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James Agnesson has a brewing obsession and not even the thought of death stops him from plotting what he'd like to do to Shula the next time he gets her alone.

And that's the least of his sins. He has his fingers dipped into something truly sinister, something that even murder pales.

But soon we see sparks of humanity in him, but is it too late?

We follow the passion of Jared and Shula and their hopes for Agnes Oaks, and we see Jude struggle to desire a wife when his inclinations are buried under the ash of an old lover.

But, once the smoke clears, brothers become allies.

With one objective.

Book Two of Six. Cliffhanger.

164 pages, Unknown Binding

First published November 29, 2014

2 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Arden Aoide

48 books198 followers
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Arden Aoide lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. Turn ons include men who cry during sex, long walks on the beach, and talking about herself in the third person. Turn offs include mean people and trying to figure out how to write an interesting author bio.

She doesn't write about the typical men you normally read about in erotic romance novels. She likes her men brainy and just this side of manic.

She's an introvert, she loves coffee, Internet, British television, and pot stickers. And pie. She loves pie.



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5 stars
38 (59%)
4 stars
18 (28%)
3 stars
4 (6%)
2 stars
3 (4%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Brickner.
187 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2014
This the second in a great series of romances set 50 years in the future in seceded Texas I would highly recommend to you. As Jim Bakker showed, the person who prays the most and broadcasts their love of Jesus the most widely is not always the most devout. James is the patriarch of the family and makes all his sociopathic, devious, and evil decisions justified on his warped interpretations of church doctrine. This book centers around James' son Jude and his arranged marriage to Clara. Their marriage is moved ahead of schedule because James discovers Jude with his homosexual lover Martin. We get to continue with the sizzling marriage of Shula and Jared. The two brothers, Jude and Jared, bond finally, united in their contempt for their father. Shula gets to go shopping for her first pants ever on their much anticipated honeymoon to the first city Shula has ever visited. There are so many details and side stories that I kept turning the pages with ultimate anticipation. James' housekeeper and illicit lover, who had a sad end in book 1, is survived by a brave, brilliant, and cunning sister who will find out what happened or die trying. James has a baby factory to produce blond-haired blue-eyed babies with a kidnapped baby daddy named Raphe who is the sexiest and most irresistible prostitute in literary history. Book three will be about another one of James' sons we know very little about so far. I can't wait. I really care about these characters. I think the political and religious themes for seceded Texas are so pithy and interesting. Kudos to Arden Aoide, one of my favorite writers ever!!!
Profile Image for Nicole Sullivan.
358 reviews10 followers
June 25, 2015
Marriage. Sex. Money. Power. Possession. All the makings of an epic tale. This second installment in the Sins of Lethe series melds together new couples with new relationships to explore. The dichotomy between what we know of life now & this futuristic world in Texas is so thought provoking. Would life hundreds of years in the future still pose the same issues in relationships? Would there be a power struggle & societal gender expectations? I definitely think so & I love how Arden's characters represent that so well.

Shula & Jared are still my favorite couple. They are so sweet. They are learning each other & reminiscent of a newly married couple, which of course they are, but they are honest, which is rare. I love that they admit their desires to each other, even if it may be hard to. It shows an intimacy that makes the characters that much richer.

One of the aspects to Devoutly, are the social & political ramifications of Texas succeeding from the Union. This brings a whole new world view for this futuristic life depicted both on a larger, global scale & smaller, relationship scale. Texas is viewed as a black hole, a place where men were savages & this point is proven through the very existence of James Agnesson. His presence isn't as stifling as before, but his menace is certainly felt.

Jude finally takes his wife Clara. He is unsure if she will be able to satisfy him, but is pleasantly surprised on their wedding night. Also, he is incredibly aware of his father & how to 'handle' him, if it's even possible to handle James Agnesson. It's much different than Jared's relationship with James. But, in true James Agnesson form, Jude is about to discover just how far his father's depravity can reach.

This installment was highly sexual & certainly reiterated the fact that James Agnesson is evil. He takes it to a whole new level. What I love most about this series is the way Arden can transport you to an odd world, one that's both difficult & easy to picture. One that you can see in your mind, vividly, but have a hard time comprehending the meaning behind all the character's actions. It's shocking and sinfully tasty leaving you, not only wanting, but desperate for more.
Profile Image for Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews.
1,114 reviews215 followers
March 26, 2016
Free copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

4 Sinful Stars!

Book Two in The Sins of Lethe Series. Books should be read in order.


Warning: Murder, Forbidden Sexual Acts including (HOT) M/M action, and Exceptional writing.

If you like reading books about religion cults this one is for you.

Devoutly starts right where first ended with Jude in the barn committing forbidden acts. If you haven't read the first then this review will not make any sense.

How far will James go to keep his power over his family, to ensure Texas is separate from the evils of the rest of the world? I have to admit James keeps me glued to the pages. He's the villain, the darkness. The characters are naive to the modern day, women forced into marriages, and sex being the act of procreation, nothing else. As James' sons get married and are separated from him, they begin to wonder if the life they were taught is what they want. Each son has the desire for a life far from their controlling father. Is killing James the only way? James has kidnapped Ralphie to breed children that are fit to be the better race. But Ralphie has his eyes set on freedom, making his captor Daniel crave the forbidden. Two men mating is forbidden. The erotic scenes within the book are taboo, well because all is considered a sin, making each moment that much more scandalous. I can't say much more without spoiling.

There's so much going on, we get multiple povs, it plays out like a movie or better yet an episode on TV. If your looking for something different, edgy, with a twinge of dark, I highly recommend.
Profile Image for JC (Jen).
248 reviews8 followers
January 23, 2016
Devoutly is the second book to the Sins Of Lethe series and it is just as amazing as the first book (A Consummation)! I absolutely love Arden's style of writing; it's nothing like anything else you will read. The characters in these books are great! I fell in love with some and hate others ;) It's all part of the ride and is what makes this book amazing. I highly recommend this series. you won't regret it; they will leave you begging for more! I cannot wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Jean.
490 reviews46 followers
January 12, 2015
The Sins of Lethe the the continue. Future Texas is a chilling place if you're a woman, especially if you cross James Agenesson's path. Ms Slide mixes social commentary and thriller in a what's sure to culminate in a devastating, unexpected conclusion. if you enjoyed Children of Men, pick up this series. you'll thank me later.
Profile Image for Miri.
556 reviews67 followers
May 21, 2015
Mother of cheeeeeeeesus Christ!!! People read this now!!! I'm so emotional involved now. Lol
Profile Image for Itsy Bitsy Book Bits.
699 reviews50 followers
November 2, 2015
Devoutly-Sins of Lethe: Book Two by Arden Aoide

The second book in a series of six books opens with James Agnesson shooting his son’s lover while he is having sex with Jude in the barn. Jude is left to clean the mess. Jude starts to burn the barn down but ends up passing out. His brother, Jared, newly married, smells the smoke coming from his father’s land and rushes to put it out. He finds Jude and saves him.

Jude confesses to Jared what has happened. Jared while surprised does not judge his brother. He and Shula set out to help him take down their father.

It is revealed that James has decided to populate Texas with White, blond haired and blue eyed babies. He gets a parishioner of his to kidnap a male prostitute from the city outside Texas, Raphe. Raphe is kidnapped by Daniel, the parishioner’s son. They tie him up and force him to have sex with girls from the community who could not get pregnant by their husbands. They also want to make babies to sell on the black market.

Jude is forced to marry Clara. He wants the farm. So he agrees. He sees how Jared and Shula are and he wants to love his wife like Jared loves his. He has sex with Clara and even gets Clara to agree to anal sex so it is close to what he craves. He starts to be happy with Clara. But he and Clara agree to wait on a child. James is having none of that. He wants to populate Texas with his seed. Never mind if it is not

In the meantime, James has killed his maid, Selene, while having rough sex. He sends the body down the river and reports her missing the next day. Her sister, Sophia, comes looking for her. She pretends to be looking for work as a maid and uses a false last name to get the job with James.
James checks on Raphe and discovers Daniel, his captor’s son, having sex with Raphe. He of course is intrigued with how rough it is. He makes Daniel have oral sex with him and then of course, kills him. He tells Daniel’s father that he had a seizure.

This book continues the saga and ends with a kidnapping. Who will be kidnapped? Will James ever be caught for all the murders he has committed? I give this book 5 stars. Even though it is a little dark for my taste, the author draws you into the story and I did not want to put it down.
It does end with a cliffhanger. The story is continued in To Be Wished-Sins of Lethe: Book Three.

BUY NOW - http://amzn.to/1LMp05w
Profile Image for Epicbookaddict.
711 reviews12 followers
December 8, 2014
I must confess to being slightly addicted to Arden Aoide's writing style and the very unique characters I've come to expect from her. Devoutly surpassed my expectations. You should first read A Consummation (Sins of Lethe-1) to get the full effect of these characters.

Jared and Shula continue to develop into a strong, complex and highly sexual couple. Jared redefines the meaning of sex, love and marriage in ways Shula was not expecting. Shula continues to be strong, sensual, smart and yet somehow innocent.

Raphe, Daniel and James...wow. It's intense, raw, hot, deviant and as addictive as crack. Initially I saw Raphe as a sort of hooker with a heart of gold, add in a dash of smart ass and voila instant yummy man burrito. Now I'm not so sure, he is so much more. What I do know is the dynamic between Raphe and Daniel is wicked hot. Add James into the mix and you either accept the fact that your friends will think you wickedly depraived or have your therapist on speed dial.

Last but not least Jude and Cara. I love Jude. He makes me sad and happy at the same time. He is fractured on so many levels and along comes Cara. She is nothing like he expected her to be. He is not what her mother told her to expect. I don't yet know if Jude is capable of loving her in the traditional sense of marital love. Copius amount of sexual experimentation brings Jude and Cara closer than I thought they could get. Any hallelujah we get to come along for the ride!
Profile Image for Jules The Book Junkie Reviews.
1,604 reviews97 followers
February 24, 2020
Devoutly is the second book in Arden Aoide’s Sins of Lethe series. It should not be read as a stand-alone novel.

Devoutly explores hypocrisy. James, patriarch of the Agnesson clan, talks a good story about sin, God and the Bible, but he doesn’t walk the walk. He uses his power and social position to push his agenda. Behind closed doors the religious zealot answers only to himself. His treatment of his sons and their wives, his plans for an Arian nation and the means by which he plans to accomplish that are sadistic. His penchant for combining sexual acts and murder are barbaric.

Devoutly is filled with social commentary. It is provocative. It’s a mind bender. It is corrupt absolute power, control and sadism. It is hope for change. Ms. Aoide’s Sins of Lethe series is reminiscent of Bradbury and Orwell with a highly sexual twist.

Profile Image for A..
Author 0 books10 followers
June 6, 2015
I'm horrible addicted to this series, the author has a unique way of bringing a whole new meaning to Beware of false prophets! The father of all lies is still reigning his law down upon the poor lambs in this segregated old world Texas era of 2250.

James the King, the father of lies, the shame of the devil himself is the full and correct definition of deceit, hypocrisy, and a true narcissistic cult leader of all time.

Jude is slowing coming to fruition, he is coming to terms with who he really is and although he allows his father to arrange his marriage he owns up to his lot in life and serves, protects and honors Clara. It will be interesting to see how this family struggles to survive when the truth finally comes to the forefront in this erotic little eye opener.

Ah James Agnesson, your reign of tyranny is almost at an end!
Profile Image for Immanythings.
117 reviews
December 31, 2015
As I read the Consummation: Exclusive Author's Cut (Sins of Lethe Book 1) , I had no idea I was a getting a two for one. I had finished the end of book 1 and went back to read the last few pages again. As I swiped my screen there was more to read about writing in the person tense. I really like the explanation and so onto book 2 I went.
Raphe, Daniel, and James Agnesson (still alive and up to his same old tricks) but so sensual are Jude and Clara much like Jared and Shula in book 1. These two books were a great way to end my leisure reading year. I am not even sure how I found them or maybe they found me...

Many thanks to the author Arden Aoide, her works have been added to my list of favourite reads. I am now seeking the next in the series.

Immanythings...
Profile Image for Yahaira.
557 reviews55 followers
January 16, 2015
So much for not getting into an unfinished series. This is worth it. I'm in love with the authors writing style. The fact that it's something I haven't read about before makes it even better for me. Great cast. They each have their own stories, pasts, secrets. This is a perfect example of the separation between what you believe and what you are taught to believe. The difference between Religion and State laws. This is a world where women only matter for one thing, being a possession.

You want to try something new and maybe step out of your comfort zone, you MUST give this a try. I NEED more.

Thank You Arden Aoide❤️
Profile Image for Pinkaze.
104 reviews
January 4, 2016
One day, I got bored and without any physical book near me, I decided to read random free books from Amazon Kindle. Of all the ones I tried, I got glued to this one.

Devoutly is a Dark Erotica that is a part of the series called Sins of Lethe.

The series has LOT of steamy sexy scenes, but it also offers a very compelling story. The world created by Arden Aoide got me so interested that I read book 1-2 in just one sitting. Books 3-5 were my very FIRST purchase via Amazon Kindle (It is just that good! I couldn't help but buy).

This is a highly recommended read if you're into the genre. But let me warn you, this is not for the weak-hearted -- and definitely not for homophobes.
96 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2014
This book - it has made me speechless. I've been thinking for days what to say about it - this book caught me up in a world like none I've ever known. It's in the future, and it could be REAL. The characters - they are real, and some of them frighten me. Good, evil, happy, sad, proud, ashamed, all these attributes and so many more are raised in this story. Some scenes are so very hot; other scenes are so very distressing. This book - it will make you think, it will make you feel. You should read it.

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Christine Morgan.
732 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2015
This is a great continuation to the series. We get to find out more about the characters in the previous book and meet some new characters, we get to see more of their lives these characters are definitely different and are in unique situations. Some questions are answered, some new ones appear but all in all the series is evolving were getting a better look at the world the characters live in and their motivations. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Shannon.
302 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2015
Arden really knows how to throw your world upside down but in a good way. The more characters we meet in Texas the more mind-f*cked you get. Jude is finding out life with a female lover can be interesting and Jared sees some of his dad in himself and we have only met two of the Agnesson boys. How can you just treat people as cattle and not expect some type of rebellion from the victims. I can’t wait to see what my mind will go through next on the rollercoaster.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
2,909 reviews91 followers
July 16, 2015
Read my first review. It's about the same for this part of the story. A bit more character build, a bunch more darkness coming out. You think you see it, and then your eyes pop out of your head reading the next bit. I am still torn about how I feel about it.....
Profile Image for Kassandra Lemay.
11 reviews
November 25, 2014
at first when i started to read this one i did not know what to think. i but i do now. i love it. but i still need to read the first.
1,554 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2014
Ok, loved the story but it was too short, like a teaser. Why can't we get the full novel? I am not liking this, released in too small increments. Losing patience.
Profile Image for K..
Author 45 books1,080 followers
February 8, 2015
Again, great

These installments are beautifully written and a delicious indulgence. You won't be disappointed if you pick these up. Grab the books today
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