Book Review #winniewesthasanagenda #katsterling #historicalromance #theseattlesuffragesociety #ARCreader
Winnie West is a delicious, fast paced, enemies to lovers romance with interesting characters and a unique look at the Suffragette movement in Seattle, WA. Kat Sterling's debut is sexy, delightful, humorous and beautifully crafted. Sterling's writing is accessible, well researched and perfectly paced. Her characters shine and enrich the story, they are well developed, relatable, and the perfect foil and balance to the other.
Winnie West has a dream to be a journalist, to be respected for the work she does, and to support herself as an independent woman. Mack also has a dream to take over his families newspaper and grow it into something better and stronger than before. These two are both bold, determined and smart. I love that they are both initially attracted to the other, I love that they also butt heads and banter and challenge each others outlooks on the world. They might start off on the wrong foot, but as they find themselves forced together on a research mission they must learn to work together. I love that as they work together, they learn to trust each other, they learn to open themselves up and share their dreams and views. I also love that while the main focus is on Winnie and Mack growing together, there is also a really strong group of females in the periphery who support Winnie and are on her side.
This novel is sensual and sexy, Winnie learns to embrace her independence and sensuality while being true to herself and her needs. I found Mack to be a swoon-worthy hero, whose heart and head both learn to work together and see the world from a new point of view. Winnie and Mack's physical relationship is build on consent, exploration, and fun. Their romance has a levity that is a beautiful juxtaposition to their more rigid approach to work, and through this we see that these two can provide each other with a save place to joke and open up. The third act conflict does result around a misunderstanding and an impulsive lack of trust which creates a moment of reflection for both Winnie and Mack. Ultimately, Sterling beautifully steers this romance back on track with groveling, understanding, compromises and learning the true meaning of trusting another.
Kat Sterling's debut novel is a must read for any romance lover looking for a more unique setting. Sterling's novel weaves together well loved tropes and perfectly blends more modern sensibilities amongst a turn of the century setting.
Thank you so much to Kat Sterling for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.