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Taken by Storm
When Storm Dalton, sexy quarterback and heartbreaker, throws her over his shoulder and vows to marry her, Julia McCarver is determined to keep her old flame out of her life forever
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
85 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Tami Hoag
116 books6,072 followersTami Hoag is the #1 internationally bestselling author of more than thirty books published in more than thirty languages worldwide, including her latest thrillers—BITTER SEASON, COLD COLD HEART and THE 9TH GIRL. Renowned for combining thrilling plots with character-driven suspense, Hoag first hit the New York Times Bestseller list with NIGHT SINS, and each of her books since has been a bestseller.
She leads a double life in Palm Beach County, Florida where she is also known as a top competitive equestrian in the Olympic discipline of dressage. Other interests include the study of psychology, and mixed martial arts fighting.
Visit her at www.tamihoag.com, Facebook.com/TamiHoag and on Twitter @TamiHoag
She leads a double life in Palm Beach County, Florida where she is also known as a top competitive equestrian in the Olympic discipline of dressage. Other interests include the study of psychology, and mixed martial arts fighting.
Visit her at www.tamihoag.com, Facebook.com/TamiHoag and on Twitter @TamiHoag
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 4, 2013
I listened to this book as an unabridged audio. I would never have finished it as a paperback. Taken by Storm is an older series romance that has been reprinted and given the audio treatment. It doesn't deserve it. It deserves to stay tucked away as a relic of old on the shelves of a dusty used bookstore somewhere.
Here's the original cover.
Feel free to scour your tbr piles to see if you have it. Then do yourself a favor and remove it from your home. Or read it first and come back to yell at me if you love it.
So, what's it about? You're dying to know, right?
When the man who broke her heart three times shows up out of the blue with a marriage proposal Julia is steamin' mad. Apparently, S.T. (also known as Storm) has finally grown up and realized he's ready to settle down. He has his sights set on Julia because he's an egotistical jerk and no other woman will have him he has realized she is the only woman for him. He lurrrves her so very much. Unfortunately for Storm and his enormous ego, Julia hasn't sat around pining away for him and is engaged to another man. But Storm doesn't let that stop him from being a big overbearing boob and wooing her back into his bed. Ugh. Hell. No. This is not the stuff of which my romantic dreams are made of.
Everything about this book thoroughly and completely annoyed me. The dialogue was unbelievable and the story filled with cliches. The other man, a nice stable doctor type, is portrayed as a complete bore so the heroine will have an excuse to dump his lame-ass and the hero is just so over-the-top ridiculous that I wasn't buying what he was peddling.
There were many great little romances written in the 90's that deserve reprinting but this wasn't one of them.I listened to this book as an unabridged audio.
Here's the original cover.
Feel free to scour your tbr piles to see if you have it. Then do yourself a favor and remove it from your home. Or read it first and come back to yell at me if you love it.
So, what's it about? You're dying to know, right?
When the man who broke her heart three times shows up out of the blue with a marriage proposal Julia is steamin' mad. Apparently, S.T. (also known as Storm) has finally grown up and realized he's ready to settle down. He has his sights set on Julia because he's an egotistical jerk and no other woman will have him he has realized she is the only woman for him. He lurrrves her so very much. Unfortunately for Storm and his enormous ego, Julia hasn't sat around pining away for him and is engaged to another man. But Storm doesn't let that stop him from being a big overbearing boob and wooing her back into his bed. Ugh. Hell. No. This is not the stuff of which my romantic dreams are made of.
Everything about this book thoroughly and completely annoyed me. The dialogue was unbelievable and the story filled with cliches. The other man, a nice stable doctor type, is portrayed as a complete bore so the heroine will have an excuse to dump his lame-ass and the hero is just so over-the-top ridiculous that I wasn't buying what he was peddling.
There were many great little romances written in the 90's that deserve reprinting but this wasn't one of them.I listened to this book as an unabridged audio.
November 11, 2020
Wow! This book has NOT aged well. I know Hoag from her thrillers, and had no idea that she started in 'romance'. This is probably by far her most horrific story I have read. The male 'lead' is expert at stalking, manipulating, harassment, at sexual assault, and at gaslighting.
The female 'lead'? Why are her choices limited to the man who has abused her emotionally since high school, disappearing from her life whenever he was bored, or searching greener pastures and a milquetoast? Grow a pair, Julia - find a man who ignites passion, but also isn't stuck in adolescence.
Then there's the betrayal of her 'best friend', the 'inside man' working for the monster... but possibly because she really wants the milquetoast... or is it just his money.
I need a shower.
The female 'lead'? Why are her choices limited to the man who has abused her emotionally since high school, disappearing from her life whenever he was bored, or searching greener pastures and a milquetoast? Grow a pair, Julia - find a man who ignites passion, but also isn't stuck in adolescence.
Then there's the betrayal of her 'best friend', the 'inside man' working for the monster... but possibly because she really wants the milquetoast... or is it just his money.
I need a shower.
December 30, 2017
I knew it was older and a romance novel when I selected it so I have nothing negative to comment. It was a cozy, romantic, funny read. It was what I needed after the holiday madness. There is one scene with a dog and a bone that made me giggle out loud :)
April 25, 2019
Wow, this is what you get when you reread a book for the first time in over 20 years.
Recently I have been trying to reread some of the the old Harlequin/M&B stories that I can remember loving when I was in my late teens/early 20s. This was one of those books, and OMG, I am so mad at it.
Storm is a guy that has wrecked havoc on Julia's life. She is his transition relationship when he's feeling at a loss, and moving from one chapter of his life to another. From college football to the big leagues, from second string to starting lineup. Yet each time, he's dumped her and gone on to this exciting new endeavor. So when Storm is looking to retire, he's decided it's Julia he needs once more. But this time, she's engaged (to a boring Doctor), yet this doesn't stop him from almost waging war in trying to win her back. But oh, no, not in private, that would be too boring. He wages this pseudo-contest in public, with the media getting a ringside seat. Julia is hounded, basically accosted, and this idiot thinks nothing of pressuring her into dates at fundraising events, or just barging into her everyday life. Unfortunately, his fame has made this a public sport, with friends and strangers, supporting Storm in his efforts to win the heart of the fair Julia. Julia is at her wits end, and is feeling hunted by not only Storm, but the media, that she's heading towards a nervous breakdown. She says NO constantly, but this wingnut just won't take NO for an answer. He's even roped her best friend into being his inside source for where she's going to be!
Seriously, I was so mad reading this that I almost threw my iPad down. Okay, it was only on the bed, but I was so steamed that this was considered 'normal' for those romance books of the day. How I ever enjoyed this so much that I could recall the name and part of the storyline 20 years later is beyond me. He's almost a pinup for stalking behaviour. It's all about his want, desires, needs, and getting her to give up her job, her friends, and move to the isolation of a Montana ranch to have a family. It's on his schedule, and even though there are a few moments when he thinks that this isn't working, he doesn't have a serious talk to her, he just doubles down on whatever stupid prank spectacle he thinks will show her how much he wants her because he's spent a lot of money. He's a complete and utter douchecanoe, and it's a shame the plane crash didn't give him amnesia.
Sadly, although I read this ebook from my library, there's a ratty old paperback tucked away in a box somewhere in the family home. When I come across it one of these days, I may have a ceremonial burning of this bullshit book.
1 star
Recently I have been trying to reread some of the the old Harlequin/M&B stories that I can remember loving when I was in my late teens/early 20s. This was one of those books, and OMG, I am so mad at it.
Storm is a guy that has wrecked havoc on Julia's life. She is his transition relationship when he's feeling at a loss, and moving from one chapter of his life to another. From college football to the big leagues, from second string to starting lineup. Yet each time, he's dumped her and gone on to this exciting new endeavor. So when Storm is looking to retire, he's decided it's Julia he needs once more. But this time, she's engaged (to a boring Doctor), yet this doesn't stop him from almost waging war in trying to win her back. But oh, no, not in private, that would be too boring. He wages this pseudo-contest in public, with the media getting a ringside seat. Julia is hounded, basically accosted, and this idiot thinks nothing of pressuring her into dates at fundraising events, or just barging into her everyday life. Unfortunately, his fame has made this a public sport, with friends and strangers, supporting Storm in his efforts to win the heart of the fair Julia. Julia is at her wits end, and is feeling hunted by not only Storm, but the media, that she's heading towards a nervous breakdown. She says NO constantly, but this wingnut just won't take NO for an answer. He's even roped her best friend into being his inside source for where she's going to be!
Seriously, I was so mad reading this that I almost threw my iPad down. Okay, it was only on the bed, but I was so steamed that this was considered 'normal' for those romance books of the day. How I ever enjoyed this so much that I could recall the name and part of the storyline 20 years later is beyond me. He's almost a pinup for stalking behaviour. It's all about his want, desires, needs, and getting her to give up her job, her friends, and move to the isolation of a Montana ranch to have a family. It's on his schedule, and even though there are a few moments when he thinks that this isn't working, he doesn't have a serious talk to her, he just doubles down on whatever stupid prank spectacle he thinks will show her how much he wants her because he's spent a lot of money. He's a complete and utter douchecanoe, and it's a shame the plane crash didn't give him amnesia.
Sadly, although I read this ebook from my library, there's a ratty old paperback tucked away in a box somewhere in the family home. When I come across it one of these days, I may have a ceremonial burning of this bullshit book.
1 star
October 26, 2019
Read on a plane ride. Haven’t read a book like this in a while. I’m not a big romance reader but really fast and easy read. Had it so figured why not.
September 14, 2015
I like me an alpha hero as much as the next gal, but this guy was a bit ridiculous. Not that he was mean or a jerk or anything, but he got it in his head to be in this woman's life and no matter how much it upset her, he wouldn't take no for an answer. He irritated me.
The heroine's opinions and actions are PERFECTLY justifiable. This guy has romanced her and left her not once, not twice but three times. Three times he's walked out of her life and left her broken hearted. And he expects her to trust him within 3 weeks????? Yes, actually he does. So much so that he gets upset and angry that she won't drop everything (her job, her friends, her home) to move to a ranch in the middle of nowhere Montana. He gets upset that she can't sacrifice everything for him. And what is he sacrificing? Nothing. He gets to keep his home, his job and he gets the woman. I'd think after his past behavior, making him work for a few months or years would be perfectly reasonable. I think the biggest grand gesture he could make was to give up all his ideas of the future and let her decide (or even give her an infinite amount of time to come to terms with it) - but no, because then that doesn't tell him that she's finally learned to trust him.
And the friend Liz. Not so much of a friend really. I hate the friends in books like this that side with the hero and then turn spy so he can manipulate the heroine into being with him. I wouldn't count anyone as friend who sided with a guy who had hurt me three times! A real friend would have called the cops to get him out of the front yard when he suddenly showed up!
This book was irritating beyond belief.
The heroine's opinions and actions are PERFECTLY justifiable. This guy has romanced her and left her not once, not twice but three times. Three times he's walked out of her life and left her broken hearted. And he expects her to trust him within 3 weeks????? Yes, actually he does. So much so that he gets upset and angry that she won't drop everything (her job, her friends, her home) to move to a ranch in the middle of nowhere Montana. He gets upset that she can't sacrifice everything for him. And what is he sacrificing? Nothing. He gets to keep his home, his job and he gets the woman. I'd think after his past behavior, making him work for a few months or years would be perfectly reasonable. I think the biggest grand gesture he could make was to give up all his ideas of the future and let her decide (or even give her an infinite amount of time to come to terms with it) - but no, because then that doesn't tell him that she's finally learned to trust him.
And the friend Liz. Not so much of a friend really. I hate the friends in books like this that side with the hero and then turn spy so he can manipulate the heroine into being with him. I wouldn't count anyone as friend who sided with a guy who had hurt me three times! A real friend would have called the cops to get him out of the front yard when he suddenly showed up!
This book was irritating beyond belief.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
This read by Tami Hoag truly surprised me. I normally love the her books but found this one to be very unsatisfying. To be completely honest, I didn't finish this book. I merely read the first two chapters but thought this was more than sufficient to call it quits on this book. Why did she stray from her normal genre?!? I love her suspenseful mystery thrillers with a sprinkling of romance throughout, but this book, or at least the first two chapters were all about romance.
And the romantic couple is not even healthy. He is a selfish, manipulative, egotistical man and she a mere pawn that is weak and powerless when up against his manliness. The protagonist is written as merely a huge sexual organ without the strong will to resist this consuming force that has already broken her heart several times throughout her life.
Normally this author writes about smart, complex, at times willful women that seem real. This type of reading is just not to my liking but her other books are wonderful. I wonder when she wrote this; must of been early in her career before she found her voice and strength. Off to find another book by this author in order to once again fall in love with her characters, her style, and most importantly the strength of her females.
And the romantic couple is not even healthy. He is a selfish, manipulative, egotistical man and she a mere pawn that is weak and powerless when up against his manliness. The protagonist is written as merely a huge sexual organ without the strong will to resist this consuming force that has already broken her heart several times throughout her life.
Normally this author writes about smart, complex, at times willful women that seem real. This type of reading is just not to my liking but her other books are wonderful. I wonder when she wrote this; must of been early in her career before she found her voice and strength. Off to find another book by this author in order to once again fall in love with her characters, her style, and most importantly the strength of her females.
August 19, 2014
I picked this book up in the library of our vacation rental. It's like eating a bag of jelly bellies. Super sweet, a couple of nice surprises, but mostly unsatisfying. You know it isn't good for you and when you finish it you feel slightly sick to your stomach. I'm pretty sure I don't need to read anything from this author ever again.
April 3, 2020
I did not know that Tami Hoag wrote romance as I have only read her thrillers. According to the author’s note at the beginning of the story, Hoag began her career writing romance. Taken by Storm does follow the traditional format of a romance, leaving the storyline to be a predictable one. However, many of the images used by the author were beautifully written and reminded me of why Hoag is one of my go-to novelists. In addition, the humour of the story elicited a few chuckles from me.
I enjoyed the audio version of this book especially because the reader did an excellent job. Her voice and pitch for the story was perfect. I loved, too, that she changed her voice for the various characters – even taking on a Latino accent for one of the characters. Donna Rawlins’ interpretation of the text added another level of pleasure to my enjoyment of this novel.
Taken by Storm was the perfect story to take my mind off of the COVID-19 pandemic that was encroaching our borders at that time. It is a lighthearted, humorous read that is perfectly narrated. I recommend that this novel be added to your list of books to listen to.
I enjoyed the audio version of this book especially because the reader did an excellent job. Her voice and pitch for the story was perfect. I loved, too, that she changed her voice for the various characters – even taking on a Latino accent for one of the characters. Donna Rawlins’ interpretation of the text added another level of pleasure to my enjoyment of this novel.
Taken by Storm was the perfect story to take my mind off of the COVID-19 pandemic that was encroaching our borders at that time. It is a lighthearted, humorous read that is perfectly narrated. I recommend that this novel be added to your list of books to listen to.
May 23, 2017
While I generally enjoy the light-heartedness of Hoag's early romances, I didn't feel this one was a good as most. I just couldn't get past the fact that Julia had been left by him 3 times before and yet within a span of 2 weeks, she was supposed to accept that this time would be different. I could believe that he might have truly changed, but I thought it unreasonable for her to recognize and accept that change. I didn't really feel there was anything in the story to lead her to that trust. That being said, the characters were fun to meet and I did like Storm. I just felt like Julia wanted to be a stronger character than she actually was. And I also felt her friends romance was tacked on and unnecessary. I felt there were unexplored possibilities created by her friend "spying" for Storm and I kept waiting for a confrontation that never came. I'm not sorry that I read this one but I don't think it will go into my pantheon of books that I re-read a lot. Some of her others are much more well-rounded.
October 4, 2017
Picked this up at a used book sale at my local library after enjoying Cold, Cold, Heart. Was expecting another suspense mystery story, so was surprised to find this was a romance. It is a republished early book by this author that includes a forward by her where she compares romance and suspense, noting that both genres can include the two components she feels are necessary for every good story: "characters a reader can fall in love with, and a mystery." In the case of a romance, the mystery is the "puzzling maze of the human heart." The book was OK for the genre, just not what I was expecting!
March 25, 2019
This was a quick read. or rather a re-read, as I had read it years ago.
Not my favorite Tami Hoag at all - and I've read a bunch of her work.
This story was short and felt compressed. We didn't get time to fall for either Julia or Storm or see how they fell for each other.
There is a bit of cheating in here, but the story makes it feel like there isn't really a relationship to cheat on. I don't want to give spoilers, so I apologize for the non-description.
Not my favorite Tami Hoag at all - and I've read a bunch of her work.
This story was short and felt compressed. We didn't get time to fall for either Julia or Storm or see how they fell for each other.
There is a bit of cheating in here, but the story makes it feel like there isn't really a relationship to cheat on. I don't want to give spoilers, so I apologize for the non-description.
August 3, 2022
Haters got to hate and there are a lot of out there. Lighten up people.
I'm not big romance reader and I picked this up as an audio book. It was fun to listen to. Completely silly at times but also with well written sections and surprises. Obviously, ST is not a man for the 2020s but after almost three years of listening to friends tell me horror stories about online dating vis-a-vis COVID, this was no worse. It had a predictable happy ending. Don't forget the dog!
I'm not big romance reader and I picked this up as an audio book. It was fun to listen to. Completely silly at times but also with well written sections and surprises. Obviously, ST is not a man for the 2020s but after almost three years of listening to friends tell me horror stories about online dating vis-a-vis COVID, this was no worse. It had a predictable happy ending. Don't forget the dog!
January 12, 2019
30 years ago this would have been four or five star when women wanted to be swept off their feet but this day in age being kidnapped against your will in a world where you have a choice is frowned on. I did think her resistance was a bit over the top and unusual for someone to stay so guarded after so many attempts by ST to convince someone his love was true.
February 23, 2025
After shattering Julia’s heart more than once, can S.T. finally prove that he’s changed? Will he be able to convince her that this time, he’s here to stay—that he’s ready to build the family they’ve always dreamed of? And can Julia’s love for him overcome the deep fears of abandonment he’s left behind?
October 28, 2018
I like Tami Hoag better as an author of crime thrillers. I know she started her career as a romance writer, but she was obviously following a "formula." That being said, this book had some laugh out loud moments, which changed it from a 3 to a four.
March 11, 2021
Romance is not my thing
Tami Hoag does a wonderful mystery, this is just not my thing. Romance novels are the same exact theme just change the names and location and you’ve written a book.
Tami Hoag does a wonderful mystery, this is just not my thing. Romance novels are the same exact theme just change the names and location and you’ve written a book.
May 20, 2017
Predictable old fashion love story. I didn't hate it just got annoying at times.
September 23, 2017
This book was like a harlequin romance!!! No thinking needed and corny!!!! I can't believe that this was Tami Hoag's book
January 1, 2018
This was such a amazing book. I have to recommend this to everyone who loves romances and tami Hoag. S.t. Storm dalton is my fiction boyfriend. Hope you all enjoy this book like I did!!
May 9, 2018
Just a quick, cute book about a football player and an ER nurse who finally get together.
June 3, 2018
Good book, short and quick read.
July 9, 2018
this was a quick read of a sweet love story. I enjoyed it between reading psychological thrillers! a great change of pace for me!
March 20, 2019
Enjoyed listening to this audio book read by Dinna Rawlins.
April 24, 2019
Good read, the ending was kind of expected.
February 26, 2020
Light reading love story. Not my favorite, so only one star.
April 15, 2020
Another good book by Tami
Can't put her books down. Love the Minnesota connection. I'm on a Tami Hoag binge right now. So keep them coming
Can't put her books down. Love the Minnesota connection. I'm on a Tami Hoag binge right now. So keep them coming
July 16, 2021
This is an older romance novel that didn't age well. But overall, it was good enough but not great.
November 29, 2021
Good book, crazy twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews