Taken by Storm by Tamara Mataya Publisher: Swoon Romance on December 2, 2014
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 156
Format: eARC
Source: Blog Tour
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
TAKEN BY STORM is the latest electrifying love story from bestselling author Tamara Mataya.
Leilani’s plan was simple: Return for her father’s wedding, house sit for the happy couple while they went on their honeymoon, then get the hell outta dodge. She’d thought the worst thing would be returning to the town she grew up in (and despised). She was wrong.
A flash flood hits the small town, stranding firefighter, Ryan, and a few strangers at the local bar. Worst of all, Leilani, his old high school rival – and last night’s scorching one-night-stand – is one of the people stuck in the bar. With waters rising, they need to stick together and wait for rescue.
The power grid’s knocked out, and cell phones aren’t working. When the others panic and leave, Leilani and Ryan are left alone in the dark. Fortunately, words aren’t necessary to keep the former rivals warm. But when they’re forced to leave the refuge of each other's arms, they must navigate the flood-ravaged town in order to find safe shelter.
The rising waters brought them together, but rising tempers might tear them apart.
TAKEN BY STORM is inspired by true events.
At A Glance
Interesting but somewhat boring.
The Good
The first thing that came to mind while reading Taken by Storm is that I felt like I was in the flood with the characters. I could feel and smell the cold, contaminated water as it seeped through my cloths. I loved how Mataya took a true event and made us feel a part of it, even if it was a natural disasters.
I liked the rivalry between Leila and Ryan, though sometimes the rehashing got a little much. They butted heads so much, the sex was that much better for it. LOL. Nothing like heated arguments to get your juices flowing. Leila and Ryan were fun to read about even when they annoyed me sometimes.
A very interesting and frightening story. What a horrible experience to go through. I can’t imagine really trying to survive through such a horrible flood/storm.
The Bad
Leila was so self-deprecating near the end I rolled my eyes until they ached. She used stupid excuses to turn Ryan away so she could mope around and feel sorry for herself. It was just so ridicules and ‘poor me.’
I expected more action based on the storm and all. For the majority of the book, everyone was holed up in a bar, pretty safe from the disaster. Only near the end do things get exciting, and then it gets boring again.
The Snuggly
I liked the sex scenes. They were hot and realistic. Leila and Ryan were cute together when they weren’t trying to put each other down.
Final Thoughts
I liked this book but I wouldn’t yell from the rooftops about it. Just another average book. Recommended somewhat.
Excerpt
Maybe it was just high school hormones, but the thought of finally getting her alone and stilling her smart mouth with his was driving him wild. He made it until they were behind closed doors before he gave in to his body’s demands and kissed her. Her tongue stroked his. She was tiny but fierce, and he had the impression she’d have climbed him like a tree if he took too long to kiss her. Her lips curled into a smile and she pulled back. Her eyes were a rich, warm brown that melted his insides.
“No offense, but this—” she gestured from his chest to hers and back again, “is not going to go anywhere.”
“That’s perfect.”
“I don’t normally do this. But I’ve had the day from hell and need it to get better right now. Are you in? I want someone who can make me forget where I am. Make me forget my name. Do you want to do that with me? Can you do that?” Her mouth resumed its delicious nibbling and sucking, making it impossible for him to think.
About Tamara Mataya
Tamara Mataya is currently a librarian; she lurked there for so long recommending books to patrons and shushing people, that she suspects they only hired her so it would be less creepy. Now she’s armed with a name tag, and a thin veneer of credibility. She’s also a musician with synaesthesia – which isn't an issue until someone plays a wrong note, which makes her want to squirm inside out. It makes for a good live show.
kindlemom1
I love that this was so descriptive but sad that because of it it made the story lag a little bit.
Sorry this wasn’t just a bit better.
Jennifer Bielman
And I like this author in general. But this book needed something more.
kimbacaffeinate
Now the feels and way you became immersed is something I love. The moping not so much. Too bad it wasn’t well rounded.
Jennifer Bielman
I honestly think you would love this one. It has your vibe.
Jaclyn Canada
It’s great that you felt like you were there with them in the flood. I’ve always enjoyed that kind of writing. I do get tired of the poor, pitiful me characters as well so that would’ve annoyed me for sure. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, an author that can pull me into a story like that is worth the read.
Red Iza
I don’t think it would be for me, so thanks for sharing your thoughts on it 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I understand.