As someone who is not a romance fan, I initially passed on this book. But, the penguin......the muffins......So I decided to throw caution to the wind! Thank goodness because this book was a solid romp! Sure there was some romance, but it wasn't that gushy gooey stuff that makes me roll my eyes. It was straight forward and somewhat saucy! And, yes, there were a few sex scenes. Not my favorite and I didn't read too closely, but I never do, right? Outside of those few sections, this was a campy, punny, and cute story of a woman fed up with being taken advantage of and goes for revenge in the funniest manner possible. Along the way she finds friendship and love in the most unlikeliest of places. Oh, and throughout the book are references to other books that look to be worth reading and a continual dissertation on how Mary Ann Bugg is better than Ned Kelly. Oh it was wonderful!

A very different story than what you’d expect from Lee Winters. That being said Vengeance Planning For Amateurs is a hilarious tale that surely will have you snicker out loud on more than one occasion. As for Winters’ talent for delivering a delicious ice queen, this one will not disappoint.

I received an advance copy for free from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Olivia Roberts is one of those good people. Warm hearted, kind and loyal to a tee. Her successful muffin bakery business is doing well. One of her best clients is crime and mystery bookstore, Mary Buggs. Olivia leads a weekly book club there too. The only thing that isn’t going well for Olivia is her romantic life. She has a string of awful exes that left her bereft in one way or the other, abusing her loyalty in horrific ways. When one of those exes ends of steeling her beloved, heirloom, stuffed penguin Trip, Olivia has had enough. She puts up an add at the bookstore to find a henceperson. Someone cunning to take plan vengeance on all of her exes. What she didn’t expect though is that the mysterious and icy bookshop owner Dr. Margaret Blackwood ends up being the best person for the job.

Dr. Margaret Blackwood left her stellar academia career after the death of her wife some three years ago. Since then she opened a bookstore but has been the epitome of the haughty, illustrious manager. She never shows her face or engages with clients. She does know everything that’s going on in her shop though, like the ridiculous book club that takes place there every week under the abominable leadership of the woman that delivers muffins to the store’s café. When said idiotic muffin maker is looking for someone to help her plan revenges on her terrible exes, Margaret doesn’t fully know why, but she applies and.. gets the job. Through planning revenge schemes she gets to know charming, wonderful, sweet Olivia. And that doesn’t even leave her arctic heart cold.

I loved the obvious differences between these main characters. The conversations between haughty, intellectual Margaret and warm and down to earth Olivia are a sight to behold. The women set out on a grand adventure of scheming hilarious revenge plots that never work out how they envisioned them but get the wanted results anyway. The way Margaret slowly opens up to Olivia about her past and the way Olivia understands her so completely left me with goosebumps. Especially in one scene where Margaret clams up and out of panic ends up hurting Olivia by pressing on her bruises. Olivia reacts to that in a way that is awe inspiring and is the absolute evidence that she fully understands Margaret as a person and shows her kind heart in the most sublime way. As a reader you can only keep turning those pages to find out if Margaret is deserving of that kindness.

This wouldn’t be a Lee Winters book without a wonderful cast of side characters. All of whom are somehow fully formed despite not playing the starring roles. And what would a Lee Winters story be without a steaming sex scene? Right, it wouldn’t be a Winters book. Glad to say this one doesn’t disappoint in that regard either!

Despite there being some very heavy themes weaved into this story, it is still a very light hearted read. One you will not regret having picked up!

Lee Winter has out done herself Vengeance Planning for Amateurs is a perfect book to me it's funny, sweet, heartwarming has an emotional support penguin and the title really, really lives up the the story. I never wanted it to end and I read it twice before leaving this review. Olivia is among my very favorite romance protagonist's i have ever read she is sweet and kind and tired of being taken advantage of. The story had wonderful side characters and the story was so entertaining. 5+/5

First off, let's all agree that Lee Winter has nailed the title of the year; it's early, but this one will be a tough act to follow. In fact, the whole book sits at the top of my list. I'm sure there will be other fantastic releases, but Vengeance Planning for Amateurs is truly one of a kind.

Olivia leads a content life as a baker, friend, sister, and the affable leader of a unique crime book club. Tired of being taken for granted in relationships, she cooks up a plan to exact revenge on her exes and places and ad looking for a henchperson (paying in muffins, naturally).
She is surprised when the reclusive and snarky bookstore owner, where her club gathers, applies for the job. With limited options, Olivia reluctantly gives the perplexing woman a chance. As they navigate Olivia's revenge list, their attempts often end in comical failures, yet somehow, they still manage to succeed. Amid the chaos, a love story unfolds, but both Olivia and Margaret must confront their feelings before trusting their hearts.

Lee Winter is THE Ice Queen writer, and she seamlessly weaves her signature style into this comedic masterpiece. Witnessing Olivia's journey to rediscover love and trust, alongside a well-developed cast of side-characters, makes this novel a heart warming exploration of revenge and romance. Vengeance Planning for Amateurs delivers a refreshingly original and captivating romance that had me completely immersed, and grinning non-stop.

I received an ARC from YLVA publishing via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.

Lee Winter is hands down my favorite author. Every book she writes is filled with such intelligent dialogue, the best ice queens and humor. Vengeance Planning for Amateurs is a bit of a departure but still contains the things that make her books fantastic. It's a fun-filled, hilarious caper that I have already reread twice and found myself just as entertained as the first time.
Olivia Roberts is a muffin maker whose best friend is a stuffed penguin inherited from her grandmother. She is sunshine and rainbows and has the biggest heart, which her exes have all used to their advantage and left her feeling awful about herself.
Margaret Blackwood owns a bookstore that Olivia's sister works at and is one of Olivia's muffin customers. She is a mystery to everyone, even her employees. She has suffered a great loss and has withdrawn from life. She's icy, but understandable so. She is also dreadfully bored. When she hears Olivia interviewing for a henchperson to help her exact revenge on her awful exe's she can't help but be intrigued.
What ensues is a comedy of errors and a wonderful melting of an ice queen romp. It is impossible to have just one favorite book of Winter's. Every single book seems to be more brilliant than the one before. This one is now one of my favorites and I am sure I will read it many more times and laugh the whole time. It is heartwarming and wonderful and I couldn't recommend it more!

An ARC was received from Ylva Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

This was a cute story that was very unique. It did take me a bit to get into the flow of it but once I did I enjoyed it. Olivia and Dr Blackwood complimented each other really well throughout the story from acquaintances to friends to lovers. It is a very slow burn and at first I didn’t feel the chemistry between them, but as the book progressed that grew and could feel it once they finally got together.

Lee Winter’s attempt at a romcom and I’m not entirely sure how to feel about it. While it is technically well-written it’s just missing that something special for me. Romcom is a difficult one to tackle and I applaud Winter for trying. For me, the attempts at jokes/ the jokes are all a bit cringe-worthy. Again, humour is very difficult to write and probably one of the hardest to please an entire audience with.

Winter is the reigning queen when it comes to writing ice queens, the illustrious bookshop owner named Dr. Blackwood isn’t het finest creation. She seems more aloof and a recluse than anything else. And her diary entries? While reading it I didn’t like it much, but now that I finished the book I think I enjoyed those most. Getting a sight into her, instead of the slightly weird plot of the book. I get how the plot and the other main can be funny for others, it just missed the mark for me, however well-written it still might be.

I’m saying 3.5.

I wasn't 100% sure what to expect in the beginning of this book. I KNOW I wasn't expecting the romance that did come out of the book. This was such a well-written, fun book. Olivia's character finding her own inner strength and being able to tell people things that she did and did not want (for example, chosen nicknames) was amazing. It's hard to break that cycle of being used and cast aside, and she did it. I also loved Margaret's entire character, and all of the sub-characters in the book club, as well as Sam and the kids. I would definitely love to see sequels with Sam, and what is going to happen with Kelly and Sasha? I definitely want more!

What a fantastic read. From the moment that I picked up Vengeance Planning for Amateurs, I was hooked. I loved everything about this book, from the crazy attempts by Olivia to get revenge on her ex-partners with Margaret's help, to the stuffed penguin trip that Olivia usually had by her side, this book was so funny. I loved the romance between Olivia and Margaret too, they were so well-suited and made such a great couple.
This was a brilliant book and I loved it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Brilliant, quirky romcom set in Australia
This was a total blast to read. Lee Winter tries her hand at a romcom and the word try is actually totally wrong: she so rocks it. And it would not be a book by Lee Winter if not for some sprinkles of deeper thoughts all along with a penguin, a peacock, female outlaws, popular muffins and a big dose of humor. All of those ingredients add up to a most excellent and wonderfully entertaining read. One of those very rare reads my wife (and I as well) loves because I chuckle along or laugh out loud and she can send me amused and knowing looks.
I really really loved the down-to-earth Olivia baking her muffins, leading her bookclub of wonderful down-to-earth quirky people. She is total sunshine who finally - halleluja - is fed up by being trodden on by her exes and seeks revenge with the support of her henchperson, Margaret. Oh Margaret, reclusive, mysterious, grumpy Margaret. A masterful character if there ever was one. And those entries in her diary - pure reading gold.
If I rave on I might give away too much. So have a look for yourself - and enjoy.

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.

This book was an absolute blast to read! Lee Winter doesn't miss when it comes to great characters with amazing chemistry. These two in particular had such electric chemistry i could hardly handle it. The spice level was solid and there was so much humor. I found myself laughing out loud at several places. Plus who can say no to a stolen penguin?

Penguins, Peacocks, Plotting and Pasteries (muffins of course!) oh my!!! This is an abundantly delightful read! Olivia and Margaret may just be my new favorite scheming duo!
Set in Australia this book follows Olivia on her quest for revenge against her many horrible exes. Margaret comes to the rescue as henchman (henchperson) and of course Hilarity follows!
Laugh out loud funny, and filled with a side of romance!! A solid 4.5/5 for me (rounded up to 5 because they named the cat Wednesday 🤣).


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: ꜱᴀᴘᴘʜɪᴄ. ʀᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ. ʜᴜʀᴛ/ᴄᴏᴍꜰᴏʀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ. ʙᴏᴏᴋ-ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ. ʙᴀᴋᴇʀ. "ᴊᴏʏꜰᴜʟ/ꜰᴜɴɴʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ᴘɪɴᴄʜ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴀᴅɴᴇꜱꜱ". ʟɪɢʜᴛ ᴀɴɢꜱᴛ. ꜱᴡᴇᴇᴛ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴꜱ. ᴅʀᴀᴍᴀ.

📚 ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️‍🌈⁠
Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟⁠

Talk about character development, to both main characters and Sam, my woman. Olivia, my heart went out for her on a lot of occasions and I am really intrigued, despite all that happened to her, she was still such a sunshine and loving person. God forbid, if I was her, I would be one bitter cookie, like liquorice candy. And, Margaret, I loved her. To me she could do no wrong especially when you understand where she is coming from. So I was so happy Winter did drag that split-angst at all but actually bounced back so well, I was squealing because Olivia's comeback was just equally as enticing as knowing that Margaret WANTED Olivia despite her resolve to being friends or more.

There are a lot of different moments in this book, funny ones, sad ones, swooning ones. And the titles were truly something, especially those on Margaret's "dear diary" moments... H ❤️. I love emotions and this book is very emotional-lead but in a balanced way. It was in a way that makes you root and hope for successful revenge plots and snarky remarks from a certain acrophobic ice queen.

My favourite moment was with that line about the left side of the clit because that had me howling, my tummy hurt. I KNOW that 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚣𝚊𝚙 but it was so out of the blue but in context and so specific, I just couldn't stop laughing.

I feel a certain emotional bliss - That feeling after reading a book and you feel lighter.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

Vengeance Planning for Amateurs is a funny, witty and sweet love story about two women healing themselves while plotting revenge on some pretty awful exes.

Olivia is the sweet half of the story. She bakes muffins for a living, drives around in a beat-up old van, and is nice to everyone. And wow does she have some seriously crappy exes. I would probably try to exact vengeance on them if they were mine. Knowing her limitations when it comes to vengeance planning, she enlists a henchman, who turns out to be the icy and introverted Margaret Blackwood, owner of the bookstore where she runs a book group. Margaret is aloof, anti-social and dealing with her own issues of loss but finds Olivia amusing and a takes the job of henchman to break up the monotony of her life. Together with a ragtag bunch of people from Olivia's book group, they set off to teach the exes a lesson. Needless to say, they mostly don't go so great, but in the end vengeance is had.

While I definitely would say this is a love story, I would not classify it as a romance. Which is kinda a nice change of pace from a lot of books out there. The vengeance planning is funny and ridiculous, the supporting characters are great and I haven't even mentioned the stuffed penguin that is the catalyst for everything. Margaret is another of Lee Winter's worthy ice queen's, though maybe a touch less frosty than most. Vengeance Planning for Amateurs is a fun read I highly recommend.

I was up and down with this one. Ups- I love Lee Winter’s writing, Olivia is a great character, I liked the use of journal entries for Margaret, the idea of a henchperson is hilarious, great troupe of sidekicks, and creative revenge plots. Downs, didn’t love the use of idiot as a pet name, I didn’t totally understand Margaret though liked her acerbic wit, and the last 15% read like an extended epilogue. I understood their dynamic but the chemistry wasn’t all the way there. Cute idea though and quirky- I bet a lot of people will enjoy it.

Short summary: Olivia has had it with being treated poorly but she doesn’t have a conniving bone in her body, so she hires a henchperson (enter ice queen Margaret) to help her exact revenge on her exes.

Thanks to Netgalley and Ylva. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun and campy book! I've read many titles by Lee Winter and have enjoyed them all, but think this one takes the cake. I laughed out loud at some of the absurdity. It was such a fun and silly experience getting to know Olivia and Margaret. I've been reading quite a few lesbian romance titles in the past few months and can only remember a few that stood out. I think I'll remember this one for a bit longer. Well done Ms. Winter and looking forward to your next release. Thank you Netgalley for the early access.

Wanted: One delightfully hilarious rom-com.
Lee Winter: Delivered.

Comedy of errors with a feisty ingenue verse the softest ice queen ever. Dr. Blackwood never really stood a chance!
- taxidermic penguin
- dead lousy guard peacock
- gravity defying ladder
- so many muffins
- book club (yay!)
- Miss Honey reference!
- Anne of Green Gables reference!!
- painful pasts
- several winterverse easter eggs
- agile russians
- and I think, the mafia??

Whatever you think this book is—it’s so much more! The structure and set-up of the novel are creative and interesting. The characters are as real as the rest of the Winterverse. Lee really leaned into the humor! All the witty one-liners you love are here AND we get to see this duo fail successfully over and over again.

Olivia just doesn’t understand why she keeps getting treated horribly by all of her exes. We see her soft and overly trusting nature screw her over one time too many. She’s fed up, and finally ready to do something about it. But knowing your exes deserve a taste of their own medicine and having the constitution for implementation are very different. Enter Dr. Blackwood.

Day 1123 post H, something happens and then there was your life before, and your life after. Dr. Blackwood has not just shut down, she’s shut out—the world and everyone in it—until she can’t help but crack the door open on a little crime novel book club in her little crime novel bookstore. The predictability of their merry band of chaos is acerbic catnip and Dr. Blackwood can’t resist.

I’m impressed with how will the comedy and romance overlay and interplay. They are distinct, yet symbiotic. At times, I got so lost in the sometimes-revenge-sometimes-healing hilarity that the romance of it all caught me off guard. Watching Margaret shed the layers of grief and start to live her life again would capture my whole heart—followed by a side-splitting one liner that brought the comedy back.

This is a slow-burn explicit rom-com. “Chapter 28: Wanting.” I want more…books like this.

Favorite Quotes:
“You know, you can call me Margaret, if you wish.”

“Not everyone deserves access to me.”

“She is a curious, baffling woman. Her courage is astonishing.”

“She held out her emotions to me—pointed right at them as if they were a small helpless bird—and asked to know mine in return.”

“I don’t blame you if you feel terrified of more pain…I’m just sad about it.”

This Sapphic grumpy x sunshine tale of revenge plotting is an absolute delight!

Sweet, kind Olivia is tired of being taken advantage of by her exes. When one of them steals Olivia's taxidermied penguin from her muffin van, Olivia takes matters into her own hands. She posts a wanted ad in the bookstore where her Women in Crime book club meets. The ad calls for a henchperson, and who should apply but the aloof former academic bookshop owner Dr. Margaret Blackwood. Together, they scheme for Olivia to get revenge on four of her exes, but along the way, a friendship (or not-not friendship) blossoms and maybe more, if Margaret can let go of her grief.

The hijinks are great, the cast of characters is diverse and quirky, and the main characters are so much fun to get to know. Told from Olivia's POV with journal entries from Margaret, this book was so much fun. It tackled tough topics like grief, abuse, parental issues, and homelessness with grace. This is my first read from Lee Winter, but it sure won't be the last!

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

This takes a few chapters to get into the story and understand what is going to happen but once things get going, I couldn't stop reading. The storyline is ridiculous in the best way with a vengeance plot on all of Olivia's exes which results in a journey of self-discovery and understanding what her worth is. Who would think that a penguin would be the cause of all this vengeance plotting?!

Lee Winter writes witty dialogue and sizzling tension that perfectly incapsulates the shifting dynamics between the stern Dr Margaret Blackwood and upbeat Olivia. Their cast of side characters are just as fleshed out and funny that adds a light-hearted tone to the book. Winter also explores mature issues of grief and self worth that are sensitively portrayed through the reclusive nature of Margaret. I liked how Olivia recognises the hurt Margaret is feeling and her emotional outbursts are not a personal attack and pushed through her hurt pride to help Margaret come alive again.

Overall, this is funny and well-written novel with a gripping story and loveable characters.

I'm a big Lee Winter fan. This book was sadly disappointing. While i understand what the author was going for when writing the Olivia character, it did not work. She was suppose to come off as sweet, charming and quirky but was frustrating and annoying. The secondary characters were not much better. That being said i cannot wait to read Winter's next books which hopefully will be a return to form.