Sophia Lamont is a new state representative who has been roped into being on the Governor’s Community Design team focusing on substance abuse in the state. Being the youngest and first elected black representative in her state she is trying to steer clear of hidden land mines so she doesn’t sink her political career before it even takes off. Also part of the design team is Reggie Northrup, a corrections officer who knows a little bit about what drugs can do inside the prison system when proper help is not available. Reggie also has a dealer past and a deep mistrust of politicians in general. As the two work together to help the community they find their goals aren’t so different.
I really liked this book, I had read the first book in the series a while ago but didn’t realize this was actually the third so now I need to go pick up book 2. There are some interactions with previous characters from both books 1 and 2 but I think anyone would be able to pick this up and read as a stand-alone without much trouble. The characters are engaging and their flirting is first class. I enjoyed reading this one and would likely pick it up again after reading book 2 as I tend to like reading series in order. There are some hateful political characters but also some wonderful ones that counterbalance the bad. Overall great book with lots of fun political drama.

A story about an honest politician. And it didn’t even start “Once upon a time” as all other fairy tales do! No, I’m sure there are some honest politicians out there.
A tale of two women on a committee each with opposing views about politics and politicians; their attraction for one another and the machinations of not quite so honest politicians to keep them apart. I like Jesse J Thoma’s books and this one doesn’t disappoint. A sort of sequel to Courage in that it has some of the same characters.

Sophia Lamont and Reggie Northrup have been selected to serve on a task force to help the governor with a growing drug problem.
Reggie's father is in prison and she is seen as someone to stay away from. Sophia as a newly elected state representative has no choice but to work with Reggie even as the upper members of the political ladder warn her.
They soon find that they work well together and are forming a close friendship. But what will this do to Sophia's career? Can she continue to see Reggie as the relationship blossoms into more?
It's a thin line to walk.
If you read any previous books by Jesse J. Thoma you'll enjoy the carryover of The Zookeeper.
This was another great read and I recommend this.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldstrokes Books for the advanced copy.

Sophia always wanted a career in politics she wants to make her mark but more importantly she wants to make the world a better place and help fixed this flaw system. Reggie grew up in politics and doesn’t want nothing to do with it but that’s going to change when she ask to work with Sophia on a new design team to help finds ways to help people with mental illness and drug addiction.

Sophia and Reggie clash but starts to find some common ground all the while their feelings starts to change. This was a good read. I like the MCs I do find it a bit annoying when everyone kept telling Sophia to stay clear of Reggie because she knows how politics work and don’t trust her despite Reggie not giving anyone a reason not to. I like how the author dives in and how the system is flaw but it can work when you find ways to help people overcome their battles instead of thinking it’s a lost cause.


I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.