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Stable Tales #1
When Lightning Strikes
Previously Published Summerhouse Publishing as “Breaking Bear,” May, 2011; Forever More Publishing as “Breaking Bear,” December, 2014. 2016 edition with 10,000 added words. Former soldier Johnny Redbear is a gay cowboy who has never been with another man. He kept his desires buried deep, married, had a family and lost everything when he came out. All he has left now are horses and hard work. A lightning strike, fire and death burn his already complicated world to white-hot ash. Johnny moves across country to escape his past—and maybe get a “do over.” Too bad his post-traumatic stress disorder is riding shotgun. Then he meets a horse trainer named Sig. He finds it’s time to saddle up and face the storm head-on. Will the next lightning strike put him asunder or spark life in the beast within?
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 18, 2020
For a short story, this one felt too long. And the MCs just got together after 76% mark. For a short story.
So it was only 20-ish percent short about the together. ANd the story alone was boring.
I didn't like it.
September 15, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
This story was published nine years ago as Breaking Bear and the author has added ten thousand words, changed some things, like Johnny’s name (which used to be Johnny Redbear), and added a few mentions of Covid-19. Having not read the original, my review will be based only on this version of the story.
I didn’t care for this book all that much. The writing is okay, and the pacing is actually fairly good for a novella, with nothing feeling rushed or lethargic. But the relationship between Sig and Johnny was a little uneven.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
This story was published nine years ago as Breaking Bear and the author has added ten thousand words, changed some things, like Johnny’s name (which used to be Johnny Redbear), and added a few mentions of Covid-19. Having not read the original, my review will be based only on this version of the story.
I didn’t care for this book all that much. The writing is okay, and the pacing is actually fairly good for a novella, with nothing feeling rushed or lethargic. But the relationship between Sig and Johnny was a little uneven.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
August 27, 2020
Johnny's life is upended by PTSD, relationship problems and weather events so he moves away trying to get a fresh start. He finds that unfortunately, he must deal with all his issues in order to really change his life, a simple location change won't do it. Fortunately, he finds Sig and together they grow, learn, heal and get their HEA. A lovely novella about dealing with the unexpected both positive and negative. A perfect read while the hurricane rain is moving through.
August 26, 2020
With short stories and novellas it’s not always easy to connect with the characters and the story but I had no trouble at all connecting with Johnny and caring for him. I love books where people in their mid thirties find love. I also love horses so this book was just perfect for me and I really enjoyed reading it. Also, I absolutely adored the writing style, it was so beautiful.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
4/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
4/5 stars
August 13, 2020
This novella is about a cowboy who has really lost everything in his life he has cared about and has some PTSD issues along with it. Johnny Jewell has moved across several states to take a job at a stable where he runs into another cowboy, Sig. The author paints a powerful picture of the reality of lightning storms and their aftermath out on the ranch. A very moving portrait of a lonely man who is begins to realize he may have found a home and a place to trust again. Its a quick read, but worth it. I received an ARC of this book and enjoyed it a great deal. I recommend it!
August 18, 2020
When Lightning Strikes by Darragha Foster is the first book in the Stable Tales series. It is a quick but enjoyable read. I found Johnny's journey to living his true self interesting, I actually wish the book was expanded upon and we delve deeper into him finding his way through his new openly gay life. This is like an appetizer to what could be a fantastic entree. But as the short story it is still a good read.
August 17, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. A good start to stable tales.
Was the universe out to get Johnny Jewell? After coming out to his wife it probably felt that way to him. He wasn't good with people but his was an amazing horseman, could he open up to a new friend named Sig. Will lightning brings more then death into John world? Great little novella hope to hear more in detail of Johnny new discovery after the flames settled.
Was the universe out to get Johnny Jewell? After coming out to his wife it probably felt that way to him. He wasn't good with people but his was an amazing horseman, could he open up to a new friend named Sig. Will lightning brings more then death into John world? Great little novella hope to hear more in detail of Johnny new discovery after the flames settled.
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March 22, 2023Way too much storyline for the length.
MCs don't meet until 50%.
Gorgeous cover
Virgin MC
And why did the author feel compelled to write COVID19 into the story. I read to escape, I don't need to be reminded we're living in the middle of a pandemic. It obviously wasn't in the original which was written a decade ago.
MCs don't meet until 50%.
Gorgeous cover
Virgin MC
And why did the author feel compelled to write COVID19 into the story. I read to escape, I don't need to be reminded we're living in the middle of a pandemic. It obviously wasn't in the original which was written a decade ago.
August 22, 2020
I'm new to Darragha Foster's books and this was a very short novella so I'm not sure I got a good feel for the author's writing.
This story is about Johnny Jewell, who has been through a lot... he has come out to his wife which has resulted in him losing his family and he has left to travel far away so that he can leaving his troubles behind him. When he gets a new job on a ranch he meets Sig who is a "gay, Icelandic, Buddhist cowboy." For the first time ever, Johnny meets a man he may be able to have some sort of relationship with.
This story is well-written, but there sure is a lot going on in it for such a short number of pages. Please read the warnings below if you're interested in this one. I thought that some of the things that crop up could have used more time... but in a work this short, that's impossible.
Johnny is a wounded character for sure. He's been through more than most people should have to endure in a lifetime. Johnny's Grandmother was indigenous and he learned a lot from her. As he tries to get his life on a more even keel, he embraces some of his Grandmother's ways. He has a true natural talent with horses and credits his work with them for saving his life. I enjoyed these references to Indigenous culture, but I can't speak to the authenticity of that.
I was a bit bothered about how Johnny spoke about his children and how they were a big part of his life...but he had moved away from them? I wasn't sure how that meant his children would be in his life at all.
This is a fast read... would work for a commute! Don't forget to read those warnings though.
This story is about Johnny Jewell, who has been through a lot... he has come out to his wife which has resulted in him losing his family and he has left to travel far away so that he can leaving his troubles behind him. When he gets a new job on a ranch he meets Sig who is a "gay, Icelandic, Buddhist cowboy." For the first time ever, Johnny meets a man he may be able to have some sort of relationship with.
This story is well-written, but there sure is a lot going on in it for such a short number of pages. Please read the warnings below if you're interested in this one. I thought that some of the things that crop up could have used more time... but in a work this short, that's impossible.
Johnny is a wounded character for sure. He's been through more than most people should have to endure in a lifetime. Johnny's Grandmother was indigenous and he learned a lot from her. As he tries to get his life on a more even keel, he embraces some of his Grandmother's ways. He has a true natural talent with horses and credits his work with them for saving his life. I enjoyed these references to Indigenous culture, but I can't speak to the authenticity of that.
I was a bit bothered about how Johnny spoke about his children and how they were a big part of his life...but he had moved away from them? I wasn't sure how that meant his children would be in his life at all.
This is a fast read... would work for a commute! Don't forget to read those warnings though.
August 23, 2020
(3.5 stars rounded off)
𝐼’𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑡𝑦-𝑓𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒.
Johnny Jewell has been to war, gotten married and had kids.
When he comes out to his wife of seven years, his whole life is torn apart, because she wants nothing to do with him anymore.
Now he's at crossroads. He's left his family behind and has no desire to return to the military either.
All he wants is a place to find companionship without living a lie.
𝑁𝑜…𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑛. 𝐼𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑛. 𝐴 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑛
Joe Sigfusson is Icelandic and an experienced horse trainer.
When Jewell lays eyes on him for the first time, he is overwhelmed by the handsome man who looked like a Nordic God come to life with the most playful blue eyes and an exceptionally impressive physique.
As the air around them crackles with their explosive chemistry, will Jewell get his second shot at finding true happiness and finally live the life he deserves?
This was a short, sweet novella which touches on themes such as coming out and self discovery.
This would have worked better as a full length novel, where we could get more page time with the MC's and explore their relationship.
If you are looking for a quick read with medium angst and sexy cowboys, this is for you!
𝐼’𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑡𝑦-𝑓𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒.
Johnny Jewell has been to war, gotten married and had kids.
When he comes out to his wife of seven years, his whole life is torn apart, because she wants nothing to do with him anymore.
Now he's at crossroads. He's left his family behind and has no desire to return to the military either.
All he wants is a place to find companionship without living a lie.
𝑁𝑜…𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑛. 𝐼𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑛. 𝐴 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑛
Joe Sigfusson is Icelandic and an experienced horse trainer.
When Jewell lays eyes on him for the first time, he is overwhelmed by the handsome man who looked like a Nordic God come to life with the most playful blue eyes and an exceptionally impressive physique.
As the air around them crackles with their explosive chemistry, will Jewell get his second shot at finding true happiness and finally live the life he deserves?
This was a short, sweet novella which touches on themes such as coming out and self discovery.
This would have worked better as a full length novel, where we could get more page time with the MC's and explore their relationship.
If you are looking for a quick read with medium angst and sexy cowboys, this is for you!
August 21, 2020
honestly, i think this needs to be a lot longer, it's way to big a story for how little pages it has.
do note that the MC talks about being on a reservation and his grandmother especially and traditions that go along with that, I can't speak to representation so go into this knowing that. It also has his parents being ultra religious which is why he hates himself as a gay man, which is the main topic of the book.
i feel like all the events happened on top of each other which wasn't the case but it made it feel rushed and a little disjointed, along with me just wanted to have known more about his life, actually spent time building up to him being where he was, rather then just a quick scene. I'd have liked him getting to know, and the slow growth of comfort he'd found with his first friend. I'd have liked to have known his kids, and that side of things. I'd have like to have had him spend more time with Sig, rather then him jumping into bed when he was so hesitant. I'd have liked to have explored or had his mental illness' be something more then mentioned. I'd have liked him with his horses. but mostly I'd just have liked to spend a lot more time with him. At least it makes me want to read a novel or just something longer and I'll def keep my eye out for that.
oh, also had a sex scene that was way to filled with horse references for my taste, kinda get it but nope.
ARC provided for an honest review
do note that the MC talks about being on a reservation and his grandmother especially and traditions that go along with that, I can't speak to representation so go into this knowing that. It also has his parents being ultra religious which is why he hates himself as a gay man, which is the main topic of the book.
i feel like all the events happened on top of each other which wasn't the case but it made it feel rushed and a little disjointed, along with me just wanted to have known more about his life, actually spent time building up to him being where he was, rather then just a quick scene. I'd have liked him getting to know, and the slow growth of comfort he'd found with his first friend. I'd have liked to have known his kids, and that side of things. I'd have like to have had him spend more time with Sig, rather then him jumping into bed when he was so hesitant. I'd have liked to have explored or had his mental illness' be something more then mentioned. I'd have liked him with his horses. but mostly I'd just have liked to spend a lot more time with him. At least it makes me want to read a novel or just something longer and I'll def keep my eye out for that.
oh, also had a sex scene that was way to filled with horse references for my taste, kinda get it but nope.
ARC provided for an honest review
August 26, 2020
A horseman finding himself and love. This is truly a story of overcoming tragedy and loss and learning to open oneself to new opportunities. This is a very short novella by a new to me author and i liked the story-line and the characters really would have blossomed with more time and development. Johnny is a very talented and gifted horseman and after losing his best friend he is ready for a new job and a new place to live. He finds all of that with this new job and new friendship.
Johnny and Sig were sweet together and there was a connection there. Their steamy time however, was not well done at all. I was also confused about his relationship with his children and his perception that he was a good father. I wanted more about that to feel that he did anything but give them money. Johnny had some PTSD that i think was not being managed and i was glad that he found his way to a new place that could be a home for him.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
Johnny and Sig were sweet together and there was a connection there. Their steamy time however, was not well done at all. I was also confused about his relationship with his children and his perception that he was a good father. I wanted more about that to feel that he did anything but give them money. Johnny had some PTSD that i think was not being managed and i was glad that he found his way to a new place that could be a home for him.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
August 13, 2020
This is a novella with a very good story line by a new to me author. I loved the idea of Johnny learning how to live as his true self and being comfortable with that. I did feel, though, that the book was a little too choppy. Maybe if it was longer there would have been more time to develop the characters and story a bit more. Because of this, I wasn't really able to connect with Sig, the other MC.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
August 19, 2020
Johnny is a gay cowboy who lost everything when he came out. He is offered work a few states awsy. When arrives, he meets Sig. Darragha Foster is a new to me author. I liked the story well enough. I wish she would have gone into more of a backstory of the two mc. Maybe a little longer, it felt lacking. It had potential, good storyline. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
August 23, 2020
A new author to me. This story has a lot of potential. The storyline was good but a little to short for me. It was very up to date with the virus happening during the book. I personally couldn’t get hooked to the book till almost the end. It was just an okay read for me.
August 28, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this poignant, grab-you-by-the-feels, tug-at-your-heartstrings, smoldering, bittersweet, and totally awesome tale. It may be short in length, but it packed the punch of a much longer story. This is a new-to-me author, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
August 28, 2020
good story.. i got confused in several spots... their love was sweet.. but felt off with the steamy stuff... i did enjoy it and would read the next to see if it gets better
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September 12, 2020DNF at 25%
December 31, 2020
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
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Kindle/ GRR/ August 2020
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Kindle/ GRR/ August 2020
August 23, 2020
I watned to like this book, but it wasn't for me.
It was short but this is the only thing I liked about it. I couldn't get close to the characters, I haven't felt any emotions, and the storyline wasn't really interesting either.
It was mostly empty - the characters and the story too.
The cover is really hot though, but this book wasn't written for me.
It was short but this is the only thing I liked about it. I couldn't get close to the characters, I haven't felt any emotions, and the storyline wasn't really interesting either.
It was mostly empty - the characters and the story too.
The cover is really hot though, but this book wasn't written for me.
August 30, 2020
A little disjointed but enjoyable short read, I think would have made a really good longer, more involved book. I found myself a little dissatisfied. The book touches on John’s heritage and possible abilities, his horse whispering/ singing, but there is scope for so much more. I felt the relationship between John and Sig could have been taken further.
In conclusion, I read this in one short sitting, found it enjoyable but have liked it to have been much longer!
In conclusion, I read this in one short sitting, found it enjoyable but have liked it to have been much longer!
November 30, 2015
Breaking Bear by author Darragha Foster is a very short read. Johnny Redbear is a hard worker. The ranch has just hired him to do some repairs, and whatever they need around the place.
Joe is a Horseman. Really comes off as a jerk at first. Like he sees Johnny as just a piece of meat to conquer.
I found this book really unromantic. The author seems more interested in the sex aspect of the story than the romance. So if you like a story based on sex this is perfect for you. I am more of a romantic when I read so for me this was a miss. There could have been so much more I felt, but well it didn't turn out that way. For me this book is a skip. But again I am a romantic at heart.
three Red Stars
Joe is a Horseman. Really comes off as a jerk at first. Like he sees Johnny as just a piece of meat to conquer.
I found this book really unromantic. The author seems more interested in the sex aspect of the story than the romance. So if you like a story based on sex this is perfect for you. I am more of a romantic when I read so for me this was a miss. There could have been so much more I felt, but well it didn't turn out that way. For me this book is a skip. But again I am a romantic at heart.
three Red Stars
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