Dark clouds are gathering for cocky storm chaser Oakley Pierce as she throws herself into a bruising Oklahoma tempest that will change the course of four lives.
Tracking her path is down-to-earth TV meteorologist Lana Monroe, who’d dearly love a commitment from her free-spirited partner, Oakley, after eight long years of absence and career sacrifice.
Buckled in with Oakley for the storm-chasing ride of a lifetime is butch, brave EMT Riley Gatlin. She can’t help but be drawn to the sweet newly divorced single mother Chloe Crawford, who seems as out of place in the group as she is sad.
As the weather closes in, the women are forced to face their worst fears and buried truths. Will two couples emerge from the damage and debris, or will they be torn apart?
A heart-pounding, action-packed lesbian romance that hurtles readers into the eye of the storm.
Rita Potter has spent most of her life trying to figure out what makes people tick. To that end, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and an MA in Sociology. Her favorite pastime is crawling around inside peoples’ brains. Her loved ones are grateful that she now has characters whose minds she can explore, so maybe she’ll stay out of theirs.
Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.
She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.
Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.
I picked this one since I’m currently on vacation in Oklahoma and thought it was appropriate. I liked all the characters and the story line was ok. The action was fine, not as intense as I was looking for.
I remember watching Twister for the first time when it came out in the Nineties. I had been so fascinated by the story that I had started informing myself about tornadoes and the F scale (back then, since nowadays it is replaced by the EF scale). Luckily, as much as these atmospheric events are fascinating to know about, I have never experienced one and the subsequent horrible destruction they cause to nature and humans alike. I don’t think I would have the strength to endure one, even from a distance, but reading about them? Feeling the adrenaline in an action and emotions packed book? Why not?
Through the Storms by Rita Potter is the first indie book published by the author. I loved her previous works Thundering Pines and Love or Hate, and I was sure I was going to enjoy also this one. I could already taste the action and the emotional turmoil from the cover, which gives you a pretty good indication of the journey you’ll experience, and which is gorgeous.
Together with her brother Asher, Oakley Pierce is the owner of Two Trees Storm Chasing, a company of storm chasers who organize tailored trips for those who would like to feel the excitement of witnessing storms from a front row seat. Incessant hail, rain, giant cumulonimbus clouds, hurricanes and tornadoes, Oakley has seen them all and discussed their forecasting with her longtime partner Lana Monroe, a renowned meteorologist at the local KOOK 13 weather channel. But after so many years of sharing dreams, their relationship seems to take a turn for a standstill before they can go further. A newly organized trip by Two Trees Storm will test their love for each other.
If you enjoy books that let you immerse yourself into the action, feeling the adrenaline on your skin, but also let you think about how lives are touched by natural events, then this is the book for you.
Rita Potter did a great job in plotting not only the storm chasing action, but also the storm that haunts the characters in the story. And while we get to read and learn all kinds of insightful information about tornadoes, we also experience how people navigate romantic, family and friendship relationships, whether they seem to be consolidated or in their first stages.
This is what I loved the most about the book, its variety in showing that love should never be taken for granted, should never be underestimated, but always cultivated. You always need to be alert and open to communication with your partner, to understand each other’s needs better. The insecurities each of us carry from our past are the obstacle that prevent us from letting others help us, take care of us, be proud of us, trust us, fall in love with who we are.
The main characters’ plots, Lana and Oakley and Riley and Chloe, are developed parallel to each other and after a while become interwoven through the happenings; and this “finding each other”, whether it is for friendship or love, is beautiful. It is a reminder that sometimes you can choose your own family of people to support you, and where your biological family failed you, you can succeed in making someone else’s life better. You are not your parents, you are not their errors, you are you. You can choose to be kind when others haven’t been to you. You are worthy, because of who you are, and you are enough.
What will I remember of Storm Chasing?
How responsible and protective Lana was, how much in need of recognition for her devotion to a cause. How she couldn’t resist the free-spirited Oakley and how Oakley is chasing a dream to prove herself worthy of love. How sometimes, you spend years with a person, and yet never know their deepest fears.
How gentle and romantic Riley was, and how sweet with everybody. How afraid of hurting and insecure of being worthy of love. She is probably my favorite character of the whole book. And Chloe, a loving mother who always put everybody’s needs before hers, and who doesn’t know anymore who she is. After years of psychological abuse, kindness is something that she can’t handle. Kindness makes her feel alive again and it scares her.
And… storm chaser tough companion Britt! She needs her own novel, please. I feel it would be a funny rom-com to read!
Not to forget how communities come together in case of natural disasters and the storm of a conscience being fascinated by such events, when they know the destruction they bring. But from the knowledge of them comes the possibility of helping to save lives.
4.5 stars for me! Entertaining, informative and heartfelt.
And, oh yes, I have been watching many YouTube storm chasing videos.
I am never disappointed when I read Rita's books. I fact everyone I have read is a favorite of mine. This one is too. We follow storm chaser Oakley Pierce and her company, along with guest storm chasers Riley and Chloe and Lana , Oakley' weather woman girlfriend. You feel as though you're right there chasing tornadoes. You also are in the midst of old and new relationships. The side characters are a hoot too. This deserves way more than 5 stars!
This book is an intense blend of romance and adventure. The storm-chasing backdrop is thrilling and the emotional journeys of the characters bring a deep, introspective layer to the story. The dynamics between Oakley and Lana, as well as Riley and Chloe, are both compelling and complex, exploring themes of love, commitment, and self-discovery. At times, the detailed descriptions of tornadoes and storm-chasing tactics can feel overwhelming, especially for readers less familiar with meteorology but the author clearly know what she’s talking about so I feel more educated on the subject.
I can't believe no one had thought to do this before, combine Twister and lesbians. But I'm here for it.
My favorite movie, and my favorite subject matter wrapped into one book. And we get, not just one pair of gaydies, but TWO!
This book was a roller coaster of emotion, and Potter wrote the emotional scenes so damn well. This book is full of conversations actual adults have. It feels so down-to-earth and refreshing to read.
The ending is a storm of action, and I was on the edge of my seat for the last 50 pages.
I loved everything about this book from start to finish. Chloey, Riley, Lana, and Oakley all earned places in my heart (but especially Oakley).
On a final note, FUCK DENNIS. I wish he'd died in a tornado.
I absolutely loved this book! Rita Potter wrote a wonderful book filled with very real, likeable characters. She had me laughing, crying and rooting for everyone’s HEA ❤️
I can’t say enough about why I enjoyed this story so much. There’s angst, drama, love, laughter, tears and more. The group of characters were all so unique and driven my different motives but man what a fun ride it was reading each perspective. There wasn’t a dull moment, the pacing was great and really picked up on the storm chasing front. You really got the sense of what each person was experiencing during the chase. While there are multiple storylines they all tie into each other. This is definitely one to give a chance.
I’ve always loved natural disaster stories and having a queer romance one I was sold straight away. I absolutely loved this story and characters. Especially Oakley her whole personality was so infectious. This was the first one I’ve read with a dual romance focus and then having a Hea was the cherry on top. This was the first work by this author I’ve read and will be checking out more of their works.
Just too much going on for me. Relationships in all guises, teenage daughter, failing relationship, all framed in tornados and TV studios. I need a lie down after this. Suffered as still emotionally involved with previous read, The Kite Flyer.
A Chasing Storm Story That Shoots Straight To The Heart!
Storm Chasing since watching Twister always intrigued me. So to see a book written by Rita, you knew it was going to be an exciting read. Oakley Pierce has been overcome with the need to prove herself worthy, if not to her unloving father but to her girlfriend Lana Monroe. Being a storm chaser and doing tours to teach how to learn from how tornadoes form and wanting so much to have her idea to punch the storm to get more data to prove her worth. Lana just wants her girlfriend to commit. They been together eight years and Oakley is more out than in. When a surprise that Oakley has been hiding reveals itself, to say Lana is deeply disappointed is understated to the demise of their relationship. Chloe Crawford joined this tour on a whim. Newly divorced and her ex demanded Chloe could have their daughter all the holidays but he gets her birthday. Her daughter is not so happy so Chloe needed to be away. Riley Gatlin is excited by this tour and the experience. She is an EMT and is obsessed with Oakley Pierce and the Two Trees Chasers. When she realizes her and Chloe are the singles of the group traveling with Oakley’s van, a connection is born. With Oakley and Lana, apart, trying to fix what happened before they left was hard but even harder was Riley controlling her developing feelings for Chloe as they become close. As tragedy strikes close to home, all hands are needed. Rita Potter has a way of taking excitement from an adventure and pouring loads of love in to make you swoon. I loved Twister but this was so much better!
Once again, Rita Potter hits it out of the park (yes I made a sports analogy in "honor" of a piece of her dialogue 😀). As usual, Rita's in depth characters are real humans with real flaws and fears, not plastic perfect shells. With this story you get the excitement of storm chasing (I learned a lot, too!) and the beautiful journey of not one but two couples. One couple, Oakley & Lana, has been together for years, but is struggling with connecting and dealing with some hidden issues. The other couple meet in the beginning of the story as participants of a storm chasing tour (I didn't even know there was such a thing!). Riley Is a butch EMT with some history, and Chloe is a recently divorced single mom with self esteem and confidence issues. Of course there are also interesting side characters, humor, drama, and excitement. Both of our couples have a great deal to learn about themselves and each other. We get the privilege through Rita's wonderful prose of learning along with them as they travel together through the storms.
I always look forward to Rita's new releases, and was extra excited for this one, it being her first since she decided to become an indie author. I was not disappointed. What a great story, featuring not just one, but TWO couples—one established and the other newly formed during the story. Centered around a storm chaser tour group, this story was one wild ride! I realized during one particularly harrowing chapter that I had been holding my breath for quite a bit until the situation was resolved and I knew all would be okay. The main characters are all great to get to know, faults and all, as well as the supporting characters who cracked me up several times. If you like a lot of action-adventure mixed with a couple of romantic storylines, then this is the book for you, so check it out!
I thought this was a fun, fast-paced story with two love stories running simultaneously. Oakley and Lana have been together for eight years and they both know the other is the one. Lana, however, has been waiting for a proposal and when Oakley’s surprise is something completely unexpected, Lana starts to seriously question their future. They are a great couple and two interesting characters on their own and it was entertaining watching their story unfold.
Two pairs wrangle their evolving relationships during a week of storm chasing. There is action, buckets of tears, personal revelations, emotional breakthroughs and friendships. It's a rollercoaster in the best way. Both relationships could use a little extra to put "Through the Storms" in the 5* territory.
This is my 2nd book by Potter and I've really liked both but I think this 1 may just edge it. What I really like about her books is its clears she does a ton of research. The key is Potter sprinkles it in throughout her stories which helps make it more natural, easier to take in and understand what happening within the story, if that makes sense. Your never swamped with an info dump or feel like u've been dupe into swallowing a txt book lol. The way potter does, I come away learning a few new things about cool subjects which is a major bonus. Volcanoes now Tornadoes, cant wait see whats next. There where 4 MC's in this 1. Oakley and Lana took a bit longer to warm to, maybe because more focus was on the other 2 but buy the end you got to understand them and couldnt help root for them. Riley and chloe where great. The connection, unfolding relationship, the ups and downs. Rita Potter has a nack for mixing great stories with intresting topics with top notch characters.
What an adventure! Through the Storms was electrifying and also educational. I always viewed storm chasers as adrenaline-seeking crazies who take inconsiderate risks, but I loved the Pierce twins’ approach.
I appreciated all the characters, except for Chloe’s ex-husband. The group was very lively, and their dynamics add charm to the story. I love how they make up a little family of their own. I thoroughly enjoyed how the story was structured. The last time I read a book with more than 2 POV traces back to my teenage years and the PJO series. Each character has their story and lives though the same even in a different way.
For me, Oakley is somewhere on the neurodivergent spectrum. Her excitement and passion bleed through the pages as well as her fear of losing Lana and the pain brought by that possibility. Lana is at her wits' end. She feels like she is not Oakley’s priority and that her love for storm chasing is bigger than her love for her. She is also conflicted and must reach a decision as the future of their relationship is uncertain. I love it when the author shows couples struggling to the point of questioning whether love is enough or not. Potter also shows how, even in long-term relationships, there are hurts and insecurities that are still unknown to the other. I felt sad for both of them.
Riley is a German Shepherd combined with a cinnamon roll. Her protectiveness over Chloe and how she handled Chloe’s freaking out is endearing. Her childhood story is quite sad, and I liked the fact that she let herself be vulnerable, which is not what people usually expect from people in her line of work. Chloe’s story is both upsetting and angering.It felt deeply personal, and I wanted to be able to get inside the book and punch her ex-husband in the face. He is an EF5 piece of crap. The damage he has done to Chloe’s self-esteem is undeniable. It was great to see her blossom. Chloe and Riley’s chemistry, how they instantly connected, and the care they have for each other is so cute that I had to stop myself from smiling.
The angst went beyond what I expected. I mean I never thought it would take that turn. I was holding my breath the whole time. If you want to go on an adventure while staying in the comfort of your home, go check out Through the Storms.
Dive into a whirlwind of emotions and adrenaline as this captivating tale unfolds. Witness the thrilling dance of tornado chasing intertwined with the intricate web of relationships. Lana and Oakley, Riley and Chloe four lives entwined in a symphony of passion and turmoil. The narrative grips you from the first page and never lets go, delivering a rollercoaster of action and intrigue.
Rita Potter's literary genius shines once again, reminiscent of the unforgettable characters from Broken Not Shattered. Their stories linger, etched in the soul long after the final page is turned. Riley's charm captivates Chloe, drawing them into a bond of shared secrets and struggles. The pace is relentless, keeping hearts racing with each turn of events.
At the crossroads of destiny, Lana and Oakley stand, their fates intertwined in ways unspoken. The storm of emotions mirrors the tumultuous storm chasing, adding layers of intensity to the narrative. Oakley's daring spirit dances on the edge of recklessness, a character etched in bold strokes of bravery and vulnerability.
Immerse yourself in the expertly crafted world where every word flows seamlessly, enveloping readers in a cocoon of friendship and discovery. Learn alongside the characters, as the secrets of tornadoes and human hearts unravel in harmony. Gratitude fills the air as the author's generosity is acknowledged, a testament to Rita's warmth and support.
Don't hesitate grab your copy today and embark on a journey of emotions and adventures. Rita's latest masterpiece awaits on Amazon, a beacon of literary excellence that promises an unforgettable experience. Trust the recommendation; this book is a gem waiting to be discovered. I would like to think the author for the advance copy of the book. It is now available on Amazon.
4 stars. So much going on but also SO much miscommunication which is my least favorite thing. Oakley and Lana are an established couple but they’re going through a really rough patch because they won’t communicate. That’s the entire crux of their issues and it drove me bonkers. I liked both characters and it was easy to see where they were both coming from but omg I wanted to shake them both.
On the other hand, Riley and Chloe’s miscommunication felt a bit more reasonable. They meet on the storm chasing tour and Chloe is straight, has a teenaged daughter, and her ex husband was emotionally and mentally abusive. I understood her hang ups and Riley has her own trauma from her past. I didn’t mind their story line at all and it was a really sweet romance between them. Riley was really good about giving Chloe space to figure things out which I loved.
The writing is really good. I think this is my first book by Potter and I have so many on my kindle that I will definitely be picking up more soon. Four stars for the writing, great cast of characters, and the lovely romance between Chloe and Riley.
I am fast becoming a big fan of Rita Potter, love her unique stories and realistic characters. This book has all of her signature witty and intense story telling with very tough and brave imperfect MCs. Very few sapphic romance books telling a story of what happened after the couple falling in love and moved in together. Like in real life, love needs candid communication and falling in love is much easier than staying in love years later. The book tells the romance of two couples, one in long term relationship but not exactly happy, the other with a dramatic toast oven trope. All of the characters are well written and very likable, each has her own doubts and struggle, but all are admirable and courageous, real heroines! The storm chasing and the rescue scenes are vivid, intense and heartwarming, along the way I learnt a few facts about tornados.
Who doesn't love a book set in the world of the tornado chaser?! Multiple characters travel in a minibus chasing tornadoes. There is angst in the relationship of chief chaser Oakley and weather girl(?) Lana. There's a budding relationship between 2 of the guest chasers, Riley and Chloe. All gets resolved along the way. There's a lot of disappointment in the beginning in the Oakley/Lana relationship. The sex in this book is all implied rather than explicit and the story does not suffer for that. There is of course excitement, fear, a daring rescue of a child and the death of a child. I am sure that I heard on a podcast that you were not meant to kill children off in romances. Or maybe it was babies and this one was ok because it was a teenager perhaps?! Anyway, I enjoyed this.
Beautifully written novel of love, insecurity, and drive to be the someone with which anyone could be proud. Oakley has two passions: Lana and Tornadoes. Their relationship suffered with Oakley’s insecurities. Their journey was tenuous for a while until they opened up and with Oakley’s courage, they began to come together. Added bonus: Tornado facts. I even purchased the Reed Timmer book, Into The Storm. Fascinating. The move was profoundly powerful. I enthusiastically, unequivocally, and whole heartily recommend this and all of Rita Potter’s works.
Wow this was intense! A great read with lots of angst.
Rita Potter has written a masterpiece with love, anxiety, very visual intensity and joy mixed to weave some magic. She took the time to develop her characters fully and intertwined them beautifully. She is adept at bringing life to people and situations. Laughter, hope and fear laced anxiety draws the reader in. Joy eventually wins out but it is a great ride to get there. Buy and share this book, it is living on my reread shelf!
3.25 - I've been trying to pick my way through this book for quite some time. I was looking for something sapphic and tornado-y after watching Twisters several times last year. The writing was a bit unpolished, like maybe it could've used another round of edits, but not bad! The plot was the real redeeming quality here. That took about 2/3 of the book to really pick up (though it's a shorter book so that's manageable). Ultimately I found the characters loveable and their emotions very real, just not handled with a lot of grace in the writing. A good quick read!
Yes, the book is kind of like the movie Twister but it better. Lana and Oakley are both tornado chasers but Lana went and become a meteorologist and together they help each other. Riley an EMT is going to chase tornados with the group but so is Chole a divorced single mom. Read what happens to this lively crew of women and how they over come the obstacles that enter act with there lives and how they changed during a tornado. Wonderful read
What a great adventure story this has been. Potter is becoming my go to author when I need some adventure in my life. The story revolves about tornado chasing and as well as being entertaining, it was also informative. I never realised the complexity of tornadoes or the destruction they can render to a community until I experienced one here in my home. Great read and well written. Next!
is blowing in this phenomenal book. An incredible adventure, stunning romance, and educational content. Exciting, devastating, heartbreaking, humorous, and so many more feelings all wrapped up in this wonderful book.
I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of research that must have gone into this one piece of art.
Really fantastic story - jokes about Twister aside, it's a high energy plot, with enough uncertainty and tension to make it fun. Two love stories, one new love and one love in stress, make it even more gripping and carry the plot forward.
Through the Storms was so good on many levels. I loved the instant connection between Reily & Chloe.
It was kinda cool reading a story that takes place so close to home. I live in in Texoma, a 100 miles south of OKC, so I'm very familiar with the constant threat of severe storms and Tornados.