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Hillcroft Group #4

Collision of Winters

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The Hillcroft Group #4 • Standalone • Age Gap • DD/lb • Forced Proximity • Foster Family
Some wars are matters of the heart and don’t require conventional weapons. And now, it’s time to let the two sides collide.

He’d kidnapped me. That was all I had to say. The man who’d been sort of my foster brother since I was a kid had actually kidnapped me. End of story. Okay, maybe not the end, but I’d always felt too exposed around Wade, and no wonder. He was perfect. Older, composed, funny, super kind to me, former Army, a successful doctor, a Dom… I’d rather not put my foot in my mouth by rambling. I was just a failure anyway. So, yeah. I’d be his captive in a remote cabin in freaking Alaska until he gave up and realized I couldn’t be saved.

All I had to do was keep my mouth shut and not fall in love with him again.

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2025

89 people want to read

About the author

Cara Dee

95 books4,044 followers

I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.

Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.

I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,963 reviews433 followers
October 7, 2025
I just love how Cara Dee writes kink as part of someone's very soul, the need they have which brings calm and structure to their life and how they don't function well without it.

Here we're back a few years in the Hillcroft Group series to 2021 and it's Doc's turn to get his HEA with someone close to home.

Kayden's his youngest foster brother, he's often struggled with life and, for the last three months, he's been serving a jail term for a minor offence down in Texas and away from the rest of his family.

The Winters, Quinlan in particular, are heavily involved in Hillcroft, it was their family who started it alongside TJ's, and the cousins and brothers grew up in a jumbly expanded family group after both sets of kids were left orphaned.

Kayden came along when he was a child, there's a 14 year age gap between him and Wade and, for most of their lives, he's just been the little brother until recently.

When he's forcibly kidnapped by Wade and his other brother Chris, and taken to a remote cabin in Alaska, it's ostensibly for his own good. But of course, all the forced proximity does is reveal secrets and expose attraction.

No spoilers on what happens next, but I loved this one and just wished we'd had a bit more.

It's also weird to be reading a Hillcroft Group book published after Bo & Leighton's story, but set before that for reasons again I won't spoil if you haven't read those.

Either way, more excellent storytelling with kink and emotions all wrapped into a delicious package.

#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Whitney.
250 reviews280 followers
October 4, 2025
Wade + Kayden
Age gap | CNC | Foster brothers


"You're the one I've compared every potential guy to in the past, and no one could measure up."


I always hear how great Cara's work is. And while it's okay, it just always misses the mark for me, and this was no different. Had really good potential. Wade & Kayden could have been 🔥. They started out well. The book was under 200 pages and they barely got together by 50% And instead of focusing on them through the end we get some random shitty "suspense" thrown in which prevented us from seeing their relationship continue to unfold and wrap up nicely.
Disappointment 👎🏻



⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content, and warning lists





Tropes/content:
Age gap (26 & 44)
Foster brothers
Military vet
"Blue" nickname
Dom/dub
Daddy/boy
Middle
Cabin
Brought him his favorite cheese so he'd have it while they were in the middle of nowhere
Brat
Primal play
CNC
Rapefuck in the snow
Supportive brothers and dad
Good boy
Bareback
Pining
Unrequited love
"Little one"
Strict roles


Warnings:
Kidnapping from one mc to the other - he's "free to leave" but he's also in the middle of nowhere with no real way to leave
Sex without prep or lube. Only minimal spit
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,809 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2025
Ahhhh, I loved this one hard.

Kayden’s foster brothers organized an intervention. After Kayden moved to a different state and ended up behind bars for three months, it was time for them to intervene. Something is going on with Kayden!

It was more of a kidnapping, they brought him to a secluded cabin, where he’ll stay with Wade.

Kayden had a crush on Wade, it was hard to be near him, so that was one of the reasons he moved away. The other reasons you’ll find while reading.

Now they are closer than ever.

Wade tried hard to suppress his feelings for Kayden. He’s just irresistible with his bright blue eyes. Knowing Kayden is, just as he is, into kink, and now knowing he’s also a Middle does something to his Daddy Dom heart.

It was unavoidable and meant to be. When they both gave in to their feelings, there was so much happiness that my heart was superduper content and overjoyed!

This author writes the best of the best stories. I can’t get enough of them. There are stories I read more than once, they are full of the best feel-good moments, respect, fairness, kindness, kink, and romance.

The characters are, as always, well developed! They are part of the very interesting Hillcroft Group.

It was incredibly satisfying to read!!
Profile Image for Zoe.
78 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2025
Disappointed and frustrated

Firstly I should say that I do usually enjoy this author, though some things are not perfect, I really love the characters and stories she creates. However, this was not up to her usual standard, as another review has pointed out, the timeline of this was confusing and I had no idea who Wade and Chris were until 40% in! I was driving myself crazy trying to work out who they were in relation to the rest of the series. I'm unsure why these books are put as standalones, (except Remade and Unmande which were connected) when these involve one company and one group of people.
There was not enough build up of the family dynamic before delving into romance so the connection to Chris and Quin was very shallow, I still loved these two characters But there just wasn't enough here to build up a deeper connection. I also hate the dates on the chapter headers...I may have said this before in a review but by the time I reach the next chapter I have forgotten the previous date and then have no idea on timing since the last chapter! Why this author cannot just include mention within the first paragraph on timings I'm not sure but it just takes away from my enjoyment and understanding of the book.
The final thing I struggle with is regression in the Daddy/little or middle lifestyle. As an outsider of the lifestyle I'm fascinated by the dynamics and very much enjoy the adventures within the books this author creates. However, I think because I'm reading adult themed relationship dynamics I then struggle with dialogue that sounds like a five year old, even though Kayden describes himself as a middle, there were some terms like 'gah' 'blah' and 'pish' which have me struggling with the terms associated with a young child amidst intimate romance. But I suspect that may just be my personal issue. I have no issue with any of the other lifestyle dynamics though and still look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Samantha.
1,602 reviews30 followers
September 26, 2025
I've read every book Cara Dee has ever written. Her daddy kink books drew me into the genre, and her amazingly real and raw characters turned me into a super fan. So those are my credentials, for what they're worth.

With all that said, I feel like I've read this book before. We get daddy kink with an age gap and a relationship that is a little taboo. We get CNC. We get a sadist and a masochist. We get a little predator/prey. And these things have been in almost every book that Cara has released lately.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE (most) of these things. And the aspects that I don't really jive with, I could put aside the first couple of times because we aren't always going to like everything about a book. But it's gotten to the point where every book feels like the one before because those elements are the major elements of the story.

The writing here is still great. The characters are interesting because they always are, and the Alaska setting is pretty awesome. If you've never read a Cara book, you'll probably enjoy this one if you're into the elements listed above. But sadly I felt pretty bored with the lack of NEW in this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for rebecca.
630 reviews20 followers
October 18, 2025
A solid, if somewhat dull story with a very standard relationship and characters I've seen many times before. Unfortunately, the relationship between Daddy/boy offered no real surprises, even though I would have liked that and sort of expected it in this series.
Profile Image for Mal.
504 reviews40 followers
September 27, 2025
Oh my goshhhhh, I adore the brats and Doms Cara Dee writes, specially the cute brats .. and the daddy doms.. fine I said it again but it bears repeating! These stories are turning into an another favourite series by my favourite author and I am GIDDY! While the Game Series and The Cammasia Cove series and the Auctioned series and the This life … well fine all the series are phenomenal this one The HillCroft series is all that with a tonne of paramilitary edgyness added to boot.

This one has such delicious flavours, age gap (over 18 years)… sibling adjacent relationship… so so so much pining, yummy forced proximity.. smidge of danger.. bit of regression to a middle.. loads of K1nk and epic dirty talk… and bratty brat at the center of it all with his long time till now unrequited crush (maybe more) on his Daddy Dom.

Kayden and Wade.. sigh so much freaking chemistry I could not stand it.. jumping off the pages literally. that first kiss singed my kindle and I have the burn marks to prove it.

Kayden has been kidnapped under the guise of a boys weekend, which is under the other guise of an intervention which is all to protect him from imminent danger from some factions that are after Chris. While Chris takes care of that Wade has time with Kayden in a remote cabin (cabin with the bare minimum necessities except the awesome doggos) to help him out of the burden of insecurities that has him running away from his family. Things shift for Wade, Kayden seems to be pushing allllll of his buttons and it’s a futile exercise in restraint. Restrain him. Self however he does until Kayden the genius with the most epic speech puts him right in his place. After a mull all bets are off. That ending, low angst high feels, wriggle inducing gloriousness!! I absolutely loved it

You have got to read this book, this series, this author, I could not put it down, all the stars.
Profile Image for Sjoukje.
509 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2025
And again Cara Dee proves why she’s one of my all time favorite writers. This book is sooo good! And I can’t even pinpoint why. I miss a lot of background information that I don’t know if it’s out there somewhere and I missed it or that she just somehow assumes we know. And it doesn’t even matter.
The weird thing is too that this book is not even that eventful. There is some taboo, but it’s not that big of a deal. There is some primal behavior that is also over before it really started. The biggest scary situation is literally over in one sentence. And it’s still a great read 😁 I am so disappointed it’s over already.

Kayden is the same type of person as Noa from the Game series. And Wade reminds me a bit of Madison from Camassia Cove. So you could think they’re a bit stereotypical. But they’re not. Because they’re Cara Dee characters and although it’s all so over the top when it comes to the stuff they do for a living (like all Hillcroft characters, including the Tensley twins (that aren’t mentioned in this book btw)), it’s still somehow real.

As I’ve said in reviews before and I’ll repeat a lot more, I wish both Cara Dee and Crea Reitan would give writing courses on how to write real characters with actual thoughts and feelings, that even though everything at the story screams “this is ridiculous und unreal” you still want to hug them and be part of their world. (Ok, I don’t really want to join any of their kinky lives, cause I’m only here for the entertainment that comes with it 🤣🤣🤣)

I fully recommend this book. And at some point I’m going to reread all the Hillcroft books together and hopefully remember all the links that I now keep missing because I read way too much and too fast 🙄😁
Profile Image for nancy_booknerd_.
218 reviews
September 27, 2025
Cara Dee returns to Hillcroft with a short but soulful story centred on Wade aka Doc, and kayden, his foster brother.

The book stands out for its unique relationship dynamics and the way it gently peels back layers of Hillcroft history and family ties.

The story carried a lot of heart. It felt grounded, genuine, and easy to connect with. Seeing Doc again, after meeting him in previous books, made the story feel familiar and gave it extra depth. I loved Kayden's character. He brought warmth and balance that really rounded out the story.

Overall, this was an enjoyable, heartfelt addition to the Hillcroft series.
Profile Image for Ally.
395 reviews42 followers
September 21, 2025
There is absolutely NO ONE on this planet that writes daddy kink (and just kink in general) as good as Cara Dee. My soul leaves my body when I see her announcements for new daddy kink on the horizon. Kayden is lost and trying to find a safe place to land. His insecurities tugged at my heartstrings and I loved watching Wade slowly but surely become that safe space for him. Wade is absolutely perfect for Kayden. Their personalities compliment each other so well. Kayden is in good hands with his protective man.

-DD/LB
-brat/dom
-primal play
-hurt/comfort
-forced proximity
-"its always been you"
-age gap (18 years)
-foster brothers
-found family
Profile Image for Teeny.
1,626 reviews49 followers
October 26, 2025
DNF @ 66%

This was boring and confusing.

Maybe I missed the info somewhere but the story is, for some reason, placed in February 2021 exclusively. More precisely from the 16th till the 24th with a time jump to the 7th of April. I kept expecting something to go amiss between the MCs and be transported to 2025 at which point they will resolve their shit out, especially since from the Unmade/Remade duo I was left with the impression that Doc was concerned about something, but reaching the 66% I got curious and went ahead and checked and nope. Feb/April 2021 only. So that's confusing to me.

Now as for the boring part... till the point I decided to give up (I will skim the rest though just to get closure) there was nothing happening. Actually something happened at that point but I wasn't feeling it. There was no chemistry, no heat, no intensity between Wade and Kayden. Everything was just very, Very, VERY bland.

Kayden running away from his family and Wade trying to figure out how and why Kayden was like that ate 120pgs from the 190pgs that's the whole book and it was like going through molasses, and not two-three days ago I devoured a 500+ pages story and didn't even feel it.

So yeah, this was a total miss for me.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
389 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2025
Everything that makes Cara Dee's writing so special is on full display in Collision of Winters. She has this incredible gift for making kink an integral part of a character's personality, not as an afterthought or trick, but as something solid, a foundation for stability, direction, and insight into who they are. And that depth is there in the middle of this story. In 2021, we’re back at the Hillcroft Group, and what a journey it is to finally receive Doc’s (Wade) narrative. Here we find a slow-burning, taboo-tinged romance at its core, delving into themes of discovered family, forgiveness, vulnerability, and the bravery required to manifest one's dreams. Kayden's frantic energy and persistent emotions of being the "black sheep" are balanced out by Wade's unfaltering patience and protective character. A large age difference, years of unresolved emotions, and their shared experience as foster brothers all contribute to the intensity and fascination of their bond. In a secluded Alaskan cabin, there is a forced-proximity intervention, secrets are disclosed, boundaries are blurred, and an undeniable attraction simmers. The setup is mouth-watering. What happens is more than a love tale; it's a healing journey filled with honest feelings, personal growth, and understanding. Writing the D/s relationship with such tenderness and reverence highlights the need of dialogue, mutual agreement, and the delicate power dynamic that enables both characters to flourish. With less emphasis on plot points and more on character development and emotional payoff, this novel succeeds magnificently. The relationship feels earned and inevitable because of the gradual build. And when the chemistry is right, the kinks are seamlessly woven into their connection, as they always are with Cara, and the sparks fly. Whether you're a seasoned reader of Hillcroft novels or just getting your feet wet, Collision of Winters will leave a lasting impression. It exemplifies all that makes Cara Dee a top contender in this field; it is sensitive, seductive, and profoundly human.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenna.
381 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2025
**I am a member of Cara Dee's ARC team and received an early copy through BookSprout.**

The Hillcroft Group returns with the newest installment Collision of Winters. Readers follow Wade and Kayden. Kayden was adopted as a foster sibling when Wade was already enlisted in the military. He and Kayden had always had a special bond, even given Kayden's rough circumstances before joining the Winters family. Kayden always kept them at arm's length, but now Kayden is grown and being released from three months in jail. Time for Kayden's brothers to swoop him off to a cabin in Alaska for an intervention. Especially since the whole family is involved at Hillcroft, and Kayden has accidentally become a target. But time alone in the Alaskan wilderness might be a bit much for Kayden and Wade. And there's only one bed.

While most of the books in the series have a self-contained romance, making them readable as standalones, the characters do crossover. The story may have more impact if you know how they tie together. Wade is better known as Doc through the rest of the series. And other brother Chris is Coach.

This is a tad bit of a taboo romance, depending how you feel about the situation. There is a significant age gap between our romantic leads. And they have known each other as family, despite having no blood relation. There is also a BDSM dynamic in development. If this is a situation of YKINMKATO for you, skip the book and keep it rolling.

Despite the pre-existing relationship, the power dynamics in play here are pretty even overall. Wade is very aware of the potential drawbacks of the situation and is very insistent on communication. Kayden tends to be more of a driving force of the relationship development. Together, they just work. Wade gives Kayden structure and safety based on respect. Kayden gives Wade joy and fulfillment. They're pretty inevitable.

As always, Cara Dee makes potentially difficult situations seem worth navigating together. Loved seeing Doc get his happy beginning since this is certainly not the end.
Profile Image for Mary.
52 reviews
September 26, 2025
Collision of Winters is everything I love about Cara Dee’s writing and more. She has this remarkable talent for weaving kink into the very core of a character’s identity, not as a gimmick or spice sprinkled on top, but as something deeply rooted, a source of calm, structure, and self-understanding. And in this story, that depth is front and center.

