Book Reviews

Struck by Lightning by Sarah Black at Dreamspinner Press

Genre Gay / Contemporary / Romance / Holiday
Reviewed by Kristin F. on 03-February-2025

Book Blurb

Marcus always thought life had a plan: paint by day, avoid commitment by night. But when he’s literally struck by lightning in front of his apartment, things take a wild turn—especially when his cute, quirky neighbor, AJ, crashes his UPS truck after witnessing the whole thing.

AJ, a free-spirited dreamer with a big heart, heroically performs CPR to save Marcus’s life. As they navigate the aftermath of the bizarre accident, their small neighborhood community rallies together. Tenesha, the outspoken single mom next door, along with her hilarious son Po and their mischievous dog Marco, become unlikely friends to both men.

While Marcus struggles to recover and AJ faces his own insecurities, the group leans on each other for support. As sparks of romance start flying between Marcus and AJ, the pair soon realize that fate might have more in store than either of them imagined.

When chaos threatens their lives again, AJ steps up, proving that lightning can strike twice—but love, once ignited, is there to stay.

Filled with humor, heart, and unexpected twists, "Struck by Lightning" is a feel-good rom-com about finding love when you least expect it and the beautiful messiness of community.

 

Book Review

At ninety-three pages, ‘Struck by Lightning’ is a quick, cozy, feel-good read that was way too short. I absolutely adored this story – seriously, my only criticism was it ended way too soon. I wanted MORE! I want to know what happens next for Marcus, AJ, Tenesha, and Po.

 

Marcus is a struggling artist caught in the conundrum of wanting to make money off his art, but also feeling that it’s somehow debasing himself if he IS selling his art. So, he’s not selling his “good” art but – in his words – “painting butts and boobs” for money which he hates. Then lighting strikes (again).

 

As the blurb notes, AJ is there when Marcus is hit by lighting, and an easy friendship follows. I LOVED this connection between the two, the almost effortless way they clicked, the easygoing nature of friendship to more.

 

There is a perfect amount of background sub-plot tension to keep emotions and characters engaged and the plot moving forward. No animals were harmed by wayward lightning, but a few Toyota Camrys might have been.

 

A most enjoyable read and one I can see going back to again.

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

 

Additional Information

Format ebook
Length Novella, 69 pages/25094 words
Heat Level
Publication Date 05-November-2024
Price $3.99 ebook
Buy Link https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/struck-by-lightning-by-sarah-black-12519-b