Serving Up Devotion

Ladies of Westside #2

by H.M. Shander

Audrina may be a witch at work, but at home she’s somebody’s hero.

Since her mother’s death a few months back, she’s become her adult brother’s legal guardian. Michael suffers from muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, and while her home suited her, it’s not for someone with disabilities. With his comfort in mind, she sets out to hire the perfect person to make the required changes.

Chad is the well-researched carpenter for hire. Rugged yet endearing, he agrees to rebuild the deck on one condition–that Audrina help. As the renovations get underway, Chad charms Audrina by having Michael assist, slowly winning her over by treating Michael like a real person. She relishes in these moments with Chad and finds her hardened heart softening.

Beyond the renovations, she knows it’ll never work out. Her heart and energy belong to Michael and his well-being, and despite what Chad thinks is best for her, there’s really no time for frolicking. The more he pushes her to live a little, the harder she fights against him. When Michael’s health rapidly declines, she shuts out everyone; Chad included.

However, it forces her to see the depth of her loneliness. Maybe Chad really was the perfect person to make the changes…in her. Is it too late to tell him? Or did she push him away forever?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

ebook

First published November 21, 2018

About the author

H.M. Shander is an award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author who is a hopeless romantic and lover of chocolate, coconut and a damn good cup of coffee.

She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.

When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.

Sign up for the newsletters: https://h-m-shander.eo.page/z5tgg

Reviews

[Desca Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thanking darlings H.M Shander and A&B ARC’s & Books for the ARC I got in exchange for an honest review*

“Disappointment is the story of my life.”
-Audrina, Serving Up Devotion

Meet Audrina, an alpha female, love fighter, a great sister, and a hard worker. She has every quality that every girl always dreams on. Yet after all the disappointment she has to go through: her brother that needs an intensive care; a fussy ex-boyfriend who is also his boss at work; a close friend who backstabbed her by flipping around with her bf; and the appearance of this hunky-tonky Chad.

Her life fills with tons of complications but that is one of the interesting parts of the story. I admire H.M Shander for her ability in writing this story. I can somehow relate myself in the story of Audrina. I can feel her struggling; how she pretends to be strong especially for her brother while she basically needs someone to lean on. I can also relate myself to her loneliness that she experiences throughout the years; how she would have to face everything on her own. The hardship she goes through forms her as a devoted woman either to her brother or to everything that she does. Yet this strong woman is also emotionally defeated;

“I no longer have a heart, I left it behind at the hospital,”
-Audrina, Serving Up Devotion

I can feel her love-starved; how she pretends that she does not need any men to be with-after all the disappointment she goes through. This is what later forms her for being cynical and sarcastic when it comes to love. She also is afraid to start a new with Chad.

“The sting took my breath away and I forgot how much I wanted him to touch me because now he needed to back the hell away.”
-Audrina, Serving Up Devotion

She also lacks of confidents when it comes to love

“…is it wrong to say I enjoy the feel of his fingertips on mine as he whipped the can out of my hands?”
-Audrina, Serving Up Devotion

Despite of those good points aforementioned, I also highlighted several things here.

I firstly would recommend Shader to shorten her first chapters. I know that her intention is good. She wants to provide the readers with a little bit of background of our female warrior. However, the intro is just a little bit too long. It was okay for me because I could engage myself from the first chapter and I somehow could relate it to myself; so, it makes the story more interesting. Yet for other readers, it may be too long and boring and they will lose their interest to keep reading.

Second, I was thinking that simplifying the conflicts of our leading character would be very helpful. I sometimes could not keep the track because there are so many things happen at once. I need to reread the previous pages to see and to recall it. This is a disadvantage because the story is already super good, but the conflicts (as I said…with many things happen at once) may give the impression like the plot is jumping around.

As a conclusion remarks, I just want to praise H.M Shader for evoking my emotion. What I love the most is the fact that Shader does not offer the reader with steamy sex scene to make her story spicier. Her story is great because it purely portrays a life that prolly happens in our real life. There are no strong girls with the Cinderella syndrome who go crawling over CEO or billionaire’s bed. Shader’s romance is purely sweet and engaging. These reasons make Shader’s Serving Up Devotion as a good romance book, one should at least try to read to sweeten their life.

Full review is available at https://literatureisliving.wordpress....

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this story. I heart all of this authors books and this one was no different. Chad is my new favorite book boyfriend.
I want more of these characters and I want it now lol
Highly recommend this series.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/21/2021)! 🎁

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Ladies of Westside series and it is Audrina and Chad's story. When Audrina's mother died it left her as a full time carer for her disabled brother but unfortunately her house doesn't fit his needs and she will need to find someone to do the alterations that is required and that is where Chad comes into the picture. Chad is the perfect man to do what Audrina needs and he can see how hard she works to keep everything together for her disabled brother leaving her with little time for herself or anything else so they end up working together to still get the work done but also save some money as well. Audrina and Chad are attracted to each other and have great chemistry especially as he is kind, caring and so sweet and would do anything to make sure that her life is easier but Audrina is constantly pushing Chad away as her main concern is for her brother and she doesn't have time for a relationship but Chad will not give up easily and he is determined to win her heart and show her that not only is he there for her but also wants to help as well but will Audrina be able to open her heart and take a chance on Chad before it is too late and she misses out on something really special. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down even though at times it was so emotional and had you in tears as it was so well written with great care and compassion on a difficult subject and I can't wait to read more book's by this author in the future.

[Rebecca Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devotion is the second book in the Ladies of Westside Series and I think so far it may be my favorite. I intended to read a little of it with lunch but ended up tearing through the entire second half of the novel while still sitting at the table. I loved the characters; HM puts so much personality into them that combined with their flaws makes them completely realistic. As a result I spend time yelling at them for their bad choices, then guiltily remind myself that in their position I probably would have done the same. The story is a heartbreaker from beginning to end but I loved every minute of it, and was incredibly happy when I saw how it unfolded at the end.

I highly recommend this book as well as Innocence and Secrecy, and each story is a standalone that you can read out of order without being confused. Do yourself a favor and grab all four. I’m moving on to Hope next and I’m sure it’ll be just as fantastic.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Shander did not disappoint. I fell in love with all the characters, minus Johnathan. What a jerk.

I am so glad that Audrina turned herself around and allowed to be loved. I know she was hurting but Chad knew EXACTLY what she was doing through. I couldn’t imagine losing a spouse AND child within a couple days of eachother.

When Michael died, I had no Kleenex and I was on public transit. Bawling my eyes out. Yikes. I had a feeling he was going to die at some point and I’m so glad Chad (and Naill) were there for her.

I wish more would have been said about the blue bird. I KNEW it was Michael and as a matter of fact, when she was looking outside thinking about the birdhouse that Michael helped with I thought to myself that it would be cool if a bird came to her and she somehow KNEW it was Michael telling her that he was ok.

This book had my heart from start to finish. Her unconditional love and devotion to her brother was so intense.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet slow burn romance but so much more. It is a heart wrenching, emotional read as the heroine, Audrina , is the caregiver for her younger brother in the later stages of a debilitating disease. She is totally committed to him and his care, allowing little else in her life, but her work. The author does an incredible job of taking the reader along on this extremely taxing journey. Chad comes into her life when he is hired to build a wheelchair ramp on her porch. The two have great connection, but she repeatedly puts him off, having no time in her life for a relationship. Having lived through sorrow and loss himself, he is gentle and patient with her, always serving and providing comfort for her. This story was not at all what I was expecting, but it was an amazing read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected. Not at all. But that is in the most positive way. Stories with taboo/unique themes are normally much alike each other but this one surprised me. I liked it a lot. Well written story with a nice storyline and plot. I like that the characters and how they develop. They are well described and have a great chemistry.
A passionate and emotional read with twists. Enjoyable and recommendable. The theme was unique with her brother and his disability, but it was so well handled and described.

An epilogue would have been very welcomed and given the story more to it and it finiished it better of than without it.
There are passion, sadness, hot scenes and lots of chemistry in this amazing and heartwarm story.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favourite of all of Ms. Shander's books, and it was so engaging I read it all in one sitting. This one totally tugged on my heartstrings, and wrecked me in a way it'll take a long time to get over. There's so much I want to say but it's impossible for me without spoilers.
This is one amazing romance book that I could totally see as a movie, and I could totally see Chris Hemsworth as the leading man.

If you want a sweet romance with a hunky and charming carpenter, read this.
If you want a fiesty heroine who takes no crap, read this.
If you want a book that will make you ugly cry, read this.
If you want a slow burn romance with all the feelings, read this.
If you want to read about the incredible bond between siblings, read this.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional, moving story. Audrina has virtually given up her life to take care of her disabled younger brother. She is entirely selfless in the lengths she will go to in order to give him the best quality of life she can provide. Chad has had a great loss in his life and understands her desire to be everything for her brother. But he also knows that having your entire focus on one person with no respite can leave you a shell if there is nothing of YOU left. Theirs is an angsty story but ultimately they both realize you can move into the present and beyond without forgetting the past while focusing on the future. Good story but a bit slow moving.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrina is a hard worker and serious with no time for fun because she has dedicated her life to taking care of her brother Michael who is disabled. When she needs some renovations done she hires Chad but he said he will take the job only if she helps him. As they all work together Michael included she finds that Chad is a great guy who takes time to show Michael how to do simple things and she just may be falling for him. Michael gets sick and she shuts Chad down but he doesn't give up. Loved this sweet story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hovered...

The first few chapters did not capture my attention. Sure the reader needs a little backstory to understand what is going on, but TMI bogs the story down and I almost DNF'd. I kept going and was re-engaged at the entrance of Michael. With him, I saw Audrina's struggles and began to like her ( I didn't at first). Wasn't convinced why Chad wanted to help her so badly in the beginning, doing the ramp at a loss-wish there was more explanation of his motivation. TBH I hovered between two stars and three, finally going with three as I enjoyed the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a gem in that it deals with disability. In most romance stories, everyone is disgustingly healthy or gets injured and heals promptly. The struggle and stress of family caring for younger loved ones and the effect that has on their personal life is rarely a subject of a story. Ms. Shander does this so well. Audrina finally decides to allow herself to accept Chad after she realizes that time is not going to wait for her forever. Their attraction is sweet, and both are holding back for different reasons. Her "Big Gesture" is clever and effective.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrina has given up her life to take care of her disabled younger brother. She is entirely selfless in the lengths she will go to in order to give him the best quality of life she can provide. Chad has had a great loss in his life and understands her desire to be everything for her brother. But he also knows that having your entire focus on one person with no respite can leave you a shell if there is nothing of who you are left. Theirs is an angsty story but ultimately will they both realize you can move into the present and without forgetting about the past while going into the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that will tug at your heart and hold it thigh. After the passing of her mother, Audrina began to take care of her brother, under other circumstance it would not be anything, but with his disabilities this changes her live and her home to make sure he is comfortable.

Chad was hired to adapt Audrina's home to for her brother's needs. The more he gets to know Audrina the closer they get and more he realizes she needs someone to look after her.

This is great ready that is full of emotions, passion and love that will take you on an amazing journey page after page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devotion is in the title.
Audrina is guardian to her brother who has disabilities, following her parent's death. She is hardworking and dedicated, but also brash at times. Chad is widowed having lost his wife and child a few years earlier, but willing and kind.
The book deals with grief, loss, loyalty whilst the relationship between the couple develops. You need to read the story to see if these characters are suited to each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Tharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do for a family member in need? Audrina will do anything. The reader feels the intense bond between sister and brother immediately. The hard work and devotion Audrina has for her brother leave her little time for herself and most certainly not romance...that is until Chad sweeps in.

This book has all the feels! You will be drawn in from the first page and won’t be able to put it down. Another 5 star read from HM Shander.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming and heartbreaking meet in Serving Up Devotion. Audrina and Micheals's bond is a sweet one and even if others believe she's stern she's just trying to take care of her brother. Chad was a book perfect boyfriend and all around good guy.
I felt that the author did justice to the description of Micheals disability with it being sensitively handled and describe.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I have read. A well written book that has a great storyline with a story that flows smoothly from one page to the other. This is the second book in the Ladies of Westside Series. I would say keep the Kleenex handy because if you are like me you are going to need it. I will be reading the first book in this series to see how the series started. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by H.M. Shander; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since her mother died she is now a full time carer for her brother who is disabled. She works hard at work and she needs to make adjustments to her home to help him. She find the right person and is soon falling for his charm although she fights them. She pushes them away. Will she regret it when he gets worse?. Will she be able to them she needs them? See if she can

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile]

This story is very emotional, and runs the gamut from sadness and anger to flirtation and, of course, devotion. At its core is a waitress who is the sole guardian to her younger brother, who has cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. I love stumbling upon heroes who are carpenters/handymen, and Chad is super sweet. Audrina is fiercely independent, and I enjoyed seeing Chad -- and Niall too! -- break down her walls. A beautiful love story.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it difficult to write a review for this book. I really liked the language and writing style. The concept of the plot really appealed to me. I just had a little trouble with the character of the main female character. In my eyes she was quite blunt at times. I understand that she was in a difficult situation, but that is no excuse to be rude sometimes. And don't even apologize afterwards.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serving Up Devotion by H.M. Shander is a good, and enjoyable sweet slow burn romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, well developed, engaging, and they have good chemistry. This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride with the many ups and downs it is also realistic slow burn romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen (jensdreamylittlereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a passionate and emotional read with twists and turns. The premise was unique with regards to Audrina’s brother and his disability, but it was so sensitively handled, described and wonderfully well written.

This book has so many feels. There is passion, sadness, emotional scenes and lots of chemistry in this incredible and heartwarming story.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved this book but be warned it is a pretty emotional read at time so keep the tissues hander you may need them. I really liked both Audrina and Chad they were very real likable characters and were so so sweet together and the way Chad was with her brother was so sweet. I would recommend this book to all

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heartwarming and yet so emotional. It's a romantic story with a slow burn. The story had me happy and crying, I really didn't want it to end. Exceptional writing in the realities of a disability. This series is definitely worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read that has you swept up in the storyline as you turn each page to find out how things will work out. A story of romance between characters who are realistic and dealing with real-life issues. There's emotions, twists, real life and so much more in this romantic read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster! This story his beautiful, yet is emotional giving you many ups and downs. This is a very realistic story that is a slow burn romance.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased , honest review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to add to my collection of rereads. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flowed smoothly with so much twist and turns of emotions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.