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Bewitch the Dark #4
The Devil To Pay
Torn between duty and desire...
After the devil Himself claims Ivan Drake's soul on his twenty-first birthday, the vampire phoenix has no choice but to enforce his wicked rule. But when the devil sends him to claim the Book of All Spells, the last thing Ivan expects is to square off with its gorgeous protector, the witch Dez Merevech--or to be so attracted to her.
To retrieve the book might end the escalating war between the witches and the vampires, but to take it from Dez will ensure her death. With the fate of the paranormal world hanging in the balance, Ivan must choose wisely--and quickly....
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
32 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Michele Hauf
208 books940 followersMichele has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over twenty years. Her first published novel was DARK RAPTURE.
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 8, 2009
My first try at Harlequin's nocturne silhouette books, and it had the Harlequin elements that I know, and sure some other things too. I sure never read a Harlequin book like this when I started reading them.
The story is about Ivan, a vampire phoenix and half witch, his parents story is in book 1, and this is the third by her. This one can be read without knowing what has happened before, it's a stand alone novel. Ivan's parents promised his soul to the devil and on his 21st birthday the Devil came to claim it, and since that he has worked for the dark one. His newest task is to steal a book from a witch, an easy match he thinks but that is not the case and he finds himself falling for her. In the mean time the war between vampires and witches are escalating.
I found it funny sometimes because Ivan is such a young guy really and Dez is ancient and her wanting to be part of the old granny club, very nice. There are sparks at the moment those two meet and not only happy sparks. But it's harlequin in the end so we know what that means. But it's a good ride until the end. The Devil is creepy, there is a story told later on that I really enjoyed and even perhaps liked a bit more than this one cos it was dark, and got me thinking. But they are a good couple and the both need some happiness, if they dare to get it.
There is not much about the whole vampire and witch war. Only mentions when the Grey Council meet, and I guess if there is to be more books than more will be told there. Perhaps one day they all can live peacefully next to each other.
It was a short easy read, romance, action, and the devil Himself on several occasions. Some magic and some bloodsucking, he is a vampire after all.
The story is about Ivan, a vampire phoenix and half witch, his parents story is in book 1, and this is the third by her. This one can be read without knowing what has happened before, it's a stand alone novel. Ivan's parents promised his soul to the devil and on his 21st birthday the Devil came to claim it, and since that he has worked for the dark one. His newest task is to steal a book from a witch, an easy match he thinks but that is not the case and he finds himself falling for her. In the mean time the war between vampires and witches are escalating.
I found it funny sometimes because Ivan is such a young guy really and Dez is ancient and her wanting to be part of the old granny club, very nice. There are sparks at the moment those two meet and not only happy sparks. But it's harlequin in the end so we know what that means. But it's a good ride until the end. The Devil is creepy, there is a story told later on that I really enjoyed and even perhaps liked a bit more than this one cos it was dark, and got me thinking. But they are a good couple and the both need some happiness, if they dare to get it.
There is not much about the whole vampire and witch war. Only mentions when the Grey Council meet, and I guess if there is to be more books than more will be told there. Perhaps one day they all can live peacefully next to each other.
It was a short easy read, romance, action, and the devil Himself on several occasions. Some magic and some bloodsucking, he is a vampire after all.
October 29, 2012
I'd seen Michele Hauf's name before, but was unfamiliar with her work when I bought this book. Normally I don't read series books out of order, but with category romances the entries are often not linked to each other enough to matter if you read them in order or not. And indeed, in the “Dear Reader” letter from the author at the front of this book, Ms. Hauf states each story in this series stands alone. So I dove right in.
The hero of this book, however, Ivan Drake, is related to the couple in the second book of the series, KISS ME DEADLY. And two pages into the prologue, which gave a bit of background on his parents, I realized that I had read that entry, and at the time had not been overly impressed.
But I forged ahead anyway, and I'm glad I did. And let me say now, that as I read, more and more of that previous book came back to me, and I began to remember it a little more fondly. And I honestly think part of my problem at the time was that I read it on my iPhone. I don’t read many ebooks, and when I would put one on my phone, I usually only read it when out somewhere without a regular book with me, which meant I might go days between chapters, or even between paragraphs. After having an iPhone for about six months, I stopped even bothering with ebooks. I just don't like reading that way.
So. Ivan is a 28 year old half vampire, half witch, whose parents bargained away his soul before he was even born. The devil, always referred to as Himself, left Ivan alone until he turned 21, at which time he claimed his soul, and Ivan became his fixer. His days were his own, but his nights belonged to Himself, when he was given assignments and had to track down various creatures who had wronged Himself or reneged on a deal or whatever, and exacting whatever punishment Himself has directed. His newest assignment: to locate the Grande Grimoire, a magical book that contains every spell ever written, and take it from the witch who is its guardian.
Said guardian is Dez, a very powerful witch who is much older than Ivan. When she discovers he is only 28 years old, not 28 decades, or centuries, she is slightly appalled, calling him a baby boy. More than once throughout the book she reminds herself that in the world of the witches and vampires, age doesn’t really matter.
Of course Ivan and Dez are attracted to each other, but despite his growing feelings for Dez, Ivan can't not attempt to take the book from her. At night he is under the control of Himself, and he has no choice but to carry out his assignment. Or to attempt to anyway.
I like this world that Ms. Hauf has built. There is a war going on between the witches and the vampires, but (like many wars) it is unnecessary, and Ivan's parents and other members of the Gray Council, both witch and vampire, are searching for a way to end it. I like the characters. The author takes us inside their heads, giving us a good look at what has made them who they are today, and what is keeping them from being who they would like to be. With Himself being so powerful, it was hard to imagine how Ivan and Dez would be able to thwart him, and each victory they enjoyed over him, however fleeting, was very satisfying.
I read this book in a single day. Thankfully it was on the weekend and I didn't have to work! I'm definitely interested in reading the rest of the series, and someday I may even go back and reread the book about Ivan's parents.
The hero of this book, however, Ivan Drake, is related to the couple in the second book of the series, KISS ME DEADLY. And two pages into the prologue, which gave a bit of background on his parents, I realized that I had read that entry, and at the time had not been overly impressed.
But I forged ahead anyway, and I'm glad I did. And let me say now, that as I read, more and more of that previous book came back to me, and I began to remember it a little more fondly. And I honestly think part of my problem at the time was that I read it on my iPhone. I don’t read many ebooks, and when I would put one on my phone, I usually only read it when out somewhere without a regular book with me, which meant I might go days between chapters, or even between paragraphs. After having an iPhone for about six months, I stopped even bothering with ebooks. I just don't like reading that way.
So. Ivan is a 28 year old half vampire, half witch, whose parents bargained away his soul before he was even born. The devil, always referred to as Himself, left Ivan alone until he turned 21, at which time he claimed his soul, and Ivan became his fixer. His days were his own, but his nights belonged to Himself, when he was given assignments and had to track down various creatures who had wronged Himself or reneged on a deal or whatever, and exacting whatever punishment Himself has directed. His newest assignment: to locate the Grande Grimoire, a magical book that contains every spell ever written, and take it from the witch who is its guardian.
Said guardian is Dez, a very powerful witch who is much older than Ivan. When she discovers he is only 28 years old, not 28 decades, or centuries, she is slightly appalled, calling him a baby boy. More than once throughout the book she reminds herself that in the world of the witches and vampires, age doesn’t really matter.
Of course Ivan and Dez are attracted to each other, but despite his growing feelings for Dez, Ivan can't not attempt to take the book from her. At night he is under the control of Himself, and he has no choice but to carry out his assignment. Or to attempt to anyway.
I like this world that Ms. Hauf has built. There is a war going on between the witches and the vampires, but (like many wars) it is unnecessary, and Ivan's parents and other members of the Gray Council, both witch and vampire, are searching for a way to end it. I like the characters. The author takes us inside their heads, giving us a good look at what has made them who they are today, and what is keeping them from being who they would like to be. With Himself being so powerful, it was hard to imagine how Ivan and Dez would be able to thwart him, and each victory they enjoyed over him, however fleeting, was very satisfying.
I read this book in a single day. Thankfully it was on the weekend and I didn't have to work! I'm definitely interested in reading the rest of the series, and someday I may even go back and reread the book about Ivan's parents.
March 5, 2011
EEEK!! I loved this book! I enjoyed "Kiss Me Deadly" but this one, this one I ADORE!! Ivan broke my heart continuously. His inner struggle kept me "aww"ing' through the entire book. He is the perfect balance of both mom and dad. I loved the banter between he and his parents, what an odd little family they are. LOL Dez was a welcomed addition, I love how she was written. Lets not forget steamy, it was indeed, I mean Ivan IS his fathers child afterall! *wink*
October 23, 2009
Ravin and Nikolaus’ promise of their firstborn to the Devil in Kiss Me Deadly intrigued me, so I decided to give their son, Ivan, a try… Ivan’s story began rather well with the prologue about Ivan’s knowledge of his imminent pledge to the "dark side" and finally the Devil’s claim on his soul. Flash forward to seven years later when Ivan is already established as the Devil’s fixer and is tasked with obtaining the book from a witch in Maine. Only this witch is nothing like Ivan expected, because she’s hot and he’s immediately hot for her, and Ivan is nothing like Dez (the witch) expected, since he’s a half breed between a phoenix vampire and witch.
I don’t know about you, but I was slightly disappointed with this book (and since I wasn’t expecting much, that says a lot), because after the "rather good beginning", the story (like Ravin and Nikolau’s) took a nosedive into the rather mundane dealings between vampires and witches (though the war is touched only lightly), attraction between Ivan and Dez (which she fought mightily, because she didn’t trust him and he fought mightily because Himself ordered him to seduce her to obtain the book), the constant presence (and threat) of Himself yadda-yadda-yadda. It was repetitive and rather boring, which I expected, but not to this extent.
Then there was the requisite Devil taking the guise of Ivan and demanding from Dez to chose between them and "choose wisely" (déjà-vu, anyone?), and the rather tacky happy end.
I don’t know about you, but I was slightly disappointed with this book (and since I wasn’t expecting much, that says a lot), because after the "rather good beginning", the story (like Ravin and Nikolau’s) took a nosedive into the rather mundane dealings between vampires and witches (though the war is touched only lightly), attraction between Ivan and Dez (which she fought mightily, because she didn’t trust him and he fought mightily because Himself ordered him to seduce her to obtain the book), the constant presence (and threat) of Himself yadda-yadda-yadda. It was repetitive and rather boring, which I expected, but not to this extent.
Then there was the requisite Devil taking the guise of Ivan and demanding from Dez to chose between them and "choose wisely" (déjà-vu, anyone?), and the rather tacky happy end.
September 5, 2014
The fact that this book was published during the height of the Twilight hype tempts me to analyze this book in terms of how it could have been affected by Twilight. Minor details like Ivan’s luxurious lifestyle, compassionate personality, guilt over his nature, and treatment of sex as a precious thing mirror some details in Twilight. Of course, looking at the eight essential elements as one should, the two texts tell very different stories. If The Devil to Pay has been influenced by Twilight, it seems to be trying to provide readers a different vampire novel experience – a divergent response – during a time when one vampire novel was considered by many to be the vampire novel.
This novel is definitely a New School romance, especially with its focus on the hero’s perspective and struggles and the heroine’s spunk and magical prowess. For me, it does not hold much literary value but I still appreciate its fresh take on the vampire novel, especially the inclusion of a witch and the Devil Himself which allow the text to explore new dynamics of the well-known love-triangle concept. The text is a testament to how wide the realm of the paranormal romance is and how the most spectacular or unique worlds and love stories can exist within this subgenre.
This novel is definitely a New School romance, especially with its focus on the hero’s perspective and struggles and the heroine’s spunk and magical prowess. For me, it does not hold much literary value but I still appreciate its fresh take on the vampire novel, especially the inclusion of a witch and the Devil Himself which allow the text to explore new dynamics of the well-known love-triangle concept. The text is a testament to how wide the realm of the paranormal romance is and how the most spectacular or unique worlds and love stories can exist within this subgenre.
June 29, 2011
Another fantastic read from Michelle Hauf! This was the story of Ivan Drake, the son of Nickoleau and Ravin, (who we met in a previous book), who had been promised to the devil by his parents. The saga takes up from Ivan's 21st birthday which is when the devil claims him as his 'fixer'. I felt a real attachment to Ivan right from the beginning, a lost, lonely soul being forced to do things he didn't want to, and suffering for years. When he is given a job to retrieve the Grande Grimoire from a witch he begins to have feelings for her and things move on at a fast pace from there.
The whole storyline is captivating, full of action and numerous paranormal beasts from the underworld, as well as heartache, romance and some spicy sexy scenes, and was very balanced and well written. Michelle has developed a thoroughly believable 'world', that easily sucks the reader in and leaves you wanting more. I would thoroughly recommend this book, (and indeed the series) to all paranormal romance fans, but it would likely appeal to others too who perhaps like fantasy works and a good action packed, fast paced novel.
The whole storyline is captivating, full of action and numerous paranormal beasts from the underworld, as well as heartache, romance and some spicy sexy scenes, and was very balanced and well written. Michelle has developed a thoroughly believable 'world', that easily sucks the reader in and leaves you wanting more. I would thoroughly recommend this book, (and indeed the series) to all paranormal romance fans, but it would likely appeal to others too who perhaps like fantasy works and a good action packed, fast paced novel.
December 8, 2010
This was another hit by Michele. Ivan Drake and Dez have a love hate relationship. More of a love relationship. Dez is a witch who's been around a very long time. Ivan is a Vampire who was born to serve the Devil Himself when he was of Age.
Ivan's parents Nicholas Drake who is a Phoenix Vampire and Raviin Crosse whose a powerful Witch, were mortal enemies who fall in love and conceive one of the most powerful Vampire Hybrid. Himself orgastrates everything.
Now in Devil To Pay, Nicholas & Raviin son is all grown up and is the Devils fixer. Ivan has no choice because his soul belongs to himself. Ivan has a job to do and he must come up against the Keeper of the Great Grimoire book. This story has some great and juicy parts and funny moments. This is a great story about Love, Evil and how all in the end the greater good overcomes the bad. My hat is off to Michele Hauf. I love to read her stories there terrrrrrrrrrrific.
Ivan's parents Nicholas Drake who is a Phoenix Vampire and Raviin Crosse whose a powerful Witch, were mortal enemies who fall in love and conceive one of the most powerful Vampire Hybrid. Himself orgastrates everything.
Now in Devil To Pay, Nicholas & Raviin son is all grown up and is the Devils fixer. Ivan has no choice because his soul belongs to himself. Ivan has a job to do and he must come up against the Keeper of the Great Grimoire book. This story has some great and juicy parts and funny moments. This is a great story about Love, Evil and how all in the end the greater good overcomes the bad. My hat is off to Michele Hauf. I love to read her stories there terrrrrrrrrrrific.
December 15, 2010
Les sorcières et vampires sont des ennemis qui se combattent sans merci depuis des siècles. Ivan est une sorte d'exception, métis des 2 espèces dont les parents ont été amenés bien avant sa naissance à vendre son âme au diable le jour de ses 21 ans. Il en devient l'exécuteur malgré lui et se voit obligé de remplir les missions nocturnes que ce dernier lui donne. L'une d'elle consiste à récupérer le grimoire ayant pour gardienne une puissante sorcière capable de changer le sort de cette guerre à laquelle certains souhaitent mettre fin, avant de détruire l'un des peuple, et de révéler leur existence aux mortels.
Pas trop aimé le style de narration au début qui m'a fait une drôle d'impression. L'histoire se lit sans plus, mais n'est pas particulièrement déplaisante sans être excellente. Moyen en somme.
Pas trop aimé le style de narration au début qui m'a fait une drôle d'impression. L'histoire se lit sans plus, mais n'est pas particulièrement déplaisante sans être excellente. Moyen en somme.
September 13, 2011
Loved this book, a perfect ending to the series about the war between vampires and witches. Ivan Drake, the thirty-something 1/2 witch, 1/2 vampire, parents-sold-his-soul-to-the-Devil fixer was the perfect match for Desideriel Merovich, a centuries-old witch and keeper of the Grande Grimoire. Yes, there was a lot of paranormally stuff in this novel, and you can't get down with witches and vampires and spell books, then this book is not for you. But if you like a sweet romance - and Ivan's love for Dez is so sweet my teeth almost hurt, along with my heartstrings - then this is the book for you. Recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2018
This book is about Ravin and Nikolaus' son, and after that ending - Kiss Me Deadly, with such a looming future for this kid's soul, I had to know what happened!
If his parents' book was super entertaining and enjoyable to me, Ivan's was the complete opposite. I found it boring and dull, could not really be convinced to care much for him or be convinced of the blooming love.
I was curious how he'd get away from Himself in the end, and get to keep his happiness, but still, mostly meh.
If his parents' book was super entertaining and enjoyable to me, Ivan's was the complete opposite. I found it boring and dull, could not really be convinced to care much for him or be convinced of the blooming love.
I was curious how he'd get away from Himself in the end, and get to keep his happiness, but still, mostly meh.
June 13, 2009
This is quite a unique storyline; it definitely had my interest piqued for its originality. Ivan Drake, a vampire and witch hybrid, has been promised to the devil since before he was born. At age 21 he has been irrevocably tied to do Himself's bidding. His next task is to steal an ancient tome of spells from a witch, Dez Merevech. I think we can see where this is heading...
The tension between Ivan and Dez is spicy at the beginning, but it wavers as the plot unfurls, and then it just becomes tedious. It could do without an extra 2 or 3 chapters.
The tension between Ivan and Dez is spicy at the beginning, but it wavers as the plot unfurls, and then it just becomes tedious. It could do without an extra 2 or 3 chapters.
September 25, 2009
this book took me awhile to get through but i have to say that the end pleasantly surprised me it was almost a duplicate to the first one but with tiny changes. the main character is sexy and exciting in his persuit of dez a witch who is his next assignment as the the devils fixer- basically he runs around doing the devil's whim and he meets dez and of course this starts him on the quest for romance and a soul
July 19, 2010
Loved the 1st ebook, this one is awesome too. Ivan and Dez really make you feel like you are walking with them throughout the story. You can feel all the emotions they feel. Love how Hauf shows us that all the supernaturals are really part of a dark force that is part of the world just as God and the light are also part of the world. In otherwords heaven is not in the sky and hell is not deep in the earth. Love how she blends the supernatural worlds together. Highly recommend
April 26, 2012
After I immensely enjoyed reading kiss me deadly, I just had to buy this book as I was not yet ready to say goodbye to the amazing characters- Nikolaus and Ravin.
I really enjoyed the suspense and thrill and the really good story behind this book. After 'kiss me deadly', I thought this would have even more fiery romance and hot steamy sex, but even though it wasn't as hot as I expected, I truly enjoyed this book because the story was just amazing!! Read it now..
I really enjoyed the suspense and thrill and the really good story behind this book. After 'kiss me deadly', I thought this would have even more fiery romance and hot steamy sex, but even though it wasn't as hot as I expected, I truly enjoyed this book because the story was just amazing!! Read it now..
June 3, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. The relationship that Ivan, a vampire and Dez, a witch was quite unique. Ivan and the plight he had as the fixer for devil was sad. But in the end it all worked out. Just goes to show love conquers most of the time. This the sequel to "Kiss Me Deadly" which was also good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2011
Just finished the whole series starting with book 1. I had never read Hauf's work, and initially, I found her writing style a bit abrasive and characters rather contradicting, not entirely admirable in personalities. But I think it improved with each book and I enjoyed The Devil to Pay much more than I did From the Dark.
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January 12, 2009The story of a man whose soul was promised to the devil by his parents before he was born. When he turns 21 years old, the devil comes to claim his soul and makes him the devil's fixer. Then the devil send him to claim a spell book from a witch.
May 17, 2010
An interesting premise, some original ideas - I especially liked the vampire repellant roses. What was difficult to get past was the overuse and in somecases misuse, of adjectives particulary in the first few chapters. It did taper off though to my relief.
September 2, 2010
I was really looking forward to this book because I had just read how Ivan's parents got together and I loved that story. It really was just kinda of "draggy" I could put it down and not want to pick it back up. It was an OK story, but not a great story.
January 19, 2011
In the whole BEWITCHING THE DARK Series I have to say this one is my favorite. Love, darkness, duty, war,desire... it has it all. I started reading this serie with my mom, and I have to say AWSOME!!!
June 25, 2016
Ivan finally gets to find out if the love spell his mother made was intended for anouther or actully for his father. He learns the truth he was as intended. Also I found out who actully performed the protection spell on the witches and the Old Lad was inlove once. It is a great story.
July 6, 2009
Even my love of vampire romance could not make me like this book.
August 8, 2023
Read this book before joining Goodreads in May 2010 , so I rated this just by what I feel after I finish read. Of course I already forget the story, it's been more than 13 years
August 2, 2010
3.5 stars.
July 26, 2010
I liked the book, but it felt like a rushed ending.
November 12, 2010
This was an excellent book, I couldn't put it down. Great characters, great story line. Recommend others to read it. Vampires and witches, plus the devil.
December 30, 2010
ITS A GREAT BOOK
February 19, 2011
Didn't quite measure up to Kiss Me Deadly. I never bought into the characters as much, and the dialogue in the final chapters was stilted, and the ending seemed contrived and not totally satisfying.
February 19, 2011
Another good read! Fun!
March 19, 2011
Another excellent book by Michele Hauf. I really can't fault it. It has the right balance of romance and action. Perfect for lovers of paranormal romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews