REVIEW: The Devious Husband by Catharina Maura

In The Devious Husband by Catharina Maura, Xavier Kingston has done his best over the years to hide his true feelings for Sierra Windsor. The feisty younger sister of his best friend, Dion, she stole his heart years ago with no hope to ever see it turn into anything other than them bickering and competing at every turn. But then Xavier comes up with a plan. A good one, in his humble opinion. It’s taken him some time to put things in place but now he’s going to aim for the stars. First thing to accomplish is to offer a business deal to Sierra’s grandmother–and in exchange, he’ll ask for Sierra’s hand in marriage. Then Xavier’s next, and most important, steps will be to win her heart and prove how deeply he cares for her. And show Sierra that he’ll always be there to protect her.

“For as long as we’re married, I’m the only man that’s touching you… You’re *mine*, Sierra Kingston. Whether you like it or not.”

Sierra has no idea why the almost two-year cease-fire with Xavier has suddenly stopped but she’s not happy about it. Yes, they’ve had some fun pulling pranks on each other over the years. And sneaking into his house to mess with his security team has made her almost giddy a time or two. But now Xavier is back in Sierra’s life in a big way–and he’s stolen one of her building designs right from her computer. When she finds out that her beloved grandmother has been consorting with the enemy, aka Xavier, to arrange a marriage between them, that’s a step too far. She’ll never give in to her attraction for him. Even if he turns out to be sweeter and more thoughtful as a husband than Sierra ever could have imagined. It’s his dark past that comes creeping into the light, bringing danger into their lives that could change things between them forever.

“There’s nothing you could ask for that I won’t give you.”
“What if I want your heart?”
I thought my words would surprise him, but he merely smiles, his eyes overflowing with affection. “It’s already yours. My heart has *always* been yours, Sierra.”

With all the angst, passion, miscommunication, and tumultuousness of what you would normally see in a Harlequin Presents novel, THE DEVIOUS HUSBAND was a fitting–and thrilling–end to Catharina Maura’s popular Windsors series.

“All my life, I’d been scared that no one would ever live up to the heroes I read about, and I guess it’s true… You’re *better*, Xavier. You’re more than my dreams come true–you raised the standard, and I fear I’m forever spoiled.”

CW: View Spoiler »Terminal cancer, human trafficking, abduction, torture, PTSD « Hide Spoiler

The final planned book in The Windsors series, THE DEVIOUS HUSBAND, was an epic way to finish things off. If you’ve read any of the books, then you’ll be happy to see all of Sierra’s family making appearances frequently as well as getting to know Xavier’s infamous family better. But this can certainly be read as a standalone easily enough. I somehow forget when I pick up a new Catharina Maura book just how quickly she draws me into the story–and how much fun I have with every entertaining interaction of the characters.

There were definitely some darker subjects as with her other novels in the series, so readers take caution. But it felt like those parts of Xavier’s life, and that of his family, were handled carefully and were laid out pretty realistically. That heaviness didn’t overshadow the swoony romance that built between Sierra and Xavier overall. And oh, how I loved watching them bicker, trying to one-up each other, as well as seeing how their attraction continued to grow through it all. Their pranks were legendary, making both of their families laugh at their antics. But it was seeing how entirely smitten Xavier was–and how clueless Sierra was about it–that made my heart sing.

Without giving away some of the twists and turns, both Sierra and Xavier had their moments where readers will probably shake their head at the mistakes or missteps. But even through the drama and angst, I knew Maura would find a way to bring Xavier and Sierra together in a grand way. And she certainly did. The ending was everything I could have hoped for while also nicely setting up the next series where Xavier’s siblings get their own books.

QOTD: This had a bit of a Beauty & the Beast vibe to it. What’s your favorite classic fairytale romance?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: August 30th, 2024 | Ichara Publishing | The Windsors #6

Xavier Kingston’s life is turned upside down when his nemesis and business rival, Sierra Windsor, suddenly begins to show interest in a man that isn’t him.

Certain he’s at risk of losing his chance with her forever, Xavier offers the Windsors a deal they cannot refuse: a merger between his company and Windsor Real Estate.

On one condition: Sierra must marry him.