Chasing the Perfect Chemistry: A Review of In Stormy Weather

I wasn't sure what to expect when I received an invitation directly from the publisher requesting I review a book. I had reviewed many that I had personally requested but this was the first time they had reached out to me and I felt instantly intrigued. So like a small child on Christmas morning, I set aside the other ARC I was currently nose deep in and dived-head first into this one.

I fucking loved this book.

In Stormy Weather was everything I wanted the Twister reboot to be and somehow managed to be even better. It reads like a love note to the original storm-chasing franchise, and the nostalgia hit me hard in the best way. The twins reference alone transported me straight back to teenage me, sitting on the couch watching Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt and briefly convincing myself that storm chasing might be my destiny. (It was not. But the dream lived on for a while.)

One of the things that struck me early was how intentional the emotional beats felt. Quincy’s fear about her career prospects, knowing she’s qualified but also knowing she’ll have to fight harder because she’s a woman felt painfully real. Sebastian doesn’t minimize that fear or try to “fix” it. Instead, he shows up as an ally. This felt like a curated decision on Curto's part. He makes it clear he’s not just cheering from the sidelines, he’s in it with her. That moment stayed with me because there’s something deeply affirming about finally realizing you’re not alone in a fight you’ve been bracing for by yourself.

And then there’s Sebastian. I cannot say enough about how refreshing it was to read a man who falls first and does it without fumbling, posturing, or hiding behind insecurity. He’s sure. He’s grounded. He doesn’t trip over his feelings or pretend they aren’t there, he owns them. That confidence never tips into arrogance, and it never overshadows Quincy. Instead, it creates space for her to be fully herself, which only amplifies their connection. This is how you write emotional maturity without draining the tension from a romance.

The chemistry between Quincy and Sebastian is what kept me glued to the page. Their banter is sharp, playful, and charged but never mean-spirited. Even when Quincy is annoyed (and she often is), it’s clear there’s admiration woven through every interaction. You believe that these two are intellectually matched, emotionally curious about each other, and constantly circling the same spark. Curto absolutely shines here, the push and pull feels natural, earned, and layered with intention.

And yes, the spice. The intimate scenes are hot, not because they’re over-the-top or gratuitous, but because the chemistry has already done all the heavy lifting. By the time they come together, the emotional groundwork is solid, the tension is tight, and the payoff feels inevitable. These scenes work because they’re an extension of who Quincy and Sebastian already are together—confident, connected, and fully present. It’s the kind of spice that lingers because it’s rooted in trust and desire, not just physical attraction.

There’s also a quiet confidence in the way Curto introduces the wider cast. Nothing feels accidental. The relationships that are set up in the background feel deliberate, like threads being laid with care for future stories. There’s weight behind the storytelling, and you can feel the author thinking not just about this book, but the world it’s building.

In Stormy Weather isn’t just a romance, it’s a story about partnership, respect, and choosing to stand beside someone when the wind picks up. I highlighted, I annotated, I lingered...and I’ll absolutely be back for whatever storm comes next.

xx, Crystal

In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto is set to release July 14, 2026. Thank you to the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.