WINTER'S THAW kicks off as the first book in the Compass Girls series by author buddies, Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon. This is a spin off from the Compass Brothers series, from which readers would benefit greatly if they read that series first. The main reason is because this story is about Sienna, the daughter of Seth and Jody. Much of the family is present and though there is a lot of recapping, I still believe the story would resonate better having that background information.

Sienna thought she had her life planned out. She and her long-time boyfriend, Josh were supposed to get married but Josh wanted time off from the relationship. For the first time in years, Sienna is alone and unsure how to handle her new independence.

Daniel Lennon is the hired horse trainer. As a former rodeo rider, Daniel knows all the tricks to keeping the animals in line. However, when he meets Sienna, he knows that he wants to be in her life one way or another.

WINTER'S THAW has its ups and downs. I found that there were other people than the main protagonists that played a part in this story, which is why I suggest readers read the Compass Brothers series. Family drama takes center stage and when you don't know or particularly relate to the family as a whole, it's difficult to be invested in the overall storyline.

There were times when I felt the family drama took away from the romance. Hot, raunchy sex wasn't enough for me to believe wholly in the romance. While chemistry is there, the romance lacked the potency needed for me as a reader to believe in Sienna and Daniel.

Book Summary

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.