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Madam, May I
She’s the ultimate madam with a heart of gold. But can she fulfill her own dreams—and stay at the top?
In the business of high-end, no-limits desire, Desdemona Dean is the best there is. This gorgeous madam can provide any sensual fantasy, ignite any insatiable hunger. She fiercely protects the women who work for her and helps them attain the lives they deserve—especially when it comes to her beautiful, troubled new protégé, Portia. But for Desi, having it all is no longer enough. She wants everything her shattered childhood denied her. And as she pursues an education and a normal life, she’s falling hard for her handsome tutor—and can’t resist schooling him in ways that are turning into more than just passion . . .
But as Portia spirals out of control, she’s exposing any number of dangerous secrets. And as Desi desperately tries to save her and manage the damage, she’s putting everything she’s worked to build at risk. Now with her empire in peril, Desi must discover if she can survive . . . and truly be free.
Praise for the Mistress series
“Bryant’s loyal audience will love the generous doses of passionate sex, glamour, and revenge.”
—Publishers Weekly
“ The Pleasure Trap is another testament to Bryant’s awesome imagination . . . we are swept off our feet during the climactic reveal.”
—RT Book Reviews
In the business of high-end, no-limits desire, Desdemona Dean is the best there is. This gorgeous madam can provide any sensual fantasy, ignite any insatiable hunger. She fiercely protects the women who work for her and helps them attain the lives they deserve—especially when it comes to her beautiful, troubled new protégé, Portia. But for Desi, having it all is no longer enough. She wants everything her shattered childhood denied her. And as she pursues an education and a normal life, she’s falling hard for her handsome tutor—and can’t resist schooling him in ways that are turning into more than just passion . . .
But as Portia spirals out of control, she’s exposing any number of dangerous secrets. And as Desi desperately tries to save her and manage the damage, she’s putting everything she’s worked to build at risk. Now with her empire in peril, Desi must discover if she can survive . . . and truly be free.
Praise for the Mistress series
“Bryant’s loyal audience will love the generous doses of passionate sex, glamour, and revenge.”
—Publishers Weekly
“ The Pleasure Trap is another testament to Bryant’s awesome imagination . . . we are swept off our feet during the climactic reveal.”
—RT Book Reviews
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2019
36 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Niobia Bryant
109 books503 followersNiobia 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.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 17, 2019
Madam, May I
Niobia Bryant
Madam, May I is an urban fiction novel by Niobia Bryant. I’m new to this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised.
Desdemona “Desi” Dean is a madam with a heart. She’s been mistreated so she vows to protect the men and women who work for her. Because she is embarrassed by her lack of education and poor reading skills, Desi hires Loren as her tutor. Loren is younger than Desi but that doesn’t stop the mutual attraction. However, Desi’s inability to be honest with Loren about her life and career does interfere in the budding relationship. Desi must now decide if she’s ready to live a “real” life.
Niobia Bryant has written a compelling story. Despite the obvious connotations brought on by the title, this is not a story of explicit sexual encounters. There are sex scenes, but the rest of the story is what’s most compelling. The characters are vibrant. The plot is engaging. Madam, May I is simply a great book. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys urban fiction.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Niobia Bryant
Madam, May I is an urban fiction novel by Niobia Bryant. I’m new to this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised.
Desdemona “Desi” Dean is a madam with a heart. She’s been mistreated so she vows to protect the men and women who work for her. Because she is embarrassed by her lack of education and poor reading skills, Desi hires Loren as her tutor. Loren is younger than Desi but that doesn’t stop the mutual attraction. However, Desi’s inability to be honest with Loren about her life and career does interfere in the budding relationship. Desi must now decide if she’s ready to live a “real” life.
