Winter Stratton convinced herself that love was like lightning and it only struck once. She found the love of her life and lost him. Yet, even when she felt nothing romantic for the friend who helped her through hard times, a sense of obligation pressed her to give him a chance. Winter didn't expect her 'friend turned lover' might just be the death of her. When Cord Kesso decided to step in and rescue Winter and her daughter from what looked like a bad situation during a snow storm, he felt an instant attraction to the pixie of a woman. Offering her a place to wait out the storm through the holidays was the gentlemanly thing to do. If they made a connection, even better. When Cord saw something he wanted, he went all in. Fighting Winter's doubts was one thing. Fighting for their lives...a whole other thing entirely.all books are loosely connected and can read as standalone. For adults 18 and over. Strong Language, Explicit Sex, and Violence.