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I own my own dance studio, have a thriving competitive ballroom dance career, and am married to a successful financier. Life should be good, but I also have a stalker, and I’m divorcing my cold, ruthless husband. The day I walk out of my Bel Air mansion, leaving only divorce papers behind, my stalker ups his game.

With no resources, thanks to an iron-clad prenup, I have no one to turn to but an aloof and irreverent friend of a friend. Cannon dresses like he shops in a dirty laundry pile. He acts like he doesn’t have time for my frivolous career. And he looks at me like he can’t believe someone hasn’t knocked me off my high horse already.

But it’s not long before I realize Cannon isn’t all he seems. Just like he sees right through my polish to the insecure, naive girl inside, I see him. He’s intense, he’s restrained, and he has something to hide. Those secrets might not just end what’s growing between us…they might get us killed.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2022

4 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Marie Johnston

100 books1,058 followers
Marie Johnston is an award-winning, best-selling paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn't happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Leah.
703 reviews34 followers
June 24, 2022
I recently finished the Ruined and Redeemed duet and instant messaged Marie Johnston asking when we were going to get the stories of Kase, Cannon, Penelope, and Holland, and I was so excited to find out that Penni and Cannon were coming soon. I was not disappointed at all with the story that we got. Penni, to everyone but Cannon, is moving forward with her life. Taking the steps to get away from her bad marriage, but it is not an easy thing to do. Her husband is a man with no scruples and a far reach of some unsavory characters. Penni is trying to take control but is continually brought down by the people surrounding her. Aside from Holland and London, Penelope doesn’t have anyone that she can truly count on in the world. Her parents are a part of her life, but not in the way she would like. When Cannon and Penni met, he felt a connection to her, but his past (which we learn all about in book two) keeps him from truly creating lasting relationships. Even with his two best friends. Devastated follows Penni’s journey getting away from her marriage and her backstory.

POV: Dual 1st person
PoP: 90%
Tropes: Heroine in Danger; Hidden Identity; Found Family; Slow Burn
11.7k reviews49 followers
June 13, 2022
So may twists and a lot of devastating smexiness

Devastated is the first book in the Devastated and Devoted Duet which is about Penelope and Cannon. Be warned that this book does end with a cliffhanger that will be picked up in the next book, Devoted. If you can deal with the suspense and biting a few nails off then grab up Devastated as it is an all encompassing read. I really enjoy Marie Johnston's stories and Devastated will leave you ravaged...in the most satisfying way there is!!!
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,858 reviews52 followers
June 9, 2022
This book had me on the edge of my seat, eager to discover what happens next for these two very fascinating characters. Penelope is disillusioned with love and relationships after her marriage to a cold, distant older man who found joy in demeaning and humiliating her. Right now, teaching dance is her only solace in life while she waits for her divorce to become final. The fact that she has a stalker is suddenly taking precedence because the threats are escalating. She tells only her friends about the stalking and then, reluctantly, about the divorce. Suddenly she has a bodyguard she can’t afford to pay for until after the divorce, but she caved to the insistence of her friends. Somehow, despite the tension between them and being certain that he thinks of her as only a spoiled rich girl, Penelope trusts Cannon to keep her safe. She doesn’t know that Cannon has been watching her for awhile, or that his methods of operation are unconventional. She also doesn’t know he is struggling to keep his desire for her under a tight leash and can’t believe that he volunteered to be her bodyguard because he couldn’t stand the thought of any other man getting close enough to to guard her gorgeous body. His past is murky and closely guarded, but he definitely has a poor opinion about most relationships especially the romantic type. Forced proximity leads to a whole lot of complications causing some unexpected emotional turmoil for them both. The way forward is bumpy and involves a few hard twists and turns for both Penelope and Cannon. The book has a cliff hanger ending and I can’t wait to read the next book!

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
3,724 reviews42 followers
June 8, 2022
This is book one in The Devastated and Devoted Duet and it is Penni and Cannon's story. Penni has her own dance studio, has a stalker and is married to a man that is cold and ruthless and doesn't support her dreams so she has decided that enough is enough and walked out of there home leaving only divorce papers behind and even with a prenuptial contract that leaves her with no resources she is still determined to go forward with her life and career. Cannon is an investigator but is keeping that close to his chest and then ends up being Penni's bodyguard to stay close to her but when he finds out who is stalking her he needs to protect and keep her safe and then find out why this is happening. The attraction between Penni and Cannon is instant and strong but with danger close by watching and waiting to strike they can't go there as Penni's safety is too priority and there are also secrets that if they are revealed could read them apart. What an explosive cliff hanger ending and I can't wait to read the next book to find out what will happen next and also what the outcome will be for them all.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
Profile Image for Melissa Orton.
424 reviews4 followers
June 7, 2022
Book one of a duet that introduces Penelope. She's in a marriage to a man who doesn't value her while dealing with a stalker that she's told nobody about. When she finally takes a stand to leave the husband that's when the danger ramps up. She hires Cannon to be her bodyguard little does she know that he's been investigating her. He's part of her friend group but they've always stayed away from each other. As they are forced together feelings get involved and then comes the cliffhanger where Penelope starts to question everything she thought she knew. This being book one had a lot of background information and was a slow build but you can feel it ramping up for book two. I didn't realize that their were other books for the supporting characters so those are next on my list to read. I think they would add to this story but it can still be read as a stand alone. I really love this author's writing style and she's definitely been added to my list of favorites. Bravo on another great book.
549 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2022
It is a well written book, the first part of a duet and therefore also ends in a cliffhanger. It's a suspense-packed story, but the slow pace puts it down a bit for me.
Penelope, Penni, is married to a cold-hearted husband and after 5 years of marriage she files for divorce. Her husband seems unwilling to cooperate with a quick divorce. Meanwhile, she also has to deal with a stalker who is becoming more and more extreme. Cannon, whom she knows through friends, takes it upon herself to be her bodyguard and also tries to figure out what the husband and stalker want from her. Cannon is not an accessible man, full of secrets, and although she wants to, Penni cannot fathom him. The question is whether she can trust him.
The language is good, the characters didn't really come to life for me yet, and as mentioned before, I thought it was a bit slow paced. Towards the end, more and more questions and secrets surfaced, so curious what the second book will bring.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Corbett.
706 reviews12 followers
June 6, 2022
This is part one of a duet... therefore expect a cliffhanger ending, as there is more excitement to come, and you will need to get the second book to reach the ending.

This book is full of action and intrigue from the very beginning. I didn't realise that there was a previous duet which covers the story of other characters in the book. You don't need to have read this... but I will be going back to read it now!

Penelope is being stalked and the threats are escalating but she hasn’t told her friends or family. She is also getting divorced, and doesn't want to share how her life just isn't turning out how she planned.

However, her dance studio is targeted and she needs to get her friends get involved as her shoddy PI is just not cutting it. They persuade her to hire Cannon as a bodyguard, but there is so much more to it than that... on every level.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,188 reviews
June 8, 2022
The first in a duet, or another way of saying cliffhanger.

Cannon has more than one secret he is keeping from Penni. Penni is spending her time trying to be independent and not come across as fragile. I was not feeling the chemistry between Cannon and Penni. I am not feeling any emotion while reading this book. It's ok.

I know there is a second book, but I felt like I was missing something while reading this one. After about 3/4 into the book, I found reading it to be a bit frustrating and it started to drag. There were moments that some danger and suspense which I think kept the book from dragging early on.

The cliffhanger did not leave me with that edge of my seat feeling. I felt more like how much longer is this going to go on. I have questions about Cannon. I have questions about Roman. My suggestion would be you read it and judge for yourself.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,483 reviews19 followers
June 4, 2022
Cliffhanger Ending.
From the very first sentence this book hooked me and drew me in - a high voltage story!
Penelope is being stalked and the threats are escalating but she hasn’t told anyone other than the bargain basement PI she hired. When her dance studio is targeted her friends get involved and they persuade her to hire Cannon as a bodyguard, not knowing that he is playing a double game…..
This is not a book I would normally read as I hate not reaching a HEA ending. Readers will have to purchase the 2nd book in order to complete the story. However I know a lot of authors do write this serialisation type of books and have to assume there are readers who enjoy this and so I have reviewed for them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Karen L Ledee.
906 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2022
Penelope makes a huge mistake marrying an older man with lots of money and a tight prenup. As a former ballerina, she has her own dance studio where she is receiving threats from a stalker. Even that wont keep her from leaving the cold, hard man who she married. She is fortunate to have really good friends who have friends. Cannon is one of them. He is going to watch over her to find out more about the stalker and protect her. Her soon to be ex’s crowd doesn’t get dumped, they are the dumpers. Now she has embarrassed him and he wont forget this mistake. She fears for her coworkers and friends when the stalker accelerates the threats.. very well written with lots of suspense. The second half of the duet is worth the wait.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
197 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Marie’s first duology, Ruined and Redeemed. Devastated is the story of London’s friend Penelope’s quest for independence from her mysterious and menacing husband Roman. Cannon is not Penni’s first choice – or even her fifth, honestly – of help in her circumstances, but a stalker and the divorce have left her with few options. Cannon definitely has his secrets too, and the buildup of trust is slow as they both navigate threats and family baggage. The end of this book stretches faith and will leave you on the edge of your seat – it is absolutely a cliffhanger. Luckily, Devoted is coming very soon. I found the characters believable and engaging, and the reading quick as I raced to the ending. I received an advance copy in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara Cuyler.
Author 3 books2 followers
July 14, 2022
There's no doubt that Johnston is a gifted author. Her well-developed, relatable characters and well-paced plots keep me intrigued and wanting more. But as much as I enjoy Johnston's writing, I don't think it warrants paying for two books when in essence I'm reading just one. Devastated is the first in the duet, so it's imperative the reader buy the second book, Devoted, as well. Devastated is just 186 pages while Devoted is 208. When you add those, you get 394 pages, a bit more than your average length book but not excessively so, yet the reader is expected to pay almost $9 to read the complete work. I did this with London and Jacobi's story because the two books were offered at a reduced rate, and because I had a credit from Amazon, I bought this duet, but I can't see spending this again despite enjoying Johnston's stories.
748 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2022
Keep with it, it gets good

Dancer Penelope grew up in a bubble until her parents burst it, telling her she was on her own. Not knowing anything but dance, she was charmed by a man her father’s age and then she married him. Once she was his, the honeymoon was over. Having had five years too many, she decides to leave him. At the same time, she gets a stalker. How much harder is life going to get for her?

Investigator Cannon has secrets. Secrets he tells no one. When he realizes who is stalking Penelope, he needs to find out why. Until then he keeps things close to his chest. Too close. When he tries to protect her, everything turns her against him. What’s next?
3,085 reviews18 followers
June 8, 2022
Such Intrigue!!

Penelope is leaving her billionaire husband. Her dance studio is barely making it through her own hard work and funds. A stalker is the icing on the cake, and a friend convinces her to hire a PI to determine who is threatening her.

Cannon got curious earlier and knows who the stalker is - but is trying to catch them in a trap. When the trap is sprung differently, suddenly danger escalates, and the wrong people are in trouble. Seriously captivating. The reader is “in the know” and the anticipation is delicious. Part of a duet and eager for the conclusion.

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,901 reviews20 followers
June 9, 2022
This book is the first in a duet, it does end with a cliffhanger, so be aware before starting to read, that said I loved this book. From the very beginning of this book, I was hooked and I just had to keep reading. It tells us about Penelope, she was trapped in a loveless marriage and now finds she is being stalked. The situation is escalating, but she has nobody to turn to so she hires a cheat PI.

But then her dance studio is targeted and she's persuaded to hire a bodyguard, she hires Cannon but he's not what he seems because he's playing a double game.

Now I must wait for the second book to find the answers.
Profile Image for MyBook Journey.
343 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2022
After finally taking the reins to her own path in life, Penni's world turns into an absolute chaos of unknowns and danger. Cannon has his own opinions about Penni but still feels a strong pull to her and to find out what is going on, he wants answers. Being thrust together in this intense situation, Penni starts to trust Cannon and sees through the façade he's build and Cannon has to do a 180 on his believes about Penni. Then all trust is shattered...
Get involved in this suspenseful, steamy and exciting story where book one ends is a twist of a cliffhanger to make you reach for part 2 immediately.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
135 reviews
June 12, 2022
Running to the read the second part of this duet! Cannon and Penelope are the main characters of this story. Penelope is a dance studio instructor married to the cold and ruthless Roman, she begins to receive letters at her studio from a stalker which coincides with her serving her husband divorce papers. In comes Cannon, and ex military who is a friend of her friends and gets appointed as her bodyguard while she manages her ex husband and this stalker situation.

Secrets are revealed, attraction grows and this book is left on a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see how it all ends in book 2!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cody Marie Phoenix.
1,096 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2022
What an intriguing story. There is not just one mystery unfolding within these pages, and it's an exciting journey. This first book in the duet will have you on the edge of your seat turning the next page looking for details like you're an experienced sleuth.

Cannon is aloof towards Penelope, but is that how he really feels? Penelope's found herself in an impossible situation and doesn't know who to trust. The road is going to have bumps but it's so worth the ride!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Anij.
1,336 reviews12 followers
June 15, 2022
“When she asks, ‘Can I do this for you?’ I’m toast.”

Ok. Yes, this is part one of a two part book. So naturally there is a lot of setting the stage and everything. I’m sure the best is yet to come. I did really enjoy getting to know Penelope and Cannon and am really looking forward to seeing where their story goes. Cannon is hot and intriguing and Penelope is a great heroine with all her baggage and interesting personality. Their chemistry is undeniable and I can’t wait to read part two.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
733 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2022
While this should seem like a straightforward divorce, albeit from a terribly rich and cold man, this turns into a terrifying experience filled with mysteries and twists. The cliffhanger at the end leaves you wondering what could possibly be happening next that would fill an entire new book? It seems so hopeless! The story was very engaging with characters that are interesting in a flawed yet likeable way. I look forward to the conclusion.

I received an ARC copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
869 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2022
Penni really showed herself to be an interesting character, and while she is a survivor, I definitely got the impression that she in some ways is still a scared young woman, who really just wants a HEA. Cannon might give her the chance to have that, if they can’t just get along, but in reading this, you have to wonder, is the tension between them purely hate or can he keep her safe and also have a future together?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎.
900 reviews59 followers
June 29, 2022
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Cannon
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Penni
4.5 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝑩𝒚 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑒 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛, first book by this author and it was amazing.

The h has been through a lot, first getting the whole tough love act from her parents when she needed them, to falling for someone who was just using her. And then doing everything possible to be independent was amazing. But of course things don't go as planned and she finds herself being stalked.

The H, a PI and the H bodyguard. Didn't have a great opinion of the h, but that soon changes and he will do everything to keep her safe.

I loved that we found out who the stalker was quickly, but the twists and turns, and holy s*** moments made this one hell of a read.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋💋💋💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚.5
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧💧
1,621 reviews13 followers
June 7, 2022
Devastated is a nail-biting, adrenaline-inducing story about a woman trying to break out of an abusive marriage while having to deal with first a stalker, then death threats. The man she needs to trust to keep her safe is full of mystery himself. Part one of a duet, it ends in a cliff-hanger that will have you mentally screaming 'Nooooo'.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Soehner.
1,285 reviews10 followers
June 7, 2022
Pennelope has just left her rich and controlling husband but is being stalked, Cannon is friends with her friend circle and begins the job of protecting her and finding her stalker. They are instantly attracted to each other but there is so much going on and possible danger. This is book 1 of a 2 part series, great author as always.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,177 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2022
Penelope is dealing with so much with a loveless marriage that she’s trying to stand on her own. Add a stalker and her need to hire the mysterious bodyguard Cannon into the mix. With all of this going on the author creates a world and a glowing story line that grabs your attention. Mystery, suspense and page turning excitement.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,383 reviews8 followers
June 13, 2022
The chemistry between cannon and Penelope , even though they couldn't stand each other at 1st , was very intense And it jumped off the pages as I read it.. This book has a lot of unexpected Things happen in it.. There is some somebody stalking her and she is not sure who it Is. Could it be her ex husband could it be the man who's protecting her who knows we will find you will find out in part 2.

2,101 reviews16 followers
June 17, 2022
This is Penelope and Cannon's story and am really looking forward to reading the next book in their story. Cannon has an intriguing personality and Penelope has an interesting personality complete with lots of baggage. Their chemistry is totally off the charts. Yes, it does end in a cliff hanger so, bring on the second book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,760 reviews45 followers
June 13, 2022
I went into this one completely blind and it was the best treat of my week! Left For Devastated exceeded my expectations and left me longing for more. I will be reading the Devoted immediately because I have to find out what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kellie Waldron.
795 reviews17 followers
June 13, 2022
Why I couldn't see through ex's bullshit. Trying to just keep up with my career and my studio is all I can really handle, but I have to keep up appearances. Cannon sees right through me.

But knowing Cannon and all our secrets may end us, literally.

Good 1st book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
15 reviews
June 21, 2022
I love, love, LOVE Marie Johnston, but this one didn't do it for me. It felt a little slow and - fair warning - it ends with a cliffhanger.

I hate to say this, but I'd suggest either waiting for the next book to be released or reading one of her other series, such as Oil Barrons or Oil Kings.

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