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The Romance Vote
Christian “Chili” Alexander is the most sought after campaign consultant at the Pellegrin Morris Firm in New Orleans. Chili’s success has given her the freedom to choose her clients carefully, but she hasn’t had the same good fortune in love.
Recent Tulane graduate Samantha Pellegrin wants the opportunity to work with the star of her father’s firm in the off-year election. As his only child, she’ll eventually inherit the firm, but she wants to continue their great track record in the world of politics. Her first day with Chili ends so disastrously, Sam wonders if she’ll take up the hobby of throwing darts at Chili’s picture.
As the campaign progresses, Sam will make Chili work for what both of them want in the most important campaign of both their lives. Only this time their polls have to do more with the romance vote than any politician’s future.
Recent Tulane graduate Samantha Pellegrin wants the opportunity to work with the star of her father’s firm in the off-year election. As his only child, she’ll eventually inherit the firm, but she wants to continue their great track record in the world of politics. Her first day with Chili ends so disastrously, Sam wonders if she’ll take up the hobby of throwing darts at Chili’s picture.
As the campaign progresses, Sam will make Chili work for what both of them want in the most important campaign of both their lives. Only this time their polls have to do more with the romance vote than any politician’s future.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
15 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Ali Vali
57 books460 followersAli Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey "Devil" series and the Genesis Clan "Forces" series, as well as numerous standalone romances including two Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead and Love Match, and her 2017 release, Beauty and the Boss. Ali also has a novella in the collection Girls with Guns.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 15, 2016
It was an okay read but definitely not one that I would revisit. The romantic relationship was not very convincing, and the story didn't flow well. Fortunately, Ali Vali has a lot of other, better books.
February 21, 2015
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading The Romance Vote.
The mixed reviews had me wondering but as this is my first Ali Vali read I approached the novel with an open mind.
A book about grooming politicians would not normally be on my must read list but I found this book to be a light hearted and entertaining poke at the marketing of a successful candidate.
Chili Alexander excels at her job. We are introduced to Chili as she takes on a double challenge. She must transform a used car salesman into a popular candidate in a local election and train the boss's daughter on the ins and outs of turning a sow's ear into the proverbial silk purse.
I found it hard not to fall in love with Chili. Her charisma and sex appeal jump off the page. She is skilled in her job and a well known player and I could relate to the connection she had with her brother David and her escapes to her houseboat to regroup and recharge.
Sam was harder to like, coming off as abrasive and challenging, the new kid on the block trying to make an impression in daddy's firm. Her personality made the relationship which develops between her and Chili hard for the reader to understand. It's not the best match in the history of lesbian romance but Vali pulls it off with lots of witty dialogue and the usual misunderstandings.
An enjoyable light read. Nothing earth-shattering or profound.
3.5 stars.
*ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.*
December 26, 2018
This is a fun read, especially because I like books about politics and political races. It was my first Ali Vali book.
October 19, 2016
I was pretty disappointed with this book. I think it started out pretty well, I liked the characters, the chemistry was heating up a bit, the central couple were working toward coming together in a fairly believable way, and I was thinking this would be a good, light romance. Exactly what I was hoping for.
But about halfway through, everything fell apart for me. The "avoid the romance with this woman at all costs" thing was forgotten in literally a second and from then on out it was a trail of deception that, to me made absolutely no sense and seemed to go against character for both of the leads. That went on until nearly the very end when, without really explaining how things were resolved, everyone lives happily ever after.
I think this will be my last attempt at a new Vali book.
But about halfway through, everything fell apart for me. The "avoid the romance with this woman at all costs" thing was forgotten in literally a second and from then on out it was a trail of deception that, to me made absolutely no sense and seemed to go against character for both of the leads. That went on until nearly the very end when, without really explaining how things were resolved, everyone lives happily ever after.
I think this will be my last attempt at a new Vali book.
March 1, 2015
Won by a Landslide!
I have not had the pleasure of reading anything by Ms. Vali before. I was in for a treat. This was a sweet and mushy romance with some humour and spicy, sexy scenes! This book tells that tale of two strong women working together to get a candidates elected to various political positions while fighting their desire for each other. Can they fall in love while dealing with the pressures of the campaigns, jealousy, mis-communications, an over protective father/boss and eighty dates?
I enjoyed the political setting and the goings on of a campaign. I liked how Ms. Vali showed us how some of the behind the scenes things work. I really enjoyed watching one of the “good ole boys” getting his comeuppance!! That was GREAT!! I also loved Sam's requirements for a date. The humor in this tale is really wonderful!
The interpersonal relationships between Chili and her co -workers, the new politicians she is working with and the ones she has worked with before as well as the one with Sam and the rest of her family are very well explored and we really get a sense of who this complex woman is and what makes her tick. I found her engaging, lovable, and endearing. Sam is a great match for her, a challenge who refuses to let Chili coast by on her good looks and charm, demanding what she knows Chili is capable of and they both need and deserve. Sam gives as well as she gets making them a very special couple. When they do get together there is some steamy sexy parts that will leave you breathing hard...
Because this is a Bold Strokes Book, the technical side of the story is perfect, just as you would expect a BSB book to be.
Ms Vali has several titles published and I know this will not be the only one of her books I will read!! Well done Ms Vali!!!!
I have not had the pleasure of reading anything by Ms. Vali before. I was in for a treat. This was a sweet and mushy romance with some humour and spicy, sexy scenes! This book tells that tale of two strong women working together to get a candidates elected to various political positions while fighting their desire for each other. Can they fall in love while dealing with the pressures of the campaigns, jealousy, mis-communications, an over protective father/boss and eighty dates?
I enjoyed the political setting and the goings on of a campaign. I liked how Ms. Vali showed us how some of the behind the scenes things work. I really enjoyed watching one of the “good ole boys” getting his comeuppance!! That was GREAT!! I also loved Sam's requirements for a date. The humor in this tale is really wonderful!
The interpersonal relationships between Chili and her co -workers, the new politicians she is working with and the ones she has worked with before as well as the one with Sam and the rest of her family are very well explored and we really get a sense of who this complex woman is and what makes her tick. I found her engaging, lovable, and endearing. Sam is a great match for her, a challenge who refuses to let Chili coast by on her good looks and charm, demanding what she knows Chili is capable of and they both need and deserve. Sam gives as well as she gets making them a very special couple. When they do get together there is some steamy sexy parts that will leave you breathing hard...
Because this is a Bold Strokes Book, the technical side of the story is perfect, just as you would expect a BSB book to be.
Ms Vali has several titles published and I know this will not be the only one of her books I will read!! Well done Ms Vali!!!!
December 5, 2014
Chili Alexander is the best campaign consultant in New Orleans. Working for the firm Pellegrin Morris, she is in hot demand, and not just for her campaign skills. However, Samantha Pellegrin, the bosses daughter, has her eye on Chili. When Sam graduates and begins working with Chili on a campaign, the fun begins. Vali has a good eye for romantic detail, and some of the dialogue is quite snappy. However, this is a romantic fantasy and you won’t need to take off your rose coloured glasses. In Vali’s world, the politicians the two main characters represent are honest and decent, the power dynamics between the graduate and the experienced professional are easy to navigate, and there isn’t any tangible homophobia. When the real world gets a little depressing, this is a delightful sojourn into a light world where the decent people win. 3.5 stars.
August 1, 2016
I've really enjoyed Ali Vali's work and The Romance Vote was another enjoyable read. I definitely couldn't do what Chili Alexander does for work and to mix in the attraction she has to the boss' daughter just makes her life seem stressful! What I did like about this story is how Chili's character knew how to play the system and understood what she brought to the table. She would make a wonderful mentor to work for and I was a little jealous of all her staff at times. What brought the overall story down a notch was Samantha's characters not yet being in the same league as Chili but the attraction was undeniable.
June 10, 2015
Just Finished reading another great book. It was a little confusing at first but it got really good more into it. Ali Vali's books have become some of my favorite ones especially the Force serous. But even this one had its moments i Love how Sam and Chili didn't jump into it but had taken there time to actually understand one another.A ll these books iv read have a great impact on me no matter the ending but books like this one with its way of ending sometimes i cant help but love the characters a lot more. Amazing book in all and cant wait to keep reading more books by Vali.
December 29, 2020
Political campaigns & the partner's daughter
“The future belongs to those who fight for it. If you want it to reflect what you want, stand up and be heard. History isn’t made by the silent.”
“Finally fate had sent her a present that it would kill her to return.”
+ • + • + • +
A storyline that showed some good in politics after the last 5 years was refreshing & helped make this a very entertaining book. Very enjoyable with nice flow, interesting narrative & relatable characters made it an easy read.
“The future belongs to those who fight for it. If you want it to reflect what you want, stand up and be heard. History isn’t made by the silent.”
“Finally fate had sent her a present that it would kill her to return.”
+ • + • + • +
A storyline that showed some good in politics after the last 5 years was refreshing & helped make this a very entertaining book. Very enjoyable with nice flow, interesting narrative & relatable characters made it an easy read.
April 22, 2021
Financing the Vote of a lifetime
There is a theme in all of Ali Vali's books. Patience is worth the long term result and love. With a different perspective of the political world, chasing the results life gets weighed down and the need to find balance can be challenging. I love the history of Ali Vali's books that you get a full back story to see the growth of the characters and the bonds they form as well as the chemistry. Get comfortable when you read this one, you are not going to want to put it down.
There is a theme in all of Ali Vali's books. Patience is worth the long term result and love. With a different perspective of the political world, chasing the results life gets weighed down and the need to find balance can be challenging. I love the history of Ali Vali's books that you get a full back story to see the growth of the characters and the bonds they form as well as the chemistry. Get comfortable when you read this one, you are not going to want to put it down.
April 28, 2021
This was a nice surprise. The story takes place in the political world and a campaign for a state seat.
The chemistry between Chilli and Sam is great and there is some interesting power play which goes on.
The relationship sort of went from ..do they even like eachother to ... they're dating ..! in a paragraph so that was a little confusing.
Having said that, the way things unfolded following that was satisfying and quite evolved and yeah..steamy too.
A nice, fun, sexy and satisfying read.
The chemistry between Chilli and Sam is great and there is some interesting power play which goes on.
The relationship sort of went from ..do they even like eachother to ... they're dating ..! in a paragraph so that was a little confusing.
Having said that, the way things unfolded following that was satisfying and quite evolved and yeah..steamy too.
A nice, fun, sexy and satisfying read.
July 22, 2020
Cute Story
Of course, anything that Ali Vali writes will be well done and a good story. Chili spent her time bedding women in her spare time and waiting for Sam to grow up ( although she didn't realize that was what she was doing). The two of them were meant for each other, regardless of what her father thought.
Of course, anything that Ali Vali writes will be well done and a good story. Chili spent her time bedding women in her spare time and waiting for Sam to grow up ( although she didn't realize that was what she was doing). The two of them were meant for each other, regardless of what her father thought.
November 30, 2016
Very delightful book loved the main characters Sam and Chili. They were very charismatic and Sam knew how to handle Chili to get her to commit to a relationship. Loved the whole political atmosphere at play. Very well done!
February 24, 2018
It took me Forever to read his, it was very confusing and it took me the entire book before I realized it was being told in the past tense. I’ve read a few books by Ali Vali and none of them are as good as her Cain Casey series.
January 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It's smart, funny, sexy, and good fun. I also learned about an aspect of American politics that is foreign to someone from the UK.
December 2, 2014
Hope this turns into a series. Reminds me of Melissa Goods' Dar & Kerry series.
December 18, 2017
This is a wonderful novel with great characters. It is a fun read.
January 30, 2022
Great read
Perfect book to curl up on the sofa, with the fire going and read the afternoon away. Another home run for Ali.
Perfect book to curl up on the sofa, with the fire going and read the afternoon away. Another home run for Ali.
August 12, 2022
Good storyline but I sometimes got lost in the dialogue
February 6, 2023
Just a big NO!! The two leads are made to seem weak and uneducated while we're being told how strong and educated they are. Yuck!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2015
GUEST REVIEW BY AMELIAH
Won by a Landslide!
I have not had the pleasure of reading anything by Ms. Vali before. I was in for a treat. This was a sweet and mushy romance with some humor and spicy, sexy scenes! This book tells that tale of two strong women working together to get candidates elected to various political positions while fighting their desire for each other. Can they fall in love while dealing with the pressures of the campaigns, jealousy, mis-communications, an over protective father/boss and eighty dates?
I enjoyed the political setting and the goings on of a campaign. I liked how Ms. Vali showed us how some of the behind the scenes things work. I really enjoyed watching one of the “good ole boys” getting his comeuppance!! That was GREAT!! I also loved Sam’s requirements for a date. The humor in this tale is really wonderful!
The interpersonal relationships between Chili and her coworkers, the new politicians she is working with and the ones she has worked with before as well as the one with Sam and the rest of her family are very well explored and we really get a sense of who this complex woman is and what makes her tick. I found her engaging, lovable, and endearing. Sam is a great match for her, a challenge who refuses to let Chili coast by on her good looks and charm, demanding what she knows Chili is capable of and they both need and deserve. Sam gives as well as she gets making them a very special couple. When they do get together there is some steamy sexy scenes that will leave you breathing hard…
Because this is a Bold Strokes Book, the technical side of the story is perfect, just as you would expect a BSB book to be.
Ms Vali has several titles published and I know this will not be the only one of her books I will read!! Well done Ms Vali!!!!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Won by a Landslide!
I have not had the pleasure of reading anything by Ms. Vali before. I was in for a treat. This was a sweet and mushy romance with some humor and spicy, sexy scenes! This book tells that tale of two strong women working together to get candidates elected to various political positions while fighting their desire for each other. Can they fall in love while dealing with the pressures of the campaigns, jealousy, mis-communications, an over protective father/boss and eighty dates?
I enjoyed the political setting and the goings on of a campaign. I liked how Ms. Vali showed us how some of the behind the scenes things work. I really enjoyed watching one of the “good ole boys” getting his comeuppance!! That was GREAT!! I also loved Sam’s requirements for a date. The humor in this tale is really wonderful!
The interpersonal relationships between Chili and her coworkers, the new politicians she is working with and the ones she has worked with before as well as the one with Sam and the rest of her family are very well explored and we really get a sense of who this complex woman is and what makes her tick. I found her engaging, lovable, and endearing. Sam is a great match for her, a challenge who refuses to let Chili coast by on her good looks and charm, demanding what she knows Chili is capable of and they both need and deserve. Sam gives as well as she gets making them a very special couple. When they do get together there is some steamy sexy scenes that will leave you breathing hard…
Because this is a Bold Strokes Book, the technical side of the story is perfect, just as you would expect a BSB book to be.
Ms Vali has several titles published and I know this will not be the only one of her books I will read!! Well done Ms Vali!!!!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews