Unplug the phone and put the kids to bed; once you start reading Taken by the Storm you won’t want any interruptions! Cyndi Friberg has outdone herself this time; highly charged bedroom scenes are set off by an excellent fast-paced story of madness, mystique and soul-warming love. This highly erotic futuristic will have you desperately turning pages right until the climatic conclusion.

Charlotte is trying to get past the grief of losing her young family, so has taken a break away to a cabin in the Aspen snowfields. Following an unusual storm and an outbreak of fire, a strange man crawls out of the smoky surroundings. He kisses Charlotte breathless; her attempts of resistance are futile. The kiss has left her tired, weak and frightened. Although she did not let him in, the man reappears later in her bedroom. His strange swirling eyes and long black hair, which floats around his head like tendrils, are sure signs that he is not quite human. Tal Aune has not adjusted to his new surroundings and wants to press against her naked body to draw strength from the essence of her pleasure. Charlotte is naturally reluctant, but allows it because his need seems genuine and urgent.

Although Charlotte tries many times to be rid of Tal Aune, she soon comes to understand that she is an innocent pawn in the bitter war on his home planet, Ontariese. His mission is to find an opponent, Dez dar Joon before he reaches Charlotte. Tal and his men do not know exactly why Joon is interested in Charlotte but Tal is determined to stay with her for protection. He finds it hard to be with Charlotte and not make love to her. Charlotte is undeniably attracted to Tal, but she is finding it hard to deal with his overbearing authority. When his fellow beings suggest that she was smuggled out of Ontariese as an infant, it is only the start of a new chapter in her life…

Cyndi Friberg’s tale unfolds like an action movie. Her characters are life-like and for this reader were very easy to visualize. The arch-villain, Dez dar Joon is a sinister shape-shifter; his evil presence looms as a constant threat to Charlotte’s new-found love. Charlotte is remarkable because she tries to retain her humble inner beliefs even when greatness is thrust upon her. Many of her side-crack comments and thoughts about her new lifestyle in the alien world had this reader laughing out loud. Tal Aune, her lover showed a kindness and respect that many readers will admire. Although a talented lover, Tal’s constant loving words, hand-holding and skin contact made him stand out as a hero in an erotic book. Cyndi Friberg’s alien society is quite complex; psychic abilities are usual and quite varied, but the explanations are clear and the story flows smoothly. Hints are made of another missing citizen and I’m hoping Cyndi Friberg has plans to write another in the series. (Quickly please! I’m hooked!) This is one futuristic release that you don’t want to miss!

Reviewed by: Naomi