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ACRO #1

Riding the Storm

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A storm’s rage. A woman’s desire.

A man with the power to set them both free.

He can summon lightning at will. Emerge unscathed from the center of a tornado. Strip a woman down to her barest defenses through the sheer force of his sexuality. He’s gorgeous, dangerous, and the target of parameteorologist Haley Holmes’s latest mission. Haley has been dispatched to the Louisiana bayous to investigate the phenomenon known as Remy Begnaud–a man with a gift he never the ability to control a storm’s fury. But even a woman trained in bizarre weather phenomena has no defense against the electrifying power of the ex—Navy SEAL...a power his enemies would kill to control.

With her agency monitoring their every move, Haley’s job is to seduce Remy, gain his trust–and help him harness his extraordinary gift. But who will protect her from this voracious lover who’s introducing her to a new world of erotic thrills—a man who grows increasingly insatiable with each new weather event? Haley knows a big storm is approaching—and with it will come unexpected delights. But so, too, will the storm unleash her greatest an enemy bent on destroying Remy. And her worst fear of all—falling in love with this magnificent man, then having to betray him.

327 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2007

84 people are currently reading
6,633 people want to read

About the author

Sydney Croft

14Ìýbooks606Ìýfollowers
Sydney Croft is the alter-ego of two published authors who came together to blend their very different writing interests into adventurous tales of erotic paranormal fiction. Together, they developed a world where people with extraordinary abilities, like the power to control storms, could live and work with others like them. The series has been described as "Erotica meets the X-Men," and is unique in its own "erotic super hero romance" niche.

The authors behind Sydney Croft live in different states and communicate almost entirely through email, though they often get together for conferences and book signings.



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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
Profile Image for Dina.
1,324 reviews1,338 followers
April 10, 2011
Wow! How many sex scenes can an author - or in this case, authors - cram into a book? A lot, apparently. I didn't keep track of them, but I'm willing to bet this book has more sex scenes than chapters. And that's why I'm shelving it as an "erotica-romantica" read even though it isn't officially labeled as that.

I don't know what to say here... I loved the concept of a sexed-up version of the X-Men (one of my favorite comics), but the final result disappointed me. Besides the too-much-sex factor I've already mentioned above, I didn't like the way the side stories - and there were 2 of them! - interrupted the flow of the main story between Remy and Haley. I had no problem following the 3 stories, but I didn't care for the way they were written. I thought they all would somehow come together and "connect the dots" in the end, but that didn't happen and I was left thinking that Remy and Haley had been shortchanged. As it was, they didn't have enough pages to convince me that there was more than amazing sexual chemistry between them.

I'll give the next book in the series a try because I really like the series' concept and I know that the 1st book in a series can be hampered by the authors' need to "set the stage", so to speak. I won't be running to do it, though.
Profile Image for Auntee.
1,348 reviews1,448 followers
November 6, 2008
I'm trying to get my thoughts together about this book and it's a little difficult. There's lots to enjoy about this book--first, it has a very original storyline about Remy, an ex-Navy SEAL who has a gift/curse of being able to control the weather but the weather also controls his libido. Apparently, when a storm is brewing, Remy's got to have sex, and often. Second, it starts out with a bang--immediate action and lots and lots and lots of hot, down and dirty (literally) hot sex (in the mud, on the floor, outside in the rain, etc.)between Remy and parameteorologist Haley, the heroine who is sent by her agency to study him. Third, there's an exciting battle between the agency that Haley works for (ACRO, which stands for Agency of Covert Rare Operatives), who want to recruit Remy and use his powers for the good of the country, versus the bad guys of a rival agency who want to use him to control and possibly destroy the country.

This is not an easy read. There's lots to digest and keep track of, especially if you're not familiar with the paranormal world of mediums, psychics, telekinesis, ghost hunters, etc. Lots of characters are introduced, each with their own special paranormal powers, and I felt like I needed a scorecard at times to keep track of them. However, if you stick with it, you'll be rewarded. Although things get a little bit violent toward the end, it does get very exciting. And there's plenty of sex and romance to keep you entertained in between the action scenes!

I loved Remy and Haley together. I felt bad for the life Remy had led--he really felt like an outcast his whole life because of his special 'gift' and he desperately needed someone to love and to be loved. Haley was the same--she never felt the love and affection from her parents, never felt like she fit in anywhere until she joined ACRO, and wasn't sure if she could even 'do' love. I was glad that these two characters connected so well, not only sexually but emotionally. And I especially loved when Remy slipped in a little Cajun French when he was loving Haley--very sexy!

Since this was the first book in the series, there was a little bit of a set-up of the series which I've come to expect, and at times I felt a little overwhelmed with all the characters introduced. But, every character had something unique and exciting about them, and I look forward to reading their individual stories. If you enjoy a paranormal with an unusual premise, lots of erotic sex-- including a brief m/m scene-- and plenty of action, then I doubt that you'd be disappointed in "Riding the Storm".
Profile Image for Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog).
1,746 reviews564 followers
July 5, 2011
Please note, before reading this make sure you have a clean pair or two of knickers on you...you're gonna need them!

If you mixed together a heaping X-Men, a pinch of GhostWalkers by Christine Feehan and shit load of porn together you are going to end up with ACRO! ACRO is an organization of people that have special powers like telekinesis, psychic ability and the in the case of potential recruit Remy, the ability to control the weather. Haley has has been sent to recruit Remy to ACRO before the evil organization the Itor Corporation kindap him for their own nefarious ends!

I was expecting something a little different when I started reading this, I thought it would be more like a romantic suspense, only with superpowers, rather then more erotica with a little bit of suspense. Because this book was HOT! Everyother page some body was shagging someone, being blown or wanking off! I am surprised that most of the can walk (when they aren't lying on their back, on their hands and knees or pinned against a wall) the amount of sex they have. Where do they find time to save the world!?

If you look at this as an erotica rather then a romance or suspense book then it is really good, the sex really is hot, hotter then anything I have read recently, even if it doesn't go in to minute blow by blow (haha!) detail. It would also have a fairly strong plot..for an erotica, and it would deserve more then 3 stars. But if you look at it as I did as a superhero romance book, or however you like to define it, as I think it was aiming for I think the amount of sex in it over whelmed everything else, these people are put in life threatening situations yet they are still thinking when they can next get their leg over. With all the interuptions for sex the book loses any plot tension it built up, and although the premise of the book is really good, I don't think it was realized that well.

BUT, I did enjoy this book! It was fun, and it does have the start of a few storylines that I want to read more about, like who the traitor within ACRO is, finding out more about Devlin and whatever the hell is up with him and Annika and Creed love story. I am hoping that the next book will have a little more plot, a little less shagging (although I still want some shagging, they write it so well!) and more about ACRO.

So I will be reading on, as I did like it, I am not sure who is next but I am hoping either Wyatt or Ender, my two favourite men so far!

Profile Image for Shawna.
3,718 reviews4,734 followers
March 16, 2009
4 ½ stars � Paranormal Romance/Erotica

A super cool series about superhumans/heroes with a diverse range of paranormal gifts/powers working for a private agency called ACRO, Agency of Covert Rare Operatives, to battle the bad guys intent on using their paranormal prowess for destruction. It’s described as “erotica meets the X-Men�, and I think that’s a very accurate depiction for the series.

I’m a little late getting on the ACRO band-wagon, but I’m glad to say better late than never because this series is AWESOME! Several Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends, Julie, Kim, Kathrynn, Auntee, and Jen, have great reviews for this, so check them out.

With an imaginative storyline, unusual characters, good writing, plenty of action, and lots and lots of stormin' hot sex, Riding the Storm delivers. I liked the main H/H Remy and Haley, but I really loved the secondary hero Creed and hope he gets his HEA in a future book. I’m just starting on book 3 now and can’t wait for book 4 Taming the Fire to come out in May. ACRO is a kick-butt paranormal erotica series!
Profile Image for Annie .
2,493 reviews943 followers
January 31, 2011
4.5 STARS!

I adore Larissa Ione’s Demonica series so I thought I’d give her ACRO series a shot! And although I haven’t read anything by Stephanie Tyler yet, I felt like I could pick out certain lines here and there of Ione’s writing. Ione has this rawness to her work that I love and Riding the Storm was an enjoyable smutty read!

As you can tell, I expected sex from this book considering the title (yes, there’s lots of riding in this one) and the cover. But I didn’t expect a sex scene every five pages or so! Not that I didn’t enjoy it!

There were two sex scenes that were particularly um...nice to read. The first one was between Creed and Annika! Wow, Creed you are some gorgeous manflesh! I’d love to read more about them! The sexual tension was hot! And the second was Dev’s sex scene. I wasn’t expecting any M/M action AT ALL! So you can imagine my reaction when things got hot and heavy pretty quick! My armpits are still sweaty!

Despite the fact that two authors are writing this series, it didn’t feel choppy. Tyler and Ione flow very well and I thought the plot was really great! The concept of the ACRO is unique and I really can’t wait to read more about this world! It sort of makes me wish I had superpowers so I can be an ACRO spy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julie (jjmachshev).
1,069 reviews292 followers
March 14, 2009
Well, what a sizzling series (yes, pun intended) the writing team Sydney Croft has with their 'Storm/ACRO' novels about a group of non-government agents with paranormal abilities. Their organization is locked in a battle with another shady organization of people with similar talents who sell their services to the highest bidder. Almost all the individuals in the organization are emotionally hurt after a lifetime of being 'different'. Now that I've read the first and the second books, I'm only stopping long enough to write two reviews and then back to the third book. Why did I wait to read these? WARNING: Although I wouldn't classify these as erotica, they are filled with hot, sweaty, and sometimes tender sex...a lot of sex.

Haley is one of the few 'normals' at ACRO. Her skills lie in the scientific world of parameteorology which makes her perfect to try and bring in a man who can supposedly control the weather. Not that she really believes that, but once she catches sight of her 'target' she's more than happy to use anything and everything she's got to bring him in...before the other side finds him and uses him as a weapon.

Remy's life has been spiraling out of control lately. He left his SEAL team because he just can't play well with others. When he gets an urgent call from his 'father', the past just doesn't seem to matter and he sets out for their bayou home. As usual he brings the storm with him, but never expected that he'd find a gorgeous woman instead of his father...or that she'd be the one woman who can handle ALL Remy, and mother nature, can throw at her.

Interesting concept with just enough differences to make it memorable from the 'deluge' (LOL) of paranormal books flooding the market. There's a secondary romance that sizzles and I'd want to read the next one just to get more information about these wounded warriors. Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler are the writing duo behind this series and I can't wait to see where it's headed next! Hot, hot, hot!!



Profile Image for Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog).
1,886 reviews506 followers
September 10, 2015
Let's start off by saying this is a completely different paranormal world than I'm used to reading and I LOVED IT. The story was very well written and I thought the characters were likable. I felt it had an X-Men feel to it, which I loved and I could see developing more in the next books.

The connection between Remy and Haley was very sweet, and I buy into the whole soul mates thing, I think that's so cute and romantic how they find each other, so I had no issue with the lack of time they had to build a relationship. I could feel Remy's pain at not knowing how to control his "gift", how it had affected his life, and the possibilities that lay ahead.

I also LOVED Creed and Annika (secondary characters)! I could tell their attraction had been brewing for a while now and it's all starting to come out now! It was great to see that they also got enough time out of the story even though they weren't the main characters and I was really excited when I got to read more about them. Those two have excellent chemistry also, and I hope they get their HEA.

The third story that gets a bit of pages is Dev's. He's the Director of ACRO, has had a tormented and difficult life, even physically challenging. I wasn't expecting the twist of him being in love with Oz, who we read about but don't get to meet in this book. But it does sound at the end that he could, at one point, have to call him in. I wouldn't mind reading more about that either.

The only warning that should come with this book however is: This is Erotica Paranormal. There's A LOT of HOT, I repeat, REALLY HOT sex. You will probably have to put this book down just to go take cold shower, or make sure you have something close by to fan yourself. It's that hot, and that often! So, if that's not your thing, stay away from this book. But, in my opinion it was written in excellent taste, and refreshingly creative!

I've had this on my TBR for a while and I'm glad Valorie recommended this for a challenge! I'm officially hooked!
Profile Image for Kathrynn.
1,184 reviews
June 14, 2015
I wasn't prepared for all that I read between the covers of this trade paperback. It certainly started right off and at first, I thought, "sex fest," but there were two very good stories running along with the erotic element that captivated my attention. This book actually had three stories running with it. The first and second played a large part in the book while the third was very minor and could have been omitted altogether. The transitions were fairly smooth and sometimes welcomed! Here's why:

The main characters for this story are Remy (T-Remy) and Haley. They had a very erotic (plain vanilla type) relationship. Remy controlled the weather and sometimes the weather controlled him, via sex as a release. They really have a lot of sex and if it weren't for the Annika and Creed (secondary story) running frequent "station breaks" I doubt I would have liked this book as much. Remy and Haley do, eventually, figure out and get a handle on the sex drive-weather control thing and learn to work as a team.

The secondary story that ran along was very nice and featured Annika Svenson (Electrical Energy Operative) and Creed McCabe (Ghost-Hunter with a female ghost living inside his body). At times, I was more interested in this story as the characters, hauntings and romance were good! I read in the authors' (there are two authors writing this series) bio that they don't plan on giving Annika and Creed their own book, but plan to continue their story throughout the series; therefore, I recommend reading this series in order even though their Site says they are "stand alones." BS!

A third and very minor story was buried here, too. That of the director of the ACRO, Devlin O'Malley and several others, including one m-m encounter. :-( But, thankfully, this was a very short mention and the story returned to its regularly scheduled program. It almost ruined it This Reader.

4 1/2 stars!
Profile Image for Wendy.
526 reviews281 followers
December 26, 2011
To say I liked this book, wouldn't be correct, because I loved it! Fantastic!

It's a mixture of sexy heat and superheroes and supervillains all in the one book, just wonderful. I enjoyed the storyline and getting to know these wonderful characters and their hidden super talents. Definitely different from all other PNR books that I have read, but it's definitely worth your while if you give this a go.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
219 reviews58 followers
February 10, 2011


The "X-men" comparison would be correct, in more ways than one. *wiggles eyebrows*

I really liked the concept of the story, and the sex scenes were HOT!! I liked the characters, Remy is such a Horn Dog, with a super cool power. Creed...now this is the one I'm seriously looking forward to more of.(whew) Annika- I really liked her smart ass and full of attitude character, who also has some super charged powers of her own. I really want to read more about Annika and Creed. Now for Haley...I didn't connect with her on any level, good or bad. It just felt like the tired old "I can't do anything" heroine. Sure in the end, she managed a little something to prove herself, but don't they all??
I guess the biggest surprise was the M/M sex scene, I didn't see that one coming!

I think Larissa Ione, and Stephanie Tyler did a really good job with the writing. I could pick out some of Ione's sense of humor, but I really couldn't tell where one ended and the other began.

Overall this was a fun read, and I enjoyed it alot. I will be reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Gina.
753 reviews110 followers
Read
March 19, 2013

DNF

this story is not for me, while I love paranormal this so far is just about sex, lots of sex. I need more story. I may try other books in this series, but this book is not my cuppa tea.
Profile Image for Miss Kim.
535 reviews138 followers
January 5, 2009
This book is…COOL. It’s basically about real life superheroes and bad guys. There is a group called ARCO, Agency of Covert Rare Operatives that recruits people with special abilities/powers and helps them to use their powers for good. The bad guys are from a group called Itor, but not much background was given about them yet.

Remy’s power is that he can control the weather. At times the weather controls him according to his emotions. Specifically when he is turned on, he brings on the hurricane, etc.

Haley works for ACRO and is sent down the bayou to investigate Remy to see if he really can control the weather because ARCO wants him.

If you like frequent love scenes, you will not be disappointed here. I’d say we average some sort of sex every 4 pages or so with various couplings! Whew!

There are a few stories going on in this one, and I was kind of irritated that I kept getting ripped out of Remy and Haley’s situation in order to jump into someone else’s. This is the reason for the 4 vs. 5 stars. I do understand a lot was going on here to help introduce the reader to the series.
Profile Image for Heather.
176 reviews20 followers
August 1, 2008
I liked this book! This is a story about a man named Remy who can control the weather. He has been able to do it his entire life and hates every minute of it. The weather also controls him... it is tied to sex, so when it starts to get stormy, his needs accelerate!

In comes Haley... she is a para meteorologist. She studies unusual happenings in the weather world for an agency called the ACRO. She is sent to study Remy undercover to try and recruit him for her organization.

The minute they set eyes on each other its an instant attraction. He cant seem to keep his hands off her, and she feels the same way. Pretty soon though, the bad guys want Remy for themselves and he and Haley have to find a way to survive...

This is a erotic suspense novel. There are quite a few additional characters that are introduced, so there is plenty of material for lots of other novels.

The sex is pretty smokin... and I am most excited about Annika and Creed's story! Their story will be even HOTTER!
Profile Image for Redd77 .
26 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2010
I have to tell you this book was hot! It actually has three stories going on throughout the book. I liked all the three and the second one with Creed and Annika, I can't hardly wait to read there story.

Haley is a parameterologist who is sent to study Remy and his unusual connection to the weather, but she doesn't know exactly what the connection to the weather is. Oh but does she find out!!!
Remy and Haley are soo sexy and the secret about the tattoo? Really cool!
I kept wondering how the two would ever be apart during a storm since Remy's main weakness from his ability to control the weather is that he has to have sex during a storm. Mother Nature insist! But they figure it out and let me tell you it's fabulous.

FYI: There is a m/m scene that only takes up about two pages so it's passable because it doesn't really effect the story if you don't want to read it.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,559 reviews
July 11, 2008
This was a pretty good book. No wasting any time jumping right to the sex scenes though!

The premise is about an organization that employs supernatural people. Remy, the male lead, can control the weather but he is not part of this organization. They send in Haley to recruit him before the "bad guys" get to him and use him for nefarious purposes.

Like I said, it starts out with a bang, slows in the middle a little and then picks back up at the end when more people from ARCO join up with Remy and Haley. The author introduced several more characters that will be very interested to read in the future.

I think it will be a pretty good series to follow. The second book is already out and I will read it next. The 3rd one comes out in Sept, I believe.
Profile Image for Lenore.
605 reviews370 followers
October 13, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was just my flavour of paranormal. The good guys (ACRO), the bad guys (Itor), the operatives, the scientists... In some way it reminded me of Fringe, and I love that TV show.

The romance between Haley and Remy was well-delivered. Creed and Annika were my favourites though and I can't wait to see what happens between them. Dev, Wyatt and Ender were also interesting characters. Even the baddies, Apollo and Oksana, had something. The only character I found kinda weak and underdevelopped was Remy Sr. My impression was the authors threw him in there and then didn't know how to do away with him. That's why they made ACRO magically fix things for him.

The intimate scenes were very hot and I loved the m/m element. Made me wanna learn more about that particular character. Nice!

All in all this was my kind of romance: hot with the perfect dose of action. I'll definitely be reading the next one in the series.

Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,572 reviews1,071 followers
August 22, 2020
This review was originally posted on






Riding The Storm is the first book of the ACRO series and I have seen this author around for quite a while but I have to admit that I steered cleared of it because quite honestly of the sexual content. Until the past year or so I haven't really delved into erotic romance that much, its just not my normal cup of tea but I have become hooked more into the genre and so I added this title into my "Romance-opoly"Reading challenge and I have read so many MIXED reviews on these books so I was really on the fence about whether or not to pick it up and it has been sitting on my kindle for quite a while. But I figured I really needed to grab this one up. And I have to say this was one WILD SEXY ROMP of a ride but I had a fun time with it.



Riding The Storm is a story of a ACRO agent, Haley Holmes. She worked for a division that is secret, but quite a large organization where different agents have pschic/paranormal abilities of some kind. Haley is sent to recruit Remy Begnaud who lives in Louisiana. Remy has been cursed by his gift most of his life. He never felt loved or appreciated growing up and unfortunately "mother nature" haunts him on a regular basis. He can work storms of any kind with just a though but whenever a storm happens, he needs sexual release during it. And it isn't until Haley invades his home that he is able to connect with another human being in a way he hasn't before. But their lives are in danger with an enemy of the ACRO wants Remy's abilities and will do anything to get access to them.



Riding The Storm was quite a unique storyline and I admit I had a blast with the set up of the story. Now first off the book starts off slow!! I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel, but I think I was expecting something more fast paced but it did pick up speed for sure. I do want to give fair warning there is a LOT of sex in this book. Now, granted, its well written sex scenes, some of the best I have read, BUT it probably covers almost half of the book so readers do need to be prepared for it. However, despite the amount of sex that is played out in the story, there is an emotional depth I wasn't expecting to find. I found it quite amazing actually to see how this duo writing team was able to make a book so HOT yet have quite a bit of depth and paranormal fun to it.



The relationship that builds between Remy and Haley was unique in that Haley is there on a secret mission of sorts and wants no emotional connection to anyone and Remy has desired a emotional connection more than anything in his life even though on the surface it seems he is consumed by sex. So they are definite opposites in that. Remy is pure alpha male while Haley is pure feminist in many ways (although thankfully she isn't the toxic kind I see too much in romance) but she does view relationships differently and she gets a wake up call in finding that loving someone doesn't weaken you....only adds more to you not less and it makes one stronger.



Overall I found Riding The Storm to be a powerful yet inviting and highly sensual read that will keep you up late at night reading till the conclusion....gravitating and sensifying.






















Profile Image for Alisha.
206 reviews95 followers
June 10, 2010
The book's been described as "romantica meets the X-Men" and I think the description is quite apt.

The plot has a lot going on, so I won't bother trying to lump it up. But the story starts with former Navy SEAL Remy Begnaud, fresh from leaving the Service, coming back home to the Louisiana bayou in response to his father's sudden plea to do such. Remy has a secret, inexplicable and uncontrollable connection to the weather, which makes him the focus of two very interested and eager parties: the Agency for Covert Rare Operatives (ACRO) and its nemesis Itor Corporation. Let the recruitment race begin!

In this book there are two "full" story lines featuring one couple each (with plot development and an arc), and two "partial" story lines featuring a single character each (that give brief glimpses into the character's mind and provide insight that would've otherwise been impossible with a single narrative). Note, however, that these weren't completely separate short stories. The "stage" keeps moving between each scene (think soap-opera editing ^_^).

At first I wondered why the plot threads were so disparate, seemingly unrelated save for the tenuous connection of most of the characters being involved with ACRO in some way. But as the story progresses, particularly later on in the book, it's made clearer how and why they all fit together. In retrospect (because again, whilst reading I was scratching my head), many interesting insights were uncovered through this method. I also liked how the "multiple simultaneous stages" demonstrated how these various individual parts of the "team" came together to form a cohesive(-ish ^_^) unit. In short: though the story is definitely PnR (and has some the expected elements of one, such as a couples' story arc and pairing), it's the ACRO organization that's the ultimate center here.

Though most of the stories take place in relatively confined spaces, one was able to get some juicy glimpses of the lush LA bayou. One particular scene at a backyard celebration was so wonderfully written, I could almost hear the zydeco music and feel the lazy humidity. Delish!

There were some super-mega-flaming hot scenes (including one smokin' m-m interlude), which fit fairly well into the story and didn't really seem to be there for the sake of just being there. And though there were many such interludes, they didn't feel too repetitive or tiring to me (though I can definitely see how it might be so for others). I'd like to think that this reflects most on the authors' skills and experience with crafting good romance.

And speaking of the authors…given the fact that there were two authors involved here, the book was actually quite cohesive. Stephanie Tyler and Larrisa Ione make for a good team.

The stage has been well set up in this book, and I'm looking forward to following the "crew" into the next installment.
Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews172 followers
May 28, 2022
by
Genres: Adult, Crime, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
4.75 Stars

First book of a series that is co-authored by Stephanie Tyler and Larissa Ione.

Filled with non stop action, intense suspense and steamy adult romance.

Loved it and read as many of this series as I could find.

Wish there were more.
Profile Image for Kï¾îte.
AuthorÌý4 books30 followers
October 14, 2018
Sweeeet Jaysus - this book is filthy hawwwt. If you’re a smutty book lover & looking for solid fix of paranormal erotica, look no further!

Remy & Haley are scorching in this first book that covers not only their story but also sets up the series. It’s kinda got an X-Men meets S.H.I.E.L.D. meets Justice League vibe (minus the hero costumes and not just coz their naked a lot - hehe) and it’s as cool as it is sexy.

With plenty of steam, action & adventure, it’s snarky & quirky & with a little dark lite (the Goldilocks balance) it has me intrigued where the series will go. (Already want to know more about several other characters!)

Confession: I’ve had this series for years and faced with a *minor* book funk about what to read next, I got a wild hair up my butt & decided this series was it - AND it was just what I needed! I’ll now be devouring them all.
Profile Image for Steph.
2,138 reviews304 followers
July 6, 2010
(pseudonym of the writing team of Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler)

I couldn't really decide how to rate this one. So, I am settling for 3.5�, but rounded up to 4. The book reads like X-Men + Heroes on Viagra. There's a lot of sex, but then that would be expected since the main characters, Remy and Haley have libidos that put just about everyone to shame.

Riding the Storm introduces us to A LOT of people and two organizations. The two rivalry organizations ACRO and Itor both employ people with extraordinary abilities. They differ in that ACRO wants their members to join of their own free will while Itor will take them anyway they can get them. ACRO provides a "safe haven to Special Ability types in return for their helping to keep safe the world at large" and Itor sells their services to the highest bidder. ACRO stands for "Agency for Covert Rare Operative" and Itor stands for ??

The book is a cross between X-Men and Heroes with a little splash of "Practical Magic" thrown in. ("Practical Magic"? Well, Remy believes Haley showing up in his life might be b/c of the "spell he threw when he was ten" ... "i just wanted someone who loved me, loved me for me".)

Meet the X-Men/Heroes:
* Remy Begnaud, a former Navy SEAL interrogator who's lust turns insatiable when the weather turns bad. He is an Elementalist, he's able to control the weather.

* Annika Svenson can control electromagnetic energy. The CIA stole her from her mother when she was two years old, 19 yrs ago. She was rescued by ACRO and now works for them.

* Creed McCabe, ghost hunter/Terminator (in all black leather, chains and ruthless persistence") who's entire right side of his body is covered by a tattoo, one he was born with. He's "accompanied" by a ghost he calls Kat, who makes it hard for him to date b/c she will not allow him to get close to another woman. He was born into ACRO, his parents were some of the earliest recruits. He's able to speak to the dead through "his" spirit makes him a sort-of ghost translator; she also acts as a kind of bounty hunter, bringing spirits to him.

* Devlin O'Malley, the leader of ACRO, formerly a member of the Air Force, lost his sight 10 years ago. But, blindness brought out his gift of second sight, and learning CRV - Controlled Remote Viewing.

* Oz, Dev's lover, was the best medium ACRO had ever seen. He left ACRO three years ago and hasn't been heard from since.

* Ender (AKA: Tom Knight), former Delta Force, is an excedosapien, he has super speed and a magic way with weapons.

* Wyatt Kennedy, former Navy SEAL, has telekinesis.

** There are also "Speedsters", "Brawlers", "Mentalists", "Seducers" and Psychics.

Meet the Villains:
* Charles, Itor's leader
* Hakata
* Oksana Minsky an empath who used to belong to the KGB
* Niles a telekinetic
* Apollo Mikos, team leader

The Gist:
Haley Marie Holmes, ACRO's parameteorologist, a human with no special abilities, is sent to determine if Remy's "the real deal". How shocking that "As a meteorology geek with a passion for severe weather, she'd always harbored a secret fantasy, one that took her into the heart of a tempest with a man who was strong enough to stand up to Mother Nature." And how lucky for her that's exactly what she finds in Remy, someone with a sex drive as high revved as hers.

Remy isn't "about to let himself become a sex toy for science" and is determined to find out what Haley's doing in his house and what is has to do with him.

Annika and Creed are sent to Dev's old childhood home, which is haunted, to learn more about it. They have always disliked each other, but also *shock* find themselves extremely drawn to the other. Annika has always feared injuring the man she's sexual with (being that she can shock with 50,000 volts), but *lucky her* Creed seems to be immune to her zaps. Creed hasn't been able to have a real relationship b/c of his ghost tag-along.

Itor is relentless in it's pursuit to get Remy on their "team" and ACRO is just as determined to have him work for them.

Back at ACRO, Dev is dealing with the fact the agency has a mole. He's also, personally, dealing with the loss of Oz.


There was so much information provided in this book, sometimes it was hard to keep track of it all. But, overall, it was a quick, hot read and I think the series will prove to be interesting with all its good v. evil with superheroes.
Profile Image for Dee.
1,501 reviews173 followers
June 10, 2011
When I started reading this I really struggled and would have given up but the fact that it was co written by Larissa Ione kept me going. I also don't like to abandon a book midway through so kept pushing on and I am really glad that I did!

Although this is a paranormal romance it is not what I am used to in this genre and others are correct when they compare it to X-Men sort of setup which is ok but does take some getting used to. I think what make it harder to read was the introduction of so many different characters and their sex/love lives and I felt there was at least 2 stories within the one book and it got a bit irratating at times especially when it kept flicking between the couples and I felt like shouting STOP and let me finish reading about the other couple first but then that is my personal preference and doesn't mean that other people will be unhappy with that.

As I said I am really glad that I did carry on as it was well worth doing so and by the time I got around half way through the book I finally started to feel like I understood what was going on which meant that I starting enjoying it and before I knew it I was racing to the end.

I think a majority of the problems was because it was the first in series and I will definately go on to read the rest.

Profile Image for Jennifer.
180 reviews23 followers
July 26, 2010
This was my FIRST series into the paranormal romance and OMG what a start. LOTS AND LOTS of monkey wild sex BUT if you're thinkng there must not be a plot w/ all the sex, you'd be wrong. The storyline is capativating and keeps you on your toes and WANTING to read the next book to see what's going to happen.

The books get better and better and the Acro world that Croft has created is amazing. It's like a cross between X-men, X-Files and James Bond, lol. ALL the characters are interesting, complex and deserve their own books, (which most do).

I have read all the books to date and can't wait for the newest installment.

Profile Image for Benita Vehnom  Ruiz.
241 reviews46 followers
May 31, 2011
Remy and Creed thats all I have to say, these two names are reason enough to read this series lol. The first book in the ACRO series and I have to say I'm glad that I'm reading it. Since I'm a big Comic lover, I'm happy theres something out there that brings the romances aspect into the whole superhero life. On to book two!!!
Profile Image for I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com).
1,028 reviews2,907 followers
January 19, 2010
I have read a lot about this series and it lived up to my expectations for sure. Several of the descriptions included the word "erotic paranormal" to describe the books category and though I thought the book was hot and sexy, I would have to classify it on the lower end of erotic.

The story in a nutshell is about a loner named Remy who has been an outsider all his life because of his unique ability to control the weather. Well, to say that he has the ability to control the weather-- is not entirely accurate, it is more like the weather controls him. His need for sex increases as the weather intensifies--at times turing him savage during the heat of passion and has really put a damper on his relationships with women...until he meets Haley. Haley is a parameterologist with the ACRO and she studies erratic and unexplained weather patterns. The ACRO a special non-government agency that employs super humans who possess paranormal abilities. Of course, the story of the "super-heros" would not be complete without the "super-villains"--I can see that the russian villain, Oksana is gonna be one I love to hate. I hope she shows up in future books.

Since this is a PNR book, you know they will get their HEA. So, I won't be giving anything away by saying that Haley is the only woman who has ever been able to calm Remy during the times of intense sexual cravings--and let me say, they are HOT!! together.

As the first book in the series, I thought it successfully set up the back story and history of the characters--as well as presenting a little mystery here and there that have peaked my curiosity about what future installments will reveal.

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Profile Image for Jess the Romanceaholic.
1,033 reviews485 followers
March 16, 2010
Wow. This book had a LOT of sex lol

There was not one, not two, but THREE distinct "romantic" storylines (though only the H/H officially got their "HEA"). Every time you turn around, someone's got their pants down or skirt lifted or down on their knees or... Yeah..

Honestly it started to take away from the story after a while. I realize that sex was a very important plot device (just glance at the official description to see that), but some of it seemed gratuitous rather than plot-driven. I didn't mind any of the encounters between Dev and his partners or between Creed and Annika (*hot*), but there was just one or two too many encounters between Remy and Haley.. I got to the point I practically skimmed, and that's never a good thing.

The magical tattoos thing just really didn't do it for me, either. *wrinkles nose*

And while we're at it, go ahead and smack me for this double standard too -- I don't care for female protagonists who use sex as part of a spy job. Total double standard because, as anyone who reads my reviews knows, I adore me some and she's the cliff-hucking queen of the sex-and-seduction-as-a-means-to-an-end plot device. For some reason though, it doesn't sit well with me when a female does the same thing *shrugs*

Despite all that, I did enjoy it. I was a bit disappointed that Remy didn't push the "what happens if I say no" issue, just because I'm a sadist and wanted to see what they'd say (*evil laugh*), but overall it was a good story. The emotional relationship between Remy and Haley seemed well paced, despite their sudden dive into sex right after they met, and I really enjoyed Creed and Annika's.. er.. "relationship". I was hoping that they'd get their own book, but from reading the descriptions of the next few, it doesn't look like that's the case. I wonder if they continue the trend of secondary (and tertiary) romances in future books.

I'm finding myself withdrawing from the more erotic romances lately, so do keep that in mind when you consider my rating -- it's entirely possible that I'm being unfair to the novel simply because my own personal tastes are changing :)

3 1/2 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for texxie-PRUFreads.blogspot.com.
382 reviews85 followers
September 4, 2011
"Me", he murmured, his voice vibrating through her like some sort of secret trigger, because suddenly, she was coming, and he was saying, "Only me, bebe, only me."

~Remy/Haley"


Meet Remy, aka "Storm". An ex SEAL who stands 6'3" with piercing blue eyes. He's striking. Literally. Remy has a gift, or a curse to hear him tell it. He has an affinity to weather. He can summon a lightening strike, bone jarring thunder, rain, hail. He is literally a force to be reckoned with. While Remy can control nature, nature too can control Remy. The storms both inside and around him, takes ahold of his sex drive. A sex drive that most women can't keep up with but are more than willing to lose themselves trying.

He's from deep in the bayou of Louisianna. Those who are familiar, know that means he's got that sexy, Cajun drawl as he slips from English to Cajun French and back again. Yum.

Haley is a parameteorologist sent in by a secret agency to test Remy's powers, to see if the rumors are true. She is to seduce Remy, lead him to trust her so that he will gladly come with her to this agency to learn how to control his gift, using it for the greater good. What Haley does'nt realize is this will be the hardest mission of her career. LITERALLY. hee.

Meanwhile, Charles, the leader of an opposing agency that wants Remy for all the wrong reasons, won't make things easy. He too is a force to be reckoned with and won't go down easy.

I loved the chemistry between Remy and Haley. The sex scenes were OFF THE CHARTS hot. Sex in the rain, storms all around, scorching! How their story unfolded and the bond they weren't initially aware of, nicely done.

While I love Remy and Haley, I have to say, another pair stole the show. Creed and Annika. The sexual tension between the two, so evenly matched. I hope those two get their own book down the line. Shower sex.....hot.

Loving this series!!
Profile Image for Carolyn F..
3,491 reviews51 followers
August 22, 2010
This is like 2-1/2 love stories in one. First there's Haley and Remy. He somehow harnesses storms but has no control which has scared off a lot of women and made people afraid of him. Haley someone is able to help him with that. Then there's Creed and Annika. Annika can harness electricity but too much and she hurts people so she's afraid to get close to anyone. Somehow Creed is able to handle the power surges. It's strange how superhero loves works. Then there's Dev and Oz. Dev loves Oz but Oz took off and now Dev can't do anything about it or his feeling although he tries.

I enjoyed the book. Really hot sexual scenes and lots of romance. I'm planning on reading book #2.
Profile Image for ~Megan~.
525 reviews73 followers
Read
March 4, 2011
My first DNF of the year. Ugh! This book is too much for me, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. They are having sex almost from page one and it never seems to stop. I need a little plot please...and preferably one that doesn't involve using sex as a tool to study someone's paranormal abilities. There is also a side romance between two men that some people may enjoy, but I am not one of them.
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