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Corruption
Corruption is the story of Mahogany Carroll, an unrepentant cougar, and Jordan Yoshito, her precocious cub. Jordan struggles with finding his way in the world, and Mahogany struggles with needing more than just great sex. Mahogany likes her men young and Jordan prefers his women experienced, and so they enter into a relationship that was supposed to be temporary. But people have a way of leaving their mark on one another long after encounters have ceased, and this holds true for Jordan and Mahogany.
- GenresRomance
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2011
4 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Amaya Radjani
7 books7 followersAmaya Radjani is an author, blogger, publisher, and researcher. She's the author of Corruption, tainted, and the Nightingales series
Amaya is the Mistress of the Dark and holds court regularly on her blog, Musings in the Dark.
Readers are more than welcome to read some of her original fiction on the Shorties blog: http://www.amayashorties.blogspot.com.
Readers can also find her fanfiction on the Pinkelegance blog: http://www.pinkelegance2k9.blogspot.com.
Amaya is the Mistress of the Dark and holds court regularly on her blog, Musings in the Dark.
Readers are more than welcome to read some of her original fiction on the Shorties blog: http://www.amayashorties.blogspot.com.
Readers can also find her fanfiction on the Pinkelegance blog: http://www.pinkelegance2k9.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 23, 2011
Okay, let me get my FAIL moments out of the way first:
1) Naming a black heroine Mahogany is about as subtle as a bullet train, thank you very much. This is the 21st century and Michelle or Michaela would have worked just as well. Now, what would be funny is a white heroine named Mahogany...
2) Tenderoni. Mahogany kept calling Jordan 'tenderoni'. Seriously, no one calls younger men that anymore (at least I bloody well hope not). For one thing, I just kept hearing Bobby Brown everytime I read it and two, it's way dated. Like New Jack Swing kind of dated. I kept wanting to put on 'Every Little Breath I Take' and grab my Hammer parachute pants.
Having said all that, this is a book you WANT and NEED to read. It's an interracial romance that spends absolutely NO time on race issues and more time on the vagaries of modern-day relationships. It's about friends, family, culture and finding love and strength in the most unexpected ways.
Honestly, Corruption packs more heat than Dirty Harry's .357 hand cannon and a lot more heart than any Hallmark Channel movie, all within a slim 164 pages. A warning: this isn't an HEA so if you're the type who likes their romances all warm and fuzzy wrapped in a big pink bow, then this book is not for you. For the rest of us, Corruption is a wild, sexy, emotional and unexpected ride. It's risky and totally untraditional, and well, the kind of romance that's right up my alley.
As much as Mahogany Carroll's name is automatic FAIL, her ballsy attitude towards life and love is one that Ellora's Cave authors should emulate, since most of those heroines tend to wimp out for absolutely no reason. Mahogany is the kind of heroine I like to see in erotica/erotic romance: successful, financially independent (Mahogany has a home in Sausalito and has one of those high-end government jobs that she's damn good at with the income to match), and a taste for young men. She's an unrepentant cougar with no interest in marrying or having kids since she's seen what both can do an active libido. She brings a whole new level to love 'em and leave 'em. She knows exactly what she wants, how to get it, then how to get it to go away when she's had her fill. This is a woman who's not shy about sex.
Anyway, the fabulous Miss Carroll has set her sights on the hot Japanese mail clerk, 22 year-old Jordan Yoshito. However, he's also been scoping her out as well. A note slipped into a book at the local Barnes & Noble where Jordan works part-time sets the stage for sex so scorching as Jordan rocks Mahogany's world six ways to Sunday. She even allows him to "go downtown", something she usually doesn't allow because as she puts it, few men know how to worship the goddess properly. Well, this man does, and it doesn't take long before Miss Cougar Carroll is sprung.
At 22, Jordan Yoshito is trying to find his place in the world. He doesn't want to follow in his parent's footsteps and though educated with a wide variety of interests, up to meeting Mahogany, he's still searching for what he wants to do. He's independent and makes adult decisions. One of those decisions is keeping Mahogany in his life, knowing full-well that his parents may not be all that thrilled that he's not interested in marrying a proper Japanese girl, as tradition demands.
