Winter's Last Chance

Brotherhood Protectors World

by Stacey Wilk

Serra Weston fled her life in New York City with a deadly secret and returned to her family’s ranch in Montana to hide. A decision that jeopardizes her brother and their guests when a killer dressed like Santa opens fire at their annual Christmas Eve party.
Lincoln Smith spent his life guarding his country, his clients, and his heart. He denied himself everything else – including Serra. He only wants a glimpse of her at the party. Nothing more. But when Santa tries to kill the only woman he ever loved, Lincoln does what he was trained to do.
Seeking refuge in his cabin in the town of Winter, Lincoln vows to protect Serra even if it means dropping the shield around his heart. She had never wanted to see him again, but Serra can’t escape her true feelings. Just as passion finds a new path the killer finds them.
With only hours to spare, Lincoln must forgive himself for past mistakes or he and Serra will lose their last chance for survival – and love.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2018

About the author

From an early age, Stacey Wilk told tales as a way to escape. At six she wrote short stories in composition notebooks, at twelve she wrote a novel on a typewriter, in high school biology she wrote rock star romances in her binder instead of paying attention.

But it wasn’t until many years later, inspired by her children and a looming birthday, that she finally took her story-telling seriously. And published her first novel in 2013. Since then, she’s gone on to publish fourteen more so women everywhere could fall in love and find an escape of their own.

She isn’t done telling stories. Not by a long shot. If you want to read her emotional and honest books about family, romance, and second chances, visit her at www.staceywilk.com

To see what she writes next, follow her Facebook group for her amazing readers – Stacey’s Novel Family https://bit.ly/2FK8Lae
Or join her newsletter - https://bit.ly/2A0jEFk

Reviews

[Marie Vayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed most of the Brotherhood Protector series... but this one left alot to be desired. The two have a history and do pretty much nothing but fight and argue all the way through until close to the end when they realize they love each other. Serra turned info over to the FBI now she has a super bad guy after her. So two times he finds her but his assassin fails to kill her, and then he gives up? the story just ends when the two are in the hospital....just drops it. makes no sense.... It was a rush job to be published and left alot of holes and unanswered questions....

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serra Weston is back in Eagle Rock, Montana. She had been living in New York, working for a small art gallery when she noticed inconsistencies in art that was sold for unusual amounts. After gathering evidence in what she guessed was money laundering, she sent her evidence to the F.B.I., quit her job and returned to her family’s ranch. Had Lincoln Smith, her first love, returned to town? He broke her heart when he left her and joined the military making it clear that he was moving on without her. Serra is enjoying their annual Christmas Eve party when to her horror, a Santa arrives and begins shooting at the guests. Lincoln, who now works for Hank Patterson of the Brotherhood Protectors, removes Serra from the room as he realizes the shooter is targeting her. Getting her to safety, Serra refuses to tell him who would want her dead. Linc and his brotherhood teammates will investigate and put their lives on the line to protect her. I really enjoyed this latest addition to the Brotherhood Protectors, although I found it odd that Serra, knowing that her life was in jeopardy, would not only refuse to tell Linc about her past in New York but continue to question every step that he made to protect her. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[S Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serra has returned home after years away. Broken hearted after her childhood love Lincoln breaks up with her and joins the military, she moves from small town Montana to New York City to build a new life. When she accidentally comes acros illegal activities at the art gallery she manages, she reports the scheme and runs home.

Once there, she sees Lincoln for the first time in years and all of her old feelings for him return. Little does she know that trouble has followed her home.

In the fifteen years apart, Lincoln served as an army Ranger, left the military and began bodyguard work. With Serra in trouble he is just the man to keep her safe, but can he keep his hands off of her?

Lincoln is a strong alpha character. Serra is independent and sassy, and perhaps a bit mean to Lincoln, trying to protect herself from more heartbreak. Watching them work toward their happily ever after was a pleasant read. The book did end a bit abruptly, with our couple recovering from their adventures and with the potential for further problems chasing them.

Readers who enjoy strong female characters mixed with alpha men and a dash of intrigue will enjoy this story.

This is a voluntary review of an ARC of the story.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter’s Last Chance is a suspenseful romance set within the Brotherhood Protectors world. Serra has just returned back to her hometown, but she’s hiding a dark secret that could place everyone she loves in danger. When that danger shows up at her brother’s Christmas Eve party dressed as Santa, none other than her ex, Lincoln, steps in to save her life. Now Serra and Lincoln are on the run, but with their past clouding their current judgement, can Lincoln keep Serra safe? Could they possibly find a happy ending?

Oh my! This book was action packed, full of some angst from their past relationship, but also full of hope for a second chance, and a tiny bit of Christmas magic. I wanted to smack Lincoln and Serra upside the head more than once while reading through this book, but I also couldn’t help but love them individually and as a couple. He pushed her away due to his insecurities and she left due to her broken heart, and their communication totally sucked, but I loved when the big alpha, tough guy finally opened up to the scared and lonely lady. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Wilk and I really enjoyed it! There were beautiful descriptions, engaging action, and plenty of second chance romance to keep me turning pages and wanting more!

[Ronel Olver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent story line but I was left wanting more. Spoilers- later in review

This is the first book I have read by Stacey Wilk. The overall story line / idea is excellent but it is not as complex, in depth and detailed as it could have been. I found the story a bit short and I think it would have been a 5 star book, had the author embellished on the story and in particular the crime and ending. The end was rather abrupt without a real resolve.

Serra works for an art gallery and discovers some money laundering. She sends the information to the FBI, quits her job and moves back home. Later it comes to light that the gallery was run by a crime family and this is the reason the "Santa" was hired to kill her. She is saved and protected by her first love, Lincoln, who broke her heart years earlier. Serra refuses to tell anyone why someone is trying to kill her and Lincoln ends up accusing her of being involved in the crime. After hiding out in for a while they encounter a hit man and the story ends rather unsatisfactorily and left me wanting more.

It was an easy read and I hope the author writes a followup. I am leaving this review voluntarily for receiving a ARC copy.

[Denise H · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Brotherhood Protectors world is one of my favorite multi-author crossover series and I have enjoyed a lot of the stories and found some lovely new authors to read. However, since these additional stories are more novella-like some end up feeling more rushed and choppy and lack the depth needed to really suck you into the story and give you a connection to the characters. Sadly I have to say that this read fell into that category.

The overall storyline was a good concept but the execution of the story fell flat. The main characters' attitudes were childish and annoying with a lack of real emotion or connection leaving the past relationship unbelievable. Explanations for past actions were ridiculous, apologies lacked feeling, and their reconnecting was awkward and uncomfortable. And there were many, many, many scenes that were disconnected and just jump forward, mid-thought almost, to another scene without completion and a lot of unanswered questions on the plot of the book. And then there is the ending – I was more than annoyed – at the fact that it just stops!!! No true resolution, wrap-up, nothing! Just done, mid-stream, and again no feeling of character connections or true love. I was really disappointed with this one.

[Tracy Quoka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a voluntary and honest review. This is a novella that is part of the Brotherhood Protectors world. I have read a handful as I like a lot of the authors that have contributed to the series, besides the creator Elle James. This one just didn't hold it for me. I guess because I just didn't like the heroine, Serra. She had a past with her protector Lincoln, they had been a couple in their youth. He broke it off when he joined the Army, and she went to New York City to work in an art gallery. Stuff happened there which brought her home for Christmas, basically to hide. But she didn't want to be honest with anyone what happened, which put her life in danger as well as the guests at her family resort. Lincoln swoops in and saves the day and they rekindle that old flame. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed, as he dispatches with a potential killer, but I felt the ends weren't tied up if there would be more to follow.

[Magali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute with some action
The story is short, clearly cute, and the romance implies sex scenes, but never describes them. I loved the beginning with a heroine, Serra who fled New York after denouncing her boss to the FBI. She returns home, where her brother works and knows she may find her ex boyfriend, Lincoln who had left her for the army. What she does not anticipate is that her New York's problems follow her and a killer decides to strafe the entire assembly on Christmas Eve. Lincoln saves her and is responsible for protecting her. Locked up together, they have time to settle their wounds of the past.
Even though there is action and a little bit of violence, I found the story essentially cute. I was also under the impression that a part of the story was missing as to the resolution of her New York's problem.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of an ARC review. I would have given five stars except I felt the end a bit hanging despite Lincoln assuring Serra that he knows enough people to take care of the bad guy. Serra sends in proof anonymously and runs home. A hit man follows and begins shooting at the Christmas party. Lincoln saves her and they go into hiding. When another hit man is reported on the way, they head down the mountain and crash. The danger they are in cause them to finally admit that the feelings they had fifteen years before is still strong and they say they love each other. More danger and a confrontation with the hit man delay the needed trip to the hospital but Lincoln gets Serra there in time. They will continue to face what they have to but together. Neither are willing to separate again.

[Kathy Constantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and enjoyed all of the author's adult books up to now, and this one did not disappoint. A true indicator for me on whether or not I will like a new book it is how quickly I can't put it down. If by Chapter 3 I want to keep reading, then I know it's a keeper. I was hooked right off on this one.

Spoiler-free comments; this is the story of Serra & Lincoln, high school sweethearts who went separate ways only to find themselves together again due to an extreme situation. Yes, this story has happened before, but Stacey takes it in a unique direction that left me saying "it's over already?" at the end. I honestly was hoping for more. Maybe Ty or Buck will get a story next...and I'll get to see what happens with Serra and Linc. I'm already calling him by his nickname and we just met. Or maybe in Jax's story. Give this story a try; I was not disappointed!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger stalks Serra and threatens her chance to re-ignite the 🔥 flame of💓 romance with Lincoln😱
November 21, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
💞 Really exciting start to this second chance romance set in the ❄ wintry wilds of Montana. Short, sweet, with plenty of danger and drama and a likable pair of protagonists with traumatic, griefstricken pasts. I just did not quite understand the ending which seemed to sweep under the carpet the danger looming over Serra, the heroine, in its effort to give us an HEA.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was good. However, it seemed to just end even though there were questions I had that weren't answered. The blurb didn't say anything about it ending in a cliffhanger. It's annoying when authors don't warn readers of that. I did like the characters of Serra and Lincoln and wanted them to find their way back to each other. If you like second chance romance with a little suspense I would suggest giving this one a try. Just know you'll probably be left with some questions at the end.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serra an Lincoln were in love as teenagers, but things happened and he thought it best to leave her, so he joined the Army. She was devastated. She went to New York to follow a career in art. When she finds something wrong and turns it into the FBI she has to run for her life. Of course she runs into Lincoln again at her parents cabin. There is lots of intrigue, danger and talking about what might have been. Serra was a bit too much, with complaining and whining all the time. Don't know how Lincoln could put up with it.

[Brneyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter’s Last Chance is a fast read and jumps right into the action. Serra is back home and obviously on the run from something. Lincoln is at her family’s Christmas party hoping to catch a glimpse of Serra since it had been many years since they broke up. Things go south quickly and shots are fired. Thus, the adventure begins! I enjoyed the story and characters although they were both frustrating in their stubbornness. Thankfully they start listening and really paying attention to each other while on the run. A fun story! Worth the quick read!
I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This is the first book in this series that I have read. This story moves quickly and has flash back moments to help you understand where Serra and Lincoln were coming from. I didn't really connect with them at the start but soon warmed up to them, I wanted them to sort out their past so that they could be together, but I wanted the story to be developed more as I was left with questions. If this was developed more I would happily re-read and score higher. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In need of thawing...

This is the first book by this author I have read and I really enjoyed it. It's a second-chance story with a dash of danger. Lincoln was a true protector. Serra was strong and intelligent... she did go to the authorities when she found the wrong doings. Yet, I feel like her attitude towards Lincoln need a little "thawing out". Yeah he broke her heart years ago but he was trying to save her life now.

*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book via Hidden Gems which I am voluntarily reviewing*

[Pat Rathmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

FAST MOVING ADVENTURE

Two young lovers reunited after several years of separation. She returns to her home for safety as someone is out to kill her. He has returned when medically discharged from the military and is now working private security. A strange Santa tries to kill her at a family Christmas party. She and her bodyguard take flight to avoid anymore attempts and also we learn who is after her.

[Dawn Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter’s Last Chance by Stacey Wilk was a good story with some action, suspense and some great chemistry. The characters are strong, intriguing and a bit stubborn. Is was a good story but left me wanting a bit more. This was the first book by this author that I have read and thought her writing was pretty good. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Emily Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast story with lots of action. Serra was a great character who had some bad guys after her. What she didn't expect was to have her old boyfriend be her bodyguard. Lincoln was also an interesting character and his own problems with the past. Loved the chemistry and some steam with these two. Great addition to the Brotherhood. Loved it!

[Iris Hehe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Lincoln had known Serra for a long time, but had broken up with her when he joined he army. He and a room full of other people were celebrating a Christmas party when Santa came in with a rifle and began shooting. Lincoln grabbed Serra and ran. He saw the man aim at Serra and had to get her to safety.

[Cynthia L. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln and Serra

A love worth waiting for. Lincoln and Serra had been high school sweethearts. When Lincoln joined the Army and left Serra, it broke her heart. Years later their reunion is action packed. This is a standalone novel in The Brotherhood Protection World 🌎 and it is a joy.

[Katherine Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Chance at Love!

Winter's Last Chance: WOW! Fantastic writing and love story! Loved the suspense of the whole story and the characters were fantastic. Stacey Wilk's did an amazing job of writing and tell the story!

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a copy of this book through Hidden Gems and I chose to review it . I loved this book is the first book from Stacey Wilk I have ever read but it will not be the last. An awesome book and worth your time and effort. I do not do spoilers but you will like this book so give it a chance!!!

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting fast paced read. The mystery and intrigue around Serra and Lincoln's storyline has twists and turns. This does have an HEA ending. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[J.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quality writing in a fast-paced romantic suspense novella! Both a second chance romance and a close-quarters / on-the-run romantic suspense! So much there that I love! Very satisfying and a perfect length for me to read during a busy month!

[Beegee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smh

I did not enjoy this book as I have the others in the series. I found Serra clingy, bratty, and whiny. The chemistry between Were a and Linc was kinda off. To be honest I had to rush it to get to the end because it just wasn't holding my interest.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

While I liked this book it ended in somewhat of a cliffhanger. Since this was technically a stand alone we will never get a conclusion. That is why I am only giving it a 3 star rating.

[Celia Cortijo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was that the ending?is there a continuations ? when will it be out? Want to know if they stay in Montana or leave.

Liked the book did not like the ending. Is their a continuations when is it coming out Will they be staying in Montana or moving to canada.

[Patricia Mattingly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Last Chance: Brotherhood Protectors World

Another great author that I have found to read and to write in this series is awesome to be included with other great authors.

[Bobbi Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

I read this book in a couple of hours. Actually all of your books I've read have been nice comfortable couple hours reads! Loved the storyline.