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Raziel : The Sister. The Fiancée. The Addiction
He’s a king posing as a lackey, bound by a promise. She’s the beautiful disaster determined to break him free.
Raziel Mercier is cold, controlled, and lethal. Bound by a deathbed promise to a woman he’ll never love, he’s built walls around his heart to keep the world out. The last thing he needs is a walking, talking liability with a reckless mouth and eyes that beg for trouble.
Maya is a storm of bad choices and bruised resilience, fighting to stay clean and out of her sister's hair. From the outside, wanting Raziel makes no sense. He’s mean, surly, always judging her, and he has a fiancée. But Maya wants him. She knows the dangerous, possessive man hiding beneath the icy exterior, and she’s not afraid to burn his carefully constructed world to the ground.
Raziel doesn't want to want Maya. But he does. He knows she's trouble. He just doesn't care.
As their explosive obsession ignites, it threatens a fragile empire built on lies. Caught between a sacred vow and a woman who feels like fate, Raziel must honor the promise that chains him or embrace the chaos that could finally set him free.
Raziel Mercier is cold, controlled, and lethal. Bound by a deathbed promise to a woman he’ll never love, he’s built walls around his heart to keep the world out. The last thing he needs is a walking, talking liability with a reckless mouth and eyes that beg for trouble.
Maya is a storm of bad choices and bruised resilience, fighting to stay clean and out of her sister's hair. From the outside, wanting Raziel makes no sense. He’s mean, surly, always judging her, and he has a fiancée. But Maya wants him. She knows the dangerous, possessive man hiding beneath the icy exterior, and she’s not afraid to burn his carefully constructed world to the ground.
Raziel doesn't want to want Maya. But he does. He knows she's trouble. He just doesn't care.
As their explosive obsession ignites, it threatens a fragile empire built on lies. Caught between a sacred vow and a woman who feels like fate, Raziel must honor the promise that chains him or embrace the chaos that could finally set him free.
- GenresSuspense
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2025
98 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 12, 2025
The most basic writing and characters of any book I've read this year. It was a waste of time. I didn't find it that dark.
September 11, 2025
Shantel…. I can’t say enough how I enjoy your work! ❤❤
I loved Maya! Although she was admittedly broken, scarred, lost, and sometimes reckless, she always owned up to her faults. She put everything front and center, never hiding from her truths, like a bad ass! If she is anything she is resilient! When she spotted Raziel, it was like he had a beacon on his person, cause she zoomed in on him for the kill! But he has a fiancée, Maya! What does that have to do with me? 😂 She claimed that man, and she would be damned if he wouldn’t be hers!
Raziel, cold, and menacing on the outside, but he held so much pain, and burden in his heart. He was determined to uphold the promise he made to his mother, understanding that he was breaking his own heart by doing so. Along with the family issues he was having with his father and brother, Raziel’s plate was overflowing. Then this firecracker of a beauty comes along, ready to add one more log to his fiery inferno. He didn’t want to like Maya, to crave her, dream of her, and live in her skin. But he does like her, a lot! She becomes a vice that he couldn’t stay away from and was ready to tear anyone apart who stood in his way of her.
Now, we know that getting to the HEA is like going through battle in a Shantel book, but this one was so worth it! To see Maya slowly break Raziel down, and for him to show her vulnerability was everything! 🥰
I enjoyed the love/hate relationship between Maya and Priest, as they were a whole mess! Mr. Mercier, Raziel’s father came through in a big way. He embraced Maya, as he could see the genuineness in her being, and how she had changed his son. Caine! Well, well, well…. He is a lot like his brother, Raziel, but then not at the same time. He was interesting getting to know, and I am excited to learn more about him a Zia in the next read. Loved this! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
I loved Maya! Although she was admittedly broken, scarred, lost, and sometimes reckless, she always owned up to her faults. She put everything front and center, never hiding from her truths, like a bad ass! If she is anything she is resilient! When she spotted Raziel, it was like he had a beacon on his person, cause she zoomed in on him for the kill! But he has a fiancée, Maya! What does that have to do with me? 😂 She claimed that man, and she would be damned if he wouldn’t be hers!
Raziel, cold, and menacing on the outside, but he held so much pain, and burden in his heart. He was determined to uphold the promise he made to his mother, understanding that he was breaking his own heart by doing so. Along with the family issues he was having with his father and brother, Raziel’s plate was overflowing. Then this firecracker of a beauty comes along, ready to add one more log to his fiery inferno. He didn’t want to like Maya, to crave her, dream of her, and live in her skin. But he does like her, a lot! She becomes a vice that he couldn’t stay away from and was ready to tear anyone apart who stood in his way of her.
Now, we know that getting to the HEA is like going through battle in a Shantel book, but this one was so worth it! To see Maya slowly break Raziel down, and for him to show her vulnerability was everything! 🥰
I enjoyed the love/hate relationship between Maya and Priest, as they were a whole mess! Mr. Mercier, Raziel’s father came through in a big way. He embraced Maya, as he could see the genuineness in her being, and how she had changed his son. Caine! Well, well, well…. He is a lot like his brother, Raziel, but then not at the same time. He was interesting getting to know, and I am excited to learn more about him a Zia in the next read. Loved this! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
September 3, 2025
🥹🥹🥹🥹🔥🔥🔥
Shantel and I go together real bad you hear me. Real freaking bad 🤣🤣. Baby just keep them coming i can't get enough. Ra is so amazing and Maya been through so much and he never saw her as less. I loved them together. Can I get cane like tomorrow babe 🤣. I've read them all and not once had i been disappointed. I was happy he got rid of the rotten fiance.
Shantel and I go together real bad you hear me. Real freaking bad 🤣🤣. Baby just keep them coming i can't get enough. Ra is so amazing and Maya been through so much and he never saw her as less. I loved them together. Can I get cane like tomorrow babe 🤣. I've read them all and not once had i been disappointed. I was happy he got rid of the rotten fiance.
September 4, 2025
Always pure 🔥
Shantel Davis stays on my neck. My poor eyes can’t keep up lol. I loved everything about this book. The love was always there you could just feel it. Maya was a brave spit fire and Raziel was unhinged just like I like them. I can’t wait for Caine.
Shantel Davis stays on my neck. My poor eyes can’t keep up lol. I loved everything about this book. The love was always there you could just feel it. Maya was a brave spit fire and Raziel was unhinged just like I like them. I can’t wait for Caine.
October 12, 2025
I read it in one night!
Hello 3 AM!
This book was so good! It was fasted paced without the story dragging on with backstory and long details. We love a good dual POV. Maya and Razeil were definitely addicted to each other. For fans of BWWM mafia romance=perfection.
There were some dark themes, but I would expect nothing less from a man who is addicted to the very air his woman breathes.
I will be reading more from this author. Thank you for such a great book
Hello 3 AM!
This book was so good! It was fasted paced without the story dragging on with backstory and long details. We love a good dual POV. Maya and Razeil were definitely addicted to each other. For fans of BWWM mafia romance=perfection.
There were some dark themes, but I would expect nothing less from a man who is addicted to the very air his woman breathes.
I will be reading more from this author. Thank you for such a great book
November 24, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ Maya chased that damn man to much. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other but it still kept me entertained
December 11, 2025
Tropes: Mafia Romance, Dark, Opposites, Cheating, Heroine pursues Hero, Mental Health Issues
Raziel: The Sister. The Fiancée. The Addiction by Shantel Davis is a part of a trilogy and inhabits the world of Priest: The Wife. The Mistress. The Ruin. Readers can actually thank Maya for being an unwitting matchmaker for her sister Miyori and irrational crime boss, Priest Vale. When readers last saw Maya, she was assisting Priest with his courtship of Miyori and had paved the way for their eventual reunion. What we didn’t know was that Maya had more fragmented places than we could imagine. She is still struggling with substance abuse issues and is in the throes of an unrequited (?) attraction for one of Priest’s associates, Raziel Mercier. Unlike Caine (we will get to him in due time) Raziel doesn’t appear in the previous book, so we must learn about him as he appears in the story. It appears that everyone knows that Maya has feelings for Raziel; she is bubbly and open and determined to make better choices! However, it is harder to determine mean ole Raziel’s affection AND he has complications galore. He is engaged (yes, he has a whole fiancée); however, his loyalty is only to an oath he made to his dying mother as she asked him to marry her best friend’s daughter. In addition, he is estranged from his family, won’t speak to his older half-brother, and has turned his back on his father’s empire. We can see him struggling with Maya’s place in his life; his pull-push treatment of her is dizzying. What if he pushes her too far one day, beyond the point of no return?
Conclusion:
I can’t say that I have read ALL of Ms. Davis’s books, but I have read a fair amount. I can honestly say that each book is uniquely entertaining! The two main characters in this book are damaged by circumstances and by life; and even with a supportive older sister, as a young lady (late teens) Maya fell through the cracks and needed saving. Raziel has a lot in common with Priest; however, we eventually see that he has a core of decency, honor and kindness that is not readily visible. It was very moving to learn some of the details of Maya’s seemingly random regard for Raziel; he was worth the chase. This book was extremely enjoyable, and I loved catching up with Priest and Miyori. I especially liked Raziel’s very formidable but astute father; his relationship with Maya was too cute. Caine, Raziel’s older brother is next in the trilogy and I can’t wait to dive in!
Favorite Lines:
Miyori had spent her life protecting everybody. She needed a protector.
He was still crazy and possessive—that didn’t change.
She always smiled like that—like she was trying to win a beauty contest no one else entered.
She was drawn to things—and people—that were bad for her.
This was the last time his ass got a chance to humiliate me.
She plays it cool, but she’s got regrets she can’t shake, and shame she won’t name.
Deserved to feel wanted out loud, not just in those quiet moments when no one was watching.
I didn’t move. Because something akin to fear held me in place. What did she mean, expiration date?
Everything about him made me crave.
This was my fault. I’d actually wanted his attention—just not this much, not after the incident at the club.
“I do,” Caine said,
https://theretiredreader.com/f/raziel...
Raziel: The Sister. The Fiancée. The Addiction by Shantel Davis is a part of a trilogy and inhabits the world of Priest: The Wife. The Mistress. The Ruin. Readers can actually thank Maya for being an unwitting matchmaker for her sister Miyori and irrational crime boss, Priest Vale. When readers last saw Maya, she was assisting Priest with his courtship of Miyori and had paved the way for their eventual reunion. What we didn’t know was that Maya had more fragmented places than we could imagine. She is still struggling with substance abuse issues and is in the throes of an unrequited (?) attraction for one of Priest’s associates, Raziel Mercier. Unlike Caine (we will get to him in due time) Raziel doesn’t appear in the previous book, so we must learn about him as he appears in the story. It appears that everyone knows that Maya has feelings for Raziel; she is bubbly and open and determined to make better choices! However, it is harder to determine mean ole Raziel’s affection AND he has complications galore. He is engaged (yes, he has a whole fiancée); however, his loyalty is only to an oath he made to his dying mother as she asked him to marry her best friend’s daughter. In addition, he is estranged from his family, won’t speak to his older half-brother, and has turned his back on his father’s empire. We can see him struggling with Maya’s place in his life; his pull-push treatment of her is dizzying. What if he pushes her too far one day, beyond the point of no return?
Conclusion:
I can’t say that I have read ALL of Ms. Davis’s books, but I have read a fair amount. I can honestly say that each book is uniquely entertaining! The two main characters in this book are damaged by circumstances and by life; and even with a supportive older sister, as a young lady (late teens) Maya fell through the cracks and needed saving. Raziel has a lot in common with Priest; however, we eventually see that he has a core of decency, honor and kindness that is not readily visible. It was very moving to learn some of the details of Maya’s seemingly random regard for Raziel; he was worth the chase. This book was extremely enjoyable, and I loved catching up with Priest and Miyori. I especially liked Raziel’s very formidable but astute father; his relationship with Maya was too cute. Caine, Raziel’s older brother is next in the trilogy and I can’t wait to dive in!
Favorite Lines:
Miyori had spent her life protecting everybody. She needed a protector.
He was still crazy and possessive—that didn’t change.
She always smiled like that—like she was trying to win a beauty contest no one else entered.
She was drawn to things—and people—that were bad for her.
This was the last time his ass got a chance to humiliate me.
She plays it cool, but she’s got regrets she can’t shake, and shame she won’t name.
Deserved to feel wanted out loud, not just in those quiet moments when no one was watching.
I didn’t move. Because something akin to fear held me in place. What did she mean, expiration date?
Everything about him made me crave.
This was my fault. I’d actually wanted his attention—just not this much, not after the incident at the club.
“I do,” Caine said,
https://theretiredreader.com/f/raziel...
September 5, 2025
All the emotions
Such a wonderful conclusion to Miyori and Maya’s stories. The story seriously gave all the emotions. While reading this book, I listen to Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton, (which reminded me of Ra), Desert Eagle by Beyoncé, No Broke Boys by Tinashe, Ordinary by Alex Warren, and enough crying by Mary J. Blige craziest part about it is is that this is my playlist and it fit every single emotion in the last two chapters plus the epilogue.
Maya and Ra's history is just so poetic and they have this hard passion.
Major applause to the author. There were a couple of errors that did bother me, but there’s so my knew that others won’t see it.
Additional applause to representing Florida. I’ve currently lived in Florida now for 20 years and I’ve only read three authors that represent it so well.
Happy reading and wine drinking
Such a wonderful conclusion to Miyori and Maya’s stories. The story seriously gave all the emotions. While reading this book, I listen to Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton, (which reminded me of Ra), Desert Eagle by Beyoncé, No Broke Boys by Tinashe, Ordinary by Alex Warren, and enough crying by Mary J. Blige craziest part about it is is that this is my playlist and it fit every single emotion in the last two chapters plus the epilogue.
Maya and Ra's history is just so poetic and they have this hard passion.
Major applause to the author. There were a couple of errors that did bother me, but there’s so my knew that others won’t see it.
Additional applause to representing Florida. I’ve currently lived in Florida now for 20 years and I’ve only read three authors that represent it so well.
Happy reading and wine drinking
September 15, 2025
Every time I read a book by Shantel Davis I am absolutely amazed. Her characters are always great and complicated and I love the way that the drama unfolds. Raziel was no different. It is the follow up to priest, which I absolutely loved. I love Raziel and Maya’s story especially because we got a peek at Maya in the first book. I love how toxic they are separately, but when they come together, the toxicity is just amazing. The spice in this book is off the charts and I highly recommend this after reading Priest of course.
August 31, 2025
10 Stars!
I loved it!
It took me a couple of pages before I realized this book was the story of Miyori's formerly drug-addicted sister Maya whose life she saved when she said yes to Priest's proposition.
This story does not disappoint and has now knocked 'The Maid' off it's throne, it's now my second favorite book from Shantel. Highly, highly Recommended: Read It!
Coming Soon: Caine
I loved it!
It took me a couple of pages before I realized this book was the story of Miyori's formerly drug-addicted sister Maya whose life she saved when she said yes to Priest's proposition.
This story does not disappoint and has now knocked 'The Maid' off it's throne, it's now my second favorite book from Shantel. Highly, highly Recommended: Read It!
Coming Soon: Caine
December 27, 2025
This book was so good and Shantel seriously does not miss because the writing ate as always. I loved the tension, the messiness, and how emotionally addicting this story was. I will say the ending felt a little slow for me but honestly it didn’t ruin anything. I still loved it and was fully invested the whole time. Shantel can WRITE write and I will absolutely be continuing this series because I’m hooked.
August 30, 2025
another banger
I enjoy the story and the twist and turns you don’t see coming. There were a few errors with names and punctuation however, it didn’t distract from the story if you were paying attention. I would definitely advise to have the work proofread. However, I enjoyed every bit of it. I love the chaos and the beauty. I cannot wait for the spinoff.
I enjoy the story and the twist and turns you don’t see coming. There were a few errors with names and punctuation however, it didn’t distract from the story if you were paying attention. I would definitely advise to have the work proofread. However, I enjoyed every bit of it. I love the chaos and the beauty. I cannot wait for the spinoff.
September 4, 2025
Just wow
Shantel Davis, you did it again. I loved everything about this and even woke up early in the morning to finish reading.
yes, they were toxic, but it was more manageable compared to the last book. They had moments of vulnerability, trust, drama, and everything that you want in between.
Shantel Davis, you did it again. I loved everything about this and even woke up early in the morning to finish reading.
yes, they were toxic, but it was more manageable compared to the last book. They had moments of vulnerability, trust, drama, and everything that you want in between.
September 9, 2025
This was so messy and I loved it. A fun read.
The FMC was hilarious and unashamed. I love that she didn't make things easy on the MMC when he got disrespectful.
The spicy scenes were very hot however, they were a little too centered on the MMC...a lot of straight to PIV with not a hint of foreplay. The only foreplay in the whole book was her doing something to him.
The FMC was hilarious and unashamed. I love that she didn't make things easy on the MMC when he got disrespectful.
The spicy scenes were very hot however, they were a little too centered on the MMC...a lot of straight to PIV with not a hint of foreplay. The only foreplay in the whole book was her doing something to him.
September 25, 2025
Enjoyable
I liked this story. This book was really hard to put down. I enjoyed the main characters and the journey, the twists and turns and the unexpected truths. I can't recall any noticeable type-o's, usually a major turn off. If you decide to read this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I liked this story. This book was really hard to put down. I enjoyed the main characters and the journey, the twists and turns and the unexpected truths. I can't recall any noticeable type-o's, usually a major turn off. If you decide to read this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
December 29, 2025
Book 2 🤔🤔🤔
I liked book 1 more then I did this one but I like the feel of both books to an extent both books need more descriptions and depiction longer dialectical responses when corresponding between characters places and scenes otherwise this book (these books) would be brilliant in to book 3
I liked book 1 more then I did this one but I like the feel of both books to an extent both books need more descriptions and depiction longer dialectical responses when corresponding between characters places and scenes otherwise this book (these books) would be brilliant in to book 3
September 1, 2025
Whew
Listen, babeee... This 1 right here, between him and Priest smh... Great story line Lots of depth between the characters and seeing the other characters making appearance enhanced the storyline.. Waiting on Caine....
Listen, babeee... This 1 right here, between him and Priest smh... Great story line Lots of depth between the characters and seeing the other characters making appearance enhanced the storyline.. Waiting on Caine....
September 2, 2025
MS. DAVIS WITH ANOTHER CERTIFIED CLASSIC
While I was onboard with Miyori and Priest Raziel and Maya are my new favs for the win! From the meeting to the tension it was all I wanted in a mafia book and more!
While I was onboard with Miyori and Priest Raziel and Maya are my new favs for the win! From the meeting to the tension it was all I wanted in a mafia book and more!
September 22, 2025
Raziel and Maya!
Miss SD never misses. I wanted more of this couple! Raziel did not play about his woman. Maya was crazy as hell. We got updates on Priest and Miyori. Sneak peak on Caine’s upcoming book. Great read!
Miss SD never misses. I wanted more of this couple! Raziel did not play about his woman. Maya was crazy as hell. We got updates on Priest and Miyori. Sneak peak on Caine’s upcoming book. Great read!
September 30, 2025
I just didn't liked them. Both Maya and Raziel where annoying has fuck
How are saying you do whatever you want but still be engaged to somebody you don't what to be! and call yourself mafia? ok.
Maya would thrive in a early 00's tv show
How are saying you do whatever you want but still be engaged to somebody you don't what to be! and call yourself mafia? ok.
Maya would thrive in a early 00's tv show
December 17, 2025
Great read
This author makes you rethink the benefits of a toxic relationship and I'm all here for it! I like how her writing seems to customize itself dependent on the charectors she highlights...
This author makes you rethink the benefits of a toxic relationship and I'm all here for it! I like how her writing seems to customize itself dependent on the charectors she highlights...
December 22, 2025
Meant To Be…
Maya was wanted Raziel, even though he had a whole fiancée… She thought he didn’t like her, but far ftom it, he was actually craving her , loving her obsession for him… Later he will find out there was more to it.
Maya was a complicated girl, not your typical next door girl…
Anyway, there are so many twists and turns…
Loving the series👍
Maya was wanted Raziel, even though he had a whole fiancée… She thought he didn’t like her, but far ftom it, he was actually craving her , loving her obsession for him… Later he will find out there was more to it.
Maya was a complicated girl, not your typical next door girl…
Anyway, there are so many twists and turns…
Loving the series👍
December 25, 2025
Eu estou completamente apaixonada pela escrita dessa autora, meu Deus, que livro foi esse?
A Maya é intensa demais, Raziel é de uma intensidade, possessividade, ciúmes que não tem igual, confesso que achei ele mais contido que o Priest, mas, não fica muito atrás.
A Maya é intensa demais, Raziel é de uma intensidade, possessividade, ciúmes que não tem igual, confesso que achei ele mais contido que o Priest, mas, não fica muito atrás.
February 19, 2026
Excellent
A very good read, rich full addictive storytelling with full believable and engaging characters. I was so cheering them on. I can't wait to read the next book. I recommend.
A very good read, rich full addictive storytelling with full believable and engaging characters. I was so cheering them on. I can't wait to read the next book. I recommend.
August 30, 2025
Raziel & Maya
Shantel Davis never disappoints. I love each and every one of her books. Can’t wait for the next one to drop.
Shantel Davis never disappoints. I love each and every one of her books. Can’t wait for the next one to drop.
August 31, 2025
I Maya was crazier than Raziel.
September 5, 2025
I liked it
Some of the names were mixed up so it was confusing sometimes. But great story. I loved Raziel. I def loved Cain. I loved Raziel’s dad too.
Some of the names were mixed up so it was confusing sometimes. But great story. I loved Raziel. I def loved Cain. I loved Raziel’s dad too.
September 6, 2025
Amazing!
Shantel has me addicted to her books! Read this one in the middle of the night because I could not put it down.
Shantel has me addicted to her books! Read this one in the middle of the night because I could not put it down.
September 29, 2025
🤔😊😋
This author gives toxicity and love within a relationship then has the nerve to make them relationship goals, I love her books, always on TBR list.
This author gives toxicity and love within a relationship then has the nerve to make them relationship goals, I love her books, always on TBR list.
December 12, 2025
Avid Reader
All I can say is WOW. Can’t wait for the next episode. I love reading this authors and I recommend reading more of her work.
All I can say is WOW. Can’t wait for the next episode. I love reading this authors and I recommend reading more of her work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews