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Black Hills Wolves #33

Winter Secrets: Winter Solstice Run 3

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Patience is a virtue…a lesson Stephen Dorsett has learned over the years, wooing his mate. He loves the prickly woman with all his heart, but he’s keeping a secret from her—one that will soon change the entire dynamic of their relationship.

Kate Matthews has a secret of her own, but she’s reluctant to share her surprise with Stephen. With her mate spending too many long hours and late nights at work recently, Kate begins to second-guess Stephen’s commitment to her.

One simple misunderstanding, fueled by insecurities and doubts, is all it takes to throw Kate and Stephen off course. Will they allow their secrets to pull them apart, or make their love stronger?

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2015

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M. Limoges

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews319 followers
January 8, 2016


Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. I ran Melissa's tour but reviewed separately, after the fact.

A little para treat for a cold winter morning. Yay! I enjoyed Winter Secrets. It jumps in a couple months after Kate and Stephen mated. They've hit a bit of a rough spot with secrets and insecurities rearing their ugly heads and threatening to tear them apart. And, whew, things do blow up. Sending them into a spiral of hurt and trying to figure out what to do next. I really liked both Kate and Stephen and wanted so much for them to spit out what they were thinking and feeling. It takes them a bit but the make up is worth the struggles. There's a tiny touch of Christmas, the mending of hearts and hints of future romances made for an entertaining escape.
Profile Image for Erin Burns.
402 reviews32 followers
August 3, 2016
I picked this up because it sounded cute and holiday. And then I looked at the backlist…good googly moogly, there are 33 books in this series. Granted, they are by a handful of different authors, but still, I am picking up book 33 here. Ok, so no matter how I love reading an entire series before reading and reviewing a current book, that just wasn’t possible here, so I went back and picked up number 8, Taming His Mate, which is when these two crazy kids got together.

These are short stories or novellas (I seriously struggle with the distinction) and while I am sure there is a certain continuity throughout the series, these can definitely be read as standalones. In fact, if you aren’t already fans of the series, I don’t know that I suggest reading these two back to back as I have. With as many as 25 different stories between these two, I bet the impact would be different.

Because dear lord do these two need to learn to talk to each other. For two people who have known each other almost their entire lives I just don’t get the secrets, I sincerely don’t.

But, the writing is well done, the characters are engaging, and while the tropes used don’t usually work well in a longer story, they are very effective here with the shorter format. We have fated mates, brother’s best friend, Big Secret, and Big Mis. Which makes it sound like it is trope salad, but it isn’t. Because I genuinely liked the characters (even when they were pissing me off) and cared about their stories.

What the Black Hills Wolves seems like to me, is a supernatural soap opera in book form. Each episode has it’s own conclusion, but the threads are ongoing, and within each story are threads of other episodes. SO this series seems ideal for both the binge reader (seriously, so much binge), or the reader who likes to pick through story threads and just follow the ones that interest them.

And much like soap operas, I think this stuff could be addictive. There are a few story lines I really feel the need to go back and read, and the foreshadowed one that might be next in the series is truly tempting. I struggled with the rating on this, because I really did like it, and I am very likely to go on (or go back) and read more, but I don’t think I will ever go back and re-read this, so I am sticking with 3.5 stars. But I am definitely recommending this for reader who like the short, sexy, and soap opera-esque.

3.5 stars
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...

405 reviews16 followers
October 20, 2016
Winter Secrets: Winter Solstice Run #3 M. Limoges


Reviewed by SFF Dragon*

Stephen and Kate have problems, but a very public blow up starts them on a different path and they get their HEA.

'Winter Secrets' by Melissa Limoges is the third book in the new Black Hills Wolves: Winter Solstice Run series of multi-author paranormal romances. The five books in the Winter Solstice Run catch up with members of the recently rejuvenated Tao Pack as they approach the combined celebration of the Solstice and Christmas holidays. This is the first book I've read by Melissa Limoges so I had no idea what to expect, and despite loving several of the series authors, the Black Hills Wolves seem to have completely passed me by until I read the first story in this sub-set a couple of weeks ago. I really wasn't sure if I'd suffer from a lack of previous knowledge, but I didn't need to worry. Although I think I would probably have benefited from having read the previous story about Stephen and Kate, there's enough background in this book that I was able to pick it up and become completely immersed in the story straight away without feeling that I was missing much. This book can easily be read as a stand alone and I loved it.

Stephen Dorsett has spent years trying to get his mate to accept him, they've been together for a few months now, and he loves her with all his heart. Unfortunately, he decided to give her a big surprise for the Solstice, has been working long hours to get it done in time, so hasn't been spending much time with Kate and keeping the guilty secret has had him verbally lashing out at her for a couple of months. He knows she has a problem with her wolf so she doesn't know what he's feeling and then he lied to her about the phone call, knowing that she'd probably overheard it. The devastating pain he saw in her eyes should have told him she'd heard everything and it was time to tell her the truth, but instead the stupid idiot shouts at her again and leaves her in tears.

Living under the terror that was the former Alpha, Magnum, and being unable to shift until she and Stephen mated, has caused Kate to be totally insecure about pretty much everything in her life and terrified of the potential backlash. She hasn't shifted since the mating, has no connection to her wolf, and doesn't understand the true meaning of the mate bond, so when she overhears him on the 'phone to someone called Em, sounding happy and wanting to kiss her right now, when all he's done with her for months is be angry and argue in what little time he spends with her, and then he blatantly lies to her about who was on the phone, she draws the only conclusion she can. Stephen is cheating on her and her happy surprise turns to a broken heart.

I really enjoyed reading this holiday story of two people who've loved each other most of their lives but have a serious problem with communication, secrets and trust. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but there is a lot of sadness and bad feeling between Kate and Stephen at the beginning of the book, and I was surprised that Stephen didn't realise the damage he was doing to their relationship. It must have been blatantly obvious and 'blind' doesn't even begin to cover the level of his stupidity. Their major public blow up, no, no spoilers, but I did think he should have done things a bit differently even if it did make Kate take a closer look at herself, her relationship with her wolf and her general attitude to her life. The story takes on a much brighter and more hopeful tone from that point and they do get to have a happily ever after, but to assume Kate wouldn't draw conclusions of the worst kind, given his behaviour, was so stupid I was practically speechless. I loved this book and will look for more by this author.

Profile Image for Tamara.
515 reviews7 followers
November 21, 2015
Winter Secrets: Winter Solstice Run is the continuation of Kate and Stephen’s story, but although I have not read the previous books in this series, I didn’t have a bit of difficulty in following along with the story and did not get confused at all.

So it seems that shifters Kate and Stephen are newly mated. As with all new relationships, there will be hard and rocky times that a couple must go through trying to figure each other out. But it makes it much more challenging when secrets lurk in the dark corners of that relationship. With the Winter Solstice Run right around the corner, the pressure is on and secrets might just have to be revealed, and this my dear reader is basically what this lovely story is about – secrets, miscommunication, and a lot of assumptions. Can this couple figure it all out and finally have the life together they both desire? As an added bonus to the story, there appears to be love in the air for another of the pack and it looks like this relationship will be one I will have to check out!

Winter Secrets: Winter Solstice Run was such a cute story and was the perfect read to get the Holiday spirit revved up. It was extremely well written and flowed smoothly throughout. M. Limoges is a new author for me, but one that I will definitely have to read more of. This was the perfect story for a cold, chilly night curled up with a warm blanket, sipping on a hot beverage. I highly recommend this book is you love shifter paranormal stories with a dash of romance.

- See more at:The Avid Book Collector

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Treena Beavers.
623 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2015
I'm really enjoying discovering all the pack mates in the Winter Solstice series. Easy enough to follow even if (Like me)you haven't come across the Black Hill Wolf Pack series before.

In Winter Secrets we meet Pack mates Kate and Stephen.

Not long married and already keeping secrets from each other both believe they’re doing it for the right reasons. But it’s driving them both crazy second guessing what each other is up to. Full of emotion and frustration as they both constantly misread each other and jump to their own conclusions.

It’s the last straw for Kate when she over hears a phone call.

Stephen thinks he’s managed to cover his tracks quick enough and avoids talking about it by heading out to work. Kate fumes all day at work then ends up confronting him when they bump into each other in the middle of the high street. Kate blasts Stephen with all of her built up anger.

Will this tear them apart once and for all?

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nina.
607 reviews56 followers
February 13, 2016
***4.5 Stars***

Lately, I have been in a reading funk and I think it's due to my overindulgence of reading contemporary romances. I guess it's true that you can have too much of a good thing! Therefore, when I'm in this mood, I know that I need to switch things up and balance my reading palate. So, I turned to paranormal romance and it was just what the doctor ordered!

Browsing on Amazon, I came across Winter Secrets by M. Limoges. Let me just say it definitely took me out of my reading funk. Winter Secrets is a continuation of M. Limoges' Taming His Mate, but it can be a standalone read. Yet, I highly recommend reading Taming his Mate first because it is where Kate and Stephen got together and it will just add more to your understanding and overall enjoyment of Kate and Stephen's story.

Winter Secrets takes place a few months after Taming His Mate. I was so excited to learn that Kate and Stephen's story hasn't ended yet; it was definitely way too short in Taming His Mate (but still really good; I gave it 4 stars). I had such a great time with them. I loved Stephen. He was such an amazing hero. His patience, love, protectiveness, understanding and passion towards Kate was my undoing. Plus, he was sexy to boot! I found no flaws with him. Just utter perfection.

He grabbed her hand, settling it over the steady thump of his heart. "I'll always love you with everything I have in me, Sunshine. There's no changing what I feel for you. My heart is yours. It always will be."

As for Kate, there wasn't anything I didn't like about her. Yes, she had flaws, insecurities, doubts and trust issues, but what I appreciated about her character was her strength. I loved that she put on her big girl panties, owned up to what she did and went after her mate when it counted the most. Furthermore, I adored that Stephen made her grovel a bit too. Does that sound mean? lol I love it when authors make their heroes/heroines do some groveling as it goes to show how much and how far they are willing to go or do for the person they love.

To put it simply, I adored everything about this story. Although a novella length, Winter Secrets packed a lot into a tiny package. The plot held my interest throughout the story, it made me smile, it broke my heart and it gave me hope with lots of warm fuzzies. The story was well paced and flowed smoothly. I love and appreciate it when authors can put out a satisfying story in such a limited word count.

In addition, I loved getting glimpses of another potential couple, Wes and Emily, throughout the novella. I highly hope that they will be getting their own story as well. Wes definitely sounds like my kind of hero: quiet and broody. I can't wait to see this anti-relationship werewolf shifter fall hard for the human, Emily.

Overall, Winter Secrets gets a highly recommend from me!
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,296 reviews38 followers
November 13, 2015
WINTER SECRETS-Black Hills Wolves #33-A magical romantic holiday story.

This story features; Stephen; a traffic stopping gorgeous wolf-shifter; Kate, a sexy, bold beautiful she-wolf and Stephen's mate.

What you'll find in this story; a cast of remarkably impressive and engaging characters, fantastic story-line, powerful vivid scene descriptions, superb banter, gut-wrenching moments, magical surprises, camaraderie, earth-shattering heart-pounding sensual romance, and a melt your heart holiday ending.

Kate lives with constant insecurities, she doesn't trust her mate or her wolf. She has hurt Stephen many times over the years, and he has overlooked it. When they have a public argument, he leaves her stating that he would not speak with her until she figured out what she was willing to give to make their relationship work. Kate comes up with a plan to woo her mate and get back into his good graces.

SPECTACULAR well written creative read by a truly gifted author. The characters spring to live with dynamic scene descriptions. The romance between the couple is more than steamy and shines like a Christmas star. In they end they both realize that keeping secrets is not a good idea and communicating is important. A fantastic holiday story; a most gratifying read. If you treasure shifter romance this is an excellent story for your library. {I received a copy of this book for a completely honest review}. In the world of fantasy romance the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservations I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Shari.
871 reviews76 followers
November 20, 2015

This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader

The Delight

Seeing a couple already established working on issues that haven't gone away is more refreshing sometimes than reading about a new relationship. I jumped into the middle of this series and didn't have problems grasping the storyline.

Stephen Dorsett has fought hard to make Kate his mate. She never thought she was worthy because she couldn't shift. He never thought less of her for that, but knows something is wrong. Working long hours on a secret project, he leaves Kate to wonder what he's really doing.

Kate Matthews has a secret and just when she wants to tell Stephen, she suspects he is having an affair. They are only mated and she thinks her shifting problems are driving him away. When she confronts him talking to another woman, Stephen's secret is out and he is hurt beyond words that she would think he would cheat on her.

Maybe some time apart will help them get back together. So the two do soul searching to decide what they really want, what they will do for love and where to go from here. This is also set around Christmas time, but it doesn't overshadow the story.

This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader

Profile Image for Ingrid Stephanie Jordan.
1,862 reviews24 followers
November 18, 2015
Title: Winter Secrets  
Black Hills Wolves 
Winter Solstice Run Book 3  

Author: Melissa Limoges

Reviewer: Stephanie Jordan

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
The say the first year is the hardest when you get married. Especially after the honeymoon is over, guess that includes wolf mates too.
Kate Matthews had a lot of issues, for one her wolf was never around. Plus she's only shifted once in her life, with her mate but that was it. Her wolf would not talk to her not one word. Not only was her wolf a problem but Stephen Dorsett her mate keeps bugging Kate to go to the Winter Solstice Run, but what if she can't shift in front of everyone that would  embarrass Stephen more. No Kate would just not go to the Run. Oh so many problems to make matters worse Stephen was working early morning till way after midnight and they were always fighting. NOW Kate finds out she's pregnant. I was gifted this ARC for an honest and truthful review.

My Personal Stars Scores

Book Cover Rating 5++ Stars
Hero Rating 5 Stars
Heroine Rating 5 Stars
Sexual Tension Rating 5 Stars
Sex Scenes Rating 5++ Stars
Plot Development Rating 5 Stars
Dialogue 5 Stars
Overall Rating 5++++ Stars
Storytelling Rating 5+ Stars
StoryEnding Rating Stars
Would I Reread This Book?? Yes I would..
Would I Read Future Books By This Author?
This is my 1st book from her I'm quite impressed.
Profile Image for Christina Bowling.
1,600 reviews15 followers
November 26, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Stephan and Kate have been together for a while, and Stephan has spent years trying to get Kate to accept him, and loves her completely. But things aren't quite as easy for Kate, who lived in terror under the reign of the former Alpha of the pack. She doesn't have a connection with her inner wolf, and has only shifted once, which wasn't until her and Stephan's mating. Because of this, Kate is insecure. It certainly doesn't help matters any that Stephan has been acting strangely, spending little to no time with her, and then lies to her about a phone call she overheard, which leads Kate to believe he's cheating on her.

The story is good and well written, but I did have some issues with certain things. Such as the way that Stephan acted towards Kate at times, and the way he caused all the problems in the first place. He had good intentions, but he went about it the wrong way. I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say they eventually get it together and get their HEA. It's just a little frustrating along the way.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,138 reviews57 followers
October 30, 2015
Have you read Taming his Mate (Black Hills Wolves #8)? That is where Stephen and Kate get together. You can read Winter Secrets: Winter Solstice Run without having read Taming his Mate but I think you will better understand this story a whole lot better for having read Taming his Mate and it is a terrific story. In Winter Secrets: Winter Solstice Run we revisit Stephen and Kate. They like the rest of the pack are getting ready for the holidays. Stephen is working hard and staying out late. Kate’s old insecurities rise. They are each keeping secrets. When things come to a head they have to decide what is most important to them. Stephen feels like he has been doing all the fighting for their love and it is Kate’s turn to step it up. Can she overcome her issues to be the wolf he needs? Winter Secrets: Winter Solstice Run will warm the cockles of your heart and leave you with an aww. A perfect holiday time story. Bring on Wes’s story.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews56 followers
November 14, 2015
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review*

Winter Secrets by Melissa Limoges

Kate Matthews was devastated when she found out her mate was having an affair. To top it all she just found out some very important news. When she confronts him, everything blows out of proportion, and she finds out not everything is as it seems.

Stephen Dorset has been working hard on a surprise for his mate. When she accuses him of having an affair, he is crushed. He hasn't seen her for over a week and takes everything for him to not go to his wolf. But this time she needs to decide what she can give and wants from this relationship.

With a little help from some friends, Kate puts a plan together to win back her mate.


This was an amazing book. It was quiet an emotional read for me, had me welling up a few times. The storyline was captivating and entertaining. And the characters were the sweetest, I just loved them. There were quiet a few surprises throughout this book, that were really enjoyable. I loved it. Definitely worth reading!
Profile Image for Kristy.
680 reviews
November 20, 2015
I received an ARC of "Winter Secrets" from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

I've never read anything from M. Limoges before, but I couldn't wait to dive in & see what I was getting. But once I started I couldn't put it down. Leading up to the Winter Solstice Kate feels her mate pulling away from her, whispered conversations with another women, with him jumping down her throat when she asks who it is, has her thinking the worst. Then she gets a surprise that is the catalyst for the worst week leading up to Christmas. This was a fun read, it goes to show that when you start keeping secrets, life starts to fall apart around you... I loved the personal growth Kate goes through.

'Winter Secrets' is book 33 in the "Black Hills Wolves" series, although I haven't read most of the books in this series (around 30 of them), I was still able to understand & enjoy the story being told. It's also book 3 in the "Winter Solstice Run" collection. I really enjoyed reading 'Winter Secrets' & also can't wait for the 4th book in this collection.
Profile Image for Niki Driscoll.
889 reviews17 followers
November 4, 2015
Steven and Kate are both keeping secrets and these secrets are affecting their mating. Misunderstandings happen and their future is on the line if they can't work out their problems. Set around Christmas, this story shows us the struggle of one couple as they work on strengthening their mating bond. The Christmas Solstice run also gives us a look at how the Black Hills pack is healing under the leadership of Drew. This is the second story about Steven and Kate giving you a look past the initial mating. I really like that you get to see past characters in all the different authors books and see how the author intertwines them with the new storyline. A quick fast read about forgiveness and trust. This is a great series and you would benefit in reading the stories in order however, the ones I have read seem to work as stand alone also. I look forward to seeing what these authors have in store for us next.

I was given an ARC for and honest review.
Profile Image for Tanja.
739 reviews16 followers
November 8, 2015
a lot of misunderstandings lead to stephen and kate having a huge fall out. being mated wolfs, separation isn't an option but things as they are can't stay like this for much longer.
he's got to stop being sensitive around her and she has to learn to accept her animal and stand up for what she really wants.
getting back together isn't easy and it takes a huge toll on the both.
it seems that the Christmas period is the right one to make all things right again.
another short read that fits into the holiday season. we get to know a bit more about the pack and how they're handling the new traditions added to their own.
a sweet read of acceptance. loved it and wouldn't mind more of this!

free copy given in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,258 reviews8 followers
November 24, 2015
Stephen and Kate are mates, but they are both keeping secrets, and secrets don't always stay secrets. Will these two find a way to work everything out, or will they be too stubborn to live the life they deserve???

The pack run is just a few days away and both are hoping things work out. But still they don't communicate much. lol Will they ever learn??? Gotta read to find out how this all turns out. This was really a cute fast story, and i enjoyed it very much. Even though I have not read the whole Black Hills Wolves series I was not lost and this story made sense.

I received an arc for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
797 reviews38 followers
November 18, 2015
It was good, I have obviously missed earlier books in the series but that didn't really hinder anything. This was a quick glimpse into an already mated couples life after mating showing that not everything is rainbows and kittens. The Kate was kind of a shrew in the beginning but she eventually calmed her ass down. Stephan was cool from beginning to end, he knew what he brought to the table and he just needed his mate to get her head out of her a$$ and know what she brought to the table and appreciate all that he's done for her. It was a really quick read with some good moments. I liked it.

*review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Zeinab Dh.
1,635 reviews38 followers
November 20, 2015
I got this in exchange for an honest review, I have never read anything for Limoges but was this was so great I was happy that I got it and I liked t a lot I liked the suspense that were between Kate and her mate during the holidays I mean secrets never stay hidden for ever and in this one I like dhow they were revealed and the events that led to them being known life between this couple is charming yet things are different and its great to see the change that happens between them and how life can surprise you I have not the whole series but still understood everything and hope to read the next one

Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2015
Stephen has spent years wooing his mate but one little secret surprise might have messed up eveything.
Kate has been really bummed that Stephen is working all the time and only coming home late at night to sleep but after she hears him tell another women he could kiss her and didn't know what he would do without her. What is she to think? She asked who that was he got mad and lied
Yea things blow up from there. Can they put the pieces bad together?
Loved reading this one just romance and drama of the best kind. I really enjoyed it and think you will too.
Book gifted for an honest review and I honestly loved it.
Profile Image for Margy Millet.
Author 16 books56 followers
November 4, 2015
As the winter solstice plans are moving along, Stephen is working long hours to surprise his mate Kate. In the meanwhile Kate finds out she’s pregnant, concern that her mate will not be happy, she keeps it a secret. The secrets their keeping threads the relationship. Feeling like he has done everything possible in their relations, Stephen believes is Kate’s turn to step up and fight for their love. I love the story, it was a nice and easy read, plus introduces more characters from the pack.
Profile Image for Christine Croke.
609 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2015
I could not put this book down. Stephen has worked for years to finally have Kate as his mate. They both have secrets that brings doubt to their relationship. Can they overcome the misunderstandings that result or will it pull them apart? Its a story about trust and love that will have you not wanting to put the book down. Beautifully written.

I was given this e-book by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. My conclusions are my own. I was not compensated in any way.
Profile Image for Lisa.
903 reviews12 followers
November 21, 2015
**i received an ARC from author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This was a delightful book. It was short but really packed a lot of stuff in it. There was never a dull moment. I can't wait to learn more about grouchy Wes and Emily. I loved Stephen and Kate. They made you feel like it was all so real because in real life we are so reluctant to talk to our better half about stuff way down deep in side that we have fears and insecurities about.
Profile Image for iliana G.
1,699 reviews27 followers
November 21, 2015
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.



Stephen and Kathy have to fight for their relationship.

Insecurities ,llies,love and miracles all in a few pages!


I have to say that this book is so freaking sweet that it will make your heart burst with love.

Fast paced this short story will bring a smile to your face.

I am a huge fun of the Black Hills Wolves series and this short christmas story won't dissappoint you!!!!
Profile Image for Jolene.
686 reviews
November 11, 2015
Read this in one sitting. Kate had so many issues to work through, but luckily she had Stephen at least until he started acting weird. Hated what came between them but wait...... what comes next for Kate and Stephen.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Hokanson.
1,694 reviews35 followers
December 8, 2015
Secrets can destroy
Stephen knows his mate is keeping something from him but how can he confront her when he’s keeping his own secrets. But with secrets comes misunderstandings and just about tears the two apart. Well written and enjoyable story to read.
2 reviews
March 21, 2016
Mediocre

I found it tedious and hard to read, it did not flow for me, I wanted to be immersed and I wasn't
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