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Lightning Strikes #1
Beautiful Storm
From #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes the first book in a new romantic suspense trilogy: Lightning Strikes. In these connected novels, lightning leads to love, danger, and the unraveling of long-buried secrets that will change not only the past but also the future…
When her father's plane mysteriously disappeared in the middle of an electrical storm, Alicia Monroe became obsessed with lightning. Now a news photographer in Miami, Alicia covers local stories by day and chases storms at night. In a flash of lightning, she sees what appears to be a murder, but when she gets to the scene, there is no body, only a military tag belonging to Liliana Valdez, a woman who has been missing for two months.
While the police use the tag to jump-start their stalled investigation, Alicia sets off on her own to find the missing woman. Her search takes her into the heart of Miami's Cuban-American community, where she meets the attractive but brooding Michael Cordero, who has his own demons to vanquish.
Soon Alicia and Michael are not just trying to save Liliana's life but also their own, as someone will do anything to protect a dark secret…
Coming Soon in the Lightning Strikes Trilogy:
Lightning Lingers (#2)
Summer Rain (#3)
Have you read my ongoing NYT Bestselling Callaway Series? If you like family series with romance, mystery and adventure, you'll love the Callaways!
Available Now:
On A Night Like This (#1)
So This Is Love (#2)
Falling For A Stranger (#3)
Between Now And Forever (#4)
Nobody But You (Callaway Wedding Novella)
All A Heart Needs (#5)
That Summer Night (#6)
When Shadows Fall (#7)
Somewhere Only We Know (#8)
If I Didn't Know Better (#9)
PRAISE for Barbara Freethy Novels!
"Freethy has a gift for creating complex characters." Library Journal
"Barbara Freethy is a master storyteller with a gift for spinning tales about ordinary people in extraordinary situations and drawing readers into their lives.” Romance Reviews Today
"I love the Callaways! Heartwarming romance, intriguing suspense and sexy alpha heroes. What more could you want?" NYT Bestselling Author Bella Andre
"Freethy’s skillful plotting and gift for creating sympathetic characters will ensure that few dry eyes will be left at the end of the story.” Publishers Weekly for The Way Back Home
"I adore the Callaways, a family we'd all love to have. Each new book is a deft combination of emotion, suspense and family dynamics. A remarkable, compelling series!" Barbara O'Neal, author of How to Bake a Perfect Life.
"Once I start reading a Callaway novel, I can't put it down. Fast-paced action, a poignant love story and a tantalizing mystery in every book!" USA Today Bestselling Author Christie Ridgway
"A beautifully written story, fans of Barbara’s Angel’s Bay series will be happy to know the search leads them to Angel’s Bay where we get to check in with some old friends." The Book Momster
"A very touching story that shows the power of love and how much it can heal." All Night Books
Barbara manages to weave a perfect romance filled with laughter, love, a lot of heat, and just the right amount of suspense. I highly recommend So This is Love to anyone looking for a sexy romance with characters you will love! Harlequin Junkie for SO THIS IS LOVE
"Freethy skillfully keeps the reader on the hook, and her tantalizing and believable tale has it all– ro
When her father's plane mysteriously disappeared in the middle of an electrical storm, Alicia Monroe became obsessed with lightning. Now a news photographer in Miami, Alicia covers local stories by day and chases storms at night. In a flash of lightning, she sees what appears to be a murder, but when she gets to the scene, there is no body, only a military tag belonging to Liliana Valdez, a woman who has been missing for two months.
While the police use the tag to jump-start their stalled investigation, Alicia sets off on her own to find the missing woman. Her search takes her into the heart of Miami's Cuban-American community, where she meets the attractive but brooding Michael Cordero, who has his own demons to vanquish.
Soon Alicia and Michael are not just trying to save Liliana's life but also their own, as someone will do anything to protect a dark secret…
Coming Soon in the Lightning Strikes Trilogy:
Lightning Lingers (#2)
Summer Rain (#3)
Have you read my ongoing NYT Bestselling Callaway Series? If you like family series with romance, mystery and adventure, you'll love the Callaways!
Available Now:
On A Night Like This (#1)
So This Is Love (#2)
Falling For A Stranger (#3)
Between Now And Forever (#4)
Nobody But You (Callaway Wedding Novella)
All A Heart Needs (#5)
That Summer Night (#6)
When Shadows Fall (#7)
Somewhere Only We Know (#8)
If I Didn't Know Better (#9)
PRAISE for Barbara Freethy Novels!
"Freethy has a gift for creating complex characters." Library Journal
"Barbara Freethy is a master storyteller with a gift for spinning tales about ordinary people in extraordinary situations and drawing readers into their lives.” Romance Reviews Today
"I love the Callaways! Heartwarming romance, intriguing suspense and sexy alpha heroes. What more could you want?" NYT Bestselling Author Bella Andre
"Freethy’s skillful plotting and gift for creating sympathetic characters will ensure that few dry eyes will be left at the end of the story.” Publishers Weekly for The Way Back Home
"I adore the Callaways, a family we'd all love to have. Each new book is a deft combination of emotion, suspense and family dynamics. A remarkable, compelling series!" Barbara O'Neal, author of How to Bake a Perfect Life.
"Once I start reading a Callaway novel, I can't put it down. Fast-paced action, a poignant love story and a tantalizing mystery in every book!" USA Today Bestselling Author Christie Ridgway
"A beautifully written story, fans of Barbara’s Angel’s Bay series will be happy to know the search leads them to Angel’s Bay where we get to check in with some old friends." The Book Momster
"A very touching story that shows the power of love and how much it can heal." All Night Books
Barbara manages to weave a perfect romance filled with laughter, love, a lot of heat, and just the right amount of suspense. I highly recommend So This is Love to anyone looking for a sexy romance with characters you will love! Harlequin Junkie for SO THIS IS LOVE
"Freethy skillfully keeps the reader on the hook, and her tantalizing and believable tale has it all– ro
340 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2015
3648 people are currently reading
3669 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
152 books2,691 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
November 15, 2017
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
May 22, 2018
Alicia Monroe was a photojournalist in Miami and while that paid the rent, her passion was to follow the storms; the lightning flashes fascinated her, and her storm photography sold well. The night Alicia was drawn to the storm that changed her life, she was racing the forecast floods, determined to capture that elusive “best” photo. But what she saw in the lightning strike was a man attacking a woman; her screams heard over the cracking of thunder. Alicia’s discovery of a military ID tag but nothing else re-started the investigation into a missing woman – Liliana Valdez – who had been missing for two months.
Meeting up with the enigmatic Michael Cordero, a man who had been close friends with Liliana from childhood, Alicia decided then and there to search for Liliana – to help Michael and in turn lay some of her own past to rest. But was their decision about to put them in danger? Were there secrets surrounding Liliana that meant someone would kill again to hide?
Beautiful Storm by Barbara Freethy is the first in the Lightning Strikes trilogy, and my first by this author, but not my last! I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue and mystery, had no idea on the outcome, which was a shock when it came, and found Alicia a delightful, feisty character whose determination was impressive. Highly recommended.
Meeting up with the enigmatic Michael Cordero, a man who had been close friends with Liliana from childhood, Alicia decided then and there to search for Liliana – to help Michael and in turn lay some of her own past to rest. But was their decision about to put them in danger? Were there secrets surrounding Liliana that meant someone would kill again to hide?
Beautiful Storm by Barbara Freethy is the first in the Lightning Strikes trilogy, and my first by this author, but not my last! I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue and mystery, had no idea on the outcome, which was a shock when it came, and found Alicia a delightful, feisty character whose determination was impressive. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2019
This book is about a photographer Alicia who chases storms to get photos of lightening. While getting some shots she witnesses an attack on a woman in an isolated park. Because of the storm she cannot help the woman but does find a military tag that identifies her as a reported missing Navy officer.
In a chain of events set off by this Alicia meets Michael who claims to be a friend of the missing woman.
This started off as an intriguing mystery, but with a lot of over-scripted dialogue and cheesy scenes I was quite over it by about three-quarters through it. I saw it out but am not inspired enough to continue with the series.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 from me.
In a chain of events set off by this Alicia meets Michael who claims to be a friend of the missing woman.
This started off as an intriguing mystery, but with a lot of over-scripted dialogue and cheesy scenes I was quite over it by about three-quarters through it. I saw it out but am not inspired enough to continue with the series.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 from me.
October 9, 2015
It's all linked!
Everything!
Beautiful Storm reminded me more than just a little of Brenda Novak's Bulletproof Series. It has that same brooding atmosphere and the feeling of imminent danger. But I don't think it's anywhere near as strong as Bulletproof.
It mostly works even if some of the strings which link the characters beggar belief. Overall, an entertaining start to the series and I'm interested to see where the story goes.
Everything!
Beautiful Storm reminded me more than just a little of Brenda Novak's Bulletproof Series. It has that same brooding atmosphere and the feeling of imminent danger. But I don't think it's anywhere near as strong as Bulletproof.
It mostly works even if some of the strings which link the characters beggar belief. Overall, an entertaining start to the series and I'm interested to see where the story goes.
October 23, 2017
You know..... I really hate an unsolved mystery!!!!!! And everything was all wrapped up nice and purty, till the end..... WHY WHY WHY WHY!!!!!! I must take away a star for this crime😩
August 22, 2017
Find this review and many more at That Artsy Reader Girl!
DNF Thoughts:
So... There are TONS of Barbara Freethy books out there and I've always been intrigued. Many of the story lines sound good, and I've collected her titles as I've seen them show up for free on Amazon. I had a hankering for a little romantic suspense and was eager to finally see if Freethy is an author for me. And... nope. She's not.
The mysticism of the lightning was just a bit too over the top for me. The lightning calls Alicia to it because it wants to show her something? No... And I did not like the relationship between the two main characters. Plus, how dumb is Alicia? Michael is a person of interest in this case. He's a suspect with a troubled past and a reputation. She has known him for a few hours and all of a sudden wants to shove herself into his life and his family to try and find his missing friend. She FLIES with him to Texas and stays in an ADJOINING ROOM after knowing him for like 12 hours. WHAT. She also has no problems at all voicing her opinions to his family and his friend's family about things she has no right knowing about, much less has the ability to know about. She's been a part of this case for a few HOURS and does not know anyone involved. They have been grieving and searching for MONTHS and have known the missing person and the people involved for lifetimes. So all because Alicia found a military ID in a park, she knows everything about the case? There was also some major instalove/lust going on that I was not on board with.
The dialogue was cringeworthy. Almost everything anyone said to anyone included their name. It kind of went like this:
"Alicia, aren't you happy we know each other?"
"Yes, Michael, I am."
"Mother, are you happy that Michael and I know each other?"
"Yes, Alicia, I am."
"Oh, Alicia, I am so glad that your mother is happy we know each other."
"I am too, Michael."
Like... I went through and started counting the number of names used in the dialogue on each page and it was just awful! That's not how people talk to one another, and I felt like the author legitimately thought that we were too dumb to follow the dialogue on our own so she used all the names to try and make sure we knew who was talking to whom.
The mystery itself was very boring and slow and I started skimming because I was mildly curious about what happened. But by about 60% my curiosity has been killed and I threw in the towel.
So basically, this was a complete and total flop. It was horrible. Maybe now I know why Freethy books are in abundance and I can almost always find one for free or very cheap... At least now I know.
DNF Thoughts:
So... There are TONS of Barbara Freethy books out there and I've always been intrigued. Many of the story lines sound good, and I've collected her titles as I've seen them show up for free on Amazon. I had a hankering for a little romantic suspense and was eager to finally see if Freethy is an author for me. And... nope. She's not.
The mysticism of the lightning was just a bit too over the top for me. The lightning calls Alicia to it because it wants to show her something? No... And I did not like the relationship between the two main characters. Plus, how dumb is Alicia? Michael is a person of interest in this case. He's a suspect with a troubled past and a reputation. She has known him for a few hours and all of a sudden wants to shove herself into his life and his family to try and find his missing friend. She FLIES with him to Texas and stays in an ADJOINING ROOM after knowing him for like 12 hours. WHAT. She also has no problems at all voicing her opinions to his family and his friend's family about things she has no right knowing about, much less has the ability to know about. She's been a part of this case for a few HOURS and does not know anyone involved. They have been grieving and searching for MONTHS and have known the missing person and the people involved for lifetimes. So all because Alicia found a military ID in a park, she knows everything about the case? There was also some major instalove/lust going on that I was not on board with.
The dialogue was cringeworthy. Almost everything anyone said to anyone included their name. It kind of went like this:
"Alicia, aren't you happy we know each other?"
"Yes, Michael, I am."
"Mother, are you happy that Michael and I know each other?"
"Yes, Alicia, I am."
"Oh, Alicia, I am so glad that your mother is happy we know each other."
"I am too, Michael."
Like... I went through and started counting the number of names used in the dialogue on each page and it was just awful! That's not how people talk to one another, and I felt like the author legitimately thought that we were too dumb to follow the dialogue on our own so she used all the names to try and make sure we knew who was talking to whom.
The mystery itself was very boring and slow and I started skimming because I was mildly curious about what happened. But by about 60% my curiosity has been killed and I threw in the towel.
So basically, this was a complete and total flop. It was horrible. Maybe now I know why Freethy books are in abundance and I can almost always find one for free or very cheap... At least now I know.
January 3, 2025
Beautiful Storm is book one of the Lightning Strikes series by Barbara Freethy. One night in the middle of taking pictures of lightning strikes Alicia Monroe saw a woman and man fighting by the time Alicia reached the spot they were gone. Alicia Monroe pick-up a set of navy identification tags and when she realises that the woman has been missing for six months went to the police. Alicia Monroe did not like the way the police was handling the case and starts to investigate what happened to Liliana with the police's number one suspect Micheal Cordero. However, nothing was what Alicia Munroe and Micheal Cordero first though and the readers of Beautiful Storm will continue to follow to see what happens.
Beautiful Storm was the first book I have read of Barbara Freethy, and I did enjoy it. I like the way, Barbara Freethy portrayed her characters and intertwined then with each other. Beautiful Storm is well written and researched by Barbara Freethy. The description of the settings of Beautiful Storm was well-done by way Barbara Freethy. The plot of Beautiful Storm engaged me in a way that ensured that I finished reading the book.
Reading Beautiful Storm, I learnt about the beauty of lighting and the consequences electrical storms can have on the landscape. Beautiful Storm highlights that young people who went off the rails can come back and achieve great things with the love and support of family and friends.
I recommend this book.
Beautiful Storm was the first book I have read of Barbara Freethy, and I did enjoy it. I like the way, Barbara Freethy portrayed her characters and intertwined then with each other. Beautiful Storm is well written and researched by Barbara Freethy. The description of the settings of Beautiful Storm was well-done by way Barbara Freethy. The plot of Beautiful Storm engaged me in a way that ensured that I finished reading the book.
Reading Beautiful Storm, I learnt about the beauty of lighting and the consequences electrical storms can have on the landscape. Beautiful Storm highlights that young people who went off the rails can come back and achieve great things with the love and support of family and friends.
I recommend this book.
June 30, 2017
This was ok but not as good as some of her other books. Not sure what was missing but something was.
June 7, 2017
The first book in the Lightning Strikes series by Barbara Freethy. Alicia Monroe is a news photographer who has a "hobby" photographing lightning. Since her father disappeared ten years ago she has had a fascination with lightning. Her father told stories about the lightning and it stayed with her. On one of her photo shoots she sees a couple fighting but before she can get to them lightning strikes a nearby tree, delaying her, and they are gone. But she finds the dog tags belonging to a missing person, Liliana Valdez, and her curiosity gets the better of her. It leads her to Michael Cordero, the police's only suspect in Liliana's disappearance. Michael grew up in the same neighborhood as Liliana and they became good friends. Michael was supposed to meet Liliana before her disappearance but he was late and she was gone.
I like the style of writing and flow of the story worked for me. I have enjoyed previous books by this author and this one is a good start to the series. The story ends with the romance wrapped up and no real cliffhanger but readers are left with questions that hopefully will be answered later in the series.
I like the style of writing and flow of the story worked for me. I have enjoyed previous books by this author and this one is a good start to the series. The story ends with the romance wrapped up and no real cliffhanger but readers are left with questions that hopefully will be answered later in the series.
March 6, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author. The beginning of this book started off with a bang, and I thought I was gong to love the story. Then, it sort of meandered along and took way to long to develop. Sometimes the dialog didn't seem natural. The ending was okay, but left too many questions unanswered.
May 20, 2017
I have enjoyed several of Freethy's books not not this one so much.
There was no chemistry between the characters especially for and instalove book.
Characters were just alright. Story line wasn't bad. Mystery was alright, danger/fear level was low. The lightening "showing the way" was odd too. Maybe it was just me but I didn't care for it.
I loved her books "Golden Lies and Don't say a Word"
There was no chemistry between the characters especially for and instalove book.
Characters were just alright. Story line wasn't bad. Mystery was alright, danger/fear level was low. The lightening "showing the way" was odd too. Maybe it was just me but I didn't care for it.
I loved her books "Golden Lies and Don't say a Word"
March 3, 2016
Boring - Boring - Boring.
If you want to read about the loss of a father a long time ago again and again then this book is the right one for you. A crime? Oh yes, there is one, but even that's boring...
If you want to read about the loss of a father a long time ago again and again then this book is the right one for you. A crime? Oh yes, there is one, but even that's boring...
September 28, 2018
Really not my cup of tea due to waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many repetitions. The author feels everything has a deeper meaning. I also didn't like the dialogue, people don't take turns in a monologue.
October 4, 2019
Beautiful Storm: Lightning Strikes Book 1 is by Barbara Freethy. This begins a new series by Barbara and it starts out with a bang. A mystery and a romance and a thriller all in one. It is very realistic and the characters are fully developed and realistic as well. You can’t beat a book like that.
Alicia Monroe was a photojournalist and a photography artist. She took pictures of lightning strikes, framed them, and sold them. She also held down a “real” job as a photographer for the local newspaper in Miami. She lived in a little apartment over the shop that sold her art and had few friends. She lived a solitary life and was content. This September, a storm was coming in and she knew that the best place to take photos was at Virginia Key Park, located on the island of Key Biscayne. She was warned not to go there because of the possibility of getting cut off by storm surges; but wanted the pictures so badly that she went. From the empty parking lot, she walked across the wooded area towards the beach. As she came upon a carousal which was closed for the winter, the lightening started and she saw a man fighting with a woman on the other side of the carousal. As she headed to help the woman, a tree near her was struck by lightning and a limb hit her knocking her out. When she came to the man and woman were gone but where they stood was a dog tag which had come off the lady. Alicia hurried back to town to the police. The dog tag belonged to Lieutenant Liliana Valdez who had been missing for two months. What had Alicia gotten herself into?
Michael Cordero tracked down Alicia after finding out she was the one to find the dog tags. The tags belonged to a childhood friend who had come home to her sister’s wedding and disappeared. Michael was a person of interest because after not hearing from Liliana for eight years, he had suddenly started receiving texts from her and the last one wanted him to meet her at his father’s restaurant. He was late getting there and she was gone. Maybe Alicia could help him find Liliana or at least what happened to her.
Two unlikely sleuths begin their journey to find Liliana or what happened to her. Can they find the abductor before he kills Liliana or if she is already dead, her murderer?
Alicia Monroe was a photojournalist and a photography artist. She took pictures of lightning strikes, framed them, and sold them. She also held down a “real” job as a photographer for the local newspaper in Miami. She lived in a little apartment over the shop that sold her art and had few friends. She lived a solitary life and was content. This September, a storm was coming in and she knew that the best place to take photos was at Virginia Key Park, located on the island of Key Biscayne. She was warned not to go there because of the possibility of getting cut off by storm surges; but wanted the pictures so badly that she went. From the empty parking lot, she walked across the wooded area towards the beach. As she came upon a carousal which was closed for the winter, the lightening started and she saw a man fighting with a woman on the other side of the carousal. As she headed to help the woman, a tree near her was struck by lightning and a limb hit her knocking her out. When she came to the man and woman were gone but where they stood was a dog tag which had come off the lady. Alicia hurried back to town to the police. The dog tag belonged to Lieutenant Liliana Valdez who had been missing for two months. What had Alicia gotten herself into?
Michael Cordero tracked down Alicia after finding out she was the one to find the dog tags. The tags belonged to a childhood friend who had come home to her sister’s wedding and disappeared. Michael was a person of interest because after not hearing from Liliana for eight years, he had suddenly started receiving texts from her and the last one wanted him to meet her at his father’s restaurant. He was late getting there and she was gone. Maybe Alicia could help him find Liliana or at least what happened to her.
Two unlikely sleuths begin their journey to find Liliana or what happened to her. Can they find the abductor before he kills Liliana or if she is already dead, her murderer?
September 23, 2015
I love Barbara Freethy books and always look forward to the next book. This book begins a new 3 part series centered around the Monroe siblings. Their father’s plane had mysteriously disappeared in the middle of an electrical storm. He was known to his friends and family as Lightning man, and his daughter, Alicia Monroe, has shared his passion and obsession with lightning. She is a photo journalist but also takes pictures of lightning storms. The story begins on a stormy evening. Alicia is headed towards the storm to get some close-up lightening shots. At her destination, she witnesses a struggle between a man and woman, but is distracted by a fallen tree branch and soon the pair is gone. She finds military tags that belongs to Liliana Valdez, a woman who has been missing for 2 months.
Alicia gives the tags to the police who see this as a fresh lead that may shed new light to the investigation. She is curious about the missing woman and feels as if the lightening brought her to the destination for a reason, so she returns the next morning to see if she can get any new clues. She meets Michael Cordero, who is a person of interest in the case. He is Liliana’s best friend and was supposed to meet her on the day she was missing. He wants to find Liliana and clear his name as well. There is an attraction between Alicia and Michael, but they put it aside as they decide to become partners to solve this mystery and want to keep their focus on finding Liliana.
The two begin to uncover clues and learn that Liliana’s disappearance may be tied to a case she was working on as a Judge Advocate. As they get closer to the truth, they find their own lives are in danger. The ending of the story was a shocker and it added more questions to Alicia’s father’s disappearance.
I was drawn in immediately and the pace was suspenseful, which kept me engaged and interested throughout the story. This book met my expectations of the previous Barbara Freethy books, and I look forward to the upcoming books to this series.
Alicia gives the tags to the police who see this as a fresh lead that may shed new light to the investigation. She is curious about the missing woman and feels as if the lightening brought her to the destination for a reason, so she returns the next morning to see if she can get any new clues. She meets Michael Cordero, who is a person of interest in the case. He is Liliana’s best friend and was supposed to meet her on the day she was missing. He wants to find Liliana and clear his name as well. There is an attraction between Alicia and Michael, but they put it aside as they decide to become partners to solve this mystery and want to keep their focus on finding Liliana.
The two begin to uncover clues and learn that Liliana’s disappearance may be tied to a case she was working on as a Judge Advocate. As they get closer to the truth, they find their own lives are in danger. The ending of the story was a shocker and it added more questions to Alicia’s father’s disappearance.
I was drawn in immediately and the pace was suspenseful, which kept me engaged and interested throughout the story. This book met my expectations of the previous Barbara Freethy books, and I look forward to the upcoming books to this series.
January 22, 2017
Ms. Feethy’s has a writing style that pulls the reader in from her wonderful plot that entertains the reader to the suspense and mystery that hooks the reader. The characters are well developed people you can relate to that are just like we are with normal baggage and personal issues. Their circumstance brings them together. I love the slow buildup as the author spins a plot that keeps us invested not only in the characters but the story line. As they search for Liliana they are pulled together to discover their true feelings for each other. The author gives you lots of action to keep you interested and entertained with excitement throughout this wonderful read. I loved the twists and turns that really kept me on the edge to the romance. It was a story I could not put down. I am so looking forward to the rest of the series.
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January 3, 2016
Dull and predictable romance novel
June 23, 2017
This story was okay. Great Narration by Eva Kaminsky (audible review)
You really didn't know "who done it" until the very end, and I didn't guess who it was early on. So that is good. As or the romance portion I liked the characters individually well enough, but to me they didn't seem to make a great couple, it felt forced and not very genuine to me.
There was a lot of dialogue throughout and that was good. It wasn't full of filler nonsense and that was good. It just wasn't an exciting story or a page turner. The mystery portion was drug out with just small tidbits of clues until the very end.
Like I said it was an okay story but could have been better.
As for the narration, that was great. I really like Eva Kaminsky, she does a great job on the male voices and reads with emotion. She has a great reading voice too.
You really didn't know "who done it" until the very end, and I didn't guess who it was early on. So that is good. As or the romance portion I liked the characters individually well enough, but to me they didn't seem to make a great couple, it felt forced and not very genuine to me.
There was a lot of dialogue throughout and that was good. It wasn't full of filler nonsense and that was good. It just wasn't an exciting story or a page turner. The mystery portion was drug out with just small tidbits of clues until the very end.
Like I said it was an okay story but could have been better.
As for the narration, that was great. I really like Eva Kaminsky, she does a great job on the male voices and reads with emotion. She has a great reading voice too.
October 24, 2017
This was the October Barnes and Noble Nook serial read.
This book was a whole lot of things, and it worked for the most part. I liked Alicia. I liked Michael. Their 0 to 100 relationship made my head spin given the time frame, but it made a little more sense when I realized this was the only book in the series about them. But still.
This was a mystery, but I still don't really get they "why" in term of the killer's motive. That person came out of nowhere, and I don't really understand what led to all the death. And then there were a couple of paranormal moments that came and went but didn't get too much attention.
I liked the book, but it left me feeling kind of confused. I mean, I'm pretty sure I liked it, but then there were a lot of things that bugged me. I don't know.
This book was a whole lot of things, and it worked for the most part. I liked Alicia. I liked Michael. Their 0 to 100 relationship made my head spin given the time frame, but it made a little more sense when I realized this was the only book in the series about them. But still.
This was a mystery, but I still don't really get they "why" in term of the killer's motive. That person came out of nowhere, and I don't really understand what led to all the death. And then there were a couple of paranormal moments that came and went but didn't get too much attention.
I liked the book, but it left me feeling kind of confused. I mean, I'm pretty sure I liked it, but then there were a lot of things that bugged me. I don't know.
September 28, 2020
Surprisingly pleasant read. I was drawn in by the strong opening of a murder mystery and stayed for the romance. The plot twists were well thought out and the character development and personalities worked well and made sense. Found some of the chemistry and dialogue incredibly insightful and that it encouraged my own self awareness though the themes around being torn between two cultural heritages/fitting in seemed a little overplayed and infantile in delivery.
October 23, 2017
I am subscribed to Nook Books Readouts, another reason I am loyal to Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Readouts is a monthly serial book, you get a couple chapters a day. Genres change and Beautiful Storm is a likeable Romance. It has a murder plot to see through to a satisfying conclusion. The characters are an attractive soon to be couple, of course. The interesting part was the author's matter of fact illustration of the role grief has in our lives. Thanks BN and Nook! I would otherwise have missed this read. Let's see what next month brings.
April 14, 2017
Moved a little fast, but I liked the partnership between the two lead characters.
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October 23, 2017Nook book serial read
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April 24, 2025
The culprit was someone I wasn't expecting.
September 3, 2018
I really liked this story but several things bothered me:
1. The physical layout of some of the pages of the book had words very close to the spine edge of the page. That made it difficult to see them.
2. Part of the setting took place in Corpus Christi, TX and the characters kept referring to Texas A&M. I had to Google A&M because I kept placing it only in College Station. However, there is a large A&M campus in Corpus Christi.
3. Michael Cordero made reference to living in NYC. However, he stated that he sometimes liked to go down to Cape Code and to Nantucket periodically. I admit that I can be directionally challenged, but even I know that Massachusetts is north of NYC and you must drive up to Cape Cod/Nantucket.
Other than that, I enjoyed the characters and the plot. There was a good plot and it took me a while to pin point who did it. This is the first in a trilogy and I will definitely read the next one in the series. Overall, a good read.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
1. The physical layout of some of the pages of the book had words very close to the spine edge of the page. That made it difficult to see them.
2. Part of the setting took place in Corpus Christi, TX and the characters kept referring to Texas A&M. I had to Google A&M because I kept placing it only in College Station. However, there is a large A&M campus in Corpus Christi.
3. Michael Cordero made reference to living in NYC. However, he stated that he sometimes liked to go down to Cape Code and to Nantucket periodically. I admit that I can be directionally challenged, but even I know that Massachusetts is north of NYC and you must drive up to Cape Cod/Nantucket.
Other than that, I enjoyed the characters and the plot. There was a good plot and it took me a while to pin point who did it. This is the first in a trilogy and I will definitely read the next one in the series. Overall, a good read.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
July 20, 2017
First published: 2015
Length: 332 pages, 4078 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. Miami, Florida, and Corpus Christi, Texas.
Sex: Hand wavy. Infrequent.
Hero: Property developer.
Heroine: Photojournalist.
Includes: Excerpt from Book 2 Lightning Lingers by Barbara Freethy
A romantic suspense, part one of a trilogy. Would appear to have an overarching plot that connects the death of Alicia’s father to stolen military research and maybe even the death of Michael’s soon-to-be-brother-in-law’s father in a “Navy coverup”.
At the end of Book 1 we have an HEA for Michael and Alicia, even if some of their questions are unanswered. After a dramatic and fast romance, they find a future together. It kept me entertained, even if the ending was rapid and unpredictable.
3 stars. But only just because the woman in the lightning was silly.
Lightning Strikes:
Book 1 Beautiful Storm - Alicia Monroe and Michael Cordero
Book 2 Lightning Lingers - Katherine Barrett and Jake Monroe
Book 3 Summer Rain - Danielle Monroe and Patrick Kane
References:
Author's website: http://www.barbarafreethy.com/lightni...
(ISBN 9780996117142)
-CR-
Length: 332 pages, 4078 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. Miami, Florida, and Corpus Christi, Texas.
Sex: Hand wavy. Infrequent.
Hero: Property developer.
Heroine: Photojournalist.
Includes: Excerpt from Book 2 Lightning Lingers by Barbara Freethy
A romantic suspense, part one of a trilogy. Would appear to have an overarching plot that connects the death of Alicia’s father to stolen military research and maybe even the death of Michael’s soon-to-be-brother-in-law’s father in a “Navy coverup”.
At the end of Book 1 we have an HEA for Michael and Alicia, even if some of their questions are unanswered. After a dramatic and fast romance, they find a future together. It kept me entertained, even if the ending was rapid and unpredictable.
3 stars. But only just because the woman in the lightning was silly.
Lightning Strikes:
Book 1 Beautiful Storm - Alicia Monroe and Michael Cordero
Book 2 Lightning Lingers - Katherine Barrett and Jake Monroe
Book 3 Summer Rain - Danielle Monroe and Patrick Kane
References:
Author's website: http://www.barbarafreethy.com/lightni...
(ISBN 9780996117142)
-CR-
February 5, 2017
Alicia Monroe is a photojournalist with the Miami Chronicle. In her free time, she chases storms and captures them for posterity. When a particularly fierce storm was expected in southern Florida, she drove to Virgin Key Park, in the hope of getting some really exciting pictures. As the storm moves in from the sea, darkness covers both water and land. Great flashes of lightning revealed mere glimpses of the world. As she was photographing the weather, she spies two people on the beach; a man and a woman. Their movements and postures alarmed her with a feeling of imminent violence and danger. She sees the woman running toward her from the beach. Darkness fell again over the scene and with the next bolt of lightning, the beach was empty.
Alicia walked down to the beach as the storm moved away. As the light slowly returned, she saw no people but she did find a set of dog-tags in the sand. They were military tags with the name L. Valdez U. S. N.
The tags belonged to navy Lieutenant Liliana Valdez. She is a JAG lawyer stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas and was visiting Miami; she has been reported missing. This begins a tale of suspense and mystery. Alicia and thirty-year-old builder, Michael Cordero, begin a search for the missing woman.
This drama keeps the reader guessing as facts are slowly uncovered. It has just enough steamy lust and passion that keeps the reader interested and longing for more. This is my first book by Barbara Freethy but it probably won’t be the last
Alicia walked down to the beach as the storm moved away. As the light slowly returned, she saw no people but she did find a set of dog-tags in the sand. They were military tags with the name L. Valdez U. S. N.
The tags belonged to navy Lieutenant Liliana Valdez. She is a JAG lawyer stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas and was visiting Miami; she has been reported missing. This begins a tale of suspense and mystery. Alicia and thirty-year-old builder, Michael Cordero, begin a search for the missing woman.
This drama keeps the reader guessing as facts are slowly uncovered. It has just enough steamy lust and passion that keeps the reader interested and longing for more. This is my first book by Barbara Freethy but it probably won’t be the last
February 1, 2017
This is a quick, light, easy read...with mystery and love. Nothing more, but it must've been what I needed at this point cuz I enjoyed it. Nothing to stressful and you always know the end with love stories.....someone falls in love.
The Mayan side of his family believed that lightning ties the earth to the heavens, the living to the dead, the past to the present. My great-grandmother used to say that the lightning comes down from the sky to show you what you need to see." Loc 547
-I always love to hear of other cultures in books.
And we're all a mix, whether it's cultures that influence us or just personality differences. I'm a mix, too. I think it makes me more interesting, not less. And the same is true for you." Loc 2427
-now days people need to hear this everyday
"Like brothers, Dad used to say. I think that's the way the military is. When I asked my father what the military was fighting for, because I didn’t understand why he left for weeks at a time, he told me that he was fighting for the men who were next to him, his radar instrument officer, his mechanic, the pilot flying at his wing and the people back home who were depending on him to keep them safe. I guess there's a unique bond for people in service to their country. They're making a sacrifice that most people wouldn't make. It certainly wasn't anything I ever wanted to do. I feel a little guilty saying that out loud." Loc 3089
The Mayan side of his family believed that lightning ties the earth to the heavens, the living to the dead, the past to the present. My great-grandmother used to say that the lightning comes down from the sky to show you what you need to see." Loc 547
-I always love to hear of other cultures in books.
And we're all a mix, whether it's cultures that influence us or just personality differences. I'm a mix, too. I think it makes me more interesting, not less. And the same is true for you." Loc 2427
-now days people need to hear this everyday
"Like brothers, Dad used to say. I think that's the way the military is. When I asked my father what the military was fighting for, because I didn’t understand why he left for weeks at a time, he told me that he was fighting for the men who were next to him, his radar instrument officer, his mechanic, the pilot flying at his wing and the people back home who were depending on him to keep them safe. I guess there's a unique bond for people in service to their country. They're making a sacrifice that most people wouldn't make. It certainly wasn't anything I ever wanted to do. I feel a little guilty saying that out loud." Loc 3089
June 24, 2016
Alicia grew up with the mysterious death of her father hanging over her head. She never got over it and broke away from the family to chase lightning taking pictures of it for the gallery. One night while chasing a storm she sees a man attacking a woman in the park. After being knocked out by a tree branch, she awakes and finds a name tag of the woman attacked She then is on a journey to find this woman (Lillianna), she meets up with Michael who is also looking for Lilianna and they journey together mixing adventure, mystery, passion, love and romance trying to find the answers.
This book is a page turner you wont want to put down...and it is also a series...looking forward to the next chapter in this family's life.
This book is a page turner you wont want to put down...and it is also a series...looking forward to the next chapter in this family's life.
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