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But First Must Come the Storm
On the blustery first day of her fall semester, twenty-year-old Millie Carrera is determined to start her junior year on the right foot. She has a great GPA, a nice apartment, and if she plays her cards right, she might even graduate a semester early. It's everything she ever wanted. That is, until she runs into Summer Evans.
Literally.
Summer is older, gorgeous, and because of Millie, has coffee seeping through the front of her blouse. She also happens to be Millie's new Science Writing professor. Millie worries their embarrassing encounter may haunt her for the entire semester, and Summer's lingering glances don't make her feel any less self-conscious. Millie makes every effort to get back into Summer's good graces, and soon she can't tell if she's drawn more by guilt or attraction.
Summer's passion for her subject strikes a chord with Millie, who wants desperately to get to know her better. Astoundingly, Summer seems to want the same thing.
As the two get to know each other, their friendship grows into something more—something forbidden. Acting upon their feelings would jeopardize Millie’s education and Summer’s job, but when they’re together, it’s hard to care. Will they be able to keep their hands off each other long enough to get through finals, or will the semester end in heartbreak?
But First Must Come the Storm contains adult content suitable for mature readers only.
Cover Artist: Aria Tan
Editor: Erica Mills
Literally.
Summer is older, gorgeous, and because of Millie, has coffee seeping through the front of her blouse. She also happens to be Millie's new Science Writing professor. Millie worries their embarrassing encounter may haunt her for the entire semester, and Summer's lingering glances don't make her feel any less self-conscious. Millie makes every effort to get back into Summer's good graces, and soon she can't tell if she's drawn more by guilt or attraction.
Summer's passion for her subject strikes a chord with Millie, who wants desperately to get to know her better. Astoundingly, Summer seems to want the same thing.
As the two get to know each other, their friendship grows into something more—something forbidden. Acting upon their feelings would jeopardize Millie’s education and Summer’s job, but when they’re together, it’s hard to care. Will they be able to keep their hands off each other long enough to get through finals, or will the semester end in heartbreak?
But First Must Come the Storm contains adult content suitable for mature readers only.
Cover Artist: Aria Tan
Editor: Erica Mills
- GenresRomanceContemporary
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 5, 2016
But First Must Come the Storm is a gentle read. The relationship between Summer and Millie builds slowly from strictly professor/student to friendship to something romantic. Given the nature of their relationship (how many explosive affairs have we seen between teachers and students in lesfic?), the deliberate pace was much more satisfying than I would have imagined and ended up being perfect, leading to an ending that I was very happy with.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/first...
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/first...
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May 2, 2016What do you do when you are rushing to class and spill hot coffee all over a gorgeous woman and that gorgeous woman ends up being your Science Writing Professor? Well that is what we are going to find out as one Mille Carrera meets Dr. Summer Evans in the most awkward meet cute… ugh.
I love the idea of a student teacher relationship, it always works for me but with two women this was new territory.
Summer has been teaching for three years and is offered an associate professor title which can put her on the track for tenure. Working at a community college, I know that tenure is what most instructors are looking for as it aids to the stability of their career so when tenure came up early in the story, I was intrigued how it would be handled when the women attempt a relationship.
This is a very slow burn romance. The two women actively play the roles of student and teacher with very little engagement into a relationship for at least half of the book which for me, was far too long. I get that they both have school and careers to consider yet aside from a few thoughts from Millie on a hike or when she sees Summer at random school events or the cheek caress to wake Millie from Summer… we don’t get much in the way of chemistry or attraction. I love a good slow burn but the heat was turned down so low it was almost non-existent.
The wait for it all to happen was just that, a wait and while I do like that they took their time, the small bits of intimacy we get weren’t enough for me to really engage with the romance. Once they do dance around the idea though, the story began to pick up a smidge but it didn’t hold steady for me.
“I can’t stop thinking about our kiss. And the more I think about it, the less I care about the repercussions. It’s getting harder to stay away.”
“You could stop.”
“Stop what?”
“Stop fighting it.”
To have a chance at any sort of relationship, Summer and Millie have to set boundaries and ground rules for not only how they the budding relationship hidden but who they will trust with it as well. Unfortunately there is no one they can trust and they decide to only be with one another off campus. I can tell you how much I worried for them when they decided this. When I was young I dated my boss and though we kept our relationship out of work and even went to other towns for movies etc. it was unavoidable that simply being around one another, looking at each other for three seconds too long was enough to cause folks to begin talking about us… as a couple.
The issues the women face were believable as you can’t begin to care for someone and simply shut those feelings off. It was a tough situation for Summer and Millie to be in and they handled it the best way they could though feelings did get hurt along the way.
But First Must Come the Storm was a nice slow burn romance between a teacher and her student and what lines you’ll cross to be with the one you love.
September 13, 2016
Although a good read and one of my favorite topics in f/f romance, I have to say I was a bit bothered by the dynamics of the couple. I really liked their beginnings and the last quarter of the book, but I thought their whole "getting together" could've been better.
May 14, 2016
3.5 Hearts
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Millie is a sweet character. I enjoyed learning about her. She is a pretty typical college student, worried about classes, and ensuring every paper she turns in is perfect. She also seems to enjoy socialising. Not the social butterfly, but enough to know she isn’t reclusive or particularly introverted. She is quietly out about her sexuality, but not hiding it. She is part of the LGBTQI community on campus. She appears to have a confidence in herself as a person with only minor social anxieties and insecurities that is expected from all twenty year olds.
Summer is driven, and working towards tenure at the university. A professor of Science Writing (whatever that is) and working on a book, she is focused on academics and has no time for dating, until she crosses paths with Millie, and all she can think about is the beautiful, younger woman. I didn’t get the same depth of character with Summer as I did with Millie. Both points of view are shared, but I found Millie to be more thoroughly developed than Summer. Summer was still likeable, but I found that I became frustrated with her, and her indecision. Yes, the Professor/Student dynamic was restrictive, but Summer as the older and more experienced, should have been able to control herself a little better, and not go hot and cold all the time.
This story was a slow build romance. The limitations of their unbalanced relationship created more time to build character and plot.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Millie is a sweet character. I enjoyed learning about her. She is a pretty typical college student, worried about classes, and ensuring every paper she turns in is perfect. She also seems to enjoy socialising. Not the social butterfly, but enough to know she isn’t reclusive or particularly introverted. She is quietly out about her sexuality, but not hiding it. She is part of the LGBTQI community on campus. She appears to have a confidence in herself as a person with only minor social anxieties and insecurities that is expected from all twenty year olds.
Summer is driven, and working towards tenure at the university. A professor of Science Writing (whatever that is) and working on a book, she is focused on academics and has no time for dating, until she crosses paths with Millie, and all she can think about is the beautiful, younger woman. I didn’t get the same depth of character with Summer as I did with Millie. Both points of view are shared, but I found Millie to be more thoroughly developed than Summer. Summer was still likeable, but I found that I became frustrated with her, and her indecision. Yes, the Professor/Student dynamic was restrictive, but Summer as the older and more experienced, should have been able to control herself a little better, and not go hot and cold all the time.
This story was a slow build romance. The limitations of their unbalanced relationship created more time to build character and plot.
February 18, 2016
But First Must Come the Storm was a decent fun, read.
Brooke Radley created characters that were definitely drawn to each other and in one of my favorite tropes (professor, student). There was definitely chemistry between Millie - short for Mildred - a new student in a Science Writing class taught by Summer.
The meet-cute was a little overdone, but still likable - Enter Millie, rushing for class. Bumps into Summer, drinking coffee. Coffee spills, Millie is embarrassed, Summer is annoyed but forgiving. Summer turns out to be Millie's professor. The two spend a little more time together and discover hidden (not-so-hidden) feelings for each other.
My main issue with this book was that the characters were somewhat one-dimensional. Millie is a timid, polite student who has a crush on her professor. Summer is a professor trying to get on the tenure track and hesitant to break any rules - especially the sleeping with students one, or at least, sleeping with current students. Apparently, once the class has finished, this rule no longer applies.
The chemistry, which started out strongly, tended to fade as there wasn't even a kiss until after the book was 50% over. Personally, I prefer to have the chemistry build throughout the book and I've found that if the characters don't act on their attraction (at least a little bit) I tend to lose interest relatively quickly. When the scenes in question did happen, I felt...a little let down. I was hoping for a steamier ending.
That said, I did read the book in one night. I didn't put it down once, so I was definitely entertained. But First Must Come the Storm earned every bit of a three star review.
Brooke Radley created characters that were definitely drawn to each other and in one of my favorite tropes (professor, student). There was definitely chemistry between Millie - short for Mildred - a new student in a Science Writing class taught by Summer.
The meet-cute was a little overdone, but still likable - Enter Millie, rushing for class. Bumps into Summer, drinking coffee. Coffee spills, Millie is embarrassed, Summer is annoyed but forgiving. Summer turns out to be Millie's professor. The two spend a little more time together and discover hidden (not-so-hidden) feelings for each other.
My main issue with this book was that the characters were somewhat one-dimensional. Millie is a timid, polite student who has a crush on her professor. Summer is a professor trying to get on the tenure track and hesitant to break any rules - especially the sleeping with students one, or at least, sleeping with current students. Apparently, once the class has finished, this rule no longer applies.
The chemistry, which started out strongly, tended to fade as there wasn't even a kiss until after the book was 50% over. Personally, I prefer to have the chemistry build throughout the book and I've found that if the characters don't act on their attraction (at least a little bit) I tend to lose interest relatively quickly. When the scenes in question did happen, I felt...a little let down. I was hoping for a steamier ending.
That said, I did read the book in one night. I didn't put it down once, so I was definitely entertained. But First Must Come the Storm earned every bit of a three star review.
March 22, 2016
4.5 Stars
In this wonderful book we meet the lovely Millie and watch her as she runs into her soon-to-be-professor, Summer. I loved watching the instant spark that they had burn into a smoldering fire that they could no longer deny.
I was pulled in from the first page and I finished the book the same day I started because I had to know how it would end. And the book didn’t disappoint.
Rey did such a good job with the characterizations that I felt like I knew them both very well. The struggle for Summer was so real that I could imagine it. I also was able to imagine and feel Millie’s frustration and uncertainty with the signals that Summer was sending her.
Their first time together began a little clichéd but it was tasteful and sexy nonetheless. I definitely wanted to smack Summer when she freaked out after the interaction with her fellow teacher, but I’m glad that they took the break so that they knew it was more than just a passing fancy.
I had feared a few times during the book that something would happen and Summer would have to choose between Millie and tenure. I am glad that didn’t happen. The book was unique and kept me on the edge of my seat as to what would happen in the end.
I really had hoped that we would have gotten to see more of them, including after their relationship was public. I hope there will be a follow up book with them.
My one complaint was the formatting of the book. It was very disjointed and caused weird line and page breaks where there shouldn’t have been any. The beginnings of the paragraphs also were not indented and, combined with the weird breaks, it was difficult to see where each paragraph started and ended. Also, dialogue from multiple characters was in the same paragraph so there were a few places that it was hard to figure out who said what.
However, even with the weird formatting, I enjoyed the novel immensely and I will definitely be on the lookout for a sequel!
I received an ARC of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
In this wonderful book we meet the lovely Millie and watch her as she runs into her soon-to-be-professor, Summer. I loved watching the instant spark that they had burn into a smoldering fire that they could no longer deny.
I was pulled in from the first page and I finished the book the same day I started because I had to know how it would end. And the book didn’t disappoint.
Rey did such a good job with the characterizations that I felt like I knew them both very well. The struggle for Summer was so real that I could imagine it. I also was able to imagine and feel Millie’s frustration and uncertainty with the signals that Summer was sending her.
Their first time together began a little clichéd but it was tasteful and sexy nonetheless. I definitely wanted to smack Summer when she freaked out after the interaction with her fellow teacher, but I’m glad that they took the break so that they knew it was more than just a passing fancy.
I had feared a few times during the book that something would happen and Summer would have to choose between Millie and tenure. I am glad that didn’t happen. The book was unique and kept me on the edge of my seat as to what would happen in the end.
I really had hoped that we would have gotten to see more of them, including after their relationship was public. I hope there will be a follow up book with them.
My one complaint was the formatting of the book. It was very disjointed and caused weird line and page breaks where there shouldn’t have been any. The beginnings of the paragraphs also were not indented and, combined with the weird breaks, it was difficult to see where each paragraph started and ended. Also, dialogue from multiple characters was in the same paragraph so there were a few places that it was hard to figure out who said what.
However, even with the weird formatting, I enjoyed the novel immensely and I will definitely be on the lookout for a sequel!
I received an ARC of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2016
Four Stars: f/f romance
I was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well written romance. It is slow and deliberate and the author is obviously an accomplished writer. If you are looking for a purely romantic novel that concentrates purely on the two women's feeling for each other then you will thoroughly enjoy it and find it very satisfying.
Personally I would have liked a little more intrigue and action and I did find myself a little bored at the beginning but things did become more interesting as the relationship continued. Nothing however can be taken from this very romantic and charming love affair.
I was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well written romance. It is slow and deliberate and the author is obviously an accomplished writer. If you are looking for a purely romantic novel that concentrates purely on the two women's feeling for each other then you will thoroughly enjoy it and find it very satisfying.
Personally I would have liked a little more intrigue and action and I did find myself a little bored at the beginning but things did become more interesting as the relationship continued. Nothing however can be taken from this very romantic and charming love affair.
April 15, 2025
4.5 stars
Now that I've finally managed to read it, I'm left wondering why I didn't read it sooner. It had its flaws sure, but, overall, it was really great, one of the best student/professor romances that I've ever read. The slower pace of the romance and its sweetness worked really well for me. I really liked Millie and how responsible and mature she was. Summer was very caring too and sophisticated and enticing, as well; I could see why Millie was so interested. And her flaws also made her relatable, at least to me. As I said, I quite liked them and their relationship.
A beautiful romance.
Now that I've finally managed to read it, I'm left wondering why I didn't read it sooner. It had its flaws sure, but, overall, it was really great, one of the best student/professor romances that I've ever read. The slower pace of the romance and its sweetness worked really well for me. I really liked Millie and how responsible and mature she was. Summer was very caring too and sophisticated and enticing, as well; I could see why Millie was so interested. And her flaws also made her relatable, at least to me. As I said, I quite liked them and their relationship.
A beautiful romance.
July 21, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. There’s age gap, there’s student-teacher, there’s suspense and then there is sweet love and a nice love scene.
Well written romance, likeable characters, a little bit cookie cutter, but I really enjoyed it. The ending was sudden, would have liked an epilogue because off that.
Great beach read!
Well written romance, likeable characters, a little bit cookie cutter, but I really enjoyed it. The ending was sudden, would have liked an epilogue because off that.
Great beach read!
September 13, 2017
I liked the dynamics of the relationship. what would you do if you were attracted to the wrong person. the whole teacher student mix is fun to read. the push and pull in this book was brilliant. sweet easy read
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews