This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author. Must read

I thought the fact that this story is so different from the norm made it even more enjoyable. Finn, our hero, is paralyzed and feels he's half a man. Jane sees Finn for who he is and sets about convincing him they belong together. This book was both uplifting and heart-wrenching. Bravo Sandra for delving into such deep issues while still delivering a wonderful romance.
Thank you Sandra Sookoo, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

A Wounded Hero and His Champion

Finn returns from war a broken man, but Jane sees the man beneath the pain. Finn has a spinal cord injury, and he thinks he is half a man. Jane is a persistent woman, and she is not afraid to explore the possibilities with Finn, if he would only let her.

The story explores sensitive topics such as suicide as well as spinal cord injury and its effects on a man’s sex life. It is an emotional read that might get you to reach for the tissues. I loved Jane and her persistence. True love means being with someone even when he is being a stubborn fool, as Finn often is. It also means confronting the aforementioned fool. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to those who like Regency romance with wounded heroes.

So this one was a tad different from all the usual books that take place in that era.
The MC has an injury which isn’t miraculously cured and the things the two main characters do are very progressive. I don’t know how realistic they are but then again, how realistic are any of those books? I bet all of them are a romantization (or whatever that word is) of a World that was pretty harsh to women.

But because it was an unconventional story (at least I have never read one like it) I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy it. I read it in one sitting.

Themes, imagery, and content may be a trigger for some readers. Discussion of suicide, and death appear within the novel. Scenes depicting graphic violence/death also appear. they could be considered triggering to you, please take note.
The Heart of a Storm, by Sandra Sookoo. Wow! My love for this book has reached a height that only superbly written books has traversed in my opinion. Oh me, oh my! The more that I read this story the better it got. I can’t believe that I haven’t read any books by this writers.
This author is very talented and this book shows it. This story was told to me as though I was there in it. How did this writer do that? The writer created a smashing good storyline that plucked at my heartstrings and played a wonderful melody. I’m shaking my head at how the story was able to touch my thoughts and emotions. There were some moments where I understood what Finn was going through, and how he felt during certain times. There are times where I would come across a good book that would remind me to never give up... this is one of those books. Through the darkness light will shine bright and your journey will be clear to navigate. I loved the realism to this story. Everything, from the details and descriptions of war from the battlefield to the tender moments of passionate tryst.
The writers ability to describe these scenes provided that visual effect that I needed to really enjoy enjoy the book. Not only that. I adored the beautiful emotions that spilled from each line within the story. Facts from certain periods of war supplied in the book were informative, and provided some understanding of certain characters and their actions. I loved the pace of the story.
The book didn’t read to fast and it didn’t read to slow. I was able to understand the communication and dialogue between the characters. I found the discussions precise with a clear picture as to what the characters wish to convey. The descriptive personalities of the characters was fabulous. I say this more so for Jane, Finn and Wellington.
Oh my gosh, Jane and Finn were unstoppable in their story. Together they dominated, and took command of this book from beginning to end. I was in aww. I couldn’t get enough of these two. I held on to their romantic storyline and I didn’t let go.
It was like I couldn’t resist wanting to know what Finn was going to do next. Nor, could I wait to read what Jane had in store for Finn that could possibly overheat his libido among his other bodily appendage. Obviously I loved all the entertainment that Jane and Finn brought me. From the quick barbs they tossed at one another. To the courtship moments that they shared.
To their passionate moments on different furniture in private. These two certainly made this book worth the read. I also loved some of the raw moments in the story where Finn fights to except the harsh realities of war and after the war. His story takes you into his mindset where the depth of dark places leaves him empty and lost. I thought that Janes character was perfectly written for Finn. Not only did her determination, but her will to be positive, compassionate, caring, and supportive spoke volumes for Finn. This delightful romance novel is a page turner to curl up to, and reminisce over at the end. I give this impressive book three snaps and a twist. Until next time my my fellow readers… read on!

This is a well-written book and the author really had an accessible writing style. It is very easy to read and understand. However, the characterizations in this book are too much for me. I loved that the main characters have a personality of their own and depth, however, it is written a bit exaggeratingly than it should be. Finn, though I understand where he is coming from, is too annoying and whiny most of the time and I can't help but just roll my eyes at this grown adult acting like a petulant child. Wellington the cat is my favorite character in this book and definitely saved this book for me.

This book is lovely and emotional and so very different from other regency romances. It may also not be to everyone's taste, particularly those who prefer infallible heroes and heroines.

Finn is a handsome man, a younger son, a war veteran, and a writer. He's also paralyzed and uses a Bath chair to get around. It's been two years since he was injured at Waterloo, and he's drifting. He meets Jane at a ton event (that his mother dragged him to). Jane is fascinated by Finn, and unlike other women, is not at all uncomfortable (or disgusted) by his disability. She is no stranger to heartache having lost two fiances, and she is familiar with some of the physical and emotional issues that befall wounded veterans because she spends time at her surgeon brother's clinic. Both Finn and Jane have a lot to learn about themselves and each other.

Their journey is not easy, but it is also not dismal. They clearly enjoy and are attracted to each other, and they are quick to match wits. That said--and this may be spoilerish (but it's also a trigger warning and is therefore important)--Finn does have severe depression and flashbacks and flirts with suicide on more than one occasion. Perhaps had I not known this novel was a romance with assurances of an HEA, these scenes would have been more heartrending, but I knew ultimately--at least for the duration of the novel--Finn would be successful at beating down the depression and suicidal thoughts.

The book is also unapologetically honest about the assistance that someone with paralysis (back in the early 19th century) needs. It is not pretty, but it is an important part in Jane's learning process. Finn's too.

Overall, this novel is a great addition to the recent trend in historical romance where there is diversity represented in the hero or heroine.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.

The Heart of a Storme, tells a story of a wounded soldier (and unlike most wounded soldiers in other historical romance that simply has a scar, this is a wound that has a man bound to a bath chair) and a female lead, who sees something beyond what everyone sees of the wounded soldier.

This was a very enjoyable read and would love to see more of what happens after with these two characters.

All he wanted was to be left alone, stay withdrawn from society and not be a burden. Yet that seemed impossible with the push of his mother to get him back into socializing.

She was all that was light and positive and it seemed she was focused on him. Well yes, he was so handsome and he needed her help to see what he could do, instead of what he could not!

This was not the usual wounded hero story, but went beyond with him in a bath chair. He had a long way to go to feel life was worth living, but the journey is heartwarming and well worth taking!

The second in this series and excited to see what is next with the Storme brothers!!

Phineas Allan Storme or Major Storme had been shot in the back. His spinal cord had been injured. It is hard to believe it was two years ago. He felt nothing from the waist down. He used a Bath Chair. He was also prone to depression, didn't go out, he was afraid they would pity him.
Lady Jane Marden had a bright and sunny attitude. She had lost two finances. One to the war and the other to an accident. It took her a while to get over that. She was drawn to Finn.
Despite his other problems, sex, depression, self-harm, and PTSD. He lost his best friend and also fights survived guilt.
His shining light was his cat, Blue-grey sleek fur with blue eyes. She always knew when he was upset and would try to comfort him, the name was Wellington. Dowager Countess of Hadleigh, his mother was very worried about him. I enjoyed the story. Watching as they tried to express their feeling and emotions. They tried so hard to be honest and to work it out. They cared. This was a heart-rendering tale when it came to Finn, he just could not beat it, the depression.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

What a wonderful depiction of a wounded hero. The author addresses Finn’s problems with truth and reality and there is no sugar coating his issues. Jane has the blinders removed and is able to understand Finn better, and together they work to overcome their issues.

4.5 stars

A really unusual read. Our hero is based in a bath chair, our heroine is the sister of a surgeon and is used to helping out in his clinic.

Finn improves along the way but is still in the chair at the end of the book. Jane is a most unusual heroine. She's had sexual experience and is keen to find a way to ensure that her relationship is more than platonic.

I was so impressed that I've downloaded book 1 in this series and will look out for more books by this author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The topic of the disabled hero is quite new to Regency romance books. True, scarred, limping and generally wounded heroes abound, but a hero on a wheelchair, with all the problems that come with his condition, is a first as far as I know. In my opinion the author treated the matter with great sensitivity and understanding and she was able to create a very emotional and heart-rending story.
The hero, Finn, believes he’ll never have a normal life again and he’s prone to bouts of depression and nightmares. He’s a wonderful character and you can’t help sympathizing with him, suffering with him and ultimately loving him as Jane does.
Jane is sunny and full of life even if she’s suffered quite a lot in the past. She wants to help wounded soldiers find joy in life again, but she’s quite naive, because she thinks that a few good words and an entertaining distraction can help them come out of their depression. Meeting Finn is a turning point for her as well as for him and the author does a great job in developing her character during the book.
In conclusion, I loved the book and I look forward to reading Sookoo’s next one of the Storme series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Heart of a Storme is an historical romance book follow Major Phineas Storme who is confined to a bath chair after becoming paralysed during the war and the Lady Jane Marsden who is full of light and hope despite losing two previous fiancees.

There were aspects of this book that were very interesting, I liked that it focused on a paralyzed man with no indication that his condition would improve miraculously. I learned a lot about how such things were managed and treated at the time and the narrative surrounding that was fascinating. I liked Jane's outlook on life and her never-ending cheeriness but also wish she was a little bit more fleshed out as a character and I wished we saw more of her work in the clinic.

Unfortunately, I did not buy the relationship between the characters and I found a lot of the dialogue very stilted and awkward and the plot felt a little repetitive and redundant.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Heart of a Storme by Sandra Sookoo is a heart-wrenching novel about a man dealing with injuries sustained from the war, which have put him into a wheelchair, then called a Bath chair. It is an astonishingly modern in its reality but, of course, these same problems had to be dealt with then, with much less technology: lack of sexual function, lack of bladder/bowel control, difficulty in perambulation. These things, then, as today, caused a man to feel less than whole. That together with the regular nightmares that are a part of a warrior's life, caused infinite depression, which, in turn, affects everyone he comes in contact with. Sookoo dealt with it realistically, and yet, affectionately. She showed the strength required by not only the man, but, his family, his friends, and his employees. It was a lovely book and unabashedly addressed these various problems in a straightforward way. It was a terrific book.

Phineas Storme had returned from France with a spinal injury. He had been shot in the back and transported to a hospital. If he had been treated sooner, possibly the damage to his spine might not have been as severe, but as it was he had no feeling below is waist. He was prone to fits of depression, which he tried to manage, in part, by writing a novel. He didn't go out in society. He thought people were staring at him with pity. They were. He was a handsome man, who would have been in high demand if not for his injury. Lady Jane Marsden was an empathetic woman who felt that one's attitude was everything. She had lost two fiancés, one to an accident, and one to the war. She was drawn to Finn. Was he just another of her projects or was it more? Can she convince him to give them a go or was he going to give her up for her "own good?"

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Heart of a Storme by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #theheartofastorme

Suicide is a difficult topic to handle, but even more poignant when associated with those suffering from PTSD. Major “Finn” Storme has trauma related issues from his war experiences and they are more than just the ones you can see. He feels inside that he is no longer a productive person within society and who would ever want a man that may or may not be able to make love.
Lady Jane Marsden helps out at her brothers clinic and she still does not feel fulfilled inside. It’s not until she meets Finn and the two start a lively conversation that they both feed off each other’s strong opinions.
This book may not be every persons cup of tea. This book digs deeper into what I call the nitty gritty of a topic. I loved how the author went with the book and the two characters were amazing. The steamy scenes were interesting!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

Confined to a Bath chair after the Battle of Waterloo, Finn is sinking into depression and helplessness. Jane Marsden, daughter of the Earl of Worchester is the shining star of the Ton, she doesn't really care about that. One day, she meets Finn and they both strike a friendship, which leads to a romance.
The trigger is that it's an emotional book since Finn struggles with depression and physical pain daily. Meanwhile, Jane is coping with the loss of two fiances prior to meeting Finn.

Whether the year is 1817 or 2021, it takes courage for a wounded warrior to face his disabilities, but it takes an even stronger woman to stand by his side and fight the battle with him. Having read the first book in this series, I was so glad to receive Phineas' story and I have not been disappointed. Tensions ride high in Hadleigh House as the Storme brothers fight their demons. Phineas reluctantly attends a society event with his mother and meets the vivacious and outrageous Lady Jane Marsden. The Marsden siblings march to the beat of their own drum, in spite of their overbearing father, and like her brothers, Jane has never met a hurting person she doesn't want to heal. Ignoring Finn's rudeness, Jane makes inroads into the paraplegic's life and despite setbacks, she creeps into his heart. When the going gets tough Finn despairs, but Jane refuses to give up. I found this novel moving and although I laughed in parts, there were others where I felt the tears spring to my eyes. Finn is hardly the usual hero, but I loved him anyway and Jane is the kind of woman I would like to be. I received a copy of this beautifully written novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

4.25 Stars
Major Phineas Allan Storme is struggling with his new life. After being paralyzed from injuries received during Waterloo, he’s confined to a Bath chair. Depression bedevils him, making him feel useless and helpless. With his older brother Andrew sulking in the country and his younger brother no doubt causing scandal elsewhere, he’s keeping his mother company. Lady Jane Marsden, daughter of the Earl of Worchester is popular within the ton. Though she enjoys society life immensely, it doesn’t fill the emptiness in her soul. After having been engaged twice & her heart broken twice when both fiancés died, she never lets males close, but when she meets a dark-haired man at a late summer rout, her thinking changes. As Finn and Jane strike up a friendship that blooms into something more, responsibility and duty constantly intrude, but each is determined to conquer the obstacles set before them. When an emotional misunderstanding threatens their romance, his depression convinces him he’s a millstone about the necks of those he cares for, and he’s determined to remove himself from life.
A very emotional read which is heart wrenching as it deals with a wounded soldier but doesn’t romanticise his injuries & pulls no punches with how Finn is coping both physically & mentally. I loved Finn whose confidence & self esteem was at rock bottom. I also loved Jane who was a breath of fresh air & who fell for Finn but was conflicted over doing her duty to her family or following her heart. A totally fascinating read, which I couldn’t put down & read well into the night to finish. Hard hitting & an eye opener. I would have loved an epilogue as I was invested in learning how Finn was coping maybe five / ten years later.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The Heart of a Storme is a heart lifting and engaging regency romance. A war hero who is broken and a lady who brings him back from the brink and shows him a future of love and happiness was a joy to read that gives you something different. Finn and Jane take you on a journey that starts with friendship and develops into an enduring love that overcomes their obstacles.