Ashley Winstead cannot only write twisty thrillers, but she also excels at classic romcoms. What a charming book! If you love a fake relationship trope with a good amount of chemistry and spice then this one's for you!

As someone who loves romance novels and politics, this was the absolute best combination. The romance itself was a slowburn that drove the story with the two main and completely adorable characters, Alexis and Logan. You can't help but root for both characters as they are such nice people overall and immediately seem like a good match. While the romance is the best part, it is also an interesting inside look at political campaigns and how intense and manipulative they can be.

I was pretty nervous about reading this because I saw a review and didn't want to be let down. Plus I didn't realize it was a second book in a series. But 10% in and I fell in love.

One night, Alexis tries to go for an out of character one night stand. When she ends up in a compromising position and photo leans of her, her almost one night stand turns out to be the man running for governor. His team tracks her down and they come to an agreement, she pretends to be his girlfriend and his team will give her anything she wants. What she wants is legislation for teachers.

It was a bunch of slow burn buildup. It was a sweet story. It was learning how to love yourself and figure out what you want. It's knowing that you are perfect as you are, and you don't have to be something you're not for love.

The reason it dropped down a star was because it was like a closed door and the last 10% was filled with so much sex. I think it took away from the story and it was an unneccessaey addition. All in all. Very good. Very sweet.

I think this was a really cute read. I liked the characters, I liked their chemistry. It has hallmark movie vibes but in book form. This is a rom com, it isn't a serious drama or a deep romance, and sometimes it’s nice to take a break and read something fun and feel-good. I really liked it.

I read a compelling book that seamlessly blended engaging storytelling with thought-provoking themes. The characters were well-developed, drawing me into their world and making their journeys feel relatable. The pacing was spot-on, keeping me hooked from beginning to end. The author's prose was both elegant and accessible, enhancing the overall reading experience. The plot had enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling contrived. While the ending provided closure, it also left room for contemplation. Overall, it was a satisfying and enjoyable read, showcasing the author's skill in crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with a wide audience.

If you like your romance with a side of politics, you'll like this. It's full of witty banter, and the characters are fun and likable.

Cute, smart and sexy — a modern romance for lovers of The West Wing and Speechless. I loved every minute of this charming book!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

First off, kudos to Ashley Winstead for writing multiple books in different genres. I would never have guessed that she wasn't a seasoned romance writer.

I enjoyed this book - a very low level of spice, but not closed door. I appreciated that the two characters actually had some chemistry and she did a good job with their emotional connection.

I also enjoyed the political aspect of the novel - the male lead is running for governor, and the female lead's sister is also in politics. However, I suspect the portrayal of working in politics is grossly simplified and that anyone actually working in the field might be frustrated by the inaccuracies. Same with the education system, where the main character works. It seemed like she was never there.

All in all, a serviceable romance.

It is a constant surprise to me how much I can love both Winstead's dark thrillers and her cute romcoms. I'd been in a romance slump and this was the perfect selection to get out of it. I even enjoyed the politics. Winstead's romance writing is hilarious and full of heart. Give me eight million more, please.

Loved loved loved. The political dynamics. The opposites attract. The will they, won’t they pull.

I loved it all!!! I wished the epilogue was a little longer but the HEA was worth the wait!

Ashley Winstead is an auto buy author for me for many reasons. She makes you root for her characters in a way that feels so personal every time I open one of her books. The Boyfriend Candidate was swoony in all the right ways - humorous and sexy and unputdownable.

I've said it before but, for me, Ashley Winstead is an automatic read. "The Boyfriend Candidate" is swoony and starts off with a bang. I enjoy this book more than "Fool Me Once" and would highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for my digital arc in exchange for my review.

Book Review:
Title: The Boyfriend Candidate
Author: Ashley Winstead
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/3 stars

Alexis Stone enjoys her quiet life as a librarian, but apparently, she's too "vanilla" when it comes to the bedroom. She's just been dumped, and she's ready for an adventure. Maybe it time to come out of her shell and experience her first ever one night stand. Enter Logan Arthur.

While attempting a hook-up, Alexis and Logan find themselves getting evacuated from their hotel that has caught on fire, outside half dressed with news reporters everywhere! That is when Alexis finds out that Logan is running for governor. Which ends up resulting in a fake relationship to repair his damaged reputation.

I liked this book, but it was a little slow and boring at times.

Published: May 9th, 2023

Thank you, @netgalley and @harlequinbooks, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Graydon House Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

One thing I've enjoyed with Ashley's take on romance between The Boyfriend Candidate and Fool Me Once is the opening scenes of the story. In The Boyfriend Candidate, Alexis Stone is in character as a badass woman looking for a one night stand in a bar. She stumbles on the perfect guy to spend the night with, but a freak lightning strike results in her being lifted out of the hotel with the dude who scrambles away quickly due to what she assumed was random paparazzi. Come to find out she was about to hook up with the leading Democratic Candidate running for the governor of Texas. This throws her into the chaotic motion of politics and elections when all Alexis wanted was a one night stand.

I think Ashley is on the verge of a 5 star rom com in our near future. She came super close for me with The Boyfriend Candidate, but I think I could have gone without the love triangle that sets up in the second half of the book.

Absolutely love! Winstead is at her best when writing witty banter between her male and female leads. I could devour a whip-smart, romantic Winstead novel each season!

For starters, I've always loved a good, swoon-worthy slow-burn romance so the amount of intensity between the protagonists in this book was pretty well-done. I loved how both characters supported each other all the time and never failed to seize the opportunity to make their actual feelings toward each other clear for both. Besides, truth be told, I am never a fan of politics or anything politics-related, so I hesitated a little bit before picking this book up considering that the male main character was a politician candidate; thankfully, he was a pretty decent guy for someone in the professional field of politics. The entire story was a delight to read and the light-hearted happy ending would surely brighten up every reader's mood. However, I would appreciate more if there could be slightly more steamy scenes as the protagonists could definitely use some smutty moments to spice their relationship up. *wink*

***Thanks to the publisher and author for kindly providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

I really love Ashley's thrillers but her romances just continue to fall flat for me. It felt too immature. DNF @ 43%.

I think I'm obsessed, and would definitely read Anything Ashley writes! She does such a good job with romance! Loved everything about this book!

didn’t love as much as the first book but it was just as fun. i think my lack of enjoyment comes from being bored of the fake dating trope but i can’t wait to see more romances from this author