I read this a long time ago online, and then a few years ago I bought it in a reignited Xena kick. Melissa Good's "uber" storytelling is pretty much at the top tier of what this type of fiction is capable of: while deriving essential character traits and physical descriptions from "Xena", she creates characters wholly their own beings. She also tells a mean story, and despite this novel's length, you are excited to continue to the next one. One of the pitfalls of "uber" fiction writing is that it is still "fanfiction", which is, by definition, self-indulgent, and in the case of romance, so terribly intertwined with the foregone, much-wished-for conclusion. Good skirts the line between "indulgent" and "sappy romance" by fleshing out the world that the two main characters live in completely, and having them interact in a believable fashion. No melodramatic public declarations or running away in the rain; these people have jobs and pasts and friendships outside of each other, and the novel allows us to hitch alongside as the two leads build a world between the two of them. Good's knowledge of that world is fantastic, especially in regards to their IT jobs (nerds... RAGING). And the romantic storyline is not overwrought, but sweet, gradual, and passionate. Though if you're looking for some bodice ripping, this ain't the romance book for you. And while there's adventure, there aren't any swords. It's easy going and a satisfying read, especially when drifting off to bed wanting something happy but not too heavy. P.S. I have to say, this book (and the series) made me very interested in the IT industry. (This nerd, raging) I think, however, I have enough nerd credentials without applying for more; but just forewarning you: this book may suggest a larger population of attractive lesbians in power suits than there might actually be. ^.^
I adore this book! It was one of the first Xena ubers that I read and still one of the best. I've read it bunches of times, both online and in paperback. I consider myself fortunate, indeed, to have the first printing that includes McKay's drawings. Dar & Kerry are such fun characters. Missy has created a world that is so compelling that I'm usually visiting there for hours at a time. I don't know what it is about her writing, but her attention to detail and strong dialog just flow along. This book, which is about a gillion pages long, flies by the eye. There's always a nice blend of action, nerdiness and mush in all of Missy's work.Missy is one of the strongest of the Xenaverse authors to go to print and still one of the best.
What do You think about Tropical Storm (2006)?
I am going to describe this book as a guilty pleasure. There are sorts of problems with the story, naming conventions and dated technology - but I don't care. After thinking about this book again i downgraded my star rating to two, but that seemed too harsh, so it went to three, and now I am re-reading the book giving it a four. Sure they are named "the tall woman," the younger woman" or a reference to their hair color - I don't care. The story moves slowly as does the romance, which I like. This is a good book for the beach, an airplane ride, when one is tired, or just desires something happy.
—Kurt
All of the Dar & Kerry series makes for an enjoyable read. I stumbled upon these by pure luck. The stories tell how two professional women one an animal in the office willing to do anything to ensure she gets the results she needs, the other a mid western woman trying to get away from the ties having a family in politics can bring. The books tell of how they balance their growing friendship and relationship in the fast paced world of IT (in the days IT was new). Their adventures and bond grows into passion and you can't help but become addicted to the characters instantly.A great series.... it's a shame it had to end (sad face).
—Nickie Bernsmeier
This was a good read, just not a great read. The romance was nicely handled and the characterisation well done, even if the father was revealed as a 2 dimensional, proto-fascist bigamist. The tech stuff is interesting with 14 years if hindsight (I.e. doing stuff that we struggle with using fibre optic broadband and the very latest multiple Blade racks) but entertaining none the less. Where it annoyed me and stopped this being a 5* review was the fanfic foreshadowing of the Xena/Gabrielle relationship. While I appreciate that this is one of the grandmothers of the Xenaverse, as a book read for it's own merits, I just found these elements really threw the characterisation out. Heresy I know.
—M
