(Pub date 7/14/2026)
First, I want to say that my go-to reading genre is mystery/thriller (though, technically, I will read just about anything). Lately, however, I have been on a rom-com roll! Maybe it is the summer humidity making me crave the warm, gooey sweetness of a romance read?If you're in the mood for a story that feels like curling up under a blanket while a storm rolls in, In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto deserves a spot on your TBR.
Set in a charming coastal town in Florida where everyone knows everyone else's business (for better or worse), the story follows two people carrying more emotional baggage than they want to admit. The heroine, Quinn Monroe, is trying to rebuild her life after it's been turned upside down, while the hero, Sebastian Dunn, has his own reasons for keeping people at arm's length. Quinn has a PhD in Atmospheric Science and millions of followers on her weather-inspired social media channels, yet she is still overlooked in her line of work due to her additional X chromosome. Sebastian, a famous TV weather personality, has had a secret crush on Quinn since childhood, which has presented itself mainly in the form of sarcastic banter and fun-poking. Their relationship has been stormy (pun intended) for years, though skies begin to clear when they are brought together again after time apart. While In Stormy Weather is a fun romance, it is also a story about healing, second chances, and learning that vulnerability isn't weakness. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable from the get-go, but it's the quieter moments spent building the relationship based on years of a shared history, that really make the romance shine. Watching them slowly lower their defenses is every bit as satisfying as the romance itself.
All that said, what attracted me most to this book is that this isn't just a love story – it is a declaration to the value of women in STEM careers. As a female working in a science field myself, I appreciated how this book shines a light on the dismissal we can sometimes experience in male-dominated fields but also shows that it is possible (and important!) for us to be leaders and role models. Quinn proves throughout the book what an amazing, smart, determined, and capable bada** she is.
If you love small-town romances with plenty of heart, inspiring characters, and just enough emotional angst to keep you invested, In Stormy Weather is an easy recommendation. It's cozy, heartfelt, and the perfect reminder that sometimes the brightest days come after the storm.
reviewed by April James
