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Reckless
Desire raises the stakes--and the danger. . .
Desperate Housewife by Cydney Rax
Carmen Foster thinks she has it all--a perfect house, kids, and marriage. Until she stumbles upon racy texts from her husband, Forrest, to his baby mama, Toni--who desperately wants Forrest back. Carmen is devastated and decides she can forgive Forrest if she just has an affair of her own. But when a scheming Toni gets involved and threatens to reveal Carmen's secret, revenge takes an unexpected and explosive turn…
Sinful by Niobia Bryant
A psychologist specializing in addiction, Brie Bailey is surprised to find that her work is affecting her personal life in unexpected ways. For the first time, she has something to hide. And when her impulsive actions lead her into a web of danger, Brie finds herself losing control of everything. . .
L.A. Confidential by Grace Octavia
Stevie Silver, Black Hollywood's sitcom sweetheart, is in for a run of very bad luck. Her conniving assistant, Kristine, has her sights on Stevie's career--and on her T.V. producer husband. Kristine will do whatever it takes to win, from blackmail to seduction. But when a series of lies and betrayals comes to a head in the canyons behind the Hollywood sign, more than stardom is at stake. . .
Desperate Housewife by Cydney Rax
Carmen Foster thinks she has it all--a perfect house, kids, and marriage. Until she stumbles upon racy texts from her husband, Forrest, to his baby mama, Toni--who desperately wants Forrest back. Carmen is devastated and decides she can forgive Forrest if she just has an affair of her own. But when a scheming Toni gets involved and threatens to reveal Carmen's secret, revenge takes an unexpected and explosive turn…
Sinful by Niobia Bryant
A psychologist specializing in addiction, Brie Bailey is surprised to find that her work is affecting her personal life in unexpected ways. For the first time, she has something to hide. And when her impulsive actions lead her into a web of danger, Brie finds herself losing control of everything. . .
L.A. Confidential by Grace Octavia
Stevie Silver, Black Hollywood's sitcom sweetheart, is in for a run of very bad luck. Her conniving assistant, Kristine, has her sights on Stevie's career--and on her T.V. producer husband. Kristine will do whatever it takes to win, from blackmail to seduction. But when a series of lies and betrayals comes to a head in the canyons behind the Hollywood sign, more than stardom is at stake. . .
- GenresAudiobookAnthologies
344 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
19 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Cydney Rax
19 books213 followersBasically I became interested in becoming a writer after reading Terry McMillan’s novel Disappearing Acts. In 2004 my author dreams were realized via the release of my controversial debut novel My Daughter’s Boyfriend, the story of a 34-year old single mother that becomes attracted to her teenage daughter’s boyfriend.
I love writing about marriage, infidelity, juicy love triangles, family, romance, women's issues, and male/female relationships. It never gets boring to write about what human beings go through.
My novels make you think and feel! If it doesn't do that, I haven't done my job.
My novels/interviews have been featured in USA Today, Black Beat Magazine, Publishers Weekly, Jewel Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Vibe Vixen, Quarterly Black Review, Booking Matters Magazine, Essence magazine, Ebony magazine, Black Expressions Book Club, among others.
Learn more via http://www.cydneyrax.com or follow me on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCydney...
I love writing about marriage, infidelity, juicy love triangles, family, romance, women's issues, and male/female relationships. It never gets boring to write about what human beings go through.
My novels make you think and feel! If it doesn't do that, I haven't done my job.
My novels/interviews have been featured in USA Today, Black Beat Magazine, Publishers Weekly, Jewel Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Vibe Vixen, Quarterly Black Review, Booking Matters Magazine, Essence magazine, Ebony magazine, Black Expressions Book Club, among others.
Learn more via http://www.cydneyrax.com or follow me on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCydney...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 15, 2012
Desperate Housewife Cydney Rax:
This by far was my favorite story in the book. It was just juicy. This story was about a housewife who has the perfect life, until her husband starts coming home late and not sleeping with her. Plenty of baby momma drama, scheming, and lies. It was good from the start, never boring. 5 stars
Sinful Niobia Bryant:
This story is about a psychologist who is treating patients for addictions, when she has an addiction of her own. How can she tell them to resist their urges, when she can't even control her own. Good Read! 4 stars
L.A. Confidential by Grace Octavia:
This story was my least favorite. It involves an actress and it started off very slow. It did pick up toward the end, but I had to push through. I did enjoy King's character. 3 stars
Overall this book was a good read, I finished it within 2 days, most of that time was spent on trying to get through L.A. Confidential.
This by far was my favorite story in the book. It was just juicy. This story was about a housewife who has the perfect life, until her husband starts coming home late and not sleeping with her. Plenty of baby momma drama, scheming, and lies. It was good from the start, never boring. 5 stars
Sinful Niobia Bryant:
This story is about a psychologist who is treating patients for addictions, when she has an addiction of her own. How can she tell them to resist their urges, when she can't even control her own. Good Read! 4 stars
L.A. Confidential by Grace Octavia:
This story was my least favorite. It involves an actress and it started off very slow. It did pick up toward the end, but I had to push through. I did enjoy King's character. 3 stars
Overall this book was a good read, I finished it within 2 days, most of that time was spent on trying to get through L.A. Confidential.
June 1, 2013
This was a collection of stories by three outstanding authors – Cydney Rax, Niobia Bryant, and Grace Octavia. I was familiar with works by Niobia Bryant and Grace Octavia, but I had never read anything by Cydney Rax prior to this book. I was intrigued by the synopsis of each story and could not wait to read Reckless.
In Desperate Housewives, Cydney Rax took me on a fast and thrilling ride with Carmen, Forrest, and crazy Toni! Author Rax reminded me of the lengths a scorned woman would do to get her man back from the woman who “stole” him. Carmen thought she was living the perfect life until Toni decided she wanted Forrest back and would do just about anything to get him back including turning his son against his father and stepmother. Toni went to great lengths to make Carmen pay for ruining her dreams of being a family with Forrest. Author Rax does show that two wrongs don’t make a right and if you play with fire you will get burned. But in the end, true love and good will prevail. I enjoyed reading this story so much that I purchased every book written by Cydney Rax. Excellent story! 5 stars
Niobia Bryant does not disappoint either with Sinful. Bree Bailey was a piece of work. She is a psychologist who specialized in addiction, but she could not be of any help because she suffered from addiction as well. I found myself talking to Bree and telling her what to do and questioning her actions. I was screaming “Don’t do it, Bree!” I knew her actions would eventually catch up with her. Author Bryant writes with such passion and the sex scenes are so detailed, it is as if you are in the same room with the characters. You can definitely feel the passion! This story was outstanding! 5 stars
L.A. Confidential by Grace Octavia was a somewhat interesting story about Silver Stone that seemed to take forever to get started. When it finally did get started, it was over. It had a good plot, but the story could have been finished sooner. I could almost predict what was going to happen. I actually put the book down several times before I finally finished reading this story. Although I found it to be a difficult and boring read, I will still read other works by Author Octavia. 2.5 stars
Reviewed by: Carmela
In Desperate Housewives, Cydney Rax took me on a fast and thrilling ride with Carmen, Forrest, and crazy Toni! Author Rax reminded me of the lengths a scorned woman would do to get her man back from the woman who “stole” him. Carmen thought she was living the perfect life until Toni decided she wanted Forrest back and would do just about anything to get him back including turning his son against his father and stepmother. Toni went to great lengths to make Carmen pay for ruining her dreams of being a family with Forrest. Author Rax does show that two wrongs don’t make a right and if you play with fire you will get burned. But in the end, true love and good will prevail. I enjoyed reading this story so much that I purchased every book written by Cydney Rax. Excellent story! 5 stars
Niobia Bryant does not disappoint either with Sinful. Bree Bailey was a piece of work. She is a psychologist who specialized in addiction, but she could not be of any help because she suffered from addiction as well. I found myself talking to Bree and telling her what to do and questioning her actions. I was screaming “Don’t do it, Bree!” I knew her actions would eventually catch up with her. Author Bryant writes with such passion and the sex scenes are so detailed, it is as if you are in the same room with the characters. You can definitely feel the passion! This story was outstanding! 5 stars
L.A. Confidential by Grace Octavia was a somewhat interesting story about Silver Stone that seemed to take forever to get started. When it finally did get started, it was over. It had a good plot, but the story could have been finished sooner. I could almost predict what was going to happen. I actually put the book down several times before I finally finished reading this story. Although I found it to be a difficult and boring read, I will still read other works by Author Octavia. 2.5 stars
Reviewed by: Carmela
September 9, 2012
3.5 Stars
Desperate Housewife - Cydney Rax
3 Stars
This was an ok read. It started off a bit slow, but picked up when the real drama began between Carmen & Forrest. Forrest was simply a sloppy mess. I didn't like his character at all. His only redeemable quality was that he provided well for his family financially. Carmen was pretty weak to me. Once she started doing her own thing, I thought she turned a corner but she really hadn't and still had a lot of growing to do. Once everything came full circle I could really see that these two loved eachother and could make it work. The wrap up at the end was pretty swift which is to be expected of a short story, but it did end nicely.
Sinful - Niobia Bryant
5 Stars
Talk about a hot erotic read, this one takes the cake. From the very beginning the pages of this one are on fire. Bree was something else. A bit unbelievable with her actions. Her character was sort of like how every one fantasies to be, but could never have the guts to pull it off. The ending was something crazy, and totally unexpected. Deon really shocked me, the other two not so much. At the end I was wishing this was a full story so I could read more.....well done.
LA Confidential - Grace Octavia
3 Stars
Another OK read. Not too much going on in this story. A couple OK sex scenes, but that is about it. This story needed a better epilogue so we could see how everything ended up, other than the one and have pages we were given, it just wasn't sufficient enough.
Desperate Housewife - Cydney Rax
3 Stars
This was an ok read. It started off a bit slow, but picked up when the real drama began between Carmen & Forrest. Forrest was simply a sloppy mess. I didn't like his character at all. His only redeemable quality was that he provided well for his family financially. Carmen was pretty weak to me. Once she started doing her own thing, I thought she turned a corner but she really hadn't and still had a lot of growing to do. Once everything came full circle I could really see that these two loved eachother and could make it work. The wrap up at the end was pretty swift which is to be expected of a short story, but it did end nicely.
Sinful - Niobia Bryant
5 Stars
Talk about a hot erotic read, this one takes the cake. From the very beginning the pages of this one are on fire. Bree was something else. A bit unbelievable with her actions. Her character was sort of like how every one fantasies to be, but could never have the guts to pull it off. The ending was something crazy, and totally unexpected. Deon really shocked me, the other two not so much. At the end I was wishing this was a full story so I could read more.....well done.
LA Confidential - Grace Octavia
3 Stars
Another OK read. Not too much going on in this story. A couple OK sex scenes, but that is about it. This story needed a better epilogue so we could see how everything ended up, other than the one and have pages we were given, it just wasn't sufficient enough.
May 3, 2013
Desperate House wife by Cydney Rax was by far the best of the three stories although it did lack in a few areas. The relationship between Carmen and Forrest was not established enough for us to really understand Carmen's attachment to her husband. Forrest's character was not developed enough for us to even sympathize with his shortcomings. This was a short story and it takes skill to squeeze all the elements of a good story into a few words. Cydney Rax stood head and shoulders above her counterparts.
Sinful by Niobia Bryant lived up to its name. I, however was highly irritated that erotica was thrown in between two stories that were opposite. I did read some reviews and saw that people actually liked this. There was no intelligence at all in this story. Bryant had a plot and that's what kept you reading but this was nothing but sex. I'm sorry, but no thank you. The ending was a big let down because in the midst of the trash I waded through and skipped over (yes, I skipped over some of it ) in hopes that the protagonist would be delivered from her naughty ways by finding love in Deon, who was a well developed character by the way, she forces an ugly twist which ends badly to me.
LA Confidential
I was intrigued, I was bored out of my wits, I was hopeful and perplexed. Finally, I was disappointed. This had the potential to be greater than the other two. It had all the right parts but they just didn't fit. There were too many unanswered questions. There was too much weirdness. Then Grace forces a tragic twist which not only is upsetting but is super weird. The weird assistant is the savior? What kinda mess??
Sinful by Niobia Bryant lived up to its name. I, however was highly irritated that erotica was thrown in between two stories that were opposite. I did read some reviews and saw that people actually liked this. There was no intelligence at all in this story. Bryant had a plot and that's what kept you reading but this was nothing but sex. I'm sorry, but no thank you. The ending was a big let down because in the midst of the trash I waded through and skipped over (yes, I skipped over some of it ) in hopes that the protagonist would be delivered from her naughty ways by finding love in Deon, who was a well developed character by the way, she forces an ugly twist which ends badly to me.
LA Confidential
I was intrigued, I was bored out of my wits, I was hopeful and perplexed. Finally, I was disappointed. This had the potential to be greater than the other two. It had all the right parts but they just didn't fit. There were too many unanswered questions. There was too much weirdness. Then Grace forces a tragic twist which not only is upsetting but is super weird. The weird assistant is the savior? What kinda mess??
December 6, 2012
Desperate Housewife by Cydney Rax......Really like this one....starting the book off with a bang keep me turning the pages to see what Carmen and Forrest would do next.......5 stars
Sinful by Niobia Bryant......All I can say is Ms. Bree was something else 5 stars....
L.A. Confidential by Grace Octavia....Just an okay read for me....3 stars....
Sinful by Niobia Bryant......All I can say is Ms. Bree was something else 5 stars....
L.A. Confidential by Grace Octavia....Just an okay read for me....3 stars....
June 1, 2012
The first two stories really grabbed my attention immediately! The third was all over the place at first and I was't pleased with how it ended.. Overall the book caught my attention from the title alone and the stories were definitely some relatable ones...
May 19, 2012
The reason I read this book was because of Niobia Bryant. I love her work. All three stories were very good. I read this book in one day.
May 31, 2013
This story was kind of predictable and that made it boring. Can't say I was expecting a whole lot, for me Cydney Rax can be a hit or miss. The wife and the husband in this story are just stupid.
could-not-finish
December 18, 2014I couldn't finish the book because I have a hard time reading books where the main theme is cheating. I love all these authors but will stick to their other works.
Read
August 21, 2012I liked the stories, although the first one was my favorite of the three. I listened on audiobook.
February 22, 2018
Desperate Housewife by Cydney Rax was my favorite story of the three. The other two stories were okay.
March 7, 2018
Story 1 & 3 were good. Story 3 was too wordy!
November 23, 2018
Good book.
It wasn't that bad. I would recommend it. It's not all that bad. I can't complain. It was pretty good.
It wasn't that bad. I would recommend it. It's not all that bad. I can't complain. It was pretty good.
June 26, 2021
3 different stories and the 2nd was my favorite! Wow!
August 13, 2021
This was a good book of short stories. I want to read additional books.
September 29, 2022
I enjoyed each of the stories, I think Sinful and L.A. confidential was the best.
January 24, 2024
My favorite is two stories are by Niobia Bryant and Grace Octavia ❤️
June 21, 2013
***SPOILER ALERT***
I enjoyed this book. It's actually a collection of 3 stand alone short stories by three different authors. The first story is about Carmen Foster and her cheating husband and how she wants to get her perfect family life back. The second story is about psychologist Bree, who is treating a group of men for sexual addiction while struggling with it herself. Lastly, the final story is about Silver, an actress who struggles to find true love.
I think is book is good for readers who enjoy over the top drama in a story. While the first story, "Desperate Housewife," is the most believable, even it has a twist that may or may not seem realistic to readers.
In the second story, "Sinful," I found the final scene to be action packed and it sucked me in wondering what next? At the same time, I was also afraid for the main character.
The last story, "L.A. Confidential," was the story I was hoping would have the happiest ending...but...well, you'll just have to read it for yourself.
I enjoyed this book. It's actually a collection of 3 stand alone short stories by three different authors. The first story is about Carmen Foster and her cheating husband and how she wants to get her perfect family life back. The second story is about psychologist Bree, who is treating a group of men for sexual addiction while struggling with it herself. Lastly, the final story is about Silver, an actress who struggles to find true love.
I think is book is good for readers who enjoy over the top drama in a story. While the first story, "Desperate Housewife," is the most believable, even it has a twist that may or may not seem realistic to readers.
In the second story, "Sinful," I found the final scene to be action packed and it sucked me in wondering what next? At the same time, I was also afraid for the main character.
The last story, "L.A. Confidential," was the story I was hoping would have the happiest ending...but...well, you'll just have to read it for yourself.
April 19, 2016
Desperate Housewives by Cydney Rax gave me the drama and Sinful by Niobia Bryant gave me some (A LOT of) heat! I didn't care very much for LA Confidential by Grace Octavia, I think it had more to do with it being placed after such a steamy story, I think it should have been first. I usually like Grace Octavia's work but found it hard to get into the story after listening to Sinful. So I gave the stories a 4,5 & 3 respectively and overall a 4. I was pleased with this collection for having 2/3 being above a 3. I enjoy work by each author independently as well so I'm glad they didn't disappoint.
June 13, 2013
I enjoyed these books. All of the authors were good at creating characters and keeping the reader engaged in what was going to happen next. I wasn't a fan of the ending of sinful and la confidential. The ending of sinful was the right decision but I was unsatisfied with the sudden disappearance of Jordan not even a mention. The ending of la confidential was just plain sad. I have to say that these three books are now wrapped up into my favourite book. I highly recommend it.
September 26, 2017
Get the house and lifestyle of your dreams only to have your Husband's baby Mama screw him and you: Not.
Become a successful therapist only t9 have the clients you supposedly helped attempt a gang bang: Not.
Become an actress on the #2 rated soap only to have your Husband, who doesn't sleep with you, murder your Lover: Dang.
Three different stories of women who have a tough time with Love. I expected more.
Become a successful therapist only t9 have the clients you supposedly helped attempt a gang bang: Not.
Become an actress on the #2 rated soap only to have your Husband, who doesn't sleep with you, murder your Lover: Dang.
Three different stories of women who have a tough time with Love. I expected more.
May 31, 2013
Best story of the book. It was exciting! Early on in the story I kind of saw where the story was going but it was still a great story none the less. It may be because i haven't read any erotica since when Zane first came out, but it still had a great story line. Second story I've read of hers I think I have found a new great author!
May 7, 2013
I loved all three stories that were in this book. My favorite one was the one by Cydney Rax. That there proved their love for one another. The baby momma was wrong for trying to use her & Forrest son to ruin his marriage. But that didnt stop them they worked on their relationship & won.
July 31, 2013
Surprisingly I liked all the stories in this book. Especially the one by Niobia Bryant. She never disappoints.
June 19, 2013
a little racy but entertaining
Read
July 6, 2012I liked the first story
January 23, 2013
The first two stories had my undivided attention and the third I couldn't do.
September 6, 2013
the book was ok weird story's did not read the last one but a ok first two stories
June 2, 2016
Three short stories all good and the sex scenes..... Whew!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews