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Devereaux Inc. #2
Backstage Benefits
Their daytime partnership sets the night on fire…
Who said they can’t have it all?
Lyric Smith didn’t become the nation’s most successful lifestyle guru by losing focus. Yet Josiah Manning, daytime television’s hottest—and sexiest—young Black producer makes her do just that. Publicly, Josiah wants Lyric to star in a new talk show. Privately, he’s headlining her sexiest fantasies. But when their explosive chemistry leads to complications instead of contracts, will Lyric find the ultimate partner to help her crush her rivals…or exit stage left alone?
Who said they can’t have it all?
Lyric Smith didn’t become the nation’s most successful lifestyle guru by losing focus. Yet Josiah Manning, daytime television’s hottest—and sexiest—young Black producer makes her do just that. Publicly, Josiah wants Lyric to star in a new talk show. Privately, he’s headlining her sexiest fantasies. But when their explosive chemistry leads to complications instead of contracts, will Lyric find the ultimate partner to help her crush her rivals…or exit stage left alone?
218 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2021
18 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
LaQuette
96 books583 followersLaQuette writes sexy, stylish, and sensational romance—the kind of sentimental-and-steamy stories that feel like Hallmark movies… if Hallmark suddenly ramped up the sexy and gave us the hawt love scenes we deserve. Expect big emotions, bold choices, and characters who strut through the pages like the book is their own personal runway.
A proud Brooklyn native, she crafts unapologetically bold, character-driven Black and interracial romances where Black women are joy-filled, desired, and absolutely treasured. These women know they belong on the page—and dare you to try telling them otherwise.
When this current Ph.D. student isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she’s probably trying on (or hunting down) her next must-have makeup find. And honestly? No one would be surprised if it’s yet another shade of red or pink lipstick. At this point, it’s basically a personality trait. Contact her at https://dot.cards/laquette.
A proud Brooklyn native, she crafts unapologetically bold, character-driven Black and interracial romances where Black women are joy-filled, desired, and absolutely treasured. These women know they belong on the page—and dare you to try telling them otherwise.
When this current Ph.D. student isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she’s probably trying on (or hunting down) her next must-have makeup find. And honestly? No one would be surprised if it’s yet another shade of red or pink lipstick. At this point, it’s basically a personality trait. Contact her at https://dot.cards/laquette.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 19, 2022
4.25 Stars / 2.5 Steam Fans
The second book in the Devereaux INC series by LaQuette builds on the foundation of the Black Dynasty feel that she started in book 1. Lyric is a fashion influencer and widow married into the Devereaux family, trying to stand on her own. Josiah hopes to become the next big Network big wig. Together they can achieve their dreams as long as they don't let their pride stand in their way.
Video review available in Week 18: May 1 – May 7, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon or coming soon for free.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
The second book in the Devereaux INC series by LaQuette builds on the foundation of the Black Dynasty feel that she started in book 1. Lyric is a fashion influencer and widow married into the Devereaux family, trying to stand on her own. Josiah hopes to become the next big Network big wig. Together they can achieve their dreams as long as they don't let their pride stand in their way.
Video review available in Week 18: May 1 – May 7, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon or coming soon for free.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
November 14, 2021
2.5 stars
Sorry but the plot was absolutely lacking and I usually read the smutty scenes but this time they just weren’t nice to read. Overall I was not a fan. It read like a Wattpad story written by a teen. Yet again sorry. But I’m being honest and I don’t want to lie when it comes to books.
Sorry but the plot was absolutely lacking and I usually read the smutty scenes but this time they just weren’t nice to read. Overall I was not a fan. It read like a Wattpad story written by a teen. Yet again sorry. But I’m being honest and I don’t want to lie when it comes to books.
December 17, 2021
A refreshingly vibrant voice. Backstage Benefits is a journey through heartache that shows courageous insight as well as tempting romance. Laquette dares to expose the heart while reawakening the dream.
January 15, 2022
At 42, Lyric Devereaux-Smith is a widow and a beauty and fashion influencer. When producer Josiah Manning makes her a business proposition, she refuse. She wants to keep the control and the liberty of doing what she wants and how she wants it. Josiah is not one to mix business with pleasure but after Lyric makes it clear they won't work together, nothing is stopping him from expressing his interest in her is not just for the business partnership. And after a night of passion, he offer her friendship but soon their plans change.
I like that the MC were not afraid to tell what they want and were honest with each other. I also like Lyric and Josiah's personalities but I didn't feel their chemistry like I wanted.
I like that the MC were not afraid to tell what they want and were honest with each other. I also like Lyric and Josiah's personalities but I didn't feel their chemistry like I wanted.
July 1, 2024
Sexy! Spicy! Suspenseful!
Lyric, a social media lifestyle guru, is a Devereaux by marriage. She's a widow, once married to "mean and devious" Martha Devereaux's son, Randall. Because of her older, controlling husband, Lyric vows to never let another man take her freedom or her choices away from her again.
Then she meets Josiah, Jeremiah's best friend and he has the "perfect" job for her brand and talent. However, once again, Lyric is getting that controlling vibe from him as well. So should she give Josiah a chance or run far, far away?
Lyric, a social media lifestyle guru, is a Devereaux by marriage. She's a widow, once married to "mean and devious" Martha Devereaux's son, Randall. Because of her older, controlling husband, Lyric vows to never let another man take her freedom or her choices away from her again.
Then she meets Josiah, Jeremiah's best friend and he has the "perfect" job for her brand and talent. However, once again, Lyric is getting that controlling vibe from him as well. So should she give Josiah a chance or run far, far away?
Read
December 2, 2021unfortunately very boring
July 2, 2025
A dazzling blend of ambition, desire, and Black excellence front and center.
In Backstage Benefits, LaQuette crafts a steamy, smart, and empowering romance that sizzles with sexual tension while spotlighting the intoxicating allure and high stakes of showbiz success. The latest in the Devereaux Inc. series, this Harlequin Desire novel is as luxe and unapologetic as its heroine.
In Backstage Benefits, sparks fly the moment powerhouse producer Josiah Manning lays eyes on Lyric Devereaux-Smith, the poised and glamorous lifestyle influencer redefining her identity after loss. He’s building the show that could land him the presidency of a major network. She’s finally stepping out of the shadows of widowhood and legacy to reclaim her own spotlight.
Josiah sees a star. Lyric sees a risk.
But what begins as a strategic pitch ignites into a no-holds-barred romance one too hot to stay behind the scenes.
Lyric Smith is the lifestyle mogul a woman who’s turned hustle into an empire. Focused, fierce, and flawlessly on-brand, she’s not here for distractions. But distraction comes in the form of Josiah Manning, a charismatic, brilliant Black TV producer with a vision and a very tempting proposition.
By day, he’s courting her to host a talk show that could redefine daytime television. By night? Their sizzling chemistry blurs the line between business and pleasure faster than a live broadcast can cut to commercial.
LaQuette doesn’t just write leads she spotlights them. Lyric is power and polish personified, while Josiah is equal parts suave and sincere. Their connection is hot, yes, but also built on mutual respect and real-world stakes.
Unlike so many romances where careers are obstacles, Backstage Benefits weaves professional ambition into the love story. Lyric’s business savvy is celebrated, not softened. Josiah’s vision respects her legacy while challenging her to dream bigger.
LaQuette delivers a romance that’s sexy, high-powered, and culturally resonant. It’s a love story grounded in mutual ambition, complex identity, and the heat of two people who refuse to settle for less than love or greatness.
In Backstage Benefits, LaQuette crafts a steamy, smart, and empowering romance that sizzles with sexual tension while spotlighting the intoxicating allure and high stakes of showbiz success. The latest in the Devereaux Inc. series, this Harlequin Desire novel is as luxe and unapologetic as its heroine.
In Backstage Benefits, sparks fly the moment powerhouse producer Josiah Manning lays eyes on Lyric Devereaux-Smith, the poised and glamorous lifestyle influencer redefining her identity after loss. He’s building the show that could land him the presidency of a major network. She’s finally stepping out of the shadows of widowhood and legacy to reclaim her own spotlight.
Josiah sees a star. Lyric sees a risk.
But what begins as a strategic pitch ignites into a no-holds-barred romance one too hot to stay behind the scenes.
Lyric Smith is the lifestyle mogul a woman who’s turned hustle into an empire. Focused, fierce, and flawlessly on-brand, she’s not here for distractions. But distraction comes in the form of Josiah Manning, a charismatic, brilliant Black TV producer with a vision and a very tempting proposition.
By day, he’s courting her to host a talk show that could redefine daytime television. By night? Their sizzling chemistry blurs the line between business and pleasure faster than a live broadcast can cut to commercial.
LaQuette doesn’t just write leads she spotlights them. Lyric is power and polish personified, while Josiah is equal parts suave and sincere. Their connection is hot, yes, but also built on mutual respect and real-world stakes.
Unlike so many romances where careers are obstacles, Backstage Benefits weaves professional ambition into the love story. Lyric’s business savvy is celebrated, not softened. Josiah’s vision respects her legacy while challenging her to dream bigger.
LaQuette delivers a romance that’s sexy, high-powered, and culturally resonant. It’s a love story grounded in mutual ambition, complex identity, and the heat of two people who refuse to settle for less than love or greatness.
November 15, 2021
Backstage Benefits brings us back into the world of Devereaux Inc. and it's just as fabulous as the first. I just love this couple, and the blurb hits it right on the head - Lyric and Josiah have some explosive chemistry, which is my favorite kind. Both characters are likable and their story is engaging and swoony. It's hard to stay vague when there are scenes I'm dying to talk about, but I'll keep those to myself for now. The story moves at a good pace and is just right for curling up in your favorite chair for an afternoon or evening, or if you can truly read just one more chapter, it's a good one for a couple of nights before bed. It's well-written and entertaining, and I just can't get enough of the world LaQuette has created with this series.
November 30, 2021
Backstage Benefits by LaQuette.
Mills & Boon Desire.
Devereaux Inc., Book 2.
Lyric Smith didn’t become the nation’s most successful lifestyle guru by losing focus. Yet Josiah Manning, daytime television’s hottest young producer makes her do just that. Publicly, Josiah wants Lyric to star in a new talk show. Privately, he’s headlining her sexiest fantasies. But when their explosive chemistry leads to complications instead of contracts, will Lyric exit stage left alone?
I really enjoyed this book. Great story. I loved the chemistry between Josiah and Lyric. 5*.
Mills & Boon Desire.
Devereaux Inc., Book 2.
Lyric Smith didn’t become the nation’s most successful lifestyle guru by losing focus. Yet Josiah Manning, daytime television’s hottest young producer makes her do just that. Publicly, Josiah wants Lyric to star in a new talk show. Privately, he’s headlining her sexiest fantasies. But when their explosive chemistry leads to complications instead of contracts, will Lyric exit stage left alone?
I really enjoyed this book. Great story. I loved the chemistry between Josiah and Lyric. 5*.
February 10, 2026
I enjoyed reading the second book in the Devereaux Inc, "Backstage Benefits" by LaQuette. Lyric's deceased husband loved her but had insecurity issues, so kept her coddled and on a pedestal. Josiah was horribly betrayed when his girlfriend stole the creative information for his new show and handed it to another Network producer. The two had to learn how to trust again, and overcome their past hurts before they could embrace the future.
December 2, 2021
Tight writing! Love to see a curvy girl being loved. Lyric is smart, knows what she wants makes no apologies for being powerful. I loved how passionate they were and how Josiah was so into her. The development of the relationship was along with the family shenanigans had me hooked. Looking forward to the next book!
January 9, 2022
A new to me author and series, it won't be the last book I read as I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
There's plenty of chemistry between the characters, I liked and rooted for them.
The author did a good job in developing them as well as the plot and the setting.
Good storytelling and fast paced.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's plenty of chemistry between the characters, I liked and rooted for them.
The author did a good job in developing them as well as the plot and the setting.
Good storytelling and fast paced.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 23, 2023
Lyric and Josiah's love story. #WorkplaceRomance. Grew their love through similarites and back history of relationships. Learning how to balance work and love!!! Growing with each other. Lyric puts on this professional only facade. She lets her guarded heart down and helps Josiah. Josiah wants to love but is slightly scared due to the past incident.
December 31, 2021
Lyric is coming into her own after the death of her much older husband, and Josiah is close to his dream job of running a network. Daytime television magic ensues. These were two great characters that I rooted for immediately, and I enjoyed it.
Read
November 2, 2021Categories
Contemporary Romance, African American & Black Romance
Miniseries
Devereaux Inc. (Book #2)
Contemporary Romance, African American & Black Romance
Miniseries
Devereaux Inc. (Book #2)
January 21, 2022
Enjoyed reading a story about a plus-sized woman who not afraid to be her true self and to accept the love that she deserved.
February 3, 2022
Ok just a little unbelievable at times. I felt that Lyric was a bit SPOILED. It alao had a lot of sex stuff, which IMO took away from the book. I would reccommed this book!
March 31, 2022
LaQuette knows how to write hot AND heartwarming. This story has everything we women want . . . in a woman. The hero is fab, too. ;)
August 1, 2022
This was fairly enjoyable, but nothing special.
August 12, 2024
cute follow up to the first book
April 4, 2022
The cover! I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover but come on!!!
Lyric is a widow who is trying to find herself beyond her controlling late husband and mother-in-law. Josiah is trying to take the next step in his career while also taking his nemesis down a peg of two. The two realize they can help each other but probably keep their physical attraction at bay.
I really loved how much Josiah loved Lyric for herself and didn’t expect her to change. And I loved that all the issues that Lyric has, her weight wasn’t one of them!
I’m excited for more of this family!
Lyric is a widow who is trying to find herself beyond her controlling late husband and mother-in-law. Josiah is trying to take the next step in his career while also taking his nemesis down a peg of two. The two realize they can help each other but probably keep their physical attraction at bay.
I really loved how much Josiah loved Lyric for herself and didn’t expect her to change. And I loved that all the issues that Lyric has, her weight wasn’t one of them!
I’m excited for more of this family!
November 6, 2022
This book was smart, funny, sexy and written well. I loved the idea of Black creatives carving out a lane for themselves and putting others on.
The third act breakup made me mad, quite honestly. So unnecessary. I'm 20 pages from the end, what sense does it make for them to break up now? But it is Harlequin, and maybe they have a formula, who knows? Either way, that's what got this book four stars instead of five.
The third act breakup made me mad, quite honestly. So unnecessary. I'm 20 pages from the end, what sense does it make for them to break up now? But it is Harlequin, and maybe they have a formula, who knows? Either way, that's what got this book four stars instead of five.
January 2, 2023
n the opening pages of Backstage Benefits, Josiah Manning is admiring Lyric
Devereaux-Smith from afar at an event he’s attending. He thinks she would be
perfect for a show he’s developing, but is so caught up in his attraction to her,
he has to take a minute to calm himself down. Josiah has a production
company and has his eye on the President position at a high profile network. A
successful show is just what he needs to close the deal.
Lyric is rediscovering herself after her husband of twenty years passed away
two years ago. She married into the Devereaux family and has grown close to
Trey’s Grandfather Ace over the years. She’s developed a large following as a
YouTube and Instagram influencer. Lyric also notices Josiah right away.
Author Laquette describes his skin as tanned oak with a golden hue. He has
soft waves and she felt the urge to touch his hair. Lyric isn’t sure if it is wise to
work with him in the beginning. However, as two consenting adults, they
explore their physical attraction and chemistry. Josiah is intense and
passionate about business and personal affairs.
Laquette describes her heroine as curvy and confident. Strong women are a
theme in her books. The family interactions with patriarch Jordan Ace
Devereaux are touching. His focus is leaving a legacy and he wants Lyric to
find love again. No matter how old he is, he keeps it real and reminds Lyric that
her work “won’t keep her warm at night”.
Backstage Benefits is a great continuation of the Devereaux, Inc. series, and I recommend it. See complete review at romanceincolor.com
Devereaux-Smith from afar at an event he’s attending. He thinks she would be
perfect for a show he’s developing, but is so caught up in his attraction to her,
he has to take a minute to calm himself down. Josiah has a production
company and has his eye on the President position at a high profile network. A
successful show is just what he needs to close the deal.
Lyric is rediscovering herself after her husband of twenty years passed away
two years ago. She married into the Devereaux family and has grown close to
Trey’s Grandfather Ace over the years. She’s developed a large following as a
YouTube and Instagram influencer. Lyric also notices Josiah right away.
Author Laquette describes his skin as tanned oak with a golden hue. He has
soft waves and she felt the urge to touch his hair. Lyric isn’t sure if it is wise to
work with him in the beginning. However, as two consenting adults, they
explore their physical attraction and chemistry. Josiah is intense and
passionate about business and personal affairs.
Laquette describes her heroine as curvy and confident. Strong women are a
theme in her books. The family interactions with patriarch Jordan Ace
Devereaux are touching. His focus is leaving a legacy and he wants Lyric to
find love again. No matter how old he is, he keeps it real and reminds Lyric that
her work “won’t keep her warm at night”.
Backstage Benefits is a great continuation of the Devereaux, Inc. series, and I recommend it. See complete review at romanceincolor.com
June 17, 2022
Great Read
So often I read books of this kind and find myself disappointed by the dialog- saying that’s not how we talk or it would be better said this way. This book doesn’t disappoint- the dialog is perfect and so real. I read it quickly because I had to know how the twists and turns were going to end.
Beautiful love story, demonstrating that new love can be healing and definitely worth fighting for.
So often I read books of this kind and find myself disappointed by the dialog- saying that’s not how we talk or it would be better said this way. This book doesn’t disappoint- the dialog is perfect and so real. I read it quickly because I had to know how the twists and turns were going to end.
Beautiful love story, demonstrating that new love can be healing and definitely worth fighting for.
March 20, 2022
Backstage benefits
The novel w just the right kinda of to let one a job romance can be rewarding. Love has no restrictions to place. One must be open minded to try anything for love.
The novel w just the right kinda of to let one a job romance can be rewarding. Love has no restrictions to place. One must be open minded to try anything for love.
November 1, 2023
Family, some good, some toxic
Lyric was the obedient wife and daughter in law for years . She put her dreams aside and now it's her time. In walks Josiah and let the fire begin. Great story.
Lyric was the obedient wife and daughter in law for years . She put her dreams aside and now it's her time. In walks Josiah and let the fire begin. Great story.
March 17, 2024
This is the 1st book I read by LaQuette. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter because it didn't grab my interest.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews