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Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

In the wake of Dakota’s revelations, the whole town is reeling. Ginny Moreno has lost everything. Logan Murphy is devastated by her lies. Brittany Rush sees her family in a horrifying new light. And nothing will ever be the same…

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2016

27 people are currently reading
301 people want to read

About the author

Lexi Blake

183 books6,370 followers
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.

In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.

In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.

Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....

For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,413 followers
March 30, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Lexi Blake reunites readers back to Storm, Texas where Ginny Moreno, The Salt Family, and The Rush family are dealing with the aftermath of Dakota's revelation of Ginny and the Senator. This sleepy town of Storm, Texas will never be the same as lies, scandals, betrayals, adultery, and drama has wrecked havoc on its townsfolk. In this first episode, Ginny Moreno finally lays her heart on the line as she apologizes to the people that she has hurt. The families that she destroyed. And most importantly, Ginny will have to live with the fact that she could have loss Logan forever with all her lies. And as for Dakota, it seems she has no problem causing havoc once again. She wanted revenge but how will Dakota react when the Rush family comes firing back? Will there ever be calm to the storm? Or will this ignite another fury of a major storm in Storm, Texas?

In this midseason episode one: After The Storm, Lexi Blake did an amazing job picking up where we last left off. Ms. Blake filled this story with so much drama and raw emotions that you didn't want this episode to end. I honestly couldn't put this book down and wanted to read the next episode next. In the previous episode, I didn't like Ginny Moreno but after reading this episode Ms. Blake made me root for her and I'm hoping she gets her HEA with Logan.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Lexi Blake
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
March 29, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 stars

Wow, After the Storm picks up the morning after the events in last season’s season ender, Thunder Rolls, and to say the people of Storm, Texas are trying to figure out life after the revelations by a woman scorned is putting it mildly.

I don’t know if I should applaud Dakota for exposing the Senator Rush’s infidelities to the town or feel sorry for her because she doesn’t even begin to realize what her revelations will cost her and so many other people. Suffice it to say many lives are hanging in the balance because of her impetuous actions and while it seems her relationship with her sister might be better; others aren’t so quick to agree she did a good thing.

The Moreno family is absorbing the news that Ginny may well be carrying Senator Rush’s baby and wondering how that news will affect the rest of them both in business and their personal lives.
Meanwhile the Rush family is torn apart but it seems like there might be some interesting twists and turns in that family and I’ll admit I’m really curious about what’s to come.

After the Storm is packed with a more questions than answers and alluding to what appears to be some riveting times ahead, I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen in Storm next!

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lynn.
23 reviews
March 23, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review.

This midseason book takes up exactly where the story left off. Highly recommend reading the first books so you know the characters.

Dakota continues to feel like everything is about her and can't understand how her telling the truth has left such a path of destruction for other. I would expect nothing less from Dakota.

Ginny, on the other hand, has finally realized this isn't all about her and has made steps to act like an adult and make amends (or at least apologize) to those she lied to.

The town of Storm is is likely to quake more - can't wait for more of this!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,916 reviews172 followers
March 25, 2016
When this series first started out there were many juicy secrets revealed, broken hearts and drama, drama, drama. Now the Rising Storm series is back. More intensely evocative than ever. Lexi Blake starts us off with the aftermath of revelations that have the power to ruin the lives of so many people. There was so much hurt and anger beneath the surface of tragic lost and pain in the previous episodes that has finally bubbled over and exploded. After the Storm shows us the repercussions on Ginny and Logan's budding relationship. The gloves come off. The claws come out. An epic start to a winning and groundbreaking series.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,110 reviews55 followers
February 26, 2018
Giving us a glimpse of the aftermath of Dakota's storm, we now see how this revelation affects the town. The Rush family is torn apart, between the senator's reputation taking a hit, Payton's nonchalance towards the news and the way the kids handle it, there is a lot of repair that needs to be done. Ginny is now faced with town ridicule, her reputation as a liar and seducer of the senator causes her to lose Logan, her family facing the much dissension and town whispers. And the Salt family who has been through the loss of their son, now has more loss to deal with as well as their own reputation. This storm has yet to pass and with Paul Boehmer continuing to narrate the story, we will begin to see the havoc that it has created. Looking forward to season 2!
Profile Image for Jasmyn.
1,604 reviews19 followers
January 30, 2017
Midseason one picks up the aftermath of Dakota's big Founders Day revelations. Lives were torn apart, notably the Rush kids and Ginny Moreno. Ginny's lie of omission (sort of) has the entire town turned against her.

But, this might be a good thing for Ginny's maturity levels. She turns around quite a corner and does what needs to be done - even though it had to be incredibly hard. Some of her apologies go well - so not so well. But none of them seem to repair the rift between her and Logan.

Dakota, on the other hand, continues to think that everything revolves around her. As the Rushes rally their forces against her, her life takes a turn for the worse and she blames the results of her actions on everyone but herself.

I nice pick up, but I felt that things stalled just a tad. But you can see more clouds on the horizon, and you never know what's going to happen next.
Profile Image for Jennifer Zorko.
202 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2016
All I can say is WOW! After the Storm: Midseason Episode 1 (Rising Storm) by Lexi Blake picks right up and where the last season ends. We are shown the aftermath of distruction that Dakota's revelation leaves in its wake.

Ginny and Dakota are the talk of the town, but each young woman decides to handle things much differently.

Ginny seeks to make amends, trying to make things right with Jacob's family, trying to make things right with her best friend Brittney Rush, trying to make things right with Logan. She realizes that she was scared, and ashamed of the circumstances that lead her to where she is now. Realizing that she needs to take responsibility for her actions she makes it her mission to apologize, not make excuses, and to try and let the people that she hurt know how truly sorry that she is. I think that her discussion with Brittney and Logan at the end of this installment was so touching. And the reaction that she receives from each is unexpected for her, and I think, in a way, will help Ginny and the rest of them, one day, find closure and maybe friendship again.

Dakota on the other hand, is left to wonder why everyone is so bitter and angry at her. She is after all the one that outed the good Senator. She thinks that she should be celebrated, not shunned, she feels like she is the hero in all of this, instead of the one person that destroyed so many lives, hopes, dreams and families. No matter how much her family and the one person that still speaks to her tries to explain the reasons that she went about this whole thing all wrong, she still thinks only of herself. Not the fact that she has put her mother and her family in danger of losing everything, not the fact that she herself has now lost everything, her job, her apartment, and her reputation is in the toilet.

Logan is so angry with Ginny and has every right to be, she lied to him, she kept secrets from him when he layed himself open to her over and over again. He is not sure he can get past it, but when he sees Ginny hurting, when she needs comfort and someone to hold her together after her confrontation with Brittney, he is there with his strong arms to hold her up, to lend comfort and compassion. I think that he was surprised by Ginny showing up, surprised that she truly listened to him, is trying to make amends for what she did. I think, I hope, there is hope for these two in the future.

Brittney is so angry with her father and feels betrayed by Ginny. But I think that the confrontation that Ginny and Brittney had needed to be done. Ginny offered no excuses for what she did, admitting that she was wrong, admitting that she knew that she was wrong, taking responsibility for her actions. Letting Brittney know that she was not going to run, not going to hide, that she was not looking for anything from her family, she was willing to do anything to make that clear to them. Also letting Brittney know that she would always be there for her, no matter what, that she would always be sorry for her actions and praying that one day they could be friends again. I think that Brittney was such a surprise in her response to Ginny, promising that nobody would every try to harm Ginny's baby, and if her father tried, he would have to go through her to do it. It is a testament to the love and friendship that these two young women have for each other.

I loved this first new episode of the Rising storm series and look forward to more to come, because you know for sure, the dust has not settled and things will get worse before they get better.

Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
April 14, 2016
Title: After the Storm: Midseason Episode 1
Author: Lexi Blake & Julie Kenner
Series: Rising Storm series
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: March 29th, 2016
Genre(s): Romance
Page Count:81 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

In the wake of Dakota’s revelations, the whole town is reeling. Ginny Moreno has lost everything. Logan Murphy is devastated by her lies. Brittany Rush sees her family in a horrifying new light. And nothing will ever be the same…


Review:
I wish I had known about the Rising Storm series as soon as it was created and released so I could have followed it - if After the Storm is a small part of the series, then I can only imagine how alluring the previous four parts could have been. I've never had the chance to read a collaboration between Lexi Blake and Julie Kenner and if it hasn't been done until now, then, I honestly don't know why it wasn't! This duo has created a book that is full of intrigue, romance and enough twists in the storyline that I kept coming back for more until I realized I was at the last page. My only regret is that it was short! I wish I could have kept following these characters through their ordeals after their problems and bombshells were revealed after the end of After the Storm. Considering that the length of the book is less than 100 pages, it's difficult to write a quick resume without revealing any spoilers, but I will go so far as to say that it was a quick read that I would gladly read more than once and still feel the goosebumps along my skin, feel my heart race as the characters, Dakota, Ginny, Logan and Brittany found their own places in Storm, Texas and past members came to 'visit' and readers were treated to more of their everyday lives. There was a great balance between intrigue, drama - the kind you'd swear you never wanted to live through, but reading or hearing about it is simply too tempting to pass up, sensuality and especially enough 'electricity' between each character that when they're together in a room and the sexual chemistry is rampant, it was impossible for me to deny the fact it wasn't there - heck, it could have been cut with a butter knife it was so thick!! It's not the first novel that I read from either authors, however, it is the first time I read one that is a collaboration from the two and I can only hope there will be many more in the future.





Review Copy of After The Storm provided by the Author, Lexi Blake for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
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Profile Image for Vagabonda Reads .
142 reviews
March 31, 2016
Ginny Moreno is the hot topic in the small town of Storm, Texas and with good reason.  Young Ginny is pregnant, and the father of her child might be that married dirt bag, Senator Sebastian Rush. Or, the father of Ginny’s “Little Bit” could be her recently deceased best friend, Jacob Salt.  Adding to the angst, Ginny’s finally found true love with the suffering hunk, Logan Murphy. (He’s late to the party, dang it, and sadly, not in the running for Baby Daddy.)

Did I mentioned that Senator Rush is the father of Ginny’s best friend, Brittany?

Now Ginny is a good and decent girl who has made some bad choices — it’s not fair to label her the town ho. That’s reserved for Dakota Alvarez, who also happens to have slept with Senator Sebastian Rush. Obviously Senator Rush has a predilection for The Young and The Fresh.

(A little back story: Dakota decided to do grieving Jacob’s parents a favor. Apparently Ginny had given hope to the Salts that her Little Bit is also Jacob’s Little Bit. At a Founder’s Day event meant to showcase the re-election campaign of Senator Rush, Dakota made her move, revealing publicly that Jacob Salt was incapable of fathering a child! Yes, the cunning Dakota stole poor Jacob’s medical records that reveal him to have been sterile — or was it impotent? We eagerly anticipate a Maury Povich moment in a future episode.)

So why is Dakota catching condemnation for her faux-magnanimous actions? Why aren’t people lauding her behavior? Why isn’t Ginny being run out of town? Will disgusting Senator Rush be re-elected? And wait — was Jacob really sterile?

If all of this sounds like soap opera, that’s exactly what it’s supposed to be — sleazy, cheesy, scandalous soap opera.

Author Lexi Blake’s After the Storm novella is first in the Mid-Season offering of the Rising Storm Series. Replete with a cast of misunderstood/manipulative characters that harken back to the glory days of Dallas/Dynasty, Blake serves up an enjoyable escape into the continuing saga of Storm, Texas.

Written in an episodic fashion, After the Storm, in keeping with all of the Rising Storm novellas, contains many minor plots. Although very intertwined, it didn’t take long for this reader to sort out the relationships and story lines. Author Blake hits the perfect tone with her characters — a bit of substance, a bit of shallowness, a bit of sleaze — it’s all there.

While the drama in Storm unwinds throughout the Series, After the Storm does give the reader sufficient resolution to the featured plot. One could walk away from this novella satisfied, but the pull to Storm, Texas is strong — you may want to dig out the big shoulder pads and put some air in your hair.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Jill S (Love Affair With Fiction).
646 reviews71 followers
March 29, 2016
Can I tell you how I excited I was when I heard there would be midseason episodes of Rising Storm? I have been missing my weekly dose of Storm, Texas. I am as hooked on these as I am on my actual soaps on TV! Really - my guilty pleasures - reading and and drama filled soaps. All that much better when they are wrapped up in one package!

I was a little bit nervous when I cracked open the pages of Lexi Blake's episode, After the Storm. You know that feeling when a show has been on hiatus... eeek - will I remember where we left off? Will I remember everything that is going on? What if I confuse who is who? No need to worry - as soon as I started reading everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING came rushing back to me.

After the Storm picks up right where we left off - in the path of destruction that was left behind from Dakota's huge reveal. It seems as if in one way or another her announcement has touched everyone in this town. (I know that this is BAD... but the dirty, salacious, gossip this produces is like soap opera porn!) everyone is reeling and people's lives are forever changed.

Dakota is going to have a hard time after all of this, and part of me is heartbroken for her. I can't stand her... but I want to swoop in and fix her. It is like I can see the potential in her, but she just keeps self-destructing. But the one good that came out of this - Ginny had to own up to everything she has been a part of. She had to face what was going on and start to make restitution with everyone for her role. It was good to see her start to take control again and to start to step from the teenage role (which let's face it - she is. She is a COLLEGE STUDENT!) to that of an adult. The transition is needed as she motherhood is looming. The most frustrating character - the Senator. He just has his head in the sand. He really thinks he can walk away from it all and come out on top. OOOH, do I love to hate him! He is such a pompous ass - and not in that oh so sexy, alpha, domineering way that melts your panties. I mean in the - I would love to smack him across the face and give him a swift kick in the ass -way.

I definitely recommend that you tune into this series. Just start from the beginning ;) They are addictive, quick reads that will grab you and suck you in!

I received a complimentary copy of After the Storm in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sara.
594 reviews26 followers
March 30, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review over on my blog page Pretty Little Book Blog.

Picking up where the final episode of season one left off we are sucked right back into Storm Texas, the morning after the huge Founder's Day celebration where some of Storm's closely held secrets were brought out into the daylight. If you are a fan of this series like me you knew that these revelations were going to change EVERYTHING! Waking up the next morning Ginny has a new perspective on how her actions might have wider spreading effects, Luis and Marisol try to offer her some moral support but its not going to be that easy with the rest of the residents of Storm. . . Especially Logan! 



The Salts are not faring well the morning after and while Lacey tries to make peace with and comfort her mother Celeste but it almost seems to little too late and the grouchy attitude that Lacey has given her mother since Jacob passed away seems to have taken its toll on their relationship. The showdown between Celeste and Ginny was drama at its finest -- definitely TV worthy! 


Dakota is facing the town in typical style after she destroys the town with her tirade-- acting like she is the hottest thing on two legs and totally innocent of all wrong doing. I don't think she is quite prepared for the backlash she has caused. Marcus is not extremely supportive of her right now either as he is staying with Brittainy and trying to help her deal with all the betrayals, even though he is completely innocent he still feels responsible because Dakota is his sister. 


The force of nature that is Marylee has swept in with her master plan for Sebastian's political career -- discussing her plan and what Payton needs to do. I know Marylee is typically rude and manipulative (and she still is in this episode!) But she describes the aftermath in such hilarious terms that I really gained a new respect for her in this episode haha.


The end of this episode really gives us some nice moments that prove that healing is possible and that Ginny is transforming into a much stronger woman than we might have originally thought she was. Its shaping up to be another amazing season and with these 2 midseason episodes getting us back into Storm, Texas where secrets smolder and smoke like good Texas BBQ! 
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,239 reviews208 followers
March 28, 2016
4 stars--- AFTER THE STORM by Lexi Blake is the first installment in the Mid Season multi –authored RISING STORM serialized story line focusing on the people of Storm, Texas. Their continuing story focuses on the aftermath of a very public revelation, the truth about Storm’s golden boy Senator, and the havoc wreaked by a spurned young woman vying for attention and the love of a man she cannot have. AFTER THE STORM should not be read as a stand alone as the story line (and Mid Season 2) continues upon the events of Season One.

For followers familiar with the series, the revelations regarding Ginny’s pregnancy, and the senator’s numerous affairs have affected everyone in the small town of Storm, Texas. AFTER THE STORM looks at the devastating fall-out when secrets and lies are revealed by Dakota Alvarez that will have a domino affect upon all who are connected through friendship or blood. Lives will be destroyed; reputations shredded; hearts broken into a million pieces, and Ginny Moreno must go it alone in a town that is determined to brand her with a scarlet A.

RISING STORM, and thusly, AFTER THE STORM reads like a soap-opera serial; a Dynasty meets Dallas meets Peyton Place afternoon Soap where scandal, lies, betrayal and lust are the backdrop to a town controlled by the political elite, and powerfully rich. No one is innocent; blind eyes are turned to the truth; fingers are pointed in all directions.

AFTER THE STORM is the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the people of Storm, Texas. Once protected by a bubble of their own making, Storm must face the clean-up of the destruction brought about by one man’s indiscretions and the lives he has destroyed along the way.

Lexi Blake pulls you in, ties you down, and straps you in for the ride that is Storm, Texas.

Copy supplied by the promoter.

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Lynn Cheryl.
724 reviews35 followers
April 5, 2016
I can't tell you how happy I am that there are two mid-season episodes in the Rising Storm series. Season One was highly addictive and this first new episode whets my appetite for more.

The morning after Dakota Alvarez dropped the bombshell, there are mixed feelings amongst many residents of Storm, Texas as the consequences of the revelations are exposed. The aftershocks affect many people; not just the Salt and Rush family.

Ginny Moreno has lost everything, but the baby she is carrying is safe...what will she do? Logan Murphy is devastated by Ginny's lies. Brittany Rush sees her family in a different light, but not in a positive way.

But behind every dark cloud, is a small ray of sunshine! Marisol Moreno speaks some words of wisdom to her younger sister, whilst Patrick Murphy is the voice of reason as he deals with his brother's bitterness.

In another corner of Storm, a damage control plot is being hatched to clear Sebastian Rush's name! Marylee Rush gives us a glimpse of the ruthless, formidable woman she is as her determination to eventually see her son become Governor of Texas will hold no bounds.

What I love about this series is the seamless switch from one episode to another. It's been some months since the end of Season One yet I was able to pick-up right where the last episode Thunder Rolls ended. Lexi Blake lulls us into a false sense of security as we feel compassion and maybe a little sympathy for Ginny. Then. Bang, we are reminded that there are other secrets still to be exposed and revenge to be taken in this fast paced drama-fest!

If you love soap operas...think Dallas/Dynasty, Storm, Texas is a place you'll want to discover. I can't wait to read the next instalment, setting the scene for Season Two in the Autumn.

4 stars

***arc received via Ink Slingers PR***
Profile Image for John.
21 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2016
This was a fantastic continuation to the story in the first season of Rising Storm. This book picks up the day after Dakota revealed that Ginny's baby probably isn't Jacob's, and it covers pretty much everyone that was affected by this bombshell.

The one person whose viewpoint we didn't get in this book was Sebastian, and honestly, I'm ok with that. The less I hear about him, the better. I'm sure we'll hear more about him in the second midseason episode. I doubt he will change his philandering ways.

One of the things I really liked about this particular episode was that Ginny did a lot of growing up. She owned up to her mistakes, tried to make amends, and took her hits when they were given, without trying to spin things into not being her fault. She accepted responsibility, which is more than I can say for Dakota. I pretty much had a soft spot for Ginny anyway, but seeing her trying to be a better person made me like her that much more.

I'm also really liking the continuing story of Francine and Peyton. I can see Peyton starting to realize that she might just be falling in love with Francine, and I like that she's not really running away from it. Well, not by choice anyway. I'm sure Marylee will have Peyton stay true to her family, though I can't see Peyton actually do that for very much longer. And I hope she doesn't. Besides, Storm needs some LGBT goodness in it.

Overall, I really like how this book laid out the aftermath of the baby bombshell, and I look forward to seeing how the second midseason episode continues to wrap things up. I only hope that there are a few more midseason episodes after that, because I don't know if I can wait for the second season to come out in September!
1,353 reviews38 followers
March 21, 2016
The fallout from Dakota Alvarez’s revelations hit the small town of Storm Texas, and things did not go the way Dakota expected. Ginny’s gone back to her family: she’s lost it all; her unborn baby is all she has left, and she decides to make amends, if anyone will listen to her. The despicable Marylee Rush is giving her son a run for his money, and Celeste is showing a side I had not expected.

Lexi Blake has done a remarkable job of bringing the reader to last year’s dramatic episode 8. It had been a while, and within a few pages, Ms. Blake smoothly brought me right back to the events leading to Dakota’s day of shame. The transition is so effortless that I think a new reader might start right here with AFTER THE STORM and not be completely lost, which I consider quite a feat.

The writing is simply brilliant, and Ms. Blake had me seeing other sides to several stories; there was one story I found a tad unsavoury – a pet peeve of mine – and upon learning more, I’m looking forward to see how it will evolve.

AFTER THE STORM is one of the best episodes, and I feel it’s because of the author’s understanding of family dynamics, honour, loyalty, and simply human nature. This episode flows seamlessly and is totally riveting. Excellent job, Ms. Blake!


I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mya.
749 reviews12 followers
March 23, 2016
Rising Storm - Midseason 1: After the storm by Lexi Blake

Release date: March 29th

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ This book starts out very lovey dovey, towards Ginny “I forgive you sister” … “we were wrong to judge you” etc.. personally at this point I was thinking.. wow.. she's getting off easy. Then I find out all the drama of the last book took place... yesterday! This book picks up from the last one on the day after, and they are already forgiving and forgetting?? Hmmm.... seems a bit quick for me.

Dakota, is still Dakota, and here is where the rest of the town is not as forgiving. Which seems more realistic to me. I liked the flow of this book and the story progressed well. Ginny is starting to grow as a person, accept her faults, and is working towards fixing them. It took me a bit to remember who was who, as there are a lot of characters, but once it came back.. It all came back! I am looking forward to the next episode.

This is a “soap-opera style” series, so it’s best to start with the first book. Check out their website for information on the other books in the series. http://risingstormbooks.com/

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Originally posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogsp...
Profile Image for Jillian Stein.
395 reviews41 followers
March 29, 2016
Gah! How to even write this review without ruining things! Ok, let’s give this a shot…
First off, I am SO excited we get to visit with my favorite dysfunctional small town! This group has really become to mean something to me and with so much turmoil going on, I was so anxious for this mid-season episode. I can say it was just as awesome as I wanted it to be. My heart is breaking for Ginny now that she has to pick up the pieces after her sister made the announcement heard round the world (well, just Storm really, but you get the drift.) If there ever was a character deserving of some kind of happy ending, it’s her. Logan is also breaking my heart and the drama within the Rush family is hitting a breaking point. Seriously, if this town were real and I lived there, I would no doubt be hanging out in the town square just waiting for some kind of drama!
But, by far what I loved the most about this episode is what Ms. Blake brings to the table with her writing. That woman could write me her grocery list and I would love it. She’s truly a talent and as always, this story was a testament to that.
Luckily we won’t have to wait long for the second mid-season episode because I am dying for more!
Thank you, Ms. Blake, for another awesome installment of Rising Storm!
Profile Image for Karen Roma.
2,762 reviews33 followers
March 22, 2016
My excitement at learning there would be mid-season stories was only surpassed by this first tasty morsel. As a self-professed fanatic of this series, I have struggled with the wait for more deceit, betrayal and evil manipulation to stimulate my twisted mind. Yes, I know I shouldn’t basked in the heartache and misfortune of others, but damn if the sordid lives of the residents of Storm don’t deserve some serious addiction.

Picking up after the fall out of Dakota’s revelation of not only her affair with the sleazy Senator, but the very real possibility that Sebastian Rush is the father of Ginny Moreno’s baby; the small town of Storm is left buzzing with shock and a morbid sense of anticipation.

But people with the morals of a snake don’t get where Rush has being all sweet and cuddly and with a mother like Marylee, things are bound to get interesting in a bitter and twisted kind of way. Bribes, threats and planting seeds of doubt are Marylee’s forte, and she does it so very well.

So hold onto your hats, cause if this little entrée is any indication of what the second season of Rising Storm has in store………I’m all in!
Profile Image for Kel (Faerie-bookworm).
773 reviews62 followers
August 17, 2017
Title: After The Storm
Author: Lexi Blake
Genre: Romance
Format: Ebook
Pages: 81
Rating: 5

Setting: Storm, TX

Main Characters: Ginny

Supporting Characters: Logan, Brittany, Dakota

Summary: Ginny chooses to confront the people she lied to. Brittany sees her family in a new light. Logan doesn’t know how to handle the lies. And Dakota continues to be selfish and doesn’t understand fallout of what she’s done.

Thoughts: OMG that was so good!! I had problems finishing it I was crying so much. I feel so bad for Ginny. I understood why she lied about everything and I’m glad that her sister was totally there for her. I loved the scene at the bar with Dakota and Brittney, which made me laugh so hard. This is one of the best serials/soap operas that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I hate that the books are so short just because I want more. The writing flows perfectly from one book to the next and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page, and then the screaming begins.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Stacey.
433 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2016
Midseason Episode 1 picks up right where the last book left off, and we get to see the aftermath of Dakota's very public announcement about the father of Ginny's baby. Dakota, in typical Dakota fashion, doesn't understand why everyone is angry at her instead of seeing her as a victim of the Senator's lies.

Ginny is determined to keep her head held high. She decides she needs to grow up and take responsibility for her actions, determined to be a good mother to her unborn baby. She starts by apologizing to the Salts. Even though it seems like no one is accepting her apology, she knows it's going to take time for things to blow over.

It's clear Marylee has a plan to redeem her son, and it'll be interesting to see what she does.

While the biggest secret is out, other townspeople are still harboring their own secrets. I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds.

**An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Michelle Leigh.
153 reviews
March 25, 2016
Welcome back to Storm, Texas!

I loved that this one took place right after Dakota's bomb dropping announcement. We get up close and personal with those personally affected.

There are some people that we finally see real emotion from. Not just the fake, happy all the time facade that some people and families wear. However, once we see it, we wonder if they will ever find their happy place again.

I liked that we see Ginny finally show some maturity. It's unfortunate that it took these events to bring it out, but it's refreshing to see her show it, and I wonder if she can stand by her decisions in the days to come.

The drama continues, and the fall-out spins farther and farther out from the center. I'm very excited for the second season to come and what drama this series-written-like-a-soap-opera will bring!
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,281 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2016
Wow the fall out from Dakota's speech is so far reaching. Ginny is torn from the love she has found. Paton is outed as the wife that's husband cheats with very young girls. The senator just wants it all to go away. The Rush children are devastated. Marylee just wants to fix everything fit her son. Logan is lost over Ginny's lies. The Alvarez family is threatened with losing everything. Yet Dakota still didn't believe she did anything wrong and that everything is someone else's fault. I still can't find it in me to like her or feel sorry for her. It's just sad that she will probably be the only one that doesn't get what's coming to her, well her and the senator that is. Lexi Blake has done a wonderful job describing the fallout and how everyone is suffering...well almost everyone. I received an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Alison.
744 reviews
March 19, 2016
When I found out we were getting a couple of mid-season stories I was very happy. In order to enjoy this book you really need to read the first set of Rising Storm Books.

We start off where we left the sleepty Texan town of Storm. Dakota's revelations have left the Rush, Salt and Moreno families reeling. Dakota however doesn't see what havoc she has brought upon the town - she sees herself as the hero and that the town should be thanking her. She just does not realise how powerful families can be.

The revelations have made Ginny realise that she needs to grow up and own her mistakes. She starts out with Celeste and makes her way to Logan. Will she ever be able to earn his forgiveness.

Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ash P Reads.
1,054 reviews16 followers
March 25, 2016

Oh well, the crap has really hit the fan and the mess is widespread. And Marylee Rush is the self-appointed clean up crew. As is to be expected nothing and no one's worthier than her son Sebastian Rush and so you can imagine the lengths she will go to, to the cover up his latest scandal.

But the other lives that have been thrown off course by Dakota's foray into "the truth" don't have it easy. In fact, expect more blunders from Dakota. This is a great mid-season morsel for those like me who have been wondering, "what the heck is going to happen now".

Ginny surprisingly has kept it together even though she has lost the most. I'm definitely rooting for her

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,516 reviews43 followers
March 29, 2016
An exciting Part 1 of 2 midseason episode treat that picks up just after the explosion of truth and lies being exposed at the end of last season!

In the wake of Dakota's revelations to the whole town of Storm, Texas, each branch of family struggles to put one foot in front of the other and figure out how to pick up the pieces. Dakota herself has to face the consequences of the destruction she rained down on several of the families in town. Ginny has to face how many people she hurt with her lies and see if there can be any repairing the hurt and anger. Spouses, parents, kids and siblings are left to deal with major secrets and lies and the discovery that people aren't always what they seem.
Profile Image for Andrea (mrsaubergine).
1,581 reviews92 followers
May 11, 2016
Ginny Moreno totally redeems herself in this first midseason episode of the serial "soap opera". I didn't like her much in the earlier books, but here she steps up and shows some backbone after Dakota's revelations in front of the whole town. Of course, Dakota is still completely delusional about what she's done, which makes for great reading. All the storylines work well together, and I even felt sorry a bit for adulterer Travis Salt. Great work from Lexi Blake, and I look forward to the next installment.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the author via InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***
Profile Image for Paulette.
457 reviews
March 20, 2016
I was waiting for the continuation of this series and boy was it worth the wait! There was so much going on with this book taking over where the last book left off after Dakota's public confession about the senator, herself and Ginny. I was so wrapped up in the story wanting to find out how the characters were able to go on after Dakota's revelation. Dakota remains a selfish bitch. Its always all about her, she's always the victim. She doesn't feel bad about the repercussions of her outing Ginny and the relationship the Senator had with both of them. So many families were affected by her public confession. This series is definitely a great read!
Profile Image for Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads).
2,357 reviews102 followers
March 28, 2016
4.5 Stormy Stars!!!

My favorite series is back and in a big way!!! This book literally picks up right where we left off in Thunder Rolls and Dakota has made her big announcement that has reverberating effects for everyone in Storm, Texas.

I just gobbled up this story because all the players are involved and we're getting new insights into some of the relationships in town and what some people are willing to do to get what they want. I had my mouth hanging open when it came to the Rush family and what certain members of that family have the power to do and have done!!!

I can't wait to see what happens next week!!!
Profile Image for Cassy.
149 reviews19 followers
March 29, 2016
This highly anticipated midseason episode of the Rising Storm serial picks up the day after some pretty big secrets were revealed to the entire town. It focuses on each of the many characters so the reader can see how these secrets are affecting each family. There is plenty of drama and tensions are running high as decisions need to be made and even more secrets are being contemplated. I am so glad these midseason episodes were released and I can't wait for season 2 to see what happens!!

*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Sher.
284 reviews
April 3, 2016
This continues picks up days after the startling finale of season 1..
After Dakota's shocking announcement during the Founders Day Celebration, the town is thrust into havoc..Who is the father of Ginny's baby? Is it Jacob, her best friend who was killed on their return to town? Or her best friends father, the Senator?
Friends and lives are torn apart..
Can they weather the storm? Will they be able to rebuild their lives and move on?
Can't wait for the next season to start with this great series..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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