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Out of the Storm
War hero Eric Montgomery returns from Iraq, hoping to revive his family's Cape Cod marina and marry his childhood sweetheart. When his wife and unborn child die in a tragic auto accident Eric's dreams are shattered. He spends long months grieving, losing himself in alcohol, isolation, and anger.
Then Ashley Fitzhugh, a young woman he's met only once, appears on his doorstep one stormy night. Eric is annoyed at first, but soon finds himself caring for his visitor and her young daughter—seeing in them a chance to rebuild the life he lost.
When threatening phone calls, mysterious strangers, and covert agents invade their peaceful lives, Eric must decide: Is Ashley the answer to a prayer? Or part of the nightmare he can never escape?
This is a new release of a previously published edition.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2013
91 people are currently reading
5951 people want to read
About the author
Kevin V. Symmons
5 books194 followersKevin has a BS and an MBA. He has attended the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music and studied in France. After a successful career in business management and consulting, he returned to his first love: writing. His first novel, a spell-binding paranormal romance titled "Rite of Passage" is set in the chaotic period after World War II. It's received dozens of great reviews and was a RomCon Reader's Crown Finalist for 2013. His latest effort is a contemporary romantic thriller set near his Cape Cod home, titled "Out of the Storm." Like his first novel, it is an Amazon Best-Seller and received many 5-star reviews. "Solo", an intense and ambitious women's fiction work, has just been released from The Wild Rose Press, his award-winning publisher. It explores the devastating effects of privation and domestic violence on the beautiful and extraordinarily talented young heroine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 11, 2017
A storm was brewing, it was lightning and pouring rain. When a young woman knocked on Eric's front door.. She was requesting him to give her a place to stay, then she wanted him to let a little girl and a dog to be welcomed also. It had been ten years since he had seen the young woman and he realized she was the daughter of his brother's girlfriend. He let her in and the others also. Without his realizing it , it will become a drama that slowly unfolds. It could also bring him some happiness into his life. This book is a very good read. It has mystery, suspense, and some action.
November 9, 2020
"Out of the Storm" is a page-turner. It begins when a mystery woman (Ashley) appears at the protagonist's door. The novel slowly evolves into a complex thriller involving domestic terrorists.
Eric, the protagonist, survived multiple tours with U.S. Army Special Forces in the Middle East, then returned home to lose his wife and unborn child in an automobile accident. He drifts into depression and heavy drinking.
Eric is both attracted to Ashley and suspicious of her. Much that she has told him does not add up. Is she the innocent she pretends to be? Or is she concealing a sinister past? And what is her relationship to Eric's estranged brother? The explosive ending answers these questions.
Menace hovers over the story from beginning to end. Symmons knows when to seed the narrative with surprises and twists as Eric's situation goes from bad to worse.
Eric, the protagonist, survived multiple tours with U.S. Army Special Forces in the Middle East, then returned home to lose his wife and unborn child in an automobile accident. He drifts into depression and heavy drinking.
Eric is both attracted to Ashley and suspicious of her. Much that she has told him does not add up. Is she the innocent she pretends to be? Or is she concealing a sinister past? And what is her relationship to Eric's estranged brother? The explosive ending answers these questions.
Menace hovers over the story from beginning to end. Symmons knows when to seed the narrative with surprises and twists as Eric's situation goes from bad to worse.
March 20, 2017
language
This book has too much bad language to be enjoyed. I like to recommend books to my friends but would be embarrassed to do so.
This book has too much bad language to be enjoyed. I like to recommend books to my friends but would be embarrassed to do so.
March 20, 2024
This well-written book revolves around war hero Eric Montgomery, a man who gave his best while in Iraq with an eye toward a future with the woman he loves and maybe some kids.
While Eric does marry his sweetheart who conceives their child, the rest was anything but a fairy tale. I'm not giving spoilers by saying here that his wife and unborn child do not survive a tragic accident. At this point, his life takes a decidedly downward spiral from which he cannot conceive of ever ending.
He's done everything right, so why does the universe see fit to shatter his biggest dream - the one he worked so hard for?
Seeking to self-medicate and erase the pain, even for a little bit, Eric turns to alcohol. He's royally ticked off at the world, and rightly so. The anger keeps building, despite the alcohol, which only numbs things short-term, and he's quickly running out of options as to why he should want to live any more.
Enter Ashley, a woman he briefly met only once before. She suddenly appears at his home during a strong storm one night. Although mightily irritated at her intrusion into his self-imposed isolation, he allows her in. She also has a young daughter. He's not about to leave them stranded in the storm. Slowly, over time, he begins to think maybe his life isn't over after all. Maybe, just maybe, he can start fresh, this time with Ashley and her daughter.
Ah, but the universe isn't quite done with Eric yet. Threatening phone calls, mysterious strangers, and even self-described agents are now creating turmoil anew for Eric.
Eric is now more confused, and growing angrier again, by the minute. The question is how Ashley fits into all of this...and that's all I can say without spoiling it. (Sorry :D )
A book that will grab you, spin you around, make you dizzy, make you feel for Eric's wife and unborn child - and for Eric, and maybe, even, for Ashley.
While Eric does marry his sweetheart who conceives their child, the rest was anything but a fairy tale. I'm not giving spoilers by saying here that his wife and unborn child do not survive a tragic accident. At this point, his life takes a decidedly downward spiral from which he cannot conceive of ever ending.
He's done everything right, so why does the universe see fit to shatter his biggest dream - the one he worked so hard for?
Seeking to self-medicate and erase the pain, even for a little bit, Eric turns to alcohol. He's royally ticked off at the world, and rightly so. The anger keeps building, despite the alcohol, which only numbs things short-term, and he's quickly running out of options as to why he should want to live any more.
Enter Ashley, a woman he briefly met only once before. She suddenly appears at his home during a strong storm one night. Although mightily irritated at her intrusion into his self-imposed isolation, he allows her in. She also has a young daughter. He's not about to leave them stranded in the storm. Slowly, over time, he begins to think maybe his life isn't over after all. Maybe, just maybe, he can start fresh, this time with Ashley and her daughter.
Ah, but the universe isn't quite done with Eric yet. Threatening phone calls, mysterious strangers, and even self-described agents are now creating turmoil anew for Eric.
Eric is now more confused, and growing angrier again, by the minute. The question is how Ashley fits into all of this...and that's all I can say without spoiling it. (Sorry :D )
A book that will grab you, spin you around, make you dizzy, make you feel for Eric's wife and unborn child - and for Eric, and maybe, even, for Ashley.
September 23, 2019
Out of the Storm asking for a place to stay comes Ashley, her daughter, and their pet dog. Eric hasn't seen Ashley in over 10 years. She's the daughter of his brother's girlfriend. Eric has spent the last year grieving, losing himself in alcohol, isolation, and anger over the death of his wife and unborn child.
For Eric, something doesn't sit right about Ashley just showing up out of the blue after walking to his home in one of the worst storms of the season.
His suspicions are proven correct when strange happenings start happening. Everything from suspicious and threatening calls to being followed to explosions.
It has mystery, suspense, and some action.
**ARC kindly provided by via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
For Eric, something doesn't sit right about Ashley just showing up out of the blue after walking to his home in one of the worst storms of the season.
His suspicions are proven correct when strange happenings start happening. Everything from suspicious and threatening calls to being followed to explosions.
It has mystery, suspense, and some action.
**ARC kindly provided by via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
June 12, 2017
Action pack page turner
This was a great summer read. I was as confused as Eric (the main character) as to what was going on and who were the good guys. The author gives you the details fast enough so that you keep turning the page but throws in red herrings that keep you guessing. A lot of action but still a love story. You see the best of most people and really get involved with these characters.
This was a great summer read. I was as confused as Eric (the main character) as to what was going on and who were the good guys. The author gives you the details fast enough so that you keep turning the page but throws in red herrings that keep you guessing. A lot of action but still a love story. You see the best of most people and really get involved with these characters.
June 11, 2018
Exciting page turner. I could not read fast enough. I wanted all to be safe and happy and hoped that would be the case at the conclusion. Just when things seemed to calm down, something else happened to cause havoc. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley.
March 26, 2020
Good read
Interesting plot and characters. Good read for filling in time or straight through. Not too graphic or gory. Nice mixture of good guys and bad guys.
Interesting plot and characters. Good read for filling in time or straight through. Not too graphic or gory. Nice mixture of good guys and bad guys.
August 30, 2023
Great suspense
This was my first time reading this author however I will definitely read him again. I was thoroughly caught up in the intrigue and drama!
This was my first time reading this author however I will definitely read him again. I was thoroughly caught up in the intrigue and drama!
February 27, 2025
A Goodreads Giveaway!
Enjoyable book, ending not so!
Think the author was aiming for a quick finish, felt there should have been more!
Enjoyable book, ending not so!
Think the author was aiming for a quick finish, felt there should have been more!
March 21, 2017
Excellent read
Held my attention throughout. Only question is in the opening was mentioned a physical storm however no storm occurred throw out the story?
Held my attention throughout. Only question is in the opening was mentioned a physical storm however no storm occurred throw out the story?
September 23, 2019
Out of the Storm asking for a place to stay comes Ashley, her daughter, and their pet dog. Eric hasn't seen Ashley in over 10 years. She's the daughter of his brother's girlfriend. Eric has spent the last year grieving, losing himself in alcohol, isolation, and anger over the death of his wife and unborn child.
For Eric, something doesn't sit right about Ashley just showing up out of the blue after walking to his home in one of the worst storms of the season.
His suspicions are proven correct when strange happenings start happening. Everything from suspicious and threatening calls to being followed to explosions.
It has mystery, suspense, and some action.
**ARC kindly provided by via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
For Eric, something doesn't sit right about Ashley just showing up out of the blue after walking to his home in one of the worst storms of the season.
His suspicions are proven correct when strange happenings start happening. Everything from suspicious and threatening calls to being followed to explosions.
It has mystery, suspense, and some action.
**ARC kindly provided by via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
March 3, 2017
I STUMBLED ON THIS BY ACCIDENT IT SOUNDED INTERESTING AND WAS ON SALE. WELLLL! THIS WAS REALLY, REALLY, GOOD I LOVED IT! THIS WAS AS ADVERTISED THRILLER/ACTION/ADVENTURE/ROMANCE WITH A GREAT STORYLINE AND CHARACTERS. THE SCARY THING IS THE STORYLINE (had me not trusting anyone) COULD HAVE BEEN RIPPED FROM TODAY’S HEADLINES. THIS WAS SOME SCARY SH*T! WHO DO YOU TURN TO WHEN THE LINES BETWEEN THE GOOD & THE BAD GUY’S ARE SO BLURRED YOU CAN’T TELL THE DIFFERENCE. ;D
February 27, 2017
When I started reading this story, I was expecting much, just the usual entertaining simple romance. There were times where it was suspenseful and I wanted to know more but that was it. There was not a lot of development in the characters. The Hero in this story was not written well. He's suppose to be a smart man that was in the military in some sort of special forces, trained in suspicious activity and combat, but he sure does lack all of that in his actions in the book. He has lots of intuitions and never follows them which makes me wonder if he was this hero that the author claims him to be. Ashley, the heroine was barely a character. She had no personality, she was very soft spoken, said little words, and overall seemed like she lacked a brain. If you like strong female leads then this book is NOT for you.
March 1, 2017
Wow! A thriller and a romance; I will not downplay the thriller aspect by calling it a romantic thriller.
While reading OUT OF THE STORM I had to stop and breathe occasionally, as the book kept me almost perpetually on edge. The reader is right there, in the story, riding piggyback within the mind of the protaganist.
I haven't been this breathless over a plot in quite some time. If you like thrillers READ THIS BOOK!
While reading OUT OF THE STORM I had to stop and breathe occasionally, as the book kept me almost perpetually on edge. The reader is right there, in the story, riding piggyback within the mind of the protaganist.
I haven't been this breathless over a plot in quite some time. If you like thrillers READ THIS BOOK!
March 2, 2017
Good read.
Enjoyed it. It is a good entertaining read. Would recommend it to friends and family. Personable characterizations through out the story.
Enjoyed it. It is a good entertaining read. Would recommend it to friends and family. Personable characterizations through out the story.
February 23, 2017
Rather goofy
Your pregnant wife dies in a accident an the guy is mourning his loss and a young woman and her child show's up on your doorstop one rainy night. Suddenly all kind of special agents show up trying to stop some high official from staging a 9/11 type hoax and this girl knows too much and, of course, he is an ex-soldier who in a matter of a weekend falls in love with her and .......blah, blah, blah! Skip this book. Just silly.
Your pregnant wife dies in a accident an the guy is mourning his loss and a young woman and her child show's up on your doorstop one rainy night. Suddenly all kind of special agents show up trying to stop some high official from staging a 9/11 type hoax and this girl knows too much and, of course, he is an ex-soldier who in a matter of a weekend falls in love with her and .......blah, blah, blah! Skip this book. Just silly.
February 26, 2017
Good book!
The mystery kept you on the edge with only hints of which direction the characters would go. Very interesting book.
The mystery kept you on the edge with only hints of which direction the characters would go. Very interesting book.
May 13, 2017
GNA I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Kevin V. Symmons, and Wild Rose Press, Inc. in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all, for sharing your hard work with me.
This is an excellent novel. The classification of this work is ambiguous - it is neither a romance, nor an action novel, neither does it have enough terror to sit there with Steven King. There are politics involved, and retired soldiers and Washington federal cops but it is not a military or spy novel. What it is is a great read encompassing all of the above genres. I loved Eric and Ashley, and would bring Kylie and Rusty home with me. Louise Lu Crawford is the perfect mother-in-law and Bobby the best best friend around. On top of these special people, we have a good who-done-it with some kung fu moves and explosions to keep everyone on their toes. Kevin Symmons writes an excellent tale. I will be looking for his past work, and watching for his future novels.
pub date Oct 8, 2013
Rec April 3, 2017
Wild Rose Press, Inc.
This is an excellent novel. The classification of this work is ambiguous - it is neither a romance, nor an action novel, neither does it have enough terror to sit there with Steven King. There are politics involved, and retired soldiers and Washington federal cops but it is not a military or spy novel. What it is is a great read encompassing all of the above genres. I loved Eric and Ashley, and would bring Kylie and Rusty home with me. Louise Lu Crawford is the perfect mother-in-law and Bobby the best best friend around. On top of these special people, we have a good who-done-it with some kung fu moves and explosions to keep everyone on their toes. Kevin Symmons writes an excellent tale. I will be looking for his past work, and watching for his future novels.
pub date Oct 8, 2013
Rec April 3, 2017
Wild Rose Press, Inc.
February 17, 2017
A Captivating Mystery
A nail biting that keeps you to the edge of your seat. Then throw in a bit of romance and a bit of back ground information and you have a great book.
A nail biting that keeps you to the edge of your seat. Then throw in a bit of romance and a bit of back ground information and you have a great book.
February 13, 2017
OUT OF THE STORM
Suspense thriller, with light romance. Ashley shows up on Eric's doorstep needing shelter. There's a mystery surrounding her which comes to light slowly as the story progresses. The last third of the book is action packed, a n exciting read.
Suspense thriller, with light romance. Ashley shows up on Eric's doorstep needing shelter. There's a mystery surrounding her which comes to light slowly as the story progresses. The last third of the book is action packed, a n exciting read.
August 10, 2016
Out of the storm begins with two very different, but compelling characters. Eric is a retired special forces hero who is trying unsuccessfully to get on with his life after the tragic death of his wife and unborn child. Ashley is a young woman who enters his world, literally out of the storm. Ashley is charming, but complex, and above all running from some mysterious past. She becomes a ray of hope for Eric, a way of emerging from his dark days, though the mystery surrounding her holds him back.
For the first part of the book, the result is a sweet romance as the two struggle to connect, Eric coping with guilt for the loss of his wife, and Ashley unwilling to involve Eric in her dark past. That is, until Ashley’s past rears its head. Then the pace picks up, and the book becomes a thriller. As a cast of unsavory characters appear, Eric tries to distinguish the good guys from the bad. In the process, he has to decide whether he can trust Ashley. At stake are the lives of all he holds dear.
Out of the Storm is a well-paced story with interesting characters. Worth the read.
For the first part of the book, the result is a sweet romance as the two struggle to connect, Eric coping with guilt for the loss of his wife, and Ashley unwilling to involve Eric in her dark past. That is, until Ashley’s past rears its head. Then the pace picks up, and the book becomes a thriller. As a cast of unsavory characters appear, Eric tries to distinguish the good guys from the bad. In the process, he has to decide whether he can trust Ashley. At stake are the lives of all he holds dear.
Out of the Storm is a well-paced story with interesting characters. Worth the read.
February 10, 2017
Excellent reading
This is the first book I have read by Kevin Summons. This book grab me with the first paragraph . I thought I figured everything out about the middle of the book, but was completely wrong and surprise at the end. I will definitely be reading more of his books. I highly recommend this book.
This is the first book I have read by Kevin Summons. This book grab me with the first paragraph . I thought I figured everything out about the middle of the book, but was completely wrong and surprise at the end. I will definitely be reading more of his books. I highly recommend this book.
October 31, 2014
Great and fast-moving story ... very well written ... kept me on the edge of my seat. Out of the Storm is a book you should not start unless you are planning on ignoring everything else until you are finished! Is Ashley really as sweet as she seems? And who is after her .. and why? The first chapter had me totally hooked. Lots of plot twists and turns, ... and to be honest, I was really not sure who was trustworthy and who was not until right near the end ... And, what's a good book without some romance? Love the relationship development between Ashley and Eric. I could easily see this one made into a movie!!
Thank you, Mr. Symmons, for the copy of your book that I received through Goodreads Giveaways for an honest opinion. Looking forward to reading more from you in the future!
Thank you, Mr. Symmons, for the copy of your book that I received through Goodreads Giveaways for an honest opinion. Looking forward to reading more from you in the future!
June 11, 2014
I don't typically delve in to the romantic mystery/suspense novels, but after receiving this via a Goodreads giveway, I have to say this book was a real winner. The best thing you can say about any book is that you had a hard time putting it down...I found myself in just that position on more than one occasion while reading Out of the Storm. A tantalizing storyline combined with skillful delivery and a good pace...excellent.
I must say though, the liberal use of "he found her eyes" or some other version thereof seemed to be utilized far too often...outside of that rather minor picking of nits, this was a very entertaining read.
I must say though, the liberal use of "he found her eyes" or some other version thereof seemed to be utilized far too often...outside of that rather minor picking of nits, this was a very entertaining read.
November 17, 2014
I won this book and must admit the Kevin Symmons is a new author to me. I loved this book and look forward to reading more of his works. I like his style of writing. It had a few twists to the story line that I did not expect but was easy to follow. In truth I did not want to put the book down. I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. Thanks you Kevin Symmons and Goodreads for the chance to win this good book!!!!
December 30, 2015
Kevin V. Symmons knows how to write a great story.
A well written spy thriller with a whole lot of mystery, intrigue and suspense all rolled into one. This book keeps you wanting to see what happens from page to page. Well written and fast paced. I read it all in one sitting. Will be enjoying more books from this author.
A well written spy thriller with a whole lot of mystery, intrigue and suspense all rolled into one. This book keeps you wanting to see what happens from page to page. Well written and fast paced. I read it all in one sitting. Will be enjoying more books from this author.
March 29, 2016
This was a quick and interesting read which I found on Good Reads. It was not free but very reasonable. I think the author is good. He is not a David Baldacci yet but he has the potential of being in that category. The characters lacked depth. I just was wishing for more regarding the overall book. I would read his other books. I hope he keeps writing and improving.
November 6, 2013
A fun read from Kevin Symmons, with suspense, intrigue, action and romance. What more could you want?
A hero settles down on Cape Cod for the good life, but something goes wrong. I can identify with that. This is an outstanding work from Kevin.
A hero settles down on Cape Cod for the good life, but something goes wrong. I can identify with that. This is an outstanding work from Kevin.
January 25, 2014
Nothing is ever what it seems. Eric is down in the dumps and who can blame him, after all that has happened. Ashley knocks on his door for help and boy does she need it. I enjoyed this book with all its twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews