He was sent to guard her body… he didn’t expect her to steal his heart. Her sister’s wedding was hardly the place to find a hook up, but after one look at friend-of-the-groom and special operative Josiah Grant, small-town Texas beauty Magnolia West immediately fell in lust. After a stunningly sensual night together, Maggie is prepared for the two of them to go their separate ways. After all, … ways. After all, she’s not a happily-ever-after kind of girl. But Josiah—and danger—change her plans.
Josiah isn’t looking for love…but Maggie rouses his body and stirs his heart like no other woman. She’s got a rocky romantic past, and a smart man would steer clear. But when the murder quotient in Kendall County rises and all signs point to a mysterious group nearby who have been harassing Maggie’s family, he can’t leave her unprotected—especially when he realizes he’s fallen hard for her.
As tension mounts and the menace closes in, Josiah will do anything to prove to Maggie that their love is real…but can they stay alive long enough to share it?
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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.
5 Star reviews of Devoted To Love (Devoted Lovers #2) by Shayla Black
I fell hard and fast for special operative and bodyguard Josiah Grant; he ticked all the boxes for me and I found him to be totally swoon worthy.
Magnolia West has made mistakes in the past and hooking up at her sister’s wedding isn’t really the best idea, but when she meets Josiah, she cannot help herself, after all it’s only for the night. What’s the worst that could happen?.
The chemistry between Josiah and Maggie is of the charts and it burns brightly, although neither of them are looking for happily ever after which makes for a nice change. When these two meet you just know that they will be perfect for one another. If they can both move on from their pasts, then they may have a chance.
When danger makes an appearance, will Josiah be able to protect and save Maggie, can he prove to her that his love is real and that it worth taking a chance?
The suspense and intrigue led to quite a few unexpected twists and turns that had me guessing for much of the book. There is romance, drama, smoking hot scenes and anxious moments. As I have come to expect from Shayla Black, Devoted To Love is extremely well written and highly entertaining.
I received an ARC through the publisher via NetGalley.
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/coworkers 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.
**A copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review**
“The truth was, everything about him flipped her switch. Even when she didn’t want to want him, she did.”
Josiah had no idea that his wedding hookup would turn into an assignment. He knew that it was frowned upon to mix business with pleasure with the woman he was protecting, but “The lust bug had bitten him hard.” She knew exactly how to push his buttons and she did it well.
Maggie is a pistol and she gave Josiah a run for his money. Watching her wind him up was very entertaining. And seeing how quickly he had her following his orders was very hot. They were gasoline and fire to each other, so explosive my Kindle almost melted in my hands.
When I wasn’t blushing or laughing I was scratching my head trying to figure out what was up with the mysterious group that was harassing Maggie’s family. They took me to #CrazyTown and it was a hair raising ride. I’ve really enjoyed the Devoted series and look forward to whatever the author has for me next. The line forms here…
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!
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!
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!
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.
Josiah Grant doesn’t do love or relationships, he traveled down that path once and he still feels the burn from it every once in a while… and it’s not something he wants to try a second time. But after a chance meeting at a clients wedding he begins to rethink his stance on relationships, the moment Maggie wanders into his view, he is completely taken with her and her feisty attitude. But she too has her hang-ups about love, and swears she just wasn’t cut out for it…
But when danger strikes in Maggie’s little town, and Josiah insists on sticking around to protect her family, they can’t help but be thrown together. And before long they can’t imagine not being in each others lives after it’s all said and done… but are they ready for what that little fact means?
Within the pages of Devoted to Love readers will meet two stubborn souls who have serious hang-ups about love and relationships. But as we all know love knows no bounds, and they are about to find out that the harder they try to resist it, the harder it is for them to deny! These two were meant for one another, and while their bodies seemed to agree on that little fact, their minds and hearts were a little slow to catch up, so the angst is a little high with this one. While they were fighting their feelings for one another there was also danger lurking, so there was a bit of suspense and excitement to be found amongst the pages too. I really enjoyed this newest installment in the Devoted Lovers series, it had everything you could want in a romance, and the steam level was off the charts… these two had me blushing more than a few times!! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Another amazing read that had me hooked from page one. Josiah & Maggie never ever wanted to be in another relationship again but the moment they met, they knew they were doomed. This book was crazy good, with a hot hook-up and a crazy cult that everyone must read. Josiah and Maggie are a couple that you won’t forget. Great read with amazing characters that I truly enjoyed.
Josiah Grant and Maggie West first met at Maggie’s sister’s wedding. It was “lust-at-first-sight! A one night hook-up just wasn’t enough for Maggie and Josiah. Complications from a cult-like group very aggressively trying to buy Maggie’s grandparents’ ranch meant Josiah had to go into protective mode. With assistance from fellow operatives from FM Security he set out to solve the problem. Maggie was determined to help. That led to more complications but didn’t stop the hot, sexy nights.
Devoted to Love is the second book in Shayla Black’s Devoted Lovers series. This is a true edge-of-your-seat, can’t-put-it-down book. I loved every minute of it. Shayla Black is a masterful storyteller and in this case will delight her readers with a super sexy and hot, super suspenseful read. Even after I finished reading Devoted to Love I found myself still entralled with the story. I loved Josiah and his most competent, masterful way in the bedroom. He’s definitely my new book boyfriend. Five for Five! Just sayin’ – sigh.
Josiah never thought that a one night hook-up with the sister of the bride would stop him in his tracks and take him on a wild ride. Maggie does not let anyone in her inner circle but Josiah becomes more than what she bargains for. And BTW – there is also a crazed cult looking to take over the area and Josiah has to stop them. Shayla Black has a unique knack for writing storylines that draw the reader in while at the same time creating characters they cannot help but fall in love with. The Devoted Lovers series is quickly becoming another top notch series that readers old and new cannot get enough of. 5 Stars are not enough.
Shayla Black is a TOP favorite author of mine. She has been for some time now… You really can’t go wrong with any of her books. To me, they hold just about everything that a romance should, and then some and Devoted to Love was no different. It held suspense, thrill, hot as hell steamy scenes, and a blinded love story that I could not get enough of. Ms. Black weaves her words together and creates and masters everything she writes and with each book of hers she proves to me she can write just about everything and it is still amazing!
Devoted to Love is a mixture of suspense and romance and it most certainly a unique plot, which is no surprise to me, one thing I know about this author is that she likes to mix things ups, she likes to push boundaries and she likes to make a plot and storyline that is almost impossible to forget.
Maggie and Josiah were two of a kind, yet they were two characters I couldn’t help but fall in love with. Maggie was smart, beautiful and loved living on a ranch with her grandparents, but after meeting Josiah at her famous sisters wedding, things start to change.
Josiah was there as protection, and he never knew that this job would ultimately change is his life. He was hired to continue to protect Maggie, and normally he knows where the line is drawn and that he can’t have any kind of personal relationship for the women he works with, but that all changed when it came to Maggie, that rule went out the window, he just couldn’t help himself when it came to this woman.
The chemistry between these two is electrifying, it was intense and from the moment these two met, I was cheering for them. Things aren’t always as they should be, and for these two, I certainly did not see what was ahead, and that is one major thing I love about a Shayla Black book. You honestly never know what I am going to get, but I do know and did know it was going to be epic and it sure as hell was.
As much as I want to dive into this with every detail, you need to go into this with your mind open to anything and everything to happen.
I absolutely adored these two and loved how the author played them out. Two people so different in so many ways yet they were a perfect match and bounced off each other perfectly. Once again, Ms. Black nailed it flawlessly and exceed my expectations and blew my mind.
5 Stars!
Her Lucky Charm…
Josiah Grant got more than he bargained for when he attended his friend’s wedding. He did not count on the bride’s little sister filling his body and soul with instant desire for her. He did not need to go down that turbulent road again. He already had been burned once and he did not want to have a repeat performance.
Maggie West is in a constant state of being unsure, keyed up and on edge when it comes to relationships. When she meets Josiah, her feelings are mixed. She does not want to be attracted to him, but the man is gorgeous, confident and he stirs up her heart where she has built up barriers. The sexual attraction between them cannot be ignored. A hook up is what they both thought would work for both of them. The stars had a different path for them.
Maggie loves her sister and grandparents unconditionally. She is like a mother protecting her cubs when it comes to her family. She would fight to the death for them. That is put to the test when a cult tries to railroad her grandparents in giving up their land to them. Shayla Black has written a story full of suspense that has you holding your breath to see what happens next.
Josiah fights his inner turmoil with the need and desire to protect Maggie from harm. Maggie struggles with the anxiety of letting her emotions rise to the surface and face how she really feels about Josiah. I hope we see more stories in this amazing series.
A steamy, romantic love story with a thrilling twist. This is the second book in the Devoted Lovers series.
Josiah and Maggie are an unusual couple. A wedding hookup was all it was supposed to be. Well now Maggie needs his help. A twisted cult has plans for her family farm. He’s sworn to protect her and her family. So why not have a little fun while he’s there? As Josiah is trying to protect her, he forgets to protect his heart. Maggie dosen’t think she’s capable of anything more than a good time. True love isn’t for her. Yet while Josiah is protecting her and the farm, he’s working his way into her heart as well. These two have a lot thrown at them, and while they’re working together love sneaks in. As usual the talented Ms Shayla Black gives us another page turner full of romance, heat, suspense and of course a happily ever after.
Maggie lives on a ranch with her grandparents. She was engaged but called off the wedding the morning of and has sworn to never marry. Josiah works at a security company and at his friend’s wedding when he meets Maggie. Josiah isn’t looking for a commitment, he’s fiancée cheated on him. Maggie has abandonment issues and won’t get close to anyone. After spending the night together, Maggie figures he’ll leave the next day but with danger around them, Josiah has decided to stay a couple of days until the danger passes. A group is wanting to buy their land and they have no plans of selling but this group is dangerous and will kill if necessary to get what they want. Can Josiah break down Maggie’s walls and get to her heart? Wonderful story with sex and action. Great characters. Two people finding out how to trust others. I love Mrs. Black’s stories. They make me feel right there with them. * Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
Josiah is attending his friends wedding as security but he can’t keep his eyes off the sister of the bride Maggie who is giving him the eye too. Josiah and Maggie have a lust filled night but the worry about the neighbor being murdered is putting a damper on everyone including Maggie. Maggie tells him about the cult called the Enlightenment Fields who is trying to buy up the surrounding land including her grandparents and Josiah decides to hang around to see what’s up.
As much as Josiah enjoys Maggie’s company things are getting dangerous around there for their lives but also for their hearts, if they can save themselves and the ranch maybe they can deal with their hearts.
Josiah is a heartthrob but Maggie is a no nonsense woman who is not gonna take orders lying down, you can’t help but love her stubbornness.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. Hello Josiah and Maggie! Those two were hot together! Although they fell in love fast, I was all for it. I really enjoyed that there was an actual story and I was almost as anxious to see what happened with the crazy people next door as I was with seeing those two get together! Great job Shayla Black!
DEVOTED TO LOVE is book two in Shayla Black’s suspense filled Devoted Lovers series and centers around Shealyn from the first book’s sister and personal assistant Maggie and security expert Josiah. A one night fling just might turn into forever when danger strikes and circumstances change.
Maggie at first seems like a put-together character, but as we get to know her better, we see the flaws that stem from her tumultuous childhood and how she goes about trying to make herself whole. Some will find it hard to forgive her misdeeds, but I found her redeemable.
Josiah was an easy character to like. He was there to help out a friend, and meeting Maggie brought a newness to his life that he wasn’t expecting. He spotlights his dependability and strength around every turn and watching their connection grow is rewarding.
I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good bit of suspense with their romance. Both books in the series so far have been solid reads.
Josiah Grant attends his friend’s wedding and meets Magnolia “Maggie” West, the bride’s sister. Neither one is looking for a relationship, but a one- night stand is not out of the question. What started out as a night of lust becomes much more than either Josiah or Maggie anticipated. People were dying in Comfort, Texas and Maggie’s grandparents might be next. A cult has moved into the area and from most appearances, they preach harmony and being one with the earth and environment. But their real motives are much more insidious. Seems they are producing a drug that make people compliant and do whatever they are told. Along with producing the drug, there are kidnappings, rape, murders and weapon dealing. The face of the cult is there to spread the word and his seed, but Mercy is the woman who does his dirty work. In order to protect Maggie and her grandparents, Josiah goes to the commune to tell them to leave them alone. When he sees what is going on, he goes undercover as a potential new member and Mercy is more than happy to induct him. Along the way, Maggie and Josiah begin to realize that maybe a relationship might not be out of the question.
Once again, Shayla Black has written an amazing story. What starts off as a one -night stand, turns into a relationship between Maggie and Josiah as they fight to keep her grandparents alive. The whole storyline about the cult and what they were actually doing was brilliant, especially the way they targeted new members. This story was full of suspenseful moments especially every time Josiah went into the compound. I really enjoyed this story and couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between Maggie and Josiah was hot. There were so many twists and turns, I couldn’t read fast enough to see what happened next. I look forward to other books in this series.