Not the Plan

December 1, 2022

Isadora Maris has been working in politics for over a decade, slowly and steadily climbing up the ladder by being two steps ahead of everyone else. She's smart, she's savvy, and her reputation is flawless. Karim Sarda has just joined the California political scene as a temporary aide to the boss of Isadora's rival--the smarmiest, most self-serving senator in all of California. Though Karim and Isadora have immediate chemistry, a relationship could spell political trouble for them. Despite these dangers, they begin secretly dating. Politics makes strange bedfellows, but can Isadora and Karim's relationship survive the gauntlet of dirty ploys, underhand deals, and an inherent lack of trust on both sides? This steamy, contemporary romance delves into a unique setting and offers up a smart, sexy story. Isadora and Karim are both victims of emotional abuse from narcissists. These issues are sensitively and sympathetically portrayed and give the plot depth. The protagonists are realistic and likable, with obvious good guys and villains rounding out the cast. VERDICT Readers will enjoy this unabashed peek into the (fictional) world of politics with a romantic twist from De Cadenet (Getting His Game Back).--Heather Miller Cover

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Starred review from December 19, 2022
Love is on the ballot in the California state senate in this masterful interracial workplace romance from de Cadenet (Getting His Game Back). Isadora Maris, the chief of staff to California Senate Majority Leader Etcheverri, is determined to get her boss to Washington, D.C., but braving turbulent political waters while maintaining her strained relationship with her domineering and disdainful mother is no easy feat. Things get even more complicated when Karim Sarda signs on as temporary aide to Isadora’s boss’s archnemesis. Though, as Isadora’s friends point out, “you would have to be in a coma not to find attractive,” fraternizing at work is discouraged and their feuding bosses would surely disapprove. So if they want to be together, they’ll have to be discreet. Isadora has self-esteem issues from years of dealing with her overbearing mother while Karim is recovering from his ex-wife’s abuse, and their secret trysts offer more than just steamy sex as they share their vulnerabilities, confront mental health issues, and deal with the political antics of Karim’s shady boss. The chemistry is off the charts and the affection between the couple feels real and entirely earned. This is a winner. Agent: Léonicka Valcius, Transatlantic.

February 1, 2023
Following her outstanding debut, Getting His Game Back (2022), de Cadenet returns to familiar themes, including interracial relationships, characters dealing with their own and others' mental-health struggles, and the excitement and tension of dating a co-worker. As the chief of staff for a California state senator, Isadora Maris is an anxious workaholic, but her sacrifice will be worth it when she achieves her dream of becoming a congressional aide in D.C. Her frazzled nerves almost cause a near-catastrophe that turns into a series of sexy meet-cute moments when she and the gorgeous stranger she spilled her latte on keep bumping into each other. Still healing from an abusive relationship, Karim Sarda is just as surprised at how often fate brings them together. Then, when he accepts a job for a rival state senator, he realizes how tricky it will be to hide their in-office flirting. De Cadenet's latest is for readers who enjoy steamy contemporary romances featuring resilient survivors and hard-working women of color who know their worth, similar to the novels of Jasmine Guillory and Farrah Rochon.

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