Blind Devotion

by Briana Cole

The creative force behind some of Tubi’s most popular thrillers delivers a haunting portrait of what happens when the voice you mistake for God’s is actually your own desperation echoing back.

Some call it love. Some call it faith. But the line between devotion and destruction has never been so dangerously thin.

Leah Mitchell’s life isn’t what she imagined at a dead-end job, a painful divorce, and weekend visits with her teenage son. Then charismatic Pastor Isaac Pope walks into her bar one night, and suddenly, she feels seen for the first time in years.

What begins as an intoxicating whirlwind romance quickly spirals into something darker when Leah discovers Isaac has a wife—a revelation that should end everything. Instead, it’s just the beginning. Isaac has an explanation for his loveless marriage, his wife’s jealousy, and why God has brought them together despite the obstacles.

As their relationship deepens, so does Isaac’s hold on Leah’s fragile sense of worth. When he suggests the ultimate solution to their problem, Leah must decide how far she’ll go for what feels like divine love. After all, doesn’t faith require sacrifice?

In this gripping psychological thriller, national bestselling author and screenwriter Briana Cole masterfully explores the dangerous territory where manipulation masquerades as love and blind devotion leads to unthinkable choices.

81 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

Known as "The Literary Drama Queen," Briana Cole is a multi-talented entertainment mogul in both the book and film industries. Authoring six novels, including the critically-acclaimed Unconditional series, Briana has also published two novels under Carl Weber with her pseudonym Brielle Montgomery. Briana is the co-Screenwriter and Associate Producer for two urban films, and she has written, executive produced, and co-starred in her own feature film, Pseudo, which was recently acquired by Damon Dash. She has been recognized in a number of popular blogs and magazines, the most prominent being Sophisticate's Hair Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Popsugar, and Sheen. In addition to this, Briana is a motivational speaker, mother of three, and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Reviews

[Tanisha Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diabolical

This read was short and full of unsettling truths about manipulation in romantic relationships. Leah didn't stand a chance. A cautionary tale indeed, and I hope whoever needs to read this story, does.

[Dani Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Now sis…mouth…agape.. I just…what a wild ride you just took me on! I’m at work just flabbergasted by that ending. Phew!

[Dafort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blind Devotion was my first Briana Cole novel, and it pulled me in immediately. This is a psychological thriller that shows just how easily vulnerability can be mistaken for love and how quickly that can turn dangerous.

What gave me mixed emotions is that the red flags don’t come only from Isaac. Leah is already emotionally fragile, still recovering from past suicide attempts during her divorce and working a job that reflects just how strained her life has become. Her longing to feel chosen makes her overlook things she shouldn’t, and that complexity makes the story even more unsettling. The age gap, the whirlwind connection, and her own blind spots all contribute to a tension that feels painfully real.
Cole captures the slow slide from devotion to manipulation with sharp accuracy. Watching Leah cling to what she believes is love, even as the warning signs multiply, is gripping, frustrating, and heartbreaking all at once.

A fast, compelling read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers that explore the darker side of desire, faith, and emotional vulnerability

Note: I received an advanced copy from NetGalley

[Katiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It gave me the vibe of SZA song snooze, Leah did it all to have Isaac in her life down to the very end. I found myself fussing at her because she could not be this gullible. I had to laugh at Leah when she came for Victoria, because she tried it! The mess that came out Issac mouth to play with Leah’s mind had my jaw on the floor, because Leah wake up lol! Thank Briana Cole for this psychological joyride and not giving it a slow burn beginning and that ending I wasn’t ready (in my Kevin Hart’s voice)! I am looking forward to reading more of Briana’s work!!
#BlindDevotion #NetGalley

[ZaKiyyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wake up call - in just the right dose!

Wow—this story is just how I like them: short, sweet, and to the point! It kept me engaged from start to finish and really highlights how women can sometimes be blind in relationships, settling due to insecurities or lack of self-worth. The craving for attention and love can drive people to accept less than they deserve, and this book lays that bare. It’s definitely a wake-up call and an absolute must-read. And just when you think you’ve processed it all, the ending delivers a mouth drop!

[Fairly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio because it was 2 hours long and I could listen to it in the car. I can see how women get themselves into situations like this because as the author says we never think it will happen to us until we're knee deep in it but I actually cannot see myself trusting anyone that much. The book does serve as a good warning for anyone in this situation.

[Terra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawd have mercy!!!

This was a cautionary tale with plenty of red flags and suspicious behavioral patterns that the author shined a light on and brought awareness to. Although it was a quick listen, the impact was enough to be felt for a long time to come! If I wasn’t already side eyeing some of these church leaders, I definitely would be after finishing this one!

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A demon and a fool

Leah annoyed me. I tried to understand that she wasn't in the right mindframe and Isaac was a manipulator. But it pissed me off that she just couldn't catch his nonsense or even think about her son.

The story messed with my emotions, which means Briana did her thing again and got me leaving her five stars.

[Selena Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars!

Leah was at a low point in her life when she met the perceived love of her life Isaac. He was the sunshine to her cloudy day, giving her hope for more and encouraged her almost obsessive behavior. Her fondness almost felt worship-like of the man of God. I’d definitely recommend reading this story

Thanks to Black Odyssey Media and Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own!

[Jalisa Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book short and straight to the point it had a few errors in it I just wish it was a little longer and didn’t end with a cliff hanger the cover was a eye grabber I give this book 4 pens

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blind Devotion was a little odd and a little twisted - not sure if that combination worked for me and will work for most readers. I was interested in knowing more about the story and the characters though. Glad I finished the book but it's not a favorite.

I received an ARC from NetGalley