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Cardinal House #2
Campaign for His Heart
The Perfect Candidate
Former foster kid Lauder Tolson is running for North Carolina state senate, but his bachelor status makes him look less than family oriented. He needs a lady love—just for the campaign. The ideal candidate is childhood nemesis Willow Dawson. But he once broke the beauty’s heart and barely has her vote! Still, to fulfill her own dream, she agrees. Suddenly, they’re a devoted couple in public. But neither expects how hot it gets in private.
Former foster kid Lauder Tolson is running for North Carolina state senate, but his bachelor status makes him look less than family oriented. He needs a lady love—just for the campaign. The ideal candidate is childhood nemesis Willow Dawson. But he once broke the beauty’s heart and barely has her vote! Still, to fulfill her own dream, she agrees. Suddenly, they’re a devoted couple in public. But neither expects how hot it gets in private.
- GenresRomance
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2018
43 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Joy Avery
40 books226 followersBy day, Joy Avery works as an engagement manager. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds—creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 7, 2019
Lauder Tolson is running for State Senate and his Campaign manager seems to think he will receive more votes if he had a lady on his arm, it would show he was family oriented, but just for the campaign. Lauder wants no part of this until he runs into his childhood love Willow Dawson. Willow is the only lady he will consider standing by him during his campaign.
Lauder and Willow’s story is all about second chances, forgiveness and mis communication. Lauder is what you would call a Book Bae, he is the ideal man that some women would just love to have. This was a true romance love story.
Lauder and Willow’s story is all about second chances, forgiveness and mis communication. Lauder is what you would call a Book Bae, he is the ideal man that some women would just love to have. This was a true romance love story.
July 18, 2018
Campaign for His Heart is a blazing sizzling hot read from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed every moment of Lauder and Willow’s second chance at love story. What starts as a no strings attached facade that is lucrative and beneficial for both rekindles a flame that never truly burnt out. Although at first, they both desperately try to keep their emotions, feelings, and love at bay; the real chemistry was undeniably combustible. Their ability to allow each other to meet their most precious vulnerable needs is breathtaking and builds a connection that has your rooting for their love and success. They are a match fit for the job and task at hand. Joy Avery did an amazing job peeling back the layers of both Lauder and Willow. She takes you on a journey throughout the pages while allowing you to tap into their deepest pain and fears from a past that neither like revisiting in such a soothing and refreshing manner. To public professional outings to fiery private connections behind closed doors, it is clear these two are meant to be. Campaign for His heart is a read that you cannot help but turn the page for what happens next. I could not put this book down nor did I want it to end. I truly enjoyed the storyline and realness of the characters. I was left wanting more and thinking about Lauder and Willow long after I had completed the book. I wanted to pick the book up and read it all over again.
January 20, 2019
This is my first read by Joy Avery. Lauder Tolson is running for Political office and needs a love interest for the campaign. The ideal candidate is someone from his childhood named Willow Dawson. He broke her heart in the past but agreed to play the role. Lauder and Willow had similar upbringings in the foster care system. I like how Ms. Avery wrote about the importance of reforming the foster care system. Lauder was so passionate about it.
To a certain extent, Willow was in the driver seat in the beginning and did some things to totally catch Lauder off guard. The story felt predictable at first but there were some twists and turns that I didn’t expected. That created a more enjoyable story. Ms. Avery created a story that showed the impact of first loves and sometimes in ways that they didn’t realize until they were back in each other’s lives. They were so connected and so impacted by their friendship. They lingered in each other’s hearts for years and it impacted their romantic relationships, or lack thereof.
The secondary characters were strong and very supportive of Lauder and Willow. I enjoyed the fun banter between Willow and her friend Hannah. Ms. Avery has a sense of humor. This was an enjoyable read. I plan to check out other books by Ms. Avery.
To a certain extent, Willow was in the driver seat in the beginning and did some things to totally catch Lauder off guard. The story felt predictable at first but there were some twists and turns that I didn’t expected. That created a more enjoyable story. Ms. Avery created a story that showed the impact of first loves and sometimes in ways that they didn’t realize until they were back in each other’s lives. They were so connected and so impacted by their friendship. They lingered in each other’s hearts for years and it impacted their romantic relationships, or lack thereof.
The secondary characters were strong and very supportive of Lauder and Willow. I enjoyed the fun banter between Willow and her friend Hannah. Ms. Avery has a sense of humor. This was an enjoyable read. I plan to check out other books by Ms. Avery.
July 19, 2018
This book is a story of reunited love. Lauder and Willow were in foster care together where they fell in love. A misunderstanding causes love to turn to hate. 20 years later, they meet again. At this point, Lauder is running for the State Senate and needs someone to be his pretend girlfriend. He is determined that Willow will be that woman. Despite her feelings but with a lot of persuasion from Lauder, Willow agrees since Lauder also says he will help her gain her heart's desire. Lauder and Willow begin spending time together and the emotions that they once felt for each other rekindles. I highly recommend this book because it has it all - chemistry, passion and love. Add in the political conspiracy, you have a well-rounded book that definitely has a little bit of something for everyone. Once again, Ms. Avery has written a great book. I can't wait to see if Hannah and Chuck will have books of their own.
August 23, 2018
Sigh...this book so gooooood :-). Willow and Lauder had me on the edge of my seat. Cheering for them to wade through the much to make it had me invested, from the very beginning.
They share a past that makes for just the right amount of tension. The push pull between them made for quite a bit of steam to float from the pages as well. And it was hot, erotic and downright satisfying. Ms. Avery is a master with that, and she didn’t disappoint this time either.
Throw in some intrigue and you have one heck of an ending, and even that was to be happily applauded. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I think you will too.
They share a past that makes for just the right amount of tension. The push pull between them made for quite a bit of steam to float from the pages as well. And it was hot, erotic and downright satisfying. Ms. Avery is a master with that, and she didn’t disappoint this time either.
Throw in some intrigue and you have one heck of an ending, and even that was to be happily applauded. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I think you will too.
August 8, 2018
When you have friends that will keep it 100 with you keep them around . Hannah is Willow best friend and Chuck is Lauder best friend . Lauder Love Wiillow and he never stop . He lost her once but this time he was not letting good . The love he have for Willow is real and FOREVER. Their are some up's and down's they go though . Please read this book and find out that though it all they made it and is more in love from the first day they met a Decade ago.
Thank you
Joy Avery I enjoyed every page I read/turned in this book .
Thank you
Joy Avery I enjoyed every page I read/turned in this book .
August 25, 2019
4-7 Stars - The Perfect Candidate…(Former foster kid) Lauder Tolson is running for North Carolina (state senate), but his bachelor status makes him look less than family oriented. He needs a lady love—just for the campaign. The ideal candidate is childhood nemesis (forensic sculpture/former foster child) Willow Dawson. But he once broke the beauty’s heart and barely has her vote! Still, to fulfill her own dream, she agrees. Suddenly, they’re a devoted couple in public. But neither expects how hot it gets in private. 2 sons Christopher and 1 on the way
September 23, 2022
A wonderfully written sexy love story that is hot , sexy and so sensual.
It begins with two people who were lovers in the past, Lauder & Willow, but due to unforeseen circumstances their love is tainted by negative information that harmed their relationship and caused a split between them.
This book brings their love to the forefront that is so compassionate and tender and just so sexy.
This love story starts as a no stings attached to actually rekindling the love that they already had for each other from the past.
A wonderful love story from the beginning to the end!!
It begins with two people who were lovers in the past, Lauder & Willow, but due to unforeseen circumstances their love is tainted by negative information that harmed their relationship and caused a split between them.
This book brings their love to the forefront that is so compassionate and tender and just so sexy.
This love story starts as a no stings attached to actually rekindling the love that they already had for each other from the past.
A wonderful love story from the beginning to the end!!
July 9, 2018
I have read a few books by Joy Avery and this one has been one of my favorites! I loved Lauder and Willow! I loved their up and down relationship and how they found their way back to each other. Love how they got a happy ending! Definitely would recommend this book to others. I would love it if Chuck and Hannah found love also! Great book! 4 stars from me! Keicia (Kee) White ☺☺
August 18, 2018
Second Chance at Love is one of my favorite story tropes, and Joy Avery did an excellent job with this trope incorporating it into a great storyline. Lauder and Willow make a great couple. I especially liked how they overcame early obstacles and issues in their youth to become productive adults. It’s a good story, and I recommend it.
July 26, 2018
Campaign for His Heart by Joy Avery was such a great book! I enjoyed reading Willow and Lauder story. It touched my heart. Their chemistry was off the charts. This book gave me back my belief in love, fate, and second chances.
July 30, 2018
I love second chance romances and this is a good one. Willow and Lauder had a tumultuous past together, but I’m so glad they found their happily ever after. My first Joy Avery book, but definitely not my last.
August 1, 2018
This book was worth every sleepless minute. Joy Avery's creative mind had me laughing and crying with each chapter. She has me wondering what is the next romantic adventure she will have me reading.
August 11, 2018
My, My, My!!
A love that simmered for almost 20 years from foster kids to successful adults, unknowingly by each other until they set sight on each other! This is truly a love story on all aspects! I enjoyed this from the first word to the last! Kudos, Joy Avery! 💜
A love that simmered for almost 20 years from foster kids to successful adults, unknowingly by each other until they set sight on each other! This is truly a love story on all aspects! I enjoyed this from the first word to the last! Kudos, Joy Avery! 💜
September 2, 2018
Joyful Goodness
Another lovely story written by one of my favorite writers. In this story there was a pretend relationship for a political candidates need to have a more wholesome image. It turned out perfectly in the end.
Another lovely story written by one of my favorite writers. In this story there was a pretend relationship for a political candidates need to have a more wholesome image. It turned out perfectly in the end.
July 30, 2018
Love can last through years and separation and through rough times.
August 9, 2018
Wonderful story. ❤️ Loved it .
August 25, 2018
I definitely enjoyed this second chance romance between Lauder and Willow, two people who knew each other and were close when they were younger and part of the foster care system.
April 15, 2019
A great read from start to finish, surely on my list of favorites.
January 4, 2021
Joy Avery is a brilliant writer. Her characters spring to life and you find yourself loving them from the very first page.
November 16, 2022
Wow 🙂
This is my 4th time reading a book by this author and now she's in my top ten favorite author! Absolutely amazing!!!
This is my 4th time reading a book by this author and now she's in my top ten favorite author! Absolutely amazing!!!
July 26, 2023
So cute
Really cute , I loved it from the beginning. Uh Joy avery makes u fall in love with love. I enjoyed every it of this sappy love story. Lol
Really cute , I loved it from the beginning. Uh Joy avery makes u fall in love with love. I enjoyed every it of this sappy love story. Lol
July 23, 2018
As always Joy Avery delivers another great love story in the Cardinal House series.
Lauder and Willow are former foster kids who went their separate ways and never thought that would ever see each again.
Lauder is running for a North Carolina senate seat and his campaign manager Chuck Carlisle decides that he needs to polish his image and that he needed a fake wife to help Lauder win the senate seat. Of course Lauder is totally against it.
While out having coffee Willow runs into her childhood nemesis Lauder. They haven't seen each other in years. They each had feelings for each other in the past.
Lauder is a confirmed bachelor and doesn't think he needs a fake wife so the public can see him as loving husband but his campaign manager Chuck that he does. One would think who exactly is running for office is Chuck or Lauder. Lauder tells Chuck he has found the perfect woman to be his fake wife he just to get her to agree.
Campaign For His Heart is a great love story between two former childhood nemesis and foster children. You have to read to find out what whether or not Willow agrees to help her childhood free and if she does what does get or what does she lose along the way to Lauder's campaign for a senate seat.
Hopefully this is not the end of the Cardinal Series, I'm looking forward to Chuck and Hannah's Cardinal Series book.
Lauder and Willow are former foster kids who went their separate ways and never thought that would ever see each again.
Lauder is running for a North Carolina senate seat and his campaign manager Chuck Carlisle decides that he needs to polish his image and that he needed a fake wife to help Lauder win the senate seat. Of course Lauder is totally against it.
While out having coffee Willow runs into her childhood nemesis Lauder. They haven't seen each other in years. They each had feelings for each other in the past.
Lauder is a confirmed bachelor and doesn't think he needs a fake wife so the public can see him as loving husband but his campaign manager Chuck that he does. One would think who exactly is running for office is Chuck or Lauder. Lauder tells Chuck he has found the perfect woman to be his fake wife he just to get her to agree.
Campaign For His Heart is a great love story between two former childhood nemesis and foster children. You have to read to find out what whether or not Willow agrees to help her childhood free and if she does what does get or what does she lose along the way to Lauder's campaign for a senate seat.
Hopefully this is not the end of the Cardinal Series, I'm looking forward to Chuck and Hannah's Cardinal Series book.
October 13, 2018
A heart warming romance , that brought me to tears . Lauder & Willow reminded me of the saying , If you love something set it free , if it comes back it’s meant to be . I felt so sorry for Chuck & his situation , you rarely hear those scenarios from a male perspective .
September 3, 2018
Enjoyed the book
Another amazing delivery from Joy Avery. Romantic and sweep story detailing the love (past, present and future) between Lauder and Willow.
Another amazing delivery from Joy Avery. Romantic and sweep story detailing the love (past, present and future) between Lauder and Willow.
August 22, 2018
Good storyline and interesting characters.
Read
July 18, 2018Sigh...this book so gooooood :-). Willow and Lauder had me on the edge of my seat. Cheering for them to wade through the much to make it had me invested.
They share a past that makes for just the right amount of tension. The push pull between them made for quite a bit of steam to float from the pages. And it was hot, erotic and downright satisfying.
Throw in some intrigue and you have one heck of an ending, and even that was to be happily applauded. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I think you will too.
They share a past that makes for just the right amount of tension. The push pull between them made for quite a bit of steam to float from the pages. And it was hot, erotic and downright satisfying.
Throw in some intrigue and you have one heck of an ending, and even that was to be happily applauded. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I think you will too.
Read
December 14, 2018Beach read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews