What do you think?
Rate this book
Playing Devil: A Royal Arranged Marriage Enemies to Lovers Romance
A ruthless prince. An unwilling bride. An arranged marriage entangled in revenge and palace secrets
Dev Singh Ranawat—Prince of Rajghad
Cold, merciless, and lethal.
Dev’s family is his greatest weakness. When his enemies threaten to destroy them, he drops the mask of a cool, calm, and responsible prince and turns into the devil everyone fears. Dev is prepared to serve his enemies’ revenge on a platter of power and brutality. However, fate has other plans for him, and he is forced to marry Siya Goenka, the daughter of his enemy. A woman who despises him and wants him dead. He is going to make them regret the day they tried to ruin his family and manipulate him into this marriage from hell... including his wife. So, what if his wife makes him burn with desire every time, she locks gaze with him? But he discovers a flaw in his plan... he has fallen in love with his wife and is willing to risk everything for her.
Siya Goenka—Princess of Bhairavghad
Passionate, wild, and sharp.
Siya hates Dev with every fibre of her being, as he is responsible for the downfall of countless innocent lives. She is going to make him pay for his crimes. So, what if he can make her toes curl with a single touch and make her heart soar with emotions? Emotions so powerful that they can topple her mission like a house of cards.
This is a royal, steamy, arranged-marriage, enemies-to-lovers, hate-to-love, desi romance. This is Book 5 in the Marwah series, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone.
Dev Singh Ranawat—Prince of Rajghad
Cold, merciless, and lethal.
Dev’s family is his greatest weakness. When his enemies threaten to destroy them, he drops the mask of a cool, calm, and responsible prince and turns into the devil everyone fears. Dev is prepared to serve his enemies’ revenge on a platter of power and brutality. However, fate has other plans for him, and he is forced to marry Siya Goenka, the daughter of his enemy. A woman who despises him and wants him dead. He is going to make them regret the day they tried to ruin his family and manipulate him into this marriage from hell... including his wife. So, what if his wife makes him burn with desire every time, she locks gaze with him? But he discovers a flaw in his plan... he has fallen in love with his wife and is willing to risk everything for her.
Siya Goenka—Princess of Bhairavghad
Passionate, wild, and sharp.
Siya hates Dev with every fibre of her being, as he is responsible for the downfall of countless innocent lives. She is going to make him pay for his crimes. So, what if he can make her toes curl with a single touch and make her heart soar with emotions? Emotions so powerful that they can topple her mission like a house of cards.
This is a royal, steamy, arranged-marriage, enemies-to-lovers, hate-to-love, desi romance. This is Book 5 in the Marwah series, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2025
25 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 7, 2025
I started reading this book without any expectations and I can safely say that it did not disappoint me at all.
There is romance, there is spice, there is bickering, there is banter, there is hatred, there is love and there is a whole lotta drama too like a flashback of a contract made by ancestors for a marriage of convenience between the MCs, revenge plot, kidnapping, murder attempt.
It is nothing short of or maybe has even more drama than your average Bollywood movie which I’m all in for. It has a main plot twist that will keep you guessing until almost the end.
The enemies to lovers trope was good too but sometimes you kinda get frustrated with their behaviour towards eachother. The sensual tension when dev and Siya are in close proximity is way over the sky.
The first time they both meet at the arena reminded me of the sword fight scene in Jodha Akbar.
The only thing I found a little confusing was how people were related because of them being addressed colloquially which I wasn’t familiar with.
This book has everything you’d want and expect in an Indian romance author’s book and it delivers.
There is romance, there is spice, there is bickering, there is banter, there is hatred, there is love and there is a whole lotta drama too like a flashback of a contract made by ancestors for a marriage of convenience between the MCs, revenge plot, kidnapping, murder attempt.
It is nothing short of or maybe has even more drama than your average Bollywood movie which I’m all in for. It has a main plot twist that will keep you guessing until almost the end.
The enemies to lovers trope was good too but sometimes you kinda get frustrated with their behaviour towards eachother. The sensual tension when dev and Siya are in close proximity is way over the sky.
The first time they both meet at the arena reminded me of the sword fight scene in Jodha Akbar.
The only thing I found a little confusing was how people were related because of them being addressed colloquially which I wasn’t familiar with.
This book has everything you’d want and expect in an Indian romance author’s book and it delivers.
September 21, 2025
Rajghad and Bhairavghad—these two realms really take center stage in "Playing Devil," and they're far more than just backdrops. They're like living, breathing things, full of history, power, and the kind of obligations that just don't let go. Meenu Pillai has created a world that feels like a modern-day story plucked straight from the rich, mythical soil of India. It's a place where old deals made long ago still shape what happens today, where who your family is decides your worth, and where betrayal is always waiting, in the fancy corners of power.
Dev Singh Ranawat is a guy totally tangled up in all this history. His story is basically the age-old battle between what's meant to be and the choices we make. He's got scars from childhood betrayals, but he's also been shaped by some rare moments of kindness. Because of that, he ends up being both someone who challenges the old ways and someone who's a product of them. His big goal is to break down these damaging legacies, which makes him less like a typical warrior-king and more like a reformer—a pretty unusual character for palace stories.
That hawk you see in the prologue? It's not just there for show; it's a symbol woven right through the whole book. Everything it represents—freedom versus being trapped, your family blood versus your own choices, predator versus prey—all of it comes together in Dev's journey. And standing right beside him is Siya, who's kind of a puzzle herself: she's the fierce- the storm of the arena, but also Siya, the carefully composed mystery within palace life.
For readers who love stories that feel rooted in history but also packed with modern tension, "Playing Devil" will feel like a myth that's been brought back to life, ready for today's fights.
Dev Singh Ranawat is a guy totally tangled up in all this history. His story is basically the age-old battle between what's meant to be and the choices we make. He's got scars from childhood betrayals, but he's also been shaped by some rare moments of kindness. Because of that, he ends up being both someone who challenges the old ways and someone who's a product of them. His big goal is to break down these damaging legacies, which makes him less like a typical warrior-king and more like a reformer—a pretty unusual character for palace stories.
That hawk you see in the prologue? It's not just there for show; it's a symbol woven right through the whole book. Everything it represents—freedom versus being trapped, your family blood versus your own choices, predator versus prey—all of it comes together in Dev's journey. And standing right beside him is Siya, who's kind of a puzzle herself: she's the fierce- the storm of the arena, but also Siya, the carefully composed mystery within palace life.
For readers who love stories that feel rooted in history but also packed with modern tension, "Playing Devil" will feel like a myth that's been brought back to life, ready for today's fights.
September 30, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
Playing Devil by @meenupillai_author
Format - #kindle
Pages - 303
Every once in a while, you come across a book that feels like a grand performance — a stage lit with passion, rivalry, and emotions that refuse to be tamed. Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai is exactly that.
At its core, this is the story of Siya Goenka and Dev Singh Ranawat — names that carry an aura of royalty, strength, and destiny. What begins as a journey of vengeance turns unexpectedly into a tale of longing and love so consuming that it blurs every line between desire and destruction. Dev may have stepped into Bhairabhgarh with the intent to ruin Siya, but fate had other plans, and he finds himself captivated by the very woman he was meant to destroy.
The chemistry between Dev and Siya is explosive — every glance, every silence, every confrontation feels like fire and thunder meeting on the same horizon. The passion is intense, the love almost painfully real, and their relationship raises the bar of what it means to be truly connected to someone.
Now, while the revenge element lingers in the shadows, it doesn’t dominate until much later in the book. Personally, I would have loved to see that thread woven more intricately throughout, but even then, the narrative holds its ground. What shines most is the raw, heartfelt portrayal of two enemies-turned-lovers caught in a storm bigger than themselves.
If you are someone who swoons over the enemy-to-lovers trope with a royal touch, then this book is waiting for you. Meenu Pillai once again proves her ability to create stories that are not just read, but felt — deeply and unforgettably.
Playing Devil by @meenupillai_author
Format - #kindle
Pages - 303
Every once in a while, you come across a book that feels like a grand performance — a stage lit with passion, rivalry, and emotions that refuse to be tamed. Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai is exactly that.
At its core, this is the story of Siya Goenka and Dev Singh Ranawat — names that carry an aura of royalty, strength, and destiny. What begins as a journey of vengeance turns unexpectedly into a tale of longing and love so consuming that it blurs every line between desire and destruction. Dev may have stepped into Bhairabhgarh with the intent to ruin Siya, but fate had other plans, and he finds himself captivated by the very woman he was meant to destroy.
The chemistry between Dev and Siya is explosive — every glance, every silence, every confrontation feels like fire and thunder meeting on the same horizon. The passion is intense, the love almost painfully real, and their relationship raises the bar of what it means to be truly connected to someone.
Now, while the revenge element lingers in the shadows, it doesn’t dominate until much later in the book. Personally, I would have loved to see that thread woven more intricately throughout, but even then, the narrative holds its ground. What shines most is the raw, heartfelt portrayal of two enemies-turned-lovers caught in a storm bigger than themselves.
If you are someone who swoons over the enemy-to-lovers trope with a royal touch, then this book is waiting for you. Meenu Pillai once again proves her ability to create stories that are not just read, but felt — deeply and unforgettably.
October 7, 2025
Reading Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai felt like walking straight into chaos messy families, hidden betrayals, and two people who should hate each other but can’t stop colliding. What really hooked me was Dev’s backstory. The prologue where he overhears his parents destroying each other was brutal. His father’s cruelty, his mother’s helplessness, explained why Dev is so hard on the outside and why he calls himself cursed. He’s not your smooth fairytale prince; he’s broken, bitter, and constantly carrying the weight of guilt.
And then there’s Siya. I swear she’s the best kind of heroine fierce, stubborn, impossible to tame. The image of her with a sword in her hand, fighting like it was second nature, is burned into my mind. When Dev and Siya face off in that first fight, it wasn’t just steel clashing it was sparks flying. I actually had goosebumps reading their banter while they tried to pretend they weren’t secretly drawn to each other. Their relationship is pure fire: sarcastic comebacks, suppressed attraction, and those little vulnerable moments when their walls slip. Dev calling her “wild kitten” made me grin like a fool because it showed how much she got under his skin.
What I loved most is that their romance doesn’t ignore the darkness around them the politics, the betrayals, the family curses. Instead, it grows inside that storm, making it more believable. By the end, I didn’t feel like I had read a neat love story; I felt like I’d lived through a battlefield of emotions with them.
And then there’s Siya. I swear she’s the best kind of heroine fierce, stubborn, impossible to tame. The image of her with a sword in her hand, fighting like it was second nature, is burned into my mind. When Dev and Siya face off in that first fight, it wasn’t just steel clashing it was sparks flying. I actually had goosebumps reading their banter while they tried to pretend they weren’t secretly drawn to each other. Their relationship is pure fire: sarcastic comebacks, suppressed attraction, and those little vulnerable moments when their walls slip. Dev calling her “wild kitten” made me grin like a fool because it showed how much she got under his skin.
What I loved most is that their romance doesn’t ignore the darkness around them the politics, the betrayals, the family curses. Instead, it grows inside that storm, making it more believable. By the end, I didn’t feel like I had read a neat love story; I felt like I’d lived through a battlefield of emotions with them.
September 24, 2025
Playing Devil isn't some sweet, gentle romance. It's a story that brews in the middle of chaos. Dev Singh Ranawat is the eye of that storm—a character burdened by his family's past betrayals. You can feel that history in him, from his words to his guarded nature. He's perceptive, damaged, and pretty sure love isn't for him.
Then comes Siya Goenka, bursting onto the scene. Sure, she's a princess, but not the typical kind. She's got nerve, attitude, and refuses to back down, even when she's pressured to.
When Dev and Siya collide, things get interesting. Their connection is wild, risky, and intense. They argue fiercely, and their quiet moments are just as powerful. Dev tries to suppress his feelings, and Siya does the same, but it's obvious they're getting closer, no matter how hard they resist.
Around them, there's a tangle of warring kingdoms, returning betrayals, and power plays that could ruin them. Their bond endures though. Despite the threats, it holds strong.
This isn't a feel-good love story. It's rough, passionate, and raw. Maybe that's why it sticks with you. In their world, love doesn't survive by being gentle; it survives by fighting.
I'd really suggest this book to those, where the relationship feels like pure fire and every surprise keeps you reading.
Then comes Siya Goenka, bursting onto the scene. Sure, she's a princess, but not the typical kind. She's got nerve, attitude, and refuses to back down, even when she's pressured to.
When Dev and Siya collide, things get interesting. Their connection is wild, risky, and intense. They argue fiercely, and their quiet moments are just as powerful. Dev tries to suppress his feelings, and Siya does the same, but it's obvious they're getting closer, no matter how hard they resist.
Around them, there's a tangle of warring kingdoms, returning betrayals, and power plays that could ruin them. Their bond endures though. Despite the threats, it holds strong.
This isn't a feel-good love story. It's rough, passionate, and raw. Maybe that's why it sticks with you. In their world, love doesn't survive by being gentle; it survives by fighting.
I'd really suggest this book to those, where the relationship feels like pure fire and every surprise keeps you reading.
October 15, 2025
Okay, I will confess, I was all-in with this story. The premise with Dev and Siya and their relationship starts with so much tension; their hatred is almost delightful to read about. But Meenu Pillai does something extraordinary and she makes their journey and evolution from enemies to lovers feel completely earned. I felt the angst and the trust issues, as well as the tiny little glimmers of joy. There is so much complexity to Dev; he is broken, complicated, and a little scary—but Siya? She is everything: brave, sharp, and with so much heart. The blend of heat and depth of emotion was super engaging. And yes, the backdrop of the royal story was beautiful, but their feelings stole the show. There were secrets, revenge, forgiveness, and it forced me to reflect not only on the reality of love - but also its power to heal brokenness. When I finished this book, I was left warm, emotional, and undertones of, dare I say it, obsessed with these two. This is absolutely a book that I will recommend to any fellow lover of a romance with serious, intense, emotion, love story.
October 8, 2025
'Dev Singh Ranawat', the male protagonist of the book "Playing Devil" has His task cut...to end the bloodshed happening in the family for power.
But then, the path to that mission is through Bhairavghad where His ancestors have sealed His fate in the form of His fiancee 'Siya Goenka'. Dev reaches Bhairavghad with an alibi of a trainer and with the name, Dhanush.
The female protagonist Siya is no different from Dev, for she carries two personae. Out of the two, one is that of a warrior...Bhairavi, which holds mysterious suspense before it happens to show up for the readers as well as 'Prince Dev Singh Ranawat'.
In the arena, you will meet two strangers who are thrown in the midst of this game of fire and whether they like it or not they are forced to play it🤞
The warrior Bhairavi clashes with the trainer Dhanush and the sparks fly, a game of love and hate begins with an action scene that will leave you spellbound🪄
While the story of Dev and Siya doesn't want to meet eye to eye, and curse Their ancestors for setting up Their wedding, while Dhanush and Bhairavi get into a dance of attraction and surface enmity🙌
The Author has vividly woven the palace politics, palace etiquette and the bloody conspiracies to keep the bloodline going forward in this story of love and hate.
Beyond love and hate, the book is also about the duty of a prince and princess which Dev and Siya are bound to obey. It's also about the war of head and heart where on one hand both Dhanush and Bhairavi want to "Play Devil" to their future spouse, but Their heart doesn't allow Them to take steps in that direction.
When the suspense turns into an unexpected surprise, you will feel like you need to hug the Author tight and celebrate the beautiful narration with a warm cup of coffee☺️
Nothing to exaggerate, but honestly, I didn't have any high hopes with "Playing Devil", but my god...this book felt like a blessing to the reader in me who enjoys super fun royal dramas having a lot of twists and turns without flop dialogues😌 The way the Author curated the scenes and revered sensations, I'm definitely not missing on to adding any of Her future books to my TBR.
This review, I know, has an open ending, but...that's what I have to say with all my emotions put in⭐
But then, the path to that mission is through Bhairavghad where His ancestors have sealed His fate in the form of His fiancee 'Siya Goenka'. Dev reaches Bhairavghad with an alibi of a trainer and with the name, Dhanush.
The female protagonist Siya is no different from Dev, for she carries two personae. Out of the two, one is that of a warrior...Bhairavi, which holds mysterious suspense before it happens to show up for the readers as well as 'Prince Dev Singh Ranawat'.
In the arena, you will meet two strangers who are thrown in the midst of this game of fire and whether they like it or not they are forced to play it🤞
The warrior Bhairavi clashes with the trainer Dhanush and the sparks fly, a game of love and hate begins with an action scene that will leave you spellbound🪄
While the story of Dev and Siya doesn't want to meet eye to eye, and curse Their ancestors for setting up Their wedding, while Dhanush and Bhairavi get into a dance of attraction and surface enmity🙌
The Author has vividly woven the palace politics, palace etiquette and the bloody conspiracies to keep the bloodline going forward in this story of love and hate.
Beyond love and hate, the book is also about the duty of a prince and princess which Dev and Siya are bound to obey. It's also about the war of head and heart where on one hand both Dhanush and Bhairavi want to "Play Devil" to their future spouse, but Their heart doesn't allow Them to take steps in that direction.
When the suspense turns into an unexpected surprise, you will feel like you need to hug the Author tight and celebrate the beautiful narration with a warm cup of coffee☺️
Nothing to exaggerate, but honestly, I didn't have any high hopes with "Playing Devil", but my god...this book felt like a blessing to the reader in me who enjoys super fun royal dramas having a lot of twists and turns without flop dialogues😌 The way the Author curated the scenes and revered sensations, I'm definitely not missing on to adding any of Her future books to my TBR.
This review, I know, has an open ending, but...that's what I have to say with all my emotions put in⭐
December 27, 2025
Dev Singh Ranawat is a character I thought I’d be soul sucking to experience him, but his toxic finesse made our precious girl Siya step into a beautifully arranged marriage and how they made it happen in all chaos and steamy love- hate bond.But then slowly, chapter by chapter,I started seeing the man under the armor. The scars, the shadows, the way his grandfather’s choices are stamped onto his life like chains. By the end,I couldn’t hate him anymore. I almost pitied him,even when he was still ruthless.
Siya, though, is the fire that makes this story glow.She isn’t just reacting to Dev—she’s grieving her sister, she’s carrying her family, she’s standing up in a world that keeps trying to press her down. And she never loses herself. I admired her so much, How Siya use her strength in front of Ma Sa and Girja Tai, the way she turned her pain into defiance—it gave me goosebumps.
I was surprised how alive it all felt like I was standing there. The masquerade ball glittering but heavy with secrets, the kidnapping that had me flipping pages like crazy, and then those slower moments with Siya and Pakhi’s memory that hit so deep.
Meenu Pillai doesn’t just write a love story. She writes about legacy, grief, power, and survival,and then sets it all on fire with passion. I closed the book feeling both wrecked and exhilarated.
The big moments stand out the masquerade ball (glamorous, mysterious, dangerous), the kidnapping sequence (I literally forgot to breathe for a page), the London trip (a whole different energy).But the small moments matter just as much as Siya with Girja Tai,Ma Sa’s quiet words,Bhairavi’s lessons. They give the book its heart.
Dev and Siya’s relationship is the storm running through it all. It’s not gentle it’s explosive. But you can’t look away. Dev is scarred, weighed down by family legacy,
and Siya is fired refusing to be put out. Together, they make the kind of chemistry you don’t just read,you feel.
Meenu Pillai’s storytelling is bold, dramatic, and emotional. I was pulled in from the first chapter and I didn’t stop until the last page.
I closed the book feeling both wrecked and exhilarated but also became a priceless memory.
Siya, though, is the fire that makes this story glow.She isn’t just reacting to Dev—she’s grieving her sister, she’s carrying her family, she’s standing up in a world that keeps trying to press her down. And she never loses herself. I admired her so much, How Siya use her strength in front of Ma Sa and Girja Tai, the way she turned her pain into defiance—it gave me goosebumps.
I was surprised how alive it all felt like I was standing there. The masquerade ball glittering but heavy with secrets, the kidnapping that had me flipping pages like crazy, and then those slower moments with Siya and Pakhi’s memory that hit so deep.
Meenu Pillai doesn’t just write a love story. She writes about legacy, grief, power, and survival,and then sets it all on fire with passion. I closed the book feeling both wrecked and exhilarated.
The big moments stand out the masquerade ball (glamorous, mysterious, dangerous), the kidnapping sequence (I literally forgot to breathe for a page), the London trip (a whole different energy).But the small moments matter just as much as Siya with Girja Tai,Ma Sa’s quiet words,Bhairavi’s lessons. They give the book its heart.
Dev and Siya’s relationship is the storm running through it all. It’s not gentle it’s explosive. But you can’t look away. Dev is scarred, weighed down by family legacy,
and Siya is fired refusing to be put out. Together, they make the kind of chemistry you don’t just read,you feel.
Meenu Pillai’s storytelling is bold, dramatic, and emotional. I was pulled in from the first chapter and I didn’t stop until the last page.
I closed the book feeling both wrecked and exhilarated but also became a priceless memory.
November 2, 2025
Every once in a while, a story walks straight into your heart and refuses to leave — Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai is one such tale. After Playing Ruthless, I was eager to see what world she would build next, and this one? It’s drenched in passion, pride, pain, and power.
The story unfolds in the majestic lands of Rajghad and Samsherghad, where heritage breathes through the walls and vengeance flows like fire through royal veins. At its core stand Dev Singh Ranawat and Siya Goenka — two souls born to clash, yet destined to connect. What begins as a battle of bloodlines slowly transforms into a saga of impossible love. Dev steps into Siya’s world to destroy it, only to lose himself completely in her storm.
Their chemistry crackles — intense, magnetic, and hauntingly real. Every encounter feels like lightning meeting thunder. There’s love, longing, rage, denial, surrender — all colliding to create a symphony of chaos that you simply cannot look away from.
But what truly anchors the book is the emotional storm that brews beneath.The revelation of Siya’s true birth shatters everything she believed, turning love into pain and loyalty into confusion. The betrayal from those she called her own stings deeply, yet Dev’s unwavering warmth makes the heartbreak bearable.The “devil” proves himself capable of the purest kind of love.
And amidst this all looms the powerful shadow of their grandfather — the silent puppeteer whose decisions have shaped every tragedy.His presence adds an undercurrent of mystery and depth that keeps the reader glued till the last page.
Meenu Pillai’s storytelling sparkles with emotional intensity and poetic grace. Her prose is rich yet effortless, her characters layered and alive. She doesn’t just narrate a love story; she makes you feel the ache, the silence, the hunger for redemption.The narrative is elegantly chaotic — tangled in passion, soaked in royalty, and wrapped in an intoxicating blend of revenge and romance.
While the revenge arc emerges stronger toward the end, it’s the love story that truly steals the spotlight — one that will raise your expectations of love and loyalty.
The story unfolds in the majestic lands of Rajghad and Samsherghad, where heritage breathes through the walls and vengeance flows like fire through royal veins. At its core stand Dev Singh Ranawat and Siya Goenka — two souls born to clash, yet destined to connect. What begins as a battle of bloodlines slowly transforms into a saga of impossible love. Dev steps into Siya’s world to destroy it, only to lose himself completely in her storm.
Their chemistry crackles — intense, magnetic, and hauntingly real. Every encounter feels like lightning meeting thunder. There’s love, longing, rage, denial, surrender — all colliding to create a symphony of chaos that you simply cannot look away from.
But what truly anchors the book is the emotional storm that brews beneath.The revelation of Siya’s true birth shatters everything she believed, turning love into pain and loyalty into confusion. The betrayal from those she called her own stings deeply, yet Dev’s unwavering warmth makes the heartbreak bearable.The “devil” proves himself capable of the purest kind of love.
And amidst this all looms the powerful shadow of their grandfather — the silent puppeteer whose decisions have shaped every tragedy.His presence adds an undercurrent of mystery and depth that keeps the reader glued till the last page.
Meenu Pillai’s storytelling sparkles with emotional intensity and poetic grace. Her prose is rich yet effortless, her characters layered and alive. She doesn’t just narrate a love story; she makes you feel the ache, the silence, the hunger for redemption.The narrative is elegantly chaotic — tangled in passion, soaked in royalty, and wrapped in an intoxicating blend of revenge and romance.
While the revenge arc emerges stronger toward the end, it’s the love story that truly steals the spotlight — one that will raise your expectations of love and loyalty.
November 22, 2025
Some stories rush through your veins, while others seep slowly into your soul. Meenu Pillai’s Playing Devil manages to do both. It feels less like a book and more like a stunning performance — where love and loyalty, power and destiny, intertwine in the dazzling yet shadowy halls of Bhairabhgarh’s royal realm.
Playing Devil explores its beauty by revolving it's theme around identity, control, and the constantly shifting balance between tradition and change. Pillai doesn’t just narrate a tale; she crafts a world that simmers with intensity. Every glance, every pause between her characters carries weight — the kind that resonates long after you’ve turned the page.
Siya stands at the eye of this storm — poised yet fierce, vulnerable yet unyielding. Opposite her, Dev brings his own gravity: a man tethered by duty, haunted by restraint. When these two cross paths, it’s not just attraction; it’s a dance of resistance, surrender, and everything in between. Their story doesn’t merely unfold — it engulfs you.
Meenu Pillai’s greatest achievement is her knack for blending the personal with the political. The palace of Bhairabhgarh isn’t just a setting; it pulses with secrets, traditions, and a history that shapes every word spoken within its walls. Even the minor characters are alive, anchoring this grand tale in something profoundly human.
Her prose is rich and melodic. You can almost hear the whisper of silk, the chime of jewels, the fading echo of footsteps in quiet corridors. Beneath the opulence lies something far more profound — a truth about freedom, betrayal, and the essence of truly knowing oneself.
Playing Devil transcends genre. It’s not just a romance, nor merely a tale of intrigue — it’s about transformation. Pillai writes not fairy tales, but people: complex, flawed, and unforgettable.
Visually vibrant, emotionally charged, and completely immersive, Playing Devil is more than just a novel. It’s an experience — one that lingers long after the final word.
Playing Devil explores its beauty by revolving it's theme around identity, control, and the constantly shifting balance between tradition and change. Pillai doesn’t just narrate a tale; she crafts a world that simmers with intensity. Every glance, every pause between her characters carries weight — the kind that resonates long after you’ve turned the page.
Siya stands at the eye of this storm — poised yet fierce, vulnerable yet unyielding. Opposite her, Dev brings his own gravity: a man tethered by duty, haunted by restraint. When these two cross paths, it’s not just attraction; it’s a dance of resistance, surrender, and everything in between. Their story doesn’t merely unfold — it engulfs you.
Meenu Pillai’s greatest achievement is her knack for blending the personal with the political. The palace of Bhairabhgarh isn’t just a setting; it pulses with secrets, traditions, and a history that shapes every word spoken within its walls. Even the minor characters are alive, anchoring this grand tale in something profoundly human.
Her prose is rich and melodic. You can almost hear the whisper of silk, the chime of jewels, the fading echo of footsteps in quiet corridors. Beneath the opulence lies something far more profound — a truth about freedom, betrayal, and the essence of truly knowing oneself.
Playing Devil transcends genre. It’s not just a romance, nor merely a tale of intrigue — it’s about transformation. Pillai writes not fairy tales, but people: complex, flawed, and unforgettable.
Visually vibrant, emotionally charged, and completely immersive, Playing Devil is more than just a novel. It’s an experience — one that lingers long after the final word.
October 5, 2025
"Playing Devil" by Meenu Pillai stands out from typical royal love stories.This book goes beyond standard palace tales—it's gritty, powerful, and sticks in your mind for ages.
The story centers on Dev,a prince who's acted the part of the perfect royal his whole life. But when his realm faces true peril, he sheds his facade and turns into the devil everyone fears and whispers about.
Our heroine Siya finds herself thrown into this golden prison as his future wife trying to make sense of a world full of silk drapes and
plots everywhere.She's no helpless princess waiting for rescue,though.You can feel the sparks fly between them on every page—
foes pushed into an arranged marriage sizing each other up like big cats, until something changes.
Their path from loathing to
something more complex messy genuine passionate—the author blends it all.The book's best feature is how it faces the ugly bits head-on. Palace scheming isn't pretty here; it's stifling.
Love doesn't solve everything; it makes things trickier.These people hurt and shatter and somehow keep pushing forward,and you experience every bit of it.Best thing about this book is how it doesn't shy away from the ugly parts. Palace politics aren't glamorous here; they're suffocating. Love doesn't fix everything; it complicates things. These characters bleed and break and somehow keep going, and you feel every moment of it. Pillai writes with this visceral quality that grabs you by the throat. The emotions aren't just described—they're felt.
Every betrayal stings. Every stolen moment between Dev and Siya burns. The supporting characters aren't just decoration either; they're fully realized people with their own wounds and wants. one clearly can't get enough of this emotional rollercoaster. If you're looking for a romance that actually makes you feel something—something beyond the butterflies—this is it. Just be warned: once you start, you won't want to put it down.
The story centers on Dev,a prince who's acted the part of the perfect royal his whole life. But when his realm faces true peril, he sheds his facade and turns into the devil everyone fears and whispers about.
Our heroine Siya finds herself thrown into this golden prison as his future wife trying to make sense of a world full of silk drapes and
plots everywhere.She's no helpless princess waiting for rescue,though.You can feel the sparks fly between them on every page—
foes pushed into an arranged marriage sizing each other up like big cats, until something changes.
Their path from loathing to
something more complex messy genuine passionate—the author blends it all.The book's best feature is how it faces the ugly bits head-on. Palace scheming isn't pretty here; it's stifling.
Love doesn't solve everything; it makes things trickier.These people hurt and shatter and somehow keep pushing forward,and you experience every bit of it.Best thing about this book is how it doesn't shy away from the ugly parts. Palace politics aren't glamorous here; they're suffocating. Love doesn't fix everything; it complicates things. These characters bleed and break and somehow keep going, and you feel every moment of it. Pillai writes with this visceral quality that grabs you by the throat. The emotions aren't just described—they're felt.
Every betrayal stings. Every stolen moment between Dev and Siya burns. The supporting characters aren't just decoration either; they're fully realized people with their own wounds and wants. one clearly can't get enough of this emotional rollercoaster. If you're looking for a romance that actually makes you feel something—something beyond the butterflies—this is it. Just be warned: once you start, you won't want to put it down.
October 1, 2025
Marwah Series 's "Playing Devil" impress at first with its royal bloodlines, palaces, and stadiums. But peel away the grandeur, and what remains is a story about the high cost that humans pay for power.
Although violence and treachery have shaped Dev Singh Ranawat into a unique personality, the book expertly avoids labeling him as a stereotypical figure. The agony suffered by his mother and the silent ruthlessness of his father provide a framework for his rage, emphasizing how family trauma influences who he is. With her understated fortitude, Aditi serves as a counterpoint to this history, further exploring endurance as a crucial psychological weapon in the book. Rajghad's mayhem stands in stark contrast to Shaura, who is unwavering and resolute and symbolizes emotional stability. Kaka and Kaki are the story's main psychological anchors, reminding us of the curative effects of love and devotion. In a world that is otherwise turbulent, Rai's continuous presence represents dependability. Collectively, these characters invite us to consider how individuals overcome their broken legacies via fortitude and interpersonal relationships. Siya, our female protagonist, is torn between her grief for Pakhi and the harsh facts of a forced marriage. She displays a defiance towards Dev that borders on rebellion, but it is this very resistance that forms the basis of their developing relationship. Love, which is characterized by betrayal and shaped by violence, is seen by Dev as both a risk and a revelation. Despite being filled with risk and mistrust, their love seems incredibly real. It demonstrates how intimacy may develop in damaged environments, not through perfection, but via the courage to confront one another's scars. Love is a fire in the connection between Dev and Siya—it's both illuminating and destructive, rather than a calming remedy.
Although violence and treachery have shaped Dev Singh Ranawat into a unique personality, the book expertly avoids labeling him as a stereotypical figure. The agony suffered by his mother and the silent ruthlessness of his father provide a framework for his rage, emphasizing how family trauma influences who he is. With her understated fortitude, Aditi serves as a counterpoint to this history, further exploring endurance as a crucial psychological weapon in the book. Rajghad's mayhem stands in stark contrast to Shaura, who is unwavering and resolute and symbolizes emotional stability. Kaka and Kaki are the story's main psychological anchors, reminding us of the curative effects of love and devotion. In a world that is otherwise turbulent, Rai's continuous presence represents dependability. Collectively, these characters invite us to consider how individuals overcome their broken legacies via fortitude and interpersonal relationships. Siya, our female protagonist, is torn between her grief for Pakhi and the harsh facts of a forced marriage. She displays a defiance towards Dev that borders on rebellion, but it is this very resistance that forms the basis of their developing relationship. Love, which is characterized by betrayal and shaped by violence, is seen by Dev as both a risk and a revelation. Despite being filled with risk and mistrust, their love seems incredibly real. It demonstrates how intimacy may develop in damaged environments, not through perfection, but via the courage to confront one another's scars. Love is a fire in the connection between Dev and Siya—it's both illuminating and destructive, rather than a calming remedy.
October 1, 2025
Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai
It’s been a full day since I finished Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai, and Dev and Siya are still living rent-free in my head. Some books are easy to put away, but this one lingers like an aftertaste you can’t shake equal parts intense, frustrating, and unforgettable.
Dev Singh Ranawat is the kind of character you think you’ll hate from start to finish manipulative, proud, and overbearing. When he pressured Siya into that marriage, I really wanted to toss my Kindle against the wall. But chapter by chapter, slowly, his layers came out. The weight of his history, the unseen scars, and the burdens marked onto him changed the way I looked at him. By the end, he wasn't just the bad guy anymore he was complex, broken, and somehow sympathetic, even if still infuriating.
Siya, however, stole the show for me entirely. She's tough, stoic, and fundamentally human. She bears her sorrow and burden but will not be defined by them. Whether she was blazing with Ma Sa and Girja Tai, or soft with Bhairavi, or finding quiet rebellion when facing suffering she exuded strength in each scene. Her journey felt like a battle anthem for women who will not be silenced.
The narrative itself is a rollercoaster glitzy masquerade balls concealing sinister secrets, kidnappings that had me racing through the pages in urgency, and poignant, emotional moments that had me reeling more than I anticipated. Meenu Pillai gets it all to balance so beautifully love, heritage, sorrow, survival without diminishing the rawness of human feeling.
When I closed the novel, I was wrecked but thrilled, as if I'd lived through something immense with these characters. Playing Devil is not only a romance it's complex, it's emotional, and it's alive. If you want to be hooked by a book that engages both your head and your heart, this is one you will not soon forget.
It’s been a full day since I finished Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai, and Dev and Siya are still living rent-free in my head. Some books are easy to put away, but this one lingers like an aftertaste you can’t shake equal parts intense, frustrating, and unforgettable.
Dev Singh Ranawat is the kind of character you think you’ll hate from start to finish manipulative, proud, and overbearing. When he pressured Siya into that marriage, I really wanted to toss my Kindle against the wall. But chapter by chapter, slowly, his layers came out. The weight of his history, the unseen scars, and the burdens marked onto him changed the way I looked at him. By the end, he wasn't just the bad guy anymore he was complex, broken, and somehow sympathetic, even if still infuriating.
Siya, however, stole the show for me entirely. She's tough, stoic, and fundamentally human. She bears her sorrow and burden but will not be defined by them. Whether she was blazing with Ma Sa and Girja Tai, or soft with Bhairavi, or finding quiet rebellion when facing suffering she exuded strength in each scene. Her journey felt like a battle anthem for women who will not be silenced.
The narrative itself is a rollercoaster glitzy masquerade balls concealing sinister secrets, kidnappings that had me racing through the pages in urgency, and poignant, emotional moments that had me reeling more than I anticipated. Meenu Pillai gets it all to balance so beautifully love, heritage, sorrow, survival without diminishing the rawness of human feeling.
When I closed the novel, I was wrecked but thrilled, as if I'd lived through something immense with these characters. Playing Devil is not only a romance it's complex, it's emotional, and it's alive. If you want to be hooked by a book that engages both your head and your heart, this is one you will not soon forget.
September 26, 2025
Putting down Playing Devil felt like shutting the door on a mansion I'd called home. The book is brief, yet it grows in your mind refusing easy categorization.
Dev Singh Ranawat, to me, was the story's pulse. His youth's betrayals, his wounds, and his quest to break traditions made him more than the main figure—he represented choice fighting against heritage. I liked how his character wasn't reduced to heroics. He has flaws, can be tough, and at times shows heart-wrenching weakness. This depth brought to mind how legacy ties us all: we don't just inherit advantages but also suffering.
The hawk from the opening scene stuck with me throughout. It became a recurring symbol as I watched Dev's journey unfold—his desire for freedom clashing with what others expected of him. Then there was Bhairavi, the book's surprise element. She burst onto the scene like a fierce tempest deadly and unashamed. Seeing her later the composed woman of the palace, made me think about the different roles women often have to play just to make it through life.She burst into the arena like a wild tempest deadly and unashamed. When I saw her later, the composed palace lady, I was struck by the different sides women often show just to stay alive.
This book shines not just because of its main pair but also due to the richness of its setting. Rai's quiet nature showed his unwavering faith. Kaka Sa and Kaki Sa's kindness proved that even in the gloomiest places, love can still shine.
The story's finish was messy on purpose. And I thought that was great. It wasn't about tying up loose ends—it was about what came after. Playing Devil gave me a show, for sure, but it also got me thinking about how power, loyalty, and love last longer than the grand houses where they start.
Dev Singh Ranawat, to me, was the story's pulse. His youth's betrayals, his wounds, and his quest to break traditions made him more than the main figure—he represented choice fighting against heritage. I liked how his character wasn't reduced to heroics. He has flaws, can be tough, and at times shows heart-wrenching weakness. This depth brought to mind how legacy ties us all: we don't just inherit advantages but also suffering.
The hawk from the opening scene stuck with me throughout. It became a recurring symbol as I watched Dev's journey unfold—his desire for freedom clashing with what others expected of him. Then there was Bhairavi, the book's surprise element. She burst onto the scene like a fierce tempest deadly and unashamed. Seeing her later the composed woman of the palace, made me think about the different roles women often have to play just to make it through life.She burst into the arena like a wild tempest deadly and unashamed. When I saw her later, the composed palace lady, I was struck by the different sides women often show just to stay alive.
This book shines not just because of its main pair but also due to the richness of its setting. Rai's quiet nature showed his unwavering faith. Kaka Sa and Kaki Sa's kindness proved that even in the gloomiest places, love can still shine.
The story's finish was messy on purpose. And I thought that was great. It wasn't about tying up loose ends—it was about what came after. Playing Devil gave me a show, for sure, but it also got me thinking about how power, loyalty, and love last longer than the grand houses where they start.
October 1, 2025
💃Whoosh! Yet again, Meenu Pillai delivers another masterpiece that sweeps you off your feet. There’s an undeniable elegance in the way this story unfolds — a tale soaked in grandeur, emotions, and the bittersweet sting of fate.
😅The moment you encounter Dev Singh Ranawat and Siya Goenka, you know you’re about to witness something intense. Their very names carry a weight of pride, pain, and unspoken fire. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Rajghad and Samsherghad, this story is not just about kingdoms and power — it’s about two souls caught in the cruel web of destiny.
🤫Enemies by legacy, soulmates by accident of fate — what a delicious contradiction! I adored that mysterious, electric meeting between them, where a love story quietly blooms behind masks of hatred. It’s almost intoxicating to see two people who once seemed ready to draw blood from each other slowly move toward tying a knot of love and destiny.
😰And lurking behind it all is the grandfather’s shadow — the very figure whose actions become the invisible chain binding both Dev and Siya to their deepest traumas. He’s the storm, the curse, and perhaps even the twisted thread holding this story together.
💃Meenu Pillai’s writing style is simply enchanting. She balances raw passion with grace, creating a tension so tangible that every page hums with anticipation. The chemistry between Dev and Siya? Uff — mesmerizing. Their clashes, their silences, their tenderness — everything feels alive and cinematic. And the tussle between Dev and Bhairavi ? Truly unforgettable.
🤗If you are in search of a book that offers soul-stirring emotions, grand settings, heart-thumping tension, and love that defies odds, then Playing Devil is the gem you must not miss.
September 26, 2025
Playing Devil achieves the all-too-rare thing of feeling utterly epic in its 162 pages, any author will tell you that it never wastes a word, yet it-gracefully breathes with a saga magnitude.
Right from the first page, there was this thing called entering this rhythm of a cinematic flow. The imagery was razor-sharp: a hawk madly thrashing in a cage, a chandelier-lit palace hall, swords knocking off dust in the arena. But what really got me wasn't the spectacle as much as every scene carrying with it some consequence of very human emotions.
I was fascinated by Dev Singh Ranawat. Here was a man who could just embed himself in power, challenging justice and was condemned for it; instead, he comes back to tear down the very traditions that had raised him. That mission kept me rooting for him even against my pride that rejected him for his ruthless face.Siya matched him every step of the way, and I loved how the narration refused to confine her. She was both warrior and court lady, rebellion and restraint simultaneously. There was more than just attraction between them—it was tension between two ways of life.
Supporting characters maintained a balance in the book. Rai's silence was its own kind of strength. Kaka Sa and Kaki Sa became my emotional core, anchoring me through moments of turbulence.
Yeah I will love to recommend this book those who want to experience that love doesn't come with flower bed but a thorn stairs too and this has a beautiful message for all readers that if the spirit of love holds higher meaning, society can never create any obstacles between souls who are born to replenish together and make their dreamland of excitement and happiness.
Right from the first page, there was this thing called entering this rhythm of a cinematic flow. The imagery was razor-sharp: a hawk madly thrashing in a cage, a chandelier-lit palace hall, swords knocking off dust in the arena. But what really got me wasn't the spectacle as much as every scene carrying with it some consequence of very human emotions.
I was fascinated by Dev Singh Ranawat. Here was a man who could just embed himself in power, challenging justice and was condemned for it; instead, he comes back to tear down the very traditions that had raised him. That mission kept me rooting for him even against my pride that rejected him for his ruthless face.Siya matched him every step of the way, and I loved how the narration refused to confine her. She was both warrior and court lady, rebellion and restraint simultaneously. There was more than just attraction between them—it was tension between two ways of life.
Supporting characters maintained a balance in the book. Rai's silence was its own kind of strength. Kaka Sa and Kaki Sa became my emotional core, anchoring me through moments of turbulence.
Yeah I will love to recommend this book those who want to experience that love doesn't come with flower bed but a thorn stairs too and this has a beautiful message for all readers that if the spirit of love holds higher meaning, society can never create any obstacles between souls who are born to replenish together and make their dreamland of excitement and happiness.
September 26, 2025
Playing Devil achieves the all-too-rare thing of feeling utterly epic in its 303 pages, any author will tell you that it never wastes a word, yet it-gracefully breathes with a saga magnitude.
Right from the first page, there was this thing called entering this rhythm of a cinematic flow. The imagery was razor-sharp: a hawk madly thrashing in a cage, a chandelier-lit palace hall, swords knocking off dust in the arena. But what really got me wasn't the spectacle as much as every scene carrying with it some consequence of very human emotions.
I was fascinated by Dev Singh Ranawat. Here was a man who could just embed himself in power, challenging justice and was condemned for it; instead, he comes back to tear down the very traditions that had raised him. That mission kept me rooting for him even against my pride that rejected him for his ruthless face.Siya matched him every step of the way, and I loved how the narration refused to confine her. She was both warrior and court lady, rebellion and restraint simultaneously. There was more than just attraction between them—it was tension between two ways of life.
Supporting characters maintained a balance in the book. Rai's silence was its own kind of strength. Kaka Sa and Kaki Sa became my emotional core, anchoring me through moments of turbulence.
Yeah I will love to recommend this book those who want to experience that love doesn't come with flower bed but a thorn stairs too and this has a beautiful message for all readers that if the spirit of love holds higher meaning, society can never create any obstacles between souls who are born to replenish together and make their dreamland of excitement and happiness.
Right from the first page, there was this thing called entering this rhythm of a cinematic flow. The imagery was razor-sharp: a hawk madly thrashing in a cage, a chandelier-lit palace hall, swords knocking off dust in the arena. But what really got me wasn't the spectacle as much as every scene carrying with it some consequence of very human emotions.
I was fascinated by Dev Singh Ranawat. Here was a man who could just embed himself in power, challenging justice and was condemned for it; instead, he comes back to tear down the very traditions that had raised him. That mission kept me rooting for him even against my pride that rejected him for his ruthless face.Siya matched him every step of the way, and I loved how the narration refused to confine her. She was both warrior and court lady, rebellion and restraint simultaneously. There was more than just attraction between them—it was tension between two ways of life.
Supporting characters maintained a balance in the book. Rai's silence was its own kind of strength. Kaka Sa and Kaki Sa became my emotional core, anchoring me through moments of turbulence.
Yeah I will love to recommend this book those who want to experience that love doesn't come with flower bed but a thorn stairs too and this has a beautiful message for all readers that if the spirit of love holds higher meaning, society can never create any obstacles between souls who are born to replenish together and make their dreamland of excitement and happiness.
September 23, 2025
You know those books that look like a simple romance on the surface but end up being so much more? That’s exactly what Playing Devil felt like. Sure, it’s about Dev and Siya forced together, fighting at every turn but the more I read, the more I realized it was also about pain, politics, and how family legacies can crush people.
Dev isn’t the charming prince type. He’s angry, distant, and sometimes infuriating. But then I remembered that prologue his father’s cruelty, his mother’s breakdown and suddenly the arrogance made sense. It wasn’t pride, it was armor. And Siya… she doesn’t let him hide. She’s grieving Pakhi, she’s furious at her fate, and she refuses to be a pawn in anyone’s game. I loved her for that.
The chemistry between them? Explosive. I rolled my eyes at their constant arguing, but secretly I lived for it. And then those rare quiet moments, when they almost forgot to fight, felt like tiny treasures.
What kept me turning the pages, though, were the people around them. Rai gave me the creeps every single time. Niti was the calm in all the chaos. And Dev’s grandfather let’s just say if I could’ve reached into the book, I’d have shoved him off his throne myself.
This isn’t a soft, dreamy romance. It’s messy, stormy, full of scars and that’s exactly why it sticks.
If you’re tired of picture-perfect love stories, read this. It’ll make you mad, make you ache, and still make you root for them.
Dev isn’t the charming prince type. He’s angry, distant, and sometimes infuriating. But then I remembered that prologue his father’s cruelty, his mother’s breakdown and suddenly the arrogance made sense. It wasn’t pride, it was armor. And Siya… she doesn’t let him hide. She’s grieving Pakhi, she’s furious at her fate, and she refuses to be a pawn in anyone’s game. I loved her for that.
The chemistry between them? Explosive. I rolled my eyes at their constant arguing, but secretly I lived for it. And then those rare quiet moments, when they almost forgot to fight, felt like tiny treasures.
What kept me turning the pages, though, were the people around them. Rai gave me the creeps every single time. Niti was the calm in all the chaos. And Dev’s grandfather let’s just say if I could’ve reached into the book, I’d have shoved him off his throne myself.
This isn’t a soft, dreamy romance. It’s messy, stormy, full of scars and that’s exactly why it sticks.
If you’re tired of picture-perfect love stories, read this. It’ll make you mad, make you ache, and still make you root for them.
September 30, 2025
Marwah Series’ fifth book - Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai
is not a pastel romance for a montage. It’s a widescreen epic—messy, violent, heartbreaking, breathtaking. I wouldn’t leave the theater after the credits; I’d sit stunned, waiting for the storm inside me to settle.
Dev is carved out of grief; his arrogance is only the mask for the child still standing in that brutal prologue scene. Reading his story is like watching someone build a fortress around a heart still bleeding.
Siya though is no fragile heroine. She’s fire in human form, her grief sharpened into a blade. That sword fight wasn’t just action—it was a ritual, the clash of two cursed souls refusing to kneel. Their love is not tender; it’s gothic: dangerous, consuming, edged with destruction.
The book excels in its portrayal of legacy. Dev’s grandfather is the suffocating hand of tradition, Rai is the opportunistic power lurking in the shadows of politics. And Niti is the possibility of alternate futures: compassion not coercion.
Their love story isn't just a personal affair—it's an act of defiance. To care for each other in this environment means to challenge age-old expectations, to create new paths against the heavy burden of history.
Playing Devil doesn't go easy on you; it burns. It sticks with you like a mark on your skin, like a tune you can't finish, like a haze that won't go away. those who appreciate literature will enjoy a book of this nature.
is not a pastel romance for a montage. It’s a widescreen epic—messy, violent, heartbreaking, breathtaking. I wouldn’t leave the theater after the credits; I’d sit stunned, waiting for the storm inside me to settle.
Dev is carved out of grief; his arrogance is only the mask for the child still standing in that brutal prologue scene. Reading his story is like watching someone build a fortress around a heart still bleeding.
Siya though is no fragile heroine. She’s fire in human form, her grief sharpened into a blade. That sword fight wasn’t just action—it was a ritual, the clash of two cursed souls refusing to kneel. Their love is not tender; it’s gothic: dangerous, consuming, edged with destruction.
The book excels in its portrayal of legacy. Dev’s grandfather is the suffocating hand of tradition, Rai is the opportunistic power lurking in the shadows of politics. And Niti is the possibility of alternate futures: compassion not coercion.
Their love story isn't just a personal affair—it's an act of defiance. To care for each other in this environment means to challenge age-old expectations, to create new paths against the heavy burden of history.
Playing Devil doesn't go easy on you; it burns. It sticks with you like a mark on your skin, like a tune you can't finish, like a haze that won't go away. those who appreciate literature will enjoy a book of this nature.
October 5, 2025
"Playing Devil" by Meenu Pillai has all the elements, a romantic thriller demands.
The game of power, marriage of convenience or you can even call it marriage of revenge, hope, despair, romance, you name it and the book has it! It is actually filled with cocktail of emotions.
At the heart of the story we have Dev Singh Ranawat, who wants to change the fate his ancestors have written for him. The author has etched the character of Dev in blood and tears. His life, his mission and his principles are always a battleground of right and wrong🤞
On one hand, he wants revenge for the pain that has been inflicted on him by his family and at the same time his heart flies out for the girl in the very same family.
The author has not made any area of life easy for Dev...as even in love he is caught between the choice his heart is forced to make and the choice his ancestors have already made for him.
Bhairavi/Siya...makes the choice more difficult for him as each of the girl's personality has its own pluses and minuses, as the name suggests. Bhairavi is a fighter and the power in her eyes can disarm any man's ascetic intentions, whereas Siya...is grace personified and she flows like a river with quite inner strength⭐
The author makes the readers wonder with these two girls as to whether Dev will repeat the history of his father or will he create his own path🤞
To know...you will have to read this interesting book🙌
The game of power, marriage of convenience or you can even call it marriage of revenge, hope, despair, romance, you name it and the book has it! It is actually filled with cocktail of emotions.
At the heart of the story we have Dev Singh Ranawat, who wants to change the fate his ancestors have written for him. The author has etched the character of Dev in blood and tears. His life, his mission and his principles are always a battleground of right and wrong🤞
On one hand, he wants revenge for the pain that has been inflicted on him by his family and at the same time his heart flies out for the girl in the very same family.
The author has not made any area of life easy for Dev...as even in love he is caught between the choice his heart is forced to make and the choice his ancestors have already made for him.
Bhairavi/Siya...makes the choice more difficult for him as each of the girl's personality has its own pluses and minuses, as the name suggests. Bhairavi is a fighter and the power in her eyes can disarm any man's ascetic intentions, whereas Siya...is grace personified and she flows like a river with quite inner strength⭐
The author makes the readers wonder with these two girls as to whether Dev will repeat the history of his father or will he create his own path🤞
To know...you will have to read this interesting book🙌
October 6, 2025
Playing Devil is the journey of Dev Singh Ranawat and Siya Goenka, two polar opposite personalities whose fate is decided by their ancestors.
The book is the tale of power politics where the responsibility of carrying forward the bloodline for royal power comes on the shoulder of Dev. A responsibility he has no interest to take as he has lost relationships in the game of power.
Dev values relationships, however he is unable to run from what has been forced upon him and has to fight for what he believes is right.
Siya on the other hand is a woman who looks delicate and soft from outside but has an unmatched inner strength and nerve of steel. The union of Dev and Siya is like fire and water.
One wants to spread and end the bloody power game, while the other wants to flow and extinguish it before the fire turns self-destructive. The book deals extensively on power games, how betrayals happen in relationships, how broken families affect children and also the price that needs to be paid for taking forward the bloodline.
There is only a thin line that separates right from wrong and the author has to be appreciated for maintaining that thin line very aptly till the end. The author has also succeeded in exploring each and every emotion in the characters impeccably as the readers could feel Dev's anger, Siya's determination and the smouldering sexual tension beneath their mask as real. A very good romantic thriller.
The book is the tale of power politics where the responsibility of carrying forward the bloodline for royal power comes on the shoulder of Dev. A responsibility he has no interest to take as he has lost relationships in the game of power.
Dev values relationships, however he is unable to run from what has been forced upon him and has to fight for what he believes is right.
Siya on the other hand is a woman who looks delicate and soft from outside but has an unmatched inner strength and nerve of steel. The union of Dev and Siya is like fire and water.
One wants to spread and end the bloody power game, while the other wants to flow and extinguish it before the fire turns self-destructive. The book deals extensively on power games, how betrayals happen in relationships, how broken families affect children and also the price that needs to be paid for taking forward the bloodline.
There is only a thin line that separates right from wrong and the author has to be appreciated for maintaining that thin line very aptly till the end. The author has also succeeded in exploring each and every emotion in the characters impeccably as the readers could feel Dev's anger, Siya's determination and the smouldering sexual tension beneath their mask as real. A very good romantic thriller.
October 6, 2025
Reading Playing Devil😈 was an absolute rollercoaster for me. It’s an amazing blend of passion, power, betrayal, and those dark family secrets that add so much depth to the story. Every chapter pulled me in, making me feel the tension, the heartbreak, and the fire between the characters. I found myself holding my breath in some parts and smiling in others — it’s that engaging.
The story follows Dev Singh Ranawat, the cold yet magnetic 🤴Prince of Rajghad, and Siya Goenka, the fierce 👸🏻 Princess of Bhairavghad.
Dev is ruthless when it comes to protecting his family, while Siya is determined to make him pay for his past. Their chemistry is explosive — full of hatred, attraction, and unspoken emotions that make their relationship feel so real. And the characters of the other book of the Marwah series bring in their full banter and fun, adding moments that will put a wide smile on your face. You will also love Dhanush and Bhairavi’s sizzling chemistry — and no, it’s not like you’re reading two couples’ stories in the same book. It’s just a little secret you’ll uncover only when you read it yourself.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage💑, and stories filled with drama, romance, and unexpected twists, this book has everything. It’s not just about love and betrayal — it’s about power, revenge, and finding yourself in the middle of chaos. Trust me, once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down.
The story follows Dev Singh Ranawat, the cold yet magnetic 🤴Prince of Rajghad, and Siya Goenka, the fierce 👸🏻 Princess of Bhairavghad.
Dev is ruthless when it comes to protecting his family, while Siya is determined to make him pay for his past. Their chemistry is explosive — full of hatred, attraction, and unspoken emotions that make their relationship feel so real. And the characters of the other book of the Marwah series bring in their full banter and fun, adding moments that will put a wide smile on your face. You will also love Dhanush and Bhairavi’s sizzling chemistry — and no, it’s not like you’re reading two couples’ stories in the same book. It’s just a little secret you’ll uncover only when you read it yourself.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage💑, and stories filled with drama, romance, and unexpected twists, this book has everything. It’s not just about love and betrayal — it’s about power, revenge, and finding yourself in the middle of chaos. Trust me, once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down.
September 27, 2025
Author Meenu Pillai 's latest launch Playing Devil is the fascinating yet vulnerable Royal Romance with terrifying actions of two palace power. "Playing Devil." highlights Dev's journey, showing how he battles not just external foes but also the burdens of his family's reputation. His experiences reflect the impact of tradition over individual feelings Siya also face the constraints of their heritage, revealing the toll that societal expectations take on women. Supporting characters illustrate the sacrifices involved in loyalty and kindness. Ultimately, anyone who love reading enemies to lovers trope and relentlessly keep searching for book tha bring on tension how power affects individuals and emphasizes that true conflicts often occur within families and oneself, rather than just on battlefields, will adore this book. I personally enjoyed each and every lively dialogue and witty story craft that made you oscillate around actions and romance until the couple settle for each other with a dominantly flashy and royal wedding.Author will definitely keep the story jump into another series and I have to juggle with my patience until she make us read fresh out of these royal dramas. Make your mood happening and trust me you will scream loud experiencing the entertainment blast as playing Devil.
October 5, 2025
Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai has all the elements a romantic thriller demands.
The game of power, marriage of convenience or you can even call it marriage of revenge, hope, despair, romance, you name it the book is filled with a cocktail of emotions.
At the heart of the story we have Dev Singh Ranawat, who wants to change the fate his ancestors have written for him. The author has etched the character of Dev in blood and tears. His life, his mission and his principles are always a battleground of right and wrong.
On one side he wants revenge for the pain that has been inflicted on his family and at the same time his heart flies out for the girl in the very same family.
The author has not made any area of life easy for Dev as even in love he is caught between the choice his heart wants to make and the choice his ancestors have made for him.
Bhairavi and Siya make the choice more difficult for him as each of the girls have their own pluses and minuses as the name suggests. Bhairavi is a fighter and the power in her eyes can disarm any man's ascetic intentions. Siya is grace personified and she flows like a river with quite inner strength.
The author makes the readers wonder with two persona of this palace's girl our male protagonist is curiously inviting into his life.
The game of power, marriage of convenience or you can even call it marriage of revenge, hope, despair, romance, you name it the book is filled with a cocktail of emotions.
At the heart of the story we have Dev Singh Ranawat, who wants to change the fate his ancestors have written for him. The author has etched the character of Dev in blood and tears. His life, his mission and his principles are always a battleground of right and wrong.
On one side he wants revenge for the pain that has been inflicted on his family and at the same time his heart flies out for the girl in the very same family.
The author has not made any area of life easy for Dev as even in love he is caught between the choice his heart wants to make and the choice his ancestors have made for him.
Bhairavi and Siya make the choice more difficult for him as each of the girls have their own pluses and minuses as the name suggests. Bhairavi is a fighter and the power in her eyes can disarm any man's ascetic intentions. Siya is grace personified and she flows like a river with quite inner strength.
The author makes the readers wonder with two persona of this palace's girl our male protagonist is curiously inviting into his life.
September 26, 2025
Reading Playing Devil made me feel like I lived several lives at once. Dev Singh Ranawat's eyes showed betrayal, strategy, and courage. I sensed his heartbeat with each action.Our female protagonist -Siya, drew me into her world of deadly grace, risk, and mysteries causing me to catch my breath, plan, and feel smitten all at once. As a reader, I became a third viewpoint taking in palace plots, arena fights, and quiet moments with Kaka Sa, Kaki Sa, and Rai. Each angle added stress, understanding, and feeling creating a story I couldn't stop reading. Sword fights hushed plots political plans, and close encounters seemed real because I saw them from many sides. Ideas of payback, forgiveness, trust, and self didn't just exist, they came to life through each view giving meaning to every choice and gamble. Meenu Pillai's writing is visual, non-stop, and engaging; I didn't just read this story, I lived in it. By the last page, I felt excited tied, and hooked. Playing Devil is a multi-view high-energy saga that keeps your heart pounding and your mind going over every scene.
September 18, 2025
Just finished reading Playing Devil by Meenu Pillai and honestly, I just loved it...the book is so full of fun that includes royal romance. You would love it if you like a royal romance book with Desi touch to it. Also I love how characters are so well described that I could literally image their personality in my mind...must read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews