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Intimate Betrayal
Fifteen years after surviving the tragic accident that had destroyed her family and parts of her memory, investigative reporter Reese Delaware is hired to profile Maxwell Knight, a millionaire computer wizard whose own shadowy past is inextricably linked with her own. Original.
377 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 1, 2020
This book has little to much going on and was a bit too melodramatic for my tastes. The shifts in narration and the way the characters were interconnected made it a little difficult to follow at times (though, in respect to the former, that might have been the fault of my e-reader's formatting. It's possible the narration shifts are more clearly indicated in the print version.) There were also some purely factual issues with certain plot points--particularly those relating to the stock market and to computers--that left me scratching my head. (I mean, I'm far from being an expert on either topic, but there were still parts that just left me like, ... Huh?!?! That's not how any of that works!) Finally--and this is likely just due to the fact that this book was written in the 90s--there were definitely some pretty yikes cultural sensitivity issues that popped out. (Some of the descriptions of Japanese culture, for one thing. Also, the hero is described as "The first black to [achieve what he had in his industry]", which was pretty jarring phrasing to read in 2020.)
That said, I really did like how the author gave depth and motivation to her characters. I confess, I worried we were heading into sexist, "psycho ex girlfriend" territory at one point, but I was proved wrong; the characters were all too nuanced for that. Even when I didn't agree with the actions a character took, or the conclusions he/she had drawn, I appreciated that they never came off as stock characters, or two-dimensional. I also really liked that this book was rich with moments of women supporting women. In many novels (not just romance!) it's far too common that a female character will view all other women as a threat. Donna Hill proved she is far too smart for that - her female characters are often a source of strength and sanity to one another, which was realistic and refreshing!
Overall, this book was maybe a bit soapy for my tastes, but I do think this author is talented.
That said, I really did like how the author gave depth and motivation to her characters. I confess, I worried we were heading into sexist, "psycho ex girlfriend" territory at one point, but I was proved wrong; the characters were all too nuanced for that. Even when I didn't agree with the actions a character took, or the conclusions he/she had drawn, I appreciated that they never came off as stock characters, or two-dimensional. I also really liked that this book was rich with moments of women supporting women. In many novels (not just romance!) it's far too common that a female character will view all other women as a threat. Donna Hill proved she is far too smart for that - her female characters are often a source of strength and sanity to one another, which was realistic and refreshing!
Overall, this book was maybe a bit soapy for my tastes, but I do think this author is talented.
July 19, 2025
I read a review that stated there was a lot going on and yes there's lot of moving parts and lots of characters but at the center is Maxwell and Reese.
Talk about fireworks and crazy energy from the start. Reese is a chocolate Venus, Chris' description and Maxwell is handsome as sin. These two characters are looking to bring some light to the darkness from their pasts. Whoever thought they would share such a complicated and intertwining history unbeknownst to them. Once the story starts, it really picks up. I appreciate the paragraph breaks that transitions to another character because there are so many.
Characters connected to Reese-Parents (Hamilton and Sharlene); Lynn, and Philip Hart
Characters connected to Maxwell -Parents (Claudia and James); Biological Mom Suki and Uncle Mioshi, Carmen, Chris, RJ
Characters connected to both-Larry, Aunt Celeste, Victoria, Frank Murphy
Hatred, bitter, and lies are powerful enough emotions to deteriorate a person's body. Celeste was a prime example of punishment for bad deeds. Who tries to kill their sister and niece so you can have their husband. Also this story highlights intelligent men ruled by their 3rd leg. Both Reese and Maxwell fathers have affairs that devastate their families and marriages. This story also addresses being of mixed race and not knowing where you fit and also being able to "pass". Victoria was so proud of being able to float into both the white and black world because of her complexion being closer to whiteness. She was able to redeem herself because even though she was intelligent, she definitely traded on her body and looks. Some of these characters are awful (Celeste, Frank, RJ) and some you don't know if you like them due to their choices (James, Suki, and Larry).
I really enjoyed the way this story unfolded and in the end Reese and Maxwell finds there way back to each other. I plan to buy the eBook to read again.
Talk about fireworks and crazy energy from the start. Reese is a chocolate Venus, Chris' description and Maxwell is handsome as sin. These two characters are looking to bring some light to the darkness from their pasts. Whoever thought they would share such a complicated and intertwining history unbeknownst to them. Once the story starts, it really picks up. I appreciate the paragraph breaks that transitions to another character because there are so many.
Characters connected to Reese-Parents (Hamilton and Sharlene); Lynn, and Philip Hart
Characters connected to Maxwell -Parents (Claudia and James); Biological Mom Suki and Uncle Mioshi, Carmen, Chris, RJ
Characters connected to both-Larry, Aunt Celeste, Victoria, Frank Murphy
Hatred, bitter, and lies are powerful enough emotions to deteriorate a person's body. Celeste was a prime example of punishment for bad deeds. Who tries to kill their sister and niece so you can have their husband. Also this story highlights intelligent men ruled by their 3rd leg. Both Reese and Maxwell fathers have affairs that devastate their families and marriages. This story also addresses being of mixed race and not knowing where you fit and also being able to "pass". Victoria was so proud of being able to float into both the white and black world because of her complexion being closer to whiteness. She was able to redeem herself because even though she was intelligent, she definitely traded on her body and looks. Some of these characters are awful (Celeste, Frank, RJ) and some you don't know if you like them due to their choices (James, Suki, and Larry).
I really enjoyed the way this story unfolded and in the end Reese and Maxwell finds there way back to each other. I plan to buy the eBook to read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
Intellectual exercise
As the first book, I have read by the author, writing ✍🏾 and grammar was well composed. However, the narrative was hard to follow and created havoc. Thanks to eidetic memory following the plot was not too terrible. The characters and themes range from mysterious, suspenseful, romantic and more. Should you have the time and want brain exercise, this book is wonderful!
As the first book, I have read by the author, writing ✍🏾 and grammar was well composed. However, the narrative was hard to follow and created havoc. Thanks to eidetic memory following the plot was not too terrible. The characters and themes range from mysterious, suspenseful, romantic and more. Should you have the time and want brain exercise, this book is wonderful!
March 20, 2023
At first I thought this book is going to be going on and on since it was so thick, very redundant. As I got into it I was shocked. There are so many twists and plots. I've read a lot of MS Hill's books, just none like this. This was a very good book. I would recommend it to everyone. Keep up the good work @Donna Hill.
July 6, 2019
Awesome
I enjoyed this reading because of conflict, drama, betrayal, family, meshing of cultures. This story spoke volumes of interest, forgiveness, and real life family drama. I like the beginning through the end. I appreciate the back drops of stories.
I enjoyed this reading because of conflict, drama, betrayal, family, meshing of cultures. This story spoke volumes of interest, forgiveness, and real life family drama. I like the beginning through the end. I appreciate the back drops of stories.
June 22, 2020
Mystery, Intrigue, Lies and Betrayal
This book had it all. It kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next. Celeste's deathbed confession answered.a.lot.of questions. Glad Reese and Max got back together. Great read.
This book had it all. It kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next. Celeste's deathbed confession answered.a.lot.of questions. Glad Reese and Max got back together. Great read.
February 28, 2017
My First Time Reading Donna Hill And I Fell In Love With Her Writing Style One Of The Best Books Of Year And I highly recommend
November 20, 2022
Couldn't finish this one. Felt shallow and was not excited by the story line.
September 23, 2017
Intimate Betrayal had way too much going on. Reese is a journalist and her latest assignment is to get an interview with Maxwell Knight. Maxwell never lets reporters near him, but the board of his company insists on it. When the two meet, they're immediately attracted to the other. But Reese also starts getting severe headaches and nightmares about her past. Soon it becomes clear to both of them that something links them together, but someone doesn't want them finding out.
Intimate Betrayal doesn't have nearly enough romance in it. Most of the pages are dedicated to the shared drama between Max and Reese's family. I needed more page time of just them two! From the beginning we're told that there's a lot of tension and attraction between them, but we don't actually get to see it. Yes, they spend time together and there's some kissing, but anything beyond that is "fade to black." Then we're just again told how much they're attracted to the other and how they're falling in love. Show, don't tell!
As for the drama, Intimate Betrayal surely isn't lacking. Fifteen years ago, Reese's parents were killed in a car accident. She survived, but can't remember anything from during or before the accident. Meanwhile, Maxwell has never known his mother and has a strained relationship with his father. On top of that, his ex-girlfriend is secretly related to Reese, but has never met her. And on top of that, there's some government conspiracies and cover ups and murder and infidelity and jealousy and OMG what is even going on right now!?
There's several POVs in Intimate Betrayal in order to put all of this mess together. Of course, there's Reese and Max who just want to know the truth. In fact, at one point Max tells Reese that they need to use all of their resources to find out what everyone doesn't want them to find out. I had to roll my eyes at that. Then we have Victoria, Max's ex. Celeste is Victoria and Reese's aunt who may or may not have been involved with Reese's father. Victoria and Max's fathers both have POVs. Even Max's stepmother gets her say. Then when Reese and Max travel to Japan, two more POVs are added.
Oh, and Max's personal assistant, Carmen, gets a few nods as well. It's way too much! Not to mention that we'll get two characters coming together, and then in the next paragraph we get one of them reacting to a conversation that was never included. Why?!
Intimate Betrayal was just messy. I don't think I would even consider it a Romance novel, since the romance isn't even the focus. Reese and Max do get their happy ending, but I honestly didn't care since they felt like background characters. The family drama mixed with government conspiracies made my head spin. No one is ever telling the truth, and when they were telling the truth, they were still lying. It was all over the place.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Intimate Betrayal doesn't have nearly enough romance in it. Most of the pages are dedicated to the shared drama between Max and Reese's family. I needed more page time of just them two! From the beginning we're told that there's a lot of tension and attraction between them, but we don't actually get to see it. Yes, they spend time together and there's some kissing, but anything beyond that is "fade to black." Then we're just again told how much they're attracted to the other and how they're falling in love. Show, don't tell!
As for the drama, Intimate Betrayal surely isn't lacking. Fifteen years ago, Reese's parents were killed in a car accident. She survived, but can't remember anything from during or before the accident. Meanwhile, Maxwell has never known his mother and has a strained relationship with his father. On top of that, his ex-girlfriend is secretly related to Reese, but has never met her. And on top of that, there's some government conspiracies and cover ups and murder and infidelity and jealousy and OMG what is even going on right now!?
There's several POVs in Intimate Betrayal in order to put all of this mess together. Of course, there's Reese and Max who just want to know the truth. In fact, at one point Max tells Reese that they need to use all of their resources to find out what everyone doesn't want them to find out. I had to roll my eyes at that. Then we have Victoria, Max's ex. Celeste is Victoria and Reese's aunt who may or may not have been involved with Reese's father. Victoria and Max's fathers both have POVs. Even Max's stepmother gets her say. Then when Reese and Max travel to Japan, two more POVs are added.
Oh, and Max's personal assistant, Carmen, gets a few nods as well. It's way too much! Not to mention that we'll get two characters coming together, and then in the next paragraph we get one of them reacting to a conversation that was never included. Why?!
Intimate Betrayal was just messy. I don't think I would even consider it a Romance novel, since the romance isn't even the focus. Reese and Max do get their happy ending, but I honestly didn't care since they felt like background characters. The family drama mixed with government conspiracies made my head spin. No one is ever telling the truth, and when they were telling the truth, they were still lying. It was all over the place.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
May 14, 2012
I loved this book he was half Asian and black. She was a reporter. She helped him become more relaxed and comfortable. She also helped him come to meet his mother who was a owner of atea house in Asia. But in the beginning she was one of the companions.. A tea house is a gentlemans place where hell to us Americans a legal house for sex. She was working to one day become a madam. But anyway it's a must read. Although the covers has improved. Because the guy on the front has a 8 pack for days. Wooooh
September 7, 2014
could not finish! there was just WAY TOO MUCH stuff going on! the relationship between Max and Reese was HOT!! I wish Hill could have just stuck to their developing relationship. but all of the extra drama! His Japanese geisha mother, and covert action father. Her parents' death and secret half sister,Victoria. too much, WAY TOO MUCH!!! I found myself skipping chapters, which is never a good sign.
I really wanted to find out exactly what the @#$% happened! but I just couldn't keep up. maybe I'll go back later.
I really wanted to find out exactly what the @#$% happened! but I just couldn't keep up. maybe I'll go back later.
April 25, 2011
Too melodramatic for my tastes.
Read
July 28, 2011I don't remember why I didn't finish this book, but I returned it to the library ages ago and was surprised to see it on my currently-reading shelf.
July 3, 2011
Very Good! Was so interesting I got the movie. Movie was ok very different from the book but ok.
December 8, 2014
Love love this book ACCEPTANCE FORGIVNESS LOVE☺☺☺
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews