"Shimmer" and "Glow" by Darynda Jones

4 of 5 stars.


The Basics: These novellas are a follow up to the fifth book in the Charley Davidson series. They were both short and to the point. Reyes and Charley are cuddling as Charley decides she wants to be a reporter (seemingly just to get more information on the mysterious Reyes). He of course answers her reporter questions with Charley knowing just as much as she knew before the questions were asked.
Both novellas tell the same story but, "Glow" is told through Reyes's perspective. And of course, through these novellas we experience the unwavering lust Charley and Reyes feel toward each other with Reyes still waiting for Charley's answer to his proposal at the end of the fifth book.

My Thoughts: These novellas were cute. I always love the intensity of Charley and Reyes's relationship so these novellas gave me another sex scene in which I could continue to fangirl over Reyes.

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"Fifth Grave Past the Light" by Darynda Jones

5 of 5 stars!

The Basics: Charley Davidson, aka the grim reaper, aka the private investigator, takes on another case of a woman who thinks her husband is cheating on her. Though Charley thinks she is done with the case toward the beginning of the book, the husband makes an unexpected appearance toward the end of the novel seeking revenge after his wife files for divorce.
In the meantime, dead blond women are showing up in Charley's apartment. They aren't speaking and they seem scared, skittish and easily frightened. Charley seeks to find out what happened to these woman as the captain of the police department becomes extra interested in Charley's role in assisting her father and Uncle Ubie in solving multiple crimes since she was a child.
Of course, Reyes Farrow plays a role in this novel as he continues to be a mysterious figure that Garrett Swopes becomes more interested in after his trip to hell and back from the last installment of the novel. In this novel, we learn that Reyes was the one responsible for sending Swopes to hell to find a knife that could kill supernatural beings (including Reyes). 

My Thoughts: Darynda Jones can do no harm. I love her style of writing and I love Charley. How can you not like Charley? Either way, the ending of the book was awesome. I can't believe Reyes asked Charley to marry him. I just hope she says yes. I can't wait to start the next book.
I will say that I am concerned about Swopes. He was one of my favorite characters and I feel like he's starting to be a character I dislike because of his obsession with Reyes. I know he's concerned about Reyes and the whole ending the world thing, but he is totally obsessed and that almost got him killed.
Also, the dead women in Charley's apartment was kind of disturbing and the Charley's near death at the end was disturbing. I hope she learns how to control her supernatural abilities more as the series continues.

Remember, teachers read fun stuff too!

"Forty Acres" by Dwayne Alexander Smith

5 of 5 stars!

The Basics: This thriller follows lawyer Martin Grey as he befriends Damon Darrell, a high-profile lawyer whom Grey actually beat in a racial discrimination court case. After becoming friends with Damon, Martin is also introduced to some high-powered black men, Carver, Tobias, Solomon, and Kwame. Martin is eventually invited on a rafting trip with the crew, though his wife Anna is hesitant about the trip once finding out that a man died on one trip. Damon seeks to calm Anna's worries by making up a story that Mr. Jackson committed suicide and the men helped to cover it to look like an accident so Jackson's wife would receive a nice life insurance policy to sustain her family's lifestyle.
Once on the trip, Martin realizes that they are not going to Seattle as discussed, they end up at Dr. Kasim's Forty Acres property, which is named after the forty acres that was promised to all African-Americans after the abolishing of slavery. But, Dr. Kasim's Forty Acres is exactly what the name suggests. Dr. Kasim's need to right the wrongs that were imparted on black slaves hundreds of years ago is evident in this secret society he has created where the black man is master and the slaves are ancestors of those who have profited from slave labor. But Martin becomes their salvation...

My Thoughts: This book was awesome, though disturbing. Dr. Kasim is a sick, sick man. His wisdom could be used for better things but he decides to seek revenge in such a heinous way. White slaves?! Why?! I was rutting for Martin the whole time. Martin and Anna are so observant and that paid off for them, though it almost got them killed on several occasions. The end of the book had me intrigued through every chapter. I was hoping that Martin would get revenge on Carver some way, and the way it happened was exactly as it should.
The ending of the novel made me think that the story could be continued if necessary but I suppose if all the ends were tied up,  it wouldn't make for a great thriller. I would certainly read other novels from this author.

Remember, teachers read fun stuff too!