The Banks brothers are back. And if you thought Prime was chaos… you're not ready.
Quest is the oldest. The CEO. The fixer. The one who holds the whole empire together while carrying the kind of damage he'd never let anyone see. He decided a long time ago that love wasn't for him. Women lie. Women leave. And the one who hurt him the worst left wounds he's still bleeding from fourteen years later.
Mehar Ali knows a thing or two about wounds. She's got her own collection, courtesy of the men who were supposed to protect her and didn't. She rebuilt herself from scratch, on her own terms, with her own hands. She doesn't need anyone. Especially not some arrogant, overbearing, too-fine-for-his-own-good CEO who thinks the world bends when he tells it to.
But demons recognize demons. And when two people who've been surviving alone their whole lives finally let their guards down at the same time? Nobody in their circle is ready for what comes next.
Quest is the next installment of the Banks Empire Series — a spinoff of the Prime trilogy. Dark romance. Mature themes. Strong language. Content that may be triggering for some readers.
I feel Quest. Every woman in his life betraying him. That’s a solid reason for his behavior. It’s almost like he’s drawn to damaged and crazy women, just like his mama. And his poly lifestyle? Just a coping mechanism for all that chaos. Oh, and he’s definitely an eater! 😛
Now, Mehar? She’s exactly who Thad pegged her to be....a girl putting on a tough facade. The way she sat in that man’s face, soaking up his darkest secrets, then lied when he asked her a simple question? I appreciated the “We done” moment. But her inability to communicate about her job. That's a head-scratcher. Given what she’s been through, I’m sure everyone would’ve been understanding. With all the powerful men around her, did she really think she could keep that secret? Come on now.
And the mother of Prime, Quest, and Justice. She just needs to be done.
Serenity is spoiled rotten, and it's clear her brothers didn’t teach her a thing about strength or survival. With all the powerful men in her orbit, she should be anything but weak.
I’m all about Mekhi and Zephyr. They really come through!
As for Grandma Rita? Always my favorite character.
I need this series to be just two books. This book laid the groundwork and built up the tension, while Book 2 needs to deliver the climax and conclusion. And I can't wait for the next books about Justice...I know they’re going to touch my heart and soul.
I went into this book already bracing myself for some heavy stuff, and somehow | still wasn't ready... in the BEST way possible. N'dia really did her thing with this one. The way she started laying the foundation for Quest & Mehar in Prime's books gave us a glimpse into their pasts, but Quest's book? It deepens everything and really takes you on a RIDE.
This story does not shy away from real-life experiences. You'll see trauma, complex PTSD, trust issues, control - everything these characters have had to navigate while trying to accept that they deserve genuine healthy LOVE. And it all feels so raw and honest, especially if you've ever been on a healing journey or had to rebuild trust after being hurt.
And if you know Mrs. N'dia, you already know cliffhangers are her best friend LOL. You won't see this one coming, but when it hits... it just makes sense. I'm already ready for book two, like immediately. If this is on your TBR, don't overthink it, just go read it!!! 🔥🔥🔥
I loved everything about this book. First of all, I am a DC native and all of the references to Washington DC and Maryland were familiar and it just made this book even more special because I can actually see the places that the characters went to. Second, Quest and Mehar were just the right amount of patience and sexual tension. The way they danced around each other was magical. I loved Quest’s calmness and he was the right one to settle Mehar’s troubled mind. Third, the supporting characters were just as fabulous: Bryce the baby brother slash arsonist, the Black brothers and family, Serenity and her dastardly mother Vivica. Baby the way Vivica hates her kids is insane. Anyway, I won’t ruin the story for those who have not read it. But I suggest you get there and get there fast because this story was so good. I am looking forward to book number two because I know it is going to be just as explosive as the rest of the Banks series!!!!
This was such a great read!! I am usually very good at figuring out who did what in the books I read but baby! I didn’t see this coming! The plot twist was 🤌🏾. I love that she didn’t rely on a bunch of s*x scenes to fill the pages but still managed to keep a bit of well placed spice. This was very character driven and I love it! I am patiently waiting for the next book! (No I am not! I want it now!!!)
The Banks men know they get tangled in some stuff. Mehar is so unstable and hiding things is what got her in the situation she's in now. Lyric and Camille are really trash and Quest did good to cut ties. Vivica should have been put down a long time ago, they have extended too much grace and she's playing on their top. Hate is powerful and she's been using it against her own kids for years. Serenity is spoiled and easily manipulated which is why Mega has been allowed to play on her top so long, she's really just a pawn. Bryce has gotten himself into something he's going to find out was dumb of him to get involved in, he's a kid playing an adult game and Janelle, I knew there was something off about her and my guess was right. N'Dia Rae you need to write quickly I am on the edge of my seat wanting the Banks brothers to figure all this out quickly. They're not thinking deep enough about who would really want them to fail and enjoy it. There are snakes that truly need their heads cut off!!!
Ohhhh!!!… Peanut has finally showed her hand and now what will be her consequence!!!… Mehar irritated my soul!!!…I wanted to feel sorry for her and be understanding, but she was moving messy and recklessly, which is why someone was able to move Thad right from under her nose!!!… Quest is trying and there is wall coming up at every turn!!!… I hope he finally gets the peace he deserves, because baby, the way Lyric and Camille is playing in his face is crazy!!!… Lyric act like Quest owes her something because he doesn’t want to be with her!!!…I hope that spanking she received in that bathroom opens her eyes just a little bit more!!!… Serenity wanted to hide her secrets, not knowing her mother has the biggest secret and she was the pawn in the game!!!… I can’t wait to see what happens to Vivica because she is doing way too much and playing way too many games like she can’t be touched!!!… Mega is going to find himself touched too!!!…
I love N’Dia Rae so giving this book 3 stars hurt.
Throughout the book, there were so many errors - describing someone one way on one page and describing the same person differently on the very next page; up the names of Mehar’s husband and father’s name; and other errors like repeat words or missing words. The errors sometimes made it hard to keep up.
On top of that, this book was really predictable. It was clear early on who did the kidnapping. Also, who started the fire was predictable.
And Mehar got on my nerves. For whatever reason, I just do not like her as an FMC. I hoped that would change after Prime but it didn’t. I feel like she doesn’t deserve Quest, a man who is normally guarded but is showing up vulnerable for her.
I am going to read the next book because I have to know what happens. I hope the editing is a little better for the next book.
Stop! There’s a cliffhanger! Also stop if you haven’t read Prime.
I was initially going to give a 3; b/c it was taking too long to get going for me. I was at 50% still questioning why it’s moving so slow. Now it’s probably b/c there’s gonna be a part 2 and prob part 3. I also think the author forgot Grandma Rita is supposed to be damn near blind until about 60%. Had me questioning whether or not I was remembering accurately. That was frustrating.
Okay now to the story…Megan/Quest are two broken souls that found each other unexpectedly. I wanted their love story to go different after the energy they had at the end of book 3 (Prime3). The way they handle each other is what they need to let the walls down.
I’m not hanging on a thread to find out what happens with Peanut & the Brother.
For the mystery lovers-can u figure out who did it before it is revealed?
I just finished Quest: The Banks Empire, and I think this installment may be my favorite in the series. The author’s storytelling is strong, and the central plot is engaging and remains intriguing as the mystery unfolds.
That said, the repetition throughout the book is noticeable and can be off-putting. When I encounter repeated passages, I find myself skimming ahead to stay immersed in the story, which has been a recurring issue across the series.
If you can overlook the repeats and stay connected to the journey the author takes you on, the book offers a compelling reading experience. I’m giving it 2.5 stars due to the repetition, but my curiosity about how the story resolves is strong enough that I’ll be looking for the release date for Quest II: The Banks Empire.
You get us all worked up and then leave us hanging....so so cruel. 😢 Please, please don't stretch this intriguing story into 3 books. Let us have it all in book 2. Love that Mehar & Quest can be the partner that the other needs, even if they don't recognize the need. Love the idea of Freetown!! Love the Banks family dynamic and the Banks/Black brotherhood. Love how you weave all these stories and reveal unseen connections. Please, please finish the story arc in Book 2. Waiting on Prime III was tortuous, kinda worth it, but still tortuous. And thank you for taking the time, energy and dedication to bring us these vibrant stories! You are appreciated.
I think I gave it four stars because it took a minute for me to guess that it was Janelle.
I like Quest, I don’t like his repetitive need to say you don’t mess with the banks and all the drama he was dealing with (we’re reading we know). I do like how he was present, understanding and communicative with Mehar.
Mehar was the epitome of forged strength. Dealt a crappy hand at life and the men who inhabit it. Seeking solace of self and still she softened because it’s not her true nature to be guarded. Then to trust in a process only to be scorned.
This author is an amazing storyteller! Oh my god! I need Quest book 2, like yesterday 😩🙌🏾
Whole time, I knew it smh I KNEW IT!! Every ‘Guess Who’ chapter, baby I was just-a-guessin 😂 My first two guesses where wrong, but I caught on! Oooohhh I absolutely love N’Dia Rae’s pen!!
If you’re thinking about starting this series, don’t hesitate any longer!! Read it, fren!! You won’t regret it. Well, you might regret it if you do read during the time frame where the next book isn’t ready yet (like me 🙄😒). But babaaaay, you will for sure enjoy the ride while reading it!! 😂
Lawd!!Vivica just never quits!! She can't help but wreak havoc on her son's lives! She lives to make them miserable! GAWD!! She's horrible! Prime should of killed her azz! She in jail and still calling shots! In the meantime Mehar is being stalked! I figured it was Peanut! I just didn't know her real name was Janelle! What a setup! How people treat someone so miserable, than get mad when they don't want them anymore!! And Bryce all caught up in a mess! Another situation for Zainab and Mehar to deal with. And who tf has Thad!! Loking forward to next installment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
OMG I CAN NOT BELIVE YOU LEFT ME HANGING LIKE THIS 💔 I have spent late nights reading these 51 WONDERFUL CHAPTERS, praying that Quest had finally found the love that he truly deserves… and IN THE MIST OF ALL THE CRAZY TWISTS AND TURNS you end it with a cliff hanger😔 😂😂😂So my next question is when will the next book in this series be released? I pray I don’t have to wait until next year I need to know that the Banks empire along with quest and his “Peach” end up on top.
Oh my goodness I didn't see that coming at all... when they find out Vivian is behind all of this that's going on it's going to get ugly and now Janelle is behind all of this other mess it's going to be on and popping I want the brothers to get them all for all the pain they are going through, wait until Grandma Rita steps in and she is going to take care of Vivian.... Grandma Rita got connections 😀😂
I love a good love story like the next girl. I love a good plot line even better. Quest and Mehar will probably be in my brain rent free for awhile. Had I paid attention to the fact that this book came out 4 days before I started reading it, I would have waited until the next installment was out!!! 😂😂 Now I’m going to be mad until it comes out. Miss Rae don’t do us like this!!!
Brothers Quest, Prime, and Justice operate Banks Reserve in Washington, DC. An upcoming new casino will add to their business ventures in the city. With access to powerful politicians and businessmen, the brothers reach is untouchable. But there are still enemies at war to bring them down. Quest personal life has been a series of betrayal until he lays eyes on Mehar. That's when the real story begins.
Listen here I am so tired of Vivica!!! I hope Quest pulls all this together! And I want mega gone!! Ugh can't stand him!! Now I kept thinking who the neck is guess who?? Well babbyyy I did NOT see that one coming at all!!! I'm hoping Quest can get a handle on all this before its too late there is waayyy too much happening at once and mehar and zainabs brother ugh this can get realllll tricky!! Can't wait for the next part!!
Since the 1st page I've been on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who snatched Mehar. So, as I continued to read things got more and more interesting. Things started to unfold. Secrets were being spilled and I had about 4 suspects lined up but that ending though ... Questor is about to snap. Y'all done pushed this man to far. He done had enough now. I just have a feeling that part 2 is about to get even uglier and I can wait.
This novel had me thinking I had it all figured out! And technically, I did. However, at no time did I ever think that N'Dia's mind was so twisted that her telling Quest's story would wind up like it did in this installment.
I am BEYOND excited for Quest ll, and when you finish Quest, you will thank me for not spoiling this for you!
There were still some problems with plot and typos, but if I can get over them, so can you!
Can scars heal? Truth reveal lies. What happens when lies are exposed . Quest and Mehar journey is long and arduous. Mehar brother in crosshairs , Quest former lover secret life. Mommy dearest still stirring up trouble behind bars. Lots of twist and turns in this cliffhanger.
Omg when I say the lady can’t catch a break. Her brother is the fire starter and working with the gang trying to take down the family his sister is married into.
Quest go get your crazy ex cause sir she can have you if it’s gonna be all this.
Please drop book two at your earliest convenience thank you.
A great start to Quest Banks. Though he and Mehar are having issues, he will go hard to find her. I had a feeling that Mehar counselor was Quest Ex,aka Peanut! I love how the family stay supportive of one another, but that mama of there's she's evil even locked up! I can't wait for part 2!
N’Dia ma’am you know you are wrong! This was a true page turner and I’m sitting here trying to understand why both books were not ready together. Come on mama…I need the next book ASAP because Quest is about to turn DC and surrounding cities on fire! And I thought Prime was something! Loved it!
Some ppl might love cliffhangers I don’t and if it is such I think I would be nice of the author to let the readers know.. I read Prime 1-2-3 that was a cliffhanger had to wait for the next,not knowing it was under a different name then that was a cliffhanger. Normally I would stop but I have come to far and need closure. So so disappointed
N’Dia has done it again. I was invested from beginning to end. It was captivating suspenseful fun. Literally had me at the edge of my seat till the very end and I cannot wait for part two. Quest and Mehar have been through so much and they deserve their happy ending and I cannot wait for them to get their happy ending.
I was happy to see the Series continue after reading Prime. Quest is so driven, complex and complicated. At first I didn’t really like him because he was in a poly relationship, but he was different with each woman. He now has a New Romantic interest and reveals a more softer side of himself. A lot of drama happens in this book centered around the past. Can’t wait until the next book comes out! Oh and yes, there is a cliffhanger.