WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES by Brenda Novak

Probably one of the most difficult choices would be deciding my favorite Brenda Novak book or story. My respect for her writing has grown book by book and never stronger than in this newest one. WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES is a riveting story from page one and guarantees to make readers Novak fans.

WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES has a truly strong central female character that embodies all the traits of an independent woman who doesn't compromise her femininity which is a standard in Novak stories. This is an engrossing story about relationships and self-discovery.

Gail DeMarco's PR business is doomed and this is no exaggeration. If something doesn't happen quickly it will be gasping its last breath. PR companies rely on their reputation and client list to stay successful and with her client list dwindling Gail is barely afloat. Clients were literally jumping ship and all because of something she said about one of her clients, a remark she regrets but in the interest of fairness it is the truth.

Simon O'Neal uses their feud as a weapon against Big Hit PR. It doesn't seem to matter that Simon is on the road to self destruction -- he is a beloved star to his many fans. And he has enormous clout in show business. When he leaves Gail's company he takes everyone with him.

Big Hit isn't just Gail's business it is her entire life. Ambitious women often have to make difficult choices in their pursuit of a successful career and Gail is no exception. Her only real friends are back home in Whiskey Creek. The closest thing to friends she has in LA are the very employees she will now have to let go.

Simon hasn't fully realized the damage his manager Ian is out to do to Gail and her company. Her remarks have cut deep and he is surprised that in some way he actually cares what she thinks about him. His life is spiraling out of control but even he doesn't consider himself so low as to destroy someone else on his way down.

Neither Gail nor Simon could ever imagine how circumstances will almost take on a life of their own. Forced to present a unified front to correct wrongs, rectify mistakes, nullify destructive reputations and mend seemingly irreparable damages Gail and Simon are going to have to join forces by becoming the one thing that publicly and privately is almost unimaginable -- a couple.

Gail's goal is to repair her corporate image and get her PR firm back on top. Simon's is more personal -- he wants a chance with his son Ty. As a womanizing drunk this seems unattainable but with luck, perseverance and a good woman there could be a chance for his life to turn around. In their search to mend fences their own relationship will become something very special. Wouldn't it be great to have a happy ending to a story that began so horribly?

Nobody does it better than Brenda Novak who manages to dig deep into her characters and find something worthwhile to save and to love. If you are looking for the most amazing love story look no further than Gail & Simon in WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES.

Simon O'Neal's causing trouble again. And it's up to Gail DeMarco to stop him.

Gail DeMarco left Whiskey Creek, California, to make a name for herself in Los Angeles. Her PR firm has accumulated a roster of A-list clients, including the biggest box office hit of all — sexy and unpredictable Simon O'Neal. But Simon, who's just been through a turbulent divorce, is so busy self-destructing he won't listen to anything she says. She drops him from her list — and he retaliates by taking the rest of her clients with him.

Desperate to save her company, Gail has to humble herself by making a deal with Simon. The one thing he wants is custody of his son, but that's going to require a whole new image. He needs to marry some squeaky-clean girl who'll drag him off to some small, obscure place like Whiskey Creek. . .

Gail's the only one he can trust. She agrees to become his wife — reluctantly. But she isn't reluctant because he's too hard to like. It's because he's too hard not to love!