Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bedeviled #2

The Devil May Care

Rate this book
Rowan
Less than two weeks till the winter solstice and somehow it's my fault the witches have misplaced their damned bells. If they weren't such jerks about demon-borns being part of the Grand Council and their plans, maybe they wouldn't need to use the stupid things anyway. But until they're ready to admit that without us, there'd be no them, I guess they're out of luck. It's just dirty pool to send Whitaker Frost, scion of the Frost witch clan, one of the lead Council members behind the Revelation movement, and sexiest man alive ohmygods to my shop when I've been accused of hiding those damned bells and endangering the witches' annual winter solstice ritual to maintain their powers and ruin the planned Revelation to the humans in the process.

Whitaker
No matter what Rowan thinks, I haven't forgotten our encounter at the summer solstice, and I know for a fact he hasn't either. The way he looks at me when he sees me in his shop just before the winter solstice is enough to set me on fire without the help of any of his demon magic. I don't blame him for being hesitant with me—I am a witch, after all, and witches have been doing their damnedest for centuries to keep demon-born out of magical communities and gatherings and now, the planned Revelation. I wish he'd understand that I not only want him in the council, but in my bed, my life...

170 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2020

16 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Meredith Spies

43 books58 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
19 (23%)
4 stars
39 (48%)
3 stars
17 (21%)
2 stars
5 (6%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
July 5, 2020
Witches, demons, magic, intrigue and finding love.   What a fun story!   I really enjoyed the dynamics between the characters, the draw and the push.  The fear of the unknown, of crossing boundaries between witches and demons and the power of love.  The story really flowed well and the pacing was great.  I enjoyed all the side characters and want to know more about this interesting world.  I found the world-building really interesting and thought it brought depth to the story.  

Rowan and Whitaker are sweet, steamy, complicated and so enjoyable together.   

This is book two of the Bedeviled series and can be read as a stand-alone.  i have not read book one and i am off to do that now.  i am so looking forward to book 3.  

I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.   
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,859 reviews25 followers
July 12, 2020
Second in terrific series

This series has some of the elements of most supernatural stories, witches, demons, magic, humans and all that. It also has factions, bureaucracy, attempted murder and men falling in love. Meredith Spies has written very engaging stories in this series that I found terrific reads. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 21 books172 followers
July 1, 2020
This was an interesting take on a paranormal romance, especially the world building of the novel. You meet Rowan, who isn't really accepted among the crowd of witches, because he's a demon. He runs into Whitaker, who is a witch and you learn they have a past. The story moves along quickly and I like how Rowan and Whitaker work together to get past the issues they had in the past. Both men have palpable chemistry and along with a bit of a mystery, this story works well!
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,908 reviews
July 7, 2020
A good read

I first read this in part when it was a free Christmas novella. I like the way it has been extended and expanded, as it adds depth to the characters, showing more of the resistance to Demon born being part of the supernatural community as a whole.
This is the second book in the series and I can’t wait for book three, as this is a highly enjoyable series.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews369 followers
May 5, 2023
Accepting Each Other . . .

This is a story about two unlikely characters who fall in love. With Rowan being a Demon, looked upon as “lesser” and unworthy of respect, and Whitaker being a powerful Witch, their groups are known for hating each other and the attraction they hold for each other is totally unexpected.

Rowan gets blamed when the witches cannot find their bells to be used in the Grand Council’s grandiose “Revelation” of the magical world to the human population. The witches send Whitaker Frost, a lead member of the Council for promoting the Revelation, to find out if Rowan is, as they suspect, deliberately hiding their bells to ruin their big day! Chances are, Whitaker was not a random choice for this visit, and neither of them can forget the powerful draw they have for each other from the last time they met. Will this lead to something more? Can their leading by example encourage the rest of the community to accept each other?
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,188 reviews98 followers
July 11, 2020
3.5 stars. The world building in this one was very well done. While I loved the first one, I did end up feeling very confused for a lot of it, but in this one I was following right along and found it extremely interesting. The two MCs were very cute together, and it was definitely a well done opposites attract as they couldn’t be more on opposing sides, but they worked so well together. This series is ramping up towards The Revelation and has left me dying to figure out how it all turns out.
Profile Image for Jenny Saul-Avila.
545 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this book - it's wonderfully amusing with silly chapter titles like "The holly and the ivy are giving me a rash" and "Whitaker feels like he got run over by a reindeer," (being mostly winter holiday themed), and funny, yet relatable ways of describing things, like saying that someone gave "an arched brow look that would have made Maggie Smith weep." I will say that maybe it might be a bit too witty, as sometimes I had trouble remembering whose perspective I was reading, the chapters flipping back and forth between Rowan's POV and Whitaker's. Both had perhaps too much in common with how they spoke, reacted, and internally mused. Still, I enjoyed the wit and I liked both characters quite a lot.

Aspects of the plot, particularly those involving a conspiracy of sorts that was afoot, were a wee bit confusing or perhaps too convoluted for my bad habit of speed reading. There are also a fair amount of characters involved, directly or indirectly. But I enjoyed the growing relationship between Whitaker and Rowan enough to just roll with it.

One thing to note - this book is most definitely not a standalone and I think it's best to read both books as close to back to back as possible, because even though the two main characters in the previous one are only peripherally mentioned in this one, several side characters and a portion of the overall story arc remain the same. I had to run the previous book through my head to catch up to where this book began. When I read the next one, I hope that my memory of this book is solid enough. I can see myself doing some rereading, if only for the fun of it, a kind of "Now that I know such-and-such, let's see what I notice on another read-through."

So I would definitely recommend this book - and the one before it - and will quite possibly recommend the next one too.
2,281 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2020
Rowan is a demon-born and not exactly look upon as less-than by most magical creatures. Especially witches. He attends the invitation only Grand Council meeting to gain standing and have demons included in the Revelation, but the rift is too great among them. Little did he expect to see the one who makes his heart flutter.

Whittaker is a witch-born, comes from a family working hard to keep the demon-born out for centuries. To his surprise the man he secretly pies over is in behind closed doors with Madam Frost. Inside he wants Rowan and hasn't forgotten their encounter. One look at Rowan and right away, he can see that the demon does not think so.

Both of them have to work mus work through their past issues, admit the chemistry and love so obviously there.

Perfectly paced and well written. Book 2 in the Bedeviled series.



**I received this book via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
July 10, 2020
This is a fascinating paranormal MM romance & has a well-paced plot with good world building. It is quite suspenseful with some highly intriguing situations. The two main characters are inclined to be confrontational but have good chemistry between them. The secondary characters offer good support.
It is about: a male demon-born (Rowan Herbert) & a male witch (Whitaker Frost) both come from powerful families & have had an encounter in the past but this time Whitaker is quite determined to claim Rowan for his own while they both go on a quest.
There is: witches, demons, a Grand Council, drama, intrigue, some suspense, humor, magic, council meetings, distrust, disagreements, confrontations, complications, missing witch bells, attractions, quests, confrontations, warnings, threats, danger, enemies, devious plans, confrontations, reservations, some steam & a interesting ending. I look forward to the next book with great anticipation.
Profile Image for Celine.
803 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2020
Great story

This was a very good second book in this story.

I really liked Whitaker and Rowan. They are both great guys with their ideas and prejudices, they fall for each other in a very organic way that felt real.

I really liked the plot of the book itself, continuing what happened in the previous book and making the overall story very interesting.

It was fun, full of action, a bit of heat and love.

I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one
Profile Image for Katherine.
168 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this! The second in a series, the premise is hinted at in book 1. Ellery's brother Rowan has a problem; while trying to get demons included in the Revelation (the unveiling of supernatural creatures to humans), he gets involved with the witch Whitaker. A brief dalliance leads to longer lasting mutual pining, which sets the scene of this book.

The pacing is great, and it was wonderful watching the relationship between the witch and demon unfold - well written and with humour, I'm really looking forward to the third book!
Profile Image for Beth.
2,976 reviews28 followers
July 12, 2020
This is book two in a series but when you start it you may wonder exactly where you’ve wandered in.

I read book one a while ago and really enjoyed it so I was looking forward to this book. However, as it began I really felt like I was starting behind the eight ball. I am not sure if it was designed to start right after the end of book one (since I read it too long ago to remember) so we should know what’s happening or if it just an awkward opening. There is no real introduction of the characters…who they are and specifically who they are to each other. That really starts things off very strangely.

The basis of the storyline becomes apparent. Magical beings are going to hold a vote on whether to reveal themselves to humans and there is a divide about whether the demon born should have a seat on the Grand Council when this decision is made. Enter the zealots on both sides. There is some confusion over a lost package resulting in a very weird road trip and other bizarre and dangerous happenings.

It will probably be pretty obvious to most readers what is happening in terms of the missing package. That part of the story is pretty clever and I wish it had been expanded. The sabotage elements leant some excitement to the proceedings but again, I wish they had been more fully developed. It felt like a lot of the story arc went to less dynamic things and the parts that could have been more exciting were given short shrift.

The MCs, Rowan the Demon and Whitaker the Witch, are at turns amusing and frustrating. Once again, I just don’t think they were given enough of a chance to develop and I felt like maybe I was supposed to know more but didn’t. Both are likable and their HFN is nice. The larger story arc re the Revelation will continue in the next book.

The book is entertaining though not as much as book one. It feels like it had potential but didn’t quite meet it.

**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.**
Profile Image for Valerie.
37 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2020
A definite improvement upon the previous book.

Spies is excellent at writing snark and well timed comedic dialogue. While I felt it in the last book as well, it had a bit too much snark thrown at the wall with only a 60% success at entertainment rate at making it stick. Her second installment (this one) has a better blend of snarky dialogue and plot. The improvement on developing the main character's relationship has gotten better as well.

Here, unlike the prior coupling, our two lovebirds find themselves having to feel each other out, talk, and experience things together on the page, and not behind the scenes.this made the book a more solid read for me.

After reading the first two of Spies's books set in this world, I feel as if there are plot holes the size of my fist that i just can't get around. The world building is minimal, at best. Important groups get mentioned and magicky words get thrown around as if they are meaningful, and it just doesnt have the same effect, because I do not actually live in their world.



All of this makes me ambivalent towards the plot. On top of the fact that Alastor hasn't been very appealing as a character in prior books (which I am often able to overlook for standalone series where the plot follows through), I am not inclined to read to the end.
Profile Image for Katherine.
2,872 reviews13 followers
June 3, 2021
The roadtrip

A good read but much like the first book of the series it felt like it took a chunk of the book before the story really hits its stride. There is plenty of precursor information about Rowan and Whittaker, their encounters and the meaning, but then it sort of just stalls out. Even when they are thrown together on a journey it doesn't feel like much is going on yet. It takes a bit of one both for it to have real meaning for the characters and for the world they are in.

Much like the first book Rowan and Whittaker have a bit of history together, though in their case with a heated little hookup. It is very taboo with all of the goings on but also seems to be something that some members of their family were possibly encouraging. When it turns out that Rowan was accidentally bequeathed an important witch artifact the two men need to secure it and bring it back to the witches on time to ensure that demons don't get blamed for the downfall of witches. While this journey allows the two men to get closer and to really figure out their feelings, it also shows that there is more going on in this world than just the Council not liking demons. The upcoming Revelation has some demons concerned as well, and with the continued involvement of Rowan's family they are painting a big target on their backs.

While there is more headway in the overarching story going on there is still more to be told. Another book is promised in this series as the events of this book have popped up more questions and also changed things for the Revelation once again. It will be interesting to see how things play out for the next family member as these demons try to carve their equal place in the supernatural world.
Profile Image for Maggie.
231 reviews10 followers
July 6, 2020
3.5 out of 5

This book was an interesting take on paranormal world building. Most enjoyable. It can be read alone,as I did, but I think reading the first one might be a better option.

I did find the grandmothers absolutely charming and bad ass. I preferred the MC, Rowan, to George MC, Whittaker. He was a bit too... milquetoast for my liking. And almost all the witches but for Grandma and sister Lydia were pretty annoying.

Also, the abrupt shift between chapters 1 and 2 was jarring and left me floundering until I realized that It was months later from where the first chapter ended. It was confusing and three me out of the book until I fight d out what had happened.

All in all, a fun read but in need of a few tweaks.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
August 1, 2020
There were quite a few things that were to be expected in this continuation from the first book and while it jumped in in a bit of a confusing place, it tried valiantly to find its stride. I'm not sure that I'm convinced both MC's were perfect for one another, and their relationship seemed to end with an HFN with potential, but there were some great moments there that kind of balanced the more frustrating ones.

As a series there are a whole lot of moving parts and factions and directions that aren't fully answered by the end of this book, book two, so I'm kind of interested in what will happen next. Though I will say that I'm hoping for a little bit of a clearer road in the next book and a more compelling couple that have more depth than the draw lent them by their species.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,428 reviews32 followers
June 30, 2020
Devils and Witches

Rowan is a demon and Whitaker is a witch. Both of them come from powerful families but everyone knows the demons are lesser and should not be included in the affairs of other supernatural. Between the 2 of them they have a mystery to solve and a rift to heal, namely the one between them. If they can't admit their attraction and work together, how are they going to find a missing artifact let alone get others in their community to work together? This book was a lot of fun to read. I loved the characters and their chemistry is obvious. This is book 2 in the Bedeviled series and I look forward to book 3! Highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,542 reviews46 followers
July 13, 2020
Rowan was a demon and Whitaker a witch. They both came from two different powerful families. Whitaker’s grandmother wants Rowan to be part of the winter solstice, but other forces are at work and do not want a demon to sit on the council. There is some slight action, adventure, and steamy heat. They had good chemistry, I actually liked them a lot. All the side characters really helped to make this story. Good story!!
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions
Profile Image for Lexi.
1,039 reviews20 followers
September 4, 2020
This was a very fun couple. One a demon and the other a witch so it was fun getting to see how they worked to make their relationship work. The beginning feels a little bit like you’re supposed to know more than you do but I still enjoyed the story a lot. Rowan and Whitaker make a really great couple and I enjoyed all the different paranormal creatures in this book. The plot was great and so was the relationship with the characters. I kept wanting to know more and more. I can’t wait to get to read more books set in this world and meet more characters.
Profile Image for Tammy.
298 reviews81 followers
December 21, 2021
Centuries of greed and resentment has caused the demon class to be seen lesser despite their involvement in the creation of witch's magic. Now, as the council moves towards voting on the great reveal, can the cycle be broken? Can Rowan and Whitaker overcome the challenges before them and make it to the council meeting before the winter solstice? With some unexpected meddling, Rowan and Whitaker will find the courage and strength to stand again their family for themselves and the future of their classes.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,680 reviews48 followers
December 25, 2021
I liked the two main characters here, they are kind of in the enemies to lovers category (or Romeo and Juliet) as witches and demons have complicated relationships in this world and these two will need to stand up to their families to get their HEA. They are a stubborn, willful pair who feel and fight their attraction. What I enjoyed even more, however, is the world building. I loved finding out more about the Revelation vote, the Council, the battles over who gets a voice in decisions, etc. I look forward to more explorations in this world.
3,613 reviews38 followers
July 9, 2020
A witch (Whitaker) and a demon born (Rowan) are on a quest...to ensure that the Winter Solstice plans go off as planned. But not all witches and demons agree. And some are willing to eliminate anyone who disagrees. Leave it to the deceased to really get things rolling!

You've got a few relatives who look the other way, one who can't keep their mouth shut and others who ultimately come to your aid...in the nick of time!

Enjoy the road trip, because it has some bumps!
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,680 reviews48 followers
July 14, 2020
I liked the two main characters here, they are kind of in the enemies to lovers category as witches and demons have complicated relationships in this world. They are a stubborn, willful pair who feel and fight their attraction. What I enjoyed even more, however, is the world building. I loved finding out more about the Revelation vote, the Council, tge battles over who gets a voice in decisions, etc. I look forward to more explorations in this world.
3,035 reviews46 followers
July 15, 2020
The Devil May Care is such a fun story to read. Witches, demons, magic, intrigue and finding love. What more could you want! I thought the world building in this story was very well done. You are brought into this wonderful world and taken on quite the ride.
The two MC's are terrific together. As opposite as they appear to be they are a perfect fit. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
871 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2020
This is the second book in The Bedeviled Series. An interesting book with okay writing. It needed some help more detail and a better flow to the story. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters likeable. The characters were developed and thought out. Whitaker and Rowan are the MC’s of this book. I can recommend this book as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,164 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2022
The books are numbered different on Amazon. This has confused a lot of readers. This is labeled book one on the Zon.

Rowan is a Demon, Whitaker is a Witch. Witches hate Demon. And vice versa. Except, these two don't hate each other, they are intensely attracted instead. They just don't fully trust one another. This enemies to lovers story was quite engaging. Great world building. There are two more brothers, two more stories in this series. Can't wait.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
July 9, 2020
The Devil May Care by Meredith Spies is the second book in the Beceviled series. This m/m romance has paranormal elements such as witches, demons and magic.... it also has suspense, humor, drama, and heat. The main characters, Rowan and Whitaker, are interesting and have great chemistry, the secondary characters are entertaining. A definitely fun book and I am excited for book three.
280 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2020
This story was mysterious, sweet, charming and a humorous paranormal romance. Rowan runs into Whitaker, who is a witch, and finds out they meet in the past. It was nice watching them work on moving on from their mistakes. These two have wonderful chemistry I love reading about.

I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,345 reviews26 followers
April 20, 2023
A Demon & A Witch Unite

I was a little unsure of what was going on in this one at first. It didn't take too long for things to unfold and become clear as to what was happening. It ended up bring a very good story and I'm looking forward to more from this series.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,963 reviews16 followers
July 7, 2020
Rowan and Whitaker's story is such a fun read. I like this take on a paranormal romance. These two have great chemistr and I love seeing how they get together. Then the world building of this series is so great. Meredith Spies just pull me right into this story and I can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews