When was brighter than the sun written

She gave up all hope of keeping her dress clean and sat down in the dirt. Would that be permissible? Ellie liked herself better that way, too. She smiled. I suppose I could just pull the boot off. Not hard — she could never be that cruel. To her surprise, he laughed.

Ellie felt an odd sort of tingling on the back of her neck at his clumsy compliment. Thankful that her large bonnet hid her blush, she focused her attention back on his ankle. His answer was a knife in her palm. I just never knew what it was until today. The knife was a bit dull, and soon Ellie was gritting her teeth as she sawed through his boot.

She looked up from her task for a moment. Lord knows my life is laughable. His eyes warmed. Earl of Billington. Ellie stared at him unblinkingly. But she did know that the Billington estate was vast and ancient. And it was a good twenty miles away. Charles looked suspicious and a bit protective.

With a gentle touch, she slid his swollen foot from his boot. Charles looked down at his mangled boot with a pained expression. Ellie expertly prodded his ankle. Now then, I fear you will require a cane for several days. Possibly a week.

Have you one at your disposal? She spied a long stick several yards away and scrambled to her feet. Ellie knew she should be affronted, but he was trying so hard to be charming, and devil take it, he was succeeding. She stepped around to his back and put her hands under his arms. Are you ready? He outweighed her by a good four stone and was drunk, to boot. His knees buckled, and Ellie only just managed to keep herself from cursing as she planted her feet and braced them. Then he started to topple over in the other direction, and she had to scoot to his front to keep him from falling.

He flinched at the noise, then shook his head. That was enough to spur her into motion, and she jumped to the side, sending him sprawling on the ground. He rubbed his head, which had hit the tree trunk. She exhaled and held out a conciliatory hand. Ellie fought the urge to stamp her foot. Do you accept my apology? He reached out and took her gloved hand. She pulled him to his feet again, stepping out of his reach once he had steadied himself on his makeshift cane.

Will you be able to get home from there? She cleared her throat. I may be a spinster, but I do have a reputation to protect. He sent a sideways look in her direction. Her mouth settled into a grim line. She sighed impatiently.

He leaned on his stick and swept into a courtly bow. Her answer was a marginally ladylike grunt. With fisted hands, she began to march toward town. Charles hobbled behind her, smiling all the way. She was walking much more quickly than he, however, and the space between them grew until he was forced to call out her name. Charles offered her what he hoped was an appealing smile. Christian Grey rated it it was amazing Shelves: audio. I generally don't like to read change of POV books because they are typically a regurgitation of the original book with little insight to the new character POV.

This book however is not like that at all. Although we know theoretically how Reyes's life was, this is an up close and personal dive in without the specifics for certain atrocities. But I thoroughly enjoyed it A Lot! I think I was too tired to appreciate this book. Damn it. God, I love Reyes. Oh and I wonder: view spoiler [it was never said, nor clarified: did Earl rape Reyes?

Oct 01, Jennifer rated it really liked it. Don't go into it thinking there will be fun times and snark. Reyes had a dark, dark childhood and even Charley had some dark times and we get to see them. Some in great detail. We've learned along with Charley about Reyes' past and the crappy childhood he had.

But now we get to see it all from his POV. From the moment he first saw Charley being born up to the present. And it's more heart breaking than Charley ever knew. And if you didn't hate Charley's step mom before you most definitely will now! I highly recommend listening to this novella. As usual, Lorelei King does a great job with the narration. This novella is a must read for the series.

You even learn more about her step mom. Feb 20, Lauren rated it really liked it Shelves: tortured-hero , dreams , audiobooks , reapers. Brighter than the Sun 4 Stars This book chronicles the life and times of Alexander Reyes Farrow, the sexy son of Satan, and his undying love for Charley Davidson, the woman whose light and laughter kept him sane during the most torturous moments of his past.

Series note: While this is a prequel, it should be read after book 8 as knowledge of the characters and events leading up to book 1 are crucial to truly appreciating the extent of Reyes's perceptions and feelings for Charley. Told from Reyes' Brighter than the Sun 4 Stars This book chronicles the life and times of Alexander Reyes Farrow, the sexy son of Satan, and his undying love for Charley Davidson, the woman whose light and laughter kept him sane during the most torturous moments of his past.

Told from Reyes's point of view, this novella provides the information and insights into his character that are only hinted at in the full length novels. Thankfully, Jones spares us much of the horrific details of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his abductor, Earl Walker, and focuses instead on his encounters with Charley throughout her lifetime. While the specifics of Reyes and Charley's romance will be familiar to anyone who has read the series, this novella highlights the depth and breadth of Reyes's feelings for her and demonstrates the extent to which she not only saved his life, but also made him into the man he is - one with the empathy and sympathy as well as the ferocity needed to be her partner in all things.

All in all, an amazing read and a must for all lovers of anything Reyes. Dec 29, Maria Dimitrova rated it really liked it Shelves: urban-fantasy , fantasy. An entire book from Reyes POV! While it's listed as number 8. Still I would recommend waiting until book 3 or 4 I don't remember when Amador and his family are properly introduced. We get to learn a lot about young Reyes and how he'd suffered as well as about some of his abilities that have never been mentioned before.

Like the fact that he knows when a soul is marked for hell even if the person is yet to do what they'll be sentenced for. He even knows what will be the crime they commit! Isn't that cool? Would he betray Charley? Uh so many questions! In his own twisted way. Mar 03, Jacqueline's Reads rated it really liked it. I don't usually read in-between books, but this was in Reye's POV. It's basically his re-telling of the main events leading up to now.

It's a bit gritty to get through because of his abusive past and man you just feel for the guy. He's a complex character, but I love his love for Dutch.

Okay back to the series after a long break. It was a good recap. Loved it This author just never disappoints. Cliche, but true IMO. Jun 24, Kevin rated it liked it Shelves: fantasy , audiobook , urban-fantasy. Very Dark backstory of Reyes, most is information we already know from the series but it is told from the POV of Reyes, hence the darkness. Without Charley to bring light to the story it's just not as enjoyable a read. Jul 22, Jeanny rated it it was amazing.

View all 30 comments. She has to be. No one is made of light. I think she will be beautiful and strong and she will kill bad guys with her superpowers. You gave me noodles. No necesitaba esto, no. Breaks are fine. I can endure the breaks. Gracias a esta novela entiendo el papel tan importante que ocupan en su vida su hermana Kim y su mejor amigo Amador. Me muero porque se entere y se crea de una vez lo valorado que es.

I begin with the first time I see her. A shimmering light in the vast blackness of the universe. How many centuries ago was that? How long have I been waiting for her? She turns and smiles at me and I am lost. Oct 06, Under the Covers Book Blog rated it it was amazing. Jul 22, Sunny rated it really liked it. My biggest critique of this book is that it is too short. Still, I'm a fan of the alternate perspectives because it gives us insight into the motivation behind people's actions and this one is a doozy.

More review to come. Oct 08, Mlpmom Book Reviewer added it Shelves: kindle-books. Is there anything better than a book told all in Reyes POV? I think not! Full review to come! For one, it is told from the point of view of one, Alexander Reyes Farrow.

This story is a prequel of sorts of Reyes as a child going through his time in prison. It was interesting se 4. It was interesting seeing his side of things as he grows up.

How he sees Charley and everything he does to protect Kim. You also see how he becomes such close friends with Amadore. From the time he is little, he can tell if a person is going to hell or not from just one look and what is the first action that causes them to take that path.

Add on to that what Earl Walker was doing, and you can see how Reyes ends up the way he does. It is actually really amazing that he is as good as he is. If you are new to this series, this is not a place to start. It will not give you a good feel of series at all. The actions that take place go through First Grave on the Right, so you could read it anywhere after that book and not be lost.

I know some people might have decided to get a male narration, since it is told entirely from a male POV. She did a great job as usual, but then I think she is one of my favorite narrators.

I mean, she pulls off this book with ease, and it is a mostly male cast. I started out listening to this series, actually because she was the narrator. I will always go straight to audio. Oct 06, Jen Davis rated it really liked it. 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.

She was very defensive and combative for no reason. I know some dont believe in punishment. But she deserved it. She caused too many problems for it to just be accepted. And I know it was supposed to make the heroine come off as a kind soul, but no one should be that kind. I dont care about her reasons, that little bitch needs to be in trouble. Quotes: "Now then, we must be quiet.

Very quiet. And you--" He turned to Ellie. Tumbling you on the grass. She tuned around. His eyes rolled heavenward. That's it, isn't it? I'm being tested. It was still warm from her skin. He dropped it and reached for a woolen blanket. View all 3 comments. Apr 10, Rachel rated it it was amazing Shelves: no-ow-omsafe , kids , safety-gang-safe , heroine-that-i-love , historical , romantic-hero , favorites , humorous , hero-a-manwhore , baby.

Overall rating: 5 "Bright than the Sun" stars! This means that he had lots of casual sex with loose ladies. The heroine was a virgin. There are Overall rating: 5 "Bright than the Sun" stars! There are no descriptive scenes of the hero with others and it's only mentioned in the beginning about him being a rake and his reputation. He has 15 days until his 30th birthday and if he doesn't get married, he will lose all of his money and inheritance to his cousin.

All because his father left such a stipulation in his will before he died. So maybe that's why Charles ends up piss drunk in a tree and literally falls at Eleanor's feet? Eleanor is strolling along, minding her own business, when suddenly a man falls from the sky? No, wait, a tree! And he is damn drunk too! From this unlikely meeting, Charles believes Eleanor may be the answer to his prayers and immediately proposes to her.

As unconventional as the marriage started out, this is a very humorous tale of this couple's journey through marriage and most importantly, their development of adoration and love for one another.

Eleanor is not one of Charles' usual bimbos - she is extremely smart and witty. Their banter is just hilarious at times too! I loved how Charles was such a good man - not only to the heroine, but also to his sister and her two young children. I took some warming up to her the 14 year old niece and little Judith 6 years old was so funny!

She was the boss of that household for sure. Eleanor and Charles were both such lovable characters it's not even funny. Funny stuff This spoiler is for my safety gang peeps view spoiler [ Charles had created a list of what he wanted for a wife PRIOR to meeting the heroine.

This was when he first found out about the stipulation in his father's will that makes him have to chose a wife. On this list, one of the items at the end was that he would want a wife that would basically turn the other cheek to his mistresses and such. Of course, he never dreams of stepping out on Eleanor from the moment he meets her.

As she was nearing that last item, the hero realizes what he wrote and immediately tries to get the list away from her. He doesn't want her to read it because it's not the case anymore. Of course she reads it and gets upset and she won't really believe him when he says it was simply something he thought up BEFORE he met her. This is the only thing that may or may not bother some people - basically it was the man he was BEFORE the heroine was in the picture and they meet literally at the very beginning of the book hide spoiler ] Most of his lists were so very funny though!

They had me cracking up. And Charles was just the sweetest guy in the world. He just adored Eleanor. You could tell as the reader even before he admitted it to himself and Eleanor. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romances that are somewhat humorous - which characters you love and unnecessary drama.

She opened her eyes in delighted surprise. I always used to think it was the exact color of the sun at sunset, but now I realize that I'm wrong. Brighter than the sun. And so are you. At least until I fall asleep? It's warmer with you here. Then, once he was sure she was asleep, he touched his heart and whispered, "It's warmer in her, too.

So I left just these two quotes that I absolutely loved Oct 08, kris rated it did not like it. Charles and Ellie end up married because of Plot Contrivances.

Except she doesn't want to sleep with a Horrible Dirty Rake, and all he wants to do is sleep with his Stunning Hot Wife. Oh, also there's yelling, sabotage, kidnap, yelling, murder, and more yelling. And about the same stupid shit: Ellie is incompetent. Charles wants sex.

For exam Charles and Ellie end up married because of Plot Contrivances. The list goes on. Other than one damning list made weeks before he met and married Ellie, there's no real evidence of this alleged rake-hood. Meanwhile, Charles thinks Ellie is careless about certain household tasks There are clue-by-fours scattered throughout every chapter, but Charles just keeps patting Ellie on the head while telling her that it's cute that she tried.

And the fact that they don't listen to one another tells me basically everything I need to know about this relationship. The tone, again, was just too light. There's no depth to anything. And there were just so many discordant elements to this book! Nothing came together organically or in a way that made sense or felt real.

It was all slapstick and forced and sloppy and, ultimately, disappointing. Nov 06, Pamela rated it it was amazing Shelves: books. Loved the characters. Lots of action :. Mar 15, Stacee rated it really liked it Shelves: title-in-the-story , read-in , contains-the-evil-sentence , library. This one came highly recommended and I'm so glad I gave it a try. I loved Ellie and Charles. They're both stubborn and have the best chemistry and button pushing banter.

I really enjoyed all of their scenes together and how the meet-cute turned into a real love match. Of course, Judith stole every scene she was in. Plot wise, it was good. It's mostly all fluff and adorableness. The conflict is a slow burn and that was just fine with me. Added bonus that it has nothing to do with breaking the cou This one came highly recommended and I'm so glad I gave it a try. Added bonus that it has nothing to do with breaking the couple up.

It seemed like the book ended right after the conflict was resolved and while the epilogue was a sweet future-take, I would have liked more of them with their HEA. Overall, it was a lot of fun to read and it's probably a book I'll come back to. Jul 07, amanda s. I enjoyed it! Sure there are stuff that kind of overkill, because seriously I've read better plot than this one.

But somehow the way Charles and Ellie first met is pretty charming for me and I liked it. Almost like a dream come true, Ellie met Charles and he's in need of a wife. And apparently Ellie also in need of a husband. There you have it. I adore how simple yet complicated plot, plus the way Julia Quinn write is simply mesmerizing! Been a while I enjoyed it! Been a while since I read a good historical romance!

This is the second time I'm reading this JQ novel. I first read it many years ago--more than ten--and remember loving it then, so when I discovered that my library had an e-copy of the book, I welcomed the opportunity to read it again. As you might expect of a Julia Quinn novel, the book is par excellence; it's well written with an interesting storyline, and well developed characters.

Ellie and Charles make for an adorable couple! Ellie is a redhead and is quite the stereotype for that hair colo This is the second time I'm reading this JQ novel. Ellie is a redhead and is quite the stereotype for that hair color; she's feisty, fiery, and full of gumption!! Charles on the other hand can be the arrogant lord when needs be, but for the most part he's a very sweet, kind, endearing man.

Ellie and Charles meet when he falls at her feet Ellie is forced to tend to the minor injuries of the inebriated Charles and during the course of that conversation he proposes to her.

LOL Later, once she realizes the full direness of her own circumstances, Ellie accepts the proposal and the two embark on a marriage of convenience. What is truly lovely about this story is the relationship between Ellie and Charles.

They truly do like one another and enjoy each other's company. As they spend more and more time together and get to know one another better, they each can't help but fall in love with the other. Furthermore, her mini tirades did not, as far as I was concern, undermine the progression of her relationship with Charles. Claire causes quite a bit of trouble and IMO she got off a little too easily.

That being said, she is nicely redeemed and becomes a pleasant addition to the story. A tiny bit of intrigue is added to the plot by way of several unexplained accidents that eventually gets cleared up in the end. So, the bottom line is that I absolutely loved this story. FYI this is not a clean romance. There are a couple of love scenes which are mildly graphic at least I thought they were mild , but which do not include the use of crude language.

Happy reading! Dec 22, Bronwyn Rykiert rated it liked it Shelves: series , historical-romance. Victoria Lyndon, our heroine from Everything and the Moon, has a younger sister Eleanor, who is equally independent and feisty. Ellie is walking in the countryside near her home one day when a very handsome and very drunk man literally falls into her lap from a tree. Charles Wycombe, the rakish Earl of Billington, must marry before his upcoming thirtieth birthday or lose his inheritance and he decides that Ellie will fit the bill.

No, he has no intention to actually love her nor any other woman. But she would make a suitable enough bride and mother to the heir he must produce while he goes on living his dissolute life just as before. Ellie normally would never agree to such an outrageous and hasty proposal except that her soon to be stepmother promises to make her life a misery. Also, by marrying she will gain access to the pounds she's made through prudent investments in her father's name, and Ellie is a wonderful businesswoman.

So Charles and Ellie marry-and the fun continues as, amidst a host of mysterious accidents, they come to care for each other. There are a lot of problems with Brighter Than the Sun. For the first two hundred plus pages, Ellie is nearly always angry. This gets very tiring and seems childish, making her somewhat unlikable. In addition, Charles and Ellie constantly getting injured or sick really starts to wear on the reader. Some plot variation is desperately needed, especially some real action to balance all the domesticity.

The identity and motives of the two antagonists is apparent from the very beginning, so their revelation doesn't provide any excitement or much needed plot twists. The last hundred and fifty pages of dialogue between Charles and Ellie is mostly fun, and their penchant to produce lists in also fun.

If only their cute repartee were a little different from the cute repartee in her other novels-i. In addition, the tone here is so light that their emotions are not explored to a satisfying depth.

Quinn has a lot of talent, and I hope she can find a way to broaden more in subsequent novels. Feb 21, Amanda rated it really liked it Shelves: historomance , borrowed , read-in Brighter Than the Sun is the first book of JQ's earlier works where the brilliance of her later works shines through.

And it was awesome. Suddenly, reading in 15 or 30 minutes snippets just wasn't enough. One, Charles is a character from a previous book, and that always earns extra points with me.

Plus, reformed rakes do hold a special place in my heart, even when their rake-ish-ness is talked about more th Brighter Than the Sun is the first book of JQ's earlier works where the brilliance of her later works shines through. Plus, reformed rakes do hold a special place in my heart, even when their rake-ish-ness is talked about more than shown.

And the pacing issues I've talked about with previous books wasn't quite as prevalent with this book. There were moment that were still quite obvious for me, as the reader, what was happening, even though the characters were still clueless. But as far as the story arc or problem, it seemed much more cohesive than previous books.

It had me wanting to read through my breaks on work, and while that's not necessarily good for work, it's good for the book. I actually kind of liked all the issues Charles and Ellie had, and their marriage of convenience was fun. Even if Ellie did seem to resist just a tad too much. But then again, it's that need for unnecessary drama. One thing that I did like -- that I could have had even more of -- was Charles's list making.

It was a wonderful way to build his character. View 1 comment. Jul 23, Lita Bouquard rated it really liked it Shelves: historical-romance. I was literally bent over laughing at the slapstick comedy in this romance.

Eleanor is clobbered by a drunken man who falls out of a tree and lands on top of her. As the daughter of a vicar she is a sensible, friendly, spinster. However this event which involves a lot of physical damage to Charles leads to a marriage proposal. This book has romance, humor and a mystery as Ellie makes an intellectual choice to leave her home when her father's witchy fiance makes the situation unbearable.

I gues I was literally bent over laughing at the slapstick comedy in this romance. I guess the fact that Ellie is a pastor's daughter inspires her to forgive some really nasty treatment towards her, but that annoyed me. Ellie who has always been respected by others is sabotaged by someone and is considered as a ditzy-clutz throughout the book. Charles who respects her stock market acumen dismisses Ellie's denials of all the mishaps in the home.

He loves her hair and spends a lot of time trying to seduce his wife and consummate the marriage. Eleanor's fears and the accidents are a deterrent as she and the Earl are in a marriage of convenience. Jul 29, Brandi Sellers rated it liked it Shelves: romance. That about sums this up. I always go into romance novels expecting the familiar, but this book was predictable down to the word.

In fact, I suspect that I've read a variation of this book at least three times. But it wasn't bad. I liked the characters. Enjoyed them, really. Their first encounter is charming and they have great chemistry. Though I found their lovey-dovey moment at the end to be this side of cheesy. I think Ms. Quinn could have done better with this story. It has the f Predictable. It has the feel of a heap of cliches thrown together on a deadline.

Since it's romance, I forgive her, but I couldn't help coming away from it a bit disappointed. Quinn is an excellent writer, but I got the impression she might have written this story on a deadline. I have always liked books by Julia Quinn. They are quick and funny read. Brighter Than the Sun is not an exception.

It took me only one day to finish it. The best part in all Julia Quinn historicals are the characters. Ellie and Charles are the couple the reader instantly fell in love with. I absolutely adored all the witty dialogues and comments. Interesting secondary characters are also a great advantage of the book.

All the characters are different and well-developed. There is also a suspense I have always liked books by Julia Quinn. There is also a suspense part, although a minor one. I could only wish it was more developed or completely omitted because it was neither innovative nor really necessary. It was nice to read another great book by Julia Quinn. Looking forward her other historicals. Oct 21, Katherine rated it liked it Shelves: challenge-group , romance-historical , series-read.

The hero in this book is delightful. The Heroine is a pain in the arse. Too much bickering, she never shut up. Several times I did find myself covering my mouth laughing but not enough to have really enjoyed this story.

I told like tales that have a lot of fighting, it gets very tiresome.