Taken by Storm

by Tamara Mataya

Leilani’s plan was simple: Return for her father’s wedding, housesit 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 flashflood 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 their refuge, they must cooperate to navigate the flood ravaged town and reach safety.

Rising waters bring them closer together. Rising tempers might tear them apart.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Firefighters, Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Adult

156 pages, Unknown Binding

First published December 2, 2014

About the author

Tamara Mataya is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a librarian, and a musician with synesthesia. Armed with a name tag and a thin veneer of credibility, she takes great delight in recommending books and shushing people. She puts the 'she' in TWSS and the B in LGBTQIA+. She’s the co-creator of Pitchmas, a bi-annual pitch contest for writers, and as a freelance editor, has worked with NYT Bestselling authors.

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

He called her Coco, short for Coconut. ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

I should have know this wasn't going to work when the white man lead called the polynesian woman lead "heavenly flower" in the first sentence of the book. Ryan's a fireman in a small town, I am weak and I love these tropes, so I pushed on and was hopeful it would get better. Sadly, it only got worse.

When we got into Leilani's POV we learned how she was confronted with ignorant shit her first day at school. When she's asked "What are you?" I could related to it, sure, but there's a real cheesy After School Special feel to how it's all presented. One of the kids asks Leilani if she's Hawaiian, and she corrects them by saying she's polynesian. Huh? Oh but it got worse.

Leilani explains that her name means "heavenly flower." So Ryan's line makes sense, kinda. But then Leilani goes on to say the actual translation is "heavenly lei" as in the ceremonial necklace of flowers called a lei, and how she didn't tell anyone because she didn't want them calling her a heavenly lay. *cue the laugh track*

Oh yeah, and her nickname in high school, which Ryan uses twice, is Coco, short for coconut.

Let me take a deep breath before explain all the ways this is fucking wrong.

Pro tip: Coconut is a racist slur used in MANY cultures to denote a non-black person of color who is inauthentic, i.e. brown on the outside and white on the inside.

Also, polynesians like many indigenous people don't usually self identify in homologous terms. That is to say, when I'm speaking in a general terms I might say I'm a woman of color, or polynesian, or biracial. But if asked a specific question like "are you Hawaiian" I would respond, "I'm Tongan." Leilani choosing to identify as polynesian makes no sense, and makes me wonder if the author even knows any polynesian women in real life. I mean like actually talked with them like they're people, and not that she had one take her order at a restaurant or taught her how to dance the hula while she was on vacation.

As for Leilani's name, a literal translation of it in English could be heavenly flower, contextually however it is completely inaccurate. Leilani is a combination of two Hawaiian words that have multiple meanings that are highly dependent on context of how they're being used. Lei could mean anything from flower to child. Lani can mean anything from heavenly to royal (this translation is a post-colonial one, as Hawaiian's didn't view class or religion in this way until Christians missionaries arrived in the islands).

So one possible, and far more accurate translation of the name Leilani is Princess or Blessed child. Why not flower? Because Leilani is a fucking human being, not a plant.

Looking back I can see how the author googled the name, found the first (most common) translation and immediately thought of the sexually objectifying joke that made her laugh. Because polynesian names are only worth using if you can make a joke out of them. Just like casting a polynesian girl in your erotica romance is only worth doing if you can sexualize her, and make jokes about her culture that make ignorant white people laugh at her expense.

I was willing to look past the white washed cover because the lack of ethnic diversity in stock images and models used for cover art is a systemic problem in all media, but especially so in publishing. Since most authors get little say over the cover art I wasn't going to make assumptions about the content based on the racist cover. ETA: Apparently the author "put a lot of effort" into trying to find a stock image with a polynesian girl for the cover, too bad she didn't put in the work on her portrayal of Polynesian women in the book too.

However in this case, I only needed to read 10% into the book to be sure that the book is racist both inside and out. This is the literary equivalent of a white woman dressing up like a hula girl and acting out a fetishized fantasy, getting off on the racist sexualized stereotypes of the "exotic island girl." Much in the same way white woman dress up as "sexy geishas" on Halloween.

Even if this wasn't a gross racist fetishizing trash, it was still a poorly written erotica. The pacing is rushed, the dialogue is boring and poorly placed. They have an long detailed conversation in the middle of fucking that threatened to put me to sleep. The sex scene was also rushed and had a not very funny joke shoehorned in that fell flat. All Shafts, thrusting and slick nubs. Meh.

I'm returning this book to Amazon and demanding my money back. I can't recommend it to anyone. I certainly don't recommend it to any polynesian women.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

* A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *

Amazon Link---->> Taken by Storm

~~ 4 Stormy Stars ~~

First off I want to say thank you to Tamara Mataya for gifting me a copy of this book. I was totally excited to win the copy and read this story. This is the second book of hers I have read and I really enjoyed this book. This story was unique, intriguing, fun, sexy and heartbreaking. I loved this storyline because it was something I have never read before and it kept my attention all the way through. I thought the flow and pace of the story was spot on. Everything flowed smoothly, I didn't feel anything was rushed or dragged out too long. I thought the characters were well developed and were believable, she gave us just enough of their past to feel the connection and enough steam to feel their chemistry. I thought she did a great job pulling out the readers emotions in this book. Plus she definitely knows how to melt a person panties….Ryan Benton ;) I will say I was taken by surprise to read at the end (In the acknowledgements) that this story was based on actual events.

In this story we meet Leila and Ryan. Both from a small town of Silver Springs. Ryan is firefighter who loves his community and never wants to leave. Leila on the other hand couldn't wait to leave after she graduated. She now lives in a large city and is an independent, strong, and successful woman. She comes back home for her fathers wedding and runs into Ryan again after 6 years. Ryan is Leila's high school crush and when she sees him again she takes a chance and has a night of passion. Both agree this will be a one night thing and go their separate ways after…..well that isn't how things turn out when their hometown is flooded!!! Trapped in the local bar, Leila and Ryan have to find a way to work together so they get out and are safe. They are definitely put to the test and put into some seriously dangerous situations. Are they able to make it out safe and sound? What happens after the storm clears?? You will need to read this book to get those answers.

So if you are a lover of the romance novel that is so much more than just a love story, then you need to check out this book. This was such a unique love story and it was made even more special knowing it was based on true events. This book has some drama, mixed with a natural disaster, and then she added some really steamy scenes between Leila and Ryan. You really don't want to miss out on this story.

This book is Book B!tch Approved!!!!

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[Tessa Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this in advance, and Tamara Mataya does not disappoint!

Mataya has a winner in this book. Leila and Ryan are so believable and I love their (HOLY HOT I NEED TO FAN MYSELF) chemistry and I LOVE LOVE LOVE their banter. Seriously, any scene where they are together and whipping off jokes/comebacks....I died of happiness!

One of the best things that Tamara Mataya did (and does in all of her books) is make her characters so beautifully flawed. She's also a master of the dual POV, which is quite a feat in and of itself. ::bows down and worships::

Mataya's story and characters have great story arcs, and that ending! That ending made my heart all mushy and warm and swoony and melty and I LOVED IT!

This is a definite must read!

[Angie McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Perfection

"Touching him was like taking the first deep breath after holding your breath for six years. She wanted him like her life depended on it."

Taken by Storm is based on actual events, and for me that makes this story just that more engrossing. From page one Mataya sets the stage for a story that captivated me.

I adore this Matayas' style of writing, her pacing and plotting are meticulous. She creates characters that you cannot help but root for, and fall in love with. Leila is beautiful, headstrong, independent, educated and successful. Ryan is dedicated to his career, firefighting, taking care of his community and all those who live in it. He’s strong, dominating, sexy, caring, seductive, compassionate and Leila’s secret high school crush. Running in the same circles in high school, Ryan was not oblivious to Leila’s beauty or her charms; in fact he was very aware. Bound by loyalty to Leila’s brother he managed to resist the temptation, but this time around, his superpowers are wavering. Leila is Ryan’s kryptonite.

Years later, at her father’s wedding, a chance meeting brings them both a night of seduction and decadence, finally surrendering to years of sexual tension and chemistry that simmered just below the surface. Deluding themselves into believing that this is just one night, no strings attached, no consequences, Leila and Ryan throw caution to the wind, yet not before putting the DND sign on the hotel room door *wink wink*. Holy Hotness Batman!

"You're doing me in, and I'm not even inside you yet."

The next day brings surprises, and not the fun kind, it all busts loose, literally. The quaint town that Ryan has always called home, and everyone he’s known his whole life are in very real danger, a flash flood, is threatening to change everything forever.

"Never mind a paddle; they were up shit creek without a boat."

Taken by Storm gives romance readers so much than the typical love story. A town paralyzed by a disaster no one could have ever seen coming, people doing whatever it takes to survive, and pulling together, it’s truly compelling. It’s a true testament to what people are capable of when tested. The perseverance shown by these characters will leave you cheering.

Drama, action, danger, lust, love, conflict, unique and heartfelt, Taken by Storm is truly uplifting and gratifying. It’s outstanding!

[Jessa Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

RYAN BENTON IS MINE. Move along.

Firemen. CHECK.
Sexytimes. CHECK.
Stubborn MCs. CHECK.
Old feelings, refusing to remain hidden. CHECK!
Smoldering hero. CHECK!
Firemen. CHECK.
FIREMEN. CHECK.

DID I MENTION FIREMEN? *grin*

I think we can all agree that Tamara Mataya knows how to write a damn good sex scene, but, more than that, she knows how to weave emotions and flaws into the sexual encounters between her characters, bringing so much more to the erotic romance she writes.

This book won't disappoint. I can not wait to see the cover, and how Leila and Ryan are represented! I just know the cover will be as steamy as Ryan. *waits impatiently*

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but wish I could of loved it like I thought I was goin to. I loved the book at the beginning but after the main story hit I felt it dragged along and then all of a sudden it fell back into what it was like at the start and then just ended. The characters were great but the girl made me was to scream at her sometimes. xx

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Taken by Storm is Tamara Mataya's newest adult romance novel, and I was really looking forward to reading this story. I had really enjoyed her previous two books, and this one sounded really interesting. Unfortunately, this one was my least favorite of all her books so far. I had a few problems with this book, and I just wasn't able to ever really get into the story.

Only her father's wedding could get Leilani to return to the hometown that she hated growing up in. She was always looked at as though she was different, so when she graduated she couldn't wait to leave. But now that she is back, she runs into the one person she didn't want to see, Ryan Benton. Leilani and Ryan were always in competition growing up, and Leilani found it easier to pretend to hate him rather than admit that she liked him. But now Ryan is a firefighter and looks better than ever. Leilani decides that while in town, she might as well spend the night with him before moving on for good. Ryan always wanted Leilani, but she was always forbidden as the younger sister of his friend. Ryan finds himself unable to fight his attraction to her this time around though and gives in to his feelings. But after a steamy night together, Leilani and Ryan end up getting stranded together in the middle of a storm. With conditions getting worse, Leilani and Ryan are forced to work together to try and ride out the storm. Will the flooding bring them together, or destroy any chance they might have had?

These characters each had their issues, but for the most part I liked Ryan. He was a good guy that genuinely loved his job. He was always looking out for others and tried to do right by his entire town. He was loyal and thoughtful, and would have done anything to help those in need. He had his moments though where he really seemed to waffle on decisions. One minute he wanted more with Leilani and the next he was assuming the worst after the way his ex treated him. It drove me a bit nuts. Leilani was the same way though, only she was even worse. I couldn't connect with her character at all. She was judgmental and childish, and endangered not only herself but others with her selfish actions. I seriously wanted to slap this girl so many times. She always thought of herself and seemed to assume that the world revolved around her. While Ryan and Leilani had some attraction between them, I honestly never saw the connection. They had never really been friends or had anything as teenagers, but years later they are suddenly talking about feelings they had that were hidden by all the insults and hate? I just didn't buy it.

For me, the hot and cold got really old with this book. In one sentence they want a future together, but in the next they are both making assumptions and don't want to try because they know it won't work. Then they are remembering their feelings for each other as kids, and the next they are talking about how much they couldn't stand the other and that it was always bad between them. It was confusing. Did they like each other, or did they hate each other? There was never really an example that the insults and "hate" from their childhood was actually masking real feelings. I just didn't see it, and I honestly couldn't figure out why Ryan would be remotely interested in Leilani based on her present actions. She never really redeemed herself for me despite helping Ryan when he needed it the most. If she wouldn't have gone off to spite him, he wouldn't have even been in the situation he was. I did however think that Tamara Mataya did an excellent job with the flooding and storm. It felt real and believable, and I was interested to see what would happen next. I actually got to the point that I wanted more of the action with the storm than with Ryan and Leilani. While I would recommend Tamara Mataya's books, this one was just okay for me. It didn't have the same feel as her other books, and I really think that was because I just never connected with this couple. I didn't believe it, and I think that really altered how I felt about the story as a whole.

**ARC Provided by Swoon Romance PR**

[Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://badbirdreads.com/review-taken-... 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.

Giveaway

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[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net** 

Taken by Storm is a standalone new adult book by Tamara Mataya. I have read another two of Tamara's books, The Best Laid Plans and Just Breathe and I loved both of them. They were hot and steamy and really well developed and everything that I look for in my romance books. I liked Taken by Storm as well, but I didn't love it as much as I loved the other books. It didn't feel as full as they did. That may sound weird, but once I was done, I sat back and thought about what it was that made me feel like this one left me wanting a bit more compared to her other two books. The romance was great. I really liked the characters and the natural disaster element was one that I have not encountered in a lot of books. I came away with the realization that I just wanted more book. It wasn't long enough for me.

Now it may be possible  that I am holding this book to a little bit of a high standard because I enjoyed Just Breathe so much, but that is what I have come to expect from Tamara. And Taken by Storm had all the makings of a truly wonderful story, and I really enjoyed reading it. I just wanted like 75-100 more pages. Taken by Storm clocked in at 156 pages, which may really appeal to readers who are looking for a quick romance. I wanted to savor Ryan and Leilani.

But now let's talk about everything that I loved about Taken by Storm. And there was a lot that I loved. I really liked the history between Ryan and Leilani. They knew each other in high school and throughout the story we get little glimpses into their past, which was pretty cool and let me see how much they each changed in that time. And obviously their chemistry together was great. Tamara Mataya knows how to write fantastic romances. She really does.

Another thing I really liked about Taken by Storm, was the actual storm. It was terrifying to watch all of the damage that the flood did. When everyone was in the restaurant and the wall of water came rushing at them, I was genuinely scared. I felt like I was there with them. The writing felt very real, which made the book hard to put down. It also could be why I breezed through this book and wanted more. Because I read it in one sitting.

Taken by Storm is told in dual narrative, which worked really well with the flow of the story. Especially since Ryan is a fireman and so much of the story deals with him dealing with and handling the disaster. It was really nice that this book was a standalone as well. It was good to break up all the series I have been reading lately with a "one and done" book.

 This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*~My Thoughts~*~
A 5 star rating
This book was awesome!! I have never read a natural disaster romance like this and I have to say it's was amazing. Although the natural disaster was anything but awesome it definitely was a storyline that I enjoyed very much. Leila was an awesome character who I really enjoyed. Ryan yes please I mean who wouldn't want a hot fire fighter with a dirty mouth. All in all this was a great read and i would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Received a complimentary copy from Swoon Romance PR for an honest review.

THANK YOU!!!

[Sue Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken by Storm is the first book that I have read by Tamara Mataya and I LOVED it!

While I really enjoyed the tension and romance between Ryan and Leila; what I liked the most was that it is a great story that doesn't have the same cookie cutter story line that so many other books have these days. The danger and drama mixed with the romance made Taken by Storm a really great read!

I can't wait to check out the other books that Tamara has written!

[H. E. Gryphus · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys this book is awesome. Mataya mixes the drama and action of a natural disaster with hot hot hot romance. And does it marvelously.

[Laura]

Another scorching novel by Tamara Mataya is very nearly here! This is based on a real life flood in the authors home town and the story has just been "romanced up" somewhat :D

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of Tamara's previous releases, so I was looking forward to reading this one as well. Tamara can write. Her stories are always descriptive and her characters are endearingly flawed, making it easy to like them and root for them. Taken by Storm was just as descriptive. I now know that I NEVER want to be caught in a flood. And my heart goes out to the real life town that Tamara got her inspiration from. But I felt a bit of a disconnect with the relationship in this one. I liked the main characters. Especially Ryan, who was a good man through and through. But his "relationship" with Leilani didn't feel right for me. They had history in high school and their second chance encounter started out alright. But it lost me when the flood hit. The romantic chemistry was missing for me and I had a hard time buying how things ended. Don't get me wrong, this was a good read. I just think that there could have been more for "them" as couple before the ending. This was a shorter read that could have benefited from more in the word count.

[★ Belle The Bibliophile ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 STARS.

I've never experienced a heavy flood before, which is by luck since in Malaysia where I'm currently living in, it's a yearly occurance. From November to Mid - February, you can expect heavy rain on a daily basis and a flood will almost always follow up. And as of right now, it's currently flooding in peninsular Malaysia.

This book made me realize just how horrible a flood can affect your life. I never really thought about it -- the hopelessness, the feeling of being trapped, the aftermath. I can't imagine going back home after a flood to see all my belongings destroyed. Your precious possessions, photo albums -- years and years of memories, destroyed. Just, wow.

I loved Leila and Ryan's high school rivalry. I thought it's cute. I loved Leila even though she was a pain in the ass -- for good reasons, of course. And Ryan? What can I say? What's not to love about him?

I'm not sure whether to give this one a 3.5 or 4, although I'm leaning more towards a 4!

P.S. I still hate the cover!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars. I had to take some points off because I just really didn't like Leilani as the story progressed. She was so wishy washy she was making me sick. Ryan was a good guy and I see why she tried to distance herself from him in high school but as an adult she as just being plain old mean to him. He was looking out for her best interests and she was just stubborn. I'm surprised he asked her to marry him in the end. I think she owed him a big apology that he never really received. I also think the marriage thing was a big jump from one night stand even if they did know each other prior to that. Other than that it was a nice story.

[Richard Dube · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book. I am always interested in a good romance. It's the steamy sex that really draws me in but what man wouldn't be.
I high school sweetheart or crush whom you never got together with during school comes home for a wedding and choses to have a one night stand with you. Or sex on a pool table at a bar during a natural disaster like a flood. Hell I've been waiting from a woman from my past to realize my feelings for her.
This author knows how to write erotic romances that capture the reader and make them feel what their reading. I have a hard time putting down the book and getting back to work. Hell I get a hard-on as I read romances that how I know their good.

[Britney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised reading this book, I didn't expect it to have so much to do with a storm, but more about a sexy firefighter! But Tamara really pulls you in and you feel like you're really experiencing the storm along with the characters! While the sex scenes were hot, there aren't many of them! And Leila got on my nerves a little towards the end... ;) all in all it was a good read! :)

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's chilling to think that this story was inspired by true events. I loved the blend of hot romance and the adrenaline rush of the storm. The characters were rich and I enjoyed their banter and interactions. I will continue to read Mataya's work. I finished this book in one sitting, as I was unable to put it down.

[The Suburban Eclectic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly boring despite approaching flood. due to pacing, takes whole chapter to move out of the flooding bar, not conducive to ramping up tension.
Felt too long, too boring, heroine is whiny & bitchy. However bts action was good.

[Kritzia · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 2.5 for me.

[Alexei · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 45%. To much whining.