Breathe You In (Sweet Torment #1) by Joya Ryan

For years, Amy Underwood has been wracked by guilt over her sister’s fatal overdose. With one last shot at redemption, she is determined to open a drug treatment center—even if it means her shameful secret will be exposed. But when she sneaks into the biggest political event of the year in search of funding, she quickly discovers that in the world of fast-paced politics there is always a price—and this one could cost her everything.

Running for a second term, the young governor of New York, Roman Reese, finds that his privileged past and dark childhood could not only threaten the blue-collar vote—but his reputation and livelihood as a politician. So when he meets a sexy woman with big ambitions, he quickly strikes a deal: He’ll see that Amy’s clinic obtains funding, and she’ll play the down-to-earth girlfriend to help his electability. They’ll keep the relationship strictly business, scripted to the last detail, and end it when the polls close.

But secrecy and desire have a way of binding hearts. As Election Day draws closer, so do Amy and Roman—until the discovery of one final deceit threatens to tear them apart for good.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting to like this book. This was a book club pick, and when I read the blurb, I got the impression that I had read this story before. I thought that it was going to be predictable and cliche, but I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. Both Amy and Roman have issues, which gave the story plenty of angst. There were enough twists in the story to keep it interesting, and I liked the push and pull of Amy and Roman's relationship. Roman, especially, had some serious walls that needed to be pulled down. There are plenty of steamy scenes, which makes it more NA than strictly romance, and it had all the things that a lover of NA novels would want. It was a quick read, and can be read as a stand alone. There is a sequel/spin off novel, Only You, which will feature Amy's friend, Paige, that is due out in August. I liked this novel enough to want to read the next one. I'm glad that I gave this one a chance.