This story overall was decent. But I did have real problems with it. There were parts that just dragged on. Believe it or not, they were the sex scenes.
I am not a prude by any means, but they just seemed to drag on needlessly. None more so than the parking lot scene. It felt like it was disjointed to the rest of the story overall. Like oh no I can’t think of anything so let’s throw in some sex. I am all for erotica, but does it have to be there at the expense of a good story?
I found myself skimming over some parts to get beyond it because it was useless babble. Worse it pissed me off because Josiah who I overall liked as a character, during his love scenes he was a bully. He was a controlling pain in the ass. He never wanted to share experiences it was only his way.
The whole cult storyline and the suspense of who did it and how it could be stooped were enjoyable. There are several surprises when it comes to it all being saved. For this, it is why it got the rating it did.
I give this: 3 ½ stars but since I round up 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.

Loved this book! Intrusive, suspense, dominance and heat! So much goodness packed into tho read that consumes you and has you on the edge of your seat!!!

Review: DEVOTED TO LOVE: A Devoted Lovers Novel by Shayla Black https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-baU
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars

This was my first Devoted Lovers book and I had no problems keeping up with the characters. The beginning started like any other “meet at a wedding” trope, but the hints of upcoming danger added a nice edge. The smoking hot sex scenes also built onto the growing tension. Josiah is a Dom, but that didn’t overshadow their relationship or the story, rather it added a lusty heat to the bedroom. I connected with both characters to a point – I didn’t quite feel the love between them, only the lust and like. That didn’t ruin the story for me as their relationship and trust did build despite Maggie’s on-again/off-again behavior. (The “due to their pasts, they were both leery of any type of relationship, but powerless to stay away from each other” angle.) As for the antagonists in the cult, thankfully they weren’t completely stereotypical, instead showing a nice depth to their evil. I enjoyed this read and can’t wait for the next installment.

*Review copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/2lf6GPg

5 stars

Fantastic story by Shayla Black! Awesome mix of sexy and suspense (and submission)!

Neither Josiah, nor Maggie, are against love, it just hasn't been good to them and they're a little gun shy but their explosive chemistry pulls them in. They battle their growing feelings for each other, while pursuing the truth about a nearby murder! Add in the (oh so) creepy neighbors next door and you're in for a thrill ride!

Awesome second story in the Devoted Lovers series!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

Shayla Black did not disappoint with this addition to this awesome series. Josiah and Maggie are so great together the chemistry is off the charts. I could not put this book down, plus the twists and turns kept me guessing. I normally can figures out what will happen but this one i didn’t. Of course this series you get to see updates on many of the other characters from previous books and that never gets old. I cannot wait for any other books in this series

If there was a higher rating system then this book would qualify. Shayla Black never ceases to amaze with her talent and takes her readers on one heck of a ride with this storyline. As it is the second book in the Devoted Lovers series, it can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the other books in this world as the author brings back some favorite characters. Here comes the bride….Magnolia is attending her sister’s wedding when she comes across Josiah, a good friend and colleague of the groom. As is customary at weddings, Magnolia and Josiah are on the same page as each one is willing to partake in a one-night stand due to their mutual attraction. However, there are games afoot and a new group in town is pressuring some of the owners to sell their land. All bets are off when Magnolia’s grandparents are being hassled and Josiah steps up to ascertain what is really going on. Can he keep himself, Magnolia and her family all safe?
Like two peas in a pod filled with strength and the courage of their convictions, any reader cannot help but fall for Magnolia and Josiah. Ms. Black has flawlessly crafted these characters showing their growth and commitment to overcoming their obstacles to be together. Filled with action, suspense, steam and intrigue, this is one book that keeps one thoroughly entranced from beginning to end. Just when you think the plot will turn, the author throws in a few surprises. Shayla Black is one of my favorite authors and once again proves that she is a master at her craft. I look forward to reading the next book in this series….One-Mile and Brea perhaps? I highly recommend adding this to your tbr list asap.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book provided by Netgalley.

I love an alpha dom who has been hurt in the past so he doesn't think he's the marrying kind. He is really protecting his heart and scared that he will be hurt again. This pretty much describes Josiah Grant.

Add in Maggie who has also been hurt and feels abandon so she protects her own heart by not giving it to anyone. When Maggie and Josiah met at Maggie's sister's wedding, it was an instant attraction of which they both agree it would be a one night stand thing. But things get complicated when Josiah stays to investigate a cult that is pressuring people in the small town to sell off their properties.

I love how protective Josiah is of Maggie even when he doesn't want to have any type of future with her and I love Maggie's spunk. It is so hot when Josiah goes all dom and alpha on Maggie who didn't think she wants something like that but once she gets a taste of it, she realizes that she likes it! When loved ones are in danger, Josiah takes charge to protect Maggie and her loved ones and makes sacrifices in order to hope for a future with Maggie.

This is another hot alpha protective dom story with a sexy dom and a feisty heroine who is made for each other! I can't wait for the next book in this series!

*4.5 stars*

Sexy romantic suspense…

The heat between Maggie and Josiah started high and it never lowered. A wedding was the perfect time for romance but, initially, that is not what either of them said they wanted. A quick fling, some fond memories and then they would go their separate ways. All was grand until annoying emotions got in the way…

Shayla Black knew how to weave suspense and sexy in just the right doses as Maggie and Josiah wound their way through a landmine of love obstacles as well as life-threatening danger. Josiah was all alpha protectiveness which worked just fine (whew, did it ever!) even as Maggie pushed back. Hard… Maggie was independent and sassy as she chafed at the restrictions but reveled in the relationship building.

Tension and chemistry, danger and a host of possible suspects meant this was a ‘don’t stop reading until the end’ read!

This is the second book in this new series written by Shayla Black. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. The action between Josiah and the cult, chemistry between Josiah and Magnolia (Maggie), and the surprise visit by One Mile will keep you from putting the book down. Can not wait to read more from this series.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Devoted to Love is all about the four letter words. Or so Maggie and Josia would have you believe...but the word they cling to isn't love, at first! I mean you can't meet your soulmate at a wedding...Or maybe it's because they are both once bitten twice shy.

Each has their own reason to avoid relationships and they try so darn hard too. A+ for effort but with chemistry like this it's inevitable.

Devoted to Love is the second in this small town Texas romance series. Let's not forget all the former military/intelligence badasses that seem to exist for our enjoyment. I can think of a few more who need their happy...

Josiah Grant works for a security firm and is at a wedding for one of their former employees. He is marrying an actress. During his time watching the wedding and the days before he has been taken by the bride’s sister Maggie. He also finds out a few days before the wedding that a corporation is trying to buy her grandparents ranch and won’t take no for an answer. When the wedding is finished and he begins to dance with Maggie they agree to spend the night together. Each has a history of failed love and so they each feel they are better alone than with someone. The night they spend together turns into more nights and when he goes to talk to the corporation, he finds that it is really a cult. Now he decides to stay longer and try to help the family as people are now dying in town because they will not sell their land to these people. Wanting to help her grandparents he is also finding himself drawn to Maggie more and more and is hoping he does not push her too far where she runs. Just when you think this book is going to be a love story it turns into a murder mystery and suspense and back to a love story. Full of action in and out of the bedroom. The characters are all very good and just for a few times when I felt the story drag, it got back on track. It also had a few twists that surprised. Overall a good book.

Her sister’s wedding is hardly the place to find a hook up, but after a stunningly sensual night together, Magnolia West is prepared for them to go their separate ways. He isn’t looking for love, but Maggie rouses Josiah Grant’s body and stirs his heart. A smart man would steer clear, but the murder quotient in Kendall County is rising and all signs point to a mysterious group who have been harassing Maggie’s family, so he can’t leave her unprotected.

Following these two strong, vivid characters on their tempestuous journey to their ‘happily ever after’ is one entertaining read that stirs passions, stimulates the mind, arouses emotions and captivates hearts. The chemistry between Josiah and Maggie sizzles with electricity from every page and makes for a lot feisty and fiery encounters whether they butting heads or engaging in steamy intimate moments which keeps things real interesting throughout this volcanic romance.

The plots is fast paced and full of thrilling ‘keep turning the pages’ suspense that keeps readers glued to those pages. The group that Josiah feels is responsible for the deaths in the County gives off some seriously freaky and slimy vibes that readers can practically feel radiating from the pages (good thing good vibrations from Josiah and Maggie eclipse those) and readers really become caught up in all the intrigue. Rollicking emotions, passionate encounters, stunning twists, fancy footwork and a sexy overprotective male ensures that readers can’t put this stimulating and entertaining read down.

DEVOTED TO LOVE is the second full-length instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult DEVOTED LOVERS erotic, romantic suspense series. This is former CIA agent and EM Security special operative Josiah Grant, and rancher Magnolia ‘Maggie’ West’s story line. DEVOTED TO LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.


Told from dual third person perspectives (Maggie and Josiah) DEVOTED TO LOVE follows the building relationship between former CIA agent and EM Security special operative Josiah Grant, and rancher Magnolia ‘Maggie’ West. Josiah and Maggie met at the wedding of Maggie’s sister Shealyn West and Josiah’s friend Cutter Bryant. A one-night stand leads to something more when the suspicious murder of a neighbor leads to the investigation of a cult known as the Enlightenment Fields and its’ leader Adam Coleman. Enlightenment Fields is amassing land in and around Comfort, Texas, and the West Family ranch stands in their way. What ensues is the growing love and relationship between Maggie and Josiah, and the potential fall-out as Enlightenment Fields targets Josiah and Maggie, and Maggie’s family ranch.



Maggie West struggles to accept that Josiah wants anything beyond a one-night stand. Prickly, petulant, defensive and stubborn Maggie’s attitude reflects her fear of abandonment and never finding love. Josiah Grant doesn’t waste any time pushing all of Maggie’s buttons but our hero is determined to claim Maggie as his own. With the Enlightenment Fields cult threatening anyone who refuses to cede, Josiah and the security specialists from EM Security must take precautions to take down the people involved.


The relationship between Josiah and Maggie is one of immediate attraction but Maggie is headstrong and refuses to accept that their is a happily ever after in her future. Josiah Grant is a Dominant in the bedroom but Maggie refuses to give up control. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate, and erotic with some mild scenes of spanking and discipline.


There is a large ensemble case of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Shealyn West and Cutter Bryant; EM Security co-owner Logan Edgington; security agents Zyron and Trees; Pierce ‘One-Mile’ Walker and Brea Bell; Maggie and Shealyn’s grandparents Glenda and Jim West; deputy Kane Preston; 911 operator Dixie Hill; ranch foreman Sawyer; and several members of the Enlightenment Fields including Mercy, Marcus, Michael and Adam Coleman.


DEVOTED TO LOVE is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and love. The fast paced premise is engaging, entertaining, and captivating; the characters are numerous, dynamic and determined; the romance is seductive and steamy. DEVOTED TO LOVE is a suspense filled that is sure to catch your attention.



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I absolutely love when I get sucked into a story and it doesn't let go until the very last word, and that is exactly what happened with this book.

This book had everything from two likable characters, a whole lot of suspense, some crazy AF people to keep things interesting, the I'm supposed to protect you not fall for you drama, to a whole bunch of sexy time in and out of the bed!

There is no question as to why Shayla Black is one of my absolute FAVORITE authors. When I start one of her books I have to be sure I have nothing planned otherwise I will definitely be cancelling because I don't want to put the book down once I have started it.

In Devoted to Love Shealyn and Cutter are getting married, we met them in the first book of the series DEVOTED TO PLEASURE, and everyone is there to celebrate their nuptials which means Cutters hot co-workers are there to party as well as protect. When Josiah locks eyes with Maggie he was instantly attracted to her but he soon learned that one taste wouldn't be enough.

As I mentioned before this story has a LOT going on and I really don't want to spoil anything so I am just going to say grab a copy for yourself, you wont be disappointed!

Happy Reading!!!

**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**

Devoted to Love is the second book in the Devoted Lovers by Shayla Black. Maggie is Shealyn's sister from Devoted to pleasure. I don't recall if we met either character in that book, but this one can be read as stand-alone. The beginning is a little abrupt, but after a short while, the pace and the flow are even, Well, the pace picks up where is needed, which is a good thing.

The biggest problem I had while reading this book is that I didn't feel like I knew Maggie. I felt like her personality was suitable to whatever was good in the moment and later it would change in some ways. If you ask me to describe her personality I can't. Another thing that threw me off, what that it seemed like Maggie and Josiah had a history before the wedding, but that wasn't the case. It was weird.

I was pleasantly surprised by the bad guys. What they did was awful and I am glad to see them crush, but to me that part of the writing was good and it gave a creepy and awful vibe which was what the villain of the story needed. They would stop at nothing to get what they wanted and in our case that was the land that was owned by Maggie's grandparents.

Maggie and Josiah's relationship development had a good pace and I enjoyed reading about how these two stubborn people went from a hook-up to been in a relationship. The book overall was good and I liked the men Josiah works with. I am guessing they are the next people who will get a story and I look forward to that.

Sexy, fun, witty and highly entertaining adventure filled with passion, intriguing charters and exciting twists and turns. Really enjoyed this reading experience and it kept me on the edge of my seat form beginning to end.

Devoted to love is the second book in the devoted lovers series. This is Josiah and Magnolia’s story. Maggie and Josiah meet at Maggie’s sisters wedding. Both thought that after their wedding hook up Josiah would walk away and return to his real life, but when Maggie and her ranch is in danger Josiah stays around to offer his protection. Protecting people is his job and he knows where to draw the line, except with Maggie, everything about her makes him want to break all the rules. Will these two get their happily ever after or will danger find them first. I absolutely loved this book, especially Josiah. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series!

This is the second book in the Devoted Lovers series and it is everything I hoped it would be. Shayla Black can write. She can do it by herself, she can do it with a partner, she rocks her characters, her stories and my world!!!! This story follows Devoted to Pleasure. It isn’t a have-to-read the first book but if you follow Shayla, you will definitely want to read all you can. We even have some other familiar characters pop in….

Maggie and Josiah are thrown together at the wedding of her sister and his best friend and associate. The are both in it for a night of fun and passion. But when danger starts showing up around the little town of Comfort, Josiah is the one man who isn’t going to risk Maggie or the family farm. Evil is all around and the surprises just keep coming…

Awesome read….definitely wanting more of this series….

Completely loved this story it was simply amazing!! This is the story of Josiah and Maggie. Josiah is an operative that works with Cutter and he’s only around for a wedding until he runs into Maggie and smitten from first glance. Maggie doesn’t believe in love or anything remotely resembling it and has decided long ago no man is worth the trouble. They both have a past neither can forget but they cannot deny the desire brewing between them either. Overall, this story has everything there is a push and pull between the characters, there is a mystery going on to try and solve, twists and turns throughout. It’s amazingly done and I couldn’t get enough!

Sultry, sexy, down-right panty-melting. Josiah loves to be a Dom but has sworn off on relationships after getting burned at the altar. When he attends a co-workers wedding, he is captivated by the bride’s sister, Maggie. What starts out as a one-night, no holds barred, sexy fantasy leads him into a mystery at Maggie’s family ranch. Now that he has to stay and unravel the cult that wants her grandparent’s property, will he be able to stick to his one-night plan. Or will she captivate more than his body? Maggie struggles with love after her mother left her as a toddler with her grandparents. She has learned to use and control sex for her pleasure but meeting Josiah, she finds a man that opens up experiences she never dreamed of. When he decides to help her family, she experiences feelings and desires that she thought weren’t possible. Will she realize that love is possible? Josiah and Maggie deliver a hot, steamy romance with a great mystery that kept me guessing. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.