Member Reviews
Wow. This book was really well-written!! I'm surprised and disappointed that more people haven't read it! This is a perfect book for those new adult book lovers. The angst, banter, stubbornness, compassion, demons and love in this book are so intense and so beautifully executed. I hope this author continues to write because I would definitely read more of her books.
DNF @ 33%
I loved the scenery, but the rest of the story is just trying too hard. The heroine seems immature and very TSTL, and the hero is a cookie cutter surly, broody, empty-headed person. I kept forgetting he was Scottish because he didn’t sound it at all most of the time. The supporting characters were fun, but something just happened that makes me believe we’re losing them and getting the hero and heroine alone. I’m not interested.
Under a Storm-Swept Sky was the first book I've ever read by Beth Anne Miller. Loved it! It was sexy and witty and just fueled my love of all things Scottish.
Amelia embarked on a trip that would change her life forever. She was the type of girl who preferred to relax than participate in an active vacation. Hiking through the Isle of Skye was a promise made to a friend and will ultimately change her outlook on life. Meeting her handsome guide Rory is definitely a clash of personalities but he is someone you can trust to keep you safe. They both embrace a journey together and ultimately become much closer. Loved the storyline and how participating in an active vacation can test your will and your make you push harder through life.
Great romance. I've recently been binging 'Doctor Who' so I know flat out that is where the author got the names from. Amelia and Rory [The Ponds ;) ] But if I put this aside, it was a great read. Perfect for the romantic heart with a dash of broken and healing.
My Review: This book just.. called to me, when I read the synopsis. And thank goodness I opted to read this one, because I hate the idea that I might have missed out on reading this. My life would have been so much less had I not had the chance to read this book. I'm not sure I have words strong enough to fully explain how much I.. adored this. Loved it. I'd marry it, if I could. I saw another reviewer describe this as "riveting" and I have to say... That's putting it mildly.
I was into this from the beginning. Seriously, page one and I was hooked. And when it ended? I was heartbroken, because that meant it was over. I never wanted to say goodbye to this story, and to these characters. Not only is the story beautiful, but the scenery is as well - you can practically.. feel like you're in Scotland. And now, all I can think about is going back to Scotland. And maybe trying to find my own happily ever after while I'm there...
Cover Lovin': Two thumbs up.
Recommendation: Works on its own.
Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!!! There aren't enough words to describe the awesomeness. Read this now!
I seem to be in the minority with this one, but I found Under a Storm-Swept Sky by Beth Anne Miller to be predictable and, frankly, boring.
I struggle a lot with contemporary romance, and books like this one are part of the reason why. It isn't that this was a bad book, but when the best part about the story is the setting, it is hard to get invested in the characters.
I found the female MC to be a bit TSTL. She gets in way over her head with a hike she is ill prepared for, and takes risks time and time again that put her safety and the safety of her companions in jeopardy. I got tired of her ruminating and photo-taking, and of her in general, if I'm being honest. The male MC had a hero complex a mile wide, and though I understood the motivation behind both of the characters, they just felt really superficially made to me.
Look, I'm not saying that the story is bad, just that it wasn't memorable, didn't have that spark that excites me. I'm picky when it comes to romance novels because I read so many of them. It takes a lot to impress me, and a slow-moving story (the second half went on forever) with a predictable plot just doesn't cut it.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
This was my first book by Beth and not my usual type of read. I was very intrigued by the blurb, Scotland being a place I have visited a few times with my family, but never made it to the Isle of Skye, but after reading this I would love to visit!! This book turned out to be so much more than I was expecting!! I was captivated by the story within the first few pages, and the descriptive writing and heart in the story-line transported me all the way to the Isle of Skye, I could quite literally be there taking in its breathtaking splendor!!
The story of two broken souls, Amelia is an American tourist having signed up to an 80 mile trek around Skye with no walking experience, doing the walk in place of her friend who was injured in an accident. Of course there is more to this background than just that, she is battling her own demons and has the strength and courage to be there on her own to battle through them. Rory is one of the Scottish walking guides, gruff, sour and and snappy with Amelia, they really get on each others nerves. Rory has his own demons that he has to fight whilst out walking with the tourists, trying to teach them all the skills they will need to complete their journey safely.
Rory turns out to be the one to be able to help Amelia complete her trek, discovering how attracted they are to each other and the chemistry between them along the way. Both have walls up to protect themselves from getting hurt, but these need to be broken down and understood if they have any chance of being together.
This book takes you on a beautiful and emotional journey as Rory and Amelia discover themselves and help to heal each other. The amazingly picturesque setting of Skye form the perfect backdrop to this story and really transports you there with its vivid and lifelike descriptions. This book really did pull me in from start to finish and really took me by surprise just how much I loved the story and how immersive it was. A heart-warming tale full of emotions that really got under my skin and left a vivid mark. Highly recommended reading.
An okay story. I always like a romance set in Scotland. Nicely written and quite interesting. I found the main characters developed rather well. Winner
Wow! I was caught up in this book from the first page. It kept me reading late into the night. The writing flowed smoothly and the characters had a depth that really had me rooting for them. I love the hate-to-love storyline and this is one of the best I've read in a long time.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was in Scotland with Amelia and could feel her pain. It was a great story!
I'll be honest with you, the cover is what first drew me in to Under a Storm-Swept Sky. But when I read the blurb, I thought it sounded like a great read. One about a land I'll likely never visit, but I could to escape into. It was that and more. The romance, the setting, the emotions all made it a fantastic book.
Amelia and Rory were amazing and, thanks to the dual narration, I got to spend time in both of the heads. It's so much easier to understand a character when I get their POV, so I always appreciate that when I'm reading. I was Team Amelia from the very start. I didn't know exactly what happened with her friend Carrie to push her to take this trip to the Isle of Skye — and take on the 80+ mile hike — but I knew it had to be something bad. She was carrying around a lot of guilt, yet she was so determined to do this for Carrie (and herself). Her drive and determination, especially when things got really tough, moved me and made me love her that much more. Grumpy guide Rory got the side-eye a bit in the early chapters because he was, well, grumpy. I suspected he was carrying some pretty heavy baggage himself, but it took awhile for that to be revealed. Despite their differences, I was all in for Amelia and Rory, even when it didn't look like there would be a way for them to be anything more than a fling.
While the romance was sweet (and even sexy at times), it was the character development that really made this one special for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved the romance. There was something special about Amelia and Rory. I was here for the swoons, but I ended up with a bunch of emotions too. They were both broken in their own way, but somehow this trip together found a way to put them back together. I had feels galore as I watched them navigate their past — and the rough terrain of the Isle of Skye. Tears were shed. But there were plenty of smiles, too. I also had unhealthy amounts of envy over the scenes depicted from the Isle of Skye. I didn't really need to Google it to picture it because Beth Anne's descriptions THAT good. But, I still did because I had to see if the pictures I had in my head were accurate. (They were.) The Isle is absolutely magical. Amelia and Rory's story would've been wonderful no matter where it was set, but I can't deny the Isle of Skye was a gorgeous option.
Under a Storm-Swept Sky was the first of Beth Anne's books that I've read, but it certainly won't be the last. A Star to Steer Her By looks wonderful and I'm planning to read it as soon as I can make time. Then I'll stalk her social media as I impatiently wait for her next release.
FAVORITE QUOTES
"You can take a hundred shots that will show a brown speck against the sky, and they will never capture this moment the way your eyes can."
"I don't think you're ridiculous. Determined, brave, and stubborn as hell, but not ridiculous. Never that."
Amelia decides to take on the Scottish Skye walking trail under the leadership of Rory, Scottish guide. This contemporary romance explores grief, love, and self-discovery. I love the reference to Outlander which was my motivation to read this book. This hate-love romance took its time (slow burn) and I enjoyed the journey. I would recommend to my bookish friends, Thanks to Entangle Publishing for the ARC of this title via NetGalley.
I loved this story! It is a beautifully touching story with so many layers to it, like a tasty treat you just don’t want to put down till it is finished.
It is an amazing story of Amelia’s attempt to fulfil the dream of her close friend and complete the eighty mile trek across the Isle of Skye. She’s never attempted anything like this before, in fact she’s always refused to join in such activities. As the reasons for her doing it this time are revealed, her determination and resolve to complete it grow. Rory is initially so disparaging of her goals but ends up being her biggest supporter. Both are on their own journey to emotional healing because of personal painful events that have severely impacted on them, leaving them with heavy guilt pains.
The setting is superb and the carefully crafted descriptions bring them to life in the reader’s imagination. The interactions between all the characters are so well portrayed that it feels as though you are there, witnessing everything - the sights and smells, the wind and rain, the sunshine, the struggles and successes. It is a poignant story that I suspect will stay with me for years to come and it is certainly one which I intend re-reading in future. This is a keeper, one of the best books I’ve read and very worthy of the 5* rating I’m giving it IMHO. I’ll definitely be looking for more by this highly talented author in future!
I requested and was lucky enough to be given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
The writing in this book really stood out to me reading it. I love when a book transports me to its setting. This one was good, really good. I enjoyed taking the hike with them, their fights and their passion. I will definitely look for more from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.
I loved this book! Even though it is New Adult and not my favorite genre, I could not resist the blurb. Hiking across the Isle of Skye, which is somewhere that I absolutely love. The main characters were broken and I was hooked following their journey.
The Isle of Skye almost seemed like a character with how beautifully it was described, without overshadowing the story. The story was romantic and moved along perfectly. I laughed, had a few tears. A perfect escape.
Warning - you may want to visit Scotland after this!
Amelia is determined to go on the adventure her best friend was supposed to take, but she never imagined going on the eighty-mile trek across Scotland's Isle of Skye would be so gruelling, even if she does appreciate how stunningly beautiful the rugged terrain is. Even worse, it seems Riley Sutherland, the group's gorgeous guide isn't too happy with her. But when something happens and the pair are forced together to get through the rest of the trip, will they be able to work out their differences or will their chance at happy ever after slip by?
What a highly entertaining, vividly-descriptive, emotionally-animating read Ms. Miller has penned in this New Adult romance where the main characters were incredible due to their back stories and their growing relationship that starts off rocky but blossoms into a beautiful romance; the dialogue was enthralling, intense and had me sympathizing with the main characters because of everything they've been through in their lives. Since both are filled with guilt due to the tragic accidents that have shaped their lives and had the hero choosing to do what he does for a living and made the heroine take the adventure she's on.
With the main characters, the heroine is resilient and courageous for doing something she wouldn't normally do and I liked that she doesn't give up, even when the going gets tough, which it certainly does. I also liked how the heroine helped the hero and vice versa to heal from their pasts and conquer their demons, which is proven by the journey these two take. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is the close friendship she shares with her best friend and that she would do anything for her friend. Will she be able to help her friend recover? While the hero, he's been through so much and I couldn't help but sympathize with him when it came to what his parents did. How could they be so cruel? I also liked the tight friendship Riley had with the other guide and the sound advice his friend gives him because he wants Riley to find happiness outside of his job. Yet, what I liked most of all about Riley was his resilience, his courage and that he gave the heroine a chance, even knowing that they might not have a future together.
Overall, Ms. Miller has delivered another incredible read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the secondary characters were just as entertaining as the main ones with friendships being made that will last a lifetime; and the ending had me crying happy tears because of the heroine getting her wish when it comes to her best friend and the decisions the hero and heroine were willing to make to be together. However, in saying that, I liked which of the main characters makes the sacrifice of moving halfway across the world for them to be together even more. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly because Riley and Amelia being together proves love and happiness is worth fighting for, especially with such good friends at their sides supporting them. I would recommend Under a Storm-Swept Sky by Beth Anne Miller, if you enjoy New Adult Romance, the enemy to lovers trope, or books by authors Megan Westfield, Lindsey Frydman, Robin Bielman and RC Boldt.
4 1/2 Breathtaking Stars!
This is an emotional journey through the breathtaking landscape of the Isle of Skye. The way Ms. Miller describes it, you just want to go and see the majestic countryside for yourself.
Amelia is going on a hiking trek on the Isle of Skye in Scotland and she's a novice who doesn't really like to hike. Rory is the handsome brooding guide on this trek, who has broken written all over him. At first Rory and Amelia do nothing but fight, but it doesn't take long for it to turn into something totally different. Amelia and Rory are two broken people that find out that they are not that much different even though they are worlds apart. My heart wept for them! Amelia was a lot stronger than she thought she was and Rory didn't believe that anyone was capable of loving him ... but which was quite the opposite. This story had a little bit of everything in it ... romance, adventure, humor, steamy scenes and of course heartbreak! You should definitely read this book ... believe me you won't regret i!
I received an ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
sometimes i judge books by their titles. and sometimes i judge books by their covers. and the best thing is when all my goodwill is rewarded by an incredible story. under a storm-swept sky is the story of two strangers who are carrying around guilt and grief and who have mountains to scale and miles to walk before they find peace.
but on the isle of skye, hiking the skye trail, it's actually within reach. rory and amelia are on edge with each other from the first, and every moment between them is fraught because they are so hyper-aware of each other and because they keep assuming the worst. once they get past these misconceptions and give into the intense chemistry between them it's so good. it's too good, actually. because amelia isn't in a place where she believes she is deserving. and rory knows exactly why he has to let her go.
their biggest obstacle is distance, but sometimes all it takes is a little help, and a solution is within reach. this story is so romantic and the setting just heightens it. there is some real danger and facing their fears allows them to lay themselves bare before each other in a way that soothes their hurts. i really loved everything about this book. title, cover, and story.
**under a storm-swept sky will publish on april 16, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (embrace) in exchange for my honest review.
I love travelogues and I love romance, so I was thrilled that this book rolls both of these genres into one powerful story! I kept thinking that the author had to have hiked the rocky, steep Skye Trail on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Ms. Miller does an extraordinary job of vividly describing it so that the reader can feel the cold wind blowing and rocks sliding under their feet as they hike along on the craggy inclines.
Amelia is not an experienced hiker and is petrified to try hiking the Skye Trail. She and her friend were supposed to hike it together but she’s in Scotland alone, many miles away from her “flat” home in New York. The hike is led by two Scots, Rory and Tommy, who are very experienced and have their doubts about Amelia being able to finish the hike with the group. Amelia is determined, even though she is having a hard enough time without the constant rudeness and disdain she gets from Rory. Rory has a reason for his rude behavior! He sees Amelia as a spoiled American who has no interest in the beautiful terrain and is only interested in taking pictures to probably post on social media! So the two butt heads and of course, the story goes on!
I loved this beautiful and sensitively-written novel! It packed an emotional punch as I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning because I simply couldn’t put it down! Ah, young love at it’s finest! I haven’t read anything like this (lately) and just appreciated the author’s delicate handling of the story and her ability to present this sweet story without being “sappy”. It was believable and it felt so real that at the end, I was sure that I had been friends with the characters for a long time. The best that I've read this year.
Under a Storm-Swept Sky by Beth Anne Miller is published by Entangled Publishing, LLC. An egalley was provided by the publisher in exchange for for a honest review.