Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Devil's Bargain by Rachel Caine Narrator: Jennifer Aquino
Series: Red Letter Days #2
Published by Tantor Audio on November 19, 2024
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 8 hours, 20 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
With her secret background and street smarts, Lucia Garza had few qualms about taking the devil's deal.
The money Lucia and her new partner received to open their detective agency had come with strings. Every choice she made meant life or death for innocent people. No one could be trusted, not even the ex-cop she'd hired--and fallen for. In fact, Ben might be her fatal weakness, if the powers warring to control the future used him to control Lucia.
Red Letter Days duology uses a style I have read one other time and it’s one I LOVE! There are two female main characters in this series. Devil’s Bargain was from the point of view of Jazz who is an ex-cop. Devil’s Due is from Lucia’s point of view, an ex-federal agent.
James Borden had volunteered to keep her distracted – not exactly a sacrifice; the man had been madly in love with her for almost a year – and the significant lack of Jazz’s presence this morning might mean they’d finally tipped over from flirting to… something more.
Or alternatively, knowing Jazz, it could mean she’d had a massive fight with Borden, gotten drunk, taken on a motorcycle gang in a fist fight, and was celebrating her victory with a hospital visit.
It was great to listen to these stories back-to-back. I enjoyed getting Lucia’s point of view and her romance. I didn’t expect the duology to work this way but really liked it. There was tons of action and each character had a background romance. The team spends a lot of time staying alive.
Eventually, they have to come up with a longer term plan to get out of the crosshairs and just reacting to attacks. Lucia has some real experience with this kind of thing and they do all agree on a plan. It’s another on the edge adventure!
Narration:
I continued to enjoy the narration. I appreciated the different tone for Lucia’s voice. It was flatter, smoother, less emotional than Jazz and that was right for her. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Rachel Caine
Rachel Caine is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 45 novels to date, and many short stories, including fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, young adult fiction, mystery, thriller, and horror. Her notable series include The Morganville Vampires, Weather Warden, Revivalist, Red Letter Days, and Outcast Season novels. She graduated from Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Her first short story was published in 1990, and her first novel in 1991.
After a long career in business (including working as an office manager, payroll manager, insurance investigator, web designer, graphic designer, and corporate communications executive) she began writing full time in 2009.
She and her husband, artist R. Cat Conrad, lived in Fort Worth, Texas. She passed away November 1, 2020 from cancer.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
I’m intrigued to try these.
Well they are relatively short and it’s just a duology. I enjoyed them.
Is this written by Rachel or someone on her behalf? It’s why I held back. Great review, Anne💜
This is written by Rachel. The ebook came out maybe 10 years ago? This is the new audio version. It wasn’t on audio before now.
Thanks for clarifying!
No problem!
Oh, I like the concept of duology, not a ton of investment, but still not just one book.
I have enjoyed many books from this author so I was happy to see this getting audio versions.
” I didn’t expect the duology to work this way but really liked it” I’m glad it worked!!
yes it is one thing to have different narrators when it is a different couple in each book. But to have one main (work team in this case) pair in a series and have each book be from a different one’s point of view is awesome.
I have this author on my TBR and these look interesting.
I’ve enjoyed several of her series and in different genres even. This set was quick and fun.