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The Dirty Truth
From Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Winter Renshaw comes an enemies-to-lovers romance about the journey of self-discovery that follows a life-changing event.
After a brush with death, I realize it’s time to make changes in my life. Big changes.
First, my job. I love being a journalist, but I hate my megawatt magnate boss, West Maxwell. When he demands I rewrite an article on short notice, I turn the tables on him with a scathing new column and quit in a blaze of glory.
But West isn’t about to let me go that easily, the jerk. He offers me an unexpected new position: mentor to his rebellious teenage niece. For some reason, I agree—I like helping people, but I’m also admittedly curious to glimpse the man behind the mogul.
However, I soon discover that my new assignment isn’t what I expected. As I learn about the private side of my enigmatic boss, I start to see the heart he hides behind his icy facade. The old Elle hated West…but maybe—just maybe—the new Elle can tame him.
After a brush with death, I realize it’s time to make changes in my life. Big changes.
First, my job. I love being a journalist, but I hate my megawatt magnate boss, West Maxwell. When he demands I rewrite an article on short notice, I turn the tables on him with a scathing new column and quit in a blaze of glory.
But West isn’t about to let me go that easily, the jerk. He offers me an unexpected new position: mentor to his rebellious teenage niece. For some reason, I agree—I like helping people, but I’m also admittedly curious to glimpse the man behind the mogul.
However, I soon discover that my new assignment isn’t what I expected. As I learn about the private side of my enigmatic boss, I start to see the heart he hides behind his icy facade. The old Elle hated West…but maybe—just maybe—the new Elle can tame him.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 14, 2022
1785 people are currently reading
7616 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 652 reviews
June 17, 2022
2⭐️ All they did was hook up and say I love you
AND THEY ALL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER THE FUCKING END the beginning was good tho 😗💕
AND THEY ALL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER THE FUCKING END the beginning was good tho 😗💕
June 25, 2022
4.5 stars
I've been waiting for this book all week. As soon as I read a snippet of it in TikTok I knew I had to read it when it released.
The characters were great. They had amazing chemistry and passion.
As I've said time and time again, the Grumpy/Sunshine trope will always make me prefer the book more than others in the romance genre.
I loved how Elle interacted with Scarlett. It goes it show how caring she is. Also all her magazine entries were fantastic especially the one where she wrote about her boss.
Highly recommend you all read this book.
I've been waiting for this book all week. As soon as I read a snippet of it in TikTok I knew I had to read it when it released.
The characters were great. They had amazing chemistry and passion.
As I've said time and time again, the Grumpy/Sunshine trope will always make me prefer the book more than others in the romance genre.
I loved how Elle interacted with Scarlett. It goes it show how caring she is. Also all her magazine entries were fantastic especially the one where she wrote about her boss.
Highly recommend you all read this book.
December 20, 2021
thank you to the publisher and the author for letting me read an ARC of this amazing romantic story through NetGalley.
this book was really sweet , emotional and had so much depth. I really liked that It was kind of like pride and prejudice.he was a proud character which didn't want to people know about him deeply .she was prejudiced about him, making wrong assumptions.i enjoyed their conversation so much the way he opens up to her was really beautiful .the way they both work together for they girl really melted my heart
i really liked the author writing style.this was my first from her and I really want to read her other books.
my rating 4/5
spice: 2 chillies
this book was really sweet , emotional and had so much depth. I really liked that It was kind of like pride and prejudice.he was a proud character which didn't want to people know about him deeply .she was prejudiced about him, making wrong assumptions.i enjoyed their conversation so much the way he opens up to her was really beautiful .the way they both work together for they girl really melted my heart
i really liked the author writing style.this was my first from her and I really want to read her other books.
my rating 4/5
spice: 2 chillies
June 21, 2022
4.5 stars. Wow, this was really enjoyable! Just the right amount of angst for me, a strong heroine, and a hero who really learns from his mistakes. The storyline was well paced, and never boring. This was my first book by this author, but hopefully won’t be my last.
The heroine, Elle, works at a men’s magazine, which is owned by the hero, West. She is back at work after recovering from a near death experience caused by a brain aneurism, and after a negative interaction with West, she decides that she would rather spend her life doing something more worthwhile than what she had been doing. She quits, but fate has other plans when she runs into West’s troubled 15 year old niece in a coffee shop. West, who is at the end of his rope with his niece behaving badly, offers Elle a job to be her “companion”. However, Elle, in her attempt to be a better person and not wanting to be beholden to West, rejects the money and decides to just become a friend and mentor to the girl. This is a truly slow-burn romance, where the two MCs slowly built their relationship from enemies (Elle didn’t think at all highly of West) to lovers. The progression of their relationship felt natural and realistic. There are a few hiccups along the way, but they get a really sweet HEA and a great epilogue.
This book is available to read & listen for free with a kindle unlimited subscription, which is just a great bonus!
Safe for me; but the heroine and hero have sort of known each other for 5 years since she started working for his magazine. The heroine was in a LTR for a couple of years with a man she learned was cheating, and the hero had a FWB who he saw sporadically. She does message him for a hookup after a four month break, but he decides he’s not interested. Neither are with anyone else once this story starts, no OW drama, minor OM drama, no cheating, no scenes with om/ow.
