Before Tamia Luke met Brandon Chambers, she was a popular porn star hustling to make a better life for herself. With the money she earned as the masked dominatrix known as Mystique, she put herself through college and started saving for her future. Just because she came from nothing doesn’t mean she has to settle for anything. Several years later, a chance encounter with a handsome powerhouse attorney gives her a taste of the glamorous life she’s always wanted. But how far will she have to go to make her dreams a reality?
Born into a life of power and privilege, Brandon knew from an early age what was expected of to uphold the Chambers family name, marry his social equal, and conquer the world. As a rising star in the legal community, he’s on his way to carving out his own legacy. And then he meets Tamia—and his whole universe is turned upside down.
Tamia is the total package—beautiful, sexy, smart, and ambitious. Although she rocks Brandon’s world, he senses that she’s hiding something from him. But he won’t realize the depths of her deception until it’s too late….
Maureen garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense, as well as her edgy women's fiction written as Naomi Chase. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and did a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She now lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, two children, and a quirky Miniature Schnauzer who follows her around everywhere.
Join Maureen's mailing list at maureen-smith.com for updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/maureen.smith, Twitter @maureenwrites or email her at author@maureen-smith (dot) com
If you've read the three books that were released first (whose story take place after this one) then the prequel isn't necessary. We all know how the saga ends.
However, if you haven't read the books and want to start, start with this one and I guarantee you will not be disappointed and will be singing Naomi Chase's praised.
Speechless Exposed Deception Betrayal This is one series you'll want to have and rereading it is recommended.
The Exposed Series is my all-time favorite series. This prequel makes me have to read it again. I know how it ends but it was great reading how it began. Hope there is more to this series.
OH EM GHEE..... BRANDON IS KING... I can't even get into how much I enjoyed this book. I just love my Hubby Brandon Chambers. He has the perfect mix: chocolate, educated, driven, chocolate, ambitious, street smart, arrogant, sexy, chocolate.....did I say chocolate...oh and he rides hard for the ones he love.
His street smarts, drive for success and life of privilege, gives him the perfect swag.
It was so good to see how he and Tamia's life was before they met. But when they did meet....OH EM GHEE....fireworks... can you say DRIP...(DONT READ IN PUBLIC)
I love this series. I'm thinking about reading it again just for the he'll of it. It was that good. I am about to read all of Naomi/ Maureen's series. I finished this book in two days. I was so happy and sad the it's over. Can we get a spin off? Maybe with one of the fellas. I just love the gang. This is still by far my favorite series. The are some seriously steamy scenes in this series. I laughed and I cried. I was shocked and yelling out loud when I found out about Fi. But what's up with Tamia father and Brandon's family secrets. And I must say that Damn Brandon. I just want a Brandon. Had me wanting to move to Texas just to see ...lol. But I would definitely recommend the whole series.
The Exposed Series is one of my all time favorites! I think I have read it in its entirety at least 3 times and I am still not bored with it. So I was beyond thrilled when I heard she was releasing g a prequel! I was not at all disappointed. I loved reading about the start of Brandon and Tamia's relationship because everything is so sweet and innocent - aside from the fact that Tamia is lying lol. You really get to know the characters though and you begin to understand a bit more why Tamia did lie when you learn everything about her past. Ugh I am not at all ready to leave this couple alone so I hope she will be adding more to their story. I even was t to hear more about the characters I hate - Dominic and Cynthia lol
A prequel to the Exposed Series, Speechless delves into the beginning of Brandon and Tamia's relationship before the ish hit the fan as all lies broke loose.
Rating: 2.5 stars
I must start off by saying this book was HIGHLY anticipated: I have been waiting to dig into it over a year. I took a chance on Exposed and was hooked from there on and found out that Naomi Chase was Maureen Smith, so I def got into the other books by this author. Though I've enjoyed those other books/series, the books written under the pen name of Smith have always been my fav. So though the wait was extensive, it wasn't hard to buy Speechless without much thought.
I enjoyed hearing from Brandon and Tamia again as its been some time. Their chemistry was instant and the passion in terms of sexual pleasure was well detailed throughout the book. However, that seemed to be all to the book: a lot of sex. I know many enjoy that, but I needed more..and expected more seeing as the Exposed series (which is a fav of mine) had an impressive plot that is quite unique when compared to other books I have enjoyed in the genre.
I understand that with a prequel, readers who know the series would have been 'exposed' to much of the content, but I was expecting more 'meat' to this..something to keep me interested. At certain scenes, such as Brandon's family function, I expected to learn more about some secrets that were hinted at. And even the intro of Cynthia and Dominic felt disconnected from the plot. As if they were secondary add ins at the last minute though they play an important role in the series. It was mostly about Brandon and Tamia bonding very quickly and having a lot of sex. I enjoy erotic scenes like any other romance reader (even more so), but the plot was lacking and caused me to lose interest quickly.
Though this wasn't a good read for me, I'll still support future projects by Naomi Chase. I'm hoping she writes Beau's or Brooke's story..
First, thank you to the reviewer who revealed that SPEECHLESS should be read BEFORE EXPOSED! I would have been lost. Also I was really hesitant about 573 pages. However, it was worth it. The plot, the theme, the characters, as well as the conflicts were awesome and really well developed.
That being said, I am so angry that after Tamia went through hell and back, trying to pay for college and by earning a "less than righteous living", that she ends up being black-mailed by some low - life creep. I find myself screaming Tamia don't let him do that to you. But who can she turn to that has the power to rescue her?
This book really had a good background description of how it all began with Tamia and Brandon! This girl had such a rough start and she did what she felt she had to do to get into school! Her mother struggled and couldn't really help and after her grandmother was taken away so suddenly, and the money was taken she started her secret life as Mystic. I felt like she should have been honest with Brandon and he needed to be more investigative being the lawyer he was! He suspected things but didn't really want to know but everything done in the dark always comes to the light. Great read!
I loved this series, when is the next book coming out, I read all of the books first and then I read the prequel... I need answers!!! What happened between Gwen and her sister and what is going on with Tamia’s dad? I know Dominique did not just let her leave him like that I have a feeling he is plotting something. Does Gwen every really accept Tamia and what happens with Fiona’s baby? Did Dre and Brooke hook up? I NEED ANSWERS!!! We need another book.
I loved reading this book and getting the past story of Tamia and Brandon. Reading it made me read the series over and I just want to say I loved it even more then I did the first time I read it. I would really love another book featuring Brandon and Tamia..
WHEW! This read was everything & more! I have this entire series in paperback. One of the best seties ever period! I enjoyed this read & wish there was more. Where is my Brandon Chambers? If you haven't read the Exposed series you haven't read NOTHING!!! I need more!!
Loved this book but it creates more questions like what happened between Gwen and her sister? Who were those men with Bernard? And will Emmett Luke go speak to his daughter? Naomi aka Maureen is the best writer out there I love her books and can't get enough of them only criticism I have is I want more now and waiting is so hard but it's worth the wait and money she is the best
After devouring the Exposed series in audio format, I was pleased to discover this prequel that gave me more from the couple that had me riveted from the start of their tumultuous journey in Exposed! Brandon and Tamia were explosive together! But will secrets, lies, and deception be their downfall in the end? Only time will tell! Loved this series, couldn't get enough of it!
Even though I read Exposed, Deception and Betrayal, I wanted to read the prequel. Speechless was very well written (of course) but I like how the characters and their relationships were flushed out. But I’m not gonna lie, I love the balance of the erotica she has in her storytelling!!! This is a series that is worth rereading.
I wish i had read this book first before Exposed,because now i understand their relationship better. Brandon so buzy try to pleas his mother that he can't see what's right in front of him. Tamia only wants what she's never had and that's love. Who killed the grandma and what's the real truth about Tamia father.
I absolutely loved this prequel. It provides so many answers to so many questions. I truly enjoyed getting to know Tamia and Brandon just a little bit more. Makes me love their journey even more. Another great read from an amazing author.
I swear Maureen Smith/Naomi Chase can do no wrong! This prequel was so worth the wait. I couldn't put it down. I truly recommend this book to any and everyone...you will not be disappointed.
Phenomenal book! I love the chemistry between Brandon and Tamia. The book provided went more in-depth as to their individual backgrounds and how they met. I hope we see more of this couple in the future.
This was amazing! I could never tire of Tamia and Brandon. I've read this book so many times it is one of my favorites of to read. It also leaves you with other possibilities.
I waited a real long time for this series to continue. This book went in reverse and gave the readers insight of the main characters lives and upbringing. It sets us up till the moment that Brandon and Tamia meet and from then on the fireworks begin and they are non stop due to the intensity of their attraction to each other. The author shows no matter how strong the lust and passion is between them ,Brandon's doubts and suspicions still resonate. Will love be enough to keep these two together ?? I guess we will see if the author continues the series.. My only comment is that I found the book a little too long and quite wordy at times especially when it came to Brandon's life. Overall, a good read