TSK, TSK, What to Read?: The Devil's Triangle by Toni de Palma

When 17 year old Cooper dies in an attempt to burn down his school, he finds himself in the afterlife. Lucy, the Devil's sister who has crossed party lines, decides to give Cooper another shot at heaven. The deal? Cooper returns to Earth and has to find a girl named Grace. The rest is up to him.

While Cooper figures out his mission, he's thrown into the life he's always wanted. Great parents, a spot on the Varsity football team and a real future are all within reach. But what he really wants is Grace, a feisty girl with an abusive boyfriend who can pound Cooper into pulp if he doesn't watch out.

While Lucy plays demonic-puppeteer, clues to an unknown past between Cooper and Grace start to unravel. Cooper discovers that what's keeping him and Grace apart is far more sinister than anything this bad boy could have ever imagined.

Who am I? Well, let's start with who I am NOT. I am Not tall. I am Not a genius. And though a lot of people have assumed I was, I was never, ever a cheerleader in high school. Actually, I was a klutz, a nerd and kind of quiet when I was in high school. I am still a klutz, a much better listener than I am a talker (though my husband would probably disagree with that) and still a nerd (and very proud of that thank you!)
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and when I was a kid I loved to wander the streets with my best friend John. We'd disappear for the whole day, returning conveniently when it was time for dinner. During the summer, I'd dance in the spray of the johnny pump (the fire hydrant). Some summers I'd spend in Ischia, the Italian island where my dad was from.
I have always loved to travel and wander. My most valued possession is my passport. I love to write stories that take me and my readers places and of course I love traveling places to do the research for my books (can you say write offs!). I write Middle Grade and YA both contemporary and paranormal romance but I like to read everything and discover new and unusual books.

Website / Blog / Goodreads /
Twitter / Facebook /Instagram

I want to begin by thanking Toni De Palma and her wonderful publicist, Christine Attardo for offering an arc of The Devil's Triangle and for inviting us to be a part of Toni's blog tour.

Well, I wasn't really sure what to expect from this story. A male protagonist? The tale all from his POV? I was definitely interested and more than a little curious how this teenage boy was going to handle his opportunity to make it into Heaven after a less than stellar performance in his past life.

I easily fell into Cooper's story. Cooper himself was likeable, funny and determined. Granted for a good portion of his "mission" he is lost, confused and completely unaware of what that mission entails and how it would actually get him past the pearly gates. He knew he had a second chance and he was going to do everything he could to make it happen.

His previous life was dark and lonely, constantly moving from home to home, searching for something he couldn't find; a good family, love and respect. When he hits earth again to find the girl he must attempt to save, it's clear pretty quickly that some things are not as they seemed. And when he finds Grace, he also finds himself thrown into a life he never dreamed he could have or deserve. What he learns boggles his mind and makes him more determined than ever to redeem himself.

I loved the twists and turns this story took Cooper and I on. Discovering the truth about his life, Grace, and the role Lucifer and his wacky but beautiful sister, Lucy(Lucinda) played in the how things turned out for Cooper--- what a tangled web. It was clever, thought provoking and entertaining. You find out early there are no small parts in this tale. Everyone has a purpose in the warped battle over Grace's soul. You also see how philosophy, history and strategy play a big part in Lucy and Lucifer's game.

Cooper immediately grabbed my heart and sympathy. Not knowing what was real or manipulation, he struggled to do what was right, listening to his heart and what he believed to be Lucy's guidance, he went in full force to save himself, his family and Grace. No matter what was thrown at him, he didn't give in or give up. He had something to fight for and he was unyielding in his effort to find solutions for everyone he discovered he cared about.

What transpires is a story of enlightenment and self discovery. Both Cooper and Grace have to learn what to sacrifice and what to hold on to. Cooper finds he's lost most than he more than he knew and he'll fight to get it all back.

I really enjoyed The Devil's Triangle. I liked the characters, especially Cooper's family. And of course Cooper and Grace. I liked Toni's style. She weaved a complicated tale into something easy to read and connect to, and characters that were easy to love and root for. She made me contemplate life, and how the choices we make can affect more than ourselves, and the possibility that we don't always control our path. Pretty deep stuff. She also manages to make it lighthearted and fun. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Of course she leaves us hanging, wondering what will come of Cooper and Grace... will their love find a way? Will Lucifer continue his campaign to own Grace and shatter Cooper's existence? I resisted the urge to read the sneak peek of book two, The Devil's Temptation, but I'm eager to see what happens next. I can already see Lucifer is pulling out all the stops for the next round and I'll be standing in Cooper's corner, encouraging and cheering him on.

So, if you're looking for something a bit different from your usual YA paranormal romance, I think The Devil's Triangle might be just what you're looking for. It's got a little something for everyone, and a surprise around every corner. You like surprises, right? ;)

Enter for your chance to win a signed copy of The Devil's Triangle and a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble.

Contest Rules:

Giveaway begins May 23^rd and will end June 14^th. The winner will be announced at #TheDevilsTriangleParty on Twitter June 14^th between 7pm-8pm. If the winner doesn’t respond to the tweet by the end of the party, another winner will be chosen.
Open to U.S. residents only