What do you think?
Rate this book
When She Flies
A lesbian office romance about rewriting the past and winning over the legendary ice queen who once inspired you.
When free-spirited artist Sienna Fisher is mistaken for an intern at a New York luxury goods empire, the last thing she expects is for the CEO to be aloof English art curator Jasmine Gemayel. Years ago in London, Jasmine shredded Sienna's art and mocked her for knowing nothing of life, setting her on a path to wander the world.
Now Sienna has a second chance to impress Jasmine, and she's not about to waste it. Even if it means becoming an intern at age thirty-four and trying to win an in-house design competition, all to dazzle the woman who changed her life…and doesn't even remember her. As if that's not hard enough, there's that strange business of the sparks that keep flying every time she argues art with her boss. Of course, that's entirely one-sided given Jasmine's straight and married…right?
Or…is she?
When free-spirited artist Sienna Fisher is mistaken for an intern at a New York luxury goods empire, the last thing she expects is for the CEO to be aloof English art curator Jasmine Gemayel. Years ago in London, Jasmine shredded Sienna's art and mocked her for knowing nothing of life, setting her on a path to wander the world.
Now Sienna has a second chance to impress Jasmine, and she's not about to waste it. Even if it means becoming an intern at age thirty-four and trying to win an in-house design competition, all to dazzle the woman who changed her life…and doesn't even remember her. As if that's not hard enough, there's that strange business of the sparks that keep flying every time she argues art with her boss. Of course, that's entirely one-sided given Jasmine's straight and married…right?
Or…is she?
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2026
51 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Lee Winter
36 books2,949 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 23, 2026
This book turned out to be so much more than its premise suggested. What starts as a love story about Sienna—an artist just passing through New York—quickly deepens when she accepts an internship she was never meant to have. The twist? Her boss is Jasmine, the art curator she once idolized and who years earlier humiliated her by calling her work unoriginal and her ignorant about life. Faced with that past, Sienna decides to prove how much she’s grown, not just as an artist, but as a person.
As someone who loves art deeply—who moves from museum to museum whenever possible, even without being an expert—this book felt like catharsis. It reminded me that art exists everywhere if we simply slow down and pay attention. You can feel the research behind every page, especially in how Lee explores different perspectives on what art means and how personal that definition can be. I truly believe even readers who don’t usually care about art will find themselves completely immersed and quietly reflecting on how much they’ve been missing. I honestly have no words.
The characters were crafted with such care that at times I forgot they were fictional. Lee brings them to life so vividly that you can’t help but feel their fears, their joy, and their anger alongside them. I felt incredibly connected to them, which is not always the case, since I don’t usually get swept away emotionally, but this story left me overwhelmed in the best way. The third-act breakup hit especially hard. I don’t think I’ve ever been so affected by one before. I had to stop reading more than once, my chest tight with a pain so sharp I genuinely wondered if I was experiencing the breakup myself. (Not me questioning my own emotional stability mid-chapter, haha.)
Sienna was such a passionate and forgiving FMC. She never gave up on her art, and I loved her journey. At first, she’s inspired by Jasmine and searches for her own voice, living and breathing art for herself. Later, she becomes the one who reminds Jasmine of the beauty in life, showing her that her artistic spark was never gone... only dormant. I loved how emotionally open Sienna was, how she didn’t suppress her feelings, and how her relationship with her father shaped her growth. Watching her finally stop running and choose to stay made her arc feel incredibly rewarding.
Jasmine, on the other hand, was far more complex. Beneath her aloof and detached exterior was a remarkable woman trapped by a toxic ex-husband and a controlling mother. While her personality could be difficult at times, I understood how she became a shadow of who she once was. Her journey felt like a powerful portrayal of resilience—proof that women can reclaim themselves and start over, even after profound emotional damage. Her character arc was the most impressive to me, and I loved how Sienna became the bridge that helped her stand up for herself, reconnect with her passion, and find the courage to reinvent her life.
Their romance was beautifully intentional. Their connection developed slowly and naturally, never rushed, with emotional depth always present. What I loved most was that the romance didn’t consume the entire story; it left room for growth, atmosphere, and meaning.
The writing tied everything together. The prose shifted effortlessly; dreamy and sensory during the art scenes, lyrical and melancholic during the emotional ones. The pacing was slow and steady, until it cracked open in a moment of raw vulnerability.
Overall, I truly have no complaints, which is rare for me. I’m usually full of notes, but this time I was simply astounded by how well Lee integrated every element of the story. This is a story that’s absolutely worth reading, and one I know I’ll be thinking about for a long time. It’s already become an all-time favorite.
As someone who loves art deeply—who moves from museum to museum whenever possible, even without being an expert—this book felt like catharsis. It reminded me that art exists everywhere if we simply slow down and pay attention. You can feel the research behind every page, especially in how Lee explores different perspectives on what art means and how personal that definition can be. I truly believe even readers who don’t usually care about art will find themselves completely immersed and quietly reflecting on how much they’ve been missing. I honestly have no words.
The characters were crafted with such care that at times I forgot they were fictional. Lee brings them to life so vividly that you can’t help but feel their fears, their joy, and their anger alongside them. I felt incredibly connected to them, which is not always the case, since I don’t usually get swept away emotionally, but this story left me overwhelmed in the best way. The third-act breakup hit especially hard. I don’t think I’ve ever been so affected by one before. I had to stop reading more than once, my chest tight with a pain so sharp I genuinely wondered if I was experiencing the breakup myself. (Not me questioning my own emotional stability mid-chapter, haha.)
Sienna was such a passionate and forgiving FMC. She never gave up on her art, and I loved her journey. At first, she’s inspired by Jasmine and searches for her own voice, living and breathing art for herself. Later, she becomes the one who reminds Jasmine of the beauty in life, showing her that her artistic spark was never gone... only dormant. I loved how emotionally open Sienna was, how she didn’t suppress her feelings, and how her relationship with her father shaped her growth. Watching her finally stop running and choose to stay made her arc feel incredibly rewarding.
Jasmine, on the other hand, was far more complex. Beneath her aloof and detached exterior was a remarkable woman trapped by a toxic ex-husband and a controlling mother. While her personality could be difficult at times, I understood how she became a shadow of who she once was. Her journey felt like a powerful portrayal of resilience—proof that women can reclaim themselves and start over, even after profound emotional damage. Her character arc was the most impressive to me, and I loved how Sienna became the bridge that helped her stand up for herself, reconnect with her passion, and find the courage to reinvent her life.
Their romance was beautifully intentional. Their connection developed slowly and naturally, never rushed, with emotional depth always present. What I loved most was that the romance didn’t consume the entire story; it left room for growth, atmosphere, and meaning.
The writing tied everything together. The prose shifted effortlessly; dreamy and sensory during the art scenes, lyrical and melancholic during the emotional ones. The pacing was slow and steady, until it cracked open in a moment of raw vulnerability.
Overall, I truly have no complaints, which is rare for me. I’m usually full of notes, but this time I was simply astounded by how well Lee integrated every element of the story. This is a story that’s absolutely worth reading, and one I know I’ll be thinking about for a long time. It’s already become an all-time favorite.
January 27, 2026
The Dedication of the book is tailor made for me. How did she know??
The plot is uniquely inspired and the characters sublime. There is absolutely nothing that I dislike. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ winner.
The plot is uniquely inspired and the characters sublime. There is absolutely nothing that I dislike. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ winner.
January 24, 2026
Waiting for the yearly Lee Winter's new novel is like waiting for the release of your favorite show, movie or even tech device... I am sure sapphic readers would love to attend a "keynote" where the author explains their new "product" and what readers should expect of it.
When She Flies is a compendium of Winter's best novels, with another "panda like" character buldozing their way through optimism and thirst for life into the colorless life of an Ice Queen who has lost her way and willingness to "dare take charge of her own Fate".
I won't spoil the plot at all, but what I appreciated of it is the lack of explicit lust between the characters at thr beginning, but more a "hunger for art and knowledge".
How some people can pull you out of the cage you built yourself finding a common ground that stimulates your mind and makes you "want more" from your life, because there is no life without being truthful about who you are.
What makes you happy is worth chasing for to set you free.
The plot is well set to spread some thoughts and guessing here and there, and as usual the race towards the end is spiked with delicious drama that will have you turning fast page after page.
There is an answer for everything... but some things... are just bound to happen..."fate".
ps. the art in the book got me googling and discovering many interesting contemporary artists. Unconventional and eye opening. Art is all around us, if we just stop running and look closely around us. Everybody in their own can be an artist.
Another ps. one line got me laughing outloud. The absurdity of it.
Fun times. Serious times. Anxious times. Sad times. So rewarding to read.
And pets. Pets are family, companions and part our past, present and future. They are a piece of us.
Loved When She Flies and the title is ad hoc.
When She Flies is a compendium of Winter's best novels, with another "panda like" character buldozing their way through optimism and thirst for life into the colorless life of an Ice Queen who has lost her way and willingness to "dare take charge of her own Fate".
I won't spoil the plot at all, but what I appreciated of it is the lack of explicit lust between the characters at thr beginning, but more a "hunger for art and knowledge".
How some people can pull you out of the cage you built yourself finding a common ground that stimulates your mind and makes you "want more" from your life, because there is no life without being truthful about who you are.
What makes you happy is worth chasing for to set you free.
The plot is well set to spread some thoughts and guessing here and there, and as usual the race towards the end is spiked with delicious drama that will have you turning fast page after page.
There is an answer for everything... but some things... are just bound to happen..."fate".
ps. the art in the book got me googling and discovering many interesting contemporary artists. Unconventional and eye opening. Art is all around us, if we just stop running and look closely around us. Everybody in their own can be an artist.
Another ps. one line got me laughing outloud. The absurdity of it.
Fun times. Serious times. Anxious times. Sad times. So rewarding to read.
And pets. Pets are family, companions and part our past, present and future. They are a piece of us.
Loved When She Flies and the title is ad hoc.
January 31, 2026
4.25 stars
Winter’s books are always so smart, well researched and written. This was no exception. The reason I am not rating it a full five stars is that Jasmine was incredibly similar to Elena Bartell from The Brutal Truth and Sienna very much like Eden from The Fixer and Chaos Agent. So I felt like I’d read about them before, just in different settings.
This was a good read - all of Winter’s books are. It was just a bit too familiar for me and I missed experiencing something surprising and new.
Winter remains one of my all-time favorite authors and I appreciate every new release!
Winter’s books are always so smart, well researched and written. This was no exception. The reason I am not rating it a full five stars is that Jasmine was incredibly similar to Elena Bartell from The Brutal Truth and Sienna very much like Eden from The Fixer and Chaos Agent. So I felt like I’d read about them before, just in different settings.
This was a good read - all of Winter’s books are. It was just a bit too familiar for me and I missed experiencing something surprising and new.
Winter remains one of my all-time favorite authors and I appreciate every new release!
January 24, 2026
This may be my best Lee Winter yet.
January 30, 2026
Jasmine has been disappointed by life in many ways. She hides her bisexuality, avoids her toxic mother, and still allows her ex husband to control her work. She does not recall a young artist in her London gallery asking her idol for critique a few decades or so years ago.
Sienna does and now in New York their paths cross again by 'fate'. Sienna is such a free spirited, kind hearted, gentle soul. An artist and traveller its hard to not instantly love her.
The storyline develops as does their attraction and feelings for each other. But hiding their relationship in a dynamic workplace leads to heartbreak.
I love when authors take the time and care to add in rich technical details in this case around Art, Design and Iranian culture. It so enriches the story, emotions and I also learn personally.
The characters written throughout this book are so strong. They come to life easily off the page. And I'm adding Jasmine Gemayel to the pedestal with her fellow 'Ice Queens': Neve Blackthorne, Vivian Carlisle and Elena Bartell.
Jasmine and Sienna's love story is so unfeigned and at times tortured. You will be rooting for them in every chapter. This is so much more than an Ice Queen Office Romance. Loved it.
Sienna does and now in New York their paths cross again by 'fate'. Sienna is such a free spirited, kind hearted, gentle soul. An artist and traveller its hard to not instantly love her.
The storyline develops as does their attraction and feelings for each other. But hiding their relationship in a dynamic workplace leads to heartbreak.
I love when authors take the time and care to add in rich technical details in this case around Art, Design and Iranian culture. It so enriches the story, emotions and I also learn personally.
The characters written throughout this book are so strong. They come to life easily off the page. And I'm adding Jasmine Gemayel to the pedestal with her fellow 'Ice Queens': Neve Blackthorne, Vivian Carlisle and Elena Bartell.
Jasmine and Sienna's love story is so unfeigned and at times tortured. You will be rooting for them in every chapter. This is so much more than an Ice Queen Office Romance. Loved it.
Read
January 24, 2026i have thoughts rn. hopefully i’ll remember them tomorrow.
overall, it’s always easy to get sucked in to one of Winter’s stories.
this one was surprisingly healthy? mature almost? not that others particularly aren’t, but this one particularly was.
loved Sienna. a sweetheart fmc with an equivalent amount of confidence and charm.
i liked Jasmine too. this is deffffo Winter going back to her DWP roots but being tasteful about it.
and the opinion you’re all waiting for… the sex. it was alright. the build up dialogue and writing was better than the payoff though. usually Winter is so good at infusing sex scenes with strong characterization but here it’s like…boring !!!
not to be miranda priestly but like omg take a risk ! ok you both eat each other out forever and that’s it ?!
and it’s not even that. i wanted more sensuality and desperation and banter. sienna’s contribution to playful banter is great in other parts of the novel ! but it disappears during sex.
and like ok OKKK you’re all so horny so you came fast but like that’s boring. just once in this book someone (probably Jasmine) should have had to work/beg for it. or idk just manhandle each other more !! so much potential but alas
the hurt/comfort was cute though, and i appreciate a lot of directions Winter took.
overall enjoyed but like omg Winter you can’t be reverting to tame generic sex scenes, this isn’t you. the build up was good but brief! and the scenes themselves even moreso. PLUS there wasn’t really a full payoff after they reconcile (BOOOO 🍅)
god i’m back on my bullshit of critical sex scene analysis in 2026. watch out world
overall, it’s always easy to get sucked in to one of Winter’s stories.
this one was surprisingly healthy? mature almost? not that others particularly aren’t, but this one particularly was.
loved Sienna. a sweetheart fmc with an equivalent amount of confidence and charm.
i liked Jasmine too. this is deffffo Winter going back to her DWP roots but being tasteful about it.
and the opinion you’re all waiting for… the sex. it was alright. the build up dialogue and writing was better than the payoff though. usually Winter is so good at infusing sex scenes with strong characterization but here it’s like…boring !!!
not to be miranda priestly but like omg take a risk ! ok you both eat each other out forever and that’s it ?!
and it’s not even that. i wanted more sensuality and desperation and banter. sienna’s contribution to playful banter is great in other parts of the novel ! but it disappears during sex.
and like ok OKKK you’re all so horny so you came fast but like that’s boring. just once in this book someone (probably Jasmine) should have had to work/beg for it. or idk just manhandle each other more !! so much potential but alas
the hurt/comfort was cute though, and i appreciate a lot of directions Winter took.
overall enjoyed but like omg Winter you can’t be reverting to tame generic sex scenes, this isn’t you. the build up was good but brief! and the scenes themselves even moreso. PLUS there wasn’t really a full payoff after they reconcile (BOOOO 🍅)
god i’m back on my bullshit of critical sex scene analysis in 2026. watch out world
January 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 very solid and happy stars)
RTC ♡
RTC ♡
January 30, 2026
4.25 stars
January 23, 2026
This book is so good. I lost sleep over it and do not regret it. Only thing I would say disappointed me was the lack of interaction with Jasmine's family at the end. The ending felt a bit rushed. Again that is just my wants but I still highly recommend this and love it.
January 26, 2026
I have enjoyed most of Lee Winter's work. I usually anticipate it. This was a good book, had a lot of fun moments. And I did love Jasmine. Like this kind of ice-queens, I adore. Men are trash. Ethan's redemption arc was a nice touch. The way Winter writes about women is very intriguing. You either love or hate them but you will still root for them, even during the flaw moments. Like what do you mean, I was still loving Jasmine even during that, "You're fired" moment.
I wish the cover was the art. There is a piece of art that is the focal point of this whole book, I would have loved that to be the cover. I do like the current one, but as someone who on certain occasions appreciates art, that piece would have made for a stunning cover. Also, I would have loved to see that car. I am so bad with seeing images in my head, so everything kinda blurs unless if I have seen it before. So all this art talk, would have been really good, if one of the majors was the cover. Even Suki or Bibo.
I wish the cover was the art. There is a piece of art that is the focal point of this whole book, I would have loved that to be the cover. I do like the current one, but as someone who on certain occasions appreciates art, that piece would have made for a stunning cover. Also, I would have loved to see that car. I am so bad with seeing images in my head, so everything kinda blurs unless if I have seen it before. So all this art talk, would have been really good, if one of the majors was the cover. Even Suki or Bibo.
January 28, 2026
- “Take the compliment.” Jasmine gazed at her. “Take my wonder. Take my awe. Because I assure you that all these things I offer in limited quantities.” -
Oh this book stole my heart from the first page, and Jasmine never let go. what a character of rare depth, confident yet vulnerable, strong yet tender, and so real you’ll ache for her. Jasmine is written with such warmth, intelligence, and emotional depth that she feels utterly real. She will stay with me for a very long time.
Oh and Sienna... her strength, resilience, and quiet determination make her impossible not to admire. What a magnificent match, powerful, and unforgettable.
"La liberté est un oiseau sauvage que l'on ne peut apprivoiser sans amour."
Oh this book stole my heart from the first page, and Jasmine never let go. what a character of rare depth, confident yet vulnerable, strong yet tender, and so real you’ll ache for her. Jasmine is written with such warmth, intelligence, and emotional depth that she feels utterly real. She will stay with me for a very long time.
Oh and Sienna... her strength, resilience, and quiet determination make her impossible not to admire. What a magnificent match, powerful, and unforgettable.
"La liberté est un oiseau sauvage que l'on ne peut apprivoiser sans amour."
January 23, 2026
Art is always a little tricky, because most readers have no clue and it's difficult to create an image of something so open to interpretation. Fahsion is a little bit easier, because we are confronted with it on a everyday basis. It gets much easier, when an author can invoke a sense of awe and enthusiasm for a topic through very passionate characters. My mind couldn't conjure up have the art described in "When She Flies", but I could feel the emotions Sienna und Jasmine experienced. This hooked me instantly and took me on quite a journey of romance, defiance, heartbreak, grieve, fear, bravery, wonder and so much more.
It's no easy romance - when is it with Lee Winter? It's a wild ride with sights to see left, right and center. I enjoyed it so much and can only recommend it. The romantic development is pretty predictable, but everything fits well with the narrative and I still found myself dismissing real life obligations in favor of reading just one more page. :)
It's no easy romance - when is it with Lee Winter? It's a wild ride with sights to see left, right and center. I enjoyed it so much and can only recommend it. The romantic development is pretty predictable, but everything fits well with the narrative and I still found myself dismissing real life obligations in favor of reading just one more page. :)
January 25, 2026
The writing amazing as always with Lee Winter but I never got really invested in the story to rate it higher. That is a me problem and I may like the book way more when available as an audiobook.
Now a bit too many details on the workplace drama so I was a bit bored while reading. Jasmine and Sienna work as a couple, but Jasmine's actions so very frustrating to follow for a bit too long, what she accepted from her ex unbelievable.
Now a bit too many details on the workplace drama so I was a bit bored while reading. Jasmine and Sienna work as a couple, but Jasmine's actions so very frustrating to follow for a bit too long, what she accepted from her ex unbelievable.
January 28, 2026
Olvidé que debía cancelar mis citas y llamar al trabajo para decir que estoy enferma antes de empezar a leer un libro de Lee Winter.
¡Vaya, que no pude soltarlo! No me siento atraída por el arte, pero me gustó mucho verlo a través de los ojos de los personajes.
Y, hablando de los personajes, normalmente me llama la atención la «reina de hielo», pero esta vez fue Sienna quien me cautivó. Quizás en algún momento raya en lo perfecta, pero me encantó su calidez y, al mismo tiempo, su aplomo. Puedo comprender perfectamente por qué Jasmine se enamoró perdidamente de ella.
Por otro lado, la historia de Jasmine me tocó; no solo porque es la segunda «reina de hielo» del Leeverso que, en mis ojos, está más humanizada (la primera es Michelle), sino porque su historia de vida tiene un ligero eco a la mía. Además, el hecho de que un ser tan imponente haya sido manipulada y encerrada en una jaula de cristal cala profundamente. Nadie está exento de caer en tales abusos, y a veces nuestros propios miedos y ego nos atan a esa prisión.
Así que, Lee Winter, gracias por otra maravillosa historia y por crear estos personajes que dejan huella.
¡Vaya, que no pude soltarlo! No me siento atraída por el arte, pero me gustó mucho verlo a través de los ojos de los personajes.
Y, hablando de los personajes, normalmente me llama la atención la «reina de hielo», pero esta vez fue Sienna quien me cautivó. Quizás en algún momento raya en lo perfecta, pero me encantó su calidez y, al mismo tiempo, su aplomo. Puedo comprender perfectamente por qué Jasmine se enamoró perdidamente de ella.
Por otro lado, la historia de Jasmine me tocó; no solo porque es la segunda «reina de hielo» del Leeverso que, en mis ojos, está más humanizada (la primera es Michelle), sino porque su historia de vida tiene un ligero eco a la mía. Además, el hecho de que un ser tan imponente haya sido manipulada y encerrada en una jaula de cristal cala profundamente. Nadie está exento de caer en tales abusos, y a veces nuestros propios miedos y ego nos atan a esa prisión.
Así que, Lee Winter, gracias por otra maravillosa historia y por crear estos personajes que dejan huella.
January 29, 2026
5/5 – sapphic, contemporary, age gap, ice queen, grump/sunshine, mc has dog. Exactly what I needed to get me out of a reading funk. Another great Lee Winter book—I pounced on this as soon as I saw the notification that it was out. I really enjoyed the setting, liked the office coworkers, and especially loved the big “Tier One” project competition. The chemistry was great, and this felt like one of the less icy ice queens I’ve read from Winter (more trapped grump vibes, in a good way). I also liked the art/design angle here, which felt like a fun twist and a bit different to some of Winter’s other ice queen/hot-for-boss romances (ex. The Brutal Truth). I don’t like dogs, but since this one was named Suki (same as my cat), I simply headcanoned a species swap. Very fun read!
January 22, 2026
Sienna Fisher is looking at the art is a office building lobby when she's suddenly grabbed by a well dressed Asian man, Oliver Ang. He thinks she's the nepotism baby intern he's wsiting for. She goes along out of curiosity and meets the boss, Jasmine Gemayel.
(She met her as a teen artist. The woman verbally shredded her portfolio, but she knows how good she is.)
She talks Oliver into letting her be the new intern instead of the nepo who quit.
We also learn Jasmine was married, and that some of the design of the place is her ex-husband and Bradley, his minion. She's also intrigued by the intern, as she's clearly not the type. The whole deception does not get by her.
Sienna wins her over, then starts work.
As she goes through various departments, she also hears about a contest/project to redesign a super high end Bugatti, and thinks the car would we gorgeous for women drivers. So she decides to put a proposal for it herself, with staff who are interested. And win!
During this, Jasmine meets with Sienna to talk about the art all through the building. She also doesn't, yet, know Sienna knows her from back in London. Jasmine is burned out on art, but seeing Sienna's enthusiasm asks her to show her the New York art scene.
Sienna takes her to a gallery with her collage art, under another name, including a series based on Jasmine's dog from London, Suki.
(I am looking forward to and dreading Jasmine finding out. I expect it not to go well.)
Husband turns up, overrides the Bugatti design. Sienna tells him off, he fires her too. Jasmine and her argue over J not standing up for her, Sienna leaves.
Jasmine realizes she messed up but is too proud to act. She salvages the Bugatti project, deals with work fallout, then finds out truth around Sienna's art.
Loved the title drop. Good book, good characters, good plot. I liked the background cast too, and was a bit sad we left most of em.
5 out of 5 stars.
(She met her as a teen artist. The woman verbally shredded her portfolio, but she knows how good she is.)
She talks Oliver into letting her be the new intern instead of the nepo who quit.
We also learn Jasmine was married, and that some of the design of the place is her ex-husband and Bradley, his minion. She's also intrigued by the intern, as she's clearly not the type. The whole deception does not get by her.
Sienna wins her over, then starts work.
As she goes through various departments, she also hears about a contest/project to redesign a super high end Bugatti, and thinks the car would we gorgeous for women drivers. So she decides to put a proposal for it herself, with staff who are interested. And win!
During this, Jasmine meets with Sienna to talk about the art all through the building. She also doesn't, yet, know Sienna knows her from back in London. Jasmine is burned out on art, but seeing Sienna's enthusiasm asks her to show her the New York art scene.
Sienna takes her to a gallery with her collage art, under another name, including a series based on Jasmine's dog from London, Suki.
(I am looking forward to and dreading Jasmine finding out. I expect it not to go well.)
Husband turns up, overrides the Bugatti design. Sienna tells him off, he fires her too. Jasmine and her argue over J not standing up for her, Sienna leaves.
Jasmine realizes she messed up but is too proud to act. She salvages the Bugatti project, deals with work fallout, then finds out truth around Sienna's art.
Loved the title drop. Good book, good characters, good plot. I liked the background cast too, and was a bit sad we left most of em.
5 out of 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The beauty & power of art and a romance for the ages
The fertile, creative mind of Lee Winter brings us again a romance with the whole gamut of emotions - and of course a reigning ice queen (it‘s a Lee-Winter-novel, right!).
There is the witty start where artist Sienna exploring New York City stumbles by chance into the Emporium where icy Jasmine and her team cater to every whim of the billionaire collectors of this world. Mistaken for an intern Sienna (apparently a soul-sister of Eden) is a breath of fresh air in the refined atmosphere: I had so many laugh-out-loud moments. Absolutely delightful!
Gradually the tide turns, the currents and eddies of emotions run deeper: Jasmine comes more and more into focus and oh so many layers of the past which Lee Winter expertly reveals and peels away. So many emotions: joy, hurt, betrayal, frustration, tenderness and hope.
The writing is par to this gamut of emotions and the descriptions of art throughout the book made it come deliciously alive in my mind. I thoroughly relished the art, its symbolism and the excursions into the artistic niches of NYC.
This book is a wonderful gem to be savored with a good cup of Safron tea.
PS.: Maybe by coincidence Jasmine’s parents came as refugees from Iran to London in 1979. May the day of freedom come for the Iranian people very soon.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
The fertile, creative mind of Lee Winter brings us again a romance with the whole gamut of emotions - and of course a reigning ice queen (it‘s a Lee-Winter-novel, right!).
There is the witty start where artist Sienna exploring New York City stumbles by chance into the Emporium where icy Jasmine and her team cater to every whim of the billionaire collectors of this world. Mistaken for an intern Sienna (apparently a soul-sister of Eden) is a breath of fresh air in the refined atmosphere: I had so many laugh-out-loud moments. Absolutely delightful!
Gradually the tide turns, the currents and eddies of emotions run deeper: Jasmine comes more and more into focus and oh so many layers of the past which Lee Winter expertly reveals and peels away. So many emotions: joy, hurt, betrayal, frustration, tenderness and hope.
The writing is par to this gamut of emotions and the descriptions of art throughout the book made it come deliciously alive in my mind. I thoroughly relished the art, its symbolism and the excursions into the artistic niches of NYC.
This book is a wonderful gem to be savored with a good cup of Safron tea.
PS.: Maybe by coincidence Jasmine’s parents came as refugees from Iran to London in 1979. May the day of freedom come for the Iranian people very soon.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
February 1, 2026
When She Flies by Lee Winter is a lesbian office romance with second-chance and ice-queen elements.
Free-spirited artist Sienna Fisher, now in her mid-thirties, gets mistaken for an intern at a New York luxury goods company. The CEO turns out to be Jasmine Gemayel, the aloof English art curator who years ago in London harshly critiqued Sienna's work and mocked her inexperience, sparking Sienna's world travels and personal growth.
Jasmine doesn't recognize her at all. Eager for a do-over, Sienna embraces the intern role and enters an in-house design competition to impress her old nemesis-turned-boss. As they clash and connect over art, unexpected sparks fly—despite Jasmine seeming straight and married.
It's a slow-burn tale of healing past hurts, chasing creative inspiration, and discovering real connection where it’s least expected.
Wow. I think this is about as perfect as a romance novel can be. An absolutely must read.
5 Stars
Free-spirited artist Sienna Fisher, now in her mid-thirties, gets mistaken for an intern at a New York luxury goods company. The CEO turns out to be Jasmine Gemayel, the aloof English art curator who years ago in London harshly critiqued Sienna's work and mocked her inexperience, sparking Sienna's world travels and personal growth.
Jasmine doesn't recognize her at all. Eager for a do-over, Sienna embraces the intern role and enters an in-house design competition to impress her old nemesis-turned-boss. As they clash and connect over art, unexpected sparks fly—despite Jasmine seeming straight and married.
It's a slow-burn tale of healing past hurts, chasing creative inspiration, and discovering real connection where it’s least expected.
Wow. I think this is about as perfect as a romance novel can be. An absolutely must read.
5 Stars
February 1, 2026
'When She Flies' is so much more than an Ice Queen story that we know and love from Lee Winter's previous books. The amount of research that must have gone into writing this story must have been enormous. There is so much to love about Sienna's journey. I have always appreciated art, but the way Sienna did, opened a whole new layer to me. Then the impact a stupid, thoughtless remark, can influence a persons life and character. The constant criticism a parent inflicts on their child, not realising how this can ruin said child's life and life choices.
I loved Sienna's time as (non) intern at the Luxury Goods Empire and the way she managed the typical masculine behavior.
There is so much to discover in this incredible novel.
I loved Sienna's time as (non) intern at the Luxury Goods Empire and the way she managed the typical masculine behavior.
There is so much to discover in this incredible novel.
February 1, 2026
I would never skip a book by Lee Winter because of what her stories promise.
The depth that comes with the story, how the characters are developed that you're not just reading about a character but you get a deep dive on the character as a person that it feels like they could just walk out of the pages and go about their day in the real world.
And the book did not disappoint, it reminded me of what a good story felt like, seeing the character develop, and evolve with every chapter, I can say this is the reason why I enjoy reading, and this has been one of the best things I've read in a very long time. 5⭐ well deserved
The depth that comes with the story, how the characters are developed that you're not just reading about a character but you get a deep dive on the character as a person that it feels like they could just walk out of the pages and go about their day in the real world.
And the book did not disappoint, it reminded me of what a good story felt like, seeing the character develop, and evolve with every chapter, I can say this is the reason why I enjoy reading, and this has been one of the best things I've read in a very long time. 5⭐ well deserved
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When She Flies is a beautifully written, character-driven story that weaves art and romance together effortlessly. The engaging writing style, sharp dialogue, and attention to detail make Sienna and Jasmine’s world easy to fall into, while the slow-burn romance delivers plenty of chemistry and emotional payoff. Readers who enjoy thoughtful storytelling, meaningful conversations, and romances that build gradually will absolutely want to pick this one up—I highly recommend it.
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
January 24, 2026
If you are fan of this author this one will not disappoint.
Lee Winter excels at delivering complex interesting women immersed in interesting careers who feel real . Add in interesting settings that have substance and are more than a backdrop to them and satisfying endings and you have a great story you can fully immerse yourself in.
Lee Winter excels at delivering complex interesting women immersed in interesting careers who feel real . Add in interesting settings that have substance and are more than a backdrop to them and satisfying endings and you have a great story you can fully immerse yourself in.
January 31, 2026
Wow! Another amazing book from Lee Winter - 24 hours and I was so sad the book ended but as with all good books I couldn’t put it down. Obviously a re read will be on the cards as soon as I’ve recovered from the amazing journey this book took me on via Sienna and Jasmine and their journeys!!
A must read!
A must read!
January 30, 2026
Another Hit
Another amazing book by the wonderful Lee Winters. This author has and always will be one of my favorites. The way she explains the characters and describes their feelings is absolutely astounding.
Another amazing book by the wonderful Lee Winters. This author has and always will be one of my favorites. The way she explains the characters and describes their feelings is absolutely astounding.
January 30, 2026
Another wonderful book. There are many reasons for ice queens and Lee Winter knows how to portray them in all their complicated glory. And learning why they are ice queens and watching them unravel can be heartbreaking but also breathtaking.
January 24, 2026
there couple things that bugged me but otherwise good read waiting on audio for reread
January 25, 2026
I'm a huge fan of Lee Winter so i eagerly awaited this release and I wasn't disappointed but I did struggle to get a connection with Jasmine
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews