Guest Book Review and Giveaway: The Boyfriend Candidate

By Allyson Bales

Alexis Stone, self proclaimed introverted Virgo, dubbed mousey and boring in bed by her ex-boyfriend Chris, decides she's going to prove him wrong and heads to the Fleur de Lis bar for a one night stand.  There she meets Logan, a “classic, British, Texan.”  Alexis uses one of the funniest pick up lines I have ever read, sparks fly, and they end up canoodling at a hotel right down the street.  A freak lightning storm happens and Logan rushes to carry Alexis outside where they are met with photographers and Logan disappears.  Alexis can’t understand what has happened until pictures of her and Logan hit the news and she finds out Logan is a candidate for the governor of Texas!

I think it's important to begin by stating that Ashley Winstead is my hero.  She is one of my favorite authors and my TOP auto-buy authors.  Her writing style is so descriptive, her characters are three dimensional and come to life off the page that make her books bingeable and some of my favorites of all time and The Boyfriend Candidate was no exception.  If you haven't read Fool Me Once, stop reading this review and go read it NOW and then come back!  You get to meet Alexis and her sister Lee and while it's not completely necessary to read before reading The Boyfriend Candidate, I highly recommend you do because there is a backstory that you won’t want to miss.  Lee and Alexis’ sister relationship evolves in a very relatable way and I really enjoyed watching their communication, support, and dynamic unfold.

The character development in The Boyfriend Candidate is some of my favorite.  Logan may be my new favorite character.  I am not sure if you have watched Ted Lasso or seen the movie Definitely, Maybe from 2008, but Logan reminds me of a mix between Lasso’s character Roy and Ryan Reynolds' character in Definitely, Maybe.  He is passionate, curses like a sailor, has a tough exterior but is a softy on the inside and I loved him for Alexis.  Alexis, a  cardigan wearing, romance book club host, middle grade school librarian  is timid and quirky, and also incredibly relatable with her lack of self confidence.  Her evolution had me rooting for her the entire book!  

I absolutely devoured The Boyfriend Candidate and I think you will too.  There is fake dating, miscommunication, and a supportive cast of characters that are so endearing.  I could not wait to see what happened between Logan and Alexis!  Also, make sure you read the acknowledgements.  One of the most thoughtful tributes by an author.  I am really looking forward to Winstead’s next read, Midnight is the Darkest Hour, out in October!  Her ability to write romance and mystery is unmatched.  

Thanks to Harlequin for the book in exchange for an honest review. They also have one copy for a lucky reader!

Allyson Bales lives in New Jersey.  She is an art therapist working with at-risk youth and loves making a difference.  Books have been her saving grace and really helped her manage being a front line worker during the Pandemic.  When she’s not helping others, she loves to travel and camp with her wife.  One of her favorite places to read is by a campfire with some good tunes in the background.  You can find her on Bookstagram at @readswithally.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends May 16th at midnight EST.

More by Ashley Winstead:

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Listen to this book on Speechify!