The Devil To Pay

K. C. Bateman · Kate Bateman

Aug 2018 · Kate Bateman

About this ebook

Italy, 1492.

A ruthless mercenary skilled in the art of conquest. An heiress who refuses to be tamed. The Devil’s own bargain . . . 

Cara di Montessori has a price upon her head. Her traitorous uncle has murdered her father and seized her home. Her only hope of survival, and of regaining her birthright, is an alliance with her childhood nemesis, the infamous mercenary Il Diavolo. The most irritating—and seductive—man Cara’s ever met.

Battle hardened and world-weary, Alessandro del Sarto has earned the sobriquet Il Diavolo. He needs a politically expedient marriage to secure the lasting peace he craves,

but the simpering ladies of court hold little interest. More than anything, he longs for a challenge.

Headstrong beauty Cara has always been Il Diavolo’s only weakness, the one woman he’s never been able to forget. When she appears at his door begging for help, the two strike a devil’s bargain. In return for his assistance, for two weeks Cara must entertain his guests, relieve his boredom—and warm his bed. 

Cara has no intention of succumbing to del Sarto’s studied seduction, but the passion that simmers between them is more potent than her paper twists of gunpowder. Surrounded by danger and intrigue, she must choose between what she’s always thought of as her destiny, and what could be the greatest prize of all—her heart’s desire.

From #1 Bestselling author K C Bateman comes a sexy romantic adventure filled with passion, vengeance, and redemption.

Praise for K. C. Bateman’s novels:

 “The writing and characterization are superb, the romance is hot, snarky and tender and the hero is delicious. I couldn’t ask for much more in an historical romance!”

—All About Romance for To Steal A Heart.

“5* . . . . incredibly sexy . . .deliciously wicked.” 

—Rakes & Rascals for A Counterfeit Heart.

Perfect for readers who love Loretta Chase, Julia Quinn, Caroline Linden, Janna MacGregor, Scarlett Peckham, Laura Kinsale, Kerrigan Byrne, Lisa Kleypas, Courtney Milan, Tessa Dare, Eloisa James, Grace Burrowes, Madeline Hunter, Lenora Bell, Sophie Jordan, Lorraine Heath, Eva Leigh, Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Shupe, Sarah MacLean, Shana Galen, Stephanie Laurens and Sabrina Jeffries.

Keywords: Historical romance, Regency romance, Victorian

romance, action-adventure, sexy, bodyguard, best friend’s sister, enemies to

lovers, friends to lovers, second chance romance, Napoleonic romance, fake

relationship, marriage of convenience, Sexy, Spicy, funny, charming,

Bestseller, Kindle, Nook, Ebook.

Ratings and reviews

Amazingly lovely and exciting story of two independent, spirited, resolute, and brave individuals' deals and negotiations led to fiery love!

WHY DIDN'T I READ THIS SOONER!?!?! I knew by the first few chapters this was a 5 star read and by the end, I wanted MORE of Alessandro and Cara's story. This story sucked me in. It was such an engrossing read that I couldn't put it down! I think fans of Julie Garwood's The Bride will also enjoy this one. The banter, and push and pull between Alessandro and Cara are OFF THE CHARTS! I was smiling just reading their conversations. All the characters and the events and pace were perfect! It also has been a minute since I read an Italian Historical Renaissance. Kate did an amazing job. Of note, this is a 2019 RITA Finalist! I highly recommend this book as I'm practically giddy for it. I've read Kate's books before, but this is definitely one of her underrated titles that needs more attention. #hrreadathon

I loved it from beginning to end. It had everything and even made me laugh out right at times.

About the author

K. C. Bateman, (also writing as Kate Bateman) is a bestselling author of Regency, Victorian and Renaissance historical romances. Her Renaissance romp The Devil To Pay is a 2019 RITA nominee. Her books have received Starred Reviews from Publisher’s weekly, and feature feisty, intelligent heroines, (badasses in bodices!) wickedly inappropriate banter, and heroes you want to strangle and kiss. When not writing, Kate leads a double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK. She currently lives in Illinois with a number-loving husband and three inexhaustible children, and regularly returns to her native England ‘for research.’

Kate Bateman / K. C. Bateman, is a bestselling author of Regency, Victorian and Renaissance historical romances. Her Renaissance romp The Devil To Pay is a 2019 RITA nominee. Her books have received Starred Reviews from Publisher’s weekly, and feature feisty, intelligent heroines, (badasses in bodices!) wickedly inappropriate banter, and heroes you want to strangle and kiss. When not writing, Kate leads a double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK. She currently lives in Illinois with a number-loving husband and three inexhaustible children, and regularly returns to her native England ‘for research.’