This story was a lot of fun, and wow, can that Maria write a love scene. **applauds** No unnecessary fluff, all heat. I'm taking notes.

The characters (major and secondary) were very well developed and really stuck with me. I think I liked Michael and Liam more than I did Shannon though, perhaps because I relate better to the darker ones. The only issue I had with this, hence the 4 stars and not 5, was that in parts it felt rushed to me. It didn't ruin the story at all, but I couldn't help but think it should have been a full novel. That's a personal thing though, I think. So I can't really say the author did anything "wrong" here. Just that my brain saw a larger story and wished for more of these characters.

I love how the two "sides" are portrayed here, neither side entirely good and yet, neither is entirely bad. Well done.


Do I recommend? Very much. Maria's writing has a strong, distinct voice and style. Her characters stay with you long after you "close" the book. If you like fantasy, romance, and really awesome love scenes (by the way, no two love scenes is at all the same in this story, I loved that) then you'll enjoy The Devil to Pay. ( )

Ever have one of those days when everything goes wrong and you’d give anything to change it?

You might want to learn from Shannon McKee’s despair that sometimes getting what you wish for isn’t always a good things, or is it?

Shannon’s life is a mess. She’s deep in debt and in a drunken plea declares she’d sell her soul to get out from under her troubles. The next morning just as Shannon attempts the unthinkable, a handsome stranger walks into her antique shop. The stranger, Liam Chase, gives Shannon a jeweled scarab he wants her to identify.

Briefly forgetting her troubles, Shannon begins to study the artifact. Soon a second charming stranger enters her shop. Introducing himself as Michael, he offers to help Shannon with her research.

Shannon finds herself mysteriously drawn to both strangers. Little does she know, both men have been sent from different sources for her in answer to her plea.

As the story unfolds, Shannon realizes what her plea will cost her in the end.

Author Maria Zannini has created characters that you will adore and has intertwined them into a fantasy world that will make you believe. The story is a mixture of suspense, humor, fantasy, and romance with a healthy dose of faith and hope. There are several explicit sexual interludes. However, these hot and steamy scenes are tastefully written and add another layer to this intriguing plot.

Is Shannon’s plea her damnation or salvation, will she cause Liam and Michael to lose what they hold most dear or help them find a love they never imaged, and is Evie a foe or a much-needed friend? The answers will surprise you.

THE DEVIL TO PAY is the first installment in the Second Chances series. Once you meet these eclectic characters, you’ll be hooked for more. It’s a fast, sexy read that will captivate your attention from beginning to end. ( )