"From modern Florida to medieval Scotland - A trip back in time"

Maya Jones and Sara Chance are modern-day archaeologists and best friends who live in Tampa, Florida. In the midst of researching the history of Thomas MacGregor, a powerful Scottish chieftain, Maya and Sara get caught in a hurricane and are swept into the storm and back in time. The women find themselves standing in medieval Scotland and facing a very angry Laird MacGregor.

Thomas MacGregor is a gruff, hard man who has little patience for those who disobey him. While Maya immediately sparks his anger, she also intrigues and attracts him. Thomas determines not to let her get away, and while he is busy attempting to bend her to his will, he soon finds out that she is an independent soul who thinks for herself, and is someone he can't live without.

There are two other subplots to this novel. One is the relationship that develops between Sara and Dugal, the MacGregor's commander, and their courtship is much easier than the one that evolves between Thomas and Maya. Sara is a main character at the start but by the time the end is reached, her role is greatly diminished. The second subplot involves a rival clan leader, who has set his murderous sights on the Lady Maya. Both subplots pop up throughout the story and could have probably been made more interesting or exciting.

Unlike most other historical romances, whether they are considered to erotica or not, Thomas and Maya's story doesn't focus on just one part of the characters' lives. Most historicals involve the courtship and early stages of marriage, and AFTER THE STORM pays equal attention to the courtship, first days of marriage, and the birth of four children, which is similar to the writing of Bertrice Small and Rebecca Brandeywine.

The love scenes are vivid and plentiful, the characters feisty, and the setting beautifully drawn. The historical detail is rich and adds to the appeal of AFTER THE STORM. The overall pace of the book is somewhat slow. The plot starts out unique, the characters well-drawn, and the setting detailed. However, after twenty chapters the pace slows down and by the time chapter fifty is reached, the story drags and becomes somewhat predictable.

Overall AFTER THE STORM is a very worthy and worthwhile read and the characters will be remembered long after the last digital page is turned -- or rather, scrolled past.

Reviewed by Kelley Hartshorn
Posted October 20, 2002