We return to the Hillcroft Group in 2021 and finally get Doc’s (Wade’s) story and what a journey it is. At its heart, this is a deeply emotional, slow-burning, taboo-tinged romance that explores found family, forgiveness, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to build the life you truly want. Wade’s unwavering patience and protective nature are the perfect counterbalance to Kayden’s chaotic energy and lingering feelings of being the “black sheep.” Their history as foster brothers, a significant age gap, years of unresolved feelings, all make their connection even more intense and compelling.

The setup is delicious: a forced-proximity intervention in a remote Alaskan cabin, secrets revealed, lines blurred, and a simmering attraction that refuses to stay hidden. What unfolds is not just a love story, but a healing one full of raw emotion, self-discovery, and mutual growth. The D/s dynamic is written with so much care and respect, highlighting communication, consent, and the balance of power that allows both characters to thrive.

This book is lower on external drama and higher on introspection and emotional payoff, and it absolutely works. The slow build makes the eventual connection feel inevitable and earned. And when the sparks finally fly, the chemistry is electric and the kink elements, as always with Cara, are beautifully integrated into the fabric of their relationship.

Whether you’re a longtime Hillcroft fan or jumping in fresh, Collision of Winters is an unforgettable read. It’s tender, sexy, deeply human, and a perfect example of why Cara Dee is one of the best in this genre.

I received an ARC and I’m voluntarily leaving a review :)
Profile Image for B. B.
33 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2025
Collision of Winters was an odd reading experience for me. I'm a big fan of Dee and their world and can be all in quite quickly with where I'm being led but for some reason CoW just wasn't working for me. Likely the main reason for the disconnect I had was it felt like I was just dropped in with Wade and Kayden and the dynamics of their relationship and that of their family was too clunky and not well established enough. I wasn't fully convinced about Kayden and Wade from the beginning and unfortunately, that didn't change all that much by the end. A more concrete distinction between and a transition from their familial dynamics to their couple dynamics would have been appreciated.


I also couldn't make heads or tales who the Winters' were and their place in Hillcroft or the greater Cara Verse. It took ages before I found out who Wade and his brother Chris were! I'm aware that this series is all over the place timeline wise but I'm not sure that's a positive. Collision of Winters takes place a few years before the two previous books in the series so while we shouldn't be familiar with these guys but the story treats it like we are familiar. This known/unknown aspect somewhat clears when we learn the guys' Hillcroft names but then that creates another issue. Once I knew who the players were in CoW, I felt like I needed to go back to Unmade/Remade (books 2&3) to make more sense of what was there about them years later but I don't think that should be necessary. This was just a really strange reading experience and while things smoothed out a bit by the end, Collision of Winters is a rare miss from Dee for me.
Profile Image for J.L..
Author 15 books72 followers
September 26, 2025
Kayden and Doc have a history that extends earlier than Doc's Hillcroft Group days. Though the PMC group is the link that ties the books in this series together, we're dropped into the story at a point when Hillcroft feels very far away. Unbeknownst to our heroes, however, their connections (old and new) to Hillcroft provide the chance at a happily ever after neither man ever saw coming. This book is lighter on the suspense element of this romantic suspense series, but since this is appropriate to the characters and their journey, I appreciated the balance rather than feeling like I missed out. Of course, in true PMC fashion, readers only get information about the Hillcroft Group on a need-to-know basis. For this book, we do get a glimpse into one of the families that make up the core of Hillcroft, which includes an unintentionally hilarious reveal that connects one character with a familiar name. Sure, Dee could make any information more obvious, but the way her characters share information speaks to how well she writes her characters, bringing them to life on the page in a way that serves their story, not the reader's curiosity. The story arc of this novel is born from a blend of tropes and kinks that provide tantalizing conflict, fantastic character development, and a unique romance, highlighting everything I love about Dee's writing. This book would serve as a great introduction point to this corner of Dee's expansive shared world, whether readers are brand-new or already familiar with her other work.

Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Erin Dore.
26 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2025
After the first three books of Hillcroft, I was unbelievably curious to learn more about Doc, and Cara did not disappoint.

The entirety of this story takes place a few years prior to where we left off in Remade, which makes me hopeful we’ll get to see “current” Wade and Kayden throughout the rest of the series.

Wade and Kayden…chefs kiss. I’m a huge fan of an age gap, I adore the unrequited crush/pining that FINALLY is reciprocated…and more than anything, I absolutely love found family, and the unique dynamics between a bunch of huge personalities.

I could relate to Kayden’s longing to belong, yet distancing himself from his people for fear of not so much rejection, but insignificance compared to the other members of his family. I can relate to his feeling like there are SO MANY things he’s not good at, and just desperate to have a chance at the one thing he knows he’ll succeed at.

Of course, the cherry on top of this book was the location….its been a long time since I’ve visited Cara’s small part of Alaska, and it was so strange yet incredible to instantly be transported to a place you feel like you know but haven’t visited in a while.

I can’t wait to catch up with Wade and Kayden in the next books to see how training went, and to see not only how their relationship has progressed, but also how Kayden’s life at Hillcroft has progressed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pimm Cullen.
219 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2025
Collision of Winters by Cara Dee, the next in the Hillcroft series. Kayden had always felt like the black sheep of the family he was fostered into. He moves away to avoid those feelings of not living up to the ideal. Attempting an intervention after he ends up in jail for 3 months, "My brothers were overreacting. I hadn’t “lost it” for shit. I wasn’t “out of control.” So I’d gotten into a few fights, and I’d spent a measly three months in jail because the judge had it out for me."
His 2 oldest brothers, Wade & Chris, deceive him into a guys holiday.
"“This is called kidnapping,” I gritted out. “I’m being held hostage.” Chris chuckled. “A hostage who can leave whenever he wants. Cool it with the drama, Kayden.”"
Leaving isn't that easy when you're in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness with no access to the keys for the vehicles.
There is a good deal of raw emotion & vulnerability in this story as Wade encourages Kayden to face his fears to move on with his life and achieve his desires. He's so reluctant to face his demons for fear of letting down his found family. Wade's protective, steadying presence breaks down his walls day by day. The sense of freedom Kayden felt when he stopped fighting Wade's support & guidance, finally realising the future he wants is his for the taking all he had to do is accept their judgement free support.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,146 reviews7 followers
September 26, 2025
Cara brings us back to The Hillcroft Group with her newest addition, Collision of Winters. Once again, she delivers the kind of in-depth character development that makes you feel truly connected to the characters and invested in their journey. The story is full of raw emotion, and you can’t help but be drawn along every step of the way.

I absolutely adored Wade and Kayden, particularly their slightly taboo dynamic which added an extra layer of intensity. Wade’s unwavering support and protective nature made him such a standout character — the way he encouraged Kayden, gave him strength, and created a safe space for him to confront his fears was both heartwarming and inspiring. Watching Kayden gradually find the courage to move forward was such a beautiful part of the story, and their bond felt authentic and deeply moving.

Cara has once again shown her talent for balancing emotional depth with compelling storytelling, leaving you with a book that lingers long after the final page. Collision of Winters is a powerful, heartfelt addition to the series — one I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
767 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2025
4.5 Stars!

Kayden and Wade's story is part of the Hillcroft Group series, but it can absolutely be read as standalone. While fans of the author may enjoy the brief sightings of other characters, this book is very solidly focused on Kayden and Wade

It was great to get to know Wade more in this book. He and his brother kidnapped Kayden, hoping to help Kayden sort out his life. While I don't think that Kayden appreciated what they did initially, it worked out amazingly well. Doc and Kayden had a special bond between them before they were isolated together, and it definitely helped Wade unravel what's been going on with Kayden. When it becomes clear that Kayden has needs that fit in line with what Wade has always wanted but could never find, the resulting fireworks were well worth the buildup. I liked that Kayden was finally opening up to someone he trusted and that Wade was open-minded enough to hear it. These two fit together like a lock and key, and I can only hope that we someday get more about them and their relationship once they have more time together in the real world. I didn't want this book to end, but I was extremely glad that I got to read it.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
631 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2025
I have read many books by Cara Dee and was therefore eagerly awaiting her new book in the Hillcroft Group series. As always, her writing style is wonderful and the story had me hooked relatively quickly. After a short spell in prison, Kayden is more or less kidnapped by his foster brothers and sent to a cabin in Alaska to calm down. At his side is Wade, the foster brother he has had a crush on for a long time. The story is told alternately from the perspectives of Kayden and Wade. During their stay in Alaska, I often found myself smiling, because Kayden had imagined his stay to be quite different and, above all, more comfortable.
I really liked the dynamic that developed between Kayden and Wade, as well as the way their relationship slowly evolved. I liked both protagonists and could understand why they acted the way they did. Wade is perhaps the perfect person for Kayden to work through his dissatisfaction and self-hatred. Wade is quite a bit older than Kayden, but he is very understanding and on the same page in more ways than one. It was a pleasure to accompany the two on their trip and into their future.
I found the story entertaining and enjoyable, and I'm already looking forward to more stories from the Hillcroft Group.
Profile Image for Roseswai23.
2 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Age gap, age play, forced proximity and family ties.

This was a quick and an excellent read, a great continuation to the hillcroft group series and I really enjoyed the journey the characters took before the beginning of their romantic relationship which made things not very muddled up and at the end their relationship didn’t feel very rushed.
Due to a bit of taboo nature of their relationship this might not be for everyone so feel free to skip this book if that’s not your cup of tea.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ As usual the kinky aspect is done so well and it did not feel like a gimmicky or an add on to the story.
I really liked the characters and after a few guest appearances in the previous books in the series it was nice to now get to know more about doc(Wade).
By the end of the book It didn’t feel long enough, I wanted more!!!

One of my favorite quotes in the book:
“Just like some people feel like they can’t find happiness without getting married, without having kids, without expressing their identity, I can’t find that calm without a Dom.” (Kayden).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Savy.
283 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2025
While this is the fourth book in the Hillcroft series, you don't need to have read the other books in order to enjoy this story. You might have some more insight in how the company works, but it's not necessary knowledge to this story.

Unlike the second and third book in this series, the story focuses on the relationship between Kayden and Wade, with little action/suspense in between. If you're looking for a high speed military action with missions, adventure and I don't know what, this might not be the story for you. Instead, we get to know Kayden better, after he is being kidnapped by his foster brothers Wade and Chris. They mean to intervene in his life and put his head on straight again. But familiar secrets have kept the truth from Kayden his whole life. Will it be too late to fight for a new future when he finally learns more?

Add in the attraction he has always felt for Wade, an honest discussion about what each of them want in a relationships, and not even the cold of a storm in a remote area in Alaska will be enough to keep the sparks flying between the two men.

An easy to read, age gap, DD/ll story that's just really sweet!
1,947 reviews24 followers
September 26, 2025
This entry in Cara Dee’s Hillcroft Group series is a masterclass in emotional kink, found family, and the slow burn of forbidden desire.
Doc finally gets his HEA, and it’s not with a stranger—it’s with someone who’s been part of his life for years. Cara Dee doesn’t just write kink as a preference; she writes it as a lifeline. For Doc, dominance isn’t about control—it’s about anchoring, about creating a space where he and Kayden can breathe, feel, and finally be. Kayden is heartbreaking and hopeful. He’s the youngest foster brother, always on the edge of chaos, and his recent stint in jail only deepens the cracks. But Dee doesn’t let him drown—she gives him Wade. Their 14-year age gap, their shared history, and their evolving dynamic make for a deeply layered relationship. Kayden isn’t just a submissive; he’s a man learning to trust, to want, and to be wanted. This book is a slow, sensual unraveling of two souls who were always meant to collide. Cara Dee doesn’t just write romance—she writes need. And she does it with grace, grit, and a whole lot of heart.
382 reviews14 followers
September 26, 2025
Collision of Winters is a solid romance with excellent kink and a slight taboo edge to it.

I adored the push/pull between Kayden and Wade. As always, I felt Cara Dee handled the taboo edge in a perfect fashion. There was empathy there that reverberated through the pages. Seeing their relationship deepen, it truly was like two people finding their way home.

On the kink side, I adored seeing a Middle. I really love that representation. There are some definitely spicy scenes to this, but more than anything it truly shows the caring that goes into a DD/lb relationship.

The one miss for me is that plot wise, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. With it being a Hillcroft Group book, I thought there would be more action. Instead, it felt like it fit more in with the Game series, which is a favorite so that’s not a complaint per se, it just didn’t meet my expectations.

4 stars for a romance that is all about finding home, in whatever way that works.

I've received an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jennie.
843 reviews25 followers
September 26, 2025
4.5 stars

Wade Winters is a veteran Hillcroft operative. His little brother (not by blood), Kayden Winters, has always been kept out of the loop. Unbeknown to Kayden, he is in danger and is forced to stay in a cabin in the Alaskan wilderness with Wade.

The whole Book is set in 2021 which I didn't realise. I kept waiting for the time jump to current time. Tbh it threw me off a little the closer I got to the end of the book.

I appreciated how well we got to know Kayden in the first part of the book. His struggles and the reasons for his past behaviour made a lot sense.

I loved watching these two come together.

"I was powerless to resist him. The moment he straddled me, responsibility and caution were just words in a dictionary. "

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and sexy, age gap, D/s story. It features a Middle, strong found family, and secrets, with great relationship evolution. I look forward to more of this series. Happily recommend.
Profile Image for Ashley -Goldstarreads.
1,070 reviews25 followers
September 26, 2025
This series is the best and classic Cara Dee. There is so much love and passion and kinky fun times. Kayden is a lost Middle, who has anger issues and hard on himself. He struggles with so much, like being in love with his foster brother Wade Winters. Wade works at Hillcroft and he’s worried about the Winters curse, his little brother and his foster brother that he can’t help but feel for. These two together are so sweet and cute and absolutely adorable. Kayden is in danger and Wade basically kidnaps him to Alaska to keep him safe and help him figure out his life. There they find how much they have in common, how much they feel for each other and that they are drawn together. In the Alaskan wilderness, Kayden finally finds himself. Well written, there is some action but just a lot of sweet little boy and his daddy with some kinky fun. I can’t wait to see more of these guys and Hillcroft.
Profile Image for Richelle Zirkle.
2,111 reviews11 followers
September 26, 2025
I adored these two characters so much, and I loved taking a step back to see how Doc and Kayden found their HEA. I never would have entertained a kidnapping turned love story considering their connection, but this just works in the way all CD stories do. Kayden is a middle, who needs a safe place and structure to balance his vulnerabilities and need for chaos. Doc is protective over him, mostly because of their inherent foster family association at first, but the bond bends easily to encapsulate that deeper feeling because the two are such a good match. He is patient, and taming Kayden’s brat provides him some fun within reason. Having Kayden to himself in a remote cabin gives them time to solidify and hash out what they’re both feeling and ensure their compatibility. This one is almost sweet, and undoubtedly a great example of why this author writes these dynamics in a way that has readers returning over and over again.
18 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2025
Collision of Winters is one of the more romantic stories I've read by Cara Dee. Set in 2021, Doc's story is low on angst but high in UST. The first part of the book explores how a long time crush for one MC is resolved with his love interest.

There's a little more of the secret crush trope than I usually like, but overall Cara keeps the focus on more than that relationship. She has both characters looking inward, acknowledging past traumas, and building a relationship in an authentic way.

The story has less action than some Hillcroft books, but it makes sense within the context and time frame. The spice when it happens is classic Cara Dee with D/s elements.

Overall this is a quick and easy read with background on major players in the Hillcroft world. It's not one to miss!.

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