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Winter's Fire
Ex-Army sniper Sam Winter is home from the war. But it wasn’t an act of heroism that got him medically discharged. After his team found out he was gay, they beat him so severely he could no longer perform his duties. Now, at his family’s horse farm in Kentucky, Sam faces not only an uncertain future, but his father’s condemnation and prejudice, as well. The one thing he is certain about is his feelings for his best friend, Cooper Brown, who Sam has secretly been attracted to since high school. For years, Cooper has harbored his own secret attraction toward Sam. Now that Sam is home for good, he’s ready to tell him how he feels.
When Coop and Sam finally reveal their secrets to one another, the bonds of friendship expand in ways neither thought possible. As his relationship with Coop grows stronger every day, Sam feels his life is finally on course, especially when he rediscovers his love for photography and envisions a new career behind the camera. But an infernal stable fire changes everything and forces shocking, long-hidden truths into the light, changing Sam’s life forever.
Author’s Note: This novel is a rewrite of a previously published novella titled The Arms of Winter, which is included at the back of the Winter’s Fire. Upon the return of my rights to this novella in early 2014, I overhauled the story and added 40,000 words to the manuscript, altering much of the plot, as well as the ending. I think the story is now richer and illustrates much better conflict than the original. I hope you enjoy Winter’s Fire.
When Coop and Sam finally reveal their secrets to one another, the bonds of friendship expand in ways neither thought possible. As his relationship with Coop grows stronger every day, Sam feels his life is finally on course, especially when he rediscovers his love for photography and envisions a new career behind the camera. But an infernal stable fire changes everything and forces shocking, long-hidden truths into the light, changing Sam’s life forever.
Author’s Note: This novel is a rewrite of a previously published novella titled The Arms of Winter, which is included at the back of the Winter’s Fire. Upon the return of my rights to this novella in early 2014, I overhauled the story and added 40,000 words to the manuscript, altering much of the plot, as well as the ending. I think the story is now richer and illustrates much better conflict than the original. I hope you enjoy Winter’s Fire.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2012
20 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Donya Lynne
47 books436 followersDonya Lynne is the author of the award winning All the King's Men Series and a member of Romance Writers of America. Making her home in a wooded suburb north of Indianapolis with her husband, Donya has lived in Indiana most of her life and knew at a young age that she was destined to be a writer. She started writing poetry in grade school and won her first short story contest in fourth grade. In junior high, she began writing romantic stories for her friends, and by her sophomore year, they had dubbed her Most Likely to Become a Romance Novelist. In 2012, she made that dream come true by publishing her first two novels and two novellas. Her work has earned her two IPPYs, one gold and one silver, as well as two eLit Awards, also one gold and one silver. Donya has many more novels and novellas planned for years to come.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 22, 2015
This book should win some kind of award for confusing the hell outta me. Oh, also, the writing is terrible, so...
I couldn't figure out why there were instances that made absolutely zero sense. Like when Coop passionately kisses Sam and the two of 'em get a little hot and heavy, then break apart and start talking, then Coop is flirting with Sam and Sam's all, "Wait, is Coop flirting with me?!" He's so shocked despite the fact that Coop just kissed him, and I was sitting there going
Because seriously, what does Coop have to do to convince Sam he's interested in him in a sexual/romantic way? Fuck him?
"Is Coop...gay?"
Well, he just had his tongue down your throat and his hands all over you, genius, if he's not gay yet, he's getting there.
Well, when I got to the end, I realized why that entire scene was so confusing; this was originally a short story and the kissy kissy didn't happen there initially. So Lynne just moved stuff around and added some bits in between without bothering to read through and make sure any of it made actual sense.
There was, of course, the dreaded comma abuse, with commas being placed before the word "anymore" any time it was used at the end of a sentence. Then there were some wonderful moments of word play that just made my night.
Referring to ejaculate as, "viscous, slippery nectar".
Calling Coop's penis, "seven inches of coiled manhood".
"Like laser-guided missiles, they came together like long-lost lovers..."
Two analogies in one sentence. Golden.
And then there was the bit in the original short story that made me want to throw my Kindle through someone:
"One shot one kill had become one perfect moments in one shot. Because in photography, you only got one chance to capture the perfect moment..."
I'm an amateur/hobbyist photographer, and there is nothing more irritating than someone belittling my chosen hobby with corny vomit like that.
I couldn't figure out why there were instances that made absolutely zero sense. Like when Coop passionately kisses Sam and the two of 'em get a little hot and heavy, then break apart and start talking, then Coop is flirting with Sam and Sam's all, "Wait, is Coop flirting with me?!" He's so shocked despite the fact that Coop just kissed him, and I was sitting there going
Because seriously, what does Coop have to do to convince Sam he's interested in him in a sexual/romantic way? Fuck him?
"Is Coop...gay?"
Well, he just had his tongue down your throat and his hands all over you, genius, if he's not gay yet, he's getting there.
Well, when I got to the end, I realized why that entire scene was so confusing; this was originally a short story and the kissy kissy didn't happen there initially. So Lynne just moved stuff around and added some bits in between without bothering to read through and make sure any of it made actual sense.
There was, of course, the dreaded comma abuse, with commas being placed before the word "anymore" any time it was used at the end of a sentence. Then there were some wonderful moments of word play that just made my night.
Referring to ejaculate as, "viscous, slippery nectar".
Calling Coop's penis, "seven inches of coiled manhood".
"Like laser-guided missiles, they came together like long-lost lovers..."
Two analogies in one sentence. Golden.
And then there was the bit in the original short story that made me want to throw my Kindle through someone:
"One shot one kill had become one perfect moments in one shot. Because in photography, you only got one chance to capture the perfect moment..."
I'm an amateur/hobbyist photographer, and there is nothing more irritating than someone belittling my chosen hobby with corny vomit like that.
July 19, 2012
This was a light, easy read and a bit predictable.
Injured BF comes home and finally they can try and discover their feelings for eachother and throw in a homophobic family. That's it, it wasn't bad, just nothing too memorable IMO.
Injured BF comes home and finally they can try and discover their feelings for eachother and throw in a homophobic family. That's it, it wasn't bad, just nothing too memorable IMO.
July 4, 2012
3.5 stars
Sweet friends to lovers romance with no real drama or major angst its an easy light read.
Sweet friends to lovers romance with no real drama or major angst its an easy light read.
back-burner-for-now
December 21, 2014I'm going to try again later...
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July 5, 2012
Sam was discharged from the military when his team mates beat him when they found out he liked men. He never told or acted on his feelings before. Unfortunately, when he was about to fool around for the first time with fellow soldier, they got caught. Going home, he had to deal with his homophobic parents. Thankfully, his childhood friend Cooper was there.
Cooper was always good with horses. He worked for Sam's father to train horses. When Sam went home, he couldn't be happier. Cooper had loved Sam since forever. Little did he know, his best friend harbored a same feeling... but what are they going to do with Sam's father who also was Cooper's boss?
I really enjoyed reading this novella. It's very romantic but not toothache sweet. There's nothing new on the way of story, but the chemistry is simply there.
Cooper was always good with horses. He worked for Sam's father to train horses. When Sam went home, he couldn't be happier. Cooper had loved Sam since forever. Little did he know, his best friend harbored a same feeling... but what are they going to do with Sam's father who also was Cooper's boss?
I really enjoyed reading this novella. It's very romantic but not toothache sweet. There's nothing new on the way of story, but the chemistry is simply there.
July 8, 2012
3.5 stars. This was a very sweet, friends to lover story. Good book for when you want a light, angst free short read.
June 24, 2012
I'm not generally one who likes to read M/M romances, but I have to say this was one that quickly drew you into the characters and wouldn't let you go.
Sam and Cooper have been best friends for eight years. Six of those years, Sam spent in the Army as a sniper. But he's home now after being medically discharged due to a beating he took after it was revealed that he was gay. Sam's trying to piece his life back together and he's hoping his best friend will still have his back when he finds out what happened and that Sam loves him. Cooper has been in love with since high school. He never said anything, but now he's hoping he can come clean with Sam and that just maybe those feelings are returned.
Sam is a character that immediately pulls at your heartstrings. Not only does he get beaten badly by those in his unit after discovering his sexuality, he comes home to dealing with prejudices by his parents. The poor man has pretty much had his foundation torn to the ground and wonders what he should do next. When he discovers that Cooper himself is gay and has strong feelings for him, you could feel his emotions leap off the page at finally being accepted for who he was.
I liked Cooper, in that strong, silent cowboy kind of way. He was a calming influence on Sam. And I loved that he immediately wanted to share his life with Sam, not willing to wait another minute to finally have what he's wanted forever.
This is a short read, but one that truly draws you into the prejudices facing the couple and how they worked together to overcome them.
Sam and Cooper have been best friends for eight years. Six of those years, Sam spent in the Army as a sniper. But he's home now after being medically discharged due to a beating he took after it was revealed that he was gay. Sam's trying to piece his life back together and he's hoping his best friend will still have his back when he finds out what happened and that Sam loves him. Cooper has been in love with since high school. He never said anything, but now he's hoping he can come clean with Sam and that just maybe those feelings are returned.
Sam is a character that immediately pulls at your heartstrings. Not only does he get beaten badly by those in his unit after discovering his sexuality, he comes home to dealing with prejudices by his parents. The poor man has pretty much had his foundation torn to the ground and wonders what he should do next. When he discovers that Cooper himself is gay and has strong feelings for him, you could feel his emotions leap off the page at finally being accepted for who he was.
I liked Cooper, in that strong, silent cowboy kind of way. He was a calming influence on Sam. And I loved that he immediately wanted to share his life with Sam, not willing to wait another minute to finally have what he's wanted forever.
This is a short read, but one that truly draws you into the prejudices facing the couple and how they worked together to overcome them.
September 12, 2018
I'm glad I could enjoy The Arms of Winter in audiobook edition, narration, which was done by James K. White was excellent. Highly recommended romance.
2018/June/29 - 3 star rating
This story was a light sweet romance between two bests friends, Sam and Cooper. End of their school years Sam went away and joined the army and Cooper stayed on Sam's family ranch and became a horse trainer. Both of them never told each other how they felt. Sam career lasted 6 years after that he had been discharged for being gay, or rather, for being beaten senseless because he was gay.
The story starts with Sam who is coming home after being discharged from the Army. In overall the story was sweet, slow and circled around new developing relationship between Sam and his best friend Coop.
2018/June/29 - 3 star rating
This story was a light sweet romance between two bests friends, Sam and Cooper. End of their school years Sam went away and joined the army and Cooper stayed on Sam's family ranch and became a horse trainer. Both of them never told each other how they felt. Sam career lasted 6 years after that he had been discharged for being gay, or rather, for being beaten senseless because he was gay.
The story starts with Sam who is coming home after being discharged from the Army. In overall the story was sweet, slow and circled around new developing relationship between Sam and his best friend Coop.
August 24, 2012
short. sweet. predictable but i still finished it with a smile. this would be perfect if you're looking for something light and angst-free.
December 15, 2019
A short, sweet story about a romance between two guys who have been best friends forever and have shared pretty much everything except their feelings for each other. Written with a good understanding of the realities of life, this story also contains a lot of romance and some very tender moments between Sam and Cooper – once they figure out their attraction is mutual!
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 14, 2018
I've read Donya Lynne's "Rise of the fallen" and knew, she can make the chemistry between the characters sizzle. This book proves she knows how to put emotion and heat into a story. Thankfully, there is little drama in this book despite centering around Young Adult issues. Storywise not much is happening but the transformation from best friends to lovers is well done and kept me interested.
July 25, 2012
Sam is returning home from an Army hospital after being nearly beaten to death when it was revealed that he is gay. He is returning to a father that believes homosexuality is a sin and barely tolerates Sam. Sam’s mother spends her time crying and praying that Sam is only going through a phase. He goes home to face the condemnation of his family and to try and figure out what he is going to do with the rest of his life. The only people Sam has to depend on are his younger sister and Cooper, his best friend from high school.
Cooper and Sam are both good country boys. I liked them but neither one of them really captured my attention, they were just nice guys. I would have found them more compelling if they weren’t quite so one dimensional. I needed some flaws in them to make them feel like real people. The one thing they had going for them was the chemistry and love between them. It was obvious and it was strong and that’s what kept my interest.
If you’re looking for a sweet, uncomplicated romance with nice, likeable characters then this is the book for you. Unfortunately, that’s not my style and I found it to be fine but forgettable. I thought it was too romantic and sweet. The virgin hero theme didn’t do it for me either, too big a deal was made of it. I could understand Cooper being so astounded by it if Sam had been pining after him or waiting for love. Sam wasn’t, he just never had the opportunity to have sex. I also didn’t like that everything worked out perfectly for them and they only had very minor conflicts to overcome. I would have appreciated more emotional turmoil, more obstacles to their romance, anything to make it not so perfect.
Cooper and Sam are both good country boys. I liked them but neither one of them really captured my attention, they were just nice guys. I would have found them more compelling if they weren’t quite so one dimensional. I needed some flaws in them to make them feel like real people. The one thing they had going for them was the chemistry and love between them. It was obvious and it was strong and that’s what kept my interest.
If you’re looking for a sweet, uncomplicated romance with nice, likeable characters then this is the book for you. Unfortunately, that’s not my style and I found it to be fine but forgettable. I thought it was too romantic and sweet. The virgin hero theme didn’t do it for me either, too big a deal was made of it. I could understand Cooper being so astounded by it if Sam had been pining after him or waiting for love. Sam wasn’t, he just never had the opportunity to have sex. I also didn’t like that everything worked out perfectly for them and they only had very minor conflicts to overcome. I would have appreciated more emotional turmoil, more obstacles to their romance, anything to make it not so perfect.
December 21, 2014
This book is a tad misleading. It's really 3 stories: the first is a wonderful friends to lovers that the synopsis is about; the second is a short story of basic erotica; the third is the original version of the first story. Upon opening the "book" I thought I was getting over 2 and a half hours of reading about Coop and Sam and once I started I was so excited by the great story! But their story ends at 61%. To be fair, their story was near perfect with wonderful tension and resolution. So I think, ok, another story for the remaining 39%...wrong. The erotica story is super short, until 75%. The remainder of the file is the original edition of Coop and Sam...hello? Why would I read that when clearly even the author felt it needed more work, hence the new edition. So while I really enjoyed the real story in the file, it wasn't worth $3.99 and I felt the author knew this so threw in some junk to raise the word count and dupe readers into thinking they were getting a near-full length novel. Not cool, not cool at all.
November 29, 2012
The Arms of Winter is a friends to lovers, friends not knowing each wanted the other, 6 years apart holding onto these feelings kind of story.
Sam comes back from service, discharged after a hate bashing by his fellow miltary men. Coop is waiting, takes a chance, and shows his hand to Sam. They fall into each other straight away. Nice idea, sweet story, BUT....
This ebook is okay. Just okay. It got better half way through and was sweet. The idea of Sam and Coop was nice but they weren't developed enough, unfortunately, and Sam's dad was just way too much for me. I know that people can be difficult but...gah!
I'll be honest. I did put this book down for a while and then resumed it. It was better for me that way. If you want something quick and sweet, with friends to lovers as the premise then perhaps give The Arms of Winter a try.
Sam comes back from service, discharged after a hate bashing by his fellow miltary men. Coop is waiting, takes a chance, and shows his hand to Sam. They fall into each other straight away. Nice idea, sweet story, BUT....
This ebook is okay. Just okay. It got better half way through and was sweet. The idea of Sam and Coop was nice but they weren't developed enough, unfortunately, and Sam's dad was just way too much for me. I know that people can be difficult but...gah!
I'll be honest. I did put this book down for a while and then resumed it. It was better for me that way. If you want something quick and sweet, with friends to lovers as the premise then perhaps give The Arms of Winter a try.
December 29, 2014
Donya Lynne has done it again with this M/M romance ~ she's brought readers an emotion filled story that you will remember long after you've read the last word.
Sam and Cooper have been close friends since they were boys, but as they got older their feelings for each other changed to much more ~ feelings neither acted on until Sam was discharged from the military after being brutally attacked for being gay.
Finally, they admit their feelings for each other and make a commitment to each other and their future, which includes hurdles and challenges of prejudice, and even some reactions to their relationship that will surprise you as it did them.
Another story from Donya that I've added to my favorites.
For readers that purchased prior to 12/31 ~ you will also get to enjoy her short story, Snowed In, as well as the original version of Winter's Fire (Arms of Winter).
Sam and Cooper have been close friends since they were boys, but as they got older their feelings for each other changed to much more ~ feelings neither acted on until Sam was discharged from the military after being brutally attacked for being gay.
Finally, they admit their feelings for each other and make a commitment to each other and their future, which includes hurdles and challenges of prejudice, and even some reactions to their relationship that will surprise you as it did them.
Another story from Donya that I've added to my favorites.
For readers that purchased prior to 12/31 ~ you will also get to enjoy her short story, Snowed In, as well as the original version of Winter's Fire (Arms of Winter).
December 14, 2019
A short, sweet story about a romance between two guys who have been best friends forever and have shared pretty much everything except their feelings for each other. Written with a good understanding of the realities of life, this story also contains a lot of romance and some very tender moments between Sam and Cooper – once they figure out their attraction is mutual!
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 21, 2014
The very first m/m romance I had ever read was written by Donya Lynne. Heart Of a Warrior was fabulous. I was excited to read her latest m/m romance. Winter's Fire is wonderful. This book is truly romantic and sizzling. Sam and Cooper have taken 8 years to work through prejudices and their own apprehension. I cried I laughed and felt like I wanted to give those boys a great big hug. I really enjoyed this book!
December 27, 2014
Very good read. Sam came home to Kentucky after being nearly beat to death by his army peers because he was caught kissing another soldier. No warm welcome as the ugly rumors beat him home. Luckily or Sam, Cooper has been waiting for his return and is ready to let him know how he feels. Both MCs have to deal to family issues, acceptance and their own sexually while they discover each other again.
July 11, 2012
I'm really sorry, but this time it didn't work for me. I wanted to like it, but I didn't. It was so typical, that I'm not sure what the author should do to save this story. Write something longer, maybe? Complicated, for example? With developed plot... I know, I'm a picky creature, but I can't help it.
2 stars, cause it left me kind of warm.
2 stars, cause it left me kind of warm.
July 20, 2012
...Ok, so this seemed to me like an Harlequin story with gay characters. =__= I don't even remember why I purchased this book, must have been the prompt or the excerpt that drove me into buying this book. Oh well, what's done is done.
So, 3,5 stars rounded up at 4.
So, 3,5 stars rounded up at 4.
January 15, 2015
Both Main characters Sam and Coop have feelings for each other sinds they met, it takes a couple of years for them to find the courage to tell one and other how they feel.
I enjoyed reading their story, little angst and a sweet romance about friends turning to lovers.
I enjoyed reading their story, little angst and a sweet romance about friends turning to lovers.
December 28, 2014
Donya Lynne writing M/M again, I am soooo in! Loved this read. Loved the challenges the men faced with their families. Sometimes coming home isn't easy. Love does last though. Sexy ranch hand will always sell me on a romance. I highly suggest.
January 3, 2015
I love cowboys and military men so of course I bought this book. It was an okay book, nothing special stood out. It just seemed to be a combination of many other stories I have read, nothing new that got my interest. I did give it two stars cause the guys were hot together.
September 18, 2015
3.5*
This was to me a very good friends to lovers story. Loved how Sam's father finally came around! And what's up with Sam getting his ass kicked all the time? These two guys have a good story and the epilogue was a bonus!
This was to me a very good friends to lovers story. Loved how Sam's father finally came around! And what's up with Sam getting his ass kicked all the time? These two guys have a good story and the epilogue was a bonus!
December 9, 2015
Ok, I read this book and I felt so many emotions. It was just a book but it made me mad, sad, happy, wondering, judging. I laughed, cried and realized how real people go through this very thing in real life. Such a wonderful book on love and family.
January 4, 2016
Very enjoyable book. Coop and Sammy have been in love with each for years, but it took 10 years for them to actually admit there feelings for each other. There relationship went from friends to lovers fast, but with their shared history, it seemed at a normal pace. I believed it.
November 1, 2022
A Coming Out Story
This story was beautifully written and had secrets coming to light. I enjoyed this new to me author who was able to craft a story about a friendship that was so much more. A family secret that brings closure and new beginnings.
This story was beautifully written and had secrets coming to light. I enjoyed this new to me author who was able to craft a story about a friendship that was so much more. A family secret that brings closure and new beginnings.
July 7, 2012
2.5 stars
July 3, 2012
I loved this book. I will leave a more detailed review soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews