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 … 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.
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Daring, challenging wicked fun
Wicked In Winter (Lost Harbor, Alaska Book 4) by Jennifer Bernard was my first introduction to Lost Harbor, Alaska. It seems that if you’re lost, Lost Harbor is the place to be. It seems to be working for Gretel. I loved “seeing” Alaska through her eyes; beauty and wonder in everything. She’s genuinely sweet and kind with a heart as big as the clear Alaskan skies while also wickedly funny and full of adventure, easily befriending everyone. Zander on the other hand is wickedly hot while completely focused on responsibility and family, but not so focused he doesn’t notice Gretel.
The plots revolve around these characters individually and together as they combine forces to get what they both want. Of course what they both want ends up adding another element of the steamy bedroom variety which then also engages the heart.
Overall, these characters grabbed my heart from the get go and I found their love story fun, entertaining, heartfelt and loving. Best of all, Zander fights for what they both want and ensures their HEA.
I skipped over the steamy parts, which did not to be included in the book. The story line was special on it’s own merits.
Adorable read. Liked the the fact that this was all surrounding the protection of the young brothers Petey and Jason. Loved that Zander came back to take care of everything and keep the family together. Greyson is adorable and loved her little inner monologue just appreciating the beauty of things. It really made painting the pictures within the book more life like. Loved gretel and Zander together. They balanced each other.
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.
We met Gretel in a previous book when she came to visit her sister, Natalie, after this very indulged young lady was cut off by her father. She is earning her keep as a nanny and a barista. Where will she go once the family she’s with doesn’t need her help anymore and she’s broke!
Zander came back to Lost Harbor after his parents were killed in a boating mishap, to care for his much younger brothers. Now there is a social worker snooping around, and a possible new placement for one of the brothers. How can he make sure he stays in control?
Although Zander and Gretel are not the best of friends when they meet, their bristly attitudes become tamed once a solution to both of their problems becomes apparent, at least to Gretel.
Gretel’s mother is a hoot! I loved her once I got past her need to ‘handle’ all the details of her daughter’s life.
Love, marriage, manipulation, tragedy, and redemption are all at play in the newest book in the Lost Harbor Alaska series. I’m so enjoying this series and can’t wait for the next book!
Jennifer Bernard is a master at giving us all the feels! From laughter to tears to all the feel-good swoons, this book–and this series–is a definite winner.
Every book I’ve read by Ms. Bernard is better than the last. This one is no exception.
On the surface, it’s a fake-marriage romance. But there is so much more to it than that. The characters are amazing. You feel like you really know them. And everything about them is just so real.
Can’t wait for more from Lost Harbor.
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.
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.
Gretel and Zander were wonderful! Gretel has been cut off by her father and moves to Lost Harbor, Alaska to make a place for herself. Zander has left the military after his parents death to care for his younger brothers, Jason and Petey. When Gretel and Zander meet the sparks fly between them. The back and forth and bickering is hilarious between these two. I truly enjoyed every aspect of this story, it’s sweet, funny, has great chemistry, and is a wonderful romance. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Wicked in Winter is book four in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series. I am always excited when a new book comes out in one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors. This story did not disappoint. I was swept up into the story, and I could not put it down until I finished. I highly recommend it!
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
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.
Hooked from page 1, the latest Lost Harbor story, Wicked In Winter, draws readers in yet again with quirky, fun and romantic characters in an unforgettable town. Gretel Morrison is using her time in Lost Harbor to reinvent herself and start fresh and Zander Ross needs someone to help him navigate suddenly raising his 2 brothers. Full of so much humor, zing and heat, Wicked in Winter is a winner.
Gretel And Zander I truly enjoyed their story! Zander is worried about loosing his brothers and Grelet thinks it might be because of something she might have said….. so she comes up with a plan Gretel is a cut off use to be spoiled rich girl and Zander a bit of a gruff ex Marine, together they make their own rules in this fun fast paced read . I love the Grand gestures they do. Lots of great action going on . If you haven’t read the first three start there!! I’ll be glad you did
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!
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.
The grumpy one meets the sunshine one in Jennifer Bernard’s latest. Gretel and Zander are fun from the start as she sees through his grumpy exterior. About halfway through this becomes marriage of convenience and it is perfect for the story and these characters. Bernard had me from the first page and did not disappoint.
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Wicked in Winter is book 4 in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series by Jennifer Bernard and so love thus great series!
Gretel Morrison, spoiled rich girl comes to Lost Harbor to visit her sister since her parents cut her off from her frivolous spending. Now she’s determined to rely on herself and find her way in the world. What she doesn’t expect is Zander Ross, hot sexy next-door neighbor. When Zander and his family are threatened she stepped up to help if only in Athens short term of a few months.
Instant attraction, secrets, short term relationship that could lead to a lifetime of happiness!
Will a marriage of convenience turn into a HEA? I adored this story!! Gretel needs a fresh start, so why not Lost Harbor to get away from her wealthy parents and to prove that she can survive on her own. Zander Ross is a local, who is raising his two younger brothers. To keep his family together, Gretel comes up with the idea of a marriage of convenience. But will this marriage survive?
Loved these characters, Gretel is flighty and fun where Zander is serious and wants to run a tight ship. Zander is an ex marine. The sexual chemistry that they share is hot. Love the back drop of an Alaskan winter.
This is the fourth book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book along with the series.