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Cuffed by Love
Mira Evans
Devin King, my first—well, everything.
They say you never forget your first. Whoever said that was right because no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get him out of my head or my heart. I foolishly thought my heart wouldn’t miss what it couldn’t see, but I was wrong because I never forgot, not for one moment.
You’re not supposed to kiss your best friend. You’re not supposed to give your virginities to one another, either—but we did. We were kids, teenagers, full of hormones and mixed emotions, but it felt right. He was the first boy to kiss me, the first boy to touch me and taste me in a way only a lover would.
“Say you want to be mine….” He whispered while I shook in his arms. And I did.
And then he wrecked me.
After I trusted him and gave myself to him, he disappeared, left me naked in my bed, the scent of him still lingering on my skin, the taste of kiss still fresh on my lips. He left me after the amazing night we shared after we became one another’s and disappeared without a word. I didn’t hear from him for almost ten years. Until one day, out of the blue, he pops up like a nasty rash as the newly appointed CEO of our firm.
Was I shocked to see him standing in the office after a decade? Yes. Did I almost faint? Hell yes. My panties may have melted a little when he smiled right at me, but he wouldn’t ever know that—because I hated him.
But here I am, the VP of an established publication firm standing in the CEO’s office handcuffed to the pompous jerk face.
Why are we handcuffed, you ask? Well, that's a funny story...
Devin King, my first—well, everything.
They say you never forget your first. Whoever said that was right because no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get him out of my head or my heart. I foolishly thought my heart wouldn’t miss what it couldn’t see, but I was wrong because I never forgot, not for one moment.
You’re not supposed to kiss your best friend. You’re not supposed to give your virginities to one another, either—but we did. We were kids, teenagers, full of hormones and mixed emotions, but it felt right. He was the first boy to kiss me, the first boy to touch me and taste me in a way only a lover would.
“Say you want to be mine….” He whispered while I shook in his arms. And I did.
And then he wrecked me.
After I trusted him and gave myself to him, he disappeared, left me naked in my bed, the scent of him still lingering on my skin, the taste of kiss still fresh on my lips. He left me after the amazing night we shared after we became one another’s and disappeared without a word. I didn’t hear from him for almost ten years. Until one day, out of the blue, he pops up like a nasty rash as the newly appointed CEO of our firm.
Was I shocked to see him standing in the office after a decade? Yes. Did I almost faint? Hell yes. My panties may have melted a little when he smiled right at me, but he wouldn’t ever know that—because I hated him.
But here I am, the VP of an established publication firm standing in the CEO’s office handcuffed to the pompous jerk face.
Why are we handcuffed, you ask? Well, that's a funny story...
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2021
109 people are currently reading
840 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 23, 2023
Well this is the stupidest thing I have read in a while. There will be spoilers so please be careful.
The start of the book was really strong. Two childhood best friends turned lovers, got separated and then reunited.
Banter of them in the start was really amusing and enjoyable though Mira's father's character was a bit immature. He is the one who cuffs them together to get them to resolve their issues (which they don't).
Devin's character starts as a caring, mindful and loving boy who misses his best friend and wants to get back together though his expectations are a little unrealistic when he is the cause of all the heartbreak of Mira.
As the story progresses his character just nosedive. By the end of the book, there's not much difference between Devin and her stalker Scott.
Yes she also has a stalker, abusive ex , psychological trauma, a side fling with Devin's brother, coz why not. Majority of the book is filled with such cliches that don't even make any sense by the end of the book.
The clues the author drops in the beginning are needless by the end of the book like the fact who tore Devin's letter.
.
Devin could have texted her, emailed her but nope he writes her a letter and nope he doesn't leave letter on her bedside table. He fucking leaves a sidenote beside her house telephone telling her where she can find the fucking letter and why he is leaving her high and dry. He doesn't stop there , he doesn't contact her at all for the nine years straight and then gets jealous and furious when his own brother kept in contact with Mira.
That stupid letter she finds out nine later torn in a waterproof bag but we don't know who was against them getting together and who plotted to have that letter torn.
The start of the book was really strong. Two childhood best friends turned lovers, got separated and then reunited.
Banter of them in the start was really amusing and enjoyable though Mira's father's character was a bit immature. He is the one who cuffs them together to get them to resolve their issues (which they don't).
Devin's character starts as a caring, mindful and loving boy who misses his best friend and wants to get back together though his expectations are a little unrealistic when he is the cause of all the heartbreak of Mira.
As the story progresses his character just nosedive. By the end of the book, there's not much difference between Devin and her stalker Scott.
Yes she also has a stalker, abusive ex , psychological trauma, a side fling with Devin's brother, coz why not. Majority of the book is filled with such cliches that don't even make any sense by the end of the book.
The clues the author drops in the beginning are needless by the end of the book like the fact who tore Devin's letter.
.
Devin could have texted her, emailed her but nope he writes her a letter and nope he doesn't leave letter on her bedside table. He fucking leaves a sidenote beside her house telephone telling her where she can find the fucking letter and why he is leaving her high and dry. He doesn't stop there , he doesn't contact her at all for the nine years straight and then gets jealous and furious when his own brother kept in contact with Mira.
That stupid letter she finds out nine later torn in a waterproof bag but we don't know who was against them getting together and who plotted to have that letter torn.
July 4, 2021
OMG!!!! I have read 5 other Shayla Hart books (love them all!) but this one is my favorite BY FAR!!! Shayla has the most unique way of writing and I can't get enough! Each chapter goes back and forth between the two main characters point of view. You get to feel what each character is feeling, you know where each is coming from in their decisions.
The emotion that Shayla writes these characters with, you get caught up in what they are feeling. I was pulled into their world. Up and down, around every loop that life through at them. You get to a point you think, ok they are coming to a happy ending, and just as in real life, you never know what will happen. I wanted them to get their happy ending, but I also never wanted the book to end. I was so caught up in the passion. Not just that of the main characters though. All the characters of the book. You get to know all of them and care about them all. I can't wait for the sequel (and hopefully spinoffs).
Another worthy note....Tinks the main female character deals with some trauma and after effects that I have read in other books not written well. Shayla writes in such a way that truly captures the feelings in a way that shows respect.
The emotion that Shayla writes these characters with, you get caught up in what they are feeling. I was pulled into their world. Up and down, around every loop that life through at them. You get to a point you think, ok they are coming to a happy ending, and just as in real life, you never know what will happen. I wanted them to get their happy ending, but I also never wanted the book to end. I was so caught up in the passion. Not just that of the main characters though. All the characters of the book. You get to know all of them and care about them all. I can't wait for the sequel (and hopefully spinoffs).
Another worthy note....Tinks the main female character deals with some trauma and after effects that I have read in other books not written well. Shayla writes in such a way that truly captures the feelings in a way that shows respect.
October 22, 2021
Awful. Did they really even love each orher?
July 10, 2021
WOW, WOW, WOW JUST Wow... I cannot put into words how great this book was I was hooked from the beggining every chapter had my heart pinging because I felt the the character's pain and love for one another in shayla's writing! The way Shayla writes makes you feel every emotion it really is an outstanding book and I will definitley be recommending it to everyone I speak to! There are not enough stars for me to rate this book! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 14, 2021
Jesus christ have mercy on my soul...
I'm tired, so fucking tired of this book I DNFing it at 84%. I'm can't continue to read about this train wreck of a relationship.
I hate them both at this point and not bothering to finish it.
Overall rating 1,5*.
I'm tired, so fucking tired of this book I DNFing it at 84%. I'm can't continue to read about this train wreck of a relationship.
I hate them both at this point and not bothering to finish it.
Overall rating 1,5*.
July 20, 2021
I preferred Levi.
July 10, 2021
What an amazing book! I loved every bit of it! Not as tear jerking as all Shayla other books but had so many good laughs! Definitely a must read! Loved loved loved it! Hopefully there is a sequel....
July 5, 2021
Dev and Tinks story is beautiful. this was a must read after Shayla did POV on tiktok, everyone was so eager for the book. and it did not disappoint! the backwards and forwards of the characters was laugh out loud amusing, neither could see what was right in their faces. I love that Shayla puts so much into her writing it really makes you feel as though you are right there with them. I have said to Shayla many times please don't stop writing the world is a much better place with her books in it.
July 4, 2021
Gah!
Dev and Tinks!
What a story!
So many ups and downs, I'm just coming to terms that Ms Shayla Hart likes to play with my emotions a little.
Dev and Tinks have the chemistry that is literally crackling the whole time your reading them, the history they have with each other has you just begging for them to give in.
The sexual tension though? G'damn.
That was HOT af! My kindle was practically melting reading these two.
From the very first page i was rooting for Dev and Tinks.
They have their hilarious moments and their heart squeezing moments but in all they have you falling in love with them after every page.
I'm hoping a certain someone gets their own book though..
Dev and Tinks!
What a story!
So many ups and downs, I'm just coming to terms that Ms Shayla Hart likes to play with my emotions a little.
Dev and Tinks have the chemistry that is literally crackling the whole time your reading them, the history they have with each other has you just begging for them to give in.
The sexual tension though? G'damn.
That was HOT af! My kindle was practically melting reading these two.
From the very first page i was rooting for Dev and Tinks.
They have their hilarious moments and their heart squeezing moments but in all they have you falling in love with them after every page.
I'm hoping a certain someone gets their own book though..
July 4, 2021
Shayla has done it again!! This book pulled on the heartstrings and kept me reading!
July 18, 2021
Dev and Tinks story...all I have is one word...FIRE!!!! This was my first time reading one of Shayla's books and it definitely won't be the last. I could not put their story down...each page just drew you further in. Absolutely amazing. It's a DEFINITE read.
July 22, 2021
Shayla Hart! Amazing writer. Had you booked from the beginning and leaves you wanting more. Love that I get attached to the characters. So many twists and turns.
July 12, 2021
If i could give this book more stars i would , From Start to finish i was invested by dev and tinks , honestly couldn’t get enough i spent every moment i had to myself reading this book and my god it was worth putting off plans and some housework because this book is such a rollercoaster of feelings you go from happy to omg to damn thats hot in the matter of pages honestly couldn’t stop reading if this isn’t on your list of books to read id get it on your list ASAP Because you will not be disappointed with this cannot wait until the next one weather it be dev and tinks or some new characters , don’t know what im going to read now ! Honestly people your gunna regret not reading this because if you don’t your seriously missing out !!! And to put a bit of perspective on this i normally try and savour a book and stretch it over the course of a month but this took me literally 6 days to read 36 Chapters and an epilogue it captivates you completely and leaves nothing to the imagination
Shayla Hart You’ve Done It Again Cannot Wait For The Next Book
Shayla Hart You’ve Done It Again Cannot Wait For The Next Book
November 30, 2023
I NEED TO RANT. This book was SO bad, I had to force myself to finish it during the second half. The first half was great — the banter, the handcuffs, the friends to enemies, Mira’s character, WYATT. Even Devin wasn’t bad. BUT THE SECOND HALF???? Why the genuine hell did that author think publishing this or even writing it for that matter was a good idea?
FIRST OF ALL, why add the other brother in? That was so messed up bc she said she was in love with Dev but talked like she felt equally the same way for Levi?? Also she strung him along so much, GOD, what a bitch. AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON DEVIN. I loved him at the start bc he was all witty and hot but by the end he was just an immature, possessive jerk. The irony in all the correlations to her abusive ex.. Mira RUN GIRL! Also the fact that he emotionally and actually cheated on his girlfriend basically the entire book and then pretended to have morals? Blah. AND he wasn’t even the one to break up with her in the end, Megan did it over a stupid fight and was never even told about the cheating! He had absolutely no character development and acted like a child during every situation. She tells him Levi and her slept together a long time ago? tantrum. She doesn’t want to move to Singapore? Tantrum. They sleep together the first time? he leaves and THE NOTE??? Actual dumbass. She tells him she’s pregnant? WHAT KIND OF FUCKING REACTION??? AND THEN ENDING THEIR ENGAGEMENT WHILE SHES PREGNANT WITH HIS CHILD BECAUSE SHE DOESN’T WANT TO MOVE TO SINGAPORE FOR HIS BUSINESS WHEN ALL THEIR FAMILY IS IN LONDON??? “Think of me” my fucking ass Devin. Sell the stupid record label and get a grip you overgrown tool. The epilogue made me want to shoot myself just so I didn’t have to read it any longer.
No character development whatsoever. The twists were stupid and unnecessary. The ending sucked. The characters sucked. They basically ended up at the very same place they started. Her family was shitty for letting all that happen knowing the trauma she went through. The POOR girlfriend and Levi. I know she ended up being a bitch but damn girl me too. and what about the plot hole of the ripped up letter? At least finish the book lady!
Basically the only good thing about this book was Wyatt. She should have just said fuck it and had this lovely humans kid.
The potential was there but the execution was sooooo disappointing. Wyatt gets a star but thats all.
FIRST OF ALL, why add the other brother in? That was so messed up bc she said she was in love with Dev but talked like she felt equally the same way for Levi?? Also she strung him along so much, GOD, what a bitch. AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON DEVIN. I loved him at the start bc he was all witty and hot but by the end he was just an immature, possessive jerk. The irony in all the correlations to her abusive ex.. Mira RUN GIRL! Also the fact that he emotionally and actually cheated on his girlfriend basically the entire book and then pretended to have morals? Blah. AND he wasn’t even the one to break up with her in the end, Megan did it over a stupid fight and was never even told about the cheating! He had absolutely no character development and acted like a child during every situation. She tells him Levi and her slept together a long time ago? tantrum. She doesn’t want to move to Singapore? Tantrum. They sleep together the first time? he leaves and THE NOTE??? Actual dumbass. She tells him she’s pregnant? WHAT KIND OF FUCKING REACTION??? AND THEN ENDING THEIR ENGAGEMENT WHILE SHES PREGNANT WITH HIS CHILD BECAUSE SHE DOESN’T WANT TO MOVE TO SINGAPORE FOR HIS BUSINESS WHEN ALL THEIR FAMILY IS IN LONDON??? “Think of me” my fucking ass Devin. Sell the stupid record label and get a grip you overgrown tool. The epilogue made me want to shoot myself just so I didn’t have to read it any longer.
No character development whatsoever. The twists were stupid and unnecessary. The ending sucked. The characters sucked. They basically ended up at the very same place they started. Her family was shitty for letting all that happen knowing the trauma she went through. The POOR girlfriend and Levi. I know she ended up being a bitch but damn girl me too. and what about the plot hole of the ripped up letter? At least finish the book lady!
Basically the only good thing about this book was Wyatt. She should have just said fuck it and had this lovely humans kid.
The potential was there but the execution was sooooo disappointing. Wyatt gets a star but thats all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2024
I love Shayla Hart books but this was not good.
They both are each others first everything and he leaves her after their first time, no msgs no calls nothing but he expects her to call him and waits for her n then moves on fucking around with diff girls then he's in a relationship with a woman for 5 years. When after 9 years he finally comes back to london only because his father is ill. And he expects Mira to be happy to see him just like he is, and he tries to break down the walls she built around her heart to know why she's so cold hearted with him.
How about you broke her heart and left her 9 years ago and now you expect her to be happy.
Mira's dad handcuffs both of them together so they get along n work together. I mean they have money they can get rid of cuffs easily by paying someone to remove but guess what they don't.
He's in relationship with other woman (Meghan) still thinks about Mira and flirts with her, mastrubates imagining her, always touchy with her. 75% of book he was in relationship with someone else but he was doing this all bulshit with Mira and he hide Mira under his desk when his gf called and she was describing how she will have sex with him.
he notices Mira is fooling around with his brother levi he gets jealous and kisses her when his gf is somewhere in the same club.
Megan broke up with Dev( yeah he didn't break up his gf did) because he doesn't want to marry her.so yeah Dev thinks this is the best chance to get back with Mira and they start sleeping with each other.
But then he asks her did she slept with levi when she tells him she did 1 yr ago he gets mad, bro you were in relationship with someone else she was single. Hypocrite.
After everything they still don't communicate n fight break up then patchup. she suddenly gets pregnant he asks her to marry him after 2 months she got to know he said to his father that Mira and him will move to Singapore without talking to her and she refuses bcoz her whole life is here they both fight and break up call off the marriage. After 1 week Mira's dad cuffs them together again and tell them to solve their issues. They both banter n then he kisses her, she kisses back and the end 🙂. I atleast expected a better ending :)
They both are each others first everything and he leaves her after their first time, no msgs no calls nothing but he expects her to call him and waits for her n then moves on fucking around with diff girls then he's in a relationship with a woman for 5 years. When after 9 years he finally comes back to london only because his father is ill. And he expects Mira to be happy to see him just like he is, and he tries to break down the walls she built around her heart to know why she's so cold hearted with him.
How about you broke her heart and left her 9 years ago and now you expect her to be happy.
Mira's dad handcuffs both of them together so they get along n work together. I mean they have money they can get rid of cuffs easily by paying someone to remove but guess what they don't.
He's in relationship with other woman (Meghan) still thinks about Mira and flirts with her, mastrubates imagining her, always touchy with her. 75% of book he was in relationship with someone else but he was doing this all bulshit with Mira and he hide Mira under his desk when his gf called and she was describing how she will have sex with him.
he notices Mira is fooling around with his brother levi he gets jealous and kisses her when his gf is somewhere in the same club.
Megan broke up with Dev( yeah he didn't break up his gf did) because he doesn't want to marry her.so yeah Dev thinks this is the best chance to get back with Mira and they start sleeping with each other.
But then he asks her did she slept with levi when she tells him she did 1 yr ago he gets mad, bro you were in relationship with someone else she was single. Hypocrite.
After everything they still don't communicate n fight break up then patchup. she suddenly gets pregnant he asks her to marry him after 2 months she got to know he said to his father that Mira and him will move to Singapore without talking to her and she refuses bcoz her whole life is here they both fight and break up call off the marriage. After 1 week Mira's dad cuffs them together again and tell them to solve their issues. They both banter n then he kisses her, she kisses back and the end 🙂. I atleast expected a better ending :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
It was cute and fun....until it wasnt? Lol a good, fun and light read but all that bickering and going back and forth just tired me out, i guess. They literally couldve solved every bit of their issues if they sat down as adults and hashed it out. That's not to say i didn't like the story, wished the author didnt drag it out forever tho.
February 12, 2023
I don’t get why y’all loved it
The reviews on this made me want to try it. I love a good friends to lovers but god was this book bad. Mira and Devin are definitely not soulmates in my opinion. They were both childish and the epilogue was a waste of pages.
The reviews on this made me want to try it. I love a good friends to lovers but god was this book bad. Mira and Devin are definitely not soulmates in my opinion. They were both childish and the epilogue was a waste of pages.
May 7, 2023
This is by far the best, friends to lovers romcom I have ever read.
I swooned, I laughed, I cried and I got incredibly flustered.
The sexual tension throughout this story flew off the pages.
It’s got friends to lovers, love triangle, secrets, second chances and so much love!
The side characters need their own stories asap.
I’m absolutely obsessed with Shayla’s writing and I cannot wait to read all of her future work.
I swooned, I laughed, I cried and I got incredibly flustered.
The sexual tension throughout this story flew off the pages.
It’s got friends to lovers, love triangle, secrets, second chances and so much love!
The side characters need their own stories asap.
I’m absolutely obsessed with Shayla’s writing and I cannot wait to read all of her future work.
July 17, 2021
Amazing!I followed Shayla POVs on tiktok about Dec and Tinks and I was hooked. I've read 3 of Shaylas other books and this one is not as much of a tear jerker but that doesn't mean it doesn't insight emotion, the back and forth banter between the characters was laugh out loud hilarious. I loved every bit of it and am desperately hoping for a sequel!
July 18, 2021
This book was amazing and I love the light-hearted nature of this love story. I am really hoping for a second installment to go along with this book. It was an excellent read and Shayla Hart’s ability to draw in the reader is phenomenal. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
July 18, 2021
I didn’t think Cole and Shayla’s (the accidental wife & love me again) epic love story could have any competition then along comes Dev and Tinks!
Amazing story yet again, both the main characters POV so you truly feel the emotion from them and understand their actions. The way Shayla writes it captures you from page one and holds you till the every last word! I was an emotional mess laughing one minute then crying the next and I never wanted the book to end. She has so much depth in her books that it makes me feel like I am actually there witnessing it all unfold not just reading words off a page.
Amazing story yet again, both the main characters POV so you truly feel the emotion from them and understand their actions. The way Shayla writes it captures you from page one and holds you till the every last word! I was an emotional mess laughing one minute then crying the next and I never wanted the book to end. She has so much depth in her books that it makes me feel like I am actually there witnessing it all unfold not just reading words off a page.
July 18, 2021
Amazing
I chose this rating because the book is honestly amazing and the connection between her characters are unreal and you can actually feel the emotions coming from the book! I love reading her books and I honestly can't wait for more to come out!!!
I chose this rating because the book is honestly amazing and the connection between her characters are unreal and you can actually feel the emotions coming from the book! I love reading her books and I honestly can't wait for more to come out!!!
July 11, 2021
As always Shayla knocked this out of the park. Absolutely LOVED this book. Now I need the next one! I could not put this book down! 10000000/10 reccomend!
July 11, 2021
This book was so good. Love everything she writes and cannot wait to see what else she writes! Love love love
February 7, 2023
Mira Evans and Devin King met when they were five years old. Devin's family moved next door to Mira's. Devin and Mira became best friends. The families grew close over the years, starting a business together and with the kids calling the alternate parents uncle and aunt. Early chapters in the book cover Mira and Devin meeting, friendship, and their first kiss (at 16). The Devin disappeared from her life. One day there, the next day gone. The family transferred to Singapore. She never heard from him again, not even a good-bye.
Jump nine years. Mira is a VP for the families' publishing business. The new interim CEO is being announced. Surprise, it's Devin King. He seems to think that they'll be able to pick up where they left off after 9 years of no contact. Though still drawn to him, Mira won't risk letting him in to break her heart again. Plus, she's been in a bad relationship and doesn't believe in love or forever anymore.
The CEO and VP have to be able to work closely together. This is hard when Devin likes to rile Mira, pushing her buttons for his amusement. She just wants a professional relationship. They wind up bickering all the time -- basically because Devin is a dick. After a week of not getting along, Mira's head-of-the-company father has had enough. He decides the best course of action to get them to work as a team is to handcuff them together -- thus the title. Really?? That is a professional's way, a father's way, of dealing with the situation.
This forces us as readers to sit through his and her bathroom situations, crawling over consoles in cars in order fill the driver and passenger seats, having to sleep together. not being able to change their shirts, etc. The bickering continues. Mira's roommates, her sister, Ayla, and childhood friend, Wyatt, and their friends Lexie and Logan, find the situation funny so we have to sit through their picking at Mira and more smirking and teasing from Devin. While Devin's thoughts keep going to how much he wants Mira, he has a long-term girlfriend, Megan. (Megan's father is Devin's business partner in a Singapore-based recording company.)
Devin's older brother, Levi (a rival for Mira's affections), their ailing father and both mothers round out the main characters. None of whom think what Mira's father has done is just stupid.
Throughout the story we get flashbacks of the events leading to and right after Devin's departure. We also find out about Mira's ex and her fling with Levi. They fill in some gaps, but leave some questions in the end.
How to get to an HEA?? Do Devin and Mira find their way back to one another or does he stick with his girlfriend? Does Mira find her HEA with Devin, her first and truest love, or with Levi?
Ugh! I wish this book was better. I liked the character of Mira a lot (for the most part). However, I did not like this book. I can't say it was awful (1 star), but it was not good (3 stars or better). I'm settling on 1.5 to 2 stars for what could have been a good story and because I liked Mira.
Most of the reason behind the low rating has to do with the constant bickering, most of which was caused by the character of Devin. While I loved him and Mira as a couple, he was a jerk from the moment he reentered her life. What made him think Mira would fall into his arms after almost 10 years of silence? As she says, "“I’m not the same girl I was when you left, Devin. You knew her, you don’t know me, just like I don’t know you anymore. A lot can change in a decade." Worse, he remains an ass after they get handcuffed making it almost impossible to work together.
Other irritations (some of which I'll spoiler tag).
* I hate books where the hero is immature. Are we (and the heroine) supposed to overlook his immaturity because he's handsome? A good looking jerk is still a jerk. Mira was willing to work with him as a professional. He just couldn't or wouldn't be professional. [That might have made a better story... Devin having to fight to regain her trust as they work through their issues.]
* Further, I hate books where issues could be resolved if the main characters acted like adults and communicated as such. If Mira and Devin had both acted maturely, we could have save lots of pages of tedious bickering.
* What father would think it's a good idea to handcuff his adult daughter to a man as a means to force them to work together? It's bad enough we had to sit through bathroom sessions, but what if Mira was on her period? Would we have been privy to Devin helping Mira change her tampons? Did he think through the hygiene aspect of not being able to bathe or change clothing? -- What kind of businessman does that? Isn't that an HR no-no in this day and age?
* Further, Mira's father knew she's suffered from anxiety and why. What loving father would put his daughter in a situation that could exacerbate her condition? And, what loving family and friends would agree that it was the right thing to do.
* The bickering/handcuffing dragged on too long. It became tedious and never worked as part of a resolution to their problems. The book is over 400 pages. I may have rated it higher if it had been shortened.
* I find it hard to believe with the families so close that Mira wasn't kept up to date on Devin's activities. Though it is possible since he left without saying goodbye, breaking Mira's heart. I suppose it could have been a don't-ask-don't-tell situation. Still...
* Adding Levi as a love interest was just wrong, especially knowing how Mira felt about Devin.
* How come two educated, professional businesspeople didn't think to engage a car service instead of forcing Mira to crawl over a front-seat console? Really??
* And, why not hit a surplus store or sex shop to get a handcuff key? Why not call the fire or police department for assistance -- even if you played if off as a kink gone wrong? Nope... These two supposedly educated people just remain handcuffed and complain about it. -- Why not call her father's bluff??
* Why was Devin such a dick? Mira had trouble cooking and eating because he kept pulling her arm. C'mon, dude. How about a little cooperation? Why not when he saw his smirking and teasing wasn't working didn't he just stop an be the friend he used to be? Nope... he just kept the bickering going.
I know romantic couples need to overcome obstacles to earn their HEA, but the obstacles in this were just too much and ran on too long.
Worse... I disliked the ending, actually, the epilogue. It was so stupid. As much as I liked the couple getting their HEA, all I could think was 1) this couple hasn't learned anything and neither have their families; 2) here we go again; 3) this couple is doomed if they can't act like adults. The last part of the book redeemed things for me, but the epilogue ruined them again.
Disappointing.
At this point, I'd still try new offerings by Shayla Hart. However, I'd go into them with lowered expectations.
This book was not complimentary. I am reviewing it of my own free will because the book, or the experience of reading it, moved me to do so. All thoughts and opinions are mine and are biased only by my experience(s).
#Shayla_Hart; #Cuffed_by_Love; #Romance
Jump nine years. Mira is a VP for the families' publishing business. The new interim CEO is being announced. Surprise, it's Devin King. He seems to think that they'll be able to pick up where they left off after 9 years of no contact. Though still drawn to him, Mira won't risk letting him in to break her heart again. Plus, she's been in a bad relationship and doesn't believe in love or forever anymore.
The CEO and VP have to be able to work closely together. This is hard when Devin likes to rile Mira, pushing her buttons for his amusement. She just wants a professional relationship. They wind up bickering all the time -- basically because Devin is a dick. After a week of not getting along, Mira's head-of-the-company father has had enough. He decides the best course of action to get them to work as a team is to handcuff them together -- thus the title. Really?? That is a professional's way, a father's way, of dealing with the situation.
This forces us as readers to sit through his and her bathroom situations, crawling over consoles in cars in order fill the driver and passenger seats, having to sleep together. not being able to change their shirts, etc. The bickering continues. Mira's roommates, her sister, Ayla, and childhood friend, Wyatt, and their friends Lexie and Logan, find the situation funny so we have to sit through their picking at Mira and more smirking and teasing from Devin. While Devin's thoughts keep going to how much he wants Mira, he has a long-term girlfriend, Megan. (Megan's father is Devin's business partner in a Singapore-based recording company.)
Devin's older brother, Levi (a rival for Mira's affections), their ailing father and both mothers round out the main characters. None of whom think what Mira's father has done is just stupid.
Throughout the story we get flashbacks of the events leading to and right after Devin's departure. We also find out about Mira's ex and her fling with Levi. They fill in some gaps, but leave some questions in the end.
How to get to an HEA?? Do Devin and Mira find their way back to one another or does he stick with his girlfriend? Does Mira find her HEA with Devin, her first and truest love, or with Levi?
Ugh! I wish this book was better. I liked the character of Mira a lot (for the most part). However, I did not like this book. I can't say it was awful (1 star), but it was not good (3 stars or better). I'm settling on 1.5 to 2 stars for what could have been a good story and because I liked Mira.
Most of the reason behind the low rating has to do with the constant bickering, most of which was caused by the character of Devin. While I loved him and Mira as a couple, he was a jerk from the moment he reentered her life. What made him think Mira would fall into his arms after almost 10 years of silence? As she says, "“I’m not the same girl I was when you left, Devin. You knew her, you don’t know me, just like I don’t know you anymore. A lot can change in a decade." Worse, he remains an ass after they get handcuffed making it almost impossible to work together.
Other irritations (some of which I'll spoiler tag).
* I hate books where the hero is immature. Are we (and the heroine) supposed to overlook his immaturity because he's handsome? A good looking jerk is still a jerk. Mira was willing to work with him as a professional. He just couldn't or wouldn't be professional. [That might have made a better story... Devin having to fight to regain her trust as they work through their issues.]
* Further, I hate books where issues could be resolved if the main characters acted like adults and communicated as such. If Mira and Devin had both acted maturely, we could have save lots of pages of tedious bickering.
* What father would think it's a good idea to handcuff his adult daughter to a man as a means to force them to work together? It's bad enough we had to sit through bathroom sessions, but what if Mira was on her period? Would we have been privy to Devin helping Mira change her tampons? Did he think through the hygiene aspect of not being able to bathe or change clothing? -- What kind of businessman does that? Isn't that an HR no-no in this day and age?
* Further, Mira's father knew she's suffered from anxiety and why. What loving father would put his daughter in a situation that could exacerbate her condition? And, what loving family and friends would agree that it was the right thing to do.
* The bickering/handcuffing dragged on too long. It became tedious and never worked as part of a resolution to their problems. The book is over 400 pages. I may have rated it higher if it had been shortened.
* I find it hard to believe with the families so close that Mira wasn't kept up to date on Devin's activities. Though it is possible since he left without saying goodbye, breaking Mira's heart. I suppose it could have been a don't-ask-don't-tell situation. Still...
* Adding Levi as a love interest was just wrong, especially knowing how Mira felt about Devin.
* How come two educated, professional businesspeople didn't think to engage a car service instead of forcing Mira to crawl over a front-seat console? Really??
* And, why not hit a surplus store or sex shop to get a handcuff key? Why not call the fire or police department for assistance -- even if you played if off as a kink gone wrong? Nope... These two supposedly educated people just remain handcuffed and complain about it. -- Why not call her father's bluff??
* Why was Devin such a dick? Mira had trouble cooking and eating because he kept pulling her arm. C'mon, dude. How about a little cooperation? Why not when he saw his smirking and teasing wasn't working didn't he just stop an be the friend he used to be? Nope... he just kept the bickering going.
I know romantic couples need to overcome obstacles to earn their HEA, but the obstacles in this were just too much and ran on too long.
Worse... I disliked the ending, actually, the epilogue. It was so stupid. As much as I liked the couple getting their HEA, all I could think was 1) this couple hasn't learned anything and neither have their families; 2) here we go again; 3) this couple is doomed if they can't act like adults. The last part of the book redeemed things for me, but the epilogue ruined them again.
Disappointing.
At this point, I'd still try new offerings by Shayla Hart. However, I'd go into them with lowered expectations.
This book was not complimentary. I am reviewing it of my own free will because the book, or the experience of reading it, moved me to do so. All thoughts and opinions are mine and are biased only by my experience(s).
#Shayla_Hart; #Cuffed_by_Love; #Romance
May 13, 2023
What did I just read?
This book made me so mad. So excuse my angry rant of a review. Also heads up spoilers.
I wish I could get the brain cells back that died off reading this mess. Not sure how this got so many good reviews, but this book was not it. The premise was great. Then more than half way through you get a big fat plot twist that's so ridiculous. Sleeping with the brother in the past is one thing, but to have feelings for him and hook up with him in the present? While fighting feelings for the other brother that she has obviously loved and pined over her entire life. The whole book talks about how close her and Dev are their entire lives. They lost their V cards together. But then the brother plot twist comes in and she now had a crush on him as a kid. It was like whiplash. Not my cup of tea. Not to mention the blatant emotional cheating and then the actual cheating. They are almost 30 and even in the epilogue they are still fighting. Yeah let's finish the book out with two adults who can barely communicate with each other, throw in a baby, and then end it by them breaking their engagement because they can't decide where to live? Wtf did I just read?! SO much drama. The only reason this got two stars instead of one is that for most of the first half of the book I enjoyed the banter.
This book made me so mad. So excuse my angry rant of a review. Also heads up spoilers.
I wish I could get the brain cells back that died off reading this mess. Not sure how this got so many good reviews, but this book was not it. The premise was great. Then more than half way through you get a big fat plot twist that's so ridiculous. Sleeping with the brother in the past is one thing, but to have feelings for him and hook up with him in the present? While fighting feelings for the other brother that she has obviously loved and pined over her entire life. The whole book talks about how close her and Dev are their entire lives. They lost their V cards together. But then the brother plot twist comes in and she now had a crush on him as a kid. It was like whiplash. Not my cup of tea. Not to mention the blatant emotional cheating and then the actual cheating. They are almost 30 and even in the epilogue they are still fighting. Yeah let's finish the book out with two adults who can barely communicate with each other, throw in a baby, and then end it by them breaking their engagement because they can't decide where to live? Wtf did I just read?! SO much drama. The only reason this got two stars instead of one is that for most of the first half of the book I enjoyed the banter.
August 12, 2023
no. this book was so messy i thought this was gonna be a cutesies second chance romance but why is there sm drama and why is there a love triangle ish not really bc we know who she ends up w but damn shit kept on going i was like when can i catch a break from this plot. but bc it was so messy i was invested asf i had to know what happened next ofc but i hate the characters i find the main guy so self centered and insufferable and i like the main girl to an extent but she annoyed me w some choices she makes but bc of how much i hate the main guy i hate the main girl for giving him the time of day yk. also there’s some unanswered shit i wish was resolved like was it skylar who ripped the letter the main guy left for the main girl and that fucking ending w them being cuffed again after calling off the wedding bitch that isn’t a good ending are they gonna make up or what like is he gonna move or her i need some answers yk and also w the book ending like that they’re for sure breaking up in the future bc how can they not be able to resolve big issues like this if they wanna get married and have a kid yeah no. this is really like reality tv i was hate reading like does it get points for being frustrating but engaging. i just gotta get into the shit that happens bc omg it made me so mad reading. not the fucking main guy having a girlfriend that he says he loves and has been dating for FIVE YEARS that’s longer than high school like what and now you’re seeing your childhood bestfriend that you were too pussy to tell that you were moving but left a letter for her that she never ended up seeing like why didn’t you think of the possible consequences like her not receiving and reach out to her but no she didn’t reach out to him so he didn’t reach out to her like are you stupid. ofc the main girl couldve reached out to him but i don’t blame my girl bc they slept together and lost their virginity’s to each other for the main guy to leave when she woke up and didn’t text her or call her nothing so no shit she’s not gonna wanna reach out omg i hate men. also the main girl’s dad cuffing them together for a week is actually so foul if my dad ever did that i would never talk to him again i would be so mad actually bc these bitches had to use the bathroom together sleep in the same bed when the main guy has a girlfriend WHICH HE DIDNT EVEN TELL HER ABOUT THE SITUATION BC SHE WOULD BE MAD. the main guy is a walking red flag i hate him sm actually like it’s said he has a flirty personality bitch no stop you have a gf i feel like that’s cheating even if it’s not physical yk. and they eventually get out of the hand cuffs and the girlfriend comes to visit and the main girl kisses him but then stops but also they had some near kiss moments but come on when that shit happens might as well break up bc how you gonna do your girl like that and the girlfriend never ends up finding out bro that makes me so sad for her even tho she’s written like a bitch like she doesn’t deserve that. ngl this is the toxic side in me but the main guy’s brother comes in and the main girl and him had this fling after her abusive ex and i was like this is good she needs to get dicked down so she can stop playing around w this man bro it’s insane and the main guy got so jealous it’s crazy and said some fucked up shit i just cant deal w this man and it’s the way him and his girlfriend breaks up but he didn’t even break up w her she did and i feel like he wouldn’t even break up w her and stayed w her for awhile even tho he clearly likes the main girl and now all a sudden he wanna be w her like bitch you just got broken up with at least have some respect for your ex and the main girl yk but he goes after her and they’re good for a bit until he opens his big mouth and says more annoying shit about her and his brother like come on bro y’all weren’t together and she wasn’t cheating on anyone unlike your ugly ass omg i hate him and then she ends things w him again but then they make up and he saves her from her abusive ex who was released out of prison early but man keeps on talking saying oh why didn’t you tell me about him girl be fr rn first it’s her personal life like she don’t wanna talk about it you’re not obligated to know and second you’re a weirdo freak like she has this thing against elevators bc of her ex and man made her go inside an elevator bc he didn’t wanna walk hella stairs which i get but the way he did it i was like no if someone made me go into something i have a phobia against and didn’t give me a heads up or anything i would be pissed like he gives me sm reasons to hate him. also after that mess man’s has to go back to singapore for his business and the main girl has her business in london so i thought they broke up but i think they did ldr and she’s pregnant omg so she visits and he proposes yup but then that stupid ass ending where they cant even come to a compromise and just break up was so annoying and they get cuffed up as they did in the beginning but i hated that ending don’t give me an open ending when i hate these characters and know they’re gonna make some dumb ass choice pls give me a clear ending. yeah this really relieved some anger out of me so i’ll give it a 7/10 yk it made me feel a lot and maybe that’s a good thing but i’m not giving this anything higher than 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2022
I absolutely adore the authors writing style. I loved the accidental wife and liked the sequel so decided to search for more books. Cuffed by love is a no for me, it started off well but went downhill. The 2 brothers aspect was a turnoff.
June 29, 2024
Absolutely amazing! Could not put it down! I’ve been a fan of this story since it began on Tik-Tok! Shayla keeps you on your toes in this romance! NEED A SEQUEL!!
July 19, 2021
Not for me, just to silly.
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