Devon

by Dria Andersen

Devon was finally free. Ten years behind bars and his first order of business was to get out of the game, for good. Finding his mate on his first full night out was fate’s gift to him and he refused to let her slip through his fingers. But, sometimes, despite all good intention, trouble found a way…

Keisha Calhoun worked hard and kept her head down. Daughter of a well-known street hustler, she promised herself she would never live that lifestyle. Fate was funny that way though, because out of her past walked a man who represented everything she fought to leave behind.

Devon’s irreverent charm combined with his wolf’s dominance made him a difficult man for Keisha to resist. But secrets from their shared past threatened the future they wanted to build together.

Genres: Paranormal, African American Romance, Shapeshifters

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

Dria Andersen is a full-time photographer, mother of two, and lifelong storyteller. After the birth of her first child, she made a promise to pursue her dreams boldly-starting with writing the kinds of stories she always wanted to see in the world. That leap of faith became her debut novel, and she's been writing ever since.

Dria crafts love stories that center brown girls with heart, strength, and agency. Blending romance with elements of fantasy and wonder, her books invite readers into richly imagined worlds where anything is possible and everyone deserves a happy ending.

Reviews

[Shon]

This book stressed me out. But I loved the bond between Key and Devon. Keisha was my type of brat and Devon handled her so well 🤭

Edit: June 8 --Oh. OH. And another thing. Ain't too many people finna make me read 3rd person and enjoy it. But for Dria Andersen? I'ma do it every time LOL

[Weekend Reader_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't have much to say other than what a way to start a new series. I'm locked in and want to know who else is going to be taken out now that Devon and Declan are making moves. Keisha girl get it together and thanks to Ms. Patrice for knocking some sense into you.

This quote had me cackling...

“I’ll communicate better.” “You got a college degree, you better.”


CN: incarceration, gun and physical violence, death of a parent, drug deals, blackmail, cheating, secret baby

[hea booktubes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well surprise, surprise, I loved this book. I really just love what this author does with Black paranormals. I also love that there’s action and heart without me being stressed the whole time I’m reading. And I love how protective and possessive the mates are, not only of their mate, but of their entire family. I also love that family is whoever they claim. And how lovely the support systems are. Honestly these books just make me happy.

[Ebony Essence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dria be writing her ass off.

Devon knew exactly what he wanted and stood on that. That man perfect. Keisha is smart, independent and hardheaded and i love that. However, Devon’s dominance just wanted her to know there’s nothing wrong with that but just know you’ve got a mate now that can help lighten the load. I almost pushed Keisha out of the way because girl if you don’t want him give him here NOW. 😂!! Ultimately she let herself melt into a man that just wanted to be her safe place and love her. Like her mom said “take care of him the way he takes care of you.”

Loved catching up with the characters from the Knight Brothers series. They had me laughing in her. That Rocco, Julius, Dallas and Sr are something series. Now that plot twist i didn’t want to be true but it did cross my mind earlier in the book. At the end of the day loyalty is a must.

Now I’m ready to see what Declan is about because according to him he done grew up since Devon been locked up.

[Morgan Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww, Devon the dominant lover boy & Keisha the independent girl-boss! She gave him hell at first, but I’m glad she allowed herself to experience that soft love that she deserved 🥰



The Edward Brothers kept me entertained! Good plot twists as well - whew chile, the levels of betrayal. And when those boys found out who was involved in the snake shit that was really going on? Babyyy, nobody was safe!

[bree ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

love keisha & devon, no shade but i heard some things about declan & i'm readyyyy.

🤭 but i love shifter romances so much, dria's catalog has me in a chokehold right now. especially the eastfield shifterverse. devon was a man of his word & his relationship with ms. patrice was very sweet & wholesome. key & dev's relationship was so satisfying.

[Jenae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Dria writes and this is no different I can’t wait for Declan’s book and the challenge for the Motsi seat cause Cyrus been showing his ass for like 2/3 books now. I love the relationship between Silas Rock Jules, mason and Devon and even loved the cameo from my husband Dallas (😂😭)

[Mybookscafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!!!

Ohh chile this one was good!!!! I loved the way this story unfolded. The back and forth between Devon and Keisha was funny. Every time she gave him a hard time, I side eyed her behind like gurlll if you don’t stop playing with that man!!!!
Devon stood on business and didn’t let up!!! His bond to his brother and husband family was great.

The mystery surrounding the story was well written and I can’t wait for the next book!!!!!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Found

This type of story was new to me! I love how they knew they were to be mates but that submissive thing she does is crazy to me. Yes, he's her alpha but her wolf putting her in place was hard at first because she to is an alpha female. All in all it was good. I new something wasn't right early on with Terrance! It did bother me that Devon didn't pick up on the betrayal, it in the nasty way a person reacts to someone.

[Monique Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟

This was a good mix of urban fiction and paranormal. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with Declan.

[Reagan Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

I know a shifter romance hate to see me coming

I eat up every book by Dria Andersen and Devon was absolutely delicious. When it came to Keisha, Devon wasn’t playing any games and he made it known that they were mates. I like that he didn’t let Keisha sabotage their relationship and made her feel secure.

If I could stay in this book universe I would, but alas the story has to end and I will continue reading Dria Andersen books🩷

[Crimson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good love story.

[Honey Coco Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay read but I really wish there was more of shifter feel. It needed more world building. It felt like a regular urban romance sprinkled with shifter words.

[Charmy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book at 3.75/5. I think I probably mention this is almost, if not every, review I do on shifters and that is how I enjoy reading the different twists and takes authors have regarding shifters. In this universe different types of shifters were able to cross mate with other shifters (the mother of the FMC was a panther and her father was a wolf). Also, in this universe it seems that the outside world is aware of shifters because it is mentioned that shifters get different treatment when they are incarcerated. One is most notably that they aren't allowed to shift often which makes a lot of shifters go crazy or even cause them to lose touch with their wolf and not be able to shift at all.

Having been in those conditions for about a decade, Devon is released and is determined not to return to the life he was in when he got locked up. On his first day home he runs into his old boss' daughter and realizes they are fated mates. Now, this part is something I wasn't too clear on. Usually, when a shifter reaches whatever ages puberty is for them, they are able to sense their mate. I'm unclear as to how Keisha being younger than Devon could sense the bond but Devon wasn't aware of it.

One thing I'm a sucker for is a love story and Devon was surely applying major pressure when it came to Keisha. She was determined to be an independent woman and not give in to fate but that man was not letting up. He was a man of his word and everything he spoke, he made sure to stand on. And book girlies (especially this one) love a man that stands on business!

In the beginning I was side eyeing Keisha's family because of the male cousin she had issues with. I did appreciate that her gossiping cousin was still about family over everything at the end of the day. But everyone who know about her dad's...living situation... were all trash for that.

Now, there were quite a few being thrown out in relation to the Motsi and I honestly got a bit confused on who was who at times. I figured out where Devon's issues were coming from and it when it came time for the resolution, I will say that I was a little underwhelmed. It kind of came and went fairly quickly. When that happened I assumed it was because the challenge was going to be bigger. The challenge is not in this book, though. It's likely going to be in Declan's book that is coming out soon.

I am definitely looking forward to reading Declan's story.

[Brooklyn Simpson-Crowder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Star level: 3.5 stars Spice level: 2/5 🌶️
Trope: werewolf
Trigger warnings: guns, violence, death
Fav quotes: “I was going to tell you that you can’t be punching people and not expecting them to react, but don’t even worry about it. I got your back now, so you can slap people up and down these streets if you need to.”
“Ain’t but one woman got a claim to me, so fighting other bitches ‘bout me is dead, hear?”
“You on yo’ independent shit, and I fucks with that, Keisha, but you. Are. Mine.” He thrust into her, punctuating his words. “That means mine to take care of, mine to love, and mine to protect.”
What we doing?” Rock asked, loading a clip into his Glock. Devon sighed and pulled his heat from under the seat. “Gon’ clear that bitch out.”
About the book:I love me a good werewolf story but this wasn’t really a werewolf story it was more human was the aspect of matting thrown in there. It was an okay story I love the fact the FMC was independent and didn’t let anyone walk over and The MMC want the be a provider and protector it was a push and pull relationship until they got it together. I just didn’t like the big time jump and one moment we’re here and the next we’re in a totally didn’t situation and time. I was going to DNF because it was 3rd person POV but I needed to find out if the kid the was his friends was secretly his it it was actually worse and I knew from the start Drew was no good. I just wish I knew what happen with the council seat but I guess we have to read the brothers book to find out so

[LitWithLeia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dria! I am absolutely obsessed with your shifters. One of my favorite things is how each animal feels distinct. You can tell the difference in their energy, instincts, and personalities, which makes the world so rich. We got a glimpse of the wolves back in The Knight Brothers series, and they did not disappoint here.

Devon himself? Whew baby. He is THAT man, the very definition of “I got it.” Confident, capable, and loyal, he brought everything I love in a shifter romance. While there were definitely moments I wanted to shake Keisha (girl, if you don’t give in, you can hand that man over…), I appreciated that she made him work for it instead of folding too quickly. Her mother was such a standout character, I adored her calming presence and wisdom throughout the story.

Another highlight was the way Devon’s relationships with the Knights and his brother added depth. The bonds between the men really made the story feel grounded, and it was so easy to fall into this world. Dria’s storytelling is seamless; her books always pull me in, and this one was no different.

I can't wait to read Declan because baby brother is CLEARLY not to be messed with.

[Louis Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

Ms Anderson you did it again! I love hearing Devon story from this series. Devon end up in jail ten years ago and this story explains how. He has been helping his friend even from his jail cell because he is a true boss. In his story fate would have him find his mate the same day of his release. I have to say that he had a great deal of patience because Keisha, his mate, is really a bit much. She starts off saying she desires a mate and wants the kind of relationship her boss and friends have, that have found their mates. But the moment her mate appears she does everything to push him away! Her ultra “I’m Ms Independent” personality was super annoying. But I must say that Devon and his brother Declan made this story really interesting. I look forward to Declan story and pray that his mate is likable and not trying to make the brother a simp.

[NJaya B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t stand a 3rd person book but i really did enjoy it. Devon got Key right on up out that independent/attitude nonsense. She got on my nerves at times but the way she analyzed and listened to feedback was everything. I loved their bond and how she submitted eventually to her feelings for him. Her mom got good time because i would have had to unbury Leland just to off him again. I suspected Drew was the culprit when he killed ole boy before he could talk. I kinda wanted Declan to be fated to one of Keys cousin .. (a girl could wish). I loved his bad boy era just as much as Devon. I didn’t like Tangie , she wasn’t as much as a victim in my eyes once she still tried to get Devon after knowing he was mated with someone. I love Rocco and Jewls too.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got into it

It took a while but I really got into this story; for a while, I felt like I was behind or missing something. I'm not sure if these are brand new characters or not and also, street-life stuff isn't really my bag (though I think them being shifters helped with that, funny enough). But thankfully, it took a turn to where I wanted to keep reading to see what happened, and I got engrossed. I had my moments with both of the main characters, with their attitudes veering towards irksome (there was a LOT of eye rolling) but I loved how in tune they were with each other and doted on one another.

Might read the next one in the series.

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEVON!!!🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

Devon and Keisha were a pleasure to read. I love a good wolf-mating and I’ve had this book too long to not have read it. Keisha had me talking to my Kindle because I’m like honey, I know you have trust/daddy issues, but Devon ain’t him. Ms. Patrice felt it from the first time he showed up at her house he was indeed serious, but eventually our girl gets it together. I’m about to fall down a rabbit hole because I now realize they’re other couples I need to get their stories. Plus I’m waiting to see when we get our Crownless King follow up!👀👀 On to Declan, Happy Reading Y’all!💋

[Freddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon & Keisha

What can I say?! Ms. Dria has done it again. She just doesn’t miss for me! Queen of Shifter Romances. She knows how to pen a dominant, possessive but loving MMC, with a fierce and feisty, bullheaded FMC. The way the men love on their women is a science that should be studied and Devon was no exception. The way he swooped in, claimed Keisha and Ms. Patrice and cared for them was beautiful. I’m excited for the continuation in Declan’s book!

[Courtnee Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all

Keisha has no time for romance. Devon Edwards is going to make the time whether Keisha is ready or not. But can Keisha trust that Devon is a man of his word?

I feel like the Knight Brothers novellas were a great intro for Devon. It really builds up to this point and gets you used to how the Motsi operates. I also like Andersen’s decision to blend Urban Romance with Paranormal Romance.

If you like betrayal, love after lockup, and shifter dynamics, this is for you.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Great characters and chemistry and whoa the potential betrayals and tension about fights as people move up and pasts being revealed. It's so well written as Usual but, daaaamn, the amount of times I thought man's was cooked but things kept unravelling and making me pressure go up apprehensively. But he's so good with his mate and the journey of their love and the development of that relationship is so well done.

[Tonee · Rating 3 out of 5]

New series spinoff

This is book 1 in a new series spinoff from the Knight Brothers series. There are supporting characters in the book from the previous series, and to fully understand what’s going on, you should read that series first.

This book is about the oldest Edwards brother, an ex-convict recently released and trying to stay away from the streets as he solidifies his relationship with his mate.

[Myisha Braddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo Goood!!

This was incredibly enjoyable!! When I tell you I was hooked from beginning to end. The characters of Devon and Keisha were perfect. His dominant mannerisms and her fight to remain in control of herself. The way he kept his word and broke down her barriers to the point in which she claimed him first. I just loved it!! And don’t get me started on the brothers, their banter and the friendships. Great read, loved this story, can’t wait to get to Declan’s.

[Ashanti Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️. What’s better than a black wolf shifter with BDE, thuggish tendencies and gold slugs? Not a damn thing. I loved me some Devon. Key was giving my baby a hard time but he did not come to play with her. Plus there’s knotting. I ate this up. I had a feeling about one of the disloyal people but the other surprised me. I hope in Declan’s story there’s an update on Keisha’s family. I would recommend.

[mo be readin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this follow up/continuation from the Knight brothers series (& nice to see those characters again). Devon is that dude and stood on business! Keisha is slowly softening herself and I can’t wait to see how their journey continues (because I’m assuming there will be a book for Declan).

I got into shifters through Dria’s books, so I’m riding with her to wherever she goes next!

[LaDonna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

*swoons*

It’s so hard breaking out of a habit that you’ve been doing for a decade, plus. Devon came along and allowed her to keep her independence but also allow him to take the lead when necessary. My girl had no problem submitting to him. I love that for them. Now, I need Declan to get his seat and for his mate to come along.

[Shalana · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one writes shifter romance like Dria Andersen.

Keisha and Declan were soooo good together. As much as Keisha wanted to keep her independence, she couldn't deny her wolf and she couldn't deny her wolf. Once Declan realized Keisha was his mate, he came at her hard and he came correct.

Also a joy to see some of our old favs.

[Jaleesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

More please….

I didn’t think that this book would take all my attention when I started it this morning. It was good to catch up with old friends but I loved getting to know Devon and Keisha. Devon played no games when it came to Keisha and I ate that up. So excited to see what’s coming and who is gonna have Declan down bad!!