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Secrets of a Kept Woman #1
Secrets of a Kept Woman
At six foot two with honey-brown skin and flowing dreadlocks, Titus Wilson is a walking god. He only has one thing on his mind, making it out of the Sloan Mill projects. Entering the drug game is his ticket to the finer things in life, but it’s called a game for a reason--sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
Shayla Wilson gives up everything for her first love. Her pursuit of being a psychiatrist, her religious ties, and family bonds are broken when she marries Titus. Her husband and best friends, Gladys LaQuinn and Rhonda Jackson, are all she needs until she realizes the people closest to her are not who they seem.
As a rival drug cartel invades their lakeside property and friends unveil themselves as foes, Titus and Shayla's beautiful, expensive, expertly designed house of lies threatens to fall? Will they survive the darkest test of their lives?
Shayla Wilson gives up everything for her first love. Her pursuit of being a psychiatrist, her religious ties, and family bonds are broken when she marries Titus. Her husband and best friends, Gladys LaQuinn and Rhonda Jackson, are all she needs until she realizes the people closest to her are not who they seem.
As a rival drug cartel invades their lakeside property and friends unveil themselves as foes, Titus and Shayla's beautiful, expensive, expertly designed house of lies threatens to fall? Will they survive the darkest test of their lives?
- GenresUrban
224 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2009
210 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Shani Greene-Dowdell
77 books343 followersThis girl loves a good book--especially books that suck you into the pages and take you to new worlds, providing a much needed break from the everyday hustle. I'm obsessed with happily ever after and feel good romances that serve up a strong dose of reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 28, 2010
Dirty Little Secrets
Sisters from another mother, Shayla, Rhonda and Gladys, have been friends for years. Each has a secret that they’ve been keeping from the others. None of them are really content. One has put her husband’s wants before her own, one is in love with someone she shouldn’t be, one is being physically abused, and so on. They’ve always been able to rely on the support and guidance of each other to get them through life’s dilemmas, but are their secrets even too much for their friendship?
For the most part I enjoyed “Secrets of a Kept Woman.” There was just enough drama, both practical and relatable, to capture and maintain readers. However, the author’s voice as a male and the introduction of a street element were not strong. It seemed forced and/or stretched thin. The ending was also too rushed and neat for my liking.
In the end, “Secrets of a Kept Woman” flirts with a number of themes. Jealousy, mistrust, deceit all make for an interesting read.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.5
Sisters from another mother, Shayla, Rhonda and Gladys, have been friends for years. Each has a secret that they’ve been keeping from the others. None of them are really content. One has put her husband’s wants before her own, one is in love with someone she shouldn’t be, one is being physically abused, and so on. They’ve always been able to rely on the support and guidance of each other to get them through life’s dilemmas, but are their secrets even too much for their friendship?
For the most part I enjoyed “Secrets of a Kept Woman.” There was just enough drama, both practical and relatable, to capture and maintain readers. However, the author’s voice as a male and the introduction of a street element were not strong. It seemed forced and/or stretched thin. The ending was also too rushed and neat for my liking.
In the end, “Secrets of a Kept Woman” flirts with a number of themes. Jealousy, mistrust, deceit all make for an interesting read.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.5
September 5, 2015
Title:Secrets Of A Kept Woman
By: Shari Greene-Dowdell
Publisher: Nayberry Publications
Series: Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Secrets Of A Kept Woman" by Shari Greene-Dowdell
My Thoughts....
This was definitely one of those reads that once you start reading you will not want to put it down until the end because each chapter will reveal something new. This author knows how to keep your attention presenting the reader a story of three friends from childhood... Shayla, Gladys, and Rhonda were the whole package of 'secrets, betrayals, jealousy, mistrust, infidelity and deceit' that will bring out much drama in this urban fiction read. I will have to add to this list of characters above characters ...Shayla husband, Titus and Gladys husband, James and still there will be a few others on trip. How everyone fits in you will just have to pick up the well written novel to see how well this author brings it all out to the readers. Each of these characters will have their own story[especially the women. You will be left wondering how could a friend not see what they are doing is wrong. You just don't treat a best friend like that! Then, as the story moves on you have a battered housewife and then a unhappy wife who has trouble with keeping her husband's interest at home with her. Be ready for a read of physical and emotional abuse as this story progresses along and will have you shaking your head about that one particular friendship. I liked how this author brought out to the reader maybe it's not a good thing to tell all of your business even to a best friend because it may come back to bite you in the butt in the end ...definitely a message that will make you wonder.
Will there be more of this journey to come from this author? YES!
April 3, 2017
Read original review and many more at www.chantolaspinall.com.
What a read! In the end I didn't know if I should scream, cry, shout for joy or get mad. Wow! It was a heavy read.
We meet three close friends: Shayla the smart one. Rhonda, the fiery of the bunch and Gladys, the Spanish salsa. They take different roads in life but their sisterhood remains. They have each others' backs. Ain't that the truth! Or is it? What happens when you throw a man in the mix? Can the invisible line drawn in the sand of sisterhood be crossed to a place of no return?
Deep. Titus, a street thug who plays dirty while keeping his hands clean marries the love of his life; Shayla. Oh the bliss. Oh the merriment. Life for the two is perfect. They have all they wanted and more. However, as the years go by Shalay is feeling the distance between her and her husband grow wider. She'd confide in Gladis but she knows that she has enough to worry about what with her marriage barely holding on.
She turns to Rhonda. The one with the ears always willing to listening. The one who constantly defends Titus like a brother. Shayla tells her everything. Every fight or disagreement to every intimate detail of their nights of romance. Rhonda never refuses to hear. She is always quick to give advice. What are sisters for?
Yet she has her own evil motive. She wants Titus as well as all of what Shayla has. Forget the time Shayla took her in when her own mother kicked her out of the house. Sisterhood doesn't matter in the game of love and war. She is set on ending the marriage with each lingering kiss she plants on Titus' skin and with each moment they spend in the adulterous bed filled with sweet roses and their thorns.
The secrets of a kept woman is spiced with adultery, betrayal, abuse, and revenge. But in the end a beautiful thing springs forth; strength. The strength to move on and the strength to continue on. When I saw Gladis and Shayla displaying this strength I felt proud having cursed them throughout the read. What can I say, those two were my favourite characters. If anyone deserved some happiness after the smokes cleared it was those two.
Dramatastic is how I'll describe Secrets Of A Kept Woman. Trust me it will not leave you bored for a minute. Happy reading!
-Chantol Aspinall
What a read! In the end I didn't know if I should scream, cry, shout for joy or get mad. Wow! It was a heavy read.
We meet three close friends: Shayla the smart one. Rhonda, the fiery of the bunch and Gladys, the Spanish salsa. They take different roads in life but their sisterhood remains. They have each others' backs. Ain't that the truth! Or is it? What happens when you throw a man in the mix? Can the invisible line drawn in the sand of sisterhood be crossed to a place of no return?
Deep. Titus, a street thug who plays dirty while keeping his hands clean marries the love of his life; Shayla. Oh the bliss. Oh the merriment. Life for the two is perfect. They have all they wanted and more. However, as the years go by Shalay is feeling the distance between her and her husband grow wider. She'd confide in Gladis but she knows that she has enough to worry about what with her marriage barely holding on.
She turns to Rhonda. The one with the ears always willing to listening. The one who constantly defends Titus like a brother. Shayla tells her everything. Every fight or disagreement to every intimate detail of their nights of romance. Rhonda never refuses to hear. She is always quick to give advice. What are sisters for?
Yet she has her own evil motive. She wants Titus as well as all of what Shayla has. Forget the time Shayla took her in when her own mother kicked her out of the house. Sisterhood doesn't matter in the game of love and war. She is set on ending the marriage with each lingering kiss she plants on Titus' skin and with each moment they spend in the adulterous bed filled with sweet roses and their thorns.
The secrets of a kept woman is spiced with adultery, betrayal, abuse, and revenge. But in the end a beautiful thing springs forth; strength. The strength to move on and the strength to continue on. When I saw Gladis and Shayla displaying this strength I felt proud having cursed them throughout the read. What can I say, those two were my favourite characters. If anyone deserved some happiness after the smokes cleared it was those two.
Dramatastic is how I'll describe Secrets Of A Kept Woman. Trust me it will not leave you bored for a minute. Happy reading!
-Chantol Aspinall
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August 10, 2020
I can’t wait for PT 2...
This book was SO GOOD!!! Like I literately just stumbled on the advertisement of pt 2 and was intrigued by the title. Glad I decided to read it because this book was BOMB!!!! I was so frustrated with Shayla at first but understood that she’s known them pretty much the majority of her life, well Rhonda anyways, and Titus was her first everything so I could see why she waited so long. But once Shayla revealed her hand if I was her, I would have fucked Rhonda ass uppppp fr fr. They did her so wrong. Shayla May have been weak but she was so strong and I’m happy she’s finally putting herself first and going after her education and career. I didn’t want her to be with Antonio tho. I wouldn’t have done anything but be friends with him. Let’s see what happens in pt 2....Oh I almost forgot about Gladys. I can’t wait to hear what’s happening with her and Mav.
This book was SO GOOD!!! Like I literately just stumbled on the advertisement of pt 2 and was intrigued by the title. Glad I decided to read it because this book was BOMB!!!! I was so frustrated with Shayla at first but understood that she’s known them pretty much the majority of her life, well Rhonda anyways, and Titus was her first everything so I could see why she waited so long. But once Shayla revealed her hand if I was her, I would have fucked Rhonda ass uppppp fr fr. They did her so wrong. Shayla May have been weak but she was so strong and I’m happy she’s finally putting herself first and going after her education and career. I didn’t want her to be with Antonio tho. I wouldn’t have done anything but be friends with him. Let’s see what happens in pt 2....Oh I almost forgot about Gladys. I can’t wait to hear what’s happening with her and Mav.
November 17, 2020
Good book
June 28, 2010
It's all Clear, Review by Sisterhood Book Club
I’m talking about three girlfriends from kids to adults that have issues of their own that makes you say, “Wow, did I miss something?.” I entered the lives of three different kinds of women, Shayla, Rhonda and Gladys that’s off the chain. The metal rings that kept them together all the years someone was slowly cutting into that link of trust.
Shayla parents disowned her for the life she chosen to live as a baller wife. Her parents are the Christians that were not to be played with. The love Shayla has for her husband is tender affection, no matter how bad he does her only she understands why she keeps dealing with it. But Shayla keeps it real until the very end.
Rhonda mother choose a man over her and put her out and Shayla takes her in. They shared everything so they called themselves sisters from another mother. They say kids are like sponges and she learn from the best, her own mother, to do wrong to the ones that you love. Rhonda is right down dirty and a backstabber that makes you want to jump inside and choke the shit out of her.
Gladys was with a gentleman that loved her in college that she pushed away. To marry another gentleman that turns out to be her physical, psychological and sexual abuser. She dear not to tell her sisters from another mother, all that she was going through she keep to herself. Until the gentleman from college reappears into her life to show her how much he really loved her after all the years that had passed. I must say that Gladys is a brave and down to earth person that makes you wish her nothing but good to come to her.
I highly recommand this book to all readers that's out there looking for a nice read.
Author sent us a copy for a review
I’m talking about three girlfriends from kids to adults that have issues of their own that makes you say, “Wow, did I miss something?.” I entered the lives of three different kinds of women, Shayla, Rhonda and Gladys that’s off the chain. The metal rings that kept them together all the years someone was slowly cutting into that link of trust.
Shayla parents disowned her for the life she chosen to live as a baller wife. Her parents are the Christians that were not to be played with. The love Shayla has for her husband is tender affection, no matter how bad he does her only she understands why she keeps dealing with it. But Shayla keeps it real until the very end.
Rhonda mother choose a man over her and put her out and Shayla takes her in. They shared everything so they called themselves sisters from another mother. They say kids are like sponges and she learn from the best, her own mother, to do wrong to the ones that you love. Rhonda is right down dirty and a backstabber that makes you want to jump inside and choke the shit out of her.
Gladys was with a gentleman that loved her in college that she pushed away. To marry another gentleman that turns out to be her physical, psychological and sexual abuser. She dear not to tell her sisters from another mother, all that she was going through she keep to herself. Until the gentleman from college reappears into her life to show her how much he really loved her after all the years that had passed. I must say that Gladys is a brave and down to earth person that makes you wish her nothing but good to come to her.
I highly recommand this book to all readers that's out there looking for a nice read.
Author sent us a copy for a review
May 23, 2013
"What's done in the dark will surely come to light"
This was such an enjoyable novel. We are reading it for our months choice for our book club and I must say I really enjoyed it! Its so true, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Rhonda was truly a trip and T thought he could have his cake and eat it too but Shayla was smarter than either of them gave her credit for. I was so happy she finally played the ultimate hand and left their trifling tales in the wind as well as Gladys and her situation. What a ride this novel takes us on and it just goes to show everything that glitters is not gold and sometimes when you are looking from the outside in, you may get the wrong perception! Ms. Greene-Dowdell wrote a great novel and I am anticipating many more in the future. Great job!
This was such an enjoyable novel. We are reading it for our months choice for our book club and I must say I really enjoyed it! Its so true, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Rhonda was truly a trip and T thought he could have his cake and eat it too but Shayla was smarter than either of them gave her credit for. I was so happy she finally played the ultimate hand and left their trifling tales in the wind as well as Gladys and her situation. What a ride this novel takes us on and it just goes to show everything that glitters is not gold and sometimes when you are looking from the outside in, you may get the wrong perception! Ms. Greene-Dowdell wrote a great novel and I am anticipating many more in the future. Great job!
October 9, 2020
Secrets
Marriage is suppose to be to death do us part! When longtime friendships go way left due to jealousy and envy it opens up a whole new set of problems that possibly can't be resolved. Its a game of cat and mouse that shown its ugly head....Good read, that kept me entertained! Real life issues and drama that some people can relate too, setting aside dreams and aspirations to please another can be tricky situation ...Book two is on my radar to get into! This book is recommended by Unique Words, LLC
Marriage is suppose to be to death do us part! When longtime friendships go way left due to jealousy and envy it opens up a whole new set of problems that possibly can't be resolved. Its a game of cat and mouse that shown its ugly head....Good read, that kept me entertained! Real life issues and drama that some people can relate too, setting aside dreams and aspirations to please another can be tricky situation ...Book two is on my radar to get into! This book is recommended by Unique Words, LLC
January 24, 2011
This book was a page turner all the way up to the ending when after all the build up it just fell flat. It's like the author forgot where she was going or ran a long race and gave out at the end. With that being said, I would read the book again because 95% of the book was fantastic. It's a fast read with deception, jealousy, and infidelity sprinkled with a dose of drug action. It is a story with a message and it does make you ponder.
March 23, 2012
This book kept me wanting more with every page. I actually knew some of those characters. They were exciting, and complicated and irritating and identifiable. Shani brought so much life to the characters that I felt the pain and anger and fear with every word. Secrets of A Kept Woman makes you think of all those who appear happy and suffer horribly in silence to maintain the facade. I wait patiently for the sequel. Hurry up Shani. Write the next one.
May 29, 2013
This book was chosen by our diva sister in my book club( Real Divas Read 1/28/12)
This book was about three friends Shayla , Rhonda, and Gladys. They have been friends since grade school, but who would have ever thought that the one person that you called sister from another mother would betray you in the worst way.
This was an excellent read, I really enjoyed this book, it touched on so many emotions of betrayals, and physical and emotional abuse I gave this book 5 Stars!!!
This book was about three friends Shayla , Rhonda, and Gladys. They have been friends since grade school, but who would have ever thought that the one person that you called sister from another mother would betray you in the worst way.
This was an excellent read, I really enjoyed this book, it touched on so many emotions of betrayals, and physical and emotional abuse I gave this book 5 Stars!!!
October 24, 2014
I really liked the heroine, the plot and the author's writing style in this book. While reading this story I was able to see in my imagination a mental movie about adventures of Shayla Wilson and her relationship with Tiltus Wilson and this movie was really interesting. This story captivated my attention from the first pages and I was always curious to learn about what will happen next. I liked this book and can certainly recommend it.
July 4, 2010
Shani Greene-Dowdell has another hit on her hands. An excellent page-turner with absorbing plots and surprise endings. Filled with shocking behavior, lust, romance, deceit and betrayal, all the trimmings that make for a great novel. The author reminds us that no one really knows what goes on behind locked doors in an upscale community, and not all that glitters is necessarily gold.
December 31, 2012
I really enjoyed this book up to the middle of the story. After that point, it became very predictable. I feel Gladys' and Rhonda's points if view could have been omitted from the storyline to make the read less busy. The book started with Shayla and ended with Shayla, so she should have been the only focus. Great read.
October 6, 2020
Rollercoaster story
This book was recommended by UniqueWords,LLC. Let me tell you, I have wanted to beat Rhonda’s ass for a good hour straight. Shayla poor thing was so naive sometimes but I’m glad everything unfolded the way it did. I’m looking forward to continuing this story with everyone. I’m so glad Gladys ended on a good note though.
This book was recommended by UniqueWords,LLC. Let me tell you, I have wanted to beat Rhonda’s ass for a good hour straight. Shayla poor thing was so naive sometimes but I’m glad everything unfolded the way it did. I’m looking forward to continuing this story with everyone. I’m so glad Gladys ended on a good note though.
March 2, 2021
Sad!
It is sad how women overlook disrespect to remain in a relationship. I was glad when Shayla came to her senses. Unfortunately, it took her forever to get to that point. I did not know whether to dislike her or feel sorry for her. Interesting read.
It is sad how women overlook disrespect to remain in a relationship. I was glad when Shayla came to her senses. Unfortunately, it took her forever to get to that point. I did not know whether to dislike her or feel sorry for her. Interesting read.
October 11, 2011
its really a page turn could not put it down.and it makes me to think are the friends i have really my friends....who knows
November 4, 2011
Loved it!
June 29, 2013
No surprising twists...very predictable with a few eye-rolling moments.
May 11, 2014
Although Urban fiction has never held my interest this one grabbed me from the start. An interesting journey of deceit !
May 26, 2014
This wss a good read full of drama and betrayl. with friends like Rhonda who needs enemies. Shayla and Gladys ended up being strong women. I hope Rhonda scandalous ass gets whats coming to her.
August 26, 2014
This book shows how done Men can have everything and an awesome woman at their side but still want more. Smh. Ok read tho.
May 4, 2022
A must read book!
This was the first book I have read of Shin Greene Dowell I got to say you can write good books I really enjoyed reading it and I will be reading more!
This was the first book I have read of Shin Greene Dowell I got to say you can write good books I really enjoyed reading it and I will be reading more!
December 20, 2010
Great enough to be seen on the big screen.
June 13, 2020
Covet, Envy and Lust drives out Love!
I hate reading books involving cheating. It's far worse when it's your husband and best friend. Shayla's husband, Titus (Tee), and best friend, Rhonda, cheated with each other. You may ask how could a best friend cheat with your husband. To envy and to covet causes a multitude of sins. Mix in lust and you have the premise for this book. Rhonda envied Shayla, she coveted everything that Shayla had and lusted after Shayla's husband.
Love cannot exist with those three, therefore Rhonda was never Shayla's friend even though they both thought they were BFFs. Titus was full of pride and was greedy for other women including his wife's best friend. Rhonda loved them both. Their deceit caused destruction to everyone involved. Every one included another friend of Shayla and Rhonda, Gladys. However Gladys has her own problems.
That's the premise of the book. It wasn't well developed nor were the characters. The book needs an editor in the worse way. The grammatical errors, missing words, incomplete sentences made the book difficult to read even if there was no cheating. Finally, the book ended abruptly with no resolution.
I hate reading books involving cheating. It's far worse when it's your husband and best friend. Shayla's husband, Titus (Tee), and best friend, Rhonda, cheated with each other. You may ask how could a best friend cheat with your husband. To envy and to covet causes a multitude of sins. Mix in lust and you have the premise for this book. Rhonda envied Shayla, she coveted everything that Shayla had and lusted after Shayla's husband.
Love cannot exist with those three, therefore Rhonda was never Shayla's friend even though they both thought they were BFFs. Titus was full of pride and was greedy for other women including his wife's best friend. Rhonda loved them both. Their deceit caused destruction to everyone involved. Every one included another friend of Shayla and Rhonda, Gladys. However Gladys has her own problems.
That's the premise of the book. It wasn't well developed nor were the characters. The book needs an editor in the worse way. The grammatical errors, missing words, incomplete sentences made the book difficult to read even if there was no cheating. Finally, the book ended abruptly with no resolution.
August 8, 2020
Just foul
Shayla held on to her marriage long past it's expiration date. Titus was wrong and he knew it. I hate it when shady people do dirt and pretend to be your friend. Shayla was more patient than the average wife, and she still got a raw deal. I don't need a best friend if the example is measured by her friends. I knew the mess done in the dark would come to light.
Shayla held on to her marriage long past it's expiration date. Titus was wrong and he knew it. I hate it when shady people do dirt and pretend to be your friend. Shayla was more patient than the average wife, and she still got a raw deal. I don't need a best friend if the example is measured by her friends. I knew the mess done in the dark would come to light.
October 24, 2022
4.5 Stars - Pleasantly Different
This was a nice change of pace for me. I enjoyed reading about the various adult situations without the explicit content. Way to go! This was my second time reading this author’s work and I will be reading more!!!
This was a nice change of pace for me. I enjoyed reading about the various adult situations without the explicit content. Way to go! This was my second time reading this author’s work and I will be reading more!!!
May 29, 2017
Poor Shayla
Good read, it just took a while to get into it. I hope Shayla and Gladys find the happiness they deserve. Rhonda and Titus deserve each other and what they get.
Good read, it just took a while to get into it. I hope Shayla and Gladys find the happiness they deserve. Rhonda and Titus deserve each other and what they get.
July 6, 2019
Love, loved it!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews