What do you think?
Rate this book
The Devil to Pay
Italy, 1492.
A ruthless mercenary skilled in the art of conquest.
An heiress who refuses to be tamed.
The Devil’s own bargain . . .
Cara di Montessori has a price upon her head. Her traitorous uncle has murdered her father and seized her home. Her only hope of survival, and of regaining her birthright, is an alliance with her childhood nemesis, the infamous mercenary Il Diavolo. The most irritating—and seductive—man Cara’s ever met.
Battle hardened and world-weary, Alessandro del Sarto has earned the sobriquet Il Diavolo. He needs a politically expedient marriage to secure the lasting peace he craves, but the simpering ladies of court hold little interest. More than anything, he longs for a challenge.
Headstrong beauty Cara has always been Il Diavolo’s only weakness, the one woman he’s never been able to forget. When she appears at his door begging for help, the two strike a devil’s bargain. In return for his assistance, for two weeks Cara must entertain his guests, relieve his boredom—and warm his bed.
Cara has no intention of succumbing to del Sarto’s studied seduction, but the passion that simmers between them is more potent than her paper twists of gunpowder. Surrounded by danger and intrigue, she must choose between what she’s always thought of as her destiny, and what could be the greatest prize of all—her heart’s desire.
A ruthless mercenary skilled in the art of conquest.
An heiress who refuses to be tamed.
The Devil’s own bargain . . .
Cara di Montessori has a price upon her head. Her traitorous uncle has murdered her father and seized her home. Her only hope of survival, and of regaining her birthright, is an alliance with her childhood nemesis, the infamous mercenary Il Diavolo. The most irritating—and seductive—man Cara’s ever met.
Battle hardened and world-weary, Alessandro del Sarto has earned the sobriquet Il Diavolo. He needs a politically expedient marriage to secure the lasting peace he craves, but the simpering ladies of court hold little interest. More than anything, he longs for a challenge.
Headstrong beauty Cara has always been Il Diavolo’s only weakness, the one woman he’s never been able to forget. When she appears at his door begging for help, the two strike a devil’s bargain. In return for his assistance, for two weeks Cara must entertain his guests, relieve his boredom—and warm his bed.
Cara has no intention of succumbing to del Sarto’s studied seduction, but the passion that simmers between them is more potent than her paper twists of gunpowder. Surrounded by danger and intrigue, she must choose between what she’s always thought of as her destiny, and what could be the greatest prize of all—her heart’s desire.
358 pages, ebook
First published August 19, 2018
399 people are currently reading
1444 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Bateman
12 books843 followersKate Bateman / K.C. Bateman, is a bestselling author of Regency and Renaissance historical romances, including the Secrets & Spies series, Bow Street Bachelors series, Ruthless Rivals series and Her Majesty's Rebels series. Her books have received multiple Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, and her Renaissance romp The Devil To Pay was a 2019 RITA award nominee.
Kate's books have been translated into multiple languages, including French, Italian, Brazilian, Japanese, German, Romanian, Czech, and Croatian.
When not writing, Kate leads a double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK. She currently lives in the UK with her husband, three inexhaustible children, and a naughty toy Poodle named Monty.
Kate loves to hear from readers. Contact her on Twitter @katebateman, Facebook, or via her website at www.kcbateman.com
Website: http://kcbateman.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/katebateman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kc_bateman/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-b...
Pinterest: http://goo.gl/2AHVgZ
Amazon: http://goo.gl/i3Rhyq
B&N: http://goo.gl/1YzFWU
Kobo: http://goo.gl/x1fQqL
iTunes: http://goo.gl/4b7x53
Google Play: http://goo.gl/3bxOIz
Kate's books have been translated into multiple languages, including French, Italian, Brazilian, Japanese, German, Romanian, Czech, and Croatian.
When not writing, Kate leads a double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK. She currently lives in the UK with her husband, three inexhaustible children, and a naughty toy Poodle named Monty.
Kate loves to hear from readers. Contact her on Twitter @katebateman, Facebook, or via her website at www.kcbateman.com
Website: http://kcbateman.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/katebateman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kc_bateman/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-b...
Pinterest: http://goo.gl/2AHVgZ
Amazon: http://goo.gl/i3Rhyq
B&N: http://goo.gl/1YzFWU
Kobo: http://goo.gl/x1fQqL
iTunes: http://goo.gl/4b7x53
Google Play: http://goo.gl/3bxOIz
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
August 9, 2022
Read:8/6/22
3.5 stars
I admit I was a little disappointed in the beginning. I wish I knew ahead of time there would be no constant action. I think I would have enjoyed it more knowing that!
The book starts out with Cara escaping assassins. Her father and his men were murdered by his half-brother. Her only hope is her father's mercenary friend. So she climbs into his bedroom in the middle of the night. Cara wakes him up with a knife, to ask for his help. Deiavolo will only help if she sleeps with him. Talk about being a d****bag! Luckily, she turns him down. You go girl!
Truthful, I thought the book would have had a lot more action, intrigue, and fighting but nooo! This story is really a love story. Deiavolo has been in love with Cara for years. Her father use to read her letters out loud when on campaign. So he has built Cara up in his mind and he knows her antics well. I love the part where she blew up the ministry. 😂😂
Though, as much as he wants Cara , he owes her father to atleast find a good husband for her. This is something the h opposes strongly. She just wants her lands back and justice for her father. Then (naively) run the estate by herself.
I have to say, her attempts to escape were hilarious 😂. I love her resilience! Deiavolo knows her too well and is always waiting to catch her again. He is also aware of her uncle's spies and plans a trap.
150 pages into the books, Cara finally gives into her lust. She loves him and wants atleast one night with him. She comes to him willingly with no corusion. Unfortunately, the next day, Deiavolo announces her engagement to the aging Duke. Cara is understandably heartbroken 💔. So when the Duke leaves she and her maid hide in the wagon.
What she doesn't know is that it's a trap. Her uncle is able to capture her and she is almost thrown to her death. Luckily, Deiavolo is able to save the day. Then he lets her know that she belongs to him and he intends to wed her.
For the rest of the book they work as a team to destroy her Uncle and his French allies.
Conclusion: The romance and humor were great! It had a slow burn romance for most of the story. I love that she doesn't give into pressure and sleep with him right away. She went to him willingly. I also love how well the H knows about the Cara's spirit but he never tries to break her. They are perfect together!! They even defend the castle and kill the villian together. This was a great story just don't expect a lot of fighting scenes.
3.5 stars
I admit I was a little disappointed in the beginning. I wish I knew ahead of time there would be no constant action. I think I would have enjoyed it more knowing that!
The book starts out with Cara escaping assassins. Her father and his men were murdered by his half-brother. Her only hope is her father's mercenary friend. So she climbs into his bedroom in the middle of the night. Cara wakes him up with a knife, to ask for his help. Deiavolo will only help if she sleeps with him. Talk about being a d****bag! Luckily, she turns him down. You go girl!
Truthful, I thought the book would have had a lot more action, intrigue, and fighting but nooo! This story is really a love story. Deiavolo has been in love with Cara for years. Her father use to read her letters out loud when on campaign. So he has built Cara up in his mind and he knows her antics well. I love the part where she blew up the ministry. 😂😂
Though, as much as he wants Cara , he owes her father to atleast find a good husband for her. This is something the h opposes strongly. She just wants her lands back and justice for her father. Then (naively) run the estate by herself.
I have to say, her attempts to escape were hilarious 😂. I love her resilience! Deiavolo knows her too well and is always waiting to catch her again. He is also aware of her uncle's spies and plans a trap.
150 pages into the books, Cara finally gives into her lust. She loves him and wants atleast one night with him. She comes to him willingly with no corusion. Unfortunately, the next day, Deiavolo announces her engagement to the aging Duke. Cara is understandably heartbroken 💔. So when the Duke leaves she and her maid hide in the wagon.
What she doesn't know is that it's a trap. Her uncle is able to capture her and she is almost thrown to her death. Luckily, Deiavolo is able to save the day. Then he lets her know that she belongs to him and he intends to wed her.
For the rest of the book they work as a team to destroy her Uncle and his French allies.
Conclusion: The romance and humor were great! It had a slow burn romance for most of the story. I love that she doesn't give into pressure and sleep with him right away. She went to him willingly. I also love how well the H knows about the Cara's spirit but he never tries to break her. They are perfect together!! They even defend the castle and kill the villian together. This was a great story just don't expect a lot of fighting scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars
K.C. Bateman made an impactful entry into the historical romance genre in 2016 with To Steal a Heart, a Napoleonic Era romantic adventure featuring a former acrobat-turned-informant and a sexy spy, which I loved and rated a DIK. The other books in her Secrets and Spies trilogy were similarly enjoyable, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for a new book from her. The Devil to Pay is that book, and I pounced on it immediately, delighted to discover that the author has set her story outside of England and in a period other than the Regency. Renaissance Italy is not a setting often utilised in historical romance these days, but it’s full of potential, what with all the court and political intrigue that abounded in and between the various states; and it’s always a refreshing change to find an historical romance set outside nineteenth century England or the Scottish Highlands.
Cara di Montessori has fled her home at Castelleon following the murder of her father by his half-brother, who has now taken possession of the citadel. Wounded and near exhaustion, she has made her way to the fortified city of Torre di San Rocco, the stronghold of the one man she believes able to help her. Alessandro del Sarto is a mercenary whose skill, strength and fearsome reputation have earned him the sobriquet of Il Diavolo, and Cara has known him since she was a child; he trained with her father and fought at his side, and she offers to pay him in order to fight for Castelleon and dispatch her usurping uncle. To her surprise and frustration, however, he tells her she should give up Castelleon as a lost cause and that he isn’t interested in her money. Or not only in her money. He's already got more than he knows what to do with, and he challenges her to come up with a better offer.
