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Games Divas Play
Find out how far these divas will go to stay on top in the sexy thriller that inspired the BET show Games People Play . When entertainment writer Nia Bullock loses her job and her live-in boyfriend, she flees LA for Manhattan and a gig as editor-in-chief of the hot new magazine DivaDish . But all that glitters is not gold. Nia’s platinum dreams lose their luster when murder hits close to home. Nia’s best friend since their Harvard days, Vanessa King, the first lady of the NBA, has just landed in the city too. She’s looking for a fresh start with her husband, Marcus, the new star point guard for the New York Gladiators, who’s as popular with the ladies as he is with die-hard male hoops fans. Since marrying her college sweetheart, Vanessa has had to learn to deal with life with a professional athlete―the video-vixen groupies, the paparazzi stalkers, the brutal travel schedule, and the unchecked ego of a man the sports world puts on a pedestal. When Laila James, self-proclaimed “Golden Goddess” groupie, sets her sights on Marcus, and a dangerous stalker threatens his family, Vanessa has to pull out all the stops to save her money and her marriage. Thankfully, Nia’s there to help her defend her turf. In the ruthless battle for love and the limelight, all three women soon learn what it takes to stay on top.
340 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2014
163 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Angela Burt-Murray
5 books24 followersAngela Burt-Murray is an award-winning journalist and screenwriter with extensive experience developing movies and TV series for BET, OWN, LIFETIME and NETFLIX.
She’s the co-author of the novel, The Vow, which was turned into the Lifetime Network movie, WITH THIS RING starring Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall and Jill Scott. Angela also authored the bestselling thriller “Games Divas Play” which was optioned by BET as the breakout TV series GAMES PEOPLE PLAY starring Lauren London. She is the creator, writer and producer for a second TV series, HUSH on AMC’s AllBLK (third season premieres 2025). She’s written six BET movies: LOVE MARRY KILL (2023), CRUEL ENCOUNTERS (2023), the breast cancer drama PROMISE TO GOD (2023), the social media thriller FRIEND REQUEST (2020), HOLIDAY HEIST (2019), THE CHRISTMAS LOTTERY (2020) and developed the concept and treatment for the romantic comedy ANGRILY EVER AFTER (2019). Angela has also written three holiday movies for Discovery’s OWN Network: COOKING UP CHRISTMAS (2020), A CHRISTMAS FUMBLE (2022) and GREAT HOLIDAY BAKE WAR (2022). Her holiday movie A KISS FOR CHRISTMAS was developed for Hallmark and is currently streaming on Netflix.
As the former Editor-in-Chief of Time Warner’s ESSENCE magazine, Angela oversaw the magazine and web site for five years while also producing books and live events like the ESSENCE Music Festival in New Orleans and the annual Black Women in Hollywood Oscar celebration in Beverly Hills. She also created and produced reality series like “WILL YOU MARRY ME” and “30 DATES IN 30 DAYS” and political news specials for CNN and MSNBC.
Angela also previously served as VP and Editorial Director for Viacom’s BET.com, Deputy Editor at Conde Nast’s GLAMOUR magazine and interim General Manager for Magic Johnson’s Aspire cable network. She also appeared as a co-host for three seasons on the talk show EXHALE alongside Issa Rae and frequently appeared on CNN, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Morning Show and The Today Show.
Angela graduated from Hampton University with a degree in finance. She’s served on the board of Planned Parenthood Southeast, the domestic violence organization Safe Horizons and The Pingry School. She resides in Atlanta.
She’s the co-author of the novel, The Vow, which was turned into the Lifetime Network movie, WITH THIS RING starring Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall and Jill Scott. Angela also authored the bestselling thriller “Games Divas Play” which was optioned by BET as the breakout TV series GAMES PEOPLE PLAY starring Lauren London. She is the creator, writer and producer for a second TV series, HUSH on AMC’s AllBLK (third season premieres 2025). She’s written six BET movies: LOVE MARRY KILL (2023), CRUEL ENCOUNTERS (2023), the breast cancer drama PROMISE TO GOD (2023), the social media thriller FRIEND REQUEST (2020), HOLIDAY HEIST (2019), THE CHRISTMAS LOTTERY (2020) and developed the concept and treatment for the romantic comedy ANGRILY EVER AFTER (2019). Angela has also written three holiday movies for Discovery’s OWN Network: COOKING UP CHRISTMAS (2020), A CHRISTMAS FUMBLE (2022) and GREAT HOLIDAY BAKE WAR (2022). Her holiday movie A KISS FOR CHRISTMAS was developed for Hallmark and is currently streaming on Netflix.
As the former Editor-in-Chief of Time Warner’s ESSENCE magazine, Angela oversaw the magazine and web site for five years while also producing books and live events like the ESSENCE Music Festival in New Orleans and the annual Black Women in Hollywood Oscar celebration in Beverly Hills. She also created and produced reality series like “WILL YOU MARRY ME” and “30 DATES IN 30 DAYS” and political news specials for CNN and MSNBC.
Angela also previously served as VP and Editorial Director for Viacom’s BET.com, Deputy Editor at Conde Nast’s GLAMOUR magazine and interim General Manager for Magic Johnson’s Aspire cable network. She also appeared as a co-host for three seasons on the talk show EXHALE alongside Issa Rae and frequently appeared on CNN, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Morning Show and The Today Show.
Angela graduated from Hampton University with a degree in finance. She’s served on the board of Planned Parenthood Southeast, the domestic violence organization Safe Horizons and The Pingry School. She resides in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 23, 2014
I received this book from a good reads giveaway I really enjoyed this book it was hilarious fast paced had a lot of mystery it's about Vanessa she is married to a basketball star her best friend that is a blogger and editor of a magazine and Vanessa's husband mistress this store gets tangled up with a lot of drama murder and mystery the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars it's because I feel like it over explained situations or at times the story told stuff that had already been said previous in the store but overall it was a great book that ended with a shocker
September 1, 2014
"Slipping the gun out of my pocket, I stood at the foot of the bed and raised it level with his broad muscled back. And then I pulled the trigger. After all, promises were made."
Whew, talk about a prologue and setting the scene! Who has the gun? Who did they shoot? My mind was already in overdrive and the book had not even really started yet. I thought what a promising beginning.
From time to time, I like to watch some of those ridiculous reality shows so this book seemed like an great escape for a few hours. There's a professional athlete named Marcus who is a cheater. And, his STUPID butt doesn't cheat with a low-key chick, he makes the choice to cheat with a video vixen named Laila who is yearning for her own fifteen minutes of fame.
The mistress is bold and has absolutely no shame with being a side chick, but of course, she is plotting to become number one. It was a surprising twist to the book when it was revealed who Laila was working with in her attempt to become a basketball wife. Overall, this book was entertaining to read, but there were some errors that prevented it from being an excellent read. For example, during one scene of the book it states they were at a party and DJ Kid Capri was there, but then on the next page or so, it says it was DJ Nice. There were other errors but it did not really detract from the big picture.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Games Divas Play in exchange for an honest review.
Whew, talk about a prologue and setting the scene! Who has the gun? Who did they shoot? My mind was already in overdrive and the book had not even really started yet. I thought what a promising beginning.
From time to time, I like to watch some of those ridiculous reality shows so this book seemed like an great escape for a few hours. There's a professional athlete named Marcus who is a cheater. And, his STUPID butt doesn't cheat with a low-key chick, he makes the choice to cheat with a video vixen named Laila who is yearning for her own fifteen minutes of fame.
The mistress is bold and has absolutely no shame with being a side chick, but of course, she is plotting to become number one. It was a surprising twist to the book when it was revealed who Laila was working with in her attempt to become a basketball wife. Overall, this book was entertaining to read, but there were some errors that prevented it from being an excellent read. For example, during one scene of the book it states they were at a party and DJ Kid Capri was there, but then on the next page or so, it says it was DJ Nice. There were other errors but it did not really detract from the big picture.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Games Divas Play in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2015
Won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
So ummmm, I don't really know how to feel about this book.
This is the kind of book I do not read. It has character types I do not like. It's like a shallow high school drama book with adults and murder.
Yeah, in case you did not get it, I do not read stuff like this. It's very sexual on many levels with characters getting their groove on with various other characters. I did not connect to any of the characters, having found issues with every single one of the main POVs.
I don't even want to go into details because I feel like my review is super bias against this book. Yes, that may not have stopped me in the past but those books were in the realm of stuff I usually read. This...isn't.
So yeah, for people that like books about scandals, this is the book for you. Otherwise? Naw, pass on it and move on to something else.
So ummmm, I don't really know how to feel about this book.
This is the kind of book I do not read. It has character types I do not like. It's like a shallow high school drama book with adults and murder.
Yeah, in case you did not get it, I do not read stuff like this. It's very sexual on many levels with characters getting their groove on with various other characters. I did not connect to any of the characters, having found issues with every single one of the main POVs.
I don't even want to go into details because I feel like my review is super bias against this book. Yes, that may not have stopped me in the past but those books were in the realm of stuff I usually read. This...isn't.
So yeah, for people that like books about scandals, this is the book for you. Otherwise? Naw, pass on it and move on to something else.
October 16, 2019
I am totally surprised by how much I enjoyed this. This book made me laugh & curse out loud. I will definitely be watching out for this Author.
June 21, 2016
I actually wanted to rate this book a 3.5, but the fact that I couldn't "turn it off" (I downloaded the audio book), I gave it a 4. While I do not consider this great literature, the prologue had me intrigued from the beginning and the plot kept me interested. There were parts of the story that contained way too many details, hence dragging the book along. I started to rethink my decision to listen when I saw it was over 11 hours. Thank goodness, I had a long car trip to listen to the majority of the book. (Note - I initially decided to read the book in support of Angela Burt-Murray, who I began admiring when she was editor of Essence Magazine).
I loved the fact that the book featured two intelligent black women who overcame growing up in rough environments by succeeding academically and graduating from an Ivy League Institution. It would have been nice to see a strong black male character who was faithful to his relationship (one character comes very close). I could have done without the "ratchetness" of the 3rd female character, but I get it - these women do exist and reality shows have only brought extra popularity to the type.
If you're looking to be entertained, I recommend this book. I'm a little curious to read/listen to the other books in the series.
I loved the fact that the book featured two intelligent black women who overcame growing up in rough environments by succeeding academically and graduating from an Ivy League Institution. It would have been nice to see a strong black male character who was faithful to his relationship (one character comes very close). I could have done without the "ratchetness" of the 3rd female character, but I get it - these women do exist and reality shows have only brought extra popularity to the type.
If you're looking to be entertained, I recommend this book. I'm a little curious to read/listen to the other books in the series.
August 20, 2014
To be honest, I was sure I wasn't going to like this book. It seemed a little Tyler Perry to me, and I hate pretty much everything that man does.
Luckily, this book as a lot going for it. Interesting characters, a fun story, and a mystery that you keep turning pages to find out the ending to. The book jumps between the points of view of three different women, and it was pretty interesting to see the story from their different eyes. It also helped to keep me guessing about the mystery but didn't reveal too much until the very end!
I will say that the language was a bit... not my taste. But aside from that the meat of the story was fun and enjoyable. I'd absolutely recommend this as a beach read or something for on the airplane. Maybe I should have waited for my honeymoon for it!
Luckily, this book as a lot going for it. Interesting characters, a fun story, and a mystery that you keep turning pages to find out the ending to. The book jumps between the points of view of three different women, and it was pretty interesting to see the story from their different eyes. It also helped to keep me guessing about the mystery but didn't reveal too much until the very end!
I will say that the language was a bit... not my taste. But aside from that the meat of the story was fun and enjoyable. I'd absolutely recommend this as a beach read or something for on the airplane. Maybe I should have waited for my honeymoon for it!
July 29, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this story and it was a great start to a series. I was engrossed from the beginning and can't wait for another book to come out. The storyline was fast paced and easy to follow. The author has a unique voice. This is a book that I would definitely recommend to anyone!
Loved this story and it was a great start to a series. I was engrossed from the beginning and can't wait for another book to come out. The storyline was fast paced and easy to follow. The author has a unique voice. This is a book that I would definitely recommend to anyone!
January 15, 2015
Loved this book. This author is one to watch cause she is just getting started and I can't wait for the next installment. The characters were real and OMG the drama. I didn't want the book to end!! If you like a little mystery, a little romance, and a whole lot of drama and laugh out loud moments then this one is for you.
August 20, 2014
Nice work
I like to divide New authors to read and I found Ms. Angela Burt-Murray. Games Divas Play was a real page turner. Excellent story line, but there were some errors nothing major. READ THE BOOK.
I like to divide New authors to read and I found Ms. Angela Burt-Murray. Games Divas Play was a real page turner. Excellent story line, but there were some errors nothing major. READ THE BOOK.
December 5, 2014
The plot of the story was good. The only thing that kept interrupting the flow of the book for me was the constant mentioning of name brands when describing clothes, shoes, etc. I liked that the characters were successful and smart. I'll probably read the next book in the series as well.
June 7, 2016
Each chapter of the book is dedicated to separate characters. All strong female characters. That made it a decent enough read. There are some unexpected plot twists that make the reading smooth for the greater part.
August 14, 2014
It was cool book. It started off a little slow but picked up in the middle.
August 20, 2014
I would give this 3.5 stars. Too many designer name shout outs prevented a 4 rating. My personal pet peeve...
July 4, 2015
great details, realism. love how she explained everything but didn't keep us caught up in the backstory
December 30, 2024
Well, what can I say, I love ❤️ me some urban fiction.
But this one I enjoyed the most, because it was a series on BET+ called Games People Play.
The cast was awesome. Especially Lauren London.
But enough of that, & back to the book.
So what happens when your husband is a famous basketball 🏀 player?
You guessed it, there are lies & infidelity.
What makes it humiliating is it's being captured by the paparazzi in real time.
So much so that to get a fresh start, they leave Los Angeles for New York.
Fresh start & new team.
It can only be a fresh start, if you are committed to change.
Otherwise, it's the same shit but different city.
This is what Vanessa has to contend with.
And then some, so dig in.
It's very entertaining if I have to say.
I enjoyed the ride.
Thanks for the entertainment.
Happy Reading 📚.....
Ciao 💋
But this one I enjoyed the most, because it was a series on BET+ called Games People Play.
The cast was awesome. Especially Lauren London.
But enough of that, & back to the book.
So what happens when your husband is a famous basketball 🏀 player?
You guessed it, there are lies & infidelity.
What makes it humiliating is it's being captured by the paparazzi in real time.
So much so that to get a fresh start, they leave Los Angeles for New York.
Fresh start & new team.
It can only be a fresh start, if you are committed to change.
Otherwise, it's the same shit but different city.
This is what Vanessa has to contend with.
And then some, so dig in.
It's very entertaining if I have to say.
I enjoyed the ride.
Thanks for the entertainment.
Happy Reading 📚.....
Ciao 💋
April 25, 2019
Absolutely Awemazing
I really loved this book it was action and nonstop drama from beginning to end and I’m super excited that they turned this book into an Series that I can’t wait to dive into... I’m glad that no matter what Vanessa fought for her marriage even though what they was up against was bigger than them... All perpetrators got what the deserved...Definitely five stars all the way
I really loved this book it was action and nonstop drama from beginning to end and I’m super excited that they turned this book into an Series that I can’t wait to dive into... I’m glad that no matter what Vanessa fought for her marriage even though what they was up against was bigger than them... All perpetrators got what the deserved...Definitely five stars all the way
May 23, 2019
This book could have been so much better. There were far too many details and it dragged along for far too long. The characters were just okay. I’m fine with flawed characters and I don’t have to relate to each character to enjoy a book. The storyline, for the most part, was okay but there was just too much going on. Occasionally, the story just wandered away from itself. A lot of potential, but it just didn’t come together for me.
June 8, 2020
This book was very good. I read the audiobook version via the Scribd app, & I just couldn’t stop listening to it.
I enjoyed all of the characters in this novel, especially MJ, & Laila.
From the awesome prologue to the ending, this book was not only entertaining, but it kept my attention. Author Angela Burt-Murray is an awesome writer and I recommend this book to other people that would love to read a book that will keep them entertained for sure.
I enjoyed all of the characters in this novel, especially MJ, & Laila.
From the awesome prologue to the ending, this book was not only entertaining, but it kept my attention. Author Angela Burt-Murray is an awesome writer and I recommend this book to other people that would love to read a book that will keep them entertained for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2020
Loved this book
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did a great job of showing the true emotions of the characters. I especially loved the character Nia, her loyalty to Vanessa was over the top but I could totally relate to her the most. The friendship they had was very interesting and I could only imagine how being a friend to the wife of a star could be. Would definitely read again and recommend to friends.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did a great job of showing the true emotions of the characters. I especially loved the character Nia, her loyalty to Vanessa was over the top but I could totally relate to her the most. The friendship they had was very interesting and I could only imagine how being a friend to the wife of a star could be. Would definitely read again and recommend to friends.
May 4, 2019
1st read by this author. Storyline kept me reading as Vanessa and Marcus' marriage went on a roller coaster ride. Kareem and Laila were not likable characters due to their dirty deeds. I wondered at times about Nia's motives. Interesting cast of characters. Ending did place everything into perspective
May 29, 2019
I really love how the book went into the point of view of three different women. There were times I was happy right along with the characters. Then there was other times I couldn't help but to be irritated with them. It was an awesome read and I hope the author writes more drama-filled crime novels.
April 14, 2019
Such a good read
I was skeptical at first but I couldn’t put the book down after the first chapter. This book combines my favorite genres psychological thriller, urban fiction, and crime. It’s a crossover between a Zane, James Patterson novels.
I was skeptical at first but I couldn’t put the book down after the first chapter. This book combines my favorite genres psychological thriller, urban fiction, and crime. It’s a crossover between a Zane, James Patterson novels.
May 21, 2019
Great Read!
I enjoyed this tome so much!
It's exciting, and different from your normal urban read. I love intrigue and this book have it too me, along with a good storyline, great sex scenes and...
I enjoyed this tome so much!
It's exciting, and different from your normal urban read. I love intrigue and this book have it too me, along with a good storyline, great sex scenes and...
May 26, 2019
Waste of a read
I started watching the TV show before I found out about the book. The TV show is nothing like the book. I was bored with this book until maybe the last 75-100 pages. I love the TV show!
I started watching the TV show before I found out about the book. The TV show is nothing like the book. I was bored with this book until maybe the last 75-100 pages. I love the TV show!
September 22, 2022
Good Read
This was my first time reading this author, I saw the show on Bet and just had to read it first. I really enjoyed this book I was on the edge of my seat, can’t wait to read the next book.
This was my first time reading this author, I saw the show on Bet and just had to read it first. I really enjoyed this book I was on the edge of my seat, can’t wait to read the next book.
June 19, 2018
Edgey
This book was amazing. The storyline was edgey and the characters where great. This really shows you how being in love can really do things to you. Thanks
This book was amazing. The storyline was edgey and the characters where great. This really shows you how being in love can really do things to you. Thanks
April 24, 2019
Review for Games Divas Play
This was a very good book, I did not want to put it down. Very excited for the show on BET.
This was a very good book, I did not want to put it down. Very excited for the show on BET.
May 29, 2019
Very Good Book
I would really recommend this book of you like drama. I read this book in two days. That's how interesting the book was.
I would really recommend this book of you like drama. I read this book in two days. That's how interesting the book was.
June 21, 2019
I enjoyed it!
June 21, 2019
A few typos and grammatical errors, but overall a good, predictable story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews