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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
46 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Lee Winter
34 books2,989 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 94 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.
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
February 11, 2026
I don’t even know what to say. You think Lee Winter can’t do better, and then she goes and proves you wrong.
Full RTC.
Full RTC.
January 24, 2026
This may be my best Lee Winter yet.
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 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.
February 13, 2026
➥ 5 stars ⋆˚࿔ (obviously)
Well. Another masterpiece by Lee Winter. My god I loved this book so much. Rtc ❤️🩹
— Buddy read #9 with @MarsBar 💗
Well. Another masterpiece by Lee Winter. My god I loved this book so much. Rtc ❤️🩹
— Buddy read #9 with @MarsBar 💗
February 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 very solid and happy stars)
Where do I even start to put into words what I felt while reading this book?
I guess, I’ll start at the beginning, we meet Sienna, a 34 year old artist who - more or less- travels the world and then creates art from the experiences she’s made. Sienna becomes, quite by accident, a intern at a NY luxery goods empire which is run by Jasmine Gemayel, an art curator Sienna idolozed in her youth. What starts as an accidental mix up, turns into a love story where fate and art meet.
I really adored both Sienna and Jasmine to bits, the two captured by heart in an instant and it would be a lie, if I’d say I wasn’t dreading the fact that the book had an end. Because I wanted to keep going and going forever. Sienna’s optimistic and quite naïve side made my days and Jasmine’s rather grumpy/Icy demeanor just added to the whole experience. A thing that really stunned me, was how well the backstories of the two characters were written and how much detail went into explaining how they ended up the way they did and how they then, in turn, found each other.
I also really liked how much importance art had in this novel (which is obviously expected if both characters have a background in art), though I have to admit that I wish we’d seen the actual piece of art Sienna and Jasmine kept looking at since it did have a major role later on.
Another thing I liked was how nicely Jasmine’s character development was written/created and how she actually needed a while to ‘win’ Sienna back. Their love felt really earned after that.
Moreover, the side characters were AMAZING!! I adored every one of them and I wanna mention how Ethan’s arc was really nicely done too!
Besides that, as I’ve come to expect of Lee Winter’s novels, the writing was beautiful, as was the general setting and pace (though, the ending did feel somewhat rushed but that could be a me thing).
Overall, this was another really well done romance novel with so much depth, and wonderful characters. I thoroughly recomment ♡
Where do I even start to put into words what I felt while reading this book?
I guess, I’ll start at the beginning, we meet Sienna, a 34 year old artist who - more or less- travels the world and then creates art from the experiences she’s made. Sienna becomes, quite by accident, a intern at a NY luxery goods empire which is run by Jasmine Gemayel, an art curator Sienna idolozed in her youth. What starts as an accidental mix up, turns into a love story where fate and art meet.
I really adored both Sienna and Jasmine to bits, the two captured by heart in an instant and it would be a lie, if I’d say I wasn’t dreading the fact that the book had an end. Because I wanted to keep going and going forever. Sienna’s optimistic and quite naïve side made my days and Jasmine’s rather grumpy/Icy demeanor just added to the whole experience. A thing that really stunned me, was how well the backstories of the two characters were written and how much detail went into explaining how they ended up the way they did and how they then, in turn, found each other.
I also really liked how much importance art had in this novel (which is obviously expected if both characters have a background in art), though I have to admit that I wish we’d seen the actual piece of art Sienna and Jasmine kept looking at since it did have a major role later on.
Another thing I liked was how nicely Jasmine’s character development was written/created and how she actually needed a while to ‘win’ Sienna back. Their love felt really earned after that.
Moreover, the side characters were AMAZING!! I adored every one of them and I wanna mention how Ethan’s arc was really nicely done too!
Besides that, as I’ve come to expect of Lee Winter’s novels, the writing was beautiful, as was the general setting and pace (though, the ending did feel somewhat rushed but that could be a me thing).
Overall, this was another really well done romance novel with so much depth, and wonderful characters. I thoroughly recomment ♡
February 9, 2026
I’m just grinning like a fool over here. What is there to say? That we should just give L.W. all the awards on offer right now ? That this book WILL be re-read? That anyone disliking it will be no friend of mine? Yes. To them all. Getting to the core of these characters emotional states was everything for me. Wasn’t the plot, wasn’t the sex, wasn’t the physical descriptions or even the scenery descriptions, all of which were still top notch. But, being able to understand the ‘why’ behind all the moves being made made it such a special read. Absolutely adored it!
I delayed reading it because I knew I’d love it, then I’d inevitably have to read 10 more books before I find another one to drown in in quite the same way. Such is the curse of binging books day in day out.
I delayed reading it because I knew I’d love it, then I’d inevitably have to read 10 more books before I find another one to drown in in quite the same way. Such is the curse of binging books day in day out.
March 3, 2026
4.5 stars.I loved both Sienna and Jasmin : the ice queen and the free spirit that at first glance should have nothing to do with each other, but deep down are a perfect fit. The attraction is there, but their intellectual connection and love for art is their own love language, that only them can speak. It’s like everything was white in Jasmine’s world and Sienna brings back color and life. Their connection from the past makes it so better. The book’s pace is perfect and I devoured it. Seeing Sienna winning over each departement and slowly destroying Jasmine’s walls was heartwarming. The things they said during the fight weren’t very pleasing to hear, but lead to a needed break. Everything in the end clicks and it is satisfying to read. The reason for Jasmine leaving her career at first a bit hard to understand for me, and everyone meddling in the end was a bit hard to believe, but I loved this book.
PS : how cool would it have been if the cover was the woman in the cage painting
PS : how cool would it have been if the cover was the woman in the cage painting
February 24, 2026
This novel was recommended to me because I was about to board a plane for a vacation. It did not feature any planes at all, or vacations, and was irrelevant to the recommendation prompt, hah! However, it was an amazing book and I'm glad that I got around to reading it. Lee Winter ALWAYS delivers.
I loved this novel. I recommend it to everyone. Nuff’ said.
Highlights:
-Descriptions of settings, and food, and art, that are detailed enough to be incredibly immersive without being too much. That is to say, the writing was excellent.
-Fun characters; both the central protagonists but also the large cast of supporting characters. The office felt alive and real and not simply the set of a story.
-The banter!
-I HATE that man. It was alright though.
-The part when they get sick???? Ahhhhhh!
-Competence is sexy.
-Complicated and sad family relationships.
-A dog was used as a focal point for multiple central plotlines, and I think that was an amazing choice.
-Yay dog. Seriously there was a lot of time spent on this dog and I fully appreciate these decisions.
-Wonderful relationship, and in particular the slow development was very satisfying and a lot of fun.
It’s really good, just go read it. Anything by Lee Winter is good; go read them all!
I loved this novel. I recommend it to everyone. Nuff’ said.
Highlights:
-Descriptions of settings, and food, and art, that are detailed enough to be incredibly immersive without being too much. That is to say, the writing was excellent.
-Fun characters; both the central protagonists but also the large cast of supporting characters. The office felt alive and real and not simply the set of a story.
-The banter!
-I HATE that man. It was alright though.
-The part when they get sick???? Ahhhhhh!
-Competence is sexy.
-Complicated and sad family relationships.
-A dog was used as a focal point for multiple central plotlines, and I think that was an amazing choice.
-Yay dog. Seriously there was a lot of time spent on this dog and I fully appreciate these decisions.
-Wonderful relationship, and in particular the slow development was very satisfying and a lot of fun.
It’s really good, just go read it. Anything by Lee Winter is good; go read them all!
February 25, 2026
Lee Winter writes very specific characters, so going into this, I knew I’d love it. I actually slowed down my reading because I didn’t want it to end. Sienna is a go where the wind takes her kind of girl. She’s funny and very freaking smart and a classic sunshine character. Jasmine is a quintessential ice queen, powerful, determined, and suffers no fools.
They meet in NYC at Jasmine’s ex-husband’s super luxury company. Sienna is swept up in the art displays in the building and is mistaken as the new intern. Jasmine hates the interns, as they are chosen by her ex-husband. Sienna, as an artist and an amazing team player, wins over the whole team, stands up to a bully, and captures Jasmine’s attention and they bond over art.
As with Lee’s other ice queens, there is a side to Jasmine that she’s keeping a secret and Lee breaks her down so well. Sienna is adorable. There was a 3rd act break up. I haven’t read one of those in a minute and I forgot how much I don’t like them. It got my blood pressure up, and I was yelling at both Jasmine and Sienna, but mostly Jasmine!
Since this is now my diary and not just my book thoughts, I did get lost in the Winter Olympics and I watched so much curling and biathlon. I despise the US men’s hockey team, but I am all about the US women’s team!
They meet in NYC at Jasmine’s ex-husband’s super luxury company. Sienna is swept up in the art displays in the building and is mistaken as the new intern. Jasmine hates the interns, as they are chosen by her ex-husband. Sienna, as an artist and an amazing team player, wins over the whole team, stands up to a bully, and captures Jasmine’s attention and they bond over art.
As with Lee’s other ice queens, there is a side to Jasmine that she’s keeping a secret and Lee breaks her down so well. Sienna is adorable. There was a 3rd act break up. I haven’t read one of those in a minute and I forgot how much I don’t like them. It got my blood pressure up, and I was yelling at both Jasmine and Sienna, but mostly Jasmine!
Since this is now my diary and not just my book thoughts, I did get lost in the Winter Olympics and I watched so much curling and biathlon. I despise the US men’s hockey team, but I am all about the US women’s team!
February 18, 2026
This is Lee Winter at her best! Age gap, ice queen, grumpy/sunshine - sign me up. What made this book particularly special though was the art. That’s not my expertise by any means, but Lee brings you along for the ride as the two women explore New York’s hidden gems - and now I want to go to all those places. I loved both women and watching their relationship evolve - this one was a treat.
Short summary: Sienna is a wanderer, but when she shows up at her art idol’s new place of business and is confused for an intern, she believes it to be fate, and the rest is history.
Short summary: Sienna is a wanderer, but when she shows up at her art idol’s new place of business and is confused for an intern, she believes it to be fate, and the rest is history.
February 3, 2026
“She loves me. And I broke her heart.” (p.246)
Fate. She is powerful. She comes from deep historical roots with points of view that range from philosophy (a diverse range of POVs), Psychology and Religion. Here, fate is frequently portrayed as an inescapable, cosmic force that binds Sienna and Jasmine. An inevitable rather than accidental “destined mates” scenario, believed by one, “she just goes with the flow. Wherever fate takes her,” (p.323) and discredited by the other. And yet free will insists on entering the room. Why? Because choices still happened. Some careful. Some reckless. Fate may have guided the path, but Sienna and eventually Jasmine took control. The turbulence mattered. The risk mattered. “Find Sienna. Be with her. Win at life again.” (p.263) And still, despite everything, the plane landed.
Jasmine, was shaped early by trauma, a mother’s shame cutting deep as she punished her daughter for refusing the narrow role of a dutiful woman and never letting her forget the cost of that refusal. As a result, Jasmine believed she was lacking, selfish, too egotistical, abandoned heritage, family, and God. Nor would she ever find true happiness in the arms of a woman. Stripped of her creative & artistic soul. Once magnanimous, Jasmine went colorless. Alas, the tormented, detached, aloof CEO Ice Queen. Putting duty, image, and reputation first. Sad. Broken. Lost. Caged. Winter presents the struggle well, a trademark and also draws from other Ice Queen characteristics in previous novels.
Sienna the artist, lived for freedom. “A playful fearless spirit, gentle and free, who existed only to roam and learn and embrace new experiences. Someone with an enthusiasm for life and love,” (p.255) reflected sprinkles of Eden (The Villian Series), planted herself within the head and heart of one Jasmine Gemayel. Admired and enamored during her youth, Sienna, as an adult, was fated to melt the Ice.
The story that links these two (past to present) is heartfelt and heartbroken. An accidental opportunity, a meeting of artistic minds, a cage, a bird, a sweet memorable dog, a hurtful twist, an awakening, a second chance, and a happily ever after. A recipe for emotional satisfaction.
Fate. She is powerful. She comes from deep historical roots with points of view that range from philosophy (a diverse range of POVs), Psychology and Religion. Here, fate is frequently portrayed as an inescapable, cosmic force that binds Sienna and Jasmine. An inevitable rather than accidental “destined mates” scenario, believed by one, “she just goes with the flow. Wherever fate takes her,” (p.323) and discredited by the other. And yet free will insists on entering the room. Why? Because choices still happened. Some careful. Some reckless. Fate may have guided the path, but Sienna and eventually Jasmine took control. The turbulence mattered. The risk mattered. “Find Sienna. Be with her. Win at life again.” (p.263) And still, despite everything, the plane landed.
Jasmine, was shaped early by trauma, a mother’s shame cutting deep as she punished her daughter for refusing the narrow role of a dutiful woman and never letting her forget the cost of that refusal. As a result, Jasmine believed she was lacking, selfish, too egotistical, abandoned heritage, family, and God. Nor would she ever find true happiness in the arms of a woman. Stripped of her creative & artistic soul. Once magnanimous, Jasmine went colorless. Alas, the tormented, detached, aloof CEO Ice Queen. Putting duty, image, and reputation first. Sad. Broken. Lost. Caged. Winter presents the struggle well, a trademark and also draws from other Ice Queen characteristics in previous novels.
Sienna the artist, lived for freedom. “A playful fearless spirit, gentle and free, who existed only to roam and learn and embrace new experiences. Someone with an enthusiasm for life and love,” (p.255) reflected sprinkles of Eden (The Villian Series), planted herself within the head and heart of one Jasmine Gemayel. Admired and enamored during her youth, Sienna, as an adult, was fated to melt the Ice.
The story that links these two (past to present) is heartfelt and heartbroken. An accidental opportunity, a meeting of artistic minds, a cage, a bird, a sweet memorable dog, a hurtful twist, an awakening, a second chance, and a happily ever after. A recipe for emotional satisfaction.
February 24, 2026
5 🌟
Lee Winter, forever the master of ice queens and slow burns ✨
Surprisingly this wasn’t as slow of a burn as I’ve come to expect from her novels, but I enjoyed it even more and absolutely loved witnessing Jasmine thaw for Sienna. Speaking of, I adored Sienna! She was so kind, smart, thoughtful, and witty, and I loved the way she took no shit from anyone (ice queen included).
Some of my favourite scenes in this book were between Jasmine and Sienna in the lobby, I loved watching their relationship develop here and I actually enjoyed the art discussions a lot! The mystery behind the Waiting To Fly art piece was also so intriguing and I liked that it was a recurring subject in the book and the way we finally discovered the meaning behind it. On that note, Lee Winter has the best way of revealing certain things that were touched upon before and tying details together - I ended up shocked and emotional more than once. The rest of the book though was spent giggling and blushing haha, and god the spicy scenes were 🔥🔥 I would recommend reading them at home unless you’ve got a great poker face 😂
The one thing I didn’t love was the main conflict scene, certain things just didn’t seem realistic to me but that was minor in the grand scheme of things.
Overall another great buddy read with @Clara, and one of my new favourite Lee Winter books after Breaking Character! Highly recommend :)
Lee Winter, forever the master of ice queens and slow burns ✨
Surprisingly this wasn’t as slow of a burn as I’ve come to expect from her novels, but I enjoyed it even more and absolutely loved witnessing Jasmine thaw for Sienna. Speaking of, I adored Sienna! She was so kind, smart, thoughtful, and witty, and I loved the way she took no shit from anyone (ice queen included).
Some of my favourite scenes in this book were between Jasmine and Sienna in the lobby, I loved watching their relationship develop here and I actually enjoyed the art discussions a lot! The mystery behind the Waiting To Fly art piece was also so intriguing and I liked that it was a recurring subject in the book and the way we finally discovered the meaning behind it. On that note, Lee Winter has the best way of revealing certain things that were touched upon before and tying details together - I ended up shocked and emotional more than once. The rest of the book though was spent giggling and blushing haha, and god the spicy scenes were 🔥🔥 I would recommend reading them at home unless you’ve got a great poker face 😂
The one thing I didn’t love was the main conflict scene, certain things just didn’t seem realistic to me but that was minor in the grand scheme of things.
Overall another great buddy read with @Clara, and one of my new favourite Lee Winter books after Breaking Character! Highly recommend :)
March 14, 2026
It's always a pleasure reading a Lee Winter book. They are all fantastic, and I highly recommend them to everyone, especially those who love ice queens.
This last book, When She Flies, did not disappoint. I read it in one sitting and absolutely loved it.
For me, it is clearly a four-star read.
This last book, When She Flies, did not disappoint. I read it in one sitting and absolutely loved it.
For me, it is clearly a four-star read.
February 7, 2026
I loved this story about characters who seem to be one thing and turn out to be something very different. A blend of art and life itself. The two protagonists are excellent and complex, which keeps the narrative engaging at all times. The secondary characters are also a very important part of everything that happens. A highly recommended read, don’t miss it.
March 30, 2026
4.5 Stars
Loved it. Unique date scenes, very specific art experiences and having the main character inspired by Shoreh Aghdashloo? Chef’s kiss!
My only thing is the ending part was quite monologue-y. But other than that, it was the usual Lee Winter brilliance.
Loved it. Unique date scenes, very specific art experiences and having the main character inspired by Shoreh Aghdashloo? Chef’s kiss!
My only thing is the ending part was quite monologue-y. But other than that, it was the usual Lee Winter brilliance.
February 19, 2026
I enjoyed the start and I adored the orphans team that was put together.
“and full of scandalous gossip about people Sienna didn’t know but would love to meet.” Is a line from the book and for me perfectly describes Winters characters, except I feel I do know them by the end.
I think the biggest compliment I can give this book is that for "life" reasons I had to stop reading for the night with only 40 mins to go.... Believe me if I could have finished it, I would have.... When I was waking up it was with thoughts of the mains. How would they sort everything out..... I knew they would, but was really interested in the how. I sometimes struggle to remember storylines and characters when I've had to pause a book and pick it back up!! These characters were the first thing I thought about in the morning! That is unusual and one of the reasons this is 5.... Also, although I only had 40 minutes left to read, I spaced it out…. Read a scene, then went away and did something else. Not because I didn’t want to keep reading, but because I didn’t want the book to end. I didn’t want to have no more of it to read. The other reasons for 5? I was amused, entertained and "moved". (As is usual in a Winters book!)
“and full of scandalous gossip about people Sienna didn’t know but would love to meet.” Is a line from the book and for me perfectly describes Winters characters, except I feel I do know them by the end.
I think the biggest compliment I can give this book is that for "life" reasons I had to stop reading for the night with only 40 mins to go.... Believe me if I could have finished it, I would have.... When I was waking up it was with thoughts of the mains. How would they sort everything out..... I knew they would, but was really interested in the how. I sometimes struggle to remember storylines and characters when I've had to pause a book and pick it back up!! These characters were the first thing I thought about in the morning! That is unusual and one of the reasons this is 5.... Also, although I only had 40 minutes left to read, I spaced it out…. Read a scene, then went away and did something else. Not because I didn’t want to keep reading, but because I didn’t want the book to end. I didn’t want to have no more of it to read. The other reasons for 5? I was amused, entertained and "moved". (As is usual in a Winters book!)
January 30, 2026
4.25 stars
February 5, 2026
4.5 stars. Loved it! 😍
February 3, 2026
I didn't particularly love this book but I didn't hate it. It was just okay.
Winter writes really well and knows how to create characters. I feel like the book was too long and don't get me wrong, I love a girthy contemporary romance, but I feel like this one just needed to be trimmed. By the end of the book, I skimmed a lot. There were just things that dragged for me.
I didn't understand pulling Ethan, her son, into it because not much was said about him until then. It seemed like a case of just "well how do we tie this in". Winter goes on in depth over so many different things here: the description of art and even colors but when it comes to the romance and sex (especially the first encounter) it's just sort of.. very rushed and "hey gonna randomly get my dirty talk about and tell you how much I want you" which, to me, felt out of left field bc of the "ice queen" aspect.
Idk this was just sort of a story I read and won't stick with me, I don't think.
Winter writes really well and knows how to create characters. I feel like the book was too long and don't get me wrong, I love a girthy contemporary romance, but I feel like this one just needed to be trimmed. By the end of the book, I skimmed a lot. There were just things that dragged for me.
I didn't understand pulling Ethan, her son, into it because not much was said about him until then. It seemed like a case of just "well how do we tie this in". Winter goes on in depth over so many different things here: the description of art and even colors but when it comes to the romance and sex (especially the first encounter) it's just sort of.. very rushed and "hey gonna randomly get my dirty talk about and tell you how much I want you" which, to me, felt out of left field bc of the "ice queen" aspect.
Idk this was just sort of a story I read and won't stick with me, I don't think.
March 2, 2026
When She Flies turned out to be so much more than its premise suggests. What begins as an awkward reunion between Sienna, a wandering artist, and Jasmine, the formidable curator who once dismissed her work, slowly unfolds into something layered, emotional, and deeply rooted in art itself.
I loved how central art is to this story - not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing force. You can feel the research and care behind every museum scene and conversation. It genuinely made me want to wander through galleries and look at everything more closely. Even readers who don’t usually gravitate toward art-heavy stories will find something to connect with here.
Sienna is passionate, open-hearted, and forgiving in a way that feels refreshing rather than naïve. Jasmine, by contrast, is icy, complex, and carrying far more damage than she initially lets on. Her character arc - reclaiming herself after emotional control and loss - was the standout for me. Their romance builds slowly and intentionally, never rushed, and the emotional payoff is strong. The third-act rupture hurt, which is always a good sign.
That said, some of the character dynamics felt familiar if you’ve read other Lee Winter novels. It didn’t diminish my enjoyment, but I did find myself wishing for something slightly more surprising.
Still, beautifully written, art-soaked, and emotionally satisfying. Another smart, thoughtful read from an author who consistently delivers.
I loved how central art is to this story - not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing force. You can feel the research and care behind every museum scene and conversation. It genuinely made me want to wander through galleries and look at everything more closely. Even readers who don’t usually gravitate toward art-heavy stories will find something to connect with here.
Sienna is passionate, open-hearted, and forgiving in a way that feels refreshing rather than naïve. Jasmine, by contrast, is icy, complex, and carrying far more damage than she initially lets on. Her character arc - reclaiming herself after emotional control and loss - was the standout for me. Their romance builds slowly and intentionally, never rushed, and the emotional payoff is strong. The third-act rupture hurt, which is always a good sign.
That said, some of the character dynamics felt familiar if you’ve read other Lee Winter novels. It didn’t diminish my enjoyment, but I did find myself wishing for something slightly more surprising.
Still, beautifully written, art-soaked, and emotionally satisfying. Another smart, thoughtful read from an author who consistently delivers.
February 2, 2026
If I had one one hundredth of Lee Winter’s talent, I’d be able to properly tell you how wonderful this book is and how incredible Jasmine and Sienna are.
But, I don’t have that gift, so I’d highly recommend you read, When She Flies, so you can see what I mean for yourself.
Another phenomenal book from the author.
But, I don’t have that gift, so I’d highly recommend you read, When She Flies, so you can see what I mean for yourself.
Another phenomenal book from the author.
February 3, 2026
I loved, devoured, wrote insane reviews of Lee Winter's early, darker fiction, (yes there was romance but it was about far more than that.) Requiem, Red Files, The Brutal Truth, Breaking Character all had some hard truths in them and strong elements that could stand on their own without the love story. They also all had lines that could have come straight from F. Scott Fitzgerald, "silence coated the room like ash" is just one particularly devastating phrase that feels like it should be from The Great Gatsby (and that's as big a compliment as it gets.)
When She Flies, however, has little of this. It's all a bit obvious and blunt. The artistic imagery of the torn-art collages, bird cages, & stripey wallpaper is about as groundbreaking as florals in spring. Secondary characters lack depth, and the main characters are difficult to root for, and get their redemption far too easily.
Jasmine left behind art for for the safety of luxury goods but it's not fulfilling. I'd love it if this author would follow her lead leave pure romance, and go back to writing twisty stuff.
When She Flies, however, has little of this. It's all a bit obvious and blunt. The artistic imagery of the torn-art collages, bird cages, & stripey wallpaper is about as groundbreaking as florals in spring. Secondary characters lack depth, and the main characters are difficult to root for, and get their redemption far too easily.
Jasmine left behind art for for the safety of luxury goods but it's not fulfilling. I'd love it if this author would follow her lead leave pure romance, and go back to writing twisty stuff.
March 17, 2026
.☘︎ ݁˖ this is a novel to be savored, absorbed with care and appreciated the way you would a piece of art.
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.
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