Review: Close Quarters: A Novel

Close Quarters: A Novel by Shamara Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes your mind and your heart are on two different wavelengths. Melina Bradford and Malik Denton have a platonic relationship and they just so happen to also be roommates. Neither one of them has an interest in being more than that. Melina is engaged to Ellison Harlow and Malik does not want to be tied down by any one woman until his colleague, Kai enters the picture. In Kai, Malik realizes that all that glitters isn’t gold.

As time goes on, Melina and Malik questions their views on each other and their own relationships. Will they find out the characteristics they hate about each other is what is going to draw them to each other? Does an emotional connection overrule financial stability?

This novel has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. I actually found myself wondering what I would do if I was Melina. The characters are well developed and you will see yourself in one of the characters.

Great read and I look forward to picking up the other books by the author.


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Review: A Cold Piece of Work

A Cold Piece of Work by Curtis Bunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Cold Piece of Work is an interesting tale on relationships and redemption from a man’s prospective. You meet the main character Solomon Singletary who has hurt many women in his day. Opportunity arises where the one woman he has hurt; Michele Williams shows back up in his life through a third party. Once Solomon is truthful with himself, he realizes it is the one woman he still loves.

How does one seek redemption and forgiveness when there are so many unanswered questions as to how and why? It is battle that you will see both Solomon and Michele experience. Solomon opens up his heart and his mind to his truths. The question is will the couple be able to move on?

The author does a great job of exposing Solomon Singletary as a hurt man. He gives us a raw and honest look at how some men view relationships, family, and love. Men also get a look into how sometimes, as women, it is not easy for us to forgive and forget because you want us to.

You will go through a range of emotions except disappointment as you read the drama that unfolds on these pages. Each character’s role was well -developed and realistic. This is definitely a book that opens up discussions in book clubs or male/female relationship panels.

I also appreciate the fact that the author briefly touched on two topics that are difficult for families to discuss: homosexuality and disciplining children. Read this novel with an open mind. Although it is entertaining, it will also stimulate your mind.


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