Devil Inside

by Clay McLeod Chapman

A man who’s back from the dead meets a woman who’s from somewhere even worse in Clay McLeod Chapman’s new horrormance about love, possession, and just a little murder.

After a traumatic accident that almost cost Jordan his life, he’s finally starting to feel normal again. Well, maybe not normal. Everything tastes like ash, and when he looks at the people around him, their faces start to melt. At least he’s not dead, right? His friends are doing their best to get him back on his feet, maybe find someone to talk to, perhaps even find someone to take his mind off his last failed relationship.

Then he meets Lilith. The two share an instant connection but after a wild and passionate night together, she ghosts him. Jordan searches the city for Lilith, desperate to see her again. But when a woman claiming to be Lilith shows up, wearing a different face but knowing intimate details about Jordan, he worries he’s losing his grip on reality. As he grows closer to this mysterious woman, he discovers that happily ever afters sometimes come at a cost. How far will Lilith take him, and how much darkness will he embrace to find love?

 

Genres: Horror, Romance, Paranormal, Adult, Dark Romance, Thriller, Horror Thriller

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

Books. Children's books. Comic books. Film.

Reviews

[Casey Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year! I adore Clay and I LOVE horromance, so when this was announced, I was freaking out. Thankfully, I am a member of The Hive and could read this immediately when it dropped on NetGalley. I dropped everything to pick it up, AND IT DELIVERED! 

Jordan is back from death after a traumatic accident, and meets Lilith, who is from... well, far away. After a passionate night, Lilith ghosts Jordan but he can't stop thinking about her. She made him feel alive again. Jordan feels like his grip on reality is failing when he starts to notice strange things in the people around him. When he encounters Lilith, and she has no recollection of him whatsoever, then subsequently encounters a different woman who claims to be Lilith, his reality really starts to warp. But he cannot stop his focus on Lilith, and she on him. How far would you go to be with the one you love?

I have to tell you, this book is pretty dark. If you're like "oh, a romance with some horror elements"--flip it. It's a horror that revolves around a romance. Clay is a masterful horror writer and it is evident in this book. We explore the lines of love, obsession and even possession. Is love a form of possession? Someone takes up residence in your heart, mind, soul and you feel empty without them.  I love the depiction of literal demonic possession here, comparing different bodies/souls to different wines. We also touch upon healing after a great traumatic experience. There’s a lot that this entertaining story leaves you pondering and thinking on when it comes to love and relationships. This one will stick with me. No hesitation in rating this 5 stars! I am SO GLAD that Clay decided to write a horromance!

Thank you to MIRA Books, HTP Books, and The Hive for the early ARC! Book releases 8/11/26. (I kind of love that I got to read it in February, the month of love.)

[Stay Fetters]

“I’ll swallow your soul”

DNF @ 70 pages.

I love horror. I love romance. I love horror-romance. Sadly, this one just didn’t connect for me.

I've read just about everything Clay has released. From short stories, to novellas, to novels, and even graphic novels. I have read and loved them all. It guts me to say this but this was confusing and did nothing for me. I wasn't even entertained. It was me reading and reading the same pages over because I felt as if I was missing something.

I've tried. Oh, satan! How I've tried to read this. Alas, it's just not for me.

[Becky Spratford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading for review in a future issue of Booklist

Three Words The Describe This Book: Horroromance, existentially terrifying, possession/obsession

Love is messy— literally. But it is.

Horror first, romance second. Both excellent. But romance fans, beware, this is Horror with a very good romance. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is that there were some details that were either missing or introduced and then not returned to.

But that is a minor quibble. This is a VERY fun read and a great example of how the Horroromance genre could be a thing. It is NOT paranormal romance (which many are and that is romance first).

Let's explore that more. Both are genres that appeal to the emotions. Neither works if you cannot feel the fear and the love. Check on both. The terror is full body. It begins uneasy and tricks you into thinking is is going to be quirky only, but NO, this is full out existential terror by the end. Jordan was dead for 2.5 mins after his accident. We know this from the start. But he came back. And that allows him to be able to see the demons in our midst.

Intersting….okay but then as the romance heats up so does the information behind Jordan’s place in this world. We see into more of the demons and their power and what it means about human nature, and more. Existential terror.

But also, the romance. It is a satisfying romance, it honors the story beats that are required while introducing it’s own unique characters and frame. We get both sides of the romances parties POV. Jordan as he deals with healing reentering the able bodied world— one that is changing quickly as he was a bike messenger in 2002 and now it is 2003 and phones and the internet are expanding and bike messengers are going the way of dinosaurs. That was also a nice touch for frame and to increase unease.

When Jordan meet Lilith, she was perfect for him. But as we know from the start— Lilith is a demon. Not human and she has her own relationship scars— just different kind of relationship— she committed to a body that kept her trapped for years (read you will see). We follow Lilith as she jumps from body to body as people touch each other— tasting their souls and comparing them to wines (nice touch) . We watch her deal with her issues and see how the two compromise to have the love relationships that works best for them. There are bumps but they are very believable even considering the fast that she is a demon.

That was vague but I don’t want to give away the chills and love. The Swoons and Screams-- I will work that into the review. Also the title is great— literal yes, but then it surprises you how deep it goes. Their happily ever after is also there but it a horror one too.

I loved a few themes, plot points here. First, love is a kind of obsession or is it a possession. The possession stuff in general was used to perfection in the romance parts here. Dubious consent was an obvious one-- If Lilith is possessing the bodies Jordan is having sex with-- is that consent. Chapman explores this through the narrative and it was well done. But also, Jordan is so obsessed with Lilith and she with him that it feels like possession. Chapman explores this through a ramping up of the horror angles here. But also when you are in love-- it becomes an obsession. That line is very thin.

Another theme-- the darkness inside all humans. Even if it is small. But often it is not. It is hidden, and demons exploit it to possess people.

The idea that demons are out there possessing people all the time even if for a moment. Terrifying and felt with your whole body as a reader.


The best readalike is Spread Me by Gailey. If you liked that you will like this. My Sister the Serial Killer fans would love this as well. After you read this one, you will see it too.

Hellhound Heart by Barker. And many stories by Eric LaRocca work as well because they are often focused on an obsessive love relationship.

[Sarah Workman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as this was available to request on NetGalley, I requested! I have loved every book I’ve read by Clay, but I was nervous diving into horrormance because I didn’t know what to expect. Would it be horror with some spicy scenes? Dark romance? So many questions.

That said, IT. WAS. PERFECT. There were parts written so beautifully I questioned whether or not Clay secretly writes romance all the time! And not corny romance. Romance that makes you FEEL something. The constant comparison between love and possession was *chef’s kiss* There are dark elements and it’s definitely horror, but it’s so much more than that. If you love horror, read it. If you love love (and all its dark and twisted and messy glory) read it.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Hive for allowing me to read the ARC!

[Kat]

Buckle up because WOW I absolutely hated this lol

RTC

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review

[BookishKB · Rating 3 out of 5]

😈🖤 Devil Inside by Clay McLeod Chapman 🖤😈

This one didn’t click for me.

🩸 What to Expect
• Horrormance
• Possession
• Mysterious woman
• Psychological unraveling
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: August 11, 2026
📝 Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[DaniPhantom · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy that you provided me with!!

Horror writers should dip into the romance genre more often. Horror and romance can intertwine beautifully because they both consume you so much. My favorite quote from this book was “Love is possession. We invite them in. Let them take over”

This reminds me a bit of those early 2000s emo love stories where one of the characters needs someone to save them, but in a corny way where it’s someone out of the ‘norm’ that they fall in love with. I crave those stories for the nostalgia. I also enjoyed how there was a lot of metaphors between Jordan being stuck in a coma and him being possessed by demons.

[Justin Soderberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books by Clay McLeod Chapman have become must-reads for me, but a romance novel wrapped up the cloak of a horror novel made the decision even easier. Entering Devil Inside with open expectations and was extremely thrilled with the blend of horror, possession, obsession, greed, and toxic devotion that somehow worked so seamlessly. Devil Inside is yet another smash-hit from one of the great horror writers today.

After a traumatic accident that almost cost Jordan his life, he’s finally starting to feel normal again. Well, maybe not normal. Everything tastes like ash, and when he looks at the people around him, their faces start to melt. At least he’s not dead, right? His friends are doing their best to get him back on his feet, maybe find someone to talk to, perhaps even find someone to take his mind off his last failed relationship.

Then he meets Lilith. The two share an instant connection but after a wild and passionate night together, she ghosts him. Jordan searches the city for Lilith, desperate to see her again. But when a woman claiming to be Lilith shows up, wearing a different face but knowing intimate details about Jordan, he worries he’s losing his grip on reality. As he grows closer to this mysterious woman, he discovers that happily ever afters sometimes come at a cost. How far will Lilith take him, and how much darkness will he embrace to find love?

Yes, Devil Inside is a mixture of horror and romance, but the latter definitely takes center stage, which was much appreciated and worked so well. Chapman understandably leans hard into the horror and unsettling side of things, creating a feverish atmosphere that really never let up. He somehow finds to weave in the sense of crawling dread even in the quieter moments.

The horror was main reason for reading this story, but it was surprising how effective Chapman made the romance aspect of the story. The relationship between our characters isn't sweet or comforting, but truly messy and emotionally raw. This felt less like your traditional romance novel and more realistically like to damaged humans spiraling towards each other, making the story feel even more compelling. The chemistry is intense from the outset and Chapman did an amazing job allowing us to understand why Jordan connotes to chase Lilith even when every instinct is saying run away.

I am always looking for a book that keeps me on my feet, not just a straightforward horror story. Chapman takes his amazing ability to craft a thrilling and engaging novel and creates a unique story that had me frightening and feeling emotional at the same time. It's a brutal horror, yet someone how a little sexy.

In the simplest terms Devil Inside by Clay McLeod Chapman had me hooked into the chaos from the beginning. This novel is creepy, emotional, weirdly romantic, and full of the unsettling horror that I have come to expect from Chapman. Devil Inside is a brutal, sexy, nightmare of a horror that is impossible to look away from. Once again, Chapman has proven himself as one of the great horror authors writing books these days.

Devil Inside hits bookstores everywhere on August 11, 2026 from MIRA Books. The audiobook is available at Libro.fm!

NOTE: We received an advance copy of Devil Inside from the publisher. Opinions are our own.

[Xemmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for everyone who feels too much, everywhere, everything, all at once. And also probably for everyone who watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer and thought, “yeah, I’d like that very much”.

Jordan is a courier, and a fast one at that. He’s reckless with his life in a way that I can’t relate, but it makes him good at his job, so go off I guess. After a delivery gone very wrong and a wee stint of being very dead, Jordan is, a year later, no longer reckless. After his friends, who are not my favorite, drag him out to a club, he meets Lilith, a very hot, badass demon, who is arguably very out of Jordan’s league. The rest of the novel is their horrormance.

I have never read anything like this before, and now I’m going to be yearning and searching for my next horrormance. We get both perspectives, Jordan’s and Lilith’s: Jordan’s being much more, “boy meets girl, boy misses girl, boy realizes she’s a demon, does boy care that much?” and poor Lilith, being an infernal demon who now has to learn what self-doubt is (not fair, sorry Lilith, boys suck.) The story read like poetry. The more their lives intertwined, the moodier and more atmospheric the diction became. Especially as they both became more obsessive, there were chapters where Lilith felt frantic and I held my breath reading through her spirals. I found myself rooting for them, in whatever capacity they could be together; and especially invested in knowing how they were going to be together.

Jordan was definitely in the book, but I’m going to talk about my demon-girly Lilith because she stole the show. Poor, poor, poor Lilith. There’s something very unfair about a demon having self-doubt, because if even demons aren’t safe, what hope is there for the rest of us? Lilith is a strong, independent demon who meets Jordan and then goes through it: Does he like me? Does he want me as much as I want him? Reading her go through the motions as a demon, and still somehow be respectful (of course she is, she’s a queen) was genuinely a delight. Her points of view were so very rich and deep too; we as readers could tell she was going through it, she was feeling everything, all the time.

Okay I lied, I’ll talk about Jordan: Jordan was an interesting character, and reading about his nervousness and inability to move on after a near death experience, hit home with me. What worked about Lilith and Jordan is that they both felt very raw and real. Jordan desperately wanted to get back to his old life, and everyone around him wanted that too, but subconsciously, he knew he wasn’t the same person. Trauma changes you; you’re shaped differently afterward, and when the people around you can’t accept that, it makes accepting it yourself even harder. Lilith accepts Jordan, and that’s what makes their love story so believable and all-encompassing; finding someone who makes you feel settled, who accepts you, even if they’re a demon, that’s special.

Something else I want to note that was very cool: every time Lilith possessed someone, she described them like wine. I will now be only thinking about people’s personalities in whether or not I would drink them.

I’ve talked a lot about the romance, because overall I am a hopeless romantic and I love yearning; but the horror in this novel was doing work. It felt intimate, like uncanny valley, where paranoia gets under your skin and rots you inside out; it was actually rather suffocating. This is a horrormance: The diction used to describe intimate, romantic scenes could be compared viscerally to the grossest parts of the human body. There was no fluff, and the tension of Jordan going through the motions of courting a demon, while simultaneously being chased by a demon, kept me turning the page to see how the hell this possible train wreck was going to net out.

This was my first Clay McLeod Chapman novel and it will certainly not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed “Devil Inside”, it felt like sitting outside on a crisp fall day, listening to sad music, and yearning for nostalgia I’ll never have. So, how does one share a life with a demon? Great question, and you’ll have to read this book to find the answers.

Big thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I've read a few of Clay McLeod Chapman's books now and I've never ceased to be impressed by the way he consistently takes fresh approaches to his novels.

Devil Inside is certainly no different. A horrormance, which in no way, shape or form should be mistaken for a paranormal romance. The relationship here is not remotely healthy, leans more towards obsession, possession and other darker impulses on the emotional spectrum. It's certainly a different direction for the author.

The story gets off to a flying start when Jordan, adrenaline junkie and courier, is almost killed on the road while at work. Despite being clinically dead for a few moments, Jordan wins the fight for his life, but he returns to the land of the living a shadow of his former self; his zest for life completely gone. Jordan feels the same way about the world, it feels wrong, food has lost its flavour, the universe feels hollow, he also suffers from hideous visions. Jordan drifts through his new existence filled with anxiety wondering if he'll ever find himself again.

Enter Lilith, a demon, who travels the world, jumping from body to body, causing havoc on mortals wherever she goes.

A chance encounter one evening upturns both their lives in ways they can't explain, and soon what started as a one-night wonder slouches into something a lot more permanent.

There was a lot to like about this novel. The idea of demons travelling the face of the earth, possessing anyone they liked and causing murderous mayhem whenever they wanted was a compelling one.

Personally, one of the highlights of the novel for me was when the focus shifted to a poor, unfortunate family where one member happened to be possessed. Those short chapters truly underlined the nature of the demons that wandered the earth for anyone not paying attention. In the most powerful and affecting one, the worst of the violence is merely implied and all the more haunting for it.

As for the main story itself between Lilith and Jordan. The idea of a murderous, evil demon from hell developing a twisted romance with a traumatised twentysomething male was an intriguing one and certainly unique. What almost kneecapped it for me was the pacing, there was simply too much padding and as a result both characters went around in circles which led to a little bit of repetition, I did feel the story suffered for it somewhat. I also felt that one or two of the supporting characters around the golden couple were a little bit underwritten, so it was much harder to invest in their outcomes.

That being said, there was far more good than bad and overall, I did enjoy the novel.

Worth a look.

With thanks to Titan for the ARC

[Hey_She _Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new one for me. Horror romance is not something I usually pick up, but Devil Inside turned out to be a surprisingly satisfying read. I have read dark romance and even serial killer rom-coms, but this felt different in a way that really worked.

Jordan was such a standout character. A charming, attractive bike messenger who is clearly carrying the weight of past trauma. His struggle with feeling broken and empty, and his desire for something deeper than surface-level connection, made him incredibly relatable.

Lilith kept me guessing the entire time. As a demon, she walks the line between intriguing and unsettling. I never fully trusted her, and that tension added so much to the story. It is never completely clear whether her connection to Jordan is genuine or if she is simply drawn to his darkness, which makes her character even more compelling.

The yearning!!! YES! It did not feel forced or rushed. You could feel it building in the quiet moments, in the conversations, in the way they kept circling each other. Their dates felt different from typical romance scenes, more intentional and a little offbeat. The art gallery scene really stuck with me because it captured that mix of curiosity, tension, and something slightly unsettling underneath it all.

I also appreciated how the story explored love versus possession. It does not present it as something soft or purely romantic, but instead leans into how consuming love can feel. That blurred line between connection and control added an extra layer to their relationship that made it both fascinating and a little unsettling.

The horror elements blended in naturally rather than overpowering the story. The brief glimpses of everyday people experiencing possession and doing the unthinkable were especially effective. They added an eerie, lingering feeling and made you question who is really in control, and whether that darkness is something external or something already within us.

Overall, this felt like a fresh and unique blend of romance and horror. Strong characters, an intriguing dynamic, and an ending that sticks with you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin, and Mira Books for the ARC.

[Shelly Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. ARC from NetGalley for my honest review

This was such a fun, weird, messy little horror-romance, and I had a great time with it. Devil Inside follows Jordan, who is still trying to recover after a traumatic accident, when he meets Lilith and falls into a connection that is immediate, intense and very obviously not normal. The more their relationship deepens, the more the book leans into possession, obsession and the kind of love that feels a little bit like doom. Clay McLeod Chapman really knows how to write disturbing imagery, and that was probably my favorite part of the whole book and all his books, really.

One of my favorite things about Clay Chapman’s writing is how he builds a whole thematic language into the descriptions. In this one, so much of the imagery comes back to car wrecks, mangled metal and shattered glass, which makes sense for Jordan but also gives the whole novel this jagged, dangerous feel. There’s a very specific visual style that makes even the violent moments feel vivid and weirdly beautiful. I also liked how the book uses horror to talk about unhealthy relationships: about being consumed by another person, wanting that consumption and about how emotional damage can make real connection feel just as terrifying as anything supernatural.

That said, I probably could have used a little more horror elements overall. The relationship arc definitely takes center stage, which makes sense for a horror romance, but I would have happily taken even more demonic chaos. Still, the horror that is here really gripped me in its teeth. The glimpses of what demons are doing to other families are genuinely creepy and the chapter with Josh was perfectly bloody, upsetting and exactly the kind of thing I wanted more of.

Overall, this really worked for me. It’s romantic in a very unwell way, gross in a fun way and emotionally sincere underneath all the scars and possession. If you like horror-romance (which we honestly need more of) with obsessive vibes, morally messy characters and a love story that feels equal parts doomed and devoted, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley and MIRA/ Harlequin for the eArc!

When I saw this book being marketed as a horrormance, I knew I had to read it. As I’ve said before (and will say again), I need more of this genre. I like seeing that it is becoming a larger subgenre, but there still aren’t that many books I would consider full on horror romances (lots of gothics, which I love, but not quite the same). It took a hot minute to get approved, but I am so stoked I finally was.

Jordan has been in a rough headspace since he died. He used to be an avid bicycle rider, but after his accident, he’s struggling with panic attacks, people and getting back in the saddle. He meets Lilith at a club one night and their connection is instantaneous. What he doesn’t know is that Lilith isn’t quite human. So begins a romance between a man touched by death and a being that has been drifting for as long as they can remember. Not exactly a solid start to a healthy, loving relationship. And yet…

I really, really liked Devil Inside. The story was engaging, the characters were interesting and it was a very unique story. My only struggle was with the writing style. It’s stream of consciousness which isn’t what I am used to. It took me a few chapters, but I did start to get into the flow. Although it isn’t my favorite (nor did I suddenly start loving it during the course of this book), I didn’t hate it. In fact, some parts were downright beautiful. Very fever dream/ surreal.

Overall, a 4.5/5 (rounded up to a 5 because horrormance!)

[ScarlettAnomalyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay is absolutely destroying me this year with these books but here I am with another one to tell yall about.

So I saw horrormance and figured if Clay wrote it x it's going to be a absolute wild ride and it was. Who knew there was love AFTER death? But not in the weird way or well this is less weird.

Jordan died, kind of one of those near death body was tehically dead situations but after being revived life has lost those things that made it worth it, food taste like the same burnt ash and people don't really hold a place for him, everyone seems the same and all blurring together for him now.

Now, sounds familiar, depression right? Well thankfully he still has friends that try to ger him back into the swing of things and he meets Lilith.

After she disappears he runs into her again and she has no clue who his is, talking about ghosting right??
But someone else with a different face shows up and knows everything that Lilith would have know and now, we'll is Jordan loosing his mind or is this something darker?

How far would you go to hang onto the one thing that makes you feel alive again after ghost walking through your life so long, what would you do for someone who makes you see colors again?

Is a little death and a lot of darkness worth it or can something be worked out to where everyone can have the taste of a real life again?

Holy crow what a book, again somehow this hit deeper than just a little horror romance, this was a whole story of healing and finding yourself again after you've been broken down into something you don't recognize..

[Brittany | Lady in Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, this one seemed a bit out of Chapman's wheelhouse. Of all the books of his I've read, I wouldn't have guessed horrormance was on the docket. However, I'll say that he pulled this one off.

In the novel, our MMC, Jordan, is a bike messenger who gets into an accident and dies. Well, sort of. After a few minutes on "the other side," he returns to the land of the living but isn't quite the same. When he meets our FMC, Lilith, he feels an unexpected connection. But Lilith is special. Hella special - pun intended. The novel bounces between Jordan's and Lilith's points-of-view as they navigate a not-so-normal relationship. What we see is a body without a soul and a soul without a body find out what it means to be complete. It's not always easy; it doesn't always make sense; it comes with its own set of complications. And I'm here for it.

There were times where we see events from perspectives that weren't Lilith or Jordan, and I had a hard time following those sometimes, but the rollercoaster of our main characters made up for that for me. They were fun to watch - in all their confusion, attraction, and conflict. This novel has that Clay voice we're familiar with, but the path he takes here is unexpected, and I'm not mad about it. This book is for you if you're into horrormance (obviously) but also the paranormal and watching people make decisions that go against the grain.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Clay McLeod Chapman for this eARC. This review contains my honest, authentic thoughts and opinions.*

[Rose Streamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have wanted to read Clay McLeod Chapman's work for a long time, so I went into The Devil Inside not entirely sure what to expect.

Based on the cover, I somehow convinced myself I was in for something with a similar vibe to Bedazzled; a sexy, mischievous romance with a supernatural twist. I could not have been more wrong.

I didn't find the writing style particularly easy to settle into at first, and knowing absolutely nothing about bikes meant I struggled with the opening chapters. However, once I found the rhythm of the story, it became clear that the confusion was intentional. Everything is moving at breakneck speed, and you're not meant to fully understand what's happening, just like the main character.

Without giving anything away, parts of this book were genuinely terrifying. Some of the imagery is going to stay with me for a long time. If you're considering picking this up, don't underestimate the horror element. This book has scenes that are unsettling and disturbing.

The only reason this isn't a full five star read for me is that the final few chapters dragged slightly. One particular event felt like it went on longer than necessary, and some of the wording began to feel repetitive.

Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can see why Chapman has such a devoted following. If Goodreads allowed half stars, this would be a solid 4.5 star read for me. I'm definitely looking forward to going back and exploring more of his work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the advanced readers copy.

[William Britner · Rating 4 out of 5]

What adorable morsel is this?

This isn't like anything Clay has written before, but that's true of all his books. What sets this one apart is the romantic element. Though it isn't at all warm and fuzzy: this is a match made in hell, and it drips with horror. Jordan is a young man with no prospects. His career thus far has been as a courier before an awful bicycle accident nearly killed him—did kill him for a few minutes. Also, Jordan has no soul. Enter Lilith, a demon visiting the city for a while, looking to inhabit a few bodies, nudge a few sinners toward their inevitable fate. At first sight, she's smitten with Jordan. There's something so deliciously dark about him.

There's some wonderful prose in Devil Inside, especially when it comes to Lilith. (We have dual POVs throughout.) It also features some truly visceral moments: breakneck biking, undulating night scenes, and a jaunt through the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Interestingly, not much erotica, though. The story focuses on character. Even the transgressive nature of the relationship feels secondary to the desires and anxieties that accompany new love as two entities discover each other. When you love someone, you open up your heart and invite them inside. Sometimes, that can be terrifying.

Compared to some of his other works, this is a slow burn, a story you're invited to luxuriate in, and as Frank-N-Furter once said, to swim the warm waters. But it will be a high old time when Lilith's friends come to town.

[Willie Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ✨

😈 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚

"ᒪET ᗰE Iᑎ"


Caly, Clay, what can I say?

🤘This right here was a smooth transition into your Horrormance debut.
Please keep writing this!

**********************************

🖤 Possession is one of my Favorite horror subgenres (tropes?)
And this slightly unique swing on the subject was fan-damn-tastic!

🙌 This writing! Ughhh, this writing was lyrical.
With the emphasis on vivid imagery and emotional resonance, not with the elements of rhythm and cadence.

I got swept up and away in Jordan’s and Lilith’s love story. 🫀
These complementary, morally gray characters and their blurred lines, redefining possession. Each one searching for what the other can offer.

But don’t get too excited to jump into this romance novel.
Because it’s also a horror story. 💀

Poor Jordan crashed and died. Well, for 2 minutes anyway.
He’s a little off now. A little “less”. A little empty. He’s been places. Seen some things. And now he’s seeing melting faces🫠
And, he’s fallen in love with a demon. 😱


​🇹​​🇮​​🇲​​🇪​ ​🇹​​🇴​ ​🇪​​🇲​​🇧​​🇷​​🇦​​🇨​​🇪​ ​🇹​​🇭​​🇪​ ​🇩​​🇦​​🇷​​🇰​​🇳​​🇪​​🇸​​🇸​.
How far will Lilith take him, and how much darkness will he embrace to find love?



🙏Please, Please add this to your TBR!
You will NOT be disappointed 💯



🗓️ Rҽʅҽαʂҽʂ Aυɠυʂƚ 11, 2026



🤗 Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the gifted eARC

[Steve Edholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil Inside by Clay McLeod Chapman is unlike anything he has written before. No matter what, you can expect a few things with Clay always, blood, licking and it being damn good!

I had heard of horrormance, but never had read it before so I wasn't quite sure what to really expect with it. I am not one for love stories, not to say I don't like romance in some stories now and then, but I don't go for them as the focus of the book. This book takes the unique idea of a man falling in love with a demon as the central part to the story. In reality, this book is what happens if Denzel falls in love with Azazel in 1998's Fallen. It's a weird, strange premise, but it works! This book really starts to question what is posession and what is love and are they maybe in parts some of the same thing.

Clay always leaves me with a lasting image from his books. If you have read them, you know the bathroom stall scene, the mother/pizza cutter, the horseshoe crab. For me in this one it for sure is the dentist and maybe the art gallery scene. The dentist scene is short, but for sure is pure nightmare fuel and the art gallery was just a fun playful scene unlike anything Clay has really written.

I have been a massive fan of Clay's since reading Ghosteaters and I can't wait for Bodies of Work later this year!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

[Lilly Wisely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever get over the fact that I got approved for this ARC by Clay McLeod Chapman… like are you kidding me?? Immediate obsession.

And then to open this book and see Lilith???
As in… Lillith the Librarian is screaming internally???

This book messed with me. Like mentally. OOF.

Lilith in this story is not just some background demon…she is manipulative, seductive, and constantly shifting. The way she changes faces over time?? It felt like watching someone get pulled deeper and deeper into something they KNOW is wrong but can’t escape. It’s not just horror… it’s this dark, twisted, almost hypnotic demonic romance that feels toxic in the most addictive way…and that’s what got me!

It’s not aggressive horror. It’s the kind that just sneaks in your head and just sits there. The kind that makes you uncomfortable because it feels personal. Watching him get drawn in, lose control, and blur the line between temptation and destruction was actually hard to shake.

I went into this excited because I love this author…
but I did NOT expect to feel this mentally wrecked after.

This one is dark, intimate, unsettling, and honestly?? a little too good at getting under your skin.



Huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC…this one is going to live in my head for a while.

[Lisi Bee (Beth) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried with this one but I had to DNF at 30%. It was an interesting premise and I really wanted to see how it played out, but this horrormance was too much horror and not enough romance for me. I wasn't the right audience for this book, and I take responsibility for not being familiar with the author or for fully understanding the horrormance genre before reading it. Make sure to check content warnings before reading, especially if you are sensitive to certain themes. Some of the plot was just too unsettling for my personal taste, especially the parts where demons harmed children (although one specific incident was off-page, the implication was intentional child death). I found that Jordan was hard to engage with initially, and he had extremely strong “not like other guys” vibes that was a little off-putting. He started getting more interesting after his accident and after meeting Lilith, but that's when Lilith's actions made me DNF. The prose was a bit repetitive and over-the-top for my tastes and the story could have used more dialogue, especially in the beginning. I think readers who like this author and who enjoy extremely dark romance books with violence and gore might enjoy this book, but ultimately it just wasn't for me. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars. Publishes August 11, 2026. This review is based on a complimentary DRC of the book, all opinions are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh Clay, what is it like in that wild mind of yours?
Most of the romance books I read are dark romance, and my other genre of choice is horror and thrillers. So this book falls into those categories; fur sure.  If you are a typical romance reader looking for a little thrill or a dark romance reader looking for those stalker vibes, I do not think this book is for you.  However, if you are a horror reader and wouldn't mind a little all consuming love (quite literally), then Yes, this one's for YOU. More of a "this is my meat(sack) and you might find me cute, then your usual "meet-cute".  
Clay has such a lyrical way to his writing.  You really don't know where he is going next, and there is nothing wrong with that.. unless you like your books completely predictable. His characters are not just "morally grey" but dark and sinister. If you are loving the word "Sinew" right now, awesome, Clay is digging it too ;)
It's a love story, it's a possession tale. It's not typical, it's not pretty, he does not shy away from how the body acts and deforms while possessed - think exorcist meets *insert your favorite fictional couple*.  Demons and darkness and desire, oh my.
But as a cautionary tale, let's be specific about who we call (summon) over before we invite the whole gang over for possession tea. And remember, it's who's on the inside that counts.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far from a traditional romance story, Devil Inside, takes you on a more horror themed rollercoaster to love. Clay delivers his usual polished horror prose and it’s evident within this book. If you’re looking for a cozy typical paranormal romance with some horror elements, this is not it. Horror sits at the forefront and spews an impressively dark, obsessive vibe with raw romance stabbed into the framework. This is moody with MC POVs and high on internal monologue.

“It’s what’s in the inside that matters, yes?”

The one theme that really stoked fear for me was the body possession aspect. The idea that a demon or entity could take control over your body and make deeply personal choices without your knowledge is genuinely horrifying. Even within the context of possession, it raises unsettling questions about autonomy and consent. This could be a trigger for some. The possession theme also prompts reflection on how darkness can exist within us all and influence people’s actions.

This may not be for everyone but it is for someone. It’s not jump scare style scary, it’s a slow creep into your psyche scary. If you want unsettling dark themes with disturbing imagery, give this a read.

🖤Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for this ARC. Opinions are my own.🖤

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve already pre-ordered this book because if CMC writes it, I’m seated. And if CMC writes a freaking horror romance aka a combination of my 2 favorite genres!? Then I am pre-ordered. But I got it from NetGalley to read early.

I was really hoping for a 6-star read, so this 4 stars-rounded-up feels harsh for me. I wasn’t enthralled… like, it’s a lot of vibes. All vibes. You get a great sense for the world and the visuals… but the characters are just kind of there. And it just dragged too much for me. I felt like I kept waiting for it to get going… and when it finally did, it ended!

It has some cool scenes, some great lines. Lots of highlighting going on here. Sometimes it feels more like poetry. I get the whole ‘possession as a metaphor for love and love as a metaphor for possession’ thing. Unfortunately, I thought it fell short on both the horror and the romance front. But my expectations were also through the roof.

If you go into this knowing it’ll feel more dreamy (nightmare-y?) then perhaps you’ll like it more. I was hoping for an excitement (and fun) I just didn’t feel. I continue to hunt for a good horror romance. Sigh.

[Megan Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jordan gets a second chance and comes back from the dead, he meets Lilith. After they have a brief but chance encounter, he struggles to find her again, but when someone claiming to be her introduces herself to him, Jordan does not recognize the face. This is a tale of possession, second chances, bravery, and embracing darkness and what lurks within the confines of that. Per Clay's usual repertoire of writing tricks, this one contains some truly dark horror elements, ushering in romance with many macabre twists throughout the prose. The usual CMC quirk and hilarity is there- Clay is one of my favorites because his personality truly shines through his writing, regardless of what genre he is pursuing (and so far, I've appreciated them all). For fans of Butcher & Blackbird and Tourist Season, Devil Inside shows it has what it takes to hang in this genre no doubt. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ MIRA for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Am. Utterly. OBSESSED.
Possessed Even!😈

Lilith and Jordan's love story is everything I love in a romance story, but with all the grotesque and horrifying aspects of a good demon story. Loss of autonomy, obsession, and the melding of two very different souls. That is, if you've got one!😜

Jordan's descent into hell (both figuratively and literally) is one to behold. I love this take on the typical romantic lead. You know the one, the man who's lost his spark and needs the help of a spirited woman to bring him back to life.

Enter Lilith, our fiery demon who refuses be tied down.

Chapman does a great job of balancing his chaotic trademark gore and spectacle, while making a compelling love story (? 🤫) between our two leads.

It's unhinged, unsettling, and unspeakably weird.

I loved every bit of it. 😊

Needless to say, I recommend this one wholeheartedly if you're in the market for something a little more devilish. 😈

[Nikki Kossaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil Inside is a dark, strange blend of horror and romance that leans into obsession and devotion in a way that feels both unsettling and intimate.

The story follows an injured cyclist whose life begins to shift after a supernatural encounter. What unfolds from there is less about big shocking moments and more about the slow pull of a relationship that becomes consuming and dangerous. The connection at the center of the book blurs the line between love, possession, and something far more demonic.

Clay McLeod Chapman does a great job building a sense of unease throughout the novel. There is always this feeling that something is just slightly off, and that tension keeps building as the characters fall deeper into something they may not fully understand.

If you like horror that mixes the supernatural with dark romance and obsession, this one is worth checking out.

[Tiffany Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Devil Inside—it was such an interesting read and a refreshing twist on the typical novel. The writing style is very descriptive and focuses a lot on internal thoughts, which took a little getting used to, but it ultimately added a lot of depth to the story.

The plot kept me engaged, and the characters were a definite highlight. I especially loved the use of multiple points of view—it made the story feel more dynamic and gave me a deeper understanding of each character.

The character development was done really well, and by the end, I felt genuinely connected to them. Overall, this was a unique and engaging read that I’m really glad I picked up.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror/romance, yes please! The premise and the fact it was by Clay McLeod Chapman had me interested! (I’m still thinking about Ghost Eaters after all these years) The pace matched the story for me, some parts I felt I couldn’t keep up and other parts that were more slower paced I found myself savoring. I loved Jordan and I loved Lilith and found myself rooting for them! I loved the internal monologues from both Jordan and Lilith of their conflicting emotions, ahh I just loved this book! And as a horror fan when I read the acknowledgments and saw some movies and books I thought of through reading were mentioned, that made me smile.

Thank you NetGalley & MIRA Books for the ARC for review.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Thank you to HarperCollinsPublishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

Step on the brakes, we’re about to crash into this. Clay, I love your books, your writing, and your craziness. I will read anything you put out. Maybe it’s the genre, but horrormance may not be for me. The Devil Inside could not possess me like I thought it would.

I loved the premise and I loved the demonness of it all. But Jordan was very whiny for most of the book. Lilith too to a degree. I liked the horror part of it and wished there was more. I also liked the ending and wished you got to see more of that side of them being together.

It does make me want to buy a bike though. I miss riding.