Random House USA Inc Not the Plan: A Novel

When she falls for Karim Sarda, who works for her boss’s fierce political rival, ambitious chief-of-staff Isadora Maris, striving to make a name for herself in Washington, D.C., risks her heart and her career for a chance at forever. Original. 20,000 first printing. "Back Isadora Maris loves her job. And she's damn good at it. After nearly a decade in state politics, stonewalling senators and aggressive lobbyists are no match for her diplomacy and unflappable commitment to her principles. If all goes according to plan, she'll be managing her boss's successful race for U.S. representative and finally fulfilling her dream: congressional aide in Washington, D.C., where she can really make a difference. But Isadora's cool professionalism is knocked off kilter when she meets Karim Sarda, the newly-hired legislative director of her boss's biggest political rival-and the biggest pain in her neck. He's gorgeous, brilliant, and seems to share many of her ideals. So why's he working for the California senate's most notorious jerk? Given their bosses' fierce political rivalry despite being on the same side of the aisle, Isadora deems Karim off limits, despite the heat she feels whenever he's in the room. Her fear of tarnishing her reputation by flirting with the enemy is compounded by the fact that she was taught to believe nothing she ever did was good enough. Karim knows that struggle all too well: He's still processing the wounds left by his former marriage. As the late nights working together on an ambitious healthcare bill add up, both start to realize that maybe their biggest rival might also be the one who knows-and loves-them best"-- An ambitious chief of staff risks her career and her heart when she falls hard for her new colleague in this steamy workplace romance from the author of Getting His Game Back.“A sexy and sensitive love story set against a backdrop of political intrigue . . . I loved it!”—Ava Wilder, author of How to Fake It in HollywoodAfter nearly a decade of experience in state politics, Isadora Maris is damn good at her job. Aggressive lobbyists and stonewalling senators are no match for her diplomacy and her unflappable commitment to her principles. If all goes according to her meticulous plan, she’ll soon be managing her boss’s successful campaign for U.S. representative and finally land her dream role: congressional aide in Washington, D.C., where she can really make a difference.But Isadora’s cool professionalism is knocked off-kilter when she meets Karim Sarda. Karim is gorgeous and brilliant and seems to share many of her ideals. So why is he working for the California senate’s most detestable scumbag? Given their bosses’ fierce political rivalry, Isadora finds she can’t risk tarnishing her reputation by flirting with the enemy, and she’s been betrayed enough times to want to keep people at a distance. So she deems Karim off-limits—no matter how flustered she feels whenever he enters the room.Karim knows that struggle all too well: Still processing the wounds from his failed marriage, he’s ready for a fresh start. But Karim can’t hide his attraction to Isadora’s commanding presence. Her strength is captivating, even as he recognizes something fragile beneath its surface.When Karim and Isadora succumb to their undeniable chemistry, their initial desire blossoms into something more—something real. But if Karim’s boss takes control of the California senate, everything Isadora worked for could be destroyed. Will workplace politics shatter their chance at love? Autorid: Gia De Cadenet