I really enjoyed this read. I'm a huge political junkie, and although I wouldn't say this novel is incredibly detailed when it comes to the politics, it at least provides enough to wet the palette. The characters for the most part are well thought out, and the sexual tension between the two main characters is palpable.

I have read Radclyffe's "Honor" series, and there are similarities, but overall these are two separate pieces of work. I definitely recommend this book for anyone that is a fan of politics. For a first novel, the writer shows potential.

I loved this book from start to finish. I like the cemistry between the two women in the book. There is a sence of humor trough out the book that makes me laugh thinking about it. This is a well written story that I have re-read again and again. If the author reads this please make a book part two. thank you for your time.

I was expecting more sexual tension. I was expecting a commanding presence from the candidate. I was expecting a better plot. What I got was a wishy-washy main character who couldn't decide if she had the hots for secret service agent or not. The lukewarm sexual tension gave way to a mediocre sex scene or two. Reading the book killed an afternoon for me, but I was left unsatisfied.

This book is really great. I can't help smiling when I see them flirting with each other. I see the is chemistry between them.

This could somehow relate to real people out there. I know that this happens to many people. Alex likes Jane, but Jane says she is straight. Alex can't tell if Jane is flirting with Alex or not, but she is so nervous whenever they are together because she feels like she needs to touch Jane. Jane on the other hand, is getting feelings for Alex, but she denies that it's love. So Alex is like going crazy and wondering if Jane feels the same way or not and yeah blah blah blah... Jane figures it out... whatever.. happy ending!

I finished the book in two days!

I wanted to take a star off, because I want a series! This novel is thought-provoking, sexy, passionate, intriguing, and beautiful in its form--just like it's main characters. It's a must read. So therefore, you must read (yoda actually wrote this review).

This was a fun book to read. A little slow for me but a nice read none the less.

Other reviewers have explained the plot, so I'll just stick to giving an opinion. I found this book very satisfying. It's not the most touching romance I've ever read, but the subject matter more than made up for what was missing in that department. This is a timely novel, now that a woman is running for President for the first time, and Ms. Richardson gives a believable portrayal of situation that is hard to imagine. I found the ending a bit unlikely, but this is a romance and it would have been disappointing if Alex and Jane didn't have their happy ending.

The high pressure combination of politics and passion makes The Candidate a page turner. The writing is above average for Bella Books, and there is also more plot depth. Some reviewers have said that this book is more rewarding intellectually than emotionally, and I agree. But that's not a big drawback if you appreciate books that are well plotted and interesting, not just emotive. I don't think The Candidate can be compared to Radclyffe's honor series or Madam President just because of the subject. The author's style is very different from both these other authors.

This is not a 5 star romance but I liked it.

I enjoyed this book. What it lacked somewhat in expressing emotion it made up for in its depiction of the issues that would surround a high profile candidate suddenly coming out. Everything was somewhat idealized, but it also dabbled in realism in addressing the decision-making and ramifications of political events. I thought the potential "speechifying" would annoy me, but it was actually handled skillfully, and I enjoyed the brief light that was shined on some issues (though there was never any real in depth discussion that would overwhelm the central romance).

I think this book appealed to me intellectually more than emotionally. This author did a good job creating characters that you liked and admired. She established a robust back-story for each, which really helped provide some support for actions and motivations later when the author's descriptions of their emotional journey lagged or got dry. You could assume based on their pedigrees (Senator, Olympian) that Jane and Alex would be drawn to one another, thus you could make the leap when things moved quickly. Ultimately it was the plot versus the characters that drove this book, and there was a touch too much of the author telling us what the characters were feeling, instead of describing the feelings, which lent an occasional detachment, but this may be a rookie issue, and the author did pull the romance off in a satisfying manner.

I agree that there are elements of Radclyffe's "Honor" series and "Madame President" in this one, but that this book has its own unique viewpoint. I don't know that it considered the ramifications for Alex professionally in a realistic light, and in that way suffered in comparison to the Honor series (not that that sets the bar for realism), but as I said the focus was on the politics anyway. Things were perhaps a bit too pat in the end, resolved too neatly, but it worked. As a plus, the author has a distinct voice. Her descriptions didn't fall into the same ruts that are perpetuated in this genre.

All in all a solid first novel: enjoyable characters that spark believably with one another, interesting plot driving the story, some twists and turns, a happy ending. A little dry emotionally, but a good use of language and issues to buoy the book along intellectually. I'll check out future efforts by this author because this is an imperfect, but promising start that I expect most will enjoy.

I'm always excited to find a new author in this genre, and am almost always impressed with their work. Tracey Richardson is no exception. This is a timely story about a female presidential candidate who is running against a strong male opponent. Talk about fiction mirroring reality...

This story is reminiscent of the plots from `Madam President' by Blayne Cooper, and `Love and Honor' by Radclyffe. In all three books, the story is about a public figure who would potentially lose a lot by exposing her sexuality to the nation AND a public servant (or reporter in the case of `Madam') who must remain emotionally neutral to do her job. One would think these stories would eventually get boring, but all three authors bring something unique to their writing to keep the reader hooked.

In this, my first Richardson novel, she has brought us Jane Kincaid, a passionate candidate for president. Jane is a different kind of candidate, in that she includes all of her staff in decisions, celebrations, etc. Hoping to find a primary Secret Service agent who will fit well with her team, Jane brings Alex Warner on board. Alex is concerned about her ability to fully perform in this new role, but is looking forward to the assignment. That is, until she and Jane begin to become more than professional companions. Their story is compelling and well-told.

This well-written book has elements of both "Madame President" and Radclyffe's "Honor" series, but has its own integrity. Maybe the next book about women in top drawer politics in the US can ignore the fact that secret service agents fall in love with protectees. Maybe it happens, but I think the agent would be yanked before it could come to fruition and would be assigned to East Podunk. Both Alex and Jane try to dodge the bullet and it isn't clear until near the end whether or not they will get together. This book is captivating and the women are both believable. I've not read anything else by Richardson and hope she writes more.

This is the first Tracey Richardson book I've read.
The political storyline was interesting.Surprising,I know.
I love well written conversations between the characters and this story has them in abundance.
Jane and Alex deserve more time in Ms.Richardson's capable writing hands.
Can't wait to read more of her work.
Go buy this book.

I really liked her first book and then was less entertained. However this book has more depth, action and angst. There is a new maturity to her style, perhaps its just her characters are a bit older & she is too. : ) I liked the political intrigue and deal making as well as the march toward the presidency. The main characters were given time to get to know each other which makes for a better read for me than instant love just add eyes catching. I'm sure I'll be re-reading this one soon and am glad it is on my shelf.

I finished the book in one afternoon because I couldn't put it down. The story is relevant to our present political climate as Hillary runs for President. I found myself rooting for the two main characters to finally find their way towards one another. I hope there is a sequel!

What would you do if you were the first serious female candidate for President of the United States and discovered during the campaign that you love a woman?

Jane Kincaid has all of the credentials she needs to be President - beauty, intelligence, a distinguished career as a doctor, an electrifying career as a Senator and she's the scion of a respected political family. Since her husband's death in a plane crash years ago, she's focused on nothing but her service to the people of the United States and that suites her fine. Unfortunately, her high profile as a candidate means she has to have protection from the Secret Service and that necessitates a female agent being assigned to her. Agent Alex Warner isn't sure she's any happier about the assignment than the candidate until they meet. Alex is immediately impressed with Jane's down to earth personality and dedication to improving the country. Jane can't help but admire Alex's natural humility and her heroism. The women find themselves becoming fast friends as Alex slips into the role of advisor as well as protector. When the women realize they have developed feelings for each other the timing couldn't be worse. Jane is fighting a hard enough battle as a woman. She doesn't want to give up Alex, but her life has been dedicated to one path. Suddenly she appears to be looking down two paths that run in different directions. Can she be satisfied following one, but not the other? Is the country ready to accept both? Just how much are they willing to tolerate from their golden girl?

Tracey Richardson has written her story with considerable skill. The personalities of the characters are well defined in the beginning, but also are allowed to change as their relationship progresses and the women don't fall in love immediately, but grow into a realization of their feelings over an appropriate amount of time. The dilemma Jane faces is also handled very realistically. For someone who wants to be president, outing herself couldn't be more impossible. What makes the book particularly enjoyable is that the affair, though important, doesn't drive the plot as much as the situation in which Jane finds herself and the decision making process she goes through. The result is an interesting tale with some thought behind it. This book is worth reading.

This book is one of the best I've read of this genre. It's hugely timely, with the election going on, so that makes it resonate on its own. But the characters are strong and unforgettable, and frankly, even though I've finished the book, I can't quite say goodbye yet to Alex and Jane. They're strong, feisty, and sometimes they struggle with their own flaws, but their love for each other is very strong--stronger than their fears and faults. I will read this book again and again and I will definitely look for this author again.

Tracey Richardson did a great job with "The Candidate" and I highly recommend this book. I also found Jennifer Parello's Dateland to be the funniest lesbian fiction I've ever read.