Poll Dancer: A romantic comedy about a chick-out-of water finding love in the work place.

Push and Pole #1

by Laura Heffernan

When politics meets pole fitness, Mel's life flips upside-down.

After Mel’s disastrous promotional video goes viral,  a “family values” group launches a protest against her dance studio. Their leader isn’t just trying to stop her from teaching—he’s using Mel as a moral scapegoat for his own senate campaign. If he wins, he threatens to change the laws to keep all pole dancing out of their community. 

Mel’s not going down without a fight. Since running for office beats unemployment, she decides to face off against him. She hires a campaign manager and tosses her hat in the ring. There’s just one problem: voters don’t understand pole. Mel needs to change her image, fast. If she can’t get the people on her side, she won’t have a business to save. 

Can Mel figure out how to come out on top?

Fans of My Fair Lady will love this fun, witty update.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Retellings, Comedy

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2020

About the author

Laura Heffernan once broke up with her now-husband during a board game after realizing that he was ahead 96-3. She hasn't played that particular game since. Her best friend still talks about the Great Uno Card Throwing Incident of 2003. Yet, somehow, Laura insists that she is incredibly gracious whether winning or losing. She lives in the northeast with her husband, new baby, and two furry little beasts.

Laura loves connecting with readers. Find her on her website, www.lauraheffernan.com, Facebook, www.facebook.com/lauraheffernanbooks, or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LH_writes, where she spends far too much time tweeting about reality TV and Canadian chocolate.

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Fun and fast-paced, this romantic comedy is certainly different.

Read full review in the 2020 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Nicole Emerald Book Reviews McCurdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this story. The cover and the blurb really lured me in. It seemed like the perfect kind of romantic comedy to be uplifting, sweet and spicy with a little bit of political satire to boot but I feel like it fell short.

It was neither comical nor overly romantic. It got too bogged down in the politics of our everyday life which I just wanted an escape from. I wanted something flirty and fun. Full of banter and wit and wisdom, especially from the Heroine. I wanted her to be more assertive, confident and sassy. Instead of willingly being led to have to alter her appearance and who she inherently was on the inside.

The same with the romance aspect. It was sweet and a little placid. There was no great passion or heat evident between our heroine and hero. It was a little bland.

The whole story was just average. Nothing like what I expected. It required more intensity within the love story. There where some good elements, such as the rivalry between candidates. The sabotage. The pole dancing techniques and the flow of the story. It was fairly fast paced and smooth.

Overall it was a decent romance. Light hearted if not a bit too judgemental in some aspects.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pole Dancer by Laura Heffernan a five-star read that will have you in a spin. I’m not normally one for politics in my reading, so would normally avoid this one, but something made me desperate to read it and I’m glad I did as I really enjoyed it, it wasn’t as in your face as I was imagining it would going to be. Most of all I loved Mel, she was strong and special, she had a great story to tell, one that will drag you into the story and not let you leave until you have mastered the moves. This is a fun and quick read that you will really enjoy.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poll Dancer is a light and flirty take on female rights and double standards that will have you thinking and laughing and hoping for a reality that just isn’t there yet. I enjoyed this delightful romp and look forward to more from this author.

[M Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabbed my attention immediately, and never let go! Great story, with an underlying comment on the state of US politics. Interesting, characters, with lots of twists. Keep up the great writing!

[Tracie Banister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such an original premise! Poll dance teacher Mel becomes a viral sensation when her live lesson on social media takes a horrifyingly embarrassing turn. Next thing she knows she’s being targeted by an ultra-conservative politico from her town who’s running unopposed for senator. What’s a girl to do when she loses the job she loves and is feeling unfairly persecuted? Throw her hat into the ring for the senate race, of course! Naturally, this requires a makeover, not only of Mel’s appearance, but of her behavior as well. It’s a bumpy road for Mel with lots of comical gaffes along the way and she soon starts to question if she’s doing the right thing. This is an empowering tale for women about fighting for yourself and your beliefs that gave me LEGALLY BLONDE 2 vibes. Does Mel find romance with her hunky campaign manager? Does she win that seat in the senate? There are some twists and turns in this page-turning book that lead to an ending you might not expect.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review
The blurb, title and cover drew me in and i had hoped that it would be an amazing funny romantic comedy like story. But, i felt like the character Mel kind of lost her spunk, it started out good but it deflated like a balloon very quickly and fast. She just felt like an empty shell for far too long. The Chemistry with Daniel was cute, but that`s about it.I was just generally left bored.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

Given our current climate and with everything going on today with our political environment, Poll Dancer provided the perfect break from that, while still giving its reader a view into politics from a different and unique perspective. Mel is not who anyone would picture to be senate material, and the fact that she teaches pole dancing at a dance studio only adds to that off kilter persona. But that’s what makes her such a great character. I loved her attitude and the fact that she refuses to let anyone belittle her, particularly for something that she enjoys doing.

I’ve participated in a pole class before, with a friend of mine a few years back. There’s a lot to it. I felt that layer was added perfectly, in not just looking at it from the morality perspective but from the basis of what the dance can mean for someone who appreciates the athletic value behind it. For Mel, it’s the love of fitness and the art of the dance that she wants to hold onto, so much so that it propels her into stepping outside of her comfort zone in order to hold onto the life she loves so much. There’s new levels and layers we discover about her too, particularly after she hires her campaign manager, who sets out to ensure that she’s prepared and ready. This means changing several factors that make up who Mel is, and it’s a fine line between making changes to fit everyone else, or making a change because it’s something that will benefit the greater good.

I liked the internal struggle she goes through, on so many levels. How far should anyone go to be liked? How much should anyone change themselves to gain acceptance? Mel wants to fight for her beliefs and choices, and fight for everyone else, too. But along with the fight, she’s been sabotaged, harassed, and thinks she’s falling for someone she knows could be seen as an inappropriate relationship, but has a hard time fighting her feelings. It’s a mix of wild emotions and experiences, with some twists that kept me guessing.

[Melissa Corday · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down.

This book is cute! I finished it in just four days; the author did an excellent job at keeping the plot moving at a clipping pace.

We go on this crazy electoral journey with the FMC, Mel (or Melody, as her image consultant insists upon) and watch an everyday woman learn the ups and downs of good press, bad press, going viral, dip her toes into politics, and try to keep her identity and remain true to herself through the process. It's relatable, funny, and authentic. Unfortunately, some plot points fizzle out and some characters seem to disappear altogether, which is what stops this from being higher rated from me.

The book is described as a loose retelling/being inspired by My Fair Lady, and while I love My Fair Lady and that's one of the main reasons I picked this book up, I'm not sure I agree with that statement. I'd argue this is closer to a blue-collar retelling of Legally Blonde, but instead of Elle Woods being a fashion major switching to law and finding her calling along the way, we have almost an inversion: Mel is a pole fitness instructor switching to would-be-senator to preserve her right to freedom of expression and continue teaching as she sees fit, only to lose herself and her ideals in the process as she attempts to conform to what a senator "should" be.

Any romance takes a backseat to Mel's hunt for "certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." In fact, the romance could be removed entirely and we'd still have the same story, and possibly even a better story. That's not to say the romance was bad, not at all, just that there was so little of it (we have a kiss on the back of the hand, and I think two proper kisses, before a sudden love confession) and it had virtually no consequence, it served simply as a little fluff in the background and to drive home the idea that Mel must act prim and proper and the temptation to kiss her campaign manager adds tension because he's attractive and has freckles and Mel is weak for men with freckles.

I would have liked to have a little more closure with the two main antagonists: Mel's ex who is truly a boob (there's no other word for it. Have you ever met someone that was just... a boob?) and the other individual who made for a great plot twist. I feel like the ex just kind of disappeared, which felt weird after he tried to extort Mel and blackmail her. I didn't quite see that coming, and did yell at my book "You bastard!" I also feel like, while not a true antagonist, Mel's business partner from the beginning of the book wasn't an ally, and she disappeared after pulling a dick move. That plot line felt unfinished. I kept expecting her to come back like the worst kind of fair-weather friend and say something gross like, "I believed in you the whole time, even though I screwed you over professionally and financially! Pay no mind to that."

Despite loose plot threads and characters disappearing, it was an enjoyable read. Mel's dream of freedom and her drive to do whatever it takes to protect that freedom was admirable, ballsy, and inspiring. She was diving in to a new world completely blind, but did it anyway, and it was nothing short of brave. The trust she had to place in near-strangers was scary, and she had to have faith they had her, and the constituents, best interests at heart.

I understand Poll Dancer has a sequel that focuses on Mel's friend, Lana's, story, as she navigates the aftermath from the end of Poll Dancer. I enjoyed this author's writing enough to where, although I'm not super invested in Lana as a character, there's potential that I could be, and if the book is on KU (I need to check!) or ever goes on sale, I'd read it.

[T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this book because the blurb made it look like it was going to be funny and very original. Well, it was mostly original. Ms. Heffernan did a good job of illustrating how politics can work in the United States. Mel was okay, but I didn’t like her incredibly much. However, her initial meeting with Daniel was possibly the only laugh I had in this book. All right, I’ve read other reviews of this story and I have to say that I disagree with the readers that gave this five stars.

Here are my reasons for my rating of this book:
1. This wasn’t, in any stretch of my imagination, a Rom Com.
2. There was barely any Romance in it.
3. Mel is apparently very allergic to dogs. One of the campaign workers adopted a purse puppy for her. Only said puppy/dog was a poodle. While there are some humans allergic to poodles, most people with dog allergies adopt poodles or poodle mixes. If the Campaigner had to get her a small dog, then it should have been one of those tiny chihuahuas. I don’t know if you can tell, but this really bugged me.
4. I honestly thought this would be lighter and funnier. It wasn’t.
5. The blurb actually says, and this is a quote, “Fans of My Fair Lady will love this fun, witty update.” This book is not fun, nor witty and it’s a terrible update of My Fair Lady (if it is one).

In the Author’s Note, Ms. Heffernan says that initially the earlier version of this story was heavier, but the current version is “much happier and more fun.” (‾ʖ̫‾) Well, thank you for telling us this. Unfortunately, I thought this was dark and heavy. It wasn’t happy or fun for me. I’m upset that I purchased it and its sequel Accidental Senator.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novel: Awesome. Commentary: Meh. As a novel, this book was solid. Maybe a bit too weighed down in social commentary, particularly in the back third, and nowhere near as refreshing as the author's Gamer Girls series (whose third book this one takes some elements of), but a mostly solid tale with some genuinely hilarious moments nonetheless. Meets pretty much all RWA standards I am aware of.

But as someone who has ran (unsuccessfully) for rural small town public office (City Council of a town literally 4 sq miles in area) twice, the politics... your feelings about AOC will likely tell you whether you should consider this book from that angle. She is the lead character's idol, and somewhat blatant character model. From my own experience working within the highest echelons of a State Assembly as a blogger and political activist, the action tends to break down on these levels, but I know more than most about these things and the action does indeed fall along how most think of them. So perhaps no real foul there.

Still, overall truly a solid book, particularly if you can set aside your own political inclinations and experiences and simply enjoy the tale being presented. Very much recommended.

[Kelly Giano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book totally caught me off guard! It grabbed my attention from the beginning, and I read the whole thing in less than a day! I love the combination of romance and politics, and this one was a perfect mix.

Mel's pole dancing classes are shut down after a local conservative politician sees her viral video. Mel decides to run against him for a spot in the state Senate, despite having no political experience. It reminded me in some ways of Legally Blonde, as our main character, Mel, decides to do something that no one thinks she can do or is qualified to do. I loved the strong female characters, and the twists that this story had along the way.

My only issue was that the relationship between Mel and Daniel seemed to happen too quickly. I would have liked to have more build up between them.

Overall, this book was a total surprise, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.

Thanks to Netgalley for this copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very great and entertaining book. I enjoyed it very much. I loved the storyline about a poll dancer that was going to be shut down for what she did for a living but she would not allow that to happen. She done what she felt she needed to do in order to not be closed down. There is a seat open on the senate and the person who is trying to stop her from doing pole fitness is running for that seat. However, she decided the only way to stop him from closing her down is to run herself. It takes a lot of guts to run for a political seat. But she runs and there is so much going on, first they want to change what she looks like what she wears and stops her from doing pole fitness. Which is not what she wanted to happen. She starts falling for her campaign manager which shes not sure is a good idea so she tries to ignore her feelings. There were some surprising events that shocked me. I loved the twists and turns and how the book ended. I look forward to reading the next book.

[Ramona Mead · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title, cover, and blurb were the perfect trifecta to get me to request a book! Plus I love a My Fair Lady re-telling, and this novel puts a great modern, feminist spin on it.

Mel is a pole dance fitness instructor who loses her job after a conservative politician sees her viral video. When Mel realizes he's running unopposed for a vacant state senate seat, she decides to run against him. It's a compelling story with a strong sex-positive female protagonist. The writing is pretty simple and the story felt rushed at times, but it was still an enjoyable read overall. It didn't always go in the direction I predicted.

I recommend for romance readers, and those looking for something different with a strong feminist viewpoint. Many thanks to NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this via Netgalley for an honest review.

Morals aren't about what you do for a living. It's not about what you wear. It's about how you like your life and how you treat people

"Poll Dancer" is a fun and light story about Mel, whose fitness video about pole dancing goes viral and grabs the attention of a candidate, Curtis Baker, running for state senate (after his father resigns in disgrace). Curtis has her classes shut down and Mel is out of a job and ends up running as his competitor for the same seat.

I enjoyed "Poll Dancer" but the characters could use some fleshing out especially since it appears this is supposed to be the first in a series on Mel. It is not a bad for a quick summer read.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pole fitness in a novel!

Mel Martin, the main character, reminds me so much of a lot of my friends. I used to teach at a pole fitness studio in South Philly full of smart, strong, confident, athletic women. There were women who were doctors, lawyers, moms, parole officers, therapists, retail workers, nurses, actresses, artists, truly all types of women. We were a great group and we had fun working out together. We put on recitals dancing to everything from Lady Gaga to the theme from the Titanic played on a flute by another talented pole fitness student. We laughed together and supported each other, and we sure did get some judgment from people who equated us with poor morals, but pole fitness is about being strong. I loved reading about the sport that I miss.

[Eshani Pareek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for a light read and found this, thank you NetGalley for the ARC. The premise looked interesting and I love that this book touches not just on women in politics but also the stigma associated with women who pursue unconventional liberal professions. I couldn’t always understand why Mel, the protagonist reacted to situations the way she did, and also how her situation was that big a motivator that she decided to get into politics. I’d recommend picking it up for a light read, but not looking for logic at every step. I’d actually rate this 2.5 stars - A little whimsical, but fun and quick read.

[Michelle Hauck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had me staying up late, telling myself just one more chapter! Two things I love combined in one book: politics and romance!

Poll fitness instructor Mel is goaded into considering a run for state senator when her opponent shuts down her work as immoral. Hunky campaign manager Daniel seals the deal and Mel is off and running, for Senator.

Besides a hot romance, this book also has something to say about women in politics, and how using a higher than thou moral attitude and rigid family values takes the place of actual policies for a lot of politicians. There's a nice commentary on our political system behind the fun and engaging characters.

[Sarah the reading addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me giggle right from the beginning.

It's funny, romantic and powerful. I felt empowered by Mels energy and passion.

I thought the explanations of different poll dance positions at the beginning of the paragraphs was really interesting. So much so I wanted to learn myself, Its brilliant exercise.

It's packed with, relationships, politics and so much more.

I particularly liked the bit where Mel is campaigning on the phone for the first time, it's so funny.

The professional and personal relationship between Daniel and Mel is one that you want to follow.

I am really looking forward to reading the next books in the series.

[Michelle Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! I will admit, when I started the book, I had the preconceived notions discussed in the book about "the pole." However, this book opened my horizons and while entertaining me, it also taught me more about the people that do pole fitness. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the sequel when it comes out. I highly recommend this book for a good laugh and a little learning.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was fun and refreshingly different than a lot of books out currently. My only complaint is that the relationship between Mel and Daniel felt a little rushed (what guy says "I love you" that fast?!) but everything else was great. I have always wanted to try a pole class and this book inspired me to look into it. Looking forward to the next book about Lana.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book as the title and the blurb lured me in and thought would be a nice light hearted fun read. I loved the descriptions of the pole dancing moves as the chapter beginnings and it is a shame that the rest of the book doesn’t flow like that as it has the potential to be Bridget Jones meets Sophie kinsella but the sub plot of the main character running for presidential election really didn’t do it for me.

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Poll Dancer. This is a fun and interesting book. It captured my attention right from the beginning. I love the characters. They are relatable and interesting. There are many twists that will keep you engaged in the story. This is a great romance book! I look forward to the next book in the series!

[Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, witty romance about Mel who runs for the open Senate seat to save her business! Will she win the election or will she have to give up her occupation? . . . Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC so I can share my honest review with you!

This is a great Romantic Comedy Beach Read!

[Saidah Gilbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting to use pole dancing as a main plot point but there were some things in the political plot that flew over my head because I am not an American. Also, I still don't know the male lead's name because the copy I read had his name as both McCarthy and O'Brien. As that lessened my enjoyment of the book, two stars instead of three stars.

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but found it quite predictable, and a little stereotype. Definitely an easy read which I needed today, and a lovely bit of chick lit. I would have liked a few more twists to it and a little more depth to the characters. It was good fun though and I would recommend if you are looking for a little escape.

[Holly Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great original premise with fantastic characters. Mel, the wannabe senator, is strong and sassy and follows her beliefs even though they cause a number of headaches for her. A perfect amount of romance is thrown in along with the social commentary to make it another good read from Laura Heffernan. I'll be picking up the next in the series!

[Cora Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and with a cover like that I was intrigued well needless to say she did NOT disappoint. This book was funny, lovey dovey, empowering and perfect.
It felt so honest and normal that it was as if she was talking about someone living down the street. The ending was perfect and I am so excited to read book 2 in this series.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just what I was in the mood for. Absolutely raced through it. The pole to poll is a neat concept, and I loved the touch of adding the pole moves at the start of each chapter - I’m assuming they’re real moves! PS - now I want to try pole dancing

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet chick-lit romance about a pole dancing instructor who winds up running for state office, Poll Fancer was an easy, fun read with some good messages about equality and politics. A solid story that was entertaining (if predictable), and that fans of Sophie Kinsella would enjoy. 3 stars.