Riding Out the Storm

Perfect Storm #4

by Mari Carr

You can’t outrun a storm…or the fire it sparks.

There’s a legend surrounding the Storm one touch, and they’re bound to the love of their life – forever.
But Maverick Storm stopped believing in legends the day Ella Decker disappeared.

Once the girl who claimed his heart, Ella vanished after a summer of stolen kisses, whispered secrets, and first love. She left behind only a cold, cruel letter – one that shattered him in ways he refuses to admit. Now he hides behind a bad-boy reputation, runs his family’s small-town winery with his brother, and drowns everything else in one-night stands. Love? That’s for fools.

Ella never meant to break Maverick’s heart.
But under her father’s brutal rule, survival always came first.

So she walked away…and stayed gone.

Until now.

With her past buried behind a pen name and bestselling romance novels, Ella returns to Gracemont for one reason: to face the boy she once loved—and maybe, just maybe, rewrite the ending that was stolen from them. But Maverick is no longer the sweet, loyal boy who used to kiss her in the shadows. He’s the legend now. The one who doesn’t call. The one who doesn’t stay.

He’s harder. Rougher. Dominant.
The kind of alpha who takes control – and doesn’t let go.

Their reunion ignites into something volatile.
Old love twisted into resentment.
Enemies where lovers once stood.

But beneath the anger, the spark never died.

Because legends are rooted in truth.

One touch is all it takes to prove some loves never fade…
And some storms were always meant to be ridden together.

Genres: Romance

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2026

About the author

Writing a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com

Reviews

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mari Carr takes us on an emotionally charged journey with Ella and Maverick’s story. Their journey started fifteen years ago when he gave his heart away to his soulmate. The Storm’s family legacy found him age 17. This all unraveled with a “Dear John” letter, and Ella disappearing.

Fifteen years is a long time, both have changed but the underlying hurt is still present, but so is the love.

I love this second chance romance. We get their full journey, see the pivotal roles their families play. I love a big family, small town series and this one is ticking all the boxes. I am ready for more.

Thank you to the Author and Booksprout for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another charming emotionally charged and heartwarming story with characters who are easy to connect with. Maverick and Ella’s second chance was one that had me turning the pages rooting for their HEA. Filled with hurt, misunderstandings, humor, beautiful moments, family support, the magic of first touch, friendship, revelations, sizzling passion, and a love that cannot be denied. Loved every moment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIDING OUT THE STORM is the fourth in Mari Carr's Perfect Storm series, about the Storm family and their legendary one-touch love connections. Now winemaker Maverick Storm was a certain he'd found his true love only to have lovely Ella Decker leave him heartbroken when she sends him a crushing Dear John letter and disappears when her family abruptly moves mid-year... When she returns to visit Gracemont a decade and a half later, they've both changed. But underneath, the heart of their connection seems to spark as brightly as ever.

Mari Carr writes this second-chance romance warmly. Readers get to know Ella and Maverick not just as they are now, but as they first met and got to know each other as high school sweethearts. Their families play critical roles both then and now, and the contrasts between them do stand in stark relief. Loved this small-town, big family story, and cannot wait for more in this series.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riding Out The Storm is a fantastic addition to the Perfect Storm series. I love spending time with the Storm family in the small town of Gracemont and Maverick Storm’s second chance story warmed my heart. He and Ella Decker had something special back in high school. One could say it was the Storm legend but Ella’s family threw a curve ball in their relationship and she disappeared. Now, years later she is back and it appears to be their second opportunity to get to know one another and see if the Storm legend will strike again. I loved these two together and was thrilled to be along for their journey even with all the ups and downs. In the end it was worth all the heartbreak to finally find their happily ever after.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella and Maverick carried some emotional weight! Those fifteen years apart buried so much, but one thought, one memory, one look, and it was all right back on the surface. Seeing how sweet and happy they were in the before, lovely and heartbreaking. Seeing how they were working up the courage to face their shared past, hopeful and anxiety-driving. Seeing how they made a decision and plowed full speed ahead, wonderful and satisfying <3

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm men believe in love at first touch. Maverick had his heart broken so he doesn’t believe in love at all until Ella comes back to town. They fell in love in high school, but her family suddenly left. Their second chance romance is fast and steamy. I love the big storm family and the characters from their little town. Mari Carr always writes great characters with addicting stories. I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait for the next story!

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Riding Out the Storm by Mari Carr and loved it so much. Maverick and Ella were first loves, but her dad’s actions caused them so much heartbreak. I loved how the author incorporated their backstory into this book and we got to experience their love story. Maverick was such a romantic as a teenager and he definitely was the first one to fall in love at first touch so it was no wonder he steered clear from relationships as an adult. He already found “the one”. I enjoyed Ella’s friendship with Edith and she was able to find people who supported her. So glad these two got their second chance to get their HEA. I have loved the Perfect Storm series and cannot wait to read the next book

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get Maverick’s story and I am so thrilled to have been one of the lucky ones to read why he is such a wild Storm (sorry couldn’t help myself) but mostly I am sad to see that he has been living almost half his life without the other half of his soul. Mari Carr returns with a bang in the latest Storm story as she brings back together two lovers, ripped apart at a young age and finally getting a second chance at a love they both never realized was quite so integral to their lives until recently. I am a huge fan of this series and was so thrilled to know that Maverick was going to get a second chance at love, because I was very afraid his story might have been darker and perhaps more permanent or something. Maverick Storm fell hard and fast for Ella Decker when he was just a teenager, but when she disappeared into the night, never to return he thought for sure that what he’d felt couldn’t have truly been the Storm Gift (or Curse) of true love striking. But now that she has returned to Gracemont, Maverick is conflicted emotionally, but definitely not physically because she still pulls him and every time they touch the chemistry and passion is only stronger. Ella loved Maverick, but she was terrified of his certainty of their future at such a young age and when they were forced apart she wasn’t brave enough to run back to him. Now she is determined to prove to him that she will stick and as their relationship gets deeper the love that blossoms right back to life, like a plant that has just been dormant under the winter snow, she is determined that nothing will ever come between them again. I loved the way we got to see glimpses of the love story between Maverick and Ella in their teens as we also got to see them in the present becoming friends again and navigating their new friendship and slowly the relationship that they chose to rebuild. Maverick is obviously a passionate, strong, loving, determined and alpha man that is willing to put in the time, effort and affection needed to prove to Ella that he is going to be there for her in every stage of their lives and to stand beside her in any battle she needs to wage. Ella has a lot to face in this novel, not only her past in Gracemont, but her grief, and the trauma that has ruled her life from an abusive and neglectful family, and watching her finally be able to grow from that and have the faith in herself and her future in order to move on was beautiful. I really needed this story at this time in my life and the strength Ella found, along with the passion and love Maverick and all of the Storms shared with her gave me hope for my own rocky future, so thank you very much Mari. I always love your stories, but this one was really needed and welcomed right now and I am dying for what comes next for the Storms and the folks that always seem to not only steal their hearts but enrich their family and add to the greatness that is their ever-growing clan. Bring on the Storms!

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Maverick and Ella’s story and I could not stop reading it!

Maverick was the loudest in opposing the Storm family knowing their soulmate when they touch them, little did his family know that Maverick was the first of his generation to find his soulmate, at the age of 17 when he helped Ella pick up her books in the hallway of their high school. Ella’s dad was very strict, so they kept their relationship a secret, even after he received a Dear John letter from Ella breaking up with him, right before she left town.

15 years later, neither Maverick or Ella has forgotten the other. Two of Maverick’s brothers, and a couple cousins have fallen in love, and Maverick is feeling unsettled in his life. Meanwhile, Ella has become a famous romance author, who returns to her home town after Edith invited her to speak to her book club.

Even though no one in Maverick’s family knew about his relationship with Ella, they soon learn of their past and that those feelings from 15 years ago are still holding strong.

A lot has changed in 15 years, and both Maverick and Ella have had experiences in their lives that they have to deal with, including the fact that Ella lives Idaho, while Maverick lives in Virgina.

I loved reading about Maverick and Ella’s HEA, and I cannot wait for more in the series!

[Brenda Hojonski · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always so wonderful to return to the Storms and their vineyard. Maverick's story is a wonderful addition as we find out the reason for Mav's one night stands and never committing to a relationship. He's the first one of the children who was hit by the Storm lightening "curse" when he was 17. Ella was kept a secret because of her family and when she abruptly left with a "dear John" letter that was harsh, Mav drifted into meaningless one night stands because nothing was the same as his love for Ella. Ella has returned to the area, now an author, and estranged from her family. Their initial meetings didn't go well as Maverick's old feelings of anger and loss return, but his brothers are amazing brothers and friends and they encourage him to start over. It was a little bit rough, but they got through the hurdles to find their love never died. In return, Ella found love, friends, and found family who won't let her down even in her final confrontation with her family. Mari weaves a wonderful story that is fun to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riding Out the Storm is book 4 in the Perfect Storm series. The series follows the Storm family who finds the love of their life at first touch. But what happens when you feel that spark at seventeen and then she disappears for fifteen years.

Maverick Storm stopped believing in love the day he got the Dear John letter from Ella Decker. Now he is limits his relationships to one night and he was fine with that until his brothers got married. Just as he realizes he's not happy, Ella shows back up in town. Ella had a troubled family life and had her reasons for sending that letter. Will they be able to let go of the past and give each other a second chance?

I love Maverick. He was caring, thoughtful, and sexy. I enjoyed the flashbacks of their teenage relationship. I liked that Ella was a writer and the part that her books played in the plot. I have enjoyed the books in this series and look forward to reading the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shay Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Love Returns!

Ella returns to face man who stole her heart. The man she loved and had to betray. The man she couldn’t forget. Time to make things right, if she can.

17-year-old Ella fell head over heals in love with Maverick. And Maverick, fell just as hard, until she broke his heart. Now grown, Maverick never believed in the family legend. But as he watched his brothers find love memories of Ella resurface no matter how hard he tries to stop them. And as the memories resurface so, does the pain, anger and confusion. Then she walks through the door and even though he didn’t want to admit it, he knew the legend was true. Because Ella was the love of his life.

Before he could claim what was his, they needed to clear up the reason she left him with a “Dear John” letter that made no sense. When the truth came out, her father was going to find out that Storm was not just his last name. Because now that she was back where she belonged, he was never letting her go again.

[Curly Bibliophagist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love book series that are based on close families. This series is one of those.

This is the 4th book in the Storm family series and it is Maverick's book.

As a teen, Maverick was in love with a local girl, Ella. There were stolen kisses and shared secrets. But Ella's father was a devout fundamentalist and when he found out about his daughter and Maverick, he quickly moved the family to Idaho. Ella's left a letter for Maverick that broke his heart but was meant to make him forget her.

15 years later and Maverick has led a life of one night stands and no relationships. He'll never let anyone hurt him like that again.
Until Ella comes back.

The boy she loved has become a man who is dominant and rough, not the gentle boy she knew. But when they touch, the spark is still there. The question is, will this survive?

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riding Out the Storm is the 4th book in the Perfect Storm series and while it could be read and enjoying as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them in order to get all the deeds and feels for this amazing family. Like the previous ones, Maverick and Ella's story adds another beautiful section to the tapestry with a beautiful two-in-one romance. Through recollections, we get to see them fall in love as teenagers and then we experience their second chance in real time. Sentimental, steamy, at times bittersweet but fortunately ending in a well-deserved HEA. Can't wait for the next Storm to settle! I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I loved this story of Maverick and Ella! They were in love back when they were seventeen. Mila's dad was a religious zealot and found out about their dating and moved her away. Thankfully for Ella, Gigi, her grandmother, let her move in and they took care of each other. Now Emma is back in town and the attraction us still there. Slowly they get to know each other again. They have to talk about the past, which is painful. I love these two together. They are perfect for each other. I love this book and series. I highly recommend!! I can't wait for Grayson's story!!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh the Storm boys, they are something. Maverick knew Ella was his soulmate at 17, when the family legend came true. One touch of her hand and lightning struck. They had to keep their relationship a secret because her father was a very strict and religious man. When he found out about them, he moved the family back to Idaho leaving Maverick heartbroken. Now Ella is back after 15 years and even though Maverick claims he doesn't care about her, they are still drawn towards each other. Their chemistry is hard to ignore but can they figure out their past and move forward?

[Stephanie Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance story has to be one of my favorite tropes and Maverick and Elle certainly deserve theirs. Almost everyone in town knows about the Storm “love at first touch” stories. What no one knows, is that Maverick experienced his touch while in high school. And then fate (also known as Elle’s dad) took that away. So he’s shunned the idea ever since. Even as he’s watched his brothers and cousins find their forever with just one touch. But now Elle is back. For a short visit, but she’s ready for a change in her life and maybe a second chance with Maverick is just what she needs.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the fourth story in the "Perfect Storm" series that follows the Storm family and “love at first touch”. The story can be read as a stand alone but does have connected characters, family, a vineyard and all sorts of connected businesses. This is a sweet, emotional and passionate small town romance with a bit of second chance. The story is about Maverick and Ella. I have been waiting on their story and I was not disappointed. The story is so good with suspenseful elements and very tender ones. I loved every bit of their story.

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite genres is second chance romance and this one definitely takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

Ella left and has been gone for 15 years, but she is back now to hopefully mend the hurt she caused when she broke Maverick’s heart. So many misunderstandings to overcome, because that love is still there.

I love the memory shorts we get, just a look into how their love started, I think that puts more of a perspective into their family dynamics too.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella has the most domineering, fundamentalist father and caused Ella and Maverick more than their share of grief. These two are so hot together and really deserve some happiness. A chance invitation by the inimitable Edith makes that happen and thanks to some brotherly love and no recriminations from either of them, the lightning strike they felt at 17 holds true. A really fun second chance feel good story.

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Love the Storm series and Riding Out the Storm was an emotional heartbreaker! Grab this passionate second chance and see if Maverick and Ella get theirs or if her dysfunctional upraising explodes on them!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenniekenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so good. At times heartbreaking to go through his pain of being left with that Dear John Letter and her pain of her childhood. I love how Mari writes a story and makes these characters real people. I love the Storms and love her stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riding Out the Storm is a fabulous second chance romance that has you hooked from the very beginning. Ella and Maverick's story is an emotional roller-coaster filled with hurt, upset to the start of a renewal of friendship that is filled with humor, passion and heat. I enjoyed every moment of their story.

[Brandy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second chance romance is beautiful and emotional. Ella and Maverick's story is filled with pain, misunderstandings, passion, and humor. This story was addicting, fast paced, and steamy. I absolutely loved it!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear John letters are the worst! I am so glad that Ella was able to come back, battle through her demons and make right the wrong from her past. Understanding Maverick's heartbreak and his loss of trust, made this second chance romance a tender and passionate explosion of hope.

[Xantippi Leska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great story, I loved the characters. Maverick and Ella were great together and I was so happy to see them get their second chance and HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Maverick and Ella`s story! Original, full of angst, and so HOT!! Mari Carr writes the best stories!! Can`t wait for the next one!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phyllis Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Book!

Loved the story of Maverick Storm and Ella Decker! They had to battle many a storm to get back to each other. This was a sweet romance that held you spellbound. I could not put it down. A definite must read.

[Erin Molta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am all in for Maverick. Love him as a character and Mari put him through the trenches. Perfect book boyfriend that he is—attentive, protective, sexy, and a simp for his gal— it’s a fantastic and engaging addition to the Storm family saga.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get you emotions in check because Mav and El are going to rip your heart to shreds then dance on the pieces.