Review: Devoted to Pleasure

Devoted to Pleasure by Shayla Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sweet new series from Ms. Black dives into the world of romantic suspense. Shealyn West is an actress with not only a stalker of sorts but a blackmailer. She is the perfect patsy for a blackmailer because she refuses to confront them for fear of damaging her good girl next door image. As most readers know, a blackmailer is never satisfied with one payment. Luckily for Shealyn, she is recommended to hire a new bodyguard and he has different ideas about how to protect her. Specifically, Cutter Bryant does not condone paying off blackmailers. Against Shealyn's wishes, he decides to do something about it.

Full disclosure, I just read a book where the set up was similar except the famous actress was actually an actor. The set up in that book was more complex and well developed so this book unfortunately is getting compared to it, perhaps unfairly. I digress. The characters in this story are good. Sheayln is really a nice person. Cutter is an alpha male as Ms. Black normally gravitates towards. I liked book characters. There was a bit of miscommunication between the two characters which is not favourite way to have conflict, but it is okay. It's pretty accurate of how many romance readers expect men and women to interact. The chemistry between the two does generate a bit of heat and is sweet.

The plot of the story does take a backseat to the romance angle. I do prefer to have a stronger plot to generate tighter bonds between the two characters. Overall, the story is easy to follow and a smooth read. Is it memorable? Only because I like the author. This contemporary romance is recommended to romantic suspense lovers who love their alpha males.

*provided by Netgalley