2.5 stars and I will probably keep reading to see if the female MC grows a pair. ( )

While immersed in Megyn Kelly’s memoir ‘Settle For More’ and her shocking revelations about the Presidential candidate Donald Trump, I thought it might be fun to also read ‘Off the Record’ by K.A. Linde, a novel about Congressional candidate and state senator, Brady Maxwell. The story revolves around a spirited, University of North Carolina college reporter, Liz Dougherty, who writes a scathing article about Senator Maxwell and then becomes involved in a heated, secret romance with the politician. Maxwell is unwilling to let anything or anyone come between his desire to acquire the Congressional seat, and he allows his campaign chairperson to promote him with more suitable dates for his campaign appearances. Meanwhile, Liz is kept waiting in a hotel room, as ‘the other woman,’ which seems like such a folly for a seemingly intelligent woman. I can easily see this movie as being made into a political romance, chick flick with steamy sex and some clever lines. It would definitely provide for interesting entertainment, although the depth of the story might be questionable. Although I was amused, I honestly cannot remember exactly how the story ended, as I recall being disappointed that a more confirmed resolution would need to be found in an upcoming sequel. ( )

SO GOOD. Review to come, but I'm too busy jumping straight into the next book... ( )

It has been a while since I finished this book. And I think I've finally come to a conclusion.

Kinda.

I liked the idea of this story. The plot sounded interesting, if a bit angsty. The characters had real potential. In theory. The struggle of keeping something like that hidden because of running for office just has so many possibilities to it.

But I felt that in the end it failed. Mostly because of the characters. Liz is just immature due to youth, which I don't have a problem with if it's portrayed in a certain light with a promise of growth. There wasn't any of that here. Talk about disappointing, because I would have loved some character growth for her. Meanwhile, Hayden... I never got why he was into Liz. And I hate that because he was clearly supposed to be head over heels in love with her but... No, didn't buy it.

This was just a disappointing book, but I want to see if someone else could do the troupe better. Looking for poli roms now! And there are actually bunch of them... ( )

Nope, I can't do it. I'm disappointed because some of my friends have gave this one 5 stars. But I think I'm too burnt out on new adult. Both characters seem immature - and one is supposed to be running for Congress. The narrator is not holding my attention, and the pauses she puts in each sentence make me focus too much on filler details. I read through some reviews thinking they may give me a reason to keep going... but I don't think I would go for the need to keep the relationship a secret. I think it would have been better if it would have been in an alternating first person, because I don't feel like I am getting into either character's head here. If I can't connect, I can't continue. DNF at Chapter 9. ( )