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The Storm #1

The Third Storm

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When you don’t know who to trust, you can’t outrun the storms or your past.

Rowan is her nephews’ only hope of surviving the harrowing storms threatening to destroy the earth. She would do anything to protect them, including seeking refuge on a military vessel under an assumed identity. On their journey to safety, she and the boys stumble upon an unconscious stranger.

When Sam awakens in Rowan’s care, he’s given a chance at a fresh start. A man haunted by mistakes he made during the storms, he’s searching for redemption. He assumes the role of father and husband, hiding with them on the ship, hoping his old life never resurfaces.

They both have secrets — deep, dark things that can hurt their newfound family. Their floating refuge soon turns dangerous when the desire for power turns the people they depended on against them.

Neither of them can outrun their past. Now they find themselves trapped out at sea, trusting no one but each other.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2022

1431 people are currently reading
4543 people want to read

About the author

Liz Hambleton

12 books274 followers
Liz Hambleton writes imperfectly beautiful romance. Her heroines are always strong-willed, and her heroes, resilient. Her characters live in alternate worlds and futuristic times, and putting yourself in their stories lets you escape reality while still feeling the power of true love.

If she’s not reading, she’s writing, and her deep adoration for the written word shines in everything she creates. Liz is married with two children, two large dogs, and a fish that refuses to die.

Connect with Liz on Social Media:

https://lizhambletonbooks.com/

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TikTok: @lizhambletonauthor

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5 stars
731 (34%)
4 stars
777 (36%)
3 stars
459 (21%)
2 stars
107 (5%)
1 star
47 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
July 10, 2024
An excellent read.

Starts a bit confusing, but there's nothing slow about it it keeps a fast pace until they reach their destination. The story becomes clearer when they are on the boat. Rowan, the main character, is headstrong and knows what she needs to do for her and her nephews. Not everything goes to plan, but it's a great book and worth reading.
Profile Image for Kayley.
71 reviews
August 7, 2023
This was a really hard book to follow, I couldn't keep up with character motivations or even the series of events. It was like things moved too fast and too slow at the same time. I was consistently surprised, but not in a good way, just in a way that made me double-back to look for trails that ultimately didn't exist. It didn't feel to me like the characters' choices ever made sense. Why wouldn't she be more mindful of protection with the trauma history she had? Why are they in love? Why are we supposed to hate Dean? Why did Sam lie about his background? Why did Lori trust Luke? Why are we supposed to care about what they are growing? Why is Dean obsessed with Rowan? Why do some people have premonitions? Just Why Why Why. I was constantly frustrated reading this, and it might be that the decisions would have made sense if we understood the characters better, but... this just wasn't it for me. Which is a bummer because the concept was very cool!
Profile Image for Sara (thebookwebb).
290 reviews16 followers
July 3, 2022
This was a post apocalyptic story, in which the Earth was being destroyed by severe storms, that I can only assume were brought on by global warming. There isn't a lot of detail about why the world is in the state it is now, with the story focusing on how the survivors of this new and dangerous world try to stay safe. One way is by joining giant ships on which they intend to live for a year, in the hopes that by then the world will have reset and they can return to the land.

The main character is Rowan who is caring for her orphaned twin nephews, and while trying to make it to one of these ships, comes across an injured man by the side of the road. Her decision to save him and take him with them changes the course of her life and leads to conflict with her possessive ex fiancé, on whom they must all depend, him being one of the leaders on the ship.

Rowan, Sam and the twin boys were really likeable characters, and the way Rowan and Sam's relationship developed was completely believable. Thrown together in difficult circumstances and having to pretend to be married, sharing cramped quarters, romance was bound to happen. There were spicy scenes in this book, but they weren't overly gratuitous and felt like they fit well within the narrative. This book was well written with a good pace, and I could tell from the first page that it was going to be an interesting and enjoyable read.

There were some twists, one I saw coming but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story. I also liked the side characters, Lori's interactions with Rowan were a welcome relief that I needed after reading the scenes that contained Dean. Dean was a truly great villain, in that he really did give me the creeps and in true psychotic style, you could never be sure what his next move was going to be.

The story ended on a cliffhanger and I was torn between disappointment that I hadn't left the characters with their HEA and excitement that there was another book, in which I could continue reading about Rowan and Sam's journey.

I read this book in one day and have given it five stars for an enjoyable, well written story, with great characters.
Profile Image for Danielle.
926 reviews28 followers
July 26, 2022
The one suggestion I have if you’re going to read this book - start it at a time when you have nothing else to do and can binge it. I buddy read it with a friend, and I really didn’t want to stop at our agreed upon chapters, lol.

I can’t stand Dean, but Lori cracked me up. The writing and story line were both incredible, and I cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Alexis Gannon.
42 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2024
Wow who would have known this was an indie author and not through a major publication?? I’m SO impressed. Not only was the dystopian genre done excellently, but the characters completely had you grasped. You hated some, adored others. I wish I had time to read this in one sitting. I was always longing to get back to read this book. Definitely excited to read the next two in the series! Blow this author up!!!
Profile Image for Misha.
662 reviews25 followers
December 12, 2023
3.5 stars

There were some good elements. I liked the main characters motherly instincts to her twin 6 yo nephews and I liked the rivalry between Sam and Dean for her affections. It kept me reading.

But at the end of book 1 - I had no desire to keep going. I'm not sure why. Sam was just a little too good and Dean was evil but not too evil. Wouldn't force himself on her despite having her in his bed- that's a good thing, truly - but in the books I like - I like there to be some evil spark - some ingenious plays and plot twisters where I love to hate the villian. Where the main character makes things happen - not just has things happen to her. You know? It was wrapped up in a little bow, not messy or gritty or surprising. I also felt the "I love yous" came on a bit quick. Never a fan of insta-love.

Anyway - it was a good read TBH. I liked it but didn't love it. Wasn't bored exactly, but not over stimulated either. My standards are high right now because I am truly too busy to read. I want to read something GOOD- that slaps me awake. I'm sure I'll know when it hits me.
Profile Image for Azraelitys.
234 reviews22 followers
February 27, 2024
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Relationship(s): M/F
Romance: Fast Burn 🔥🔥🔥
POV: Singular, First person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: 267 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤
Series/Stand Alone: The Storm series
Cliffhanger: Yes
Themes/Tropes:
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes

I really liked the videos the Author made on BookTok and I thought I’d give this book a shot.

The story has good bones, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. It has a jarring and somewhat confusing start. The world building was bad, a detailed linear explanation of what’s going on with the “storms” would help. Also I think the book would be better if it were dual-pov with Sam, makes for a richer story. The author’s/ Rowan’s “voice” in the story is very choppy, it doesn’t flow nicely, to a point it works for showing how stressed she is, but after that it’s not enjoyable to read. Maybe a good editor would help, the story is very incoherent, almost like someone is telling it in one long rambling mess.

This is the second time where I’ve read a newish author that seems allergic to contractions, people don’t speak or think in that way, it makes reading it feel stilted and wrong. The character development is lacking, the relationship development between Rowan and Sam is nonexistent, they know nothing about each before they become intimate. Shockingly the spicy scenes were decently written. I will not be continuing the series.

Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
203 reviews
March 2, 2024
DNF 70%
I was hoping for a good post-apocalyptic romance/survival thriller because they're hard to find, but the more I read the less I liked it. I didn't like that the author didn't establish a pattern or history to the storms so I wasn't sure what the characters were running from. There was supposed to be an element of "fake marriage forced proximity" but it didn't have much tension. Sam and Rowan's relationship went too fast for me and had little meat to it while Dean and Rwan's relationship confused me.
Profile Image for Carissa ⋆。˚𖦹𓆝₊.
67 reviews17 followers
October 22, 2023
It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great. Personally I love slow burn romance cause it makes it more believable yk and in this book mr man’s woke up and say wow you’re so beautiful and she was like ok we’re in this together forever. Just too quick for me. Also I feel like her being able to see the future kind of threw me off like… it was thrown in there no explanation on how she can. Hopefully we learn more in the next boookkk. But I really liked the story and apocalypticness
Profile Image for Micronova.
221 reviews55 followers
January 28, 2024
The Third Storm, book one of The Storm Series by Liz Hambleton-
Rating: 4 ⭐️

Liz Hambleton does Dystopian Romance and damn! She does it well. She is one of my favorite authors, every book of hers that I have read, has sucked me in, chewed me up, spit me out and had me dying for more. My introduction to her writing was as an ARC reader for Twisted Fate & Twin Flame, her most recent duet. I had promised myself that I would read her back list and that is how I came to read this book, The Third Storm.

This is plot heavy and the storyline is just so damn good. I’m always amazed at how in depth Liz’s stories are. They are well thought out with so many details, flawless pacing with information being revealed at intervals that keep you completely invested and this book is no different. The world building was pretty good, giving us an idea of what had been happening during the years prior to the Thalassa. I loved the cast of characters and the bit of triangle that was going on with Rowan, Dean and Sam. Rowan is incredibly brave and self aware and I was relieved that she saw Dean for the villain that he was.

This story is pretty fascinating, especially with Rowan’s abilities thrown in the mix. The momentum was perfect with enough mystery, tension and romance to keep me turning the pages…I finished this in one sitting. The cliffhanger we’re left on isn’t terrible but has left me intrigued and I’ll be moving right on to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Saucedo.
240 reviews9 followers
July 3, 2022
I want to start this out by saying this genre is completely out of my normal. But I couldn't put this book down!
It's a romance set in an apocalyptic setting cause by these storms.
The story is about Rowan who had to take in her nephews after the death of their parents. She's trying to get to a large ship before the 3rd storm hits, and they find an injured man on their way. They couldn't leave him there so now they have to lie about his identity as well so they can board the ship. The only person that knows who they truly are is Dean, the man who helped them board the ship also Rowans ex.
I loved this story line so much. The relationship between Rowan and her nephews is so sweet. The relationship that develops between Sam and Rowan was a little quick but it was also realistic since they are in an end of the world situation. Dean's character was written so well that everytime he popped up, I was nervous for them. This book was so intense, you go through so many different emotions through out it.
I would definitely recommend this book even if it's not your typical genre!
Profile Image for RedRedtheycallmeRed.
1,972 reviews49 followers
November 8, 2022
This was steamier than I expected, and I didn't love the paranormal aspect, but I still mostly enjoyed the story. Rowan's nephews are all that she has, and she'll do anything to ensure their safety, which means boarding an enormous military ship with Rowan's psychotic ex watching over her (basically stalking her). Along the way, Rowan gets a fake husband who was a bit too alpha, mostly he just acted like a possessive jerk.

I wanted to know more about the post apocalyptic world, and how the ship idea came about. To me that's more interesting than the weird sort of love triangle. Personally, I thought Rowan should have shunned relationships altogether. I'm invested enough to read the next book though.
Profile Image for Catheryn.
1,337 reviews27 followers
June 23, 2023
This books starts off strong and throws you into the post apocalyptic world. The reader learns more about the MFC, Rowen, and her many secrets during the course of the story. Which at times was frustrating because I just wanted to know everything. I liked her and Sam's relationship. Probably developed a little quickly but the book moves quick. There are sweet moments of reprieve but mostly this book is pretty non-stop with intrigue and action. It was hard to put down because I found myself just wanting to find out what is happening next.

Its hard to stay if I liked it because it did make me pretty anxious, but the I will say that it was very entertaining and kept me glued to the page. Row annoyed me at times but there was a reason for all of it.
Profile Image for Ashley.
158 reviews
March 16, 2025
This book makes absolutely no sense. The very beginning had ne so intrigued and then it went downhill FAST. I feel blindsided because SO many people were raving about it.
Profile Image for Jenny The Spine Is Stitched.
170 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2022
Warning you WILL NOT be able to put this book down so don’t even start it until you have the time to sit down and read it. I tired to do adult things while reading this book, wasn’t possible this book took over my brain and made doing anything else impossible.

This is the 2nd book I’ve been blown away by this author.

If you want a strong FMC Rowan is your girl! Keeping her family safe is everything.

I’m more than excited for the next installment. Also can I just go ahead and vote for this to be made into a movie?? I definitely think this is something my husband (if he only read) would enjoy! And I don’t ever say that.

The characters, the plot, the suspense and anxiety I felt, everything was so well written this book couldn’t walk away with anything other than 5 stars!!!
Profile Image for Haylee Literary.
531 reviews
June 29, 2022
Be prepared to read this in one sitting. This will have you on the edge of your seat and eager to see where the story is headed.

The world has gone to shit. Storms rage on throughout, wiping out everything in their wake. Only a few have survived. In the battle to save their lives, they set off to find a ship to take them in the middle of the ocean.

Rowen has been newly thrown into motherhood, caring for her two 6 year old twin nephews - Beau and Lewis. Rowen is quickly learning that you will sacrifice everything for your kids and at times find it impossible to tell them no. Luckily they have made it through the first few storms. Once the latest one ends, they head off on their journey. However, they stumble on some mishaps before they find their way to the ship. Finally boarding the ship, Rowen and the kids are finally safe - or are they?

Rowen's past can't seem to let her go and this might ruin everything. Life on the ship isn't much better and new obstacles take course.

I wasn't prepared to stay up all night and only get two hours of sleep.. but here we are. I could not put this down and I was so engrossed in the story.
Rowen is a strong FMC who is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure her family's safety.
And the romance that developed, had me swooning.

4.5

Profile Image for Megan Hojnacki.
246 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2024
This was a good start to the series. I was interested in the world and the characters. I wished there was a bit more world building and why the storms happened than there was. And I'm not a fan of the trope that was introduced about three quarters into this book. I am curious how the series will continue.
Profile Image for Kim.
557 reviews25 followers
October 25, 2024
When I saw that this was a dystopian romance with MCs in their 30s, I ran to download it. This book will suck you in and consume you. There are so many twists that will keep you on edge wondering what’s going to happen next. I cannot wait to dive into the next book.

What to expect:
•Dystopian Romance
•Suspense
•Forced Proximity
•Fake Relationship
Profile Image for Kayla Pratt.
28 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2022
You guys need to buckle up for this one! Listen, I have dreamed of a book like this. Being a 90s kid, disaster themes and stories are my JAM. So just imagine constant devastating storms and floods that cause you to literally take shelter off land. But it gets better. You’ve got storylines and angst from our main characters past, things that are literally still making an impact on her day to day life. Add in a hot, injured stranger who, I for one absolutely fell in love with just about anything he says to her. Plus some children to really pull on the heart strings. There’s mystery, thrilling moments that made my heart race. The steam and spice is *chefs kiss* superb! The moments with characters you don’t like, turned my stomach. THAT’S how well these characters are written!! And there’s some very heartfelt, emotional moments that of course, got me teary eyed.

In all honesty I didn’t know what to expect of this book. It’s a total dark horse and will completely pull you in until you finish it. Liz is absolutely at the top of her game with this book and I cannot wait for the continuation of this story!!
Profile Image for Halie Ostanik.
31 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2024
truly more gripping than I anticipated a storm based apocalypse plot to be since I’m usually more of a zombie gal. great plot twists and just the right combination of spice and near death experiences🙏🏼
Profile Image for Book_Mom_Of_Three.
544 reviews11 followers
August 4, 2023
This was good, I was hoping there was gonna be more I just felt hanging idk 🤷🏼‍♀️ … I felt like we were told to hate Dean (and yeah he’s a creep and just crazy controlling, but where did it come from why?) and I really wanted to like Sam but I just don’t understand why he lied it’s not that big of a deal, also felt told they where in love I never saw it.

I skipped and saw the ending so I’m gonna stop with this one .
Profile Image for Kat.
590 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2024
This was surprisingly good. Quick read, but really more about escaping a manipulative man than dystopian world. I might read on if next book is on sale.
Profile Image for Cheyenne Sealey.
17 reviews
August 31, 2024
This book brought me out of a 3 month reading slump. I had no idea a dystopian, paranormal, spicy romance book existed but it was MADE FOR ME.
Profile Image for madison.
587 reviews
July 1, 2022
4.5⭐️

“𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯.”

If there’s one thing Liz & her books do, it’s that they give me a bit of ✨anxiety✨

The Third Storm is so different to what I would typically read, it basically gives off “end of the world” vibes. & she really put a twist in fake dating, it’s not for funsies or anything like that, Rowan & Sam are trying to keep themselves and her nephews alive.

Even though their situation could get them in danger, Rowan & Sam can’t help but start to explore their feelings for each other. They tried to make the most of the stolen moments they had. & one thing they knew they could count on was that they would always have each others backs & do what they needed to do for the boys.

Also, Dean. Wtf. I could not stand that guy & respectfully don’t want to have to see him again 😂

“𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘏𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦.”
Profile Image for Elizabeth Symons.
118 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2022
This story was exciting. Rowen and BeLew- from the beginning- had my attention and were super fun to learn more about with each turn of a page.

I loved BeLew as a whole- they’re super funny and adorable. They’re probably my favorite kids in a book ever. They’re so smart, funny, and well put together. Learning more about them

Rowen was amazing-and stayed a constant favorite for me. She became a mother to the boys and even saved Sams life. And their relationship- was SO CUTE. I love how close Lori and Rowen got as friends. They got super close, despite the situation and I got the vibes that they were like sisters.

Dean was definitely the most hated character for me. He was super mean and crappy- to everyone. He sounds like a spoiled brat that just didn’t get the things he wanted- and made everyone’s life hell. But Sam- hot damn I loved him!!! He was rough. He was smart. He was exciting!!! He was such an amazing “father” to BeLew and was an amazing “husband” to Rowen.
1 review
July 2, 2022
Trust no one and everyone.

Hambleton's latest book keeps you guessing and questioning everyone. Rowan is stuck between what she wants and what will keep her safe, and every choice she makes has consequences. This one had a twist near the end that I did not see coming.
Profile Image for Andrea Brink.
173 reviews25 followers
June 30, 2022
Wow! What a crazy ride!

Forced Proximity 🌊 First in series 🌊 BadA$$ Heroine 🌊 InstaLove


Liz’s books always have so many layers to peel back and this is no exception. I was surprised how jam packed this book was with information and sub plots but it kept it super interesting. The kids are hilarious which I loved reading in a doomsday-ish book.

The spice is urgent and 🥵. Be warned you will want to read in one sitting.
Profile Image for SmutandSpice.
135 reviews41 followers
June 23, 2022
4.5 - Y’all I don’t know what Liz does to her writing but she never fails to make me obsessed. Obsessed to the point where I started this book and literally couldn’t stop. I DEVOURED it and it’s secrets in one night with no regrets. Liz writes suspenseful plots like a god damn mastermind and I kept “one more chapter”-ing because I needed to find out what was going on. This is a book with spice, so don’t be expecting anything too wild on that front. But honestly the plot is so fantastic that I wasn’t even missing it. I fell hard for Rowan and Sam. Rowan is such a strong FMC and watching her navigate her new reality was inspiring. There are some harder topics addressed so check TWs⚠️ it also ends on a cliffhanger so I really can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Profile Image for Jill.
11 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2022
I could not put this book down! From the first page I was completely invested. While the story was futuristic I had no problem envisioning the entire book. The steamy factor was there along with plenty of action and suspense. I now cannot wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Marissa Garcia.
204 reviews16 followers
July 25, 2022
If you haven’t read anything by Liz yet, what the heck are you doing?!

This book just grabbed my attention from the beginning, I was constantly turning the page to figure out what would happen next! It was also a little unpredictable, just when I thought I had someone or something figured out Liz turned me in the opposite direction!

This book has romance, spice, forced proximity, love forged by traumatic events, twist and turns, a villain, a strong FMC, and one HOT hero! 🖤 what more could you want out of a Liz Hambleton book!? Go read it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews

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