WINTER'S THAW is the first book of the new Compass Girls
series; which is to be about the daughters of the original
Compton brothers. This story is about Sienna, daughter of
Seth and Jody. Sienna has been in love with long-time
boyfriend Josh for years, since they were in high school.
They planned to marry when they graduated college; but Josh
changes his plans and goes back to school for another year.
It's not long before he decides he wants to take some time
apart in their relationship; leaving Sienna looking to
herself for the first time in years. She's been with Josh
so long that she doesn't quite know how to be on her own.
Daniel Lennon has been hired by Seth to train horses on the
ranch. He is a former rodeo rider, retired at a young age
when he was hurt during a bull ride gone bad. At his first
meeting with Sienna, there is an instant attraction that she
goes out of her way to deny. Once Sienna realizes that
things are not going to get better with Josh, she decides to
take a chance on Daniel; but tells him she wants only a
casual affair, with no strings attached. Daniel knows from
the beginning that he wants more from Sienna, he wants a
relationship with her. He patiently waits Sienna out,
hoping she'll someday see things his way, and fall in love
with him.
There were parts of the story I really enjoyed; but there
were also parts that just didn't quite do it for me. I liked
the family dynamics of the story; but the plot veered wildly
from the love story, to family drama, to raunchy sex scenes
in a way that left me vaguely dissatisfied and reeling from
all the quick changes in storyline. Even though this was
the first book of the series, there was so much recapping
and catch-up on characters I didn't know that I continually
felt I was missing something. Also, everyone in the story
was so very happy, and so very perfect, that it left little
room for conflict.
The story contains a variety of sex. There is a little
bondage, domination, toys, and anal play. It is as if the
authors felt it necessary to throw in a little bit of
everything sexually. Sometimes it worked for me, sometimes
it didn't. The reader never gets the feeling that there is
anything more than sex between Daniel and Sienna; none of
the closeness and feeling that comes with making love. The
book had more to offer than was actually delivered because
of the excessive attention paid to the graphic sex. The
story had possibilities, and was an enjoyable read for the
most part; but was just not quite the read it could have been.
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.