cover image The Boyfriend Candidate

The Boyfriend Candidate

Ashley Winstead. Graydon House, $18.99 trade paper (368p) ISBN 978-1-5258-0496-0

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. (May)