Alexis Stone is an introvert who is still reeling over being dumped by her boyfriend. Tired of letting life always happen to her, she decides to take charge and step out of her comfort zone. Using a fake name, she puts on an uncharacteristically sexy dress and heads to a bar hoping to have her first one-night stand. She meets handsome Logan Arthur, who seems perfect for her plan. But she doesn't realize that he happens to be the Texas democratic candidate for Governor. When a damaging photo hits the press, Alexis is talked into posing as Logan's girlfriend. Logan would no longer look like a reckless playboy and Alexis would protect her reputation as an Elementary school librarian. During their fake dating, Alexis starts to find a new, stronger side to herself. And Logan discovers that the woman he is pretending to have feelings for may mean more to him than a public relations solution.
Let's take a moment to discuss the author of this appealing book. I am totally flummoxed by Ashley Winstead. She flows so easily between writing razor sharp thrillers (including her breakout hit In My Dreams I Hold a Knife) and creating sweet, swoony romances like The Boyfriend Candidate. She's written two books in each genre and they all work. I'm especially picky about romance novels as so many are repetitive and full of cliches. So, while a book with a fake dating trope might have normally made my eyes roll, when I saw this author attached to it, I knew it would be a worthwhile read. And in addition to its clever story and humorous banter, I felt for Alexis as she navigated through her feelings of grief from the loss of her father. This is a fast-paced book that you'll breeze through. I enjoyed it very much.
Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Contemporary Romance.
Publication Date: May 9, 2023.
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