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lauren_soderberg's review
3.0
Stephanie Vance’s Across the Aisle in an adeptly written novel that is as much of a love letter to Washington DC the city as it is to an idealized version of what the city represents. It is, of course, steeped in partisan politics, and seems both aware of the realities of the current political climate but also dismissive of the deep divides that have emerged over the past four years. Had this been published before 2016 or set in an earlier decade (or two), the story would have seemed more plausible and less fantastical.
Lobbyists Dallas McGrath and Grant Pierce are on opposite ends of the political spectrum, and on the very last of each others’ nerves. When both are tasked with working together to come to a compromise on the language of an important bill, they’ll start to realize that they may just have more in common than they thought. And that there’s a thin line between hate and love.
I’ll be honest when I say that there are parts of this book that really work, and parts of it that really don’t. One of the places this book shines its descriptions of DC and its unique amalgamation of restaurants, bars, monuments, and architecture. It becomes apparent that Vance has an intimacy with the city that translates beautifully to the page.
It’s also clear Vance is a skilled writer. Her dialogue is sharp and witty, though many of the pop culture and style references feel a little dated at times. I so wish this was set in an earlier decade, which would mean that the aforementioned references would make more sense, and the political elements to the story would seem more plausible.
Dallas as a character befuddles me because she seems to take pride in her Republicanism while also deriding the main tenants of the party as it exists now. Grant is annoyingly immature at times, which seems so juvenile and out of place. My frustrations with the protagonists aside, the secondary relationship between Rebekah and Oshuna really shines; that's a story I would love to read more about.
Across the Aisle might frustrate a few as it seems to project a sort of privilege that tries to tread the line of being overtly political but also benignly issue-specific, which I’m not sure if it’s the best representation of what’s happening in politics right now. But if you're happy to lose yourself in the fantasy of a story without worrying about its real world applications, this just might be the book for you.
Thank you to Entangled and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lobbyists Dallas McGrath and Grant Pierce are on opposite ends of the political spectrum, and on the very last of each others’ nerves. When both are tasked with working together to come to a compromise on the language of an important bill, they’ll start to realize that they may just have more in common than they thought. And that there’s a thin line between hate and love.
I’ll be honest when I say that there are parts of this book that really work, and parts of it that really don’t. One of the places this book shines its descriptions of DC and its unique amalgamation of restaurants, bars, monuments, and architecture. It becomes apparent that Vance has an intimacy with the city that translates beautifully to the page.
It’s also clear Vance is a skilled writer. Her dialogue is sharp and witty, though many of the pop culture and style references feel a little dated at times. I so wish this was set in an earlier decade, which would mean that the aforementioned references would make more sense, and the political elements to the story would seem more plausible.
Dallas as a character befuddles me because she seems to take pride in her Republicanism while also deriding the main tenants of the party as it exists now. Grant is annoyingly immature at times, which seems so juvenile and out of place. My frustrations with the protagonists aside, the secondary relationship between Rebekah and Oshuna really shines; that's a story I would love to read more about.
Across the Aisle might frustrate a few as it seems to project a sort of privilege that tries to tread the line of being overtly political but also benignly issue-specific, which I’m not sure if it’s the best representation of what’s happening in politics right now. But if you're happy to lose yourself in the fantasy of a story without worrying about its real world applications, this just might be the book for you.
Thank you to Entangled and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
emily_loves_2_read's review
4.0
Across the Aisle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 4/12/22
Author: Stephanie Vance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Pages: 306
Goodreads Rating: 3.75
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing a digital advanced readers copy of the book for me to read for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Tough as nails DC lobbyist Dallas McGrath can’t believe she’s being ordered to reach a legislative compromise with the opposition. And not just with anyone…with the most arrogant, obnoxious lobbyist in DC, Grant Pierce. Career lobbyist Grant Pierce knows he shouldn’t enjoy ruffling the feathers of the opposition this much, but he can’t help it. Maybe it’s her sharp mind, or maybe it’s the sexy way she bulldozes his every argument. Either way, he’s got the perfect plan to put her off her game. He suggests they negotiate at baseball games, jazz clubs, and nap studios—but even he’s not prepared for what happens next...
My Thoughts: This book was entwined with American Politics. I normally despise politics of any kind, however, the author made this an enjoyable read. This was a enemies to lovers trope, which I usually adore. You can tell that the author has a great detail of knowledge in DC politics as it shines throughout the book. The characters were well developed, passionate about their work, had amazing witty banter between them, had chemistry between them, and had a depth about them. The author’s writing was complex, intriguing, charming, and absolutely engaging. I adored the secondary relationship between the supporting characters, Rebekah and Oshuna. I would read other books by this author. I really enjoyed reading this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 4/12/22
Author: Stephanie Vance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Pages: 306
Goodreads Rating: 3.75
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing a digital advanced readers copy of the book for me to read for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Tough as nails DC lobbyist Dallas McGrath can’t believe she’s being ordered to reach a legislative compromise with the opposition. And not just with anyone…with the most arrogant, obnoxious lobbyist in DC, Grant Pierce. Career lobbyist Grant Pierce knows he shouldn’t enjoy ruffling the feathers of the opposition this much, but he can’t help it. Maybe it’s her sharp mind, or maybe it’s the sexy way she bulldozes his every argument. Either way, he’s got the perfect plan to put her off her game. He suggests they negotiate at baseball games, jazz clubs, and nap studios—but even he’s not prepared for what happens next...
My Thoughts: This book was entwined with American Politics. I normally despise politics of any kind, however, the author made this an enjoyable read. This was a enemies to lovers trope, which I usually adore. You can tell that the author has a great detail of knowledge in DC politics as it shines throughout the book. The characters were well developed, passionate about their work, had amazing witty banter between them, had chemistry between them, and had a depth about them. The author’s writing was complex, intriguing, charming, and absolutely engaging. I adored the secondary relationship between the supporting characters, Rebekah and Oshuna. I would read other books by this author. I really enjoyed reading this book.
luckycharmedlovesbooks's review
3.0
Falling in love with your political rival may be highly discouraged, but when it’s a relationship like Dallas and Grant have, it is worth it, right? This political rom com was highly entertaining. The witty banter and the stubborn-headed-ness of both Dallas and Grant kept me reading to see what would happen. I especially enjoyed all of the places around DC that were mentioned. It made me want to visit the capital to see all of them in person.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
mapillski's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
authoralliesarah's review
4.0
What a cute read! The characters are great, and even though the situation sucked for both of them, they made the best out of it. I loved Grant’s thoughts while he was planning date-like events, but was very insistent on them not being dates. Their first meeting was also a lot of fun and my favorite part of the book.
megerxo's review
3.0
Dallas and Grant work for different organisations working on opposite sides trying to pass/amend a bill through the US government. The story gives you background on their past relationships and dreams, and takes you on a journey of them figuring out where they should be to do what they both want to do: make the world a better place. They are both attracted to each other but don't want to show any weakness to allow their competition (each other) the upper hand. The two main characters Dallas & Grant were fun to read about. I liked her determination and drive, I liked how much he really cared about what he was trying to do
I struggled a little at the beginning with all the bits about how the American government operates (being from the UK!), I understood most of it but it did feel a little dry at times. However, towards the end I really enjoyed the story and seeing their relationships develop. I think all the characters were well developed & likeable, I laughed at the scheming of the best friends to make Grant & Dallas see sense.
Overall an enjoyable read
I struggled a little at the beginning with all the bits about how the American government operates (being from the UK!), I understood most of it but it did feel a little dry at times. However, towards the end I really enjoyed the story and seeing their relationships develop. I think all the characters were well developed & likeable, I laughed at the scheming of the best friends to make Grant & Dallas see sense.
Overall an enjoyable read
suzannefine's review
4.0
There is something about Political Fiction novels that I just love - and I’m happy to say Across the Aisle fits right up there with the best of them!
Across the Aisle takes a look at the Political world from the lobbyist perspective and author Stephanie Vance does a great job introducing readers into the DC world where we meet Dallas and Grant. On paper and first impression these two couldn’t be more different. Dallas represents a large farmers lobby and plays the Republican in the novel, while Grant plays the progressive Democratic. They are brought together by a Congresswoman to work together and compromise on a bill being sent to the floor for a vote.
What follows is a Enemies to Lovers tale which has laugh out loud parts, and swoon worthy parts as well. Dallas and Grant come to find they aren’t as different as once seemed - but could they make it work?
Readers be prepared to drop everything and get carried away into the DC world.
Across the Aisle takes a look at the Political world from the lobbyist perspective and author Stephanie Vance does a great job introducing readers into the DC world where we meet Dallas and Grant. On paper and first impression these two couldn’t be more different. Dallas represents a large farmers lobby and plays the Republican in the novel, while Grant plays the progressive Democratic. They are brought together by a Congresswoman to work together and compromise on a bill being sent to the floor for a vote.
What follows is a Enemies to Lovers tale which has laugh out loud parts, and swoon worthy parts as well. Dallas and Grant come to find they aren’t as different as once seemed - but could they make it work?
Readers be prepared to drop everything and get carried away into the DC world.
sarareadstoomuch's review
4.0
Political romance? Opposites attract? Enemies to lovers? You got it!
If you’re into American politics and two people on opposing sides that grow soft for each other, this book is for you! The two main characters, Grant and Dallas are on opposing sides of their political groups and are forced to work together to meet in the middle and come up with a solution that would benefit both sides. Little did they know that the tension between them would soon take over.
Plus the sides characters in this book are wonderful!
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the earc in return for an honest review.
If you’re into American politics and two people on opposing sides that grow soft for each other, this book is for you! The two main characters, Grant and Dallas are on opposing sides of their political groups and are forced to work together to meet in the middle and come up with a solution that would benefit both sides. Little did they know that the tension between them would soon take over.
Plus the sides characters in this book are wonderful!
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the earc in return for an honest review.
readwithlee's review
3.0
I gave this book a 3.5 ⭐️ rating.
This book has A LOT of American politics that was very overwhelming for me mainly because I do not know the intricacies of it all. I can’t imagine someone from outside the U.S trying to understand it all.
The premise for this book was “The Hating Game meets Washington D.C. The story follows along two lobbyists Dallas McGrath and Grant Pierce. I loved the banter between the two throughout the book. Dallas knew how to push Grants buttons just as he pushed hers. This was definitely enemies-to-lovers in a political setting.
We see both of them struggle with figuring out who they want to be and what they want to really do with their lives, not what they think they have to do to please those around them. The ending was the sweetest and made my heart so happy after everything they went through.
This book has A LOT of American politics that was very overwhelming for me mainly because I do not know the intricacies of it all. I can’t imagine someone from outside the U.S trying to understand it all.
The premise for this book was “The Hating Game meets Washington D.C. The story follows along two lobbyists Dallas McGrath and Grant Pierce. I loved the banter between the two throughout the book. Dallas knew how to push Grants buttons just as he pushed hers. This was definitely enemies-to-lovers in a political setting.
We see both of them struggle with figuring out who they want to be and what they want to really do with their lives, not what they think they have to do to please those around them. The ending was the sweetest and made my heart so happy after everything they went through.