The Million Dollar Deception

The Million Dollar #2

by R.M. Johnson

Now in paperback, the sequel to the #1 Essence bestselling author’s sensational The Million Dollar Divorce—a novel that takes the surprises and sensuality of the first book to new heights.

• Bestselling RM Johnson’s The Harris Family was a #1 Essence bestseller. The Million Dollar Divorce, which launched this series with a bang, is a favorite amongst the author’s loyal—and growing—fan base.

• Universal Like its exciting predecessor, The Million Dollar Deception appeals to women with its brilliantly unpredictable plotting. It also hooks men with the brotherhood angle that garnered so much praise with Johnson’s last novel, Do You Take This Woman?

• Enthralling An emotionally complex novel about desire, commitment, and excruciating choices, The Million Dollar Deception is about Monica Kenny, whose love life has become a confusing labyrinth of doubts. Lewis Waters, the younger man who may or may not be right for Monica, will do anything to hold on to her. And Nate Kenny, Monica’s unscrupulous ex-husband, realizes now how foolish it had been to give her up a year ago—and is about to plot the destruction of Lewis Waters to get her back.

Genres: African American, Black Literature, Audiobook, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2008

About the author

RM Johnson was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After high school, he served five years in the United States Army. After which he received his Bachelors degree in science, from the University of Louisiana. He worked as an x-ray technologist, and radiation therapist for a number of years while continuously working on his writing, and earned a Masters degree in creative writing from Chicago State University

In 1996, RM wrote THE HARRIS MEN, and in 1999 it was published by Simon & Schuster. It was received with critical acclaim and quickly became a best-seller.

Since then, RM Johnson has written nine novels, to include the best-sellers, THE HARRIS FAMILY, DATING GAMES, and THE MILLION DOLLAR DIVORCE. STACIE AND COLE was his first young adult novel, published in December 2007 by Hyperion Books.

His latest novel, THE MILLION DOLLAR DECEPTION is the sequel to THE MILLION DOLLAR DIVORCE.

In June of 2009, RM threw his ring into the non-fiction ring with WHY MEN FEAR MARRIAGE.

THE MILLION DOLLAR DEMISE is his latest novel.

Reviews

[Mahoghani 23 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bland, silly and boring! Money is the root of all evil and this is true for Nate Kenney. This nut decides that he now wants the woman he divorced back but first he must make everyone pay for crossing him. First, the woman he was sleeping with behind his wife's back, took him for a lot of money and he ruthlessly tracked her to get it back. She ended up trying to take her life. Nate didn't learn from that situation and he moved on to getting revenge on his ex-wife for divorcing him.

Monica has moved on but the man she's with is the man Nate used to seduce her. They have nothing in common but she trusts him with everything including her money.....hmmm!

Throughout all the deception in this book, the storyline is boring and weak. The characters appear to be dull except for Lewis and Freddy, the man that seduced Nate's wife and his best friend. These two have the most to lose in the story but it ends up badly for everyone involved.

The book appeared juvenile and described Monica, Nate's ex-wife, as docile, gullible and easily manipulated. If you listen to the audio, the narrator can't manipulate his voice to most of the characters and his attempt at a woman's voice is ridiculous.

[Revae · Rating 4 out of 5]

It boggles my mind at the lengths that Nate Kenny goes to in order to get his wife back. After he went through HOOPS to get rid of her in the Million Dollar Divorce. Nate's revenge begins with Tori his secretary who gave Monica the evidence that proved Nate cheated on Monica as well. It was Tori's tape that helped Monica walk away from the divorce a millionaire. Now, Nate is on a path to get all of his money back, even Tori's fee for helping Monica. Things begin to spiral out of control when Lewis Waters decides that he does not want to give Monica up that easily. Who else is going to take care of him and his daughter, physically, mentally, and most importantly financially? Lewis wants to marry Monica, but she's uncertain whether Lewis is the one that she wants to spend her life with. When I finished this one, I had to read the synopsis for the third book to find out what happened. This is truly a story of life and death. Confucious put it best: When you set a path for revenge, you have to dig two graves; one for the person you're seeking revenge on and the other for yourself. Nate Kenny is over the top, and that's the main reason I could not put this book down.

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't put this book down as I read how manipulative & evil Nate truly was. While I was hoping his plan would backfire, never in my wildest dreams could I have predicted that ending. The page turning storyline has me definitely ready for the next part to see how this unexpected disaster turned out

[Tip Mack]

I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read the third book in this series. The twist, turns and constant deception in this novel is great. The title was perfect for everything that was going on in this one.

[D.lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! This book is off the chain!!! Nate still hasn't learned any lessons, but devious doesn't seem strong enough to describe him. I think he even has Satan shaking his head in shame. Nate manipulated, lied, deceived and corrupted, but little did he know one day he would do all of that to the wrong person. I kind of felt bad for Lewis because despite all he did he didn't deserve what he got nor did Monica. The ending was so shocking I had to read it more than once to be sure I read what I thought. Nate, Monica, Lewis and Freddy all did their parts, but one only one of them comes close to being as cold and unfeeling as Nate. You will have to read it to know what I mean. The Million Dollar Divorce was good, but the Million Dollar Deception was fantastic!! I sat and read it in less than five hours, but I sat for another 30 minutes just replaying everything that happened. It definitely leaves you wanting more. I can not wait for the final installment so I can find out how Mr. Johnson is going to bring the story to an end.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The big pay back, when we last heard nate had made a big mistake by trying to get lewis to get his wife in bed which he did do and nate lost alot of money but now hes back in the million dollar deception and will use any and everybody to get his wife back. But in the end oh my it was good.

[Felicia A Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK. I just don't understand how this man gets away with playing people like pawns and they all just fall for it like idiots.

[Deedee Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still as good as I remembered

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, first of all that’s be real, forgiveness is for us all. But realistically would you have given Lewis or Nate a second chance? I darn show would not have! Why I say that, Lewis for one, was a poor excuse of a man! He had a great job at the barbershop. Would it had been a crime for him to wait for his breakthrough? NO! Rome was not built in a day. He moved in with a drug user, she gets pregnant and no money coming. If you’re man enough to say don’t kill my baby, then be man enough to provide. When Monica was paying for you to get and education so you could better yourself; you quit! Really, who does that. Hold your head up, stop feeling sorry for yourself and handle your business. Instead of listening to Beasley he listen to Nate. If it comes to you easy; you best know you will pay dearly for it in the long run. In the end what you lost was worth much more than what you gave up. Lewis was stupid, selfish and a sad excuse of a man. Now Nate, he was a horse of a different colour. He was evil, ruthless, selfish and then some. His greed got the best of him. He was a evil undeserving man. He went too far. His deeds to Tori, Monica, Lewis, and Freddie were just low. He deserved whatever he got. The book itself was wearied, I mean, notice how each person went to some one other than who they should have to tell the other persons truth. Instead it to whom they should have told. Example:
Tim told Monica on Nate
Lewis told Monica on Nate
Nate told Tim is plan for Monica
Nate told Tori his plan for Monica
Tori told Monica Nate’s plan
Freddie told his girlfriend Nates plan for Lewis
And on and on! If this wasn’t DRAMA then what is.

[The Book Chick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Better than the first installment but man is it over the top. I mean Nate's character is just out of bounds.. He goes through way too much to get the this he wants and isn't really smart.
Monica just really ran her course with me. I ended up not caring at all for her. She has to be the dumbest trick ever. Like she is just a semen dumping ground. And did I say how unintelligent she is?? I mean how could she not figure any of the scheme out?
Lewis is probably the best and most realistic character, but even he was on my last nerve with his lack of ambition and pure ignorance.
I don't know... This is a very much far fetched story.

[Karen Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate is mean, selfish, and arrogant. In order to get revenge, he used Freddy who is Lewis's best friend. He blackmails Freddy. He wants to hurt Lewis, which will in turn hurt Monica who says he still loves. But he wants to get back at Monica and get his money back. The man has over a million dollars. Those few dollars that he gave Monica has allowed her to get out of his life and start over.

Nate is unbelievable.

Lewis is also unbelievable.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just gets more and more bazaar!

Nate does not know when to quit! He is creating so many problems in so many lives but Karma is something else. Monica is one confused chick and Lewis needs to get his life together! Freddy is caught between a rock and a hard place and it costs him a lot! The ending will leave you speechless and I am really anxious to see what happens next!

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book started with a decent plot and was an interesting read. This plot was so farfetched and unreal I had for force myself to keep reading. I am going to keep reading the series and hope it gets better.

[Danielle Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg. This book was too much. Nate and his manipulation cause all of this. Monica is so naïve and easily manipulated. She got on my nerves too. I didn’t expect the twist at the end. Now I have to read the next book.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

7h, 32m

Monica is boo-boo the fool on how she goes back and forth between Nate and Lewis. Nate is a sleazy mofo that demonstrates money does not equal class. Lewis wants to be a victim of his own circumstances.

[Jessica Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa

This storyline right here is off the chain. I missed my train stop because I was so engrossed in this book.

[BJS · Rating 5 out of 5]

OOOHHH MMMYYY GGGOOODDD!!!!!

This book is absolutely awesome!!!
A page Turner. Easy read
I loved this book, I can not wait to read the next book to see what happens next.

[Tia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book of this series was great! There was no need for the second book!

[Kailah Lathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lewis and his unambitious behaviors were a total turn-off the whole book. Why does Monica keep recycling between men is beyond me. Of course the plot twists were on point. Great writing.

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I if for folks to use their power and basically prey on those who are not. And in this book, Nate Kenny has nothing but my complete disrespect AND contempt. Now, in the last book, The Million Dollar Divorce, after finding out that his wife Monica could NOT get pregnant due to some defect that runs in her family, he hires this guy, dresses him, has him rolling in money and looking good, WHY? so he could seduce Monica and Nate could sue for divorce without losing his cherished millions. Well, of course, the plan worked so well, but of course, it came with a hitch. In this novel, Nate goes out to get his millions back. He starts with his ex secretary, with disastrous results, then goes to his ex wife, who is now living with the guy Lewis and his young daughter and deceives her by coming up with some detail saying that the company he has needs some money. One lie. he arranges to meet Monica, but she adds to the pot and invites Lewis to the meeting which ticks off Nate. Things get even funkier when Lewis threatens Nate to stay away and sends videos of him and Monica making love which made Nate really want to put the screws to breaking them up, so he steps up his campaign to break them up by enlisting Lewis' friend Freddy, with a troubled past coupled with pressing issues along for the ride and adding his newly adopted son(the same child Monica saw in the adoption agency in Divorce)by coaching him to call Monica "mommy" and stuff really gets ugly fast. I won't spoil it further, but I promise that fans of his previous books will NOT be disappointed by this one and will be begging for the next installment like yesterday.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay well Book two in the Million Dollar series and I cant say that I enjoyed this one any better than the first-sigh.I don't know I cant with this dude Nate, he is just too damn much I read most of the book with my mouth open in disgust and unbelievable surprise at some of the things that go on in this book..does betrayal have any limits in this book?! Jeez okay so when the book starts off Nate has gone and adopted a little boy in the hopes of getting Monica back after their nasty but financially lucrative divorce and no he doesn't want to get back with her because he loves her oh no-too much like right--but he does want to get his money back and make her pay..I know he just doesn't learn, okay so this time he has a new girlfriend but more schemes to get back at Monica and Lewis who are now living together and semi-engaged..So as Nate plots and schemes and blackmails Lewis's best friend and all other crazy s#$@ and as you can tell I cant stand Nate but now add Monica to the list too, how can you even entertain the thought of getting back with that evil vindictive shady man..I cant really delve too deep into as that's all that really happened although a side character is introduced in the needy poverty stricken crazy Freddie trying to make up for his past and getting caught up in this nasty scheme that turns ugly for everyone at the end but made the book more interesting really..now what in the world can happen now and am I really excited to read Part three? LOL in too deep now, here goes lets hope its the best of the trilogy..still a R.M. Johnson fan but may he is pushing my level of reality LOL!!

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT sequel to The Million Dollar Divorce and I can't wait for the third and final story in this saga! Johnson is a powerful and talented author in every sense of the word. The ending was AWESOME in this and the twists and turns in the second half of the book were amazing. I was talking out loud to myself numerous times! :)
The only problem I had with the book, which was MY problem and not anything wrong with the book and certainly nothing to which I'd take away a star) is the first half of the book reiterates a lot of what happened in the first book. This has to happen of course for anyone who hadn't read Divorce already but being that I read them back to back it was a tiny bit annoying. That right there folks, is my only problem with the book and like I said, it's all my own.
This isn't just urban-fiction- this is for anyone who enoys GREAT fiction. Do not let the genre fool you- I know so many people that would LOVE this book and am recommending it to many.
I'm planning on getting the rest of Johnson's books that I don't currently own and reading them all- if they're anything like this I won't be dissappointed!

[Just Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert!

Wow!!! This is one crazy story.

I'm a fan of RM Johnson. I like his writing style. He has the ability to take some far fetched ideas and make them believable.

I read book one of this series many years ago. The good thing about book two, The Million Dollar Deception provided enough details that I didn't have to re-read book one.

Originally, Monica and Lewis were my favorite characters. However, in this second novel Monica comes across as REALLY dumb and naïve to me. And, Lewis showed his true side. A criminal without any goals or desires to work. In this book, I didn't have a favorite character, I sort of disliked them all, in a good way.

I had such extreme reactions to this book. I screamed, "NOOOO." I laughed; and cried at the end. Freddie killed is father at a young age. He was never rehabbed from that crime, and in the end he was STILL capable of cold blood murder.

One to book three. I have a feeling the craziness continues.

[Donna Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

.Wow! the ending i never saw that coming it was a total shocker....So let me back up Nate Kenny came back in part two worse then before. After losing 15 million to his ex-wife Monica in a divorce settlement he sit out to get it all back which pit Lewis Waters best friend Freddy against him. I really didn't like Lewis in this book because of the way he treated Monica who been by his side and put money in his pocket as well as gave him and his daughter a nice life style. All i can say is this book have a really good twist........... Once again my heart go out to Monica who was just caught up between two men that she loved......Love it!....now on to book 3.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I read any R. M. Johnson books and he didn't disappoint. Nate Kenny is as lowdown & scandalous as can be. He ended up getting Monica and himself killed while trying to lure Monica back and mistreat her all over again, trying to get his money back from a divorce settlement. Freddy and Lewis childhood friends lost each other over money. Freddy also lost Mia a nod his unborn child. Since Freddy has killed and Lewis is in jail. What will he do? I hope to find out in the sequel, The Million Dollar Demise. Stay tuned!

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

AGH! So depressing! Quite the language and sensitive scenes! I'm not quite sure why I read the whole book...guess I was waiting for a good conclusion which never came.

I must say the character development was great. However, the storyline is not my kind of reading and that completely surpassed any lasting memories about each individual character.

[Keyona · Rating 5 out of 5]

And to think that I thought the first one took my breath away...This second one was..whoa.I'm not sure how else to put it lol.Poverty can make you do crazy things just to get ahead...even if you have to sell your soul to the devil.I can't wait for the third one. I'm not even sure how Johnson can follow that one, but we'll see.

[brownsuga0102 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. The chapters were short, which I liked. The plot started out kind of confusing, making you wonder who was who, but over all it was a great book. (the confusion of figuring the characters out is why I gave it four stars) At the end, the author left room for there to be a follow up book... so I'm guessing I'll be looking for that to to be my next read.

[Natalie Shoaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one I read in a day as well. It was good as well as the first book in the sequence. It was interesting to read a man author though, because I have always just stuck in women author. Interesting to see their thoughts as well.

[Leonna K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quick, drama-filled read from R.M. Johnson. Granted, you have to suspend belief just a bit in order to enjoy these novels. But then again, never be surprised at the lengths one will go to for redemption.
Damn that Nate Kenny *shakes fist*
I'll definitely be reading the next novel!