Caged in Winter

Reluctant Hearts #1

by Brighton Walsh

In this emotional and sexy New Adult debut from Brighton Walsh, the only thing more frightening than commitment is hope…...
 
Aspiring chef Cade Maxwell is immediately, viscerally attracted to Winter Jacobson. But it’s not her mouthwatering curves he’s drawn to—it’s the strange emptiness in her eyes. When Cade saves her from a drunken customer with grabby hands, he’s shocked at her response…...
 
Winter doesn’t need Cade’s help. After a lifetime of getting by on her own, she’s happy to rely on herself. She’s exactly seventy-six days away from graduating college, and if she can hold it together that long, she’ll finally be able to rise above the crappy hand she was dealt.
 
But now, every time she turns around, Cade is there, ready to push her, smile at her, distract her from her plans. Winter knows she can’t afford to open up—especially to a man she’s terrified to actually want….

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, College, Amazon, Fiction

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2014

About the author

Award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before taking her storytelling in a different direction and reconnecting with her first love: writing. When she’s not lost in her own made up worlds, she’s probably either reading or shopping—maybe even both at once. She lives in the Midwest with her real life hero of a husband, her two kids—both taller than her—and her dog who thinks she’s a queen. Her boy-filled house is the setting for dirty socks galore, frequent dance parties (okay, so it's mostly her, by herself, while her children look on in horror), and more laughter than she thought possible. Visit her online at brightonwalsh.com.

Reviews

[Alienor ✘ French Frowner ✘ · Rating 1 out of 5]

► Someone please tell me that this book is a parody.

Seriously, though. Se-riou-sly. Where am I supposed to start?

✔ With the caricatural characters who made me lose patience almost instantly?

✔ With the cliché and repetitive writing?

✔ With the clumsy narrative and the failed alternative POV? (sorry, but when both voices sound the same, it is a fail)

✔ Oh, no. Let's start with the stalker oh-so-endearing thought of having someone waiting for you at the end of your shift every day and asking you out over and over again, no matter how many times you tell him to back the fuck off.

Because that's just so fucking sweet.

Not.

Look, there's no denying that Cade is obviously a good guy, given what we read through his POV. It is manipulative, though, because he is still insta-obsessive and way too possessive - he creeped me out. There.



One more thing : The fact that Winter calls him on his shit doesn't make his behavior okay. It's better than nothing, I admit, but it doesn't make me forget what I'm sold : that a woman saying no can mean something else by it.

Fuck. That.

Just imagine one second that it happens to you. You work as a waitress. You walk every night to the bus stop. You meet one guy someday (who defends you against some jerk while at work). Your exchange three words, and not nice ones. Then this guy shows up every day in front of the bar at midnight to walk you to the bus stop. Every fucking day. You tell him to stop. He doesn't. You don't want to tell him your name. He insists. Every fucking day, until you dive in. At this point, it doesn't matter that Cade has good intentions, he's still a creepy stalker in my book, and I don't care if I sound too harsh. His chivalrous but not wanted behavior might seem sweet to some women, it sure isn't to me (bear in mind that I'm not talking about the way he defended her, which was pretty nice). No is no. Point.

It's not endearing, it's aggravating.

That's why I'm certainly not willing to root for him, and in a romance novel, well, it sucks.

✔ Or, oh, or, let's talk about the complete lack of chemistry. Why fucking bother with such a thing in a romance novel really? ARG.

✔ I guess it would be better to deal with the climax, the plot, the tension - if only this book had those. Oh, yes, it did have A LOT of unnecessary angst ☑ Stupid reactions that make no sense ☑ Overdramatic take on minuscule events ☑ That it did.

Gah. Waste of my time.

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Whitney Atkinson]

DNF. i'm tired of reading shitty new adult and there's better stuff for me to read

[Patrycja · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys... I may be biased, but this book is what I shall measure all my upcoming New Adult reads against.

“You’re the one with the key to your own cage. You’re the one keeping yourself locked up tight.”

Remember that time my BFF wrote a book and it was amazeballs?

Yeah, this is another one of those times. (Yes! Go read her other stuff too!)

I know, I know… you’re probably thinking if it was written by my BFF that I have to be exaggerating about how good it is. But I’m not. I’m absolutely not, and if you know me at all, you know I have exceptionally high standards for my New Adult books. This one exceeds everything I look for in a story.

Let’s start with the characters because I love it when I fall in love with characters and I absolutely fell in love with Cade and Winter. Winter is one of those girls who doesn’t need someone to take care of her or provide for her, she’s been the only person she could count on and she’s determined to keep it that way.

“I don’t want your goddamn sorries. Go hop on your horse, Prince Charming, and save some other girl. I don’t need your help.”

I think her strength and determination is admirable, but I also really love the layer of vulnerability that Walsh has given her. She lives one day at a time and she isn’t entirely sure what’s around the corner but she’s absolutely going to make it work.

And Cade. *fans self* holy shit you guys are going to go crazy for this guy. Picture this… ridiculously tall, broad shoulders, defined arms… barbell through his eyebrow, tattoos peeking out from under clothes. Oh… did I not mention what he’s going to school for? Chef… as in delicious food and oh, there’s definitely some cookie baking I’m just saying. But it’s not just his appearance that will have you falling for him, Cade is amazing. He’s spent his life taking care of the people he loves and he’s a protector, but he does this sometimes at the expense of his own goals and happiness and his selflessness just makes him all the more swoony.

“It’s time to start living your life for you.”

But the main characters aren’t the only ones that will have you wanting to know more. Walsh introduces some secondary characters that you can’t help but fall for as well. Jason is one of my favorites, and he doesn’t have a huge part in this story which makes his impact on me even more amazing. The second book in this series is his story and I’m so excited to read it!

The story itself is well-paced and incredibly written. The summary makes this story sound a bit like all the NA that is available out there, but that’s just not the case. Walsh has a way of making you connect on an emotional level with her characters and the drama here isn’t overdone or contrived which happens way too often lately. The emotions and reactions and feeling of these characters jump off the page and make perfect sense to me… the struggles they encounter are all too real and that is what makes this a powerful story.

If you’re looking for a new author to love in the New Adult genre, if you’re in the mood for an emotionally charged, sexy, romantic story then look no further. I’m telling you now, put Caged in Winter on your “to buy immediately upon release” list because I guarantee it’s going to jump to the top of your favorites after you read it.

Thank you to Berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest (unbiased) thoughts. I promise you guys… I’d be saying these exact words even if she wasn’t my BFF.

[Danielle (Love at First Page) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-5 stars

It's official: I have a new favorite romance author. Brighton Walsh already impressed me with her holiday novella, Season of Second Chances, but she blew me away with Caged in Winter. There are some books you just connect with, and this is one of them. The writing is raw and realistic, the characters captivating, and I couldn't stop swooning over this beautiful love story. I really can't express how much I enjoyed it. I wish I could read it for the first time over and over again.

The set up
Winter Jacobson is in countdown mode. She has one semester of college left until she graduates, and then she can finally start living the life she's been working hard for. Growing up, she and her deadbeat mom didn't have much money, except for what her mom's most recent boyfriend provided. Winter is determined to never end up like her; instead, she's fiercely independent and closed-off. To support herself, she works part-time at the local bar. When a drunken customer gets too handsy with her one night, Winter knows she can handle herself just fine, but then a guy steps in to help her.

Cade Maxwell is like a walking contradiction. Intimidating, dark looks, with broad shoulders, well-defined muscles, intriguing tattoos, and a pierced eyebrow. He's got a protective streak a mile wide to match, feeling responsible for his younger sister and her daughter ever since his mom passed away. But beyond the rough exterior and intense personality is one of the sweetest guys you will ever meet. He cares deeply for those in his inner circle and even puts his own dreams on hold so he can be there for them. Have I mentioned that he's a chef? Just picturing a guy like him in the kitchen was enough to have me drooling. When Cade sees Winter "in trouble" he immediately takes action. Only he doesn't expect Winter's reaction: rather than being grateful, she gets in his face and all but chews him out. Intrigued by her fire and spirit, Cade can't stop himself from trying to get to know this enigmatic girl.

My thoughts
I want to start by saying that the writing here is phenomenal. There's something about Brighton Walsh's style that completely captured my attention - it's got this toughness to it. It's gritty and sparse, conveying so much emotion in just a few words. What makes it even more impressive is the way it matches the characters' personalities perfectly. I'm a huge fan of dual point-of-view, and Brighton Walsh gives Winter and Cade very distinct voices. Winter is headstrong and the opposite of a bullshitter, but she also has these wonderful moments of vulnerability. It made my heart hurt for her. While Cade does have a surprisingly romantic core - pure devotion and adoration - he still has a very masculine voice. It's super attractive. I also love the characters' emotional maturity; they feel on the older spectrum of the New Adult age range, which I really appreciate.

Brighton Walsh also does a fantastic job with developing her characters. Winter has more growth to do than Cade, but they are both three dimensional and it was easy to care about each of them. I can admit that Winter may not be everyone's cup of tea. She's difficult to get along with and makes Cade really work for her attention. It's not that she's a tease or leading him on, she's afraid to put her heart out there and rely on anyone but herself. For years she has been independent and that's a hard habit to break. Thankfully Cade doesn't give up easily - or ever, really - and he steadfastly breaks down her walls piece by piece. Guys, Cade is one of my favorite book guys, and that's saying something. I loved everything about him - his voice, the love he has for Winter, the way he shows her how much he wants to have a relationship with her. That combination of bad boy exterior, protective nature, and inner softness had me swooning big time.

Obviously, I love Cade and Winter together. It's the epitome of a slow burn romance - every scene between the two of them felt like the build up to something real and explosive. Brighton Walsh can write sexual tension, and its payoff, like no other. This is not a book with a lot of plot; the focus is completely on the progression of Cade and Winter's relationship, and it gets hotter every step of the way. Cade and Winter's chemistry is seriously off the charts, and their dialogue is fun and sexy. But even more than that I love the intensity of their feelings. It's amazing to see two people in a normal relationship and in love the way they are. I was entirely caught up in their romance. It's slow and steadily-moving, and most importantly it's believable. I never doubted that they were right for each other. If I had one complaint, it's Winter's stubbornness toward the end. I thought she treated Cade unfairly and was punishing herself and him for reasons she should have worked through quicker. It's all a part of her growth, though, and the end is adorable.

I clearly can't recommend this book enough. It's everything I want in a New Adult book, starting with a really sexy guy and ending with a romance that makes me melt. I am now ready to beg and plead for a chance to read Jason and Tessa's story early (Cade's best friend and his sister). If it's anything like Caged in Winter I know I'll love it.

This review can also be found at Love at First Page.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having read and enjoyed the excellent Tessa Ever After, I was essentially chomping at the bit to get my hands on more of Brighton Walsh’s work. Especially this, the first book in the Reluctant Hearts series. Having seen a little of Cade and Winter through Tessa and Jason’s story, I was most definitely intrigued to know more about them. And now I do? I'm thinking a re-read of both books might be in order…

With eyes that don't lie, Cade Maxwell can tell that Winter Jacobson is hiding something. In her job as a waitress at a seedy bar, she's used to being man-handled, but she's not used to having—nor does she want—a Knight in Shining Armor.

When Cade attempts to be exactly that, Winter’s response stuns and entices him. He has to know more about the girl with empty eyes. He needs the chance to put some fire in them.

But Winter's been alone for a long time, and opening up isn't something that comes naturally to her. She's within reach of her goal—graduating college—and she doesn't have time for distractions. But that doesn't mean Cade won't become one…

I really enjoyed this story. It was deceptively emotional, and I often found myself a little flustered and a little heartbroken at what Cade and, in particular, Winter experienced. Both of these characters were beyond sympathetic—with sad stories in their pasts and dreams for the future, rooting for them to succeed, together and apart, was a simple thing.

Honestly, there were times that Winter disappointed me. I liked her and, like I said, sympathized with her, but at times, I wanted her to be a little more open and a less…cold. Perhaps even a little more logical and understanding, particularly when it came to Cade’s “hero complex”. Her rationale was just a touch off for me, making some of her thought-processes and decisions feel forced, and yet, I still absolutely ached for what she experienced and what she was denying herself. Essentially, I was on her side through it all, despite my minor misgivings.

Cade, however, I simply loved. *Sigh* Tattooed, pierced and a chef—how could that combination be anything but a winner? Add in a soft but strong center and a moral code that meant he took care of those that mattered—sometimes, admittedly, against their will, but still…—and this guy was just begging to become my newest book boyfriend. And I can't leave a man begging, now, can I?

With just as much charm at Tessa Ever After, and moments I recognized as clues for book two, Caged in Winter was an easy-to-enjoy-yet-impossible-to-put-down book which I would happily read all over again. And I will—just as soon as I finish my second read through of Tessa Ever After... ~ Beth, 4 stars

~~~

Timing is everything….

Cade Maxwell has his hands full as he works hard towards his goal of becoming a chef. School, family, life, he really has no time for anything else. Until he sees Winter Jacobson, that is. A chance meeting between the two, and not the best of beginnings of that, is the start of an unexpected relationship…

Cade is such a good guy. Handsome, talented, motivated, loving – who could resist such a person? Well, Winter for one… Even though there are so many reasons to not pursue her, it is all Cade can think about.

“But there is something about this girl. Her ballsy, f*** everything attitude. Her vulnerability clashing with the pride she has.”

At the same time, Winter does everything she can to keep him at arm’s length. She doesn’t need rescuing or a helping hand. She’s got this…

I love how pushy Cade is. He shouldn’t be pursuing her but he can’t help it. He has enough reasons of his own to not pursue her but he can’t help it. Chivalry may have been the catalyst but this good guy couldn’t be anything but the gentleman he is. The way he treats everyone he loves, his caring and concern, firmly puts him in the huggable hottie column.

Winter finds it easy to push his advances away but soon she is caught in his endearing web. As her past comes to light, her attitude does become more understandable. On occasion, her abrasiveness did wear on me. It’s a good thing Cade was available to be his usual sweet self.

“I know it could be the chase for him—it probably is—but I can’t turn off the part of me that craves this attention. After a lifetime of a rejection, I soak up every bit of it he tosses my way.”

Winter is crusty and crabby, granted, but at the same time she is truly vulnerable as well. She wants to succeed on her own merit, relying only on herself to achieve her own dreams. I admire that. Setbacks are part of life, though, and when circumstances change for her, so does their relationship change. The challenges she is facing offer just the right amount of drama to the mix to keep the story moving along as the back and forth between the two continues.

Snappy dialogue made this well-written story an entertaining start to the series. I look forward to more! ~ Diane, 4 stars

[Jessica Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caged in Winter is the story of Winter and Cade, two college students both carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Winter has been fending for herself since before she can remember. Resigned to a life of solitude, she is focused solely on getting by, keeping the job she hates as a scantily-clad waitress just long enough to graduate from college and move on. Cade is an aspiring chef whose goal is to travel and open his own restaurant, goals coming only second to caring for his sister and niece since the untimely death of their parents. Neither Cade nor Winter have any plans, or even a good reason, to divert from their respective missions, that is, until their lives insersect unexpectedly, distracting them from everything they had planned and giving them a glimpse of hope for something they never even considered before.

Typically it only takes me a page or two of a book to decide whether it will be a book that holds my interest or a book that will be a struggle to get through. Immediately upon starting this book... the first page of the first chapter... I knew this book was pulling me in. The writing by this author is absorbing. Even though it was so early in the book, and I knew virtually nothing about the plot or characters, I knew the writing was strong. The inner monologue of Winter, right out of the gate, is smart and sarcastic, serious and gripping. I wanted to know her. Cade, too, is a solid character, this prediction based solely off the first few words of the first chapter from his point of view. jumping into a book from an unfamiliar author can go either way, and the writing by Brighton Walsh pulled me in immediately and never let up.

Caged in Winter is the exception to my self imposed rule. I'm drawn to bad boys in fiction, the guys that I hope can be tamed but break my heart repeatedly instead. I typically have a hard time connecting with the good guys, the sweet, boy next door types. But Cade is my exception. He's such a contradiction, a hulking guy who rides a motorcycle, covered in tattoos and sporting a piercing. But, but, but... he's in culinary school and he plays dolls and dress-up with his niece. Seriously? Seriously. He is a good guy, a protector, the self-sacrificial man of the house that puts his own dreams on the backburner for the sake of looking after his younger sister and her child. He says all the right things, he's gentlemanly and sweet and he knows his way around the kitchen. All of this makes for a guy that is typically not my thing, and yet HE. SO. IS.

We hear it all the time in fiction, how there's nothing more painful than false hope. But Caged in Winter truly embodies what that really means, what it really feels like, how painful the reality is of feeling hope after living so long without it, only to have it dashed away. It truly is worse than living a life resigned to never having more. It's terrifying. Winter's detailed account of what it was like, after rotating foster homes for so long, to finally feel like she found a permanent place, only then to be cast aside... it's brutally painful to even consider what that would do to Winter, or any child really. So it only stands to reason that she's terrified to let Cade in, to feel hope blossom that this could possibly turn into something more after being resigned to a life of loneliness for far too long. Any other character in any other book might come across as melodramatic and weak looking at life this way. But Winter just feels real. Brighton Walsh developed these characters so perfectly, I believed and felt and feared everything right alongside Winter. I got it. I got her. Bravo to this author for delivering that tangible fear of hope and hopelessness so perfectly.

"He's stoic and proud, bigger than life. Sharp jaw, intense eyes, armor made up of metal and ink. He is intensity and want and desire. He's happiness and frustration and comfort and hope and fear. He is my roller coaster."

I loved this book. Loved. It. The plot isn't entirely outside the norm of many of the NA books I've read lately. Arguably, it's not far off from your typical story of the broken girl meets the tattooed boy that wants to fix her; drama ensues.  But, it's also not. It feels different. It's refreshing and original. Maybe it's the characters I felt connected with and invested in right away. Maybe it's the solid writing of Brighton Walsh that made me want to devour every bite of this story for lunch. Maybe it was how the cliche issues that tend to interfere with a NA happily ever after don't come into play here, but rather a whole other set of uncertainty and doubt and hurt that we don't typically see. In the vast sea of NA titles of late, this story is memorable. It's consuming. It's beautifully written. It's unputdownable. It's yummy. Caged In Winter, much like the delicacies ala Chef Cade, is a dish best served HOT! (And immediately!)

[Mandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Last year I read two adult contemporary romances by Brighton Walsh and really enjoyed them. When I heard she was publishing with Penguin, I got excited. I don’t read a ton of new adult, but her previous books were very smartly written so I thought I’d give Caged in Winter a try. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.

Winter works at a bar that forces her to wear a very skimpy outfit – she hates it, but she makes good tips. With only two months to go until college graduation, she knows she can suck it up and just deal with it. When a drunken guy grabs her ass one night, another man steps in and comes to her rescue – except Winter doesn’t want to get rescued. Being rescued means the drunk guy and all his friends won’t leave a tip. Furious, Winter lashes out at her savior.

This man is Cade. A culinary student, Cade can’t stand the thought of someone disrespecting this gorgeous girl. He expected a thank you, but instead gets a tongue lashing. But this doesn’t dissuade Cade. He starts making excuses and showing up at the bar between midnight and one am so he can make sure she gets home safe. Winter hates to be coddled, and tries her best to ignore Cade when he shows up. But deep down she likes it, and these two start a friendship that turns into a romance.

That was the super brief set-up, but really there isn’t a ton that happens in this book. WInter is an extremely prickly, defensive heroine who I never warmed up to. She treats Cade so poorly in the beginning, I’m still confused as to why he tries to court her time and time again. I get her anger at first – a stranger interfering in her business is not welcome by her – but to continue to give him the cold shoulder time and time again got real old quick.

It’s a good reminder. A timely reminder. I have sixty-six days left, and getting mixed up with a boy like Cade is the last thing I need.

Last night after telling him my name, I went home high on nerves and anxiety. I fell asleep to the image of him under the street light. Dreamt about what it’d be like to have him for mine. To open up to him like I’ve never done with anyone else. When I woke up in the middle of the night, panting and sweating, that should’ve been enough warning. I’m not meant to form lasting relationships. To forge friendships based on respect and trust.

I’m meant to get through life on my own.

I’m meant to be alone.

Winter is so overly dramatic in this one. She grew up in foster care and just as she was about to find her forever home, that fell through. THis has a huge impact on Winter, and she has trust issues that weigh heavily on her. Cade too doesn’t have parents, as his dad died in a car accident and his mom died of breast cancer. He lives with his sister and her daughter. Cade is a much warmer character, who falls head over heels in love with Winter. I enjoyed Cade – I thought the culinary aspect is presented well and I understood him. I didn’t understand why he was attracted or how he fell in love with Winter. There are declarations of love that made me scratch my head. I never got it.

This book frequently changes between Cade and Winter – sometimes every two pages. It was a little abrupt. And Winter is just so darn emo and over dramatic, it made me roll my eyes instead of have empathy with her.

Love has only ever ended in ruins for me.

I didn’t want this. I never asked for this. I didn’t want this ache in my chest, this constant flutter in my stomach, this perpetual breath holding while I wait for the other shoe to drop. I didn’t want to have to worry about someone else, take someone else into consideration. But I do.

I can’t take the emo Winter! This is a miss for me.

Rating: C-

[Jessica B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be a little biased, but IDGAF. Good writing is good writing, and this is just wonderful. Swoony boy feels, an independent girl (to a fault), and a New Adult that isn't chock full of drama llamas. It's real and heartfelt without being overdone which is exactly what I look what I look for in contemporary.

Don't get me wrong, there were some ugly tears, but it's because you truly feel what Winter has gone through. (Two words: ice cream. You'll see.)

Oh...and a tatted up, motorcycle riding, chef man doesn't exactly hurt.

Read it. Love it. Love it some more.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious! Captivating, sexy, and empowering, Walsh has created the perfect recipe for an unforgettable romance. Cade Maxwell is the best kind of hero--strong yet gentle, ambitious yet selfless. And WInter is a heroine to cheer for. A fabulous debut!

[Cézanne Hayden-Dilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

::insert fan girl squeal:: I LOVED Caged In Winter!! Better yet I loved Cade. He is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend. From the first few chapters, I just knew there was something special about this book. These were exactly the kind of characters and story that I love. It was heartfelt, sweet, and engaging. Brighton Walsh wrote this story flawlessly. Her writing not only drew me into the book but it made me fall in love with her characters.

Cade and Winter, meet when he steps in to help her with a rowdy bar patron. He assumed she would be thankful for the help but she has the complete opposite reaction. Winter is fiercely independent and with her upbringing, she isn’t used to anyone helping her and she doesn’t appreciate it. Even though their first interaction didn’t go well, there is something about Winter that Cade is immediately drawn to. He makes in his mission to get to know her better.

 

“He is intensity and want and desire. He’s happiness and frustration and comfort and hope and fear. He is my rollercoaster.”

 

I'm seriously in love with Cade’s character. He was a contradiction of looks and personality. On the outside he seemed intimidating with his size and his tattoos and piercing, but he was a truly sweet. He lived to protect those that he loved and cared for. Since his parents passed away he’s helped take care of his sister and niece. It was a responsibility that he took seriously. Cade was studying to be a chef and he always hoped he could live out his dream of traveling and opening his own restaurant. Yet, he allowed his sense of responsibility to hold him back.

 

“Winter’s a closed book. A journal with a thousand entries, shut tight and padlocked. And I can’t wait to crack open her pages.”

 

Winter was the opposite of her name. She was fiery and fierce and she only trusted herself. She was counting down the days until her college graduation. She hoped after she graduated that she could start a new life, one where she didn’t have to struggle and could do all the things she dreamed of. Winter was used to keeping people away, but Cade was persistent. He saw something in Winter and he felt he had to try. Little by little, bit by bit, he slowly begins to break down the walls she built around herself and for the first time in a long time, Winter starts to let someone in.

There was an emotional push and pull to build and gain Winter’s trust. She had to decide if allowing herself to be vulnerable with someone was truly worth the risk. Cade also had his own issues to grapple and decisions he had to make. As the story unfolds, you gradually see how their relationship develops and you can see them grow as characters. I was absolutely cheering this couple on and I truly hoped they could work through the obstacles life dealt to them. This story was emotional, sexy, and sensual. It was also surprisingly different in many ways. This is one of my favorite stories of this year. Brighton writing was amazing and I cannot wait to read more from her. I highly recommend giving this story a try.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (5/2/2018)!💝

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed this title with my blog mate Amy. You can find our original review of this book here on The Book Hookup.

**SPECIAL NOTE:** A print ARC of this title was provided by the publisher to both Amy and Christina in exchange for their honest review. However, that did not influence this review in any way. All thoughts, quotes, and opinions will be of this version and not of the published edition.

♥ Quick Thoughts and Rating:

Amy: 5 Michelin Stars! I’m SOOOOOOOOOOO in love with the love that Winter and Cade share! It’s my favorite part of the whole story. Well, the fact that the storyline revolves around a chef and the cut-throat culinary world completely stole my heart too, but the love these two characters share is so unique and special. It’s really unlike anything I’ve ever read before.

Christina: All the cookie-making, bad-pizza-bashing stars in the universe! I claimed Cade for a reason. Winter is the type of girl that I could get along with if she’d let people in. Their story/romance is the kind of love I love to get lost in. Caged in Winter has set the bar for all the other New Adult novels out there.

♥ Characters:

Amy: Ahhh… Cade… What can I say? In my opinion, he’s pretty dang close to perfect! His character was developed so well! He’s got that HOT, bad a** chef exterior, paired with a huge heart and the determination of 10 men. I truly enjoyed everything about Cade.. And I do mean everrrrrrrrythinnnnnnng. ;)

As for Winter, man is this girl hard to crack! I’ll admit, at times, her fierceness, insistence of always maintaining her independence and the force-field she’s built around herself is frustrating and hard to understand, but, in the end, all of this makes up Winter’s personality and her personality helped develop the story into the awesomeness that it is!

Christina: I feel like Winter will get a bad rap for her brash, no bullshit independent ways, but her impenetrable exterior doesn’t come without its reasons. I felt a kinship with her, actually. Plus, feistiness is a quality I alway adore in my favorite heroines. As for Cade, he’s pretty perfect when he’s not being a superhero, helping damsels not actually in distress. He’s also a chef with tattoos, piercings, and rides a motorcycle, plus he’s super adorable with his niece and makes perfect husband book boyfriend material. I think Walsh developed her characters wonderfully, giving the dimension and growth that made them both believable as characters and easy to root for throughout.

I also really enjoyed all the secondary characters in this book. Jason, Cade’s best friend, and Tessa, Cade’s sister– two characters the next book is about- also brought a wonderful aspect to the story. But, by far, little Miss Haley steals the show in every scene she’s in.

♥ Romance/Chemistry:

Amy: I completely agree with what Christina said. The banter and the way Cade and Winter are together is just hot in general. Brighton has the ability to really let you feel what these characters are feeling with her writing. Yes, the sex was freaking smokin’! But, I feel that the connection they shared just made everything even more combustible. You rock, Bri!

Christina: I was lucky my book didn’t catch fire. Whether it’s their initial innocent banter to progressively hotter and hotter makeouts to super sexy baking sessions, Brighton definitely knows how to spice up a book with sexual tension. But it was those intimate scenes where she allowed her characters to strip away all their armor, baring hearts and allowing themselves to be fully vulnerable with one another, that really pulled me in.

♥ Plot/Writing:

Amy: This story is told so well. Everything from the accuracy of the culinary lingo, to the development of the both the characters and the storyline, to the level of off-the-charts chemistry that Winter and Cade share, is honestly quite impressive. Let me just tell you that if you have no (or limited) food industry/culinary school background, it would be very challenging to construct a story involving a chef, and have someone like me (a chef) read it, feel it and believe it, but she did it. And she did it very, very well. I’ve read pretty much every story out there that has a chef in it and none of those stories compare to this one. Brighton did an amazing job with this book. Amazing!

Christina: The way these two meet is anything but conventional. Cade might have been seeing this gorgeous girl, but all Winter was seeing was red. In fact, her parting words from their first encounter went a little something like this…

She holds up her hand, stopping me before I can finish. “I don’t want your goddamn sorries. Go hop on your horse, Prince Charming, and save some other girl. I don’t need your help.”
~quote taken from the print ARC of Caged in Winter, pg. 19

Luckily for us, Cade is quite persistent and this spark he sees in her only makes him more curious about who she is, and he can’t help but want to know her better.

Ms. Walsh infuses tons of personality and heart into her characters, and her dialogue is effortless and adds a wonderful dynamic to her quality writing. I found it refreshing that with a market saturated with creepy backstories and over-dramatized storylines, the author managed to dial it back a bit, making this about the reality of two new adults, balancing the last year of college, major life responsibilities, and new love.

♥ Favorite quote and/or swoony line:

Amy:

… And then she opens her eyes, stares right at me, and I’m done. I will do anything… let her set the pace completely, just to see that look in her eyes when she’s with me.
~quote taken from the print ARC of Caged in Winter, pg. 100

Christina:

“God, baby, you’re so beautiful.” It sounds lame and inadequate, and I want to create a new word just for her. She deserves a new word. Hell, she deserves a whole fucking language.
~quote taken from the print ARC of Caged in Winter, pg. 123

♥ Rec It?

Amy: A million times yes! This book will forever hold a very special place in my heart. Caged in Winter is one of the best and well written books I’ve read. A definite must read!

Christina: Absolutely! Brighton writes characters you ‘ll love and a romance that will heat you up and melt your heart. It’s one of the best new adults I’ve had the great pleasure of reading, and it’s one that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

♥ A very special thanks to Berkley Romance (especially one of the sweetest publicist ever, Jessica B.) and Brighton Walsh for providing us with advanced copies of this title in exchange for our honest thoughts!

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

3.5 Stars!

Winter doesn't really have anyone in her life. She works a crappy job that pays just enough for her to get by on a good day. She has seventy-six days before she graduates college and finally leaves this life behind her and hopefully start fresh until Cade Maxwell pushes his way into her life...

Cade Maxwell is studying to become a chef. He loves his sister and his niece dearly and thinks he has to support them. When he spots Winter, he can\'t help but find himself drawn to her to her. Maybe it's something about the emptiness in her eyes? Either way, when a man get

's too grabby with her while she is doing her job. Cade steps in thinking he could save the day, instead it didn\'t quiet turn out the way he wanted it.

Interesting story. At the beginning it really took off, with fire and bickering and the attraction clear and then it got repetitive and then a bit stale in the middle. I didn't know what to think of Winter's behavior when she didn't take Cade's money in the beginning, but I guess I could understand where she was coming from. Her pride wasn't going to allow anything to get in the way.

The cat and mouse game was cute at first and so was the pacing. I liked the pacing at the very beginning of the book better but it withered out by the middle. I still found myself engrossed in this book, don't get me wrong but I think this largely contributed to Cade and his sister Tessa. I loved Cade, I thought he was wonderful. How he wouldn't give up on Winter, how he thought he needed to take care of Tessa and his niece. The dream goal he set for himself. He was just amazing.

Could not connect with Winter at all... Sometimes I just had a hard time understanding her. I guess it's because I never been through the same things she has, so I wouldn't know how my behavior would show my decisions if that was the case. Thought the pasts of both characters where mentioned briefly and played apparently a large part in the character's behavior, I guess I was a bit surprised it didn't dig deeper into it.

Both Winter and Cade struggled with school once they got together, and poor Cade almost let his dreams slip away. I liked how the ending wrapped up with all the drama, hurt, anger and then finally healing.

The next book is Tessa's and I am looking forward to it. I did enjoy Walsh's writing, I do think she is a wonderful storyteller and I did really like Tessa, so hopefully.. Hopefully, I will enjoy the next book more.

[Hannah McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I’ve been waiting all year for a book like CAGED IN WINTER. I’m not sure what it is about this enigmatic, breathtaking book, but ever since I read this, I haven’t been able to stop raving about it and Brighton Walsh to anyone who will listen. It’s just that good.

In the surface, it seems like any other formulaic new adult story (both traditionally published and self-published) that is saturating the market right now. It’s why I skipped over this book for several weeks while it sat idle on my shelf. It wasn’t until one glowing, but absolutely darling, email from its publicist that I decided I would take a chance.

I never expected this book to become my favorite new adult story of the year, but that’s exactly what happened.

Winter and Cade seem like fairly typical new adult characters. Both have a bit of a sad, troubled past mixed with some current issues simmering under the surface. But Walsh infuses this brilliance into these characters that made them truly come alive and the beauty is in the simplicity of their story.

You know what I love most about this book? It’s just the story of a boy and girl learning to balance love with life and responsibilities. There’s no hidden stalker threatening their burgeoning romance, no tawdry past creeping up. People have been saying for over a year that there are horrible things people can go through growing up other than rape/abuse. This is that book. It’s not overly dramatic for the sake of drama. It’s real and true and … And I love it.

[Fmbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to begin this review with a confession: I'm not really a fan of the New Adult genre. But the thing is I really, REALLY want to be! I adore the idea of reading stories about older high schoolers, college students, and adults in their early 20s; however, I'm rarely able to find a novel that can execute such a story in a compelling way. More often than not, NA books I read are an odd combination of YA and intense erotica, which leave me feeling confused and awkward.

But every once in awhile, I have the fortune of coming across a book exceeds my highest expectations and reminds me why NA is so popular. Caged in Winter is 1,000% this book. From the first sentence to the very last word, this book has me riveted. The writing is exceptional, the characters are genuine and sympathetic, and the plot is robust and well-paced. I love every moment of Winter and Cade's story, and gladly give this 5 stars.

***Read the full review at We So Nerdy!

[CeCe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winter works at a bar as a waitress. She pretends to be happy and flirty to get more tips. Sometimes this gives men the wrong idea. One night, Cage is out with his friends and he “saves” Winter from one of her customers bothering her. Winter just wants to survive and pay her bills. Cage wants to be a chef, but her has in own responsibilities that prevent him to going after his dreams. These two people meet and their story begins.

I liked Cage a lot. However, I thought Winter was a little too hot and cold. At first I understood why she did not want Cage to “save” her from the touchy-feely customers, but then there were other situations where I thought no matter what Cage did, nothing made her happy. She was too hard to please. The readers will love Cage. Sweet Cage.

The switch in POVs happened too quickly. They would sometimes happen after 4-5 pages. By the time I was used to one POV, a switch happened. It was hard after a point to distinguish which POV I was reading.

Overall this is a simple new adult romance.

[Dahlia]

I liked this one! Plenty hot, tons of chemistry, and I'm a sucker for a guy who cooks. Cade definitely danced on the line of protective vs. overly possessive, but I appreciated that that was acknowledged by pretty much every single other character in the book. I also liked that he continued to have friends, in addition to taking care of his sister and niece; so often I feel like guys in these kinds of books end up being creepy solitary, and I really liked that not only was Cade not that guy, but again, when he was too wrapped up in Winter, that was something that went acknowledged all around, and made him think twice about it. It's nice reading romance that feels like it's happening between actual humans, and this one definitely had long stretches of unputdownable. My first Walsh read; will not be my last.

[Brighton Walsh]

For up-to-date information on releases and news as well as exclusive giveaways and content, sign up for my newsletter!

Caged in Winter is the first book in the Reluctant Hearts series but can be read as a standalone novel.

[Antonella ✨☕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Want to read a flawless, refreshing NA romance?
Want to read a story with strong, real characters that you can't help but fall in love with?
Want to read a NA without that overdone and unnecessary drama that seems to feature this genre?

Then that's the book for you.

[caren]

I love everything Brighton does. She will make you feel, make you sweat and make you fall in love. Do not miss out on this series!

[Bookish Temptations · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be on your pre-order list! I floved it! Review to come.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not my usual genre, but I still enjoyed the adorable love story (with some hot and heavy parts)! Glad I read it.

[Pretty Sassy Cool · Rating 5 out of 5]

4-1/2 stars.

This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.

I've been a fangirl of Brighton Walsh and the stories she weaves for many years, and I cannot say enough good things about how awesome she is. We did an interview with her on Swoony Boys Podcast, so definitely check that out! As you probably already know, New Adult is pretty much my favorite genre right now, and Caged in Winter is a must read.

Abandoned by her single-parent mother, Winter Jacobson has been on her own since she was a little girl, bouncing from foster home to foster home before finally making her way through college. She's months from graduation, holding down a shitty, degrading job that she hates when she meets Cade Maxwell. He's a tatted, pierced, motorcycle-riding culinary school student who can't seem to forget the girl with big green eyes and a fiery disposition.

But there is something about this girl. Her ballsy, fuck everything attitude. Her vulnerability clashing with the pride she has. The secrets she keeps hidden in her eyes. Even after only a week, I want to uncover them all.

Despite the fact that Winter seems totally determined to keep Cade at arm's length, Cade is equally determined to win her over.

"Maybe tonight will be my lucky night. Maybe I'll blow your mind with something completely random, and you'll think, 'Yeah, I need to go out with that guy.'"

He finally wears her down, and they begin to fall for each other. Winter is very vulnerable and scared to believe that anyone could love her just for her. Cade is patient and sweet and swoony, and he's suffered tragic losses in his life, too. He knows what it's like to want to be there for someone and for someone to need him. Did I mention he's swoony?

She tastes like cookies and wine, and I want to fucking devour her. She grips my shirt with both hands, clutching me to her, and I stop holding back and press every inch of my body against hers, groaning as my cock presses fully against her. The moment a whimper comes from her, I know she feels it. And I cant muster up any embarrassment, because I want her to feel it. Even with all her brass balls and fuck-everything attitude, something tells me she needs reassurance, so I give it to her. In every stroke of my tongue against hers, every brush of my thumb along her jaw, I show her how much I want her.

When the chips are down and Cade pushes just a little, it's more than Winter can handle.

My independence is the last thing I have left, and I'm going to cling to it with everything I have.

Will they let Winter's need for independence and Cade's sense of responsibility stand in their way of a happily ever after? *booming announcers voice**Find out in Caged in Winter by Brighton Walsh.



I loved quite a bit about this book, especially these characters. I love that they had great banter and so much fun.

"So I think the next time we do this, it should be at your place. If that's what you can do on a shitty old futon that isn't even pulled out, I'd love to see what you can do in a bed."

They're really adorable together. And hot.

"Take it, baby. Take whatever you need. Take all of it. It's yours."

I don't want to quote the whole book--and I fear I already have--but I do want you to know how authentic it was. How awesome these characters were. And how much I loved it.

There are a few things that I didn't like, like the fact that Winter's last name is Jacobson (I know, I'm weird), and the whole...blow up, I guess? I thought it wasn't big enough. Or what they were fighting over wasn't important enough.

I can't even trust him with my simple wishes, let alone my heart.

Really? I don't know. I just...didn't love her reactions, honestly. And I guess that's more realistic that not. People get in arguments all the time that cause their relationships to change, and when they look back, I'm sure they often wonder if it was all worth it. But as authentic as this story felt, this was one area that I thought should have been a little more dramatic, even though one of the things that I liked the most about it was that it didn't have ridiculous drama.

This story was told in alternating points of view between Winter and Cade, which I loved. Winter's voice was very realistic to me, and to an extent Cade's was, too. Unless he was using words like insouciant and exacerbate and supine and busting out sentences like "I need to be garnering contacts in the industry, polishing my attributes, working on my hindrances." Just my opinion, but it was a little too thesaurus-worthy to me. But then again, I hang out with high school kids most of the time, so maybe my vocabulary's just not what it once was.

All in all, I loved Caged in Winter , and I absolutely cannot wait for more from Brighton Walsh--more characters in this universe (Jason!!!), more stories from her, just more of Brighton. If you love New Adult (or just sweet, sexy guys and heroines you'll root for), you're going to love this book.

--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool

[bailey (taylor’s version) · Rating 2 out of 5]

“you can come on a little strong” this is a understatement of the century. I was only reading it and I felt overwhelmed by Cade.

this wasn’t a bad read, but it was kind of boring. normally I love when there’s a big build up with angst, but the story remained consistently flat. and I was kind of disappointed with the end. I was proud of Winter for not agreeing to immediately go with him to Chicago so she could chase her dreams but she then realized her dream was actually him after all? girl, I had high hopes for you.

[Megan • Reading Books Like a Boss (book blog) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caged in Winter is a love story about two people who are similarly situated in life, both trying to achieve their dreams. Cade and Winter weren’t looking for love. They weren’t trying to find “their Person,” but they did. They crashed into each others’ lives and changed for the better. Diehard fans of the new adult genre will enjoy this one, but for me this one missed the mark.

Winter grew up in the foster care system, being shuffled from family to family. As an adult, due to her abandonment issues she doesn’t allow herself to get close to anyone. She pushes those away who try to get to know her. She is untrustworthy and believes that everyone will eventually leave. She goes to school full-time and works as much as she can at a local bar even though she hates the job. Her work uniform consists of hot pants and a sports bra, leaving little of her body to the imagination. Night after night, she is groped, grabbed, and propositioned by drunk customers. But she puts up with it because she needs the money since she struggles to pay the rent and feed herself.

Cade is going to school to be a chef. After both of parents died, it’s just him and his sister, Teresa. She and her daughter live with him. They mean the world to him and it’s his number one goal in life to take care of them. Reluctantly, he goes out with his friends and notices this firecracker of a waitress being mauled and groped. Cade, being the sweet guy that he is, runs to her rescue, effectively beating the guy off of her. To say Winter was pissed would be an understatement. Cade and Winter don’t exactly get off on the right foot. She hates him and he is drawn to her. Though, as a reader, I don’t really understand why. After Winter basically verbally assaults Cade, he can’t stop thinking about her. Cade shows up at this bar every night to make sure she gets on the bus. Winter coldly refuses his offer to take her home. Eventually, he wears her down and she agrees to go on one date. And thus their friendship and relationship starts.

I wasn’t moved by anything in this book. It didn’t really evoke any strong emotions in me (good or bad). I didn’t feel invested in the characters’ lives or their romance. I think that was due to the lack of character development. The two main characters’ personalities were dull and flat. Sure, Winter was a “spitfire” and very independent. I can give you character traits about both Winter and Cade, but the main characters didn’t feel real to me if that makes sense. They seemed generic and one-dimensional instead.

There were a few moments I liked. I really liked that Cade was so persistent with Winter. The fact that he kept coming back to her spoke volumes of his character and inherent sweetness. I don’t think I would have had the patience to keep going back to her.

This book was told in dual point-of-view, a trend in romance novels with which I don’t have a problem. The author would often switch characters right in the middle of a scene or a dialogue. It seemed sudden and it would throw me off. It was more like the author had hit a word count for a character and then decided it was time to move to a different character, rather than the scene necessitated a change. I thought that Cade and Winter’s narrative voice sounded very similar. There wasn’t really any distinctive characteristics in their voice that separated the two of them, other than a few curse words thrown in with Cade’s narrative. The plotline in this book wasn’t particularly compelling or original. For me to completely enjoy a book, I need the characters to be fully developed and their chemistry to make me feel something. This book lacked that something.

2 stars

* I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.



★ Check out my list of UPCOMING BOOK RELEASES!!
____________________________________________

Find more of my reviews & other bookish things here:
✥ Read this review on the blog!
✥ My blog Reading Books Like a Boss
✥ Like on Facebook
✥ Follow on Twitter
✥ Pin with me on Pinterest
✥ Follow on Instagram
✥ Subscribe by Email

[Teresa Mary Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives

Caged In Winter is the kind of book that reminds me of when the New Adult genre was very new. I loved the books I read then and I loved Caged In Winter as well. This book was beautiful. Both Cade and Winter have scars from their past and because of that they have a clear plan for the future, and neither one of them was looking for a relationship, but one found them.

Winter is a tough cookie. Her past is rough and life has dealt her a shitty hand, but she has a plan and she is working toward it. She is fiercely independent and prides herself on being able to take care of herself, so when this guy strolls in to help her with a handsy customer, she isn’t thankful she is pissed he just cost her her tips. And this is how Cade walks into her life.

Cade is great. He is this perfect blend of good guy, with a slight bad boy streak, and he is fiercely protective. What I love thought is that he isn’t protective in the overbearing controlling alpha male way. It is clear he is protective over those he cares about and wants to help. Winter may not see that, but the reader can. Cade is the kind of guy I love to read about. We all love our alpha males and bad boys, but I have always said that there is something incredibly special about a good man and Cade is exactly that. He helps his sister and niece and is willing to do anything for them and that just melts your heart. Plus he is a chef covered in tattoos, can we say yum!

Caged In Winter also delivers some great secondary characters. Hayley is absolutely adorable and you have to love her. Tessa is another one I loved and I loved how strong her relationship was with her brother, Cade. Then there is Jason, who is a bit of a jerk, but I kinda love him and I think there is more to him than meets the eye.

Aside from characters though, I think my favorite thing about the book is that both Cade and Winter had actual lives. They had classes and jobs and commitments outside each other. They didn’t and couldn’t spend 24/7 together and it was realistic. It was a struggle for them to make time for one another and somehow find a balance and I loved how realistic that was. I mean, how many books do we read where a couple gets together and all of a sudden just spend every waking hour together like they never had any commitments before that person came along. I loved that the relationship aspect didn’t just fall into place easily and that it required work. Winter’s insecurities were a big obstacle for their relationship but life may have been an even bigger one.

Caged In Winter was a great story about overcoming your past and not letting it define you. The romance is gorgeous and the characters will work their way into your heart. More importantly though, this story shows that you can forge your own way in life and live out your dreams, you just have to be brave enough to try.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read more reviews on Britt’s Book and Life Blog. You can also connect with me on Facebook.

I haven’t been feeling much love for NA lately. I’ve been waiting for a book to come along that would make me love NA again. One that was unique and original. Well, Caged In Winter is that book.

Caged In Winter might sound like your typical NA from the synopsis but I can assure you that it is really a refreshing, beautiful, unique, original, emotional, and just oh-so-good.
Caged In Winter centers around the relationship of Cade and Winter. They meet at a bar where Winter works. They’re both college students and are complete opposites of each other. Cade is in culinary school and Winter wants to be a computer programmer. Cade comes to Winter’s rescue the night they meet when he sees a costumer putting his hands on Winter. Winter makes it clear to Cade that she doesn’t need anyone to save her, she can take care of herself. Her attitude intrigues Cade. He wants to get to know her and he slowly, very slowly, breaks down her walls.

Winter has had a rough life. She prefers to be a lone and she doesn’t let anyone in. She hasn’t had anyone that has wanted to help her before, and she doesn’t like it. She is independent, feisty, and determined. She has built a wall around herself, never allowing anyone a peek inside, and Cade is determined not only to take a peek but to tear the wall apart.

Cade was honestly one of the best heroes to every grace the pages of a NA book before. I don’t even know what to say about him. On the outside he has a tough exterior; covered in tattoos and muscles. But, on the inside he’s a softie. He cares about people. He’s the type of person who wants to protect others, he wants to get to know them. He’s there for you when you need someone to lean on. Oh, and he’s also going to school to be a Chef. I was swooning big time while reading Caged In Winter because of Cade. He’s SO dreamy.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story. It’s refreshing and original. The writing flows flawlessly. It’s beautiful and captures the emotions of the characters perfectly. I connected with the characters and totally loved each of them. I really loved that this book didn’t have an unnecessary drama. There was a bit of drama but it felt real and it wasn’t overdone.

This is the first book by Brighton Walsh that I have read and definitely won’t be the last. I can’t wait to read more from her.

If you’re looking for a book that will knock your socks off, then this is the book for you. If you want a story with characters that feel real and that will make you feel every emotion, then you need to read this book.

I will reread this story again and again. Thank you, Berkley Romance for the advance copy!

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I can’t get enough of her, this complicated girl who fell into my life. I want to know everything about her. Her quirks and her fears and her hopes and dreams, the tiny things that make her her.’

Caged In Winter is the story of a closed off girl and the man who finally brings her to her knees. Let’s start by saying I adored Cade. He was all things yummy. Determined, protective, a loving family oriented man who puts everything that is important to him aside in order to win over the girl he knows is his. What is not to love here. Now, Winter was a harder sale for me personally. Her issues run so deep that she is constantly pushing him away and can’t see the good right in front of her. But the moments she gives in they are truly beautiful together.

‘His attention makes me nervous. Nervous and unsure and . . . weightless. Feeling this way is addictive. He’s addictive.’

Winter is the epitome of a self sufficient woman, determined to do everything on her own without anyone’s help. Cade takes care of those he loves, after his parents died he stepped up in living with and supporting his sister and her daughter. The vast differences between these two make them both drawn to each other as well as push the other away at times. Their story is not simple or easy but it is definitely one worth reading!

~miranda

[Stacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved all of Brighton's previous things and this book didn't disappoint.

Love love love the dual POV. Winter and Cade couldn't be more different and that makes being in each of their heads even more entertaining. Throw in an adorable little girl and some amusing friends and you've got a recipe for awesome.

Winter is understandably sort of hard to like. She's stubborn and closed off and I wanted to jump in the book and simultaneously hug and slap her. The fact that Brighton makes you like Winter and want to root for her is just proof of her talent.

And Cade? I don't even know what to say about him. He's training to be a chef. Exterior wise, he looks imposing: covered in tattoos and piercings and all muscled up. But he's a softy. He adores his sister and niece and it just makes you want to melt.

This book is filled with swoons and laughs and heartfail and some delicious kissing {and more *wink, wink*} scenes. I always know what I'm going to get with Brighton's words and she never fails to give it to me. {TWSS}