Winning Winnie's Hand

by Deborah M. Hathaway

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She’s no damsel, but dang…this knight in shining armor kinda makes her want to be.

Born into a driven and successful family, Winnie Knox tries—and fails—to impress her parents and siblings as she bounces from career to career, year to year. In a last-ditch effort, Winnie takes on consulting work at a stately home in England, hoping to gain a nice bit of prestige as she improves the massive British estate.

In true Knox Fashion, Winnie dives headfirst into her new position. In true Winnie Fashion, she ends up with her car headfirst...in the mud. But what does she see coming to her rescue? Nothing short of a knight in shining armor.

Literally. A knight in shining armor. On a horse. What century is this again? Well, whatever it is, Winnie doesn’t mind lingering in it if she gets to stare at a man like him all day. This job is going to be a walk in the park.

Of course, nothing is ever as easy as it should be with Winnie as she puts her foot in her mouth and straightaway offends the knight—who just so happens to be someone far more important than the simple thespian he appears to be.

But Winnie Knox is a professional. She can charm anyone.

Can't she?

This is the first book in the clean and sweet romcom Men of the Isles series by Deborah M. Hathaway. Although this enemies-to-more, English/American romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when listened to in order.

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Book Details

Genre

Romantic Comedy

Subgenre

Destination / Vacation

Series

Men of the Isles • Book 1

Audience

Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

2 Mild

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

2 Mild

Publication Date

November 17, 2025

Language Versions

English

Narration Type

Human

Fiction Form

Novel

Sensitive Themes

Chronic or terminal illness, Divorce or marital separation, Natural-disaster scenes, Power-imbalance relationships (e.g., teacher/student, boss/employee)

Representation

Chronic-illness representation (as identity), Single-parent or widowed-parent protagonist

Fun read appropriate for all ages

I enjoyed the banter between characters as well as the descriptions of the countryside and manor house. I liked the fact that Winnie was able to break away from manipulation and truly find her passion for life again.

childish behavior

I was so excited to read this book because the hero is a medieval reenactor and the heroine’s a consultant trying to help save the medieval festival he created. As someone who has experience in both reenacting and large event planning, it seemed like such a fun premise. But the hero is a petty child for over half the book. And at nearly 30 the heroine should have gotten over Daddy issues long since. It took until about 60% through the book for them to stop being horrible to each other. Once they finally got over themselves everything was happiness and light, until a few predictable pages of climax. I wish I had liked these characters more. I generally adore this author’s work. Fingers crossed the next one will have more likable, adult protagonists.

Couldn’t put it down

Stayed up till 2:00 in the morning because I just had to finish this one. So much fun. I loved the interactions between Matthew and Winnie. Their spats, yet obvious attraction were fun to read. A few tears might’ve even snuck in while I was reading. Much of the fun was them putting on a medieval festival together. I’ve attended a few renaissance festivals and they’re always a lot of fun. I highly recommend this book.

Such a fun romance!

Hathaway does Regency romance so well, but even my Regency-loving heart must admit that she does sweet contemporary romance so well, too! This immersive enemies to lovers story had me feeling like I was there. The characters are so easy to root for, even as my heart hurt for them. The plot is so fun and cozy at times - I love a good travel segment and -gasp! Only one bed! Her books are so sweet and romantic, and Winning Winnie’s Hand is no exception. I look forward to the next book in this series!I received a complimentary copy of this novel; a review as not required and these are my honest opinions.

10 stars!

Excellent story! I really enjoyed this book, some real life challenges and family issues that I can relate too. Loved the characters and their challenges. Family dynamics are in direct conflict yet feelings are real for both. Very well written and I look forward to Finn's story, just wish I didn't have to wait until next year!