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When the choice is prison or marriage, it's not really a choice.

Noella Paix wants to remain in Louisiana and practice her art. When circumstances turn bad, the only solution is to marry a man in Colorado whose previous wives all came to a deadly end. The pampered young woman's desperation leads her to steal from Nicholas Winter, former Texas Ranger turned rancher, to escape, placing her in a different kind of trouble.

With a judge making her choose between a man who wants her but will likely kill her, a man who doesn’t want her but has shown he’ll protect her, and prison, Noella is running out of options.

Nicholas Winter just wants to be left alone. When a brazen young woman is placed in a desperate situation, in part, his making, Nick shoulders a responsibility he has no confidence he can handle. Will the dark-haired, creole beauty be his second chance, or will she break what’s left of his heart?

Publisher's Note: This steamy western romance contains action, adventure, and a theme of power exchange.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2021

21 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Marie Hall

23 books24 followers
Multi Award Winning AMAZON BEST SELLING

Author of subtlety erotic romance books. Stories with deeply flawed heroes and heroines, who love each other regardless. The stories span the ages from Medieval, battle worn knights, adventure seeking, Regency pirates, and rugged lawmen settling the Wild West. Every story’s focus is the complexities of bringing people together for a happy ever after any reader can believe in.
Awards:
Colorado Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America: The Aspen Gold 2015 for No Sugar Added
Hearts of Denver, Romance Writers of America: The Beverly 2018 for The Pirate’s Daughter

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,969 reviews175 followers
June 14, 2021
WE'RE RIDING THE SAME RANGE TOGETHER NOW

As a fan of historical westerns and this author, Ms. Marie Hall, I found Winter Peace to be another great story! I liked the Noella, but not so much for Nicolas' Nick' Winter. They are two people, caught in a conundrum and forced into a marriage—or prison for her.

The story begins in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where Nick Winter travels to purchases two bulls and some sheep for his ranch back near Willow Springs. He will come into his room to catch someone going through his belongings. That, someone, wasn't a boy, as first thought, but a young woman—and he will punish her with a spanking.

Noella Paix is a pawn for her stepfather—an arranged marriage to Guy Stanwell, a man who has been married multiple times, and each previous wife's life ends in a tragic death. Noella needs to escape but has no means to do so. She would rather die now than marry this monster.

The story's plot will have Nick kissing Noella and making a comment to lead everyone to believe that they had been together. Her reputation in tatters, her stepfather furious, and Stanwell not wanting damaged goods. Noella will be beaten and arrested, and to be imprisoned at Yuma, Arizona prison by none other than Judge Hooper. Nick got her into this mess; now, he is responsible for getting her out—and will take her to the church and marry her. The last thing he wants is a wife—again. He is haunted by his past and allows it to control his feelings on marriage and wives. Noella is innocently naïve but complacent about accepting this marriage and goes with Nick.

"This isn't the time or place for you to learn about what goes on between a man and woman. And, little girl, I knew right away you ain't so much as had a bridle on, let alone a saddle with a bit in your mouth. We might get to spurs eventually, but not for our first ride."

"Difference between a whore and a wife was a whore could be paid to do anything, and wives could only be expected to tolerate a few things."

"What kind of woman are you? You're the kind who's passionate and full of life. And I think more than that, but you've spent your life hogtied and hobbled. Time to let you be unbridled for awhile."

The train journey home will come with good, bad, and ugly situations. Nick will learn his wife is very talented at art, and it is something that others quickly show an appreciation for—but what good will that do him as a rancher. An attempted train robbery places Noella's life in jeopardy (caused by her disobedience) and leads to a very harsh discipline scene. But even when they arrive back at Willow Springs, Nick isn't prepared for a wife, really doesn't want one, and leaves her in town—by herself, at the mercy of others.

Nick is a man caught in the past—having married young and losing his wife, Catherine—which wasn't a happy marriage at all. He assumes that Noella is a pampered princess, used to having servants and being waited on. He also bases all marriages on what he has experienced and swore he would never marry again—having Noella as his wife leaves him unsure. The ranch is rough; the house isn't more than a shack and no place to bring her. But leaving her in town for weeks doesn't sit well with her or the people she has befriended. Nick is a man of excuses—but excuses only satisfy the one giving them. Noella feels lost, used, and confused. If it weren't for Summer and Autumn, she would be floundering. Summer is teaching her basic skills.

Nick: "I don't know what you want from me, little girl."
Noella” "I want you to let me be your wife."

The story has two people brought together under duress. I wouldn't say I like the character of Nick; he is self-centered, great with animals, but not with his wife, and I thought he was overly harsh and cruel with his discipline. He never allows Noella to have her say; he doesn't listen to her, he believes it is his word, his law, and his verdict carried out. I didn't feel the chemistry that I usually do with these characters. Yes, sexually, they both were good at giving and taking—but life is much more than between the sheets—it is all the other times you breathe. Maybe, by the epilogue, Nick slightly redeems himself some as a husband—but Noella is by far a more humble, forgiving, and compassionate person and what will make or break this union.

"How was it so unsettling to have him near? How was it that he could make her feel such pleasures, but she could still be left so unsatisfied?"
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,162 reviews
June 20, 2021
I wouldn't exactly call this book a romance. I understood Nick had some issues from his previous marriage, and the results that occurred at the end if it.

He treated Noella like crap from the beginning to almost the very last pages of this book. None of that came across as "loving discipline". Admittedly, she would have been much worse off with the other guy. But Nick was dismissive, had no respect for Noella's wants or needs, didn't bother to completely explain things to her, and seemed to have a problem acknowledging any of her accomplishments other then her art.

It would have been a much better read for me had he bothered to get to know her earlier in the book, or attempted to show her she was important to him, or that he cared about her.

This one missed the mark almost completely. I did like that she had Summer, Autumn, and their husbands to provide her with some support. I'll give the book 2 stars just for that.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received from Booksprout.
1,045 reviews
June 16, 2021
I found this story to be very disappointing I did not like how she was treated at all
Profile Image for KS Weachter.
2 reviews
June 21, 2021
One heck of a trail ride

Marie doesn't disappoint with this third installment of her Lawman series. Between the analogies and the humor the story will keep you flipping the pages. My only issue is the use of French phrases that may not be familiar to the average reader.
76 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2022
Winter peace

I didn't enjoy this as much as the first two books, I could quite happily have slapped Nick, he was arrogant and spiteful. Most of the book was just sex scenes with little story to them which didn't match their problems , but read for yourselves
356 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2021
Enjoyable Series

I loved this series. Hope she writes another one like it. Would have liked an update on the other two couples in the Epilogue.
7 reviews
February 7, 2023
love the French and english

Fun and lovi g! Pigheaded both of them! They learned to compromise and speak up their needs! So true in any marriage
467 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2021
Winter Peace is Book three of the Season of the Lawman Series. Story starts with Noella Paix from Louisiana being brought out west to Glenwood Springs, Co 1887 to be married to a local wealthy man that the town is pretty certain he physically and mentally abuses his young wives until they give up and die or commit suicide to get away from him. Noella gets caught by a former Texas Ranger Nicholas Winter as she is in his room trying to steal money so she can flee on the next train. She comes out of that unscathed and the next morning while down in the hotel dinning room Nicholas interrupts abuse to Noella from her stepfather and some abusive comments from the man she is supposed to marry, so Nicholas thinking he will be helping her out of a bad situation walks up grabs Noella pulls her to him and kisses her passionately and says “Last night was heaven darlin, we’ll have to do it again”! Now, all you know what - broke out! The man she was intended to marry is the nephew to the meanest craziest judge around, Judge Hooper and he hates women. Now he steps into the fray of things and declares either Nicholas marries Noella or she’s on her way to prison!
Nicholas is not one bit happy about marrying, and he expresses that to Noella constantly not truly aware of how he says things. Their journey has lots of turmoil, angst, trust issues, pain, anger, danger, guilt, heartbreak, abuse, excessive discipline, hope, love and acceptance while they are each and together seeking their HEA. These are exceptional stories I love this era. I would be very happy if there are more stories added to this series. I recommend. I received an Advance Reader's Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions.
5,665 reviews63 followers
July 3, 2021
Noella and Nick are married, as the only option he can see after catching her robbing his room. The travel on the train turns deadly and they both question what will happen when they get to the town.
The characters are so confused in what they should do, and the backstories explain a lot of that. Neither has a good solid history. The storyline has friends backing her up and teaching her things she needs to know while Nick leaves her in town. The tension, twists and surprises, like her art, fill the storyline out. The end was great, where they now see a future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heart5.
766 reviews
June 23, 2021
Overall I really liked the story. Although similar in premise to the two earlier books, the story itself was still unique. The characters were a bit up and down. Noella was a likeable character. She had a definite fire early on. She seemed to lose a little of that fire through the course of the story, but thankfully seemed to eventually find it again. Nick definitely had his ups and downs. At times he seemed to care deeply for Noella and other times he seemed willing to walk away really easily. A few changes of heart were understandable, but eventually his behavior became a little annoying. It was nice to catch up with the two previous couples and I loved Summer and Autumn's willingness to take Noella in to their lives. I'm hoping this isn't the end of the series. I would love to see at least one more story from the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,720 reviews41 followers
June 21, 2021
Really enjoyed the book.
This the second book in the series and that judge is up to his old tricks by forcing a marriage between Noella and Nick. It is better than what was in store for her but it still a rather rough road they are going down. Misunderstanding plague this couple right from the start and how they worked through them was not always the best. Sometimes it was with a very heavy hand that the problem was taken care of but that may not have always been the best choice. Nick is a man full of doubt and he really had no desire to marry. Noella is a talented artist who has a strong will but the last few years have not been kind. I enjoyed reading this couple’s story and Poe why I think he was the best character of all. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
206 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2021
Marie Hall does it again and with Winter Peace she’s really outdone herself. It is so far yet, without a doubt, my favorite in the Season of the Lawman series.
Winter Peace follow the long emotional journey of Noella and Nicholas who are forced into a union, by circumstance, none of them want. It is about two people with pasts and baggage and their very bumpy ride trying to find some kind harmony in their co-existence when love seem impossible and it is especially about a man realizing that he has so very much to learn.
The book is, as always with this author, exceptionally well written with the historical facts strait. The plot is moving naturally, the atmosphere is well described and the characters are solid and have such depth that the reader becomes highly invested in them. It is not always easy to read; faults and mistakes are made, and Nicholas is sometimes very hard to like, but the rawness of this book and the emotional journey it takes you on makes it all the sweeter and satisfying in the end.
In this genre it is western romance at its best. I very warmly and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brigitte.
1,294 reviews25 followers
June 22, 2021
This story is set to start in 1887 and what a time that must have been... The story has a good storyline and such fine characters that either made me smile or tear up so much so that at times I was sure to need a hanky or three tissues. But all is well that ends well, and during reading this story i was thinkin that I didn´t really want it to end, of course, though, that is what happens to all stories, they must end sometime. Overall it is a good story, a good romance and a good historical western, so fine four stars go to this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
June 22, 2021
The third book in the Season of the Lawman series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Noella Paix and Nicholas Winter, former Texas Ranger turned rancher meet when she steals from him. Given a choice she ends up married to Nicholas. These two have to learn to talk to each other. I liked the cattle drive. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
June 25, 2021
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I cannot wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
240 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2021
This book is is the third in a delightful series that I have loved. It can be read as a standalone but I suggest reading the previous two books that feature characters in this one. While I enjoyed this book very much, I was also frustrated with Nicholas. Yes, he has suffered through a lot but so had Noella who was younger and needed some understanding. I wanted to give him a good kick at times. He does try but can't seem to follow through on how to behave, there by leaving Noella to her own devices. Thank goodness for friends. I missed some of the humor from the first two books also. That said, it is an enjoyable read with romance and discipline and does have a beautiful HEA. I recommend you read all the wonderful books in this series and I am already eagerly awaiting the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,158 reviews
June 15, 2021
Another wonderful, contemplative and riveting read
The third book in this wonderful series it was equally as wonderful aread, the characters and the plot were so well written and once again you find yourself travelling back into another time and country where rules and society are very different.
If Nick Winter refuses to marry Noella she will be sentenced to three years in prison and he would not wish this on her so he decides to take them both on a journey and they catch the train out of the town back to his home.
Nick is sure that he does not want a wife and Noella knows that they have to find a way to work together but will they be able to find a happy ever after.
Read this great book and find out for yourself.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
1,751 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2021
I loved this story from a new to me author. This had lots of action and drama. and some great romance with domestic discipline. i just want more and can not wait. this is a standalone with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
June 23, 2021
This was an entertaining read. And a new aut5hor for me. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Marybeth.
2,289 reviews21 followers
June 15, 2021
This is the third book in the 'Season of the Lawman' series. So... once again Judge Hooper strikes again. If Nick Winter does not marry Noella, the judge will sentence her to three years in Yuma prison. Nick doesn't want to marry Noella, but he has to to save her. He gets them both on the train and their journey to Nick's home. There is a large disconnect between Nick and Noella. She isn't sure what she wants and Nick is sure he doesn't want a wife. They do eventually figure everything out and have their HEA. It took me a while to like Nick. He is pretty abrasive and quick to anger. But by the end of the book, he has become a man to keep.

I love books by Marie Hall. She writes a thorough book. I don't have questions unanswered when I have finished. She does write intense punishment scenes, but I do enjoy reading about them. I highly recommend anything this wonderful author writes!

I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SmallRain.
171 reviews30 followers
June 15, 2021
I absolutely loved this story. It is the best historical western romance published by an indie publisher that I have read. It is completely true to the times with no modern anachronisms thrown in. Both Nick and Noella feel quilt for things that happened and that they in reality could do nothing to change. Nick feels quilt about the death of his first wife and Noella feels quilty for the death of her father. It is wonderful that Nick uses ranching metaphors to describe their relationship and Noella uses Art metaphors. This makes their communication difficult and poor Noella gets punished for ‘bucking up’ when it is because Nick doesn’t give her complete information. This is a great story and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
428 reviews9 followers
June 16, 2021
I loved it! What another great story from Marie Hall. I live her analogies that she writes into each story. Noella is a wonderful sweet woman who has been truly mistreated and Nick has come to her rescue. I will say that Nick needs to work on his communication. I love how Summer and Autumn from the previous two books come together to help Noella. Marie Hall knows how to weave a story and keep me wanting to turn the page. I always want more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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