4.5 Stars

Devoted to Love by Shayla Black is the second book in the Devoted Lovers series and it can be read as a stand-alone. This story was so good that I was unable to put it down. Captivating, suspenseful, and hot as hell, Devoted to Love is one story that you NEED to read!

Josiah and Magnolia meet at her sister's wedding. There was instant attraction but neither are looking for love or anything permanent. So when a supposed one night of fun turns into more, both of them are surprised and honestly don’t know how to handle it. Throw a few murders into the mix, a cult, and bam-you have one helluva ride!

I really enjoyed reading this book so much! Ms. Black is an exceptional writer that knows how to keep you on your toes! I adored the characters and the plot was riveting ! Looking forward to reading more in this series!

Combined with action and plenty of hot chemistry, Shayla Black next installment in her Devoted Lover series, the reader will be swept into the world of mystery. Murders are being committed in the community of Kendall County; all signs point to the local cult. When Maggie’s family began to receive letters to purchase their property Josh and Maggie sooner realize that Maggie’s and her grandparents are in the killer’s sight.

I never read the first story in this series. But I am not new to Shayla Black and how flammable her books can get. Though Devoted To Love, is not as hot as her other titles, it does not negate the fact that Josia and Maggie can heat up the pages. Besides the romance that will keep readers pulled in. There’s a mystery behind the cult that is targeting Maggie’s family that the readers don’t want to miss.

I will definitely recommend Devoted To Love.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance

Magnolia (Maggie) and Josiah are an unlikely couple. Maggie has been raised by her grandparents and loves living on the ranch with them. With her famous sister now married, Maggie knows that life will go back to being the same and different, all at once. With a relationship with her own mom that’s strained, even though Maggie knows that her mom is trying intellectually, it’s hard to forget or forgive the abandonment she still feels.

Josiah loves his job. He is surrounded by a good group of men and even though they have rules about relationships developing between those who need protection and protectors, he just can’t help himself – Maggie draws him. When he learns that there is a strange group nearby who are trying to get Maggie’s grandparents to sell their land, and even stranger “accidents” start happening, Josiah knows that he will do anything to protect her.

What follows is a story about love, honor, and devious behavior that leads down the wrong path. People are dying around town and with no explanations, Maggie and Josiah will have to use their observation powers to figure out who is behind it.

This is a sweet story that has an alpha protector, a strong woman who takes no prisoners, and people who just want what’s best for their community. It was very entertaining and I can’t wait to see if more books spring from this story.

Triggers: Cult thinking, Murder, Kidnapping


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of pure magic!

This is the second book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order, as why would you miss out on any Black goodness? The story starts with the wedding of the two protagonists from book one, and gives you some insight into the lives of the leads in this story, so really does add something to the story. That said, this would stand up on its own, if you are impatient to start! We also get a few nods to Wicked Lovers from past series – which made me very happy.

Maggie and Josiah embrace their chemistry at her sister Shealyn's wedding to Josiah's colleague, Cutter. Both happy to ignore emotions and enjoy the passion, they spend the night together. And much as Josiah plans to get back to his life the next morning, the recent murder in the town causes him to pause. A local "community" is buying up land, and it looks like Maggie's family ranch is up next. And his sense of duty, and one tends to think, his attraction to Maggie, makes him keen to resolve the issue.

I loved the level of creepy surrounding the cult – it was just at the perfect level of crazy, worrying, and despicable! Mercy was so disturbing, she gave me the shivers.

As the story played out, and Josiah and Maggie come to mean everything to each other, it is not just wondering about how they will make it work, but whether they will get the chance to try. I loved the level of drama, side by side with the inner turmoil they both feel at this turn of events.

Another fantastic read from Shayla Black. Luckily, I am now a veteran, I stacked up snacks and hid myself away until I had emoted my way to the end. Expect laughs, tears, and deep breath moments along with some requiring a fan!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars

For Josiah, finding love was not something he was looking for but spending the night with Maggie would be the perfect way to end his time at his friend/coworker’s wedding. When he first saw Maggie, he felt something deep inside, but he didn't want to listen to his true feelings. He had been burned before.

Maggie didn't believe that love was in her future. When she loved someone, they left her. Except for her grandparents and her sister. She lived with her grandparents and her sister just married the love of her life. But Maggie knew that love would not happen for her. When she saw Josiah before the wedding, his stare did something to her.

After their night together, Maggie tried to push him away, but Josiah wanted to help her stop the neighboring group from bothering them about selling their farm. What he learned while at the other farm had him worried for Maggie and her grandparents.

Will Maggie give Josiah a chance at a relationship? Can Josiah show Maggie that he will not hurt or leave her? Can they find out just what is going on at the farm that seems to be sketchy?

I love Shayla Black and her writing style always pulls me into each story I read. This one had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next. I highly recommend this author, no matter what you read you will not be disappointed.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I have to say this is one of the better books I've read in a while. The story was well thought out, and the characters had chemistry.

It's not every day that we come across a female lead that owns her sexuality. Maggie doesn't shy away from what she believes will be a one-night stand, or the fact that she cheated on her ex- fiancé. Granted, it appears that she and her ex weren't exactly in love, but still. She owns her decisions.

Josiah, on the other hand, believes in complete honesty. He was once on the flip side – the person being cheated on – and he has no desire to hook up with a woman that would potentially do that to him. However, he's man enough to realize that every story has two sides and listening to both is what makes a man good feel about himself.

The twists and turns in this story are believable and I can't wait to read the next story in this series.

I’m a sucker for the whole bodyguard trope in romance fiction. Pretty sure it’s the breaking of the rules and its prohibited nature LOL It makes the story sexy for me and Devoted to Love did not disappoint!

Maggie and Josiah were quite the match. They sparked in all the right ways. It was both entertaining and sexy to read them. The mysterious/suspenseful/captivating group causing all kinds of havoc for Maggie and her family was written perfectly. The story was equal parts exciting on that front and the lust filled journey of our leads.

I’ve enjoyed Shayla Black’s story-telling skills for a long while now but in the past years, it’s gotten better and better as I read. I mean I don’t want to jinx it LOL but I’m starting to think she can write a grocery list and I will read it! LOL So well done! Cannot wait for more!

Magnolia "Maggie" West is not looking for love. After being abandoned by her mother to be raised by her grandparents, Maggie doesn't trust many. Instead she looks for temporary comfort in the arms of others. While at her sister's wedding, Maggie catches the eye of Josiah Grant, one of the groom's fellow special operatives working security at the wedding and she is instantly intrigued. After one adventurous night together, Maggie and Josiah realize that just one night might not be enough.

When a murder in the small town of Comfort, Tx suddenly happens, Josiah realizes he needs to step up and protect this woman that has stirred something in him that he thought was long dead. As another murder happens, Josiah realizes that this may be from the Enlightenment Fields group that had recently moved to Comfort and he decides to investigate.

As Maggie and Josiah start to spend more time together, things heat up really quickly and real feelings start to develop. At the same time danger is heating up just as quick. Just when it looks like Josiah may have found the woman made just for him, she may end up being lost forever. As a big showdown comes to a head it will take a lot of trust between Maggie and Josiah, two people who do not trust anyone, to be able to get to their happy ending.

I really liked both Maggie and Josiah. They both have big skeletons in their past that have stopped them from being in a relationship but together they found something that was missing in order to make them whole. These two characters scorched up the sheets together too! Overall this was an enjoyable story filled with a lot of suspense and sexy time.

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, twists & turns, steam, suspense, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Devoted to Pleasure (Devoted Lovers #1)
Devoted to Wicked (Devoted Lovers #2)

This is Maggie and Josiah’s story. Maggie and Josiah meet and have one night and she thought she could walk away after that. But when danger comes calling Josiah is there to help. Neither are looking for love but what happens when they both star to fall. As danger gets close Josiah knows that he will do anything to protect her. Can he keep her safe and maybe even keep her forever? Or will she run from danger and him also?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

Devoted to Love is sensuous, seductive, exciting with a good measure of action tossed in. All things that Shayla Black excels in. She spins yet another powerful tale filled with intrigue, suspense, danger and romance. Josiah and Maggie are so explosive together that I thought my tablet might catch fire. Whew!! Outstanding characters, equally excellent storyline with some familiar Wicked Lovers characters and a couple of new faces thrown in...it doesn't get any better than that.

Devoted to Love
A Devoted Lovers novel book 2
Release Date: July 2, 2019
Review Copy Provided by the Publisher

God, I love Shayla’s writing so damn much! I have been reading her stuff for years, and it always feels fresh and new.

One of the best things about this series, and all of Shayla’s suspense novels, is that there’s a perfect balance in the plot. The love story is always first and foremost, and the suspense gives an exciting edge without taking away from that.

I really liked the hero, Josiah. He was was relationship weary, but when he recognized he was falling for the heroine, Maggie, he just dove in head first.

The banter between Maggie and Josiah was entertaining and kept me laughing. Maggie is crazy stubborn and likes to push her man to the breaking point. Fortunately, his breaking point means hot and sweaty sexy times! Shayla has a gift for writing smouldering love scenes that leave the reader breathless.

I liked the secondary characters and I’m hoping they’ll get their own stories. Their nicknames were quite funny.

Bottom line, the writing and plot in this book were phenomenal. I fell for the characters and didn’t want their story to end.

Shayla Black is one of the best writers of romantic suspense, and Devoted to Love is another seriously sexy, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat love story. Maggie and Josiah have scorching-hot chemistry from the moment their eyes meet, and they agree to a no-strings one-night stand. Both are surprised by the emotional connection they feel during their passionate interlude, and, luckily, they get to further explore this when Josiah, who is in private security, stays in town in order to determine who is threatening Maggie’s family. This feisty, sassy Texan soon brings the stoic alpha-male to his knees, and their fall into love is quick and breathtakingly romantic. But it’s not smooth sailing for these two yet, because there are dangerous threats knocking at the ranch’s door. Don’t miss the second, standalone book in Black’s must-read series, Devoted Love.

This is another sexy read by this author that had me captivated from page one! What was supposed to be a one-night stand turned into so much more when Josiah ends up staying and cannot seem to get enough of Maggie...and Maggie cannot seem to get enough of Josiah. This is another alpha male with an independent woman who both want to be in charge both in an out of the bedroom but who is going to win the battle of wills. Someone is threatening the neighbors and as the body count goes up, the danger does too. Lots of sexy banter and lots of sexy times round out this spectacular read. This can be read as a standalone if you want and not be lost with the continuing characters from the series. Definitely a recommendation from me.

**Received this ARC for review**

Suspense + Steam = one hell of a book!

Shayla knows how to write wicked novels that combine all the great romance plots, and does she within Devoted to Love. Even though, yes, this can be read as a standalone, I would advise to read Devoted to Pleasure just to get a grasp on characters, etc.

Maggie West and Josiah Grant have a wonderful connection that steam up your pages in a heartbeat. I really enjoyed how the heroine in this novel knew what she wanted, and when she wanted it. But at the same time Josiah stood his ground as well; together making it a page-turner.

FINAL DECISION: Enjoyable story, sexy, sexy times with a suspense/mystery story that kept me interested throughout. I liked these characters and how they reluctantly fall for one another.

THE STORY: Weddings are a natural place for hookups. When sister of the bride, Magnolia West and friend of the groom Josiah Grant agree to a no-commitments, no regrets one night stand, they don't anticipate that there is something really strong between them. Two people who have been hurt and closed off end up spending time together as there is danger around them. And the more time they spend together, the more Josiah and Maggie can't imagine being apart.

OPINION: This book begins with one of my favorite romance book situations -- romance at someone else's wedding. Josiah and Maggie intend to take full advantage of the wedding atmosphere and enjoy some no-commitment sex. But then things happen. There is a mysterious murder of a neighbor and some possible danger for Maggie and her family which requires Josiah to stay on in town to help protect her and find out the truth of what is happening. Of course, this allows Josiah and Maggie to get to know one another better -- something neither wanted at first.

Maggie is a woman who keeps herself at a distance from others. She has fear and abandonment issues and is just protecting herself. She also has had really bad luck in the romance department. She is a woman who fears connection and yet is starving to be connected to someone and have a happy ever after. She just fears so much something negative happening that she keeps her distance. I loved that we get to see how quickly she learns to trust Josiah. She opens herself up to the possibility of love and is rewarded.

Josiah is a man who has been burned before and has no intention on getting serious with a woman. But then he meets Maggie and she appeals to him on a deep level. They are physical matches and he finds himself loving the challenge she presents. She is smart and stubborn. Josiah is a deeply protective guy and while he respects Maggie, there is no doubt that he intends to be the alpha protector.

The suspense story here is intriguing as I kept wondering what was going on behind the group threatening Maggie's family. Information is given at a good pace and I was always interested in what was going on in the story.

WORTH MENTIONING: Can I admit that I really want the story of Brea and One-Mile?

CONNECTED BOOKS: DEVOTED TO LOVE is the second book in the Devoted Lovers series. This book has a self-contained romance so it can be read as a standalone but there are overlapping characters.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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

Devoted to Love by Shayla Black is book 2 in the Devoted Lovers series. This is the story of Magnolia(Maggie) West and Josiah Grant.
Josiah and Maggie first met at Maggie's sister's wedding. They ended up having a sizzling one night stand and from there, Maggie ends up becoming Josiah's client. A cult-like group becomes very aggressive in trying to buy Maggie's grandparents' ranch and uses intimidation tactics and threats in doing so which put Maggie and her family in danger. Josiah is determined to protect Maggie and her family from harm and in the process, finds himself falling deep for her. Maggie struggles with trust issues from her childhood that affect her relationships today. But something about Josiah has her wanting to open up more and let down her walls. He has her experiencing feelings and desires that she hasn't felt before. Will Maggie let herself be open to love and let herself have love in her life, namely with Josiah? Will Josiah be able to keep Maggie safe and figure out the cult's nefarious deeds before Maggie ends up harmed ?
This is fast paced,steamy, hot, exciting, suspenseful, cant-put-it-down, full of feels, emotional, dramatic, romantic and just guaranteed to make your reading experience a great one !!! I enjoyed the main characters and secondary characters- can't wait for book 3.


My Rating: 4.5 stars ********

The story itself was good. There were just moments where the heroine kinda annoyed me since she acted childish in certain moments. However, given her past, I guess it kinda makes sense. As for the hero, Josiah, I think he was cool. I didn't have a problem with him. Another thing I wasn't a big fan of were the people from Enlightenment Fields. I mean, I'm supposed to be annoyed at them since they're the antagonist oh and they're creepy AF. I hope people like them in the real world do not exist. Writing style wise, it was good and easy to follow

Devoted to Love by Shayla Black is book Two in the Devoted Lovers Series. This is the story of Magnolia West and Josiah Grant. I have read (and Loved!) the previous book and you do see where Magnolia and Josiah meet at the end of that book, but I feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Magnolia and Josiah hook up at the wedding both thinking a quick hot encounter but it ends up being more. Magnolia's grandparents and near by other farmers are having some trouble from a group of people in something of a cult. So Josiah and his team ends up staying to see if they can help out. While Josiah is busting the case on the cult he is also working on his feelings for Magnolia, something he didn't expect but no something he can walk away from. Magnolia was the happy ever after women but the more she is around Josiah the more that might be changing.
This was a hot suspenseful read...Loved it!

Josiah Grant is the latest in the security business to be felled low by a beautiful woman. Bowled over by the bride's sister at his friend Cutter's wedding he decides to stay a few days scratch his itch and help the beautiful Magnolia West fend off a cult that is threatening her family. The best laid plans of mice and men...….
After his first visit to the commune Josiah's neck is itching and his radar is warning him that something stinks in the commune and its not the beauteous first sister of the cult leader on a recruiting mission. His feelings are not helped by the ranch foreman former lover of the beautiful Magnolia spilling secrets that leave him disturbed. Fortunately he's soon able to shake them off and exercise his dominant side in making Maggie scream.
As the two lovers work their way towards each other the quiet community is rocked with a rising body count as ranchers and land owners are being eliminated in an apparent land grab. Can Josiah keep Maggie safe particularly when her grandparents are threatened. I did enjoy how the story came together and the final exciting moments as the two faced up to their dangerous assailants.
A very tyical story in Ms. Black's style with a lot of erotic romance and a little bit of excitement to keep the blood humming.

While attending her sister’s wedding Magnolia was not expecting her attraction to Josiah, a friend of the groom’s, or that they would enjoy a steamy wedding night even if they weren’t the bride and groom. They both have their reasons, but neither of them was looking for anything more than one night until suspicious activity in town has Josiah investigating what is going on.

Magnolia’s grandparents are being pressured into selling their land and they aren’t the only ones. Josiah is determined to find out who is behind it and why, but as the chemistry between them escalates so does the danger. Will Josiah be able to keep Magnolia and her family safe?

Suspense, action and hot chemistry combine as two people who weren’t looking for love find it in the most unlikely of places.

This book started slow for me since it felt like I was coming into a well established series and was missing a lot of back story. It did pick up once Josiah and Maggie connected, though I found Maggie less than sympathetic at times.. Overall, this was a well plotted and interesting story that I liked but didn't love.

Go Shayla - Another great read! Even though, this is only the second book in the series, I love it the best so far. I love the chemistry between Josiah and Maggie. Who could resist alpha but caring and protective Josiah! I like how Shayla brings characters from her other series into the storyline. I can’t wait to see what finally happens with Brea and One-Mile!

I really like this author. This book was really good. I read this book in one sitting, it was that good. The chemistry between the characters was amazing. The writing just made this book flow.