The heroine, Elle, works at a men’s magazine, which is owned by the hero, West. She is back at work after recovering from a near death experience caused by a brain aneurism, and after a negative interaction with West, she decides that she would rather spend her life doing something more worthwhile than what she had been doing. She quits, but fate has other plans when she runs into West’s troubled 15 year old niece in a coffee shop. West, who is at the end of his rope with his niece behaving badly, offers Elle a job to be her “companion”. However, Elle, in her attempt to be a better person and not wanting to be beholden to West, rejects the money and decides to just become a friend and mentor to the girl. This is a truly slow-burn romance, where the two MCs slowly built their relationship from enemies (Elle didn’t think at all highly of West) to lovers. The progression of their relationship felt natural and realistic. There are a few hiccups along the way, but they get a really sweet HEA and a great epilogue.
This book is available to read & listen for free with a kindle unlimited subscription, which is just a great bonus!
Safe for me; but the heroine and hero have sort of known each other for 5 years since she started working for his magazine. The heroine was in a LTR for a couple of years with a man she learned was cheating, and the hero had a FWB who he saw sporadically. She does message him for a hookup after a four month break, but he decides he’s not interested. Neither are with anyone else once this story starts, no OW drama, minor OM drama, no cheating, no scenes with om/ow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️
Safety warnings:
- H 37 / h 30
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Loss of loved ones
- Child abandonment
- Mention of drug addiction
- HEA
I didn't like this book - to me most of the book focused on creating a relationship and bond with the MMC's (West) niece rather than the MCs relationship developing?
We barely got anything from them for most of the book except a few moments before they sleep together and fall in love.
The romance between West and Elle was extremely undeveloped and pushed aside just for us to get to know the niece better and have her story progress. We got more scenes with the niece and Elle then Elle got with West who is supposed to be her love interest.
Safety warnings:
- H 37 / h 30
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Loss of loved ones
- Child abandonment
- Mention of drug addiction
- HEA
I didn't like this book - to me most of the book focused on creating a relationship and bond with the MMC's (West) niece rather than the MCs relationship developing?
We barely got anything from them for most of the book except a few moments before they sleep together and fall in love.
The romance between West and Elle was extremely undeveloped and pushed aside just for us to get to know the niece better and have her story progress. We got more scenes with the niece and Elle then Elle got with West who is supposed to be her love interest.
June 11, 2022
I’m always hungry for a good enemies-to-lovers story and The Dirty Truth satisfied my craving.
Elle’s experiences were unique and created a heroine that had a different outlook on life which affected her current decisions. I loved her snarky responses to West as well as her kind and gentle manner with his niece. Her solid determination to have a relationship that fed her soul felt organic, considering her new outlook.
I was surprised at West’s response to Elle’s official stand against him (which I LOVED by the way!), as this was the first time the author shows us he is more than what you see on the surface. And I loved that most of all. The more he interacted with his niece, and that entangled with Elle, led to me falling in love with him, hardcore.
While this was lighthearted and fun, it also had some serious emotional moments that dealt with more than just Elle and West’s relationship. However, it never hit me over the head with it, which left this heavy subject story mildly angsty. This was what I consider a slow burn but I didn’t even realize it because I was so taken with the rest of the story.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Elle’s experiences were unique and created a heroine that had a different outlook on life which affected her current decisions. I loved her snarky responses to West as well as her kind and gentle manner with his niece. Her solid determination to have a relationship that fed her soul felt organic, considering her new outlook.
I was surprised at West’s response to Elle’s official stand against him (which I LOVED by the way!), as this was the first time the author shows us he is more than what you see on the surface. And I loved that most of all. The more he interacted with his niece, and that entangled with Elle, led to me falling in love with him, hardcore.
While this was lighthearted and fun, it also had some serious emotional moments that dealt with more than just Elle and West’s relationship. However, it never hit me over the head with it, which left this heavy subject story mildly angsty. This was what I consider a slow burn but I didn’t even realize it because I was so taken with the rest of the story.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
December 21, 2021
Overall an enjoyable read but missing that certain something to make it special.
I think this is my first time reading a Winter Renshaw but with all the great things I'd heard about her writing my hopes were definitely high. The Dirty Truth gets off to a really strong start and it sucked me in almost immediately. The writing is great, main character Elle seemed likeable and the storyline around her reevaluating her life after a near death experience was an engaging one. I'm also a bit of a sucker for a moody, mysterious and wealthy love interest so that all seemed promising too.
However somewhere along the way I felt like the romance side of the story lost it's spark. The other issues dealt with in the novel, child abandonment/neglect, grief, guilt and health issues seemed to take over and while they are dealt with sensitively and are important to the story, I found them off putting.
I also started to find Elle a bit annoying and at one point was literally shouting at the book. Yes, she wants to live a meaningful and fulfilling life and wants to be honest and up front about everything but it's unreasonable to expect everyone else to be the same. She keeps pushing and pushing for West to reveal all of his deepest secrets and trauma, emotionally blackmailing him when he isn't ready to tell all despite them not knowing each other for very long. I thought she was incredibly unfair to a guy who was trying.
