Shealyn West is being blackmailed with a video that was taken without her knowledge. For reasons of her own, she doesn't want to investigate who is doing this to her. She just wants to pay them off in hopes that they will leave her alone once paid.

Cutter Bryant is hired to be a bodyguard for actress Shelly West. When he arrives, he is surprised the actress only hired him to protect her while dropping off blackmail money. Cutter tries to convince Shealyn that she needs to let him investigate or the blackmailers will keep coming back, if it truly is money they are after.

Cutter knows he shouldn't get close to Shealyn but he can't help the attraction he feels for her. He has obligations at home and can't offer her anything long term. Shealyn has a fake relationship with her co-star of her hit tv series. She knows she shouldn't get close to Cutter in fear of the paparazzi finding out and smearing her name.

Cutter and Shealyn's story was ok. I wish I can say that I loved it but it was just ok. Cutter's obligation back home and Shealyn's fake relationship interfered too much into their own story and I think it kept me from connecting with them.

OMG, Yes!! 4.5 stars for this steamy and emotional love story! I was addicted to the storyline from the beginning, instantly falling in love with this couple. This book has some interesting twists, tense, and breath holding moments. I had suspected who it was at the beginning but, then changed my mind. That revealing moment was so sad for me; it broke my heart for so many reasons.

Cutter is a former military man now a totally hot bodyguard who takes a job protecting an actress who is being blackmailed. He’s a sweet guy with a big heart, naturally meant to protect, not just her, but others in his life. I love what he was going to do for Brea, it was selfless, honorable and would give her a better start to a new life. I love how his family and friends, even Brea tried to tell him that he deserved to be loved and happy. When that realization hit, that it was ok for him to make that decision for himself, put his heart first, was a teary smile moment for me.

Shealyn is an actress, so she’s used to pretending, playing a part; it’s her life. She can’t pretend with Cutter, he sees through her lies and secrets. I love the parts when they first meet, even though she hired him, she refuses to be honest and let him protect her. His determination to do his job and their draw to each other is just too strong. She’s stubborn and her past makes trusting difficult. She also had her own aha moment that left me emotional, with an audible “finally”. I love that she got to have that time to talk with Brea, it helped bring everything full circle for me. The chemistry was so strong from the beginning between these two, but wow what a journey, their pasts played a big part in their hesitations and insecurities.

Oh, yes I will definitely be reading more from Shayla Black. This isn’t my first book by this author but it has been awhile. Which has left me wondering why? Her books are sexy, loving and always leave me needing more. I’m looking forward to the next in the Devoted Lovers series.

FINAL DECISION: I loved this bodyguard and star book. Hot and sexy, I loved how these can be combined with a sweetness between the main characters.

THE STORY: Bodyguard Cutter Bryant has agreed to protect his dearest friend by committing to a marriage of convenience between them. But before things are finalized, Cutter is off to Los Angeles to serve as a bodyguard for Shealyn West, one of the hottest new television stars. Cutter is thrown off balance by Shealyn from the moment they meet. Shealyn is being threatened by a blackmailer. Wary of revealing her secrets to Cutter, Shealyn is strongly attracted to the man she has hired to protect her. Deciding that there can be nothing long term between them, the two struggle against their feelings and their attraction while trying to find out who is threatening Shealyn.

OPINION: For some reason, I really like a good bodyguard/star story. It might be watching The Bodyguard or perhaps reading Silhouettes with similar stories in the 1980s. For whatever reason, I really was inclined to like this book from the start -- and thankfully, this book exceeded my expectations.

I could have done without the "like a sister" best friend who Cutter has to protect, but that is one of the dramas keeping the couple apart so I think it works as a plot device. What worked much better for me was the blackmailer story. I liked just about everything about it. It was suspenseful, the resolution was dramatic and good. Just good stuff.

I also really, really liked these characters. Both Cutter and Shealyn are wary but oh so willing to fall for one another. Shaelyn is a great combination of strong and independent and sweetness. At times she seems naive, but she is also savvy and determined.

Cutter is a genuinely good guy which is what causes him so many problems. He wants to solve the problems of his friend and doesn't know how to deal with having to take his own happiness.

I liked the relationship between Cutter and Shaelyn. They manage to pack a lot into what turns out to be only a few days. Of course, the danger and drama forces them into confessions that might have taken other longer, but I felt the connection between these two from the moment they met.

This is a good start to a new series. I haven't read the stories of some of the characters who appear here, but I didn't feel that I missed anything (although now I'm tempted to go back and read their stories).

WORTH MENTIONING: There are a whole bunch of characters introduced who I hope get their own stories in this series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: DEVOTED TO PLEASURE is the first book in the Devoted Lovers series. (There is a prequel DEVOTED TO WICKED that is a crossover with the Wicked Lovers series.)  Prior books are not necessary. I haven't read any other than DEVOTED TO WICKED and I didn't feel I missed anything.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE:  I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Wow I have had Devoted to Pleasure on my Kindle for a little while now and I have had to work my way through all my ARC’s. So, happy to have made my way to this book!

Devoted to Pleasure is the first book in Shayla Black’s new series Devoted to Lovers. This is Cutter Bryant (bodyguard) and Shealyn West’s (star for a steamy television drama) story.

Shealyn needed a bodyguard because she has a blackmailer about something in her past. Shealyn has a high profile fake romance with Tower Trent. Cutter figures it out, fast.

Cutter is taking his last “high-octane, high dollar assignment before he settles down to a new role. Getting married and settling down with his best friend.

But, what happens when Shealyn after she hires Cutter for her body guard? You will have to read this book to know.

Devoted to Pleasure is a steamy, suspenseful and enjoyable book to read. I can’t wait to read book 2 in this new series.

Not one of Black's better efforts, "Devoted to Pleasure" follows the conventional idea of two opposites who won't communicate with each other. TV star Shaelyn wants a bodyguard so she can safely deliver a blackmail payment, without wanting to inform bodyguard Cutter of any of the details- or believe that it'll turn into a more than one time payment. Cutter falls in love with Shaelyn and decides to spend the rest of his life with her, without telling her a few complicated details of his life- like he's already in a pity-engagement to a woman he thinks of as a sister. Neither main character held much appeal for me and I saw no chemistry between them, but none of the secondary characters were appealing either. All were either too self-absorbed, too stupid, or too flat.

While Shayla Black fans will undoubtably read it, I can't recommend "Devoted to Pleasure" as an introduction to the writer. The flatness of the characters and the plot left me questioning whether I'd read any others in this new series.

Sometimes one pays a very heavy price for saving your best friend's life. Brea Bell found herself pregnant and not wanting anything to do with the baby's father who made her pay a very personal price for rescuing her best friend, her almost brother's life. Cutter Bryant is alive and well so Brea knew she did the right thing. Cutter loves Brea like a sister and wants to thank her for what she has done by marrying her to save her from single motherhood and the unpleasant gossip in the town about the preacher's daughter being unmarried and pregnant. But then Cutter goes to California on assignmeet and meets the woman he is hired to protect, TV star, Shealyn West. The attactrion is instant and , well, things progress from there. Now...what to do, what to do!

Shayla Black brings the first full length novel in her new Devoted Lovers series coming out of the gate strong and fast. She is a master at character development and this is seen very much in this story. We met Cutter Bryant before but in this story we get to really know the wonderful person he is. Shealyn's character is a very attractive one to me, a TV star but down-to-earth and not typical Hollywood. Shealyn and Cutter are the perfect couple! I loved getting the glimpses of past characters too. This is a big win for Shayla Black!

I have been a big fan of Shayla Black's sexy stories and was so excited to jump into an all new spinoff series by her. I thought Cutter and Shealyn's story was great. It was sweet and sexy with a dose of suspense that kept me glued to my seat. I could not get enough!

When movie star Shealyn is being blackmailed she is in need of protection and safety - enter Cutter, a sexy, aloha bodyguard with a heart of gold. I thought this story was sweet and Shealyn provided the sass to Cutter's alpha protectiveness. I loved their banter and attraction and their chemistry together. The mystery element prevalent throughout was an added bonus to a sweet and heartfelt romance. Cutter and Shealyn were just perfect together!

I look forward to reading additional stories in this series in the future. I would like to thank Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

#DtoP is Sizzling, Slow burning love story that will melt you panties off ~ Elizabeth @ White Hot Reads

Cutter is hired by Shealyn for protection while she is being blackmailed, but this story is weaved with deception and lies and Cutter has to get past her defences to uncover and uncode the truth. Cutter also has to figure out how to keep his hands off this beautiful woman.

Once they both decide to try, Shealyn must learn to stop and listen to let him in! This is a must read, so good!

*****5 Fantastic Stars*****

3.5 ~ 4 stars

A plot brimming with passion, explosive sexual chemistry, and angst, Devoted to Pleasure was an intense read. Shayla Black's new series, a spin-off of her Wicked Lovers, is certainly off to a good start. Shealyn and Cutter's fiery and suspense-filled romance captivated me from its slow-building beginnings and through each nail-biting twist.

Cutter Bryant, a former military officer, turned badass bodyguard, was a sexy and overly protective Alpha hero. A man who would do anything and sacrifice all for those he loved, he was exactly the type of man sassy starlet Shealyn West needed when her life fell apart. When danger darkened her doorstep, Cutter was quick to keep her safe at the expense of risking his own life and heart. But falling hard and fast for his beautiful client further complicated his already difficult circumstances. Their relationship was riddled with heartache and challenges as this couple traveled an emotionally bumpy road towards finding a happily ever after ~ twisting my emotions along the way.

A story laced with secrets, drama and sizzling passion, Devoted to Pleasure was an enjoyable insta-romance. I savored every moment of Cutter and Shealyn's journey as Black's writing style has a way of luring me in, centering my thoughts around her characters lives and experiences. I will say that the way Cutter handled his situation and how it affected the budding relationship with Shaelyn was a bit frustrating at times. Regardless, I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

I received an advance reviewer copy of this publication from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Queen of erotica Shayla Black is back with a new series that sizzles with heat! Bodyguard and former military man Cutter Bryant has been hired to guard television star Shealyn West. Cutter soon learns that Shealyn is being blackmailed and her life is in jeopardy. There is a video that the blackmailer is threatening to release unless Shealyn pays what the blackmailer requests. Everything is not what it appears to be. Some of the characters from the Wicked Lovers Series will be reintroduced in this new series. This is a great beginning to what appears to be a hot new series!

4.5 stars
I found myself loving this story but Cutter was too good to be true. He was there to help anyone who needed it and was even going to give up true love and forever happiness to help a friend, someone as close to him as a sister. It just didn't seem real to me because I haven't met anyone that selfless in my life.
Cutter Bryant was the all-around good guy, former military, now a bodyguard for hire and his next assignment has him heading to Hollywood. And after this high profile job, he is giving up his chance at love to help a friend. Wait until he meets Shealyn West, the one person he was not expecting.
Small town girl makes it big, Shealyn West is finally living her dream as a Hollywood actress. But what she wasn't ready for was all the press following her every move. And when a blackmailer sends a text with a steamy video of her and a man that is not her boyfriend, she realizes that she needs someone to go with her to drop off the payoff. She hires a bodyguard at a friends recommendation. When the man shows up at her door, Cutter Bryant was not what she was expecting at all. He leaves her tingling all over and tongue-tied. She has never had these feelings towards any man before. And she wants to explore them more with him.
Can Cutter and Shealyn enjoy their time together and he can keep her safe too? Will the blackmailer give up after she pays whoever it is off? Will they find out who the blackmailer is? Will Cutter and Shealyn end things when he leaves or will they make a future together?
I loved this story and other than Cutter being too good to be true, I recommend it highly. Shayla Black has a way of pulling you into a story and making you feel all the emotions the story has to offer. So I hope you enjoy this story too.
**A copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review**

Thankful for receiving this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Shalya (the author) is beyond sweet. She dedicated this one to her Facebook book beauties. I am definitely one of them because I love all of her work.. Plus who doesn't love having wine Wednesdays.

Those who love Wicked Lovers will definitely love this one. Especially since we see some of the characters from those books. Yes this one doesn't include any bdsm but boy was it HOT!!

We meet Cutter a natural born protector of those who he loves. He works for a security firm and just hired to protect a actress. Shealyn is being blackmailed and is afraid of what people will think of her. She has been guarding her heart ever since her mother left them as kids. The instant these two meet is like a firework have sparked.

This story was filled with sexual tension, suspense, steamy scenes and it was emotional. This is definitely a must read. I can"t wait for the next one and hoping its Cutter brother Cage. I can see Cage bringing some hardcore scenes.

Shealyn's life is beyond crazy to start with and now she is being blackmailed. This book is so full of twists and crazy drama that you will wonder what is happening here and there, but once the story comes together it is so worth the read. Shealyn and Cutter are on fire when they are together, but they have a hard time catching a break.

Loved this story and I'm excited to find that there will be more from these characters, as this is the first book in the series. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

As soon as the call comes in Cutter knows he is latest job is going to be a challenge, a Hollywood starlet that is trying to dodge a blackmailer who is out for blood or money. He takes his job very seriously, abides by all the rules, keeps his clients safe, and never, ever, crosses the line with them... but when Shealyn West comes crashing into his world the lines start to blurry. She is gorgeous, but she is also not at all what he expected her to be, he thought she would be unapproachable, a pampered princess, but she is about as far from that as she can be. She is a down-to-earth girl, with big dreams, lots of ambition, a heart of gold, and a body made for sin... and Cutter wants to explore every inch of it. But that would be so wrong, and SO against all the rules he lives by...

When Shealyn West finds out that their is a blackmailer out to put an end to her successful career by airing her dirty laundry, she knows she is going to have to do something to keep them at bay, so she places a call into EM Security and asks them if they can help. So they promise to send some muscle her way to keep her safe from the danger that is lurking, and she isn't quite prepared for the hunk of a man that they send her way, Cutter is gorgeous, and so unexpected. He promises to keep her safe, and while she believes that with every ounce of her being, she also believes that they have some serious sparks flying between them, sparks that could bring a whole new kind of danger...

Devoted to Pleasure is a scintillating new installment in the Devoted Lovers series, and it's centered around a armed and able bodied hunk who is hired to protect a beautiful actress who has managed to catch the attention of a very eager and dangerous blackmailer. From the moment these two wandered into each other lives you could feel the sparks flying off the pages, and it was obvious those sparks were going to lead to something really hot at some point... and boy did it ever!! I thoroughly enjoyed this one it had suspenseful action to keep me guessing, some pesky rules that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering will they or won't they, and an emotional story line that spoke to my heart...a total win in my book!! Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Devoted to Pleasure is the first book in the new Devoted Lovers series by Shayla Black. This book is packed with suspense, danger, passion and commitment. The twist and turns were very engaging and captured my attention from the first page.

The story was laid out nicely and the flow was great. The romance part of the story was electrical and intense. The chemistry between Cutter and Shealyn was filled with sparks and passion. The characters were well-developed and likable. Shealyn was too afraid to believe in love and too cynical to have faith that it could last. Cutter was noble and giving, but he didn’t want anyone under his skin because he is afraid to open up and give others the power to hurt him. The drama of being a Hollywood starlet was entertaining. The suspense and mystery of the blackmailer had led to some dangerous moments that kept me on my toes. The twist and turns of the case had kept me guessing until the end.

The Devoted Lovers series is a spinoff of the Wicked Lovers series. The first chapter had references to people and events that had happened in another book. I was a little lost because I have not read any of the Wicked Lovers books. However, that did not affect the enjoyment of Shealyn and Cutter’s story. I got intrigued and might go back to the Wicked Lover Series to get to know more of the characters that was mentioned.

I loved the Wicked Lovers series and was sad to know it was ending, but at the same time very excited for this spin-off series to start. We met Cutter Bryant briefly in the last Wicked Lovers book and I was intrigued to get his story after reading that epilogue. Cutter works for EM Security and has agreed to help his best friend who is in a really messed up situation but first he has to take a job as a bodyguard for Hollywood actress Shealyn West. Shealyn is being blackmailed and all she needs is for Cutter to help her make to drop. She & Cutter run into problems at the drop and things get worse so Cutter insists she stop lying to him and tell him exactly what is going on. Shealyn has trust issues and is skeptical about letting Cutter get too close. As the danger ramps up so does the chemistry between them but a video released showing them kissing sparks a media frenzy and the issues Cutter is helping his best friend with come to light and drives a wedge in the growing relationship between Cutter & Shealyn. Can they get past the secrets they have both be keeping and the trust issues Shealyn has? Can Cutter figure out who is behind all the trouble Shealyn is having before it is too late? I love the glimpses we get to see of Hunter & Logan and their lives as they tried and help Cutter. This is a great start to another sexy suspenseful series form one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read more about these new characters.

3.5 Stars

What happens when you hire a bodyguard to help protect you, but all for him to uncover your secrets in a matter of a couple of days? But in return both your worlds turn upside down.

"Cutter Bryant was everything she'd ever sought--and he'd come at the worst time in her life."

Devoted to Pleasure by Shayla Black is a fully well-written (as expected by a grand author) novel that had just the right amount of suspense, angst and lust. The push and pull between Cutter and Shealyn due to their careers, their personalities was just enough to keep flipping the pages to see what would happen next. The sexual chemistry was mediocre I would say compared to some of the other books from Ms. Black, but since this is a new series from her, the love/lust/romance was on par.

As a HUGE Shayla Black fan it breaks my heart to rate a book this low for her, but I am honest when it comes to my reviews... this one just didn't reach to me like others of hers did. I liked the storyline, but honestly something just didn't click with me. My heart was not with these characters unfortunately.

I am however, looking forward to seeing the next instalment of Devoted Lovers and the story we get to witness. Shayla will always be a top romance author for me.

4.5 Stars

Devoted to Pleasure is a good suspense filled romance novel.

Shaelyn wasn't prepared to deal with her stalker let alone her new sexy bodyguard. The pair had immediate chemistry from the beginning to the end.

It did get a little repetitive in the middle, a bit dragging, but the author picks it up with a fast paced and shocking ending.

I've read my fair share of Shayla Black books and I'm VERY sad to say that this one just didn't do it for me. I tried. I REALLY tired to fall for these characters, for the story, but there was just "something" that kept me distant. And I still can't pin point it. (sigh)

Cutter is former military, now working security. He's a small town "hero" and has a problem with always wanting to help those in need. Probably why the security thing works for him. But it's messing with his personal life. Why? Because he's promised his life to local girl, just so that she can save face with her family (and THIS is probably what's kept me at arms length). But before he can marry the local girl, he has a job to do in LA.

Shealyn is the job in LA. She's a big time actress, who's living the dream. Right? Well, sort of. Although she's this huge actress, she's also "fake dating" her co-star and is currently being blackmailed. So she's hired Cutter to help her with the blackmail issue. He may be helping her out with the co-worker issue too.

Like I stated earlier, this just didn't mesh for me. The fact that Cutter is the wholesome local town hero who saves the day, sacrificing his own needs for others, really through me. The chemistry between the two main characters is good. But it seemed to run hot and cold due to Cutter predicament. All in all, it's still a good read because the author is good at what she does. This one just wasn't for me.

reviewed by Chris

5 Star reviews of Devoted To Pleasure (Devoted Lovers #1) by Shayla Black
I was excited to hear that Shayla Black had a new series and jumped at the chance to read and review.
I fell hard and fast for former military man and now bodyguard Cutter Bryant. He ticked all the boxes for me and I found him to be totally swoon worthy.
Cutter is a man who always puts every ones needs above his own, including offering to marry his best friend who finds herself pregnant and in danger of being kicked out by her father; but first he has a job to do.
Shealyn West is like all of us, she has made mistakes in the past and it is this that comes back to haunt her with a vengeance. When she hires Cutter to help sort out her security and protect her, she has no idea how her life will change.
There’s a fine line between business and pleasure and both Cutter and Shealyn are trying to decide if it is worth taking a risk. The chemistry between Cutter and Shealyn sizzles so much you are in danger of being burnt.
When Shealyn finds out about his “fiance” she demands he leaves and refuses to listen to his explanations.
When danger rears it’s ugly head, will Cutter be able to save her, will he take a chance and follow his heart or walk away and do what is right by his friend?
There is drama, smoking hot scenes and a few tear jerking moments and as I have come to expect from Ms. Black, Devoted To Pleasure is entertaining and extremely well written.