The Mighty Storm: Mighty Storm Series, Book 1

A well-written, beautiful story that put me through a deliciously emotional angsty ringer, made my heart race and flutter and had me swooning like crazy over Jake Wethers.I loved the writing style right from the start. It was vivid, clean, and got you right into Tru's head. This book made me laugh, cry, squee, cheer, gasp, sigh, swoon, melt, fan myself, take deep calming breaths in order to move on, gave me goosbumps, made my breath hitch, made me read with misty eyes for like the whole final 15%, it just TOTALLY affected me. My emotions were all over the place and all of them were INTENSE!My heart = the author's yo-yo. I utterly LOVED IT!!Tru and Jake were the best of childhood friends. They did everything together. And although they were too young to really understand it, they did fall in love. Everything was perfect until his family suddenly uprouted to a different country when they were 14 and they lost touch.Now, twelve years later, Jake has become the world famous "ultimate bad boy of rock" - living a life full of booze, parties, drugs and women , while Tru has become a music journalist. Even though he's hugely popular, she's never told anyone that she knew him, wanting to keep that part of her memories private. So now, when her boss signs her up to interview and write an article on him, she absolutely terrified - she knows he's changed from the boy she knew - will he remember her? What will they say? She knows about a dark part of his past that the world doesn't now about. Maybe he won't want to see her? And yet at the same time, she's utterly excited out of her mind."Jake Wethers, the man who used to be the boy I loved."Ooooooohhmigosh, when they meet for the first time again, my. heart. was. racing!!!! I was smiling, grinning, and my heart was pounding. It was AMAZING!! I love books that affect me so strongly and I have to say that from the moment I met Jake, I fell in instant love with him. INSTANT.And its clear from the start that the spark between them has never died. And he asks her to go on tour with them as the official biographer of his tour and then oh how the fun begins as Jake, subtly at first, and later not so subtly, works hard to rekindle the romance and show Tru the depths of the feelings he's always had for her."It's always been you, Tru. Always." *melt*Now, here's the hiccup, Tru has a boyfriend, Will- a wonderful, sweet, gorgeous, loving boyfriend. And dispite her feelings towards Jake, she isn't quite sure how he feels towards her. She has a lot of insecurities, but I found them to be understandable - annoying perhaps at times because of how badly I just wanted them to get together, but they were not ridiculous. I think its easy for people on the outside to judge her initial reaction, but honestly, in her shoes, I'd prolly be having a lot of the same thoughts myself.There IS a little bit of a love triangle going on for a part of the book, and yes, when Jake and Tru first get physical, there IS cheating. But, and here's the big BUT, it did not bother me (*gasp* and I'm the person who utterly HATES any cheating in books). Why did it not bother me? Because it wasn't long and drawn out. The cheating was understandable. Here are two people CLEARLY meant to be together who have honestly LOVED each other since they were kids, in a sitation where one of them is attached. It sucks. And they gave what they had between them a go and ended up telling Will within a few days of starting so there wasn't this huge big long cheating time. Yes, it was messy. My heart was in utter turmoil. Yes, my heart hurt for Will. But there was just no denying how right Jake and True felt together. They were truely each other's soul mates."You're mine, Tru. I'm not sharing you with him anymore."And this isn't a book about cheating. Its a story about a childhood love that never truely went away throughout years of separation, and how, once reunited, nothing will be able to keep them apart. The cheating thing gets resolved quickly and then after that its just about Jake and Tru.So, now, back to Jake *pauses a moment to SWOON*... Jake Wethers, perhaps the sweetest and hottest rock god to grace this earth. I haven't had my heart this much a-flutter since Kellan and Gideon. Let me tell you, I was hyperventilating and swooning to the MAX. What is it about rock stars that is just so. Freaking. THRILLING?!The chemistry between Jake and Tru... oh dear lord *fans self*, it sizzles. You can feel it come right off the page. Totally undiable. Totally INTENSE. From the start, you can just FEEL that its 'right' between them. And the intensity between them just slowly builds from their first meeting to the point where it just couldn't be held back any more. Made you feel for them that much more strongly.The book is steamy - very steamy, but not erotica steamy. Its there, but not overpowering. Personally, I thought it was just the right amount for this story.Once Jake and Tru were together, yes, they fought, yes, they had their moments of stupid, but c'mon, who doesn't? Personally, despite reading some of the scenes and just going "FUUUUUUUUCCCKKKKKK", I didn't find that the drama overshadowed the story, but rather brought it a sense of realism. They have a lot to deal with - paparazi, public image, various things that happen in their private life... and so naturally, it affects them. But they do work through their issues... and them together just utterly melted my heart *dreamy sigh*The pacing of the book was mostly excellent. But if I had to complain, I'd say that there were a few scenes that were alluded to, but skipped over in detail that I'd really have wished to read in full. The time jumps are a little jolting, making you momentarily disconnect from the story line, but it quickly picks up again and didn't take away from my overall reading experience.This book deals with a lot of serious issues - drugs, cheating, death, commitment, the effects of fame. But its a romance at heart... and an abolutely beautiful one at that.The ending was a totally swoony HEA but was a little abrupt. I loved it, but... I WANT MORE!!!! NOW!! Please?! Ms. Towle, pretty please????!! *begs*oooo and we are treated at the end of the book to one chapter from Jake's POV. Its the scene where they meet for the first time and can I just say that that might actually be the BEST guy POV I've ever read. You got RIGHT into his head. Literally every thought. It was BRILLIANT. I hear rumours that there will be more of his POV in the sequel (yes, you heard that right... according to the rumour mill, a sequel is in the works!!) and apparently (again according to the rumour mill) there will be more scenes from Jake's POV in them so.... *SQUEEEEEEE****EDIT: I just heard from that author that "there will definitely be a sequel to TMS due out in Spring 2013. It will be predominantly from Tru's POV like TMS, but it will have plenty of Jake `treats' in there" ...((cue the wild squeeing))If you are looking for a rockstar romance that will totally take over your heart, try this one out!Jake Wethers... you are my rock god <3

Warning: if you are the type of person who does not want to read a book where cheating is involved, this is not the book for you. It shall be said, though, that this is far from the worst book I have read where cheating occurs.The Mighty Storm is one of the first indie books I read, and I decided to reread it and post a review on my blog, because I remember how much I enjoyed the book the first time.Although this is a story about rock stars and their life style, it is mostly a very sweet, yet steamy, story about two friends reconnecting after many years and admitting to each other that their feelings toward each other are more than of the friendly variety.We are told the story solely through the eyes of the heroine, Tru, so you will not find dual POV's in this book (but I'm told it's different in the sequel which is my next read).I very much like Tru - she is rather witty, passionate, strong in many ways, yet so unsure of herself when it comes to seeing herself through the eyes of Jake, our very hot rock star. Maybe it has something to do with past insecurities while growing up and developing feelings for her best friend, but at times it bothered me a bit. But perhaps that is just because I was rooting for this couple from the start and was rather impatient with them! And when I think about it, maybe it is not so strange she feels that way after all: I mean, us women tend to not see ourselves very clearly, and many of us have a lot of insecurities that are unfounded. But how she fails to see Jake's feelings toward her when he serenades her...well, it should be obvious in my opinion."I suddenly feel a little breathless. Then, when he starts to sing "Through It All", those hauntingly beautiful lyrics he wrote, strumming his guitar. My heart starts to drum pure feeling in my chest. ...I'm so totally mesmerized by him. And so totally in lust with him. And so totally screwed."I do not approve of the way Tru handled Will, her boyfriend...but that is mainly due to the fact that I have never been in a similar situation so I do not know how you are supposed to deal with loving two guys at the same time - I admit that I had a difficult time relating to Tru when it came to this specific point. However, I do believe that the author handled a certain, ugly scene perfectly! The way Will reacted to finding out that Tru and Jake were together - phew! It was intense, ugly, heartbreaking...yes, all the emotions were raw and real. I absolutely DO NOT condone violence of any kind, but I do understand Will's actions to a certain extent. And that's enough on that subject!Jake Wethers...sigh...Oh dear, he...is...HOT! And very much an alpha male in the way he is with Tru. And Tru completely gets that in Jake and even welcomes it:"Jake makes me feel like a girl. Like a woman. It's not something Will's ever truly managed to do. Not that Will's not manly, of course he is, but Jake is in a whole other league. He's alpha to the extreme."Now, I do not know what it is, but I find that, lately, I have connected better with the male characters of the books I have read instead of the female. But Jake is very much my favourite character of the book. It is great to have a hero who is not afraid to simply offer his heart to the woman he loves without grand gestures. He simply uses words instead:"I love you," he repeats. "I've only ever loved one girl, Tru - and that's you. It's always been you. I loved you from the moment I knew how to love."Granted there was the whole scene when Pizza Hut was involved - swoon! - but that is really the only time Jake deliberately shows Tru what his money can buy.Even though Jake is an alpha male, he is also very vulnerable when it comes to his feelings toward Tru. His reasons for not contacting her the past 11 years makes sense even though you resent him for it at the same time. I do not blame Tru for being a bit angry with him about that - to be honest, I think I would feel exactly the same. And when you read about how much he misses his best friend Jonny and the way he deals with his grief...well, you want to crawl inside the book and comfort him! It shows that we are dealing with a very sensitive soul and who does not like that in a hero? I know I do! Which is why I can understand him turning to drugs when his father dies...it just goes to show how human Jake is, and I like that we see this side of him as well. Obviously, it is definitely the wrong thing to do, but still...Jake is not perfect, far from it.The dialogue between Tru and Jake in their private moments is absolutely wonderful to read. You can feel that we are dealing with two people who have grown up together and who have that certain bond you just have with some people. And even though they have not seen or spoken with each other for over a decade, there is no real awkwardness once Tru goes on tour with the band. Well done, Miss Towle!One thing that's worth mentioning as well: the secondary characters are very enjoyable - you get to know them but they do not take over the story at all. You get just enough to get curious about them and want to get to know them better - especially Tom! ;-) He is hilarious! (I am very happy with the fact that the author is writing his book at the moment.)As always, I am trying not to give away too much of the plot in my review - I really feel that you have to read the book yourself without me spoiling your reading experience from the start. I could write a review that was much more explicit, but that would rob you of making up your own mind about the story. And that is the last thing that I want to happen. But I will say this: the author has managed to write a book with plenty of angst, great dialogue and steamy sex scenes (we must not forget those, eh? ;-))A minor detail (but still important): When I read TMS the first time, I remember thinking that I wished it had been edited a bit more prior to publication. Which means that I had high hopes to the paperback edition...Sadly, the story still needs editing. I mean that in the sense of it missing words from time to time - and it happens so often that I cannot overlook them in this review.My final words: Samantha Towle has created a book with characters that, although lovable, have flaws just like the rest of us. I like the fact that although they resolve their issues (mostly), they have to work hard at having a proper relationship just like in real life.This is a contributing factor to the rating I am giving it, and I am very much looking forward to reading the sequel, "Wethering The Storm".

For the past few years, I’ve spent the Christmas period rereading my favourite rockstar romance series and this year I’m back with Jake and Tru in The Mighty Storm.Samantha Towle’s series was one of the first I read when I discovered my love of romance narratives. Jake and Tru will always have a special place in my heart and I have loved being back with them. It is not my first reread and I know it won’t be the last. I have missed these guys so much, and their story has brought out all the emotions in me as if I were reading it for the very first time.I found it difficult to put my Kindle down. I’d be so much more prepared for Christmas had I waited to start reading it but I literally couldn’t wait any longer! I cannot wait to continue the rest of the series. I’ll always love spending time with Jake and Tru and the rest of the TMS family.5 stars.

Tru (Trudy) & Jake. Childhood best friends in UK. He moved to US. They lost touch. He is now a rock star. They reconnect. Liked the concept. Would have liked more flashbacks to their connection in childhood and to see more of their friendship and connection as adults.. rather than just lust.She has a boyfriend she cheats on. He is pretty nasty/childish to her lots of times and gets back to drug using... Too much falling out and making up without proper communication or building of an adult relationship. He acts like a sulky entitled child. There are 4 more books in this series (2 more about these 2). I won't be reading them. Have read other books by Samantha Towle. Enjoyed The Two Week Stand but I'm sick of her male characters being manwhores. In fact the 'bonus chapter' at the end written from Jake's point of view made me dislike him even more. Won't be reading more of her books. Don't find these kind of manwhores likeable or attractive.

The story is one of soul mates. The good part of the book is the build up of the romance and the evolution of love. I also enjoyed imagining being on tour with the band and the fun to be had.Unfortunately, Tru just lied too much. Even closer to the end of the book, she lied. She avoid having proper grown up conversations. She acknowledges Will’s feelings, but doesn’t balance it with Jake’s, leaving me to believe she cared more about being adored than doing the right thing. She also mulled things over continuously, come to a conclusion and then start mulling it over again. Repeating the same thinking processes in a seemingly endless loop, just so the author can change the tone and suddenly everything is ok.Jake is also a liar and I don’t understand why he made the choices he made and had the reactions he did.Both Tru and Jake overreact and do not give each other the space to respond or discuss. It is very difficult to read stories where people refuse to be honest or to talk to each other openly.There were also some elements of the story which is less accurate. For example, anyone who has flown between Paris and London knows that there is no First Class, only Business. And the Business class on those flights are hardly life changing. There is also no jet lag when travelling between the two cities.

As an avid read and a bookstagrammer it’s rare to find me without my head in a book but recently I’ve found myself to be in a complete book funk! I’ve managed to read one book out of the last 8 I’ve picked up! so I decided to take a little break from my reading schedule to try find the pleasure in it again! So I turned to my never ending TBR pile!Whilst I am a massive fan of Sams, it wasn’t from the beginning so TMS has been waiting to be picked up for what I feel like is forever! So with her currently writing a new one what better time to get ready for that by going back where it begins! But now I’m sat here with tears streaming down my face kicking myself why I’ve waited so long to meet The Jake Wethers?! But, better late than never, right?!Jake and Tru’s story gave me everything I feel like I’ve been missing!It can with a tidal wave of emotions- I’ve laughed, I’ve swooned (hard), I’ve cursed a lot and wanted to to scream at both of them I wanted to throw my kindle against the wall, my hearts broke and I’ve sobbed!So much happens and so much of the story was completely unexpected and I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down! And whilst I will say it has a trope I know is a no go area for some, for me it’s a story that’s very much real and when love is this strong and the connection is that deep it simply cannot be ignored!Sam doesn’t only give an incredibly written story but she’s created characters and a love story that’s not one you will ever forget about, it’s one that’s special and will stay with you as a top fave.I’m sat here with butterflies still fluttering in my belly, and whilst I’m excited to carry on this series I won’t lie and say I’m anxious too! So although it’s taken me this long to read, thank you Sam for writing Jake and Tru’s story back then because I feel like I’ve been pulled out of my book funk and you’ve given me back my love for reading!

Wtf just happened?? This book has been in my library for a few months the and I've only just read it now - I know, I'm an idiot!! If I'm honest rock stars are not my thing, scrap that weren't my thing, and that's because this book has been a major game changer for me.Samantha Towle can write words. I'm in love with her brain. She writes comedy, sexy, angry and anxious which has you on a rollercoaster of emotions from the get go.I loved Jake and his instalove for Tru, people get hurt both physically and emotionally and you can't help but love how the story develops.I downloaded the through KU but went on to buy it it's THAT good!Off to read the next installment now.......