The Accidental Senator

Push and Pole #2

by Laura Heffernan

Lana Chen's just been elected state senator. Weird, because she wasn't running. Well, practicing law was getting boring anyway, so Lana dives into the deep end. She seeks guidance from Senator Jason Park and irresistible lobbyist Steve to navigate the shark-infested waters of politics. Then someone she trusts tricks her into casting the deciding vote for a bill that spells disaster for the community—including her best friend's brand-new pole fitness studio. There has to be a way to stop it. If Lana can't undo the damage she caused, she's going to lose the support of her community and the most important person in her life.

216 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 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

[Y.M. Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Premise What happens when a lawyer-turned write-in candidate actually becomes a state senator? Lana Chen was supporting her best friend's campaign for Senate. Now she’s found herself occupying the seat. Don’t worry, there’s no hard feelings between the friends. But there are some hard feelings between Lana’s new mentor (Jason) and a certain lobbyist who’s caught Lana's eye (Steve). And with a jumble of congressional bills on her desk and a crucial vote coming up, can Lana swim these political waters safely?

The story/The characters
I know, I know I know. You probably don’t want to read about people in government taking stances and debating on issues right now. Especially after the violence in the Capitol only a week or so ago (Jan 6, 2021). But this chicklit read is worth it.
No surprise that the main character is a Democrat--if you follow Laura Heffernan on Twitter, well let's just say she's not pro-GOP right now. It's the thing you most want to know in a story with characters in the government, but it never really is the point is it? It's so beside the point. You’ll quickly realize it’s more about whether your public servants are good stewards or bad ones, no matter what their political leaning.

And Lana does her best to be the Senator her constituents hoped for and need. And what a way she does it! To be someone who takes pole fitness, Lana is adorably clumsy and funny in other situations. Right away, I loved Lana. She would fit right in with those characters from Clueless if they had done a Clueless 10 years later edition. So, not like those boring people on CSPAN. Oops, those are real Congresspersons.



Lana and Jason are so unbelievably cute together (even though readers know it before Lana does).
And while I'm always about the romance, the stronger story is how Lana took a job she wasn't prepared for, and tackled it, and won. And found out a little something about herself in the process. (icing!)



The Writing
So now I guess I should be writerly. Fine. The pacing of this one is amazing. I don’t usually talk about that, but I really appreciate when a book is a page-turner because you’re so engrossed in the story, not because you want to skim to get to the good part. In fact, if you skim, you’re going to miss something here. This story moves, baby! The language is approachable, despite being a book full of lawmakers and lawyers who tend to bloviate, (hey, I didn’t even have to look that word up!) and the antics are funny. And even though I'm not one for physical humor even the scene on the Senate floor was funny. (You'll know the one)



Overall
If I still haven't convinced you to pick up this book (you really should), read some of Laura Heffernan's other books. And then put this one (and part 1) in your TBR list for calmer political times.

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having adored the first book of this series, I was thrilled to settle back into the world of politics, where we meet Lana Chen as she's taken up office in the Senate. I loved her steep learning curve, and finding out out about the way things happen. Lana's character is fabulous and I shuffled through the book at a time I'm pretty sure no other book would have kept me reading (pandemic stuff!). I enjoyed the comedy and adored the romance and the vividness of each and every setting from the Senate, to the outdoors, to, of course every pole interaction (if you want a great friendship book, this series is it!!)
Beyond recommended and can't wait to read more from the author, whose books I'm definitely following

[Lucrecia Tolbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a job to accidentally fall into! Lana had a lot of work to do all in the first few weeks of her new job. I'm not sure how she could ignore the comments of others, but that showed strength, discernment, and determination of the character. Lana has a lot to learn, but surrounding herself with the right people will go a long way. Anyone reading this book will end up cheering for Lana as she navigates her new job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vikkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely fantastic read by a truly wonderful author. I have loved this book from start to finish.

I adore Lana, what an absolutely fantastic main character. I love that we follow her journey through this book.

The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous and screams “read me”. You can’t help but want to pick up this absolutely stunning book.

I have read many of Laura’s books and this is quite possibly my favourite. This is a unique and engaging book which pulls you in from very early on.

This is without a doubt a five star read which I highly recommend.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When lawyer Lana Chen wins as a write in for an election to fill a New York state senate seat, the media hype has her tagged as a stripper, not a pole dancing fitness fan

Politics, maneuvers, and distorted realities almost end in disaster for Lana, until a few good women decide to help a friend and uphold the sisterhood

Funny, yet disturbingly insightful

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to read an early version of this novel. Lana Chen finds herself in the role of Senator via a write in. She's new, but she's ready to dive in and make a change, only navigating her new job comes with hurdles, and hot men, and kisses. This story is cute. I cheered for Lana and rooted for her along the way. A fun read where politics works as it should (in the end).

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed so much reading this book, it´s fun, it´s real and it shows so much how our lives can get in trouble when we simply react and do not rationalize or plan. It´s a story about getting where your dreams can take you and that feels good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining read for sure. Politics, misinformation, and so much more make this a great story. It's well written, holds your attention and keeps you turning the pages. The characters are strong, well developed and fun to get to know.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow she has been elected as a senator but she never even ran but she has. How did that happen? Can she do a good job? How much must she learn to do a good job? See how she does when she is not even sure how she got there

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story. It is something I would not have read on my own cuz I don't like politics. I am glad I did, I learned more about how the State Senate works then I ever knew. Its a story worth reading.
I received this book free for an honest review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the twist and turns in this storyline plus the chemistry between the couple is undeniable. The characters are great and engaging and the storyline has a great flow throughout the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poll Dancing as a metaphor.

Well, there is a real poll dancing studio. But Lana ends up in a whole new role due to fifteen write in votes. But there’s a steep learning curve with consequences. And poll dancing. Yeah.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story that has you intrigued. Lana ends up as a Senator without even applying. Problems definitely arise. I absolutely love her.

[Pamela L Donahoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty and smart

A fun read with great characters and a fun poke at our preconceived ideas about pole dancing. I want to be friends with these characters.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book! Lana is such a fabulous character. I loved her so much!

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Accidental Senator. This book is interesting and fun. I like the characters. This was an entertaining book.