Niobia Bryant has written a compelling story. Despite the obvious connotations brought on by the title, this is not a story of explicit sexual encounters. There are sex scenes, but the rest of the story is what’s most compelling. The characters are vibrant. The plot is engaging. Madam, May I is simply a great book. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys urban fiction.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
February 9, 2020
I took my time with this book and am happy I did. In this story the reader is able to get in the head of Desdemona and understand why she's chosen to do what she does. This is by far my favorite book of Niobia's. Also, the sex scenes are not too overt.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Dafina for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Dafina for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 23, 2025
“Have I sold my soul….and if so, did I charge enough?”
In a series of flashbacks, the reader discovers that Desdemona (Desi) was born from an extramarital affair. When her mother died, her father and his wife, Zena, took her in to care for her. Zena and her father take great care of her but unfortunately, her father dies, and Desi is left in Zena’s care. Zena makes it clear to Desi that she is only taking care of her to receive a check from her late husband’s estate, as he left everything to Desi. Tired of being raised in a loveless home, Desi runs away and is groomed by a pimp, Majig. Eventually, Desi begins to make a living as a madam who provides high-end escorts to rich and powerful men.
I went into reading Madam, May I assuming it was going to be the typical erotica or urban fiction book but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was so much more than that. Niobia Bryant does a great job at humanizing Desi to make the reader understand why she chose the path she did. It also becomes clear that Desi is unhappy with the way her life turned out despite all the money she’s making because she was forced to drop out of school in the 10th grade and she’s lonely. Romance also comes into play when Loren Palmer, Desi’s new GED tutor, enters.
The only thing that bothered me about Madam, May I was the way pop culture references were introduced. There were a few times when the author made specific pop culture references that fit the scene but then went on to explain it, and I thought the explanation was unnecessary and took away from the moment.
https://justkeyana.com/madam-may-i-by...
In a series of flashbacks, the reader discovers that Desdemona (Desi) was born from an extramarital affair. When her mother died, her father and his wife, Zena, took her in to care for her. Zena and her father take great care of her but unfortunately, her father dies, and Desi is left in Zena’s care. Zena makes it clear to Desi that she is only taking care of her to receive a check from her late husband’s estate, as he left everything to Desi. Tired of being raised in a loveless home, Desi runs away and is groomed by a pimp, Majig. Eventually, Desi begins to make a living as a madam who provides high-end escorts to rich and powerful men.
I went into reading Madam, May I assuming it was going to be the typical erotica or urban fiction book but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was so much more than that. Niobia Bryant does a great job at humanizing Desi to make the reader understand why she chose the path she did. It also becomes clear that Desi is unhappy with the way her life turned out despite all the money she’s making because she was forced to drop out of school in the 10th grade and she’s lonely. Romance also comes into play when Loren Palmer, Desi’s new GED tutor, enters.
The only thing that bothered me about Madam, May I was the way pop culture references were introduced. There were a few times when the author made specific pop culture references that fit the scene but then went on to explain it, and I thought the explanation was unnecessary and took away from the moment.
https://justkeyana.com/madam-may-i-by...
November 6, 2022
I have it as a four, but the book was a solid 3.5 stars. I liked it, for the most part. Plot wise, it was interesting enough, but you could absolutely tell the main character was bored with her life because she bored me in some places. I like the themes of survival and how Desdemona was someone who sought to better others' circumstances. I love her being a firm woman who stuck to her rules as she waded through a bunch of men with no respect for boundaries. She was courageous in that regard. Loren was a breath of fresh air and their chemistry was very nice to read. I loved that too.
I will say that describing every piece of clothing and jewelry, every home and car and hotel does grate on your nerves. I know that the idea is to reiterate the point that the main character is rich and so is the world she moves around in, but it just gets annoying after a while.
All in all, not bad at all. This was a new-to-me author but I'd read something else by her.
I will say that describing every piece of clothing and jewelry, every home and car and hotel does grate on your nerves. I know that the idea is to reiterate the point that the main character is rich and so is the world she moves around in, but it just gets annoying after a while.
All in all, not bad at all. This was a new-to-me author but I'd read something else by her.
May 9, 2024
The book was off to a great start and very engaging in the beginning. But then I’m not quite sure what happened, but the story fell flat. After about 3 hours of an 8 hour long audiobook, I decided it wasn’t worth pushing myself to finish it.
May 30, 2024
I enjoy the reading
April 21, 2019
Sigh...this was so goooood, I mean 🤯🤯😮 good! Desi’s journey & life was/is so messy complicated dramatic sensually exciting, and I couldn’t get enough 😊.
And Loren, ‘Lo’ 😩😩😩. Lo is all kinds of sexy, and beautiful as hell, inside &&&&& out 💪🏾❤️. #NiobiaBryant spun a character that you could reach out and touch feel lick 👅 and love, she is that brilliant 👏🏾👏🏾💜. Believe me when I tell you, Loren is that guy, whew!
I was enthralled with #MadamMayI, with its nail biting waiting for the other 🥾🥾 to drop suspense. It helped that the supporting cast showed up and showed out. I swear, I hatedddddd to see them go, haaaaated it 🙂.
So yeah, this is that 📖 you want to preorder now for its #28May release. And if you want your ⭕️ to continue to love you, I’d gift them with a copy also. Because you do not want them to find out you knew about this masterpiece and didn’t share, it won’t be a good look y’all 😏😁😁.
#ARC 💝
And Loren, ‘Lo’ 😩😩😩. Lo is all kinds of sexy, and beautiful as hell, inside &&&&& out 💪🏾❤️. #NiobiaBryant spun a character that you could reach out and touch feel lick 👅 and love, she is that brilliant 👏🏾👏🏾💜. Believe me when I tell you, Loren is that guy, whew!
I was enthralled with #MadamMayI, with its nail biting waiting for the other 🥾🥾 to drop suspense. It helped that the supporting cast showed up and showed out. I swear, I hatedddddd to see them go, haaaaated it 🙂.
So yeah, this is that 📖 you want to preorder now for its #28May release. And if you want your ⭕️ to continue to love you, I’d gift them with a copy also. Because you do not want them to find out you knew about this masterpiece and didn’t share, it won’t be a good look y’all 😏😁😁.
#ARC 💝
June 3, 2019
I Recived this ARC in exhange for a honest review on NetGalley.
I'm sad to say, this was meh at best. I was sadly not invested in any of the characters or the plot. The steamy sex was alright, but it was well.. nothing more that interested me. I wanted it to, but from going deadly bored until 30% and half-bored the rest... it wasn't my cup of tea. But, it might be someone elses cup.
I'm sad to say, this was meh at best. I was sadly not invested in any of the characters or the plot. The steamy sex was alright, but it was well.. nothing more that interested me. I wanted it to, but from going deadly bored until 30% and half-bored the rest... it wasn't my cup of tea. But, it might be someone elses cup.
May 28, 2019
Nioba Bryant does it again with this sexy page turner. Desdemona the main character will keep you engaged and wanting to find out will she continue to keep up the lifestyle she has built after struggling so hard to get where she is currently. The plot definitely had me wrapped in a trance and gave me just the amount of sexual tension needed through escapades and clientele she introduced from character to character.
July 21, 2019
DNF.
I'm in an official reading slump. Everything I've tried to read this summer has not worked out. Maybe it's me and I just need to take a break, but since reading is one of my major hobbies, I keep searching for a book that will make me want to read it again as soon as I finish. The struggle!
This isn't a new to me author. I've read the 2-book Message from a Mistress series, read book 1 almost in one afternoon, and needed the conclusion, which wasn't as compelling as the first. I saw this at my library and though admittedly the blurb didn't capture me, I gave it a chance. Things were okay in the beginning, but I found myself falling in and out of the story and it mostly had to do with product placement. I felt like I was reading a catalog versus a novel. I love details that make me feel enmeshed in the story, but over description can be a bad thing, at least for me. I didn't need to know every little thing Desdemona touched, smelled, placed on her body, or the layout of every room she stepped foot in. Maybe I've just gotten used to certain authors being stingy with the details from what their characters look like to settings, and they need to step their game up? In any case, I wanted the story and not "set" and the story that was hidden away in the drapes, jewels, and luxury, it didn't set my antennae off. I'm all for characters wanting to better themselves for themselves, but that doesn't mean I want to read about someone studying.
Are there any positives? Yes. I liked Desi. She wasn't the conventional madam and what I mean by that, she had a heart, and didn't try to dehumanize those who worked for her. Protected them. Since I only got about 5 chapters in, I can't comment on the other characters, but the way Desi was written, she was written with care.
I don't want to lie and say I'll give this another chance in a few more months. I'm taking this L and going about my business.
I'm in an official reading slump. Everything I've tried to read this summer has not worked out. Maybe it's me and I just need to take a break, but since reading is one of my major hobbies, I keep searching for a book that will make me want to read it again as soon as I finish. The struggle!
This isn't a new to me author. I've read the 2-book Message from a Mistress series, read book 1 almost in one afternoon, and needed the conclusion, which wasn't as compelling as the first. I saw this at my library and though admittedly the blurb didn't capture me, I gave it a chance. Things were okay in the beginning, but I found myself falling in and out of the story and it mostly had to do with product placement. I felt like I was reading a catalog versus a novel. I love details that make me feel enmeshed in the story, but over description can be a bad thing, at least for me. I didn't need to know every little thing Desdemona touched, smelled, placed on her body, or the layout of every room she stepped foot in. Maybe I've just gotten used to certain authors being stingy with the details from what their characters look like to settings, and they need to step their game up? In any case, I wanted the story and not "set" and the story that was hidden away in the drapes, jewels, and luxury, it didn't set my antennae off. I'm all for characters wanting to better themselves for themselves, but that doesn't mean I want to read about someone studying.
Are there any positives? Yes. I liked Desi. She wasn't the conventional madam and what I mean by that, she had a heart, and didn't try to dehumanize those who worked for her. Protected them. Since I only got about 5 chapters in, I can't comment on the other characters, but the way Desi was written, she was written with care.
I don't want to lie and say I'll give this another chance in a few more months. I'm taking this L and going about my business.
April 5, 2023
Madam May I introduces us to Desi Aka Miss Smith who is a high end Madam that takes very good care of her girls and guys that work for her due to how she was treated when she was a prostitute. Desi wants a better life for herself and the people that works for her.
I gave this a book a 4 star because we cant do half but this was actually 3 1/2 stars for me the storyline was ok but it was a little dry and predictable In my opinion, I have read other books by this author and this one was a miss for me. I am hoping the sequel to this book will be better.
I gave this a book a 4 star because we cant do half but this was actually 3 1/2 stars for me the storyline was ok but it was a little dry and predictable In my opinion, I have read other books by this author and this one was a miss for me. I am hoping the sequel to this book will be better.
June 9, 2019
WOW
Losing her mother, and living with her father death and scorned step mother, left Desi not much choice to survive, picked up by a pimp who eventually left the drugs get the upper hand the dying. Desi used what he taught her. She never thought she would love, but she did!!. A must read
Losing her mother, and living with her father death and scorned step mother, left Desi not much choice to survive, picked up by a pimp who eventually left the drugs get the upper hand the dying. Desi used what he taught her. She never thought she would love, but she did!!. A must read
May 25, 2019
This book wasn’t a bad story, just not memorable. The character development wasn’t fully there and the main character was annoying at times. It was entertaining and quick to read, but just wasn’t for me.
June 1, 2019
Whoa! Read in two days! Hot, steamy/raunchy, and full of wisdom.
Not for the faint of heart, as it does discuss taboo subjects.
Fans of Cydney Rax will definitely enjoy this and Niobia's other books.
Not for the faint of heart, as it does discuss taboo subjects.
Fans of Cydney Rax will definitely enjoy this and Niobia's other books.
February 6, 2020
Niobia does it again!!
An amazing love story. A woman empowerment story. A woman in charge. I loved every word. Niobia keep doing what you do.
An amazing love story. A woman empowerment story. A woman in charge. I loved every word. Niobia keep doing what you do.
March 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Desdemona was forced into prostitution but ended up being the #1 Madam on the East coast. She eventually gets out of the sex game and even falls in love.
August 28, 2023
Great read.
May 3, 2024
Niobia Bryant's "Madam, May I" is a gripping and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of justice. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, the novel follows the intertwining lives of four women whose fates are bound together by secrets, betrayal, and redemption.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters, each of whom is grappling with their own inner demons and struggles. From the fiercely independent Madam, who runs a high-end escort service, to the ambitious lawyer struggling to make partner, Bryant's characters leap off the page with depth and authenticity.
At the heart of the novel is the theme of female empowerment, as each woman navigates the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of their dreams. Through their interconnected stories, Bryant explores issues of race, class, and gender with sensitivity and nuance, shining a light on the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity.
"Madam, May I" is also notable for its evocative portrayal of New Orleans, a city steeped in history and tradition. Bryant brings the vibrant streets and sultry atmosphere of the French Quarter to life, immersing readers in a world of jazz music, Creole cuisine, and voodoo magic.
Moreover, the novel is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, as Bryant skillfully weaves together multiple plotlines that keep readers guessing until the very end. From shocking revelations to unexpected twists, "Madam, May I" is a page-turner that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Ultimately, "Madam, May I" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a compelling exploration of the human experience. Its engaging characters, richly detailed setting, and gripping plot make it a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling story that will stay with them long after they've turned the final page. Whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, or contemporary fiction, "Madam, May I" has something for everyone, making it a book that deserves a place on every reader's shelf.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters, each of whom is grappling with their own inner demons and struggles. From the fiercely independent Madam, who runs a high-end escort service, to the ambitious lawyer struggling to make partner, Bryant's characters leap off the page with depth and authenticity.
At the heart of the novel is the theme of female empowerment, as each woman navigates the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of their dreams. Through their interconnected stories, Bryant explores issues of race, class, and gender with sensitivity and nuance, shining a light on the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity.
"Madam, May I" is also notable for its evocative portrayal of New Orleans, a city steeped in history and tradition. Bryant brings the vibrant streets and sultry atmosphere of the French Quarter to life, immersing readers in a world of jazz music, Creole cuisine, and voodoo magic.
Moreover, the novel is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, as Bryant skillfully weaves together multiple plotlines that keep readers guessing until the very end. From shocking revelations to unexpected twists, "Madam, May I" is a page-turner that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Ultimately, "Madam, May I" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a compelling exploration of the human experience. Its engaging characters, richly detailed setting, and gripping plot make it a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling story that will stay with them long after they've turned the final page. Whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, or contemporary fiction, "Madam, May I" has something for everyone, making it a book that deserves a place on every reader's shelf.
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May 22, 2019I really wanted to like this book so badly however my mind wasn’t into the story; I only managed to read 3 chapters and I just couldn’t get into it. With that being said don’t have a rating for this novel. However I plan on giving this read a second chance sometime in the near future
May 22, 2019
I really wanted to like this book so badly however my mind wasn’t into the story; I only managed to read 3 chapters and I just couldn’t get into it. With that being said don’t have a rating for this novel. However I plan on giving this read a second chance sometime in the near future. This might dictate a 1 Star but it really isn’t I had to put a star rating in order to send off my thoughts.
May 27, 2019
Niobia Bryant is great author. All her characters are richly detailed and comprehensive. The characters in this book were in the same category. Desi heart was for her people, was amazing. You rarely hear of Madams who shows concern, passion, and dedication. This book was hit and at times shocking.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews