Off the Record by K A Linde

Off the Record (The Record, #1)

by K.A. Linde

Liz Dougherty has no idea a single question is about to change her life.

Her first big reporting assignment for her North Carolina college newspaper has her covering a state senator’s impromptu press conference. Brady Maxwell may have everything it takes to be a politician—a winning pedigree, devastating good looks, a body made to wear suits—but his politics rub Liz the wrong way. When Liz’s hard-hitting question catches the upstart senator off-guard, it impresses Hayden Lane, Liz’s editor who feels she’s headed for a promising career as a reporter.

But Liz is also headed into a secret romance with Brady that could destroy both their ambitions. Though he’s a bachelor, potential voters might frown on Brady cozying up to a reporter. And Liz isn’t sure sneaking around is enough for her—especially when things between her and Hayden might be less platonic than she thought.

USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s Record series begins with a sleek, sexy, and smart venture into a high-stakes political campaign and an even higher-stakes affair that, in the end, will leave you wanting more with one of Linde’s gripping cliffhangers.

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

4 of 5 stars

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Liz is a super-intelligent college reporter, who thought she knew all about herself and her desires. Brady is a young and promising politician, with an opportunity to further his political career. They encounter each other at a press event and Brady must have her. However, with Liz being a reporter, who has spoken negatively of Brady in the past and also still in college, she is not considered appropriate relationship material for Brady. Therefore, they must be content with secret liaisons.

I was way more captivated by this story than I thought I would be. I did not totally understand all the circumstances surrounding this relationship dilemma, but I felt quite sad for both Brady and Liz, as they struggled with what they wanted and needed. I also swooned over Brady. Besides the fact that he was devastatingly handsome, he also had so many moments during the book when you just felt some tears well up in you eyes and your heart ached a little. He had these two persona that coexisted in his heart and mind, and it was a obvious struggle for him -- Liz vs. his career. Liz also battled with these conflicted feelings. She wanted to be with Brady, no matter what the conditions, but she also wanted to be able to enjoy him within her own terms.

In addition, both characters grew tremendously over the course of this book. Liz finding a whole other side of herself, where she is more free, more vocal, and Brady, really getting in touch with his emotions regarding Liz and his obligations to his constituents.

The characters were quite enjoyable and the writing was very easy to enjoy.

Is the ending a cliffhanger? I guess. I am not positive what choice Liz made, but I am lucky the next book is available for me to start today.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 29 November, 2014: Finished reading
  • 29 November, 2014: Reviewed