Vogueish

Naked Runway

by Lisa Wells

Nine years ago, Isabella P. Chance met her Fairy Godmother in a bathroom during her disastrous high school prom. She was promised an epic comeback for her ten-year reunion. Fast forward nine and a half years and her Fairy Godmother returns to fulfill that promise—with a billionaire-sized caveat. Enter Chandler Roman, the Grinch of Manhattan. He’s been hired to clean house at her new job at Naked Runway, and Isabella's position is on the chopping block. Not coincidentally, he's the godson of her Fairy Godmother, who has decided it's time to call in an ancient favor. The Chandler is forbidden from firing Isabella and must find her a billionaire fiancé to flaunt at her high school reunion. Piece of cake for a professional fixer, right? He makes her his personal assistant and sets her up with his perfect-in-every-way best friend. But then, something unthinkable Chandler wants Isabella for himself. Is the notorious fixer of Manhattan willing to break the ultimate bro code for the one fix he can't seem to make—his own heart? Vogueish is a grumpy billionaire standalone book in the Naked Runway hot romantic comedy series. If you like flawed fashionistas and flirty fun, then you’ll love Lisa Wells’ laugh-out-loud romances.

Genres: Romance, Rom Com

284 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2023

Reviews

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vogueish is all of these things

Adorable
Fun
Entertaining
Magical

I am so thrilled I stumbled upon ot on BookSirens, it was a complete fluke. I certainly have no shortage of books to read but something made me browse it completely randomly and what a gem I found.

Isabella was bullied in high school all the way up to a dreadful prom experience. That night she met a prince charming of sorts who connected her with a pseudo fairy Godmother.

Together, Isabella and her Fairy Godmother, plan her great comeback for 10 years into the future at her high school reunion.

10 years later, Isabella has her plan all lined up until she meets Chandler. A super grump, Chandler makes working with him difficult.

This was a light fun read, full of fashion, witty banter, swoony moments and a fantastic grand gesture.

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella P. Chance gets off to a rough start on her first day at fashion magazine, Naked Runway. She almost doesn't make it on time thanks to a rude man who tries to take her taxi. When she gets to the office she is thrown into chaos before she even gets any kind of orientation. She knew her new boss Amanda could be a bit demanding so she gives it her all. Things get even worse when Amanda gets fired on several accounts, but specially for hiring Isabella when there's a hiring freeze. Is her job on the firing line even before she starts?

To her surprise, Isabella finds out her grumpy cab mate from this morning is Chandler Roman who is a fixer brought in to re-organize Naked Runway. Instead of being fired, Isabella is to become the digital editor as the magazine moves on. This doesn't endear to her work colleagues who blame her for Amanda's firing.

All Amanda really wants is a comeback after how harshly she was bullied in high school. She had a fairy godmother of sorts who helped her along the way. That sweet lady has passed away. Nonna who is godmother to Chandler, vows to be Isabella's fairy godmother and help her meet her goals.

Along the way a romance begins between Chandler and Isabella as they get to know each other. It's pretty spicy, so be sure to have your cold drink nearby. Besides being a broody hunk, Chandler comes across as a man with a tender caring heart underneath. Isabella is kind and a little clumsy. The reader can relate to her heartache from the past and her attitude towards the future.

Vogueish will make you both a little swoony and uplifted. It's the first novel in a series. I hope to read the others in the near future

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

An original and unique story line that grabs the reader's attention from the very beginning and keeps the attention focused to the end to see how everything works out. Because, with a fairy godmother helping you out, it has to work out at the end, doesn't it? I found the MC's of Isabella and Roman to be not your normal, run of the mill characters usually found in a rom-com book, so that got my attention and I also found the behind the scenes look into the cut throat world of fashion to be really interesting too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairy godmother fun

This was so much fun to read. Isabella and Chandler were a pretty crazy pair but they were good together. There was plenty of humour to enjoy in this wild romp of a read. A Stuff Your Kindle win!

[1000_books_1000_lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny quick paced read. I really enjoyed the banter and laughs.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh boy… Let me start out by saying that I really enjoyed the premise of this book. I thought it had a lot of potential to be a great rom-com, but that’s about where my enjoyment ended. First, the fairy godmother thing totally lost me. There needed to be more explanation than simply a “rich old lady makes people have great comeback stories.” WHY do they do this, how do they do this, why do the subjects go along with it…? Nothing is explained, and we’re supposed to just believe that this girl accepts this brand-new life for the heck of it. Which leads me to the girl… our FMC is the actual worst. She’s nothing more than a spoiled brat who is OBSESSED with this arbitrary “comeback” so she can show her bullies just how awesome she is. I was bullied more often than not as a child and I never, ever obsessed over showing them how great I became. The whole thing was wild. It made Isabella this ridiculously materialistic, totally shallow person. And I got straight up whiplash with her feelings about Chandler. One day she wants him, the next she doesn’t, and he’s supposed to somehow know which day it is, because god forbid he doesn’t, she’ll throw an actual tantrum like a child. Stomping, silent treatment, the whole nine yards. The “fairy godmother” is supposed to be a quirky grandmother-type, only she’s not actually quirky, she’s just meddlesome and overbearing without us knowing why. None of the characters were very well-developed and had any depth. The chemistry was lacking between ALL of the characters, not just the MCs. The plot needed to be fleshed out more to actually explain the plot. This was a big miss for me.

I received a copy of VOGUEish from BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

1st reading: Well written prose, but with numerous typos and several sentence fragments throughout. The plot was predictable, but had several subplots. The main characters were multi-dimensional and demonstrate growth, but the secondary characters were mostly stereotypes.
I wanted to like this book, but I mostly found it annoying. Apparently one of the secondary characters has his own series that takes place before this story (it would have been nice to know this so I could have read that first); since the world in which this novel takes place has a magical element to it, it may have helped me to relate to it better - or then again, perhaps not. I have no issue with fantasy elements (fantasy, romantasy, and PNR are my favorite genres), but this aspect of the world wasn't made clear at first. What really turned me off, though, were the characters, mainly the MFC (Isabella). She has clear goals (a "comeback" at her 10-year high school reunion), but she sends a lot of mixed signals to the MMC (Chandler). She strikes me as irresponsible and selfish, and while I understand her motivation for her "comeback" (she was humiliated by the mean girls at her HS prom), she seems unduly fixated on something that really should have no bearing on her adult life. I guess this is one of the points of the story (that she eventually gets past this, but not until after the reunion), but it just left a bad taste in my mouth. At 28 years old, one would hope that she'd matured beyond the need for revenge for such an inconsequential event. I don't know; maybe I was just in the wrong mood for this book, but it bugged me.
I won't be pursuing this author's other books.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stylish and quirky protagonist? check. Grumpy, but sexy love interest? check. A FAIRY Godmother? and check. Lisa Wells Vogueish is a delightful read which is sure to make many a reader happy.

Isabella was treated cruelly in high school. After a disastrous prom, a knight in shining armor who she names Pillar, helps her cross paths with a Fairy Godmother, and everything changes. Ten years later, and Isabella is ready for her Comeback Moment to show to those high school bullies how wrong they were.

Of course, everything isn't quite as perfect. Yes, she has the job she adores at a fashion magazine, she's traveled the world and knows famous people, but she still doesn't have the perfect guy to match her perfect world.

Enter Chandler. Known to be a shark in the business world, Isabella avoids her attraction to him for fear of falling for a bully. But, Fairy Godmother's know best. She'll make sure the shoe fits.

I enjoyed the characters in this book. While some of the events seemed a bit implausible, it's okay. I'm reading a romance book on a sunny summer day. I thought the duel conflicts at the end were a bit muddled. One of them being upset over a misunderstanding would have been just fine--it felt like there were a few too many moving pieces at the end, and the resolution was rushed.

Ultimately, I'll be looking for more of Well's books down the road. I liked the story she created.

[Cheryl Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a NYC woman who was terribly bullied by her classmates. When during her prom, when she should have been having the time of her life, she was completely humiliated to the point she had to run and hide. Enter her very own Pillar with a Fairy Godmother who set out to make everything better. Several years later, Isabella is excited to start her dream job at Naked Runway, a magazine struggling to keep up with today's world. Enter Rude man,

when a mix up over a taxi starts her first day at work she thought that things couldn't possible get worse. Enter Size Eleven, who is charged with fixing the problems with Naked Runway, starting with firing Isabelle's new boss. While trying to save her job, earn respect from her co-workers and prove she is the perfect candidate for the newly opened position of fashion editor, enter Chandler the Bully of Corporate Manhattan. Chandler is fascinated and strongly attracted to Isabelle who oddly enough seems to literally fall at his feet repeatedly. Enter chaos, best friends, a meddling matchmaker and yes, a biker's bar and you have a hilarious story that I highly recommend. My favorite part is definitely the biker bar. Lisa wrote a scene where Isabelle was possibly at her lowest yet had me laughing at the antics of the customers at the biker bar. Excellent job Lisa!!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Wells does rom coms in the best way possible. Her characters are always likable and their quirkiness is relatable. At least for me. This book is no different.

Technically this is NOT a fairy tale, retelling but I personally equate it to a more modern, basic, Cinderella type story. Isabella is bullied and humiliated at her prom and in her distraught haste, runs smack dab into a gentleman. She asks for restroom directions and runs to it. The gentleman is concerned about her and has his female friend look in on her. Low and behold, said friend happens to be with the...get this....Fairy Godmother Association. Geez, I wish that was a real organization. I sure could use one myself.

In a blink it's almost 10 years later and the fun really starts. Now I'm not spilling the beans about the rest of the book. You need to read for yourself, it's well worth it. You'll be highly entertained and you may even have tear inducing laughter as I did. Not to mention steam and a sweet HEA.

Don't let this one pass you by. The only con I have for this (it's a small one), is that it was too on the nose who Her Night in Shining Armani (Yes, I know I didn't use a k and yes that's a shout out to another fantastic rom com by Lisa Wells.) would be.

Go one click...what are you waiting for...shoo.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read! I know I said I don't usually read Paranormal romances, but I am definitely enjoying this author's works.

I guess I should have read this one first (as it is book 1), but I like the way I read them, book 2, then this one...

Isabella is definitely an easy character to love and cheer for. I think her younger self is entirely too relatable, and my heart ached for high school Isabella! Her transformation into the self-confident woman she becomes (with the Fairy Godmother Charity's help) is fun to follow. I appreciated the chemistry between Chandler and Isabella, and how that complicated everything! So entertaining.

The way the "Frankie and Isabella" conflict happens, and resolves, is pretty interesting, and (since I read book 2 first) makes a whole lot of sense. Ms. Birdie is always the puppet master, and I loved her direction (and misdirections) . The mystical aspects are not as strong in this one, as they are in book 2 - but it was very interesting to find out how the FG Charity came about!

Because of this information, my next read is The Undead Life of Molly Thorn - because -
Hello Ryder! I need to know more about YOU!!
IYKYK!! *wink*

I highly recommend this read, and the follow up book "Rakeish".
Very entertaining, and worth your time.
I did receive a complimentary copy of this book via Booksirens (thank you) and happily leave my review.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so many worries in her life Isabella P. Chance had me intrigued. I was struck by her concern for her comeback and how she wanted to retaliate against her classmates. The girl wasn’t being realistic because she had achieved so much so far that the rest were peanuts. I started with Book Boyfriendish, meaning, I read the last book first and thou each story is a standalone I was intrigued by the secondary characters and glad that I got some answers with this book. It was interesting to learn how Isabella P. Chance had come to Naked Runaway and her role in the enterprise. With the bad experience she had in her adolescence, it was not surprising that she felt orphaned of true affection and needed people in her life in which to trust. She wished to be part of something and not a bystander in the sideline. Chandler Roman's profession required him to be tough and capable for the company he worked for, but at the same time he was interested in doing the right thing, even if it put him in difficult situations. There were many humorous situations that compensated for the difficulties Isabella and Chandler were encountering at every step. I was very entertained by and Isabella’s encounters and how they were handling their feelings. One step forward and two steps back. Funny situations, bullying, interesting characters, intrigue, mixed feelings, romance and passion

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Modern Cinderella Story I’ve ever read.

Isabella went from awkward 18 to a stunning 28 year old woman of the world thanks to the fairy godmother who rescued her from her awful prom night. She’s been plotting her revenge on her prom tormentors and the time is almost at hand. She just needs a couple more pieces to fall into place. But, all sorts of calamities start happening to her from the moment she meets Chandler. Isabella’s quest to that “Happily Ever After” took a few funny left turns.

New-to-me author. This was such a fun story to read. It was funny and smexy with a page-turning plot. I loved Chandler, Isabella, and Ms. Birdie, Isabella’s “fairy godmother “. I loved the Rogers and Hammerstein Cinderella Easter eggs the author sprinkled around in the story. And, I loved all the snarky secondary characters.

Really enjoyed this story. Glad I found this author. Highly recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella P. Chance has been working on herself for the last 10 years to make her better than ever so her comeback from everything that happened in high school would be all that and more. On that fateful night, Isabella was mocked and bullied and turned into a laughing stock. While running away from everything she ran into, literally, a mystery man (Pillar) who helped her and introduced her to her fairy godmother and helper her turn her life around. Now, 10 years later. She, maybe not quite coincidently, is reunited with Pillar, named Chandler, and comes to find out, her life isn't all roses….yet.

I loved seeing the strong, confident woman that Isabella had become and seeing her struggles with insecurity that all of us face. And Chandler… swoon, and his soft spot for help. Adorable together. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my review.

[M H · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Now you can come. While I’m looking into your eyes. I want to see what I do to you.”

This was an enjoyable read with plenty of fun moments. However, I found it a bit challenging to root for Isabella fully and the idea of the 'comeback' in the story. In today’s world, a great comeback often means embracing who you are and pursuing your goals for your own growth. Isabella’s obsession with proving herself to her bullies felt different from what I expected. To me, the opposite of hate and bullying is indifference, so her focus on revenge was a bit hard to connect with.I was also a bit thrown off by how Isabella's actions affected Chandler. He was such a sweetheart, but at times, it seemed like she was indifferent to the impact she had on his life. While I really enjoyed Chandler as a character, I was hoping for a bit more growth in Isabella’s arc.That said, I still appreciate the journey and the chance to read this story. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pageturner!

It’s The Devil Wears Prada meets Cinderella’s Revenge (I just made that up, but it reflects this book perfectly). And it works. It works perfectly! Dual POV, I always like dual in a rom com, because it gives more insight and thus more connection. Isabella is the victim of bullies and vows to get her revenge. Revenge as in showing them how good life is now, 10 years later. Life after being bullied. Chandler is the fixer who comes in like a wrecking ball and has to make tough decisions. He may not be super likeable upon first glance, but you just know there’s a good heart underneath.

And I just couldn’t put the book down. On the surface, it may look like it’s a bit shallow, but it’s not. Not at all! Because there’s a depth behind it. Easy-to-read, hard-to-put-down. The pages just turned themselves.

Steamy.

[Mosope Adeleye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got me giggling and kicking my feet, it was hands down funny, I love the fact that it tapped in on that early 2000s feel inspired by movies like Bridget jones diary, 13 going 30 and especially The devil wears Prada.

I loved the character of Isabella P. Chance and especially loved the fact that she was so amazing at what she did in the fashion world.
Then also her love interest Chandler Roman who also happens to be her boss (yikes).

The book did involve a very descriptive spicy scene that would confuse you at first but you’ll get to understand the characters more after their intimacy.

I give this book 4 stars, it was amazing so you should read the book and I would definitely watch if it ever gets turned into a movie 🤭🤭🤭.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, not just for being a well written romantic comedy, but for having - besides a fun story, a lively dialogue and endearing characters - a shrewd insight into the damaging results of bullying.

Sometimes the target gets over it, grows and matures; other times, the target becomes a victim, indelibly marked. And sometimes, the aggressor repents or the victim gets its revenge. In any case, I'm glad when the targets get to stand up for themselves and stop giving mean, petty people the power to hurt them.

Lisa Wells is definitely staying on my Favorite Authors list!

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the idea behind a group of women who band together to empower, lift up and support other women. Isabella was tormented and terrorized by the kids in her school. Fast forward almost 10 years later, Isabella is starting her new job, ready to go to her 10 year reunion to show those mean girls she's not a loser anymore. Unfortunately things start going wrong on day one of her job. I loved Isabella and Chandler's story, it's funny, steamy, gets you in the feels, honestly everything you'd want in a rom com. Isabella is so quirky and loveable and completely relatable. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yunjue Casilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella and Chandler first met when he rescued her from her prom-queen-night gone wrong. Now, 10 years later they meet again.

Voguish was told in a third person POV. This story is not your typical Prince Charming and damsel in distress tale. It was unexpectedly refreshing, a lighthearted rom-com. The writing style is a bit different from what I used to read, but I still like it all the same. And I would definitely recommend it to readers who’s looking for a quick read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maggie Packard · Rating 4 out of 5]

*free ARC review*

i just refuse to believe that this many people care about high school when they’re a decade out from it, but if i suspend that belief, this is a really fun and fast-paced book that i enjoyed! some of the tropes of the FMC were a little on the stereotypical side (some issues w body confidence, excess clumsiness etc) and i do wish there was more fleshing out of several plot points, but this being a series may rectify that. i would definitely recommend for some fun and light reading!

[Camilla Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella has had it rough in school, with being bullied and teased. She becomes enrolled in the “program” and works hard to hit her goal for her comeback ten years later. The main story takes place ten years after the first event, and it goes from there.

I did find the premise of the book, “the godmothers” very intriguing and wanted to read this based on that. I enjoyed the book – although some events were a bit implausible. Well worth the read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[bookgirl1021 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can a slightly awkward girl take on the world and get the guy in the end? This book is a bit Working Girl, mixed with Breakfast at Tiffany's, with a touch of The Devil Wears Prada. Isabella is bullied in high school but is rescued by a fairy Godmother. They set a course for Isabella's life to seek revenge at her 10-year class reunion. Things don't always go as smoothly as they should, but ultimately, she will rise above the fray. Very fun story! I look forward to reading future installments to this series! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

VOGUEish by Lisa Wells is a good, and enjoyable steamy billionaires grumpy sunshine romantic comedy read. The story has a great entertaining story line. The characters are great, likable, wonderful, the quirkiness they have are relatable, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining page turning read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very into this book and the relationship between Chandler and Isabella. Perfect amount of spice and sweet that I felt invested in the story and found it believable. It also opened me up to this author and her other series which have a crossover into this one and have been very delighted by those as well.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun and heartwarming romantic comedy with a fairytale twist that kept me entertained and intrigued from beginning to end. I really connected with Isabella Chance and loved her dynamic with the other characters especially Chandler Roman. If you enjoy fashionista contemporary romance don't miss Vogueish by new to me author Lisa Wells. I look forward to more Naked Runway books. I received an advance reader copy of this book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Robin Perrtree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Cinderella/fairy godmother tale had such depth of characters that although I can't relate to the fashion magazine world (Isabella) or being a billionaire (Chandler) I still connected with other aspects of them and their lives. There were a couple of forced moments and unbelievable reactions used to advance the story. But overall it was a fun read with some steam and a HEA. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Isabelle Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an engaging page turner.

Shew...Lisa Wells rakes the readers on quote a ride with this story. This book had everything...love, hate, misunderstandings, suspense, laughter, tears...and I could go on. It kept me turning the pages, asking, will they or won't they, and if so, how after everything that has transpired. Never fear though, love wins! But you have to keep turning the pages to find out when and how!

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful rom-com with very likable characters. Isabella is bullied and humiliated at her prom and in her distraught haste she runs smack dab into a gentleman, she asks for restroom directions and runs to it, there she meets a member of the Fairy Godmother Association. Fast forward 10 years and the story really begins. I loved it and I’m sure you will too, so I recommend.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Lisa Wells' stories and this was no exception. I laughed and snorted most of the way through, a few tears, and lots of fun. I loved the banter between Isabella and and Chandler. There was plenty of humour, self discovery, a bit of mystery, and some hot sexy scenes. This was a very enjoyable read.