The boyfriend candidate

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)

Winstead's latest romance (after Fool Me Once) features soft-spoken, shy school librarian Alexis Stone, who hates going outside her comfort zone. Trying to put her ex behind her, she's at a hotel bar looking for a one-night stand. Her attempt at a fling comes to a smoky end when the hotel catches fire and she--and the incredibly sexy man she picked up--have to run into a street filled with fire trucks and the press. The man bolts, leaving her behind. The next day, Alexis learns that her mystery man is none other than Texas gubernatorial candidate Logan Arthur, and due to photos leaked from that night, a scandal is brewing. To head it off, Alexis agrees to pretend to be Logan's established girlfriend until election day. This slow-burn, fake-relationship romantic comedy has likable protagonists with instant chemistry. Alexis begins the novel timid and insecure and realistically grows in confidence as the plot progresses and as she finds her voice. Logan is less developed but equally enjoyable, providing Alexis with a grumpy, inscrutable foil. VERDICT This is a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down novel whose happily-ever-after isn't what readers will expect; it's better.--Heather Miller Cover