I enjoyed this book and finished it in 1 day. The story follows a school librarian, Alexis and a political candidate, Logan. They meet one night at a bar and it goes from there. It includes fake dating, friendships and finding yourself along the way. This was a cute book and I enjoyed the characters of Alexis, Logan and all the side players.

Oh man was this good, I was entertained. It was a fun lovely read that I enjoyed having read. The writing itself was fantastic and I found myself rooting for the characters that were so amazing. You won't want to put this down.

Ashley’s Winstead’s second romance novel- you have to give it to her that it is very impressive she switches genres so well. I was hesitant about this one because her first romance novel, Fool Me Once, was not a favorite of mine. It started strong and then I DNF.

I would say the same for this one unfortunately. I loved the premise: fake dating to cover up a failed one night stand. I loved the two characters- Logan was intriguing and knows what he wants. (One thing- I cannot for the life of me think of what a British and Texan accident would sound like). But I agree with other reviewers that Alexis was confusing. She was described as shy but jumped into leading protests and speaking at rallies like it was no problem.

The romance was steamy, but the writing was jumpy. We’d be in the middle of a scene and the chapter ends and it’s 3 days later. I felt no closure.

I also just felt so bad for Will. I don’t think his character was given any grace for how he was played into the story and ruthlessly kicked to the curb.

Over all 3 out of 5 for me.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥.5

When your boyfriend dumps you for being shy and boring, what would any introverted librarian do? Don your sexiest red dress and find you a one-night stand, that's what!

It does not really go as Alexis Stone planned. The initial one-night stand candidate was too sleazy for her liking, but Fate intervened and send her Logan Arthur, a no-filter curmudgeon who comes to her rescue and agrees to her proposal. Unfortunately, a series of events led to them to the paparazzi hungry for a glimpse of Logan, who turned out to be the Texas gubernatorial challenger. Even more unfortunate is that the cameras captured them in a compromising position, which led Logan to a counterproposal: be his fake girlfriend until the elections have passed. (Hopefully in his favor.)

As someone who lives a stone's throw away from DC, I am always craving a good political romance - preferably without any mystery or suspense -- and this read fits that bill. It is cute and funny and engaging. I especially love the exploration of politics in this read; nothing turns me off than thinking "that's not how that works," but Ashley Winstead is pretty spot-on.

The main characters are pretty charismatic. I was drawn to Alexis early on because who doesn't love an unfairly scorned woman? I was glad to see her character development as she finds the confidence to let herself shine. I am weak for fictional politicians because charm over smarm is always a win, and Logan joins the likes of Fitz Grant III and Josh Lyman among my favorites. I really enjoyed his dynamic with his equally strategic sister Nora, and I hope she gets to tell her own story in a future book.

The spice in this book was slow-burn, and I felt like it took a slight backseat to the politics and fake-relationship flirting. I do enjoy a fake-boyfriend getting irrationally jealous, so I'll take that.

This book is a standalone, so if you love a low-angst, well-paced political romcom, this is a good pick.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Ashley Winstead, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

This book was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it and I did like it better than the first (which I hadn’t realized it was a sequel but I’m glad I gave it a chance!) Plus that cover is perfect.

Y’all… I loved this one 🥲🫶🏼

Alexis… an introverted part-time librarian who has always lived in her politician sister’s shadow and has bad luck with love.

Logan… a sexy British Texan farm boy with a dirty mouth and a bad temper who is running for the democratic party as Governor of Texas.

A one-night stand that turns into so much more when Alexis and Logan are caught in a public scandal that could jeopardize everything for Logan’s political campaign and must act fast.

GUYYYYS, I just love a good faking dating rom com trope with a HEA. This book was just darling and a great palate cleanser after I finished up a slasher-y horror novel right before it. I really enjoyed the political aspect of the story which wasn’t too over the top or controversial. The spice is also fairly tame for most of the book. Logan is 100000% my book boyfriend currently. I wish the ending was a little different but hey, if Logan and Alexis have taught me anything from this book, it’s that you don’t need to be perfect to be loved deeply.

If there’s an audiobook version of this and it includes a dude with a mix of British and Texas accents I WILL LOSE MYSELF.

This is my first Ashley Winstead book.. I KNOW I KNOW I’m surprised I haven’t read The Last Housewife yet too! But wow what a diverse author if she can write such swoon worthy rom coms and turn around to write thrillers that will make your heart pound in another type of way. Can’t wait to read more from her soon!

THANK YOU SO MUCH to Harlequin, Ashley, and NetGalley for the e-galley in exchange for an honest review!

I have to admit I wasn't 100% sure how I was going to feel about this book because on the surface it seemed like it would just be one of those quick smut reads that was fun but forgettable, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was not only an emotional depth here that went past the romance and delved into deeper issues, but the character development for both of the main characters was exquisite. Being the daughter of a public school teacher I also appreciated the realistic way that element was addressed. Honestly I think my only possible gripe with this book was the fact that the main characters probably could have evaded most of their issues if they had just actually talked to one another. But seeing as I'm probably more like Alexis than I would like to admit and that if they had done so the book probably wouldn't have had much tension I can look past that. The other thing I would have LOVED to see was Logan's POV, but in my mind there are few romance novels (or just books with romance in them in general) that I wouldn't love to have dual POVs. Basically everything about this book was pretty much a delight, and it will almost certainly end up as one of my top books of the month, if not the year. I would be more than happy to recommend this book to any romance reader looking for something both fun and meaningful. In fact, I would put this right up there with Ashley Poston's THE DEAD ROMANTICS and I can't wait to see what Winstead comes up with next. I'll also be checking out her thriller novels as well; they have been on my list for quite some time but I keep putting them off for one reason or another, but no longer.

Thanks to Netgalley and Graydon House Pub for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Fake dating is my favorite romcom trope. Throw in the fact that I’m a teacher and it’s really clear that Ashley Winstead wrote this book just for me! Don’t be nervous about this being set in the political world. I loathe politics, but Winstead writes in a way that keeps it light and focuses more on the characters’ relationships so it never becomes too preachy or intense. If you liked her last romcom, I’m certain you’ll love this one just as much. I think I liked this one even more than Fool Me Once.

Loved, loved, loved this story: it's original, highly entertaining and well written.
The characters are fleshed out, I rooted for them. I laughed and smiled.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Absolutely LOVED it] The writing was fantastic as always. I’m in awe of this author’s ability to write different genres and nail them every time. I never thought political guys would be my thing but.. Logan was 100% swoon-worthy. I also loved Alexis and seeing her find herself. The story had such a fun plot, I was completely obsessed right from the start. I highly recommend checking this one out!

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for providing a free advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely adored this book! These two had such chemistry on her night out to kickstart her dating life again. But then she finds out he's a public figure and paps got pics and now they have to fake a relationship so he doesn't look bad in the press.
The slow burn and real feelings on both sides was so sweet and I just loved the feelings of longing it gave me.

Thank you harlequinbooks and @lnetgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

Full of lovable characters that make you root for for a happy ending! I absolutely adored this book! I fell in love with the characters and found Alexis Stone extremely relatable. I found myself rooting for the characters and really wishing and hoping for a happy ending! I loved how the author tied things up for us and the ending, for me, was exactly what I needed! I can’t wait to read more from this author. Beautifully written!

I wasn't the biggest fan of Fool Me Once but I LOOOOVEEEE Ashley Winstead's thriller novels, so I have been a little hesitant towards this one, but I actually really enjoyed it!!

Not going to lie, at first I thought it would have the same critique as Fool Me Once and be too juvenile/immature for me. I was nervous I wouldn't be able to relate to the FMC and find that the relationship/love story was too unrealistic, but as I kept reading, I found myself loving them more and more!

This was my first dating/PR romance trope and I am not a big fan!! It was so fun to read their relationship from start to end - somehow going from a one night stand to a full on PR relationship. The witty banter also hit hard for this one and I was absolutely rooting for this couple. And the spice?!?! Absolutely incredible

The Boyfriend Candidate is a follow-up to Winstead's previous release, Fool Me Once; however, it can be read as a standalone. It's a fun political romance (which I love) with great characters, fake dating, and lots of witty banter. Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for a quick, light read.

Looking for a captivating contemporary read that will sweep you off your feet? Quite Literally? May I recommend the contemporary book:
Chance Encounter - On the one year anniversary of her breakup with her ex, Alexis wants to hook up with someone to prove something to herself
Sordid Photo - When she meets Logan, she pretends to be someone else. And they get on pretty well, until a random fire causes a sordid photo to circulate.
Fake Dating - Logan is running for governor so to change his playboy image, he and Alexis decide to fake date
Campaign - but the campaign takes some unexpected turns causing Alexis to try to figure out exactly what she wants in her life

I am a big fan of Ashley Winstead, and while I didn’t know this ahead of time, I realized that this book takes place in the same universe as Fool Me Once. It was nice to see Alexis’ sister Lee again, but in this case these characters were so great. Alexis is a librarian in a school so the teacher’s rights were very big here. And Logan reminds me of a softer Roy Kent from Ted Lasso. You just wanna squeeze him! Really loved this book and I hope there is another in the same universe in the future.

I couldn’t read this book fast enough I absolutely loved Alexis and Logan is my new book boyfriend!!!
Alexis is a quiet librarian but tonight she is dressed to the nine, she has her night planned, She is about to celebrate her Independence Day. You see her horrible ex cheated on her not once but twice, his excuse she’s boring in bed!! Oh and even better he had needs and she couldn’t give him what he needs!! I was furious when I read this part what an a**!! To make matters worse her older sister Lee whose a senator always criticizes her life style, and pushing her limits. Not tonight Alexis is determined to have a
passionate one night stand, finding a guy at Fleurs de Lis. What she finds is an extremely handsome man who defends her at the bar. Alexis finds herself kissing him passionately and he pays for the best hotel room. They can’t keep their hands off each other. No sooner do they go the hotel room the siren warns them there’s fire in hotel. The man carry’s Alexis out in his arms after she twists her ankle and when photographers begin to take pictures he disappears. The very next day she’s sees their photos are all over the internet. Alexis finds out that the man’s name is Logan Arthur and he’s Texan politician challenging the Texas’ governor’s seat!! Alexis receives a phone call from the consultant for Logan and she has a solution. They can fake dating until the Election Day. After Logan wins the governor, they can break up siting irreconcilable differences. Alexis accepts to offer but soon finds herself seeing a different side of Logan, and they begin to work well with each-other and sparks fly, but how much is she sacrificing of herself to make others happy? What happens when their secret is revealed? I loved this book so much! The romance, the characters the story everything!!

Such a great read! The follow-up to Fool Me Once (but can be read on its own), this story of the shy and unsure Alexis Stone and the gruff but gentle candidate for Texas Governor, Logan Arthur, is a romcom for sure, but with a little bit more. A compelling plot with lots of political content, discussion of values, sense of self, and identity. I enjoyed this so much and absolutely recommend it.

A one night stand with a shy school librarian and a gorgeous politician? Say no more!😏

I loved the tension and banter between the two main character’s. Although Alexis comes across as an introvert, she has no problem standing up for herself and her career. I also really enjoyed Logan’s character and how he encouraged/supported Alexis (we love a supportive BF!! 😍)

🤗This story revisits some of the characters in Ashley Winstead’s romance, Fool Me Once. The boyfriend candidate’s MC is Alexis Stone, who is the sister of state senator Lee Stone in Fool Me Once. I enjoyed the sister dynamic between these two and how much their relationship grew throughout the book.

🌶️A specific library scene…..iykyk

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞:
Miscommunication🙃😫 (but i think it’s to be expected in fake dating)

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫:
✔ a shy school librarian x a gorgeous politician
✔ fake dating & workplace romance
✔ a steamy library scene
✔ one night stand gone wrong

Well, I have to say I loved this book!
I loved the characters! Main characters, Alexis and Logan, were my favorite for sure. The chemistry between the two of them is just perfect.
The Boyfriend Candidate is a warm/light hearted, funny and heartfelt story with just enough steamy/spicy moments.
This is the first book I have read by Ashley Winstead. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What I Liked: This book combines two things that I love, librarianship and politics, and I liked that Winstead seemed to be aware of the issues facing libraries today, in particular book bans. This book has enjoyable characters, characters I found myself rooting for, and who I liked reading about. I really liked all the strong women in this book, especially on the political side. Seeing Logan deferring to women he knows are smarter than him was a delight, and something rarely seen in romance novels. Sometimes romantic comedies forget to bring the comedy but this book was genuinely funny and I found myself laughing out loud many times. I loved seeing Logan and Alexis fall in love, and not know it, and the chemistry between them was great, especially for a book that has some heat but isn’t explicit.

What I Didn’t Like: I didn’t love the use of the stereotypical “mousy, boring” librarian trope, even if Alexis isn’t truly that way. Just once I would like to read a romance about a strong and confident librarian. I also didn’t love that a lot of the issues between Logan and Alexis could have been solved with a conversation BUT the fake dating setup and the rules they put in place at the beginning can explain this.

Who Should Read It: Apparently this book is a follow up to “Fool Me Once,” but I didn’t know that until after I finished so I don’t think you need to read these in any kind of order. Anyone looking for a romance with some heat but nothing explicit will like this one.

Review Wrap Up: If you’re willing to overlook how unrealistic the political story is in this book, I think most romance fans will like this story. Logan was a fun hero and I really liked the storyline about Alexis finding her voice and realizing she can choose her own path in life.

Favorite Quote(s): “Love is always political. Especially for women. Who you care for and believe in, what you do with your body, who you’re dependent on, the extent of your autonomy. Strange to me that people pretend you can separate the two.”

“Do you know what it’s like to work for something your whole life and then have someone walk in and become the most important thing to you in an instant? Everything changed at the drop of a hat. It’s fucking disorientating, Alexis. You turned me upside down.”