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He chose his family billions over their unborn child...


Raven Shaw once loved a boy so deeply and so fiercely that their separation sent her already tenuous hold on peace spiraling. A rough life topped by heartbreak is hardly the best way to begin motherhood, but with a babe on the way and Liam out of the picture, Raven is determined to be the best mother she could.
Liam Lemaître has a powerful family, and yet Raven once was his everything, and the only love he’d ever known. Deception drew them away from each other. Liam has realized that of all the material possessions he has—and he has lots—his assets honestly don’t add up to anything without Raven. Then suddenly, Raven stands before him, spitting fire and venom. And she has kept their child.
Two dynamic souls were kept apart by family and schemes far beyond their control. Can they somehow see past the lies and find themselves again? Will the truth set them free, or destroy their love forever?

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2016

254 people are currently reading
352 people want to read

About the author

Amarie Avant

53 books661 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amarie Avant focuses on writing romantic suspense, contemporary romance, dark romance with the occasional redeemable anti-hero.

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5 stars
189 (47%)
4 stars
115 (28%)
3 stars
52 (12%)
2 stars
31 (7%)
1 star
15 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews137 followers
April 29, 2017
I read the blurb and said, wait a second, this sounds like my kind of book:

a. Multi-layered plot. Check
b. Devious characters. Check
c. Second-chance love story. Check, check and check.

But Avant has written a most confusing story.

1.The book starts with Raven (the female protagonist) taking photographs of a male model (I presumed he was a model but the author didn't actually tell us the why or the who); their dialogue makes no sense; then they start making out; then in walks another character named Stephen who must really like Raven because he stormed off, angry that Raven kissed another guy. Who is Stephen again? Please don't ask because I don't know. Who is the male model and why was Raven taking photos of him? Please don't ask me because the author never explained.

2. Next scene has Raven walking into a mansion to visit with a "Charlene", who might or might not be her biological mother. Next scene has Raven with a shard of glass in hand, stabbing someone who apparently had attempted to rape the pregnant Charlene. Next scene has Raven and Charlene in the kitchen, discussing rather random things and completely neglecting to discuss why a man just tried to rape Charlene and, O Idk, why they probably ought to call the cops. I was like, seriously?

3. Next, we learn that Raven has a 5-year-old daughter. Hmm okay? And that someone called Liam was the father. Hmm okay? And that although Raven hasn't seen or spoken with Liam in 5 years she could, apparently, just waltz into his office, inform him he had a daughter, demand for his share of upkeep, then waltz out. Excuse you and WTF?

At this point, a picture began forming in my mind and would you like to know? I think this author based the Deceptive Desires series on "The Housewives of Atlanta/New York/L.A./Lagos/Milan/London" etc etc...you get the point. It read like a script for a reality show because the author moved from scene to scene with no scene set-up or background info. She would just pivot at random and move in a completely new direction, all with the most minimal of dialogue.

Look, I have enough on my plate with real life and having to help an author figure out the who, the what, the where and the how of a book is just not gonna fly. I'm sorry, but no.
Profile Image for Flip.
209 reviews
January 9, 2017
I received this ARC for an honest review. Loved this book it was really spicy,go Raven and Liam!!! Now bring it on book 3 because I'm still fanning myself off and I feel like book 3 is going to have me needing a cold shower.
Profile Image for Karen's Bookshelf.
470 reviews
September 16, 2016
Wow! That's the first thing I thought when I read the last word of book. First, let me say that if you haven't read Covet , you should definitely read that first. Raven and Liam are back and boy if you thought the Covet was wild, then you're going to love Envy. These two young people have so much going on and so many things fighting to keep them apart. On top of all that's going on around them, these two are harboring their own personal issues that, when come to light, only cause more problems for them. I tell you, one minute things seem to be going there way, then the next the bottom falls out from under. I don't want to say exactly what Liam and Raven are up against because I want you to read it and enjoy it for yourselves, but whew, these are going to have to put their trust and faith in each other if they want to survive.
If you love a story with drama coming from every turn, manipulative loved ones, and just plain crazy friends and enemies, your going to want to continue to follow along with Liam and Ravens journey to finding a their happily ever after. Or will they? I know I can't wait to find out. I give Envy 4 stars!
Profile Image for Lebrondae Shei.
150 reviews
January 19, 2018
Confusing as hell!!!

This author most certainly needs a editor, NOW!!!

Let's throw in nasty sub-characters, next, a abusive Grand-père, burning house, a glorified murderous bodyguard, a no-good snitching reporter friend with no conceptual advice, a smutty magazine, a friendly adorable truth-telling nana from the main male side that has never appeared anywhere in the beginning of the story, but, let's throw her in any way, biblical verses, here and there, also a sound good advisory assistance who only appears in the first 10 chapters of the 2nd sequel of this book, but does not reappear again, ever, some slutty women that can avail themselves out of the blue for the main male character to insinuate an affair to be having, a self abuse cutter, a therapist, not forgetting, a serial,-murdering racial rapists father who is in jail, a good-looking black bodyguard who fraternize with the main female character to get her counterpart jealous, oh, oh! O, yes, let's not forget, we must get the main girl pregnant again, which everyone gets told by the doctor at the same time, after a fatal car accident where she has just came out of the operating theatre and not by least, let's throw in sex, anywhere in the storyline, it doesn't matter where; as long as it shows up!!
If you love all that, then go ahead, buy these sequels, give 5 stars and let's all pretend that it doesn't take a world-class researcher, formatter, editor, inspirational, visionary and a whole lot of talent and great fantasizer to write an exceptional book to become an author!!!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
November 23, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/23/2018)!💝


Blurb:
He chose his family billions over their unborn child...

Raven Shaw once loved a boy so deeply and so fiercely that their separation sent her already tenuous hold on peace spiraling. A rough life topped by heartbreak is hardly the best way to begin motherhood, but with a babe on the way and Liam out of the picture, Raven is determined to be the best mother she could.
Liam Lemaître has a powerful family, and yet Raven once was his everything, and the only love he’d ever known. Deception drew them away from each other. Liam has realized that of all the material possessions he has—and he has lots—his assets honestly don’t add up to anything without Raven. Then suddenly, Raven stands before him, spitting fire and venom. And she has kept their child.
Two dynamic souls were kept apart by family and schemes far beyond their control. Can they somehow see past the lies and find themselves again? Will the truth set them free, or destroy their love forever?
807 reviews
June 29, 2017
If I could give this NO stars on goodreads to say how much I hated this novel, I would.
Lacks connections between scenes- jumps around and lacks fluidity. This is book 1, but drops the crumbs of a backstory as if there were a previous novel. Poor editing. So many obvious and glaring grammatical errors. I hate the characters. None of them are sympathetic at all. Got about 10% into the book before I had to just put it down. Too ridiculous to try to read more. While the plot was intriguing, it still only gets 1 star on goodreads. Sadly, the execution was severely lacking.
Profile Image for Tiffanii White.
119 reviews9 followers
September 19, 2016
Ghost writer?

I don't know who wrote this book. It couldn't possibly be AMarie because the story line was soooo messy. The plot had a million holes and the story skipped all over the place! The dialogue was random and didn't make sense most of the time! It was soooo hard getting through this book. I'm so disappointed because I had been waiting after the prequel. I don't think I'll finish this series.
Profile Image for Renita.
206 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2016
Raven & Liam

I love reading this series. Raven and Liam still have so much to overcome. I'm so happy for Royael. I was wonderfully surprised by Estella's outlook on their relationship. Can't wait until the next installment to see what it is Raven has done...if we find out. Lol #merrychristmas
Profile Image for Kashi Ashley-Ann Lowe.
484 reviews6 followers
April 30, 2019
The rich isn’t always happy

Y’all about a bunch of unhappy rich folks, yes I said that because if Liam’s family were happy in their own lives they wouldn’t have been so evil and meddling in his. Let’s not forget about the crazy misunderstandings between Liam and Raven, no lie,they both got on my nerves sometimes especially Raven.
I was happy to see the relationship between Char and Raven grew , and I appreciated ( on behalf of Raven) Damien stepping into a fatherly role for Raven.
In one nutshell this book was great and I’m excited to see what more secrets left to unfold
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
544 reviews61 followers
October 10, 2016
Rating: 3.5

Disclaimer: While everything I say about this book may seem negative...and I guess it is. I am NOT shunning this book or anything of that nature. I read this book in less than 24 hours. I ENJOYED this crazy book...it’s just crazy and choppy and has little to no direction and is like a soap opera that has been on for 50 years and all of the same characters are on the show and have died and come back 10 times each....

You know how people are watching something that is a complete hot mess and they say its like watching a train wreck? That’s what Envy is like but instead of it being like watching a train wreck. Its more like watching a roller coaster derail. There are up’s and down’s, loops, twirls and spins. And you know by watching that the car is going entirely too fast and derailing is inevitable and you should DEFINITELY turn your head but for whatever reason you just CAN’T because you have to...no NEED to see whats going to happen next. That’s what this book is.

I wouldn’t even know how to begin to tell you what this book is about because goddammit i’m still trying to figure it out. I started this on Sunday morning ... and was just so riveted and hypnotized by all the crazy that I finished it by Sunday Evening. A Roller coaster wreck it is, but it’s a damn entertaining one. 

Evny chronicles Liam and Ravens life five years after Covet ends and they’re still the most dramatic and exhausting couple to read about. One minute they’re madly in love and there’s no one else for them in the universe and then the next minute they hate one another and are scheming and plotting against each other. When I tell you I cant STAND these two...I CAN’T STAND THESE TWO! lol They get on my damned nerves. Seriously, I want to slap the baby Jesus crap out of the both of them. But then I also smile and swoon when they’re having their little cute moments. 

The drama that is their relationship and their family relationships continues in Envy and only gets more complicated and chaotic as more people are introduced and try to manipulate and play games with both Liam and Raven and their feelings for one another. They’re stupid...I swear all of their issues would be NIL if they would just sit the hell down for more than one second and TALK to one another. The only GOOD and solid thing that has come from the two of these loons being together is their beautiful spoiled little daughter Royael. Don’t get me wrong, I DON’T want to see them break up...or I should say APART because they break up every other chapter. But they need to get it together seriously. 

Envy ended...mysteriously. I have no idea what the hell is going through either of their minds. The next book comes out on Friday (Oct 14th.) Am I going to buy it? I don’t know...I kind of feel like these books are “in the moment” kind of books. The kinds of books you wouldn’t normally reach for but if you’re in the mood to be really lenient when it comes to craziness and bullshit, you’d enjoy it. 

I have re-emphasize this point...This book is “technically” the first book in the Deceptive Desires series. But if you’re going to dive into this craziness, you HAVE to read Covet which is the ‘prequel’. The author says you don’t need to but i’m telling you, you DO. So much of what happens in this book is predicated on events that occurred and things that are explained in Covet. You would be completely and utterly confused if you read this book without reading Covet. Hell...I read covet and i’m STILL confused.

Man I hope my patience is still where it is now by next Friday because I REALLY do want to see what the hell is going to happen with these two and their crazy asses with their crazy family. 

Recommendation: Read at your own risk, but if you do and you stick it out you will be highly entertained.

1,554 reviews12 followers
October 6, 2016
Horrible

Only read 40% could not handle it. Story seems to drag I couldn't relate to the characters. I really tried.
Profile Image for BreakingtheEpigraph.
1,286 reviews14 followers
September 14, 2016
This is my review and how I see it. This book right here made me want to throat punch Elise, Charlene, Sharon and Pierre and nut punch Liam. There are reasons why people should not be deceptive and self-absorbed.

Wait, wait, wait...is Calum Liam's brother?

Let talk about Elise, Liam's mother who thought she was getting away with her lie only to find out the only people who did not know where Liam and Jonathan. When her mother laid it out for her. I was like Whoa, Ms.Thang thought she had covered her tracks. Elise is a total pill, now if her father leaves her with nothing and Jonathan divorces her that is only the least of what she deserves.

Charlene, I didn't blame Raven when she told her that she did not want anything to do with her. She came at Raven shooting first and not asking questions. As much has she hurt that girl and the fact that they were trying to build a relationship thanks in part to her husband. They always say a mother knows and Charlene know who Raven's father is despite the lies that were cooked up to state otherwise.

Sharon, really, what type of grown a$$ woman, tells her friend to play games with a man that gets an innocent man killed. Raven should not have listen to her with the game playing. The only thing I agree with in the fact that Raven should have told Liam about Royael. After that there was no need for any more games.

Pierre, he wants to play god with Liam's life and wants things how he wants them. Obviously he raised Liam to good, but Liam did not turn out quite like he thought he would. Liam has his own mind and that heart of his mind will alway lead him back to Raven.

Liam, Liam, oh my goodness. This boy needs to grow-up. He throws tantrums like he is a child. Raven opened back up to him and at the first hurdle after they connect he hurts her to the point that she almost...well read the book to find out what happens to Raven.

Ms. Avant, what I want to know is...WTH is in that box?!!!

A great build onto the first story...ready for book three. I am rooting for Liam and Raven.

This is my review and how I see it.
Profile Image for Tracy *To the point Reviews*.
647 reviews186 followers
September 18, 2017
I think "All over the place" Is the best way to describe this book.

If you're looking for romance, forget it! This is a soap opera you're dumped right smack in the middle of it without knowing who, what, where or when?

Imagine you started watching Days Of Our Lives when you'd never watched it before. You have no clear idea how to shape your opinion of anything since you have damn clue what's going on and why. There are about 20 characters in this book, so imagine having to understand who they are and how they're involved in the main characters lives? Clusterfuck!

The writing is choppy and the characters seem to go from one moment in time to the next in a non fluid way that left me confused most of the time. The main characters seem to have two emotions; Anger and sadness. Happy moments are few and far between. I find the author attempted to make Liam likeable, but he's a fucking asshole who never says what needs saying and do what needs doing where his family is concerned. And Raven needs serious therapy. She goes from one strong emotion to another in the blink of the eye. But you feel for her because she's been dealt a shit hand by everyone around but her granny.

All in all, this is a Romeo and Juliette trope where two childhood loves were wrenched from each other by his scheming family. But Liam continually let's Raven down by listening to everyone but her.

This book managed to give some intense whiplash and left with a cliffhanger that has me wondering if really want to go through some more of the SHITSTORM!
Profile Image for stephanie ashe.
85 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2016
Wow

I read this as an ARC and it had me all over the place. From her mom to his grandfather and mother. Liam and Raven are a couple that is growing together. I couldn't believe the ending!!!
Profile Image for Shanta Gray.
772 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2016
First off, if you haven't read Covet please do. There is so much I want to say about Envy but I don't want to give the story away. I'm happy that Charlene & Raven finally got themselves together. I absolutely love how Annette & Damien ate always the voices of reason when the situation calls for it. I hate how Liam's family operates even if it means harming one of their own. The love that Liam & Raven have for one another is breathtaking but they just can't seem to get out of their own way. Hearing the tail end of conversations & running with it instead of getting clarity is going to be the demise of them. Royael is the best of both of them & helps to keep them grounded. For some reason I have a feeling that Calum wilI definitely be back. I can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Bewaji.
1,607 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2016
Supposedly....

The synopsis for this book is a sure way to a good story. Supposedly. This book however is so disjointed that I have a hard time following the plot. The dialogue is so stilted and heave-ho, it is very painful to read. The book need a thorough editing. If not that I hate not finishing a book, I wouldn't have.


343 reviews
October 27, 2016
This is a very poorly crafted book: the characters are stilted, the dialogue badly written, the romance and sex boring, and the plot is weird and confusing. I made it through 61% of this train wreck and gave up.
80 reviews16 followers
September 16, 2016
Awesome!!! Author, Amarie Avant does a fabulous job of keeping you on edge with the emotional roller coaster these two are on!!!! A muct read for the romantic!!!
Profile Image for Alex Ciz_naughty.
943 reviews5 followers
July 25, 2024
What in the WHAT?!

I kept trying to flip (aka turn the page) and then there is the end?! Like mid sentence almost. You are oh so evil Ms. Amarie Avant!! I almost don’t have time for this review so I can get onto the next. I went ahead and purchased the entire series I got so hooked by the novella.
Liam is still a pünk. Still not a fan. Why does HE get to go out and “spread himself around” and Raven had only known him? A lot of authors do this so I’m used to it but dang it, this isn’t the dark ages anymore, these women need to sow their wild oats as well a time or two! Not saying not to respect themselves and hang with every Tom Dïck & Harry they meet but at least SOMEONE!!
Okay, off my soap box. There were a few places in this story where I had to straight up put my kindle down, TRULY mid sentence. This was intense and real and raw. 😮‍💨 my heart.
All in all another amazing addition to this series and I cannot WAIT to find out what Ravens secrets/sins are! Au revoir!!
427 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2017
Re Re and Liam

Second time reading this series, and I'm still as excited as the first time. The character development is so thorough, where you feel you know the characters. I like Raven and Liam so much, whereas they both have wore out my nerves. I guess their lack of communication is impacted by their age. Man their sex scenes are so hot. The other characters are fierce as well, especially the grandfather. I love the Nana and Damien. Tyriq is too disrespectful. The secrets they all have keeps the suspense captivating. Can't wait to read Crave.
Profile Image for CRYS.
64 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2022
Let them stay together

I bought the entire series when I realized that each book ends with a “and to be continued…”. I only gave this a 3 just because I had whiplash trying to keep up with Raven’s attitudes & behavior. She constantly went from pleasant to mean on repeat. Just as you think her & Liam are finally working things out here comes another sucker punch to the gut. I was so on edge with their relationship, I just hope the next installment puts their relationship on solid ground.
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,509 reviews9 followers
July 23, 2017
This is just getting better and better!

This book has the right amount of drama to keep you interested. There were times were you got frustrated with both Liam and Raven and of course, Raven is her extra self. Even so, the growth and development of the characters was great to watch. I really enjoyed the growth of the characters and the pace of the story. I didn't want to stop reading and would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Zee.
285 reviews
September 19, 2017
Listen, this book is horrid. 80% of the time it's confusing the heck out of me. I would not recommend it. There is a preview of book 2 and the first paragraph confused me soo much.... This series makes no sense. I'm just going get the last book and read the last chapter and/or epilogue.... Then return it and get my money back.
Profile Image for Nycskpe.
766 reviews
February 27, 2018
Good!

This was good but there is so much going on, it's almost impossible to keep up with all of the characters. And, what happened to her friends the reporter/gossip colonist?
What is so terrible about Liam knowing her biological father is a serial killer? Liam's mother, grandfather and dad/not dad are all really disturbed...
60 reviews
May 8, 2023
A great love story.

They kept their love for each other, no matter what happen in their life.I loved how you gave them a past together . It made the book more interesting and exciting. You gave Liam more control and Raven less control. I am glad they finally talk their problems out and got a understanding.
Profile Image for Belle Anita.
94 reviews
July 15, 2018
ENVY is fabulous!

The author reeled us in with the story of Liam and Raven's young love, now she has hooked us with their budding life together. Neither is an innocent and neither can flourish without the other.
1,834 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2017
Depressing

Some people like heavy drama. If so, this is for you. I kept reading thinking it would get more romantic and less depressing. That didn't happen.
Profile Image for Jeanne Kotsios.
2,421 reviews11 followers
April 25, 2018
Fantastic

Wow this series just takes my breath away I just can’t put it down I just love the up downs and wow I just love everything about this story
4 reviews
November 1, 2018
I jumped right in and rode the highest roller coaster I could and still this book gave me more of a thrill
... a must read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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