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Blown Away
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.
Advance praise for Blown Away
“After I devoured Blown Away in one sitting, Brenda Rothert is absolutely going on my auto-buy list. I don’t think I’ve ever read such brilliantly wound sexual tension, and there were times when I was straight-up jealous of the heroine because I wanted Aiden all to myself.”—USA Today bestselling author Lauren Layne
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
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.
Advance praise for Blown Away
“After I devoured Blown Away in one sitting, Brenda Rothert is absolutely going on my auto-buy list. I don’t think I’ve ever read such brilliantly wound sexual tension, and there were times when I was straight-up jealous of the heroine because I wanted Aiden all to myself.”—USA Today bestselling author Lauren Layne
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
205 pages, ebook
Published May 3, 2016
About the author
Brenda Rothert
78 books2,095 followersBrenda Rothert is the author of more than thirty Contemporary Romance novels. You can learn more about her books at her website, www.brendarothert.com, which features teasers, excerpts and trailers for her books. Follow her here:
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May 12, 2016
***4 "Storm chasers" stars***
Wow!!! That book was really good...
First of all, it had to do with storm chasers...
You know... those crazy persons who are after tornados and storms...
And it was kind of fascinating to witness something like that!!!
But also, our heroes and especially Aiden had more to do than that..
He was a rescuer for the victims of those kind of destructions and his heroic ways got into not only me, but to our heroine, as well!!!
In second level, this book was about second chances in life...
It was showing that life doesn't end because of something bad that had happened, but that it has endless choices that you could make... and maybe you will be able to find the true meaning of happiness...
Drew lost her fiancee six weeks before their wedding...
Generally, her life wasn't the best... She was fighting to make her siblings lives better and hers as well... She was working as a shampoo girl on a hairdressing store and her only happiness was Colby... Until he stopped exist and Drew's dreams for a better life had shattered...
Now, a year later, she is leading a boring life and she is starting to think that she had to make some changes...
"The shock gave way to grief. Colby was gone. In all the ways that mattered, his light had stopped shining on a rainy highway early this morning. And the darkness was almost unbearable."
The opportunity is appearing by chance, when she is meeting one of Colby's associates on storm chasing and he is inviting her to join the team to their next trip...
So, Drew is deciding to grab this chance to do something diffent and to finally understand why Colby loved so much the storm chasing...
She is exciting about this new goal, but scared at the same time...
And the worst (or the best thing) that is happening to her is that she is starting to eyeing Aiden differently as the time is passing....
"Storm chasing? Really? Practical, levelheaded Drew McGovern, a storm chaser?
It was very out of character for me, but somehow I knew that was exactly why I needed to do it."
Aiden O'Neal is a man that lived a tragedy as a kid...
He has devoted his life on helping the others and to storm chasing every summer...
Colby was his best friend and nothing feels the same without him around...
And when Drew is appearing on their team, he is about to lose his shit.
You see, Aiden is in love with her for some time nowand he knows that he never can't have her...
She was his best friend's girl and she is very good to be with someone like him...
Someone that avoid feelings and prefers the no strings attached relations...
But having Drew everyday by his side is turning his world upside down....
"What I wanted? That was Drew. But I definitely needed to steer clear of acting on that desire. Even if she was ready to move on, I wasn’t the right man for her."
So what is gonna happen with Drew and Aiden???
There is a chance for them when Colby is standing always between them???
Will Aiden manage to avoid Drew when she will throw herself to him???
Will Drew accept the reckless and dangerous life that Aiden is leading???
Will they start something casual or will they find to each other what they were searching for all of their lives???
"Maybe we weren’t meant to fall in love and be together forever. Maybe we were meant to heal each other during this trip and come out of it surer of ourselves."
I loved both Drew and Aiden...They were fitting so good together...
They were having many problems to deal but they were the right person for each other...
Their connection was electrifying and the sexual chemistry between them was huge...
But they were both having fears and hesistations about each other...
Drew couldn't live with another loss and Aiden wasn't feeling that he could give her what she truly deserved...
And don't forget that there was always between them Colby...
"This sex had strings for sure. Strong, undeniable strings tying me to the woman who’d once been my fantasy and was now in my arms. I couldn’t help hoping—praying, even—that these strings would never break." {Aiden}
"I want you for you. Not because Colby is gone, not because you were his friend, not because I’m lonely. I’m falling in love with everything you are, and just like I want you all to myself, you’ve got me all to yourself. This is just you and me." {Drew}
I adored Aiden... He was so strong, so beautiful inside...
Yep, he was broody, moody and silent most of the time, but he was so good in what he had chosen to do in his life and i admired him for that...
He was also very lonely... and he wasn't realizing it, until Drew became from an uncatching dream to reality...
"When she was with him, I’d never even hoped she’d give me a second look. I’d accepted that I was meant to worship her from afar a long time ago. But Colby’s death had upset the equilibrium. Then she had looked at me, and I’d gotten even more hooked on her.
But Colby would never really be gone. He’d always live in her heart as the man she wanted to spend her life with. I was second choice, and even though I told myself that was enough, it wasn’t."
The best thing that Drew did in her life was to go to this storm chasing trip...
She discovered herself and real love...
Yep, she loved Colby, but i think that Aiden was the right guy for her...
With him, she moved forward her life in every aspect...
She took chances that she wouldn't take if she wouldn't dare to go...
She was a wonderful and very strong person but with that experience and Aiden by her side, she became stronger and i loved this changing...
"In just a couple of weeks, Aiden had become very important to me. The thought of losing him had brought back all the rawness I’d felt after Colby’s death."
I also want to say that i liked all the rest of the crew and i loved Dot and her comments about G.I. Joe, aka Aiden...
It was a wonderful book that i enjoyed very much...
It was a different and beautiful story!!! You should try it!!!
"I’d been a damn fool to think I could push her away and go back to life before her. She was my dream. I hated that my best friend’s death was the reason my dream had become reality, but life was messy and painful sometimes.
And when things got messy and painful, I wanted Drew to be there for me, just like I wanted to be there for her. Through storms and calm. Ups and downs. Good times and bad."
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
Wow!!! That book was really good...
First of all, it had to do with storm chasers...
You know... those crazy persons who are after tornados and storms...
And it was kind of fascinating to witness something like that!!!
But also, our heroes and especially Aiden had more to do than that..
He was a rescuer for the victims of those kind of destructions and his heroic ways got into not only me, but to our heroine, as well!!!
In second level, this book was about second chances in life...
It was showing that life doesn't end because of something bad that had happened, but that it has endless choices that you could make... and maybe you will be able to find the true meaning of happiness...
Drew lost her fiancee six weeks before their wedding...
Generally, her life wasn't the best... She was fighting to make her siblings lives better and hers as well... She was working as a shampoo girl on a hairdressing store and her only happiness was Colby... Until he stopped exist and Drew's dreams for a better life had shattered...
Now, a year later, she is leading a boring life and she is starting to think that she had to make some changes...
"The shock gave way to grief. Colby was gone. In all the ways that mattered, his light had stopped shining on a rainy highway early this morning. And the darkness was almost unbearable."
The opportunity is appearing by chance, when she is meeting one of Colby's associates on storm chasing and he is inviting her to join the team to their next trip...
So, Drew is deciding to grab this chance to do something diffent and to finally understand why Colby loved so much the storm chasing...
She is exciting about this new goal, but scared at the same time...
And the worst (or the best thing) that is happening to her is that she is starting to eyeing Aiden differently as the time is passing....
"Storm chasing? Really? Practical, levelheaded Drew McGovern, a storm chaser?
It was very out of character for me, but somehow I knew that was exactly why I needed to do it."
Aiden O'Neal is a man that lived a tragedy as a kid...
He has devoted his life on helping the others and to storm chasing every summer...
Colby was his best friend and nothing feels the same without him around...
And when Drew is appearing on their team, he is about to lose his shit.
You see, Aiden is in love with her for some time nowand he knows that he never can't have her...
She was his best friend's girl and she is very good to be with someone like him...
Someone that avoid feelings and prefers the no strings attached relations...
But having Drew everyday by his side is turning his world upside down....
"What I wanted? That was Drew. But I definitely needed to steer clear of acting on that desire. Even if she was ready to move on, I wasn’t the right man for her."
So what is gonna happen with Drew and Aiden???
There is a chance for them when Colby is standing always between them???
Will Aiden manage to avoid Drew when she will throw herself to him???
Will Drew accept the reckless and dangerous life that Aiden is leading???
Will they start something casual or will they find to each other what they were searching for all of their lives???
"Maybe we weren’t meant to fall in love and be together forever. Maybe we were meant to heal each other during this trip and come out of it surer of ourselves."
I loved both Drew and Aiden...They were fitting so good together...
They were having many problems to deal but they were the right person for each other...
Their connection was electrifying and the sexual chemistry between them was huge...
But they were both having fears and hesistations about each other...
Drew couldn't live with another loss and Aiden wasn't feeling that he could give her what she truly deserved...
And don't forget that there was always between them Colby...
"This sex had strings for sure. Strong, undeniable strings tying me to the woman who’d once been my fantasy and was now in my arms. I couldn’t help hoping—praying, even—that these strings would never break." {Aiden}
"I want you for you. Not because Colby is gone, not because you were his friend, not because I’m lonely. I’m falling in love with everything you are, and just like I want you all to myself, you’ve got me all to yourself. This is just you and me." {Drew}
I adored Aiden... He was so strong, so beautiful inside...
Yep, he was broody, moody and silent most of the time, but he was so good in what he had chosen to do in his life and i admired him for that...
He was also very lonely... and he wasn't realizing it, until Drew became from an uncatching dream to reality...
"When she was with him, I’d never even hoped she’d give me a second look. I’d accepted that I was meant to worship her from afar a long time ago. But Colby’s death had upset the equilibrium. Then she had looked at me, and I’d gotten even more hooked on her.
But Colby would never really be gone. He’d always live in her heart as the man she wanted to spend her life with. I was second choice, and even though I told myself that was enough, it wasn’t."
The best thing that Drew did in her life was to go to this storm chasing trip...
She discovered herself and real love...
Yep, she loved Colby, but i think that Aiden was the right guy for her...
With him, she moved forward her life in every aspect...
She took chances that she wouldn't take if she wouldn't dare to go...
She was a wonderful and very strong person but with that experience and Aiden by her side, she became stronger and i loved this changing...
"In just a couple of weeks, Aiden had become very important to me. The thought of losing him had brought back all the rawness I’d felt after Colby’s death."
I also want to say that i liked all the rest of the crew and i loved Dot and her comments about G.I. Joe, aka Aiden...
It was a wonderful book that i enjoyed very much...
It was a different and beautiful story!!! You should try it!!!
"I’d been a damn fool to think I could push her away and go back to life before her. She was my dream. I hated that my best friend’s death was the reason my dream had become reality, but life was messy and painful sometimes.
And when things got messy and painful, I wanted Drew to be there for me, just like I wanted to be there for her. Through storms and calm. Ups and downs. Good times and bad."
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
May 4, 2016
There are authors that can break the rules on things I like and don’t like and I love them for it *cough* Kristen Ashley *cough* and then there is that time that it just fails and there isn’t any recovery. Unfortunately I was hoping that Blown Away would be like Twister mashed up with Catch and Release and what I got was an NA knock off of what maybe could have been Twister 2.
This is exactly why I don’t read much NA sometimes it is really hard for me to connect to the 20-something characters and I find it difficult to fall into that world where super casual sex with a guy you just met is a thing or having a list of go to sex partners for hook ups is just okay. This again is something that on occasion I have overlooked completely because an author weaves a magical veil over my eyes and so I don’t care that the main dude is basically a manwhore. But that didn’t happen for me here and so Aiden our male lead starts off in the hole and never really crawled out of it.
The Premise
Drew is about to marry her first basically everything. She is living the dream until tragedy strikes and her fiancé dies. It happens in the first few chapters and there isn’t really a lot of time to get attached to the idea of them. His best friend Aiden liked Drew before she ever got with Colby but after his best friends death he disappears from her life for the next year.
Drew finally feeling that her life is on the mend after Colby’s death decides that for the summer she is going to go storm chase with the group that Colby used to run with and by doing that maybe she will feel closer to him and understand him better.
Things that Worked for Me
We should always start off with the good right. Overall some of this was an interesting story. I liked seeing how a team might storm chase and set up a base camp in an area known for storms.
Drew was for the most part a likeable character. She didn’t expect much from anyone and sometimes she had a hard time accepting any kind of help or thinking she deserved it but she doesn’t spend a ton of time pouting so I liked her. I enjoyed the comradery of the team and how each was different but brought a little something to the table.
Did I want Drew and Aiden to get together??? Well sure I mean that is supposed to be the premise of the story but part of me wasn’t really rooting for Aiden since I kinda found him lacking. I thought Drew deserved better but she eventually gets a HEA so I’m happy for her.
Things that Didn’t Work for Me
Again I’m going to say that some of these other books I’ve read have had them and I didn’t care. But I just never clicked with some of the things in this story.
First there is our Alpha want-to-be Aiden. Just because you are a little bossy in bed doesn’t make you an Alpha Male it is more than that. But props to Aiden for making sure that all the women he is sleeping with know the score that it is sex only and they aren’t the only one he is doing that with. I’m not a huge fan of men who will sleep with about anyone but I’m really not a fan of it when they clearly want someone else and then try to use sex with someone else to make the other attraction easier.
Second and this is where I really almost DNF’d the book because I’m never really down for a scene like this. Drew sees Aiden Okay so I’m not happy about it since Aiden has waxed on about how much he likes Drew for awhile now but what made me really unhappy is that after seeing that she is like ‘Oh Yeah…I want him.’ REALLY, is that a thing, are 20-somethings so voyeuristically inclined that she wants to be the next girl in line??? UM NO….JUST NO.
Other than that the secondary characters aren’t super well defined and sometimes I had a hard time figuring out if it was an Aiden Chapter or Drew Chapter as they sometimes sounded the same. Both Drew and Aiden had somewhat tragic pasts but I also never connected to that emotionally.
Overall
This story wasn’t for me. It hit too many of my hot buttons and I never grew to like Aiden and so I didn’t really emotionally connect to the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Loveswept for providing an ARC for review
This is exactly why I don’t read much NA sometimes it is really hard for me to connect to the 20-something characters and I find it difficult to fall into that world where super casual sex with a guy you just met is a thing or having a list of go to sex partners for hook ups is just okay. This again is something that on occasion I have overlooked completely because an author weaves a magical veil over my eyes and so I don’t care that the main dude is basically a manwhore. But that didn’t happen for me here and so Aiden our male lead starts off in the hole and never really crawled out of it.
The Premise
Drew is about to marry her first basically everything. She is living the dream until tragedy strikes and her fiancé dies. It happens in the first few chapters and there isn’t really a lot of time to get attached to the idea of them. His best friend Aiden liked Drew before she ever got with Colby but after his best friends death he disappears from her life for the next year.
Drew finally feeling that her life is on the mend after Colby’s death decides that for the summer she is going to go storm chase with the group that Colby used to run with and by doing that maybe she will feel closer to him and understand him better.
Things that Worked for Me
We should always start off with the good right. Overall some of this was an interesting story. I liked seeing how a team might storm chase and set up a base camp in an area known for storms.
Drew was for the most part a likeable character. She didn’t expect much from anyone and sometimes she had a hard time accepting any kind of help or thinking she deserved it but she doesn’t spend a ton of time pouting so I liked her. I enjoyed the comradery of the team and how each was different but brought a little something to the table.
Did I want Drew and Aiden to get together??? Well sure I mean that is supposed to be the premise of the story but part of me wasn’t really rooting for Aiden since I kinda found him lacking. I thought Drew deserved better but she eventually gets a HEA so I’m happy for her.
Things that Didn’t Work for Me
Again I’m going to say that some of these other books I’ve read have had them and I didn’t care. But I just never clicked with some of the things in this story.
First there is our Alpha want-to-be Aiden. Just because you are a little bossy in bed doesn’t make you an Alpha Male it is more than that. But props to Aiden for making sure that all the women he is sleeping with know the score that it is sex only and they aren’t the only one he is doing that with. I’m not a huge fan of men who will sleep with about anyone but I’m really not a fan of it when they clearly want someone else and then try to use sex with someone else to make the other attraction easier.
Second and this is where I really almost DNF’d the book because I’m never really down for a scene like this. Drew sees Aiden Okay so I’m not happy about it since Aiden has waxed on about how much he likes Drew for awhile now but what made me really unhappy is that after seeing that she is like ‘Oh Yeah…I want him.’ REALLY, is that a thing, are 20-somethings so voyeuristically inclined that she wants to be the next girl in line??? UM NO….JUST NO.
Other than that the secondary characters aren’t super well defined and sometimes I had a hard time figuring out if it was an Aiden Chapter or Drew Chapter as they sometimes sounded the same. Both Drew and Aiden had somewhat tragic pasts but I also never connected to that emotionally.
Overall
This story wasn’t for me. It hit too many of my hot buttons and I never grew to like Aiden and so I didn’t really emotionally connect to the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Loveswept for providing an ARC for review
May 5, 2016
A sizzling hot and emotional story about heartache, self-discovery, love and the hope that dreams do come true.
Drew McGovern never thought she would survive her fiancée’s death, much less move on with her own life. An unexpected run in and invitation by the leader of his storm chasing team a year later however, has her enthusiastic to escape her monotonous existance. But her eagerness is short lived when she feels the undeniable pull towards Aiden. Can she act on this desire without feeling guilty? Can she figure out the overwhelming emotions and desire that come with wanting her late fiancée’s best friend heart, body and soul? Most important of all, can she convince him that they’re perfect for one another?
Aiden O’Neal had a guilty secret not even his deceased best friend knew about. Since his adolescence, Drew was the fantasy woman he never thought he would ever have until she joins him in his storm chasing quest. He wants to honor Colby’s memory and safeguard his heart by trying to keep her at arm’s length. It’s proving to be an impossible task though. He’s wanted her for so long and they both recognize the mutual attraction and connection. But is he just her second choice, a replacement or does she want him as much as he wants her?
Brought together by a sad accident, Aiden and Drew go back and forth dealing with the heady attraction they feel almost immediately and subsequent emotional pull. The situation they face is beyond complicated, but it made their story all the more believable and them very relateable. Throughout their sexy and emotional back and forth I found myself cheering for them as they fought for a relationship that was worth taking every risk.
Drew is sweet and strong, a survivor. She hasn’t been dealt the best hand in life but she’s endured it and become a better person despite of it. Aiden has also suffered loss and gone through a great deal in life which has caused him to build thick walls around himself to keep everyone at bay. I wasn’t fond of how Aiden initially decided to separate himself from Drew but it was soon forgotten after seeing just deeply his feelings ran for her.
This is my first Brenda Rothert and I hope it won’t be the last. Her writing is solid, the pace is smooth flowing and steady, the main characters are well developed and I loved the banter and chemistry between them. Even though the storm chasing was not as thrilling as other books of the same theme, it was exciting and gave the plot an interesting background.
Blown Away is a standalone, New Adult book by Brenda Rothert. It has a good dose of action, scorching hot and moving romance that kept me turning page after page. It’s told from both points of view. With a happy ending.
Rating 3.5 stars
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
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“Sometimes loss and grief lead us to a new path.”
Drew McGovern never thought she would survive her fiancée’s death, much less move on with her own life. An unexpected run in and invitation by the leader of his storm chasing team a year later however, has her enthusiastic to escape her monotonous existance. But her eagerness is short lived when she feels the undeniable pull towards Aiden. Can she act on this desire without feeling guilty? Can she figure out the overwhelming emotions and desire that come with wanting her late fiancée’s best friend heart, body and soul? Most important of all, can she convince him that they’re perfect for one another?
“You’re the answer to every question I’ve ever had, Drew,” he said, his warm breath dancing over my skin. “The only one I’ve dreamed of for so long.”
Aiden O’Neal had a guilty secret not even his deceased best friend knew about. Since his adolescence, Drew was the fantasy woman he never thought he would ever have until she joins him in his storm chasing quest. He wants to honor Colby’s memory and safeguard his heart by trying to keep her at arm’s length. It’s proving to be an impossible task though. He’s wanted her for so long and they both recognize the mutual attraction and connection. But is he just her second choice, a replacement or does she want him as much as he wants her?
“He was a quite, storng, beautiful man who was alone in this world. My feeling for him ran deep, and he needed to know that.”
Brought together by a sad accident, Aiden and Drew go back and forth dealing with the heady attraction they feel almost immediately and subsequent emotional pull. The situation they face is beyond complicated, but it made their story all the more believable and them very relateable. Throughout their sexy and emotional back and forth I found myself cheering for them as they fought for a relationship that was worth taking every risk.
“You’re a handful, you know that?”
I grinned at him. “Like you’d know, Aiden. Your hands have never been on me.”
Drew is sweet and strong, a survivor. She hasn’t been dealt the best hand in life but she’s endured it and become a better person despite of it. Aiden has also suffered loss and gone through a great deal in life which has caused him to build thick walls around himself to keep everyone at bay. I wasn’t fond of how Aiden initially decided to separate himself from Drew but it was soon forgotten after seeing just deeply his feelings ran for her.
“She was my dream. I hated that my best friend’s death was the reason my dream had become a reality, but life was messy and painful sometimes. And when things got messy and painful, I wanted Drew to be there for me, just like I wanted to be there for her. Through storms and calm. Ups and dows. Good times and bad.”
This is my first Brenda Rothert and I hope it won’t be the last. Her writing is solid, the pace is smooth flowing and steady, the main characters are well developed and I loved the banter and chemistry between them. Even though the storm chasing was not as thrilling as other books of the same theme, it was exciting and gave the plot an interesting background.
Blown Away is a standalone, New Adult book by Brenda Rothert. It has a good dose of action, scorching hot and moving romance that kept me turning page after page. It’s told from both points of view. With a happy ending.
Rating 3.5 stars
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
July 14, 2016
This was my first time reading Brenda Rothert and what a surprise Blown Away was I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Drew and Aiden and I will read more by this author in the future.
I found the first two chapters very emotional and I was gripped from there.
Drew decides she needs a challenge and joins Colby’s storm chasing team in his memory by doing his work and getting to know his friends better she hasn’t seen Aiden for a year.
Aiden has always had feelings for Drew but stayed away from her as she was his best friends girl but now they are stuck in a truck together on the road for weeks.
Both Drew and Aiden are still dealing with their grief and soon feelings begin to develop with all the time they spend together and all the flirting will they won’t they the sexual tension made me mad and then the guilt kicks in, their relationship was certainly a turbulent one.
I liked the rest of the storm chasing gang they brought the humour into the story.
Blown Away is full of angst, emotion, laughs, passion and suspense. I had tears in my eyes reading the last few chapters and I loved the epilogue. The story is told in dual POV.
I love romantic movies and weather disaster movies (Syfy channel addict) so this book was perfect for me if you loved the movie Twister you will definitely love this.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
I found the first two chapters very emotional and I was gripped from there.
Drew decides she needs a challenge and joins Colby’s storm chasing team in his memory by doing his work and getting to know his friends better she hasn’t seen Aiden for a year.
Aiden has always had feelings for Drew but stayed away from her as she was his best friends girl but now they are stuck in a truck together on the road for weeks.
Both Drew and Aiden are still dealing with their grief and soon feelings begin to develop with all the time they spend together and all the flirting will they won’t they the sexual tension made me mad and then the guilt kicks in, their relationship was certainly a turbulent one.
I liked the rest of the storm chasing gang they brought the humour into the story.
Blown Away is full of angst, emotion, laughs, passion and suspense. I had tears in my eyes reading the last few chapters and I loved the epilogue. The story is told in dual POV.
I love romantic movies and weather disaster movies (Syfy channel addict) so this book was perfect for me if you loved the movie Twister you will definitely love this.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
May 10, 2016
3 - "We’re supposed to chase our dreams together." Stars.
Take a healthy dose of this –
Add in some of this –
And that pretty much sums up Blown Away by Brenda Rothert. This is my first book by the author, and I enjoyed it well enough. I have to admit I was expecting a little more depth and emotion in relation to the reasonings that Drew and Aiden are initially connected, and the grief that both of them are inevitably working through, but it was all kept on the down-low for the most part.
I was like a ship rolling along in the sea with no course.
I am not a huge fan of drama-llamas so it worked for me in that aspect, but I can’t help but think that maybe Colby’s death was dealt with and moved along from pretty quickly in the first few chapters. Yes it is referenced and used along the way as part of the story-line in relation to why Aiden thinks he and Drew should not be together, being as the guy was his best friend, but it was never given any great depth.
"I’m torn between wanting to move on and feeling guilty about it."
Great premise for this one, Stormchasers aren’t known for playing a large part in the romantic story-line arena, and I liked that it offered up a different take on what would have been your bog standard; girl-gets-over-dead-fiance-with-his-best-friend trope.
I’ve got no fear of anything but feelings. I can’t go there.
I can’t say the book blew me away, but the authors writing style and characterisations weren’t difficult to get along with and it offered up a couple of hours reading entertainment. I’ll be interested to see if off the strength of Blown Away the author develops it into a series.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Take a healthy dose of this –
Add in some of this –
And that pretty much sums up Blown Away by Brenda Rothert. This is my first book by the author, and I enjoyed it well enough. I have to admit I was expecting a little more depth and emotion in relation to the reasonings that Drew and Aiden are initially connected, and the grief that both of them are inevitably working through, but it was all kept on the down-low for the most part.
I was like a ship rolling along in the sea with no course.
I am not a huge fan of drama-llamas so it worked for me in that aspect, but I can’t help but think that maybe Colby’s death was dealt with and moved along from pretty quickly in the first few chapters. Yes it is referenced and used along the way as part of the story-line in relation to why Aiden thinks he and Drew should not be together, being as the guy was his best friend, but it was never given any great depth.
"I’m torn between wanting to move on and feeling guilty about it."
Great premise for this one, Stormchasers aren’t known for playing a large part in the romantic story-line arena, and I liked that it offered up a different take on what would have been your bog standard; girl-gets-over-dead-fiance-with-his-best-friend trope.
I’ve got no fear of anything but feelings. I can’t go there.
I can’t say the book blew me away, but the authors writing style and characterisations weren’t difficult to get along with and it offered up a couple of hours reading entertainment. I’ll be interested to see if off the strength of Blown Away the author develops it into a series.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
September 26, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very different story in the romance world I thought. It was about storm chaser and also about lost love. Really good book and sucks you right in.
Drew McGovern was all set to marry the man she loved but he is a storm chaser. One day when she is expecting him to come home she ends up with a policeman at her door. It seems her fiancé died in an accident.
Drew goes on to morn him for about a year. Then Drew decides to take up storm chasing too.
Aiden O’Neal was Drew's fiance' friend and has always loved Drew from their first meeting. Now he finds that Drew wants to take up storm chasing and is very upset by it.
This starts their new love to getting over the past and moving forward.
I would recommend this book.
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This was a very different story in the romance world I thought. It was about storm chaser and also about lost love. Really good book and sucks you right in.
Drew McGovern was all set to marry the man she loved but he is a storm chaser. One day when she is expecting him to come home she ends up with a policeman at her door. It seems her fiancé died in an accident.
Drew goes on to morn him for about a year. Then Drew decides to take up storm chasing too.
Aiden O’Neal was Drew's fiance' friend and has always loved Drew from their first meeting. Now he finds that Drew wants to take up storm chasing and is very upset by it.
This starts their new love to getting over the past and moving forward.
I would recommend this book.
Please follow more reviews at the below sites:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
June 24, 2016
4.5 stars
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Drew and Aiden, a man and a woman who have lost everyone who mattered in their life.
This was a beautiful story! After I've finished the first couple of chapters I was crying already! What a roll coaster of emotions! I've cried, laughed and ached along with the heroes! Ms. Rothert made an excellent job writing this amazing story! The plot was moving in a nice pace without rushing or going slowly! The writing was fantastic! The characters were well-developed! The setting of the story was also nicely done! The book is written by a dual POV. My favorite part of this book except the emotions, was that nothing happened from one day to the other. The relationship of Drew and Aiden was built nicely! I also loved the honesty in the emotions of the heroes! It felt good that there were no tricks or dramas!
Drew is an amazing woman. She has felt loss so many times in her life but she never gave up! She took responsibility of her siblings and she looked after them. After the man who was to get married with passed and her siblings have moved with their life, she realized that she needed to do something with herself! I really love the way she challenged herself and how she changed during this month! It felt like she opened her eyes to the outside world and she gave herself a chance in actually living!
Aiden is a great guy! He is reliable and strong! I totally fell for him. I loved the way he was trying to be the sensible one in his attraction to Drew, how he dealt with his feelings and with Drew. He is the kind of guy that will always look after you, no matter what!
Their relationship was amazing! I loved their interactions, their discussions and disagreements! They had a strong connection that it only got better with the time.
The end of the book was also fantastic! I loved every single part of it! There was also an epilogue letting us know what happened 10 years later and it was just great! This was my first book of Ms. Rothert and definitely not my last!
I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves a beautiful love story!
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Drew and Aiden, a man and a woman who have lost everyone who mattered in their life.
This was a beautiful story! After I've finished the first couple of chapters I was crying already! What a roll coaster of emotions! I've cried, laughed and ached along with the heroes! Ms. Rothert made an excellent job writing this amazing story! The plot was moving in a nice pace without rushing or going slowly! The writing was fantastic! The characters were well-developed! The setting of the story was also nicely done! The book is written by a dual POV. My favorite part of this book except the emotions, was that nothing happened from one day to the other. The relationship of Drew and Aiden was built nicely! I also loved the honesty in the emotions of the heroes! It felt good that there were no tricks or dramas!
Drew is an amazing woman. She has felt loss so many times in her life but she never gave up! She took responsibility of her siblings and she looked after them. After the man who was to get married with passed and her siblings have moved with their life, she realized that she needed to do something with herself! I really love the way she challenged herself and how she changed during this month! It felt like she opened her eyes to the outside world and she gave herself a chance in actually living!
Aiden is a great guy! He is reliable and strong! I totally fell for him. I loved the way he was trying to be the sensible one in his attraction to Drew, how he dealt with his feelings and with Drew. He is the kind of guy that will always look after you, no matter what!
Their relationship was amazing! I loved their interactions, their discussions and disagreements! They had a strong connection that it only got better with the time.
The end of the book was also fantastic! I loved every single part of it! There was also an epilogue letting us know what happened 10 years later and it was just great! This was my first book of Ms. Rothert and definitely not my last!
I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves a beautiful love story!
April 30, 2016
Drew McGovern was all ready to start her new life with her fiancee when she gets the devastating news that Colby was killed while helping someone stranded change their tire on the way home from his storm chasing job. Picking herself up after the tragic loss she's now trying to find herself and learn to live without Colby.
When Drew runs into one of Colby's old storm chasing buddies and he invites Drew along she thinks it's just what she needs to get out of the slump she feels she's been in the past year since the loss of Colby. What Drew didn't expect was to find herself extremely attracted to Aiden who was Colby's best friend and also on the storm chasing team.
I have to admit when I read the synopsis for this book I already knew I'd be hooked just due to the setting. Forget any kind of romance going on but I'm one that is always fascinated with movies and books with the whole natural disaster story line. Blown Away doesn't disappointed as the characters travel around chasing after tornadoes and putting themselves in danger throughout.
However, even without the setting I think I would have enjoyed the relationship developing between Drew and Aiden. There was already a history there between them and obviously both having lost someone close to them it was completely logical for the two to end up with each other.
Overall, a nice romance with likable characters and a great setting.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When Drew runs into one of Colby's old storm chasing buddies and he invites Drew along she thinks it's just what she needs to get out of the slump she feels she's been in the past year since the loss of Colby. What Drew didn't expect was to find herself extremely attracted to Aiden who was Colby's best friend and also on the storm chasing team.
I have to admit when I read the synopsis for this book I already knew I'd be hooked just due to the setting. Forget any kind of romance going on but I'm one that is always fascinated with movies and books with the whole natural disaster story line. Blown Away doesn't disappointed as the characters travel around chasing after tornadoes and putting themselves in danger throughout.
However, even without the setting I think I would have enjoyed the relationship developing between Drew and Aiden. There was already a history there between them and obviously both having lost someone close to them it was completely logical for the two to end up with each other.
Overall, a nice romance with likable characters and a great setting.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
August 28, 2020
Synopsis:
Drew McGovern works at a salon and is anxiously waiting for a word from her fiancé Colby Harrington who's out chasing storms. They're to marry in six weeks when she and her younger siblings would finally be free of their mother who could care less about them.
Aiden O’Neal and Colby were the best of friends, working together before an unfortunate accident took his life. It's been a year since he died and with Drew joining their team of storm chasers, he doesn't know how to keep his feelings for her hidden anymore.
Review:
Narrated in the first person from a dual perspective, this one starts on a grieving note. The real story starts one year later though when Drew decides to join Colby's storm chasing team. And that is when she starts noticing Aiden and her attraction to him.
I am not usually enamoured by stories which have the ghost of the dead fianceé hanging over the romantic couple. Such stories have to be written with great care and I think Brenda Rothert did just that. This was a second chance story in a way, for Drew. And for Aiden too, which led him to hope that he too deserved a good life.
This is my first read of the author's, a re-release. The story felt like home. I didn't know a thing about storm chasing and it was a wonderful reading experience, an adventure as well as a romance. And did I not mention hot? Well, it was. Quite erotic in parts, but a beautiful romance nonetheless.
The storm chasing team led by Murph had Millie, Tex, Aiden, Colby and one year later, Drew in place of Colby. I loved Tex's loud mouth and Millie's charm and Murph's awkwardness. The story rounded off nicely and the epilogue ten years down the lane was great! So much warmth and love.
Thank you to InkSlinger PR for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
Drew McGovern works at a salon and is anxiously waiting for a word from her fiancé Colby Harrington who's out chasing storms. They're to marry in six weeks when she and her younger siblings would finally be free of their mother who could care less about them.
Aiden O’Neal and Colby were the best of friends, working together before an unfortunate accident took his life. It's been a year since he died and with Drew joining their team of storm chasers, he doesn't know how to keep his feelings for her hidden anymore.
Review:
Narrated in the first person from a dual perspective, this one starts on a grieving note. The real story starts one year later though when Drew decides to join Colby's storm chasing team. And that is when she starts noticing Aiden and her attraction to him.
I am not usually enamoured by stories which have the ghost of the dead fianceé hanging over the romantic couple. Such stories have to be written with great care and I think Brenda Rothert did just that. This was a second chance story in a way, for Drew. And for Aiden too, which led him to hope that he too deserved a good life.
This is my first read of the author's, a re-release. The story felt like home. I didn't know a thing about storm chasing and it was a wonderful reading experience, an adventure as well as a romance. And did I not mention hot? Well, it was. Quite erotic in parts, but a beautiful romance nonetheless.
The storm chasing team led by Murph had Millie, Tex, Aiden, Colby and one year later, Drew in place of Colby. I loved Tex's loud mouth and Millie's charm and Murph's awkwardness. The story rounded off nicely and the epilogue ten years down the lane was great! So much warmth and love.
Thank you to InkSlinger PR for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
May 10, 2016
When I saw this was a storm chaser romance, I perked up. Hello - Twister fans! Falling in love while chasing tornadoes - gimme the candy.
But first there is death.
Drew and Colby have been in love and are engaged. Drew works as an assistant in a hair salon and Colby is a storm chaser. Coming home from his last chase, he stops to help someone change a tire on the side of the road and gets hit by a car and dies. Obviously Drew is devastated.
Fast forward one year, Drew has been moving on with her life. She is happy working at the salon and has some good girlfriends, but she also wonders if this is it in life? Just when she is thinking this she runs into one of Colby's storm chaser buddies named Murph. He is happy to see Drew and tells her if she ever wants to join them for an adventure, she is welcome. It doesn't take her long to ask for some time off at the salon, and join the team.
Aiden has been in love with Drew ever since his best friend Colby asked her out. Never acting on his lust since Drew and Colby were happy together, Aiden doesn't know what to think when he sees Drew walk into camp. (his boner totally comes out to say hi though). Lusting over your dead BFF's fiance isn't cool, but he can't help himself. As Drew learns what it takes to be a storm chaser and they start spending time together, Aiden can't keep his attraction to her a secret.
I ended up not loving this one and it bums me out. There is twister drama but I think I could have used a little bit more or had it been done a little less predictable.
I felt Aiden tried to be this super alpha, "I'm going to spank you so hard" hero, but it never really worked for me. I got squicked out more by some of the sex stuff. Once, Drew watches Aiden have a one night stand and it was odd. Aiden is worried he is too rough and dirty for Drew but I really don't think he was that rough and dirty. And Drew is aways the goody goody girl who can't be sullied. Eh. Their chemistry was just off for me.
One of my all-time pet peeves in romance books is when the dead fiance/husband/Significant Other turns out to be a jerk after he is dead. This really bothers me!! A woman can find love with another man after the man she loved died, and the man who is dead can still be a good guy. I promise. Romance readers will allow this to happen. And here we will go into spoiler territory a little bit:
Anyway, not a fan of dissing the dead guy, to validate the new guy.
This ended predictable. It was an okay read, but I was hoping for more. The romance missed the mark for me too.
Grade: C
But first there is death.
Drew and Colby have been in love and are engaged. Drew works as an assistant in a hair salon and Colby is a storm chaser. Coming home from his last chase, he stops to help someone change a tire on the side of the road and gets hit by a car and dies. Obviously Drew is devastated.
Fast forward one year, Drew has been moving on with her life. She is happy working at the salon and has some good girlfriends, but she also wonders if this is it in life? Just when she is thinking this she runs into one of Colby's storm chaser buddies named Murph. He is happy to see Drew and tells her if she ever wants to join them for an adventure, she is welcome. It doesn't take her long to ask for some time off at the salon, and join the team.
Aiden has been in love with Drew ever since his best friend Colby asked her out. Never acting on his lust since Drew and Colby were happy together, Aiden doesn't know what to think when he sees Drew walk into camp. (his boner totally comes out to say hi though). Lusting over your dead BFF's fiance isn't cool, but he can't help himself. As Drew learns what it takes to be a storm chaser and they start spending time together, Aiden can't keep his attraction to her a secret.
I ended up not loving this one and it bums me out. There is twister drama but I think I could have used a little bit more or had it been done a little less predictable.
I felt Aiden tried to be this super alpha, "I'm going to spank you so hard" hero, but it never really worked for me. I got squicked out more by some of the sex stuff. Once, Drew watches Aiden have a one night stand and it was odd. Aiden is worried he is too rough and dirty for Drew but I really don't think he was that rough and dirty. And Drew is aways the goody goody girl who can't be sullied. Eh. Their chemistry was just off for me.
One of my all-time pet peeves in romance books is when the dead fiance/husband/Significant Other turns out to be a jerk after he is dead. This really bothers me!! A woman can find love with another man after the man she loved died, and the man who is dead can still be a good guy. I promise. Romance readers will allow this to happen. And here we will go into spoiler territory a little bit:
Anyway, not a fan of dissing the dead guy, to validate the new guy.
This ended predictable. It was an okay read, but I was hoping for more. The romance missed the mark for me too.
Grade: C
May 18, 2016
" Blown Away" , is a story of tragedy , survival, strength ,love and second chances.
Drew McGovern has dealt with a lot in her life, the loss of her father to a heart attack, then shortly after her mother, not to death , but mom just stopped caring after her father died.
The incredibly strong Drew however takes it upon herself to get a job, help raise her sibling and even put herself and them through college, independent and hard working Drew has a bright spot in her life Colby her fiancé . Colby Anne Drew are to get married in just 44 days and yes Drew is counting down the days till she Can move out of her mother's house and take her brother with her until he leaves for college , until then she is biding her time. Colby is away Chasing storms, something he does every year and watching the news while she washes hair at the salon has her worried, she has not heard from Colby yet, but knows that as soon as he has cell service and time he will call or text.
Drew is finally relieved when Colby calls, he is on his way home and will see her tomorrow and he signs off with his usual " Lush" Love You Sweetheart .
Drew is woken up in the morning by pounding on her front door and opening to find a police officer expressing his sympathy and offering a ride to the Hospital, Drew's Colby was a hit by a truck while doing a good deed of changing a tire for a women on his way home .
Drews life again in that moment , her fiancé for all intensive purposes was gone , it was just a matter of waiting for his body to leave also, but to pull the plug would be his mother's decision, one she was refusing to make; until Colby's best freind And storm chasing buddy. Aiden O'Neal comes to the hospital and shares Conversations about Colby's desire not to linger , to be cremated, to have his she's spread.
A year later and Drew is still muddling threw , just living day to day working in the hair Salon but starting to want more , sure these women she works for are like family , but is this living?
Drews opportunity for a change comes in the form of Murphy, the leader of Colby's old storm chaser group. Murphy extends an invitation to Drew to come along on the years chase and research.
Drew joining the team comes as a shock to Aiden and one that will prove as challenge because he has always had a thing for Drew, since Colby first introduced them . as much as Aiden wants Drew he knows he is no good for her He does not do relationship , just sex ; Aiden is broken himself having lost his family when he was a kid to a tornado .Aiden just does not have the tools for a relationship so he tries to keep his distance, Drew is not having any of that , she is not looking for. Relationship she does not believe she will ever want to marry , can not see it . With the attraction growing and Aiden's resistance crumbling second chances become a possibility and sexy times ensue.
Ms.Rothert has written an engaging story, with multiple challenges and likeable characters !
Let's not forget a Happy Ending for all involved!
Arc graciously supplied via Netgalley for an honest review.
Drew McGovern has dealt with a lot in her life, the loss of her father to a heart attack, then shortly after her mother, not to death , but mom just stopped caring after her father died.
The incredibly strong Drew however takes it upon herself to get a job, help raise her sibling and even put herself and them through college, independent and hard working Drew has a bright spot in her life Colby her fiancé . Colby Anne Drew are to get married in just 44 days and yes Drew is counting down the days till she Can move out of her mother's house and take her brother with her until he leaves for college , until then she is biding her time. Colby is away Chasing storms, something he does every year and watching the news while she washes hair at the salon has her worried, she has not heard from Colby yet, but knows that as soon as he has cell service and time he will call or text.
Drew is finally relieved when Colby calls, he is on his way home and will see her tomorrow and he signs off with his usual " Lush" Love You Sweetheart .
Drew is woken up in the morning by pounding on her front door and opening to find a police officer expressing his sympathy and offering a ride to the Hospital, Drew's Colby was a hit by a truck while doing a good deed of changing a tire for a women on his way home .
Drews life again in that moment , her fiancé for all intensive purposes was gone , it was just a matter of waiting for his body to leave also, but to pull the plug would be his mother's decision, one she was refusing to make; until Colby's best freind And storm chasing buddy. Aiden O'Neal comes to the hospital and shares Conversations about Colby's desire not to linger , to be cremated, to have his she's spread.
A year later and Drew is still muddling threw , just living day to day working in the hair Salon but starting to want more , sure these women she works for are like family , but is this living?
Drews opportunity for a change comes in the form of Murphy, the leader of Colby's old storm chaser group. Murphy extends an invitation to Drew to come along on the years chase and research.
Drew joining the team comes as a shock to Aiden and one that will prove as challenge because he has always had a thing for Drew, since Colby first introduced them . as much as Aiden wants Drew he knows he is no good for her He does not do relationship , just sex ; Aiden is broken himself having lost his family when he was a kid to a tornado .Aiden just does not have the tools for a relationship so he tries to keep his distance, Drew is not having any of that , she is not looking for. Relationship she does not believe she will ever want to marry , can not see it . With the attraction growing and Aiden's resistance crumbling second chances become a possibility and sexy times ensue.
Ms.Rothert has written an engaging story, with multiple challenges and likeable characters !
Let's not forget a Happy Ending for all involved!
Arc graciously supplied via Netgalley for an honest review.
May 18, 2016
Okay! I am totally BLOWN AWAY by this story. I haven’t read anything from author Brenda Rothert before… Ugh, where the hell have I been??? When I read the blurb I was excited to dive in because of a very unique plot. Well, I am delighted to report that this story is not only unique, it is full of excitement, drama (storm-chasing), sexual tension, fun, and swoony sweet moments. I am not even going to comment on the love scenes …. Just HOT! Period!
After Drew lost her fiancé, she buried herself in work but soon realized cutting hair at a salon is not life fulfilling enough – she needs some excitement in her life and perhaps to start living again. That’s when she decided it was a good idea to join the storm chasing team for a few weeks. Well, someone in the team isn’t too pleased about a new member. Especially when that said someone has been in love with Drew since they met, but he was only able to admire her from afar. Not anymore… they are practically sharing sleeping quarters. Drew is off limits but how long can Aiden resist?
The character Aiden is a hot, brooding, moody ex-military turned technical rescuer/storm chasing hero. Deep down Aiden is caring, selfless, and brave. He is always destined to do so much more than storm chasing – always helping those in need. Drew is sweet, hauntingly beautiful but also determined - she does not fear much. Drew was paired up with Aiden and that’s when the fun begins. I really enjoyed the unique storyline of a group going on an adventure chasing storm and learning about tornado. I actually learned a lot about tornado that I did not know before reading this book. Good lord! The things these guys talk about on the road is straight up hilarious. The banters are witty and very entertaining. The part where Drew was caught watching? I was dying from laughing so hard Then, there are parts that had my heart jammed in my throat (the team near death experience with the storm). God, I was holding my breath through so many of those scenes waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was very exhilarating.
The romance between Aiden and Drew starts out as friends who has one thing in common – Colby. Colby was Aiden best friend and Drew’s fiancé. They both were heart broken after his dead so the thought of getting together was too much of a betrayal. Drew is attracted to Aiden but struggles with guilt and is also afraid of falling in love again. Aiden and Drew became attached to each other after a few weeks on the road but Aiden also has reservations – he does not want to be Drew’s second best. So, their relationship is a bit bumpy and full of indecisive pushing and pulling. But they need each other and are meant to be. They just need to find the way to make their hearts believe in love again.
This story is full of romance, love, is steamy, sexy and an exciting, heart-warming story. A few parts were slow but I enjoyed a new storyline and I am anxious to read this author’s next book.
After Drew lost her fiancé, she buried herself in work but soon realized cutting hair at a salon is not life fulfilling enough – she needs some excitement in her life and perhaps to start living again. That’s when she decided it was a good idea to join the storm chasing team for a few weeks. Well, someone in the team isn’t too pleased about a new member. Especially when that said someone has been in love with Drew since they met, but he was only able to admire her from afar. Not anymore… they are practically sharing sleeping quarters. Drew is off limits but how long can Aiden resist?
The character Aiden is a hot, brooding, moody ex-military turned technical rescuer/storm chasing hero. Deep down Aiden is caring, selfless, and brave. He is always destined to do so much more than storm chasing – always helping those in need. Drew is sweet, hauntingly beautiful but also determined - she does not fear much. Drew was paired up with Aiden and that’s when the fun begins. I really enjoyed the unique storyline of a group going on an adventure chasing storm and learning about tornado. I actually learned a lot about tornado that I did not know before reading this book. Good lord! The things these guys talk about on the road is straight up hilarious. The banters are witty and very entertaining. The part where Drew was caught watching? I was dying from laughing so hard Then, there are parts that had my heart jammed in my throat (the team near death experience with the storm). God, I was holding my breath through so many of those scenes waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was very exhilarating.
The romance between Aiden and Drew starts out as friends who has one thing in common – Colby. Colby was Aiden best friend and Drew’s fiancé. They both were heart broken after his dead so the thought of getting together was too much of a betrayal. Drew is attracted to Aiden but struggles with guilt and is also afraid of falling in love again. Aiden and Drew became attached to each other after a few weeks on the road but Aiden also has reservations – he does not want to be Drew’s second best. So, their relationship is a bit bumpy and full of indecisive pushing and pulling. But they need each other and are meant to be. They just need to find the way to make their hearts believe in love again.
This story is full of romance, love, is steamy, sexy and an exciting, heart-warming story. A few parts were slow but I enjoyed a new storyline and I am anxious to read this author’s next book.
May 5, 2016
http://amzn.to/1Y1R5uv
Blown Away by Brenda Rothert opens with the unfolding of a powerful set of scenes; the tragedy that plays out sets the tone for Drew McGovern, the heroine’s journey.
Drew finds herself drawn to her deceased fiancé Colby’s storm chasing buddies. She decides to join them on their latest excursion and that is when the attraction to Aiden O’Neal starts to burn up the pages of this book.
Aiden has his reasons for wanting to keep Drew at a distance; ones that certainly make sense but despite that, you will soon find yourself rooting for this couple to push the outside factors aside and embrace this connection.
“Love was scary as hell. Full of risks. But now that I knew what such a soul-deep burning for another person felt like, I couldn’t walk in the other direction.”
Drew’s deceased fiancé does play into some of the events in this book, there is one element that I truly loved, it was masterfully crafted, causing Drew to question everything she thought and in the end offers the reader another reason to love Aiden as he chases the truth for Drew (nope not telling read the book).
Aiden O’Neal's tragic past was so perfect for this story; it explains so much of who he is and the path he has chosen in the life. Drew learning about the tragedy that occurred in Aiden’s life as a teenager was an exceptionally written scene, one that pulls at the reader's heart strings while bonding with the characters.
Blown Away had another element that I loved; the epilogue set a number of years in the future is such a beautiful picture of moving forward despite having faced a life woven with tragedy.
"...life can change in the blink of an eye."
* please note despite the sad element mentioned in the blurb and the tragedy both characters face, they do overcome them. This is an uplifting story one with the theme of it’s not what life gives you but what you do with it .
Blown Away by Brenda Rothert opens with the unfolding of a powerful set of scenes; the tragedy that plays out sets the tone for Drew McGovern, the heroine’s journey.
Drew finds herself drawn to her deceased fiancé Colby’s storm chasing buddies. She decides to join them on their latest excursion and that is when the attraction to Aiden O’Neal starts to burn up the pages of this book.
Aiden has his reasons for wanting to keep Drew at a distance; ones that certainly make sense but despite that, you will soon find yourself rooting for this couple to push the outside factors aside and embrace this connection.
“Love was scary as hell. Full of risks. But now that I knew what such a soul-deep burning for another person felt like, I couldn’t walk in the other direction.”
Drew’s deceased fiancé does play into some of the events in this book, there is one element that I truly loved, it was masterfully crafted, causing Drew to question everything she thought and in the end offers the reader another reason to love Aiden as he chases the truth for Drew (nope not telling read the book).
Aiden O’Neal's tragic past was so perfect for this story; it explains so much of who he is and the path he has chosen in the life. Drew learning about the tragedy that occurred in Aiden’s life as a teenager was an exceptionally written scene, one that pulls at the reader's heart strings while bonding with the characters.
Blown Away had another element that I loved; the epilogue set a number of years in the future is such a beautiful picture of moving forward despite having faced a life woven with tragedy.
"...life can change in the blink of an eye."
* please note despite the sad element mentioned in the blurb and the tragedy both characters face, they do overcome them. This is an uplifting story one with the theme of it’s not what life gives you but what you do with it .
July 29, 2016
Rating: 4/5
(I received a free copy from the publisher, Loveswept, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
Only a few weeks before Drew is set to marry her fiance, Colby, he dies in a tragic car accident. He was a storm chaser, helping someone change their tire when a car ran into him, unable to see he was on the road. A year later, it still hurts but Drew is ready to do something new to help herself move on and escape the monotony of everyday life. When a member of Colby's old storm chasing team approaches Drew at a grocery store and offers her a spot on the team, she jumps at the chance. Aiden was Colby's best friend, and he has always liked and wanted Drew, and he doesn't know how he's going to handle Drew being on the team with so many untold emotions there. While he would love to act on his feelings, he doesn't want to be a guy who goes after his dead best friend's girl. With Drew's feelings towards Aiden slowly building, Aiden still struggles with not thinking he's good enough for her, and doesn't want to dishonour his friend.
This book was so much better than I expected it to be! When I read the first fifth of this book I wasn't sure what to think yet, but around a quarter of the way through I started getting really into it. This was such a good slow burn romance and Rothert writes tension extremely well. At times I wanted to yell at the characters to just give in and be together, not because the book was boring and taking too long, but because the tension was so strong. It made it so much better when stuff finally happened.
I found this storm chasing stuff to be quite interesting. Where I live doesn't really experience tornadoes (the last tornado I've heard of being within a few hours of me was maybe 5 years ago) so I've never heard of storm chasing before (or maybe I just live under a rock, who knows). I was a bit confused at first but quickly caught on and it added an element of excitement that I liked. It was a new way of introducing action into the novel in a way that had meaning and wasn't cliche. The other thing I enjoyed about the novel was the dual perspective between Drew and Aiden, which provided a nice level of intimacy with both characters. I don't think I would've liked Aiden as much as I did if the book was only told in Drew's perspective, and vice versa. It worked out extremely well in delving deep into the characters' heads.
Overall, this was a pretty awesome slow burn romance that had me wanting to yell at the characters to just get together. I would say that once you pass the quarter point of the book the pacing remains pretty constant and I didn't lose interest at all. It had great characters, gave me a laugh or two, and I enjoyed the romance and action. I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a good summer romance read.
(I received a free copy from the publisher, Loveswept, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
Only a few weeks before Drew is set to marry her fiance, Colby, he dies in a tragic car accident. He was a storm chaser, helping someone change their tire when a car ran into him, unable to see he was on the road. A year later, it still hurts but Drew is ready to do something new to help herself move on and escape the monotony of everyday life. When a member of Colby's old storm chasing team approaches Drew at a grocery store and offers her a spot on the team, she jumps at the chance. Aiden was Colby's best friend, and he has always liked and wanted Drew, and he doesn't know how he's going to handle Drew being on the team with so many untold emotions there. While he would love to act on his feelings, he doesn't want to be a guy who goes after his dead best friend's girl. With Drew's feelings towards Aiden slowly building, Aiden still struggles with not thinking he's good enough for her, and doesn't want to dishonour his friend.
This book was so much better than I expected it to be! When I read the first fifth of this book I wasn't sure what to think yet, but around a quarter of the way through I started getting really into it. This was such a good slow burn romance and Rothert writes tension extremely well. At times I wanted to yell at the characters to just give in and be together, not because the book was boring and taking too long, but because the tension was so strong. It made it so much better when stuff finally happened.
I found this storm chasing stuff to be quite interesting. Where I live doesn't really experience tornadoes (the last tornado I've heard of being within a few hours of me was maybe 5 years ago) so I've never heard of storm chasing before (or maybe I just live under a rock, who knows). I was a bit confused at first but quickly caught on and it added an element of excitement that I liked. It was a new way of introducing action into the novel in a way that had meaning and wasn't cliche. The other thing I enjoyed about the novel was the dual perspective between Drew and Aiden, which provided a nice level of intimacy with both characters. I don't think I would've liked Aiden as much as I did if the book was only told in Drew's perspective, and vice versa. It worked out extremely well in delving deep into the characters' heads.
Overall, this was a pretty awesome slow burn romance that had me wanting to yell at the characters to just get together. I would say that once you pass the quarter point of the book the pacing remains pretty constant and I didn't lose interest at all. It had great characters, gave me a laugh or two, and I enjoyed the romance and action. I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a good summer romance read.
August 3, 2016
Before the first chapter had ended I was balling like a baby and needed to stop reading in order to regroup, I kid you not, this was so emotionally draining at the beginning I didn't know what to expect after that.
Drew's fiance, Colby, was killed in an accident just weeks before their wedding was supposed to take place. Now it's one year later and Drew is preparing to leave with colby's storm-chasing team, she believes that this is a good way to honor his memory. Drew is an interesting character, there were times I connected with her but then there were one or two times where I didn't. She wasn't a particularly strong female character but she did get stronger as the book went on.
Aiden, now he was a yummy treat, he was rough, tough and I couldn't get enough of him. Is it just me or is there something extremely sexy about a man that has a dangerous job. The only downside to Aiden was that he had the hots for his best friend's fiance while he was still alive...not cool dude - Friends girls are off-limits!
Now that Drew and Aiden have been teamed up on this excursion their attraction to one another comes to a head and while they each try to fight it, that doesn't last too long. This story is about the journey of two people that grieve over a lost love one and find that they can move on with one another and get the HEA they desperately want and need.
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
Drew's fiance, Colby, was killed in an accident just weeks before their wedding was supposed to take place. Now it's one year later and Drew is preparing to leave with colby's storm-chasing team, she believes that this is a good way to honor his memory. Drew is an interesting character, there were times I connected with her but then there were one or two times where I didn't. She wasn't a particularly strong female character but she did get stronger as the book went on.
Aiden, now he was a yummy treat, he was rough, tough and I couldn't get enough of him. Is it just me or is there something extremely sexy about a man that has a dangerous job. The only downside to Aiden was that he had the hots for his best friend's fiance while he was still alive...not cool dude - Friends girls are off-limits!
Now that Drew and Aiden have been teamed up on this excursion their attraction to one another comes to a head and while they each try to fight it, that doesn't last too long. This story is about the journey of two people that grieve over a lost love one and find that they can move on with one another and get the HEA they desperately want and need.
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
April 15, 2016
After reading the blurb for Blown Away my thoughts drifted towards the film Twister, and as a film I've watched time and time again, this story appealed.
"...life can change in the blink of an eye."
Drew hasn't had an easy time of things growing up. She lost her dad at at young age, helped raise her two younger siblings whilst her mum closed herself off and gave up, but she's settled, has a job in a hair salon and is engaged and due to marry storm-chaser, Colby within a matter of weeks. And then tragedy strikes. Fast forward a year and she's coping but restless and when she's offered a place with the crew Colby chased with, she grabs the opportunity. Completely unaware that his best-friend, Aiden has secretly harboured feelings for her since the day he met her.
Whilst there's no denying there are definite similarities to the film, and there were moments when both Aidan and Drew frustrated, on the whole I found both endearing. It's not an easy path for either of them; both have loved and lost and whilst Drew is strong, determined and somewhat fearless, Aidan's past has left him steadfast in his decision to keep people close to him at a distance. But when he opens up and shows his honesty, then you can't not be rooting for him and Drew.
"I wanted Drew to be there for me, just like I wanted to be there for her. Through storms and calm. Ups and downs. Good times and bad."
Drew and Aidan brought passion, sweetness and fight, and with a well-paced romantic storyline and the twister element bringing some action I can say I'd happily read more from this author in the future.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
"...life can change in the blink of an eye."
Drew hasn't had an easy time of things growing up. She lost her dad at at young age, helped raise her two younger siblings whilst her mum closed herself off and gave up, but she's settled, has a job in a hair salon and is engaged and due to marry storm-chaser, Colby within a matter of weeks. And then tragedy strikes. Fast forward a year and she's coping but restless and when she's offered a place with the crew Colby chased with, she grabs the opportunity. Completely unaware that his best-friend, Aiden has secretly harboured feelings for her since the day he met her.
Whilst there's no denying there are definite similarities to the film, and there were moments when both Aidan and Drew frustrated, on the whole I found both endearing. It's not an easy path for either of them; both have loved and lost and whilst Drew is strong, determined and somewhat fearless, Aidan's past has left him steadfast in his decision to keep people close to him at a distance. But when he opens up and shows his honesty, then you can't not be rooting for him and Drew.
"I wanted Drew to be there for me, just like I wanted to be there for her. Through storms and calm. Ups and downs. Good times and bad."
Drew and Aidan brought passion, sweetness and fight, and with a well-paced romantic storyline and the twister element bringing some action I can say I'd happily read more from this author in the future.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
May 5, 2016
3.5 stars
Blown Away was a good story, I was drawn in from the beginning and it kept my interest until the end.
While I did enjoy the story, I have to be honest and say I failed to connect with the characters, this did take a little away from my overall enjoyment. I feel this was more my issue than the writing as the writing was strong.
Overall Blown Away was an emotional and heartfelt read that will capture your interest.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Blown Away was a good story, I was drawn in from the beginning and it kept my interest until the end.
While I did enjoy the story, I have to be honest and say I failed to connect with the characters, this did take a little away from my overall enjoyment. I feel this was more my issue than the writing as the writing was strong.
Overall Blown Away was an emotional and heartfelt read that will capture your interest.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
May 3, 2016
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3.5 stars
So, the blurb for Blown Away seemed very interesting and different from what I have been reading so I wanted to give Brenda Rothert a try. I was definitely looking forward to seeing where she brought this story. Unfortunately, there were so many parallels to “Twister” that I had a hard time enjoying what probably could have been a great book which turned out to be good, not great.
The blurb pretty much sums up the whole story. Ms. Rothert was amazing through the beginning of the story as we watched and felt the pain of Drew losing Colby to a freak accident. The emotions coming off of the pages from Drew, Aiden and Carla were unbelievable. The pain of having to make the decision of turning off life support and facing the death of the love of your life, your son, your best friend just jumped off the pages. The anguish was palpable and overwhelming. And watching Drew pick up the pieces and start moving on with her life was amazing. Until she joined the storm-chasing team.
I will be the first to admit that there is only so much that can be done with storm-chasing. Other than the destruction a tornado leaves in its wake being different each time, what leads up to them is usually the same. I guess I started seeing the similarities when they were attempting to put probes into the tornado to get data, then there was when Drew and Aiden ended up in a ditch to take cover. That’s when I really started looking at the story, looked back at what I read and saw the resemblances and it was hard not to think of the movie Twister.
Now, I did enjoy reading Blown Away. The love story was different. I enjoyed Aiden fighting off his feelings for Drew. I cringed as Drew threw herself at Aiden. I hated that there was even a hint of tarnishing Colby’s name. And, I loved how LUSH was an acronym for Love You Sweetheart. She did keep the story moving, made it interesting and fun at times. She showed us the wonder in Drew’s eyes when she saw her first tornado and the fear that she had going into her first storm. We felt Aiden’s panic when he found out she was missing. I loved Brenda Rotherts’ storytelling and how she did keep us engaged in the story. I just wish that the storm-chasing part of the story was just a little more original.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
3.5 stars
So, the blurb for Blown Away seemed very interesting and different from what I have been reading so I wanted to give Brenda Rothert a try. I was definitely looking forward to seeing where she brought this story. Unfortunately, there were so many parallels to “Twister” that I had a hard time enjoying what probably could have been a great book which turned out to be good, not great.
The blurb pretty much sums up the whole story. Ms. Rothert was amazing through the beginning of the story as we watched and felt the pain of Drew losing Colby to a freak accident. The emotions coming off of the pages from Drew, Aiden and Carla were unbelievable. The pain of having to make the decision of turning off life support and facing the death of the love of your life, your son, your best friend just jumped off the pages. The anguish was palpable and overwhelming. And watching Drew pick up the pieces and start moving on with her life was amazing. Until she joined the storm-chasing team.
I will be the first to admit that there is only so much that can be done with storm-chasing. Other than the destruction a tornado leaves in its wake being different each time, what leads up to them is usually the same. I guess I started seeing the similarities when they were attempting to put probes into the tornado to get data, then there was when Drew and Aiden ended up in a ditch to take cover. That’s when I really started looking at the story, looked back at what I read and saw the resemblances and it was hard not to think of the movie Twister.
Now, I did enjoy reading Blown Away. The love story was different. I enjoyed Aiden fighting off his feelings for Drew. I cringed as Drew threw herself at Aiden. I hated that there was even a hint of tarnishing Colby’s name. And, I loved how LUSH was an acronym for Love You Sweetheart. She did keep the story moving, made it interesting and fun at times. She showed us the wonder in Drew’s eyes when she saw her first tornado and the fear that she had going into her first storm. We felt Aiden’s panic when he found out she was missing. I loved Brenda Rotherts’ storytelling and how she did keep us engaged in the story. I just wish that the storm-chasing part of the story was just a little more original.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 17, 2016
From the moment I picked up Blown Away, I couldn’t put it down – This story and its characters simply demanded it. That’s a testament to Brenda Rothert, she puts her readers inside the heads and hearts of these people, to where it is impossible to draw that line of real-life versus fiction. Blown Away is a case in point.
This book has all of these amazing elements. It is first and foremost a love story, but it is set against the world the storm chaser. Along the way, we get a really great understanding of the life of the chasers and the heroic work that they do for many communities in a tornado’s path
At first blush, Drew McGovern could be any young girl making her way in the world. But as we get to know her, we learn that she is so much more — Drew is a woman forged from a very special kind of steel and ready live her life on her terms – in every way possible. From a reader’s perspective, it was an absolute joy to witness her personal metamorphosis and resilience. It made me love and appreciate her that much more.
Aiden is a hero. Plain and simple. He runs on grief and it is his fuel as he tracks storms, as well as aiding as a trained search and rescue specialist wherever his help is needed. From the moment you meet him, the depth of his feelings for Drew are enveloping in the sweetest way possible. But don’t let me leave you with the impression that he pining away – He had me reaching for a cold compress on a number of occasions.
Together Drew and Aiden were this force. I hesitate to compare it to anything of the meteorological variety, because I can hear the groans. Each of their hearts had broken, shattered no less, but together they were fit back together like a mosaic – not the same, but the pieces fused together to make an even more beautiful pattern.
Blown Away has set up residence in my heart and probably won’t leave it for a very long time. Again, that is all Brenda and the care she takes in telling a story and getting it absolutely right. Grab this book and get ready to settle in, because you once you start, you will not be able to walk away from it.
This book has all of these amazing elements. It is first and foremost a love story, but it is set against the world the storm chaser. Along the way, we get a really great understanding of the life of the chasers and the heroic work that they do for many communities in a tornado’s path
At first blush, Drew McGovern could be any young girl making her way in the world. But as we get to know her, we learn that she is so much more — Drew is a woman forged from a very special kind of steel and ready live her life on her terms – in every way possible. From a reader’s perspective, it was an absolute joy to witness her personal metamorphosis and resilience. It made me love and appreciate her that much more.
Aiden is a hero. Plain and simple. He runs on grief and it is his fuel as he tracks storms, as well as aiding as a trained search and rescue specialist wherever his help is needed. From the moment you meet him, the depth of his feelings for Drew are enveloping in the sweetest way possible. But don’t let me leave you with the impression that he pining away – He had me reaching for a cold compress on a number of occasions.
Together Drew and Aiden were this force. I hesitate to compare it to anything of the meteorological variety, because I can hear the groans. Each of their hearts had broken, shattered no less, but together they were fit back together like a mosaic – not the same, but the pieces fused together to make an even more beautiful pattern.
Blown Away has set up residence in my heart and probably won’t leave it for a very long time. Again, that is all Brenda and the care she takes in telling a story and getting it absolutely right. Grab this book and get ready to settle in, because you once you start, you will not be able to walk away from it.
April 15, 2016
Dangerously sexy and addictive. I absolutely adored everything about this book, and I can't find fault with a single thing.
Drew has been trying to get on with her life in the aftermath of the devastating death of her fiance. She is feeling antsy, and that she needs to get out of small-town Lipton for a while. A chance encounter with Murph, her fiance's storm-chasing crew-leader sets her on a new path. Throwing caution to the wind (excuse the cheesy pun) she decides to join them for one month which turns out to be the experience of a lifetime.
Aiden was Colt's best bud and he always felt guilty that he harbored a secret crush on Drew. Now that temptation is on his doorstep, he is doing everything in his power to ignore the growing attraction between them. But you know what they say about best-laid plans and all!
The romance was sizzling hot between the pair and they are so good together. Their chemistry zinged off the pages of my Kindle. And I loved it!
I adored the setting for this book and it very much reminded me of the movie Twister. It was exciting, thrilling and gripping, and informative without bogging the reader down in unnecessary detail.
Both mains were well developed with decent complexity, and I really connected with them and became invested in their journey to coupledom.
The other characters were an interesting mix though we didn't find out too much about them.
The writing was great and the pacing was consistent. I had a hard time putting this one down as I just wanted to keep on reading.
In summary, this was a superb read with a good blend of adventure and romance. This will appeal to fans of well-written contemporary women's fiction with strong emotional and plot development.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgally, in exchange for my honest review. This review will feature on my blog in due course: http://myyanabookobsession.com
Drew has been trying to get on with her life in the aftermath of the devastating death of her fiance. She is feeling antsy, and that she needs to get out of small-town Lipton for a while. A chance encounter with Murph, her fiance's storm-chasing crew-leader sets her on a new path. Throwing caution to the wind (excuse the cheesy pun) she decides to join them for one month which turns out to be the experience of a lifetime.
Aiden was Colt's best bud and he always felt guilty that he harbored a secret crush on Drew. Now that temptation is on his doorstep, he is doing everything in his power to ignore the growing attraction between them. But you know what they say about best-laid plans and all!
The romance was sizzling hot between the pair and they are so good together. Their chemistry zinged off the pages of my Kindle. And I loved it!
I adored the setting for this book and it very much reminded me of the movie Twister. It was exciting, thrilling and gripping, and informative without bogging the reader down in unnecessary detail.
Both mains were well developed with decent complexity, and I really connected with them and became invested in their journey to coupledom.
The other characters were an interesting mix though we didn't find out too much about them.
The writing was great and the pacing was consistent. I had a hard time putting this one down as I just wanted to keep on reading.
In summary, this was a superb read with a good blend of adventure and romance. This will appeal to fans of well-written contemporary women's fiction with strong emotional and plot development.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgally, in exchange for my honest review. This review will feature on my blog in due course: http://myyanabookobsession.com
April 24, 2016
This book I picked up for review because it sounded interesting with a completely different story line than anything I've read before. So I hadn't really put a lot of thought into what I was expecting other than I figured it was just a light passing story. I was wrong. Blown Away came as a big surprise to me.
When you take a unique story thread and you add in smokin' hot male species that we love to have in our romance novels and a perfectly matched sweet gal, you have the basis have an awesome read.
These two characters have much in common in terms of broken and sheltered hearts but the author develops a beautiful connection that crosses over the pain and creates a burning passion between them. The issue is can they open their hearts and let the past go?
I loved this story. Loaded with HOT sexual tension and panty-dropping scenes, the author has imaginative descriptives that throw you right into the middle of the story. You will be melting right along with every other person that reads this. Steamy and a guaranteed new book boyfriend in Aiden. YUMMMM!
Brenda Rothert knows how to write romance that we want to read! Sooo good!
When you take a unique story thread and you add in smokin' hot male species that we love to have in our romance novels and a perfectly matched sweet gal, you have the basis have an awesome read.
These two characters have much in common in terms of broken and sheltered hearts but the author develops a beautiful connection that crosses over the pain and creates a burning passion between them. The issue is can they open their hearts and let the past go?
I loved this story. Loaded with HOT sexual tension and panty-dropping scenes, the author has imaginative descriptives that throw you right into the middle of the story. You will be melting right along with every other person that reads this. Steamy and a guaranteed new book boyfriend in Aiden. YUMMMM!
Brenda Rothert knows how to write romance that we want to read! Sooo good!
August 19, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
Colby was gone. In all the ways that mattered, his light had stopped shining on a rainy highway early this morning.
Dot shook her head and pulled a large white bra from the dryer. She held it high for me. 'You enjoy that body while you can missy. Someday you'll have to load your boulders into one of these.'
Her eyes searched mine, waiting for a reaction. It reached something inside me that brought a lump of emotion to my throat. I mattered to her. In this world we all needed a safe place where we could bring our wild ideas and expose our vulnerability, and I was hers.
My Review:
Blown Away was my first Brenda Rothert read and will be one of many. I found her work to be entertaining, engaging, and a pleasant surprise. The storyline was interesting, developed quickly, and was easy to follow. The writing was highly emotive and full of feels with welcome hits of humor and steamy sensuality. The characters were endearing, complex, well-drawn, and squeezed my heart. Ms. Rothert has a new fangirl.
Colby was gone. In all the ways that mattered, his light had stopped shining on a rainy highway early this morning.
Dot shook her head and pulled a large white bra from the dryer. She held it high for me. 'You enjoy that body while you can missy. Someday you'll have to load your boulders into one of these.'
Her eyes searched mine, waiting for a reaction. It reached something inside me that brought a lump of emotion to my throat. I mattered to her. In this world we all needed a safe place where we could bring our wild ideas and expose our vulnerability, and I was hers.
My Review:
Blown Away was my first Brenda Rothert read and will be one of many. I found her work to be entertaining, engaging, and a pleasant surprise. The storyline was interesting, developed quickly, and was easy to follow. The writing was highly emotive and full of feels with welcome hits of humor and steamy sensuality. The characters were endearing, complex, well-drawn, and squeezed my heart. Ms. Rothert has a new fangirl.
May 2, 2016
Overall this was a pretty good read. Two major themes in this one, storm chasing and a strained romance between the Aiden O'Neal and his deceased best friend's girl Drew McGovern. The storm chasing aspect of this one is really more of a backdrop. I've read much more exciting stories involving storm chasers (although this one does have it's moments), the real story is the relationship between Drew and Aiden and all the guilt that entails. I thought the author did a nice job with that part of the story. These were great characters and their chemistry was felt real. So overall this was a book I would definitely recommend.
March 22, 2016
ARC NetGalley.. Always a subject that I've been intrigued by since the movie, "Twister", Brenda Rothert does the storm chasers proud with their steely dedication and quest for good information. Then the book throws us a little romance which softens up the whole terror of storm devastation. I didn't love Aiden (no book boyfriend award) but he was alright. Drew was adorable. The older lady at the campground was a hoot. The book did remind me of camping and carrying shower supplies and campfire smells. Fun book.
April 17, 2016
"The sweet makes the bitter worth it."
Brenda Rothert is one of my auto-click authors. I don't need to read the synopsis, I just need to see her name on the cover. That's all it takes for me to know it's gonna be a good book. Of course like all readers, I have my favorites, but that doesn't mean I don't love them all. Her wicked imagination comes up with some incredible characters and I can't help myself from falling into the stories and feeling like I know them by the end. Blown Away was no different. I not only fell hard for Aiden, but I have some serious girl crushes too. At the top of that list is Dot, she's a hoot and a half.
Drew earned my respect as she cared for her siblings, putting their needs before her own. She had a tough childhood, but it didn't make her bitter. Life kept kicking her ass, but she kept getting back up. As she shared her thoughts and feelings with me as I read her story, my heart melted and I found myself mentally encouraging her as she faced her fears. I was so proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone and reaching for something new. I also enjoyed her adventure almost as much as she did. Who knew storm chasing could be so exciting? It was written so well that that I could see the images I was reading about. I could feel the wind pushing me and the rain pelting me as I rode out the storms with the team. My heart was pounding right along with theirs when the action was taking place. And um...I'm not just talking about tornado action (wink-wink).
Aiden is a loner. He's closed his heart off to protect himself from suffering any more loss. He lives his life for his own personal enjoyment, doing what he wants, when he wants. He has friends of course, but he chooses not to have relationships with women. All the women know up front that there's only one thing he wants from them. There was only one women that he might have wanted more from, but he couldn't have her... Not because she wasn't interested, but because he wouldn't allow himself to. He felt that, "I was walled off inside, and she deserved better."
Drew felt the heat of his lust when he looked at her. She knew he wanted her. But he wouldn't act on his attraction. The sexual tension between them was off the charts. When she was thinking, "Aiden didn't have to touch me to melt me into a puddle.", I was nodding my head in agreement, as I melted into a puddle. Their chemistry was so intense that being caught in the rain was H-O-T, rather than cold. I was cheering for them in the background, encouraging them to get their heads out of their asses and to take a chance on happiness and a future together. But they both have lost so much. They are afraid of risking what they have left. They are both living with the ghost of someone they both loved and lost. What's it gonna take for them to see past the past, and take a chance on each other? You'll have to read it yourself to find out. But I guarantee you won't be disappointed. In fact, I'm pretty sure you'll be blown away.
Brenda Rothert is one of my auto-click authors. I don't need to read the synopsis, I just need to see her name on the cover. That's all it takes for me to know it's gonna be a good book. Of course like all readers, I have my favorites, but that doesn't mean I don't love them all. Her wicked imagination comes up with some incredible characters and I can't help myself from falling into the stories and feeling like I know them by the end. Blown Away was no different. I not only fell hard for Aiden, but I have some serious girl crushes too. At the top of that list is Dot, she's a hoot and a half.
Drew earned my respect as she cared for her siblings, putting their needs before her own. She had a tough childhood, but it didn't make her bitter. Life kept kicking her ass, but she kept getting back up. As she shared her thoughts and feelings with me as I read her story, my heart melted and I found myself mentally encouraging her as she faced her fears. I was so proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone and reaching for something new. I also enjoyed her adventure almost as much as she did. Who knew storm chasing could be so exciting? It was written so well that that I could see the images I was reading about. I could feel the wind pushing me and the rain pelting me as I rode out the storms with the team. My heart was pounding right along with theirs when the action was taking place. And um...I'm not just talking about tornado action (wink-wink).
Aiden is a loner. He's closed his heart off to protect himself from suffering any more loss. He lives his life for his own personal enjoyment, doing what he wants, when he wants. He has friends of course, but he chooses not to have relationships with women. All the women know up front that there's only one thing he wants from them. There was only one women that he might have wanted more from, but he couldn't have her... Not because she wasn't interested, but because he wouldn't allow himself to. He felt that, "I was walled off inside, and she deserved better."
Drew felt the heat of his lust when he looked at her. She knew he wanted her. But he wouldn't act on his attraction. The sexual tension between them was off the charts. When she was thinking, "Aiden didn't have to touch me to melt me into a puddle.", I was nodding my head in agreement, as I melted into a puddle. Their chemistry was so intense that being caught in the rain was H-O-T, rather than cold. I was cheering for them in the background, encouraging them to get their heads out of their asses and to take a chance on happiness and a future together. But they both have lost so much. They are afraid of risking what they have left. They are both living with the ghost of someone they both loved and lost. What's it gonna take for them to see past the past, and take a chance on each other? You'll have to read it yourself to find out. But I guarantee you won't be disappointed. In fact, I'm pretty sure you'll be blown away.
June 13, 2016
3.5 to 4 stars
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.
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.
May 3, 2016
After the tragic loss of her fiance and feeling like she needed to explore a different path in her life, Drew McGovern gets an offer she can't refuse. Her former fiance's storm chaser team wants her to travel with them for a period of time.
Aiden is a member of the team and was Drew's fiance's good friend. The problem with Aiden is that he's been attracted to Drew for a long time, and with the memory of his friend still fresh in his mind, being close to Drew won't be easy.
I adored Drew, she was a strong willed, strong minded girl who did what she had to do to provide a better future for herself and her siblings. I admired her for going after what she wanted without looking back. My heart broke for her when she was confronted with the sudden death of the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with, seeing all her hopes and dreams for her future died with him was heartbreaking. Aiden was a stand up guy, his internal conflict about betraying his friend by finally giving up his desire for Drew was endearing to me. They were both very likeable, relatable characters with great chemistry. And when it comes to secondary characters Tex and Dot made me laugh out loud adding a touch of humor to the story.
When it came to describing the storms the team was chasing, the author did a great job writing said scenes, they seemed vivid to me, transporting the reader to the middle of the action.
With some heat thrown in for good measure between Drew and Aiden, storm chasing has never been this sexy.
Aiden is a member of the team and was Drew's fiance's good friend. The problem with Aiden is that he's been attracted to Drew for a long time, and with the memory of his friend still fresh in his mind, being close to Drew won't be easy.
I adored Drew, she was a strong willed, strong minded girl who did what she had to do to provide a better future for herself and her siblings. I admired her for going after what she wanted without looking back. My heart broke for her when she was confronted with the sudden death of the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with, seeing all her hopes and dreams for her future died with him was heartbreaking. Aiden was a stand up guy, his internal conflict about betraying his friend by finally giving up his desire for Drew was endearing to me. They were both very likeable, relatable characters with great chemistry. And when it comes to secondary characters Tex and Dot made me laugh out loud adding a touch of humor to the story.
When it came to describing the storms the team was chasing, the author did a great job writing said scenes, they seemed vivid to me, transporting the reader to the middle of the action.
With some heat thrown in for good measure between Drew and Aiden, storm chasing has never been this sexy.
June 6, 2016
I just couldn't get into this book.... skimmed most of it.
June 29, 2016
2.75 stars
*Not entirely safe for my girls in the safety gang ;)
*Not entirely safe for my girls in the safety gang ;)
July 31, 2019
Rated 4.3 Stars
If I told ya once, I'm gonna tell ya again - I LOVE STORM CHASER STORIES!!!
That's all I'm gonna say. Can ya tell I liked it?
If I told ya once, I'm gonna tell ya again - I LOVE STORM CHASER STORIES!!!
That's all I'm gonna say. Can ya tell I liked it?
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