Love, Honor, and Betray

Reverend Curtis Black #8

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

The infamous Reverend Curtis Black's sordid past is no secret, as his wife, Charlotte, is well aware. But when Curtis' long-time mistress and mother of his illegitimate two-year-old, dies, he and Charlotte have no choice but to raise Curtina together. While the living, breathing reminder of her husband's infidelity infuriates Charlotte, Curtis couldn't be happier to finally have his whole family together. Despite her best efforts to keep her feelings hidden, Charlotte resents Curtina, taking her emotions out on the young girl. When confronted about her behavior Charlotte starts spending time away from home, all the while getting closer to her ex-boyfriend. Curtis appears to devote himself to his parish and the new church they're building, but is he really focusing his attention on the female parishioners trying to lure him into bed? Suddenly Curtis and Charlotte find themselves slipping into dangerous territory, and not even Curtis' seven-figure salary can prevent what is about to happen.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, African American, Audiobook, Christian, Drama, Romance

324 pages, Hardcover

First published December 21, 2010

About the author

New 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

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Please put the Black's to bed.....I ordered this book January 25, 2011, and stopped reading it after struggling to get through it for a week. I finally started reading it again yesterday (March 31, 2011) and finished it. I love Kimberla Lawson Roby, but this subject matter and these characters have been beat to death! This is just the same book over and over again. How many times can this couple spend large sums of cash, cheat, and lie? The only difference in this book is that Curtis didn't cheat sexually (although he did in other ways) and he finally didn't have to step down from a church. I really think it is time to retire these characters. The way the story ended it seems like there will be yet another sequel, of which I definitely will not be purchasing.

If this is your first book by this author then you may enjoy it, but if you start at the beginning of the series you will certainly see what I am talking about. As a fan I am really disappointed, and hope for something new and better the next time around.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure what took me so long to read this series. This series is messy!!! Well written and holds my attention. I definitely want to know how this series will end.

[Khadisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was my second or third Roby novel, and the only book I've read of the Curtis Black series...

Like many other readers who've rated this novel poorly, I find myself sounding like a broken record. Not only do the main characters fail to have any sustainable moral fiber, but their lack of realistic motivators make them impossible to 'root for'. In addition, reading how Charlotte's mother nonchalantly recounts her own affair in her marriage, with no real remorse, how can you expect this main character to ever truly redeem herself, as it's certainly not hardwired in her DNA.

I found the frequent flirting (or near-miss affairs) by almost virtually every female character under the age of 40 with a visibly married man and public figure of 'faith' truly a disheartening reflection of the author's poor regard for the moral compass of women. Considering who her audience is, this is an even bigger travesty than the time wasted reading this novel until its end.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Black is out for vengeance but it is not for the many woman her husband had previously slept with. Although she has forgiven him for his past infidelity, apart of her wishes that she she can erase the past and have a new start. However there is one problem in their whole marriage and that is Curtina, the daughter of Curtis whose very presence annoys Charlotte. Empty promises she made in the past about trying to digest the fact that Curtina was conceived out of adultery, thanks to the unfaithfulness of her husband. Curtina is only two & innocent but that does not stop Charlotte from hating her guts, while calling her every other name besides daughter. It is hard to fathom her being in the same room with her and she tries to get Curtis to understand but he reminds her of her past mistakes. The only saving hope is her seventeen year old son Matthew who is a highly intelligent boy who wants to keep the peace and the animosity ceased.

Broken and confused as to what to do,Charlotte takes matters in her own hands. Reconnecting with a old flame of hers, hoping to reignite the spark that she thought that she lost with him. Not to mention her one night stand that will come back to hunt her in the end but she is not thinking about the consequences; only the pride that she thinks is justified. Things spring out of control when secrets are revealed, drama is escalated and passion turns sour in this romantic and hilarious novel about marriage.

I find this book to be extremely relatable and hilarious. The series keeps getting better and better, it never fails to make me laugh or learn something new about the characters.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sure there is a market for this type of book, but it is not me. I just picked it up on my weekly run through the library, I think I liked the pink dress.
What a mistake, after the first chapter I thought, "hmmmm", then by the second, I knew it was a trashy sensationalist novel that was not for me. If you are into serial adultery set against the backdrop of a church, by all means, pick up the book yourself. I drove it right back to the library and threw it into the book return with a thud of satisfaction. I think the thing that bugs me most is that there is a market for books where people are selfish and lie and cheat on one another. It reminds me too much of the poor friends I have on the other side of that selfish behavior, the kids whose lives are changed as a result of the deliberate "mistakes" their parents make. It goes on my digital shelf of "Awful books I will not finish reading." I couldn't give it less than one star, I am sure the author worked hard on it, but I wish her thoughts took a different direction.

[Sarah Weathersby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read Kimberla Lawson Roby’s books before and I enjoyed her stories. I read this one because it was my book club's selection for April. The trouble with books in a series is you can be stuck with characters you don’t like for all the books to come until you decide you don’t care enough about any of them to read another installment.

Love Honor and Betray is #8 In the Curtis Black series. It contains enough backstory to fill me in on what Charlotte and Curtis have been through that I don’t want to read the next in the series. It’s a shame when an author stops telling good stories in exchange for writing what sells. And I know adultery, baby-mama drama sells well. I’m sure there will be another installment of the saga of Rev. Curtis Black, his lascivious ways, and all the drama his ever-loving wife puts herself through to get even. But I’m not interested. I give it 2 stars.

[Kira Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Charlotte ever learn….. we’ll see!! The plot thickens!!!

[Gabriella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kim Lawson Roby pulled out all the same stops in her previous seven books, and delivered them then with more satisfying cliffhangers.

I’m beginning to think this series is at its best when it‘s focused on Curtis’ (adult) children...

[Karen Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any faithful reader of Kimberla Lawson Roby knows what an unfaithful dog the Rev. Curtis Black is – he’s never married a wife he’s thought was too good to be cheated on. Nor has he ever met another’s man’s wife he thought to good to cheat with.
But after reading Love, Honor, and Betray, even the most unforgiving person might feel sorry for the reverend and think he’s finally met his match now that he’s married to Charlotte, whose name – for good reason – perfectly rhymes with harlot.
After all, she was having an affair with Black when he was still married to his second wife, Mariah. And after they married she had an affair with a lunatic who tried to burn the Black’s house down, with her in it. And, oh yeah, when she found out she was pregnant with another man’s child she tried to pass the little girl off as her husband’s.
Perhaps it was because of Rev. Black’s own sordid past that he was able to forgive Charlotte, the one wife he truly loved. He even took time to do some long overdue self-analysis – and vowed to start walking in the path of God. That didn’t stop him, however, from also carrying on yet another adulteress affair, and having a baby – Curtina – with his new mistress.
I know . . . you need a score card to keep up with all the infidelities and drama.
But when Curtina’s mother dies, and Rev. Black decides the only decent thing to do is take the little girl into the home he and Charlotte shares with their teenage son, Matthew, Charlotte has had enough; and decides to up the ante. One of the reasons Charlotte is so adamantly opposed the Rev. Black’s illegitimate daughter living with them is because she is still mourning the death or her own young daughter, Malissa, and when the reverend suggests that Curtina might be a replacement from God, Charlotte explodes.
Lawdy, lawdy, lawdy!
Lawson first introduced readers to the scandalous Rev. Black, in her third novel – Casting the First Stone – back in 2001. The book quickly became a book club favorite, and Lawson was quickly hailed as the Queen of African-American Christian fiction; not because her characters acted particularly “Christian,” but because – like the books written by fellow author, Victoria Christopher Murray – her books were centered around the Black Church.
Too Much of a Good Thing, Roby’s sixth novel – and the second in the Rev. Black saga – made the New York Times best seller’s list in 2004, and she’s been a frequent on the list since. If you want Christian drama, you want a Roby book; and she delivers, plus some, in Love, Honor, and Betray, the eighth novel in the Rev. Black saga.
Charlotte is so deadest against the newly proposed living arrangement that she gives her husband an ultimatum – either he sends the two-year-old to live with her mother’s family, or she will leave. But, to her surprise, Black reluctantly calls her bluff. His preference is to keep his home life intact since he really loves Charlotte, but under no circumstances will he send Curtina away. Devastated, but reluctant to give up the luxuries that being First Lady of a large church and a best-selling author provides, she decides to make life so miserable for him that he’ll rethink his decision. First, she starts ignoring Curtina, who calls her “mommy,” and constantly reaches out to for her affection. When that only serves to confuse the young child, and antagonize her teenage son who can’t understand how his mother can be vindictive against an innocent toddler, she turns to other measures to get back at the reverend; like sleeping with not one – but two men behind his back.
And for his part, Rev. Black struggles to fight temptation of the flesh with women throwing themselves at him, all while his wife is doing her best to push him away.
After a near-tragedy, Charlotte decides to give both men up and concentrate on making her marriage work, but her infidelities come back to haunt her; and even as she asks for God’s forgiveness she wonders if her husband finds out about her betrayals will he also be able to forgive her sins.
Roby does a good job of giving back story in Love, Honor and Betray, but new fans – not familiar with all the scandals related to Rev. Curtis Black – may have a bit of a time trying to understand the motivations of the different characters in the book; though they will no doubt have fun trying.
But for those thousands of fans who can’t get enough of the “good” reverend and his wives, this is a book that should not be missed. One can only wonder, what will Roby come up with next.

[Donna’s Book Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

The infamous Reverend Curtis Black's sordid past is no secret. But when Curtis and Charlotte are forced to raise his illegitimate two-year-old, Curtina together the reminder of her husband's infidelity infuriates Charlotte. Despite her best efforts to keep her feelings hidden, Charlotte resents Curtina, taking her emotions out on the young girl. When confronted about her behavior Charlotte starts spending time away from home, all the while getting closer to her ex-boyfriend. Curtis appears to devote himself to his parish and the new church they're building, but is he really focusing his attention on the female parishioners trying to lure him into bed? Not even Curtis' seven-figure salary can prevent what is about to happen.

This novel is #8 in the Reverend Curtis Black series. I wondered how Curtina (what an unflattering name) would figure into the marriage between Charlotte and Curtis. I wanted to shake Charlotte for her hatred toward Curtina, who was a product of Curtis’ affair with another woman. Charlotte did the very same thing, but her child died (previous book). The suspense of how this novel would end was enthralling. I’m moving on to #9 in the Reverend Curtis Black series, The Reverend’s Wife (2012).

[Latiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book that I completed this year. I'm feeling pretty good because we are only five days into the new year. My goal is to read 50 books this year.

I feel like I am only reading the Curtis Black series because I have been reading the series since the beginning. I am always interested in what Roby is doing with the characters. Overall, the book was well written. There is no denying that Roby writes well. The content however wasn't great. I loved the portions of the book dealing with Matthew. His story line really got to me on an emotional level. Other than that, I was turned off by Charlotte's ridiculous behavior. It seems like the Black's antics never end. True enough, Curtis is growing in each novel, but it still isn't enough to make me feel anything other than disgust for the characters. Overall, I didn't love the story and found no connection at all with it. I will probably continue to follow the series, but I'll check the books out from the library rather than purchasing them.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Nice twists and turns and just goes to show what you do comes back to you!

[Tip Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in this series of books. Read all of them. Pastor Curtis Black isn't the only one who contionously having affairs.

[Jolee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lord.... I just cannot get past all the hating on a two year old and a preacher’s kid, high schooler driving a new BMW. Going to the other church! 😂😂

[Mellissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!

[Danielle Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with every book. It took this long to Curtis Black to be faithful but that Charlotte is something else.

[Valorie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just break up already. Geesh!

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 1 out of 5]

the same old foolishness...same storylines -_-. yeah, over it

[Davina Brittingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimberla’s writing and storytelling never fails to keep me intrigued.

One of the aspects that I loved most about this book was the unexpected twists and turns in the story. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, here comes a plot twist that completely took me by surprise and eager to find out what would happen next. Onto book #9 in the series!

[Flashette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimberla Lawson Roby's latest in the Curtis Black series does not disappoint. Charlotte, upset that Curtis' love child is now a resident of her home, decides to put her self first. She soon learns that having her cake and eating it too is not as tasty as it sounds. Curtis has changed his ways and is the doting husband and father that everyone would love to have. However, his naughty past soon catches up to him.....AND his family. Will the Black's survive this turmoil that threatens to disrupt their happy home?

Roby once again delivers a story that is a pageturner from beginning to end. Even if you have missed any books in the Curtis Black series, Ms. Roby skillfully integrates key character information to bring the reader up to speed. This novel will satisfy the Curtis Black fan base and newcomers to the series will be hungry for more. All I can say is I can not wait for book #9.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I am not sure what I think of this book. When I first started reading I did not realize it was part of a series. However it was still easy enough to follow the plot line. It has, however, dropped enough history that I am a bit curious to read the previous books in the series.

The two main characters were frustrating to me. Constantly melodramatic and so were a lot of the other characters in the book. This made it hard to connect with them. The behavior and emotions were constantly extreme. The entire book was like one big soap-opera season finale and then some more drama on top of that.

Overall, I say give the book (or series) a chance and decide for yourself.

*Per FTC Guidelines-I received this book as a Free copy from the Goodreads First Reads.

[Shatara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in Goodreads first read contest.

When I learned it was part of a series I immediately purchased all the previous books which was 7 of them and read them all.

Charlotte is just a mess. She's never satisfied and always fights fire with fire. It's crazy how she does something (sin) and then pleads with God to get her out of a situation she puts herself in, repeatedly.

Rev. Curtis Black did a a good job staying on the straight and narrow. There were bumps along the way and he came close to doing wrong but he made it through and I was surprise. He is still paying for her past transgressions no matter how well he's turned his life around.

[Queen Coop · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative with the Reverend Curtis Black is becoming predictable and repetitive. However, I'm glad the main character's perception and "character" has changed for the better- at least for now. What I don't like, which has nothing to do with the book or series itself is the narrator's voice- Paula Jai Parker-Martin. No disrespect but her voice is very annoying and it doesn't drawing me as the listener into a story like previous narrator's from this series. Her voice did not easily distinct one characters from another or separating character voices and giving them unique attributes. I had to fight through listening to her voice just to get through the book.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from the Goodreads First Read's giveaway. I have not read the other books in this series, but I will be reading them now. This was a really good book and a fairly fast read. Charlotte is as selfish as they come and drama seems to follow her everywhere she goes. I really liked all of the characters in the book, even Charlotte eventually. There are some great twists and turns in this book and even though I haven't read any of the others previously it was still a great book on it's own. Thanks for giving me the chance to read this!

[Maureen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually enjoy her stories about the Black Family but I am getting annoyed. It's all the same recurring themes about cheating, lying, backstabbing by the same two people. The point is no one ever changes a new leaf and it all runs in the family. If you cheat on your spouse, you will always find other women appealing and if your spouse cheated on you, she is at risk to do it again. The fact that these two say they love each other despite all the betrayals and yet stay married to one another is despicable. So hope this is the last one to this saga!!

[Yuri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just OKAY. The same old song and dance with Charlotte being ever-so self-centered, doesn't get her way, and decides to do more things to mess up her relationship even MORE. Curtis and Charlotte claim to love each other; I hate to see how they treat people they actually dislike!!! And how immature of Charlotte (yes, we know she is much younger than Curtis, but she's not a child) to hate poor innocent Curtina. That was taking things just a little bit too far, Charlotte!

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this eighth installment to the Reverend Curtis Black series, we see that there is terrible in Paradise, and wonder if this could be the end for Curtis and Charlotte Black. I won't say too much, but it definitely has me on the edge of my seat. If you haven't done so already, please go pick this series up and support this great author.

[Dana Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte is sick and got what she deserved!! She actually hated an innocent baby and because of how she hated that Curtis was raising his child this fool goes out and have 2 affairs and of course she gets caught!! Curtis has been doing well with his cheating ways. He’s actually been faithful and that’s a shock. These books are running in circles but I’m going to see the series through.

[Linda Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it's been a few years since Kimberla focused on Rev. Curtis Black and his wife Charlotte. I missed them with all of their drama. I'm sure there will be another Curtis Black novel in the near future, based on the ending of Love, Honor and Betray.

[Chrissy]

Won this from Goodreads! Reading now! Review upcoming!

***update*** I didn't realize this was part of a series, so now I suppose I need to read some others before reading this one?? Hmmm... anyone who has read this.. give me insight! Are the previous books necessary to appreciate this one?