[Review] Love, Hate & Clickbait - Liz Bowery

Summary: Cutthroat political consultant Thom Morgan is thriving, working on the governor of California’s presidential campaign. If only he didn’t have to deal with Clay Parker, the infuriatingly smug data analyst who gets under Thom’s skin like it’s his job. In the midst of one of their heated and very public arguments, a journalist snaps a photo, but the image makes it look like they’re kissing. As if that weren’t already worst-nightmare territory, the photo goes viral—and in a bid to secure the liberal vote, the governor asks them to lean into it. Hard.

Thom knows all about damage control—he practically invented it. Ever the professional, he’ll grin and bear this challenge as he does all others. But as the loyal staffers push the boundaries of “giving the people what they want,” the animosity between them blooms into something deeper and far more dangerous: desire. Soon their fake relationship is hurtling toward something very real, which could derail the campaign and cost them both their jobs…and their hearts. (Pub Date: Apr 26 2022)

 

Thom can't deal with Clay, but when the campaign he's giving his soul for is in danger, pretending to be his boyfriend and becoming a popular ship on the internet presents as the best solution. 

This was a 3+, a safe read to get your mind off stuff.

This is the fake relationship cliché, and yet, it didn't make me feel I've read something similar a thousand times before. It's still in my comfort zone for this trope, but the way it's written and the quick development in the story makes it so you don't feel it. 

Also, I found Clay supercute, I really liked that character. Honestly, Thom must be very hot because that's not someone I'd stand to be close to. I'm glad there's character development and we get to a point he becomes more acceptable. 

Of course, this won't feel like a novelty either. And the way shipping them could carry a whole campaign... I don't think that wouldn't even get someone elected as mayor. So you do twist your nose at too many times. I also think it was a bit weird how their relationship came to be, I'm not sure I believed that either. But it's a book that you can enjoy if you just keep reading for the trope and don't think of the details.

I think this is the first book I read by Liz Bowery, but I enjoyed her style, how dynamic her pacing is without being too much, how she gives new twists to familiar situations. I look forward to reading more from her.

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Rating: 3 out of 5.