The Coming Storm: The Welcoming / The Art of Deception

by Nora Roberts

Two fan-favorite stories about the risks taken for love…

THE WELCOMING
Danger rarely comes to Whale Watch Inn on Orcas Island. But undercover FBI agent Roman DeWinter knows something ugly is going on beneath the cozy surface. He believes there is an insidious criminal gang operating out of the inn, and all the evidence points to Charity Ford, the owner. When a hit-and-run attack leaves Charity shaken and bruised, Roman is left questioning if he should trust his heart or his head.

THE ART OF DECEPTION
When the handsome Adam Haines shows up at Kirby Fairchild’s ancestral home looking for a quiet place to paint, she’s more than skeptical. Yet the attraction she feels for him builds, whether she wants it to or not. But when Adam begins to act suspiciously, Kirby must uncover his real purpose at her father’s home before it’s too late. Otherwise Kirby might be in danger—of falling hard for a stranger who is even more practiced in the art of deception than she is.

Previously published.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

491 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 9, 1989

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was kind of slow going and I found it to be kind of boring.

[Crystal Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. These are two old republished novellas by Nora Roberts and it shows. Both men are “take charge” and the women like but also don’t like it. The “relationships” aren’t developed very well and the “I love you” moments happened way too fast, as in the characters don’t really know each other at all.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing here is so bad it's funny.

"There was a dog barking in the distance, a faint yap, yap, yap that only added to the ambience. Gulls, out for an early feeding, swooped low over the water, slicing the silence with their lonely cries."

I'm thinking -the silence of the yappy dog?

Predictable, older romance novels re-published now that the author is famous -and her writing has improved.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two old books republished under one new named title. Both of the original stories were originally published in late 1980s. I enjoyed both stories. Anytime I read a book by Nora Roberts, I am immediately caught up in the plot from the beginning page, and kept interested right to the end.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical, strong man and woman, coming together under suspicious circumstances. Light reading compared to mysteries and murder thrillers.

[Marguerite Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. Lots of twists and turns. Love and romance with intrigue.

[Darlene Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE WELCOMING
Danger rarely comes to Whale Watch Inn on Orcas Island. But undercover FBI agent Roman DeWinter knows something ugly is going on beneath the cozy surface. He believes there is an insidious criminal gang operating out of the inn, and all the evidence points to Charity Ford, the owner. When a hit-and-run attack leaves Charity shaken and bruised, Roman is left questioning if he should trust his heart or his head.

THE ART OF DECEPTION
When the handsome Adam Haines shows up at Kirby Fairchild’s ancestral home looking for a quiet place to paint, she’s more than skeptical. Yet the attraction she feels for him builds, whether she wants it to or not. But when Adam begins to act suspiciously, Kirby must uncover his real purpose at her father’s home before it’s too late. Otherwise Kirby might be in danger—of falling hard for a stranger who is even more practiced in the art of deception than she is.d.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two short stories in one book - previously published in the 1980s. “The Welcoming” was first. Charity owns an inn (I kept picturing Winterclove!!) where (unbeknownst to her) some money laundering and smuggling of criminals have been taking place. Roman, undercover FBI agent shows up to shut things down and in the process he falls in love with Charity. The story is a bit unbelievable, but I always love a story with a happy ending. The 2nd story, “The Art of Deception” was horrible and I gave up on it about a third of the way through. I couldn’t get attached to the characters and it was a completely unbelievable story.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this was 2 novels from the 1980's that were re-jacketed with a copyright of 2020. This apparently has nothing to do with Nora Roberts i discovered after checking on line. I could not get past the first 80 pages of the first novel The Welcoming, which was just repiticious attraction between the 2 main characters. I moved on to the 2nd novel, The Art of Deception and managed to get through it. I've read much better novels by NR but then they may have been newer material.

[Bobbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terribly awful. Boring writing, especially the art of deception. The stereotypical caveman philosophy of I will have you is ridiculous and forced. Falling in love (The Welcoming) after a day or two of meeting someone- it was so pathetic, really. There was no character development; plot was too predictable and underdeveloped. Save your eyeballs and time for something better.

[Tatiana Valdez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nora Roberts is a hell of a writer but the plot and characters haven't aged well. 7 days from first meeting to engagement... an edited version removing specific references to timeline would work, as this was the main jarring aspect (and some of the male lead's actions would be considered non consensual now).

[Chellbie Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book to read in a very unlikely place/situation and it only took me a few days to read it. This book kept you wanting to continue reading on for more. I loved the FBI set up to get the bad guy and the romance between the two main chacters. This book is drama filled, unlikely love story and just an all around good read.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Welcoming is just as well written as all of Nora Roberts books and had me captive from the very first page. The Art of Deception was so fun to read, it has been a while since I laughted out loud while reading. I've put this one under my list of favorite reads

[Chrissie Smith]

These are two novels packaged together in one book but I do not understand why it’s called The Coming Storm. It has nothing to do with a storm.
Also I guess this is more old-school Nora Roberts before she became a top-notch writer. These stories are just a lot of romantic drivel.

[Eva · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read a little of The Welcoming. Didn't bother finishing it. Found it ridiculous. She falls in love with him after knowing him for less than a week!! Come on! Totally unbelievable and just honestly, a stupid story. I love Nora Roberts & JD Robb books. This one is a total fail.

[Jennifer Minty · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was entertaining but a little odd.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

First story is better then the second. The art of deception very slow first few chapters not thrilled with it. ☹️☹️

[Snapdragon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not realize that this was 2 older books put into 1.

[Mireille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always good but old fashion, written in the 80’s

[Rosemarie Luevano · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was ok, not enough to grab attention

[Angel Downs · Rating 3 out of 5]

good stormy weather book

[Dale Koerner Capuano · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story was very good. The second one not a hit

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

The men take charge the women damsel in distress. Not some her best work

[Monica Gargac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a twist I didn't expect. Overall, a decent story but not one that sticks with you for a bit. A good spring break book

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories were too formulaic and too predictable especially when read back-to-back.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two books in one. Both was very Interesting.

[Michelle Cloutier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed these two stories. I had actually read them years ago but didn't recognize them by the back cover description. Once I realized I continued to read them for a second time.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book lost my attention and I couldn’t bring myself to pick it back up once I reached chapter 5. DNF.

[Samantha Trantham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, just kinda dull compared to some of her others I’ve read.

[Lindsay Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

These are 2 novellas with essentially the same plot. They were originally written in the 80’s and it shows in the plot. Strong man saves damsel who thought she could come on her own but needs a man and falls head over heels in love like she’s never done before. Yuck!!! Also both are tiny women and huge guys!