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Close Quarters
Can men and women live together as friends or are sparks destined to fly? When the tension begins to melt into temptation in this novel, it threatens to destroy the relationships of friends and lovers.
Three years ago, when Melina Bradford moved into her brownstone apartment in Brooklyn, she didn’t anticipate living with anyone—certainly not a man like Malik Denton. Sexist. Crass. Obnoxious. The roommates are a case of polar opposites. An attractive accountant with her own burgeoning firm, Melina’s reserved nature clashes with Malik’s carefree, single male lifestyle. After a year of living together, the roommates discover things about one another that would have been better left unsaid.
Recently engaged to one of the most successful African American men in the country, Melina finds herself questioning what her future will be like. Though Ellison Harlow III can provide Melina with financial security, she wonders if he can sustain her emotionally. Malik eagerly provides Melina with the excitement she is missing in her life with Ellison.
With a wedding looming, the roommates ponder why they came into each other’s lives and whether they can live without one another. In the end, they can’t—and they won’t.
Three years ago, when Melina Bradford moved into her brownstone apartment in Brooklyn, she didn’t anticipate living with anyone—certainly not a man like Malik Denton. Sexist. Crass. Obnoxious. The roommates are a case of polar opposites. An attractive accountant with her own burgeoning firm, Melina’s reserved nature clashes with Malik’s carefree, single male lifestyle. After a year of living together, the roommates discover things about one another that would have been better left unsaid.
Recently engaged to one of the most successful African American men in the country, Melina finds herself questioning what her future will be like. Though Ellison Harlow III can provide Melina with financial security, she wonders if he can sustain her emotionally. Malik eagerly provides Melina with the excitement she is missing in her life with Ellison.
With a wedding looming, the roommates ponder why they came into each other’s lives and whether they can live without one another. In the end, they can’t—and they won’t.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2012
About the author
Shamara Ray
6 books51 followersShamara Ray is the author of Recipe for Love, Close Quarters, You Might Just Get Burned, Rituals for Love and Cater to You. She has a penchant for the culinary arts and enjoys entertaining friends and family at home. Her new novel, The Referral Program, is now available.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 9, 2012
Too Close for Comfort
“Close Quarters” tells the story of roommates Melina Bradford and Malik Denton. They are both living their separate lives, bumping into each other from time to time. Melina is engaged to a very successful businessman who seems to devote more time to running his business than he does with her. Malik is definitely a ladies’ man, but aside from his business with the ladies, he’s a man with dreams of conquering the advertising world. After a year of living together, the two roommates find out they have more in common than they ever imagined.
Just when I was whining about falling into a reader’s rut – I picked up the review copy of “Close Quarters” by Shamara Ray unsure what I was going to encounter. I do have to say the cover of the book caught my attention, but then I was hoping not to read the same story of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, and so and so on.
What I did encounter reading Shamara Ray’s book was pure excitement. This book reeled me in with a solid storyline, unforgettable characters, humor, surprising plot twists, and steamy love scenes. Side Note: The author blended her knowledge of culinary arts into her writing. I usually don’t pay much attention to food scenes in a book, but the way this author wrote made me want to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with these characters. I definitely could relate to a lot of the dilemmas these characters were dealing with, which made for a very pleasurable read.
I would recommend this book to everyone. Shamara Ray is definitely on my reading radar...
Reviewed by: Orsayor
“Close Quarters” tells the story of roommates Melina Bradford and Malik Denton. They are both living their separate lives, bumping into each other from time to time. Melina is engaged to a very successful businessman who seems to devote more time to running his business than he does with her. Malik is definitely a ladies’ man, but aside from his business with the ladies, he’s a man with dreams of conquering the advertising world. After a year of living together, the two roommates find out they have more in common than they ever imagined.
Just when I was whining about falling into a reader’s rut – I picked up the review copy of “Close Quarters” by Shamara Ray unsure what I was going to encounter. I do have to say the cover of the book caught my attention, but then I was hoping not to read the same story of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, and so and so on.
What I did encounter reading Shamara Ray’s book was pure excitement. This book reeled me in with a solid storyline, unforgettable characters, humor, surprising plot twists, and steamy love scenes. Side Note: The author blended her knowledge of culinary arts into her writing. I usually don’t pay much attention to food scenes in a book, but the way this author wrote made me want to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with these characters. I definitely could relate to a lot of the dilemmas these characters were dealing with, which made for a very pleasurable read.
I would recommend this book to everyone. Shamara Ray is definitely on my reading radar...
Reviewed by: Orsayor
December 30, 2017
This was a spicy and scandalous read. I loved it.
I was excited to read this novel due to the enticing cover art. I kept wondering what was it about. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I instantly cared about the characters and their dilemmas. The author's writing was smooth and engaging. The only minor issue I had was the lack of sexual tension between the two main characters Melina and Malik. It seemed as if they only thought about each other when they were at home, opposed to at work and at other places. It would've been nice to see them flirt more through texting or some other form of medium to elevate the desire. However, it was still good. Everything seemed believable. The author did a great job constructing this novel. I didn't feel short change. The sex scenes were just enough, not overwhelming the plot. I liked how characters from other Ray's novels made appearances . I enjoyed the ending. Was it predictable? Um...maybe.
The story is set in New York and narrated by two people, Malik and Melina, who decides to become roommates. Melina is in a committed relationship with a gorgeous wealthy businessman who's a momma's boy, and Malik is a good-looking single guy who enjoys the company of women and the bachelor's life. A sudden and unfavorable romance sparks between them when they are faced with challenges in their lives and turn to each other for support.
A sexy, fun, quick read. I loved all the characters, especially Bebe, the antagonist. She was a trip. A total diva and a hot mess. She was a hoot. I liked Malik, the love interest. He was hot and funny. The food scenes were yum. The author doesn't' stray too far away from her cooking trademark. The Recipe of Love foodie fans won't be disappointed.
This novel reminded me of Fifty Shades Darker by E.L James, just with an Urban Fiction flair. 4 stars.
I was excited to read this novel due to the enticing cover art. I kept wondering what was it about. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I instantly cared about the characters and their dilemmas. The author's writing was smooth and engaging. The only minor issue I had was the lack of sexual tension between the two main characters Melina and Malik. It seemed as if they only thought about each other when they were at home, opposed to at work and at other places. It would've been nice to see them flirt more through texting or some other form of medium to elevate the desire. However, it was still good. Everything seemed believable. The author did a great job constructing this novel. I didn't feel short change. The sex scenes were just enough, not overwhelming the plot. I liked how characters from other Ray's novels made appearances . I enjoyed the ending. Was it predictable? Um...maybe.
The story is set in New York and narrated by two people, Malik and Melina, who decides to become roommates. Melina is in a committed relationship with a gorgeous wealthy businessman who's a momma's boy, and Malik is a good-looking single guy who enjoys the company of women and the bachelor's life. A sudden and unfavorable romance sparks between them when they are faced with challenges in their lives and turn to each other for support.
A sexy, fun, quick read. I loved all the characters, especially Bebe, the antagonist. She was a trip. A total diva and a hot mess. She was a hoot. I liked Malik, the love interest. He was hot and funny. The food scenes were yum. The author doesn't' stray too far away from her cooking trademark. The Recipe of Love foodie fans won't be disappointed.
This novel reminded me of Fifty Shades Darker by E.L James, just with an Urban Fiction flair. 4 stars.
December 10, 2012
I won this book on good reads. I have never read a book by this author but I will be reading more. Excellent book and I really love and recommend it. The characters are so great and the story was so strong. I loved the humor and the love. Awesome ending truly loved it.
November 19, 2012
Reviewed for OOSA...
March 7, 2013
I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK...NOT TOO GRAPHIC LIKE MOST OF THESE NOVELS BUT, JUST ENOUGH OF DETAILS. I LOVE TO READ ABOUT SUCCESSFUL YOUNG BLACK PEOPLE.
April 24, 2013
its a good little page turner. even tho it is somewhat preditable...i guess thats how i ike my stories..it was a nice read. 5 stars becuz it keep me thinkin
February 18, 2020
i figured what was going to happen but i enjoyed the characters perspectives and personalities. i wonder would others choose Ellis financial elitism over their emotional satisfaction. Melina didn't need him though which is good. i mostly enjoyed this for the many successful African Americans in this read. have me thinking about my own entrepreneurial ventures
December 30, 2024
I’ve remember the first time I read this book, I was in high school i finished reading the book in like 2 weeks, then returned back to the library. The more I read books the more this book wouldn’t leave my memory, so I had to add this one to my collection and recommend it to anyone who wants a good read.
May 30, 2016
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.
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.
March 25, 2015
Melina Bradford had it all independent, vibrant and a entrepreneur. Her room mate was everything she did not want in a man. Ellison Harlow was the man that everyone thought she should marry wealthy, handsome and a multi-millionaire. Sometimes love is right in front of us and we don't see it. Some times we miss our blessings. Melina could have been any single African-American woman in any metropolitan city with her gorgeous looks and giving spirit. Malik was a sexist, crass and obnoxious player! He was employed and had skills in the boardroom and in the bedroom. This plot had plenty of twists and turns. The story line was rather long but the point got across. Bravo Shamara Ray.
February 23, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It will not be in my favorite shelf but it was a "good read". The characters were fully developed and the storyline was strong. With the exception of a few twists, the book was pretty predictable. With that said, it still help my attention and I still wanted to know what would become of Melani and Malik. I would recommend it for a quick read with less drama than the usual Urban Fiction that I tend to read.
April 2, 2015
I really enjoyed this novel. Just goes to show sometimes what you think you want and what you really need could be totally different from what you think. Melina and Malik were more than roommates in the most intimate way possible and her fiance' had a lot of issues. I loved how the author weaved the web and I really thought it was entertaining and engaging. I love this author's style of writing and look forward to much more in the future. Overall excellent novel!
November 14, 2012
I checked out this book from the library several weeks ago and decided to pick it up this weekend for a quick read. This book was way better than I expected! The characters were well thought out and the story lines were good. There was even a part at the end I didn't see coming! I would recommend this book to my friends and may even suggest it for my book club.
July 15, 2013
I loved every moment of that book. always follow your heart. Malik and Melina were wonderful. always remember what's for you is for you. now matter what it looks like.
the Dr. thought she was alone, and come to find out she wasn't.
Ellis was a mama's boy. he was a loser because he couldn't let go of mama's apron strings.
the Dr. thought she was alone, and come to find out she wasn't.
Ellis was a mama's boy. he was a loser because he couldn't let go of mama's apron strings.
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September 12, 2013VERY VERY GOOD
April 9, 2014
Awsome! I wanted to keep reading about Melina and Malik.......
June 18, 2015
over all good read and I would read more from this Author.
January 18, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this novel. It was a quick read and fun. A lot of laughs and told from a young person's view. Good read.
November 16, 2016
Loved the ending, however I hope there's another one because I would like to see how their relationship turned out.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews