Too Much of a Good Thing

Reverend Curtis Black #2

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

In the sequel to the enormously successful  Casting the First Stone , Kimberla Lawson Roby brings back a character readers love to hate. Curtis Black might be a man of the cloth, but with his irresistible looks, seductive charm, and charismatic personality, he's particularly beloved by his female parishioners––and almost every other woman he's ever met. The trouble is, Curtis is married. At first he tries to resist temptation, but not for long. His insatiable appetite for women quickly gets the best of him. Eventually, the women in Curtis's life find that with a little careful planning––sneaky and otherwise––they can help Curtis reap the punishment that he so richly deserves. In this captivating and dramatic sequel to Casting the First Stone, Kimberla Lawson Roby, with her trademark with and insight, sets sparks flying.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, African American, Audiobook, Christian, Romance, Drama

276 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

New York Times Bestselling Author, Speaker, Encourager of Women & Podcast Host, Kimberla Lawson Roby, has published 30 books which include her faith-based, nonfiction titles, THE WOMAN GOD CREATED YOU TO BE: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally and THE WOMAN GOD CREATED YOU TO BE: Companion Workbook & Discussion Guide, as well as some of her novels, such as CASTING THE FIRST STONE, SIN OF A WOMAN, A SINFUL CALLING, SISTER FRIENDS FOREVER, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER, THE PRODIGAL SON, THE PERFECT MARRIAGE, THE REVEREND’S WIFE, IT'S AS THIN LINE, and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press. She has sold more than 3 million copies of her books, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence, Upscale, Black Christian News, AALBC.com, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, The Austin Chronicle and many others. Kimberla is also the host of The Woman God Created You to Be Podcast.

Over the years, Kimberla has spoken to thousands of women at conferences, churches, expos, workshops, luncheons, libraries, colleges, universities and bookstores. She shares her own personal journey straight from her heart and has a strong passion toward helping women become all that God created them to be.

Kimberla is the 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2017 SOAR Radio Trailblazer of Honor award, the 2017 Southwest Florida Reading Festival Distinguished Author award, the 2017 AAMBC Christian Fiction Author of the Year award and the 2014 AAMBC Female Author of the Year award, the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 African-American Literary Awards Show (New York, NY) Female Author of the Year award, the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL). Additionally, in August 2020, she was named by USA Today as one of the 100 black novelists you should read, and in February 2021, her nonfiction book, The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional, giving her 4 NAACP Image Award nominations in total.

Kimberla’s books deal with very real issues, including women empowerment, sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, problems within the church (and the consequences), Christian/family/moral values, drug and gambling addiction, marriage, infidelity, single motherhood, breast cancer, infertility, sibling rivalry, domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, mental illness, and the care-giving of a parent to name a few. In addition, Kimberla’s books offer a message of redemption, forgiveness, and the realities of everyday life. Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.

To share your thoughts with Kimberla regarding her work, please e-mail her at: kim@kimroby.com

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Curtis Black was at it again in the sequel to "Casting the First Stone." "Too Much of a Good Thing" was extremely predicatable...at times I felt as if I was reading the first book. Although predicatable, it is an entertaining read.

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curtis Black...smh...

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give Curtis zero stars but that would not have been fair to the author who did a fabulous job, portraying a seriously flawed character, with absolutely no redeeming value. He lied, cheated, deceived, devalued people as if he had the right to do so.

That meeting between those corrupt pastors: Malcolm, Tyler, Cletus and Curtis sounded like the heads of. a criminal empire, not men who believed in Almighty GOD. Cletus was discussing juggling his four women. And Curtis takes no responsibility for what happens to Alicia or Adrienne.
Curtis and his crew better pack a bathing suit! They are going straight to HELL! DO NOT PASS GO, DO NOT COLLECT $200.00!!!!!!!

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book! The author made me not like curtis black! He sucks so bad! But can't wait for the next book!

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was messy as fuck.
Trigger warning for sexual assault, domestic violence and suicide😫

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. Same mess, different day. But that's the way things go. People don't really change.
I'll be reading the next book soon

[Gabriella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't often listen to audiobooks, but it was a nice way to breeze right through the second book in Kimberla Lawson Roby's series about my new favorite corrupt preacher, Reverend Curtis Black (I am trying to read them all before July ends.)

From what I can tell, Too Much of a Good Thing holds an interesting spot in the series, because you can tell Roby hadn’t quite yet committed to making these books a “series” yet, and there are some false starts and kinks she works through in the beginning. She settles into the story (and its cliffhanger conclusion) about halfway through, and delivers some much-appreciated hysterics in exchange for our rocky start.

On a more positive note, it was almost cathartic to see Curtis’ many scorned women coming together against him, or at least in defense of themselves. Adrienne’s plot twist felt unwarranted and unexplained, maybe because it happens so close to the end. I do, however, love these trademark “congregation confrontation” scenes that occur at the end of each of her books so far.

Final thought: Curtis is...an awful, victim-blaming father. At least to his daughter. In times of peril. That part did NOT age well. That’s all I’ll say...

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe how quickly I finished this 2nd book in the Curtis Black Series. I mean as soon as you pick up the book and start reading you can't put it down. It's so enthralling and entertaining. I know I started backwards by reading the last 2 books first, but I only have 1 more to go and I'm done. But even if you start with the last book and haven't read any of them, you will still be captivated and astounded by all the drama, chaos and immoral acts that occur with the so called "people of God". Excellent read.

[Nia W · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2 in the Rev. Curtis Black Series...scandalous...yet not trashy

[Myuncutreality]

Predictable and entertaining. Believe it or not there are many naive people who fall victim to the game knowingly and unknowingly.

[Mayda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charismatic Curtis Black is the worst sort of scoundrel, but that doesn’t keep the women in his life from loving and trusting him. In this second installment, it appears that at first, Curtis is managing to juggle all his women, but a leopard can’t change its spots and Curtis can’t control his urges. The author does a great job in portraying and developing the characters, making Curtis as despicable as possible. Yet, the end may surprise readers. And while you may really, really dislike Curtis, you will likely want to read the next book to see what happens in the lives of these characters.

[Shalandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I skipped this book in the series for personal reasons, but I'm happy I finally read it. I can finally finish the series.

Curtis is a dirty dirty man smh.

[Bre'Anna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started with the foolishness and kept it going. All I can say is Curtis, Curtis, Curtis....

[Chel-c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curtis Black is a complete mess!!

[Nikki Clark Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curtis something else 😒

[Kristal's Literary Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending! Another great hit.

[Shelleyheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rev black still a mess

[Imani Baucom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll say this much. Curtis Black is the most narcissistic, egotistical, delusional character I have ever met.

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who are we to judge anything?

When I read that TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING was out the sequel to, CASTING THE FIRST STONE, I was trying to figure what could possibly left to do? Curtis Black, the fine minister from Chicago, with the heart of lust is up to the challenge. Not only is he re-married, he's back as the preacher of another prominent church and he's up to his old ways!

You constantly fight with yourself to do right and when you do wrong, you 180 degrees to the wrong! Who of us hasn't fallen short?

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING moves a little slow at times, although very predictable and dare I say the exact same storyline as CASTING THE FIRST STONE, you're interested as to how Pastor Black will resolve his current situation. Juggling a new wife, whose naiveté isn't lasting as long as he hoped, his crazy ex-lover Adrienne, his second baby mama Charlotte, who has the bedroom on lock, his daughter Alicia, whose seeking his attention, and dare I forget his grip on his outlandish church, home, car, and prestige!

What would Curtis do when the cookie crumbles again?

[Monique Shantay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honey…….. This is the first book I’ve read from the author and now I have to go back and read the first one! First, as a Chicago native, I appreciate all the city references. Although I have yet to read the first book, Curtis is like the typical dirty dog, blaming all of his problems on the women in his life. He didn’t care about anybody! It’s crazy to me that Alicia had more common sense than Mariah. Mariah is a darn dummy! And I was rooting for Adrienne until she fell into the typical dumb girl trap. Unlike Mariah, she knew better. Alicia’s story breaks my heart. I cringed at all of the scenes with her and Julian but her story was so valid and needed to be told. I thought I hated Curtis when I saw how he treated Mariah until I saw how he treated Alicia. I love James’ character! He’s the balance that Alicia has been missing from Curtis. It seems like the smartest woman in the entire story is Mariah’s friend Vivian. Every woman needs a girlfriend like that! Now I have to read the rest of the series.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Preacher Curtis Black is at it again! Kimberla Lawson Roby did not disappoint with a drama filled sequel to Casting the First Stone.

It wouldn't be Mr. Black if there wasn't lying and cheating involved. Just newly married to his second wife (this also being the second book in the series) he finds himself bored with her after 6 months of marriage. Adrienne and Charlotte both end back up in the picture and of course, there is nothing but trouble. I also liked that Alicia's story is being told and how her Dad's actions affect her throughout the book. There is a crazy and somewhat unexpected ending and I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

http://sheenathebookgeek.blogspot.com...

[SD Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long while since I've given a book five stars. Actually, I rarely ever give any book five stars, but this one OMG! Once again Kimberla puts me in the mind of a young version of Mary Monroe and her God series. In this book her writing is timeless. This is a super page turner. The constant of emotions and the jaw-dropping twist. She simply killed it with this follow up to book #1 .
I keep asking myself, how could there be 14 editions. What else could Curtis Black possibly do next? As for me... my satisfaction and curiosity are both spent and cured with each book ending. However, KLR digs deep into her imagination and pours it out on the pages. And unlike the first novel, ain't NOTHING slow about this one here. A TRUE MUST READ!!! Now on to book #3.

[Chauna Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started off too slow. The climax was literally at the end of the book and I wasn't impressed overall. I usually get through the books in 1-2 days( while working a full time job and being a full time SINGLE mom, that's usually how good her books are) but it took me 2 months to read this book. Gave it 2 stars because of the ending,,otherwise would have given it zero. Hopefully the next book in the series is better than this one :(

[Tip Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say Rev. Curtis Black is at it again. To me Too Much of a Good Thing was better than the first book of the series. Honey this Pastor is terrible. This man don't mind doing whatever it takes to get what he wants. You have to read this.........

[Shavon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely entertaining lol

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a proper sequel to Casting the first stone. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Tonya and James play out in the same way that it started, at least so far. I was admittedly worried that he might not be who he portrayed himself to be when the two of them initially met. I did, however feel like the relationship between Alicia and Julian could have been done a little bit better. I mean, I definitely understood the connection and how she felt about him, but I felt like I wanted a little bit more depth.

In all honesty, Mariah‘s character wasn’t really given the depth she deserved either. I get that he needed a naïve little wife to fulfill his agenda, butI don’t know, there just seemed to be something missing. For whatever reason, I never felt as badly for her as I did for Tanya in the first book.

Although most of this book was relatively predictable, although entertaining, I have to admit, I was not expecting Adrianne to kill herself. Seems a little extreme, right? And with no real explanation. I mean, of course she lost her husband over the affair, but that was five years prior, and she knew Curtis was trash before even getting involved with him again. I mean granted she may have truly been in love with him again but that just seems out of place to me.

I may have been a little critical, but all in all I really did enjoy the book and I’m looking forward to more of the series. I haven’t read a series and a long time and this is a lot of fun, especially since there’s so many books waiting for me. Stay tuned!

[Dominique McAlister · Rating 4 out of 5]

On paper, Mariah is the perfect wife for the narcissistic, sex addicted Reverend Curtis Black. She is young, attractive, unsuspecting and even counsels young girls at the church. But the Reverend wakes up one day and decides to find Adrienne. Mariah mentions she would like to have a baby. She believes a baby would keep her too busy to be so bothered by Curtis’ absence. Naturally, Curtis is reminded of Charlotte, the teenager he got pregnant years before, so he finds her too. It’s not enough for him to have two mistresses. He has to talk badly about Mariah and promise to marry everybody else.

Trigger warning: rape and suicide.

Curtis’ 14 year old daughter, has big feelings about him destroying their family, so she sought love online. She was raped by a 21 year old drug dealer. Curtis is a misogynist so his, “Why did you let that boy rape you?” is right on brand. He is like a Tyler Perry villain.

I could sense Adrienne had had enough a few times, but I was not expecting her to start shooting up the church behind Curtis. She committed suicide in front of God and everybody and ol’ Curty bastard, just shrugged it off as a sin. He’s the worstttt.

I might recommend this messy series to someone, but I’m going to have to pause at least until after Christmas. I hope in one of these books, God humbles Curtis with a woman just like him.

[Cheryl A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curtis Black is working on my nerves now. The amount of nerve he has is unending. I was liking it up until the last few chapters. It's like, when is this dude gonna get what he really deserves already? He's horrible! And to end it with Charlotte falling for the okey doke yet again. It's like girl, have you learned nothing from this latest episode in his life?? How is it you still want to be with this dude? How are you still believing anything he says? Are you kidding me? And after the way he treated his wife and daughter (ESPECIALLY his daughter and what she went through, omg!), the amount of compassion and care for him they show him after he gets shot is just...ugh. All the dirt he's done and he's still being handled like, poor Pastor Black. Yuck. I came real close to stopping after reaching 68% but I pushed on. I wanted to read this whole series but I don't know how much more of this character I can stand reading without him experiencing a solid comeuppance. Getting shot wasn't enough because his attitude is still basically the same.

[Jade Brionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¼ — A Wild Ride Through Curtis Black’s Chaos
Too Much of a Good Thing is a fast-paced, drama-filled continuation of Curtis Black’s saga, and wow—his life is a mess. An entertaining mess, but a mess, nonetheless. Kimberla Lawson Roby does a fantastic job of crafting characters that feel real and layered, even when they’re deeply flawed. I found myself invested in nearly every character… except Curtis. He’s a misogynist and a sociopath, and while that made him hard to root for, it also made the story compelling. You don’t read this book to admire Curtis—you read it to watch the train wreck unfold.
Roby’s writing is sharp and engaging, and she knows how to keep the tension high. The twists and turns kept me flipping pages late into the night. Despite my dislike for Curtis, I couldn’t look away. That’s a testament to Roby’s storytelling skill.
If you enjoy character-driven drama with a dose of scandal and emotional complexity, this book delivers. Just be prepared to yell at Curtis a few times along the way.

[His Wife7474 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rev. Curtis Black will never learn lol. He is an absolute mess. This is book #2 of the KLR's Rev. Curtis Black series and it does not disappoint. When last we left the despicable Rev. Black he'd lost his church, his wife, his desire to minister, and his reputation. Book 2 picks up a year or so later. Curtis is now director of a troubled youth facility but has been asked to return to the pulpit by several members from his former congregation. If he takes the job he is required to be re-married within 2 years. Of course, Curtis doesn't wait that long and he quickly marries Mariah, a soft-spoken, beautiful (yet vet insecure) Christian woman. It doesn't take long before Curtis falls back to his old tricks.

Too Much of a Good Thing is Casting the First Stone on crack. The chaos starts fast, and the momentum doesn't relent until readers reach the tragic end. This book is hard to put down. Enjoy!