4 out of 4 stars
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Closure or Ammo, by Sharryn Dotson, propels readers into the world of the urban, single woman by following the antics of best friends: Alana Rivers and Valerie Wright. Virtually sisters, Lana and Val love one another and share the daily minutia of their lives. Hence, emotional upheavals, sexual conquests, and budding relationships are the topic of conversation over many a glass of wine or late night phone call.
Alana, a career advertising executive, works hard at her job but plays even harder. Since losing her husband, Lana tries to fill the emotional void by bar hopping and bringing home strange men. Her promiscuous behavior concerns Val and her partner on the job, Adrian Young. The situation becomes even worse when Lana meets and falls for her new boss, Leo Piazzo. Adrian and Val both warn Lana of the dangers of an affair with the boss, but she is drawn to Mr. Slim and Sexy, her nickname for Leo. A hot affair ensues but burns out fast. Has Lana ruined her career?
Meanwhile, Valerie’s life takes some drastic turns. Her son’s father, Andre, is arrested and she becomes the sole guardian of her son. Consequently, Detective Travis Clarkson shows up at her door to question Val about Andre’s drug and gang related activities. Val experiences an instant attraction to the sexy detective and after additional meetings, he offers to befriend her and mentor her son. Agreeing, Val and Travis meet often and the mutual attraction between the two develops into an exciting and satisfying relationship.
In Closure or Ammo, Dotson develops her characters through abrupt and engaging dialogue. Accordingly, their realistic conversations reveal their hopes, fears, and insecurities. Lana, damaged and lost, tries to find happiness through sexual promiscuity. Her friends all encourage her to be careful, but her need to escape the pain of losing her husband makes her vulnerable. After losing Leo, she spins even further out of control. Taking advantage of Travis’s connections in law enforcement, Lana asks for a background check on Leo. Travis reluctantly agrees and asks Lana if she wants it for closure or for ammo, thus the title of the book. What will Lana do with this information? Will this drive a wedge between Val and her new love?
Overall, Closure or Ammo rates 4 out of 4 stars. Dotson’s approach to and portrayal of her characters’ strengths and weaknesses was intriguing. The story did involve romance, but I found that too tame a word for the sexual encounters in the book. The erotic scenes were raw and frenzied, especially between Lana and Leo. I loved the complex themes of single parenting; loss and grief; exploration of new relationships; and betrayal. What I liked the least were some of the outcomes for the characters. Beware of some shocking developments for both Val and Lana! Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy erotic romance, this book also provides an opportunity for readers looking for diversity in their main characters who are all African-American.
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Closure or Ammo
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Like Jennifer Allsbrook's review? Post a comment saying so!
. Great job on the review.
