The Mystery Unmasked

Enigma #3

by Shandi Boyes

Before Isabelle, my every accomplishment was measured by the success of my empire, the wealth in my bank accounts, and my prestigious reputation. Now, none of that matters. I would give it all away in an instant if it meant she was safe and protected.

Maintaining control in a rational and astute manner is what has made my empire the success it is. But the one thing I want to control the most is the one thing that is uncontrollable.

But I won't give up.

I'll fight to protect Isabelle until my very last breath. I’ll fight until my hands
become that stained, they’ll never have the opportunity of becoming clean.

I'll never give up.

Because Isabelle is mine, and I protect what is MINE.

Author warning: adult content, sexual references and sex scenes.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Audiobook, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Dark Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

Reviews

[Soma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I can read the whole series one book after the other because those Cliffhangers would make me so freaking mad!
This book was more interesting, I liked it.

[Khanique McDaniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won't bother lamenting the things I didn't like. You can read my review of the previous novels in this series. They are still there-ish. She grew a bit of spine at the end of this one.

One thing Isabelle got right in this novel is, "what's next?" because EVERY ONE and THING seems to be after one of them in no particular order.

We find ourselves wading through nightmares, random bed partners and a mysterious man who could be killing in the name of Isabelle. We still aren't sure what's happening because so much is happening. I must give it to Shandi Boyes, it is either really great writing or she was unsure and just gave us all the plot lines in her head because three novels later and I can't tell you who is doing what and why.

Isabelle has gotten herself in a bit of mess and Isaac gets the honour of being the closing villain in their love story, as we end on another cliffhanger that has left us with more questions than answers.

The sex was less... I think, I kept falling asleep, but for that I give some thanks. I still don't know what's happening and we just keep meeting new people with their own stories when I am just here trying to start Isaac and Isabelle's. If there is one thing I wish for this series is some focus and I hope all these puzzles fall into place with the next novel in this series.

I expected a riveting murder-mystery romance but all I got was more knee knocking and jaw clenching. I doubt Isaac Holt has any enamel remaining on his teeth.

A whole lot of nothing with a storyline is how I would describe this one.

On to the next I guess...

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK let me just say that in 2 days I have read 4 books! I have stayed up all night to read these books. I am now about to pass out from reading. This author is one of the best! I can not believe I have not heard of her before now.
Just when I think These books can't get any better.... they do. There is so much action in these books. You will fall in love with the characters and it you will not be able to put them down.

[Ivelisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was okay… Isabelle was arrested… now her and Isaac have to stay away from each other. She also dealing with Isaac’s ‘moment of weakness’… hoping for more action in the next read.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enigma The Mystery Unmasked by Shandi Boyes is the third book in the series and for me is a five star read.

What an awesome series. This book can be enjoyed time and time again. It is amazingly intense and the author prepares you for the journey for you to take alongside the characters really well. The characters and story development were perfectly done. This book was extremely well written and has fast become of my favourite books. I will definitely want to one click future releases from this author. This book was full of different emotions with many twists and turns in the book that will keep you guessing what is going to happen till the very end.I have the feeling that I am going to be seeing some special works coming from this author.

I could not wait to get to the end so I devoured it in one sitting. Incredible work!!

The storyline was done really well and was believable. It kept me gripped from the very start until the end, so much so I took the book everywhere with me in order to finish it. I adore this book and cannot wait to read the next in the series as well as other work from this amazing author. I will definitely be recommending this author to everyone I know.

I'll definitely look forward to the next in the series.

Definitely one awesome book to pick up and I can see this author going from strength to strength.

[Amber Eckstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE stars

Over and over again. I read these books hoping not to be taken apart by Shandi Boyes words but she does it to me again. Keeps me captivated with her words and tears me apart every time I have a little hope. I am your prisoner, Shandi do as you wish.

These stories will rip your heart out. Want you asking for more. In a good way. Don’t get me wrong these books are wonderful. I am not one for a lot of mystery but it has some mystery, love and a mixture of sexiness as well. I love sexiness.

This book is sooo good. Shandi does justice by her books. Every. Single. Time. This is my favorite 2017 author and don’t think that I will be saying that at all for the rest of the year. I am so glad I was introduced to this author. I need to go read the other books now.

Anyways. Role reversal.
What happens when Isabelle is the one in trouble and there is still the looming threat when it comes to Isaac. When you don’t know who is actually behind the threats that are coming your way.

You really get to meet Regan. She is mentioned through one of the other books but you don’t really get to meet her. You get to see more of the beloved Hugo and see Hunter as well. You don’t get to get to know Hunter as well as you would like but seeing more of him throughout the second and third book.

Isaac makes a mistake but can Isabelle forgive something?
When the lies pile up between them and it’s to the point where it’s suffocating them both what happens? Will they be able to survive?

[Elle Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exhilarating.

This book brought just as many questions as it brought answers. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time and I didn't know for sure who to blame.
The stakes were high for Isaac and Isabelle and they were forced to face many demons all at once - evilness that could not only tear them apart but ruin their whole lives, with little to no chance of recovery.

It bothered me how they both acted like Isabelle was the only one to blame for the rift in their relationship as if he hadn't made anything that could affect them permanently.
Besides, she started the story strong and self-assured, but was soon becoming clingy and with no self-respect.
She needed to use her therapy sessions to her avail and learn to love herself more than she claimed to love Isaac.

In spite of that, the story was all-consuming and I'm excited to see how it ends (not only for them but for the secondary characters as well - they are wonderful).

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story line is great and I loved the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Unexpected twists and turns had me reading this book in one sitting. Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put books 1 and 2 down. Book 3 was no exception!
Brilliant writing from Shandi Boyes!

[S Picazo Page Turner 🎨📖 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[sowie ≽^• ˕ • ྀི≼ · Rating 1 out of 5]

un embole absoluto

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enigma: The Mystery unmasked by Shanti Boyes a twiterpating five-star read. This is the third book in the Enigma series and it is just as fast paced and thrill filled as the first book. It is recommended for over 18s as does contain scenes of a sexual and adult nature, as well as language that may offend some people. ‘Enigma is a person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand’ Isaac Holt is one such thing, and would definitely be classed as an enigma. This is a love story, but the two people in love struggle to be in the same room, it shows us how just because you may be in love with someone doesn’t mean you will always get to be together, and how you can love someone so much you can allow them to love without you in their life. This is a story of how not everything is black and white, but there are many shades of grey in between also, that not everyone pays attention to.
Isaac Holt has always been a man on the top of his game, everything he did was an accomplishment, he went from strength to strength, a growing empire, wealth beyond anything he could need. A reputation that not only preceded him, but makes him feared, respected and revered. He has always been in control and won’t let anything distract him, until one person got under his armour and turned his world upside down and he promised to save her no matter what the consequences, he would save Isabelle. Isaac has always sworn he will protect what’s his, and Isabelle is his, even if she doesn’t want to be.
Isabella Brahn has been through a lot, she has had to fight for everything she believes in and loves, and it has shown that no matter how hard she fights, she can’t always win. This story goes from strength to strength, I can’t wait to read the next story in the series.

[Natasha S ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t exactly a great series… but I read all of the books so I have to give it props
Rating: 3/5 Stars

Since I downloaded a Kindle collection, I’m going to be giving reviews to all the books except to the Fourth which will be housed at the Collection’s page. I’m doing this so that my Kindle Notes are available for viewing as they span the entire series.

See all the other reviews here:
First book - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Second book - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Third book - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fourth book / Collection - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
— — —

The third book was probably my favorite plot wise. There was a lot happening, and although it wasn’t exactly written the best, I think it was the most entertaining. ⅗ stars for this one.

I was still super unimpressed by how they handled massive traumas. Like everytime she has nightmares about said event… he wakes her up for sex?? WHAT THE FUCKKKKK??? That shit pissed me offfff. The author then uses the almost exact same sentence they used in the first book, except instead of her treating his trauma with sex, he’s doing it to her: “[I] calmed her in the best way I know how. Sexually.” The editors didn’t catch that one?? Like it’s almost verbatim to the first book. I appreciated her going to therapy, but I didn’t like that Isaac was trying to get involved and learn about her meetings and such. Like bruh let the professional do it.

More eating disorder stuff, love that, totally appropriate and not at all glamorizing and fetishizing. Massive eye roll here if you can’t tell.

There were some funny moments (like them renting out a whole club and staging it for the girls) and such, and also stuff that probably wasn’t supposed to be funny, like this text message exchange: “Me: Leave me alone. I’m not your possession anymore. Seconds feel like hours as I await his reply, but my heart ceases beating once it arrives. Isaac: That’s where you’re wrong, Isabelle. You are MINE!”

The way it ended??? MMMHMM I was down bad for where this was heading. The rest of the books really lacked that “mafia” touch, and I didn’t feel like it really got into what Isaac did. They just kept saying he was a big bad mafia guy without backing it up. Kinda lame. But that last chapter, I was like this is about to get GOOD.

Rating System:
★ - Avoid at all costs. Don't even look at it.
★★ - I would recommend for people not to read it.
★★★ - It was okay. I might recommend for certain people.
★★★★ - I'd recommend it to most people.
★★★★★ - I'd literally gift this to someone. Must read.

[Alisha Kreider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best series I have read in a long time. This author has drawn me in within the first few pages of every book I have read of hers. This book is the third book in the series so if you haven't already read the others books stop reading this review and go buy them. I don't want to give anything away for anyone. That being said I am moving forward with my review.
This book starts with Isaac speeding through his hometown. Nothing or no one would stop and from getting to Isabella. He couldn't believe that they would arrested her. Especially for the changes they put on her. Isaac called Hugo. When Hugo pick up he greets by saying Hunter said you found Izzy. Isaac told him yes but not where he was expecting too. Isaac said I need you to meet me at Ravenshoe Police Station. Hugo was the only person Isaac trusted to let him know that she was okay but I wouldn't be completely okay until he saw for himself. Isabella was sitting at the same table he was only a few weeks earlier. Her chocolate eyes are clouded and her pupils are double their normal size.. She abruptly stands for her chair sending it flying backwards with a scraping noise when she attempts to come towards me but she is held back by the shackles that encase tightly on her delicate wrists and feet. Isaac blond surges as he becomes heated with a fiery warmth. What did she do to be treated this way? What did they arrest her for? You will find this out and so much more when you buy the book.. . Buy the series it's worth it.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.
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[Susanna Moss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reckless and stupid as the first two things when I think about Isabelle. Not to mention “dramatic”.

Chapter 7 is laughable.

In chapter 14 I am confused with: “We are going to the mechanics Isaac’s town car was taken to”. Huh!?!?!? I thought it was an Audi… Even in chapter 15 the type of car take him to the mechanic shop was an Audi.

The only thing I’m thinking of in chapter 16 is that Isabelle is a sniveling little idiot, who cannot hold her own. Is she 12? The offer has made. Isabell out to be an immature, little girl who cannot carry her own. It’s embarrassing. At this point, her profession should’ve been secretary, or something menial instead of a glorified FBI agent.

By chapter 20, all I’m thinking is that Isabelle thinks she’s still in high school. I do not feel sorry for her stupid ass. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Even the author uses the word “immature“ throughout the book to describe Isabelle’s actions. How apt?! And, Isaac foolishly follows up behind her.

By chapter 23, I’m thinking that Isabelle needs a waterproof mascara.

How can a town car also be a fucking BMW?! Seriously?!

In chapter 24, why did Isaac say “I got rip-roaring drunk the day you arrested me”? Another typo?!

Isaac must’ve slept with the whole fucking town! He is the true hoe.

[Constance It’s Me · Rating 1 out of 5]

embarrassingly weak female protagonist that can’t even stand up to being treated like a child and doesn’t realise she’s being gaslit to minimise her feelings. isaac parents her and the only somewhat romantic times are when they f*cking which fell flat anyways

“When you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I’ll be waiting for you,” I quote. “Once you realize you’re fighting a battle bigger than us both, I’ll be waiting for you.”

in other words forget my disgusting actions and get over it for the greater good. girl bffr

just fuck hugo atp

also what happened to the fbi storyline? that served a single purpose: to make their relationship romeo and juliet style, but isn’t at all reflected in her character which greatly disappointed me

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the relationship between Isabelle and Isaac is hot as hell, too many of the same phrases are being repeated and carried over from book to book. Isabelle's hips and knees have to be killing her...because she in constantly smacking her knees together to try put a halt to her desires. Other than the repeated phrases...the chemistry between these two, the plot of the story and the surrounding characters seriously keep you pulled into these books.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot. Lol
I was trying really hard to see this story through because I hate leaving a series unfinished, but I will not be reading the 4th book. I should’ve stopped after #2. Just not for me. FMC is allegedly an FBI agent, but all she does is cry. A lot. Tropes & sentence structures are repetitive. Yawn.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Rounded

I was really hoping Isabelle was going to grow a spine. I was holding out hope after the second book. Sadly, that didn't happen. She is still a doormat who's body is constantly betraying her.

[Ellie Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went from reading 5-8 books a week to 1 if I was lucky because of this book 🖕
Reading slump galore which is a shame as the first one was actually decent

⭐️⭐️

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got bored reading this one ☝️.

[CyscaReadsSmut · Rating 2 out of 5]

She is still crying in this book, am I’m upset with myself because I just keep reading

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very wholesome way to wrap things up.

[Christie Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Third book and I like the storyline but getting tired of the repetitive use of Isabel’s “inner vixen” and need more from the author. I do enjoy the twists and turns though.

[Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew the ending was gonna happen or something like it but it was sooo dragged and wasn’t even a big cliff or bang

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3? Maybe? This is starting to feel a bit long...

[Gia Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s getting a bit silly now

[Bonny Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are quite a few typos/misused words in book 3 of this series...like "black", instead of "back", "shallow" instead of "swallow", "awarded" instead of "rewarded", "make" instead of "meet". Additionnally, characters are mis-identified when referencing past events ...for example Isaac is talking to Hunter and says "...when you blah blah blah..... ", except it wasn't Hunter that "blah blah blah" it was the FBI agents. And tell me have you ever heard of "a tight, pleated, pencil skirt" ? I may not be a fashion designer, but even I know if it's pleated, it 's going to be wider at the bottom and therefore, by nature of it's design, can't be a pencil skirt. This book especially needs better proof reading.

Additionally, there are so many characters in the series that it can get hard to keep track of who's who, especially if you have to put the book down for a few hrs to attend to life's business. This is particularly true of minor characters that are mentioned, but aren't prominent in books 1 & 2. I found myself going back a few times when they reappeared to verify who the character was ... ( e..g. Was Henry the father or the son? Who was Clara?, Etc.). Some of these characters were insignificant in the first two books of the series, but play a more significant role in book 3 or I suspect will play a significant role in book 4.

In spite of the above,, I still loved this book. A lot happens in this book. Some things come to light, but it only brings more question and mystery. Isaac is the "enigma" .... He appears one way to the world, yet he shows a different side to Isabelle. We've learned a little more of his back ground/past by the end of Book 3 but there is still a mystery about him, something that hasn't yet been revealed. But Isaac isn't the only enigma...there's something about Brandon, a secondary character, as well. In books 1& 2 he's been nothing but a blushing, unassuming co-worker and friend of Isabelle's who maybe has a crush on her. But in this book we discover he has unexpected fighting skills, a smoking body he's been hiding under the clothes he wears, and that he comes from a wealthy family...so why is he working long hours for !little pay as an FBI agent?

The plot thickens in this book and a mystery character appears. Is it someone who has made an appearance in past books, but Isabelle has yet to meet, or is it a totally new character? And why is he following her? What is the "business" deal Isaac is involved in with a character that has a connection to Isabelle? We know it likely has something to do with protecting Isabelle, but we don't know what it is yet. While some things come to light that will resolve the cliff hanger in Book 2, there are other events, people and issues that occur creating more drama and mystery. Even with the proofing errors noted above the story is well written and will hold your interest., The characters are vivid and come to life and I am definitely looking forward to reading the last book...book 4 aptly titled Enigma: The Final Chapter.
(There are other books in this series, but they deal with stories of other charafters that appeared in previous books. Isaac and Isabelles story ends in book 4, though they may appear in subsequent books, they will not be main characters.)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enigma – The Mystery Unmasked: Isaacs’s story- Book 3 (Perception #8)
Shandi Boyes
4 Stars
This is book 3 of Shandi Boyes Enigma series. This book is about proving innocence and love trumps over everything. No matter what life continuously throw at Isaac and Isabelle their love and their always wanting to protect one another at all costs, over powers them and their troubles.

“After one last quick glance around my bedroom, I gather my satchel and unopened mail and follow Hugo out into the corridor. Even though my apartment was only on a lease agreement, it still felt like home to me. I look forward to the day when all of this drama is over and my life can return to its normal boring existence. Although I’m sure my life will never be classified as normal with Isaac in it. He is anything but ordinary.”
Isaac gets Isabelle the best lawyer he knows, to get the charges of murder dropped. Regan get Isabelle out on bail, Regan tells Isaac and Isabelle that they need to stay away from each other until she can prove there is no case against Isabelle. Isaac has Hugo stick to Isabelle like glue, she he knows she is safe. When two cops that arrested Isabelle Ryan the Detective trying to prove Isabelle is innocent, calls Isaac to see if Isaac had a hand it the deaths. Right before Ryan calls about the cops Isaac gets a strange phone call and when he goes and sees the crime scene, he has an idea who killed the officers.
Isabelle being an FBI agent tries to help Regan solve the puzzle of the murder charges hanging over Isabelle’s head. When they find evidence that does not add up, they know they have found a way out of the murder charges. They now know someone is framing Isabelle. Now that Isaac has to stay away from her, her nightmares get worse. Hugo suggests she talk to a professional, and then he is dragged into running with Isabelle. Brandon’s mother is throwing a benefit gala and Isabelle promised to go with Brandon. Isabelle forces Isaac hand and pays the wonderful price of forcing Isaac’s dominating side.

I truly enjoyed this book, it grabbed me from the start and I did not want to stop reading. I was disappointed when it ended. The ending is a cliffhanger; I cannot wait to read the last book of Shandi Boyes series. This book had me laughing more than the first two books. I am a big fan of bantering and ego trips, the charters have between them. For me this book has to be my favorite so far, it is suspenseful and tense.

[Jenny_binge_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it 3.5 ⭐️s.

FINALLY!!!! The text message thread showed up! 3 books in and at 88% I finally got to see the context of why it was there!

The only thing holding me with onto this series is Hugo, Brandon and Alex. I want to know what secrets they are hiding and I feel I need to continue with this series to move to the next books. I also want to know how it will end with that cliffhanger ending. The struggle bus is real when it is coming to these 2.

Now that is out of the way, I had some issues with this book.

First, her on going issues with her weight is really getting to me. The comments that are made are just gross and toxic and it's getting to the point of cringy. So you eat a cheeseburger and fries, why does it matter that you are going to start your period. Why is it Issacs concern what time you eat carbs? Or saying the only bicep curls you are doing is shoving food in your mouth. It is just gross. We get it. You struggle to maintain your curvy/tiny figure but the constant reminder of your pants not fitting because you ate something "you shouldn't have," is enough.

**Some spoilers ahead**
Secondly, the whole Issac/Clara story line. He was hurt that you betrayed him and hiding the fact that you were FBI and arresting him. Of course he is going to do something stupid. Im not justifying it. But eh. Seems like unnecessary drama. They have way more things to deal with that some cheating scandal. It is also very unclear on if they did or did not do it. He was black out drunk so he just assumes that is the case. A man of his level of guarded walls would have camera in his room. Or I would assume.

Third, How he still has not come clean about why he was arrested. If you are going to go behind her back like that you should probably tell her. It's not a little thing that would cause more problems with them. A partner going behind her back to meet her father (a huge mob boss) that sold her to do business with him. Yea, no thanks. Growing your empire isn't that important. At least to me. I am no mob boss so I can't say I would do the same thing.