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The Deville Brothers #5

Unmasked By A Devil

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The man who was loved by everyone� except her

Zachariel Deville knew what people thought of him. The youngest brother, all charm, and no substance. He knew better. His serious side came out when he performed his duties for the king or protected his family. He cared nothing about how others perceived him. Except her, of course. He cared very much about that.

The thorn in Zach’s existence was Mary Blake. She got under his skin, and to his horror, he’d just realized the reason. He was attracted to her. Add to that, she was hiding something from him, and suddenly the life he’d always known had been turned on its head.

The woman who cared little for appearances and everything for duty

Mary had always been the different Blake sister. She was sensible and didn’t give a fig about appearances. What she cared about was protecting those who needed it. A chance to do that and serve her king had come by accident. She’d taken it with both hands and now lived a double life.

She just had to keep Zachariel Deville off guard. They had always been adversaries, but lately that had changed. He looked at her differently, as if he couldn’t quite make out what lay between them. Once she’d longed for his attention, but no longer. Now she had a purpose, and that did not involve a handsome, infuriating man who seemed to be everywhere she did not want him to be!

When they both engage in a deadly investigation for the king, who will be the one who walks away with their heart intact, or will they finally concede that they are each other’s destiny?

BOOKS IN THE DEVILLE BROTHERS SERIES
Seduced By A Devil
Rescued By A Devil
Protected By A Devil
Surrender To A Devil
Unmasked By A Devil

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2023

257 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Wendy Vella

84books806followers

Wendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.

Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group or sign up for her reader newsletter at to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.


Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.

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5 stars
644 (70%)
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210 (23%)
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49 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha.
460 reviews125 followers
March 31, 2024

⭐⭐⭐�
3½ stars.






� What I liked :

Enemies to lovers.

Rather interesting plot.

Somewhat interesting main characters.

Some of the funny parts.

Interesting side character.

The friendships between the heroine and the other women (Beth, Dimity, Ruby, etc.) from the other books in this series.
(They are supportive and caring but also a uplifting and positive influence on the heroine.)













� What I disliked:

The romantic build up and chemistry was a little stilted and lacked some depth.

Some of the banter/bickering was a little too much on the immature/childish side.

There was a little too much bickering/arguing between the main characters.


The ending was a little too rushed.

Repetitive.
(Mostly with some words being used in a repetitious way, such as the word shriek�.. but also how often almost everyone is described as exceptionally beautiful and handsome.)

Lackluster sex scene.



Issues were resolved too easily and too quickly.



A little too anachronistic in some parts.


Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choices.
(Especially the hero and heroes of this book and series� all are tall and muscular/big and very handsome� not many things sets them apart from each other when it comes to their visual appearance/description.)

The heroines annoying/unlikable/self-absorbed mother and sister.

The hero was a little bit too immature and shallow.

The heroines insecurity and self-consciousness about her body and looks.
(Calling herself podgy etc. None of the other heroines in this series looked down on their looks/bodies� The heroine had garish and outdated/ill-fitting clothes/dresses thanks to her mother�. So the insecurity about her clothing is rather relevant to the character and story� but making the heroine insecure about her body because she is “podgy�/curvy is just too stereotypical.)

Too much mention of the heroes past philandering ways.

Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,347 reviews54 followers
June 8, 2023
We’ve watched the sparks fly between Zach and Mary from the first moments we saw them together. Proving once again that the opposite of love isn’t hate, because there is so much passion in the snark and spite these two throw one another’s way. And, just like how there’s more to Zachariel Deville than meets the eye, Mary has her own hidden depths. As they race each other, (without exactly knowing they’re racing, or that it’s each other,) they both are forced to confront the feelings they’ve been avoiding dealing with for as long as they’ve known one another. I adored watching this pair come to the realization that there was so much more between them than the sibling rivalry they liked to pretend it was. The mystery they were chasing kept me on the edge of my seat and I wasn’t setting this book down until I knew everything. And now that we know our favorite fool is worlds more clever than anyone guessed, I can’t wait to find out the rest of his story.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Ginger.
10 reviews
May 31, 2023
Unmasked By A Devil is the much awaited installment of Wendy Vella's The Deville Brother's Series. We finally get the story of Zach and Mary! Their hate has finally turned into passion. I have waited for this book since the series began and I was not disappointed. This was a well written story that captures the reader from the very first paragraph. I found the storyline to be original and exciting. We find that Mary isn't all that she appears to be! Although, I don't like to give out too many details in reviews; I will say that Mary was given such depth and character that she just couldn't behave herself. We are also given a better look into the life of Lord Plunge and a teaser for his own story! This was a great read and I can't wait for the next installment!

I was given an advanced copy of this book for my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,627 reviews113 followers
June 19, 2023
Wendy Vella is one of my favorite authors. I've only been reading her since early 2016 and this is my 36th book by her. I love her stories and they are well written.

I loved Zach and Mary's story. I loved that there was suspense and thrills. Such a great couple, great friends and family and a great love story. I really liked Zach's character. Overall a really good read.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,172 reviews19 followers
June 13, 2023
Zacheriel Aka Zach and Mary. Just Wow. When you turn barbs into kisses!? Well you get heat that leaps off the pages which was some what expected!
There are twists and turns villains to expose and a traitor to Alexius!
Mary has secrets and secrets they are in fact non negotiable as they could threaten Britain security! Zach also has secrets to protect during on of their more heated exchange Zach starts to see Mary differently and it scares him witless!
When his brothers and cousin notice well desperate men do desperate things!
When those actions expose Mary’s truths well Zach’s heart has started to get affected!
When Lord Plunge cover as a buffoon also is on the line well more nonstop action!
Feisty heroines and a growling hero are the order of the day!
Mary is dainty and deadly so when danger strikes she is more than up to the task?
What their future possibly hold? They loathe each other don’t they!
Well read this rollercoaster ride to a HEA! You will laugh out loud as these two discover there is a very thin line between loathing and loving! Bravo Wendy Bravo! Can’t wait to read Lord Plunge’s story!
Profile Image for Elaine.
3,793 reviews91 followers
June 14, 2023
So worth waiting for this Deville Brothers story. Enjoyed this read so very much. Always a winner with Wendy Vella. Loved it! 5�
Profile Image for Terryrose.
235 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2023
delightful!

Intrigue, love, mystery, danger! Well developed characters, with interesting backstories, and depth of character and intelligence! Delightfully contorted storyline! Well done, Ms. V!
Profile Image for Jodie Vakeva.
238 reviews
August 7, 2023
Hidden

I downloaded this book because i've read the others and I love the series. What happens when feelings you thought were hate are unmasked and leave you with love. Will you choose it or cover it back up?
Author4 books10 followers
June 12, 2023
Well... Wendy Vella has done it again! She has written a book I couldn't wait to start, couldn't put down, and then wanted to start over because I read it way too fast!

"Unmasked By A Devil" is packed with suspense, mystery, love, family, friendship, and the introduction of characters we only thought we knew before. Zach and Mary's story has been building for a while, and it did not disappoint.

Zach Deville suddenly finds himself feeling lonely -- his brothers and best friend are all happily married. Even more unsettling, the woman he finds himself drawn to is one he shares a mutual dislike with.

Mary Blake is the overlooked daughter -- the one dressed in unflattering clothing, sensible compared to her sister, and the one who cares more about protecting others than finding happiness for herself. There is more to Mary Blake than meets the eye! And more of a match for Zach than he could ever imagine.

Zach and Mary must navigate life in the Ton, secret government matters, and new feelings all at once. No easy feat, but definitely a match made in Wendy Vella heaven!

The Deville Series is filled with "handsome Devilles" as Plunge would say, but also so much more. Wendy Vella creates written worlds filled with characters that come alive and intertwine from one story to the next. She has a wonderful way of drawing readers in from the first lines and holding ones attention until the end, all while telling a story we want to read again and again.

I highly recommend this series, as well as her Langley and Raven/Sinclair series! You will not be disappointed! Now to wait until the next one...
15 reviews
May 27, 2023

Unmasking A Devil another thoroughly enjoyable book by Wendy Vella in her ‘Deville brothers� series.

Zachary Deville, youngest of the five brothers and Mary Blake have known each other for many years and their relationship had always been of annoyance as each appeared to dislike the other and made their feelings quite apparent.

It was obvious from their on-going animosity towards each other in earlier books that Zach and Mary would find love together. It was just when and how they would realise it, that we would find out. ‘Unmasking A Devil� has finally arrived and we can rejoice with them when they do.

The author captures my interest within the first page or so of a book and spins such a good, well paced, well written and entertaining story that I am no longer surprised that once I begin a new book, I will not put it down again until I finish it. No matter how many hours it takes.

I hate to give away any of the storylines as I have no desire to spoil anyone’s reading experience of this book, but will just say if you have enjoyed reading Wendy Vella’s other books, you will enjoy this one as well.
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
486 reviews
June 4, 2023
Unmasked by a Devil is the next installment in the Deville Brother’s series and tells Zach and Mary’s story. We have had glimpses into Zach and Mary’s relationship throughout the series, and it is quite adversarial, and at times bordered close to loathing. But something has changed, Zach feels differently around Mary and he knows she is hiding something.

So image Zach’s surprise when he finds out that she too is doing work as an undercover agent for the king to protect their country, just like him and his brothers. When Mary’s life is in danger he can no longer hide his feelings of love for her and knows he must do whatever he can to save her.

I am a devoted Wendy Vella fan and was sad to see the Raven and Sinclair stories come to an end but was thrilled to have them very much a part of this book. Having the Sinclair’s and Raven’s be a part of this story is like visiting with a friend you haven’t seen in a long time, the interlude is both special and delightful all at the same time.

I was cheering along with his family, and friends, when Zach and Mary finally woke up to their feelings, loved that Mary was so strong willed and would not back down on her desires to remain an agent and that Zach was man enough to agree. The extended dialogue was the perfect way to end this well written and enjoyable story.

As always, Wendy Vella has delivered another amazing book, I am enjoying the Deville series very much and can’t wait for Lord Plunge’s story!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am providing my honest review.
Profile Image for Wendy Tavenner.
1,296 reviews10 followers
June 13, 2023
Unmasking each other

I have been wanting Mary and Zach’s story from the beginning and it did not disappoint.
Ever since they’ve known each other all they do is argue and antagonize. It’s just what they do. But for some reason Zach is feeling unsteady and he’s not sure why.
Mary feels unsettled when she’s around Zach know.
When they are both given tasks to uncover another plot against the realm will Zach finally uncover her deception.
Mary has been under cover masquerading as a veiled, cloaked French woman. When Zach spots the French woman in a gaming hell he feel’s something familiar about her. When he eventually asks Lord Plunge about her, he says she’s a distant cousin.
As Zach finds Plunge and his cousin in odd places something just doesn’t add up. When there life is threatened it becomes clear to Zach just who she is and he has his suspicions about Plunge.
A wonderful story with a beautiful ending. Can’t wait to finally read about Lord Plunge or Viscount Montgomery next.
Profile Image for Jane Willard.
9 reviews
June 2, 2023
Zach and Mary’s story has been hinted at in at least the last two Deville novels, but I didn’t see the main plot coming. Even the title hints at it, but I still didn’t have a clue. And even though I was in stitches most of the time, the book dealt with some serious issues.
The comic dialogue and situations were vastly entertaining. Lord Plunge and the garden party, complete with one of the Duchess of Yardley’s reading “saloons� while everyone is in boats was a highlight. Ms. Vella’s descriptions are visually evocative, and I would look forward to a dramatized version of any of her series.
Zach’s conflict was not in coming to terms with his growing attraction for Mary, his lifelong frenemy, but rather in dealing with his instinct to cage her in to prevent harm versus Mary’s clear desire to continue to pursue her adventures. I was worried that Zach and/or Mary would capitulate to society’s norms, but found Ms. Vella’s resolution unexpected and satisfying. I was reading another, earlier novel of hers at the same time, and her writing has matured all round.
Once again, my regret is that the series is coming to an end—no more brothers—but the fleshing out of Lord Plunge’s character was a delight, and I am excited that he’s going to get his own book.
694 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2023
Zach Deville feels at a loss now that his best friend and his brothers and cousin are all married. While out and about the bickering between him and Mary Blake starts to take a new direction and gradually he starts to suspect that something is going on. Discovering Lord Plunge and his cousin in places they are investigating adds to the suspicion. All this while trying to find a blackmailer and murderer and a traitor within Alexis will keep Zach and his brothers on their toes. With the usual crowd making an appearance, including the Duchess of Yardley, this book will leave you out of breath. Full of action, adventure and sass, you will be captivated from start to finish. I am pleased to see that following the revelations regarding Lord Plunge that he will be the subject of the next book in the series and I can't wait. This book does not disappoint and is a great addition to the series.

I received a copy from the author and I am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for CealR.
51 reviews
June 10, 2023
I've been hanging out for Zac's and Mary's story since their first scene together, and it did not disappoint! Although I definitely didn't expect to walk away thinking a story about Lord Plunge was going to be at the top of my needs list! But so goes the marvel that is Ms Vella's writing. You just never know what unexpected twist she's going to throw at you hahahah!

This book was no different. An enemies to lovers trope if ever there was one! But with Ms Vella's trademark wit and intrigue. And while the story can certainly hold its own as a standalone, there are some welcome cameos along the way which followers of the author will definitely appreciate.

I thoroughly enjoyed Zac and Mary's journey, and particularly Mary's determination in a male driven world. This book also had probably one of my favourite epilogues in the series, so make sure you get it!

I received this book as an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
300 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2023
Yay!!! Zach and Mary's story!!!!

I love the DeVille Brothers series! And I love how they cross over with her Sinclair/Raven series.
Zach and Mary have been snapping at each other since book 1. You know what they say, there is a fine line between love and hate.
Zach is the consummate flirt. Women of all ages adore him.
Mary is the typical wallflower. She is intelligent, strong willed and an abominable dresser.
You could feel the � and the chemistry whenever they were in the room together.
They finally get their story and it does not disappoint! I loved the extra epilogue you could download at the end.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ �
210 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2023
Reaction

I loved this book! We've met Zach and Mary before in the previous books and their epic verbal battles. But it isn't until Zach is forced to look closer does he realize there might be something there. He's forced to let her do what she loves, but has vowed to protect her from her latest case. Can he resolve his love for her and his protectiveness? As I finished this, as always I've preordered the next book.
Profile Image for Susan.
368 reviews56 followers
June 11, 2023
I have loved all of the books in The Deville Brothers series and Unmasked By A Devil was no exception! I've been looking forward to Zach & Mary's story throughout the other books. It was so entertaining to see how they became aware of their feelings and how the Deville Brothers reacted to learning more about Mary and her friend. I enjoyed the witty banter and the action and adventure as Zach & Mary found their HEA.
84 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2023
Compulsive reading

I am really enjoying this series. It mixes drama, mystery, fun and romance. There are some wonderful, colourful characters that add a little melodrama and keeps a smile on your face. The stories cover serious subjects and keep plenty of suspense but the threads of humour add light and fun.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,156 reviews9 followers
June 4, 2023
Love this, what a man really wants, he will get. Not only is it romantic, it's suspenseful, and provides much needed comic relief. Very clever, these two are, I enjoyed the sparks as their world collides in more ways than one. Never a dull moment with this one. Resistance is futile. I received a free copy and voluntarily chose to leave this review.
5 reviews
June 11, 2023
the Deville series

I have loved each and every book in this series they have been funny and emotional and so had me laughing and crying in equal measure
I am now looking forward to Monty’s story
223 reviews
June 11, 2023
Amazing these two took ages to realise the attraction between them. The fact they both belong to the secret agency protecting the King is a bit hard on Zach. But they come together at last. Brilliant storyline from Wendy. This series is really worth buying
Profile Image for Kathleen .
261 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2023
I love this book , therefore you should read it ;)

This was well worth the wait! Mary and Zach have been building and building! I loved the mystery surrounding the two of them and their back and forth. Always a wonderful escape into Wendy’s world of characters !
Profile Image for Karen.
5 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2023
Wendy Vella never disappoints! POSSIBLE SPOILERS Two people are "unmasked" in this wonderful "almost conclusion" to the Deville series. Both are somewhat surprising. Mary and Zach's relationship has always been full of sexual tension for those who looked carefully. I'm so glad they have their happy ending!
302 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2023
Zach and Mary’s story will keep you entertained. It’s is great to see all the cast from previous books in a different light. There are great plot twists, danger and romance abounds. I was gifted this book as an arc. This is my honest review.
7 reviews
June 10, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the book
Although the end was what I expected and wanted getting there was intriguing and I loved every min
I now just want to access the bonus scene
60 reviews
June 14, 2023
Zach and Mary

Loved their story. Read whole series so this was very nice addition. Only want now to know lord Plunges story!
3,515 reviews14 followers
June 14, 2023
Unmasked By A Devil is a fast-paced historical romance by Wendy Vella. Ms. Vella has produced a well-written book and loaded it with a fantastic cast of characters. Zachariel is the youngest Deville brother and a member sworn to protect the king. Mary is great friends with all of Zachariel's family but they can't seem to stop baiting each other whenever they meet. Mary has a secret life that may interfere with the Deville brothers and their secret missions. Zach and Mary's story is packed with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I loved this book and look forward to my next book by Wendy Vella. Unmasked By A Devil is book 5 of The Deville Brothers Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jean.
278 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2023
Great action, good comedy, can't wait for a book about Lord Plunge
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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