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Devilish Devlins #1
Deal with the Devil
When Irish eyes are smilin’…beware! Because trouble—and love—isn’t far behind! 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 Cynthia has mistaken for hell is actually the heaven she’s been searching for? 55K
- GenresRomanceContemporaryAdult
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2011
1 person is currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Diana Duncan
24 books90 followersWhen her dreams of becoming a ballerina were quashed by early-onset klutziness, 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.
Di loves to hear from her readers. Write to her at writedianaduncan@msn.com Join her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dianaduncan1 and feel free to stop by and ogle her kilted hunks on her website http://www.dianaduncan.com
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.
Di loves to hear from her readers. Write to her at writedianaduncan@msn.com Join her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dianaduncan1 and feel free to stop by and ogle her kilted hunks on her website http://www.dianaduncan.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 1, 2013
This book was a pleasant surprise. It was a light read, with nothing unusual, none of the heroes blew my mind but the author clearly has a thing with children. Dylan and Brendan (the hero's twin nephews) were hilarious.
If you like kids in your stories, this is a book I recommend.
I'll continue with the sequel once I'm finished with my author's names challenge :P
If you like kids in your stories, this is a book I recommend.
I'll continue with the sequel once I'm finished with my author's names challenge :P
August 30, 2013
This was a cute story of a computer geek who is under a tight deadline to design a new video game and her sexy male neighbor, a school teacher, is babysitting his niece and twin nephews. The Times they interact is usually because of some mischievous act by one of the boys. But they can't deny the chemistry and attraction they have for one another.
While reading the book, it felt like Murphy's law was in place here - whatever could go wrong did, whether it was Cynthia' s computer getting destroyed by the boys, a stink bomb planted in the house where Cynthia was housewarming for a relative or a psycho woman who is the perfect homemaker and thinks she is the one for Rory. Somehow Cynthia and Rory get through it all, Cynthia discovers she can be good with kids and both do come to their senses and profess their love for one another. Sappy? Yes. Predictable? Yes, I knew what the next steps would be long before getting to thatbpassage. But boring? Heck no! The laughs kept coming for me whether it was intentional or the aforementioned Murphy's law.
Romance stories like this are usually ones I stay away from reading. But after reading a few reviews,especially one that mentions the "psycho bitch" (and frankly I think that could apply to Cynthia' s mother as well) I was intrigued. A fellow GR member was kind enough to lend me the book and I am glad I read it. It was a cute fun read. How I feel about this type of book is best described like White Castle hamburger. I like to eat them, several a one sitting, but when I am done, that satisfies the crave for awhile. Same for a story like this. Not often will I read this, but when I want to, I enjoy it and am good for awhile.
While reading the book, it felt like Murphy's law was in place here - whatever could go wrong did, whether it was Cynthia' s computer getting destroyed by the boys, a stink bomb planted in the house where Cynthia was housewarming for a relative or a psycho woman who is the perfect homemaker and thinks she is the one for Rory. Somehow Cynthia and Rory get through it all, Cynthia discovers she can be good with kids and both do come to their senses and profess their love for one another. Sappy? Yes. Predictable? Yes, I knew what the next steps would be long before getting to thatbpassage. But boring? Heck no! The laughs kept coming for me whether it was intentional or the aforementioned Murphy's law.
Romance stories like this are usually ones I stay away from reading. But after reading a few reviews,especially one that mentions the "psycho bitch" (and frankly I think that could apply to Cynthia' s mother as well) I was intrigued. A fellow GR member was kind enough to lend me the book and I am glad I read it. It was a cute fun read. How I feel about this type of book is best described like White Castle hamburger. I like to eat them, several a one sitting, but when I am done, that satisfies the crave for awhile. Same for a story like this. Not often will I read this, but when I want to, I enjoy it and am good for awhile.
October 17, 2011
Warning you will laugh through most of this book. What a refreshing read. Cynthia Wagner is staying at a friends house in the 'burbs when her apartment in the city is getting renovations. She is under a deadline to get a new video game for work created.. Unfortunately the neighbor next door Rory Devlin is a hot distraction and the niece and nephews he is baby sitting keep getting in the way. The twin nephew boys get a sucker stuck in her hair, kill her laptop, and then a stink bomb is launched into the house she is staying at. Then she moves in with Rory and the insanity so she can continue to work on her deadline. There was so much humor in this book and watching Cyn and Rory fall in love was very sweet. There is alot more things that that the twins do - a psycho woman after Rory - meeting Rory's other 9 siblings who it looks like will get there own stories in the future. My first read by this author and I loved it.
August 23, 2013
more like 3.5 - review to follow
June 14, 2021
This book was pretty good, though the nezt one was even better! I liked the tension between these two and how he helped her loosen up, by a lot. The Mia Culpa Miracle Dog had me cracking up
September 21, 2011
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.
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.
October 15, 2011
Looking for a fun feel good book?
Then this is the one for you!
Cynthia Wagner is a Game Designer who is at the top of her game until the company that employs her is bought out, now she has to create the game of games and make a bid to her new boss in order to keep her job.
She decides to move into a friends house while working on her game to get ideas and find some tranquillity, only to find out that's not going to happen. Her new neighbours will not let that happen.
Rory Devlin is taking care of his sister's kids while she's out of town, they're a rumbustious bunch and seem to get into anything they can. They especially can't seem to stay away from Cynthia who seems to be quite a cranky lady. Poor Rory has to corral the kids so Cynthia can get her work done but that's much easier said then done.
Attraction flares between Rory and Cynthia.
Can they get through the crazy obstacles that keep jumping at them? (literally) Read and find out!
I adore this book, I laughed so much that my cheeks hurt. My husband kept asking me what was so funny and I would tell him what had happened along with a little back story and he was laughing right along with me.
Cynthia seems like a person with a lot of drive and ambition, she's fighting to save her career and doesn't need any distractions and that exactly what Irish Hotty Rory Devlin is. All hard muscles and great with kids, you will fall in love with this character right along with Cynthia.
Cynthia starts out as someone I couldn't really relate to since I'm a At Home Mom but as the chapters fly by I had no problem relating to her and her angst. I really like her and wish she was a real person because I'm sure we would be great friends.
So all in all I had an awesome time reading this book and I really think a lot of you would enjoy it as well.
This book will make you laugh and help you get lost in another place. I think it's a feel good romance that will have you smiling for days. I certainly did!
Then this is the one for you!
Cynthia Wagner is a Game Designer who is at the top of her game until the company that employs her is bought out, now she has to create the game of games and make a bid to her new boss in order to keep her job.
She decides to move into a friends house while working on her game to get ideas and find some tranquillity, only to find out that's not going to happen. Her new neighbours will not let that happen.
Rory Devlin is taking care of his sister's kids while she's out of town, they're a rumbustious bunch and seem to get into anything they can. They especially can't seem to stay away from Cynthia who seems to be quite a cranky lady. Poor Rory has to corral the kids so Cynthia can get her work done but that's much easier said then done.
Attraction flares between Rory and Cynthia.
Can they get through the crazy obstacles that keep jumping at them? (literally) Read and find out!
I adore this book, I laughed so much that my cheeks hurt. My husband kept asking me what was so funny and I would tell him what had happened along with a little back story and he was laughing right along with me.
Cynthia seems like a person with a lot of drive and ambition, she's fighting to save her career and doesn't need any distractions and that exactly what Irish Hotty Rory Devlin is. All hard muscles and great with kids, you will fall in love with this character right along with Cynthia.
Cynthia starts out as someone I couldn't really relate to since I'm a At Home Mom but as the chapters fly by I had no problem relating to her and her angst. I really like her and wish she was a real person because I'm sure we would be great friends.
So all in all I had an awesome time reading this book and I really think a lot of you would enjoy it as well.
This book will make you laugh and help you get lost in another place. I think it's a feel good romance that will have you smiling for days. I certainly did!
September 21, 2011
To be honest, because I have read some self-published books that I could barely finish and could not in any way write a review for, I was a leery about reading Deal With The Devil. Color me excited to read it and find out DWTD is another great example that a book can be self published and a great read!!! The price is great at only $2.99 on amazon and Barnes & Noble.
I am totally in love with the ENTIRE Devlin clan. Ms. Duncan has created a contemporary romance that not only let's you see the relationship between Rory and Cynthia develop, but you get to see how 10, yes 10, siblings interact in a not so perfect family. The Devlin's are rowdy, headstrong, stubborn, but most of all loving. Kelsey, Dylan and Brendan steal every scene they are in. Then there is Bridget, who by description, reminds me so much of my furbaby, but in the female form, that I couldn't help but smile and laugh every time she was in a scene.
Rory has got to be one of the sweetest, sexiest heroes I've read in a long time and when he turns on the heat..OMG!!! Everything about him makes me swoon, hell all of the Devlin men make me swoon. Cynthia could come off as a "poor, little Rich girl" but she doesn't, she is definitely a great example of not judging a book by it's cover.
Deal With The Devil had me laughing for most of the book. There are so many touching but funny parts, the family interaction is great and there are a couple of twists in it that I totally did not see coming.
For more of my review visit:
http://naughtycougartales.blogspot.co...
DWTD is NOT an erotic romance, it is a great contemporary, steamy, funny romance that fans of series and family stories will enjoy.
I am totally in love with the ENTIRE Devlin clan. Ms. Duncan has created a contemporary romance that not only let's you see the relationship between Rory and Cynthia develop, but you get to see how 10, yes 10, siblings interact in a not so perfect family. The Devlin's are rowdy, headstrong, stubborn, but most of all loving. Kelsey, Dylan and Brendan steal every scene they are in. Then there is Bridget, who by description, reminds me so much of my furbaby, but in the female form, that I couldn't help but smile and laugh every time she was in a scene.
Rory has got to be one of the sweetest, sexiest heroes I've read in a long time and when he turns on the heat..OMG!!! Everything about him makes me swoon, hell all of the Devlin men make me swoon. Cynthia could come off as a "poor, little Rich girl" but she doesn't, she is definitely a great example of not judging a book by it's cover.
Deal With The Devil had me laughing for most of the book. There are so many touching but funny parts, the family interaction is great and there are a couple of twists in it that I totally did not see coming.
For more of my review visit:
http://naughtycougartales.blogspot.co...
DWTD is NOT an erotic romance, it is a great contemporary, steamy, funny romance that fans of series and family stories will enjoy.
January 20, 2012
Cynthia Wagner has a deadline to meet. She has 19 days to be brilliant or she'll lose her job as a software developer. Taking a leave of absence, she rents a friend's house, hoping for solitude.
Enter Rory Devlin – and his niece – and twin nephews and the dog.... The saucy Irishman is babysitting for the summer and his life is anything but quiet. Problematic, since the chaos lives next door to Cynthia.
When the twins' actions cause a catastrophe in her home, damaging her computer, Rory makes Cynthia a deal she can't afford to refuse. She can stay at his house, use his computer to complete her work and he will fix up her house and replace her computer.
Despite her overt displeasure with the sexy Irishman, Cynthia can't help but find him devilishly attractive. Maybe dealing with the Devlin isn't as bad as she thought?
Once again, Diana Duncan finds the two people least likely to fall in love and shows them the error of their ways. Her characters are engaging, her plot compelling. I love the lighthearted humor and sexy bantering between Rory and Cynthia. Duncan's dialog zings off the page, moving the plot forward with each well chosen word. The teasing and wordplay are so true to life, it fleshes out her characters well.
"Deal With the Devil" is a charming romance and I highly recommend it for all those who love a great romance with a few sparks flying between the main characters. Risking a spoiler, let me add that I loved the closet scene! Steamy, sexy, satisfying.
Enter Rory Devlin – and his niece – and twin nephews and the dog.... The saucy Irishman is babysitting for the summer and his life is anything but quiet. Problematic, since the chaos lives next door to Cynthia.
When the twins' actions cause a catastrophe in her home, damaging her computer, Rory makes Cynthia a deal she can't afford to refuse. She can stay at his house, use his computer to complete her work and he will fix up her house and replace her computer.
Despite her overt displeasure with the sexy Irishman, Cynthia can't help but find him devilishly attractive. Maybe dealing with the Devlin isn't as bad as she thought?
