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Winter Muse: Seasons in Colorado - Winter
They were best friends.
They were roommates.
They were never supposed to cross that line.
Cole and Ava have been best friends since they were kids. But one drunken night changes everything, and now Ava can barely tolerate being around him. The problem is that they’re roommates, and Ava doesn’t want to move.
Cole wants to explain what happened to Ava, but she refuses to listen. It isn’t until they both get sick and are forced to be around each other that he might have a chance at straightening things out.
But now things are on hold as Ava fights for guardianship of her little sister. Will they survive the emotional toll of a custody battle and their tumultuous friendship?
Series blurb:
From snowy winters to sizzling summers, find your next favorite couple in the picturesque small town of Storyville, Colorado.
Follow along with some of your favorite authors as they explore each season, beginning with winter.
They were roommates.
They were never supposed to cross that line.
Cole and Ava have been best friends since they were kids. But one drunken night changes everything, and now Ava can barely tolerate being around him. The problem is that they’re roommates, and Ava doesn’t want to move.
Cole wants to explain what happened to Ava, but she refuses to listen. It isn’t until they both get sick and are forced to be around each other that he might have a chance at straightening things out.
But now things are on hold as Ava fights for guardianship of her little sister. Will they survive the emotional toll of a custody battle and their tumultuous friendship?
Series blurb:
From snowy winters to sizzling summers, find your next favorite couple in the picturesque small town of Storyville, Colorado.
Follow along with some of your favorite authors as they explore each season, beginning with winter.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Ryan
22 books70 followersK. M. Ryan was born in Spokane, Washington. She enjoys writing steamy, contemporary romance novels, but she enjoys reading them even more!
She knew she wanted to publish a novel at the age of fourteen. Several (unpublished) books later, she finally decided to self-publish at the encouragement of her family and friends. She resides in Nine Mile Falls, Washington with her husband, two children, and one cat.
She knew she wanted to publish a novel at the age of fourteen. Several (unpublished) books later, she finally decided to self-publish at the encouragement of her family and friends. She resides in Nine Mile Falls, Washington with her husband, two children, and one cat.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
.5🌶️/5
This follows Cole and Ava whom are best friends. They’ve become a duo since Kelly has moved out. But things aren’t right between them it’s off and has been for months. Because one night they almost crossed that line and had drunk night but Cole rejected Ava and they never spoke of it again.
Ava was taken in by Cole and Kelly’s family they showed her what it was like to have a real family vs how she grew up. Ava had to step up and pretty much praise her sister Ruby. While she didn’t ask for this, she didn’t mind because she knew Ruby was better off with her. But she had never crossed that line to get full custody.
Well the Ruby gets sick and calls Ava to have her take care of her which then results in Ava getting sick but during this Cole is there despite them being off and not having addressed what happened months prior. Ava still stand offish and feeling a certain way about Cole and him rejecting her is confused by this. Cue of course Cole getting sick and Ruby and Ava taking care of him.
Them all getting the stomach bug in a weird way brought Ava and Cole together and speaking again, not perfect but better than it was. Ava seriously considers getting legal guardianship of Ruby and explores the steps of this. But also realizes it won’t be easy with her mother and step father who are drunks.
This while dealing with a what could be considered a heavy topic wasn’t too graphic by any means and was handled with care and seeing not only Ava go through this but Cole by her side through all of this is heartwarming. There is a happily ever after for these two and the journey to get there makes you love this couple even more!
.5🌶️/5
This follows Cole and Ava whom are best friends. They’ve become a duo since Kelly has moved out. But things aren’t right between them it’s off and has been for months. Because one night they almost crossed that line and had drunk night but Cole rejected Ava and they never spoke of it again.
Ava was taken in by Cole and Kelly’s family they showed her what it was like to have a real family vs how she grew up. Ava had to step up and pretty much praise her sister Ruby. While she didn’t ask for this, she didn’t mind because she knew Ruby was better off with her. But she had never crossed that line to get full custody.
Well the Ruby gets sick and calls Ava to have her take care of her which then results in Ava getting sick but during this Cole is there despite them being off and not having addressed what happened months prior. Ava still stand offish and feeling a certain way about Cole and him rejecting her is confused by this. Cue of course Cole getting sick and Ruby and Ava taking care of him.
Them all getting the stomach bug in a weird way brought Ava and Cole together and speaking again, not perfect but better than it was. Ava seriously considers getting legal guardianship of Ruby and explores the steps of this. But also realizes it won’t be easy with her mother and step father who are drunks.
This while dealing with a what could be considered a heavy topic wasn’t too graphic by any means and was handled with care and seeing not only Ava go through this but Cole by her side through all of this is heartwarming. There is a happily ever after for these two and the journey to get there makes you love this couple even more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
this b9ok so was adorable I absolutely love Cole and Ava I love how he just was there for her thru thick and thin and put her needs above his wants and new she would be worth it! I love his relationship with ruby even before he did what he could for her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winter Muse by K.M. Ryan
A spinoff from the Wintervale, Montana series, this story follows Ava, Kelly’s best friend. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance mixed with a heartfelt custody battle over Ava’s little sister. Emotional, sweet, and a bit of a tearjerker—with a happy ever after.
A spinoff from the Wintervale, Montana series, this story follows Ava, Kelly’s best friend. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance mixed with a heartfelt custody battle over Ava’s little sister. Emotional, sweet, and a bit of a tearjerker—with a happy ever after.
February 7, 2026
Cole and ava were just down right adorable! I mean, friends to lovers is always great.
See, Cole and Ava tried having some fun, but Cole stopped it. Not because he wanted to but because they weren't sober. Talk about putting a strain on one's friendship. But as Ava battles for guardianship of her sister (this holds such a special place in my heart!) their friendship mends. And boy does it mend! I absolutely love how close these two are and how perfect. Not to mention, how long Cole's twin was waiting for this to happen.
So, what some sweet romance with great friend bonding and some honest love and drama, make sure to check this out.
See, Cole and Ava tried having some fun, but Cole stopped it. Not because he wanted to but because they weren't sober. Talk about putting a strain on one's friendship. But as Ava battles for guardianship of her sister (this holds such a special place in my heart!) their friendship mends. And boy does it mend! I absolutely love how close these two are and how perfect. Not to mention, how long Cole's twin was waiting for this to happen.
So, what some sweet romance with great friend bonding and some honest love and drama, make sure to check this out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read this book as an ARC reader!
First off, can I get a Cole in my life?! From the beginning Cole stole my heart. Ugh, that man is perfect. But in all seriousness, from the beginning this book had me roped in. I had all my fingers and toes crossed for Ava and Ruby for a happy ending. And thats just what they got, oh and Cole too. All of KM Ryan's books are amazing and this one is too! I highly recommend reading it!
First off, can I get a Cole in my life?! From the beginning Cole stole my heart. Ugh, that man is perfect. But in all seriousness, from the beginning this book had me roped in. I had all my fingers and toes crossed for Ava and Ruby for a happy ending. And thats just what they got, oh and Cole too. All of KM Ryan's books are amazing and this one is too! I highly recommend reading it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
KM always had a way of sucking us in and keeping us invested with these books! This one is no different! Honestly I wld love to see Cole and Ava’s story turned into a full novel! I fell in love with these two and my heart just went out to poor Ruby and the way she was being raised. If it wasn’t for Ava, who knows what kind of situation Ruby wld have ended up in.
If you guys haven’t read any of KMs books, you def need to! She’s amazing!
If you guys haven’t read any of KMs books, you def need to! She’s amazing!
Review of advance copy
Seasons in Colorado - Winter story of Cole and Ava. Ava’s sister and Ava just breaks my heart at all they have gone through. I am glad they have Cole even if he made a mess of that first half a hookup. In the end they find the best friend love story ever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winter Muse is part of the Seasons in Colorado - Winter Series.
Cole and Ava are best friends and roommates, but one night things go in a different direction. Cole wants more, but Ava is scared of going further. I loved the determination of Cole to make sure Ava knew she was special to him and he wasn't going to give her up.
Cole and Ava are best friends and roommates, but one night things go in a different direction. Cole wants more, but Ava is scared of going further. I loved the determination of Cole to make sure Ava knew she was special to him and he wasn't going to give her up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book Cole and Ava had me in my feels from the prologue!
Ava’s little sister Ruby is super cute and I rooted for her and Ava the whole book (and Cole too) Speaking of Cole, ugh he was prefect! I highly recommend this book!
Ava’s little sister Ruby is super cute and I rooted for her and Ava the whole book (and Cole too) Speaking of Cole, ugh he was prefect! I highly recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
We now find ourselves in Storyville, CO, with Cole and Ava. This book deals with some more dramatic themes like child neglect, but they are handled beautifully. Cole and Ava are definitely a slow burn, but it’s worth the wait. This was a great book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
AH MY HEART! The story of Ava, Cole and Ruby just hit me all in the feels. Talk about pining after someone forever and just being a straight up good person. Cole is *chefs kiss* of a character! It may be winter in Colorado, but this story will SURELY warm your heart….and heat up a few other places too 🤭
Review of advance copy received from Author
The admiration and bond between Cole and Ava only grew over the years. But it’s not until sickness, and a custody battle that they finally admit out loud they need each other. This spinoff of the Montana series has all the vibes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a cute Christmas romance that I wish I could read for the first time over again because it makes me miss Christmas
February 4, 2026
amazing as always
February 6, 2026
Cole and Ava are the best friend turned couple that dreams are made of. Ava is the best big sister who wants to beat for her sister, Ruby. Cole fights until he gets just what he is looking for… Ava.
February 7, 2026
I love the book, the story pulls you in from the start to the finish. I love the small town vibe. I would highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews