Strange Bedfellows by Steven Donahue

Strange Bedfellows by Steven Donahue
Publisher: Conquest Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

“Politics makes strange bedfellows, and I like to keep my sheets clean.”
Hayfield’s current mayor, Jade Weatherby, thought she had the mayoral race in the bag. That was until cafe owner, and Independent candidate, Finn Haley joined the game.

Amidst their political rivalry and social pressures put on them by the small town’s populants, Jade and Finn immediately fall for one another.

When a third candidate for mayor emerges with plans that could endanger the town, Jade and Finn are forced to make tough decisions about their careers and their growing relationship.

Let me start by saying that Strange Bedfellows is a truly unique contemporary romance. It’s unlike any other romance novel I’ve read—it doesn’t resemble the stereotypical Harlequin love story, nor would I compare it to a Hallmark movie.

I’ll admit, I was initially unaware of all the meanings of the word bedfellows. I assumed it only referred to two people sharing a bed, but I’ve since learned that it also means an alliance. And that’s exactly what this story is—an alliance between Jade, the heroine, and Finn, the hero. At first, I expected some steamy chemistry between them, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, the romance in this book was mature, respectful, and deeply rooted in mutual admiration.

Jade and Finn are political rivals, both running for mayor. Jade is the current Democratic mayor, while Finn is running as an Independent. I’m not particularly interested in politics, but the synopsis mentioned a third candidate emerging with plans that could endanger the town, forcing Jade and Finn to make tough decisions. That element of unknown danger intrigued me, which is why I decided to give this book a chance.

The romance between Jade and Finn was sweet and understated. As an older couple, their dynamic was mature and responsible. Their chemistry was subtle—they shared a few kisses while dancing, but overall, they carried themselves with class. Their playful banter over who would win the election made for some entertaining moments.

The heart of the story revolves around Jade and Finn’s mayoral race. I enjoyed the feeling of being behind the scenes, watching the political drama unfold. Finn’s father, who also happened to be Jade’s campaign manager, was an interesting character, as was Jade’s assistant, Raydrick Lee. The third candidate, Preston Slade, brought a suspenseful element to the plot. There were also several side characters that enriched the story and made the small-town setting feel immersive. I was glad I didn’t have to cast a vote in the election—it would’ve been a tough decision!

If I had to vote on whether this book is worth reading, my answer would be yes. Strange Bedfellows provided an enjoyable escape and was a great way to pass a few hours.