Brighter Than the Sun: A Reyes Alexander Farrow Story (Charley Davidson Series) Kindle Edition

Fans of the Charley Davidson series know that Reyes Farrow has not had an easy life. We've seen little glimpses here and there over the course of the past eight books. But there is knowing, and there is knowing. This novella doesn't wallow in his misery, but any story about Reyes and his life is going to be tough. And believe me, it is.Basically, the story begins with Reyes as a child, as he remembers the first time he laid eyes on Charley. It follows him as he grows, juxtaposing the horrors of his real life, with the escape she brings him. It's heartbreaking to see her as a fantasy in his eyes. A small slice of beauty that is so foreign to his existence that he is convinced he made her up.We go through all the major benchmarks we know through the other books, but peppered in are these casual reminders of rapes and torture Reyes had to endure for more than a decade. While I appreciate that Darynda Jones never details these events, it's so bleak how Reyes must accept such atrocities as a fact of his life. Drugged violations, beatings, broken bones... they simply are. And then, for him to trade his ability to fight to protect his sister, it's just so dark.There is none of the Charley Davidson snark. No laughs. Just Reyes' stark reality. Except for his moments with Dutch. It gives an even deeper layer to the love he has shown for her. And it explains so much of his reservations. It makes me yearn harder than ever for their happily ever after, and dread the misery he is sure to be feeling at the beginning of the next book.This story takes us up through the timeline of Reyes and Charley meeting in the flesh. I wouldn't recommend this to a reader unfamiliar with the series. This is no place to start, as it is full of spoilers and displays a tone that is a polar opposite from the rest of the books. But for fans, as dark as it is, I can't imagine you would want to miss this peek behind the curtain for this enigmatic character. It's not easy reading, but it's worth it.Rating: B+

Oh my... that wasn't what I expected... :( It was too disturbing for me personally. I am so freaking sensitive to child abuse. And it happens not only to Reyes but also to Charley. I want to erase one scene right out of my head but can't. I guess it would be kind of hard to tell this story without going to that dark place. If you are like me and this is a trigger topic, I would avoid reading this BUT if you're not then it will probably be a nice quick read to help fill in some blanks. Nothing in this that you need to read in order to continue on with the series so no worries if you wanna' skip it.I've loved the entire series... first time I haven't been swooning over a release so I'm going to just move on to the next release with a clean slate!

Marie'S Tempting Reads ARC Review:HOLY INTENSE-NESS BATMAN!! Brighter Than The Sun is written from Reyes POV...from like the very beginning pretty much, starting from when he was in the horrible Earl's, "care". As I was reading, I found myself crying for Reyes, intrigued by all that he was and all that he went through and completely awed by Charlie, the one being that saved him, gave him peace, and brought real goodness to him. I mean this book will break your heart but at the same time, will have you completely understanding and appreciating Reyes in a WHOLE NEW LIGHT!With every evil thing done to him, and because of who his REAL dad was, I found myself totally amazed by the person who he is today and his power and his almost complete selfishness. He did things to not only protect Charley (finally we get to see all that he has done for her) but to protect others...all because of the person Charley is. This book totally took my breath away as well as shredded my heart, and made me even love Reyes even MORE than I already did.Darynda Jones is one of the most talented writers I know. Only she can put together a story that is heartbreaking and mesmerizing at the same time. Even though Reyes world was torturous for most of his existence, I still freaking LOVED it! I mean its hard not to love a being who is out of this world sexy, and captivating and just plain wonderful. I loved finally seeing how Reyes came to meet Charley and seeing how things were from the other side of the tracks. A truly phenomenal story! I gave Brighter Than The Sun a STUNNING FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Its breathtaking, heartbreaking, and freaking fabulous! I am SO glad to finally get Reyes TRUE POV.

Brighter Than the Sun is Darynda Jones’ take on what Reyes was up to in the time before he gets to be with Charley. It’s basically a condensed version of his life story…minus the being in hell part.It was quite an emotional read, because oh my god, poor Reyes went through hell at the hand of Earl. Really makes me like the song Goodbye Earl even more now! Lol! But yes, sadly Reyes was abused pretty much all his life growing up. When his sister comes into the picture it only gets worse, because now Earl has something to hold over Reyes’ head.But despite all the pain and torment, he has one little piece of light in his life and that is the girl he dreams about, who he calls Dutch. He’s dreamed of her pretty much since he was a child and envisioned watching Dutch grow up. We even get to learn how he comes to call her Dutch!I would definitely say this novella could pretty much be read at any time after book 1. It’s not really a novella 8.5 as Reyes’ story takes place so early on in the series. It’s definitely an interesting read, but not really one that’s “necessary” to read to help with series comprehension. This is mostly for us Reyes fans! Which pretty much makes it an amazing little read!! The events don’t really reach past the first book, so this makes it even easier to read pretty much at any time of your series reading! Though if you have yet to start it, I would say reading it right after the first book would be best!Overall Rating 5/5 stars

Brighter Than the Sun, A Charley Davidson Novella Darynda Jones Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviewsGenre:  Romance, Fantasy,  ParanormalIf you haven’t read the Charley Davison series you’re missing a real treat. It a mix of humour and pathos, prophecies and adventure, mysteries and murders, fantastic characters – human and not so human – and a sensual, searing passion that transcends time. Literally as Reyes, Son of Satan, changed his fate to be with Charley.Who is Charley? Well, she’s the Grim Reaper, she helps people pass, can see ghosts and runs her own PI agency, with the help of Cookie, her scatty BFF and a few ghostly sidekicks. she’s an amazing woman, incredibly generous spirited, loyal, warm hearted, funny,  and a total magnet for danger. Reapers don’t usually survive long on Earth, but Reyes is determined to change that and has the ability to drop in to her life incorporeally. He’s saved her a number of times now and she doesn’t yet realise it. Reyes thought he’d grow up with Charley but plans, even those of the Son of Satan, go awry and he ends up with the most horrific childhood. This book tells us more of his journey so far, more of what we’ve gleaned from Charley's stories, and we see things from his side, from his first sight of Charley being born, his awful, tragic childhood, his sister Kim and long time friend Amador, he gives us the story right up to where he’s comatose and in danger of the life support being switched off. That’s when Charley finds him, I think that was about book two, maybe three.If you haven’t read the main books read them first, find out what is so special about Charley that the Son of Satan falls in love with her, goes against his fathers plans and spends his life trying to be with her, drawn in to her Light that he describes as being brighter than the sun. Its a fabulous read, a terrific insight into the mind of the man Charley loves, who we usually see only from her viewpoint or in tiny glimpses from his.This is a wonderful series and one I bought, not a review series!! Paid out Real Money ;-) Its one for my keepers file and the books are excellent value, being really full of story, of plots that keep the reader guessing, and some terrific humour to lighten the sadess of the murders and attacks that surround Charley. As we've got to later books things from the earlier ones that puzzled me have come clear. I haven't actaully read book eight yet, its on my kindle waiting for book nine to come out, so I can read them back to back, because this one ends on a doozy of a cliff hanger and I know I need to be able to read what happens in the next book. Fortunately Darynda doens't keep readers waiting years for next in series!  Stars: Five, a great addition to the series. If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, so I can make future reviews more helpful.

Bit of a quandary with this one. Loved the series and thought it would be about when they got together from Reece's point of view. I wasn't expecting his history growing up with an abuser. I can't say I enjoyed it as the subject matter would leave me cold in any circumstances. So to other readers if you are expecting uplifting I don't think you will find it.

This was a Fabulous in site into Reyes Alexander Farrow I just wished it had continued on. There is so much more to the fascinating character that is pure hotness. Have to say it's left me wanting for more more more...Love Darynda Jones you never disappoint

love the Charley Davidson series, have just completed her 8th book and still enjoying it as much as the first book. this is just a novella but adds a little extra to understanding the character more

This is a definite must read for fans of the Charley Davidson series. This book is from the pov of Reyes Alexander Farrow. It was interesting to see things from his perspective. It was well written and kept a close tie in with the series. It was short and sweet without being too short. It was just the right length for a novella of this sort.