Winter Love

by Natalie Arthur

Lukas
I lost my parents and then I lost the love of my life. I tried to move on, but nothing felt right. Nothing could compete with her. When she came back to town, I made sure she knew exactly how I felt about her. But she’s not the same person she was before. She’s been through things I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Now I need to find a way to help her heal.

Emmanuelle
When I left Wintervale, I thought that was the end of my great love. I moved on, but it wasn’t what I imagined. It was a nightmare. When I finally work up the courage to return to Wintervale, I’m not sure what I’ll find. Finding out that he still loved me was everything. But then my past catches up to me. I don’t know if he can still love me after this, but I’m hoping he can. Because I never stopped loving him either.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2025

About the author

My name is Natalie. I published my first book, Aftermath in August 2021. I've been lucky enough to find my own insta-love-at-first-sight person. We have a daughter who drives us crazy and a corgi who adds to the chaos. I love hockey (Chicago Blackhawks), MotoGP (Motorcycle Racing), and baseball (Chicago Cubs). When I'm not writing, you can find me studying or crafting. Or crafting when I should be studying.

Reviews

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. I have read several books in the Seasons in Montana series. I could not pass up an opportunity to see what else is going on in Wintervale. Now, I've been introduced to a whole host of new characters that I want to know more about. Thanks a lot, Ms. Arthur. lol. This book is a second chance romance. Lukas Vandenberg and Emmanuelle Rousseau started their relationship during a tragedy. Both were firefighters. Emma came to Wintervale to help with a rescue after an avalanche. Unfortunately, five people died including Lukas' parents. Emma, who is from Colorado, stayed with them for a few months and they had a long-distance relationship for two years. They made mutual decision to stop seeing each other and tried to move on.

Flash forward to the present three years after their breakup. Both Emmanuelle and Lukas have tried to move on, but no one could compete with the love they had for each other. The whole family was rooting for them to get back together. Emmanuelle finally decided enough was enough. She was coming back to Wintervale for a celebration of life ceremony for those lost in the avalanche. Emma was ready to see if they could make it work. She would move to Wintervale so they could start their lives together.

Ya'll that is not all. There is a mystery. One of Emma's ex-boyfriends has found her and it stirring up trouble. Lukas and Emma enlist the help of some skiers that came to visit the weekend of the celebration. They took a liking to Emma and wanted to protect her. They came out in full force to protect Emma from the threat this boyfriend posed. The Cimaruta MC came through for them and added them to their family. This book is short, but it takes readers on a journey. Readers of Ms. Arthur's books know these characters. If you are like me and you don't know these character, you want to get to know them quickly.

[Havok · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM A MANCINI!

Natalie does it again! The way she brings her series together and you see other characters from her series is something i will always love! The storyline not her usual insta love be just as phenomenal! I loved Lukas’ and Emmas story! Family is everything and you will always get that with these books!

[La Taye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! My favorite so far by the author! I always enjoy how the characters from all the other books show up to lend a hand when needed and the family atmosphere is so wholesome! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seasons in Montana - Winter story for Lukas and Emmanuelle. Wow talk about wild and crazy. I loved how these two meet and know they are each other’s other half. The drama and danger will have you turning the pages faster. I loved how these two find new family from the wildest of families. I hope to get my hands on all the members of this book and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in the Seasons in Montana series is penned by a different author, and I highly encourage everyone to check them all out. Winter Love is by the talented Natalie Arthur. And it's completely amazing! So cute, but so much character and depth.

It's like going back home to the tiny snowy town of Wintervale, where everyone is family. Speaking of family, it was great to see cameos of some of my other favorite families (like the Mancini's)! I get so attached, and love catching up and seeing what happened since the last book/s.

Lukas and Emma, along with their families, are everything. I loved getting to know them, and they are absolutely perfect together. Their story, with the highs and lows, is incredible. I can't wait to see who's story is next.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter Love is part of the multi-authored Seasons in Montana series. This is a short and spicy second chance romance. Lukas and Emmanuelle are firefighters who met a few years back and have now reconnected. They have an intense attraction and feel they are soulmates. Throw in the Mancinis, the Lake Renegade crew, a dangerous ex, and you have quite the story. This was a great read about love, second-chances, and found family.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lukas and Emmanuelle (Emma) are both firefighters in distant towns.
Tropes:
Second chance, mafia, found family, small town, quick read, no cheating, loss, firefighter. HEA instalove romance.

A huge thank you to Natalie Arthur and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Keasha M · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a short but cute book, had elements of Mafia and MCs in it. But the strong prevalent theme was family. Emma and Lukas get a second chance to be together and they don't take it for granted. Some dude Emma dated decided to show up and cause problems which brings in the Mafia elements and they work together to solve the problem and in the process creating strong family bonds.

[The Bookworm Hermit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore that Emma and Lukas found their way back to each other and met the crew from Lake Renegade on the way. Who knew that the boys from Chicago like to ski! I was excited to see everyone connect and support Emma and Lukas. Note to get some of that popcorn from Lukas,

[Mary Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lukas and Emma got a second chance at love, and they didn't waste it. I love how strangers became family, and family rallied to the rescue when things got rough. The popcorn was a fun touch. We never knew what kind he'd make next!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found Family

I love a great found family story!
Winter love gives a taste of all emotions, grief, joy, humor, fear anger and LOTS of love! The love for family both blood and found is a key part of this story! Now off to read more about the Mancini’s and Lake Renegade!

[JJ Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Arthur again delivers more than just a story - she delivers an experience of belonging. It is the perfect read for a cold night when you need to be reminded that no matter the winter, spring (and summer) is inevitable.

With the presence of characters from other arcs the reading experience is transformed from observing a stranger's story to returning to a community you belong to. This interconnectivity makes Wintervale feel like a living, breathing entity. You aren't just rooting for Lukas and Emma; you are rooting for the town. This sense of continuity makes the world feel safe, enclosed, and incredibly welcoming.

Ultimately, Winter Love is a literary embrace. It is a book that understands that while drama drives a plot, love drives the soul. And we all need love, and a happily ever after.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop it right now, this book is so cute.

Chapter one hooked me, I was crying (because it hit a little too close to home).

Omg 😳 this book had me saying WTF and STFU. So many times 😂 and had me giddy

It’s the perfect mix of Wintervale and Lake Renegade.

Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the family’s love stories!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Lukas and Emma's story. They get a second chance at love and I enjoyed this storyline. Amazing read,.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lukas and his siblings lost their parents in a skiing accident five years ago. It was a terrible time for them. The one bright spot for Lukas was meeting one member of the search team - Emma. She was sweet and they really connected. After the search was over, she stayed for a while before going home. They tried long distance for a while, but neither of them could move away from family. So, after two years, they broke up. It was the second worst day of Lukas's life.
There's a big memorial planned for the five year anniversary of the accident, and Emma comes. Lukas is so happy to see her, but even happier when she tells him she wants to stay.
Their happiness is short-lived, though, when someone from Emma's past comes after her. And won't take No for an answer.
Ooh, the drama! A sweet second chance love story turns into a sinister plot against Emma and Lukas. We get to meet quite the cast of characters from the author's other series who come to help, and it all just sucks you in. But despite a darker theme, there are moments of levity, namely - popcorn!
This was an interesting story with unexpected turns. There's a lot going on, and references to plot lines from other stories. Family is of utmost importance, and I really want to get to know these characters better.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings characters from a new family together with the author’s Mafia and MC Romance series. You don’t have to read the other books to enjoy this new one, but it helps add to the enjoyment. Lukas and Emmanuelle are the main couple in this novel, and they are soulmates who separated because of distance. They meet the Mancinis by chance, and the Mancinis come to help them with a bad guy and basically adopt them.
I enjoy the Mancinis, although all of the different characters can get confusing. And Lukas and Emma are a joy. This book is low on angst (yay!) and higher on suspense, with some feel-good moments, like Lukas being a badsass popcorn maven and making Roast Beef popcorn. Sometimes too many references to characters who don’t appear and events that happened in other books, but overall quite entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance romance.
Emmanuelle is a young woman who found love while she was sent as reinforcement to a fire station after an avalanche. A few years later she is back and wants to give Lukas a second chance. Unfortunately her past is also back.
Lukas is a firefighter and is taking care of his brothers and sisters following the death of his parents in an avalanche which also allowed him to meet the love of his life. While he thinks he has lost her, she is back in town and wants to give him a second chance. Unfortunately Emmanuelle's past pursues her and puts her in danger.
Will Lukas manage to give Emmanuelle a chance despite her secrets...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Winter Love: Seasons in Montana - Winter. Lukas and Emma are soulmates but the circumstances that they met under were not the best. The lived in different states and the long distance was hard. Neither wanted to give up their family and it didn’t work out. Now a few years later they both realize their mistake. Emma is ready to move and be with Lukas, they will finally get their HEA or so they thought. Danger is coming for Emma and Lukas will do anything to protect her. Fortunately, they have a new group of friends who are very powerful and willing to help them. I loved the story and the characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved This Feel Good Read

Who does not like a good book about second chance romance? I found Winter Love such a touching read.

It is about Emma and Lukas. Emma has been called in to help with the search for the missing people. Lukas was there with his parents when an avalanche hit. Unfortunately his parents did not make it. Amongst the tragedy they find love, only for someone to stand in their way. Go forward three years. Both have tried to find love elsewhere, but they just cannot. No one seems to light the spark. Until the celebration of life for those lost happens, and suddenly some possibilities may happen if they take a chance.

Guys this is just so sweet and I loved it. It is not just some romance there is mystery. I loved the side characters as well. Overall this is just a great read, and I would highly recommend this.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter Love is part of the Seasons in Montana - Winter Series.

This story was very good to show the support ones family can have with your life. No matter what was happening in this story the familial support was very strong and no one wasn't willing to protect each other.

This was a good second chance romance, as Lukas and Emma have a history together, but they just could never find the right amount of give and take between them to be successful. Finally willing to take the chance they get closer together and form a stronger relationship together.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love strikes their heart

Winter Love by Natalie Arthur is part of the multi-author Seasons in Montana - Winter series. I thought this book was a sweet, cute and funny story about Emmanuelle Rousseau and Lukas Vandenberg with a second chance romance plot. When true love strikes your heart and plants itself deep inside your soul, then no matter how long it takes or how far it travels, there is no denying it in the end. This couple prove that in this book and the author has delivered that journey is a wonderfully written story.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet second chance romance set in the small town of Wintervale, Montana. This story is part of a multi-author collaboration but reads as a stand alone story. The story is about Lukas and Emma, both firefighters. They met when she came to help with an avalanche rescue. They tried a relationship long distance, but they ended it. Neither getting over the other. Now she is back in Wintervale, will they get a second chance? It is sweet, touching and passion filled story with a little crazy. Such a heartwarming story.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lukas and Emmanuelle met when she came to Wintervale to help with a rescue, an avalanche that took the lives of both of his parents. She stayed in town for a couple months but had to go back to Colorado. They did the long distance relationship for two years before they agreed to end it.

Emmanuelle has tried to move on but three years later she has come back to Wintervale not just for the celebration of life ceremony but to find out if they can make it work. Is this a second chance or closure?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

They once had a great love, but life got in their way. Now she is back home, and Lukas is determined to get his woman back, but it isn't that easy considering all that Emmanuell has gone through and when her past comes calling will he be able to keep her safe. Lukas and Emmanuelle's story is outstanding and a love that tests all the time.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great second chance romance for Lukas and Emma. This is a story with strong themes of family and I love how strangers could become family and that family rallied to keep everyone safe. With some elements of the mafia and an MC, this was a page turner for me. I especially enjoyed the popcorn ;D So fun and I'm looking forward to checking out other books in this multi-author series :D

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lukas and Emmanuelle's second chance love story took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. These two go through so much in this book and by the end I was cheering them on to get their happily ever after. This is a quick read with ex drama and danger, suspense, and a happily ever after. Winter Love is a great addition to the Seasons in Montana - Winter multi-author series. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked that Lukas and Emmanuella finally get together and this time find a way to be in the same town. It was great to have the Mancini and the related families featured. I'm glad they were able to help save Emmanuella when she was kidnapped.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma and Lukas met 5 years ago and were a couple but they couldn’t make it work at that time. When they meet up again they decide to do everything they c to make it work this time. Someone else has other ideas though. It’s wonderful to read about the adventures as they go for their happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lukas and Emma have been apart, pining for each other over the past three years. Now reunited, there's someone threatening their future together. With help from some new found family and friends, this is a second chance romance full of drama.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Season in Montana is a multi-author series. The best thing about multi-author series is being exposed to new authors. Natalie has written an easy-to-read novella that had a great storyline with wonderful characters. I can't wait for the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.