But it's more than sex, as Jordan starts to make his way into her head and into her heart. Jordan's no pushover; he's pure alpha when he needs to be and even though Mahogany tries everything to cool down their growing relationship, Jordan's not having any of it.
Another facet of this novel that stands out is the strong friendship between Mahogany and her BFF's Brooklyn and Kayne. The three women get together at Chaeya Brasserie to dish about life, their lack of a sex life due to husbands and kids and to hear about Mahogany's latest boy-toy conquest. There's a very deep bond with these women and that's rare in a lot of novels. One knows all three have each other's backs, and in this story, that friendship comes through with flying colors as Mahogany faces the biggest challenge of her life--breast cancer.
Gulp, did I just say breast cancer? In a romance novel? I did, and believe me, I seriously wasn't expecting that as a plot twist, but Ms. Radjani handles the subject well and with a lot of sympathy, taking me on the ups and downs, the pain of the chemotherapy and the heart-breaking decision so many women face, whether or not to undergo a mastectomy. And while Mahogany's friends are right there, it's Jordan who proves his mettle time and again, that he's not going anywhere. By this time he's enrolled in culinary school (since he's a total foodie and is brilliant in the kitchen--something she is not). And yet, all is not wine and roses as Jordan is forced to deal with the anger and helplessness so many caregivers feel when facing life-altering events such as breast cancer with a loved one.
As I said before, this short novel packs a huge wallop but after the last page is turned, it feels right. This is my first book from the talented Ms. Radjani, but certainly not the last.
1) Naming a black heroine Mahogany is about as subtle as a bullet train, thank you very much. This is the 21st century and Michelle or Michaela would have worked just as well. Now, what would be funny is a white heroine named Mahogany...
2) Tenderoni. Mahogany kept calling Jordan 'tenderoni'. Seriously, no one calls younger men that anymore (at least I bloody well hope not). For one thing, I just kept hearing Bobby Brown everytime I read it and two, it's way dated. Like New Jack Swing kind of dated. I kept wanting to put on 'Every Little Breath I Take' and grab my Hammer parachute pants.
Having said all that, this is a book you WANT and NEED to read. It's an interracial romance that spends absolutely NO time on race issues and more time on the vagaries of modern-day relationships. It's about friends, family, culture and finding love and strength in the most unexpected ways.
Honestly, Corruption packs more heat than Dirty Harry's .357 hand cannon and a lot more heart than any Hallmark Channel movie, all within a slim 164 pages. A warning: this isn't an HEA so if you're the type who likes their romances all warm and fuzzy wrapped in a big pink bow, then this book is not for you. For the rest of us, Corruption is a wild, sexy, emotional and unexpected ride. It's risky and totally untraditional, and well, the kind of romance that's right up my alley.
As much as Mahogany Carroll's name is automatic FAIL, her ballsy attitude towards life and love is one that Ellora's Cave authors should emulate, since most of those heroines tend to wimp out for absolutely no reason. Mahogany is the kind of heroine I like to see in erotica/erotic romance: successful, financially independent (Mahogany has a home in Sausalito and has one of those high-end government jobs that she's damn good at with the income to match), and a taste for young men. She's an unrepentant cougar with no interest in marrying or having kids since she's seen what both can do an active libido. She brings a whole new level to love 'em and leave 'em. She knows exactly what she wants, how to get it, then how to get it to go away when she's had her fill. This is a woman who's not shy about sex.
Anyway, the fabulous Miss Carroll has set her sights on the hot Japanese mail clerk, 22 year-old Jordan Yoshito. However, he's also been scoping her out as well. A note slipped into a book at the local Barnes & Noble where Jordan works part-time sets the stage for sex so scorching as Jordan rocks Mahogany's world six ways to Sunday. She even allows him to "go downtown", something she usually doesn't allow because as she puts it, few men know how to worship the goddess properly. Well, this man does, and it doesn't take long before Miss Cougar Carroll is sprung.
At 22, Jordan Yoshito is trying to find his place in the world. He doesn't want to follow in his parent's footsteps and though educated with a wide variety of interests, up to meeting Mahogany, he's still searching for what he wants to do. He's independent and makes adult decisions. One of those decisions is keeping Mahogany in his life, knowing full-well that his parents may not be all that thrilled that he's not interested in marrying a proper Japanese girl, as tradition demands.
But it's more than sex, as Jordan starts to make his way into her head and into her heart. Jordan's no pushover; he's pure alpha when he needs to be and even though Mahogany tries everything to cool down their growing relationship, Jordan's not having any of it.
Another facet of this novel that stands out is the strong friendship between Mahogany and her BFF's Brooklyn and Kayne. The three women get together at Chaeya Brasserie to dish about life, their lack of a sex life due to husbands and kids and to hear about Mahogany's latest boy-toy conquest. There's a very deep bond with these women and that's rare in a lot of novels. One knows all three have each other's backs, and in this story, that friendship comes through with flying colors as Mahogany faces the biggest challenge of her life--breast cancer.
Gulp, did I just say breast cancer? In a romance novel? I did, and believe me, I seriously wasn't expecting that as a plot twist, but Ms. Radjani handles the subject well and with a lot of sympathy, taking me on the ups and downs, the pain of the chemotherapy and the heart-breaking decision so many women face, whether or not to undergo a mastectomy. And while Mahogany's friends are right there, it's Jordan who proves his mettle time and again, that he's not going anywhere. By this time he's enrolled in culinary school (since he's a total foodie and is brilliant in the kitchen--something she is not). And yet, all is not wine and roses as Jordan is forced to deal with the anger and helplessness so many caregivers feel when facing life-altering events such as breast cancer with a loved one.
As I said before, this short novel packs a huge wallop but after the last page is turned, it feels right. This is my first book from the talented Ms. Radjani, but certainly not the last.
November 1, 2011
Synopsis: Mahogany Carroll is a unrepentant cougar; Jordan Yoshito is
a precocious cub. Jordan's struggling with finding his way in the
world, and Mahogany's struggling with needing more than just great
sex. Mahogany likes her men young and Jordan prefers his women
experienced, thus the relationship they enter is supposed to be no
more than temporary. But people have a way of leaving their mark on
one another long after encounters have ceased, and these two are no
exception.
One of the things I like about this story is that while this is a
romance novel, the characters are real, flawed, complicated, and
organic. Both Jordan and Mahogany are people who I would know in real
life.
One thing I enjoyed about Mahogany was that she was a strong woman
who never lost her strength or edge once she fell in love or had sex.
I can't tell you how many times I've seen that trope played out with
female characters, ie: they can't handle their emotions or that other sexist bile.
Even later on in the story when she faced some serious challenges which would've
broken most, she soldiered on and you couldn't help but respect her.
Her relationship dynamic with Jordan was also refreshing and
unique. Mahogany was the dominant one in the relationship and was
still feminine without being emasculating or a ball buster or the
other sexist pitfalls that happen to too many female characters. Jordan was the laid back one who was the beta in the relationship but he was still masculine and was his own man. In short, it was refreshing to see Mahogany portrayed as an unapologetic dominant powerful woman in a positive and respectful manner.
What's more is that Radjani explains why both characters have the demeanors and outlook on life that they possess.
Another thing that was refreshing was that neither character was looking for a significant other to "complete" them or fix their flaws. Both had successful lives and were living them well and this is a story of how an unexpected encounter with two extraordinary individuals can enrich each other's lives in a most profound manner when neither expect it.
One could argue age and socio-economic status but I don't think those were really factors. Both characters were strong enough in themselves not to allow themselves to be easily influenced.
Radjani also uses this novel to give a voice to black women as she tackles issues about what they want and what they're looking for. Too often in the media, black women are on the receiving end of rebuke and denigration and everyone has an opinion and hardly anyone asks black women their thoughts on their lives and their existence.
In Corruption, Radjani makes no apologies in shattering myths about what black women (and for that matter women in general) want.
Women enjoy food. Women like to have sex. Women like to have a lot of sex (as the novel illustrated time and time and time again). Women like to play video games. Many women don't want to get married. Some women want to get married. Some might be open given the right guy and the right circumstances. Some want kids. Some don't want offspring under any circumstances. In short, what women want isn't that different than from what men want.
I also love the escapism. It was nice to read a story about intelligent black women who are successful and prosperous and well cultured. And ultimately that's not fiction. That's reality. There are legions of beautiful successful black women who are rocking their careers and enjoying their lives.
While the ending was bittersweet, to me it was fitting and it made sense. I won't give anything away but it went back to some of the other themes throughout the book: sex, food, love, relationships, romance, friendships, video games, the arts, career, the past, the future: LIFE.
Corruption was ultimately about life. Living it to the fullest, never taking a moment for granted and appreciating every moment of it.
Slim page count and a fast read, Corruption is definitely a novel worth checking out.
a precocious cub. Jordan's struggling with finding his way in the
world, and Mahogany's struggling with needing more than just great
sex. Mahogany likes her men young and Jordan prefers his women
experienced, thus the relationship they enter is supposed to be no
more than temporary. But people have a way of leaving their mark on
one another long after encounters have ceased, and these two are no
exception.
One of the things I like about this story is that while this is a
romance novel, the characters are real, flawed, complicated, and
organic. Both Jordan and Mahogany are people who I would know in real
life.
One thing I enjoyed about Mahogany was that she was a strong woman
who never lost her strength or edge once she fell in love or had sex.
I can't tell you how many times I've seen that trope played out with
female characters, ie: they can't handle their emotions or that other sexist bile.
Even later on in the story when she faced some serious challenges which would've
broken most, she soldiered on and you couldn't help but respect her.
Her relationship dynamic with Jordan was also refreshing and
unique. Mahogany was the dominant one in the relationship and was
still feminine without being emasculating or a ball buster or the
other sexist pitfalls that happen to too many female characters. Jordan was the laid back one who was the beta in the relationship but he was still masculine and was his own man. In short, it was refreshing to see Mahogany portrayed as an unapologetic dominant powerful woman in a positive and respectful manner.
What's more is that Radjani explains why both characters have the demeanors and outlook on life that they possess.
Another thing that was refreshing was that neither character was looking for a significant other to "complete" them or fix their flaws. Both had successful lives and were living them well and this is a story of how an unexpected encounter with two extraordinary individuals can enrich each other's lives in a most profound manner when neither expect it.
One could argue age and socio-economic status but I don't think those were really factors. Both characters were strong enough in themselves not to allow themselves to be easily influenced.
Radjani also uses this novel to give a voice to black women as she tackles issues about what they want and what they're looking for. Too often in the media, black women are on the receiving end of rebuke and denigration and everyone has an opinion and hardly anyone asks black women their thoughts on their lives and their existence.
In Corruption, Radjani makes no apologies in shattering myths about what black women (and for that matter women in general) want.
Women enjoy food. Women like to have sex. Women like to have a lot of sex (as the novel illustrated time and time and time again). Women like to play video games. Many women don't want to get married. Some women want to get married. Some might be open given the right guy and the right circumstances. Some want kids. Some don't want offspring under any circumstances. In short, what women want isn't that different than from what men want.
I also love the escapism. It was nice to read a story about intelligent black women who are successful and prosperous and well cultured. And ultimately that's not fiction. That's reality. There are legions of beautiful successful black women who are rocking their careers and enjoying their lives.
While the ending was bittersweet, to me it was fitting and it made sense. I won't give anything away but it went back to some of the other themes throughout the book: sex, food, love, relationships, romance, friendships, video games, the arts, career, the past, the future: LIFE.
Corruption was ultimately about life. Living it to the fullest, never taking a moment for granted and appreciating every moment of it.
Slim page count and a fast read, Corruption is definitely a novel worth checking out.
November 1, 2012
Things Which Stuck Out to Me
1) There's sex. There's a lot of a sex. We're talking graphic, intense, passionate Blasian sex which would make even Jay Tavare and Tembi Locke blush. And there's tons of it, and it goes on for pages. There is just so.much.sex.
2) Kiyoshi "Jordan" Yoshito is not stereotypical in the slightest. He's a wonderfully written man who often comes off much wiser than his 22 years, and hell a of lot more, ahem, experienced than the average man his age. I also liked his back-story, his personality, his humor, and how he interacts with his very traditional family. I like how he understands and asserts himself.
3) Radjani did her research. Her handling of the Yoshito family is quite commendable; writing about a family from another culture - especially a traditional, Old World culture - often is a disaster waiting to happen for most American writers. Radjani doesn't overdo it. She gets to the point and doesn't try to feign expertise.
4) The leading lady is real. I've never understood why 40 to 50-year-old romance/erotica writers use protagonists half their age. MCP aims to reach women aged 25 and up (approximately) so it makes more sense to write about women in their late 20s and up, and the things they deal with. Radjani's Mahogany Carroll felt so very realistic to me; it was uncanny.
If you've ever been to Amaya Radjani's blog, then the issues she discusses in Corruption will come as no surprise. Which brings me to another issue; Corruption has a heavy dose of some serious reality; there is no pleasure without pain and Radjani doesn't allow us to forget this. All good things come at a price.
5) Don't read this at work. I did. I looked up, and hour and half had gone by...and I had no clue what was going on in the world.
Final Verdict
All in all, this was an excellent, moving effort which deftly blends escapism with realism.
1) There's sex. There's a lot of a sex. We're talking graphic, intense, passionate Blasian sex which would make even Jay Tavare and Tembi Locke blush. And there's tons of it, and it goes on for pages. There is just so.much.sex.
2) Kiyoshi "Jordan" Yoshito is not stereotypical in the slightest. He's a wonderfully written man who often comes off much wiser than his 22 years, and hell a of lot more, ahem, experienced than the average man his age. I also liked his back-story, his personality, his humor, and how he interacts with his very traditional family. I like how he understands and asserts himself.
3) Radjani did her research. Her handling of the Yoshito family is quite commendable; writing about a family from another culture - especially a traditional, Old World culture - often is a disaster waiting to happen for most American writers. Radjani doesn't overdo it. She gets to the point and doesn't try to feign expertise.
4) The leading lady is real. I've never understood why 40 to 50-year-old romance/erotica writers use protagonists half their age. MCP aims to reach women aged 25 and up (approximately) so it makes more sense to write about women in their late 20s and up, and the things they deal with. Radjani's Mahogany Carroll felt so very realistic to me; it was uncanny.
If you've ever been to Amaya Radjani's blog, then the issues she discusses in Corruption will come as no surprise. Which brings me to another issue; Corruption has a heavy dose of some serious reality; there is no pleasure without pain and Radjani doesn't allow us to forget this. All good things come at a price.
5) Don't read this at work. I did. I looked up, and hour and half had gone by...and I had no clue what was going on in the world.
Final Verdict
All in all, this was an excellent, moving effort which deftly blends escapism with realism.
April 3, 2013
The story Corruption is about a relationship between two people from two divergent worlds. Mahogany Carroll is a 39-year old Black female professional who is the head regional administrator of a government-owned company and makes over 250K per year. She is organized, confident, and secure in her world as a manger. Mahogany meets Jordan Yoshito, a Japanese 22-year old mail clerk that works for Mahogany’s firm and delivers her mail every morning. Jordan works part time as a sales clerk at Barnes & Noble and is uncertain of his career and educational goals and prefers to live as a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of lifestyle rather than being focused.
The two are night and day in every capacity, yet there is an electrical surge of attraction that brings the couple together. Corruption starts off as an erogenous tale of two lovers that cannot keep their hands off of one another. The sexual escapades that take place between Mahogany and Jordan are provocative and stimulating. Their chemistry is hypnotic and captivating and you just can’t get enough pages of pleasure so distinctly described in each love scene. As the relationship between Jordan and Mahogany matures, so does this story with a compelling plot that causes their connection to be compromised which leads the reader to want to know the future of this charismatic couple.
Mahogany who has a no holds barred attitude when it comes her sexual rendezvous with men and her free-spirited pursuit of sexual conquests, finds herself in an unexpected situation with Jordan. The book takes you through an emotional journey not only with these two characters, but with the friends and family members who choose to either support or be antagonistic towards this unorthodox relationship. There are unexpected turns in the story, and you will find yourself wanting to know more as you peel layer-by-layer into the story arc of Corruption.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an addictive, stimulating, and engaging piece of literature. I highly recommend that this book is for any type of reader. I don't really do love stories or romance novels, but this book has some much more than just the union between these two. There is substance and there is real life circumstances that brings a great deal of challenges to the story. I loved how this story had its ups and downs and never could I predict what would happen from one moment to the next. A fine read by a very talented author.
Don’t let the title fool you into thinking there is anything corrupt about the love that ensues between Jordan and Mahogany, it’s a lesson to all of us of what true love is supposed to be all about.
The two are night and day in every capacity, yet there is an electrical surge of attraction that brings the couple together. Corruption starts off as an erogenous tale of two lovers that cannot keep their hands off of one another. The sexual escapades that take place between Mahogany and Jordan are provocative and stimulating. Their chemistry is hypnotic and captivating and you just can’t get enough pages of pleasure so distinctly described in each love scene. As the relationship between Jordan and Mahogany matures, so does this story with a compelling plot that causes their connection to be compromised which leads the reader to want to know the future of this charismatic couple.
Mahogany who has a no holds barred attitude when it comes her sexual rendezvous with men and her free-spirited pursuit of sexual conquests, finds herself in an unexpected situation with Jordan. The book takes you through an emotional journey not only with these two characters, but with the friends and family members who choose to either support or be antagonistic towards this unorthodox relationship. There are unexpected turns in the story, and you will find yourself wanting to know more as you peel layer-by-layer into the story arc of Corruption.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an addictive, stimulating, and engaging piece of literature. I highly recommend that this book is for any type of reader. I don't really do love stories or romance novels, but this book has some much more than just the union between these two. There is substance and there is real life circumstances that brings a great deal of challenges to the story. I loved how this story had its ups and downs and never could I predict what would happen from one moment to the next. A fine read by a very talented author.
Don’t let the title fool you into thinking there is anything corrupt about the love that ensues between Jordan and Mahogany, it’s a lesson to all of us of what true love is supposed to be all about.
August 18, 2016
The title led me to expect something different from this layered love story. The premise is not new: older woman...younger man, but 'Corruption' is not your typical May/December story line. Mahogany and Jordan's mutual attraction is explosive and hot, but Jordan demands to be more than a boy toy. He gets his wish, breaking down Mahogany's walls to win her love. Neither of them expect their love to be tested by cancer. Unexpectedly, 'Corruption' becomes a loving, in-depth exploration of a human emotions and a relationship put to the test when dealing with a life-threatening illness.
This story will make your pulse race and dampen your eyes!
This story will make your pulse race and dampen your eyes!
February 23, 2019
I hope against hope for a better ending.
I was really hoping that it wouldn't end like it did, but I was in a dream world. I know everyone don't get a Happy ending I hope that she would get cured and some how have a baby because she saved her eggs. To imagine him at the grave site talking to her made me sad, i know it happens in real life, bit not in this story
They would have been perfect together had she not died. The story was awe, I really enjoyed reading it thanks.
I was really hoping that it wouldn't end like it did, but I was in a dream world. I know everyone don't get a Happy ending I hope that she would get cured and some how have a baby because she saved her eggs. To imagine him at the grave site talking to her made me sad, i know it happens in real life, bit not in this story
They would have been perfect together had she not died. The story was awe, I really enjoyed reading it thanks.
July 19, 2022
Emotionally Drained
This book was all that…I could not put it down…it had me all the way in my feeling…so in love with Jordan.
This book was all that…I could not put it down…it had me all the way in my feeling…so in love with Jordan.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews