I received a copy of The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel was okay, but I was not captivated and felt no connection to the characters or the plot. The summary seemed interesting, but the novel’s pacing was uneven and the characters were kind of flat. Just not my cup of tea.

I LOVED this book. 4 1/2 stars, so much fun. Politics, Austin, love of animals, shenanigans, forced proximity, fake relationships. It just has it all, and not in an overpowering way.

This is the story of Alexis, she's spent the last year fixated on the fact that her ex-boyfriend (a serial cheater, by the way) told her she was bad in bed and it was her fault he needed to cheat. HA HA, loser. Alexis decides she needs a one night stand to finally give the ex the old heave ho and meets Logan at a bar one night. He saves her from a slimy bar lizard, and their chemistry is off the charts.

Chaos ensues, they have to fake date because of course, he's running for governor. Sounds so cheesy, right? It is NOT. It is almost utter perfection, I enjoyed every page and ignored all duties so that I could just read this book. I'm going to need more, please. MORE MORE MORE.

Now I'm off to read every single thing this author has ever written.

Alexis Stone is enjoying being an elementary librarian and recommending books to students. Yet, when dumped from her long term boyfriend for being (gasp) too shy in bed, she sets her sights on a one-night stand. Little does she know the man that comes into view is the latest governor candidate for the state of Texas.

Logan is a handsome, playboy governor candidate who has his dreams set on making a difference. When the press catches him with Alexis in his arms, he knows that he needs to fix his image. He NEEDS Alexis to pretend to be his girlfriend for the rest of the election period. What could go wrong with that??

The Boyfriend Candidate is one of my favorite books of the first quarter. I loved that Ashley Winstead was not afraid to address political issues, especially with education. Winstead spoke to me, as an educator, to why librarians are so important while telling the story of Alexis and Logan. The fake dating concept in this book worked well and I couldn't wait for these two to come clean with their feelings. The ending of this story is one that I couldn't get enough of!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House & NetGalley for allowing me to read this book

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for giving me an ARC copy of this book to read and review. All of these thoughts and comments are my own. This book releases May 9th 2023.

A women walks into a bar…..ba dum! Anywho, Alexis is an introverted librarian who wants to be more outgoing and not be “boring” as her ex cheating boyfriend says. So, she decides to dress up and go to a bar to be more daring and maybe even have a one night stand. Logan is rumored to be a “playboy” and is also a politician and after a bad day at work he too ends up going to a bar. They run into each other after Logan makes a creep leave Alexis or dare I say Ruby….alone. One thing leads to another and they end up sharing a room together but not before a storm catching the hotel on fire. Questionable pictures of Logan and Alexis are released while they escaped the fire and to help save Logan’s political career, he asks Alexis to pretend to date him. What could possibly go wrong?

I really enjoy this book. It was funny, cute, romantic, and honestly what I like to see in a romance novel. I love love LOVED Logan, bless his confused heart. I wasn’t digging the Alexis and Will side story. I was team Logan from the get go. I’m glad all ended well for them. This book was fast pace and didn’t bore me at all. The characters were fun and I loved that it mentioned animals because who doesn’t love animals and rescues?! (Pshycos, that’s who) I’d definitely recommend this to anyone. Great read!

5 stars!

Some authors won't be for everyone. Ashley Winstead is one of those authors. And that's okay. However, I would like to make it abundantly clear that there is no author more FOR me than Ashley. WINSTEAD.

I normally don't love characters like Alexis. I don't do timid and quiet because so often those words are associated with someone weak and I HATE reading about weak women. Alexis is reserved and introverted, but she's incredibly bright (like all of Winstead's female characters HALLE-FREAKING-LUJAH) and she absolutely lights up when tasked with something that matters to her. She wasn't a doormat, she wasn't boring, and she definitely wasn't weak - - she just needed the right partner to give her the right space to be her brightest self.

I'm a big fan of MCs who make each other better - not whole. Better. And there's a difference. Far too often our FMCs in romcoms aren't their fullest selves unless the MMC is around. Or maybe the MMC is super toxic until he meets her. I don't like the "fix it" narrative. I don't like the idea that we're less than until we meet someone to complete us. Ashley Winstead's characters are whole and capable of being loved and championed independently. But together, they're unstoppable and that's the kind of love I want to read about. Perhaps that's because I don't want a partner who I have to count on to write my story - I want one that will be there to highlight all of the best parts of it. And that's exactly what the dynamic is in Ashley Winstead's romance books.

There's a lot of miscommunication in this book, but it's more things that are unsaid than things that are misunderstood. This is a nuance I didn't know existed until I read this book. There weren't petty misunderstandings - there were deep-rooted reasons for leaving things unsaid or for misinterpreting actions. I LOVED the way this was unpacked throughout the book and reading the author's note reaffirmed that.

Overall, I think Ashley Winstead is in a league of her own. She writes politics into her books knowing that will turn some people off, she releases both romances and thrillers, and she's true to who she is as a person and an author. This confidence and sureness in oneself is genuinely inspiring and it comes to life on the pages through her characters, too. No matter what we bring to the table, Ashley Winstead reminds us we deserve our own happy ending that looks like ours and no one else's.

Ashley, THANK YOU, for the Stone sisters and for sharing your art with us as readers.

(+ Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!)

Loved, loved, loved this book! Fun storyline and interesting characters. I'm a political junkie, so the election storyline and all the drama around running a political campaign was entertaining. Highly recommend this book if you enjoy love, drama and politics!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House and Netgalley for an ARC of this book! I’ve willingly read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.

THE BOYFRIEND CANDIDATE was a fun read! An introverted, somewhat lost librarian named Alexis decides to go out one night to prove to herself that she’s not the boring and terrible lover her cheating ex told her she was, and finds herself fake-dating the young, hot Democratic politician running for governor in Texas after photos of them are taken.

Not only was THE BOYFRIEND CANDIDATE funny and sweet, but Ashley Winstead touches on extremely relevant topics like book-banning, teachers not being paid what they’re worth, and corruption in politics, as well as grief and dealing with insecurity.

My only complaint (which is not the fault of anyone but myself!) is that I didn’t realize this was an interconnected book with Ashley Winstead’s FOOL ME ONCE, yet that in no way lessened my enjoyment. In fact, I’ll probably go back and read that one too in anticipation of Winstead’s next romance!

*3.5

They were cute and I really liked the story but they just didn't spend enough time together. I feel like they were only alone like 4 times before they decided that they loved each other. But I enjoyed the writing and I would still read more from this author.

I received an arc through netgalley.

✨Book Review✨

The Boyfriend Candidate
By Ashley Winstead (@ashleywinsteadbooks)
Release Date:
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Review:
This book deserves every star, and then some. As a teacher, you don’t often see the struggles and injustices we face so perfectly portrayed in books—especially a rom com! This was done SO well, and I felt so acknowledged while reading it. Alexis is so real in her feelings that I felt like I could have been reading about myself. I cried through probably 75% of the book because it hit so hard, but it was a beautiful reminder that everyone is deserving of love, everyone is worthy, and even when you pick yourself apart there will always be someone who loves you just the way you are. This book had so many amazing relationships, not just the romantic kind. I need more of all of these characters I’ve grown to love!

Thank you SO MUCH to @ashleywinsteadbooks, @harlequinbooks @graydonhousebooks and @netgalley for the eARC. I can’t wait to get a physical copy to add to my Ashley Winstead collection! ☺️

I really loved this book! Both main characters were so awesome and relatable to me, even from the single perspective of Alexis. I related so much to Alexis's shyness, bookishness, and introvertedness (although, this book contributed to the harmful stereotype of the lonely cat lade....IMO a cat from the start would've made this book purrfect and added some needed depth, just saying). And Logan was a sweetheart, the kind of guy who doesn't bullsh*t things in life, but is learning the way the game has to be played when running for a major political office. I myself am interested in politics and government so I enjoyed reading about a political candidate-- a strong democrat in Texas, no less (gave me some Beto vibes). I liked the romance between the characters, but I wish it hadn't been such a SLOW BURN!!! I was getting antsy there towards the end, but I loved the relationship that developed between Logan and Alexis so much as they navigate their fake relationship, but blossoming real friendship and romantic feelings. I also loved seeing Alexis stand up for herself and learn to use her voice, coming out of the shadow of her sister she's been in.
Overall, very cute, fun story that I loved very much!
Thank you for the ARC!!!

This was such a fun surprise of a read - a new to me author, who delivered a perfect classic romcom type read. I was hooked and didn’t want to stop reading and whipped through this one in a little over a day.

Both main characters were wonderful- I definitely could relate to quiet, a bit shy but passionate Alexis. And was it just me or did anyone else find themselves picturing Roy Kent (from Ted Lasso) as Logan? He definitely has some strong Tot vibes and I was loving it 😊

This was a sweet, fun slow burn romance read and I was rooting for Alexis and Logan throughout. I’m a sucker for a fake relationship trope with a slow burn, so this one was a perfect match for me. I can’t wait to try more from the author soon. Definitely recommend for a fun romcom escape.

Thank you to NetGalley and HTP Books / Graydon House Books for the opportunity to read an early copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This was super fun! Ashley Winstead really can do it all, all of her books I’ve read have been so different! The MMC in this one has major Roy Kent vibes and I love that so much.

Not my favorite of her books but I did like it!

I loved this book more than I'll be able to articulate. It was clever, real, and had that touch of fake dating to remind us all this is still a romcom.

There is so much I loved about this book, but let me start with some things that made the book shine. First, it had so many clever lines that fed into the humor. I was smiling and laughing more than I thought I would in a political romance book. There is one particular scene between a restaurant waiter and Logan, the MMC, that was pure gold. You'll know it when you hit it.

The characters were phenomenal. We have our FMC, Alexis, who grows so so much throughout this book. She starts off very timid and afraid to speak her mind, even to herself. The way her growth is portrayed feel natural and well-supported by our wonderful love interest Logan. Speaking of Logan, this man was awesome! Apparently, he's based off of Roy Kent from Ted Lasso which is great because that's what I was thinking of the whole time. He's so charming. He feels like the typical grumpy guy we love in romances but with a bluntness and charm to lighten it up and make him someone completely unique.

Also, even though a main plot point if fake dating, there is so much more to this book than that. We had lots of political intrigues since Logan is running for Texas governor. We have educational politics since Alexis is an elementary school librarian. And we have lots of fun little side plots and scenes to make this book a nonstop balance of romance romps and realistic challenges.

I didn't realize that this is sorta a sequel (kinda?) of Fool Me Once. This is the younger sister of the FMC from that book. It didn't feel like a sequel though so you're totally fine reading this one on its own.

Overall, I would recommend this book to any and everyone, even if politics aren't your thing. I already want to read this book again, but I'll withhold by reading Fool Me Once instead.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. Sweet and shy Alexis decides she needs to step out of her comfort zone and is determined to have a one night stand. She meets Logan and all thought things didn’t quite happen like she planned it, she ended up with a big surprise! Logan just isn’t some random guy at the bar, He’s running for Governor! Alexis is really pulled out of her comfort zone when she gets thrown into a whirlwind of politics in a “fake” relationship with Logan.
This book is sweet and made me root for Alexis and Logan throughout the story!

I am so glad I got picked to read an advance reader copy of the Boyfriend Candidate.

Love it!

What do you get when you take an introverted librarian who is content to live a quiet life escaping into books and a foul-mouthed politican trying to reform his public image to help his campaign? A funny, entertaining, laugh-out-loud fake dating story filled with tender moments about two people trying to find themselves. Alexis and Logan just may be my new favorite fictional couple, and I literally found myself flying through this one. It was filled with plenty of swoon-worthy moments that will make you feel all fuzzy inside. I can't believe this is the same author who wrote The Last Housewife, which just goes to show Ashley Winstead's true talent and versatility as a writer. Alexis and Logan are supported by a cast of characters you can't help but also love, like Alexis's state senator sister, Lee and Logan's powerhouse campaign manager, Nora. I really enjoyed this one and I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a sweet and sexy romance that you won't be able to put down. Thank you @netgalley @ashleywinsteadbooks and @htpbooks for my digital ARC.

Alexis went out looking for a guy and found....more. She connects with Logan but when a fire breaks out at the hotel and he's photographed rescuing her, she discovers that they both kinda missed telling the truth about themselves. Turns out he's a candidate for Governor and now his campaign team wants the two of them to pose as a couple for the duration. Well, you know what's going to happen, don't you? This is, indeed a trope but here you've got some suspense- will Logan win? Know that there are some speeches and that Alexis' metamorphosis from "mouse" to campaigner is a stretch but that this is still entertaining. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Will make a good beach read.

Holy heck, I loved (and devoured) this book. It felt like two love stories in one - loving others and loving yourself. The family dynamics, the kickass political stance, the friends, Patches the cat, and a surly sexy politician was too much for me. My heart is going to need 7-10 business days to recover from this powerhouse of a novel. I laughed, I cried, I kicked my feet and giggled a few times, and my heart was a hot, fluttery mess. I will absolutely be re-reading this when it’s released - I just ordered a physical copy to keep on my shelves forever!

Pub date: 5/9/23
Genre: romcom
Quick summary: School librarian Alexis and gubernatorial candidate Logan are caught pre-one night stand - so Alexis agrees to fake date Logan to help him save face for the campaign.

This is book two in the FOOL ME ONCE political romance universe, but Alexis is a very different character from her sister Lee. I enjoyed seeing her find her voice in Logan's campaign, advocating for more funding for teachers and libraries. Unfortunately, I struggled with Logan's character. The blurb describes him as foul-mouthed - but to me, he just seemed like a jerk, and I couldn't get over it. This book is also the slowest of slow burns - we don't get much action until 90% in!! I'll continue to read Winstead's books, but this one wasn't my favorite.

Thank you to Graydon House for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh Ashley!!! This whole entire book.... just wonderful! First, huge props to this author for writing this story, in this genre! When I first saw this book announced, my jaw dropped because of the genre! She can really do it all. I have a new book bf... the romance, the banter, the steam, and even the politics.... Just amazing!

Read if you like:
🇺🇸 American Politics
🤠 Books Set in Texas
📚 Librarian FMC
💕 Fake Dating
🎙️Rally/Political Activism

I really wish I loved this one more but I think the reason why is that my expectations were for romance and it just didn’t give as much romance as I wanted. It was a veryyyyyy slow burn with no spice until the last 10% of the book where they didn’t even get together officially until that point either.

The main focus of this one is on the politics which I fully taking a moment for supporting the arts, free speech/education, schools, educators, and librarians but with the way the plot was so focused on these points more so than the fake dating and the love story I feel to enjoy it more I needed to have different expectations going in.

It’s still a great but knowing romance isn’t the forfront quill truly help others with their enjoyment I hope!

Thank you so much for my ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and review!