Devil May Care
Sheri McInnis
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Buy *Devil May Care* online

Devil May Care

Sheri McInnis
Washington Square Press
Paperback
384 pages
August 2004
rated 4 1/2 of 5 possible stars

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Luck just doesn’t seem to favor struggling actress Sally Carpenter as, time after time, audition after audition, she loses prime parts to others. Until one day, when after yet another miserable audition, she gets lost in the labyrinth corridors of UBN, the rapidly growing television network, and a mysterious stranger helps her. Soon after that incident, the parts begin to just fall into an astounded Sally’s lap, forcing her to wonder if this is God’s reward for her years of guilt and penance. As it turns out, that’s not exactly the case, for the mysterious stranger turns out to be Jack Weaver, the highly influential and powerful president of UBN who has taken a sudden liking for Sally and her caustic talk.

They begin dating and, despite having a boyfriend, Sally cannot help but be swept away by Jack’s charisma and acceptance. And her initial protests against Jack’s benevolent influence in getting principal roles soon dwindles away. However, ever plagued by memories of a childhood calamity that constantly motivates her to do "the right thing," Sally is uneasy with this unexpected windfall, especially when weird and ghastly things start happening to all those who try to warn her to beware of Jack and these rapid developments. Before long, Sally is forced to wonder if she’s fallen in love with the Devil himself.

Sheri McInnis’ tale of a struggling actress who suddenly gets all that she’s ever desired and becomes wary of her own good luck is entertaining as well as believable. Whether the character of Jack Weaver is truly the Devil is something that’s left ambiguous, yet it’s hard to tear oneself away from the story as Sally slowly but surely gets deeply involved with the enigmatic Weaver, whom McInnis from the very beginning gives an ominous touch. Whether describing the endless rounds of auditions or innermost feelings, religious dichotomy or moral dilemmas, McInnis’ flawless narrative captures the nuances skillfully, adding depth, drama and an authentic touch to this somewhat unusual tale. As the protagonists wage sometimes private, sometimes outspoken ethical and emotional battles, a plethora of side characters make notable appearances, always representing various viewpoints on the central issue of right and wrong, of good and evil. At once light-hearted and profound, this story is easily compelling, wholly unforgettable and ever delightful.



Originally published on Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Rashmi Srinivas, 2004

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