The After Wife by Lexi Davis
By Phyllis Rhodes • Apr 1st, 2009 • Category: Book Review 2009 •
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Lexi Davis’s sophomoric offering, The After Wife, centers on Nia Youngblood, a gorgeous 24 year-old attorney who has a long-suffering itch that seemingly cannot be scratched. She is a virgin plagued by ever increasing steamy, erotic nightly dreams in search of Mr. Right to fulfill her fantasies.
Unbeknownst to her, an otherworldly, demonic force wants her to himself to fulfill a prophecy by her twenty-fifth birthday and works overtime to terrorize her suitors whenever intimate acts are initiated. Deserted by her Wiccan mother at infancy and raised by an alcoholic, failed minister of a father, Nia knows both she and her life are far from normal; but does not know who to talk to, why things happen, or how to counteract the weirdness. She knows, too well, that throughout her adult life strange things happen when intimacy is imminent. None of her beaus, except one, have had the staying power to weather destructive earthquakes, searing fires, and bone-rattling thunderbolts that seem to only target them. Enter the dashingly handsome David Wrightwood, a wholesome, church-going, fellow attorney with a heart of gold and eyes only for Nia. They are instantly attracted to each other and it does not take long for things to heat up — literally. The plot is propelled by burning (no pun intended) questions: Why is Nia pursued by this being? Why must he marry her? What is the source of Nia’s unique flame-retardant skin and constantly elevated body temperature? Will she and David make it as a couple?
Davis mirrors her debut, Pretty Evil, in that she buoys the plot with a touch of the supernatural/paranormal. If readers can entertain the speculative aspects, they will find well-paced action sequences, interesting characters with their own agendas and secrets, and likable, beautiful protagonists. I think those who enjoyed her debut, will find satisfaction with this novel. It is a quick, light read perfect for Spring Break and the Summertime beach bag.
Reviewed by Phyllis
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Phyllis Rhodes is a systems engineer with a major defense contractor and adjunct professor at two local universities in Orlando, Florida. A lifelong bibliophile, she founded the Nubian Circle Book Club in 2001 and is a freelance book reviewer for the Orlando Sentinel, APOOO Exchange Team, and Amazon.com. As a consummate fan of the arts, she supports local and national theatre, literary events, and Afrocentric festivals, exhibits, and historical tributes. When not traveling, teaching, or reading, she researches her family history and applies her talents across a host of professional organizations chartered to sustain and uplift the African American community
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