Red, White & Screwed

Lancaster County #1

by Hollis Bush

Political strategist Glenda Nelson is having a meltdown. Her handpicked, very married Congressional candidate was just caught climbing out of the window of the Sleepytown Motel, and her philandering ex-husband seems to have the most to gain from the colossal scandal that follows. As Glenda attempts to salvage the campaign in a hotly contested race, conservative and liberal pundits pounce on the story to further their own agendas.

Glenda’s love life is nonexistent to say the least, that is, until she meets handsome artist Chris Goodrich. Chris’s easy-going, carefree outlook on life couldn’t be more different than the 90-mph crazy train that is Glenda’s, but the more time she spends with him, the more she craves his calming presence, his sexy smile, and his steamy embraces. Is Chris worth taking a chance on?

Between the pressure of full-blown spin control mode, rapidly declining job security, refereeing two teenagers, caring for aging parents, and spending hours on her therapist’s couch trying to get past her ex’s crushing betrayal, Glenda finds love and makes the long trek back to happy.

Genres: Romance, Politics, Contemporary, Humor, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2014

About the author

Hollis Bush was born in western Pennsylvania to two avid readers. There was not a room in her childhood home that did not hold a full bookcase. She has been writing all her life and is a voracious reader of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, particularly political and historical works. She writes historical romance set in the US and in Victorian England as Holly Bush, and General Fiction as Hollis Bush. She frequently attends writing conferences and has always been a member of a writer’s group.

Holly is a gardener, a news junkie, has been a member of her local library board, and loves to spend time near the ocean. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the wife of a man more than a few years her junior.

aka Holly Bush

Reviews

[Jonetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my reviews at Blue Mood Cafe

Quick summary
Glenda Nelson is a political strategist trying to manage a candidate who's now in free fall. Her politician ex-husband seems to still be up to his old cheating ways with the new wife and dragging their two teenagers into the middle of it. There's a crisis brewing with her parents and, oh, did I mention that there's a hot artist who really wants to get to know her better in the biblical way?

What I loved
Glenda. She's smart, attractive and really good at what she does...in her career. She's a lousy cook and her house wouldn't come close to getting the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. But, her daughter and son are two amazing teenagers that prove she's gotten parenting right. Glenda doesn't manage everything perfectly and that's what makes her interesting.

The romance. Chris is so different from Glenda and the contrasts provide evenness in the relationship. He's such a great guy, loves her kids and appreciates what's special about Glenda.

The humor. There are truly so many laugh-out-loud moments, which helps balance the heartbreaking ones. The ending is just priceless.

And one more thing...
Glenda's therapy. I loved how the sessions were used as a device to revisit moments in her past that gave insight to the present. They were skillfully done.

The bottom line
I loved the story, the characters, the humor and the romance. The cover and the title delivered everything they promised so there really is truth in advertising:) Here's hoping Holly turns this into a series or at least writes a sequel because I'm really not done with these people.

(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)

[Jane Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ½ stars. I enjoyed this. Women’s fiction with a touch of romance. A feel good ending.

Glenda has personal problems causing her to cry, be confused, and have low self-esteem. Her ex-husband had affairs. She begins seeing a therapist. Another author could write about the same thing and make it depressing. I was pleased that this author did not do that.

I liked Laura (Kyahgirl)’s comments: “This is the story of her getting some help, getting it together, and figuring out that its ok to NOT be perfect... I like stories that focus on women and how strong/smart/flawed/loveable we are.” I agree with Laura. And I was in the mood for this.

I enjoyed the political party machinations. Glenda was a campaign strategist and good at her job. Reading about politicians lies and spins can be depressing, but this was not depressing. It was entertaining, partly because it was about two different candidates being unfaithful to their wives.

The best part for me was a minor part - seeing the “ideal kind of love” with married couples. I basked in the love that Glenda’s parents had, Chris’ parents had, and that Glenda and Chris would have. Chris was a fabulous guy who fell in love with her immediately. He had been dating movie stars, but from the moment he saw Glenda, apparently she was “the real thing.”

MY COMPLAINTS:
I wanted to know what Chris saw in Glenda and why he fell for her. I wanted more relationship development. Instead it’s mostly Glenda having problems, and crying, and Chris being there for her.

I have loved some 1st person books, but it’s rare. This book is 1st person so that brought it down some.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person. Kindle count length: 4,617 (380 pages). Swearing language: strong but not often used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4 brief scenes. Two of them are one sentence long. Setting: current day mostly Pennsylvania and Ohio. Copyright: 2014. Genre: womens fiction with some romance.

[April Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's It About?

Glenda, a political strategist for the Lancaster Democratic Committee, knows all too well about political scandals. When her hand picked candidate for U.S. Senate is caught having an affair, Glenda has flashbacks of her ex- husband’s affairs. Do all democrats cheat on their wives?

Amidst the circus, Glenda meets Christopher Goodwich, a painter who painted a 30 ft mural of the Lancaster County Revolutionary War Battle. His easy going attitude is just what she needs when she burns the pre-cooked roast in the oven at a whopping 500 degrees, and bursts into tears like a crazy woman over a pizza… While other men might run for the hills, Christopher barely bats an eyelash.

Glenda doesn’t know if she is ready for love, and more importantly, if the risk is worth the reward.

My Thoughts:

First of all, I love the cover and the title of this book!

If you think a political romance would be boring and stuffy, you have got it all twisted! This story, like politics, is nothing but exciting! There was never a dull moment, between political scandals, ex-husband and mistress-turned- wife drama, two teenage kids, and an aging father with ailing health. Not to mention a budding romance! <3

I loved Christopher. He is the perfect book boyfriend, ladies! Nothing can ruffle this man’s feathers, and I do mean NOTHING. He personifies the word “hero”.

And Glenda… I loved her! Her and her sidekick Melvin had me in hysterics! They were hilarious together! My favorite scene was from the Democratic Gala; Melvin popping Rolaids, to deal with the stress of the situation, and Glenda calmly asking the lady next to her if the speaker was going to hand out snake oil. LOL! I loved her snarky personality!

There are a lot of laughs between the pages but also some sad parts too that brought tears to my eyes. At her shrink, she recounts the affairs her husband had on her, and the political scandals that followed. Her father also suffers from some health problems, which was sad to read, but also gave Christopher a chance to swoop in and be the hero she needed.

I’d also like to mention that the Author never knocks the Republican party in this novel. :)

Recommendation:

I would recommend Red, White, and Screwed to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction, and romance with a political twist. Whether you are Democratic or Republican, you will enjoy this novel! :)

***In the interest of full disclosure, the Author gifted me a paperback copy of Red, White and Screwed, in exchange for a fair, thoughtful, and honest book review. This is no way swayed my opinion/rating.

Full review @ https://aprillwood.wordpress.com/2015...

[Laura (Kyahgirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5; 4 stars; B+

I probably wouldn't have come across this book if not for a stellar review written by Jonetta. It intrigued me because I am usually on the look out for a standalone romance that is funny, has great characters, and hidden depths.

I really enjoyed the way the author characterized Glenda. It is so typical of many of the women I know....totally together in some areas of their lives and really struggling to hold it together in others. Glenda's life was starting to show a few cracks from the pressures of her job, her teenaged children, her aging parents, her loser ex.....and this is the story of her getting some help, getting it together, and figuring out that its ok to NOT be perfect. The romance between Glenda and Chris was sweet and funny but not the main focus at all times.

I've only read a historical western written by this author so was glad to see that she is also skilled in this genre.

[Deanna Lynn Sletten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glenda Nelson has enough on her plate as a divorced mother with two children, a demanding career, her aging parents, and an annoying ex-husband who doesn't understand the first thing about loyalty. But when the married Congressional candidate who she has been promoting is caught having an affair, all hell breaks loose and it is the last straw for Glenda. On the bright side, a handsome artist, Chris, finds the stressed-out Glenda attractive and interesting and pursues a relationship with her. But after being hurt once before, can Glenda trust and love again?

In this fast-paced, highly entertaining novel, Holly Bush does an excellent job of creating real life characters that are relatable to the reader as well as endearing. Women can definitely relate to the issues Glenda faces, juggling a career, children, and relationships. Sometimes it is just easier to push your own needs aside and do for others, but it's not the healthiest way to deal with life, and Glenda soon realizes that she must consider her own needs as well. Glenda's relationship with the handsome Chris is sweet and heartwarming, and the problems Glenda faces at work, mixed with political mishaps, offer a humorous look at the craziness of politics.

Red, White & Screwed is a refreshing, entertaining, and heartwarming novel that I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone who loves the romance genre.

[Pratr- Authors · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.

Firstly I want to admit this book is not my cup of tea. I'm just not a huge fan of politics for entertainment, even if I don't know American politics being International. Having said that this review is objective, and based on the writing, not so much the storyline.
Glenda is a 40 something career woman who is single handedly raising two teenagers and quietly losing her mind. Along the way she is joined by an ensemble of great characters, both in the political scenes, her psychologist, and George Clooney look alike Sam.
The writing was witty and sometimes emotional and the characters were brilliantly played out. It reminded me a lot of the few episodes of West Wing i've seen. If you enjoyed that then I dare say you'll enjoy this book immensely.
I'm giving this book 4 fangs purely for the writing, which was very enjoyable.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

the story about politicians and there marriages.the way it hurts the wives and children the humor that was part of the book.

[Sharon Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. Loved this book. Wish women in 40's could all find a Chris. What a guy. I'm not looking for what always happens in real life. I read for pleasure. This book was pure pleasure. Ms Bush has such a talent for the genre that I wish she would write more. I have read some of her historicals and they are great also. (Very little bad language, but did take Lord's name in vein a couple of times and that's not necessary or appreciated)

[Janet Rodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red, White and Screwed
By Holly Bush
"I got behind a buggy." This almost made Glenda Nelson who works for the Lancaster County Democratic Committee late for the dedication of the mural they helped sponsor late. Glenda is forty six, had an ugly divorce, and has two teenage children, Sylvia and Frank. She works for Melvin who is constantly stressed and lives on a diet of Rolaids. Glenda's ex husband is Grant Nelson who also happens to be a Pennsylvania State representative. He is also a serial cheater. As a matter of fact, he is currently married to one of his many mistresses. Melvin and Glenda are working for John Marshall, a democrat they hope to get into the U.S. Senate. Marshall is the consummate family man, a sterling choice for the Senate.
Christopher Goodwich is an artist who was commissioned to paint a thirty foot mural of a Lancaster County Revolutionary War battle. He also happens to come from a rich, politically active family. Glenda and Christopher meet during the dedication. During the reception, Melvin and Glenda find out that their candidate, the good family man has been having an affair with a neighbor for the past twelve years. Now they needed to find a new candidate.
Glenda has many obstacles to deal with, Her father has Alzheimer's disease, her kids are having trouble dealing with the lack of attention by their father, she blames herself for her divorce from Grant, they need to find a new candidate to represent Pennsylvania in the Democratic Senate race and finally, what to do about her growing attraction to Christopher Goodwich. One night, she has had all she can handle, she calls a psychologist, makes an appointment to meet and goes about trying to get her life back together. With the love of her family, friends and Chris, Glenda is able to get her life back on track and find some happiness.
I really enjoyed this book. Holly Bush took events that have happened numerous times in the political world and showed the impact that it has on all of the people involved in the story. I loved Glenda's character. She is an older woman with teenage children and has a lot to deal with as a working single Mom, including having to cope with a parent going through the horrible disease of Alzheimer's. Another topic Ms Bush focused on was the fact that sometimes we need a little extra help and that it is ok to seek it professionally. Christopher was a doll, a guy every women would love to meet. He was patient and supportive of Glenda through all of her issues. Ms Bush's secondary characters made the story interesting as well. This story made me laugh and cry too. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for her next contemporary romance.

[Sassy Moms Say Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEATHER'S REVIEW:

Red, White and Screwed is a new contemporary romance by Holly Bush. This book is about Glenda Nelson, a political strategist, who works for the Democratic Party in a very conservative county in Pennsylvania. She is the divorced wife a politician and is raising two teenagers. Glenda is made aware that the candidate that they picked to run for the Senate will be exposed as an adulterer in the newspaper. While Glenda struggles to salvage the campaign and the senate nomination forces seem to be working against her. In the midst of this she meets Chris Goodwich, an artist with a laid back attitude. Glenda has not had much romance in her life since her divorce and she is tempted by Chris but at the same time leery of his attentions. Throw in some quick visits to a therapist, a sick parent, more cheating politicians and everyone trying to spin the situation to their advantage and you have one great story.

The plot of this book was well developed and believable. The characters interacted well together. The author took Glenda on a journey of self-discovery and awareness that most people, especially women, could relate to. Glenda pretty much puts her life, emotional health and needs on the back burner to her job and kids. There were equals parts of humor (getting caught rolling on the floor with your boyfriend by your teenage son); sorrow (finding out your father has Alzheimer’s); and emotion (dealing with the left over issues from your husband’s infidelity). The book is fairly fast paced. The author does a good job of giving the reader insight into Glenda’s insecurity and self-esteem issues by delving into her past in her therapy sessions and the unfolding drama of the political crisis. There were times when I wanted to cry with Glenda and others when I laughed at what she was doing, saying and thinking. Chris was definitely what Glenda needed. He did not give up and really worked to pursue a relationship with her.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance and a HEA. The romance between Chris and Glenda is heartwarming. I enjoyed reading a book about an “older” couple finding their way to love. I would give this book four and half stars and certainly look forward to more contemporary romance by this author.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm going to begin by saying I don't normally get into politics, so this book is a definite deviation from what I normally consider reading.

I found this book quite enjoyable for several reasons. One of the main things that kept me reading was Glenda, the single mom having a breakdown and watching her cope with the stresses of every day life. I greatly enjoy seeing in print scenarios that mirror things that I have experienced, for it gives me a feeling that I'm not alone in the universe and that I am human for the things I have gone through. There was also a bit of humor in the book, and the style of klutziness was so real, I could imagine the cocktail wieners rolling off my plate into a handsome man's spinach dip. The relationship with Chris was a little confusing to me at first because I wasn't immediately hit over the head with their attraction to each other. It kind of builds as the story goes on, and he is a great, stand-up guy who is by Glenda's side no matter what. If anyone knows where I can get a guy like that, please leave me a message.

I would recommend this book, primarily to people who enjoy political romances, but it is not an impossible read for anyone to enjoy.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red, White and Screwed was a hilariously funny political romance novel about Glenda Nelson, who was the former wife of a Political bigwig. Holly Bush takes readers through all the drama and the comedy of an election and the scandals of politics - whose sleeping with who, who is sabatoging the other guys campaign ... you know the usual.

Bush does a great job of keeping the readers attention and making the novel move quickly with the comedic breaks. The relationship between Glenda and Chris will leave you swooning as he stands by her through thick and thin.

I loved Glenda because she was a strong female character who wasn't afraid to not back down and overcame many difficult circumstances throughout the book. There were times she made laughing, and other times where I was literally crying and my kids were asking me what was wrong. I loved how Bush took readers through real life drama and pain, and I felt myself relating to Glenda.

Overall, Red, White & Screwed was a great read - definitely better than I first thought. Bush does a tremendous job with making Glenda a strong female lead and does not disappoint readers by selling her out. Great job!

4 1/2 Stars

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! There are so many reasons too. Shall I count them?

1. The heroine isn't some young 20 something, she's 46 and has two kids from her previous marriage.

2. It is set in Lancaster, PA and there's a lot of reverence to places that I know in the book. Props for using New Stanton, PA briefly as Glenda, Chris and her kids are traveling the turnpike to get to the hospital to see her father.

3. Chris Goodwich is the absolute perfect hero. If you don't adore him, there's something wrong with you.

4. Glenda's kids, Frank and Sylvia are 100% real. They aren't novel perfect kids

5. The politics make the story hilarious and they are so right.

There's more than just these reasons to love this book. Holly writes characters that are real and have real problems. I dare you not to cry when Glenda's father dies and even before that.

You will hate her ex and his new wife too, on general principals.

This was such a great read! Definitely a must for romance readers!

[JustMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great story with likeable main characters

Glenda is a divorced Democratic party operative with LOTS of work drama and bright, gregarious children (boy and girl) raised to think and speak freely - they keep her on her toes! Her relationship with her ex, his new wife, and their child is strained and peculiar, as evidenced by storyline occurrences.

Chris is a painter from a wealthy family, meeting Glenda at an unveiling of a mural he painter for her town. He has complicated emotions regarding the family business and his waning interest in his profession, reaching a crossroads in the story.

This couple - especially Glenda - dances around a relationship throughout the book (spoiler: happy ending) and the direction of each one's career and personal life. I was rooting for them the entire book.

All in all, a pleasant, emotional rollercoaster stand-alone read.

[Allyson Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding books where the protagonists are over forty, with the hint of sex, but not over done, and the woman shows character and strength. This is one of those books. An easy, enjoyable read which relates to the life of a working mum, struggling to forget a cheating husband. Working in the political arena, her life and family are always threatened with the possibility of being in public display. Although Glenda meets a man she feels lots of lovely feelings for, trusting a man again is a big ask.
A well written story, that has a few humorous bits as well as the tears, but definitely worth a read, when you need to escape for a few hours.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

Fans of politics and romance will enjoy this sweet read by established author Holly Bush. If one isn’t a fan of politics, the author is talented enough to keep those readers interested; holding their attention so they wonder what will happen next.

Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story filled with true to life problems and worries. Glenda is a great imperfect mom who has put her own well-being on the back burner. In this story, she begins to take responsibility for her own happiness and mistakes. An imperfect heroine connects with a close to perfect hero yields a heart warming lee story.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW~



Great read! Well written and easy to follow humorous romance in the politician scene. First time reading a book like this and was not disappointing. You will enjoy how this author has maneuvered this story, get your copy now!

[Harlie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

My full review is on http://www.harliesbooks.com


In a nutshell, I loved this book. Chris and Glenda were great together. And even if you are not into politics, no worries...

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that RED, WHITE AND SCREWED by Holly Bush is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A political scandal, two teenage children, a manipulative philandering ex-husband, and a non-existent love life, how much more can forty-six year old political strategist Glenda Nelson handle in her life? Does Glenda have the time and enough energy for love when Christopher Goodwich, a celebrated artist unexpectedly comes into her life?

Red, White & Screwed is an entertaining romance novel that follows the crazy daily life trials and tribulations of Lancaster County Democratic Committee political strategist Glenda Nelson. Author Holly Bush weaves a humorous tale that easily draws the reader into the crazy arena of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania politics that makes up the demanding,stressed out, and overworked Glenda Nelson's world.

When Glenda's political candidate for the US Senate is caught having an affair ... a twelve year affair that is ... all hell breaks loose, and it is left up to Glenda to salvage the campaign. This single mother of two precocious teenagers, with aging parents to care for, and a philandering ex-husband whose crushing betrayal caused her to seek therapy sessions, has enough on her plate, but when she unexpectedly meets artist Christopher Goodwich at the county courthouse mural unveiling, she starts to think that maybe it would be worth the risk to find love again.

Red, White & Screwed is a fast-paced humorous political romance novel that kept me thoroughly entertained. You can't help but relate to and sympathize with Glenda as she tries to juggle everything in her stressed out life, one that is filled with enough daily trials and tribulations that would make anyone go bonkers. This is a fun story that has plenty of crazy political mishaps, humorous family drama, and a heartwarming unexpected romance that keeps the reader turning the pages. I loved the quirky and realistic characters, the drama and humor, and the witty intertwining of politics and romance within the storyline.

Red, White & Screwed is an enjoyable romance novel that provides plenty of comedy, laugh-out-loud moments, and a sweet romance that will leave a smile on your face.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book blitz tour hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. However, I'm going to talk about my only hang-up first...the book cover and title. Not my favorite. I do judge a book by it's cover and thought I was going to be reading something completely different than what I read. I was pleasantly surprised instead. So I wish the book had a different cover and maybe even a different title. Other than that...the story was good. Not too fluffy. Had some real depth with real issues. Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down. I'd actually like to follow Glenda on another journey to see where life takes her and how her kids continue to grow and how her relationship with Chris blossoms. Add this one to your to-be-read pile!

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book, I am not sure if I got an advanced copy or not, but there were some grammar issues in the book that made it confusing to read. Also I didn't care for the ending. It just abruptly ended, it left too many unanswered questions for me. I know there is a second one, but because it ended so abruptly it didn't encourage me to want to read the second one.