A Merry Wicked Winter

The Wicked Winters #14

by Scarlett Scott

From USA Today bestselling author Scarlett Scott comes a heartwarming holiday novella featuring a long-lost Winter sister and the gruff Scot whose heart she heals...

With Christmastide approaching, Miss Sybella Clarke is traveling to a country house party being hosted by her newly discovered half brother, Devereaux Winter. She’s eager to join the large family she’s never met, but a snow storm and a carriage accident land her in far more trouble than she bargained for. When Sybella is left stranded at the castle of the surly, brooding Earl of Darkross, her Yuletide journey goes from cold to scorching hot.

After the deaths of his wife and unborn child, Callum Upton, Earl of Darkross, retreated to the haven of his tumbledown estate, only emerging when duty requires. The unexpected arrival of the lovely Miss Clarke interrupts his seclusion and vexes him mightily. As soon as the snow stops and the roads are sufficiently cleared, he will carry the cheerful chit to Oxfordshire on his back if he must. Anything to be rid of her.

But as the snow continues to fly, so do the sparks between Sybella and Callum. And, much to the dismay of the man who thought himself incapable of loving again, his frigid heart begins to thaw…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Christmas, Regency, Regency Romance, Novella

149 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2022

About the author

USA 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

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate books that have a dead wife who the hero swears too her that he will never love again, but yet he does. And people always say she would want you to love again. oh yeah sure she does! Of course she wants you to love again, and i say this; bull sh!+. His dead wife is in Heaven saying touch her and you will die! Omg I hate this trope! And so does my husband! He ends up with accidental bruises due to my 'restless' leg syndrome if I read stories like this! And if I lost a baby while I was dying, and he was moving on to another woman, I would be haunting him nightly while pinching vital parts of him with plyers! But I digress...

This was still a very sweet love story, with a widow filling in love with a virgin. She is sweet. He is growly but very handsome and they rock each others world. I really love this author and this is another excellent story.and of course they all live happily ever after.

He better enjoy it because unfortunately, there is going to be a 'verra' angry first wife waiting for him in Heaven ready to have a 'Come to Jesus' meeting with him! Lol

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 62nd book by Scarlett Scott. I've been reading her since 2016. From book 1, she has been one of my all time favorites. I've probably read over 400 different authors but she has always been right up there as a top favorite and never waivers.

Over the past 6 years, ever since I got my kindle, I realized I have become a better reader compared to my beginning reads. Some authors I've outgrown, but Scarlet Scott has always been a consistent author who writes awesome and wonderful stories.

I enjoyed this book. It was a super short read but a cute story.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short sweet winter story of a grumpy scottish lord and a kind wandering lady - Callum and Sybella were so very adorable 💕
The story does suffer a bit from the novella format (we got a bit too fast to the melodramatic professions of love) and everything kinda hit a fast forward button in the second half but rh.. It was sweet and cozy so who cares? ✌

This was my first book from this author and I will definitely be checking out their backlist👀

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! This Christmas themed novella was just perfect to re-visit the glorious Winter family introduce a new Winter sibling, Sybella. The hero, Callum is simply awesome in his gruff, rugged, Highlander way.

I loved seeing the Winter family becoming so loving and close. I wanted more scenes with the newest Winter children, the family dynamic of this series warns the heart.

I hope Scarlet Scott makes this a annual holiday book tradition. Hopefully, the Sutton’s will also get novellas as well.

Excellent fun and highly recommended!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Christmastide approaching, Miss Sybella Clarke is travelling to a country house party being hosted by her newly discovered half brother, Devereaux Winter. She’s eager to join the large family she’s never met, but a snow storm and a carriage accident leave her stranded. Waiting in the wrecked carriage whilst her coachman takes her injured maid to safety & to get help, she is getting colder & colder so sets out to walk only to be rescued by the surly, brooding & handsome Earl of Darkross, her Yuletide journey goes from cold to scorching hot. Callum Upton, Earl of Darkross, retreated to the haven of his tumbledown estate, five years ago after the deaths of his wife & unborn child. The unexpected arrival of the lovely Miss Clarke interrupts his seclusion and vexes him mightily. But as the snow continues to fly, so do the sparks between Sybella and Callum.
Another wonderful read from the author, wonderful characters, wonderful romance & wonderful chemistry. I loved the strong, determined Sybella & also the dour Callum, oh boy did sparks fly! Their road to a HEA was so well written & I read this book in a sitting the icing on the cake was catching up with all the other Winters
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully beautiful written book! The Wicked Winters is an addictive, page turner! Each book can be read as a standalone but are so much fun to read in order!
Miss. Sybella Clarke is on her way to visit her newfound Winter family in the middle of a snowstorm. She gets rescued by a gorgeous, brooding Scots. Callum the Earl of Darkross likes living in his quiet castle, self imposed solitude.
Sybella and Callum are attracted to each other! I loved this storyline, I took my time reading this book because I didn’t want it to end! Sybella melted Callums heart and he healed and completed hers. I loved this well written book with great attention to details and steamy love scenes. Loved the secondary characters and with a perfect ending, such a beautiful epilogue! ❤️.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I very much enjoyed this seasonal, snowy tale .

Callum and Sybella are so good together, their chemistry is intense and the dialogue is wonderful, I was totally hooked on this story.

It’s a novella that will give you so much pleasure to read. So satisfying to be back in this Winter world.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all nighter, this maybe a Christmas story but its definitely a story that can be read ANYTIME of the year.

There's love laughter and steam oh and a sexy Scottish man!

I love that Sybella got her story she definitely deserved it.
I loved seeing the other characters from the previous stories in last chapter along with the epilogue.

I simply can't say enough about this story but that's how it is for me with Scarlett's books

I look forward to the next book from Scarlett.

I received this a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story in the Wicked Winters series (but can be read as standalone). Miss Sybella Clarke has recently discovered she is an illegitimate Winter and is travelling to visit them for the holidays. A carriage accident and a storm has brought her to Castle Upton and the company of Callum Upton, Earl of Darkross. Stewing in his grief, Sybella's smile is a light in his darkness. Loved these characters and how they are so drawn to each other despite their circumstances. Highly recommend.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read. Great characters and storyline. Although I really loved this story, for me the best part was Sybella meeting her real family at the end. 5☆

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Miss Sybella Clarke and Callum, Lord Darkross

Tropes: Widower Hero, Grumpy/Sunshine, Scottish Hero, Snowstorm, Forced Proximity, One Bed,

I AM SOOOOOO HAPPY!!!! Scarlett Scott gave us a new book couple to love AND a Wicked Winter reunion. Oh happy day!! I’ve read other reunion books where the main couple gets lost in a sea of past characters… but this was perfect!! We get a whole lotta Sybella and Callum… and we have a wonderful look-see at our favorite Winter family. Perfect!!

I love Sybella and Callum verra, verra much. First of all, they are going to have so many in jokes when they are old and gray and that just tickles my fancy.

Oh Callum… what a perfect delicious grump. He’s wearing his guilt baggage like an armor. He was so tortured. He literally put walls around him by shutting the whole world out and retreating inside his castle. You’re gonna want to massage that place over your heart coz he’s gonna make it ache.

And then beautiful Sybella enters his life… coming at him with sunshine, and tearing down his defenses one smile at a time. She draws Callum from out of his shadows and makes him believe in love and happiness again. I absolutely loved her.

Honestly y’all, the banter between Sybella and Callum. The humor… the angst… the sigh worthy moments… all of it was like a perfect spoonful with every bite. And yes I made a meal out of this book and savored it in one sitting. Coz once I started with their story, there was no way I was putting it down.

Scarlett Scott once again threw my day off by giving me book insomnia and then a book hangover. I get to operate on two hours of sleep today… and I don’t hate her for it. My eyes are also puffy from all the ugly crying AF. Totally worth it every time with her stories!! Can’t wait to read what she has in store for us!!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Sybella Clarke brings sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows to anyplace she is and is a beautiful lady. Even after her Mother died, and Sybella was given her Mother's diary by the man she always thought was her father, but it seems she was another Wicked Winter born on the wrong side of the blanket and has twelve half siblings, she is excited for a new family. Her father disowns her, wants her out of his house, and by invitation she heads to the Winter's for Christmas; until the carriage accident in a snowstorm and she is stranded alone.

Callum Upton, Earl of Darkross has been a widower for five years; he is a handsome Scot with a brogue who brings dark broodiness, grumpy persona, to the castle he has almost become a recluse - he leaves the castle only for matters regarding the title and his duty. He cannot forget the loss of the wife he loved and their unborn bairn and the guilt he feels; until the carriage accident and he rides out to find Sybella walking in the snowstorm, almost frozen.

The intimacy is fan worthy, the romance is sigh worthy, the love is priceless! The reunion of the Wicked Winters gathered for Christmas was wonderful and so much fun to see them once again and how they welcomed not only Sybella, their new half-sister but also her love, Callum. The epilogue was so sweet, and I will always love this family!!!!! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Theresa Mayweather · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting, soul-satisfying romance. There is nothing better than a sexy brooding Scottish hero. Callum Upton, Earl of Darkross is convinced himself he will never love again after the painful loss of his wife and child. He is content to live on his estate alone. That is until an unexpected damsel in distress appears during a snowstorm on his estate. Miss Sybella Clarke is on her way to celebrate Christmas with her new found Winter family. Her carriage breaks down and she nearly freezes to death before Callum rescues her. He has no choice but to have her wait out the storm on his estate. The ever merry Sybella is determined to thaw the ice surrounding Callum's heart. She wants the happy ever after with her brooding Scot and with make the most of her stay at his castle. This is a fast paced read with scorching hot love scenes. Another great Wicked Winters story from this author. Each one is better than the last. You will absolutely love this story. I received an ARC of this book and is my honest review.

[Midniteillusion · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a miss for me. I started it after finishing the rest of the series but then put it on hold for months.

The heroine is not well developed and didn’t really seem to grow. She seems and acts very young but by things we learn she’s not that young and had multiple seasons. She was boring and a few times TSTL. Also it was weird to have this random unknown sibling introduced in her own book. The book doesn’t fit well with the rest if the Winters series. It would have been better had she been introduced a couple of books earlier through her letters. Then the reader at least would have felt a connection to her before this book and had more context. But why was her name Sybella when there is already a Christabella? Two “Bellas” in one family is one too many.

The hero, Callum, was okay. He actually did show character growth.

I would say skip it,you don’t need it to move on to the Suttons.

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum and Sybella are truly a perfect match. She is the light to his darkness and exactly what he needs to draw him back to the world. Their story is full of delicious yearning, fabulous heat and endless love. All the deliciousness you’ve come to expect from Scarlett Scott. The beautiful family reunion of Sybella and the Winters was full of charm and exactly the family she deserved. It was the perfect end to her already happy ever after. I have not yet read the Winters and cannot wait to know this family I already adore. All in all, this was a delightful light read that leaves me longing for the Winters.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading Sybella and Callum's story of passion and love. It was wonderful to catch up with all the Winter siblings too. Sybella discovered her true father's identity after the death of her beloved mother, cast out by an unloving father who decreed she either marry a man of his choosing or leave his house forever. Sybella choose to find her half siblings and leave the only home she had ever known and journey through the snow only for her carriage to break and axle. To be found by Callum's man as he spied her wandering in the snow atop the turrets sending Callum out to rescue her. A rescue that will change both their lives forever.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about the Winter’s family. There’s always something happening in the family. We find another Winter born on the wrong side of the blanket as Miss Sybella Clarke discovers who her father really is. She’s caught in a snowstorm on her way to meet her new family the Winters when disaster happens, and she’s rescued by Callum the Earl of Darkross. Who doesn’t love a dark steamy Scottish man. This is a short story but it’s not short on steam, romance, laughter and adventure. It’s always wonderful to see and catchup on the Winters’ family. I’ve voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent story.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Long Lost Winter

I was super excited and surprised to learn of a new long, lost member of the Winter family. In this unexpected tale, we meet Sybella Clarke, the newest Winter who is traveling to meet her half-siblings at Christmastide. Along the way, she meets Lord Darkross, and they are trapped together by a snowstorm. Callum is a swoon worthy hero, and his chemistry with Sybella is off the charts. They are both passionate and sweet and are a fun add to the Wicked Winters collection. I have had the pleasure of reading this book as an ARC.

[Melinda Greathouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Wicked Winters series by Scarlett Scott, so when I found out there was going to be another addition, I was really looking forward to it. This installment did not miss the mark. Sybella and Callum's relationship played out beautifully, and I could not turn the pages fast enough. It was also a treat to revisit some of my favorite Winters.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[HMU95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum and Sybella are such a fun couple! This is the perfect holiday romance — equal parts fun and steamy, it’s such an easy read. Plus a return to the Wicked Winters, one of my favorite of Scarlett Scott’s series. Callum is a tortured hero, drowning under guilt for something that’s not his fault. Sybella is running from a cold and uncaring parent. They meet and sparks fly instantly. It was great to see both characters overcome their difficulties to get their HEA.

I received an advance reader copy and am providing my honest review

[Ashley Easterwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless of where you're at in the Wicked Winters series, you'll enjoy Sybella and Callum's story. I loved Callum's transformation from grouchy Scot who had dismissed the idea of loving again to becoming Sybella's hero at Castle Upton

[Dianne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Love

Another Winter sibling finds love in the winter. Sybella was lost and she was rescued by Cullen. I liked this story because it included all the Winters.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that those wicked Winters have been my favorite mixed up family for some time now, so I am more than happy to revisit the whole crazy bunch of them. This story introduces us to the lovely Sybella, a newly discovered 1/2 sister to Dev Winters. (Man that Patriarch Winters was a busy guy). She is on her way in a snow storm to meet her new found family and spend Christmastide with them. A carriage accident leaves her stranded and out walking through knee high snow. Fortuitously, she is rescued by a handsome Scot and brought to his castle until the snowstorm subsides. He carries deep wounds of previous loss, but as they wait for the snow to melt, so does his heart for Sybella. A delightful romance and endearing storyline.

[Michelle Brashars · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to world of the Wicked Winters in A Merry Wicked Winter by Scarlett Scott! Callum is the brooding,sexy,ROMANTIC Scot of everyone’s dreams🥵Sybella,the newest in the VERY LONG line of Winter bastards,cannot resist him either.Callum spends his days locked away in his castle,consumed by grief.Sybella gets caught up in a snowstorm while traveling to meet her newfound family for the first time at Christmas.Callum ends up rescuing her and it’s basically insta love and insta connection.They feel like home to each other,much to Callum’s distress!Their story is so sweet and so romantic,and you won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with this couple!

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Winters! I was thrilled to read Sybella's story. Sybella's journey to spend the Christmas with the Winter family leaves her stranded during a snowstorm. Luckily, a brooding Scot, Callum rescues her. I love the connection they feel instantly towards one another and the denial that anything can come of it. The story is beautifully written and endearing. It is also has a few scorching hot scenes. This is the type of book that makes it hard to find a next book. This book makes me want to re-read the series. It can definitely be read alone, but the series is entertaining with well-written characters and more smoking hot scenes.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was not my cup of tea.

[Judith Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful beautiful story! Another unique and compelling story about the Winter’s series.
With Christmastide approaching, Miss Sybella Clarke is traveling to a country house party being hosted by her newly discovered half-brother, Devereaux Winter. She’s eager to join the large family she’s never met, but a snow storm and a carriage accident land her in the castle of the surly, brooding Earl of Darkross. After the deaths of his wife and unborn child, Callum Upton, Earl of Darkross, retreated to the haven of his tumbledown estate, only emerging when duty requires. The unexpected arrival of the lovely Miss Clarke interrupts his seclusion and vexes him mightily. As soon as the snow stops and the roads are sufficiently cleared, he will carry the cheerful chit to Oxfordshire on his back if he must. Anything to be rid of her.
But as the snow continues to fly, so do the sparks between Sybella and Callum. And, much to the dismay of the man who thought himself incapable of loving again, his frigid heart begins to thaw…
I was instantly in love with both characters. You can feel their connection from the beginning. I don’t usually enjoy sunshine/grumpy hero but this one is definitely a winner. There’s so much passion, so much sexual tension between them! But also aghast and emotional moments. I couldn´t put this book down!! (something that usually happens to me with this author!).
This is a beautiful short story about love, second chances and explosive chemistry! The sex scenes are HOT but I mostly enjoy the dialogs, the speed of the story and the so obvious love between Sybella (what a beautiful name) and Callum. It’s amazing how Scarlett Scott can create stories so different from each other about this really great family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tina M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Merry Wicked Winter is classic Scarlett Scott! She always provides a great hero and heroine, humor, romance, great backstory and sizzling bedroom (and other locations!) scenes.
It's been a while since I read The Wicked Winters series but I was able to catch up quickly with this novel. The majority of the book revolves around Callum and Sybella, a widower hiding himself in a run down castle and a young woman who brings lightness to everyone, despite her own unhappy circumstances.
Though they seem very different, they find through forced time together that they really have more in common than it initially appears. Callum is incredibly grumpy and unhappy when he first meets Sybella while she is full of effervescence. As you can imagine, the differences in their personalities is almost too difficult for them to overcome. But this being a historical romance, there is always a happily ever after!
We don't actually get to meet the rest of the Winter family until close to the end of the story, even though they play a large part in Sybella's new life.
I would absolutely recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of Scarlett and her stories. I received this book for free in order to review it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Happy reading everyone!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Merry Wicked Winter by Scarlett Scott is the perfect read to get a person into the holiday spirit! Sybella and Callum are the quintessential Sunshine and Grump couple.

Callum’s backstory is a tale of heartbreak. I could definitely understand how such a traumatic event could almost break a person. MacTavish is a character who is integral to the story, but more than that, he’s someone Callum can trust without worrying that he has an ulterior motive because he’s been with him so long.

Sybella is a lovely heroine. I wanted her to be a little less sunshiny at some points, but she definitely provides contrast with Callum’s disposition. I enjoyed reading about her introduction to her Winter family.

This book has all of the feels and all of the steam we’ve come to expect from Scarlett Scott, though it felt like a bit of a slow burn because of that darn stubborn Scot.

This is a book that I’m betting you’ll have a difficult time putting down. It was a binge read for me.

I received an ARC from the author. The opinions expressed above are my own.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sybella and Callum story is a very emotional and steamy story!
I forgot how intense a Winter story can be! It was great with them all together again!
Sybella learned that her mother was in love with a Winter and her father found out after all these years she was not his daughter she has one chance to meet her new family or she has to marry and old crony of her “fathers”!
Her carriage breaks down in a fierce snowstorm and her chaperone breaks an ankle!
Callum old retainer was using his spy glass and so the mishap on the road!
Callum is grumpy and bitter and does not share his name at first!
Sybella in spite of her situation is sweet innocent and sunshine.
As the winter rages these two get to know one another and Callum heart starts to thaw.
Can Callum let go of the past after 5 years of blaming himself!
Do these two have a future? When Callum is tasked to deliver her to her half siblings… will he let her go?
Bravo! Love the reunion!