Deceit and Devotion by Johnson, RM (2012) Paperback

The Million Dollar #4

by R.M. Johnson

Delving into the depths of treachery and affection, RM Johnson returns with another thrilling drama. When Nate Kenny convinces Daphanie Coleman to sign over custody of her newborn baby to the father, his ex-wife, Monica, vows to help the young woman. But Monica is still recovering from a gunshot to the head that put her in a coma. Daphanie hires Austin Harris to help win her baby back, but divorced and lonely, Austin falls for Monica and tries to pull her into a relationship—one she is reluctant to start.Meanwhile, Caleb Harris, Austin’s brother, must pay back a loan shark to save his family from home eviction. But debt isn’t his only problem—his son has fallen deeper and deeper into crime. And as Daphanie struggles to win back her child, she must decide whether or not she will live by the rules of a man she despises in order to stay in her child’s life.This electrifying novel features the unforgettable Harris brothers, the major players of Johnson’s Million Dollar series, in a gripping new drama of passion and revenge. Deceit and Devotion—a rich tapestry of family, love, and loyalty—is not to be missed.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, African American, Drama, Family

Paperback

First published February 21, 2012

About the author

RM Johnson was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After high school, he served five years in the United States Army. After which he received his Bachelors degree in science, from the University of Louisiana. He worked as an x-ray technologist, and radiation therapist for a number of years while continuously working on his writing, and earned a Masters degree in creative writing from Chicago State University

In 1996, RM wrote THE HARRIS MEN, and in 1999 it was published by Simon & Schuster. It was received with critical acclaim and quickly became a best-seller.

Since then, RM Johnson has written nine novels, to include the best-sellers, THE HARRIS FAMILY, DATING GAMES, and THE MILLION DOLLAR DIVORCE. STACIE AND COLE was his first young adult novel, published in December 2007 by Hyperion Books.

His latest novel, THE MILLION DOLLAR DECEPTION is the sequel to THE MILLION DOLLAR DIVORCE.

In June of 2009, RM threw his ring into the non-fiction ring with WHY MEN FEAR MARRIAGE.

THE MILLION DOLLAR DEMISE is his latest novel.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so disappointed in this book. I love the Million Dollar Series so when I saw there was another book out I couldn't wait to read it. Maybe I should have read the books about the Harrises first since they are in this book, because I didn't care one bit about any of them except Austin. And that was because he had dealings with Monica. I didn't see the point in intertwining the Million Dollar characters with the Harris men. I would have been ok with Austin being in the book, but not Caleb, Marcus, and their families. It was just too much! And Caleb & Marcus were both losers, I'm sorry. I found myself skipping over alot of their stories because I was bored and wanted to get back to Nate, Monica, Daphanie, Lewis, Freddy. etc.

I feel really badly for Monica. Nate has done so many horrible things to her and I hope he truly gets what he deserves at some point (although I don't want him to die). The only thing is, I don't want Monica to go after Nate. He is waaay to vengeful, hardcore, and just plan evil. If she tries to get revenge, she'll be the one left holding the bag 9 times out of 10. I wish she'd just move on with her life and be happy. That would be the best revenge!

As for Daphanie, I started to feel just a little bit badly for her. No mother should be "tricked" into giving up rights to her child. But the bottom line is Daphanie chose a man over her own baby. If Nate would have married her, she wouldn't be thinking about her baby right now. Any little bit of sympathy I had for her went down the drain when she had the nerve to go off on Monica because Monica wouldn't sacrifice her own happiness to help Daphanie, the woman who stole her man with a lie, get her child back. Talk about selfish!

Freddy is just as crazy as ever. I'm scared for Monica since she told Lewis about Freddy's threat. Plus, she's going to be staying at Nate's house when Freddy breaks out of jail! I'd really hoped Freddy was kidding like he told Lewis he was, but after what he had done to poor Eva...just sick. Maybe Lewis should have told Freddy about his kid?

I was going to give this book 3 stars but after the horrible cliffhanger ending, I was tempted to give it 1 star. What a joke! These authors need to realize most readers DO NOT like a straight up cliffhanger ending. I've read plenty of books that had a satisfactory ending yet were part of a series. It can be done!

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audible version. The narrator did a good job using his voice to convey the variety of characters in this story.

[Aliya DalRae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway (Thanks GR!).

I really enjoyed this book, although I have to admit it took me a while to figure out all of the characters, as it seemed like there was someone new being introduced ever couple of pages. Once I figured out all the main players and understood some of their back story, I really got drawn into the current story at play, a story of people who all seemed to come from the projects, some of whom rose above their meager beginnings, others who were drawn down by it, and the effect their choices had on their offspring. I didn't realize until I finished the book that it was the fourth in a series, but even without reading the previous three, I was able to thoroughly enjoy it right up until the end. And that's just it - it just - ended. No drama, no "duh, duh, duhhhhhhh... To be continued, same bat time same bat channel..." It was just - over. I have no problem with series novels - in fact I love them, but there was no set up, no build up for what't coming next - it was just there one page and over the next. I'm assuming there is more to come, and would have considered reading the previous three, but I'm kind of miffed right now about what really is a lack of conclusion to this book. I might get over it. If I do, maybe I'll read the others. I don't know. I have a lot of disappointment to get through right now, so I'm just going to end this review...

[A'ndrea Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Million Dollar Divorce Series, Deceit and Devotion picks up where the Million Dollar Deception leaves off, with all of the characters still unwilling to forgive and forget. Nate Kennedy is still the powerful and rich man who holds all the cards, frustrating everyone who has ever met him. His ex-wife, Monica, is trying to move on past their life together, but can't seem to get over Nate's influence on her. Lewis is trying to stay on the straight and narrow. Daphanie, is obsessed with regaining custody of the child she gave away. And Freddy is in an insane asylum making very sane threats. Enter the Harris brothers who thicken the plot with drama from their families from cheating spouses to wayward children. Deceit and Devotion definitely has all the chaos you can stand.

I have truly enjoyed the Million Dollar series. Johnson is an amazing storyteller with the ability to take the reader smack dab in the middle of a world so vivid yet foreign, where anything goes. As much as Deceit and Devotion is a page-turner, as a reader, I couldn't help to start to feel a little overwhelmed by all of the continuous drama, and irritated by the inability of the characters to accept responsibility for their actions and overcome the need to get revenge. At this point in the story, everyone seems to be wanting revenge, and with each "get back" the person sinks deeper into misery, waiting to reap the consequences of their vengeance. I found myself wanting to scream at the characters, "Stop it already! Just move on with your lives! This is stupid!" The book leave room for another installment of the series, but I truly hope that Johnson finds new ways to extend the series rather than dwelling on revenge and characters who are barely learning and/or growing. This being said, Deceit and Devotion is a well crafted story about the harsh realities of families and I would without a doubt recommend it to other readers.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.M. Johnson brings back the Harris brothers from his "The Harris Family" and "Million Dollar Demise" to create a fascinating drama of family life like you can't imagine with multiple plots (ie. crime by family members, gangs, holding on to a child at the risk of losing oneself in the process, relationships that hinge on deception)all making you hustling to keep up. Johnson's prose makes his characters jump out of the pages; like Jahlil "seeing the bottom of one boy's boot as ..... it crashed down onto Jahlil's face, and then all went black."; or Jahlil denying "ain't nobody dead." to his father Caleb Harris but without much conviction; or Jahlil's friends fellow students Bug and Toomey; "Bug was fifty yards down the block, keeping an eye out for the police or any gang members...Toomey was on the other end of the street, looking like he was about to wet his pants." Maybe Jahlil denied any gang connection but that didn't protect him; "...as they kicked and beat him .... yelling G-Stone! G-Stone." Jahlil "figured this was payback for selling on G-Stone's street."

Action page after page weaving family members into a strange bond will keep you reading late into the night. The title Deceit and Devotion really tells the reader what is between the covers. Johnson has done it again.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was ok in this book, but it seems like these characters will never grow up and learn a lesson from all they have been through. Nate hasn't changed one bit. He is still a vengeful ugly man. Monica seemed like she got herself together, but her mind is just all over the place, and she is out to do Nate just as he has done her again. Caleb seemed to have it together, but didn't and did again. The only positive light is Austin, but he just can't seem to catch a break in the relationship department. The ending leads me to believe they'll be another installment in this series, but I'm just not interested in reading any more about these characters.

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I had not yet read the Harris family, the descriptions and actions by Austin, Marcus & Caleb have given me good insight on what's to come. They have quite the drama filled lives.The fellas took over in this book & kept the pages turning. I didn't think Nate could sink any lower with his dirty schemes but once again, he prevailed. I can only hope Monica knows what's she's doing in this next part. Good read

[Cheryl James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not as appealing to me as the prior three books were, however I believe this is the calm before the storm. In this story the author pretty much gave an overview of the character's lives since the last book, which was an awesome read. I love how the author wrote the Harris Brothers into this storyline. The Harris Brothers are characters from his award winning book, The Harris Family. They all played a major part in the story and I hope that they stick around for the next book, The Million Dollar Destiny. I truly believe this one will be written with greatness😎

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok it really didn’t take me this long to read this book. Some of the stuff became so not interesting that I pushed it aside and read 3 other books. Between Nate Kenney and Freddie Ford and all there efforts to get revenge, I’m like Really, who does that. Not wanting to stop I was hoping there would finally be an end to this madness. But that didn’t happen. There’s a book 5 to come.
Yay 😀 (not really)!

[Sonya Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

What the heck happened? I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series until this one. The careless loose ends left me questioning if RMJ intended a fifth installment. I feel incomplete, and while I hesitate to say my time was wasted, the unresolved ending truly disappoints. Reflecting on the series, it seems it would have been best to stop at book three.

[Pattywat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author knows how to leave you hanging. It had been a few years since I read the first two installments in the series. I reread them to refresh my memory on the story line. I thoroughly enjoy the entire series it was definitely a page turner!

[Paris Honey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hate the cliffhanger.

[Jenene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent series! This one ended in such a way that I hope there is another one!! Please!!

[Danielle Vaughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

No closure. What was the resolution. Everyone still stuck in the same space and mindset.

[Lakanjala Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but I’m trying to figure out Jalil and his family’s tie to Nate Kenny and Monica!

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how but somehow Johnson manages to throw in more main and side characters than I usually like and do it gracefully. I don't find myself getting confused, having to try to keep track of this or that one, etc.
Johnson does tell a bit of background but take my advice - don't read these out of order. You'd be able too, probably, but you'll be much happier going the way they're written.
I didn't care too much for the no end ending - I hate when a book leaves off in such a manner - but I have to admit that now I'm looking forward to the next one.
The man can definitely write his ass off. I think the only books I've read so far are the three in this series but I'll most definitely be reading others in the coming years.

[Paula Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

DECEIT AND DEVOTION is filled with action and drama. Johnson intertwined the lives of all the characters both the old and the new. The story is a fast and easy read but I feel I would have enjoyed it more if it was a stand-alone with the new characters plot? For a reader who has not read any of the previous books, this could pose a problem reading it as a stand-alone because there was too many character’s backgrounds that you would have to understand to get a grasp of their motives and actions. I’ve read them all and had trouble remembering how some of the roles fit into the story. Nonetheless, it is a really interesting read with a cliffhanger ending that promises another book in the series.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio. I thought it was a pretty decent read. I feel like maybe it should have focused on less situations though, there was a lot going on. The book ended leaving a lot of unanswered questions so I hope there is a continuation to the book just focuing on a couple areas and maybe focus on the other situations in another book. Good story just feel like it could have been better if the focus wasn't so spread between all the characters. Maybe it was just me that wanted more from each story individually, kind of left me feeling unfulfilled. I'll be looking for a follow-up.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent thriller. Being part 4 of the Million Dollar series, I suggest reading the other 3 first to get a full understanding of the characters and their actions. Deceit and Devotion focuses mainly on new characters, the Harris family, but does relate them back to Nate, Monica and the rest of the old crew. The ending is definitely a cliff hanger, suggesting another book in the series will follow.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end was left for a sequel. I hope. I really enjoyed this book. I would love to know what happens to Monica and how she plans to get even with Nate b/c she can't move on with her life. Hope Jahlil gets his life on track. Caleb & Sonya get back together as does Marcus & Reecie. Poor Daphanie made a dreadful mistake signing over her baby to Trevor. Lots of drama in this book. The Harris men in this book is from one of his earlier books.

[Yolanda Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the addition of the Harris brothers to this book. I will be reading that book too. Monica was very confused and has let her past make her bitter. It will be interesting to see what happens next with her. All the characters were very well developed and had something everyone could relate too. I hope he doesnt make us wait to long for the next book!

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

RM Johnson has outdone himself with this one! Nate Kenny from the Million Dollar series and still as cold-hearted, calculating, and manipulative as always. Thanks to Monica Kenny, the Million Dollar series and the Harris Family intertwine, and I sure hope this book leads to a sequel with Nate Kenny get just what her deserves!

[Lasonja · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok. It was not what I expected. I enjoyed ALL the other books in the "Million Dollar" series. I thought this would pick up where the Demise left off but it didn't...I guess the best thing for me to do now is start from the beginning with the "Harris Men" and work my way back to "Deceit and Devotion" and see if I can put it all together.

[Tracee - LN · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was ok. I wished it would've dealt more with Monica and Nate, and preferably, how Monica had finally moved on with her life and in a new relationship. I did get some of that but was disappointed how Monica treated Austin because of her feelings towards Nate and Lewis. However, since the book ended with a cliffhanger, I will be looking to read the next book in this series.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was just ok. The series is starting to lose some of its steam. Wayyyy too many characters and was kinda all over the place. I hate that his books never have a happy ending. I only have 1 more book in the series (Million Dollar Destiny). I hope that one is good and closes out the series in a hopeful way.

[Cicely · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't blow me away. Nate is still evil, and for some reason Daphanie really irritated me. The way that the book ended, there will be a sequel. I'm done, so over Lewis, Nate, Daphanie, Monica and the rest of the crew.

[Jewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you need a quick read this is a decent one. Family drama that is believable Snd an ending that leaves you wondering what will be next. Part of a series, I think it is safe to assume the saga will continue.

[ConSonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

AMAZING CANT GO TO DEEP WITH THE REVIEW BECAUSE THIS ONE OF THOSE STORIES WHERE U HAV TO READ EACH BOOK IN THE SERIES TO KNOW Y WHO DOES WHAT TO WHOM.. R.M. DID IT AGAIN LOVED IT THERE'S DEFINITELY ANOTHER BOOK COMING THE ENDING WAS A JAW DROP..

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know this book was number 4 in this series. It was a pretty good read. I'm now wondering if there will be another book to at least finish the series. This one does leave several unanswered questions.

[Goodread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read