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Reverend Curtis Black #12
The Ultimate Betrayal
It's been four years since twenty-eight-year old Alicia Black, daughter of Reverend Curtis Black, divorced her second husband, the most womanizing and corrupt man she has ever known. Since then, Alicia has been dating her first husband, Phillip Sullivan, a wonderfully kind and true man of God whom she'd hurt terribly by cheating on him. Alicia has worked hard to prove herself worthy of his trust once more, and when he asks her to marry him again, she couldn't be happier.
But Levi Cunningham, the drug dealer Alicia had an extramarital affair with, has just been released from prison, and he has completely turned his life around for the better. Still head-over-heels in love with Alicia, he will do whatever is necessary to win her back. Remarrying Phillip is the one thing Alicia has wanted for years, but she can't get Levi out of her mind.
Alicia and Phillip aren't the only ones in the middle of a crisis. Their best friends, husband and wife Brad and Melanie Richardson, are struggling to keep their marriage together. Workaholic Brad is never home and has begun losing thousands on bad investments. Or so he says. Melanie, who is certain there's more to the story, is determined to get at the truth. At the same time, her frustration and stress cause her to eat a lot less, and she behaves in an extreme fashion. Alicia worries that she could be suffering from anorexia, but Melanie steadfastly denies it. Their friendship begins to suffer, and it isn't long before they're talking to each other like enemies.
Fresh betrayal leads to consequences no one saw coming, and Alicia's relationship with Phillip might not be the only thing that needs saving. But is it already too late?
But Levi Cunningham, the drug dealer Alicia had an extramarital affair with, has just been released from prison, and he has completely turned his life around for the better. Still head-over-heels in love with Alicia, he will do whatever is necessary to win her back. Remarrying Phillip is the one thing Alicia has wanted for years, but she can't get Levi out of her mind.
Alicia and Phillip aren't the only ones in the middle of a crisis. Their best friends, husband and wife Brad and Melanie Richardson, are struggling to keep their marriage together. Workaholic Brad is never home and has begun losing thousands on bad investments. Or so he says. Melanie, who is certain there's more to the story, is determined to get at the truth. At the same time, her frustration and stress cause her to eat a lot less, and she behaves in an extreme fashion. Alicia worries that she could be suffering from anorexia, but Melanie steadfastly denies it. Their friendship begins to suffer, and it isn't long before they're talking to each other like enemies.
Fresh betrayal leads to consequences no one saw coming, and Alicia's relationship with Phillip might not be the only thing that needs saving. But is it already too late?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
147 people are currently reading
1914 people want to read
About the author
Kimberla Lawson Roby
43 books2,788 followersNew 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
August 23, 2020
I give this book a 5 out of 5 Star review. This was an incredibly good read. The book was well-written, and the story line flowed well throughout. The scenes were not rushed, and the writer took time to paint vivid pictures of each character. This novel deals with many topics which include: the importance of real friendship and how friendships don’t always flow with everyone agreeing with one another about everything; the importance of faith and believing in the word of God; the sacredness of marriage and how important it is to uphold your vows; trust and forgiveness; how the people that are the closest to you can be the ones that hurt you the most; matters of the heart and how playing with one’s heart can lead to dangerous situations; and last but not least temptation and betrayal (as the title says).
The novel is written in 3rd person and deals with the lives of two best friends, Alicia and Melanie. Both Alicia and Melanie will have relationship issues as the story goes on, which also places a strain between the two of them. Both of the issues that Alicia and Melanie have in their relationships/marriages becomes so big that neither one of them can truly be there for one another as friends. Alicia is dealing with the fact that she has two men in her life that she has to decide on who she wants. One (Phillip), she cheated on and he forgave her in order to remarry and the other (Levi), was the reason for getting divorced the first time from Phillip. Alicia is torn between a man that she loves and feels that she owes and another that she is in love with that has come back into her life and has complicated it. Alicia life becomes troubled with lies, deceit, and betrayal. Melanie, though her situation is totally different from Alicia, has her own marital issues that she goes through. Melanie and her husband marriage becomes rocky due to trust issues and past hurt that comes from her parents’ treatment of her that ends up impacting her marriage. Just like Alicia, Melanie’s life too becomes troubled with lies, deceit, and betrayal.
Overall, the novel is very good. So good that I have plans on reading all the novels in the Reverend Curtis Black Series by this author. The ending is surprising and will have you like “wow”! I recommend this novel!
The novel is written in 3rd person and deals with the lives of two best friends, Alicia and Melanie. Both Alicia and Melanie will have relationship issues as the story goes on, which also places a strain between the two of them. Both of the issues that Alicia and Melanie have in their relationships/marriages becomes so big that neither one of them can truly be there for one another as friends. Alicia is dealing with the fact that she has two men in her life that she has to decide on who she wants. One (Phillip), she cheated on and he forgave her in order to remarry and the other (Levi), was the reason for getting divorced the first time from Phillip. Alicia is torn between a man that she loves and feels that she owes and another that she is in love with that has come back into her life and has complicated it. Alicia life becomes troubled with lies, deceit, and betrayal. Melanie, though her situation is totally different from Alicia, has her own marital issues that she goes through. Melanie and her husband marriage becomes rocky due to trust issues and past hurt that comes from her parents’ treatment of her that ends up impacting her marriage. Just like Alicia, Melanie’s life too becomes troubled with lies, deceit, and betrayal.
Overall, the novel is very good. So good that I have plans on reading all the novels in the Reverend Curtis Black Series by this author. The ending is surprising and will have you like “wow”! I recommend this novel!
May 12, 2015
The Ultimate Betrayal by Kimberla Lawson Roby is one betrayal that leads unto another. A riveting story that takes readers deep into the center of the most intriguing plot line ever. Readers will be taken on a wild journey of emotions as those who betray and are betrayed go about their lives the best they can or at least they think they are. Kimberly Lawson Roby has masterfully integrated a Christian way of life into a story line that has so many bad twists and turns on every page that will keep readers turning to read further. It is easy for readers to connect on every level with the two friends as the go about trying not to hurt those they care about but some times when you think you are not hurting someone, you might end up doing just that. I highly recommend readers to dive deep into The Ultimate Betrayal. One novel that hook you in from the beginning.
Alicia Black is a daughter of a Reverend. After four years of divorcing her second husband she winds up dating her first husband all over again. And this time she has worked hard to prove her royalty to him is stronger than ever, so when he proposes to her once more Alicia can't say no. And then there's her best friend Melanie Richardson who is having her own crisis with her own husband and maybe more. Melanie is stressed from her husband's suspicious behavior and takes a dive for the worst. Fate has a way to add more trouble than what Alicia can handle, Melanie doesn't want to talk to her and her second husband is out of jail and reformed as a completely new man. Which betrayal will Melanie make this time and will she be able to save her love life and her best friend or lose everything? The Ultimate Betrayal definitely suits the novel entirely and will keep readers guessing as to who and what will happen next. A perfect must read for all. Overall, I rate this sensational drama a five out of five stars.
Danielle Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
Alicia Black is a daughter of a Reverend. After four years of divorcing her second husband she winds up dating her first husband all over again. And this time she has worked hard to prove her royalty to him is stronger than ever, so when he proposes to her once more Alicia can't say no. And then there's her best friend Melanie Richardson who is having her own crisis with her own husband and maybe more. Melanie is stressed from her husband's suspicious behavior and takes a dive for the worst. Fate has a way to add more trouble than what Alicia can handle, Melanie doesn't want to talk to her and her second husband is out of jail and reformed as a completely new man. Which betrayal will Melanie make this time and will she be able to save her love life and her best friend or lose everything? The Ultimate Betrayal definitely suits the novel entirely and will keep readers guessing as to who and what will happen next. A perfect must read for all. Overall, I rate this sensational drama a five out of five stars.
Danielle Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
May 5, 2015
The Ultimate Betrayal was the ultimate in writing craft. The dialogue between characters was one of the strongest elements in the novel. Kimberla is a master at dialogue that you can follow even without tags or beats. For me, there were so many life lessons to be learned from Alicia's story. Her battle was between her mind and heart. What she felt was expected versus her own desires. However, the breakout character was Melanie. Melanie battles something as an adult that we would expect to see in someone much younger. I felt her struggle scene by scene. The transformation of this character is glaring. Melanie is a living example of how crucial a role parents play in an individual's development. This wouldn't be a Reverend Curtis Black novel without the reverend appearing. One of the powerful sentiments he says, "there are so many times when we've done things that could have been prevented ... if only we'd kept our faith in God." Can I get an Amen?
I read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2015
Another good book by Kimberla Lawson Roby. If you're a fan of KLR, then I recommend listening/reading this book.
June 14, 2015
The Ultimate Betrayal is the 12th book in the Reverend Curtis Black series by Kimberla Lawson Roby. Daughter of the infamous Reverend, Alicia Black, is dating her first husband Phillip. The man of god, Phillip, has forgiven her for cheating on him and ruining their first marriage. Now it is finally time to jump the broom again. But Alicia feels something is missing, that something is off with her love of Phillip. Yes, of course she loves him. But is she in love with him? Does she yearn for his touch like she does for Levi's? Levi is the drug dealer Alicia had an affair with. He is recently released from prison and still head over heels in love with Alicia. Temptation knocks on Alicia's door once again.
Melanie, Alicia's best friend, is spiraling downhill. She struggles to keep her marriage together with her husband's seemingly reckless financial spending. She is also hell-bent on losing those last ten pounds. Alicia and Melanie's husband try to intervene before her weight loss obsession turns to anorexia.
This 12th installment of the Reverend Curtis Black series is the same 'ole, same 'ole shenanigans within the Black family. New relative, same story. How many times is Kimberla going to prove the apples don't fall far from the tree? By now, I realize infidelity and trust are the series themes. However, I would like at least one book where there is no cheating on spouses. Drama makes the Black family go round but can we get a book with nothing but praises be to God?
I had to mull over the ending of The Ultimate Betrayal. It was so far left field and out of character that it belonged on the big screen. I literally turned the last page of the galley and blinked slow for minutes.
When I put aside that the story line was redundant with a twist, I enjoyed this quick read. A do-good character that always rubbed me the wrong way proved my instinct was right. An existing minor character, Alicia's best friend Melanie, was brought to center stage. What a bittersweet treat! I love how Kimberla focused half of the book on Melanie and her issues. The bitter part of Melanie's story line is her mother, who is the literary version of Mama Joyce on RHOA. I'm looking forward to reading an update on her in an upcoming installment and hopefully other new characters. Unless of course this series is sadly coming to an end.
I hope my review does not come across as harsh. Despite my dislike for the mundane story line, I really did enjoy The Ultimate Betrayal and recommend fans of the series don't miss reading it.
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
Melanie, Alicia's best friend, is spiraling downhill. She struggles to keep her marriage together with her husband's seemingly reckless financial spending. She is also hell-bent on losing those last ten pounds. Alicia and Melanie's husband try to intervene before her weight loss obsession turns to anorexia.
This 12th installment of the Reverend Curtis Black series is the same 'ole, same 'ole shenanigans within the Black family. New relative, same story. How many times is Kimberla going to prove the apples don't fall far from the tree? By now, I realize infidelity and trust are the series themes. However, I would like at least one book where there is no cheating on spouses. Drama makes the Black family go round but can we get a book with nothing but praises be to God?
I had to mull over the ending of The Ultimate Betrayal. It was so far left field and out of character that it belonged on the big screen. I literally turned the last page of the galley and blinked slow for minutes.
When I put aside that the story line was redundant with a twist, I enjoyed this quick read. A do-good character that always rubbed me the wrong way proved my instinct was right. An existing minor character, Alicia's best friend Melanie, was brought to center stage. What a bittersweet treat! I love how Kimberla focused half of the book on Melanie and her issues. The bitter part of Melanie's story line is her mother, who is the literary version of Mama Joyce on RHOA. I'm looking forward to reading an update on her in an upcoming installment and hopefully other new characters. Unless of course this series is sadly coming to an end.
I hope my review does not come across as harsh. Despite my dislike for the mundane story line, I really did enjoy The Ultimate Betrayal and recommend fans of the series don't miss reading it.
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
Read
September 27, 2016O me O my this book really shocked me.....the ending has me waiting to read the next book. If you haven't read this series you are really missing out on good reads. Take the time and start this series.
September 15, 2015
If you are still a fan of the Curtis Black series, The Ultimate Betrayal would be a 4.5 or 5. If you are weary of the Blacks and extended Blacks, this is a 3. I love Kimberla Lawson Roby's earlier books in the series. But, at this point I have series fatigue. It all seems like a rehash of something Curtis or Charlotte has done earlier. I would absolutely love for Ms Roby, who is a very talented writer to start a new series with fresh characters that we can learn to love or love to hate again.
September 11, 2015
Alicia in planning her wedding to Philip, a man who she is grateful for. Despite her scandalous past, Philip has been her rock in her toughest times. Forgiving her for the times she has been unfaithful in the past and starting fresh. Loving her is her is his top priority, even though it is hard to be in the same room with her by not giving in temptation. Yet he is determined that their wedding night would be special, not only does he love her, but he cannot imagine his life without her. Alicia feels the same until an old stranger come back in her life, claiming that he never stop loving her.
Melanie her best friend is unsatisfied with her current weight. Although her husband Brad thinks she is as beautiful as ever, but she thinks that he does not understand. For one, he never had to worry about making love in the dark to disguise her figure or have to sneak in snacks at night, just cause she is not willing to give up junk food. Lately have been fighting frequently, due Brad excessive losses in finances, it has been awhile since they can put their differences aside them.
Two stores correlate together in this epic love triangle! I have been a fan of Lawson for a long time, the way she develops these redemptive characters is amazing. Although Alicia actions was getting on my nerves, it seemed like she never cared about Philip in the first place. Melanie bipolar personality was a nice touch to this book, but Brad presence was overshadowed by other things. However it was a really good book, the ending really took me by surprise.
Plan on finishing the series..eventually.
Melanie her best friend is unsatisfied with her current weight. Although her husband Brad thinks she is as beautiful as ever, but she thinks that he does not understand. For one, he never had to worry about making love in the dark to disguise her figure or have to sneak in snacks at night, just cause she is not willing to give up junk food. Lately have been fighting frequently, due Brad excessive losses in finances, it has been awhile since they can put their differences aside them.
Two stores correlate together in this epic love triangle! I have been a fan of Lawson for a long time, the way she develops these redemptive characters is amazing. Although Alicia actions was getting on my nerves, it seemed like she never cared about Philip in the first place. Melanie bipolar personality was a nice touch to this book, but Brad presence was overshadowed by other things. However it was a really good book, the ending really took me by surprise.
Plan on finishing the series..eventually.
July 31, 2015
WOW....That was a very good read from Kimberly Lawson Roby. I listened to the audiobook and was on the edge of my seat from the beginning...
Can't give away what happened, but wow..just wow....
Can't give away what happened, but wow..just wow....
November 27, 2024
This book was amazing! So many twist and turns!!
Love how a lesson comes out at the end of the book! I love her writing style. She got me out of my reading slump.
Love how a lesson comes out at the end of the book! I love her writing style. She got me out of my reading slump.
May 11, 2015
Kim Roby has done it again with this next book of the Reverend Black series. The Ultimate Betrayal is about the daughter of the Reverend Curtis Black, Alicia. Alicia is given another chance to marry the man that her heart desires, but someone from her past comes in to the scene. This person knows Alicia inside and out, but will she stay away from him to marry Phillip for the second time.
The Ultimate Betrayal has plots that could be similar to your own life. Melanie, Alicia's best friend is dealing with weight issues and she doesn't won't to admit that she has problems.
You will not be disappointed with the ending of this book.
The Ultimate Betrayal has plots that could be similar to your own life. Melanie, Alicia's best friend is dealing with weight issues and she doesn't won't to admit that she has problems.
You will not be disappointed with the ending of this book.
June 27, 2015
Bored me. Maybe because I've recently read a lot of mysteries that have kept me guessing. The last two chapters were the only good ones. The others only seemed to repeat the same things over and over.
June 9, 2018
A lot was happening in this book; deceit, affairs, eating disorders, attempted murder and multiple hospital stays (need better word). To say The Ultimate Betrayal was entertaining would be an understatement. I’m tired. It’s 11:28pm. I need sleep.
Quick notes after finishing book.
Book given by Netgalley and Grand Central Pub for review.
Quick notes after finishing book.
Book given by Netgalley and Grand Central Pub for review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2021
Juicy, messy, and page turning as usual!! I love Kimberla Lawson Roby! She writes such good, messy stories that are completely relatable cause sometimes life just gets messy. The book is aptly titled The Ultimate Betrayal cause hunty it’s so much betrayal in this book!!!! I recommend if you just want a messy, quick read that’s like a soap opera!
November 22, 2025
The second read of this series is just as wild. Alicia gets on my last nerve.
December 18, 2015
The first I have read in this long-running series, The Ultimate Betrayal is loaded with drama, angst, stellar characters and enough twists for a Gordian Knot. Kimberla Lawson Roby writes dialog that could be taken from an actual conversation, and her characters breathe through the pages: laden with contradictions, conflicts and insecurities galore.
Alicia is the daughter of Reverend Curtis Black, and her own life has not been free and easy. For the past four years, after divorcing her second husband, she has been dating her first husband, Phillip. Since she broke Phillip’s heart with her own infidelity, there is a sense of what you put out in the world comes back at you in the dissolution of her second marriage, as her husband was a cheating liar, and corrupt to boot. This has left her at a bit of a disadvantage: licking her wounds while trying to prove herself to Phillip.
But, just as things are looking up: Levi is released from prison, just as enamored with Alicia as he was when they had their affair, and Alicia just can’t get him out of her mind. When her best friend Melanie confides some of her own marital issues with Brad, and her own behavior becomes more erratic and confused, the plot heats up and one betrayal is followed by another, and another. Every choice has a Solomon-like option that would destroy relationships, ties and even faith.
With choices that are ‘less bad than good’ and less wrong than deadly, the characters never once catch a break from dealing with their own desires, their issues or the emotional toll that grows as events unfold. With the Reverend dropping in moments of wisdom and the pleas for turning to their faith in God to bring them peace and good decisions, the impact of hasty words or selfish choices and unforeseen consequences pile on to each character with abandon, giving readers that Need to Know feelings about the story that is mixed with a healthy dose of wanting to reach in and smack a few characters for being so foolhardy.
Not the last I will read from this author: characters, emotions, twists and turns all made this a stellar read and one that is hard to forget.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Alicia is the daughter of Reverend Curtis Black, and her own life has not been free and easy. For the past four years, after divorcing her second husband, she has been dating her first husband, Phillip. Since she broke Phillip’s heart with her own infidelity, there is a sense of what you put out in the world comes back at you in the dissolution of her second marriage, as her husband was a cheating liar, and corrupt to boot. This has left her at a bit of a disadvantage: licking her wounds while trying to prove herself to Phillip.
But, just as things are looking up: Levi is released from prison, just as enamored with Alicia as he was when they had their affair, and Alicia just can’t get him out of her mind. When her best friend Melanie confides some of her own marital issues with Brad, and her own behavior becomes more erratic and confused, the plot heats up and one betrayal is followed by another, and another. Every choice has a Solomon-like option that would destroy relationships, ties and even faith.
With choices that are ‘less bad than good’ and less wrong than deadly, the characters never once catch a break from dealing with their own desires, their issues or the emotional toll that grows as events unfold. With the Reverend dropping in moments of wisdom and the pleas for turning to their faith in God to bring them peace and good decisions, the impact of hasty words or selfish choices and unforeseen consequences pile on to each character with abandon, giving readers that Need to Know feelings about the story that is mixed with a healthy dose of wanting to reach in and smack a few characters for being so foolhardy.
Not the last I will read from this author: characters, emotions, twists and turns all made this a stellar read and one that is hard to forget.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
July 10, 2015
Kimberly Lawson Roby is one of my favorite authors and I've been reading the Curtis Black books since the beginning. To be clear, I enjoy this author's work. I think she is talented and writes very well, but readers cannot deny that she sticks to a formula when it comes to plots.
I already knew that there would be a lot of drama, hospital visits, deception and prayer in this book. In the last few Curtis Black books, it has been mentioned that Alicia and Phillip are back in love and headed towards being remarried. The reader learns very quickly that isn't completely the case. After the opening I was completely skeptical about this storyline, but the story switches over to Melanie and Brad-Alicia and Phillip's best friends.
Melanie has a struggle that personally resonated with me. I could relate and that storyline is what held my interest. The portions dealing with Alicia is all typical Black family drama that I'm guessing Roby's fans enjoy and expect from her work. I see it as entertainment. Especially when Alicia gets on her knees and asks God to make her love Phillip. The ridiculousness of it all is hilarious.
Yet, as I stated Melanie's story was a true cautionary tale. I'm really happy that while the author makes it clear that Melanie is a Christian and relies on her faith and prayer, she also sought professional help.
Overall,I think this book is worth the read. It's mainly great entertainment and there's nothing wrong with that.
I already knew that there would be a lot of drama, hospital visits, deception and prayer in this book. In the last few Curtis Black books, it has been mentioned that Alicia and Phillip are back in love and headed towards being remarried. The reader learns very quickly that isn't completely the case. After the opening I was completely skeptical about this storyline, but the story switches over to Melanie and Brad-Alicia and Phillip's best friends.
Melanie has a struggle that personally resonated with me. I could relate and that storyline is what held my interest. The portions dealing with Alicia is all typical Black family drama that I'm guessing Roby's fans enjoy and expect from her work. I see it as entertainment. Especially when Alicia gets on her knees and asks God to make her love Phillip. The ridiculousness of it all is hilarious.
Yet, as I stated Melanie's story was a true cautionary tale. I'm really happy that while the author makes it clear that Melanie is a Christian and relies on her faith and prayer, she also sought professional help.
Overall,I think this book is worth the read. It's mainly great entertainment and there's nothing wrong with that.
April 21, 2023
I listened to this book while at work and hollered “I KNOW YOU LYING” meanwhile everyone looked at me like I was crazy smh! I couldn’t believe Alicia’s nasty skanky stank foul funky behind cheated on Philip AGAIN!!!! This hoe begged and pleased with him to take her back and was praying that he would marry her and then she turn around and cheat with the same man!! The deep part is she kept saying that she didn’t love Philip the way she should and she should have married him but sis you begged him!!!! The extra deep part is that he found out and pulled a gun on Alicia because he snapped just as her father said would happen, they fight over the gun and of course it goes off and Phillip dies all because of her stank skank ratchet nasty behind!!!
Melanie on the other hand has a crazy mother who criticizes her about her weight and has the poor girl being anorexic. The come to find out her husband Brad had a baby on her smh that she finds out about when he’s admitted to the hospital after a car wreck that the baby momma causes that takes the life of the little girl. Melanie’s mom finds out about him having a child and tells the baby momma to black mail him and split the money with her smh!!
A whole mess!
Melanie on the other hand has a crazy mother who criticizes her about her weight and has the poor girl being anorexic. The come to find out her husband Brad had a baby on her smh that she finds out about when he’s admitted to the hospital after a car wreck that the baby momma causes that takes the life of the little girl. Melanie’s mom finds out about him having a child and tells the baby momma to black mail him and split the money with her smh!!
A whole mess!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2015
Another good installment being that it didn't focus on the Reverend and the First Lady so much as Alicia and Phillip and her best friend and husband. It was full of drama but also shed some light on some important topics. If this series continues I hope it continues to switch the focus from being mainly on Reverend Curtis and delve into the lives of his children and their family and friends.
July 16, 2017
Alicia has lost control --so over her. I hate that Phillip had to die so wish it would have been the other way around! Can't believe Brad would cheat on Melanie and Melanie would be have so many issues-- It was a page turner and I loved it. This author is great
April 3, 2020
Why do we care about Alicia and Phillip's friends?
As much as I tolerate/sometimes enjoy the Curtis Black series, I just couldn't get into this one -_-. Why Alicia again? Didn't we suffer enough last time? I am a lukewarm fan of the series however I'd rather read about Curtis and Charlotte and their mess. I'm not interested in Alicia or her friends.
this one was plain foolish
As much as I tolerate/sometimes enjoy the Curtis Black series, I just couldn't get into this one -_-. Why Alicia again? Didn't we suffer enough last time? I am a lukewarm fan of the series however I'd rather read about Curtis and Charlotte and their mess. I'm not interested in Alicia or her friends.
this one was plain foolish
February 13, 2018
Another good read in the Curtis Black series
July 5, 2024
Wow, just wow! The truth shall set you free
December 31, 2017
So much happens in this installment that you really have to read it to believe it. You may find yourself yelling at the characters, “Alicia, what are you thinking, girl?!” and wanting to give them your advice. They certainly are in need of some good counsel. If you haven’t been keeping up with this series, start from the beginning. You don’t want to miss a thing! Great writing, complex characters, and intricate plots make this series a winner.
June 30, 2018
This book itself was nothing to write home about, with every type of villainous character, barely covert affair, and groundbreaking final 20 pages I've come to expect from this series.
The "all alone" end it brings for Alicia, though, does potentially break some new ground for the thirteenth novel...we'll see soon!
The "all alone" end it brings for Alicia, though, does potentially break some new ground for the thirteenth novel...we'll see soon!
July 21, 2015
I won this book in a Good Reads contest, and let me tell you, the storyline didn't disappoint.
Alicia Black has wanted a second chance to make things right with her first husband Phillip. She realized that Phillip was a good man, but it was too little, too late. Well, now she is two months away from becoming his wife again, and she isn't going to let the past dictate her future, or will she? What happens when Levi, the man she previously cheated with gets a get out of jail free pass? Will she yield to temptation, or will she take her marital vows seriously this time?
Melanie has struggled with her weight all her life. It didn't help that her parents ridiculed and demeaned her calling her vicious names about being "fat". She is determined to shed the unwanted pounds and make her parents proud. But how far will she go? Will this obsession ultimately cause her to lose her husband?
Brad has a secret, that if exposed, will rock Melanie's world. At what lengths will he go to make sure she never finds out?
I was absolutely into the storyline. Even though the ending seemed rushed for Melanie and Brad, I never saw the explosive ending to Alicia, Phillip, and Levi's storyline. This would have been a five star read for me if more was put into the why Gladys pulled the stunt she pulled.
I would highly recommend this book!
Alicia Black has wanted a second chance to make things right with her first husband Phillip. She realized that Phillip was a good man, but it was too little, too late. Well, now she is two months away from becoming his wife again, and she isn't going to let the past dictate her future, or will she? What happens when Levi, the man she previously cheated with gets a get out of jail free pass? Will she yield to temptation, or will she take her marital vows seriously this time?
Melanie has struggled with her weight all her life. It didn't help that her parents ridiculed and demeaned her calling her vicious names about being "fat". She is determined to shed the unwanted pounds and make her parents proud. But how far will she go? Will this obsession ultimately cause her to lose her husband?
Brad has a secret, that if exposed, will rock Melanie's world. At what lengths will he go to make sure she never finds out?
I was absolutely into the storyline. Even though the ending seemed rushed for Melanie and Brad, I never saw the explosive ending to Alicia, Phillip, and Levi's storyline. This would have been a five star read for me if more was put into the why Gladys pulled the stunt she pulled.
I would highly recommend this book!
August 11, 2017
I am not too thrilled at how this ended. Melanie didn't even give Brad a chance. He made a mistake. His first, and she didn't even try to save the marriage. I liked Melanie's story much better than Alicia's, but at times, Melanie's story seemed to be unbelievable. For example, she is a nurse. A health professional. And she really didn't think that her lack of food was causing her problems. I find that really hard to believe. I also wanted her to get closure from her mom. Why was her mother so hateful towards Melanie? I thought maybe it was because Melanie is NOT her biological daughter, but I guess we will never know. I wanted them to dig into Gladys's past to see WHY she was the way she was.
Alicia got on my nerves. She really wanted to have her cake and eat it too, and everyone was suppose to be okay with it. I thought she would have learned her lesson from The Best of Everything, but I guess not. She is still selfish Alicia. I felt really bad for Philip. Alicia could have saved him the heartache had she just done what Levi said, call off the wedding. But she was trying to make amends for what she did in the past, only to take the same actions.
Alicia got on my nerves. She really wanted to have her cake and eat it too, and everyone was suppose to be okay with it. I thought she would have learned her lesson from The Best of Everything, but I guess not. She is still selfish Alicia. I felt really bad for Philip. Alicia could have saved him the heartache had she just done what Levi said, call off the wedding. But she was trying to make amends for what she did in the past, only to take the same actions.
January 8, 2019
Curtis Black daughter Alicia finally got Phillip to ask for her hand in marriage again but about two months before her wedding Levi was released from prison and of course he started texting and emailing her because he wanted to see her again. But she was in love with him and couldn't seem to leave him alone. So she married Phillip and was still seeing Levi. Her father Curtis Black warn her about being careful how you treat people because the nicest one will eventually turn on you. Phillip knew she was seeing him and one evening when she came home he was waiting on her, and pulled a gun on her and had her to drive. She ended up hitting her brakes hard and she was able to jump out the car and run. But to make a long story short, he ended up killing his self and everyone blame her for it.
Her friend Melanie found out after her husband was in an accident that the woman that ran into him was his girlfriend and he had a one year old that got killed in the accident. She even found out that her mother had the woman blackmailing Brad for money and she was part of it also. Melanie ended up in a home for people that was suffering from anoxecia.
Her friend Melanie found out after her husband was in an accident that the woman that ran into him was his girlfriend and he had a one year old that got killed in the accident. She even found out that her mother had the woman blackmailing Brad for money and she was part of it also. Melanie ended up in a home for people that was suffering from anoxecia.
January 30, 2017
Huge fans of the series would probably love this book so read other reviews to balance. PLEASE do read other reviews.
As much as I love the Curtis Black series, I just couldn't get into it. Alicia who? And why am I reading about her foolishness? I am a fan of the series however I'd rather read about Curtis and Charlotte and their wayward scheming and shenanigans. I'm not interested in Alicia or even Dillon...
I just don't want to go over the same plot themes all over again with Alicia and her men. The whole story just seemed very similar with others but with some differences and the same old mental illness twist.
So keenly waiting for Curtis and Charlotte to continue their HOT mess in another book.
As much as I love the Curtis Black series, I just couldn't get into it. Alicia who? And why am I reading about her foolishness? I am a fan of the series however I'd rather read about Curtis and Charlotte and their wayward scheming and shenanigans. I'm not interested in Alicia or even Dillon...
I just don't want to go over the same plot themes all over again with Alicia and her men. The whole story just seemed very similar with others but with some differences and the same old mental illness twist.
So keenly waiting for Curtis and Charlotte to continue their HOT mess in another book.
June 19, 2015
The Ultimate Betrayal by Kimberla Lawson Roby!!!! Kimberla has done it again, another awesome book from the Rev. Curtis Black Series. Alicia was given a second chance with Phillip after committing adultery with Levi. Melanie’s mom had caused her to have such low self-esteem that they had a strained relationship. Powerful messages are in this book. But one must remember; the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord……Alicia is a hot mess!!!
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