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De'nesha Diamond books in order

De’nesha Diamond is the pseudonym of American author, Adrianne Janette Byrd.

She uses the pen name when writing mystery and urban fiction, and her real name when writing romance novels.

She has also published novels under the pen names Layla Jordan and A.J. Byrd.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee as an army brat, De’nesha spent most of her childhood traveling all over Europe.

She fell in love with fiction writing at the age of thirteen, when her older brother introduced her to romance novels.

De’nesha has several series to her name, most notably the Bentley Manor and Divas series.

Her work has been featured on several national publications, including Today’s Black Woman, Upscale, and Heart and Soul.

As someone who strongly believes that there is a fine line between glorifying thug life and telling it like it is, De’nesha’s stories are massively inspired by her personal experiences.

Her primary motive is to give hope, even if some tales don't have a happy ending.

A recipient of local awards for screenwriting, De’nesha currently lives in Georgia.

More about De'nesha Diamond

Genre: Urban Fiction

United States

Pseudonym: De’nesha Diamond, Layla Jordan, A.J. Byrd

Website: http://www.deneshadiamond.com/

Non Series

  • A Gangster and A Gentleman (2012)
  • Fistful of Benjamins (2014)
  • Justified (2021)

Bentley Manor (Co-authored with Meesha Mink)

  1. Desperate Hoodwives (2008)
  2. Shameless Hoodwives (2008)
  3. The Hood Life (2009)

Collections

  1. Heartbreaker (2010)
  2. No Loyalty (2018)

Divas

  1. Hustlin' Divas (2010)
  2. Street Divas (2011)
  3. Gangsta Divas (2012)
  4. Boss Divas (2014)
  5. King Divas (2015)
  6. Queen Divas (2016)

Omnibus Books

  1. Heist (2010)
  2. Heist 2 (2015)

Parker Crime

  1. Conspiracy (2016)
  2. Collusion (2018)
  3. Collateral (2020)
Bentley Manor (Co-authored with Meesha Mink)
Omnibus Books

Detailed book overview

Non Series

A Gangster and A Gentleman

I Need a Gangsta--Kiki Swinson

Melody Goldman isn't about to let her rich, cheating, ungrateful husband walk out and leave her with nothing. Fortunately, ex-con Scotty Harris has no problem disposing of her problems in exchange for plenty of cold, hard cash--and hot, hard sexing. But when Scotty crosses one line too many, Melody's revenge will be a hustle he never saw coming...

Gentlemen Prefer Bullets--De'Nesha Diamond

Successful publicist Blake Scott survived by playing the Hollywood game...and keeping far, far away from her gangsta kingpin father. But now the only person who can protect her is his enforcer, Eli Hardwick. Good thing this thug cleans up real nice--and is even better when he gets down and dirty...

NB: Co-authored with Kiki Swinson.

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2012
ISBN: 978-0758251824
Publisher: Dafina
Fistful of Benjamins

Special Delivery--Kiki Swinson

Mail carrier Gabriella Vasquez is making stacks of sweet paper from the innocent-looking packages she delivers on her route. And that much cocaine can buy a lot of the sweet life--and even more of her sexy partner Eduardo's undivided attention. But when the Feds make her an offer she can't refuse, can she play Eduardo and his ruthless kingpin boss--and survive?

Gun Play--De'Nesha Diamond

The only thing Julian Smith can remember is a beautiful woman's anguished face. Still, for a man with no memory, he suddenly has a lot of enemies. Now he'll need all the lethal skills he didn't know he had to elude his pursuers and uncover the truth. But deep in the heart of the Caribbean underworld lies the one danger he'll never see coming in his merciless quest to get his life back...

NB: Co-authored with Kiki Swinson.

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2014
ISBN: 978-0758280282
Publisher: Dafina
Justified

BLACK AND BLUE by DE'NESHA DIAMOND

In one shattering night, Charlie Warren’s fiancé is killed, she is attacked—and then framed as part of a police cover-up. Five years later, with nothing to lose, Charlie is free and vengefully exposing their operation, provoking their enemies—and turning the officers against each other. But when a detective gets way too close, Charlie has to decide between getting ultimate justice...or going down in a brutal crossfire of betrayal. 

PSEUDO by BRIANA COLE 

To elude an abusive ex, Kennedy stole several other women's identities. Many new—and luxurious—lives later, she’s one of the best con artists in the world. But now one of those women is dead—and Kennedy is in the crosshairs. She’ll need to pull off one crucial, flawless deception before a merciless adversary takes her, and her glamorous unreal life, out for good.

NB: Co-authored with Briana Cole.

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2021
ISBN: 978-1496711496
Publisher: Dafina

Bentley Manor (Co-authored with Meesha Mink)

Desperate Hoodwives

From their front stoops at Bentley Manor, longtime residents Miz Osceola and Miz Cleo have seen just about everything and know all too well that there's no happily-ever-after in the projects. There's only the desperate need to get out by any means possible.

Aisha has what every other ghetto girl envies: a loving man who supplies her with all the fashion, money, and accessories that scream "hood success." Now that her husband's in jail, Aisha may have to put something more precious than her designer gear up for sale in order to maintain her image. The cost may be too high even for her expensive tastes.

Devani knows she's found her way out of the hood when she sleeps with Tyrik, a star pro athlete. When Tyrik's calls get further and further apart, Devani's mother suggests the perfect scheme: become his baby momma. Will Devani's plans force her man to commit, or backfire with the worst of consequences?

Molly is so in love with her husband, Junior, that she doesn't care if she's the only white girl in the hood. Blinded by her love, Molly lets everyone walk all over her. But Junior may cross the line, forcing Molly to give back all the abuse she's taken.

Lexi has five children—and four broke baby daddies. Now she is married to Luther, Mr. Right in every way but in the bedroom. Determined to finally provide a good man for her kids, Lexi must struggle to fight her cravings for sex with her ex. Will she stay faithful to her husband or give in to a passion that may very well prove deadly?

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2008
ISBN: 978-1416537526
Publisher: Touchstone
Shameless Hoodwives

Four very different women find themselves caught in the web of Bentley Manor, one of the hood’s most notorious projects, where no one has ever left unscathed...

There’s Keisha, who married the high school basketball star. Everything seemed fine, until Smokey got addicted to crack, and now she’s desperate just to feed their kids. Takiah needs to get away from her pimp husband so bad that she’s willing to go back to church, but what if the pastor’s eyes stray from the heavens?

With a voice to rival Mary J. and Whitney, Princess might just have the ticket to escape the projects, if only she could find her courage, while Woo Woo has escaped with her suburban husband—only to find herself sneaking back for steamy sexcapades with her drug dealer ex. And you can bet Woo Woo’s not the only one with secrets to hide...

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2008
ISBN: 978-1416537540
Publisher: Touchstone
The Hood Life

Tavon, better known as “Sweet,” would pimp his own mother—and he does. Convinced that the prostitution game chose him, Sweet loves his high-rolling life. But when he unexpectedly becomes a father, will Sweet be able to choose between the family trade and his grown, not-so-innocent daughter?

After ten years in prison, the drive-by Demarcus committed still haunts him. Determined to stay above the law, he’s found Allah, promised to change his ways forever, and finally do right by his girl, Zoey. But when an opportunity arises that will set him and Zoey right for life, Demarcus may have more faith in his killah reputation than the Koran...

Kaseem runs every single drug going in and out of Bentley Manor. His empire provides clothes, cash, and his satisfaction of his wifey, Quilla—along with the company of other ladies, of course. But when Kaseem’s crew becomes more violent, will he be able to escape the life—and the gangsters—he created?

The best playa on the block, Rhakmon can get a woman to do anything he wants. His latest girlfriend, Shaterica, lets him steal, lie, and cheat—smitten to be under his spell. But when Rhakmon’s devious deeds are finally brought to light, the revenge Shaterica plans may ultimately be more horrible than anything he could have imagined...

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2009
ISBN: 978-1416577096
Publisher: Touchstone

Collections

Heartbreaker

Slippin' by De'nesha Diamond

Ex-con Delvon Jackson lives to hustle--and loves to go after what he can't have. Working for a powerful Atlanta tycoon has put him deep between the satin sheets of his boss' way-off-limits wife. But when Delvon gets too greedy, his hottest seduction might be his last...

Put 'Em in Their Place by Erick S. Gray

Sexy Cha has everyone from New York's most ruthless thug to its richest player at her mercy. And now that she's sexing her father's murderer and throwing his empire into turmoil, she's moving in for the final payback...and straight into someone else's lethal sights...

Kandy Girlz by Nichelle Walker

Kandy learned the hard way that power and money is never enough. By trickin' ballers, rappers, and powerful executives, the ice-cold beauty took her modeling agency to the top. But now the one hustle Kandy's not prepared for will give her everything to lose...

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2010
ISBN: 978-0758246639
Publisher: Kensington
No Loyalty

DANGEROUS LIAISONS by DE'NESHA DIAMOND

She's watching. She's planning. She's past done waiting. Klaudya Ramsey is out for revenge on her own mother. Nichelle seduced Klaudya's wealthy, disloyal husband, had her innocent daughter jailed—and stole her life. Now Klaudya plays on her mom's insatiable greed and her husband's gullibility to take them down hard. But a secret Klaudya never saw coming could turn her vengeful dream into an inescapable nightmare...

TEARS OF BLOOD by A'ZAYLER

Their bond is unbreakable. They always have each other's backs—though that's the only thing identical twins Aiden and Kayden Lattimore have in common. So when hard-driving achiever Aiden accidentally gets in major-league trouble, Kayden does his brother's jail time for him. Too bad Aiden is taking care of Kayden's beautiful wife all too well. And now Kayden is about to teach Aiden a lesson in betrayal these brothers may not survive...

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2018
ISBN: 978-1496711465
Publisher: Dafina

Divas

Hustlin' Divas

Memphis is the crime capital of America, and no one knows that better than the women born and raised on its mean streets. It’s put sisters Ta’Shara and LeShelle on opposite sides of the street game, where blood means nothing and loyalty doesn’t last long. It’s also got Yolanda, an ambitious drug mule, and Melanie, a police detective, caught up with the same man—the notorious hustler Python.

These four women think they’ve got the game figured out, but the one man they have in common will have them living double lives and wondering who will come out on top. Forget what you heard about East Coast/West Coast, ’cause real vendettas are born in the Dirty South.

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2010
ISBN: 978-0758247551
Publisher: Dafina
Street Divas

On these Dirty South streets, revenge is sweet opportunity. Now the women who help rule the hood are out to take ultimate control. Merciless lieutenant Lucifer drops as many bodies as she can to avenge a devastating shooting and consolidate her new power. Loyal gang member Essence discovers friendship has lethal limits when she falls for her best friend’s man.

Ever-ambitious Yolanda is angling hard to go from a king hustler’s baby mama to his one and only. But Queen G LeShelle will betray any trust and take out any obstacle to make the game hers alone. And when these four women push their vendettas past the point of no return, it’s a war only the most deadly diva will survive.

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2011
ISBN: 978-0758247575
Publisher: Dafina
Gangsta Divas

The deadliest ride-or-die chicks in Memphis have a new rival. Meet the Cripettes. They're the realest of the real--raging war with both the Queen Gs and the Flowers. But when all's said and done, only one gang can reign supreme...

The streets of the Dirty South have never been meaner as the ruthless women of warring hoods are just a few body bags away from total domination. Determined to rain bullets on Shotgun Row, lieutenant Lucifer teams up with Profit, head gangsta of the Vice Lords and a man bent on revenge. Good girl gone bad Ta'shara sets her sights on knocking her evil sister off the throne--but she's unprepared for what's ahead.

Qiana's deal with the devil to take ambitious Yolanda out of the picture plants her at the center of a manhunt that will jeopardize her own position. And as Queen G LeShelle's list of enemies multiplies, the final knockout may come from the last person she expects. While the war zone expands, these gangsta divas take no prisoners for the chance to rule it all. . .

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2012
ISBN: 978-0758247599
Publisher: Dafina
Boss Divas

The most lethal ride-or-die women in Memphis now run their gangs and the streets. But the aftermath of an all-out war means merciless new enemies, time-bomb secrets...and one chance to take it all...

Bullets have no names and collateral damage is the game as the women of the Dirty South push to secure total control. Vice Lord chief Lucifer goes after the upstart Crippettes gang one by one--but locking down her power will put everything she lives to protect at risk. Ta'Shara straps on her training wheels to prove she can ride with the best of the Flowers--but does this good-girl-gone-bad really have what it takes to survive? And as Queen G LeShelle viciously body-drops to keep her bloody secrets buried, her husband Python may be the one person that can put her in check. Now these boss divas will go head-to-head for complete domination--because in the end only one can rule. . .

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2014
ISBN: 978-0758292513
Publisher: Dafina
King Divas

The most ruthless ride-or-die women of Memphis saved their empire by nearly destroying the streets. But as unexpected new rivals rise and brutal secrets shatter lives, betrayal means winner rules all…

Putting out chaos with gasoline is one play that even the women of the Dirty South can't control. One merciless kill vaults good-girl-gone-bad Ta’Shara into gangland's power elite—but an enemy she doesn't see is targeting everything she can't afford to lose. For former Vice Lord chief Lucifer, taking back her power means all-out war on her lethal lover, no matter what the cost. Gorgeous Cleo at last has her sister's killer in her sights—if she can survive one deadly game too many.

And as Queen G LeShelle’s lies finally choke-hold her life, trusting someone more vicious than her husband Python may be the last mistake she'll ever make. Now these king divas will leave nothing standing—because if they can't reign, no one will…

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2015
ISBN: 978-0758292551
Publisher: Dafina
Queen Divas

It’s scorched-earth, all-or-nothing war for Memphis’ most merciless ride-or-die women, and even their survival skills are no guarantee. And once alliances splinter and explosive revelations rip apart their empire, one diva’s revenge will become the ultimate deadly reign... 

Between total gang exterminations and brutal collateral damage, the stakes have never been higher for the women of the Dirty South. Good-girl-gone-lethal Ta’Shara is in for the fight of her life—her own. To work a dangerous truce, Vice Lord ex-chief Lucifer pulls a deadly play as wrenching secrets put her at ground zero. Beautiful Cleo will do anything to destroy the man now controlling her—and no killer price is too high.

And as police captain Hydeya Hawkins closes in on gangland’s elite, she’ll fight to survive her department’s dirtiest secrets. Now these queen divas have each other dead in their sights—and only one can live to rule...

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2016
ISBN: 978-0758292599
Publisher: Dafina

Omnibus Books

Heist

"The Ultimate Heist" by Kiki Swinson

Accustomed to a life of luxury, Shannon Marshall is devastated to lose everything after her husband, Todd, is sent to prison for gun running. So when Todd plans the ultimate stickup from behind bars, Shannon’s ready to put her neck on the line. But she’ll have to pull off the hustle of a lifetime and play one dangerous gangster who always gets what he wants.

"Robyn Banks" by De'nesha Diamond

DEA Agent Jordan Hayes has vowed to never walk in her ex-con father’s footsteps. Suspecting her father is planning another robbery, she begins keeping close tabs on him and his crony—sexy gangster Keston Bishop. Jordan soon becomes addicted to the danger that radiates from Keston like street candy as she takes part in a daring theft that could cost her everything.

NB: Co-authored with Kiki Swinson.

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2010
ISBN: 978-0758251787
Publisher: Dafina
Heist 2

The Last Heist--Kiki Swinson

Shannon Mitchell gambled that betraying her husband's biggest heist ever was her way out of the game for good. Losing that bet put her in lockdown--and at the top of Todd Mitchell's revenge-fueled hit list. Now she'll work every seductive move and lethal play to survive. 'Cause when it comes to wreaking her own vengeance, this devious beauty isn't taking any prisoners...

Caked Up--De'nesha Diamond

Harlem Banks already has twenty-five million reasons to break out of the federal pen. But saving his desperately ill daughter is at the top of his list, even as he's racing his ex-partner-in crime to his stashed loot...while U.S. Marshals are hot on his trail. His only chance is the one woman he can't stop loving--even if she's the one endgame he'll never escape...

NB: Co-authored with Kiki Swinson.

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2015
ISBN: 978-0758280312
Publisher: Dafina

Parker Crime

Conspiracy

It’s an offer too tempting to refuse: One night as an elite escort will give Abrianna Parker the fresh start she’s been searching for and put the pain and costly missteps of the past behind her for good. But getting framed for a high-profile murder isn’t what the cool-headed beauty signed up for…

With police, government agencies, and a lethal third party on her trail, Abrianna will have to use all her resources to clear her name. That includes trusting an ex-con—and an attraction as incendiary as the lies they must expose. Now, as Abrianna puts her hard-won instincts and a team of street-rebels in play, secrets are their only chance to dismantle a powerful web of corruption—or be buried without a trace…

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2016
ISBN: 978-1496705822
Publisher: Dafina
Collusion

In D.C.’s cutthroat political arena, revenge is the ultimate nuclear option... 

Framed for a high-profile murder, Abrianna Parker finds herself hurtling down a conspiracy rabbit hole in a desperate attempt to clear her name. Her only way out is to go after the most powerful man in the country. But the powers that be play dirty—and expose her billionaire adoptive father, Cargill Parker, and his criminal activity.

With charges of collusion swirling on Capitol Hill, police and Federal agencies force Abrianna off the grid. But she’s not alone. By her side is ex-con turned private investigator Kadir Kahlifa, a man as seductive as he is dangerous. While battling a fiery passion, they team up with their band of street rebels and digital revolutionaries to burn through deception and spin to uncover the truth before it costs more innocent lives—mainly their own.

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2018
ISBN: 978-1496705853
Publisher: Dafina
Collateral

Within D.C.’s ruthless halls of power, the conspiracies are killer—and the endgame is anything but fake news... 

With her name finally cleared of a murder charge, Abrianna Parker can at last marry her partner, Kadir Kahlifa. But the two have barely shared the news with their team of street rebels and digital revolutionaries when a disturbing disappearance throws everything off course. A reporter is missing, but not just any reporter—Tomi Lehane, whose articles exposed Abrianna’s parents and the shadow group behind the experiments that changed her life. 

Now Abrianna must decide if she will put aside her plans in order to save the woman who nearly cost her everything. With the government one step behind, the mission to rescues Tomi goes off the rails. Another team has been there first, one with more firepower than even the US Government.

With more players on the scene and no idea who to trust, Abrianna, Kadir, and the rest of the team are flying blind—and all of their special skills combined might not be enough to protect them from the fallout. With enemies all around and nowhere to turn, the only way out may be to burn it all down.

Author: De'nesha Diamond
First Release: 2020
ISBN: 978-1496705884
Publisher: Dafina