Secrets in the Snow

Meadowfall Firefighters #3

by Anna Wineheart

Imagine crashing into your way-too-handsome firefighter stepbrother. Now imagine being snowed in with him. While you’re in heat. ( Someone ends up with a baby) Divorced and a single dad, the thought of attending his cousin’s wedding fills Ben with dread. His own marriage ended in failure; he has no desire for another alpha. Except he had an alpha once—sort of. He’d grown up with Alec, and Alec had protected him, Alec had held him when he’d cried.With Alec, Ben had felt safe and loved. With Alec, Ben had been happy.Until that messed-up Spin-the-Bottle game, when Alec had been forced to kiss Ben. Everything had changed in that Alec had seen Ben’s desire. And he had left.By himself, Ben has made terrible choices. He has gotten into trouble, and he’s still in trouble. When he takes a chance and attends the wedding, he finds himself stuck in a cabin with a stepbrother who now hates him. Worse, his heat is approaching. The last thing Ben wants… is for Alec to discover how much Ben’s still in love with him.( Alec doesn't hate Ben at all. Alec has a crush, and he's been keeping secrets. Secrets that involve Ben.) Secrets in the Snow is a 92,000-word MPreg romance novel with a gorgeous sweetheart of an alpha, a hilarious 7-year-old, snake jokes, meat jokes, and the most epic faceplant in M/M history.

Genres: M M Romance, Omegaverse, Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Firefighters

388 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2020

About the author

Amazon-safe books: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Wineheart...

Taboo books (banned from Smashwords and Amazon, but available on my website and Payhip):
Website: https://annawineheart.com/shop/
Payhip: https://payhip.com/AnnaWineheartBooks

Reviews

[Rachel Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. I got a little distracted and...bored? during the middle, but the last third or so of the story really amped up the action and conflict/drama and got me back on track to enjoying this story. And I just adored the last few chapters and epilogue.

First off -Izzy is the standout star in this entire story, and I'm gonna need the next generation of Meadowfall kids grown up so we can read about Izzy and Caleb and their snakes and rocks together. OMG. These kids! I don't always love kids when they are super precocious, but these two with their love of snakes and rocks and knots, I just can't get enough of how great they are. There's also some great references to honey and carrots that you won't understand if you haven't read the previous books.

However - I'm gonna be brutally honest here for a second. I have been reading Anna Wineheart's writing pretty much since she started with mpreg, and she definitely has a...formula? to her writing. There's the taboo-nature to the pairing, either stepbrothers, major age gap, etc. Then there's some funsexytimes and the two making the relationship work. Then there's the eventual fallout - and it's usually the omega, with a lot of self-doubt, breaking up with the alpha because he's not good enough, he's too much of a burden, or it'd be better/safer/financially best for the alpha to be separated, etc. Then he realizes he's messed up and has to win back his mate. I mean - that's pretty much the way so many Meadowfall stories have gone.

Typically, I love this formula. However, when it becomes the plot for every. single. story. I think I start losing interest? And knowing what to expect, which makes it get old pretty quick. In this story, I fully knew that Ben would break up with Alec for a while - and he'd be filled with doubts and poor self-image. And I get that stepbrothers is a bit taboo - but it's not like they are related by blood and actual brothers, which is where so much of the angst came from. If only these guys could have communicated better.

I love her writing style and I enjoy her characters. I do just wish she could come up with some new plot devices and conflict.

I'm guessing that Dom and Jesse will have a story, and the little glimpses of them at the end of this story have me looking forward to getting their tale!

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Daniela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not even know where to start. 🤬🤬🤬⛔️⛔️🆘⛔️⛔️
When I first started this book I kept hoping it will get better but NO, got increasingly more stupid.
I can overlook unrealistic situations because let’s face it… it’s a book. If Ben & Alec were 15-16 years old then the interactions between them would perhaps make a little sense .. but they are grown men … who act and think as if they are teens. Ben thinks Alec hates him 😵‍💫 .. Alec thinks Ben hates him … and this is the book.
I did not like one character… not ONE.
Ben - he is a doormat. Who was abused by his ex partner so bad that he has multiple scars on hands and that needs to wear long sleeved shirts to hide them … burns, cuts. Did Ben go to the police and report his ex .. NO. His ex beat him in front of his child for years and he did nothing. You know when he got fed up and told his ex to leave … when he found him in bed with someone else. If Bed if such a great father then he would have left when the child was in danger. The abuse he sustained would require years of therapy to overcome and we do not observe Ben exhibiting any side effects from this until chapter 23 when he has a nightmare. 😡😡😡
If the child would witness this level of abuse for years .. that child would have developmental and behavioural issues. Not be a happy and well adjusted child as Izzy is … ok?????!!!!
Alec - has the mentality of a 14 year old .. swings from Ben hates me .. to Ben likes me .. to Ben hates me. … and so on. He is depicted as an Alpha male .. 🥵🥵🥵 this does not match with his behaviour and interactions.. if he was a 14 year old girl then YES.
The Mom - Alec and Ben’ mom - that woman knew their dad beat them for years .. and did nothing. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 when she found out that Alec and Ben are together she said she knew their dad beat them and she ‘argued’ which their dad and they reached a compromise- their dad would not beat them if she did not encourage them being closer to each other. SERIOUSLY 😳 … he beat them for other stupid reasons also … how believable is this. And both Ben and Alec have a great relationship with this woman …😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳
Their dad - abusive a&£$%#*¥$ 🤬
Izzy - a very well adjusted child despite the abuse he observed 🥺 Really ?????!!!
And other minor, moderate and large inconsistencies that I do not want to get into because they are to many. But let me give you example :
- loud sex with child next to them or in the next room asleep or awake 😳😳😳- really !???? - quiet sex and 7 doors between in the middle of the night …. Maybe … but that was rubbish ☹️
“Alec had brought out a separate mattress for Izzy, and Izzy was asleep right in front of the stove. To one side was Ben’s unoccupied mattress, and to the other, Alec’s. “- chapter 8 - they had loud sex there … and I mean chatty and loud sex 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢
If I could give minus stars I would.
Normally if I don’t like a book I don’t rate it and I don’t leave reviews … but this book it’s rubbish.
I read Alpha in heat - which I rated at 5 ⭐️ - had inconsistencies but it was cute and I overlooked them .. and I liked the characters
But this one … HA! 😡
Plot - rubbish
Characters - did not like any
Interaction between characters- rubbish
Sex - 😑 so so .. kind of the same every time .. no imagination 💭 ( see Alpha in heat- that was good!!! - this is why I am no annoyed - if you are able to do a good job .. WTF is up with this book )
Would I recommend- 🆘 🤬 F*^* No
Will I read it again - 🆘⛔️⛔️⛔️⛔️⛔️⛔️ neverrrrr again

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ben and Alec together! Of course they had to battle major obstacles to get their HEA but they got there and it was definitely well deserved. It’s sad to think that they may have been able to get their HEA a little sooner if they hadn’t of been so scared to admit their feelings to each other and had just communicated.

I loved Izzy and thought he was adorable although I thought they cussed around him to much for him just being a 7 year old. As for their dad, I know they loved him because of course he’s their dad but it’s sad that they felt guilty being together, even after all the beatings they got from him, because their dad didn’t approve and I’m honestly glad that their dad wasn’t a part of their story. I loved their mom, she truly just wanted them to be happy and as for Gran... well I hated her in the beginning and I’m still unsure if I should actually like her even now that she’s ok with their relationship. I hated William and maybe this is terrible of me to say, but he got what he deserved.

I’m super excited for Dom and Jesse’ story!

~~~ I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review ~~~

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets in the Snow is the third book in the Meadow Falls Firefighters series by author Anna Wineheart. This story is told in dual POV which really suits this story and helps the storyline. You do not have to read the previous books in this series to understand this story.

Ben had been in a marriage with an abusive Alpha. He grew up being abused by his dad. He had protected his stepbrother from him.

Even though it doesn’t always put him in the best light he protects his family and takes the abuse.

Alec presented as Alpha. He always thought of Ben as his. His dad beat him and told him to stay away from Ben. Now they are trapped together, and Ben is in heat.

I love this story. They are meant to be together. I love a truly steamy and romantic story this is that. There is humor too, and lots of emotions. I loved this story. I hope to read many more stories in this series. I love the ones so far, I look forward to the next one.

Five Shooting Stars

[DENICE · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRUE LOVE NEVER DIES AND DESTINY HAS ITS WAY

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review

Another exceptional story by Anna. This one delves into physical marital abuse, misconceptions and true love. Alec has loved Ben since they became stepbrothers and the strange family dynamics did not allow this. Years pass as Alex tries to come to terms with his feelings. Snowed in with Ben and Ben’s son lead to hilarious adventures and uncomfortable situations when a child speaks. I loved this book from the beginning to the end.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Very emotional middle of the book. Glad Ben and Alex got their HEA.

[Clari]

maybe later
I keep comparing this to stepbrother next door and its just not hitting the same 😭
I think I need to wait until some time has passed to try this again - 23%

[Brielle - currently in a I never update my GR era- · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the beginning. I really liked the end. But what the hell happened in the middle ???
The plot is very interesting and honestly at the beginning I was very excited ! It had the perfect recipe for me to love it : being stuck in a place because of the snow = forced proximity
+
A kid in the mix
= A happy reader

But what made it all go to dust was something I wasn't expecting : the smut.
I love reading sex scenes and I think that having one of them is to be expected. However, in this book there were too many for my taste. I couldn't enjoy them because after the 1st one I kept wondering about the child. It looked like he had been put aside and didn't require a lot of attention. And there was also the fact that the main character firefighter (i already forgot his name) seemed to have erased his entire personality. The same thing goes from Ben : he went from i want to avoid this man to weak and pathetic without any transition.

Well, i really wasn't happy about this change and was ready to just DNF it. However, the story got redeemed after they got unstuck and the plot really was running again.

Overall I feel like the problem came with the pace of this book. The part where they were stuck became a burden. I'm sad about this because otherwise I enjoyed the story...

[Janet (iamltr) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well then...

This might have been my least liked story in the series. These mcs could have had a long and loving relationship from the beginning if hey had just sat down and talked. But alas, they did not and that was the entire conflict of the story. Even being step brothers wasn't as bad as they made it seem.

I also had a problem with the rushing loud and graphic sexytimes right next to the kid. At least leave the room or keep it quiet or something.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love – I love Anna Wineheart writings and she wrote one outstanding book in this series, “Meadowfall Firefighters”. It seems to be the last book and I hate to have the series end.

Stepbrothers are not supposed to fall in love with each other, it’s forbidden, and by whose law I have no idea. But yes, their father and grandmother, plus all relatives thought it disgusting. But Alpha Alec and Omega Ben have had a crush on each other since childhood and it never changed though out the years.

Alec had always protected Ben growing up, but when their father walked in their bedroom and Alec had his lips on Ben, who was sound asleep, changed everything between them. Alec was severely beaten by their father. But what was worse for Alec was when they were with friends playing spin-the-bottle and the bottle pointed to Ben. After that brief kiss he gave Ben and Ben returned; Alec no longer trusted himself around his stepbrother.

Alec left and Ben ended up marrying an abusive Alpha, seriously abusive Alpha and Ben had the scars to show for it. Ben divorced his Alpha and the only good thing that came from the marriage was his son Izzy. Through the years Ben had felt that Alec hated him from that kiss years ago and thought Ben was disgusting. That was so far from the truth.

Relatives knew nothing about the feelings these two held for each other and had them bunk in a cabin in the deep woods together with Ben’s son Izzy after their cousin’s wedding reception. It was bad enough for Ben to spend the night with Alec, who he craved desperately, but being snowed in with him was going to be impossible.

But the feelings between the two men were too much to bear and they ended up sleeping together and the truth from all those years ago was finally out in the open. No longer could they deny how they felt about each other, having a lot of hot, steamy sex and then Ben ended up getting pregnant.

Alec’s a strong Alpha regretted leaving Ben behind after seeing what his ex-Alpha had done to his stepbrother. Ben had suffered emotional abuse, but the physical abuse was horrific. Plus Ben carried guilt about his feelings for his stepbrother and beat himself up with negative thoughts.

What was frustrating the most was none of Alec and Ben’s relatives got it…that they were two stepbrothers, not real brothers. They were allowed to have each other, but the guilt and shame family members showed towards the two lovers was terrible.

Ben had a sluice of obstacles and disappointments when he returned home, but Alec was determined to stay true to Ben and his son Izzy. Alec did until the guilt was too much for Ben to bear. Then Ben’s ex-husband, William, entered his life again and instilled terror and injury to both Ben and Izzy.

I loved so much about the book. The hilarious snake stories continued on and now the “rock in the pants” was priceless. That was Alec’s knot. Izzy was a hoot and loved his character, but the last few chapters when Alec wanted to propose to Ben was precious. His fellow firefighters and friends teased his unmercifully.

It’s an uplifting ending with so much promise it had me shed tears. I don’t believe anyone who loves Anna Wineheart’s writing would be disappointed in this book – I just loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Alec have been step brothers since they were about eleven years old and grew really close, closer than most but Alec took a step back after a game of spin the bottle and they haven't had much of a relationship since. Meeting up again at their cousin's wedding and discovering that they will be sharing a cabin in the woods for the night is not what Ben needs with his heat coming when Alex hates him and he's still crushing on the other man. A blizzard stumps his plans to leave ASAP and both men's obvious want for each other overshadows their plans.
Ben has a lot going on/wrong in his life with a bakery drowning in debt, an abusive ex alpha and a young son to provide for. He longs to be safe and loved but refuses to believe he's worthy for Alec's attention. Alec has longed for Ben for years but is sure it's not something his step brother would want. He's done well for himself in that he has become a firefighter, has his own home but never an omega because who could compare to Ben?
The heat between the two is intense! Anna is always very good at ramping up the tension before it ignites between them and they then cannot stay away from each other. There are of course hurdles for them to face if they plan on being together going forward, mainly family, but what to do when you finally get the man you want? There are many hot scenes along with tender ones and even one hilarious one involving an attempt at "pregnancy prevention". Drama follows Ben into pretty much every aspect of his life but Alec wants to be there to support him through it all if the man would just allow it. Of course, the ex arrives to stir up troubles and in more ways then one which leads to a climactic event involving Ben, Izzy and the ex! Alec's true alpha shines through in that moment and the ones following where his loving and caring nature shows.
It's a great mix of emotions throughout the story and another great step brothers book from Anna. I love the relationships that she's managed to build in Meadowfall and this is just another wonderful one to add to the collection. My one nit-pick moment is about when Izzy is with the couple in the cabin where they spend so much time getting to know one another again and I'm not too sure on the amount of time he must have spent alone.....
I'm loving this series and happily recommend this one as another great read for fans of alpha/omegas, mpreg, step brothers.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[MacTíre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tohle byl můj první (a nejspíš i poslední) pokus o náhled do Omegaversa a mužského těhotenství. Pokud bych někdy v budoucnosti cítila nezvladatelné nutkání přečíst si výsledek srážky špatné soap opery a porna, tak... se možná radši naučím plést norský vzor.

Kde začít? Sex. Sex byl fakt naprosto hustě hustý jak prapolévka nejmíň, ale spíš víc. Bohužel tam byla i zapovězená láska a pětiletý chlapeček, se kterým autorka zacházela jak s diktafonem. Co mám na mysli? Pokud jste někdo někdy narazil na pětileté dítě, víte, že je to človíček s nevyčerpatelnou energí, zvědavostí a entusiasmem, ale také s nulovou schopností předvídat následky svých činů. Tudíž pobyt v zasněžené chatě s dítětem může být pro dospělé poměrně frustrující zážitek - dny naplněné snahou dítko nakrmit, zabavit, ochránit před sebou samým i životním prostředím a unavit ho natolik, aby v noci spalo a nedožadovalo se přítomnosti zívajících dospěláků.

Autorka díla asi vídala děti jen z hodně velké vzdálenosti, protože bez jakýchkoli problémů popisovala dva velmi sexuálně aktivní dospělé (ano, ano, příměr s králíky je na místě) a dítko, které se vynořilo vždycky jen v pravý moment, aby vtipně/roztomile/rošťácky komentovalo děj a znovu a znovu omílalo příběhový running joke. Jako ten diktafon - on/off.

Tohle mi na tom asi přišlo nejvíc tabu. Ne to, že ti sexující dospěláci byli nevlastní bratři (ve skutečnosti spolu nikdy neměli geneticky nic společného), ale to, že se naprosto nenamáhali nějak řešit toho malého kluka a měli i poměrně divoký sex na podlaze hned vedle místa, kde to dítko spalo.

No a tady bych s knihou asi praštila, ale cítila jsem jakousi temnou touhu zjistit, jak to je s tím "mužským" těhotenstvím. Kde to dítě má? K početí došlo zjevně análním stykem, jak tedy bude probíhat porod?

Protrpěla jsem se tedy dějem bez děje a charaktery bez charakterů - každý alfa byl charakteristický tím, že byl... počkejte si na to překvapení... alfa! A hádejte čím byl specifický každý omega??? Chjo. Ani jsem nepřišla na to, kam v tomto universu patří bety a bohové mě chraňte před tím, že by mě někdy masochisticky napadlo to zjišťovat! Tato kniha dala slovu "plytký" zcela nový rozměr - pokud je něco takového vůbec možné mimo teoretickou fyziku.

Ani mě nakonec nepřekvapilo, že porod proběhl bez jakéhokoli fyziologického vysvětlení, takže je to buď pro fanoušky Omegaversa dávno vyřešená drobnost nebo patří do kánonu to neřešit. Možná je to tak pro mě lepší.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very cute and I love stepbrother romances and forbidden love. Alec and Ben have been in love with each since they were kids, but at 14 they kiss and both like it but aren’t supposed to. So Alec ignores Ben and leaves as soon as he can. Ben is hurt and thinks Alec is disgusted and angry with him. Fast forward 12 years later, they’re snowed in together at a cabin with Izzy ( Bens son). They try to fight their attraction but in the end they give in. Anyways Alec has been clear from the start that he wants Ben and whatever baggage he comes with, but Ben has trouble believing him because of his abusive ex. Once they leave the cabin Ben moves in with Alec but so does Mom and Gran. Ben is still struggling with doubts and debt form his bakery. They’re mom finds out and is supportive and the asshole they call gran is not. Gran really fucking pissed me off, I hate when people just assume and jump to conclusion. She immediately thought Alec took advantage of Ben, and treated Alec like shit. During this shit storm Ben breaks up with Alec because he doesn’t think he’s good enough blah blah. And of course it takes Ben almost dying for him to pull his head out of ass and accept Alec as his bond mate. After all that drama they officially get together and it sweet I have to admit. Izzy was my absolute favorite and I hope he gets a book with Caleb. I’m glad Ben and Alec finally got their happy ending and loved the brith scenes. So it was good but could’ve been better if Ben wasn’t so insecure, but maybe that made the book better and more realistic?

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funnel washing was a real treat for the reader's imaginations!!! Awesome times! Temmie irked me with her nosyness! Ben and Alec were old enough to know what they wanted, but mom and gran were constant thorns. How could Ben even consider leaving his alpha for them or anyone's ignorant views. Thank the goddesses for Ollie imparting some truths. How did these two numbskulls not know about all the other stepbrother couples in Meadowfalls!!! It was disappointing to find out that Ben's mom knew of the abuse her loving husband exerted on Alec and only made a deal instead of ending the abuses! Grrrr... Gran was just a throw back to old times, but Ben's mom was another heartbreaking disappointment. Not sticking up for Ben and Alec to gran! WTH??
I promised myself I wasn't going to cry, but William's encounter with Ben and Izzy broke me wide open! I apologize, but gran needs a few good hard throat punches. Even when she finally acts human it's too little too late for me. Gran is dead to me! You can't act like a soulless viper the whole story and expect redemption from me. Nope! Dead! Of course, the awesome author left a tease
for the next book, and I'm already panting after it and patiently waiting! Not so patient! The "ours" at the end of the story had me smiling and crying. Thanks.

[Deb Swietek · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're not supposed to fall in love with your step- brother, right?

This is a great book, full of misunderstandings, secrets, and assumptions. The characters come alive from the first pages. They will draw you in & not let you go. There will be steamy sex, an abusive ex, danger, and an adorable little boy. I loved this book.
Ben & Alec are step- brothers. Ben has loved Alec forever. But when Alec leaves, Ben thinks he hates him. He doesn't know Alec loves him back, but was beaten by their father, and told to leave him alone. Now, through a fluke of fate they are stranded, snowed in. The attraction between them is as intense as it is inevitable. Once the barriers come down, nothing will put them up again. When Ben & his son are rescued by Alec from a fire, their love is cemented. When Ben's ex shows up and threatens both Ben & Izzy, Alec will fight for what he considers his.
Step brothers aren't blood brothers. There is no ban on their love, in spite of what they have been told. Even fear of family condemnation cannot stay their love. HEA is assured. You will love this book!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahem… cute story 🙃

Soooo, I know why I read these books… it’s not for their literary innovation or prowess, BUT, the snake and honey thing? We have beat that dead horse until there’s nothing left. Please, for the love of all that is mpreg can we bury it now??? 😤😤

In other news, I really liked Alec and Ben ❤️. Out of all the Alphas in the firefighting world, he might just be my favorite. I read the rest of Meadowfall’s citizens a while ago so I don’t remember exactly, but I’m leaning towards him being my favorite overall, if you remove the cookie-cutter storylines.

I like that he was convicted in Benny being his, right from the jump, and despite all the odds against them, he never wavered, but more than that, was unapologetic about it. I really liked Alec 💜.
I’m not sure how I feel about Ben. All I saw of him was the typical self-deprecating omega of this universe, idk 🤷🏾‍♀️. I guess I like him in the unit that is Alec and Ben.

Also… that kid can’t sleep through a tornado I tell ya!!! 👀

Overall: good for what it is, a light mpreg love story with obvious, typical angst that resolves neatly, pretty quickly. 😊

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good addition to the Meadowfall world. I really liked Ben and Alec, and I loved Izzy. This author does a great job writing children I'd love to spend time with. This story involved stepbrothers who have loved each other since they met. I was honestly a little annoyed with the people who had issues with them being together, since Ben had survived a horrible marriage, and Alec had been alone and lonely for the years they spent apart. They very obviously loved each other and were better off together than apart.
I did have issues with the men having so much sex with Izzy close by, sometimes even in the same room. Maybe it's the parent in me, but that really bothered me.
There have been a few stepbrothers getting together in Meadowfall, so maybe the thrill of that trope has started to leave me. I love all the couples I've met in this town, so now I want them all to stop feeling so guilty and just be happy being with the person they love. I did love the ending, and I really look forward to the next book in this series.

[Monica S]

Loved it

Anna Wineheart has done it again, our fire! I lov this Meadowfall family of Apha firefighters, they have each other’s back and love and protect their Omegas like precious glass. This one gives you all the feels of love, protection and most of all the trust that goes with an Alpha and Omega relationship.
Ben and Alec are stepbrothers, but growing up it didn’t feel that way and Alec was always taking care of Ben. A freak snow storm that trapped Alec, Ben and Ben’s son Izzy led to more than they both bargained for, with no one to judge them they were able to share their true feelings and emotions that they always had. Ben didn’t think that he was worthy of an Alpha like Alec because of his scars and deep fears, but then Alec didn’t think that he was worth of an Omega like Ben that was so brave and courageous es. They both find that love but can they learn to trust and just forget about everyone else.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two stepbrothers and a childhood crush that never truly went away. The pain that these emotions cause Ben and Alec is almost more than they can handle. When a night after their cousin’s wedding changes everything and the two begin the ride of their lives. Neither man stopped loving the other and when the two are thrown together emotions come to the surface and cannot be denied.

I loved Ben and Alec and add in Izzy and you have a beautiful family. The two show such strength against all the odds. I loved seeing them find their way and fight hard for love. They are stronger than they think and together they can stand against all the pain and evil in their lives. This is a wonderful story that grabbed me from the start and did not let go until the end. It is an emotional read that will have you laughing at times and angry at others. Ben and Alec learn that a love like theirs is strong and worth fighting for.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book.

I haven't read any of the other books in the Meadowfall Firefighters series, but I don't think that made a difference.

First of all I have say how much I admired Alec. He stood up for Benny and protected him every chance he got. He got to know Izzy and readily accepted his Grandmother and Mom into his home. His heart was open to all things 'Benny' even at the risk of alienating their family members.

Benny was sweet and battered, but his spirit was strong and his love for Izzy and Alec all encompassing.

The best part of the book...Izzy and Caleb's obsessions with snakes! The tangents they went off on were hilarious. I recommend this book just to experience their fascinating conversations!

[Sheryl Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love or Hate it

Alec and Ben’s story is one of these taboo stepbrother books you either love or hate. I love this series and these characters. Alec left home right after he turned 18 due to his strict upbringing and beatings. Ben was left behind swimming with the sharks as the saying goes. Years later after one very abusive ex Ben meets up with Alec at a family wedding. Each think the other despises them. Until chance happens and leaves them stranded together in a cabin in the woods. It won’t be easy or societal but love may conquer all. Grab this one now and take the journey with these beautiful characters.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be one of the most heartrending, grab-you-by-the-feels, fantastic, emotionally charged, raw, powerful, poignant, gritty, gripping, bittersweet, heartbreaking yet hopeful, make-me-shed-tears-of-both-joy-and-sadness, amazing, beautiful, tender, smoldering, and totally awesome stories that I've read in quite some time. I must admit that I was severely tempted to shred a certain character into kitty kibble. Alec and Ben were so perfect for each other, but, OMG, the obstacles they had to overcome for their HEA ending. I would DEFINITELY recommend getting this marvelous gem immediately!

[Rachel H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Disclosure, I received a copy in return for my honest review.

Here we have Ben and Alec, stepbrothers.
Alec ever only wanted one Omega his whole life, his stepbrother Ben. He use to look out for Ben and pretend that he was his. Until their dad caught Alec scenting Ben.
Having distance himself after, Alec can only watch as Ben becomes another Alpha's Omega. But now Ben's free, sharing a cabin, and in heat with nowhere to go thanks to huge snow drifts.
But can Ben really believe he's worthy of Alec? Can their family accept them as a couple? And where did that magically disappearing snake go?

[caroline wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful😘👩‍🚒💞

This author always delivers a great read and this is no exception. I enjoy this authors writing not only does it grab you right into the story and characters but it gives me the fuzzy warm feelings of comfort. With a flair for funnyness , adorable kids that can put the awkwardness into a crowd like someone's just dropped a fart whilst giving us characters with flaws and insecurities and knowing when to give us serious versus humour. I loved these characters, Ben definitely deserved his happy ever after especially since he made me tear up a bit and Alec, ohh! It was just so good! such a great read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody writes an alpha and omega story like Anna Wineheart. You can’t help but howl with laughter. Cry like your heart is breaking and smile like the sun is rising. There are so many highlights in this story. Snakes, honey, carrots, and funnels just to name a few. You also cry for scars, William, prejudice, and Jesse. The men of Meadowbrook have to be one of my all time favorites. I know that my emotions will run the gamut reading one of these books. I am always eagerly awaiting the next story. Which I am hoping is Jesse’s story.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely my favorite book in this series. Ben was so traumatised by his last with William, but yet, so resilient and strong at the same time. Part of that was probably due to needing to be there for Izzy, but he had overcome so much abuse and negativity that he was amazing.

I liked that Alec was single-minded in his determination to protect and finally mate with Ben. While he couldn't stop Ben from having doubts and insecurities, Alec proved that he would always be there for his omega, and his family.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Anna’s books that take place in Meadowfall and while this one was very good, it didn’t quite hit the spot as the others for me. There were so many secrets and assumptions, even more than usual, it just bugged me a little.

This was just as hot as the others and I loved Ben’s son, he was just a precocious as the other kids from the previous books and I love that we continue to get to see the characters from the previous books. I can’t wait for more books to see how far the snake jokes can continue.

I liked Ben and I hated that he basically felt he had to punish himself for whatever reasons. He tried to be so self-sufficient that he was putting more stress on himself and not gaining any ground. Alec has been quite the little stalker for a while though Ben never seemed to know that Alec was still aware of him. I did keep wondering if Alec and Ben had seen each other in the years since Alec had moved out of their childhood house, it’s unrealistic that they hadn’t seen each other at all and very strange that Ben though Alec wouldn’t have known about his marriage.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Alec are step brothers but that doesn't stop either one of them from wanting each other. Which, you know, leads to a fantastic story.

I think Ben is really strong. He's been through a lot, and yet, he works so hard, and he tries so hard to be positive. He's done a fantastic job of being a parent, and Izzy is just a great kid, even if he is a little obsessed with snake genitalia.

Alec has such a good heart. He wants nothing more than to make Ben and Izzy happy, and take care of them. He does everything he can to keep them safe. I really like him.

And the washing scene? Hawt.

[bridgetann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, adorable love!!!

I waited for this book forever!! Well, it certainly felt that long. It was definitely worth the wait. I love Ben and Alec. I'm not sure why but they hold a special place in my heart. I was drawn to them in the previous books. They just seem so right for each other, imperfections and all. I definitely recommend this book. But I recommend all of the books in the Meadowfall series. It's one of my absolute faves!! And the heat sex is fantastic!!! 💖🔥🔥

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book

Such well written and impactful book.

Two thwarted mc's, who love together, laugh together when life didn't give them an easy start but their painful journey is a joy to read.

Izzy, (along with Caleb) makes this hilarious in parts, so much so that it's not necessarily the best thing to read on the train to work. 🤣

I highly recommend this book.

I'm looking forward to the last book in the series.