REVIEW: Across the Aisle by Stephanie Vance

Across the Aisle by Stephanie Vance finds DC lobbyist Dallas McGrath being forced by a Senator to reach a compromise on a bill with lobbyist Grant Pierce. Each wants a bill that will benefit their interests, and neither is thrilled that they need to come to a compromise. What starts out as a contentious relationship begins to thaw when both realize that they have more in common than they think, and a reluctant friendship begins to form, which turns into more. But Dallas has some trust issues, and when people use seedy tactics in an attempt to prevent the compromise from being proposed, will it also break up their relationship?

I’m not a big fan of books that deal with politics, mainly because there’s always so much political stuff going on in real-life that I just want to escape it. I will say the back-door wheeling and dealing that takes place in the book does seem like something that would actually take place in DC. Unfortunately, some of that made the book feel dragged out in spots.

I did enjoy the banter between Grant and Dallas, who truly wanted to help people, even if they had different ideas as to how that should happen. I also enjoyed their best friends, one who is also a lobbyist and another who works for a Senator, who attempt to play matchmaker between Grant and Dallas.

If you enjoy enemies to lovers and books involving the inner workings of politics, this may be a book for you. While I enjoyed the characters and the romance, I just couldn’t get past all the politics of the book, which didn’t interest me.

Book Info:

Publication: April 12, 2021 | Amara |

Tough as nails DC lobbyist Dallas McGrath can’t believe she’s being ordered to reach a legislative compromise with the opposition. And not just with anyone…with the most arrogant, obnoxious lobbyist in DC, Grant Pierce. He always finds a way to get under her skin, and it usually starts with that kissable mouth of his turning up into an annoying smirk. Well, this is one negotiation she plans to win at any cost.

Career lobbyist Grant Pierce knows he shouldn’t enjoy ruffling the feathers of the opposition this much, but he can’t help it. Almost no one leaves him without a witty comeback—except Dallas McGrath. Maybe it’s her sharp mind, or maybe it’s the sexy way she bulldozes his every argument. Either way, he’s got the perfect plan to put her off her game. He suggests they negotiate at baseball games, jazz clubs, and nap studios—but even he’s not prepared for what happens next.