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Wanting Winter
It's easier to forgive an enemy than a friend.
I thought love was simple. Boy meets girl, girl loves boy, boy loves girl. Nothing could have prepared me for the truth and the suffering I would endure.
I was taken and broken and pulled apart, until I didn't recognize myself in the mirror. Now that I'm free, I recognize I'm not truly free. He is still there, still watching, still punishing.
I survived and became someone new - something new. Soon, everyone is going to find out that betrayal doesn't lead to forgiveness. It leads to justice and they won't even see me coming.
Semi-dark romance. Contains cheating, blackmail, strong language, sexual scenes, some scenes and situations may be sensitive to some readers. Recommended for ages 18 and over.
I thought love was simple. Boy meets girl, girl loves boy, boy loves girl. Nothing could have prepared me for the truth and the suffering I would endure.
I was taken and broken and pulled apart, until I didn't recognize myself in the mirror. Now that I'm free, I recognize I'm not truly free. He is still there, still watching, still punishing.
I survived and became someone new - something new. Soon, everyone is going to find out that betrayal doesn't lead to forgiveness. It leads to justice and they won't even see me coming.
Semi-dark romance. Contains cheating, blackmail, strong language, sexual scenes, some scenes and situations may be sensitive to some readers. Recommended for ages 18 and over.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2017
115 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Ostle
24 books175 followersJ.L. Ostle was born in Antrim, Northern Ireland, now living in Carlisle, England. J.L. Ostle is a full time mother looking after her cute, active little boy.
When she she hasn't got her head stuck in a book or writing, she's watching movies, or doing activities with her friends and their children
When she she hasn't got her head stuck in a book or writing, she's watching movies, or doing activities with her friends and their children
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 24, 2018
Omg. Vile heroine, vile hero. All sluts and bah.. just vile. And weak. They all need to check into mental institution.
February 5, 2018
Cheating. Backstabbing. Immature unlikable characters that lacked any depth, or redeemable qualities. That pretty much sums this book up.
Then it felt like it was abruptly ended. You don’t get a satisfying ending, missing the fall out and consequences that would have followed her revelations at the end, just the impression that things might work out with the jackass after all. WTF!
Then it felt like it was abruptly ended. You don’t get a satisfying ending, missing the fall out and consequences that would have followed her revelations at the end, just the impression that things might work out with the jackass after all. WTF!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2019
What did I just read?
Holy crap I'm at a loss for words. I don't even know where to begin. Like seriously I'm stuck in a WTF just happened moment. Let me start by saying that the reason I only rated this 3 stars was because I feel there should of been more to the ending of this story. I feel it came to an abrupt ending and some of this book seemed a bit rushed. Winter was put through some of the worst stuff imaginable and somehow was still standing. The revenge was pretty good but I have a hard time thinking she could come back from that. I love Jenna's writing and I give her props for writing through the hard stuff and sticking with it. I enjoy dark reads but let me tell you this is darker than dark. There is no semi-dark to it. This is definitely not for the faint at heart.
Holy crap I'm at a loss for words. I don't even know where to begin. Like seriously I'm stuck in a WTF just happened moment. Let me start by saying that the reason I only rated this 3 stars was because I feel there should of been more to the ending of this story. I feel it came to an abrupt ending and some of this book seemed a bit rushed. Winter was put through some of the worst stuff imaginable and somehow was still standing. The revenge was pretty good but I have a hard time thinking she could come back from that. I love Jenna's writing and I give her props for writing through the hard stuff and sticking with it. I enjoy dark reads but let me tell you this is darker than dark. There is no semi-dark to it. This is definitely not for the faint at heart.
January 23, 2018
What the H
Couldn't connect with characters on any level. Question all their decisions. I would not want any of them as friends or lovers.
Couldn't connect with characters on any level. Question all their decisions. I would not want any of them as friends or lovers.
January 16, 2018
Where do I start? Vile, cliched characters with absolutely no redeeming features; the most ridiculous storyline I have ever read; stilted, awkward, unnatural dialogue-
“The worst part is that girls try very hard to make men cheat with them; they have got boobs and pussies—men do fall for temptation” WTF??
“You are just after sex, just like any other male who is after me”
“I am going to go to the bathroom and to touch up my makeup,” Candice says, standing
No one talks like this!! I almost feel as if I’m reading a book written by someone whose first language isn’t English! Apostrophes are natural, realistic dialogue’s best friend.
It’s just badly written/ edited in general-
“Another half an hour goes by and things pick up, but I do feel a little tension between Trent and Drake. Candice and I go dance to a few songs, and when a waitress who walks over with a tray of shots every now and then, we order some. I feel like I have drunk more as my body is a little slumpish and the rest of the guys look fine.
However, even if it had had better syntax, the story was awful. BDSM has become a cliche since 50 shades and yep, there was an awkward, unrealistic, very unsexy conversation about how the female lead
“like(s)a little pain during sex and foreplay. I like being hurt.”
The sex scenes were not sexy, not hot, not even tepid... the book didn’t make me feel. As a reader, i felt detached. I didn’t feel empathy, sympathy, I wasn’t rooting for her, I just didn’t care.
A very disappointing read. I’m amazed it got so many stars...
“The worst part is that girls try very hard to make men cheat with them; they have got boobs and pussies—men do fall for temptation” WTF??
“You are just after sex, just like any other male who is after me”
“I am going to go to the bathroom and to touch up my makeup,” Candice says, standing
No one talks like this!! I almost feel as if I’m reading a book written by someone whose first language isn’t English! Apostrophes are natural, realistic dialogue’s best friend.
It’s just badly written/ edited in general-
“Another half an hour goes by and things pick up, but I do feel a little tension between Trent and Drake. Candice and I go dance to a few songs, and when a waitress who walks over with a tray of shots every now and then, we order some. I feel like I have drunk more as my body is a little slumpish and the rest of the guys look fine.
However, even if it had had better syntax, the story was awful. BDSM has become a cliche since 50 shades and yep, there was an awkward, unrealistic, very unsexy conversation about how the female lead
“like(s)a little pain during sex and foreplay. I like being hurt.”
The sex scenes were not sexy, not hot, not even tepid... the book didn’t make me feel. As a reader, i felt detached. I didn’t feel empathy, sympathy, I wasn’t rooting for her, I just didn’t care.
A very disappointing read. I’m amazed it got so many stars...
December 19, 2017
Let me start off by saying that I love J.L. Ostle. She is an awesome author!
I just finished Wanting Winter. It was a great read. I really liked Winter. She was a sweetheart. Girl next door kind of person. Her best friend, was a bitch. I'd like to throat punch her. Trent was awesome at first, then I wanted to cut his nuts off. Read the book you'll understand. (lol)
So, there are triggers in this book, keep it in mind. I gave it a 5 star, because it was well writen. I loved some of the characters, but one I wanted to really hurt. It has a great flow, and you really get a good story. She has multiple POV's. But its easy to gollow.
Great Job J.L. Ostle! I'm a fan for life.
I just finished Wanting Winter. It was a great read. I really liked Winter. She was a sweetheart. Girl next door kind of person. Her best friend, was a bitch. I'd like to throat punch her. Trent was awesome at first, then I wanted to cut his nuts off. Read the book you'll understand. (lol)
So, there are triggers in this book, keep it in mind. I gave it a 5 star, because it was well writen. I loved some of the characters, but one I wanted to really hurt. It has a great flow, and you really get a good story. She has multiple POV's. But its easy to gollow.
Great Job J.L. Ostle! I'm a fan for life.
December 18, 2017
I absolutely love anything j.l writes! I fell i love with all of her books. just like in this book she isn't afraid to push the boundaries. it sent me on a spin when I thought it was going to go one way it went a totally different way. also it has several different povs so you get to see what others are thinking instead of trying to assume what they are thinking. I would like to have a better understanding of drake and why he all of sudden flaked. hopefully there will be a sequel and she will dive further into the characters.
January 28, 2018
Horrible book very immature and discusting
DONT READ THIS HORRIBLE DISCUSTING IMMATURE BOOK!!!!!!!! ITS NOT WORTHY OF 1 STAR BUT I HAD TO PUT SOMETHING. I have read dark romamces but this was childish and just over the top immature and not tastful at all. Worse book ive ever read. Had to skim over a lot to see how it ended. The ending didnt make up for how bad this book sucked.
DONT READ THIS HORRIBLE DISCUSTING IMMATURE BOOK!!!!!!!! ITS NOT WORTHY OF 1 STAR BUT I HAD TO PUT SOMETHING. I have read dark romamces but this was childish and just over the top immature and not tastful at all. Worse book ive ever read. Had to skim over a lot to see how it ended. The ending didnt make up for how bad this book sucked.
December 22, 2017
I have been a fan of J.L. Ostle since the beginning! Wanting Winter has got to be my favorite so far! I loved it! At times I had to put it down just to get through parts. Ostle kept me guessing throughout the book! I really hope to see some of these characters again in the future!
April 3, 2018
Unbelievable
This was one of those that I really loved and hated at the same time. I liked the good girl who was confident and strength of character. Then the good girl turned bad after an incident that damages her. Her so called friends are disgusting and I felt really bad for her. In the end she gets her revenge and I thought it was magnificent.
Many people will be against this and say that she should not have done it but I thought it took guts. Overall it was angst filled, emotional story that I will continue to like for years to come.
This was one of those that I really loved and hated at the same time. I liked the good girl who was confident and strength of character. Then the good girl turned bad after an incident that damages her. Her so called friends are disgusting and I felt really bad for her. In the end she gets her revenge and I thought it was magnificent.
Many people will be against this and say that she should not have done it but I thought it took guts. Overall it was angst filled, emotional story that I will continue to like for years to come.
January 22, 2018
Not as good as I thought it would be.
It started out really good but then it just became too much of a mess. The person that the main character was turned into at the end was disappointing.
It started out really good but then it just became too much of a mess. The person that the main character was turned into at the end was disappointing.
January 23, 2018
Good but ended abruptly.
I would have given it more, but it ended too quick. It feels unfinished. There was such build up and then it kind of fell flat at the end. I wish there was more. I feel a little cheated.
I would have given it more, but it ended too quick. It feels unfinished. There was such build up and then it kind of fell flat at the end. I wish there was more. I feel a little cheated.
August 6, 2019
Not sure
Not sure how to rate this. I did like the book even though i don't usually read college kids. I don't mind cheating and there was a lot of it. It was the ending i didn't like there was no closure so you really don't know if they get back together.
Not sure how to rate this. I did like the book even though i don't usually read college kids. I don't mind cheating and there was a lot of it. It was the ending i didn't like there was no closure so you really don't know if they get back together.
January 12, 2018
Wow
I loved Winter . I thought her revenge was absolutely brilliant ! I will be rereading this story ! I hope she is a character that could stay fierce in real life. .
I loved Winter . I thought her revenge was absolutely brilliant ! I will be rereading this story ! I hope she is a character that could stay fierce in real life. .
June 21, 2018
Great Read
A fantastic story about love, betrayal, pain, and getting even. I could not put this book down and can't wait to read more from this author.
A fantastic story about love, betrayal, pain, and getting even. I could not put this book down and can't wait to read more from this author.
January 18, 2019
Started on the preview in another book, but too dark for my taste so I skipped to the end.
May 24, 2019
I was contemplating if whether or not I should review this book, but ultimately I've felt like I should. I'm going to start by saying this will be a quick review and that I went in on this full blind, not skipping anything. It has its flaws of course and maybe you'd say it's not really a 5 star material, but I was left thinking about the characters and their actions after the book ended and that for me is always a huge plus.
The story is about Winter, a girl known as the Ice Queen, who shields herself from men and part of the reason is because of a broken heart. Don't get me wrong, Winter is a strong character, a lot of people might even find her unlikable, but I liked her quite a lot. She opens her heart and falls for the new guy and they quickly start dating, but he fucks up in the worst possible way.
Trent, the supposed "hero" (though I would not really call him that) is a weak man, completely driven by his wants and urges. Most of the book I wanted to punch him in the face for the shitty things he did and I was actually mad at myself for finding some of the scenes hot.
Her friends, every single one of them are shit, honestly. Even the "good-guy" was shitty at the end. All their personalities and flaws, I've known a lot of people like this, unfortunately, but one in particular made my skin crawl in disdain. You may say they are stupid and childish, and that is true, but the world is full with people just like this. Yeah, is a hard thing to swallow, knowing there are a lot of people like this out there but the truth is, humans are too flawled and if you look for evil long enough, sooner or later you'll find it.
This wasn't nearly as dark as some of the books I've read and yet, it left a bitter taste in my mouth at the end. Willow does get some sort of revenge, but it wasn't enough for me. The ending was a little rushed and I've felt like I needed more. I hope the author works on Winter again in another book or at least a novella.
If you are looking for a HEA romance, this isn't it. If you are looking for an uber hot irresistable alpha male, this isn't it. If you are looking for amazing friendships between the characters, this isn't it. And, if you are looking for the perfect heroine that you'll fall in love with, this isn't it either. It's not a story for everyone, the characters are all unlikable, childish and shitty, there is no HEA or redemption and the ending felt like it was missing something, but I liked that it didn't gave me what was expected of a romance novel.
The story is about Winter, a girl known as the Ice Queen, who shields herself from men and part of the reason is because of a broken heart. Don't get me wrong, Winter is a strong character, a lot of people might even find her unlikable, but I liked her quite a lot. She opens her heart and falls for the new guy and they quickly start dating, but he fucks up in the worst possible way.
Trent, the supposed "hero" (though I would not really call him that) is a weak man, completely driven by his wants and urges. Most of the book I wanted to punch him in the face for the shitty things he did and I was actually mad at myself for finding some of the scenes hot.
Her friends, every single one of them are shit, honestly. Even the "good-guy" was shitty at the end. All their personalities and flaws, I've known a lot of people like this, unfortunately, but one in particular made my skin crawl in disdain. You may say they are stupid and childish, and that is true, but the world is full with people just like this. Yeah, is a hard thing to swallow, knowing there are a lot of people like this out there but the truth is, humans are too flawled and if you look for evil long enough, sooner or later you'll find it.
This wasn't nearly as dark as some of the books I've read and yet, it left a bitter taste in my mouth at the end. Willow does get some sort of revenge, but it wasn't enough for me. The ending was a little rushed and I've felt like I needed more. I hope the author works on Winter again in another book or at least a novella.
If you are looking for a HEA romance, this isn't it. If you are looking for an uber hot irresistable alpha male, this isn't it. If you are looking for amazing friendships between the characters, this isn't it. And, if you are looking for the perfect heroine that you'll fall in love with, this isn't it either. It's not a story for everyone, the characters are all unlikable, childish and shitty, there is no HEA or redemption and the ending felt like it was missing something, but I liked that it didn't gave me what was expected of a romance novel.
December 22, 2017
Wow what a powerful and deep story !! Love, life and relationships are never straight forward and this book takes you to a darker side than the usual ups and down of failed relationships and friendships. I was hooked immediately and read this in one sitting ! Yes there may be bits of the story that some may find disturbing but the story as a whole has been brilliantly written. What Winter goes through is tragic and emotionally damaging and changes her into a person she was trying so hard not to be. All the way through I could not work out where or how the book was going to end and it definitely came as a surprise ! You will be kept on your toes and the suspense builds right the way through. J L Ostle never fails to impress me and I can not wait for more !
August 29, 2024
3.75 stars
Omg this book is just mind blowing. I can’t even say too much because it could ruin the ride.
First things first there are some dark elements involved towards the end of the book.
Now as for Winter, she was just badass, I mean not at all times, but she definitely handled business. I wanted to kick everyone’s butt in this book because they were just terrible people. Trent actually hurt me the most emotionally and I didn’t think I would be able to tolerate him but he was able to make me not completely hate him by the end.
This book would have been 5 stars if there was an epilogue or something, to show us the fall out from Winter’s revelations especially the fate of that vile creature that hurt her.
Omg this book is just mind blowing. I can’t even say too much because it could ruin the ride.
First things first there are some dark elements involved towards the end of the book.
Now as for Winter, she was just badass, I mean not at all times, but she definitely handled business. I wanted to kick everyone’s butt in this book because they were just terrible people. Trent actually hurt me the most emotionally and I didn’t think I would be able to tolerate him but he was able to make me not completely hate him by the end.
This book would have been 5 stars if there was an epilogue or something, to show us the fall out from Winter’s revelations especially the fate of that vile creature that hurt her.
March 18, 2019
Wow......what a book. This definitely is not your normal read and is my first by this author. It really won't be my last. The characters are not your regular down to earth characters. They will be putting you in one hell of a tailspin. You will be left wondering what the hell you just read, good or bad. This book is certainly not to everyone's taste. This is not your average romance book but, to be honest, that's what drove me to read it in the first place. If you are looking for something dark and twisted then this is definitely the book for you. I absolutely adored it and it is definitely one I will be adding to my favourite books collection. However, at this stage, it does need slight editing. I will be one clicking this author in the future.
December 20, 2017
Wanting Winter is a dark book that covers subjects some might find hard to read. Jenna has done a brilliant job and this book is well written.
People call her the Ice Queen, but Winter lets Trent in to her life only for him to mess her up with the help of her best friend (who I wanted to slap along with punching Trent a few times) She has few friends but the ones she does have she holds close only for them to do the dirty on her. She goes through the worst weeks of her life at the hands of someone she called a friend. Will she get revenge ?
You’ll have to read this great book to find out.
Well done Jenna.
People call her the Ice Queen, but Winter lets Trent in to her life only for him to mess her up with the help of her best friend (who I wanted to slap along with punching Trent a few times) She has few friends but the ones she does have she holds close only for them to do the dirty on her. She goes through the worst weeks of her life at the hands of someone she called a friend. Will she get revenge ?
You’ll have to read this great book to find out.
Well done Jenna.
February 21, 2018
OMG what did I just read!!!!!!! Wait I need to read this book again cause I read it so fast as I couldn't put the damn thing down!!!!!! This was my very first dark read and I have to say I had mixed emotions about reading a dark book but because my favourite Author wrote it I said let's give it a try and holy hell am I glad I did cause this FREAKING book had me in one hell of an emotional spin I cried, I cursed and I wanted to punch a few people hehehe. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and I loved it so much!!!!!
December 22, 2017
Wow just WOW !!
Wanting Winter will take you on a emotional rollercoaster.
Winter's story holds a power to suck you in till the last page.
J.L Ostle nailed it with keeping me on the edge the whole book and the ending was nothing I expected.
I LOVED EVERY SECOND.
J.L Ostle is one of my fave Authors and every new release just proves I will always be a reader of her stories.
Can't wait for her next release.
Wanting Winter will take you on a emotional rollercoaster.
Winter's story holds a power to suck you in till the last page.
J.L Ostle nailed it with keeping me on the edge the whole book and the ending was nothing I expected.
I LOVED EVERY SECOND.
J.L Ostle is one of my fave Authors and every new release just proves I will always be a reader of her stories.
Can't wait for her next release.
September 23, 2018
I liked this book a lot, it was exactly what i was after. Deals with a lot of themes that some will struggle with e.g cheating, kidnap, abuse etc the reason i didn't give it 5 stars is because i wanted more, more revenge. I want to know what happens next, i know if i was in Winters situation i would cut some balls off :) i loved the different POV's i loved it didn't shy away from hard themes and despite wanting to punch some of the characters in the face i did like them all.
December 22, 2017
I loved this book then I love all of ostle books I am never disappointed when I read a new book I get excited for the next I read all her book in one sitting I get so into them I carnt put them down... please go and buy this book as like me you won't be disappointed
December 31, 2017
Wow, this was JL's first venture into dark romance & she done an amazing job she done.
Absolutely loved this book & wouldn't hesitate to recommend although this book will not be for everyone.
**I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy**
Absolutely loved this book & wouldn't hesitate to recommend although this book will not be for everyone.
**I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy**
January 13, 2018
This book was really mind blowing and not what I expected. I instantly felt a connection with Winter and following her through her ordeals really made you connect even more! J.L. Ostle did not disappoint!
December 19, 2017
Holy crap. this book was amazing and I couldn't stop reading it. Jenna has done it again except BETTER than before. if you dont like dark books this book is not for you.
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