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Storm's Passion
SHE MADE A PROPOSAL...Life struck Storm Graham a shattering blow when she learns her father has bartered her to a man she detests. Storm is beautiful, self–assured and fiercely independent, and refuses to be a pawn in her father’s schemes, yet she can find no way out of this bargain made in hell. Going on the offensive she asks the wealthiest man on the eastern coast of England to marry her, never believing she might fall in love. HE TRIED TO REFUSE...For Hadden Johnston life has provided everything he ever wanted, including a sanctuary for homeless children. He is wealthy, handsome and happily unencumbered...until stunning Storm Graham marches into his life and proposes a marriage of convenience. Yet this type of marriage to a woman who inflames his senses is far from acceptable. If he’s going to be tied down, he will move heaven and earth to have this woman warming his bed.
- GenresHistorical Romance
265 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 28, 2014
Storm's Passion by Christine Young is a 2014 Rogue Phoenix Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The set-up
When Storm's father barters her away and shows himself to be a truly greedy and selfish man, I immediately felt anger on Storm's behalf. I didn't blame her one bit for threatening to jump off a cliff if she were forced to marry Charles Robertson, the meanest man around. But, the deal her father made with Charles is legal and binding, so unless Storm really intends to make good on her threat, she has very little choice.
There is one small chance she can break the contract- by marrying someone else and fast. There is one man who just might be willing to strike a deal with her, a man who is no more interested in getting married than Storm is... Hadden Johnston.
Hadden is a very wealthy man who has decided he would never fall in love again after having his heart broken. When Storm comes to him for help, he feels bad for her situation, but declines to marry her. When he sees the situation is basically hopeless, he relents and agrees to a marriage in name only. But, when Charles discovers Storm has married he vows to see the marriage annulled since he suspects the marriage has not been consummated. The only way to prove the marriage is legitimate is for Storm to become pregnant. Can she convince Hadden to make their marriage legal and binding in every way?
What didn't quite work:
For some reason the cover art gave me the wrong impression of the book to begin with. Showing upper body only, and with the tattoo, it had me thinking the book was a contemporary romance. At a glance I think the book buyer may feel mislead. (There was no attire indicating a historical setting, and the title doesn't give us a clue either. )
The time period is not mentioned, nor is the location, exactly. This bothered me from start to finish. I had no idea how authentic the story was since I had nothing to go by. The book does state the setting is in England, but it felt more like an American western with all the horses, stables and a few too many fires. The attire, the language, the landscapes, nothing gave me the indication England was the setting except for some uniquely British phrases tossed in here and there. There were a few other words used that were too modern for an historical novel. ( Using modern words in historical settings is far too common these days and it is one my all time pet peeves) I eventually put this in the back of my mind and tried to stay focused on the plot.
What did work:
I couldn't help but admire Storm's strength and determination to keep herself away from a man she knew would mistreat her and could eventually put her in her grave. She had to face her own demons and despite the battle she had to wage, she eventually won the war.
I also admired Hadden who was unable to see Storm married off to a brute, even though this was not the type of marriage he wanted. While he did stand to gain some profit from Storm's horses, he didn't really need the money. He loves children and desperately wanted a family of his own. So, even though it looked as though he would never have that, fate had things under control all along. This couple may never have experienced the love and happiness they did if it hadn't been for Storm's refusal to bend to the rules of a man's world. They got off to a slow start, neither of them were in love, not even a little, when they married, but that changes of course, and the chemistry between them goes from cold to hot in no time. So, although the story has a few niggling problems here and there, it was still an enjoyable read, a nice unconventional spin on the marriage of convenience. Plus, I think this couple will have some interesting stories to tell their children and grandchildren.
The set-up
When Storm's father barters her away and shows himself to be a truly greedy and selfish man, I immediately felt anger on Storm's behalf. I didn't blame her one bit for threatening to jump off a cliff if she were forced to marry Charles Robertson, the meanest man around. But, the deal her father made with Charles is legal and binding, so unless Storm really intends to make good on her threat, she has very little choice.
There is one small chance she can break the contract- by marrying someone else and fast. There is one man who just might be willing to strike a deal with her, a man who is no more interested in getting married than Storm is... Hadden Johnston.
Hadden is a very wealthy man who has decided he would never fall in love again after having his heart broken. When Storm comes to him for help, he feels bad for her situation, but declines to marry her. When he sees the situation is basically hopeless, he relents and agrees to a marriage in name only. But, when Charles discovers Storm has married he vows to see the marriage annulled since he suspects the marriage has not been consummated. The only way to prove the marriage is legitimate is for Storm to become pregnant. Can she convince Hadden to make their marriage legal and binding in every way?
What didn't quite work:
For some reason the cover art gave me the wrong impression of the book to begin with. Showing upper body only, and with the tattoo, it had me thinking the book was a contemporary romance. At a glance I think the book buyer may feel mislead. (There was no attire indicating a historical setting, and the title doesn't give us a clue either. )
The time period is not mentioned, nor is the location, exactly. This bothered me from start to finish. I had no idea how authentic the story was since I had nothing to go by. The book does state the setting is in England, but it felt more like an American western with all the horses, stables and a few too many fires. The attire, the language, the landscapes, nothing gave me the indication England was the setting except for some uniquely British phrases tossed in here and there. There were a few other words used that were too modern for an historical novel. ( Using modern words in historical settings is far too common these days and it is one my all time pet peeves) I eventually put this in the back of my mind and tried to stay focused on the plot.
What did work:
I couldn't help but admire Storm's strength and determination to keep herself away from a man she knew would mistreat her and could eventually put her in her grave. She had to face her own demons and despite the battle she had to wage, she eventually won the war.
I also admired Hadden who was unable to see Storm married off to a brute, even though this was not the type of marriage he wanted. While he did stand to gain some profit from Storm's horses, he didn't really need the money. He loves children and desperately wanted a family of his own. So, even though it looked as though he would never have that, fate had things under control all along. This couple may never have experienced the love and happiness they did if it hadn't been for Storm's refusal to bend to the rules of a man's world. They got off to a slow start, neither of them were in love, not even a little, when they married, but that changes of course, and the chemistry between them goes from cold to hot in no time. So, although the story has a few niggling problems here and there, it was still an enjoyable read, a nice unconventional spin on the marriage of convenience. Plus, I think this couple will have some interesting stories to tell their children and grandchildren.
September 26, 2014
Originally posted at Bunny's Review
This book starts out strong with Storm stating to her father that she had rather jump off a cliff than be married to who he picked. I can understand why Storm states this. Her father is nothing but a wastrel who is more concerned with where the next drink will be poured then any true feelings he has for his daughter.
This was not the classic bodice ripper novel from the 80’s but it was not the historical romance written today where characters are having sexual encounters by chapter 3. These characters actually waited until after the marriage to have sex. Then the encounter was more glossed over. For this reader this is a true gem of a book. I am not trying to sound prude but for me sex is great in contemporary romance early but never in a historical romance.
The only thing keeping this book from being 5 stars is I never fully figured out where the story was located. One moment I felt they were near the ocean in England then the next I felt they might be an island near England. The author makes references to London and a Duchess but never states how far away London might be.
I recommend this book to any who enjoy historical romance.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
This book starts out strong with Storm stating to her father that she had rather jump off a cliff than be married to who he picked. I can understand why Storm states this. Her father is nothing but a wastrel who is more concerned with where the next drink will be poured then any true feelings he has for his daughter.
This was not the classic bodice ripper novel from the 80’s but it was not the historical romance written today where characters are having sexual encounters by chapter 3. These characters actually waited until after the marriage to have sex. Then the encounter was more glossed over. For this reader this is a true gem of a book. I am not trying to sound prude but for me sex is great in contemporary romance early but never in a historical romance.
The only thing keeping this book from being 5 stars is I never fully figured out where the story was located. One moment I felt they were near the ocean in England then the next I felt they might be an island near England. The author makes references to London and a Duchess but never states how far away London might be.
I recommend this book to any who enjoy historical romance.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
March 26, 2021
Love controlled?
This is the very 1st book I've ever read by Christine zYoung. It captured me from the very beginning and I am hooked. A very gripping and exciting tale. A must read.
This is the very 1st book I've ever read by Christine zYoung. It captured me from the very beginning and I am hooked. A very gripping and exciting tale. A must read.
October 29, 2014
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
I liked this book more than I thought I would. I'm not usually one to read books of naked men on the cover but that just goes to show you shouldn't judge a book by it. I liked the plot of this story, it wasn't elaborate or anything, but just enough to keep things interesting and making the reader want to read more. The chemistry between Storm and Hadden was well developed.
I did however have to overlook some things in this book. I felt like the setting was never really set. I knew they were in England in the 1800's but as to what era and where in England were lost to me. The characters also didn't really sound English to me but instead sounded more American. The use of the terms, "bloody hell" were used a little too often and seemed to be the only terms used to show the character's were British. With all that said...I really did enjoy this book. None of that kept me from enjoying it or wanting to put it down. The characters were developed enough and the story moved along so nicely I just overlooked the shortcomings.
If you like romance novels this would be a great read for you! I would also say readers who like historical romance novels would enjoy this book, just be willing to over look some things!
I liked this book more than I thought I would. I'm not usually one to read books of naked men on the cover but that just goes to show you shouldn't judge a book by it. I liked the plot of this story, it wasn't elaborate or anything, but just enough to keep things interesting and making the reader want to read more. The chemistry between Storm and Hadden was well developed.
I did however have to overlook some things in this book. I felt like the setting was never really set. I knew they were in England in the 1800's but as to what era and where in England were lost to me. The characters also didn't really sound English to me but instead sounded more American. The use of the terms, "bloody hell" were used a little too often and seemed to be the only terms used to show the character's were British. With all that said...I really did enjoy this book. None of that kept me from enjoying it or wanting to put it down. The characters were developed enough and the story moved along so nicely I just overlooked the shortcomings.
If you like romance novels this would be a great read for you! I would also say readers who like historical romance novels would enjoy this book, just be willing to over look some things!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews