Winter's Blush

The Fantasy Maker #2

by Cricket Rohman

Romance, intrigue, dogs, and horses. Who could ask for more? Winn Wahlberg. She needs to get home for Christmas, but fate intervenes … more than once.

The Fantasy Maker strikes an agreement with Clay Washington. All he needs to do is escort a young woman around Denver for five days. After that, he will receive his own fantasy vacation. What’s the catch? He must pretend to be someone he’s not.

Winn, a gal who’s never left Yuma, Arizona, is thrilled to visit a big city and experience snow for the first time in her life. But when her escort shows up late, then gets into a fistfight, second thoughts creep in. He harbors a phobia; she hides a secret. Despite their differences, they cannot deny the passion that ignites as their relationship deepens. And they are having the time of their life dining with a pirate, eating cake backstage with actors, and a lucky dog.

The Fantasy Maker mapped out an amazing week for Winn, but real life altered those plans. Their adventure is soon eclipsed by danger. Is their enemy Mother Nature or something far more evil? What do they need? A Christmas miracle.

What readers are saying about Winter’s Blush…

"The author managed to include so many things I Denver, Telluride, mountains, rescue dogs, hiking, therapy horses, life-threatening danger, and yes, some romance. A quick and entertaining read that ends on Christmas Day. " JRS

"Such a good book! I loved the premise of the fantasies being given out to worthy applicants." AMF

"The storyline is well written and engaging, with secrets, mystery, suspense, a stalker, and a wonderful romance." HW

180 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 2017

About the author

Cricket Rohman grew up in Estes Park, Colorado among deer, elk, bobcats, and beautiful blue columbine.

She is a full-time author and recently released Book 4 in the McAllister Brothers series. (Western Romance, Action-Adventure) titled WILD WEDDINGS.

Her creative endeavors began when she headed down the mountain to attend college in Greeley, Colorado and took up playing the guitar and singing with her brilliant brother’s folk groups, The Sundowners and Friendship Sloop. During these singing years she was bitten by the show-biz bug and appeared in a few TV pilots, numerous commercials, and theatrical voice-overs.

Before becoming a full-time author of Romantic Mystery, Women's Fiction, Action-Adventure, Cricket’s career path included the following jobs: audio/video producer, classroom teacher, school principal, and University of Arizona-College of Education assistant professor.

Cricket's best known novels are the books in The Lindsey Lark Series.
Book 1 WANTED: AN HONEST MAN
Book 2 LETTERS, LOVERS, & LIES
Book 3 HIT THE ROAD, JAKE!

And, yes. Cricket’s novels are fiction . . . Really! (OK, except the part about the dog; she really had a dog like Wendell, the mastiff in this series.)

Visit her website to see all of her books and much, much more. http://www.cricketrohman.com

Reviews

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5\5.0

Cricket Rohman writes such delightful tales of love, mystery, life, and pooches.

Winter’s Blush, part of the Fantasy Maker series, mixes two fantasy contestants into one tale.

Winn works as a nursing home caregiver in Yuma, AZ. She longs to experience life in the city.

Clay dreads working on the family farm, especially now that his father started raising chickens. He longs to build his own life.

When they come together, with the help of the mysterious Fantasy Maker, their lives will never be the same.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Clay and Winn make a cute couple. We see their flaws early in Clay’s temper and Winn’s naive, timid personality. These flaws highlight the growth the characters show by the end of the story.

Lucky, the rescue dog, plays a prominent role in Winter’s Blush. I so love a great dog character in my books. Lucky protects, defends, and demands ear rubs.

Once again, we meet Martin from the Fantasy Maker Company, but no clues to the identity of the “big boss”.

I went into this book without even reading the trailer, so was pleasantly surprised by the Christmas theme. With the tale taking place over such a short period of time, this story truly is love at first sight.

I recommend Winter’s Blush to lovers of romance with a side of mystery. Now, I’m off to read the next in the series.

This review is my honest, unbiased opinion of a digital book I received from the author.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Blush
by Cricket Rohman

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Twenty-year-old Winn Wahlberg from Arizona wants to experience the vacation of a lifetime. After applying for and winning a fantasy from The Fantasy Maker organization, she begins to experience city life. Lying in store for her will be an escort to show her a five-day fantasy vacation in Denver.
Clay Washington is the escort, assigned to be her guide to show Winn the sights and smells of Denver. Getting off to a wobbly start, Clay has a fantasy of his own waiting to be fulfilled; for that to become a reality, he must complete the days accompanying Winn on an out-of-this-world itinerary.

Things don't go as planned, and the couple finds themselves drawn to one another, making instantaneous decisions that could change the course of their lives. Can they both forget their past and venture into the future that beckons them?

Winter's Blush can be read as a standalone but also accompanies the other books in The Fantasy maker series. I loved this book and the whole idea behind the organization. Winn, at face value, is inexperienced and naïve, but underneath is a swarm of knowledge and information that she puts to good use. Her life's dream sweeps her away, opening her eyes to how the other side lives, drastically different from her sheltered lifestyle at home.

Cricket Rohman has written a sweet yet exciting Christmas-filled romance completed by an appropriately stunning cover. A story of overcoming fears and trepidations and in reading, we uncover the tender reason behind the title. Winter's Blush is a great read any time of the year but especially perfect on a chilly day, wrapped up in a blanket with a hot drink.
I rate Winter's Blush 5 out of 5 stars.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Romance with a Twist or Two

What an unusual Christmas romance! Winn from Yuma, Arizona, has been given a fantasy vacation in Denver by the Fantasy Maker. She wants to experience city life. That is very nearly derailed on her first night when, her escort being late, she is approached by a man in a bar who attempts to drug her and do bad things. Luckily, the escort, Clay, shows up and dispatches the man rather quickly. Winn and Clay are absolutely adorable together. Clay is acting as her escort so that he may win his fantasy from the Fantasy Makers. So he has to pretend to be a suave metrosexual taking this inexperienced country women on the city tour of her dreams. Some parts of their interaction had me laughing out loud, like in a section told from his perspective when they're out for her big shopping day, and he describes her as trying to choose between two silk blouses that he can see no difference between. That sounds so much like a guy! But surprisingly for a holiday romance, or any romance, this book has a slightly darker edge with a bit of suspense. There's a stalker aspect as well as a human trafficking aspect, but the author has interwoven them so well that it doesn't detract from the fantasy and romance aspects of the book. I love a good mystery, whether straight up or as a part of romantic suspense, and this one did keep me guessing. I love that. If you're looking for something a little different in your holiday romances, this book may very well fill the bill.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter (Winn) Whalberg was a twenty year old caregiver from Yuma, AZ who had won a fantasy vacation in Denver, CO. She wanted to know what city life was like and the Fantasy Maker provided her with an escort, cash, a shopping spree and an itinerary of prearranged events. Clay Washington had also won a fantasy vacation. He wanted to work on a ranch that rehabilitated horses, but in order to get that, he had to act Winter’s escort. When he was late for their initial rendezvous, Winn was approached by a mans she thought was him, and after a frightening and unpleasant encounter, she and clay met. They enjoy their time together, save a life, fall in love and have multple adventures. When danger strikes, a little rescue dog saves the day. Winn and Clay are flawed, have family issues, and that their relationship has its challenges, giving their characters depth and authenticity. I love this series. The stories are lighthearted with a touch of darkness, and the author gives enough hints to keep the tension high, but not enough information to predict the twist. After all, who doesn’t like a story where two people fall in love in only a few days, and a mysterious benefactor makes their most cherished dream come true?!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book! I loved the premise of the fantasies being given out to worthy applicants. So original! I also really liked the mystery that was woven throughout the entire book. I am usually quite good at figuring out the who and why of a romantic mystery but this one had me second-guessing myself constantly. Is there a threat? Is it all part of the fantasy? I also went from liking Winn and Clay a lot to not liking them and then back to really feeling good about them! Such a topsy-turvy range of emotion. Only a good writer can pull that off. And a bonus...a rescued dog!! Fantastic!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winn won a fantasy tour week in Denver, to see snow and experience city life, away from her Yuma Arizona background. Clay is supposed to be her guide and then he will win his fantasy tour afterwards, but he is running really late and almost is not there in time to protect her from a jerk who drugs her. The characters are terrific, with great backstories and dialogue, situations and intense feelings. The storyline has plenty of drama, surprises, danger, nature issues, a rescue dog, horses and much more. Loved the chemistry and outlook the two share. The ending was totally unexpected and wonderful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had some Christmas magic with Win and Clay winning fantasy vacations. He had to help with hers first in order to earn his. I don’t think Win really knew what she wanted. She liked going to Denver, shopping, and seeing the snow, but she seemed much happier with Clay’s fantasy of running a therapy horse ranch. I loved that aspect of this story and the protective dog Lucky they rescued. There were some crazy side stories with a stalker and human trafficking. This was a nice Christmas romance with several sweet, scary, and funny moments.

[Jerome A.gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read fiction very often so I hesitated to begin WINTER’S BLUSH. The cover led me to believe this might be one of those gushy romance books. Boy, was I wrong.

Once I began to read, I finished it in one sitting. The author managed to include so many things I like: Denver, Telluride, mountains, rescue dogs, hiking, therapy horses, life-threatening danger, and yes, some romance. A quick and entertaining read that ends on Christmas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From one fantasy to another to a brand new life.
The characters in this story are young a bit naïve and immature but they had so much heart and kindness in them it was a pure pleasure to read this story. The Fantasy Makers really worked overtime on this one. There is a bit of danger, an excellent dog as a main character, and with a lovely romance that allows you to end up with a very entertaining tale. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winn & Clay both win dream vacations, as long as they are each other companions in their trips. For WInn, her vacation is to experience the city, but there is danger that follows her and it is Clay who ends up saving her. As they fulfill her dream, teh relationship start to change, and then when they go to Clay's vacation, she discovers that her dream might have just changed to follow CLay,

This is a great love story with a bit of intrigue and suspense to get you rooted to your seat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Blush is the second book in The Fantasy Maker series. I loved this short story and the idea of giving a fantasy being awarded to a worthy person. The storyline is well written and engaging, with secrets, mystery, suspense, a stalker, and a wonderful romance. The characters are well developed and interesting people that have great chemistry and try to be good people. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Michaela|Reading in the Heartland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this book. While I like the characters and heir backstories, the settings, and the plot, I just didn’t feel this book. I don’t know if it was the writing style or the perspectives written from, or lack thereof. It just felt a bit choppy. However, because the actual idea and info itself was good, three stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun read. Winn has come to Denver on a Fantasy Maker vacation and is escorted by Clay. Clay is there to escort Winn before leaving on his Fantasy Maker vacation. Easy right, wrong. Clay and Winn both have secrets and are finding they are attracted to each other. When Winn misses her flight she joins Clay on his Fantasy Maker vacation and even more surprises arise. This is a fun read and has a few twists and turns to add to the fun

[Andrea Barth-Leidinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter and Clay.
The Fantasy Maker is meddling again. This time to the delight of Clay and Winter. From City life to Colorado Horse Ranch, from Airport to Road-trip. From Luxury Hotels to mountain cabin. From tea after the Theater to solving crimes.
For me it isn’t the best book I ever read from Cricket Rohman, but it’s a nice little Christmas story to pass a couple hours…

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lala Corriere · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that there is always a dog, but so much more. In this book, Cricket presents us with a naive young woman from a small town who ventures out to explore city life. Without giving much away, she falls into a trap way too quickly! And just like that, a quirky man is there to save her from big trouble. The unraveling of the tale rolls off like butter. Fascinating twists and turns. Delightful read, as always.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winn is a nurse and wins her dream holiday from the Fantasy Maker. However, almost everything goes wrong.
Clay has to escort someone in exchange for his dream holiday.
It took me a while to get into the story, but once I did, I enjoyed it. There is some mystery about Winn’s stalker that isn't very clear until near the end.
I loved the end of the book. It was totally unexpected.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy Maker is making dreams come true with Winn(Winter) and Clay as they bungle their way through their fantasies. She ends up being stalked by sex traders, they get a dog, they extend their vacation, fall in love and so much more! Fun read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book! This was something different I hadn't read before and I loved how it's a story centered around giving a fantasy vacation to some one deserving. Add in a bit of mystery with the romance and you have a great, attention grabbing book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter wins a Fantasy Vacation to a big city to see snow for the first time, but she doesn't expect to fall in love and have her dreams come true. I loved this sweet romance! Winn and Clay fall in love, adopt a dog and find adventure on a ranch for rescued horses.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robert Ruesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, author Cricket Rohman hits a home run with a great read. If you have ever thought about your dream coming true, this book is one to curl up in the corner and read: suspense, surprise, excitement, and happiness, just the ticket for an evening alone with yourself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Cricket Rohman; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really enjoyable quick read. What a great storyline. Along side the romance it contains mystery with twists and turns that kept me reading until the end. Definitely a must read. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read I enjoyed the well developed and engaging characters and the storyline flowed smoothly from the beginning to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Fantasy Maker series a well written story it is a short quick read that I enjoyed reading. This is anew Author to me, I now want to read the first book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

might lies and deceptions work with mother nature to make romance? maybe dangers and death are more likely

suspense and deceptions filled romance

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly Whitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely got better as it went on. At the beginning, I wasn't even sure I would finish it. I'm so glad I did though! It actually turned into a really good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read! I could not put it down it was that good!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winn Wahlberg has always lived in Arizona. So winning her Fantasy Maker vacation and going to Denver for 5 days is a thrill. Now she sat alone at a table in a Denver hotel, waiting for a stranger to arrive. Her escort was almost an hour late. The Fantasy Maker was providing her a tour guide to help her live out her fantasy of experiencing city life (and snow for the first time). Then a man asked to join her and ordered them drinks. He got up to get the drinks – she still didn’t know his name – and her “plain coke” she ordered tasted odd!

Clay Washington raced from the train and took a cab to the hotel to change into his clothing for the evening. He was already 90 minutes late and not sure she would still be waiting for him. He spotted the woman with the long red hair from the photo he had been provided – but she wasn’t alone? She stood and looked kind of shaky, and the man grabbed her arm, insisting on taking her to her room. Clay watched the floor they went to and raced up the stairs. He had a feeling Winn was in trouble. The man was forcing Winn into the room, then he heard her scream and ran in to punch the guy and toss him out. He gave her some space while she was getting sick, then asked if she needed a doctor. They were supposed to go out to dinner and a movie, but Winn preferred to stay in her room and have a meal with him. He was handsome and flirted lightly. He was very kind to her and made her comfortable. Then he left, telling her to relax and get some sleep for the big day tomorrow.

The next morning, Clay had set up her breakfast in her room! He pointed to the connecting doors he had discovered. Then he told her they were shopping for her wardrobe today. He had never shopped with a woman, but he relaxed her and gave his opinion on her choices. She bought so much that he had a limo take the clothing back to the hotel while they continued on. He pointed to the Rhinestone Cowboy and told her what a fake he was – and she asked what a city boy would know about a country fake? During her fantasy week, he was to play the part of an authentic, sophisticated city dweller, not a Kansas farm boy. He realized his mistake, and the charade was harder than he expected. Winn was a sweet young woman and lying to her went against his principles, pretending to be someone he was not. But the itinerary they gave him was very specific about his part in her fantasy in order to win his own.

Realizing her fantasy week is almost over, Winn knows she has to get home for Christmas. But things happen, fate steps in and she is put in real danger – is it just an inconvenience of Mother Nature or is there a true threat that would drastically change her life? Who will be able to save her?

This was a cute story. I loved the way Clay made Winn’s stay so enjoyable. He made it look so natural and easy, even though he was making it up as he went along! There are definite surprises in store for the reader! You won’t want to miss this one!

[KL Cassanello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay is going to escort someone around Denver for a few days in exchange for his dream vacation. Winn won her dream vacation in the city, and Clay is her escort. They have some interesting adventures in their short time together, including the adoption of Lucky the dog. Lucky turns out to be a great judge of people's character. When they are stuck in a snowstorm while hiking, they finally are able to honestly answer each others' questions. There's a bit of real danger and suspense with someone who's stalking Winn, but that does not overshadow the sweet romance that's blossoming between Winn and Clay. My favorite thing in the story is that Winn's first expenditure from her Fantasy Maker spending money is a donation to the dog rescue. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.