In Stormy Weather: A Novel

“An emotional lightning strike of a book…In Stormy Weather is utterly unputdownable.” —Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author

From bestselling indie author Chelsea Curto comes an academic rivals-to-lovers romance about storm-chasing meteorologists during hurricane season in Florida—perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and B.K. Borison.

Nothing can rain on Quincy Monroe’s parade. She’s a woman in STEM with a PhD in atmospheric sciences, the host of a successful online weather show, and has one million followers on her meteorology Instagram.

Quincy has spent endless hours forging her path in this male-dominated field, becoming one of the best in the industry. And with a new job opportunity, nothing can derail her success. Except for the ill-timed arrival of Sebastian Dunn.

Sebastian is her best friend’s brother, her longtime academic and professional rival, and a flashy TV weatherman from New York City that everyone swoons over. Everyone but Quincy.

Over a scorching Florida summer and record-breaking hurricane season, Sebastian and Quincy are forced into close proximity. Setting aside their grudges to chase storms and stay alive is one thing, but can they weather the inevitable collision of their hearts?

Chelsea Curto is the USA Today best-selling author of banter-filled romance novels that highlight strong women and the men obsessed with them. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time between the Northeast and Florida while daydreaming about what book she’s going to write next.

Follow her on:

Instagram: @authorchelseacurto

TikTok: @chelseareadsandwrites

In Chelsea Curto’s captivating romance novel, "In Stormy Weather," the narrative sweeps readers into the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled world of meteorology and storm chasing. At the center of the story is Quincy Monroe, a fiercely independent and brilliantly minded woman in STEM who has dedicated her life to understanding the atmosphere. Armed with a PhD in atmospheric sciences, Quincy has carved out a significant space for herself in a notoriously male-dominated industry. She is the successful host of an educational and highly popular online series called "The Rainy Day Show," boasting an impressive following of over a million weather enthusiasts on her meteorology Instagram. Quincy takes her career incredibly seriously, using her platform to not only educate the public about severe weather phenomena but also to ensure they know how to stay safe during natural disasters. Her life is meticulously structured, her career trajectory is pointing straight up with a promising new job opportunity on the horizon, and she refuses to let anyone or anything rain on her parade.

However, Quincy’s carefully forecasted life is thrown into sudden turbulence by the ill-timed arrival of Sebastian Dunn. Sebastian is a flashy, charismatic television weatherman who has been making waves in New York City, winning over viewers with his golden-boy charm and effortless on-screen presence. More importantly, he is Quincy’s long-standing academic and professional rival, as well as the older brother of her absolute best friend. Since their junior high days, Quincy and Sebastian have been locked in a relentless battle of wits, exchanging jabs and competing for the top spot. While Quincy has always chalked their dynamic up to pure, unadulterated animosity, Sebastian has secretly relished every opportunity to ruffle her feathers, finding genuine joy in their fiery banter. Feeling stagnant and uninspired in his New York broadcasting career, Sebastian returns home to Florida for the summer, hoping to rediscover the passion that initially drew him to meteorology.

Set against the backdrop of a scorchingly hot and oppressively humid Florida summer, the novel truly gains momentum as a record-breaking hurricane season approaches. With both Quincy and Sebastian back in the same geographical territory, their paths inevitably collide. What begins as a series of coincidental run-ins quickly evolves into a situation of forced proximity. Both meteorologists are determined to capture the best footage and data of the impending storms for their respective careers. Rather than letting the other gain the upper hand, they find themselves teaming up, piling into vehicles, and driving straight into the eye of danger. The vibrant and vividly described Florida weather acts as a dynamic tertiary character in the novel, mirroring the unpredictable, electric energy that crackles between the two protagonists. As they navigate the treacherous roads and chaotic skies together, the professional and personal lines between Quincy and Sebastian begin to blur.

For Quincy, who has spent years fighting to be taken seriously as a woman in STEM, trusting a male colleague—let alone her greatest rival—does not come naturally. She is accustomed to having to prove her worth and intelligence at every turn. Yet, in the high-stress environment of storm chasing, she discovers an entirely different side of Sebastian. Instead of trying to overshadow her or dismiss her expertise, he actively champions her. Sebastian proves to be an incredibly supportive partner who admires her intelligence, respects her fierce independence, and stands up for her when others try to undermine her authority. He runs toward the danger right alongside her, proving that he understands the relentless drive that fuels her passion. During the quiet moments between the chaotic weather events, the tension between them morphs from competitive friction into undeniable romantic chemistry. Confined to hotel rooms and storm-chasing vehicles, they engage in an ongoing, revealing game of truth or dare that strips away their defensive walls.

These intimate interactions allow them to see beyond their childhood grudges. Quincy begins to realize that Sebastian’s incessant teasing was never rooted in malice, but rather in a deep-seated fascination with her. Sebastian, in turn, is openly awed by Quincy’s brilliant mind, her quirky ramblings about weather patterns, and her unwavering dedication to her craft. One of the most refreshing aspects of their evolving relationship is the sheer emotional maturity with which it is handled. Unlike many contemporary romances that rely on petty miscommunications or forced third-act breakups to build tension, Quincy and Sebastian’s journey is characterized by open, honest communication. When conflicts arise, they talk through them as equals. Sebastian becomes the ultimate safe harbor for Quincy, offering steadfast support without ever attempting to clip her wings or diminish her shine.

Ultimately, the novel brings its characters full circle as the devastating hurricane season tests their limits both professionally and personally. By facing down nature’s most violent temper tantrums side by side, Quincy and Sebastian solidify a bond that transcends their past rivalries. They learn how to merge their distinct approaches to meteorology into a formidable partnership. The conclusion of the story leaves them both professionally fulfilled and deeply in love, having navigated the unpredictable weather of their own hearts. "In Stormy Weather" perfectly balances the adrenaline of chasing hurricanes with the slow-burn evolution of a romance built on mutual respect. Curto delivers a story that celebrates the resilience of women in the sciences while providing a masterclass in writing a healthy romantic dynamic, proving that sometimes the greatest storms clear the air so two people can finally see each other clearly.