Anyway, gripes aside it is an enjoyable and quick read, that's well written and engaging. I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an advance copy. This has in no way influenced my review.
I think this is my first time reading a Winter Renshaw but with all the great things I'd heard about her writing my hopes were definitely high. The Dirty Truth gets off to a really strong start and it sucked me in almost immediately. The writing is great, main character Elle seemed likeable and the storyline around her reevaluating her life after a near death experience was an engaging one. I'm also a bit of a sucker for a moody, mysterious and wealthy love interest so that all seemed promising too.
However somewhere along the way I felt like the romance side of the story lost it's spark. The other issues dealt with in the novel, child abandonment/neglect, grief, guilt and health issues seemed to take over and while they are dealt with sensitively and are important to the story, I found them off putting.
I also started to find Elle a bit annoying and at one point was literally shouting at the book. Yes, she wants to live a meaningful and fulfilling life and wants to be honest and up front about everything but it's unreasonable to expect everyone else to be the same. She keeps pushing and pushing for West to reveal all of his deepest secrets and trauma, emotionally blackmailing him when he isn't ready to tell all despite them not knowing each other for very long. I thought she was incredibly unfair to a guy who was trying.
Anyway, gripes aside it is an enjoyable and quick read, that's well written and engaging. I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an advance copy. This has in no way influenced my review.
June 5, 2022
I swear I say this every time I finish a Winter Renshaw novel but in all honesty, The Dirty Truth IS ONE OF HER BEST BOOKS EVER!!! I loved everything about Elle and West and their dynamic banter!!! This story had heart, swoons, a sassy badass heroine and a hero you will adore!!! I just loved everything about it!!!!
Ok. Everyone who knows me knows that if you include some form of correspondence (texting/emailing etc.) in a story, you already have my attention. Well this story will have you DYING!! Elle and West were amazing. Their chemistry was dynamic, their banter was passionate and fiery and GAHHHH...Renshaw included amazing ARTICLES (you'll understand when you read) that had me smirking and cackling the whole time. I legit read this story in one sitting. Nothing could tear me away from them!!
Overall, The Dirty Truth has everything you've come to love from this author and more!!! READ THIS NOW! 5 stars! ~Ratula ❤️
Ok. Everyone who knows me knows that if you include some form of correspondence (texting/emailing etc.) in a story, you already have my attention. Well this story will have you DYING!! Elle and West were amazing. Their chemistry was dynamic, their banter was passionate and fiery and GAHHHH...Renshaw included amazing ARTICLES (you'll understand when you read) that had me smirking and cackling the whole time. I legit read this story in one sitting. Nothing could tear me away from them!!
Overall, The Dirty Truth has everything you've come to love from this author and more!!! READ THIS NOW! 5 stars! ~Ratula ❤️
January 21, 2022
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review
Another Winter Renshaw book that did not disappoint me. The Dirty Truth gave me all the feels.. I fell in love with Maxwell my new book boyfriend and 5 star read.
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
Another Winter Renshaw book that did not disappoint me. The Dirty Truth gave me all the feels.. I fell in love with Maxwell my new book boyfriend and 5 star read.
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
July 20, 2022
Muy gratamente sorprendida, la verdad.
Pedí este libro en Netgalley no sé por qué, ya que no conocía a la escritora y no leí la sinopsis (yo soy así y así hay que quererme), supongo que por haber visto que eran unos enemies to lovers, uno de mis tópicos favoritos. Esperaba una contemporánea a lo Vi Keeland, por ejemplo, y para nada, es más chick lit que romántica en ese sentido, ya que importan más otros aspectos de la vida de los protagonistas que su relación amorosa (aunque la tensión entre ambos está presente durante todo el libro). Los protagonistas comienzan sintiendo verdadero rechazo (al menos uno de ellos) y, por romance reasons, acaban teniendo contacto cercano, algo que la autora aprovecha para que vayamos conociendo más a West, el maromo y un misterio con patas.
Aunque hay cierta relación laboral, no esperes tensión sexual en el trabajo ni guarrerismos en la fotocopiadora. Se huye de todos los lugares comunes que puedes esperar de una contemporánea con esta clase de portada y tenemos más una historia de amor cocida a fuego muy muy lento, basada en el conocimiento paulatino de la otra persona, pero que resulta algo secundaria en el conjunto del libro. A pesar de eso, lo he leído muy bien, la escritora logra interesarte en la vida de esos personajes, en su pasado y en sus ganas de avanzar y mirar al futuro (o en su falta de ellas).
Me ha parecido muy bien escrito, bastante ágil y, aunque me habría encantado más romance y más guarrerismo (que hay muy poquito y poco descrito), ha conseguido que recuperara las ganas de leer que he tenido bastante ausentes en estos últimos días.
Me apunto el nombre de la escritora para seguirle la pista.
Pedí este libro en Netgalley no sé por qué, ya que no conocía a la escritora y no leí la sinopsis (yo soy así y así hay que quererme), supongo que por haber visto que eran unos enemies to lovers, uno de mis tópicos favoritos. Esperaba una contemporánea a lo Vi Keeland, por ejemplo, y para nada, es más chick lit que romántica en ese sentido, ya que importan más otros aspectos de la vida de los protagonistas que su relación amorosa (aunque la tensión entre ambos está presente durante todo el libro). Los protagonistas comienzan sintiendo verdadero rechazo (al menos uno de ellos) y, por romance reasons, acaban teniendo contacto cercano, algo que la autora aprovecha para que vayamos conociendo más a West, el maromo y un misterio con patas.
Aunque hay cierta relación laboral, no esperes tensión sexual en el trabajo ni guarrerismos en la fotocopiadora. Se huye de todos los lugares comunes que puedes esperar de una contemporánea con esta clase de portada y tenemos más una historia de amor cocida a fuego muy muy lento, basada en el conocimiento paulatino de la otra persona, pero que resulta algo secundaria en el conjunto del libro. A pesar de eso, lo he leído muy bien, la escritora logra interesarte en la vida de esos personajes, en su pasado y en sus ganas de avanzar y mirar al futuro (o en su falta de ellas).
Me ha parecido muy bien escrito, bastante ágil y, aunque me habría encantado más romance y más guarrerismo (que hay muy poquito y poco descrito), ha conseguido que recuperara las ganas de leer que he tenido bastante ausentes en estos últimos días.
Me apunto el nombre de la escritora para seguirle la pista.
January 23, 2025
Ok so I'm not sure how to rate this one so I'm going to write down my thoughts here and hope that it helps to settle on a rating.
So, overall I really liked the storyline. But I felt that it fell a little short of the great story it had the potential to be. Like, the storytelling felt a little flat and cold, with a lack of description of how the characters were feeling.
I think it had the potential to be angsty and really bring up those feelings, considering that West is characterized as a cold, hard man and Elle softens him. And with his niece being in the picture, it could have been more poignant. There were scenes where the dialogue felt grave and deep and serious, but the characters were shown to be grinning or smiling or teasing each other. It felt a bit disconnected.
This was also a slowburn, but
The backbone of the story was great, I think the execution did not work for me.
I think a 2.5 star rating it is.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
So, overall I really liked the storyline. But I felt that it fell a little short of the great story it had the potential to be. Like, the storytelling felt a little flat and cold, with a lack of description of how the characters were feeling.
I think it had the potential to be angsty and really bring up those feelings, considering that West is characterized as a cold, hard man and Elle softens him. And with his niece being in the picture, it could have been more poignant. There were scenes where the dialogue felt grave and deep and serious, but the characters were shown to be grinning or smiling or teasing each other. It felt a bit disconnected.
This was also a slowburn, but
The backbone of the story was great, I think the execution did not work for me.
I think a 2.5 star rating it is.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 20, 2021
Grown up, slow burn romance with realistic issues and sensible conclusions…..an absolute winner of a story.
Elle is not a fan of her boss West Maxwell….he’s rude, detached and has zero redeeming qualities …none that she can see anyway!…. annoyingly he is extremely attractive!!
Then she finally hits her last straw and finds herself newly unemployed…..but an unexpected encounter with Mr Maxwell takes her completely by surprise and his sudden, out of character proposition puts her new life on a different course altogether!
I love a sassy, unapologetic female lead with a gentle heart and that is what we get with Elle.
West Maxwell is a complicated man and little did he know what he really needed was the spitfire ex employee dishing him some home truths!
With a wayward niece and lots of emotional minefields Elle and West are certainly up against it….will honesty and trust be their saving or will secrets and insecurities be their downfall….
Loved this from Ms Renshaw, easy style, likeable characters and great dialogue makes for the perfect escape!
Elle is not a fan of her boss West Maxwell….he’s rude, detached and has zero redeeming qualities …none that she can see anyway!…. annoyingly he is extremely attractive!!
Then she finally hits her last straw and finds herself newly unemployed…..but an unexpected encounter with Mr Maxwell takes her completely by surprise and his sudden, out of character proposition puts her new life on a different course altogether!
I love a sassy, unapologetic female lead with a gentle heart and that is what we get with Elle.
West Maxwell is a complicated man and little did he know what he really needed was the spitfire ex employee dishing him some home truths!
With a wayward niece and lots of emotional minefields Elle and West are certainly up against it….will honesty and trust be their saving or will secrets and insecurities be their downfall….
Loved this from Ms Renshaw, easy style, likeable characters and great dialogue makes for the perfect escape!
July 8, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a good book, but it didn’t wow me. And I am very disappointed as I feel like I could have loved this book if I haven’t felt like the romance took the backseat in the story.
This was a good book, but it didn’t wow me. And I am very disappointed as I feel like I could have loved this book if I haven’t felt like the romance took the backseat in the story.
October 14, 2025
Interesting beginning with a very lackluster middle and ending. I didn’t really feel any chemistry between these two characters. I also didn’t care one way or another if they would end up together. I found both of them bland and one dimensional; the hero is an asshole almost the whole book, and the heroine is pushy and impulsive. The niece character was ok. I thought she’d appear more than she did. Overall, pretty ehh. All my friends on here rated this 3 stars too, and I think that says it all tbh.
June 17, 2022
I hate saying bad stuff about the narrators but this was a mess. I didn't understand at first when there were dialogues because the voice was so flat. I didn't like the narration at all so it was difficult to appreciate the story. The MMC was so obnoxious. The buildup between the two MC was badly done. The only scenes that mattered were told afterwards. That was so frustrating. I wanted a really conversation between Elle, West and Scarlett that never happened. I was ready to DNF the book by that point but it felt wrong because I was so close to the end... That's the only reason I finished it.
July 11, 2022
i truly wanna understand the heroine’s intention but i don’t get any annoying west’s sequences beforehand. everything happened all of a sudden “oh he showed up” “oh i hate him” “ok i wanna quit” no built up whatsoever. like give me moreeee reasons. and she giving me an icky ted talk every 30 minutes. west also kind of annoying with her niece. so…
December 19, 2021
The Dirty Truth by Winter Renshaw is one of my top five favorites of the 200 books I read this year. There is so much emotion, depth, and character development, and I love how these enemies-to-lovers realized that people aren’t always what they seem and found love in the process.
My undergrad degrees are in journalism and PR so I always enjoy it when one of the characters does this for a living. Our heroine, Elle Napier, had her own popular column in a national men’s magazine, Made Man, that is owned by our hero, West Maxell. That is until she quit. He’s the typical growly, stand-offish, not-in-tune with his staff type of boss, who doesn’t let anyone in.
West is harboring a secret as he is consumed with guilt over losing his brother. He is now the guardian of his 14-year-old niece, Scarlett, who is trying to adjust to life in New York, and reaches out to Elle for help. She soon realizes he is hard on the outside and soft on the inside and worth getting to know. Scarlett was searching for unconditional love and security, as well as a friend, and acting out. Her life in Nebraska was all she knew, and she gave her uncle a run for his money until Elle shed some light on the reasons for her behavior. I feel there are many children and teens who don’t know how to express their feelings and the author portrayed her perfectly and very sympathetically.
Being a journalist, Elle can’t help but be curious and ask the hard questions, and I loved how smart she was and her deep reflection on so many topics, including life after death. She suffered a life-changing medical condition and has a new positive attitude, and I admired her so much for selflessly being a mentor to Scarlett, even though she had reservations about her sexy uncle. I loved how strong and opinioned she was, and how she knew how she wanted to be treated and didn’t accept less. I loved how she didn’t play games and was open-minded, realized when she overreacted, and sincerely accepted an apology when it was offered.
This book delves into sensitive topics, and the author did a wonderful job unraveling every little tidbit and tying it together beautifully. Life isn’t easy and as adults we aren’t always prepared to analyze our feelings or behavior and I liked how they could talk things through. There are so many layers to this story including childhood abandonment, grieving a loved one, dealing with guilt, sharing your truth and being vulnerable, admitting your character flaws and working towards improving them, and making the people you love a priority instead of just working for a living.
The Dirty Truth has all the feels and is not to be missed. I found myself very emotional at times and filled with angst, heartbreak, tears, and joy. I loved Elle and West as a couple and feel that their love story and sexy times progressed exactly as it should. I loved how she trusted her instincts and gave him a chance, and how he opened up to her and shared his greatest pain.
My undergrad degrees are in journalism and PR so I always enjoy it when one of the characters does this for a living. Our heroine, Elle Napier, had her own popular column in a national men’s magazine, Made Man, that is owned by our hero, West Maxell. That is until she quit. He’s the typical growly, stand-offish, not-in-tune with his staff type of boss, who doesn’t let anyone in.
West is harboring a secret as he is consumed with guilt over losing his brother. He is now the guardian of his 14-year-old niece, Scarlett, who is trying to adjust to life in New York, and reaches out to Elle for help. She soon realizes he is hard on the outside and soft on the inside and worth getting to know. Scarlett was searching for unconditional love and security, as well as a friend, and acting out. Her life in Nebraska was all she knew, and she gave her uncle a run for his money until Elle shed some light on the reasons for her behavior. I feel there are many children and teens who don’t know how to express their feelings and the author portrayed her perfectly and very sympathetically.
Being a journalist, Elle can’t help but be curious and ask the hard questions, and I loved how smart she was and her deep reflection on so many topics, including life after death. She suffered a life-changing medical condition and has a new positive attitude, and I admired her so much for selflessly being a mentor to Scarlett, even though she had reservations about her sexy uncle. I loved how strong and opinioned she was, and how she knew how she wanted to be treated and didn’t accept less. I loved how she didn’t play games and was open-minded, realized when she overreacted, and sincerely accepted an apology when it was offered.
This book delves into sensitive topics, and the author did a wonderful job unraveling every little tidbit and tying it together beautifully. Life isn’t easy and as adults we aren’t always prepared to analyze our feelings or behavior and I liked how they could talk things through. There are so many layers to this story including childhood abandonment, grieving a loved one, dealing with guilt, sharing your truth and being vulnerable, admitting your character flaws and working towards improving them, and making the people you love a priority instead of just working for a living.
The Dirty Truth has all the feels and is not to be missed. I found myself very emotional at times and filled with angst, heartbreak, tears, and joy. I loved Elle and West as a couple and feel that their love story and sexy times progressed exactly as it should. I loved how she trusted her instincts and gave him a chance, and how he opened up to her and shared his greatest pain.
June 14, 2022
"Don’t settle for a spark . . . light a fire instead."
West Maxwell. Ambitious. Attractive. Intelligent. Wealthy. The epitome of a true alpha in every way, used to getting whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, without concern for the fear and hurt he inflicted along the way. West left his humble roots behind and worked to become wildly successful as the founder of Made Man magazine. But who was West Maxwell, the man other men aspired to be?
Elle Napier, writer of The Dirty Truth, a dating advice column in the men's magazine, decided to make changes in her life after facing a brush with death. She wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives.
"I’m tired of living this weird, filtered version of life where every decision, every move I make, is rooted in fear or every word out of my mouth is some kind of filtered version of the truth."
Embracing truth and fearlessness, she set out on a quest to infuse her life with things that only brought her joy and meaning. After leaving her job at the magazine following a verbal humiliation by West, she took on the role as mentor to West's 14-year-old niece, Scarlett. While bonding with Scarlett, Elle used the opportunity to learn more about West. Who was the man behind the image and what drove him to success?
"Behind the curtains of West Maxwell’s beautiful and privileged life is a dark and heavy portrait I wasn’t expecting."
This latest read from Winter Renshaw took a more serious look into a number of issues including death, abandonment, guilt and self-discovery, as well as touching on the complications of life in the military. Despite his seemingly impossible ways, my heart broke for West as Elle revealed layer upon layer of his motivations underlying his quest for greatness. Meanwhile, on her own journey towards discovering her best self, Elle emerged as such a strong and inspiring woman and was perfect as the protagonist in this story.
The undeniable attraction between West and Elle evolved slowly and was lighter in steam than I was expecting. But, more important than their relationship, this was a story of discovering one's best self and finding the right path to get there. For a deeper approach to contemporary romance, pick up this gem in June 2022.
** Special thanks to Montlake, author Winter Renshaw and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available June 14, 2022. **
West Maxwell. Ambitious. Attractive. Intelligent. Wealthy. The epitome of a true alpha in every way, used to getting whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, without concern for the fear and hurt he inflicted along the way. West left his humble roots behind and worked to become wildly successful as the founder of Made Man magazine. But who was West Maxwell, the man other men aspired to be?
Elle Napier, writer of The Dirty Truth, a dating advice column in the men's magazine, decided to make changes in her life after facing a brush with death. She wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives.
"I’m tired of living this weird, filtered version of life where every decision, every move I make, is rooted in fear or every word out of my mouth is some kind of filtered version of the truth."
Embracing truth and fearlessness, she set out on a quest to infuse her life with things that only brought her joy and meaning. After leaving her job at the magazine following a verbal humiliation by West, she took on the role as mentor to West's 14-year-old niece, Scarlett. While bonding with Scarlett, Elle used the opportunity to learn more about West. Who was the man behind the image and what drove him to success?
"Behind the curtains of West Maxwell’s beautiful and privileged life is a dark and heavy portrait I wasn’t expecting."
This latest read from Winter Renshaw took a more serious look into a number of issues including death, abandonment, guilt and self-discovery, as well as touching on the complications of life in the military. Despite his seemingly impossible ways, my heart broke for West as Elle revealed layer upon layer of his motivations underlying his quest for greatness. Meanwhile, on her own journey towards discovering her best self, Elle emerged as such a strong and inspiring woman and was perfect as the protagonist in this story.
The undeniable attraction between West and Elle evolved slowly and was lighter in steam than I was expecting. But, more important than their relationship, this was a story of discovering one's best self and finding the right path to get there. For a deeper approach to contemporary romance, pick up this gem in June 2022.
** Special thanks to Montlake, author Winter Renshaw and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available June 14, 2022. **
June 14, 2022
Every time I start reading a new Winter Renshaw novel, I feel like I'm opening up the kind of gift that just keeps on giving. She has perfected her craft to the point where all I need to do is settle into a cozy spot, open up her book and simply let the magic cast its sexy spell on me.
The man of the hour in The Dirty Truth is West Maxwell- self made, driven and grouchy. He's a cold but beautiful to behold control freak who is the CEO of his own media empire and the editor in chief of Made Man, an extremely popular men's lifestyle magazine. He instills fear in some, fascination in others and lust in almost every woman he meets. Now, he's become the newly appointed guardian to his wiley, inventive and unhappy 14 year old niece. Uncle West is annoyed and out of his comfort zone as young Scarlett pulls one stunt after another, yanks on all of his strings and outsmarts him every chance she gets.
