The Devil's Match, the Devil DeVere Series #4 (by Victoria Vane)

Amazon - Breathless Press

The Devil's Match rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  August 24, 2012

The Devil DeVere series rating: 4 out of 5 stars

"The Devil's Match" is novella #4 in this novella series and
can be read as a stand-alone novel.

How are the sex scenes?

A twist for Georgian romance.

The East's Harem has an influence in this novella as the heroine learns there are many benefits to a...erm, massage.

How are the story lines?

Wonderful, if a bit rushed.  There's a strict word count
and sometimes the scenes would read better with more transition.

Would you read it again?

Probably not.  This story was anticipated for so long I'm sure I got all the details the first time.

Setting

The Devil's Match is a Georgian historical romance based mostly in Woodcote Park, Epson, Surrey, England.  It prologues in 1778 with a scene from The Devil You Know (novella #3), then jumps to 1783, just days after The Virgin Huntress (novella #2) ends.

Remember, novella #3 is a prequel to the entire series.

The Epilogue starts in 1794, and to tell you the location would be a spoiler.

Back of the Book

When burned once … Arriving in London as her goddaughter’s chaperone, Baroness Diana Palmerston-Wriothesley wants to avoid her erstwhile lover at all costs. Once nearly consumed by passion, four years has reduced the former inferno to bitterness and ashes. 

By an old flame… A world-weary master of seduction, Ludovic ”The Devil” DeVere is bored with his chosen life of debauchery. When Diana’s charge disappears, she is forced to seek help from the devil’s lair, and their mutual desire reignites with undeniable ferocity. 

Fire is best fought with fire… While DeVere is hell-bent to have her back in his bed, Diana is equally determined to bring him to his knees…by acquiring some sensual secrets of her own.

Review

The Virgin Huntress's couple, Captain Hugh and Lady Vesta, are being wedded and everyone's attending Woodcote Park for the big celebration.  Diana is making plans to leave Hugh's estate since her place as Vesta's caretaker is no longer needed.  The Devil is determined to have Diana back in his bed after five (or four?) years.

A wager forces our love birds to confront their still-burning attraction and the novella takes a turn for the exotic, erotic and unpredictable.  (Sorry - more detail would spoil the story.)

Diana is still graceful and poised (traits that went unnoticed until the last novella), yet The Devil refuses to take her disinterest to heart.  He's pushy and arrogant, and is supposedly doing what Diana really "wants" by helping her succumb to temptation.

But our Devil has a juicy, juicy secret and it's revealed quickly - hidden during a conversation between him and Diana.  It tempts me to reread the series and confirm if he's telling truth.  Given his preference for receiving oral sex, I think he might be.

Vesta is still the immature child she was during The Virgin Huntress, but given this novella takes place just days after her story - sudden wisdom would ring false.  Hugh balances her character and she's much more likeable in her small supporting role instead of as the heroine.

Vane's strength lies in creating lifelike, complex characters who are not always heroes or villians.  Vesta is irritatingly spoiled, yet finds understanding for Phoebe.  DeVere shows random acts of kindness, but is still The Devil at heart.  Like real people.

Remember to stay tuned for the Epilogue, because it's not the blissful cherry on top of the story you'd imagine. 

There are two errors.  This novella Prologues a scene from The Devil You Know (which is set in 1779).  However the Prologue in this novella says the year is 1778.

Then depending upon which year that scene is set in, it's either been four or five years since Diana and DeVere slept together.  Pg. 7 of this novella talks about Diana's appeal to DeVere four years ago.

Anyone care about this but me?  I didn't think so.

Comment About It
Who's your favorite "finally together" couple?  Please share!


Learn more about Victoria Vane and her upcoming titles on her webpage, Facebook and romance review site Romantic Historical Lovers.



Read The Devil DeVere series:
A Wild Night's Bride (released April 27, 2012);
The Virgin Huntress (released June 29, 2012, read Sallie's review);
The Devil You Know (released July 27, 2012, read Sallie's review);
The Devil's Match (released August 24, 2012).

Originally, there were only 4 novellas to this series, but author Victoria Vane is now writing at least another two novellas, probably more.  Contact her for details!

Published by: Breathless Press

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review. eARC courtesy of Victoria Vane.