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The Devil You Know: An Urban Fantasy M/M Monster Romance
A Constantine-inspired Dark Urban Fantasy M/M Monster Romance set in 2052 Los Angeles.
Jon Shaw is a thorn in demons’ and state exorcists’ sides alike. He answers to no one but himself and roams the streets of Los Angeles at night, looking for answers. He’s the one demonic traders have on call to resolve a botched ritual and to deal with a possessed on a rampage—the only exorcist most would trust to do a tough job. But as the years pass, he’s no closer to locating the gate of Hell. Until he finds help from an unexpected ally: a hybrid incubus named Azeroth, forced to toil in an underground brothel in the Deep Market of Los Angeles. Azeroth is a dangerous creature to associate with, but sometimes it’s better to deal with the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is a standalone Dark Urban Fantasy M/M Monster Romance for mature readers (+18). Coming out on January 30, 2025.
Trigger warnings: blood, violence, death, explicit sexual scenes, non-human genitals, trauma, abuse (physical and sexual, but not praised), toxic relationships, and murder.
Jon Shaw is a thorn in demons’ and state exorcists’ sides alike. He answers to no one but himself and roams the streets of Los Angeles at night, looking for answers. He’s the one demonic traders have on call to resolve a botched ritual and to deal with a possessed on a rampage—the only exorcist most would trust to do a tough job. But as the years pass, he’s no closer to locating the gate of Hell. Until he finds help from an unexpected ally: a hybrid incubus named Azeroth, forced to toil in an underground brothel in the Deep Market of Los Angeles. Azeroth is a dangerous creature to associate with, but sometimes it’s better to deal with the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is a standalone Dark Urban Fantasy M/M Monster Romance for mature readers (+18). Coming out on January 30, 2025.
Trigger warnings: blood, violence, death, explicit sexual scenes, non-human genitals, trauma, abuse (physical and sexual, but not praised), toxic relationships, and murder.
318 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2025
79 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Mell R. Bright
14 books166 followersMell R. Bright is a book fiend who lives in the French countryside, where life is all about bees and old castles. She spends her days writing science fiction and fantasy books, and her nights writing queer romances.
Follow her on Instagram at @mellrbright to know the latest book news or check out her Patreon page.
Follow her on Instagram at @mellrbright to know the latest book news or check out her Patreon page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 9, 2025
4.75***** stars
I was not even in the mood for a demon-romance but damn, THE GRIP this book had on me!
Even with it being double as long as her previous books (which are all under two-hundred pages while still being well fleshed out stories) Mell managed to spark my interest for this demonic delight right from the beginning, kicking it off with a twist I didn’t see coming and moved on into another fast-paced adventure.
In a world of demonic trade (you summon a demon, sacrifice something, or even someone, dear to you and you get your deal) The White Exorcist is the one you call when your trade went to shit, the ritual, the possession, what ever—Jon knows what to do and how to get rid of even the strongest demons.
But his name is only whispered in the city because he’s not an official and prefers to work in the shadows (for reasons). He also has secrets (the reasons) and he’s looking for something. Again, the grip this book had on me which had gotten even stronger when powerful and beautifully winged incubus Azeroth entered the stage.
Of course it gets hot eventually when a lust-demon is involved but I also just loved seeing these two together—from their first encounter til the last we see of them.
Because of the twist I mentioned before this story is told in two timelines. The present and the past and I can’t even tell which one had me more captivated and eager to turn page after page. It was fabulous. And dark!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
P.S.: Dear Mell, if you’re reading this, you should seriously consider bringing this one to audio. I’d be the first one to buy it. ♡
I was not even in the mood for a demon-romance but damn, THE GRIP this book had on me!
Even with it being double as long as her previous books (which are all under two-hundred pages while still being well fleshed out stories) Mell managed to spark my interest for this demonic delight right from the beginning, kicking it off with a twist I didn’t see coming and moved on into another fast-paced adventure.
In a world of demonic trade (you summon a demon, sacrifice something, or even someone, dear to you and you get your deal) The White Exorcist is the one you call when your trade went to shit, the ritual, the possession, what ever—Jon knows what to do and how to get rid of even the strongest demons.
But his name is only whispered in the city because he’s not an official and prefers to work in the shadows (for reasons). He also has secrets (the reasons) and he’s looking for something. Again, the grip this book had on me which had gotten even stronger when powerful and beautifully winged incubus Azeroth entered the stage.
Of course it gets hot eventually when a lust-demon is involved but I also just loved seeing these two together—from their first encounter til the last we see of them.
“Yours is a soul worth saving, and I’m glad he did.”
His glamor falls away and his wings and horns appear, taking my breath away. He’s.. magnificent, as always. The most perfect creature I have ever seen, born from both worlds, Earth and Hell.
Because of the twist I mentioned before this story is told in two timelines. The present and the past and I can’t even tell which one had me more captivated and eager to turn page after page. It was fabulous. And dark!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
P.S.: Dear Mell, if you’re reading this, you should seriously consider bringing this one to audio. I’d be the first one to buy it. ♡
February 25, 2025
This book was insanely entertaining! We get this Constantine vibes that are absolutely impeccable, a lot of action related to a straightforward plot and a side of romance. It's set in a grim future in which humans summon demons to possess them so the humans can get whatever they want, but in the end the demons will take over. Our MC, Jon, is the White Exorcist and he's got abilities no-one else has. His flashbacks show us how he got them, and that secondary story was amazing and emotional and I won't spoil it because I loved it and I want you to discover it for yourself.
We learn there's a gate to Hell (which is another world, nothing religious about it) and Jon has been searching for it in order to close it. He recruits *air quotes* an incubus hybrid to help him, Azeroth. You can imagine how that goes...
The story starts slow, but once Azeroth and Jon are together searching for the gate, is non-stop action till the end.
If course, we get a side of romance between Jon and Azzie. It's not a traditional romance, but it's perfect for them.
I want to have wings, btw.
I loved this book and I would love to get a second one with Leo and Rob 😆
We learn there's a gate to Hell (which is another world, nothing religious about it) and Jon has been searching for it in order to close it. He recruits *air quotes* an incubus hybrid to help him, Azeroth. You can imagine how that goes...
The story starts slow, but once Azeroth and Jon are together searching for the gate, is non-stop action till the end.
If course, we get a side of romance between Jon and Azzie. It's not a traditional romance, but it's perfect for them.
I want to have wings, btw.
I loved this book and I would love to get a second one with Leo and Rob 😆
May 22, 2025
This was absolutely fantastic! The storyline is amazing as well as the lore that Mell has built into the book.
I also love the banter and chemistry between Jon and Azeroth, it is top notch. I also really loved the third relationship from Jon’s past and I’m not gonna lie, I was really sad when it ended.
Such a great story, fantastic. I could read about them forever. Would love to see a second book about you know who if that’s in the making?
I also love the banter and chemistry between Jon and Azeroth, it is top notch. I also really loved the third relationship from Jon’s past and I’m not gonna lie, I was really sad when it ended.
Such a great story, fantastic. I could read about them forever. Would love to see a second book about you know who if that’s in the making?
September 1, 2025
Favorite book of 2025
February 11, 2025
This was very good and definitely an exciting, fast paced read. It’s different from what I usually read and I really enjoyed it!
I hope we get a story with Robb and Leo!
I hope we get a story with Robb and Leo!
January 17, 2025
World building, plot, and smut in one?! This dystopian M/M monster fantasy was deep and thrilling - I was on a rollercoaster through comedy, dark vibes, spicy scenes, and powerful moments that were severely pulling on my heartstrings! Loved it!
February 16, 2025
4.5 stars
Lowkey “one flesh one end” vibes, but make it about demon possession. Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the angst that made you wanna protect Jon and shower him in the love he needs. (Something I hope we see more of in potential sequels.)
This had me hooked.
Spice: 3-4/5
Angst: 4/5
Lowkey “one flesh one end” vibes, but make it about demon possession. Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the angst that made you wanna protect Jon and shower him in the love he needs. (Something I hope we see more of in potential sequels.)
This had me hooked.
Spice: 3-4/5
Angst: 4/5
March 31, 2025
That's it, Mell R. Bright is now on my auto-buy list. I like that her books have a decent worldbuilding that makes sense, and that there is no need for infodumping. I like that her books are plot-driven, not just a heap of tropes; I just can't put them down. But what I like the most is that her romances are not superficial: the feelings are messy, she explores different kinds of love, different kinds of relationships (not all of them romantic, not all of them healthy), and her characters, for all of their flaws, feel real.
And it's fun. And hot.
And it's fun. And hot.
January 24, 2025
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
It always take me a minute to acclimate to an Urban fantasy romance but once I did , boy did I enjoy The Devil You Know!
Jon, our hybrid demon hunter was a strong character with layers. The more you learned about his past the more you cared for him. Our Incubus demon, Azeroth, is walking sex of course. Bit what starts as a mutual beneficial partnership between Jon and Azeroth quickly turns into more. Their souls call to each other and I'd even say this was a demon falls first situation. I couldn't get enough of the chemistry, steam, banter and protectiveness Azeroth had over Jon.
"You’re… beautiful,” he says, eyes on my wings. I sigh, leaning my face in his hands. “Part human, demon, angel… A beautiful mess is what I am.” “The best of both worlds.”
This is a strong beginning to an Urban fantasy series with great side characters, delicious steam, knots, demons, Lucifer himself , a battle with Hell, and a satisfying ending.
Favorite Qoutes:
It always take me a minute to acclimate to an Urban fantasy romance but once I did , boy did I enjoy The Devil You Know!
Jon, our hybrid demon hunter was a strong character with layers. The more you learned about his past the more you cared for him. Our Incubus demon, Azeroth, is walking sex of course. Bit what starts as a mutual beneficial partnership between Jon and Azeroth quickly turns into more. Their souls call to each other and I'd even say this was a demon falls first situation. I couldn't get enough of the chemistry, steam, banter and protectiveness Azeroth had over Jon.
"You’re… beautiful,” he says, eyes on my wings. I sigh, leaning my face in his hands. “Part human, demon, angel… A beautiful mess is what I am.” “The best of both worlds.”
This is a strong beginning to an Urban fantasy series with great side characters, delicious steam, knots, demons, Lucifer himself , a battle with Hell, and a satisfying ending.
Favorite Qoutes:
January 22, 2025
I want to start off with, I was given an ARC. I’m giving an honest review! I have been a fan of Mell R. Bright since I’ve read the Monstrous Whims series!!
In the novel we follows Jon (Jonah), known as The White Exorcist. We learn throughout the book of how he was given that name and the trauma he had to endure to get it. Jon is a complex protagonist, we learn about his life growing up to where he is now with the storyline alternating between the present and past, offering us a deep and immersive understanding of his character and the events that shaped him.
It was a fun read, I think you’ll enjoy it if you like a dark fantasy and a complex character-driven story, with a hint of smut! (And if we get a sequel with Robb and Leo, well I definitely wouldn’t complain 🤭)
In the novel we follows Jon (Jonah), known as The White Exorcist. We learn throughout the book of how he was given that name and the trauma he had to endure to get it. Jon is a complex protagonist, we learn about his life growing up to where he is now with the storyline alternating between the present and past, offering us a deep and immersive understanding of his character and the events that shaped him.
It was a fun read, I think you’ll enjoy it if you like a dark fantasy and a complex character-driven story, with a hint of smut! (And if we get a sequel with Robb and Leo, well I definitely wouldn’t complain 🤭)
April 24, 2025
This was fast paced and I was immediately hooked by the plotlines by Chapter 2. We follow Jon Shaw in two timelines - the past and the present. Presently he is an exorcist trying to find the gate to hell and along the way enlisting the help of a sexy-as-sin Incubus demon. The past shows us him growing up and how he himself was possessed by a demon as a child.
The world building in this book was wonderful (in Mell R. Bright fashion) and I really enjoyed the premise of this one. It was exciting and interesting in both timelines.
The exploration around the relationship Jon had with his demon in the past and how it shaped him was amazing. Usually with books told in this format with flashbacks I find myself wanting to skip to the “now” chapters but definitely not in this one. Jon and his demon had such a unique dynamic and I won’t say more than that.
My only thing is I wanted more of Jon and his sexy Incubus Azeroth. They had some intense chemistry and had some soft moments but I just wanted MORE. This book juggles a lot in its 340 pages and while I was completely hooked I wish we had a teensy bit more time with the MCs - more smut and more feelings and more being cute.
But overall this was a great read and I flew through it.
The world building in this book was wonderful (in Mell R. Bright fashion) and I really enjoyed the premise of this one. It was exciting and interesting in both timelines.
The exploration around the relationship Jon had with his demon in the past and how it shaped him was amazing. Usually with books told in this format with flashbacks I find myself wanting to skip to the “now” chapters but definitely not in this one. Jon and his demon had such a unique dynamic and I won’t say more than that.
My only thing is I wanted more of Jon and his sexy Incubus Azeroth. They had some intense chemistry and had some soft moments but I just wanted MORE. This book juggles a lot in its 340 pages and while I was completely hooked I wish we had a teensy bit more time with the MCs - more smut and more feelings and more being cute.
But overall this was a great read and I flew through it.
January 29, 2025
I don’t even know what to say right now… already one of my favorite books of the year. I literally thought about it non-stop when I wasn’t reading it. Jon’s sheer lonliness SLAYED me. GAH. There’s so much I want to say but too many spoilers. Do yourself a favor and read this!
June 23, 2025
turned me into a gay satanist
January 28, 2025
~ ranting: 4 ☆
~ spice: 2 🌶
arc review
The Devil You Know is a dark urban romance fantasy set in 2052 where exorcising demons is a thing. The whole world building is amazing and I couldn't stop reading. Mell is definitely one of my favorite authors.
Jon's background is kinda complex, but the dynamic between him and the other characters was super interesting, especially Lucifer. And then there’s Azeroth, the irresistible incubus who captures Jon's heart; even tho the romance isn't the main focus on this book, the smut is totally worth it.
I would love to read Leo and Robb's story lmao
“Lucifer gave his soul to save yours, and I understand why. Oh, I understand it completely, Jon.” His eyes are unwavering as he watches me. “Yours is a soul worth saving, and I’m glad he did.”
~ spice: 2 🌶
arc review
The Devil You Know is a dark urban romance fantasy set in 2052 where exorcising demons is a thing. The whole world building is amazing and I couldn't stop reading. Mell is definitely one of my favorite authors.
Jon's background is kinda complex, but the dynamic between him and the other characters was super interesting, especially Lucifer. And then there’s Azeroth, the irresistible incubus who captures Jon's heart; even tho the romance isn't the main focus on this book, the smut is totally worth it.
I would love to read Leo and Robb's story lmao
“Lucifer gave his soul to save yours, and I understand why. Oh, I understand it completely, Jon.” His eyes are unwavering as he watches me. “Yours is a soul worth saving, and I’m glad he did.”
October 12, 2025
"I am the Light Bearer, Traveler of Worlds and the Great Adversary. Do you really think a shark is a threat to us?"
I snorted. "I doubt the sharks will know about all your fancy titles. They'll just see a tasty snack with a smoky aftertaste."
What a phenomenal book. I went into this one reasonably blind - sold singularly by the idea of a Constantine-demon MM romance, and have been absolutely blown away.
The writing is gorgeous. The characters loveable...each and every one of them. The pages sped by as I consumed the parallel stories of Jon's lonely and difficult life to date - from being ritually sacrificed by his mother at seven years old, to the gruelling months of exorcism training - and his adventures in 2052 Los Angeles as he battles the armies of Hell and the attentions of an incubus to close the gate between the realms.
We're immersed in a dark, near-future world where humanity's greed and ambition has learned to use magic and the pain inflicted on their souls to invite demons in. Possessed roam the Earth; some successfully, some needing exorcisms, and some too far gone to save their hosts. Jon is the White Exorcist, set apart from the sanctioned, militarised State Exorcists by both his skill and his avoidance of the bitter drug addiction they fight as fiercely as the demons themselves.
For Jon has a secret, one that he's never admitted until he meets Azeroth - the six-foot something demon with wings, horns, and a singular obsession with the strange, pale human who rescues him from an underground brothel.
We have a rich urban fantasy setting. High stakes battles. Complex characters, each with their own individual motivations and shame. Competency and wit. And smut.
The romance is slight. It wasn't until I'd slept on it that I realised .
I love it all so much. Highly, highly recommend!
"You're not going anywhere until I have my cock buried deep in you," he says when he finally allows us to breathe.
I snorted. "I doubt the sharks will know about all your fancy titles. They'll just see a tasty snack with a smoky aftertaste."
What a phenomenal book. I went into this one reasonably blind - sold singularly by the idea of a Constantine-demon MM romance, and have been absolutely blown away.
The writing is gorgeous. The characters loveable...each and every one of them. The pages sped by as I consumed the parallel stories of Jon's lonely and difficult life to date - from being ritually sacrificed by his mother at seven years old, to the gruelling months of exorcism training - and his adventures in 2052 Los Angeles as he battles the armies of Hell and the attentions of an incubus to close the gate between the realms.
We're immersed in a dark, near-future world where humanity's greed and ambition has learned to use magic and the pain inflicted on their souls to invite demons in. Possessed roam the Earth; some successfully, some needing exorcisms, and some too far gone to save their hosts. Jon is the White Exorcist, set apart from the sanctioned, militarised State Exorcists by both his skill and his avoidance of the bitter drug addiction they fight as fiercely as the demons themselves.
For Jon has a secret, one that he's never admitted until he meets Azeroth - the six-foot something demon with wings, horns, and a singular obsession with the strange, pale human who rescues him from an underground brothel.
We have a rich urban fantasy setting. High stakes battles. Complex characters, each with their own individual motivations and shame. Competency and wit. And smut.
The romance is slight. It wasn't until I'd slept on it that I realised .
I love it all so much. Highly, highly recommend!
"You're not going anywhere until I have my cock buried deep in you," he says when he finally allows us to breathe.
January 25, 2025
One of the best feelings as a reader is finding a book that sucks you in so completely, you cannot put it down even at the very end. This book, y’all. OMG. You get thrown in the deep end of this story from the start with Jon, our exorcist extraordinaire, in the middle of doing what he does. He’s created quite the reputation for himself, but he’s a lone wolf, working outside of the government sanctioned demon hunters. Learning his history and what has shaped him into the man he is now is both heartbreaking and heartwarming; this man has truly been through it. He finds an unlikely ally in Azeroth, the incubus that both you and Jon aren’t so sure you can trust … but this demon hybrid has some depth to him and you soon realize he’s exactly what Jon needs.
This was quite the ride of adventure and action and world building. I am so impressed with how well thought out this world was, but even more than that, I was impressed with how well it was laid out for us. I never once felt out of my depth, like I couldn’t understand what was going on. Everything was introduced to us in manageable snippets whether through the manual excerpts at the beginning of the chapters or through Jon's shifting perspective of now and then, as we learn about Jon’s past but also of where it all began. I’m not normally the biggest fan of dual timelines, but these were seamless and kept the mystery and intrigue of Jon so perfectly.
This is a story that is definitely plot > romance and my romance lovin’ little heart was not at all sad about it. The smut still be smuttin’ don’t get me wrong, but it’s not the main focus and honestly felt like it added some additional layers to these characters and their connection, but it was not necessarily required … though, let’s be real, a romance with an incubus wouldn’t be complete without it. LOL My point is, I would’ve read this book and loved it without the romance, but having that in there made it THAT MUCH BETTER!!!!
Read if you are interested in:
demon hunters/exorcists
incubus with a good side
post-apocalyptic -ish setting
strong side characters
slow burn
the most satisfying HFN
This was quite the ride of adventure and action and world building. I am so impressed with how well thought out this world was, but even more than that, I was impressed with how well it was laid out for us. I never once felt out of my depth, like I couldn’t understand what was going on. Everything was introduced to us in manageable snippets whether through the manual excerpts at the beginning of the chapters or through Jon's shifting perspective of now and then, as we learn about Jon’s past but also of where it all began. I’m not normally the biggest fan of dual timelines, but these were seamless and kept the mystery and intrigue of Jon so perfectly.
This is a story that is definitely plot > romance and my romance lovin’ little heart was not at all sad about it. The smut still be smuttin’ don’t get me wrong, but it’s not the main focus and honestly felt like it added some additional layers to these characters and their connection, but it was not necessarily required … though, let’s be real, a romance with an incubus wouldn’t be complete without it. LOL My point is, I would’ve read this book and loved it without the romance, but having that in there made it THAT MUCH BETTER!!!!
Read if you are interested in:
demon hunters/exorcists
incubus with a good side
post-apocalyptic -ish setting
strong side characters
slow burn
the most satisfying HFN
January 23, 2025
This is an honest review based on reading an ARC copy of this book.
Mell R. Bright knows how to write an immersive world. This was absolutely fantastic, I love how the basis for this world stems from known lore relating to demons and Lucifer but Mell just builds on it so well with such incredible attention to detail.
This story is so unique while still having a familiar feel to it. The extracts at the beginning of each chapter blow me away, it makes this world feel all the more real.
The MMC Jon aka the White Exorcist is such a complex character, the abuse and disappointment he endured through childhood into young adulthood felt so raw. I cried during multiple scenes. Usually I'm not a fan of a dual timeline but it was really done brilliantly here and I loved getting glimpses into his relationship with Lucifer and seeing his adoration for Earth.
Azeroth, who is an incubus, teams up with Jon to find the Gate of Hell. During their time together they form a relationship. Azeroth, like Lucifer, has a love for Earth and it was so endearing to see him enjoying simple moments we all take for granted.
If you enjoy fast paced Dark paranormal/fantasy romance with banter then this is for you.
Mell R. Bright knows how to write an immersive world. This was absolutely fantastic, I love how the basis for this world stems from known lore relating to demons and Lucifer but Mell just builds on it so well with such incredible attention to detail.
This story is so unique while still having a familiar feel to it. The extracts at the beginning of each chapter blow me away, it makes this world feel all the more real.
The MMC Jon aka the White Exorcist is such a complex character, the abuse and disappointment he endured through childhood into young adulthood felt so raw. I cried during multiple scenes. Usually I'm not a fan of a dual timeline but it was really done brilliantly here and I loved getting glimpses into his relationship with Lucifer and seeing his adoration for Earth.
Azeroth, who is an incubus, teams up with Jon to find the Gate of Hell. During their time together they form a relationship. Azeroth, like Lucifer, has a love for Earth and it was so endearing to see him enjoying simple moments we all take for granted.
If you enjoy fast paced Dark paranormal/fantasy romance with banter then this is for you.
March 27, 2025
5⭐️Stop reading reviews and go read this book!!! You won’t be disappointed!
January 26, 2025
ARC review // 4.25 stars // Another dark, delicious, and action-packed M/M monster romance from Mell R. Bright!
The storyline kept me in a chokehold from beginning to end while still maintaining the sexual tension and growing fondness between the two main characters, Azeroth and Jon. Azeroth’s possessiveness and protectiveness made me swoon, and we especially love a consensual incubus! I would have loved to see Azeroth’s character and backstory flesh out more and even more world-building. Overall, this is definitely my favorite of her works.
The storyline kept me in a chokehold from beginning to end while still maintaining the sexual tension and growing fondness between the two main characters, Azeroth and Jon. Azeroth’s possessiveness and protectiveness made me swoon, and we especially love a consensual incubus! I would have loved to see Azeroth’s character and backstory flesh out more and even more world-building. Overall, this is definitely my favorite of her works.
September 16, 2025
This felt more like a book about a boy who grew to a teenager and then to a man and all the life experiences he endeavored with a demon (many flashbacks). It's not a common demon by any means but also well known.
The love between this boy and this demon isn't really discussed, but it is shown endlessly.
He went through the worst of the worst from strangers to quite literally his whole family.
I feel his biggest fear was being alone and feeling lonely, and in the end, he had his own version of a family of monsters and all.
I truly wouldn't call this a romance between two people as that felt more as an afterthought.
It was more of a fiction biography.
It is more a 3.75 is for me as there are more things that I felt could be discussed or explained, but it doesn't seem that this is a duology or series.
The love between this boy and this demon isn't really discussed, but it is shown endlessly.
He went through the worst of the worst from strangers to quite literally his whole family.
I feel his biggest fear was being alone and feeling lonely, and in the end, he had his own version of a family of monsters and all.
I truly wouldn't call this a romance between two people as that felt more as an afterthought.
It was more of a fiction biography.
It is more a 3.75 is for me as there are more things that I felt could be discussed or explained, but it doesn't seem that this is a duology or series.
February 10, 2025
extremely disappointed. the plot and the world building were great, but can you honestly call this a romance book? because there was barely any.
May 3, 2025
dnf - bored
November 28, 2025
The Devil You Know absolutely surprised in the best way. The past–present switches are super easy to follow, never confusing, and actually make the story richer rather than messy. You can tell how much research went into this book — everything is explained so clearly and concisely that there’s no room for confusion. I loved learning new things while also brushing up on my demon knowledge.
Even though there’s way more plot than romance (which shocked me since I originally picked it up for the romance), I still found myself fully invested in the mystery and wanting to know what happens next. That said… I do wish we got more actual relationship moments between Jon and Azeroth. The lack of it did have me craving for more of them!
Sometimes the pacing takes a hit with the constant shift between timelines. When something intense happens in the present, I want to keep going — but then I’m thrown back into the past, and vice versa. Might be a me-and-my-zero-patience problem being tested.
Jon finally having someone he can trust — someone who protects him, looks after him, and genuinely chooses him — is everything. Azeroth is absolutely his answer. Even before anything romantic happened, the banter and the protective energy were adorable.
And Jon reaching for Azeroth’s horns during sex? CUTEST. THING. EVER.
The Devil You Know opens strong and ends in such a wholesome, satisfying way. I just wish we had more Jon+Azeroth couple moments to really tie in the romance element in this book. My love for demons plus the amount of research put into this story makes it an easy high rating for me, even with the lack of romance I originally came for.
Even though there’s way more plot than romance (which shocked me since I originally picked it up for the romance), I still found myself fully invested in the mystery and wanting to know what happens next. That said… I do wish we got more actual relationship moments between Jon and Azeroth. The lack of it did have me craving for more of them!
Sometimes the pacing takes a hit with the constant shift between timelines. When something intense happens in the present, I want to keep going — but then I’m thrown back into the past, and vice versa. Might be a me-and-my-zero-patience problem being tested.
Jon finally having someone he can trust — someone who protects him, looks after him, and genuinely chooses him — is everything. Azeroth is absolutely his answer. Even before anything romantic happened, the banter and the protective energy were adorable.
And Jon reaching for Azeroth’s horns during sex? CUTEST. THING. EVER.
The Devil You Know opens strong and ends in such a wholesome, satisfying way. I just wish we had more Jon+Azeroth couple moments to really tie in the romance element in this book. My love for demons plus the amount of research put into this story makes it an easy high rating for me, even with the lack of romance I originally came for.
January 19, 2025
I was provided an e-copy of the book before it's release by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
It's January, 18th and I think I can safely say I have read one of the best books of 2025 and found a new favorite.
The main character's loneliness and all the abuse he suffered in his childhood didn't stop him from hoping, and my God, I was right there hoping with him.
The author's mind never fails to surprise me. The way she builds up new worlds and tales with some already known lore and characters is incredible.
Her extracts at the beginning of each chapter are so good that I wish I could read the whole state of exorcist's manual, too!
The smut part of this book, like every other book by Mell. R Bright. Is a plus but not the main event and I LOVE IT. The world building is so good that I could read about its characters and monsters forever. However, I won't say the spicy wasn't spicying and I was all in for it!
Now, I will wait anxiously for the official release so I can reread it again and again and again.
Check trigger warmings for this one.
It's January, 18th and I think I can safely say I have read one of the best books of 2025 and found a new favorite.
The main character's loneliness and all the abuse he suffered in his childhood didn't stop him from hoping, and my God, I was right there hoping with him.
The author's mind never fails to surprise me. The way she builds up new worlds and tales with some already known lore and characters is incredible.
Her extracts at the beginning of each chapter are so good that I wish I could read the whole state of exorcist's manual, too!
The smut part of this book, like every other book by Mell. R Bright. Is a plus but not the main event and I LOVE IT. The world building is so good that I could read about its characters and monsters forever. However, I won't say the spicy wasn't spicying and I was all in for it!
Now, I will wait anxiously for the official release so I can reread it again and again and again.
Check trigger warmings for this one.
March 18, 2025
500/5 stars! I have read 4 other books by this author and am a huge fan, so I was super excited to read this book. First off, THAT COVER! AM I RIGHT!?!?!!? It's stunning. What I loved about this book is that it 'fixed' my only complaint in former reads by this author. In that it was a full-length, fully-developed story with the complexities to match. I adored the way demon and demon hunters are described in this book and Jon held my attention and heart the entire book. Azeroth gave me big Silas vibes (but sexier) from Sorcery of Roses and I mean that in the best way. He's charming, filled to the brim with satire, and then somehow hot too. I appreciate the vulnerability between them as the story develops. Can't wait for more from Mell.
February 1, 2025
Wow oh wow, Mell you have done it again! This honestly has to be your best work so far! I absolutely devoured this book! I was so invested I started reading it at the gym!
Human(ish) X demon romance with a fantastic plot!! Jonah is a human exorcist who happens to be one of the best at sending demons back to hell, Azeroth (this name is EVERYTHING) is a hybrid demon who also happens to be an incubus, and Jonah needs his help finding the gate to hell so he can close it, before it's too late.
I loved everything about this book. The way it was written, the plot, the smut. Mell can do no wrong. If you're looking for MM PNR then please do yourself a favour and read this book!
I freaking loved the jumping timeline. It was so bloody well done! We simultaneously get Jonah's history and his present and it's woven together so seamlessly 😍
Honestly I cannot rave about this book enough! I'm already eagerly awaiting your next book Mell!!!
Human(ish) X demon romance with a fantastic plot!! Jonah is a human exorcist who happens to be one of the best at sending demons back to hell, Azeroth (this name is EVERYTHING) is a hybrid demon who also happens to be an incubus, and Jonah needs his help finding the gate to hell so he can close it, before it's too late.
I loved everything about this book. The way it was written, the plot, the smut. Mell can do no wrong. If you're looking for MM PNR then please do yourself a favour and read this book!
I freaking loved the jumping timeline. It was so bloody well done! We simultaneously get Jonah's history and his present and it's woven together so seamlessly 😍
Honestly I cannot rave about this book enough! I'm already eagerly awaiting your next book Mell!!!
February 4, 2025
craving more
I had no idea what I was jumping into with this one but I am so happy I did. I devoured this book just as the demons devour souls and honestly I wish there was more. It you’re looking for a sexy, m/m demon energy with a great plot and spice then this is for you!!
Thank you to the author for this incredible read. So happy to own it in my library now but it is is available on KU!
I had no idea what I was jumping into with this one but I am so happy I did. I devoured this book just as the demons devour souls and honestly I wish there was more. It you’re looking for a sexy, m/m demon energy with a great plot and spice then this is for you!!
Thank you to the author for this incredible read. So happy to own it in my library now but it is is available on KU!
February 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love Mell R. Bright's style of writing and worldbuilding, and I think she outdid herself with this one. In my opinion, this is just as much an urban fantasy book as it is a romance. She balanced the elements of the book very well.
Despite starting out mostly as an instalust kind of relationship, I think Jon and Azeroth made a surprisingly compelling couple.
This book works perfectly as a standalone, but I would be thrilled if it became a series.
Despite starting out mostly as an instalust kind of relationship, I think Jon and Azeroth made a surprisingly compelling couple.
This book works perfectly as a standalone, but I would be thrilled if it became a series.
February 4, 2025
Avoided my responsibilities all day just to read this book.
WOW.
I devoured it and left no crumbs.
Absolutely loved the plot and the flashing back and forth to show us how Jon got to where he is today. The spice is top tier, garnished with beautiful world building and the hottest of the hot guard dog 😩
Obsessed. No notes.
WOW.
I devoured it and left no crumbs.
Absolutely loved the plot and the flashing back and forth to show us how Jon got to where he is today. The spice is top tier, garnished with beautiful world building and the hottest of the hot guard dog 😩
Obsessed. No notes.
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