There's someone else who tends to ruffle West's feathers these days- Elle Napier, the no nonsense dating advice coloumnist who works for his magazine- still shining brightly even in the aftermath of the life altering experience that has been affecting all her decisions for the last 2 months. Her straight forward 'tell it like it is' attitude definitely has West shaking his head, wondering what will come of out of her mouth next and if what she does say will be directed at him.
This isn't quite an enemies to lovers romance but the delicious tension- sexual or otherwise is there at the forefront whenever they're in the same space together. Their burning hot chemistry is off the charts and their witty banter is even better, but the most fun can be had by watching the mighty slowly fall. West's niece adds sweet bits of humor to the mix with her unique, honest to a fault take on things and Elle has definitely developed a soft spot for West's devilish but sensitive young Scarlett.
Once again, I've been happily sweep up into another of Winter Renshaw's sexy and perfect for me romances which was so good, I was sad to see it end. There has never been a book I've read by her that didn't give me all the feels, with just the right amount of drama and always a wonderfully written story. She hit it out of the park with this one and I'm already excited for whatever's coming up next. I read an early copy of this book and my review was freely and honestly given.
The man of the hour in The Dirty Truth is West Maxwell- self made, driven and grouchy. He's a cold but beautiful to behold control freak who is the CEO of his own media empire and the editor in chief of Made Man, an extremely popular men's lifestyle magazine. He instills fear in some, fascination in others and lust in almost every woman he meets. Now, he's become the newly appointed guardian to his wiley, inventive and unhappy 14 year old niece. Uncle West is annoyed and out of his comfort zone as young Scarlett pulls one stunt after another, yanks on all of his strings and outsmarts him every chance she gets.
There's someone else who tends to ruffle West's feathers these days- Elle Napier, the no nonsense dating advice coloumnist who works for his magazine- still shining brightly even in the aftermath of the life altering experience that has been affecting all her decisions for the last 2 months. Her straight forward 'tell it like it is' attitude definitely has West shaking his head, wondering what will come of out of her mouth next and if what she does say will be directed at him.
This isn't quite an enemies to lovers romance but the delicious tension- sexual or otherwise is there at the forefront whenever they're in the same space together. Their burning hot chemistry is off the charts and their witty banter is even better, but the most fun can be had by watching the mighty slowly fall. West's niece adds sweet bits of humor to the mix with her unique, honest to a fault take on things and Elle has definitely developed a soft spot for West's devilish but sensitive young Scarlett.
Once again, I've been happily sweep up into another of Winter Renshaw's sexy and perfect for me romances which was so good, I was sad to see it end. There has never been a book I've read by her that didn't give me all the feels, with just the right amount of drama and always a wonderfully written story. She hit it out of the park with this one and I'm already excited for whatever's coming up next. I read an early copy of this book and my review was freely and honestly given.
August 15, 2022
This book was almost good. I’m giving it a 4 star rather than the 3 stars I really feel it deserves because I’m a bit sick of all these three star reads and this was slightly better than them, AND I think a lot of what I didn’t like can be chalked up to personal preference. This was a slooooooow burn. The slowest of slow. They didn’t even smooch or anything until the 78% mark and them bam, they dove right into sex. I need a little more literary foreplay in my romance. Also, I need descriptive sex scenes to balance out the foreplay, and there were not really any to speak of. Literally the first time they banged we had a one sentence summary and then he was rolling off her. Meh. I need more smut with my smut. Especially if you are not labelling your sh*t closed door - so I can avoid it.
Anyway, this book was decent and sweet but entirely too little interaction between the love interests and entirely too much interaction with his teenaged niece. But again, this might be preference. I’m looking for deeper connections and more build up in my romance. Overall this was a good read, and wrapped up nicely with nicely written characters and a sweet ending.
One note though: I had some serious second hand embarrassment for the author/fmc when we read the advice column from the magazine. It was emphasized a lot that Elle was a talented and insightful writer, but then her articles were there for us to read, and they were terrible. I cringed. Sorry, but this author should have left the column out because how it was described and what we actually see are worlds apart.
Anyway, this book was decent and sweet but entirely too little interaction between the love interests and entirely too much interaction with his teenaged niece. But again, this might be preference. I’m looking for deeper connections and more build up in my romance. Overall this was a good read, and wrapped up nicely with nicely written characters and a sweet ending.
One note though: I had some serious second hand embarrassment for the author/fmc when we read the advice column from the magazine. It was emphasized a lot that Elle was a talented and insightful writer, but then her articles were there for us to read, and they were terrible. I cringed. Sorry, but this author should have left the column out because how it was described and what we actually see are worlds apart.
July 3, 2022
There was no chemistry between these characters and nothing really happened. Kind of boring. The only things that I found slightly interesting was stuff that happened before the book began, so that was disappointing.
November 19, 2023
I....
Devoured...
This...
Hashtag no regrets.
Devoured...
This...
Hashtag no regrets.
September 1, 2022
Is the Main Male Character's job, title and age realistic sort of not really. Influencer turned Magazine mogul....eeeh kind of iffy.
But what was believable and so well written is the chemistry, vulnerability, and the issues of death and life and meaning.
I liked the message of this book - our time is short, our lives will one day end - how are we spending it and who are we spending it with.
I didn't thing this book fully explore these themes to a great extent and I wish I got to see the male MC ruminate on it more but over all good book.
But I love these types of romance novels where I really wish I could be the heroine in this modern day fairytale. <3
But what was believable and so well written is the chemistry, vulnerability, and the issues of death and life and meaning.
I liked the message of this book - our time is short, our lives will one day end - how are we spending it and who are we spending it with.
I didn't thing this book fully explore these themes to a great extent and I wish I got to see the male MC ruminate on it more but over all good book.
But I love these types of romance novels where I really wish I could be the heroine in this modern day fairytale. <3
August 7, 2023
This is actually a nice grown up romance book. Well written with a touch of smut but not a lot, about two adults navigating an adult relationship. I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting the story is engaging, it is a classic grumpy/sunshine. I will definitely come back to this author again.
June 16, 2022
Elle is a journalist for a mens magazine. She does a column called The Dirty Truth. Sort of like Carrie Bradshaw in sex in the city. She has a near death experience when a brain aneurysm goes. She makes it through and is back at work after a 2 month recovery. On one of her first days back she gets belittled by her handsome boss who she’s only seen in the office a handful of times in her 5 year employment. He also
Rejects her recents approved column for the current month with no explanation of why and tells her to
Submit a new one with a new topic within a few days. Elle has had enough, and after her near death experience she gives no fx. She writes an article about what an ahole West really is presses send and includes her I QUIT resignation. He tries to confront her and eventually does but she tells him off good. Eventually she’s back in his life as a mentor for his wayward niece… and so
The story goes to an HEA eventually. I love that Elle’s is feisty and doesn’t put up with his shiz but still a family loving great person! Possible reread.
Rejects her recents approved column for the current month with no explanation of why and tells her to
Submit a new one with a new topic within a few days. Elle has had enough, and after her near death experience she gives no fx. She writes an article about what an ahole West really is presses send and includes her I QUIT resignation. He tries to confront her and eventually does but she tells him off good. Eventually she’s back in his life as a mentor for his wayward niece… and so
The story goes to an HEA eventually. I love that Elle’s is feisty and doesn’t put up with his shiz but still a family loving great person! Possible reread.
June 14, 2022
I shouldn't be surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, I really shouldn't. Winter has done it again.
This couple have a romance that will captivate you, I'm sure like me you will be drawn in from the very page and you won't be putting this book down until you have read the final line.
West and Elle clash in all the best ways. And while Elle is the one who is trying to live in the moment and is just so simply sweet, it was West who made me want to reach through the pages just to give him a big solid hug.
This was an emotional read and had me hook from the first page. Loved!
This couple have a romance that will captivate you, I'm sure like me you will be drawn in from the very page and you won't be putting this book down until you have read the final line.
West and Elle clash in all the best ways. And while Elle is the one who is trying to live in the moment and is just so simply sweet, it was West who made me want to reach through the pages just to give him a big solid hug.
This was an emotional read and had me hook from the first page. Loved!
June 23, 2022
I cried.
September 16, 2022
After a near death experience Elle’s view on life changes. The plot started off strong until Elle starts being pushy wanting West to reveal his traumas which isn’t fair.
April 15, 2022
It has been a while since I have read a proper romance story and enjoyed it as most have just become sex-fuelled stories and felt so blah. This author, I read one of her romances years ago and loved -Absinthe, and then recently discovered that she writes psychological thrillers under the name Minka Kent which I smiled as I have read all of her books to date and also enjoyed. The Dirty Truth ticks all my boxes and turned out to be a really good read. We have our main female character Elle who has had a brush with death when she nearly died from a brain aneurysm and to make matters worst, the woman who saved her life happened to be her boyfriend's wife as he had been leading a double life. Elle also for the past five years has been writing a column called The Dirty Truth and now she feels it is just "fluff" and not the real journalism, she wanted to be writing when she left university. Reading Elle's experience didn't surprise me as when often read about people who have had near-death/death experiences coming back with a new view on their lives. Elle's boss West Maxwell presents a strong facade to the world but nobody knows the real West and when he and Elle go face to face and she quits her job. This intrigues him and so he wants her to get to know the real "Elle". This comes through him hiring her to help with his niece Scarlett who is going through a hard time settling in New York with Uncle West's rules and life. This was a great romance billionaire read that has both characters re-evaluating their lives for the better and shows readers sometimes you need to upheave your lives for something great to spark as the tiny thing may have been the catalyst for something awesome coming along. If you are on the look for a new romance reader to check out, then have a read of Winter Renshaw as you will not be disappointed with her easy-to-read romances and likable characters.
February 2, 2022
Winter Renshaw is an author I have come to really enjoy and The Dirty Truth was no exception - however, this was a sloooooow burn with barely any spice (which stinks, but this is a traditionally published book so I guess that’s why?). I also would have loved to actually feel the emotional connection between Elle & West, but all in all, this was a solid read. 3.5 stars
ARC
ARC
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