In an emotionally charged, wickedly hot novel of love and loss, a passionate affair gives two daring storm chasers the strength to overcome shattered dreams and the courage to build a future together. 

One year after her fiancé died in a heartbreaking accident, Drew McGovern decides to honor his memory by joining his old storm-chasing buddies on their latest excursion. What she’s not so sure about, however, is whether she’s ready to move on. Drew wasn’t expecting to feel the powerful pull of desire toward Colby’s best friend. But there’s no denying the intensity of their connection . . . or the heat he inspires in the parts of her that are still very much alive.

Aiden O’Neal doesn’t trust himself around Drew. He’s wanted this girl for a long time—long enough to remember the stab of jealousy he felt the first time he saw her in Colby’s arms. Now he’s trying his best to behave himself. But when the wind starts blowing and the adrenaline starts pumping, Aiden can’t resist the urge to claim Drew as his own. Because when it comes to desire, he’s hoping to make lightning strike twice.

Drew McGovern lost her fiance and Aiden O'Neal lost his best friend unexpectedly. A year later, Drew is looking for a change and ends up on his storm chaser team--the same one her fiance was part of.

Drew is trying to figure out what to do with her life now. She has always been the care taker and responsible one. She is sweet, sassy, and loving. She does not know if she will ever be able to find love again. She does know that she needs to find a purpose to her life.

Aiden is strong, broody, and walled off. He does not do relationships, but has always had a soft spot for his best friend's girl. He struggles with feelings of not being worthy and guilt and then perpetuates them with his behavior. He is motivated to help save people from storms and tragedy, and that is what he tries to focus on.

Both are lonely with past pain. She needs to discover more about life and be more adventurous. He needs to realize feelings are not always a bad thing. Even once they admit their growing attraction and feelings, they have issues to face. She's survived a lot but is still scared of loss and being hurt. He never makes promises. And the past also still seems to come back to haunt them.

Aiden has a tendency to react quickly and self sabotage. And she can be sensitive and also react strongly. So there is definitely some push and pull, skirmishes, and avoidance along the way.

Even if Aiden gives her his heart, will he ever be able to live up to the shadow of her fiance or is he destined to be second best? And if she gives up her heart again, will she be left alone and disappointed if he cannot promise a future?

My feelings are mixed over this book. There were things I liked. I did like the couple together.  I got tired of some of the little battles and really frequent short sex scenes. The storms added some danger and suspense. The side characters Tex, Murphy, Millie, and Dot added humor and fun in some stressful situations as well as an unexpected support system.

It was fast-paced between the storm scenes and sexy times. It had some emotional turmoil from their back stories and issues in the present, but I sometimes wanted more depth in that area. There was some humor, maybe even in some places that I was not supposed to find it.  The characters did show growth and I liked getting a future epilogue even if it did seem like maybe it was a bit of a stretch.

I was gifted a copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

A year after her fiance dies tragically, Drew needs a change from her small town, dead end job and the pity she gets from people who know her story. When the opportunity to chase storms with her fiance’s team falls into her lap, she jumps at the change of scenery and adventure the trip offers.

Aiden is adjusting to the loss of his best friend as best as he can. Storm chasing will not be the same without Colby. He is shocked to find that Colby’s fiance will be joining the team instead. Aiden has crushed on Drew since he first met her, but kept his feelings secret from everyone, but he knows he isn’t good enough for Drew, nor would she ever want her fiance’s best friend.

The slow burn that builds as Aiden and Drew work in close quarters was great. It gave the chance for readers to feel like Drew was actually ready to move on rather than just falling into bed with the first available man. There was still the question of whether she was in love with him for him or because of Colby, but I really liked the way that particular plot point was worked out.

The fire that sparked between them was high even as they fought their feelings of guilt, regret, and new beginnings. There was a lot of  tension as they skirted around the memory of Colby and the feelings Aiden fought even while Colby was alive.

This was an easy read overall. A few scenes had me wondering at the turn of events, but each new turn of the story was entertaining and fairly smooth. I enjoyed getting to know the storm chasing team, both their history and the possibilities for each character’s backstory. As the first of a new series, there is a lot to like about the camaraderie of this team and where each of their stories might take the group as a whole.

I was gifted a copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She's a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.