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Gravity #1
Coming in from the Cold
He can’t have her. And he can’t tell anyone why.
Ski racer Dane "Danger" Hollister does not do relationships, though he keeps his reason a secret. The real-life curse he's inherited from his mother will eventually cost him everything: his place on the Olympic ski team, his endorsement income, and his ability to fly downhill at top speed.
Reluctant country girl Willow Reade meets Dane by accident. Literally. Her skidding truck forces him off the road during a blizzard. Stranded together in his Jeep as night falls, the two loneliest people in Vermont find themselves sharing more than they'd planned. And not just conversation.
Yet neither can guess how their unlikely tryst will threaten Dane's frightening secret and Willow's tentative peace with her own choices. Only mutual trust and understanding can end their pain and give them a hard won shot at love.
PREVIOUSLY RELEASED BY HARLEQUIN WITH A DIFFERENT COVER IMAGE.
Ski racer Dane "Danger" Hollister does not do relationships, though he keeps his reason a secret. The real-life curse he's inherited from his mother will eventually cost him everything: his place on the Olympic ski team, his endorsement income, and his ability to fly downhill at top speed.
Reluctant country girl Willow Reade meets Dane by accident. Literally. Her skidding truck forces him off the road during a blizzard. Stranded together in his Jeep as night falls, the two loneliest people in Vermont find themselves sharing more than they'd planned. And not just conversation.
Yet neither can guess how their unlikely tryst will threaten Dane's frightening secret and Willow's tentative peace with her own choices. Only mutual trust and understanding can end their pain and give them a hard won shot at love.
PREVIOUSLY RELEASED BY HARLEQUIN WITH A DIFFERENT COVER IMAGE.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
624 people are currently reading
4566 people want to read
About the author
Sarina Bowen
105 books18.7k followers
Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!
You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.
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October 14, 2017
📚 📌 FREE on Amazon US today (10/13/2017) 📌 📚
Stand-alone book 1.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Cold-Gr...
BLURB:
He can’t have her. And he can’t tell anyone why.
Ski racer Dane "Danger" Hollister does not do relationships, though he keeps his reason a secret. The real-life curse he's inherited from his mother will eventually cost him everything: his place on the Olympic ski team, his endorsement income, and his ability to fly downhill at top speed.
Reluctant country girl Willow Reade meets Dane by accident. Literally. Her skidding truck forces him off the road during a blizzard. Stranded together in his Jeep as night falls, the two loneliest people in Vermont find themselves sharing more than they'd planned. And not just conversation.
Yet neither can guess how their unlikely tryst will threaten Dane's frightening secret and Willow's tentative peace with her own choices. Only mutual trust and understanding can end their pain and give them a hard won shot at love.
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 700 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
February 9, 2021
4 Lessons Learned Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-2014 Review
In the grand scheme of things... we are dealt the hand life gives us and it is up to us, as individuals, to figure out how to handle it. We can be aware of all the pitfalls and work with what we have and go forward... or sometimes we can see the end card and let it determine everything we do. Yet if we are given something which is hard to handle... should we allow it to take over any sense of pleasure, lightness, or joy in our lives... should we only focus on the bitter pill...
This is a question Sarina Bowen asks in Coming in From The Cold. We have two main characters who have led lives that had difficult circumstances...and it is their way of handling them which impacts everything.
Willow never had the ideal, cookie-cutter existence...her parents gave her up for adoption and she became part of the foster system. Always wanting to know why she wasn't good enough for them to want her...this thinking became a driving force. Once she went to college, she started to understand why she had these feelings. She focused; chose to work with kids and help them get through the types of experiences she had. She was working towards her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology when she thought she was in love...she allowed herself to give up everything she had been working on to go to Vermont and live on a chicken farm. He wanted to be of the earth... only to decide after spending all their resources and draining her credit cards... he loved another...he took off, leaving her with nothing but the farm and responsibilities.
We see Willow in her old beat up pick up truck... trying to get back home before a blizzard hits full blast. She has been thinking her entire existence has been a bit of Murphy's Law lately... she is out in this place... all by herself with all of this debt... she has chickens that needed feed causing her to be out in this storm. Then to make everything worse... she swerves off the road so as not to hit a Jeep. Now her truck won't start and she is stuck.
The Jeep which also became stuck on the other side of the road has Alpine Ski Champion Dane “Danger” Hollister in it. He has his own difficult life back story. Raised in a two-parent home... he got to experience it falling apart due to a devastating illness... one which is passed on through the genes... it caused his father to leave his mom... He watched what she went through till the end and now he is having to repeat this same experience with his brother. It is like he sees the road map of his life... plotted out before him... there is a 50/50 chance of him having this disease; he made the decision long ago... No relationships, no close bonds, and definitely, no sharing because if it came out, his career as an Olympian and all of the endorsements would vanish. Dane eats, sleeps, and lives by this creed... and it is a weight he carries all the way to the top of the slopes. Only when he flying down the mountains does he feel free for a fleeting moment.
Dane goes to the Truck to see if the driver is ok... he has a bit of an attitude... and it comes out in their exchange. Willow just chalks it up to another "wonderful crappy" thing to add to this day. Dane has a moment and realizes what he did... and apologizes. He suggests she come and sit in his Jeep as it is more comfortable, has heat...and better shelter.
What happens next is that "bubble" environment... that thing which allows the mind and feelings to become heightened... people will connect on a deeper level than usual; things are said to one another which would normally never be expressed. Both Dane and Willow become hypersensitive to all of the feelings they are having with this encounter. She is attracted to him and he is allowing himself to fantasize about what it would be like to have her as a girlfriend. Dane has never had a relationship that was more than just a connecting of bodies... he has never allowed that for himself... how could he... he carries the death sentence... he would never make anyone experience the pain he has gone through and is now experiencing with the slow deterioration of his brother. These two play this sharing conversation and as things become more and more clear...Dane knowing who he is... lays it out... he only does one-night stands... no touchy-feely time. Willow hears him... she takes it all in and makes a decision to go with what she wants and senses... both end up sharing more than words in the backseat of that Jeep. The next day Willow and Dane walk back to her farm... she fixing him breakfast and he not understanding the impact that time with Willow was having on him... he wants more... needs more from her and they end doing just that.
Things happen from that experience of more... which turn out to have an impact on of both of them... He cannot forget her... yet is terrified of the feelings and is stuck in his head with what he knows. She, wishing she had been more focused and feeling she again has made a bad judgment call like she always does... beating herself up. We go on this journey with both of them... seeing how they are going to deal with the hand dealt...
We have a clear understanding of who these characters are. Ms. Bowen did not make everyone perfect or even likable. Dane is not someone you would cozy up to... he is dogmatic in his beliefs... he does not handle change well... and the way she presents him and his concerns beg the question of genetic testing or permanent birth control on his part. Willow is likable, strong, and becomes pragmatic. She uses her education to understand all that is happening around her. There are other characters in this story; Callie, Willow's friend is a strong and great counterpoint.
This is not an overblown tale... it is an in-depth look at questions that are out there and I felt it was handled realistically. I will be looking for more from Ms. Bowen as I liked her style of writing.
Coming in from the Cold (Gravity, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Falling from the Sky (Gravity, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Shooting for the Stars (Gravity, #3)
The Gravity Collection Box Set
A gifted copy was provided by Harlequin Publishing for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-2014 Review
In the grand scheme of things... we are dealt the hand life gives us and it is up to us, as individuals, to figure out how to handle it. We can be aware of all the pitfalls and work with what we have and go forward... or sometimes we can see the end card and let it determine everything we do. Yet if we are given something which is hard to handle... should we allow it to take over any sense of pleasure, lightness, or joy in our lives... should we only focus on the bitter pill...
This is a question Sarina Bowen asks in Coming in From The Cold. We have two main characters who have led lives that had difficult circumstances...and it is their way of handling them which impacts everything.
Willow never had the ideal, cookie-cutter existence...her parents gave her up for adoption and she became part of the foster system. Always wanting to know why she wasn't good enough for them to want her...this thinking became a driving force. Once she went to college, she started to understand why she had these feelings. She focused; chose to work with kids and help them get through the types of experiences she had. She was working towards her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology when she thought she was in love...she allowed herself to give up everything she had been working on to go to Vermont and live on a chicken farm. He wanted to be of the earth... only to decide after spending all their resources and draining her credit cards... he loved another...he took off, leaving her with nothing but the farm and responsibilities.
We see Willow in her old beat up pick up truck... trying to get back home before a blizzard hits full blast. She has been thinking her entire existence has been a bit of Murphy's Law lately... she is out in this place... all by herself with all of this debt... she has chickens that needed feed causing her to be out in this storm. Then to make everything worse... she swerves off the road so as not to hit a Jeep. Now her truck won't start and she is stuck.
The Jeep which also became stuck on the other side of the road has Alpine Ski Champion Dane “Danger” Hollister in it. He has his own difficult life back story. Raised in a two-parent home... he got to experience it falling apart due to a devastating illness... one which is passed on through the genes... it caused his father to leave his mom... He watched what she went through till the end and now he is having to repeat this same experience with his brother. It is like he sees the road map of his life... plotted out before him... there is a 50/50 chance of him having this disease; he made the decision long ago... No relationships, no close bonds, and definitely, no sharing because if it came out, his career as an Olympian and all of the endorsements would vanish. Dane eats, sleeps, and lives by this creed... and it is a weight he carries all the way to the top of the slopes. Only when he flying down the mountains does he feel free for a fleeting moment.
Dane goes to the Truck to see if the driver is ok... he has a bit of an attitude... and it comes out in their exchange. Willow just chalks it up to another "wonderful crappy" thing to add to this day. Dane has a moment and realizes what he did... and apologizes. He suggests she come and sit in his Jeep as it is more comfortable, has heat...and better shelter.
What happens next is that "bubble" environment... that thing which allows the mind and feelings to become heightened... people will connect on a deeper level than usual; things are said to one another which would normally never be expressed. Both Dane and Willow become hypersensitive to all of the feelings they are having with this encounter. She is attracted to him and he is allowing himself to fantasize about what it would be like to have her as a girlfriend. Dane has never had a relationship that was more than just a connecting of bodies... he has never allowed that for himself... how could he... he carries the death sentence... he would never make anyone experience the pain he has gone through and is now experiencing with the slow deterioration of his brother. These two play this sharing conversation and as things become more and more clear...Dane knowing who he is... lays it out... he only does one-night stands... no touchy-feely time. Willow hears him... she takes it all in and makes a decision to go with what she wants and senses... both end up sharing more than words in the backseat of that Jeep. The next day Willow and Dane walk back to her farm... she fixing him breakfast and he not understanding the impact that time with Willow was having on him... he wants more... needs more from her and they end doing just that.
Things happen from that experience of more... which turn out to have an impact on of both of them... He cannot forget her... yet is terrified of the feelings and is stuck in his head with what he knows. She, wishing she had been more focused and feeling she again has made a bad judgment call like she always does... beating herself up. We go on this journey with both of them... seeing how they are going to deal with the hand dealt...
We have a clear understanding of who these characters are. Ms. Bowen did not make everyone perfect or even likable. Dane is not someone you would cozy up to... he is dogmatic in his beliefs... he does not handle change well... and the way she presents him and his concerns beg the question of genetic testing or permanent birth control on his part. Willow is likable, strong, and becomes pragmatic. She uses her education to understand all that is happening around her. There are other characters in this story; Callie, Willow's friend is a strong and great counterpoint.
This is not an overblown tale... it is an in-depth look at questions that are out there and I felt it was handled realistically. I will be looking for more from Ms. Bowen as I liked her style of writing.
Coming in from the Cold (Gravity, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Falling from the Sky (Gravity, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Shooting for the Stars (Gravity, #3) The Gravity Collection Box SetA gifted copy was provided by Harlequin Publishing for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
November 4, 2021
Coming in from the Cold was not an outstanding read by any means, but it sure was a heartwarming and poignant one.
The main characters, Willow and Dane, were wonderfully complex and engaging. I loved Willow for her resilience and maturity, as well as her compassionate heart. And I also loved her little chicken farm, I thought that was such a cute touch to the story. Dane was a heartbreaking character – beneath his cool exterior as a professional skier was a tortured man with a heavy secret that will surely garner the empathy of any reader.
Despite all the circumstances between them, these two came together so naturally! The chemistry between them was so genuine, it was hard not to root for them. I’m convinced every book should have a forced close proximity scene because wow wow wow!! These two make being caught in a snowstorm so romantic!
Honestly, this book is pretty solid in itself but in my opinion, it just needed a bit more editing and fleshing out in certain areas. I just wish there had been more groveling on Dane’s part. While I understand he had his own reasons for acting out… he was really mean, even borderline cruel at times. I also felt like the suspension surrounding Dane’s secret sort of meandered and lost its way after the halfway point. The book does end rather abruptly for my tastes – I would’ve preferred a heartier ending and more introspection into Dane’s life post revelation of secret.
The cast of secondary characters were well written albeit a little typical. I suppose it’s not really a (sports) romance without the protective best friend, a male friend who clearly has a crush on the heroine and a coach that acts as a father figure…
Overall, this book was a great way to spend an afternoon, and it definitely made me wish it were snowing. If you like forced proximity romances, tortured heroes, and chickens, you might want to check this book out!
Note on audiobook: The narrators were fantastic! They depicted the self-assuredness of Willow and the complexities of Dane perfectly. Would highly recommend.
Rating: 3.75/5
The main characters, Willow and Dane, were wonderfully complex and engaging. I loved Willow for her resilience and maturity, as well as her compassionate heart. And I also loved her little chicken farm, I thought that was such a cute touch to the story. Dane was a heartbreaking character – beneath his cool exterior as a professional skier was a tortured man with a heavy secret that will surely garner the empathy of any reader.
Despite all the circumstances between them, these two came together so naturally! The chemistry between them was so genuine, it was hard not to root for them. I’m convinced every book should have a forced close proximity scene because wow wow wow!! These two make being caught in a snowstorm so romantic!
Honestly, this book is pretty solid in itself but in my opinion, it just needed a bit more editing and fleshing out in certain areas. I just wish there had been more groveling on Dane’s part. While I understand he had his own reasons for acting out… he was really mean, even borderline cruel at times. I also felt like the suspension surrounding Dane’s secret sort of meandered and lost its way after the halfway point. The book does end rather abruptly for my tastes – I would’ve preferred a heartier ending and more introspection into Dane’s life post revelation of secret.
The cast of secondary characters were well written albeit a little typical. I suppose it’s not really a (sports) romance without the protective best friend, a male friend who clearly has a crush on the heroine and a coach that acts as a father figure…
Overall, this book was a great way to spend an afternoon, and it definitely made me wish it were snowing. If you like forced proximity romances, tortured heroes, and chickens, you might want to check this book out!
Note on audiobook: The narrators were fantastic! They depicted the self-assuredness of Willow and the complexities of Dane perfectly. Would highly recommend.
Rating: 3.75/5
January 31, 2021
Coming in from the Cold is interesting. It is NA romance and I like it. Especially Dane. His fear, his secret feels real to me. He is sweet man but has fear of his destiny.
Willow, like her name does not easily broken. She is wonderful heroine. Big heart and gentle. Both Dane and Willow has instant chemistry while stuck in the blizard together.
Miss Bowen done a good job bringing this sweet loving romance.
4 stars
Willow, like her name does not easily broken. She is wonderful heroine. Big heart and gentle. Both Dane and Willow has instant chemistry while stuck in the blizard together.
Miss Bowen done a good job bringing this sweet loving romance.
4 stars
May 13, 2014
Too insta-everything for me -- nothing felt well-developed and I had a hard time finding the whole package believable. But for a short, quick read, it was an okay contemporary romance with a taste of emotional sadness attached. The downhill snow-skiing racer was a plus -- you know how I love my sports-themed romances. Both characters had a solid foundation to be something so much more than we got from this story. I just finished "The Year We Fell Down" by this same author and was astounded and amazed at the difference in the writing between the two books. It was a five-star read for me and one that made me want to stand up and cheer loudly and then beg for the next book in that series. Oh well, they all can't be 5-star reads and I'm not saying I hated this one -- just that it didn't work that well for me.
July 28, 2015
This started so fabulously! Huddling for warmth during a snowstorm! Banter! Good sex! Hot famous guy! But then it went super downhill as soon as I forced myself to finish it but I just didn't care at all. I did like the supporting characters, and the setting. The writing was fine, it's just too bad the hero was such a douchebag.
February 10, 2019
Not a bad little story. In fact, I read it in one day, so I guess I could say that it held my interest and moved pretty quickly. The hero, Olympic skier Dane Hollister, is living his life with (what he thinks is) a terrible future ahead of him. Because of this, he won't allow himself to form any relationships. He's back in his hometown in Vermont to train and also to look after his dying older brother, who is in a nursing home. He meets the heroine, Willow Reade-- a psychology post-grad stuck in Vermont after being dumped by a cheating ex-- during a snowstorm when their vehicles collide. Soon after the storm becomes a blizzard (one of my favorite plot points), they're stranded on a deserted road with no help in sight, and well...as so often happens in romance novels, they spend a hot and heavy night together.
Despite having growing feelings for the beautiful and easy to talk to Willow, Dane tells her not to expect a relationship--he absolutely will not do that, and Willow seems okay with it. But then circumstances bring them together again, and Willow has some unexpected news for Dane. This causes him to finally confront his future--since what he thinks is in his future will now affect Willow...and that's all I'm going to say about the plot.
The more I think about it the more I'm impressed by the author's writing, and the unusual plot. I must admit I figured out what Dane was hiding fairly quickly, and I can't really blame him for acting the way he did (which was asshole-ish/standoffish most of the time). I liked Willow for the most part--she had a rough upbringing and was used to rejection, so she didn't set her sights too high. This girl deserved some love! If I had one disappointment with this story, it was that it was crying out for an epilogue! I hate when the author leaves you hanging with just a HFN...
Good writing, interesting plot, hot sex, a (mostly) likable couple, and a quick easy read . If there was an epilogue, I may have given it another star. But as it stands...4 stars.
Despite having growing feelings for the beautiful and easy to talk to Willow, Dane tells her not to expect a relationship--he absolutely will not do that, and Willow seems okay with it. But then circumstances bring them together again, and Willow has some unexpected news for Dane. This causes him to finally confront his future--since what he thinks is in his future will now affect Willow...and that's all I'm going to say about the plot.
The more I think about it the more I'm impressed by the author's writing, and the unusual plot. I must admit I figured out what Dane was hiding fairly quickly, and I can't really blame him for acting the way he did (which was asshole-ish/standoffish most of the time). I liked Willow for the most part--she had a rough upbringing and was used to rejection, so she didn't set her sights too high. This girl deserved some love! If I had one disappointment with this story, it was that it was crying out for an epilogue! I hate when the author leaves you hanging with just a HFN...
Good writing, interesting plot, hot sex, a (mostly) likable couple, and a quick easy read . If there was an epilogue, I may have given it another star. But as it stands...4 stars.
March 16, 2015
For a first time I started reading a book while I put another one on hold and I'm just glad I did. Even though the reviews for this book were low I loved it. The heroine didn't let the past dictate her present, therefore she wasn't annoying or stupid at all, she is very down to earth. Even her best friend was mature, what came as shock to me (in a good way). I understand why readers didn't like it I think most of the part because of the sex without condom following a pregnancy, but here, in my opinion was justifiable because of the plot. And then I think they got upset with some of the hero's attitude, that I also understand because he thought he had this terrible genetic disease, never got in a relationship, even didn't try to make friends specially after his mother and brother died of this illness. I think when you live your life scared and waiting for the worse, his actions were real to me. He wanted the heroine to have an abortion but didn't explain why, he didn't want anyone to know about his poor health. But everything in the end worked out just fine. I just think an epilogue was necessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2016
“A deeply romantic story that warms with slow-burn eroticism and genuine insight into loss and love. Sarina Bowen’s debut glows with intelligence and a lovely sweetness.” — Mary Ann Rivers
I completely agree with this praise from Mary Ann Rivers. Actually Coming in from the Cold reminded me Mary Ann Rivers’s The Story Guy. It had the same overwhelming effect on me, when I felt too much, when I was so connected with characters that it’s almost painful.
This book surprised me a lot. I’ve read Sarina Bowen’s The Ivy Years series and I liked it. So I had positive expectations about Coming in from the Cold. But it was so much more than I expected. I loved this book. It was a very emotional and deep story.
Willow Reade got stranded in the car with ski racer Dane Hollister during a blizzard. Their instant mutual attraction, closeness in darkness in the car led to a night of passion. But what would happened next? Willow is recovering from her breakup and trying to adjust to unwanted farmer life. Dane doesn’t do relationships because of his secret.
From the first sight Dane has it all: he is handsome, famous and rich; he is surrounded by beautiful and willing women. But no one knows the real Dane no one knows his secret. So he doesn’t make friends, he doesn’t do relationships, only one-night stand. Sarina Bowen made an amazing job by portraying Dane. I could feel his longing for normal relationship, his desperation. He is so lonely and he is angry and he is afraid of his future. As a woman I usually connect more with a female character, but in this case I felt for Dane, I desperately wanted him to be ok, to be happy. I loved this other side of him: kind, caring, vulnerable.
Willow was a very likeable character. I loved her interactions with her chickens.
Another aspect that surprised me was how sensual writing was. After reading The Ivy Years series I knew that Sarina Bowen can write great steamy scenes, but her writing in Coming in from the Cold blew me away. Before I thought that the author who writes the most sensual romance is Cara McKenna. Now I’m not so sure. Sarina Bowen did something special here. I especially loved the scene with raisins.
I can’t believe I’m saying it, but my only complaint is that there was a little bit too much sex in Coming in from the Cold. Not that I’m against sex scenes in my books. I’ve read and enjoyed a lot of erotica. But in this book sex was a way to show readers emotional turmoil and it helped to understand characters better. So I think it would be better if there were a couple of sex scenes less.
As always I can’t write a proper review on a book I loved. So I just say this: Coming in from the Cold is a sensual and emotional romance, which will make you think and feel. Read it.
You can find my reviews:
I completely agree with this praise from Mary Ann Rivers. Actually Coming in from the Cold reminded me Mary Ann Rivers’s The Story Guy. It had the same overwhelming effect on me, when I felt too much, when I was so connected with characters that it’s almost painful.
This book surprised me a lot. I’ve read Sarina Bowen’s The Ivy Years series and I liked it. So I had positive expectations about Coming in from the Cold. But it was so much more than I expected. I loved this book. It was a very emotional and deep story.
Willow Reade got stranded in the car with ski racer Dane Hollister during a blizzard. Their instant mutual attraction, closeness in darkness in the car led to a night of passion. But what would happened next? Willow is recovering from her breakup and trying to adjust to unwanted farmer life. Dane doesn’t do relationships because of his secret.
From the first sight Dane has it all: he is handsome, famous and rich; he is surrounded by beautiful and willing women. But no one knows the real Dane no one knows his secret. So he doesn’t make friends, he doesn’t do relationships, only one-night stand. Sarina Bowen made an amazing job by portraying Dane. I could feel his longing for normal relationship, his desperation. He is so lonely and he is angry and he is afraid of his future. As a woman I usually connect more with a female character, but in this case I felt for Dane, I desperately wanted him to be ok, to be happy. I loved this other side of him: kind, caring, vulnerable.
Willow was a very likeable character. I loved her interactions with her chickens.
Another aspect that surprised me was how sensual writing was. After reading The Ivy Years series I knew that Sarina Bowen can write great steamy scenes, but her writing in Coming in from the Cold blew me away. Before I thought that the author who writes the most sensual romance is Cara McKenna. Now I’m not so sure. Sarina Bowen did something special here. I especially loved the scene with raisins.
I can’t believe I’m saying it, but my only complaint is that there was a little bit too much sex in Coming in from the Cold. Not that I’m against sex scenes in my books. I’ve read and enjoyed a lot of erotica. But in this book sex was a way to show readers emotional turmoil and it helped to understand characters better. So I think it would be better if there were a couple of sex scenes less.
As always I can’t write a proper review on a book I loved. So I just say this: Coming in from the Cold is a sensual and emotional romance, which will make you think and feel. Read it.
You can find my reviews:
January 9, 2018
Recensione sul blog ---> http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Per prima cosa ringrazio l'autrice Sarina Bowen per avermi fornito in anteprima la copia ebook di questo contemporary romance da lei pubblicato in italiano senza avvalersi di una casa editrice.
Venuto dal Freddo è il primo romanzo della serie Gravity, ma è da ritenersi completamente autoconclusivo.
Questo nuovo romanzo della Bowen è più adulto e più sensuale rispetto a “Prendimi per mano”, il romanzo pubblicato qualche anno fa da De Agostini, che avevo letto e adorato.
I due protagonisti di questa storia sono fondamentalmente due persone sole, anche se per ragioni diverse.
Willow vive da sola in una fattoria del Vermont da quando il ragazzo per cui si era trasferita l'ha abbandonata per un'altra, lasciandola con un sacco di debiti e impossibilitata a perseguire il suo sogno.
Dane è un famoso e sexy campione di sci a cui le donne non mancano di certo, ma si è sempre accontentato di rapporti fugaci totalmente privi di legami.
Dane convive da sempre con la fondata convinzione di non poter avere una vera e propria relazione per serie ragioni (che vi lascerò scoprire durante la lettura), ma la verità è che non ha mai voluto affrontare di petto i propri demoni interiori, buttandosi invece a capofitto nello sport.
L'incontro tra Willow e Dane avviene in circostanze sfortunate durante una bufera di neve, ma la notte che saranno costretti a passare insieme in un'auto si rivelerà l'inizio di una svolta che cambierà per sempre le loro vite solitarie.
I personaggi mi sono piaciuti entrambi, Willow è una ragazza che non si è mai arresa o scoraggiata anche se ne ha passate tante, Dane invece è un uomo molto bravo a mascherare i propri timori e scheletri nell'armadio, che dovrà trovare un nuovo equilibrio e far fronte ai propri sensi di colpa.
Le emozioni non mancano di certo in questo romanzo, e nemmeno la tensione sessuale tra i due protagonisti.
Venuto dal Freddo è stata una lettura scorrevole e semplice con una buona carica sensuale ed emotiva. La storia nel complesso mi è piaciuta, anche se ho trovato il finale un po' troppo frettoloso per i miei gusti. Sicuramente a questo romanzo manca un epilogo come si deve, di quelli che piacciono a me!
Punto di vista: terza persona
Sensualità: scene hot presenti
Caratteristiche: emotivo, invernale, romantico
Stile narrativo: scorrevole
Tipo di finale: autoconclusivo
Per prima cosa ringrazio l'autrice Sarina Bowen per avermi fornito in anteprima la copia ebook di questo contemporary romance da lei pubblicato in italiano senza avvalersi di una casa editrice.
Venuto dal Freddo è il primo romanzo della serie Gravity, ma è da ritenersi completamente autoconclusivo.
Questo nuovo romanzo della Bowen è più adulto e più sensuale rispetto a “Prendimi per mano”, il romanzo pubblicato qualche anno fa da De Agostini, che avevo letto e adorato.
I due protagonisti di questa storia sono fondamentalmente due persone sole, anche se per ragioni diverse.
Willow vive da sola in una fattoria del Vermont da quando il ragazzo per cui si era trasferita l'ha abbandonata per un'altra, lasciandola con un sacco di debiti e impossibilitata a perseguire il suo sogno.
Dane è un famoso e sexy campione di sci a cui le donne non mancano di certo, ma si è sempre accontentato di rapporti fugaci totalmente privi di legami.
Dane convive da sempre con la fondata convinzione di non poter avere una vera e propria relazione per serie ragioni (che vi lascerò scoprire durante la lettura), ma la verità è che non ha mai voluto affrontare di petto i propri demoni interiori, buttandosi invece a capofitto nello sport.
L'incontro tra Willow e Dane avviene in circostanze sfortunate durante una bufera di neve, ma la notte che saranno costretti a passare insieme in un'auto si rivelerà l'inizio di una svolta che cambierà per sempre le loro vite solitarie.
I personaggi mi sono piaciuti entrambi, Willow è una ragazza che non si è mai arresa o scoraggiata anche se ne ha passate tante, Dane invece è un uomo molto bravo a mascherare i propri timori e scheletri nell'armadio, che dovrà trovare un nuovo equilibrio e far fronte ai propri sensi di colpa.
Le emozioni non mancano di certo in questo romanzo, e nemmeno la tensione sessuale tra i due protagonisti.
Venuto dal Freddo è stata una lettura scorrevole e semplice con una buona carica sensuale ed emotiva. La storia nel complesso mi è piaciuta, anche se ho trovato il finale un po' troppo frettoloso per i miei gusti. Sicuramente a questo romanzo manca un epilogo come si deve, di quelli che piacciono a me!
Punto di vista: terza persona
Sensualità: scene hot presenti
Caratteristiche: emotivo, invernale, romantico
Stile narrativo: scorrevole
Tipo di finale: autoconclusivo
August 9, 2021
3.5 Stars rounded up because I like the author!
I always enjoy a Sarina Bowen book and I am not sure what has taken me so long to discover this series but I’m rectifying that now.
I do have to admit that as much as I did end up enjoying this book it took me a bit to connect with these characters. I wasn’t really feeling their chemistry at the beginning.
I enjoyed the “meet cute” in the snow storm but wow did that part move quickly. I don’t mind a “one night stand” so to speak but I feel like the sexual chemistry wasn’t really there or maybe that is just my point of view.
This was a really different storyline but somehow the execution just didn’t work in parts for me. I will definitely read the next book because I really do like this author.
I always enjoy a Sarina Bowen book and I am not sure what has taken me so long to discover this series but I’m rectifying that now.
I do have to admit that as much as I did end up enjoying this book it took me a bit to connect with these characters. I wasn’t really feeling their chemistry at the beginning.
I enjoyed the “meet cute” in the snow storm but wow did that part move quickly. I don’t mind a “one night stand” so to speak but I feel like the sexual chemistry wasn’t really there or maybe that is just my point of view.
This was a really different storyline but somehow the execution just didn’t work in parts for me. I will definitely read the next book because I really do like this author.
December 9, 2019
Dane and Willow. One of those freebees that turns out to be a gem. It's slow to start but there's a nice story arc and character development.
Willow and Dane wind up sharing a car after they both slide off the road in a snowstorm. One thing leads to another and even though Dane sticks to his guns that they can never have a relationship, it seems that the fates have other ideas.
Willow herself, isn't too keen on relationships either, after the way her last boyfriend left her high and dry (or rather cold and broke) for a bimbo and warmer climes. Dane has a heartbreaking secret that nobody would wish on their worst enemy. When it all comes to light, he doesn't know what to do or how to act. Lost and adrift in a world he thought he could never enjoy, Willow becomes his anchor. Not because she just happened to be there, but because fate finally smiled on them both.
The story is full of details about the life of a champion skier and life in the shadow of cold mountains. Although I admit to skimming some in the first half, I was glued to the pages for the second half! Pretty darn romantic and heart warming.
Willow and Dane wind up sharing a car after they both slide off the road in a snowstorm. One thing leads to another and even though Dane sticks to his guns that they can never have a relationship, it seems that the fates have other ideas.
Willow herself, isn't too keen on relationships either, after the way her last boyfriend left her high and dry (or rather cold and broke) for a bimbo and warmer climes. Dane has a heartbreaking secret that nobody would wish on their worst enemy. When it all comes to light, he doesn't know what to do or how to act. Lost and adrift in a world he thought he could never enjoy, Willow becomes his anchor. Not because she just happened to be there, but because fate finally smiled on them both.
The story is full of details about the life of a champion skier and life in the shadow of cold mountains. Although I admit to skimming some in the first half, I was glued to the pages for the second half! Pretty darn romantic and heart warming.
July 19, 2017
2,5 leicht enttäuschte Punkte
https://martinabookaholic.wordpress.c...
Meine Gedanken zum Buch:
Eigentlich habe ich mich auf das Buch gefreut, da ich bereits die HIM Reihe und den ersten Teil der Bittersweet Reihe der Autorin kenne. Leider konnte mich dieses hier am wenigsten überzeugen und natürlich musste ich gleich nachforschen, woran das womöglich liegen könnte. Dabei habe ich festgestellt, dass das hier eines ihrer ersten Bücher war und jetzt erst übersetzt wurde. Daher liegt es vielleicht daran.
Denn im Verglich zu Bowens anderen Werken ist das hier schon fast lieblos geschrieben und mM auch zu kurz ohne Highlights und auch sehr berechenbar. Wir lernen zuerst die Hauptfigur Willow kennen, bei der in den letzten Jahren mit Männern usw. einiges schiefgelaufen ist. Ein kleiner Pechvogel, wenn man so will. Im Schneegestöber mitten in der Pampa von Vermont fährt sie in den Graben und verursacht damit auch, dass ein zweiter Wagen von der Schneefahrbahn abkommt. Dieser wird von dem heißen Dane gefahren. Während sie auf den Schneepflug warten, kommt es im Auto zu einer heißen Nacht. Um sich warm zu halten, versteht sich. 😉
Diese Begegnung hat später, als sie noch einmal aufeinanderstoßen und ein weiteres Mal unbedacht Sex haben, ziemlich weitreichende Folgen. Sofort wusste man bei dieser ‚Sache‘ was daraus passieren wird und ich fand es einfach nur abgedroschen und vorhersehbar hoch 10. Außerdem total unrealistisch, da ich ‚damit‘ Erfahrung habe und das eigentlich nicht so leicht und schnell geht – das dauert meistens länger und benötigt mehrere ‚Versuche‘. 😉 So viel dazu. Aber dieses Thema reg mich IMMER auf, weil das in jedes Mal in dieser selben Art in solchen Büchern vorkommt. Unglaublich *grml*
Außerdem konnte ich außer mit Willow mit niemanden in dem Buch mitfühlen und ich mochte auch nicht die langen Zeitsprünge von einem Kapitel zum nächsten. Irgendwie fehlte dadurch eben sehr die Nähe zu den Charakteren und Verbundenheit. Dane war mir sowieso die meiste Zeit unsympathisch, da er sich wie ein Arsch benommen hat, egal wie sein Geheimnis war (das eh total offensichtlich gewesen ist) und tja, es war wohl einfach nicht mein Buch. Da hat es auch das kitschige puderrosa-Zuckerl-Ende nicht mehr herausgerissen oder mich mit der Geschichte/ Charaktere versöhnlich stimmen.
Dennoch hatte es zweitweise auch seine netten und sexy Momente und wie gesagt, Willow konnte ich doch ganz gut leiden. Trotzdem konnte das Buch bei weitem nicht mit Bowens anderen Büchern mithalten, aber da es ihr Erstlingswerk damals war, bin ich in der Bewertung mit 2,5 Punkten etwas nachsichtiger.
(Mehr dazu am Blog)
https://martinabookaholic.wordpress.c...
Meine Gedanken zum Buch:
Eigentlich habe ich mich auf das Buch gefreut, da ich bereits die HIM Reihe und den ersten Teil der Bittersweet Reihe der Autorin kenne. Leider konnte mich dieses hier am wenigsten überzeugen und natürlich musste ich gleich nachforschen, woran das womöglich liegen könnte. Dabei habe ich festgestellt, dass das hier eines ihrer ersten Bücher war und jetzt erst übersetzt wurde. Daher liegt es vielleicht daran.
Denn im Verglich zu Bowens anderen Werken ist das hier schon fast lieblos geschrieben und mM auch zu kurz ohne Highlights und auch sehr berechenbar. Wir lernen zuerst die Hauptfigur Willow kennen, bei der in den letzten Jahren mit Männern usw. einiges schiefgelaufen ist. Ein kleiner Pechvogel, wenn man so will. Im Schneegestöber mitten in der Pampa von Vermont fährt sie in den Graben und verursacht damit auch, dass ein zweiter Wagen von der Schneefahrbahn abkommt. Dieser wird von dem heißen Dane gefahren. Während sie auf den Schneepflug warten, kommt es im Auto zu einer heißen Nacht. Um sich warm zu halten, versteht sich. 😉
Diese Begegnung hat später, als sie noch einmal aufeinanderstoßen und ein weiteres Mal unbedacht Sex haben, ziemlich weitreichende Folgen. Sofort wusste man bei dieser ‚Sache‘ was daraus passieren wird und ich fand es einfach nur abgedroschen und vorhersehbar hoch 10. Außerdem total unrealistisch, da ich ‚damit‘ Erfahrung habe und das eigentlich nicht so leicht und schnell geht – das dauert meistens länger und benötigt mehrere ‚Versuche‘. 😉 So viel dazu. Aber dieses Thema reg mich IMMER auf, weil das in jedes Mal in dieser selben Art in solchen Büchern vorkommt. Unglaublich *grml*
Außerdem konnte ich außer mit Willow mit niemanden in dem Buch mitfühlen und ich mochte auch nicht die langen Zeitsprünge von einem Kapitel zum nächsten. Irgendwie fehlte dadurch eben sehr die Nähe zu den Charakteren und Verbundenheit. Dane war mir sowieso die meiste Zeit unsympathisch, da er sich wie ein Arsch benommen hat, egal wie sein Geheimnis war (das eh total offensichtlich gewesen ist) und tja, es war wohl einfach nicht mein Buch. Da hat es auch das kitschige puderrosa-Zuckerl-Ende nicht mehr herausgerissen oder mich mit der Geschichte/ Charaktere versöhnlich stimmen.
Dennoch hatte es zweitweise auch seine netten und sexy Momente und wie gesagt, Willow konnte ich doch ganz gut leiden. Trotzdem konnte das Buch bei weitem nicht mit Bowens anderen Büchern mithalten, aber da es ihr Erstlingswerk damals war, bin ich in der Bewertung mit 2,5 Punkten etwas nachsichtiger.
(Mehr dazu am Blog)
January 1, 2018
I never thought I would give a Sarina Bowen book 2 stars but this one was just too much.
I didn't care much that they slept together after being inside the car in a blizard for a few hours, cause they're adults and I can deal with instalust. What I couldn't deal with was how much of an asshole Danger was.
I get that he thought he had his reasons, but he could've done it differently. He could've actually EXPLAINED it to our heroine, but no, he ran away, treated her like shit and then wallowed in his manpain.
I know the desease was scary but come on, he could've handle it better. I don't even want to talk about how he took the news Willow gave him. I was ready to drop the book by then.
The worst part, is that he suddenly changes once he learns the truth about his health and now everything is puppies and rainbows, and he loves/cannot live without Willow. YEAH RIGHT! Too little, too late.
I haven't checked if this series was released before or after True North and the Ivy years but it seems like it was written by another author. I seriously hope this one is just a fluke and the second one will be better..
I didn't care much that they slept together after being inside the car in a blizard for a few hours, cause they're adults and I can deal with instalust. What I couldn't deal with was how much of an asshole Danger was.
I get that he thought he had his reasons, but he could've done it differently. He could've actually EXPLAINED it to our heroine, but no, he ran away, treated her like shit and then wallowed in his manpain.
I know the desease was scary but come on, he could've handle it better. I don't even want to talk about how he took the news Willow gave him. I was ready to drop the book by then.
The worst part, is that he suddenly changes once he learns the truth about his health and now everything is puppies and rainbows, and he loves/cannot live without Willow. YEAH RIGHT! Too little, too late.
I haven't checked if this series was released before or after True North and the Ivy years but it seems like it was written by another author. I seriously hope this one is just a fluke and the second one will be better..
February 24, 2016
Probably should have remained a one blizzard stand. Everything after that was terrible.
The synopsis sounded super cute, but if I had known this involved I probably wouldn't have read it. I couldn't get over how much of an asshole Dane ("Danger" LOL) was or how bland Willow was, or how much I did not want these two people to get together.
And yet, I still kind of want to read the next book. Go figure.
March 11, 2018
This is the first audiobook I've ever listened to and it was such an experience! I definitely plan on listening to more books in the future.
This was a good story, but I didn't really like the hero. His "woe is me" attitude was very off putting and made him unlikable in my eyes. I'm still excited to continue to series to see who gets an HEA next!
This was a good story, but I didn't really like the hero. His "woe is me" attitude was very off putting and made him unlikable in my eyes. I'm still excited to continue to series to see who gets an HEA next!
January 6, 2025
My Review:
This book was one of my Romanceopoly picks for 2025. I had been meaning to read much more Sarina Bowen and I decided to go with this one. I have to say that this one was definitely a disappointment. There is so much drama which I should have expected with it being an older contemporary a bit. But I think what disappointed me the most was the abortion discussion in this one. I didn't really see this mentioned in reviews so I just wasn't expecting it at all. But if you are triggered by talk or mentions of abortion then I would be mindful. And while it doesn't have full on abortion, it is enforced and discussed as an option even though its never fully followed through.
This book was truly heartbreaking. The hero thinks he will inherit a disease that killed his mother and is killing his brother. You see how tormented the hero is about it. You also sense how much he is divided about a future. Now I will say that when the hero finds out that our heroine become pregnant from a fling they had being snowbound, he doesn't treat her very good and really tries to manipulate her into having an abortion. Now she doesn't know what he is struggling with, not even his coach who is like his father even knows the truth about his situation. Now while you empathize with his situation I also don't like the way he treats Willow. He is truly cruel in some scenes and that might not be for everyone. I think what contributed to my lack of enjoyment in this story was his horrid treatment of her in the end there.
Overall while I liked this one, I didn't love it and I honestly wouldn't really recommend it to others. I am curious though about the series and might continue on with these books. But will definitely due my research before picking them up as I am not a fan of the abortion talk in it.
This book was one of my Romanceopoly picks for 2025. I had been meaning to read much more Sarina Bowen and I decided to go with this one. I have to say that this one was definitely a disappointment. There is so much drama which I should have expected with it being an older contemporary a bit. But I think what disappointed me the most was the abortion discussion in this one. I didn't really see this mentioned in reviews so I just wasn't expecting it at all. But if you are triggered by talk or mentions of abortion then I would be mindful. And while it doesn't have full on abortion, it is enforced and discussed as an option even though its never fully followed through.
This book was truly heartbreaking. The hero thinks he will inherit a disease that killed his mother and is killing his brother. You see how tormented the hero is about it. You also sense how much he is divided about a future. Now I will say that when the hero finds out that our heroine become pregnant from a fling they had being snowbound, he doesn't treat her very good and really tries to manipulate her into having an abortion. Now she doesn't know what he is struggling with, not even his coach who is like his father even knows the truth about his situation. Now while you empathize with his situation I also don't like the way he treats Willow. He is truly cruel in some scenes and that might not be for everyone. I think what contributed to my lack of enjoyment in this story was his horrid treatment of her in the end there.
Overall while I liked this one, I didn't love it and I honestly wouldn't really recommend it to others. I am curious though about the series and might continue on with these books. But will definitely due my research before picking them up as I am not a fan of the abortion talk in it.
September 16, 2017
Trapped in a SNOWSTORM bumped this up from a solid three star romance to a four star. My favourite trope! Although I wished they had been trapped together for just a little longer :o)
The male lead had been dealing with a horrible dread for his entire life and it had fucked with his head in a very understandable way. The female lead was in a bind of her own, with a substantial debt and no family support. Stuff happens, stuff happens and then stuff happens. Then they work it out and get a HEA.
I felt that the development of the romance could have been given a bit more room but there were lots of other threads in this story that made it a good read.
The male lead had been dealing with a horrible dread for his entire life and it had fucked with his head in a very understandable way. The female lead was in a bind of her own, with a substantial debt and no family support. Stuff happens, stuff happens and then stuff happens. Then they work it out and get a HEA.
I felt that the development of the romance could have been given a bit more room but there were lots of other threads in this story that made it a good read.
March 9, 2024
5 DANGER STARS
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I'm not sure why I haven't read this series before. Really do not know how that happened. But now I have started this series and I am IN!
Sarina Bowen is a favourite author of mine because she creates fascinating characters that are addictive and in particular she isn't afraid to take a risk with the heroes she writes. Dane 'Danger' Hollister (how cool is that name? Cool name, hot guy) is a top international skier and he gives everything he has to his sport. Ironically he is brought to a standstill one night by a fierce snowstorm and a sweet girl. Willow Reade is firmly in my favourite heroines group. In fact, Ms Bowen is yet to write a heroine that I have not loved. In this story , Willow shines from the pages with her sweetness, strength, tough vulnerability and sheer likeability. There are reasons Dane does not want a girlfriend and Willow is not looking for a guy since her ex did the dirty on her.
But life has other plans for these two and they find themselves crossing paths.
At points I could have slapped Dane. At first I really liked him. Then he was an idiot. I understood the reasons for why he said what he said , and honestly my heart ached for him but he was MEAN. Yes, MEAN, in big ol' shouty capitals. And I felt so very protective of Willow that when he was so verbally unkind it brought a tear to my eye. She is just the best kind of woman. And Dane? Dane is the best kind of tortured hero with a darkness in his soul that makes the reader want to reach into the pages and soothe his anguish despite everything. Dane redeems himself and his apology is so heartfelt and sincere, I found myself forgiving him.
The secondary characters are as fascinating and integral to the story as our H/h. Callie, Willow's best friend is just gorgeous. And Coach made me smile with his no nonsense attitude mixed with his fatherly type of affection for Dane.
This is a really good book to pick up and lose yourself in. I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait to read Callie's story next.
RE READ VIA AUDIBLE MARCH 2024
Excellent narration by two of my favourite narrators , Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. Listening time 6h 33m.
I am leaving my original star rating at 5 , but I think if I was reading it for the first time now , it would probably be a 4 star for me because of the lack of epilogue (the ending feels abrupt) and then there are the covers. When I bought the original ebook in 2016 , it had a romantic cover of two real people with the handsome man about to kiss the pretty woman. Eye catching red title font. Definitely conveys the passion that simmers between Dane and Willow. If I was looking for this book now , I would likely either not buy it or I would definitely hesitate to buy it. The cover has changed to a cartoon like illustration which does nothing to catch my eye. I get that covers are an emotive issue for lots of readers - myself included - and that's just my own personal preference.
HEA? Yes.
Cheating? No
Sex scenes? Yes. And damn, who knew a snowstorm could be so hot????
My musical muse for this book is Desperado by The Eagles
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I'm not sure why I haven't read this series before. Really do not know how that happened. But now I have started this series and I am IN!
Sarina Bowen is a favourite author of mine because she creates fascinating characters that are addictive and in particular she isn't afraid to take a risk with the heroes she writes. Dane 'Danger' Hollister (how cool is that name? Cool name, hot guy) is a top international skier and he gives everything he has to his sport. Ironically he is brought to a standstill one night by a fierce snowstorm and a sweet girl. Willow Reade is firmly in my favourite heroines group. In fact, Ms Bowen is yet to write a heroine that I have not loved. In this story , Willow shines from the pages with her sweetness, strength, tough vulnerability and sheer likeability. There are reasons Dane does not want a girlfriend and Willow is not looking for a guy since her ex did the dirty on her.
But life has other plans for these two and they find themselves crossing paths.
At points I could have slapped Dane. At first I really liked him. Then he was an idiot. I understood the reasons for why he said what he said , and honestly my heart ached for him but he was MEAN. Yes, MEAN, in big ol' shouty capitals. And I felt so very protective of Willow that when he was so verbally unkind it brought a tear to my eye. She is just the best kind of woman. And Dane? Dane is the best kind of tortured hero with a darkness in his soul that makes the reader want to reach into the pages and soothe his anguish despite everything. Dane redeems himself and his apology is so heartfelt and sincere, I found myself forgiving him.
The secondary characters are as fascinating and integral to the story as our H/h. Callie, Willow's best friend is just gorgeous. And Coach made me smile with his no nonsense attitude mixed with his fatherly type of affection for Dane.
This is a really good book to pick up and lose yourself in. I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait to read Callie's story next.
RE READ VIA AUDIBLE MARCH 2024
Excellent narration by two of my favourite narrators , Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. Listening time 6h 33m.
I am leaving my original star rating at 5 , but I think if I was reading it for the first time now , it would probably be a 4 star for me because of the lack of epilogue (the ending feels abrupt) and then there are the covers. When I bought the original ebook in 2016 , it had a romantic cover of two real people with the handsome man about to kiss the pretty woman. Eye catching red title font. Definitely conveys the passion that simmers between Dane and Willow. If I was looking for this book now , I would likely either not buy it or I would definitely hesitate to buy it. The cover has changed to a cartoon like illustration which does nothing to catch my eye. I get that covers are an emotive issue for lots of readers - myself included - and that's just my own personal preference.
HEA? Yes.
Cheating? No
Sex scenes? Yes. And damn, who knew a snowstorm could be so hot????
My musical muse for this book is Desperado by The Eagles
December 1, 2015
Loved it! I couldn't put this book down and it just proved to me that Sarina Bowen is a favorite author of mine.....her writing just sucks me right in!
The beginning of this story is what drew me in initially. A snowstorm, an accident, and then caught with a hot guy in his Jeep! I love when people are forced together under extenuating circumstances and then crazy things start to happen.....love that!
So Willow is recovering from another broken heart and left on a chicken farm in Vermont after her boyfriend leaves her for another woman. She is struggling with debt, can't finish school, and is basically doing what she can to survive. She does have her best friend, Callie, though, who is a doctor.
When a snowstorm hits, and she is only worried about getting feed for her chickens ("her girls"), she heads out in her beat-up truck and is in an accident with Dane.....hmmmmm Dane, very interesting character. Dane's car is stuck, while Willow's won't start, so they decide to brave out the storm together in Dane's Jeep. These two were attracted to each other from the start and it was hot!
Dane is a professional skier and has made his life full with skiing and competitions, and he's great! But Dane has a secret and he has already told Willow he does not do girlfriends or relationships. He has it set in his mind that he has no future and therefore, doesn't even take the chance of dreaming about it. Dane has lots of pain in his life, losing family members, and the threat of a limited future for him, has him completely twisted up inside, not even living the life he should be.
Whoa, this book was quite the ride! I just loved Willow's strength, and of course, I wanted to hug Dane and take all his pain away and save him (because that's what I do....haha)!
Moving onto Falling From the Sky.......Callie's story.....and I'm sooo looking forward to it! Another broken man who needs my saving! And he's a snowboarder!
The beginning of this story is what drew me in initially. A snowstorm, an accident, and then caught with a hot guy in his Jeep! I love when people are forced together under extenuating circumstances and then crazy things start to happen.....love that!
So Willow is recovering from another broken heart and left on a chicken farm in Vermont after her boyfriend leaves her for another woman. She is struggling with debt, can't finish school, and is basically doing what she can to survive. She does have her best friend, Callie, though, who is a doctor.
When a snowstorm hits, and she is only worried about getting feed for her chickens ("her girls"), she heads out in her beat-up truck and is in an accident with Dane.....hmmmmm Dane, very interesting character. Dane's car is stuck, while Willow's won't start, so they decide to brave out the storm together in Dane's Jeep. These two were attracted to each other from the start and it was hot!
Dane is a professional skier and has made his life full with skiing and competitions, and he's great! But Dane has a secret and he has already told Willow he does not do girlfriends or relationships. He has it set in his mind that he has no future and therefore, doesn't even take the chance of dreaming about it. Dane has lots of pain in his life, losing family members, and the threat of a limited future for him, has him completely twisted up inside, not even living the life he should be.
Whoa, this book was quite the ride! I just loved Willow's strength, and of course, I wanted to hug Dane and take all his pain away and save him (because that's what I do....haha)!
Moving onto Falling From the Sky.......Callie's story.....and I'm sooo looking forward to it! Another broken man who needs my saving! And he's a snowboarder!
February 15, 2014
Really great story. I read it as part of the boxed collection that is out now.
Hero's brother inherited a very horrible, long-suffering disease that slowly kills him. Dane is sure that he will also get this disease in the next few years. This fear is so deep-rooted it takes over everything in his life. From his crazy, daring skiing to the fact that he has no friends or every had a true girlfriend because he is too scared of the future.
Willow is a great heroine who has curveballs thrown at her and very maturely decides how to deal with them. I liked her a lot. She has a best friend that adds a lot to this story as well.
Very sexy, raw emo times in some parts - loved the end.
Can't wait for another book by this author.
Hero's brother inherited a very horrible, long-suffering disease that slowly kills him. Dane is sure that he will also get this disease in the next few years. This fear is so deep-rooted it takes over everything in his life. From his crazy, daring skiing to the fact that he has no friends or every had a true girlfriend because he is too scared of the future.
Willow is a great heroine who has curveballs thrown at her and very maturely decides how to deal with them. I liked her a lot. She has a best friend that adds a lot to this story as well.
Very sexy, raw emo times in some parts - loved the end.
Can't wait for another book by this author.
December 23, 2022
4 stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Sarina Bowen really knows how to write these super emotional stories that tug at you heartstrings.
I loved this book so much and it's follow up one also... "Falling from the Sky".
Both of these feature heroes that are tortured and traumatized by actual injury or fear of an impending physical illness and injury ...the heroines in both books 📚 are "real" and kind as well.
Sarina Bowen really knows how to write these super emotional stories that tug at you heartstrings.
I loved this book so much and it's follow up one also... "Falling from the Sky".
Both of these feature heroes that are tortured and traumatized by actual injury or fear of an impending physical illness and injury ...the heroines in both books 📚 are "real" and kind as well.
February 28, 2018
4 to 4 1/2 stars
February 26, 2018
3.5 Stars
Dane and Willow meet while stranded during a snowstorm and share a sexy tryst in the back of his Jeep to pass the time. But Dane has a secret that keeps him from forming relationships (of any kind), so even though he and Willow spark on a deeper level, he makes it clear to her from the get-go that, if she's willing, this one night is all they can have together.
Willow handles this pre-established brushoff like a pro. Lord knows she's made mistakes with men in her past and the last thing she needs to do next is let herself fall for a gorgeous professional skier who doesn't have any interest in getting to know her better. But so what if she lets loose for one night and engages in some hot, consensual sex with this handsome stranger? No one ever got hurt from a one night stand, right?? *snickers*
Dane and Willow's night together leads to surprising complications neither one could have planned for, but maybe this unexpected turn of events is just what both need to shake up their stagnant lives. The question is, can they trust each other enough to truly start communicating their problems and hopefully begin building a better life together in the process?
I liked the beginning of this story a lot. Dane and Willow's shared (sexy) experience in the Jeep was hot, and I enjoyed the initial scenes they shared beforehand, chatting about their lives and their woes. They shared obvious chemistry and their banter was fun, which is always a plus.
Unfortunately, I lost a bit of interest in their romance after those initial scenes. They spent very little on-page time together throughout the middle portion of the book, mainly due to Dane's self-pity party, which was weighing him down and making him a grumpy bastard, all because of his "big secret." I guess this took a bit of my enjoyment away for a while there.
To be fair, the big secret Dane was keeping - which ultimately kept him from connecting with people in his life, basically ever - made me extremely sympathetic and understanding to a lot of his (often cruel) reactions throughout this story. His beliefs don't excuse his behaviour (like, at all!!), but I do feel like his way of dealing with everything, however harsh, was believable and authentic.
My main issue lies with how quickly Dane sang a different tune once his secret was revealed and sorted through. I just didn't believe that he and Willow shared enough of a history at this point to buy that he was suddenly willing and eager to commit to her 100%. It just felt too rushed at the end, but I guess I should be counting my blessings that they got a solid HFN and leave it at that.
Overall, not the best I've read from Bowen, but it was still a solid and engaging romance, which pulled at my heartstrings enough times to make it memorable.
I'm definitely eager to read the sequel, which features Willow's bestie, Dr. Callie, who, for me, was the best character in this book.
Dane and Willow meet while stranded during a snowstorm and share a sexy tryst in the back of his Jeep to pass the time. But Dane has a secret that keeps him from forming relationships (of any kind), so even though he and Willow spark on a deeper level, he makes it clear to her from the get-go that, if she's willing, this one night is all they can have together.
Willow handles this pre-established brushoff like a pro. Lord knows she's made mistakes with men in her past and the last thing she needs to do next is let herself fall for a gorgeous professional skier who doesn't have any interest in getting to know her better. But so what if she lets loose for one night and engages in some hot, consensual sex with this handsome stranger? No one ever got hurt from a one night stand, right?? *snickers*
Dane and Willow's night together leads to surprising complications neither one could have planned for, but maybe this unexpected turn of events is just what both need to shake up their stagnant lives. The question is, can they trust each other enough to truly start communicating their problems and hopefully begin building a better life together in the process?
I liked the beginning of this story a lot. Dane and Willow's shared (sexy) experience in the Jeep was hot, and I enjoyed the initial scenes they shared beforehand, chatting about their lives and their woes. They shared obvious chemistry and their banter was fun, which is always a plus.
Unfortunately, I lost a bit of interest in their romance after those initial scenes. They spent very little on-page time together throughout the middle portion of the book, mainly due to Dane's self-pity party, which was weighing him down and making him a grumpy bastard, all because of his "big secret." I guess this took a bit of my enjoyment away for a while there.
To be fair, the big secret Dane was keeping - which ultimately kept him from connecting with people in his life, basically ever - made me extremely sympathetic and understanding to a lot of his (often cruel) reactions throughout this story. His beliefs don't excuse his behaviour (like, at all!!), but I do feel like his way of dealing with everything, however harsh, was believable and authentic.
My main issue lies with how quickly Dane sang a different tune once his secret was revealed and sorted through. I just didn't believe that he and Willow shared enough of a history at this point to buy that he was suddenly willing and eager to commit to her 100%. It just felt too rushed at the end, but I guess I should be counting my blessings that they got a solid HFN and leave it at that.
Overall, not the best I've read from Bowen, but it was still a solid and engaging romance, which pulled at my heartstrings enough times to make it memorable.
I'm definitely eager to read the sequel, which features Willow's bestie, Dr. Callie, who, for me, was the best character in this book.
March 10, 2015
First Line Willow needed to keep the old truck on the road and out of the snowy ditch for just one more mile.
Poor Willow. She doesn't keep her old truck on the road and inadvertently runs champion Dane Hollister off the road as well. But their loss is their-and our-gain because one snowy night in a Jeep is the beginning of a sexy, emotionally challenging, wonderful story.
What makes Coming in From the Cold stand out - besides just the fact that it's damn good- is what stands between Willow and Dane. This is also what makes the book really hard to review. I want to divulge every detail and glom on the drama, but if I do that, it's going to spoil a lot of the suspense, such as: what could possibly be so wrong with Dane that he can't have a future? And what happens between him and Willow to change this?
Often, the issues that stand between our H/h tend to feel...contrived. But with Dane, this is fact. We are given a man who's life has been unbearably lonely and sad, and who's future looks no better. He's a world class athlete, should have the world in his palm. But he's one of the loneliest, saddest leading men I've read yet. When Dane says he can't commit, cannot be involved and can't give anyone a future, he means it. And wow, the dude was starving for love, a person to share his life with.
So when Dane meets Willow, they realllllly hit it off, and it's with the assumption of "one night only" that they connect. And by connect, I mean they have dirty, steamy sex. But it's not only dirty and steamy, but also tests Dane's resolve. Have you ever shared an intense, unforgettable spark with another person? How do you walk away from that, especially when you've never felt it before? Dane is determined to keep his resolve, but life and Willow keep testing him. These new circumstances force Dane to dig deep and face a lot of heavy issues, and hopefully he'll face them with Willow at his side.
I know my review has likely been massively unhelpful. I want to say so much more about Dane and Willow as individuals and as a couple. I think a lot of the beauty in Coming in From the Cold is going in blind, and having my assurance that it is a powerful, redemptive love story that churned my insides, but also left me absolutely satisfied.
Favorite Quotes
He'd planned to spend the night alone, the way he spent all of them. Instead, there was a beautiful girl writhing in his arms, her hair falling against his bare chest.
Even in his ugly life, there were moments of perfection.
"Willow?" She looked up to find his handsome jaw set in a serious expression. "If you told me not to go, I wouldn't."
Her heart leapt, but she didn't trust it.
His face was nervous. "I know I don't really deserve it, but I have to ask, because I'll regret it forever if I don't. Is there any way I could spend some time with you?"
"You know how some people have a bucket list? They want to go bungee jumping in New Zealand, or they want to have sex in an airplane bathroom?"
"Okay...?"
"Well, my bucket list is ass-backwards. I want to fall asleep on your sofa in the middle of a movie. I want to bring you a beer during commercial breaks. I want you to warm your cold feet on mine."
He was so sorry to have hurt her, and his hands cradled her back to tell her so. His fingers slipped beneath the hem of her top, smoothing her soft skin, apologizing. When he opened his eyes, the candlelight danced on the walls, and flickered in the dark pools of her eyes. "Willow," he said, just to hear her name on his lips.
Poor Willow. She doesn't keep her old truck on the road and inadvertently runs champion Dane Hollister off the road as well. But their loss is their-and our-gain because one snowy night in a Jeep is the beginning of a sexy, emotionally challenging, wonderful story.
What makes Coming in From the Cold stand out - besides just the fact that it's damn good- is what stands between Willow and Dane. This is also what makes the book really hard to review. I want to divulge every detail and glom on the drama, but if I do that, it's going to spoil a lot of the suspense, such as: what could possibly be so wrong with Dane that he can't have a future? And what happens between him and Willow to change this?
Often, the issues that stand between our H/h tend to feel...contrived. But with Dane, this is fact. We are given a man who's life has been unbearably lonely and sad, and who's future looks no better. He's a world class athlete, should have the world in his palm. But he's one of the loneliest, saddest leading men I've read yet. When Dane says he can't commit, cannot be involved and can't give anyone a future, he means it. And wow, the dude was starving for love, a person to share his life with.
So when Dane meets Willow, they realllllly hit it off, and it's with the assumption of "one night only" that they connect. And by connect, I mean they have dirty, steamy sex. But it's not only dirty and steamy, but also tests Dane's resolve. Have you ever shared an intense, unforgettable spark with another person? How do you walk away from that, especially when you've never felt it before? Dane is determined to keep his resolve, but life and Willow keep testing him. These new circumstances force Dane to dig deep and face a lot of heavy issues, and hopefully he'll face them with Willow at his side.
I know my review has likely been massively unhelpful. I want to say so much more about Dane and Willow as individuals and as a couple. I think a lot of the beauty in Coming in From the Cold is going in blind, and having my assurance that it is a powerful, redemptive love story that churned my insides, but also left me absolutely satisfied.
Favorite Quotes
He'd planned to spend the night alone, the way he spent all of them. Instead, there was a beautiful girl writhing in his arms, her hair falling against his bare chest.
Even in his ugly life, there were moments of perfection.
"Willow?" She looked up to find his handsome jaw set in a serious expression. "If you told me not to go, I wouldn't."
Her heart leapt, but she didn't trust it.
His face was nervous. "I know I don't really deserve it, but I have to ask, because I'll regret it forever if I don't. Is there any way I could spend some time with you?"
"You know how some people have a bucket list? They want to go bungee jumping in New Zealand, or they want to have sex in an airplane bathroom?"
"Okay...?"
"Well, my bucket list is ass-backwards. I want to fall asleep on your sofa in the middle of a movie. I want to bring you a beer during commercial breaks. I want you to warm your cold feet on mine."
He was so sorry to have hurt her, and his hands cradled her back to tell her so. His fingers slipped beneath the hem of her top, smoothing her soft skin, apologizing. When he opened his eyes, the candlelight danced on the walls, and flickered in the dark pools of her eyes. "Willow," he said, just to hear her name on his lips.
October 19, 2019
I love this book so much, so I didn't hesitate for one second when the audiobook finally became available this week. I bought an audio copy immediately and put all of my other books aside so I could indulge in one of my favorites.
Every time I reread this book, I love it more. This doesn't surprise me, but I was surprised by how much I loved it more and by how much more I connected with both Willow and Dane this time around. No spoilers here, but Willow has to make some tough decisions. This time, I was really struck by how much Willow utilized her friendship with her BFF Callie when weighing each of her options. She bounced her thoughts off of Callie with each of her big decisions, which highlighted the depth of their friendship and I loved that. I also loved the way that some of Willow's issues were handled here: I love the way she talked this through with the other characters, all of them, and I loved her inner thoughts. I found this more plausible than many of the other books that I read with this same issue.
And regarding Dane, he really isn't a nice guy for a chunk of this book. In fact, he goes beyond "grumpy" much of the time. But I get it, I SO get it. More than ever before, with this reread. In an effort not to spoil why: I can say that since I read this book last, I've actually been through the same thing that Dane experiences. The very same thing. So the amount of HOLY CRAP, I GET IT that I experienced was just incredible. The amount of grace that I was able to extend to him was -- more than the last time that I read. I understood why he felt the way that he did, why he was angry at the world, why he shut himself off to emotions; this meant that I was able to connect with this character in ways that I think many readers just aren't able to. It was a huge kick in the gut for me this time around, but I appreciated being able to relate to him in this way, and I love Dane even more than I already did.
Audiobook Notes
Geez, I love this book and I love this audiobook. The narrators are great, especially Joe Arden as Dane, because he does a great job of sounding angry and like a jerk at the appropriate times. I was a little bit shocked initially because I had always imagined that Willow would sound very young - she always did in my head. But I love the way that Maxine Mitchell sounded when she was reading Willow. She made Willow sound sure and confident and independent, which is exactly what Willow is. Now I can't believe that I imagined her sounding any other way.
I'm thrilled to have been able to add this to my audio collection.
Title: Coming In From The Cold (Gravity #1) by Sarina Bowen
Published by: Blunder Woman Productions
Publish Date: 8-10-17
Length: 6 hours, 33 minutes, Unabridged
Narrators: Maxine Mitchell, Joe Arden
Every time I reread this book, I love it more. This doesn't surprise me, but I was surprised by how much I loved it more and by how much more I connected with both Willow and Dane this time around. No spoilers here, but Willow has to make some tough decisions. This time, I was really struck by how much Willow utilized her friendship with her BFF Callie when weighing each of her options. She bounced her thoughts off of Callie with each of her big decisions, which highlighted the depth of their friendship and I loved that. I also loved the way that some of Willow's issues were handled here: I love the way she talked this through with the other characters, all of them, and I loved her inner thoughts. I found this more plausible than many of the other books that I read with this same issue.
And regarding Dane, he really isn't a nice guy for a chunk of this book. In fact, he goes beyond "grumpy" much of the time. But I get it, I SO get it. More than ever before, with this reread. In an effort not to spoil why: I can say that since I read this book last, I've actually been through the same thing that Dane experiences. The very same thing. So the amount of HOLY CRAP, I GET IT that I experienced was just incredible. The amount of grace that I was able to extend to him was -- more than the last time that I read. I understood why he felt the way that he did, why he was angry at the world, why he shut himself off to emotions; this meant that I was able to connect with this character in ways that I think many readers just aren't able to. It was a huge kick in the gut for me this time around, but I appreciated being able to relate to him in this way, and I love Dane even more than I already did.
Audiobook Notes
Geez, I love this book and I love this audiobook. The narrators are great, especially Joe Arden as Dane, because he does a great job of sounding angry and like a jerk at the appropriate times. I was a little bit shocked initially because I had always imagined that Willow would sound very young - she always did in my head. But I love the way that Maxine Mitchell sounded when she was reading Willow. She made Willow sound sure and confident and independent, which is exactly what Willow is. Now I can't believe that I imagined her sounding any other way.
I'm thrilled to have been able to add this to my audio collection.
Title: Coming In From The Cold (Gravity #1) by Sarina Bowen
Published by: Blunder Woman Productions
Publish Date: 8-10-17
Length: 6 hours, 33 minutes, Unabridged
Narrators: Maxine Mitchell, Joe Arden
March 13, 2018
This introduction to the series tells the story of Willow, a down on her luck woman who is simply looking for a break, and Dane, a professional skier who simply wants to escape his destiny....this unlikely pair meet in the middle of a blizzard in Vermont when a near collision leaves them stranded....the heat rises with their chemistry forcing them to find creative ways of staying warm in the frigid temperatures...as the story progresses, we discover some very real roadblocks to this duo's relationship and we learn that every choice has a consequence...overall, this is a quick easy read that kept me entertained and invested in the overall story...I struggled with the insta- lust that occurred between the characters; I tend to enjoy the journey of building a relationship and watching the characters battle their attraction... also, at times Dane was cruel in his behavior; I understood it in the context of the story, but it almost made it difficult for him to redeem himself....finally, the ending seemed quick and almost too easy, and there were unresolved issues that left the story feeling somewhat incomplete... in the end, the story was somewhat typical in it's context but a fun read nonetheless...3 Stars:)
January 10, 2018
un bel sport romance, peccato solo per il finale un po' tronco.
June 24, 2015
Great read!!!
Sarina Bowen's Ivy Years series is one of my all time favorites, so I was excited to jump into her other series.
Coming in from the Cold did have a different feel to it but I love the writing. Very easy to read.
Dane - tortured, sexy professional skier. He is afraid he has the same genetic condition that runs in his family but is too chicken to get tested. He lives moment to moment, never allowing himself to get attached to anyone.
Willow - down on her luck. Meets sexy skier during a snowstorm when their cars drive off the road.
I loved their chemistry - they had a great connection.
A wee bit predictable - which is why I gave 4 stars instead of 5. But I'm so excited to read the rest of the series!!!
Bottom line: solid intro to a new series!
Sarina Bowen's Ivy Years series is one of my all time favorites, so I was excited to jump into her other series.
Coming in from the Cold did have a different feel to it but I love the writing. Very easy to read.
Dane - tortured, sexy professional skier. He is afraid he has the same genetic condition that runs in his family but is too chicken to get tested. He lives moment to moment, never allowing himself to get attached to anyone.
Willow - down on her luck. Meets sexy skier during a snowstorm when their cars drive off the road.
I loved their chemistry - they had a great connection.
A wee bit predictable - which is why I gave 4 stars instead of 5. But I'm so excited to read the rest of the series!!!
Bottom line: solid intro to a new series!
April 27, 2022
BASIC FACTS:
Pages: 246
My rating: 4.5
Genre: na romance, sport romance
Themes: Skiing, hereditary disease
Protagonist Ages: I thin they are in their late twenties
I’m so in love with the FMC Willow. I really like her and she had a lot of bad luck in her life. Still she takes chances and is a strong person. Dane is successful in skiing. He meets Willow in a snowstorm. But that is all I’m gone tell you, because you need to go in blind and see the story unfold without me spoiling the best parts. I recommend this book. It pulled me in and didn’t want to let me go until I finished it. I would like to know more about the future of the main character, but then when can we ever get enough of the mc’s you love?
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