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Enigma #1.5
Enigma: An Isaac Retelling
Isaac Holt understands the pain of loss. He fought through the tragedy, sought vengeance for it, and in the process, built a formidable empire of both wealth and admiration.
However, he had no clue how lonely he was until a brunette with a Cupid bow lip and sultry curves fell at his feet.
Her chocolate brown eyes held a lifetime of secrets, but with a childhood illness teaching Isaac that the weak are often misunderstood, he saw more than a timid, shy woman.
She sparked his interest, and although his astuteness could have been blinded by lust, years of challenges assured him more than desire was at play.
As tension burns between them, will Isaac and Isabelle find solace in the flames? Or will they be scorched by truths so ferocious nothing but ash will be left in their wake?
*
For TWs please visit the author's website.
However, he had no clue how lonely he was until a brunette with a Cupid bow lip and sultry curves fell at his feet.
Her chocolate brown eyes held a lifetime of secrets, but with a childhood illness teaching Isaac that the weak are often misunderstood, he saw more than a timid, shy woman.
She sparked his interest, and although his astuteness could have been blinded by lust, years of challenges assured him more than desire was at play.
As tension burns between them, will Isaac and Isabelle find solace in the flames? Or will they be scorched by truths so ferocious nothing but ash will be left in their wake?
*
For TWs please visit the author's website.
612 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2022
178 people are currently reading
1276 people want to read
About the author
Shandi Boyes
96 books2,199 followersShandi 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!
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!
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 28, 2022
Enigma: An Issac Retelling
I was over the moon to get this book. I’d read the original Enigma Series.
This is from Isaac’s point of view. I’d wondered so many times whilst reading the original Enigma...
“What was Issac thinking?”
Well let me tell you. This filled in all those gaps and had me practically spellbound. This is another Fantastic read by Shandi. There’s humour, intrigue and the heat 🔥levels are off the chart!!
I’m already craving her next book!
Another Must Read!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was over the moon to get this book. I’d read the original Enigma Series.
This is from Isaac’s point of view. I’d wondered so many times whilst reading the original Enigma...
“What was Issac thinking?”
Well let me tell you. This filled in all those gaps and had me practically spellbound. This is another Fantastic read by Shandi. There’s humour, intrigue and the heat 🔥levels are off the chart!!
I’m already craving her next book!
Another Must Read!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 4, 2023
Wish I could have loved this
I’m always a fan of getting the male perspective in a romance. After reading the original Enigma series, I was glad to see the first book retold from Isaac’s perspective, since I enjoyed the story and characters so much. Sadly, Isaac has a limited vocabulary. For example, if I had to see him refer to his “astuteness” one more time, I might have thrown my Kindle across the room (36 times if you’re wondering). Like previous books in the series, it suffers from appalling editing that regularly took me out of the story. The author often used wording that meant the opposite of what she was trying to say. There’s just no excuse for that.
I’m always a fan of getting the male perspective in a romance. After reading the original Enigma series, I was glad to see the first book retold from Isaac’s perspective, since I enjoyed the story and characters so much. Sadly, Isaac has a limited vocabulary. For example, if I had to see him refer to his “astuteness” one more time, I might have thrown my Kindle across the room (36 times if you’re wondering). Like previous books in the series, it suffers from appalling editing that regularly took me out of the story. The author often used wording that meant the opposite of what she was trying to say. There’s just no excuse for that.
March 10, 2022
Oh, Isaac!
I didn't think I could fall anymore in love with Isaac. However, after reading the original story from his POV has me head over heels all over again. His love and fight for Isabelle is so beautiful.
I didn't think I could fall anymore in love with Isaac. However, after reading the original story from his POV has me head over heels all over again. His love and fight for Isabelle is so beautiful.
April 2, 2022
Fantastic
This book made me fall in love with Isaac even more. This is a great series to read. Great job writing Shandi.
This book made me fall in love with Isaac even more. This is a great series to read. Great job writing Shandi.
February 21, 2022
I have read the original Enigma series, but this telling from only Isaac's point of view has me once again completely immersed and loving every word of it. It is funny how the same story from another point of view can still surprise so much.
It is captivating, gripping, powerful, and steamy.
Another absolute must-read by this author!
It is captivating, gripping, powerful, and steamy.
Another absolute must-read by this author!
February 22, 2022
Wow!!! I had forgotten just a little, of how intense Issac is! Especially when it comes to Isabelle! This made the story I already knew so different when it’s only his view. This has sooo many emotional ups and downs. The need from Isaac for Izzy is such an electric jolt, that it takes your breath away. The heat just simmers between the two at all times. Even though I know how the story ultimately ends, the Author wrote in such a way that still brought me to tears in the end scene. If your an Isaac kind of person, this is an absolute must read!!
I reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
May 25, 2022
I really enjoyed reading from Isaac's point of view!
March 1, 2022
Isaac and Isabelle have a journey like no other, and having this book written from Isaac's point of view is simply epic.
The tug of war between these two is often intense always filled with drama.
Isaac has a determination of a man pocessed to suceed with Isabelle at his side. Their chemistry simmers throughout.
Highly recommended reading.
The tug of war between these two is often intense always filled with drama.
Isaac has a determination of a man pocessed to suceed with Isabelle at his side. Their chemistry simmers throughout.
Highly recommended reading.
March 2, 2022
To read this made me back track on so many things. Getting to know the real Isaac was like the Iceman cometh then showed he was normal, well as normal as a man like Isaac could be. To me Isaac was always a god, he changed lives he looked out for people, reading this and getting him as a person, wow, I can only say I love Isaac even more. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
September 28, 2022
Wow!
Isaac telling his side is amazing! You get to see how he comes undone for Isabelle in such a short amount of time and then the deceit he feels when she arrests him at the end...... Now to move on to the next part of his story and see the retelling of Isabelle's arrest and the charity event.
Isaac telling his side is amazing! You get to see how he comes undone for Isabelle in such a short amount of time and then the deceit he feels when she arrests him at the end...... Now to move on to the next part of his story and see the retelling of Isabelle's arrest and the charity event.
February 22, 2024
It pains me to not give this 5… I give 5 stars pretty easily, but I was sorely disappointed in this book. It was not written to the same caliber as Enigma 1-4, which I thoroughly enjoyed! This felt very slow & extremely redundant (of itself, no of Enigma 1). I almost rated it a 3, but gave it a 4 because I did enjoy Isaac’s POV. Truly it’s a 3.5 for me.
Hoping better for the Beneath Duet.
Hoping better for the Beneath Duet.
March 16, 2022
Ever the Enigma
I loved this retelling of Enigma: Book 1 from Isaac’s point of view. It is spectacular and made me fall in love with Isaac and Izzy all over again. Shandi always delivers, and this book did not disappoint.
I loved this retelling of Enigma: Book 1 from Isaac’s point of view. It is spectacular and made me fall in love with Isaac and Izzy all over again. Shandi always delivers, and this book did not disappoint.
March 24, 2022
Superb!!
Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, damn does it!!
Unique, deep, personal, real, emotional and
more, Isaac and Izzy's story is bold, captivating and a worthwhile read that won't disappoint!!
Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, damn does it!!
Unique, deep, personal, real, emotional and
more, Isaac and Izzy's story is bold, captivating and a worthwhile read that won't disappoint!!
September 12, 2022
SPOILERS:
“I won’t,” he breathes out with a relieved sigh. “I’ll tell her you’re indisposed or some shit. She loves me, so she’ll believe me.”
His sigh shifts to a breathy chuckle when I growl.
There’s only one man I want Isabelle to love.
That man is not Hugo.
“And Hugo?” I wait for him to once again return his phone to his ear before instructing, “Stay out of Isabelle’s apartment. You’re not there as a guest, and pretending you are could end disastrously.”
“Understood.” His tone is so clipped, I imagine him giving me the one-finger salute before a better idea to even the score pops into his head. “And I appreciate your belief she’ll beg for me to come inside. I’m a pretty lovabl—”
SPOILERS:
I disconnect our call before his name lands on the top of my termination papers. Then, just as quickly, I slip a hundred-dollar bill into the hand of the security officer manning the private entrance of Ravenshoe Domestic Terminal. Colt Enterprises’ jets are housed here, but it still takes a handful of greens to skip stringent aviation protocols.
“Jesus Christ,” I grunt out when I glide past a hangar far enough to spot the reason flashing lights are brightening the sky. A private jet in the middle of the tarmac is surrounded by patrol cars, and Ryan is shouting into a PA speaker demanding for the passengers inside to disembark one at a time with their hands behind their heads.
If it isn’t bad enough Ravenshoe PD is trying to keep members of the Popov entity in a realm they don’t belong in, the situation worsens when the first person to exit
“I won’t,” he breathes out with a relieved sigh. “I’ll tell her you’re indisposed or some shit. She loves me, so she’ll believe me.”
His sigh shifts to a breathy chuckle when I growl.
There’s only one man I want Isabelle to love.
That man is not Hugo.
“And Hugo?” I wait for him to once again return his phone to his ear before instructing, “Stay out of Isabelle’s apartment. You’re not there as a guest, and pretending you are could end disastrously.”
“Understood.” His tone is so clipped, I imagine him giving me the one-finger salute before a better idea to even the score pops into his head. “And I appreciate your belief she’ll beg for me to come inside. I’m a pretty lovabl—”
SPOILERS:
I disconnect our call before his name lands on the top of my termination papers. Then, just as quickly, I slip a hundred-dollar bill into the hand of the security officer manning the private entrance of Ravenshoe Domestic Terminal. Colt Enterprises’ jets are housed here, but it still takes a handful of greens to skip stringent aviation protocols.
“Jesus Christ,” I grunt out when I glide past a hangar far enough to spot the reason flashing lights are brightening the sky. A private jet in the middle of the tarmac is surrounded by patrol cars, and Ryan is shouting into a PA speaker demanding for the passengers inside to disembark one at a time with their hands behind their heads.
If it isn’t bad enough Ravenshoe PD is trying to keep members of the Popov entity in a realm they don’t belong in, the situation worsens when the first person to exit
April 28, 2025
I gave this book 4 stars because I love the story, and I adore Isaac. I was so excited to get things from his POV. SO MANY times during book one, I'd think, "Why did he..?" or "What is he thinking?!" so, from that standpoint - love it.
HOWEVER..
1. "Unbridled hankering" should not be a phrase. it was in this book like 5 times and made me cringe each time.
2. "qualm" is not the same word as "calm." It was mixed up like 3 times.
4. "I dialed a frequently called number. answered." Why couldn't she just put: "I called Hugo." "I dialed up Hunter." The phrase was unique the first time, passable the 2nd.. beyond that, it was annoying.
5. If I NEVER read the word "astuteness" again, it'll be too soon. It's like the author forgot what a thesaurus is. Or perhaps she meant to use ctrl+f to find and replace them later?? I don't know. there are SO MANY options, I googled them. It got so annoying that every time I saw the word, it pulled me right out of the story. It wasn't until chapter 48 that she replaced it with "sharpness." But that was only once. I seriously will volunteer to be your free proof reader!!
HOWEVER..
1. "Unbridled hankering" should not be a phrase. it was in this book like 5 times and made me cringe each time.
2. "qualm" is not the same word as "calm." It was mixed up like 3 times.
4. "I dialed a frequently called number. answered." Why couldn't she just put: "I called Hugo." "I dialed up Hunter." The phrase was unique the first time, passable the 2nd.. beyond that, it was annoying.
5. If I NEVER read the word "astuteness" again, it'll be too soon. It's like the author forgot what a thesaurus is. Or perhaps she meant to use ctrl+f to find and replace them later?? I don't know. there are SO MANY options, I googled them. It got so annoying that every time I saw the word, it pulled me right out of the story. It wasn't until chapter 48 that she replaced it with "sharpness." But that was only once. I seriously will volunteer to be your free proof reader!!
April 14, 2023
This book is wordy AF. But, I did like this quote: “Emotions are uncontrollable, and when it comes to Isabelle, mine are all over the place.”
The Callie angle was unnecessary. Added too much to the story. Could’ve done without it TBH.
Just like the first book, the locations and the timelines to navigate between said locations are giving me whiplash.
How daft can one be to assume that Isabelle is an accountant during this entire book? Although fictional, this book from Isaac’s POV, proves that love is indeed blind.
Now, on to book 2…
The Callie angle was unnecessary. Added too much to the story. Could’ve done without it TBH.
Just like the first book, the locations and the timelines to navigate between said locations are giving me whiplash.
How daft can one be to assume that Isabelle is an accountant during this entire book? Although fictional, this book from Isaac’s POV, proves that love is indeed blind.
Now, on to book 2…
November 11, 2024
A behind the scenes of the Enigma
Isaac's version of Enigma is interesting. I enjoyed his take on things.
While it is long, it gives a slow descent into Isaac's mind where things regarding our favorite agent reside. It was however, a huge commitment for a story I already read. I think highlights might have saved the reader some monotonous rereading moments. If you're a newbie, I'm sure Isaac's POV make it a more full view of the picture being painted.
Isaac's version of Enigma is interesting. I enjoyed his take on things.
While it is long, it gives a slow descent into Isaac's mind where things regarding our favorite agent reside. It was however, a huge commitment for a story I already read. I think highlights might have saved the reader some monotonous rereading moments. If you're a newbie, I'm sure Isaac's POV make it a more full view of the picture being painted.
July 2, 2022
Isaac is both kind and loving ❤️
This whole series by Shandi is absolutely wonderful!!! I have read all 22 books and will read them again.
This last book is Issac telling his story from his POV. It tells a lot about him that we don’t know from reading the 1st 4 books. He does a lot of good that others don’t see. I highly recommend this book and series.
This whole series by Shandi is absolutely wonderful!!! I have read all 22 books and will read them again.
This last book is Issac telling his story from his POV. It tells a lot about him that we don’t know from reading the 1st 4 books. He does a lot of good that others don’t see. I highly recommend this book and series.
September 9, 2024
Enigma in his own words
Well Isaac's version of the start of his past and his present with Isabelle. This is helpful with all the adventures Isaac is running while winning Isabelles hand. Its an interesting feat to hear his thoughts that weren't as apparent in the original. 5 stars. Well worth it.
Well Isaac's version of the start of his past and his present with Isabelle. This is helpful with all the adventures Isaac is running while winning Isabelles hand. Its an interesting feat to hear his thoughts that weren't as apparent in the original. 5 stars. Well worth it.
June 23, 2024
I almost rated it a 3, but gave it a 4 because I did enjoy Isaac’s POV.
The rest of Enigma was a 5 for me, but I was really disappoint d in this one. It didn’t feel like it was written to the last caliber as books 1-4. This felt very repetitive (of itself, not Enigma 1).
The rest of Enigma was a 5 for me, but I was really disappoint d in this one. It didn’t feel like it was written to the last caliber as books 1-4. This felt very repetitive (of itself, not Enigma 1).
March 16, 2025
I’m very into this; it’s a KU gem. Is there anything particularly special about this one? No, not really… but it’s mafia/crime catnip. The FMC is an undercover FBI agent and she’s investigating the MMC.
The main story, Enigma (Isaac’s story) is split between 4 books but KU has them bundled.
The main story, Enigma (Isaac’s story) is split between 4 books but KU has them bundled.
March 22, 2022
Different point of view
Isaac retelling his side of the story up to when Isabelle surprises him with his arrest in her FBI uniform.
Isaac retelling his side of the story up to when Isabelle surprises him with his arrest in her FBI uniform.
April 21, 2022
I love Isaac
Isaac's point of view filled in so many, I absolutely loved it and love this series. I recommend reading this book if you love this series. This is a must read.
Isaac's point of view filled in so many, I absolutely loved it and love this series. I recommend reading this book if you love this series. This is a must read.
August 19, 2022
Another amazing read from Shandi. She keeps them coming and not a bad book yet. The characters are so real and you become transported into their lives like nothing else.
September 29, 2022
It really just keeps getting better, I loved seeing things from Isaac's POV, it's not just a retelling there are so many things we didn't know that are shown here
March 22, 2023
Just what we needed!
I was so happy to read this after reading the original series with the first book only having Izzy's viewpoint.
Isaacs views definitely did not fail!
I was so happy to read this after reading the original series with the first book only having Izzy's viewpoint.
Isaacs views definitely did not fail!
June 21, 2023
Ahhhhh!!! I hated that this stopped where it did. I need more of Isaac retelling!! Sooo good! Loved seeing his side of the story and left wanting more!
July 21, 2023
Loved it
I truly wish this would have been included in the first book. Would have made the difference between a 3 star and a 5 star book.
I truly wish this would have been included in the first book. Would have made the difference between a 3 star and a 5 star book.
December 9, 2024
Wow...it was on point. Isaac's point of view from when they meet. It's like deep down his heart and soul were kick started and he was living g with purpose again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews