3.75 stars-- DEVOTED TO PLEASURE is the first instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult DEVOTED LOVERS erotic, romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Wicked Lovers series. This is bodyguard and former military man Cutter Bryant, and actress Shealyn West’s story line. You do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the new spin-off.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Shealyn and Cutter) DEVOTED TO PLEASURE follows the forbidden romance between bodyguard and former military man Cutter Bryant, and actress Shealyn West. Shealyn West is being blackmailed by an unknown source. A video of Shealyn in a compromising situation is about to be released to the world unless Shealyn’s meets with her blackmailer’s demands. Hiring Cutter Bryant to act as her go-between is but the tip of the proverbial iceberg as Shealyn’s personal life is about to be played out in public for the world to see.

Cutter Bryant knows there is more to the story than our heroine is letting on, but as a personal bodyguard, Cutter’s job means more than a go-between but a position to protect for more than one night. With his own life spiralling out of control, Cutter finds himself falling for the rising star, a star whose own past is as troubling as Cutter Bryant’s. What ensues is the building romance between Cutter and Shealyn, and the potential fall-out as Cutter’s life back home begins to interfere in his relationship and protection of the woman with whom he is falling in love.

DEVOTED TO PLEASURE is a detailed story line where a number of personal issues for both Cutter and Shealyn begin to affect a potential happily ever after. From a prior ‘commitment’ back home for Cutter, to Shealyn’s double life played out for the tabloids, it is only a matter of time before everything begins to implode.

The relationship between Cutter and Shealyn is one of immediate attraction, an attraction that does not go unnoticed by those closest to our story line heroine. From the outset Cutter and Shealyn are keeping secrets from one another, secrets that will potentially affect their future, one way or another. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and intense but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word that holds no place in a romance story line.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Cutter’s brother, police officer Cage Bryant; Cutter’s best friend Brea Bell; Shealyn’s sister Maggie aka Magnolia; Shealyn’s co-star Tower Trent, and fellow actress Jessica Jarrett. The requisite evil has many faces. There are also a couple of cameo appearances and mentions of characters previously introduced in the author’s other series.

DEVOTED TO PLEASURE is an edgy and sexy story line. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are spirited, passionate and charismatic; the romance is steamy, hot and heavy. DEVOTED TO PLEASURE is a spicy and dramatic start to Shayla Black’s DEVOTED LOVERS.

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Angst 3
Tears 2
Value 5
Storyline 5
Panty Scorching 5
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley

WOW!!! I love love love this book. Shayla knows good words and she knows them well. I fell in love with Shayla and Cutter immediately. Cutter is Mr. Do Good and Shayla is America’s Sweetheart. Although Cutter is straight up alpha male. Ain’t nothing about that man that says walk all over me. Lawd no! He seriously won my heart from the beginning.

This is a great read with tons of angst, tension, and all the feels. Seriously! if you want a bad ass alpha male and a sweet heroine you’ve got it here.

Devoted to Pleasure is the first book in her new Devoted Lovers Series.

Cutter Bryant is a good guy. He loves and cares deeply for his friends and family. Brea Bell is his best friend since forever and now she needs his help. Yes, Cutter didn´t like the small town gossip and moved away as soon as he could, but his roots are deep and he´s willing to sacrifice his future love for his friends reputation.
But every changes in the blink of an eye when he gets assigned to a bodyguard job for Shealyn West, the famous actress. It takes him one look at her and he´s a goner. Shealyn has her own issues and secrets - secrets that threaten her life - what a mess.
I loved thge Wicked Lovers Series and was sad when this series ended. But yay, now here´s the spin-off and I couldn´t wait to get my hands on this book and I wasn´t disappointed. The writing is great and I loved meeting Cutter and Shealyn. I give 4,5 stars.

Sweet new series from Ms. Black dives into the world of romantic suspense. Shealyn West is an actress with not only a stalker of sorts but a blackmailer. She is the perfect patsy for a blackmailer because she refuses to confront them for fear of damaging her good girl next door image. As most readers know, a blackmailer is never satisfied with one payment. Luckily for Shealyn, she is recommended to hire a new bodyguard and he has different ideas about how to protect her. Specifically, Cutter Bryant does not condone paying off blackmailers. Against Shealyn's wishes, he decides to do something about it.

Full disclosure, I just read a book where the set up was similar except the famous actress was actually an actor. The set up in that book was more complex and well developed so this book unfortunately is getting compared to it, perhaps unfairly. I digress. The characters in this story are good. Sheayln is really a nice person. Cutter is an alpha male as Ms. Black normally gravitates towards. I liked book characters. There was a bit of miscommunication between the two characters which is not favourite way to have conflict, but it is okay. It's pretty accurate of how many romance readers expect men and women to interact. The chemistry between the two does generate a bit of heat and is sweet.

The plot of the story does take a backseat to the romance angle. I do prefer to have a stronger plot to generate tighter bonds between the two characters. Overall, the story is easy to follow and a smooth read. Is it memorable? Only because I like the author. This contemporary romance is recommended to romantic suspense lovers who love their alpha males.

Explosive chemistry just can't be denied between Black's newest couple. Sexy and sweet all wrapped up in one great love story. I was left me wanting more.

Once again, Shayla Black tantalizes while engulfing the reader in one doozy of a love story.

I received this ARC copy of Devoted to Pleasure from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Devoted to Pleasure is set for publication July 3, 2018.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Shayla Black
Series: A Devoted Lovers Novel (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: July 3, 2018
ISBN-10: 0399587365
ISBN-13: 978-0399587368
Genre: Contemporary Military Romance

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Devoted to Pleasure is about two small town people in the big city. She is the Hollywood starlet and he is the bodyguard. Both of them are compensating for pasts that weigh them down. Secrets and emotions are dangerous combination in this book. What you don't know could get you hurt!

I enjoyed Devoted to Pleasure. It was a nice easy going read. With the occasional adrenaline spike, Devoted to Pleasure mad it more interesting. I just had a hard time staying in the story. I couldn't connect with the characters on a deeper level so it left me drifting through the book. Was it good? Yeah. Do I recommend it? Yeah, okay, but I won't be shouting from the rooftops on this one.

3.5 Stars

I always love the start of a new series as this brings us a new bunch of characters. This book brings us sweet and sassy with an alpha hot protector, sizzling chemistry between the main characters. Add in a little suspense for good measure and you find yourself glued to the land instead the pages.

Shealyn is an actress who is doing well for herself but finds a little trouble and is being blackmailed. She reaches out to a bodyguard that is recommended by a friend. Before she knows it all of her secrets are being threatened and she feels her life is falling apart. The more things come to light the more she finds herself leaning on Cutter Bryant to provide protection and comfort.

Cutter is an ex-military soldier who has a heart of gold and is loyal to extremes. Willing to help and look after those close to him, even at a cost to himself. Expecting a normal bodyguard situation when he arrived in L.A. He never expected the fast feelings for his employer that came at him from. He fights hard at the feelings and does his best to keep the line between professional and personal, but Shealyn's draw was just too much.

Can he keep her safe while they solve the mystery of the blackmailer? Will this be anymore than a fast fling with heartbreak at the end? Or will Cutter and Shealyn find their HEA?

Advanced read copy provided through Net Galley for an honest review.

Devoted to Pleasure is the perfect kick to the new Devoted Lovers series. Cutter is a sexy alpha security man tasked with protecting Hollywood starlet Shealyn West. It's his last job before his life changes forever. But what he never expected was her. He never expected this woman to tempt him, to be a down-to-earth sweet and sexy soul that makes him want to ditch his misplaced honor and devotion. Yet, the same goes for Shealyn, she wasn't expecting this man, who makes her think about leaving her dream behind, her dream that she's finally achieved. But Cutter makes her realize that she's lost a bit of herself along the way to that dream, and Shealyn make Cutter realize he's about to risk losing himself if he returns to his hometown with the aforementioned misplaced honor and devotion.

These two find something they would much rather be devoted to... each other. In the midst of a suspenseful storyline, these two steam up the sheets and made me fall in love and root for them so hard. Cutter is an amazing character that is sexy personified, while Shealyn is sweet, and sassy. Together, their passion cannot be denied, and once they give in, there's no going back.

This book is a perfect weekend read. It sucked me in, and had me engrossed in not only the two main characters, but the characters that are to come in this series, and I CANNOT WAIT!! I highly recommend Devoted to Pleasure!

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Shealyn is an actress from Texas who is starting to make a name for herself in Hollywood so the last thing she can afford is a scandal. She is being blackmailed and all she wants to do is pay the person and forget it ever happened, so she hires a bodyguard to go with her to drop off the funds.

Cutter has a background in the military which he is putting to use in the security field. He is kind, considerate and willing to do anything for anyone. He believes that there is more to his assignment than being by her side for one night and when he finds out what the real situation is he is not about to let her handle it on her own.

Nothing is as simple as they imagined, and their adventure is filled with passion, suspense and twists. They develop feelings for each other, but will it be enough once all the secrets are revealed?

The first book in Shayla Black’s new Devoted Lovers series is just as pleasurable to read as the books in her Wicked Lovers series. Cutter Bryan is a former military man who is now a bodyguard and his newest client turns this man’s personal life upside down. Shealyn West stars in a steamy television drama and she needs a bit of help with a blackmailer but she is not prepared for the attraction that threatens all her secrets. These strong, charismatic characters pull readers into their story with lots of electrifying chemistry, super-heated passion and a powerful relationship that readers find fulfilling and stimulating. The romance between these two is only a little sweet as they fight the attraction due to the track that their lives have taken and responsibilities and loyalties that they have to others but when they give in to that attraction, the pages explode with passion and combustible energy. The relationship another words is quite energetic, full of secrets and suspense that keeps readers involved in the story from beginning to end.

The steady to fast paced plot has lots of thrilling suspense as the Cutter tries to determine where the danger is coming from which is made harder by Shealyn’s secrets and lots of excitement with surprising twists and exhilarating danger as the blackmailer ups the ante and startling truths are revealed. There is certainly no way that the readers can become bored during this story the events and timing of those events build the suspense and romance into stirring climaxes.

Truthfully, I love Shayla Black’s books and the worlds that she creates because she delivers each and every story with a passion that really pulls me in and ensures that I want to know the characters and every last detail of their story, so it was no surprise to me that I was completely taken in by Cutter (who is just too sexy for words) and Shealyn’s story.

Do you love a book that is full of angst, chemistry and that is super intense? If so, then you are going to LOVE this new book by Shayla Black..

The twists and turns will keep you hooked page after page. Who would not want an Alpha bodyguard like Cutter? He would do any and everything to protect the ones closest to him. What happens when you fall in love with the client you are supposed to be protecting with your life? As you can imagine a few complications arise that take everything he has to resolve. Shealyn is being blackmailed and gets WAY more than she ever bargained for.

Shayla is the master at taking you on a great ride. You will find Cutter and Shealyn not only running for their lives, but also finding themselves falling in love.. It was so much fun to see these two grow and change so much.. They are fun, witty, and definitely have some off the chart chemistry... Shealyn really has to dig deep and work through some past demons of insecurity and trust issues. Can she learn to let go and give her trust over for Cutter? As the danger looms they must make a choice.. Trust me you do not want to miss this.. I cannot wait for the next book..

I am a big fan of Shayla Black and everything she writes is sure to enthrall you and this one will not disappoint you! Shealyn and Cutter's story will push all your buttons, it is intense, full of suspense and some drama and also so sexy! Their story is explosive and intense and will they succumb to the temptations in front of them? This new series promises some pretty intense moments and I can't wait for more.

Sometimes fame has its privileges. Other times, the cost of fame threatens to consume you. For Shealyn West – fame has taken her on a road that many envy. It’s lonely at the top…something few realize. Appearances are everything in this cut throat business that envelopes Hollywood. The pressure to appease the public a constant thought for every actor.

Fueling tabloid fodder for the growth of your current project is nothing new for Shealyn. The actress knows all about ‘pretending’ for appearances. Shealyn’s current romance is actually a façade. One created to appeal to the public, when in reality it is nothing but a sham. No harm, no foul…right? That might have been the case before a blackmailer decided to out one of Shealyn’s deepest secrets. One that will expose the fabrications that Shealyn acts out in the public eye. A secret that threatens to unravel not only Shealyn’s career, but will shed light on a weak moment for the actress.

Seeking out a bodyguard to help with her situation, Shealyn turns to Cutter Bryant. This former military soldier is living through his own moral dilemma. One that threatens to reshape Cutter’s entire life. With the line blurring between employer and the assignment Cutter was hired for, everything that Cutter planned is conflicting with the attraction that he feels for Shealyn. With danger lurking around the corner, Cutter must decide if his heart or head is the winner in this dangerous game of cat and mouse.

When I discovered that Shayla Black was starting a new series, I was ecstatic. New series always lead to a new set of characters to follow and adore. The beginning of the book sets the stage for Cutter and where his ‘loyalties’ lie. An interesting concept to put into play with Shealyn’s character. While the plot was intriguing, the writing style just didn’t mesh with the intended ending for the two main characters.

Let me explain…..Cutter is portrayed as honest, loyal and a man that leaves no one behind. His fierce protection of friends and family is evident in the very beginning of the story. What I found as the book progressed was a ‘pushed’ love interest with Shealyn. A profession of love that was hardly believable in the short span of time that encompassed this book. For reasons that I cannot explain further without divulging spoilers, I found the dynamic between these two characters a big turn off. Totally the opposite of what one would expect in this story. While the premise of the story was believable, the chemistry just missed the mark. Hot sex…..sure…but the believability on this one went straight out the door. Hopefully – the next book in the series will be a redeemer in my eyes!!

Devoted to Pleasure is the perfect combination of hot, steamy romance, action packed plot and great characters! From the moment they meet Shealyn and Cutter have chemistry that is off the charts. She is used to living a life for the public eye and not showing anyone who she really is until Cutter breaks down her walls. Cutter is holding secrets of his own and if he doesn’t come clean they may come back to hurt his relationship with Shealyn in the end.

I didn’t know I was waiting on the perfect sweet, yet sexy bodyguard romance but then I picked up Devoted to Pleasure and it was everything I needed. I’ve only read a few Shayla Black novels and they were all deeply erotic. Devoted to Pleasure is a turn to the more tradition contemporary but in true Shayla style, this book is seriously sensuous. It’s gripping from page one and sets up exciting characters for a great new series.

Shealyn is a successful actress being blackmailed by an unknown threat. Cutter is brought on to protect her. Their chemistry is immediate but both Shealyn and Cutter have many challenges to work through before they can really be together.

I loved this book. I have no idea how Shayla made her main characters so deeply relateable but she pulled it off. Shealyn was sweet if a little naive but I was rooting for her the whole time. Cutter… where do I start with that hunk of alpha/beta hotness? Cutter was protective, possessive, sweet, consent might have been his middle name. I could feel their connection together both sexually and emotionally.

Cutter’s problems back home kept this read from being five stars. I was distracted way too often by the problems of the supporting characters. This book was trying to do too much at times, a common problem while trying to set up a series.

Overall, I highly recommend this book! Suspense, drama, sexy times, I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

HOT. FREAKING. DARN. Devoted To Pleasure was pure temptation with so many of the FEELS and SO MUCH OF THE STEAMY, SEDUCTIVE SEX and two of the FINEST characters you could imagine! Everything about this book made me happy and ULTRA pleased. From the plot, to the great characters to the hot sex and the great, heart clenching romance. This new series, I have a feeling, will be TREASURED by many and LOVED by all Shayla Black fans!

Cutter and Shealyn had the greatest chemistry. Things sparked and flared, sizzled and popped. The sex was SMOKING HOT and I felt like I needed a change of panties and a cold shower more than once. There was also the PERFECT amount of suspense, danger and action that had the adrenaline PUMPING and kept me on my toes. This book is a DELIGHT and a MUUUUST READ!

Devoted To Pleasure gets a PLEASURABLE FIVE POPPING STARS!

I loved this first book in Ms. Black's new series! Cutter is such a great hero. A guy who not only puts family first, but loves with his whole heart. I could tell when he let himself feel for Shealyn that he was all in. He not only wanted to protect her from harm, but wanted desperately to make things right at home before he could look for a future with her. He was an awesome guy....such a great book boyfriend.

Shealyn is an actress with not a lot of people around her to trust. Her relationships are all pretend and she has no one she can truly trust, until Cutter shows up. He fills a hole she has always had, but never wanted anyone enough to fill it. She is lonely, but yet she protects herself the best she can. I ached for her. For someone with so much success, she was so alone.

I loved this story and watching how their relationship unfolded. There were times of course I wanted to scream at Shealyn, but I had faith that everything would be OK. I can't wait to see where this series go. I enjoyed seeing some old names pop up in here as well.

I was so excited to start reading Devoted Pleasure, so far I have loved all the books I read by Shayla Black.This is not an exception.I was hooked from the first pages.I find the story interesting and captivating.

Shayla Black delivers a great story full of suspense,mystery,drama and a passionate romance.The romance between Cutter and Shealyn was fantastic.Both characters were well developed and the chemistry between them was something else. I loved that the France developed slowly with angst and passion.Both have to face their problems to manage to be together.

Overall, it was a great story.I'm looking forward for the next book in the series!

Devoted to Pleasure by Shayla Black is is the First book in the Devoted Lovers Series. This is the story of Cutter Bryant and Shealyn West.
Shealyn is being black mailed with a video that she didn't know was made. Shealyn just wants to pay the blackmailer and be done with it. When she hires Cutter to be protection as she delivers the money he quickly tells her that is not the right move to make.
There was a instant attraction between the two that made Cutter want to help protect her fully. They both had outstanding issue that should keep them apart but in the end it drew them in.
Great Hot Read!

Y'all know how much I love Shayla Black's Wicked Lovers series, and I was so happy to see the spinoff series, Devoted Lovers come to fruition! And what a start!

I loved the dynamic between Cutter and Shealyn. Their snarky, witty banter and their very sexy times together was a fun romance to read even through the danger that they were working toward figuring out! It was a quick and dirty romantic suspense!!

And of course I got snippets of some of my favorite Wicked Lovers characters including Logan and Heath. Swoon. But Cutter certainly ratcheted up the swoon factor where Shealyn was concerned!

Grab a drink and a snack and a napkin to wipe off the drool and enjoy the ride!