In Stormy Weather: A Novel (Oak Valley)

In Stormy Weather made meteorology unexpectedly sexy. This romance has academic rivalry, hurricane chasing, women in STEM, and fantastic banter that had me kicking my feet right alongside Quinn. I had a great time watching two meteorologists discover that all their competitive energy could be put to much more entertaining use. Quincy Monroe has built an impressive career for herself. She has a PhD in atmospheric sciences, a weather streaming platform with one million followers, and her sights set on a Science and Operations Officer position with the National Weather Service. Then, Sebastian Dunn enters the NWS competition. He is Quinn’s longtime academic rival, her best friend’s brother, and a successful ABC meteorologist. He irritates her to no end. Hurricane season forces them into the same storms and broadcasts. Their banter was a highlight. Sebastian and Quinn know exactly how to challenge each other. Their competitive history gives the attraction its spark. Curto also incorporates weather science directly into their work and romance. Some sections did become dense with scientific vocabulary. I appreciate an author willing to trust their readers with technical language. I learned a few new things between hurricane warnings and flirting. Sebastian’s decision to pursue the NWS position made me roll my eyes. Quinn has worked toward this opportunity her entire life and is facing lots of sexist hurdles. Sebastian initially treats the application process like another competition simply because he received an invitation without even applying to the role. His realization that it is messed up to stay in the application process takes longer than I wanted. His eventual support of Quinn was a long time coming. I appreciated that he recognized how often she minimizes her own accomplishments and ends up becoming her biggest cheerleader. Quinn’s insecurities were numerous. She is accomplished and intelligent, but she constantly questions whether she deserves the opportunities in front of her. Sexism within the scientific community has taught her to second guess her qualifications. She feels guilty about occupying professional space she has rightfully earned. I related to her tendency to discount accomplishments and wonder whether well earned confidence is somehow arrogance. Sebastian begins pushing against Quinn's self sabotage instincts by reminding Quinn that her intelligence is part of what makes her extraordinary. I enjoyed seeing a man fall for a woman’s brain as enthusiastically as he falls for everything else. The bedroom chemistry does not disappoint. These scenes are hot, playful, and confident. Sebastian begging Quinn and promising to be a good boy gave me a brand new kink to contemplate. I smiled, reconsidered a few personal preferences, and remained undecided about whether that fantasy needs to become reality. Sebastian certainly knows what he is doing. The supporting cast is given plenty of attention in this story. Their histories and relationships receive enough development to make this world feel ready for future books. I would happily return to Florida to see which side characters are revisited. In Stormy Weather has smart characters, hurricane fueled adventure, steamy chemistry, and a heroine learning to recognize her value. Quinn never needed Sebastian to make her brilliant, but he was more than willing to remind her to stop shrinking herself. Pick this up if you are looking for a banter heavy, intelligent, sexy, and venturesome romance.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (Medium Spice) Burnt-out weatherman Sebastian Dunn leaves his news station to film a docuseries about the hurricane season in his home state of Florida. Meanwhile, weather influencer Dr. Quincy Monroe is fighting to be taken seriously as a meteorologist. While her gender-neutral name opens doors in the science community, they quickly slam shut the moment people realize she is a woman. As Sebastian works closely with Quincy over the summer, he goes on his own feminist journey, helping her fight for the respect she deserves. This double-POV story lets you see the entire journey through both of their eyes.Sebastian has been in love with Quincy since high school—though he doesn't fully recognize it until later in life—while Quincy has only ever seen him as her best friend’s antagonistic brother. When Sebastian comes home to film, they find themselves chasing the same storms. He jumps into her live streams, helping her evolve her content and capture the interest of the wider weather community. Soon, Quincy is purposefully inviting him into her space, and their relationship grows from enemies, to friends, and eventually to lovers.Personally, I loved the banter between the main characters. You learn so much about meteorology throughout the story, but it never feels like a dry lecture. The book features heavy themes of “fuck the patriarchy” and “smart girls are sexy,” so if that’s your thing, definitely give it a read! If you loved the character development of Josh in Lights Out by Navessa Allen, or if you enjoy how Ali Hazelwood writes her fierce STEM heroines, you will absolutely love Sebastian and Quincy.