Stevie‘s review of Pursuit of Happiness by Carsen Taite
Contemporary Lesbian Romance published by Bold Strokes Books 11 Dec 18
I’ve read a few of Carsen Taite’s legal romances, but I’m yet to delve into any of her other series or subgenres. So when this book came up for review, I decided to take the opportunity, not realising that it was linked to her two previous political romance novels. Not that those links turned out to be an issue; while I’d have liked to know beforehand who the secondary characters were, and how the various couples got together, this book stands up well on its own. And, topically, the story centres around a female prospective presidential candidate.
Democrat Senator Meredith Mitchell first encounters public defender Stevie Palmer, when the latter gives evidence to the Senate regarding the issues and unfairness connected with mandatory minimum sentencing. Struck by the Attorney’s dedication to, and passion for, her cause – not to mention her striking looks – Meredith approaches her after the official part of the day in order to learn more. Equally taken by Meredith, Stevie agrees to dinner – but at a place of her choosing, in other words at a low-key bar, rather than a more popular and well-known DC restaurant.
The two hit it off and find that they’re more closely aligned on principles than it appeared at their first meeting, with Meredith agreeing to read Stevie’s background documents in full and possibly present them to other potentially sympathetic Senators.
Back at work the next week, Stevie has a new case and also a follow-up note from Meredith, who has indeed read Stevie’s papers, as well as finding more evidence on the topic for them both to review. And when Stevie calls to say thanks, she finds herself being invited as Meredith’s ‘Plus One’ to the wedding of two of her friends. While Stevie enjoys the event, she is a little overwhelmed by all the high-flying political figures she meets and her unease is compounded by the subsequent news of a scandal involving one of the front runners for the Democrat presidential nomination and rumours – later confirmed – that Meredith will be running instead.
The women agree to keep their potential relationship low key, although Stevie attends Meredith’s family Thanksgiving dinner, where she is once again overwhelmed by the politics: pretty much all of Meredith’s family are involved in her campaigning. As the nomination race gets heated, and Meredith emerges as one of two front runners, however, Stevie begins to find evidence that links her big case to Meredith’s family. Forced to choose between Meredith and her career, Stevie sees no option but to step aside and leave Meredith to campaign alone, all the while knowing that her case may still be Meredith’s downfall.
I loved all the details and complexities of this book, as well as its hopeful prediction that one day soon all the madness currently plaguing politics in the US and elsewhere may be over – at least enough for an out lesbian to stand a chance of being elected President. I’m definitely planning to go back and read the two previous books very soon.
Grade: A
Summary:
Senator Meredith Mitchell has been groomed from young adulthood for a future run for president, and as scion of a political dynasty, every public and private move she makes is carefully calculated. But Meredith’s focus on the right causes, the right people, and the right timing evaporates when she meets Stevie Palmer, a dashing public defender with a hard knock past. A firebrand like Stevie is the last person she should be associating with, especially when Meredith’s political future turns into right now, and her party urges her to enter the presidential race.
Attorney Stevie Palmer refuses to be limited by the low expectations of others or by taking the politically safe route. Cautious, media-perfect presidential candidate Meredith Mitchell is the last woman she expected to fall for, but Stevie has never hesitated to pursue her passions. When her client reveals a Mitchell family scandal that could derail Meredith’s career, everything Meredith and Stevie value hangs in the balance, including Meredith’s shot at the presidency and their chance at love.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
