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Rebirth and Resurrection #1
Rising from the Ashes
The Phoenix: The one who rises from the ashes.
Calista: I was left for dead. Someone I loved wanted to eliminate me from this world so my voice would be hushed. The man I call my fallen angel pulled me from the fiery debris.
They may have wanted me gone, but what they don’t know is that I am now a ghost. A part of Societas Expiravitus, working in the shadows.
For the last year, I have been fueled by hatred. Training and searching to seek revenge on those who hurt me.
Shado: Societas Expiravitus - Society of Ghosts. They can never know my secret as to why I truly joined. I had to, and it was business until I met her. Now, I have to prove myself worthy of her love, an emotion she has sworn off as a weakness.
As their unconventional bond deepens, Calista and Shado find themselves entangled in a web of desire and danger, fueled by a shared goal of betrayal and revenge.
Together, they must orchestrate their own destiny, rewriting the rules of a treacherous game. Their love becomes both their salvation and their greatest battleground, as they navigate the world of contracts and chaos
We are ghosts. Let the haunting begin.
Calista: I was left for dead. Someone I loved wanted to eliminate me from this world so my voice would be hushed. The man I call my fallen angel pulled me from the fiery debris.
They may have wanted me gone, but what they don’t know is that I am now a ghost. A part of Societas Expiravitus, working in the shadows.
For the last year, I have been fueled by hatred. Training and searching to seek revenge on those who hurt me.
Shado: Societas Expiravitus - Society of Ghosts. They can never know my secret as to why I truly joined. I had to, and it was business until I met her. Now, I have to prove myself worthy of her love, an emotion she has sworn off as a weakness.
As their unconventional bond deepens, Calista and Shado find themselves entangled in a web of desire and danger, fueled by a shared goal of betrayal and revenge.
Together, they must orchestrate their own destiny, rewriting the rules of a treacherous game. Their love becomes both their salvation and their greatest battleground, as they navigate the world of contracts and chaos
We are ghosts. Let the haunting begin.
- GenresDark
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2024
43 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 21, 2024
I seriously am obsessing over Shado and Cal, like seriously!
Calista is absolutely incredible and her sassiness is a level 10 and my freaking favorite. I just can't stand it, like a kid in a candy store every time she let's that sass shine! Haha. Brat level to the max.
Shado, even though he had to have a slap from Jesus himself to realize he done fkd up before he realizes where his head needs to be, he is seriously amazing. From the very beginning and all the way through, he always seemed to amaze me. But let's not forget the part where I thought my heart just fell outta my booty...if you know, you know! Ugh. The heart palpitations were rough!
I am loving this series and cannot wait for more!!
Calista is absolutely incredible and her sassiness is a level 10 and my freaking favorite. I just can't stand it, like a kid in a candy store every time she let's that sass shine! Haha. Brat level to the max.
Shado, even though he had to have a slap from Jesus himself to realize he done fkd up before he realizes where his head needs to be, he is seriously amazing. From the very beginning and all the way through, he always seemed to amaze me. But let's not forget the part where I thought my heart just fell outta my booty...if you know, you know! Ugh. The heart palpitations were rough!
I am loving this series and cannot wait for more!!
June 19, 2024
I absolutely loved this. This book completely gives Oliver Queen in Green Arrow vibes if Mr. Queen was really a bad@$$ woman who had so, so much trauma. Seriously, pretty sure I would pay some serious money to watch a show down between Calista and Oliver and she would win, because she's also a 🤏 psychotic 😂.
Calista and Shado.. 🔥🥵😍... Their banter, their spice, their lil bit insanity that comes through and oh how the spice things up!!! I love them! This book has action, suspense, spice, comedy, and is just the beginning of an entire world that I'm so excited to revisit. I cannot wait for the next story! 👀
Calista and Shado.. 🔥🥵😍... Their banter, their spice, their lil bit insanity that comes through and oh how the spice things up!!! I love them! This book has action, suspense, spice, comedy, and is just the beginning of an entire world that I'm so excited to revisit. I cannot wait for the next story! 👀
June 17, 2024
"I will burn this city down for you."- Shado
Oh, Shado. You sure know how to make us swoon! I will say, Monique did it again. Action packed from start to finish. Plenty of spice in between. Watching Calista regain herself was amazing. Shado's growth in opening up was an experience in its self. With an open ending/ semi cliff hanger leading us into the next book, Dancing with the Flames Monique set us up to crave more!
Oh, Shado. You sure know how to make us swoon! I will say, Monique did it again. Action packed from start to finish. Plenty of spice in between. Watching Calista regain herself was amazing. Shado's growth in opening up was an experience in its self. With an open ending/ semi cliff hanger leading us into the next book, Dancing with the Flames Monique set us up to crave more!
June 25, 2024
Ohhh boy this one was more spicy than the last. The twists and turns had me going! I liked how there were new and old characters introduced. I thought it was a great and juicy story.
May 23, 2025
Loved it
Calista and Shado have a quick love for eachother. A small enemies to lovers situation at first, but the bond they grew was amazing. I love how she represents her life with what her father and ex fiance did to her. It shows her resilience and will to live.
Calista and Shado have a quick love for eachother. A small enemies to lovers situation at first, but the bond they grew was amazing. I love how she represents her life with what her father and ex fiance did to her. It shows her resilience and will to live.
June 18, 2024
This book is fantastic. The tension, the spice, the banter is so good.
I absolutely love Calista and Shado. This story is one of revenge, fighting back against trauma, finding one’s self, finding love and finding family all of my favorite things. I absolutely love the glimpses into the society and the interconnection of Everly and her men. Calista is such a strong, brave woman who didn’t let her trauma define her and instead used it to build her strength and get her revenge. While it took time she found trust and love with Shado and allowed him to help her on her mission. She helped him as much as he helped her and I loved every second of it.
I love that we get to see Drake and Cici again. This story is absolutely fantastic and I cannot wait for more in this world
I absolutely love Calista and Shado. This story is one of revenge, fighting back against trauma, finding one’s self, finding love and finding family all of my favorite things. I absolutely love the glimpses into the society and the interconnection of Everly and her men. Calista is such a strong, brave woman who didn’t let her trauma define her and instead used it to build her strength and get her revenge. While it took time she found trust and love with Shado and allowed him to help her on her mission. She helped him as much as he helped her and I loved every second of it.
I love that we get to see Drake and Cici again. This story is absolutely fantastic and I cannot wait for more in this world
Want to read
May 12, 2025This book was AMAZING! I couldn’t put it down! Beautifully written and 100% recommend!!
June 21, 2024
Ok Monique you did it once again had me on the edge of my seat to see what is going to happen within the book. I love everything about this story and the characters and how they are fighting to bring down their family because they had done bad thing in the past and I’m glad she got her vengeance on her poor little daddy and former finance love every part of that death from the book. And then come the spicy that they the main character had and then adding someone into the mix love it. I can’t wait to read the book in the series. Who are the next two teams members.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2025
Such a good intro to the series, I can’t wait to see where the rest of the story goes. Well written and the pace was great, I was hooked!
June 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
🖤 Secret Society
🔪 Un@living
🖤 Bad@$$ FMC
🔪T0rtur3
🖤 He falls fast
🔪 Touch HIM and ☠️
🖤 MF/MFM/FFM/FF Scenes
Monique has done it again. She dipped her toes in the dark romance world with “Flames of Ruin” and now she dove head first and I’m here for it.
The story was well written and the plot well told. The moment I started reading I was hooked. The story and characters suck you in and immerse you into a world of suspense, danger, heroism and love.
We last left Shado in “Flames of Ruin” as he joined forces to help take down his father and the other villains of Edinburgh. Little does he know his next assignment is the very person he saved long ago.
“My assignment may be to kill her, but I have a feeling she is going to be the death of me.”
Calista! She’s literally my favorite FMC ever! She’s a fake no BS tell you like it is with a side of sarcasm. She was betrayed by her father and fiancé and left for dead. Saved by a stranger in the shadows she learns to fight and joins a society that set out to take down the same organizations Drake set out to take down. Their paths will cross and they’ll learn to work together to rid the town of evil.
“Call me Cupid again and I will shove an arrow through your dick.”
In the midst of everything Cal and Shado will have to learn to trust each other and inevitably won’t be able to keep their hands off each other.
“I would walk through the fires of hell to save you again, even if that means I burn for eternity.”
“If I am going to burn, there’s no one I’d rather burn with.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
🖤 Secret Society
🔪 Un@living
🖤 Bad@$$ FMC
🔪T0rtur3
🖤 He falls fast
🔪 Touch HIM and ☠️
🖤 MF/MFM/FFM/FF Scenes
Monique has done it again. She dipped her toes in the dark romance world with “Flames of Ruin” and now she dove head first and I’m here for it.
The story was well written and the plot well told. The moment I started reading I was hooked. The story and characters suck you in and immerse you into a world of suspense, danger, heroism and love.
We last left Shado in “Flames of Ruin” as he joined forces to help take down his father and the other villains of Edinburgh. Little does he know his next assignment is the very person he saved long ago.
“My assignment may be to kill her, but I have a feeling she is going to be the death of me.”
Calista! She’s literally my favorite FMC ever! She’s a fake no BS tell you like it is with a side of sarcasm. She was betrayed by her father and fiancé and left for dead. Saved by a stranger in the shadows she learns to fight and joins a society that set out to take down the same organizations Drake set out to take down. Their paths will cross and they’ll learn to work together to rid the town of evil.
“Call me Cupid again and I will shove an arrow through your dick.”
In the midst of everything Cal and Shado will have to learn to trust each other and inevitably won’t be able to keep their hands off each other.
“I would walk through the fires of hell to save you again, even if that means I burn for eternity.”
“If I am going to burn, there’s no one I’d rather burn with.”
June 26, 2024
We met Shado in the prequel "Flames of ruin" (Drake "the dragon" & Cici) and I think that because of that we get to see more of Calista than him in this book (I'm not sorry when I say I wanted more Shado and his kind of humor).
Rishing from the ashes is really Calista's story because she is announced dead in a fire, but someone saved her and she became a ghost (the phoenix). Now she is seeking revenge from her father and her fiance who is her father's right hand and who tried to kill her.
And there's where Shado appears in her secret society to try to be in her team and secretly working with Drake to get intel about that society.
Their chemistry is brutal and fast, and we get some very sexy moments, and more action than in the prequel because both participate in the kidnapping, unaliving, etc.
Monique likes to make us suffer but it's because she is a great author that she gets us to feel that way (just read her meant to be series and then tell me what you think).
I'm really excited to read the next book between Quinn and... (I don't like spoilers so I won't say his name).
-Thank you Monique for giving me the chance of reading an ARC.-
Rishing from the ashes is really Calista's story because she is announced dead in a fire, but someone saved her and she became a ghost (the phoenix). Now she is seeking revenge from her father and her fiance who is her father's right hand and who tried to kill her.
And there's where Shado appears in her secret society to try to be in her team and secretly working with Drake to get intel about that society.
Their chemistry is brutal and fast, and we get some very sexy moments, and more action than in the prequel because both participate in the kidnapping, unaliving, etc.
Monique likes to make us suffer but it's because she is a great author that she gets us to feel that way (just read her meant to be series and then tell me what you think).
I'm really excited to read the next book between Quinn and... (I don't like spoilers so I won't say his name).
-Thank you Monique for giving me the chance of reading an ARC.-
June 26, 2024
I enjoyed reading more about Shado’s infiltration into The Society and what his mission overall was. It was cool to see the resurrection of Calista, who was left for dead. I enjoy the intricacies of all different elements coming together like the mafia, the dragon, and the society. To see some united by the same objective against The Fourth Circle.
Calista is a kick-ass, determined, and sassy individual who relishes in ending people who hurt innocents. Her overall goal is definitely to get her revenge on her father and put a stop to his dark plans. Her interactions with shadow were entertaining and spicy.
Shado is definitely twisted and shows as much when it comes to Cal. They are a pair of psychos made for each other. Who doesn’t love a man who accompanies his girlfriend on deadly missions 😉
Calista is a kick-ass, determined, and sassy individual who relishes in ending people who hurt innocents. Her overall goal is definitely to get her revenge on her father and put a stop to his dark plans. Her interactions with shadow were entertaining and spicy.
Shado is definitely twisted and shows as much when it comes to Cal. They are a pair of psychos made for each other. Who doesn’t love a man who accompanies his girlfriend on deadly missions 😉
July 23, 2024
Mafia? ✅ Spicy? ✅
Monique Shepherd best author ever? ✅
He was supposed to kill her; but how could he after finding out who she actually was? They were both ghosts; hiding in the shadows trying to make the town a better place. Shado was sent on a mission to join a secret society and take it down; along with getting close to and killing a mafia leaders daughter, Calista. Calista after being in hiding after her father and fiancé tried to kill her she decided to take the training she already had and put it to better use and take down her dad and fiancé once and for all. He saved her and was going to try to end her. She’s ruthless, strong, hardheaded, beautiful and fighting her own traumas until Shado broke down her walls and became her weakness. Will she be able to take down her father and fiancé? Will he take down the society? Will the two ever be able to trust one another?
Monique Shepherd best author ever? ✅
He was supposed to kill her; but how could he after finding out who she actually was? They were both ghosts; hiding in the shadows trying to make the town a better place. Shado was sent on a mission to join a secret society and take it down; along with getting close to and killing a mafia leaders daughter, Calista. Calista after being in hiding after her father and fiancé tried to kill her she decided to take the training she already had and put it to better use and take down her dad and fiancé once and for all. He saved her and was going to try to end her. She’s ruthless, strong, hardheaded, beautiful and fighting her own traumas until Shado broke down her walls and became her weakness. Will she be able to take down her father and fiancé? Will he take down the society? Will the two ever be able to trust one another?
June 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Love is weakness, a distraction; an emotion that will tear your heart out or get you killed”
Aww my sweet sweet bad@$$ Calista! I am just IN love with this story and everything out it! The fact that Monique can also write mafia romance just makes me love her writing even more. This book will have you in so many different emotions and Calista is hands down a feral, fierce lady. She went though so much at a young age in her fathers and fiancé hand and she comes out as a true fighter.
And don’t get me start it on Shado 🥹😈 this guy and his mouth, body and soul is to d1e for. They both fall in love in the most random, perfectly way and they were meant for each other! I cannot wait to read more in this world, Monique did it again, she never disappointments me 🥹❤️🔥.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Love is weakness, a distraction; an emotion that will tear your heart out or get you killed”
Aww my sweet sweet bad@$$ Calista! I am just IN love with this story and everything out it! The fact that Monique can also write mafia romance just makes me love her writing even more. This book will have you in so many different emotions and Calista is hands down a feral, fierce lady. She went though so much at a young age in her fathers and fiancé hand and she comes out as a true fighter.
And don’t get me start it on Shado 🥹😈 this guy and his mouth, body and soul is to d1e for. They both fall in love in the most random, perfectly way and they were meant for each other! I cannot wait to read more in this world, Monique did it again, she never disappointments me 🥹❤️🔥.
June 16, 2024
Rising From The Ashes is book 1 of the Rebirth And Resurrection series and is Shado and Calistas story. Shado was intriguing in the prequel Flames Of Ruin and I knew he would have a chaotic, intense, action filled story with a fierce love interest. I do suggest reading Flames Of Ruin first to familiarize yourself with the characters and circumstances surrounding this world. These characters have all risen from the ashes that were their lives and have come out the other side stronger, more dangerous and unapologetically fierce. All working towards the same goal. I'm excited to see what's next AND to read Everlys story.
June 21, 2024
OMGoodness!!! Hook, line, and sinker from the very first chapter! A new genre from Monique, and she blew it out of the water!!!! Captivating storyline that just keeps pulling you in. Shado and Calista are 🔥 and the spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️!!! You will definitely be invested in their story…I didn’t want the book to end. Monique delivered, and this book is an ABSOLUTE work of art! Can’t wait to read the next in the series and fall even harder into the dark. Don’t sleep on this book and be ready to be entranced!!! OUTSTANDING and EXCEPTIONAL!!!
June 27, 2024
***ARC REVIEW***
Name: Rising from the Ashes
Author: Monique Shepherd
Rate: 4.75 🌟
***Before reading this book please make sure you read Flames of Ruin***
~This book sure has lots of action, and tension, and of course can’t forget the spice. Calista is a strong woman! Even after all she went through. Then we got Shado… OMG!!! The storyline will keep you on your feet, and you will not want to put the book down! It just keeps getting better and better… I can’t wait to read the next book!!!
Name: Rising from the Ashes
Author: Monique Shepherd
Rate: 4.75 🌟
***Before reading this book please make sure you read Flames of Ruin***
~This book sure has lots of action, and tension, and of course can’t forget the spice. Calista is a strong woman! Even after all she went through. Then we got Shado… OMG!!! The storyline will keep you on your feet, and you will not want to put the book down! It just keeps getting better and better… I can’t wait to read the next book!!!
June 28, 2024
This book is soo good. The tension, heat and witty banter is so excellent. I absolutely love Calista and Shado. This story is one of revenge, fighting back against trauma, finding one’s self, finding love and finding family. I enjoyed the addition of Everly and her men. Calista is such an amazing and strong woman who didn’t let her trauma define her and instead used it to build her strength and enact her revenge. I loved the trust she built with Shado and how they helped eachother. I love that we got to see old and new characters. I can’t wait to see where this world goes.
June 19, 2024
The events after Flames Of Ruin which is the prequel to this book. Highly recommend reading that book first. Shado fell in love with Calista. As they both work together to avenged, for what her dad did. Shado who works with Drake Reign was supposed to end her, but couldn't because he loved her. They thought their job was done until a new killer called the Silencer using a combination of drugs and injects women with it, and so now they are on the hunt again to save the city.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2024
Wow! I thought it couldn’t get any better than Cici & Drake’s romance in the prequel but I was completely wrong. 🔥Monique came through when she created Calista, our main female character who’s fierce & sassy.. and Shado, ugh no words. The spice level is off the charts. I absolutely enjoy every single book written by this amazing Author and find them very hard to put down. I seriously cannot wait to read more.
June 23, 2024
4 ⭐️/3 🌶️
I really enjoyed the book and the continuation of the series. I loved that Drake and CiCi were in this book some. I really loved their story. There was not as much character building for Calista and Shado and their relationship. I felt their love was really rushed and not in depth enough for my liking. I still really enjoyed the book. I cannot wait to read the next book. The prequel is still my favorite! ❤️
I really enjoyed the book and the continuation of the series. I loved that Drake and CiCi were in this book some. I really loved their story. There was not as much character building for Calista and Shado and their relationship. I felt their love was really rushed and not in depth enough for my liking. I still really enjoyed the book. I cannot wait to read the next book. The prequel is still my favorite! ❤️
June 22, 2024
SHE DID IT AGAIN! Monique delivered another bingeable book! I knew I liked Shado! If I thought his character in the prequel was good, it was even BETTER in this book. Lies, betrayal, AND revenge? What's not to love? But also add the "you're mine" line and a dirty talking MMC, delicious! I'm excited to see how the series progress with the next book.
June 29, 2024
She did it again 👏🏻 shado and calista are firreeee. So spicy. Definitely spicier than I was expecting haha. Highly recommend reading the prequel for an insight in this world. The story was captivating and I had to know what was happening next! Im VERY interested in the new characters and where that goes! Can’t wait to read the next book.
June 29, 2024
Rising from the Ashes
Very intense story. Love Calista and Shado with their dynamic characters entertwine from before they met. They have an intense chemistry to each other that is totally on fire.
I was so drawn into this story.
I'm defiantly going to reread.
Awesome story Monique Shepherd...
Very intense story. Love Calista and Shado with their dynamic characters entertwine from before they met. They have an intense chemistry to each other that is totally on fire.
I was so drawn into this story.
I'm defiantly going to reread.
Awesome story Monique Shepherd...
June 30, 2024
As much as I loved the prequel, I think I liked this book just as much! I absolutely loved Shado, he is my favorite little psychotic MMC. And Calista completely matches his energy! I loved reading Shado’s background since we met him in the last book and how he begin working with the dragon. Can’t wait for the next one!
July 2, 2024
They are both ghosts, hiding in the shadows and seeking revenge on those who deserve. Shado and Calista are an unlikely pair, but hes saved her and then tried to end her. She's ruthless but he's her weakness.
Make sure you check your triggers. This book has you staying hydrated but needing more.
Make sure you check your triggers. This book has you staying hydrated but needing more.
July 3, 2024
I knew Shado was book material right from the prequel, Flames Of Ruin.. what surprised and enchanted me was Calista! Such a strong resilient female lead! It was a page turner, and I did not stop reading till I reached the end.. so now we wait for the next story which I already know will be outstanding!! Also if u want sme---xyyyy and spicy..you get it here in loads!! Enjoy!!
July 6, 2024
I was so excited to read this after reading the prequel to this series that left me wanting more. This definitely did not disappoint! The characters reel you in and have you not wanting to put this book down. I stayed up until 3 in the morning finishing this book! I normally don’t read this genre but Monique did a beautiful job writing this masterpiece! Cannot wait to see where this series goes❤️
July 16, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. The story between Shado and Calista and acting out revenge on their families. They was a match made in heaven. This story line keeps you on edge and you can't put the book down. I read this book so fast and cannot wait for more. Also loved the fact Drake and Cici made an appearance in it aswell xx
October 1, 2024
Rising from the Ashes is a spicy, dark mafia romance. I really loved this book it was hard to put down but life made me *crying* lol.. I really loved the storyline it kept me hooked. The characters are wonderful. I can't wait to read book 2! If you enjoy morally grey, and touch her and X then this book is for you.
Please read warnings for this book!!
Please read warnings for this book!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews