Forbidden Winter: Forbidden Seasons Book 3

by Isla Blaze

Three brothers. One girl. No turning back.

Winter Reilly promised herself she was done with her father’s house forever. But when her mother is hospitalized, that promise melts away. Suddenly, she’s back in Upstate New York; back in the middle of a broken family, a resentful sister, and three irresistible stepbrothers she hasn’t faced in years.

She’s only there temporarily. She’s definitely not there to fall for them.

But then Garrett kisses her, and one reckless moment changes everything. Grayson pulls her in with bold smiles and dangerous dares. And Nixson, the quiet, intense one, watches from the edges like he’s already decided she belongs to him. When snow traps them together at a secluded cabin, old grudges surface, secrets spill out and control unravels.

Now Winter is caught between loyalty and desire, guilt and need, and a future she never imagined wanting. The rules say she should walk away. Her heart—and her body—aren’t listening. The season is cold. The nights are hot. And by New Year’s, nothing will ever be the same.

456 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Megan LeeAnn Sporleder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Winter was a moody, atmospheric ride that pulled me in with its icy setting and emotionally tangled characters. I found myself flipping pages late into the night, not because the plot was fast-paced (it’s not), but because the tension simmered beneath every interaction. There’s something quietly haunting about the way the author builds the world—it’s cold, yes, but also strangely intimate.

I really appreciated how the protagonist wasn’t just a trope. She felt layered—conflicted, vulnerable, but also quietly fierce. There were moments where I genuinely paused to sit with her choices, and that’s rare for me. The emotional stakes felt real, and I loved that the romance didn’t overshadow the personal growth. It’s subtle, but it lingers.

That said, I didn’t give it five stars because I think the pacing could’ve been tighter in the middle. There were a few chapters where I felt like I was waiting for something to happen, and while I get that the slow burn was intentional, a little more momentum would’ve helped keep the tension alive. Also, I wish some of the side characters had been fleshed out more—they had potential, but felt more like shadows than people.

If the author had leaned just a bit more into the emotional payoff at the end—given us a deeper sense of closure or catharsis—I think it would’ve hit that perfect note. Still, I’m really glad I read it. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, like frost on a window you keep tracing with your finger.

Would definitely recommend if you’re into quiet intensity, emotional depth, and stories that feel like winter in your bones. I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Felicia Trohin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla Blaze's "Forbidden Winter" pulls you into a world of icy landscapes and forbidden love. From the very first page, you're swept away by the captivating story of two characters drawn together despite the rules that say they shouldn't be. The author creates a beautiful setting that feels both magical and real, making you feel the chill in the air and the warmth of unexpected connection. It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you finish reading, making you wonder about the power of fate and the courage to defy expectations.

The characters in "Forbidden Winter" are wonderfully developed and relatable. You find yourself rooting for them as they navigate their forbidden romance, facing challenges and making difficult choices. Blaze masterfully portrays their emotions, making you feel their joy, their fear, and their desperation. The supporting characters also add depth and richness to the story, creating a believable and engaging world. The book explores themes of duty versus desire and shows the strength it takes to follow your heart.

Overall, "Forbidden Winter" is a highly recommended read. It's a perfect blend of romance wrapped up in a compelling narrative. Isla Blaze's writing is captivating, drawing you into the story and making you feel like you're right there with the characters. If you're looking for a book that will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart, then "Forbidden Winter" is definitely worth picking up. You will not be disappointed by this amazing story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[your_rai_of_sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Snowed in with secrets, stepbrothers, and spice yes, please!

Reading Forbidden Winter felt like wrapping myself in a warm (and slightly scandalous) blanket on a snowy day. From the very first page, I was pulled into the tension not just romantic, but emotional too. There’s so much unresolved pain and longing simmering under the surface, and Isla Blaze does a great job capturing that push-pull dynamic between characters.

I genuinely felt the awkwardness, the heat, the guilt, and the pull of past wounds. I love a book that leans into the messy, and this one doesn’t hold back. That said, I’m giving it 4 stars because I think there was still room for a bit more depth especially emotionally. A little more time exploring the characters’ inner conflicts or building up certain relationships could’ve made the ending land even harder.

Also: that cliffhanger?? I wasn’t ready. I definitely need the next book ASAP.

Overall, it was a really fun, addictive read—especially perfect for curling up with during the holidays. If you’re into forbidden romance with snowed-in vibes and complicated hearts, this will hit the spot.

*I was given this arc in exchange of an honest review*

[Shawnte Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow this book seemed to be low in angst and a slow burn, but I enjoyed it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Winter is the black sheep in the family, but her stepbrothers are all drawn to her and vice versa. While I liked the story, Winter definitely had her super annoying parts. She was very hypocritical when it came to her sister, and it honestly rubbed me so wrong that I had to sit this one down and come back to it in a few days. Her indignation was just too hilarious. There were some parts that were very repetitive and drawn out, but I liked the overall story. The spice was great. I loved the MMC's in the story, they were all super intriguing. As a reverse harem, this one is great for a high heat, slow build.

[Tonia Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

These boys are hot. Woooooweee. Garrett has a dirty mouth and its delicious, Grayson is serious and sweet, and nix is the steady and giving one. They are good together, creating the perfect guy. I didn't so much like Mel, but you gotta have one in the story right. Good storyline to lead into a lot of dirty fun and the characters are all well done. Overall a fun and naughty read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter, the MFC returns to her father's house after being away for some time. Then she sees her three attractive stepbrothers she hasn't laid eyes on in a long time. When all four of them are snow in together, the smexual tension really hits a boiling point. I loved the heat and spicy scenes in this story. Winter is a super lucky lady. Grayson, Nixson and Garrett definitely could melt snow. I really loved this story.

[S I · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Winter by Isla Blaze
New author for me and I enjoyed her story. Interesting twist to the dramatic of combining two families and she felt out of place. But then it changes when circumstances brings her back home and the stepbrothers has a whole new perspective on family ties. A lot of heat in this story.

[Abby Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Now this is a stepbrother romance that I fully get behind. 3 stepbrothers that let off series alpha energy. There are twists and turns which make you devour each page. Definitely a must read if you love romance! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read this author, but I’m so glad I did! There is a lot going on here. These twin stepbrothers, just when things are really coming into play now the 3 rd older stepbrother throws his hat into the ring. Now we gotta wait for the next book! I need next book like now!

[Samantha Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It kept me hooked and invested in what was going to happen with the characters. This was my first book by this author and I wouldn't mind reading more.
These stepbrothers are HOT and I can't wait for the next book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!! Crazy good story. Lots of smoking hot chemistry. Steamy scenes will leave you needing a cold shower. Intense well written story with relatable characters. Read cover to cover. I couldn’t put it down.

[Rachel Neary · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Forbidden love

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Read this book quickly and was continuously flipping pages! This book had a lot of heat and I’m excited to read the next one!

[Hester Bökelmann]

Wow enjoyed it. The book ended on a cliff hanger and wondering how the situation will play out between Winter and Garrett.

[Tracy Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this series and author by accident. Boy am I glad I did . The writing is exceptional and the story is gripping. I need more. Perfect

[Martha Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this and will have go back and read the rest. I really enjoyed the story