The Devil Inside

by Ali Vali

Derby Cain Casey was groomed from birth to take the reins of the Casey family enterprises, which just happens to be one of the major crime organizations in New Orleans. Surviving by never turning away from a fight and knowing how to win at all costs, Cain is as careful with her heart as she is with her business--until she met Emma Verde.

The farm girl from Wisconsin puts a hit out on Cain's heart and leads her down a dangerous road filled...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933110309
• ISBN13: 9781933110301
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Must Have More

Like all of the other reviewers here, I absolutely loved this book. It is a must read that grabs your attention from the very beginning and holds on tight to it until you finish. Which won't take you too long as you will find yourself unable to put this book down. The only drawback that I see is in waiting for the next book in the series. I truly recommend buying both books together so you don't have any down time in between. Kudos to Vali for her vibrant writing.

A Rare Gift - An Outstanding First Book

Cain is the head of one of New Orleans' mob families. She took over the job when her father was killed. Emma is her partner and the mother of her son. When Emma walks away from Cain and her son, both are devastated. When Emma returns four years later, all have to deal with the consequences of Emma's betrayal. It is rare for an author to produce such an accomplished book on her first try. But Vali has given the reader a rare gift - finely drawn characters, and an unusual story line. And she is able to maintain the tension throughout. Flashbacks are used to further the story - although in one case late in the book, the flashback broke the tension, but it was quickly regained. The fact that this is a well written book is a bonus. If you want to read a page-turner thriller, this is it. If you want to read a very good romance this is it. But beware. If you need to be up and about early, do not start this book. Without a doubt you will be reading it well after you should have turned off your light.

Quite a book

I am compelled to commend this writer after just finishing this book. Wonderful, unusual story. Not your typical fluff love story, but much more. Extremely well written and thought out. I can't wait for the sequel to the story of the Casey crime family.

A pleasant surprise for a first novel.

What an excellent read! Granted, I lived in New Orleans, I love it, and I am somehow excited by the rough and toughness depicted by the main character - all in all, a solid mystery and one that is worth the read and the time. If you like the edginess factor of some lesbian mystery and hot heroines with a very different twist, this is the new series for you. I'm waiting, Ali Vali, for the next installment. You have a unique talent and have created an extremely believable and seductive woman in Cain. It's a real good time!

Thought-Provoking, Unconventional Story

The Devil Inside by Ali Vali is an unusual, unpredictable, and thought-provoking love story that will have the reader questioning the definition of right and wrong long after she finishes the book. While on the surface the story is about Cain Casey, a reputed crime boss and her attempts to elude the FBI, Vali gives us so much more as the book evolves. She tosses challenging questions at the reader as the plot progresses, drawing out the suspense of this intricate and intense tale. We want to know why her lover of eight years, Emma Verde, leaves her and their son and then after no word in four years comes back. We are puzzled by why the FBI is hunting Cain with a vengeance, and what part Emma's parents have in the pursuit. First time novelist Vali, as an experienced author may do, does not leave the reader hanging for too long, but spins a complex plot of love, conspiracy, and loss. As the book ends, we see hope for a new future for the Casey family. The Devil Inside is rich in character portrayal. Vali has cultivated a believable Cain Casey who is full of contradictions. While she may be ruthless and unforgiving on the surface, the reader finds a loyal, caring, and deeply hurt woman underneath who will go to any length to protect her family, including Emma. The depth of Cain's unpredictability draws the reader in. We are fascinated by Cain's vulnerability, and we can't help but like this charming and genuine woman despite her seemly corrupt activities. It becomes easy to root for Cain as the story unfolds and we learn who the bad guys really are. As the story proceeds, Vali uncovers Emma's and Cain's past, and we slowly learn the truth behind their break-up. The author fills in the gaps easily while advancing the plot smoothly. We are given enough clues to keep us guessing as to what comes next, but the ending leaves us wanting more of the Casey family. Vali has purposely left the story unresolved and has done so without frustrating the reader. Far from leaving the reader up in the air, we are totally wrapped up in the future of this enigmatic family. From a first time author, this is a quite a coup. Most romance authors neatly tie up all of the pieces as the story moves forward. We know that the girl will get the girl in the end. The Devil Inside's strength is that it is unlike most romance novels. Nothing about the story and its characters is conventional. We do not know what the future holds for Emma and Cain, but Vali tempts us with every word so we want to find out. I am very much looking forward to the sequel The Devil Unleashed.