Chain Lightning is one of Ms. Lowell's early contemporary romances. For the most, I enjoyed the story, even if it was a bit cheesy. Damon and Mandy spend a month on a remote island on the Great Barrier Reef. They are thrown together by Damon's aunt. The big problem is that Mandy is afraid of the water because of a tragic accident years before. I liked Damon and Mandy together. They definitely had a lot of chemistry. In fact, this is probably one of the more erotic stories from the 80s that I have read. But, then this author can really write a great love scene. I did have to admire Mandy for the way she was able to work through her fears and reclaim the sea that she loves so much. The only thing I didn't like was the big lie that Mandy told Damon. I thought it was sneaky and made me lose some respect for her.
I love Elizabeth Lowell and this book came highly recommended to me by a lady I met in the library. Pros: Hot love scenes, serious fears with a traumatic cause, good chemistry between characters, great location. Cons: Meddling aunt I could have done without, lots of lies and secrets, for at least the first half of the book Damon (male love interest) was a first class jerk. This book was reissued in 2011, but was written in 1987. I think over time Lowell has become a much better writer, and so I was expecting much more. This book needed some serious editing.
What do You think about Chain Lightning (1999)?
I love Elizabeth Lowell!! This was great fun to read, especially as it was a tribute to The Great Barrier Reef and Australians of the 80s. In my head, I had images of the male supporting characters wondering around in terry towelling hats, short "stubbies" shorts and thongs (just like my dad and grandads did in those days). Everyone except the two leads talked like Crocodile Dundee tragics. Despite these colloquial cliches (maybe they weren't exactly cliches when she wrote the book), it was a good plot and an easy read (I managed it in about 6 hours at the beach house). I love that her publishers are re-releasing her oldest books for newer readers.
—Sarah
I heard her medievals were excellent. Then I read one of her "best" ones. Or tried to. I guess it was good, if one likes endlessly repeated metaphors in a plot that doesn't move.
—Carolyn F.
