Tess escapes from Florida with a secret as big as Miami. She needs to find someplace to lay low and hide from her overbearing family. Mackinac Island, Michigan, should be the perfect place to hide out. However, her timing is a little off, it's the dead of winter and she's never been in temperatures below fifty degrees. Just her luck, her landlord, Lukas, is as hot as the sun. He's also moody and hiding secrets as well. Which suits Tess fine. A man is the last complication she needs. A Michigan blizzard leaves them trapped in the same house together and things heat up, fast. Tess finds herself falling for Lukas, in spite of the secrets that could ruin everything before it even begins.
Maybe 2.5 Stars. Quick read. Quick romance. Likable characters. I wished the characters were explored more. They have these intense backstories that were superficially touched on. I wanted to like it more, and kept reading hoping for more. Also, the ending was way too rushed. I wanted more! But I do enjoy series, and these characters were likable enough, so I may see if I like the next book and next couple, and hope to get a peek at where Tess and Lukas go next.
WOW! I loved this story and it is a great beginning to what promises to be a great series! Lukas suffered through an unimaginably difficult tragedy which led to his divorce and has made him turn his heart to stone when it comes to relationships and love. He lives on a small isolated part of Michigan that in the winter is only accessible by snowmobile and he likes the solitude just fine. Tess is a rich party girl from Florida who needs to get away from her family and friends due to a secret she is hiding and decides that taking a teaching job in an isolated area in Michigan is just what she needs. This little town has the most amazing people who love each other and are always their for their neighbors. They take Tess in and make her one of them. Lukas does the principal of the school a favor and rents the cottage house on his property to Tess, but the moment he meets her, he is thinking it wasn't the best decision for him or his heart. I loved how the townspeople were all such important parts of the story! Lukas' friends were so amazing and knew what he needed, even if he didn't know or wouldn't admit it. Super start to the series and lays a great foundation for the rest.
I enjoyed reading Snowfall and Secrets is a cute romance, once in a while I love sweet love stories. Tess and Lucas go through so much. I love these two together. 4 star read ****
Even putting aside the narrator mispronouncing Mackinac Island, this story still has some shortcomings. I think the basic premise of the story is good, but the author needed to add more character and relationship development.
Also…I found this book through a sponsored social media ad (they all apparently know my affection for the secret baby trope 😬), but what you get is not what the advertisement synopsis says - the hero isn’t grumpy, and his mother is not the heroine’s doctor. The synopsis here on Goodreads is what you actually get. And I can’t decide if I have good cause to be salty about it or not. On one hand I should do my due diligence in researching a book, but on the other it was a SPONSORED AD. The link takes you to the author’s website.
Anyway…this is a whole series, and I’ll probably listen to at least the next one to see if I want to listen to the rest of the series.
The story was just okay. Something about the writing didn’t really work for me. And the hero said asshat stuff the heroine didn’t call him out for. They both kept their secrets for way too long, especially the heroine.
I might try the next book in the series, but I’m not sure yet.
The plot in this book didn't involve much. The main characters meet, there is attraction, lust. Their relationship quickly turns intimate. She has a secret, he finds out, they part for a minute and then make up. The characters were likable. Loved the dog! I won't be coming back to this author or series purely based on my personal preferences for sweeter romances. Content: swearing, sex behind closed doors, innuendo, kissing, talk of sleeping around, rape.
There wasn't much I liked about this besides his Doberman dog and her snow booties. The female mc Tess is running away from her life, and staying in Lukas's carriage house all while starting a new teachers position. Lukas has secrets and demons of his own and although it's glossed over, he's a millionaire fudge maker?!
Whatever. This was too rushed, and too much baggage for my taste. The ending was also far too rushed.
I'm 5% done with Snowfall and Secrets: Are these characters for real? And why do people think calling a woman’s breasts a ‘rack’ is a compliment? Its demeaning and ugly.
The woman is an utter idiot - she turns up dressed in clothes that are TOTALLY wrong for the weather and nearly gets frostbite. Idiot. Can she not read a weather chart? And she is supposed to be a teacher??? rolls eyes here.
Did not finish. Poorly written with many, MANY grammatical mistakes. It was so bad I want to give it a 0 but that's not possible so I give it a 1.
SPOILER: I don't like how the author flippantly and briefly mentions critical plot points, like how the h doesn't know who the father of her unborn child is. I couldn't read past that point.
After learning that she's pregnant, Tess flees to Michigan where the weather is totally opposite to what she's used to in Florida. If she doesn't freeze first because she's unprepared for how cold her new town is, then she's likely to spontaneously combust once she meets the handsome Lukas, her new landlord. Determined to hide out in Michigan to keep her judgmental mother from learning the truth about her being knocked up, she works hard and gains new friends along the way that actually treat her with respect. Something she hasn't had from many of the people in her life.
Lukas knows he should keep his distance from Tess, because she's everything he would want in a woman, if he was looking for a relationship. But a tragic accident in his past, which lost him two people he loved dearly has left him with a stack of guilt that he can't seem to let go of. He's decided he'd rather be alone for the rest of his life than unload his emotional baggage onto someone else. Yet, there's something about Tess that makes him want to give forever after another chance, if he can overcome his past.
What an emotionally charged, fast-paced, captivating read Ms. Quinn has penned in this first story of her Omega Mu Alpha Brothers series, encompassing a heroine needing somewhere to hide out while making some important decisions for her future and a hero needing to overcome his past to have a chance at a future with the heroine. I really liked how this story started, as Tess was shocked by how different the weather is in Michigan and Lukas gives her a lecture on her clothing. It was actually funny the way she reacts when he gives her orders, so she doesn't end up with frostbite.
This story was well-written and had a nice blend of intense and playful dialogue. Tess really isn't afraid to give her opinion. Indeed, she can get quite feisty, especially the moment when Lukas confronts her after her first day at work. Lukas treats Tess differently than the men she's been with, which is proven from Tess's point of view. She's not used to men thinking of her as anything more than a good time.
I really liked both main characters. Their back stories were intriguing, and the major obstacle they had to overcome was tough, especially when Lukas doesn't want kids and Tess is pregnant. Yet, I liked that Lukas faced his fears because Tess was more important to him than, not being able to forgive himself for his past mistakes. Indeed, both Tess and Lukas grow throughout this story by facing their fears which includes Tess's decision about her baby's future and Lukas finally realizing that what happened in his past wasn't his fault.
Tess is strong, brave and tenacious. She's determined to make a good life for herself in Michigan without anyone judging her -- most especially her family -- for what they believe is her recurrent lack in judgment. She's also hard-working and would make a great mother, as she's good with kids being a teacher. While Lukas, he's kind and caring the way he welcomes Tess to Mackinac Island, although he thinks it's probably in his best interest to avoid her. But what I liked most was how the secondary characters encouraged Lukas to move on, to help him see that he should stop punishing himself for his past.
Overall, this was an incredible read where the couple's chemistry was intense, and the romance was filled with strong kissing moments. Yet, the author kept the sex scenes to behind closed doors. The ending wrapped this story up nicely, because Lukas proved how much he wanted Tess in his life and it was cute what Lukas's dog did when they kissed. I would recommend Snowfall and secrets, especially if you enjoy characters that need each other to heal from their pasts.
Miami, Florida has been the home of Tess until she decides for a change of scenery and escapes the warm weather for freezing cold temperatures in Mackinac Island, Michigan. Tess jumps on a plane and moves north to start a new job and a new life. When she arrives in Michigan she is faced with a sexy landlord named Lukas. Her new boss sent Lukas to pick her up at the airport since the roads were covered in snow and she would not be able to drive on them. She has a new beginning in a new town that is extremely cold this time of year. Tess wasn’t quite prepared for the weather or for the H.O.T. Lukas. Tess moved away from her family and friends because she has a secret that she does not want anyone to find out. She feels that moving to a new place will help her keep her secret hidden and won’t have to answer questions from her nosey mom. Tess has a past that was a little wild and she doesn’t want to live like that anymore. She wants to be able to be herself without criticism. The town takes Tess in and takes care of her like she has been there all her life. Lukas has lived on Mackinac Island all his life and everyone knows his dark secret except the new sexy woman named, Tess. He can’t quit thinking about her. He keeps an eye on her at a distance most of the time because he is scared to love again. Lukas thinks his past will keep him from having a future especially with Tess. What an inspiring love story. I absolutely loved the book and cannot wait to read the next one. Fantastic read…
This started of so promising, so fun and light with instant chemistry between Lukas and Tess. Tess is a new-in-town, young gorgeous teacher. Lukas is her landlord, successful and pretty open. I really enjoyed their witty talks and how playful they were. But both of them have been through difficult situations, have secrets and feel guilty.
I was immidiately drawn into this cute romance, with its likeable characters and the lovely setting. The snowed inn island and the small town community really had me.
And then the storyline developed in a strange way. What happened to her is really a big deal but is not treated as such, which really bothers me. They both act somewhat irrational a few times and then it ended just too rushed and the cheesiest way possible.
It was well written though and cute enough, so I might give the next book a try.
Christmas romance but with kind of a sordid back story. Not to give it away, but I disagreed with the main character's handling of her situation and not reporting what happened to her, then hiding it from a new person in her life, as well as so rapidly falling into a relationship. This is a part of a series, and I'm guessing each story in the series (one for each fraternity brother) will have a similar approach.
Ok enjoyed.... if I don’t think about it too much Educated woman...who parties n has sex...not on pill ?...I’d be straight down the docs if I realised that had happened.... morning after pill? Didn’t realise rape? .....
I started listening to this as an audiobook. My biggest issue is that this is listed as clean and wholesome but has swearing. That should be disclosed if you're including it in the clean and wholesome category as some people listening to that type of book don't want swearing.
Also, the narrator did not pronounce Mackinac correctly. She was a good narrator otherwise.
Huh, This was a good story, it just board lined on the edge of too much. It didn't go over that line because it never showed a bedroom scene so I may try the next book.
Met my reading needs when faced with 6 hour delay and recently completed novel. Free download from Amazon. Little plot or character development. I guess romance isn't my preferred genre.
I loved reading about my home state. The editing errors were a bit distracting. I am not usually a fan of stories about millionaires, but Lukas and his frat brothers are not stereotypes. I look forward to reading more from Jimmy Loth.
Okay, I really wanted to like this book. It was cute, quirky, features a main character who is a TEACHER and takes place on MACKINAC ISLAND?! Sign me up! How did this all go so wrong, you ask?
I'll tell you: not enough substance and poorly assembled plot.
This story takes place over the course of like month. A MONTH. Tess is pregnant after being drugged at a party, looking for a fresh start. Lukas is a man who definitely doesn't act his age who has this horrible secret that honestly just seemed to APPEAR. I know there was lots of lead up and little hints and such, but this entire book felt like this pattern:
1) mutual, unspoken attraction but refusal to follow through 2) lots of touching and hand-holding and awkward flirting 3) a weird amount of convincing each other they should follow through on their flirting 4) a COPIOUS amount of inner monologue about how following through on flirting would only lead to disaster due to some mysterious past event 5) repeat until the end
These characters had POTENTIAL. They could have BEEN SOMETHING. There's even an adorable DOG, for crying out loud! But everything felt so rushed, so focused on fulfilling the above recipe and pattern that there wasn't enough time to really get to KNOW these people.
I like fluff, but this was flavorless fluff.
Also, some other points:
- As a teacher, I can say with certainty, Chris Whitters would have been FIRED long ago. English teachers are a dime a dozen, even in the wintery north yall. - Lukas makes fudge. That's it? Really? What's he doing on his computer all the time? Surely contacting people making orders and setting up delivery isn't that intense. - The Grand Hotel did not make enough of an appearance. I also felt there was a missed opportunity to have the lilac festival. - The whole millionaires bet was stupid and cringe-worthy. Even with the attempt to point out how hard one of the frat boys worked because he wasn't a legacy just dripped of obnoxious privilege. The fact that Tess didn't even say "Yeah, that is kind of obnoxious" made me like her a lot less, even if it wasn't a deal breaker for her.
This book just felt so flat, and I really kept waiting for some depth to occur, which it kind of did in like the last 10 pages, but by then, I was so annoyed watching these two pointlessly dance around each other and spout off these overly flowery sentiments that did not feel genuine at all, that I couldn't bring myself to care.
This was a free book, so I'm really glad that the only thing I wasted on this book was time. And learned a little bit more about what I DON'T like to read.
So I am reading another new (to me) author today and I honestly don't think that I have had such a visceral response to three characters in my life and one you never even "meet"! Well let me tell you the story…
Tess is running, from her overbearing family and from a horrible night that left her with unforeseen consequences. But this Miami native was not prepared for the weather of Mackinac Island, Michigan! More was she expecting the super hot but moody landlord Lukas. But as Tess reminds herself, she is not here to fin love, lust or a quick fling! She has a huge decision to make! But for the moment it is her secret to keep.
Lukas has his own secrets that he wants to keep hidden, but he is undeniably attracted to his new tenant Tess. But he is sure that will be all put to rights when the women of the Island will fill him in on what type of a man he is.
But with his dog and the two mother figures in his life pushing them together; Lukas finally has hope that he has a chance at love again….until secrets come crashing down and suck him back into that black hole. And you are left wondering if Lukas and Tess will ever find each other again!
Okay, so I want to start with a couple of warnings! Drugged rape and the death of children are both mentioned in this book! None are described in detail or feature in the present day plot of this book, but because they are mentioned in the past tense, I would really be careful about letting under 18's read this book.
Now where it comes to the plot , it is a beautiful and sweet with heart breaking history for both of our lead characters. I love how the author has managed to entwine these two damaged characters tale into such a an endearing and heartwarming story, with such beautiful writing, the only thing I wish was that it continued on and not just stop as abruptly as it did.
Now there are a few characters in this story but other than Lukas surrogate mothers Estelle and Marie; there were just 3 characters that stood out the most. Of course 2 of them were Tess and Lukas! With there hard shells and undeniable attraction to each other! I simply loved them! But there is always at least one bad apple in a book, but Tess's mother repulsed me in ways that I cannot explain, as I would totally giveaway the whole story line of this book! But I really don't even think that she should be called a mother!
“Snowfall and Secrets” by Kierra Quinn is part of the ‘Omega Mu Alpha Brothers’ and follows Tess, who has fled to frigid Mackinac Island, far away from the warm climes of Florida, where her mother and four sisters are thriving. Lukas isn’t sure how the clueless new teacher is going to survive in the distinctly non-tropical weather, but both he and his dog Dio are going to do everything they can to keep her happy. Unfortunately, Lukas doesn’t believe that he deserves happiness and Tess has her own secrets that may keep her from getting too comfortable with her new position, despite everyone’s best efforts.
This lovely contemporary romance draws one in immediately (be warned, you may suddenly have a need for hot chocolate, lol) and introduces characters with such realism that one develops an instant rapport with them, enhanced by the wry humor that marks the beginning of the story. I’m always a sucker for animals in a story and I adore Dio and the story of Lukas and his fraternity brothers. It was impressive to me that such pertinent and heartbreaking issues were addressed in such a sensitive yet relevant manner and I was engrossed in the story as it picked up momentum. The secondary characters provided excellent depth to the story and I daresay several of them will have roles in subsequent tales in the series. Be warned that a tissue or two will be probably be needed and the ending is a little abrupt to me but I have definitely added a new author’s name to my list of those to watch and I look forward to reading about the other guys in the Omega Mu Alpha fraternity.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review