What do you think?
Seth, married and miserable.
Simone, the young maid working her way through law school.
What happens when their worlds collide?
STANDALONE
Trigger warning.
Emotional, financial and physical abuse.
There's also cheating.
This is a FUCKING story. Not a LOVE story.
Novella Length
Simone, the young maid working her way through law school.
What happens when their worlds collide?
STANDALONE
Trigger warning.
Emotional, financial and physical abuse.
There's also cheating.
This is a FUCKING story. Not a LOVE story.
Novella Length
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
March 14, 2020
3peat! Changed to 5 stars
__________
When things aren't what they seem!
Simone and Seth's story in "The Maid (A Proposition and a Desk) was wild and so trigger worthy! This is my first time reading a book by Shantel Davis but reading this comeuppance tale with a twist had me rereading this story and truly reexamining the mindset of the cunning accountant, Seth Alquist which really started with a drink and "a man walks into a bar devising a plan to kill his wife. He jokingly asked the bartender if he had any idea how he could do it and get away with it"and one of my favorite classic movie scheme used in 'Gaslight.'
Again, things are not what they seem... Read this one people and find yourself saying maybe...'to cheat or not cheat is the answer.' And by the way I hate cheating books but after reading this tale, sometimes it works with a sad marriage of convenience story line as Seth and his crazy, older wife, Paula Alquist!
BTW, Simone was an incredible heroine and I'm hoping we get another story on this memorable couple. To me this story would be a great movie~ -just sayin'!
Favorite quotes "He was going for shock value. He wanted me discombobulated and it worked. Internally, I clutched my pearls. Outwardly, I inhaled so sharply I ended up choking. He watched me with a pleased smirk stretched across his handsome face while I fought for composure."
5 thrilling stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💫💫💫💫
__________
When things aren't what they seem!
Simone and Seth's story in "The Maid (A Proposition and a Desk) was wild and so trigger worthy! This is my first time reading a book by Shantel Davis but reading this comeuppance tale with a twist had me rereading this story and truly reexamining the mindset of the cunning accountant, Seth Alquist which really started with a drink and "a man walks into a bar devising a plan to kill his wife. He jokingly asked the bartender if he had any idea how he could do it and get away with it"and one of my favorite classic movie scheme used in 'Gaslight.'
Again, things are not what they seem... Read this one people and find yourself saying maybe...'to cheat or not cheat is the answer.' And by the way I hate cheating books but after reading this tale, sometimes it works with a sad marriage of convenience story line as Seth and his crazy, older wife, Paula Alquist!
BTW, Simone was an incredible heroine and I'm hoping we get another story on this memorable couple. To me this story would be a great movie~ -just sayin'!
Favorite quotes "He was going for shock value. He wanted me discombobulated and it worked. Internally, I clutched my pearls. Outwardly, I inhaled so sharply I ended up choking. He watched me with a pleased smirk stretched across his handsome face while I fought for composure."
5 thrilling stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💫💫💫💫
February 23, 2022
Can you say Scandalous? My mouth is still open and yes I’m still thinking about this crazy book!
March 2, 2020
The synopsis for this story makes it clear that there is cheating in this story. Frankly, I don't condone cheating but I read an early chapter preview and I wanted to know how it would be handled. Despite the cheating (there are reasons, though two wrongs ...) aspect, I enjoyed reading this forbidden story. It's titillating, hot and sexy. Don't let the cheating aspect and the author's previous work 'DeMarco' prevent you from reading this book. Recommended. Read It!
February 24, 2022
Man I was not prepared for the mess that occurred in this book! Highly highly highly entertaining and unputdownable. I started it and kept thinking girl close your mouth because every single page something ELSE was going down.
So good and a quick drama filled book.
So good and a quick drama filled book.
February 14, 2020
Compelling, gaslighting attraction
4.5 stars
Great story of a smitten but troubled alpha drawn to a confident, on-her-way-to-success curvy heroine that starts off with a bang. The heroine is unwittingly employed by the hero who encountered her, desired her, and later makes her an offer she can't refuse. I immediately felt the steam raising the virtual pages of my ebook and delighted in the compelling attraction and off-the-charts chemistry between the married hero and the maid. I enjoyed their relationship's organic unfolding and growing strength, as well as the side characters who added to the drama of the story.
While technically there is cheating in the tale, there are circumstances that will calm those who might be triggered by this scenario. The pace of this novel was great, and though I would have liked more story and character development, as well as a more comprehensive epilogue, overall the story was quite entertaining without angsty emotional investment. Also found were bits of humor and a historical ode.
4.5 stars
Great story of a smitten but troubled alpha drawn to a confident, on-her-way-to-success curvy heroine that starts off with a bang. The heroine is unwittingly employed by the hero who encountered her, desired her, and later makes her an offer she can't refuse. I immediately felt the steam raising the virtual pages of my ebook and delighted in the compelling attraction and off-the-charts chemistry between the married hero and the maid. I enjoyed their relationship's organic unfolding and growing strength, as well as the side characters who added to the drama of the story.
While technically there is cheating in the tale, there are circumstances that will calm those who might be triggered by this scenario. The pace of this novel was great, and though I would have liked more story and character development, as well as a more comprehensive epilogue, overall the story was quite entertaining without angsty emotional investment. Also found were bits of humor and a historical ode.
February 15, 2020
Wow..... Great read-- not for the faint of heart. 7/75 💜❤️
December 4, 2024
I really do not want to like this. Especially because it involves cheating (not between mcs) but I end up liking it anyway.
The H, Seth is married into a marriage of convenience and his wife is a vile person with a bitchy attitude. Not gonna lie, I’m not even mad she got cheated on. Because 1) she cheats on him first and again later on 2) she is physically, verbally and emotionally abusive towards him 3) she’s prejudice AF
The h, Simone is hired to become their maid when Seth sees her as his friend’s server and he makes a deal with the said friend to fire her so that he could hire her himself. It’s an insta-lust for him and for her as well I guess but they do not act on it until he proposes a deal with her. Money in an exchange for, well you can guess it; her body.
This is rather quite short and I’m glad it’s not filled with only smut. At first it’s only surface-level with them but later on they get to know each other better (well it’s more like he’s forcing himself into her personal space).
I really like the writing. I think it’s one of the main reasons why I finished reading this book. I also like Simone but it takes me a while to warm up to Seth. About their relationship; honestly I do feel like it’s more than just sex but I don’t like the fact that they are several time skips after them being separated with no mention of him thinking or missing her and I certainly do not like the mention of her past lover and what they did. Such a turn off!
Anyway, overall I really enjoyed the twist at the end. Well I kinda expected it already from the prelude but it is nicely executed.
Safety deets:
❌no cheating between the mcs while in “relationship” or during separation
✅ OW drama- the wife tries to seduce the H but he’s not interested
✅ OM drama- h past lover makes an appearance and proposes a hook up and she agrees to it because she thought whatever is between her and the H is over but it never happen because the H intervenes
The H, Seth is married into a marriage of convenience and his wife is a vile person with a bitchy attitude. Not gonna lie, I’m not even mad she got cheated on. Because 1) she cheats on him first and again later on 2) she is physically, verbally and emotionally abusive towards him 3) she’s prejudice AF
The h, Simone is hired to become their maid when Seth sees her as his friend’s server and he makes a deal with the said friend to fire her so that he could hire her himself. It’s an insta-lust for him and for her as well I guess but they do not act on it until he proposes a deal with her. Money in an exchange for, well you can guess it; her body.
This is rather quite short and I’m glad it’s not filled with only smut. At first it’s only surface-level with them but later on they get to know each other better (well it’s more like he’s forcing himself into her personal space).
I really like the writing. I think it’s one of the main reasons why I finished reading this book. I also like Simone but it takes me a while to warm up to Seth. About their relationship; honestly I do feel like it’s more than just sex but I don’t like the fact that they are several time skips after them being separated with no mention of him thinking or missing her and I certainly do not like the mention of her past lover and what they did. Such a turn off!
Anyway, overall I really enjoyed the twist at the end. Well I kinda expected it already from the prelude but it is nicely executed.
Safety deets:
❌no cheating between the mcs while in “relationship” or during separation
✅ OW drama- the wife tries to seduce the H but he’s not interested
✅ OM drama- h past lover makes an appearance and proposes a hook up and she agrees to it because she thought whatever is between her and the H is over but it never happen because the H intervenes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
3.5-ish? A novella-length spicy employer/employee story with a touch of old-school film noir/erotic thriller vibes. I enjoyed the hints of mystery and the morally gray MMC, and would've been happy if that could've been expanded into a full-length novel. As it is, there's a lot of naughty sneaking around. The MMC is married, so the romance does involve cheating, but since the wife is literally the worst, that's all good.
May 15, 2021
Evil Freaking Genius
Loved Seth and Simone...all the characters played the hell out the parts. The writing was quick paced and crazy interesting...I never saw the ending coming...Kudos to this author.
Loved Seth and Simone...all the characters played the hell out the parts. The writing was quick paced and crazy interesting...I never saw the ending coming...Kudos to this author.
August 9, 2022
Loved every second!
I don’t know where to start! Girl you me ready to seduce me a fine white man and put this plus size booty on him lol. Definitely not how I thought the story was going to play out but I loved it. These stories got me believing I’ll find a man that wanna worship me from head to toe!
I don’t know where to start! Girl you me ready to seduce me a fine white man and put this plus size booty on him lol. Definitely not how I thought the story was going to play out but I loved it. These stories got me believing I’ll find a man that wanna worship me from head to toe!
December 15, 2020
This is an amaaaaaaaazing book! It is nail biting sitting on the edge of your seat toe tapping good! I was engrossed from beginning to end and I missed these characters as soon as ‘The End’ graced the page 🙂.
And the intrigue, oh my goodness it is worth ALL of your time 💪🏾.
And the intrigue, oh my goodness it is worth ALL of your time 💪🏾.
September 5, 2023
This book was so good and steamy I couldn't put it down. Now I'm hooked on this author!
December 24, 2022
The Maid: Plus size-BWWM ( Plus size BWWM) ( A Proposition and a Desk)
Yasss this one is the truth, that darn wife should’ve been got got. She was rude as hell, conniving, ungrateful, and just plain ol ugly. I’m glad everything worked out for Seth and Simone! Great job
Yasss this one is the truth, that darn wife should’ve been got got. She was rude as hell, conniving, ungrateful, and just plain ol ugly. I’m glad everything worked out for Seth and Simone! Great job
April 13, 2020
I was NOT expecting that
This book was a suggestion from a FB group! Lord Have Mercy. I was NOT expecting ANY OF THAT!!! This was a great read. Face paced! EXCEPTIONAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!! Wit the HEA!!! I am officially A NEW FAN!!! Happy Writing Shanel!!!
This book was a suggestion from a FB group! Lord Have Mercy. I was NOT expecting ANY OF THAT!!! This was a great read. Face paced! EXCEPTIONAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!! Wit the HEA!!! I am officially A NEW FAN!!! Happy Writing Shanel!!!
March 21, 2022
Atleast the author did warn that it wasn’t a love story because it definitely wasn’t but I still feel a type of way. Maybe if it was labeled a ‘ dark romance’ I could’ve turned by head but it wasn’t so ( P.S. I know my red flags should start with him cheating on his wife but call me a hypocrite it was justified in this instance)
🚩 number 1: him kissing her right after she told him not to
🚩number 2: him cumming in her when she told him not to & shrugging when she confronted him about it
🚩 number 3: him not respecting any of her wishes or boundaries even in her own home
And let’s talk about the h, idk about y’all but when I read a story with an interracial couple I hate when the bw all of a sudden rolls over without putting up a fight or voicing her concerns clearly whenever the yt H says or tells her to do something. I felt like she folded too fast to his demands. And from her internal dialogue her actions & thoughts didn’t match up. I was disappointed in this h.
And wtf was that ending I can’t help but feel like she’s basically ‘ sleeping with the enemy’ in a way. I felt like she was used & wasn’t even given an explanation or was clued in on the whole plan even after everything went down & Seth finally got his revenge & money. She literally entered into a marriage founded on a huge lie! She deserved better ‼️
🚩 number 1: him kissing her right after she told him not to
🚩number 2: him cumming in her when she told him not to & shrugging when she confronted him about it
🚩 number 3: him not respecting any of her wishes or boundaries even in her own home
And let’s talk about the h, idk about y’all but when I read a story with an interracial couple I hate when the bw all of a sudden rolls over without putting up a fight or voicing her concerns clearly whenever the yt H says or tells her to do something. I felt like she folded too fast to his demands. And from her internal dialogue her actions & thoughts didn’t match up. I was disappointed in this h.
And wtf was that ending I can’t help but feel like she’s basically ‘ sleeping with the enemy’ in a way. I felt like she was used & wasn’t even given an explanation or was clued in on the whole plan even after everything went down & Seth finally got his revenge & money. She literally entered into a marriage founded on a huge lie! She deserved better ‼️
November 23, 2021
It’s not that I didn’t like the story for me honestly Seth’s epilogue really tainted the rest of the story for me. I didn’t really mind the circumstance in which Simone and Seth got together. But again the epilogue killed it for me because what was revealed has me question Seth true feelings towards Simone. He literally asked Simone didn’t she believed in love at first sight which to me implied he fell for her on sight but then at the end you see this was planned. He set the whole situation up with the hopes of using Simone to be a witness so she could strengthen his claim and plot for revenge to his hell on wheels wife. Which again for me has me questioning his true feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2020
Not What You Think!
I can promise you this book is not gonna be what you are thinking.This author( I read one of her other books)likes to make you think you know what's going on, and you've definitely got this book figured out,but you really really don't.I will not give any spoilers away,you really do have to read it your self.A maid and a rich man fall for one another and it is so so good.Good job to the author for writing another great read.
I can promise you this book is not gonna be what you are thinking.This author( I read one of her other books)likes to make you think you know what's going on, and you've definitely got this book figured out,but you really really don't.I will not give any spoilers away,you really do have to read it your self.A maid and a rich man fall for one another and it is so so good.Good job to the author for writing another great read.
March 31, 2020
I liked but didn't love this story. I felt it was a bit rushed once you get to the middle of the story. The development of the relationship between Seth and Simone happened in lightening speed pretty much but I gotta say, the love scenes between them were pretty well-written and hot. I liked the plot twist as well, but I think the story went a bit too fast for me. I'd say 3.5 stars.
April 9, 2020
The twist is interesting...
Okay so I love the writing, I like Simone but don't really like the male lead Seth, it's just his victim mentally which turned out to be psychotic as the end proved to me but it was an interesting read and I empathized with Simone so better than most books I've read recently
Okay so I love the writing, I like Simone but don't really like the male lead Seth, it's just his victim mentally which turned out to be psychotic as the end proved to me but it was an interesting read and I empathized with Simone so better than most books I've read recently
May 17, 2020
Good read....
I read Adam and Eve first and loved it. Ms. Davis did not let me down here. The story was way too short but that’s only because I wanted more. I definitely recommend this book.
I read Adam and Eve first and loved it. Ms. Davis did not let me down here. The story was way too short but that’s only because I wanted more. I definitely recommend this book.
September 26, 2020
Definitely not what what I usually read, but WOW! a lot more than I anticipated. Red hot story, but i wished they had given more backstory of Simone. And I do hope to see this couple in the future.
October 20, 2020
OMG THAT ENDING!
Seth Alquist had a plan all along. He was trapped in a marriage he only go in to save his mother. But he was married to an alcoholic, spoiled devil spawned beotch. Seth was the ideal husband for his rich wife. More acceptable to her industrialist father that what she really liked. Seth’s mother left him trapped in a loveless marriage. It was not until he saw Simone that he finally came up with a plan to save himself but he did not expect to fall in love but he did.
Simone, a law student, tried her best to resist Seth’s proposition but she knew that she needed his money to finish school. She reluctantly agreed to it. She did not expect to fall in love either. She tried to tell herself that it was just business, but her heart knew better.
Shantel wrote a very compelling story about an unsuccessful attempt of a young man to save his mother who ended up in a loveless marriage. Seth was not very likeable in the beginning pages of the book but when the reader was introduced to Mrs. Alquist, boy, all bets were off. She was less likeable. She essentially blackmailed Seth into staying married to her and then verbally abused him for staying. What’s that saying about revenge? “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” Seth got his revenge and his girl too.
Seth Alquist had a plan all along. He was trapped in a marriage he only go in to save his mother. But he was married to an alcoholic, spoiled devil spawned beotch. Seth was the ideal husband for his rich wife. More acceptable to her industrialist father that what she really liked. Seth’s mother left him trapped in a loveless marriage. It was not until he saw Simone that he finally came up with a plan to save himself but he did not expect to fall in love but he did.
Simone, a law student, tried her best to resist Seth’s proposition but she knew that she needed his money to finish school. She reluctantly agreed to it. She did not expect to fall in love either. She tried to tell herself that it was just business, but her heart knew better.
Shantel wrote a very compelling story about an unsuccessful attempt of a young man to save his mother who ended up in a loveless marriage. Seth was not very likeable in the beginning pages of the book but when the reader was introduced to Mrs. Alquist, boy, all bets were off. She was less likeable. She essentially blackmailed Seth into staying married to her and then verbally abused him for staying. What’s that saying about revenge? “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” Seth got his revenge and his girl too.
February 22, 2020
So worth the read...READ IT NOW!
I didn’t highlight any special parts in the book bc it was all special and worth reading. Well done to the author. I’m looking forward to reading more. Never liked the maid and master affair but Simone and Seth did it well. I was rooting for them both despite the nature of their “transactions.” Lol I was not disappointed bc this book gave me everything I needed. Soo yummy! And filled with the best twist and turns all good books have. Enjoy! #CanIGetARefill
I didn’t highlight any special parts in the book bc it was all special and worth reading. Well done to the author. I’m looking forward to reading more. Never liked the maid and master affair but Simone and Seth did it well. I was rooting for them both despite the nature of their “transactions.” Lol I was not disappointed bc this book gave me everything I needed. Soo yummy! And filled with the best twist and turns all good books have. Enjoy! #CanIGetARefill
March 28, 2020
Too Good!
First off let me say that I don't condone cheating, but in this case I understood Seth's situation. He was obsessed with Simone and in the end came to love her and Simone in turn grew to love him. I absolutely loved this book! The twist and turns was unique to anything that I have ever read! Ms. David is a true literary genius and I look forward to her future books, especially Damon's story because if he is anything like his dad, Adam in Adam and Eve, I know it will be a great read!
First off let me say that I don't condone cheating, but in this case I understood Seth's situation. He was obsessed with Simone and in the end came to love her and Simone in turn grew to love him. I absolutely loved this book! The twist and turns was unique to anything that I have ever read! Ms. David is a true literary genius and I look forward to her future books, especially Damon's story because if he is anything like his dad, Adam in Adam and Eve, I know it will be a great read!
May 19, 2020
Well DAMN!
Seth is the shit! The way he maneuvers have you gasping. This not a cheating book. Seth is married to a psycho but he is in love with Simone. This book is hot! The description of Simone is sexy and flattering. I am not a reader of bbw because some I have read make her look frumpy. No ma’am! Not Simone! The drama is crazy and even though this not romance, the feelings are explicit and explosive. This is the first time I have read Shantel Davis and she has become a 1 click for me.
Seth is the shit! The way he maneuvers have you gasping. This not a cheating book. Seth is married to a psycho but he is in love with Simone. This book is hot! The description of Simone is sexy and flattering. I am not a reader of bbw because some I have read make her look frumpy. No ma’am! Not Simone! The drama is crazy and even though this not romance, the feelings are explicit and explosive. This is the first time I have read Shantel Davis and she has become a 1 click for me.
June 28, 2021
I realize that I'm pro cheating in romance novels as long as it's not between the heroine and her hero... Huh. It adds to the tension.
I like conflict, this had it in spades. Both of them had very good reasons to be reluctant all the way through besides "But I don't believe in love!" This is at the other end of the drama spectrum.
The villain is a little over the top in her antics, but hey... I think I read it out in one go?
I like conflict, this had it in spades. Both of them had very good reasons to be reluctant all the way through besides "But I don't believe in love!" This is at the other end of the drama spectrum.
The villain is a little over the top in her antics, but hey... I think I read it out in one go?
October 15, 2021
Simone and Deth
Simone was the maid and Seth is the rich husband wanting Simone. Seth fell in love with Simone. And Simone trying harder not to Fall in love with Seth because he is married. But the marriage license arrangements was all wrong to order for the man and Rich wife, with the rich daddy. Seth need to escape, the escalated problems. His love for Simone made life more ❤️ bearable.
Simone was the maid and Seth is the rich husband wanting Simone. Seth fell in love with Simone. And Simone trying harder not to Fall in love with Seth because he is married. But the marriage license arrangements was all wrong to order for the man and Rich wife, with the rich daddy. Seth need to escape, the escalated problems. His love for Simone made life more ❤️ bearable.
February 25, 2020
Please read this story
No Wait, What just happened...... Miss Davis you did it again. You got me f'up right now. That was some twisted shit. Sis you are one of top 5 authors. You blew my mind damn. I highly recommend this book. I just have one issue I wanted this story to be longer, I'm just greedy lol.
No Wait, What just happened...... Miss Davis you did it again. You got me f'up right now. That was some twisted shit. Sis you are one of top 5 authors. You blew my mind damn. I highly recommend this book. I just have one issue I wanted this story to be longer, I'm just greedy lol.
March 24, 2020
Great late night read....
Simone attempted to keep her guard up and stay focused on the task at hand. However with everything thing she was being told by Seth, I understand why it was hard. Despite their circumstances, they were steamy, sexy, and connected. And Seth had a plan! I was losing hope but he came through.
It’s a quick read but it will hold your attention.
Id recommend to my reading friends!
Simone attempted to keep her guard up and stay focused on the task at hand. However with everything thing she was being told by Seth, I understand why it was hard. Despite their circumstances, they were steamy, sexy, and connected. And Seth had a plan! I was losing hope but he came through.
It’s a quick read but it will hold your attention.
Id recommend to my reading friends!
April 17, 2020
Read it!!!
Whew I don’t do cheating ever in romance but honey this book was soooo daggone good! Seth is my type to a T and Simone is very real very honest and it was just good. The story was well written engaging and it had a little spice at the end that had you like oh damn! So this is one to add to the TBR pile. As a matter of fact move it to the top.
Whew I don’t do cheating ever in romance but honey this book was soooo daggone good! Seth is my type to a T and Simone is very real very honest and it was just good. The story was well written engaging and it had a little spice at the end that had you like oh damn! So this is one to add to the TBR pile. As a matter of fact move it to the top.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews