Devoted

Devastated and Devoted Duet #2

by Marie Johnston

After being abducted from my bodyguard’s care by my soon-to-be ex-husband, who paid him to off me in the middle of nowhere, I’m locked in the basement of my old Bel Air mansion. Not exactly where I saw myself at this point in the separation—with a bodyguard I feel like I can trust but who accepted millions from my ex, and an ex I suspect is still plotting my demise.

When that bodyguard rescues me, I’ve had enough time to decide he’s the better option. A guy who makes my whole body ignite from head to toe can’t be all bad. I’ve made worse decisions when it comes to men, but I don’t have time to question him as we flee my rich and powerful ex. We escape to a cabin in the middle of the mountains where I have nothing but questions Cannon refuses to answer.

I’m tired of being jerked around by the men in my life. It’s time to do some digging—and what I learn about my bodyguard has little to do with the ex who’s hunting us, but it has everything to do with why Cannon won’t let himself get close to me. I just hope we can work through his past to build ourselves a future—and stop my ex before he steals that from me too.

Genres: Forced Proximity, Slow Burn

206 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2022

About the author

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!

Reviews

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero - Cannon
Heroine - Penni
5 Devoted Stars
Overall Opinion

Devoted By Marie Johnston

Started this one straight after that cliffhanger in book one.

Loved how everything came together, the H past was finally revealed and all the blame he took upon himself for the things his mother did was heartbreaking.

The twists and turns made this one hell of page turner.

Ratings
Hero ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Heroine 💋💋💋💋💋
Chemistry 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Plot 📚📚📚📚📚
Emotional Level 💧💧💧

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two picks up exactly where book one ends, and it never misses a beat. The pace of book two doesn’t falter which happens sometimes in duets. And while book one delves into Penni’s backstory and secrets, book two gives us Cannon’s. We find out his background and why he holds it so close to the vest. His background is something that you never expected, and I really enjoyed the direction that Johnston took it. Especially considering Penni’s background. Penelope’s problems don’t let up through this book, and when everything comes to a head Cannon makes decisions to try to protect her. However, in doing this he still doesn’t allow or believe that he deserves to be happy. He gets some truths thrown at him by multiple people, but he still doesn’t believe that he is worthy. What I enjoy the most about these characters is they find their true selves… not because the other demands it, but because the other allows them to truly be themselves without the walls. Without preconceived ideals. They are able to open up and find out who they are and what they want. I am loving this series of duets so much.

POV:Dual 1st Person
PoP: 51%
Tropes: Heroine in Danger; Hidden Identity; Found Family; Slow Burn

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoted

This book brings the captivating conclusion of Cannon and Penelope’s story. It starts with Cannon rescuing Penelope and trying to keep her safe from her hopefully soon to be ex husband who is bent on murdering her. Close proximity is both a blessing and a curse for Cannon and Penelope. She hasn’t gotten over her hurt for his deception and refusal to clue her in to what is happening with regards to her husband, but somehow she trusts him to keep her safe. Cannon struggles to control his desire for Penelope, determined to not muddy the waters between them again. To keep that control, he is often distant and given to hiding away in his office and avoiding interacting with her as much as possible. Tensions rise, desires flare and the inevitable combustion takes place. But the passionate moments they spend in each other’s arms don’t erase the mounting threat to them or temper the turmoil going on inside both of them. In vulnerable moments secrets are revealed that seem to link the two even more, but past pain and terrible events may be just as dangerous to the survival of their relationship as the enemy hunting them. You will have to read this rather addictive book to see how Cannon and Penelope’s story concludes.

Both Devastated and Devoted are books that I will definitely keep to read again and again. I loved the fascinating characters and the intense and thoroughly captivating storyline. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically it's a well written story, but it didn't do much for me. It is the second part of a duet. In the first part we got to know the two main characters, Penni and Cannon. Married Penni filed for divorce from her cruel husband. Because she also has a stalker who became increasingly violent, friends made her take Cannon as a bodyguard. With the help of his friends, the truth slowly emerges. Because Penni's husband knows more about the stalker and has dark plans for Penni. Cannon himself also has secrets, and his past appears to have many similarities with Penni. The story is well put together and I found the pace in this second part more pleasant than in the first.
But the characters didn't come to life for me, and neither did the story. The story is kind of a mix of suspense, personal growth, forgiveness, trust and of course love.

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

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank goodness this sequel to Devastated came out so fast! We were left with a cliffhanger, with Penni in serious trouble and not really knowing whom to trust. This volume sees Cannon rescuing Penni with some help from his friends, and both Penni and Cannon dealing with the fallout. Regardless of the genre she writes in, Marie’s specialty is strong female characters, and I love her for it. Penni was turned loose on a world her parents never prepared her to cope with, and has had some frankly horrific experiences, but she is determined to stand on her own. The fact that Cannon respects and supports her in a way no one else ever has, makes him that much more swoon-worthy in my book, and when we learn some of his secrets and Penni has the chance to support him – well, that is brilliant. The book is action and adventure for sure, but also a really well-balanced, sweet romance between equals. I received an advance copy in return for my honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Devastated and Devoted Duet and it continues Penni and Cannon's story and it is definitely a must read. What happens when you feel so alone with no one to trust, well that is where Penni finds herself and not knowing what to do next or if there is anyone else that can help her. There are twists and turns along with betrayal, suspense, danger, kidnapping, on the run, secrets, great chemistry and some difficult situations that have you turning the pages wondering if there is going to be a happy ending. I absolutely loved this duet and I read this book in one sitting until the early hours of the morning as I just couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read more book's by Marie Johnston in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great story with lots of drama, suspense and steamy passion, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Penni has been kidnapped but is shocked when Cannon rescues her, as she was made to believe he was behind it. Penni quickly realises she can trust Cannon, he takes her into hiding until they get to the bottom of her kidnapping, but during their time together they get a lot closer. When danger catches up with them both Cannon knows he has to protect Penni, however due to his own past, he knows they can have no future together. A fantastic story, the characters were amazing with lots of sizzling chemistry. A great book and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

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

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Penelope’s not only gone, but she thinks I’m a greedy liar who’s going to murder her.”

Devoted starts where Devastated left off. This one is where we really get all the action and emotions. The chemistry between Penelope and Cannon, the way the interact, is what truly drives this story. There is lots of plot, which I’m not going to recap or spoil, and I was gripped by everything happening all the way to the end.

Marie is truly a gifted writer and I enjoyed Cannon and Penelope’s story so much! I recommend it to anyone who loves a great love story.

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

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope has been kidnapped by her evil ex, Roman who tells her Cannon agreed to kill her for 8 million. She doesn’t believe him and she must find a way to escape. Roman wants to expand his trafficking business and her $200 million life insurance payout can make that happen. Roman is cold and calculating and only wants what he can enrich his life using Penelope whereas Cannon loves her the way she is. But he has been carrying around some really big baggage that he needs to address. What an end! Lots of action, intrigue and steamy loving.!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of unexpected twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, something else would happen to surprise me. I love when books aren’t predictable! Penni ends up exactly as she should and although it looks like Cannon is going to make the decision to leave, even he comes out right in the end. I finished this entire series in two days, but they will live in my head for much longer. Such a great series!.

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

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part two of this Duet, and so you reach the conclusion of this action packed story. I am used to books with intrigue, however I was surprised by the unexpected twists and turns which kept me on my toes. It was a constant, pleasant surprise.

We continue with Penni's story, and the trials and tribulations she is suffering. She doesn't know who to trust and blow after blow just keep coming. You will be kept in suspense until the end, but well worth the wait.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly, honestly, completely wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!!! I absolutely, I mean ABSOLUTELY, loved it!!! 😍

This story was slow to begin with, but became increasingly enticing to the point where I could not put it down. I feel like the ending was incomplete, I wanted- for lack of a better word- more. I wanted to know more than what I was told; it came to a point where I just couldn't put this book down. Over all, this novel deserves a high rating because it was deliciously good.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the crazy cliffhanger i was ready for this book! The story picked right up and the crazy of the man just didn't stop. The truths slowly revealed themselves, ALL of them. Painful as it is, truth can help the healing process, and the perfect ending was made for this couple as a result. But not before a lot of crazy things had to happen, sinned traumatic events. In the end, she was free of the monster and that truth about him set her free!

I received an ARC copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire!!

It seems her bodyguard and her ex-husband are conspiring to kill Penny. But she feels safer with the bodyguard, and when he comes for her - she goes willingly. Bodyguard Cannon still has some secrets that need to be ferreted out. When they are, this dancer and this gruff man have more in common than they realized.

Danger, intrigue and feelings that many want to keep buried. Quite the read, which I highly recommend.

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming off the cliffhanger of book #1, this book picks right up and gets into it. After being kidnapped by her husband, Penelope is being held captive by him, but Cannon won’t let his swan suffer at the hands of Roman. This book is fast paced and I loved watching their relationship develop, along with Cannon’s growth throughout the book. His back story is heartbreaking but it all ties nicely at the end of this happily ever after. Wonderful duet!!.

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 2 of the duet. I found it to be much faster paced and more interesting. There was some action, danger, suspense, and more edge of the seat moments.

The secrets were revealed. The ex was exposed. Both Cannon and Penni seemed to be able to resolve their issues. There were some surprises as well as an HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second part of this Duet, having enjoyed the first book I was eager to read the conclusion of this well-crafted, action-packed story.

The author continues Penni's story, she doesn't know who to trust and seems to be suffering blow after blow where can she turn? The story moves at a good pace and is full of twists and turns didn't see coming. Although Penni and Cannon end up exactly where I wanted them to, their journey was far from straightforward.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book of the Devastated and Devoted duet by this author. This book picks up where the first book left off and concludes Cannon and Penelope’s story. Cannon rescue Penelope from her abusive husband who is doing his best to murder her. Cannon is determined to keep her safe. Lots of dreams and action. A compelling and captivating read.

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

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Devastated and Devoted Duet and this is the conclusion to Penelope and Cannon's story. This book begins where the cliffhanger finished. Here we finally find out exactly what Penelope's husband has been hiding and just how much danger she is in. All questions were answered and was a fitting conclusion to the duet. Terrific character and story.

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

[Barbara Cuyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review pretty much parallels what I wrote for Devastated, which is that while the characters and story line kept me fully engaged and thoroughly entertained throughout, I can't see spending twice as much for what amounts to one total story (by having to buy both Devastated and Devoted). One other criticism is that it seemed to take only a single conversation with Kase to change Cannon's mind toward the end of the story whereas Cannon had ignored what both Penelope and her mother had said. It seemed a bit too convenient that this is what changed his mind.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a Standalone.
This is a continuation of the story begun in Devastated. Imprisoned, rescued, on the run, dance, steamy bedroom scenes, terror and…
A fitting conclusion to the story duet.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoted is the second part of the duet and is just as full of action and suspense as Devastated. In addition, there are very hot and steamy scenes and some unexptected twists and turns before the well-deserved happy end.

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

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great conclusion to this duet! There was a lot of fast paced action and drama, but it was the strong and emotional romance that got me! It was great watching a timid female protagonist come into her own along with a wounded alpha male make peace with his past.

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

[Melissa Orton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conclusion to Penelope and Cannon's story. Picks right back up after the cliffhanger. This book is faster paced with more action. We finally find out all that Penelope's husband has been hiding and just how much danger she is in. This wrapped up all my questions and was a fitting conclusion to the duet. I loved this story and all the side characters.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So let’s start by saying this isa duet and that you must read Devastated. It picks up where that amazing cliffhanger left off.
This couple goes through the gauntlet of trials and emotions. A page turning knuckle biter. A great read that I’m volunteering to leave a review.

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

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoted by Marie Johnston is part 2 of a duet. I enjoyed reading and recommend. This book starts off after Penni was kidnapped from her bodyguard's care, who had been paid to kill her in the middle of nowhere, and held prisoner by her soon to be ex husband. After she is rescued can she trust the bodyguard and will she survive her ex if he finds her again??

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannon's past is delved into. Roman's true nature is revealed. Penelope is amazingly brave, and loving. Excellent duet.

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

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

When all seems lost, Cannon and Penni are able to find common ground, build trust and overcome the threat hanging over their heads. But the journey is not easy and the costs of success can only be described as heartbreaking.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny and Cannon learn more about each other and who to trust, can he keep her safe and allow himself to love? Great conclusion and story and again, great author.

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

[MyBook Journey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can no one be trusted? Does everyone have secrets? Continue on with this must read and conclusion to Penni and Cannon's story where there are some more twists and turns in store for us. Top read.

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