Blaze of Winter

Blaze of Winter is the 2^nd book in the Star Harbor series by Elisabeth Barrett. The publisher is Loveswept. From the author’s website.~

Winter heats up in this hot new Star Harbor romance, as another sexy Grayson brother, a wickedly handsome writer, plots his happily ever after with a sweet stranger.
 
Frustrated with her job in Boston, social worker Avery Newbridge welcomes the opportunity to reassess her life when family asks her to help manage the Star Harbor Inn. Trying to figure out her future is overwhelming enough, but she doesn’t count on distraction in the form of one Theo Grayson, the gorgeous, green-eyed author who she knows is trouble from the moment he saunters into the inn.
 
Not only does he have a talent for writing swashbuckling adventures, but Theo also has a soft spot for big-hearted damsels in distress, especially a woman who’s great at helping everyone—except herself. Avery’s demons challenge him, but for desire this hot, he isn’t backing down. With every kiss and heated whisper Theo promises her his heart . . . if only Avery is willing to open up and accept it.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Blaze of Winter from NetGalley. I enjoyed meeting the Grayson brothers in Deep Autumn Heat and was excited that we were getting Theo’s book next.

Theo Grayson, also known as famous writer T.R. Grayson, comes home to Star Harbor to find a way around his writer’s block. Writing used to come easy for him, but lately he doesn’t have any luck when he sits down to his computer. Staying on his brother Val’s boat is no longer working, so he checks into the local bed and breakfast, where he meets Avery Newbridge, who is back in town to help her aunt run the Star Harbor Inn. Theo is immediately attracted to Avery and willing to do whatever it takes to make her want him too. Avery is equally attracted to Theo, but is at a major cross-road in her life and really doesn’t trust her own judgment anymore.

The chemistry was pretty strong between Theo and Avery from the beginning. I really liked how Theo was willing to move very slowly with Avery to make sure she was comfortable with every step they took. Avery needed a bit of an old-fashioned courtship and Theo totally delivered. I love when couples are full of sexy from the very beginning, but have to say the build-up between Theo and Avery was super sexy. I have to say I think the anticipation made their actually love scene that much hotter. The fact that Theo and Avery currently are living on different sides of the country could be a bit of a stumbling block in their new relationship, but Theo is willing to do anything to make sure they can go the distance.

We get to spend time with other characters from Star Harbor who only add to the story. I liked seeing Avery with her family and friends and Theo with his brothers. I have to say I love the town of Star Harbor every bit as much as I love the characters in the stories. I grew up in a small town, so I love books set in small towns.

The official release date for Blaze of Winter is September 10, 2012 and can be purchased from your favorite online retailers. For more information about Elisabeth Barrett or her books, please visit her website.