I was always devoted to her, even when she belonged to someone else.
Unrequited love is a special kind of torture, but I’ve let it fuel my success all these years, writing chart topping love songs about the one woman I could never have–because she was my best friend’s wife.
But then tragedy strikes, leaving both of us reeling as we stumble our way through grief.
And just like always, I’m there for her, because that’s what you do for the love of your life, even if she only sees you as a friend.
When she discovers the secret I’ve carried for over a decade, she does the last thing I ever expected–she kisses me. And that one kiss changes everything.
Now, every dream I’ve ever fantasized about is becoming reality, but when new secrets are revealed, I wonder if I’ll ever get the happy ending I’ve always craved.
Devoted Intent is a steamy second chance at love romance and the third book in the Rapturous Intent Rockstar Series. It is best if it’s read after book two, but it can be read as a standalone. Content This book contains grieving following the death of a spouse and pregnancy loss.
Cadence Keys writes steamy contemporary sports romances about complex alpha males and the women who love them. She loves football, coffee, and watching Gilmore Girl marathons. She has been writing for almost a decade, but only recently got the gumption to really do something with her work. She looks forward to publishing many more novels, specifically her LA Wolves series.
Ya’ll, Cadence Keys did it again. Not only did she shatter my heart for the first time while on a plane - she shattered my heart with this one. This one follows Tristan and Jolie after his best friend aka her husband has passed away unexpectedly. Literally not even 10% in and I was telling her that I was already crying. I feel like that’s a whole ass new record.
Tristan met Jolie like 11 years prior in middle school - even met her before his best friend, Robbie. But Robbie was struggling and Tristan didn’t want to make a move because he was worried about his best friend. Instead, Robbie took that time to steal Jolie for himself. Flash forward to the present, where Tristan continues to help Jolie even after Robbie’s death because she’s literally the love of his life and he’s always put her first.
I was sobbing. Literal sobbing. I wanted so much more for Tristan - he didn’t deserve the guilt and heartbreak that we see and I just wanted to steal him and give him a fucking hug. NOW, I can’t wait to see what comes next and how we finish this little series.
These can be read as standalones - as each one in this series follows a different couple but they’re part of the same band, hence their entanglement and how they interact with one another. This can be seen as kinda dark so make sure to read the trigger warnings.
“Sometimes things work out exactly the way they’re supposed to even if it’s not how we saw it happening or in the time frame we wanted.”
Devoted Intent is a spicy second chance at love, friends to lovers, heartbreak, and romance. This is the third book in the Rapturous Intent Rockstar Series. We met Tristan in book one of the series. Tristan’s love for Jolie was so raw, compassionate, and unconditional. Jolie’s grief was written perfectly it's so genuine. The relationship between Tristan and Jolie was so natural and well-developed. I loved how Tristan always wanted Jolie to be happy. The title of this book is perfect for Tristan he was always devoted to Jolie since they were in high school. Where in the world can I find my own Tristan? He’s very caring, considerate, and passionate. At times my heart broke for Tristan! I just love the whole book!! This beautiful book is about the heartbreak of losing someone and getting a second at love! Definately my favorite book in the Rapturous Intent Series!!
Trope(s): ✔️ Love After Loss ✔️ Second Chance ✔️ Friends to Lovers
Triggers: 🛑 Death of a Spouse 🛑 Mention of Drug Overdose (Side Character) 🛑 Pregnancy Loss
Let me just say Tristan deserves the best. He is an angel. My heart broke for him. And after he found out a secret no one but him now knows, I broke even more. I’m happy he gets his chance.
Jolie. Her character went through a lot as well. Not only to lose Robbie but to lose her baby too. That was like a double whammy. I loved how the author showed the different stages of grief and how each stage looks different for every person.
I like how even though things went wrong their friends were always their for them not judging them. Everyone needs friends like that.
feel in love with Tristian, it’s a story of second chance rocker romance. He’s been in love with Jolie, since they were young. His best friend Robbie asked her out first and Robbie’s health isn’t something they expected. You get to see everyone around them try to find their way back but also realizing their feelings. God, i can’t wait to read the other books.
This is a beautifully written story of having love a second time in life. This story picks up after all of the happenings in the last book. The author brings out all the feels in this heartfelt story and paints her scenes perfectly as she delivers a touching love story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Devoted Intent by Cadence Keys ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ —————— “Robbie was always the love of her life. And she’s always been mine.” ——— I got to read the ARC of the 3rd book in the Rapturous Intent series by Cadence Keys, and despite having not read the others, I really loved this one!
What is it about fictional Tristans being utter perfection?! Because let me tell you, here is another one who you will absolutely adore. He’s going to steal your heart away straight away with how gloriously selfless and sweet he is.
Tristan was in school when new girl Jolie arrived, he took one look at her and was hopelessly and irrevocably in love. Being the sweet, brooding character he is, he bides his time before asking her out, and in the meantime his best friend Robbie gets there first, and so comes a lifetime of loving her in secret.
His best friend and the woman he’s painfully in love with get married and have an entire life together while he watches and supports them however he can.
He spends his life noticing everything about her and making her happy from the sidelines, keeping his feelings hidden.
But, when Robbie dies unexpectedly, it throws their lives through a loop, and he becomes her best friend and supporter.
There’s so much emotion packed into the story. Of course you’re going to be gunning for Tristan, but the emotion surrounding Robbie’s death for both Tristan and Jolie is heart wrenching, as well as frustrations over years of longing, fears of unrequited love and the guilt that naturally comes along with feelings changing.
If you prefer a genuinely nice boy MMC who you’ll want to hug until he doesn’t hurt anymore, this one is for you! He’s absolutely adorable.
I gobbled this story up. It was raw, it was emotional and it was full of so much care and sweetness. ———
This book has: ✨Dual POV ✨Childhood Friends to Lovers ✨Secret Love ✨He Falls First ✨Nice Guy MMC
——— The book is heavily focused around grief, and there is talk of miscarriage and infertility, so please check TW.
Thank you to @thesmuthood @cadencekeysauthor for the ARC ❤️ —————— #smuthood #devotedintenttour
Deze post kan spoilers bevatten, als je de andere delen van de Rapturous Intent Rockstar serie nog niet hebt gelezen.
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Tristan, gitarist en songwriter van de rockband,trok al vanaf het eerste boek mijn aandacht. Stil en mysterieus, ik wilde zo graag zijn verhaal weten. Zijn liefdesverdriet geeft hem genoeg inspiratie voor de mooiste songteksten & hits. Hij is zo lief en attent, zelfs als hij dé vrouw niet kan krijgen. Haar gelukkig zien is voor hem het allerbelangrijkste.
Jolie is de band fotograaf en getrouwd met Robbie, de manager van de rockband en beste vriend van Tristan. Een tragische gebeurtenis zet haar hele leven op de kop.
Tristan en Jolie rouwen allebei op hun eigen manier, maar helpen ook elkaar door dit moeilijke proces heen.
Geheimen uit het verleden worden onthuld waardoor ze een andere kant van Robbie leren kennen en met nog meer vragen & boosheid komen te zitten.
Oh mijn hart..het was net zo gebroken als die van Tristan en Jolie. Cadence heeft de gevoelens en emoties van beiden heel goed beschreven. Vooral het verdriet van Jolie was soms best wel rauw en confronterend. Ik heb een aantal momenten een brok in mijn keel gehad en gehuild. En of je het nou wilt of niet, je gaat toch ook nadenken over je eigen leven en het moment dat jij afscheid moet gaan nemen.
Door de fijne schrijfstijl en niet te lange hoofdstukken leest ook dit derde deel weer vlot. Deze serie gaat dan wel over een rockband en muziek maken, maar dit boek was vooral ook heel gevoelig en emotioneel. Over verlies en rouw, over loslaten en opnieuw beginnen met vrienden en familie die voor je klaarstaan. Mijn favoriete deel tot nu toe!
“I want to take this pain from her, but I don’t know how. I can’t fix this.”
“I’ve been planning for this move, but it’s like I was planning it for someone else. It didn’t hit me that I’m closing a chapter of my life.”
Devoted Intent is the second book by Cadence Keys I have read and it was really good. I normally don’t like the unrequited love trope but this book did it really well and I fell for Tristan. I was introduced to Tristan in Noble Intent and I loved his dedication to the band and his loyalty to his brother but I knew his story would be good because either something had to happen for him to get with Jolie eventually because how can you be in love with someone for so long and something not happen or he would eventually find someone amazing and finally move on from his long time love. I knew as their story unfolded, I wasn’t going to like Robbie and of course when we got to the letter I was proven right. Tristan was too good of a friend to Robbie. It wasn’t his fault his best friend fell in love with the same girl as him but it was most definitely Robbie’s fault for knowing full well how Tristan felt for Jolie and ignored it and still went for it. When Robbie suddenly passes away at the end of book two, he steps up and makes sure he is always there for Jolie just like he always has, he was her rock and he helped her figure out what her life was going to be like without her husband there now. What I didn’t like or couldn’t understand is how Jolie never saw signs of Tristans feelings for her, she point blank explained to her mom what she wanted from a man since she had to start over in the dating world and she LITERALLY explains Tristan and she still didn’t see it until her mom gave her a push. What I really liked once she found out about his feelings is when they start going on dates she finally realizes how he has hidden his feelings for over 11 years. I personally LOVE third act breakups because they typically help one or both the main characters to grow and be better but this one was sooo wrong for Tristan. She broke him and all she was looking at is how she felt and what it meant for her and her feelings. This was a beautiful and heartbreaking love story; this makes you wonder and puts you in all your feels for how long is too long and when is it time to let go? 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5
Devoted Intent is the third book in Cadence Key’s Rapturous Intent series. I have to say, I loved Tristan and Jolie’s story. The pair met in high school and there is an immediate attraction. He slow plays getting to know her which allows his best friend Robbie to jump in and ask her out first. Tristan gracefully bows out and has a front row seat to their love story. Robbie and Jolie fall in love and get married. Tristan is happy for them, but it leads to a lonely existence for him.
At the end of Forbidden Intent, Robbie passes away suddenly and leaves Jolie and the band reeling. Even though he is also grief stricken, Tristan steps up and is the rock Jolie needs to survive. They grow even closer as they navigate life without Robbie. The old attraction flares to life and they take the leap and become more. But can the relationship truly become more? She is afraid of what others think. She has moved on too soon. She could not have really loved her husband. And how can she move on with her husband’s best friend? Tristan has loved her since their first meeting. Can she love him as much as he loves her? Or is she just settling for him?
Devoted Intent is a beautifully written story that makes you feel every moment of grief, uncertainty, and love as the story unfolds. If you like second chance romances, I highly recommend that you pick it up and give it a read.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
The first half of this book shredded me into little, tiny pieces. I cried more times than I think I have ever cried reading a book. I felt for Jolie so much and with each hit she took, I hurt a little more for her. She's a tough cookie to keep moving forward despite everything that has happened to her.
The second half of the book wove me back together and it was beautiful even when it was painful. Learning to love as a grownup is hard and some people never learn. Childlike love is beautiful, but it's hard to sustain throughout life's challenges. What Jolie and Tristan developed is the soul deep, adult kind of love. That makes it sound so simple, but it was hard-fought, and they earned it. I loved how both of their characters matured and how they learned to talk things out with each other because it stopped a lot of their misunderstandings. At the end it made it easy for Jolie to go to Tristan with her "surprise".
This is the third book in the series Rapturous Intent and could be read as a standalone, but each of these books is great so I think you should read all three. I'm excited for Kasen's book now since we've been introduced to Melly only broadly. It will be fun to get to know her, I'm sure.
This was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish! It hurt. Unrequited love and tragedy play a big roll throughout this story but it was written with so much love in between those heartbreaks.
Tristan and Jolie have known each other for so long, their love for one another started as friends and grew from there, even though it stayed hidden because of Robbie - Jolie’s husband and Tristan’s best friend.
With Robbie’s passing we watch the world continue for the people he left behind and it’s not easy. Grief is a fickle monster and we see that with how Jolie handles her new normal. She laughs, cries, gets angry.. doesn’t understand what’s happening.
My favorite part of this story was how Tristan took care of Jolie - making sure she wasn’t lonely, feeding her, doing the yard work, building her back into a person after grief tried to destroy her.❤️
Even though this book deals with heavy topics, it’s an easy read that ends in happily ever after for our main characters.
I cried through a lot of this book, but genuinely enjoyed it all. I did worry going in how this was going to work as the run up was so emotional and we had loved Robbie and Jolie together, but it just worked.
Heartfelt and engaging this book covers a lot of ground picking up a year after the events of the last book. Jolie has somewhat moved on, Tristan is stuck in the same place he always has been.
I loved how Tristan lived for her, but did feel a little like he became a martyr towards the middle of the book. I loved how Trent tried to help and it showed how close the brothers were.
When the inevitable did happen I did feel like that didn’t really take up much of the book, it all seemed to happen really quickly (though in a satisfying way, I think I just wanted to see them together more!)
Have you ever fallen in love with a girl that you just met, but were too afraid to ask out and then later found out that your best friend asked her out first? I have, but then when they got married, you were still in love with her but she never knew because how awkward would that be, right? Hi, my name is Tristan, I'm the songwriter and a member of the band "Rapturous Intent". My best friend Robbie/manager just died and Jolie (the love of my life) is mourning the loss of her husband. How can I prove to her that life goes on and we can get through this together? The operative word being "together". 💖I absolutely fell for Tristan! 💖 I love the quiet broody type, they're always the best ones to read about. Can't wait to read about Kasen's story, he's lucky to have one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for sure!
Make sure you have your tissues ready for this one 😢 It is an emotional roller coaster that will rip your heart out and then lovingly put it back together ♥️ Devoted intent is the third book in the Rapturous intent series and it is by far my favorite! It’s soo beautifully written that you can physically feel the grief that Jo and Tristan are going through just by reading the words. Their relationship was so natural and well developed and you could NOT ignore the raw, passionate, and unconditional love Tristan felt for Jo ♥️ They’ve both lost someone,getting a second chance at love, and takin c us along for the ride!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶
Love after loss ✔️ Second chance ✔️ Friends to lovers ✔️
*ARC copy provided by author and smuthood in exchange for an honest review*
This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions: grief, guilt, and new love. Tristen has been in love with Jolie since he first met her but his best friend asked her out first. He has loved her from afar ever since. Robbie passed away and Tristen is still loving Jolie from afar but is doing everything to be there for her. Jolie finally sees that he's always been there and knows so much about her. She starts to see past interactions differently and realizes he has had feelings for her all along. She lets him in but gets scared and feels so guilty that she pushes him away and now they are both miserable. Their story is full of ups and downs. I absolutely loved it and for all the details you will have to read for yourself. I can't wait to read Kasesn's story!
yessssssssss. another simp into my collection of book boyfriends.
tristan goes all in for his lady since the first day they met - that's what i love to see. he's smart and attentive and observant and so caring --- entirely devoted. his songs all about her. he was prepared to suffer in silence till the day he died. he chose her over everyone - even himself. AAAAAAAAAA.
i didn't fall in love with jolie - i heard she's amazing, but didn't see it - that's the only reason this book is 4 stars and not 5. girlie was grieving, then she took a few photos - she wasn't annoying, but there weren't a lot of personality, so i didn't get the hype. le sigh. i know some people ignore female character and imagine themselves in her place, but i'm not like that 🤷♀️
The third book in the Rapturous Intent series may just be my favorite! It’s been a hard year for the band. They lost Robbie, their manager, and Kaden od’d and went through rehab only to disappear. Tristan has tried his best to help Jolie, Robbie’s wife recover from the blow of his death. But that’s the easy part since he’s been in love with Jolie for over a decade. Now’s his chance to show her how really feels. But is she ready? Is he betraying Robbie? A beautiful story about the heartbreak of losing someone and getting a second at love! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️for Devoted Intent and Cadence Keys!
Tristan has always loved Jolie from afar, ever since he laid eyes on her in high school. But his best friend Robbie asked her out first so he stepped aside. Fast forward, Tristan’s band is world famous and Robbie is their manager. When Robbie dies unexpectedly, Tristen and Jolie are left to wade through their grief together. When they act on the attraction that has always been there, can Tristan and Jolie push aside outside opinions to find happiness together?
I have read the other books in this series and liked them all. This book deals a lot with grief, but it is well written. The thoughts of the characters seem real and true.
First time author for me. LOVED Tristan. He was so selfless, so loyal to both his best friend and Jolie. He truly loved her since he first saw her. I didn't care for Jolie's character. I understand she was going thru a lot w the death of her husband but she in my opinion she wasn't good enough for Tristan. She kept going back and forth on what she wanted that she was hurting him more. Idk it was a good book...I just didn't lose myself in the story like some other books. I think it was just because Jolie's character would get on my nerves at times. Tristan was perfect though.n
Wow, just wow! I have totally fallen in love with Tristan. I love how his character fell in love at first sight but the feelings never went away. I love how he sacrificed for his best friend even though his best friend turned out to be a rat. Jolie was so young and innocent she couldn’t see the love Tristan felt. She pushed aside the feelings she had for him and settled for Robbie. I love that he held strong to that love and never gave up hope. Can’t wait to see what happens with Kasen.
Simply amazing reading adventure. In fact, this entire series has been outstanding.
Beautiful, emotional story that will have you crying a time or two but also make you smile thru the tears.
I can not recommend this author highly enough. She has a magical way with words that hits straight to the heart and soul. I never miss a release from her and I really hope you'll give her a try. If you can, go back and read the first 2 books in the series. But if your budget doesn't allow for that, please read this one. You will not be disappointed.
Tristan has been in love with Jolie since the first time he met her. When she chose to marry his best friend, Tristan continue loving her without betraying Robbie. After Robbie’s sudden death, he was the one to help her through those difficult times by becoming her best friend. Would Tristan be brave enough to reveal his feelings? Would Jolie give him a chance? I love how Tristan and Jolie’s relationship developed naturally and sincere. His love and devotion is one for the books. Tristan is the best boyfriend. I am reviewing this book voluntarily after receiving a free ARC.
This book hurt. It was raw, emotional, tinged with loss, anger, betrayal, and frustration. This second chance, friends to lovers, love after loss rockstar romance was so good! I loved Tristan and Jolie’s relationship developed so naturally and them having gone through experiences individually were so emotional. Jolie was a widow after her husband’s unexpected death and while I felt for her I felt so much more for Tristan. My heart hurt for the grief and heartbreak he went to. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for more in the series!
Check the triggers, this book addresses death of a spouse, pregnancy loss, and infertility. Some scenes may be difficult for readers.
We follow on from the previous book in the series but we follow Tristan & life after his best friends death. Tissues are very much needed, such an emotionally heartbreaking story. Seeing Jolie start of so broken, going through the guilt to finally accepting her new life, it was truely heart-rendering, stage by stage. An absolute blissed ending to sure an emotional rollercoaster.
Oh what a sweet story of redemption and love. I absolutely adore Jolie and Tristan! This story brought me to tears several times and Tristan’s heartbreak absolutely came through the page so many times that I truly felt for him. Sweet Jolie had so many demons to work through and once they were able to do that- well it was utter perfection! This was an amazing book leading into the holidays and I know the next one will be just as good!
Honestly, this book broke my heart a hundred times. In all the best most bittersweet ways possible. I knew it would when I finished book 2, and I was so right. There is a lot of spice in this book, it is a rockstar romance, it has mentions of drug use, spouse death, abuse, etc. so there are triggers. If those don't bother you, I totally recommend!
Grab the tissues because you are definitely going to need them!!! This was such an emotional read. Going through the grief along with the characters, and navigating life after loss. The uncertainty that comes along with moving on. So many tears!!! Both so freaking sad and happy!! I'm really excited to go back and read the previous books in this series, and to get to the next one.
This book dealt with some pretty heavy topics. It was very sad and you felt a lot of hurt and sadness all around. Life usually never turns out the way we expect and takes us on a journey to get to our happily ever after. This book was no different. It took a lot of hard painful roads to lead them where they were supposed to be.
The writing was fine but it was hard to get past the storyline. Lost me at love at first site at 15. Also seemed real wrong to love your best friends wife like he did. When it was their time it also lost some of its romance to me as he was sooooo into her and it was like she was catching up so kinda off balance.
This is one of the best second chance romance books I have read this year! This is the third book in the Rapturous Intent Rockstar Series and I will definitely be devouring this series immediately. This is definitely a must read!