Review: Claire Ashgrove Delivers Again!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 22, 2014
4.5 of 5 StarsClaire Ashgrove delivers yet again with spellbinding, fresh urban fantasy story.No matter how many contemporary or historical romances I read, I always love coming back to paranormal and urban fantasy stories.  I love the complex world building and the characters with unique challenges to face and overcome.  I have yet to be disappointed in a Claire Ashgrove novel, I fell right into Before the Storm and read the entire book in one sitting.Halle is a young woman who is used to being on her own.  She has street smarts, she doesn't trust anyone, and she is both brave and loyal.  Halle has a terrible past that kicked up her supernatural abilities, the ability to call lightning and storms.  Kale is the person who begins to show Halle the supernatural world that she belongs to.  He slowly gains her trust, but has secrets of his own.  I love Halle's character.  She is a tough chick, very independent but willing to branch out and take chances.  Things do not always work out for her, and she doesn't always make the smartest choices.  She has her flaws, but she doesn't hide from them.  I am very excited to see how her character continues to mature and grow as a person and in her magical abilities.I love this supernatural world that Claire Ashgrove has created.  The Windwalker concept is unique, as the origins of the magic are unique.  The variety of paranormal abilities proved to be intriguing and fun to read.  The entire book is very well written, with steady pacing, light-hearted moments to counter the more serious ones.  Claire Ashgrove does an excellent job showing that Halle is not just a tough girl, she has a tender, sensitive side that she keeps hidden to protect herself from hurt.Before the Storm is a fantastic first book in a new series.  I am already hooked on the main character, Halle, I love the world, and there is just enough heat for the romantic that I am.  It is clear that Halle's story is just beginning.  The series promises to get more complex and even more intriguing as the story continues.  I can not wait for the next installment in this series, I will definitely be reading on!*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*