ARC Review: In Which Winnie Halifax is Utterly Ruined
I am so immeasurably fortunate to have been sent an early copy of Alexandra Vasti’s next romance in her deeply fun Halifax Hellion series. Having kicked off my 2023 with Margo and Matilda, I was overjoyed to get my grabby hands on Spencer’s romance. And pals, this one was so freaking cute. You guessed it, I read In Which Winnie Halifax is Utterly Ruined, and had a freaking great time. Like books 1 and 2, this one is a newsletter freebie, so if you haven’t already scoot on over to Alex’s site and sign up now!
I’d like to thank Alex for the ARC, thoughts below are my own. Enjoy!
So right off the bat, this premise had me making high-pitched dolphin sounds. A woman seeking independence makes up a husband, who - gasp - ends up being a real live human man (who is titled, and fine as hell, good job girl). There is always something so hilarious about these types of plots, especially when the two MCs end up meeting, and LOL what a meet-smelly it was.
Spencer, after learning he’s been married for a DECADE arrives to meet his currently incarcerated, deeply smelly wife. And Winnie - smelly, over-tired, and a little put out by the charges against her - can’t get over the giant ginger viking (and his giant-er horse) that have come to break her out of jail.
Like all of Vasti’s books there are similar threads of: really being seen, protected, loved and supported by your person that always hit me deep in my romance loving heart. Layered on top though are things I’ve also come to love about the way she writes: sparkling banter, joyfully bonkers moments, and of course some of the most delicious smut being written today.
I so enjoyed the main counterfeit spouse plot and the secondary one that brings about some hellion-esque shenanigans. There is a healthy dose of humor, romantic moments, smitten inner dialog, longing, and a moment in an opera box I may think about for, probably ever? Signs point to yes. And the Henry / Margo cameo was such a warm hug. I loved it.
This one hits so many highs (just like books 1 and 2 do) but I felt like this one was softer in all the best ways. Spencer and ‘his’ Win are so adorable from the moment they meet until the very end. I still can’t believe all these books are freebies, so what are you even doing, go sign up now so you’ll have Winnie and Spencer in your inbox when they arrive August 21st 2023!
xo Kels