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Chyna #1
My Secrets Your Lies
" I became the pariah. It was my punishment for walking in my truth and
being unafraid to love my way. But I can't help but wonder what would have happened...had I denied those feelings...had I kept pretending...had I...stopped being me. " ―Sand
Given all that Sand and Rene have been through, the couple lands an opportunity to share their life story in the upcoming documentary, Beneath My Skin .The question is―are they truly ready to take that trip down memory lane?
As they subconsciously relive their past,Sand ventures to a dark place where agony and judgement has tormented her since the day her parents discovered her sexual orientation in a shoebox full of love letters. Their rejection left her homeless and dependent on the streets, but it was during those trying times that she learned how to not only walk in her truth, but how to survive.
Recycled through the foster system as early as four, Rene is one who has become accustomed to change. Sand introduces her to another side of love and gives her a reason to open her mind and heart to something new―that is, until Rene finds herself questioning not only their relationship, but her sexuality. A series of events leaves them entangled in a web of deceit, wicked passion, and murder. As their love story unfolds, they'll find out soon enough if they are truly each other's ride or die!
being unafraid to love my way. But I can't help but wonder what would have happened...had I denied those feelings...had I kept pretending...had I...stopped being me. " ―Sand
Given all that Sand and Rene have been through, the couple lands an opportunity to share their life story in the upcoming documentary, Beneath My Skin .The question is―are they truly ready to take that trip down memory lane?
As they subconsciously relive their past,Sand ventures to a dark place where agony and judgement has tormented her since the day her parents discovered her sexual orientation in a shoebox full of love letters. Their rejection left her homeless and dependent on the streets, but it was during those trying times that she learned how to not only walk in her truth, but how to survive.
Recycled through the foster system as early as four, Rene is one who has become accustomed to change. Sand introduces her to another side of love and gives her a reason to open her mind and heart to something new―that is, until Rene finds herself questioning not only their relationship, but her sexuality. A series of events leaves them entangled in a web of deceit, wicked passion, and murder. As their love story unfolds, they'll find out soon enough if they are truly each other's ride or die!
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2007
16 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 8, 2012
Sand and Rene are a lesbian couple that share damaging secrets that could destroy their relationship. Sand is the butch of the relationship who's cornrows, hazel eyes, and boyish mannerisms cause many a women to take notice, but allegedly Sand only has eyes for Rene's angelic face which she has tattooed on her arm. Sand is working hard to open a club, add to that the distraction of other women trying to get with her, one can understand why she isn't able to pay as much attention to Rene as Rene wants.
Rene is struggling to live with the stigma that comes with living an alternate lifestyle. Sexy as hell, the men that push up on her aren't trying to hear that she wants to be with another woman. Not even Rene's best friend Shun understands why she wants to be with Sand when there are so many men vying for her attention. Not to mention that Rene has never been with a man and Shun knows that Rene should test out the water and see what she's been missing.
Rene finally decides to give in to Shun's urgings and hooks up with Vincent but she's bitten off way more than she can chew. Rene is truly leading a double-life as she finds herself living with Sand while being engaged to Vincent. And of all the things that Sand can tolerate Rene creeping with a man is not one of them. But with Sand caught up in her own web of deception will she even manage to notice Rene's?
What did you like about the book?
There were lots of betrayals and lies plus major twists and turns that will throw the readers through loops.
What did you dislike about the book?
Some of the twists were a little over the top and with so many occurring readers may have to go back to reread certain parts.
What can the author do to improve the book?
A little more realism would help and of course all the loose ends have to be tied up nicely in the sequel.
Rene is struggling to live with the stigma that comes with living an alternate lifestyle. Sexy as hell, the men that push up on her aren't trying to hear that she wants to be with another woman. Not even Rene's best friend Shun understands why she wants to be with Sand when there are so many men vying for her attention. Not to mention that Rene has never been with a man and Shun knows that Rene should test out the water and see what she's been missing.
Rene finally decides to give in to Shun's urgings and hooks up with Vincent but she's bitten off way more than she can chew. Rene is truly leading a double-life as she finds herself living with Sand while being engaged to Vincent. And of all the things that Sand can tolerate Rene creeping with a man is not one of them. But with Sand caught up in her own web of deception will she even manage to notice Rene's?
What did you like about the book?
There were lots of betrayals and lies plus major twists and turns that will throw the readers through loops.
What did you dislike about the book?
Some of the twists were a little over the top and with so many occurring readers may have to go back to reread certain parts.
What can the author do to improve the book?
A little more realism would help and of course all the loose ends have to be tied up nicely in the sequel.
January 5, 2016
Gripping, Deep, Action Packed, Full Of Twists & Turns! A Hot Read! I Loved It!!!
May 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was most definitely a page turner! What ticked me off though is that I feel like I was tricked into committing to reading a series. This book presented like a standalone and after all the excitement and build up in the book it just leaves you dangling on the edge of a cliffhanger. I really don’t like that. This book probably would have gotten 5 stars from me if not for the ending or lack thereof. I feel duped… but invested enough to seriously consider reading the sequel.
January 14, 2019
What a wild ride! I've had this book for a few years and finally got around to reading it. I was not disappointed. There was lots of drama, scandals and twists involved. It was hard to determine who was friend or foe. This book kept me interested from the beginning until the end. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Kenya E
Soul Sistahs Book Club
Kenya E
Soul Sistahs Book Club
September 1, 2018
Another one I had sitting on my kindle since forever. I should have left it there. Not only was I confused by the story, I annoyed by typos. And I already have the second book downloaded from who knows when...I need closure
January 22, 2022
This book should be classified as soft pornography. I read this in jail and I had to put it away numerous times and I'm gay and don't even eat or like pussy. One night I was reading this book I was hard as a rock. I had to fix that issue. Great book.
March 21, 2019
Pretty good book, started out slow but picked up and ended great.
July 24, 2022
Good book.
November 26, 2012
I downloaded this book when it was offered as a freebie. Compared to the slew of crappy freebie books i often come across (most of which i can't even finish), this one was surprisingly good. At first, i was ready to discard it and skimmed the first few chapters, then something... i think when the first big twist in the story appeared... got me hooked into the drama and i just kept reading.
The author did a great job of creating believable and well defined characters. And the writing was authentic and put you right there in the middle of this culture. I was thankful for growing up in a similar neighborhood though, as i'm sure i wouldn't have understood most of the slang used if i hadn't. In that regard, i found it even more entertaining since it was like time travel into another world for me.
The plot was intense. It was what made me keep reading this book, and it's also what had me mad at the end. First off, there were so many shocking twists to this book and i had to keep going to see what would happen next. so many people screwing each other over, so much drama. It was the cross between a soap opera and a train wreck, and i couldn't look away. The first half kind of reminded me of [[ASIN:0985477806 She Wants Her]], another urban romance book that i really liked that was intense as hell. But then, by the end, so many ridiculous and violent things had happened, that i wasn't sure how it could possibly end well. And guess what... you won't know how it ends unless you buy the sequel (and possibly not even then, since i haven't read the sequel). Now, some people like cliff hangers, so i can't bash this book for the MANY unresolved situations, i can only point out that they exist here. So if you are like me and need your book to have a nice clean ending, be warned.
Editing was not bad at all, except for a few pages at the end where there were no spaces what so ever and allofthewordsrantogether,withonlypunctuation. (like that). It may just be on the e-book version, not sure. This author has talent, and i may at some point read the follow up book.
Writing/creativity: 5 stars
character development: 5 stars
Editing: 3 stars
Ending that doesn't leave you hanging: 2 stars
plenty hot and steamy, but be prepared for plenty of violence in and out of the bedroom, willing and unwilling.
The author did a great job of creating believable and well defined characters. And the writing was authentic and put you right there in the middle of this culture. I was thankful for growing up in a similar neighborhood though, as i'm sure i wouldn't have understood most of the slang used if i hadn't. In that regard, i found it even more entertaining since it was like time travel into another world for me.
The plot was intense. It was what made me keep reading this book, and it's also what had me mad at the end. First off, there were so many shocking twists to this book and i had to keep going to see what would happen next. so many people screwing each other over, so much drama. It was the cross between a soap opera and a train wreck, and i couldn't look away. The first half kind of reminded me of [[ASIN:0985477806 She Wants Her]], another urban romance book that i really liked that was intense as hell. But then, by the end, so many ridiculous and violent things had happened, that i wasn't sure how it could possibly end well. And guess what... you won't know how it ends unless you buy the sequel (and possibly not even then, since i haven't read the sequel). Now, some people like cliff hangers, so i can't bash this book for the MANY unresolved situations, i can only point out that they exist here. So if you are like me and need your book to have a nice clean ending, be warned.
Editing was not bad at all, except for a few pages at the end where there were no spaces what so ever and allofthewordsrantogether,withonlypunctuation. (like that). It may just be on the e-book version, not sure. This author has talent, and i may at some point read the follow up book.
Writing/creativity: 5 stars
character development: 5 stars
Editing: 3 stars
Ending that doesn't leave you hanging: 2 stars
plenty hot and steamy, but be prepared for plenty of violence in and out of the bedroom, willing and unwilling.
January 9, 2009
Miserably Perplexed
Sand is slick, charming and most of all irresistible. If there was a quick get rich scheme, then Sand was more than likely the culprit behind it. Constantly having something to prove, Sand passed all the tests. Kicked out for being different at the ripe age of 16, Sand fought hard to achieve not only a high school diploma but a college degree.
Rene is beautiful and sexy. She was a foster child placed in the system by a mother whose career was more important than her raising her child. Determined to be more than a paycheck to someone, Rene found a job, an apartment and Sand's relentless love.
Sand is busy fulfilling a dream to own a legit business. While preparing for the opening, Sand's time becomes shorter and leaves Rene with time of her own where she finds herself wondering if she's happy living a life with Sand or is someone else more suitable for that position.
My Secrets Your Lies reveals betrayal, greed, suspense and drama to Sand and Rene's relationship. Will this young couple be able to handle the demons stalking their happiness? While newcomer N'tyse does a great job with building her characters, I felt that the story got a little too jumbled when it came to revealing the conspiracy. While the twists are steadily rolling in, there are literally so many that readers will become overwhelmed trying to keep score with who is an alliance or an enemy.
Sand is slick, charming and most of all irresistible. If there was a quick get rich scheme, then Sand was more than likely the culprit behind it. Constantly having something to prove, Sand passed all the tests. Kicked out for being different at the ripe age of 16, Sand fought hard to achieve not only a high school diploma but a college degree.
Rene is beautiful and sexy. She was a foster child placed in the system by a mother whose career was more important than her raising her child. Determined to be more than a paycheck to someone, Rene found a job, an apartment and Sand's relentless love.
Sand is busy fulfilling a dream to own a legit business. While preparing for the opening, Sand's time becomes shorter and leaves Rene with time of her own where she finds herself wondering if she's happy living a life with Sand or is someone else more suitable for that position.
My Secrets Your Lies reveals betrayal, greed, suspense and drama to Sand and Rene's relationship. Will this young couple be able to handle the demons stalking their happiness? While newcomer N'tyse does a great job with building her characters, I felt that the story got a little too jumbled when it came to revealing the conspiracy. While the twists are steadily rolling in, there are literally so many that readers will become overwhelmed trying to keep score with who is an alliance or an enemy.
May 4, 2011
Ok, I am in no way a professional reviewer. So my comment as it pertains to this title is strictly my own perception of My Secrets Your Lies.
While this story has the potential to be a great read, it wasn’t executed to its full potential. The plot itself was exciting, filled with surprising twists and turns. There are several characters throughout the novel that all tie in together and play key roles as the story unfolds; however, some roles played were more far fetched than others. I would not label My Secret Your Lies as an erotica due to the dull, lacking sex scenes. In my opinion, it is more along the lines of urban street lit. Based on some of the reviews I read, I thought that I was going to be taken on a hell of ride from the first page; unfortunately, that was not the case. I didn’t gain sincere interest until I was almost halfway through the book; I stuck with it though and I’m glad I did. Towards the end was when things started to get interesting and I found myself anticipating the next chapter. Although the book ended abruptly just as my adrenaline started to flow, I found this to be the most intriguing part. It left me wanting more; a great comeback from a stale beginning. Overall, My Secret Your Lies can be a great read with a little more work. Especially, when it comes to painting the picture for the reader.
While this story has the potential to be a great read, it wasn’t executed to its full potential. The plot itself was exciting, filled with surprising twists and turns. There are several characters throughout the novel that all tie in together and play key roles as the story unfolds; however, some roles played were more far fetched than others. I would not label My Secret Your Lies as an erotica due to the dull, lacking sex scenes. In my opinion, it is more along the lines of urban street lit. Based on some of the reviews I read, I thought that I was going to be taken on a hell of ride from the first page; unfortunately, that was not the case. I didn’t gain sincere interest until I was almost halfway through the book; I stuck with it though and I’m glad I did. Towards the end was when things started to get interesting and I found myself anticipating the next chapter. Although the book ended abruptly just as my adrenaline started to flow, I found this to be the most intriguing part. It left me wanting more; a great comeback from a stale beginning. Overall, My Secret Your Lies can be a great read with a little more work. Especially, when it comes to painting the picture for the reader.
February 22, 2010
In urban Dallas, TX, Sand and Rene are a young African-American couple who both spent time as homeless teens. Sand, a male-identified woman, is working hard to get her business off the ground and become the largest name on the entertainment scene in Dallas. Meanwhile, her girlfriend Rene is busy leading a double life and planning her own future. N’Tyse does a nice job in weaving this tale of two immature lovers who get caught up in the street game and their own lies. However, the most intriguing aspect of this story is the character development. N’Tyse handles Sand and Rene with realism and complexity, never reducing them to one-dimensional clichés. Questions of gender identity and sexuality are actually dealt with on a human level; there is on cartoonish adolescent fantasy here. This tale is strictly for adults with open minds. My Secrets Your Lies is well written even though the drama gets a little melodramatic from time to time. Still, it is not the same typical urban street literature that seems to be flooding the market these days. N’Tyse is a talented writer and storyteller with a unique voice that will put her at the top of the urban literature genre.
TaKeshia Brooks
AAMBC Reviewer
TaKeshia Brooks
AAMBC Reviewer
July 14, 2012
CONFUSED SISTAS
This novel involves a lesbian couple and the trials and tribulations they encounter to try to survive their relationship. Sand (Cassandra) is born a female but lives her life a male. She has had desire for women since childhood and has been disowned from her family because of her sexual desire. She is then forced to become an adult at an early age by surviving the streets of Dallas, Texas.
Rene is a young female that has grew up in foster homes all of her life. She never knew her parents and never really care. She put that life past her and met Sand. She'd never been in a relationship with a woman or man and trusted Sand with her life. Sand played her role as a man in the relationship - she cared for Rene financially, emotionally, and physically.
Sand begans to encounter other desires for women as she begans to better their lives. Rene begans to have second thoughts about being with women and exposes herself to something different. This novel has more twists and turns than a roller coaster ride. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
Reviewed by: Tekisha
This novel involves a lesbian couple and the trials and tribulations they encounter to try to survive their relationship. Sand (Cassandra) is born a female but lives her life a male. She has had desire for women since childhood and has been disowned from her family because of her sexual desire. She is then forced to become an adult at an early age by surviving the streets of Dallas, Texas.
Rene is a young female that has grew up in foster homes all of her life. She never knew her parents and never really care. She put that life past her and met Sand. She'd never been in a relationship with a woman or man and trusted Sand with her life. Sand played her role as a man in the relationship - she cared for Rene financially, emotionally, and physically.
Sand begans to encounter other desires for women as she begans to better their lives. Rene begans to have second thoughts about being with women and exposes herself to something different. This novel has more twists and turns than a roller coaster ride. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
Reviewed by: Tekisha
July 25, 2012
Exposed
What started out as a passionate, loving relationship has dwindled. The love is still there, but as for the passion, that's another story. Once upon a time it was all about Sand and Rene. But with Sand being so preoccupied, Rene has nothing but time on her hand. Time to consider their relationship. Time to consider the choices she's made. Time to consider what is it she really wants - a woman or a man. In the meantime, Sand is not only too busy to notice Rene is lonely, she's running with an unsavory crowd. What happens when secrets and lies are exposed?
This debut novel by N'Tyse looks into the alternative relationship of two women, but the story never delivers on its possibilities. Both Sand and Rene are interesting characters, and I would have liked to have seen more done with them. Although the deceit of their relationship is the main plot, a secondary plot develops and the story makes a sharp right leaving readers wondering what happened.
What started out as a passionate, loving relationship has dwindled. The love is still there, but as for the passion, that's another story. Once upon a time it was all about Sand and Rene. But with Sand being so preoccupied, Rene has nothing but time on her hand. Time to consider their relationship. Time to consider the choices she's made. Time to consider what is it she really wants - a woman or a man. In the meantime, Sand is not only too busy to notice Rene is lonely, she's running with an unsavory crowd. What happens when secrets and lies are exposed?
This debut novel by N'Tyse looks into the alternative relationship of two women, but the story never delivers on its possibilities. Both Sand and Rene are interesting characters, and I would have liked to have seen more done with them. Although the deceit of their relationship is the main plot, a secondary plot develops and the story makes a sharp right leaving readers wondering what happened.
October 5, 2012
Rating 2.5 stars, because it has the potential to be a great read, it wasn’t executed to its full potential. The plot itself was exciting initially filled with many twists and turns. The characters throughout the story all tied in together and played key roles as the story unfolds. Some roles played needed further development and were a bit far fetched. I would not label "My Secret Your Lies" as an erotica due to the dull, lacking sex scenes. To me it is more along the lines of urban street literature. The story didn't really get interesting until the end; almost as if the author changed the direction of the story. She went into more of a mystery/suspense I was actually anticipating the next chapters. Didn't care to much for the ending which was too abrupt. Just when it started to flow, it was over. Left with to be continued . . . It left me wanting more. Overall "My Secret Your Lies" could be a great read with a little more work.
November 18, 2012
The book was ok, but I think the author was striving for twists and turns and added a few too many that were pretty much unrelated to each other. In the beginning, I didn't want to put the book down, but as the story progressed, I wasn't as enthused to pick it up. One thing that really annoyed me about the book was towards the end, there was almost a whole chapter of the author's words running together. For example: Thisbookwasanokread. At first I thought she was trying to portray the character's thoughts running together. It continuously went on and on. I'm not sure if she was told to shorten the book and just decided to take out spaces for a whole chapter or what, but it soon became very annoying.
December 24, 2014
This book was the best of times and it was the worst of times. but the twists and turns of the storyline made up for that in a lot of ways.
Dislikes:
It started off rather dull.
One MAJOR thing I wasn't a fan of was how the rape of Rene was painted as a natural punishment for her wrongdoings throughout the story.
Most of the characters weren't developed enough for my liking.
A LOT of story lines involving Sand were too farfetched
Too many food related descriptors used for sex scenes
Likes:
The twist and turns in this one.... I say goddam. EVERYTHING.
Overall the book did not live up to it's potential in a lot of areas but the overall plot, especially the parts involving Rene make it all worth it. I would still highly recommend this book.
Dislikes:
It started off rather dull.
One MAJOR thing I wasn't a fan of was how the rape of Rene was painted as a natural punishment for her wrongdoings throughout the story.
Most of the characters weren't developed enough for my liking.
A LOT of story lines involving Sand were too farfetched
Too many food related descriptors used for sex scenes
Likes:
The twist and turns in this one.... I say goddam. EVERYTHING.
Overall the book did not live up to it's potential in a lot of areas but the overall plot, especially the parts involving Rene make it all worth it. I would still highly recommend this book.
January 22, 2009
This book was ok - it started out slow to me and didn't really hold my interest until the middle of the book and the last few chapters were page turners. The way the book was written didn't make a lot of sense to me. It had too many things going on - Love story with a woman, a love story with a man, sex scandles, suspense, murder - just too much going on - not saying that the various plots weren't interesting, it probably would have made better reading if the book was broken up in short stories??
November 12, 2010
I am not sure what to think about these urban fiction novels (I think that is what this genre is called--that is how I have heard other people refer to this type of book). I was disappointed. I have read other novels like this one and they were written in the same style with pretty much the same story line. I just thought this one would be different somehow. I must say tho that the sequel Stud Princess is turning out to be a little more tolerable than the prequel.
February 28, 2011
I am glad that I found out about this author because I am excited about this book! This book gives you all of the fast-paced energy that is needed to keep the reader interested and wanting more! Sand and Rene appear to be a happy couple until Rene's friend Shun introduces her to Vincent and Rene starts to have doubts.
With all of the relationship drama you will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is next and wanting more!
Great book, great job!
With all of the relationship drama you will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is next and wanting more!
Great book, great job!
May 19, 2011
The title of this book tells it all! Once I read the first page I couldnt put it down. The story gives a new look at living a double life with real life situations and hang ups at every turn of the page! This is a must read, I want to say/tell more but I dont want to ruin any of the surprises the author has laid out! Way to tell a story N'Tyse, you have a fan in me!
August 14, 2012
This was a pretty good read. Sand thought she had everything figured out, only to learn that she truly didn't have anything figured out. There were a few characters I wish I knew more about. I hope they are in part 2
November 20, 2008
i loved this book read it twice
Read
October 16, 2009love is crazy
December 8, 2009
man i hope the sequel to this book hurry up and cum out this had a wonderful ending lol and it was like a whole shockn twist
January 24, 2013
Interesting
June 7, 2012
N'TYSE has written an excellent novel (e~book) that deserves attention. It held my attention from start to finish. I would recommend this book to all my friends!
September 28, 2016
IT WAS GREAT. A GOOD PAGE TURNER.
July 8, 2011
Penso che questo era spazzatura assoluto...
October 14, 2012
This was different...but unique...and then it got good..real good - can't wait until the sequel..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews