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August Recess
A Heartfelt Second-Chance Romance About Reinvention, Desire, and D.C. Power Plays — From Debut Author Alexandra Klein
She walked in with a blueprint. He wasn’t part of the plan.
After two decades with the same man, Natalie Weir never saw the divorce papers coming. Now her once-promising interior design career is as distant a memory as her marriage and the professional ambitions she shelved to start a family. Left questioning everything she thought she knew, Natalie flounders to rediscover the woman she was meant to be.
When her fearless best friend Dana lands her a career-reviving opportunity, Natalie is launched inside the private life of Congressman Oliver Thames — Washington’s most eligible bachelor and media darling. The assignment? Transform his stunning Capitol Hill townhouse into a home. The complication? Their creeping chemistry amidst paint swatches and stump speeches.
As Natalie breathes new life into Oliver’s space, she begins to transform personally in ways she couldn’t have foreseen. But when their building desire for each other clashes against stark political realities during the tumultuous August recess, Oliver and Natalie confront a gutting choice — give up on each other or destroy two divergent lives they’ve fought so hard for.
A sophisticated yet playful romance about second chances, seizing your power, and discovering that some of the most beautiful renovations aren’t the ones you can see.
She walked in with a blueprint. He wasn’t part of the plan.
After two decades with the same man, Natalie Weir never saw the divorce papers coming. Now her once-promising interior design career is as distant a memory as her marriage and the professional ambitions she shelved to start a family. Left questioning everything she thought she knew, Natalie flounders to rediscover the woman she was meant to be.
When her fearless best friend Dana lands her a career-reviving opportunity, Natalie is launched inside the private life of Congressman Oliver Thames — Washington’s most eligible bachelor and media darling. The assignment? Transform his stunning Capitol Hill townhouse into a home. The complication? Their creeping chemistry amidst paint swatches and stump speeches.
As Natalie breathes new life into Oliver’s space, she begins to transform personally in ways she couldn’t have foreseen. But when their building desire for each other clashes against stark political realities during the tumultuous August recess, Oliver and Natalie confront a gutting choice — give up on each other or destroy two divergent lives they’ve fought so hard for.
A sophisticated yet playful romance about second chances, seizing your power, and discovering that some of the most beautiful renovations aren’t the ones you can see.
- GenresRomance
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2026
4 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Klein
1 book13 followersAugust Recess marks Alexandra Klein’s debut romance novel. Drawing on her twenty years in Washington, Klein brings an authentic perspective to her storytelling from holding roles in news media, government contracting, commercial real estate, and nonprofit communications. When she’s not exploring other pockets of the world with her #1 Fan, Jeffrey, they’re enjoying time with his three energetic sons and a grumpy hedgehog named Salinger.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 23, 2025
This was my first foray into the political-romance genre, and I thoroughly enjoyed Alexandra Klein’s novel. Her exceptional descriptive skill brought the story vividly to life, painting such rich, cinematic imagery that I felt as though I were peering directly into the unfolding drama—an immersive experience from start to finish
I enjoyed hearing the perspectives of a congressman and his team through the eyes of a regular suburban mom who became accidentally intertwined into the whole political scene.
I truly appreciated the emotional honesty the MC portrayed throughout the book in which resonated with me personally.
While the actual storyline kept me captivated, the emotional connection I felt with the main character was profound. Like her, I’ve been that suburban mom who lost sight of who she was amid everyone else’s needs. Her journey of rediscovering and reinventing herself hit me right in the heart and left me feeling seen and hopeful.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC copy! I am so grateful to be selected and this is an honest review. I am looking forward to reading more from Klein!
I enjoyed hearing the perspectives of a congressman and his team through the eyes of a regular suburban mom who became accidentally intertwined into the whole political scene.
I truly appreciated the emotional honesty the MC portrayed throughout the book in which resonated with me personally.
While the actual storyline kept me captivated, the emotional connection I felt with the main character was profound. Like her, I’ve been that suburban mom who lost sight of who she was amid everyone else’s needs. Her journey of rediscovering and reinventing herself hit me right in the heart and left me feeling seen and hopeful.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC copy! I am so grateful to be selected and this is an honest review. I am looking forward to reading more from Klein!
December 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was important to me personally. It was an endearing and transformative, and Kleins writing is refreshing. I really enjoy when it feels like I’m seamlessly adapting a characters stream of consciousness. Though it wasn’t a five star read for me, it did create conversation and reflection within myself about what it means to be a feminist. That may sound intense, but walk with me here.
I had to really reframe my own mindset to create some sympathy for Natalie’s situation in order to stay engaged with the story. I almost DNF’ed very early on, but challenged myself to try and see how Natalie could’ve ended up in her situation. Sometimes women stop working when they get married. Without even meaning to they just lose passion for their work and are convinced by their husbands to stay home. Sometimes when you struggle to have a baby and finally do it’s not as magical as it seems, especially when she was feeling inadequate about it before. And sometimes, you’re partially to blame for being a bystander in your own life, watching it all happen around you instead of participating in it. Given today’s sociopolitical climate, I felt it was important to offer Natalie some grace, especially in this era of tradwives. If tomorrow morning, a woman wakes up and can’t grapple with the last 10 years of her life, swept up by marriage and babies, battling post partum, etc. I would want to encourage her to find herself again, re-immerse herself in her passions, work to sustain herself etc. I hope I wouldn’t judge her for realizing she was unhappy and wanting to redirect. I think it’s important that we won’t always understand someone’s choices or situation, but everyone is allowed to be imperfect and have faults.
That being said and grace given, I still feel that Natalie was really hard to sympathize with or relate to. I would’ve loved to see her stand up for herself with Caleb every time he spoke down to her. But almost everytime I couldn’t help but come away thinking Caleb had a point (begrudgingly, because he was awful and I hate him). Though cheating is never justified and Caleb was awful, he and her best friend, Dana, worked to encourage her to work again and take up projects, get professional help, etc. and she simply didn’t. When it came to Aiden I feel she was a little spineless. I understand the chaos of motherhood, but it was a constant pattern of not showing up for him, whether it was literally being on time or advocating for a role in his life. I’m sure this comes from how I was raised, but I simply couldn’t relate to her seeming lack of urgency about Aiden. Half of the time I was wondering where Aiden was and why she wasn’t thinking about him in certain scenes. I had figured she’d make it a point to spend more time with him and perhaps with Oliver. Lastly, and probably most importantly, I was disappointed at Natalie’s lack of awareness and political capacity, this book is coming out at such an important time; this was a great opportunity to continue advocating for women’s rights and policies. I don’t think women, even fictional, should be idle about the policies actively affecting their lives. A disappointing detail.
I liked Oliver enough, I liked him way better in the first half of the book. But after some time it felt like he morphed into just another guy who was kind of condescending to Natalie. His character felt so well rounded and really likeable until it just…didn’t. I don’t think the spicy scenes felt authentic, they felt stiff and some of the dialogue just seemed wildly out of place. I felt the ending was rushed, and this may be the first romance book I read where im rooting for the couple NOT to get together. Natalie has a lot going on and really doesn’t seem like the type who can sustain a life with Oliver.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I loved reading about her journey restarting her career, and the relationship with Oliver felt integral to that, but not something long lasting (at least to me). I wish Natalie’s character got a bit more closure, or that her arc had been better developed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alexandra Kleins team for an arc, and opportunity to read this early!
This book was important to me personally. It was an endearing and transformative, and Kleins writing is refreshing. I really enjoy when it feels like I’m seamlessly adapting a characters stream of consciousness. Though it wasn’t a five star read for me, it did create conversation and reflection within myself about what it means to be a feminist. That may sound intense, but walk with me here.
I had to really reframe my own mindset to create some sympathy for Natalie’s situation in order to stay engaged with the story. I almost DNF’ed very early on, but challenged myself to try and see how Natalie could’ve ended up in her situation. Sometimes women stop working when they get married. Without even meaning to they just lose passion for their work and are convinced by their husbands to stay home. Sometimes when you struggle to have a baby and finally do it’s not as magical as it seems, especially when she was feeling inadequate about it before. And sometimes, you’re partially to blame for being a bystander in your own life, watching it all happen around you instead of participating in it. Given today’s sociopolitical climate, I felt it was important to offer Natalie some grace, especially in this era of tradwives. If tomorrow morning, a woman wakes up and can’t grapple with the last 10 years of her life, swept up by marriage and babies, battling post partum, etc. I would want to encourage her to find herself again, re-immerse herself in her passions, work to sustain herself etc. I hope I wouldn’t judge her for realizing she was unhappy and wanting to redirect. I think it’s important that we won’t always understand someone’s choices or situation, but everyone is allowed to be imperfect and have faults.
That being said and grace given, I still feel that Natalie was really hard to sympathize with or relate to. I would’ve loved to see her stand up for herself with Caleb every time he spoke down to her. But almost everytime I couldn’t help but come away thinking Caleb had a point (begrudgingly, because he was awful and I hate him). Though cheating is never justified and Caleb was awful, he and her best friend, Dana, worked to encourage her to work again and take up projects, get professional help, etc. and she simply didn’t. When it came to Aiden I feel she was a little spineless. I understand the chaos of motherhood, but it was a constant pattern of not showing up for him, whether it was literally being on time or advocating for a role in his life. I’m sure this comes from how I was raised, but I simply couldn’t relate to her seeming lack of urgency about Aiden. Half of the time I was wondering where Aiden was and why she wasn’t thinking about him in certain scenes. I had figured she’d make it a point to spend more time with him and perhaps with Oliver. Lastly, and probably most importantly, I was disappointed at Natalie’s lack of awareness and political capacity, this book is coming out at such an important time; this was a great opportunity to continue advocating for women’s rights and policies. I don’t think women, even fictional, should be idle about the policies actively affecting their lives. A disappointing detail.
I liked Oliver enough, I liked him way better in the first half of the book. But after some time it felt like he morphed into just another guy who was kind of condescending to Natalie. His character felt so well rounded and really likeable until it just…didn’t. I don’t think the spicy scenes felt authentic, they felt stiff and some of the dialogue just seemed wildly out of place. I felt the ending was rushed, and this may be the first romance book I read where im rooting for the couple NOT to get together. Natalie has a lot going on and really doesn’t seem like the type who can sustain a life with Oliver.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I loved reading about her journey restarting her career, and the relationship with Oliver felt integral to that, but not something long lasting (at least to me). I wish Natalie’s character got a bit more closure, or that her arc had been better developed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alexandra Kleins team for an arc, and opportunity to read this early!
January 13, 2026
Quick Summary: A turning the tide, women's fiction novel
My Review: August Recess by Alexandra Klein is a debut novel. It is categorized as "General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction." The book was released on 1/12/26.
About the Book: "A sophisticated yet playful romance about second chances, seizing your power, and discovering that some of the most beautiful renovations aren’t the ones you can see."
In My Own Words: Blindsided by betrayal, a woman must painstakingly rediscover who she is and determine who she wants to be going forward in her life and with her relationships.
About the Characters: There were a number of players in this novel. They were textured and varied, to be sure. They added depth to a rather simple yet complicated story.
Natalie Weir -> Wife who is transitioning to an ex status, devoted mother, PPD survivor, interior designer, love interest of political figure, figuring out what comes next
Congressman Oliver Thames -> Single man with a colorful history, difficult familial backstory, driven to succeed with political career, man of the people who genuinely wants to help others, guarded with his heart
About the Couple: Natalie and Oliver were, quite frankly, two grown people who were trying their best to navigate a difficult situation. They went from a casual working relationship to more, almost effortlessly. However, soon things changed at a cost.
About the Supporting Cast: Each person played his or her role, as intended. Some characters were likable and many characters were not. It was interesting to consider their perspectives, as well as their motives. Not all came across as being loving or supportive. That is a whole thing. From the best friend who often had a harsh approach to supporting her friend to the Oli-loving columnist who shared her two cents worth of advice, this book did not shrink from bringing in flavor.
About the Conflict: This story earned a mid level conflict arc rating. The cogs and wheels of conflict primarily turned toward dysfunctional relationship dynamics (on all levels), external pressures from a political engine with a set agenda, and the individual internal struggles of both leads.
My Final Say: There were a lot of moving parts in this novel. When all was said and done, however, the landing place was surprising. In truth, I felt like I wanted more. There were questions left unanswered and threads that had been pulled that I needed to see the outcome of on the matter. I went back to read the ending twice over, just so I could figure out the what now aspect. Consider me intrigued.
In terms of the main characters, I feel some kind of way about both. The verdict is still out out on them. It was challenging for me to hear their voices at times and to accept their choices at other times. One moment their position was clear, then suddenly something would change so dramatically that I could not stabilize from the shift. I'm still thinking through my feelings.
Other: Readers who enjoy stories with family drama, political play, romantic tension, and what comes next scenarios may like this novel.
It should be noted that some content may be triggering. Potential readers are advised to read any and all notes by the author.
Rating: 3-/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐⭐⭐
Level: 🌶
Chemistry: Hot & cold
Cover: +
Note: This book reads like the start of a series. Because it left some things unresolved, it definitely has room to grow.
Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The thoughts and opinions I have shared are my own. I enjoyed the reading experience and look forward to reading more from this writer.
My Review: August Recess by Alexandra Klein is a debut novel. It is categorized as "General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction." The book was released on 1/12/26.
About the Book: "A sophisticated yet playful romance about second chances, seizing your power, and discovering that some of the most beautiful renovations aren’t the ones you can see."
In My Own Words: Blindsided by betrayal, a woman must painstakingly rediscover who she is and determine who she wants to be going forward in her life and with her relationships.
About the Characters: There were a number of players in this novel. They were textured and varied, to be sure. They added depth to a rather simple yet complicated story.
Natalie Weir -> Wife who is transitioning to an ex status, devoted mother, PPD survivor, interior designer, love interest of political figure, figuring out what comes next
Congressman Oliver Thames -> Single man with a colorful history, difficult familial backstory, driven to succeed with political career, man of the people who genuinely wants to help others, guarded with his heart
About the Couple: Natalie and Oliver were, quite frankly, two grown people who were trying their best to navigate a difficult situation. They went from a casual working relationship to more, almost effortlessly. However, soon things changed at a cost.
About the Supporting Cast: Each person played his or her role, as intended. Some characters were likable and many characters were not. It was interesting to consider their perspectives, as well as their motives. Not all came across as being loving or supportive. That is a whole thing. From the best friend who often had a harsh approach to supporting her friend to the Oli-loving columnist who shared her two cents worth of advice, this book did not shrink from bringing in flavor.
About the Conflict: This story earned a mid level conflict arc rating. The cogs and wheels of conflict primarily turned toward dysfunctional relationship dynamics (on all levels), external pressures from a political engine with a set agenda, and the individual internal struggles of both leads.
My Final Say: There were a lot of moving parts in this novel. When all was said and done, however, the landing place was surprising. In truth, I felt like I wanted more. There were questions left unanswered and threads that had been pulled that I needed to see the outcome of on the matter. I went back to read the ending twice over, just so I could figure out the what now aspect. Consider me intrigued.
In terms of the main characters, I feel some kind of way about both. The verdict is still out out on them. It was challenging for me to hear their voices at times and to accept their choices at other times. One moment their position was clear, then suddenly something would change so dramatically that I could not stabilize from the shift. I'm still thinking through my feelings.
Other: Readers who enjoy stories with family drama, political play, romantic tension, and what comes next scenarios may like this novel.
It should be noted that some content may be triggering. Potential readers are advised to read any and all notes by the author.
Rating: 3-/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐⭐⭐
Level: 🌶
Chemistry: Hot & cold
Cover: +
Note: This book reads like the start of a series. Because it left some things unresolved, it definitely has room to grow.
Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The thoughts and opinions I have shared are my own. I enjoyed the reading experience and look forward to reading more from this writer.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Today on “Y’all Have Got To Read This,” I have a bittersweet political romance for you, “August Recess” by Alexandra Klein. As many of you know, political romance is my all time favorite kind. (Probably why I write it!) Anyhoo, I really enjoyed this book. It is set aptly enough in Washington DC where Oliver is a Congressman from Virginia and the up and coming new golden boy of politics. Natalie is a former decoratator/designer, turned stay at home mom, who is working hard to get her mojo back after a heartbreaking betrayal after sixteen years of marriage. They come from completely different backgrounds and on the surface have very little in common. Yet somehow, there is a spark of interest that slowly catches fire when she is tasked with decorating his new home in DC. But like with all things combustible, the trick is to find a way to keep the fire burning without having it consume you in its wake. That is the tension in the story. How do Oliver and Natalie build a relationship that won’t be burnt up by outside influences before they have time to build a sturdy foundation.
I fell in love with Oliver and his whip smart chief of staff, Channing. I came to like Natalie more as the story unfolded. After first she came off as weak, but as she came into her own, I saw her become a character of substance. In regard to romance, this book is a slow burn. It took forever for the main characters to hook up. Once they did, wow! It went from zero chili pepper to like three instantly. The ending gave me pause and left me with a lot of questions. I tend to be a reader that likes my books all wrapped up in a pretty little bow. This is not one of those books. However, overall, I liked it and gave it four stars. I reached out to the author to see if this book was going to be a series. It is not at this time, which makes the ending even more of a surprise and left me thinking about the story long after I finished reading. Kudos to Klein for that. That is what all good writing does, leaves you wanting more. Check it out and let me know what you think. Comb back here for more reading recs. And until next time, Happy Reading Y’all!
I fell in love with Oliver and his whip smart chief of staff, Channing. I came to like Natalie more as the story unfolded. After first she came off as weak, but as she came into her own, I saw her become a character of substance. In regard to romance, this book is a slow burn. It took forever for the main characters to hook up. Once they did, wow! It went from zero chili pepper to like three instantly. The ending gave me pause and left me with a lot of questions. I tend to be a reader that likes my books all wrapped up in a pretty little bow. This is not one of those books. However, overall, I liked it and gave it four stars. I reached out to the author to see if this book was going to be a series. It is not at this time, which makes the ending even more of a surprise and left me thinking about the story long after I finished reading. Kudos to Klein for that. That is what all good writing does, leaves you wanting more. Check it out and let me know what you think. Comb back here for more reading recs. And until next time, Happy Reading Y’all!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
I’m glad I didn’t DNF this book because I feel like it had something relevant to say about topics I’m really interested in: motherhood and feminine personal identity.
Unfortunately, this book feels like it is not billed correctly. I for sure thought it was going to be a (maybe slightly less so than normal) fluffy romance ft politics. It’s actually more contemporary fiction with surprisingly good prose and surprisingly meh steam. This book is less about the romance and far more about Natalie finding her personhood outside of motherhood and marriage.
I found Natalie an unsympathetic character. I’m hesitant to say I may have even been disgusted by her at the beginning. I struggled to determine where the line was for her between being a product of her situation or a product of her own making. This, I think, is the most interesting question asked in the book and faaaaar more interesting than the political angle (which was, admittedly, a bit disappointing for me because I loved that concept. Political engagement is a stand-in for the power of the individual, but it felt so much more contrived than other foil characters and situations offered.
Oliver’s mother was the most interesting interaction for Natalie’s growth, especially since Oliver’s mother isn’t defined by her work and we can see Natalie really reflect just on what she wants out of her human relationships.
In the end, I’m disappointed that she didn’t go to therapy and I think this book should have been marketed differently, but I’m happy to have read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy to review.
I’m glad I didn’t DNF this book because I feel like it had something relevant to say about topics I’m really interested in: motherhood and feminine personal identity.
Unfortunately, this book feels like it is not billed correctly. I for sure thought it was going to be a (maybe slightly less so than normal) fluffy romance ft politics. It’s actually more contemporary fiction with surprisingly good prose and surprisingly meh steam. This book is less about the romance and far more about Natalie finding her personhood outside of motherhood and marriage.
I found Natalie an unsympathetic character. I’m hesitant to say I may have even been disgusted by her at the beginning. I struggled to determine where the line was for her between being a product of her situation or a product of her own making. This, I think, is the most interesting question asked in the book and faaaaar more interesting than the political angle (which was, admittedly, a bit disappointing for me because I loved that concept. Political engagement is a stand-in for the power of the individual, but it felt so much more contrived than other foil characters and situations offered.
Oliver’s mother was the most interesting interaction for Natalie’s growth, especially since Oliver’s mother isn’t defined by her work and we can see Natalie really reflect just on what she wants out of her human relationships.
In the end, I’m disappointed that she didn’t go to therapy and I think this book should have been marketed differently, but I’m happy to have read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy to review.
November 16, 2025
3 1/2 ⭐️s rounded up! August Recess is a character-driven, second chance political romance that explores relationships, personal growth, and the complicated nostalgia of returning to a place—or a version of yourself—you thought you’d outgrown. Alexandra Klein writes with a steady, introspective tone that makes the novel feel like a long exhale at the end of a chaotic season.
The book’s greatest strength is its emotional honesty. The protagonist’s journey is relatable in its messiness: the awkward reunions, the unspoken tensions, the push-and-pull between wanting change and craving comfort. Klein has a talent for capturing those small, loaded moments that say more than the dialogue itself.
The pacing leans on the slower side, sometimes lingering a bit too long in internal monologue, but that also contributes to the novel’s reflective mood. When the plot does build, it’s subtle but meaningful—less about dramatic twists and more about emotional clarity.
Klein’s prose shines in her descriptions of late-summer atmosphere: the heat, the stillness, the feeling that something is about to shift. The supporting characters add texture, though a few feel underdeveloped, leaving some interactions less impactful than they could have been.
Overall, August Recess is a tender, contemplative read—ideal for readers who love quiet literary fiction that focuses more on feelings than fireworks. It may not be the most fast-paced or plot-driven book, but its emotional resonance makes it memorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and author Alexandra Klein for this eARC!
The book’s greatest strength is its emotional honesty. The protagonist’s journey is relatable in its messiness: the awkward reunions, the unspoken tensions, the push-and-pull between wanting change and craving comfort. Klein has a talent for capturing those small, loaded moments that say more than the dialogue itself.
The pacing leans on the slower side, sometimes lingering a bit too long in internal monologue, but that also contributes to the novel’s reflective mood. When the plot does build, it’s subtle but meaningful—less about dramatic twists and more about emotional clarity.
Klein’s prose shines in her descriptions of late-summer atmosphere: the heat, the stillness, the feeling that something is about to shift. The supporting characters add texture, though a few feel underdeveloped, leaving some interactions less impactful than they could have been.
Overall, August Recess is a tender, contemplative read—ideal for readers who love quiet literary fiction that focuses more on feelings than fireworks. It may not be the most fast-paced or plot-driven book, but its emotional resonance makes it memorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and author Alexandra Klein for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a character-driven, reflective romance that focuses on personal growth, second chances, and the emotional complexity of returning to a place—and a version of yourself—you thought you had left behind. The story unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the reader to fully sit with the characters’ thoughts, memories, and internal conflicts.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its emotional honesty. The protagonist’s journey feels realistic in its uncertainty and vulnerability, capturing the tension between wanting change and being drawn to familiarity. The author does a good job of portraying quiet, meaningful moments that speak louder than dramatic plot turns.
The pacing is intentionally slow and at times leans heavily on introspection, which may not appeal to readers looking for fast-moving romance or high-stakes drama. However, this reflective style supports the novel’s mood and themes, making the emotional development feel earned rather than rushed.
The atmosphere is another highlight—there is a strong sense of place, with descriptions that evoke stillness, nostalgia, and the feeling of transition. Supporting characters add depth to the story, even if some could have been explored further.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and emotionally grounded read best suited for readers who appreciate subtle storytelling, inner transformation, and romance built on connection rather than spectacle. While it may not be plot-heavy, its emotional resonance and quiet strength make it a solid 4-star experience.
January 4, 2026
3.75⭐️
Freshly divorced and navigating life as a single mom, Natalie receives an offer she can’t refuse: remodeling the home of hotshot single congressman Oliver Thames, a project that could finally jumpstart her long-stalled interior design/decorator career. What she doesn’t expect is that the job might reignite much more than just her professional life.
This is a beautifully written, character-driven romance filled with self-reflection, growth, and the process of figuring out who you are after life takes an unexpected turn. The writing is rich and descriptive without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard, and the characters are complex, messy, and deeply human. I especially appreciated Natalie’s journey of rediscovering and re-inventing herself, all while navigating the complications of a potentially high-profile relationship.
The romance takes its time to unfold, which made it a bit harder for me to fully connect at first, and the pacing is slower in places. However, that pacing ultimately works in the story’s favor, complementing the reflective tone and allowing the emotional depth to truly land. I was very much engrossed once things started picking up.
This is one of those books that sneaks up on you. Though it leans more literary fiction than romance, the emotional depth, realistic dialogue, and introspective storytelling make it resonate. Readers who enjoy slower-paced stories focused on personal growth, second chances, and romances built on genuine connection will especially appreciate this one.
This is Alexandra Klein’s debut novel, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
Thank you to Alexandra Klein and NetGalley for the ARC.
Freshly divorced and navigating life as a single mom, Natalie receives an offer she can’t refuse: remodeling the home of hotshot single congressman Oliver Thames, a project that could finally jumpstart her long-stalled interior design/decorator career. What she doesn’t expect is that the job might reignite much more than just her professional life.
This is a beautifully written, character-driven romance filled with self-reflection, growth, and the process of figuring out who you are after life takes an unexpected turn. The writing is rich and descriptive without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard, and the characters are complex, messy, and deeply human. I especially appreciated Natalie’s journey of rediscovering and re-inventing herself, all while navigating the complications of a potentially high-profile relationship.
The romance takes its time to unfold, which made it a bit harder for me to fully connect at first, and the pacing is slower in places. However, that pacing ultimately works in the story’s favor, complementing the reflective tone and allowing the emotional depth to truly land. I was very much engrossed once things started picking up.
This is one of those books that sneaks up on you. Though it leans more literary fiction than romance, the emotional depth, realistic dialogue, and introspective storytelling make it resonate. Readers who enjoy slower-paced stories focused on personal growth, second chances, and romances built on genuine connection will especially appreciate this one.
This is Alexandra Klein’s debut novel, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
Thank you to Alexandra Klein and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.4stars!
As soon as I read the blurb and saw that it was a debut I knew I wanted to read this political romance because I honestly haven't read that many.
Natalie recently being blindsided by divorce is motivated by her friend to pick up her life and get back to interior decorating.
Congressman Oliver Thames is her new client and not at all what she expected an congressman to be like. She's never had much thought on politics and he changes her mind.
As they get close Natalie has to decide if she is willing to take a plunge into the political lifestyle and all that comes with it while navigating her divorce, picking up the slack of her side parenting and being thrown into the limelight.
Oliver was a standup and kind guy and I really liked him. He was honest, upfront about the chaos that might follow and very understanding of whatever choice she would make.
Really enjoyed this because it was realistic and Natalie was not perfect and saw her need for a reality check.
As truly satisfied as I am with the ending I am secretly hoping for an second book!
Many thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to read in advance and share my thoughts.
As soon as I read the blurb and saw that it was a debut I knew I wanted to read this political romance because I honestly haven't read that many.
Natalie recently being blindsided by divorce is motivated by her friend to pick up her life and get back to interior decorating.
Congressman Oliver Thames is her new client and not at all what she expected an congressman to be like. She's never had much thought on politics and he changes her mind.
As they get close Natalie has to decide if she is willing to take a plunge into the political lifestyle and all that comes with it while navigating her divorce, picking up the slack of her side parenting and being thrown into the limelight.
Oliver was a standup and kind guy and I really liked him. He was honest, upfront about the chaos that might follow and very understanding of whatever choice she would make.
Really enjoyed this because it was realistic and Natalie was not perfect and saw her need for a reality check.
As truly satisfied as I am with the ending I am secretly hoping for an second book!
Many thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to read in advance and share my thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the independent publishing team of Alexandra Klein for access to her book "August Recess". This story had me swooning and swearing over our main characters and their surrounding friends, family, and colleagues! I was drawn in from the opener, immediately ready to stick it to the man after the opening chapter. Definitely not your expected romance, aka leaves you huffing and frustrated like an A24 movie, but my god, the writing style was SO good. Every scene was descriptive and had a visual effect on me. It really was like watching a movie. Mr. Charming public official meets talented-but-doesn't-own-it interior designer? I mean, come on. Who could resist that set up? Some scenes towards the last third felt that they strayed away from the core identities of the characters, or maybe I just read it with more of a jaded approach, but that being said, it still came to a satisfying conclusion for me. It left me feeling a little achy, a lot patriotic, and plenty interested in seeing what Klein's next story will be like!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4⭐️!
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of August Recess by Alexandra Klein, and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to read it. As someone who’s interested in politics and also loves romance, I felt this book struck a solid balance between the two!!
Natalie was a very personable protagonist and easy to connect with. That said, there were a few conversations and interactions that genuinely frustrated me, which is why I landed at a 4-star rating. In particular, her interactions with her best friend were hard to get through, like sorry I truly could not stand that woman!! At times, Natalie also felt overly reactive(sometimes she was valid though!), especially right after having conversations about how she needed to stop being that way in public where people will be seeing and videoing her… like girl, you literally just had a meeting about this!
Overall, I still enjoyed the story and am definitely hoping the second book doesn’t take too long to come out after the first because I need to see just how insanely successful I know she will inevitably be in it, and i need more Oliver!!
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of August Recess by Alexandra Klein, and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to read it. As someone who’s interested in politics and also loves romance, I felt this book struck a solid balance between the two!!
Natalie was a very personable protagonist and easy to connect with. That said, there were a few conversations and interactions that genuinely frustrated me, which is why I landed at a 4-star rating. In particular, her interactions with her best friend were hard to get through, like sorry I truly could not stand that woman!! At times, Natalie also felt overly reactive(sometimes she was valid though!), especially right after having conversations about how she needed to stop being that way in public where people will be seeing and videoing her… like girl, you literally just had a meeting about this!
Overall, I still enjoyed the story and am definitely hoping the second book doesn’t take too long to come out after the first because I need to see just how insanely successful I know she will inevitably be in it, and i need more Oliver!!
December 17, 2025
4.5/5 Stars
Ok so I lowkey loved this book. The first chapter was a bit cringey so I wasn’t sure how it would pan out, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. I thoroughly enjoy a political romance and this is one of the better ones I’ve ever read! I struggled with Natalie, finding her frustrating and unlikable at times. But by the end, I felt like she had a solid redemption arc. I found a lot of her challenges totally relatable and I was rooting for her so much. I loved the other characters— Oliver, Channing, Dana, etc. The descriptive language and witty banter was also top notch.
While I loved Natalie and Oliver together, I felt the transitions in their relationship were abrupt. This and the lack of closure with the ending, were the only things keeping me from giving this a full 5 stars. I highly recommend this book!
Biggest thanks to Alexandra Klein and Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
Ok so I lowkey loved this book. The first chapter was a bit cringey so I wasn’t sure how it would pan out, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. I thoroughly enjoy a political romance and this is one of the better ones I’ve ever read! I struggled with Natalie, finding her frustrating and unlikable at times. But by the end, I felt like she had a solid redemption arc. I found a lot of her challenges totally relatable and I was rooting for her so much. I loved the other characters— Oliver, Channing, Dana, etc. The descriptive language and witty banter was also top notch.
While I loved Natalie and Oliver together, I felt the transitions in their relationship were abrupt. This and the lack of closure with the ending, were the only things keeping me from giving this a full 5 stars. I highly recommend this book!
Biggest thanks to Alexandra Klein and Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
December 22, 2025
This was a book I really enjoyed. I liked getting the chance to peek into Natalie and Oliver’s lives and follow their story. Natalie’s experience going through a difficult divorce felt honest and relatable, especially for anyone who has been impacted by divorce in some way. The camp visiting day scene, in particular, was emotionally tough to read and really stuck with me.
I also found the glimpse into the life of a congressman interesting, since it’s not a perspective I’ve come across in my reading. That element added something different to the story and helped give it a unique angle.
Alexandra Klein’s detailed descriptions made it easy to picture the settings and feel grounded in each scene. The story flowed well, and I appreciated how the ending came together. It made it seem realistic which is nice in this genre.
For a debut novel, this was a strong and engaging read, and I’m interested to see what Alexandra Klein does next.
I also found the glimpse into the life of a congressman interesting, since it’s not a perspective I’ve come across in my reading. That element added something different to the story and helped give it a unique angle.
Alexandra Klein’s detailed descriptions made it easy to picture the settings and feel grounded in each scene. The story flowed well, and I appreciated how the ending came together. It made it seem realistic which is nice in this genre.
For a debut novel, this was a strong and engaging read, and I’m interested to see what Alexandra Klein does next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this novel, and here are my thoughts before its release.
Having grown up on Mills & Boon romances, I found this book faintly reminiscent of those classics - yet it stands apart as the first political romance I’ve ever read. The two main characters are both credible and deeply likeable. I especially admired how the author intertwined their professional worlds and built the romance around the challenges unique to their lives. At one point, the situation felt utterly hopeless, but the story beautifully reinforces the timeless truth: love conquers all.
The supporting cast adds richness, with engaging dialogues and memorable moments. The narrative blends romance with the backdrop of American politics, sprinkled with delightful culinary and design references. At its heart, it’s a second-chance romance in unexpected circumstances - a story that leaves the reader with hope.
A compelling, refreshing read. Definitely worth picking up.
Having grown up on Mills & Boon romances, I found this book faintly reminiscent of those classics - yet it stands apart as the first political romance I’ve ever read. The two main characters are both credible and deeply likeable. I especially admired how the author intertwined their professional worlds and built the romance around the challenges unique to their lives. At one point, the situation felt utterly hopeless, but the story beautifully reinforces the timeless truth: love conquers all.
The supporting cast adds richness, with engaging dialogues and memorable moments. The narrative blends romance with the backdrop of American politics, sprinkled with delightful culinary and design references. At its heart, it’s a second-chance romance in unexpected circumstances - a story that leaves the reader with hope.
A compelling, refreshing read. Definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
August Recess is a beautiful debut romance by Alexandra Klein. Set in political world of the D.C. elite. The FMC, Natalie is getting a divorce and restarting her career as an interior designer. She ends of designing the home of a charismatic congressman, Oliver.
The main characters felt real and were well developed. They get to be themselves with each other, I liked that they don’t try to change one another. I loved seeing Natalie’s character growth throughout the book. As a reader you get to see Natalie get back on her feet and explore her own second chance at romance and work.
This book also delved into the strain that politics and public life can have on a relationship especially a new one.
Overall this book felt heartfelt and real. The ending left me wanting more. I would love a follow up on what happens next with Natalie and Oliver, truly loved seeing their relationship evolve.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alexandra Klein for the arc. All opinions are my own.
The main characters felt real and were well developed. They get to be themselves with each other, I liked that they don’t try to change one another. I loved seeing Natalie’s character growth throughout the book. As a reader you get to see Natalie get back on her feet and explore her own second chance at romance and work.
This book also delved into the strain that politics and public life can have on a relationship especially a new one.
Overall this book felt heartfelt and real. The ending left me wanting more. I would love a follow up on what happens next with Natalie and Oliver, truly loved seeing their relationship evolve.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alexandra Klein for the arc. All opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
I may be a bit biased as I served as the developmental editor for book, but leaving a review to share what I think is so special about this debut romance novel!
Alexandra Klein has done a great job capturing the feel and vibe of DC in this romance novel that is all about second chances.
We follow Natalie, an interior designer who walks into a senator's home to help it make a little more homey. But as sparks fly, Natalie has to deal with her growing attraction to a man who is trying to make the world a better place, while dealing with a messy divorce and co-parenting with a prickly ex-husband and his "perfect" new wife.
August Recess is a heartwarming romance novel that explores all the messy aspects of falling in love -- and what it means to also stay true to oneself.
Highly recommend this book when it comes out on January 12, 2026!
Alexandra Klein has done a great job capturing the feel and vibe of DC in this romance novel that is all about second chances.
We follow Natalie, an interior designer who walks into a senator's home to help it make a little more homey. But as sparks fly, Natalie has to deal with her growing attraction to a man who is trying to make the world a better place, while dealing with a messy divorce and co-parenting with a prickly ex-husband and his "perfect" new wife.
August Recess is a heartwarming romance novel that explores all the messy aspects of falling in love -- and what it means to also stay true to oneself.
Highly recommend this book when it comes out on January 12, 2026!
October 28, 2025
I read August Recess as an eARC. For my first political romance, it was good.
He is a congressman on his way to becoming Vice President. She is his interior designer. They started as boss/employee and began developing feelings for each other.
Natalie is trying to start over after her divorce. When her best friend hooks her up with a job, she almost declines. Once she accepts the job, Natalie finds herself slowly falling for Oliver. As she's falling for him, he tries to push her away to protect her from public scrutiny.
I love the mother/son bond in this book. I love that no matter what happens, her son is always happy to see her. He is my favorite character in the entire book.
I recommend reading this book if you love politics and political romances.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He is a congressman on his way to becoming Vice President. She is his interior designer. They started as boss/employee and began developing feelings for each other.
Natalie is trying to start over after her divorce. When her best friend hooks her up with a job, she almost declines. Once she accepts the job, Natalie finds herself slowly falling for Oliver. As she's falling for him, he tries to push her away to protect her from public scrutiny.
I love the mother/son bond in this book. I love that no matter what happens, her son is always happy to see her. He is my favorite character in the entire book.
I recommend reading this book if you love politics and political romances.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars, rounded up.
August Recess by Alexandra Klein is a political romance scheduled to be published on January 12, 2026.
I had a hard time getting into the book initially because the first chapter seemed to be written very differently than subsequent chapters. I'm glad that I pushed through though because I ended up quite liking the book overall.
With the exception of the first chapter, the writing was solid. Natalie and Oliver, our main characters are interesting and easy to root for. There are many things that work against them, but I was glad that the conflicts were mostly external. I generally enjoyed the relationship moments, although the spicy scenes seemed to be shoehorned in and I found them to be a bit out of character.
Being set in Washington D.C., and including a politician, this book does have references to some current political situations. I did not find this to be off-putting because it was handled pretty well.
What I did find somewhat jarring about the book was that while it had a lot of interesting elements, but didn't lean into them far enough to be completely satisfying for me. For me, it wasn't romantic enough to be a romance, and it didn't have enough of the family elements to be literary fiction. The fact that it is the first in a series may play into this, so I would read the next book to find out how some of the dangling plot threads are resolved.
Thank you to Alexandra Klein and to BookSirens for providing a free advance review copy of August Recess. All opinions are my own.
August Recess by Alexandra Klein is a political romance scheduled to be published on January 12, 2026.
I had a hard time getting into the book initially because the first chapter seemed to be written very differently than subsequent chapters. I'm glad that I pushed through though because I ended up quite liking the book overall.
With the exception of the first chapter, the writing was solid. Natalie and Oliver, our main characters are interesting and easy to root for. There are many things that work against them, but I was glad that the conflicts were mostly external. I generally enjoyed the relationship moments, although the spicy scenes seemed to be shoehorned in and I found them to be a bit out of character.
Being set in Washington D.C., and including a politician, this book does have references to some current political situations. I did not find this to be off-putting because it was handled pretty well.
What I did find somewhat jarring about the book was that while it had a lot of interesting elements, but didn't lean into them far enough to be completely satisfying for me. For me, it wasn't romantic enough to be a romance, and it didn't have enough of the family elements to be literary fiction. The fact that it is the first in a series may play into this, so I would read the next book to find out how some of the dangling plot threads are resolved.
Thank you to Alexandra Klein and to BookSirens for providing a free advance review copy of August Recess. All opinions are my own.
dnf-d
November 22, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of August Recess. I reached 55% but unfortunately found myself unable to stay engaged. The plot and character development weren’t connecting with me, and the pacing felt repetitive to the point where I began to zone out while reading. While I appreciate the premise and the author’s intention, the characters felt one-dimensional and I struggled to feel invested in their journey. This is ultimately a matter of personal preference, and I’m sure other readers may resonate with the story more. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read an early copy.
December 31, 2025
*This ARC was provided to me from Netgalley and the Publisher*
August Recess by Alexandra Klein is a quiet, easy-to-get-into novel that really captures that weird in-between feeling of late summer. The story focuses more on emotions and everyday moments than big drama, which makes it feel very real and relatable. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t rush, but still sticks with you, especially if you like thoughtful, character-driven stories.
The villains were going hard, it was difficult for me to be on anyone’s team with this one but this was a fun debut novel for Klein!
August Recess by Alexandra Klein is a quiet, easy-to-get-into novel that really captures that weird in-between feeling of late summer. The story focuses more on emotions and everyday moments than big drama, which makes it feel very real and relatable. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t rush, but still sticks with you, especially if you like thoughtful, character-driven stories.
The villains were going hard, it was difficult for me to be on anyone’s team with this one but this was a fun debut novel for Klein!
November 8, 2025
4/5 stars
Alexandra Klein’s debut is a heartfelt, beautifully written second-chance romance that balances sweetness and heartbreak perfectly. The characters feel authentic, the emotions are raw, and the story lingers long after you’re done reading.
A tender, emotional read that completely stole my heart. I can’t wait to see what Alexandra Klein writes next!
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Alexandra Klein’s debut is a heartfelt, beautifully written second-chance romance that balances sweetness and heartbreak perfectly. The characters feel authentic, the emotions are raw, and the story lingers long after you’re done reading.
A tender, emotional read that completely stole my heart. I can’t wait to see what Alexandra Klein writes next!
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 24, 2026
Read it!!!
Love this book! Love the writing style! Love the banter! The main character is messy, lost, and immature but she’s also smart, talented, and willing to take a chance. I enjoyed watching her jumpstart her life and toggle between typical real life drama and the fantasy-esque political, elite world she found herself in. It’s the feel good I want in a romance. This story would make a fabulous Hallmark movie
Love this book! Love the writing style! Love the banter! The main character is messy, lost, and immature but she’s also smart, talented, and willing to take a chance. I enjoyed watching her jumpstart her life and toggle between typical real life drama and the fantasy-esque political, elite world she found herself in. It’s the feel good I want in a romance. This story would make a fabulous Hallmark movie
October 28, 2025
‘August Recess’ by Alexandra Klein is tormenting in the best possible way.
I was immediately transported to DC, and absorbed the vibes and general atmosphere there.
This beautiful debut novel is heartfelt, raw, and honest.
I am already anticipating this author’s future novels.
Many thanks to BookSirens, the author, and the publisher for the e-ARC.
I was immediately transported to DC, and absorbed the vibes and general atmosphere there.
This beautiful debut novel is heartfelt, raw, and honest.
I am already anticipating this author’s future novels.
Many thanks to BookSirens, the author, and the publisher for the e-ARC.
September 29, 2025
𝟒.𝟐𝟓⭐
i really enjoyed this one!! the writing was good! the plot had me hooked and the characters felt so real and entertaining! the ending omfg PLEASE i need a second book ASAP‼️
𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡!
i really enjoyed this one!! the writing was good! the plot had me hooked and the characters felt so real and entertaining! the ending omfg PLEASE i need a second book ASAP‼️
𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡!
Review of advance copy received from Author
August Recess is so well written I would never have thought this as a debut novel. Klein’s writing quality and style far surpasses that of an entry level novelist. I’m prefacing my review in saying that I do not reveal character or plot details in my book reviews. I believe that every reader should have the opportunity to meet each character in their own mind’s eye without influence. But, oh how tempted I am to do so now! It is just that good!
Several of the many positives:
Klein writes with a keen wit that oozes with some of the most creative metaphors and cliches that I have enjoyed in quite a while. Her writing style excels on many levels!
I appreciated each character and the ease of meeting them. Nothing strained, they were just like average people living their lives, not overdramatized. The conversations were as normal as we would converse. The characters were lively, unique and absolutely lovable. So very different, yet, each part perfectly interfaced as a sure fit to the plot.
The one and only negative:
With my accolades, you may be wondering why I did not rate this with 5 stars. I read about 2/3 of the book loving every moment until I arrived at the first of two extremely descriptive sexual encounters. This level of detail works in other novels; however, in my opinion, it did not fit the writing style or content of this one.
In closing:
Rolling it all together, the book was a home run for me. I loved this novel and heartily recommend it!!
Congratulations to Alexandra Klein for writing a debut novel that is sure to become a top seller and huge hit for many readers out there!!
My thanks to Alexandra Klein and her publishing team for the opportunity to read and present a review of this debut novel. All of comments in this review are unsolicited and mine alone. (less) [edit]
Several of the many positives:
Klein writes with a keen wit that oozes with some of the most creative metaphors and cliches that I have enjoyed in quite a while. Her writing style excels on many levels!
I appreciated each character and the ease of meeting them. Nothing strained, they were just like average people living their lives, not overdramatized. The conversations were as normal as we would converse. The characters were lively, unique and absolutely lovable. So very different, yet, each part perfectly interfaced as a sure fit to the plot.
The one and only negative:
With my accolades, you may be wondering why I did not rate this with 5 stars. I read about 2/3 of the book loving every moment until I arrived at the first of two extremely descriptive sexual encounters. This level of detail works in other novels; however, in my opinion, it did not fit the writing style or content of this one.
In closing:
Rolling it all together, the book was a home run for me. I loved this novel and heartily recommend it!!
Congratulations to Alexandra Klein for writing a debut novel that is sure to become a top seller and huge hit for many readers out there!!
My thanks to Alexandra Klein and her publishing team for the opportunity to read and present a review of this debut novel. All of comments in this review are unsolicited and mine alone. (less) [edit]
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