Winter Interlude

California #1

by Sandy Loyd

Do you remember your mother telling you when you were little that you’d never meet Mr. Right if you were spending all your time and energy with Mr. Wrong? And what about the book out a few years ago that created such a hoopla with the single crowd – He’s Just Not That Into You? The two main characters in Winter Interlude either didn't heed their mother's advice or haven’t read the book. Now, add into the plot that the two in question are enemies who regularly run into each other, given their current relationships.


Paul Morrison, a hunky, blond, financial planner, has been putting time and energy into winning the heart of Kate Winter’s best friend for almost as long as Kate, a strong willed antiques dealer, has been dating James Morrison, Paul’s brother. The sparks start to fly when the two get stuck together for a three-hour drive to the mountains and years of misconceptions about each other are slowly being wiped out. It is in the confines of the BMW that the two begin their journey, taking them from being mortal enemies to lovers.


Winter Interlude tells the story of their adventure – of how they finally find love. Kate and Paul’s story is the first one in a series of four friends caught in a time warp. They can’t move on because they are stuck on their idea of their perfect dreams. But sometimes life works in mysterious ways and they are all forced by circumstances to change.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Amazon, Ebooks, Chick Lit

ebook

First published July 24, 2012

About the author

Sandy Loyd is a Western girl through and through. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, she's worked and lived in some fabulous places in the US,including South Florida. She now resides in Kentucky and writes full time. As much as she loves her current hometown, she misses the mountains and has to go back to her roots to get her mountain fix at least once a year.

She spent her single years in San Francisco and considers that city one of America's treasures, comparable to no other city in the world. Her California Series, starting out with Winter Interlude, are all set in the Bay Area. Her series consists of fun, heartwarming stories about crazy friends who, like single people everywhere, are seeking that someone special to share their lives with among thousands of eligible candidates.

Reviews

[Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story. There were some parts of the plot line I found confusing, like whether Paul and Judith were actually dating or not (they were talking about marriage - but Judith kept saying the were just friends ??). I also had a hard time with the idea that Kate could want to marry James one day - but be in love with Paul the next.

However, it was a unique plot line, which I appreciated.

Good, but not great read.

[LadyCalico · Rating 2 out of 5]

Objectively I can say this was not a terrible book, but I sure had a terrible time slogging through it--repetitious, wordy, and redundant, my English Comp. teacher would say under her red C-. I really found nothing to like about these boring, poorly developed, unpleasant stereotypes (pushy control freak, selfish and avoidant Peter Pan, even more selfish and mechanical ice princess, and insecure and caustic prick) and felt nothing for them, least of all any romantic chemistry. I really couldn't care about them or where the story went, just so it went and I could get out of there and on to a less wordy and more engrossing book. Too bad it took me forever to push myself through it. For me, for a romance to work the obstacles keeping the lover's apart must work and in this book they surely did not. Nothing characters living empty lives, with nothing obstacles that couldn't have been dealt with in a few hundred fewer pages, but the nothingness went on and on and on...

[Kylara Jensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have benefited from another editing pass or two.

The two main people often mirror each others thoughts and it gets repetitive. There is too much time spent on skiing and other mundanities.

The "banter" and "flirting" was awkward to the point of not even being flirty banter.

"Hey do you want some of this dinner I cooked?" *OMG did she just flirt with me. Stop it. HEr flirty language is so inappropriate but it's turning me on.*

And I'm like WHAT FLIRTY LANGUAGE?!

I'll ignore the sudden weekend attraction between the 2 supposed enemies with no mention that their previous "enemy-ship" was obviously sexual tension.

Basically long and repetitive and not really worth reading.

[Darlene Chisholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this story, however, there were points where Kate should have just had proper conversation with her friend Judith rather than going on like a broken record that Paul belonged in Judith's heart which in truth, Judith had already said that she only wanted a friendship with Paul.

[Natward1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish after page 88. I really tried to at least get through this book. I've been reading a bunch of free/cheap books on my nook and they've all been the same disappointment. This one is no different sadly. For starters, I hate when the love interests are rude to eachother all the time. I do like an unexpected love, but it needs to be done carefully. This wasn't the worst I've seen though so I tried to get through it. But after awhile I finally just had to start skimming through because this book is so slow and boring. And it's soooo repetitive. Basically what's happening is kate is dating Paul's brother and Paul loves someone else too. But then the two of them are forced alone together on this ski trip and I'm not kidding you, for the entire rest of the time, up until I stopped reading I've had to listen to each of them, via dual point of view writing, inner monologue about all of the romantic thoughts they are having about the other and then immediately chastise themselves after each romantic thought. Every single chapter we listen to kate go on and on about how she needs to stop thinking romantic thoughts about Paul. Then we hear Paul go on and on about how he needs to stop thinking romantic thoughts about kate. And then in the next chapter it is repeated again from Kate's view. Then the next chapter it's again repeated by Paul and so on for basically the whole book up until I stopped reading. I hate when an author does this. Why would I want to keep reading the same thing over and over and over and over? I get it! They are fighting their attraction for each other. I got it the first ten times I heard them saying it. Plus, I hate when the author makes the girl lame. Like, for example the part when Paul pays for their groceries and kate throws a tantrum and stomps out of the store because how dare he do that when she is perfectly capable of paying for the groceries. Oh my gosh you freaking whiny baby!! How is that something to be genuinely angry over? How? And Paul of course thinks she's just so funny to be angry over that. Oh brother! I don't know any guys who thinks it's funny or amusing when girls are overly sensitive and are bugged by every little thing. I'm annoyed by her and I'm annoyed that Paul isn't annoyed!! Anyways, kate isn't all bad. Sometimes she's okay. But okay as in she's very dull. The book is just dull. I'm bored and the last straw was when (teeny tiny spoiler)Paul kisses kate while she was still together with his brother. I did not care for that at all. So yeah, with the dual point of view writing (triple pov at one point because we hear from Kate's boyfriend too) there is zero mystery or intrigue. I know what each character is thinking about everyone and everything all the time. So why read anymore? I know exactly what will happen because I know just how everyone feels about each other.

[Deborah Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I was a little impatient in the beginning for the story to really get going but once the H/h finally began their journey of discovery, I couldn't put it down. A lot of feelings were explored throughout this book and a lot of self-discovery took place among the characters. I really enjoy a story where the H/h have known each other quite a while and have a very rocky relationship (not mean and nasty, but definitely having friction!). It's so much fun to be part of their "awakening". I loved all the dialog, the chats between the two. The sexual tension was done really well. I did think Kate (h) took things a little far sometimes...would any of us really take that long to capitulate? I think NOT! The writing is really nice, the description just enough. A book I definitely recommend to anyone who likes a good, quick contemporary romance (by quick, I don't mean a novella...I'm not crazy about novellas).

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was somewhat predictable but the author's writing pulled me in & I could feel the emotions of all of her characters especially Kate & Paul. I felt like she did a great job not skipping over or rushing the scenes or emotions. It really helped connect with the story and characters & I felt myself really cheering on for all of the characters. I enjoyed the heartfelt story and decided to buy the second book. Second book is almost complete & I love the author even more.

[Kate Worth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cozy, sweet romance about Kate, a woman who is ready to take the next step with her commitment phobic boyfriend James. She comes up with a plan to force the issue on a long ski weekend with her best friend Judith and Judith's on-again off-again boyfriend who also happens to be James' younger brother Paul. James and Judith both end up working, leaving Kate and Paul all alone in a cozy ski cabin for the long weekend. The pair have never liked each other. They constantly take pot shots and trade mild insults. But over the course of several days they discover they actually like one another a great deal. Attraction blossoms, and you'll have to read the book to find out how they handle the difficult position in which they find themselves.

Winter Interlude is well-written and I enjoyed taking the journey to love with Paul and Kate. If you like Susan Wiggs' Lake series about small town life and love, you'll enjoy Sandy Loyd's work.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

This contemporary romance finds a pair, who don't care for each other, looking at the other differently as they try to be nice to each other for once.

Kate has planned a skiing weekend for her boyfriend James, hoping that will make him finally pop the question. In addition, she invited with her best friend Judith, who wants to take her boyfriend Paul, but only under the condition there is no nasty words between Kate and Paul.

Plans get changed; Kate and Paul travel up earlier while Judith and James are to join them later when their last minute work issues are complete.

As the pair struggles to "play nice," they have a fantastic time skiing together, but get totally snowed in (and the other two unable to make it). How will they cope? When sparks fly, will they succumb to it, or will their relationship with others keep them in check?

Sexual tension abounds, and each has issues (as played out in their individual minds over and over again).

[Rawcliffe · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst thing I've ever read

This was worse than terrible - no story, repeated itself constantly, boring, badly written. Also the "plot" if it can be called that, was totally unrealistic. I don't know how or even why I finished reading it. Whatever I paid for it was too much - I certainly wouldn't want to read any others in the series.
Parts of it were so terrible I laughed e.g "she bit her hot dog, chewed and swallowed"
After pages of boring repetition it then just suddenly ended. Sorry, but just utter drivel.....

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy Loyd has a knack for delivering the messy, twisted, emotional ups and downs that make up real life. Trying to find the right person to spend one's life with isn't always easy and neat, nor is it a simple matter of choice. Winter Interlude gives us the good, the bad, and the ugly of it, and you'll find yourself drawn to the characters.

WARNING: Do NOT start reading this book late at night unless you plan to sleep in the next day. ;-)

[Mimi Barbour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter interlude is a slow, easy story about two people who find that rather than disliking each other as they always believed, when forced to spend time in close proximity, there are sparks flying everywhere. Problem is – she’s his brother’s girlfriend and he’s always loved her best friends. A weekend in Tahoe can lead some surprising happenings as everyone’s comfortable existence is threatened.

[Tina Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy Loyd's "Winter Interlude" is a romance novel that makes a great weekend read. Kate finds herself stuck in a sky resort with her boyfriend's brother Paul, who happens to be dating her BFF. Circumstances keep the other two from joining them as they had planned, and since Kate and Paul can hardly stand each other, they focus on the skiing . . . until they get snowed in.

I really enjoyed this book and definitely want to check out more of Sandy Loyd's novels.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy packed a lot into this romantic tale. The characters reflect people I've met and known in my own life. I enjoyed her treatment of the relationship interactions, even where a couple seemed too fast, too strong. Though rare, perhaps, the choices the characters make are believable. I can also say that I spent more time in the gym than planned because I didn't want to stop reading.

[Julie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, it did start out slow but picked up after the second chapter. I did enjoy it and had a hard time putting it down once it got going.

[Cristina Kiefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

...just ok...typical romance novel..and I love trash romance books...chose it because it was free and a season in the title, but it referred to a name, not the season...

[Kathleen Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful romance novel. Totally enjoyable to read.

[Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it enough! what a fun read! you have two girls who are good friends and are dating a pair of brothers. they are clearly matched up with the wrong partners because one of the girls wants to get married but her boyfriend is very noncommital and the other girl doesnt wanna get married but her boyfriend is very committed. the girl and her friends boyfriend do not get along at all. during a weekend trip the girl and the committed boyfriend (who she doesnt get along with) are forced to hang out and spend a lot of time together as they get snowed in. they end up realizing they have a lot in common and it’s the typical enemies to lovers storyline where they realize their hatred was actually hiding intense feelings for each other. they share a secret kiss and realize they want to be together but cant because they don’t want to hurt their partners. so the rest of the book focuses on how they struggle with hiding thejr feelings for each other while also gaining courage to break up with their partners in a kind manner. i thought the partners were very mature and took the news well. i also liked how they were scared of their feelings so they tried to keep away from each other but ultimately they could not. i like the back and forth and the super sweet ending. super unique plot, not dry at all, and such a fun easy read. i loved it!

[AmazingJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was Good, but not Great.
I honestly almost didn't finish reading the Book.
Kate's & Paul's Characters were complex which I understand being Kate's boyfriend was Paul's brother.
Albeit, The Story dragged on with to much repetitive thinking, "I Love him/her but", "I don't know", "what should I do".

Jameson's Character was really ridiculous. The way he was betrayed was Horrible.
To act sad & hurt 1 moment to him acting like a player the next. You would think he would be cheating on Kate would have made the Story better. But Noooo, he was portrayed as a Sap & acted as if he was almost a cry baby. The next moment he is Skiing & not only checking out women but going on dates.
Then he goes out & supports Paul to try & win Kate's heart really threw me off.

I had to skip pages because it became really bad.

I understand they knew each other for more than 8 years & couldn't stand each other.
It truly was a Good Story line it was just went on to long.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Read

When I was reading this book I almost felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie which is not a bad thing there are things that were rather predictable but at the same time it was still enjoyable to read m. I know I have been in Kate position before of can a chasing the guy I loved but coming to the realization that it was not going to work so is that his home a little bit. It happened a little too fast for me I would have liked to have seen them trying to hide their feelings while they were out and about spending time with their friends or or whatever. I did like that the romance and it did not focus on sex but their feelings for one another. Overall a good one to read I'd recommend it to romance lovers

[Conna N Condon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quirky romance. Initially, she, Kate, is with James and his brother, Paul, is with her best friend, Judith. Kate and Paul are oil and water while James and Judith are commitment phobes. Add to that friction between Kate and Paul. Through series of events Kate and Paul end up snowed in and togetherness creates a total turnaround for them. But insecurities inspire another turnaround. It all gets sorted out. Some sex description, but not much. It isn’t so much that I liked the story is that these odd personalities were a bit fascinating.

[Venise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Winters has her own workplace and long term significant other.

Now that her younger sister is getting married, and she's receiving 'time clock' comments she believes eight years is long enough to know she is with her guy for life. Kate talks to her best friend Judith about her concerns, and feels rejection an additional time when her guy can't keep plans she has made.

This story regards the comfort and honesty within the relationship of the characters—platonic and romantic. There are a few times the characters miss each others' meaning, and their realization times are endearing.

[Leta McCurry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good pass-the-time read. With two brothers and two best friends, none of them knowing what they really want most of the time, this is a love quadrangle rather a triangle. I was particularly frustrated with the character, Kate and frequently wanted to slap her upside the head. It is a quick read but it would have been even shorter if some of the foolishness with Kate making up her mind was cut. It is well written and as I said, a good pass-the-time read.

[Chelsea Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enemies to Lovers

I've never been a fan of this trope because it's hardly ever done correctly and often comes off as corny. This story didn't disappoint in that aspect. If my ex boyfriend ever thought it was okay to date my sister, I would NOT be okay with it. Where was the loyalty between the brothers?
All the characters were stiff like the winter season they were in. Nothing to write home about.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book hard to get through. I wanted to quit reading early in the book but kept reading hoping it would get better. The skiing portion of the book became boring with the chase between Kate and Paul. The conclusion was very evident but kept going on and on. I would not recommend this book.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was in serious need of some proper formatting and editing. In kindle format, nearly every first sentence was formatted differently from the rest of the paragraph. The text extended to the top and bottom of the page, making it so visually unappealing. These issues really detracted from the book itself.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

i found this free thanks to Bookbub ...grabbed it from Amazon. a new series to me. i enjoyed it. i gotta read ...know it is a great fun read. when i read/review ...i don't read reviews. but i understand why authors need them. i go with my own feelings. if you can get through the first few words, chapters, all good. if not ...move on. maybe come back later or year from now??! whatever. read one.

[Sylvia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished this book only to see if it got better and sadly, it didn't. It's one of the books when you wish they'd just have sex and get it over it but then, I guess, there would be nothing else to write about. It was boring.

[Chanika R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed a quick, low-key read to distract myself from Election Day. This one fit the bill and was a decent read, although I did get annoyed at times with the plot and some repetitiveness. Still a decent read that served its purpose...although I don’t plan to read more of the series.

[Katja]

I had marked this read some years ago but I don't remember anything anymore.
But it's a third person narrative and I'm not much into those in moderns. (Although I prefer third person in a historical. Go figure.)