Today we are really excited here at Book Lovers Inc to welcome author Mary Whitney in celebration of her newest release, A Political Affair and to talk about, what else, politics! Don’t be afraid, we won’t just start talking about politics strictly, but how there’s a more romantic side to the whole politics setting. (Like always, don’t forget to check at the end of the post for the details of our giveaway)
A Political Affair by Mary Whitney
With all the mud flying about during this election season, it’s hard to see anything romantic about politics. Mud doesn’t make anyone look or smell good. Even when we’re out of the nasty election cycle, if we do hear of romance in politics, it isn’t sweet at all. It’s usually something tawdry, where more often than not, innocent families are hurt because of a politician’s hubris.
Yet we’re all easily drawn to elected officials—even those we don’t agree with on the issues. We see beyond our differences with some because they’re charismatic, funny, and passionate, and occasionally good looking. Kennedy and Reagan are two who usually come to mind.
So why do politicians end up in sex scandals more than your average person? The simple answer is that they don’t get out much, plus they’re so egotistical they think they get away with anything. Many of them spend most of their time with their staff rather than their family or friends. They’re idolized and don’t socialize like normal people. So in the tight quarters of an office with staff who would go through fire for you, passions can flare.
Despite all of that, I love politics, and I relish a good scandal. In writing A Political Affair, I wondered what would happen if the affair was actually a well-intentioned one. What if the pair truly loved one another? How could they get around their situation and actually grow a relationship? And how would the public react once it was disclosed in the middle of an election? I hope I’ve drawn a story that plays that out, while poking fun at the political world. After all, making fun of politicians is always good time.
A Political Affair is due out on October 18. In the meantime, you can check out my novella, A Very Important Guest, currently on Amazon. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on sweet political romance.
About the Book:
Stephen McEvoy never expected to fill his father’s U.S. Senate seat at such a young age—or to fight to keep it. When clever Anne Norwood interns in his office, Stephen dismisses her as another pretty face—until her independent streak catches his attention. They’re both too smart to fall for one another, yet they do. During a tough election, their relationship is an impossible political gamble. Campaigns—like love—are either won or lost.
Purchase Info:
Author’s Website | Publisher
About the Author:
Even before she graduated from law school, Mary Whitney knew she wasn’t cut out to be a real lawyer. Drawn to politics, she’s spent her career as an organizer, lobbyist, and nonprofit executive. Nothing piques her interest more than a good political scandal or romance, and when she stumbled upon writing, she put the two together. A born Midwesterner, naturalized Texan, and transient resident of Washington, D.C., Mary now lives in Northern California with her two daughters and real lawyer husband.
Visit Mary
Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Author’s Website
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~*~*Giveaway*~*~
One lucky commenter will win an ebook copy of A Political Affair!
All you have to do is is leave a comment/question for Mary or tell us: do you like romances set in a politicial environment? Do you think politics can be sexy?
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)
Please be sure to include a valid email address in the comment form (need not be in the actual body of the comment)
This giveaway is open to everyone!
Giveaway ends on Saturday, 13 October 2012 and we will announce the winner on Sunday.
Good Luck!
Usually books about American politics bore me to death, (I’m Canadian) but I love Mary’s writing style. Looking forward to reading A Political Affair!
I’ve read a few political romance novels and enjoyed them very much. I think politics can be sexy…it’s all about their need for power and the passion in their political viewpoints.
I have been a fan of Mary’s writing and am looking forward to reading this work. Anxiously awaiting the release.
I am so very excited for Mary’s book! I love a good political romance and she’s an exceptional writer.
You knew you didn’t want to be a lawyer but still finished law school?! Color me impressed. Unless you also took the Bar just for fun, then I would start questioning your sanity.
Which would admittedly make your writing that much more intriguing.
As for feedback on political romances, I’m afraid that I’m probably not all that helpful. The last one I read was the Newsflesh trilogy. Which was awesome. Politics + conspiracy + scandal + romance + zombies = amazing.
Would love to win a copy of your new book…wishing you much success.
I LOVE a good political romance! I have always been drawn to the power of elected officials. I worked in the attorney general’s office for my state as a young adult and it was a great experience.
I can’t wait to read A Political Affair!!
I think Mary hit the nail on the head with the term a “well-intentioned one” where they truly love each other. Who doesn’t love a real love story?! Politics can be sexy when the people love each other and no one is being hurt by an adulterous affair. And especially the way Mary writes politics! Its fun to feel like you’re on the inside of what happens in DC rather than the outside as the media makes us feel.
Relationships in the political arena are so interesting. It is such a different world in Washington. I heard a congressman speak about how differently he was treated, being hit on by women, when he had his pin on identifying his status. Trying to keep moral was a challenge. I think this book will be timely and a good read.
I recently read a murder mystery in politics (Maggie Sefton), and I think that is way more believable. Are those politicians really capable of loving some one else, besides themselves? So if you want to convince me of that, you really have some good work to write.
I like romances in any setting. I think politics can be sexy with the right characters and the right story line. Thanks for the giveaway.
Anything can be romantic and sexy with the right characters created by a talented author. People in politics can be seen as strong, social, sexy, and honest by one person but egotistical, fake, and annoying to another. If the story centers around the honest feelings of 2 people that develop in a political environment then the reader sees the depth of a beautiful relationship. Even if others see negativity in this relationship, as a reader we know what the truth is.
I’m a huge fan of Mary’s writing, her stories are always sweet and heartfelt and so well writen! I’ve enjoyed her novella and can’t wait for the book to come out!
I wish her so much success!
Hey Mary! Looking forward to reading your new story. Like your heroine’s first name.
x
I never thought I would be interested in reading a book about politics.. not my favorite topic, but I love Mary’s writing style and I can’t wait to read A Political Affair!!!
I personally loathe talking about politics, and avoid the subject anytime I can. Yet I find myself immersed in such a great combination of politics and romance, I’ve come to enjoy the change in scenery and being a well written story, how can people not be enamored by this story? =]
Can’t wait to read this book. I love Mary’s writing.
I have already read A Very Important Guest and absolutely loved it. I read it in 2 hours! I simply could’nt put it down. I can’t wait for A Political Affair to get my teeth stuck into a good political/love scandal.
I do have a question…or two.
What was your favourite scandal and why?
Which scandal shocked you the most?
So that was three questions. Sorry.
Looking forward to the release.
For the sheer number of his daliances,plus the epic proportion of the Lewinsky matter, you have love Bill Clinton’s scandals! I think the Mark Sanford scandal was a little shocking because he really did fall in love with another woman while being governor, plus his lame excuse about going hiking on the Appalachian trail is just choice!
I haven’t read any books set in a political environment. They sound interesting.
interesting, sometimes i love reading about intrigue in political environment
I have just finished “A Very Important Guest” and what a refreshing read! It is a lovely and sweet escape. Enjoyed “wink” to one of my favourite films in the beach scene.
Looking forward to”A Political Affair” and to “More Than Rivals” next year…