Taken by Storm

Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List #2

by Cat Schield

"You don't believe in romance?

Let me change your mind..."

Concierge Isabel Withers vows to turn The Opulence hotel into Seattle's top romantic destination. But first she has to convince Shane Adams, her no-nonsense boss, that the project has merit. When a freak storm strands them at the hotel--leading to a night of passion--it more than demonstrates her point! But is the self-proclaimed romance expert in over her head this time?

203 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2019

About the author

Cat Schield lives in Minnesota with her daughter, Emily, their Burmese cats and a Doberman puppy. Winner of the Romance Writers of America 2010 Golden Heart® for series contemporary romance, when she’s not writing sexy, romantic stories for Harlequin Desire, she can be found sailing with friends on the St. Croix River or more exotic locales like the Caribbean and Europe. Contact her at www.catschield.net.

Reviews

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Taken by Storm is the second book in the Dynasties: Secret of the A-List series. The first book Tempted by Scandal should be read first, if you plan on following along with the mystery arc. Taken by Storm is an office romance, featuring Shane Adams, President of the Richmond Hotel Group, and Isabel Withers, concierge of The Opulence Hotel.

I like the love story of Shane and Isabel. In its entirety, it's a simple, straightforward romance. Isabel has had a thing for Shane for years, the whole time she's worked at the hotel. But he is totally oblivious to her. The biggest obstacle between these two seems to be Shane getting out of his own way and being open to make room in his life for something or someone other than work. Their story has a happily for now ending. There seems to be some remaining issues or questions regarding these two. I hope to see more of them in the next book, Seduced by Second Chances, written by Reese Ryan.

Looking at the current books in this series, Taken by Storm was a let down. Karen Booth set up this wonderful mystery in Tempted by Scandal. I thought the mystery would continue in Taken by Storm, but it was nowhere to be found. I'm happy that Cat still continued with the same intense feelings Teresa and Liam bring out in each other. I was worried that I loved what Karen did with them so much that no one would be able to continue their storyline properly. I just wanted more from Taken by Storm, namely the mystery and the drama. That is not to say that Cat isn't a good writer. I think she is. But she had some big shoes to fill after reading Karen's book and being blown away by it.

I'm invested in the mystery of the series. I really hope Seduced by Second Chances brings back the mystery and drama, I didn’t know I wanted but love so much in Tempted by Scandal.

**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed.**

[Timitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 Stars

Taken By Storm was an alright type of read for me. The characters were likeable enough well except for Liam who annoyed me to no end. The book didn't wow me but I'm interested in seeing what happens next.

Copy provided by author

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken by Storm focused on two couples - Isabel & Shane, and the continuing saga of Teresa & Liam. I really enjoyed watching the romance blossom between Isabel and Shane. Isabel was just what Shane needed in order to realize he needed more than work in his life. And their interactions were fun and romantic. As for Teresa and Liam, well, I just want to shake these two. However, Teresa did have an epiphany where Liam was concerned and it did make his behavior more understandable even if I still want to shake him. ;)

===============

Taken by Storm is the second installment in the Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List series - a collection of stories each told by a different author. CSchield is a new-to-me author and I was eager to "meet" her as well as continue the story which began in Tempted by Scandal .

Taken by Storm not only continued the overall story, but continued Liam and Teresa's story as well as delivering the romance between Isabel and Shane. I truly enjoyed watching Isabel and Shane's romance blossom.

Isabel is the epitome of a romantic. Her job at The Opulence Hotel as the romance concierge capitalizes on those traits. She's sweet and hard-working but she also has a bite. I admired that she wouldn't allow herself to be walked on. Shane is rather a workaholic. He doesn't believe in love or romance and even if he did, he wouldn't have time for it. So of course it was fun seeing Isabel, who's had a crush on him forever, change his mind.

The drama between Teresa and Liam continued in much the same way it started. Liam still can't seem to trust Teresa and his back-and-forth, push-and-pull not only annoyed Teresa. It annoyed me as well. Even the epiphany I had concerning his behavior is wearing thin as an excuse. The author who finishes their story has a tough row to hoe in making me want Teresa to forgive him and wish for his HEA.

I really am liking this series overall and how it's being told. I've never read a story written in this way but these author's style - well, Booth's and Schield's anyway - flow well together. Taken by Storm was engaging and well-paced. I'm eager to read the next installment.


*I received an eARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.*

[Richelle Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Received a review copy from author and I voluntarily provided an honest review."

Taken by Storm

We start off with Shane and Isabel who we briefly met in Tempted by the Scandal. Shane is a workaholic and doesn’t have time for love. Isabel is a hopeless romantic. Honestly, I didn’t feel anything between the couple. No connection. No spark. Nothing.

Then we switched over to Liam and Teresa and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen after the way the last book ended. This story line dragged on and on and there wasn’t any type of progression from the last book. This is the second book in the series and I was hoping for some type of progress and we didn’t have that in this story. I’m hoping the next book we will get some answers.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden love steals the show! With the second book in the Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List mini-series, Cat Schield picks up the continuation with a steaming hot affair between boss and employee. Isabel and Shane were pretty adorable together, and their connection was exciting to watch. The continuing story of Teresa and Liam exploded back into the picture as well. Looking forward to more lust and drama to come!

Hotel concierge Isabel Withers is determined to make The Opulence hotel the "in" place to go for romance in Seattle. Her supervisor isn't agreeing with a lot of what she wants to do, but when the big boss is in town, she manages to catch his interest and his ear to spin the weave of romance.

Shane Adams isn't one to mix business with pleasure, but he finds it impossible not to be swayed by the raw emotion Isabel puts into her work. She's a force to be reckoned with, and he's enjoying being along for the ride!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabel is fiery and passionate – just like her red hair suggests; full of ideas and inspiration. Shane is focused on his goal of success, and so the only thing in his sights is his career. When the feisty red head knocks him off balance, he might need to rethink the way he measures his success. But turn-about is fair play. Shane isn’t the embodiment of Isabel’s Disney prince, even if his attitude bears a striking resemblance to Beauty’s Beast. I love the way these stories blend together and criss-cross back and forth. I haven’t read the first book in this series, but I’m definitely inspired to go back and read it now. Because, if it’s anything like this one I won’t regret a single second spent with it. I’m also now hooked on these characters and I want to know everything I can about them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Jess Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken by Storm by Cat Chield is the second book the Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List series. I would suggest you read this series in order to keep up with everything going on. The lies, the drama, the secrets, and the back stabbing. You have a real life daytime drama unfolding in the pages. You don't want to miss a second of it by skipping any of the books.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with these A listers. Shane and Isabel took the pages by storm as well as did Liam and Teresa. This book is wonderful. The characters flow perfectly togther. It is inevitable that they will all combust together at some point.

[Sassi J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good All Around

The story catches you right off the bat. I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in one day. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for 2 reasons.
1. The Teresa and Liam story intertwined with it makes the story confusing at times.
2. The ending was rushed. The story was flowing and suddenly the H is in love in the last page. It didn’t happen naturally.

Still a pretty good read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List series it deals with Shane Adams, Isabel Withers and Teresa St. Claire and Liam Christopher's story. I enjoyed reading. The book does end on a cliff-hanger. I want to read the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Sagas, Contemporary Romance

Miniseries
Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with each book. Now we are into Isabel and Shane's story. Isabel has listed for Shane for a year. When she wants to make the opulence a destination romantic getaway she goes to her boss but he doesn't want to hear it. She gets an appointment with Shane and he loves it. The more he wants to stay away from her the more she is around. They start a going that is hot but when something happens Shane freaks, but he knows that he is through pushing to impress his dad. It was a great story of the teo.

Also Liam and Teresa are still not getting along because he is convinced that she is still lying to him. When they have a couple massage what happens after is hot til it is not.. Their story is still ongoing.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky meets staid.

Isabel Withers is the head concierge at The Opulance, a hotel an hour east of Seattle. She’s smitten with Shane Adams, the president of the hotel group.
Isabel is spunky and cheeky. She puts a proposal to Shane to improve the romance factor at the hotel.

Shane is staid, all work, just a smidge play and he’s taken with Isabel but isn’t going to mix business with pleasure.

There’s also Teresa and Liam tempestuous interactions. But that’s another story...

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

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken by Storm is second book in the Dynasties series. I enjoyed reading Shane and Isabel’s story, Isabel is determined to have her romance with Shane and she will not stop until she gets what she wants and what she deserves, we also have the continuation of Liam and Teresa story and they just cannot get their act together it seems like as soon as they make a breakthrough something else comes right back up, I am interested to see how their story unfolds.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Isabel works as a concierge at a luxury mountain resort. She has lusted after Shane, an executive with the same resort, for more than a year. She plans romantic events for guests to enhance their stay. Shane doesn’t believe in romance and she tries to change his mind. He has been having second thought as his life has consisted of work, work, work with almost no social life while his friends are getting married and having families. Could Isabel be right? Entertaining!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken by Storm by Cat Schield is a stunning romantic read that sucked me into a whirlwind romance which unfolded with such dazzle and charm. Isabel and Shane’s story is witty from page one. I absolutely adored Shane from the get go. He says such grown up things that make me want to sit up and take note. The interactions between him and Isabel is simply marvelous. I adored these characters and the quirky dialogue made me grin more than once. I just want to see this series made it a television show or something. It’s glorious and fun and so freaking sexy!

Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book by Cat it is also well written and takes you into the story right from the start. This is also a really good story about how two completely different people from two completely different backgrounds one romantic and one cold and not open to romance at all can come together to give people what they need. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Book.

[CaroMommie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story very much. It’s 📖 2 in the Dynasties: Secrets Of The A List, and it kept the messy good chaos going that was in the first book.

All the gang from #TemptedByScandal made an appearance, but this one focused on Isabel and Shane, and they did not disappoint.

The ups and downs that they go through makes for a load of drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

It’s a page turner worth all of your time.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are actually two stories going on and one is a cliffhanger and will finish in the next book. It gives you an idea of what will be going on. The main story for this is good. Shane is challenged on romance. He doesn't believe it exists. Isabel is a hopeless romantic and wants Shane. Can Isabel convince Shane? must read to find out. sweet

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

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in this wonderful series and please make sure you read tempted by scandal first to get the full storyline

This is Shane and Isabel's story Shane Adams is the President of the Richmond Hotel Group, and Isabel Withers, concierge of The Opulence Hotel. She has always had a thing for her boss but he has never looked at her that way In fact all he seems to have time for is work. Suddenly he realises she exists and it is sweet to watch their romance and connection grow

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Isabel and Shane's story! It's the second story in the "Dynasties" series. It's a nice office, or should I say hotel, romance with some twists. Isabel, the "romance" concierge for the The Opulence hotel she just needs to convince the "cold-hearted" president in charge, Shane, of the hotels potential with out losing her heart and job. This is a very intriguing romance with likable characters and an interesting plot.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Dynasties Secrets series and they really should be read in order. This is Isabel and Shane's story these two were just so cute together if like me you enjoy a good romance with the boss then this is so worth picking up the storyline was good and held my interest all the way through.

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who mind needs convincing now.
When she sets out to change Shanes mind about romance she meant the direction of the hotel. But one night may just prove more than the point .
Now Isobel has more on the line than her job her heart some how made an appearance.

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

[Martha Ruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series
I loved the chemistry between the two characters because you could tell that that the really loved each other but they had to overcome obstacles in order to be together.

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

[Wioletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in Dynasties series.
Great story, loved Isabel and Shane.
Isabel is 100% romantic.
Shane is 100% workaholic.
Will they find common ground?
Will Isabel get her HEA?
We learn more about Theresa and Liam too.
Another great read.

[Melissa B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two books for one and not for the better. I took this Arc because I thought I had to give it another try but to me the writing is not good.

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

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this out of order, but it was fun to go back and see the characters I'd been reading about! Isobel is the absolute best!