Never Keeping Secrets

Friends & Sins #3

by Niobia Bryant

From national bestselling author Niobia Bryant comes a sexy and thrilling new novel featuring the ladies you loved from Live and Learn and Show and Tell-- Alizé, Moët, Dom, and Cristal. Now they've put their nicknames, and everything else about Newark, NJ, behind them--but someone doesn't want them to forget...

Monica, a CEO with celebrity clients, loves her life. But when her man loses his high-powered corporate job and pressures her to start a family, Monica finds herself involved with a client who wants to mix business with pleasure--or else...

Successful author Keesha is blowing through her money--and cheating on her fiancé. When her new friend, Jeremiah, discovers her deception, Keesha stands to lose everything...

Danielle has fame and fortune as a TV co-host. Her relationships are strictly for pleasure--until she reconnects with the only man she ever loved. But Danielle wasn't looking for love...or for the secrets from her past being used to torment her...

A full-time mom and preacher's wife, Latoya is feeling the strain of living under the eye of the church. Her only relief comes from the pills no one knows she's popping. At least she thinks no one knows...

After five years apart, the women don't expect to meet again--until they begin receiving mysterious taunts about their personal secrets. Soon, all roads lead back to their friendship--but one of them won't make it through alive

Genres: Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Niobia 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.

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another ending with tons of loose story lines...can't we have a still alone story and be done?

[Sheronda H · Rating 3 out of 5]

It got good at the end. What a crazy turn of events.

[Stacy A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never Keeping Secrets is the 3rd book in the Friends & Sins Trilogy by Niobia Bryant. We’re back with the beautiful ladies of Newark, New Jersey; Danielle (aka Cristal), Latoya (aka Moet), Keesha (ask Dom), and Monica (aka Alize). As you age you leave childish things behind, in this case they are no longer going by their 90’s hip hop inspired nicknames. However you can take the hood rat out the hood, but can’t take the hood out the hood rat. Despite their individual come up in life they still have those tendencies as you can see displayed sparsely throughout the book.

The ladies are now in their late 20’s living individual lives; Danielle a TV show host, Latoya a Preacher’s Writer, Keesha a published author, and Monica an investor. Each of the women is successful in their own right but they are struggling with personal issues.After 5 years apart, the friends are reunited by a past secret which threatens to damage their lives beyond repair.

I thought it was a very good book. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. The storyline kept me engaged. I really enjoyed the development of each of the ladies. I read the other books in the series years ago and I could see the ladies aging and becoming more mature. I love character development especially in a series.

I have mixed feelings about the ending. I wasn't very fond of the person who brought them together with the threats and harassment. Believe me, whoever you think the person may be YOU ARE WRONG.

I actually became emotional when the ladies reunited.

There were many deaths at the end including one of the main characters. Honestly, I wasn't expecting her to die. I thought it would be one of the others ladies.

I’m a very liberal person but some of the scenes were just too much for me so I had to skim past them. I am not a nun in any shape, form, or fashion but it was just too much and they lasted too long in my opinion. I feel it shouldn't be that much sex if it’s not really contributing to the essence of the story.

Revenge is sweet, I guess. I don’t hold grudges. Honestly, I may just forget about it but I guess some people don’t.

The ladies had very good men supporting them. Corey, Cameron, and Mohammed were awesome. I admired that because these women have come so far from the “thugs and dealers” they dealt with in the past.

There were some typos in the book and misplaced names. One chapter was about Latoya but Danielle’s name was used. In another chapter Latoya was speaking to her daughter via Skype then a few pages over the entire family including the daughter were heading to church. The typos didn't take away from the story line at all. This isn't an independent author but a national best-selling author; I feel the editor should have done a better job catching the errors.

Moral of the Story:
1.Be Aware of the people you consider your “friend.”
2.Pride is a Bitch
3.Family is more than sharing a bloodline
4.Be Thankful for what you have

StacyAustralia
www.stacyaustralia.wordpress.com

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really was not feeling this. Live & learn will always be a fav of mines. In this book after 5 years the girls finally get what they want they want then they drift apart AFTER Latoya/Moët gets hitched with that hollier than thou mf Taquan.

Monica / Aliźe really got her happy ending after all the wrong sh*T she's done >_<. And still she could not find it in her heart to give the man she wanted ALL ALONG a baby. Ugh she's so selfish , insecure , and egotistical.

Keesha/Dom Perignon went through alot out of all the ladies earned the blessing(s) she needed only to f*ck them up again for the umpteenth time REALLY made me want to bang her head into the mf wall!!!!....

Danielle/Cristal easily sold her soul to the lesbian devil (lol) she too had everything, bomb sex should could afford , semi peace of mind , bomb sex she can afford. Then Boom ! her dreams are deflated with this unknown condition THAT made me feel bad for her.
imo , It's really shameful how all these girls just drifted apart it's like they were not truly friends anyway.... the mystery man synopsis just threw the story through a bigger loop thst wasn't needed. Keesha's behavior made me sick her and Latoya were really working my nerves her husband cared about his image more than he cared for her she shouldn't have jumped in the marriage without fully knowing this joker's intentions I wonder was her death the karma of all the lies and deceit she put others through just to save FACE.
This contempary genre was okay but this story just did not do it for me

[SlimmGoodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was pretty good. I read it rather quickly. (I was trying to get to the exciting part). Half of the book is just setting the stage. That's why I gave it a three. I like this author though because she is very thorough in her story telling. A couple complaints with editing. A few times I caught where the wrong characters name was being used and grammatical errors of course ( which is to be expected ). And sometimes information was just left out, like how did Mohammed find out about Danielle. So other than that the story was pretty good. It was just crazy cause this is really not much of a sequel. The story is pretty much independent of the other, maybe it's not suppose to be though; a sequel that is. If I could I would give this book a strong 3 1/2.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Niobia Bryant. I've probably mentioned that in every review. I wasn't awaiting this sequel. Because I didn't even know it was in the works. I read the prior two books YEARS ago. There were things I had totally forgotten. Things integral to the story. Thank God for authors who bring you up to speed gracefully, weaving past story lines into the story seamlessly. I would have been lost. Five years later and the girls are no longer friends. It seems as though Danielle and Latoya pulled the plug on the long friendship first for different reasons. Then, it fell by the wayside for the other two. They haven't spoken at all. But seem to miss the other 3. Monica seems to be the one doing the best. She is still with Cameron and started her own company. Their only problem is him wanting a child. She doesn't. The others are a mess. Even though Danielle is on TV now, how she got there is nothing to be proud of. They all start getting threatening emails. That brings them together. Then they see that they were simultaneously played by the same person. This person was masquerading as someone different to all of them. Why? Because of something they did in the past. The ending was a little much for me. I know traumatic news can be the catalyst for tragedy. But for all of them? I don't know how I feel about one of the girls being killed. Corey dying also seemed unnecessary. There is definitely a follow up to this book. I just hope we don't have to wait year for it!

[Michael Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is kind of far fetched to think that a former high school classmate could assume four separate identities in order to seek revenge. Not one of the friends even remembered this guy. The sex scenes were hot but the consequences were devastating. The man set up videos and hacked e-mails. I wonder what he did for an encore?

[Princess]

I really don't feel like this book did anything for me I was so happy when I was finished reading this book cause I feel like it was a waste of time ...the only thing I liked about the book was the fact the women had something going for them self but the ending had me more lost the ever 🤔‼️

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

What you do in your past just may come back and bite you in the ass. I have no sympathy for these women, well maybe just one.(Latoya)
......Spoiler 🚨 Alert......
Four women horribly bullied a guy in high school and when he exposes all their skeletons as an adult as a form a revenge they call him all kinds of demons instead of realizing that what they did to him when they were younger was wrong. If they were living right in the first place he wouldn’t have had an opportunity to expose their secrets and blow up their lives.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind blowing

I have read all three books in 4 days and this one was by far the best one. The storyline about four best friends had me in all my feelings up into the very end. Bam! I wasn't already.

[Regina Cross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the book because of a recommendation from a previous audiobook and didn't know this is the third installment of a series. I have added the the other titles to my books to read. And this one will make more sense.

[Queen Rosalind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Good Read. Twist. Payback is a ...

[Dafort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Keeping Secrets was the third installment in the Friends & Sin series and it was a great read. We received updates on the four friends, Latoya, Keesha, Monica and Danielle. Friends since high school who after five years of no contact with each other, these four are brought back together after receiving communications threatening to reveal their personal secrets.

Never Keeping Secrets was a good read. The ladies each tried to deal with their issues never realizing they still needed the friendship they allowed to collapse due to changing careers, past mistakes and controlling spouses. The mystery behind the taunts was great and kept the reader guessing as to who would want to expose these ladies secrets and why. Hats off to Ms. Bryant on the identity the person and how the threats bring these ladies back together to realize they should have never let their friendship dissolve. What was the reason behind the taunts and were the secrets revealed. Readers will need to pick a copy of Never Keeping Secrets to find out. A great read.

[Cher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the strange way this book was both deeply shallow [with constant mentions of how tasteful and expensive objects and furnishings are and exactly which top name brands everyone's purses, cars, clothing, addresses are] & also somewhat sordid and honest in terms of sketching out the characters and their flaws and demons. Way too much graphic hetero sex for my liking, but I did learn a new phrase regarding how good someone with an appendage is in bed: Dick Game. For example, "His dick game was tight and he knew it." This phrase covers all manner of activity and is not just confined to actual uses of the mentioned appendage. Now I know. And knowing is half the battle. Anyway, this book doesn't get good til the last 100 pages, but then it definitely delivers. Oh, also, there is the requisite evil white lesbian who sexually harrasses one of our 4 protagonists. This seems to be a side theme that runs in a lot of urban lit novels. I'm not sure what that's all about. Apparently, according to some novels, it is a problem of being a beautiful up and coming black woman.

[Jasmine · Rating 1 out of 5]

The "ending" was so disappointing. It made it seem like their stories would continue but it won't. I was lost. The book was rushed with lots of grammatical/punctuation errors and name mix-ups. There were scenes that didn't make sense or were just plain unnecessary! The twist threw me off. It was lazy, unflattering and unconvincing. The entire story should've taken a different turn.

Overall, 1 and a half stars. I expected more because the first two books were so much better. I doubt they'll be a follow-up book because this one just didn't make sense, there isn't much to continue from.

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book . Bullying people not good cause it can lead to holding grudges and getting people back . But messing up them girls life was uncalled for. I wished it be a second part where they get him back. It sucks that Corey died I liked him . And LoToya sad she died to I bet her husband is hurting after that phone call they had. And plus I think Um Xavier had something to do with LaToya car crash like where the heck did this car comes from? And what person gonna just run into someone.

[JT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What book! "Once you start, you can't stop!" I listened to the audiobook that was read by a very talented actor and feel like I truly know the women in the story! It was an emotional roller coaster ride with twists, turns, and surprises! I now seem to be unable to get, "So...I'm...Never Keeping Secrets and I'm Never Telling Lies... So...I'm...Never Keeping Secrets and I'm never telling lies...So...I'm..." out of my head! LOL!!!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When is a trilogy not a trilogy? When Niobia Bryant says so. The story reunited childhood friends five years after they drifted apart. Someone with a grudge from many years ago begins sending ominous emails. The reveal was very familiar as I've read this play out before. Too many coincidences during what's the epilogue. The ending is akin to Bobby Ewing's shower scene from Dallas. I'm over it.

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense, hot and little bit dark, just the way I like my books. Ms. Bryant nailed this story. Not having the pleasure of reading the first two installments there is no doubt that 'Never Keeping Secrets' can definitely stand on its own.

AL Barron
AAMBC Reviewer

[Tiffinee Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I did not read the previous books in the series but this book was a great read. I love Niobia Bryant she always reminds people that what you do in the dark always comes to the light. LOVED IT!!!!

[Kellee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give the book about 2.5 stars. The reason behind all of the drama was completely ridiculous to me. I'm giving it 3 stars because I have enjoyed some of the author's other books in the past. Also, it kept a steady pace, but it wasn't exactly a page turner for me.

[ConSonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left me a littlr sad but there definitely will b another cant wait had me at edge of my sit.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Latest book of the series and definitely worth the wait with an ending I didn't expect.

[Adrian Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! Intense, hot and little bit dark but I enjoyed it.

[Atiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book I was sad had how it ended but I hope it a another part

[Mohammed Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice ...

[Calientell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story

[Wyldchild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed every minute of it

[Mya · Rating 4 out of 5]

i hated the ending I really wanna no what happen

[Kenyatta Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool book but kinda busy lol