The Phoenix Candidate by Heidi Joy Tretheway Series: Grace Colton #1
Published by Self-Published on Jan 12th 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: eARC
Source: ARC, Netgalley
Purchase @ AMAZON or BN
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Fans of Scandal, House of Cards, and The Good Wife will love Grace Colton...
U.S. Congresswoman Grace Colton is the most famous woman in politics—and the loneliest—until a drawling, sexy stranger offers her one night: no strings and no regrets. And it rocks her world.
Grace wakes to an empty hotel room and a phone call. The dark horse for the 2016 presidential election, Senator Shep Conover, is considering her as his vice presidential running mate.
Before she can be selected, Grace must be vetted and coached by Shep’s political consultant, Jared Rankin, who already knows too many intimate details about her. He’s Mr. One-Night Stand.
Grace is torn: play nice with Jared to join the senator’s ticket, or play hardball and back the slick frontrunner? As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Grace must decide where her loyalties lie and if she can trust Jared with her future—and her heart.
Liezel’s Thoughts:
I was expecting a good scandal in this book and I sure did get one….a fantastic one at that!
The story revolves around Grace Colton. She tragically loses her family to a shooting and rather than wallowing she decides that she needs to make a difference. She therefore runs and eventually becomes an elected congresswoman for the State of Oregon.
One would expect that a single woman in any leadership position could be somewhat lonely so I see why Grace would be tempted and eventually accept a proposition by a random stranger, Jared. She agrees to a one night stand. A much-needed night of “No stories. No strings. And no regrets in the morning.”
Grace wasn’t anticipating seeing Jared again after that passionate night yet he suddenly appears during one of the most important meetings of her political career. A meeting where she is asked to run as VP. Jared happens to be the political consultant appointed to advise her. Knowing this, their first encounter doesn’t seem so random after all.
If Grace’s life as a congresswoman was hectic then its worse now. Her obligations have tripled. So many irresistible opportunities are presented her way and just as long as she conforms all her dreams could become true yet she refuses to relinquish her beliefs and convictions. She had a backbone of steel. She isn’t easily swayed no matter what they throw her way. She is willing to lose everything as long as she stood by her principles. This is what I loved most about this book… Grace’s character. She was amazing!
“You wreck me, Grace. You’re truth and beauty. You’re power and passion. You’re my drug, my clarity. And you are fucking mine.”
Jared was a perfect match for her. I didn’t think so in the beginning because of how overbearing he was but then I soon realized that it would take a commanding man such as Jared to be able to handle a woman with that much strength.
About the romance… I thought it was spot on perfect. I don’t know about you guys but I thought the fact that Grace was in her late thirties made the story even more interesting.
I have to admit that I normally avoid stories involving politics because the subject simply bores me but the way the author balanced out those details with the other elements definitely complimented the overall story.
I absolutely enjoyed this one and I can not wait to see how Grace Colton handles the “changes” that about to occur in her life.
The Verdict:
liezelsb
Most are really hard to get into….The Phoenix Candidate however wasn’t… =)
Jenn McElroy
I was a political science major in college, so I’m a political wonk! I love all things politics! Political romances are awesome! 🙂
Katarzyna
I haven’t read any yet but I’m very curious about The Phoenix Candidate 🙂