The Boyfriend Candidate

Starred review from March 13, 2023
Winstead (Fool Me Once) brings both hilarity and heartfelt moments to this rousing rom-com. Elementary school librarian Alexis Stone is reeling from the rejection of her ex-boyfriend (who called her “a dud” in bed) and determined to take control of her life and relationships—starting with having her first one-night stand. But the sexy stranger she meets at a bar turns out to be Texas democratic gubernatorial candidate Logan Arthur, and their encounter lands them in a paparazzi firestorm. As damage control, Logan’s campaign wants the pair to fake a relationship. Naturally introverted, Alexis finds herself thrust into the public eye amid tense Texas politics and discovers that she is more than a “mousy” librarian. Meanwhile, Logan, who is fierce and passionate in the political arena, struggles with insecurity in his personal life. To make a difference in the Lone Star State—and find lasting love—they’ll have to work together. Readers will cheer Alexis on her path to discovering her inner strength and swoon over idealistic Logan. This is a winner . Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong Literary.

Starred review from April 1, 2023

Winstead's latest romance (after Fool Me Once) features soft-spoken, shy school librarian Alexis Stone, who hates going outside her comfort zone. Trying to put her ex behind her, she's at a hotel bar looking for a one-night stand. Her attempt at a fling comes to a smoky end when the hotel catches fire and she--and the incredibly sexy man she picked up--have to run into a street filled with fire trucks and the press. The man bolts, leaving her behind. The next day, Alexis learns that her mystery man is none other than Texas gubernatorial candidate Logan Arthur, and due to photos leaked from that night, a scandal is brewing. To head it off, Alexis agrees to pretend to be Logan's established girlfriend until election day. This slow-burn, fake-relationship romantic comedy has likable protagonists with instant chemistry. Alexis begins the novel timid and insecure and realistically grows in confidence as the plot progresses and as she finds her voice. Logan is less developed but equally enjoyable, providing Alexis with a grumpy, inscrutable foil. VERDICT This is a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down novel whose happily-ever-after isn't what readers will expect; it's better.--Heather Miller Cover

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2023
A consummate younger sister, Alexis Stone is usually happiest on the sidelines--a good thing, as her outspoken older sister, Lee, commands more than her share of the proverbial spotlight as a state senator. Despite being fairly plugged into the Texas political scene thanks to Lee, Alexis doesn't recognize up-and-coming gubernatorial candidate Logan Arthur when she's out at one of Austin's hottest bars. Their chance meeting turns into an opportunity for Alexis to contribute her time and talents to Logan's campaign, and she soon finds herself in the spotlight's full beam. Readers of Fool Me Once (2022) will recognize some familiar characters, but The Boyfriend Candidate stands on its own merits too. Mixing political and romantic intrigue, Winstead's novel combines the darker side of politics with the lighter side of life. With a few steamy encounters and a ripped-from-the-headlines feel, The Boyfriend Candidate will appeal to fans of Lianne Moriarty, Ellen Meister, Amy Mason Doan, and anyone looking for a little more escapism in their political diet.

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