An Affair in Winter (Seasons Book 1)

“‘This isn’t going to be quick, Mrs. Wilde,’ he assured her between kisses that tasted her skin. ‘It isn’t going to be perfunctory.’She shuddered and leaned back against his chest. ‘What will it be then?’He lifted his fingers to the top button of her gown and unfastened it, letting his fingers slide into the gap he’d created.‘A night to remember,’ he vowed. ‘For both of us.'”FINAL DECISION: I very much enjoyed this book of these two people who are on opposite sides of their siblings upcoming marriage. I thought the story and connection between the characters was good and I found their story sweet if a bit simplistic in its resolution.THE STORY: Mrs. Rosalinde Wilde is a widow traveling on her way to her sister’s wedding when a snowstorm forces her to stop at an inn. There she meets Grayson Danford. The two end up having dinner together in the crowded inn and then decide to spend the night together — two people attracted to one another knowing almost nothing about one another. A night of passion out of time. How surprised they are to discover one another again as siblings of the couple getting married where Gray is determined to stop the wedding.OPINION: AN AFFAIR IN WINTER is the start of a new series, and I think this series has great potential. This book begins with a 19th century one night stand between the hero and heroine. Although the night is special for both of them, they part in the morning never intending on seeing one another again. Of course, they end up being siblings to a couple getting married. The two are placed in opposition as Rosalinde supports the marriage, while Gray is opposed.The one night stand, of course, complicates what would have been a pure adversarial relationship between Rosalinde and Gray. I loved that these two are so likeable when the events easily could have led either of them into being conniving and betraying any possible relationship between them. Everything between them ends up being handled in such a reasonable and deft manner, that I never moved from my initial liking of the characters.Rosalinde is recovering from a bad marriage, but she never loses her optimism and her belief in the joy and love of life. And despite a love match gone wrong in her own life, Rosalinde wants love and happiness for her sister. Gray is determined to avoid love after seeing both of his siblings suffer because of bad relationships. He cannot resist Rosalinde despite his resolution. Both are incredibly loving siblings (even when they are wrong) and this essential characteristic gives these two a foundation that connects them in unexpected ways.Even when they are at cross-purposes, there is an essential element of caring that keeps them from being torn apart. I thought that their evolution of their viewpoints of their sibling upcoming marriage was amusing but also represents their intelligence and the complexity of the situation. The ultimate lesson is that people should be free to make their own choices having all relevant information.The connection between Gray and Rosalinde is hot and intense — even in proper society dress. I really only had one complaint and that is that the solution to all the dilemmas seemed too simple and didn’t necessary convince me completely. Despite that, however, I enjoyed this book and look forward to future books in the series.WORTH MENTIONING: Oh, now I really want to read Gray’s brother’s story. I think that is going to be an angst filled one.CONNECTED BOOKS: AN AFFAIR IN WINTER is the first book in the Seasons series.STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

Do not like cliff hangers and this was one. There are other ways of leading into the next book without leaving a major question unanswered. It is not enough to just have a happy ever after, as some big unanswered question, like who is their father, is just too big not to have an answer to at the end of this book

and I'd never read this author before. The blurb sounded interesting. I have nothing against hot and steamy but I dislike it from 4% into the story when the Gray's reaction was so physical at first sight of Rosalinde. Violent weather is outside, overcast and travelers are finding shelter from the elements toward the end of the day in an inn. Inns of this small town type variety were dimly lit and small, yet he could see the color of her eyes across the room. I need some realism in my stories. The goal, is to get them having sex, obviously but people doing things like a lady going into a main hall to eat without her maid and spending hours talking to a strange man while others leered at hear. Sure she was a widow, but that just strained my eyes. A lady would have had her maid get a tray brought to her room. (Speaking of the food. It was the best she'd ever had! And I wondered how they had enough with all of these travelers packed in like sardines.) But in this tale that would ruin the reason to get her into Gray's room and bed. The first sex scene happens at 11%. I struggled to read this story and eventually quit reading.

4 stars.I really enjoyed this. Couldn't put it down.A winter storm has stranded Rosalind and Grayson. The two spend the night together, knowing that it'll only be one night and both go their separate ways. Only to realize later that day that Rosalind is the sister of Gray's brother's betrothed.There is a lot of backstory with all these characters and it makes their present so much richer.Celia and Lucien don't have a love match, they are both getting something from the marriage. Lucien gets wealth, Celia gets a title and a certain standing in their social circles. Gray wants Lucien to not marry Celia, Rosalind wants Celia to marry Lucien and get away from their horrible (insert your choice of vile names) grandfather.I loved how protective both Gray and Rosalind were of their siblings. They wanted them to be happy and they both had their reasons for wanting what they want. Sorry for being vague but if I start explaining the backstories I think it will take away the enjoyment of finding it out and reading it as it happens.A couple minor issues, there were a couple times Celia got on my nerves when she was angry with Rosalind. Then I didn't completely understand why Gray was so against Celia and Lucien getting married. I know Lucien had a heartbreaking break up with his former love and it messed him up but I didn't understand how Celia would be bad for him.Had fun reading this. Looking forward to the next one.