The Devil In Disguise

by Mel Reilly

Kylo

She was just supposed to be another mission.

Ever since my life turned into a living hell, the only constant name in my ear is Amaris Santos. She needs to pay for what her family has done, an eye for an eye and all. When she loses her memory it turns into the perfect chance to swoop in and break her.



Amaris

I hope I’m not making a big mistake.

I’m walking around with only half of my memories, feeling like half of a person and putting the small bit of trust I have in a familiar stranger who offers to help me out. The mysterious guy with midnight eyes and a wicked smirk only confuses me more than my amnesia. I give him the power to burn my world down, I just hope he never lights the match. What will happen when I get my memory back? If I ever do. Will he still be my savior?

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2024

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

The arsehole and arrogant hero, who was looking for revenge, and the tough heroine, who was baking and also had amnesia, couldn't hold my interest. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Dnf @ 43%

[littlesmuttyone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly so good, kylo and amaris. I love them, and she is the best baker ever her food had me hungry, and I cried, yep, I did. I don't want to spoil it, but my favorite line is " Get dressed, princess, we’re going on a magic carpet ride."”
Marco and luci, I love them as well. I just want to reread this book all over again .I couldn't put this book down. I'm excited about the second book .even amaris parents are damn precious and ace love that good boy 🐕

[Colbygirl13reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow can you say badass FMC? Amaris I fell in love with right from the start. She speaks her mind and stands up for herself and in the free areas she doesn't by the end of the book she has learned to.
Kylo, MMC, was such an evil man at first. His whole life he had been groomed to take over the Mafia. Learning there family histories was an important past of this story And understanding so much of the plot. I loved how action filled, the plot was, from experiencing feelings, kidnapping and killing. And don't get me started on the spice. Definitely loved the contrast with the love and hate.
This is truly a great mafia, forced proximity, reluctant romance story with some spice. Read your trigger warnings, but a definite must read dark romance story.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The perfect stabby no BS FMC, the most perfect MMC made the perfect combo. There was push and pull was so good, it was intense, and such a page turner. The spice was on point 🥵..

Such a great read. Loved every minute.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Kay Hertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

”For those who aren’t afraid to dance with the devil. After all, a little danger only makes the heart beat faster.”

Plot: 4 📍
Spice: 3.5 🌶️
Overall: 4.5 ⭐

This was so nearly a 5 star for me but a couple mental brakes-screeching moments dropped it down a touch for me.

Y'all know by now, I need a great plot to go with me steam, spice, or straight up smút (I'm feel fancy, so I'm adding the flair on the u! 🙃)

And this story has it n spades!

The spice was quite nice, borderline 4 (for me). I did enjoy the sensuous kissing/dancing in the rain scene - reminded me of when I still had the time and energy to do so! Actually, one of my favorite things to do with my littles in hop in puddles during a good rainstorm. ❤️

Kylo was the perfect @.$$hole reformed! His growth over the book was so well written! He was just delicious. Had me at 6'5" biker. Love me the tall ones!

And when the tropes said "Badâ$$ FMC" they weren't lying! I had an image of Adriana Lima in my head every time Amaris and her choice of workout came on the page.

What an awesome enemies to lovers! The villain was just sinisterly evil, our morally gray MMC is all the green flags (at the end!), and our FMC discovers herself and her inner strength.

Can't wait to learn more in this trilogy! I'm hoping Luciano, Dario, and Marco all get their own stories, too!

For my gentler hearts, check the TWs on this one. I grew up on horror, so it doesn't bother me. But I can see how there are a few scenes here that may be challenging for folks.

[Whitney Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel Reilly is one of my favorite new authors of 2024! If you are a lover of dark romance with spice, then you definitely want to read The Devil in Disguise! This is her debut novel (she does have a 🌶️ and delightful novella out on KU!) and she nailed it! This is book one of her Mad Men Trilogy and each book in the series follows a different MMC in this mafia world.

Kylo is set to become the next don of his syndicate and has grown up knowing one thing for certain: he will have his revenge on Amaris Santos, as her family is the reason his mother was taken from him. Amaris has always hated Kylo. When he tries to strike against her, she gets amnesia and doesn't remember that they are enemies. While Kylo uses this time to try to gain her trust, he sees another side of her. Secrets unfold and the truth is worse than Kylo ever imagined.

Amaris is an absolute b@d@$$ FMC that can and does take care of herself. I ate up everything Mel Reilly put down in this novel and can't wait for book two! Kylo is going to be hard to replace as my book boyfriend, because he is top tier! I loved this book and the author's writing style. It made it hard to put down. Definitely recommend this book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Mafia Romance
🔥Dark Romance
🔥He Falls First
🔥Amnesia
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Hand Necklaces
🔥Boot Riding

[Moonlit Bookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: The Devil In Disguise
Author: @melreillyauthor
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

How I feel about the Book:

This is my first book by this author and it was an arc read. I was so excited to see it loaded into my Kindle after such a busy weekend. I haven't read a Dark Romance Mafia book in quite a while, and I would say I very much still love this genre of romance. I finished it in one day!

The Devil In Disguise pulled me right back into what I love about Dark Romances with that mafia twist. That pure power male dominated vibe. We have Kylo our "never can love and hates people" MMC who falls into the world of Amaris our "gives no fucks baddie with a tender heart".

I thought the plot of the entire story was well thought out and well written. It didn't make me feel like I was reading just another mafia romance. There was deceit amongst family, there were some pretty hard traumatic experiences and that Dark spice. I like to call it Dark spice when violence is mixed in.

I would definitely like to read more from this series as the author develops their world.

This title releases on KU - July 24th, 2024

As always be mindful of the triggers as there is some heavy topics in this book.

[Mia Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to thank Mel Reilly for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful dark romance story this is my first book of hers and what I can say is that it didn’t disappoint me.
The Devil in Disguise pulled me right in soon as I saw the cover and the dedication I was hooked I didn’t want to put it down I felt so connected to the main characters and the side characters I wish they was all real maybe someday I can find my kylo Kincaid is everything you need in loved the banter between the both of them.
Amaris is the girl I would love to be friends with cause she a girl boss and she stand on business everything about her I love it she deserves the whole world even when she talks to her Bestfriend cause I felt like that before so I relate to her a lot.
I would definitely recommend others to read there story because it was amazing in beautiful.
~Tropes~
🌹 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Forced proximity
🌹 Revenge
🖤 He falls first/Harder
🌹 Amnesia
Favorite Quotes:
“You are doing so good,” he praises, eyes never leaving mine. “Keep going. I'm right here, little fox”

“I want him to throw me around, be rough with me, then call me a good girl. I only get that in my fantasies.”

[Spicy BookNook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel was a new to me author and she did not disappoint here!

This was such a great story of how when two, enemies to lovers, come together, they can change the world with one another.

Kylo was well-known because of his father. Amaris has always been true to herself. But these two never got along and it always seemed for the better. When an accident happens, it changes everything for the two of them. Her life becomes altered for a while and he has to learn the hard way that he's been lied to his entire life.

Amaris goes through the absolute ringer, but Kylo does everything in his will power to prove to her that she is it for him. He will bring down the world to save her. I absolutely loved his love and devotion for her. Nothing was comparable. Except maybe her love for Ace haha. But for real, when he let himself be his true self, everything just fell into place. Even if they had to take the long route to get there.

I love love love their relationship! And Ace makes their family complete! I'm looking forward to the next one!

[in a world of ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kylo and Ameris are my new favorite book couple. Of all time. I love them so much.

The interactions and banter between the two of them are just 👩🏼‍🍳💋 I'll attach some of them 👇🏼

“I know what you need, and I know you won’t get it.” “I hope you get everything you want and realize it’s not enough,”

“Hey, have you gotten an update on my bike? I want to go on a ride soon.” “No, but you can ride me, instead.”

“You have too much access to your lips. Close them.” “I don’t have enough access to yours. Spread them.”

Seriously. How could you NOT love these two with fun banter like this? Definitely add this book to the tbr. You won't be disappointed. It's a mafia romance with a darker romcom undertone.

Have some more quotes, because I highlighted the sh!t out of this book

“Are you flirting with me, little fox?”

“I think I’m starting to know who you really are and where you belong. Even in death, I could never forget you.”

“Rev it. I know you want to. Do you feel the vibrations?”

"I don’t know whether to stab her or kiss her for making me feel such strange emotions."

[Kate Neese · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay i’ve only read a few mafia romances before this one and i think im falling in love with this genre. this book was amazing 🖤 i absolutely love Amaris!! she’s definitely one of my favorite fmc’s. she’s such a badass, so strong, sassy and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself. Kylo bby, he’s so protective and possessive, he would literally do anything for Amaris! their story is absolutely wild in the best possible way, i literally gasped out loud a couple times lol the plot is amazing! their families history with each other is super important to Amaris and Kylo’s relationship. i loved learning the past and seeing how they got to present day! the spice was perfect, Kylo knows exactly what to do and what to say 😮‍💨🔥 i really enjoyed this book🖤
⊹₊⟡⋆ ⊹₊⟡⋆ ⊹₊⟡⋆ ⊹₊⟡⋆ ⊹₊⟡⋆ ⊹₊⟡⋆
one of my favorite quotes from the book:

“She is the only person on this green Earth that has that power over me. I am in the palm of her hand whether she knows it or not. At any point, she can crush me and I would welcome it.” 🖤

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun read. Fun, of course, is relative, but I find dark, mafia romance to be very fun. I especially love when their is a tension-filled enemies to lovers trope. I love that build-up and getting antsy trying to figure out when the switch is going to happen. Is it going to be sweet and gentle or rough and demanding?

Aren't we all lucky that Kylo Kincaid can be both?! Amaris craved the rough, aggressive passion that ignited between her and Kylo. But she also loved being in control and reminding him she was no pushover and would fight with everything she had. Amaris was fun and vibrant and an amazing baker. I definitely caught my mouth watering for all her desserts. Just as much as my mouth watered for Kylo's hand necklaces. And a bookstore kiss! Swoon!

In the end, they both found themselves after the head of the mafia continued to try and take them out. His lies and deceit were the fuel, but Amaris and Kylo were always the flamethrower.

[Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this one. It has a lot going on. Not in a bad way though. In a way of youre never bored, because there is always something happening, whether it’s developing feelings to kidnappings. There’s plenty to keep you pulled in!

This is a good mafia romance. The romance in this book is a reluctant attraction, built on malicious intent. The book is full of expressive spicy scenes, along with some spicy language. The book moves at a fairly quick pace following Amaris as she has loses her memory, and Kylo takes full advantage of the situation to get his revenge. Only Kylos plans go awry, and things with Amaris take a new path he never saw coming. Amaris seems to be tough with a good heart, and loves to bake. While Kylo is a product of what hes been shaped into. Even if he's fighting it. The book takes places in current times which makes it very easy to imagine, and fall right into the story.

[Lexi Carney · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off thank you to Mel Reilly for the ARC!

This was my first book by Mel Reilly and let me just say that she hit this one out of the park! It's been a hot minute since I've read a dark mafia romance but I was thoroughly entertained the whole time! So much was going on, in a good way that I was on the edge of my seat and could not get enough.

I really enjoyed the flashbacks we got between Kylo & Amaris. I feel like it helped the flow of the story and it put things into perspective. My man Kylo is obsessed with Amaris and he quite literally would burn the world down for her and anyone who got in the way. They really are each others biggest supporters.

Please please please check CW's as some topics can be pretty heavy.

The Devil In Disguise releases 07/24/24

Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Amnesia
- Forced proximity
- Revenge
- He falls first & Harder

[Nicole Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 🖤

The Devil in Disguise by Mel Reilly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Family Secrets
✅ Mafia
✅ Touch Her and 💀
✅ Badass FMC
✅ Forced Proximity

TW: Parental Death, Murder, Graphic Torture, Vehicle Accident, Amnesia, Panic Attack, Kidnapping, R@pe, Human Trafficking.

K!nks: Hand Necklaces, Pierced 🍆, Voyeurism, Exhibitionism, Public S3x, Gun Play, Praise, Breath Play, Spanking, Or@l, Degradation, Toys, Primal Play.

This book was so good! The plot was amazing and I loved the twists and surprises! Amaris is such a strong FMC! I love that she has a sweet side and an edgy side! Kylo is perfect. He’s everything you could want in a possessive MMC! I love how he truly opens himself up to Amaris! I can’t wait to read the next book!

Thank you, Mel Reilly, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given!

[Alax Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love dark, mafia romances, you need to read The Devil In Disguise! Thank you to Mel Reilly for the ARC copy.

This is the first book in the MadMen Trilogy, and although dark romances, or mafia romances aren’t typically my first choice, i did enjoy it. It would definitely be a good intro into this genre. The revenge-driven storyline kept me on my toes. Amaris and Kylo, enemies to lovers — there was soooo much tension between these two. A fast-paced slow burn. Amaris is a badass, take no shit, strong FMC. And Kylo, our MMC, has the “touch her and you die” mentality. The two together were a force to be reckoned with. There was some spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and some twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I wish it would have been a little bit longer!

I cannot wait for book two in the trilogy, Luci’s story. This book is available today! Please be sure to read TW before diving into this book.

[nikki.readsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really enthralled by this book.

The tension between the two MCs was so thick and so good - it both infuriated and consumed me. The side characters were just as intriguing and honestly a huge highlight of this book. The heavier bits drew me in the way every good dark romance should.

And the spice-
The spice was THERE yall~
Ate. It. Up.

Although, as someone who doesn't necessarily LOVE an amnesia trope, it was very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the plot still.

There are quotes from this book that will stick with me forever. & I hope that whoever finds this book also finds the same comfort in it the way I have.

And as always
Check your trigger warnings folks ⚠️
They are there for a reason.

[kaitlin stagg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much! I wanted more! More of Kylo, more of Amaris, more of Ace and more of them together! Kylo is such a sweet little (okay not little at all) psycho! He’s a top tier book boyfriend who won my heart through all the little things he did for Amaris.. also I don’t even like sweets but somehow I was constantly craving what Amaris was baking???? Make that make sense 😂 Ace’s whereabouts for about 2 seconds gave me a mini heart attack! When he made his reappearance I definitely let out a WHOOP 🤣

I CANNOT WAIT FOR LUCI’S STORY!!!! I REPEAT I CANNOT WAIT FOR LUCI’S STORY 😍💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼

[Hollie Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like dark, mafia romance with the ultimate enemies to lovers storyline - this book is for you! The way that Mel Reilly was able to make you hate Kylo and love him at the same time (and then become obsessed) was brilliant. I’m not usually a big fan of the amnesia trope, but it worked really well in this story. It was well-written and brought out the best in the MMC, while allowing the story to progress smoothly. My absolute favorite thing about this book was Amaris’ relationship with Ace!! 🥰 That’s saying a lot because the spice was amazing, the side characters were interesting, and the main characters’ relationship made me swoon! I cannot wait to read the rest of this trilogy!!!

[⭐️ mrs_munken_555 ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Wow, Wow! Absolutely loved this from the first chapter all the way to the last! Excellent story premise- a true villian come hero arc with a powerful FMC to boot!
I love Amaris - she is one of the best FMC's I've encountered in AGES - powerful, strong willed, determined, knows herself and is all-round wonderful. Kylo is just the dream of a villian come here-devilish yet charming, hates her but then leans to love.
One of the best stories I've read in a while - and I read a lot!
Really recommend this for anyone who loves a mafia, he falls first romance with a tasty bit of spice on the side.

[Yeri (wildflowerreader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“— Even in death, I could never forget you.”

You could feel and experience the tension and chemistry as soon as the main characters appear on page together. I loved it.

I love when characters are strong, when you can feel the depth the author has put into them.

The story itself was also good, I enjoyed the plot, enjoyed the smut, the action.

I really enjoyed how, for me, the author gave life to that saying “there’s a fine line between love and hate”, because one second the main characters were hating each other and the next Kylo is FALLING AND FALLING HARD! It was beautiful. The man can whisper poetry in my ear if he wants to.

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil in Disguise
Beta Review
By: Mel Reilly
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

⚠️ALWAYS CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS⚠️

Wow this book was really good. I believe this would be a good intro book to dark mafia romance. We get the perspective of Kylo and Amaris. The family background is important for this read. We go through their childhood and how they were both raised. Kylo was raised to take of the Mafia after his father. There is a hate towards Amaris’s family. You are able to feel the emotions of Kylo and Amaris.

[Sierra Fiske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
TW: G0re, SA (Not between MC's), n0nc0n (not between MC's), and tr@ff!cking to name the big ones. The full list is listed in the beginning.

"I decide when your heartbeat changes. I decide when you're scared. I decide when you're excited. I decide when you're going to take your last breath. Got it?"

Listen, this book was so good. The vibes were ✨️immaculate✨️ I was having a great time reading this. Amaris is a gorgeous Latina woman who's a spitfire with a nice right hook. She loves to dance, and she is a phenomenal baker. Also, she RIDES. She has her own bike 🫡🥵

👏🏻Kylo👏🏻Kincaid👏🏻

Listen, I would do anything for him. He would 🔥 the world for Amaris. He has the cutest dog named Ace. He's an artist. And he also rides a motorcycle.

The story is good. It has all the drama, the feel good parts, and it has the absolutely hilarious moments, especially when Amaris and Kylo roast each other.

And let me just say, the bike scene?? Yes please! 🥵🫡🧎‍♀️

[Onyx Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This would definitely be a great intro to Dark Mafia Romance. It was suspenseful, slow burn, mafia, dark but not too dark enemies to lovers. Kylo wants revenge, and he almost gets it.. until Amaris gets amnesia from a bike accident. Then the plan changes completely. Mel had me completely enraptured the entire story. Its a pretty quick read, spicy but not super spicy, but still very enjoyable.

[Darkromancebooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down and read it in a day.

The angst and tension between Amaris and Kylo was amazing, and the story was well written and developed brilliantly.

- Dark Mafia Romance
- Revenge
- Breath Play/Breath Control
- Force Proximity
- Spice 🌶 🌶
- Enemies to Lovers

The Devil in Disguise is part of a trilogy, and I can't wait to read the next book.

As always, check your triggers before starting

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. This has to be my favorite book like ever. I'm so obsessed. I finished it in hours, and I could NOT put it down. I even took it with me to eat and go pee, haha. Since I can only rate it to 5 stars and not 10, it clearly gets 5. I love Amaris and Kylo so much, and I was so glad to be an ARC for this book. This was probably one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read, and I love a lot.

[Rhianna Sales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark mafia romance focuses on the rivalry between Amaris and Kylo. When a bike accident causes Amaris to have amnesia, Kylo takes the opportunity for revenge.

I really enjoyed the plot and banter between the main characters. Amaris is a bad ass who true to herself and kicks butt. Kylo is a morally grey MMC who you can’t help but root for.

This was a steamy read and had lots of 🌶️ - just be aware if that’s not your thing! Also read the trigger warnings - this is a dark romance.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Badass FMC who bakes such treats that left me hungry and wanting to try everything she made in the kitchen. Kylo and Amaris, I love them, they struck a deep cord with me in this dark Mafia romance. Both learn and become better versions of themselves by the end, the ride itself is one I wish I could experience again for the first time. The love and hate push and pull, forced proximity was a masterpiece. I cannot wait for book two of this series.

[whatinthehea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay. 4/5 ⭐️
There is NOTHING wrong with this story. In fact, the storyline amazing. I just wish it lasted longer. Maybe as a duet. There was SO MUCH going on. I wish I could have savored it a bit more. Worth the read!

Mafia
Enemies to lovers
Amnesia
She’s not like other girls
Forced proximity
Murder
Trained killer
Vendetta
Masked men
Kidnapping
Trafficking
Lies
Secret past

[Brandy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaris and Kylo are connected in many ways they don’t even know. This is one of those plots you think you know but then it takes you by surprise. I had a feeling my suspicions were on point and then when I finished the book I realized they were right. This was a page turner and only left me wanting more of their story! Thank you Mel Reilly for choosing me to do an ARC for you.