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Devotion
How far would you go for love?
Returning from a whirlwind honeymoon in Las Vegas, with her new husband Corey, Katherine believes the marriage will help to get her and her young daughter Ava’s life back on track.
But the euphoria of the honeymoon soon fades when Katherine notices a sudden change in Corey’s behaviour. He is angry with her and careless toward Ava.
Something has changed. Something is wrong.
As Katherine feels her mind slipping away from her, she wonders if she has been wrong about the man she loves.
Is Corey really that bad? Katherine is about to find out…
Alex Sinclair is also the author of He's At Your Door. Devotion is an unmissable psychological thriller, which readers of domestic noir will love. It will also appeal to fans of authors like Cara Hunter, Lucy Dawson and Samantha Hayes.
- GenresThriller
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2019
287 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Alex Sinclair
8 books110 followersAlex Sinclair is a psychological thriller author from a quiet town near Melbourne, Australia. When he’s not spending time with his wife and two kids, Alex can be found writing fast-paced, twist-filled stories that keep readers hooked and on edge. A fan of domestic and psychological thrillers, he’s passionate about creating gripping tales that leave readers questioning what’s real until the very last page
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 4, 2019
I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I started reading this book. Initially I felt rather grumpy! I thought that the writer was giving away too much information about characters, thereby significantly reducing the suspense of the story. Oh, how I was wrong. About halfway through the novel, there is a “big reveal” and, to tell the truth, I had to go back and read the entire chapter again – I could not believe my eyes! This certainly redeemed the story for me and it had me racing to the conclusion as a result.
The world that the protagonist, Katherine, is experiencing is horrific. If readers do not feel sorry for her, then something has gone wrong! The fear, paranoia and sense of claustrophobia is intense. She doubts everything about her marriage to Corey and no longer feels safe – at home, work or with friends. Seeing how she suddenly doubts her own actions was heartbreaking to read and I was desperate for her to discover the truth about what is happening. Indeed, at times I felt rather uncomfortable reading Katherine’s world collapse. Knowing this is something that does happen to people just was incredible to consider: how could anyone be so horrid as to make another person so insecure and vulnerable?
The writer is very clever with the direction the story takes. However, I did feel it started to get prolonged towards the end and felt the conclusion could have been brought forwards. As such, the intensity of the story did lessen for me and I wanted there to be a focus on Corey to add balance to the narrative. Understanding this would have reduced the overall impact of the plot, I believe something could have been done to recreate the excitement that I experienced after the profound revelation.
Whilst I did enjoy the story, I don’t think there is anything new here. If you like thrillers and suspense narratives, then I believe this will be enjoyable. I can’t say there is anything that hasn’t been done before, although I commend the way the writer manipulated my interpretations of the story! The characters are believable and the feeling of paranoia from Katherine is tangible. I could feel the tension radiating off of the pages and this made me hurry towards the ending.
Nonetheless, I was slightly disappointed with how the story concluded. I wanted there to be a stronger resolution and was saddened by the path the writer chose to lead the story. I realise that you cannot please everyone with the story and, whilst I was not expecting the ending, wished it had been a bit more satisfying for myself. The ending left me wondering whether the writer will continue this story in a follow-up novel; is it really all over as we may think?
This is a pretty good story with enough suspense and intrigue to keep me interested. Despite some of my gripes, I had enough enjoyment to encourage me to read this book quickly. The best part of the story was undoubtedly the big reveal and it was a feeling that not many writers are able to provoke in me. Plenty of pace, this is a scary portrayal of how gas-lighting can destroy everything that a person knows.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The world that the protagonist, Katherine, is experiencing is horrific. If readers do not feel sorry for her, then something has gone wrong! The fear, paranoia and sense of claustrophobia is intense. She doubts everything about her marriage to Corey and no longer feels safe – at home, work or with friends. Seeing how she suddenly doubts her own actions was heartbreaking to read and I was desperate for her to discover the truth about what is happening. Indeed, at times I felt rather uncomfortable reading Katherine’s world collapse. Knowing this is something that does happen to people just was incredible to consider: how could anyone be so horrid as to make another person so insecure and vulnerable?
The writer is very clever with the direction the story takes. However, I did feel it started to get prolonged towards the end and felt the conclusion could have been brought forwards. As such, the intensity of the story did lessen for me and I wanted there to be a focus on Corey to add balance to the narrative. Understanding this would have reduced the overall impact of the plot, I believe something could have been done to recreate the excitement that I experienced after the profound revelation.
Whilst I did enjoy the story, I don’t think there is anything new here. If you like thrillers and suspense narratives, then I believe this will be enjoyable. I can’t say there is anything that hasn’t been done before, although I commend the way the writer manipulated my interpretations of the story! The characters are believable and the feeling of paranoia from Katherine is tangible. I could feel the tension radiating off of the pages and this made me hurry towards the ending.
Nonetheless, I was slightly disappointed with how the story concluded. I wanted there to be a stronger resolution and was saddened by the path the writer chose to lead the story. I realise that you cannot please everyone with the story and, whilst I was not expecting the ending, wished it had been a bit more satisfying for myself. The ending left me wondering whether the writer will continue this story in a follow-up novel; is it really all over as we may think?
This is a pretty good story with enough suspense and intrigue to keep me interested. Despite some of my gripes, I had enough enjoyment to encourage me to read this book quickly. The best part of the story was undoubtedly the big reveal and it was a feeling that not many writers are able to provoke in me. Plenty of pace, this is a scary portrayal of how gas-lighting can destroy everything that a person knows.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2019
Katherine and Corey are returning home from a whirlwind honeymoon .. but it looks like trouble is brewing already.
All of a sudden, Katherine notices some changes in Corey ... he seems to be agitated and annoyed, losing patience over the smallest thing, even Katherine's young daughter. He always apologizes after their tiff, but something is really wrong.
She finds him hiding money, getting unknown text messages, and she's so confused these days, she doesn't know if she's coming or going ... or losing her sanity.
Maybe she doesn't know her husband as well as she thought she did.
This is a well written psychological drama with twists and turns leading to an unpredictable ending. I'm a little ambiguous about the ending ... it felt like it wasn't quite complete .. unless there is to be a second book in the making. The chapters alternate between versions of both parties ... not everything is as it seems to be.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of DEVOTION. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
3.5 stars
All of a sudden, Katherine notices some changes in Corey ... he seems to be agitated and annoyed, losing patience over the smallest thing, even Katherine's young daughter. He always apologizes after their tiff, but something is really wrong.
She finds him hiding money, getting unknown text messages, and she's so confused these days, she doesn't know if she's coming or going ... or losing her sanity.
Maybe she doesn't know her husband as well as she thought she did.
This is a well written psychological drama with twists and turns leading to an unpredictable ending. I'm a little ambiguous about the ending ... it felt like it wasn't quite complete .. unless there is to be a second book in the making. The chapters alternate between versions of both parties ... not everything is as it seems to be.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of DEVOTION. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
3.5 stars
November 4, 2019
Devotion is crime fiction crossed with chick-lit, and I for one was not expecting the fact that it started innocuously enough before pulling the rug from under you and switching direction; it certainly begins with a bang. It's well written with a style that engages you and ends up with you wanting to read it all in a single nail-biting sitting. This certainly had one of the most shocking twists slap bang in the centre of the story. It is an exciting and addictive read in which the characters are developed sufficiently and the main protagonist is a character you can really get behind when everything unravels and on the journey to rehabilitation and recovery. It is very different from the usual gritty thrillers I regularly read in that it is much more based around family drama. I think that is probably what helped with my enjoyment of this.
As with many domestic-based thrillers, it revolves around a lack of trust and abuse between newlyweds, Katherine and Corey and from there it only goes downhill with the story becoming increasingly emotional and incredibly tense. With a potent mix of captivating plot, intriguing twists, an unexpected conclusion and a cast of interesting characters, this is a clever book I was loathe to put down, and a dark, disturbing and slow-burn psychological thriller with just enough to keep me on tenterhooks for the majority of it. If you liked Alex Sinclair's other books in this genre then you will likely also love Devotion; it is significantly more women's fiction than thriller but I enjoyed it all the same. Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
As with many domestic-based thrillers, it revolves around a lack of trust and abuse between newlyweds, Katherine and Corey and from there it only goes downhill with the story becoming increasingly emotional and incredibly tense. With a potent mix of captivating plot, intriguing twists, an unexpected conclusion and a cast of interesting characters, this is a clever book I was loathe to put down, and a dark, disturbing and slow-burn psychological thriller with just enough to keep me on tenterhooks for the majority of it. If you liked Alex Sinclair's other books in this genre then you will likely also love Devotion; it is significantly more women's fiction than thriller but I enjoyed it all the same. Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
November 17, 2019
Not everybody is as how they seem. Who can you trust? And who can you love?
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
November 3, 2019
Initially you start the book believing this to be a classic tale of psychological domestic abuse when BAM!, you are stopped in your stride and have to re-evaluate the story. We have the tale of two school teachers, one is a single mum, who having dated only a short time, decide to get married quickly too. The story begins when they return from their honeymoon, and that's when everything starts to go wrong. There is also an unexpected ending to the story too which you won't see coming. Overall I would give it 4.5*.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
November 4, 2019
This was absolutely brilliant. I had so many emotions reading this, excitement, fear, anger, annoyance. You cannot beat a great book for making your emotions flood to the fore. I loved it, you are in for a real treat!!
November 6, 2019
This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat, it was so thrillingly intense, when you thought it could get no darker, it did! Just sheer brilliance. The book is set in Battery Beach in America.
Katherine had met Corey through her friend Annette and there had been an instant attraction, followed by a brief romance before a whirlwind honeymoon in Las Vegas. From a previous relationship with Pete, she had her lovely daughter Ava. He had been the total opposite to Corey who was so loving and tender towards her and her daughter.
Unfortunately, Katherine had to plan the wedding and honeymoon in a rush plus they were lucky to get the time off school to go away together. Annette offered to look after Ava so it happened as well. It was a wonderful few days. Then they were back home after arriving on a late flight back from Portland. Katherine and Corey didn’t feel like getting up on their first morning back to school. Annette wasn’t in her usual spot so Katherine wondered where she was. When they wandered into the teachers lounge, there was a sign saying ‘congratulations to Mr and Mrs Grayson’ and a group of teachers with Annette leading the way to congratulate them. There hadn’t been time before the wedding. Corey didn’t seem to happy about all the fuss made over their wedding. At the end of the day, Katherine picked up Ava as usual then headed to check her postbox in the lounge. There was no post in the box. This was strange. Corey usually left her a love note. Could this be because they were now married and he was no longer going to send them? She was upset then the phone pinged, text from Corey, ‘in the car, waiting’.
She went to get her keys from her bag, they weren’t there. She checked her pocket. Nope. She took Ava back to the classroom but they weren’t anywhere that she could see them. She went back to Annette and asked if she could borrow the spare key until she could find them. Annette let her. Corey shouted at her as she put Ava in the car. What was going on. As Katherine was making dinner, Corey mentions that he got a funny email on his cell, as he goes to get it, there is a jangling of keys and two sets fall out of his laptop bag. It appears Corey has picked up her keys as well as his! Corey tries to deny picking up the keys. What is going on? Then Ava comes over and Katherine refuses to argue in front of her little girl.
Another evening Corey and Katherine go out for dinner at the Wayfinder. They order their food, Katherine decides on crab cakes for a starter and grilled filet mignon for a main while Corey goes for oysters with rib eye steak for his main. The starters were fantastic but when the mains come out, Corey has his rib and it appears Katherine has ordered Salmon according to the waitress. She puts the plate in front of her. Katherine explains there has been a mistake. The waitress checks the order and explains, it definitely says you have ordered the salmon and shows it to her as proof. Katherine says ‘I didn’t order that. I would never order salmon. I can’t stand it, sorry’. She looks to Corey for support. ‘Honey, you remember right?’ He shakes his head at them both, shrugging his shoulders, ‘I honestly don’t recall.’ Katherine finally says, ‘Okay, but you know I hate salmon of all things.’
Did she really order the wrong food? Why wouldn’t Corey back her up? How could things that were so good a few days ago go so wrong? Just what is happening? What happened to the lovely and tender loving man? Has she made a mistake in marrying so quickly? Can things improve or get worse from here? Is she losing her mind?
I was just eager to read this as vociferously as possibly as it was brilliant and I was on tenterhooks as to the ending which was superb! A real dark thriller. Loved knowing who’s account I was reading in each chapter. Really detailed writing.
Katherine had met Corey through her friend Annette and there had been an instant attraction, followed by a brief romance before a whirlwind honeymoon in Las Vegas. From a previous relationship with Pete, she had her lovely daughter Ava. He had been the total opposite to Corey who was so loving and tender towards her and her daughter.
Unfortunately, Katherine had to plan the wedding and honeymoon in a rush plus they were lucky to get the time off school to go away together. Annette offered to look after Ava so it happened as well. It was a wonderful few days. Then they were back home after arriving on a late flight back from Portland. Katherine and Corey didn’t feel like getting up on their first morning back to school. Annette wasn’t in her usual spot so Katherine wondered where she was. When they wandered into the teachers lounge, there was a sign saying ‘congratulations to Mr and Mrs Grayson’ and a group of teachers with Annette leading the way to congratulate them. There hadn’t been time before the wedding. Corey didn’t seem to happy about all the fuss made over their wedding. At the end of the day, Katherine picked up Ava as usual then headed to check her postbox in the lounge. There was no post in the box. This was strange. Corey usually left her a love note. Could this be because they were now married and he was no longer going to send them? She was upset then the phone pinged, text from Corey, ‘in the car, waiting’.
She went to get her keys from her bag, they weren’t there. She checked her pocket. Nope. She took Ava back to the classroom but they weren’t anywhere that she could see them. She went back to Annette and asked if she could borrow the spare key until she could find them. Annette let her. Corey shouted at her as she put Ava in the car. What was going on. As Katherine was making dinner, Corey mentions that he got a funny email on his cell, as he goes to get it, there is a jangling of keys and two sets fall out of his laptop bag. It appears Corey has picked up her keys as well as his! Corey tries to deny picking up the keys. What is going on? Then Ava comes over and Katherine refuses to argue in front of her little girl.
Another evening Corey and Katherine go out for dinner at the Wayfinder. They order their food, Katherine decides on crab cakes for a starter and grilled filet mignon for a main while Corey goes for oysters with rib eye steak for his main. The starters were fantastic but when the mains come out, Corey has his rib and it appears Katherine has ordered Salmon according to the waitress. She puts the plate in front of her. Katherine explains there has been a mistake. The waitress checks the order and explains, it definitely says you have ordered the salmon and shows it to her as proof. Katherine says ‘I didn’t order that. I would never order salmon. I can’t stand it, sorry’. She looks to Corey for support. ‘Honey, you remember right?’ He shakes his head at them both, shrugging his shoulders, ‘I honestly don’t recall.’ Katherine finally says, ‘Okay, but you know I hate salmon of all things.’
Did she really order the wrong food? Why wouldn’t Corey back her up? How could things that were so good a few days ago go so wrong? Just what is happening? What happened to the lovely and tender loving man? Has she made a mistake in marrying so quickly? Can things improve or get worse from here? Is she losing her mind?
I was just eager to read this as vociferously as possibly as it was brilliant and I was on tenterhooks as to the ending which was superb! A real dark thriller. Loved knowing who’s account I was reading in each chapter. Really detailed writing.
November 4, 2019
Do you ever really know someone?
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer still.
After a whirlwind romance Corey and Katherine are now married.
Both teachers at the same school, and with so much in common, to the outside world they appear to be the perfect couple.
Katherine has a daughter, Ava who is from a previous relationship but Corey treats her as his own.
But as soon as they return from their wedding everything changes, and it appears for whatever reason that the once loving, attentive Corey is now a sadistic manipulator; reveling in transforming Katherine from a confident, bright, loving women to a shadow of former self, and it seems like there are no signs of this slowing down and he is on a mission to ruin her, and to eventually destroy her.
From the offset you realise that there must be an underlying reason for what is happening and it appears that they feel they have truly valid reasons for their “campaign” against Katherine.
It’s only when you reach chapter…..!...... (I am not hoping to tell you as I don’t want to spoil it) that I became totally confused!
Actually reading that part three times! Because I was in total disbelief with the direction we were now heading.
From here the story takes a completely different turn!
Brilliantly written, this book will have you screaming into it like you would if you were watching a movie and you wanted the characters to hear you.
It’s gripping, tense and at times heart wrenching right up until the very end.
I was offered this book as an ARC ( Advanced Readers Copy) in exchange for an honest review and I am so glad that I was.
This is my first book by this brilliant author and I look forward to reading more of their work.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer still.
After a whirlwind romance Corey and Katherine are now married.
Both teachers at the same school, and with so much in common, to the outside world they appear to be the perfect couple.
Katherine has a daughter, Ava who is from a previous relationship but Corey treats her as his own.
But as soon as they return from their wedding everything changes, and it appears for whatever reason that the once loving, attentive Corey is now a sadistic manipulator; reveling in transforming Katherine from a confident, bright, loving women to a shadow of former self, and it seems like there are no signs of this slowing down and he is on a mission to ruin her, and to eventually destroy her.
From the offset you realise that there must be an underlying reason for what is happening and it appears that they feel they have truly valid reasons for their “campaign” against Katherine.
It’s only when you reach chapter…..!...... (I am not hoping to tell you as I don’t want to spoil it) that I became totally confused!
Actually reading that part three times! Because I was in total disbelief with the direction we were now heading.
From here the story takes a completely different turn!
Brilliantly written, this book will have you screaming into it like you would if you were watching a movie and you wanted the characters to hear you.
It’s gripping, tense and at times heart wrenching right up until the very end.
I was offered this book as an ARC ( Advanced Readers Copy) in exchange for an honest review and I am so glad that I was.
This is my first book by this brilliant author and I look forward to reading more of their work.
November 5, 2019
This is my first book by this author and I loved it. I will be looking for more from this author for sure. It is everything you could ask for in a thriller story. It is a creative, well written story about Kathrine and Corey. They just get married, everything Katherine could ask for. But will happen when the honeymoon is over? Is there more to Corey than Kathrine realizes? They are great characters that you can connect with as well as made the story feel real. There were some great sitting on the edge of your seat parts that you won't want to miss. I highly recommend this must read story.
November 8, 2019
A fast marriage has huge consequences for Katherine and Corey. Things just are not right after the honeymoon and it isn't what Katherine expected. But what made Corey's attitude and behavior change? Can Katherine and her daughter be safe with him? What is he hiding? You will have to read the book to find the answers. This is a new author for me, I liked the story plot, but felt I either missed something or it was left out for another book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bloodhound Books.
November 4, 2019
An excellent book by Alex Sinclair that keeps you guessing as to the outcome and even then you guess incorrectly. Just back from their honeymoon after a whirlwind romance Katherine and Corey suddenly don't get on and things start to go drastically wrong for Katherine. Initially you think that this psychological thriller is one about domestic abuse but how wrong can you be. Who's life is most at risk?
A thrilling read from star to finish.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the ARC
A thrilling read from star to finish.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the ARC
November 4, 2019
After a whirlwind romance Katherine and Corey return home from their marriage in Las Vegas. Almost immediately things start to go wrong in their relationship and the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride until they discover why and who is responsible.
I didn’t want to put this book down and I didn’t expect the ending. Certainly a good psychological thriller and well worth reading.
I didn’t want to put this book down and I didn’t expect the ending. Certainly a good psychological thriller and well worth reading.
November 5, 2019
I started out reading what I thought was a simple case of domestic noir, centred round 2 teachers who, after a whirlwind romance get married and after they return home things start unravelling. I soon realised I was wrong as the book took a decidely different turn and I was left thinking ok then lol! A great fast paced book that has characters you either love to hate or just love!
December 29, 2019
Didn't like the structure of this story. I knew early on whom the culprit was, despite the author's derivative attempt at misdirection. I mean it was blatantly obvious, the chapters without a "title" were to misdirect the reader to the big reveal has been done before in many other books. SO the rest of the story is 'pointless' because there is no guesswork on my part. Everything is spoon-fed and the culprit's actions and motivation are too repetitive. The culprit is a walking caricature. Everything plays out as expected, right down to the fairytale predictable ending. Stale and cliche ridden.
November 24, 2019
Was not impressed at all with this book. Expected better, skipped a lot of it because we knew what was going on but I wanted to know the ending. Very disappointing and left you hanging .
Michele Zito
Michele Zito
December 7, 2019
Devotion
Liked the story and plot. Really felt like Katherine was too wimpy and weak. Annette was narcisstic and evil. C was naive, but still a good guy. Looking forward to book 2.
Liked the story and plot. Really felt like Katherine was too wimpy and weak. Annette was narcisstic and evil. C was naive, but still a good guy. Looking forward to book 2.
December 19, 2019
Fantastic
I read this book in about 4 hours! Couldn't put it down. Loved the storyline, very gripping, the characters were really good and the end was just as tense as the whole book!! 10 out of 10
I read this book in about 4 hours! Couldn't put it down. Loved the storyline, very gripping, the characters were really good and the end was just as tense as the whole book!! 10 out of 10
January 6, 2020
What a disappointment
One of the most boring books I have read in a long time.The Characters were just awful,the writing rambling at best.Was so glad to come to the end.Would not recommend.
One of the most boring books I have read in a long time.The Characters were just awful,the writing rambling at best.Was so glad to come to the end.Would not recommend.
November 21, 2019
Book review
This book was great. It kept me guessing till the end . I wish the couple had a happy ending . It's a really awesome read. Can wait to read your next novel . Linda
This book was great. It kept me guessing till the end . I wish the couple had a happy ending . It's a really awesome read. Can wait to read your next novel . Linda
November 22, 2019
Excellent
I really did not see the end coming good storyline sorry Kat had to die the ending seems like another book is in the pipeline
I really did not see the end coming good storyline sorry Kat had to die the ending seems like another book is in the pipeline
December 27, 2019
Was pretty weird, simplstic.
July 14, 2022
I raced through this in a day and didn't see the ending coming.
June 26, 2025
Gaslighting! Great book!
November 10, 2019
Wow! I started this story thinking I had it all figured out. But no, there it was, a big surprise in the middle of the book that had me rethinking everything I had read and piecing everything together.
The twist adds real excitement to the story, and I found myself cheering the main character on hoping that she would find everything out in time.
A fantastic read, and I will be looking for more of Alex Sinclair's books!
The twist adds real excitement to the story, and I found myself cheering the main character on hoping that she would find everything out in time.
A fantastic read, and I will be looking for more of Alex Sinclair's books!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews