“No.” He shook his head. “You weren’t part of the plan. None of what’s happened since that night was part of the plan.”
“You’re so much better than the plan.”

-opposites attract, fake dating, political romance
-Alexis and Logan’s one night stand gets interrupted by a fire alarm - to make matters more complicated there’s a photo taken of them with Logan carrying her to safety
-fake dating until election day to ensure Logan gets the governor job 🗳️
-the pace was good and I really enjoyed the plot
-the slow burn had me on the edge of my seat!! They had so much chemistry I was going to combust 😮‍💨🔥
-“Fuck leading anyone. I want to follow you on my hands and knees across the desert.” Good god Logan 💳💥💳💥 on my knees for him 🙇🏻‍♀️
-thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC ❤️

4.5⭐️

This book was literal perfection, and Ashley Winstead's romances are officially auto-buys for me (I'm sure her thrillers are also great, and maybe one day I'll be brave enough to try them lol). Alexis and Logan are so well developed and have sizzling chemistry, I could have read about them all day. Watching Alexis grow and come into her own over the course of the book was delightful. I would have liked to have some of Logan's point of view, but the book absolutely did not suffer for not having it. If you like fake dating, excellent writing, or Winstead's debut romance you definitely need to read this book!

This book was so cute! I loved the plot idea and I think it was executed beautifully. This was such a different take on fake dating and also workplace romance. I loved how quickly the story starts. You do not wait long for the two main characters to meet. This book keeps you interested from the first chapter. I usually do not like a spineless female main character and I loved that even with an introverted book worm character she still had a backbone. I was obsessed with Logan. I loved his sacrificial love, I ate this up! Actions spoke louder than words and then his words matched up with his actions! A true king! I have never read anything by Ashley Winstead and now I will be going to her backlist to see what other books she has written.

This was a slow, slow, burn, full of misunderstandings and unsaid things. Logan, a gubernatorial candidate, is caught in a compromising position with Alexis, an elementary school librarian. To save his campaign from scandal, they agree to fake date until the election was over. Of course, feelings developed as they do, and this ended on a sweet note. Both had reasons to hesitate and shy away from a real relationship. I thought Logan’s character was well-developed and strong, and while we didn’t get his POV, he was still fleshed out and multi-dimensional.

Alexis on the other hand, irritated me. Her character went from shy, stuttering “mouse” in public one minute to a political juggernaut the next week with no problems whatsoever speaking in front of crowds and rallying the constituents. She repeatedly broke the rules she and Logan agreed upon and justified them in a selfish way. I didn’t feel she really regarded how her actions would affect others. The side characters were awesome and I do hope Nora gets a book because she was a real powerhouse of a campaign manager.

The writing was great, but there were a few things that kept me from really loving this novel. This is a romance/romantic comedy and yet so much of it was filled with political talk. Yes, the male main character was running for governor, and yes, I like when the character has a passion and love of their job or hobby, but I read romance to largely escape from all that is wrong with the world. So while I don’t mind bits and pieces of reality to seep in, this was a little much. There would be 2-3 pages at a time of political rhetoric, and I did find myself saying “good point!,” but I also started to skim those pages because I was here for the characters and the romance, not a discourse on initiatives and campaign promises. If this sounds like your cup of tea though, then I definitely recommend this book to you!

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

This slow-burn, fake-dating romance was so enjoyable! The political campaign set up an interesting setting for the romance to unfold. I love how this story starts off strong from the beginning, so charming and engaging. Come for all the best romantic tropes, and stay for the adorable couple and entertaining plot!
Thank you very much Graydon House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!

I stupidly made the decision to read this book right before bed thinking I'd read just a chapter or two and found myself up at 4 am finishing the whole book. To say I enjoyed this book seems like an unjustice. I'm obsessed. I truly had so much fun reading this and it was the perfect blend of plot and slow burn with an excruciating amount of tension that kept me from putting this it down because I needed to know what would happen next. I really loved the main characters Alexis and Logan and the freaking chemistry. Omg. I also enjoyed how adult their conversations were despite the miscommunication. And Logan is such a great guy and sweet to her throughout the whole book and my heart.

There’s no better feeling than when you’re in a slump & a book comes along that you can not only binge and pull you out of that slump, but also gives you all of the warm & fuzzies. That was The Boyfriend Candidate for me.

I’m such a sucker for an introvert FMC in romcoms because I can see a lot of myself in that character. And it’s THAT much better when you can see them grow and develop as a person throughout the story. Relationships like the one Logan & Alexis had give me hope, along with all of the swoony, heart eye feelings. I loved Logan’s character; brash, outgoing, but also a giant softy that you just can’t help but want to hug. And I loved seeing Lee & Ben’s life after Fool Me Once. I’m always in awe when an author can switch genres so effortlessly & seamlessly like Ashley Winstead does. She is definitely becoming an auto-buy favorite of mine, especially after this sweet and emotional read. 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded to 4)

A huge thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Ashley Winstead for this e-arc. Check out The Boyfriend Candidate on its pub date 5/9!

Alexis Stone is a bore, at least that’s what her ex told her one year ago, when he cheated on her for the second time. So instead of curling up into a ball on this one-year anniversary, she sprues herself up in a sexy red dress and takes a new persona for the evening: Ruby Dangerfield. “Ruby” is looking for a one-night stand and as you may guess, that doesn’t turn out as planned. Instead, she meets the handsome Logan, who assists in getting rid of a creeper hitting on her. To show her gratitude, Ruby buys him a drink and the sparks fly, so much so that a lightning strike ruins their evening. Unbeknownst to Alexis, handsome Logan is Texas famous, and her life is about to get more complicated.

I enjoyed this book so much. I loved Alexis but I think I loved Logan more. Fake dating/fake marriage is one of my favorite tropes. The dynamics between them were so believable. Ultimately, if Alexis didn’t want to pretend any longer, Logan would let her off the hook, no questions asked. I will say I anticipated this book to be steamier than it was, but to my surprise, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I didn’t realize this is also in the universe of “Fool Me Once” which took me a few chapters to connect.


Thank you, Harper Collins, and #NetGalley for the ARC. All the above opinions are my own.

I’m in disbelief that the author of THE LAST HOUSEWIFE wrote this rom-com! This book, THE BOYFRIEND CANDIDATE coming out on May 9th, is one of my favorite reads of 2023. I loved all of the humor, banter, the friendship development, and the slow burning romance. The characters Alexis and Logan felt real because of all their flaws. These two encouraged each other to achieve their goals while learning about themselves individually. As a former educator, I also appreciated how the topics of librarians, school budgets and book bans were discussed in the book. All of these elements gave the book a very realistic feel, but it is fun because of the chemistry and sparks flying! I devoured this book in one sitting and Logan Arthur… whew! I officially will read everything by Ashley Winstead, she is a talented author! Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Sweet and cute. I really liked both characters, though found side characters a bit underfleshed out. Wrapped up a bit too neatly at times.

It is single pov but the pinning is noticeable from both parties. The slowest of all the burns with sprinkled teases, well worth the wait. I loved the growth from both Alexis and Logan, they knew the things they needed to work on but never put themselves down, and encouraged each other.
The second steamy scene could have used a bit more hype or just waited a few more paragraphs to make a bit more sense to the scene.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Okay... so I've never liked politics, and so put off reading this book. I have to say, I wish I hadn't waited so long, because it was so much fun! As someone who used to be a teacher, I understand about all the issues Alexis was talking about. The wages and the book banning were all things that spoke to me, and I just loved how the characters discussed these issues with conviction! I totally would have voted for him.
I wasn't happy with the Will complication, only because I don't enjoy love triangles, but luckily in the end, it all worked out.
Alexis and Logan had some wonderful chemistry. I can see this book making its way into many hearts.

An attempted one night stand that goes wrong, to fake dating to well lets me honest, we know they are going to fall in in love at the end.
This was a quick read for me and I loved both Alexis and Logan. But I really would of enjoyed reading from Logans point of view.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Alexis Stone wants to reinvent herself—but a failed attempt at a one-night-stand with a gubernatorial candidate is about to toss her into a high-stakes fake dating scheme way outside of her comfort zone.

I have to be honest, I cannot *believe* the audacity of Ashley Winstead, writing me the absolute perfect man and then having him be FICTIONAL?!?!?! I am appalled and, frankly, not okay.

Seriously, though...my list of book boyfriends is long, but Logan Arthur absolutely catapulted himself to the top of it with his absolute perfection. It turns out “British-accented vaguely grumpy Roy Kent types but nerdy and overeducated with a burning hunger to change the world” are EXACTLY my type? Who knew?

Anyway, I absolutely devoured this book in two days, partly because I truly could not get enough Logan, but also because this book is AMAZING—Alexis is one of the most relatable FMCs I’ve encountered in ages, the political drama is perfection, the cameos from the FOOL ME ONCE stars are a delight, and the deep meaningful commentary on finding yourself, chasing your dreams, and healing from grief are so real and raw. Add to that some fake dating shenanigans and absolute heaps of slow burn tension and you’ve got a perfect rom-com, which is exactly what THE BOYFRIEND CANDIDATE happens to be.

CW: Death of parent (off-page); grief

Out May 9, 2023! [Thank you to author and publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!]

Rating: 5/5 stars

Alexis Stone wants to reinvent herself—but a failed attempt at a one-night-stand with a gubernatorial candidate is about to toss her into a high-stakes fake dating scheme way outside of her comfort zone.

I have to be honest, I cannot *believe* the audacity of Ashley Winstead, writing me the absolute perfect man and then having him be FICTIONAL?!?!?! I am appalled and, frankly, not okay.

Seriously, though...my list of book boyfriends is long, but Logan Arthur absolutely catapulted himself to the top of it with his absolute perfection. It turns out “British-accented vaguely grumpy Roy Kent types but nerdy and overeducated with a burning hunger to change the world” are EXACTLY my type? Who knew?

Anyway, I absolutely devoured this book in two days (would have been less but staying up till 3am when you’re a working adult is “ill advised” or whatever), partly because I truly could not get enough Logan, but also because this book is AMAZING—Alexis is one of the most relatable FMCs I’ve encountered in ages, the political drama is perfection, the cameos from the FOOL ME ONCE stars are a delight, and the deep meaningful commentary on finding yourself, chasing your dreams, and healing from grief are so real and raw. Add to that some fake dating shenanigans and absolute heaps of slow burn tension and you’ve got a perfect rom-com, which is exactly what THE BOYFRIEND CANDIDATE happens to be.

CW: Death of parent (off-page); grief

This one was soooo cute!

It took me awhile to get into it, but I was also moving across the country, so I can't say it had anything to do with the story itself.

I heart Ashley Winstead, like a lot, and this is my first of her cutesy rom-coms. It's official - she can do it all. And omg Logan Arthur?! Yes. Yes, please.

A absolute wonderful feel good romantic comedy that anyone who is a fan of the genre will fall in love with

This book was so incredibly swoon worthy!

I don't love political-flavored novels most times but the wit and humor of this one stole my heart.

If Ashley Winstead writes it, I'm going to buy it.

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! Trust me, just buy the book when it comes out in May!

Thank you Graydon House Publishing and Netgalley for my earc in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s the two year anniversary of when Alexis found out her ex was cheating on her….again. since he told her she was bad in bed, Alexis decides to celebrate by having a one night stand. When a crazy storm sets the hotel on fire, her suitor helps her out of the hotel, but quickly disappears when cameras appear. Little did she know he was running for governor…

Love me fake dating. I really do! Alexis being a school librarian was the best, and I just loved seeing her start to fight for herself and her fellow teachers! Logan certainly had his moments where he ticked me off, but overall I just loved the two of them together and obviously wanted them to get their communication shit together! This was an adorable rom com with a not always fun hint of Texas politics.