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Beautiful Thunder
Can romance and rock ‘n’ roll dreams survive with a storm raging around them? Alex Randall has always wanted to be a rock singer. When he answers an ad from a local band, his dream finally comes true. He loves the stage, and the group’s fans love him. Things couldn’t be better, except for the attraction he develops for the band’s guitarist, Lindsey. Alex is surprised and initially worried, since he only had one brief flirtation with a boy in his teens. But even though he and Lindsey become close and start seeing each other, Alex fears commitment, and Lindsey worries that Alex might only be experimenting. When Lindsey’s ex contacts him following a health scare, fear and anger drives a wedge between Alex and Lindsey, which causes rifts within the band. Alex and Lindsey’s relationship is still new and fragile, and with Alex unwittingly blaming Lindsey for their problems, it becomes a true challenge for them to weather the storm.
- GenresM M Romance
220 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2015
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Louise Lyons
31 books64 followersI currently live in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, having moved from my home town of Grimsby in 2010. I come from a family of writers, although my Mum, Nana and Auntie have all written poetry. For me, it has always been fiction that drew me.Louise Lyons introductory photograph
It started with Mum’s old manual typewriter when I was eight years old – a story about a little girl and a pony, which at the time was my dream. By the time I reached my early teens, I progressed to romance although I still only wrote for my own pleasure. This quickly developed into primarily gay romance stories and when I discovered the world of Fanfiction, I gradually built up a large following in some fandoms.
Knowing that other people liked my work drove me to follow a new dream – to become a published author – which has finally been realised with Dreamspinner Press.
On this site you can keep up to date with all my latest news on my upcoming book and lots more about me, as I post regular blogs. Read my articles.Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. I’ll always do my best to answer each and every one. Get in touch with me.
It started with Mum’s old manual typewriter when I was eight years old – a story about a little girl and a pony, which at the time was my dream. By the time I reached my early teens, I progressed to romance although I still only wrote for my own pleasure. This quickly developed into primarily gay romance stories and when I discovered the world of Fanfiction, I gradually built up a large following in some fandoms.
Knowing that other people liked my work drove me to follow a new dream – to become a published author – which has finally been realised with Dreamspinner Press.
On this site you can keep up to date with all my latest news on my upcoming book and lots more about me, as I post regular blogs. Read my articles.Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. I’ll always do my best to answer each and every one. Get in touch with me.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 8, 2015
Original Blog Post: Review Request, Excerpt & #Giveaway: Beautiful Thunder by Louise Lyons
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
As the blurb implies, Alex has long wanted to be a rock star. He really does not need to work, what with the inheritance he gained. Since a young child, though, he had dreamed of being on the stage singing his heart out, the audience at the palm of his hand. The only thing that got in the way was to land a job as a singer for a band. When he auditions for a lead singer, he not only lands a job but also a man.
Lindsey is a talented guitarist and composer. He is a performer. He is also having a huge problem with a boyfriend who does not seem to know that being violent is not posh. Clashing relationship on the side, trying to make a go with a fledgeling band, Lindsey had long dreamed of making it big. He may just have a chance of it but the new lead singer stops him on his tracks.
The relationship that develops between Lindsey and Alex starts off as a simple friendship that soon morphs into a romantic relationship. Basically the story moves along the manner the blurb prepared its readers. The real challenge that gets between Alex and Lindsey is trust. They could not seem to get a grab of it and hold on. Always, there was this sense of them seeing it, they try to grab it, but life gets in the way and they lose it. Eventually, they do get a firm hold of it but then...
I really don't know if this is an HFN or an HEA. I wish it were an ever after but the way this story ended... let's just say: why don't you find out for yourself. I think this is one of those stories where each reader will get to reach their own conclusion. That said, I cannot not recommend. Louise Lyons has a talent for telling a story and although she does stick to the sweet and angsty reads, it is impossible to turn down her written word.
Note: Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
As the blurb implies, Alex has long wanted to be a rock star. He really does not need to work, what with the inheritance he gained. Since a young child, though, he had dreamed of being on the stage singing his heart out, the audience at the palm of his hand. The only thing that got in the way was to land a job as a singer for a band. When he auditions for a lead singer, he not only lands a job but also a man.
Lindsey is a talented guitarist and composer. He is a performer. He is also having a huge problem with a boyfriend who does not seem to know that being violent is not posh. Clashing relationship on the side, trying to make a go with a fledgeling band, Lindsey had long dreamed of making it big. He may just have a chance of it but the new lead singer stops him on his tracks.
The relationship that develops between Lindsey and Alex starts off as a simple friendship that soon morphs into a romantic relationship. Basically the story moves along the manner the blurb prepared its readers. The real challenge that gets between Alex and Lindsey is trust. They could not seem to get a grab of it and hold on. Always, there was this sense of them seeing it, they try to grab it, but life gets in the way and they lose it. Eventually, they do get a firm hold of it but then...
I really don't know if this is an HFN or an HEA. I wish it were an ever after but the way this story ended... let's just say: why don't you find out for yourself. I think this is one of those stories where each reader will get to reach their own conclusion. That said, I cannot not recommend. Louise Lyons has a talent for telling a story and although she does stick to the sweet and angsty reads, it is impossible to turn down her written word.
Note: Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2015
Beautiful Thunder is a well-paced, entertaining “slice of life” tale about Alex Randall, a young aspiring rock singer who looks to join a band and discovers new facets of himself when he falls for fellow rocker, Richard “Lindsey” Lindstrum. I’m a fan of rock musician romance sagas and this one is exceptional. Stimulating, heated, and fun!
Both lead characters are attractive and quite magnetic as they deal with the growing pains of young adulthood. While Lindsey is a super-talented songwriter/guitarist, he is dirt poor. His livelihood depends on him making something of his gifts. He’s quiet, ambitious, and has a few dark secrets. Parentless, Alex has money and a great singing voice. He looks to join a band hoping it will fill the void he’s felt since his parents died. Clubbing and crashing every night certainly isn’t doing the trick. It’s hard enough to make it on your own, can Alex and Lindsey help each other on their journey to rock stardom?
This vibrant story is two-tiered in that the romance between the two men is woven throughout the story of Alex’s trials of finding a band with staying power. As such the tale is revealed from Alex’s point of view and it was pretty cool to experience his woes and triumphs as he navigated the waters of the rock musicians’ world, while examining his sexuality and pursuing the object of his affection. I especially relished the fledgling rock band premise, which held a serious degree of realism on what it’s like to be a member of a garage band. The diverse mix of band member personalities and backgrounds, the span of time it takes to go from writing a song and performing gigs, to the getting noticed or releasing a recording, and the very real truth that—bands break up.
Events play out at a real-time pace, leading to some steamy almost-moments before flames ignite between the two leads. But the emotional buildup is relatable with sensible fears creating sexual tension. Solid supporting characters gave credence to the diversity of musicians and the varying tiers of support and friendship found in the rock music world, some fleeting and some everlasting. All in all, if you like a good rock and roll story you’ll definitely get a kick out of this one.
Thank you, Louise Lyons, for creating this entrancing slice of the want-to-be rocker’s life!
“Sex, Love, and Rock & Roll with a nostalgic twist = Cooool!”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Both lead characters are attractive and quite magnetic as they deal with the growing pains of young adulthood. While Lindsey is a super-talented songwriter/guitarist, he is dirt poor. His livelihood depends on him making something of his gifts. He’s quiet, ambitious, and has a few dark secrets. Parentless, Alex has money and a great singing voice. He looks to join a band hoping it will fill the void he’s felt since his parents died. Clubbing and crashing every night certainly isn’t doing the trick. It’s hard enough to make it on your own, can Alex and Lindsey help each other on their journey to rock stardom?
This vibrant story is two-tiered in that the romance between the two men is woven throughout the story of Alex’s trials of finding a band with staying power. As such the tale is revealed from Alex’s point of view and it was pretty cool to experience his woes and triumphs as he navigated the waters of the rock musicians’ world, while examining his sexuality and pursuing the object of his affection. I especially relished the fledgling rock band premise, which held a serious degree of realism on what it’s like to be a member of a garage band. The diverse mix of band member personalities and backgrounds, the span of time it takes to go from writing a song and performing gigs, to the getting noticed or releasing a recording, and the very real truth that—bands break up.
Events play out at a real-time pace, leading to some steamy almost-moments before flames ignite between the two leads. But the emotional buildup is relatable with sensible fears creating sexual tension. Solid supporting characters gave credence to the diversity of musicians and the varying tiers of support and friendship found in the rock music world, some fleeting and some everlasting. All in all, if you like a good rock and roll story you’ll definitely get a kick out of this one.
Thank you, Louise Lyons, for creating this entrancing slice of the want-to-be rocker’s life!
“Sex, Love, and Rock & Roll with a nostalgic twist = Cooool!”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 18, 2015
4 Heart Review by Amber
Holy 1990’s British Rock band throwback!!! I wasn’t expecting this to be set in the 90s and I wasn’t expecting them to be British rockers, lol!! Thank goodness for JL Merrow or I would have no idea what a “poof” was. I wasn’t really expecting to get into this as much as I did. I honestly think I was so drawn in because how beautifully this author writes. Her characters were so complex but not overly so. I really cared about them. I cared about the band, the music, and these two men. This is an angsty story but I found the level of angst was perfect for where this story took us. It wasn’t over the top, in my opinion.
Alex Randall has had one dream pretty much his entire life, become a rock singer. He finally gets his shot after auditioning for a local band. Loving his sound they immediately make him a member of the band. Alex is unprepared, however for his immediate attraction to the lead guitarist, Lindsey. Lindsey is beautiful and shy and for some reason that appeals to Alex. As things would have it, Alex has always identified as straight so this new development throws him. He wants to deny it. He wants to ignore it but he’s drawn to Lindsey and the attraction can’t be denied. As things start developing between them it all comes to a crashing halt after some serious news Lindsey gets from his ex.
I really enjoyed this story. Alex’s struggles were so real and you could feel how much he wanted Lindsey but you could also feel how scared and vulnerable that made him. I loved how these two developed their relationship. It was so sweet but the attraction and tension was electric. Like I mentioned before these characters were everything in this story and I really actually liked the 90s rock star thing. It was way different and really good.
This is a must read…I think everyone would enjoy this…its sweet, passionate, cute, and the chemistry between Alex and Lindsey is out of this world good!!
P.S. Given that this is set in the 90’s a lot of songs from that era are brought up…I absolutely loved reminiscing through this story…”Heart’s” Alone…enough said….!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Holy 1990’s British Rock band throwback!!! I wasn’t expecting this to be set in the 90s and I wasn’t expecting them to be British rockers, lol!! Thank goodness for JL Merrow or I would have no idea what a “poof” was. I wasn’t really expecting to get into this as much as I did. I honestly think I was so drawn in because how beautifully this author writes. Her characters were so complex but not overly so. I really cared about them. I cared about the band, the music, and these two men. This is an angsty story but I found the level of angst was perfect for where this story took us. It wasn’t over the top, in my opinion.
Alex Randall has had one dream pretty much his entire life, become a rock singer. He finally gets his shot after auditioning for a local band. Loving his sound they immediately make him a member of the band. Alex is unprepared, however for his immediate attraction to the lead guitarist, Lindsey. Lindsey is beautiful and shy and for some reason that appeals to Alex. As things would have it, Alex has always identified as straight so this new development throws him. He wants to deny it. He wants to ignore it but he’s drawn to Lindsey and the attraction can’t be denied. As things start developing between them it all comes to a crashing halt after some serious news Lindsey gets from his ex.
I really enjoyed this story. Alex’s struggles were so real and you could feel how much he wanted Lindsey but you could also feel how scared and vulnerable that made him. I loved how these two developed their relationship. It was so sweet but the attraction and tension was electric. Like I mentioned before these characters were everything in this story and I really actually liked the 90s rock star thing. It was way different and really good.
This is a must read…I think everyone would enjoy this…its sweet, passionate, cute, and the chemistry between Alex and Lindsey is out of this world good!!
P.S. Given that this is set in the 90’s a lot of songs from that era are brought up…I absolutely loved reminiscing through this story…”Heart’s” Alone…enough said….!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
September 23, 2015
Original Review: https://eddylefey.wordpress.com/2015/...
There is plenty for people to like about this novel. If you are, like me, of a certain age, then you’ll appreciate the nostalgia of the era in which the novel is written. The early nineties were a pivotal point in my life. I was the approximate age of some of the characters: early 20s. I wasn’t into glam rock, or hard rock, but I certainly could appreciate the references.
Some readers might find the pace of the story a bit slow, at least in the beginning. I found it enjoyable. The character build up was quite good. The story is in Alex’s point of view: a rich-kid, talented singer, who is unsure of his sexuality. That is, his questioning happens after he meets Lindsey, a glam-rock guitar player.
The relationship progresses slowly but surely between the two. The intimate scenes were wonderfully written. Louise Lyons introduces the concept of unprotected sex, but purposefully. In the early 1990s, as it is unfortunately today, HIV was prevalent, especially in the gay community. People got tested. It took a while to get the results. The stress the disease put on relationships —even just the threat of it—was very real. The author deals with this issue pointedly, and with compassion. Needless to say, there is a bit of angst woven in the story. There is a happily-ever-after, though.
It is a wonderful snippet into the life of one character, interwoven with several other lives. As always, one of my main criteria in rating a story is if I want to reread it. I have already.
I rate this wonderful story 4 stars.
There is plenty for people to like about this novel. If you are, like me, of a certain age, then you’ll appreciate the nostalgia of the era in which the novel is written. The early nineties were a pivotal point in my life. I was the approximate age of some of the characters: early 20s. I wasn’t into glam rock, or hard rock, but I certainly could appreciate the references.
Some readers might find the pace of the story a bit slow, at least in the beginning. I found it enjoyable. The character build up was quite good. The story is in Alex’s point of view: a rich-kid, talented singer, who is unsure of his sexuality. That is, his questioning happens after he meets Lindsey, a glam-rock guitar player.
The relationship progresses slowly but surely between the two. The intimate scenes were wonderfully written. Louise Lyons introduces the concept of unprotected sex, but purposefully. In the early 1990s, as it is unfortunately today, HIV was prevalent, especially in the gay community. People got tested. It took a while to get the results. The stress the disease put on relationships —even just the threat of it—was very real. The author deals with this issue pointedly, and with compassion. Needless to say, there is a bit of angst woven in the story. There is a happily-ever-after, though.
It is a wonderful snippet into the life of one character, interwoven with several other lives. As always, one of my main criteria in rating a story is if I want to reread it. I have already.
I rate this wonderful story 4 stars.
October 21, 2015
4 Stars
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This was a new author for me and I love it. This story was surprisingly insightful but then I love stories about rock stars. I loved the slow build in the beginning of the story. It gives you some history about the characters. This is something that may seem a little slow moving but something I feel is the cornerstone to a good book. I also love when it is a slow build to love. Not that I don’t read instant love stories, but I absolutely love a slow steamy build to love story also.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who love m/m romance because there definitely romance in this book.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This was a new author for me and I love it. This story was surprisingly insightful but then I love stories about rock stars. I loved the slow build in the beginning of the story. It gives you some history about the characters. This is something that may seem a little slow moving but something I feel is the cornerstone to a good book. I also love when it is a slow build to love. Not that I don’t read instant love stories, but I absolutely love a slow steamy build to love story also.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who love m/m romance because there definitely romance in this book.
October 17, 2015
I loved this book, review coming to Prism Book Alliance soon.
May 18, 2016
A well-written and very enjoyable story. Loved the characters and the 90s setting.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews