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Holy Grail

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Life was ideal for Nyomi until a shocking revelation disrupts her entire existence. Not sure of how to move on, she becomes trapped in a state of devastation with no way out. After a night on the town, she’s propositioned with an interesting invitation. After hearing the terms and conditions, Nyomi declines and leaves the offer on the table. Yet, she decides one part of the deal may be something she wants to indulge in…

Hezi was bored with his mundane routine. Clubbing and satisfying his sexual desires had gotten old fast. One night at the club changed his entire outlook on life. A captivating encounter leaves him smitten and curious. She’s everything he didn’t know he needed. However, there’s one thing stopping him from enjoying her completely…

This is a complete stand-alone.

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2024

459 people are currently reading
204 people want to read

About the author

Charae Lewis

71 books353 followers

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5 stars
625 (63%)
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244 (24%)
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91 (9%)
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11 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Candy Nicholas.
437 reviews15 followers
Read
April 15, 2024
I don't know how i feel about this book so i didn't rate it. I do know i didn't connect with the characters. For some freaking reason i keep coming across books where the male characters are in a "situation" with another female but pursuing the main female of the book. I don't like it. Like why not get out that situation first or at least go into detail about it. Like let the girl know what's really going on. Hezi kept being vague and even though the reader knew what was really going on, Nyomi didn't and I kept putting myself in her shoes. And because of that i wouldn't have rocked with Hezi. This the second book is Charae's that I've read where all the male character had to do was open his mouth and communicate. But no, 🙄. Other than that it was an okay read. It was entertaining so it achieved its purpose.
Profile Image for Crimson.
619 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2024
Great read!!

Another one bites the dust!!!!! This book was great!!! Ms. Lewis you did that and well!!! Just read the damn book.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,054 reviews117 followers
April 11, 2024
The story was a fair read. The storyline bounced around a bit. Also, I couldn't make a solid connection with the story.
Profile Image for TellsOfABibliophile.
550 reviews17 followers
April 8, 2024
🥰🥼⚕️💕

One thing Charae gonna do is eat a story up everytime. First the FMC Nyomi was just the sweetest. I literally loved her. She was a college student studying at Rutgers Univesity in New Brunswick, New Jersey to become a Veterinarian. She had a great head on her on shoulders and super supportive parents. Her parents hit her with some devastating news that had her in a frenzy and running to Diamond Falls to see her bestfriend Tokio. A night out with Tokio was what Nyomi needed to temporary take away the pain. She was approached with a invitation that she respectfully declined. Hezi was the man in Diamond Falls. The ladies loved him and the men wanted to hang with him. One night clubbing he laid eyes on the beautiful Nyomi and he was beguiled. He just had to have her but something was holding him back a bit. Let me first say it was hard to put this down. Nyomi and Hezi relationship was cute. It wasn’t you ideal relationship but they build a great bond. Hezi needed Nyomi. She taught him things about himself, she spoke positivity into him and she loved him for him. That’s exactly what he needed. Especially with how the way he grew up. He couldn’t get enough of her and vice versa. I wish Aniyah would’ve gotten the help she needed. She was sick and had severe emotional attachment issues. I loved me some Boog too. He was so cocky and funny. Tokio was a true friend that we all need. Jas and Boog 👀 hmm. The ending gave me joy but I do want more lol 🤷🏾‍♀️. I loved this book. I honestly didn’t want it to end. This read held my attention from beginning to end no lie. You would be hit with different emotions while reading but that’s the joy in it. Charae don’t drop often but when she do she drop nothing but bangers babyyy. Stop playing with my gworl and get into this good read & be lost in the sauce like I was.
Profile Image for tanessia ford.
4,016 reviews
April 12, 2024
loved

This book snatches you up and grabs you from the very beginning. And it doesn’t let go until the end. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster of emotions. Sensational
Profile Image for TheReaderVert .
825 reviews32 followers
July 9, 2024
Cheating Story or Love Story

A unique cheating story. I was pulled in, but like ok where are we going here, to word! that happened back to danggggg that's why you should probably not cheat on your "wife" to good for you wifey-side chick 😄. Anyway it was definitely a ride that I enjoyed.

#SideChick
Nyomi was an interesting character my biggest hold up was her age. That's a personal issue. I strongly feel the story would have been the same if she was in Vet school and 23/25 versus the undergraduate 21 yo. It seemed odd at times having Hezi, 26, with real life worries and responsibilities court a undergrad. How and ever, the bug news about veing adopted was a very different internal conflict and watching her grapple with the effects was interesting and real.

#BDEKinda
Hezi didn't end up how u thought he was going to be but his concerns and stressor were realistic.

Aniyah's turn was also a gut punch but all used to leave you hanging. Charae Lewis always writes street Chara twrs with a light realistic touch. I've never been to NJ but Rutgers felt real, Philly felt real. And the lesson:


“You know, life is really all about forgiveness. In this life we’re going to hurt people and sometimes, it’s not intentional.”
Profile Image for Milan.
221 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2024
I can't say it was too bad because I read all 440 pages but definitely one of my least favorites by her. The story was just hard to connect to I was frustrated like 99% of the book. I didn't really enjoy the mmc but I was interested enough to finish.
Profile Image for Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers.
504 reviews19 followers
May 6, 2024
She did it again!

Leave it to Charae to shake stuff up with these characters. The selfless sacrifice was everything. Ain’t nothin like a mother’s love and it’s always needed, regardless of our age. This was a unique story… different kinda love.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,172 followers
April 9, 2024
😵‍💫😵‍💫 whew…… Alright yall so bare with me. I’m not going to really touch on the synopsis because y’all can read that on your own! This book was good and had potential but it was about 200 pages too long and so many pages were filled with unnecessary details that I found myself easily distracted while reading and even contemplated DNF’ing. The storyline hooked me just enough where I wanted to see it through to the end and I honestly wasn’t impressed overall.

The books starts off with Nyomi finding out “devastating” news. And because I’ve never been in this situation I can’t say how I would feel so I allowed her to process this information how she saw fit but baby girl was really on my nerves with the treatment of her parents. I honestly agreed with the full read Aunt Cora gave at the bbq and while she definitely should’ve minded her business, she was speaking facts. Anywho I’m getting off track here 😅 Nyomi allowed the news shared with her to really knock her off her square and she found it hard navigating through life as a result even to the point of isolating herself from her support system. I’m honestly on the fence with how this even enhanced the storyline. I don’t feel like enough time was spent on her getting the answers she desired and what we did get wasn’t fulfilling. Nyomi went from being gung-ho to wishy washy about the whole thing.

Hezi was such a mystery and I feel like I still don’t TRULY know who he is. Yes we know he gave up his dream and sacrificed for his family and he provides for his family financially and his mom is sick and he entered into an agreement with a friend to save himself but who was Hezi?! I wanted more of a deep dive into his character. I wanted to get to know Micah! So much happened to this man and he still felt like a stranger after 440 pages. I would’ve loved a more in-depth dive into his mind and maybe even a flashback moment or two. One thing we can’t knock was his love for Nyomi! She brought out feelings within him that he never experienced and I did enjoy those moments in the story.

I didn’t quite understand the random flashback with Aniyah at 90% because as a reader I had no sympathy for her while reading that scene. After what she did to Fallon and Regina this added no value to the book. Maybe had it been earlier in the book I could empathize with Aniyah but not at 90% after she ran amok the majority of the book. Not to mention the flashback only revealed information we already knew.

The highlight of the book for me was Dr. Evan’s. I honestly thought she was going to be Eboni so knowing what we know was a nice addition. I really would’ve loved to have more with them getting to know each other.

The book gave us so much and not enough if that makes sense. It also felt different but also like something familiar that Charae has given us before. I’m a huge fan of hers and she usually cranks out 5 ⭐️ reads for me but this one wasn’t it! 🥴🫠
Profile Image for The Urban Fiction Librarian.
389 reviews48 followers
May 18, 2024
So I read this book after seeing someone leave what I thought was a rude review/negative light of the authors work. Now this is my 2nd book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from Charae AND she DID NOT disappoint. This book was soooo good from start to finish. To watch Hezi & Nyomi’s friendship, confidant, relationship, and more from the beginning to the end was beautiful. So Hezi & Nyomi met because Aniyah (Hezi’s wife on paper/ f buddy) saw her in the club and wanted her to have a threesome with them. Well Ny wasn’t on that time of time so she turned them down. By now Hezi was enthralled and hooked on lil baby (Nyomi) so in his head he’s gonna convince her for them to have something. He’d never met a woman like Nyomi nor one that was as gorgeous as her. Y’all Nyomi was the good girl, simple girl, yet a stunning beauty without even trying. When I say I was hooked, I was locked in. I needed to know was Nyomi going to break and give in to the threesome or see what Hezi was about despite the whole wife situation. Let’s just say Hezi knew what he wanted and was going to have Nyomi and HE WAS NOT letting up off of her and I loved that for her. Just know Hezi put in the time and energy and watching how he didn’t let up off her and she could check him in ways no one else could and he respect her even more for it. WHEW!!! I was here for it all. That man told Aniyah they was through and once the agreement for the marriage was complete they would be getting a divorce. Aniyah lost her mind y’all. I mean the girl did the most and the unthinkable. To see despite everything that Hezi and Ny overcame the things meant to break them was everything for me and I’m so glad I read this story. I started this book at 6pm and finished at 4am the next morning. I could not put it down or go to sleep without knowing how it would end. You wrote tf outta this book Miss MaMas.

Love,
Prettygirlsmil3thebookworm
234 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2024
spoilers

I really liked this read but Nyomi really annoyed me. Like girl you straight dragging this especially since anything could happen to your parents out of nowhere and you are ignoring them for something that was a blessing. Sure you have your feelings about learning you’re adopted and them waiting so long to tell you but baby girl was irking my nerves with the dramatics. Like what did you really want a 14 year old in an abusive household barely surviving to do? Would you had preferred to be added to the chaos and become another punching bag acting like the person you grew to be because of your parents was horrible and the biological mattered so much suddenly? Be glad your bio mom loved you enough to give you to good people who loved you unconditionally. Again it’s ok to feel a way but that bratty woe is me attitude just pissed me off when so many others wasn’t so lucky. I loved loved me some Hezi. He was definitely a vibe. He really should’ve ended the marriage first or at the very least explained the dynamics better in the beginning. Also, he should have better explained his need for space but i can see why he got upset too. Baby girl was being self centered to a degree. I’m glad it eventually worked out. Despite Nyomi being annoying I did like her to a degree as well. To be honest I don’t get to read too many books this good these days.
Profile Image for Kina M.
732 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2025
not for me (few spoilers)

First off the whole adoption thing was real over the top. At the end of the day you had a great family and upbringing, you were able to find out that your birth mother was entirely too young with no resources to raise you. I don’t understand did she want to go into the foster system and end up with God knows who? And what significance did this even hold to the story? I won’t find out because I DNF this. The knowledge of knowing this man is in a relationship should have kept you away but the fact that he’s also married should have made you run? (I don’t give a damn how fine he is) that’s just lines u don’t cross, and everybody acting like it’s ok, it wasn’t. I’m assuming it’s gone be some kind of fake marriage arrangement or something. Either way not once did he deny or give any reassurance that he wasn’t with ole girl. After the whole seeing her on campus part I decided not to finish. I lost respect for Nyomi knowing she was going to go. Plus it was so repetitive with the whole adoption thing and dragged out like girl it could’ve been so much worse. It’s been years since I read anything by this author, I was hoping this was gone be super good, but it wasn’t.
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
643 reviews16 followers
April 10, 2024
I took my time with this book. There was just so much to unpack. Charae Lewis is known for giving me a heavy read that’s slow and steady, so I knew Hezi and Nyomi’s story would be packed with goodness. I had to sit back and reflect before attempting this review.
The characters in this book were all complex and well-developed, making this read a true experience. I knew when Hezi made his presence known, he was going to be hell, and as soon as Nyomi was locked into his sights, I knew it was over for her. My girl gave a good fight, but… yeah, that ain't hold up too long,😂. The connection these two had that just let them be themselves and build a genuine bond was beautiful. Although Hezi should have opened up about all of his “situations,” I got why he didn’t. They didn’t start off in the best way, but they eventually found their groove.
The side characters in this book understood the assignment. I loved some and hated others, but in the end, they all gave what was needed for this five-star read. Charae Lewis created characters with some serious demons because Aniyah… whew, that girl was touched! I know this story was written as a standalone, but I would love for Boog and Tokio to have their stories told in the future.
Profile Image for Ashley Thomas.
371 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2025
Micah and Nyomi

Pretty decent story.
Some parts were repetitive.
And I don’t understand why Hezi took so long to say why he was married to ole girl.
It killed me that he never took the time to truly explain it until the third act break up
Another I hate third act break ups
The blowup is something that could have talked out but instead five months had to pass before they do
They both were wrong in that conversation
And also Nyomi is very dramatic and sometimes seems to blow things
For example at the beginning of the book when she found out she was adopted and she kept talking about how her life was over
I understand being hurt and confused
But she did a lot. Her parents explained that her mother was a FOURTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL who didn’t have much support and asked them to take the baby.
So when she said she couldn’t understand why her mother couldn’t take care of her
I’m like it’s pretty obvious.
And it took her awhile to realize that her mom made the right decision
She gave her to people she knew would love and take care of her
Idk this was a pretty decent read.
3.5 stars simply because I hate third act break ups.
And I didn’t need Aniyah’s POV.
Profile Image for Chiquita  Lashay.
35 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2024
whew!!!!

I need a part 2 because this was definitely a GOOOD read. I understood this life for everyone in this story but the same Aniyah girl you played a dirty game. Fallon, I get it but you should’ve been up front about that situation with Hezi mom not because somebody beat your A$$. I prayed that Aniyah had got custody of her siblings but baby went off on the deep end. Nyomi, I was so proud of her and that she accomplished even though she went through some Sh!t! Tokio & Jazmen were great friends to her & Boog, I’m also proud of that he didn’t give up and made it the NBA & last but not least Ms.Regina making thru everything even though she felt like a shitty parent in the past. Nyomi parents were what she needed though she was adopted she was Loved. All in All this was “Everything” please turn this into a series.
Profile Image for LITeraryQueenNika.
553 reviews9 followers
May 28, 2024
Nyomi and Hezi

This book was something else. It's sad to find out u adopted but it's not always bad wen u have loving parents who take u in either. Nyomi was Kool n outgoing I love how she explained to her parents that she would never replace them. Aniyah she was a special one 4real. How do u get mad when u and Hezi had an arrangement going on and u had to know he would one day find love. I wish her siblings had a better life and their mother wasn't so mean to them. She did deserve what she got for what she did to try and get Hezi 2 love her that was one way he would never love her by doing what she did to his momz. Glad Regina was okay and finally got to see Boog play and it's awesome that he made it to the NBA he playing on one of my favorite teams. Over all everyone else was able to have a happy ending.
Profile Image for NwabiReads.
221 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2024
Sadly DNF

Unfortunately I DNF’ed this book. It was cute and I was enjoying the drama surrounding all circumstances the main characters found themselves in but it was TOO slow of a burn for me. Also Nyomi kind of frustrated me with how she treated her parents after finding out what she found out. She could have extended them a bit of grace. I understand that she was shocked but not talking to them for over a month was a bit much. Also Hezi could’ve explained his situation immediately because everything just felt off with them. The way Nyomi would feel “guilty not guilty” was just so?? Yeah so I DNF’ed because it was taking too long to get to the point and there was really no need for this book to be 400+ pages!
Profile Image for EricaLenise.
329 reviews29 followers
September 12, 2025
I read this one straight through, no stops! My heart went out to Nyomi when that secret came out. I can’t even imagine processing something like that, and it completely shifted the course of her spring break plans that year and changed her life forever.

Spending time with her best friend is what led her straight to Hezi, in the most abnormal way. And honestly, the way it all initially played out, it really feels like Nyomi must get “offers” all the time, okay!! 😂
The spice, the romance, the drama; it was all top tier. This book gave me everything I wanted and more. I’m so glad I picked it up!

(5/5)
Profile Image for Johnne Johnson.
142 reviews15 followers
April 6, 2024
If it ain't Hezi, I don't want him.

This book held my attention from start to finish. I'm positive that aniyah is the poster child chronic delusional imposter syndrome if it was a thing. A person who lies to themselves is far more dangerous than a regular liar. Fallon and aniyah friendship was just a toxic mess. Who needs an enemy wit friends like them.

Hezi hezi hezi! I can't think of one thing I didn't like about him. He was it for me.
I enjoyed the friendly banter between friends and the comic relief other characters gave. Definitely will recommend others to read.
102 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2024
Omggggggggg!

Let me just say this, Charae never fails to amaze me. I love the fact that she is consistent with her books. I loved Hezi and Nyomi, no their situation wasn’t ideal, but the heart wants with the heart wants and baby they are definitely soulmates. At times I didn’t think that they were going to make it but they did. Aniyah was truly sick, anytime you would do something like that to someone’s mother your mental is f***** up. Read this book you won’t be disappointed. My girl has done it again!💗
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,256 reviews
April 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this! But I didn’t expect anything different from the author. She tends to deliver. Prior to reading this I was in a slump, but Hezi and Nyomi pulled me out.

The storyline and pacing was great. The bond between brothers was a nice addition. I’m hoping we get Jaz and Boog’s story next. Feels like she left the possibility on the table, even though it this was a standalone. Some standalones cross over, so I guess we shall see.

Another great read from Charae!
Profile Image for ThisBrwnGurlReadz .
128 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2024
Real Love

Great read. The love that Ny and Hezi had for one another was so bomb. I love a good friendship that turns into something that’s least expected. Aniyah, poor thing is the definition of delusional. I get her upbringing may have caused her to get attached but she knew what it was from the beginning. Tokio was a good friend, wish we could have gotten more of her. I’m also glad that Hezi and his mom overcame their issues. Overall, great read I didn’t want it to end. I wouldn’t be mad at a book about Boog, I loved his character.
53 reviews
April 21, 2024
Okay but boring

The book started out good but it got slow and annoying. Nyomi and Hezi relationship was very clingy and irritating. Like the way he acted like he couldn’t breathe w/o this girl was annoying and the way she basically fell for anything he said was annoying. Whether a marriage is real or fake, why are you letting this man ejaculate in you? Also I understood being shocked about being adopted but the way she was treating her parents was uncalled for. Overall the characters in this book were annoying and very selfish.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,491 reviews22 followers
May 12, 2024
LOVED IT

This was a great book. The author does an amazing job with her stories. Very well written, great storyline and character development. The characters draw you into their dynamic from family, friendship, and even situations that have them questioning loyalty or if things have gone too far. Sometimes, by putting others first, you neglect yourself, and at what point do you realize you matter just as much. It was definitely a lesson learned for some of these characters. In the end, I was happy that Nyomi and Hezi found each other.
140 reviews
May 17, 2024
Decent Read

Decent read but not my favorite. I had a hard time connecting to any of the main characters, in fact they all (except Tokio) annoyed me in one way or another. Nyomi’s reaction to her “bad news” seemed over the top. Hezi being so secretive to why he was married wet on for too long. This book could have been cut shorter. I found myself skipping pages because the storyline dragged on and became too repetitive.

They one thing that I did appreciate was that it doesn’t end with the typical pregnancy/kids or marriage.
Profile Image for Debbie Green.
241 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2024
🔥🔥

Holy Grail by Charae Lewis was such a great read! The main character, Hazi, was deeply in love, and though the way his love story began was a bit shady, he was upfront and honest with everyone from the start. I really appreciate when a character is clear about their intentions right away. The New Jersey references added a personal touch for me, being from there, which made the experience even better. The book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I found myself fully immersed. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend it!
230 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2024
Really liked it

This is the first standalone that I’ve read straight through without stopping in a very long time. I adored the character development and how the two main characters, although attracted to each other from the jump, they became friends first. It’s was crazy that they met because his “wife” spotted her first. The author did a great job of expressing the hurt and confusion Nyomi felt after learning the truth about her parents and you couldn’t help but feel for her. This book definitely held my attention from cover to cover and I’m glad I came across it.
Profile Image for Natay 99.
271 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2024
👏 👏 👏

I loved Hezi & Ny together. I was a lil bothered that Hezi ain't tell Ny what was up earlier in their relationship but he cleared it up in the end. Fallon, Aniyah & Trish were all in a toxic friendship and they didn't like each other at all. I'm actually more curious about Boog & Cass in with they lil creeping situation 🤣🤣 Yep I'm that nosey and hopefully we can hear from them soon! Great job!
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