Devoted

by Leigh Skarin

A Spicy Marriage of Convenience Romance

Deacon -

Sky was mine first.

I met my soulmate at nine years old, but Sky became my older sister’s best friend.

When we grew up and Sky finally saw me as more than the tag-along kid brother, my older brother was killed. I was left to pick up the pieces, and even though she’s the girl of my dreams, I had to let Sky go.

Now, years later, she needs a husband, and I’m determined to be the man she chooses to marry.

Problem is, someone else is determined to end Sky’s life. As the danger intensifies, we scramble to stay one step ahead in a terrifying game of cat and mouse.

No one goes after my wife and lives to tell about it. The second I find out who this guy is, he’s going down.

For fans of these tropes:
He falls first
Childhood friends to frenemies to lovers
Marriage of Convenience
Romantic Suspense
Hockey Romance
Single Dad

Due to explicit spicy scenes and mature language, Devoted is intended for readers over 18. Trigger Warning: deals with grief.

Genres: Second Chance, Friends To Lovers, Marriage Of Convenience, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance, Contemporary

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2024

Reviews

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful book! Devoted had me tearing up in the very first chapter, and then kept me on the very edge of my seat up until the very end. I've been SO excited about this book for months (Leigh is one of my favorite people), and it absolutely did not disappoint. So many of my favorite things in one book - childhood friends to lovers, a virgin MMC who is sweet, posesssive, and as golden retriever-y as they come, and some VERY fun spice - you HAVE to check this one out!

OMG, Deacon is literally the MOST loyal MMC I've read in a LONG time, I loved him. He gives up EVERYTHING to devote his time to his brother's widow - his hockey career AND Shy, the woman of his dreams. While he realizes how much he's given up, I love that as soon as he's given the opportunity to get Shy back, he dives RIGHT in. While I did feel like Shy and Deacon's motivation for their marriage was a little flimsy (Shy is going through a brutal breakup, but she wants her father to see her happy before dementia robs his memory), being that impulsive about getting back with Shy totally fit with his character. And omg, he's so sweet to Shy - while she might think their marriage is fake, he's ALL in. Nothing like a childhood crush realized.

I honestly didn't know that there was a suspense subplot in this one, but oh gosh, it was exciting. Definitely check TWs because things can get intense! I loved the drama it created (and the excuse for the impromptu honeymoon), but gosh I was relieved by the end.

Y'all, the spice in this book was SPICING. Leigh didn't play around, there are some awesome spice scenes in this book, and I loved all of the k!nk exploration. I also appreciated Shy discussing her past struggles with s3x - bravo for her owning her s3xuality with an understanding partner.

Thank you so much to Leigh for trusting me to read Devoted! It's out on February 27, and you definitely don't want to miss out on this one.

[Jess - Reader of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoted by Leigh Skarin 💙
Let Me Love You, Book 2
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
376 pages
🗓️ February 27

💍 suspenseful romance
💕 marriage of convenience
💍 second chance
💕 friends to lovers to strangers to lovers
💍 single dad(ish)
💕 dual POV

📍“I wish I was four years older, because I want Sky all to myself. I’ll always remember this: Sky was mine first.”

Deacon caught my eye during Hidden. And since then I’ve been counting the days until we had him in all his glory. And goodness, the mouth on this man 🥵

📍 “She has no idea how in love with her I am.”

But I had yet to meet Sky. Really get to know her. And she might have stolen the show. Okay, maybe not because Deacon is one of those characters bigger than life but still Sky was right up there. She edits romance books. I was never leaving this unattached 🫣

But making this a second chance, marriage of convenience, suspenseful romance was a cheap shot Leigh 😜 How could I not obsess over this?! I read half of it on Saturday night and proceeded to dream about them (yes, you read it right). Only to then wake up and finish the other half. Consuming this book was the easiest thing I’ve ever done and loving it was absolutely effortless.

Have I told this man has quite a mouth?! 🥵

Did I call the twist/who did it?! But of course not. Not a clue. It was the best 🤌🏼 Although not the best for our MCs, but you know what I mean 😜

P.S.: saudade is my forever word 🖤 thank you for the little pieces of my native language 🥹

[Christina (christinareadsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice-🌶🌶🌶

Devoted is a story about 2 childhood best friends who had to let their love go for the greater good. What they say about true love is true. If you love someone, let them go. If it's meant to be, you will find your way back to one another and that's exactly what happened for Deacon and Shy ❤️

⬇️ Tropes ⬇️

📚 Friends to Lovers
📚 Virgin MMC
📚 K!nky List
📚 Surprise Mystery
📚 2nd Chance
📚 Marriage of Convenience

This was such a sweet story. Deacon is the perfect MMC. He's strong, loyal, devoted (😉), stubborn and loves with his whole heart. Shy is your average girl next door. She loves books and is an indie book editor (so cool)! When her dad is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, she overhears her dad being upset that he won't be able to walk Shy down the aisle to whomever she marries. Shay wants to make his dreams come true, so she's on the hunt for a husband. Deacon finds out... and obviously, he is the best choice for the job.

I love that it was never "fake" for Deacon. He was in 100% from the start. Even though he was a Virginia Slim, he knows what to do! I loved that they were so open and honest with each other.

I loved seeing a tiny glimpse of Hope and Noah. I miss them! I do think Deacon was a little hard on Noah. I hope they can get back the brotherly bond they once had. And I think they'll get there!

If you are looking for a sweet romance with a side of mystery, Devoted is the book for you! It is technically the 2nd book, but it can be read as a standalone.

*Thank you, Leigh Skarin, for giving me an ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

Devoted comes out 2/27/24 on KU!

[Talya Collazo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5 ⭐️

Thank you Leigh Skarin for allowing me access to an advanced reader copy for an honest review.

This book was written beautifully! I enjoyed the main characters especially Deacon! His character was so genuine and such a good male that everyone deserves in their life.
Not only was he a good partner but also a good friend, family member and father figure.

I love how this book also captured some suspense I was not expecting the plot and while reading I had several theories.

This is my first book that I've read from this author and I cant wait to explore more of her writing!

What to expect in Devoted: 

💍 Marriage of convenience 

🔥 He falls first 

🌶️ Primal Play 

🪢 Kink Exploration 

😎 Romantic suspense 

❤️ No third act breakup 

🕊️ First person, dual POV 

[nikkyireads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, Deacon. 🫶 Secret tattoos, "it's always been you" and marriage of convenience? What more could you need?

↳ He Falls First
↳ Childhood Friends to flFrenemies to Lovers
↳ Marriage of Convenience
↳ Romantic Suspense
↳ Hockey Romance
↳ Single Dad Vibes


📍 “I’d rather be messy with you than live a boring life with someone else. Perfection is overrated.”

[The Life Of A Book Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3🌶️

✨Childhood friends to lovers
✨Marriage of convenience
✨He falls first
✨No third act break up
✨Romantic suspense
✨Kink exploration
✨He’s a Virgin


First off I want to say thank you to Leigh for sharing your book with me!

This one was a whirlwind. We start off as childhood friends to lovers, add in a little marriage of convenience, and then bam add in some thriller and suspense. This was a wild ride and overall I enjoyed it.

Deacon was a swoony lead who would do anything for Sky. There was a lot going on here but Leigh did an incredible job blending romance and suspense. You could feel their chemistry 🔥

[Kaija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good second chance, girl next door type of book!
There is so much that happens in this book it’s crazy!
There’s loss and heart break and second chance in here with a bit of fake relationship with real feelings.
I enjoyed it

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great marriage of convenience book and my first by this author. I was pulled into the lives of Deacon and Shy. These two became friends at a young age she was a few years older. Their special bond was so special from friends to lovers. However that all came crashing down when Deacon faces a death in the family. It turns his world upside down so much so he steps away from playing hockey and his true love - Shy. After years of not tied down with anyone he comes face to face Shy. Learning her ex had a girlfriend and she was the side piece she finds herself running to the one person she has wanted and loved - Deacon. Shy wants to get married after learning her dad has been diagnosed with Dementia she wants him to walk her down the aisle. Deacon volunteers for the marriage of convenience but he’s all in. It takes time for her to understand he’s not leaving her ever. Once married the spice between these two is fireworks. He’s a virgin and she makes a list that he’s eager to check off. There is also some suspense. Such a great story and I was all for the spice!

Childhood friends to lovers
Marriage of convenience
Hockey romance
Suspense
He’s a virgin
She’s older
Spicy

Triggers: deals with grief and parent diagnosed with dementia

It was a great book and I recommend adding to your TBR.

[Bethie_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way this book made me cry!!!

🌟 4/5

🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!!!

‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 2 of the Let Me Love You series.

ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives

𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪:
Sky was mine first. I met my soulmate at nine years old, but Sky became my older sister’s best friend.
When we grew up and Sky finally saw me as more than the tag-along kid brother, my older brother was killed. I was left to pick up the pieces, and even though she’s the girl of my dreams, I had to let Sky go.
Now, years later, she needs a husband, and I’m determined to be the man she chooses to marry. Problem is, someone else is determined to end Sky’s life. As the danger intensifies, we scramble to stay one step ahead in a terrifying game of cat and mouse.
No one goes after my wife and lives to tell about it. The second I find out who this guy is, he’s going down.

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
When Leigh reached out to me back in November about ARC reading for her, I was ecstatic to read from a new-to-me author. I was blown away when I read the first book in this series and knew I was going to love Deacon's book!

Deacon has been obsessed with Shyla, aka his Sky, since he met her when he was 9. I loved getting to see them when he was 19, and Sky was 23. As heartbreaking as it was, I'm glad the author decided to add in *that scene* in Deacon's POV, from the events that happened in the 1st book. No, I'm not going to spoil it for you, but yes, you'll cry!😭❤️

If you are wanting a spicy book, you'll definitely get it with this one. If you know some of my favorite tropes, then I'm happy to tell you that this one hits a MAJOR one!!! Again, I'm not gonna spoil you!🤩🥵

After finishing this book, I say with certainty that I'm ready for the next one in the series! I'm over here hoping it's about Matt or Aerica! Maybe both???👀🫶

[Tamara Estes-Fredenburg · Rating 2 out of 5]

By: Leigh Skarin
Format: E-Book (ARC) 📱
Genre: Romance
POV: Dual POV
Setting: Denver and Florida
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Forced Proximity, Friends to Lovers, Virgin MMC

Rating: ⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Review: I want to start off by saying that authors work hard and put so much of themselves into their books! I respect and admire all indie authors for putting themselves out there. While I love supporting indie authors I still write honest yet respectful reviews!

This story follows Shy (Sky) and Deacan. The two are childhood friends who date as teens until a tragedy tears them apart. When they connect years later Sky asks Deacan to marry her because her father was diagnosed with alzhimers and she wants him to be lucid at her wedding. Then on the night of the wedding a mysterious note has the couple thinking someone might be after Sky.

While the story line seemed intruiging I had a lot of issues with this book. The first being that it feels like there were no revisions or edits done, which happens with ARCs, but not usually to this degree. I also struggled with how fast paced it was. I felt like the author didn't establish a foundation for these two characters. It felt rushed.

This next complaint is a personal pet peeve that just so happens to make me cringe, but in no way should discourage other from this book. I am not a huge fan of pet names 🤦🏻‍♀️. And Deacan called Sky “Wife” or “Wifie” pretty much the entire book. It just feels so corny to me.

Finally, I felt like the author was throwing in kinks just because. I can't exactly explain why I felt this way. It just didn't seem to fit these characters or their situation. I love for smutty books, but the smut in this one just felt kind of awkward and uncomfortable.

This one just wasn't for me! It might really appeal to some though and I wish the author the best.

[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story! I loved Deacon from the very beginning and that love only continued to grow throughout the story. He was truly devoted, not only to Shy and her happiness but to Indy and Aerica, as well as his family. He was loving and selfless in the decisions he made which really showed. Shy was precious. I loved how strong she was by knowing she needed to end things with Deacon while he was dealing with the loss of his brother. She was also very strong while dealing with her father’s diagnosis which was very admirable. I wasn’t expecting the suspense but am very glad to have had it included! It really made it hard to put this book down. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and their growth over the years, their chemistry was perfect and I loved seeing them pick up right where they left off, the spice was good as well and I loved seeing Shy be open by showing Deacon the list she had been complying. Thank you Leigh for the e-ARC to read and review! I look forward to reading more in this series! 💖☺️

[Britney Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a sweet, loving but suspenseful romance, than look no further! Deacon and Shyla are incredible.

Deacon found his soulmate when he was 9. Not a common thing to happen at a young age. But he just knew as soon as they held eyes, she was going to be the one he fell in love with for the rest of his life. But she was 4 years older than him and he didn’t think she would go for her best friends little brother. Then after tragic events happen to his family, his life gets thrown into the deep end.

Shyla, oh sweet Shyla. I didn’t know what to think of her at first. She took a little for me to get into. She is so much in her head about a lot of things that it got a little repetitive but that is just who she is. I kept screaming at her to get out of her head when it came to Deacon lol.

Then you got the suspense stuff happening to them AFTER they get married and you are right there with them trying to figure out who it is. But if you are like me, you don’t see it coming who it is!
.
.
.
4️⃣.5️⃣⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
8/10 recommendation

[Melly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time Deacon met his new neighbor Shy, he was only 9. They became instant friends. When a family tragedy strikes years later, it changes the course of Deacon’s life.

I really enjoyed this book! Who doesn’t love a second chance romance?! I loved Deacon from the start. He devotes everything he has to his family after suffering a tragedy. Shy was so sweet and strong especially dealing with her father’s diagnosis. I was very surprised by the suspense! I was not expecting it at all but it was so good! I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to find out more! The character development between the MC’s was great!

This was my first book by the author and I can’t wait to read Thank you Leigh for the ARC

What to expect:
Marriage of Convenience
He Falls First
Childhood Friends
Romantic Suspense
Second Chance

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away, 2024 is going to be incredible if I read more books like this one. It is absolutely incredible! Deacon will forever live rent free in my heart and my soul! The book has it all, childhood friends to enemies to lovers, suspense, marriage of convenience and hockey!!!

Imagine meeting your soulmate at nine years old! Then your sister claims her as her best friend and you get put in the annoying little brother category. Years later living his best life as an incredible hockey player, it all comes crashing down. Now Sky needs Deacon more than ever, but as her fake husband. But when it comes to Sky nothing has ever been fake for Deacon!!! Eeeekkk, sooo good!

💜Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers
💜Marriage of Convenience
💜Hockey Romance
💜Suspense
💜Super Spicy

I could not put this book down. Leigh’s writing is spicy, fun and soooo entertaining. I was on the edge of my seat most of the book. The characters are incredible, Deacon is an incredible main male character and the spicy is everything and had me fanning myself! An absolute must read!!!

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.8 Stars)
The first time Deacon met his new neighbor he was only nine. Shy aka “Sky” was easy to get along with and pretty. They became instant friends but when a family tragedy happens years later things will change for Deacon’s path. This takes place over fifteen years to show the relationship’s growth. Can Deacon find a way to Sky again and keep her safe? A touching second Chance romance with an interwoven mystery. I loved how devoted Deacon was and never strayed from that pull even when obstacles got in the way. This has a little of everything from two people finding their way to each other to action, suspense and an interesting twist. It Definitely keeps your interest. Told in first person and dual POV.

[Madison_renee2415 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Deacon!

Deacon fell for his next door neighbor even though she was a few years older than him. He only had eyes for her.
Shyla had always like Deacon and when they finally get a chance to be with each other, they had a tragedy happen that separates them.

5 years later… Shyla needs to get married and Deacon is jumps at the offer. In her head she knows that this is fake, but Deacon never had the intentions of letting their marriage be fake (oh I love Deacon so much!!!!!).

I love their chemistry and I was not expecting this book to have suspense in it, made the book even better!!!!

[Amanda Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowweee I need a fan, that was spicy!! I think my biggest takeaway from this is that patience and trust is key in a relationship. There is a such thing as wrong time, right person. You may not always be on the same page but doesn’t mean you won’t eventually match up.
This started out briefly as a marriage of convenience but quickly became a real marriage. The two were together years before and those feelings have not gone away. It is also a romantic suspense, as someone is stalking and threatening her and while she thinks it may be her cheating ex or his girlfriend, something isn’t adding up. What it ends up being is completely unexpected.

[ReadMomRepeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 4🌶️

The suspense, twists, spice, feels and super protective hero had me flying through this book. Deacon is the cinnamon roll of alpha cinnamon rolls and is without a doubt Sky’s soulmate. But sometimes the universe throws you a big ass curve ball and things do go according to plan. Luckily fate reunites these two 5 years later when Sky needs someone to marry asap.

Deacon is the freaking best man ever and had me swooning all over the place. He loves big and will do anything to keep Sky safe. But can we also talk about how this man is a freaking alpha when it comes to all things spicy!! Holy hell this man will have you biting your lip and clenching your thighs.

This book had me going from teary eyed to melting at how hot the spice was to then guessing what was going to happen next.

Thank you to the author for the arc of Devoted. All opinions are my own.

[Allie B • Literally Booked Solid · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a fast timeline, full of emotional punches in the gut, DEVOTED follows childhood sweethearts as they enter into a marriage of convenience. Shyla needs a husband, because her dad is sick and wants to see her married. Deacon gave up everything to take care of his family, even if it meant giving up Shyla. Now they have a second chance and Deacon is not going to squander it.

This was a really fun romantic suspense book. There were many twists and turns throughout the book, especially toward the end. It's the second in a series, but I read it as a standalone and didn't feel like I was missing anything.

I absolutely adored Deacon. He is just a good, honorable man. Even though it means giving up everything, including his dream of playing in the NHL, he does his duty to help out his family when they need him most. I LOVED the relationship he had with his niece, Indy. And his tattoos...swoon.

What to expect in Devoted:

💍 Marriage of convenience
🔥 He falls first
🌶️ Primal Play
🪢 Kink Exploration
🗡️ Touch her and die
😎 Romantic suspense
❤️ No third act breakup
🕊️ First person, dual POV

[Lorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story with compelling characters. I've read all of Leigh's stories and I have enjoyed each one. They just get better. Deacon and Sky's story is a vision of loveliness. Their story is emotional, sexy, and suspenseful. Lifelong friends with a second chance at finding love. Their story touched me on so many levels. Leigh writes her characters so well that you feel everything these characters feel right along with them. If you are looking for a book that is heartwarming, romantic, steamy, and swoony, with a captivating storyline and wonderful characters then go grab Devoted. It is so deserving of your reading time. 5 stars. Thumbs way up!

[What.Nikki.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

💜 Childhood Friends to lovers
💜 Second chance
💜 He falls first + hard
💜 Marriage of convenience
💜 Romantic suspense
💜 Primal play
💜 Single dad vibes
⚠️ Check triggers - military death + Alzheimers⚠️

💗 Deacon + Shyla 💗

This book is filled with so much love and loss. Deacon + Shyla (Shy/Sky) start out young and just start dating when Deacons world is quickly torn apart with the loss of his brother. We get to see Deacon try to heal and grow through his grief in such a beautiful way. Deacon finds himself in a spot where he can help Sky out and marry his one true love. They go on QUITE the rollercoaster ride and things quickly become suspenseful!
The spice is SPICYYYY. Lots of open door scenes and kink play. Experimenting with all kinds of things, especially primal play.


Thank you so much for this ARC @leighskarinwrites

[ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

deacon and sky were pretty much childhood sweethearts, and they were getting ready to plan their future when tragedy struck and he had to let her go. years later when she needs a fake husband, deacon doesn’t even hesitate to step up to the plate. she was his first love, the one that got away, and he is determined to win her back.

this had so many of my favourite tropes! i loved deacon and sky together and i’m such a sucker for a second chance romance with an obsessed hero. the suspense aspect was a really nice touch as well!

4 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

💕 lots of my wife
💕 virgin hero
💕 suspense
💕 alpha hero
💕 marriage of convenience

[Jade Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Courtney Simons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! So much to say about this book. These characters had my heart from the very first chapter. Deacon is one of a kind and truly the best cheerleader of a book boyfriend I've ever seen. Shai is quite the overthinker and with that comes a lot of responsibility. She is amazing and down to earth and kind. These two together could not have been more perfect. I laughed, cried, I'm so grateful for this journey.

[Erinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

☁️ Devoted ARC Review ☁️

5/5 ⭐️
Author: Leigh Skarin

Tropes:
He falls first
Childhood friends to frenemies to lovers
Marriage of Convenience
Romantic Suspense
Hockey Romance vibes
Single Dad vibes

And she has done it again!!! Absolutely Fabulous and gave me all the freaking feels!!

I cry/get teary eyes every single time, there is so much emotion in Leigh’s books and I feel them so much.

This is Deacon and Skys story!

Deacon is the absolute sweetest man ever his love for Sky and Indy is out of this world and he will do anything for them. Indy is Shane’s (deacons brother) daughter but he sadly passes before he gets a chance to meet her so D steps up help out!!
Sky is pretty much D’s soul mate, she is fun and beautiful and was his best friend but everything with them happens at the wrong time until 5 years later then are finding their way back to each other

Also the 🌶️🌶️ oofta 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Their story is so emotional and beautiful and fun and also there is a crazy plot twist in there that keeps you on your toes wondering what is going on. I love the suspense aspect to this story I didn’t see that coming!!

Overall this was perfection and l couldn’t put it down!!

[Megan Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!! Deacon and Sky’s story is so stinking good!!! I won’t spoil it in the review for how good it is, but seriously it’s so good! The fact that is marriage of convenience that just has the best outcome is literal perfection! The amount of times Deacon calls Sky “wife” or “my wife” should be illegal since it’s literally one of the hottest things a man could ever say to a woman. And don’t even get me started on the fact that he CRAWLLLLSSSSS TO HER!!!! He crawls to her!!! The menu?!?! Like I can’t. I literally am obsessed with this book!! I’m going to be hungover from this book for a bit! I need more….. more!! Now I’m just going to anxiously await Matt’s story so I can get more of these fantastic couples that I’ve become obsessed with in this series.

[Jasmine Acena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deacon and Sky… ohh where do I even begin?
This heartfelt and beautiful story of Deacon and Sky’s second chance romance is beautifully written.
I’m not huge on this trope because real life has ruined me BUT Leigh has it done right for these two amazing MCs.
What starts out as a sweet and blossoming childhood friendship, turns into a first love situation but unfortunately, it wasn’t in the cards for them at that time. Over the years, their friendship isn’t what it once was, until one day, life throws another curveball.
This book also has marriage of convenience as a main trope- I really enjoyed the spin Leigh threw in here.
Devoted, overall, was not what I anticipated it to be but there are absolutely no regrets or qualms from me. I loved this book so much, and can’t wait to see which secondary character’s story is told next.

[marshallreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ *Arc Review*

This was so beautiful and heartwarming, childhood friends to lovers always gets me in the gut. It was such a beautiful story with so many twists and turns and the souce was magnificent. I would definitely recommend this read.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoted
By Leigh Skarin

Devoted is a book about two people who have loved each other since they became friends as school-aged children. Their story has bumps in the road and their relationship is years in the making. As they both said in the book – they were always meant for each other, they just had to find the right time. Circumstances within families push and pull them apart as they age, and ultimately the same type of situation brings them back together as adults. Once they make it back to each other as young adults, they are finally able to pursue their relationship, but fate had more curveballs to throw them.

Our main characters are Deacon (MMC) and Shyla (FMC), whom Deacon calls “Sky”. They are four years apart in age, Sky being older than Deacon. His whole life growing up, Sky has been his older sister’s best friend and he frequently wished he was older to be able to date Sky as he always dreamed of. From the very beginning, I picked up on Deacon’s sense of duty and responsibility to his family – it oozes from his every thought and outward interaction throughout the book. Sky is a typical overthinker who can quickly become anxious based on this said “skill”; she often gets lost in her own mind with these thoughts.

Throughout their story, Deacon and Sky experience an expanse of themes such as friendship (where it all began), unspoken love, duty to family, tragedy, fear of the future, and finally, overwhelming love and devotion. Devotion is the perfect way to describe Deacon’s feelings for Sky, and there could not be a better name for this book for that reason. Both characters feel compelled to help take care of others in their family and frequently make decisions based on how those decisions would impact their family, putting them before themselves.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the love both characters had for each other, despite experiencing issues along the way during their lives. At the base of their story, they were friends since childhood and that level of friendship shows in their developing relationship once they find their way back to each other. Deacon has been infatuated with Sky since he was 9 years old and the level of respect and loyalty he shows her once they are together is so profound, in my opinion, it was incredibly sweet. Additionally, when they get together in the bedroom after all of this time, the pent up feelings shared between the two of them are so explosive, I fell right in to these scenes and it made me fall even more in love with these characters – you’ll understand why when you read it!

When it comes to the antagonist plot line and reveal, it left me wishing there had been a little more build up to this discovery because I felt like after the level of suspense created, the reveal came out of nowhere and fell a little flat. I tend to be a reader who does not like to be able to predict what is going to happen, and I definitely didn’t predict this one, in fact, I had an idea it was someone else, close to the characters and I found myself hoping it was not that person. Well, my request was fulfilled but I found what actually happened a little hard to believe. If there had been a few more context clues in the events leading up to discovering who the bad guy is, it would have been more believable. The plot that followed the revealing of the antagonist fit well, in my opinion, and I followed it easily. It was simply the lead up to and discovery that I found not developed enough. Thankfully, that part did not make up a huge part of the book so I was able to move on once those scenes were over.

Reflecting on Devotion, I found the first few chapters to be devastatingly heartbreaking. I was thinking this would set the tone for the entire book, but it did not. Deacon and Sky seemed to be made for each other, especially given their long history of being friends since childhood. I found it very sweet, even when they weren’t the closest through life in later years. Deacon was my favorite character because he’s the ultimate book boyfriend one could want to come to life. I loved the development of both main characters throughout the book, however I found myself wishing Sky would find some other reason to get “in her head” about her relationship with Deacon because it started feeling repetitive, and this was after he professed his true feelings for her multiple times and did not really give her a reason to doubt his sincerity. In the past, yes, she had reason to question if he would stick around, but in the present? He was pretty transparent with her the entire time. If she had found a different topic to be anxious about instead of honing in on the same thing the entire time, it would have been more understandable.

I would recommend this book to those who love a good second-chance/friends-to-lovers romance, where families are close as friends, and everyone leans on each other in the wake of diversity each family experiences. I feel like hopeless romantics would be the perfect audience for this book!

Thank you for the recommendation, Leigh!

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[Lady _Soulmate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoted by Leigh Skarin is a gripping and spicy marriage of convenience romance that unfolds against the backdrop of the Afghanistan/Iraq war, capturing the emotional journey of millennials during this tumultuous period in history.

Set in the early 2000s, the historical aspect of the novel strongly resonates with readers the same age as Deacon, the protagonist. The author skillfully weaves in the challenges and hardships faced by this generation during this time, highlighting the impact of war on their lives and relationships. The uncertainty and turmoil of the era add depth and significance to Deacon and Sky's journey as they navigate their way through love and loss.

There are certain aspects of the storyline that have raised concerns for some readers. One major issue is the direction in which the book foreshadows the climax. The unexpected twist in the climax can frustrate some readers, anticipating a different outcome. It can disrupt the narrative flow and lead to a sense of disappointment. However, it is worth noting that this unexpected turn can also add an element of surprise and keep readers engaged.

Another significant concern is the portrayal of Deacon's priorities for his niece. Throughout the story, Deacon's dedication to his niece is portrayed as all-encompassing, making her his top priority. However, it can be disconcerting for readers when he appears to drop her for the first two weeks of his marriage. This inconsistency in his character's actions can undermine the believability of his devotion and may leave readers feeling disconnected.

Despite these concerns, most readers have found Devoted captivating and emotionally charged. The characters are well-developed, with Deacon's unwavering devotion and Sky's strength shining through. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their love for each other is palpable. Including explicit spicy scenes and mature language adds a layer of passion and realism to the story, making it a suitable read for adult audiences.

In conclusion, Devoted is a gripping and emotionally charged romance that delves into the lives of millennials during the Afghanistan/Iraq war. Leigh Skarin's skillful storytelling, combined with the historical backdrop, creates a compelling narrative that explores love, devotion, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst the turmoil of war. While there may be some concerns with the foreshadowing of the climax and the consistency of Deacon's priorities, the overall reading experience is captivating and worth exploring. Immerse yourself in this charming tale that transports readers to a time of conflict, passion, and unwavering love.

Thank you Leigh for the ARC to read and review! I look forward to reading more in this series!