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Running
Action, suspense, passion, betrayal, and a little bit of sex... a fast-paced story you'll never forget. The political thriller with heart! " 5.5 out of 5 Stars – Top Pick." Underground Book Reviews "It’s not just the fast-moving plot, the realistic portrayal of life inside the Beltway, nor the cohesion of the story. It’s the carefully crafted characters portraying the heart of a mother, the devotion of a dear friend, and the soul-destructing power of politics, money, and cocaine. I highly recommend this very entertaining book." "RUNNING had me up till the wee hours of the morning!" "RUNNING is an addictive read. The election details feel real, the idea of two female presidential candidates something that could happen any day. When you read this book, be sure you have plenty of time as you won't want to put it down until it's over." "A must read. Terrific book. Kept my interest all the way to the end. I highly recommend this book to everyone." "It grabbed me and didn't let go." Catherine Young, Vice President and newly-anointed Democratic nominee, is surging in the polls. The race is on against opposition candidate Jerusha Hutchins, former stewardess and blonde beauty, who is the darling of the far-right Liberty Party. But with political wunderkind Zane Zarillo running her campaign, Catherine is bound to hold her lead. Suddenly a medical emergency puts the President in the hospital and forces Catherine to act in his place… a perfect opportunity for her to show her Oval Office stuff. Just when her election looks like a sure thing, Catherine's romantic fling from decades ago comes to light. Will the American public accept a woman with a past?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
42 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Patrice Fitzgerald
40 books66 followersPatrice Fitzgerald is an indie author, publisher, attorney, and intergalactic singer of songs. She has been publishing herself and others since 2011 and is the force behind the BEYOND THE STARS series of space opera anthologies. Patrice is thrilled to introduce Captain Wu and her STARSHIP NAMELESS crew in her most recent trilogy, written with the inimitable Jack Lyster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 21, 2012
I really didn't want to like this book, which is why it probably took me so long to read it after the author sent it in asking for a review. The premise sounded interesting, but I was just kid of "meh". I was skimming through my pile of ebooks and decided to give this one a shot. Why not, I was getting bored of reading the same old stuff.
Two days later I had finished it.
This is one of those books that grabs you by the back of the shirt and takes you running a breakneck pace through it. There's no parts that drone, there's real flat places. It's just all moving all the time. You get to know the characters, on a deeper level, while still moving the plot of the book forward. Not once did I think "oh, come on, get on with it already."
What's interesting is that I found myself even feeling slightly sorry for the villain in the story and the position they put themselves in. Perhaps I'm getting soft. Hmmmm.
Totally recommended for those looking for good, easy read with some thrills along the way.
Two days later I had finished it.
This is one of those books that grabs you by the back of the shirt and takes you running a breakneck pace through it. There's no parts that drone, there's real flat places. It's just all moving all the time. You get to know the characters, on a deeper level, while still moving the plot of the book forward. Not once did I think "oh, come on, get on with it already."
What's interesting is that I found myself even feeling slightly sorry for the villain in the story and the position they put themselves in. Perhaps I'm getting soft. Hmmmm.
Totally recommended for those looking for good, easy read with some thrills along the way.
January 14, 2012
What will it be like when the candidates for President of the United States are women? This is about just that. It portrays the candidate, Catherine Young as dealing with many of the same things that men now do. She is a widow, with 2 grown kids and the current vice president and the candidate for the Presidency of the United States. During her campaign, her private and public lives collide.
In a year when presidential politics abound for real, it was nice to read about them, knowing these weren't in fact real. ;) I found myself comparing public figures, (reporters, commentators) to those in actuallity. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recomend it!
In a year when presidential politics abound for real, it was nice to read about them, knowing these weren't in fact real. ;) I found myself comparing public figures, (reporters, commentators) to those in actuallity. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recomend it!
February 9, 2012
Wonderful plot with interesting characters and a story that builds in excitement. The Running is not just about the Presidential candidates, who happen to be women, but, the type of hysteria happening in campaigns based on over reactions to rumor, innuendo, stereotypes and the need to destroy the other side. I would love to follow some of these characters again in the next chapter of their lives!
February 23, 2012
The synopsis: Catherine Young, Vice President and newly-anointed Democratic nominee, is surging in the polls. The race is on against GOP candidate Jerusha Hutchins, known for her big blonde hair, who is the darling of the far-right Liberty Party. But with political wunderkind Zane Zarillo running her campaign, Catherine is sure to hold onto the lead.
Suddenly a medical emergency puts the President in the hospital and forces Catherine to act in his place… a perfect opportunity for her to show her Oval Office stuff. Just when her election looks like a sure thing, Catherine's romantic fling from decades ago comes to light. Will the American public accept a woman with a past?
I thought this is a well-written story, fast-paced. There's a bit of info-dumping to explain Catherine's past that probably could have been distributed more evenly, but overall, I enjoyed it. I thought Fitzgerald did a superb job with the different points of view. The voices were powerful and distinct. Catherine grew as a woman, a mother, a candidate and an individual, and the blackmailer (I don't want to give too much away) rapidly spiraled, causing the reader to both hate and pity him while looking upon him with absolute disgust.
This story is very relevant to America's current tumultuous economy and political theater. Several times, all I could do was shake my head at the truth behind the scenes. Even though the politics wasn't the main theme, it's there, and it's true to these times in which we live.
Suddenly a medical emergency puts the President in the hospital and forces Catherine to act in his place… a perfect opportunity for her to show her Oval Office stuff. Just when her election looks like a sure thing, Catherine's romantic fling from decades ago comes to light. Will the American public accept a woman with a past?
I thought this is a well-written story, fast-paced. There's a bit of info-dumping to explain Catherine's past that probably could have been distributed more evenly, but overall, I enjoyed it. I thought Fitzgerald did a superb job with the different points of view. The voices were powerful and distinct. Catherine grew as a woman, a mother, a candidate and an individual, and the blackmailer (I don't want to give too much away) rapidly spiraled, causing the reader to both hate and pity him while looking upon him with absolute disgust.
This story is very relevant to America's current tumultuous economy and political theater. Several times, all I could do was shake my head at the truth behind the scenes. Even though the politics wasn't the main theme, it's there, and it's true to these times in which we live.
September 8, 2012
I absolutely LOVED this book. I picked it up for the train ride home from work and ended up staying up late into the night because I couldn't put it down. There was everything in the book you could ask for - politics, heart-felt emotion, a riveting story of an attempt to create a storm of controversy for a Presidential nominee (and current Vice-President), and more.
One point I do want to make so that anyone who reads this doesn't get discouraged - this is not a mystery or who-done-it because the reader will figure out early in the story who was behind the conspiracy to discredit Catherine, the Vice President. But the story is not about who did it - the events behind the controversy, and what actions are taken once it broke are what make the book a terrific ready.
I would absolutely vote for Catherine, a Democrat, for President. And I am a registered Republican! Get this book ASAP - you will be very pleased that you did!
One point I do want to make so that anyone who reads this doesn't get discouraged - this is not a mystery or who-done-it because the reader will figure out early in the story who was behind the conspiracy to discredit Catherine, the Vice President. But the story is not about who did it - the events behind the controversy, and what actions are taken once it broke are what make the book a terrific ready.
I would absolutely vote for Catherine, a Democrat, for President. And I am a registered Republican! Get this book ASAP - you will be very pleased that you did!
July 26, 2011
I've never bought a direct-to-e-book book before, so didn't know quite what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised, especially when I found out it was a first novel. Terrific plot - I had to keep turning the pages (metaphorically speaking). The characters were intriguing and I had no idea how it would end - always a good thing when you're reading for escape! Looking forward to the next one.
January 22, 2012
I thought this would be an appropriate read considering the timeliness of the Republican presidential primaries going on at this time. I was not entirely happy with the way the plot and characters were unveiled...moving forward to quickly as if in a hurry to get the story done. An easy book to read and confirms some of the reasons we do not have more women in political office in America.
June 18, 2012
I found this book to be very interesting. Two women are running for the office of President of the United States. There are many trials to go through and we discover that her aid needs to blackmail her. I enjoyed reading about the many troubles that those in public life have to endure. This one is a little off the beaten path but still very good.
January 25, 2012
Running by Patrice Fitzgerald is an entertaining political "who done it" with a strong cast of characters especially the Vice President, Catherine and the evil yet tormented man who sets the blackmail in motion. Great Kindle edition of this novel by this self-published author.
October 24, 2011
A fast-paced, sexy political thriller. You'll never forget Zane Zarillo. A great book to read holed up all weekend.
February 27, 2012
Great book - didn't turn out as I expected...wanted to keep reading and not put it down.
June 22, 2012
Great read. Keep turning those pages and you will be thrilled.
July 16, 2012
A woman running for president has to suddenly face her secret past.
January 15, 2012
Never a dull moment!
November 28, 2016
A great concept. The main character is running for president against another female candidate. Things get complicated when the president gets sick and she has to assume his duties, while dealing with some personal crises.
My only complaint was that I found some of the plot points predictable. I did like the characters and the pace moved along quickly.
My only complaint was that I found some of the plot points predictable. I did like the characters and the pace moved along quickly.
October 16, 2017
Interesting in comparison to more recent elections, perhaps the truth is stranger than fiction but sometimes fiction isn't so far fetched
May 27, 2021
I had to stop reading this when she said the Maryland State legislature was in Baltimore. Life is too short to read bad books.
March 31, 2014
I was drawn to this story because it's about a woman running for president of the United States. In this story, she's already a Vice President, so she's pretty darn close, and as a woman in the White House is something I'm dying to see in my lifetime, I was eager to read this.
I will say that even though I liked it for the most part, it wasn't what I was hoping for. It's more of a suspense type thing, not a political story. It's a story of secrets, blackmail, betrayal, and high-speed chases, with lots of people trying to turn things to benefit them. Anyway, when the president gets ill and the heroine is asked to take over the office while he recuperates, we don't see her implementing any important changes or doing anything remotely interesting. All she does is go to fundraisers. I was hoping for more serious stuff.
The most it delves into real politics is by showing us what the TV networks do. It really brought to light how much control the television and newscasters have over public opinion. It made it all seem so ridiculous, and it is. I also appreciate how this story really hit home the fact that some behavior is totally acceptable for men, but not for women. We're still living by the double standard.
"The public allows men to have a sexual appetite. It's still shocking in a woman."
The story also reminds us what should really take priority when selecting someone into office. Can they lead us? Can they make the right decisions? That's what it should be about, not who they slept with 20, 30 years ago or how many children they may have.
"A little sex scandal is nothing compared to sending soldiers to die."
I did like it, but I have some quibbles. I knew who the blackmailer was asap. I also figured out who the daughter was too soon too. I'd have liked to be have been left in suspense a bit longer. The blackmailer's scenes became annoying too. I would have toned this person's parts back a bit, though I do appreciate the other moral/theme here, about how drug addiction can take a decent, well-educated, successful person, and just make them a monster.
I'm not done. Full review here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
I will say that even though I liked it for the most part, it wasn't what I was hoping for. It's more of a suspense type thing, not a political story. It's a story of secrets, blackmail, betrayal, and high-speed chases, with lots of people trying to turn things to benefit them. Anyway, when the president gets ill and the heroine is asked to take over the office while he recuperates, we don't see her implementing any important changes or doing anything remotely interesting. All she does is go to fundraisers. I was hoping for more serious stuff.
The most it delves into real politics is by showing us what the TV networks do. It really brought to light how much control the television and newscasters have over public opinion. It made it all seem so ridiculous, and it is. I also appreciate how this story really hit home the fact that some behavior is totally acceptable for men, but not for women. We're still living by the double standard.
"The public allows men to have a sexual appetite. It's still shocking in a woman."
The story also reminds us what should really take priority when selecting someone into office. Can they lead us? Can they make the right decisions? That's what it should be about, not who they slept with 20, 30 years ago or how many children they may have.
"A little sex scandal is nothing compared to sending soldiers to die."
I did like it, but I have some quibbles. I knew who the blackmailer was asap. I also figured out who the daughter was too soon too. I'd have liked to be have been left in suspense a bit longer. The blackmailer's scenes became annoying too. I would have toned this person's parts back a bit, though I do appreciate the other moral/theme here, about how drug addiction can take a decent, well-educated, successful person, and just make them a monster.
I'm not done. Full review here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
December 9, 2012
(Full disclosure: I got this ebook for free.) After enduring yet another mud-filled presidential campaign where the candidates rarely answered the questions that were asked of them, I put about a month between Election Day and reading this book about a future presidential election. While Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin reached positions that have more of us thinking about the reality of a woman as president, "Running" by Patrice Fitzgerald takes it to the next step...the next president will be a woman since each political party has put forth a woman as its presidential candidate.
While one candidate is a Georgia peach with a TV preacher husband who is challenged by certain words during her campaign speeches. The other candidate is currently the vice president of the United States who has spent decades working her way up to this position, all the while suppressing a secret. Her secret could change the course of the political race - she gave birth to a daughter after an affair and decided to put her up for adoption. Her decision was made in part because she was white and her lover was black, a married man from the African country she had served in as part of the Peace Corps.
Now her daughter has learned who her biological mother is...and so has someone else. And that someone is threatening to reveal her secret and destroy her future. With each page turn, the story becomes more complex and more psychologically deep.
Fitzgerald takes the reader into the mids of several characters. You can easily fit yourself into te story as the characters evolve and react to the changing world around them. A solid read that I recommend.
While one candidate is a Georgia peach with a TV preacher husband who is challenged by certain words during her campaign speeches. The other candidate is currently the vice president of the United States who has spent decades working her way up to this position, all the while suppressing a secret. Her secret could change the course of the political race - she gave birth to a daughter after an affair and decided to put her up for adoption. Her decision was made in part because she was white and her lover was black, a married man from the African country she had served in as part of the Peace Corps.
Now her daughter has learned who her biological mother is...and so has someone else. And that someone is threatening to reveal her secret and destroy her future. With each page turn, the story becomes more complex and more psychologically deep.
Fitzgerald takes the reader into the mids of several characters. You can easily fit yourself into te story as the characters evolve and react to the changing world around them. A solid read that I recommend.
December 16, 2012
"Running", by Patrice Fitzgerald is not your run of the mill election story. Catherine Young is the current Vice President of the United States and has been nominated the Democratic candidate for president in the upcoming election. Her opposition is Jerusha Hutchins, a beauty-queen type who is married to a very prominent religious figure.
Catherine looks to be a "shoe-in" for the presidency until someone starts blackmailing her about an event in her past. When she learns that the blackmailer is a member of her own staff the ante is upped and the hunt is on.
This is a thrilling, fast paced novel. The characters are well-developed and believable. Fitzgerald does a great job depicting the downward spiral and unraveling of the blackmailer. Catherine is a strong, independent female character who would certainly get my vote.
I was hesitant when I started the novel as the election cycle had just ended and I was on politics overload. The story was so compelling though, that I forgot about that in short order.
Catherine looks to be a "shoe-in" for the presidency until someone starts blackmailing her about an event in her past. When she learns that the blackmailer is a member of her own staff the ante is upped and the hunt is on.
This is a thrilling, fast paced novel. The characters are well-developed and believable. Fitzgerald does a great job depicting the downward spiral and unraveling of the blackmailer. Catherine is a strong, independent female character who would certainly get my vote.
I was hesitant when I started the novel as the election cycle had just ended and I was on politics overload. The story was so compelling though, that I forgot about that in short order.
August 31, 2013
After wasting months of my life trying to finish this book so that I could move on to something more interesting, I finally thought, "Why am I doing this?" and stopped at the 28% mark. I just couldn't get into the story. I didn't think the characters or even the plot were very believable, and the story just DRAGGED on and on and on. Sex and drugs. Drugs and sex. Bleargh! I need something a little more uplifting in my life right now. I'm just thankful that I got this on a Kindle freebie and didn't part with any actual cash or I'd have to force myself to finish just to get my money's worth! LOL! I'm giving it two stars instead of 1 because I think that somebody else might be more in the mood for this than I was.
June 29, 2012
It isn't very thrilling, perhaps because the storyline is a tad predictable. I think it would have been a stronger piece conceptually if the author had laid more emphasis on the gender equality when it comes to politics.
Why is it alright for a male to have affairs or hidden skeletons? No matter what the crime male politicians tend to be depicted in a glamourous bad boy light. Women however seem to have to live up to a different set of moral rules. This is about politics, the presidential race and secrets that can bury political careers.
I wasn't overawed by the story. It was a pleasant read.
I received a free copy of this book for my review.
Why is it alright for a male to have affairs or hidden skeletons? No matter what the crime male politicians tend to be depicted in a glamourous bad boy light. Women however seem to have to live up to a different set of moral rules. This is about politics, the presidential race and secrets that can bury political careers.
I wasn't overawed by the story. It was a pleasant read.
I received a free copy of this book for my review.
February 8, 2016
I liked the book a lot in beginning, then it got a bit unbelievable in the middle, and predictable then at the end. About a woman vice president running for president and a past pregnancy that resulted in the child being given up for adoption. This information could put her presidency at risk. Then she is blackmailed. It kept my interest.
May 18, 2012
I thought most of the characters were a bit 2 dimensional and stereotypical. The blackmail plot and much of the aftermath of that is fast paced but I think that detracts from what could've been a more substantial story about two women presidential candidates.
November 8, 2016
When you realize this book was written a few years ago, don't know how the author could be so spot on for this election year of dirty politics. Fairly fast paced. It is going to be interesting to see where Patrice takes Catherine next.
February 6, 2021
Good Read
This was a re-read for me. I have a review posted on Goodreads and Amazon from the earlier reading.
Thank you, Ms. Fitzgerald, for a good read.
This was a re-read for me. I have a review posted on Goodreads and Amazon from the earlier reading.
Thank you, Ms. Fitzgerald, for a good read.
September 12, 2012
This book had me from the beginning so I read it until about half-way through. The plot was so predictable I couldn't force myself to finish it.
Moving on.....
Moving on.....
October 13, 2012
This was a light entertaining book. A quick read that was interesting but certainly not one of the best books I've ever read.
April 1, 2013
Interesting election story. Not only is Catherine Young running for President of the United States, she is also running from an event buried in her past.
May 19, 2013
Female next president? It caught my interest. This was not about politics, but a suspenseful and well written novel with a little bit of everything including a few quirky characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews