*🤍💙This is a book about second chances – at life.💙🤍*

And, it is the embodiment of why I love to read everything from Author Winter Renshaw, and she has again showcased her writing talent in THE DIRTY TRUTH. While it is written at the lighter end of her scale, it is no less intense or addictive, but rather an almost ‘coming of age’ type of book, where we see the ripples of Elle’s life changing event reflect throughout the lives of others. Again, I’ve hit this book on the heels of another written by Ms Renshaw, because you know, one book of hers is never enough for me.

We meet Elle Napier, a talented journalist who had been pigeon-holed because her witty writing had popularised the dating column in the paper where she was employed. Incidentally, in THE DIRTY TRUTH, a few of Elle’s articles were written in full, and if she were a real-life journalist, I’d be looking forward to reading each one, because her truths were poignantly written un-sanitised words designed to make the reader reflect on the actual truth of the subject matter at hand; that being anything surrounding contemporary dating.

In the aftermath of her brush with death, however, everything about her views on life had changed...

“My mother once referred to my aneurysm as an earthquake, reminding me that sometimes you survive the damage and sometimes you don’t, but once you’ve been hit, things are never the same. You have to rebuild. ... No earthquake is without aftershocks— little waves that affect everyone in your vicinity in some capacity.”

The aftershocks most certainly did not just affect Elle, but others as well, and that is what this whole book was about. It’s about Elle rebuilding her life, and not necessarily only re-evaluating her previous life’s decisions, but realising that she’s no longer the person she once was.

“Maybe I can’t rewrite the past, but today I turned the page on a new chapter.”

This new chapter began with Elle telling West Maxwell, the owner and self-made man of the magazine where she works, The Dirty Truth about himself. It was pure class, as was the sheer disbelief that West felt in being apparently judged and found wanting by someone who he’d decided knew nothing about him. What I did know about him at that point was that he was stunningly gorgeous, honourable as hell, had a past he’d covered up and was the epitome of the aloof billionaire hard worker.

Ironically, West had also fought hard and won custody of his niece Scarlett, vowing to give her a new chance at life. He wanted her to rebuild also and have opportunities at a better life than her drug addict mother was willing to offer. But Scarlett didn’t see it that way.

I loved her though. She was everything that was rebellious and written appropriately so. Torn away from the only life she’d known, not for a moment did she see her new situation as an opportunistic start to a new life, especially unequipped with the mental tools to survive a prestigious new school and it’s entitled cliqued inhabitants.

THE DIRTY TRUTH is beautifully angsty, detailing the tragic dynamics of Scarlett’s addict mother and the unconditional love that Scarlett had for her, all while wishing her mother would do more normal motherly things like feeding and clothing her, being there for her, or to just be put first for a change. Ms Winter wrote the young teen sympathetically yet didn’t spare the facts of the neglect perpetrated upon her. It was all too tragic.

What lifted this heavy tone was the wit and ironic humour of written by Ms Winter that had me laughing in surprise. Especially the absurdity of the situation where West was trying to be ‘better and more approachable with his staff by showing his softer side.’ To say that it freaked his employees out was an understatement, and I absolutely loved every reading moment!

When I have finished each book, I vow that it is my favourite so far, so I’m not surprised when I predictably say that THE DIRTY TRUTH is my favourite so far!!! An absolutely highly recommended read, one of my 2022 Top reads, and deserves so many more than a measly 5-Stars 💙🤍*

Overall an enjoyable read. It had great banter, a slow burn romance and a sassy heroine. A well written book!

The Dirty truth will take you on a thrilling read and you are enjoy every moment of it.

This Steamy enemies to Lovers romance is a Must Must read for all readers.

I love this author and her style of writing. It is always a good story that moves and keeps the reader interested. This one was no different. It was really well done and I really enjoyed it.

I love Winter Renshaw’s writing! And she never disappoints! I absolutely loved The Dirty Truth. I highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

How did Winter comes up with those ideas. It is surreal how intriguing, sad and yet funny this book is. The plot sinks it’s hooks into your brain and you just can’t stop reading…
5 stars

Our heroine, Elle, has survived a life-changing experience. No longer finding meaning in her current position, she decides to make a drastic change and find purpose to her life. Little did she know that that purpose would be in the form of a disgruntled 14 year old girl who's life as been uprooted by her over-protective uncle who also happens to be her jerk of a boss. These two broken people are soothed and comforted by Elle's honest and caring ways. Walls are broken down. Puzzle pieces begin to fit into place explaining away cold and unfeeling characteristics. A good, easy read.

I absolutely loved reading The Dirty Truth! It was another great book by the very talented Winter Renshaw! I Highly recommend this book.

So this was a slow burn for me. I thought it would jump start a little bit more, but it didn’t. Now don’t get me wrong, it was good, but I’m not a huge fan of slow burn as much. Elle and West weren’t a huge fan of each other till the end of the story. They were coworkers. Well he was her boss and then he was wasn’t. They run into each other again and he asks her to help with his niece. I just wish this book had more spice over all. Just more…

I received this ARC through the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing this book, opinions are my own

Unfortunately Winter Renshaws way of writing and setting up a book is not quite my taste. I do not really emphazise with the characters and somehow I had a hard time keeping to read the book.
I know many like her books so I guess it's just me not really beeing a big fan of her writing style and books.

I wasn't feeling the chemistry between the main characters and then with this being a super slow burn it made it even more difficult. The real relationship seemed to be with the daughter. It wasn't my favorite story.

Grump meets sunshine, part office romance and enemy to lovers.
Elle had a brain aneurysm and that changed outlook on her life. She was working at a men's magazine and after CEO announcing downsize, she decide to quite and look for something else. She loved working on her column but it wasn't keeping her happy since she was constantly under pressure to finish her column and pulling all-nighter. She needed a break and revaluate her career until she meets grumpy/dreamy CEO West Maxwell. He offers her a job that would triple her salary but she refuses and will do for free.
West was satisfied with his life until he couldn't control his niece. He has a hard time getting her acclimated to Manhattan lifestyle and it's not going as well as he thought. When he finds out she finally getting close to none other than his ex-employee Elle. Finally he is getting somewhere with his niece and with Elle but it will be a bumpy ride. West has been living a life but it's not his at all everything unravels. Will they be able to find their happily ever after?
Elle and West have best banters and slow burn. I enjoyed the pace and how their relationship developed. It wasn't rushed and I enjoyed all three characters. I have read many of this author's book and this didn't disappoint.
Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for ARC.

The Dirty Truth sucked me in from the get-go. There is so much more to Elle and West than I imagined... and Scarlett adds another layer that increases the dimension and complexity. Drama? You bet. Chemistry? Without a doubt. Guilt driving choices? Oh yes. Altogether it makes for a compelling story that left me not wanting to put the book down. I was sorry to see this one come to an end - I was not done with Elle and West.

The Dirty Truth by Winter Renshaw was just what I needed to read! It was such a great book & had me laughing a lot at times. Elle had a life changing moment which made her open her eyes about her life. She decided her job was one of them. West who is Elle's boss wants Elle to rewrite an article at the last minute & boy does she. West isn't letting Elle off that easy though & offers her a different job. Elle takes it not thinking it was going to be the way it turned out. Elle's eyes are opened to West & the true side of him that not too many people see. I loved the way this story played out. It was such a good book & worth taking the time to read it. Great story Winter Renshaw!

If you like characters that have a lot of depth to them then you need to read The Dirty Truth, while the plot maybe a bit over an used trope, hard ass multi millionaire falling for someone he shouldn't. It's the characters and their likability that really make this story enjoyable.

Talk about originality I absolutely LOVED The Dirty Truth. Winter Renshaw is an amazing storyteller I always enjoy her writing. I’m an enemies to lovers fan and this book exceeded my expectations. Great plot, banter. Great chemistry between the Maxwell and Elle. This book is a slow burn that is intriguingly delicious. It hooked me from start to finish. I highly recommend.

Are you ready for the Naked Truth? Well I had no idea what I was walking into when I started this book as I had never read this author beofre. But wow!! seriously this book had depth, an awesome plot and characters I LOVED. It is not light reading but I really connected with the characters in this story and I could not put it down.

A lovely story about a arrogant self made millionaire and a three minute clinical dead scare wonderful journalist. I liked the vulnerability he showed during the story, how he changed and the struggle to open up, after years and years of kind of self hate and doubts because of loosing his brother. It was a solid book with nice writing and good characters and most of all not a pushover woman.

I loved West & Elle’s story. It was an entertaining & inspirational read. Good characters. I got a copy of the book & couldn’t put it down. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

I wanted to connect with this one, I really did.

I tried, enough that I actually finished the book even though I probably shouldn't have...but there were parts that intrigued me. The issue was I never really believed them as a couple. I liked them separately, but together never really gelled for me.

I am unable to recommend this title.