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Bargains and Betrayals (13 to Life #3)

by Shannon Delany (Goodreads Author)

4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 · rating details · 1,842 ratings · 158 reviews

Locked away at Pecan Place, Jessie finds her situation to be even more dangerous than she feared. While she struggles to maintain her sanity and discover answers about the group that seems less and less like any legitimate government agency, Pietr fights to keep their relationship alive. But very aware that his mother’s time is running out, Pietr makes a deal he doesn’t da...more

Paperback, 303 pages

Published August 16th 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin

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Aug 17, 2011 LeNore rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was much better than the first two books, and I liked the first two. I thought the plot was tighter, better developed. It is a character driven story to be sure but this book focused on one main external conflict and had a nice arc to it. I appreciated the way the author used internal thoughts for taglines, for example the name of the speaker in italics. To my brain, it was the narrator making a mental note and flowed well for me. There were several conversations between Jess and...more

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Aug 16, 2011 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-release, 2011-100-book-challenge, arcs-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews

Picking up right where Secrets & Shadows ended, Shannon Delany throws readers into a book full of action, emotionally intense scenes and a book that has an edgier, darker feel to it. Strap your seat belt on and hang on for this book's wild ride. Bargains and Betrayals was nothing I was excepting. There's a lot more at stake, a lot of twists, and along with Jessi's point of view, there's another character's pov of who helps in telling a story that is so perfectly fitting for a third book in a...more Picking up right where Secrets & Shadows ended, Shannon Delany throws readers into a book full of action, emotionally intense scenes and a book that has an edgier, darker feel to it. Strap your seat belt on and hang on for this book's wild ride. Bargains and Betrayals was nothing I was excepting. There's a lot more at stake, a lot of twists, and along with Jessi's point of view, there's another character's pov of who helps in telling a story that is so perfectly fitting for a third book in a series I have really enjoy.

There's a lot of things I liked about this book and some things I missed, like Max's fabulous one liners. I missed Jessi and Pietr's daily interactions in the beginning of the book, but Shannon more than makes up for that in the second half of the story. I liked the way Shannon threw in a lot of self doubt and gave Pietr's character and journey that takes him to the darker side as he struggles with doing what's right and doing whatever he can to save his Mother and Jessi, even if that means he has to make a bargain with the devil figuratively speaking.

I was pleasantly surprised with the character growth of Jessi. She became such a strong character, as she not only has to stay strong and level headed for her own sanity, but she's the only one who can give Pietr the support he needs. Her love and unyielding faith in him helps him through some of his more darker inner battles. I really felt that Jessi finally grew into the character I had hoped she'd become. It's not that I didn't like her in the first two books, because I did, but I felt that she wasn't the strong character I had hoped she'd become. I really feel she's finally become the stronger character in the series. She's switched roles in a way with Pietr and Max who I always felt were a source of strength, and now they've become the ones who need someone else to rely on to help them through the battle they face emotionally.

With all that happens in Bargains and Betrayals, I like that Shannon isn't afraid to test her characters, and break some of them even more. I like that she doesn't give her story line a fairy tale feel to it and she keeps it raw, and realistic. With everything that happens I'm left wondering how much more Pietr and Jessi can take. There's so much that Shannon throws into this story that I didn't see coming. There's twists and turns, betrayals, and bargains that are made that effect each of the characters in one way or another. Though Shannon wraps up some of the previous story's lose ends in such a wonderful, twisted way, she also leaves me wanting more answers.

The tables have been turned and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Destiny and Deception to find out how everything is going to end. There are some mentions of sex and a very tactfully written scene between two of the characters. I'd definitely recommend this to readers 14 yrs and older. (less)

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Sep 07, 2012 VaultOfBooks rated it 2 of 5 stars

By Shannon Delany, #3 of the 13 to Life Series. Grade B
Well I’ve been reading this book for quite some days now, and now it’s over. Finally!
Locked away at Pecan Place, Jessie finds her situation to be even more dangerous than she feared. While she struggles to maintain her sanity and discover answers about the group that seems less and less like any legitimate government agency, Pietr fights to keep their relationship alive. But very aware that his mother’s time is running out, Pietr makes a dea...more By Shannon Delany, #3 of the 13 to Life Series. Grade B
Well I’ve been reading this book for quite some days now, and now it’s over. Finally!
Locked away at Pecan Place, Jessie finds her situation to be even more dangerous than she feared. While she struggles to maintain her sanity and discover answers about the group that seems less and less like any legitimate government agency, Pietr fights to keep their relationship alive. But very aware that his mother’s time is running out, Pietr makes a deal he doesn’t dare tell Jessie about. Because the deal Pietr’s made could mean the death of far more than his tenuous relationship with the girl he loves.
The book begins with a small precap of what happened last in Shadows and Secrets. Jess is taken as a patient to Pecan Place saying that her father isn’t strong enough, emotionally, to take care of her. Pietr tries hard to save her, nearly dying doing so. But, to save Pietr from revealing his true form in front of Dr. Jones, who has come to take her away, Jess agrees to go with them. Pietr is really heart-broken after Jess leaves. He knows that he has to do something to save the two most important people in his life- his mother and Jess.
Pietr tries to visit Jess at Pecan Place from outside her window, not bothered with the huge security the place has. Jess tries to maintain her sanity, believing that she’ll get out the place safely, without getting Pietr into trouble. But soon Jess starts seeing weird things around Pecan Place and the nurses keep taking away little amount of her blood, for an unknown reason (to Jess).
Pietr gets help from Jess’s father, Leon and manages to save Jess after making some kind of deal with Dmitri of the Russian Mafia. Pietr especially requires Jess to be free as to get his mother cured. After this the story focuses completely to their mission to save Tatiana Rusakova. The focus shifts to Amy and Max and their relationship. Annabelle Lee, Jess’s sister, gets to know what Pietr is and her reaction is quite surprising. This book becomes a bit fast paced after this part… and reveals great secrets rapidly. The end is quite sudden and surprising.
This book varies a little from the previous two in the series. The most noticeable change is the shift in POV. The prequels were narrated from Jess’s POV in the first person, but this one includes Alexi’s as well, which was not all that interesting to read. As you might have guessed, the focus shifts a little and we get to know much more of Alexi’s life, especially what happened before he came to Junction.
This series is not very good. Other reviews on similar websites have actually been quite discouraging. I have been reading it probably because it is a series, and I don’t like to leave a series incomplete. Even so, there were times in this book I tended to lose focus, which was irritating. While the first chapters were quite, midway through the book, I was back to losing focus. Fortunately, the pace was picked up again in the last few chapters, which compensated.
New readers would probably be hesitant about picking up the first two books in the series after reading this one, but ardent fans of the paranormal and YA genre may find it intriguing. Not a very good book, but still somewhat readable.

Originally reviewed at www.vaultofbooks.com (less)

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Nov 13, 2011 Katrina Passick Lumsden rated it 1 of 5 stars

These books are puzzling to me. I liked 13 to Life, despite its many problems (particularly the problem of Jessie throwing Pietr at Sarah to make Sarah happy...I mean, get real). Regardless, I was able to overcome and enjoy. It was a sweet story, I (for the most part) liked tomboy Jessie, and Pietr's unabashed honesty and puppy-like loyalty was adorable.

I saw trouble coming in the second book, Secrets and Shadows. The characters seemed somehow less than what they were in the first.

This book br...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ever since Shannon Delany got published, I've been a huge fan of her. I expect a lot from her books, because the first two books were simply mind-blowing. But Bargains and Betrayals was somehow... very different. I enjoyed it, sure. And I still couldn't put the book away, but yet I somehow felt very detatched from the characters. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that we're also reading the story through someone else's POV? It's highly possible, although my appreciation of that certai...more

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Apr 22, 2011 Kate (VerbVixen) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Bargains and Betrayals- Shannon Delany

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I love the 13 to Life series, but at the end of Secrets and Shadows, I balled my tiny ineffectual fists, threw the book to the ground, and stomped my feet like two year old in the midst of a tantrum. Why, you ask? Well, because I found the ending to be only the most infuriating ending ever! Here’s the good news and the secret, the ending of Secrets and Shadows is worth it because it sets up Bargains and Betrayals b...more

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Aug 10, 2011 Stacy/GirlsInTheStacks.com rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-urban-fantasy

Let me preface this review and say that while I read the first book in the series, 13 to Life, I did not read book two, Secrets and Shadows. My mistake. I felt completely lost for the first half of the book and didn’t feel caught up until the last quarter of the book. Ugh!

This book was full, FULL of melodrama and he shall be called Pietr. Pietr was so intense in every scene; his every emotion was at the brink of a breakdown. He was a lot to handle. I mean, I love the thing between Pietr and Jess...more

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Aug 17, 2011 Erica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Bargains and Betrayals was a book I was highly anticipating after Secrets and Shadows. I thought everything was set for the ultimate 3rd book, and it would all just go. It was! Bargains and Betrayals was everything I had hoped for and more.

I pretty much read this one in one sitting - I didn't want to put it down. The story was absolutely addicting. Bargains and Betrayals definitely took a different turn from the prior 2 books. There are alternating perspectives - told from both Jessie and Alexi...more

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Aug 25, 2012 Ferdy rated it 1 of 5 stars

Bargains and Betrayals can be pretty much summed up by the main characters own words:

'I know, I know. It sounds like some crazy plot cooked up by a housewife-turned-author.'

The CIA lock Jessie up in a mental asylum to keep her from using her unique blood to cure the Ruskovas of their werewolf nature. Naturally, boyfriend and werewolf Pietr fight to get Jessie out.

-Jessie was boring. She was dumb, self righteous, weak and overly forgiving.
-Pietr held no appeal whatsoever. His mood swings and hiss...more

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Apr 15, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hot-amazing-series, like-but-don-t-have-to-read-again, romance-land

Even though this wasn't the book I like the most from the series it's still good. But some of the parts are kind of hurrying..? I don't know but it's just probably me. Mhmm, and sometimes I don't get it. Confusing...?

Anyway, Jessica and Pietr are still strong characters. Still love them and think they are perfect couples but I don't get it...They had sex. I mean, sex. I know a lot of teenage books have those moments. But Shannon Delany made Pietr sound like he is a inappropriate pedo ass. Who...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Shanon (Escaping With Fiction) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite

The third book in the "13 to Life" series, "Bargains and Betrayals", did not disappoint (except for the awfully small font in my paperback copy, talk about eye strain!). This entire series is so much more than I initially thought it was going to be. It is not just a "werewolf" story, it is so much more. There are several paranormal aspects/people in this story, including zombies!!! Yes-- I said ZOMBIES! I can't even tell you how delighted I was by this. There's also the mafia, scientists and a s...more The third book in the "13 to Life" series, "Bargains and Betrayals", did not disappoint (except for the awfully small font in my paperback copy, talk about eye strain!). This entire series is so much more than I initially thought it was going to be. It is not just a "werewolf" story, it is so much more. There are several paranormal aspects/people in this story, including zombies!!! Yes-- I said ZOMBIES! I can't even tell you how delighted I was by this. There's also the mafia, scientists and a secret government agency. Not to mention the author is single-handedly teaching me Russian, due to the amount of the character's usage of the language in the book. I totally dig it! Russian is sexy. ;)

In this book, in addition to the story being told from Jessica's POV, we have Alexi's POV as well. At first, I was slightly annoyed by this only because I felt like things were too back and forth, and unsteady. But eventually it grew on me and I got over it. I see now why his perspective was necessary to the story, and I developed more of a liking for his character. In addition to Alexi, Amy's character was more involved in this book. I liked her from the beginning and I love how good of a friend she is to Jessica.

Pietr's character definitely progresses in this book and he matures while having to make some tough decisions for the sake of Jessica and his family. He is definitely one of my favorite male characters of all time. I like the way Shannon Delany portrays him-- from the many ways she describes his piercing blue eyes to the description of his Russian accent. I also like the dynamic between him and Jessica. This is a couple I want things to work out for. On a side note, let me just say that whoa buddy was there a lot of sexual tension between them in this book! It almost made me uncomfortable......almost. Haha.

I found that this book had some more mature situations in it than the previous ones did. While there were still several funny and sarcastic moments present (which I love, because Jessica's character is quite amusing), this third installment of "13 to Life" provides some pretty serious and sometimes awful situations.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and I am quite excited for the next one. I think that we are going to get to see a lot more of Sophie's character next time around and I look forward to it, because she is awesome! I can only imagine what's going to happen in the next book after reading the dramatic ending of this one. =)

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Feb 20, 2012 Mallory Anne-Marie Forbes rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: YA Paranormal, Werewolf, Suspense

Shelves: feb-2012-book-challenge

Book Three in the 13 to Life Series
Like Book Two, “Secrets and Shadows,” this novel seems to me to have more of an adult flair. No, there’s no outright intimacy going on, no foul language. But the revelation of the characters seem so much deeper, the problems so much more insurmountable, and the denouements so much more-present. This just doesn’t read to me like a YA novel. That said, again Ms. Delany demonstrates her skillful, capable, and fascinating writing talent; the characters are so well-...more

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Jul 31, 2011 Kelly Hager rated it 3 of 5 stars

Spoilers for the earlier books (somewhat).

This picks up where Secrets and Shadows ended. Jessie is in the mental institution and Pietr and his siblings are trying to get their mom out of the CIA's clutches. Pietr thinks he has a way to free her (the mom) but can he and Jessie stay together after she learns about the compromises he's making? And what kind of a mental institution is she in, anyway? Scary things are happening there.

This is such a fun, addictive series (more along the vein of House...more

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Sep 07, 2011 CC rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a YA reader, you either get Delany, or you don't.

I do.

The more I read of the 13 to Life series, the more I appreciate Delany's ability to combine YA, sci-fi, pararom, humor, conspiracy theory, underbelly and tragic history like the layers of the matryoshka she writes of. Many YA authors do this; however, Delany does it well. And she does it consistently throughout the narrative.

St. Martin's might like to consider a tighter proofing job, but it didn't distract from the tale; the characters he...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Amanda-Lee (StoryWings) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, review-book

Bargains and Betrayals was definitely an improvement on Secrets and Shadows.

Jessie is locked away at Pecan Place, an institute for the mentally unstable, and she quickly learns that Pecan Place is hiding some pretty big secrets when it comes to what they are doing to their patients.

Jessie matured between Secrets and Shadows and Bargains and Betrayals and although it was only minor it was definitely an improvement, yes she was still pining after Pietr but at least she has a real reason to this ti...more Bargains and Betrayals was definitely an improvement on Secrets and Shadows.

Jessie is locked away at Pecan Place, an institute for the mentally unstable, and she quickly learns that Pecan Place is hiding some pretty big secrets when it comes to what they are doing to their patients.

Jessie matured between Secrets and Shadows and Bargains and Betrayals and although it was only minor it was definitely an improvement, yes she was still pining after Pietr but at least she has a real reason to this time. By the end of Bargains and Betrayals Jessie was actually a likeable character again, putting others with bigger problems before herself and stopping to think about her actions before running after Pietr every ten seconds.

Pietr was still a little annoying being his typical I am seventeen therefore I am a grown-up and can make huge decisions for myself. Uh yeah buddy, no you can’t. Pietr was still irrational and mildly irritating in this book but we didn’t see that much of him compared to the previous two books.

For the first time in this series, the POV was spilt between Jessie and Alexi and I absolutely loved it. Reading from Alexi’s POV was absolutely fascinating and definitely kept the book going, we had a mature outsiders impression of the situation, sure Alexi decided to become a drunk about halfway through for a little while, but his blackouts were reverted back to Jessie’s mind so it didn’t impact too much.

Alexi is a very interesting character, having done everything he can for his family and still being shunned, watching his inner turmoil as he continues fighting for those he loves is amazing. He left the love of his life for his family and it’s only after Cat becomes human again that she really starts to bond with him.

Bargains and Betrayals was definitely much better than the previous two books, I will admit that I was reluctant to pick it up after finishing Secrets and Shadows and it was only because I had a review copy that I read it at all, but I devoured it quickly and it was on my mind from the moment I put it down right up until I dived back in once again.

The story actually moves this time around, it moves quite a bit to be honest, we are still lacking many answers but they are more answers to questions like how can people get away with these evils things they are doing. I think Delany may have shorn off a few plot points a little too abruptly, it was almost like she didn’t want to continue having that bad guy as a problem, so she just killed them, every time a character got too in the way she killed them off which was a little weird, but I suppose you can’t have all these characters antagonising the mains when the mains have making out and devoting themselves to each other to do.

I am interested in this series, and this book has definitely redeemed some of the series more horrible qualities but I am not sure if I will be continuing on. Considering there is another book whose release date hasn’t been announced yet and this series general lack of memorability I will probably end up just as confused as I was when I picked up Secrets and Shadows a year after 13 to Life.

Find this review at storywings.com(less)

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Sep 01, 2011 Carie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Eh, maybe 3.5 (?)...I’m on the fence... I liked this book much more than the last, but the plot still seems very disjointed and all over the place--almost like you’re reading 2 or 3 completely different books at the same time about the same characters. Really confusing and disorienting at times!! I found a lot of the conversations odd, too--particularly between Jess and Pietr. Pietr didn’t seem very consistent in this book and between this book and others in the series. One minute he seems to be...more Eh, maybe 3.5 (?)...I’m on the fence... I liked this book much more than the last, but the plot still seems very disjointed and all over the place--almost like you’re reading 2 or 3 completely different books at the same time about the same characters. Really confusing and disorienting at times!! I found a lot of the conversations odd, too--particularly between Jess and Pietr. Pietr didn’t seem very consistent in this book and between this book and others in the series. One minute he seems to be driven by his heart, next he’s “keeping it for himself.” Sometimes he seems smart, but often (even more in this installment) he’s just stupid. And I hate the untranslated Russian--frustrating! Pietr also seemed a bit bossier and demanding of Jess in this book--and she was all over the place, too! And I found the sometimes remembering and sometimes ignoring of the Derek-viewing and house-bugging to be REALLY crazy! I also found the decisions to tell or not tell people things they needed to know unfathomable at times.

Though some things were finally explained in this book and a few things resolved (Yeah! At last!!), we did get more subplots added, like Alexi’s love life. I really liked having some of Alexi’s POV in the book and I enjoyed many of the close, romantic moments with Jess and Pietr, but not sure they outweighed the crazy disjointedness, inconsistencies, and general character stupidity/confusion. Generally, too many of the details are skimmed over in these books--to the point of confusion. Details seem to be sacrificed for additional subplots and conversations/events are almost too terse at times. And, felt like some storylines from previous books were dropped altogether--I’m still trying to remember what was with the imprinting thing in the last book... Can anybody out there refresh me on this? I also think the author could stand A LOT more recap at the beginning of these books! I was completely lost for awhile regarding several characters and plotlines and felt like I was playing catch-up for much of the book. And, are there honestly 2 MORE books in this series?!! I can’t believe I’m continuing with this...!

Possible slight SPOILER: Why on earth wouldn’t they want to test Jess’ dad’s blood, too?!
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Nov 07, 2011 Kristi Lynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is a bit difficult to review, but here it goes.....

I read the first book of this series ‘13 TO LIFE' (gave it 3 1/2 stars)
I read the second book of this series ‘SECRETS AND SHADOWS (also 3 1/2 stars)
That leads us to this book, the third (so far) ‘BARGAINS AND BETRAYALS (4 stars, I'll explain why I gave more at the end)

To give a brief detail on this story and hopefully not to ruin anything.

Were-wolves obviously are involved. But not the ‘Magical' ones. Science is to blame here. A nice...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Tasha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Picking off right where book two left off, we are thrust back into Junction. I admit it took awhile to get used to the different p.o.v. but at the end of the read I was grateful for, it enriching the story in a way I didnt think possible.

Jessie is locked up in a asylum trying to uncover what is really going on all the while trying to stay alive.

Outside the asylum the rest of the gang are scrambling to get her out, and mother out , weeding their way through lies and betrayals.

I loved this book...more

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Aug 02, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, wolves-shifter

Review: Upon picking up my ARC I didn’t immediately recall that we had left Jessie in such a tenuous place and I wasn’t quite ready to be thrown into the fray. However, Shannon Delany backtracks a little bit in the timeline to give us a chance to get up to speed. Of course, once you’re caught up, it’s impossible to put down.

Ms. Delany has done something different with this book by switching viewpoints between Alexi and Jessie. It's as if she were giving you pages out of their journals, each one...more Review: Upon picking up my ARC I didn’t immediately recall that we had left Jessie in such a tenuous place and I wasn’t quite ready to be thrown into the fray. However, Shannon Delany backtracks a little bit in the timeline to give us a chance to get up to speed. Of course, once you’re caught up, it’s impossible to put down.

Ms. Delany has done something different with this book by switching viewpoints between Alexi and Jessie. It's as if she were giving you pages out of their journals, each one labeled so there is no confusion. It was an interesting approach and I think it worked well for this installment of the 13 to Life series. Not once did I groan that she was changing view points because each change furthered the story.

Because Jessie is so mature in some ways, it is hard to remember she’s still a teen and therefore some naïveté is to be expected; Jessie is doing her Nancy Drew style investigating while being locked up but is not cynical after all she’s been through. I admit to being frustrated with Alexi in this book for letting Pietr shoulder the burden. As their guardian it should have been his responsibility to find a solution, instead, Alexi is relieved to step aside and let Pietr handle things.

Things have heated up for the characters -on all fronts. Some fairly serious topics are broached in this book. The teens have moral dilemmas that would make a grown-ups head spin, but they don't drown in them; they learn and grow along the way. Nothing is glossed over so the seriousness of situations is not lost. I think Ms. Delany does a fantastic job giving the reader details without giving too much details.
I hoped I knew where the story was heading but I certainly wasn't sure. Nothing is a sure thing in this series, and I love that about Ms. Delany's writing. Even though Jessie and Pietr seem destined to be, maybe they won't make it. How much is too much for a relationship to endure? I'm glad, after three books, Shannon Delany can keep me on the edge of my seat.

Though the ending is far from neat and tidy, it was not the cliff hanger that Secrets and Shadows was, and for that I'm grateful. I was weeping and cheering at the end, but I won't spoil it for you by mentioning more than that. I have grown to love all of the Jessie's friends and family, and I can't wait to see where Ms. Delany takes us next. I think Bargains and Betrayals is her best book yet.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/...
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Jul 05, 2011 Danny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bea11

What a ride!! Bargains and Betrayals jumps right into action where we were left hanging with Secrets and Shadows left us with this horrible cliffhanger.

Jessi is send to a institution where she left isolated from Pietr and even her dad. But soon Jessi discovers that there is of course something weird going on and finally also her dad realizes that this is not the right place for her. Pietr tries to get her out, but it's too dangerous so the two lovers have to stay apart from each other.

At the...more

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Sep 15, 2011 Amsy rated it 1 of 5 stars

After waiting so long for this book, I was disappointed. I felt the story was bland and felt like it was written in a rush. Like a person trying to tell a whole story in detail in a short time. The writing was simple but missed connectivity. There was something missing in the flow of the story.

What was Delany thinking? Jessie. !!!!! She cried and begged Pietr not to kill Christian and almost hated him for turning into a mafia, but then She kills someone herself. Delany seemed to be in a hurry to...more

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Apr 06, 2012 Klgrissom added it

So I wanted to read this, because I thought it was the end of the series, and then I looked and there are at least 2 more planned after this one. I am not that invested in the series to want to read this book and 2 more. So I just skimmed most of this, and didn't actually read but 20 pages or so.

I would have probably liked it, but I just didn't care enough to read 3 more books, so I'm not investing more time into this until I find out how many books it will be dragged out to.

I really do like J...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Evelyn rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-and-urban-fantasy, books-i-have-reviewed, 2011-reads

Giving only two stars seems pretty low but goodreads classifies it as 'it was okay' and that’s really all I feel towards this book. Around page 100, I completely lost interest. I started reading this book at the end of October and it took almost 3 weeks to finish (countless other books read in the meantime). I just stopped caring about Jessie and the whole ‘zombie’ thing was kind of silly. I picked it up and was determined to finish it though and after a few more pages (once Jessie escaped the a...more

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May 16, 2012 Pam Green rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, young-adult, read-in-2012, fave-reads

Originally posted on At Home Between the Pages

Pietr and Jess are one of my favourite YA couples. I like how their relationship started out fairly normal (with the exception of the werewolf thing). What I mean is that they started more as friends, and then took it further, before eventually falling in love. And in Bargains and Betrayals, their relationship is tested more than ever. This time it’s not just a friend getting in the way. It’s the CIA and the Mafia. And time itself.

This book picks up...more Originally posted on At Home Between the Pages

Pietr and Jess are one of my favourite YA couples. I like how their relationship started out fairly normal (with the exception of the werewolf thing). What I mean is that they started more as friends, and then took it further, before eventually falling in love. And in Bargains and Betrayals, their relationship is tested more than ever. This time it’s not just a friend getting in the way. It’s the CIA and the Mafia. And time itself.

This book picks up right where Secrets and Shadows left off, actually reiterating that last scene in 3rd person narrative. It was a great refresher of the cliffhanger ending, but also gave us more insight and dialogue than we had from Jessie’s point of view. After that prologue, we get the first glimpse of what’s going on in Alexi’s head, as he’s a new narrator in the story. This was a great idea on Shannon’s part, especially because Jessie’s locked away in the mental hospital. It allows us not only to get to know Alexi as a character, but to see what’s going on outside of Pecan Place. We are able to keep some track on what Pietr is doing to rescue both his mother and Jess. Meanwhile, Jess is piecing together information on Pecan Place and those who run it. And finding out that there is something seriously wrong with that place.

I love this book the most out of the three in the series that I’ve read so far. There’s so much mystery and conspiracy that it really kept me reading. And the setting changed a lot between Alexi and Jessie’s narratives, which I like. It keeps the pace of the story moving. I also loved how Jess and Pietr were finally officially together and didn’t have to hide their feelings anymore. Even though they weren’t literally together for a while, they were still able to be open and loving, just the way I’ve been waiting for them to be for so long! And then there's the sexual tension in this book... *fans self*. HOT! I loved it all!

I have book 4, Destiny and Deception sitting on my shelf and I don’t think I’ll wait too long before reading it. I can’t keep myself away from Jess and Pietr for too long.(less)

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Sep 07, 2011 Jordan rated it 4 of 5 stars

*No big spoilers*

All in all, it was pretty good.
Let me say this; I didn't give this book three stars because I didn't enjoy it. Actually, I'm going to bump it to four right now, because I did like it. I was just not as empressed as I hoped to be.
To be honest, I liked it a lot. But it wasn't NEARLY as good as the first two. 13 to Life was fantastic, and Secrets and Shadows really built on Jessie and Pietr's relationship. I didn't feel like this book added as much to them as the first ones did,...more

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Sep 17, 2011 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shannon Delany has been one of my favorite authors since I discovered her 13 to Life series. I mean, it's a love story that involves Russian werewolves! Come one, who wouldn't fall head over heels for that?! It's two of my favorite things put together. Needless to say, I love this series. I hopelessly waited for the release of the newest installment, Bargains and Betrayals. I knew it was going to be amazing, but I just didn't realize how much.

If you've read the first two installments, you know t...more

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Sep 03, 2011 Tammi rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the third installment of the 13 to Life series. Jessie is locked up at Pecan Place - “a place where nuts gather” aka the local asylum. This book starts out reiterating the end of Secrets and Shadows, where Jessie is taken and Pietr fights to keep that from happening. Jessie is afraid that the guards had hurt or killed Pietr and at the beginning of the book, she is trying to find that out. She learns the ins and outs of Pecan Place and how to prevent herself from getting on restriction. S...more This is the third installment of the 13 to Life series. Jessie is locked up at Pecan Place - “a place where nuts gather” aka the local asylum. This book starts out reiterating the end of Secrets and Shadows, where Jessie is taken and Pietr fights to keep that from happening. Jessie is afraid that the guards had hurt or killed Pietr and at the beginning of the book, she is trying to find that out. She learns the ins and outs of Pecan Place and how to prevent herself from getting on restriction. She also learns more about Dr. Jones, her guards and what is happening in Junction to the missing students. Meanwhile, Pietr is getting antsy about freeing Jessie and also freeing his mother. He is focused on those two things. He understands that in order to get his mother out of the cell that she is being kept in, the Rusakova family will need help. In between his secret visits to see Jessie at Pecan Place, he figures out a plan on how to get the extra help that they need in order to free his mother.

I had been anticipating this book ever since I read Secrets and Shadows. I am addicted to this series. The way that Delany writes about the werewolves or oborots is different than anything I’ve read before. It is refreshing to have a new spin on an old idea. Yes, there is chaos, trouble and romance, but what young adult novel doesn’t have those? The premise that the werewolves lives are dwindling down and they die at an early age is what I like about this series. Pietr is fighting because he knows that his time is short and he wants to spend them with people he loves. As cheesy as that sounds, that is the basic plot. I am interested to see how this series ends up and cannot wait for Destiny and Deception to be released.

I like:

*Jessie. She is self-sacrificing. She is willing to go to Pecan Place so that Pietr will stop fighting with the guards which got him hurt. She also doesn’t want Pietr to get hurt while she is in Pecan Place and asks him not to visit.
*Pietr. He is so loyal, even more so in this book than the others. Even though he is in love with Jessie and wants her out of Pecan Place, he puts her first. He is also self-sacrificing in his own way.
*Alexi. In Secrets and Shadows, you learn that Alexi is not a blood relative but was “adopted” by the Rusakovas. In this book, he takes a lot of flak from Pietr, Max and Cat because he had lied to them for a long time. Even though all of this, he is adamant that he is their “brother” and does not fail them.
*Amy. I like how Delany throws this little side story about abuse in there. Amy is classic. The transformation that she goes through in this book and the strength that she shows is amazing. You really have to read between the lines to catch it.

I Did Not Like:

*Marvin….
*There was a part in the book where Pietr and Alexi were talking on the phone and Russian was spoken and unless you speak it, you have no idea what they said. You get the general gist of it through the writing, but it makes you want to go and find an online translator and figure it out. Granted, this was only one or two times, but I was so intrigued by the story, that I wanted to know everything.
*Derek. He’s kind of creepy the way he sees things through Jessica. Paranormal-stalker-creepy.
*The Mafia. I guess they are not supposed to be liked, only feared.
(less)

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Aug 08, 2011 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received this ARC from a trade with Cindy@PrincessBookie.com

Everyone knows my obsession with Shannon Delany's 13 to Life! Loved it from cover to finish and I have become fast addicted to the series, so when Cindy at PrincessBookie.com was offering this in an ARC trade I jumped like a madwoman. Or a crazed book reader!

Anyway, Bargains and Betrayals was just amazing! One thing I liked was that instead of just Jessie narrating, Alexi is too! They go back and forth so we get to see what's happenin...more I received this ARC from a trade with Cindy@PrincessBookie.com

Everyone knows my obsession with Shannon Delany's 13 to Life! Loved it from cover to finish and I have become fast addicted to the series, so when Cindy at PrincessBookie.com was offering this in an ARC trade I jumped like a madwoman. Or a crazed book reader!

Anyway, Bargains and Betrayals was just amazing! One thing I liked was that instead of just Jessie narrating, Alexi is too! They go back and forth so we get to see what's happening with Jessie at Pecan Place and what's going on in the outside world with Pietr and everyone else! Which once again, a helluva lot happens!!

No loose-end was left unturned from Secrets and Shadows. The problems that were around were pretty much answered. But of course new problems always arise! Pietr is determined to do whatever it takes to get Jessie out of Pecan Place and to save his mother. There are so many problems to handle and so many more pop up as Pietr will do anything to be able to save the girl he loves along with his mother. Anything.

Once again, I can't go into too many details because the more I talk, the more I'll reveal that I shouldn't. The book brings in old enemies as well, so remember who we've met in the past two books as they just might make a return appearance.

Jessie and Pietr's relationship has to be my fave YA one ever! Sure I like a lot of other ones, but their relationship is just my fave. It's so intense that sometimes I'm forgetting that they're both 17! They have a lot of issues that always come between them and they work through them together. And I love that! I can be a sucker for these kinds of romances! Man, why couldn't Pietr have been at my high school!

In my opinion the book was very well paced. There's so much danger and suspense going on throughout that I almost finished this yesterday when I started it, but had to run an errand. The ending was fantastic! OMG were there some surprises! Now I'm in agony wanting to read the next book in the series! It wasn't too excruciating of a cliffhanger, but still it's a cliffhanger and as we all know, cliffhangers are just pure evil!

Overall rating 5/5 stars! Cannot wait til the next one! Want it now! :)

Bargains and Betrayals releases August 16, 2011

Once again I must give a big shout out and thanks to Cindy! THANKS AGAIN, CINDY!! You do not know how happy you truly made me!!(less)

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Jul 08, 2012 Marissa Novels On The Run rated it 4 of 5 stars

MARISSA'S REVIEW:
Bargains and Betrayals is book #3 in the 13 to Life series by Shannon Delany. I have been really enjoying this series - not too taxing on the brain and a nice easy and enjoyable read from from beginning to end.

Jess finds herself in a greater predicament than she could imagine...Pecan Place - home of nutters and one particularly dastardly therapist/scientist - Dr. Jones. She is one evil woman! And just when Jess thought no-one could be worse being around Dr Jones....it's being...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Riv rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 3rd-of-series

It's a strange thing when you find a second book that is better than the first. But while 13 To Life was good, Secrets and Shadows was amazing. And I therefore had high expectations for Bargains and Betrayals. I was bored with Jessie throughout the beginning. She was sitting in Pecan Place, doing stuff that, although it moved the plot forward, was dull.
For this reason, Shannon Delany decided to write from Alexi's point of view as well; so we can see what else is going on. It was interesting to s...more

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About Shannon Delany

Shannon Delany's newest novel, WEATHER WITCH (St. Martin's Press) is already available for pre-order (which both stuns and delights Delany)!

Shannon Delany has written stories since she was a child. She began writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill during a family vacation. In 2008 her greatly abbreviated version of 13 to Life (written in just five weeks) won the grand prize i...more

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Quotes from Bargains and Betrayals

“He leaned forward and plucked something out of my hair. “What—?” He held the dead leaf before me.

“Must have gotten that rolling around with Alexi in the backyard.” I blinked and looked at him. “That sounded so wrong.”

He nodded, eyebrow quirked. Waiting.

“I’m trying to learn a few things from your more experienced brother so I’m ready for our big event.”

His expression didn’t change.

“Yee-ahhh. Not any better, huh?” I laughed. Our big event could mean two vastly different things to Pietr. “Lemme just run through the other ways I could get this wrong: Alexi’s teaching me some moves. He’s trying to put the hurt on me. He was putting me into some positions I’ve never tried before.…” I snorted. I couldn’t help myself.

A muscle near Pietr’s left eye twitched.

“He’s teaching me to fight!” I laughed, grabbing his wrists.” — 7 people liked it

“He rrraped herrr,” the beast within him shrieked from deep in his gut, shaking everything but my resolve.

Pietr stepped back, putting his hands up. “Tear him apart,” he agreed.

“Shit, Pietr!” I snapped. “It’s murder!”

“Justifiable homicide,” Pietr returned.

“When did my questionable moral code start to qualify as the guiding light in this family?!” I wedged myself more firmly between the two of them.” — 1 person liked it

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Bargains and Betrayals (13 to Life #3)

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