The Lightning Charmer

I really wanted to like this novel because it was recommended by my favorite author, Deborah Smith, and published by her company, Belle Books. But all I could do is think about how much better it would have been if Smith had been the author instead of Kathryn Magendie. The major problem is that the author keeps telling us that Laura and Ayron are meant to be together and perfect for each other, but their actual interactions are very limited and stilted at best, so I didn't believe in their love and had no investment in their HEA. Ayron appears to be a stereotypical “noble savage,” not a real person, and Laura's synesthesia doesn't serve any real purpose. The villain is so completely one-dimensional EEEEvil that I was surprised he wasn't portrayed as having devil ears and tail.

I actually enjoyed the secondary characters, including Laura's brother Bryan and her neighbor Betty, more than Laura and Ayron, which makes me think Magendie should try writing a different type of novel. Next time, show me the romance, don't tell me and expect me to accept it on faith.