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The Villains #1
The Fixer
A naive activist is hired by a corporate villain but doesn’t realize it. Cue one awkward farce, a twisty puzzle, and the slowest of slow burns in this opposites-attract, ice queen romance.
Nine years ago, aloof, icy Michelle Hastings chose career over love. She’s now living with that choice as she rules a secret corporation catering to the rich and powerful.
Enter Eden Lawless. The guileless activist finds it a bit weird being employed by a mystery organization to bring down a corrupt mayor. But, hey, she’s up for a challenge. Much harder is getting her beautiful new boss out of her head. The pull between them is electric.
Book one in The Villains Series is a lesbian romance filled with intrigue, humor, and heart. It’s set in The Red Files universe but can be read as a standalone series.
Nine years ago, aloof, icy Michelle Hastings chose career over love. She’s now living with that choice as she rules a secret corporation catering to the rich and powerful.
Enter Eden Lawless. The guileless activist finds it a bit weird being employed by a mystery organization to bring down a corrupt mayor. But, hey, she’s up for a challenge. Much harder is getting her beautiful new boss out of her head. The pull between them is electric.
Book one in The Villains Series is a lesbian romance filled with intrigue, humor, and heart. It’s set in The Red Files universe but can be read as a standalone series.
Audiobook
First published January 25, 2023
134 people are currently reading
3352 people want to read
About the author
Lee Winter
34 books2,981 followersLee Winter is a former award-winning veteran newspaper journalist who has covered courts, crime, news, features and humor writing for almost three decades around Australia. Now a full-time author and part-time editor at Ylva, Lee is also a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Golden Crown Literary Award winner.
Want to get in touch? Email: Leewinterauthor@gmail.com
Want to get in touch? Email: Leewinterauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
June 30, 2023
**'One of the greatest detriment to creative storytelling is sometimes over-telling a story with the same revolving characters or even you as a participating character..'
3.5stars!
Enticing premise -- very good last 3 chapters and a non-love story BUT......
It's still a recommended book #1!
3.5stars!
Enticing premise -- very good last 3 chapters and a non-love story BUT......
It's still a recommended book #1!
October 21, 2023
The Fixer is the first of the two book Villain Series. Michelle Hastings is the much despised adversary in The Red Files and Under Your Skin. She annihilated a woman’s love and career for her own professional advancement. Hastings is now the CEO of an extremely secretive corporation who fixes the problems of the powerful and rich. She regards herself as the most powerful woman in Washington, DC.
Lifetime activist Eden Lawless is following her mother’s prestigious footsteps in fighting the good fight wherever she sees fit. This next job though, is personal for her. Hasting has hired her to return to her hometown and dethrone her nemesis, the town Mayor.
Dear Lee Winter,
I genuflect to your brilliance in taking an antagonist of Hastings’ ilk and creating an Ice Queen romance which makes her, possibly……..likeable. Throwing a cute and cuddly (Eden) up against Hastings is diabolically astute. Add to this your always superlative writing, character development and amusing to laugh out loud dialogue, I know readers will run to read The Fixer.
Thank you Ms Winter, with all of this avid reader’s heart.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lifetime activist Eden Lawless is following her mother’s prestigious footsteps in fighting the good fight wherever she sees fit. This next job though, is personal for her. Hasting has hired her to return to her hometown and dethrone her nemesis, the town Mayor.
Dear Lee Winter,
I genuflect to your brilliance in taking an antagonist of Hastings’ ilk and creating an Ice Queen romance which makes her, possibly……..likeable. Throwing a cute and cuddly (Eden) up against Hastings is diabolically astute. Add to this your always superlative writing, character development and amusing to laugh out loud dialogue, I know readers will run to read The Fixer.
Thank you Ms Winter, with all of this avid reader’s heart.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
Update after audiobook listen - December 2023. The Legendary Angela Dawe. What more needs to be said? I feel the same about the story but with Angela's performance - and knowing what's to come - it's even more delicious. While I did enjoy this book very much, it gets even better in Chaos Agent. Oh my... will that be a ride! Can't wait to listen to Dawe bring it home.
Original review:
Lee Winter is back and clever as ever in her efforts to redeem the universally loathed Michelle Hastings of Red Files fame.
From their first meeting, something about good-natured professional social activist Eden Lawless throws the morally ambiguous consultancy firm shark Hastings off her game, which unsettles her to say the least. But Lawless is the perfect person for a job Hastings' firm was hired for because she's not only got the right skill set, she's got skin in the game. But Hastings keeps a closer eye on this one-job contractor than most and she isn't willing to admit to anyone - especially herself - why.
Fans of The Red Files and Under Your Skin will feel like they've slipped right back into the warm blanket of that world with The Fixer. It has intrigue, highly intelligent story elements, social awareness, humor, family dynamics and brilliant women.
Lawless is a classic Winter melter because she gets under Hastings' skin without even trying, just by being herself and having backbone. Oh, how these impenetrable ice queens react when the just the right person enters their orbit!
If you've read The Red Files in the past, you will not need a refresher for this book. That said - if you've never read it, my suggestion is that you do - primarily so you get a better understanding of the internal turmoil Hastings has been carrying around with her for years.
Winter has set up book two, Chaos Agent, brilliantly. While The Fixer introduces the characters and provides more background on the characters and insight into Hastings' firm, the scene is set for what will no doubt be a delicious continuation. That said - this is a complete story and you can stop at the end if you wanted to and not read the next book - though I can't imagine why anyone would. (UPDATE: After reading Chaos Agent I can definitely say that skipping it is NOT an option. It is EPIC!)
I'm anxious to see how Winter pulls not only the redemption - but the romance - off. I can't begin to imagine how "panda" Eden Lawless will react once she realizes who she's gotten into bed with. Figuratively, of course. At least for now.
Original review:
Lee Winter is back and clever as ever in her efforts to redeem the universally loathed Michelle Hastings of Red Files fame.
From their first meeting, something about good-natured professional social activist Eden Lawless throws the morally ambiguous consultancy firm shark Hastings off her game, which unsettles her to say the least. But Lawless is the perfect person for a job Hastings' firm was hired for because she's not only got the right skill set, she's got skin in the game. But Hastings keeps a closer eye on this one-job contractor than most and she isn't willing to admit to anyone - especially herself - why.
Fans of The Red Files and Under Your Skin will feel like they've slipped right back into the warm blanket of that world with The Fixer. It has intrigue, highly intelligent story elements, social awareness, humor, family dynamics and brilliant women.
Lawless is a classic Winter melter because she gets under Hastings' skin without even trying, just by being herself and having backbone. Oh, how these impenetrable ice queens react when the just the right person enters their orbit!
If you've read The Red Files in the past, you will not need a refresher for this book. That said - if you've never read it, my suggestion is that you do - primarily so you get a better understanding of the internal turmoil Hastings has been carrying around with her for years.
Winter has set up book two, Chaos Agent, brilliantly. While The Fixer introduces the characters and provides more background on the characters and insight into Hastings' firm, the scene is set for what will no doubt be a delicious continuation. That said - this is a complete story and you can stop at the end if you wanted to and not read the next book - though I can't imagine why anyone would. (UPDATE: After reading Chaos Agent I can definitely say that skipping it is NOT an option. It is EPIC!)
I'm anxious to see how Winter pulls not only the redemption - but the romance - off. I can't begin to imagine how "panda" Eden Lawless will react once she realizes who she's gotten into bed with. Figuratively, of course. At least for now.
March 21, 2024
“The Fixer” by Lee Winter is the first in the Villains series. Main character Michelle Hastings has a past with beloved Catherine Ayers from the ‘On the Record’ series but this can be read as a standalone.
Eden Lawless is working as an activist when she receives an unusual offer to temporarily work for a mysterious company with no name headed by CEO Michelle Hastings.
I want to start out saying that this isn’t a romance. I know on the blurb it says “lesbian romance” but don’t go into this expecting romance or anything that goes along with it. This was more getting to know Michelle and Eden as people and how they interact with one another. There may or may not be some mutual crushing starting to happen.
As I mentioned above, readers may be familiar with Michelle as she has a pretty awful history with Catherine. Winter had to really sell Michelle as someone we want to root for as a person and as a love interest and she has, unsurprisingly, succeeded.
Michelle and Eden are opposites in most every way. Michelle is very distant and doesn’t do interpersonal relationships. Eden, on the other hand, is a ball of sunshine that loves life and people. While this doesn’t end with them together as a couple, it does lay the groundwork for them to be able to explore more in the next book.
As a romance reader I have to say I didn’t really notice the lack of romance here. I was so caught up in the shenanigans of Michelle and Eden and even grandma Hannah that it wasn’t until the end when I realized there would be no romance.
I can’t wait to read the sequel, Chaos Agent, and finds out what happens when everything comes to light!
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Eden Lawless is working as an activist when she receives an unusual offer to temporarily work for a mysterious company with no name headed by CEO Michelle Hastings.
I want to start out saying that this isn’t a romance. I know on the blurb it says “lesbian romance” but don’t go into this expecting romance or anything that goes along with it. This was more getting to know Michelle and Eden as people and how they interact with one another. There may or may not be some mutual crushing starting to happen.
As I mentioned above, readers may be familiar with Michelle as she has a pretty awful history with Catherine. Winter had to really sell Michelle as someone we want to root for as a person and as a love interest and she has, unsurprisingly, succeeded.
Michelle and Eden are opposites in most every way. Michelle is very distant and doesn’t do interpersonal relationships. Eden, on the other hand, is a ball of sunshine that loves life and people. While this doesn’t end with them together as a couple, it does lay the groundwork for them to be able to explore more in the next book.
As a romance reader I have to say I didn’t really notice the lack of romance here. I was so caught up in the shenanigans of Michelle and Eden and even grandma Hannah that it wasn’t until the end when I realized there would be no romance.
I can’t wait to read the sequel, Chaos Agent, and finds out what happens when everything comes to light!
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2023
Unravelling Michelle.
The first two books of the Villians series is set in the Red Files universe (On The Record series) and the main character is the antagonist of that series. I'm actually more inclined to think of Michelle Hastings as a morally grey character rather than a villian though. Sure, she helms a secret organisation that helps clients with questionable agendas but apart from her handling Catherine Ayer's case badly that one time, the rest was all just work. The thing is, I never once found Michelle to be unlikable and if there is anything I took away from this book, it's that Michelle is a sad character and also such an intriguing and sexy one. There is so much to learn and I like that her story is unhurried to the point that two full length books are needed to completely unravel her.
Michelle is the star of the story where I'm concerned but let's not forget that Eden, Michelle's future partner, is also introduced here. Eden is a complete opposite character. She is an open book, a cheery person and much too innocent. But I think she's refreshing when you put her together with Michelle and their interactions are really humorous.
An excellent book yet again by Lee Winter. Great story, intriguing character, beautiful cover.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
The first two books of the Villians series is set in the Red Files universe (On The Record series) and the main character is the antagonist of that series. I'm actually more inclined to think of Michelle Hastings as a morally grey character rather than a villian though. Sure, she helms a secret organisation that helps clients with questionable agendas but apart from her handling Catherine Ayer's case badly that one time, the rest was all just work. The thing is, I never once found Michelle to be unlikable and if there is anything I took away from this book, it's that Michelle is a sad character and also such an intriguing and sexy one. There is so much to learn and I like that her story is unhurried to the point that two full length books are needed to completely unravel her.
Michelle is the star of the story where I'm concerned but let's not forget that Eden, Michelle's future partner, is also introduced here. Eden is a complete opposite character. She is an open book, a cheery person and much too innocent. But I think she's refreshing when you put her together with Michelle and their interactions are really humorous.
An excellent book yet again by Lee Winter. Great story, intriguing character, beautiful cover.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2023
➥ 4 Stars *:･ﾟ✧
Despite YLVA's kind provision of this arc, this is a tough review to write for me. Now, you might be asking, why Gloria? Is it because it's just too good? Hm...beyond terrible? Gives you memory loss??? Well actually, the real dilemma here is that there isn't a single saucy quote for me to display and gush about. I was going to say that was quite tragic, but I found I had an immensely, inexplicably enjoyable time without those elements, and that's telling enough, no? So, if a Winter virgin is wandering the streets and picked up this novel, I'd advise them to prepare for a slow burn, as there is not even a touch of the lips here, but for those who enjoy feeling like they've gone through something alongside the characters, those who enjoy high stakes (as high stakes as small town politics can be), and of course, those who enjoy the classic ice-queen paired with the embodiment of sunshine...well, what are you even doing if your hands don't hold this novel?
I had only minor complaint: the annoying use of 'goddess' as an exclamation instead of 'god. I get the idea but I'd just remove the exclamation in general.
Winter's books always have a strong side(?) plot going, so you shouldn't expect undeterred focus on romance, though it is a significant element for sure. The side plot was gripping and interesting: I loved seeing the girls work out the clues and Winter's general genius that was infused into the twists.
Although the plot is resolved at the end of this book, the romance definitely isn't (as I mentioned, not a single seductive moment) but I'm dying to see where Winter will take this story in the sequel.
Thank you Netgalley and YLVA for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lawless swayed in, and suddenly, engulfing arms surrounded Michelle as that unmistakable voice whispered into her ear, “I’ll miss you, Michelle.”
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
Despite YLVA's kind provision of this arc, this is a tough review to write for me. Now, you might be asking, why Gloria? Is it because it's just too good? Hm...beyond terrible? Gives you memory loss??? Well actually, the real dilemma here is that there isn't a single saucy quote for me to display and gush about. I was going to say that was quite tragic, but I found I had an immensely, inexplicably enjoyable time without those elements, and that's telling enough, no? So, if a Winter virgin is wandering the streets and picked up this novel, I'd advise them to prepare for a slow burn, as there is not even a touch of the lips here, but for those who enjoy feeling like they've gone through something alongside the characters, those who enjoy high stakes (as high stakes as small town politics can be), and of course, those who enjoy the classic ice-queen paired with the embodiment of sunshine...well, what are you even doing if your hands don't hold this novel?
➥ Eden Lawless (h) also known as Michelle's panda (🥺❤) is a warm-hearted activist, who lives in a van named Gloria (I'm feeling special) and who doesn't bow down to the command of Michelle, her now boss. Eden left her hometown because of a conflicting upsetting past, but has now returned upon Michelle's order, and she is on a mission. She doesn't harden at Michelle's glare, and in return begins to crack her shell instead. Although she wasn't particularly remarkable, like other suns of Winter have been, she was still sweet, and she did have her moments of putting Michelle in her place.
➥ Michelle Hastings (h) is...well. She's mean and she's gay, what else can I say? 😊❤ I cannot WAIT for her to fully fall and weaken for Eden - it'll be perfect. She was one of the antagonists in The Red Files series, but I'm enjoying Winter's exploration of her character in a new light. I'm hoping to see a heartfelt apology and confrontation between her and Catherine. I enjoyed seeing her kind side with her grandmother.
➥ Hannah a.k.a. Safta, what an absolute gem! Winter never fails to write such awesome side characters. She added so much to the story and her heart and wisdom won me over instantly. We learned that Michelle is Jewish and why that had been a main motivation for her acts in The Red Files. I look forward to seeing more of Safta ❤
I had only minor complaint: the annoying use of 'goddess' as an exclamation instead of 'god. I get the idea but I'd just remove the exclamation in general.
Winter's books always have a strong side(?) plot going, so you shouldn't expect undeterred focus on romance, though it is a significant element for sure. The side plot was gripping and interesting: I loved seeing the girls work out the clues and Winter's general genius that was infused into the twists.
Although the plot is resolved at the end of this book, the romance definitely isn't (as I mentioned, not a single seductive moment) but I'm dying to see where Winter will take this story in the sequel.
Thank you Netgalley and YLVA for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
February 8, 2023
4.5 stars. As one of those people who has to read everything in order, I started with the “On The Record Series” before reading this “The Villains” series. The latter can be read as a standalone series, but the previous series does provide extra insights which I appreciated. Plus, reading four excellent books back-to-back is no hardship at all, I can recommend it to everybody.
Since I’ve also already read the second book in “The Villains” series (Chaos Agent) I would like to make some remarks on the series first. These are not standalone books and prepare yourself for reading both books at once as it is almost impossible to stop in the middle. This series is all about Michelle’s (the villain) redemption arc, and this takes some time. So, while book one has a finished storyline, you’ll want to continue to see what happens between Michelle and Eden. There is a lot to love about these books, and I found that I liked them for different reasons. This first book was in my opinion the better structured and paced one than the second book. Although the start was a bit slow. The second book, however, revolves around the secret organization and their dealings, which was a more entertaining setting to me than the case they work on in this first book. And of course, there is the conclusion of the redemption arc of Michelle in book 2, which is so worth it.
Michelle is the CEO of an evil organization that fixes things that rich and powerful people need to become more rich and powerful. In this book, the fixers are tasked with bringing a corrupt mayor of a small town down and they hire Eden to do this. So, why Eden? She doesn’t have an evil bone in her body, always protesting and helping those in need. It turns out she has a history with the mayor and appears to be the perfect person to take her down.
You don’t have to like Michelle, but I think everybody will be interested in her. She has such a complex layered personality, and I loved discovering that and getting to understand her. I don’t consider her a true villain, she acts on how life shaped her, but she’s definitely a morally grey character. Obviously opposites attract, because Eden is so good that she��s a bit naive. I didn’t really take to her in this book, I thought she was a bit bland, but wait for my review on book two because my opinion will change there.
It was fun reading how Eden plans to bring the mayor down and it has a certain game element which was good to read. I’m one of those people who likes to puzzle along and that was unfortunately not possible here, but Michelle is able to do it though, which makes for some nice interactions between the two MCs. I like how Winter takes her time to slowly build their attraction, which is far from a completed romance when the book finishes, so you really want to read that second book. I also want to give a shoutout to Michelle’s safta Hannah, a great side character.
A wonderful book, it takes some time to reach full steam, but once it does it’s hard to put down. Plan some time to read them both.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Since I’ve also already read the second book in “The Villains” series (Chaos Agent) I would like to make some remarks on the series first. These are not standalone books and prepare yourself for reading both books at once as it is almost impossible to stop in the middle. This series is all about Michelle’s (the villain) redemption arc, and this takes some time. So, while book one has a finished storyline, you’ll want to continue to see what happens between Michelle and Eden. There is a lot to love about these books, and I found that I liked them for different reasons. This first book was in my opinion the better structured and paced one than the second book. Although the start was a bit slow. The second book, however, revolves around the secret organization and their dealings, which was a more entertaining setting to me than the case they work on in this first book. And of course, there is the conclusion of the redemption arc of Michelle in book 2, which is so worth it.
Michelle is the CEO of an evil organization that fixes things that rich and powerful people need to become more rich and powerful. In this book, the fixers are tasked with bringing a corrupt mayor of a small town down and they hire Eden to do this. So, why Eden? She doesn’t have an evil bone in her body, always protesting and helping those in need. It turns out she has a history with the mayor and appears to be the perfect person to take her down.
You don’t have to like Michelle, but I think everybody will be interested in her. She has such a complex layered personality, and I loved discovering that and getting to understand her. I don’t consider her a true villain, she acts on how life shaped her, but she’s definitely a morally grey character. Obviously opposites attract, because Eden is so good that she��s a bit naive. I didn’t really take to her in this book, I thought she was a bit bland, but wait for my review on book two because my opinion will change there.
It was fun reading how Eden plans to bring the mayor down and it has a certain game element which was good to read. I’m one of those people who likes to puzzle along and that was unfortunately not possible here, but Michelle is able to do it though, which makes for some nice interactions between the two MCs. I like how Winter takes her time to slowly build their attraction, which is far from a completed romance when the book finishes, so you really want to read that second book. I also want to give a shoutout to Michelle’s safta Hannah, a great side character.
A wonderful book, it takes some time to reach full steam, but once it does it’s hard to put down. Plan some time to read them both.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2025
Second read is a listen. On 2/14-2/17/25. Angela Dawes is excellent and totally enhanced the book. I’m listening yo this series to remind myself to get ready for the new book. Love Michelle and Eden.
Excellent. I can’t say enough good about this book. I’m happy to have the same Lee Winter back who wrote the Brutal Truth and Requiem for Immortals.
We’ve read two books that told us how evil and diabolical Michelle Hastings was. In this book we get to know her as “The Fixer”. We get to see how her terrible actions have tormented her and destroyed her life. Enter Eden Lawless a fresh, brilliant and happy woman who is a professional protest planner. She is always trying help other people overcome their problems. Eden is incredibly kind to everyone she meets.
The Fixer hires her for a job (from a secret client)to ruin the political campaign of a woman who coincidentally, long ago attacked Eden and destroyed her family.
Michelle and Eden have an unlikely relationship as they are complete opposites. Each is intrigued with the other and can’t seem to get enough knowledge. There is no romance in this story. The two MCs just keep dancing around each other trading jabs and questions on getting to know each other.
On to the sequel now. I can’t wait.
Excellent. I can’t say enough good about this book. I’m happy to have the same Lee Winter back who wrote the Brutal Truth and Requiem for Immortals.
We’ve read two books that told us how evil and diabolical Michelle Hastings was. In this book we get to know her as “The Fixer”. We get to see how her terrible actions have tormented her and destroyed her life. Enter Eden Lawless a fresh, brilliant and happy woman who is a professional protest planner. She is always trying help other people overcome their problems. Eden is incredibly kind to everyone she meets.
The Fixer hires her for a job (from a secret client)to ruin the political campaign of a woman who coincidentally, long ago attacked Eden and destroyed her family.
Michelle and Eden have an unlikely relationship as they are complete opposites. Each is intrigued with the other and can’t seem to get enough knowledge. There is no romance in this story. The two MCs just keep dancing around each other trading jabs and questions on getting to know each other.
On to the sequel now. I can’t wait.
January 24, 2023
Brilliant political rollercoaster
I admit after rereading The Brutal Truth und The Awkward Truth by Lee Winter (brilliant!) recently I was itching to get my hands on an ARC of The Fixer (thank you Ylva for it) and now I am itching to write a review of this great read (yes, voluntarily, there is that itching thingie): this book is all kinds of brilliant.
The story is a unique caleidoscope of vividly described characters with interesting quirks set in a creative plot with interesting offshoots and written in Lee Winter‘s trademark style - can I use brilliant again? If not, insert now: dazzling, scintillating or whatever superlative takes your fancy for superb writing. Each little piece of the caleidoscope has its own merit: the ice queen with carefully hidden morals, the hippie activist who is much more than she seems, the insightful grandmother, the corrupt politicians, creative twists and turns of the story, some attraction - all trite ingredients for a political rollercoaster, but in the hands of Lee Winter it is transformed into a unique concoction which had me glued to the screen of my ereader, unwilling to stop. How does Winter manage to combine seemlessly a jumble of unrelated things and emotions into a wonderful story? Cold calculation, an old van in rainbow colors, hunor, ruthlessness, warmth, power-grabbing, goodness, danger, sweet friends, guinea pigs and guns (oh, here is a review titel: guinea pigs and guns!).
So be warned: Do. Not. Start. if you can‘t finish this addictive book immediately (I still need to fuel myself with caffeine after a loooong night). And second warning: this is a duology, so be prepared to start Chaos Agent asap to get the full tale of the villain and the hippie activist. Enough, need to start Chaos Agent now! PS: After reading Chaos Agent I am floored how good both books are, brilliant and brilliantly different. Fortunately I don‘t have to make up my mind which one is better. Each is in its own way an awesome read.
Thanks to Ylva for the ARC, the review is left voluntarily - although grudgingly since it kept me a few minutes from starting the second part of the duology!!
I admit after rereading The Brutal Truth und The Awkward Truth by Lee Winter (brilliant!) recently I was itching to get my hands on an ARC of The Fixer (thank you Ylva for it) and now I am itching to write a review of this great read (yes, voluntarily, there is that itching thingie): this book is all kinds of brilliant.
The story is a unique caleidoscope of vividly described characters with interesting quirks set in a creative plot with interesting offshoots and written in Lee Winter‘s trademark style - can I use brilliant again? If not, insert now: dazzling, scintillating or whatever superlative takes your fancy for superb writing. Each little piece of the caleidoscope has its own merit: the ice queen with carefully hidden morals, the hippie activist who is much more than she seems, the insightful grandmother, the corrupt politicians, creative twists and turns of the story, some attraction - all trite ingredients for a political rollercoaster, but in the hands of Lee Winter it is transformed into a unique concoction which had me glued to the screen of my ereader, unwilling to stop. How does Winter manage to combine seemlessly a jumble of unrelated things and emotions into a wonderful story? Cold calculation, an old van in rainbow colors, hunor, ruthlessness, warmth, power-grabbing, goodness, danger, sweet friends, guinea pigs and guns (oh, here is a review titel: guinea pigs and guns!).
So be warned: Do. Not. Start. if you can‘t finish this addictive book immediately (I still need to fuel myself with caffeine after a loooong night). And second warning: this is a duology, so be prepared to start Chaos Agent asap to get the full tale of the villain and the hippie activist. Enough, need to start Chaos Agent now! PS: After reading Chaos Agent I am floored how good both books are, brilliant and brilliantly different. Fortunately I don‘t have to make up my mind which one is better. Each is in its own way an awesome read.
Thanks to Ylva for the ARC, the review is left voluntarily - although grudgingly since it kept me a few minutes from starting the second part of the duology!!
January 28, 2023
Lee Winter never disappoints!! Never! And that’s why she’s my favorite author of all time! This book is so so good!! Who would’ve known I’d actually start caring about Michelle after what she did to Catherine, but yet, here I am, forgiving her for what she did and hoping she will find peace and happiness and love in book 2 with Eden! Can’t wait!!
May 6, 2023
Lee Winter never disappoints! I was so excited to read this series of hers, and she just keeps proving that she should be one of my favorite authors. I love how she writes, the complexity of her characters and just how interesting her stories are. Really really enjoyed this first book, can’t wait to read the next!!! :)
January 24, 2023
A strong start to 2023 by Ylva Publishing and Lee Winter!
A book to redeem Michelle Hastings? Nope, I don’t think so! At least that’s what I thought going in. But hey, it’s Lee Winter, and of course she blew me away. While I haven’t forgiven Michelle for what she did to Catherine Ayers, I did find myself intrigued in her past and I was hooked to the story.
It’s easy to fall in love with the book, what with Lee’s superb writing and seamless storytelling. The characters were endearing, even the supporting ones like Melba and Aggie. Our protagonist, Eden Lawless, radiates fun and positivity, making readers want to root for her. And Michelle Hastings, one of Lee’s worst villains, shows more of her human side. I was impressed with how Lee wrote Michelle’s thoughts and feelings, making readers understand where she was coming from and how she felt after the fall.
The book is smart and engaging, as what is to be expected of a Lee Winter creation. Truly an enjoyable read!
An arc was given in exchange for an honest review. :)
A book to redeem Michelle Hastings? Nope, I don’t think so! At least that’s what I thought going in. But hey, it’s Lee Winter, and of course she blew me away. While I haven’t forgiven Michelle for what she did to Catherine Ayers, I did find myself intrigued in her past and I was hooked to the story.
It’s easy to fall in love with the book, what with Lee’s superb writing and seamless storytelling. The characters were endearing, even the supporting ones like Melba and Aggie. Our protagonist, Eden Lawless, radiates fun and positivity, making readers want to root for her. And Michelle Hastings, one of Lee’s worst villains, shows more of her human side. I was impressed with how Lee wrote Michelle’s thoughts and feelings, making readers understand where she was coming from and how she felt after the fall.
The book is smart and engaging, as what is to be expected of a Lee Winter creation. Truly an enjoyable read!
An arc was given in exchange for an honest review. :)
December 24, 2024
I may have come for Michelle Hastings, but I definitely stayed for Eden Lawless. She is such an incredible character and I can't wait to read what's next.
This is definitely Lee Winter at her best - The Fixer is gripping in story but also chemistry.
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
*re-read via audiobook in Dec 2024. I think it made me love this series even more!*
This is definitely Lee Winter at her best - The Fixer is gripping in story but also chemistry.
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
*re-read via audiobook in Dec 2024. I think it made me love this series even more!*
January 22, 2023
I love Lee Winter's stories, with those magnificent ice queens. And of course I was charmed with this book and these characters. My only complaint here is that I have to wait a week for the publication of the conclusion of this story. Sigh!
January 21, 2023
Is there anything such as “pure evil”? Is life always black and white or are there shades of gray in it?
I remember it like it was yesterday. I had just finished The Red Files and Under Your Skin, and apart from loving the main characters, I always thought that there was more to Michelle Hastings that met the eye. We are talking about a character that the whole sapphic community hated so much for what she had done to the Goddess Catherine Ayers. And yet, if there is one thing that I’ve learned by reading Lee Winter’s books it’s that even in the worst villain there is still some humanity left in them. There is always a reason why they became the people they are. That darkness that envelops them only makes me want to know them more, to dig into their mind and know their deepest secrets.
That is why, when Lee Winter announced that she was working on a novel redeeming Michelle Hastings, the novel has immediately reached the top of my wish list for 2023.
The challenge was real. How do you transform a character hated by everyone into one that you’ll end up falling in love with?
Only the mastermind of Lee Winter could do this. And the best part of it? She takes her time in doing so. She must enjoy doing that to her readers. The wait…
I just finished The Fixer and I cannot wait to read Chaos Agent. So good it was this book. Torture… waiting for more than 10 days. Redemption is a long winding road, and we readers are on the road with Michelle Hastings, waiting for the light to finally shine on her.
Epitome of the darkest Ice Queen. No feelings. No remorse. Michelle Hastings is absolutely magnetic.
The Fixer starts with Eden Lawless, a renown social agitator, presenting herself for a job interview in what we later discover to be an “Office with no name”, and whose CEO is of course Michelle Hastings.
It seems so simple, right? But the job in itself, and the required communication between the employee and the employer will action a series of events, that will bring back long forgotten memories to both of the main characters.
Relationships are hard. It’s already difficult to deal with your family, friends and acquaintances. You have known certain people all your life, and you know how to interact with them… but strangers?
There are lines that shouldn’t be crossed… so says the etiquette. There is a certain way of interacting you must follow…
Michelle Hastings is professionalism with the capital P. Strict. No room for jokes, mistakes. No room for personal matters in the way she interacts with people. Michelle is not a people person. Michelle has erected walls all around herself and no one can pass through them.
Eden Lawless is… a lot of things! She is as per her definition made of “two-thirds teasing”, a joker, a teddy bear, a panda, a good person? Fighting for what she thinks is important, helping the weakest members of society, trying to protect the environment…
Is there anything such as a 100% evil and a 100% good person? Do evil and good have anything in common? Can these opposites attract? Can good love evil?
Lines will need to be crossed. All those icy walls will need to come down. All the search for perfection, recognition, need to be understood and loved will need to emerge from the deepest abysses of both characters.
The Fixer sets the atmosphere for what Chaos Agent will be. We get to understand the settings, the characters’ past and we see them interacting with each other through online calls. Verbal and non-verbal communication at their best. How much you can learn from a person by seeing them. How much they will intrigue you. This game between the person wanting to know the other, and the latter trying to hide themself. Afterwards, the plot becomes more complicated then. And Lee Winter’s genius manages to involve the reader in the book. I already said so many times how much I love a book that makes me think, guess, try to solve what is not so obvious. And boy if this book made me wonder! I failed miserably, and had to laugh in the end (you will too, I bet).
This book is everything I was expecting from Lee Winter: The magic of the dialogues. So sharp. So ad hoc. I will never stop to say that this author should be a scriptwriter for TV shows. The thrill of the mystery. I felt as if I were there with Eden, in the middle of the action. The short, but to the point, pieces of Lee Winter’s view of the world that shine every now and then through the pages. Politics. Human interactions. Environment. Expectations in life. Success. Power.
The complexity of Michelle Hastings as a character is jaw-dropping. Redemption will eventually come, but there will be penance.
If usually in Ice Queen stories there was the “torture of the cinnamon roll”, now it’s the Ice Queen’s turn to be tortured. And yet… don’t they always do it? The worst enemy of an Ice Queen is always herself. How beautifully complicated they are.
To conclude (although, I really would love to keep on talking about this book), The Fixer is entertaining, captivating, magnetic and soon to be a heck of a classic for everybody.
Safta’s character is just perfection.
Now… can it be February already, please? You win, Lee Winter. I already love Michelle. I do. And I so adore Eden, me being a teaser who always crosses every possible line with my klutz character.
An anedocte over small town mayors and elections. I know on my own skin how wild they can be. My father had been the mayor of my hometown for many years.
His enemies? Burnt both our cars in our garden...
Politics... necessary evil.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I had just finished The Red Files and Under Your Skin, and apart from loving the main characters, I always thought that there was more to Michelle Hastings that met the eye. We are talking about a character that the whole sapphic community hated so much for what she had done to the Goddess Catherine Ayers. And yet, if there is one thing that I’ve learned by reading Lee Winter’s books it’s that even in the worst villain there is still some humanity left in them. There is always a reason why they became the people they are. That darkness that envelops them only makes me want to know them more, to dig into their mind and know their deepest secrets.
That is why, when Lee Winter announced that she was working on a novel redeeming Michelle Hastings, the novel has immediately reached the top of my wish list for 2023.
The challenge was real. How do you transform a character hated by everyone into one that you’ll end up falling in love with?
Only the mastermind of Lee Winter could do this. And the best part of it? She takes her time in doing so. She must enjoy doing that to her readers. The wait…
I just finished The Fixer and I cannot wait to read Chaos Agent. So good it was this book. Torture… waiting for more than 10 days. Redemption is a long winding road, and we readers are on the road with Michelle Hastings, waiting for the light to finally shine on her.
Epitome of the darkest Ice Queen. No feelings. No remorse. Michelle Hastings is absolutely magnetic.
The Fixer starts with Eden Lawless, a renown social agitator, presenting herself for a job interview in what we later discover to be an “Office with no name”, and whose CEO is of course Michelle Hastings.
It seems so simple, right? But the job in itself, and the required communication between the employee and the employer will action a series of events, that will bring back long forgotten memories to both of the main characters.
Relationships are hard. It’s already difficult to deal with your family, friends and acquaintances. You have known certain people all your life, and you know how to interact with them… but strangers?
There are lines that shouldn’t be crossed… so says the etiquette. There is a certain way of interacting you must follow…
Michelle Hastings is professionalism with the capital P. Strict. No room for jokes, mistakes. No room for personal matters in the way she interacts with people. Michelle is not a people person. Michelle has erected walls all around herself and no one can pass through them.
Eden Lawless is… a lot of things! She is as per her definition made of “two-thirds teasing”, a joker, a teddy bear, a panda, a good person? Fighting for what she thinks is important, helping the weakest members of society, trying to protect the environment…
Is there anything such as a 100% evil and a 100% good person? Do evil and good have anything in common? Can these opposites attract? Can good love evil?
Lines will need to be crossed. All those icy walls will need to come down. All the search for perfection, recognition, need to be understood and loved will need to emerge from the deepest abysses of both characters.
The Fixer sets the atmosphere for what Chaos Agent will be. We get to understand the settings, the characters’ past and we see them interacting with each other through online calls. Verbal and non-verbal communication at their best. How much you can learn from a person by seeing them. How much they will intrigue you. This game between the person wanting to know the other, and the latter trying to hide themself. Afterwards, the plot becomes more complicated then. And Lee Winter’s genius manages to involve the reader in the book. I already said so many times how much I love a book that makes me think, guess, try to solve what is not so obvious. And boy if this book made me wonder! I failed miserably, and had to laugh in the end (you will too, I bet).
This book is everything I was expecting from Lee Winter: The magic of the dialogues. So sharp. So ad hoc. I will never stop to say that this author should be a scriptwriter for TV shows. The thrill of the mystery. I felt as if I were there with Eden, in the middle of the action. The short, but to the point, pieces of Lee Winter’s view of the world that shine every now and then through the pages. Politics. Human interactions. Environment. Expectations in life. Success. Power.
The complexity of Michelle Hastings as a character is jaw-dropping. Redemption will eventually come, but there will be penance.
If usually in Ice Queen stories there was the “torture of the cinnamon roll”, now it’s the Ice Queen’s turn to be tortured. And yet… don’t they always do it? The worst enemy of an Ice Queen is always herself. How beautifully complicated they are.
To conclude (although, I really would love to keep on talking about this book), The Fixer is entertaining, captivating, magnetic and soon to be a heck of a classic for everybody.
Safta’s character is just perfection.
Now… can it be February already, please? You win, Lee Winter. I already love Michelle. I do. And I so adore Eden, me being a teaser who always crosses every possible line with my klutz character.
An anedocte over small town mayors and elections. I know on my own skin how wild they can be. My father had been the mayor of my hometown for many years.
His enemies? Burnt both our cars in our garden...
Politics... necessary evil.
February 18, 2023
This novel presents a conflict of ethical and moral interests when its protagonist Eden, an activist against multiple injustices, an expert in giving voice to the mistreated and expanding their demands through the media is hired by a secret organization that is dedicated to solving demands of highly established clients.
The case for which she is hired is personal, since she must unmask the corruption that her archenemy and mayor of her hometown is trying to put into practice thanks to her position in the city council. But she cannot appear in her town openly, because the now mayor made her flee, harassed and almost despised by her fellow citizens, including her own family.
And in this task, in addition to the ingenious way she must use to achieve the ultimate discredit of her goal without being too obvious, she reconnects with her origins and finds herself increasingly fascinated by her boss, Michelle, even though she is seemingly unreachabl. in her ivory tower.
In addition to the two protagonists, Michelle and Eden, the secondary characters contribute their large part in the story, Michelle's grandmother is nosy and curious, Senator Kensington faithfully represents the lack of scruples of absolute power, Melba and her son Jimmy are adorable , Aggie the board where Eden can always hold on.
And in the end there is the dilemma, mainly Michelle, for having to repair damages that are morally despicable. Is it really necessary that the powerful can always evade their responsibilities, even the dirtiest and most disgusting?
To be continue.
The case for which she is hired is personal, since she must unmask the corruption that her archenemy and mayor of her hometown is trying to put into practice thanks to her position in the city council. But she cannot appear in her town openly, because the now mayor made her flee, harassed and almost despised by her fellow citizens, including her own family.
And in this task, in addition to the ingenious way she must use to achieve the ultimate discredit of her goal without being too obvious, she reconnects with her origins and finds herself increasingly fascinated by her boss, Michelle, even though she is seemingly unreachabl. in her ivory tower.
In addition to the two protagonists, Michelle and Eden, the secondary characters contribute their large part in the story, Michelle's grandmother is nosy and curious, Senator Kensington faithfully represents the lack of scruples of absolute power, Melba and her son Jimmy are adorable , Aggie the board where Eden can always hold on.
And in the end there is the dilemma, mainly Michelle, for having to repair damages that are morally despicable. Is it really necessary that the powerful can always evade their responsibilities, even the dirtiest and most disgusting?
To be continue.
January 22, 2023
Rating The Fixer first. Full review will come after I finish Chaos Agent!
February 9, 2023
Hm.
Well, I’m not sure what to say about this one. It was fine, but I didn’t really love it the way others seem to. I understand this is mostly setup for the second book, so I’m willing to shift my perspective a little bit, but tbh I found myself a little bored. I liked Michelle and frankly most of my interest in picking this one up (other than enjoying most of Lee Winter’s books) was her and her redemption. The Red Files was my first real introduction to indie sapphic fiction, and it holds a really fond place in my heart for that. (I recently bought it and the sequel in physical bc I went on a book buying binge) but I’ve had less luck lately with her newer books. I thought Hotel Queens was fine, and I wasn’t as into The Awkward Truth as I wanted to be, despite loving Felicity, I never really warmed up to her love interest.
That was sort of my problem, here, too. I didn’t rlly like Eden that much. I found her to be kind of annoying. Two pet peeves of mine, (using ‘goddess’ in place of ‘god’ and calling her parents to ppl who are not her siblings ‘mom and dad’ instead of ‘my mom and my dad etc’. Both small gripes, but two things that always annoy me and that did Eden no favors in me warning up to her). She was brash and ignored boundaries in a way that I didn’t find charming. “Teasing ppl is half my personality, deal with it” are some of my least fav ppl in the world. Like, why DO you want your boss to be your friend and to call her by her first name, and ask abt her personal life? Don’t inject yourself into shit that doesn’t involve you. It IS none of your business lol. Idk. She grated on me a little and the plot with the clues and the mayor just felt kinda of drawn out and went on too long. I didn’t care of feel invested in it or the outcome very much. I paused and gave up and read a few things in between bc it rlly wasn’t holding my attention. I’ll probably read the next one eventually, but I’m far less excited abt it as I was going into this one.
Well, I’m not sure what to say about this one. It was fine, but I didn’t really love it the way others seem to. I understand this is mostly setup for the second book, so I’m willing to shift my perspective a little bit, but tbh I found myself a little bored. I liked Michelle and frankly most of my interest in picking this one up (other than enjoying most of Lee Winter’s books) was her and her redemption. The Red Files was my first real introduction to indie sapphic fiction, and it holds a really fond place in my heart for that. (I recently bought it and the sequel in physical bc I went on a book buying binge) but I’ve had less luck lately with her newer books. I thought Hotel Queens was fine, and I wasn’t as into The Awkward Truth as I wanted to be, despite loving Felicity, I never really warmed up to her love interest.
That was sort of my problem, here, too. I didn’t rlly like Eden that much. I found her to be kind of annoying. Two pet peeves of mine, (using ‘goddess’ in place of ‘god’ and calling her parents to ppl who are not her siblings ‘mom and dad’ instead of ‘my mom and my dad etc’. Both small gripes, but two things that always annoy me and that did Eden no favors in me warning up to her). She was brash and ignored boundaries in a way that I didn’t find charming. “Teasing ppl is half my personality, deal with it” are some of my least fav ppl in the world. Like, why DO you want your boss to be your friend and to call her by her first name, and ask abt her personal life? Don’t inject yourself into shit that doesn’t involve you. It IS none of your business lol. Idk. She grated on me a little and the plot with the clues and the mayor just felt kinda of drawn out and went on too long. I didn’t care of feel invested in it or the outcome very much. I paused and gave up and read a few things in between bc it rlly wasn’t holding my attention. I’ll probably read the next one eventually, but I’m far less excited abt it as I was going into this one.
January 19, 2023
Part One of The Villains Series with some characters drawn from The Red Files.
I was intrigued and amused from chapter 1, drawn in by the author's clever writing. Eden Lawless, brash, successful, noble, career activist and Michelle Hastings, enigmatic, cut-throat, CEO of a shadowy DC company known as The Fixers - a most unlikely pairing!
Eden has bad memories of her hometown particularly how she was disgraced and runout of Wingapo years ago by the woman now running for re-election as Mayor. Michelle's company has been hired to prevent that from happening - her ace in the hole - hire Eden for the task. Some score settling as incentive plus a hefty paycheck should do the trick. Eden is an innocent in Michelle's world.
Winter's does a fantastic job of mixing humor, activism, politics, scummy dealings and much more, with smart female characters in a plot that hooks and takes you along for an intriguing ride. Michelle gradually softens and the individual I detested from The Red Files becomes someone I actually want to be a better person and Eden's boldness and lack of guile brings about that change. Eden's best friend Aggie, Michelle's safta Hannah, Tilly and Melba shine in their supporting roles.
Part 2 beckons and I can't wait to find out what happens next. Recommend with 5 stars.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing. My review is completely voluntary and unbiased.
I was intrigued and amused from chapter 1, drawn in by the author's clever writing. Eden Lawless, brash, successful, noble, career activist and Michelle Hastings, enigmatic, cut-throat, CEO of a shadowy DC company known as The Fixers - a most unlikely pairing!
Eden has bad memories of her hometown particularly how she was disgraced and runout of Wingapo years ago by the woman now running for re-election as Mayor. Michelle's company has been hired to prevent that from happening - her ace in the hole - hire Eden for the task. Some score settling as incentive plus a hefty paycheck should do the trick. Eden is an innocent in Michelle's world.
Winter's does a fantastic job of mixing humor, activism, politics, scummy dealings and much more, with smart female characters in a plot that hooks and takes you along for an intriguing ride. Michelle gradually softens and the individual I detested from The Red Files becomes someone I actually want to be a better person and Eden's boldness and lack of guile brings about that change. Eden's best friend Aggie, Michelle's safta Hannah, Tilly and Melba shine in their supporting roles.
Part 2 beckons and I can't wait to find out what happens next. Recommend with 5 stars.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing. My review is completely voluntary and unbiased.
January 25, 2023
A marvellous new book from Lee Winter. I reread The Red Files and Under your Skin in preparation for this book. I am glad that I did. Not o my did I enjoy those books again, but they warmed me up for reading more about Michelle Hastings, Catherine Ayers nemesis. It seems she is more than just bad and is a complicated woman. Not so the other main character in the Fixer. Eden has depth, but my impression is that what you see is what you get with her. She’s funny and lovable.
I already ordered part 2 of this mini series and am very much looking forward to see how the story of these two women develops. And maybe Ayers and King make an appearance too?
Recommend
I already ordered part 2 of this mini series and am very much looking forward to see how the story of these two women develops. And maybe Ayers and King make an appearance too?
Recommend
January 23, 2023
Lee Winter, the queen of ice queens, writes an ice queen villain redemption book, of course it’s good.
Who is the villain that needs redemption, it’s Michelle Hastings. She was introduced to us in the On the Record series. (Which I advice to read before venturing to reading The Villain Series)
I’ll come right out and say it, I never really thought of Michelle as pure evil, a villain. She did her job, however awful it might have been for the parties involved. In this first book of The Villain Series we get a little more insight in the inner workings of Michelle, she’s just as flawed as the rest of us. We meet her safta Hannah (great character) and learn a bit about her history. Michelle hires Eden, a professional protester, to take on a new case. Eden is everything Michelle isn’t and she makes her question things in a different way, brings out a different side of Michelle.
This book is as much about Michelle as it is about Eden. How they work, personally and professionally, their differences, finding solid ground, emotional bonds. Winter did a great job of writing these characters and I understand perfectly why a character as complex as Michelle (a character who is her own worst enemy really) needs two books to be “redeemed”. I’m looking forward to Michelle letting go a little more and Eden teasing that out of her, can’t wat to read Chaos Agent (the title suggest this must be Eden 🤭)
*ARC received from the publisher (Ylva Publishing) in exchange for an honest review*
Who is the villain that needs redemption, it’s Michelle Hastings. She was introduced to us in the On the Record series. (Which I advice to read before venturing to reading The Villain Series)
I’ll come right out and say it, I never really thought of Michelle as pure evil, a villain. She did her job, however awful it might have been for the parties involved. In this first book of The Villain Series we get a little more insight in the inner workings of Michelle, she’s just as flawed as the rest of us. We meet her safta Hannah (great character) and learn a bit about her history. Michelle hires Eden, a professional protester, to take on a new case. Eden is everything Michelle isn’t and she makes her question things in a different way, brings out a different side of Michelle.
This book is as much about Michelle as it is about Eden. How they work, personally and professionally, their differences, finding solid ground, emotional bonds. Winter did a great job of writing these characters and I understand perfectly why a character as complex as Michelle (a character who is her own worst enemy really) needs two books to be “redeemed”. I’m looking forward to Michelle letting go a little more and Eden teasing that out of her, can’t wat to read Chaos Agent (the title suggest this must be Eden 🤭)
*ARC received from the publisher (Ylva Publishing) in exchange for an honest review*
January 18, 2023
Lee winter? Say no more.
I really hated Michelle Hastings character in The Red Files and Under Your Skin, but Lee winter just has a way of making you change your mind about seemingly unlikeable characters, and this book is no exception.
There are a few authors that are on my auto-buy list, where I don't want to read the blurb and just dive right in and I'm so glad that Lee Winter is on top of that list. I didn't feel like i needed to have re-read the "On the record" series to remember or connect Michelle's character. And the story was an all-round joy to read. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. And when you can make me sympathetic for a villain, thats always a bonus.
I can't wait for the next book!
I really hated Michelle Hastings character in The Red Files and Under Your Skin, but Lee winter just has a way of making you change your mind about seemingly unlikeable characters, and this book is no exception.
There are a few authors that are on my auto-buy list, where I don't want to read the blurb and just dive right in and I'm so glad that Lee Winter is on top of that list. I didn't feel like i needed to have re-read the "On the record" series to remember or connect Michelle's character. And the story was an all-round joy to read. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. And when you can make me sympathetic for a villain, thats always a bonus.
I can't wait for the next book!
January 19, 2023
Oh, Michelle Hastings. How we all disliked you yet I couldn’t wait to read your story. The Fixer gives an in-depth look into Michelle’s past and what caused her to become who she is. I cannot say enough good things about how it was written, and the Room Four Special scene, among others, will have you feeling many things.
From the first meeting between Michelle and Eden, I know we were in for a treat. They are polar opposites and that made them the perfect match. Eden is a free spirit who speaks her mind and Michelle is closed off and super icy. It’s clear Michelle is not used to being around people like Eden and she is thrown off her game because of it. I couldn’t get enough of their interactions. And Hannah is one of my favorite family members in a book to-date.
It’s not necessary to read the On The Record series first, but I highly recommend it to get insight into Michelle and Catherine’s past.
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for providing me an arc for an honest review. Now I’m off to start Chaos Agent.
From the first meeting between Michelle and Eden, I know we were in for a treat. They are polar opposites and that made them the perfect match. Eden is a free spirit who speaks her mind and Michelle is closed off and super icy. It’s clear Michelle is not used to being around people like Eden and she is thrown off her game because of it. I couldn’t get enough of their interactions. And Hannah is one of my favorite family members in a book to-date.
It’s not necessary to read the On The Record series first, but I highly recommend it to get insight into Michelle and Catherine’s past.
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for providing me an arc for an honest review. Now I’m off to start Chaos Agent.
May 28, 2023
I'm enjoying this duology so far! I like both Eden and Michelle. I actually see a lot of myself in Eden's optimism and 'fighting for the cause', which was nice. She is quite naive though, and sees the world in black and white, which it definitely is not. Michelle is super compelling. I don't see her as a villain, more a grey character who is stuck in depression and self loathing. I'm excited for the next part of the story!
I liked the scavenger hunt. I didn't get the clues lol, but I did figure out who the client was as soon as the character was introduced. Yay me!
I'll add that I don't quite buy Michelle as CEO of this powerful, ubiquitous, shady company. She gives secrets away a little too easily, and gets a little too involved, which I don't think the CEO should. I know it's about her being drawn to Eden though, so it's ok. There's a part towards the end where she talks to a certain someone that I thought stretched credibility too far, however.
And I don't like that the text kept calling the senators husband and the teenager lovers. No, call it what it was: statutory rape.
Onto Chaos Agent!
I liked the scavenger hunt. I didn't get the clues lol, but I did figure out who the client was as soon as the character was introduced. Yay me!
I'll add that I don't quite buy Michelle as CEO of this powerful, ubiquitous, shady company. She gives secrets away a little too easily, and gets a little too involved, which I don't think the CEO should. I know it's about her being drawn to Eden though, so it's ok. There's a part towards the end where she talks to a certain someone that I thought stretched credibility too far, however.
And I don't like that the text kept calling the senators husband and the teenager lovers. No, call it what it was: statutory rape.
Onto Chaos Agent!
January 15, 2025
4.5 stars. This was one wild, hilarious ride!! Idk what I was expecting going into that book, but it sure wasn’t…that. 🤣 This was intensely enjoyable and readable, despite some things mayyybe not being the most believable. And oh lord, I am absolutely dying for more Eden and Michelle, especially with that thought-provoking ending. I can sense a crush on Michelle coming on: Lord knows I love a brilliant, complicated woman! Onto book 2…
January 28, 2023
Oh man.. My poor ice queen loving heart somersaulted quite a lot while reading The Fixer.. Well done, Lee Winter.👏
And with book #2 coming up in a matter of days, I'm in no doubt that my heart's gonna be a happy camper while being put through the wringer. What can I say? Lee's characters and plots are that good!
Being a big fan of the On The Record series, I might be a bit biased towards this universe that Lee's creating but that doesn't take away from the fact that this isn't just run of the mill ice queen romance stuff. There's real depth and quality in it. And factoring in the mystery and suspence part? Too good to pass up really.
Although The Fixer could be read as a standalone book, some things mentioned would totally go over your head without reading the story of Catherine Ayers and Lauren King and their hijinks. So, as a precaution and to fully get into the heart of it all (and trust me there's a lot of heart) please consider giving the series a try. It's well worth your time!
And with book #2 coming up in a matter of days, I'm in no doubt that my heart's gonna be a happy camper while being put through the wringer. What can I say? Lee's characters and plots are that good!
Being a big fan of the On The Record series, I might be a bit biased towards this universe that Lee's creating but that doesn't take away from the fact that this isn't just run of the mill ice queen romance stuff. There's real depth and quality in it. And factoring in the mystery and suspence part? Too good to pass up really.
Although The Fixer could be read as a standalone book, some things mentioned would totally go over your head without reading the story of Catherine Ayers and Lauren King and their hijinks. So, as a precaution and to fully get into the heart of it all (and trust me there's a lot of heart) please consider giving the series a try. It's well worth your time!
January 26, 2023
It may only be January, but I can say with certainty that The Fixer and book two in The Villian Series, The Chaos Agent, will both be in my list of favorite books of 2023. Lee Winter shows yet again why she is one of our best writers. I went into this book with a lot of bad feelings toward Michelle Hastings yet knowing that I would be Team Michelle by the end of the book.
Social justice warrior Eden Lawless gets an offer from a mysterious company that will require her to return to her hometown to bring down the mayor, her archnemesis. Michelle Hastings is the CEO of the organization, who aren't exactly spreading goodness throughout the land.
If you have read The Red Files and Under Your Skin, you know and loathe Michelle Hastings. I was perfectly content to live in a world where I cursed her very literary existence. That is, until I was only a few chapters in and realized that Lee Winter was writing her in a way that I would not only forgive her wrongdoings, but also want her to have everything she never thought herself worthy of having.
Eden Lawless is goodness personified and like many of Lee's books, that goodness thaws the iciest of queens. While she radiates warmth, she isn't a pushover and is true to herself and her beliefs. And unlike most people, she sees more than Michelle wants her to see. She sees the crack in the mask Michelle has worn for years.
If you took all of my sapphic books and told me I could only keep the books of one author, it would easily be Lee Winter. I love how her books are filled with humor, intelligence and characters that evoke so many different emotions. I knew this would be an outstanding read, but it far exceeded even my high expectations. I want to take a road trip with Eden in her rainbow van, hang out at the B&B with Melba and gossip with Hannah. And I can't believe this, but I really want to give Michelle Hastings a hug.
An ARC was received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Social justice warrior Eden Lawless gets an offer from a mysterious company that will require her to return to her hometown to bring down the mayor, her archnemesis. Michelle Hastings is the CEO of the organization, who aren't exactly spreading goodness throughout the land.
If you have read The Red Files and Under Your Skin, you know and loathe Michelle Hastings. I was perfectly content to live in a world where I cursed her very literary existence. That is, until I was only a few chapters in and realized that Lee Winter was writing her in a way that I would not only forgive her wrongdoings, but also want her to have everything she never thought herself worthy of having.
Eden Lawless is goodness personified and like many of Lee's books, that goodness thaws the iciest of queens. While she radiates warmth, she isn't a pushover and is true to herself and her beliefs. And unlike most people, she sees more than Michelle wants her to see. She sees the crack in the mask Michelle has worn for years.
If you took all of my sapphic books and told me I could only keep the books of one author, it would easily be Lee Winter. I love how her books are filled with humor, intelligence and characters that evoke so many different emotions. I knew this would be an outstanding read, but it far exceeded even my high expectations. I want to take a road trip with Eden in her rainbow van, hang out at the B&B with Melba and gossip with Hannah. And I can't believe this, but I really want to give Michelle Hastings a hug.
An ARC was received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
January 27, 2026
Lee Winter is one of my favorite authors for a reason - her writing is always top-notch, and The Fixer is no exception. The characters are complex, and the storyline is rich with intrigue, humor, and just the right amount of tension.
I really enjoyed this book! Michelle, the so-called "villain," turned out to be much more likable than I expected, despite her past actions in The Red Files with Catherine Ayers. It was fascinating to learn more about her background and motivations. Her cool, aloof personality made for a really interesting character to explore.
Eden, the complete opposite of Michelle, was equally intriguing. Their dynamic, with Michelle being the ice queen and Eden being the passionate, idealistic activist, created a slow-burn romance that I loved watching unfold.
Audiobook review:
I also listened to the audiobook version, and Angela Dawe’s narration was incredible. She absolutely nailed Michelle’s voice, capturing the character’s icy demeanor and making her come across as both intimidating and vulnerable at the same time. The way Dawe distinguished each character’s voice made it easy to keep track of the many nuances in the story, and her performance really added an extra layer to the experience.
I really enjoyed this book! Michelle, the so-called "villain," turned out to be much more likable than I expected, despite her past actions in The Red Files with Catherine Ayers. It was fascinating to learn more about her background and motivations. Her cool, aloof personality made for a really interesting character to explore.
Eden, the complete opposite of Michelle, was equally intriguing. Their dynamic, with Michelle being the ice queen and Eden being the passionate, idealistic activist, created a slow-burn romance that I loved watching unfold.
Audiobook review:
I also listened to the audiobook version, and Angela Dawe’s narration was incredible. She absolutely nailed Michelle’s voice, capturing the character’s icy demeanor and making her come across as both intimidating and vulnerable at the same time. The way Dawe distinguished each character’s voice made it easy to keep track of the many nuances in the story, and her performance really added an extra layer to the experience.
November 12, 2025
*** 4.25 ***
I am actually really enjoying these flirty slow burn possibilities of a romance within the confines of dirty politics scenarios! I loved that the romance hasn't even come to fruition yet and we have to read the next book to, I am certain, even get to it. Love the full of life and idealistic young lady falling for the jaded, possibly villainous political wheeler and dealer boss lady 😎😎😎! Can't wait to see how the two of them will get over their differences and baggage in the next book 😀👍.
I am actually really enjoying these flirty slow burn possibilities of a romance within the confines of dirty politics scenarios! I loved that the romance hasn't even come to fruition yet and we have to read the next book to, I am certain, even get to it. Love the full of life and idealistic young lady falling for the jaded, possibly villainous political wheeler and dealer boss lady 😎😎😎! Can't wait to see how the two of them will get over their differences and baggage in the next book 😀👍.
January 22, 2024
this was too good!!!!! couldn't stop reading this book until i finished it and THAT'S how it ended? i loved it but i need to read the second one immediately. eden was just such a funny and loveable character to me. usually the ice queens are the one to steal my heart in books like these but eden made me fall in love with her too.
this might be my favorite lee winter book so far.
this might be my favorite lee winter book so far.
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