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caseroo7's review
5.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I became a huge fan of Heidi Joy Tretheway's after reading her Tattoo Thief series. I really enjoyed those books, so I couldn't wait to read The Phoenix Candidate when I heard about it. As much as I loved the TT Series though, I loved the Phoenix Candidate more! This book was fantastic, and I couldn't put it down. Jared and Grace's story was captivating and smoking hot, and I didn't want to do anything else but keep reading. I cannot wait for more of these two, and I highly recommend checking this books out if you haven't already.
After losing her husband and child to a horrible tragedy, Grace Colton is determined to help others to never have to go through what she did. She becomes a US Congresswoman and dedicates her life to serving others. But one night she meets a handsome stranger in a bar and they agree to spend one night together with no last names or stories. She wakes to an empty hotel room and a phone call that changes her life. Underdog for the 2016 presidential election, Senator Shep Conover had decided that he wants to consider adding Grace to his ticket as his VP. When Grace goes to meet Shep, she discovers that his political consultant is none other than her sexy one night stand Jared. As Jared Rankin begins the process of turning Grace into the next VP of the US, he starts telling Grace everything that she must do or change in order to have her best shot. But Grace isn't willing to be anyone's puppet, and soon she must decide who she can trust when it seems that everyone around her has an ulterior motive.
I loved Jared. He was so complicated, and yet he was the one that was constantly simplifying things for Grace. He got her out of her head when she needed it, and he made sure that she took her "One F'ing Minute" to stop thinking and just calm down. I thought that he was sweet and caring, but hard when he needed to be. He didn't sugar coat things, and I really enjoyed the fact that he was always on Grace's side even when he had to give her some tough love. He wasn't afraid to tell her things that others wouldn't, and I thought that he was exactly what she needed. Grace was so strong. She had been through so much and had vowed to do something positive with her life afterwards. On the surface it appeared that she was doing really well, but Jared quickly pointed out that she wasn't really living and he was so right about that. He got Grace to actually start to live again, and I was glad that she was able to let go of her past and the guilt she felt for being happy and wanting things again. I have to say that Grace and Jared were so hot together, and the chemistry was downright explosive between these two from the beginning. Grace and Jared were both so incredibly passionate, and I was glad that they were able to explore their desires together. Jared fulfilled so many of Grace's needs that had never been touched before, and they connected on every single level. But beyond the physical, these two understood one another and I really liked seeing how their emotional connection developed as well. As much as Jared had his life together, he also had a vulnerable side that only Grace was able to reach.
Overall, this book was amazing. It had the perfect balance of romance, sex and politics. This book was interesting in and out of the bedroom and I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. I loved the chemistry and connection between Grace and Jared, but I think that what really made this book so special was what a strong female lead Grace was. I loved her instantly and her strength and integrity were amazing to read about. I will say that while I loved this book and was very satisfied with how it ended, I absolutely cannot wait for more! I am so excited that we are getting more of the story with The Phoenix Campaign, and I can't wait to see how things play out with how things ended here. I will say that with the excerpt from the new book that I read at the end of The Phoenix Candidate, I wasn't surprised by where things are going next. I pretty much saw it coming throughout this story, but I can't wait to read it anyways. Things are about to get even more interesting for Grace and Jared as they continue their relationship and the campaign and I am dying for more of these two! I highly recommend this book, and if you haven't read anything by Heidi Joy Tretheway you are definitely missing out!
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
I became a huge fan of Heidi Joy Tretheway's after reading her Tattoo Thief series. I really enjoyed those books, so I couldn't wait to read The Phoenix Candidate when I heard about it. As much as I loved the TT Series though, I loved the Phoenix Candidate more! This book was fantastic, and I couldn't put it down. Jared and Grace's story was captivating and smoking hot, and I didn't want to do anything else but keep reading. I cannot wait for more of these two, and I highly recommend checking this books out if you haven't already.
After losing her husband and child to a horrible tragedy, Grace Colton is determined to help others to never have to go through what she did. She becomes a US Congresswoman and dedicates her life to serving others. But one night she meets a handsome stranger in a bar and they agree to spend one night together with no last names or stories. She wakes to an empty hotel room and a phone call that changes her life. Underdog for the 2016 presidential election, Senator Shep Conover had decided that he wants to consider adding Grace to his ticket as his VP. When Grace goes to meet Shep, she discovers that his political consultant is none other than her sexy one night stand Jared. As Jared Rankin begins the process of turning Grace into the next VP of the US, he starts telling Grace everything that she must do or change in order to have her best shot. But Grace isn't willing to be anyone's puppet, and soon she must decide who she can trust when it seems that everyone around her has an ulterior motive.
I loved Jared. He was so complicated, and yet he was the one that was constantly simplifying things for Grace. He got her out of her head when she needed it, and he made sure that she took her "One F'ing Minute" to stop thinking and just calm down. I thought that he was sweet and caring, but hard when he needed to be. He didn't sugar coat things, and I really enjoyed the fact that he was always on Grace's side even when he had to give her some tough love. He wasn't afraid to tell her things that others wouldn't, and I thought that he was exactly what she needed. Grace was so strong. She had been through so much and had vowed to do something positive with her life afterwards. On the surface it appeared that she was doing really well, but Jared quickly pointed out that she wasn't really living and he was so right about that. He got Grace to actually start to live again, and I was glad that she was able to let go of her past and the guilt she felt for being happy and wanting things again. I have to say that Grace and Jared were so hot together, and the chemistry was downright explosive between these two from the beginning. Grace and Jared were both so incredibly passionate, and I was glad that they were able to explore their desires together. Jared fulfilled so many of Grace's needs that had never been touched before, and they connected on every single level. But beyond the physical, these two understood one another and I really liked seeing how their emotional connection developed as well. As much as Jared had his life together, he also had a vulnerable side that only Grace was able to reach.
Overall, this book was amazing. It had the perfect balance of romance, sex and politics. This book was interesting in and out of the bedroom and I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. I loved the chemistry and connection between Grace and Jared, but I think that what really made this book so special was what a strong female lead Grace was. I loved her instantly and her strength and integrity were amazing to read about. I will say that while I loved this book and was very satisfied with how it ended, I absolutely cannot wait for more! I am so excited that we are getting more of the story with The Phoenix Campaign, and I can't wait to see how things play out with how things ended here. I will say that with the excerpt from the new book that I read at the end of The Phoenix Candidate, I wasn't surprised by where things are going next. I pretty much saw it coming throughout this story, but I can't wait to read it anyways. Things are about to get even more interesting for Grace and Jared as they continue their relationship and the campaign and I am dying for more of these two! I highly recommend this book, and if you haven't read anything by Heidi Joy Tretheway you are definitely missing out!
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
angie_stl's review
5.0
I received a copy of this book from netgalley for an honest review.
This is the first book of Ms Tretheway's that I've read. All I can say is "AMAZING"!! I'm not usually into politics of any kind, real or fictional, but the way it is approached in this book, it makes it seem realistic, entertaining, and like you are right there in the beginnings of a presidential race with Grace. I'm a pretty picky reader, noticing all the small errors and typos, but I don't believe I noticed even one throughout this book. The writing is superb, both technically and creatively. At times, it's hard to tell exactly who the bad guy is, who the trusted ally should be, or even which ticket Grace should be trying to jump on. I know somewhere I saw that this was supposed to be an erotica book, and while Grace and Jared definitely create some steam, I would personally say that this is a contemporary romance, because it had way more substance than I'm used to in erotica. The story pulls you in from the very beginning, when you're trying to figure out why Grace is so sad.
I would recommend this book to any fan of contemporary romance, as long as you don't mind some very steamy scenes throughout the book. I don't think you'd be disappointed in this book!!
This is the first book of Ms Tretheway's that I've read. All I can say is "AMAZING"!! I'm not usually into politics of any kind, real or fictional, but the way it is approached in this book, it makes it seem realistic, entertaining, and like you are right there in the beginnings of a presidential race with Grace. I'm a pretty picky reader, noticing all the small errors and typos, but I don't believe I noticed even one throughout this book. The writing is superb, both technically and creatively. At times, it's hard to tell exactly who the bad guy is, who the trusted ally should be, or even which ticket Grace should be trying to jump on. I know somewhere I saw that this was supposed to be an erotica book, and while Grace and Jared definitely create some steam, I would personally say that this is a contemporary romance, because it had way more substance than I'm used to in erotica. The story pulls you in from the very beginning, when you're trying to figure out why Grace is so sad.
I would recommend this book to any fan of contemporary romance, as long as you don't mind some very steamy scenes throughout the book. I don't think you'd be disappointed in this book!!
sarful's review
5.0
More 4.5. This was exactly what I wanted, sexy and political. It was a fun page turner. And the heroine was smart, articulate and fiercely independent but willing to jump into love. She was all sorts of awesome. I'm excited for book two!
stenaros's review
3.0
Perfect combination of politics, political consulting and hot sex. I cannot stop reading Heidi Joy Tretheway.
aflv_reads's review
5.0
The Phoenix Candidate is a spectacular book, with all the spicy ingredients!!
Sexy : Check.
Smart : Check.
Funny : Check.
Intriguing : Check.
Mysterious : Check.
Suspenseful : Check.
Emotional : Check.
Inspiring : Check.
Strong Woman as a Lead : Check.
The Phoenix Candidate is sinfully intelligent, with a complex plot and amazingly powerful characters. Every characters is extremely well developed and everyone plays a role in the story, from Tray to Lauren. Each and every one of them is special and significant, and the book wouldn’t be the same without them!
It felt like an effortless and beautiful choreography of movements and characters!
I enjoy sexy reads. I love the funny ones. I absolutely adore the ones with strong women, like Grace. But the smart ones? They are breathtaking.
The Phoenix Candidate has it all. It has the mind, the body and the soul.
It’s truly brilliant and I loved every second of it, even though it kept me up at night, because I couldn’t stop reading it!!
Lastly, I’d like to say that I didn’t know that it wasn’t a standalone, but a part of a series. But, for once, it didn’t bother me, because I really wanted more of Grace, Jared, Shep and Tray.
So, The Phoenix Candidate receives 5 Amazing Stars, because Grace Garcia Colton is the woman every woman should want to become. She’s an inspiration to all of us.
I can’t wait to see her kick more ass during the campaign!
Sexy : Check.
Smart : Check.
Funny : Check.
Intriguing : Check.
Mysterious : Check.
Suspenseful : Check.
Emotional : Check.
Inspiring : Check.
Strong Woman as a Lead : Check.
The Phoenix Candidate is sinfully intelligent, with a complex plot and amazingly powerful characters. Every characters is extremely well developed and everyone plays a role in the story, from Tray to Lauren. Each and every one of them is special and significant, and the book wouldn’t be the same without them!
It felt like an effortless and beautiful choreography of movements and characters!
I enjoy sexy reads. I love the funny ones. I absolutely adore the ones with strong women, like Grace. But the smart ones? They are breathtaking.
The Phoenix Candidate has it all. It has the mind, the body and the soul.
It’s truly brilliant and I loved every second of it, even though it kept me up at night, because I couldn’t stop reading it!!
Lastly, I’d like to say that I didn’t know that it wasn’t a standalone, but a part of a series. But, for once, it didn’t bother me, because I really wanted more of Grace, Jared, Shep and Tray.
So, The Phoenix Candidate receives 5 Amazing Stars, because Grace Garcia Colton is the woman every woman should want to become. She’s an inspiration to all of us.
I can’t wait to see her kick more ass during the campaign!
seeingnight's review
5.0
GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance
RECEIVED: Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
And to think I thought the TV show Scandal was hot and full of political drama, but Tretheway kicks it up ten notchs with smoking hot romance and political betrayal. I’ve only read a few political based novels, but after being introduced to the character Grace Colton, I’m definitely going to hunt for more tough political woman to read about.
The Phoenix Candidate follows Congresswoman Grace Colton aka code name Phoenix. Grace’s life is about to take an interesting turn when she is put on the short list as a potentially running mate for two sides. Grace is a true to her words woman, she has known great loss after her husband and child were taken from her and she sticks to her guns when it comes to her word and beliefs. But when she meets Senator Shep Conovers consultant Jared, she is shocked to see the face of her one night stand and a man she cant get out of her head.
Grace is a woman to admire; she is strong after the loss of her family and stays true to her voters and thoughts in politics. She also is lonely and when she meets Jared he doesn’t just sweep her off her feet he dominates and controls her in a way she’s always wanted. Grace is a little quirky and unsure of herself when it comes to Jared, he’s a bit of an unknown and surprise. I liked that she became more open and herself with Jared. With so much on her mind, being torn in two directions by two potential presidential candidates, I cant imagine how much my mind would be spinning. As a person she is down to earth and I was able to connect to her innocence and determination to stay true to herself.
Jared is an intense man at the beginning, I was a bit surprised in his controlled demeanor with Grace and wasn’t sure if he was to be trusted. I enjoyed watching his transformation once he meets Grace, her sweetness but also her no bull attitude, woke him up a bit. He deals with a load of political nonsense and works for a truly good candidate that he trusts. Grace is unexpected and he cant seems to keep himself away from her. Their moments are smoking hot and he knows how to push all of Graces’ buttons in all the right and wrong ways.
In the end I totally loved this new series, the romance was unbelievable, the characters have so much depth and emotion, and the political drama is so in your face real that it makes you think what really happens behind the scenes. This was my first by Tretheway and her fantastic hook line and sinker writing, definitely has me wanting to read more of her work. The betrayal and fake people that are introduced, I can tell are going to be a big problem for Grace in the future. She is going to have a lot challenges coming her way in the next book and I cant wait to see what happens next.
THEME: Romance
RECEIVED: Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
And to think I thought the TV show Scandal was hot and full of political drama, but Tretheway kicks it up ten notchs with smoking hot romance and political betrayal. I’ve only read a few political based novels, but after being introduced to the character Grace Colton, I’m definitely going to hunt for more tough political woman to read about.
The Phoenix Candidate follows Congresswoman Grace Colton aka code name Phoenix. Grace’s life is about to take an interesting turn when she is put on the short list as a potentially running mate for two sides. Grace is a true to her words woman, she has known great loss after her husband and child were taken from her and she sticks to her guns when it comes to her word and beliefs. But when she meets Senator Shep Conovers consultant Jared, she is shocked to see the face of her one night stand and a man she cant get out of her head.
Grace is a woman to admire; she is strong after the loss of her family and stays true to her voters and thoughts in politics. She also is lonely and when she meets Jared he doesn’t just sweep her off her feet he dominates and controls her in a way she’s always wanted. Grace is a little quirky and unsure of herself when it comes to Jared, he’s a bit of an unknown and surprise. I liked that she became more open and herself with Jared. With so much on her mind, being torn in two directions by two potential presidential candidates, I cant imagine how much my mind would be spinning. As a person she is down to earth and I was able to connect to her innocence and determination to stay true to herself.
Jared is an intense man at the beginning, I was a bit surprised in his controlled demeanor with Grace and wasn’t sure if he was to be trusted. I enjoyed watching his transformation once he meets Grace, her sweetness but also her no bull attitude, woke him up a bit. He deals with a load of political nonsense and works for a truly good candidate that he trusts. Grace is unexpected and he cant seems to keep himself away from her. Their moments are smoking hot and he knows how to push all of Graces’ buttons in all the right and wrong ways.
In the end I totally loved this new series, the romance was unbelievable, the characters have so much depth and emotion, and the political drama is so in your face real that it makes you think what really happens behind the scenes. This was my first by Tretheway and her fantastic hook line and sinker writing, definitely has me wanting to read more of her work. The betrayal and fake people that are introduced, I can tell are going to be a big problem for Grace in the future. She is going to have a lot challenges coming her way in the next book and I cant wait to see what happens next.
autwills's review
3.0
Control. Control. Control.
*Spoiler Alert*
Backstory: Grace lost her husband and son three years ago in a gun massacre in a mall. She's pro-gun control.
The book starts out with Congresswoman Grace Colton in a bar. She hooks up with a stranger, who orders her to give up all of her control for a seemingly one night stand. The joke's on her when the stranger is introduced as Jared Rankin, the political consultant of Senator Conover, who is running for President.
There's a TON of sex in this, where Jared is the one in control at all times. He gives Grace almost everything she wants in bed, except kissing her. (I'm not sure how many times I would bed a guy if he insisted on not kissing me.) It took over 70% of the book to be read before they kiss.
Grace ends up as the VP running mate for Senator Conover, and she and Jared make up. Everything is mostly tied up at the end, except that Grace thinks she's pregnant. (In the time that Grace and Jared had unprotected sex, the story couldn't have made it any more obvious than printing it in bold and italics)
Senator Darrow (running against Senator Conover) has a bit part, but is overshadowed by his wife, Lauren. Lauren is written like a stereotypical political wife. All teeth and hair on the outside, but conniving and shady on the inside.
In last conversation that Lauren and Grace had, it's painfully obvious that Lauren has made Jared the way he is, and it takes even longer for Grace to realize this.
For being a Congresswoman, Grace is awfully dense at times, and wears her heart on her sleeve more than someone in politics should. Also, I got tired of the repetitive 1.2.3. ritual she mentioned Every. Single. Time. she entered her house. For these reasons I gave this book 3 stars.
(I am reviewing this for Kylie's Fiction Addiction)
*Spoiler Alert*
Backstory: Grace lost her husband and son three years ago in a gun massacre in a mall. She's pro-gun control.
The book starts out with Congresswoman Grace Colton in a bar. She hooks up with a stranger, who orders her to give up all of her control for a seemingly one night stand. The joke's on her when the stranger is introduced as Jared Rankin, the political consultant of Senator Conover, who is running for President.
There's a TON of sex in this, where Jared is the one in control at all times. He gives Grace almost everything she wants in bed, except kissing her. (I'm not sure how many times I would bed a guy if he insisted on not kissing me.) It took over 70% of the book to be read before they kiss.
Grace ends up as the VP running mate for Senator Conover, and she and Jared make up. Everything is mostly tied up at the end, except that Grace thinks she's pregnant. (In the time that Grace and Jared had unprotected sex, the story couldn't have made it any more obvious than printing it in bold and italics)
Senator Darrow (running against Senator Conover) has a bit part, but is overshadowed by his wife, Lauren. Lauren is written like a stereotypical political wife. All teeth and hair on the outside, but conniving and shady on the inside.
In last conversation that Lauren and Grace had, it's painfully obvious that Lauren has made Jared the way he is, and it takes even longer for Grace to realize this.
For being a Congresswoman, Grace is awfully dense at times, and wears her heart on her sleeve more than someone in politics should. Also, I got tired of the repetitive 1.2.3. ritual she mentioned Every. Single. Time. she entered her house. For these reasons I gave this book 3 stars.
(I am reviewing this for Kylie's Fiction Addiction)
beckymmoe's review
5.0
I literally could not stop reading this book. Thank goodness I had Friday off, because once I picked up my ereader that morning it wasn't getting turned off until I'd reached the end of the book. It. Was. A. Mazing.
(And now I have to wait for book 2 until APRIL.
Sigh.
But I digress...)
Grace Colton lost her husband and son to a mall shooting, so when she decided to enter politics (the the beginning of the book, she's a sophomore Congresswoman from Oregon) gun control became a major part of her platform, along with some environmental concerns. She's thrown herself into her causes and her work, but her personal life has pretty much been on hiatus.
Until she meets a guy in a bar...
And then her entire life gets a whole lot MORE.
The guy she had some crazy hot sex with? He's the political consultant for one of the Democrat contenders for the presidential nomination. The same contender who is considering Grace as his running mate...
But wait, there's actually TWO candidates looking seriously at Grace, and suddenly she's not sure who she can trust--including the guy she's having wild and secret sexytimes with and possibly falling for. Political intrigue and personal drama is everywhere, and public speaking, her former Kryptonite, is suddenly the least of her worries.
I loved Grace--she was so easy to identify with. She's strong, smart, and above all, human. Maybe she should have figured a few things out earlier than she does, but it's perfectly understandable why she doesn't. I cannot wait to read the next installment of her story.
And Jared? So frustratingly hot. You wanted Grace to be able to trust him, but should she, really?
God, I hope so.
April just can't come soon enough, and politics have never been so engrossing. Or sexy...
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
(And now I have to wait for book 2 until APRIL.
Sigh.
But I digress...)
Grace Colton lost her husband and son to a mall shooting, so when she decided to enter politics (the the beginning of the book, she's a sophomore Congresswoman from Oregon) gun control became a major part of her platform, along with some environmental concerns. She's thrown herself into her causes and her work, but her personal life has pretty much been on hiatus.
Until she meets a guy in a bar...
And then her entire life gets a whole lot MORE.
The guy she had some crazy hot sex with? He's the political consultant for one of the Democrat contenders for the presidential nomination. The same contender who is considering Grace as his running mate...
But wait, there's actually TWO candidates looking seriously at Grace, and suddenly she's not sure who she can trust--including the guy she's having wild and secret sexytimes with and possibly falling for. Political intrigue and personal drama is everywhere, and public speaking, her former Kryptonite, is suddenly the least of her worries.
I loved Grace--she was so easy to identify with. She's strong, smart, and above all, human. Maybe she should have figured a few things out earlier than she does, but it's perfectly understandable why she doesn't. I cannot wait to read the next installment of her story.
And Jared? So frustratingly hot. You wanted Grace to be able to trust him, but should she, really?
God, I hope so.
April just can't come soon enough, and politics have never been so engrossing. Or sexy...
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.