Fire and Rain, Season 2, Episode 5

Rising Storm #15

by R.K. Lilley, Julie Kenner (Foreword), Dee Davis (Foreword)

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. As Celeste Salt continues to unravel in the wake of Jacob's death, Travis grows closer with Kristin. Lacey realizes the error of her ways but is afraid it's too late for reconciliation with her friends. Marcus and Brittany struggle with the continued fallout of Hector's return, while Chase and Anna Mae face some hard truths about their past...

Genres: Contemporary, Audiobook, Romance

106 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2016

About the author

R.K. Lilley has been a writer since she can remember, but has held down some interesting jobs to pay the bills. For several years she was a first class flight attendant, and she always swore that she just had to write a book about it. Mixing her love of romance and all things BDSM, the Up In the Air Trilogy is her debut into the world of contempary romance and erotica. She is currently working on the final installment in the series.
You can contact R.K. at Authorrklilley@gmail.com
Visit her Facebook page to keep up-to-date on what she's working on

https://www.facebook.com/authorrklilley

And check out her website http://www.rklilley.com/

R.K. also writes urban fantasy under the pseudonym: Rebecca K. Lilley

Reviews

[Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Thunder and Lightening Stars!!

Because all eight books in this second season are so intertwined, I'm writing an overall summary review for the entire season.

I'm IN LOVE with all eight of these books. It was so good to get back to Storm, Texas and all the shenanigans of its residents! Talk about things all coming together and ghosts from the past popping up again!

In Season Two we also get resolutions to some rather questionable decisions by some of the town's residents, Travis and Kristin. And more power to them. I actually did a fist pump when Kristin finally made the decision to do what's best for her as did Celeste. The best part for me was Dillon and Joanne - WOO HOO!!!

As the season progresses, old hurts are healed, people that deserve to get their comeuppance is done so in grand style, namely Hector Alvarez. The very intense scenes where Dakota finally sees him for who he really is and how that's effected not only her mother, but now herself as well was heartbreaking. The fact that it took this long and these acts for her to see the light so to speak, devastated her. The Dakota that her mother always knew was lurking inside, finally made an appearance to surprise of many, and one of the most surprising relationships involves Patrick Murphy.

Let's also not forget about Sebastian Rush and his devious mother Marylee who's evil machinations even surprised me! And he just proved yet again what a scum sucking bottom dweller he is...WOW!!!

One of the best parts of the entire series is when Ginny delivers her baby not only what's revealed but those that gathered around her to support her and love her. It wrapped everything up so nicely and put a smile on my face. Especially since there was so much drama and out of this world happenings that led to this point.

Not sure if there's going to be a Season Three but I for one would love it if there was because there really is so much more story in Storm, Texas!

[Kel (Faerie-bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Fire and Rain
Author: RK Lilley
Genre: Contemporary
Format: Ebook
Shelf: ARC
Pages: 79
Rating: 5
Heat: 1

Thoughts: I am so ADDICTED to this series yet it’s so hard to write a review. The best way to explain it is like this… This is a written soap opera, many characters and lots of drama. Since there is no way to read this serial other than in order, it makes it hard to really say anything about it. I LOVE the story!! I hate drama in my life but man, I’ll watch it or read it and be entertained for hours, and this story does exactly that. If you haven’t started this, now is a good time. Like I said, exactly like a soap opera; betrayal, love, fights, jerks and absolute hotties!! What’s even better is that even though there are different authors writing each book, you can’t really tell. My only real issue is that the books are so easy to devour, granted I’m sure they could be 500 pages and it still wouldn’t take very long to read. Like any soap opera, it just sucks you so time flies. It’s actually amazing how much information is packed into just a few pages (ok, few to me lol).

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars-- FIRE AND RAIN by R. K. Lilley is the fifth installment in the multi-authored RISING STORM novella serial focusing on the town and people of Storm, Texas.

FIRE AND RAIN follows several relationships including Travis Salt’s ongoing affair with Kristen leaving his depressed and distraught wife Celeste to suffer with the loss of her son Jacob Salt. Celeste’s grief is overwhelming and pushing away the people in her life. As Celeste spirals out of control, her family plans a failed intervention while Travis heads out of town to spend time with his mistress.

Hector Alvarez begins to reassert his authority and power over his wife Joanne while their daughter Dakota blames her mother for everything that has gone wrong in their lives. Chase Johnson reveals the truth about his diagnosis to the woman he loves and in return Anna Mae talks about the child they loss. Marcus and Brittany take their relationship to the next level knowing their time together is threatened by the Senator’s goals.

FIRE AND RAIN is once again filled with anxiety and conflict; spousal abuse; and infidelity in a town where everyone is focused on everyone else’s business. Hector’s return brings controversy and fear, with potential catastrophic results. The toxic family relationships are hostile and frightening.

It is always difficult to review serial story lines but I was given the opportunity to read all eight installments in a single setting. Serials written by one author rarely change in tone or structure from one installment to the next, and yet, this multi-authored serial felt as though it was written by one author alone. The blending between installments was smooth and even; effortless and efficient in presentation.

I recommend reading the serial in order beginning with Season One before venturing into Season Two-there are too many stories and questions revealed with each consecutive installment.

RISING STORM Season two continued to follow the soap-opera stylings of the late night serials that focused on fame, fortune, power and control. The people of Storm Texas were caught up in a bubble of hatred, secrets, lies and betrayal such that they couldn’t see past the pain and suffering of several of their own. The eight installments of Season Two, like Season One, flowed smoothly between the numerous authors’s writing styles; there were no obvious hiccups or problems with the story line plot, structure, or premise.

copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happened to the Salt family was heartbreaking. No parent should have to bury their child. The real tragedy however is that what should have united them broke them apart. Lacey is the real casualty because in one fell swoop, she lost her brother, mother and father. Her sense of security was broken and left her spiraling out of control. Fire and Rain sees Lacey trying to get her life back on track by owning up to her mistakes and working to move on from them. There is so much going on this series that some great characters get lost in the shuffle. I hope to see more of Lacey in future reads.

[Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Diana Ricketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the story lines I have been waiting to read. This deals with the family of Jacob Salt and how they continue to grieve for him. This book made me feel compassion for Lacey. She is truly the one who is suffering and her attitude compared to season one has done a turn around. She lost her brother, her friends dislike her, her mother is severely depressed and her father is absent due to his affair that has him away from the home more often than at home. She truly has no one to go to for support. Travis and Kristin continue their affair (even go so far as a weekend getaway) but I am beginning to feel that it's not going where Kristin wants it to go and she seems like she could become unstable if he doesn't leave Celeste for her. I am still waiting on pins and needles to see that affair blow up in their faces. The other story lines continue to intrigue and warm up for the final climax.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This episode by RK Lilley is bringing so much to a the climax of the story. The focus is the Salt family, and we see Celeste spiraling downward. She is not dealing with the death of Jacob and the result is Travis wandering more and more into Kristen's arms. Kristen, though tired of being the other woman is relishing in a weekend away, but something happens there that I wonder may haunt this couple as the weeks go on. Chase and Annie have a heart to heart, I love this couple, while not prominent in the story, they bring a sweetness forward. Hector continues his wrath, just waiting for him to blow up and Dakota continues on her bratty way, but a friend comes to her with some good conversation and sage advice. Natalie Ross really brings this set of characters to life.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This episode deals with the extreme fallout that Celeste is going through after the loss of Jacob and things are rapidly reaching a breaking point for her to where she is going to need to get help. Travis is torn on feeling a duty to take care of his wife, dealing with his own loss and trying to keep his affair from being the next scandal to rock storm. There is a lot going on in that family and I somehow don't see a lot of resolution coming anytime soon for them because its pretty complicated. 


Another Salt dealing with some complex  situations is Lacey, in just a short time she has lost her brother, seen the decline in her parents marriage, destroyed her relationship with her best friend and fooled around with her best friend's boyfriend, once she hears about what Mallory is going through with Hector's return Lacey feels like she should put aside her pride and be there for her best friend, even if said friend wants her there or not. 


Anna Mae and Chase are starting to rebuild their relationship and to me this is the ultimate second chance romance storyline, he's been away for years and she's never loved anyone else, there are still somethings that have yet to be revealed but they are definitely making a start at fixing things. 


The episode ends on a violent note and there was so much of those last few pages that was hard to read, to where if you are sensitive to these issues I would definitely take care reading the ending of the episode. Joanne is not just accepting the status quo anymore and you have to admire that, but Hector and Dakota disgust me. I don't know if they will ever find redemption from me in the course of this series. Dakota maybe at some point but Hector? . . . Not happening. 

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://melenasreviews.wordpress.com

The prodigal son has returned and boy never thought the mayor of Storm, Texas will have a brother like Chase. Those two are so opposite yet in so many ways resemble Tucker and Tate. One is destined for the ranch life and the other has big dreams in music. I loved though that Chase has never forgotten about his woman and through everything that has happened he is fighting to get Anna Mae back in his life. Now Lacey I am happy to see that she is making a change in her life and sees what she did was wrong. If only Dakota can see this too. So many things happening in the wake of Jacobs death this is one season you don`t want to miss in Storm, Texas.

[Tara Dorough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow the episodes are starting to heat up. Fire and Rain, episode 5, Season 2 of Rising Storm really heats up. The town's affair takes a new step, Marcus and Britney advance their relationship and Hector is showing his sadistic side to everyone. This episode will have you on the edge of your seat and ready for more. You'll have to immediately start the next episode to see what's next. I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Paulette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fire and Rain, is the 5th episode of Season 2 of the Rising Storm series. This series is such an easy series to read. You just need a few hours and find yourself immersed in the books wanting to know what happens next to the people from Storm, Texas.
There were a lot of characters and further progression of the storyline in this book. It included poor, distraught, Celeste, still having a hard time coping with Jacob's loss. Her daughter, Lacey, trying to find ways to bring her mother out of her downward spiral of depression, wanting to do something to honor and remember her brother. Potential hope that her relationship with her ex-best friend Mallorry might have signs of a spark of reconciliation.
I love Marcus and Brittany's characters and am pulling for them that their relationship can survive her father and grandmothers interference. Not sure how I feel about Kristen and Travis's relationship. I'm not one for cheating.
Let's not forget the Alvarez family with Hectors return. That man is pure evil! Dakota is not that great either. Hopefully someone, maybe Patrick, can turn her around. I hope Joanne is able to become stronger and stand up to Hector and find a way to escape from his abusive ways.
Ready to read the next book and see how things progress.

[Sherry Bohrmueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book has Hector really going over the edge. Dakota needs a time out! This book was ready to burst with all the action that was taking place in Storm. Loved it!!

[Ash P Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

** spoiler alert **As Celeste goes further down the slippery slope of depression, Lacey begins to realize all the ways she contributed to the mess in place. Travis continues to comfort himself at Kristin's expense. Marcus and Britanny struggle to find common ground, the presence of his father making things even more stressful. Chase and Anna Mae find that their love never died but the secrets they hold within may be the last nail in the coffin.

ARC provided in exchange for and honest review.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...


Rising Storm Season 2 was a great 5 star read.

Fire and Rain:
Celeste is still struggling with the death of her son Jacob. Travis is continuing to see Kristin and keeps making the promise that he will leave Celeste when she’s better.
Kristin is starting to realize that Travis may never leave.
Lacey is starting to miss her friends, she is regretting how she acted. Could there be hope of a reconciliation? She finds a great way to start healing and hopes it will also help others.
Marcus and Brittany seem to be getting closer, she is trying to be a support for Marcus. Marcus continues to worry about his mother.
Chase and Anna Mae take another step forward by revealing their secrets to each other.
Dakota, ugh. She continues to blame her mother for all her problems. And daddy is right on board with her, only she doesn’t see what happens behind closed doors. I feel so bad for Joanne. How far will Joanne go to protect her children, will she survive?


ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

[Vagabonda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strap yourself in for the bumpy ride that is Fire and Rain. Author R. K. Lilley delivers up a tension filled, gripping novella in Episode 5 of the second season of the Rising Storms Series.

Hector Alvarez continues to terrorize his family, that is all except his self-centered daughter, Dakota (aka the Town Pariah), who refuses to see the truth about her father’s abusive ways. Dakota isn’t the only resident of Storm with a skewed outlook — pitiful Kristen Douglas is still playing house with the wimpy (and bordering on despicable)Travis Salt. Celeste, Travis’s long suffering wife continues to slide into a seemingly endless pit of grief, while their daughter, Lacey begins to question her own behavior.

Choices are being made and actions are taken that will change lives forever. Can Marcus and Brittany survive the interference of that old bat, Marylee Rush? Will Chase and Anna Mae finally lay all their cards on the table and Texas Two-Step their way into the sunset? Is there anyone, anyone left to help Joanne Alvarez? Can a bench under a tree act as a beacon for rekindling friendships once thought lost?

Be prepared to have your heart in your throat for Fire and Rain.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Fire and Rain, Travis is straying further from his wife, Celeste, who seems to be falling deeper and deeper into depression. Payton has a feeling her brother-in-law is cheating on her sister, but she's more concerned about Celeste's downward spiral. Kristen, on the other hand, begins to have doubts that Travis will ever leave Celeste.

Lacey is finally realizing how much she lost by the way she acted out, and now all she wants are her friends back but she doesn't know how to go about fixing what she did. Chase and Anna Mae reveal their secrets to one another.

Dakota is back to being the Dakota of Season One, blaming her mother for not getting a job. She does, however, start to have thoughts that maybe her father isn't the hero she's always made him out to be, but she's having a hard time believing that could really be true. It's going to be interesting to see if Dakota finally sees her father for who he truly is.

**An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Andrea (mrsaubergine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the raunchiest episode so far this season. Marcus and Brittany finally get some alone time, and I'm certainly rooting for them to have a HEA. Things look pretty bleak at the Alvarez house, but at least Joanne is having moments where she stands up for herself. There's hope there, and also with the possible thawing of relations between Mallory and Lacey, and with Dakota finally questioning her father's behaviour. I'm not a fan of the Travis/Kristen storyline, but something's going to have to be done to snap Celeste out of her grief.

R.K. Lilley is new to the series and a new author for me. Her writing fitted into the series seamlessly. Keen to get on to the next installment.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does Dakota finally start to see things for the way they are? Have Travis and Kristin turned a corner where they will either be found out or together as she hopes? Can Chase and Anna Mae now move forward after revealing their secrets? Can Lacey and Mallory rekindle their friendship and will Celeste's mother and sister be the ones to bring her out of such depression and loss?
Episode 5 is the book that gives us just enough to sustain readers but not quite enough to see what will unfold.
Will the tenderness and love between one couple be enough to fight off their families and let them be or the compassion between two woman be the epitome of something more....
This season does not disappoint and at each turn of the page you grow more and more anxious to see what happens.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC in exchange for an honest review. Fire and Rain by R. K. Lilly is episode 5 of season 2 of the Rising Storm series. In this book we see how badly Celeste Salt is handling the death of her son, Jacob as her daughter Lacey steps up. Travis in the meantime, continues to stray farther from his family and into the arms of his mistress. Chase finally comes clean with Anna Mae about his health and she shares her own decades old secret with him. Joanne's life has become unbearable with Hector's return and Dakota is forced to see some truths about her father.

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Fire and Rain things are getting worse by the minute in the Alvarez house household and Dakota continues her never ending downward spiral.

Travis continues to stray further and further from Celeste. Lacey has to step up to the plate anyone's up with a brilliant idea for her brother Jacob.

Lacey is starting to realize that maybe Travis is just stringing her along and will never do what he promised.

Chase and Anna Mae finally come clean with each other and their once broken hearts become whole again.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Celeste Salt continues to plummet into a deeper depression, her husband Travis grows closer to his mistress Kristin. Their daughter Lacey is starting to get her head back on straight after her melt-down following her brother's death, and realizes she misses her friends.

The fallout of Hector Alvarez coming home continues to unravel.

Chase and Anna Mae share some secrets in order to make their reunion with each other start on a solid foundation.

[Karen Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a grieving mother falls deeper into the depth of despair, a cheating husband makes promises to keep his affair alive, and feuding brothers air their dirty laundry in public.
 
Things in Storm, Texas are definitely heating up and the fallout of so many indiscretions continue to fuel the fire.
 
Edge of your seat reading will have you clamouring for much, much more!

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

We get to see more of the Salt and Alvarez families in this book. Dakota’s obliviousness is almost unbelievable though perhaps she is starting to wise up. Joanne is in a bad situation and I hope she comes out of it well. These books are blending well together.

*I received and arc in exchange for an honest review*

Original review posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogsp...

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacey begins to question her behavior after her brother's death. Hector continues his reign of terror towards his family, and Dakota still is oblivious. Choices are being made and relationships will be tested.

[Bookgrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come on release day

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and surprises. Great read. Intriguing series.

[Brenda Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series. It's better than tv ... Cannot wait to know what going to happen next