superb character development and slooooowly-built romance, you can also try Goodman’s The Last Renegade, In Want of A Wife. Happy Reading!
May 11, 2016
My favorite character in this book was Annalea, who was not the heroine. My second favorite character was Happy, who was not the hero. There's something "wrong" with a book when its H/h fail to engage me, so I can't give this book more than 3 stars.
May 16, 2016
4.5 Stars. Let's just call this one a sophisticated western romance and call it a day. I love JG and she is my only go to author for historical western romance, so I allow her a lot of leeway when it comes to her stories. I loved Israel and Willa as a couple, but it took me awhile to get there for them, but in the end I did. Although I will say, it takes awhile for the actual romance to heat up for the story overall. I suspected Willa's secret from the get go, but didn't expect how it played out, nor how it was kicked off. For those that want authentic wording and historical accuracy, this one may not make the mark. I had several laugh out loud moments with the banter between the various characters, especially Willa's dad.
May 3, 2016
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW by Jo Goodman will entice you to seek more of these romantic feel-good westerns. Jo Goodman always entertains western historical fans with her brand of subtle humor that comes across so beautifully in actions and words. Find a shelf and start stocking it with Goodman's westerns and be prepared to reread them often since you're going to crave them more than once.
For more reviews, plus travel, garden and food topics with photos, visit The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
Ten-year-old Annalea Pancake is pretending to search for water, with her dog John Henry by her side, using the divining rod she created from a stick. John Henry wants the stick, but instead, Annalea uses it to poke the almost-dead man she comes across lying in their pasture. The man looks as if he was dragged behind a horse quite a distance if his torn clothing and scraped-raw skin are any indication. He surprises Annalea by grabbing the stick she’s poking him with and tosses it, much to John Henry’s delight.
Before Annalea runs for help, she questions the man, fully aware he’s in no position to deny her anything. Even though he’s half alive, their conversation is progressively hilarious. Annalea is anything but subtle as she decides whether she’s going to help this injured stranger. The fact that John Henry seems to like him convinces Annalea to be a good Samaritan.
Wilhelemina “Willa” Pancake assists with running her family’s ranch and takes care of her little sister Annalea. Often drunk, their father, Happy Pancake, hasn’t been much help since his wife died. When Annalea runs home to report on the stranger collapsed on their land, they all vote on doing the right thing by caring for his injuries, then giving him a chance to explain himself and eventually offering him a job.
Annalea names the man Augustus Horatio Roundbottom, hoping that this insult will convince him to remember his name. Israel Court McKenna is thankful to the family who found him and saved his life. He eventually remembers his name and where he was supposed to be going, but he has no recollection of what happened to him.
Annalea steals the show from the very first page. I read the first three chapters a second time before I wrote my review and I laughed again at her antics. She’s quite precocious and keeps this a consistently entertaining book. This isn’t chick-lit like humor – it’s well placed and shown by actions as well as words, so it’s often subtle.
As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Jo Goodman’s style. My quibble is when the main characters’ relationship climaxed before the book was half done, I was bereft at the loss, wondering where the book would go from there. What followed of the couple’s relationship is cute and endearing, but the book stalled for me in the middle. That’s completely normal for me as a reader because my preference is for the relationship to climax at the end of the book versus in the middle. There’s a valid reason to continue the plot and it’s intriguing, with several reveals that I didn’t see coming, but it just took me a few pages to get used to that idea.
Even though I felt the pacing was off in some chapters, this book is still an enjoyable story. In comparison to the first book, THIS GUN FOR HIRE, that I rated as a 5, this book is a 4 in my opinion. That said, I’d still rather read a 4 rated Jo Goodman western than books I’ve rated higher. I might be a tad harder on Goodman’s books because she is so gifted and I’m comparing her to herself. My expectations are extremely high and easily riled, even though I will reread the book no matter how I rate it. Who knows, I may rate it higher the second time around because I’ll know that my not-so-favorite-theme is coming.
Fans will enjoy catching up with Quill and Calico from THIS GUN FOR HIRE, book one in the McKenna brothers duology. Even though characters from THIS GUN FOR HIRE appear in THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, each book can be read as a standalone. Quill is the good brother and Israel claims he’s the bad brother. In the end, it’s up to you to decide if either one of them are good or bad, or if they’re both a little bit of each. Willa and Israel have a playful relationship that’s addictive. They’re just really cute together and as they get to know each other in more detail physically, their playful nature made me laugh. I found their relationship unusual and I especially enjoyed that I couldn’t predict how either of them would react once all their secrets are discovered.
What’s rare about Goodman’s scenes is that they can be read multiple times and they still feel as fresh as the first time. After reading the excerpt in the back of this book for THIS GUN FOR HIRE, I’m ready for a reread of that entire book. It pulled me right back into the story and I want to relive it. The same thing happened when I reread the first three chapters of this book.
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW made me smile and laugh a lot. Some of the humor is corny, some of it is subtle, while other parts are laugh-out-loud funny. The humor suits the situations and the characters perfectly. There are great historical mannerisms that slide right off the characters, creating one liners that sneak up and surprise. Thoroughly gratifying historical fiction with engaging characters that lead a merry chase, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW will tickle your funny bone while charming your heart.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley.
For more reviews, plus travel, garden and food topics with photos, visit The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
Ten-year-old Annalea Pancake is pretending to search for water, with her dog John Henry by her side, using the divining rod she created from a stick. John Henry wants the stick, but instead, Annalea uses it to poke the almost-dead man she comes across lying in their pasture. The man looks as if he was dragged behind a horse quite a distance if his torn clothing and scraped-raw skin are any indication. He surprises Annalea by grabbing the stick she’s poking him with and tosses it, much to John Henry’s delight.
Before Annalea runs for help, she questions the man, fully aware he’s in no position to deny her anything. Even though he’s half alive, their conversation is progressively hilarious. Annalea is anything but subtle as she decides whether she’s going to help this injured stranger. The fact that John Henry seems to like him convinces Annalea to be a good Samaritan.
Wilhelemina “Willa” Pancake assists with running her family’s ranch and takes care of her little sister Annalea. Often drunk, their father, Happy Pancake, hasn’t been much help since his wife died. When Annalea runs home to report on the stranger collapsed on their land, they all vote on doing the right thing by caring for his injuries, then giving him a chance to explain himself and eventually offering him a job.
Annalea names the man Augustus Horatio Roundbottom, hoping that this insult will convince him to remember his name. Israel Court McKenna is thankful to the family who found him and saved his life. He eventually remembers his name and where he was supposed to be going, but he has no recollection of what happened to him.
Annalea steals the show from the very first page. I read the first three chapters a second time before I wrote my review and I laughed again at her antics. She’s quite precocious and keeps this a consistently entertaining book. This isn’t chick-lit like humor – it’s well placed and shown by actions as well as words, so it’s often subtle.
As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Jo Goodman’s style. My quibble is when the main characters’ relationship climaxed before the book was half done, I was bereft at the loss, wondering where the book would go from there. What followed of the couple’s relationship is cute and endearing, but the book stalled for me in the middle. That’s completely normal for me as a reader because my preference is for the relationship to climax at the end of the book versus in the middle. There’s a valid reason to continue the plot and it’s intriguing, with several reveals that I didn’t see coming, but it just took me a few pages to get used to that idea.
Even though I felt the pacing was off in some chapters, this book is still an enjoyable story. In comparison to the first book, THIS GUN FOR HIRE, that I rated as a 5, this book is a 4 in my opinion. That said, I’d still rather read a 4 rated Jo Goodman western than books I’ve rated higher. I might be a tad harder on Goodman’s books because she is so gifted and I’m comparing her to herself. My expectations are extremely high and easily riled, even though I will reread the book no matter how I rate it. Who knows, I may rate it higher the second time around because I’ll know that my not-so-favorite-theme is coming.
Fans will enjoy catching up with Quill and Calico from THIS GUN FOR HIRE, book one in the McKenna brothers duology. Even though characters from THIS GUN FOR HIRE appear in THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, each book can be read as a standalone. Quill is the good brother and Israel claims he’s the bad brother. In the end, it’s up to you to decide if either one of them are good or bad, or if they’re both a little bit of each. Willa and Israel have a playful relationship that’s addictive. They’re just really cute together and as they get to know each other in more detail physically, their playful nature made me laugh. I found their relationship unusual and I especially enjoyed that I couldn’t predict how either of them would react once all their secrets are discovered.
What’s rare about Goodman’s scenes is that they can be read multiple times and they still feel as fresh as the first time. After reading the excerpt in the back of this book for THIS GUN FOR HIRE, I’m ready for a reread of that entire book. It pulled me right back into the story and I want to relive it. The same thing happened when I reread the first three chapters of this book.
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW made me smile and laugh a lot. Some of the humor is corny, some of it is subtle, while other parts are laugh-out-loud funny. The humor suits the situations and the characters perfectly. There are great historical mannerisms that slide right off the characters, creating one liners that sneak up and surprise. Thoroughly gratifying historical fiction with engaging characters that lead a merry chase, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW will tickle your funny bone while charming your heart.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley.
May 5, 2016
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
The Devil You Know is the latest Western romance from Jo Goodman and it should be paired with Goodman's This Gun for Hire . In The Devil You Know Israel McKenna is discovered beaten and bloody on Willa Pancake’s land. Suspicious about how the man ended up in that condition, Willa nonetheless decides to take him in (her precocious sister might have something to do with that). Rather than calming her fears, Israel can’t tell Willa why he ended up where he did in the state that he was; he has very little recollection of his past, and what he does remember he’s not eager to share.
Despite a rather impactful first meeting, Israel and Willa cautiously circle one another as they get to know each other. Their tentative courtship is complicated by the fact that the Pancake’s neighbours want the Pankcake land and they’re not above using nefarious means to get what they want. In fact, the neighbouring rancher's son would like nothing more than to marry Willa and claim the land in the process. So while Willa and her family are content to let Israel work on their ranch as he recovers, it soon becomes clear that Israel can serve another purpose:
“I don’t merely want to hold him off,” she said. “I want to stop him altogether. I am weary of the shadow he casts. It has weight and substance and darkens my thoughts, my life. I’ve had enough. I want to be done with his proposals once and for all. I want to be done with him. Is that clear enough?”
Israel was struck by her vehemence, but he did not allow himself to respond to her urgency. Calmly, he said, “I think so, but don’t forget I told you I wasn’t good with a gun. If you’re asking me to kill him, I might not be –"
Willa snatched the glass from his hand and sit down hard beside hers. “I am not asking you to kill him. Are you truly recovered from your concussion? I am asking you to marry me!” (p. 119).
Despite the convenience of Israel’s presence on the Pancake ranch, Israel is not quick to accept Willa’s offer of marriage. Instead the romance becomes more complex as Israel starts to recover his own memories and launches a cautious courtship of the prickly Willa.
Anyone that enjoys the slow burn of Mary Balogh’s Regency romances will appreciate the care that Goodman employs in setting up the romance between Israel and Willa. Israel and Willa do not immediately jump into a relationship, but the groundwork for that relationship is subtly laid throughout the book. Like Balogh, the emphasis in the romance is on the characters and their reactions to one another. While this can slow down the pacing, it makes for a more emotional read.
Despite my love for Goodman's western romances, my one complaint would have to be the way that some issues are glossed over in the book. The pacing of The Devil You Know is comfortably slow; however, that means a lot happens over the course of the book. There are some pretty momentous things that happen during the course of the novel as well as in the past of the main characters. In a way, I felt that because there were several big things happening in the book, their impact and the character’s personal resolution of those events were at odds. It’s a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding western romance.
If you’ve enjoyed Goodman’s previous western romances at all, The Devil You Know is a must read. It features characters that have a past, one as a criminal, but the way that they, as a couple, deal with that difficulty is truly outstanding. This is another introspective romance from Goodman and I can’t wait to read her next.
November 6, 2016
This was fun, Goodman's newer westerns are usually a sold four stars for me. I enjoyed the H/h and the way Goodman develops the relationship letting the characters develop and not an immediate hop into bed. Some interesting twists and turns that kept me surprised as I didn't see them all coming. There is another book that proceeds this one, which I haven't read yet, but I didn't feel that I was missing anything by not having read that.
September 21, 2016
I have tried to a couple other books by this author and I always think they are going to be good but they never are. The Devil You Know was just the same. Long and dull as ditch water.
NOTE TO SELF: Do not read any more Jo Goodman. You do not like her style. Her books are always too boring for you. Save yourself the time and money and Goodman the bad review.
NOTE TO SELF: Do not read any more Jo Goodman. You do not like her style. Her books are always too boring for you. Save yourself the time and money and Goodman the bad review.
June 9, 2016
Lo que más me gusta de esta autora es que sus romances se cuecen a “fuego lento” y sus diálogos son ingeniosos y divertidos. Pero aún así sus historias no siempre funcionan para mí, este ha sido un claro ejemplo.
No he conseguido conectar con los protagonistas. No me han parecido realistas, han estado bien, me han entretenido pero les ha faltado fondo. Ha habido una descompensación palpable entre el pasado y bagaje de los protagonistas y su carácter. Al principio no es chocante pero en cuanto la historia avanza y se va aclarando su pasado y todo lo que han sufrido, ya no me parece tan real como actúan. Siempre espero que los protagonistas sean consecuentes y Willa no me lo ha parecido. Con ese carácter tan fuerte, tan independiente y tan segura de sí misma como la ha dibujado la autora me ha parecido que chocaba con todo el sufrimiento y agonía de su pasado. Al final, ese pasado me ha parecido melodramático, no he conseguido ver en qué ha afectado a Willa todo ese sufrimiento…ha sido innecesario y muy desagradable… una pena…
En el caso de Israel (el protagonista) todo ha sido más sutil y la pérdida de memoria que sufre lo hace todo muy interesante, pero al final me ha pasado lo mismo. Cuando he conocido todo su pasado, en este caso no tan crudo como el de Willa pero no por ello menos perturbador, me ha parecido que su cambio de personalidad de 180 grados no ha estado debidamente justificado. Hubiese necesitado más explicaciones y hubiese sido más realista si la autora nos lo hubiese mostrado, pero nos ha presentado directamente el personaje final…
El plato fuerte de esta historia son sus secundarios. Me ha encantado Annalea. Me lo he pasado genial leyendo sus escenas, imposible aburrirse con ella cerca! Divertida, sincera, realista, realmente ha sido lo mejor de libro. Robaba el protagonismo en cada escena en la que aparecía.
Lo mismo me ha pasado con Happy. Me ha encantado el personaje aunque sigo pensando que la autora no se ha tomado la molestia de hacer su cambio creíble. Lo hace de una página a otra, una pena porque la historia tenía hueco para hacerlo más escalonado.
Y qué decir de los malos… Me ha gustado Eli, se ha llevado todo el trabajo y esfuerzo de la autora, lo ha presentado como un personaje muy realista y muy consecuente. Todo lo que hace está justificado, es entendible, es perfecto, pero el padre, Malcolm no lo es. Es un personaje plano, que hace lo que hace porque sí, que no se justifica, ni se arrepiente, ni siente ni padece, es malo porque le toca ser el malo y nada más. Ni lo he entendido ni me ha gustado.
Hay un giro en la historia que me dejó sin aliento…no lo vi venir…fue interesante y sobre todo inesperado, pero después de ese giro me pareció que toda la historia perdía un poco de credibilidad, me replantee todas las relaciones y no salieron bien paradas…no sé para qué construir ese giro si no va a tener consecuencias.
El final un poquito demasiado… me hubiese gustado sentir algo mientras leía las escenas finales pero no ha sido así, los personajes no me han transmitido sus sentimientos.
Total, que la historia es muy interesante y los personajes son los que llevan el peso, el romance es muy tierno, los secundarios son maravillosos y me ha entretenido, que al final es lo que importa.
Si no le buscas los 3 pies al gato (como yo) está muy bien.
What I like most about this author is that her romances are slow building and her dialogues are clever and fun. But even so, her stories don't always work for me, this was a clear example of that.
I have not managed to connect with the MC´s. They have been nice, they have entertained me but I have missed more depth in them. There has been a palpable imbalance between the characters´ past and background and their personality, their nature. At the beginning it is not shocking but as the story progresses and their past is cleared up, it does not seem real the way they act. I always expect that the characters are consistent and Willa hadn´t been it. With such a strong personality, so independent and so sure of herself as she has been drawn by the author, I've found that all that had clashed with all the suffering and agony in her past. The result has been that that past has seemed melodramatic; I have failed to see how it has affected Willa at all... It was unpleasant and (it seems to me) unnecessary...
If we talk about Israel (the hero), everything has been more subtle. His amnesia makes it all very interesting, but at the end, it happens the same again: when his past is revealed, in his case not so crude as of Willa´s but no less disturbing, I found that his personality took a 180-dregree turn which was not duly justified. It would have required further explanation and it would have been more realistic if the author had shown us, but she has presented to us directly the end product...
The highlights of this story are its secondary. I loved Annalea. I've so much fun reading her scenes, it´s impossible to get bored with her around! She is so funny, sincere, and realistic; it really has been the best of the story. She has stolen the limelight in every scene in which she appeared.
In the same way I loved Happy (Willa´s dad). Although I still think that the author should had taken the trouble to make his change credible. In the blink of an eye Happy is a new person, again without neither explanations nor time to make it believable. A pity because the story had length to make the changes more staggered.
And what to say about the bad guys... I liked Eli, he has taken all the author´s work, he has been presented as very realistic and consistent character. I found his acts justified, his reasoning understandable, he is perfect, but not his father. Malcolm is a flat character, who makes what makes just so. I didn´t find any justifications for his acts, he is a bad guy because the story needed one. I neither understood nor liked him.
There is a twist in the story that left me breathless... I didn´t see it coming... it was interesting and mostly unexpected, but after that turn of events the story lost a bit of credibility, I have to reconsider the relationships and characters and they did not come off well... I don't know why to build this twist if it didn´t have consequences.
And finally I found the end a bit OTT... I would have liked to feel something while reading the final scene but it has not happened; it was all too convenient, fast and detached (IMO).
In short, the story it is interesting and the characters are who carry its weight, the romance is lovely, the secondary are wonderful and it has entertained me, which in the end is what matters.
No he conseguido conectar con los protagonistas. No me han parecido realistas, han estado bien, me han entretenido pero les ha faltado fondo. Ha habido una descompensación palpable entre el pasado y bagaje de los protagonistas y su carácter. Al principio no es chocante pero en cuanto la historia avanza y se va aclarando su pasado y todo lo que han sufrido, ya no me parece tan real como actúan. Siempre espero que los protagonistas sean consecuentes y Willa no me lo ha parecido. Con ese carácter tan fuerte, tan independiente y tan segura de sí misma como la ha dibujado la autora me ha parecido que chocaba con todo el sufrimiento y agonía de su pasado. Al final, ese pasado me ha parecido melodramático, no he conseguido ver en qué ha afectado a Willa todo ese sufrimiento…ha sido innecesario y muy desagradable… una pena…
En el caso de Israel (el protagonista) todo ha sido más sutil y la pérdida de memoria que sufre lo hace todo muy interesante, pero al final me ha pasado lo mismo. Cuando he conocido todo su pasado, en este caso no tan crudo como el de Willa pero no por ello menos perturbador, me ha parecido que su cambio de personalidad de 180 grados no ha estado debidamente justificado. Hubiese necesitado más explicaciones y hubiese sido más realista si la autora nos lo hubiese mostrado, pero nos ha presentado directamente el personaje final…
El plato fuerte de esta historia son sus secundarios. Me ha encantado Annalea. Me lo he pasado genial leyendo sus escenas, imposible aburrirse con ella cerca! Divertida, sincera, realista, realmente ha sido lo mejor de libro. Robaba el protagonismo en cada escena en la que aparecía.
“Uh-huh. I am wondering about the nature of his activities. It´s a sure thing you don´t get dragged behind a horse and left for dead if somebody ain´t pissed at you.” (Says Annalea)
One of Willa´s dark eyebrows kicked up. “Language.”
“Sorry. If somebody isn´t pissed at you”.
Lo mismo me ha pasado con Happy. Me ha encantado el personaje aunque sigo pensando que la autora no se ha tomado la molestia de hacer su cambio creíble. Lo hace de una página a otra, una pena porque la historia tenía hueco para hacerlo más escalonado.
Y qué decir de los malos… Me ha gustado Eli, se ha llevado todo el trabajo y esfuerzo de la autora, lo ha presentado como un personaje muy realista y muy consecuente. Todo lo que hace está justificado, es entendible, es perfecto, pero el padre, Malcolm no lo es. Es un personaje plano, que hace lo que hace porque sí, que no se justifica, ni se arrepiente, ni siente ni padece, es malo porque le toca ser el malo y nada más. Ni lo he entendido ni me ha gustado.
Hay un giro en la historia que me dejó sin aliento…no lo vi venir…fue interesante y sobre todo inesperado, pero después de ese giro me pareció que toda la historia perdía un poco de credibilidad, me replantee todas las relaciones y no salieron bien paradas…no sé para qué construir ese giro si no va a tener consecuencias.
El final un poquito demasiado… me hubiese gustado sentir algo mientras leía las escenas finales pero no ha sido así, los personajes no me han transmitido sus sentimientos.
Total, que la historia es muy interesante y los personajes son los que llevan el peso, el romance es muy tierno, los secundarios son maravillosos y me ha entretenido, que al final es lo que importa.
Si no le buscas los 3 pies al gato (como yo) está muy bien.
What I like most about this author is that her romances are slow building and her dialogues are clever and fun. But even so, her stories don't always work for me, this was a clear example of that.
I have not managed to connect with the MC´s. They have been nice, they have entertained me but I have missed more depth in them. There has been a palpable imbalance between the characters´ past and background and their personality, their nature. At the beginning it is not shocking but as the story progresses and their past is cleared up, it does not seem real the way they act. I always expect that the characters are consistent and Willa hadn´t been it. With such a strong personality, so independent and so sure of herself as she has been drawn by the author, I've found that all that had clashed with all the suffering and agony in her past. The result has been that that past has seemed melodramatic; I have failed to see how it has affected Willa at all... It was unpleasant and (it seems to me) unnecessary...
If we talk about Israel (the hero), everything has been more subtle. His amnesia makes it all very interesting, but at the end, it happens the same again: when his past is revealed, in his case not so crude as of Willa´s but no less disturbing, I found that his personality took a 180-dregree turn which was not duly justified. It would have required further explanation and it would have been more realistic if the author had shown us, but she has presented to us directly the end product...
The highlights of this story are its secondary. I loved Annalea. I've so much fun reading her scenes, it´s impossible to get bored with her around! She is so funny, sincere, and realistic; it really has been the best of the story. She has stolen the limelight in every scene in which she appeared.
“Uh-huh. I am wondering about the nature of his activities. It´s a sure thing you don’t get dragged behind a horse and left for dead if somebody ain´t pissed at you.” (Says Annalea)
One of Willa´s dark eyebrows kicked up. “Language.”
“Sorry. If somebody isn´t pissed at you”.
In the same way I loved Happy (Willa´s dad). Although I still think that the author should had taken the trouble to make his change credible. In the blink of an eye Happy is a new person, again without neither explanations nor time to make it believable. A pity because the story had length to make the changes more staggered.
And what to say about the bad guys... I liked Eli, he has taken all the author´s work, he has been presented as very realistic and consistent character. I found his acts justified, his reasoning understandable, he is perfect, but not his father. Malcolm is a flat character, who makes what makes just so. I didn´t find any justifications for his acts, he is a bad guy because the story needed one. I neither understood nor liked him.
There is a twist in the story that left me breathless... I didn´t see it coming... it was interesting and mostly unexpected, but after that turn of events the story lost a bit of credibility, I have to reconsider the relationships and characters and they did not come off well... I don't know why to build this twist if it didn´t have consequences.
And finally I found the end a bit OTT... I would have liked to feel something while reading the final scene but it has not happened; it was all too convenient, fast and detached (IMO).
In short, the story it is interesting and the characters are who carry its weight, the romance is lovely, the secondary are wonderful and it has entertained me, which in the end is what matters.
April 28, 2016
Clinched it with this latest book! Jo Goodman is now one of my top western historical romance authors. Flawed yet engaging characters, western life, a plot varied with intrigue, passion, and humor, and the sort of storytelling that compels the reader to keep turning pages and rooting on the heroes. I immediately picked this one up when I saw it and I am ever so glad I did.
While I didn't notice anywhere that it was touted as such, this is actually the second in a duology about the McKenna Brothers. The first book, This Gun For Hire, leads to this one. They can be read standalone, but this one has brief scenes with the pair from the first book and reads better in order.
The story opens when young Annalea Pancake finds a wounded man a few miles from the family ranch house. Annalea has the sense that the stranger is a good man, but her older sister Willa is a vast deal more suspicious. He was nearly dragged to death behind a horse and even as she and the others work to save him, she wonders if it was do punishment for a bad man. And the wounded man can't really help her much because he only remembers his past up to a certain point. He shares that he is Israel McKenna and he has no idea what he was doing in the area and how he came to be drug to near death.
Israel knows more than he is telling, but it isn't really pertinent to the issue at hand. The Pancakes and their ranch hands take him in and he heals. Israel decides to stick close to the ranch and earn his keep by working for the Pancakes. Willa is a hard woman with high expectations of herself and those who are around her, but Israel sees beyond her flinty expression and icy eyes to a woman hiding behind a wall she has built up. And he slowly chisels away at her barriers.
Slowly, Willa and Israel piece together what they think happened even as the ranch next door has ambitious ideas about the Pancake Ranch and Willa. As the pair begin to form a bond, Israel knows that he needs to talk about his past and hope Willa can see that he has changed.
The story has a few different plot points even beyond the growing romance between Israel and Willa. There is the mystery of Israel's lost memories, the growing conflict between the two feuding ranches, secrets from the past, and even Israel's brother on his trail and thinking the worst.
I liked the gritty, hard life feel to the story and the inclusion of scenes of life on a small ranch. The reader gets a real sense of place when reading the book- ranch land, ranch buildings, saloon, hotels, trains.
The writer doesn't pull any punches with her strong-willed characters and the colorful way she draws them. They are shades of gray types whether it is hero or villain. Raw feelings and passions are unapologetically included.
I enjoyed the romance between Israel and Willa. They were good for each other and their relationship had to grow out of suspicion. Israel was not intimidated by a strong, capable, intelligent woman and Willa had to learn to appreciate Israel's strengths, too, even if they weren't always easy to spot.
He is handsome and charismatic. He lived by his charm and wits and now wants to prove he is substance and hard work. Israel is extremely observant and misses nothing which is why he sees past the front that Willa puts up. She is harsh and critical and pushes herself most of all. Willa denies feelings and pleasure. Her attraction to Israel confuses and scares her. Work is her life. She can't abide weakness so is disgusted when her pa grieved his wife's passing and took to drinking. She can't see the changes in him until Israel points them out. It is only the arrival of Israel that challenges her to see things differently and see her coldness as a front to hide behind so she didn't have to confront her own inner demons.
As with the previous book, my only niggle was the distraction caused by Willa's way of speaking. It was odd and stilted. I adjusted and the story was powerful enough to keep it from being more than a small thing in the background, but it is noticeable.
In summary, this was a fantastic western historical full of danger, mystery, passion, grit, humor, and life in the Old West. I can definitely recommend it.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
While I didn't notice anywhere that it was touted as such, this is actually the second in a duology about the McKenna Brothers. The first book, This Gun For Hire, leads to this one. They can be read standalone, but this one has brief scenes with the pair from the first book and reads better in order.
The story opens when young Annalea Pancake finds a wounded man a few miles from the family ranch house. Annalea has the sense that the stranger is a good man, but her older sister Willa is a vast deal more suspicious. He was nearly dragged to death behind a horse and even as she and the others work to save him, she wonders if it was do punishment for a bad man. And the wounded man can't really help her much because he only remembers his past up to a certain point. He shares that he is Israel McKenna and he has no idea what he was doing in the area and how he came to be drug to near death.
Israel knows more than he is telling, but it isn't really pertinent to the issue at hand. The Pancakes and their ranch hands take him in and he heals. Israel decides to stick close to the ranch and earn his keep by working for the Pancakes. Willa is a hard woman with high expectations of herself and those who are around her, but Israel sees beyond her flinty expression and icy eyes to a woman hiding behind a wall she has built up. And he slowly chisels away at her barriers.
Slowly, Willa and Israel piece together what they think happened even as the ranch next door has ambitious ideas about the Pancake Ranch and Willa. As the pair begin to form a bond, Israel knows that he needs to talk about his past and hope Willa can see that he has changed.
The story has a few different plot points even beyond the growing romance between Israel and Willa. There is the mystery of Israel's lost memories, the growing conflict between the two feuding ranches, secrets from the past, and even Israel's brother on his trail and thinking the worst.
I liked the gritty, hard life feel to the story and the inclusion of scenes of life on a small ranch. The reader gets a real sense of place when reading the book- ranch land, ranch buildings, saloon, hotels, trains.
The writer doesn't pull any punches with her strong-willed characters and the colorful way she draws them. They are shades of gray types whether it is hero or villain. Raw feelings and passions are unapologetically included.
I enjoyed the romance between Israel and Willa. They were good for each other and their relationship had to grow out of suspicion. Israel was not intimidated by a strong, capable, intelligent woman and Willa had to learn to appreciate Israel's strengths, too, even if they weren't always easy to spot.
He is handsome and charismatic. He lived by his charm and wits and now wants to prove he is substance and hard work. Israel is extremely observant and misses nothing which is why he sees past the front that Willa puts up. She is harsh and critical and pushes herself most of all. Willa denies feelings and pleasure. Her attraction to Israel confuses and scares her. Work is her life. She can't abide weakness so is disgusted when her pa grieved his wife's passing and took to drinking. She can't see the changes in him until Israel points them out. It is only the arrival of Israel that challenges her to see things differently and see her coldness as a front to hide behind so she didn't have to confront her own inner demons.
As with the previous book, my only niggle was the distraction caused by Willa's way of speaking. It was odd and stilted. I adjusted and the story was powerful enough to keep it from being more than a small thing in the background, but it is noticeable.
In summary, this was a fantastic western historical full of danger, mystery, passion, grit, humor, and life in the Old West. I can definitely recommend it.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2016
3/5; 3 stars; B+
I am a fan of this author because she always develops interesting characters and takes a close look at what makes us human and what makes a community. That being said, this book fell a bit short for me because the first half was slow to the point of being boring. The last third of the book was more in the style I am used to from Goodman but I didn like it well enough to bump the whole thing up to four stars.
I love the way Jo Goodman portrays youngsters in her books and eight year old Annalea pretty much stole the show for much of this story.
I am a fan of this author because she always develops interesting characters and takes a close look at what makes us human and what makes a community. That being said, this book fell a bit short for me because the first half was slow to the point of being boring. The last third of the book was more in the style I am used to from Goodman but I didn like it well enough to bump the whole thing up to four stars.
I love the way Jo Goodman portrays youngsters in her books and eight year old Annalea pretty much stole the show for much of this story.
June 24, 2016
Sometimes Jo Goodman just gets it right for me. I usually find Old West Romance problematic in terms of plot and characterization, but Jo Goodman has the ability to cut through all the tropes and the stereotypes and create relatable characters & interesting plots.
May 11, 2016
Character driven story - nice wit. Her characters are so well developed. I wouldn't have complained had we had some bigger events happen - but enjoyed. Review to come
May 5, 2016
This joint review was originally published at The Book Pushers
Reviewed by: E, Lou, Marlene
1. Thoughts on the Hero
E: I really got the impression Israel was an anti-hero. While he claimed he didn’t know or remember what happened to bring him to Willa’s attention, he knew he customarily let people down and therefore she shouldn’t trust him. Yet as the story progressed he found himself for maybe the first time unwilling to fall back to his usual habits. Somehow Willa, her oddball family, and her determination made an impression on him. I enjoyed Israel as he “redeemed” himself and continually surprised Willa and the rest with his insights, behavior, and contrary nature. He was really ingenious as he worked to get to the bottom of both his awakening and Willa’s problems. I was left thinking he could have ruled the country if it was his passion and thoroughly enjoying how he kept Willa from taking him for granted.
Lou: Have I mentioned before I have an awful memory? It wasn’t until halfway through the book when Quill and Calico made an appearance that it finally dawned on me that Israel was his brother. Then I felt all sorts of stupid for not remembering, and then I got even more excited because I adored This Gun for Hire, which was one of my top reads of 2015. Anyways, Israel definitely gave off the impression he was an anti-hero. Not the worst of anti-heroes I’ve read, but he did something very shitty that hurt a lot of people when it was finally revealed what he did. But I did like him very much. Jo Goodman is so talented and the beginning of the book, with Israel and Annalea’s (Willa’s baby sister) funny introduction with her prodding at him with a stick to make sure he wasn’t dead set off the tone. Israel found himself a place at Pancake valley, and he was honest with Willa (almost honest) that he wasn’t a good guy and that he had sinned. Jo Goodman always writes in-depth characters and Israel and Willa’s romance was sexy, enthralling and kept me glued to the pages.
Marlene: The advantage of having just finished This Gun for Hire the night before last, I remembered that Israel was Quill’s brother. Although they often seem like opposites, under the skin they are a lot alike. They both kept fairly big secrets from their ladies until fairly far into the story. But initially, Quill was a hero and Israel an anti-hero. However, Quill certainly pretended to be an anti-hero for a chunk of that story, and Israel, after all, finds himself acting a hero part he never believed possible. Willa calls him a rascal and that’s so right. Israel is a charming rogue, just the sort of slightly bad boy that strong heroines love to fall for.
2. Thoughts on the Heroine
E: Willa was so much fun. She didn’t take anything from anyone including her father yet she took great care of her sister, Annalea, and her other responsibilities. Even though Willa ran everything, she never crushed anyone’s spirit, just expected them to live up to who they could or should be. At the same time she kept some pretty serious secrets and protected those she cared about without seeming to begrudge her choice. I really enjoyed seeing how she tried to relegate Israel to the same place as all the other men in her life and then watching the banter as he didn’t quite fit. I also admired Willa’s strength even as I wished she didn’t have to always be the responsible one.
Lou: I adored Willa. The boss of the Pancake valley and the homestead, she ran it with an iron but fair fist. With her alcoholic father, Happy, she had to be the boss, with the help of the ranch hands. And there’s Annalea, her sister, who she also raised. At no time did Willa struggle with the responsibility. She owned it and she gave what for to the dastardly neighbors, who the family have been in feud with over the land for years. Willa decided to take in the seriously injured Israel and I loved how sneaky she was in getting information out of him. It’s not long before Willa fell for Israel. Willa treated Israel as an employee like she did with the other ranch hands, but there was always this simmering tension between them that suddenly exploded one night in the barn, along with the adorable but funny John Henry, Annalea’s pooch. For reasons for their own, and with the help of Happy’s shotgun, Willa and Israel entered into a marriage of convenience and I lurve that trope.
Marlene: Willa is awesome. She’s someone I’d want to be when I grow up, assuming that ever happens. All the responsibility for the ranch and everyone on it has fallen on her shoulders, and she just carries it. She’s never sorry for herself, not even when she has plenty of reason. With everything that has happened to her, she just soldiers on, no matter what. At the same time, she has not lost her admittedly dry sense of humor or sense of the ridiculous. She and Israel make a good match – she helps him to take the important things seriously, and he helps her to take the unimportant things with the humor they deserve.
3. Favorite Scene
E: I have to say, I think most of my favorite scenes involved Annalea and usually John Henry her 4-legged sidekick. I really loved how she said what she thought, was really good at parsing what other people said, and still used her imagination. She struck me as someone whose brain needed to be kept occupied and also as someone who would be a joy to watch. I thought the way she worked around Israel and got him to reveal more than he intended was hilarious. She seemed to bring joy to the Pancake household and ranch.
Lou: I agree with E. The beginning of the book was fantastic and Annalea did steal a lot of the scenes with John Henry. I did love the barn scene that instigated the shot-gun wedding, and I loved the wedding night between Israel and Willa.
Marlene: Annalea and John Henry are adorable, because Annalea is adorable and John Henry is her partner-in-crime and protector. However, my favorite scene is the shotgun wedding. I could just taste Willa’s equal parts annoyance, chagrin, fear and joy.
4. Dislike about book
E: I think the biggest thing I disliked, really wasn’t a dislike but more of a regret about certain characters I think. Granted there wouldn’t be a story without them but I regretted the lost potential. As secrets and backstories were revealed I caught a glimpse of what might have been if… but then I remembered the opportunities given in the story itself and this feeling reduced to nothing which impacted my overall enjoyment.
Lou: Hmmm. I don’t think I have any dislikes in this book. If there is one thing I thought sometimes the pace was a little slow and I wanted there to be less talk (even though the banter and wit was great) and a little more story. Oh. And the side-story to Annalea felt a little out of the blue.
Marlene: I also felt that the book, especially the first half, went a bit slow. As much as I loved the banter between Israel and Willa, I wanted more stuff to happen. Even if the romance needed to be slow, and it did, the solving of the mystery of Israel’s arrival at Pancake Valley could have proceeded a bit faster. Or that’s my 2 cents. The Annalea thing also came out of complete left field for me.
5. Any other misc. thoughts along with grade
E: I really thought The Devil You Know was at its essence a story about family, familial expectations, and having the strength to live up to or refute those expectations. I really felt for several of the characters as their choices took a toll one way or another. It was fascinating to look back and see how each step took them to the final confrontation and the cost they all paid. I also had to go back and reread a few of Goodman’s previous novels when I finished reading because I didn’t want to let the “good book feeling” go.
I give The Devil You Know an A-
Lou: The Devil You Know was a fantastic follow-up to This Gun For Hire. Israel is very different from his brother and took to a different way of life. Israel wasn’t a bad person at heart. He did bad things and disappointed a lot of people, but he did redeem himself for me as a reader and he doesn’t pretend his past doesn’t exist. While I didn’t love it as much as This Gun For Hire, I really enjoyed this romance which was about finding a place and home for yourself.
I also give The Devil You Know an A-
Marlene: The Devil You Know was a terrific sequel to This Gun for Hire, and I’m really glad I read them back-to-back. It was interesting to see both the contrasts and the similarities between Quill and Israel. Calico and Willa remind me an awful lot of each other, and that’s in a good way. Annalea and John Henry are treasures. But as much as I loved Willa, this was Israel’s story of redemption, and it was earned.
I make it three for three. I also give The Devil You Know an A-
Reviewed by: E, Lou, Marlene
1. Thoughts on the Hero
E: I really got the impression Israel was an anti-hero. While he claimed he didn’t know or remember what happened to bring him to Willa’s attention, he knew he customarily let people down and therefore she shouldn’t trust him. Yet as the story progressed he found himself for maybe the first time unwilling to fall back to his usual habits. Somehow Willa, her oddball family, and her determination made an impression on him. I enjoyed Israel as he “redeemed” himself and continually surprised Willa and the rest with his insights, behavior, and contrary nature. He was really ingenious as he worked to get to the bottom of both his awakening and Willa’s problems. I was left thinking he could have ruled the country if it was his passion and thoroughly enjoying how he kept Willa from taking him for granted.
Lou: Have I mentioned before I have an awful memory? It wasn’t until halfway through the book when Quill and Calico made an appearance that it finally dawned on me that Israel was his brother. Then I felt all sorts of stupid for not remembering, and then I got even more excited because I adored This Gun for Hire, which was one of my top reads of 2015. Anyways, Israel definitely gave off the impression he was an anti-hero. Not the worst of anti-heroes I’ve read, but he did something very shitty that hurt a lot of people when it was finally revealed what he did. But I did like him very much. Jo Goodman is so talented and the beginning of the book, with Israel and Annalea’s (Willa’s baby sister) funny introduction with her prodding at him with a stick to make sure he wasn’t dead set off the tone. Israel found himself a place at Pancake valley, and he was honest with Willa (almost honest) that he wasn’t a good guy and that he had sinned. Jo Goodman always writes in-depth characters and Israel and Willa’s romance was sexy, enthralling and kept me glued to the pages.
Marlene: The advantage of having just finished This Gun for Hire the night before last, I remembered that Israel was Quill’s brother. Although they often seem like opposites, under the skin they are a lot alike. They both kept fairly big secrets from their ladies until fairly far into the story. But initially, Quill was a hero and Israel an anti-hero. However, Quill certainly pretended to be an anti-hero for a chunk of that story, and Israel, after all, finds himself acting a hero part he never believed possible. Willa calls him a rascal and that’s so right. Israel is a charming rogue, just the sort of slightly bad boy that strong heroines love to fall for.
2. Thoughts on the Heroine
E: Willa was so much fun. She didn’t take anything from anyone including her father yet she took great care of her sister, Annalea, and her other responsibilities. Even though Willa ran everything, she never crushed anyone’s spirit, just expected them to live up to who they could or should be. At the same time she kept some pretty serious secrets and protected those she cared about without seeming to begrudge her choice. I really enjoyed seeing how she tried to relegate Israel to the same place as all the other men in her life and then watching the banter as he didn’t quite fit. I also admired Willa’s strength even as I wished she didn’t have to always be the responsible one.
Lou: I adored Willa. The boss of the Pancake valley and the homestead, she ran it with an iron but fair fist. With her alcoholic father, Happy, she had to be the boss, with the help of the ranch hands. And there’s Annalea, her sister, who she also raised. At no time did Willa struggle with the responsibility. She owned it and she gave what for to the dastardly neighbors, who the family have been in feud with over the land for years. Willa decided to take in the seriously injured Israel and I loved how sneaky she was in getting information out of him. It’s not long before Willa fell for Israel. Willa treated Israel as an employee like she did with the other ranch hands, but there was always this simmering tension between them that suddenly exploded one night in the barn, along with the adorable but funny John Henry, Annalea’s pooch. For reasons for their own, and with the help of Happy’s shotgun, Willa and Israel entered into a marriage of convenience and I lurve that trope.
Marlene: Willa is awesome. She’s someone I’d want to be when I grow up, assuming that ever happens. All the responsibility for the ranch and everyone on it has fallen on her shoulders, and she just carries it. She’s never sorry for herself, not even when she has plenty of reason. With everything that has happened to her, she just soldiers on, no matter what. At the same time, she has not lost her admittedly dry sense of humor or sense of the ridiculous. She and Israel make a good match – she helps him to take the important things seriously, and he helps her to take the unimportant things with the humor they deserve.
3. Favorite Scene
E: I have to say, I think most of my favorite scenes involved Annalea and usually John Henry her 4-legged sidekick. I really loved how she said what she thought, was really good at parsing what other people said, and still used her imagination. She struck me as someone whose brain needed to be kept occupied and also as someone who would be a joy to watch. I thought the way she worked around Israel and got him to reveal more than he intended was hilarious. She seemed to bring joy to the Pancake household and ranch.
Lou: I agree with E. The beginning of the book was fantastic and Annalea did steal a lot of the scenes with John Henry. I did love the barn scene that instigated the shot-gun wedding, and I loved the wedding night between Israel and Willa.
Marlene: Annalea and John Henry are adorable, because Annalea is adorable and John Henry is her partner-in-crime and protector. However, my favorite scene is the shotgun wedding. I could just taste Willa’s equal parts annoyance, chagrin, fear and joy.
4. Dislike about book
E: I think the biggest thing I disliked, really wasn’t a dislike but more of a regret about certain characters I think. Granted there wouldn’t be a story without them but I regretted the lost potential. As secrets and backstories were revealed I caught a glimpse of what might have been if… but then I remembered the opportunities given in the story itself and this feeling reduced to nothing which impacted my overall enjoyment.
Lou: Hmmm. I don’t think I have any dislikes in this book. If there is one thing I thought sometimes the pace was a little slow and I wanted there to be less talk (even though the banter and wit was great) and a little more story. Oh. And the side-story to Annalea felt a little out of the blue.
Marlene: I also felt that the book, especially the first half, went a bit slow. As much as I loved the banter between Israel and Willa, I wanted more stuff to happen. Even if the romance needed to be slow, and it did, the solving of the mystery of Israel’s arrival at Pancake Valley could have proceeded a bit faster. Or that’s my 2 cents. The Annalea thing also came out of complete left field for me.
5. Any other misc. thoughts along with grade
E: I really thought The Devil You Know was at its essence a story about family, familial expectations, and having the strength to live up to or refute those expectations. I really felt for several of the characters as their choices took a toll one way or another. It was fascinating to look back and see how each step took them to the final confrontation and the cost they all paid. I also had to go back and reread a few of Goodman’s previous novels when I finished reading because I didn’t want to let the “good book feeling” go.
I give The Devil You Know an A-
Lou: The Devil You Know was a fantastic follow-up to This Gun For Hire. Israel is very different from his brother and took to a different way of life. Israel wasn’t a bad person at heart. He did bad things and disappointed a lot of people, but he did redeem himself for me as a reader and he doesn’t pretend his past doesn’t exist. While I didn’t love it as much as This Gun For Hire, I really enjoyed this romance which was about finding a place and home for yourself.
I also give The Devil You Know an A-
Marlene: The Devil You Know was a terrific sequel to This Gun for Hire, and I’m really glad I read them back-to-back. It was interesting to see both the contrasts and the similarities between Quill and Israel. Calico and Willa remind me an awful lot of each other, and that’s in a good way. Annalea and John Henry are treasures. But as much as I loved Willa, this was Israel’s story of redemption, and it was earned.
I make it three for three. I also give The Devil You Know an A-
April 19, 2019
Annalea Pancake was on a stroll with her dog when she happens upon a man who looks barely alive, and rushes to the family ranch to fetch her sister Willa. Israel McKenna remembers his name, where he's from and where he was going, but not how he ended up battered and bloodied on a Colorado country road.
I thought THE DEVIL YOU KNOW had a great premise, I cannot resist an amnesia trope, but it turns out it was not a book for me, it's not a type of storytelling I'm comfortable with. My main issue was with the excruciatingly slow pace. When you add the overabundance of superfluous details - one example is pages dedicated to demonstrate why Israel needs spectacles - it didn't help to make the story move more quickly. The flimsy plot is buried under a mountain of unimportant details and repetitions, yet the majesty of the Colorado landscape never came through. The main protagonists, Israel and Willa, lacked definition, and what chemistry there was between them manifested itself in the second half of the book; before, we had been told they were attracted to each other, which was far from obvious. I found it bizarre that no one showed the slightest interest in filling in the blanks of Israel's faulty memory, even though he had admitted to being a "bad man". It was also the reason why an unexpected - to me - plot twist baffled me. However, it was not as stupefying as when Israel blurts out a part of his past which required a lot of explaining. We never knew when or how he remembered; I even suspected he was not entirely truthful on the matter. But Willa figured she should not pry, he would tell them everything when it suited him. I know this was the Old West, but it was not a peccadillo, and I would have grilled him to know the whole truth. I was so numbed by the sluggish pace and the avalanche of superfluous information that an explosive revelation only temporarily stunned me when it ought to have provoked a much stronger reaction on my part.
My favourite characters were by far ten year-old Annalea and the Pancake patriarch, whose nickname is Happy. Happy Pancake. Yes, well. But it's always a question of taste, and since the writing is fine, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW might prove a fitting beach read for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thought THE DEVIL YOU KNOW had a great premise, I cannot resist an amnesia trope, but it turns out it was not a book for me, it's not a type of storytelling I'm comfortable with. My main issue was with the excruciatingly slow pace. When you add the overabundance of superfluous details - one example is pages dedicated to demonstrate why Israel needs spectacles - it didn't help to make the story move more quickly. The flimsy plot is buried under a mountain of unimportant details and repetitions, yet the majesty of the Colorado landscape never came through. The main protagonists, Israel and Willa, lacked definition, and what chemistry there was between them manifested itself in the second half of the book; before, we had been told they were attracted to each other, which was far from obvious. I found it bizarre that no one showed the slightest interest in filling in the blanks of Israel's faulty memory, even though he had admitted to being a "bad man". It was also the reason why an unexpected - to me - plot twist baffled me. However, it was not as stupefying as when Israel blurts out a part of his past which required a lot of explaining. We never knew when or how he remembered; I even suspected he was not entirely truthful on the matter. But Willa figured she should not pry, he would tell them everything when it suited him. I know this was the Old West, but it was not a peccadillo, and I would have grilled him to know the whole truth. I was so numbed by the sluggish pace and the avalanche of superfluous information that an explosive revelation only temporarily stunned me when it ought to have provoked a much stronger reaction on my part.
My favourite characters were by far ten year-old Annalea and the Pancake patriarch, whose nickname is Happy. Happy Pancake. Yes, well. But it's always a question of taste, and since the writing is fine, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW might prove a fitting beach read for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 1, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
The Devil You Know was everything I expect from Goodman. She just has a way of pulling you in completely and making you feel like you're right there with the characters every step of the way--through the hard times, the laughs, the dangers and as they're falling in love. It's a wonderful experience.
Okay so the quick of it is that Willa's little sister found a man in their fields on day. He'd been beaten and left for dead and couldn't remember a thing of how it had happened. Because it's just who they are they take Israel on while he heals and tries to remember what brought him to this point in his life and what he's doing next. And so begins a slow but steady healing of not just Israel's body but of the hearts and lives of those on the ranch as well.
Goodman just writes the best heroines. Willa's tough as nails and no damsel in distress. If it needs doing...she'll do it herself, dammit. She's hard working, slow to trust and has no time for romance or letting someone new into her life. She's a hard woman but I just loved her, the unexpected moments of humor and seeing her heal.
Israel was an interesting hero, too. He's not been a good man in his past. He wasn't lying about that. He's done shameful things--which becomes clearer as his memory returns--but he's trying to be a better man. Even though you know he's not been perfect he's one of those characters who's charisma is undeniable. It was impossible not to fall for him.
I loved these two together. Their romance and the trust between them was slow building. I loved watching them both become better people and heal because of the other. Many times without even realizing. They had lovely chemistry and despite things being taken a little out of their hands at one point their romances and the love that came from it was stunningly beautiful.
Beautiful and breathtaking. Goodman never fails to sweep me away. Everything about the book was just as captivating as Willa and Israel. Issues with a neighboring ranch and the truth of Israel's past brought in danger and mystery. Willa's sister brought in amazing humor. This girl was wild and sassy and just amazing (I hope one day she'll get a book). The ranch hands and Willa's father brought in family and healing as well. It was just an amazing mixture of elements that completely captivated.
June 16, 2016
YES!!!! This is what I have been waiting for from Jo Goodman. This is Jo Goodman at her absolute BEST!!!
I think these might be two of my most favorite characters EVER. One of the things that Jo Goodman does like no other is creating a couple that not only brings the heat, but they bring that connection we sometimes lack in romance novels. Willa and Isreal, they're a team--and an awesome team at that.
This story was not rushed. Goodman weaves this story perfectly and you see how these characters grow to be friends and how they trust and rely on each other. Some of the things the H and h would say to each other just melted my heart. They also have these cute and funny inside jokes and they would poke fun at one another and I couldn't help but smile. Don't misunderstand, this is not a funny ha-ha book but the characters--especially Isreal--have a sense of humor that shines through. Yet the thing that stands out the most--the thing I will always remember about these two amazing characters--is the strong bond they have with each other that you don't always find in romance. They have each others back and it's lovely. Having that in a book, "it's a little bit important." ;)
July 21, 2016
The Devil You Know was an all-consuming western historical romance that found me completely in love with its characters. Add to that a plot filled with secrets, surprises and tons of heart, and you have the perfect combination for an unforgettable story.
‘What she finally acknowledged, reluctantly and unhappily, was that Israel McKenna reminded her she was a woman.’
I absolutely adore the way Jo Goodman writes her characters. They are flawed, down-to-earth, and have interesting, realistic quirks that set them each apart. There’s just something about how she describes their personality and their emotions that draws a reader in and you feel like you truly get to know who they are. And this book being set on a ranch in a somewhat remote location was a rather intimate setting for this story to take place.
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‘What she finally acknowledged, reluctantly and unhappily, was that Israel McKenna reminded her she was a woman.’
I absolutely adore the way Jo Goodman writes her characters. They are flawed, down-to-earth, and have interesting, realistic quirks that set them each apart. There’s just something about how she describes their personality and their emotions that draws a reader in and you feel like you truly get to know who they are. And this book being set on a ranch in a somewhat remote location was a rather intimate setting for this story to take place.
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February 25, 2016
Willa isn't a shy girl, she can voice her opinions and needs, “only if you intend to burn down the house. I want you to move closer. You’re a furnace. I’m not.” He obliged her, inching toward her until she took him by the hand and pulled his arm across her waist." Willa appreciates a good game of strip poker with her man, “I like this game,” she said, lying fully on top of him. “I’m still wearing my drawers, and you’re wearing me, and I don’t even care if you think that makes you the victor.” I enjoyed this book I thought Israel was a good match for Willa.
July 6, 2016
WHAT HE DOESN’T KNOW . . .
After a horse drags him through the countryside, Israel McKenna awakes bruised and battered in a field in Pancake Valley, Colorado. He can recall where he came from and where he was going, but the memory of how he came to be on the Pancake homestead eludes him. He’s certain he did something wrong to deserve such a harsh punishment—and so is the beautiful woman who reluctantly comes to his aid.
. . . COULD HURT HER.
Wilhelmina “Willa” Pancake must focus on running her family’s ranch. With Israel’s hazy memory, she is unsure if she can trust him, let alone handle the budding attraction between them. And as men fight to steal her land and the truth about Israel’s past rides toward them, love is a risk she cannot easily take.
My Review:
It was hard to take a character named Willa Pancake seriously. Although I did like the world, I did like the extra cast but I didn't particularly care for either h/h in the book but it was still an alright read despite the fact that I felt there could have been some improvement in some of the plot and character development areas.
My Rating:
Reviewed By:
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Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Source:
Received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing.
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After a horse drags him through the countryside, Israel McKenna awakes bruised and battered in a field in Pancake Valley, Colorado. He can recall where he came from and where he was going, but the memory of how he came to be on the Pancake homestead eludes him. He’s certain he did something wrong to deserve such a harsh punishment—and so is the beautiful woman who reluctantly comes to his aid.
. . . COULD HURT HER.
Wilhelmina “Willa” Pancake must focus on running her family’s ranch. With Israel’s hazy memory, she is unsure if she can trust him, let alone handle the budding attraction between them. And as men fight to steal her land and the truth about Israel’s past rides toward them, love is a risk she cannot easily take.
My Review:
It was hard to take a character named Willa Pancake seriously. Although I did like the world, I did like the extra cast but I didn't particularly care for either h/h in the book but it was still an alright read despite the fact that I felt there could have been some improvement in some of the plot and character development areas.
My Rating:
Reviewed By:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
Booklikes
Goodreads
Google Plus
Blogger
Amazon
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Source:
Received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing.
Note:
If any of Krissys Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like or let me know what you think! Thank you!
January 26, 2018
I tried reading this book a long time ago and it didn't appeal to me. I have discovered that a readers mood and needs at any given time can often make a large difference in whether or not a certain book appeals at times. And, such was the case with this story. The first time I tried it several years ago, I did not like the story and didn't finish it. This time around I found myself delighted.
It's winter. It's cold. I am alone and lonely. I rarely laugh out loud when reading but I have found the humor and wit the author has inserted into her characters to be rare and a true delight. I couldn't stop laughing when the romance heated up and things got really steamy (SPOILER ALERT) and just as the couple is about to finish their coupling, the dog whom the reader has totally forgotten about, bites Israel's foot. I couldn't stop laughing. I had tears rolling down my cheeks. Subtle humor is the funniest. Timing is everything and Goodman honed this perfectly.
I felt love emanate from Goodman's characters and hearing myself laugh out loud warmed up my lonely space.
It's winter. It's cold. I am alone and lonely. I rarely laugh out loud when reading but I have found the humor and wit the author has inserted into her characters to be rare and a true delight. I couldn't stop laughing when the romance heated up and things got really steamy (SPOILER ALERT) and just as the couple is about to finish their coupling, the dog whom the reader has totally forgotten about, bites Israel's foot. I couldn't stop laughing. I had tears rolling down my cheeks. Subtle humor is the funniest. Timing is everything and Goodman honed this perfectly.
I felt love emanate from Goodman's characters and hearing myself laugh out loud warmed up my lonely space.
November 11, 2018
Fantastic. As in all Jo Goodman's books, especially recent books, the plots are well developed as are the characters. The love interest is always between adults, not petulant adolescents. She uses a touch of humor and a lot of character development. Love Isreal McKenna with his self deprecation, Willa Pancake with her intenseness, and Annalea Pancake with her quirky 10 year old brain. Even Happy has redeeming qualities. High recommended.
May 23, 2016
The Devil You Know continues J.G.'s change of pace with a more fundamentally humorous interaction between Willa and Israel as the featured characters, which was established in Calico and Quill's story. Devastating circumstances and tragedies are revealed, but a glass-half-full attitude prevails. Adding a precocious child and faithful hound to this tale about karma, second chances, and redemption just makes it more enjoyable.
February 20, 2017
This was an almost DNF. What I did to finish was to skip the boring portions. The book was too long and lingered too long on everything. Israel and Willa's trip to Lansing was forever. With skipping pages I thought it was another trip.
I figured out what had happen to Willa, just had the wrong person. I'm glad he meet up with Quill and Calico because his family really cared about him.
I figured out what had happen to Willa, just had the wrong person. I'm glad he meet up with Quill and Calico because his family really cared about him.
September 28, 2016
For me, this book had a slow start, a more substantial middle, and a cheesy denouement. At times the writing felt belabored, and the plot convoluted. There were some fun moments in the the developing relationship between Israel and Willa, but overall I feel very blasé about The Devil You Know. 3 stars.
August 11, 2016
Another wonderfully written story from Jo Goodman with fully fleshed out characters and admirably witty dialogue to equal the best in the field. Once again though, her romantic tension ends too early, leaving only the mystery to unfold in the last quarter.
unfinished
July 16, 2016Read to page 282, then skimmed the rest. I didn't like where this story headed, so declined to go along for the ride.
July 24, 2016
Just boring...
no-thank-you
August 16, 2016thank you Baba
June 30, 2018
This continues to be a compelling series, but I liked it slightly less than the first one in the series, This Gun for Hire. Not that this was a bad book. Far from it. But no one quite measured up to Calico Nash in TGfH and there was an undercurrent of tragedy in the storyline that made it a more serious sort of book. Calico and Quill do make an appearance though!
Willa was a strong woman who is pulling everyone along with her in her struggle to protect her ranch from the neighboring family and the long going feud that underlies so many characters choices.
TDYK follows one of the classic plots: "the stranger comes to town" but in this instance, he is also a stranger to himself.
Brutally attacked and left for dead, Israel has to reconstruct his life and decide what sort of man he wants to be in a place where no one knows him or his disreputable past.
Willa has to decide how much she can trust him and how many of her own secrets she wants to reveal.
As I've noticed with Goodman's books, the focus is not always on the h/h but shifts to take in the community and the past. I appreciate that about her books.
I will need to reread this one because she pulled a twist I did not expect and I need to go back and find all the clues.
I'm running out of her books on the backlist!
4 stars just barely below TGFH
Willa was a strong woman who is pulling everyone along with her in her struggle to protect her ranch from the neighboring family and the long going feud that underlies so many characters choices.
TDYK follows one of the classic plots: "the stranger comes to town" but in this instance, he is also a stranger to himself.
Brutally attacked and left for dead, Israel has to reconstruct his life and decide what sort of man he wants to be in a place where no one knows him or his disreputable past.
Willa has to decide how much she can trust him and how many of her own secrets she wants to reveal.
As I've noticed with Goodman's books, the focus is not always on the h/h but shifts to take in the community and the past. I appreciate that about her books.
I will need to reread this one because she pulled a twist I did not expect and I need to go back and find all the clues.
I'm running out of her books on the backlist!
4 stars just barely below TGFH
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews