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The Coldest Valentine
A Valentine's Day blizzard. A dead body. And the estranged husband she couldn’t trust. Now, he’s the only one who can keep her alive.
As Cleveland's most trusted weather expert, Chief Meteorologist Brooke Wilder can predict every storm system that rolls off Lake Erie. What she couldn't predict was finding her colleague murdered in the TV station; or that the FBI agent assigned to the case would be her estranged husband, Raymond. They've been separated for eight months, their marriage destroyed by grief, addiction, and words left unsaid. The divorce papers are ready to sign. Brooke just needs to find the courage to make it official. But when a historic Valentine's Day blizzard bears down on her city, everything changes. The station goes into lockdown. The killer strikes during the chaos, and evidence suggests Brooke isn't just a witness—she's the next target.
Raymond Wilder has spent forty-seven days sober, forty-seven days trying to become the man his wife deserves. Now he has one chance to prove it. Trapped in a darkening building with a methodical killer, dwindling power, and deadly cold closing in, Raymond must protect the woman he never stopped loving.
As the blizzard rages and the body count threatens to rise, Brooke and Raymond are forced into an intimacy they've avoided for two years. Old wounds resurface. Painful truths emerge. And the attraction that first brought them together burns hotter than ever, even as a murderer circles closer. With the clock ticking, Brooke must Can she trust Raymond with her life when she couldn't trust him with her heart? And can Raymond prove that second chances are worth fighting for—before the storm, the killer, or their own demons destroy them both? This Valentine's Day, the greatest threat isn't the record-breaking blizzard outside... it's the lethal obsession hiding in plain sight.
In the heart of an Ohio winter, the most dangerous thing isn't the cold—it's the truth.
The Coldest Valentine is a gripping romantic suspense novel that combines pulse-pounding mystery with an emotionally charged second-chance romance.
As Cleveland's most trusted weather expert, Chief Meteorologist Brooke Wilder can predict every storm system that rolls off Lake Erie. What she couldn't predict was finding her colleague murdered in the TV station; or that the FBI agent assigned to the case would be her estranged husband, Raymond. They've been separated for eight months, their marriage destroyed by grief, addiction, and words left unsaid. The divorce papers are ready to sign. Brooke just needs to find the courage to make it official. But when a historic Valentine's Day blizzard bears down on her city, everything changes. The station goes into lockdown. The killer strikes during the chaos, and evidence suggests Brooke isn't just a witness—she's the next target.
Raymond Wilder has spent forty-seven days sober, forty-seven days trying to become the man his wife deserves. Now he has one chance to prove it. Trapped in a darkening building with a methodical killer, dwindling power, and deadly cold closing in, Raymond must protect the woman he never stopped loving.
As the blizzard rages and the body count threatens to rise, Brooke and Raymond are forced into an intimacy they've avoided for two years. Old wounds resurface. Painful truths emerge. And the attraction that first brought them together burns hotter than ever, even as a murderer circles closer. With the clock ticking, Brooke must Can she trust Raymond with her life when she couldn't trust him with her heart? And can Raymond prove that second chances are worth fighting for—before the storm, the killer, or their own demons destroy them both? This Valentine's Day, the greatest threat isn't the record-breaking blizzard outside... it's the lethal obsession hiding in plain sight.
In the heart of an Ohio winter, the most dangerous thing isn't the cold—it's the truth.
The Coldest Valentine is a gripping romantic suspense novel that combines pulse-pounding mystery with an emotionally charged second-chance romance.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Barbara Howard
48 books105 followersRevealing secrets. Igniting passion. One page at a time.
Author of mystery stories featuring a strong female protagonist, a diverse cast of characters, and a dash of romance.
Barbara Howard is a mystery, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance author based in Cleveland, Ohio with a passion for creating stories that delve into complex relationships and hidden truths. Her works often explore themes of love, trust, and the past's influence on the present. With extensive experience as a Department of Defense/Pentagon Project Manager, KPMG Eastern Region Project Leader, and Corporate Sales Representative for Borders Books & Music, Ms. Howard brings a unique perspective to her writing. Now back in her hometown, she spends her days treasure hunting, spoiling her fur-babies, growing veggies, and plotting whodunits.
Board President (2024-2025), Great Lakes Fiction Writers
Memberships/Affiliations: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Sisters in Crime (SinC), Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Authors Guild (AG)
She has also published a collection of books on food-related topics, food safety, and heirloom recipe cookbooks under the pen name, Arlene Lee.
Author of mystery stories featuring a strong female protagonist, a diverse cast of characters, and a dash of romance.
Barbara Howard is a mystery, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance author based in Cleveland, Ohio with a passion for creating stories that delve into complex relationships and hidden truths. Her works often explore themes of love, trust, and the past's influence on the present. With extensive experience as a Department of Defense/Pentagon Project Manager, KPMG Eastern Region Project Leader, and Corporate Sales Representative for Borders Books & Music, Ms. Howard brings a unique perspective to her writing. Now back in her hometown, she spends her days treasure hunting, spoiling her fur-babies, growing veggies, and plotting whodunits.
Board President (2024-2025), Great Lakes Fiction Writers
Memberships/Affiliations: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Sisters in Crime (SinC), Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Authors Guild (AG)
She has also published a collection of books on food-related topics, food safety, and heirloom recipe cookbooks under the pen name, Arlene Lee.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 6, 2026
The Coldest Valentine is a layered, second-chance romance wrapped in suspense, grief, and accountability—and what stood out most to me is that it refuses to rush what was broken.
At its core, this isn’t just about whether Brooke and Frank will find their way back to each other—it’s about whether they should. Their history is heavy, and the book doesn’t shy away from that. Frank acknowledges the role he played in the breakdown of their marriage, and while the chemistry between them is still very much alive, the story doesn’t allow proximity or desire to replace real healing.
Instead, we see restraint. We see effort. We see the beginning of something being rebuilt the right way, not the easy way.
At the same time, the story layers in real danger. Brooke is being stalked, and that tension escalates into the murder of someone she deeply cares about—someone who felt like family to her. That loss adds another emotional dimension, forcing her to navigate not just fear, but grief all over again.
Alongside this is a web of bad business dealings and conspiracy that continues to climb higher, hinting at something much bigger still unfolding.
If I had one critique, it would be the frequent use of weather-related metaphors. While it makes sense given Brooke’s profession as a meteorologist, at times it felt a bit overused. That said, it never took away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
This is a slow burn that prioritizes accountability over convenience, and by the end, I found myself rooting for them—not because the story told me to, but because it earned it—and I’m definitely curious to see just how far this story goes
At its core, this isn’t just about whether Brooke and Frank will find their way back to each other—it’s about whether they should. Their history is heavy, and the book doesn’t shy away from that. Frank acknowledges the role he played in the breakdown of their marriage, and while the chemistry between them is still very much alive, the story doesn’t allow proximity or desire to replace real healing.
Instead, we see restraint. We see effort. We see the beginning of something being rebuilt the right way, not the easy way.
At the same time, the story layers in real danger. Brooke is being stalked, and that tension escalates into the murder of someone she deeply cares about—someone who felt like family to her. That loss adds another emotional dimension, forcing her to navigate not just fear, but grief all over again.
Alongside this is a web of bad business dealings and conspiracy that continues to climb higher, hinting at something much bigger still unfolding.
If I had one critique, it would be the frequent use of weather-related metaphors. While it makes sense given Brooke’s profession as a meteorologist, at times it felt a bit overused. That said, it never took away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
This is a slow burn that prioritizes accountability over convenience, and by the end, I found myself rooting for them—not because the story told me to, but because it earned it—and I’m definitely curious to see just how far this story goes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2026
ARC REVIEW: It was my pleasure to read this beautiful story. This story put me in the mind of a thriller/mystery/second chance romance. I loved the layout of the story. Within the first 4 chapters I was hooked trying to figure out who killed that sweet lady. I also wanted badly for Brooke to get it together.
This book was beautifully written. The spice level is low, so this isn’t the book for you if you want spice. The ending doesn’t leave you with a cliffhanger but it will have you wanting to know how this all comes together and resolve. Ready for the next book. Five stars for me…
This book was beautifully written. The spice level is low, so this isn’t the book for you if you want spice. The ending doesn’t leave you with a cliffhanger but it will have you wanting to know how this all comes together and resolve. Ready for the next book. Five stars for me…
March 20, 2026
ARC review
Release date - March 17th
Rating - 3.75
The Coldest Valentine Winterkill is a Cleveland Crime Series book 1. This book was a mix of financial crime, a murder on valentines day during a blizzard and suspense, set in Cleveland Ohio. We get to meet Brooke Wilder, chief Meteorologist and FBI Special Agent Frank Wilder, her estranged husband.
The weather analogies and metaphors throughout this book to discuss feelings, emotions, and relationships was a nice addition as it helped me the reader to understand the FMC.
A relationship that was built on love but was fractured through loss which both the MC's carried alone. "The seven day outlook shows clearing. Gradual warming. Some precipitation mid-week by nothing we can't handle. Extended forecast: cautiously optimistic."
I look forward to reading more from this Winterkill series showcasing conspiracy through financial networks as well as the emotional journey that will be the Wilder relationship.
Release date - March 17th
Rating - 3.75
The Coldest Valentine Winterkill is a Cleveland Crime Series book 1. This book was a mix of financial crime, a murder on valentines day during a blizzard and suspense, set in Cleveland Ohio. We get to meet Brooke Wilder, chief Meteorologist and FBI Special Agent Frank Wilder, her estranged husband.
The weather analogies and metaphors throughout this book to discuss feelings, emotions, and relationships was a nice addition as it helped me the reader to understand the FMC.
A relationship that was built on love but was fractured through loss which both the MC's carried alone. "The seven day outlook shows clearing. Gradual warming. Some precipitation mid-week by nothing we can't handle. Extended forecast: cautiously optimistic."
I look forward to reading more from this Winterkill series showcasing conspiracy through financial networks as well as the emotional journey that will be the Wilder relationship.
March 23, 2026
Barbara Howard knows how to write an informative book. I learned a lot about meteorology while being entertained by a thrilling mystery, suspense story. Add in a marriage in distress, and I was hooked. There were so many twists and turns in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat. We have a unaliving, embezzlement, stalking, and corrupt individuals all in one story. All I can say is that stalker was really crazy. Brooke and Frank worked together to solve each crime while also fixing their marriage. The soft moments between these two were some of my favorites. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings.
April 17, 2026
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy! This one was an interesting read because of the crime/thriller/mystery elements woven in. This isn't my first book by this author and I swear each one is a pleasant surprise! the strength in this story is the depth of the two main characters, and their second chance love story. This is two people who coming to the realization, through the shared crime parts, that while there is a lot of history - there is also a lot of hurt and a lot of unsaid things to process. I really think the pacing allows you to live beside them, not only through the more action focused pieces but also through the slower, life and love focused parts. Where you get to see two people understand just what kind of patterns lead them to stop seeing each other, and what they might need to do to successfully see the other person. You also get to watch them decide if they want that, and what lengths they are willing to go to in order to come to that conclusion.
Another well done story that you should pick up!
Another well done story that you should pick up!
April 28, 2026
The Coldest Valentine by Barbara Howard is a gripping blend of romantic suspense and high stakes mystery set against a brutal winter storm. The confined setting and escalating danger create intense tension, while the emotional complexity between Brooke and Raymond adds depth to the story.
The second chance romance is layered with past pain and unresolved feelings, making their dynamic compelling as the danger closes in. The pacing keeps the suspense sharp throughout.
Overall, it’s an engaging, emotional thriller with strong atmosphere and heart.
The second chance romance is layered with past pain and unresolved feelings, making their dynamic compelling as the danger closes in. The pacing keeps the suspense sharp throughout.
Overall, it’s an engaging, emotional thriller with strong atmosphere and heart.
April 28, 2026
The Coldest Valentine is a gripping romantic suspense that blends a high stakes murder mystery with an emotionally charged second chance romance.
Set during a brutal blizzard, the story follows a meteorologist and her estranged husband, an FBI agent, forced to confront danger and unresolved feelings.
With strong tension, layered characters, and a fast paced plot, it explores trust, redemption, and survival under pressure in a confined, suspenseful setting.
Set during a brutal blizzard, the story follows a meteorologist and her estranged husband, an FBI agent, forced to confront danger and unresolved feelings.
With strong tension, layered characters, and a fast paced plot, it explores trust, redemption, and survival under pressure in a confined, suspenseful setting.
April 10, 2026
The Coldest Valentine has suspense in spades, action like a fast moving train and language that grips you and never lets go.
It's another gripping romantic suspense novel from Barbara Howard and trust me when I say the second book in this Cleveland Crime Series can't be released fast enough.
In The Coldest Valentine, we meet Brooke Wilder, chief meteorologist at TV station WCLZ who finds a beloved colleague murdered at the station. What follows is a race to unravel the case, find the murderer and or the person/perpetrator who is targeting the beloved meteorologist. The author did a great job with the breadcrumbs placed throughout the story so that you keep guessing as you read on.
Guess who is assigned to the case? Brooke's estranged husband Frank, a FBI Special Agent. Trust that their separation means nothing when someone is targeting Brooke. Their story was touching as they deal with their grief and addiction while working together. Although this is secondary to the main plot, it was equally important.
This first novel in the Winterkill series has a supporting cast of characters that keep the story flowing. The most impactful one was Priya whom I like because even though she was "invisible" to many as 50+ year old women tend to be, she acted on her suspicions and had the courage to stand up do what others didn't.
If there's one thing you will get from Howard's stories is information about the main character/ characters' job/profession. At the end of this novel, I felt like I could stand up and deliver a full forecast comfortably.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions and views are mine.
It's another gripping romantic suspense novel from Barbara Howard and trust me when I say the second book in this Cleveland Crime Series can't be released fast enough.
In The Coldest Valentine, we meet Brooke Wilder, chief meteorologist at TV station WCLZ who finds a beloved colleague murdered at the station. What follows is a race to unravel the case, find the murderer and or the person/perpetrator who is targeting the beloved meteorologist. The author did a great job with the breadcrumbs placed throughout the story so that you keep guessing as you read on.
Guess who is assigned to the case? Brooke's estranged husband Frank, a FBI Special Agent. Trust that their separation means nothing when someone is targeting Brooke. Their story was touching as they deal with their grief and addiction while working together. Although this is secondary to the main plot, it was equally important.
This first novel in the Winterkill series has a supporting cast of characters that keep the story flowing. The most impactful one was Priya whom I like because even though she was "invisible" to many as 50+ year old women tend to be, she acted on her suspicions and had the courage to stand up do what others didn't.
If there's one thing you will get from Howard's stories is information about the main character/ characters' job/profession. At the end of this novel, I felt like I could stand up and deliver a full forecast comfortably.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions and views are mine.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews