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A review by aliu6
The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter
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.