Secret Society: A Novel [Paperback]

Miasha (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 2006

"It had been a year and a half since I graduated high school and a year since I been workin' -- workin' niggas, that is."

It's 2001, and Celess and Tina are at the top of their game. With Celess's fine features and Tina's voluptuous body, they attract attention from men wherever they go. From New York to Philly to Delaware, they hit all the clubs and every big party with the baddest outfits. And they don't pay for a thing. Celess has no job and no need to worry about getting one, not with boyfriends like O, Tariq, and James lining up to buy her the latest designer clothes, the hottest jewelry, and the most expensive cars.

But Tina's and Celess's fast, packed lives are about to catch up with them. The two share a devastating secret, and when it's revealed, Celess will need every ounce of her street smarts to survive. This book has a twist that will leave you shocked!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

For Celess and her best friend, Tina, "runnin' game" on dudes with dollars is a full-time occupation. Somewhere just out of their teens, tricked out in Chanel, Chloé and D&G, the "flyest girls out there" hit the fights, the games and the clubs, looking for men who like to spend their cash. By page nine, Celess has a trio of men to meet her needs: "O was my hustler from Delaware. James was my baller from Philly. Tariq was my businessman from New Jersey." And by page 20, Celess reveals the secret of the title: she and Tina are men, too. Readers know from the preface that their story ends tragically—but which of their lovers, when he finds out the truth, will reach for his gun? Miasha's narrative has few developed scenes, and "We had a brief conversation about my outfit and how good I looked in it" is pretty much what passes for dialogue. But beneath the litany of shopping and screwing, lying and dodging, the tension bubbles—Tina and Celess know they're playing a dangerous game. As James bugs out, O gets killed and Tariq vanishes, Celess gets her nails into Darrell, who's married; Terry, who's white (and likes Celess's male parts); and Michael, who really loves her. But this isn't a fairy tale. Scandalous and engrossing, this debut from Miasha (just one name; she lives in the Atlanta suburbs with her spouse and child) shows her to be a writer to watch. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

In New York, there is a secret society of women who prey on men for their upkeep. Tina and Celess are two beautiful women living that lifestyle. As much they are opposites in looks, they use the same trickery to lure men. Tina is dark skinned and voluptuous, with street smarts. Celess is thinner and fairer, and under Tina's tutelage she is becoming quite adept at the game of deception. The men that Celess is involved with keep her in designer clothes, expensive jewelry, a luxury automobile, and even a condominium. When Tina meets Derrek, a wealthy older man, she gives up her lifestyle to settle down. Becoming a married woman reinforces the protective feelings she has for Celess. Tina encourages Celess to give up the lifestyle and leave New York for Los Angeles. As they prepare to celebrate their last New Year's Eve in New York, a man from their past confronts them about their games and lies. Celess has to rely on all that she has learned to survive. An absorbing tale. Lillian Lewis
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone (March 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743281586
• ISBN-13: 978-0743281584
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #614,036 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Miasha arrived on the literary scene in 2006 with her debut novel, Secret Society to raving reviews and an array of national press including BET, CBS, CN8 and The Wendy Williams Experience. Coined "A Writer to Watch" by Publisher's Weekly, Miasha became just that. Featured in national magazines like Essence, Vibe, Philadelphia Magazine, Jet and later in Elle (the first urban literature author to grace the pages), Miasha has been very visible. Her presence was felt even stronger just four months later when she released her top selling sophomore novel, Diary of a Mistress. Known for having extravagant release parties, the Diary of a Mistress launch included a fashion show and a comedy show featuring Kevin Hart. It is no wonder fans of Miasha's have come to expect a high level of excitement and intrigue from the writer superstar.

In 2007, Miasha released her third title, Mommy's Angel, a heartfelt drama close to home. Having grown up with both parents addicted to drugs, she wrote Mommy's Angel at the early age of fourteen when she was able to channel the emotions the main character was going through in the book. This authenticity landed the book on the best sellers list and Miasha on the cover of Black Expressions. Less than a year later, Miasha celebrated the release of Sistah for Sale, a cinematic read about a girl growing up in Miami's sex trade. Averaging two books a year, Miasha was making history in the literary industry--much the way she did when she first entered it.

Unlike many first time authors, particularly in the urban arena, Miasha did not have to self-publish before getting a deal. Instead, she garnered interest from several major publishing houses causing a bidding war to ensue. Publishing powerhouse Simon and Schuster was the highest bidder, granting Miasha a six-figure deal. Since then Miasha has been a trailblazer, putting out back-to-back best sellers, including a sequel to her first and most provocative novel, Secret Society titled Never Enough. Following Never Enough was Chaser, a story about a dangerous love triangle within the underworld of wreck chasing, and her most anticipated novel, 'Til Death, the third installment to the Secret Society trilogy.

In addition to releasing seven titles under Simon and Schuster, Miasha contributed to Diamond Playgirls, an anthology published by Kensington Books. She also went on to release an eBook independently, titled The Return of Chatman; bringing forth the launch of her very own eBook publishing company, Fifth Avenue Entertainment. Through Fifth Avenue, Miasha not only publishes her own works but the digital works of top writers in urban fiction and in November 2010 she published the company's first paperback novel, When the Cake is Made, which she co-authored with Real Housewife of Atlanta, Lisa Wu Hartwell. The novel follows the lives of three women when they intertwine after three disaster weddings and a dress burning ceremony.

A vivid imagination and an extreme work ethic, Miasha has not just limited herself to books. In 2008 she and her husband Rich Coleman, produced the stage play adaptation of Secret Society. The show sold out every date and venue and went on tour in 2009. In 2010 she became the first author with an iPhone/Android app. Yet again Miasha has proven that dreams can come true despite adversities. And this mantra is what she promotes as heavily as she does her brand. Forming the Ask Miasha Foundation, which assists underprivileged youth academically, economically, and socially, Miasha is steadfast about giving back and encouraging people not to dream their lives but to live their dreams.

Fashion forward, trendsetting, and a marketing genius, Miasha stands out in the book business for her style and promotions tactics as much as for her brilliant plot-twisting tales. But overall, she stands out as a dynamic individual whose intense efforts and hard work is displayed in everything she throws herself into from her businesses to her family, which is comprised of a husband and two sons.

Miasha and her family reside outside Atlanta, Georgia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Puleeze!!, March 15, 2007

By 

Mrs. Rhonda C. Henry "Reader Rabbitt" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Secret Society: A Novel (Paperback)

I did not like this book at all and it isn't because I don't have an open mind. I totally agree with the other reviewer, I did not bond with the characters at all. I need some kind of a connection and it just was not there. I got sick of all the designer name dropping and not to mention the very predictable ending that left me feeling cheated. I'm just glad I got the book out of the library. I wish this author much success in her future endeavors but I will not be getting anymore of her books.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars What's Behind Door Number One?, March 30, 2006

By 

Yasmin Coleman (PENNSYLVANIA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Secret Society: A Novel (Paperback)

Debut novelist, Miasha, has created a tangled web of sex, lies, betrayal, friendship and lust in Secret Society. Celess and Tina, friends since high school, have shared everything and grown closer than blood relatives over the last few years. Now, young adults, without skills or education, but blessed with exotic looks and well maintained bodies, they prey upon men to take care of them and hope that their secret will never be discovered. For the past four years, they have spent time as members of the Secret Society--those who live life recklessly on the edge with wicked abandonment. Celess and Tina have been faithful to scheming and playing men--most times juggling several consecutively, one-night stands, the money, the flash, the fun and the rush. When a close encounter almost leads to the unveiling of their secret they realize they are playing a dangerous game and their love of money, sex, illicit encounters and wild adventures could lead to tragedy if their secret is ever discovered.

Secret Society is a sizzling and steamy novel. The provacative cover will attract attention and cause readers to pick it up; the steamy storyline will hold reader's attention and entertain them in the process. The storyline starts off with a bang, as by page 20, readers will already know what the big secret is. And a shocking surprise it is! From there it is on with drama, more drama and mo' drama! Not only is it a quick and easy read, but due to its small page count (approximately 175 pages) and large print size, I definitely recommend this read to those who like to read a book in one sitting.

Secret Society is a plot-driven storyline, long on drama but short on character development. Featuring ghetto-fab and dramalicious, young adult characters, while capitalizing on the popularity of the growing erotic-urban genre, Secret Society is a book that is well suited to the under 30 crowd and fans of the erotic-urban genre. With Secret Society, Miasha appears to have a promising career and be well on her way to carving out a successful niche with this target audience.

Reviewed by Yasmin Coleman

APOOO BookClub

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Something Missing!, February 12, 2007

By 

Book Diva "lilfowler8" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secret Society: A Novel (Paperback)

This is a really good book but there was something missing! I can't quite put my finger on it! Wait, I know what it is! I didn't develop any connection with the characters! There are some books that you absolutely love or hate the characters(Friends and Lovers by Eric Jerome Dickey or Soulmates Dissipate by Mary Morrison). But I felt nothing for these characters and when the predictable ending arrived, I didn't care. Other than that this book is entertaining and has a twist that will make you say, "Damn!"