The Boyfriend Candidate
By: Ashley Winstead
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Absolutely charming!

Alexis Stone was dumped by her boyfriend awhile back and she decides to do something bold, after he claimed she was boring. She ends up at a bar looking for a one-night-stand. She is way outside her comfort zone, but she is determined to prove something to herself. As she is fending off unwanted advances, Logan comes to her rescue.

They hit it off and end up in a hotel. They each have their motives. As things start heating up the hotel is hit by lightning and causes a fire. As he rescues them pictures are being taken of them, and Logan disappears.

The picture ends up in the paper and it turns out he is a politician known for his playboy ways. Who is the mystery girl in his arms? Alexis is a children’s librarian and does not want to be tarnished by the photos.

I don’t want to spoil this for you, but they come up with a plan to help each other out.

This novel was full of witty, charm and such a delightful read.Be sure to read Ashley’s acknowledgements. Hugs!

Thank you Ashley Winstead, Netgalley and Grayson House for this advanced copy. This novel is due out May 9, 2023.

#theboyfriendcandidate, #ashleywinstead, #graydonhouse, #netgalley, #arc, #romcom, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50

Thank you to Greydon House & NetGalley for an ARC of this story, in exchange for my honest opinion.

After being cheated on and dumped for being “too boring” in bed Alexis sets off to have her first ever one night stand. At the bar she runs into Logan, where one thing leads to another. They had to the hotel next door, and start getting down to business as the hotels fire alarms go off, and send them running down the stairs into the parking lot. Logan is running with Alexis in his arms, and before they know it they’re photographed by the paparazzi. And even more shocking is the next morning when the photos are splashed all over the news, because Logan is currently running to be the next Governor of Texas….

The story follows Alexis and Logan through the campaign trail, as they grow together but also as individuals.

It was funny, it was sweet, the characters in the book all feel like a group of friends you could know in real life. And I really enjoyed the romance story intertwined with an election story. Not too mention Logan is just the swooniest, and Alexis is just the female lead we can all relate too.

And as always the happily ever after was just chefs kiss!

I think I prefer Ashley Winsteads thrillers over her romances. I was quite bored throughout The Boyfriend Candidate & it was a little too slow burn for me. I didn’t hate it, but definitely didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would.

The romance between Logan, a gubernatorial candidate, and Alexis, an elementary school librarian, was a slow burn, rife with misunderstandings and unsaid words. After being caught in a compromising situation, the two agree to fake a relationship until the election is over to avoid scandal. However, as they spend more time together, genuine feelings develop, leading to a sweet resolution. Although Logan's character was well-developed and multi-dimensional, we never got his point of view.

Unfortunately, Alexis' character was a bit inconsistent. While initially portrayed as shy and stuttering, she quickly transformed into a confident political player without any real explanation. She also repeatedly broke their agreed-upon rules and seemed to justify her actions selfishly, without much regard for how they would affect others. However, the side characters were well-written, and Nora's campaign management skills were particularly impressive.

The writing itself was good, but the novel suffered from an excess of political content. While it made sense for Logan's job to be a major aspect of the plot, the constant political talk detracted from the romantic storyline. Readers looking for an escape from the world's problems may find the lengthy discussions on initiatives and campaign promises to be a bit much. However, those interested in politics and romance may still enjoy the book.

Alexis is a shy elementary school librarian. She’s still trying to get over her last breakup from a year ago when her boyfriend cheated on her. In an effort to be the new Alexis, she dolls herself up, and heads to the local bar determined to have a one-night stand. Things are going her way when she meets Logan, a gorgeous yet foul-mouthed random guy – perfect. However, when they are ready to get it on at the nearby hotel, lighting strikes and a fire is started. Outside, Logan quickly makes his exit. Alexis is confused but moved on…until the next day her face is all over social media for being the mystery woman with gubernatorial candidate Logan, who has a history of being a playboy. Logans campaign team reaches out with a proposition…will she pretend to date Logan for two months so he can save face?

What a delightful rom-com. This book was entertaining and captivating and I did not want to put it down. I loved Logan’s character. Honestly he can be my boyfriend anytime. He was just so perfect (even his flaws were perfect). I related so much to Alexis as well. I feel like after a bad breakup I too have tried to reinvent myself, and while I didn’t end up in quite the pickle she did, it didn’t go as planned. Lesson learned, stay true to yourself. I loved the character development for both of them, reading them grow was just delightful.

Thank you so much to Harlequin Trade Publishing, @htpbooks, and Netgalley, @Netgalley, for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ✏️

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙱𝚘𝚢𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎
𝙱𝚢 𝙰𝚜𝚑𝚕𝚎𝚢 𝚆𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍
𝙿𝚞𝚋 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟿, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹
📚 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝟻/𝟻

The Boyfriend Candidate is a story of fake dating, taking risks, believing in yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone, and pure love. Alexis Stone is your shy librarian who builds up the courage and goes out to have her first one night stand. When her path crosses with Logan, her life changes from there. Just as she is about to get her hookup wish, the hotel catches fire leading them out to the street where pictures are being taken and Logan flees the scene. Alexis then is bewildered when breaking news hits that Logan turns out to be Logan Arthur, candidate running for Governor of Texas. A scandal is rising from these pictures and the solution to protect Logan’s campaign is for he and Alexis to fake date until Election Day. With Election Day being two months away, so much can happen in such little time.

This binge worthy book was very enjoyable, entertaining, and I would definitely recommend to anyone who is curious about it or wants a really good fake-dating romcom!

A fun political romcom!

The premise of this book sounded so interesting, I just had to give it a try. I'm glad I did because I was not disappointed. The writing is really well done. The story flowed effortlessly and the characters were developed well.

The romance is a super slow burn but the end result was rewarding. I liked the dynamic between the two main characters and think they made an entertaining duo.

There is a little bit too much political talk for my personal tastes, but I understand why since the hero is running for political office. I think I just wasn't expecting so much of it.

Overall, this was a fun romcom with great characters and humor.

3.5 stars
Winstead's latest romance novel after "Fool Me Once" focuses on Alexis Stone, little sister of previous protagonist Lee Stone. Alexis is an introverted children's librarian and apparently boring in bed. This last fact (imparted by her cartoonishly awful ex-boyfriend) leads to Alexis trying to be more adventurous and seek out a one night stand. Of course things don't go to plan and Alexis's would be partner turns out to be a politician and worse after feeling their hotel due to a fire they're caught together on camera. In a surprising (not) twist the two must pretend to be madly in love to save her job and his campaign. Featuring classic romance novel tropes like only one bed and not fully communicating leading to angst and misunderstandings.

This was honestly a fun read and I loved Logan and Alexis's romance. Their personalities as individuals were also fun to read about. Logan is grumpy with everyone else and clearly cares very deeply about helping his constituents but has no time with the fake side of politics. Alexis as well cares very deeply about teachers and helping her community and the two work pretty well together not just on the romance side.

My biggest issue with this book is despite how smart Alexis can be at times she's also so dumb and naive. Minor spoilers but just one example of that is her hosting a rally and representing Logan's campaign without actually talking to his campaign. This is especially dumb when we remember that her sister is also in politics. And normally I'm fine with the heroines being a little dumb or making some stupid choices when it moves either the romance or the plot forward but I didn't feel like this was the case with Alexis. This wasn't a huge issue for me but I didn't love this aspect of the book.

Overall I did enjoy this book and I would recommend this book to romance novel fans or people looking for a cute, fun read.


I was provided a free copy of this book though NetGalley.

I absolutely loved this book! It was not only the kind of love story that totally pulled on my heartstrings one moment and made me laugh out loud the next. I really enjoyed the journey between Alexis and Logan, and I liked that they each had their individual journeys to go on as well. I also appreciated that the ending didn't necessarily go in the direction you would expect because it felt realistic while still being hopeful. Overall, this was a fantastic read!

For one night, Alexis Stone wants to be someone else - anyone but what everyone in her life thinks about her. Logan is exactly who she needs to give herself a boost until they are caught by cameras and she learns who he really is: a candidate for governor. Alexis and Logan make a deal to save his public image, and campaign, but they may not be able to stick to their own rules.

This is my first book by Winstead, but I really enjoyed it! I always like when there is more substance to a romance than just the relationship. As an educator, I appreciated the discussion on funding schools and the conversation about politicians who choose to ban books - while it may not be for everyone, I enjoyed the piece of the novel. I would have loved a little more romance, but it was a quick and entertaining read!

I loved this slowwwww burn romance! Shy librarian Alexis stone learning to love herself just the way she is + swoon worthy Logan political candidate. The chemistry was wonderful I only wish they ended up together before the last 10% of the chapter!

An amusing, political fake dating rom com that soared with fun cameos from previous characters but struggled at times due to underwhelming MCs.

Alexis Stone, a school librarian, is happy to be out of the spotlight, but when her one night stand makes her a state wide sensation, she realizes quick that her sister Lee isn't the only one with stage presence!

As a fan of Ashley Winstead and her previous romance Fool Me Once, I was all in for The Boyfriend Candidate. Although Alexis wasn't a side character I originally thought much about, I was happy to see her grown and get her happy ending.

Here's What Worked:
- The premise. How freaking unique! Gotta love fake dating in an effort to win a governor's race!
- I applaud Winstead for constantly pushing the boundaries. She uses her platform to discuss relevant political issues especially in relation to a conservative state. It's bold and done well every time.
-The ending. I found it realistic. All the characters showed growth and I feel like we leave them better than we got them.
- Cameos. Lee is still hysterical. Love her and Ben showing up.

Here's What I Struggled With:
- Alexis, our FMC. I loved Lee Stone in Fool Me Once. She is so utterly unique, and Alexis has big shoes to fill, and she's very aware of that. Alexis has essentially been told her whole life she's boring and the lesser Stone and she's clearly internalized it. But the problem is...that Alexis IS boring and kind of doormat. Alexis is truly just floating through life. Every situation she falls into or action she does in the book is because a character with a bigger personality led her into. Every single time. We get that she is shy, but she truly doesn't make a decision for herself until the VERY end and again, that's because other characters ask her point blank what it is she wants out of life. She also has zero friends and I found it a weird choice to make not only her coworkers to be her only confidants but also her older sister's friend who kind of barges into her life randomly??

There's a line in the book of a friend say "Don't do that thing where you bury your problems and focus on other people. You're the main character." And honestly, thanks for the reminder because I forgot Alexis was the MC too! Whereas I found Lee to be (lovingly) ridiculously over the top in Fool Me Once, Alexis is ridiculously underwhelming in The Boyfriend Candidate.

- The Romance. The Love Interest. I struggled with Logan at times. Don't feel like we really understood him He just feels like a typical Texas bro, but liberal? He's also kind of jerk and I wanted someone to check his privilege so bad. Also WHERE IS THE BANTER? For a supposedly cheeky bloke, him and Alexis's chemistry felt almost nonexistent outside of heated kisses or mostly Alexis being insecure while Logan flirted with her. This might've benefited from dual POVs but even that couldn't convince me of these two.

Overall, I think this was solid and Fool Me Once set the bar high. I think many people will see themselves in Alexis and enjoy it. Ashley Winstead is a phenomenal writer and I will devour anything she writes.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Do you love a slow burn? "The Boyfriend Candidate" by Ashley Winstead is for you. After a meet-cute for the ages and a botched attempt a one night stand, both Alexis Stone and Logan Arthur can hardly forget their almost-romance. So when fate throws the timid librarian (Alexis) into the potential next Texan governor (Logan) together their chemistry flies off the page. Smoldering Logan sets ground rules in order to keep their sham relationship professional when his campaign manager realizes the two of them fake dating is liquid gold to the voters. Thrust into fake dating, Alexis and Logan keep their feelings about each other quiet, but when situations change they need to decide whether their undeniable physical connection is worth Logan potentially losing his campaign and Alexis missing out on a "real" relationship with a handsome doctor who is willing to tell the world Alexis is his. Filled to the brim with will they won't they's and nail-biting sexual tension, you won't be able to put this book down once you've started. Ashley Winstead knocks it out of the park with The Boyfriend Candidate. Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC!

WOW, FIRST OF ALL YES.

Rating is more like 4.5 ★
Fake relationship, grumpy/sunshine-ish, political romance, contemporary romance.

General Thoughts:
Basically all of my favorites in one book!!! I wish I could read this one for the first time again. This was my firstI have read by Ashley Winstead but consider me a fan. I loved everything about this book from touching on very real issues with healthcare and especially education while still keeping the the steam and anticipation alive.

Summary:
We have reserved Alexis Stone who is an elementary school librarian who feels outshined by her Texas senator sister, and we also have grumpy southern brit Logan Arthur who is running for Texas governor. On the anniversary of Alexis' rough breakup that broke whatever confidence she had, she went in search of a one night stand. Instead she unknowingly meets Arthur. Photos surface of the two of them together, but to save his playboy image they enlist in a fake relationship until election night.

OH MY GOD PLEASE READ THIS BOOK.

The Boyfriend Candidate was a fun light-hearted read that was almost impossible to put down. I started it on vacation, and was always conflicted when I had to put it down to go on an activity or excursion.

Alexia is an elementary school librarian who is used to living her life in the shadows. One night she decides to go outside of her comfort zone and have a one night stand in the hopes of getting over her ex. At a local bar she meets Logan who—unbeknownst to her—is a candidate for Texas governor. They hit it off, and get caught in a compromising position. In order to protect his candidacy, Logan and his team convince Alexia to pretend to be his girl friend. Shenanigans ensue.

This was such a fun, light-hearted read. Although the storyline was predictable, it was executed wonderfully. It was easy to get through, and would be a quick read. The politics are progressive, and there seems to be some parallels/ inspiration from real life. While this is what made this such an enjoyable story for me, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Read if you like:
🗳fake dating
🗳romcoms
🗳political romances
🗳progressive politics
🗳love triangles

I really really enjoyed this book - it was targeted towards those who loved the hating game, and I definitely agree!! As a bookish girl myself, I really related to Alexis - and honestly, who doesn't want to be fireman carried through a hotel by a handsome gentleman?? The relationship between Alexis and Logan developed really naturally, from their first meeting to the end, I really believed the relationship. This was my first novel by Ashley Winstead, but it certainly won't be my last!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Ashley Winstead, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for access to this e-Arc!!

This was a superb read! The chemistry between the characters was amazing! I was totally invested in Alexis Stone!
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Boyfriend Candidate releases May 9, 2023

*this is the sister novel to Winstead’s romance debut: Fool Me Once*

After being cheated on by her ex for being boring, timid, and not adventurous enough in bed to satisfy — Alexis ventures out to the Fleur de Lis hotel in Austin, seeking out her first one night stand. It’s there that she meets Logan, while using the pseudonym “Ruby Dangerfield.” The hours fly by while chatting over drinks and they hit it off enough to decide to get a room together at the hotel. But by freak chance, a lightning strike hits the roof of the hotel, encasing it in flames and setting off the fire alarm. It’s not until a scandalous photo of them emerging from the hotel surfaces online that Alexis finds out that Logan is a politician and the current candidate for governor.

An elementary librarian with a senator for a sister, fake dating a Texan governor candidate for two months until election day to squash any ideas of him being a playboy — what could go wrong?

Alexis and Logan had some fiery banter from the start. It was easy to feel their push and pull, and the tension through little touches. They had a comfortable familiarity and intimacy that cut through the awkwardness of navigating a fake dating scenario, while still allowing for fleeting moments of being flustered (in a cute way).
I loved how we got to actually know the characters — from the deep insecurities of wanting to be enough and being able to love yourself, to the cute childhood memories. I mean, Logan’s pet pig named Wilbur?! AH.
The night at the hideaway bar where they got to intimately play darts for truths by candlelight, and the aftermath of the tornado warning were two of my favourite scenes!

The writing was really smooth, and the side characters had enough flair to bring life to the story without distracting from the main characters.
I only wish that the conflict that was built up with Will didn’t last for so long, and that Alexis and Logan would have just came out and said what they wanted to, since they had a few opportunities to do so.
I would have loved to have gotten a glimpse at Logan’s thought process! Having an additional pov from Logan scattered throughout definitely would have strengthened this.

Fantastic to read a romance from thriller queen Ashley Winstead. "The Boyfriend Candidate" is an enjoyable slow-burn, fake-dating romance with a slew of memorable characters. The political campaign brings an interesting new element to the plot line. The entertaining, swoon-worthy makes it worth the read.
Thank you to Graydon House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Very fun! This felt like I was reading a wholesome and hilarious episode of scandal!

Personally, I’m getting a little tired of books where it’s so painfully obvious to the reader that the couple likes each other, yet somehow they can’t figure it out? Especially when it’s in their POV…

But that’s a personal thing and is really the only thing I didn’t enjoy with this book.

Also, beware a VERY slow burn!