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Devious #1

Devious

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***Previously published in Amazon Kindle Worlds***

Revenge is best served cold… until her.

Jaxson Montgomery has worked long and hard to climb to the top of the business world. His company is one in which image and connections mean success or failure. He’s known as ‘The Fixer’, and for the right price, he can make any problem disappear. His services are sought by the wealthiest and most famous people across the globe… and, quite often, the most notorious and criminally inclined as well. He’s respected by men and adored by women. To society, he appears to be a man with everything, good looks, charm, wealth, and, if he so desires, a different woman every night of the week.

But in his world, appearances are only a matter of perception. Jaxson Montgomery does not have everything. There’s one thing he desperately wants and he’s determined to have it, by any means necessary. After tragedy in his own life leaves him reeling and broken with a problem even he’s unable to fix, Jaxson is determined to seek retribution. He has the perfect plan. It’s devious, dark, and dangerous, but failure is not an option. Jaxson learned long ago to keep his friends close and enemies, closer. He’s prepared to do whatever it takes to have his revenge… even if it means sleeping with the enemy.
And the beautiful Silvia Demetri is the perfect pawn. After all, revenge is always best served cold…
Until it isn’t.



Kindhearted Silvia Demetri doesn’t have the perfect life. Yet, to the world, she appears to have everything a woman could possibly want… beauty, intelligence, sophistication, money. But we all know, appearances can be deceiving. There’s something missing, something very important. She yearns for love, but has given up all hope of finding it.

When Silvia begins preparations for her annual charity foundation event, little does she know her entire life is about to be changed by a simple chance encounter with a handsome, charming stranger, one who will sweep her off her feet, make her feel things she’s never experienced, and turn her world upside down.
A man who knows nothing about her or her family… or so she thinks.
But what if meeting Jaxson Montgomery wasn’t chance at all…
Maybe it was something far more devious.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2017

6 people are currently reading
199 people want to read

About the author

Solease M. Barner

36 books227 followers
Best Selling Author Solease lives in a quiet area, which she adores. She loves to spend time with her family especially her husband and daughter. She's been called the social butterfly by many friends. She's a huge movie buff, and loves to read books. She writes poetry on a daily basis, as a way to release stress. She also believes reading a book on the beach is a slice of heaven! Solease is the author of "Secrets of the Ghosts - The Sleeper", "Secrets of the Ghosts - AWAKENS", and "The Draglen Brothers Series - DRAKEN" , Showken BK2 The Draglen Brothers Series, Layern BK3-The Draglen Brothers Series, GEMI BK4-The Draglen Brothers Series , Domlen's Way BK4.5 -The Draglen Brothers Series, Warton BK5 - The Draglen Brothers Series and A Draglen's Wedding BK5.5- The Draglen Brothers Series. She also will be releasing a new series with wolf-shifters coming soon!

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5 stars
22 (43%)
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12 (23%)
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7 (13%)
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9 (17%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Anna Salamatin.
516 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2017
This is a quick, deliciously decadent read...every single minute had my undivided attention as Jaxson Montgomery (the fixer) launched his campaign of retribution against the one responsible for the death of his beloved sister... he's going to return the favor. A sister for a sister....his need for vengeance is the only thing allowing him to continue his life.
Silvia Demetri is to be the instrument of his revenge. He's spent a couple of years researching everything about her, then manages to "meet" her.... before too long they are dating until finally he has won her trust as well as her heart and body .... what his own heart never saw coming....
She's absolutely amazing. She's the perfect woman for him. He just can't give her up. But somewhere in between those perfect heartbeats Silvia gets a call from her brother and Jax world blows up! .... I just gotta say, it's gonna take something akin to divine intervention..... looks like the fixer needs his own fixer! Yep. It's a cliffhanger and I'm so ready for the rest of the story!
I do recommend this to 18+ due to adult content.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2017
I don't usually read this genre, but a friend told me it was very good and I have to say she was absolutely right, I loved it and I can't wait for the next installment, because unfortunately it does have a cliffhanger, but oh the story is so worth it!

Jaxson Montgomery can handle just about anything you throw his way, but can he handle his own personal demons. When he decides it's time to exact revenge on those responsible for his pain, he hadn't counted on falling for the bait he planned on using. Will he risk Continuing on with his plans and lose the only woman to ever hold his attention, or will he forgive and forget?

Sylvia Demitri is adamant about not ever being straddled with a man like her father, or his cronies, but when she meets Jaxson, she throws caution to the wind and takes a chance on him. Time will tell, but will her heart come out intact if he turns out to be like the Demitri's, or the countless men that have chased for her name.
Profile Image for Carissa.
3,376 reviews91 followers
March 7, 2018
Ok so the writing style sort of annoyed me a bit. It sounded like the main characters are talking to the reader as if they are our best friend. The baby endearment towards the end was also annoying as said way too much. Some things were also repetitive in the story. The beginning had promise but after 50% I started to skim.
799 reviews8 followers
July 27, 2017
This was definitely a page turner and I was on the edge of my seat. This book has everything, mystery, humor and a lot of sexiness. I love the all characters. I can't wait to read what happens next.
Profile Image for Heidi R..
2,247 reviews
August 1, 2017
Interesting plot and characters. There's mystery, romance, and intrigue. Looking forward to seeing where it goes in the next book.
Profile Image for Tina Brimlow.
146 reviews11 followers
August 5, 2017
I will not lie, I am so used to Solease writing paranormal romance. I love her books. She has always kept me wanting more. But in all seriousness this one book Devious is her hottest and more intriguing book yet. It had everything I look for in a book, intensity, heart stopping, and never wanting to sleep again cause then I would know the book ended. I do hope she writes more like she did with Devious.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books93 followers
August 1, 2017
Book Reviewed: Devious (The Fidelity World)
Author: Solease M. Barner
Publication Date: 8/1/2017
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW

Jaxon Montgomery is a man who knows pain and the time has come that he can finally get revenge.
Or can he?

Silvia Demetri may have a family who doesn't always go by the rules or the law but she chose to go her own way in life and had hoped it didn't follow her.
She has always wanted love.
Has she found it?

I have read only a few books by this author and they were paranormal. I have to say I think she has found her writing strength with this genre. This book is funny, sexy, and a tad bit suspenseful. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

Solease M. Barner
Profile Image for Jennifer.
954 reviews
July 31, 2017
Solease M. Barner has written a wonderful addition to the Fidelity World of books. This story revolves around Jackson Montgomery and Silvia Demetri. Jackson is the go-to man to fix any problem for the rich and famous. He has spent the last several years learning everything about Silvia Demetri to be able to exact his own revenge on her family by using her, just as her brother used his sister. However, once he actually meets her in person, he realizes that she may be the perfect woman for him. So now he has to weigh the decision of does he use her for his well-planned revenge plot or does he keep her for himself. That is until Silvia receives a call from her brother stating that he knows Jackson which catches Jackson in a lie. We are left with Silvia leaving Jackson, so now how will Jackson fix his own problem? We will have to find out in Ms. Barner's next book! Yes, that's right, there is a cliffhanger. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end and can't wait to read the other new Fidelity World novels, as well as the conclusion to Jackson and Silvia's story!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Vickie Chaisson.
1,186 reviews10 followers
February 6, 2019
Devious by Solease Barner is a quick novella read with the feel of a novel. You will read it in one sitting and it will entice and entertain you. Jaxson is determined to get revenge on the death of his sister no matter who he has to hurt to do it. Silvia is an innocent in many ways and Jaxson sets out to seduce her. Can the man who has always loved them and left deal with the way Silvia makes him feel. The character development is well done and in depth. Each of the characters have a part to play and there are no extra characters to muddy the story.I love the writing style and although this is the first book of this author that I have read it definitely won't be the last. I need to warn you that this book is part of a series and the ending will infuriate you because you want to know how this story is resolved. Silvia is a strong woman in her own right and has not let her family define her. She will not let anyone lie to her. The question is will Jaxson be able to rebuild his place in Silvia"s world.
954 reviews14 followers
January 28, 2019
The prologue introduces the reader to a very vengeful character, Jaxson. In this fast paced, page turning sexy story Jax's well orchestrated plan plays out on the pages. I kept wanting to warn the beautiful, innocent Silvia of his intentions-that's how drawn into his vengeful plot I became. What a cliffhanger ending! Luckily I devoured this in one sitting-the author has an easy style to her writing and I can't wait to read about Jaxson's next move. I do recommend this for a mature reader due to tasteful "sex" scenes.
Profile Image for Laura.
527 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2019
I'm loving Devious, for me it's a quick read but throughly enjoying too. Jaxson has plans to use anything he can find out about Silvia's family in order to revenge his sister's death. But to his suprise she is nothing like her family. Falling in love wasn't in Jaxson's plans but will she change her mind about him when she learns about him and his plans. The only thing I don't like is that a cliffhanger, but then it's ok because I have book 2 to read
Profile Image for Lindsay Gould.
388 reviews
August 1, 2017
Just finished reading Devious and wow I was hooked straight away, wanting to know why Jaxson was after Silvia and why he hated the Demetri family. But to tell me at the beginning that it was a cliff hanger was not funny i am hanging on waiting to find if Jaxson and Silvia get what they both want. And if he is able to repair himself.
Profile Image for Erin McFarland.
380 reviews29 followers
August 5, 2017
Very quick, but very intriguing read. Jaxon and Silvia will steam up the pages of your Kindle and keep you guessing. The build up is very suspenseful and tells you nothing. Not even a hint, and I love that I can't figure anything out. It does end on a major cliff hanger, so be prepared. I can't wait to see how this one plays out
Profile Image for Chris.
655 reviews
October 10, 2017
Another enjoyable read in The Fidelity Kindle World! Devious captured my imagination from the start. This first look at Jaxson Montgomery and Silvia Demetri will leave you wanting more with each turn of the page. It’s a suspenseful, sexy, and enjoyable quick read. It’s a cliffhanger and all I could think when I finished was MORE, MORE, MORE, PLEASE!!!
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,123 reviews
January 4, 2018
Fantabulous. Oh Jax...... you horses backside. And Silvi? How naive are you? But oh man what a story I loved very minute of it, even every lie that came spewing out of Jax's mouth. Even after Silvi warned him. Bravo for her backbone. I really did love her. It does end on a cliffhanger but the next book will be out soon and I can't wait!
81 reviews
January 31, 2019
Silvia fell for Jaxson just as he planned. I would have just as likely. He’s a silver tongued devil as Silvia says and has such a way with words. This book had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the man that is Jaxson Montgomery. Is he a smooth talking Prince Charming or a revenge seeking manipulator? I’m not sure he’s even certain anymore but I can’t wait to see what he does next!
Profile Image for Nico.
113 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2019
What I liked: the idea of this book, the action.
What didn't work for me: too many repetitions, the characters' dialogues seemed to me to be gathered from all the cliche movies and books, some of them didn't feel naturally spoken and that could be the reason this book felt more like a report than a romantic book.
Profile Image for Solease Barner.
Author 36 books227 followers
August 16, 2025
Hi Readers!
This was first in a trilogy, and it was exciting and new, but I loved every moment of it. This book is filled with love, deception, and lots of emotions. I enjoyed getting to know each one of these characters and I hope you do too!

A story about-
*REVENGE
*LOVE
*REDEMPTION

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Much Love
Solease
Profile Image for Nickie Sale.
893 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2018
What starts out as looking for revenge turns into a real love and regret for what he hasn't told her. Real love for a women who is the sister of a man that he believes is responsible for his sister committing suicide. Regret that he doesn't tell her that he knows her family and her brother.
Profile Image for Pam.
351 reviews29 followers
August 1, 2017
Jaxon is a "fixer". He makes his fortune by making other's problems go away. Silvia is Lennox Dimitri's sister and she works tirelessly on several charities.

Jaxon feels that the Dimitri's have wronged him and is working on getting his revenge through using Silvia.

However Jaxon starts having true feelings for Silvia and this is not part of his plan.
Profile Image for Helen Simpson.
1,222 reviews40 followers
February 5, 2019
A SHORT QUICK READ WITH PLENTY OF QUESTIONS LEFT ASKED ABOUT JAXSON'S 'THE FIXER' HISTORY. A GOOD READ AND GOOD STORYLINE. ONLY CRITICISM WOULD OF LIKED A BIT MORE HISTORY ON BOTH CHARACTERS.
10 reviews
Read
June 16, 2025
Note to self: 2nd book ends on a cliffhanger. No 3rd book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
322 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2018
From a pawn to lover

Jackson wanted revenge, hoping to use Silvia as his pawn to get revenge for his sisters death. His goal was to have Silvia fall in love with him and then break her heart. She did fall in love with him, and Jax fell in love with the her only to have her discover he lied to her. She walked away leaving them both with broken heart... He plans to win her back. Too be continued
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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