I have to admit, the cover and the Author of this book sucked me in. The blurb gave me a split second pause-Hollywood stories just aren't usually my cup of tea-but I'm glad I gave this book a try. Once I started reading I didn't want to stop.

These characters weren't exactly what I was expecting-and I mean that in the best possible way. They both have their flaws and issues to work through. Is there attraction between them? Absolutely. But there's so much more going on in this book than just the physical attraction between these two.

I genuinely liked Shealyn. I understood her...even if there were moments she drove me crazy. As I mentioned, she isn't perfect but she knows herself. She has reasons for her behavior, and they completely and absolutely work for her. I loved her growth in the book.

Cutter? Well, he was a pretty darn good book boyfriend...even if I occasionally wanted to shake him. He kept me on my toes for sure. But I did love him. His sense of loyalty, strength and sexiness? Yep, he can be my bodyguard anytime.

This book kept me interested the whole way through. I was sucked in from the very start, wondering what exactly was going to happen. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded. I thought the writing was smart and strong and the pacing of the book worked well. I won't spoil things by any means, but there were some twists I didn't see coming. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. I recommend this title.

Devoted to Pleasure is the first in a new series by Shayla Black. It’s book 1 of the Devoted Lovers series, so obviously there’s not a previous book you have to read to understand the characters and their backgrounds.

This book follows Cutter Bryant and Shealyn West’s love story. He’s a good guy from a small town, who’s making a name for himself with a security company. She’s a small-town girl who’s made it big (and is trying to stay that way) in Hollywood. Shealyn is being blackmailed and threatened by an unknown, and Cutter is assigned to be her temporary bodyguard. And as with most things in Hollywood, Shealyn’s love life is NOT what it’s portrayed to be. Unfortunately, the blackmailer knows this and is using that knowledge to extort money from Shealyn and cause her shame. Can Cutter figure it all out and save her in time?

NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Devoted to Pleasure 3.75 stars. The story is well written and flows easily. However, the characters just seemed a little flat. But, there are enough little nuggets dropped about minor characters to leave you guessing and wanting more (bravo Ms. Black!). And maybe it’s because I do read a lot of romantic suspense, but I was able to figure out the culprit early on, so that was slightly disappointing. With that said… it’s still a great love story with plenty of sexy times. I’ll be looking forward to the next book, as I feel like I really want to know some of the minor characters’ stories now that I am somewhat invested. If you don’t care that the suspense isn’t very… uh… suspenseful, you’ll like this book. If you like your suspense to keep you guessing until the very end, you might not care too much for this story. All in all, it’s a good book, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed you spent your time or your money on it.

Put together a starlet and former military-turned bodyguard, and you have quite the dramatic, suspense-filled romance. Great chemistry between the characters, and secrets to keep you guessing!

Devoted to pleasure is the first book in a brand new series by Shayla Black. I have a feeling that's a spin-off series because some people were mentioned and I got the feeling that they had stories of their own. The novel can be read as stand-alone but after finishing the book I want to see what will happen to Brea and Maggie. Is Pierce a bad guy? Does he have redeeming qualities? Who will be her happy ending? Do Maggie and Sawyer have a chance? What will happen to her? As you can see I got hooked and I will follow the series. The secondary characters drew my interest for different reasons and yet they weren't able to steal the spotlight. That belonged to the main characters. My favorite one was the hero because he was trying to help everyone else but himself. He was kind and protective and everything I was expecting him to be. He wanted to help Brea by doing everything we could for her. Of course our heroine had the first place in his heart. Their romance was good and to me it was a slow burning even if there was instant lust. There was a balance between the romance and the suspense which is a good thing. Almost everything worked for me and it was what I wanted, but for some reason, I don't want to give 5 stars to the book, so I will go for a four star rating.

Another amazing story by Shayla Black!!

Shaelyn was an actress being blackmailed because of a moment in a dressing room she wishes she could take back. She hires a body guard to help her but he becomes so much more.

Cutter is former military turned working for a security company. He's super hot and very faithful to his friends. So much so that he's willing to marry Brea (his best friend) because she's pregnant. It's not his kid, but he doesn't want her father's fury raining down on her. All that is fine and he has a plan...until he gets a job to guard Shaelyn. Then it becomes complicated.

Lots of twists and turns, very dangerous moments and lots of magical moments!! Great story!! Other than wanting to strangle Shaelyn, the characters were awesome!!

If you read Shayla Black's Wicked Series, you will recognize some of your favorite characters in the new Devoted series. Cutter is hired to be a bodyguard to famous TV actress Shealynn West after she receives a blackmail video of herself in a compromising position in a store dressing room. With both Cutter and Shealynn are keeping secrets from each other, they cannot deny the off the charts chemistry and attraction for one another. When both their lives are in danger, Cutter is determined to figure out who is after Shealynn and save her so he can claim her for himself.

Secrets always have a way of coming out! An interesting story of finding love when you least expect it in the midst of a scandal about to happen! The main characters are both fairly complex with their own backgrounds telling their own story while their futures are both in turmoil playing out with them pretending things they don't want to be doing anymore. I enjoyed it!

Actress Shealyn West has experienced great success in her career, but her fame has also had consequences. No privacy, having to pretend to date a costar for the good of her image and show, and the latest downfall is a blackmailing scheme come to light about a past mistake she'd do anything to take back. She decides to hire a bodyguard to shore up her security before this all plays out.

Former military man turned bodyguard Cutter Bryant is planning on making the ultimate sacrifice of his own happiness for a friend after he settles this upcoming job. When he steps into the middle of Shealyn's life, he quickly realizes that there's more to her story than she's told him. He sets out to find out the details of what's going on and figure out a way to take down the enemy. In the midst of doing so, he and Shea are drawn to each other and start a relationship ... but when she finds out he's promised elsewhere, it all starts to fall apart!

A dangerous secret, a deadly blackmailer, a bodyguard that’s as dangerous to the heart as he is lethal, and a romance that’s packed full of feels and sizzle all wrap seamlessly together in this brand new series from Shayla Black. If you’ve read her Wicked Lovers series, you’ll definitely recognize quite a few characters in this one, and I’m thrilled to have this series carry them over. I’ve been curious about Cutter’s story ever since Holding on Tighter, and it didn’t disappoint.

When his best friend is in trouble, Cutter is about to give up his chance at true love by helping her. But before he settles into his new role, he takes on one more assignment; famous actress Shealyn. Shealyn stands to lose the career she’s put everything into at the hands of a blackmailer that knows a secret she’d do everything to keep out of the public eye. The plan is simple; hire a bodyguard to protect her, give the blackmailer the money they demand, and move on with her life. Unfortunately nothing ever goes as planned, and what should have been a simple money drop, turns into a deadly and dangerous game with her life on the line.

Cutter has given his word to his best friend and he’s settled into what’s to be his life. The last thing he expects when he’s given up any thoughts of true love is the instantaneous connection with his gorgeous new client.
The chemistry between Cutter and Shealyn was instant and scorching. Both of them fight the inevitable, but they can only ignore what’s burning between them for so long before letting the flames consume them.

"I’m going to savor you,” he told her. “I’m going to learn your body. I’m going to spend all night wringing one orgasm after another from you until you’re limp and wearing the sort of smile tomorrow that makes everyone wonder what you’ve been doing.”

Cutter was a delicious mix of protective and demanding. He has a hidden soft side to him beneath all the hard edges. I adored his devotion to his best friend, and my heart pitter pattered with his treatment of Shealyn. They may be hiding secrets from each other, but their connection was still full of depth and emotion that I couldn’t get enough of.

"He’d fallen in love with the one woman he couldn’t have beyond this assignment and didn’t deserve forever."

Shealyn was a great heroine. She was an endearing combination of strength and vulnerability and I loved the way that Cutter balanced it all.

There’s characters that carry over from Shayla’s Wicked series along with plenty of new faces that are introduced. Though non are as enigmatic and One-Mile, whose story I’m practically salivating for.
Devoted To Pleasure was an action packed and sizzling read that brought the swoons and the sizzle I’ve come to expect from Shayla Black. It was deliciously satisfying with twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat and eagerly turning the pages. I can’t wait for more in this series and already crossing my fingers that Black will put me out of my misery and have it be One-Mile’s.

4 Stars from Renee!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

This is Shealyn and Cutter’s story. Cutter is all about doing his duty. He is about to settle down and give up on love. When he meets his new client he is smitten. The chemistry is off the charts between them. Shealyn lost her heart when she became famous but the past is coming back to haunt her. She wants to move on with her life but the past trying to take her out. She hires Cutter to help with her protection. But she never thought that she would find him so attractive. Now she has to decide what her new plan is. Can she have Cutter or will she lose everything to secrets and lies?

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

I recommend this book.

4.5 Stars

Devoted to Pleasure by Shayla Black is the first book in the Devoted Lovers series. It is the first book I’ve read from this author and it definitely won’t be the last! I loved Ms. Black’s writing style and the way it flowed from scene to scene. I was so caught up in Cutter and Shealyn’s story that I never wanted it to end. It was packed with suspense and mystery and full of love and friendship.

Shealyn is a famous actress who’s gotten into some trouble. She’s being blackmailed and she has no idea who it is or why they are doing it. All she knows is that this video can’t get out or it will destroy her career. When a friend recommends a security company to help protect her, she has no idea how much her life is about to change…

Cutter is a complete professional when it comes to his job. Never getting too deeply involved, he’s always done what he’s had to do. That is until he meets actress Shealyn West. She’s a stunner and he feels an immediate attraction towards her. But she’s not being fully honest with her situation...will he be able to protect her while being able to protect his heart from falling in love??

I truly loved this story! From the characters to the storyline, I was unable to put it down! Ms. Black wrote a fabulous story and I cannot wait to read book two!!

Devoted to Pleasure
A Devoted Lovers Novel Book #1
Release Date: July 3, 2018
Review copy provided by the publisher

It's always fun to dive back into Shayla Black's Wicked Lovers world. This is a spin off of that series, but you get little glimpses from past characters. If you're a fan of the Wicked Lovers series, then you'll fall head over heels in love with this new one!

I love Cutter! He is every bit the southern gentleman. And Wicked sexy! He has that protective alpha thing going on in spades. The heroine, Shealyn, goes weak in the knees over new bodyguard. And who the hell can blame her!

Shealyn is a Hollywood starlet. She has a seemingly perfect life. She has wealth beauty, and, fame. But she isn't truly fulfilled. Enter Cutter Bryant!

I loved the red hot chemistry between these two. It was definitely "insta lust" and they fell in love fast, but there was also a hesitance on both sides. She has a hard time trusting, and he has responsibilities back home.

Cutter has been hired to protect Shealyn from someone who is blackmailing her. Like many of Ms. Black's books, this one is a romantic suspense. And there are very few authors who write suspense and mystery quite like this author. She keeps me guessing at every turn. I was wrong a number of times on who was the bad guy. I didn't even see it coming! But what I really like is that the suspense aspect doesn't overshadow the romance. The love story is the focal point.

Both of these characters have a ton of baggage, but the need to be together is overwhelming. I could feel the emotions and want spilling off of the pages. It was palpable.

I'm dying to read Brea's book! I know there's more to her story and I need answers! Devoted to Pleasure is an amazing start to this new series by Shayla Black!

A perfect start to a new series, a book that pulls you in, takes you on ride filled with suspense, second guessing, heat and passion.

The story flows at a pace that makes you need to keep on reading and not stop, the surprises along the way keep you glued to your screen, heart pounding soul searing read. 5 stars can’t wait for the next in the series.

Shayla Black does not dissapoint with this read! She continues to captivate readers and take us on one heck of a ride!! Loved every second of this read!!! Be sure to check it out!!!!

Devoted To Pleasure
Shayla Black
Cutter Bryant has a dilemma, a friend, Brea Bell, who is like a sister to him becomes pregnant by another man. Cutter offers to marry her to save her reputation in their small town, she is the preacher’s daughter. This is merely a marriage of convenience, he loves her, but is not in love with her. Soon he is sent out to L.A. to guard Shealyn West, an actress on a popular TV show. She too is a small town girl and needs a bodyguard because someone is blackmailing her. Shealyn has trust issues, which nearly causes them to both get killed during the payment drop off. When he first arrives, Cutter is patient and waits for Shealyn to tell him what she is being blackmailed for, that was until they were almost killed. There are many suspects including Tower Trent, her costar, as they pretend to be lovers. Soon Shealyn and Cutter become lovers even though they know there is an expiration date on their time together.
Cutter Bryant is an honorable man with a strong protective streak. When he realizes that what started out as a simple blackmailing scheme turns into a murder attempt, Cutter is determined to find out who it is with or without Shealyn’s help. After spending so much time with her, he realizes that he is in love with her but already committed himself to Brea Bell. Shealyn has to deal with her trust issues in order for Cutter to keep her alive. This is the first book in a new series by Shayla Black. As you read, you are pulled in by the intrigue and suspense of who is trying to kill Shealyn and why. You also become cheerleaders for the relationship between Shealyn and Cutter. I especially wanted him to find his happily ever after. Just when you think you have the blackmailer/killer figured out, Ms Black adds a twist and you are left trying to figure out “who dunnit”. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series.

4 stars

For Shaelyn West, Hollywood is more Transylvania than Tinseltown, it'll suck you dry if you let it. Being blackmailed by someone she was supposed to trust only confirms what she learned early in her childhood, trust is for suckers. She decides that paying the blackmailer is the best way to protect her family, and her career, but after a series of threatening texts, she knows she needs help. Hiring the sexy Cutter Bryant as her protection feels desperate but she just needs to get through the money drop and she'll be fine. She isn't prepared for the situation to grow dangerous, nor her explosive reaction to her bodyguard.

Cutter Bryant knows the sexy starlet is hiding something about the blackmail but getting close enough to her to learn her secrets is tough. With her background, he understands her reluctance to trust but he's got to convince her that her secrets are putting her in danger. With only a few days to figure out who is using her and proving to her she can trust him, he doesn't have time for the attraction sizzling between them but it's there threatening to explode. He's never been more attracted to anyone in his life and it's not just her beauty, although God knows the whole world loves that face, her raw vulnerability and resiliency appeals to him immensely. Knowing he can't act on his feelings does nothing to douse them. He has to concentrate on protecting her, finishing the job and going home to deal with his own complications.

I thought I might grow tired of the wild-eyed starlet but the author did a great job of making her relatable. She's a down home girl off to set the world on fire while getting a little singed in the process. Cutter is an awesome mix of badass alpha protector, vulnerable little boy and southern gentleman. He's got a little bit of a hero complex but boy does it work for him. The chemistry between these two explodes off the page and their push and pull added to the story. This book has the heat and heart we've come to expect from Shayla Black. I didn't want it to end and I can't wait for the next one!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

Another great book by Shayla Black, you always know you have a winner when you pick up one of her books. I have been a fan for years and I look forward to the new world and characters she builds. Her books always pull you in until you read the very last word and it leaves you wanting more.

Being honest, I was not sure what to expect when I first started this story. Don't ask me why, because I'm not sure except it was possibly the small town references, I thought I was getting ready to read a western. No worries. That was cleared up long before the end of the first chapter.

Cutter was such a good guy. The only thing I could think is how is he going to get out of this mess. As I read farther into the book, realized there was only one way out. Cutter and Shealyn had chemistry. There was some angst, but not so much as to turn you off.

I really expected Cutter to be more of an alpha male. I understand why he spent so much time trying to please everyone, but it was a bit too much.

You get secrets, suspense, mystery, steamy, sexy romance and a HEA. A definite 3.5 stars.

I am hoping there will be a book about Cage. Looking forward to that one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy.

The relationship with the main characters seemed rushed and the plot lines and all the external relationships were so convoluted it was hard to keep straight.

Shayla Black is a new to me author, and wowza am I glad to have read her! I will be digging into her past works soon!

Devoted to Pleasure is the first book I have read, but won't be my last!

This story of Shealyn and Cutter and what a whirlwind of a story!

This was a page turner! The chemistry between these two was hotter than a Carolina Reaper! (The hottest pepper out there, so they say!)

I swooned over Cutter, the ultimate southern gentleman! But you still had the just right amount of alpha too! He was trying so hard to do the right thing, but love doesn't wait for the right time or the right circumstances. Love just is....

Shealyn! This girl, I wanted to smack her around for keeping so much from Cutter! But then reading her history, I could understand it better. Still wanted to shake her a bit, but that's what makes the story sooo good!

I absolutely loved the secondary characters! Since this is my first book, I am hoping that these characters have their own stories so I can dive into them as deeply as I did this story!

There is danger, there is mystery, there is sexiness, there is a bit of everything that makes a story great!

I cannot wait to read more from this author! Well done Shayla!

Le sigh. I was super stoked to start a new series by Shayla Black (I LOVE her More Than series), but Devoted to Pleasure was sort of a miss for me. It stretched a bit longer than necessary and I found that I had to force myself to continue with Cutter and Shealyn's story. The chemistry between them was great but beyond the physical, their relationship felt rushed in a way that was not conducive to the tone and length of the book. I think I would've enjoyed it more if it had been condensed into novella size. That being said, the book was not bad and I was compelled to finish it. I'm even interested to see how the series continues. It also seems as if this might be a spin-off, as there are several characters and relationships mentioned that must have an origin elsewhere. I'd be interested in reading those stories too. So 3 out of 5 wine glasses.