| Title | : | Devotion |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 444 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2015 |
Mysterious and guarded, British real estate tycoon, Phillip Spears, has mentored his executive assistant, Isabel Alvarez, for the past five years without daring to cross the formalities of their professional relationship. But when his direct competitor courts Isabel for his own gain, her loyalty is tested, and Phillip must decide whether or not he will reveal his most guarded secrets to maintain her allegiance. Will he risk losing his most important employee to preserve his own stubborn pride? Or will he engage in his own strategic game of charades to keep her at all costs?
Please note that all of Ms. Hawthorne's billionaire romances are stand-alone novels set in Chicago with minor subplots and secondary characters that intersect, but each book can be read and enjoyed in any order.
Devotion Reviews
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I really enjoy my Billionaire stories. What's not to like about a man who can shower you with treasures? What's even more fun is a secret admirer. Now, I did have to tell that cautious side of myself to forget what a dangerous game Isabel was playing by giving in to this unknown man. Instead I enjoyed the fantasy the author created of letting go of the stress Isobel has been under and being free to enjoy this anonymous admirer. It's no secret who that admirer was but I admit they're were a few times I wondered. I liked that.
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This is my second book by this author. I previously read "Exes", which I loved.
Just like Exes, Devotion is set in Chicago. It features billionaire Phillip Spears and his executive assistant (secretary?) Isabel Alvarez. Isabel has already worked for Phillip more than 4 years when the story begins. They have a close working relationship. She's his right had woman. There's a simmering (mutual) admiration.
This is 3rd person POV.
Isabel is a single mother and has worked for Phillip since she was pregnant with her son Aiden. Isabel's ex is not in the picture and is barely mentioned-ever. Isabel is paid well. Well enough to live in a lovely house and able to send Aiden to a highly rated pre-school. Aiden is realistically written. Not a story book angel child, but not a brat either.
The first 25% or so of the story is taken up with Phillip's latest real estate dealings. High rise building flipping. Except he owns a few choice properties.
Phillip tangles with his competitors. Eliot Watercross (yep, that's his name) is the bane of Phillip's existence. Eliot is also a hunky billionaire. He has his eye on Phillip's latest deal. He wants to screw it up and build his own creation-within a stone's throw from Phillip's Old Main Post Office. Eliot also has his eye on Isabel. He makes no secret and openly flirts with her every time they see each other. I had a little struggle with the dry business discussions. (I barely passed college Econ 300 for heaven's sake!)
The story began to pick up around 30% and I became more invested in Phillip and Isabel's story.
Isabel begins receiving gifts of expensive jewelry and large exotic flower arrangements.
Isabel can only guess the identity of her secret admirer. Isabel and the mystery man meet for liaisons. Isabel is masked, and the sexy stranger is only "familiar". These encounters are very steamy.
The author's writing is rather formal and unique. I don't remember this same style with "Exes". The H and h's dialogue is rather stiff/formal. No contractions when they speak. The same good for Isabel's mom, who lives with her to help care for Aiden. I almost had the feeling that the book was translated from Spanish. I've read a few books that have been translated to English. I actually enjoyed it at times. The writing flowed more as I read on. "Devotion" reminds me of a book that's been translated to English.
I liked the supporting characters: Tami is a good work friend- she blurts out whatever she's thinking-shes a crack up & not OTT; Jett is Tami's wacky boss & Phillips work colleague.
They're quite a team. Phillip and Isabel have great chemistry. Phillip has quite a few secrets that are very gradually revealed. There's a big one near the end of this book.
I enjoyed this unique take on a familiar trope.
I received this ARC from the author. 4.25 stars -
Devotion! I am thrilled with the way Aria Hawthorne writes her books. I am able to loose myself in the character’s lives.
What’s better than one billionaire? Answer—TWO!
Two powerful real estate moguls who have their eyes set on the same prize, or do they? Phillip Spears is Isabel’s uptight British boss, and Eliot Watercross is his sworn enemy. Dancing in Eliot Watercross’ commanding arms, makes her feel like a desired woman again. Dancing in Phillip’s arms makes her remember during the darkest moment in her life, he took a chance on her and gave her a job and helped make her life what it is today. Is that enough for Isabel? Where there is forbidden love, and a hidden passion, will they have the courage to risk it all to have the one thing in life they truly want and matters most? READ DEVOTION AND YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPOINTED! Thank you Aria Hawthorn for another great book!
“Sometimes we never see what is truly in front of us, because we dare not dream of its existence.”
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
DEVOTION will be available for FREE for three days after its release date! After that, it will be available for the limited-time sale price of $0.99.
For another great read try PRICELESS, by Aria Hawthorne -
I couldn't put this book down until I finish! The working relationship between Isabel and Phillip I felt connected to. Isabel, a single working mom, working extra hard to become something in life. Phillip gave Isabel the big break when she interviewed pregnant and is forever grateful for him. Not wanting to lose their working bond they open up on how they feel for one another. You can't deny true love!
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Phillip,was such a pompous boss I just could not like him. In the end I found him endearing. Isabel.....certainly took risks. Steamy romance.
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I was asked by the author for an honest review.
For the past five years, Isabel Alvarez has dedicated herself to her work, determined to prove her worth to her British billionaire boss, Phillip Spears, the only man willing to hire her--a pregnant, college dropout--when no one else would. So when she receives a mysterious bouquet of long-stemmed blush pink roses at the office, she assumes it must be a mistake-until she reads her own name on the card's envelope and its enigmatic inscription: This is only the beginning... An alluring succession of seductive gifts follows, and soon, Isabel must decide whether or not to jeopardize the security of her professional career in order to submit herself to the forbidden fantasies of her persistent secret admirer. Could he simply be Phillip's competitor, wooing her as a pawn in a dangerous game of greed? Or could she really have an impassioned suitor, determined to conquer his own insatiable desires while satisfying her own?
Mysterious and guarded, British real estate tycoon, Phillip Spears, has mentored his executive assistant, Isabel Alvarez, for the past five years without daring to cross the formalities of their professional relationship. But when his direct competitor courts Isabel for his own gain, her loyalty is tested, and Phillip must decide whether or not he will reveal his most guarded secrets to maintain her allegiance. Will he risk losing his most important employee to preserve his own stubborn pride? Or will he engage in his own strategic game of charades to keep her at all costs?
I really enjoyed Isabel and Phillip's Story! This story has a sexy mystery going on. I loved that Isabel received mysterious gifts and she didn't know which of the many men in her association that had sent them. This is the 3rd book that I have had the pleasure of reading and I have enjoyed reading them all. I have fallen in Love with this author and her excellent writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading an engaging and beautiful as well as written love story! Can't wait to read more! -
The banter in all the books in the series were great.....the intimate scenes were weird and verbose....the plots were just too ridiculously similar to enjoy each one individually....honestly if you have read one you have read all and I would recommend reading closer because I absolutely loved the Grandma of that book lol.
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More romance, more great writing, more Chicago
Another engaging novel from a writer who was new to me before reading her first book in the series set in a city that is a significant part of my own personal history. I was completely drawn in to a story that features an enigmatic billionaire, a mystery lover, a heroine whose entire career is tied in with this man whose patronage and mentoring made it possible leah to go e her son a good life, and a story of repressed desire on the one hand, and a deep personal devotion and loyalty on the other. I will be the first to admit that any story set in Chicago catches my interest initially. Having spent early childhood in the West side and then returned during my college years as well as meeting my hubby on a blind date in the LaSalle Street train station, I'm more than taken up in this romance. But it takes a substantive plot, believable characters, energy and a story that moves the reader from page to page that keeps me glued to the end. It's a terrific read and deserves to be read and enjoyed. -
This was not a great book for me. I liked the sound of the storyline which is why I downloaded it but it actually was disappointing. I didn't warm to the characters at all and I certainly didn't feel any chemistry between them. I was almost at the point where I wasn't going to continue with it but I persevered to the conclusion which was very predictable (although Philip having a child was a surprise). I didn't find it in the least erotic as it was billed and just to add insult to injury it was full of grammatical errors and mistakes which is very irritating to me. Based on this book it's not likely I'd read this author again.
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Love is Right in front of your face
Phillip will steel your heart in this mixed up romance. A gentleman he may be,but not the best when when it comes to telling his right hand employee and beautiful work companion that he loves her. Some men just need to be scolded. -
Awesome contemporary billionaire romance. Isabel found herself pregnant and forced to drop out of college. Phillip hired her and taught her what she needed to know to become his executive assistant. They have worked together for five years. Suddenly Isabel has a secret admirer who send her expensive gifts in her favorite colors. It unnerved her that someone knows so much about her but after being a single mother for five years it also excited her. Then problems arise at work and Philips former business partner and chief competitor is trying to lure Isabel. I enjoyed the way Ms. Hawthorne have out tiny tidbits to keep the readers desire to turn the page. This book is part of the Chicago Billionaires Boxed Set. I received a complementary copy of this book/set and chose to write a review. I very much look forward to reading future books by this author.
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Isabel found herself at 24 alone and pregnant. The only person that would hire her was Phillip ... a British billionaire who made his fortune in real estate. Five years later, Isabel gets 3 dozen pink roses with a card that says "This is only the beginning" and then the gifts become more expensive and personal. But she has no idea who they are from ... Jett a co-worker; Gary her bosses lawyer; Eliot her bosses business rival or Phillip her boss. Nothing or no one is who they seem to be.
This book will keep you guessing till the end! And wow ... the sex scenes! Isabel lost herself in the pleasure of being treated like a woman. A great read.
I received a copy courtesy of French Kiss Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. -
Hmm.. Phillip was Isabel's boss who hired her when she was pregnant. 5 years later, he wanted to be her mystery lover in the dark. Three times they fucked in the dark under his careful plan and guess what she still did not have a clue but greatly enjoyed their affair. Duhh. Elliot, Phillip's ex-partner has taken interest in Isabel. She found out that Phillip was her mysterious lover not Elliot and wanted to resign. There was competition in gaining the main old post office. He let out the secret of his special disabled son to her and what else. HEA. Huhuhu
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Hardworker Isabel wants nothing than to prove herself and when Phillip gave her a job with no experience and pregnant, she jumped at the chance! She could do this!
When certain things start appearing from a secret admirer she has no idea who it could be! The men in her life drop little hints but when she agrees to meet him and is blindfolded, the desire is there. Who could it be? Her bosses arch enemy, the lawyer or her boss?
Bit of a surprise ending with the admirers personal life but overall ok
Xx -
DEVOTION is the fourth and final book in Aria's CHICAGO BILLIONAIRES and the underlying romantic interplay between Phillip and Isabel, was well written. There are definite sexual innuendos throughout the entire novel; but, beautifully written.
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Great read, the story of Isabel and her secret lover, so glad how this story worked out in the end, the correct male turned out to be her mystery man.
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OH, PHIIILLIIPPP, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO SAY.
I LOVE THAT MAN.
AND I LOVE THE BOYS.
AND I LOVE THE STORY.
AND I LOVE ISABEL TOO.
THIS WAS A BEAUTIFUL BOOK.
5 STARS <3 -
dnf 36% cause like girl what are you doing…….
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Isabel Alvarez feels that she owes billionaire real estate tycoon, Phillip Spears, when he gave her, then a pregnant college dropout a chance in his office. She has passed all her tests to become his executive assistant. Others certainly wouldn't have the fortitude to deal with his dry, professional facade.
Her life consists of her family and her work. There is no time for anything else, so when she receives flowers from a mysterious admirer with a promise of more things to come, she doesn't know quite what to think. She suspects perhaps it is from one of her boss's rivals. In the end, curiosity gets the best of her and she goes to a rendezvous hoping for answers. But what she ends up receiving is a night of exquisite pleasure from a man who refuses to reveal himself fully to her. He tempts her back to his arms time and again. Their game brings forth all those feelings she has kept repressed as she struggles to make life better for her son. These feelings, along with the constant pressure from a vocal competitor promising a partnership in his firm has Isabel off balance.
Phillip senses her off balance and doesn't want to loose the one constant thing he has in his life. He has come to realize he wants more in his life, he wants a solid relationship with her, but is uneasy as to how to come out from behind his brick walls to reveal his feelings and sets off on his own game in hopes to keep her where he has always wanted her, right at his side.
Talk about a dry hero for this book! It took a lot for me to find Phillip interesting in the first half of the book. Thank goodness things began to move along when they did. And yes, Isabel was a little dry herself, but the way she was written as a mom gave her better depth to her character. This was nice for a lazy Sunday "I can't quite figure out quite what I want to read" afternoon. -
two billionaires after Isabel's attention? LUCKY!!!!!
Anyway, right from the start, I heard everything Philip said to Isabel as a hint that he wanted her but felt like he couldn't have her. but then everytime she looked at one of the business men she is in contact with in being Phillips executive assistant as being a possible admirer, pissed me off!! it was killing me that she didn't see it. he is freaking awesome!! not that she didn't know it, because obviously she had a crush on him but was unwilling to really acknowledge it.
Philip reminded me of Mr Darcy, from pride and prejudice. not only because he is brittish, but because he hides his true feelings. he's holding in all his real feelings for her. so they have that in common. I read thru the middle part of this book so fast because I couldn't stand them not being together. I needed them to finally be together and have everything or in the open.
the secondary characters were also pretty funny. Tammi and Jett were hysterical. and even Giselle, who of course I thought was going to be a trouble maker, turned out to be a great asset to Phillip and Isabel. I hope there is or will be a book with maybe Tammi and Jett? with maybe some continuing flashed of Philip and Isabel and their new life together going forward? -
This was a freebie and I was hooked from the first page till the last . Isabel is a young mother working as assistant to Philip a billionaire investor. She was recruited five years ago and she has developed a close bond with her boss. Philip is a reserved man and trust Isabel as his right hand . He confronts reality as his business opponent want to snatch her from his employment. Isabel' life is suddenly rich in events when she starts getting flowers at her desk. The secret admirer could be any business opponents of her boss. She daringly goes at the rendez vous of her devoted admirer. During three weeks she gets back her a joie de vivre which reflects happiness and an awakened woman . However Isabel is surprised to see Philip getting more distant and she feels threatened by his business moves. Isabel faces a stark reality and decides to move on . Will Philip succeed in regaining her trust and devotion?
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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I absolutely LOVED this book!! The plot is amazing and the characters have an amazing charisma that just draws you in. This is a story that relates to the real world in many ways. The emotional aspect draws you in and hooks you all the way throughout the story! I went through the whole gamut of emotions right along with the characters. For those of you who enjoy true love stories this is definitely a must read!! Once again Aria has knocked the ball out of the park with this and I can't wait for then next one!!
This story will be released on January 27th and will be free for the first 3 days and then is 99 cents for a limited time but totally worth way more than that!!! -
Very, very good read
I was hesitant with this book because this was an unknown author to me. I was very pleasantly surprised and appreciative of the authors adult, intelligent writing style. I am so utterly sick of poorly written, amateur-ish, romance/erotic books, that I have almost given up on reading this genre. It is so refreshing to read a book by someone who does not make me feel like I am reading a book written by a 15 year old. Although I prefer my book a bit more on the erotic side, the author did a fine job with her love/sex scenes and they fit well within the context of the book. I was very drawn in to both Philip and Isabel and the dynamic between the two truly excellent. The storyline was very good, original and truly loved it. I'll definitely read more by this author.
