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The Rake
Raised in a brothel by her pimp father and outnumbered by her older brothers, Keller Kane always felt that she lived a life that wasn’t her own. Her father, Lucian, groomed her to be a lady, something to be looked at and admired-a trophy of sorts. His dream for his only daughter was for her to marry rich and be taken care of by her man, but Keller had other plans. Being accepted into Princeton University was her ticket out. Keller worked hard to become a lawyer and landed her first corporate job right out of law school, but when the politics in her law firm conflicts with her morals, she decides she has had enough. Quitting her job and remembering the lessons her father taught her, she took a leap of faith and decides to fund her lifestyle by hosting high stakes underground poker games. Surrounding herself with a network of beautiful women, Keller builds an army to help create an illusion while also adding glamour and fantasy to the game. Raking in over a million dollars a week, she is Madam Poker. Businessmen, celebrities, and politicians all want in on her exclusive games, but when she gets more than what she has bargained for, friends turn into enemies, greed turns into jealousy, and the mob comes knocking at her door.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2020
25 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Shataya Simms
5 books39 followersLower Merion/Haverford Township educated and Temple University graduate, Ardmore native Shataya Simms has a background in Project Management, Public Relations, Marketing, and Promotions. During her junior year of college, Shataya, along with a group of Temple University students, founded Grown Folks Entertainment which promoted Philadelphia’s night life, as well as specialized in event planning. During this time, she was also an intern for Philadelphia International Records/Gamble-Huff Music, as a Marketing & Special Projects Coordinator assistant. After graduating from Temple University, Shataya worked as a Project Manager for a sign advertising company but her passion was to return to the world of marketing and media. In 2012, she earned her broadcasting certificate from Connecticut School of Broadcasting, learning all tools in successfully running both radio and television stations.
After 6 years of service as a Project Manager, Shataya took a leave of absence to start her own business, Connect Management Group; a marketing, branding, and talent management agency, as well as complete her first novel titled Living Anonymous, which she self-published and released on October 30, 2015 under Connect Management Group’s umbrella.
Currently, Shataya resides in Bryn Mawr, PA where she is raising her 13 year old son as she works to build the brand of her businesses and the sequel to Living Anonymous.
After 6 years of service as a Project Manager, Shataya took a leave of absence to start her own business, Connect Management Group; a marketing, branding, and talent management agency, as well as complete her first novel titled Living Anonymous, which she self-published and released on October 30, 2015 under Connect Management Group’s umbrella.
Currently, Shataya resides in Bryn Mawr, PA where she is raising her 13 year old son as she works to build the brand of her businesses and the sequel to Living Anonymous.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 22, 2020
I got to read this book early and it was amazing.
Keller Kane is a Princeton graduate looking to make her mark in corporate law. After the politics became too much, she decided to use wisdom her Father imparted and capitalize on a venture she started when she was in college. The daughter of a pimp, Keller was well versed in the Underworld. When she decided to take over the Underground Poker games and her exclusive games become the talk of the city...everyone isn't happy, especially not her competitors who also happen to be the Mob. Keller and her all women army are more than just ladies of the night...they are women who can hold their own no matter the cost. The Rake put them to the ultimate test to see where loyalties lie when the stakes are high.
Keller Kane is a Princeton graduate looking to make her mark in corporate law. After the politics became too much, she decided to use wisdom her Father imparted and capitalize on a venture she started when she was in college. The daughter of a pimp, Keller was well versed in the Underworld. When she decided to take over the Underground Poker games and her exclusive games become the talk of the city...everyone isn't happy, especially not her competitors who also happen to be the Mob. Keller and her all women army are more than just ladies of the night...they are women who can hold their own no matter the cost. The Rake put them to the ultimate test to see where loyalties lie when the stakes are high.
April 25, 2020
“Baby, you are the baddest jawn in the land.” ~ my favorite line in the book from Zay Bae
Every word, every page, every chapter was definitely worth the wait for Shataya’s new release. From the first couple of pages everything I assumed about Kane was wrong. Like wrong wrong. I had to go back and start from the beginning, hold up Kane is all female. I see ya Kane. Kane is a BOSS and I loved everything about her I don’t need a man, I can run this shit myself attitude. Kane was a female character we need to see more of in books.
13 siblings, 17 step siblings, a pimp for a daddy and a whole whore house is bound to make for an amazing book. The twist and turns, the family dynamics, the love story were all worth the wait! I want to slap Shataya and Hi5 her at the same time. She jumped out of whatever box we may have placed her in and wrote a gritty book from the streets of Philly. She filled in blanks that we didn’t even know we needed like with the homeless man named Chicago. She has you holding your breath only to release it and crush your dreams in another scene.
I seriously want to take one of these stars away because I am heartbroken. I know it’s a standalone, but there is no way she can’t give us a follow up story. We demand some form of damn justice! Because I just read this ending again and I’m for sure still broken over this.
Every word, every page, every chapter was definitely worth the wait for Shataya’s new release. From the first couple of pages everything I assumed about Kane was wrong. Like wrong wrong. I had to go back and start from the beginning, hold up Kane is all female. I see ya Kane. Kane is a BOSS and I loved everything about her I don’t need a man, I can run this shit myself attitude. Kane was a female character we need to see more of in books.
13 siblings, 17 step siblings, a pimp for a daddy and a whole whore house is bound to make for an amazing book. The twist and turns, the family dynamics, the love story were all worth the wait! I want to slap Shataya and Hi5 her at the same time. She jumped out of whatever box we may have placed her in and wrote a gritty book from the streets of Philly. She filled in blanks that we didn’t even know we needed like with the homeless man named Chicago. She has you holding your breath only to release it and crush your dreams in another scene.
I seriously want to take one of these stars away because I am heartbroken. I know it’s a standalone, but there is no way she can’t give us a follow up story. We demand some form of damn justice! Because I just read this ending again and I’m for sure still broken over this.
February 5, 2025
So this book was a mix between love and sigh.
I loved how the author dealt with trauma in Elspeth and the relationship with Aegar and how he treated it. It was endearing and respectful and very relatable. 5/5
The story itself was good (4/5)...but...I honestly hated the footnotes. I opted not to read it, but every time I accidentally clicked on one or at the end of the chapter it pulled me right out of the story.
It broke the flow of the story so much I almost DNF'd just because I found them so annoying. While I'm sure they would have offered entertainment I would have at the very least put them at the end of the book rather than per chapter.
But if footnotes don't bother you, you'll love the book.
Dealing with trauma is hard as a writer, and the author did an amazing job with it. I applaud her.
I loved how the author dealt with trauma in Elspeth and the relationship with Aegar and how he treated it. It was endearing and respectful and very relatable. 5/5
The story itself was good (4/5)...but...I honestly hated the footnotes. I opted not to read it, but every time I accidentally clicked on one or at the end of the chapter it pulled me right out of the story.
It broke the flow of the story so much I almost DNF'd just because I found them so annoying. While I'm sure they would have offered entertainment I would have at the very least put them at the end of the book rather than per chapter.
But if footnotes don't bother you, you'll love the book.
Dealing with trauma is hard as a writer, and the author did an amazing job with it. I applaud her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2020
Ok so I just wanna say I'm soooooo mad at you right now😡😤🤬. I just got finished reading The Rake first I'm gone say it was extremely good 💪⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I started 12am lastnight slept for 3 hrs then finished it this morning. I love how your writing is not predictable but babbyyyy something in the inside of me kept telling me something bad was going to happen at the end & when it did my heart drop in my stomach. You was wrong for that not to mention this a standalone 🙄 so we won't never here from these characters again🥴😔 I have so many questions you definitely have to do discussion for this book! Man I couldn't even shed a tear that's how shocked 😱 I was I literally can scream right now smh.... Congratulations 🎉🎉you got another banger on your hands
April 7, 2021
Page Turner
The book was great! I enjoyed the twists and turns of Keller Kane’s life. I was not expecting it to end as it did. It left me wanting to read more about this family and hoping the end was all a dream...
The book was great! I enjoyed the twists and turns of Keller Kane’s life. I was not expecting it to end as it did. It left me wanting to read more about this family and hoping the end was all a dream...
May 6, 2020
When I saw the Shataya Simms released a new book, my 1st reaction was "it's about damn time!" 😏 I was super excited because I was in desperate need of a good book. Keller Kane - only girl, has 13 brothers, some stepbrothers, and a pimp for a father, and was raised in a whore house. Now if that doesn't get your attention...
Kane was independent, has some insecurities but very smart. While in college she ran underground poker games and made good money doing it, alongside her friend Brooke. Once she graduated college she went to Princeton Law School and became the lawyer she always wanted to be. Kane soon finds out being a lawyer and the politics of job wasn't what she wanted to be apart of anymore. Kane begins to throw her underground poker games again, but on a much bigger scale. The games become very popular. She is bringing in millions of dollars, her relationship with Isaiah is flourishing, but Kane soon finds herself on the radar of her competitors- The Mob.
The book started off really good, as if you're on a rollercoaster ride. Then all of a sudden the book suddenly slowed down and started dragging. It took awhile for it to pick back up again. Once it picked up it was full speed ahead. There were twist and turns. You got to see Kane's evil side and the side of her that cared, especially with Chicago. I really like her relationship with her brother Kai. I thought Isaiah was perfect for her. The ending had me mad, confused and sad all at the same time. There were some minor typos, but it did not take away from the book. I love Shataya's writing style and look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Kane was independent, has some insecurities but very smart. While in college she ran underground poker games and made good money doing it, alongside her friend Brooke. Once she graduated college she went to Princeton Law School and became the lawyer she always wanted to be. Kane soon finds out being a lawyer and the politics of job wasn't what she wanted to be apart of anymore. Kane begins to throw her underground poker games again, but on a much bigger scale. The games become very popular. She is bringing in millions of dollars, her relationship with Isaiah is flourishing, but Kane soon finds herself on the radar of her competitors- The Mob.
The book started off really good, as if you're on a rollercoaster ride. Then all of a sudden the book suddenly slowed down and started dragging. It took awhile for it to pick back up again. Once it picked up it was full speed ahead. There were twist and turns. You got to see Kane's evil side and the side of her that cared, especially with Chicago. I really like her relationship with her brother Kai. I thought Isaiah was perfect for her. The ending had me mad, confused and sad all at the same time. There were some minor typos, but it did not take away from the book. I love Shataya's writing style and look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
June 4, 2020
LOVED IT
This book was excellent. Shataya did her thing when she put this story and characters together. Very well written. I was drawn in from the very beginning and couldn't stop reading. Keller Kane was definitely her father's child, lucky #13. A college graduate just trying to show the world she's a fighter and nothing can stop her. She also had that hustlers ambition and with high stakes poker games under her belt she proves she can make it in a man's world. But not everyone is as happy about the moves she makes. In this book you will see how friends become foes and the high stakes at the table lead to addiction, greed and eliminating the competition. Just when she finally decides to get out things don't go in her favor. I wish there was more to that ending and definitely wouldnt mind reading a spinoff with Kai, Zay, Baby and Gloria. Overall excellent book and I highly recommend reading.
This book was excellent. Shataya did her thing when she put this story and characters together. Very well written. I was drawn in from the very beginning and couldn't stop reading. Keller Kane was definitely her father's child, lucky #13. A college graduate just trying to show the world she's a fighter and nothing can stop her. She also had that hustlers ambition and with high stakes poker games under her belt she proves she can make it in a man's world. But not everyone is as happy about the moves she makes. In this book you will see how friends become foes and the high stakes at the table lead to addiction, greed and eliminating the competition. Just when she finally decides to get out things don't go in her favor. I wish there was more to that ending and definitely wouldnt mind reading a spinoff with Kai, Zay, Baby and Gloria. Overall excellent book and I highly recommend reading.
July 30, 2020
Loved it
This book was so good. It had everything that I love in a book. Action, romance , suspense and strong family bonds. I loved Keller's character. She was a true boss. She knew her stuff. Loved her relationship with her brothers and the people that she was close to. I experienced different emotions while reading this book. I felt like I knew each character personally. Brooke and Lash were snakes . I liked the way Keller dealt with her. Isaiah and Kai were book baes. I wasn't expecting the ending and I have to say, I wished that it had ended differently since Keller's life was changing. I wanted her to have an HEA. Shataya, you are an amazing writer and I look forward to reading more of you're books. You have a new fan.
This book was so good. It had everything that I love in a book. Action, romance , suspense and strong family bonds. I loved Keller's character. She was a true boss. She knew her stuff. Loved her relationship with her brothers and the people that she was close to. I experienced different emotions while reading this book. I felt like I knew each character personally. Brooke and Lash were snakes . I liked the way Keller dealt with her. Isaiah and Kai were book baes. I wasn't expecting the ending and I have to say, I wished that it had ended differently since Keller's life was changing. I wanted her to have an HEA. Shataya, you are an amazing writer and I look forward to reading more of you're books. You have a new fan.
April 25, 2020
Wow! All I can say is wow! Was it worth the wait? Definitely so. This book was exciting from beginning to end. As I was reading, I had to stop and go back to the beginning just to ensure what I was reading. I tell you, when I say that there is always one in every family, this one was no exception. Shataya did a great job of bringing the story to life and had me picturing each scene. The saying, “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” played out in this book. Keller’s friend joined with her enemies to make her life uncertain. I was disappointed with the ending, but I really enjoyed this book.
August 9, 2020
So Freaking Good!!!
I saw a posting about The Rake on Instagram and immediately purchased it. When I say The Rake is a ride, girlfriend get ready and hold on!!! I cheered, I laughed, I cried.... I was so into every aspect of this story. Thank you Shataya. I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
I saw a posting about The Rake on Instagram and immediately purchased it. When I say The Rake is a ride, girlfriend get ready and hold on!!! I cheered, I laughed, I cried.... I was so into every aspect of this story. Thank you Shataya. I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
May 19, 2020
Shataya Simms is a good storyteller. The Rake back story is just as intriguing as the main plot. I felt the spin of the back story unfurling as I read the book, giving the main plot a major punch. I give it a roll of four dice!🎲🎲🎲🎲
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May 28, 2020I'm still mad
Thought I would calm down after a day or two passed after reading "The End" but NOPE I'm still mad. I will not say why I am as to not give away spoilers. Just go ahead and read for yourself so I won't be mad 😠 by myself.
Thought I would calm down after a day or two passed after reading "The End" but NOPE I'm still mad. I will not say why I am as to not give away spoilers. Just go ahead and read for yourself so I won't be mad 😠 by myself.
February 15, 2021
Whew
I was not ready for that ending. Just WAS NOT READY. Damn it! This was truly an awesome book! I didn’t stop reading until I finished the book! No spoiler alert, just know that this is a page turner and so freaking good.
I was not ready for that ending. Just WAS NOT READY. Damn it! This was truly an awesome book! I didn’t stop reading until I finished the book! No spoiler alert, just know that this is a page turner and so freaking good.
April 30, 2020
Amazing story!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2020
I enjoyed the characters but did not enjoy the way most of the story lines were wrapped up.
May 17, 2020
Very good read!
December 14, 2020
Must read!
Character development on point. Not your run of the mill urban fiction, which I like. I'm a sappy happy endings kind a girl.😕
Character development on point. Not your run of the mill urban fiction, which I like. I'm a sappy happy endings kind a girl.😕
June 3, 2020
Listen! This was a great read! Truly nerve wrecking! The ending was not what I expected and I’m still shook from it. This was nothing like a typical urban book. Keller Kane coming from a pimp with plenty siblings that all lived different lives. It’s crazy. I wish Keller heeded some of the warnings that were coming her way. Zay is the ultimate book bae. And I can’t believe that when everything was going right everything took a quick left. I would recommend this book to anyone!
August 14, 2020
A Gangster Tale like no other
The story draws from Molly’s Game which I love because I’m a poker player too. I lost sleep reading this but it was worth. I didn’t give it 5 stars because of some editing mistakes but I’m loving this new voice that I’ve discovered. Keep it up, Ms Simms...
The story draws from Molly’s Game which I love because I’m a poker player too. I lost sleep reading this but it was worth. I didn’t give it 5 stars because of some editing mistakes but I’m loving this new voice that I’ve discovered. Keep it up, Ms Simms...
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews