Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy.
Very Likeable Characters!
Alexis Stone is a shy and reserved school librarian, she was dumped by her cheating ex for being boring and timid. She goes out one night to a hotel bar to have a one night stand to prove to herself that she can be forward. She meets Logan at the bar when he steps in when a suitor won't leave Alexis alone. They get a room and the fire alarm goes off, and Logan is photographed carrying Alexis from the building. This does not bode well for Logan's campaign to become democratic governor of Texas, an already uphill battle. His campaign team then devise a plan for the two to fake date.

What a charming book, Fake dating to real dating. A quick lovely read.

Thank you Netgalley & HTP Books for an eARC of The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead!

How can Ashley write between two genres so seamlessly? Every time I read one of her rom-coms, I feel like I can't love anything more - And then I just DO. This is a SLOW burn that is OH so worth it.

Alexis Stone is a shy school librarian and is dumped by her boyfriend who claims she's too meek in bed. She decides to go out and look for a one-night-stand to enjoy the night with, living outside her comfort zone. That night she meets Logan - A gorgeous, foul-mouthed man at the hotel bar. They're truly opposites - But the hotel catches fire before they can do the deed.

When sudden photos of Logan and Alexis appear all over the internet, she realizes that he is a candidate challenging the Texas governor's seat. This one-night-stand has become quite a scandal. Can they pretend to be in relationship to save both of their careers and reputations?

These two are opposites - I love both Alexis and Logan - and their forced proximity is absolute fire. It drove me crazy just how much of a slow burn this was, but in a way that absolutely pays off. I NEEEED more of them and this. Also, I do not enjoy books about politics at ALL, but once again Ashley wrote this just like Fool Me Once in a way that I really enjoyed that aspect of the story, too.

It was a mistake to make this one POV. Our MC is in the clouds and it's hard to believe she's not just oblivious and that this isn't just badly written.

The reasoning behind the fake-dating, not impressive, not believable enough.

How could I forget, our MC and love interest don't actually have a moment until like 100+ pages in... how is this a romance?

I regret requesting this.

Thank you to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I literally just finished reading Ashley Winstead's Fool Me Once right before this and had no idea the two books were companions! While Fool Me Once follows the story of Lee Stone, this one picks up about a year or so later and focuses on her younger sister, Alexis.

Lex is incredibly different from Lee. She fits the more conventional role of female protagonist, whereas Lee was something of an anti-hero(ine). I appreciated (however unintentional it was on my end) having so much context for Lex's character, making my investment in her story a pretty seamless one.

In the previous book, we saw that her long-term boyfriend cheated on her multiple times and made some pretty disparaging remarks. While that was but a mere plot point in Fool Me Once, we see the aftereffects of that behavior in this one, specifically how it has impacted Lex's psyche. On the anniversary of her break-up, she sets out to do something impulsive and adventurous. In doing so, she ends up meeting Logan, a man whose attraction she pretty quickly acts on. However, what she didn't realize or expect was that her short-lived and interrupted tryst with Logan would be broadcast all over mainstream media. Logan is a Democratic candidate for governor in Texas... and their escapade was caught on camera. In an attempt to curb some of the commentary made from their scandal, the two agree to fake a relationship for the camera, offering a bit more legitimacy to their previous meet-up.

We all know how this one plays out, right? Nothing beats a good fake dating trope when done properly! However, it was the miscommunication interspersed that detracted from some of the momentum. In the previous book, I felt like the political side-story sometimes overtook the narrative; I was less bothered by that in this one. I appreciated seeing Alexis, a school librarian, use her newfound platform for advocacy. The topics discussed (school funding and book banning/challenges) are obviously topics near and dear to my heart, so I was less thrown off by their inclusion. I also found there was a bit more balance here.

Yet, the constant miscommunication between the two main characters was somewhat frustrating. The pacing is really my only issue; Ashley Winstead's writing is quippy, smart, and captivating. I hope she continues down this rom-com rabbit hole!

The last 30% of this book was SO good!!
I loved the fake dating situation in this book, there is a lot of talk about politics but I enjoyed that. I really love Alexis as a character and watching her growth and discovering what she wants in life. Logan was a really solid love interest. I really enjoy Ashley Winstead’s romances and can’t wait to read more!!

This book was so cute, so sweet, and so emotional. And funny! I cracked up out loud a few times! Alexis is a school librarian who recently went through a bad break up. Her ex had some not-nice things to say about her sexual prowess, and she takes that to heart. So she goes looking for a one-night stand and meets Logan. They hit it off immediately, but she is completely unaware of who he really is. Caught in pictures by the media outside a hotel, they are thrown into a fake relationship...but is it really fake? I loved watching Alexis use the strength she wasn't sure she had, Logan learn how to tone down his bad-boy reputation, and both of them learn to trust themselves and each other. I adored this book!

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good political romance. Both protagonist had intense chemistry and there was plenty of angst to keep me guessing. Really enjoyed it!

So while a lot of my captions and stories and liked posts on Instagram would be categorized as “political”, I’m not huge into politics.

The Boyfriend Candidate brought up some really good points though. Mainly and in part that love is political.

The book also introduced a new book boyfriend into my armada. The subtle way that Alexis and Logan-LoLexis- loved each other was beyond goals and adorableness. I loved their whole dynamic and relationship.

I’m not going to lie, having the romantic relationship not be at the forefront of the book was refreshing and wonderful.

The romance was the driving point of The Boyfriend Candidate but the relationships that Alexis had with herself and the other members of her family was the neck that turned the head of the romance novel. The amount of self-reflection and inner growth was amazing.

All in all, a very nice romance novel with a fire spice rating. All at the end bu the chemistry was off the charts.

Thank you NetGalley and graydor books for an advanced copy for an honest review.

I really was enjoying this book and know that I will definitely get it again. Unfortunately I ran out of time before I finish it. I love Ashley’s book and how diverse her writing style is. She writes cute romances with thrillers. It boggles my mind how she can be do good at both. Thank you again and I will buy this and review on my booksta account.

The Boyfriend Candidate is another charming, touching, witty tale by Winstead that I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed. In my opinion, is is the perfectly good romcom that has offers a lot of hope, heart, and humour.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Alexis and Logan. Alexis works at the elementary school library. Logan is running for governor. They meet at a bar and decide to have a one night stand. The press find out and blow it out of proportion. They each have issues and together they work them out and fall in love.

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️- this book was a slow, slow burn filled with misunderstandings. Alexis is a school librarian and Logan is a gubernatorial candidate who find themselves in a compromising situation which leads them to fake dating. I struggled to get into it until about 70% and at times felt it was a bit predictable. I think I would have enjoyed to have Logan’s point of view as well.

Right off the bat The Boyfriend Candidate opens up with a laugh out loud scenario and some fabulous insight to our leading lady. Ashley Winstead has created a female lead that is so incredibly relatable in Alexis.

The back and forth banter, the self-discovery, the tension- this is the perfect recipe for a fabulous rom-com. In a series of questionable situations and hurdles, Alexis really takes her life into her own hands and watching that transformation into putting herself and her wants first was a joy to read. Every character brings something lovely and meaningful to the story and the connections between everyone was enjoyable. I couldn't put this one down and I'm sad it's over. Winstead is surely an author that I'm keeping on my radar now.

As a librarian this was an interesting romcom with a school librarian as the main character. This is usually good really well or really poorly and I am happy to say that it went really well in this book. I appreciated the commentary on book banning and library budgets and how it was woven into the story - especially when the other plot is someone running for Governor in Texas (I would have felt let down if it wasn't even addressed).

The Main couple was so well written as well - they felt like full adults with real baggage and real motivations. I also liked the many different side characters and plot threads woven in to make this more than just a one note romance (which also have their time and place). I just really enjoyed the author's writing style and tone - it hooked me immediately and I just fell into the story.

There was a fair amount of hype surrounding this book prior to publication, and let me tell you: it is warranted. I was hooked from the very first line: "I'll say one nice thing about my ex Chris Tuttle: the man was the entire reason I was here, standing at the entrance to the sultry Fleur de Lis hotel bar, wearing a red dress so plunging I kept it in the back of my closet for fear of scandalizing visitors, on the verge of reinventing myself." (And it only gets better from there.)
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The relationship between Alexis and Logan has all of the charm of the classic 90s rom-com, minus any of the dated stereotypes. They have the absolute best chemistry, and I found myself rooting for them both in their individual endeavors, as well as a couple. Also, I just have to say, this is fake dating at its finest.
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I love Ashley Winstead's writing style, and I can't wait to read more of her books!

Thank you to NetGalley and Graydon House for the advanced reader copy.

It was good reading for one day if you want just relax and think about nothing. It was extremely interesting to follow Alexis Stone as a main character and see her development, she was so sweet character. Maybe I thought the story was a little slow, but it had its own charm. I also didn’t really like the network setting and those who were the main characters, it was very interesting and exciting, a shy school librarian and Enter Logan, the gorgeous, foul-mouthed stranger (so hot stranger-politician). But despite all the positive sides, it seemed to me that there were a lot of political conversations that knocked down the romantic vibes a little.

Well, I can definitely say that Ashley Winstead knows how to write a great book boyfriend! First Ben wormed his way into my heart, and now Logan has too! Parts of this book were phenomenal! Basically, any part where we got to see Logan descend into madness due to his love of the oblivious dummy (and I mean that in the most endearing way possible) that is Alexis was basically perfect! Their chemistry was great and Ashley Winstead clearly knows how to write suspense well because normally I can’t handle slow burns, but this book’s burn was perfect!
My issue with this book was the oblivious dummy! Now, I’m full disclosure, I’m kind of a hypocrite because I can relate to Alexis a lot. I too am socially awkward, dreaming of being a librarian, and had a childhood obsession with Sabrina the Teenage Witch. (I really really loved that reference randomly thrown in this book!) Anyway, I get why she didn’t want to believe what she was seeing about Logan’s feelings, but at a certain point, it became too much. Being oblivious for the first 60% to 70% is one thing, but she was oblivious until the 90% point!
Also, a lot of the politics and media stuff was super unrealistic, but honestly, I’m shaping that up to suspense of my disbelief and calling it a day.

I really liked this one! By the time I actually started reading it, I'd totally forgotten what it was about. So, picking it up to discover a delicious romp through politics, fake-dating, and scandal was SO much fun.

I will warn anyone considering this one, politics are definitely a large part of this. Policy changes are discussed. The race for governor isn't merely a side plot, it eats up a lot of page time. For me, this was a major boon. I loved reading about the political machinations, but they won't be for everyone.

The one thing that did bother me about this was the third-act scandal. Like all romances, something just had to go wrong. I find this annoying in most books, and this one was no exception. It wasn't horrible, it just felt slightly unnecessary.

With that being said though, I did love the main romance. Logan and Alexis had chemistry so strong it practically jumped off the page. Every scene between them was practically sizzling. As a couple, they were so much fun. And I loved how supportive they were of each other's goals.

If you're looking for a lighthearted romance, I'd totally recommend this one! After a months-long reading slump, it was one of the few books I could enjoy.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Ashley Winstead is a favorite and auto-buy author for me. Her debut thriller, In My Dreams I Hold a Knife captivated me and left me pressing it into everyone's hands. I was hesitant going into her romance books because how in the world could she write romance after IMDIHAK? Well, I never should have doubted her because her genius knows no bounds.

After reading Fool Me Once and loving it, I knew I had to request and read The Boyfriend Candidate. I was beyond excited to get the story of Alexis Stone after meeting her in Fool Me Once. What I didn't know was how much I would relate to her character. She was authentic, flawed, raw, emotional, and so very relatable. I laughed out loud so many times at how Alexis ended up in certain situations, but also cried alongside her. I come from a family of teachers, and as a native Texan, I absolutely loved the passion Alexis had for education. Of course I was rooting for her throughout the entire story because I echoed every one of her beliefs. Now, for Logan....dear, not so sweet Logan. What a main character!!!! He was incredibly well written and I loved everything about him. I wish we had more politicians like him.

Normally, the miscommunication trope is not for me. I get frustrated far too easily with the characters. However, I found it almost charming in The Boyfriend Candidate. I love a good fake dating trope and this might just be the cream of the crop!

👔Review 👔
The Boyfriend Candidate- Ashley Winstead
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story follows Alexis, an introverted, school librarian, as she navigates her (somewhat messy) love life! 📚🤍

After a one night stand with the( unbeknownst to her) hotshot politician, Logan Arthur, is interrupted by a fire alarm, Alexis finds herself thrust into the spotlight. In order to erase the unpleasant rumours going on about Logans dating life, Alexis agrees to fake date him during his political campaign.

This was a charming and fun rom-com! I enjoyed many of the characters and loved the chemistry between Alexis and Logan.
Although this was most definitely a slow burn romance, I thought it was sweet to see Alexis and Logan grow as people, friends and lovers. I loved that Alexis broke out of her shell and even gained some confidence- go girl go!

Politics mixed in with fiction sometimes gives me a bit of a headache( I want to escape from reality for a little while), so that was something I struggled with slightly. That being said, Winstead seamlessly included real world issues, such as book banning and lack of school funding. It was nice to see these matters being openly addressed throughout the book!

I would definitely be open to reading more romances by Ashley Winstead, her writing is entertaining and clever! I’m excited to read her thriller In my Dreams I Hold a Knife.

Thank you @netgalley and @htpbooks for the ARC, and of course to Ashley Winstead for the cute read! 🫶🏼🫶🏼