Stormy Love

Jillian has been dealt a few disappointments in life. She was adopted as a young child so she doesn’t remember her parents. Did they love her? Why did they give her away? These are questions she has had for many years. As Jillian sets off to begin a new life in Florida, she has no idea that most of her questions will find answers in and around danger. Will she be able to protect herself? She relied on a man to do that for her before, but not anymore. Jillian has inherited, from an aunt she did not know she had, a home called the Thornton House. She has made plans to open a Bed & Breakfast there, but upon arriving, she is devastated to realize that dream will not happen. Why was she left this house and who was this aunt? On top of the heartache from being left a dilapidated house, there is a man turning up everywhere she goes. Who is he and what does he want? She has too many other problems in her life to deal with having a man in it.

Seth has spent most of the last two years as Florida cop tracking down the drug dealers that were responsible for his sister’s death. He will find the evidence he needs in the Thornton House to prove she did not die by her own hand. With time running out to solve and close the case, a mysterious woman is in town claiming she has inherited the house from her aunt. Could she have connections to the drug dealers or maybe she is the drug dealer he’s looking for? He needs to know everything about her for his case and not because he is immediately attracted to her. He has no time for romance. As he learns more about this woman, Jillian, he realizes she is in way over her head and has no idea she needs to protect herself from danger. Can Seth protect her or even save her if he has to? Will he be able to help her solve the mystery of her aunt and the Thornton House while also solving his sister’s death?

Carlene Rae Dater creates a suspenseful, touching story that offers readers two main characters that immediately capture their hearts. The additional characters in Stormy Love add a mix of humor, friendship, and danger for both Seth and Jillian. Seth is a strong man whose duty to the job, his family, and Jillian is refreshing. Jillian is wonderfully written as a gentle woman determined to make it on her own; at least that was her plan. The chemistry between Seth and Jillian provides a nice blend of tenderness and compassion. The author has done a wonderful job of giving the readers a story that is hard to put down. Will Seth and Jillian find what they are looking for? Will they be able to solve all the mysteries surrounding them?

The depth of the characters in this story left me hoping for a sequel to see what becomes of Seth and Jillian. The tender romance that Carlene Rae Dater created in this story slowly sneaks up on you, leaving you pleasantly surprised in the end. Stormy Love is a book that needs to be read by anyone looking for sweet romance with a bit of suspense. Carlene Rae Dater has earned a well deserved 5 Angels!

Reviewed by: Jessica