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Zara Monet
An ill-fated, grey romance about two people from two different but equally dark worlds.
Zara was fresh out of prison and alone. She was trying to start over with nothing, while healing from the death of the only person in the world who had loved her. Then he came into her life with a proposition she found impossible to turn down. But is there more to Nikolai than meets the eye, and why does he feel so familiar when Zara is sure she's never met him before...
Novella
Can also be read on Kindle Vella
Zara was fresh out of prison and alone. She was trying to start over with nothing, while healing from the death of the only person in the world who had loved her. Then he came into her life with a proposition she found impossible to turn down. But is there more to Nikolai than meets the eye, and why does he feel so familiar when Zara is sure she's never met him before...
Novella
Can also be read on Kindle Vella
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2024
176 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 25, 2024
I need to let this marinate for a bit......
March 30, 2024
4 🤗😬😍😘💀
Check Content Warnings
Trope: IR, criminal Activity, opposite attack, touch her u 💀
Enjoyment: 4 ⭐
Character development: 3.5 ⭐
Emotional: 3 ⭐
Sweet: 3 ⭐
Romance: 2.75 ⭐
Heat\steam: 4 ⭐
Intrigue: 4 ⭐
Action: 1 ⭐
Violence: 3 ⭐
Story\plot: 3 ⭐
World Building: 3 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
Check Content Warnings
Trope: IR, criminal Activity, opposite attack, touch her u 💀
Enjoyment: 4 ⭐
Character development: 3.5 ⭐
Emotional: 3 ⭐
Sweet: 3 ⭐
Romance: 2.75 ⭐
Heat\steam: 4 ⭐
Intrigue: 4 ⭐
Action: 1 ⭐
Violence: 3 ⭐
Story\plot: 3 ⭐
World Building: 3 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
March 4, 2024
Nikolai found his person and did whatever he could to be with her. While Zara wasn’t planning for Nik to stay around for a long time, maybe not even a good time, but once he found his forever it was a wrap. No matter what protesting and self-denials happened the affection and care were growing. He just kept showing up like Olivia Pope “it’s handled” whenever something went awry.
This didn’t quite read as a grey romance to me. And that’s ok. Very low stakes between the couple actually coming together. Also the grammar/typos were a bit noticeable.
This didn’t quite read as a grey romance to me. And that’s ok. Very low stakes between the couple actually coming together. Also the grammar/typos were a bit noticeable.
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January 24, 2024This is another new to me author, but I couldn't finish this. I won't rate it because that's unfair to the author in my opinion.
February 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It had my favorite genre on it, mafia, bwwm, dark. I got this books as a recommendation on Facebook and it said something about being morally Grey. I guess you would say it was I've read darker and I mean dark. Where the hero was abusive to the h. All in all I really enjoyed there love journey I even cried some parts. I would definitely recommend this book to those that like bwwm. With urban in it, and likes mafia.
January 31, 2024
You have got to read this
I absolutely loved this book. It is definitely a must read. I couldn’t put it down. I was up till three in the morning, trying to finish it, but not wanting it to end. My advice is to read all of Shantel Davis’s books. Love your work Shantel can’t wait to read more of your work.
I absolutely loved this book. It is definitely a must read. I couldn’t put it down. I was up till three in the morning, trying to finish it, but not wanting it to end. My advice is to read all of Shantel Davis’s books. Love your work Shantel can’t wait to read more of your work.
January 28, 2024
Love between a BWWM Story
A good read. Although Zara was ticking me off with all her doubt, I was grateful Nick didn't give up on her and the HEA made up for the tragic beginning.
Read the book. It will hold you hostage.
A good read. Although Zara was ticking me off with all her doubt, I was grateful Nick didn't give up on her and the HEA made up for the tragic beginning.
Read the book. It will hold you hostage.
January 25, 2024
Wow
This right here was 🔥🔥 my first from this Author and wouldn't be my last.. Nic and Zara what can you say, troubled fmc and alpha mmc but the chemistry was 5 alarm.. Soooo can't wait for Chelle's book... A definite must read.....
This right here was 🔥🔥 my first from this Author and wouldn't be my last.. Nic and Zara what can you say, troubled fmc and alpha mmc but the chemistry was 5 alarm.. Soooo can't wait for Chelle's book... A definite must read.....
March 10, 2024
So good and crazy! I loved seeing favorite characters return and Zara and Nova's brother will never change. SMH! I can't wait for the next story because Zara's friend is in trouble. No one writes better happy endings for tortured heroines better than Shantel Davis.
February 9, 2025
good plot, bad execution
This book was cheesy. I felt no chemistry what so ever. It didn’t feel organic. Calling Nikolai a nxgga? Okay. The plot was predictable but good. Then the ending was just crammed.
How this is labeled interrracial romance and black romance is beyond me. The chapters should’ve also had who’s POV it was since there weas more than one POV. A significant amount of grammatical errors.
This book was cheesy. I felt no chemistry what so ever. It didn’t feel organic. Calling Nikolai a nxgga? Okay. The plot was predictable but good. Then the ending was just crammed.
How this is labeled interrracial romance and black romance is beyond me. The chapters should’ve also had who’s POV it was since there weas more than one POV. A significant amount of grammatical errors.
August 21, 2025
Zara and Nikoli
Zara and Lisa became sisters because of their circumstances…Zara did some time in prison for protecting her sister Lisa they were all each other had not knowing they been trafficked after they were born from the hospital..Unfortunately Lisa didn’t make it before Zara was released from prison…Z is working in a seedy strip joint as a bottle server…While her slick boss tries to pawn her off on rich guys she is in a compromising position just out of jail…Lisa left her a condo that she must pay the mortgage so her boss keep asking her to meet up with this guy for one night..Morally it isn’t something she wants to do but financially she has to.. Nikoli is that guy ,when she meets him there’s something about him it’s his eyes she almost recognizes something familiar but from where…? There’s so much more to him than she realizes Z is impacting a lot of stuff but Nik is exactly what’s needed by Z… A great read love how my favorite characters show up in this book Nova,Demarco and Roman..
Zara and Lisa became sisters because of their circumstances…Zara did some time in prison for protecting her sister Lisa they were all each other had not knowing they been trafficked after they were born from the hospital..Unfortunately Lisa didn’t make it before Zara was released from prison…Z is working in a seedy strip joint as a bottle server…While her slick boss tries to pawn her off on rich guys she is in a compromising position just out of jail…Lisa left her a condo that she must pay the mortgage so her boss keep asking her to meet up with this guy for one night..Morally it isn’t something she wants to do but financially she has to.. Nikoli is that guy ,when she meets him there’s something about him it’s his eyes she almost recognizes something familiar but from where…? There’s so much more to him than she realizes Z is impacting a lot of stuff but Nik is exactly what’s needed by Z… A great read love how my favorite characters show up in this book Nova,Demarco and Roman..
July 17, 2024
Zara has had a really difficult life, made even more so when she loses the one person who's ever loved her beyond measure. As a result of the loss she inherits an apartment and though she's happy to have a place to call home after getting out of jail, life just doesn't seem like it's letting up any time soon.
In comes a seedy figure with a proposition she refuses to entertain at first, but ultimately ends up agreeing to it. And that's how she meets Nikolai, who's had his eyes on her for a hot minute.
Their lives take multiple twists and turns before they get their chance at happiness and they seal their fate in the end.
I enjoyed the writing and the story, especially seeing familiar characters from the other books also make appearances. I just loved the other books a bit more than this one, no lie. It was a good read but she needed to cook a little bit longer for things to come together a lot smoother and to make a lot more sense as to why certain things are happening and the motivations behind them. I found the stakes to be too low to care too much about a lot of the parts of the story.
In comes a seedy figure with a proposition she refuses to entertain at first, but ultimately ends up agreeing to it. And that's how she meets Nikolai, who's had his eyes on her for a hot minute.
Their lives take multiple twists and turns before they get their chance at happiness and they seal their fate in the end.
I enjoyed the writing and the story, especially seeing familiar characters from the other books also make appearances. I just loved the other books a bit more than this one, no lie. It was a good read but she needed to cook a little bit longer for things to come together a lot smoother and to make a lot more sense as to why certain things are happening and the motivations behind them. I found the stakes to be too low to care too much about a lot of the parts of the story.
April 13, 2024
Everyone needs a little grey in romance
Zara Monet is determined to live out her sister’s dreams for her. When Zara is faced with an offer she never wanted, she finds herself thrust into a world of secrets and deception, where the line between truth and lies becomes increasingly blurred. Nikolai is hiding his true connection to Zara. I didn’t like that he wasn’t upfront with her about his connection to her. Shatel Davis masterfully weaves a narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat, as Zara navigates the complexities of her newfound family dynamic while grappling with her growing feelings for Nikolai.
Zara Monet is determined to live out her sister’s dreams for her. When Zara is faced with an offer she never wanted, she finds herself thrust into a world of secrets and deception, where the line between truth and lies becomes increasingly blurred. Nikolai is hiding his true connection to Zara. I didn’t like that he wasn’t upfront with her about his connection to her. Shatel Davis masterfully weaves a narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat, as Zara navigates the complexities of her newfound family dynamic while grappling with her growing feelings for Nikolai.
February 5, 2024
LOVED IT!!
Zara Monet(beautiful name) is a hurt woman but is determined to make it. Then she receives an offer she tried so hard not to take, but when she did, she fell in love with Nicholi. Nicholi being the man he is, doesn't take rejection well, but he also didn't push her into something she didn't want. I hate that he didn't tell her the true from the beginning about "their" sister Lisa. I'm happy that she got to meet her sister and her brother even though he is a little crazy. Now, I can't wait for Anton's story. Great read!
Zara Monet(beautiful name) is a hurt woman but is determined to make it. Then she receives an offer she tried so hard not to take, but when she did, she fell in love with Nicholi. Nicholi being the man he is, doesn't take rejection well, but he also didn't push her into something she didn't want. I hate that he didn't tell her the true from the beginning about "their" sister Lisa. I'm happy that she got to meet her sister and her brother even though he is a little crazy. Now, I can't wait for Anton's story. Great read!
November 22, 2024
you and me will never part
Get it after last chapter I’s married now, Zara and Nik story with King Google Demarco and Nova. Zara is totally different from Cedric spoiled, thievery, druggie con artist ass. Love the sneak peek of next book Chelle. I am actually reading the books over again and the second go round is much more enjoyable when you see how all these complex characters are tied together. It’s not just the fact these beautiful bbw’s have a sistahood but the reluctoalpha males who love them have their own genuine brotherhood as a result
Get it after last chapter I’s married now, Zara and Nik story with King Google Demarco and Nova. Zara is totally different from Cedric spoiled, thievery, druggie con artist ass. Love the sneak peek of next book Chelle. I am actually reading the books over again and the second go round is much more enjoyable when you see how all these complex characters are tied together. It’s not just the fact these beautiful bbw’s have a sistahood but the reluctoalpha males who love them have their own genuine brotherhood as a result
March 19, 2024
This was heartwarming
This was a heartwarming book. Please do check the content/trigger warnings. Nic was obsessed with Zara but he came in with that emotion immediately. He wasn’t an asshole about their arrangement. Zara was a bit indecisive but she stood her ground and eventually let love in. I would recommend this book it just shows how healing and overcoming grief and trauma opens you up to love with a bit of organised crime!
This was a heartwarming book. Please do check the content/trigger warnings. Nic was obsessed with Zara but he came in with that emotion immediately. He wasn’t an asshole about their arrangement. Zara was a bit indecisive but she stood her ground and eventually let love in. I would recommend this book it just shows how healing and overcoming grief and trauma opens you up to love with a bit of organised crime!
March 20, 2024
I like it!
This is my first read of work from Shantel Davis. Although a young author, her writing is mature enough to appreciate the fresh spin on familiar topics. Love, Russians, mafia… been there, but Zara’s story is good. The twist more than halfway through the book added drama but not in the “this is typical and the author needs a bigger word count” kind of way. The author has a cadence in her storytelling I can appreciate! I’ll be reading more of her work!
This is my first read of work from Shantel Davis. Although a young author, her writing is mature enough to appreciate the fresh spin on familiar topics. Love, Russians, mafia… been there, but Zara’s story is good. The twist more than halfway through the book added drama but not in the “this is typical and the author needs a bigger word count” kind of way. The author has a cadence in her storytelling I can appreciate! I’ll be reading more of her work!
April 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this!
I loved how Nikolai catered to Zara and stayed dedicated to earning her time, love, and happiness. I loved how he protected and provided for her and was there for her even when she didn’t know it or want it. I also liked the found family aspect of the book. But, I didn’t like how it ended so abruptly. The ending was rushed and I didn’t like the fact that Nikolai basically forced Zara to marry him whether she knew deep down she wanted to it should have been a choice and planned out not them getting married just because he found out she was pregnant🤷🏽♀️😐
I loved how Nikolai catered to Zara and stayed dedicated to earning her time, love, and happiness. I loved how he protected and provided for her and was there for her even when she didn’t know it or want it. I also liked the found family aspect of the book. But, I didn’t like how it ended so abruptly. The ending was rushed and I didn’t like the fact that Nikolai basically forced Zara to marry him whether she knew deep down she wanted to it should have been a choice and planned out not them getting married just because he found out she was pregnant🤷🏽♀️😐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
I would give this a 3.75-4 ⭐️. Short interracial romance. I enjoyed the concept of the story but Zara fought with this man to the very end. Like damn, let him love you. The chapters don’t have titles or names so I had to read and guess whose pov I was reading at that time. It’s a pet peeve. The epilogue is the end of the day for that last chapter. I loved Nikolai. He was doing everything just to be in Zara’s presence. Give this a try. You might like it.
February 21, 2025
Took me on a ride
Zara had a hard start to her life but I was so happy for her journey.. I love a good unhinged love affair… If they not crazy about me I don’t want em!!!! Nikolai’s heart was in the right place, he just had a funny way of going about things. I also am glad to see more AA Authors stepping into the mafia scene. This book was full of love, drama and enough spice to keep me turning the page.
Zara had a hard start to her life but I was so happy for her journey.. I love a good unhinged love affair… If they not crazy about me I don’t want em!!!! Nikolai’s heart was in the right place, he just had a funny way of going about things. I also am glad to see more AA Authors stepping into the mafia scene. This book was full of love, drama and enough spice to keep me turning the page.
October 3, 2025
Nikolai was a nice intermedium, he has similar things to other Shantel MMC's but it's not borderline criminal with her! and that's a big win!! I liked that!
On the other hand, Zara annoyed me a bit ... but her decisions were lanced with her trauma so yea!
it was ok! we get cosy moments with them and yadayada but the final part? 100% should've had one more chapter! we found out that she didn't went to weeding while they're talking and then they get married right there
On the other hand, Zara annoyed me a bit ... but her decisions were lanced with her trauma so yea!
it was ok! we get cosy moments with them and yadayada but the final part? 100% should've had one more chapter! we found out that she didn't went to weeding while they're talking and then they get married right there
February 18, 2024
This book is not a dark romance, but I would call it a grey romance. It’s definitely not for everyone, especially given all of the triggers. However, if you’re into that(like me) this is a good short read. Nothing too complicated or angsty.
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Male lead is not a villain. Crazy, but not the villain.
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Male lead is not a villain. Crazy, but not the villain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2024
Listen! This book was absolutely AMAZING! From start to finish, I was beyond intrigued. I loved Zara's character, but I REALLY loved Nikolai's character. The way he protected her and loved her past her pain spoke volumes. The writing in this book was great minus a few grammatical errors. Because I read this book, I want to read everything this author writes.
June 26, 2024
I had no idea what it would smell like when I ordered it, but Killian Black Phantom
I absolutely need to go smell this .
‘Demarco will have to make good on the threat, the one he dared to bring to my doorstep, or I'll come out on top and his wife will be buying a black dress.’
He abut his business ok
this a crazy unexpected read and did I read it all, yes
I absolutely need to go smell this .
‘Demarco will have to make good on the threat, the one he dared to bring to my doorstep, or I'll come out on top and his wife will be buying a black dress.’
He abut his business ok
this a crazy unexpected read and did I read it all, yes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
Zara x Nik … this was a cutesy love story between a woman who thought she was alone in the world and the man who loved her at first sight.
I liked the connection to Demarco and Novas story, that was unexpected. There wasn’t a ton of unhinged actions or craziness but we had some action and romance.
Looking forward to reading Anton’s story.
I liked the connection to Demarco and Novas story, that was unexpected. There wasn’t a ton of unhinged actions or craziness but we had some action and romance.
Looking forward to reading Anton’s story.
January 28, 2024
Bomb
I really loved this book. First book from you and 5 stars babe. I am now about to go through your catalog and first ima start with Demarco and Nova cause that Demarco is something else chile lol
I really loved this book. First book from you and 5 stars babe. I am now about to go through your catalog and first ima start with Demarco and Nova cause that Demarco is something else chile lol
January 30, 2024
She did it again
Loved loved loved Zara’s story. The story line, the smut, and plot twist are all A1. And the covers.! True baddies Much appreciated from a thick dark skinned woman. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Loved loved loved Zara’s story. The story line, the smut, and plot twist are all A1. And the covers.! True baddies Much appreciated from a thick dark skinned woman. Can’t wait to read the next one.
January 30, 2024
storytelling
I love how u tell your stories they seem so mysterious. I wish that this story was told equally from Zara AND Nico POV but nevertheless I loved it and am very excited to read about Chelle and Anton…impatiently waiting on Damon to be a book soon lol
I love how u tell your stories they seem so mysterious. I wish that this story was told equally from Zara AND Nico POV but nevertheless I loved it and am very excited to read about Chelle and Anton…impatiently waiting on Damon to be a book soon lol
February 12, 2024
Great read
I loved this mix and dominant read between these dangerous families. Zara had a lot of mixed feelings for nik but he wasn't going to leave her to fix what was broken in her and i loved the end game for it.
I loved this mix and dominant read between these dangerous families. Zara had a lot of mixed feelings for nik but he wasn't going to leave her to fix what was broken in her and i loved the end game for it.
February 16, 2024
Never a disappointment
You never disappointment and you always excuse and deliver. I love your toxic dark love. I haven't read a character couple yet by you that I have jot falling in love with. Please keep up the work. You definitely overstood the assignment and I'm here for it
You never disappointment and you always excuse and deliver. I love your toxic dark love. I haven't read a character couple yet by you that I have jot falling in love with. Please keep up the work. You definitely overstood the assignment and I'm here for it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews