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Winnie West Has an Agenda
Winnie West is sick of know-it-all men and ready for adventure, so she sets her sights on becoming one of Seattle’s pioneering female journalists. But when her ridiculously sexy and equally obnoxious editor plants himself in the way of her first editorial on the suffrage movement, the games begin. Little does he know, but Winnie plays for keeps.
Mack Donnelly will do anything to inherit the family newspaper, including following orders he doesn’t believe in. His goal is within sight when the fiery new girl rocks the boat. Mack has nothing against women’s rights, but the redhead with curves for days could cost him everything. So why can’t he stop pining over her? When he hops a steamboat and follows Winnie on assignment, their rivalry explodes into passion. Can love survive a little subterfuge?
Winnie West Has an Agenda is a steamy, open-door romance perfect for fans of empowered women, found family, and heroes who are positively mesmerized by the heroine.
Mack Donnelly will do anything to inherit the family newspaper, including following orders he doesn’t believe in. His goal is within sight when the fiery new girl rocks the boat. Mack has nothing against women’s rights, but the redhead with curves for days could cost him everything. So why can’t he stop pining over her? When he hops a steamboat and follows Winnie on assignment, their rivalry explodes into passion. Can love survive a little subterfuge?
Winnie West Has an Agenda is a steamy, open-door romance perfect for fans of empowered women, found family, and heroes who are positively mesmerized by the heroine.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2023
11 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Kat Sterling
5 books147 followersKat Sterling is an author of historical romance featuring rebellious heroines and the swoon-worthy heroes who challenge and support them. She splits her time between Atlanta and Bogotá with her brilliant husband. When she’s not writing, she enjoys nature walks, playing videogames, and drinks with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 10, 2023
Not sure if I should boost this up a star because it’s a debut and had good ideas and an original setting, but it was way too light and fluffy for me and relied too much on a misunderstanding as a conflict and plot driver. Also this missed the opportunity to really be about female independence in a time when women had few rights. Give me a suffragist plot and I expect some ass kicking by the heroine. Sadly, the FMC’s accomplishments at the end were all because the hero gave them to her due to his position and feelings. It would have worked better for me had she really quit the paper and earned her spot as a writer somewhere else. The way it all fell together smacked of damsel in distress and white knight. Yes, I liked that he was supportive, but he kept saving her and handing her her opportunities, when she should have been saving him and been instrumental in helping him with his issue.
All that being said, this wasn’t a bad book, it had a Sabrina Jeffries feel to it and had some aspects of Tessa Dare as well. The one thing this really lacked though that those ‘light and fluffy’ authors do well, is emotion. It was all too surface level. But both Dare and Jeffries have been writing forever and this is a debut novel so lots of room to get there. I really enjoyed this author’s take on a light historical, it was cute and enjoyable. The research on suffragists was well done and incorporated naturally in the narrative. I just wanted more development with the characters, more grit from the heroine and more conflict than miscommunication. I did like the side characters and the side plot and will look for more if this is a series. But it’s staying at three stars and not being rounded up because it didn’t hit it enough for me to give it that honour (yes I know, I am full of myself). So if you want a light fluffy read with an original setting this might be ok for you, I’m a bit of a stickler and need more than that to really wow me.
All that being said, this wasn’t a bad book, it had a Sabrina Jeffries feel to it and had some aspects of Tessa Dare as well. The one thing this really lacked though that those ‘light and fluffy’ authors do well, is emotion. It was all too surface level. But both Dare and Jeffries have been writing forever and this is a debut novel so lots of room to get there. I really enjoyed this author’s take on a light historical, it was cute and enjoyable. The research on suffragists was well done and incorporated naturally in the narrative. I just wanted more development with the characters, more grit from the heroine and more conflict than miscommunication. I did like the side characters and the side plot and will look for more if this is a series. But it’s staying at three stars and not being rounded up because it didn’t hit it enough for me to give it that honour (yes I know, I am full of myself). So if you want a light fluffy read with an original setting this might be ok for you, I’m a bit of a stickler and need more than that to really wow me.
May 16, 2023
We had a ton of fun reading this debut novel. Here are some of the things we appreciated about the book:
🏙️The 1908 Seattle, Washington setting: Sterling has done a great job of presenting the history of the city and of the women's suffrage movement in a way that doesn't feel like a book report.
🚢The road trip romance: this is more a cascading misadventure than a road trip, as Winnie and Mack take a ferry, a horse-drawn cart, a hike, a swim, and a canoe to reach their final destination. (P.S. there is also a detour to an abandoned farm shed to get out of the rain...)
🗞️The grand gesture: it was perfect! (Also the trip to the library to celebrate afterward provided just the right happy ending IYKWIM.)
❤️🩹The epilogue: how many times have we complained about an epilogue? You won't hear any complaints about THIS one because it was AMAZING.
🥵THE STEAM. Enough said.
Our only complaint? The conflict relies on some major dissimulation on Mack's part. We've said it before and we'll say it again, but when we read “I’ll tell her tomorrow!” we know immediately he should jUST TELL HER TODAY OMG because something's gonna happen between now and then...
47-Word Summaries:
Laine: In order to gain their freedom, Winnie's had to outlive a shitty husband and move across the country from her stressful parents, and Mack's had to appease a monstrous uncle. When their goals put them at cross purposes, they don't effectively communicate, but do effectively suck face.
Meg: Winnie is a stenographer, but she’s determined to be a reporter. Too bad her boss is sabotaging her at every turn. Also too bad? He’s super hot AND a respectful feminist ally when he’s not being awkwardly rude. Final unfairly hot trait? He’s also got hot dimples.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
🏙️The 1908 Seattle, Washington setting: Sterling has done a great job of presenting the history of the city and of the women's suffrage movement in a way that doesn't feel like a book report.
🚢The road trip romance: this is more a cascading misadventure than a road trip, as Winnie and Mack take a ferry, a horse-drawn cart, a hike, a swim, and a canoe to reach their final destination. (P.S. there is also a detour to an abandoned farm shed to get out of the rain...)
🗞️The grand gesture: it was perfect! (Also the trip to the library to celebrate afterward provided just the right happy ending IYKWIM.)
❤️🩹The epilogue: how many times have we complained about an epilogue? You won't hear any complaints about THIS one because it was AMAZING.
🥵THE STEAM. Enough said.
Our only complaint? The conflict relies on some major dissimulation on Mack's part. We've said it before and we'll say it again, but when we read “I’ll tell her tomorrow!” we know immediately he should jUST TELL HER TODAY OMG because something's gonna happen between now and then...
47-Word Summaries:
Laine: In order to gain their freedom, Winnie's had to outlive a shitty husband and move across the country from her stressful parents, and Mack's had to appease a monstrous uncle. When their goals put them at cross purposes, they don't effectively communicate, but do effectively suck face.
Meg: Winnie is a stenographer, but she’s determined to be a reporter. Too bad her boss is sabotaging her at every turn. Also too bad? He’s super hot AND a respectful feminist ally when he’s not being awkwardly rude. Final unfairly hot trait? He’s also got hot dimples.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
May 25, 2023
This book literally had everything I could’ve wanted! From the workplace, romance and enemies to lovers, to the chaotic road trip in the forced proximity, I couldn’t have asked for anything more!
Winnie West is an aspiring journalist and daytime stenographer. When she has a run-in with the new Seattle suffrage society, she finds that because not only motivates her to fight for women’s rights but gives her voice a platform to shine!
Mack Donnelly needs to keep in line and follow his uncles mandates at the paper in order to inherit the family newspaper business, even if that means going against what he believes, and possibly hurting the woman he loves!
When Mack and Winnie are forced to team up to cover both sides of a suffragette convention out of town, their wild adventure pushes them closer together, and makes them both think about their future.
This was such a fun story of a woman kept in her place, finally finding her voice and making a stand in the world. I loved when his character and her development and self actualization. Mack what is the perfect enemy to lovers hero, where he just wanted to do it was expected of him, but still try to be a good guy! A true softy at heart.
I’m so excited this is the first in Kat Sterling’s Seattle Suffrage Society series, we met so many fun characters in the society, and I can’t wait for them all to receive their own HEA!
Winnie West has an Agenda by Kat Sterling is available now!
Thanks to author Kat Sterling and BookSirens for my review copy!
#WinnieWesthasanAgenda
#KatSterling #TheSeattleSuffrageSociety #BookSirens
Winnie West is an aspiring journalist and daytime stenographer. When she has a run-in with the new Seattle suffrage society, she finds that because not only motivates her to fight for women’s rights but gives her voice a platform to shine!
Mack Donnelly needs to keep in line and follow his uncles mandates at the paper in order to inherit the family newspaper business, even if that means going against what he believes, and possibly hurting the woman he loves!
When Mack and Winnie are forced to team up to cover both sides of a suffragette convention out of town, their wild adventure pushes them closer together, and makes them both think about their future.
This was such a fun story of a woman kept in her place, finally finding her voice and making a stand in the world. I loved when his character and her development and self actualization. Mack what is the perfect enemy to lovers hero, where he just wanted to do it was expected of him, but still try to be a good guy! A true softy at heart.
I’m so excited this is the first in Kat Sterling’s Seattle Suffrage Society series, we met so many fun characters in the society, and I can’t wait for them all to receive their own HEA!
Winnie West has an Agenda by Kat Sterling is available now!
Thanks to author Kat Sterling and BookSirens for my review copy!
#WinnieWesthasanAgenda
#KatSterling #TheSeattleSuffrageSociety #BookSirens
did-not-finish
July 4, 2023DNF at 2%. Just not feeling it.
July 15, 2023
This four star rating doesn’t adequately express how well-written this book was. And how excited I am to read more from this author.
First of all, it was extremely unique:
💛 This 1909 Seattle setting! Everything I love about a Gilded Age histrom (that hopeful yet cynical worldview, stuffy yet progressive attitude) plus it was set in Washington state—and the ‘we were recently Oregon Territory’ was such a vibe.
💛 Just an excellent ‘heroine with a job’ storyline. How she had a feminine job (newspaper office stenographer) but wanted a masculine job (journalist), the way she worked full time but 1000% did not earn a living wage, how she was perceived. The whole thing.
💛 The suffragist parts of the story felt really authentic to the time, which I loved. I was living my Iron Jawed Angels starring Hilary Swank fantasy (my secret shame: I was given this book as ARC but was so scared that the suffragist stuff would be terrible that I didn’t read it until I saw other reviews loving it, and then I got it on KU for myself 🙈), and
💛 Our hero was such an awkward feminist ally. So heartwarming, so cute. These two MCs were just perfect for one another.
If only we hadn’t had a public grand gesture instead of an angsty grovel, which is superior in all ways!
The epilogue was fabulous though, so different from the usual epilogue yet so perfect for this couple.
First of all, it was extremely unique:
💛 This 1909 Seattle setting! Everything I love about a Gilded Age histrom (that hopeful yet cynical worldview, stuffy yet progressive attitude) plus it was set in Washington state—and the ‘we were recently Oregon Territory’ was such a vibe.
💛 Just an excellent ‘heroine with a job’ storyline. How she had a feminine job (newspaper office stenographer) but wanted a masculine job (journalist), the way she worked full time but 1000% did not earn a living wage, how she was perceived. The whole thing.
💛 The suffragist parts of the story felt really authentic to the time, which I loved. I was living my Iron Jawed Angels starring Hilary Swank fantasy (my secret shame: I was given this book as ARC but was so scared that the suffragist stuff would be terrible that I didn’t read it until I saw other reviews loving it, and then I got it on KU for myself 🙈), and
💛 Our hero was such an awkward feminist ally. So heartwarming, so cute. These two MCs were just perfect for one another.
If only we hadn’t had a public grand gesture instead of an angsty grovel, which is superior in all ways!
The epilogue was fabulous though, so different from the usual epilogue yet so perfect for this couple.
May 15, 2023
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Words written by Sir Walter Scott that seem rather appropriate for this enemies to lovers romance where the hero finds himself in quite the mess from all the deception he engages in throughout the book. And if that source of tension weren't enough, the book is set in 1908 during the women's suffrage movement in Washington state, and our dear heroine is fighting for women's rights in the male-dominated world of journalism...and the hero is none other than her editor. Throw in some forced proximity and insta lust, and you've got yourself a book that will not fail to entertain.
Winnie West is stuck in what feels like a dead-end job as a stenographer at The Puget Sound Post, and she desperately wants to fulfill her dream of becoming a journalist and reporting on events that matter. The trouble is that there are no female reporters at the newspaper, and the current owner has no intention of making her the first. Frustrated, she is surprised when she's suddenly given the opportunity to test her mettle, but it requires working alongside the owner's nephew, Mack Donnelly. Mack thinks Winnie is gorgeous and deserving of a chance, but in order to guarantee his inheritance of the newspaper, which was his dying father's wish, he must go along with whatever his uncle wants him to do. Even if that means sabotaging Winnie's efforts to become a reporter. Torn between his growing feelings for Winnie and his promise to his father, the struggle comes to a head when they find themselves on a trip together a meeting of local suffragettes. Now the only question is will their relationship survive if he comes clean to her...and turns the tables on his uncle's plans for the newspaper's future.
Winnie and Mack did not get off to a good start, despite both finding the other attractive. As Winnie was describing Mack to her friends, I was giggling alongside them as they pointed out that with every negative thing she said about him came a corresponding compliment. She couldn't help admiring him, even as she despised the air he breathed. Mack had nothing against Winnie, so the enemies to lovers aspect was a little one-sided. He just found her persistence frustrating, if only because it meant he had to push back on her when what he really wanted to do was support her. I kept shaking my head throughout the story as he dug his hole deeper, knowing he'd eventually have to tell her of his complicity in his uncle's plan to thwart every story she wrote. Winnie held out as long as she could before the proximity and attraction between them made staying away impossible. And the steamy scenes were exceptionally well written - these two were all over each other. While she was a widow herself and not inexperienced, she had a lot of trust issues, which made his deception all the more difficult to accept and forgive. Thankfully she knew to make him grovel, and he did it very well.
A fun, politically-charged romp of a historical romance, this book was a great debut for Kat Sterling! Looking forward to reading her next book.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
Winnie West is stuck in what feels like a dead-end job as a stenographer at The Puget Sound Post, and she desperately wants to fulfill her dream of becoming a journalist and reporting on events that matter. The trouble is that there are no female reporters at the newspaper, and the current owner has no intention of making her the first. Frustrated, she is surprised when she's suddenly given the opportunity to test her mettle, but it requires working alongside the owner's nephew, Mack Donnelly. Mack thinks Winnie is gorgeous and deserving of a chance, but in order to guarantee his inheritance of the newspaper, which was his dying father's wish, he must go along with whatever his uncle wants him to do. Even if that means sabotaging Winnie's efforts to become a reporter. Torn between his growing feelings for Winnie and his promise to his father, the struggle comes to a head when they find themselves on a trip together a meeting of local suffragettes. Now the only question is will their relationship survive if he comes clean to her...and turns the tables on his uncle's plans for the newspaper's future.
Winnie and Mack did not get off to a good start, despite both finding the other attractive. As Winnie was describing Mack to her friends, I was giggling alongside them as they pointed out that with every negative thing she said about him came a corresponding compliment. She couldn't help admiring him, even as she despised the air he breathed. Mack had nothing against Winnie, so the enemies to lovers aspect was a little one-sided. He just found her persistence frustrating, if only because it meant he had to push back on her when what he really wanted to do was support her. I kept shaking my head throughout the story as he dug his hole deeper, knowing he'd eventually have to tell her of his complicity in his uncle's plan to thwart every story she wrote. Winnie held out as long as she could before the proximity and attraction between them made staying away impossible. And the steamy scenes were exceptionally well written - these two were all over each other. While she was a widow herself and not inexperienced, she had a lot of trust issues, which made his deception all the more difficult to accept and forgive. Thankfully she knew to make him grovel, and he did it very well.
A fun, politically-charged romp of a historical romance, this book was a great debut for Kat Sterling! Looking forward to reading her next book.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
January 15, 2025
I have loved everything I have now read by this author and I cannot wait for her to release more books. I adore the rebellious heroine, the turn of the century time period, the sociopolitical issues of the day (in this case, women's suffrage), and I adore the hero's who become so enamored and besotted with the heroine and just want them to succeed in all their dreams. Mack may not have begun as a fan of Winnie's but. by the end, he was her number one supporter and I loved that journey for both of them. This was delicious and fun and smart and witty and I adored it and I need books for all of Winnie's friends immediately.
June 4, 2023
4.75 stars rounded to 5. This book made my day. I don't remember how this author came across my radar, but this is a wonderful debut HR covering a time period in history that is often overlooked in the genre. I loved the early 1900's newspaper world background, and this writer truly knows her history and Washington state. I felt completely transported. Both the MC's are smart, funny, and likable, and their HEA was fully emotionally satisfying. The secondary characters are enjoyable, as well (a particular shout out to Rhoda, my favorite of the MFC's friends).
The only reason I'm giving 4.75 stars is that, as charming as it was overall, the middle part of the book was a bit more predictable than the earlier chapters. However, there was a twist toward the end that I never saw coming, and the plot clicked into place. The epilogue is wonderful.
As far as content goes, this book does contain a good amount of steam after the halfway mark, so if you're into "sweet and clean" best to just skip those scenes (although they are very satisfyingly sexy). There are a few "f-bombs."
Bottom line: This is such a breath of fresh air. I will definitely read more by this author.
The only reason I'm giving 4.75 stars is that, as charming as it was overall, the middle part of the book was a bit more predictable than the earlier chapters. However, there was a twist toward the end that I never saw coming, and the plot clicked into place. The epilogue is wonderful.
As far as content goes, this book does contain a good amount of steam after the halfway mark, so if you're into "sweet and clean" best to just skip those scenes (although they are very satisfyingly sexy). There are a few "f-bombs."
Bottom line: This is such a breath of fresh air. I will definitely read more by this author.
July 30, 2025
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. Winnie is a stenographer/wanna be reporter at a Seattle newspaper, and a member of the Seattle Suffragist group. Mack is the assistant editor/owner's heir who for Evil Uncle's Machinations / Romance Reasons is supporting her but secretly setting her up to fail against his will so his uncle will indeed leave him in charge of the paper, so he can make the world a better place through journalism.
What I liked: The time period and the setting for sure. Historical romance set in Seattle in the early 1900s? Yes please! I liked the subject matter of the suffragist movement, even though it the book drifted into edutainment a little too often with the history lessons. Just because Ms. Bev does it, doesn't mean we all can.
What I didn't like. Ummm, the rest of it. The characters never really clicked for me, or felt like real people. Mack offered up multiple word-perfect apologies and progressive thoughts and ideas that seemed out of character for him and frankly any man of his time. "Mack was humbled by her eagerness to claim space in a world designed for her to fail." This is, by the way the same Mack who is lying to her for much of the book, even though he feels bad about it and knows it's wrong (and sleeps with her while lying about something that he knows would be a dealbreaker for their relationship). This is also the same Mack who is oddly crude in his thinking and speech to her, is slightly aggressive with baby's first er, hotdog, and saying stuff like swimming with her "was a wet dream come true." Ick?
I think the author had a great story to tell, but the tonal shifts and lack of character consistency kept drawing me out of the story, and in the end it tied up rather quickly in a neat little bow. I appreciate that this was a debut, and might try the author again because I do like the historical Seattle setting.
What I liked: The time period and the setting for sure. Historical romance set in Seattle in the early 1900s? Yes please! I liked the subject matter of the suffragist movement, even though it the book drifted into edutainment a little too often with the history lessons. Just because Ms. Bev does it, doesn't mean we all can.
What I didn't like. Ummm, the rest of it. The characters never really clicked for me, or felt like real people. Mack offered up multiple word-perfect apologies and progressive thoughts and ideas that seemed out of character for him and frankly any man of his time. "Mack was humbled by her eagerness to claim space in a world designed for her to fail." This is, by the way the same Mack who is lying to her for much of the book, even though he feels bad about it and knows it's wrong (and sleeps with her while lying about something that he knows would be a dealbreaker for their relationship). This is also the same Mack who is oddly crude in his thinking and speech to her, is slightly aggressive with baby's first er, hotdog, and saying stuff like swimming with her "was a wet dream come true." Ick?
I think the author had a great story to tell, but the tonal shifts and lack of character consistency kept drawing me out of the story, and in the end it tied up rather quickly in a neat little bow. I appreciate that this was a debut, and might try the author again because I do like the historical Seattle setting.
May 16, 2025
I liked that this historical had a different subject, being focused on Seattle and the Suffrage movement. While I enjoyed the book, some scenes took me out of the book such as the many (too many?) mishaps that happened on the way to the Suffrage convention. I mean, if you need to get to the meeting, then why go swimming??? I kept thinking, what are they doing, don’t they have somewhere to be?
May 23, 2023
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.
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.
May 16, 2023
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I loved this book! Firstly, it made a change to read a historical romance that wasn't set in nineteenth century England, much as I love those. This book is set in Seattle, 1908, which isn't a setting I can say I know a lot about but it felt like the author had done her research. In her notes at the end, Kat Sterling states that she intended "to depict a realistic history while also focusing on suffragists who were more inclusive", which I appreciated and had noticed as I was reading the book. They may only be minor characters but I appreciated their presence.
Miscommunication and keeping secrets are classic elements of creating tension in romance and it frustrates me when they're overplayed to be the *sole* source of extended drama, so I was glad this didn't happen here! There were a few times when I wished Mack would just be honest with Winnie but I could completely understand why he felt he couldn't, and how his family and career plans had him feeling trapped, and it was a lot more complicated than just simple dishonesty. And the thing about Mack is that he's just so good at apologising. I don't just mean the inevitable grand gesture at the end, but throughout the book, whenever he makes a thoughtless comment or misconstrues something, he immediately apologises with sincerity, succinctly identifying what he did wrong.
Winnie is great too. She's strong and tenacious and certainly has an agenda, but she's also wary and suspicious, from past experiences. I really liked the strong friendships she builds with other suffragettes and how they support and encourage each other. She's a widow who has distanced herself from her family, but she doesn't *need* Mack to save her and I do feel that if they hadn't fallen in love it or if it hadn't worked out between them, she still would have been okay, with her friends and her determination to achieve her goals.
At the end of the book I was left really hoping this is the beginning of a series, because the secondary characters have really intrigued me and I want to know more about them. I was very happy when Kat Sterling confirmed to me this would be the case! I can't wait!
Tropes: enemies to lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity, road trip, suffragette heroine, found family/sisterhood
I loved this book! Firstly, it made a change to read a historical romance that wasn't set in nineteenth century England, much as I love those. This book is set in Seattle, 1908, which isn't a setting I can say I know a lot about but it felt like the author had done her research. In her notes at the end, Kat Sterling states that she intended "to depict a realistic history while also focusing on suffragists who were more inclusive", which I appreciated and had noticed as I was reading the book. They may only be minor characters but I appreciated their presence.
Miscommunication and keeping secrets are classic elements of creating tension in romance and it frustrates me when they're overplayed to be the *sole* source of extended drama, so I was glad this didn't happen here! There were a few times when I wished Mack would just be honest with Winnie but I could completely understand why he felt he couldn't, and how his family and career plans had him feeling trapped, and it was a lot more complicated than just simple dishonesty. And the thing about Mack is that he's just so good at apologising. I don't just mean the inevitable grand gesture at the end, but throughout the book, whenever he makes a thoughtless comment or misconstrues something, he immediately apologises with sincerity, succinctly identifying what he did wrong.
Winnie is great too. She's strong and tenacious and certainly has an agenda, but she's also wary and suspicious, from past experiences. I really liked the strong friendships she builds with other suffragettes and how they support and encourage each other. She's a widow who has distanced herself from her family, but she doesn't *need* Mack to save her and I do feel that if they hadn't fallen in love it or if it hadn't worked out between them, she still would have been okay, with her friends and her determination to achieve her goals.
At the end of the book I was left really hoping this is the beginning of a series, because the secondary characters have really intrigued me and I want to know more about them. I was very happy when Kat Sterling confirmed to me this would be the case! I can't wait!
Tropes: enemies to lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity, road trip, suffragette heroine, found family/sisterhood
November 6, 2023
Winnie is a widow on her own on the other side of the country. She’s a stenographer with dreams of being a journalist. She’s lonely and in search of friends. She believes in the woman’s vote and is determined to be a part of the effort.
Winnie has a editor, Mack, who gives off a stiff vibe and might just be the worst/best thing that could happen to her. He also wears the hell out of a three piece suit.
Winnie’s fight for financial independence and the vote clashes with Mack’s dogged determination to inherit his uncle’s newspaper, where they both work. Thrust together through Mack’s machinations and his uncle’s manipulations, these two have the potential to end up sworn enemies but instead Sterling weaves a forgiving, thoughtful, and sexy chain of events.
Highlights include Winnie’s curvy figure and Mack’s worship of it as well as the agency Winnie gives herself and the way Mack respects it.
This book features so many great tropes:
Widow
Workplace
Road and boat trips
Weather complications
Forced proximity
Sickbed (twisted ankle but you get it)
Wet clothes that just have to come off
Deception
An excellent aunt
Even more excellent girlfriends
There’s even a ball (gala)!
A top notch grovel
Also the story takes place in Washington state in the early 1900s and Sterling’s authors note has ton of helpful and honest (see, white feminism) historical info.
Winnie has a editor, Mack, who gives off a stiff vibe and might just be the worst/best thing that could happen to her. He also wears the hell out of a three piece suit.
Winnie’s fight for financial independence and the vote clashes with Mack’s dogged determination to inherit his uncle’s newspaper, where they both work. Thrust together through Mack’s machinations and his uncle’s manipulations, these two have the potential to end up sworn enemies but instead Sterling weaves a forgiving, thoughtful, and sexy chain of events.
Highlights include Winnie’s curvy figure and Mack’s worship of it as well as the agency Winnie gives herself and the way Mack respects it.
This book features so many great tropes:
Widow
Workplace
Road and boat trips
Weather complications
Forced proximity
Sickbed (twisted ankle but you get it)
Wet clothes that just have to come off
Deception
An excellent aunt
Even more excellent girlfriends
There’s even a ball (gala)!
A top notch grovel
Also the story takes place in Washington state in the early 1900s and Sterling’s authors note has ton of helpful and honest (see, white feminism) historical info.
May 25, 2023
Kat Sterling is a stellar emerging voice in historical romances. She brings forth Seattle in the 1910s in its novelty - all bustling industry and the emerging suffragette movement. Winnie and Mac were great characters, bouncing off each other in their frenetic energy, and observing and learning in their quiet moments.
And the end, oh the end - so utterly rewarding after all the 'tangled web' Mac had woven.
And the end, oh the end - so utterly rewarding after all the 'tangled web' Mac had woven.
June 6, 2023
Rating: 3.8/5 stars (4 stars on Goodreads to round up)
Widowed stenographer Winnie West is new to Seattle and she has her eyes set on more than stenography. No, Winnie wants to be a pioneering woman in journalism and what a better place to do it than the West? Driven to Seattle for a sense of adventure, Winnie wants to prove that she has what it takes to be a journalist. She’d begun to do it in Boston, and maybe, she can make it in Seattle. That is what she has her hopes on until her irritating but nonetheless attractive editor does everything in his power to thwart her attempts. And so the game with Mack Donnelly begins.
Though Winnie is not the only one with troubles. Mack Donnelly will do short of anything to inherit the family newspaper, though it’s beginning to seem impossible to get in his uncle’s good graces. With his inheritance on the line, Mack agrees to write articles that go against women’s rights. That is until he begins to realize just how intelligent and kind the maddeningly beautiful Winnie West is. No, Mack decides he’ll do anything but hurt her, except that preventing her from being hurt might just be their downfall in the end. And a steamboat trip might just change it all for Winnie and Mack.
***
Taking place in early 1900’s Washington during the women’s suffrage movement, I found myself enjoying Winnie West Has an Agenda a lot. I found Winnie to be a strong character for the most part, minus the fact that her mistrust in men only seems to include Mack- though this may be because Winnie is not seen interacting with very many men in the novel besides her editor.
A quick read, I found the book very easy to get into and once I hit 25% in the book it was off to the races and I finished the book in hours. (It only took me so long to get to that 25% mark because a lot of things going on in my personal life) I found Winnie to be an enjoyable character and I especially loved the group of women she formed a quick friendship with through the suffrage movement.
I also found myself swooning over Mack, good god what I would do to get a man to have a nickname to rile me up and then ‘sweetheart’ to win me back over. I found the chemistry between both Mack and Winnie to be great and my most favourite parts of the book were when they were together.
My only complaint was that I felt that the book was a bit rushed. Personally I think more of a slow burn between Mack and Winnie would have made things a bit more solid between the two of them. I would have loved it if there was more of a thaw between the enemies to lovers trope. Personally, I feel like they hated each other and then were in love minutes later. A bit more character building would’ve been a bit nice. But for a quick read and the length of the book, I can appreciate their love story.
Overall, I found this to be a solid doubt novel and I cannot wait to see what comes next in the series. Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. And though I did not expect the steamy parts in the book at all, I won’t deny that I enjoyed them greatly. A bit more of storyline and character development between the two main characters would’ve been great and that’s why I rated this 3.8/5 stars instead of maybe a solid 4. But kudos to Kat Sterling for creating a wonderful story with characters that had great chemistry. I’m truly looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing what’s next!
A big thank you to Book Sirens and Kat Sterling for providing me with an ebook copy of this book to read and review. All opinions and reviews are my own.
Widowed stenographer Winnie West is new to Seattle and she has her eyes set on more than stenography. No, Winnie wants to be a pioneering woman in journalism and what a better place to do it than the West? Driven to Seattle for a sense of adventure, Winnie wants to prove that she has what it takes to be a journalist. She’d begun to do it in Boston, and maybe, she can make it in Seattle. That is what she has her hopes on until her irritating but nonetheless attractive editor does everything in his power to thwart her attempts. And so the game with Mack Donnelly begins.
Though Winnie is not the only one with troubles. Mack Donnelly will do short of anything to inherit the family newspaper, though it’s beginning to seem impossible to get in his uncle’s good graces. With his inheritance on the line, Mack agrees to write articles that go against women’s rights. That is until he begins to realize just how intelligent and kind the maddeningly beautiful Winnie West is. No, Mack decides he’ll do anything but hurt her, except that preventing her from being hurt might just be their downfall in the end. And a steamboat trip might just change it all for Winnie and Mack.
***
Taking place in early 1900’s Washington during the women’s suffrage movement, I found myself enjoying Winnie West Has an Agenda a lot. I found Winnie to be a strong character for the most part, minus the fact that her mistrust in men only seems to include Mack- though this may be because Winnie is not seen interacting with very many men in the novel besides her editor.
A quick read, I found the book very easy to get into and once I hit 25% in the book it was off to the races and I finished the book in hours. (It only took me so long to get to that 25% mark because a lot of things going on in my personal life) I found Winnie to be an enjoyable character and I especially loved the group of women she formed a quick friendship with through the suffrage movement.
I also found myself swooning over Mack, good god what I would do to get a man to have a nickname to rile me up and then ‘sweetheart’ to win me back over. I found the chemistry between both Mack and Winnie to be great and my most favourite parts of the book were when they were together.
My only complaint was that I felt that the book was a bit rushed. Personally I think more of a slow burn between Mack and Winnie would have made things a bit more solid between the two of them. I would have loved it if there was more of a thaw between the enemies to lovers trope. Personally, I feel like they hated each other and then were in love minutes later. A bit more character building would’ve been a bit nice. But for a quick read and the length of the book, I can appreciate their love story.
Overall, I found this to be a solid doubt novel and I cannot wait to see what comes next in the series. Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. And though I did not expect the steamy parts in the book at all, I won’t deny that I enjoyed them greatly. A bit more of storyline and character development between the two main characters would’ve been great and that’s why I rated this 3.8/5 stars instead of maybe a solid 4. But kudos to Kat Sterling for creating a wonderful story with characters that had great chemistry. I’m truly looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing what’s next!
A big thank you to Book Sirens and Kat Sterling for providing me with an ebook copy of this book to read and review. All opinions and reviews are my own.
May 23, 2023
3.5/5 stars
This one was such a fun time! I definitely enjoyed the set up/road trip part of the book the best and found the second half/end conflict to be a bit much, but as a whole really enjoyed this one.
Winnie and Mack had some great banter and while the pacing in their relationship was a bit off for me, I did really like where they ended up in the end. I don't usually like a grand gesture, but Mack proved me wrong and pulled off a great one.
The Seattle setting was a change of pace from most historicals I read and I appreciated the focus on suffrage and the effort to be more inclusive in the movement.
This is a debut novel and I am so impressed with Kat Sterling's writing and am eager to see where this series goes.
[disclosure - Kat Sterling & I follow each other on Instagram]
*thanks to the author for a gifted eARC; all thoughts are my own*
This one was such a fun time! I definitely enjoyed the set up/road trip part of the book the best and found the second half/end conflict to be a bit much, but as a whole really enjoyed this one.
Winnie and Mack had some great banter and while the pacing in their relationship was a bit off for me, I did really like where they ended up in the end. I don't usually like a grand gesture, but Mack proved me wrong and pulled off a great one.
The Seattle setting was a change of pace from most historicals I read and I appreciated the focus on suffrage and the effort to be more inclusive in the movement.
This is a debut novel and I am so impressed with Kat Sterling's writing and am eager to see where this series goes.
[disclosure - Kat Sterling & I follow each other on Instagram]
*thanks to the author for a gifted eARC; all thoughts are my own*
July 7, 2023
Winnie West is a Winner!
I absolutely loved this book. The main character is a woman after my own heart. I love that she's plus size and the male lead loves her curves. I love a good enemies too lovers and I'm warming up to work place romance after this read. I loved her adventure list! The spice was so hot- from a rain soaked night, to a risqué swim by the beach, to the hottest library scene I've read in a while. Winnie West is a win for women's literature!
I absolutely loved this book. The main character is a woman after my own heart. I love that she's plus size and the male lead loves her curves. I love a good enemies too lovers and I'm warming up to work place romance after this read. I loved her adventure list! The spice was so hot- from a rain soaked night, to a risqué swim by the beach, to the hottest library scene I've read in a while. Winnie West is a win for women's literature!
March 10, 2025
Trying out some new-to-me historical romance authors. I very much enjoyed the setting of this one - early 1900s Seattle! Very different and A+ for suffragists!
July 3, 2023
"It's 1908, and Washington state suffrage is back on the docket. The newest Suffrage Society is sashed, pinned, and ready for action..."
I was hooked from the first line of the synopsis! I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance, the many misadventures, the suffrage meetings and side characters, and the epilogue that flipped the script.
I was hooked from the first line of the synopsis! I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance, the many misadventures, the suffrage meetings and side characters, and the epilogue that flipped the script.
dnf
February 12, 2025DNF at 15%
The hero’s uncle’s cruel manipulation of the hero is too much. And the hero’s manipulation of the heroine — his hand forced by said uncle — isn’t much better.
2.11.25
The hero’s uncle’s cruel manipulation of the hero is too much. And the hero’s manipulation of the heroine — his hand forced by said uncle — isn’t much better.
2.11.25
June 27, 2023
I have never read a historical romance set in this time period, and I didn’t know what I was missing. The backdrop of the women’s suffrage was movement and the world of newspaper publishing was a delight. I loved Winnie’s spirit and the female friendships she formed. I’m looking forward to more in this series.
I received an ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
June 23, 2023
fascinating history of suffragists in Seattle together with a happy ever after
I love Kat Sterling’s writing, her delightful characters, and the historical accuracy she portrays. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I love Kat Sterling’s writing, her delightful characters, and the historical accuracy she portrays. I look forward to the next book in this series.
July 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
While I liked the characters and general plot, I didn’t love how some of the conflict played out. I felt like Winnie never gave Mack a chance for trust, even when he proved so many times that he was trustworthy. But I also wasn’t on Mack’s side either, I thought he should have stood up to his uncle sooner and I eyeroll SO HARD at a fathers death bed wish you just honor against all sense. So while I like this authors writing, this particular story had some things that made me wildly frustrated. I did love the chemistry and banter between our leads and I always enjoy a suffrage plot line so in some ways this worked. And the epilogue honestly was super cute and kind of perfect for these two
While I liked the characters and general plot, I didn’t love how some of the conflict played out. I felt like Winnie never gave Mack a chance for trust, even when he proved so many times that he was trustworthy. But I also wasn’t on Mack’s side either, I thought he should have stood up to his uncle sooner and I eyeroll SO HARD at a fathers death bed wish you just honor against all sense. So while I like this authors writing, this particular story had some things that made me wildly frustrated. I did love the chemistry and banter between our leads and I always enjoy a suffrage plot line so in some ways this worked. And the epilogue honestly was super cute and kind of perfect for these two
May 31, 2023
What a delightful debut novel by Kat Sterling! Winnie is determined, independent and courageous but she's also vulnerable. She's been hurt before and therefore doesn't place her trust lightly so she's not quick to put her trust in Mack. Their (mis)adventures are fun and it's easy to see them fall in love as they make their way to the Suffrage Convention. But like in all love stories, some hurt is inevitable and they navigate it well. Mack even has a wonderful grovel. Looking forward to more of Ms. Sterling's work.
May 17, 2023
This debut novel was the complete package wrapped up in a bow. It's set in a different historical era than what is typically out on the market. It features women's suffrage (from the American side), and a really neat setting. Best of all, it has lots of women empowerment.
I especially loved all the attention to detail and historical accuracy when it came to social history, historical events in general, and especially the clothing. So many historical authors gloss over these things or fudge them. When they do, it really takes away from the story for me, and I find myself DNFing. Kat Sterling did her due diligence and gets full marks from me! I was rooting for Winnie from page one and cheering on her determination to be a successful newspaperwoman.
Mack and Winnie's story was just delightful. I loved their chemistry, and their banter was so much fun. I snorted with laughter more times than I can count throughout the book. I'm not one for a ton of spice in books I read, but this one didn't bother me. It was all done so well. And Mack is just so swoony!
If you are looking for a fun, historical romance, this one is for you. I can't wait for Book 2!!
I especially loved all the attention to detail and historical accuracy when it came to social history, historical events in general, and especially the clothing. So many historical authors gloss over these things or fudge them. When they do, it really takes away from the story for me, and I find myself DNFing. Kat Sterling did her due diligence and gets full marks from me! I was rooting for Winnie from page one and cheering on her determination to be a successful newspaperwoman.
Mack and Winnie's story was just delightful. I loved their chemistry, and their banter was so much fun. I snorted with laughter more times than I can count throughout the book. I'm not one for a ton of spice in books I read, but this one didn't bother me. It was all done so well. And Mack is just so swoony!
If you are looking for a fun, historical romance, this one is for you. I can't wait for Book 2!!
May 27, 2023
A very entertaining read love these feisty suffragettes ,thank good ness for them how different the world would have been without them .
Of course there is always a man about to spoilt her plans but she battles on .
Written well and and I enjoyed the characters too all in all a good read .
Of course there is always a man about to spoilt her plans but she battles on .
Written well and and I enjoyed the characters too all in all a good read .
May 22, 2023
3.5🌟 3🌶
So I loooooved the setting of this book! Early 1900s Seattle (to me) felt so unique and really hooked me. I’ve read other romances w suffrage subplots (love you Evie Dunmore!) and this gave similar vibes. The MCs started off really strong but somewhere along the way petered out a bit. It wasn’t anything significant but I found myself skimming the last quarter or so. Overall good read though, especially if you’re a fan of forced proximity and liberated women. I am excited for the series to continue though, all of the supporting characters were so interesting!
So I loooooved the setting of this book! Early 1900s Seattle (to me) felt so unique and really hooked me. I’ve read other romances w suffrage subplots (love you Evie Dunmore!) and this gave similar vibes. The MCs started off really strong but somewhere along the way petered out a bit. It wasn’t anything significant but I found myself skimming the last quarter or so. Overall good read though, especially if you’re a fan of forced proximity and liberated women. I am excited for the series to continue though, all of the supporting characters were so interesting!
August 18, 2023
Loved! Light and fluffy read to be honest. Not too much conflict, but in a good way? A lot of the conflict is internal. I also enjoyed reading about a new setting that isn't usual for historical romance-- Seattle! I sometimes feel a bit put off reading about serious topics in my romance books (i'm trying to escape reality, not be reminded the world sucks sometimes) but did not find that with this book. I do think suffrage can be a difficult to navigate topic in books because at the beginning of the movement it really was not that inclusive as we'd like to imagine it was. ANYWAYS I think the author handled it very well.
I loved Winnie and Mack and have a soft spot for a hero whose IQ goes down 20 points just by having the heroine walk in the room; the situational himbo, if you will.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, curvy heroine, working heroine, boss/employee (kinda)
I loved Winnie and Mack and have a soft spot for a hero whose IQ goes down 20 points just by having the heroine walk in the room; the situational himbo, if you will.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, curvy heroine, working heroine, boss/employee (kinda)
May 21, 2023
I was glued to this book from the start! This historical romance storyline will have you putting all your to-do list on the back burner and keep reading. With women empowerment and never backing down. Fighting for women rights and finding true love. A man to love and support you.
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