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Queen Vs. Queen
She meets her match!
When ice queens converge at a business conference, they exhibit ultimate control, authority, and strength. The conference forces the women to show their vulnerabilities. Will they thrive in the training situation? Is there a chance that any romantic unions could form? Or will any sparks of romance remain hidden beneath the icy exteriors of the attendees? Three novellas of power and passion, all with a Happily Ever After. ***
Sunset to Sunrise by Barbara Winkes When ice meets ice, can passion melt away the pain? Isabel Windsor is confident in her leadership qualities. When her bosses send her to a seminar at the International Leadership Institute for Women after a confrontation with a client, she sees it as an affront. She is determined to make it clear that she doesn't need any help. Grace McAllister has decided to make the best of a bad After getting fired from her old job, she plans to start her own business, and hopes to make connections at the same institute. What she doesn't expect is to run into a woman she has met before--Isabel. Sparks fly--again--when Isabel and Grace try to navigate these complicated circumstances. Against the picturesque backdrop of Quebec City, they must choose whether they want to be enemies or allies in a cutthroat world, and if there's a future for them beyond another chance meeting. *** Adrenaline Kisses by Alysia D. Evans When insubordinate Meryl and uptight Polly meet at a business coaching conference, there is instantaneous conflict and friction. Forced by a conference organizer to work together, the pair agree to complete the assigned activity, tick the box, and then go their separate ways. Ideally, this was the perfect solution, until Meryl provokes confrontation by delving into Polly's personal life. In response to Meryl's intrusive behavior, Polly suffers a seizure, and onlookers expect Meryl to help her so-called friend. Polly's illness reluctantly pushes the twosome together. They are compelled to endure activities outside of the conference and demonstrate they can develop a supportive network. Is it possible for two women from contrasting ends of the social spectrum to find common ground, enjoy spending time together, and develop an intimate rapport? Find out in this irresistible ice queen romance. *** Turning Two by Anne Hagan If your flame constantly singes others, maybe you need a dose of your own medicine. Tonya and Abigail, two forces of nature from different worlds, face off against their own worst themselves. Tonya, a sharp-tongued trailblazer in a man's world, and Abigail, a surgical mastermind with a bedside manner worse than her scalpel. When they come to realize they have been both sent to a conference to learn and grow, their simmering rage boils over. To rid themselves of their mutual disdain, they must take a dose of their own learning how to co-exist. With their tempers flaring, they face off in a fierce battle of wit and will. Will they learn to work together, no matter how much they clash? Or will they be forever changed by their own flames? The only thing certain is that the outcome will leave a mark. Like ice queens? Here are three full-length stories with twice the fun and so many other things you like in your sapphic stories, like forced proximity, age gap, enemies to lovers - of course, - multi-racial relationships, rich/poor, butch/femme, medical, military, sports and so much more. These queens have it all!
When ice queens converge at a business conference, they exhibit ultimate control, authority, and strength. The conference forces the women to show their vulnerabilities. Will they thrive in the training situation? Is there a chance that any romantic unions could form? Or will any sparks of romance remain hidden beneath the icy exteriors of the attendees? Three novellas of power and passion, all with a Happily Ever After. ***
Sunset to Sunrise by Barbara Winkes When ice meets ice, can passion melt away the pain? Isabel Windsor is confident in her leadership qualities. When her bosses send her to a seminar at the International Leadership Institute for Women after a confrontation with a client, she sees it as an affront. She is determined to make it clear that she doesn't need any help. Grace McAllister has decided to make the best of a bad After getting fired from her old job, she plans to start her own business, and hopes to make connections at the same institute. What she doesn't expect is to run into a woman she has met before--Isabel. Sparks fly--again--when Isabel and Grace try to navigate these complicated circumstances. Against the picturesque backdrop of Quebec City, they must choose whether they want to be enemies or allies in a cutthroat world, and if there's a future for them beyond another chance meeting. *** Adrenaline Kisses by Alysia D. Evans When insubordinate Meryl and uptight Polly meet at a business coaching conference, there is instantaneous conflict and friction. Forced by a conference organizer to work together, the pair agree to complete the assigned activity, tick the box, and then go their separate ways. Ideally, this was the perfect solution, until Meryl provokes confrontation by delving into Polly's personal life. In response to Meryl's intrusive behavior, Polly suffers a seizure, and onlookers expect Meryl to help her so-called friend. Polly's illness reluctantly pushes the twosome together. They are compelled to endure activities outside of the conference and demonstrate they can develop a supportive network. Is it possible for two women from contrasting ends of the social spectrum to find common ground, enjoy spending time together, and develop an intimate rapport? Find out in this irresistible ice queen romance. *** Turning Two by Anne Hagan If your flame constantly singes others, maybe you need a dose of your own medicine. Tonya and Abigail, two forces of nature from different worlds, face off against their own worst themselves. Tonya, a sharp-tongued trailblazer in a man's world, and Abigail, a surgical mastermind with a bedside manner worse than her scalpel. When they come to realize they have been both sent to a conference to learn and grow, their simmering rage boils over. To rid themselves of their mutual disdain, they must take a dose of their own learning how to co-exist. With their tempers flaring, they face off in a fierce battle of wit and will. Will they learn to work together, no matter how much they clash? Or will they be forever changed by their own flames? The only thing certain is that the outcome will leave a mark. Like ice queens? Here are three full-length stories with twice the fun and so many other things you like in your sapphic stories, like forced proximity, age gap, enemies to lovers - of course, - multi-racial relationships, rich/poor, butch/femme, medical, military, sports and so much more. These queens have it all!
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2023
125 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Winkes
99 books212 followersBarbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 18, 2023
Three short stories primarily set within the backdrop of two International Leadership Institute for Women seminars (women empowering and mentoring each other). Six women, each with personal flaws, arrogance, frailties and secrets, all sent to the seminars for varying reasons.
Sunset to Sunrise, Barbara Winkes - Isabel and Grace reconnect after a romantic tryst. Both from the corporate world, mistrust then cooperation opens minds before the take down of a scumbag. The joining of forces leads to happiness.
Adrenaline Kisses, Alysia D. Evans - Meryl and Polly are opposites. One is needy financially but helps out the needy when she can, growing her blog following would be a major plus. The other, wealthy has her artistic talents curbed, forced to work as a lawyer in her mother's fashion company. Vulnerabilities are worked through, strengths revealed, the open road beckons with a delightful ending.
Turning Two, Anne Hagan- What would a career National Guardsman have in common with a doctor without empathy. Tonya and Abigail are both dispatched to a ILIW seminar. Hard nosed approaches must be set aside, truths laid bare and declarations made before a happy ending.
Collaboration, trust and building relationships are key in these short tales that have a HEA. I loved the seamless connection between Adrenaline Kisses and Turning Two. Nice touch! Ice queens with a difference - an anthology that I easily recommend.
Sunset to Sunrise, Barbara Winkes - Isabel and Grace reconnect after a romantic tryst. Both from the corporate world, mistrust then cooperation opens minds before the take down of a scumbag. The joining of forces leads to happiness.
Adrenaline Kisses, Alysia D. Evans - Meryl and Polly are opposites. One is needy financially but helps out the needy when she can, growing her blog following would be a major plus. The other, wealthy has her artistic talents curbed, forced to work as a lawyer in her mother's fashion company. Vulnerabilities are worked through, strengths revealed, the open road beckons with a delightful ending.
Turning Two, Anne Hagan- What would a career National Guardsman have in common with a doctor without empathy. Tonya and Abigail are both dispatched to a ILIW seminar. Hard nosed approaches must be set aside, truths laid bare and declarations made before a happy ending.
Collaboration, trust and building relationships are key in these short tales that have a HEA. I loved the seamless connection between Adrenaline Kisses and Turning Two. Nice touch! Ice queens with a difference - an anthology that I easily recommend.
March 27, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
Three stories, all beginning at an International Women Leadership Institute seminar, with six totally different ice queens, who all are at various places in their life. An interesting and unusual concept, since normally ice doesn't melt ice.
I personally liked the first story, by Barbara Winkes, the best. Two strong personalities, Isabel and Grace learn to put aside their initial animosities and learn to trust each other. Two sympathetic strong women, who have to/will assert themselves in a businessman’s world and learn that together you can achieve much more than alone - and as a crowning glory even unexpectedly find love. 4⭐️
The second story is penned by Alysia D- Evans, a new author for me. Meryl and Polly have totally different backgrounds, one grew up with money, and the other one did not. Their prejudice and rudeness make working together almost impossible and they get into each other's hair all the time. This was partly comical but for me, they were too rude to each other and I also didn't feel them, just couldn't connect with them. Only when we got to know their background stories and the baggage they are carrying, everything made more sense. Towards the end, I liked them better and better and was happy that they found each other. Well and fluently written but from bitchy to I love you it went a bit too fast for me. 3.5⭐️
Last but not least, the third story comes from Anne Hagan. Two very dedicated women in their respective jobs, Tonya a National Guard member, and Abigail a doctor meet at the seminary and are supposed to work together to improve their ability to empathize with subordinates or patients. Nice story with very interesting characters and their idiosyncrasies (although one particular disposition was only mentioned once and then it was done, which I can't quite imagine). Nice to see how these women had evolved even in this short time. 4⭐️
Three entertaining novellas with exciting women about assertiveness, cooperation prejudice, and further development, sprinkled with humor and love.
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review
Three stories, all beginning at an International Women Leadership Institute seminar, with six totally different ice queens, who all are at various places in their life. An interesting and unusual concept, since normally ice doesn't melt ice.
I personally liked the first story, by Barbara Winkes, the best. Two strong personalities, Isabel and Grace learn to put aside their initial animosities and learn to trust each other. Two sympathetic strong women, who have to/will assert themselves in a businessman’s world and learn that together you can achieve much more than alone - and as a crowning glory even unexpectedly find love. 4⭐️
The second story is penned by Alysia D- Evans, a new author for me. Meryl and Polly have totally different backgrounds, one grew up with money, and the other one did not. Their prejudice and rudeness make working together almost impossible and they get into each other's hair all the time. This was partly comical but for me, they were too rude to each other and I also didn't feel them, just couldn't connect with them. Only when we got to know their background stories and the baggage they are carrying, everything made more sense. Towards the end, I liked them better and better and was happy that they found each other. Well and fluently written but from bitchy to I love you it went a bit too fast for me. 3.5⭐️
Last but not least, the third story comes from Anne Hagan. Two very dedicated women in their respective jobs, Tonya a National Guard member, and Abigail a doctor meet at the seminary and are supposed to work together to improve their ability to empathize with subordinates or patients. Nice story with very interesting characters and their idiosyncrasies (although one particular disposition was only mentioned once and then it was done, which I can't quite imagine). Nice to see how these women had evolved even in this short time. 4⭐️
Three entertaining novellas with exciting women about assertiveness, cooperation prejudice, and further development, sprinkled with humor and love.
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review
April 8, 2023
3.75 stars. This is an uneven compilation of three shorter stories with a few common threads that connect them and run through them. Each stories has two women who meet at a conference for women that involves leadership and interpersonal training. They have all been sent by their companies to smooth out their aloof, stand-off approaches to personal interactions with clients or patients or people in general. They appear to be Ice Queens when in fact, they are just trying to make it in a world that they feel is mostly against then, especially if they are in a male dominated world. The Conference throws these couples together even though they feel like oil and water. Lo and behold, they are more alike then different and they all bond in different ways. Two are well written and one needs some grammatical help. It detracts from the story. Quick reads, interesting chemistry and situations and very different characters. Not so much an Ice Queen battle as it is a study of women from different walks of life.
I received an ARC and am happy to post my review.
I received an ARC and am happy to post my review.
May 24, 2023
Great collection!
Three stories about strong determined women who all attend an event where they meet other like minded individuals. After meeting, lives are changed forever as relationships form.
I really enjoyed each of the stories in this collection and loved the interconnectivity and nods to one another even though each story followed a different pairing. With both leads in each story being strong willed and minded there was tension and clashes along the way until circumstance helped them realise what they had in common. Somewhere along the way, they all ended up developing feelings for each other, whether formed from forced situations or unconsciously, it was fantastic when they finally put differences aside to explore vulnerabilities, emotions, and feelings.
Really enjoyable, with a variety of stories and adventures so there really is an ice queen experience for everyone.
Three stories about strong determined women who all attend an event where they meet other like minded individuals. After meeting, lives are changed forever as relationships form.
I really enjoyed each of the stories in this collection and loved the interconnectivity and nods to one another even though each story followed a different pairing. With both leads in each story being strong willed and minded there was tension and clashes along the way until circumstance helped them realise what they had in common. Somewhere along the way, they all ended up developing feelings for each other, whether formed from forced situations or unconsciously, it was fantastic when they finally put differences aside to explore vulnerabilities, emotions, and feelings.
Really enjoyable, with a variety of stories and adventures so there really is an ice queen experience for everyone.
March 15, 2023
this is the collection that kept me warm and reading during our recent storm plagued outages - and it was enticing stuff!!
these ladies are strong, motivated women who struggle with family and career and come to sessions with an institute for women amid their struggles
bosses, family and career counselors made the choices for these sessions, and most are not entirely thrilled at the onset
way more than just a sapphic romance collection!
the descriptions of a network of women with a variety of skills and life histories and family situations supporting each other - loved it!
a virtual village that serves as resources and guidance and sometimes just a listening ear - the same sort of community and support that the generation of my grandmother found among the Women of the Moose ir the Grange, or that I found among Sweet Adelines, this modern institute is an amazing modern day organization designed by and for women
Yes, there are also hot personal connections.
I really enjoyed that being a part of the journey for each other is a part of the life and love stories for these women!
these ladies are strong, motivated women who struggle with family and career and come to sessions with an institute for women amid their struggles
bosses, family and career counselors made the choices for these sessions, and most are not entirely thrilled at the onset
way more than just a sapphic romance collection!
the descriptions of a network of women with a variety of skills and life histories and family situations supporting each other - loved it!
a virtual village that serves as resources and guidance and sometimes just a listening ear - the same sort of community and support that the generation of my grandmother found among the Women of the Moose ir the Grange, or that I found among Sweet Adelines, this modern institute is an amazing modern day organization designed by and for women
Yes, there are also hot personal connections.
I really enjoyed that being a part of the journey for each other is a part of the life and love stories for these women!
March 23, 2023
Although the common thread for these three stories is ice queen vs ice queen, the stories and the women and their situations were all very different. I think there’s something for everyone. They’re all really well written and the characters feel real. All the stories start in the same place, a multi-day conference for women. Another similarity is that each of our main characters are required to attend, or at least strongly suggested to. All the main characters are very different and from different walks of life, from corporate bosses to a National Guard member.
Barbara Winkes starts off this trilogy by introducing us to the conference (and some of the staff) that all the women have in common. The two women in the second story, Adrenaline Kisses, by Alysia D. Evans, are so layered. It’s like each chapter peeled back another layer, revealing something else. It was also intriguing to read a story about an impoverished ice queen, since the they’re usually wealthy and/or powerful. Ann Hagan’s story has two very interesting characters I’d like to see again, especially Tonya. There aren’t many characters like her in modern sapphic stories.
Barbara Winkes starts off this trilogy by introducing us to the conference (and some of the staff) that all the women have in common. The two women in the second story, Adrenaline Kisses, by Alysia D. Evans, are so layered. It’s like each chapter peeled back another layer, revealing something else. It was also intriguing to read a story about an impoverished ice queen, since the they’re usually wealthy and/or powerful. Ann Hagan’s story has two very interesting characters I’d like to see again, especially Tonya. There aren’t many characters like her in modern sapphic stories.
March 24, 2023
These three stories were quite different from what I have read before. The concept of two ice Queens getting together is very unusual as they will naturally clash with each other but all three authors did a great job of gradually introducing their vulnerabilities which ultimately brings them together.
They are all very different writers with their own distinct writing styles. The first one from Brenda Winkes was quite an intense read which I found a little far fetched in that the scenario was unlikely but an engaging read all the same.
While the second one from Alysia D Evans has a more comical writing style that kept the story a bit lighter and got me smiling to myself more than once.
The final story from Anne Hagan was my personal favorite as it felt the most real to me and you could really visualise what both main characters were going through and the logic of them getting together.
All in all I am not really a lover of short stories but all three were very well written and I felt were worth the read .
They are all very different writers with their own distinct writing styles. The first one from Brenda Winkes was quite an intense read which I found a little far fetched in that the scenario was unlikely but an engaging read all the same.
While the second one from Alysia D Evans has a more comical writing style that kept the story a bit lighter and got me smiling to myself more than once.
The final story from Anne Hagan was my personal favorite as it felt the most real to me and you could really visualise what both main characters were going through and the logic of them getting together.
All in all I am not really a lover of short stories but all three were very well written and I felt were worth the read .
April 7, 2023
3 Incredible Stories Here
I was only familiar with one author and I knew her story would be good. (It was awesome!) But all of them were more than good and I have two new authors to read more of.
I highly recommend this book. If you appreciate ice queens, your appreciation will be doubled with two facing off in each story! The stories are unique and intriguing, not a boring minute in any of them. Please do yourself a favor and grab this book and treat yourself to delight.
I was only familiar with one author and I knew her story would be good. (It was awesome!) But all of them were more than good and I have two new authors to read more of.
I highly recommend this book. If you appreciate ice queens, your appreciation will be doubled with two facing off in each story! The stories are unique and intriguing, not a boring minute in any of them. Please do yourself a favor and grab this book and treat yourself to delight.
May 8, 2023
Helpful congerence
3 stories with 6 different main characters. Awesome & sweet at the same time. Each story we read gives us they meet at the women's conference and have a thought of 'i don't want to know her'. Every couple has things that go topsy turvy and each realizes they've fallen for the other. Every character has things that they learn and grow into their better selves.
I loved all 3 stories and characters. Enjoy!
3 stories with 6 different main characters. Awesome & sweet at the same time. Each story we read gives us they meet at the women's conference and have a thought of 'i don't want to know her'. Every couple has things that go topsy turvy and each realizes they've fallen for the other. Every character has things that they learn and grow into their better selves.
I loved all 3 stories and characters. Enjoy!
April 2, 2023
I’m not usually a fan of short stories or novellas; but these three tales are long enough to get your teeth into and not so short as you’re left feeling cheated of the full story.
Not your usual ice queen stories, but still full of attitude, command and ‘sazz’. Just plain sexy!
A book with a trilogy to be recommended.
I was given an ARC by one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Not your usual ice queen stories, but still full of attitude, command and ‘sazz’. Just plain sexy!
A book with a trilogy to be recommended.
I was given an ARC by one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2023
Good read
It took me a bit to read, and I set aside 2xs. I was not in the right frame of mind. When I restarted book I had finish each story. Not sure which stories I preferred, but the last 2 had great story collaboration. The 1 constant character was Clara from the conference. Don't waste time like I did give it read.
It took me a bit to read, and I set aside 2xs. I was not in the right frame of mind. When I restarted book I had finish each story. Not sure which stories I preferred, but the last 2 had great story collaboration. The 1 constant character was Clara from the conference. Don't waste time like I did give it read.
October 23, 2024
Good book
Each woman is strong in there own way but each one had to learn to change one or a few things about themselves through the conference that they attended. They conference helped them learn the skills and then the help from each other help them strive to be a better person.
Each woman is strong in there own way but each one had to learn to change one or a few things about themselves through the conference that they attended. They conference helped them learn the skills and then the help from each other help them strive to be a better person.
March 16, 2023
This book was more than I could have imagined.
I love books with Ice Queens, this was absolute tops.
3 authors..3 times Ice Queens at their best.
This is a absolutely must read.
Isabel and Grace…the first Ice Queens,so well developed by Barbara Winkes
Meryl and Polly a totally different match by Alysia D. Evans a new author for me, Tonya and Abigale yet a totally different setting by Anne Hagan.
All 3 stories will stay with the reader as they did with me.
I love books with Ice Queens, this was absolute tops.
3 authors..3 times Ice Queens at their best.
This is a absolutely must read.
Isabel and Grace…the first Ice Queens,so well developed by Barbara Winkes
Meryl and Polly a totally different match by Alysia D. Evans a new author for me, Tonya and Abigale yet a totally different setting by Anne Hagan.
All 3 stories will stay with the reader as they did with me.
April 13, 2023
Oh My Gosh what a sizzling book
Omg wow what a sizzling book I loved the fact that they all were interlinked with storyline that just flowed from one to the next it is phenomenally written you won't be able to put it down a MUST READ congratulations
Omg wow what a sizzling book I loved the fact that they all were interlinked with storyline that just flowed from one to the next it is phenomenally written you won't be able to put it down a MUST READ congratulations
July 26, 2023
Amusing
A great read of multiple novellas of strong characters that are influential and daring. Realistic scenes that apply to real world hurdles as women finding their own path to life finding their HEA.
A great read of multiple novellas of strong characters that are influential and daring. Realistic scenes that apply to real world hurdles as women finding their own path to life finding their HEA.
August 9, 2023
DNF at 25%. It just kinda jumped all over the place and while nothing even happened yet really it somehow already felt like it was doing too much too fast without explanation. Idk, I just couldn’t get into it.
February 28, 2025
3 stories for the price of 1
I have read co-authored books before, but never 3 separate stories with 1 from each author. I admit that I skipped 2, finding the writing not to my liking, but stories 1 and 3 were both enjoyable and had the ice queen component I love.
I have read co-authored books before, but never 3 separate stories with 1 from each author. I admit that I skipped 2, finding the writing not to my liking, but stories 1 and 3 were both enjoyable and had the ice queen component I love.
January 19, 2024
She short stories about Ice Queens meeting other Ice Queens. The constant rudeness, all being walled of and generally snarky can be a bit tiresome.
October 10, 2024
Three great stories by top writers.
March 26, 2023
This is a very interesting book, with three stories from three wonderful authors. We couldn't ask for more, well, actually, we could, for the stories to be a bit longer. I enjoyed them so much, that I felt they were cut short.
Three pairings in the same location. I love how the authors achieved three different stories in the same setting and intertwined them somehow, as they occur at the same event. These three different styles combine so well.
I'd like to recommend this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Three pairings in the same location. I love how the authors achieved three different stories in the same setting and intertwined them somehow, as they occur at the same event. These three different styles combine so well.
I'd like to recommend this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
April 27, 2023
Turning Two is my favorite story of the three in Queen Vs. Queen. It could just be that I love veterans (chuckle). Either way, Hagan nailed the assignment.
If you are looking to check off the Ice Queen category for any of the reading challenges, pick this anthology because you can’t go wrong here.
Check out the rest of my review at Mx. Phoebe’s Viewpoint. Link in bio.
I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
If you are looking to check off the Ice Queen category for any of the reading challenges, pick this anthology because you can’t go wrong here.
Check out the rest of my review at Mx. Phoebe’s Viewpoint. Link in bio.
I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews