Cross Posted from my personal blog rabidgummibear.wordpress.com

If you were told that somebody would give you $100,000 start your own business as a PI after losing your job as a cop would you take it? Would you ask tons of questions or just move along with the deal? That is something heavily discussed in Devil’s Bargain by Rachel Caine.

We meet Jazz and James Borden almost immediately in this book. It starts off an interesting spiral into this crazy world where red envelopes deliver assignments. Jazz meets Lucia who she is supposed to partner up with to start the PI business. It’s very hard to give much plot summary for this book though without spoiling it so I’m leaving it there. This book has almost two halves the first part is them making a decision the second half is the results of their decision.

My biggest complaint is this book is literally like a prequel to the next book it feels like. A whole lot of setup that actually doesn’t fully payoff in this book. Instead it feels like I will be reading the next book to find out more. They dangle the twinkie in front of your face about the Cross Society that leaves you curious. Just a frustrating to be left with a book that felt like a huge leadup to the next.

I really liked the romance in this book though it was well placed and broke up the investigating cases nicely. The book has some great concepts including the Cross Society’s setup which is extremely unique and different. I loved that part of this book. I just was clamoring for more by the time I finished the first one.

Overall I’m definitely going to knock off some points for the fact this book was a massive lead up but it’s still 3 out of 5 stars for me. I may pick up the second book at some point, but I’m in no rush. I recommend this book if you love the PI romance novel style books like Anita Blake but without the paranormal parts. It’s a fun read and worth the cash.