The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead

The write up sounds like it is a Hallmark movie, and it would be a great Hallmark movie since it follows the rom-com pattern that Hallmark has perfected. Alexis, the stereotypical school librarian, wants to break free and become more daring in her life. Logan Arthur, is running for governor, after a bad day to work heads to a bar he does not normally go to and the two meet. Alexis and Logan decide to go upstairs to the hotel, but a lightening strike causes their desires to be put on hold and in the escape from the fire the press capture Logan and Alexis in an intimate moment. Nora, Logan’s chief of staff, is convinced that the two of them pretending to be in a relationship that has been kept secret so that it could develop outside of the election campaign. Alexis, agrees on one condition, she be allowed to campaign to increase the Texas education teacher’s salary and budget cuts stop. Logan agrees and off the two of them go on a fake relationship. Real feelings start to develop, and when Alexis is asked to get her sister, Lee, to endorse Logan for governor Alexis has to cut a deal with her sister. Alexis has to meet Lee’s husband’s brother and if they like each other maybe agree to be his date to a wedding. Alexis realizes it could jeopardize the fake relationship, but agrees so that Logan has a better chance of being elected. Of course, Logan is about to confess his feelings to Alexis when the news breaks that Alexis has cheated on Logan. Misunderstandings take place and Alexis and Logan break up, are miserable, finally admit they love each other and get their happy ending. The plot is predictable, and is not the reason why you read the book. It is a great read for a nice break from reality and a happy ending.

Character List/Book Summary:

Alexis Stone – school librarian, wants to break free from her timid personality and goes to a popular bar to hook up with a guy. After agreeing to fake a relationship with Logan, realizes that she has gotten her wish to break out of her timid personality. Really likes Logan, but is afraid to admit it because they agreed to a fake relationship.

Logan Arthur – running for Texas Governor, has a reputation for being a lady man. Does not want to be in a real relationship due to the heartbreak that happened after his previous relationship ended badly. Parents own a winery and surprises Alexis on a trip with her friends by joining her for the weekend. Develops feelings for Alexis but does not know how to tell her before everything blew up.

Lee – Alexis’s older sister, a Texas State Legislature, disappointed in Alexis for being second string and agreeing to a fake relationship with Logan.

Nora Igwe – Logan’s Chief of Staff, came up with the plan for the fake relationship. Makes over Alexis for a few public appearances.

Zoey Carmichael – engaged to Lee’s best friend Annie (a therapist), she is an artist. Offers to come a check on Alexis when Lee is too busy. Talks Alexis into the fake relationship as a way to break out of her timid personality. Asks Alexis to pose for a painting she is doing, when the model backs out. While doing so, Alexis mentions the book ban and she does not know how to help the teachers. Zoey kind of takes charge of  a protest.

Cary Berry – Logan’s assistant, provides good comic relief