Thursday, August 4, 2011

Review The Devil To Pay by Maria Zannini

Title: The Devil To Pay (Second Chances #1)
Author: Maria Zannini
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook, 57 pgs
Release Date: June 11, 2011
Author Website
The Devil To Pay Book Cover

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions and bad tequila. Shannon McKee finds herself at the end of her rope, and she offers her soul to whoever can save her first.

Unfortunately, she sends that request to both agencies. Shannon's plea is answered immediately by two men who couldn't be more different from one another. Yet they share a bond and an affection for the stubborn Miss McKee that even they don't understand.

When Heaven and Hell demand their payment, Shannon has no choice but to submit. No matter who gets her soul, she's not getting out of this alive.

This is the first book of the Second Chances series. Forget everything you thought you knew about Heaven and Hell. You ain't seen nothin' yet.

Bat Divider

Rating -
a pack howl

Sexual -
Steamy

My Review:

This cute little paranormal romance novella is the first in Zannini's new Second Chances series. An oath made in desperation to whomever would listen, soul harvesters, an imp, a shade, a Tribunal and interesting twist to Heaven and Hell make this a delightful prequel to what could be a great series.

Shannon, former archeology professor and current owner of a failing antique store, is up to her eyeballs in debt. She is desperate, depressed and drinking, never a good combination, when she blurts out the words that change her life.

The next morning, Liam, a nice bit of eye candy in 19th century garb, strolls into her store just as she is about to commit arson and insurance fraud. He is a soul harvester and he hates his job. That night he steals into her bedroom while she is sleeping, climbs into bed with her and holds her while she sleeps. He's sad, thinking she really is a good girl, to have to take her soul. He finds an excuse to wait to take it. He asks her out for dinner the next night.

Michael, Liam's brother and yummy looking himself, plays for the other team. He tells Shannon he rescues lost souls when he takes her out to lunch the day after she meets Liam. He does it by being a soul harvester. He takes Shannon to lunch and then to meet a friend of his. He finds he is extremely attracted to who Shannon is and is having a hard time making himself take her soul.

Both men try to protect her from the Tribunal enforcers who come to do the job neither brother could bring himself to do. Liam is apprehended. When Shannon learns that both men care too much for her to take her soul and Liam is hauled before the council to be punished for it, she turns to Michael for seemingly the only solution in an attempt to save Liam.

The chemistry between the characters is very hot. Although I rate this a Steamy story (2.5 of 4 on the sensual scale), there is a short, very sexy massage (F/F) scene that quickly morphs into a M/F scene.

I look forward to seeing where Zannini takes this series. I think paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans will enjoy this quick read.

WildAboutBones

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