The Election by Landon Wallace is the story of State Senator Blake Buchanan and his long-shot run for the governorship of Texas against Grace Striker, the state’s sexy, conservative attorney general whose ambition may be the only thing more striking than her 20-point lead in the polls. Complicating Buchanan’s primary run is Cat Alexander, his married former lover for whom he still has powerful feelings, and his troubled wife, Faith, who is embroiled in a personal battle of her own. As the two campaigns attempt to unearth the secrets of their opponents and maneuver for an advantage, the election speeds to a surprising conclusion and opens the door to even more tantalizing possibilities.

In The Election, author Landon Wallace has written a fascinating tale about the sordid world of politics, and a surprising story about the sacrifices people consider for love, family, and career. The Election is a fast-paced descent into the inner workings of political campaigns, fundraising, and opposition research; a perfectly frenzied backdrop for the poignant and emotional journeys of the strong and well-written primary characters. Each of them—Blake, Grace, Cat, and Faith—have strong story arcs of their own, each of them well-told and interesting. The Election’s love story and tangled affairs add to its considerable appeal. The romantic story between the former lovers, Blake and Cat, was palpable and gripping, but no more so than the emotions involved in all the relationships revealed in the story. The Election is a fast, engaging read and it is highly recommended.