Friday, February 5, 2021

Book Review: Meet You in the Middle

By Cindy Roesel

“There’s a special place in hell for people who waste my time.” ~Kate Adams

Democratic Senate congressional aide, Kate Adams has no time to waste. In Devon Daniels rom-com, MEET YOU IN THE MIDDLE (Berkley), Kate works for Senator Carol Warner and has been working for nearly a year on a Families Act that she hopes to get to the floor. She’s been trying to get her Republican counterpart to meet with her for weeks to no avail. Then she finds an email from a staffer willing to take a meeting at the end of day. Immediately her back is up.

Kate’s average day on the Hill goes something like this: 9:00 a.m. brimming with optimism, 10:00 a.m. inflammatory headlines, 12:00 noon putting out fire of errant quotes, 2:00 p.m. fielding calls, 3:00 p.m. questioning one’s job choice, 4:00 p.m. hanging on by a thread. A 5:00 p.m. meeting is asking for trouble, and trouble she gets.

Republican Senate congressional aide and gatekeeper for conservative Senator Henry Hammond, Benjamin Mackenzie is waiting for her. When she arrives, the 6’4”, green-eyed hunk is ready to go toe-to-toe about what he thinks of her “absurd bill.”. Words are fired, the volume gets louder and eventually Kate stomps out his office, swearing he is the most arrogant man she’s ever met. He thinks she’s maddening. But, wait a second. Soon he’s in her office continuing to argue. Then an interoffice mail fight starts between the two.

You know this is the perfect set up for a “James Carville and Mary Matalin”-esque romance. Author, Daniels is laser focused on the inner workings of the White House and what the staffers are up against. Her writing is so fast and crisp I had several “West Wing” moments. And let’s face it, opposites attracting is always great for a story!

MEET YOU IN THE MIDDLE is fun! Perfect for would-be lovers on Valentine’s Day!

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review. 

No comments: