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Devastated

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Living the American Dream Shelby had everything she could have dreamed of. A handsome husband, two children, a beautiful home and a great job. What else could she ask for?

In an instant her world is turned upside down when she innocently looks at her husband’s phone. With this Devastating discovery Shelby has to decide if she will walk away from twenty years of marriage? Or will she find a way to fit into Grant's erotic world.

What will she do? Will she walk on the wild side she never knew she had? How far will she go? If she crosses the line will she be able to live with herself when the sun comes up? Or will she let her over conservative personality end her marriage?

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2014

4 people are currently reading
108 people want to read

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Monica May

2 books47 followers

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5 stars
49 (44%)
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39 (35%)
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13 (11%)
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7 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for The BookChick .
1,454 reviews425 followers
December 15, 2014
I am always cautiously optimistic when I read books by new-to-me authors because I don't know quite what to expect from their stories. However, Monica May did a good job conveying a sweetly erotic story in Devastated. I am not a fan of infidelity in my romance and will immediately control+alt+delete any book I'm reading that contains it. Although there is no concrete infidelity in the story the couple is torn apart by an incident that almost skirts it. Fortunately, the protagonists were able to fight their way back from a situation that could have ended their twenty year marriage. And, that is also something else I enjoyed about the story. The characters in the story, Shelby and Grant, were not new lovers with all the fire and passion of a new romance. No, they were an "old" married couple looking to rekindle the fire and passion of their youth. And boy did they ever. The story was definitely full of steamy interludes and sexy moments between the couple. But through the eroticism of their actions, you could feel the love and care between them. Devastated is what I would call a spicy bite and can be read within a few enjoyable hours.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,049 reviews934 followers
Want to read
October 15, 2014
Wow!!! I LOVE that blurb!!! Definitely intrigued .......

Profile Image for BooksandBeyondFiftyShades.
1,350 reviews158 followers
October 14, 2014
Shelby thought she had the perfect life, a wonderful husband of almost 20 years, two great children, and a great job. Then one night she picks up her husband’s phone to show a picture to her son and what she finds is devastating. She checks his phone to see who he sent the pictures to, because she knows it wasn’t her. Problem is she can’t find any evidence that he sent the pictures to anyone. She is so confused and hurt she doesn’t know what to do. Her husband, Grant, wants the chance to explain but she is too angry and upset to want to hear his voice so she leaves the house to go for a drive.

They have a “discussion” via text message where he tries to explain but he desperately wants to deal with the issue face to face. As with any relationship after spending so many years together, you get into a daily routine and after a while things get boring. That is Grant’s issue. He loves and adores his wife, couldn’t imagine his life without her. He was just looking for ways to spice things up and what started out as an innocent chat session turned into something more.

I really enjoyed this book as the topic is something that happens to many couples over the course of a long relationship. The author had a wonderful way of showing how little gestures can mean so much, even something as simple as the wife initiating intimate playtime. Grant loved the benefits of the new Shelby but he was also extremely concerned that she was doing this only for him and he was worried that she would end up resenting him later.

Little did he know that having the issue that they went through really opened Shelby’s eyes to the inner goddess that lies within all of every woman. It really made them both realize that anything they do behind closed doors, only matters to them. Many people consider certain things very “taboo” but it shouldn’t matter as long as the parties involved are satisfied. Although this story had some editing mishaps, I was able to look past that and really enjoy the story. I would highly recommend this story!
Profile Image for Erin McKinley.
284 reviews17 followers
November 15, 2014
OMG!! I want book two! There's a book two right?! I hope so!

This book is about a woman finding her SEXY new self after a "cyber incident" with her husband. I wanted to hate him thinking this book was going somewhere else but man was I wrong. He clearly made a mistake. Now before you think I'm ok with cheating, you have to read the book to know exactly what that mistake was! Which I'm basically saying..ONE CLICK THIS BOOK!!! It's steamy! It's romantic! It's something I've never read before and I definitely loved it. I wanna be Shelby when I grow up and I'm hoping I have a Grant too!

Please let there be a book two with Samantha!!!

Monica May, well done! Five Sexy Stars!
Profile Image for Barbi Davis.
315 reviews
February 11, 2015
Devastated is a incredible book. About fixing problems in Marriage and relationships. I wish I was more like Shelby. But after 31 years married. It is real that things need a shake up. And I think every women should listen and find their Inner Goddess!! Monica writes a great story that flows easy and is a page turner. I have read a lot of erotica. And this is a story with erotic. Not erotica and no story...lol...I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,276 reviews149 followers
October 23, 2015

I've really appreciated this book even if it is so different from what I usually read (NA) because the main characters are not so young anymore. After 20 years of marriage they have to confront with their first big couple crisis,trying to solve it exploring and spicing their sex life.
This story is so realistic that looks like Shelby and Grant are your old friends and you cheer for them because true love is forever.

1 review
September 15, 2014
Great read! Finally a good smut book where you can actually relate to the main character, Shelby, a working mother of 2 just living an ordinary life, until.... Well, I don't want to give it all away! Gotta read it!
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
February 1, 2015
5 Stars!

I really enjoyed this book. This is not a story about falling in love or about a new romance. This book was about a couple who fell in love had and fast a long time ago, how the spark has left, and what they did to get it back. This book took me on a sexy and erotic ride about learning to push boundaries and see how new experiences can enhance your relationship. This book was about learning to fall in love again with your spouse. This book was about learning to forgive and let go.

This is Grant and Shelby's story! Grant and Shelby met in college, fell in love fast and hard, and are living the American dream.. or so it seems. But when Shelby looks through her husband's phone and sees he has betrayed her, she doesn't know if they can get past it. She still loves him but betrayal is betrayal. When she sits back and lets Grant explain, she doesn't realize this experience is going to change her entire world. When Shelby realizes she has lost her spunk and fire for Grant, she know she needs to find herself again. Will Shelby be able to forgive Grant and move on? As these two enter the unknown and try new things, the chemistry between these two reignites. Can their flame still burn after years? Can these two find a way back to each other?

I loved these two people even if I wanted to smack and then throttle Grant in the beginning when I found out what he did. Yes he betrayed Shelby and yes she deserved to ice his ass out but their love was strong. Their love was so strong they were able to build on what happened and turn a new leaf in their love story. I love how Shelby handled what happened and what she did to basically get her groove back. While I am young and in my late twenties (scarily approaching the big 3-0), I could relate to this book and to Shelby. We have all been stuck in a rut in a relationship and what makes you successful is what you do and how you handle it. And let me tell you, Miss Shelby was ON FIRE! She was super sexy and pushed her boundaries. And Grant.... our kinky man! I loved how he opened up to Shelby and they tried things... together!

I cannot wait for the next book in this series and yes I greedily want more Grant and Shelby! :)

I highly recommend this book!

Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
Profile Image for Melissa.
942 reviews
March 22, 2015
I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

Shelby found photos on her husband's (Grant) cell phone. Photos that you would not want anyone, but your spouse to see. Grant sent those photos to someone (read to find out). Shelby went through a bit of self-discovery of who she is.

WOW! This is definitely different than what I am used to reading. The description from Goodreads nailed it. Think about it? Most of us wives fall into a routine. You know the one: Kids- feed them, clothes them, bath them; grocery shopping, appointments, homework, sports, etc. This list goes on and on. This book had a lot: heartache, betrayal, HOT sex, undying love, forgiveness, self-discovery, humor. It was about second chances and not giving up when things go from good to bad in your relationship. It reminded me to play attention to my husband. Not because of what happened within this book, but because one day it will just be him and me when the kids leave the nest!!

Shelby wanted to know if she could find her Inner Sex Goddess- That inner voice of yours telling you something. In the beginning of her relationship with her husband before they were married, they were let's say Friskier!! During the 20 years married, they lost something. Not love or intimacy, but things they used to do. Shelby begins to wonder why? So, she did some research in this area to explore the possibilities of what could be between her and her husband.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa
Profile Image for Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews).
945 reviews35 followers
October 17, 2015
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
This book left me devastated with emotions and with a new meaning of both love and marriage. Monica May took a romance that needed rekindled between a husband and wife and added a New Orleans flavor. Shelby and Grant learn how to spice things up in the bedroom and bring the reader along for the ride. We get to see an old flame that after given attention becomes an inferno that is larger than life and will burn forever.

When the book begins, we are introduced to a middle aged couple that is close to forty. They still love each other but they have lost that spark of passion along with the birth of two children and mundane household tasks. Shelby and Grant have been married for almost twenty years and are just walking through life together and not enjoying each other along the way. When Shelby makes a shocking revelation about Grant's extra curricular activities, this leaves their relationship at a crossroads. He is madly in love with Shelby and yearns for her sexy, vibrant side that used to shine through.After much deliberation she has decided to rediscover her sexuality and test her boundaries with Grant. The steamy scenes that ensue are enough to boil anyone's blood and shows how a couple can revive, enjoy, and celebrate their sensuality together.

I highly recommend for a steamy read about a love and passion that is reignited, endures, and cannot be stifled. Shelby and Grant are a couple that everyone needs to experience to show us that a marriage can become stronger, should be enjoyed, and filled with new experiences.

579 reviews17 followers
February 21, 2015
Powerful, emotional read. Love can conquer all.

I began reading this book on a Friday night around 9:30 after hubby decided to go to sleep. Funny thing…the book begins on a Friday night and it’s mentioned about the husband being asleep on the couch at 9:30. My first thought is are you writing about my life? The more I read, the more I felt like Monica May was in my world, writing about my life. Talk about a story that can connect with readers. I think this book has felt more real to me than anything I have read to date. As have many of you, I have read several books in this genre and much to my delight and surprise this is the first one I have read with this storyline. Typical everyday family, normal lives, normal routines, then, Shelby discovers something on her husband’s phone. Monica takes us on Shelby and Grant’s journey to try to recover from his betrayal, although not an intimate contact betrayal, it’s still betrayal.
Devastated has betrayal, heartache, humor, HOT sex, self-discovery, and deep, true, undying love, all told in a brilliant way. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more in The New Orleans Temptation Series.
Profile Image for Niki Driscoll.
889 reviews17 followers
November 1, 2014
This is story is based around the fact that as time marches on, things tend to get routine and ordinary. As with all relationships, you have to work to keep the spark alive or you end up losing the very thing you once valued. A hot topic in this story is whether or not you consider on line chats, talks or sending erotic, sexy or nude pictures to other people cheating. Even if there is no physical contact it can still devastate your relationship and a lot of relationships cannot survive. This storyline was based on the effort Shelby and Grant put into their relationship to try and salvage it after just such an incident. Both of our characters grow during their attempt to recapture what was lost. Grant finds out that maybe some of his fantasy are enticing but others are not what he really wants. Shelby pushes herself out of her comfort zone to be more open sexually with Grant and to try things she normally wouldn't. This was a well thought out story with an engaging topic, some really hot sex and a great incite into what it takes to fix something that was broken.
Profile Image for Sharon Obelenus Holland.
442 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2014
I just bought this book this morning and could NOT put it down!!! Monica does a wonderful job at telling her story!! Shelby has always gone after what she has wanted. The first time she saw her husband, Grant, she knew she had to have him. 20 years and 2 kids later, they are still very much in love, that is until Shelby finds pictures on her husband's phone. Not of girls but of himself. Devastated, she takes a drive. He swears he didnt cheat but only went into a porn chat room and got carried away and sent the pictures of himself to some woman. Shelby isn't a prude but she never got into porn and as for sex she had always been satisfied with their vanilla sex. But now she takes a look at herself and decides to give some stuff a try. For their anniversary, she goes to a adult store to buy a blindfold and ties, but is invited to a sex party for New Years. Now they have to decide if they want to go, and how far they are willing to take their sex life.
Profile Image for BookHeathens.
51 reviews23 followers
October 29, 2014
Monica's first book is AMAZING!!! Shelby is a control freak, when she saw her husband for the first time, she knew she had to have him. Right before their 20th anniversary, she finds pictures of himself on his phone, ones she never received!! Grant has always loved his porn, but when it got out of hand one night in a chat, he sent the pics to a girl online. Of course, Shelby is devastated, but she decides shes not going to lose her husband. She comes up with a plan to start getting kinkier in bed. She goes to a adult toy store to buy a blindfold and ties, but ends up being invited to a sex party New Years Eve. Now she has to figure out a way to bring it up to her husband, but also figure out how far she is willing to go, especially since when they go to the doctors to get checked out and the papers signed to go, she gets hit on by another woman, her husbands #1 fantasy!!!
Profile Image for Page Turners.
722 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2015
To the outside world, Grant and Shelby had the perfect life. Two great kids, a loving marriage and a scheduled sex life. Shelby believes everything is exactly how it should be until one night when she accidently finds a few explicit photos that Grant has been sending to some stranger in a chat room. Shelby is devastated and Grant is shameful and apologetic. Both agree to work on their marriage and take steps to liven up their sex life. They go from stale to smoking hot in the bedroom. This cyber incident is really the catalyst for change in their relationship and in themselves. This was an excellent story about second chances and not giving up on a relationship just because of hitting a little bump in the road. I loved the growth that Shelby went through and how her and Grant expanded their world and renewed their marriage.
824 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2015
This story was so very real and I know many couples who could relate to this story. Shelby thought she had the perfect life with perfect children, perfect home, perfect job, and perfect husband. But then she finds out a secret about her husband that he has been keeping from her and it rocks her to her core. Is it a big enough secret that she should walk away from a 20 year marriage or will she be able to work through her devastation and come through this? It was so terrific to read how Shelby found her inner goddess and came through this a stronger woman and was more in control of her desires. The characters were so well written that you will find yourself seeing parts of yourself or your friends in them. I loved this and love how Ms. May developed the characters and made this a wonderful read!
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,511 reviews84 followers
February 1, 2015
I must say that this is my first book from this author and I am now a fan girl!
Shelby had a perfect life. A wonderful husband that adores her, two loving children, a beautiful home, friends that she can count on and a job that she enjoys.
The one night that she innocently picks up her husbands phone and she begins to question everything around her. Is what she thought she had real or all a charade. She needs to decide how far is too far. Does she fight to keep what is hers or should she walk away. The twists and turns of the answers to those question take you the reader on a great ride of self discovery. Monica takes us on a great journey with Shelby!
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
Profile Image for Louisa.
593 reviews71 followers
November 8, 2014
For a first time novel this really was addictive reading - once I started I couldn't stop


Shelby and Grant are about to hit their 20th Wedding anniversary when Shelby accidentally sees some 'sexting photo's in Grant phone. She is understandable devastated after being married with kids and healthy sex life. Heart broken can Grant restore the trust between and will this incident help Shelby embrace her Inner Sex Goddess.

I really enjoyed how the story is told from both points of view so you are able to see how much they feel about each other and what they are will to do to get their relationship and marriage back on track.

I will definitely be reading Monica May's Next book
Profile Image for Natasha           diary_of_a_sarcastic_bookworm.
340 reviews14 followers
September 24, 2014
I feel so privileged to have been one of the first to read this fantastic book! When I won the ARC copy of 'Devastated' i almost peed my panties in excitement, Lol!
This is Monica's first book and it sure is a steamy one!
I was hooked from the second I started reading, I had finished it in only a few hours as it was that catching.
If sassy, passion and sexy books are your kind of reading then this is definitely one to have.
I haven't read a book with a theme and style like this in a while and I truly enjoyed it!
Monica makes the characters feel so real you can relate to them, there fancies aren't too far fetched and unbelievable.
Loved it!❤️
Profile Image for Brandi Reeves-Pearson.
385 reviews11 followers
February 18, 2015
Shelby and her husband Grant are just like any normal married couple. I found myself putting myself and my husband in their place just because this story is the real. there wasn't any exaggeration, nothing that couldn't be done in a real life situation. I really liked that about this book. The characters problems and fears were what many couples struggle with.
I loved the fact that both of them were willing to do anything to make their marriage work. Both had to change, because over time, you do lose yourself in life in general. I really enjoyed reading this book. I will tell you its a must buy! I want to read more by this author!!
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,589 reviews77 followers
March 14, 2015
5 star

The story has laughs, secrets, betrayal, and heartbreak.

This is Shelby and Grant’s story. Shelby and Grant have been married for almost 20 years but when she finds something on his phone she wonders if they will ever be the same. This is a story about reconnecting and opening up your mind and body to new and exciting things. Shelby is into only plain sex and her husband would love to try new things. Once Shelby can wrap her mind around new things she learns she likes a lot more then she thought she would.

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jessyka Froliche.
29 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2015
This is Monica May's first story and I was lucky enough to win an advanced copy. This was one of the best books I've read in awhile, it grabbed and pulled me in from the very beginning. The story line is unique and the characters are lovable and easy to relate to. It shows that if you are willing to work at love and truly care about your partner anything can happen. I love the way she describes the setting of the story and I love that it takes place in New Orleans. This is an amazing and must read book.

Profile Image for Patricia Maia (The Bookery Review).
811 reviews47 followers
November 19, 2014
I can see so much of myself and my marriage in this book! At first it was almost as the author was writing about me, hahaha, I guess that I'm not the only one feeling like this ;)
After some years we get in a routine that can be pretty boring, and we really need to spice it up!
I really liked this book, its hot, its sexy, it brings up some problems that can be real in a relationship, makes you want to change a little!
The end was wonderful! I wasn't expecting that, but was great!
Now, I assume we will get Samantha story next, right? :)
Profile Image for Maria York.
667 reviews13 followers
December 17, 2014
This was a great sexy read about a couple finding their way back to each other sexually! Grant is a very handsome and sexual man who wants to broaden his sex life with his wife but is scared to approach her in fear of her rejecting his idea! Shelby is an outgoing woman, a great mother and wife. She gets hurt when she finds something that she feels that shouldn't be on her husbands phone! But it isn't as bad as she feared! She learns that having a more open mind about sex is exciting! But how far are these to willing to go! Great read!
Profile Image for Merelyn Reads.
70 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2015
Truly amazing read! I loved the love story behind it all. Love evolves and marriage is not filled with happily ever afters but this book showed that as long as you care for one another and are willing to put in the work, anything is possible. I loved this story. The characters are relatable and not over the top. Just perfect! As far as smut material this book delivers and then some! You will not be disappointed ;) Must read!!!
Profile Image for Lori Marsh.
32 reviews9 followers
November 18, 2014
SIZZLING READ!!! I really liked this book. The plots approach to marriage and how it's not perfect is refreshing. I became Shelby. Her pain. aches, needs, vulnerability, and triumphs became mine. The plot is so relative to the today's world and real struggles with life. Finally a book about a long term relationship where the characters don't give up on love. BRAVO Monica! I am truly looking forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Kelly Sloane.
93 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! It was real I could relate to this couple on several different levels.I thinkanyone in a committed relationship will be be able to relate to this book an enjoy it. This couple turned a horrible situation into an opportunity to change there marriage for the better both partners had a lot of courage. I think Monica May did a wonderful job putting this story together an turning it into a beautiful story with an erotic edge.
Profile Image for Rhonda Campbell.
571 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2015
This was a great book! Something that happens in most relationships so it makes it so easy to connect. It shows the possibilities if you have an open mind. I loved the ending as this is exactly as it should be. No spoilers! This is a hot and sexy read so be prepared!! Even if this isn't your normal read take a chance and try it that's what Shelby did! You never know what you could learn about yourself...
Profile Image for SB Morales.
447 reviews87 followers
November 3, 2014
This was a great story! A married couple ventures into a more risque part of their sex life. Shelby becomes curious and finds ways to spice up her sex life with her husband. She's nervous and uncertain, but gets to experience it with the love of her life. I can't wait to find out were May takes us in her next book! Great erotic read.
Profile Image for Ginni Hall.
36 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2015
Talk about writing a book straight out of my life! Monica May did a wonderful job writing such a realistic book with amazing relateable characters! I may just be using some of this material in my personal life!! I can’t wait to dig into book 2!! Monica May has put herself on my TO BE READ list!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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