Two former grad school rivals. One tornado documentary. What could go wrong?
Adelyn Walters thought she left storm chasing behind when she was forced to trade in adrenaline for a steady job as the local weather woman. But when she’s unexpectedly roped into covering for a coworker on a high-profile tornado documentary, Addie finds herself face to face with the last person on earth she expected to see again. Benjamin Borack, her former grad school rival—the one who nearly derailed her entire career before it even started, and now the team lead that she’s stuck with for the next few months.
As twisters spin up across the plains, Addie has to dive back into the chasing lifestyle, navigate a rival chase team willing to risk anything for the best shot, and figure out if the close calls they start having is bad luck…or if something more dangerous is lurking nearby.
The biggest storm? The undeniable chemistry sparking back to life between her and Ben.
Twisting Fates is a spicy rivals-to-lovers romance full of action, suspense, and slow-burn goodness. Perfect for fans of Icebreaker, The Kiss Curse, and Caught Up.
Leigh Creek spends way too much time daydreaming about the movie version of her books, drinking ungodly amounts of coffee, and pretending like she has her life together.
Her stories are jam packed with witty banter, chemistry that sizzles off the page, and book boyfriends you'd happily take home to mom.
Oh, and Leigh Creek is also the pen name for Elizabeth C. Cabrera's romance novels. Almost forgot to mention that. [insert spiderman pointing meme]
Leigh Creek’s writing style is descriptive and straightforward. While there isn’t a lot of humor in this romance, the characters do have their moments, usually through sarcasm. Clarity is strong with enough description to make the tornado settings immersive, and it’s an easy read.
While Twisting Fate is a slow burn, the pacing is moderate to fast, as the suspense pulls the reader forward. The author wrote in third person, which I prefer, and the chapter length was average. The book has a single timeline and point of view. The chapters are of normal length, and there are no cliffhangers. Dialogue quality is good, as is voice consistency.
I liked the characters for the most part, though Addie drove me nuts a few times with how stupid she could be (to say what she did would be a spoiler, so I’m not putting it in the review). The few times she did something utterly stupid were unrealistic and felt forced to carry the story along. Character growth arcs for the two main characters were not flat, but they weren’t completely satisfying. Addie showed very little growth until about three-quarters of the way through the book, though Ben showed more growth throughout.
The chemistry between the two was good—the author did an excellent job showing the tension between Addie and Ben, though the tension between Ben and his ex-friend (the careless tornado chaser) lacked in that it sounded almost secondary. It was there, but I think it could have been stronger. While the reasoning behind the rift was strong, I needed more of his fractured mind to fulfill the tension between him and Ben.
The chemistry between Addie and Ben was good, including the conflict at the beginning and the emotional payoff near the end.
The book deals with grief (but not by the MFC or MMC), which could have been dealt with by adding more detail as to his behavior in the narrative while keeping the reader guessing as to what his problem was.
The book didn’t have triggers for me, though some people may have an issue when they find out why the careless tornado chaser was so careless, though it is mentioned almost in passing. What worked: The tension between the MMC and MFC and the banter between Addie and Evie and the other characters when it was there, and the tornado scenes worked really well.
What didn’t work: The whole arc between Ben and the careless tornado chaser. I feel the careless guy’s character could have had more detail/building (especially since I can’t even remember his name).
I loved this book! The suspense of it really captured my attention from the beginning. I would have liked for it to be a little longer to see more tension and build up between the characters, but overall a really enjoyable tornado themed romance! 🥰
I’m a huge fan of the movie Twister and this book gave all the great 90’s Twister vibes wrapped in a slow burn, romantic package! It is sweet, exciting, and has a great HEA. A very quick read. I enjoyed it a lot. Spice Level: 2/5
I was impressed with the author's research on tornadoes; most, if not all, of it was correct. I'll admit, I was worried about the chasing scenes pulling me out of the story, but the worries were for naught.
Ben is your typical male lead, and I liked his background with Addie, though he felt a little two-dimensional at times. I wish the pacing was a little slower; the ending kind of came out of nowhere after such a high, but that's me nitpicking. Because of the fast pace, the ending felt a little abrupt, and it could have been drawn out a bit more, but it closes all the loose ends and packages it up in a nice little bow, which I enjoyed.
That twist, though! I wish there had been more done with it, considering what occurred when we found out, but what a ride! All in all, I would totally read this again, and when I get a chance, I'll be ordering a signed paperback copy.
This is Leigh Creek's second book and she did not disappoint. Creek's writing is clear and concise with just enough flowers in it to really immerse you into the world. It is very clear that research was done on weather and tornado chasing. I really felt like the knowledge was effortless delivered and it wasn't just dumped on us. The characters were well thought out, especially Addie. The only critique I would have would be that Ben felt just a little flat. I was able to move past it, but I did notice it. Side characters felt fleshed out and not like cardboard cut outs. The 'bad guy' was somewhat obvious, but their reason for being a bad guy completely threw me off. I did not see it coming, and it was good. 10/10 for that one!! The plot felt complete and made sense, the pacing was a little fast. But then again... they were chasing tornados. The *scenes*... well. They were good too.
****Light Spoilers**** TW eating disorder I really appreciated how Creek explored the ED that Addie had. I felt like it was handled carefully and respectfully without making it the whole personality of the MFC. Creek is very good about burying the lead, so to speak, and giving just enough line to pick up on. She is very good about letting the reader figure things out, something I appreciate.
Miscommunication trope, happens but is quickly resolved. This is fantastic. I hate when the whole plot is a miscommunication. Our MFC is smart and quickly is able to see through it and handle it. Creek's MFC's are smart and capable.
Some cons that are not deal breakers: Some of the character banter/ dialogue was a little cringy. Pacing was just a tad fast. Ben just a little flat as a MMC. Honestly, that's about all I can think of.
Twisting Fates by Leigh Creek is an emotionally intense romance about love, destiny, and the consequences of past choices. When two deeply scarred individuals are drawn together by circumstances neither fully controls, their connection is immediate—but far from simple. Burdened by secrets, trauma, and moral conflicts, they must decide whether fate is something to accept or something to fight against. As their relationship deepens, the story explores the fine line between self‑protection and vulnerability, showing how love can be both a risk and a path to healing. Dark, angsty, and character‑driven, Twisting Fates is a powerful exploration of free will, redemption, and the courage it takes to choose a different future.
So I absolutely loved the story of this book. I love the twisted relations that were in it so many things that were similar to the movie. It’s a great story but the writing itself needs some work. It kept switching from first person the third person. At some points it was like a narrator telling the story that part def needs some work. I was glad to see the fmc finally work to come back to herself of who she was before she started having self esteem issues. I enjoyed the mmc. The found family in this is great too. I wish it had gone more in depth on some aspects of the story but overall the story itself is a good one.
3.25-3.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ✨ ( rounded up to 4) Ebook- stuff your kindle
I loved the Twister movie in the 90s so that is why I gave this a try, and I was surprised I did enjoy this quite a bit! A great palate cleanser between some fantasy books. I liked the bestie Evie camera woman and could totally read her story. I found it interesting to include the stress someone on tv , especially a women would have to deal with regarding looks/ weight calories. It is sad that in this day in age it would still be a worry . 😞
What can I say, other than this book was SO much fun to read? I picked it up as a lover of the Twister/Twisters movies and knew immediately it would scratch that itch. The rivalry dynamic between the MCs had me hooked from the start and their back and forth in the beginning was addictive. The side characters were fun and likeable and the tornado related action was spot on. Seeing all relationships grow and develop was so sweet and satisfying and I loved every second. My only complaint is that I didn't want it to end. I'd gladly read an entire series of storm chasing!
If you love tornado chasing with frienemies this may be the book for you. Addie a meteorologist gets assigned to a documentary with her best friend and camera woman. Not much details but when she goes to meet the team the lead turns out to be her nemesis from college. Watch them uncover truths together while filming a documentary and chasing tornados. The details made you feel like you were in the story with them. By far one of my favorite romance reads.
This was a spicy rivals to lovers romance with suspenseful themes. I was impressed by the author's knowledge of tornado chasing. She did a great job evoking emotion and making me feel for the characters, including hating certain ones. The plot twists were killer! Definitely recommend.
Addie and Ben make the cutest couple! Rivals to lovers who have to work together chasing tornadoes. It is exactly the story I wanted it to be, with excellent spice!