Once again, Diana Duncan finds the two people least likely to fall in love and shows them the error of their ways. Her characters are engaging, her plot compelling. I love the lighthearted humor and sexy bantering between Rory and Cynthia. Duncan's dialog zings off the page, moving the plot forward with each well chosen word. The teasing and wordplay are so true to life, it fleshes out her characters well.
"Deal With the Devil" is a charming romance and I highly recommend it for all those who love a great romance with a few sparks flying between the main characters. Risking a spoiler, let me add that I loved the closet scene! Steamy, sexy, satisfying.
March 23, 2013
I have twin aunts in my family and while they are wonderful, I seriously doubt they ever got up to the tricks these two Devlin twins did.They are mirror image twins so you can tell them apart but I've met twins before like their dad Rory and Uncle Ryan and it does get hard but Cynthia saw with her heart and that was the thing that kept coming out in this story ,in between the outrageous antics and mini-Greek tragedies(hey, I cried when the turkey hit the floor!), the building love between her and Rory and it kept me turning the pages because I had to know the end. Buy it, you will not be disappointed and ,if you're like me, you will want more of the Devlins and Diana Duncan!
November 23, 2013
This week's fluffy romance, raced through with pleasure and laughter, as with the best of Diana Duncan. Cynthia Wagner meets cute with awesome Irish hunk-next-door Rory Devlin (and his twin nephews and baby niece and a dog as well). Through a series of circumstances that are completely predictable and also delightful at the same time, Cyn ends up living with the clan and trying to complete a do-or-die software design task. There are complications, in the form of a Martha Stewart on steroids stalker, said mischievous children, Cynthia's cold and powerful parents, and Rory's enormous family. But you know it will all work out in the end....now on to the sequel.
October 18, 2011
I finished Deal with the Devil last night and am still thinking about Rory Devlin and his zany Irish clan. Well written. Well told. Great story. I never buy books on a whim but he Devlin's delivered.
This is a fun, lighthearted contemporary with a touch of humour and well-formed characters.
Cynthia and Rory are fun to read. I enjoyed this one. I look forward to Flynn's story.
This is a fun, lighthearted contemporary with a touch of humour and well-formed characters.
Cynthia and Rory are fun to read. I enjoyed this one. I look forward to Flynn's story.
February 21, 2012
From the first sentence, Ms. Duncan hooked me in! From sticky candy stuck in the heroine's hair, to a rambunctious dog and even more rambunctious children, this story will sweep you away into a world of laughter, caring, and steamy embraces! I look forward to reading more of Ms. Duncan's work. Fantastic book!
March 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this one for a lot of different reasons but one of the main points is probably that I had never before read a book where someone worked on video games. Although I actually know people who want to go into that branch of IT I had never before read about it in a novel. Found it very refreshing since "exotic" jobs for women in novels usually stop at songwriter/composer/witch, etc.
March 24, 2013
Oh my. Cynthia has a software deadline to meet. But after renting a house and meeting the sexy Rory Devlin, she is in for a surprise. Not only is he the greatest uncle who is watching his brothers kids, but he has an enticing smile that will stop any woman's heart. A wonderful, funny book with a sexy Irish man in. The mix. You should definitely read this book.
September 19, 2011
This story was funny, heart-warming, and sexy. Ms. Duncan writes with wit and sass and adds unexpected twists that keep you guessing. Her characters are so real, you wish they were your neighbors. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
February 25, 2017
Loved Rory and Cynthia! Funny, emotional, romantic, just a few words to describe the love story of Rory and Cynthia. I love the whole Devlin family and can't wait to read the rest. Great job, a wonderful series to add to my must read list.
May 1, 2012
Wonderful!!!!! This book has it all. Well written with spice and a sense of humor. Kids and a puppy! What more can you want. A wonderful darling female lead and a man that dreams are made of. Caution: Reading Deal with the Devil will only make you more hungry for the Devilish Devlins!
May 2, 2012
Great quick story. There is not much better than an Irish man! Wonderful break, may just have to keep up my procrastinating and dive into #2 in the series.
June 19, 2013
I gave it 3 Stars because it light read. It did make me laugh a few times. It really made me laugh toward the end. I hope the rest of the series will be good. I will be reading Flynn's story next.
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May 21, 2012Really liked it, fast read for almost 500 pages
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews