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! 🫶🏼🫶🏼

Absolutely love a fake dating trope. Ashley winstead makes me care about politics in books and that’s not something I usually like to read about. I love that this had to do with book banning since it’s so prevalent now.

I loved this book! Between the fake relationship trope, the sweet and spicy chemistry between Lex and Logan, and the focus on school librarians and book banning, I couldn't get enough!

I enjoyed this book. It was charming. I found it to be a bit too unrealistic for me. The FL has way too much freedom at her job to come and go as she wishes and it pulled me out a bit.

This one was so-so for me, mostly because I didn't really enjoy the political aspect of the book. It felt like a lot of Alexis was based in stereotypes rather than a fleshed-out character, and the sex scenes near the end of the book felt really forced into the story in order for this to be considered a contemporary romance. The plot was fun, and I loved the fake dating aspect, but had I not gotten this book via NetGalley, I likely wouldn't have bothered to check it out. Lots to like here, just not for me.

🧐 my thoughts:
Obviously this was going to be completely different than any of Ashley Winstead’s other books. This isn’t a mystery/thriller, so I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it… Obviously, based on my rating I liked it!

👌🏻what i liked:
I really liked how captivating this book was. I read it in two sittings, and it would’ve been one without a daycare pickup in the middle haha The plot was super engaging with 2 very likable characters. I love a good fake dating trope, but throw in the chemistry and humor here, danggggg!! Loved it so much!!

🙃 what i didn’t like:
I’m not a very political person, so this was a no go for me, but I expected it going in so it wasn’t super make or break. I also felt like the political issues being addressed didn’t feel right in a rom com, but once again this wasn’t a make or break for me.

🥰 special thanks
Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Winstead, and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House for granting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I love a good fake romance and The Boyfriend Candidate delivered!

Alexis is a school librarian who decides to have a one night stand with a guy who turns out to be running for office and is desperately trying to have a "good" image. And so the fake relationship begins. They made a really good pair, Logan actually listens to what she has to say and uses that to his political advantage (in a good way). There is also a lot of banter between the - and I love banter!

I'm not a big fan of politics playing major roles in my romance books, but it's well done here and not overboard. Plus as a fellow teacher I appreciate Alexis campaigning for what schools/teachers need.

If you’re a fan of fake dating trope, you’ll love this! Slow burn tension, characters with depth and purpose and smart writing.

Including IG review: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr_J0Onr3j2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

A one stand results in a fake relationship, which, of course, results in HEA. Alexis Stone and Logan Arthur meet in a bar and wind up in a room at the hotel next door. After their one-night stand becomes a news story, Alexis agrees to a fake relationship. Join them as their fake relationship becomes real and all the ups and downs it takes to get there. You will not regret this Rom-Com.

Thank you NetGalley, Ashley Winstead and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have been on the search for something as cerebral, pop-culture infused, queer-positive, sexy and smart as Red, White, and Royal Blue for years; The Boyfriend Candidate is nearly on par, with it’s fake dating, politics, and humor and sexiness. Alexis is passionate about her job as a school library paraprofessional, and anxious about losing it—she doesn’t have her MLS, but that doesn’t stop her from throwing herself into work, from handmade models of iconic children’s book characters to advocating for funding and against book bans. Dumped by a dude who claims she is meek in bed, Alexis dolls herself up and hits a known hookup spot at a swanky hotel’s bar, where a hot and sweet guy who comes to her defense when a troll doesn’t want to take no for an answer. Their off-the-charts chemistry has them making out in an elevator in the way to a hotel room, but when lightning hits (literally) and the hotel catches fire, paparazzi snap Alexis in the arms of her suitor. The next day, when she is invited to a meeting with Logan’s team, she learns he’s a legislator running for governor—and needs to veer away from his playboy reputation. His team proposes they curate Alexis as Logan’s fake girlfriend through the remaining two months of election season to save both their reputations; she agrees, and discovers she is actually a pretty good speaker, lobbyist and connector when trotted out. Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time seems inevitable, and causes a rift in the third act.

This is truly a rom-com, with a lot of funny, awkward moments and Alexis interacts with voters, funders, and the political machine. The author’s stance on book-banning and conservative politics and school library funding is clearly a love letter to librarians. The slow burn, with the almost-consummation derailed at the beginning and palpable attraction for the rest of the story, is delicious.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #TheBoyfriendCandidate from #NetGalley

4.25 stars

I enjoyed a lot about this book. The protagonist is a public school library, which I loved, and the political backdrop was realistic but still interesting. I appreciated the characters and found myself amused and otherwise invested in the story throughout. All in all, it was a good one. I’m looking forward to seeing what the writer comes out with next.