DEAL WITH THE DEVIL- Book Review

Deal With the Devil
by Diana Duncan

Bio: When her dreams of becoming a ballerina were quashed by early-onset klutziness, bestselling author Diana Duncan took up the safer vocation of writing. Her first thrilling masterpiece—written in orange crayon—was titled “Perky the Kitten,” and became an instant bestseller with her grandparents. Her childhood growing up as a military brat gave her ability to leap into a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime…and she always discovers a new friend in the process. This gift of gab perfectly equipped her for a career that involves making stuff up. Di is famous for using seven words when one will do. She wields smart-assery like a samurai sword, and will be the first to volunteer in a catastrophe. Of course, she was probably the one who caused the catastrophe. She’s fiercely loyal to her friends and family…but in the event of the upcoming zombie apocalypse, she won’t hesitate to use them as human shields. She loves her job as an author, and claims writing is the most fun she’s ever had while wearing her sock monkey pajamas. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, and adopting abandoned curbside furniture to refurbish into treasures.

Blurb: Book One in the Devilish Devlins series: Paradise for software designer Cynthia Wagner means uninterrupted solitude to invent a brilliant video game, and save her job. But renovations on her city apartment force her to seek refuge in a temporary rental in the ‘burbs. The promised Paradise morphs into Purgatory when she meets her new neighbor, a deliciously tempting Irish rogue sporting a wicked grin and to-die-for body. Worse, the handsome bachelor has noisy, drooly, havoc-creating baggage on his hands for the summer… rambunctious five-year-old twin nephews, a baby niece, and the kids’ yappy dog. Rory Devlin is a dangerous distraction—and he’s hiding a naughty secret. Jackhammers and contractors would have provided more peace and quiet. Stuck in the Suburbs of the Damned with Mr. Uncle-Turned-Mom and his wild menagerie, Cynthia struggles to meet her deadline. But she struggles more with her undeniable attraction to her devlish-ous neighbor. Could it be that what Cyn has mistaken for hell is actually the heaven she’s been searching for?

Without issuing a spoiler alert, I feel that the conflict between Rory and Cynthia's parents should have been introduced, or at least hinted at, sooner. When it arose or was announced, I felt like there was no warning, making it feel like an addition instead of a storyline. Same goes for the antagonist, Joy. Though she was easier to see coming. I also felt that some of Cynthia's dialog and actions were unusual, giving the impression she was much younger than she was. In defense, she did grow up in a sheltered, privileged household.

In saying that, I don't think I've laughed so hard at an opening scene. And I've read a lot of books. A. Lot. Being a mother of twins boys, I smiled and shook my head several times at the nephews. Hilarious. Sass and wit just don't give Diana Duncan's writing style justice, but there it is. And what's not to love about a sexy Irishman next door? Honestly! I want one. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. 4 of 5 stars.

Kelly Moran,
Author of Summer's Road.