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Catching Winter
Not yet published
Expected 9 Feb 27He’s her wildcard. She’s his wildfire.
When Hailey Harper gets evicted for rescuing a stray labradoodle despite her condo's strict no-pets policy, she’s left with few options on the small tourist island of Tybee Island, Georgia. But when Hailey’s best friend offers her brother’s spare bedroom—warning bells start ringing. Shacking up with the confident Casanova seems like a very bad idea for Hailey’s nonexistent love life. Why? The charming, wildly attractive former athlete isn’t looking to settle down—which is a problem, because she is.
Hudson Davis can do one-night stands. What he can’t? Marriage. Babies. Happily ever after. After heartbreak in college left him reeling, he’s sworn off relationships for good. Instead, he’s prepared to focus on his new job as Athletic Director at his former high school and spending time with his number one girl—his niece.
But sharing a bedroom wall with a girl he’s been crushing on was never a part of his plan. Neither is his sister meddling in their living situation. And certainly not the late-night conversations, Taco Tuesdays, and shared movie nights with his new roommate that have him wondering if he can finally leave the past behind—for her.
Sparks begin to fly as Hailey tries her best to resist her new roommate’s flirty banter, impressive co-doggy parenting skills, and the way he takes care of her. Unable to deny the chemistry brewing between them, Hailey proposes a roommates-with-benefits situation with one important rule: Don’t catch feelings.
The only problem?
Neither of them has been any good at following the rules.
When Hailey Harper gets evicted for rescuing a stray labradoodle despite her condo's strict no-pets policy, she’s left with few options on the small tourist island of Tybee Island, Georgia. But when Hailey’s best friend offers her brother’s spare bedroom—warning bells start ringing. Shacking up with the confident Casanova seems like a very bad idea for Hailey’s nonexistent love life. Why? The charming, wildly attractive former athlete isn’t looking to settle down—which is a problem, because she is.
Hudson Davis can do one-night stands. What he can’t? Marriage. Babies. Happily ever after. After heartbreak in college left him reeling, he’s sworn off relationships for good. Instead, he’s prepared to focus on his new job as Athletic Director at his former high school and spending time with his number one girl—his niece.
But sharing a bedroom wall with a girl he’s been crushing on was never a part of his plan. Neither is his sister meddling in their living situation. And certainly not the late-night conversations, Taco Tuesdays, and shared movie nights with his new roommate that have him wondering if he can finally leave the past behind—for her.
Sparks begin to fly as Hailey tries her best to resist her new roommate’s flirty banter, impressive co-doggy parenting skills, and the way he takes care of her. Unable to deny the chemistry brewing between them, Hailey proposes a roommates-with-benefits situation with one important rule: Don’t catch feelings.
The only problem?
Neither of them has been any good at following the rules.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 9, 2027
About the author
Shelby Rae
2 books56 followersShelby Rae is a lover of all things romance books and writing. Endless August is her debut novel in the Endless Seasons Trilogy. When she isn't thinking up swoon-worthy MMC's and fun tropes to write, you can find her enjoying the sunny Southern California weather with her husband and three children. When she isn't glued to her computer writing, you can find her sitting on the sidelines and cheering on her kids at their baseball games, or at the local library, stocking up on way too many books. Her hope is to write romance novels that leave the reader immersed in the story and rooting for the characters’ happily-ever-after as if it were their own.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much for Shelby for giving me an advanced copy of this stunner of a book - and an extra thank you for putting up with my crash out DMS for the second book in a row. I also have 40+ highlights and notes :)
You know how there are just some books that you know you're going to love before you're finished chapter 1? That's this book. We meet Hudson and Hailey in book one, Endless August (which is another stunner of a book). Hudson, who will now be referred to as "Uncle Hudson" is Savanna's brother, Drew's uncle, and Dalton's best friend who I KNEW was going to be amazing. I'm so happy we didn't have to wait long for his story. We also meet Hailey, bartender and Sav's best friend and "Auntie Hailey" to Drew as well.
Catching Winter is a different vibe from Endless August. While Endless August was angsty this was a good time Rom Com but sexy. Every single trope hit - roommates with benefits, forced proximity, yearning (so much of it too), delicious slow burn, and he falls first and way harder. There's also a surprise pregnancy trope - but it's not what you expect, so if that's not your vibe, I actually think this could change your mind.
Hudson is a true green flag golden retriever MMC. However, he definitely has layers to him and puts on a good front/mask and I loved getting to know him and learn about his past. My heart broke for him and his story arc was so beautiful that I definitely had tears for him. His story came full circle and the way Shelby did it was fantastic. With that being said... Hudson is hilarious the bands, the jokes, the leash comment, the dog toys, the house hunting, the jealousy, and his dynamic with Dalton (the restaurant.. IYKYK) had me smiling like a loon while reading. Hailey - I loved her as an FMC. She wanted to find love and be loved. Her POV also had me laughing. Her quick wit and banter with Hudson was fun. They were such a great balance for each other. The two of them falling for each other was inevitable and watching them fall for each other and let their walls down was perfection. She tried to hard to keep her guard up with him, but there was no way the two of them could resist each other.
I also loved loved loved that Dalton, Sav, and Drew were in the book. The consistency of jokes and storylines from book 1 carried into book to seamlessly. I'm so glad that we still got them in this story and the competition between Dalton and Hudson lives on.
I'm so so ready for Sanders story.
You know how there are just some books that you know you're going to love before you're finished chapter 1? That's this book. We meet Hudson and Hailey in book one, Endless August (which is another stunner of a book). Hudson, who will now be referred to as "Uncle Hudson" is Savanna's brother, Drew's uncle, and Dalton's best friend who I KNEW was going to be amazing. I'm so happy we didn't have to wait long for his story. We also meet Hailey, bartender and Sav's best friend and "Auntie Hailey" to Drew as well.
Catching Winter is a different vibe from Endless August. While Endless August was angsty this was a good time Rom Com but sexy. Every single trope hit - roommates with benefits, forced proximity, yearning (so much of it too), delicious slow burn, and he falls first and way harder. There's also a surprise pregnancy trope - but it's not what you expect, so if that's not your vibe, I actually think this could change your mind.
Hudson is a true green flag golden retriever MMC. However, he definitely has layers to him and puts on a good front/mask and I loved getting to know him and learn about his past. My heart broke for him and his story arc was so beautiful that I definitely had tears for him. His story came full circle and the way Shelby did it was fantastic. With that being said... Hudson is hilarious the bands, the jokes, the leash comment, the dog toys, the house hunting, the jealousy, and his dynamic with Dalton (the restaurant.. IYKYK) had me smiling like a loon while reading. Hailey - I loved her as an FMC. She wanted to find love and be loved. Her POV also had me laughing. Her quick wit and banter with Hudson was fun. They were such a great balance for each other. The two of them falling for each other was inevitable and watching them fall for each other and let their walls down was perfection. She tried to hard to keep her guard up with him, but there was no way the two of them could resist each other.
I also loved loved loved that Dalton, Sav, and Drew were in the book. The consistency of jokes and storylines from book 1 carried into book to seamlessly. I'm so glad that we still got them in this story and the competition between Dalton and Hudson lives on.
I'm so so ready for Sanders story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Truly, Shelby Rae knew exactly what she was doing with this one. Catching Winter has so many of my favorite things in it, that I feel like it was written for me. 😂
This was a perfect second installment of the Endless Seasons series. I absolutely LOVED Hudson and Hailey. This was so different from the first book, Endless August, but in a way that seemed really seamless, intentional, and complimentary.
Hudson is quite literally irresistible. He’s so charming and lovable that I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. Hailey was such a fun, independent, girls girl. The perfect FMC to keep Hudson guessing.
And the spice? Let’s just say it was SPICY and very well written. I was SWEATING. I also loved all the cute little nods to other rom-coms throughout the story. They were such a fun touch and added even more to that warm, playful rom-com feeling that I loved so much.
We also got glimpses of Savanna, Dalton, and Drew from book 1 and I LOVE when a series lets us keep spending time with characters we already know and love.
What really stood out to me most in this story, was the depth of the characters. We learn so much more about who they are, what shaped them, and why they make the choices they do. They felt so fully developed, and I loved getting to understand the heart behind their decisions that ultimately led them to one another.
At this point, I think I can officially say this series is becoming one of my favorites of all time. I will never stop recommending it!
To Shelby Rae and Olive Press Publishing, thank you so much for ARC of this story. All opinions are my own.
This was a perfect second installment of the Endless Seasons series. I absolutely LOVED Hudson and Hailey. This was so different from the first book, Endless August, but in a way that seemed really seamless, intentional, and complimentary.
Hudson is quite literally irresistible. He’s so charming and lovable that I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. Hailey was such a fun, independent, girls girl. The perfect FMC to keep Hudson guessing.
And the spice? Let’s just say it was SPICY and very well written. I was SWEATING. I also loved all the cute little nods to other rom-coms throughout the story. They were such a fun touch and added even more to that warm, playful rom-com feeling that I loved so much.
We also got glimpses of Savanna, Dalton, and Drew from book 1 and I LOVE when a series lets us keep spending time with characters we already know and love.
What really stood out to me most in this story, was the depth of the characters. We learn so much more about who they are, what shaped them, and why they make the choices they do. They felt so fully developed, and I loved getting to understand the heart behind their decisions that ultimately led them to one another.
At this point, I think I can officially say this series is becoming one of my favorites of all time. I will never stop recommending it!
To Shelby Rae and Olive Press Publishing, thank you so much for ARC of this story. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hudson freaking Davis, the man that you are.
After Endless August, we’ve all been foaming at the mouth for Uncle Hudson’s book and good lord it didn’t disappoint.
Hudson and Hailey are everything, and you’ll spend the entire book rooting for them. The whole roommates to lovers situation is to die for and is done exceptionally well. They’re just meant to be!
Hailey fits into the family like she’s always belonged there and Hudson secretly knows this. He just has to get over his past experiences to fully let himself love and be loved by Hailey.
I laughed until my face ached in parts of this book and the spice is just perfection. Shelby is such a naturally funny and talented writer, the stories are just so addictive. The ending is just heart melting.
I can’t wait for book three but I know I’m also going to be sad that the series is over.
A million stars for me!!
After Endless August, we’ve all been foaming at the mouth for Uncle Hudson’s book and good lord it didn’t disappoint.
Hudson and Hailey are everything, and you’ll spend the entire book rooting for them. The whole roommates to lovers situation is to die for and is done exceptionally well. They’re just meant to be!
Hailey fits into the family like she’s always belonged there and Hudson secretly knows this. He just has to get over his past experiences to fully let himself love and be loved by Hailey.
I laughed until my face ached in parts of this book and the spice is just perfection. Shelby is such a naturally funny and talented writer, the stories are just so addictive. The ending is just heart melting.
I can’t wait for book three but I know I’m also going to be sad that the series is over.
A million stars for me!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hailey, the local bar owner, finds herself unexpectedly homeless after being evicted from her apartment for rescuing a labradoodle. Thankfully, her best friend comes to the rescue and offers her a spare bedroom at her brother’s place. Although hesitant at first, Hailey eventually agrees, and what starts as a temporary living arrangement quickly turns into something neither of them expected.
Between Taco Tuesday traditions and Saturday movie nights, their chemistry begins to grow, and the banter between these two is absolutely EVERYTHING! The hilarious exchanges involving Big Red and snail mucin had me laughing so hard I literally spit out my Diet Coke! 😂
Our MMC, Hudson, is a sexy baseball coach for the local school, but beneath that charming exterior is a man who struggles to let people in. Because of the past trauma he experienced with a girlfriend in college, opening his heart and allowing himself to be vulnerable doesn’t come easily. Watching him slowly let his guard down and learn to trust again added such a meaningful layer to his story.
As Hailey and Hudson navigate their undeniable attraction and eventually decide to enter a friends with benefits arrangement, what starts as something casual slowly turns into finding the kind of love and happiness neither knew they were missing.
And let’s talk about the SPICE! 🔥 The chemistry was off the charts, and those steamy scenes were absolutely TOP TIER! Shelby Rae definitely understood the assignment because the spice was just as delicious as the banter!
Book two in this series was everything I wanted and MORE! It was ridiculously cute, laugh out loud funny, and had me swooning from beginning to end. I devoured this book in ONE sitting because I simply could not put it down!
I loved absolutely everything about this story, and I cannot thank Shelby Rae enough for allowing me the opportunity to early read this fantastic book! She is officially an INSTANT AUTHOR READ for me!
Endless August and Catching Winter are hands down two of my favorite reads of the year! If you haven’t added Shelby Rae to your TBR yet, besties, what are you waiting for?! ❤️❤️❤️
Between Taco Tuesday traditions and Saturday movie nights, their chemistry begins to grow, and the banter between these two is absolutely EVERYTHING! The hilarious exchanges involving Big Red and snail mucin had me laughing so hard I literally spit out my Diet Coke! 😂
Our MMC, Hudson, is a sexy baseball coach for the local school, but beneath that charming exterior is a man who struggles to let people in. Because of the past trauma he experienced with a girlfriend in college, opening his heart and allowing himself to be vulnerable doesn’t come easily. Watching him slowly let his guard down and learn to trust again added such a meaningful layer to his story.
As Hailey and Hudson navigate their undeniable attraction and eventually decide to enter a friends with benefits arrangement, what starts as something casual slowly turns into finding the kind of love and happiness neither knew they were missing.
And let’s talk about the SPICE! 🔥 The chemistry was off the charts, and those steamy scenes were absolutely TOP TIER! Shelby Rae definitely understood the assignment because the spice was just as delicious as the banter!
Book two in this series was everything I wanted and MORE! It was ridiculously cute, laugh out loud funny, and had me swooning from beginning to end. I devoured this book in ONE sitting because I simply could not put it down!
I loved absolutely everything about this story, and I cannot thank Shelby Rae enough for allowing me the opportunity to early read this fantastic book! She is officially an INSTANT AUTHOR READ for me!
Endless August and Catching Winter are hands down two of my favorite reads of the year! If you haven’t added Shelby Rae to your TBR yet, besties, what are you waiting for?! ❤️❤️❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another fabulous book by Shelby Rae! Uncle Hudson has officially entered the chat!!! Catching Winter is book two in the Endless Seasons Series, and Shelby Rae absolutely did not disappoint! Somehow, she managed to capture everything I loved about the first book and give me another story that was just as addicting. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. I couldn’t put this book down, and honestly, I didn’t want to! Catching Winter is Hudson and Hailey’s story, and I truly feel like Shelby did them both justice. Their chemistry was absolutely electric, but it was the push and pull between them that really had me invested. There was this magnetic force between them that made it impossible not to root for them, and I loved watching their relationship unfold. They challenged each other, tested each other, and somehow made all those little moments between them feel just as important as the bigger ones. And let’s talk about the spice… delicious and perfectly placed! But what really made this story special for me were the sweet, swoon worthy moments in between. There were moments that genuinely made my heart melt into a million pieces, and I found myself completely consumed by these two. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was undeniable, and this book took me on all the emotional rides. I was laughing, crying, swooning, and falling right alongside Hudson and Hailey. I became so invested in their story that by the time I reached the end, I genuinely didn’t want to say goodbye. I think Shelby Rae absolutely got it right for a second time in a row, and she has officially secured a forever reader in me! If you haven’t started the Endless Seasons Series yet, take this as your sign. I highly recommend picking it up, you absolutely will not regret it! Thank you Shelby for allowing me to ARC read for you again!!
October 3, 2026
Shelby you’ve done it again! I was given this gem to read as an ARC, and couldn’t put it down! Hudson’s story was everything I wanted it to be. Emotionally damaged MCs. Steamy spice. Banter for absolute days. The giggles. Seriously. Good old fashioned romance at its best. Bravo…. Now where’s book 3??
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews