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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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.
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.
I loved it! This is a good, sweet book. I was glad to read Gretl’s story. I love this series and I’m ready for the next one.
Gretel was cut off by her rich Daddy, when she gave his money to fight something his own company was going to build. Zander is a former marine, whose parents passed away, now he is the caretaker of his 2 younger brothers. Gretel is staying with Anne, helping take care of her, and her children, and also working at a coffee shop with her friend Danny. They make a bet that Gretel will stay in Alaska all winter, if she wins, Zander goes on a radio show, telling everyone he underestimated her, if he wins, she writes and sings a song about Alaska. Zander has a new case worker from social services, Gretel proposes marriage to help show them that the boys should stay with them in a 2 parent household. They get married, write up a very funny pre-nup. She leaves to save the family, but on her way out she and Zander are hurt. She still leaves, but Zander and the boys go after her. They also each fulfill their part of the original bet.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This series just gets better and better!!
Gretel is focused on taking charge of her life, away from her parents, their demands and controling presence. She moves to Alaska to be near her sister, finds a job and a place to call home. Zander is doing his best to take care of his little brothers after their parents died. He’s barely keeping his head above water most days and certainly doesn’t have time for the wild, whimsical new girl in town. But…they can’t seem to stay away from each other!
Opposites attract big time in this fun romance story that contains quite a few twists. I can’t wait to read more of this series!!
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!
This is the fourth book in the Lost Harbor series and it is so good. Gretel and Zander are opposites in every way. She is the spoiled rich girl while Zander is the hard working guy raising his brothers after the death of their parents. When the chips are down and they both need help they turn to each other and end up in a marriage of convenience. Loved the story and the characters turned out to be so much more than I expected.
Gretel Morrison is a ray of sunshine in the snowy, cold town of Lost Harbor, Alaska. She’s trying to prove to herself that she can survive without her daddy’s credit cards and that she is needed. In doing so she struck a deal with Zander to have a marriage-with-an-asterick so his brothers will not be taken away from him and she can pay off a debt to butterflies.
The story made me laugh at some of Gretel’s antics and her colorful hair and outfits. She really is a breath of fresh air and she made life interesting and fun for the Ross boys too.
Gretel and Zander’s relationship is off the chart and there are some very steamy scenes. I thought their prenup scenes were so interesting. The ending of the book really surprised me and added to the story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
What a wonderful heartwarming story.
I loved Gretel and Zander.
They both found something they weren’t looking for.
Gretel and Zander were fabulous. After meeting Gretel, I was excited to get to know her and I thought she was a great character. No one ever expected much of her growing up but she didn’t let that stop her for being her authentic self – which is someone that Zander soon finds out is an amazing woman.
Zander’s backstory broke my heart. He came back to raise his brothers when his parents died and he’s done the best he knows how. Unfortunately, he always worries that isn’t enough – but he doesn’t let anyone else see that side of things.
Once these two let their hidden selves show, they slowly bring out the best in each other. They don’t get together under traditional circumstances or even the best of circumstances but somehow they make things work. The question is…what if things come down to love when that was never in the equation? Can words left unsaid be enough to keep everything from falling apart?
OMG! Zander and Gretel just made #1 couple for me. Both were so good hearted, going out of their way to help others. Gretel definitely found a new way of life in Alaska. Struggling to become independent and leave the pampered life behind until the two worlds collide. This story was filled with humor, kindness, family, and an HEA amongst the beauty of Alaska. I received this arc for an honest review. Way to go Jennifer, you rock.
Wicked in winter is the latest instalment in the lost harbour books by ms Bernard
This was a rollercoaster of a romance and the leads were right there at the front of it
A change of pace for them both leads to a firecracker romance
They are polar opposites in all ways yet love conquers all
I enjoyed the witty repartee written by ms Bernard throughout this latest book
Recommended
buy the book!
This is Book 4 in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series and the first one I’ve read in the series. If there are recurring characters from earlier books, they are woven seamlessly into the plot and the reader is not confused. This book is a stand-alone, without a cliff hanger ending and written in third person.
Gretel Morrison is a charming, very likeable, if somewhat clumsy, mid-twenties young woman. She has been dependent on her wealthy father and conniving, manipulative mother for her whole life. However, her dad has recently cut her off from all funds and she is determined to figure her life and finances on her own, far away from her parents. She doesn’t want, or need, any romantic entanglements or distractions in the form of her very attractive neighbor to divert her from her plans.
Zander Ross and his two younger brothers are the closest neighbors to the family homestead where Gretel is staying. Born and raised in Lost Harbor, when his parents are tragically killed, Zander left his military career and returned home three years ago to care for his brothers. Child Care Services is always watching the family, and he walks a tight line keeping his brothers supported financially and emotionally. Gretel is definitely not for him, with her happy-go-lucky disposition and inexperience with Alaska winters.
Circumstances change, and Gretel is forced to rely on herself in a couple of instances when others are depending on her. The attraction between Zander and Gretel can’t be denied so they have to deal with the potential fallout should they succumb to more than their flirtation. Zander is hiding something from his brothers and Gretel, but when he decides to trust Gretel with his secret, Gretel suggests an obvious solution to his problem. Should they move forward with her outrageous plan or separately continue with their own plans?
This is a great read! I absolutely fell in love with Gretel’s personality and then with Zander as he worked so hard to keep his family together. When Gretel communicates with both of Zander’s brothers, giving them the emotional warmth Zander often fails to do, Zander can’t help but fall for Gretel. Seeing how strong Zander is to rise above all the challenges in his young life, and how much he loves his brothers, Gretel is unable to maintain her distance.
However, her dad may think he still can control her life. Gretel is face with a difficult choice when her dad presents and ultimatum to her and she wrestles with what is best for Zander and his brothers vs. what she wants in life. Her struggle is real, and I did what I rarely do while reading a book—I shed a few tears.
Ms. Bernard has written a gem! I laughed out loud at times and thoroughly enjoyed this romantic novel with strong characters and a well-paced plot. Don’t miss this latest book in the series! I have already purchased the first three in the series and intend to start reading them now!
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily submit this honest review.
It starts with a bet…
As with the previous books, I was once again immersed in Alaska, from page one to the End. What a great continuation of the Lost Harbor Series. Ms Bernard entertains us with her trademark writing style and another heartfelt story. Hilarious at times, and not so funny at others.
We met Gretel in Seduced by Snowfall with her ditzy, fly-by-night air. This time around, we meet the real woman, trying to turn her life around. And Zander, ex-marine, serious about keeping his family together, his life bound by rules and lists. I loved Gretel. And hów I loved Zander! So, who is the match and who is the kindling? Wowza! There’s no stopping this fire!
Highly recommended!
P.S. I adored Jason and Petey too!
Reived an ARC and voluntarily leaving a review.
Jennifer Bernard keeps getting better with each book in this series. We first met Gretel when she came to see Bethany, her half sister, in Lost Harbor. While Gretel is staying with the Noonan family, she becomes better acquainted with their hot neighbor, Zander. Zander returned home to care for his two younger brothers, after their parents died in a boating accident. Zander and Gretel have some amazing chemistry and they’re both hiding secrets. I love all of these characters and I hope to read more about Lost Harbor, Alaska. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say you won’t be disappointed by reading this book. Oh, you may need a few tissues.
Sweet Sofia Coppola” this book was the best in the series! I can’t express enough how much I loved Gretel and Zander, individually and as a couple.
Even when Gretel was introduced during Bethany and Nate’s story, I was charmed by the little spitfire. Where others might write her as a spoiled debutant, Bernard gave her more depth and interest than the stereotypical flighty rich girl. Totally out of her element, Gretel never let her lack of winter survival skills hold her back from helping where she could.
Zander started out a bit gruff, which is my favorite hero type, but even he couldn’t resist the appeal of this pint sized ball of fire. Their dialogue alone was fabulous, as well as all their grown up alone time. For two people so diametrically different on the outside, they almost seamlessly became a solid unit for Zander’s brothers.
I’ve said it before about this series…Jennifer Bernard makes this cold weather hater want to take a trip to Alaska, in winter! But honestly, I think I’ll just keep indulging in the Lost Harbor books.
Gretel was my favorite thing about this book. I liked her in her sister’s story, so I was excited to get to find out more about Gretel. She might look like your typical spoiled rich girl, but she has a huge heart. I like that she tries to make everyone’s lives a little better. Her sense of humor is so much fun to read! She starts the book by talking to the sled that is giving her fits and trying to reason with it. I relate. Anyway, her personality drives most of the story, and I loved it.
Zander is a lovely match for Gretel. They don’t understand each other at first, and they have to learn to see each other differently. I thought Zander was doing a pretty good job rearing his brothers, and I was impressed at his willingness to change his systems. He is a good man struggling to do his best in a hard situation, something that attracts Gretel and me, too.
The secondary characters in this book are very good. Jason and Petey add realism and emotion to the story. We get to learn more about Maya (please let her get a book soon) and meet some new townspeople. They all make this feel like a real town.
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.
Welcome back to the quirky town of Lost Harbor. Gretel is coming into her own and finding out who she is. Zander has a lot of responsibility taking care of his family. A warm heartfelt read. Plenty of bumps and fun along the way to keep your attention. This is my new favorite of course I said that about the last one too. Definitely recommend reading this book along with the series. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review
A fun story, full of chemistry, full of winter, and full of family. Sometimes too much family. Zander is a broody big brother with plenty of responsibilities, while Gretel has floated through life on daddy’s money – until now. Time to grow up. And they do – in the best ways! Author Jennifer Bernard has another winner here. Take a trip to Lost Harbor, Alaska. You’ll be glad you did!