Title: True Devotion by Liora Blake
The True Series Book Two
Publisher: Pocket Star
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 281 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Find out if rock sensation Simon can break through tough-girl Devon’s steely exterior—if he can keep his head on straight, that is—in this second sizzling romance in the True series!
Devon Jenkins is a feisty blonde, and Simon Cole is the arrogant, sexy guitarist playing in her brother’s band. When they met for the first time, it went something like this: He hit on her, she shot him down, he made a lewd joke, she told him he was an idiot.
In the two years since then, not much has changed. From the way Simon flirts shamelessly with any set of ovaries within a 100-mile radius, Devon knows the smartest thing she can do is keep an impenetrable wall between them.
But sometimes the smart choice isn’t necessarily the right one…
Review:
True Devotion is the delightful second installment in Liora Blake’s marvelous True series featuring Devon Jenkins and Simon Cole (secondary characters from book one, True North). It is another charming romance with deliciously witty banter and smokin’ hot love scenes but it also features a thought-provoking storyline that is poignant and heartwarming.
Devon and Simon have known each other for two years and their interactions have been limited to exchanges that are witty, sarcastic and full of sexual innuendo. Believing that Simon is nothing but a flirtatious manwhore who is not looking for anything more serious than a quick lay, Devon stays away from him as much as possible. Of course, underlying all of their encounters is a simmering attraction that Devon ignores until she drunkenly propositions Simon at her brother’s wedding. Gentleman that he is, Simon politely declines her offer, but now that they have acknowledged their mutual desire, it is inevitable that they will finally act on it.
Devon is independent, feisty and snarky, but underneath her hard exterior, she is also vunerable and a little fragile. Although she now has a successful career as a massage therapist, she still carries a few scars from her poverty-stricken childhood. An abusive relationship was the impetus for her to follow her brother to California, but she has never really dealt with the emotional fallout from her past and when things are going well with Simon, she lets her fears get in the way of her happiness.
Simon is a fantastic character. He is fun, flirty and playful but he also has hidden depths that Devon has never bothered to discover. Beneath his surface charm is a man who has suffered a tremendous loss but he does not let this define who he is or keep him from taking emotional risks. He is comfortable with himself and this confidence is very sexy. Simon is patient with Devon but when he needs to, he pushes her to be as honest with him as he has been with her.
The relationship between Simon and Devon is absolutely wonderful. There is plenty of chemistry between them and their encounters are lusty and playful but there is also an underlying emotional connection as well. Devon is initially uncomfortable with this unexpected closeness, but she gradually begins to enjoy this aspect of their budding romance. However, right from the start, Simon is much more invested in their relationship and it is almost painful watching Devon remain emotionally distant from him. When doubts creep in, she reverts to old habits and she comes very close to letting her unresolved issues destroy their chance at happiness.
True Devotion is a scorching hot romance that has appealing characters and an entertaining storyline. The main protagonists are multi-layered with realistic flaws and issues to overcome. It is a super sweet and delectably naughty addition to Liora Blake’s True series that old and new fans are going to love!
