Taken by Storm
2 Stars

An intriguing premise yet the execution leaves much to be desired.

The idea of a couple stranded in a blizzard fighting the elements as they give in to their attraction is very appealing. Unfortunately, the titular storm in this book plays a very minor role in providing the "meet-cute" scenario and thats about it.

Moreover, the couple in question is, to put it mildly, boring and even a tad bit annoying. Zoey Archer has a bad reputation for ruining everything she touches and her self-confidence has taken a beating. Her constant self-flagellation quickly gets old as does her insistence that the hero would be better off without her.

Cam Macmillan is too good to be true. He is gorgeous and sweet, patient and caring, and loves dogs to boot. This paragon of masculinity cannot possibly exist, and the fact that he falls in love with Zoey it first sight is even more illogical and unrealistic.

In terms of the romance, Zoey and Cam have some mild chemistry and their interactions are sweet. Nevertheless, their one sex scene is rather tepid and definitely not up to the Blaze imprint.

The main plot revolves around Zoey's attempt to transport her sister's Afghan Hound to Seattle for breeding purposes. While the dog, Casper, certainly provides some much needed comic relief from Zoey's angst and Cam's perfection, the sheer number of incidents involving the pooch endangering himself is ridiculous.

In sum, an OK contemporary romance, but not recommended for readers who prefer action and spice in their books. ( )

nope not for me ( )