The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead 

The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead is a fake -relationship romance full of miscommunication trope.

The romance between Logan, a gubernatorial candidate, and Alexis, an elementary school librarian, was a slow burn, rife with misunderstandings and unsaid words. After being caught in a compromising situation, the two agree to fake a relationship until the election is over to avoid scandal. However, as they spend more time together, genuine feelings develop, leading to a sweet resolution. Although Logan’s character was well-developed and multi-dimensional, we never got his point of view. 

Unfortunately, Alexis’ character was a bit inconsistent. While initially portrayed as shy and stuttering, she quickly transformed into a confident political player without any real explanation. She also repeatedly broke their agreed-upon rules and seemed to justify her actions selfishly, without much regard for how they would affect others. However, the side characters were well-written, and Nora’s campaign management skills were particularly impressive. 

The writing itself was good, but the novel suffered from an excess of political content. While it made sense for Logan’s job to be a major aspect of the plot, the constant political talk detracted from the romantic storyline. Readers looking for an escape from the world’s problems may find the lengthy discussions on initiatives and campaign promises to be a bit much. However, those interested in politics and romance may still enjoy the book. 

Book Stats:
Rating 2/5
Standalone
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Fake Dating, Grumpy-Sunshine, Miscommunication