I liked this book. I wish we had gotten the pre sequel novella in the book but as it was free can’t complain . All the characters were well developed. The internal/external conflicts felt real.

Reading Into the Storm was like watching an action packed movie.
I loved the slings and arrows exchanged between Xavier and Audrey. They shared one night of passion, with consequences both personally and professionally.
SEALS are bad ass and I loved all the descriptions of their training and dedication.
It’s a great fast paced, on the edge of your seat, exciting read.

Xavier Rivera is planning a top secret military training exercise in the national park overseen by archaeologist Audrey Kendrick. They’ve clashed regarding the training exercise before, and after Xavier goes over her head any chance for a relationship after one passionate night together is over. Once the training exercise is in progress, and Audrey arrives at the park unexpectedly, things go to hell and the two have to put their differences aside in order to survive.

My first thoughts when I started the book are that Xavier is an asshole. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to forgive his betrayal, let alone how the FMC would forgive him. However it’s a testament to Rachel’s writing that by the end I was totally rooting for him. The conflict between the two main characters was totally reasonable, and I could see both points of view, but the resolution made sense.

Military MMCs like Xavier can often lean a little too alpha but I found him a great mix of protective and supportive of the FMC. He had some emotional moments too that I didn’t expect, but really made me love him. And I also want to note that it was great to read about characters that were older (Audrey, 38 and Xavier, 42).

The elements of a great romantic suspense are all here, great characters, mystery, steam, and just the right amount of angst. I’m not usually a fan of the ‘stuck in the wilderness together’ trope, but ‘Into the Storm’ had me hooked from the first chapter. The suspense was heart pounding and I wasn’t sure how it would play out. And I really rooted for the characters to solve their differences and get together.

Overall, this was a great book and I would highly recommend it to romance and romantic suspense fans. I’ll definitely be taking a second look at Rachel Grant’s backlist.

Read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley.

From the minute the Into The Storm begins, you'll feel gripping tension.

Dr. Audrey Kendrick, Park archeologist for Lake Olympus carried the burden of preserving the ancient sites on her strong shoulders. She had a mystery to unravel, a friend to find, and a career to salvage.
Chief Warrant Officer Xavier Rivera was on a mission he’d lied to protect. He had nightmares and regrets, both of which kept him alone and awake at night. As was the case when significant wounds lay beyond what the eye can see.
Xavier and Audrey’s paths had previously crossed and secrets existed between them as a result. Secrets that kept them apart. Secrets that could kill.
Beautifully penned descriptions provided a breathtaking backdrop to the dramatic story, allowing readers to feel that they themselves were within the unforgiving but stunning peninsular rainforest. And with Grant's insight and acutely detailed SEAL combat tactics and interactions, the action within the pages came alive. It was so cleverly penned and gripping.
Something else that made the read more thrilling and engaging was changing, multiple points of view. The story was predominantly told between Xavier’s and Audrey’s perspectives, but at perfectly timed moments, the view switched, allowing a broader perspective of the crisis all characters endured. This was fabulous.
Artfully interlaced within the drama were deeply emotional and sensitively covered trauma and themes. Both Audrey and Xavier had well-sculpted trust issues and the unfolding days of terror both put those to the test. Would they let go of past hurts and pain and rely on each other's strengths? Or would pride stand in their way of hope . . . and safety?
It would be a crime to omit to mention the delicious and convincing romance. The author did not skimp on detail in this sphere, either, taking their chemistry to believable and scintillating heights.
I have no doubt that Rachel Grant readers are exceptionally capable mystery-romance readers, which made me wonder about the slight repetition of themes of betrayal, team dynamics, and guilt, among other things. But don’t let that small fussy-reader misgiving prevent your decision to grab this book. Grant is a master storyteller who cleverly weaves mystery, thrilling tension, and passionate romance into one exciting read.

Anyone who enjoys reading military drama romance will devour this book and be back for more. I read it twice as I wasn’t ready to put it down. This is a book not to be missed.

Thankful to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book prior to publication. An honour.

What a way to kick off this new romantic suspense series! Xavier and Audrey will hook you and won't let go. I highly recommend readers read the prequel story to get the full effect. The romance isn't easy. The characters are complex. The danger is action packed and full of suspense. All the intensity had me up late, I couldn't put this one down! I cannot wait for more.

Intense and fast read with the bonus of Navy SEALS included! Great setting with solid characters. Awesome start to a new series.

Rachel Grant never disappoints!
Into the Storm delivers on action, suspense and romance.
The pacing is perfect. I never felt the story was moving too slow or too fast. It also kept me engaged in the story. Grant's writing draws you in from the very beginning. It is captivating and immersive. I felt that I was in the forest.
The sex scenes are steamy too!
I would recommend this for readers who enjoy one-night stand turned into more, romantic suspense, angst, betrayal, military romance, STEM heroine and steam.

Rachel Grant is a relatively new-to-me author, and she pretty much had me at archaeologist and Navy SEAL, and the chance to get in on the first book of a new series was too much to resist, and am I ever glad I requested and was granted an advance reader copy of this sexy, action-packed, romantic suspense thriller. While I wished for a map of the location, which is the Olympic National Park, so I could accurately picture each spot where the action was taking place, Ms. Grant did a great job of explaining it. It's a 5-star read.

We first meet Dr. Audrey Kendrick, an archaeologist working at the aforementioned park, as she's driving on the treacherous, icy road to the Lake Olympus Lodge, to discover why her surveillance feeds stopped working. She installed them herself because sacred sites within the park were being looted of indigenous artifacts, and she wanted to catch whoever was doing the looting. She'd tried calling her friend and artist, George, a senior Native park resident and master woodcarver, but she couldn't reach him either --and she was in no way prepared for what she found when she finally arrived.

A couple of months earlier she'd had a steamy one-night stand with sexy Xavier Rivera, and they didn't spend a lot of time talking. She recently found out that although they took precautions, she was pregnant with his child. They never even exchanged contact information, but since they were introduced at the Lodge by a mutual friend, she does want to let him know about his impending fatherhood. About a month after their night together, Xavier, now a SEAL trainer due to an injury that sidelined him from active duty, wants his SEAL team to use the park, now closed to visitors for the season, to stage a training op with his team. Audrey, fearing more damage to fragile sites by the team, turns down his request, but Xavier is not to be deterred, and lies about her to get around her refusal, nearly tanking her career--a pretty hard knock from the father of the fetus she's carrying.

Once she arrives at the Lodge, it's clear that her surveillance equipment has been tampered with, and that's when this novel really hits its stride--not only are the SEALs having their training exercise with fake paintball ammunition, all communication systems are being blocked, and there are an untold number of murderous Russian mercenaries in the park, using real ammo to kill the SEALs, and anyone who, although told to leave, decided to stay behind, and there's no way to warn them. They've even disabled Audrey's SUV so she can't leave the park to warn anyone. Once she an Xavier find each other, tighten your seatbelts because this suspenseful, dangerous, and deadly thrill ride will keep you turning pages into the wee hours of the morning.

The author did a great job of developing her lead characters as the novel, and the danger they were in, progressed, and drew them closer. Just when you think the danger is over, think again--there were so many twists and turns in this novel that I just didn't see coming, and I doubt you'll see them coming either. It was as taut a thriller as I've read in years, and I'm happy to recommend it.

Also, at the end of the novel, if you're reading the e-book version of this novel, there's a link to a free download called, Before the Storm, about the original meeting and one-night stand between Audrey and Xavier.

As stated, I read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

A very good start to the new series of romantic suspense.

Archaeologist Audrey Kendrick arrives at the National Park where she works because the cameras she has installed have stopped working. There, she discovers that a SEALs group exercise is taking place, led by her one-night lover Xavier, whom she encounters as soon as she arrives. Soon they both discover that broken cameras are just the beginning, and something they had no idea going on in the Park that they had no idea, the SEALs exercises are at risk. Audrey and Xavier, despite what divided them, must work together to save Xavier's team as well as themselves.

I like it when the plot starts in the first chapter of a book, and that's the case here. Audrey arrives at Olympic National Park and is immediately drawn into the whirlwind of events. From there, everything only happens faster. We learn about Audrey's past with Xavier as the story progresses, but also early enough to understand the situation. I like the fast pace in my romantic suspense, and this is a good example of a story like that.

I was a bit afraid of the love thread, which is largely based on love at first sight, which I do not like. But fortunately unnecessarily, because I had no major problems with it. Even though Audrey and Xavier's relationship is really developing very fast, I didn't think it was too fast. I was able to believe in their feelings. The plot is interesting and suspenseful. The already high stakes are increased by the weather. A raging cold storm is an excellent atmosphere builder and fits well with the story.

This is the beginning of a new series and we meet a few characters that will definitely reappear in future books. I recommend this book especially to those who don't mind love at first sight, who like fast-paced international conspiracies and the weather as part of the plot.

Into the storm is a well-written romantic suspense novel that makes you feel like you're in the book with the characters. The book is set in the Pacific Northwest in Olympic National Park. Xavier Rivera is a former Navy Seal turned team trainer hoping to conduct training in the park. He has submitted his application when he has a one night stand with the park archeologist Dr. Audrey Kendrick. Audrey denies the application which causes Xavier to lie about their relationship to Audrey's superiors. These events happen prior to the book so Xavier and Audrey have an adversarial relationship at the start of the book. Neither trusts the other person so when Audrey shows up at the park during the Navy's training Xavier is slow to believe her reasons for being there. While Xavier starts off on the wrong foot with Audrey it doesn't take long for him to realize he's made a huge mistake. Audrey is an intelligent, caring and outdoorsy heroine, she's a really great character and definitely made the book for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Action from start to finish!

Make sure you get your hands on the prequal, Before the Storm for the hot, steamy and firey end to our two leading characters meeting.

Into the storm will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next, who is behind the attack, who will survive and near the end, I had that sense of dread, that it all seemed to neat, that forboding that we were not yet done with the bad guys....

Thankfully, we get our HEA.

If you are an avid fan of Rachel Grant and have read her other books, I love the cameo's of past leading characters, that extra snippit into their lives. Into the Storm brings back underwater archaeologies Undien Gray and former Seal Luke Sevick from Cold Evidence, as well as other minor connections to other loved characters.

Hot suspenseful nail biting romance romance

Hold onto your hat for Xavier and Audrey stormy ride - you’ll love it. After the prequel I was thinking Xavier was kind of a jerk and I was dying to get my hands on this book to see how the conflict between he and Audrey was resolved. The story did not disappoint. The story grabbed me by throat from the very first word and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last one. This hot suspenseful romance keeps you enthralled and is filled with smart funny and wildly appealing characters and an edge of your seat story. The adventure of Xavier and Audrey will give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, gasping, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. Xavier is a former SEAL who now trains SEALs and is currently conducting a training exercise in a national park. Audrey is the ONP archeologist to the Park. Despite an imminent storm, when the cameras on a recently looted historic burial site go out, she immediately goes to the Park fearing the worst. This choice throws Audrey and Xavier together again. Audrey and Xavier had a sizzling and life changing one night stand that 6 weeks later ended in betrayal (detailed in Before the Storm but also explained in this story). There are no happy feelings when they find themselves stranded in the park, in the middle of a winter storm, running from evil bad guys. Once they at least partly grasp the situation they are in, the intrigue, danger, excitement and romance surge into roller coaster pacing. The book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from romantic suspense - sweet moments, strong friendships, sexy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, uber protective men, secrets, painful pasts, evil actors, and so much love. The story included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. I love when romantic suspense keeps me guessing the motives of the bad guys. This author is the queen of this genre.

Rachel Grant is a reliable to go writer for me and I now buy her books without even reading the synopsis.
That's because I love the combination of mystery, geographically fascinating locations described in much detail and a romance story line.
There is so much to be entertained about as her books have multi facets.
Xavier and Audrey's story was no exception and the backdrop of the Olympic National Park was simply amazing.

Rachel Grant's books are a lovely was to get lost in a new world full of action, mystery and romance, enjoy...

Once again Rachel has written a storyline that kept me up all night The perfect blend of action and drama with plenty of suspense with clues dripped out at the perfect time to keep the story rolling I also love the fact that it is told in multiple points of view from various members of the team. She is fast becoming a go to writer for me

Xavier betrayed Audrey in the worst way possible (read the free prequel "Before the Storm") but now though unforeseen circumstances they are trapped in a lodge together with the storm of the century bearing down on them. Things also take a deadly twist it will take Xavier and his team working with Audrey if they are to all survive

Can't wait for more in this series if this first book is any indication

The atmospheric element to this story was brilliant. I live in the area where this story takes place, the Olympic mountain range visible from my home. I was also just at the lodge the lodge in the story is based off of a few weeks ago. These factors made the story come to life and permeate my senses beyond the passivity of reading about a place I've never been.

This story felt so plausible with the strong Navy presence in this area combined with the beauty and harsh realities of the Olympic Peninsula. The author did an amazing job capturing the setting and that made this book all the more enjoyable.

Xavier and Audrey's story was heart-wrenching and heart-warming. They were a fantastic pair and Grant did a beautiful job at integrating their strengths to make them a team in and out of this highly suspenseful plot.

I highly recommend this book if you are into fast-paced suspense, military intrigue, plots that take place in the wilderness, and a highly romantic story.

4-4.5 ⭐️'s


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Janus Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

It started off with such a great story line and i was hooked with the plot. Even the protagonist was going great and everything but the middle part of the book felt too much stretched and unnecessary.
I would say the writing was good and engaging but won't deny that there was so much space for better presentation. I can recommend it to the thriller lovers who like very slow burning thrillers

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the Arc.

Love everything that Rachel Grant writes, and this one is no exception. Recommend to all fans of hers, and anyone who loves a book that you just can't put down!!

This is a TERRIBLE book to read before bed.

Even though I was exhausted each night as I read, the non-stop action had my heart pounding - hard! It’s been a long time since I read a romantic suspense that had me sitting on the edge of my seat - sometimes literally, my heart beating frantically as I tapped the sides of my Kindle as fast as I could read. Oh Rachel Grant, how I love your writing!

Into the Storm was the perfect balance of romance and suspense. Audrey and Xavier had a passion-filled night together before going their separate ways (sidenote: you can read about that night in the appropriately named prequel Before the Storm: One Hot Night, and I highly recommend reading it first; FYI - it’s FREE!). A month later, Audrey is hurt and angry when Xavier betrays her by risking the job he knows she’s wanted her whole life.

And Xavier didn’t feel good about his betrayal. But he didn’t see any other way around to getting to use Olympic National Park for a top secret SEAL training exercise. When things go sideways from the start of the exercise, it's a brutal, frantic race to keep Audrey safe and get word to his men that they aren’t alone in the tropical forest of the Pacific Northwest.

There wasn’t a single cliched thing about this book. There were twists and turns I didn’t see coming, right up until the very end. The relationship development between Audrey and Xavier was great. And did I mention how action-packed the story was? I normally read at night until I get drowsy, but this book kept me up far past when I put it down to go to sleep because my heart kept pounding. I can’t remember the last time a book did that to me.

Rachel Grant quickly became a favorite of mine when I want to read a romantic suspense - she does a great job of giving the reader an equal amount of romance AND suspense. Into the Storm was particularly great! And I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

* thank you to NetGalley and Janus Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

When the first word is Adrenaline

Wow! This story starts off at a nail-biting thrilling pace and doesn't let up! If you read the prequel, then you already know the history between Xavier and Audrey. (If you haven't, don't worry. While I highly recommend reading that before starting this one if only to experience the events as they happened, there's nothing covered in that book that isn't eventually explained in this one.)

I can't tell you much about the plot without giving away spoilers, but I will say that the action never stops, the romance is a delirious roller coaster ride, and the good guys are the heroes of legend. When Xavier first betrayed Audrey, I was so angry at him I nearly didn't finish the book. Thankfully, I persevered, and was rewarded with an explanation that cleared the way to their HEA.

This is a standalone romance, though we do interact with a couple from one of the author's previous books. It was nice to get the chance to catch up with Luke and Undine and see how their own HEA is playing out. There's just enough of an epilogue to cement Xavier and Audrey's HEA followed by a bit of an intro into the next book.

So many surprise twists and unexpected turns in this story kept me glued to my Nook and I honestly couldn't step away or take my mind off these characters. The writing is flawless and the events feel as urgent and relatable as anything you'll hear on the news. I was simply blown away by this story. Most of it is presented in either Xavier's or Audrey's third-person POV, but there are several parts told by four other secondary characters that don't feel all that secondary at all. Utilizing six different points of view really gives us the entire breadth of the action in a way that a two-person POV would have limited.

This is an outstanding book, one I highly recommend to anyone who loves to read romantic suspense with true-to-life heroes. At one point Audrey reassures herself with, "Navy SEALs were the closest a person could get to being a superhero, right?" and I couldn't agree more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Into the Storm is book one in the ‘Evidence: Under Fire’ series by Rachel Grant and boy is it action packed. The story focuses on Audrey and Xavier who shared a passionate night together, only for Audrey to be betrayed by Xavier in the worst possible way. Now he is back in her life and even though they both have some mutual distrust going on they have to work together to survive and save Xavier’s SEAL team whilst trying to stay alive themselves.

This was a really great military suspense book/ romance. Audrey loves her job as an archeologist and even has feelings for Xavier, even after everything that he has done. She is harbouring some secrets of her own though, but she is a strong character and isn’t going to be strong armed by Xavier. Xavier on the other hand is pure alpha male and although he doesn’t trust Audrey initially, he knows that he has to work with her in order to survive and get his team to safety. At the beginning of the novel, he was quite arrogant, but he does develop as the story moves along.

The suspense is great in this novel and keeps you wanting to read on well into the twilight hours to see what happens to the characters. The setting in the national park is also wonderful too and you feel like you are taken on a thrilling ride whilst reading. Overall, a really good book.

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com