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Love, Lies & Lust #1

What My Sister Didn't Know

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Saphire married Clay Matthews, a handsome, down to earth and loyal man who worships the ground her designer shoes walk on. But no matter how hard she tries to love him, her heart yearns for another. Gade, Saphire's younger sister, married the man of her dreams. Lamonte Singletary is everything a red-blooded woman could ever want in a man. After the birth of their son, life has been picture perfect. That is, until Joe Burrels, a bittersweet memory from the past, returns with a haunting secret he is determined to reveal.

Now the bond of sisterhood could be destroyed forever.

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

88 people are currently reading
937 people want to read

About the author

Janie De Coster

16 books73 followers

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5 stars
441 (59%)
4 stars
198 (26%)
3 stars
66 (8%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
1 star
21 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Kim.
740 reviews80 followers
December 30, 2011
Mz. Robinson has a new fan in me. I could not put this book down from the very first page. Octavia was some piece of work, I couldn't decide if I loved her or hated her. Damon seemed like every womans dream, and these two were so hot together. Beau, all I have to say is whoa....didn't see that coming at all. This book had it all, love, sex, and definitely lies, so it truly lives up to its title and wow what a shocking ending. This is a must read.
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,504 followers
December 15, 2011
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers.

BRIEF SUMMARY
Octavia is successful, single, and only wants sexual relationships, not emotional, with the men she’s come across. She meets Damon, who makes her rethink her rules and relationship. Octavia soon meets Beau, thus starting a downward spiral of a love triangle.

THOUGHTS
This was a very… interesting read. The series is called ‘Love, Lies & Lust’, and I think the author lived up to the title of the series. There were so many lies, I could hardly keep up. However, with saying that, it is a good thing, because it kept my interest with the different story lines the author presented to the reader.

Damon and Octavia’s relationship was good. From the moment they met, you wanted to cheer for Damon. The things he did for her was sweet and I liked it. Beau was Mr. Bad boy; he was crazy, a bit sexy, and really crazy. All the twist and turns the author created with each character was good to read and it kept my interest. When I reached the epilogue, I could not believe the ending. The ending was a complete 360 degrees to see who was behind everything.

The other characters were an added bonus. Octavia’s mother, father, and stepfather, was a soap opera drama within this book. Shontay, Octavia’s best friend and her husband, Kenny, definitely brought their own drama to the book. Now, as much as I loved this book, I couldn’t wait to finish it so I could get to Shontay and Kenny’s story. Their story looks juicy and crazy and will be starting it as soon as this posting goes up.

Storyline: GOOD
Intimacy: SPICY GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Kindle length: 8520 book stops 6972

www.facebook.com/romance.novel.junkies
Website: http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com
Profile Image for Ty.
556 reviews117 followers
August 27, 2018
This was a quick reread and I thoroughly enjoyed it again the second time around. I enjoyed ALL the drama and how fast paced the story was. I would have given this a higher star rating but there were just way a lot of grammatical errors throughout the story to the point I would be thrown out of the story and wonder if anyone actually edited the story. The transition between chapters were a little off as well. At times it felt like the scenes would change right in the middle of the previous one. Besides that this was a very entertaining read.
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,504 followers
December 15, 2011
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers.

BRIEF SUMMARY
Octavia is successful, single, and only wants sexual relationships, not emotional, with the men she’s come across. She meets Damon, who makes her rethink her rules and relationship. Octavia soon meets Beau, thus starting a downward spiral of a love triangle.

THOUGHTS
This was a very… interesting read. The series is called ‘Love, Lies & Lust’, and I think the author lived up to the title of the series. There were so many lies, I could hardly keep up. However, with saying that, it is a good thing, because it kept my interest with the different story lines the author presented to the reader.

Damon and Octavia’s relationship was good. From the moment they met, you wanted to cheer for Damon. The things he did for her was sweet and I liked it. Beau was Mr. Bad boy; he was crazy, a bit sexy, and really crazy. All the twist and turns the author created with each character was good to read and it kept my interest. When I reached the epilogue, I could not believe the ending. The ending was a complete 360 degrees to see who was behind everything.

The other characters were an added bonus. Octavia’s mother, father, and stepfather, was a soap opera drama within this book. Shontay, Octavia’s best friend and her husband, Kenny, definitely brought their own drama to the book. Now, as much as I loved this book, I couldn’t wait to finish it so I could get to Shontay and Kenny’s story. Their story looks juicy and crazy and will be starting it as soon as this posting goes up.

Storyline: GOOD
Intimacy: SPICY GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Kindle length: 8520 book stops 6972

www.facebook.com/romance.novel.junkies
Website: http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com
Profile Image for Alexis *Reality Bites*.
757 reviews3,658 followers
April 18, 2012
Spoiler free Review
5 STARS
Genre: African American Romance with Suspense
Setting: Atlanta,Ga


What We Won't Do For Love had me goin crazy i think Mz.Robinson did an excellent job with the storylines and the plot. The lust was on point, the sex was on point and the twist and turns left me doin double takes. I think i said the phrase OH HELL NO atleast 9 or 10 times. And the ending was a SHOCKER causing me to back track right after i get my HEA ending. WTF. I'm talkin HUGE SHOCKER that i never saw comin. The undercurrent plot in this book is MOTIVES which could have also been in the title cause this book was full of them. SMDH...

Octavia Ellis is young black successful and lives life by her own rules. Octavia believes she only needs a man for one thing and when she wants it, it must be with no strings attached. Enter Damon Whitmore a successful hot as all hell mega rich black man. Damon pulls over to ask for directions and falls for Ms. Octavia but Damon wants more than sex he wants love,marriage and a baby carriage. While Octavia slowly starts to fall for Damon she meets someone else named Beau. Beau earns his success the illeagal way with a facade of authentic business in the form of a night club and a strip club. But Beau is dangerous and Octavia realizes this a little to late...

My Ratings
Characters- Good
Writing Style- Cunning and Masterful
Plot/Storyline- Crafty and Tactical
Overall- Loved it- A Must Read for Urban Romance Lovers
Profile Image for Kiesha.
36 reviews
December 20, 2011
This emotional tale is about the Michaels’ sisters, who share more than blood. Life was great for the sisters until Joe Burrels enters their lives, and rocks their world with his charm. Little did they know that Mr. Burrels had secrets that could ruin the sisters lives. Meet Saphire Michaels, the eldest sister. She has the perfect husband. Although, Saphire is married she lives a loose lifestyle. She has a problem with being faithful. Her heart and body yearns for anybody besides her husband. Meet Gade the youngest sister, who is conservative, and faithful. She has the perfect relationship and family with her husband. Until Joe Burrels enters the scene. Mr. Burrels is connected to all parties involved, and ruins both the Michaels sisters’ lives, including his own brother’s life.

One, strength of the book is that it is written with such passion. I like the way the author took her time to reveal all the secrets in the story. She didn’t let it all out at once. Another strength is that it was an easy read. It also held my attention. If you’re looking for a book that’s a page turner, full of drama, betrayal, and secrets. I suggest you read ‘What My Sister Don’t Know’. I am hoping that there is a sequel to this book.

Profile Image for African Americans on the Move Book Club.
726 reviews210 followers
June 3, 2012
This novel, by De Coster starts slowly, but hang on for the ride! Gade and Saphire Michaels are sisters from two different sides of the spectrum. Saphire is the older, sexier, curvy sister. She has a great, but naïve boyfriend, Clay. Unbeknownst to Clay, Saphire is jumping from one bed to another with men every chance she gets! Gade is the baby girl of Josey and Russell. Gade is beautiful in her own, more subtle way, she is a college student, and is faithful to her boyfriend Lamonte – that is until Joe Burrels comes on the scene.

Joe Burrels is the one thing Gade and Saphire have in common. The man is gorgeous and suave. At first, the Michaels sisters are simply one of Joe’s many flings. But when he secretly he falls in love with both Gade and Saphire, the plot thickens. Joe becomes Gade’s boyfriend, while Saphire creeps and sleeps with him. When Joe seeks professional help and comes clean about his lifestyle, what was done in the dark comes to light!

Chock full of infidelity, deceit, paternity issues, past hurts, and regrets, Janie De Coster’s What My Sister Don’t Know is an enjoyable urban novel.

Natasha Hines
AAMBC Reviewer
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔.
2,885 reviews433 followers
September 12, 2014
I love the cover of this book, it attracted me to it by the eye first and then the blurb.
The author gifted me this book for an honest review without any undue pressure of me reading it and giving my humble opinion.

I find this author very good with the written word, she tells a story very well all except for a couple of things.

1. I felt there was just too much detail at times in the narration. Needless things being narrated. I think most readers don't need to have everything clarified right down to the minute detail, it grated on me as soon as I picked up on it which meant I had to struggle to keep to the point of the story.

2. It was a bit slow in places.

On the whole I think this story with a few changed would and could be a good one. I am just a humble reader and reviewer and those are my thoughts on the book.

Thank you Janie DeCoster for allowing me to read it. :)
Profile Image for Yvette.
176 reviews
May 5, 2012
All Octavia want from a man is sex. She live by the rule of keeping it srictly sexual, that is until she meets Damon Whitmore! Damon is fine as ever, smooth as silk, and wealthy! Its not long before Mr. Whitmore has Ms. Octavia coming back for more than just the bomb love making he puts down! When Octavia is ready to give in to Damon Whitmore she has a wee bitty problem getting rid of a sexy hustler that she's slept with. He wants her to himself and so does Damon. Damon is a business man who can get gangsta with the best of them and when he sees something he wants, nothing will stand in his way!

I loved this book, its the first in a three book series! As I finished this one I was running to book two and then to book three! Grea work Mz. Robinson!
Profile Image for Taylor .
243 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2014
Sisters Gade and Saphire are not the ordinary lovey dovey sisters. Saphire, the voluptuous out-going sister thinks every man wants her. Gade, is the skinny more homely one. Although, the sister have had small arguments the situation changes when Joe Burrells comes ieto the mix. Joe, is a man that gets paround. He has claimed that he is not the type of man that puts down roots. Joe, only cares about himself and dealing with the sisters is no different.

Overall, I would give the book 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Bennita.
1,040 reviews31 followers
August 19, 2012
Octavia is off the chain. I don't know many women that can just have sex with whoever-whenever without emotions attached, but she pulls it off. At times I wondered how this professional woman would even associate with thugs but I guess that's the excitement of the situation. It was nice to see how Octavia slowly falls in love but you also see her struggle to give up that control and let someone in. Great read. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Ms.Toni.
173 reviews22 followers
January 23, 2014
Decent story. Kept my attention making for an easy read. Full of drama AND errors. *looking at all the 5-star reviews/ratings and wondering if people have ever read a properly edited book* 3.75
Profile Image for Kristal Taylor.
377 reviews11 followers
November 11, 2014
Oh my gosh the Epilogue now I didn't see that coming. Damon set this all up to get
Octavia. I'm really outdone. They met and got married in this book.
Profile Image for Monique.
369 reviews22 followers
Read
December 3, 2024
Some families have secrets and some families have scandalas. Well Saphire... we'll just say not all diamonds sparkle. Check out the relationship between Gade and Saphire. Find out if they can forgive each other . Great read. I listened on Audible. If you're looking for an African American book Club check out The Shades of Pink book Club on FB. Oh yeah, Nek Mills has gained a new follower.
Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews237 followers
July 18, 2010
What We Won't Do For Love

Octavia Ellis is a smart, attractive, and independent woman who only needs a man for one thing and that is sex. Well, that is until she meets Damon Whitmore. He changes her world by giving her more than just that. He gives her what every female wants in life - true love. He has fallen in love with her before she realizes what he truly means to her, but she has not stopped getting hers on the side. This is where Beau comes in the picture. Beau is a hardcore gangster that sees what he wants. And when he gets a little taste of Octavia, he wants all of her. But she wants nothing but sex. Octavia sees that she is in love with Damon and that he will do anything for her. So the player in her is laid to rest…but will Beau understand no means no? Will she let the demons of the past and the failing relationship of her friend, Shontay, steer her away from the love that is in front of her face? Take a ride with Damon and Octavia through the ups and downs of love.

This book was a page turner from page one. It was easy to relate to Octavia. She has the mindset of many females of this day and age. Damion, unfortunately, is like some guys that have to deal with the hurt and pain that is left by the Beaus’ of this world. This book gives females a chance to see that there are still good men out there, but we have to stop standing behind the walls of other’s hurt and pain. I feel that the author captured the true thoughts of both Octavia and Damion without prolonging issues. In other words, very short and to the point, making sure to dot all the “I”s and crossing all the “T”s.

Reviewed by: Patrice
Profile Image for Tamela.
Author 1 book9 followers
January 7, 2012
‘It’s a family affair…’

Gade and Saphire Michaels are sisters that have always had some sort of competition in their lives. Gade has constantly found herself in Saphire’s shade because of her overt sexuality and bold personality. But for some strange reason Saphire has always wanted whatever Gade had, boyfriends included. Gade’s fiancé, Lamonte is in the military and is away which leaves Gade with too much idle time. Saphire has Clay’s heart, soul, and mind but she still hungers for the excitement and the thrill of other men. Joe Burells meets the two sisters at the same time and begins to woo both without remorse.

What My Sister Don’t Know is a tale of jealousy, spite, selfishness, deception, secrets and sexuality. Being the good girl isn’t always what it’s made out to be…will Gade stay in her lane or will she traipse to a side that could destroy many people? Saphire has always dared to be dangerous…but will she continue to indulge in forbidden fruit when she has the ultimate treatment at home? Sisters should be friends, blood is thicker than waters…will the Michaels sisters defy these sayings for their own wants and needs? What My Sister Don’t Know was just a mediocre read for me. The characters lacked any excitable appeal, and the storyline had a lackluster flow. I struggled with this read from beginning to the end. I couldn’t find any spellbinding scenes, dialogue or interaction. 2.78
Profile Image for Rise.
1,492 reviews
February 16, 2019
This book was about two sisters having feelings for the same man, however one sister always thought she was better with men than the other sister. Saphire and Gade were both in love with Joe, but he was playing with each sister's hearts because of his past hurt. I really didn't have favorite part in this story because both sisters were both wrong, but saphire was more devious and evil towards Gade. Saphire thought she was God's gift to men and they always saw her and tried to outshine her sister when it came to men. Toward the end I thought it was right that Joe got the therapy he needed to see his faults as to what he did to everyone and thought that it was right that he make amends and apologize to everyone for what he did to them. Although the loving marriages that both sisters were in was coming to an end Saphire realized that everything she thought she had come crashing down. Gade finally came clean clean with her conscious and told her husband the truth, but she too lost it all. I would recommend people to read this book so that they could understand how what they are doing to others can hurt not only themselves in the long run, but others as well which leaves people with trust issues in relationships.
Profile Image for Me'Tova Hollingsworth - Bethley.
413 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2012
Wow! What a surprise ending! This was the first book I read by Mz. Robinson and I was not disappointed. She kept my attention the whole time with breathtaking events that left me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. Octavia was a beautiful, educated, independent, successful woman with trust issue who knew what she wanted from men, or so she thought. She some how managed to get involved with Beau, a murdering, drug dealing, thug that looked good on the outside, but ended up taking her through some wild life changing events. Octavia thought that all she needed from a man was sex and no commitment. She sticks faithfully to her "no-strings policy", until she meets the handsome, educated, successful, business man, Damon Whitmore. Damon also knows exactly what he is looking for in a woman, and will do anything to get the woman he desires. Once he woos Octavia in with his charm and of course he love making, Octavia just can't get enough. In the end Damon, has a few tricks up his sleeve that will put Mr. Beau down for good and shock the readers ends in the end! I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Kudos to Mz. Robinson for her awesome penmenship!!
Profile Image for Shawnda Hamilton.
5 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2013
OMG!!!!! What can i say this book was great from page one to the very last page... This book shows the measure a person will go for Love and the things that they are willing to do to keep secrets hidden. The roller Coaster Ride that Beau, Damon Whitmore, and Octavia Ellis tooK me on was amazing .. I cannot not believe how deadly lie, secrets and deceit could be but believe me once i finished this book I understood from the bottom of my heart.. This emotional tales has so many twist and turn that when it is over you will be left with you mouth hanging open, and saying OMG i did not see that twist coming, and where is part two i have to keep this ride going to the bitter end I must know where the ride is going to lead Octavia, Damon and all the characters that are in this story.. This was a well developed story and it was just overall phenomenal...

I give this book 10 star and it is definitely must read!!! This author has won me over and I am a fan for life now!!! On to Part two Married to his lies...

Mz.Robinson keep giving us these awesome reads and I will keep supporting and reading them... :) :) :)
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,949 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2014
Sisterly Rivalry at its worst! This story of Gade and Saphire really made me want to choke both of them! Saphire had a man who adored her and would give her the world, Gade always felt like she lived in Saphire's shadow so when Joe Burrells comes along and pays her a little bit of attention, she suddenly forgets she has a boyfriend in the military who she's supposed to be head over heels in love with. Talk about taking sibling rivalry too far, they sure did! Some parts of the story I just wanted to scream, the ladies were being so naive and when all was said and done neither got their happily ever because as their mom told them "What's done in the dark will surely come to the light"! I thought this was a very god novel!
Profile Image for Erica.
78 reviews
January 5, 2014
I enjoyed this book by Mz. Robinson. I will say, it did start off a little slow but the more I read, things started speed up quickly. I really like the main character in the book, Octavia. She was smart, very independent and classy. She was so use dealing with men on her own terms with no strings attached. I also thought she was afraid to date or get to series with someone until she meet Damon. Damon was the opposite of what she had dealt with in the past and showed her love much love. Unfortunately her past came back to haunt her and almost destroyed everything that she loved. What We Won't Do For Love was full of deceit, love, betrayal and a great twist at the end!!
Profile Image for Aleta Williams.
Author 24 books127 followers
July 4, 2011
What we won't do for love is an awesome read. A true Virgo Octavia is? She's classy, sexy, a go getter and a no nonsense type of diva. I loved how the author told the story; I felt as if she was talking to me directly She know what she wants and that was to stay single. That's was until she met Daemon,, but the lust she had for Beau got her caught up. They both were crazy, but I was feeling both of them with their fine self... The title matches the story, boy what people want do for love.... A must read!
Profile Image for Valerie.
403 reviews83 followers
July 31, 2014
This is my first book by Mz Robinson, and I am impressed. Glad that I have the series to read back to back because it's one that, I do want to read back to back.

This book is about the relationships ups and downs between several couples....

Some of the characters want to love, some of them are afraid to love and some of them need to find love within, before looking for love from someone else.

I Loved Octavia and Damon... But that ending got me...

Can't wait to read about Kenny and Shontay in the next installment "Married to His Lies"
Profile Image for Natasha.
468 reviews
March 3, 2013
Loved Octavia! Even though I wanted to slap some sense into her about messing with Beau. From the start I just couldn't see why she even dealt with him, just wasn't worth it. Damon seemed like a great catch, who wouldn't fall for him, right? The epilogue was a jaw dropper though. I must see what happens after the wedding. Also hope to hear a little more on Shontay and Kenny in the next book since their marriage had its share of issues. If you like drama with some romance and a little suspense tossed in then I recommend this book to you!
Profile Image for Angelia.
489 reviews64 followers
January 23, 2014
LOVE, SEX and LIES what more can you ask for.....Octavia insist on NOT having a relationship pass "friends with benfits" status.....Then in walks Damon Whitmore.....Damon is every woman's fantasy and then some......then here comes Beau thus the story unfolds.... I bought this book because I saw that the author was from Alabama and so am I needless to say Mz. Robinson has a new fan....Keep up the GREAT work looking forward to reading more from you......
Profile Image for Barbara.
799 reviews132 followers
July 28, 2012





What We Won't do For Love by Author MZ Robinson is an excellent book. The Characters Octavia and Damon will take you thru lots of drama. Octavia falls for Damon but also finds herself mixed up with a bad boy named Beau, but is Damon really who she thinks he is? The story line is great. The characters are very well developed. This story will have you turning the pages to find out what will happen next.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a great story line
Profile Image for Karma Jones.
45 reviews17 followers
August 27, 2012
Just the right combination of a love story/triangle, thriller, humor and romance! I always love if the ending of a book makes me question everything I just read and wonder "did I miss something" ? Fantastic storyline .. looking forward to rest of the series.

Thanks again to Barbara Morgan for the recommendation..if your not friends with her add her to your list. Her reviews are dead on.

Now.. on to Part 2
Profile Image for Athena.
126 reviews43 followers
February 27, 2013
Mz Robinson is quickly becoming becoming one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed every book that I have read by her and "What We Wont Do for Love" did not disappoint. I fell in love with every aspect of Octavia and Ellis's relationship. Mz Robinson has a way of writing that engages the reader and keeps them wanting more. After reading this book, I cant believe that I've waited so long to start this series and I look forward to reading book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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