Campaigning for Christopher

The Winslow Brothers #4

by Katy Regnery

Christopher Winslow, the youngest of the four Winslow brothers, was born with a silver spoon in his privileged mouth, which has made it difficult for him to establish his credibility in the fast-approaching congressional race. Working against the clock to assure Pennsylvania voters that he is forthright, trustworthy and able has been an exhausting challenge, but Christopher's chances at beating the incumbant look good.

Julianne Crow, a plus-size model struggling to make ends meet, jumps at the chance to make a little extra cash on the side. What does she have to do? Slip something into Christopher Winslow's drink and take some very naughty pictures with him.

But Christopher is nothing like Julianne expected, and when her actions sabotage his hard-earned campaign only a month before the election, her guilt is overwhelming. She offers Christopher her help in an effort to repair the damage she's caused, but can anything change the fact that he sees her as an opportunist and a mercenary? When she starts campaigning for Christopher, he may find out there's more to her than meets the eye.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Family, Ebooks, Chick Lit, Audiobook

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2015

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery has a heart for smart romance featuring strong women and decent men. Almost exclusively self-published, Katy claims authorship of over 60 titles, including three RITA® finalists. Translated into French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Turkish, Katy has sold over 1.8 million books worldwide.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Campaigning for Christopher had a bit of enemies to lovers vibe to it, which I love.

Christopher Winslow is the youngest of the Winslow brothers and currently running for congress. As you know, the Winslow is the elite, higher echelon, the rich and kind of famous.

Our heroine, Julianne Crow is the total opposite. She is a Native American, born and raised in the reserve and live a very modest life.

When Julianne was waitressing at one of the Winslows family event, she was asked to drug Christopher and take some compromising pictures of him. Due to her righteousness and gung ho attitude, she didn't even know that she was manipulated and lie to in order to perform the task.

Anyway, Chris' image was in tatter and his campaign is ruined. But when Julianne find out that she make the biggest mistake of her life, she decided to right the wrong no matter what is takes.

I think Julianne is really the heart of the story. I love how strong and honorable she is. Even though she knew Chris hates her guts, she still came forward to make amend and offer to save his campaign by posing as his girlfriend. And being a Native American, she is fast gaining support and popularity, which helps him tremendously.

From the relationship stand point, we have a bit of unrequited love from Julianne. She doesn't shy away from admitting that she might be falling for Chris. She love his drive, his determination and the overall good that he did for her people. She truly believes in him.

Chris is one hard headed man. First of all, he had some serious trust issue with a woman who tricked him. Secondly, being in a relationship is the last thing on his mind. He just want to focus on his career, and not think about a messy relationship. But it seems like Julianne is a woman who won't settle for anything less, much less a no string attached one.

This story is about two individuals, met during an unusual circumstances that caused them so much grief, but they learn forgiveness and earned redemption. They might be from a polar opposite of social status, but they ended up fighting a similar dream.

Though she had campaigned for Christopher Winslow, she had somehow ended up winning... his heart.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher (Chris) Winslow and Julianne (Jules) Crow did not get off on the right foot. I’m not sure there’s a worse way to make a first impression than to drug a man’s drink and take scandalous pictures of him in an effort to ruin his congressional campaign (I mean, right?). So when Jules is smacked in the face with reality and wracked with guilt over her actions, she honorably tries to make amends. Now thrust together for the duration of his campaign, the two will be forced to get to know each other beyond first impressions and decide if anything is so terrible that it cannot be overcome.

So, I think I have a bit of a crush…on Jules. I mean, sure, Christopher is sexy and commanding and adorable in the way that the Winslow boys are all adorable. But Jules? Man, she is amazing. She’s strong and scrappy and…just so lovably human. She did a terrible thing, but that does not make her a terrible person—and she was strong enough to own her mistake and try to fix it. And on top of that she’s just adorable, with the most beautiful soul. Half of the key to getting me to adore a book is to give me strong, likeable, relatable heroines and Katy Regnery knocked this one out of the park.

Chris and Jules together are hot. Like, on fire. Their chemistry is off the charts—I mean sure, some of that is rage-y hate, but hate is just another passionate emotion and passion is something neither of these two are missing. Their anger and heated barbs read like foreplay—sexy , explosive, and punctuated with unexpected moments of exquisite tenderness and vulnerability. The things they did to my heart… I can’t even tell you. I read breathlessly as they fought their emotions and tried to rationalize themselves out of falling in love with each other. It is, as always, beautifully written, artfully balancing these two lovely souls against the sometimes terrible decisions they make.

I love—no, I FLOVE—the Winslow brothers (and sister)! Like, the actual siblings and the relationships they have with each other. I love the way they poke and prod each other, teasing and goading in a way that makes me literally laugh out loud. There is such an authentic and irreverent camaraderie among the brothers in particular, made extra sexy and adorable because they are, well, sexy, adorable billionaires (with hearts of gold). While I absolutely adored the relationship between Chris and Jules, some of my favorite moments are the ones that highlight the relationships between the siblings.

I don’t know how each book in this series can feel so fresh and new. Every time I pick one up, it feels a bit like coming home. Every. Time. I’m delighted to be reunited with the characters I’ve already come to know and love, and I’m hopelessly sucked into the fresh new story—a striking mixture of something familiar and comforting, and something new, breathtaking, sexy, swoony and exciting. ~ Shelly, 5 stars

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth in the Winslow Brother’s series and is Christopher’s story. All of the books in this series (and the preceding English Brother’s series) can be read as standalones, but we do get to see Chris’s three older brothers in this one as well as their partners, which was a lovely check-in to see how their happy ever afters were faring. (I’m happy to report all are doing well!). Being the youngest, Chris has his work cut out for him to stand out, but he’s doing so in style, running for political office as a Senator. He’s a man of deep convictions and a desire to serve his country and has worked hard on his campaign. Enter Julianne. Trouble in high heels. But not the way you’d expect. Because Julianne is motivated to bring down a man she believes is corrupt and would be a disaster if he were elected, by drugging him and taking compromising pictures. It’s not easy for her to do this, but she believes her cause is just. Only later does she discover to her horror that it’s been a setup of the worst possible kind, that they’ve both been taken advantage of, and that the only way to set things right is for her to own up to her failings and find a way to turn around the disaster she’s made of his campaign. Committing herself to doing anything required, she volunteers to explain away the photos as a girlfriend stunt gone wrong and it works, as the public eats it up, offers their apologies and suddenly Chris and Jules are a darling couple of the media. It’s all an act though, one Chris can’t wait to end. Only as he starts to see the woman behind the actions that brought her into his life, he realizes that things aren’t so cut and dried, and maybe, just maybe, with some forgiveness and faith, he might have found someone he can trust after all.

This is a really character driven story, and I was fascinated by the portrayal of Julianne. She’s a young Indigenous American, already marginalized by society just by her birth and therefore having to struggle for her place in the world even more so than some. She’s got a loyal and loving mother (much to her advantage) but no relationship with her father, and a background of growing up on a reservation with all that entails. I really appreciated the details that went into making her character as authentic as possible. She’s in the ‘big city’ now, working as a waitress and a plus sized model, and used to being harassed on the job or on the street. As such she’s got a pretty tough skin. But she’s still young and somewhat naive and the man who convinces her to perpetrate the devastating events that threaten Chris’s campaign takes advantage of this. Remarkably, Julianne is absolutely willing to take responsibility for her mistake and own up to it, showing bravery and courage in the face of what could have been an even more devastating loss – her own freedom if Chris has chosen to press charges. But she’s also smart enough to come up with a possible solution too, one that Chris reluctantly agrees to on the advice of his team. But that lack of trust between them, and his lack of faith in Jules being able to make it up to him means a slow start to their romance, as one would expect. Slowly but surely though, her true self shines through in her actions. She’s really a caring and friendly and passionate woman, one who made a grievous mistake she is trying hard to fix.

Chris’s character was equally interesting. He has worked tirelessly on his campaign for Senator, and as a wealthy and privileged young man, he’s got the financial means to put on a good race. But more than that, he’s got the convictions and determination to be a man of the people. He’s got strong plans for those parts of society that need the most help, including the Indigenous Native American tribes of the area. Meeting Julianne is both a curse and a blessing, as the unintended result of her treachery makes them a popular couple in the media and actually gives a boon to his campaign. In fact, Julianne’s true heart shows throw in their campaign stops, and he’s hard pressed to believe that she could have done what she did to him in the first place. It frustrates him to no end that he feels a sexual attraction to her, as she is a beautiful woman but a deceptive one too. Still his physical attraction to her can’t be ignored, and he believes the best solution would be for them to give into the attraction and enjoy their weeks together until the election and the ‘break-up’ after which they’ll go their separate ways. He’s able to separate his physical feelings from his emotional ones, as he still doesn’t trust her. But Julianne is unable to do this, as she realizes that she’s falling for Chris and the good-hearted man that he is. She doesn’t expect his forgiveness, but it doesn’t stop her from working towards obtaining it. I really loved the two of them together, the obvious difficulties in building trust between them and the slow and steady workings of their hearts binding them together. The other aspects of this story that I really enjoyed were the behind the scenes looks at Chris’s political campaign, and the obvious research that went into Julianne’s character’s background and the current state of Native American affairs in the U.S. Personally, this has been my favourite of the Winslow Brother’s series. An interesting, educational and heartwarming read with themes of forgiveness, redemption, and, as always, love. 4.5 stars.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.

This review also appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 5 Cranky Stars *****



I've loved all Katy Regnery's books, but this one is something special.



Julianne "Jules" Crow has Native American heritage. Her Lakota culture comes with strong familial ties and a pride in who she is. Her character leaps off the page, as does her strength and quiet conviction in her beliefs.



Christopher "Chris" Winslow is, as Mary Poppins said: practically perfect in every way. He's got looks, money, and a heart. He is a champion of the underdog: the under privileged and minorities. He's never better than when he is with Jules.



The struggle to find love and accept trust, especially in complicated circumstances, is explored in depth in this story. When conflicts arise, misunderstandings, and differing points of view, the two must work together and find out what really matters.



This book made me run the full gamut of emotions. I cheered for people I didn't think I would. I sided with the bad guy and wanted to strangle the good guy some times. I also felt seething, hot rage. It's the mark of a good author.



Highly recommended.

[Melissa Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT, SIZZLING, LUSTFUL AND SINFULLY GOOD. This is how I'm describing this fabulous book by the amazing Katy Regnery. Time after time this author blows my mind with her witty and sharp storytelling.
The two main characters in this book, Christopher and Julianne couldn't be more different with regards their upbringing but their lives come across a unique similar path. They become entangled in a worldwind life and fascinating plot twist.
I just adore this particular storyline and is a must have in ones library.

[Nicole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an advanced reader copy of this book directly from the author. Here's my honest review. Please be aware that this review has VAGUE, nonspecific spoilers, however, I do not think they will ruin your reading experience.
Katy's writing is special and different than a lot of romance authors I read. Every book she publishes has a hard lesson the characters must learn before moving forward and relishing the fruits of a loving relationship. This book is no different nor does it disappoint.
Julianne and Christopher meet one fateful night and the events of that night leave a permanent mark on both of them. Julianne, being the strong, courageous woman she is, bites the bullet and does everything in her power to right the wrongs made that fateful night. This woman is an aspiring human being with integrity and passion. She is a woman I'd love to know and for my daughter to grow to be. Christopher is a wonderful man filled with passion and integrity too. He didn't allow his effluent upbringing to make him into an entitled, spoiled playboy. No, he wants to do good in the world, to be the good in the world. Julianne and Christopher's path to love is rocky, eventful and will have you feeling several emotions throughout their story.
Katy is awesome at capturing the reader's attention, keeping it, and making you think but she also has you falling in love with her characters too. This book was a joy to read and is contemporary romance at it's finest.

[Kerry-Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc for an honest review..

OK let me start by saying every book I've read of Katy regnerys that I've read so far IV absolutely loved!!! And IV read a lot!!!! So I had high hopes for campaigning for Christopher and I was not disappointed..
It starts off with Jessicas wedding where we meet Julianne who has a very big chip on her shoulder and is completely naive.. Fast forward a few days later and I feel so sorry for her but damn she was so stupid!!! Christopher oh Chris was so hot!!! He was mean but had a truly good reason to be!!! He dealt with it better than most... You really get to know a lot about Juliannes background and how Chris and her are completely different from each other but oh so perfect for each other!!!

So Preston was my favorite Winslow brother and Chris just joint him at the top!!!

Il be buying this book to add to my collection for must re-reads!!! Love it so much!!!!!

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 4 out of 5]

(audiobook) I’m all for a romance that dares to touch upon tough subjects. Here, with a native American main female character, we get both the interesting details about another culture–and not just the exotic aspects, but also the hard reality of every day life–and the examples of racism one from another culture endures.

Chris and Julianne couldn’t have been more different, and I felt it was a bit too on the nose. So much that the author have to find complicated connections between them–that don’t make much sense–so they can relate a bit to each other. When I feel that differences can sometimes be what brings people together, through curiosity and open mindedness.

There were some fascinating elements in this book. The political scandal was one of them–though it was mostly used as an excuse, as they never seriously search for its origin. The changes Julianne decides to make to honor her promise are another. It was really beautiful to see her bloom, even though she was already a fierce lady. But at the beginning, she’s badass because she’d do anything–almost–to survive, while in the end, she learns how to take charge of her life. I loved that.

I also loved the romance itself. We have two characters who feel a strong attraction for each other right at the beginning, but who can’t act on it because they’re supposed to hate each other. Except that we quickly see there’s no real hate, and we just have to wait before they realize it too. That makes for a slow burn, because they need to accept their feelings first. But there’s some tension along the way, and I enjoyed that.

The same narrator as that of the other books of the series, comes back for this one, and she still does a good job. Sometimes her voice is still too low or too delicate , but she shows she can express stronger emotions. A good conclusion to the story of the Winslow brothers.

Quickie

- Series: Blueberry Lane #11 – The Winslow brothers #4 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #enemies to lovers #multicultural romance #fake relationship #politics #native American
- Triggers: mention of racism
- Main couple: Julianne Crow & Christopher Winslow
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + Julianne’s strength and determination are admirable
- – I felt they were both a bit too idealistic

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I thank Rock Star PR for providing me with an ARC of Campaigning for Christopher by Katy Regnery. The opinions expressed here are 100% mine and I received no form of compensation in exchange for my review.
 
Campaigning for Christopher is a contemporary interracial romance set in the city of Philadelphia.  It is the fourth book in the Winslow Brothers series and can be read as a stand-alone.  This installment touches on the sensitive issue of racism and the effects it has on the recipient.
In this installment, we meet Christopher Winslow and Julianne Crow.  Christopher was born to a life of privilege while Julianne lived a life stricken with poverty. Julianne, an American Indian from South Dakota, came to Philadelphia with the hope of securing a better future.  She has a huge chip on her shoulder, which made her the perfect patsy to set up Christopher.
 
 At first I could not fathom how she could be so gullible. She knew nothing about Chris, but she was willing to believe the negative things being said without checking  the facts, as such I was prepared to dislike her.  However, as the story progressed, I came to admire her.  She was willing to admit that she was wrong and took the necessary steps she believed would help to repair the damage. In doing this, she proved  to be a woman of honour and integrity.  This shows that as humans we will make mistakes as we are not perfect, but how we respond to these mistakes will demonstrate the type of person we are.
 
Christopher is currently running for Congress and is trying to avoid things that would negatively affect his campaign. However, that choice was taken from him that fateful night he laid eyes on Julianne Crow.   When she offered to make amends, he was not keen at first, but when he realised that she may just be his saviour,  he was not above using her.  However, will he be able to get over her betrayal and accept all that she has to offer?
 
I enjoyed this installment.  The interaction between Julianne and Christopher was entertaining. Christopher had a hard time reconciling his feelings where Julianne was concerned. How could he possibly  be attracted to the woman who tried to destroy his political aspirations.  The characters were complex and relatable. They demonstrated growth and strength.  I liked that Julianne was able to move past her insecurities, thus becoming a woman to be admired by all.
 
Although I enjoyed the story there were a few issues that I felt needed to be resolved.  These unresolved issues prevented me from giving this a five-star rating.  It’s my belief that addressing these issues would have made for a more dramatic ending.  It would have been good to know who was responsible for setting up Christopher.  In addition, I found it strange that after going through such lengths to stage such an elaborate set up that no one came forward to dispute Julianne and Christophers ‘ claims.
 
 
This was an emotional read that held my attention from start to finish.  If you have not started this series and you want something new to sink your teeth in then the Winslow Brother series would be perfect.
 
“I can’t think about anything but you. I dream about you. I have imaginary conversations with you. I go to YouTube and replay that press conference kiss over and over again to torture myself because I can’t get enough of seeing you in my arms, melting into me. I don’t want you?” He took a step toward her, stalking her, taking her arm so she couldn’t pull away from him, and leaning into her personal space until they were almost nose to nose. “I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you!”
 

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

“There was a visceral connection between them, forged in betrayal and hate, and – despicable though it was – it belonged only to them. There was a heat to hate, and intimacy to it that made her heart race, a passion to it that attracted her like a doe to a salt lick.”

“I can’t think about anything but you. I dream about you. I have imaginary conversations with you. I go to YouTube and replay that press conference kiss over and over again to torture myself because I can’t get enough of seeing you in my arms, melting into me.”

“She didn’t realize it took only a few perfect words for a heart to grow wings and soar, but hers did… In three short sentences he’d given her the greatest compliment of her life, and she took a moment to bask in his words and feel them from the top of her head to the tips of her toes… before reality set in.”

“She’d been raised in a place of want. Of just enough and no more. She’d never known what it felt like to wildly fantasize about something you really wanted and then to actually receive it. But if this was it, it felt like being launched up into the night sky and floating, soaring, free-falling back to earth, all the while knowing you’d land somewhere soft.”

“I knew I loved you because I was willing to get hurt… And I knew because the minutes I spent with you made all the other minutes feel empty.”




My Review:

Katy Regnery is my Go-To author when I am in need a pick me up or something sweet. She has never failed to give me that highly desired HEA. Her writing is so smooth and has such a nice flow that it is essentially effortless to read. Not that her stories are all sunshine and rainbows for the characters, but the observations are always insightful and the endings are always satisfying.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the sass Jules had, “you know what, Chris? You can hate me all you want. But I’m sorry for what I did, and I’m trying to make it right. And frankly, if you can’t see that and accept it, you’re a jack***.” Leaning around Christopher, she waved at the cabdriver with a forced smile. “Now kiss me on the cheek so I can go the eff home.” Chris is seriously sexy, "He chuckled softly near her ear, his growing erection nudging her bottom. “Jules, you’re the worst liar ever.” She fake-snored, nestling back into him, which made him twitch, hardening against her. He groaned. “Unless you want me inside you in a hot minute, I advise you to keep that delectable a** still.” I loved this book, this by far is my favorite book out of the series.

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katy Regnery has become an author that I look forward to reading. While I haven’t read all of her books, the ones I have read I’ve thoroughly enjoyed any yet I wasn’t prepared in anyway for what this book put me through. Talk about the FEELS. The good, the bad and the ugly, and lemme tell you there was definitely some ugly going on. But even when the urge to toss the Kindle into the freezer to cool down, I couldn’t. I was so entrenched in the story that I had to know how it would all turn out and Ms. Regnery did not disappoint.

Now, let me say that I did read the blurb. Twice. But that did not stop me from having violent tendencies towards Julianne in the beginning. I actually growled at my Kindle and said “Don’t do it. Don’t do it.” Did I understand why she would do it? Yes, but that still didn’t excuse her going through with it. And after the deed was done I just couldn’t see how she could be redeemed in my eyes, but I told myself to trust in the author and by the end of the book I ended up adoring Julianne. As she worked to right the wrong she showed integrity and an honest to god sense of remorse for the damage she helped to cause. She was compassionate and her determination was highly commendable, especially faced with the ferocity of Christopher’s initial anger and mistrust. And then there is the pride in her culture and her family that definitely struck a chord with me. She didn’t have an easy life, but persevered and made her life her own.

It was hard to not be #TeamChristopher throughout the majority of the book, though there were moments when even I thought he needed to dial it back, which he thankfully he does. But what we see in him is a man who has grown up with the proverbial silver spoon but doesn’t have a that whole self entitlement thing going on, nor does he abuse it. Yes, he has played and acknowledges that he’s been able to do things because of it, but he isn’t one of those asshats that uses it as a weapon to get what he wants. Christopher really is that guy with a good heart and soul who truly wants to help those whose voices tend to get lost in the crowd.

Their courtship definitely had an unorthodox beginning, though the spark of mutual attraction that was there before everything went to hell in a handbasket gave that glimmer of hope that things could actually work out for them and Ms. Regnery made it happen in the best of ways. Out of the mess that was created by a misguided act we get to see watch as Christopher and Julianne navigate their way around trust issues and come to find that not only do they have a burning hot sexual chemistry, but mutual respect for the other and share similar goals in life.

I could comment on the writing, but I think it’s a foregone conclusion that it was excellent! But what I must commend Ms. Regnery on the way she presented the American Indian culture. From the little blurb before the book explaining why she chose the terms she did to incorporating the Lakota language throughout the story through Julianne and her mother I thought were very well done and showed a lot of respect and care. Also, we get to catch up with the Winslow siblings and their significant others and I loved how they all rallied behind Chris and even Julianne.

The Bottom Line: This was a beautiful, sweet, emotional roller coaster of a ride and I loved every moment of it!

~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~

[Jenny - Book Sojourner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I am a fan of Katy Regnery. The way she strings a romance together, and the family and friend relationships she creates, just hits the spot with me. Now I have my favorite books of hers, and have worried that she would run out of material to create that "magic" I always look forward to. But I needn't worry, because as it turns out, 'Campaigning for Christopher' has actually joined ranks amongst my favorite Regnery novels.

One thing that made this story particularly special was our heroine, Julianne Crow. Julianne is not only a plus-size model, but an American Indian as well, Lakota specifically. I love diversity, but it helps when that diversity is well written. And Julianne was very well written. You couldn't put her in a box. She wasn't just Indian. She wasn't just plus-sized. She wasn't just a model. And she wasn't the just the perpetrator of sabotage she inflicted at the beginning of the book. She was so much more. And I loved getting to know her. She was an incredibly strong character, who despite my initial reservations about due to her misguided treatment of Christopher, truly won me over. I don't know what I liked more, her humility in the beginning of the novel, or her personal integrity at the end. She has to be one of my favorite heroines Regnery has created.

I also loved Christopher. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Chris could not have had a more different upbringing than Julianne. But for all the wealth and privilege he had, Christopher was surprisingly well grounded. He was almost too perfect, which made the situation with Julianne quite awkward, but in the long run, actually quite good for his character. He needed to be shaken up a bit, and though that may not have been her intention, it sure worked out. If I loved Julianne's humility in the beginning, I also loved Christopher's stubbornness. I liked that he needed to learn how to trust, how to forgive, and how to give his heart. Chris's journey was just as important as Julianne's.

And then there's the romance. This was a lovely slow-burn, and I soaked up every minute of it. I loved that they had an intense chemistry to start with, but such unique and fascinating circumstances made the build-up of their relationship truly engaging. The trials and situations they dealt with made getting to their hearts and their feelings that much better. The struggle was realistic and meant something. But the payoff was totally worth it. I was truly enchanted by Christopher and Julianne. They were the perfect end to the Winslow Brothers quartet (though I hope they will make appearances in any spin-off series).

[books are love · Rating 5 out of 5]

have to say it took a lot for me to warm up to Julianne. I understand she thought she was doing the right thing, but still she only looked at one side of the coin. she let her chip and prejudices and self-riotous indignation overrule being well informed and seeing things for herself first. so no I don’t blame christopher for his anger. I do blame him for his treatment of her at first. He is angry and has a right to be but still you can be a little less mean.

what made this fun was watching Christopher figure out if he loved Julianne. It was fun watching him go from anger to like to respect to love. He was confused and honest. He was real in who he was and portrayed that way. we see him raw and unpolished.

We see Julianne as a honest girl who has a chip on her shoulder but one that when she makes a mistake does everything she can to fix it. She takes all the anger and meanness and comes back. You learn to respect her for this. She stands up for what she believes in and doesn’t back down. Even though she did a horrible thing she tries to make it right.

Watching these two fall for each other is a fun journey. It’s fun because of the raw real emotions and thoughts we see. We see the confusion Christopher goes through. We see his fight with himself over his feelings. We see him slowly open up and start to see more with Julianne. We also see Julianne have some self respect and be honest with Christopher no matter what the consequences.

When they succumb it is amazing but what is even more amazing is Christopher’s support of Julianne and how he defends her when it is warranted but also allows her to stand up for herself and just be the support she needs to do it. the story of christopher and Julianne is fun and one that you will enjoy for they have you laugh and watching Christopher work through everything is a treat.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of this authors stories and have read almost all of this series, I won this book from the authors Facebook page.

This story features Christopher, he is the do gooder brother. He gives up working with his brothers to become a congressman and in this book he is running in the election. The book starts at Jess's wedding to Alex (Can you say finally). Jess is Chris' sister and Alex is Alex English from the English brother series.

Now to go further into the plot will spoil a few things so I hesitate. This story is about lust at first sight which turns into a hatred like this series has never seen. The author does an amazing job redeeming the heroine, Julianne (Jules) and Chris is an amazing character in that his character in the story is so emotional but in a good way. I really loved how in touch with his thoughts and feelings he was.

Some things to consider about this story that made it amazing. Jules is very young. She is 22 in this story and she is a college drop out when she gets offered a modeling contract in Philly. She lives her whole life on an Indian Reservation and the author does not give her the best life. She has seen things and experienced poverty to a level that Chris has never run into before and I loved how that enriched the story and really changed who Chris was. While Chris grew up Rich he starts to see that him and Jules share something very deep and that even with different upbringings they still can share a deep need to help others. I totally loved this aspect of the story and learning more about the Indian culture.

I really loved this story and while I have enjoyed the other stories in this series, this story had a lot more depth than I have seen in this series and I am very impressed.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think that Katy couldn't possibly write a better Blueberry Lane book or create more interesting characters than the previous books she does! I don't know why I should be surprised. We are talking about Katy Regnery after all!! I loved this book from beginning to end. Christopher and Julianne's journey brought out so many emotions that my head and heart were spinning. They both had such strength of character (and yes I know that Julianne made a HUGE mistake) and were willing to stand up for what they believed in. Reading about them working on the campaign together makes you see what an amazing couple they are. Even when it was just for show they worked together, they stood up for what they believed in, and they learned about each other. I found myself getting angry at both of them at times, and cheering them on always. This is a story about forgiveness, righting a wrong, and finding love through it all. This love story will make you believe that anything is possible if you stand up for what you believe in. The references to the American Indian culture were very well written and very interesting. Julianne's character and background and the differences between hers and Christopher's added so much depth to the story. It showed that love doesn't discriminate against culture, bank account balances, or even huge hurtful actions. Love forgives and accepts. This is my favorite Blueberry Lane book. Christopher and Julianne win by a landslide!

[Kristin Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another AMAZING book! I just can not imagine how Katy is able to give us a fabulous book that is so completely unique, whose story is intertwined with other stories I love. It is just blows my mind. Seriously she is such a gifted writer and her books prove that over and over.

In this book we get to meet Christopher - Hot, young, rich, kind, politician. All these wonderful fictional men..oh my.. :) I love Chris. We also meet Julianne Crow I love her....She throws a wrench into this story that makes Christopher and Julianne's story so different. It is rare to meet a female lead who is the one in hot water, the one who is looking for redemption, the one who is seeking to make it right. I love how Katy with just her writing and the feelings allows us to forgive her and to completely fall in love with Jules. She is an amazing and complex character and I really enjoyed reading her journey.

Chris and Jules's story is so unique and is really such a breathe of fresh air to read. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book, and was really sad to see it end.. But I know we will see them again. This is another #MustRead another #BookBoyfriend and another brother to fall in love with. Y'all this is hands down a must read! So Good!

[Ishabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Rock Star Lit PR in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, let me start by saying that I really liked the story of this book. I mean, there's nothing better than when two people start off at the wrong foot and end up falling in love with each other, right? I've loved the Winslow brothers ever since Brooks agreed to that bachelor's auction. Now, we're down to Christopher, the politician, the one who needed a squeaky clean image, so voters can trust him, despit growing up priviledged, despite being a single man who also happens to be a hot commidity. Enter the heroine who drugs him, takes scandalous pictures of him and ruins years of hardwork.

But of course, everybody deserves to be redeemed, right? And the way they redeemed themselves in each other's eyes was truly sweet and enjoyable to read. I can't say that this is my favorite out of the four because I also really liked the stories of the other three Winslows. Honestly. Katy Regnery truly manages to capture her fans and readers by giving them a beautiful love story that has both sweet and steam in perfect combination. It's no wonder I always love reading her books. She's a talented author, and I'd definitely recommend any of her work.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a refreshingly different kind of romance. Christopher is running for congress and can't afford any scandal. Naive Julienne creates a big scandal for Christopher, and finds out quickly that it is a big mistake. Being an American Indian she was taught to always own up to ones mistakes, so she goes to Christopher and helps with damage control. What follows is a sweet enemies to lovers story. Christopher wants to hate Julienne, but the more he gets to know her, the more he wants to be with her.

This is an intelligent, well written, and well paced story. I enjoyed getting to know these characters. I also enjoyed that it is a slow burn kind of romance, these two are instantly attracted to one another, but don't instantly fall into bed! I especially love that the h is an American Indian, and the plight of the American Indian is explored in this story. It's a cause near and dear to my heart, my maternal grandmother was Cherokee.

This was something different and I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book I have ever read by Katy Regnery, but it certainly won't be my last.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, I didn't enjoy this book as much as other Blueberry Lane books that I have read in the past. I hated what Julianne did, really didn't understand why she would even contemplate it! It seemed so at odds with her wary nature to so blindingly trust someone she didn't know at all! Not to mention, the author never resolved that particular plot thread! Nothing ever came of trying to find out who Black Hat Man was, despite Christopher's big stink about it! I hated how Christopher and even Jessica kept constantly browbeating Julianne about her "mistake", even though she was trying to make amends! It just seemed so petty and spiteful! All that aside, the book was actually very entertaining and interesting, when I didn't focus on the romance side. I liked hearing about the different Indian issues that were presented in the story, and actually learned something from the Author's Note at the beginning of the book! Sadly, this was a bit of a miss for me, and, in my opinion, a poor way to end the Winslow chapter, but I'm hoping the Rousseaus chapter will be a bit better!

[Venessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pov: male & female

Main characters: Chris & Julianne

Minor characters: Brooks, Preston, Cam & Jessie (his brothers and sister),

My thoughts:

I enjoyed this story, but I felt time moved a little quickly. I enjoyed Julianne’s guilt and need to make things right, and Chris’s inner turmoil regarding his feelings. But it felt like it wrapped up rather quickly. He decided to be with her while the campaign was going on, but end things when the campaign ended. Even though he knew she had real feelings, and that she wasn’t a casual girl. It seemed like she protested for a page and he completely changed his mind. I’m glad he did but I would’ve enjoyed seeing more of his angst before letting things go. Or at least a bigger event to make him realize he needed to let his anger go.

But I still felt deeply for her. She was a morally strong character and I understood her. He was attracted to her but resisting because of what she did, which I understood. It was a nice wrap up to the Winslow siblings.

Synopsis:

Chris is the 2nd youngest sibling. His father died unexpectedly when he was 11. He and his brother Cameron grew up and took over their father’s business. Chris decided he wanted to run for Congress and left the business.

Julianne grew up on a reservation. She was raised by her single mother. They were poor, but her mom worked hard to provide for them. Her mom worked at a community college and Julianne enrolled. She ended up posing for pictures on the schools webpage and was discovered by a modeling agency.

She had no desire to model, but knew it would get her off the reservation. She left home and moved to Philadelphia. She never got a big break and took up waitressing jobs to make ends meet.

She covered someone’s shift at a fancy wedding on a winery (Jess’s wedding at Cameron’s winery). She was approached by a man who offered her $500 to drug Chris and take compromising photos of him. The man told her Chris was entitled and racist. He played her recordings of Chris saying terrible things about women and minorities. She decided to drug him because he was a bad guy. She did not take the money.

She spiked Chris’s drink and served him. Chris saw her and was instantly attracted. He took the drink and chased after her.

He tried flirting with her and the drug kicked in. She led him to Cameron’s cottage and he ended up passing out.

The next day he woke up alone and couldn’t remember anything. He went to his campaign headquarters and found out photos were released. He knew his chances of winning were gone and was devastated.

He remembered a beautiful waitress but nothing beyond that.

She feels guilty about what she did and looks him up. She realizes the video she saw was manipulated. That Chris is really a great guy and is an advocate for minorities and women.

She feels terrible and decides she needs to try and fix things.

Chris finds out he was drugged and plans a press conference. Julianne shows up and tells him and his team what happened. He’s furious and hates her for what she did. She apologizes.

His team tells him it’s the best chance to save his campaign. They agree to pretend she’s his girlfriend for the rest of the campaign, 6 weeks.

They have the press conference and she tells the reporters they had been dating in secret for weeks. That the photos were private and her phone was stolen. That she’s embarrassed by the whole thing. That he just wanted to protect her.

The press eats it up and loves her. The press demands a kiss and Chris is hesitant. He gives in and they are both overcome.

They go back into his office and he gets angry at her, even though he realizes he’s attracted to her. He’s angry with himself for being attracted to her when she tried to ruin him. She thinks he hates her and is disgusted by her.

The press runs with the story and they get calls for interviews and offers for presentations. She gets a call from her agent, a big makeup company wants to meet with her about potentially creating a line around her and someone wants to do a jewelry shoot with her in New York.

Elise, Preston’s wife (book 2), comforts her. Elise tells her she understands making amends and wanting a second chance.

His team starts interviewing her and he finds out she comes from a poor family. That she took pride in the fact she had dentist appointments regularly, while he was born rich. The more he learns about her the more impressed he wants to be, but he reminds himself what she did to him.

They have dinner with Preston and Elise the next night. Preston and Elise warn him to be nicer to Julianne. Preston tells him he doesn’t hate her but wants to. He knows they’re right.

At dinner he’s incredibly attracted to her and it bothers him.

He has a speech at a local elementary school the next day so he comes to pick her up. He sees how poor she really is and admires her more for how hard she’s trying. He knows he needs to be nicer to her, that she’s doing him a big favor when she doesn’t need to. He asks for a truce and she agrees.

At the school they go to meet the kids and they all love her. The music teacher taught them a Native American prayer song to sing for Julianne and she’s moved. Chris is moved by her.

He notices the music teacher is a little flirty with her and gets jealous. She tells him he’s being crazy. That most people don’t dislike her like he does. He gets angry and tells her she hasn’t given most people a reason yet.

She reminds him he asked for a truce. He knows she’s right but is confused by his feelings. He knows he’s starting to like her but doesn’t want to. He apologizes and she accepts.

They don’t see each other for the next 4 days.

She knows she’s falling in love with him, but he will never love her back. She knows she’s going to have a broken heart but decides it’s worth it to help him win because he’s a good man.

She has her meeting in New York and is offered another shoot.

He misses her while she’s gone. He wonders if the shoot was for lingerie and is jealous of the photographer. He wants to text her, but knows he shouldn’t because they aren’t in a real relationship.

He imagines where they would be if she hadn’t drugged him, because he was already attracted to her. He imagines they would have started dating. That he would be falling for her. It makes him angry that the possibility of a future with her is gone because of what she did.

She meets him at a museum where he’s presenting a new exhibit. He’s relieved and excited to see her again. He asks about her trip and she tells him she booked another shoot. He’s disappointed she’ll have to go out of town again.

He asks if the shoot was for lingerie and she tells him no. That she wouldn’t accept any jobs that could hurt his campaign. He realizes he never thought the lingerie shoot could hurt him, he was just jealous.

At the exhibit the curator asks her to speak to the crowd, since it’s about native Americans. She’s terrified but agrees to do it. She realizes his family donated the money for the exhibit, and he was the main organizer. She feels even worse for what she did because he’s not racist at all.

She gives a quick speech and is terrified. He realizes she’s afraid of public speaking. He asks about their press conference and she admits it was her first public speech and she was terrified then too.

He’s in awe of her bravery and asks why she did it. She tells him she had to try and make things right. He tells her he wishes he could trust her but he doesn’t. She understands because she doesn’t deserve it. But she’s trying to earn it. That she’s going to do everything she can to help him win even if he hates her. He tells her he doesn’t hate her.

She’s relieved and he realizes how much he matters to her. He knows he could never trust her. He reminds her that they aren’t real. That nothing will ever happen between them.

She’s embarrassed and gets angry. She tells him she doesn’t feel anything romantic towards him.

A few days later they meet at a tv studio for an interview. He tells her she looks hot and she’s confused. He apologizes for embarrassing her. That he didn’t mean to imply she had feelings for him. That he wishes they met differently.

He asks if she sabotaged him just for the money. She tells him she didn’t take the money. That a man approached her and recognized she was gullible and took advantage of her. That he showed her a doctored video making Chris look like a bad man. That she thought she was doing something noble.

They get the 10 minute to air warning and he’s worked up. She tries calming him down and calls him sweetheart in Lakota.

He knows it’s a term of endearment and asks what it is. She tells him and he kisses her. They get carried away and she stops them.

She tells him he can’t kiss her like that when he just accused her of falling for him. That he’s confusing her because he doesn’t want her.

He tells her he’s never wanted anyone as much as he wants her. That he dreams about her. That he can’t stop thinking about her.

They’re interrupted and taken on set for the interview.
After the interview he asks to talk. She doesn’t want to and tells him she’s leaving for New York.

He asks her to his place for dinner when she gets back. Saying they need to clear the air before they go away to Washington together. She’s a little hurt because she thought maybe he’d want to talk about their feelings for each other.

By the night of their dinner he realizes she’s a good person. That she thought she was doing the right thing.

On her own in New York she thinks about them. She realizes he wants her, but doesn’t want to be with her. That if they slept together it wouldn’t mean the same to him that it would mean to her.

She’s officially offered a makeup sponsorship. She asks for time to think it over.

She cancels last minute on dinner and he’s disappointed.

He cancels their flights to Washington and arranges to drive her himself. He wants to talk with her out of the public eye.

He shows up the next morning to drive them to Washington. She’s confused. He tells her he wants to know more about the man who hired her, and more about her because he can’t stop thinking of her. She tells him she won’t let him play with her.

He asks about her childhood and her father. He asks about the man who hired her. Why she didn’t take the money.

She explains it wouldn’t have been right to take it. He tells her he’s seen her apartment and knows she could have used it.

She tells him how growing up she saw her people beaten and murdered and no one cared. That she thought she was doing the right thing, that she thought he was a bad man.

He realizes her childhood was probably terrifying and she’s a good person. That they have the same morals and values.

He asks to talk to her about his campaign. That he wants her opinion because she’s strong and remarkable.

They get to Washington and she loves it. She spends her free time educating herself on the issues Chris focuses on and knows he belongs there. She tells him she loves Washington.

On their last night he asks her to dinner. He promises not to touch her unless she asks him to.

The tension between them is high and he tells her to tell him when to touch her. She tells him she wants him to and they kiss.

He tells her he wants to taste her and she’s unsure. He asks if she’s a virgin and she admits to having sex once. He pulls away and she’s confused.

He apologizes for pushing her. She asks if it was going to be a one time thing. He tells her he doesn’t want just one night with her. She’s happy, until he suggests they use the time they have left to see each other exclusively. Then they can go their separate ways.

She tells him no. That she likes him and might be falling in love with him.

He realizes he’s falling for her too but is confused.

She asks if he has feelings for her and he feels cautious. He tells her he’s attracted to her but can’t get past the way they met.

She knows he still doesn’t trust her. She tells him she wishes she could be with him just for fun, but she’s not that type of girl. That hurting him was the worst mistake of her life. That she won’t let her feelings for him get in the way of being his girlfriend.

She changes her flight home to avoid him and the team. She decides to focus more on helping him in the campaign by learning more about the issues.

They don’t see each other for a few days.

He comes to pick her up for a visit to a cultural center.
They admit to thinking about each other all weekend. He asks her to reconsider, she says no.

At the cultural center she’s asked to speak and she’s prepared. He’s proud of her and asks her to reconsider. She says no.

He tells her she belongs in Washington. She likes the idea but knows she can’t afford to move there.

He imagines them in Washington together and realizes they wouldn’t have to say goodbye. He calls an acquaintance who works at the bureau of Indian affairs in Washington and asks if they could use her. That she’d be incredible. They offer to look at her application. He realizes he knows her heart and that he’s forgiven her.

He asks her to a Halloween party as his real girlfriend. She’s thrilled.

They go to the party at his family home and have a great time. As they’re leaving his sister confronts Julianne.

Jess is rude and Chris warns her to be nice to his girlfriend. Elise tells Jess to give Julianne a chance, that sometimes people hurt each other when they’re in love. Jess tells them Chris isn’t in love with Julianne. Julianne tells Jess she’s in love with Chris.

She’s embarrassed and Chris asks her to go home with him.

He asks if she’s sure and she says yes. He tells her he’s not sure he’s in love with her. She understands.

He asks how she knows she loves him. She explains she fell for him when she realized what he stood for. That she knew when she was willing to get hurt just to help him.

She apologizes for how everything started. He tells her he wanted her the first time he saw her.

He takes her home and they have sex.

In the morning she asks what happens next. They’re interrupted by his phone.

His team calls to tell him a story broke about her. He sees the story on the news saying she signed a deal with a makeup company and is moving to New York.

He’s angry and tells her he should have knows she had her own agenda.

She yells at him that she’s done nothing but help him since she came back. That she did everything she could to pay for her mistake, but she can’t pay for it forever. That he needs to let her go.

He realizes she’s right. That he does trust her. He apologizes for everything.

She explains she never signed the contract. He tells her it’s a good offer, even though he doesn’t want to lose her.

She asks him to make her a better offer. That she doesn’t want to be away from him. That she would be thankful if he asked her to go to Washington with him.

He tells her he loves her and asks her to go to Washington with him even if he doesn’t win. That it’s where they belong. He tells her he called in a favor and she’s thankful.

A week later everyone is together watching the results of the election. Jess apologizes to Julianne. He wins the election.

[Kim R · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One of them was a hurricane and the other was the earth, and both were powerless to fight or stop the imminent collision of forces.”

There is a fine line between love and hate, lust and revenge, and truer words were never spoken than in CAMPAIGNING FOR CHRISTOPHER, the fourth book in Katy Regnery’s swoony Winslow Brothers series. I have loved each and every Blueberry Lane book that I have had the pleasure of reading (many more on my TBR list to go!). Each one has a special luminescent quality that makes it shine. But this one outdazzled all others for me. There was so much incandescent beauty and angst and volatile emotion pulsating on each and every page it completely consumed me. It is the type of romance where the world falls away and you are just literally transported into the lives of the characters.

Sigh… what an utterly delectable Winslow Brothers story! There were just so many special moments in this emotionally wrenching tale that left me enraptured. Too many to mention. But here are some of the highlights: The spirited interaction with the entire extended Winslow clan. The poetic, mystical, gorgeous prose. The depth and scope of this brilliantly crafted plotline. The blistering chemistry between Jules and Christopher. And to top it off, the Philadelphia and Washington D.C. political backdrop coupled with infusion of the Native American Lakota culture provided a wonderful depth and scope to the classic tale of love, betrayal and forbidden passion.

The plotline is indeed fascinating and Regnery takes readers on a wild rollercoaster ride of emotion! After a gullible act of misplaced anger and prejudice brings Julianne Crow to “seduce” and publically shame congressional candidate Christopher Winslow, the struggling Lakota model quickly realizes he wasn’t the only one who was terribly duped. Now the deeply contrite Julianne vows to move heaven and earth to do damage control, to try to salvage the political career she heartlessly sabotaged in one fell swoop. Even if she has to incur Christopher’s wrath to do it. So she hatches a scheme which entails playing the part of his doting girlfriend for the remainder of his campaign. However, nothing could prepare her for the full force of his righteous fury, the volcanic sparks that sizzled between them. Or the secret forbidden longing she felt every time he’d “tenderly” glance her way, lace his large, strong fingers through hers, give her a soft buss on the cheek. She knew it was all for show but deep down inside, she dreamed of the impossible. His forgiveness.

Throughout the course of this story, Julianne proves over and over again that she is a true force of nature. She has spirit and drive, integrity and strength of character. In other words, she's one tough cookie. But she is also soft and tender and vulnerable. Endearingly human and deeply flawed. She speaks with a stutter when she gets nervous, has body image issues, and is terrified of public speaking. But frailties notwithstanding, she was raised to never back away from a challenge, and desperately wants to make amends for the worst mistake of her life, hopefully with her fierce Lakota pride intact. Despite her undeniable attraction to Christopher’s nobility, boyishly handsome looks and Winslow charm, she vows to not succumb to her feelings, knowing he could never possibly love her back after her unforgivable betrayal. But of course the heart wants what the heart wants. And, unbeknownst to her, despite his rage and bitter hostility, Christopher hungers for her with every fiber of his being. The youngest of the Winslow brothers, he was always the one who fell fast and hard, and from the moment “Hurricane Jules” blew into his life, nothing was ever the same.

“She was kerosene, and he was a match, and yes, he’d fallen victim to their chemistry while they were kissing, but he desperately hated himself for it now. What kind of man took pleasure in kissing such a despicable creature? Not him. No, sir. Not Christopher Winslow.”

He tries to fight against his traitorous desires, but once he gets to know the real Julianne, gets a true glimpse into her heart, her indomitable spirit, he discovers that despite the terrible injustice she’d committed against him, deep down she is a remarkable woman and he is irresistibly drawn to her innate goodness and intoxicating beauty.

“Your eyes are like the night sky. The universe. The heavens and a million stars.”

And even though they come from two different worlds, he comes to realize that they are also cut from the same cloth. With their shared commitment to the greater good, they could be the next Washington D.C. power couple. But therein lies the problem. How can he trust in her—in himself—ever again? How can he possibly yearn to cradle her exquisite face oh so gently in his hands and ravish her beautiful, succulent lips? Wipe away her forlorn tears? Ache to make her his with a fierce, unrelenting desire that consumes his every waking thought? But he does. And before long, the anger glimmering in his bottle green eyes evolves into something more. Affection? Grudging respect? The possibility of forgiveness… and tenderhearted romance? Can a temporary alliance that was forged to right a terrible wrong end up blossoming into a union that’s fated to last forever?

I loved this book. Hard! But full disclosure…when I first heard Ms. Regnery was writing this story, I couldn’t help thinking, ”Wow! This is a huge departure for her…not your typical starry eyed romance where we sigh in delight as two soulmates fall gently in love. How will she possibly get fans to root for a heroine who does something so reprehensible to a beloved Winslow brother? Won’t she be backed into a corner without any possibility of redemption?” But, of course, in typical Regnery fashion, she pulls it off. Magnificently.

And that’s what I find so alluring about this versatile author. She never really goes the conventional route, always manages to draw from deep well of complex emotion and fill the reader with wonderment, a fluttery storm of emotions, and in the end, pure unadulterated joy. I always marvel at how her characters are never all black or white, but rather splendidly muted shades of gray. And such is definitely the case in this book. Julianne aka Jules is fascinating heroine. I am admittedly normally much harder in on the heroines than the heroes (duh…who isn’t?!). So I went into the book with preconceived notions, fully expecting to be #TeamChristopher all the way and assumed that Julianne would have to work really, really hard to win me over. But guess what? I was only half right. Of course I fell instantly in love with Christopher. That was a given. He is a handsome and debonair do-gooder, darkly brooding, and has a kind, generous heart. But I was really caught off guard by how much I came to cherish Jules. I adored her as much as any Regnery heroine that came before (perhaps even a tad bit more because she was so endearingly flawed but OWNED up to her mistakes with a quiet stoicism that I truly admired.)

Considering the complexity of this tale, I think that Regnery more than met the challenge of showing both sides of this complicated scenario. Christopher is so conflicted and there is NOTHING I love better than a tortured Alpha hero. He wants her but hates that he wants her! After all, Jules made a heinous mistake that destroyed him. And even though she’s desperately trying to make amends…earn his trust…it’s just not good enough. As Christopher so cruelly blurted out in the heat of the moment during one of my favorite scenes in the book, he might be able to “forgive the sinner but he would never forgive the sin.” Or could he? As for Jules, although there was a lot of acrimony between the couple for a large portion of the book, she is a woman of grit and substance and definitely holds her own against Christopher's thunderous anger. And as the plot unfolds, it is beautiful to behold the slow-burning progression from hate to admiration, hope, understanding, atonement, and finally, the possibility of everlasting love.

So, in closing, you may be wonder…does Julianne's grand plan to do damage control work? Does Christopher win his bid for Congress? Do they get the picture perfect HEA that will make you melt? Nope...not gonna spoil it. But I will reveal this: CAMPAIGNING FOR CHRISTOPHER claimed this spellbound reader’s heart by a landslide!

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

3.75 stars -- OMG you guys, I was having such a hard time coming to terms with how I felt about this book, and honestly my skepticism started with the Note From the Author at the very beginning. She talks about doing research and choosing to go with American Indian or Indian to refer to Julianne based on what she learned, and my whole being just rejected that. I wondered if she actually talked to anyone, or if she'd had someone of that race read the book and gut check it. And even though it's really not super important to the overall story, it caused me to do my own research after I finished the book. And I discovered one VERY important thing (besides discovering that it's an extremely complicated issue, and that Ms. Regnery did not make a bad choice as I'd thought): the term Indian is considered much more offensive in Canada (where I live) than in the US. AHHHH!!! I feel so much better! So my whole being rejected it b/c it's different up here!! I wish I'd looked into it right away from the beginning, b/c I'm not sure how much that coloured my reading, you know? But anyways, you gotta love when a book causes you to learn something new for yourself. Yay for knowledge!

ANYWAYS. As seems to be the case with so many of my reviews for this series, I start off with a related, but not necessarily helpful piece of babbling. The thing is, I really love reading diverse books, but I'm often wary of them as well, particularly when the author does not share that diversity...can I trust that they got it right? As a white woman, will I even know? But at the same time, I WANT to see this diversity. I want to see characters that reflect the varied world that we live in, so I applaud Ms. Regnery for giving us Julianne, of the Lakota tribe of South Dakota. And for not just having it be a throw away element of her character, but something that really defined her and the story that she tells. I felt for her and all that she went through growing up, and I thought that while she had her struggles, she was also a very strong and admirable character. Which is funny considering how the story begins. She's not so admirable at the start.

I can honestly say that I was SOOOOO leery of this aspect of the story (that's hinted at in the blurb). Maybe it's because drugging a person is so anathema to everything in me, that I could not imagine what would transpire to make it OK for Jules to resort to that. And the great thing is that while we saw her motivations, it *wasn't* a good enough reason. Why is that great? Because she doesn't excuse it for herself. She made a HORRIBLE mistake and decision. And she never backs down from that or plays it off. From the moment she gives herself time to think, and then investigate, she does what she can to make it right. Because you know what? People do make very bad decisions from time to time, based on a multitude of reasons, but still bad decisions in the end. And every time she lifted her head and sucked it up and quietly apologized and forged ahead, but also didn't take too much sh*t as time went on, I just wanted to applaud. Because I can love a flawed character that understands their flaws and works on them. I admire that. She was honestly my favourite character of this story, I LOVED her growth and change, I loved that she was forthright about her feelings, I loved that she didn't play games. And I loved that she respected herself and made hard decisions that were right for her.

Christopher wasn't bad either, but I'm not entirely sure I had the same level of connection to him. He had so much rage after being taken advantage of, and honestly, RIGHTFULLY SO. But it was hard to fall in love with him. Because *we* as the readers could see inside Jules's heart, but he couldn't. So when he would snipe at her and same horrible things, it was just hurtful and hard to remember the context of where he was coming from. I wanted him to be better. And don't get me wrong, he did get better. But it was hard to reconcile his own development with the development we were seeing in Jules. And I'm not sure what you could have done to make that work better, b/c it made sense. But maybe I'm just not cut out for the enemy to lovers trope. I don't deal well with conflict. Especially when it's not born of sexual tension, but where the tension is there in spite of the conflict. It was hard to get into. And I kind of wanted to know more about Christopher's campaign...or maybe not that so much as to see HIS passion. We saw Jules's passion, and we saw how much she admired his passion based on his platform. But I wanted to see him get all riled up and passionate about things he believed in. I think that would have endeared him earlier.

OK, so we have a heroine that I adore, and a hero that I liked, but took me longer to love. Which would probably have had this book at a solid 4 stars for me (what? it's my review, I'll rate how I want). But there were some niggles, hence the loss of a quarter star. Who was the black hat man? Why was that never resolved? And why bother making Jules plus-sized if it's never going to come into play? I mean, it's nice to have a plus sized girl, but it's honestly mentioned like twice the whole time, so why put it there if you're not going to give it some play. Heck, we never even know if Chris likes plus sized girls. It's not bad, just a bummer. And where was Alex? I LOVED seeing Elise and Preston, and even a bit of Margaret and Skye. But why was Alex never with his wife?

So that's it, that's all folks. Imma gonna go pre-order me a set of Winslow Brothers paperbacks for the signing in May. As much as I dissect these books and how I feel, I really do enjoy them. They entertain, they give me a solid romance, and sometimes they even make me think and learn. Sweet.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julianne and Christopher story was absolutely breathtaking. I just adored these two, I enjoyed everything about this story. 🤍

[Lena Dublin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Winslow for Congress!!! This is the 10th book in Katy Regnery’s Blueberry Lane series. Although it is part of the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But be warned once you read one book of this series, you will want to read the rest. It’s that good.

Christopher Winslow was a man that wanted to make a difference in the world so he left his family business to campaign to run for congress. He was a man that lived his life for his political career always on the straight and narrow. He had nothing that could get in his way, no skeletons in his closet, no dirty laundry. He was an opponent’s worse nightmare. His opponents were always trying to find ways to tarnish his public image. His sister’s wedding was the perfect opportunity. Target a down-on-her-luck waitress feed her a line of how evil he is and let her do the dirty work. Julianne was that woman. She is a woman far from home pursuing a modeling career and waitressing for a catering company to make ends meet. With just a couple of modeling jobs under her belt and no prospects in her future, she was trying to decide if she should just return home. So when she was approached by the man in the black hat to take down the “evil man running for congress” she saw that as her opportunity to do something worthwhile enabling her to go home with her head held high. It’s in this final act that she learns a lot about herself and who she is and Christopher understands his capacity to love, forgive, and trust.

To forgive or not to forgive. This decision is what made this book so good. Chris really had to look at himself and see what he was willing to forgive and add to that the fact he was falling in love with her. Watching him go through the gamut of emotions to get to where he needed to be and where all the readers knew he should be is what made this book for me. That and watching Jules never give up on him and herself. To stick to her guns and be true to herself no matter how uncomfortable it may have made her feel. It's nice to have a heroine with so much integrity and truth to everything she does even if it was a little misguided at first. You still saw she was doing it because she felt it was right.
A beautiful story about finding out who you truly are and finding how to love and forgive along the way.


Merged review:

Christopher Winslow for Congress!!! This is the 10th book in Katy Regnery’s Blueberry Lane series. Although it is part of the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But be warned once you read one book of this series, you will want to read the rest. It’s that good.

Christopher Winslow was a man that wanted to make a difference in the world so he left his family business to campaign to run for congress. He was a man that lived his life for his political career always on the straight and narrow. He had nothing that could get in his way, no skeletons in his closet, no dirty laundry. He was an opponent’s worse nightmare. His opponents were always trying to find ways to tarnish his public image. His sister’s wedding was the perfect opportunity. Target a down-on-her-luck waitress feed her a line of how evil he is and let her do the dirty work. Julianne was that woman. She is a woman far from home pursuing a modeling career and waitressing for a catering company to make ends meet. With just a couple of modeling jobs under her belt and no prospects in her future, she was trying to decide if she should just return home. So when she was approached by the man in the black hat to take down the “evil man running for congress” she saw that as her opportunity to do something worthwhile enabling her to go home with her head held high. It’s in this final act that she learns a lot about herself and who she is and Christopher understands his capacity to love, forgive, and trust.

To forgive or not to forgive. This decision is what made this book so good. Chris really had to look at himself and see what he was willing to forgive and add to that the fact he was falling in love with her. Watching him go through the gamut of emotions to get to where he needed to be and where all the readers knew he should be is what made this book for me. That and watching Jules never give up on him and herself. To stick to her guns and be true to herself no matter how uncomfortable it may have made her feel. It's nice to have a heroine with so much integrity and truth to everything she does even if it was a little misguided at first. You still saw she was doing it because she felt it was right.
A beautiful story about finding out who you truly are and finding how to love and forgive along the way.

[Tami Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

5++ STARS

Campaigning for Christopher is the 4th and final book in Katy Regnery's Winslow Brothers series and is an absolutely dazzling and spectacular addition. The magnetic connection between these two characters is completely alluring which drew me into their world so much so that I finished this book in practically one sitting. I just didn’t want to put it down.

Julianne Crow grew up on a reservation in South Dakota always living in a world of doubt and uncertainty, but ultimately decides to relocate to Philadelphia with hopes of making a difference. While waitressing at a wedding, she is preyed upon to do something hurtful to someone she doesn’t truly know. Although Julianne agrees, in the end she is left plagued by second thoughts and doubts when it is too late. Now determined to do the right thing to make amends for the grave mistake she made against Christopher, Jules offers to do anything she can to help repair the damage she has done. But she never anticipates the depth of feelings for Chris that overtake her mind, her heart, and her soul.

The youngest of four sons, Christopher Winslow grew up knowing nothing but luxury, with every want he could ever have met. Now grown and determined to make a difference in the political arena to ensure the rights and needs for all are met, Chris is diligently focused on winning a congressional campaign. But when he is drugged by a black-haired beauty with “eyes like the night sky,” everything he has worked so hard for begins to slip from his grasp. So when she suddenly appears at his office offering to do whatever is needed of her to undo the extreme damage she has done, Chris struggles to see beyond the hurt she has caused and the unforgivable harm which ultimately resulted. However, when he reluctantly agrees, their day to day lives suddenly collide and the overwhelming connection between them grows quickly. But will Chris ever be able to let go of a mistrust he feels and accept the love of the most beautiful woman he has even seen and the most captivating woman he has ever met?

One of the things that I most loved about this story was the courage and strength that Jules shows us. Although in the beginning Christopher continues to express animosity towards her, Julianne eventually begins to show her inner-strength as she starts to break out of her shell. Realizing that despite the error in judgment and mistakes she made, and the fact he has every right to be angry for what she had done, she is not going to simply be a receptacle for his anger. When they both almost simultaneously come to the realization that they need to let go of the past a bit and work together amicably to get through the situation, they begin to see inside the hearts and the souls of each other.

As turned the final page of Campaigning for Christopher, my face was beaming with a smile from ear to ear. I absolutely loved this story and the soulful strength of each of these characters as they both struggled with their doubts and uncertainties and ultimately finding a love that would last a lifetime. I absolutely love that Katy creates such real to life characters, including flaws and errors in judgement, and specifically with Julianne being a plus-sized model. This attention to such great detail brings these characters to life for me leaving me with such a deep connection to them all making them feel as if they are my friends, and they are definitely a part of my life.

I am saddened to say goodbye to the Winslow brothers while at the same time anxiously awaiting the Rousseaus. Katy Regnery has an effortless knack for completely drawing me into the world of her characters making me fall in love with them all with each and every new story she tells. And as Katy continues to write stories which bring us such incredible romance and gripping characters, I will continue to read each and every one. I look forward to many, many more.

[Michel Reinhard (Saucy Southern Readers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compaigning For Christopher by Katy Regnery is the fourth book in The Winslow Brothers of the Blueberry Lane Series. The Blueberry Lanes series revolves around some of the prominent families in the Philadelphia area that are tied to one another through friendship and social status. Each family has dynamic siblings pursuing different endeavors in life but are still committed to their roots.

Campaigning For Christopher can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. Having read most of the books in the Blueberry Lane series and all of the previous Winslow Brothers books, I was looking forward to reading Christopher’s story. He’s the youngest brother in the Winslow family and is pursuing a career path that none of the Winslow’s or their friends would dream of taking on. Christopher is running for Congress. While I was looking forward to Christopher’s story, I was also dreading the story because of the subject matter, Politics. The past few months have marred my interest in anything political. The mudslinging, verbal accusations, and slandering in the political arena has left a sour opinion of politicians in general. The issues, the platforms, and goals have been buried deep beneath the dirt pile created by the candidates. I was very fearful that some of this ugliness would leak into this book. I was also fearful that Christopher’s political agenda and platform would outweigh the romance. I didn’t want to be influenced by political opinions or social issues. I wanted a good romance that I could escape the everyday happenings in my life as well as the world. Katy Regnery delivered a heartwarming escape that left me feeling good when I finished the book.

Campaigning For Christopher does not follow the typical cookie cutter formula that we see in most romances. It also does not follow the usual formula that most political themed romances. This books starts with an explosive scene that would usually be the climatic part of a plot. It starts with the worst thing happening in Christopher’s quest for being elected to Congress. His hopes for being elected are ruined because of some graphic pictures of a sexual nature. Of course he was set up and he has no clue how to fix it. When the woman that has destroyed his campaign comes forward and admits that she set him up, he is beyond raging. Her solution to fixing the negative exposure is certifiable. But it’s the only solution that could save his campaign. He really has no choice but to go along with the idea. He and his team will be in control of this plan every step of the way.

Like I said this is not the typical romance following the formula. There is an intense hate between the characters. It takes a lot of hard work, soul searching, and more hard work for these two to come together. It is about earning trust and seeing things from another person’s perspective. It’s about learning how to respect a person. There is no insta love or uncontrollable attraction. Christopher and Jules have to work hard for their love.

Another interesting aspect of this book was that the political views were generalized so that readers weren’t forced to experience Christopher’s political platforms. The generalized platforms were displayed enough to make the reader think about the issues and their views without being bogged down.

The thing I liked most about this book was that not only did they have to work on their relationship but they also discovered some things about themselves. It was a learning process and they both became better people. They both became stronger together.

Katy Regnery has once again gave her all to this series. I would highly recommend Campaigning For Christopher.

[Carra · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, it's no secret that I absolutely adore Katy Regnery's Blueberry Lane series, and as I read through the English Brothers and now through the Winslow Brothers, every book has seemed even better than the last. This time around, I'm a bit surprised because I'm actually sort of on the fence for Campaigning for Christopher. Not for the overall story, mostly for certain parts.

I am totally head over heels for Christopher Winslow (no surprise there). It's virtually impossible not to be-he's honest, loyal, fights for what he believes in and what's right, and let's not forget he's a Winslow brother so of course he's hot...sexy...gorgeous...pick your favorite adjective and just keep listing them here.

Jules, well...I liked everything about her character with one big exception--the decision she made at the beginning that led to the sabotaging of Christopher's campaign...I have a really hard time getting past that, especially since the action she took was based on well...pretty much squat. But besides that, I didn't feel the connection between her and Christopher like I did with all the other Blueberry Lane couples. I didn't really sense the intensity between them-maybe it's just me, maybe it's what she did to him when they first met...I'm not sure.

But even with my reservations, the story itself (once I get past the above issues) is still compelling and does cover some serious topics while still weaving a tale of romance and falling for someone you'd least expect. You'll also find the classic intimate scenes we've come to expect in a Blueberry Lane story (mostly toward the end, though there's sexual tension throughout the whole book).

With all that said, I'm giving Campaigning for Christopher 3.75 stars (rounding to 4). Not quite what I was hoping when I started the story, but still this is a very good read, and fans of the series will definitely want to add this to their collection. Recommended for 18+ due to adult language and sexual content.

Merged review:

So, it's no secret that I absolutely adore Katy Regnery's Blueberry Lane series, and as I read through the English Brothers and now through the Winslow Brothers, every book has seemed even better than the last. This time around, I'm a bit surprised because I'm actually sort of on the fence for Campaigning for Christopher. Not for the overall story, mostly for certain parts.

I am totally head over heels for Christopher Winslow (no surprise there). It's virtually impossible not to be-he's honest, loyal, fights for what he believes in and what's right, and let's not forget he's a Winslow brother so of course he's hot...sexy...gorgeous...pick your favorite adjective and just keep listing them here.

Jules, well...I liked everything about her character with one big exception--the decision she made at the beginning that led to the sabotaging of Christopher's campaign...I have a really hard time getting past that, especially since the action she took was based on well...pretty much squat. But besides that, I didn't feel the connection between her and Christopher like I did with all the other Blueberry Lane couples. I didn't really sense the intensity between them-maybe it's just me, maybe it's what she did to him when they first met...I'm not sure.

But even with my reservations, the story itself (once I get past the above issues) is still compelling and does cover some serious topics while still weaving a tale of romance and falling for someone you'd least expect. You'll also find the classic intimate scenes we've come to expect in a Blueberry Lane story (mostly toward the end, though there's sexual tension throughout the whole book).

With all that said, I'm giving Campaigning for Christopher 3.75 stars (rounding to 4). Not quite what I was hoping when I started the story, but still this is a very good read, and fans of the series will definitely want to add this to their collection. Recommended for 18+ due to adult language and sexual content.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for Campaigning for Christopher!
5 Words for Campaigning for Christopher – mistakes, redemption, forgiveness, destiny, love

Campaigning for Christopher is another amazing story from author Katy Regnery! I love that this writer takes chances with creating unique stories and diverse characters.

Julianne Crow is a young Indian American woman who recently moved to Philadelphia to become a fashion model. Leaving her home in South Dakota was a tough choice but Julianne knew she had to take a chance on the big city for a bright future. As an Indian American she’s witnessed the discrimination towards her people and herself. So when a mysterious man approaches her to ruin a racist political candidate Julianne jumps at the chance. And the plan works well. The candidate’s name is linked to a scandal and his approval ratings drop. But unbeknownst to Julianne that candidate is Christopher Winslow, not a racist but a strong candidate for Congress whose platform includes human rights, especially the rights of Indian Americans and women. Realizing she made a huge mistake Julianne vows to make a mends, even if Christopher is struggling with his feelings for her. He’s angry and hurt but he can’t help but be attracted to Julianne. Left with no choice but to work together, Christopher and Julianne pretend to be a couple which is proving harder to do. As they get to know each other Julianne can’t stop from falling for him, but even though Christopher he is attracted to her he can’t trust her. Will their shaky beginning ruin their chances of love? You have to read this to find out!!

I loved everything about this book! I thought the story stands out from the other romance books because this wasn’t a love at first sight story. This was a lust at first sight that turns into a betrayal. And Julianne is determined to correct her mistake. She made the mistake of using her own experience of racism to judge Christopher. But she works so hard to make things right and I couldn’t help but love her. Julianne is a likeable character that owns up to her mistakes instead of causing blame on others. But Christopher treats Julianne horribly and it took me a while to like him. But as strange as it may seem I actually enjoyed this conflict I had with Christopher. It is a nice change to have a character that you love to hate and still see glimpses of the goodness in him. You can’t blame Christopher for not trusting Julianne. This is a complex love story that I couldn’t get enough of and I was so sad to see it end. This is the final book of The Winslow Brothers and I hate to say good bye. But since this is part of the Blueberry Lane series I know we’ll see this family again.

Campaigning for Christopher is perfect for romance fans. It has the perfect amount of drama and romance to satisfy all readers. This is written as a standalone. You will fall in love with the writing of Katy Regnery and should start with Breaking Up With Barrett, the first book of The Blueberry Lane series.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I have read one of Katy Regnery’s books that I didn’t like. From the English brothers series to the Winslows, I’m highly impressed with each of these families and their related characters.

Christopher Winslow is the youngest brother of the Winslows. He didn’t want to be involved in the family business and has decided to become a congressman. He is leading the campaign and really making a name for himself. He is the dream come true candidate and is soaring easily through it. Until Julianne Crow.

Julianne Crow has left her family’s American Indian reservation to make a new life for herself in Philly. She has left everything she has ever known to be able to survive on her own. Upon being deceived by the man with the black hat, she ends up traumatizing Christopher’s campaign that he has worked so hard for.

After finding out she was misled, she knows she has to make it right, not only for Christopher but also for her own conscience. Being raised by her mom, she had always been humble and even though she is on her own trying to make it in the modeling world, she knows she couldn’t live with herself if she didn’t come clean about her deceit. Soon, she finds herself being one of Christopher’s biggest fans and is there every step of the way with him for the campaign. It sure isn’t an easy task, because of course Christopher is furious and that is an understatement, but who can blame him? She almost destroyed his life and he knows he would never be able to trust her, but never say never.

As they are thrown together on the campaign trail, he begins to see she is a special woman with a big heart but he’s never opened his heart before and especially with how they met, it makes it even harder for him to open up to her and tell her how he feels. I love to see the sparks fly between them and the sexual tension is off the charts! I love seeing how torn Christopher seems with knowing he’s tempted by her but not knowing if he can trust her.

“Though she had campaigned for Christopher Winslow, she had somehow ended up winning…his heart.”

Christopher and Julianne end up being made for each other and balance each other so well. She finds herself being drawn to more than modeling and he quickly sees how perfect she is in his world. She is one tough woman who, even though she wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth like he was, becomes someone that Christopher can allow into his heart and world.

“I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. It’s new, but it’s real.” - Christopher

The scenes in this book are well written and you really feel that you are on the campaign trail with them because everything is described so well. I love the wit, the drama, and the romance brought out in this book. Plus, I love getting more of the entire family and you’re brought up to speed on the past couples and how they met so you don’t feel like you’re missing something. I’m anxiously waiting to see where Katy goes with future books and I give this book 4 stars.