Review: Politically Incorrect by Jeanne McDonald
Note: This ARC was provided by Sassy Savvy Fabulous PR in exchange for an honest review.
In this highly politicized campaign year, whether locally or in the United States, it's difficult to not have some sort of opinion when it comes to candidates vying for the highest office in the land. And let's face it, even the most seasoned of politicians cannot always be expected to toe the party line or remain politically correct twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Heck, it's those candid, off-camera, and politically incorrect moments that capture people's attention, and being the political junkie that I am, I make no secret over my obsessive need to watch my favorite local news telecasts and networks as well as my go-to cable channel, CNN. So, when the opportunity to read a contemporary love story set during a senatorial race between the candidate and the campaign manager is set before me, how could I possible refuse? The fact that Politically Incorrect turned out to be one of my favorite reads of the year so far and that it's made Jeanne McDonald an author I've now got on my radar, well, let's just consider those as totally fab bonuses.
Forty-five-year-old Elizabeth McNeal is known as the "Queen of Politics" and for good reason. She knows how to get a candidate elected into office and does whatever is necessary, solidifying her reputation as the top political strategist in the Democratic Party. When she's brought in to take charge of the senatorial campaign of a thirty-four-year-old congressman from Texas named William Baxter, she finds herself waffling. Not only is Liam young and still a newbie in the world of politics, she's attracted to him and it's an attraction that's clearly not one-sided. Liz needs to stay focused on the end goal of getting Liam into office, but the more time they spend together on the campaign trail, the more difficult it is to not fantasize about him. He's nothing like the other men she's been with, whether it be in her personal or professional life. He isn't afraid to question her choices and doesn't hesitate to go against a directive, even if it may be as simple as what tie he should wear. Wanting Liam is wrong, but this could be one time Liz doesn't want to be right.
Hello, slow burn romance loaded with lots of tension and a cast of characters that I couldn't get enough of. I loved this book, what with the struggle Liz had on whether she should cross that line between being professional and being, well, unprofessional (because yes, no matter how romantic it sounds, making out, having sex, and then falling in love with a client is considered unethical by many). Liam was a walking temptation, of course, and he didn't go out of his way to poke at Liz's vulnerabilities just to prove to her that she's susceptible to his charms but to make her see that what was going on between was something that couldn't be ignored because it was so much more than a mere flirtation. Aside from the whole professional versus personal relationship issue, Liz also had to deal with the notion that she was too old for Liam, but thankfully, her being a single mother wasn't a real sticking point because the two other situations were prominent enough to keep readers like me engaged and engrossed for the book's duration.
This wasn't a mere romance. You really do see how Liz and Liam are as they go from one campaign stop to another. There's also some intrigue thrown into the mix because, as is the case in real life politics and elections, smearing an opponent's reputation is to be expected and to that extent there's a bit of twist to keep you on your toes. Liam and Liz were fantastic main characters and I liked how they were both smart, independent, and stubborn but also sweet and sexy when they were together away from the nitty gritty of campaigning. The side romance between Aaron Baxter and Scout Whitaker was one that I also thought was quite cute, even though we only get tidbits of what's going on between the two of them. The dialogue between and among the characters--meaning not limited to Liam and Lizzy--was at times snappy and on-point while other times insightful and swoon-worthy. This book deserves kudos for packing a great deal of wonderful storytelling all in a single novel. Politically Incorrect is one highly recommended five-star read. ♥
Release Date: 16 August 2016
Date Read: 16 August 2016
Learn more about Jeanne McDonald.
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