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Madam X
By popular demand, national bestselling author Niobia Bryant brings you the sizzling, sexy, twist-a-minute follow-up to Madam, May I , in which Manhattan's most exclusive madam discovers her past is back with a vengeance . . .
Billionaire celebrity clients, anything-goes erotic nights, seductive betrayals—Desdemona Dean couldn't wait to leave the high-end prostitution game behind. Now settled down with the only man she’s ever loved, Desi is getting the chances her shattered childhood denied her—and making her life truly her own. Until a basketball superstar publicly credits Madam X's unmatched sexual services for his astonishing career. Add an anonymous tip to the police—and suddenly Desi is in the center of a social and tabloid media firestorm . . .
Knowing others’ secret desires has always kept Desi safe—and hiding her own wrenching past is the only protection she could ever trust. But her lies are taking her relationship apart piece by piece, keeping her only seconds ahead of the police—and exposing her to a malicious blackmailer determined to destroy her for good . . .
Now Desi will need all her nerve and cool, calculating bravado to take down her enemies and outmaneuver the law. But once she reveals who she used to be, can she survive the consequences to hold on to the woman she’s become?
Billionaire celebrity clients, anything-goes erotic nights, seductive betrayals—Desdemona Dean couldn't wait to leave the high-end prostitution game behind. Now settled down with the only man she’s ever loved, Desi is getting the chances her shattered childhood denied her—and making her life truly her own. Until a basketball superstar publicly credits Madam X's unmatched sexual services for his astonishing career. Add an anonymous tip to the police—and suddenly Desi is in the center of a social and tabloid media firestorm . . .
Knowing others’ secret desires has always kept Desi safe—and hiding her own wrenching past is the only protection she could ever trust. But her lies are taking her relationship apart piece by piece, keeping her only seconds ahead of the police—and exposing her to a malicious blackmailer determined to destroy her for good . . .
Now Desi will need all her nerve and cool, calculating bravado to take down her enemies and outmaneuver the law. But once she reveals who she used to be, can she survive the consequences to hold on to the woman she’s become?
- GenresAudiobook
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2023
9 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Niobia Bryant
109 books502 followersNiobia Bryant is the award-winning and national bestselling author of more than fifty works of romance and commercial mainstream fiction. Twice she has won RT Magazine's Best African-American/Multicultural Romance Award, "Kiss the Ring"--written under the pseudonym Meesha Mink--was listed as one of the Library Journal's Best Books, and her books have appeared in Ebony, Essence, The New York Post, The Star-Ledger, The Dallas Morning News and many other national publications. One of her bestselling books has been adapted to film.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 22, 2022
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an unbiased review. The review will also be posted at http://words-review.com/tag/jojos-view/
Loved it….
Have we read about Desdemona before?? I feel like I haven’t…if I’m right and this is a new character - I need some “flash book” books. The character was endearing and seemed to have enough history for a series on her past to be built. I love the self discovery and romance plot, mixed in with the mystery of who told. Felt like the reveal came out of nowhere, but overall, I enjoyed. 4 stars.
Loved it….
Have we read about Desdemona before?? I feel like I haven’t…if I’m right and this is a new character - I need some “flash book” books. The character was endearing and seemed to have enough history for a series on her past to be built. I love the self discovery and romance plot, mixed in with the mystery of who told. Felt like the reveal came out of nowhere, but overall, I enjoyed. 4 stars.
January 5, 2023
Madam X is the follow-up to the urban sensation Madam, May I by bestselling author Niobia Bryant.
Desdemona “Desi” Dean has downsized her apartment and her life, but her past is rearing its ugly head.
This is an excellent continuation. Niobia Bryant has maintained continuity with her original story. The plot is believable and compelling. As with the first book there is explicit content, but the story is still the focus. The characters and dialogue are vibrant and engaging. The ending is appropriate and satisfying, but leaves the option for future installments. Madam X is a great read that I rate 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend to all readers of multicultural and/or urban fiction.
My thanks to Kensington Books, Dafina, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Desdemona “Desi” Dean has downsized her apartment and her life, but her past is rearing its ugly head.
This is an excellent continuation. Niobia Bryant has maintained continuity with her original story. The plot is believable and compelling. As with the first book there is explicit content, but the story is still the focus. The characters and dialogue are vibrant and engaging. The ending is appropriate and satisfying, but leaves the option for future installments. Madam X is a great read that I rate 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend to all readers of multicultural and/or urban fiction.
My thanks to Kensington Books, Dafina, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
January 19, 2024
Oh my goodness, I just finished "Madam X" by Niobia Bryant and all I can say is WOW! This book was an absolute knockout. I read it in one night because I just couldn't put it down. The story was so beautifully crafted that I felt like I was right there in Manhattan's elite world of high-end prostitution with Desdemona Dean, the protagonist of the story.
As I journeyed through the electrifying world of Desi, I was captivated by the fiery passion, heart-stopping twists, and high-stakes intrigue that the author brought to life in this book. The characters were so lovely and relatable that I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
Desi's story was a slow burn, love, and action filled. The author skillfully weaved in a touch of quick wit and humor that made the story even more enjoyable. The slow build-up of the plot was so engaging that I found myself on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting for each revelation.
Niobia Bryant's style of writing is exquisite, with vivid descriptions and smooth transitions between scenes and emotions. The semantic richness of the book was also impressive.
An advanced reading copy was provided to me in exchange for my unbiased review on NetGalley.
As I journeyed through the electrifying world of Desi, I was captivated by the fiery passion, heart-stopping twists, and high-stakes intrigue that the author brought to life in this book. The characters were so lovely and relatable that I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
Desi's story was a slow burn, love, and action filled. The author skillfully weaved in a touch of quick wit and humor that made the story even more enjoyable. The slow build-up of the plot was so engaging that I found myself on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting for each revelation.
Niobia Bryant's style of writing is exquisite, with vivid descriptions and smooth transitions between scenes and emotions. The semantic richness of the book was also impressive.
An advanced reading copy was provided to me in exchange for my unbiased review on NetGalley.
May 19, 2023
Quick thoughts
Extremely slow beginning. I put the book down numerous times and thought I’d just not finish it. I decided to let my Fire read to me and I was not only eager to get to the bottom end, but was totally invested in Desi’s ordeal. More character development would’ve been nice. I felt that Desi was the only fleshed out character. It was great to visit with some of her old peeps. That stepmother is horrid. I understand her sorrow and deep hurt, but a child is always an innocent in those situations.
I recommend. I did enjoy Madam, May I more.
Extremely slow beginning. I put the book down numerous times and thought I’d just not finish it. I decided to let my Fire read to me and I was not only eager to get to the bottom end, but was totally invested in Desi’s ordeal. More character development would’ve been nice. I felt that Desi was the only fleshed out character. It was great to visit with some of her old peeps. That stepmother is horrid. I understand her sorrow and deep hurt, but a child is always an innocent in those situations.
I recommend. I did enjoy Madam, May I more.
April 25, 2023
** I recieved an ARC of this book for an honest review**
Madam X was a contined story that followed the life of a mysterious ex-Madam, Desdemonda. I went into this book with high expectations of the author and the story she sought out to tell. I will say 25% into the book and the mental back and forth the main character as well as the story unfolding really dragged for me and I fought to continue until the end. My intrigue of Madam X and the possibility of something happening kept me reading but the high points were not exciting enough for me. I can tell this is a seasoned and talented writer, this story however just didn't my expectations.
Madam X was a contined story that followed the life of a mysterious ex-Madam, Desdemonda. I went into this book with high expectations of the author and the story she sought out to tell. I will say 25% into the book and the mental back and forth the main character as well as the story unfolding really dragged for me and I fought to continue until the end. My intrigue of Madam X and the possibility of something happening kept me reading but the high points were not exciting enough for me. I can tell this is a seasoned and talented writer, this story however just didn't my expectations.
May 2, 2023
So glad to see Desi got her HEA. This was a story of redemption and ensuring others who travelled the same road as Desi did not continue on that road. Desi was determined to ensure no one continued to suffer.
May 9, 2023
Second book in the series to follow-up Madam, May I. The author delivers a scandalously spicy novel about a woman who discovers her past is back with a vengeance.
The novel follows Desdemona Dean once an exclusive madam in the high-end prostitution game who planned to turn her life around by leaving the game for good. We all believe in second chances right? So, did Desdemona until her hidden past came back to haunt her. A celebrity client releases a book filled with dirt, an anonymous tip to the police, and a major price to pay are only a few obstacles Desi will have to face. Settled into her new life with the love of her life Loren the last thing Desdemona needs is to be the center of a social and tabloid media firestorm . . .
This was a pretty quick read and had some interesting highlighted moments. Her father’s ex-wife was trash and part of the reason Desdemona’s life turned out the way it did. Her relationship also started to crumble due to the lies and secrets she kept. Wish I had read the first book so I’d have a better understanding of the character. But nonetheless I was entertained by the twists and turns.
Overall, the book was cool I think reading the first book in the series would be best. But you can never really go wrong with any urban fiction. It gives all the vibes with the drama, violence, betrayal, money, and sex. Most of the characters have no depth and are a little one-dimensional but the premise will keep you engaged. Special thanks to the author, @kensingtonbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!
Rating: 3.75/5
The novel follows Desdemona Dean once an exclusive madam in the high-end prostitution game who planned to turn her life around by leaving the game for good. We all believe in second chances right? So, did Desdemona until her hidden past came back to haunt her. A celebrity client releases a book filled with dirt, an anonymous tip to the police, and a major price to pay are only a few obstacles Desi will have to face. Settled into her new life with the love of her life Loren the last thing Desdemona needs is to be the center of a social and tabloid media firestorm . . .
This was a pretty quick read and had some interesting highlighted moments. Her father’s ex-wife was trash and part of the reason Desdemona’s life turned out the way it did. Her relationship also started to crumble due to the lies and secrets she kept. Wish I had read the first book so I’d have a better understanding of the character. But nonetheless I was entertained by the twists and turns.
Overall, the book was cool I think reading the first book in the series would be best. But you can never really go wrong with any urban fiction. It gives all the vibes with the drama, violence, betrayal, money, and sex. Most of the characters have no depth and are a little one-dimensional but the premise will keep you engaged. Special thanks to the author, @kensingtonbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!
Rating: 3.75/5
May 9, 2023
Second book in the series to follow-up Madam, May I. The author delivers a scandalously spicy novel about a woman who discovers her past is back with a vengeance.
The novel follows Desdemona Dean once an exclusive madam in the high-end prostitution game who planned to turn her life around by leaving the game for good. We all believe in second chances right? So, did Desdemona until her hidden past came back to haunt her. A celebrity client releases a book filled with dirt, an anonymous tip to the police, and a major price to pay are only a few obstacles Desi will have to face. Settled into her new life with the love of her life Loren the last thing Desdemona needs is to be the center of a social and tabloid media firestorm . . .
This was a pretty quick read and had some interesting highlighted moments. Her father’s ex-wife was trash and part of the reason Desdemona’s life turned out the way it did. Her relationship also started to crumble due to the lies and secrets she kept. Wish I had read the first book so I’d have a better understanding of the character. But nonetheless I was entertained by the twists and turns.
Overall, the book was cool I think reading the first book in the series would be best. But you can never really go wrong with any urban fiction. It gives all the vibes with the drama, violence, betrayal, money, and sex. Most of the characters have no depth and are a little one-dimensional but the premise will keep you engaged. Special thanks to the author, @kensingtonbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!
Rating: 3.75/5
The novel follows Desdemona Dean once an exclusive madam in the high-end prostitution game who planned to turn her life around by leaving the game for good. We all believe in second chances right? So, did Desdemona until her hidden past came back to haunt her. A celebrity client releases a book filled with dirt, an anonymous tip to the police, and a major price to pay are only a few obstacles Desi will have to face. Settled into her new life with the love of her life Loren the last thing Desdemona needs is to be the center of a social and tabloid media firestorm . . .
This was a pretty quick read and had some interesting highlighted moments. Her father’s ex-wife was trash and part of the reason Desdemona’s life turned out the way it did. Her relationship also started to crumble due to the lies and secrets she kept. Wish I had read the first book so I’d have a better understanding of the character. But nonetheless I was entertained by the twists and turns.
Overall, the book was cool I think reading the first book in the series would be best. But you can never really go wrong with any urban fiction. It gives all the vibes with the drama, violence, betrayal, money, and sex. Most of the characters have no depth and are a little one-dimensional but the premise will keep you engaged. Special thanks to the author, @kensingtonbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!
Rating: 3.75/5
April 24, 2023
When a superstar basketball player writes a tell all and mentions that he was regularly serviced by prostitutes provided to him by Madam X, it becomes a best seller. The world is determined to find out who Madam X is.
Desdemona Dean couldn’t wait to leave the world of prostitution behind. She’s now settled down with the only man she has ever loved, and has set up a business. She’s also going to college and working on a degree. Once the memoir is released her life gets thrown into a tailspin and her secret life as Madam X is threatened to be exposed. Will she be able to stay under the radar? Or will she be exposed for a woman she used to be?
This was such a fun read. I had never read a book about a madam before, so it was a fun treat. The book is written very raw and does have some sensitive language – be prepared. The book also deals with sensitive subjects. It’s written in a very down to earth and real way that I really connected with and enjoyed. The story was rather interesting and I was engaged the entire time. I didn’t want this one to end, but it did come to a natural conclusion.
If you’re looking for an interesting book about a women just trying to live her life after being a madam, then check this one out April 25th. I hope you check it out.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books, Dafina, @kensingtonbooks, and Netgalley, @netgalley, for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Desdemona Dean couldn’t wait to leave the world of prostitution behind. She’s now settled down with the only man she has ever loved, and has set up a business. She’s also going to college and working on a degree. Once the memoir is released her life gets thrown into a tailspin and her secret life as Madam X is threatened to be exposed. Will she be able to stay under the radar? Or will she be exposed for a woman she used to be?
This was such a fun read. I had never read a book about a madam before, so it was a fun treat. The book is written very raw and does have some sensitive language – be prepared. The book also deals with sensitive subjects. It’s written in a very down to earth and real way that I really connected with and enjoyed. The story was rather interesting and I was engaged the entire time. I didn’t want this one to end, but it did come to a natural conclusion.
If you’re looking for an interesting book about a women just trying to live her life after being a madam, then check this one out April 25th. I hope you check it out.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books, Dafina, @kensingtonbooks, and Netgalley, @netgalley, for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story is a follow up to Madam, May I. Desdemona Dean. Desi has now sized down and escaped her former life just to have a big mouth NBA player Marquis Sanders write about her former services in his autobiography. He basically says his success in basketball is due to Madam X’s services. While no one initially knew the identity of Madam X, Desi felt surrounded by people who were either reading MQ’s Book or they want to read it. Madam X’s identity leak without confirmation threatens everything Desi has built and her relationship with Loren. Overall I liked the story but I do feel like we kinda needed a flashback prologue to remind readers of Desi’s character and previous story.
Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Books for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story is a follow up to Madam, May I. Desdemona Dean. Desi has now sized down and escaped her former life just to have a big mouth NBA player Marquis Sanders write about her former services in his autobiography. He basically says his success in basketball is due to Madam X’s services. While no one initially knew the identity of Madam X, Desi felt surrounded by people who were either reading MQ’s Book or they want to read it. Madam X’s identity leak without confirmation threatens everything Desi has built and her relationship with Loren. Overall I liked the story but I do feel like we kinda needed a flashback prologue to remind readers of Desi’s character and previous story.
Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Books for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story is a follow up to Madam, May I. Desdemona Dean. Desi has now sized down and escaped her former life just to have a big mouth NBA player Marquis Sanders write about her former services in his autobiography. He basically says his success in basketball is due to Madam X’s services. While no one initially knew the identity of Madam X, Desi felt surrounded by people who were either reading MQ’s Book or they want to read it. Madam X’s identity leak without confirmation threatens everything Desi has built and her relationship with Loren. Overall I liked the story but I do feel like we kinda needed a flashback prologue to remind readers of Desi’s character and previous story.
Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Books for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story is a follow up to Madam, May I. Desdemona Dean. Desi has now sized down and escaped her former life just to have a big mouth NBA player Marquis Sanders write about her former services in his autobiography. He basically says his success in basketball is due to Madam X’s services. While no one initially knew the identity of Madam X, Desi felt surrounded by people who were either reading MQ’s Book or they want to read it. Madam X’s identity leak without confirmation threatens everything Desi has built and her relationship with Loren. Overall I liked the story but I do feel like we kinda needed a flashback prologue to remind readers of Desi’s character and previous story.
Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Books for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2024
I typically don't read the synopsis when diving into a book, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that "Madam X" is a sequel. Overall, it was an engaging page-turner. Desdemona Dean, a former high-end madam, finds herself caught in a scandal that threatens to unravel her carefully constructed life. As Desi confronts her past, secrets are revealed and betrayals emerge, putting her relationships and determination to the test. With well-developed characters and an enthralling plot, "Madam X" is a must-read for fans of steamy romance and thrilling drama. Niobia Bryant's expert storytelling skillfully combines scandal, redemption, and suspense, making it hard to put the book down. The novel explores themes of love, trust, and the consequences of past choices, making it a great choice for anyone seeking an exhilarating read.
March 25, 2023
Well I should start by saying I was at fault by not reading the cover properly as I thought that this was going to be an autobiography and not only did it turn out to be a novel but it was a very trashy novel at that. The only reason I kept on reading to finish it was because I’d agreed to review it and didn’t want my review percentage to go down. It was very trashy, with a very basic storyline, badly written and just crass, I’m not easily offended but there’s a certain way of wording things and this just didn’t have it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2025
Madam X is a former prostitute who became supremely wealthy by taking over the trade after her pimp died. She was the focus of a book written by an NBA star who anonymously touted her virtues. She is in a relationship and was desperate to hide her past. The financial bind of a past paramour caused police interest and a blackmail attempt. Desdemona was smart with her money. She had escaped an abusive relationship with a stepmom. It was a good story with a happy ending.
May 12, 2023
So glad to see Desi got her HEA. This was a story of redemption and ensuring others who travelled the same road as Desi did not continue on that road. Desi was determined to ensure no one continued to suffer. I enjoyed this last installment. Ms. Bryant does a great job with character development and keeping readers engaged through the pages further falling into Desi' world.
November 15, 2023
Another great book by Niobia! This was a 2nd book in a series and I hope she writes another one. Desdemona Dean thought her past life as Madam X was going to be exposed after an ex client wrote a tell all book. He talked about his sexual encounters with Madam X but he never mentioned her name. Read the book to find out who tried to blackmail her and how it impacted her life.
February 17, 2025
absolute page turner
I must admit at first I was ready to give up on this book I put it down at least 5 times before I finished chapter 2 it to me 6 days to push through by the time I got halfway through chapter 3 I was fully invested and it took 2days to finish completely definitely recommended red read
I must admit at first I was ready to give up on this book I put it down at least 5 times before I finished chapter 2 it to me 6 days to push through by the time I got halfway through chapter 3 I was fully invested and it took 2days to finish completely definitely recommended red read
August 28, 2023
Great ,Great story from beginning to end.
September 28, 2023
Honestly thought I’d love this book but only giving 3 stars simply because I lost interest in the storyline 🤷🏾♀️
It’s a great book but could’ve had some more stuff to it 👍🏾
It’s a great book but could’ve had some more stuff to it 👍🏾
November 1, 2023
3.5 stars
March 3, 2024
I do this often by accident, read books in the middle or end of series. I think this is the last of the series. I won’t read the others, but I enjoyed this one.
March 23, 2024
this was definitely something! i loved desdamona's character (and very excited to read madam, may i which i... probably should've read first?) but the last 100 pages of the book felt like a rollercoaster and not in a way that was very empowering to me. loved seeing desi get her justice and have a happy ending on her own terms though <33. fuck loren but we move
January 12, 2025
I enjoyed this story it, it picked up where we left off in book 1. The fmc had a lot of character growth and I’m happy she got the happily ever after
June 30, 2023
Madam X is the follow up to Madam, May I where we were introduced to Madam X who is Desdemona Dean who has decided she is ready to change her life, leave her past behind and start her new life with Loren the man she loves until one of her ex consorts decide to write a book and give credit to his unnamed Mademoiselle for helping him with his sexual services during his career.
I was so excited to read the sequel to Madam, May I because it was so good, a page turner and I wanted to know if she was going to be able to just walk away. I gave this book a 3 but it is actually a 3.5 It started off very slow and I just could not get into the physical book so I started listening to the audiobook and it was still was hot holding my interest and I almost added it to my DNF list and decided to give it one more chance and BAM it got really good within the last 4-5 chapters of the book. I would suggest the series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to read the sequel to Madam, May I because it was so good, a page turner and I wanted to know if she was going to be able to just walk away. I gave this book a 3 but it is actually a 3.5 It started off very slow and I just could not get into the physical book so I started listening to the audiobook and it was still was hot holding my interest and I almost added it to my DNF list and decided to give it one more chance and BAM it got really good within the last 4-5 chapters of the book. I would suggest the series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2023
When a famed basketball player tells the world in his book about his escapades with Madam X, Desi's world gets smaller as everyone wants to know who Madam X is.
Desi has left the madam life behind. She has a man she loves and a new life she's building. The hunt to find Madam X forces her to face her past and tell truths she had long hidden.
I enjoyed reading about the smart. clever, and unshakable Desi. She was adamant about moving on with her life, and she did successfully do so. despite all of the challenges she faced. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, readers should start with Madam, May I.
Desi has left the madam life behind. She has a man she loves and a new life she's building. The hunt to find Madam X forces her to face her past and tell truths she had long hidden.
I enjoyed reading about the smart. clever, and unshakable Desi. She was adamant about moving on with her life, and she did successfully do so. despite all of the challenges she faced. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, readers should start with Madam, May I.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews