Scan barcode
pointofvin's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
melio22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
I switched between the audiobook, read by Abby Craden, and the physical book and I enjoyed this title. It required suspension of disbelief and its climax was predictable, but I still enjoyed it.
Although I am very familiar with Crane's voice, it took me a bit to get into the audiobook because I hated The Carlisle Series which she narrates. It was the last book narrated by her I had read and the memory was still fresh in my head.
Although I am very familiar with Crane's voice, it took me a bit to get into the audiobook because I hated The Carlisle Series which she narrates. It was the last book narrated by her I had read and the memory was still fresh in my head.
supersuun's review against another edition
5.0
If I could give this more than 5 ⭐️ I would! This story got me all giggly and happy. I was hooked straight away and could not stop reading.
The story felt so realistic, and it had the right pace. It is a bit of a slowburn, but in the perfect way possible. The writer takes her time developing the characters and the relationship.
I wish I could read this book again for the first time ❤️
The story felt so realistic, and it had the right pace. It is a bit of a slowburn, but in the perfect way possible. The writer takes her time developing the characters and the relationship.
I wish I could read this book again for the first time ❤️
milysanz's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
rogue_lurker's review against another edition
4.0
I've been consistently impressed with Loa Keeley's books and I'm adding Presidential to the list.
This is a feel good romance within a political setting. In the current climate, this book provides a pleasant distraction that depicts a kinder, gentler and, yes, gayer political book.
There's no question that the book mirrors the plot of The American President - perhaps at times a bit too closely - but I am one of those people who watch that movie *every* single time it plays on TV (and I'm not even an American). The story is a wonderful contemporary romance on both film and in Ms Keeley's rendition. So do I mind that it feels familiar? Nope, the hopeless romantic is still smitten with the storyline and having the leads transformed into two female characters answers a bit of wish fulfillment.
As the first female President, Connie Calvin has a lot to prove and with a re-election looming, she needs to make her mark and move her agenda ahead. As newly hired lobbyist, Emily Lawrence pretty much puts her foot in her mouth and ends up on Connie's radar. From there, as they say, the rest is history - the initial interactions are witty and intelligent and a pretty sweet romance builds.
For all intents and purposes, this is a romance; but, the political elements are woven in seamlessly and, on the whole, it provides and interesting backdrop. With competing bills on the environment and gun control and the backroom political machinations there's obstacles and roadblocks for Connie and Emily to navigate. It was definitely effective to have Emily, the environmental lobbyist, be a survivor of gun violence.
As a romance, this is a bit of a slow burn (not too slow, but at least there's some build up) and the focus is on the relationship and the leads. I enjoyed the two women - both were intelligent, mature and with a strong sense of service and integrity. The angst wasn't too high - with outside forces rather than overwrought emotions causing the conflicts and difficult choices.
A sweet and feel good romance.
This is a feel good romance within a political setting. In the current climate, this book provides a pleasant distraction that depicts a kinder, gentler and, yes, gayer political book.
There's no question that the book mirrors the plot of The American President - perhaps at times a bit too closely - but I am one of those people who watch that movie *every* single time it plays on TV (and I'm not even an American). The story is a wonderful contemporary romance on both film and in Ms Keeley's rendition. So do I mind that it feels familiar? Nope, the hopeless romantic is still smitten with the storyline and having the leads transformed into two female characters answers a bit of wish fulfillment.
As the first female President, Connie Calvin has a lot to prove and with a re-election looming, she needs to make her mark and move her agenda ahead. As newly hired lobbyist, Emily Lawrence pretty much puts her foot in her mouth and ends up on Connie's radar. From there, as they say, the rest is history - the initial interactions are witty and intelligent and a pretty sweet romance builds.
For all intents and purposes, this is a romance; but, the political elements are woven in seamlessly and, on the whole, it provides and interesting backdrop. With competing bills on the environment and gun control and the backroom political machinations there's obstacles and roadblocks for Connie and Emily to navigate. It was definitely effective to have Emily, the environmental lobbyist, be a survivor of gun violence.
As a romance, this is a bit of a slow burn (not too slow, but at least there's some build up) and the focus is on the relationship and the leads. I enjoyed the two women - both were intelligent, mature and with a strong sense of service and integrity. The angst wasn't too high - with outside forces rather than overwrought emotions causing the conflicts and difficult choices.
A sweet and feel good romance.
bookish_alone's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
madameroyale's review against another edition
I don’t know how you manage to make the most fun and scandalous topic—the president dating!—into the most boring romance novel ever, but this author managed it! No depth to these characters, nothing but bland niceness, no complexity to the plot, and so little attention paid to what we’re all here for—the machinations of sneaking around with the leader of the free world!
This is the last time I ever take book recs from my fave Instagram influencer, no matter how juicy they sound. 😞
This is the last time I ever take book recs from my fave Instagram influencer, no matter how juicy they sound. 😞
spencer0200's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0