Title : Running Mate
Author : Katie Ashley
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Published : March 1st, 2017
Synopsis
Barrett
The name’s Barrett Callahan. Yeah, that Barrett Callahan—the one the press dubbed “Bare” after those naked sexting pictures surfaced. At twenty-five, I was armed with an MBA from Harvard, an executive position at my father’s Fortune 500 company, a penthouse, and a different piece of delectable eye candy in my bed every weekend. I had a life most men dreamed of. But then my father decided to run for president, and my playboy lifestyle became a liability to his campaign that was built on family values. My “makeover” comes in the form of a fake fiancée who I don’t even get to choose–one who is an uptight, choirgirl acting priss but also sexy-as-hell.
Addison
My latest relationship had gone down in flames, and I was drowning in a sea of student loans when in true Godfather status, James Callahan made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Seven figures for seven months on the campaign trail pretending to be the adoring fiancée of his son, Barrett. As soon as he won the election, our engagement would be dissolved amicably for the press, I was free to ride off into the sunset a million dollars richer, and because of the NDA, no one would be the wiser. Sure, I’d never met the guy, but I’d been a theatre nerd in high school. I could pull off any role from Lady Macbeth to Maria Von Trapp. But that was before I met my fake fiancé—the infuriating, self-absorbed, egotistical, drop-dead-sexy King of the Manwhores.
The race will be a fight to the death finish, and that’s not even the actual campaign.
I don’t have many book girl crush, but Addison is currently high on my small list of fictional girl crushes. She is smart, sassy, witty, and passionate about politics. There is a tiny part of me that wishes I’m a bit more like her. Though she has gone through hard times, she chose to get on with life. Sure, there are moments where she felt down when she remembers the bad things in her life, but who doesn’t?
While I don’t have many book girl crush, I have TONS of fictional boyfriends. I don’t think I can name them all, to be honest. And did Barrett Callahan make the list? He kinda did, but only towards the end of the book. At the beginning of the book, he sounded all arrogant – which he can be at times but his loyalty and admiration to his father are redeeming qualities. He loves his family, that’s for sure. Although I have to say that as you turn the page, you realise that he’s not an asshole – he loves women and he loves sex – and he’s always very honest about it.
Given the strong personalities of the two, I wasn’t sure how these two would end up together. I know they are faking it, but how will they end up together for real? But somehow they just work. Barrett’s bluntness and Addison’s sarcasm resulted in some golden conversations, although there are times when they hurt each other because they highlighted each others’ insecurities. I also have to say that certain lines that Barrett said to Addison made me wonder how did he get all those girls because some of the things he said are just too blunt. I also like the dynamic of their relationship; for the first time ever, Barrett finally met his match. I was actually nervous that Addison would be swayed by Barrett’s good looks and charm so it was a pleasant surprise when she didn’t.
In terms of their relationship, I really like how it developed. Despite the rough start, surprisingly, the two managed to develop friendships and really build that up. The romance to me though felt like it’s missing something – it was a pretty instant “I love him/her” moment. The whole get together felt a little rushed, including the moment when Addie left Barrett. Despite all that, I like how there is no drama involving a third person. It really focused on these two.
I wish we got to see more of the politics, the Callahan family, and how these two really help in the campaign. Also, I’d like to see the next book with Ty (Barrett’s bodyguard) and Caroline (Barrett’s sister), please? Overall, it’s an enjoyable read that makes you laugh, smile, and swoon. If you are looking for a light and happy read, give this one a try!
xo,
Naths
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