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Ex- Factor
Six months ago, Eshe walked away from the man who nearly broke her—and she’s been rebuilding herself ever since. New job. New number. New hair. New rules.
Donte was her first love. Her first lesson in heartbreak. Her biggest mistake.
Silas? Silas is temptation in slow motion. Intense. Unapologetic. And nothing like her usual type... except he sees her. Really sees her.
Silas has spent his adult life running from a toxic legacy. He knows he’s not fit for a relationship—but the moment he sees Eshe, he knows she’s the one. And her ex? A fool for letting her go. Silas is used to getting what he wants, and what he wants is her. He’s charming, persistent, and hiding pain just as deep as hers. But he’s working on it. Like really working on it.
When a Super Bowl pre-game turns into an unexpected entanglement, Eshe’s carefully reconstructed life starts to blur. Silas isn’t just a friend like she tries to pretend he is—he’s the man who listens when she speaks and chases her when she runs. And he’s willing to face every ghost in her closet... and throw hands with her ex if she wants him to.
But healing isn’t linear. And love never promised to be easy.
Book ONE- Sessions 33
Book TWO- Broken Clocks
Donte was her first love. Her first lesson in heartbreak. Her biggest mistake.
Silas? Silas is temptation in slow motion. Intense. Unapologetic. And nothing like her usual type... except he sees her. Really sees her.
Silas has spent his adult life running from a toxic legacy. He knows he’s not fit for a relationship—but the moment he sees Eshe, he knows she’s the one. And her ex? A fool for letting her go. Silas is used to getting what he wants, and what he wants is her. He’s charming, persistent, and hiding pain just as deep as hers. But he’s working on it. Like really working on it.
When a Super Bowl pre-game turns into an unexpected entanglement, Eshe’s carefully reconstructed life starts to blur. Silas isn’t just a friend like she tries to pretend he is—he’s the man who listens when she speaks and chases her when she runs. And he’s willing to face every ghost in her closet... and throw hands with her ex if she wants him to.
But healing isn’t linear. And love never promised to be easy.
Book ONE- Sessions 33
Book TWO- Broken Clocks
- GenresFriends To Lovers
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
70 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 11, 2025
I read this is one sitting. I loved Silas’ growth and character development. He was so patient with Eshe and spoke openly about how he felt every step of the way. Equally, I loved how Eshe worked on herself after all the mess with Donte. I enjoyed how tender the story was. How the romance build.
Loved it!
Loved it!
September 26, 2025
Shantel is my bf in my head
I go this woman’s fb sometimes to just tell her how she keeps me from doing my duties in my home when these books drop. Never. And I mean never have I ever been disappointed with one of her books. That’s RARE! and to end it with that bonus!!!!! Please girl I pray your fingers never cramp cause I want that book neoooooowwwww!
I go this woman’s fb sometimes to just tell her how she keeps me from doing my duties in my home when these books drop. Never. And I mean never have I ever been disappointed with one of her books. That’s RARE! and to end it with that bonus!!!!! Please girl I pray your fingers never cramp cause I want that book neoooooowwwww!
September 12, 2025
Perfection 👌🏾
I loved the growth of these two. The wanting better for each other was pure love. Now I can't wait for Ekon and Fallon. I know Shantel has some ish up her sleeves. I'm so here for it.
I loved the growth of these two. The wanting better for each other was pure love. Now I can't wait for Ekon and Fallon. I know Shantel has some ish up her sleeves. I'm so here for it.
September 14, 2025
Silas supplied much of the comedic relief in Session 33, from claiming Angel and Cassius’s son as his own to seducing Cassius’s girlfriend so that Cassius could break up with her without too much drama. Silas is irreverent, silly, and loyal to a fault. However, Ex- Factor by Shantel Davis shows Silas in another light; even a clownish exterior can hide darkness, an ocean of tears, and a world of hurt. Silas has encountered Eshe several times in their shared city and realizes she is “the one”. With an incredible level of maturity, the “new” Silas sees the pain in her eyes, and he gives Eshe time and the needed healing to bring them together, but only when Eshe is ready to love again! Le sigh. The Eshe we see in Ex-Factor is legions stronger than her previous self; she has moved past the toxicity of her Donte days and appreciates her self-worth. Is she ready to dive into a relationship? Hmmm, maybe. She is still skittish from the fallout of life with a narcissist but is gradually opening to the idea of at least companionship. However, when Silas is invited to her house as a part of her current friend group, she is not prepared for him to declare low-key that they are meant to be together. Silas is ecstatic to find himself in Eshe’s orbit (trust the universe) and he simply decides to never leave 😊. I don’t have enough descriptive words to say how much I enjoyed Silas as a character. I think I laughed more at and with him than I have at any of Ms. Davis other male leads (shhh don’t tell DeMarco). Silas was incredibly sweet, slightly daft and wholly lovable. Eshe complemented him with the ferocity of her love and strong support. I loved everything about this book. The epilogue was also amazing as it indicated that readers might get a story involving the offspring of our two couples. Awesome story!!!
Favorite Lines:
Found families mattered too.
If I could have play-play cousins he could have a play-play son and baby moms.
Because lying didn't get me anything worth keeping, so I stopped.
Because in some deep, dormant part of me, I was waiting.
I smiled at the rising sun, feeling a sense of calm, I hadn’t known in years. Eshe felt like a fresh start.
The ones who loves you out loud, even when you try to make it hard.
Guilt sat in my throat. Because he was being so vulnerable and emotionally intelligent, and I was playing in his face.
I loved that he loved a Black woman’s son like he was his own.
I understand what it means to swoon now.
Why is God throwing Exes at me like dodgeball?
I wish you healing and closure for real. But don’t talk to me like I’m in the same situation you were.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/ex--fa...
Favorite Lines:
Found families mattered too.
If I could have play-play cousins he could have a play-play son and baby moms.
Because lying didn't get me anything worth keeping, so I stopped.
Because in some deep, dormant part of me, I was waiting.
I smiled at the rising sun, feeling a sense of calm, I hadn’t known in years. Eshe felt like a fresh start.
The ones who loves you out loud, even when you try to make it hard.
Guilt sat in my throat. Because he was being so vulnerable and emotionally intelligent, and I was playing in his face.
I loved that he loved a Black woman’s son like he was his own.
I understand what it means to swoon now.
Why is God throwing Exes at me like dodgeball?
I wish you healing and closure for real. But don’t talk to me like I’m in the same situation you were.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/ex--fa...
September 13, 2025
I knew that this read would be fire, and you did not disappoint! Although Eshe was moving on with her life after that ish show with Donte, thoughts still remain as to why! She did everything right and still got the short end of the stick in the relationship. Hosting a Superbowl party would change it all.
Silas has been waiting patiently for his opportunity to pursue Eshe. He knows nothing about relationships, but he knows for sure that she is his! When he shows up to the party and sees Eshe, it is full speed ahead. He turns on the charm, flirts, and can't stop touching her. Then he's just there, hanging out at her house, making himself known. 😜🤣
Eshe is not ready for any of this especially while still healing from her recent heartbreak. But she doesn't push him away or kick him out. She allows him to stay, and plant seeds that this thing between them is real and is happening. She's scared of moving too fast and causing herself more pain, but there is something about him. he understands her in a way no one else ever has. Now she does give him the run around for a bit but finally gets herself together.
Silas! I loved seeing him grow and mature. His personality or "duality" as Eshe liked to call it, was like watching a ping pong match sometimes. He could go from zero to a thousand in a minute flat. However, he did know that he had trauma and took the necessary steps by seeing Dr. Bailey on a regular basis. His love for Eshe was always front and center, and he gave her the space (well, as much as Silas could) 🤣 to meet him and push this thing forward.
I enjoyed the friend group that encouraged and supported the couple, as it was so needed. That epilogue tho.... Akon and Fallon. What is up with that? 👀 I know you have another banger brewing, so I'll just have to wait and see. 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Silas has been waiting patiently for his opportunity to pursue Eshe. He knows nothing about relationships, but he knows for sure that she is his! When he shows up to the party and sees Eshe, it is full speed ahead. He turns on the charm, flirts, and can't stop touching her. Then he's just there, hanging out at her house, making himself known. 😜🤣
Eshe is not ready for any of this especially while still healing from her recent heartbreak. But she doesn't push him away or kick him out. She allows him to stay, and plant seeds that this thing between them is real and is happening. She's scared of moving too fast and causing herself more pain, but there is something about him. he understands her in a way no one else ever has. Now she does give him the run around for a bit but finally gets herself together.
Silas! I loved seeing him grow and mature. His personality or "duality" as Eshe liked to call it, was like watching a ping pong match sometimes. He could go from zero to a thousand in a minute flat. However, he did know that he had trauma and took the necessary steps by seeing Dr. Bailey on a regular basis. His love for Eshe was always front and center, and he gave her the space (well, as much as Silas could) 🤣 to meet him and push this thing forward.
I enjoyed the friend group that encouraged and supported the couple, as it was so needed. That epilogue tho.... Akon and Fallon. What is up with that? 👀 I know you have another banger brewing, so I'll just have to wait and see. 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
October 3, 2025
BEST SHANTEL DAVIS SERIES!!
let me start by saying that we get to this 5 years after Session 33!! 5 YEARS!! so when I see a different Silas, I believe it! He goes to therapy! HE SAYS TO ESHE "SET BOUNDARIES FOR ME!!" HE RESPECT HER SPACE (more or less)!!
it was just really nice!! unlike the other series, they start by understanding each other, talking! I love how Silas is brutally honest with Eshe, and how Eshe recognizes his reassurement needs instead of manipulating it!
we got so many nice family found moments! it's beautiful to see!
I love that both them are kinda squatters in each house! BC THEY JUST CAN'T BE APART FROM EACH OTHER!!!!!
I'll comeback to read this book just so I can read the scene when Donte "pushes" Silas! gotta love the goofy hot guys
What I really missed in this books was the kids and Naomi! Naomi is Angel's best friend and suddenly she never around for reason that we never get to understand, and instead of a trio we have more of a duo! Even the pedi end up being just Angel and Eshe! I WANTED A TRIO!!!!!!!!
Also with the bonus (I TRYING TO BREATH SLOWLY BC I STILL NEED TO WAIT), would have been ja really good opportunity to get more intel about the kids! I don't even remember Naomi's baby name!
But this book kinda ends my Shantel Davis binge! I'll come back for the standalones in the near future. But it was a nice ride!
"You don't have to thank me. We chose each other."
let me start by saying that we get to this 5 years after Session 33!! 5 YEARS!! so when I see a different Silas, I believe it! He goes to therapy! HE SAYS TO ESHE "SET BOUNDARIES FOR ME!!" HE RESPECT HER SPACE (more or less)!!
it was just really nice!! unlike the other series, they start by understanding each other, talking! I love how Silas is brutally honest with Eshe, and how Eshe recognizes his reassurement needs instead of manipulating it!
we got so many nice family found moments! it's beautiful to see!
I love that both them are kinda squatters in each house! BC THEY JUST CAN'T BE APART FROM EACH OTHER!!!!!
I'll comeback to read this book just so I can read the scene when Donte "pushes" Silas! gotta love the goofy hot guys
What I really missed in this books was the kids and Naomi! Naomi is Angel's best friend and suddenly she never around for reason that we never get to understand, and instead of a trio we have more of a duo! Even the pedi end up being just Angel and Eshe! I WANTED A TRIO!!!!!!!!
Also with the bonus (I TRYING TO BREATH SLOWLY BC I STILL NEED TO WAIT), would have been ja really good opportunity to get more intel about the kids! I don't even remember Naomi's baby name!
But this book kinda ends my Shantel Davis binge! I'll come back for the standalones in the near future. But it was a nice ride!
"You don't have to thank me. We chose each other."
December 14, 2025
😍😍😍Silas the Great
The title does not do this book justice- Shantel Davis penned a multi layered story arc, with fully developed MCs & supporting side characters in a compelling novel. This is easily one of her best books!!! Just a delightful blend of humor artfully weaved in a tale of complex, heartbreaking parental issues😰, betrayal, failed past relationships, & new found passionate❤. The two MCs, Silas & Eshe found their path to each other through pure love, determination & resilience and held fast to each other through the good & the curve balls, life likes to throw at us😘. Silas is a complex, alphalicious, living dream of a man. He found his person in Eshe and he held on tight - swoon😉 She saw all of him & accepted his flaws, broken parts & his innate human goodness😍The ✍️s words sum it up perfectly (" Then I kissed her—not waiting for permission. It wasn’t a fairy tale. It was better. It was ours".) I was particularly moved by his father- son relationship with Angel's baby- Ekon & the Bonus episode was the chef's 💋 Happy reading🍷
The title does not do this book justice- Shantel Davis penned a multi layered story arc, with fully developed MCs & supporting side characters in a compelling novel. This is easily one of her best books!!! Just a delightful blend of humor artfully weaved in a tale of complex, heartbreaking parental issues😰, betrayal, failed past relationships, & new found passionate❤. The two MCs, Silas & Eshe found their path to each other through pure love, determination & resilience and held fast to each other through the good & the curve balls, life likes to throw at us😘. Silas is a complex, alphalicious, living dream of a man. He found his person in Eshe and he held on tight - swoon😉 She saw all of him & accepted his flaws, broken parts & his innate human goodness😍The ✍️s words sum it up perfectly (" Then I kissed her—not waiting for permission. It wasn’t a fairy tale. It was better. It was ours".) I was particularly moved by his father- son relationship with Angel's baby- Ekon & the Bonus episode was the chef's 💋 Happy reading🍷
October 8, 2025
Silas did the work he needed to get prepared for his wife. And Eshe did what she needed to do to work and move past her traumatic past. The two of them shared a beautiful story full of pain and healing and beauty that many can relate to. I love how Silas gave Eshe time and space to heal and how Eshe never judged Silas but shared her boundaries and gave him the love and understanding he needed.
Now what’s this thing with Ekon & Fallon… 🫣
Now what’s this thing with Ekon & Fallon… 🫣
November 4, 2025
SILAS!!! Oh my gosh, this book had so many highlights for me. Silas is that man you think isn’t serious until he proves he absolutely is. Eshe never stood a chance.
The story flows with ease. It’s a love story without unnecessary drama between the two leads. The exes bring all the mess, while Silas and Eshe make a clear choice to be solid with each other. That felt refreshing and real.
10/10. Absolutely recommend.
The story flows with ease. It’s a love story without unnecessary drama between the two leads. The exes bring all the mess, while Silas and Eshe make a clear choice to be solid with each other. That felt refreshing and real.
10/10. Absolutely recommend.
September 13, 2025
wow another one with another banger coming at the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the others.silas and eshe finally getting their forever was so beautiful and especially eshe telling off that jealous supposed friend and that selfish ex. I don’t know why I was shocked at the added bonus when I knew you wasn’t done .im so ready for this next book can’t wait 😘
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the others.silas and eshe finally getting their forever was so beautiful and especially eshe telling off that jealous supposed friend and that selfish ex. I don’t know why I was shocked at the added bonus when I knew you wasn’t done .im so ready for this next book can’t wait 😘
September 14, 2025
hmmmmm
This story was slow and steady. I enjoyed the slow build of their relationship. I got to see the beauty in each character and to see them to show up for each other. I loved when they addressed the past while making space for the present. I felt the love plant itself and bloom. I would recommend this read.
This story was slow and steady. I enjoyed the slow build of their relationship. I got to see the beauty in each character and to see them to show up for each other. I loved when they addressed the past while making space for the present. I felt the love plant itself and bloom. I would recommend this read.
September 20, 2025
Wow
There is no words To describe the ending of Eshe's story it was actually putting pieces of a puzzle together the right way and And that Silas, he was all that and then some and confident with who he was in Eshe's life...
The story didn't feel rushed It felt complete even though they both were damaged Being together made them whole... Great story...
There is no words To describe the ending of Eshe's story it was actually putting pieces of a puzzle together the right way and And that Silas, he was all that and then some and confident with who he was in Eshe's life...
The story didn't feel rushed It felt complete even though they both were damaged Being together made them whole... Great story...
September 17, 2025
Now THIS is much better. Real character development! Great pacing with the relationship. I loved Silas. He went to therapy and made real progress. I liked the progression of both the story and the romance. This was good.
September 12, 2025
This was so good yet strange and dark and hard to put down.
October 5, 2025
so good
I could not have asked for a better ending. As always amazing storyline and characters. Ms Davis knows how write an engaging story that keeps readers guessing. I love it
I could not have asked for a better ending. As always amazing storyline and characters. Ms Davis knows how write an engaging story that keeps readers guessing. I love it
October 17, 2025
Heart eyes 😍
Out of all the couples, Silas & Eshe takes the cake. I just loved everything about them. Therapy was the best thing for Silas. Im so happy Eshe finally got away from Donte.
That prequel was tough to read but I pushed through.
Overall I give this book 9/10. I enjoyed it very much. A relief from Angel and Cassius crazy selves lol.
Now my only confusion is the end.
Fallon is Eshe & Silas daughter but she is 10 years younger than
I love a cute age gap to an extent but this one not making sense to me because Ekon was still a toddler when Eshe was preggers with Fallon. So I’m confused on how they’re so apart from each other.
I only mentioned age gap because from the dialogue it’s given hate to love romance lol.
Out of all the couples, Silas & Eshe takes the cake. I just loved everything about them. Therapy was the best thing for Silas. Im so happy Eshe finally got away from Donte.
That prequel was tough to read but I pushed through.
Overall I give this book 9/10. I enjoyed it very much. A relief from Angel and Cassius crazy selves lol.
Now my only confusion is the end.
Fallon is Eshe & Silas daughter but she is 10 years younger than
I love a cute age gap to an extent but this one not making sense to me because Ekon was still a toddler when Eshe was preggers with Fallon. So I’m confused on how they’re so apart from each other.
I only mentioned age gap because from the dialogue it’s given hate to love romance lol.
November 22, 2025
Love through healing
This was an a great , short read. The right amount of drama, tension, and sexiness. I didn't want it to end.
This was an a great , short read. The right amount of drama, tension, and sexiness. I didn't want it to end.
September 23, 2025
Book Review: Ex-Factor by Shantel Davis ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shantel Davis does it again! Ex-Factor was everything I wanted and more. From the very first page, I was pulled into Eshe’s journey of heartbreak, healing, and rediscovering her worth. Watching her rebuild her life piece by piece felt so raw and relatable and then came Silas.
Silas is the kind of hero that makes you stay up all night flipping pages. Intense, persistent, protective, and yet carrying his own quiet pain, he is absolutely unforgettable. I am so excited that Silas finally has his own book, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. He doesn’t just see Eshe, he sees her, and their slow-burn tension and emotional honesty made my heart ache in the best way.
The mix of angst, healing, and romance in this story was beautifully balanced. Eshe’s toxic ex brought the drama, but Silas brought the kind of love that feels like a safe place to land. This book is messy, real, and deeply moving a reminder that love after heartbreak is possible, even when the path to healing isn’t linear.
If you love second chances, protective heroes, and heroines who rise stronger after heartbreak, Ex-Factor is a must-read.
Shantel Davis does it again! Ex-Factor was everything I wanted and more. From the very first page, I was pulled into Eshe’s journey of heartbreak, healing, and rediscovering her worth. Watching her rebuild her life piece by piece felt so raw and relatable and then came Silas.
Silas is the kind of hero that makes you stay up all night flipping pages. Intense, persistent, protective, and yet carrying his own quiet pain, he is absolutely unforgettable. I am so excited that Silas finally has his own book, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. He doesn’t just see Eshe, he sees her, and their slow-burn tension and emotional honesty made my heart ache in the best way.
The mix of angst, healing, and romance in this story was beautifully balanced. Eshe’s toxic ex brought the drama, but Silas brought the kind of love that feels like a safe place to land. This book is messy, real, and deeply moving a reminder that love after heartbreak is possible, even when the path to healing isn’t linear.
If you love second chances, protective heroes, and heroines who rise stronger after heartbreak, Ex-Factor is a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews