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elliesjenna's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
gardenia_gerda's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
it wasn't bad, but I'm not giving anything more than 3⭐ to a romance that didn't made me stay up whole night, I just didn't care about it
khanya's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
soy_ahoy's review against another edition
5.0
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. It has been sitting on my tbr list for what feels like forever and I finally caved in because I was craving a romance-centered story and now I'm absolutely kicking myself for not picking it up sooner!
It has everything I could ever want from a contemporary romance (which isn't my forte, but for gems like these...so worth it): animosity, mutual pining, drama, age gap, good buildup, a bet!, MULTIPLE lesbian characters (apparently for most authors it's a task to write a single one - even in sapphic books). Despite the slow buildup, I was impressed with how well the main characters actually communicated with each other when they wanted to, and the ending turned out so sweet and spicy! Throughout the book the longing and desire were very palpable, and I love it when those feelings aren't downplayed or sanitized. I literally woke up with a smile on my face this morning knowing I had this book to finish.
This is the first Lee Winter book I've read and now I simply must devour her entire catalogue.
It has everything I could ever want from a contemporary romance (which isn't my forte, but for gems like these...so worth it): animosity, mutual pining, drama, age gap, good buildup, a bet!, MULTIPLE lesbian characters (apparently for most authors it's a task to write a single one - even in sapphic books). Despite the slow buildup, I was impressed with how well the main characters actually communicated with each other when they wanted to, and the ending turned out so sweet and spicy! Throughout the book the longing and desire were very palpable, and I love it when those feelings aren't downplayed or sanitized. I literally woke up with a smile on my face this morning knowing I had this book to finish.
This is the first Lee Winter book I've read and now I simply must devour her entire catalogue.
orbitsquids's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sulphuric's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bookish_alone's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't feel connected with the characters in the beginning and sometimes the explanations (especially with Elena's character) went over the top. But except that, I LOVED THE YEARNING, AND HEATED TENSION AND THE UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MADDIE AND ELENA JUST SO MUCH
zoebrienne's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
aliu6's review against another edition
5.0
4.75 stars
My third Lee Winter book, and wow, it does not disappoint!
When the failing paper that aspiring journalist Maddie Grey writes for is bought up by media mogul Elena Bartell, Maddie expects to be looking for a new job real soon. However, Elena gives the staff a six week trial period to prove themselves, during which Maddie and Elena develop a quasi-friendship. But Maddie soon learns that for Elena, her business always comes first, so why can't she stop crushing on her straight, married boss?
While reading this, I laughed out loud so many times. Not so much because there were funny jokes, but because I was so delighted in what was happening. I especially loved all those awkward situations where Elena (half-suspectingly) asks Maddie questions and Maddie must explain herself without revealing how much she wants Elena. A main draw in the book for me was those conversations between Elena and Maddie where both women hint at something more but can't say it aloud. There was so much tension, yum!
This was an "ice queen" romance, and wow, I don't think I've read another one done this well. Elena does take some time to thaw, but of course, she can't resist Maddie, who everyone just seems to like. Elena and Maddie never become caricatures of the trope. They are very realistic, well-developed characters, and Maddie has her bad days, and Elena has her human side. Halfway into the story, I already loved them both and was rooting for them the rest of the way. The side characters were awesome as well.
I could see the Devil Wears Prada in this, although the story definitely also stands on its own. I have very few complaints about this book. There were a few writing errors that made me pause and take a second look. But they didn't detract much from this amazing story. And I do wish we'd gotten a little more out of the sex scenes. There was so much tension and buildup for a very quick climax (lol, pun intended).
This isn't a quick, light read. A lot happens, and many deep topics are touched upon, such as sexism in the workforce, sexual assault, and loneliness and not belonging. But not one part drags, and I wouldn't take out a single word.
Please, if you haven't already, go read this.
My third Lee Winter book, and wow, it does not disappoint!
When the failing paper that aspiring journalist Maddie Grey writes for is bought up by media mogul Elena Bartell, Maddie expects to be looking for a new job real soon. However, Elena gives the staff a six week trial period to prove themselves, during which Maddie and Elena develop a quasi-friendship. But Maddie soon learns that for Elena, her business always comes first, so why can't she stop crushing on her straight, married boss?
While reading this, I laughed out loud so many times. Not so much because there were funny jokes, but because I was so delighted in what was happening. I especially loved all those awkward situations where Elena (half-suspectingly) asks Maddie questions and Maddie must explain herself without revealing how much she wants Elena. A main draw in the book for me was those conversations between Elena and Maddie where both women hint at something more but can't say it aloud. There was so much tension, yum!
This was an "ice queen" romance, and wow, I don't think I've read another one done this well. Elena does take some time to thaw, but of course, she can't resist Maddie, who everyone just seems to like. Elena and Maddie never become caricatures of the trope. They are very realistic, well-developed characters, and Maddie has her bad days, and Elena has her human side. Halfway into the story, I already loved them both and was rooting for them the rest of the way. The side characters were awesome as well.
I could see the Devil Wears Prada in this, although the story definitely also stands on its own. I have very few complaints about this book. There were a few writing errors that made me pause and take a second look. But they didn't detract much from this amazing story. And I do wish we'd gotten a little more out of the sex scenes. There was so much tension and buildup for a very quick climax (lol, pun intended).
This isn't a quick, light read. A lot happens, and many deep topics are touched upon, such as sexism in the workforce, sexual assault, and loneliness and not belonging. But not one part drags, and I wouldn't take out a single word.
Please, if you haven't already, go read this.
forest_jj's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0