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The Wicked Winters #4
Willful in Winter
Rand, Viscount Aylesford, needs a fiancée, and he needs one now. His requirements are concise: she must not embarrass him, and she must understand he has no intention of ever marrying her.
Miss Grace Winter is the most stubborn of the notorious Wicked Winters. When her brother decrees she must marry well, she is every bit as determined to avoid becoming a nobleman's wife. She would never marry a lord, especially not one as arrogant and insufferable as Aylesford.
But pretending is another matter entirely. She has to admit the viscount's idea of a feigned betrothal between them would not be without its merits. Until Aylesford kisses her, and to her dismay, she likes it.
Soon, their mutually beneficial pretense blossoms into something far more dangerous to both their hearts...
Length: NovellaHeat Level: Scorching Hot!
Miss Grace Winter is the most stubborn of the notorious Wicked Winters. When her brother decrees she must marry well, she is every bit as determined to avoid becoming a nobleman's wife. She would never marry a lord, especially not one as arrogant and insufferable as Aylesford.
But pretending is another matter entirely. She has to admit the viscount's idea of a feigned betrothal between them would not be without its merits. Until Aylesford kisses her, and to her dismay, she likes it.
Soon, their mutually beneficial pretense blossoms into something far more dangerous to both their hearts...
Length: NovellaHeat Level: Scorching Hot!
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2019
1460 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Scott
121 books1,566 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
January 31, 2021
In order to get his grandmother to relinquish Tyre Abbey, the childhood home that is rightfully his, Rand, Viscount Aylesford must become betrothed. He has no plans of actually marrying, he just needs a fake fiance long enough to secure the Abbey and Miss Grace Winters seems the perfect solution.
Grace is perhaps the most stubborn of all the Winter siblings and she is determined never to marry an aristocrat and certainly not the entirely too self-assured Lord Aylesford, no matter how attractive she finds him. But when he wrests a naughty book from her possession, Grace is forced to go along with the feigned betrothal to keep Rand from revealing the illicit literature to her brother. Grace soon sees the benefit of the arrangement in keeping money honey suitors at bay, but when Rand finally kisses her, Grace is appalled by her favorable reaction to his attentions. Soon the connection between Rand and Grace becomes all too real. Too bad their engagement is still fake.
I really enjoyed this latest installment of the wicked Winters. I found Grace to be rather too prickly and over the top in her missishness, but it was nice to see Rand's arrogance taken down a peg and to see him open his heart again. These two had great chemistry and made a lovely couple. I can't wait to read Pru's and Christabella's stories now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are our own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Grace is perhaps the most stubborn of all the Winter siblings and she is determined never to marry an aristocrat and certainly not the entirely too self-assured Lord Aylesford, no matter how attractive she finds him. But when he wrests a naughty book from her possession, Grace is forced to go along with the feigned betrothal to keep Rand from revealing the illicit literature to her brother. Grace soon sees the benefit of the arrangement in keeping money honey suitors at bay, but when Rand finally kisses her, Grace is appalled by her favorable reaction to his attentions. Soon the connection between Rand and Grace becomes all too real. Too bad their engagement is still fake.
I really enjoyed this latest installment of the wicked Winters. I found Grace to be rather too prickly and over the top in her missishness, but it was nice to see Rand's arrogance taken down a peg and to see him open his heart again. These two had great chemistry and made a lovely couple. I can't wait to read Pru's and Christabella's stories now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are our own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
December 16, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Lord Alyesford has been a character that I’ve been waiting for since his first introduction.
So charismatic and cheeky.
To partner him with sensible and feisty Grace was a revelation.
A wonderful one.
The two just clicked on paper and made reading this book a delicious treat.
I couldn’t wait to turn the next page , see what they got up to next.
A brilliant and passionate read, one you won’t forget in a hurry.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Lord Alyesford has been a character that I’ve been waiting for since his first introduction.
So charismatic and cheeky.
To partner him with sensible and feisty Grace was a revelation.
A wonderful one.
The two just clicked on paper and made reading this book a delicious treat.
I couldn’t wait to turn the next page , see what they got up to next.
A brilliant and passionate read, one you won’t forget in a hurry.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
December 12, 2020
Absolutely delightful. Willful in Winter was such fun. The plot of a faux betrothal was well executed and the couple were well matched. Lord Aylesford was such an arrogant bounder but he found his match in the skeptical Miss Grace Winter.
I loved the banter between these two, it made their courtship quite steamy. Rand, unlike many of the lords attending the Winter’s country holiday party, didn’t come with pockets to let, he was fond of his father, and his estate intact. No, Rand wanted to get his hands on his dowager grandma’s Scottish estate and tried to trick his way into getting it through a feigned betrayal. However, Rand’s aversion to marriage and reputation as a take was born from an early betrayal and heartbreak.
Grace Winter has no use for a society husband, despite her brother well meaning intent. Nevertheless, the love dance between Rand and Grace caught them both by surprise.
Great reading, wonderful series that has been such a blessing to escape after a terrible year and many lackluster books.
I loved the banter between these two, it made their courtship quite steamy. Rand, unlike many of the lords attending the Winter’s country holiday party, didn’t come with pockets to let, he was fond of his father, and his estate intact. No, Rand wanted to get his hands on his dowager grandma’s Scottish estate and tried to trick his way into getting it through a feigned betrayal. However, Rand’s aversion to marriage and reputation as a take was born from an early betrayal and heartbreak.
Grace Winter has no use for a society husband, despite her brother well meaning intent. Nevertheless, the love dance between Rand and Grace caught them both by surprise.
Great reading, wonderful series that has been such a blessing to escape after a terrible year and many lackluster books.
September 3, 2021
4.25 Stars
Another super fun novella by Scarlett Scott!
The Plot
Rand, Viscount Aylesford, introduced in the previous book Wanton in Winter has his eyes set on Grace Winter, ah but not because he is head over heels in love, at least not yet, but to fake an engagement, so he can inherit a Scottish property from his grandmother. Cheeky shenanigans ensue.
What I liked
Refreshing characters, who showed personal development have enjoyable chemistry between them. An interesting display of opposites attract. And all of this was achieved in a few pages.
Hardened rake, fake engagement & I don't want to marry a Lord trope are overused but Scarlett Scott did them justice. No extreme dramatics, no big misunderstanding made this novella a light-hearted read.
The Hero
Rand (I always think 'randy' and giggle, him being a rake of the first order and all) was deliciously refreshing. He is not a fortune hunter, has a good relationship with his family, no horrible trauma in his past which one cannot overcome. All of this coupled with his charming personality and handsome visage made him a class apart from the majority of tortured HR heroes. He is arrogant but not grating, he never takes 'no' for an answer because he has never heard a 'no' before, being the heir to a dukedom! So how dare Grace refuse him for a fake engagement. His attempts at persuading Grace were hilarious, dirty book blackmail and all. What I loved was he is also open to change, when a different, more rational perspective is highlighted to him. His 'I get what I want attitude is not obnoxious but adorable!
The Heroine
Grace is sensible, stubborn & willful. I loved the each of the Winter siblings has a unique personality, something that is not easy to do when there are 12 of them. Kudos Ms Scott. Grace's refusal to Rand at the beginning, then the acceptance to the farce (owning to blackmail), her attraction to him, the subsequent calling off of the betrothal does not seem flighty at all but is absolutely true to her character's circumstances. She loves her sisters, asks for what she wants and isn't afraid to tease a wicked rakehell, makes Grace a wonderful heroine! Although I am not sure why she refuses to marry a Lord, let's chalk it out to her wilful nature, would have liked an explanation, all the other sisters had one!
My Recommendation
As I am writing this review, I am already on book 9 of the series. Need I say more in form of a recommendation?
Another super fun novella by Scarlett Scott!
The Plot
Rand, Viscount Aylesford, introduced in the previous book Wanton in Winter has his eyes set on Grace Winter, ah but not because he is head over heels in love, at least not yet, but to fake an engagement, so he can inherit a Scottish property from his grandmother. Cheeky shenanigans ensue.
What I liked
Refreshing characters, who showed personal development have enjoyable chemistry between them. An interesting display of opposites attract. And all of this was achieved in a few pages.
Hardened rake, fake engagement & I don't want to marry a Lord trope are overused but Scarlett Scott did them justice. No extreme dramatics, no big misunderstanding made this novella a light-hearted read.
The Hero
Rand (I always think 'randy' and giggle, him being a rake of the first order and all) was deliciously refreshing. He is not a fortune hunter, has a good relationship with his family, no horrible trauma in his past which one cannot overcome. All of this coupled with his charming personality and handsome visage made him a class apart from the majority of tortured HR heroes. He is arrogant but not grating, he never takes 'no' for an answer because he has never heard a 'no' before, being the heir to a dukedom! So how dare Grace refuse him for a fake engagement. His attempts at persuading Grace were hilarious, dirty book blackmail and all. What I loved was he is also open to change, when a different, more rational perspective is highlighted to him. His 'I get what I want attitude is not obnoxious but adorable!
The Heroine
Grace is sensible, stubborn & willful. I loved the each of the Winter siblings has a unique personality, something that is not easy to do when there are 12 of them. Kudos Ms Scott. Grace's refusal to Rand at the beginning, then the acceptance to the farce (owning to blackmail), her attraction to him, the subsequent calling off of the betrothal does not seem flighty at all but is absolutely true to her character's circumstances. She loves her sisters, asks for what she wants and isn't afraid to tease a wicked rakehell, makes Grace a wonderful heroine! Although I am not sure why she refuses to marry a Lord, let's chalk it out to her wilful nature, would have liked an explanation, all the other sisters had one!
My Recommendation
As I am writing this review, I am already on book 9 of the series. Need I say more in form of a recommendation?
December 25, 2019
Cute story
I like the fake betrothal theme when it's done right and this one was. There was some nice heat between them and I thought Rand was a very tempting hero. The thing with the naughty book just didn't seem to work for me though. And all the sisters looked at it? Just didn't think they would really do something like that. I did like the interaction of the characters and look forward to the next in line. This was safe and free in KU. The love scenes were pretty graphic though. Just FYI!
I like the fake betrothal theme when it's done right and this one was. There was some nice heat between them and I thought Rand was a very tempting hero. The thing with the naughty book just didn't seem to work for me though. And all the sisters looked at it? Just didn't think they would really do something like that. I did like the interaction of the characters and look forward to the next in line. This was safe and free in KU. The love scenes were pretty graphic though. Just FYI!
March 8, 2020
A very entertaining read with a popular theme - reforming a rake - but lovely, none the less. This couple is my favourite of the series so far.
December 12, 2019
Rand, Viscount Aylesford, needs a fiancée, and he needs one now in order that his grandmother will give him the estate he loved as a child. Miss Grace Winter is the most stubborn of the notorious Wicked Winters. When her brother decrees she must marry well, she is every bit as determined to avoid becoming a nobleman's wife. She would never marry a lord, especially not one as arrogant and insufferable as Aylesford.
But pretending is another matter entirely. She has to admit the viscount's idea of a feigned betrothal between them would not be without its merits especially when he confiscates a book the sisters definitely don't want Dev to see.
Another unputdownable read, I loved both Rand &Grace, their verbal bantering was priceless & their attraction was so hot I thought my kindle would combust, I read this lovely novella on a train journey & I was willing for there to be a delay as I didn’t want to put it down until the final page
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
But pretending is another matter entirely. She has to admit the viscount's idea of a feigned betrothal between them would not be without its merits especially when he confiscates a book the sisters definitely don't want Dev to see.
Another unputdownable read, I loved both Rand &Grace, their verbal bantering was priceless & their attraction was so hot I thought my kindle would combust, I read this lovely novella on a train journey & I was willing for there to be a delay as I didn’t want to put it down until the final page
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 13, 2024
I enjoyed this one for the most part. I didn’t think with the fake engagement and blackmail that the “love isn’t real because someone else broke my heart” grope was needed. It didn’t really at to the story. I would have preferred them either conspiring more or butting heads more and learning about one another.
December 19, 2019
Rand, Viscount Aylesford, desperately wants Tyre Abbey, the Scottish country estate his grandmother promised him when he becomes betrothed. Marriage is the last thing on Rand's mind but he had to attend the Winters' Christmas country house party, and that's where he got a brilliant idea. The beautiful Grace Winter hates the likes of him: he's a conceited, unrepentant rake; he represents everything she doesn't want in a husband, so he's totally safe, she'll never want to marry him. They are physically attracted to each other, so their feigned betrothal will be convincing. Alas, Grace wants no part of it. Until she reluctantly has to agree to the deception.
Those of us who had read Wanton in Winter, the previous installment, had a peek into what was to happen in this book. I couldn't wait for Rand and Grace's story and it was even more fabulous than I hoped! It's a wonderful take on the fake fiancés trope. I love how the characters were written: Grace is seriously willful and doesn't fall for Rand's beauteous person or his practiced seduction. He is so full of himself, it's hilarious! How dare she not fall for him! The dialogues between Winter sisters are marvellous, as are the exchanges between Rand and his friends Lord Ashley and the ever-intriguing Duke of Coventry.
The book crackles with sexual tension, the writing is positively outstanding, and the characters experience much growth. Considering the limited number of pages, I was much impressed with how the romance progressed and Scarlett Scott showed us things shift between Rand and Grace, little by little, in words, thoughts, and gestures. I enjoyed every moment of the fake courtship but even more so when it became real, because it's entirely believable; I felt the changes happening. The rake turns out to be a most honourable man, and there were some fabulous and somewhat unexpected giggles towards the end. WILLFUL IN WINTER is spectacularly well done; pure delight from the first page to the last!
Those of us who had read Wanton in Winter, the previous installment, had a peek into what was to happen in this book. I couldn't wait for Rand and Grace's story and it was even more fabulous than I hoped! It's a wonderful take on the fake fiancés trope. I love how the characters were written: Grace is seriously willful and doesn't fall for Rand's beauteous person or his practiced seduction. He is so full of himself, it's hilarious! How dare she not fall for him! The dialogues between Winter sisters are marvellous, as are the exchanges between Rand and his friends Lord Ashley and the ever-intriguing Duke of Coventry.
The book crackles with sexual tension, the writing is positively outstanding, and the characters experience much growth. Considering the limited number of pages, I was much impressed with how the romance progressed and Scarlett Scott showed us things shift between Rand and Grace, little by little, in words, thoughts, and gestures. I enjoyed every moment of the fake courtship but even more so when it became real, because it's entirely believable; I felt the changes happening. The rake turns out to be a most honourable man, and there were some fabulous and somewhat unexpected giggles towards the end. WILLFUL IN WINTER is spectacularly well done; pure delight from the first page to the last!
December 17, 2019
How can you be Willful in Winter when the steam is melting the cold!
Two people determined not to get married. But each being pushed in that direction. Rand, Viscount Aylesford (can I just sigh?) needs a fake fiancee to make his grandmother think he is getting married so he can get his land.
Miss Grace Winter is being pushed by her brother to marry and wants to dig her heels in not marry. But when she and Aylesford cross paths, he has something to hold over her and it seems the best for both is the pretend bethothal.
But what could change it from pretend to real attraction? Well I have to say, it is going to be fun for you to find out! Great banter, steamy encounters (get the fan) and an attraction that cannot be denied!
Another great addition to this series that will keep you enthralled until the last page is turned!!
Two people determined not to get married. But each being pushed in that direction. Rand, Viscount Aylesford (can I just sigh?) needs a fake fiancee to make his grandmother think he is getting married so he can get his land.
Miss Grace Winter is being pushed by her brother to marry and wants to dig her heels in not marry. But when she and Aylesford cross paths, he has something to hold over her and it seems the best for both is the pretend bethothal.
But what could change it from pretend to real attraction? Well I have to say, it is going to be fun for you to find out! Great banter, steamy encounters (get the fan) and an attraction that cannot be denied!
Another great addition to this series that will keep you enthralled until the last page is turned!!
December 14, 2019
Ahhhhhh, an intoxicating, heart warming reformed rake!
Grace Winters, is opposed to marriage. She has no real direction in life at the moment, but knows she wants her freedom to live as she wants. Her brother has other plans. He wants all his sisters married to titled gentleman who treat them well, maybe even a love match.
Rand, Viscount Aylesford, is a rake with a secret who wants his Scottish holding. So he plans to feign a betrothal so his Grandmother acquiesces and gives him the property. He is sinfully handsome and oozes charm. How can she resist?
So bribery it is. He cannot get Grace to agree to the feigned betrothal until he bribes her with a naughty book that he finds in her possession. And then the fun begins......... Each time I read a book in this series I find myself saying this one was even better than the last. But seriously these two had me enthralled. They are sizzling hot and their banter is both spicy and witty. So you end up fanning yourself and laughing! I received an ARC of this story and chose to post my review.
Grace Winters, is opposed to marriage. She has no real direction in life at the moment, but knows she wants her freedom to live as she wants. Her brother has other plans. He wants all his sisters married to titled gentleman who treat them well, maybe even a love match.
Rand, Viscount Aylesford, is a rake with a secret who wants his Scottish holding. So he plans to feign a betrothal so his Grandmother acquiesces and gives him the property. He is sinfully handsome and oozes charm. How can she resist?
So bribery it is. He cannot get Grace to agree to the feigned betrothal until he bribes her with a naughty book that he finds in her possession. And then the fun begins......... Each time I read a book in this series I find myself saying this one was even better than the last. But seriously these two had me enthralled. They are sizzling hot and their banter is both spicy and witty. So you end up fanning yourself and laughing! I received an ARC of this story and chose to post my review.
December 15, 2019
This is another book in the Wicked Winter series, and another book I loved. You can read each of these books alone, but why not read them all – they are that good. Grace and Rand are wonderful together. I loved they way they communicated and how Rand wanted Grace to be his fake fiancé and no one else. The hint in this book about the next two books in the series make me want the time to go faster and for Scarlett Scott to write quicker. I adore this Winter Family.
January 25, 2020
Nice but predictable 2,5 stars.
April 4, 2021
Ah, the fake betrothal ploy. Of course Rand and Grace have a HEA. Loved it.
This is a great series! 5☆
This is a great series! 5☆
December 10, 2019
Another wonderful book about the Winter’s family. These books are GREAT and this is no exception. Scarlett somehow makes all the characters unique in each book, even in a series, so you never feel like you are reading the “same book” with different character names. This cannot be easy in this series, when the setting is the same for each couple—a Christmas house party. (Except for book 1, that did not take place at this event). All the stories are interwoven wonderfully!!
Grace and Rand’s story is very entertaining. It has humor, wit, updated tidbits from prior books/family members and of course, love and steamy scenes. ❤️. I look forward to the next book.
I highly recommend this book to all! I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Grace and Rand’s story is very entertaining. It has humor, wit, updated tidbits from prior books/family members and of course, love and steamy scenes. ❤️. I look forward to the next book.
I highly recommend this book to all! I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
December 14, 2019
Miss Grace Winter was outspoken and very curious and she was unlike any woman that Rand had previously known. Rand, Viscount Aylesford, didn’t believe in love but he did need a false betrothal. Having blackmailed Grace into agreeing to this, events didn’t follow exactly as planned. This was an entertaining read with a good amount of amusing banter between Grace and Rand. I loved the way the sisters all support one another. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 10, 2019
Another enjoyable read from Scarlett. Easy read, didn't put it down! Lovely characters, really enjoyed Grace, I love strong female characters not scared to put the men back in line 😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2019
Rand, Viscount Aylesford needs a fiancée of convenience due to the stipulations of his inheritance, so he sets his sights on Grace Winter. Rand knows she is just the sort of lady who will cry off when the time is right due to her willfulness and independence. Rand has a strong aversion to marriage and can’t imagine being stuck in matrimony with anyone. He has no problem getting women to give him what he wants and to him, that is the extent of a woman’s usefulness! Grace is the first woman Rand encounters who resists his charms at every turn, spurns his fake proposal, and outright insults his looks. This motivates Rand to doggedly pursue Grace and convince her to cooperate!
Despite her brother Dev’s insistence that she marry a title, Grace holds to her convictions that she does not wish to marry for reasons other than love. She declares herself “on the shelf” and she is fine with that label. Rand has to get creative with his methods in order to get Grace to hear out his devious scheme. Grace reluctantly agrees, even though she risks her own ruin. Rand really is quite selfish.
There are kisses in quiet corners and seduction that lead Grace and Rand to realize that their fake betrothal could become less of a deception than intended. Will Rand realize that what he always wanted is right in front of him or will he ruin her and discard her?
The Winters are such an enchanting family. Their loyalty and protectiveness of one another is a portrayal of how a truly loving family operates. This book in the series certainly did not disappoint. I devour all of Mrs. Scott’s books.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Despite her brother Dev’s insistence that she marry a title, Grace holds to her convictions that she does not wish to marry for reasons other than love. She declares herself “on the shelf” and she is fine with that label. Rand has to get creative with his methods in order to get Grace to hear out his devious scheme. Grace reluctantly agrees, even though she risks her own ruin. Rand really is quite selfish.
There are kisses in quiet corners and seduction that lead Grace and Rand to realize that their fake betrothal could become less of a deception than intended. Will Rand realize that what he always wanted is right in front of him or will he ruin her and discard her?
The Winters are such an enchanting family. Their loyalty and protectiveness of one another is a portrayal of how a truly loving family operates. This book in the series certainly did not disappoint. I devour all of Mrs. Scott’s books.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
December 19, 2019
Willful in Winter by Scarlett Scott is book 4 in The Wicked Winters Series. This is the story of Grace Winter and Rand, Viscount Aylesford. I did feel this could be a standalone book.
Rand is in need of a fake fiancee to obtain some important property that he wants. Rand thinks that Grace might be the one to be his pretend fiancee. Grace is the stubborn sibling but her brother has set goals to marry his siblings off to good titled noblemen. Grace has no real interest in this nor at first when Rand voice his needs. But she does come on board for this pretend arrangement until a kiss is shared and things do feel so much like pretending.
Loved this sweet funny story.
Rand is in need of a fake fiancee to obtain some important property that he wants. Rand thinks that Grace might be the one to be his pretend fiancee. Grace is the stubborn sibling but her brother has set goals to marry his siblings off to good titled noblemen. Grace has no real interest in this nor at first when Rand voice his needs. But she does come on board for this pretend arrangement until a kiss is shared and things do feel so much like pretending.
Loved this sweet funny story.
December 19, 2019
Scarlett Scott has turned up the the heat in another Winter story! All of the Winter siblings have been such fun & each one is unique in their own way. The stories are all fun, interesting & full of humor with some spicy romance on the way to their HEA!
Rand, Viscount Aylesford, is know around society as a handsome rake that the ladies are mad about - he is arrogant, full of humor, & heir to the financially healthy Duke of Revelstoke title. His only problem, his grandmother, the dowager duchess had a stipulation that he would not be given Tyre Abbey the wealthy Scottish estate until he was betrothed. Rand needs to find a faux fiancée & he has just the lady picked out, Grace Winter.
Grace Winter is the most opinionated & stubborn of the Winter sisters - her brother Dev, has declared that she & her sisters must marry noblemen to bring their family in to acceptance by the Ton since their money has been earned as very successful merchants. She has set her mind to avoid becoming a nobleman's wife - especially the arrogant Viscount Aylesford & she would definitely not become his feigned betrothed. Until he kissed her!
The bantering, humor, blackmail, jealousy, romance, discovery, spicy lovemaking & a HEA make this a most enjoyable story with loyal sisters helping out & many other secondary characters adding to this wonderful couple's story.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Rand, Viscount Aylesford, is know around society as a handsome rake that the ladies are mad about - he is arrogant, full of humor, & heir to the financially healthy Duke of Revelstoke title. His only problem, his grandmother, the dowager duchess had a stipulation that he would not be given Tyre Abbey the wealthy Scottish estate until he was betrothed. Rand needs to find a faux fiancée & he has just the lady picked out, Grace Winter.
Grace Winter is the most opinionated & stubborn of the Winter sisters - her brother Dev, has declared that she & her sisters must marry noblemen to bring their family in to acceptance by the Ton since their money has been earned as very successful merchants. She has set her mind to avoid becoming a nobleman's wife - especially the arrogant Viscount Aylesford & she would definitely not become his feigned betrothed. Until he kissed her!
The bantering, humor, blackmail, jealousy, romance, discovery, spicy lovemaking & a HEA make this a most enjoyable story with loyal sisters helping out & many other secondary characters adding to this wonderful couple's story.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
December 12, 2019
Starring Grace Winter and Rand, Viscount Aylesford. Fake betrothal trope.
Omigosh, right off the bat Grace and Rand had me laughing... and making me want to eat pie (haha). Grace is a very feisty heroine who gets blackmailed into a fake betrothal with Rand. Rand is a wonderful rakehell who’s about to be taken down a peg or two by a slip of a girl with a heart- shaped beauty mark. Together these two were absolutely delicious. Their road to HEA had me bawling and giggling (thanks to her sisters)... loved it!!
I am absolutely enjoying the Wicked Winters series. And I can’t wait for Pru’s and Christabella’s stories!!
Another fantastic read by Scarlett Scott!! She is so firmly on my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star system:
5 stars: Ugly cried AF... major book hangover... characters were amazing... made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will be re-reading this story over and over and over again.
Omigosh, right off the bat Grace and Rand had me laughing... and making me want to eat pie (haha). Grace is a very feisty heroine who gets blackmailed into a fake betrothal with Rand. Rand is a wonderful rakehell who’s about to be taken down a peg or two by a slip of a girl with a heart- shaped beauty mark. Together these two were absolutely delicious. Their road to HEA had me bawling and giggling (thanks to her sisters)... loved it!!
I am absolutely enjoying the Wicked Winters series. And I can’t wait for Pru’s and Christabella’s stories!!
Another fantastic read by Scarlett Scott!! She is so firmly on my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star system:
5 stars: Ugly cried AF... major book hangover... characters were amazing... made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will be re-reading this story over and over and over again.
April 19, 2025
strong case of go girl give us nothing i fear. a pity because i did look forward to reading grace's love story but this did not make me feel anything other than mild annoyance at the overuse of the word 'feigned'. also, there is no explanation whatsoever for why the characters fall for each other. like i am still wondering what they see in the other apart from... well, physical attraction. anyway, i will continue making my way through this series at some point, hopefully the next installment will be more to my taste.
January 6, 2020
Steamy story of a pretend betrothal. The head of the Winter family is trying to wed his sisters to respectable noblemen. Rand is a Viscount but maybe not so noble - he wants to pretend he's betrothed so his grandmother will give him his beloved property in Scotland. Grace is willing to go along to avoid the other suitors, as she plans to never marry. That first kiss though; there is nothing pretend about that or the feelings it evokes in them both. Great read - highly recommend.
January 17, 2020
Short book
This was a really short and easy read . There’s three sexy scenes. There is really no conflict in this book except for the fact they are in a fake engagement.
This is the second book I’ve read by the same author, neither of them were my cup of tea so I likely won’t read another .
This was a really short and easy read . There’s three sexy scenes. There is really no conflict in this book except for the fact they are in a fake engagement.
This is the second book I’ve read by the same author, neither of them were my cup of tea so I likely won’t read another .
December 13, 2019
Do reformed rakes make the best husbands? Well, we all believe they do and this book reinforces that belief. I love a randy-talking male like Rand. They are just so fun. No, don’t use your mind-meld on me – okay, it worked. Grace has no chance against Rand. This couple was just too cute and I loved their story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
December 11, 2019
I just finished this book ive enjoyed getting to know the Winter sisters theses books have it all joy,love,an hot sex please read these books im sure you will like these ladies as much as i do an the men arent bad either lol wasnt sure Grace an Rand was going to make it but after her sisters played their joke on him it was on lol
April 8, 2024
3.5 stars
February 6, 2020
Willful in Winter
Another amazing read I have ever book in this series so much excitement, and love and lots of sex. I'm now ready for book 5 .
THANK YOU for this amazing read. Your books are awesome the characters are amazing and you are an AWESOME writer
Another amazing read I have ever book in this series so much excitement, and love and lots of sex. I'm now ready for book 5 .
THANK YOU for this amazing read. Your books are awesome the characters are amazing and you are an AWESOME writer
May 27, 2021
Don't read if you don't want it to spoil your reading. This review might be considered a spoiler.
Book 4 of the Wicked Winters series opened with a very arrogant, horribly vain Hero and a very haughty, opinionated Heroine. Not the best opening for a romance novel. I would have enjoyed a few pages, paragraphs, or chapters to at least show something good before showing the truth behind the characters' nature.
However, a question I have is this...if the Hero's grandmother is a Dowager Duchess, that would make his father (apparently still living) a Duke, right (and the Hero states this to be a fact)? (NOT the questions I have). If his DAD is a Duke....shouldn't the Hero be a Marquess instead of a Viscount since he IS the heir to a dukedom? If I know the ranks correctly (and after reading as many historical books as I have, as well as researching the British nobility, I'm sure I do), the ranks go: Duke, Marquess, Earl, THEN Viscount, Baron, Baronet, etc. So...why is the author portraying the Hero as a Viscount if his DAD is a Duke?
As I got a little further in the book, my disgruntled thoughts about it did not change. Likable though the Hero might have started out in other books in the series, he quickly became an irritant in the book before this one and has now become more detestable, using the "forbidden book" to force the Heroine to do what he wanted. I shouldn't be surprised by the Hero's attitude in this book as he proved himself to be such a b*st*rd in the previous book. I don't agree with blackmailing someone to do what you want. It is one of the most ill-used tools many authors take advantage of in their books that I utterly detest. I think this is one book that I am very glad only has 11 chapters, for I don't believe I could countenance reading a longer version.
The fact that the Heroine chose to lie to most of her family over the fake engagement was not an easy read. Lies, blackmail, subterfuge, promises made but that were knowingly going to eventually and deliberately be broken (even revenge on an innocent person, although that's not part of this book), does not a good romance make.
The Hero continuously, and quite deliberately, put the Heroine in compromising situations and it irked. All the while knowing he wasn't going to marry her, he didn't seem to care whether or not she could at any moment be ruined. Just because he had a bad experience once should never be a good enough reason to hurt someone else in the process.
I loved how the Heroine's sisters stood up for her against the Hero, how they all rallied around her and protected her. I also got a kick out of what they did to the Hero.
For a book that started off, and continued, in such a way as to be almost offensive, it turned out...satisfactorily. Not what I would designate as a "Keeper for the Shelves" book, but decent...barely.
Book 4 of the Wicked Winters series opened with a very arrogant, horribly vain Hero and a very haughty, opinionated Heroine. Not the best opening for a romance novel. I would have enjoyed a few pages, paragraphs, or chapters to at least show something good before showing the truth behind the characters' nature.
However, a question I have is this...if the Hero's grandmother is a Dowager Duchess, that would make his father (apparently still living) a Duke, right (and the Hero states this to be a fact)? (NOT the questions I have). If his DAD is a Duke....shouldn't the Hero be a Marquess instead of a Viscount since he IS the heir to a dukedom? If I know the ranks correctly (and after reading as many historical books as I have, as well as researching the British nobility, I'm sure I do), the ranks go: Duke, Marquess, Earl, THEN Viscount, Baron, Baronet, etc. So...why is the author portraying the Hero as a Viscount if his DAD is a Duke?
As I got a little further in the book, my disgruntled thoughts about it did not change. Likable though the Hero might have started out in other books in the series, he quickly became an irritant in the book before this one and has now become more detestable, using the "forbidden book" to force the Heroine to do what he wanted. I shouldn't be surprised by the Hero's attitude in this book as he proved himself to be such a b*st*rd in the previous book. I don't agree with blackmailing someone to do what you want. It is one of the most ill-used tools many authors take advantage of in their books that I utterly detest. I think this is one book that I am very glad only has 11 chapters, for I don't believe I could countenance reading a longer version.
The fact that the Heroine chose to lie to most of her family over the fake engagement was not an easy read. Lies, blackmail, subterfuge, promises made but that were knowingly going to eventually and deliberately be broken (even revenge on an innocent person, although that's not part of this book), does not a good romance make.
The Hero continuously, and quite deliberately, put the Heroine in compromising situations and it irked. All the while knowing he wasn't going to marry her, he didn't seem to care whether or not she could at any moment be ruined. Just because he had a bad experience once should never be a good enough reason to hurt someone else in the process.
I loved how the Heroine's sisters stood up for her against the Hero, how they all rallied around her and protected her. I also got a kick out of what they did to the Hero.
For a book that started off, and continued, in such a way as to be almost offensive, it turned out...satisfactorily. Not what I would designate as a "Keeper for the Shelves" book, but decent...barely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2019
I love the Winter family. Each one is a little more stubborn than the last. Rand, Lord Aylesford needs a fiancee, a fake one as he doesn't really want to get married. He wants to receive an estate that his grandmother has promised him, but he has to be betrothed. Grace Winter doesn't want to get married and refuses to be a fake fiancee or even a real one, especially to Rand. He is handsome and he knows it. He cannot believe any woman would turn him down for anything. When Grace is caught with a very detailed book, Rand blackmails her. She has no choice but to agree. She fights him every step of the way until one kiss turns into more. I loved Grace and all her spirit. Hot, steamy romance. Another great book.
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