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Secrets
Wealthy Industrialist David Baxter died and left Chastity, his Administrative Assistant the bulk of his estate. Great right? That was until she faced his greedy relative in a court battle over the estate, which opens a can of Secrets. Court exposure sets off a string of events that reach as high as the United States Senate Chambers and as low as State prison walls. Through everything, Chastity once again must face her past Secrets. Desperate measures won’t allow her to push her childhood friend, Lt. Cmdr. Kenton Stone to the side, she needs his help, even though she hides the biggest Secret of all from him.
Excerpt:
"Mr. Jamison, I see your client is here. The plaintiff is here as well, shall we begin?" The anorexic woman's deep voice startled Chastity out of her reverie.
"Yes, thank you,” Mr. Jamison answered.
The woman nodded. "Good. My name is Ms. Jackson. I will serve as Mediator today. Due to the nature of this claim, I have asked Mr. John Abrams to assist since he has a lot of experience with these types of cases." She pointed to the man seated next to her before looking across the table at Maude Stone.
"As attorney for Ms. Stone, we appreciate any assistance in setting these matters straight as expeditiously as possible." Her attorney flipped through a stack of papers, before glancing across the table to Mr. Jamison.
The mediator nodded. "A grievance was filed against the will of Mr. David Baxter by his sister, Mrs. Maude Stone— “
“Why am I here wasting my time?” Chastity blurted, unable to hold it in any longer, her jaw tight. “Mr. Baxter had the right to leave his money and property to whoever he wanted to.” Brows raised and head tilted, she stared at the shellacked hair on Maude Baxter’s head and wished she had a match to send it sky-high in flames.
“If he weren’t unduly influenced, which I believe he was,” Maude snapped, her eyes narrowed in challenge.
The heifer wants to play. Bring it on. “So you’re rewriting the law now?” She shoved a tendril of hair behind her ear.
“Just stating it so you can understand.” Her tone dripped acid.
“Cut the crap, you’re fighting his will ‘cause I’m black. If I were white, your nose’d be so far up my ass, I’d be breathing for you.” He’d told her to come out fighting, throw down the gauntlet.
Maude Stone's neck and shoulders tensed at the distasteful confrontation. “What’s up with you people?” She chuckled with an evil grin and pushed herself forward, her breast squashed against the table.
Chastity’s teeth snapped together as her face blazed. “You people?” Eyes widening, she leaned forward, palms on the table, and stood. “Oh hell no, you didn’t.” This bitch doesn’t know me.
Maude rolled her eyes. “Yeah, anytime something happens, you scream it’s because of your color. That’s getting so old. Somebody says something against the President, it's because he’s black. If the police make a mistake, take down the wrong person, it’s because he’s black; if the rent goes up, it because he’s black; if the sun don’t shine, it’s because of somebody black. Damn, the sun don’t just shine on black people. Listen, the only color that matters in the world today is green. And I’m fighting my brother’s will because you’re a gold-digging whore.”
Excerpt:
"Mr. Jamison, I see your client is here. The plaintiff is here as well, shall we begin?" The anorexic woman's deep voice startled Chastity out of her reverie.
"Yes, thank you,” Mr. Jamison answered.
The woman nodded. "Good. My name is Ms. Jackson. I will serve as Mediator today. Due to the nature of this claim, I have asked Mr. John Abrams to assist since he has a lot of experience with these types of cases." She pointed to the man seated next to her before looking across the table at Maude Stone.
"As attorney for Ms. Stone, we appreciate any assistance in setting these matters straight as expeditiously as possible." Her attorney flipped through a stack of papers, before glancing across the table to Mr. Jamison.
The mediator nodded. "A grievance was filed against the will of Mr. David Baxter by his sister, Mrs. Maude Stone— “
“Why am I here wasting my time?” Chastity blurted, unable to hold it in any longer, her jaw tight. “Mr. Baxter had the right to leave his money and property to whoever he wanted to.” Brows raised and head tilted, she stared at the shellacked hair on Maude Baxter’s head and wished she had a match to send it sky-high in flames.
“If he weren’t unduly influenced, which I believe he was,” Maude snapped, her eyes narrowed in challenge.
The heifer wants to play. Bring it on. “So you’re rewriting the law now?” She shoved a tendril of hair behind her ear.
“Just stating it so you can understand.” Her tone dripped acid.
“Cut the crap, you’re fighting his will ‘cause I’m black. If I were white, your nose’d be so far up my ass, I’d be breathing for you.” He’d told her to come out fighting, throw down the gauntlet.
Maude Stone's neck and shoulders tensed at the distasteful confrontation. “What’s up with you people?” She chuckled with an evil grin and pushed herself forward, her breast squashed against the table.
Chastity’s teeth snapped together as her face blazed. “You people?” Eyes widening, she leaned forward, palms on the table, and stood. “Oh hell no, you didn’t.” This bitch doesn’t know me.
Maude rolled her eyes. “Yeah, anytime something happens, you scream it’s because of your color. That’s getting so old. Somebody says something against the President, it's because he’s black. If the police make a mistake, take down the wrong person, it’s because he’s black; if the rent goes up, it because he’s black; if the sun don’t shine, it’s because of somebody black. Damn, the sun don’t just shine on black people. Listen, the only color that matters in the world today is green. And I’m fighting my brother’s will because you’re a gold-digging whore.”
Nook
First published August 29, 2011
40 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Erosa Knowles
57 books191 followers"Hello,I'm a self-proclaimed read-a-holic. I love most genres and would rather read than do most things. Stands to reason, that I'd have this inexplicable love affair with the written word!
Reading was the balm that soothed me during tough times as a single mother, working two jobs. As things leveled out, I found I enjoyed the places books took me, there was a certain solace learning about various times and cultures. When I began traveling, many of the places I visited felt like old friends. I could envision the characters from the books walking the cobbled streets, or running along the swift moving streams.
After twenty years of reading and collecting my favorite authors, I decided to indulge my passion for storytelling. I took classes, invested in seminars and sat nervously across the table from editors. It was a lengthy process, Finally, I got the courage to allow the market to judge my work. The market can be a brutal, but I think fair, mistress. Hard work is rewarded and appreciated. Slackers don't stand a chance. :-)."
Reading was the balm that soothed me during tough times as a single mother, working two jobs. As things leveled out, I found I enjoyed the places books took me, there was a certain solace learning about various times and cultures. When I began traveling, many of the places I visited felt like old friends. I could envision the characters from the books walking the cobbled streets, or running along the swift moving streams.
After twenty years of reading and collecting my favorite authors, I decided to indulge my passion for storytelling. I took classes, invested in seminars and sat nervously across the table from editors. It was a lengthy process, Finally, I got the courage to allow the market to judge my work. The market can be a brutal, but I think fair, mistress. Hard work is rewarded and appreciated. Slackers don't stand a chance. :-)."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 20, 2012
Mr. David Baxter has a plan for everything—even his death. He took extraordinary measures to ensure that Chastity, his assistant, is left in charge of everything he held dear. Unfortunately, his vicious sister is contesting his will vehemently. David Baxter’s death has set forth a turn of events that will change the lives of those he loved forever.
Chastity March loved David Baxter like a father. She will do whatever it takes to protect his last wishes and his secrets. She never expected what would happen when the fight over his estate is taken to the next level. As her world spins, Chastity must face her past and the frightening possibility that’s its coming back to get her.
Lt. Commander Kenton Stone has only had one love in his life and he’s walked away from her more than once. When he comes home to mourn his Uncle David’s death he is shocked to discover some truths hidden from him. Kenton is also terrified by the thought that the woman he loves is in danger. Chastity may not be ready for him to come back into her life but he is—and this time he’s never leaving. Will Kenton be able to protect Chastity from those that intend to do her harm? Can he convince her to take a chance on him? Find out as all the Secrets are exposed.
Erosa Knowles hits a grand slam with Secrets! I’m utterly in love with this story. Secrets gives the reader a fabulous plot to get emotional about and a superb romance to fall for. Chastity and Kenton make my heart go pitter patter. It didn’t take me a chapter to find a reason to stand behind this courageous woman. Chastity’s character is fierce and fragile at the same time. I love the progression of her relationship with Kenton. Kenton may be there to protect her body but it is his desire to win her heart that makes me swoon. Kenton is the perfect Alpha male; he has just enough faults to make him a great character. All of Ms. Knowles characters are engrossing. I could not get enough. Ms. Knowles mixes just the right amount of romance and suspense to make Secrets unforgettable!
Reviewed by Miranda
For Joyfully Reviewed
Chastity March loved David Baxter like a father. She will do whatever it takes to protect his last wishes and his secrets. She never expected what would happen when the fight over his estate is taken to the next level. As her world spins, Chastity must face her past and the frightening possibility that’s its coming back to get her.
Lt. Commander Kenton Stone has only had one love in his life and he’s walked away from her more than once. When he comes home to mourn his Uncle David’s death he is shocked to discover some truths hidden from him. Kenton is also terrified by the thought that the woman he loves is in danger. Chastity may not be ready for him to come back into her life but he is—and this time he’s never leaving. Will Kenton be able to protect Chastity from those that intend to do her harm? Can he convince her to take a chance on him? Find out as all the Secrets are exposed.
Erosa Knowles hits a grand slam with Secrets! I’m utterly in love with this story. Secrets gives the reader a fabulous plot to get emotional about and a superb romance to fall for. Chastity and Kenton make my heart go pitter patter. It didn’t take me a chapter to find a reason to stand behind this courageous woman. Chastity’s character is fierce and fragile at the same time. I love the progression of her relationship with Kenton. Kenton may be there to protect her body but it is his desire to win her heart that makes me swoon. Kenton is the perfect Alpha male; he has just enough faults to make him a great character. All of Ms. Knowles characters are engrossing. I could not get enough. Ms. Knowles mixes just the right amount of romance and suspense to make Secrets unforgettable!
Reviewed by Miranda
For Joyfully Reviewed
January 21, 2024
Pedophiles are the most vilest of human beings.
Chastity should have never suffered what she went through. But she was lucky to have a benefactor like Mr. Baxter. He adopted her as his own and once he found out what she had endured as an innocent child he put in an elaborate plan with contingencies to destroy the child sex trade. It continued working even after his death. But his sister Maude Stone, Kenton's mother, unknowingly put all of those contingencies to work. Her greed in trying to get money from her brother's estate, proved to Kenton that his mother would do anything for money. He could not trust her as far as he could throw her.
Kenton had always had a love of Chastity. When he found out about her children his protective mode for them kicked in and his love for Chas went deeper. Chastity had a hard time dealing with the concept of love and sex. Kenton had to show her with patience. They both came to the conclusion that living life without the other in it was not living. Besides, the children really bonded to Kenton.
Chastity may have been taken away from her birth family but Mr. B was her father, MS Cook was her mother and Sven was her uncle/ godfather. She had a family of her choosing who loved her and protected her. With the work Mr. B. did through the years, he made sure that other children would never suffer what Chastity did. His work continued after his death to make sure those vile people got what they deserved.
This story was full of secrets and mysteries. It had me all in my feelings. I felt myself getting angry and my pulse racing reading what the Congressman did to children. He was sick in the head and got just what he deserved. Vengence is a dish best served cold and the congressman and Maude had it handed to them Artic style.
Chastity should have never suffered what she went through. But she was lucky to have a benefactor like Mr. Baxter. He adopted her as his own and once he found out what she had endured as an innocent child he put in an elaborate plan with contingencies to destroy the child sex trade. It continued working even after his death. But his sister Maude Stone, Kenton's mother, unknowingly put all of those contingencies to work. Her greed in trying to get money from her brother's estate, proved to Kenton that his mother would do anything for money. He could not trust her as far as he could throw her.
Kenton had always had a love of Chastity. When he found out about her children his protective mode for them kicked in and his love for Chas went deeper. Chastity had a hard time dealing with the concept of love and sex. Kenton had to show her with patience. They both came to the conclusion that living life without the other in it was not living. Besides, the children really bonded to Kenton.
Chastity may have been taken away from her birth family but Mr. B was her father, MS Cook was her mother and Sven was her uncle/ godfather. She had a family of her choosing who loved her and protected her. With the work Mr. B. did through the years, he made sure that other children would never suffer what Chastity did. His work continued after his death to make sure those vile people got what they deserved.
This story was full of secrets and mysteries. It had me all in my feelings. I felt myself getting angry and my pulse racing reading what the Congressman did to children. He was sick in the head and got just what he deserved. Vengence is a dish best served cold and the congressman and Maude had it handed to them Artic style.
January 5, 2012
4.25 out of 5. A compelling novel of kindness and love, of caring and abandonment, of greed and political corruption that touches the life of a woman early in her life as she is kidnapped and used as a child sex slave. Now she is grown with children of her own, but the secrets of her life and those surrounding her keep on being revealed, some to the relief of many and others that will have jarring effects all the way to the highest levels of the federal government. Yet in the midst of all the pain and regret over the past comes a beautiful love story that reclaims a part of the past that the lovers thought was lost. It is a marvelous romance that is set in a context of suspense with an awareness that evil persists and only those who have the resources can really neutralize future hurt. I wouldn't have missed this one for the world!
February 11, 2024
Loose ends
This story delves into the theme of second-chance romance, which contains triggering subject matter. The story revolves around Chastity, who works as both the ward and administrative assistant of David Baxter. While dealing with the challenges posed by David's family, she finds herself caught in a conflict that revives unresolved issues from her past. Her adversarial relationship with Mr. Baxter's sister becomes a catalyst, reigniting her former love for Kenton Stone. Kenton becomes a central figure in the unfolding drama, determined to protect Chastity from any threats, including those coming from his mother. After David's death, a series of events takes place, uncovering hidden truths that can shake the foundation of the intricate web surrounding Chastity’s past. Knowles weaves a tale of love, loss, and revelation that promises to captivate readers with its emotional depth and intricate storytelling. While I enjoyed this story, I felt that there were some loose ends in the plot. Moreover, I find the newly updated cover for the book more appealing than the one on this page.
This story delves into the theme of second-chance romance, which contains triggering subject matter. The story revolves around Chastity, who works as both the ward and administrative assistant of David Baxter. While dealing with the challenges posed by David's family, she finds herself caught in a conflict that revives unresolved issues from her past. Her adversarial relationship with Mr. Baxter's sister becomes a catalyst, reigniting her former love for Kenton Stone. Kenton becomes a central figure in the unfolding drama, determined to protect Chastity from any threats, including those coming from his mother. After David's death, a series of events takes place, uncovering hidden truths that can shake the foundation of the intricate web surrounding Chastity’s past. Knowles weaves a tale of love, loss, and revelation that promises to captivate readers with its emotional depth and intricate storytelling. While I enjoyed this story, I felt that there were some loose ends in the plot. Moreover, I find the newly updated cover for the book more appealing than the one on this page.
May 20, 2019
Wow...
This is a heartwrenching tear-jerker here. I've had this book for awhile but it's just been sitting in my Library for months. I was shocked at the gritty subject matter and give major props to the author for going there. This may be a fictional story but the bike abuse depicted within is all too real. It's a very common and disgusting reality for millions of children all over the world including this country.
David Baxter was the true hero in this story. And the author really bought all the characters to life vividly. All so relatably human...The good...The bad & The monstrous.😡 The love story takes a back seat to the despicable behavior of most of the characters but I didn't mind. I was riveted and despite some tears, a turned stomach and the rise of personal bad memories I finished it in one sitting. Wow....
This is a heartwrenching tear-jerker here. I've had this book for awhile but it's just been sitting in my Library for months. I was shocked at the gritty subject matter and give major props to the author for going there. This may be a fictional story but the bike abuse depicted within is all too real. It's a very common and disgusting reality for millions of children all over the world including this country.
David Baxter was the true hero in this story. And the author really bought all the characters to life vividly. All so relatably human...The good...The bad & The monstrous.😡 The love story takes a back seat to the despicable behavior of most of the characters but I didn't mind. I was riveted and despite some tears, a turned stomach and the rise of personal bad memories I finished it in one sitting. Wow....
November 10, 2023
Her Saving Grace
We need more of Mr Baxter in this world , this book reminds me of a movie my husband and I went to see for his birthday :Sound Of Freedom based on a true story. I cried!!
Chastity is one strong woman , to overcome all she went through and still able to be sensitive snd full of empathy for others is wowing. I am in wow of her strength!
And the kids 🥰, always love books with awesome kids. The interaction of the Jonah and Micah.
Kenton and Chas 👍👍
And Sven, great man ! keep Mr Baxer’s legacy going.
Maude, shame on you!
Well, my only comment was the security, too many security breaches…
Side note, isn’t that ironic how the senator charged his tune after learning that his daughter was. a victim as well… No spoilers! All different when it’s your own.
Great read!
ps . Lot of triggers!!
We need more of Mr Baxter in this world , this book reminds me of a movie my husband and I went to see for his birthday :Sound Of Freedom based on a true story. I cried!!
Chastity is one strong woman , to overcome all she went through and still able to be sensitive snd full of empathy for others is wowing. I am in wow of her strength!
And the kids 🥰, always love books with awesome kids. The interaction of the Jonah and Micah.
Kenton and Chas 👍👍
And Sven, great man ! keep Mr Baxer’s legacy going.
Maude, shame on you!
Well, my only comment was the security, too many security breaches…
Side note, isn’t that ironic how the senator charged his tune after learning that his daughter was. a victim as well… No spoilers! All different when it’s your own.
Great read!
ps . Lot of triggers!!
October 10, 2021
Good read
I read this book years and decided to re-read it and realized k never left a review. It was a good read but also dealt with some real issues that we are facing today. Kidnapping and child prostitution. Chasity has been thru a lot but was rescued and taken care of by a rich ranch owner. He protected her while in the process trying to take down the men in charged of this prostitution ring.
As Chastity got older she fell in love with his nephew I didn’t understand how she never told Kenton about the children but I guess she herself had her own insecurities and didn’t realize her worth from her abuse. It was a good read
I read this book years and decided to re-read it and realized k never left a review. It was a good read but also dealt with some real issues that we are facing today. Kidnapping and child prostitution. Chasity has been thru a lot but was rescued and taken care of by a rich ranch owner. He protected her while in the process trying to take down the men in charged of this prostitution ring.
As Chastity got older she fell in love with his nephew I didn’t understand how she never told Kenton about the children but I guess she herself had her own insecurities and didn’t realize her worth from her abuse. It was a good read
January 29, 2022
Real secrets!
OMG! What an amazing, scary, detailed, riveting book. A must read. Ms Knowles did an excellent job and the characters. SPOILER: Mr Baxter, Miss Cook…who would have thought they were lovers after his wife died. Maude was bad to the bone and got what she deserved. Renee. well she got what she deserved too…death. To think she was going to kill Chastity, Mariah and Miss Cook because she got the contract on Chastity from Griffin, whose sim prison now.
OMG! What an amazing, scary, detailed, riveting book. A must read. Ms Knowles did an excellent job and the characters. SPOILER: Mr Baxter, Miss Cook…who would have thought they were lovers after his wife died. Maude was bad to the bone and got what she deserved. Renee. well she got what she deserved too…death. To think she was going to kill Chastity, Mariah and Miss Cook because she got the contract on Chastity from Griffin, whose sim prison now.
January 5, 2024
***If you're looking for strictly romance, this book is not for you 🤨.
This is a good storyline that's well-written and the characters are all well-developed 😲. Bey bey, Karma shows up in 4in red 👠, revenge is on a gold platter, protection is in place, and a second chance at love is served cold, geezus 😳. Triggers *** human trafficking, rape, abuse, and murder***.
This is a good storyline that's well-written and the characters are all well-developed 😲. Bey bey, Karma shows up in 4in red 👠, revenge is on a gold platter, protection is in place, and a second chance at love is served cold, geezus 😳. Triggers *** human trafficking, rape, abuse, and murder***.
February 20, 2024
Secrets- Forbidden Love: Second Chances Romance. Great read!
This book had me on lockdown with all the secrets, cover ups, child abuse and murders!! These abusive monsters got by but they didn't get away!! I am hooked on Erosa Knowles books!!❤️❤️❤️
This book had me on lockdown with all the secrets, cover ups, child abuse and murders!! These abusive monsters got by but they didn't get away!! I am hooked on Erosa Knowles books!!❤️❤️❤️
January 18, 2021
Secrets
The secret was truly something that needed to be revealed in the novel. I enjoyed the storyline. The plot was well thought out.
The secret was truly something that needed to be revealed in the novel. I enjoyed the storyline. The plot was well thought out.
November 1, 2017
the story's beginning was great. death bed wills always make me think of scandals! I was ready for the drama but when details of the H/h past meeting and subsequent interactions were revealed it simply did not resonate with what i had read.
i was left missing something and confused by the heroine's explanation of the kids birth.
i was left missing something and confused by the heroine's explanation of the kids birth.
April 24, 2014
I wont add to what others have said BUT and that's a big but what happened to Chastity's brothers and sisters? in the book her brothers are in jail and were the one's who gave the senator his punishment and i wanted to know what happened to the rest of the sick perverts. I also would have loved for Chastity free her brothers and get to know all of them as she missed out. So come on Ms Knowles you left me gasping for more there has to be another book to wrap up all the questions you have left us with.
January 28, 2016
The plot and pacing of this story is gripping, heart wrenching and relevant. In most romance novels the suspense is corny unbelievable filler between sex scenes. That is not the case here. The actual romance of this story takes a backseat to the suspense and it works. Well worth your time and money.
September 21, 2012
4.5 stars...one of her best IMO, I really enjoyed this read. Secret was definitely the correct title for this fiction for sure; there were so many of them my head was going in circles and I liked it HA!
January 29, 2014
Too Short
Just when I thought the story was taking off...it ended...wth....there has got to be a story here...where is it?
Pls supply the name of the real book....the whole book. Thks
Just when I thought the story was taking off...it ended...wth....there has got to be a story here...where is it?
Pls supply the name of the real book....the whole book. Thks
May 8, 2016
OMG
It's amazing how such a serious topic can be so good, I would have loved if Mr. Baxter could have lived to see everything but this book was not only insightful but a beautiful read.
It's amazing how such a serious topic can be so good, I would have loved if Mr. Baxter could have lived to see everything but this book was not only insightful but a beautiful read.
January 9, 2012
I guess 'cause I'm interracial, I seem to like these books. I think the black girl holds herself well.
September 11, 2013
I loved this book. The story was told in a totally unexpected way. It has drama, suspense, thriller, murder and intrigue. An Excellent read!
September 13, 2014
I absolutely loved this story!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews