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What's Done In the Dark
#1 national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley gets to the heart of loss, love, and betrayal in her latest novel that is sure to delight her legions of fans.
Felise is not the kind of woman to cheat on her husband—especially with her best friend’s man. But after one perfect storm of a night, it happened…and she can hardly believe it herself. To top it off, when she woke up in the morning, she found that the man to whom she guiltily made passionate love died of a heart attack overnight. Felise, who is a nurse and a good citizen at that, leaves the hotel room without reporting his death.
When her best friend, Paula, finds out about her husband’s sudden death a day later, Felise is overcome with guilt and grief. She must be there for her friend and her family, but when her husband repeatedly tries to apologize for his absentminded behavior and Paula starts investigating who Stephen was with the night he died, Felise finds it hard to hold herself together. Should she come clean and tell everyone what she did? Or should she just let it go and move past the mistake on her own?
Felise is not the kind of woman to cheat on her husband—especially with her best friend’s man. But after one perfect storm of a night, it happened…and she can hardly believe it herself. To top it off, when she woke up in the morning, she found that the man to whom she guiltily made passionate love died of a heart attack overnight. Felise, who is a nurse and a good citizen at that, leaves the hotel room without reporting his death.
When her best friend, Paula, finds out about her husband’s sudden death a day later, Felise is overcome with guilt and grief. She must be there for her friend and her family, but when her husband repeatedly tries to apologize for his absentminded behavior and Paula starts investigating who Stephen was with the night he died, Felise finds it hard to hold herself together. Should she come clean and tell everyone what she did? Or should she just let it go and move past the mistake on her own?
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
80 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
About the author
ReShonda Tate Billingsley
63 books1,481 followersReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
December 9, 2016
Wow....You never know what's going to happen when you do something that's wrong. Two people, Steven & Felise, married to other people, have one passionate night of lovemaking. The issue is one of them dies and the other is left holding the guilt for both of them. To make matters worse, it's Paula, Felise's best friends husband!
This book focuses on infidelity, trying to keep a secret, blackmailing, the people affected and the outcome. The story was told from two points of views with supporting characters to provide substance. My mother always stated, "What you do in the dark will always come to light." Marriage is a sacred bond between two people who love each other & when there are underlying issues, people seek refuge in the wrong place. Felise was trying to bring romance back into her marriage but her workaholic and OCD husband Greg, was neglecting his wife and the nucleus of this matter was him forgetting their anniversary. What woman wouldn't be fed up being overlooked?
The death leaves a hole too big to cover up and its affecting both families. Then a slime of a "friend" worms her way in to blackmail the surviving adulterer and the story starts to unfold.
This book was intoxicatingly believable. The storyline was put together to intrigue the reader and keep them wanting to read more.
This book focuses on infidelity, trying to keep a secret, blackmailing, the people affected and the outcome. The story was told from two points of views with supporting characters to provide substance. My mother always stated, "What you do in the dark will always come to light." Marriage is a sacred bond between two people who love each other & when there are underlying issues, people seek refuge in the wrong place. Felise was trying to bring romance back into her marriage but her workaholic and OCD husband Greg, was neglecting his wife and the nucleus of this matter was him forgetting their anniversary. What woman wouldn't be fed up being overlooked?
The death leaves a hole too big to cover up and its affecting both families. Then a slime of a "friend" worms her way in to blackmail the surviving adulterer and the story starts to unfold.
This book was intoxicatingly believable. The storyline was put together to intrigue the reader and keep them wanting to read more.
July 22, 2014
Received an ARC from Netgalley and Gallery Books.
ReShonda has outdone herself with this book! Felise is helping her friend Paula (and her family) during a difficult time. Paula's husband, Steven, died suddenly in a Houston hotel room. What Paula doesn't know that Felise is keeping a major secret: Felise was in the hotel room with Steven and slept with him right before his death! This book about secrets, friends and forgiveness was great! I couldn't put it down and the book kept my interested until the last word! I enjoyed it so much that I contacted ReShonda on Twitter to let her know how much l loved the book. In a year where I've read a few duds this year, it was great to read a book that I truly enjoyed! Bravo ReShonda!
ReShonda has outdone herself with this book! Felise is helping her friend Paula (and her family) during a difficult time. Paula's husband, Steven, died suddenly in a Houston hotel room. What Paula doesn't know that Felise is keeping a major secret: Felise was in the hotel room with Steven and slept with him right before his death! This book about secrets, friends and forgiveness was great! I couldn't put it down and the book kept my interested until the last word! I enjoyed it so much that I contacted ReShonda on Twitter to let her know how much l loved the book. In a year where I've read a few duds this year, it was great to read a book that I truly enjoyed! Bravo ReShonda!
May 13, 2017
My one complaint- Felise's last name is Mavins. Her sister's name is Mavis. That irked me the entire time reading this story. Out of the bazillions of first and last names to pick from, ones more than only 1 letter different couldn't be chosen?!
Otherwise, this is a book with a few unexpected twists.
Otherwise, this is a book with a few unexpected twists.
June 12, 2018
This was soooo good! I’m really upset that I hadn’t read it sooner. A complex story with many emotions. Complex because I’d normally feel absolute about the betrayal, but in this situation I have mixed emotions and that’s not like me. Paula and Greg knew in their gut about Steven and Felise. They both chose to ignore it. I think they’re all to blame.
December 1, 2014
Loved it! Don't want to give anything away but the story was heartfelt and kept me engaged. Such a sad and unfortunate situation.. That Sabrina and Greg..no words. Appropriate title, kept me thinking. I'll definitely recommend this book, great read.
November 22, 2014
Well this was a very good read. A subject that is still on my overcome list. It is well written and the story is an everyday possibility. it is a testament to being true to yourself and honesty. You will not be disappointed.
October 5, 2015
This was a good story line among best friends. But the story went on forever and ever. I felt like the author was dragging on just to complete the book. I look forward to reading other books from this author.
May 23, 2016
3.5 stars
I did enjoy this story overall. The writing was good and it was paced pretty well. My interest was definitely held throughout.
My issue with this book had more to do with a strong dislike of certain characters and some disagreement with the "moral" message that was pushed.
The story is centered around Felise and Paula who are supposed to be best friends. Felise is very close to Paula's husband, Steven. In fact they used to be in love with each other but foolishly decided that they would just remain friends.
Both Felise and Steven are dealing with problems in their own marriages and they find themselves in bed with each other expressing the love they both denied for a long time in hopes that it would fill the voids they were both experiencing.
Now adultery is wrong, no matter how you slice it. If one is unhappy in a relationship he or she should end it before stepping out on their partner. That being said people are people and we are all incredibly flawed. Not a single person will make it through life without making some major mistakes.
This leads me to one of my big issues. While what Felise did was wrong, the public shaming and humiliation was too much. Yes she made a mistake but it did not diminish her value as a person. The fact that Greg took things to the level he did and Felise still begged him to make the marriage work really bothered me. I wanted to reach out and tell her you don't deserve this, I don't care what you did.
And Paula-whining, spoiled brat Paula. She is one of the most self-centered characters I have ever encountered. I really hate that Felise added yet another reason to the long list of Paula's excuses to continue playing the victim. Now she is the woman whose best friend slept with her husband. How will she ever trust again?
Let's ignore the fact that Paula was flawed herself. She mistreated her husband, ignored her kids, and only thought about Felise when she wasn't around to hold her hand and stroke her emotions. Adultery is never ok but seeing the type of person she was made me feel so sorry for Steven and in the back of my mind a very tiny part of me was happy that he could spend his final hours with someone who made him feel like he mattered.
I hated that by the end the author had Felise groveling to everyone as if her worth was dependent on her ability to maintain perfection. Yes, what she did was wrong. Of course she should've known that some people would not want to move on as if nothing happened, and that is ok. But to belittle herself the way she did and for the author to make it seem like it was deserving because of the mistake she made really bothered me.
I did enjoy this story overall. The writing was good and it was paced pretty well. My interest was definitely held throughout.
My issue with this book had more to do with a strong dislike of certain characters and some disagreement with the "moral" message that was pushed.
The story is centered around Felise and Paula who are supposed to be best friends. Felise is very close to Paula's husband, Steven. In fact they used to be in love with each other but foolishly decided that they would just remain friends.
Both Felise and Steven are dealing with problems in their own marriages and they find themselves in bed with each other expressing the love they both denied for a long time in hopes that it would fill the voids they were both experiencing.
Now adultery is wrong, no matter how you slice it. If one is unhappy in a relationship he or she should end it before stepping out on their partner. That being said people are people and we are all incredibly flawed. Not a single person will make it through life without making some major mistakes.
This leads me to one of my big issues. While what Felise did was wrong, the public shaming and humiliation was too much. Yes she made a mistake but it did not diminish her value as a person. The fact that Greg took things to the level he did and Felise still begged him to make the marriage work really bothered me. I wanted to reach out and tell her you don't deserve this, I don't care what you did.
And Paula-whining, spoiled brat Paula. She is one of the most self-centered characters I have ever encountered. I really hate that Felise added yet another reason to the long list of Paula's excuses to continue playing the victim. Now she is the woman whose best friend slept with her husband. How will she ever trust again?
Let's ignore the fact that Paula was flawed herself. She mistreated her husband, ignored her kids, and only thought about Felise when she wasn't around to hold her hand and stroke her emotions. Adultery is never ok but seeing the type of person she was made me feel so sorry for Steven and in the back of my mind a very tiny part of me was happy that he could spend his final hours with someone who made him feel like he mattered.
I hated that by the end the author had Felise groveling to everyone as if her worth was dependent on her ability to maintain perfection. Yes, what she did was wrong. Of course she should've known that some people would not want to move on as if nothing happened, and that is ok. But to belittle herself the way she did and for the author to make it seem like it was deserving because of the mistake she made really bothered me.
December 16, 2014
What you do in the dark surely comes into the light in ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s new book, What’s Done in the Dark. Felise and her husband, Greg is supposed to be celebrating their anniversary but something goes wrong. The couple argues instead and Felise finds herself at a local hotel letting off steam. When you are angry you tend to do stupid things and Felise finds out first hand just what that means.
Stephen is trying his best to make his marriage work but can’t seem to calm down or please his wife, Paula. Stephen finally has it when in the middle of an argument his wife threatens to divorce him. Paula doesn’t care that he hangs up until Stephen doesn’t come home. Paula soon regrets her words realizing she can’t take them back. Paula’s guilt turns into worry until she is told exactly where Stephen has been.
What’s Done in the Dark was an entertaining book with suspense, drama and a little humor. The characters were well-developed and kept me anticipating their next moves. The twists and turns in this book will have readers rushing to turn the pages. After reading this book readers will realize that you don’t put yourself in situations that will only cause trouble. I recommend What’s Done in the Dark to others.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
5 Stars=Non-Stop Page Turner
Stephen is trying his best to make his marriage work but can’t seem to calm down or please his wife, Paula. Stephen finally has it when in the middle of an argument his wife threatens to divorce him. Paula doesn’t care that he hangs up until Stephen doesn’t come home. Paula soon regrets her words realizing she can’t take them back. Paula’s guilt turns into worry until she is told exactly where Stephen has been.
What’s Done in the Dark was an entertaining book with suspense, drama and a little humor. The characters were well-developed and kept me anticipating their next moves. The twists and turns in this book will have readers rushing to turn the pages. After reading this book readers will realize that you don’t put yourself in situations that will only cause trouble. I recommend What’s Done in the Dark to others.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
5 Stars=Non-Stop Page Turner
July 24, 2014
At the end of year I pick two of the best books I read that year, usually one written by a male and one from a female. What gives a book an opportunity to land on that short list other than it's well written? For me it is as follows (but not limited to): 1. The book must be able to stand alone, (no prequel or sequel). The author ties up all appropriate loose ends with originality. (Except the reader's imagination) 2. Drama aside it keeps me writing down all lessons learned and asking strangers what would they do. 3. I want every BookClub to read and discuss it. 4. I want to jump in the book, shake and smack some people while I'm yelling out advice they can't hear.......
The front runner in 2014 is "What's Done In the Dark" by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Authors you got some tough sequin stilettos to walk in to surpass this book here. Readers GET IT, call out sick from work and read it straight through.
The front runner in 2014 is "What's Done In the Dark" by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Authors you got some tough sequin stilettos to walk in to surpass this book here. Readers GET IT, call out sick from work and read it straight through.
July 23, 2014
Reshonda has done it again with another great page turner. This book will have you experiencing so many emotions. This book is about happiness, sadness, friendship, betrayal and forgiveness. What happens when your best friend sleep with your husband? Should you hook your best friend up with your ex? These are answers you will find out when you read this book.
October 21, 2014
ReShonda has done it again! Another read that was full of drama. This book makes you look at the friendships you have as well as the relationship you have with your mate. I do wish the author would've given a little more closure to Sabrina, as it seems like she vanished in thin air.
4.5/5
4.5/5
July 27, 2014
It's another winner for RTB...Full review to be posted later!!!
August 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
February 4, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ 🎧 This was a really good listen on audio book. I really think that Greg had some nerve on is response to hearing about the betrayal. The audacity!
July 28, 2017
A good read. The characters were very real. Loveable, likeable or detestable as required with the exception of Felise. who should have been detestable for what she did but whom I felt really sorry for. She won me over and I was routing for her all the way. I liked the ending and the lovely twist was a pleasant surprise.
September 11, 2014
*Contains Spoiler*
Maybe I didn't take away what I was meant to take away from this book, or maybe I did. I felt more for Felise than I did Paula. So many times while reading this book I just wanted to slap Paula and tell her to wake up. Early on it showed how miserable she was and that she took it out on both her and her children. Then her husband dies and she gets even more self absorbed. She forgets all about her children and anyone else, and only thinks of herself. How could she possibly be so surprised to find out that her husband took solace in someone else's arms? The lesson definitely is to open your eyes and learn to appreciate what you have, when you have it.
As for Greg. Ugh, don't get me started on that one. It really pissed me off that a strong woman like Felise actually let him treat her the way he did and make her fill like what she did was the worst betrayal ever. She put up with being neglected by him for fifteen years, and he cheated on her. How did he ever feel he was the better person?
As for the book and writing, overall well done. I really loved the cover as well. Would I recommend it to others? Yes.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Maybe I didn't take away what I was meant to take away from this book, or maybe I did. I felt more for Felise than I did Paula. So many times while reading this book I just wanted to slap Paula and tell her to wake up. Early on it showed how miserable she was and that she took it out on both her and her children. Then her husband dies and she gets even more self absorbed. She forgets all about her children and anyone else, and only thinks of herself. How could she possibly be so surprised to find out that her husband took solace in someone else's arms? The lesson definitely is to open your eyes and learn to appreciate what you have, when you have it.
As for Greg. Ugh, don't get me started on that one. It really pissed me off that a strong woman like Felise actually let him treat her the way he did and make her fill like what she did was the worst betrayal ever. She put up with being neglected by him for fifteen years, and he cheated on her. How did he ever feel he was the better person?
As for the book and writing, overall well done. I really loved the cover as well. Would I recommend it to others? Yes.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
February 24, 2015
I found a book that is well written, but with some "moral lessons" that I don't agree with. It's about a two best friends, Felise, married for 15 years to obsessive workaholic Greg, and Paula, who dropped out of college and an acting career to marry Steven because of an unplanned pregnancy. She’s a stay-at-home mom of four who desperately misses her passion, the theater. Felise, who used to date Steven and introduced him to Paula, ends up nursing her despair over her rigid marriage at a bar where Steven is trying to relax after work and arguments with Paula; a one-night stand ensues. I have no problem believing that things can happen between otherwise thoughtful and "moral" human beings that are unexpected and unplanned. The problem I have is putting the BLAME on the woman. Sheesh, what an old trope! The two husbands in the story aren't my kind of guys, and not the kind I hope any female I love would end up with: judgmental, holier than thou." Dangerous, too, because Greg shames Felise in public, and Ms. Tate Billingsley has the rest of her characters join in to shame Felise. That’s not the kind of model I’d want my daughter, or any woman, to see. Sorry, this book isn’t one I could ever recommend.
August 3, 2014
This is my first time reading a book by ReShonda Tate Billingsley and I am very impressed . When I started reading this book I was rolling my eyes at that characters wondering how can I root for characters that I don't like. They are flawed real people ,not perfect people we often read about in romance novels, the lesson I learned , is don't judge a book by genre . I assumed that because this book is Christian fiction I would be bored, that the story would be preachy stocked full of bible versus , boy was I wrong. The author was clever she was steering you in one direction and you thought you knew what would happen next " Wrong!" We all want to appear perfect in to our neighbors and friends but this books shows that if you are not you can be forgiven and God will give you the strength to move on even when you feel you can't. This book is about friendship and forgiveness, its full of drama so get ready Felise and Paula have a story to tell.
November 23, 2014
This book had me really feeling some type of way! I believe God always put our soul mate in our face, however it's our choice if we follow God's plan or make our own plans. Majority of the time we let our flesh decide and then look back with all kinds of What IF's. Friendship, Love, Deceit & Forgiveness were the topics of What's Done In the Dark!
I can't really write the review I want to write without giving spoilers!
I will say, I was so torn between the friends however I swayed more into Felise corner, she was a women unhappy with her current situation and was striving to make it better; however she couldn't do it all alone and so all the what if's had her wanting what she had let go of years ago.
I can't really write the review I want to write without giving spoilers!
I will say, I was so torn between the friends however I swayed more into Felise corner, she was a women unhappy with her current situation and was striving to make it better; however she couldn't do it all alone and so all the what if's had her wanting what she had let go of years ago.
May 11, 2015
3.5.
This was a great storyline. I always enjoy RTB. This was not her best. It seemed a bit rushed. But with that being said she did a pretty good job. I think the ending was what shot up the rating for me. It was a bit unexpected and it gave food for thought. This book demonstrates that not all stories have a fairy tale ending and sometimes you have to play the cards you are dealt. It disrupts our endeavor to just make certain situations right and it leans to the perspective of the unfavorable lead character. Sometimes we wonder "wow that was messy how could something like that happen?" Or, "how can so in so live with themselves after..."
Good stuff just a little short of the depth it needed to kick it over the top.
This was a great storyline. I always enjoy RTB. This was not her best. It seemed a bit rushed. But with that being said she did a pretty good job. I think the ending was what shot up the rating for me. It was a bit unexpected and it gave food for thought. This book demonstrates that not all stories have a fairy tale ending and sometimes you have to play the cards you are dealt. It disrupts our endeavor to just make certain situations right and it leans to the perspective of the unfavorable lead character. Sometimes we wonder "wow that was messy how could something like that happen?" Or, "how can so in so live with themselves after..."
Good stuff just a little short of the depth it needed to kick it over the top.
August 4, 2014
I read this as an ARC from netgalley.com. My very honest opinion is that I must not be the target audience, although I am female, married, Christian, and totally get that long term relationships aren't always what you anticipate they will be, and that they are simply damn hard work. I found the character development to be thin and at certain times in the story I wanted to scream at every single one. Except perhaps the two 14 year old daughters of Felise and Paula. Three quarters of the way through the book I seriously contemplated giving up. I finished, but it was a chore.
August 29, 2014
What's done in the dark will most definitely come to the light
Emotions are very powerful and the heart is desperately wicked, that is why it's very important to be in control of and not be led by emotions or it will get you in a world of trouble. it's also important not to get into a relationship with someone your close friend has already been with I don't care how long it has been, or how insignificant they try to pretend it wasn't, when intimacy has taken place there are always forever soul ties.
#keepyourmanandgirlfriendsrelationshiptoahiandbye ijs
Good read
Emotions are very powerful and the heart is desperately wicked, that is why it's very important to be in control of and not be led by emotions or it will get you in a world of trouble. it's also important not to get into a relationship with someone your close friend has already been with I don't care how long it has been, or how insignificant they try to pretend it wasn't, when intimacy has taken place there are always forever soul ties.
#keepyourmanandgirlfriendsrelationshiptoahiandbye ijs
Good read
April 25, 2015
Omg!!!!! We are all faced with temptation and chances that seem so right but we know they are dead wrong! To act on it or not to act is definitely question number one. Question number two is-- do I own it or try to hide it? Hmmm. ReShonda Tate Billingsley introduces us to Felise and Greg, Paula and Steven. We take a look into there lives as each couples experiences turmoil that they were not prepared to face. This book was great! As I continued to read, I was intrigued and by the time I finished I was like NOW WHAT NOW?!?! Great job!
February 23, 2023
Good and typical/consistent story from the author I like the writing style so I’m partial but it’s always some juicy mess going on in these books with a little bit of Jesus and a righteous ending. Good to read after reading heavier content when you need your mind to take a bit of a break
May 1, 2015
Good fast-paced read.
August 28, 2014
Great storyline, whats done in the dark will eventually come to the light!!!!
September 3, 2014
Great Great Great, this read is great. It has several twist that make your mind wonder...just what if..I was in this situation..It seems so real.. ! You will not be sorry for picking this book up!
November 25, 2014
Great read! The story was very well written and it keep you on your toes!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews