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By Design #11
Commander in Chief
After a grueling political campaign, New York Governor Candace Reid is about to take the oath of office as the first woman president. Life as Chief Diplomat and Commander in Chief takes on multiple meanings in Candace's world. Juggling the needs of a nation, selecting a cabinet, planning an inauguration, making time for a six-year-old and three adult children with growing families is a balancing act unlike any Candace has ever attempted. As she endeavors to juggle constantly competing priorities, her wife Jameson confronts personal questions about the future. Follow the Fletcher-Reid clan as they traverse the challenging landscape of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with a few tears, shared laughter, a handful of fortune cookies, a little bit of Bible Study and a whole lot of love. Commander in Chief is the eleventh installment in the best-selling BY DESIGN series of romantic lesbian fiction by JA Armstrong.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2018
109 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 12, 2018
I love Candace and Jameson, and this is another strong entry in the series.
July 4, 2022
Love this series
I've been reading Armstrong for a long long time. She is definitely the mistress of short stories.
I have often referred to these books as a miniature soap opera. You know like Emmerdale or Coronation street. For our American friends maybe you would recognize something like Grey's Anatomy. These books are not sequels but continuous. You live and breathe these characters. You go on a journey with them. You watch them succeed and fail. You watch them fall in love. You live through their heartbreak and you are right there while they recover.
My advice to truly understand and follow this series you need to start at book one. I guess you could skip a few but you'd only end up missing something. This one starts where Election dYing ended. Candace is the new President Elect. What a ride. You experience it all with a front row seat.
You will laugh and yes you will cry. That's how close Armstrong lets you get. I can't recommend these books enough. The journey is a rollercoaster. It's also an experience. So, grab a cup of coffee, and a nice blanket and sit down and enjoy. The other good thing is that they are all on Kindle unlimited. Enjoy! And roll on number 12.
I've been reading Armstrong for a long long time. She is definitely the mistress of short stories.
I have often referred to these books as a miniature soap opera. You know like Emmerdale or Coronation street. For our American friends maybe you would recognize something like Grey's Anatomy. These books are not sequels but continuous. You live and breathe these characters. You go on a journey with them. You watch them succeed and fail. You watch them fall in love. You live through their heartbreak and you are right there while they recover.
My advice to truly understand and follow this series you need to start at book one. I guess you could skip a few but you'd only end up missing something. This one starts where Election dYing ended. Candace is the new President Elect. What a ride. You experience it all with a front row seat.
You will laugh and yes you will cry. That's how close Armstrong lets you get. I can't recommend these books enough. The journey is a rollercoaster. It's also an experience. So, grab a cup of coffee, and a nice blanket and sit down and enjoy. The other good thing is that they are all on Kindle unlimited. Enjoy! And roll on number 12.
February 12, 2018
A brilliant sequel!
Oh my goodness, this is fabulous in every way. I totally got caught up in the political maneuvering, the intrigue and the road to the inauguration ceremony. I love this amazing Reid family, I love their concerns, their personal dilemmas and desires, the family commitments and dynamics. Read it and get ready for a thrill ride with Candace and Jameson.
Oh my goodness, this is fabulous in every way. I totally got caught up in the political maneuvering, the intrigue and the road to the inauguration ceremony. I love this amazing Reid family, I love their concerns, their personal dilemmas and desires, the family commitments and dynamics. Read it and get ready for a thrill ride with Candace and Jameson.
February 13, 2018
One of the best books in this series!
September 22, 2023
This is already my second time reading this 11th installment in J.A. Armstrong's By Design series, and yet, the love between Candace and Jameson—along with the love amongst the Fletcher-Reid family—feels much more heartfelt and more profound than ever. The romance and the family dynamics have managed, more than once, to move me to tears—yet again!
February 11, 2018
I love all the books in this series. This is one more story filled with love and hope. I am a grateful fan. I'm biased but their story just keeps getting better. The plot is set full of intrigue and entertainment. An addition to love is diversity. The diversity of all the characters exemplify shades of romance and heartwarming memory. The image I have in mind when JD's hope for pregnancy was explained by the science of not happening is of sorrow. Many families like theirs are not blessed with a biological child but love is not diminished at all. Nonetheless, their strengths in love and commitment is only reinforced. I read their story and I feel all kinds of emotions. So what exactly was the "song's" title....I love Van Morrison but would it be nice to know...just a thought. Coz would it be great if a little light humor to see them dance to "Crazy Love"... I truly enjoyed the subtle hints too. Another great high point is the inaugural speech, what an inspirational speech...Full of hope. My standing ovation applause is to you J.A. Armstrong's skills in writing.
January 23, 2022
This is a full length novel at 272 pages and I'm not sure why Goodreads is showing it as 125. This is a strong culmination of the series beginning a few weeks before the inauguration. Candace and Jamison get alone time and the will they or won't they have more children is finally answered. All the kids get some page moments before seeing their mom make history. And reading the inauguration speech makes you wish real politics were as lofty and idealistic. Wish I knew the song Jamison chose for their first dance.
March 10, 2018
I wasn’t expecting a political thriller, as that isn’t really the nature of this series, but with a title of Commander in Chief I did think there would be more excitement than this. I accept that this series is a domestic drama/soap opera, but I thought this was really over the top schmaltz.
April 28, 2020
Finally a woman in the top job. The speeches were long and boring as is usual in real life. Politics is not a job for everyone and this series definitely shows how nasty it can be while trying to have a home life.
February 25, 2018
Another A+ book by Ms. Armstrong. This book is the 11th book in the 'By Design Series'. I am currently reading two of her other series, 'First Course Series' and the 'Special Delivery Series'. Although I am enjoying reading other books, I drop everything (almost!) and read the next book in the series. There are only a few authors that I do this with.
Ms. Armstrong also writes under the name of Nancy Ann Healy. Because she writes so well, she is able to intertwine books created by Me. Healy into this series. The results are smooth and meld seamlessly.
The characters that she has created are solid. You feel that you can relate to them. Laugh when they laugh and cry when they cry ... or at least tear up ... during sensitive times. I alsoenjy the interaction between all of the family members. There is teasing and lively discussions but overshadowing it all, there is love and respect for each other.
I certainly rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you are new to this series, I highly recommend that you start with book 1, 'By Design'. You could read this book as a standalone, but there is so much you will miss from this constantly growing family.
Ms. Armstrong also writes under the name of Nancy Ann Healy. Because she writes so well, she is able to intertwine books created by Me. Healy into this series. The results are smooth and meld seamlessly.
The characters that she has created are solid. You feel that you can relate to them. Laugh when they laugh and cry when they cry ... or at least tear up ... during sensitive times. I alsoenjy the interaction between all of the family members. There is teasing and lively discussions but overshadowing it all, there is love and respect for each other.
I certainly rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you are new to this series, I highly recommend that you start with book 1, 'By Design'. You could read this book as a standalone, but there is so much you will miss from this constantly growing family.
October 29, 2019
Everything in this story revolves around the inauguration of Candace Reid as the first female president. Her inaugural speech is brilliant, inspirational and humane - just the way I picture this author. And the excitable interactions of the family members appear so realistic. JA's skills in writing deserve much more than 5*s. She has a gift of infusing love into every action in the book, whether it be undeniable love for spouse and family, or love and respect for her colleagues and friends. And let's not forget the humor that breathes such fun life into every character, plus the beautiful interplay between Candace and Jameson. Ms. Armstrong truly knows how to make a reader feel caught up in the story.
This By Design series is in my top favorites of all time and I've been reading for many decades! I heartily recommend this wonderful, funny and inspirational series. I wish it would continue for many years to come!!!
This By Design series is in my top favorites of all time and I've been reading for many decades! I heartily recommend this wonderful, funny and inspirational series. I wish it would continue for many years to come!!!
February 17, 2018
Well what can I says 10
I have read every book and cannot tell you how happy it makes me there is another book or books perhaps. Sometimes when it is a !omg series the story gets lost along you way,this did not. Being from Scotland it taught me lots about American politics the good and the downright evil it was a different dimension for me. What I really liked is that the basis of the story was love and family the good and the difficult. Thank you for all the hard work that much have gone into the research that must have gone into this. I am sure you could get at least a few more books out of this. Take care of yourself so you can write fast . I would give books 10 🌟 if I could.
I have read every book and cannot tell you how happy it makes me there is another book or books perhaps. Sometimes when it is a !omg series the story gets lost along you way,this did not. Being from Scotland it taught me lots about American politics the good and the downright evil it was a different dimension for me. What I really liked is that the basis of the story was love and family the good and the difficult. Thank you for all the hard work that much have gone into the research that must have gone into this. I am sure you could get at least a few more books out of this. Take care of yourself so you can write fast . I would give books 10 🌟 if I could.
March 17, 2018
Loved It!!!
JA Armstrong is one of my favorite authors. I have followed this series since I was introduced to it. I have to say it’s one of my favorites of her series.
Candace and Jameson characters always feel real. You can feel the love they have for each other and their family palpate from the literature.
The family is always faced with some adversity as it pertains to family or Candace’s profession. They always seem to come full circle in the end. The love and affection they have for one another seems to always sustain them.
Candace is gearing up to take over as Commander and Chief. She hasn’t even transitioned into her role fully and has already been called to take command. She seems determined to make love and not war!
JA Armstrong is one of my favorite authors. I have followed this series since I was introduced to it. I have to say it’s one of my favorites of her series.
Candace and Jameson characters always feel real. You can feel the love they have for each other and their family palpate from the literature.
The family is always faced with some adversity as it pertains to family or Candace’s profession. They always seem to come full circle in the end. The love and affection they have for one another seems to always sustain them.
Candace is gearing up to take over as Commander and Chief. She hasn’t even transitioned into her role fully and has already been called to take command. She seems determined to make love and not war!
March 6, 2018
I Held My Breath
A few times when reading this 11th installment of the "By Design" series I was so engaged with the story I found that I was holding my breath.
Ms. Armstrong always makes me eager for her next book, and this one didn't disappoint me at all.
Candace and Jameson have something really special together. I think their deep and unconditional love for each other is the most important part of the series. Politics is interesting, and I have really enjoyed that part of the plots, but I keep coming back to savor those two characters.
A few times when reading this 11th installment of the "By Design" series I was so engaged with the story I found that I was holding my breath.
Ms. Armstrong always makes me eager for her next book, and this one didn't disappoint me at all.
Candace and Jameson have something really special together. I think their deep and unconditional love for each other is the most important part of the series. Politics is interesting, and I have really enjoyed that part of the plots, but I keep coming back to savor those two characters.
May 26, 2018
Wonderful!
This 11th installment in the well written story of Candace and Jameson finds the family coming to terms with the fact that Candace is about to take the reins of leadership as the next POTUS. Life is changing for everyone. For such a tight knit family, these changes scare some members more than they want to admit. For Candace though, one thing remains constant, her commitment to her family. Join Candace and Jameson on their newest adventure by adding this book to your must-read list.
This 11th installment in the well written story of Candace and Jameson finds the family coming to terms with the fact that Candace is about to take the reins of leadership as the next POTUS. Life is changing for everyone. For such a tight knit family, these changes scare some members more than they want to admit. For Candace though, one thing remains constant, her commitment to her family. Join Candace and Jameson on their newest adventure by adding this book to your must-read list.
July 23, 2020
This book was the in between election day and inguration day. It was a really good book, I loved the transition from civilian life to the presidential family. How close the family still and how they are still their normal selves.
A little bit of drama and Candace is still not president, but it is life. I can't wait how much angst and stress her new rol will bring and how it'll affect the Fletcher-Reid family, specially with JD being the first lady and all.
A little bit of drama and Candace is still not president, but it is life. I can't wait how much angst and stress her new rol will bring and how it'll affect the Fletcher-Reid family, specially with JD being the first lady and all.
February 19, 2018
I've enjoyed experiencing the growth of Jameson & Candace's lives through falling in love, to marriage, to adoption. Ms. Armstrong's description of the political landscape of national and state politics has a depth that makes it worth the read; especially the fluid lines of intelligence agencies. I'll have to wait for the next installment. This series, for me, is a keeper.
March 7, 2018
Another great read
The adventure of the Reid family continues to captivate the reader. It grabs you from start to finish. Such wonderful characters and their dealings with both the normal issues we all experience and, issues we couldn't even dream of handling. Can't wait to read the next installment.
The adventure of the Reid family continues to captivate the reader. It grabs you from start to finish. Such wonderful characters and their dealings with both the normal issues we all experience and, issues we couldn't even dream of handling. Can't wait to read the next installment.
March 8, 2018
It’s too bad, this isn’t a true story.
With what has happened in the past 2 years, reading this has given me hope that the current presidency is merely a hiccup that will move us in a more sane direction next time. Who knows, maybe we will be ready for a lesbian President sooner than we think!
With what has happened in the past 2 years, reading this has given me hope that the current presidency is merely a hiccup that will move us in a more sane direction next time. Who knows, maybe we will be ready for a lesbian President sooner than we think!
May 3, 2018
Great introduction of the Fletcher-Reid Clan into The White House
This was a wonderful way to bring the Fletcher-Reid clan into The White House. Candace’s speech was very well written and inspiring. I wondered how J.A. would handle that, and I was not disappointed. I truly look forward to the intrigue that I am sure will follow in the next book of the series, Situation Room.
This was a wonderful way to bring the Fletcher-Reid clan into The White House. Candace’s speech was very well written and inspiring. I wondered how J.A. would handle that, and I was not disappointed. I truly look forward to the intrigue that I am sure will follow in the next book of the series, Situation Room.
July 10, 2018
I am sooooo hooked!
I am very biased when it comes to all of these characters and stories. But this one, this one gave me hope for the future. Something I lost in November 2016 and have continued to loose a little each day. Yet now after reading this I can dream again of a US President being for ALL People. Thanks for giving me hope again!!
I am very biased when it comes to all of these characters and stories. But this one, this one gave me hope for the future. Something I lost in November 2016 and have continued to loose a little each day. Yet now after reading this I can dream again of a US President being for ALL People. Thanks for giving me hope again!!
June 19, 2019
By book 11...
It’s gotta be this way- more politics than romance. I see why because we’ve progressed with this family so far, but it still doesn’t take away my sadness at so much politics in the book. It’s not bad politics, it’s not things that anyone could truly disagree with, and I’m glad our two MC’s are so madly in love still- but it’s been quite a long journey.
It’s gotta be this way- more politics than romance. I see why because we’ve progressed with this family so far, but it still doesn’t take away my sadness at so much politics in the book. It’s not bad politics, it’s not things that anyone could truly disagree with, and I’m glad our two MC’s are so madly in love still- but it’s been quite a long journey.
February 10, 2021
Very inspiring
Oh how I wish we would have had a woman president! I am sure many would agree. Another great story and book. I am happy that the series is so good. I read these books and learn to love the characters only to have to give them up when the book is over. Thanks for writing so many books in the same series.
Oh how I wish we would have had a woman president! I am sure many would agree. Another great story and book. I am happy that the series is so good. I read these books and learn to love the characters only to have to give them up when the book is over. Thanks for writing so many books in the same series.
July 1, 2023
A beautiful continuation of By Design series
This Series of books is getting better and better. The depth of emotions, feelings and stories are continuing without a gap or boringness…what an amazing book to continue the up and downs of the Reid family. Looking forward to read the next one and the next one. As I have purchased all of them including the latest addition.
This Series of books is getting better and better. The depth of emotions, feelings and stories are continuing without a gap or boringness…what an amazing book to continue the up and downs of the Reid family. Looking forward to read the next one and the next one. As I have purchased all of them including the latest addition.
February 18, 2018
Love this series
I really enjoy this series. I don't know how the author keeps turning them out. Yes, typos occasionally appear and some of the books are just fluff. However, the books work witth the family dynamics and the humor.
I really enjoy this series. I don't know how the author keeps turning them out. Yes, typos occasionally appear and some of the books are just fluff. However, the books work witth the family dynamics and the humor.
February 18, 2018
Excellent!
I loved Commander in Chief. It’s great to be back with Jameson and Candace. I know we all wish this was closer to the reality then what we are currently living. I really embraced the talk about what the responsibilities of the presidency are.
I loved Commander in Chief. It’s great to be back with Jameson and Candace. I know we all wish this was closer to the reality then what we are currently living. I really embraced the talk about what the responsibilities of the presidency are.
February 20, 2018
She's finally there!
The White House will never be the same with this first family of lunatics in it! Candace is finally Madame President & Jameson's First Lady! I can't wait to see how much the country loves this couple & their family! I hope as much as we all do!
The White House will never be the same with this first family of lunatics in it! Candace is finally Madame President & Jameson's First Lady! I can't wait to see how much the country loves this couple & their family! I hope as much as we all do!
February 20, 2018
Outstanding
When you think things could not get any better, and it does. Love having Alex and her family mixed in with the president family it leaves the story line side open. Waiting on the next one...
When you think things could not get any better, and it does. Love having Alex and her family mixed in with the president family it leaves the story line side open. Waiting on the next one...
March 1, 2018
Lunatics?
Candace and JD are at the White House. What a journey! I loved, loved it. No spoilers.... Just read the series. Start at the beginning and don't skip. Great job J.A. Waiting impatiently for the next one.
Candace and JD are at the White House. What a journey! I loved, loved it. No spoilers.... Just read the series. Start at the beginning and don't skip. Great job J.A. Waiting impatiently for the next one.
March 17, 2018
COMMANDER IN CHIEF
Terrific series. You just never know what is coming next. It is always an adventure. We now have a woman President and can hardly wait to see how things are handled in the "Situation room."
Terrific series. You just never know what is coming next. It is always an adventure. We now have a woman President and can hardly wait to see how things are handled in the "Situation room."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews