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Lightning Strikes Twice
“Loving you was like being struck by lightning. But lightning can strike twice.”
Those words were the only thing besides her daughter that Quinn Reynolds had left after her husband died. Three years later, she’s still trying to find herself again, aching to return to the kitchen as a pastry chef.
When a chef position opens at a local bar, she finally steps back into the kitchen and into the orbit of Noah Sullivan—her late husband’s grumpy, emotionally unavailable best friend. He’s made it clear he doesn’t do love, marriage, or kids. She’s not looking for anything either. But when sparks fly between them every time they touch, Quinn proposes something no strings, just comfort.
But nothing stays simple in a small town like Brockhurst. As the days turn into nights and walls begin to fall, Quinn finds herself sharing her grief, while Noah wrestles with the guilt and loyalty he’s carried for years.
Now, caught between honoring the past and risking their hearts, they must decide if they’re brave enough to weather the storm together.
Because sometimes, lightning really does strike twice.
Those words were the only thing besides her daughter that Quinn Reynolds had left after her husband died. Three years later, she’s still trying to find herself again, aching to return to the kitchen as a pastry chef.
When a chef position opens at a local bar, she finally steps back into the kitchen and into the orbit of Noah Sullivan—her late husband’s grumpy, emotionally unavailable best friend. He’s made it clear he doesn’t do love, marriage, or kids. She’s not looking for anything either. But when sparks fly between them every time they touch, Quinn proposes something no strings, just comfort.
But nothing stays simple in a small town like Brockhurst. As the days turn into nights and walls begin to fall, Quinn finds herself sharing her grief, while Noah wrestles with the guilt and loyalty he’s carried for years.
Now, caught between honoring the past and risking their hearts, they must decide if they’re brave enough to weather the storm together.
Because sometimes, lightning really does strike twice.
417 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2025
3 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 19, 2025
This was such a beautiful book!
Quinn is grieving with the loss of her husband after 3 years of him being gone .
Sully aka Noah is also still grieving the loss of his best friend, but he is the town playboy and doesn’t believe in love
A wedding and a one night stand…… turns into something more and healing for them both
Quinn is grieving with the loss of her husband after 3 years of him being gone .
Sully aka Noah is also still grieving the loss of his best friend, but he is the town playboy and doesn’t believe in love
A wedding and a one night stand…… turns into something more and healing for them both
October 23, 2025
Quinn & Sully (Noah to Quinn).
These two have been through it. When we first meet Quinn she is saying 'goodbye' to her husband Brian. He isn't going to make it.. so, be prepared for that.
Throughout the book Quinn is trying to reconcile grief. Everyone of her friends shows her that grief is not linear. It comes, it goes and it never really leaves us. & we have Sully who just keeps to himself until Quinn breaks through Sully's walls and these two work together to create some magic.
Beer magic.
Lightning Strikes Twice shares the message of that sometimes we're lucky enough to find love a section time around.. and that time it is a bit different but as we grow as humans love also evolves. & losing someone doesn't mean we're broken nor does it mean that we need to 'move on' we always remember our past loves and incorporate them into our daily lives.
Loss is not linear and neither is love.
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
These two have been through it. When we first meet Quinn she is saying 'goodbye' to her husband Brian. He isn't going to make it.. so, be prepared for that.
Throughout the book Quinn is trying to reconcile grief. Everyone of her friends shows her that grief is not linear. It comes, it goes and it never really leaves us. & we have Sully who just keeps to himself until Quinn breaks through Sully's walls and these two work together to create some magic.
Beer magic.
Lightning Strikes Twice shares the message of that sometimes we're lucky enough to find love a section time around.. and that time it is a bit different but as we grow as humans love also evolves. & losing someone doesn't mean we're broken nor does it mean that we need to 'move on' we always remember our past loves and incorporate them into our daily lives.
Loss is not linear and neither is love.
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2025
This is my 3rd Shannon Carse book and it might be my new favorite! Welcome back to Brockhurst, everybody!! We follow Quinn (widow + mom+ pastry chef) and Noah (aka Sully aka Quinn’s late husband’s best friend + bar owner) as they navigate working together while working on their grief of losing Brian…. But also, friends with benefits is involved? 👀
This book touched on grief, specifically Quinn’s grief soooo well. She’s bubbly & soft but underneath all of that, she’s still drowning. We see her take steps forward but also 10 steps back especially when it comes to Sully.
Sully is our grump of the friend group but not to our Quinnie girl (at least only at first)!! The more time she spends with him, the more we see him peel back his layers. He’s not as grumpy as he seems!!! Him with Quinn’s daughter Sophie PULLED at my heartstrings.
They’re definitely opposites but they work soooo well together. Thanks to this book, I got hungry whenever Quinn whips up something delicious and I learned a lot more about beer!! I’ve been wanting Shannon to get a bit more spicy and she DELIVERED. Sully is my #1 (right now) in the SC book universe and I already can’t wait for the next one.
& yet again, let me finish this review off by saying Shannon deserves ALL the flowers. There’s magic in her writing and I’m always in awe whenever I get done a chapter that makes me FEEL. Like to start off the book with Brian?!?! Ugh if you didn’t cry already after that prologue, I think you may be heartless. lol jk but not really.
Thank you Shannon for the ARC. I’m SO SO PROUD OF YOU ALWAYSSSSS.
This book touched on grief, specifically Quinn’s grief soooo well. She’s bubbly & soft but underneath all of that, she’s still drowning. We see her take steps forward but also 10 steps back especially when it comes to Sully.
Sully is our grump of the friend group but not to our Quinnie girl (at least only at first)!! The more time she spends with him, the more we see him peel back his layers. He’s not as grumpy as he seems!!! Him with Quinn’s daughter Sophie PULLED at my heartstrings.
They’re definitely opposites but they work soooo well together. Thanks to this book, I got hungry whenever Quinn whips up something delicious and I learned a lot more about beer!! I’ve been wanting Shannon to get a bit more spicy and she DELIVERED. Sully is my #1 (right now) in the SC book universe and I already can’t wait for the next one.
& yet again, let me finish this review off by saying Shannon deserves ALL the flowers. There’s magic in her writing and I’m always in awe whenever I get done a chapter that makes me FEEL. Like to start off the book with Brian?!?! Ugh if you didn’t cry already after that prologue, I think you may be heartless. lol jk but not really.
Thank you Shannon for the ARC. I’m SO SO PROUD OF YOU ALWAYSSSSS.
October 20, 2025
✨️ARC Review ✨️
🌶 Rating: 3/5
If I thought Delay of Game made me cry, nothing compares to Lightning Strikes Twice 😭😭
This book was both sad and life-changing. Grief is such a fickle experience. Emotion. It never leaves you. There are moments where you could be so happy, your heart is screaming of joy. But then, it hits. And you ask yourself, is it really fair to feel this way? But it is fair. You deserve to feel that happiness again.
Lightning Strikes Twice shows that. That despite all yhe grief, and downs one has been through/experienced, Lightning strikes twice. You can be happy again. You can feel again. Just like how Quinn was able to feel love again with Noah. It didnt mean she was betraying Brian, even though it felt like it. It just means that one is moving forward again, living along with the grief, to be full of what was there before.
Shannon. You are an inspiration. There is no better representation of grief than this book. It shows everything. I will hold this book so dear to my heart because it means that much🥹. Thank you for being vulnerable with this book. You are strong. And just remeber, that Lightning Strikes Twice.
🌶 Rating: 3/5
If I thought Delay of Game made me cry, nothing compares to Lightning Strikes Twice 😭😭
This book was both sad and life-changing. Grief is such a fickle experience. Emotion. It never leaves you. There are moments where you could be so happy, your heart is screaming of joy. But then, it hits. And you ask yourself, is it really fair to feel this way? But it is fair. You deserve to feel that happiness again.
Lightning Strikes Twice shows that. That despite all yhe grief, and downs one has been through/experienced, Lightning strikes twice. You can be happy again. You can feel again. Just like how Quinn was able to feel love again with Noah. It didnt mean she was betraying Brian, even though it felt like it. It just means that one is moving forward again, living along with the grief, to be full of what was there before.
Shannon. You are an inspiration. There is no better representation of grief than this book. It shows everything. I will hold this book so dear to my heart because it means that much🥹. Thank you for being vulnerable with this book. You are strong. And just remeber, that Lightning Strikes Twice.
October 15, 2025
Three years ago, Quinn lost her husband and became a single mom to her daughter. Still reeling from grief, Quinn is trying to get her life back on track.
When an opening for a chef at a bar becomes available, it may be just the chance Quinn needs to get back into cooking.
The bar is owned by her late husband's best friend, Noah. He makes it perfectly clear he's not interested in love, marriage or kids. That's all fine with Quinn since she's not looking for anything either.
When the chemistry between the two of them can't be denied, Quinn proposes a friends with benefits type arrangement. Nothing stays simple, and soon, a deeper connection develops. Quinn shares her grief. Noah struggles with guilt and loyalty. Together, the two have to decide if what they have is real.
Shannon Carse knows how to tug at the heartstrings. This wonderfully written, beautiful story examines the complexities of loss and grief and finding a path forward. The steamy scenes are perfect, and the connection between Noah and Quinn is palpable. I loved every minute!
When an opening for a chef at a bar becomes available, it may be just the chance Quinn needs to get back into cooking.
The bar is owned by her late husband's best friend, Noah. He makes it perfectly clear he's not interested in love, marriage or kids. That's all fine with Quinn since she's not looking for anything either.
When the chemistry between the two of them can't be denied, Quinn proposes a friends with benefits type arrangement. Nothing stays simple, and soon, a deeper connection develops. Quinn shares her grief. Noah struggles with guilt and loyalty. Together, the two have to decide if what they have is real.
Shannon Carse knows how to tug at the heartstrings. This wonderfully written, beautiful story examines the complexities of loss and grief and finding a path forward. The steamy scenes are perfect, and the connection between Noah and Quinn is palpable. I loved every minute!
October 20, 2025
5 ⭐️
This book dealt with so many tough concepts in a such a beautiful way. The grief of a widow and a best friend, navigating parenthood and introducing your child to someone new, and family relationships and friendships. They were all handled with care and authenticity by the author.
It also came through with the 🌶️ 🌶️ . When it wasn’t tugging at my heart strings it was making me blush! Definitely a generous amount of spontaneity and sizzle between Sully and Quinn. The progression of their relationship felt natural and even though some of the push and pull was hard to read.
Add in the beer, the dessert making and the tears I cried and it makes this book a solid 5 ⭐️ read for me!
I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of love who can get through some pain and grief to come out the other side with these characters.
Trigger warning: Death of a spouse/Grief
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book dealt with so many tough concepts in a such a beautiful way. The grief of a widow and a best friend, navigating parenthood and introducing your child to someone new, and family relationships and friendships. They were all handled with care and authenticity by the author.
It also came through with the 🌶️ 🌶️ . When it wasn’t tugging at my heart strings it was making me blush! Definitely a generous amount of spontaneity and sizzle between Sully and Quinn. The progression of their relationship felt natural and even though some of the push and pull was hard to read.
Add in the beer, the dessert making and the tears I cried and it makes this book a solid 5 ⭐️ read for me!
I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of love who can get through some pain and grief to come out the other side with these characters.
Trigger warning: Death of a spouse/Grief
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
I did not expect to be crying by page two of this book! This story centers around grief and accepting that it’s okay to move forward while still remembering the person you lost. Noah is the grumpy/broody, doesn’t do relationships, bar owner. He agrees to hire Quinn, a newly single mother, to work as a pastry chef. They are unable to deny the chemistry between them and choose to have a friendship with benefits, no strings attached situationship. What they don’t see coming is them both starting to pick up the broken pieces they have been carrying and having to decide what they want in the future. This book had me at the first page. I think I highlighted so many lines, that basically I highlighted the whole book. It’s an easy five star read from me.
I did not expect to be crying by page two of this book! This story centers around grief and accepting that it’s okay to move forward while still remembering the person you lost. Noah is the grumpy/broody, doesn’t do relationships, bar owner. He agrees to hire Quinn, a newly single mother, to work as a pastry chef. They are unable to deny the chemistry between them and choose to have a friendship with benefits, no strings attached situationship. What they don’t see coming is them both starting to pick up the broken pieces they have been carrying and having to decide what they want in the future. This book had me at the first page. I think I highlighted so many lines, that basically I highlighted the whole book. It’s an easy five star read from me.
October 22, 2025
⚡️ ARC Review ⚡️
Lightning Strikes Twice by Shannon Carse is a beautiful love story about the grief of losing a loved one and rebuilding your life with someone new. Shannon explores the depths of grief so wonderfully and relatably. Quinn’s journey through the grief of losing her husband, raising a daughter as a single parent, and beginning new relationships was deeply touching. Noah’s story of grieving his best friend, discovering his place in his family, and realizing he wants to build his own family is moving. The narrative of these two beautifully flawed and grieving characters coming together and creating their own story is emotional, humorous, passionate, and full of joy for life and moving on. 5/5 lightning strikes for sure!
Lightning Strikes Twice by Shannon Carse is a beautiful love story about the grief of losing a loved one and rebuilding your life with someone new. Shannon explores the depths of grief so wonderfully and relatably. Quinn’s journey through the grief of losing her husband, raising a daughter as a single parent, and beginning new relationships was deeply touching. Noah’s story of grieving his best friend, discovering his place in his family, and realizing he wants to build his own family is moving. The narrative of these two beautifully flawed and grieving characters coming together and creating their own story is emotional, humorous, passionate, and full of joy for life and moving on. 5/5 lightning strikes for sure!
October 25, 2025
i was so lucky to receive an arc of this book and it was truly EVERYTHING!! i adored the way noah and quinn fell in love and my heart couldn’t have been any fuller. i adored how noah showed his feelings for quinn in both the most unique and heartfelt ways ever and how quinn learned how to handle her grief but also learn how to be happy again at the same time. i cried, i smiled, i aww’ed outloud, this book was just beyond perfect. it felt like a warm hug after coming home from a long day. if you’re looking for a heartwarming found family, second chance, small town romance, this is the book for you! go get your copy now!
October 8, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
This was a gorgeous story focussing on life with grief. Thank you so much Shannon Carse for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Quinn’s and Noah’s own battles with grief, expectations, and feeling stuck were beautifully written. Both trying to do the best they can but feeling stuck. I think it made them both really relatable and made the story really easy to read. I loved the dynamics between Quinn and Noah, seeing them shift from frenemies to much more and everything in between.
Even though it’s part of series, it can be read as a standalone and definitely recommend it.
This was a gorgeous story focussing on life with grief. Thank you so much Shannon Carse for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Quinn’s and Noah’s own battles with grief, expectations, and feeling stuck were beautifully written. Both trying to do the best they can but feeling stuck. I think it made them both really relatable and made the story really easy to read. I loved the dynamics between Quinn and Noah, seeing them shift from frenemies to much more and everything in between.
Even though it’s part of series, it can be read as a standalone and definitely recommend it.
October 17, 2025
Shannon handles a tricky setup with real care. I will say, I was cautious about how a widow finding love with her dead husband’s best friend would be tackled, but it’s all so thoughtfully and wonderfully written. The chemistry between Quinn and Noah is undeniable to say the least, and they feel so real that you’re kind of just spectating them go about their lives, struggles, grief and all. A truly enjoyable read, tears aside 😅
October 24, 2025
I so did not cry lol. Quinn lost her husband and is grieving him, Quinn is a widow and a mom. Noah is Quinn’s husband’s best friend and he is also grieving his best friend. Noah and Quinn start working together and things progress between them.
Shannon did an amazing job writing this book. If you’re looking for an emotional, passionate and humorous book, then this book is for you. A big thank you to Shannon for letting me be part of this ARC team.
Shannon did an amazing job writing this book. If you’re looking for an emotional, passionate and humorous book, then this book is for you. A big thank you to Shannon for letting me be part of this ARC team.
October 21, 2025
Wow this was incredible! Have your tissues handy because it is a tearjerker… but in a good way! There was so much emotion put into this and it was so heartwarming! I loved Noah and Quinn so much!
⚡️opposites attract
❤️fwb
⚡️ single mom
❤️ healing / grief journeys
⚡️opposites attract
❤️fwb
⚡️ single mom
❤️ healing / grief journeys
October 25, 2025
Spice 🌶🌶
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This isn't the typical trope I'd go for but it was so well written I couldn't put it down. Quinn's grief is so real and makes you hurt for her. Its a beautiful angsty story about moving on after death and finding new love where you least expect it
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This isn't the typical trope I'd go for but it was so well written I couldn't put it down. Quinn's grief is so real and makes you hurt for her. Its a beautiful angsty story about moving on after death and finding new love where you least expect it
October 3, 2025
my third baby. the book that centers around silver linings and finding sunshine after the storm. quinn and sully forever 💚⚡️⚡️
October 24, 2025
amazing!
this story is about love after grief - Quinn lost her love and is a single mom. Noah is not a relationship guy but something about Quinn is making him want to be.
it's the story of patience and trusting your heart and doing what's best for yourself.
this story is about love after grief - Quinn lost her love and is a single mom. Noah is not a relationship guy but something about Quinn is making him want to be.
it's the story of patience and trusting your heart and doing what's best for yourself.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews