Lightning Strikes

Lightning Strikes #1

by Roni Denholtz

After being struck by lightning, Sabrina Holt has the ability to astral project. But lately, she’s been projecting when she doesn’t want to. Desperate for help in controlling her ability, she turns to the staff of The Lightning Center. The Lightning Center is a research facility where people who’ve been struck by lightning and developed paranormal talents are studied and counseled.

Parker Costigan, doctor and founder of The Lightning Center, wants to help Sabrina. He has his own ability—mental telepathy. But the cruel actions of a former girlfriend have him guarding his secret.

Sabrina is called on to help others, and Parker assists. As the two work together to find lost people and to help Sabrina control her projections, they develop feelings for each other. Feelings which grow stronger each day.

Can they help each other to overcome their individual problems and deepen their relationship? Or will their abilities keep them apart?

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2020

About the author

Roni Paitchel Denholtz is an award-winning author who has had stories, articles and poetry published in magazines such as Modern Romances, True Love, Baby Talk, Complete Woman, For the Bride and Women's Circle. She is the author of nine juvenile books, published by January Productions, an educational publisher. One of her books, "Jenny Gets Glasses" was ranked #7 of the top 20 favorites of first graders in a nationwide study by the Reading is Fundamental group.

Roni has six romances―five traditional contemporary romances and one traditional regency romance―published by AVALON BOOKS. "Marquis in a Minute" won the 2007 New Jersey Golden Leaf Award for Best Regency Romance. "Salsa with Me" was nominated for the 2009 National Reader's Choice Award for Best Traditional Romance; and was nominated for the 2009 Golden Leaf for Best Short Contemporary Romance.

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start to new series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Page turning on a fascinating subject. Storyline grabbed me right from the start. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabrina Holt has a special ability: astral projection. As a child, she was struck by lightning. Ever since then, she’s had the ability to astral project. Her parents forbade her from telling others about her gift, asking her to hide it. Lately, her gift has gotten more intense and she needs help controlling it. She swallows her fear and seeks assistance from The Lightning Center. When she meets Parker Costigan, doctor and founder of The Lightning Center, she’s instantly drawn to him. She doesn’t understand it at first but the more time they spend together, the stronger her attraction is to him. Both she and Parker have been hurt deeply by past lovers. Can they overcome their fears and learn how to let go and let love in?

Lightning Strikes is an original paranormal romance and one I absolutely loved. When I say original, I mean the premise is original. This is the first paranormal romance I’ve read where being struck by lightning ignites psychic abilities like ESP and astral projection. Roni Denholtz gets a bonus star for her immense knowledge and research on ESP, astral projection, and being struck by lightning. The natural fear Sabrina feels is 100% accurate and adds another depth to her character. The romance is pretty intense but with plenty of conflict and mystery, it flows really well. Roni Denholtz has an incredible ability to write characters any reader can identify with. I connected with the characters immediately and by the end of the book, they became a part of me. If you’re looking for a sweeping romance with paranormal elements, pick up Lightning Strikes. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes of reviewing it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

[D.V. Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books by local to me authors. This one takes place in Northern New Jersey and what a treat to read about places I'm familiar with. Paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres and Ms. Denholtz did not disappoint. Sabrina and Parker are great characters and overcome difficult situations to be together. The Lightning Center is an interesting place and I can see many more stories coming out of there.

[Maria Imbalzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the premise for this story – that lightning striking certain people causes psychic abilities. The hero, Parker Costigan, his two sisters, and his parents run The Lightning Center, a research facility that studies people who have been struck. The heroine, Sabrina Holt, is a reluctant client of the center who wants to learn how to control her abilities. The love story between the hero and heroine is sometimes sweet, sometimes hot, but their romance is bolstered by Sabrina’s astral projections, which brings just the right amount of suspense to this story. This is the first of a three book series, and I look forward to reading the others.

[Pattye Probasco]

I read all of the books in this series, and they are absolutely excellent.

Roni - I hope you add more to this series!

[Rebecca Hefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely slow-burn romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm not sure I've ever read a book where the character is struck by lightning and has to live with the supernatural/paranormal consequences of that. Such a creative premise! Sabrina is a well-written main character you root for from page one. Parker is hesitant to explore their attraction due to the power imbalance created by his role as her doctor, which is completely understandable. But as they work together, the sparks fly and they eventually work toward that happy ending. Such a satisfying read and can't wait to read the other books in the series!

[Fatima Sevivas Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Roni Denholtz for this book.
Was fun reading and knowing the streets and the towns of New Jersey.
I'm looking forward to read other books writing by you.

[J.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling romance made all the more fascinating by the character’s legitimate paranormal talents—and their complications! No shape-shifters here—Denholtz has obviously done a ton of research into real-life paranormal abilities, and those details enhance every bit of the story. Sabrina can astral project and helps find missing people, but she needs help from the Lightning Center to learn how to control her nighttime excursions. Parker is one of the founders of the center and has mental telepathy. Due to his sister’s powers, he knows he and Sabrina are meant to be together—but the doctor-patient relationship holds him back, as do the complications of their special talents. I was completely hooked!