Braving The Storm

Crimson Ridge #2

by Elliott Rose

I'm not supposed to feel this way…

I never wanted to disappear more than while around my family. Briar Lane, the girl only useful for one thing: my surname. A business handshake and pawn to be traded. My father's chess piece shuffled between empires.

That was my life back in L.A., but all it took was finding the dirty secret stuffed in a jacket pocket, and my entire world unraveled.
So, I fled to the one place I knew they could never find me: Crimson Ridge.

Arriving in this snowy, harsh world, I thought I'd be starting over on my own, but it turns out I couldn't have been more wrong. The abandoned mountain cabin I inherited isn't what it seems.

This mountain hides secrets. An ex-pro bull rider consumes this space, and now, my every thought with it... Stôrmand Lane. My father's adopted brother.

We should never have found ourselves isolated out here in the mountains together, each trying to outrun our pasts.
All it took was one misunderstanding, one line almost crossed, and everything changed.

A girl like me isn't supposed to know what those tattooed hands feel like, and I'm certainly not meant to feel butterflies anytime that pair of piercing blue eyes land on mine.

He might be my every fantasy, a cowboy I constantly dream about, but he's a temptation I have to ignore. A man I absolutely cannot find myself attracted to.

Even when he's looking at me with the kind of hunger that can only spell ruin for us both.

Long, dark nights spent in this tiny cabin can't be the excuse to step into forbidden territory.

Or can they?

From international bestselling author Elliott Rose comes Braving the Storm, an interconnected standalone in the Crimson Ridge forbidden love series. Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Cowboy Romance, Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary

430 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2024

About the author

Elliott Rose is a bestselling author of romance on the forbidden and deliciously dark side. She lives in a teeny tiny beachside community in the south of Aotearoa, New Zealand with her partner and three rescue dogs.

Find her with a witchy brew in hand, a notebook overflowing with book ideas, or wandering along the beach.

Join her reader group The Cauldron for exclusive giveaways, BTS details, first looks at character art/inspo, and intimate chats about new and ongoing projects.


Join her Newsletter for all the goodies and major news direct to your email inbox.


Reviews

[cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay but why were all my friends freaking out about the uncle aspect because like… she never even knew him that well?? I’m not gonna lie I ATE this book up so fast. Left absolutely zero crumbs with how delish it was.

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

Briar is just a girl who is trying to run away from her literal PSYCHO man and stuck up sister. She runs off to Crimson Ridge to a cabin that was left in her name after her father passed… except she very quickly finds out that someone else is staying at the house—and it’s none other than her adopted uncle no one has heard from in years.

Stôrmand or “Storm” arrives back to his home one evening to find a gorgeous woman in his bathroom. The attraction is immediate as he gets a good look at her from the back… until their eyes meet in the mirror and he’s given the shock of his life when he recognizes his estranged niece. He knows the attraction has to stop because they’re “related” and that’s just wrong—except… is it really that bad when they aren’t actually related? Will it really harm anything if just a couple kisses are stolen? Or if he watches and doesn’t touch? Except we know it won’t stop there. A wildfire doesn’t just stop spreading. Once it’s lit—it BURNS .

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

”This will be the only time I'll ever fall in love, darlin'. It's you. You're it for me. Most likely, it has always been you, and I never truly knew who I was looking for in the stands all that time.”

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

I have no complaints honestly. This was a solid 5 ⭐️ for me. I loved how the relationship between Briar and Storm evolved and how supportive they were of each other. Even when they both found out secrets about the other—they talked it out and understood each other. The communication was refreshing honestly. Even up until the very end—Storm was still hanging on to the possibility of them and providing support for her from afar.

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

things to know about the book ↓

🪵 forced proximity
🌲 one bed
🪵 forbidden relationship
🌲 age gap (14 years)
🪵 spicy lessons


──────────

・❥・⁀➷ pre-read

The first book in this series was so good so I have high hopes for this one 🤞🏼

[Isabella. R · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 The Illicit Nature of This Moment Stars ⭐

Unfortunately it took me awhile to realise it was a case of less is more in this instance. I loved the first book in this series, so I was super hyped to get my hands on Braving the Storm. Cos who doesn't love tatted up cowboys, age gap, taboo and use me for your pleasure romances??

Maybe, just maybe, this is the place I’m meant to be to mend all the broken pieces inside, after all.

The formula was right. A gorgeous mountain setting and two people who shouldn't have feelings for each other. A washed up rodeo star, Uncle Stormand and his almost innocent niece Briar who shows up announced at his cabin. All those stolen glances, pent up frustration and let's not forget their first night of mistaken identities ~me fanning herself ~ was promising.

“Put your hands on me whenever you want, darlin’. Because I sure as hell won’t be keeping mine to myself.”

So why the feck did I feel like I was reading this book for weeks? Honestly it did my head in. Why wasn't I invested and salivating over this naughty fest? But then I realised the first half of this book was SLOW. I get it was setting the foundation, however it was like waiting for the kettle to boil.

The writing was too wordy and the dirty talk exaggerated in parts. By the time we finally got to the action which was plentiful, that spark that makes you giddy was missing. I couldn't see the connection apart from the hot and dirty sex. I really struggled with this.

[Jessica Komis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe I couldn't even finish this one. I was given an ARC and I really really tried but I only made it 60%. First off, if I never hear the words uncle or niece again it'll be too soon. WE GET IT. Second, they aren't even related! It's the most absurd attempt at making their relationship taboo! Which brings me to my next point, there is no actual reason they can't date. And finally, 60% in and they've NEVER EVEN HAD A CONVERSATION. They know nothing about each other. I'm so mad about this book.

[Phoebe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to be the person I was before I read this book.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I would like to say thank you Elliott Rose for approving me to be apart of your arc team!*

ೃ⁀➷Now let's get into how this book was everything I needed! I was already frothing at the mouth from the few chapters Elliott would tease but ultimately I can say I am truly in love with Storm and Briar🙂‍↕️. From the the angst, the tension, and of course the sexy smut I was living for every moment🤭. THE LITERAL MOUTH ON THAT MAN LIKE OMGGG!!!Truly these two had a sort of chemistry that was undeniable and the way they were able to understand each was so beautiful to watch. I definitely can't wait for the next book in this series and diving more into Elliott’s work!

P.S I AM A TOTAL SLUT FOR STÔRMAND LANE

🩵Tropes🩵
Forbidden
Grumpy Sunshine
Age Gap
Free Use Kink
Only One Bed


-ˋˏ ༻Quotes༺ ˎˊ-

"I’d been led to believe so many untruths about my body and myself, and one by one, he keeps dismantling those falsehoods, tossing them into the flames, allowing me to watch on as they burn to ash."

“So let me enjoy teasing you.” Lick. “Keep that cuff on so I can play with you anytime I like.” Kiss. “Give me every inch of your body to explore a thousand times, and it won’t ever be enough.”

"This right here is where I’ve crash-landed. This will be the only time I’ll ever fall in love, darlin’. It’s you. You’re it for me. Most likely, it has always been you, and I never truly knew who I was looking for in the stands all that time.”

[brittany:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is the first time I’ve fallen, truly fallen,” I murmur. “I’ve been thrown from the back of a bull and tossed into the dirt countless times, but this right here is where I’ve crash-landed. This will be the only time I’ll ever fall in love, darlin’. It’s you. You’re it for me. Most likely, it has always been you, and I never truly knew who I was looking for in the stands all that time.”❤️‍🔥🥹😭

AHHH!!! Elliot Rose knows exactly how to rope you in from the very beginning!! Yeehaw, baby! 🤠

Even though contemporary romance isn’t my usual go-to, for some reason I always fall for the cowboy ones—and this one?? Whew had me in a chokehold from chapter one! 😮‍💨🔥

We’ve got Storm, our gruff, broody ex-bull rider MMC (yes please) who also just so happens to be our FMC’s estranged adopted uncle 💀 and Briar, the bold, complicated niece who’s been away for years. So already?? The stakes are high, the tension is TENSIONING, and the forbidden vibes are off the charts!! 💥

Set in the stunning Crimson Ridge 🏔️ with that cozy, snow-dusted mountain cabin feel, the setting was immaculate. Gave everything it needed to give! ❄️✨

This is book 2 in the series and I loved the little cameo from Layla and Colton from book one! It felt like coming home.

The heat is HIGH 🌶️ and the plot is even HIGHER—if you’re looking to dive into a cowboy romance that’ll grip you by the heart, hit you with a little taboo, and leave you swooning in your boots… this one’s for you!

Storm & Briar have my whole heart. Elliot Rose, you did what needed to be done!! Saddle up, y’all—this one is not to be missed!

4 STARS AND A LASSO!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🤠🐎

[Katie Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cheeks are still burning from reading this book! Ms. Rose has raised the bar yall. WHOA!! I was looking forward to reading Storm's book after the little hints we got of his grumpy personality in book 1. I do love watching a good grump unravel, and this one did not disappoint! I really loved these characters. I loved the setting. I loved the taboo of their relationship- adopted uncle with his "niece." The buildup was ALMOST as bad as Colt and Layla (book 1). There seemed to be a few more moments leading up to the grand finale of giving in in this one. I liked how both of these characters made each other better. Briar came to the mountain a shell of a woman. She had been in an emotional abusive relationship basically her whole life. She was not expecting her grumpy "uncle" to be there. But what was cool to watch was also HER unraveling. Unraveling in the sense of how strong and confident she got by being around Storm. He pushed her in the absolute HOTTEST and BEST way. I liked learning more about Storm and why he is the way he is. He also has not had anyone family steady in his life. He was orphaned and his older brother (Briar's dad) was a psycho. These two just fit!

Briar has no where else to go. So here she is. In this dinky cabin on top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere. And now she is being accosted in the hottest way by a hot cowboy who happens to be her uncle who also happens to live in HER cabin. What is going on here? It is too much to deal with so they decide they will live together for a bit. She isn't going anywhere and neither is he. So he puts her to work. He brings her to Devil's Peak where she gets introduced to horses and ranch life. But she can't stop thinking about the way he manhandled her that first night. She has NEVER been touched or treated like that in the absolute best way. She wants more, but she can't. I mean he is her uncle, but not by blood. That's what she keeps telling herself when he makes dinner for her or has coffee out for her in the mornings. There is something brewing between them that she has to fight. So she agrees to a date with another local cowboy. But the night before the date, things shift between her and Storm. Lines are crossed. And now she really can't think about anyone but him. So when he offers her a chance to learn and to experience something she never has, she says yes. No one can know. She doesn't want to hurt his reputation more than it already has been. She is starting to develop feelings for him and think about the future. But the past has a way of coming back unexpectedly. She needs to cut ties with her ex before she can commit and give Storm everything. But since she can't explain it all yet, will he wait for her? Will he know she feels the same way that he does before he gives us? Is she too late?

Storm has no desire to change things up in his life. He has his cabin on the mountain. He has his solitude, but he also has his friends that have shown up for him. Beau and Colt and even the sheriff. He has never been close to his family. So when he comes home one night to smoke coming from his cabin his mind goes to maybe a buckle bunny? He doesn't expect the beauty bent over mostly naked in his bathroom. So he makes a move before realizing it is his NIECE. Not by blood, but his niece all the same. And she reveals that apparently she owns the cabin. Now she is here and all consuming. He is a total jerk to her because he can't be any other way. He thinks that maybe if she despises him then she will either leave or he will stop thinking about her. But neither of those things happen. In fact, he finds himself doing little things for her. Making her coffee. Eating dinner with her. Sleeping on the couch for her. But when she offers to let him sleep in the bed and gives him a massage, all bets are off. He has to have her. But not just like that. He has never felt this way about a woman. He is a one and done kind of guy but he wants to worship her literally. So when she lets him in that she has a free use kink the game is on. He wants to show her how beautiful she really is, inside and out. He is consumed by her. He is amazed to watch the transformation from when she came to where they are now. He is thinking about asking her to stay. But then her sister shows up and he is reminded of what all she has had to endure. Secrets are revealed on both ends, but he tries to reassure her nothing can change how he feels. But then she is gone. With a little note. Nothing else. So he sends her messages like he still gets to see her everyday. He shows up for her. He lets her know he isn't going anywhere because he has realized that he has been waiting his whole life for this feeling. This connection. So he doesn't know if she is coming back but he is going to wait for as long as it takes. He just hopes she proves him right.

The transformation of Storm into a sweetheart was kind of unexpected and I am here for it! Especially after Briar left to handle things. He made their cabin a home. He posted pics of her flowers. He talked to her the only way he knew how. Also that man can talk DIRTY. The praise and free use kinks in this one were UNREAL. SOOO hot yall. I loved hearing both of their thoughts- like how they thought about each other. I laughed out loud when Briar commented on Storm's forearm foreplay haha. I am absolutely LOVING this series, and can't WAIT to see who Beau ends up with. Is it Sage?? That teaser at the end gave me nothing LOL. If you haven't started this series, I say do it. These are taboo relationships with FMCs who learn their worth from unexpected men.

Thank you to Luna Literacy and Elliott for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!! So honored to be on the ARC team :)

[taylor ❤️‍🔥 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙚𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨. 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙬𝙚-𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨.”

☆☆☆☆☆

when the life that briar knew was turned upside down, she finds herself fleeing into the mountains of crimson ridge right into the arms of her (adopted) ex-rodeo star uncle storm. stuck together in a tiny cabin, they’re forced to battle their feelings and the secrets that plague both of their pasts.


𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
listen, this book had me blushing, screaming into my pillow over the tension while simultaneously giggling and kicking my feet?!

i’m struggling with finding anything negative to say about this book. unlike most books, i didn’t feel like it dragged at any point. the author paced the story perfectly, uncovering the secrets of storms past in combination with briar’s family secrets made for such a perfect balance between plot and spice. both mc’s are strong, interesting characters with character development and stand on their own.

and the fucking spice?! elliott rose the woman that you are. i just want to buy you a drink for making my dreams come true with the kinks in this book and the things that came out of storms mouth. 🛐 you have absolutely become an auto buy author for me.

𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🤠 age gap
🤠 small town romance
🤠 forbidden romance
🤠 adopted uncle x niece
🤠 free use kink
🤠 one bed

Thank you to Elliott Rose and Luna Literary Management for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🫶🏻

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

What… even was this? Keep telling me you’re her uncle cause I swear I forgot it the first thirty times. 🤡

The writing was trash and didn’t hold my attention. This author is not for me.

[Itsjustaissan]

In ‘chasing the wild ‘ when i read about storm i was like ..” OH YEAH I WANT A STORY OF HIM ON A SILVER PLATER “
And all i can say is thanks for the future upcoming meal .

Can’t wait .

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was an enjoyable age gap taboo read, between the heroine (26) and her uncle (not blood related), who is like 40. He's also a cowboy.

The steam was good, and the characters were likable enough. This was my first read from this author, I would check out more by her.

Why in the 3 star range, if that stuff is all good? The pacing was off, it seemed to creep too slowly for the first 50% and nothing was really happening. I was a little bored. Also, towards the end, we find out a lot of information about the characters and their family, and it was just kind of thrown at us in some info-dumps. There had to have been a better way to gradually unspool all that backstory.

The heroine annoyed me towards the end. She left the hero "for his own good," but she could have stayed in touch with him or explained the situation better. They basically stay in touch for weeks with one-sided communication from him. It was supposed to be romantic - since he was reaching out to her, without knowing what was going on or why she left him, but he still showed her that he wanted her - but it had me thinking the heroine was kinda lame for it. At least reply to him vaguely!

It was also unsatisfying that her terrible ex and terrible sister never really got comeuppance. And, it was unsatisfying that the hero and heroine never discussed the information she found out about her father! Her late father was the hero's adopted brother, and he basically ruined the hero's life for his own gain. It was bizarre that she found that out, and it wasn't really addressed.

For a taboo story like this, I wanted more from the ending. The whole town knows them as uncle and niece. So, will they ever make their relationship known to everyone in town? Will they forever just live together and keep their romance an illicit secret, except to their closest friends? We don't know! This book never covers that. I do think a taboo story should address the question "is their relationship public, or not?" before it ends. The "what if people find out!" conflict is unsatisfying, and feels unresolved, if we never find out how that pans out, or IF people find out at all.

It felt like a missed opportunity - because it would be kind of hot and mysterious if they just live together forever, and outsiders aren't sure if they're a couple, but there are rumors about them. This book especially fumbles that opportunity, since they will be child-free. It would be harder to make their relationship forever mysterious to outsiders if they had kids, but they won't. So, this could have easily done that.

Anyway, this was an enjoyable enough read. I would check out more from the author. I just had a few too many issues with the book to make it a GREAT read. But, I would still rec it if you're in the mood for a steamy cowboy taboo read.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

I received this book as an ARC and I want to thank Elliott Rose and Luna Literary for the opportunity!

Stôrmand Lane, the filthy mouthed man that you are. The taboo and tension between Storm and Briar was fun. The spice in this book was excellent but tbh, I kind of felt like that was all we really received for 80% of the book and 20% of actual plot. And we lost that plot somewhere along the way. By the time it picked back up, I had honestly lost interest in what was happening. I wish the backstory and explaining happened closer to the beginning of the book and not almost the end.

I didn’t really feel any emotional connection between Storm and Briar. By the time they started hooking up, they had maybe like two conversations? I just couldn’t really connect with the romance aspect because it just felt like lust but not actual romantic feelings. Again, their physical connection and the spice was very good, very well written but lacked in the emotional aspect by the time they “fell in love.”

Overall, this book was okay for me. I loveddd Chasing The Wild and will probably continue with the series but this one just did not hit for me like I needed.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️

RTC

[Merissa Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t do it

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

“DITRY TALKING, TABOO COWBOY AND SPICE”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Series: Crimson Ridge #2
Series Type: Interconnected standalone
Genre: Contemporary romance
Sub Genre: Dark Cowboy Romance

Tropes:
- Age gap (26 & 40)
- Check trigger warnings
- City girl
- Forbidden romance
- Roommates
- Small town
- Taboo
- Dirty talk (like for real)
- Mirror 🌶️
- Toys
- Light voyeurism

Other:
- Format: Kindle Unlimited
- Plot/Character Driven: Character
- Pacing: Medium
- POV: Duel POV
- Narration type: 1st person
- Character gender : F/M
- Comparison titles: Chestnut springs x dark Taboo


YOU NEED THIS BOOK IN YOUR LIFE IMMEDIATELY! Listen, if the idea of dirty-talking taboo cowboys gets your heart racing (and honestly, why wouldn’t it?!), then BUCKLE UP because this is a wild, spicy ride you’re not ready for. Yes, we’re talking taboo, there’s a little uncle kink (but WAIT—they’re not blood related, so stay with me). And OH MY GOD, the heat, the tension, the forbidden pull, it’s everything you secretly love but pretend you don’t.

This book delivers exactly what it promises: all spice, all fun, and just the right touch of emotional connection to keep you hooked. And let’s talk about the FMC, she’s amazing, relatable, and dealing with the WORST SISTER TO EVER EXIST. Seriously, you’ll hate her so much it’s almost cathartic. The romance? Hot and chaotic in the best way. The spice? Off the charts.

If you’re looking for deep, soul-crushing emotions, this isn’t that. But if you’re here for a taboo, fun-as-hell spicy romp that’ll have you staying up all night, THIS IS IT.

[julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

i'm putting the bible on my TBR because i need jesus after willingly reading this whole book

it's not even the "taboo" that bothered me. they kept calling each other "uncle" and "niece" which made me want to die, and you can find better chemistry in a meth lab.

[Biancaarielle ☘︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

every ounce of feminism left my body reading this…i am just a hole now for Stôrmand Lane🫠

[Brittany Ferraro · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY FUCKING HOTNESS !!

If there’s one thing Elliot is gonna do is fucking slay a taboo age gap, cowboy romance. Unfortunately, for braving the storm, I was in a bad reading slump but Storm was there to help pull me out with his dominance and his filthy mouth🫠🤭🫠🤠

Age gap is definitely not my favorite trope but every time she writes it, I love it!! She does it so well. She is also the queen of slow burns, but I’m telling you once you hit that 50% mark there is spice for days ( and amazing fucking spice) The tension and build up was INSANE. The fucking scene when they were in the truck in the beginning!?!?? I WAS LIVING FOR IT

“Do you wanna learn something knew” UM YES

I love that these two lost souls found their way to each other and fell SO DAMN HARD. I loved Layla and Briars friendship too 🥹 my girls.

If you’re looking for your next cowboy romance series packed with emotion, tension, spice and a lot of “we shouldn’t be doing this” moments this is the series for you.

Thank you so much for this arc I LOVE this series

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you’ve read any of Elliott’s books, you know that she does the spice THE SPOICE like a mf’er. and Braving The Storm packed a major punch in the spice department, which you know does unspeakable things to me, mind, body, soul. 😌

“Uncle” Storm, I use quotations because we all have that one guy who isn’t really related to us by blood at all but we call him “Uncle” anyways.. right? Well this guy isn’t really Briars uncle in any sense of the word BUT for the sake of this review we will call him UNKY STORMÄND 🤠

Briar is chucking up DEUCES to a nasty relationship after catching her loser ex cheating on her. She runs to her cabin that her late father left her in her will, only to LITERALLY be run into by Storm. (Holy 🔥 that first scene had me SWEATING)

Storm, not unlike Colt from book 1 is a Lone Ranger. Out in the mountains alone. Happy that way. Content with his life but doesn’t really care about anything. HELLOO GRUMP. 👋🏻

Briar and Storm are fighting a LOT of attraction, and they both fight it for ALMOST half the book. Ouchie. The tension.

But lemme tell ya, hang on to your hats cowgirls because when things heat up? Boy, do they ever. And they basically just bang for the rest of the book in perfect, freaky harmony 😌 (see: truck, counter, stables, bathroom stalls.. well you get the point.)

Enjoy these two, and a little bit of Colt & Layla too, because they’re there. And they’re SO HAPPY 🥹 my bbs.

Braving The Storm is best enjoyed with a husband nearby, 😉 some wildflowers to put in a glass, possibly some wood nearby to angrily chop, and AFTER you’ve goshdarn gone and read book 1 first. Darlin’, you won’t regret this one. 🩵

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

“You’ve got me now. Forget all of it, fuck all of them. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll protect you with every last breath I’ve got.”

The romance was so sweet. I adored Briar, and Storm was so possessive and grumpy. I loved it.
However, I really didn’t like the plot with Briar’s family. I hated the third-act breakup and the blackmail felt so stupid to me. I also thought her sister’s hate was way too over the top.

tropes:
~> age gap (14 years)
~> forced proximity
~> one bed
~> adopted uncle x niece
~> grumpy x sunshine

“Put your hands on me whenever you want, darling. Because I sure as hell won’t be keeping mine to myself.”

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well..Quite frankly, I was bored. I skimmed and skimmed and skimmed because this book was eeendless smut with no plot whatsoever. I mean, up to a point it was good, but then it went on and on and on with no end in sight.
I expected better to be honest.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cowboy romance

[Mia S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Crimson Ridge! This follow ex rodeo star Storm and his technical niece (through adoption) that goes to cabin to escape betrayal. The tension between them is immediate and omg spicccy! The story though, back stories from both had in shambles and wow twist! Can’t wait for the next story from Crimson Ridge….

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot Rose has a way of sucking me in from the very first chapter. The chemistry she puts on the page makes it impossible to look away. She has me ready to pack up and move to Crimson Ridge when Uncle Storm crooks his finger.

Briar explains it well:

"I didn't know what I wanted until he charged into my life, and now here we are on the precipice of something that no one else would understand. But it feels so unbelievably right, so safe with him."

There's just something exciting and endearing about this rough cowboy. A feeling deep in my gut that made me want to spend time with him. And that's not even mentioning how sexy he is...

"I'm so gone, I don't know whether I'm going to dissolve or evaporate. My body isn't even mine any longer; it's all his, and he knows it."

And boy does he ever!

This story had just enough taboo to make it thrilling, yet it also felt so cozy and safe. Storm is grumpy, protective, and sexy as hell! I would offer myself for Free Use to him any day of the week. Cuff me up, I'm his! This was SO hot, be careful where you decide to read this, that's all I'll say.

I also loved Briar. I felt an aching kinship with her and I'm so glad she found a haven with her growly adopted uncle. Taboo aside, he was just what she needed and she deserved someone to have her back through thick and thin.

I also loved how she was able to resolve certain... issues in her life. When she was forced to face them, she made the fight choice, even though it was hard. It made her success that much sweeter.

5 stars
4 on the spice scale

TW: Death of parents (off page), suicide (off page), blood, mental health, negligent/manipulative family & spouse. (See authors notes for more details

Sexy Content: Hand necklaces, Free Use, Toys, Cockwarming, degradation, DP (with toy), edging, public play

*Thank you to Luna Literary Management and the author for an ARC of this title.*

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and I devoured this book in less than 24hrs!

Take the day off work, put your phone on do not disturb and for the love of all things unholy charge your vibrator!

I fell in love with the first book in the Crimson Ridge series (Chasing the Wild) and you never know with a sequel if you are going to love the new characters the same but good golly Storm Daddy may be one of my favourite book boyfriends!

Ok firstly I will address the elephant in the room I’m not one who really likes the whole “not biological uncle/niece” trope of the book, I would’ve been much happier with “dads best friend” or similar.
That being said only Elliott Rose could make me put that ick on the back burner because the amount of chemistry that Storm and Briar have is next level.
From their first interaction you know the book is going to be good!! And trust me it definitely doesn’t disappoint from that very first interaction it only gets better and better. No spoilers but I will say enjoy the scene with the lipstick. 😏😏

Favourite quotes:

“You want a hat, you wear mine. All of this, you’re giving to me, and I don’t give a fuck if it’s in secret or not … no one else comes near what belongs to me”

“I’d been led to believe so many untruths about my body and myself, and one by one, he keeps dismantling those falsehoods, tossing them into the flames, allowing me to watch on as they burn to ash.”

[ritika · Rating 1 out of 5]

i...

if you search for "uncle," it appears 102 times. some of the lines i must share so that we can all bask in the horror are-

I'm such a sick fuck because hearing her call me uncle in that voice makes my cock jerk.

atleast he's self aware.

"Because you're being a needy, touch-starved little slut for your uncle."

"Please, Uncle Storm."

CALL HIM BY HIS NAME LIKE HE TOLD YOU TO PLS I BEG

Niece who worships her uncle's cock... right here, folks!

(to each their own??)

"The Uncle thing really does it for you, darlin'. Doesn't it?"

[Brooke Rothenbuhler · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating: ⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This might be the spiciest cowboy romance I have ever read! This was a fast, easy read. I will say I liked the first book Chasing the Wild a lot better. I felt like there was more chemistry between the love interests in the first book. I think it’s because in this one there was a lot of insta-lust in the beginning. I didn’t know why they liked each other besides the fact that they were attractive.

I’d say that this is a book you don’t really read for the plot. It’s mostly smut (which I don’t mind at all). I’d definitely recommend if you are looking for a spicy pallete cleanser with a taboo romance


What you’ll find in this book:

🤠Forbidden love
🤠Taboo romance
🤠Inexperienced FMC
🤠Age gap
🤠Cowboy romance
🤠Spicy
🤠“Lessons”
🤠Self discovery
🤠Forced proximity

[Danielle McGale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice:🌶🌶🌶

I was choosen to be part of the ARC team and I'm super thankful! I've been waiting for Storms book as patiently as I could.

Let's just say that I would be way more then Okay with Storm in every single way. And Briar, I love a FMC who actually has some backbone and stands up for what she needs.

The spice was 🔥🔥. And the story was cute. It was nice seeing some of the previous characters as well. The overall writing style is also are easy to jump into and enjoy.

There are some triggers, which are listed, so if that's something you need to watch for please check that out.

Looking forward to the next book!

[Ellen - most.lyromance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Braving the Storm features Briar, on the run, and Storm, retired cowboy. Briar is desperate to escape her awful life and winds up at the same cabin Storm is living in. They know they shouldn’t be attracted to each other… but they are.

I was feeling like I was in a slump and wanted something very spicy and this fit the bill. Storm’s mouth is definitely a highlight in this book, and if you like a dirty talking cowboy, you’ll love Storm. Briar was cool, she didn’t really stand out too much for me, but I loved how into her Storm was. This is a taboo romance and I do not normally read those so I just edited that fact out of my brain and pretended it was a nickname.

Overall, totally fine. Spicy and a quick read!

[Gabrielle (Reading Rampage) · Rating 3 out of 5]

♀️♂️😵😳🏔️🏚️🛻❄️🧀🧀🧀🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🍒🌮🍆🍑🤯😩🥰

Emoji reviews aside, here are some thoughts about the Crimson Ridge series: it’s trashy and fun, the smut is well-written, and the dirty talk is great. That said, they all follow more or less the same formula, so if you like forbidden attraction, grumpy older men and happily ever after conclusions (and cowboys, obviously) and you don’t care about the ‘paint-by-number’ nature of that kind of books, you will have a great time. Elliott Rose isn’t reinventing the wheel, but she is in for the fun ride.