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adventuresinfictionland's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ldruckreier's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping, Murder, Death, and Death of parent
dionaea's review
1.0
Maybe knowing that Freethy was an NY Bestselling Author made me set up standards too big for her to overcome. (Never mind that I usually don't put much store in that title.) I had a difficult time getting through this book. I found the characters dull and the romance too distracting from the main plot of finding the missing person. I usually give new books a second read to go over the nuances I might have missed but I gave up after re-reading two chapters. I don't even want to go over the plot. I think Freethy was trying to weave an intricate plot where everything connected neatly but I thought it was too convoluted and I could barely motivate myself to keep track of what was going on and who was who and how they related to the main characters. At least it was free.
booksuperpower's review
3.0
Beautiful Storm by Barbara Freethy is a 2015 Fog City publication.
Alicia is a storm chaser, but not in the usual sense. She is a photographer, whose specialty is capturing the spectacular electric energy of lightning strikes in action. But, one night, as the sky is illuminated by a lightning storm, she witnesses a couple involved in a violent argument, but an accident prevents her from reaching the woman who is obviously in danger. However, once she reaches the area where the scuffle took place, she discovers a military tag lying on the ground.
As it turns out, the woman whose name appears on the tag just happens to have been reported missing. Returning to the scene of the crime, looking for further clues, Alicia is startled by another person who is also there to get answers.
Enter Michael Cordero-
Michael and Liliana had been best friends most of their lives. But, when Liliana disappeared, Michael was the last person she had been in contact with, making him a person of interest.
Michael and Alicia immediately realize they have stumbled upon a viable clue to Liliana’s disappearance and decide to join forces in hopes of finding Michael’s friend.
In the meantime, the couple deals with personal and family issues, but as they spend more time together their relationship deepens into something special.
But, their inquiries into Liliana's disappearance could put them in danger….
This is the first of the ‘Lightning Strikes’ trilogy.
Although Barbara Freethy is something of an independent superstar, I read her books way before there was such a thing as an e-reader, and I can tell you this was not one her best offerings.
The story has a few too many convenient connections and happenings to be plausible, and the chemistry between Alicia and Michael was almost nil.
However, the mystery was puzzling, and the lore surrounding the Mayans was interesting and provided a slight paranormal element for Alicia to consider.
Other than that, this is certainly not the best representation of this author’s talent. I did notice, however, that the next two books in this series were well received, so I will at least give the second book a try at some point, and go from there.
2.5 stars
Alicia is a storm chaser, but not in the usual sense. She is a photographer, whose specialty is capturing the spectacular electric energy of lightning strikes in action. But, one night, as the sky is illuminated by a lightning storm, she witnesses a couple involved in a violent argument, but an accident prevents her from reaching the woman who is obviously in danger. However, once she reaches the area where the scuffle took place, she discovers a military tag lying on the ground.
As it turns out, the woman whose name appears on the tag just happens to have been reported missing. Returning to the scene of the crime, looking for further clues, Alicia is startled by another person who is also there to get answers.
Enter Michael Cordero-
Michael and Liliana had been best friends most of their lives. But, when Liliana disappeared, Michael was the last person she had been in contact with, making him a person of interest.
Michael and Alicia immediately realize they have stumbled upon a viable clue to Liliana’s disappearance and decide to join forces in hopes of finding Michael’s friend.
In the meantime, the couple deals with personal and family issues, but as they spend more time together their relationship deepens into something special.
But, their inquiries into Liliana's disappearance could put them in danger….
This is the first of the ‘Lightning Strikes’ trilogy.
Although Barbara Freethy is something of an independent superstar, I read her books way before there was such a thing as an e-reader, and I can tell you this was not one her best offerings.
The story has a few too many convenient connections and happenings to be plausible, and the chemistry between Alicia and Michael was almost nil.
However, the mystery was puzzling, and the lore surrounding the Mayans was interesting and provided a slight paranormal element for Alicia to consider.
Other than that, this is certainly not the best representation of this author’s talent. I did notice, however, that the next two books in this series were well received, so I will at least give the second book a try at some point, and go from there.
2.5 stars
isalaur's review
3.0
The book started out slowly...I couldn't seem to connect with the main characters. Even thought about giving up but eventually things kicked in and I really enjoyed the book. The mystery picked up steam and became intriguing and I liked the way Freethy built the relationship between the two MCs, slowly and acknowledging their histories. I also enjoyed the symbolism of the lightening. While this gives a HEA for the couple there appears to be part of the mystery left dangling and I can only assume that it will be picked up in the next book in this series. Not sure if I'm invested enough to move on to that book though.
chillyboz's review
1.0
B&N Serial Read. Good god this book is so formulaic. The love story is abrupt and the mystery does not sustain the story long enough to make the rest of the cliche bearable.
aimee70807's review
The beginning was really hooky...and then I just kinda lost interest.
audreylee's review
2.0
A lightning chasing photographer meets an architect, prime suspect in the disappearance of a JAG officer. Does Alicia worry that this stranger everyone tells her is dangerous just might be a killer?
No. She follows her "gut instinct". She allows herself to be alone with him shortly after their meeting and then travels across the country to dig into another part of Liliana's life. The mystery isn't bad but the romance just wasn't believable. This Author has another series that I really enjoyed but this one just didn't do it for me.
No. She follows her "gut instinct". She allows herself to be alone with him shortly after their meeting and then travels across the country to dig into another part of Liliana's life. The mystery isn't bad but the romance just wasn't believable. This Author has another series that I really enjoyed but this one just didn't do it for me.
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