Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Without a working office, Jeremiah is tasked with repairing the automated weather station on Oxley Island. It’s remote, only accessible by boat, and with there being a good chance of crocodiles, he’s dreading it.

Tully, on the other hand, can’t wait.

With a boat licence, his dad’s boat, and two days alone with Jeremiah—and with thunderstorms likely—to Tully, it’s another perfect adventure.

But their plans go awry when Jeremiah’s research gets far too close for comfort. Thirty years ago, the day his life was touched by lightning, he was changed forever.

It’s about to change again, only this time he’s determined to set things right.

 

Book Review

“Nothing in life is more exciting and rewarding than the sudden flash of insight that leaves you a changed person.” ~ Arthur Gordon Webster

 

After the cyclone disaster that ripped through Darwin, killing twenty-three people, Jeremiah, of N.R. Walker's 'Touch the Lightning', is depressed. He keeps thinking about the people he couldn't save instead of those he did. Even though Tully counters that his heroic actions saved many others, Jeremiah still feels he could have done more.

 

With work, Jeremiah feels useful. Without it, he doesn't know what to do with himself. On the other hand, Tully is excited and energized, loving his life with Jeremiah. Tully knows he is in love with Jeremiah and is very open about it, but he wishes he knew how Jeremiah feels about him.

 

Jeremiah is anxious to get back to work. Still, when the opportunity to go to a remote weather station to repair some damaged equipment incurred in the storm comes up, Jeremiah hesitates. The only way to get to the station is by boat; being on a vessel terrifies him even though Tully will be at the helm.

 

When they reach the island, devastation is everywhere. Most of the equipment is beyond repair, but they are determined to salvage what they can. Tully's ability to improvise using whatever items are at hand is impressive. Due to his ingenuity, he and Jeremiah get the basics going until the bureau replaces them. During their downtime, Tully uses "exposure therapy," that is, sex in a rocking boat, to help Jeremiah get over his fear of floating vessels.

 

When Jeremiah and Tully decide that they've done as much as possible, they decide to head back to the boat. Tully leads the way with the crate of equipment they brought, leaving Jeremiah to lock up. As soon as he secures the gate, Jeremiah gets an awful metallic taste in his mouth, always heralding a lightning strike, filling him with fear. He has just enough time to yell at Tully to run before the world lights up, and then there is only silence.

 

I held my breath as I read about Jeremiah's accident, wondering what would happen with him. My heart broke for Tully, who was so frightened that he was going to lose the love of his life when he'd just found it. I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how the story would end. Thank you so much, N.R., for introducing me to Jeremiah and Tully. I'm sad to see the series end.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 208 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	18-July-2023
Price	$4.99 ebook, $16.00 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Touch-Lightning-Storm-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B0C3ZYJK92