WHAT A DELICIOUS BOOK!
I’ve never read anything from this author before, and I was intrigued by the book description. So glad that I was approved!
The plot has already been shared by previous reviewers, and the part that I liked the most was the fact that it was a slow burn romance that felt organic and it featured a hero and heroine who are both 40-something.
In amongst the romance is an inside look at the Washington political scene, and the author did a great job of explaining the scene without overwhelming the romance.
If you’re a fan of “The West Wing” and the film “American President” then this book is for you!

I think this is a good romance book for fans of Red White & Royal Blue or other romances that involve political figures. I think the banter between the characters was enjoyable and the book is an easy but fun read as it follows the standard romance plot points. I did grow to really like Alex and I do like his relationship with the Secret Service and how his agents served as side characters that were either obstacles or help to him without the agents truly realizing it. Honestly I wish I got to see more interactions between Alex and his Secret Service because the few interactions they had and any scene that the agents were in was enjoyable and I thought it was really cute.

I do like the duel POV and even though the voices weren't all that different from one another I think seeing the perspective of either Alex or Cindy was fun and helped to show the back and forth between them and hidden feelings.

.Forbidden
.Workplace
.Lots of political intrigue
.Dual POV

When I first read the blurb, it gave me major Red, White & Royal Blue vibes but MF instead of MM, so of course I had to read it. And I'm glad I did, this book was a fun read, especially for its good representation of a successful woman in her forties. I love seeing more mature characters who make level-headed decisions and actually talk about their feelings. Though I will say, it got a bit shaky in this regard during the second half.

I don’t usually read books centred around US politics. Since I’m not from the US, I try to steer clear, it’s all a bit too much for me. And honestly, US politics creep me out; it doesn’t feel quite like the democracy people think it is, in my humble opinion. I expected a bit more depth, considering the author is a political journalist, but I guess that’s just me. Also, calling the US Vice President the second most powerful man in the world felt like a stretch. And don’t even get me started on the “leader of the free world” bit, so US-centric! It would’ve been nice to see a more realistic portrayal, but I understand that I’m probably not the target audience.

The plot was intriguing, and I was constantly on edge, waiting for things to blow up in Alex and Cindy’s faces. The romance started off strong, but I wish it had stayed a bit more central throughout. That said, the spice was top-notch, so no complaints there.

Spoiler alert: I wanted the ending to go in a different direction. Instead of having her get married, leave her job, and become a mom, it would have been refreshing to see a woman who’s perfectly happy not having kids, thriving in her career and relationship. But no, we had to go the cliché route and show that motherhood is the only path to happiness for a woman. (Cue the eye roll!)

Overall, I’m glad I picked this one up. It’s a fun, quick, escapist romance that you can easily read in one sitting, though definitely different from what I usually go for. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. I’ve already got my eye on a couple of novellas about some side characters from this book, and I can’t wait to read their stories. Max, I’m looking at you!