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Entangled Shadows
Not yet published
Expected 14 Feb 26ebook
Expected publication February 14, 2026
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Malika D.
2 books23 followersMalika is a pediatrician by training. Born in Pakistan, she moved to the United States for her medical residency. The life of an immigrant physician—with a slight accent and a Brown identity—suspended between her birth country and her adopted one, has deeply influenced her writing.
When she’s not treating patients or dreaming up new stories, she’s probably chasing after her kids, watching crime dramas, or sipping real South Asian chai (not to be confused with the impostor known as a chai latte).
When she’s not treating patients or dreaming up new stories, she’s probably chasing after her kids, watching crime dramas, or sipping real South Asian chai (not to be confused with the impostor known as a chai latte).
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I knew about halfway through the first book that Zain was going to have to have his own book and share his story. It was just obvious. He definitely has secrets, walls, tragedies and some freaky family dynamics in his past. And here’s the book, thank God the author didn’t make us suffer forever waiting for Book 2.
It was worth the wait. Nearly 596 pages in just 2 days because I just couldn't put it down. Malika gives you all the feels & holds you captive with her words for sure. You will form a connection with every character in some way or another. You will cry for them, laugh with them, cheer them on, curse them for making bad decisions every single time, for all the longings. Everything
.
The character development in these books is top notch. These characters are broken, they make mistakes, that sometimes hurt the people they love right from the part one of the book. Zain and Rah show so much growth throughout this story, some of the best I’ve ever read. There were times throughout this story that I wanted to shake Zain, but throughout the story you start understanding his feelings for Rah and rooting for the characters to be together.
These characters went through so much with how easily I cared for them. There was a lot of angst. I loved the teasing, banter, inside jokes and obvious untold chemistry they share. Their connection is one that melts my heart and has you rooting for them to succeed, and gosh did these two work for it.
Be prepared for a wild ride that will make you blush, cry, and obsess over these characters. The lengths he would go to, to even endure his own punishment for protecting her, can't put it down.
The way in which Malika weaved this story that covered heavy topics such as abuse, addiction, and traumatic experiences was beautifully done.
She makes you feel as if you're immersed in the story, living these experiences right along with the characters. You connect with them on such a deep and emotional level and truly feel what they feel. You can feel their pain, their need to be together for each other. They both know what they really want and need to be happy, but Zain being zain made me yell at him. It is not a quick, easy journey for these two. Their lives have always been hard so of course a relationship was bound to be complicated & challenging. But eventually they cannot deny their need and they begin to realize that they are truly stronger together & worthy of love and support. They both are so damaged, but slowly they are putting each other back together and making positive strides towards healing. Their lives are not pretty. They have a lot of baggage and challenges to face.
It was a long, torturous, and painful journey towards healing and forgiveness. But it is also uplifting, heartfelt, and beautiful. These characters are so intense, passionate, troubled, and damaged. But they literally dig themselves into your heart
It was worth the wait. Nearly 596 pages in just 2 days because I just couldn't put it down. Malika gives you all the feels & holds you captive with her words for sure. You will form a connection with every character in some way or another. You will cry for them, laugh with them, cheer them on, curse them for making bad decisions every single time, for all the longings. Everything
.
The character development in these books is top notch. These characters are broken, they make mistakes, that sometimes hurt the people they love right from the part one of the book. Zain and Rah show so much growth throughout this story, some of the best I’ve ever read. There were times throughout this story that I wanted to shake Zain, but throughout the story you start understanding his feelings for Rah and rooting for the characters to be together.
These characters went through so much with how easily I cared for them. There was a lot of angst. I loved the teasing, banter, inside jokes and obvious untold chemistry they share. Their connection is one that melts my heart and has you rooting for them to succeed, and gosh did these two work for it.
Be prepared for a wild ride that will make you blush, cry, and obsess over these characters. The lengths he would go to, to even endure his own punishment for protecting her, can't put it down.
The way in which Malika weaved this story that covered heavy topics such as abuse, addiction, and traumatic experiences was beautifully done.
She makes you feel as if you're immersed in the story, living these experiences right along with the characters. You connect with them on such a deep and emotional level and truly feel what they feel. You can feel their pain, their need to be together for each other. They both know what they really want and need to be happy, but Zain being zain made me yell at him. It is not a quick, easy journey for these two. Their lives have always been hard so of course a relationship was bound to be complicated & challenging. But eventually they cannot deny their need and they begin to realize that they are truly stronger together & worthy of love and support. They both are so damaged, but slowly they are putting each other back together and making positive strides towards healing. Their lives are not pretty. They have a lot of baggage and challenges to face.
It was a long, torturous, and painful journey towards healing and forgiveness. But it is also uplifting, heartfelt, and beautiful. These characters are so intense, passionate, troubled, and damaged. But they literally dig themselves into your heart
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dedication:
"For those who survived who they used to be and choose who they wanted to become. You are brave, even when you feel vulnerable."
'Entangled Shadows' by Malika D. is a Romantic suspense thriller. It revolves around the main leads 'Zain' and 'Ameerah'. Right from the start the story grips you and one just keeps turning pages ,only to realize they have finished one of their best reads.
The character development of Zain and his redemption were realistically portrayed. it was heartbreaking and emotional to read certain scenes from his POV. His love in this book was Selfless and it truly showed that he consciously made this choice to be a better person.
Ameerah (Rah) was such an optimistic, humourous person that I really enjoyed reading her scenes.She was brave and had her own difficult journey. What I did like most about her was that she was not blindly in love with Zain , She thought through things , asked difficult questions that were necessary in the relationship and her love was unconditional.Her best quality was always looking positive side of the people and she was empathetic.
The banter and chemistry between both of them was so good that one can wish for more and more.The 'Letters' written by Ameerah to Zain really were so thoughtful and one who is going through existential crisis can really find solace in them. And the best part of this book was the journal of Zain that truly showed how much he was in love with his 'Rah'. There were no grand gestures of love but these little gestures that were so tender and heartwarming to read.
The Suspense in this book is really interesting that one can get totally involved in the story. Antagonist in this are scary and at one point they just disgust you. Dark realities of society is shown and one can gain a lot of knowledge about various things.The plot of the story is not rushed and it is medium paced.
I really enjoyed reading the character of 'Fiza' and her friendship with Zain. I hope to read more about her in future.
Kiran and Junaid were just amazing and perfect. They are just the perfect definition of a healthy marriage. Glimpses of Sanam and Osman made me want to read the first book again. I would highly recommend reading the First book 'Shadows of Innocence ' to deeply connect with this book 'Entangled Shadows'.
Overall for me this was one of the best reads of 2026 and can't wait to read more books by Malika D.😊
"For those who survived who they used to be and choose who they wanted to become. You are brave, even when you feel vulnerable."
'Entangled Shadows' by Malika D. is a Romantic suspense thriller. It revolves around the main leads 'Zain' and 'Ameerah'. Right from the start the story grips you and one just keeps turning pages ,only to realize they have finished one of their best reads.
The character development of Zain and his redemption were realistically portrayed. it was heartbreaking and emotional to read certain scenes from his POV. His love in this book was Selfless and it truly showed that he consciously made this choice to be a better person.
Ameerah (Rah) was such an optimistic, humourous person that I really enjoyed reading her scenes.She was brave and had her own difficult journey. What I did like most about her was that she was not blindly in love with Zain , She thought through things , asked difficult questions that were necessary in the relationship and her love was unconditional.Her best quality was always looking positive side of the people and she was empathetic.
The banter and chemistry between both of them was so good that one can wish for more and more.The 'Letters' written by Ameerah to Zain really were so thoughtful and one who is going through existential crisis can really find solace in them. And the best part of this book was the journal of Zain that truly showed how much he was in love with his 'Rah'. There were no grand gestures of love but these little gestures that were so tender and heartwarming to read.
The Suspense in this book is really interesting that one can get totally involved in the story. Antagonist in this are scary and at one point they just disgust you. Dark realities of society is shown and one can gain a lot of knowledge about various things.The plot of the story is not rushed and it is medium paced.
I really enjoyed reading the character of 'Fiza' and her friendship with Zain. I hope to read more about her in future.
Kiran and Junaid were just amazing and perfect. They are just the perfect definition of a healthy marriage. Glimpses of Sanam and Osman made me want to read the first book again. I would highly recommend reading the First book 'Shadows of Innocence ' to deeply connect with this book 'Entangled Shadows'.
Overall for me this was one of the best reads of 2026 and can't wait to read more books by Malika D.😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
" 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐑𝐚𝐡.
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.
𝐘𝐞𝐭 𝐈'𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫. "
What did I just read?! Malika D did it again! She truly has magic in her words. The way she makes a book feel so cinematic is unreal. Every inch of this story felt like watching a movie unfold, and she did it with such grace - she ate and left no crumbs.
Her writing style is absolutely commendable and keeps you hooked no matter how long the book is. I finished it in just two sittings, and it put me through so much pain and so much heartbreak while I was reading. I’m still recovering from this book.
This is the second book in the series and focuses entirely on the redemption of our favourite villain-turned-hero (or anti-hero) - Zain. He was an absolute jerk in the first book, but then a ray of sunshine entered his life: Ameerah, our beautiful and resilient FMC. She is the perfect example of how a woman can change a man’s life simply by loving him, caring for him, and believing in him - even when the whole world has turned its back on him.
"𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐈 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞."
The yearning in this book is so beautifully done 🤌 that my heart kept screaming while I read, PLEASE GET THEM TOGETHER! This isn’t your usual redemption arc, and it’s definitely not just another contemporary romance - there’s so much more here.
The book has everything packed into it: unsolved mysteries, edge-of-your-seat suspense, the constant thrill of not knowing who to trust or what’s coming next, soft yearning, and the kind of pain that comes from letting go of someone you love for their own good. It shows how loving someone silently can be the most painfully beautiful thing of all.
I absolutely loved how this book left me unhinged in the best way possible, craving more of Zain (oh, to be loved by a man like Zain 🤭). He’s the perfect example of a man who can be a total cinnamon-roll hero when needed, while still being deliciously morally grey 🤭.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance packed with thrill, action, crime, and mystery. Please pick this one up - I promise you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be addicted. This book is so underrated and deserves so much more recognition.
I absolutely loved it. 🫶
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.
𝐘𝐞𝐭 𝐈'𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫. "
What did I just read?! Malika D did it again! She truly has magic in her words. The way she makes a book feel so cinematic is unreal. Every inch of this story felt like watching a movie unfold, and she did it with such grace - she ate and left no crumbs.
Her writing style is absolutely commendable and keeps you hooked no matter how long the book is. I finished it in just two sittings, and it put me through so much pain and so much heartbreak while I was reading. I’m still recovering from this book.
This is the second book in the series and focuses entirely on the redemption of our favourite villain-turned-hero (or anti-hero) - Zain. He was an absolute jerk in the first book, but then a ray of sunshine entered his life: Ameerah, our beautiful and resilient FMC. She is the perfect example of how a woman can change a man’s life simply by loving him, caring for him, and believing in him - even when the whole world has turned its back on him.
"𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐈 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞."
The yearning in this book is so beautifully done 🤌 that my heart kept screaming while I read, PLEASE GET THEM TOGETHER! This isn’t your usual redemption arc, and it’s definitely not just another contemporary romance - there’s so much more here.
The book has everything packed into it: unsolved mysteries, edge-of-your-seat suspense, the constant thrill of not knowing who to trust or what’s coming next, soft yearning, and the kind of pain that comes from letting go of someone you love for their own good. It shows how loving someone silently can be the most painfully beautiful thing of all.
I absolutely loved how this book left me unhinged in the best way possible, craving more of Zain (oh, to be loved by a man like Zain 🤭). He’s the perfect example of a man who can be a total cinnamon-roll hero when needed, while still being deliciously morally grey 🤭.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance packed with thrill, action, crime, and mystery. Please pick this one up - I promise you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be addicted. This book is so underrated and deserves so much more recognition.
I absolutely loved it. 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Malika Api for giving me a chance to beta read and ARC read this stunning book! To be noted all thoughts are my unbiased opinion.
When I first read S.O.I. by Malika Api, I was instantly enamored by Zain, and I waited eagerly to read his book. It wasn't because Zain was a green forest; it was due to the fact that he was flawed. So when I read Zain's story in Entangled Shadow I fell in love with him more!
Zain is a morally grey struggling and redemptive scarred hero. Redemption arcs are hard to write smoothly yet Malika.D has written it so tragically, poetically, heart-wrenchingly beautiful. And his bond with his 'Rah' makes your chest ache with warmth and anguish due to how beautifully she captured the chemistry, the yearning, and pining.
Ameerah 'Rah' was another character I adored at first glance she is this sassy fiery heroine who wants to 'fix' Zain that is until you dive into the story do you realise she is complex as Zain and together they are a formidable couple. She is an inspiration to many doctors to contribute to shelters and NGO's and I think if we had more doctors like Ameerah the world would be a better place. I absolutely adore her chai addiction and chocolate paratha addiction..
Now onto the story itself.
Sizzling romance, broken characters, a gripping mystery, tortured heroes, and character development.
Entangled shadow isnt just a book you read once and forget. No, it alters your brain's chemistry, forcing you to question yourself and the world. It delves into topics the world doesn't talk about more, unapologetically without giving you a moment to breathe. It's gripping, its heart wrenching. It makes you cry, laugh, and curse at Zain. It also makes you want to demand the author for your therapy bills that you will certainly need along with the cravings(to be noted i dont even like chai and it left me craving). The journals, oh my god i wasnt ready for that even the second time it hits you right in the feels as you cry over it. Without giving much away I suggest you read this book a hundred times and more!!
Ps: Please give me Fiza and Saad's book thank you..
When I first read S.O.I. by Malika Api, I was instantly enamored by Zain, and I waited eagerly to read his book. It wasn't because Zain was a green forest; it was due to the fact that he was flawed. So when I read Zain's story in Entangled Shadow I fell in love with him more!
Zain is a morally grey struggling and redemptive scarred hero. Redemption arcs are hard to write smoothly yet Malika.D has written it so tragically, poetically, heart-wrenchingly beautiful. And his bond with his 'Rah' makes your chest ache with warmth and anguish due to how beautifully she captured the chemistry, the yearning, and pining.
Ameerah 'Rah' was another character I adored at first glance she is this sassy fiery heroine who wants to 'fix' Zain that is until you dive into the story do you realise she is complex as Zain and together they are a formidable couple. She is an inspiration to many doctors to contribute to shelters and NGO's and I think if we had more doctors like Ameerah the world would be a better place. I absolutely adore her chai addiction and chocolate paratha addiction..
Now onto the story itself.
Sizzling romance, broken characters, a gripping mystery, tortured heroes, and character development.
Entangled shadow isnt just a book you read once and forget. No, it alters your brain's chemistry, forcing you to question yourself and the world. It delves into topics the world doesn't talk about more, unapologetically without giving you a moment to breathe. It's gripping, its heart wrenching. It makes you cry, laugh, and curse at Zain. It also makes you want to demand the author for your therapy bills that you will certainly need along with the cravings(to be noted i dont even like chai and it left me craving). The journals, oh my god i wasnt ready for that even the second time it hits you right in the feels as you cry over it. Without giving much away I suggest you read this book a hundred times and more!!
Ps: Please give me Fiza and Saad's book thank you..
Review of advance copy received from Author
Recived an ARC from this author and this is my honest review of Entangled Shadows
Back in the world of Karachi, 5 years after the events of Shadows of Innocence and this time we are following Zain & Ameerah x
Their story is so pure and an Redemption Arc worth the ages x Getting a more in depth understanding of Zain's world as an adult shows such growth and independence to change not only how you view yourself but how the past doesnt determine our futures x Ameerah is such a sweetheart that is truely the best person for Zain in everyday someone can be made for one another x
I enjoyed how we also got to read about the characters from Shaodws of Innocence without this foreshadowing Zain & Ameerah's story as well as meeting new friends & family within a world of corruption x The author has done so well to bring the world of Pakistan into a true story of every day lives x Perfection on Paper xxxxxx
Back in the world of Karachi, 5 years after the events of Shadows of Innocence and this time we are following Zain & Ameerah x
Their story is so pure and an Redemption Arc worth the ages x Getting a more in depth understanding of Zain's world as an adult shows such growth and independence to change not only how you view yourself but how the past doesnt determine our futures x Ameerah is such a sweetheart that is truely the best person for Zain in everyday someone can be made for one another x
I enjoyed how we also got to read about the characters from Shaodws of Innocence without this foreshadowing Zain & Ameerah's story as well as meeting new friends & family within a world of corruption x The author has done so well to bring the world of Pakistan into a true story of every day lives x Perfection on Paper xxxxxx
Review of advance copy
"I think of you, Rah. I swear I try not to."
It all started when I picked up Shadows of Innocence and FINALLY we got Zain's story. Thank you Malika D for writing such an amazing book. I literally binge read this book. It's so good.
What I loved the most? Ameerah and Zain obviously. I love this sassy, intelligent and funny doctor who owns Zain's heart. The suspense? So well done. I also think Zain has one of the best redemption arcs I've ever read. That man literally got on a cargo plane to reach her!! That's gold standard.
I highly recommend Entangled Shadows if you love romance, suspense, banter and tortured heroes. Thank you Epica Book PR & Malika D for the arc.
It all started when I picked up Shadows of Innocence and FINALLY we got Zain's story. Thank you Malika D for writing such an amazing book. I literally binge read this book. It's so good.
What I loved the most? Ameerah and Zain obviously. I love this sassy, intelligent and funny doctor who owns Zain's heart. The suspense? So well done. I also think Zain has one of the best redemption arcs I've ever read. That man literally got on a cargo plane to reach her!! That's gold standard.
I highly recommend Entangled Shadows if you love romance, suspense, banter and tortured heroes. Thank you Epica Book PR & Malika D for the arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entangled Shadows – Mallika D.
I read Entangled Shadows as an ARC e-book, and it turned out to be a deeply engaging read. The story takes a little time to settle in, but once it does, it becomes hard to put down.
This book is more than just romance—it beautifully blends emotional depth, suspense, healing, and self-discovery. The grumpy × sunshine dynamic works so well, and both the main characters feel layered, real, and memorable.
What stood out most to me was the writing—nothing felt unnecessary or skippable—and the subtle way women empowerment was woven into the story.
A heartfelt, immersive read that stays with you.
Highly recommended 🤍
Entangled Shadows – Mallika D.
I read Entangled Shadows as an ARC e-book, and it turned out to be a deeply engaging read. The story takes a little time to settle in, but once it does, it becomes hard to put down.
This book is more than just romance—it beautifully blends emotional depth, suspense, healing, and self-discovery. The grumpy × sunshine dynamic works so well, and both the main characters feel layered, real, and memorable.
What stood out most to me was the writing—nothing felt unnecessary or skippable—and the subtle way women empowerment was woven into the story.
A heartfelt, immersive read that stays with you.
Highly recommended 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts are my own
Whew we went through such a wild ride with Zain in book 1, I wasn’t sure he would be redeemable. I was proud to witness his redemption story and I was also proud of Ameerah for acknowledging both his past and his present when she assesses him as a potential partner. I love how their story developed and grew over time.
The crime/suspense aspect had a chokehold on me and I could NOT put this book down. I cannot WAIT to see what happens next with Fiza!
Thank you Malika and Epica PR for the arc copy!
Whew we went through such a wild ride with Zain in book 1, I wasn’t sure he would be redeemable. I was proud to witness his redemption story and I was also proud of Ameerah for acknowledging both his past and his present when she assesses him as a potential partner. I love how their story developed and grew over time.
The crime/suspense aspect had a chokehold on me and I could NOT put this book down. I cannot WAIT to see what happens next with Fiza!
Thank you Malika and Epica PR for the arc copy!
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