Zahi is young and living life to the fullest. But when he’s thrust into fatherhood, Zahi is forced to change his outlook on life, love, and happiness. The self-proclaimed bachelor did not expect to be swept up in emotions he’s never felt. However, caring for his daughter, Zuri, charged a part of his heart that he thought was dead. The spark awakened a need for more out of life. From the moment he laid eyes on India, he was drawn to her. The pull was so intense, and no matter how many times he told himself to stay away from her, he just couldn’t follow his own command. Zahi was bewitched.
India is young, smart, and career driven. Graduating college at sixteen left India with loads of book knowledge, but when it came to actually living as an adult, she operated behind the curve. When Zahi enters her life, India gets a crash course in learning her body, and the feelings that came along with being swept up by a charismatic and charming man. However, she hopes she can keep up, and not be swept away by emotions she’s never experienced.
Zahi and India’s connection starts off sweet and romantic, but when the heat between them is dialed up, their romance becomes scorching. Join them on their fun, sexy, and emotional journey.
Shay Davis is a paralegal; fighting on the behalf of others by day, and a creator of soul stirring black love stories by night. Shay grew up in the busy streets of Philadelphia, PA. While attending schools in the neighboring suburbs, Shay struggled with being labeled as not "hood enough” for the streets, or “proper enough” for the suburbs. Shay found solace between the pages of her journal, releasing her innermost thoughts and penning her every desire. Her passion for capturing her emotions turned into creating magnetic stories of black love from the feelings that stirred deep within her. Shay has been writing since high school and for the last three years she has honed her skills even more, creating several short stories in her favorite genre; Black Romance. Strutting down the path she’s created for herself, Shay is ready to share her pen game with the world.
Connect with Shay: Website: ShayDavisPens.com Facebook: Author Shay Davis Instagram: @authorshaydavis
WOW….The Love Of A Good Woman Can Really Change A Man…..Zahi Did A Complete About Face When He Met Zuri And India….He Really Grew Up And I’m Definitely Loving The Growth…
When Zahi learns he has a child, he must reduce his impulsive behavior. He was done after a day in the park when his eyes fell upon India. She piqued his interest, and as fate would have it, India began working for him. The rest is history. I cherished their flirting, dates, and chemistry. Despite her lack of experience with love, India was prepared for anything. She was Zahi's peace, yet one thing her energy did was give him a sense of serenity. While there was plenty of traditional baby mommy turmoil and workplace conflict interspersed throughout the plot, the spotlight remained on India and Zahi's developing romance. For Briana and Booker's weird behavior, Karma did rapidly make their rounds.
Playing With Fire was such a good experience for me. It showed that Shay Davis pushes her pens envelope but still has her signature humor and spice. The book is a true love story; it is softer and has a slower build-up. It also reads as an instant love in the workplace setting. It was so easy for me to get lost in the character’s world; I was captivated in the best way possible.
In the beginning, Zahi is preparing to attend his sister Zayn’s wedding and learns he is a new father. On his grown man-ish, Zahi takes on fatherhood head first! Not only is he a great father, but Zahi is smart. He is a Software Developer, an innovative leader, and he has BDE. India is a new developer for a project headed by Zahi at ShareSpace. When Zahi first notices India, he is smitten with her. She has a sweet innocence to her and is unapologetically herself.
Shay did a great job showing the process of Zahi and India getting to know each other. Their dates, friendly banter, and the bubble they created for themselves were a perfect addition to the story. I loved how gentle Zahi was with India, as she is inexperienced sexually. I found myself smiling so hard and squealing because their relationship was so well-written and believable.
I felt this book had a strong plot and a good twist. There was drama scattered throughout the story, but the spotlight stayed on the love. I was pleased that there was an update on Zayn and Orion’s story. The ending alludes to more stories from this family, and I cannot wait for what is next.
Playing with Fire was super cute. I love a good workplace romance. Zahi was for the streets. He became a father overnight and was forced to grow up and leave his whorish ways behind. Although he struggled to do so and I wanted to slap him a few times, his effort didn’t go unnoticed. When he saw India, at a park it was almost love at first sight. Then days later, come to find out they work together and he was her boss. There was such a strong magnetic pull between them, they couldn’t stay away even if they wanted. India was very innocent, but I love how willing she was. She and Zahi developed a beautiful romance that came pretty easy. But the twist and betrayal that came definitely took me by surprise. But Karma said, "Nope, I got this." I love this minimal drama love story. It was refreshing. 4.8⭐️
What a way to find out you have a daughter. Zahi has love at first sight when he sees India sitting in the park one day. As fate would have it she starts working for him. The flirting and falling in love was too adorable between India and Zahi. Booker and Briana karma got they ass good.
Enjoyed this book. There were some errors in the first half of the book that was confusing me. Lmao. “I was taking Zuri with me to pick up my daughter.” - Zuri is the daughter 😩. I’m glad I stuck with cause I like for people to get what they deserve, both good and bad! Bianca and Booker definitely got what that deserved!!!
Well, the wild and reckless ways have caught up to Mr. Zahi huh? Surprisingly, he jumped right into daddy mode, caring for and loving on baby Zuri with ease. Laying eyes on India made Zahi want to throw his player card away for good! He knew she was different, and that intrigued him more! India was brilliant, but inexperienced in life and love. However, she was ready to be all in for a chance with Zahi. I enjoyed their quick but meaningful courtship. Miss India began to care for Zahi, but was growing impatient and was ready to see about that D! We could all sense that something was off with Booker, but damn! What would cause him to be this foul? I tried to give India some grace when she ran off pouting but had to chalk that up to her youth and inexperience. Zahi was going to get his woman no doubt! Loved catching up with Zayn and Orion as well. Good job! 👍👍👍
Maybe it’s just me but I didn’t understand the “conflict at the end of this book. ***Spoilers from this point on*** So I felt like India really didn’t have a reason to be mad or “hurt”. I mean yes, Zahi slept with his baby mother but they weren’t even talking and had no relationship at that point. Hell, when he did it they weren’t even friendly acquaintances yet. They were just two people who worked at the same place and admired each other from a far. So why would he need to apologize for that? He could have told her about it but I am iffy on that too because again they weren’t anything when it occurred so he really owed her nothing. Her getting mad and even leaving him because of it seemed silly to me. He didn’t cheat so…? And if the idea is that he was still back sliding with his ex he showed her nothing to even make her contemplate that and he spent every second with her so again this conflict seemed silly and unnecessary. India should’ve just took that on the chin and moved on. She at the house crying and questioning his character when he really didn’t do anything.
I have been waiting for this story. If you’ve read When You Love Me, you’ll remember Zayn’s brother Zahi. Zahi is my guy and Shay Davis did not come to play with the tales between the sheets. Playing With Fire was so friggin good. The characters made me love them all over again with their interactions. The love, support, charm, wit, close family dynamics, jokes, and the banter between them is some of the best comedic writing I’ve read. It’s suspenseful, dramatic and sorrowful at times, but shows the love, determination and sacrifice you’ll will do for THE ONE!
Zahi is the accelerant and India is the match. The flame has been lite, they’re on fire and the heat between these two is scorching. It’s a slow burn, but you feel their intensity, their passion, their hurt, desperate and desire for one another and nothing or no one is going to put that fire out.
This story took me back to the early books of Shay Davis. She gave us a great book y’all. The writing is top tier, the plot is beautifully depicted, the story is suspenseful and pulled me in and the characters felt like family. I laughed so much and at times was ready to five finger slap a few mofos with the dram that unfolds, so be ready to to fall in love with Zahi and India and be prepared to get burned.
I enjoyed the world of Zahi and know you will too! Now…are you ready to play with fire?!
Loved it! I love some hood nerds and that’s what Zahi gives me! Here he is this genius software developer and hacker with a slick mouth, menacing when he needed it to be! India was a child prodigy, innocent and revealing insecurities through her inner thoughts, but she didn’t actually come across as timid so I liked her. The whole concept of an innocent FMC, inexperienced, and insecure with a fine and successful man really has to be done right for me. I enjoyed the trope in this book!
I was NOT expecting the plot twist with Booker and Briana. Did I suspect what he was up to at work, absolutely, the depths of his mischief and that outcome.. never in a million years would I have guessed that. Zahi was so vicious with the mouth after that situation I honestly felt a little bad for Bri.
Loved Zayn and Orion. Absolutely loved how much Orion loved Zuri! It was so cute to me! He was like the kid police but it was really cute and wholesome. It felt like he needed it after everything with his daughter and Aaron. I actually really like how things were written about Aaron. My first Shay Davis book and I’ll definitely be reading more!
The story was fairly decent with a lot of dialogue and even more characters to keep an account of in the story. The constant mentioning of Shawty was too much for me, as well as the constant mentions of India's proper speaking. Okay, I heard you all 300 times. Overall, the story was good, if you overlook those points. Or, maybe it won't bother you. 3.25 stars.
I love how this story played out with india and sahi meeting each other. Some played with fire and got burned bad. The love for zuri i think is was put him over the top with india the thought of her before herself so it was only right for them to be a family unit with of course daddy Orion haha.
Playing with Fire was an excellent mix of crazy,sexy,cool, funny,and nasty! Zahi and India’s story was so great and I’m so involved with this family !!
Insert heavy sigh. The only problem I had with this story was the unnecessary 3rd act break up over something that happened before they were together. Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest let’s get to the review.
Zahi & India are young, black, and work in tech. This is a love at first sight( kind of). He’s sees her one day and her magnet calls to him but he ignores it. Then boom a few days later he see her at his new job where he’s her boss. That same magnet is calling him. Neither can ignore it because they are working together. He falls fast and is so sure of it he takes her to meet his daughter and sister on the day after their first date. I know he was doing the most. But they fell into an easy rhythm of a relationship. Until…his past and their present link up to cause havoc Now I’m still not sure what Bookers actual problem was but I feel like he got what he deserved. Zahi provides and cares for India. India supports him and cares for him. They provide balance to each other he knows she’s the one but he’s always hesitant to tell her he loves her. And the morning after he does all hell breaks loose. If you’re looking for a romance with a plot twist then this story is for you. It’s well written , the characters are refreshing and the have nasty sex the good kind.
Note: I changed my review from 3.5 to 3.0⭐️’s since reading this book yesterday.
Hmmm🧐,…“Playing With Fire” (3.50 ⭐️’s) was not my favorite book by Ms. Shay Davis. Nevertheless, a cursory read of “Playing With Fire” intimated Zahi was an emotionally deprived, neglected, abused and or traumatized byproduct of rigid Somalian parents. Nevertheless, he was able to matriculate thru advance degrees at GWU in Computer Science & Technology Management, develop security software, become an entrepreneur & travel around the country. Yet he’s deficient in the cognitive abilities to actively navigate procreation prevention🥴‼️How were you unwittingly thrusted into fatherhood⁉️ This melinated Hebrew slave is an (expletive) idiot savant🤦🏾♀️‼️…Nah, that’s not an accurate depiction of Zuri’s evolution …(where’s Maury when you need him most?)‼️ Unfortunately, shrouded in the aura of chauvinism this dude had unresolved issues. Zahi was cruel, arrogance & manipulative while claiming dejected single fatherhood ignorance 🙄. Sadly, “Playing With Fire” wasn’t the HEA story of a single father finding finally secured his forever love. Rather, I was horrified by his callous rant …“You know, I don’t even believe in hell, but for sh?$ and giggles, I will believe the eternal damnation Christians speak of is a tangible place, just so I can take pleasure in knowing that’s where you’ll be spending your afterlife. Hopefully, there are gasoline drawers waiting for you and will be engulfed in flames immediately upon your arrival…” Really ⁉️ This lengthy rant was just disturbing, even for a fictitious character 🥴😲‼️ Zahi, how could spew such vile hatred towards the mother of your daughter regardless of her actions especially considering her condition? Dang, absolutely NO compassion🥺‼️ How to break someone’s feelings, heart, spirit and wish damnation upon their life…the power of the tongue! That was not cool, funny or entertaining‼️
Prepare to be consumed by the sizzling pages of “Playing with Fire” as Zahi’s life takes an unexpected turn into fatherhood. This tantalizing tale follows his journey from a carefree playboy to a devoted father, revealing a side of him he never knew existed. Zahi’s newfound responsibility for his daughter, Zuri, is heartwarming as he embraces the challenges of parenthood. Witnessing the transformation of this once-unfazed man into a loving daddy is an emotional rollercoaster that will tug at your heartstrings. But when sparks fly between Zahi and India, their chemistry is simply electrifying! I was captivated by their undeniable attraction and couldn’t help but root for them, even as they faced the risks of playing with fire in their pursuit of love and passion. As the story unfolded, I found myself fully immersed in the complexities of their relationship. India’s journey of self-discovery and embracing her desires was beautifully portrayed, making her a relatable and endearing character. “Playing with Fire” delivers an intoxicating blend of passion, romance, and redemption that kept me flipping through the pages with bated breath. Davis skillfully weaves a tale that will leave you yearning for more and pondering the power of love to heal and transform. In my opinion, this book was an absolute page-turner that had me hooked from the start. The storytelling, character development, and alluring vibes combined to create an unforgettable reading experience. I devoured it in one day, unable to resist the allure of this fiery narrative! If you’re seeking a gripping love story with heart, “Playing with Fire” is the perfect pick. Embrace the flames and let this passionate journey leave you burning for more!
I'm glad India got out of her own head and went back to him how you gonna get mad under he had sex with his ex Bri but tactically y'all was not together so you being mad was for no reason
I liked Zahi from the beginning he was just Trying to take care of his child But he's was about his business his own company and dealing with BM who was delusional at best...
But also two ppl from different worlds India grew up fast since she finished school and college early different back ground she grew up Adopted and She was Vegan and...
Zahi Muslim who didn't stay with his dad because different of opinion stand bye his sister who chose to marry an Orion who's seems to be amazing guy even though he Father did not agree so he's doesn't mess with his children because of this So I can tell deep rooted issues in the family now his other siblings are coming around as well... But I wish it was a little longer with them because I would have liked to see them have children of there owns and See if sister son how he's doing and see more about Orion and them ...
Shawty, it felt like the author handed her characters over to another writer and then picked them back up at the end.
Zahi wasn't the same after selling his software program. Where was the humor? Why was something that was such a big deal for him barely mentioned or celebrated, nor is his becoming millionaire overnight even brought up again?
There wasn't any character development. There were holes in the plot. The Booker & Briana thing was dry, weird, and lacking in true motive. Why did Zayne become a judgemental shrew given the taboo nature of her own relationship and everything Zahi sacrificed as a show of support. Why was Orion reduced to a grumpy old house husband and SAHD? The unnecessary conflict that wasn't a conflict where India essentially abandoned her job for almost 2 weeks. What grown man enters a married couples bedroom to insist on needing help driving 11 hours rather than waiting for a flight the following day?
The epilogue was a bunch of nothing but, fortunately, more fitting with the characters we were introduced to.
I absolutely loved the storyline. The sex parts were good too. I was disappointed though. I am Muslim. I was born and raised Muslim. I have had and continue to have most of the struggles and growing pains when it comes to practicing my religion or rather way of life. I could related to trying even harder during Ramadan to not partake in some things including past times of the flesh. That being said, the way Ramadan was explained in this book was completely wrong. Not only can we not eat from sun up to sun down, we also can't drink. It would also gave been more in line with the Islamic faith if when he prayed he actually made salaat in his time of distress. The way that it was written came off as if he were at the altar praying.
Other than that, this was good. I wonder how you're going to write about Audre, which by the way imho, is not in line with her being born and raised Muslims to Somalian parents. Audre as far as I know is not an African name or Islamic.
Otherwise, I barely could put this book down. I need me a Zahi.
Shay Davis is out here doing her thing! I have been interested in Zahi since he was first introduced in When You Love Me. This youngin has BDE that caught my attention automatically. I wasn’t sure where his story would go, but this storyline was on point. India was the perfect choice for Zahi! He definitely needed a cute and innocent woman because his past would not have made it with a female on his level 😆. Shay always says I have problems with her female characters, but I’m screaming from the rooftops that I absolutely loved everything about India! Sis was the perfect mix of innocent but strong, and with how Zahi’s life was unfolding, he needed everything she could pour into him! This book had a lot going on. Shay Davis kept me locked in with the ups and downs of this couple’s relationship as well as outside players, and in the end, I was pleased with the outcomes… some characters just need to pay their penance 🤷🏾♀️
Shay Davis, good read. Thanks for the update with Orion, Zayn, Zahi and Audre. Zahi, has really grown up. He really made his way outside of his fathers thumb. He and Zayn have a great bond. He has Zuri and he really had to make better choices in his life. India, came along and just made Zahi world so much better. Haters are all around and just don't want to see Zahi do well. One thing though God will always take care of his children. Karma sure took care of Zahi problems. India, learned soRme things about herself and it showed her it was alright to let go and live. At the end love over ruled and Zahi and India finally have peace.🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
I KNEW THAT DANG BRIANA WAS UP TO NO GOOD I NEVER LIKED BOOKER, HE ALWAYS GAVE ME SNAKE VIBES AND I KNEW HE WAS BEHIND THE HACKING BUT HE TOOK THAT ISH TOO FAR. KARMA CAME BACK TO BITE BOTH HIM AND BRIANA CONNIVING SELVES IN THE AZZ🤷🏽♀️ INDIA WAS SO CUTE AND INNOCENT AND SHE TRULY CAME IN AND STOLE ZAHI’S HEART JUST LIKE HIS BABY GIRL DID. ZAHI WAS THE TYPICAL PHUCK BOY UNTIL HIS BABY GIRL ZURI CAME ALONG AND I WAS TRULY PROUD OF THE MAN HE WORKED HARD TO BECOME. HE KNEW HE PHUCKED UP AND DID WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE TO FIX IT. ORION AND ZAYNE KEPT ME LAUGHING WITH THEIR SHENANIGANS DESPITE THE FEW EDITING ERRORS, I TRULY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND THE AUDIO VERSION🥰
This story was super cute. I loved this couple. India and Zahi were a match and had so much in common. I loved their banter and their chemistry. I loved that they built a genuine friendship before taking things to the next level. Zahi definitively showed that a man will settle down with the one that’s made for him. This story had some surprising twists and turns and it kept me intrigued from start to finish. I loved seeing Zahi’s growth and how he knew the areas he fell short in his actions and with his religious practices and made moves to work on himself and took his faith seriously. I look forward to seeing what comes next from this author.
This was a nice little love story! The conflict kind of made sense to me because he impulsively had sex with his child’s mother days before he let India know he wanted her! So I could see India being upset. I loved India and how she immediately took to Zuri. Zahi got lucky with her. Lastly, Booker and Briana’s karma was a bit extreme to me but I also feel like they weren’t ever going to behave so it is what it is. I laughed when it all went down because I’ve read stories where people we’re actually deserving of that tragedy and these fools were ugly but didn’t see that coming at all. I said dang Shay plays no games 😂😂😂😂
Dang I think I like Zahi book more than I liked Zayn book. I did and Zahi relationship was so sweet the way they flirted and wanted each other was too cute. I loved how Zahi felt strong about her from that one sided moment in the park obly to end up hiring her for his project. I like the innocents of India but also how straight forward she was. They just worked. Briana ass made me itch, and karma is known to be a bitch so she got what she deserved. Loved seeing Zahi with his lil girl and Zayn and Orions son grow to be a strong little boy.
P.s. wondering if their is a book on they sis, Audre cause I'm curious to see what's going on their.
I really enjoyed this book. If Shay got a book romantic book then I’m reading it cause sis gonna make you feel all the love. Briana was a lot and I hate she didn’t let it go like it wasn’t even that deep and she was messing with other people 🤦🏾♀️. Booker just jealous and it kilt him. I’m too happy they get to live a happy life with Zuri and don’t have to worry about her momma.
When I say I was so excited for this book to be released because I loved Zahi in the book about Zayn and Orion. This book was everything and more and so happy to read updates on Zayn and Orion. I hope there's more from this family because we still have more to uncover such as who is India real mom, will Zayn and Zahi ever speak to their parents, what's going on with Audre and those twins I believe will be a crazy story. Bravo on another great book.
Zahi was a fool like always but I loved how he stepped into his roll as dad immediately. India was pure and innocent but to me that’s how I knew she would balance him out, and they would be great for one another. Booker and Briana was just stupid and it was sad how they ended, all over jealousy. Zahn and Orion are still adorable along with baby Aaron!!! I loved the read, Great job Shay !
Oh my goodness, where do I begin? From the very beginning, I knew that Briana would be a problem for Zahi. Now I didn't see her & Booker conjured up a plan that's clearly backfired. Whew Ms. India & Mr Zahi is another story those two there are meant to be, and nothing could break they bond. This book had me hooked!!!!! You did your thing with this one, & this is my first time reading a book from this author. I'll definitely be looking forward to reading more!
Not even gonna lie I LOVEEEEE this. Now his bm? A bum! And the plot twist is exactly what she gets playing with my boy head like that. Now his love for India is beautiful, he was mesmerized just from seeing her at the park?! THATS the love many of us want. Now his sister and Orión are hilarious! I love the fact that he was able to express his religion to India and her really be interested in it too.