ARC Review: Caged in Winter by Brighton Walsh

Caged In Winter is the first book that I have ever read by Brighton Walsh. I really enjoyed the story, and I liked the characters a lot. This one was a sweet and light read. It was a bit predictable and didn't really break any new ground, but I still had a good time reading it.

Winter is used to doing everything on her own. She works in a crappy bar and struggles to make ends meet as she also puts herself through school. One night a group of guys she is waiting on take things a little too far, and a sexy guy stands up for her. Winter doesn't want Cade's help or pity though and they get off to a bad start. Cade is instantly attracted to her though and wants to know more about her. Cade starts appearing every night to walk Winter to the bus so she won't have to be alone, hoping to get through her defenses. When Winter finally gives in and starts to get to know Cade, they both find themselves in unfamiliar territory. But Winter isn't ready to let Cade all the way in, and he isn't sure she will ever be ready.

I liked Cade. He was so sweet and loyal, and a genuinely good guy. He was so protective and caring, and I loved that he always was looking out for others. He didn't always go about it in the best ways, but you could tell just how deeply he cared for those he loved. Winter was used to being alone and didn't know how to let others in. Not only did she not know how, but she also didn't want to. She was trying to protect herself and had a lot of trust issues. But I liked that Cade wore her down and was able to show her that it's okay to let others in and to be vulnerable sometimes. She had never leaned on anyone else, so it was good to see her have the support from Cade and her friend Annette. I thought that Cade and Winter were great together and I could really feel the attraction between them. 

Overall, this was a really good story. I liked the characters and I thought that the book was entertaining. Brighton Walsh's writing style was easy to get lost in and I really enjoyed it. I liked Cade and Winter a lot, but I also really liked Cade's sister Tessa, his niece Hayley and his best friend Jason. I am really looking forward to getting that story next. Brighton Walsh did a great job setting up their story, and I just know there is so much more to Jason than we have seen. I can't wait to see what is beneath the surface with him. I love that the author told this story through both Winter and Cade's POVs and I think that it really added a lot to the experience because I could really see where both the characters were coming from. So I can't wait to be able to get inside Tessa and Jason's heads next. I would recommend this story to new adult and contemporary fans. I think a lot of readers will be able to relate to the characters easily and that they will find the story as entertaining as I did.

**ARC Provided by Penguin Group Berkley/Signet**

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