The Official Website of Author Latrese N. Carter

Reviewed by

Fiction Writer "Author of Missed Opportunities" (Florida- www.latonyawilliams.com)

Readers, take heed to the strong message in this novel. If a man looks good and appears to know God, doesn't mean he's good for you! Liar, Liar begins with the main character, Stormy, who is a good girl by all means falling in love with Camden, the pastor's son. Rumors circulate around the church that Camden is involved in a relationship with a younger member of the church, Malik. Once Camden is delivered from homosexuality, he tries to be a faithful husband to Stormy, but his urge to be with men proves to be stronger. First time author, Latrese Carter writes like a seasoned professional as she perfectly captures each character's deep-felt emotions and inner personal struggles.

Liar, Liar is a gripping novel that deals with the church's inability to deal with homosexuality in context with all sin. As one character stated so eloquently in the book, "hate the sin, love the sinner". A word of caution, this book isn't for those who straddle the fence on this issue, as the author sends a clear message when it comes to the Word of God. Not only did I love this book, I learned a great deal from it as well. I'm looking forward to reading more from Latrese Carter.

"Liar, Liar" Book Review
Reviewed by Nikki Maria-Editing Diva

For her first novel, Latrese N. Carter has done a remarkable job in taking you through a descriptive literary journey. Latrese describes the psyche of each character in her book so thoughtfully, and without losing her readers to extremely long chapters. Instead, each chapter is short enough to keep you engaged – so engaged, that [even I], was on edge, and had to keep reading. Before I knew it, I was done with a 349-page book in just four days! I'm definitely left "WOW'd!"

Keeping it real …I've observed that some people (in our society) do not approve of a gay lifestyle, and will probably be taken back from [just] reading the excerpt alone – and possibly , driving one to immediately put the book back on the shelf. I'm asking readers to have an open mind – read the book – understand the behaviors that the book's characters endured – realize the power of Faith, and where it may lead you – lastly, support a dedicated, up and coming African-American novelist, Latrese N. Carter.

Reviewed by Zahra Adabi

This book was so much fun to read. I couldn't put it down and finished it in 3 days! Would definitely recommend it.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert of Urban-Reviews.com

Stormy Knight thought that she finally found Mr. Right in her fiancé Camden Brooks. Stormy's world is sent into a tale spin when she finds out that Camden is cheating on her with another male member of her church named Malik. Camden 's father and their pastor Reverend Brooks calls off the wedding due to Camden 's unfitness for marriage. After several months of prayer and healing, Reverend Brooks declared Camden to be healed from his homosexual desires and ready to marry Stormy. Stormy gives Camden a second chance and they get married. Everything points to the Brooks having years of marital bliss until Stormy discovers that Camden is still messing around with Malik. Stormy is also dealing with Camden 's scorned ex-lover from the past that is stalking them. What will become of Stormy and Camden 's marriage?

Liar, Liar is a wonderful debut by Latrese N. Carter. Carter brought a very interesting storyline with a unique twist on the down-low issue. The character development in this story is what really makes this novel soar. You feel the frustration of Stormy as she tries to deal with Camden 's sexuality and infidelity issues in a Christian like manner but at the same time not willing to be his doormat either. You feel the confusion of Camden as he struggles with his not so secret life and his love for Stormy. This story reads like a contemporary fiction novel with Christian fiction undertones. Most of the characters were brought up in the church and tried to lead their life according to God and the bible but they also fell short of the glory when dealing with some explosive issues. This author did an outstanding job of making these characters real and human. The powerful lessons of this story is that you need to love yourself first, let God place the right person for you in your life, and don't jump at the first person that comes along. There are moments in this book that will make you laugh, cry, and even anger you. Liar, Liar is emotionally charged, inspirational, and entertaining. Liar, Liar is a marvelous start to Latrese N. Carter's writing career.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Reviewed by Alleyne, Junior @ Spelman
I loved this book!!!!!!!!! I read it cover to cover in one day! This book is soooo interesting!

Waverer
Reviewed by Patricia Bridgeforth "//pp//"

Liar, Liar is an excellent book, I recommend it to any woman or man who is in a relationship. From a personal standpoint I am just as guilty as Malik and Stormy. My conscious speaks out to me to do what is right but I justify my actions based on my emotions. I am never completely happy or content with my current situation because what I support and try to justify goes against God's laws. I am in a hetero relationship with a man like Camden who is self-centered, selfish, married, and a liar. Maybe, I will find the strength to walk away. Because in the end, "What Does Love Have To Do With, What Is It Right"

A Rising Talent!
Reviewed by Germain Graham

Liar, Liar is a riveting novel that not only addresses church's reluctance to contend with homosexuality; but also reveals a problem that is plaguing the black community: the banishment of homosexuality. Liar, Liar takes readers on a journey through one man's struggle with his sexuality and how in the process he destroys the life of one male lover and takes several others on an emotional roller coaster.

Latrese Carter is an exceptional writer and story teller. In her debut novel, Latrese manages to bring to the forefront real life issues while at the same time adding an element of mystery and excitement. Liar, Liar is definitely a page turner and I am looking forward to reading more novels from this up and coming author.

(RAW Rating 4.5 Stars) -Everything that Looks Good...
Reviewed by The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Everything that Looks Good...

After a tumultuous time in the dating scene, Stormy Knight thinks she has found her true knight in shining armor. Camden Brooks is good looking, employed, attentive and grounded in the church. So when Camden asks her to marry him, she agrees. Planning the wedding is a joy, until her cousin visits her with some startling news. Camden is living life on the down low. What's more, he is seeing another man from the church. When confronted, Camden lies, and Stormy puts him before his father, Reverend Theodore Brooks, Pastor of the True Gospel Christian Center. When the story is confirmed, Reverend Brooks pronounces Camden unfit for marriage and cancels the wedding.

Reverend Brooks performs some spiritual healing on Camden and he later announces Camden has been delivered from his homosexual tendencies; he witnessed the demons leaving his son's body himself. Based on Camden's deliverance, his sorrowful repentance, and her love for him, Stormy gives him a second chance. A few short months into the marriage, Stormy is again faced with Camden's sexuality, his lies and their effect on the marriage. Not only this, but Camden's past life resurrects itself in the form of a stalker. With his marriage almost over and his life hanging in the balance, how does Camden fix it? Will more lies be the order of the day?

Latrese N. Carter has written a riveting account of how living an alternative lifestyle on the down low can affect relationships. LIAR, LIAR is laced with many messages full of Christian truths. She vigorously addresses the way many churches have handled homosexuality and her point is clear; a sin is a sin. She also has a message to women that tell us everything that looks good is not always good for you. Carter did an excellent job with the character development. Each one came alive within the pages and showed they were human and subject to imperfections. I understood their motives, their feelings and their frustrations. I even felt Camden's inner turmoil in admitting his sexuality. I lived Stormy's deep desire to fulfill her Christian duty and keep her marriage intact in spite of all the grief she was facing. This book is a great first effort and I look forward to many more from this author.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Great Summer Read!
Reviewed by Alfreda (members@mindfulthinkers.org) , Mindful Thinker's Book Club member

If “Liar, Liar” by Latrese N. Carter is her first attempt into the African-American fictional literary world, then I wonder “WHAT TOOK HER SOOO LONG!” because she is preaching to the masses!! This book is intriguing, thought provoking and down right inspirational!

The story takes the reader through the journey of Stormy's desire to find “Mr. Right”, but at what cost to her mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Once Stormy found her “Mr. Right” in Camden, all the qualities she thought were qualities of a God fearing man and the son of a well known pastor aren't what they appear to be. Camden's sexuality or lack to admit to his true sexuality, wreck havoc on Stormy's life but also Camden's D.L. lover, Malik, as well as his parents Reverend and First Lady Brooks. As you continue to read this book, you understand that this book isn't just about the drama that Stormy and Camden experience but it is a book with a message two-fold. One, the African-American community truly needs to acknowledge the homosexual lifestyle as to what it is, a lifestyle and try to work on accepting the individuals that choose that lifestyle and not shone them or put them in a ‘closet' hoping that the issue goes away. This type of thinking is hurting our community at a staggering rate every year with several heterosexual women contracting HIV/AIDS because of so many men being on the D.L. and not being honest with their sexuality with the people in their lives. Secondly, as African-American women, we need to start looking within and stop expecting a man to fulfill your worth as a human being. Self love is the key to finding and accepting the man that is truly for you and not just a show piece to say “I got a man”, as our main character, Stormy, finally realized after all was said and done.

I recommend this book as a great summer read but more importantly it's an exceptional body of work that needs to be shared with people of faith and any single female friends hoping and physically praying for God to send her “Mr. Right” instead of praying to be the best person she can be so that someone who is truly worthy of her love and devotion will fight to win her heart and hand in marriage.

A Definite Page Turner!!
Reviewed by A reviewer , aspiring author

The debut novel from Latrese Carter was definitely a page turner. Liar, Liar had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning until the end. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be taken on a rollercoatser ride because that is what her book did to me...it was great!