Alessandro is chafing under the weight of the duties of a castellan, and hates the intrigue and continual plotting, scheming and machinations of court life. But he’s too good a strategist not to recognise that he needs allies, and is considering forging a non-aggression pact with his neighbours in order to unite against a possible French invasion. The time-honoured way of cementing such an alliance is by marriage, but the thought of selecting a bride from the group of manipulative, marriageable, high-born ladies who will be descending on the castle in a week’s time along with the hordes of princes, minor nobility and diplomats invited for the negotiations, leaves him cold.
The reappearance in his life of Cara di Montessori is certainly likely to alleviate his boredom; he recalls the stories her father used to tell of her escapades, and knows all too well that she was always an unruly handful. He remembers her as headstrong, stubborn and never one to back down easily, and hasn’t forgotten the last time they’d seen each other; she was sixteen, he’d kissed her senseless after besting her with a sword and she’d threatened to kill him.
Cara has never forgotten that kiss – or experienced another one like it – which just adds fuel to the flames of her irritation over del Sarto’s refusal to aid her to regain Castelleon. She’s not seen him for six years, but her attraction to him hasn’t faded, no matter how much she wishes it had, and the way he can still affect her so strongly infuriates her. As does his idea that, in addition to paying him to fight for Castelleon, she should act as his chatelaine for the next two weeks, fulfilling all the duties of a wife – and he means ALL of them.
For Alessandro, it’s the ideal solution to his current problem. He’ll have a hostess during the negotiations, the opportunity to finally scratch the six-year-old itch that’s plagued him ever since that kiss, he’ll be helping the daughter of his old friend – and while he’s about it, he’ll find Cara a worthy husband so she can live a life of pampered luxury. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Or so he thinks. But of course, even the best laid plans are prone to go awry, and although Alessandro is well aware of Cara’s stubbornness, he’s not reckoned on the strength of her determination to win back her home… or his own reluctance to simply marry her off to a man he deems unworthy of her. Which is, of course, anyone who isn’t him.
The book starts very strongly and Ms. Bateman once again offers a masterclass in How to Create Smoking Hot Sexual Tension as Cara and Alessandro strike sparks off each other and trade quips, insults and witticisms that fly effortlessly back and forth. The author writes this sort of sexually charged banter incredibly well and makes it seem easy; she’s also extremely good at creating the sort of hero that makes me weak at the knees – not just physically gorgeous (and hot as fuck), but also intelligent, witty and most of all, incredibly competent; there’s nothing sexier than a man who knows what he’s doing in pretty much any given situation 😉
The book falls down somewhat when it comes to Cara, however, because her motivations and actions veer dangerously close to TSTL on occasion. While we’re told she’s tough, intelligent, well-read in things like history and military strategy, and has spent much of her life either marching with an army or running her father’s home and citadel, we don’t see much evidence to support those qualities. She knows Alessandro is the only person who is likely to be both willing and able to help her, yet her supposed cleverness tells her that running away from him is the best idea – and I just couldn’t buy it. This part of the story is somewhat repetitive, as Cara repeatedly runs, gets herself into situations she needs to be rescued from and/or is caught and taken back to the castle – rinse – repeat. The best part of these escapades are Alessandro’s reactions – he’s a big, sexy alpha who pretty much always has the upper hand, but there’s no question he cares deeply for Cara even when she’s exasperating him up to the eyeballs. He jokes that:
– but the reader knows he’s a goner, no matter how hard he tries to deny he has any tender feelings towards her whatsoever. I really appreciated the character growth he undergoes through his association with Cara; at the beginning of the story he’s world-weary and arrogant, but by the end, he’s shown himself to be a supportive, caring and respectful partner, while Cara has come to understand that Alessandro works hard to disguise the sensitive, caring man he is beneath the bravado and swagger.
I raced through The Devil to Pay in one sitting, because it was such a lot of fun to read! It’s entertaining, fast-paced and sexy, and in spite of my reservations about the heroine, I enjoyed the development of the romance and was really rooting for Cara and Alessandro to admit the truth and make it work between them. He’s undoubtedly the star of this show, and if you’re a fan of the drop-dead gorgeous hero with a smart mouth, a wicked smirk and the ability to keep his heroine on her toes, chances are you’ll find much to enjoy here.
K.C. Bateman made an impactful entry into the historical romance genre in 2016 with To Steal a Heart, a Napoleonic Era romantic adventure featuring a former acrobat-turned-informant and a sexy spy, which I loved and rated a DIK. The other books in her Secrets and Spies trilogy were similarly enjoyable, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for a new book from her. The Devil to Pay is that book, and I pounced on it immediately, delighted to discover that the author has set her story outside of England and in a period other than the Regency. Renaissance Italy is not a setting often utilised in historical romance these days, but it’s full of potential, what with all the court and political intrigue that abounded in and between the various states; and it’s always a refreshing change to find an historical romance set outside nineteenth century England or the Scottish Highlands.
Cara di Montessori has fled her home at Castelleon following the murder of her father by his half-brother, who has now taken possession of the citadel. Wounded and near exhaustion, she has made her way to the fortified city of Torre di San Rocco, the stronghold of the one man she believes able to help her. Alessandro del Sarto is a mercenary whose skill, strength and fearsome reputation have earned him the sobriquet of Il Diavolo, and Cara has known him since she was a child; he trained with her father and fought at his side, and she offers to pay him in order to fight for Castelleon and dispatch her usurping uncle. To her surprise and frustration, however, he tells her she should give up Castelleon as a lost cause and that he isn’t interested in her money. Or not only in her money. He's already got more than he knows what to do with, and he challenges her to come up with a better offer.
Alessandro is chafing under the weight of the duties of a castellan, and hates the intrigue and continual plotting, scheming and machinations of court life. But he’s too good a strategist not to recognise that he needs allies, and is considering forging a non-aggression pact with his neighbours in order to unite against a possible French invasion. The time-honoured way of cementing such an alliance is by marriage, but the thought of selecting a bride from the group of manipulative, marriageable, high-born ladies who will be descending on the castle in a week’s time along with the hordes of princes, minor nobility and diplomats invited for the negotiations, leaves him cold.
The reappearance in his life of Cara di Montessori is certainly likely to alleviate his boredom; he recalls the stories her father used to tell of her escapades, and knows all too well that she was always an unruly handful. He remembers her as headstrong, stubborn and never one to back down easily, and hasn’t forgotten the last time they’d seen each other; she was sixteen, he’d kissed her senseless after besting her with a sword and she’d threatened to kill him.
Cara has never forgotten that kiss – or experienced another one like it – which just adds fuel to the flames of her irritation over del Sarto’s refusal to aid her to regain Castelleon. She’s not seen him for six years, but her attraction to him hasn’t faded, no matter how much she wishes it had, and the way he can still affect her so strongly infuriates her. As does his idea that, in addition to paying him to fight for Castelleon, she should act as his chatelaine for the next two weeks, fulfilling all the duties of a wife – and he means ALL of them.
For Alessandro, it’s the ideal solution to his current problem. He’ll have a hostess during the negotiations, the opportunity to finally scratch the six-year-old itch that’s plagued him ever since that kiss, he’ll be helping the daughter of his old friend – and while he’s about it, he’ll find Cara a worthy husband so she can live a life of pampered luxury. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Or so he thinks. But of course, even the best laid plans are prone to go awry, and although Alessandro is well aware of Cara’s stubbornness, he’s not reckoned on the strength of her determination to win back her home… or his own reluctance to simply marry her off to a man he deems unworthy of her. Which is, of course, anyone who isn’t him.
The book starts very strongly and Ms. Bateman once again offers a masterclass in How to Create Smoking Hot Sexual Tension as Cara and Alessandro strike sparks off each other and trade quips, insults and witticisms that fly effortlessly back and forth. The author writes this sort of sexually charged banter incredibly well and makes it seem easy; she’s also extremely good at creating the sort of hero that makes me weak at the knees – not just physically gorgeous (and hot as fuck), but also intelligent, witty and most of all, incredibly competent; there’s nothing sexier than a man who knows what he’s doing in pretty much any given situation 😉
The book falls down somewhat when it comes to Cara, however, because her motivations and actions veer dangerously close to TSTL on occasion. While we’re told she’s tough, intelligent, well-read in things like history and military strategy, and has spent much of her life either marching with an army or running her father’s home and citadel, we don’t see much evidence to support those qualities. She knows Alessandro is the only person who is likely to be both willing and able to help her, yet her supposed cleverness tells her that running away from him is the best idea – and I just couldn’t buy it. This part of the story is somewhat repetitive, as Cara repeatedly runs, gets herself into situations she needs to be rescued from and/or is caught and taken back to the castle – rinse – repeat. The best part of these escapades are Alessandro’s reactions – he’s a big, sexy alpha who pretty much always has the upper hand, but there’s no question he cares deeply for Cara even when she’s exasperating him up to the eyeballs. He jokes that:
“…you’ve survived an assassination attempt, ridden a hundred miles without getting yourself killed, pulled a knife on me, and want your uncle’s blood in revenge. In fact, you’re probably my perfect woman.”
– but the reader knows he’s a goner, no matter how hard he tries to deny he has any tender feelings towards her whatsoever. I really appreciated the character growth he undergoes through his association with Cara; at the beginning of the story he’s world-weary and arrogant, but by the end, he’s shown himself to be a supportive, caring and respectful partner, while Cara has come to understand that Alessandro works hard to disguise the sensitive, caring man he is beneath the bravado and swagger.
I raced through The Devil to Pay in one sitting, because it was such a lot of fun to read! It’s entertaining, fast-paced and sexy, and in spite of my reservations about the heroine, I enjoyed the development of the romance and was really rooting for Cara and Alessandro to admit the truth and make it work between them. He’s undoubtedly the star of this show, and if you’re a fan of the drop-dead gorgeous hero with a smart mouth, a wicked smirk and the ability to keep his heroine on her toes, chances are you’ll find much to enjoy here.
August 31, 2018
Well, darn it anyway. I was so looking forward to this HR. After all, it takes place in Italy in 1492, far removed from the overused Regency or Victorian eras I usually find. Unfortunately, the author only pays lip service to the time, with mentions of historical figures such as some of the Borgias and Medici and Sforza and more storming of castles than you'll find in the 1800s.
Other than that, the main plot is just a romance that could have taken place at any time and anywhere. And it's of the romance variety that royally POs me, full of lusty thoughts and antagonistic behavior, a feisty female and a patronizing male, and such a lack of communication skills that I wanted to jump into the book and knock their heads together.
Heroine Cara di Montessori, on the run from her evil uncle who has murdered his brother/her father and now wants to marry her off to his son and take over all her rightful holdings, comes to Il Diavolo, Alessandro del Sarto, for help. She has known him since childhood, had a crush on him once, but he's now a ruthless mercenary who fights and kills on behalf of whoever pays him the most.
Well, surprise, surprise. We learn inside the hero's head that he has had a thing for Cara for years also. So it seems as if everything should be settled in a couple of chapters. He'll help her, they'll confess their love and, voila, HEA.
But, no, no, no. We must have sparks flying all over the darn place. And uncomfortably engorged, manly breeding organs requiring adjusting and position shifting, and a perky, feisty female who is melting inside over his manly bulges above and below the belt. And lots of antagonistic banter and sexual innuendo.
Not only that, but she has come to him for help and spends most of her time trying to escape from his keep. WTF anyway. Lots of TSTL actions from this spunky, feisty, piss-and-vinegar heroine. Oh, color me disappointed. Readers different from me, who appreciate all these sparks flying and sexual activity between H and h will find this a good HR. It does have a few exciting action/adventure moments and the sex is good.
Other than that, the main plot is just a romance that could have taken place at any time and anywhere. And it's of the romance variety that royally POs me, full of lusty thoughts and antagonistic behavior, a feisty female and a patronizing male, and such a lack of communication skills that I wanted to jump into the book and knock their heads together.
Heroine Cara di Montessori, on the run from her evil uncle who has murdered his brother/her father and now wants to marry her off to his son and take over all her rightful holdings, comes to Il Diavolo, Alessandro del Sarto, for help. She has known him since childhood, had a crush on him once, but he's now a ruthless mercenary who fights and kills on behalf of whoever pays him the most.
Well, surprise, surprise. We learn inside the hero's head that he has had a thing for Cara for years also. So it seems as if everything should be settled in a couple of chapters. He'll help her, they'll confess their love and, voila, HEA.
But, no, no, no. We must have sparks flying all over the darn place. And uncomfortably engorged, manly breeding organs requiring adjusting and position shifting, and a perky, feisty female who is melting inside over his manly bulges above and below the belt. And lots of antagonistic banter and sexual innuendo.
Not only that, but she has come to him for help and spends most of her time trying to escape from his keep. WTF anyway. Lots of TSTL actions from this spunky, feisty, piss-and-vinegar heroine. Oh, color me disappointed. Readers different from me, who appreciate all these sparks flying and sexual activity between H and h will find this a good HR. It does have a few exciting action/adventure moments and the sex is good.
August 14, 2018
Overall, I found this book to be quite the page turner and just flat out fun to read. Nearly every chapter ends in a way that I had difficulty putting it down.
Set in 15th century Italy, the novel starts with an injured heroine trying to make her way to the hero/anti-hero/nemesis, who has a long-standing friendship with her newly assassinated father. Cara and Alessandro have an edgy history together, but the flashbacks offer just enough back story to let readers know that the two main characters share an unrequited attraction to each other, as well as love and loyalty to Cara's deceased father. The vast majority of the story takes place in present day when Alessandro jumps at the chance to take Cara in for protection from enemy forces. Told in alternating perspectives, readers know that Cara is Alessandro's dream women, though due to pride, ego, and arrogance, he wants his feelings to remain a secret. Cara too though puts on a facade of exasperation and indifference, despite having always been drawn to Alessandro's charm and confidence. As she gets to know him better during the course of the book, she sees a vulnerable man who works hard to hide his sensitive nature, and he's reminded that her fiercely independent and resilient characteristics appeal deeply to him.
This is not a novel that breaks new ground in romance writing, and some of the plotting is repetitive. Cara repeatedly escapes from Alessandro's fortress despite his attempts to keep her secure, and every time she gets away, his skills are on display to show us how good he is at tracking her. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the development of their romance and it kept me hooked right to the end. I read Bateman's first novel, and while I did really like it, I also found the hero to be a bit too harsh with the heroine. Here in this book though, Alessandro's toughness is significantly tempered in all of his encounters with Cara. He proves himself to be a caring and respectful hero in big and small ways and he learns from her how to become the man she needs him to be. I would easily have read this book in one sitting if I could have, and for that reason alone, I highly recommend it.
Set in 15th century Italy, the novel starts with an injured heroine trying to make her way to the hero/anti-hero/nemesis, who has a long-standing friendship with her newly assassinated father. Cara and Alessandro have an edgy history together, but the flashbacks offer just enough back story to let readers know that the two main characters share an unrequited attraction to each other, as well as love and loyalty to Cara's deceased father. The vast majority of the story takes place in present day when Alessandro jumps at the chance to take Cara in for protection from enemy forces. Told in alternating perspectives, readers know that Cara is Alessandro's dream women, though due to pride, ego, and arrogance, he wants his feelings to remain a secret. Cara too though puts on a facade of exasperation and indifference, despite having always been drawn to Alessandro's charm and confidence. As she gets to know him better during the course of the book, she sees a vulnerable man who works hard to hide his sensitive nature, and he's reminded that her fiercely independent and resilient characteristics appeal deeply to him.
This is not a novel that breaks new ground in romance writing, and some of the plotting is repetitive. Cara repeatedly escapes from Alessandro's fortress despite his attempts to keep her secure, and every time she gets away, his skills are on display to show us how good he is at tracking her. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the development of their romance and it kept me hooked right to the end. I read Bateman's first novel, and while I did really like it, I also found the hero to be a bit too harsh with the heroine. Here in this book though, Alessandro's toughness is significantly tempered in all of his encounters with Cara. He proves himself to be a caring and respectful hero in big and small ways and he learns from her how to become the man she needs him to be. I would easily have read this book in one sitting if I could have, and for that reason alone, I highly recommend it.
August 25, 2018
Series: None – Stand Alone
Publication Date: 8/28/18
WARNING! Preparation is required to read this book. Be sure your eyeglasses are clean (if you wear them), your fingers are limber (for flipping those pages), you’ve visited the necessary and a snack tray is beside your chair. Why? Well, you won’t be able to put the book down once you pick it up! It is intelligently and superbly written, the characters are wonderful, the humor will keep you smiling, the excitement oozes off each page and the romance will make you swoon.
The book begins – “Central Italy, June 1492 – Cara di Montessori was sick of people trying to kill her.” Cara’s uncle Lorenzo has just killed her father in order to take over their holding, Castelleon. Her father and his men give up their lives in order for her to escape. Now, with her uncle’s men chasing her, she must manage to get to Alessandro del Sarto, ‘Il Diavolo’. Normally, she’d never seek his help, but his particular set of skills are her only way of staying alive and regaining Castelleon.
Cara has never quite managed to acquire any of the skills required of a true lady. Her instructors have tried, they just can’t hold her attention long enough. She went to a nunnery, but only lasted a week and was then being educated at a monastery – but she managed to flood it and blow part of it up while experimenting with explosives. She is strong, intelligent and fearless – she’s just missing those feminine wiles that allow her to see how attractive she is.
Alessandro del Sarto is a mercenary with the strongest army in Italy. His sword is highly sought after and he is rich beyond measure – he’s also highly intelligent and has a fleet of trading ships and other businesses. He also has a history with Cara and her father. When Cara was sixteen, del Sarto was being mentored by her father. Cara was also smitten with him. Del Sarto went on many campaigns with Cara’s father and they came to respect each other and trust each other.
You will absolutely LOVE the interactions between Cara and del Sarto. She vexes him beyond belief – she leaps out windows, steals his horse, hides away in luggage carts – you name it. He wonders why she won’t just do as he tells her – after all, he’s looking out for her and he knows what is best. Yep, we all know he is heading for a rude awakening.
This book is filled with excitement and it is so much fun to watch both main characters fight the fact that they love each other. It is a delightful read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 8/28/18
WARNING! Preparation is required to read this book. Be sure your eyeglasses are clean (if you wear them), your fingers are limber (for flipping those pages), you’ve visited the necessary and a snack tray is beside your chair. Why? Well, you won’t be able to put the book down once you pick it up! It is intelligently and superbly written, the characters are wonderful, the humor will keep you smiling, the excitement oozes off each page and the romance will make you swoon.
The book begins – “Central Italy, June 1492 – Cara di Montessori was sick of people trying to kill her.” Cara’s uncle Lorenzo has just killed her father in order to take over their holding, Castelleon. Her father and his men give up their lives in order for her to escape. Now, with her uncle’s men chasing her, she must manage to get to Alessandro del Sarto, ‘Il Diavolo’. Normally, she’d never seek his help, but his particular set of skills are her only way of staying alive and regaining Castelleon.
Cara has never quite managed to acquire any of the skills required of a true lady. Her instructors have tried, they just can’t hold her attention long enough. She went to a nunnery, but only lasted a week and was then being educated at a monastery – but she managed to flood it and blow part of it up while experimenting with explosives. She is strong, intelligent and fearless – she’s just missing those feminine wiles that allow her to see how attractive she is.
Alessandro del Sarto is a mercenary with the strongest army in Italy. His sword is highly sought after and he is rich beyond measure – he’s also highly intelligent and has a fleet of trading ships and other businesses. He also has a history with Cara and her father. When Cara was sixteen, del Sarto was being mentored by her father. Cara was also smitten with him. Del Sarto went on many campaigns with Cara’s father and they came to respect each other and trust each other.
You will absolutely LOVE the interactions between Cara and del Sarto. She vexes him beyond belief – she leaps out windows, steals his horse, hides away in luggage carts – you name it. He wonders why she won’t just do as he tells her – after all, he’s looking out for her and he knows what is best. Yep, we all know he is heading for a rude awakening.
This book is filled with excitement and it is so much fun to watch both main characters fight the fact that they love each other. It is a delightful read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
October 2, 2018
am in absolute love this book (Or should that be, I am in absolute love with Il Diavolo?) I haven’t read an historical set during the Italian Renaissance in years, now after reading The Devil to Pay it has just reminded me of how much I love stories set during this era. This was also the first book I have read by K.C Bateman, and what a wonderful introduction into this author’s work. From the quality of this I will certainly been looking to read more by this author.
Cara di Montessori is running for her life, after the death of her father she now has a price on her head by her traitorous uncle who, knowing she is the rightful heir to the di Montessori ancestral estate wants her out of the way. The only person she knows who has the ability to help her regain her home and save her life is one of the last people she wanted to ask; the lethally, ruthless and way too devilishly handsome for his own good, mercenary Alessandro del Sarto – other wise known as Il diavolo. Once there the manipulative devil twists her request for help around to something far more dangerous, for her.
Cara isn’t your stereotypical heiress, she isn’t spoilt or useless she knows the ways of the world and she knows how dangerous that world can be. She has a proper head on her shoulders, with a brains and nerve to match any mercenary she is no wilting wallflower. She can fight as good as any man, she is intelligent and she knows where her place is in life and that place is to be the lady of her little kingdom just as her father has being training her for.
The devil himself has his eye on innocent Cara and what his dark gaze lingers on and wants the man gets, Alessandro agrees to help her reclaim her ancestral home and vows to protect her from her treasonous uncle, under one condition….she stay with him for two weeks and play the part of his hostess/ wife for his guests, which also includes complying with all wifely duties in and out of the bed chamber. Cara should have expected such a devious and dastardly proposition, but it doesn’t take away her shock. She is inexplicable drawn to the brute, but she has vowed she will not – no matter what he does to her – give in.
But will how long can she really resist the one man who makes her heart beat a frenzied tune?
My goodness, how much do I love Alessandro? Really there isn’t enough words or heart eyes to convey what a fantastic character this man is. Dark, deadly and ruthless, I do have a thing for the more dangerous and flawed character and this man is everything you would ever want on a bad boy. Being a mercenary he is feared by everyone. He is a brilliant warrior, but he is also tired of it, deep down he craves peace and solitude, which is why he must himself a wife who will ensure that the fragile peace he has literally fought so hard for continues. Alessandro is a smoking hot, devil who oozes sex appeal, he can make any woman with a pulse swoon with just a mere look from those deadly dark, manipulative eyes. He is definitely a devil, or a pirate…either way he is so swoon-worthy! But as well as being extremely easy on the readers eye, deep down he has a soft, kinder heart hidden – very well hidden – he has always held a light for Cara and I do think that she is the perfect woman for him. She is feisty, imaginative, intelligent and not at all intimidated by his bullish and brooding personality which he finds to be a refreshing change from the simpering dull women that surround him.
The Devil to Pay is an imaginative, sexy and captivating romance that engages the readers attention from page one. The plot is fresh, fun and engrossing, the mix of the super sexy enemies to lovers story and a thrilling edge of your seat sub-plot of getting Cara’s home back this book has it all. The thing that really caught my attention with it was the interactions between Cara and Alessandro, they go through so many emotions and as the reader you feel it too. At times it is heated, sexy and passionate and then there is when Cara literally hold a dagger to the deadly mercenary’s heart – she has got real pluck. Ms Bateman has created a wonderful story that really has you at the edge of your seat, her writing is strong, articulate and engaging and I can not wait to read more from this new to me author.
I do love this book, I have always had a soft spot for this era and I am so pleased that I got the chance to read this one. For those that love the likes of Gabriella Kimm then I can guarantee that you will love this too and if you haven’t read an Italian Renaissance era story, then read this. It is marvellous!
An incredibly sexy and mesmerising book that will hook you with a devil of a lead man 😉
Cara di Montessori is running for her life, after the death of her father she now has a price on her head by her traitorous uncle who, knowing she is the rightful heir to the di Montessori ancestral estate wants her out of the way. The only person she knows who has the ability to help her regain her home and save her life is one of the last people she wanted to ask; the lethally, ruthless and way too devilishly handsome for his own good, mercenary Alessandro del Sarto – other wise known as Il diavolo. Once there the manipulative devil twists her request for help around to something far more dangerous, for her.
Cara isn’t your stereotypical heiress, she isn’t spoilt or useless she knows the ways of the world and she knows how dangerous that world can be. She has a proper head on her shoulders, with a brains and nerve to match any mercenary she is no wilting wallflower. She can fight as good as any man, she is intelligent and she knows where her place is in life and that place is to be the lady of her little kingdom just as her father has being training her for.
The devil himself has his eye on innocent Cara and what his dark gaze lingers on and wants the man gets, Alessandro agrees to help her reclaim her ancestral home and vows to protect her from her treasonous uncle, under one condition….she stay with him for two weeks and play the part of his hostess/ wife for his guests, which also includes complying with all wifely duties in and out of the bed chamber. Cara should have expected such a devious and dastardly proposition, but it doesn’t take away her shock. She is inexplicable drawn to the brute, but she has vowed she will not – no matter what he does to her – give in.
But will how long can she really resist the one man who makes her heart beat a frenzied tune?
My goodness, how much do I love Alessandro? Really there isn’t enough words or heart eyes to convey what a fantastic character this man is. Dark, deadly and ruthless, I do have a thing for the more dangerous and flawed character and this man is everything you would ever want on a bad boy. Being a mercenary he is feared by everyone. He is a brilliant warrior, but he is also tired of it, deep down he craves peace and solitude, which is why he must himself a wife who will ensure that the fragile peace he has literally fought so hard for continues. Alessandro is a smoking hot, devil who oozes sex appeal, he can make any woman with a pulse swoon with just a mere look from those deadly dark, manipulative eyes. He is definitely a devil, or a pirate…either way he is so swoon-worthy! But as well as being extremely easy on the readers eye, deep down he has a soft, kinder heart hidden – very well hidden – he has always held a light for Cara and I do think that she is the perfect woman for him. She is feisty, imaginative, intelligent and not at all intimidated by his bullish and brooding personality which he finds to be a refreshing change from the simpering dull women that surround him.
The Devil to Pay is an imaginative, sexy and captivating romance that engages the readers attention from page one. The plot is fresh, fun and engrossing, the mix of the super sexy enemies to lovers story and a thrilling edge of your seat sub-plot of getting Cara’s home back this book has it all. The thing that really caught my attention with it was the interactions between Cara and Alessandro, they go through so many emotions and as the reader you feel it too. At times it is heated, sexy and passionate and then there is when Cara literally hold a dagger to the deadly mercenary’s heart – she has got real pluck. Ms Bateman has created a wonderful story that really has you at the edge of your seat, her writing is strong, articulate and engaging and I can not wait to read more from this new to me author.
I do love this book, I have always had a soft spot for this era and I am so pleased that I got the chance to read this one. For those that love the likes of Gabriella Kimm then I can guarantee that you will love this too and if you haven’t read an Italian Renaissance era story, then read this. It is marvellous!
An incredibly sexy and mesmerising book that will hook you with a devil of a lead man 😉
August 14, 2022
A Knight in Tarnished Armor
Kate Bateman never disappoints - each story she creates is full of charming yet slightly wicked men who meet their match with a headstrong and daring lady. In this story Bateman creates magic and love brings the devil to his knees. 😍 This story kept me entertained from beginning to end, I was sad to reach the last page. I highly recommend this book to all historical romance lovers!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Kate Bateman never disappoints - each story she creates is full of charming yet slightly wicked men who meet their match with a headstrong and daring lady. In this story Bateman creates magic and love brings the devil to his knees. 😍 This story kept me entertained from beginning to end, I was sad to reach the last page. I highly recommend this book to all historical romance lovers!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 8, 2022
The Devil to Pay is a Renaissance era historical romance set in Italy in 1492 by K.C Bateman, who also traditionally publishes as Kate Bateman. I loved how fresh this read was, if you are looking for a fun historical romance read that takes place outside of Regency-era England, then definitely pick this one up! This has a grumpy mercenary hero and a feisty heiress heroine determined to get her castle back from her murderous uncle.
The story starts off with Cara rushing for help after her Uncle ambushed and killed her father in front of her. He wants Cara’s home, Castelleon, for himself and has no issue hunting down his niece to end her as well. Cara goes to Alessandro del Sarto, aka “Il Diavolo”, for help. A mercenary who once trained with her father, Cara is hoping to hire Alessandro to help her take back her home. But Alessandro has his own idea of how Cara can pay him for the job…he informs Cara he wants her to live with him and act as hostess for two weeks and perform all the functions of a dutiful wife. 🔥 Alessandro has been obsessed with Cara for years, he was taken in by her father when he was just 16 and while they traveled together he loved listening to the letters Cara’s father received detailing all the rebellious adventures and shenanigans Cara got herself into growing up (including blowing up a portion of a monastery when she was messing around with explosives).
“He was the absolute antithesis of a white knight in shining armor but she didn’t care.”
I loved how high stakes and full of danger this read is! Their lives are threatened in almost every other chapter and it was just full of so much adventure! Both are trained fighters and I loved seeing how scrappy Cara is. She isn’t afraid or worried about tossing on men’s clothes and getting in some punches, picking up a sword and fighting alongside (or against) the men in the story. And Alessandro loves Cara’s rebellious, fighter spirit and all of her scheming to escape. Their banter was so much fun and their fighting was as hot as when they were getting together. There is also an age gap in this one, shes 22 and he’s 34. Both had been crushing on one another for years and I did wish they admitted their feelings and got together sooner because their chemistry was so hot, but otherwise I just enjoyed this read.
The story starts off with Cara rushing for help after her Uncle ambushed and killed her father in front of her. He wants Cara’s home, Castelleon, for himself and has no issue hunting down his niece to end her as well. Cara goes to Alessandro del Sarto, aka “Il Diavolo”, for help. A mercenary who once trained with her father, Cara is hoping to hire Alessandro to help her take back her home. But Alessandro has his own idea of how Cara can pay him for the job…he informs Cara he wants her to live with him and act as hostess for two weeks and perform all the functions of a dutiful wife. 🔥 Alessandro has been obsessed with Cara for years, he was taken in by her father when he was just 16 and while they traveled together he loved listening to the letters Cara’s father received detailing all the rebellious adventures and shenanigans Cara got herself into growing up (including blowing up a portion of a monastery when she was messing around with explosives).
“He was the absolute antithesis of a white knight in shining armor but she didn’t care.”
I loved how high stakes and full of danger this read is! Their lives are threatened in almost every other chapter and it was just full of so much adventure! Both are trained fighters and I loved seeing how scrappy Cara is. She isn’t afraid or worried about tossing on men’s clothes and getting in some punches, picking up a sword and fighting alongside (or against) the men in the story. And Alessandro loves Cara’s rebellious, fighter spirit and all of her scheming to escape. Their banter was so much fun and their fighting was as hot as when they were getting together. There is also an age gap in this one, shes 22 and he’s 34. Both had been crushing on one another for years and I did wish they admitted their feelings and got together sooner because their chemistry was so hot, but otherwise I just enjoyed this read.
August 20, 2019
Having loved Ms. Bateman’s
Secrets and Spies
series, I jumped at the chance to review THE DEVIL TO PAY. Set against the backdrop of 15th century Renaissance Italy with all its political intrigues, it was a delightfully entertaining read.
Ms.Bateman excels in writing the most gorgeous heroes and Alessandro is no exception. Darkly handsome, intelligent, stubborn, witty and incredibly sexy, he is simply swoon-worthy.
Clara is intelligent, brave, headstrong, resourceful and resilient but, like other reviewers, I thought that her constant attempts to escape from Alessandro were foolhardy, not only endangering her own life but the lives of others too. It just seemed irrational and I couldn’t understand what she hoped to achieve, given that Alessandro is the only one who has the means to help her. Although, it was amusing to see Alessandro always being one step ahead and foiling every attempt!
With two such strong-minded people, it’s obvious that they will clash and I enjoyed their verbal sparring and the sizzling attraction that bubbles beneath the surface, which they both try so hard to fight. Alessandro has always carried a torch for Cara and she is so refreshingly different from the experienced ladies of the court. He finds himself enjoying her company - the way she challenges him and makes him feel more alive than ever before. Cara comes to see beyond the merciless mercenary to a man who is protective, tender, caring and hides a vulnerable heart.
The sub-plot provides plenty of suspense, action and danger and I liked the secondary characters, especially Francesco, Alessandro’s second-in-command.
I was really surprised when Alessandro referred to Eleanor of Aquitaine as paying a hundred and fifty thousand marks to ransom her son Richard ‘a few years ago’. As Eleanor of Aquitaine lived during the 11th century, I think 300 years is slightly more than a few years!
MY VERDICT: Despite any criticisms, this was still a very enjoyable story.
**I received a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review**
Ms.Bateman excels in writing the most gorgeous heroes and Alessandro is no exception. Darkly handsome, intelligent, stubborn, witty and incredibly sexy, he is simply swoon-worthy.
Clara is intelligent, brave, headstrong, resourceful and resilient but, like other reviewers, I thought that her constant attempts to escape from Alessandro were foolhardy, not only endangering her own life but the lives of others too. It just seemed irrational and I couldn’t understand what she hoped to achieve, given that Alessandro is the only one who has the means to help her. Although, it was amusing to see Alessandro always being one step ahead and foiling every attempt!
With two such strong-minded people, it’s obvious that they will clash and I enjoyed their verbal sparring and the sizzling attraction that bubbles beneath the surface, which they both try so hard to fight. Alessandro has always carried a torch for Cara and she is so refreshingly different from the experienced ladies of the court. He finds himself enjoying her company - the way she challenges him and makes him feel more alive than ever before. Cara comes to see beyond the merciless mercenary to a man who is protective, tender, caring and hides a vulnerable heart.
The sub-plot provides plenty of suspense, action and danger and I liked the secondary characters, especially Francesco, Alessandro’s second-in-command.
I was really surprised when Alessandro referred to Eleanor of Aquitaine as paying a hundred and fifty thousand marks to ransom her son Richard ‘a few years ago’. As Eleanor of Aquitaine lived during the 11th century, I think 300 years is slightly more than a few years!
MY VERDICT: Despite any criticisms, this was still a very enjoyable story.
**I received a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review**
August 19, 2018
I think I have stumbled onto a treasure. This was my first book to read by K. C. Bateman. I loved it. It is set in Medieval Italy - a place I have given little thought to. I absolutely loved it. I particularly enjoyed the humor in it. It has everything a romance junkie would want - romance, tension, adventure and humor. I can’t wait to read more of Bateman’s books. I won this ARC in a contest and I am so glad that I did.
April 6, 2020
Peut-être 3,5/ carje n'étais clairement pas dedans, ça mérite peut-être plus que 3.
Un Moyen-Age classique, sauf que ça se passe en Italie au XVème et non en Angleterre au XIIème, l'originalité du lieu n'a servi à rien.
Le couple est plaisant.
Un Moyen-Age classique, sauf que ça se passe en Italie au XVème et non en Angleterre au XIIème, l'originalité du lieu n'a servi à rien.
Le couple est plaisant.
October 29, 2018
Strong Hero Tames Feisty Heroine, Italian Style
Set in Italy in 1492, this is the story of Cara di Montessori whose uncle murdered her father and seized her castle. In his dying breath, her father told her to go to the infamous mercenary, Il Diavolo. Cara has known him since she was a child and is attracted to his strong male magnetism.
Alessandro del Sarto (Il Diavolo) knows he must marry to secure the peace he desires but none of the ladies presented to him hold his interest. Enter Cara with her need for a mercenary to regain her home and dispatch her uncle.
Alessandro wants Cara in his bed (he does not need her money) so he forces her to a bargain she has no intention of keeping: to sleep with him for a fortnight. After that he plans to marry her off to a worthy noble.
Much of this well-written story is taken up with Cara and Alessandro lusting after each other but neither admitting it. Cara repeatedly tries to escape and Alessandro—always a step ahead of her—easily finds her and brings her back to his castle where she succumbs to his kisses. Add to that the banter and bickering between them that persists to the end and you have your “strong hero tames feisty heroine” story. Not much history here but there is the flavor of medieval Italy with mention of the nobles of the time. The fight scenes that come later in the story are well done and exciting.
Set in Italy in 1492, this is the story of Cara di Montessori whose uncle murdered her father and seized her castle. In his dying breath, her father told her to go to the infamous mercenary, Il Diavolo. Cara has known him since she was a child and is attracted to his strong male magnetism.
Alessandro del Sarto (Il Diavolo) knows he must marry to secure the peace he desires but none of the ladies presented to him hold his interest. Enter Cara with her need for a mercenary to regain her home and dispatch her uncle.
Alessandro wants Cara in his bed (he does not need her money) so he forces her to a bargain she has no intention of keeping: to sleep with him for a fortnight. After that he plans to marry her off to a worthy noble.
Much of this well-written story is taken up with Cara and Alessandro lusting after each other but neither admitting it. Cara repeatedly tries to escape and Alessandro—always a step ahead of her—easily finds her and brings her back to his castle where she succumbs to his kisses. Add to that the banter and bickering between them that persists to the end and you have your “strong hero tames feisty heroine” story. Not much history here but there is the flavor of medieval Italy with mention of the nobles of the time. The fight scenes that come later in the story are well done and exciting.
July 26, 2024
This was really good! The setting in 1490s Italy made for an interesting change from the usual Regency setting of most historical romances published these days. I enjoyed the sparring between the hero and heroine and found the whole thing really fun and enjoyable. I'll definitely be giving some of the author's other books a try.
(If you see this, Ashley - I have a feeling you might like this one.)
(If you see this, Ashley - I have a feeling you might like this one.)
July 27, 2020
Reading K.C. Bateman's The Devil to Pay was like revisiting the medieval/renaissance romances that were popular a few decades ago: the stakes are high, the protagonists are locked into a contest of wills, and the drama keeps you flipping pages until the very end. And because this book isn't actually from the 1980s, the alpha male is merely an alpha male, and not a rapist in sheep's clothing.
The year is 1492, the Borgias have control of the Vatican, and Cara di Montessori's father was just assassinated. After barely escaping the ambush with her own life, Cara rides straight to the Devil—that is, Alessandro del Sarto, a notorious mercenary known as "Il Diavolo." After some persuasion, Alessandro agrees to help, but like any good soldier-for-hire, he wants something in exchange: Cara.
Cara agrees to Alessandro's terms, but they both know she has no intention of keeping her end of the bargain.
From here, the story launches into a hilarious clash of personalities underlaid with sexual tension as well as the larger backdrop of Italian politics at the end of the 15th century. I've rarely had so much fun reading a book, to be honest.
What I especially liked about The Devil to Pay was how it took familiar tropes and clichés, but brought a fresh take. (This is what any good romance novel does.) We've all read books about opinionated tomboys who know how to wield a sword, about enigmatic men with secret hearts of gold who are convinced they don't deserve love. Books where the main schtick is "I will do X thing for you if you agree to be my mistress" are a dime a dozen. The trick is to make the reader forget that they've read the same trope umpteen times before, to give them what they want and expect without making it seem derivative. That is good romance, that that's what Bateman has done here.
Reading this book gave me the same level of breezy enjoyment I have when watching an old Errol Flynn swashbuckler. The story was smart, snappy, and full of action. The Devil to Pay was an absolute pleasure to read from beginning to end.
📌 . Blog | Review Database | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
The year is 1492, the Borgias have control of the Vatican, and Cara di Montessori's father was just assassinated. After barely escaping the ambush with her own life, Cara rides straight to the Devil—that is, Alessandro del Sarto, a notorious mercenary known as "Il Diavolo." After some persuasion, Alessandro agrees to help, but like any good soldier-for-hire, he wants something in exchange: Cara.
Cara agrees to Alessandro's terms, but they both know she has no intention of keeping her end of the bargain.
From here, the story launches into a hilarious clash of personalities underlaid with sexual tension as well as the larger backdrop of Italian politics at the end of the 15th century. I've rarely had so much fun reading a book, to be honest.
What I especially liked about The Devil to Pay was how it took familiar tropes and clichés, but brought a fresh take. (This is what any good romance novel does.) We've all read books about opinionated tomboys who know how to wield a sword, about enigmatic men with secret hearts of gold who are convinced they don't deserve love. Books where the main schtick is "I will do X thing for you if you agree to be my mistress" are a dime a dozen. The trick is to make the reader forget that they've read the same trope umpteen times before, to give them what they want and expect without making it seem derivative. That is good romance, that that's what Bateman has done here.
Reading this book gave me the same level of breezy enjoyment I have when watching an old Errol Flynn swashbuckler. The story was smart, snappy, and full of action. The Devil to Pay was an absolute pleasure to read from beginning to end.
📌 . Blog | Review Database | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
August 30, 2018
I would definitely send a pigeon or a courier with my digits on a scroll to Sandro. He could correspond with me any day.
December 27, 2020
4.5 ⭐
J'ai dévoré ce roman en quelques heures car, une fois mis le nez dedans, il m'était impossible de le lâcher. Le contexte historique de la Renaissance italienne est passionnant, bien qu'un peu sous développé à mon goût. En lisant ce roman, je me suis remémorée mes voyages en Italie, et j'avais tantôt l'impression d'être en Toscane, notamment à Sienne, Vince et Florence, mais aussi devant certains tableaux exposés à la Galerie des Offices, à Florence, justement. Un super cadre donc, qui change vraiment de nos habitudes, et rien que pour ça, ce roman de K.C Bateman vaut largement le détour.
Cela dit, ce n'est pas son seul atout, loin de là. Les personnages et leurs (sales) caractères respectifs, leurs joutes tant verbales, que morales et physiques font tout le sel de ce roman. Cara et Alessandro vont s'affronter du début à la fin, sans jamais baisser leur garde, ou presque. Ils s'envoient de sacrées vacheries à la figure et se parlent (et se comportent) d'égal à égal. Entre eux, c'est une bataille (littéralement) constante où tous les coups sont permis et où la moindre manifestation de vulnérabilité est interdite.
Alessandro est un vrai guerrier, un homme froid, calculateur, dur et inflexible, et en même temps, il a un certain sens de l'honneur, et garde une certaine tendresse pour la fille de son amie. Cara, elle, est la version masculine d'Alessandro, elle est au moins aussi pugnace et déterminée que lui, et elle n'est jamais à court d'imagination pour arriver à ses fins. Leurs affrontements sont incessants, aucun ne veut demander la trêve, du coup, ils sont assez épuisants à lire. ^^ Et en même temps, quelques moments d'une rare sensualité viennent apporter un peu d'apaisement dans ces joutes constantes.
Sur tous les plans, Cara et Alessandro forment un couple flamboyant et nous offrent des moments de lecture tout à fait palpitants, à travers un roman riche en rebondissements et scènes qui décoiffent. Bref, ce roman est un must-have !
J'ai dévoré ce roman en quelques heures car, une fois mis le nez dedans, il m'était impossible de le lâcher. Le contexte historique de la Renaissance italienne est passionnant, bien qu'un peu sous développé à mon goût. En lisant ce roman, je me suis remémorée mes voyages en Italie, et j'avais tantôt l'impression d'être en Toscane, notamment à Sienne, Vince et Florence, mais aussi devant certains tableaux exposés à la Galerie des Offices, à Florence, justement. Un super cadre donc, qui change vraiment de nos habitudes, et rien que pour ça, ce roman de K.C Bateman vaut largement le détour.
Cela dit, ce n'est pas son seul atout, loin de là. Les personnages et leurs (sales) caractères respectifs, leurs joutes tant verbales, que morales et physiques font tout le sel de ce roman. Cara et Alessandro vont s'affronter du début à la fin, sans jamais baisser leur garde, ou presque. Ils s'envoient de sacrées vacheries à la figure et se parlent (et se comportent) d'égal à égal. Entre eux, c'est une bataille (littéralement) constante où tous les coups sont permis et où la moindre manifestation de vulnérabilité est interdite.
Alessandro est un vrai guerrier, un homme froid, calculateur, dur et inflexible, et en même temps, il a un certain sens de l'honneur, et garde une certaine tendresse pour la fille de son amie. Cara, elle, est la version masculine d'Alessandro, elle est au moins aussi pugnace et déterminée que lui, et elle n'est jamais à court d'imagination pour arriver à ses fins. Leurs affrontements sont incessants, aucun ne veut demander la trêve, du coup, ils sont assez épuisants à lire. ^^ Et en même temps, quelques moments d'une rare sensualité viennent apporter un peu d'apaisement dans ces joutes constantes.
Sur tous les plans, Cara et Alessandro forment un couple flamboyant et nous offrent des moments de lecture tout à fait palpitants, à travers un roman riche en rebondissements et scènes qui décoiffent. Bref, ce roman est un must-have !
May 12, 2021
Je l'ai adoré dés les premières pages, je n'ai pas lâché mon sourire de tout le long et j'ai couiné un nombre incalculable de fois. Il était tellement bien *soupire* Essayez l'extrait et dites-moi que j'ai tort.
Je tombe rarement amoureuse en lisant, donc c'est dire à quel point j'ai été embarquée par la fougue de Cara, par le cynisme d'Alessandro... Dés qu'il est apparu, je n'ai plus lâché ce livre, c'est un personnage intense. Leur duo fonctionne immédiatement sans aucun doute, en faite il n'y a qu'eux pour ne rien voir et se mentir.
Je n'ai pas en mémoire avoir lu un livre où je me contentais de lire juste la romance, où je suis capable d'oublier l'intrigue mais là c'était tellement loin de mon attrait. Une romance magnifique et tellement sensuelle. Je pensais bêtement que ce ne serait qu'une romance historique érotique mais alors absolument pas. Pourquoi n'ai-je pas essayer avant ? Il a fallut attendre son autre série Les Célibataires de Bow Street pour que j'ose y jeter un oeil.
Alors ne faite pas comme moi, découvrez le magnétique Il Diavolo si ce n'est déjà fait, un personnage sombre et terriblement charismatique.
Je tombe rarement amoureuse en lisant, donc c'est dire à quel point j'ai été embarquée par la fougue de Cara, par le cynisme d'Alessandro... Dés qu'il est apparu, je n'ai plus lâché ce livre, c'est un personnage intense. Leur duo fonctionne immédiatement sans aucun doute, en faite il n'y a qu'eux pour ne rien voir et se mentir.
Je n'ai pas en mémoire avoir lu un livre où je me contentais de lire juste la romance, où je suis capable d'oublier l'intrigue mais là c'était tellement loin de mon attrait. Une romance magnifique et tellement sensuelle. Je pensais bêtement que ce ne serait qu'une romance historique érotique mais alors absolument pas. Pourquoi n'ai-je pas essayer avant ? Il a fallut attendre son autre série Les Célibataires de Bow Street pour que j'ose y jeter un oeil.
Alors ne faite pas comme moi, découvrez le magnétique Il Diavolo si ce n'est déjà fait, un personnage sombre et terriblement charismatique.
August 26, 2018
Young and charming Cara di Montessori, a nobleman's daughter, must flee her ancestral home amidst one of the interfamilial feuds that define the political landscape of the Italian High Renaissance. Albeit very reluctantly, she is forced to seek the help from Alessandro "Il Diavolo" del Sarto, a cynical and unscrupulous mercenary leader.
In exchange, Del Sarto demands Cara's unconditional allegiance, a pact with a devil who appears to be both a Renaissance Man with broad scholarly interests, and an oh-so handsome Machiavellian male chauvinist. Del Sarto, in his turn, comes to realise that Cara is the original Renaissance Woman; smart, strong, resourceful, and fiercely independent. And utterly irresistable. Clearly, The Devil has met his very own demon. Torn between the urge to escape his clutches, or letting herself descend into the ninth circle of hellish bliss, Cara struggles to learn the true value of her deal with this particular Devil.
Just like her three previous, Regency-era historical romances, British writer K.C. Bateman's latest work resonates with authenticity, from the description of the classic tomes in Del Sarto's library to the intricate social mores and risqué Saint Agatha's nipple pastries of late-15th century Italy. This should come as no surprise given mrs. Bateman's background as an art auctioneer and antiques expert, frequently featured on popular BBC antiques shows. Having actually visited the locations she describes, she seamlessly combines historical fact with romantic fiction, and admirably succeeds in capturing the 15th-century Italian ambiance.
And not one to stop writing at the undoing of the top button of a heroine's silk-embroidered chemise only to leave the rest up to the reader's imagination (or lack thereof), K.C. Bateman shows us the full, steamy experience of what a genuine lover's tale should include, right up to 'la petite mort'.
But steamy scenes alone do not a good story make. Thankfully, Cara has inherited the same indomitable spirit and capacity for sharp repartee we've come to associate with the strong women characters in mrs. Bateman's novels.
Alessandro del Sarto appears to be very much the product of his life as a 15th-century soldier of fortune, a cynical and secretive alpha male. But as the tale progresses, we're made privy to The Devil's inner turmoil as he's starting to realise that his lust for young Cara is merely a by-product of love, that most annoying and complicated of emotions. As a male fan of the genre, I found Alessandro's tormented train of thought utterly convincing; let's face it, we men are totally defenceless when it comes to mrs. Bateman's insights into the male psyche.
A fluid writing style, intriguing storyline, adventure, authentic historical ambiance and above all, the smouldering but complex passion of Cara and Alessandro, make The Devil To Pay stand out as an exceptional, must-read historical romance. Enjoy.
In exchange, Del Sarto demands Cara's unconditional allegiance, a pact with a devil who appears to be both a Renaissance Man with broad scholarly interests, and an oh-so handsome Machiavellian male chauvinist. Del Sarto, in his turn, comes to realise that Cara is the original Renaissance Woman; smart, strong, resourceful, and fiercely independent. And utterly irresistable. Clearly, The Devil has met his very own demon. Torn between the urge to escape his clutches, or letting herself descend into the ninth circle of hellish bliss, Cara struggles to learn the true value of her deal with this particular Devil.
Just like her three previous, Regency-era historical romances, British writer K.C. Bateman's latest work resonates with authenticity, from the description of the classic tomes in Del Sarto's library to the intricate social mores and risqué Saint Agatha's nipple pastries of late-15th century Italy. This should come as no surprise given mrs. Bateman's background as an art auctioneer and antiques expert, frequently featured on popular BBC antiques shows. Having actually visited the locations she describes, she seamlessly combines historical fact with romantic fiction, and admirably succeeds in capturing the 15th-century Italian ambiance.
And not one to stop writing at the undoing of the top button of a heroine's silk-embroidered chemise only to leave the rest up to the reader's imagination (or lack thereof), K.C. Bateman shows us the full, steamy experience of what a genuine lover's tale should include, right up to 'la petite mort'.
But steamy scenes alone do not a good story make. Thankfully, Cara has inherited the same indomitable spirit and capacity for sharp repartee we've come to associate with the strong women characters in mrs. Bateman's novels.
Alessandro del Sarto appears to be very much the product of his life as a 15th-century soldier of fortune, a cynical and secretive alpha male. But as the tale progresses, we're made privy to The Devil's inner turmoil as he's starting to realise that his lust for young Cara is merely a by-product of love, that most annoying and complicated of emotions. As a male fan of the genre, I found Alessandro's tormented train of thought utterly convincing; let's face it, we men are totally defenceless when it comes to mrs. Bateman's insights into the male psyche.
A fluid writing style, intriguing storyline, adventure, authentic historical ambiance and above all, the smouldering but complex passion of Cara and Alessandro, make The Devil To Pay stand out as an exceptional, must-read historical romance. Enjoy.
October 4, 2019
I keep reading this author because she writes so vividly, recreating some wonderful historical moments in time. Then I remember why I don't like her characterisation- argh!
I loved the setting here: Renaissance Italy. I love the art, the philosophy, the architecture and the music of this time. The politics, not so much! (Machiavelli, anyone? The Borgias?) Still, I was a little confused as to what gave this Alessandro del Sarto, an aristocrat with an estate near Florence, the right to arrange the marriage of Cara, who was not a relative, and who had fled her own family home and sought refuge at his estate.
He pissed me off like the Raven in A Raven's Heart! This author loves to have these controlling, arrogant men who don’t really protect or cherish their women, but are more likely to exploit them for their own ends. And don't get me started on To Steal a Heart.
The idea of a woman being made powerless by a man, then being controlled by him so that she winds up in a dangerous and desperate situation just doesn’t appeal. It ain’t love, folks. Here, our lovely hero decides to marry Cara off to promote an alliance that will benefit him. He fancies her too, of course, but decides it's just lust. It takes him a long time to realise it is actually more than that.
I can’t help but compare these alphas to those in other books, where the guys are macho and dominating, but ALWAYS work to ensure their women are safe and come first in everything they do. They are never patronising, nor do they demean or belittle their women.
I also do not buy the argument that these negative characteristics are typical of the roles of men and women at that time, and therefore are historically accurate. Let's keep the genre in mind: we are reading romance here, folks, not a history textbook.
I loved the setting here: Renaissance Italy. I love the art, the philosophy, the architecture and the music of this time. The politics, not so much! (Machiavelli, anyone? The Borgias?) Still, I was a little confused as to what gave this Alessandro del Sarto, an aristocrat with an estate near Florence, the right to arrange the marriage of Cara, who was not a relative, and who had fled her own family home and sought refuge at his estate.
He pissed me off like the Raven in A Raven's Heart! This author loves to have these controlling, arrogant men who don’t really protect or cherish their women, but are more likely to exploit them for their own ends. And don't get me started on To Steal a Heart.
The idea of a woman being made powerless by a man, then being controlled by him so that she winds up in a dangerous and desperate situation just doesn’t appeal. It ain’t love, folks. Here, our lovely hero decides to marry Cara off to promote an alliance that will benefit him. He fancies her too, of course, but decides it's just lust. It takes him a long time to realise it is actually more than that.
I can’t help but compare these alphas to those in other books, where the guys are macho and dominating, but ALWAYS work to ensure their women are safe and come first in everything they do. They are never patronising, nor do they demean or belittle their women.
I also do not buy the argument that these negative characteristics are typical of the roles of men and women at that time, and therefore are historically accurate. Let's keep the genre in mind: we are reading romance here, folks, not a history textbook.
July 14, 2019
I was excited for this one because it's not England Times! The heroine, Cara di Montessori flees an assassin and goes to Alessandro del Sarto, also known as Il Diavolo for help. No one loves a devil like romancelandia.
Pluses: The setting is 1492 Italy, and I was excited to have what I hoped would be a cool, different historical reading experience.
Wishes: I need you all to understand that I am one of those people who BARELY gives a fuck about historical accuracy. And yet, this book is filled with words & ideas that are WILDLY ahistorical---but both ways. At one point, the hero says, "Eleanor of Aquitaine had to pay 150 thousand marks to ransom her son Richard a few years ago." Eleanor of Aquitaine lived from 1122 – 1204. So, a THREE HUNDRED YEARS before? When's the last time anyone here referred to events 3 centuries ago and in another country as a few years ago?
Later on, the hero tells the heroine, "What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander." A phrase that according to the OED doesn't appear for another 300 years...in English. Maybe it's Italian? But I doubt it. I know I sound like a real jerk here, but I know how infuriating it is when historical authors are accused of being ahistorical, and I wanted to show my work.
Let me tell you about one more, which was the stopping point. The hero thinks about himself and the heroine as being "like two magnets held the wrong way round." And I actually fucking looked up when magnets came into use. It seemed that they were in use in China and some places naturally, but not widely as this metaphor would suggest. So here's what I did: I figured if Shakespeare used the word magnet (remember he was writing a century later than the setting of this book!), then I figured maybe I could give it a pass. Alas, no.
Would I have kept reading if it wasn't a RITA finalist? I doubt it. Nothing that compelling and it was pretty slow moving. There was some very awkward prose.
Verdict: DNF. How can RWA award a RITA to a book that plays this loose with history?
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reading all the 2019 RITA finalists
Pluses: The setting is 1492 Italy, and I was excited to have what I hoped would be a cool, different historical reading experience.
Wishes: I need you all to understand that I am one of those people who BARELY gives a fuck about historical accuracy. And yet, this book is filled with words & ideas that are WILDLY ahistorical---but both ways. At one point, the hero says, "Eleanor of Aquitaine had to pay 150 thousand marks to ransom her son Richard a few years ago." Eleanor of Aquitaine lived from 1122 – 1204. So, a THREE HUNDRED YEARS before? When's the last time anyone here referred to events 3 centuries ago and in another country as a few years ago?
Later on, the hero tells the heroine, "What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander." A phrase that according to the OED doesn't appear for another 300 years...in English. Maybe it's Italian? But I doubt it. I know I sound like a real jerk here, but I know how infuriating it is when historical authors are accused of being ahistorical, and I wanted to show my work.
Let me tell you about one more, which was the stopping point. The hero thinks about himself and the heroine as being "like two magnets held the wrong way round." And I actually fucking looked up when magnets came into use. It seemed that they were in use in China and some places naturally, but not widely as this metaphor would suggest. So here's what I did: I figured if Shakespeare used the word magnet (remember he was writing a century later than the setting of this book!), then I figured maybe I could give it a pass. Alas, no.
Would I have kept reading if it wasn't a RITA finalist? I doubt it. Nothing that compelling and it was pretty slow moving. There was some very awkward prose.
Verdict: DNF. How can RWA award a RITA to a book that plays this loose with history?
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reading all the 2019 RITA finalists
December 31, 2019
This was OK.
I liked the short chapters. That made it easy to pick up at short intervals. The writing was also fast paced, and the characters and plot were interesting.
I don’t know why but I didn’t feel immersed in the time period. I think it has something to do with the writing style.
The romance was too push-pull/will they or won’t they, for my taste. The hero often reverted to arrogant ass while the heroine was often rashly stubborn. They both had their moments where I was cheering for them, balanced by moments of irritation.
Overall, the romance itself had an old skool feel, and that paired with fast tempo, modern style writing didn’t quite work for me. It was OK. This was my second Bateman and both were a bit underwhelming for me. I don’t think I will be reading more.
I liked the short chapters. That made it easy to pick up at short intervals. The writing was also fast paced, and the characters and plot were interesting.
I don’t know why but I didn’t feel immersed in the time period. I think it has something to do with the writing style.
The romance was too push-pull/will they or won’t they, for my taste. The hero often reverted to arrogant ass while the heroine was often rashly stubborn. They both had their moments where I was cheering for them, balanced by moments of irritation.
Overall, the romance itself had an old skool feel, and that paired with fast tempo, modern style writing didn’t quite work for me. It was OK. This was my second Bateman and both were a bit underwhelming for me. I don’t think I will be reading more.
January 17, 2021
WHY DIDN'T I READ THIS SOONER!?!?! I knew by the first few chapters this was a 5 star read and by the end, I wanted MORE of Alessandro and Cara's story. This story sucked me in. It was such an engrossing read that I couldn't put it down! I think fans of Julie Garwood's The Bride will also enjoy this one. The banter, and push and pull between Alessandro and Cara are OFF THE CHARTS! I was smiling just reading their conversations. All the characters and the events and pace were perfect! It also has been a minute since I read an Italian Historical Renaissance. Kate did an amazing job. Of note, this is a 2019 RITA Finalist! I highly recommend this book as I'm practically giddy for it. I've read Kate's books before, but this is definitely one of her underrated titles that needs more attention. #hrreadathon
August 15, 2018
Italian men are hard to resist as it is but an Italian man from 1492 is a thing of beauty that no-one can resist. The back and forth dialog really stands out in this book. Ms. Bateman has a knack for writing characters that lure you into their world. Every chapter held new and exciting things in the lives of Cara and Alessandro. Who could best who? Their slow seduction dance rivets you to the pages of this story. Even the secondary characters had an interesting tale (I would have loved more of them). A story I would recommend to anyone who wants a smart talking hero and heroine. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
July 19, 2022
I had fun.
January 2, 2023
Cara and Alessandro. Set in Italy 1492. Hero is a mercenary. Heroine is feisty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
Trigger warnings: death of a parent (in the past), violence, war, blood, explosions, serious physical injury, stabbing.
3.5 stars.
I love Bateman's books and this one was no exception. I didn't engage quiiiiiiiite as much with the Renaissance Italy setting as I do with her Regency works, but the dynamic between Cara and Alessandro was pretty freaking delightful in an enemies-to-lovers way. Ultimately, I liked the romance but the historical setting isn't my jam and it took me...a surprisingly long time to get through for a historical romance book.
3.5 stars.
I love Bateman's books and this one was no exception. I didn't engage quiiiiiiiite as much with the Renaissance Italy setting as I do with her Regency works, but the dynamic between Cara and Alessandro was pretty freaking delightful in an enemies-to-lovers way. Ultimately, I liked the romance but the historical setting isn't my jam and it took me...a surprisingly long time to get through for a historical romance book.
September 28, 2022
Another sinfully delicious historical romance by K.C. Bateman who's quickly becoming my favorite in the genre! If you love strong heroines and brooding heroes with sizzling chemistry, give this author a try. The Devil to Pay is exquisite!
December 10, 2018
KC Bateman is an author whose name has rapidly become synonymous with first-rate historical romance. Where this writer stands out is in her ability not be mired down by facts but to seamlessly blend them into her work with her superb storytelling.
Set in Renaissance Italy The Devil to Pay steps away from the standard time periods that dominate the historical romance genre and introduces readers to a wonderful new experience. Ms. Bateman’s venture into writing a book that veers away from familiar reader territory was not only daring but successful. An incredible amount of research and detail brought this historical period to life giving this author's characters a rich backdrop to play out their story.
Ms. Bateman demonstrates that intrigue and romance are an irresistible combination as her leads, Alessandro and Cara, navigated deadly plots and their reluctant hearts. Fearsome and fearful battled for top billing in this love story as the exposure of perceived emotional vulnerabilities ultimately proved to be her characters greatest strength.
This work was full of smoldering showdowns that will keep readers in a constant state of anticipation. Cara was an expertly devised heroine who while not typical of her time was believable as she dealt with the consequences of her differences. Alessandro demonstrated that he was a Renaissance hero in the enlightened way he approached his life carrying over to how he handled his attraction to Cara as their relationship developed. Great banter, heart racing action and sexy nuances gave this work a sophistication that readers have come to expect from this author's exceptional writing. An endearing supporting cast enhanced this story without taking over the leads spotlight. The Devil to Pay firmly secures K.C. Bateman as a must read historical romance writer!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Set in Renaissance Italy The Devil to Pay steps away from the standard time periods that dominate the historical romance genre and introduces readers to a wonderful new experience. Ms. Bateman’s venture into writing a book that veers away from familiar reader territory was not only daring but successful. An incredible amount of research and detail brought this historical period to life giving this author's characters a rich backdrop to play out their story.
Ms. Bateman demonstrates that intrigue and romance are an irresistible combination as her leads, Alessandro and Cara, navigated deadly plots and their reluctant hearts. Fearsome and fearful battled for top billing in this love story as the exposure of perceived emotional vulnerabilities ultimately proved to be her characters greatest strength.
This work was full of smoldering showdowns that will keep readers in a constant state of anticipation. Cara was an expertly devised heroine who while not typical of her time was believable as she dealt with the consequences of her differences. Alessandro demonstrated that he was a Renaissance hero in the enlightened way he approached his life carrying over to how he handled his attraction to Cara as their relationship developed. Great banter, heart racing action and sexy nuances gave this work a sophistication that readers have come to expect from this author's exceptional writing. An endearing supporting cast enhanced this story without taking over the leads spotlight. The Devil to Pay firmly secures K.C. Bateman as a must read historical romance writer!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Read
September 2, 2018DNF @ 33%
This was a disappointment. I’d heard great things about Bateman and this was set in Renaissance Italy, a period I love and that hardly any romance novels are set in, plus it was set up some tropes I love, but it just did not work for me.
The real issue for me was the heroine. I knew going in that Cara was going to be a tomboy. I don’t really care for tomboy heroines especially ones who entirely eschew all feminine habits, run all over the place in trousers, and can fence like a champion while also not knowing which end of the needle to use. Maybe it’s just because this sort of heroine feels so common whereas finding a heroine who is even vaguely comfortable and confident in her actual historical role is difficult that I’m just very tired of and over the whole girl in pants thing.
Beyond the tomboy stuff, which I knew was coming, I just didn’t really buy Cara’s character. Despite having spent years on the campaign trail with her father, she is very naive and innocent. She thinks Il Diavolo is bad for using underhanded techniques even though surely her father would have used some himself considering he taught Il Diavolo. She also has no real concept of sex. I’m sure her father would have tried to shelter her, but surrounded by soldiers and prostitutes, surely she would have had her innocence tarnished a little by now? Also, she was sent to be educated in a monastery because no nunneries would take her. I’m not sure I could buy that. Why would you send a young woman/girl to be educated in an entirely male institute? If the nuns wouldn’t have her, wouldn’t it be better to get her some private tutors?
Anyway, I liked Bateman’s writing, and I liked the hero, but I just couldn’t connect to the heroine, and I didn’t like the set up of the super feminine, over sexed female villain. I wish I could have liked this, because there was so much for me to like, but if I can’t connect or even care about the heroine, I can’t continue.
This was a disappointment. I’d heard great things about Bateman and this was set in Renaissance Italy, a period I love and that hardly any romance novels are set in, plus it was set up some tropes I love, but it just did not work for me.
The real issue for me was the heroine. I knew going in that Cara was going to be a tomboy. I don’t really care for tomboy heroines especially ones who entirely eschew all feminine habits, run all over the place in trousers, and can fence like a champion while also not knowing which end of the needle to use. Maybe it’s just because this sort of heroine feels so common whereas finding a heroine who is even vaguely comfortable and confident in her actual historical role is difficult that I’m just very tired of and over the whole girl in pants thing.
Beyond the tomboy stuff, which I knew was coming, I just didn’t really buy Cara’s character. Despite having spent years on the campaign trail with her father, she is very naive and innocent. She thinks Il Diavolo is bad for using underhanded techniques even though surely her father would have used some himself considering he taught Il Diavolo. She also has no real concept of sex. I’m sure her father would have tried to shelter her, but surrounded by soldiers and prostitutes, surely she would have had her innocence tarnished a little by now? Also, she was sent to be educated in a monastery because no nunneries would take her. I’m not sure I could buy that. Why would you send a young woman/girl to be educated in an entirely male institute? If the nuns wouldn’t have her, wouldn’t it be better to get her some private tutors?
Anyway, I liked Bateman’s writing, and I liked the hero, but I just couldn’t connect to the heroine, and I didn’t like the set up of the super feminine, over sexed female villain. I wish I could have liked this, because there was so much for me to like, but if I can’t connect or even care about the heroine, I can’t continue.
August 26, 2018
Renaissance set romance?
Mercenary Hero?
Snarky Heroine?
YES PLEASE!!!
Need anymore be said? Probably not. By this point you’ve already bought the book, and surely you’re already halfway into devouring what is not your typical renaissance romance.
But if you haven’t and you’re not I will expand on why I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK.
What the blurb doesn’t tell you about is K.C Bateman’s writing style. The dialogue is witty, the banter snarky, the history and background well researched and the action scenes thrilling! This alone with a smattering of typical romance would have made this book fine. Ok... Nice... A 3 Star book.
But Bateman’s style of romance makes this book fantastic. No cut away scenes when things are just getting juicy.
Bateman delivers STEAM.
Although there are a few of the classic romantic tropes to be found in The Devil to Pay Bateman handles them humour and thrills. The nipple pastry scene is a particular favourite. If I callus I’d give this a 4.5 stars.
Needless to say Bateman more than won her $1 bet with her husband.
I can’t wait to see if Bateman’s next book will also be set in 15th century Italy or if she will go back to her regency roots. Either way I will devour it eagerly.
Mercenary Hero?
Snarky Heroine?
YES PLEASE!!!
Need anymore be said? Probably not. By this point you’ve already bought the book, and surely you’re already halfway into devouring what is not your typical renaissance romance.
But if you haven’t and you’re not I will expand on why I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK.
What the blurb doesn’t tell you about is K.C Bateman’s writing style. The dialogue is witty, the banter snarky, the history and background well researched and the action scenes thrilling! This alone with a smattering of typical romance would have made this book fine. Ok... Nice... A 3 Star book.
But Bateman’s style of romance makes this book fantastic. No cut away scenes when things are just getting juicy.
Bateman delivers STEAM.
Although there are a few of the classic romantic tropes to be found in The Devil to Pay Bateman handles them humour and thrills. The nipple pastry scene is a particular favourite. If I callus I’d give this a 4.5 stars.
Needless to say Bateman more than won her $1 bet with her husband.
I can’t wait to see if Bateman’s next book will also be set in 15th century Italy or if she will go back to her regency roots. Either way I will devour it eagerly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews