Book Review: Bastian's Storm by Shay Savage

Bastian's Storm (Surviving Raine, #2)

~*Synopsis*~

Sebastian Stark just isn’t cut out for normal life with a girlfriend in the hot and humid city of Miami. All in all, he’d rather be back on the island where it was just the two of them, and he could keep everything in balance. The bar down the street tempts him daily, but he’s determined to remain strong. Adjusting to normal life is difficult, but Bastian is doing his best to keep himself together and the nightmares away. Raine’s happy, and that’s what matters to him the most.

But not all nightmares can be driven away.

When Bastian’s former mentor comes into the picture and presents him with an ultimatum, Bastian slips into old habits. Though he wants to shield Raine from the truth, the shady circumstances of his past form into a hurricane he can’t control. In an effort to protect her, Bastian has no choice but to throw himself back into his old job – death match tournaments – just one last time.

Dropped into the arctic wilderness with weapons loaded, Bastian has to compete against representatives from major crime lords all over the states. He’s studied his competition, he knows their weaknesses, and he’s ready to battle for the woman he loves. There’s only one opponent in the mix that causes him any concern. In order to guarantee Raine’s safety, Bastian will be pitted against the key hit man for Chicago’s largest mob family – a guy who’s known as one hell of a shot.

A guy named Evan Arden.

~*Review by Jodie Rae*~

My Raine and Bastian:

“Everything she loved, I hated. Everything that frightened her, I loved.”

I rated Bastian's Storm FIVE LEAVES!!! 

Words cannot describe how much I LOVE this series... I've waited a year for this book, and it was more than I ever expected. I was dying to find out what happened but I never wanted it to end! I will forever be grateful to Shay Savage for writing this amazing series, and most of all, for her bringing Bastian and Raine into my life. There are not enough words that I can say about how much I completely love Bastian and Raine. Bastian is a broken hero, but yet a survivor. My favorite thing about Bastian is his undying love for Raine. A girl who can see right through his facade and see the real him and brings out the best in him and makes him feel safe, loved, and worthy. The first book left us hanging with what was going to happen with Bastian and Raine.

I could NOT put this book down even if someone threatened to take my Kindle away. This book is captivating and thrilling, and I was so wrapped up in this story that I didn't even notice that I was late to work! I wanted both to read it as slow as possible to savor every word and yet rush through it. It totally consumed me.

I am going to tell you right now if you hate emotional roller coaster rides you better get out of line now because this story is not for you. Bastian and Raine are adjusting to life after being rescued from the deserted island. Raine is going to school. Bastian is just living his life wishing he was back on the island just the two of them.

Bastian knew his past was going to show up one day sooner or later. In this book we see the past he was hiding from and he must face it; he has to participate in a death match, kind of like the Hunger Games, along with 5 other opponents. One opponent being, Evan Arden. (Read Evan Arden Trilogy) I was so nervous to see how this story was going to play out for the two. The book ended with the perfect closure to one of the most deep love stories I've ever read. I couldn't have asked for a better ending from a series that captivated me from the very beginning all the way to the end. Following along with Bastian and Raine's journey was rocky and emotional. I am so glad to be part of the couples journey. Of course, I wish for more story of the two but if that never happens I will always be happy with this ending.

Also, let me say the sex is off-the-charts hot and there is just the right amount of it in it. I didn't feel that it was 'just sex' being used a filler in the book. Nor was it used for the characters to avoid their issues. It was about love and turning to each other and finding comfort in them. It was deep. Just holding each other and talking through their problems.

For those of you who have yet to start this series or have not read any books by Shay Savage you are missing out. Everything about her writing: the style, the story, the characters, is simply breathtaking. The level of emotion that you feel in her stories is just overwhelming.

~*About the Author*~

Shay Savage lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, two children, and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker, and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. When not writing, she enjoys science fiction movies, masquerading as a zombie, is a HUGE Star Wars fan, and member of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers. When the geek fun runs out, she also loves soccer in any and all forms - especially the Columbus Crew, Arsenal and Bayern Munich - and anxiously awaits the 2014 World Cup. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.

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