APOOO Rating: 5

Amazon Rating: 5



Secrets, Lies & Family Ties by Sylvia Hubbard spins the tell of a woman that gets a second chance to live the life she always wished could belong to her. Grae Reed is looked upon as a new person when she shows up at her high school reunion. A lot of this is due in part to a dramatic weight loss. Though her outer appearance has changed, she still remains a wallflower in her mind. But a fateful evening could change all of that when her high school crush wants to serve her up on a platter. Ezekiel Chambers was the man that Grae admired from afar but was too shy to approach during their high school years together. Grae feared that her overweight body and bad skin would be a turnoff to the popular, rich white boy. Now, years later, with her identity a secret, will Grae let her guard and her clothes down to experience what she has always fantasized about?



At first glance, this book may look to be just a tale of a mysterious woman who contemplates giving into temptation. This is so not true! Ms. Hubbard delivers enough twists, turns, mystery and intrigue that will leave the reader breathless and anticipating the next turn of the page. But the schemes will not be the only thing leaving the reader breathless. The erotic love scenes will feed the imagination of the reader as well and may cause their temperature to rise.



The other characters created by Ms. Hubbard in this novel only strengthen the storyline and add to the element of surprise and shock. The reader will be able to tell that Ms. Hubbard took great lengths to make sure each character was well-developed and would add to the plot in their own unique way. This tale could only be told by Ms Hubbard with such eloquence and style. This book is highly recommended to those readers that love the sensual with a touch of suspense.



Reviewed by Sharon Russ

APOOO BookClub

By Urban-Reviews.com (Urban-Reviews.com) - See all my reviews


Back in the early 70's, Charlotte Reed was the love of every young man's life at Greenlow Academy. Twenty-five years later, Charlotte's daughter Grae Reed is attending the same academy thanks to her guardian. Charlotte dies when Grae is fourteen with no one to care for her. Gus Walter steps in, becomes her guardian, and sends her to the same academy that he and Charlotte attended. Arriving at Greenlow, Grae bumps into the most attractive man she's ever seen, falling in love instantly. Grae goes through her entire four years at the academy following him around. Also known as the Pig Faced Zombie, Grae will never in a million years believe Ezeikel Chambers would ever love her.


Greenlow's 10-year class reunion is here, and Grae's best friend and roommate Liz begs Grae to attend. Grae is beautiful now; she's shed the weight, lost the glasses and pimples, and is nothing less than stunning. Going up the wrong elevator leads Grae to a private suite that is not the party she had any intentions on attending. Standing in the suite of the love of her life, Grae is speechless. Ezekiel has no idea who Grae is, and he's dying to find out who the woman with the gray eyes is that's had his heart skipping beats after only ten minutes of his time.


Ezeikel Chambers (a.k.a. Zeke) is the hottest bachelor on the market today. Known for being mean and cutthroat, every one has the wrong impression of Zeke because he takes no prisoners in his business or personal life.


When these two come together by a chance meeting, Grae won't reveal her identity and Ezekiel can't get her out of his head. Going against his father's wishes, he falls for a woman he knows his father won't approve of him marrying. However, it's too late to change his feelings and everything from the past must come forward in order for Grae to finally have the love of her life and for Zeke and his father to come to an understanding.


Sylvia Hubbard came with a different twist to a love story. It wasn't that the story was not predictable; it was told well and made you want to know what happened between Grae and Zeke. You also saw how her mother's life played a major roll throughout the story. I found Secrets Lies and Family Ties to be a quick and enjoyable read.


Reviewed by Angie for Urban Reviews

I fall in love with Grae character. She was so sweet and I loved Prince Heart her best friend. But on to the good stuff. This book was awesome Sylvia. You write stuff that I will never think that will happen. You guys have got to buy the book. You will learn about all the Hearts in each of her books so go and get it. Tori

First the book is damn good and I love it. The storyline or plot was a trip. The book keep you guess and the plot is twist. I love the characters and story was quite believeable. Please don't judge the book by is cover. The model looks sick thin and tire. I don't know why Sylvia chose that cover but I hope she will replace it soon. If you were in a bookstore you might pass it by. Trust me the book is awesome and wonderful. I going get my copy, please get yours.

This is a very interesting idea but the story is let down in the execution. The novel still has a large amount of grammatical errors, repetition, and needs a proper edit - apparently this is a partial edit of a story that was featured on the author's blog. Phrases and sentences like "his visual gaze", "...seemed self-absorb and...”, " Frowning in slow motion, he shook his head", “His tone of voice was somber”. I would say that this book falls into the so bad it is good category because of the bad editing, some of the phrases end up being unintentionally hysterically funny. And that's a shame because the poor editing draws you out of what could be an amazing story.

Another comment I would make is that the speech of the characters does not fit their history. The male hero is supposed to have gone to an exclusive private school but yet his speech does not reflect that, similarly with the heroine. Both characters swear much more than you would expect from someone with that standard of education or wealth. There is also sometimes a lack of a distinctive voice from each character.

There are three or four sub-plots which detracts from the main romance story. Some of the things that happen in the sub-plots take on a rather farcical unbelievable quality. The author also tells what is going on rather than showing most of the time.

The sex scenes in this book are very poorly described and the emotion is lacking. I think that is true of most of the book - the emotion is lacking. You don't believe in these characters because some of the time they don't speak or act like they are supposed to. For instance the author tells us early on in the book that the heroine has had sex a few times but the lights had to be off and then he had to leave by 9pm because she didn't like sleeping with a man. Next, she tells us that the heroine only believes that sex is for procreation but if she is in a relationship, she will share that part of herself with a man. Yet the description the author gave sounded like a f**k buddy or some guy the heroine picked up in a bar. It is very confusing.

I would advise the author to join a critique group, there are plenty around, - rwc critique on yahoo is one, and get this story looked at. At the moment this story isn't up to the standard you would expect from a published novel. I would say this was the second or third draft, with draft five being the published version.

Suprina said: Girl, you definitely know how to leave ‘em hanging.

LOL. Good job. Stay real.

PS: I really like the Title you chose - SWEET REUNION. Catchy and easy to remember.

Nov 17, 9:12 PM


Maria said: i loved the story.

Nov 17, 10:20 PM


Alice said: I really think you’ve got a winner on your hands!

Nov 18, 5:35 AM


MM said: awesome job Sylvia, nice cliff hanger lol

Nov 18, 7:59 AM


Terez said: just caught hold of The Reunion last friday and after printing out 22 chapters I was hooked!Arghhhhh…By the way I love your writing!

Faith said: that is gud love scene,i hope they are goin to be happy too

Nov 17, 10:30 PM


Tori said: AHHH that was so sweet. I loved this chapter and it was the best! I think I may read it over again…lol

Nov 17, 11:53 PM

Michellea said: Yep definitely a good chapter. It truly was a sweet reunion. Makes me sigh and wish my life were like that lol. Keep up the good work Ms. Hubbard.

Nov 18, 8:49 PM

tori said: Wow I was so into this chapter I didn’t want it to end..lol Damn that was good. Keep up the good work!

Nov 12, 6:46 PM

Cinquetta said : Damn that was powerful…WOW! Keep up the good work!

Nov 12, 9:24 PM

eva said: WOW WOW WOW WOW grae is my shero Nov 10, 2:03 AM

anonymous said: OMG OMG OMG ms sylvia ms sylvia OMG you have outdone yourself OMG OMG want more want more want more

Nov 6, 12:08 AM

Cinquetta said: DAMN! that what I call heart stopping moment. Oh boy when you write a story you write story WOW! DAMN please update soon!

Nov 7, 1:11 AM

Aran said: I love the way u bring all the characters together. Whenever, I read ur novels, I am surprised by the way even the smallest of ur characters are linked together. I keep on reminding myself that when I am looking at story possibilities I should not be ignoring these small mentions coz from my experience with you, I know u always bring them back! but inspite of that, I am surprised by you always. Way to go…

Nov 7, 3:10 AM


Anonymous said As always I can’t wait for the next chapter and can’t believe that someone hasn’t signed you up to compete on the bookshelves.

Someones got to get the work to Gail King and Oprah so they can talk about you on TV and the mag’s about you because everyone should know about your talent

Nov 7, 4:28 PM

Delores said: LMAO…do ya see it Sylvia, that’s my mouth hanging wide open. I sure didn’t see that one coming. I’m sorry but I’m gonna have to reread this story again because its just too good, lol.Nov 2, 10:39 PM

tori said: WOW that was some shit excuse my french. But man Sylvia I know it was a twist some where and lets just say you blew me away on this one. I hope things work out for them though and I really pray that you get the money you need! Keep your head up!

Nov 2, 11:05 PM

Eva said: oh my dear heavens ms. sylvia ms. sylvia gurl you are killing it!!!! in a good way! this story is better that watchin real soaps gurl!! please let grae kick liz’s ass something good PLEEEASE!!

Nov 3, 2:40 PM

Author, Tonya Valdez said : Only in the mind of Sylvia Hubbard could such a tangled yet tantalizing and enticing storyline be produced. It’s been a great read Sylvia (of course, right?? What else would we expect from Sylvia…)

Thanks for sharing!!

Nov 3, 5:48 PM

Jasmine said: Wow,your writing is just amazing !!!!!!!!!!!Everytime I read it I am surprised.Its too good!!!!!!!I am waiting for the next .

Nov 4, 6:15 AM

K said: I love this story. Your work is very impressive. ...that was pretty slick of you. Your talent both amazes and scares me. You are very blessed young lady. Keep up the great work!

Nov 1, 10:01 PM

Delores said : Sylvia, stop playing with my mind…your making me go insane, lol. Nov 1, 10:04 PM

V said: This is my first time to read your story blog and I read all the other chapters at one go. Its a great book. I cant wait for the next chapters.

Nov 2, 2:47 PM

Eva said: dammit zeke i swear i wanna tear that man’s hair out!!!
Nov 1, 8:09 PM


Tori said: OMG… What an asshole he is. That man makes me want to punch his lights out…lol Good work!

Nov 2, 2:13 AM

Cinquetta said: The sex is wonderful and out of this world.Nov 3, 12:29 AM

Maria said: Oh my god sylvia keep it coming i’m on the edge of my computer chair.

Oct 30, 10:18 PM

Delores said: OMG OMG,…I can't wait for that. Sylvia, look you got me all obsessed again, lol.

Oct 30, 10:49 PM

Ljay said: Man!…this is crazz… I love it!!

Oct 31, 1:52 AM

Aran said: Sylvia, this story is getting too interesting to miss. And the wait to read the next part is killing.
Have to tell you that I do not usually read romantic novels but since I have discovered you, I have been trying to read as many novels of yours as possible- u rock with your plots and ur steamy scenes!

Oct 31, 2:14 AM

Kristina said : This is getting to be tooo good!! Oct 30, 7:54 PM

Maria said: Oh my god!!! When i read this chapter i was about to explode Oct 30, 9:45 PM

scstarza said: Sylvia as usual, outstanding job. Thanks

Oct 31, 3:50 AM

Tori said: That was HOT as Hell!!!! Way to go with this chapter I can feel the love between these two Oct 28, 9:36 PM

Ljay said: And Miss Marple..Agatha Christie..you know the English little old spinster lady that solved mysteries in her little English village.

Oct 28, 10:43 PM

Maria said : Girl this chapter was the bomb!!!

Oct 29, 12:50 AM

Suprina said: Miss Sylvia, that chapter was off the chain! I, too, felt the love between those two. No way was that just a booty call.

I agree with everyone else, if Grae wasn’t pregnant before, sister girl is now.

Great job you’re doing with this story. It’s obviously one of your more popular storylines. So popular that I may have to stand in line to write a review about it.

Wishing you hit it big real soon,

Oct 29, 4:58 AM

Aran said: wow- that was a great chapter. Sylvia, gal u rock!!

Oct 29, 5:52 AM

Philly Girl said: Can someone please turn on the AC? It’s hot as hell in here! What a great way to end the chapter!

Man, I can’t wait to see how this little drama all plays out…

Oct 29, 1:56 PM

Tori said: Oh man this story keeps getting deep. I was on the edge of my seat! Way to go!!

Oct 26, 8:43 PM —

Ljay said: OMG!! Its like Miss Marple in the 21st century. wow. I’m lovin’ this story.

Oct 27, 2:50 AM

Alice said: You got me riveted!!! How can you leave us hanging!!! Who’s at the door? I am literally waiting with bated breath for the next chapter. Thanks

Oct 27, 3:59 PM

Michelle said: The suspense is getting to me lol keep up the good work. I can’t wait for the next chapter.

Oct 27, 4:02 PM

This story is the BOMB girl!!

TYSJ Oct 25, 7:22 PM

I am officially obessed with this story.

Dolores Oct 25, 7:54 PM

I LOVE this story!!

LJay Oct 25, 8:06 PM

I am absolutely lovin this story. I have to agree im addicted to the story and eagerly waiting for whats gonna happen next.

Lashonda Oct 25, 8:57 PM

Were drooling for some interactions between Grae and Zeke!
GREAT STORY BTW

Sarah Oct 25, 9:05 PM

This story keeps getting better and better!!

Tori Oct 25, 11:32 PM —

I love your stories and I cannot believe that a major publishing house hasn’t scooped you up and spread the word.

fan Oct 26, 1:57 PM


i think this book is da bomb.
faith Oct 26, 4:39 PM

Goodness! This story is off the chain. I hope that you blow up one day because it doesn’t get any better than this!

Oct 23, 7:26 PM

Wow is all i can say. Was busy this weekend so only got to read the next few chapters this morning. Man did it make for good reading. Keep up the Good work Ms. Hubbard. I have read everything you have written so far. I am a huge fan of yours.

Oct 23, 5:08 PM

OMG!!! This is sooooo good!!!

Oct 23, 11:07 PM —

This is just GREAT!

Oct 23, 5:27 PM

You get the Oscar for this! LOL

Oct 24, 9:24 PM

Sylvie! You know exactly how to hold your readers. I can’t wait for more. This is by far your best work to date. But then I think that after every book you’ve written. You keep your readers well hooked.

WOW! I had downloaded reunion and never got a chance to read it. So I decided to read it and didn’t go to bed until 4 this morning. I loved this story and I was glad to see Dana, Jerome, and Ty in the storyline. I was laughing when Grae was trying to figure out what the deal was with them. Keep up the good work and I am on pins and needles waiting for the next chapter!

I have been an avid reader of all your stories and this one is by far the most interesting. I love the way you bring in all the twists and turns when it is least expected and so many of them too :)- way to go Sylvia…

Oct 22, 11:28 AM

I agree with the other posts, you need to be out there like Judith Levin-Smith!

Oct 21, 1:00 AM

I’m @ a lost for words….That was some good Sh*t!!!!


Great way to end the week….
Even though we’re playing Detroit in the Series
This St Louis chick gotta show you some mad love…
Cause you’re a TALENTED sista
Have a good weekend

Oct 20, 9:05 PM

Wow! That’s some powerful stuff!! You out did yourself Sylvia. I don’t understand why your not a big time bestseller as yet!!! You’ve got me hooked!!! So come on… gimmie some more and get your darn books to Jamaica!!!!!!

Oct 20, 7:45 PM

You are the Mistress of suspense! Kudos!

Oct 21, 12:51 AM

Wow!! As usual i’m on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for the next chapter.

Girlfriend, what publishing houses are you sending these stories too? Those people have got to be blind.

Oct 19, 1:58 AM

you are so bad to leave us hanging. i thought she knew that they were married. what a good chapter, i love, love, this story.
thank you for making it available to us.

dalia

Oct 18, 5:55 PM

sylvia, u are a freakin genius… good lord i cant wait till u post anotha gurl the suspense is killing me aaaaahhhh!!! not really cant afford to die got too many bills 2 pay

Oct 18, 2:50 PM

The next time you start a blog story I am waiting till you post the end before I start it…this waiting is killing me!! Guess that’s par for the course because you are that good. And they are all right - you have to have a big scene for Grae to put liz in her place!

Oct 18, 11:11 AM

OKAY! BREATHE GIRL BREATHE! I am on pins and needles those three chapters I read was damn good. PLEASE update soon PLEASE. I need. NO! I want to know what happen please pretty please with sugar on top.(LOL)

Oct 18, 12:16 AM

Sylvia, great update…I knew that they were in the same building and desined to meet. As for your commentson how you make yourr men mean…you ain;t never lied. The men in this story are a trip. Great WORK AS ALWAYS. CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT. THANKS

Oct 17, 10:52 AM

this is serious business sylvia. no cliff hangers pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Oct 17, 5:31 AM

Now Sylvia, girl you know you’re wrong.

It’s all in your head (or in your computer) what’s gonna happen next & you know we’re dying to know.

So go ahead & post it. (please……)

Oct 17, 4:16 AM

Okay, Sylvia, why you playing with my emotions here? You have got to post another chapter today.

All right, you don’t got to do nothing…(as I remember from another post), but would ya? LOL

Thanks for keeping it good, girl.

Oct 16, 8:42 PM

Loved it this story keeps getting better by the chapter

Oct 17, 1:51 AM

Wow!

I’ve just been catching up on the last chapter on the Reunion, well it was worth the wait. It’s good to read about Mistaken Identity caracters and references to the Heart family (hope Lethal’s story will be out to order soon!!!).

Thanks to make every chapter a big deal that always make you impatient to know what’s going to happen next, don’t make us wait to long !!!!!

Bertille

Oct 16, 4:43 PM

i really liked the style of writing can’t wait to read the next update

Still can’t wait to see where this wild ride is gonna end up!

Oct 16, 7:29 AM

I am enjoying all the twists and turns of this one. You can always be counted on for a great read!

Oct 14, 1:29 AM

I don’t know why your not as big as Jerome Dickey or those others but girlfirend, your about to be. Your stories are always on fire!! You are the worlds best writer!!

Your books are always amazing! when am I gonna see them in Jamaica? I walk around my book stores stalking them for your books. Every day I look foward to one more of your books, blog or stories. I’m addicted!!!

Your style of writing is phenomenal. Keep it up!

Oct 6, 2:56 PM

I just wanted to leave a little note. I am currently reading all of the chapters of the reunion; I am totally enjoying reading this story. Thank you for writing it. Dalia

Oct 5, 7:31 PM

Nice! And the shower scene…HOT!

Oct 9, 9:56 PM

You go Dana I ain’t hatin’. Next month that book is mines. I love threesome,m/f/m theme, it let you know there are more than one type of love. I love this story and I am so happy. I get to enjoy reading it. THANK YOU! Sylvia

Oct 7, 7:49 AM

hi, the suspense is too good to be kept down and the mind shall not rest until you know it all. maybe if you can increase the number of parts for each day……………

Oct 5, 4:27 AM

LOL. Sylvia, you are definitely the Queen of Cliffhangers in my book. I wasn’t surprised at all to be left in suspense like this. That’s what you do best and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Btw, I, too, read Mistaken Identity and thus knew the connection between Dana, Tyrone, and Jerome. It gave me great pleasure to watch some of your other readers scramble to try to figure that out. Tee-hee.

Quick change of subject: Did you ever think that those migraines you have from time to time may be all of those untold stories in your brain fighting with each other to get out first? I mean, as soon as you finish with one story, there always seems to be another one (or two, three, four)right behind it.

Or…maybe you just eat too much fried food like me.

Oct 4, 9:35 PM

Ooph!!! Can we get a few parts a day? Yeeeeee!! This is getting so exciting!

Oct 4, 8:18 PM

Sylvia, I’m loving this book.Oct 4, 8:28 PM

I’m just loving where this is going! As for T and J sharing D, they’re all adults and okay with it, so hey, who are we to judge? LOL

Personally, I couldn’t get down like that, but it does make for good fiction…

Oct 9, 9:06 PM

I’m gonna give all our newcoming readers a hint to who Tyrone, his wife, and Jerome are…. you’ll have to read Mistaken Identity to find out!! Sorry 2 be cruel don’t wanna spoil any surprises!! Sylvia, you’ll let us know as much as we need 2 know riiight???

Oct 2, 6:01 PM

Okay! is Tyrone involve in threesome? Was that his wife and brother in bed together. Is Tyrone gay? I know you mention wife these days you never know. Sylvia you are awesome writer and you have a way twist your story. Damn girl you are one bad mama! Please update soon like NOW!!!!!!!!

Oct 2, 7:24 AM

Wow, this is some story. I just started reading this. I am a little confused about who Trone is and is that his wife in bed with another man? In regards to Grae, why would a succesful woman go off with a man that she confesses to always have loved to protect a hotel worker that is more than likely to get fired anyway. How is Ezekiel to blackmail her to go off with hi, withut knowing her identity? Thanks

Oct 2, 3:25 AM

Oh my…..I’m starting to really like this now. Up until now, I’ve enjoyed it, but it’s been going kinda slow. But I got a feeling things are gonna really heat up now.

Good job as usual. Can’t wait for the update.

Oct 2, 3:15 AM

Wow, this story is really good! Can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

Oct 1, 6:45 PM

I really enjoyed reading the story. I hope that you write more.

Oct 11, 3:17 PM

Nice! Damn I can’t wait until they made love. Anticipation is killing me.

Damn this what I get for not visiting your blog. I am miss out on a great wonderful and entertraining story. I am so happy to see you have finally decide to write this story. Thank you! and God bless you!!!!!!

Wow! Sylvia.. i just love your books..this reunion story just gets better and better..wow! can't wait to see the next phase you will bring about in this story.

This book is HOT!!!! Sylvia does it right every time!

Part 1 and 2 are great. I'm eagerly waiting for more.