For Zara Whitley, a reluctant offer from rancher Matthew Caldwell erupts into an afternoon of illicit pleasure during a thunderstorm. But her joy suddenly turns to heartache as Matthew decides to put an end to the relationship before it begins and before she has a chance to inform him of her pregnancy.When the Montana widower learns that the woman who has been as much a friend and a temptation to him is carrying his child, his lust and desire to slake his needs inside her ripe little body escalates, but can he overcome the guilt he deals with at his wife’s death and show Zara that his heart is truly hers for the taking?
Key word in this book (SEED) they said that word so many times. This was an interesting read, Matt treated Zara a little harsh. But, I then took a step back and said, "well, if my spouse died and before she died she thought I was cheating I would be in a crappy mood as well with alot of guilt". Zara seemed very weak at times. She was so innocent in many ways that it made her seem weak. But then again I don't want to confuse her feelings as weak, she really cared for Matt before he even realizes this. Even though Matt was married and he had issues with his marriage, I'm glad neither Matt or Zara did anything. Sometimes people can't help who they fall in love with; even though Zara was trying to maintain a friendship with Matt during his marriage is asking for trouble. Matt only saw Zara as a friend in the beginning but then along the way it became more. There sex life was outrageous at times but still steamy.
Nothing says 'love story' like an emotional cheater and weak, needy female. Ugh. Didn't like him from the start of the book and liked him less as it went on. Sadly it was the same with her. Not a fan in real life or books of women that are unable to find single, unattached men to be attracted too. I don't care if they are 'unhappy' in the relationship, as long as they are in one at the very least, you should back the hell off and show some respect for yourself. Barely got through the book and rather wished I had decided to quiet while I was ahead.
The use of the word 'seed' throughout the story got on my nerves. Zara irked me. I despised the fact that she kept damn near throwing herself at him, even when she knew he needed time and she needed to step back a little
This is a passionate story of destined lovers and the turmoil and heartbreak that they endure to finally get to where they belong: together.
Matthew Caldwell and Zara Whitley became instant friends. Theirs was a friendship filled with obstacles and problems, the biggest being Matthew’s wife, Kristin. Vicious rumors and ugly innuendoes were starting to take form around them. After an unfortunate encounter, Matthew breaks off his relationship with Zara for good. He will not break his vows to his wife, even though they are heading for divorce. After a tragic accident and a year apart, Zara tries to rekindle their acquaintance. Matthew is not over the heartbreaking loss of his wife and cannot accept Zara’s kind words and friendship.
Matthew is a confused soul. He would like nothing more than for his marriage to work, but he knows it never will. Coming to the realization that his marriage is over is hard on him, but the painful decision is made and he needs to move on. There is comfort and ease in his friendship with Zara, but he feels guilty because he has romantic feelings for her. He quickly ends their relationship, but he cannot stop thinking and wanting her.
Zara has always loved Matthew. Since he was married, she was content to just be his friend. One day he almost kisses her and he immediately ends things with her even though she did nothing wrong. Devastated and sad, she moved on, never forgetting her best friend. Her pain doesn’t end there; her life is ruined by hateful lies spread by Kristin. She refuses to allow the lies to ruin her life, so she holds her head up high and carries on.
Riding the Storm takes place after they reunite during a thunderstorm. It is a chance for a new beginning, but they can’t seem to make it work. This story tells of their agonizing journey back to each other. It is gripping and well written. The emotions Ms. Hunt develops are poignant. While I was reading; I felt anger, frustration and hopelessness, but then I’d turn the page and feel joy, happiness and love. I enjoyed that Zara was able to mature from her relationship with Matthew and do what was best for her. Matthew continually frustrated me, but in the end he grabbed my heart and burrowed in.
Riding the Storm is an enjoyable read that will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Hold on tight for a tantalizing ride!
Insert noun + preposition + verb + SEED. <~that's every tenth sentence of this book it seems. SEED, SEED, SEED! ....and now I'm craving some seeduction bread from Wholefoods ~sigh~ Despite my low ratings I actually REALLY like Delilah Hunt's books. The three that I've read so far are delicious girl-spank-bank worthy! However, Everything falls apart around the plot and Hunt's characterizations. Fun read! XP
I enjoyed this book a lot, mostly because I think the author did a good job with the characters' feelings considering the length of the story. Matthew was a mess emotionally but he eventually learned to move past prior events. Zara I really liked because she was sweet instead of feisty but she wasn't a doormat. There was just enough of outside sources as obstacles as well as Matthew's own demons, to make the conflict organic.
I am looking forward to the story of Matthew's cousin, Caleb, that is introduced in this book. I like him.
I've seen the complaints by some about Ms. Hunt's descriptions of the sex scenes. I didn't find it any more "gross" than other sex scenes I've read even with the archaic 'seed' terminology used by cowboy Matthew. I can see how others would be turned off by it but I just felt it fit with Matthew's character to verbalize his feelings that way regarding what he found sexy or wanted to do to Zara. He had a very primitive way of speaking about what he considered sex to be. I would assume from country and ranch living, so I just chalked it up to it. Different strokes.
(This review was originally written for Nocturne Romance Reads)
"Riding the Storm" by Delilah Hunt was dark and steamy emotional read that was both enthralling and filled with many emotions from page one! The story was a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end with all the excitement and despair, lust and guilt, passion and pain in between for both the main characters, Matt and Zara.
While the love scenes between the main characters are smoking hot, there is much more to this tale than just what is between the sheets! It is clear from the beginning of the story that both Matt and Zara have a great deal of emotional issues both together and apart, yet they are both drawn together in the midst of great tragedy and life altering events and the passion that is kindled within both of them cannot be denied. But is their passion enough ot overcome their differences and emotional hang-ups or do they just need to go their separate ways?
"Riding the Storm" was a great afternoon read for Contemporary fans alike or fans who enjoy emotional and erotic stories.
The characters in this story got my attention early in the book. Mathew has issues! He took it out on Zara but she stood up to him and let him know how she felt. She eventually succeeded in getting Mathew to admit his feelings. It was a good story, but I really disliked Mathew. He was a real jerk and kind of wimpy for a while.
Another of my favorite authors. Zara and Matthew's story. Their journey of love is a real emotional roller coaster. Zara should get a medal for her patience in waiting for her man to step up and grasp the love!! Another great intense read. Delilah always gets me from page 1 - just how I love it! Great read!
This was a cute read that I truly enjoyed. I thought that the two main characters really liked each other and worked through their conflicts to finally be together. I don't want to say too much more so I don't give the story away..... Recommended!
I thorough enjoyed this book, read it in one day! Matt and Zara did nothing when Matt's wife was alive, so both hooking up after her death was ok by me. Lots of sex but its between both heroine and hero so I was ok with it. Enjoyable satisfactory read.