THE NOVELS OF LOGAN BENDT

In Andersen’s (Other Me, 2018) novel, an international best-selling author risks the ruination of his career when his past resurfaces.

Logan Bendt has a secret. When he walks across the stage to receive his diploma at Waterston College’s graduation ceremony, he’s going to reveal to the world that he’s actually the much older, reclusive best-selling author Roberts Bree, who’s scheduled to give the commencement speech. He’s also secretly in love with his favorite professor, Dr. Alyssa Kennedy. After the truth comes out, he and Alyssa act on their feelings for each other—but then his former flame, Yvette Mélisande, resurfaces, claiming he abandoned a child he didn’t know he had. Logan is certain that little Mathieu isn’t his, and he realizes that he has to find a way to prove it. If he can’t, it could cause a scandal that could tarnish his career and reputation, and possibly cause the publication of his latest novel to be canceled. In a matter of days, he must track down Mathieu’s real father and win back Alyssa’s heart. However, the odds seem stacked against him, as Alyssa is heartbroken over the revelation and Yvette is determined to keep up the farce—but he might find some help from some friends in low places. This novel’s initial premise, involving Logan’s secret-identity ruse, is intriguing. However, the ensuing scandal over Logan’s past affair requires too much suspension of disbelief on the part of readers. The fact that the protagonist has an ex-lover in France—and the fact that she’s making an accusation that could easily be cleared up with a paternity test—aren’t believably career-ruining stakes, despite what the characters say. Logan and Alyssa’s relationship is also put on hold for the majority of the novel; indeed, another couple receives a more satisfying denouement than the main characters do.

An ambitious effort, but one that lacks verisimilitude.