My first book by Ashley Winstead and now I can’t wait to read more - this was such a solid romance. Firstly, the opening, the FMC and MMC meet at a bar and almost end up in a one night stand, only for them to be photographed and for her to find out that he is a well known politician. This was such a strong beginning to the book and made me feel really invested in the story and characters. Then the couple starts fake dating which is one of my favourite tropes and by the way this seems to work really well with political books (I also enjoyed love, hate & click bait).

The relationship between these two was so sweet and it was fun to see the FMC come out of her shell and find her passion in lobbying for libraries and her industry. The chemistry between the main characters was so on point and even the love rival offered up halfway through the book didn’t offer any appeal in comparison to these two. The scene where they are out for dinner and encounter her ex-boyfriend is a favourite for me. Highly recommend this book and looking forward to reading more from the author myself.

Rating — 5 stars ⭐️
Vibes — loved it !!!
Read — November 2023 + December 2023

The way... in which I've struggle to review this ARC... is insane because I ❤️‍🔥 absolutely ADORED THIS FRKN BOOK ❤️‍🔥

I wouldn't even sell my soul to read this for the first time again—maybe a little—because it's such a vibe!

No thoughts, just vibes, why did I picture the MMC blond? lol, LOVED IT 💞

*whispers* I have too many note to choose from lol 🫢 just know it's amazingggg!

Full review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5857631164

~ Thank you Ashley Winstead and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review ~

A emotional, charming and at times funny story with enemies to lovers being the premises. The Boyfriend Candidate will wreck your emotions and put them back together.

Wow! The Boyfriend Candidate hooked me straight away and crried me through the whole roller-coaster journey as logan pursued his dream to become a Democrat Texas governor with fake girlfriend Alexis by his side. These two are brilliant characters, whom I loved from the start. The story is emotional, charming at times, funny at others but always a simply fabulous read.

I know of Ashley Winstead from seeing In My Dreams I Hold A Knife around a fair bit but she’s written a few other books including another romance that is linked to this one, about our main character Alexis’ sister Lee, who is a Texas state senator.

Alexis meets Logan, who is the gubernatorial candidate for Texas (I literally had no idea what that meant before reading this, it’s just he’s running for governor) at a bar. When pictures of them in a (not very) compromising position go viral, it’s arranged for them to pretend they’ve been quietly dating for six months in an attempt to give Logan a more stable image. He’s a Democrat running for Texas governor, he’s already facing an uphill battle. He’s also a blunt speaker, an enfant terrible of the political scene and he needs to give his image a bit of a wholesome makeover. The fact that Alexis is a children’s librarian at a school definitely helps, as does the fact that she wants to help him get the teaching vote by polishing up his education platform.

I’m not an American and don’t claim to understand their political system (I’m still stuck on the fact you can elect a complete random with zero political experience as President). This was interesting to me because I find the ways in which things work there quite different in terms of funding and stuff. This dives pretty deep into campaigning because Logan is in the thick of it and Alexis wants to help so she’s canvassing teachers and librarians and talking about book bans. I can understand that maybe people don’t want a lot of politics in their rom com reading and if that’s the case, maybe don’t pick up a book that has a candidate for governor as the main love interest because it’s not like this book mentions it as Logan’s job and then never talks about it again. It very much doesn’t.

Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes and I thought this one did it really well. Logan has garnered some bad press with his ‘womanising’ and so his team want to present him as more stable, more relatable. A fake relationship with someone like Alexis who has both a Democrat state senator for a sister and also is a school librarian definitely gives him that more serious look. They set some ground rules because even though they were about to have a one night stand together before the evacuation, both of them agreed they didn’t want a relationship. However, things are super complicated by the fact that there was already a strong attraction and also by the fact that they just gel really well together as people. I appreciated how much Logan listened to Alexis about her views on education, teaching and book banning (all quite hot issues in the US right now) and Alexis was willing to put herself out of her comfort zone for these issues and make speeches, etc. Even though she was quite introverted, personality wise.

I absolutely loved how much Logan was struggling with the “fake” aspect of the dating and yet very much aware of the fact that he’d been the one to proclaim that he didn’t want a relationship in the beginning. Alexis literally drives him to his knees though and I’m here for it. He’s so torn and Alexis cannot see it because of how her ex broke up with her and Logan is someone she considers out of her league I think, even though he was definitely going to sleep with her in the hotel before the fire. He’s good looking and very popular and has dated a cheerleader in the past, which I think she allows herself to get hung up on. She doesn’t see the way he looks at her or the way he literally has to stop himself when he’s around her. We love a bit of a hero who is torturing himself over it!

I thought this was a really fun read, I enjoyed the chemistry between Alexis and Logan enormously and I found the political stuff interesting. I can understand why an author might want to write a book that addresses book banning and funding for libraries/librarians and teachers as well. The personal is political and all that. Book banning is something I fundamentally disagree with and if you don’t want your children accessing certain texts (and let’s face it most of the stuff these people don’t want their kids accessing is information on sexuality or race and we all know the real reasons behind it) that’s between you and them. You shouldn’t be able to prevent others from being able to access age appropriate material about periods, puberty, sex education, sexuality, equality or similar topics. Libraries are critical to communities for so many reasons and the idea of restricting access to texts never sits well with me. Especially if it’s stuff that is educational rather than just being for explicit reasons. Creating a generation of kids ignorant about their own bodies work does not bode well for the future.

I’d recommend this if you want a read that balances the fun of a romance with a current relevant political hot topic.

8/10

This book is a political fake dating romance. Alexis Stone appealled to me INSTANTLY. I saw parts of my personality in her. I saw her struggle with parts of her mind set like alot of woman I know. Am I good enough? How could he pick me? It cannot possibly be true so it isnt! The story aside, this character went through a journey of learning how to love herself. She did not always succeed, but she didn't give up. Now to talk to the actual storyline, I loved it!!! Being an Aussie, I know next to nothing about US politics, however, this book gives a very gentle insight. Logan our main man is also such a sweet guy with a back bone. NOT ONCE was he nasty! NOT ONCE did he put Alexis down. He DID, listen, encourage and subtlely help build her up. The chemistry was well written and absolutely believable. I loved this book!!! I found it an endearing slow burn that encourages all readers to love yourself first. Thank you for this opportunity. #TheBoyfriendCandidate #NetGalley

These days it's somewhat daunting picking up a book about an ethical politician. But this book was so beautifully written and honest, that I was swept up in the story straight away.

Alexis and Logan have a rocky start ... and then there are some boulders and a couple of mountains ... but the way they navigate themselves through life and self-realisation is charming and touching and entertaining hell.

I loved the other characters in this book, but Logan and Alexis captured my heart. Their earnest goodness was so endearing I felt my heart squeeze several times. And this is funny too.

I really have to read everything else this author has written - I loved the pacing, the style of writing, the romance and the character development.

I really can't think of anything I didn't love.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

An enjoyable steamy political "fake dating" romcom.

It's not often I've read a romance which says it's a romcom and delivers on the laughs. Thankfully, I laughed many times during this story. With a great mix of fun, awkward, downright embarrassing, and heartfelt moments, Alexis's story kept me entertained and flipping ebook pages.

I liked Alexis, even with all her skewed thinking about some things in life, especially with how Logan felt. Yes, it's a fake dating romance so readers are tortured with the usual feelings of wanting to crack the Hero and heroine's heads together so they'll get past what they say and do what they really mean. It's just the frustrating side of this trope flavoured with misunderstandings, unspoken feelings and more misunderstandings.

Logan was a great character, rough edges and all. The more we dug into his story, the more I wanted him to accomplish all he set out to do. He was brusk and potty-mouthed, but his squishy insides were exposed for the greater good.

Note to readers: there's on-page sex, swearing, and political bias in this book. If your politics leans in a different direction, enjoy the story for what it is: a fictional romance. 😉

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for early access to this book. I received an ARC of this novel.

I can’t stop to chat about this book right now. I’m too busy fantasising about a certain British-Texan politico, with a great head of hair, a filthy mouth, and a passion for justice that just won’t quit. #swoon #instantbookboyfriend

**************************

TWO WEEKS LATER:

I’m still thinking about this book incessantly. Addictive. Smile-inducing. Swoony. I couldn’t get enough.

The charming meet-cute, the high-risk fake-dating scenario, the slow-burn relationship from pretend-to-oh-so-very-real, and the explosively sexy final act, when librarian Alexis and politician Logan FINALLY admitted the depths of their feelings and went to town on each other!!! *fans self* *then swoons*

This was one of those contemporary romance reads where the writing, the characters and the romance were just on-point for me and I knew it was going to be a win practically from the first page.

This was my first Ashley Winstead novel but I enjoyed myself to such a degree that sitting in eager anticipation for her next novel feels like a very natural state for me to inhibit going forward.

Going into this book, I wasn’t too sure if this would be too much in the politics side for me but surprisingly I really liked this. While this book does centralise in the political sphere, it wasn’t too overwhelming.

I enjoyed the little subtle sparks that were thrown in every now and then, hinting at something more but then the doubt from Alexis as she instantly writes it off which I relate to hugely. It was written well which helped the flow of the story and makes is completely bingable.

Overall I thought this book was captivating and funny, which is the perfect blend for rom-com books!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a digital version of this book.

The Boyfriend Candidate is an amusing fake dating romance, but I wouldn’t call it memorable. A very ‘middle of the road’ romance, that had me skimming some sections because the political talk was very heavy (Sorry Ashley Winstead, that’s on me. I’ve learnt very recently that I don’t really enjoy politics mixed with romance 🫣).

This book took me weeks to get through because I kept losing interest, but I persevered! There is fake dating, the classic third act break up, miscommunication, and some political scandals. What more do you need to know?

This was an amusing, but forgettable romantic comedy. The main characters and their associates were all fun, but this was by no means a romance I’ll be rushing to tell my friends to read.

I recommend this romance if you enjoy reading about political candidates - and the debates that follow (quite literally). At the end of the day, this is a book I would recommend for people who love a fake dating moment, and a book that focuses on trying to better yourself!

Although this romance wasn’t 100% my vibe, I’m sure it’ll be someone’s favourite.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

I had mixed feelings about The Boyfriend Candidate.
Some people have mentioned the political stuff - this didn't bother me - didn't seem that full on and it is a book about a candidate going for Mayor. But I got feelings whilst reading this book, I was anxious when Alexis made certain decisions, then I was just downright mad at her! What was she thinking? I know she was supposed to be 'acting out of character' but I think in some spots it was too much of a jump for her personality. The fact that I had these feelings tells me I enjoyed the book and cared about the characters. I loved the relationship between Logan and Alexis, but wish they would have just talked to each other! I loved all the side characters, especially Alexis's sister Lee and new friend Zoey.

After a nasty break up Alexis is ready to go out and have a one night stand. Just as she and the male in question are about to get busy the fire alarm goes off and he carries her out of the building only to be photographed by paps. He then runs off leaving her in an ambulance and Alexis discovers that he is actually Logan Arthur politician and to save both their jobs they have to pretend to be dating.
Shy librarian vs out going politician, fake dating and an unforgettable meet cute.
I absolutely loved the first quarter of the book. It had interesting characters a nerdy shy insecure librarian and a charismatic MMC. Then something by happened and some of the magic wore off. The story has a lot of conflict between the two main characters and some of it seems a little unnecessary. It’s so hard finding a balance between not enough conflict and too much. Despite a reading slump in the middle of the book I got back into it and really enjoyed the end. I loved the characters and recommend this book to people who like, he falls first, instalove and politics in education.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

It’s been a year since Alexis Stone caught her ex cheating. To prove him wrong about her supposedly being boring in bed she hits up the nightlife with one goal in mind: take someone home. How was she to know it would end up with burning buildings and flashing cameras? Turns out the man she was hoping to spend the night with was none other than politician, Logan Arthur. After compromising images of the two come out, his team hunt her down and suggest the two fake-date to quell the rumors of his playboy lifestyle.

Who knew a book about politics could be so exhilarating? Not only was I at the edge of my seat, eating up every interaction between the main characters, but I was fully invested in the politics side of the story too. For me, that’s pretty surprising😅. The main characters were so cute together and had great chemistry from the start. I do feel like a few things came a bit too easy for the MC, like being able to public speak like a pro when she supposedly has a fear of it. There was also some miscommunication at the end of the novel that I found frustrating, though the way it wrapped up was sooo satisfying I got over it pretty quickly. I was able to lose myself in the story, the characters and their blossoming relationship and ended up really enjoying myself!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

✦ Fake Dating
✦ Grumpy Sunshine
✦ Forced Proximity
✦ Slow Burn

This book was everything I needed. It was funny and emotional. Alexis is a relatable school librarian and Logan is an honest politician. Their chemistry together is so perfect. You can feel it from the second they meet.

This book has a super slow burn BUT it is completely worth it. Basically finished this book in one sitting because I didn’t want to stop reading!

Thanks to NetGalley and Ashley Winstead for this arc!
Fake dating, smouldering chemistry and a made up life to make herself sound more interesting.
When in fact he wasn’t honest about his life story either!
What a captivating story, I ate this up in one sitting.

This book was laugh out loud funny, emotional and full of the right kind of chemistry. Alexis is highly relatable as a high school librarian and book lover and Logan is a refreshingly honest politician who I'm sure we all wish was real. Their chemistry together is sizzling and the slow burn was perfection. I finished this book in a day and have put Ashley on my auto buy authors list, I can't wait to read more of her books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

If you love these, you’ll love this story:
- fake dating
- friends to lovers
- politics
- rom-com

Logan is a politician running for governor enter Alexis who must pretend to be in a relationship with Logan to help save his carer and her own job!

It’s an entertaining read and well worth adding to your tbr

All Alexis Stone wants is to have a one night stand. But somehow she’s roped into fake dating the future governor of Texas.

Fake dating set against a political backdrop? I’m here for it. I loved every second of this novel. The pacing was excellent and it made me keep reading (even when I was on lunch break at work) and the character development was great! I truly felt like Alexis and Logan grew as people.

The tension…. Oh my lord, Logan was such an idiot but I’m 100% here for it. A man going insane? I’ll devour that any day.

The spice was PERFECT. There were only two open door scenes, but the two kissing scenes were almost just as steamy. I really enjoyed the amount of tension, it was fluttery - WHICH IS A GREAT THING!

This was one of the best romances I’ve read lately, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of Elle Kennedy or Ali Hazelwood.

The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead is a beautiful and funny story about Alexis and Logan. Alexis has been down on herself after her cheating ex told her she wasn't good in bed. She decides to go out and have a one-night stand. While at a bar that was dubbed "the best for hookups" by her sister, she meets Logan. Her plan works at least until the unthinkable happens, a fire alarm. Logan has had a stressful time in his office so he goes to the bar to blow off steam. He meets Alexis and everything changes from the moment she looks at him. Yet being caught by the media was not his plan for the night. Logan is running for governor. Alexis, even though her sister is the famous Senator Lee, she didn't know who he is. Logan needs to save his reputation, so he proposes (meaning his team does,) the idea that Alexis and him fake date.

I loved this book. While I don't love having too much politics in my reading, Logan and his view were refreshing and good. I loved how Alexis grew so much throughout this book. Logan learning he wasn't a failure was beautiful. I truly loved this book and the way it's written. While their relationship is messy and fake it is at times. You can see how real the connection is. Their chemistry is everything, and I truly believe you will love this book!!

They are some steamy scenes and the tension so well does it leaves you angry but keeps you reading.

Thank you Netgalley for this amazing read.