ARC Review: Winter’s Thaw

Winter’s Thaw by Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon

4 out of 5 Licks

Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Sometimes it’s better.
Compass Girls, Book 1

Sienna Compton has it all figured out. Her life’s goals are set and it is all systems go. At least, it was. Until her long-time boyfriend Josh threw a ringer into the master plan, requesting a “break” from their relationship. Now she’s left alone during the long, cold Wyoming winter, questioning what her heart has always believed to be true love.

Daniel Lennon is facing an uncertain future. When a tragic accident leaves him unable to pursue his career as a professional bull rider, he finds himself at Compass Ranch, working to help Sienna’s father, Seth, build his horse breeding business. One look at Sienna has Daniel envisioning things he never imagined wanting—a permanent home, love, marriage—and he’s willing to use all the red-hot tricks in his sexual arsenal to melt the ice surrounding Sienna’s broken heart.

When lust turns to genuine emotion, can Daniel convince Sienna to take a chance on something different and unexpected? Can he persuade her to consider a new path, one that will lead her directly to his arms…forever?

Let me start by saying…Hell yes The Comptons are back!!!  I absolutely loved the Compass Brothers series and was super excited to discover that Ms. Carr and Ms. Rylon decided to do a spin-off with the brother’s daughters called Compass Girls.  First up is Seth’s daughter (we met him in Southern Comfort).  I can relate to the planner in Sienna.  She’s had her future with Josh mapped out for years.  She is determined that it won’t change (I was never that hard-core but I can see lots of girls dreaming of this plan).  Daniel was definitely never part of her white picket fence plan but that didn’t bother him one bit.  He wanted Sienna and when he got the chance he pulled all the stops. 

This wouldn’t be a Compass book without some sadness, but don’t worry it won’t make you cry for hours on end but I see it coming in future books.  The love scenes were exactly what you expect from this author combo…sweat inducing, burning up the sheets hotness.  Keep a tall glass of cool water and possibly a significant other near you at all times.   The best part is I would have enjoyed this book even without the added benefit of the Compass Brothers.  They didn’t write this book just to add another best seller title to their belt.  They wrote the book for readers who love the series and didn’t want it to end (I am definitely in that group).  This book is a wonderful start to a new generation of Comptons and I can’t wait for more. 

Preorder (releases Tuesday February 19th) it from Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Samhain

KittyKelly