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Lost Harbor, Alaska #4
Wicked in Winter
Everyone needs a fresh start sometime. For Gretel Morrison, that time is now, and the place is tiny, snowbound Lost Harbor, Alaska. It’s about time she learned how to rely on herself instead of her wealthy, controlling family. If she can survive the winter here, she can survive anything—although maybe not the lethally sexy and attractive next-door neighbor, Zander Ross.
Zander has his hands full raising his two younger brothers. The last thing he needs is distraction in the form of a spoiled rich girl who has no idea what she’s in for. He’d bet anything she won’t make it past the next blizzard—although he might not either, not with his sanity intact. With her dazzling smile and lighthearted style, she’s everything he’s not. And everything he longs for.
When a threat to the Ross family surfaces, Zander gets the shock of his life when Gretel steps up with an outrageous idea that might help them both. Can he trust her enough to take a chance? Or will Gretel’s mega-millionaire father find a way to ruin their amazing-but-fragile new bond?
Alaska winters are always wild, but this one is about to get wicked.
Zander has his hands full raising his two younger brothers. The last thing he needs is distraction in the form of a spoiled rich girl who has no idea what she’s in for. He’d bet anything she won’t make it past the next blizzard—although he might not either, not with his sanity intact. With her dazzling smile and lighthearted style, she’s everything he’s not. And everything he longs for.
When a threat to the Ross family surfaces, Zander gets the shock of his life when Gretel steps up with an outrageous idea that might help them both. Can he trust her enough to take a chance? Or will Gretel’s mega-millionaire father find a way to ruin their amazing-but-fragile new bond?
Alaska winters are always wild, but this one is about to get wicked.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2020
About the author
Jennifer Bernard
76 books1,339 followersJennifer Bernard is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called “an irresistible reading experience” full of “quick wit and sizzling love scenes.” A graduate of Harvard and former news promo producer, she left big city life in Los Angeles for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She still hasn’t adjusted to the cold, so most often she can be found cuddling with her laptop and a cup of tea. No stranger to book success, she also writes erotic novellas under a naughty secret name that she’s happy to share with the curious.
You can connect with Jennifer online at http://JenniferBernard.net or email her at Jen@JenniferBernard.net.
You can connect with Jennifer online at http://JenniferBernard.net or email her at Jen@JenniferBernard.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
April 2, 2020
perfect read for a cozy evening in :)
March 1, 2022
When I started this book, I didn't know it was the fourth book in a series. With that said, it didn't feel like I needed to have read the series from the beginning to get into this book. I think you can still enjoy this book as a standalone if you just want to dive into the series somewhere. I came across this in my Kindle library which must have been a freebie I picked up at some point, and I'm just now getting around to it.
I really enjoy small-town romances. I think it's something about a close-knit community that looks out for one another, and though the occasional nosiness can be annoying at times, it usually comes from a place of caring. The blurb drew me in right away with the promise of a heroine (25) who is finding her way and finding ways to matter that go beyond being materialistic or being able to throw money at problems, and a former military hero (27) who sacrificed his career and took up a different call of duty to become the parent to his two younger brothers (ages 13 and 10). All of this was set in the cold and picturesque backdrop of Lost Harbor, Alaska.
Right away we are introduced to the very humorous, clumsy yet charming Gretel Morrison. A former party-girl, socialite, jet-setter with a bleeding heart. Then there's Zander, the former Marine who is now guardian/parent to his two younger brothers after their parents both died in an accident. He's a little (or a lot) uptight and gets paranoid very easily, and he runs his household the only way he knows how to keep order and discipline, with Marine boot camp precision; barking orders and chore charts keep everyone in line. Mostly.
The bulk of the story centers around Gretel, and her huge heart, trying to help Zander look better in the eyes of child services by proposing they get married to kill multiple birds with one stone. He can present a family front and she gets momzilla off her back from trying to hitched to a millionaire so she'll be set for life, and she'll finally have access to her honeymoon fund to pay the pledge that got her cut off from daddy in the first place. (Now, although she has been working to earn money all by herself, she'd never have made enough to afford the $75k pledge, but it seemed like a cop-out to have access to "free" money to do what she did to begin with - use money she didn't earn, so I felt she was taking several steps back). Anyway, under the cover of this fake but real marriage, Gretel and Zander finally get it on. The scenes were hot and quite enjoyable to read though I felt they got a bit bunched up together.
Overall I thought it was a nice read, however I thought Zander let Gretel take the lead too much, meaning he wasn't assertive enough for my liking. He mostly went along with whatever she wanted instead of sharing his (growing) feelings. I understood that Gretel didn't have great role models of what a healthy relationship or love should look like, but I'll also never understand why people find it so easy to have sex with strangers (or in this case acquaintances) but communicating feelings or expectations is much scarier. Frankly, I'd be more afraid of a condom bursting. I also didn't agree with the lightning fast progression from plan to execution because they never brought the boys into the discussion which was odd because the whole plan was because of them and for them.
Anyway, I'd still recommend this because it was a fun and steamy read if you're willing to overlook a few things about the MCs.
Side note: Another reviewer pointed out something interesting about the one Native Alaskan character and her portrayal and how it could be viewed as problematic to some: RK's Review. I didn't see it because to me all CPS caseworkers are demonized, and from my POV while reading that stereotype would have attached itself to any character of any race or gender.
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March 31, 2020
I’ve been a fan of this series from the very first book, as well as the author (Jennifer Bernard), and I wasn’t disappointed with Wicked In Winter. What I loved about this book is that from the very first pages, it grabbed me, sucked me in, and held me there until the end.
Zander Ross and Gretel (Zsa Zsa Whitney!) Morrison (funny story about her name to read, too) were like oil and water right from the start. I loved how Gretel was talking to inanimate objects and I could swear they were tawkin’ back! The progression of their relationship had the fun kind of rocky start and much tension (of the sexy tension kind) between them. Zander broke my heart. He thought he was ‘broken’ somehow and his struggle to take care of his family and friends – day to day – was real. He was such a great guy/character and I was firmly in his corner. Gretel, from previous storylines, was portrayed as a definite free spirit who came across as ditzy and spacey. What this masked was a tender heart of a deeply caring person that no one took seriously.
Best part? They found each other. Granted, they went about it in a convoluted way but that’s what made the story. Oh, they were so good for one another but…they each had something to prove to themselves, to the people in their lives who were counting on them, to others, and of course, to each other. I seriously enjoyed this story. Both Gretel and Zander deserved big hugs, at the very least, but most of all, their own HEA. Great story!
Zander Ross and Gretel (Zsa Zsa Whitney!) Morrison (funny story about her name to read, too) were like oil and water right from the start. I loved how Gretel was talking to inanimate objects and I could swear they were tawkin’ back! The progression of their relationship had the fun kind of rocky start and much tension (of the sexy tension kind) between them. Zander broke my heart. He thought he was ‘broken’ somehow and his struggle to take care of his family and friends – day to day – was real. He was such a great guy/character and I was firmly in his corner. Gretel, from previous storylines, was portrayed as a definite free spirit who came across as ditzy and spacey. What this masked was a tender heart of a deeply caring person that no one took seriously.
Best part? They found each other. Granted, they went about it in a convoluted way but that’s what made the story. Oh, they were so good for one another but…they each had something to prove to themselves, to the people in their lives who were counting on them, to others, and of course, to each other. I seriously enjoyed this story. Both Gretel and Zander deserved big hugs, at the very least, but most of all, their own HEA. Great story!
March 22, 2020
Gretel is a woman finally coming into her own after a lifetime of being under Daddy's financial control and Mom's constant attempts to marry her off to someone rich. She moves to Lost Harbor to visit her sister and, ends up staying to work in a coffee shop and help a new friend with her children. This is where she meets Zander, the next door neighbor who is raising his two younger brothers because, their parents died in a car accident two years ago. Zander wants to help Gretel but, Gretel is determined to do Everything without Anyone's help!!!
Zander and Gretel are both relationship shy. Zander because his parents died and, he will not allow himself to care for anyone else that much ever again. Gretel because her Dad's been married 3 times and, her mother 4. Things can change, though. Circumstances can change and, Zander and Gretel can decide to marry, both for their own reasons.
Can this marriage last, though? After all, just because there's an attraction doesn't mean anything stronger will occur!!! Right?!
Zander and Gretel are both relationship shy. Zander because his parents died and, he will not allow himself to care for anyone else that much ever again. Gretel because her Dad's been married 3 times and, her mother 4. Things can change, though. Circumstances can change and, Zander and Gretel can decide to marry, both for their own reasons.
Can this marriage last, though? After all, just because there's an attraction doesn't mean anything stronger will occur!!! Right?!
April 6, 2020
I read this over a week or so ago, but with the COVID-19 self-isolation, I seem to have lost all track of time's passage and didn't realize I was so far behind on reviewing it.
That said, it may have been subconscious because I didn't love this installment in the series as much as I loved the others. I was surprised, because I love a marriage of convenience story, but this one didn't do that much for me. And while the town is still quirky and delightful, and I enjoyed both Gretel and Zander individually and together, their path to their happily ever after was so incredibly obvious. Nothing about the last third of the book was surprising, right down to the .
While I still enjoyed this book, and I think if you've enjoyed the series to this point you will enjoy this one as well, I just can't bring myself to rate it as highly as I have the previous stories.
That said, it may have been subconscious because I didn't love this installment in the series as much as I loved the others. I was surprised, because I love a marriage of convenience story, but this one didn't do that much for me. And while the town is still quirky and delightful, and I enjoyed both Gretel and Zander individually and together, their path to their happily ever after was so incredibly obvious. Nothing about the last third of the book was surprising, right down to the .
While I still enjoyed this book, and I think if you've enjoyed the series to this point you will enjoy this one as well, I just can't bring myself to rate it as highly as I have the previous stories.
April 8, 2020
Wicked in Winter is the 4th book in Jennifer Bernard’s Lost Harbor, Alaska series. ..and it is beautiful like the Northern Lights!
Gretel and Zander’s story is fantastic! He is raising his brothers after his parents died in an accident, and she is helping Abby, a neighbor and friend, with her children.
I love the storyline and the characters and even though this is in a series, it can be easily be read as a standalone…however, part of Gretel’s backstory is in book 3, Seduced by Snowfall, as she is Bethany Morrison’s sister. Author Jennifer Bernard writes wonderfully and her stories are very well flowing. I love her writing style, as it has a good storyline and heat…a little mystery and drama. Perfect combination! 4.5 stars!
Gretel and Zander’s story is fantastic! He is raising his brothers after his parents died in an accident, and she is helping Abby, a neighbor and friend, with her children.
I love the storyline and the characters and even though this is in a series, it can be easily be read as a standalone…however, part of Gretel’s backstory is in book 3, Seduced by Snowfall, as she is Bethany Morrison’s sister. Author Jennifer Bernard writes wonderfully and her stories are very well flowing. I love her writing style, as it has a good storyline and heat…a little mystery and drama. Perfect combination! 4.5 stars!
March 22, 2020
What a breath of fresh air!! Gretel was such a free spirit with a heart of gold. Gretel was in Alaska trying to become a better person and finding her place in the world. Zander was a serious, concerned twenty-seven year old raising his two younger brothers. Gretel and Zander are definitely attracted to each other but it takes awhile for them to see how much they need each other. The speed courting was so sweet and fun to read. Oh, this story pulled all my heart strings in the best way with not one complaint!!
March 30, 2020
My favorite of the series so far!
I’ve absolutely fall in love with the Lost Harbor, Alaska series and Gretel’s story is my new favorite. She’s assumed to be a flighty socialite who is determined to prove she’s so much more. Zander is just trying to keep his family together and keep his hands off Gretel.
I loved that he saw in her what she couldn’t see and that she brought out his fun side. I’m a sucker for a little grump and sunshine action. The boys were added delight as was the beautiful Alaska setting. And it’s not really a Jennifer Bernard book if there isn’t a least a touch of danger.
Can’t wait to visit again!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
I’ve absolutely fall in love with the Lost Harbor, Alaska series and Gretel’s story is my new favorite. She’s assumed to be a flighty socialite who is determined to prove she’s so much more. Zander is just trying to keep his family together and keep his hands off Gretel.
I loved that he saw in her what she couldn’t see and that she brought out his fun side. I’m a sucker for a little grump and sunshine action. The boys were added delight as was the beautiful Alaska setting. And it’s not really a Jennifer Bernard book if there isn’t a least a touch of danger.
Can’t wait to visit again!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
April 6, 2020
This story features a free spirited and impetuous young woman and an Alaska native who is an ex military man supporting his two young brothers. Gretel has always enjoyed flitting from place to place but now that her father has shut down her credit cards she’s making the best of life in Alaska when she meets Zander who is her polar opposite. There was plenty of Alaska snow, the Aurora Borealis not to mention an exhilarating dog sled outing. I enjoyed the relationship between Zander and his two younger brothers. I really wish the author had spent more time developing Zander’s character and the sexual attraction between him and Gretel because she usually does a really great job with character development and it would have made this a 5 star read. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
March 22, 2020
Loved this book!!
Gretel has been cut off by her father and moves to help out a patient of her sister's in Lost Harbor, Alaska.
Zander left the marines to take care of his brothers after their parents died in a boating accident.
These two together are the best!!
Gretel has been cut off by her father and moves to help out a patient of her sister's in Lost Harbor, Alaska.
Zander left the marines to take care of his brothers after their parents died in a boating accident.
These two together are the best!!
March 22, 2020
Yay! Another Lost Harbor, Alaska book! This series is so much fun. I am enjoying the heck out of them! Love Zander and Gretel. I loved it.
December 22, 2021
Rated 3.5
November 16, 2022
I loved this omg
February 6, 2021
This was a fun read. The leading female character was delightful. Just enough romance with a happy ending!
February 17, 2021
So I love stories that take place in Alaska. This did not disappoint. Nice love story between two neighbors. This is the first book by Jennifer Bernard that I've read and I'd like to read more. This has a couple steamy love scenes, but not over the top.
March 25, 2020
Wicked In Winter is a ton of fun with wicked chemistry that heats up the winter months between Gretel and Zander.
What starts out as a bet between Gretel, the new girl in town, and Zander, the pseudo-father to his brothers, to see if Gretel will stick out her first cold, unforgiving winter in Alaska only gets more heated when their attraction ends in a marriage with an *(asterisk). So, unlike a fake marriage or one only on paper, their marriage is one with lots of chemistry, because they refuse to deny it between the two of them, but one that is also mutually beneficial.
They both have a reason to need a wife/husband in the short term and their attraction to one another is wicked hot, but even with all of their stipulations in place and with them getting along, is it enough for a real future together?
Gretel is used to running free and never staying in one spot, while Zander is used to rules and running his home like the military. The more time these two spend together they more they take on one another's attributes and really getting along. Gretel is bubbly and attracts people to her side like a beacon of light and her unstructured upbringing secretly craves the way Zander runs his life. Zander is also drawn to Gabby's playful side, something he hasn't had in a very long time, especially since he took over raising his two brothers.
Gretel is very easy to like, relatable in the way she just wants to find her purpose in life. For the first time ever, Alaska feels like the perfect fit, even with the sub-zero weather. She doesn't want to leave even though she has an * clause in her marriage, but sometimes things are out of her control.
Zander is a commendable man, coming home from the military after his parents died, to take on the job of raising his younger siblings. As a young, single male that job isn't easy, but that fact that he's hanging in there to give them the best life he can is a huge heart melter. As he begins to fall for Gretel it may be too late to tell her when he finally realizes it, but how to you contain a free spirit?
Fall in love with this frozen land while warming up with this amazing couple in Lost Harbor.
What starts out as a bet between Gretel, the new girl in town, and Zander, the pseudo-father to his brothers, to see if Gretel will stick out her first cold, unforgiving winter in Alaska only gets more heated when their attraction ends in a marriage with an *(asterisk). So, unlike a fake marriage or one only on paper, their marriage is one with lots of chemistry, because they refuse to deny it between the two of them, but one that is also mutually beneficial.
They both have a reason to need a wife/husband in the short term and their attraction to one another is wicked hot, but even with all of their stipulations in place and with them getting along, is it enough for a real future together?
Gretel is used to running free and never staying in one spot, while Zander is used to rules and running his home like the military. The more time these two spend together they more they take on one another's attributes and really getting along. Gretel is bubbly and attracts people to her side like a beacon of light and her unstructured upbringing secretly craves the way Zander runs his life. Zander is also drawn to Gabby's playful side, something he hasn't had in a very long time, especially since he took over raising his two brothers.
Gretel is very easy to like, relatable in the way she just wants to find her purpose in life. For the first time ever, Alaska feels like the perfect fit, even with the sub-zero weather. She doesn't want to leave even though she has an * clause in her marriage, but sometimes things are out of her control.
Zander is a commendable man, coming home from the military after his parents died, to take on the job of raising his younger siblings. As a young, single male that job isn't easy, but that fact that he's hanging in there to give them the best life he can is a huge heart melter. As he begins to fall for Gretel it may be too late to tell her when he finally realizes it, but how to you contain a free spirit?
Fall in love with this frozen land while warming up with this amazing couple in Lost Harbor.
March 30, 2020
Wicked in Winter is the latest book in Jennifer Bernard’s Lost Harbor, Alaska series. I have to say that while I have enjoyed all of the previous books Wicked in Winter is now my favorite one. I love Gretel’s and Zander’s enthusiasm and how they both complement each other. Gretel is a spoiled little rich girl who never had to stop and think about where her funds for all her activities were coming from. When daddy cuts off her finances because he wants her out of Alaska, she digs in deep to show that she is resourceful and can do things on her own.
Zander had to cut his military career short to take care of his siblings when their parents died in a car crash. Even though young, Zander puts his military discipline to work to ensure when the social worker stops by to check up on them that she is satisfied with how things are going. Zander definitely does his best to ensure they have a great upbringing while being an excellent role model.
As they get to know one another better, they do little things for each other which in the end speaks volumes. I love it when their initial bickering turns to one of mutual respect, teamwork and eventually love.
Ms. Bernard is one of my favorite authors and I know I will always get a quality book that is filled with an excellent storyline that grips me from the beginning until the very end. Her characters are well developed and make me wish that I knew them and was a part of their lives as well. Along with the easy banter between the characters is a bit of levity as well.
Wicke in Winter is easily a standalone book; however, characters from the previous three books appear in this one as well. Do yourself a favor and get lost in Lost Harbor, Alaska by reading all four books in this amazing series. I definitely can’t wait to find out whose story is next.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review that is my own.
Zander had to cut his military career short to take care of his siblings when their parents died in a car crash. Even though young, Zander puts his military discipline to work to ensure when the social worker stops by to check up on them that she is satisfied with how things are going. Zander definitely does his best to ensure they have a great upbringing while being an excellent role model.
As they get to know one another better, they do little things for each other which in the end speaks volumes. I love it when their initial bickering turns to one of mutual respect, teamwork and eventually love.
Ms. Bernard is one of my favorite authors and I know I will always get a quality book that is filled with an excellent storyline that grips me from the beginning until the very end. Her characters are well developed and make me wish that I knew them and was a part of their lives as well. Along with the easy banter between the characters is a bit of levity as well.
Wicke in Winter is easily a standalone book; however, characters from the previous three books appear in this one as well. Do yourself a favor and get lost in Lost Harbor, Alaska by reading all four books in this amazing series. I definitely can’t wait to find out whose story is next.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review that is my own.
March 23, 2020
No matter if spring has arrived, you’re still stuck in winter, or Mother Nature can’t make up her mind, this is the perfect read for your downtime. It's warm and witty and just wicked enough to lure you in and keep you reading late into the night. And these characters! They'll steal your heart and leave you happy, making you wonder how you ever managed before they came into your life.
Zander Rose is doing the best he can. After his parents' fatal accident, he left the marines and came home to Lost Harbor to take care of his two young brothers. He may run things a bit like a drill sergeant, but he always has his brothers' best interest at heart.
Gretel Zsa Zsa Whitney Morrison (yeah, that will make sense once you know her mother) has no cares and little responsibility, always doing whatever she wants, flitting from one getaway to another compliments of her father's deep pockets. After visiting her sister in Lost Harbor and helping a friend with young children after a health scare, Gretel decides to stay put for a while. And what Gretel won’t tell you is that she has a heart of gold under that frivolous, carefree façade. When the serious, stoic neighbor, Zander, has a need Gretel thinks she can help with, she runs headlong into something that surprises even her.
One of the things I love most about this series is that, with each new book, it feels like coming home. The setting is scenic and vivid, and the characters are lively, quirky and unique, welcoming any newcomer with open arms. Gretel, Zander, and his brothers all have that perfect amount of vulnerability that never fails to captivate me and secure a place in my heart. And seeing all of them grow and become their best selves as a result of their journey together is the cherry on top of this delightful, entertaining, heartfelt dessert. You absolutely don’t want to miss this one! Once you go to Lucky Harbor, you’ll never want to leave.
Zander Rose is doing the best he can. After his parents' fatal accident, he left the marines and came home to Lost Harbor to take care of his two young brothers. He may run things a bit like a drill sergeant, but he always has his brothers' best interest at heart.
Gretel Zsa Zsa Whitney Morrison (yeah, that will make sense once you know her mother) has no cares and little responsibility, always doing whatever she wants, flitting from one getaway to another compliments of her father's deep pockets. After visiting her sister in Lost Harbor and helping a friend with young children after a health scare, Gretel decides to stay put for a while. And what Gretel won’t tell you is that she has a heart of gold under that frivolous, carefree façade. When the serious, stoic neighbor, Zander, has a need Gretel thinks she can help with, she runs headlong into something that surprises even her.
One of the things I love most about this series is that, with each new book, it feels like coming home. The setting is scenic and vivid, and the characters are lively, quirky and unique, welcoming any newcomer with open arms. Gretel, Zander, and his brothers all have that perfect amount of vulnerability that never fails to captivate me and secure a place in my heart. And seeing all of them grow and become their best selves as a result of their journey together is the cherry on top of this delightful, entertaining, heartfelt dessert. You absolutely don’t want to miss this one! Once you go to Lucky Harbor, you’ll never want to leave.
March 31, 2020
This is by far the best book in this series, and I thought the last book was awesome. Gretel, who is Bethany’s sister is still in Lost Harbour because her Daddy cut her off. Between her parents they have been married seven times. Not a lot of parental examples. She is still helping at the Noonan’s with four kids while mom recovers from brain surgery and the birth of the baby.
Next door, by way of skis, lives Zander, his brothers Jason and Petey. Zander’s parents died in a boating accident while he was in the Marine Corp and he came home to raise his brothers. Zander is trying to figure out what Gretel is actually doing. He has heard she is wealthy. Why is she in Alaska and living with his neighbors? She can’t even get wood on a sleigh to bring in the house, properly. He is attracted to her but he is positive she won’t make it halfway through winter.
Gretel has a heart twelve times the size of her chest. The saying: she would give you the shirt right off her back, doesn’t even explain her goodness. She sees that Zander has a problem. A child welfare agent is verifying whether Zander is what his brothers need. Zander will do anything to be there for his brothers. Gretel has an idea that may help Zander’s case.
Gretel has great insights to people. She comes off a little flakey; she has colors in her hair, her boots look good rather than be of the Carhart variety. She talks to everything, including snow and a sled. She is just what Zander, the boys and the people of Lost Harbor need.
You really get a feel for a winter in Alaska. The author, who is from Alaska paints a picture of both beauty and strength that the people from a small, off the track town in Alaska experience. (Where social distancing is probably easier there than here). I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Enjoy, I did.
Next door, by way of skis, lives Zander, his brothers Jason and Petey. Zander’s parents died in a boating accident while he was in the Marine Corp and he came home to raise his brothers. Zander is trying to figure out what Gretel is actually doing. He has heard she is wealthy. Why is she in Alaska and living with his neighbors? She can’t even get wood on a sleigh to bring in the house, properly. He is attracted to her but he is positive she won’t make it halfway through winter.
Gretel has a heart twelve times the size of her chest. The saying: she would give you the shirt right off her back, doesn’t even explain her goodness. She sees that Zander has a problem. A child welfare agent is verifying whether Zander is what his brothers need. Zander will do anything to be there for his brothers. Gretel has an idea that may help Zander’s case.
Gretel has great insights to people. She comes off a little flakey; she has colors in her hair, her boots look good rather than be of the Carhart variety. She talks to everything, including snow and a sled. She is just what Zander, the boys and the people of Lost Harbor need.
You really get a feel for a winter in Alaska. The author, who is from Alaska paints a picture of both beauty and strength that the people from a small, off the track town in Alaska experience. (Where social distancing is probably easier there than here). I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Enjoy, I did.
April 6, 2020
Wicked in Winter started off hilariously. I never thought Gretel would stay in Alaska. She had a tough life growing up with a silver spoon in her mouth. She was always traveling and essentially, I think, acting out. Her parents have multiple divorces and marriages between them and she had all the money she wanted to do as she pleased. Her rock in life has been her half-sister, Bethany. Bethany and Nick got together in the last book of the series, Seduced by Snowfall. At the end of that story, Gretel gets disinherited but gets a job helping a neighbor with her children. Gretel also hold down a job at the local coffee shop and is feeling pretty good about herself.
Zander, on the other hand, grew up in Lost Harbor, Alaska, then joined the Marines. After his parents were killed in a freak boating accident, Zander left the Marines to return to Lost Harbor to raise his two much younger brothers. He is making it work, just barely sometimes, even though he has his worries about finances and the child welfare people.
Once Gretel and Zander meet the sparks fly. But they are hilarious. Even sex is hilarious with them. The negotiations and deals are LOL funny but serious, too. This is one couple I’m glad got together and worked things out. They just have a fundamental connection that gives them both what they need. Very romantic.
I really enjoy reading a story, romance or not, that teaches me something in addition to just being an excellent read. Wicked in Winter touches on child care and the issues involved to keep children safe and cared for. And on how a person wants to feel accepted and worthy. We also, as in all the Lost Harbor books, learn more about Alaska, specifically the trials of surviving a winter in Alaska. Ms. Bernard knows what she’s talking about.
Love, love, love the Lost Harbor, Alaska, series! And I can’t wait to find out more about SG.
Zander, on the other hand, grew up in Lost Harbor, Alaska, then joined the Marines. After his parents were killed in a freak boating accident, Zander left the Marines to return to Lost Harbor to raise his two much younger brothers. He is making it work, just barely sometimes, even though he has his worries about finances and the child welfare people.
Once Gretel and Zander meet the sparks fly. But they are hilarious. Even sex is hilarious with them. The negotiations and deals are LOL funny but serious, too. This is one couple I’m glad got together and worked things out. They just have a fundamental connection that gives them both what they need. Very romantic.
I really enjoy reading a story, romance or not, that teaches me something in addition to just being an excellent read. Wicked in Winter touches on child care and the issues involved to keep children safe and cared for. And on how a person wants to feel accepted and worthy. We also, as in all the Lost Harbor books, learn more about Alaska, specifically the trials of surviving a winter in Alaska. Ms. Bernard knows what she’s talking about.
Love, love, love the Lost Harbor, Alaska, series! And I can’t wait to find out more about SG.
April 5, 2020
I loved Jennifer Bernard's "Wicked in Winter," a funny, sweet, charming story featuring likeable characters and an engaging plot. While it is the fourth book of the Lost Harbor, Alaska series, it reads as a total standalone, so anyone who has not yet read the earlier installments will not feel lost at all by starting here. That said, I have loved each and every one of the past stories and would highly recommend picking them up in addition to this one.
The main characters of "Wicked in Winter," Gretel Morrison and Zander Ross, seemed like complete opposites at first. On paper, a relationship between them never should have worked, but in reality, they managed to bring out the best in each other. They challenged each other to do things they wouldn't normally do, and their banter as they did so was quite amusing. I particularly loved their bet on whether Gretel would be able to make it through the winter in Alaska. As it turned out, she was a lot more capable than Zander (or anyone else) gave her credit for being!
When the story began, Zander was very strict with his younger brothers and had a unique way of imposing order on the household, but it worked for them for a long time because they all needed structure and routine to get through the immediate aftermath of their parents' death. As his brothers got older, however, Zander needed to learn to deal with them in a different way, and Gretel was very helpful in convincing Zander to loosen up and try new ways of interacting with Jason and Petey. Gretel's big heart and fun-loving nature had a tremendous impact on all three of the Ross brothers, and ended up bringing them closer together as a family.
Overall, "Wicked in Winter" was a great story just as all of the previous books in this series have been, and I really hope that Ms. Bernard plans to write more books set in Lost Harbor. Police chief Maya Badger, fire chief Darius Boone, and neurosurgeon Ian Finnegan all need stories of their own, plus I am still wondering what happened to S.G., the runaway who was featured in book #3 ("Seduced by Snowfall"). Regardless of whether it's set in Lost Harbor, I look forward to reading whatever Ms. Bernard writes next!
*ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
The main characters of "Wicked in Winter," Gretel Morrison and Zander Ross, seemed like complete opposites at first. On paper, a relationship between them never should have worked, but in reality, they managed to bring out the best in each other. They challenged each other to do things they wouldn't normally do, and their banter as they did so was quite amusing. I particularly loved their bet on whether Gretel would be able to make it through the winter in Alaska. As it turned out, she was a lot more capable than Zander (or anyone else) gave her credit for being!
When the story began, Zander was very strict with his younger brothers and had a unique way of imposing order on the household, but it worked for them for a long time because they all needed structure and routine to get through the immediate aftermath of their parents' death. As his brothers got older, however, Zander needed to learn to deal with them in a different way, and Gretel was very helpful in convincing Zander to loosen up and try new ways of interacting with Jason and Petey. Gretel's big heart and fun-loving nature had a tremendous impact on all three of the Ross brothers, and ended up bringing them closer together as a family.
Overall, "Wicked in Winter" was a great story just as all of the previous books in this series have been, and I really hope that Ms. Bernard plans to write more books set in Lost Harbor. Police chief Maya Badger, fire chief Darius Boone, and neurosurgeon Ian Finnegan all need stories of their own, plus I am still wondering what happened to S.G., the runaway who was featured in book #3 ("Seduced by Snowfall"). Regardless of whether it's set in Lost Harbor, I look forward to reading whatever Ms. Bernard writes next!
*ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 6, 2020
Gretel Morrison is proof that there is more to a person than meets the eye. Gretel came to Lost Harbor, Alaska to visit her sister after her father cut her off financially. When called on to help the Noonan family, Gretel found that she was useful, not just a flighty party girl controlled by one or both of her parents. Not only is she helping the Noonans, but she has a job, and gets involved with the town. Coming to Lost Harbor gave Gretel a chance to really explore who she is and shed the party-girl image. Unfortunately, Zander Ross, the Noonan’s neighbor is convinced she will get tired of Alaska and go back to her globe-trotting ways. When the chance comes up to help Zander and also get herself out of a jam, her unconventional idea may be just what they both need. Their unconventional approach to their future and whether they are compatible was laugh-out-loud funny and watching their relationship evolve was heart-warming, as they faced obstacles expected and unexpected.
WICKED IN WINTER by Jennifer Bernard is book four in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series, but can easily stand alone. I adored the characters. Just when you think you know Gretel, another layer gets peeled back. Zander’s approach to raising his brothers mostly works, but I love how throwing Gretel into the mix gives all of them a new perspective and helps them move to a better place. The chemistry is off the charts, and watching these two, who appear to be opposites, come together is the perfect way to spend a day. You won't want to put this one down!
#Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
#WickedInWinter #LostHarborAlaska
WICKED IN WINTER by Jennifer Bernard is book four in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series, but can easily stand alone. I adored the characters. Just when you think you know Gretel, another layer gets peeled back. Zander’s approach to raising his brothers mostly works, but I love how throwing Gretel into the mix gives all of them a new perspective and helps them move to a better place. The chemistry is off the charts, and watching these two, who appear to be opposites, come together is the perfect way to spend a day. You won't want to put this one down!
#Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
#WickedInWinter #LostHarborAlaska
April 6, 2020
Gretel Morrison is a bit of a tumbleweed, wandering to any exotic or elite location her whim, or her mom, feels like taking her. Raised with access to unlimited money from her Hedge Fund-ruling dad and former runway model mom, Gretel is the master of the globe-trotting lifestyle, staying in one place only as long as it entertains her. So, when during a visit with her sister Bethany, Gretel is cut off from her funds by her controlling, vindictive father, she finds herself grounded indefinitely in Lost Harbor, Alaska. It is at that point where Gretel discovers how high she herself can fly!
Gretel was first introduced in “Seduced by Snowfall,” her sister Bethany Morrison’s book. She came across initially as flighty and funky, but quickly showed her strength and heart. Underneath the color-striped hair and her quirky attire lies a smart, sensitive woman who hides her deep emotions with charm and a smile. Zander Ross has hiding heartache in common with her as well, except he uses the rigid guidelines he learned in the military to deal with the uncomfortable emotions he carries. So, when sparks start flying between these two, it is pure kismet!
Once again, Ms. Bernard’s wonderful prose and fun characters immerse the reader into the wonderful world of Lost Harbor, Alaska. With every series, I say to myself that “this Jennifer Bernard series is my favorite.” But I am beginning to realize that it is this author, and her way with a story, that makes every one of her books a favorite! Do not miss this visit to Lost Harbor!
Gretel was first introduced in “Seduced by Snowfall,” her sister Bethany Morrison’s book. She came across initially as flighty and funky, but quickly showed her strength and heart. Underneath the color-striped hair and her quirky attire lies a smart, sensitive woman who hides her deep emotions with charm and a smile. Zander Ross has hiding heartache in common with her as well, except he uses the rigid guidelines he learned in the military to deal with the uncomfortable emotions he carries. So, when sparks start flying between these two, it is pure kismet!
Once again, Ms. Bernard’s wonderful prose and fun characters immerse the reader into the wonderful world of Lost Harbor, Alaska. With every series, I say to myself that “this Jennifer Bernard series is my favorite.” But I am beginning to realize that it is this author, and her way with a story, that makes every one of her books a favorite! Do not miss this visit to Lost Harbor!
April 7, 2020
Wicked in Winter is the fourth book in Jennifer Bernard’s Lost Harbor, Alaska series. I was so excited to see this was about Gretel Morrison. I fell in love with her character in the previous book, Seduced by Snowfall. Gretel’s outlook on family and marriage is tainted based upon her parents’ numerous marriages. Her father is wealthy and holds that over her head. Instead of continuing to rely on her father, she breaks away and begins to build a new life for herself.
She becomes a temporary caregiver to a friend and her family as she recovers from surgery. While caring for the family, she meets her neighbor Zander Ross. He retired from a military career to care for his younger brothers after his parents’ tragic death.
Over time she and Zander begin to click. He’s worried about Child Protective Services removing his brothers from his care. Unbeknownst to Gretel she meets the woman who is deciding on his brothers’ fate leaving her with the impression they are a couple.
Over the course of Wicked in Winter, Gretel matures. She learns to put others above herself especially when she suggests a marriage of convenience to keep Zander and his brothers together. She makes a huge difference in their lives and wants to make a go of her marriage. In fact, she has notion of owing the coffeehouse too.
Wicked in Winter is a heartwarming story bringing together two somewhat lost souls that form a true family. I love this series and I highly recommend this book! I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
She becomes a temporary caregiver to a friend and her family as she recovers from surgery. While caring for the family, she meets her neighbor Zander Ross. He retired from a military career to care for his younger brothers after his parents’ tragic death.
Over time she and Zander begin to click. He’s worried about Child Protective Services removing his brothers from his care. Unbeknownst to Gretel she meets the woman who is deciding on his brothers’ fate leaving her with the impression they are a couple.
Over the course of Wicked in Winter, Gretel matures. She learns to put others above herself especially when she suggests a marriage of convenience to keep Zander and his brothers together. She makes a huge difference in their lives and wants to make a go of her marriage. In fact, she has notion of owing the coffeehouse too.
Wicked in Winter is a heartwarming story bringing together two somewhat lost souls that form a true family. I love this series and I highly recommend this book! I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
April 8, 2020
I have read all of the Lost Harbor books and Wicked in Winter was a stellar addition to the series! Ever since I read Seduced by Snowfall I was hoping that Gretel would get a story and what a wonderful story it is! You do not have to read the other books in the series because this stands alone but I do recommend reading Seduced by Snowfall because that is where we first meet Gretel our free spirit and her sister, Lost Harbor's resident doctor Bethany. Gretel is sunshine, rainbows and cotton candy all rolled into one beautiful 25 year old woman. In the previous book she and her father had a major disagreement and he cut her off financially so she is working two jobs and trying to get accustomed to Alaska's winters. Zander is the boy next door, if a boy is a 27 year old former Marine now raising his younger brothers after their parents deaths. He is mystified by Gretel. She clearly is a fish out of water up here and he challenges her to see if she will withstand the winter. Game on for Gretel! Zander doesn't realize that when she makes up her mind to do something that she is going to do it. What neither one realizes is that they are both going to need each other to make it through the challenges coming their way. They really are an adorable couple and this is such a sweet story even though there's quite a bit of heat going on during those long Alaskan nights! Wicked in Winter was told from dual POV and I'm hoping that there are more Lost Harbor stories coming.
April 1, 2020
I love Gretel! Her courage is amazing. She went from having everything taken care of by her parents to being cutoff & stranded in Alaska. Of course, her sister was there but she was determined to stand on her own two feet. She found two jobs & enjoyed them both. Yes, she made mistakes & was tempted to go back but she stuck to it.
Zander was raising his brothers alone & doesn’t want to do anything to upset the Apple cart. His parents died in an accident & hadn’t named a guardian. Zander managed to get the system to name him temporarily & was afraid something would happen to change that. Jason & Petey, his brothers, had their own defined personalities & kept him on his toes. Jason was an avid skier & didn’t want anything more than to be the best. Petey had a unquenchable curiosity about everything, including fingernail polish! Zander has loads of patience with both of them & you can see clearly the affection between them.
This was a terrific book! Both Gretel & Zander are so easy to relate to & are so much fun! From the first, their relationship intrigued me & drew me in. Jason & Petey really added drama & depth to the story. I loved Petey’s curiosity & interest in everything no matter how it made him look. Beloved characters from the rest of the series made an appearance & have an update on their lives. I really felt that this was a fun, flirty, entertaining story!
Zander was raising his brothers alone & doesn’t want to do anything to upset the Apple cart. His parents died in an accident & hadn’t named a guardian. Zander managed to get the system to name him temporarily & was afraid something would happen to change that. Jason & Petey, his brothers, had their own defined personalities & kept him on his toes. Jason was an avid skier & didn’t want anything more than to be the best. Petey had a unquenchable curiosity about everything, including fingernail polish! Zander has loads of patience with both of them & you can see clearly the affection between them.
This was a terrific book! Both Gretel & Zander are so easy to relate to & are so much fun! From the first, their relationship intrigued me & drew me in. Jason & Petey really added drama & depth to the story. I loved Petey’s curiosity & interest in everything no matter how it made him look. Beloved characters from the rest of the series made an appearance & have an update on their lives. I really felt that this was a fun, flirty, entertaining story!
April 4, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. I had read the previous book in this series and really enjoyed it but liked this one by far better. I think it was just the way the two main characters were portrayed. I really enjoyed it.
This book follows Gretel and Zander's love story. Gretel grew up a society princess but her father cut her off because she wasn't falling in line any more. She ended up in Lost Harbor to visit her half sister and ended up staying to try to better herself. She now attends AA, helps run the coffee shop and lives/helps a mother of four. Zander is an ex-Marine who moved back to Lost Harbor to care for his two younger brothers after their parents died. He is strict and only wants to keep the family together. So when the State starts coming by to look at the home situation, he panics a bit. Gretel has a solution that is outrageous but ends up working like a charm. She comes in and softens up Zander's strict rules and starts to make the family a REAL family.
Of course some threats arrive and Gretel feels like she has to make a hard choice to save the family. Can Zander convince her otherwise? Will Gretel take a chance?
The book was very well written and I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions. I would definitely recommend this book for fun romantic read.
This book follows Gretel and Zander's love story. Gretel grew up a society princess but her father cut her off because she wasn't falling in line any more. She ended up in Lost Harbor to visit her half sister and ended up staying to try to better herself. She now attends AA, helps run the coffee shop and lives/helps a mother of four. Zander is an ex-Marine who moved back to Lost Harbor to care for his two younger brothers after their parents died. He is strict and only wants to keep the family together. So when the State starts coming by to look at the home situation, he panics a bit. Gretel has a solution that is outrageous but ends up working like a charm. She comes in and softens up Zander's strict rules and starts to make the family a REAL family.
Of course some threats arrive and Gretel feels like she has to make a hard choice to save the family. Can Zander convince her otherwise? Will Gretel take a chance?
The book was very well written and I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions. I would definitely recommend this book for fun romantic read.
April 5, 2020
I loved Gretel and Zander’s love story in Wicked in Winter by Jennifer Bernard, book four in her Lost Harbor, Alaska series. Gretel Morrison was a fresh face in Lost Harbor; a dazzling smile, lighthearted style, and being able to make people feel happy. Gretel was ready to live independently, relying only on herself rather than her wealthy and controlling parents. After losing their parents, Zander Ross has plenty of responsibility raising his two younger brothers; he doesn’t need the distraction of the spoiled rich girl, Gretel, provides. Yet, when a threat to the Ross family arises Gretel steps up with a crazy, outrageous idea that just might help both of them; at least until Gretel’s millionaire father finds a way to destroy their amazing, but delicate bond. Playing wicked just might be the only way to selvage the connection these two have.
Ms. Bernard wrote an amazing, emotional, humorous, and magical story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with kindness, magnetic attraction, off the charts chemistry, amusing conversations, and endearing characters giving Gretel and Zander a chance at opening their hearts and finding a forever love. I highly recommend Wicked in Winter to other readers and can’t wait for the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Bernard wrote an amazing, emotional, humorous, and magical story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with kindness, magnetic attraction, off the charts chemistry, amusing conversations, and endearing characters giving Gretel and Zander a chance at opening their hearts and finding a forever love. I highly recommend Wicked in Winter to other readers and can’t wait for the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 19, 2020
Gretel is truly on her own for the first time as an adult and I loved her determination to succeed in Alaska. Zander is a young man weighed down with the responsibility of taking care of his two brothers after their parents were killed in an accident.
I loved the sparks between Gretel and Zander. It starts with teasing and banter and becomes so much more. I loved how they worked together to put the needs of his brothers first. I loved how well they negotiated with each other on different things. (I especially loved their use of code words.)
I adored how accurate the portrayal of winter in Alaska was and how Gretel managed. I appreciated that Zander doubted Gretel's ability to stay, because many Alaskans who have seen a lot often doubt the newbie. I loved Gretel's persistence and the way she embraced her new town, its people, and the Alaskan way of life. I really liked how she understood Zander's brothers and was able to help him navigate how to deal with some of the things they faced. I loved heat in the bedroom, and the swoon-worthy romantic moment near the end. The setting of this small harbor town in Alaska is perfect and this is another winner for me. This book is written in third person from a dual POV.
I loved the sparks between Gretel and Zander. It starts with teasing and banter and becomes so much more. I loved how they worked together to put the needs of his brothers first. I loved how well they negotiated with each other on different things. (I especially loved their use of code words.)
I adored how accurate the portrayal of winter in Alaska was and how Gretel managed. I appreciated that Zander doubted Gretel's ability to stay, because many Alaskans who have seen a lot often doubt the newbie. I loved Gretel's persistence and the way she embraced her new town, its people, and the Alaskan way of life. I really liked how she understood Zander's brothers and was able to help him navigate how to deal with some of the things they faced. I loved heat in the bedroom, and the swoon-worthy romantic moment near the end. The setting of this small harbor town in Alaska is perfect and this is another winner for me. This book is written in third person from a dual POV.
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