Running Mate

Running Mate #1

by Katie Ashley

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 theater 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.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Politics, Enemies To Lovers, Adult, New Adult

Unknown Binding

First published February 28, 2017

About the author

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Three Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She's written rockers, bikers, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her rescue mutts, Belle and Elsa, and her two cats, Mama Kitty and Luna. She has a slight obsession with The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.

With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.

Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.

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Reviews

[NMmomof4 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was an ok read for me until about 85ish%. The h ticked me off! She was so stupid in the way she pushed the H away! It seemed completely out of nowhere and I didn't even understand her reasoning. She basically blamed the H for what happened in her past relationship and because he hadn't settled down in the past -- and she did it in a kind-of extreme way! They finally get together and then she pulls this crap?!? I was over it. Another issue I had with the book was the fact that we didn't experience them developing feelings. We get mentions in their inner dialogue about how they spent time together talking about everything and falling for each other, but it felt totally unjustified to me because I didn't experience any of that! It was like one minute they hated each other, the next they tolerated each other, then they went to falling each other -- in exactly that choppy way. I like the overall idea of the story, but it just didn't work out the way I had hoped :/

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Addison and Barrett's story. They meet when Barrett's dad and Addison's boss arranges for them to be fake fiancées to help with his presidential campaign. They don't mix well at first, but start to slowly become friends. Eventually the friendship turns into more and they give in to their attraction and fall in love. There is some past baggage they have to deal with, but they do get a HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between Addison and Barrett's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Not so good. It had time jumps that had us miss some important parts of their relationship (see opinion section above). I also skimmed the epilogue because I was over it after the h did her pushing away.

Instalove: No, they have a hate-to-love type thing going on and take a while to develop stronger feelings.

H rating: 3 stars. Barrett. He was ok. He was a douche at first, but he came around to be an ok guy by the end.

h rating: 1 star. Addison. I didn't mind her at first, but I ended up really disliking her by the end. She was judgemental, immature at times, and she projected her issues with her past relationship on to the H in a stupid way.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull: Yes The h pushes away a lot towards the end. The H is the main pursuer of the relationship.

Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: Yes Condoms are used. The h is not on birth control. They briefly mention std statuses, but aren't tested and don't discuss previous practices.

OW/OM drama: No

Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes There is a scene with the H and OW, but this is before he even meets the h.

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes They are separated for a couple weeks, but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time.

Possible Triggers: Yes, but pretty mild Manwhore H before h, and fake engagement

Closure: This had ok closure with what I would call a HFN ending they decide to actually get married

How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.

Safety: This one will probably be either Safe with exception or Not safe for most of the safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.

- Does Not have cheating
- Does have a descriptive sex scene with H and OW
- Does have the h pushing the H away
- Does have a few week (?) separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does Not have OTT sad parts
- Does Not have a HEA ending

[Shayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This was INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS! One of my FAVORITE Katie Ashley books to date! So hilarious! So sexy! So entertaining! I never wanted it to end!

If only real life politics were this exciting! Gorgeous and cocky Barrett Callahan is brought to his knees by the ever so feisty campaign staffer, Addison Monroe. These two are oil and water, but the attraction is ELECTRIC! The hate/love relationship they have is intense and it slowly grows into something incredibly beautiful. I just LOVE IT when the man with the HUGE ego gets brought down a peg or two by a strong woman. This type of dynamic between the two main characters is why I read romance.

"I wanted nothing more than to give her my everything."

Barrett is a hero you love to hate! Addison is a leading lady you can root for! This fun, flirty, and incredibly sexy enemies-to-lovers romance brought me to my knees on more than one occasion. Katie Ashley ALWAYS delivers swoon-worthy tales that will make you laugh, cry, blush, and sigh. I loved every single page!

[Carmen Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I really feel I have to start this by saying I am a complete idiot. I have been waiting for this book for so long because I love the writing style of Katie Ashley and the blurb sounded awesome. The issue was I got so caught up in what I thought I was getting from this book that it took me a while to reconcile that wasn’t what I was getting.

I thought it was going to be a funny, sexy, light romance about a fake relationship, instead it was slightly more serious and had a lot of political information.

I didn’t really connect to the romance between Barrett and Addison. It just felt like there was more focus on the political campaign than on them as a couple. And when we did get them as a couple it felt like they bickered more than they talked and then suddenly they were in love.

Don’t get me wrong there was plenty that I did enjoy about this story it just absolutely wasn’t at all what I was expecting. So although it wasn’t the hit I was hoping for I think if I had gone into it less clouded by what I thought the book was I would have enjoyed it more. I probably also would have connected to the characters more if I didn’t have preconceived notions of who they were. So if you enjoy political romance and aren’t expecting a light and fluffy romance this could be the book for you.


Check out my reviews here

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haha, this read was cute. Addison and Barrett were each other's ying to their yang. They could get a rise out of the other and yet they meshed so perfectly.

Addison, this gal is all about business and has her hands full trying to undertake the task of whipping into shape the Senator's son who has tarnished his image for his scandalous reputation. Most of you can kind of guess where this leads, as Addison is then thrown into a fake engagement with Barrett, and the lines of business and pleasure start to coincede with one another.

All in all, a fast, sexy and over to read story. While it didn't knock my socks off, I still enjoyed it nonetheless. I hate angsty reads and want something more sensual and fun at the moment and Running Mate did it for me.

[Rejane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read till chapter 2. After some info from a friend of mine, more like a summary of what she read, she stopped at chapter 8 I just decided not finishing. I wasn't caught up in the book in the 1st 2 chapters(and they are loonngg chapters) so I will cut my losses. Among other things she said up to chapter 8(almost half of the book) there was zero progress/development in the MCs relationship. The hero was a manwhore and the way he was introduced was one factor I decided to stop reading-detailed sex with ow in his jet. And the heroine was too "feminist, I mean, I'm all for woman strength and independency, but I still think there's nothing wrong in being helped and even pampered. I loved those. And my friend said to chapter 8 she hadn't improved her personality. And the hero was a prick but he still was trying to "help". Anyway, those info came from a "real life' close friend. Not a virtual GR friend and I trust her. It doesn't mean I won't read another book by the author because I will. I did enjoy some of her books in the past
And this is just a comment I made in London's post:"I found out it can be or can't be safe. For me, particularly, it's not. The 1st time we "meet " the hero he's having detailed sex with an opera singer in his jet and it was making plans to meet her later. He hadn't met the h yet, but still... not for me.
And after meeting the heroine he was supposed to let said singer "go" because of fale fiancée reasons. And he was really sorry to do it because she was hot and was looking forward for more sex with her. I don't like this either. I got this from a friend who's reading it and she's thinking about DNF because there's no progress in the book. Nothing happens and the MCd act like 17 years old instead of 27. Always fighting to what at an extent it's entertaining but at almost half way is tiresome. I confess I started reading and stopped at chapter 2. I put it down with zero effort. And now, after this info I have no desire to get back to it and I'm thinking of DNF as well.
I was going to take one for the team, London, but I can't do it. Lol "

[London]

No thank you

[Melissa Baez · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been less than 24 hours since I finished this and that plot has already begun to dissipate from my thoughts.


It was a fake relationship, the blurb promised awesomeness, and the rating gave me hope. Add all that together and how could I not dive into this?! My heart was in it before I even begun. I was so beyond prepared to love it despite that little irritating voice in my head that whispered to not get my hopes up. I should have listened.


Have you ever heard the saying, dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence? Well, that's kind of what happened here. In the first few pages, it wasn't so bad. The heroine, Addison, didn't scream stupid and we all know there are few like that out there. And while the hero, Barrett, was the epitome of a womanizer, I could deal with it. But those were just the first few drops of water and here I'm thinking "no big deal, I bet it gets better". The thing is, as the story progressed there was a non-stop, constant stream of dripping water. Their bickering wasn't funny but grating, Addison's take on feminism was borderline idiotic, if not full blown, the constant telling of events of how they got close instead of showing us leaves you feeling indifferent, and after a while, less than half way in, you just want the plot to get to the point.


So in the end, Running Mate failed to meet every single one of my expectations. Every single one. Just on my way to my corner to cry.

[Floripiquita · Rating 2 out of 5]

De tan ligera la historia, acaba evaporándose y convirtiéndose en una nadería, con bastantes incongruencias, cursilerías varias y muchos lugares comunes.

Soy fan de las fake relationships y los romances que pasan del odio al amor, pero cuando no me creo la historia de amor, el retrato que hace del mundo de la política estadounidense me parece a la altura de las Pin y Pon y no paro de poner los ojos en blanco con las acciones y conversaciones de los protagonistas, está claro que este libro no es para mí.

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casting my vote for Katie Ashley's latest release! A winner for sure. Loved this easy, fun and sexy romp on the campaign trail.

However, there were a few "what the heck" moments where I questioned the timeline on Senator Callahan. There was one place where his birth year was shown as 1943 and a chapter or two later, he was said to have just turned 60. Doesn't balance when I did the math. Threw me out of the story for a bit while I did some calculating, but it wasn't a big takeaway from the storyline. A minor nitpick.

Loved the characters and their witty banter in this "arranged" engagement scenario. The "First Son" was a delightfully hot and sexy bad boy who met his match when his dad determined he needed an image change and promptly set it in motion.

[Desi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Estrellitas Presidenciales

La trama es sobre un Senador que necesita que el 2do de sus hijos, un playboy declarado, entre en una relación falsa con una mujer hasta las votaciones presidenciales, para poder ayudarlo en la campaña por la nominación de su candidatura a la presidencia. Así que James Callahan escoge a la candidata perfecta, a Addison una mujer de 26 años que trabaja en su campaña, y le explica el plan para hacer que mejore la reputación de su hijo Barrett de 27 años, finguiendo estar comprometidos y así ayudar a su candidatura. Entonces tenemos a Barrett y a Addison firmando un contrato con todas las clausula que dice que tienen que ser vistos juntos en todas partes, mostrarse como una pareja feliz, dormir en el mismo apartamento durante el tiempo de la campaña, y en el caso de Barrett ser célibe durante ese tiempo jajajajaa.

Y así arranca esta historia, con estos dos embarcándose en un viaje como novios comprometidos llenos de momentos muy divertidos.

Síí, ya sé que es una historia muy cliché y todo eso.... pero que puedo decir, me gustó, me hizo pasar un buen rato, me divirtió y eso es lo que uno busca al leer un libro. Esta de más decir que me pareció un muy buen libro.... ligero, sin muchas complicaciones, facil de leer, buenos personajes, etc.

Me agradaron mucho TOODOS los personajes: los padres de Barrett (James y Jane), Bernie (el jefe de Addi y consejero de James), Everett (el super estilista), Ty (guardespalda y amigo de Barrett), Peter (ayudante de Barret) y Evan (hermano de Addi).

Addison, me parecio super divertida y me encantó la forma en como le respondía a Barrett sus comentarios trogloditas o sexuales, me dio mucha risa su mala suerte ese primer día que luego se convirtió en muy buena suerte!!


Me pareció lindo como se fue formando su amistad con el paso de los días/meses hasta convertise en algo más.

"Contemplando sus ojos, me di cuenta que había ganado más que un amigo durante los últimos meses. Había aprendido que apoyarse en alguien no era algo tan malo, que apoyarme en Barrett no era tan malo. Me gustaba ser una receptora de su lado cariñoso."

Y sí, fue un poco tontaa ya casi al final y un poco estúpido su razonamiento, pero bueh... nadie es perfecto y alguno de los dos tenía que ponerla en el libro,.... y menos mal que tuvo una segunda oportunidad para recapacitar y dejar la estupidez. (Y lo voy a dejar pasar por esta vez porque me dejo de buen humor este libro)

Me encantó Barrett, fue un protagonista muy especial, divertido, sexy, pícaro, franco... que dice lo que piensa y siente... y muy dulce y tierno cuando quiere.... Me gustó también la relación de tiene con su familia sobre todo con su padre y como se llevan... todo me parecio tan normal, tan chevere, nada disfuncional... como son en muchos otros tantos libros que hay por ahí.
Me encantó que se vio una transformacion en su actitud durante el transcurso de la historia aunque siguió manteniendo su personalidad divertida y encantadora. Y fue tan bello cuando le volvió a declaró su amor..... awww

"»Te amo.
Sus ojos se cerraron con dolor.
—Por favor, deja de decir eso, Barrett.
—Voy a seguir diciéndolo hasta que entiendas que lo digo con todo mi corazón, cuerpo y alma. Voy a luchar día y noche por ti. —Respiré profundamente—. Te amo, Addison Monroe. Si soy honesto conmigo mismo, te he amado desde ese primer fin de semana en el Jefferson. Te amé cuando enseñaste el culo a la prensa y cuando bebiste medio cuarto de la botella de moonshine y te convertiste en Eva Perón. Amé cuando enseñaste las tetas y el culo en el escenario como Cher en Divas.
—¿Esas son las cosas que hicieron enamorarte de mí? —Addison resopló indignada.
—Sí... quiero decir, no, no solo eso. Fueron un millón de otras cosas, como la forma en que realmente te preocupas por mis padres, y cómo nunca desestimas a un extraño. Amo lo inteligente e impulsiva que eres. Amo cómo quieres hacer del mundo un lugar mejor con tu empatía y tu corazón bondadoso. No estoy seguro de que haya una sola cosa sobre ti que no ame.
Cuando me dejé caer sobre mis rodillas, Addison jadeó."

.... y luego siguió enamorándome

"—Mira, estoy de rodillas delante de ti para pedirte que perdones y olvides mi pasado, para que te des cuenta de que no soy el mismo hombre que era antes de conocerte. Puedo decirte con absoluta certeza que mientras viva, nunca habrá otra mujer a la que pueda amar tanto como a ti. Tú eres la única."

Me gustó la relación entre estos dos, fueron muy divertidos, sobre todo cuando discutían.... sus conversaciones muy cómicas....que fueron muchas....
Así que me encantó el libro, Barrett y la situaciones..... jajajaja uno de los momentos más graciosos:

—¡Oh, diablos, no! ¡Ni siquiera piensen en enviarme fuera de drag como hicieron con Gene Hackman en The Birdcage!
—Creo que te verías muy bien en un vestido —comentó Estrella mientras me miraba de arriba abajo.
Addison asintió.
—Ya tiene el pecho depilado, así que un escote profundo no sería un problema
—Para tu información, me quité el vello del pecho con láser —protesté.
Addison y Estrella rieron enérgicamente mientras Ty decía:
—¿En serio, amigo?
—Cállate —gruñí. Gracias a mi comentario, Ty me estaría dando mierda durante días sobre ser tan metrosexual.

**Me gustó que la primera eleccion de vestuario para Addi fuera Carolina Herrera (Orgullo Venezolano)


...Así que lo recomiendo!!

[Fanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desde el instante en el que leo " Fake Relationship " en una sinopsis siento un deseo irrefrenable de leer el libro xDD ( empiezo a pensar que se ha convertido en una obsesion ), es algo que no puedo evitar, es uno de los cliches que mas me gustan y aunque no todas las historias que he leido de esta tematica me han gustado, si que tengo que reconocer que varias de mis lecturas favoritas tienen ese rango en comun.

Running Mate fue justo lo que imaginaba, las reseñas que lei eran totalmente opuestas, a algunas personas les habia parecido maravillosa y otras la veian como una de tantas, al principio yo estaba en el primer grupo pero desgraciadamente segun fueron pasando las paginas, la trama fue perdiendo esa " magia " que encontre en el inicio, con eso no digo que sea una mala opcion, solo que es una novela que empieza muy " fuerte " pero que va perdiendo intensidad a lo largo de los capitulos.

La historia de Addison y Barrett me gusto mucho, es ligera, divertida, dulce, agil de leer y muy atrapante, si eres fan de los libros de Vi Keeland estoy segura de que la disfrutaras, a mi me recordo a sus novelas en muchas ocasiones.

Totalmente recomendada!

3.5 Estrellas!

[Grecia Robles · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 STARS

No fue la gran cosa, fue entretenido, una lectura fácil, sin complicaciones, ademas contando que estoy en una racha donde las lecturas de relaciones fingidas me persiguen y me encuentran.
Esperaba un poco más de este libro por su temática y todo, el principio fue divertido eso de odio entre los protagonistas y teniendo que fingir que se amaban, pero llegó un punto donde la historia se desinfló sobre todo al final porque ese drama final de la Addison fue absurdo y no tenía el peso suficiente para justificarlo porque más bien eran sus inseguridades hablando.
Me preocupé un poco al estar leyendo los POVs de él porque sólo pensaba en sexo y dije se va ay va hacer un libro de puro sexo sin control y desenfrenado donde la despierta el apetito sexual insaciable de la protagonista, pero fue su punto a favor que no fue más bien hasta el final del libro.
En fin pudo ser un mejor libro siento que le faltó más desarrollo a su relación describir más los sentimientos de ellos como iban cambiando poco a poco porque fue así de te odio no te soporto y a convivir sin tantos pleitos a amarse pero lo más raro es que eran cambios bruscos, no sentías cuando pasó eso, si en el capitulo anterior se odiaban o no sentian nada el uno por el otro, bueno no se si me expliqué bien ya me hice bolas.
Sólo digo que es bueno para pasar el rato y ya.

[mich · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would've rated this a solid 2 stars, but towards the end they just went overboard with the dumbass nicknames & kept referring to his dick as the "Bear" over and over and OVER ("let's suit up the Bear", and "I'll make it up to the Bear", and "the Bear began growing restless. . " OH MY GOD STOPPPPPPPPP.

yeah, I think that warrants an extra star being taken away.

This was an "enemy to lovers" story (a trope I'm a total sucker for) and the banter in the beginning was great, I loved it. But the transition to them having feelings for each other happened very suddenly and "off page". It was like, all of a sudden in Barrett's POV, he's just monologuing to us how he's come to care for Addison because of all the time they've been spending together. It was like huh? That's IT? so lame. And then Addison's POV chapter later pretty much does the same thing.

No emotional connection with this one at all. Bad flow in the storytelling. If writing good snarky banter is all you got, then maybe find a co-author to help with the rest of the stuff? And also, fucking cut that Bear's dick off already. Too much.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only real life politics could give us a family like the Callahans. Barrett comes from a upper class, political family, he’s a bit of a manwhore and proud of it. Addison has worked her way up in the political world, had a big set back by trusting the wrong man, and has once again started rebuilding her career by working on Senator Callahan’s presidential campaign.

Senator Callahan is the favorite candidate but not enough that he feels secure he will win the election, the only possible blemish is Barrett’s “a different lady every night” reputation. He comes up with a plan to help with Barrett’s image, get him a fake fiancé until the election is over and he knows the perfect candidate, Addison. Senator Callahan gives Addison an offer she just can’t refuse.

Barrett and Addison grudgingly go into this fake engagement. They both go in with a dislike for each other based on how they assume the other will be, it isn’t long before a sizzling chemistry develops between them, a chemistry they are both determined to ignore. The attempt to fight their feelings begins to fail as they get to know each other, the main issue holding them back is strong, independent Addison’s ability to learn to deal deal with cocky, bossy Barrett. Addison and Barrett’s journey is filled with passion, sexual tension and a fear of trusting each other with their hearts.

I absolutely LOVED Running Mate by Katie Ashley; it’s sexy, fun and entertaining! I found the entire cast of characters funny, strong, and well developed. Add the characters into a political world most of us don’t understand, wicked banter plus palpable sexual tension, great sex scenes and Running Mate becomes a refreshingly different romance that will be one of my top reads of 2017.

Take a chance on this book you won’t be sorry!

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny,great characters told in dual pov's and a standalone.

I give Running mate 4 hung like a bear stars.

A fun read with a presidential campaign theme.

Barett is the manwhore wild boy of the Senators son who needs to tame his reputation for the good of his Father's campaign and his advisors come up with a plan of a fake fiancé.

Addison is a take no crap kind of girl, I loved her character she's also someone who puts her all into what she believes in so as a worker for Senator Callahan's campain Addison goes along with the plan.

To say Barrett and Addison rub each other up the wrong way at first is an understatement but 9 months is a long time joined to the hip.

A good fun recommend read that leads to a hea.

Arc gratefully received for review purposes
http://Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfr...

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review---->Running Mate by Katie Ashley

Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review and diva dance moves from us book hooks at http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls

[Julia]

Because who needs an original plot when you can write the same thing that's been rewritten thousands of times?

[Lexi Cubbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating may seem a little too harsh at first, but well, I did like it, I just can't help being a bit disappointed. I love Katie Ashley's style and waited for so long for this book, I expected way more from it.

I'm not that into political books, even if it's romance, but this one was great. You can tell the author did her homework and instead of being boring, it actually gave a helpful insight into the scene.
I didn't like Barrett's introduction very much, but he did redeem himself after a while. It was quite the opposite with Addison, she was a strong, independent, witty character - maybe a little too much emphasis on her feminist side -, then it all went to hell at the end.

I'm trying not to give anything away, because what was only a 3-star read for me, might be a new favourite for someone else. Just know that I found the first half of the book fabulous, but then it started to feel way too forced and rushed, but it may work out for you.

[Maren Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars but I rounded up. Not enough sexy time but I loved it. I love a fake fiancé/enemies to lovers book. Combine in political campaigns and I'm a goner! Loved the book. Totally swoonworthy.

[Lea ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by author.
I really enjoyed this one and read it in a couple of hours.
It is a sexy,light read that made me smile a lot.
Plus (and this is very important thing to mention) main hero is really cocky... and sexy... and I don't know about you, but I like that... a lot.

Highly recommended!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5+ stars

Addison Monroe just got an unexpected proposition from her boss, who is also a Senator trying to secure a presidential nomination. He needs her to help clean up his son's image. And to do that he and his advisers think it will take drastic measures...like pretend to be engaged for the remainder of the campaign kind of drastic. It seems like a manageable deal--a little make-believe, a pay out, some social media attention, but ultimately helping out the Senator she believes in.

But then she meets Barrett Callahan...also dubbed "Bare" for some explicit pics that once got leaked online. Her first impression of him is far from favorable. She sees him as not only a womanizing manwhore, but also an egocentric, cocky, unfiltered neanderthal. Their banter is far from friendly and leans more toward antagonistic. They taunt, tease, and provoke. But they've got a job to do and a fairy tale love story to fake.

It drives Barrett even more crazy that he cannot seem to charm her and that she seems to be repulsed by him. That is new for a man who is used to being fawned over and pursued. She is independent and does not want to rely on anyone for help. She puts up resistance for most things Barrett suggests. But as they spend more time together on the campaign trail, they begin to start seeing more good points than bad points in each other and even develop a friendship. But they also have a simmering attraction and underlying feelings that they have been afraid to admit even to themselves.

But what happens when lines get blurry or crossed? How much is fake and how much is real?

I liked seeing the softer side of Barrett's personality and feelings slowly evolve throughout. He has his own insecurities and vulnerability under that cocky facade. He has a real protective streak and a good heart. He is also a man of decision who knows what he wants and says what is on his mind. He challenges her and pushes her out of her comfort zone often. And she is a good match for him by pushing back at him and keeping him on his toes. But she can also be tough and stubborn, and her trust issues plague her. She can get stuck in her own head, and sometimes talks herself right out of things. So they both have a lot to learn about what they truly want and need. But they are living their lives at a stressful pace, in tight spaces, with the media watching. So there is no room for error or excessive drama. But part of the problem of living in the spotlight among wealth and excess, it is sometimes hard to see what is illusion and what is real.

Does Barrett have the capacity to truly change? Will their pasts keep her from believing he even has potential to?

It comes down to either fighting fears or fighting for love. What will it be?

I liked the side characters of Ty, Evan, Bernie, The Senator, and his wife. I was thrilled to see a few old friends in a cameo. The campaign caravan was a fun backdrop and I enjoyed going along with them during the experience. This was humorous, but also emotional. passionate, and heartfelt. It had enough tension, drama, and angst to make it interesting, but it was not overdone. And in these times where politics are volatile, it makes me wish that a candidate like James Callahan and his family truly existed.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

It was a cute and fun story, I really liked the beginning and banter between both Addison and Barrett. My biggest issue though was how hard headed and stubborn Addison became for absolutely no apparent reason. She would push Barrett away, have to do things on her own, and all for what? Then the climax/conflict was completely idiotic but hey, to each their own. A good, cutesy read, not great.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Barrett Callahan has a reputation that is clouding his father’s presidential campaign. He finds himself the subject of an image cleanup in the form of a fake fiance. He doesn’t get to pick the woman, and has to pretend to love her while keeping himself out of the press and out of trouble.

Addison Monroe has worked hard to earn her position on the Callahan campaign. But her boss has a proposition she didn’t see coming, though the payoff would help her tremendously: act as the fiancee of notorious playboy Barrett. Sounds easy enough, especially with the big payday at the end of the campaign, but that was before she had met the overly confident, egotistical man.

These two have preconceived notions of who and what the other will be, and the realities couldn’t be further from the truth. Once they start to get to know the other, the sparks begin to fly. But they have to deal with each other for months without break, so resist the attraction that continues to grow between them.

Both characters were a lot of fun. Bennett is very confident in himself, though there is a vulnerability he begins to show to Addison. He is used to getting his way and being the boss, which rankles Addison’s own confidence. Addison is used to working hard and making her own decisions, so there is some conflict as they learn which buttons they can push and which are deal breakers.

There were times I felt like pieces of the story moved faster than I would have liked, but a lot of that was due to the fact that I was just plain enjoying it. When Barrett falls, he fall fast and hard, and the pacing of the book matched his fall.

This was a fun, lighthearted look into politics, welcome at a time when real politics are so dividing. I enjoyed the break from reality to follow the campaign trail with these two, as Addison klutzes her way through her first few appearances, and Bennett learns how to support without stepping on her toes.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is one of the best fake relationship to real relationship story ever done. I really liked how everything was so non cliche, especially the beginning. I liked how despite Barrett's innuendo filled dialogues (loved them btw !) their relationship was not based on and did not revolve around sex. It just gave their relationship more credibility.

The characters were amazing. Barrett was actually quite a pleasant surprise. And Addison was great from the beginning itself. There were some discrepancies. Like James's age and also in the synopsis of the book it says 7 months but in the book it said 9. While they are nothing major, I just couldn't help but notice them.

While the plot and the characters were great, the dialogues seemed weird sometimes. They were perfectly structured full sentences like in a speech but we don't really speak in real life in such a way. It made the dialogue seem sort of forced. The book also felt a bit anticlimatic. I mean I know there was no suspense (this is a romance after all), but that little high you're supposed to feel ? It wasn't there. But maybe that's just me.

Overall a good book. Definitely recommended if you prefer books of the non insta love variety.
P.S. What kind of name is Barrett ?

[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running Mate by Katie Ashley
4.5 stars!!!!

“It was better because of her, and I wanted nothing more than to give her my everything.”

I absolutely loved everything about this book, I laughed out loud, I sighed, I swooned, but most of all I loved…hard. I love my political books, I love the background, the behind the scenes, it’s like you get a front row seat on a presidential campaign and Katie Ashley delivered the perfect balance…enough politics to keep that side of my love affair sated and a gorgeous, swoon worthy romance.

Fake engagements have appeared in plenty of books and they never get old…if done right and this one was simply…perfect. Manwhore, womanizer, potential President’s son, smearing his father’s campaign and an honest, hardworking, political campaigner who would do anything to see the right man get the job, even if that meant fake dating a douche.

“Someone might as well have put handcuffs on me because I truly felt imprisoned by the prospect of the next nine sexless months. What if my dick never recovered…can a cock shrivel up from lack of use?”

I adored the getting to know you faze, to see a man humbled, to see a man fall in love for the first time and that is just what this felt like. I had a front row seat and I felt it all, every conversation, every action and every little nuance. This book gave me a tremendous dose of the feels as well as many a laugh out loud moment.

“The camera doesn’t do it justice.”
I threw my head back with a laugh at both her comment and the fact that she had googled my dick pics.

Barrett Callahan was an arrogant, cocky, insanely gorgeous manwhore and his personal life was many a paps wet dream. From baring all to ‘dating’ many a model, this man was tabloid fodder and he took it all in his stride and more than lived up to his reputation. Now in his thirties though, his dad needed to reign him in and knowing that his son, for all his faults, would do anything to aide his presidential campaign, he went for the jugular.

“Since Barrett’s still breathing, I imagine you fought the natural urge to strangle him?”

Addison was adorable with a capital ‘A,’ she was extremely focused, down to earth, feisty and took no shit from anyone. Addison had not long come out of a relationship where she caught her boyfriend with his pants down, literally, and now part of the Callahan campaign she was settled in herself, albeit a little broke and friendless.

The chemistry between these two was electric and it sizzled from the very start, it was fun, it was flirty and it was swoony with a capital S. Katie Ashley never fails to deliver with that tangible, emotional connection that I crave and a romance that will leave you with the warm and fuzzies for an age. That initial love/hate connection and then the peeling back of layers when both finally discovered the real person underneath. Those ‘I can’t’ and ‘I won’t’ moments, those ‘shit, I can’t resist’ moments, all encompassed a fantastic read that had me glued to the pages from start to finish. I simply adored this story and my only wish was that I had more at the end. These two were a couple I didn’t want to let go. Fantastic book. Adored it.

www.theromancecover.com

[Alba M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me encantan las historias de amor que empiezan con acuerdos tontos, en este caso entre una trabajadora voluntaria en la campaña del presidente y su hijo.
La historia iba muy bien, me tenía enganchada, ambos personajes eran unos cabezotas pero tenían sus momentos divertidos pero... y es un gran PERO nunca acabé de creerme su amor.
Uno, porque simplemente la autora no hizo esa progresión poco a poco de los sentimientos
Dos, el momento declaración de amor fue la cosa más seca y sosa que he visto en mi vida. De esto que están echando un kiki, y entonces a Barret se le ocurre «no puedo seguir sin decírselo» y le dice oh Addie te amo y ella le dice oh si yo a ti también Barret ahora volvamos a la cena antes de que nos pillen echando un kiki en la biblioteca. ¿Se habrá visto alguna vez una declaración que encajase tan poco?

No contentos con esas meteduras de pata, dos segundos después, lo juro por dios, dos segundos después de esa declaración, a Addison le entra la paranoia de su vida UNA COSA LOCA y decide que tiene que largarse porque no se cree la declaración de Barret.. ¿¡pero a ti quién te entiende pedazo de burra!? Acabas de decirle que lo amas con todo tu corazón y en esto coges y haces la maleta y te piras. No pero espera, espera, que si no fuese suficientemente jodido que hiciese lo de pirarse encima se cree con el PUTO DERECHO de decirle a Barret como se siente y como no. Le dice que en realidad el no la ama que es todo mentira y blablabla. ¡Y que sabrás tu alma de cántaro si no te entiendes ni a ti misma! Aggg que rabia le cogí a esta chica y eso que me caía bien pero es que ha hecho tantas tonterías llegando al final que no lo entiendo. Yo soy Barret y le digo: pues ahí tienes la puerta y cuidado que no te de en el culo. Además de que es una persona que juzga a los demás por su pasado, teniendo en cuenta que todos tenemos uno sea mejor o peor me parece de lo más bajo hacerle eso a alguien...

Esta historia iba para 5⭐️ pero por desgracia empezó a bajar y se quedó en las que he puesto... era totalmente mi tipo pero la autora la cagó, una pena.

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Ashley has a talent for writing a story that sucks you in and then makes you smile while you read it. You might even laugh. Out loud. And with Barrett and Addison, I did just that.

I literally squealed when I realized this was a fake to real love story. As you know, they're my favorites. So, when the candidate for President's son Barrett started falling in love with his fake fiancee Addison for real, I was sooo stinking happy! The banter between them was great and had me giggling at some of the comebacks they had for each other.

*thanks to TRSOR for sharing a copy of this with me*

[Clau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una lectura ligera, entretenida y con su dosis de humor.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I loved this book from page one! A political romance that is smart and funny! From fake relationships to a real romance! This was one of my favorite books of 2017!