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banrions's review
3.0
This one took me a while to get through.
I paused and listened to more than one other book, and some podcasts in between as it just wasn’t really grabbing my attention in the beginning. I think my problem was as much as I liked the characters (Ainsley, Fiona, and Maya, mostly) and as much as in theory I like political stuff like this… this particular one just didn’t do it for me. Maybe it was all the mentions of trump era politics (when this was written so, fair) but I just didn’t want to hear about it all over again. And, though I also believe and support pretty much everything Ainsley stood for in her political views and speeches, I felt myself rolling my eyes and getting annoyed with how many “speech” sections she gave. Like… yes, she was running for fake office in a mock election, she had to give speeches, lol I know this, but half the time they were just her talking to another character outside of that and it just had me tuning out, a bit.
I did really like the continuation of her relationship with Maya, getting to see them three years into their relationship was wonderful, and I wish we got more established relationships or series that stick with couples in sapphic fiction overall, because It’s a nice change of pace.
Overall I did enjoy this once it picked up a bit more, but it felt like there were some things left unresolved a bit, with character stuff near the end. I wonder if this is planned to have more in it as a series? I’d def check another one out, because I do really like and care about these characters. Lori Prince is wonderful narrating, as always. Her Ainsley voice isn’t my fav her her repertoire, but it fits the character and it’s not as grating (for me) as like, the one she gives Corey in the gallows humor series, or anything.
I paused and listened to more than one other book, and some podcasts in between as it just wasn’t really grabbing my attention in the beginning. I think my problem was as much as I liked the characters (Ainsley, Fiona, and Maya, mostly) and as much as in theory I like political stuff like this… this particular one just didn’t do it for me. Maybe it was all the mentions of trump era politics (when this was written so, fair) but I just didn’t want to hear about it all over again. And, though I also believe and support pretty much everything Ainsley stood for in her political views and speeches, I felt myself rolling my eyes and getting annoyed with how many “speech” sections she gave. Like… yes, she was running for fake office in a mock election, she had to give speeches, lol I know this, but half the time they were just her talking to another character outside of that and it just had me tuning out, a bit.
I did really like the continuation of her relationship with Maya, getting to see them three years into their relationship was wonderful, and I wish we got more established relationships or series that stick with couples in sapphic fiction overall, because It’s a nice change of pace.
Overall I did enjoy this once it picked up a bit more, but it felt like there were some things left unresolved a bit, with character stuff near the end. I wonder if this is planned to have more in it as a series? I’d def check another one out, because I do really like and care about these characters. Lori Prince is wonderful narrating, as always. Her Ainsley voice isn’t my fav her her repertoire, but it fits the character and it’s not as grating (for me) as like, the one she gives Corey in the gallows humor series, or anything.
elizatanner's review
5.0
T.B. Markinson has done it, again. Ains and her crew are together again and this time in a mock election. Patience is being tested. How much can they take?
The author does a great job of creating a plot that keeps the reader going well past her bedtime. Great characters and storyline. The sex scenes were longer then I would have preferred. I like more left to my imagination. I look forward to the next book.
The author does a great job of creating a plot that keeps the reader going well past her bedtime. Great characters and storyline. The sex scenes were longer then I would have preferred. I like more left to my imagination. I look forward to the next book.
melziereads's review
4.0
I was really excited to start The Hidden One by T.B. Markinson. It is the second book in The Chosen One series, and I would recommend reading the first book to fully understand what is happening. The book follows the life of Ainsley during her senior year of college as her class does a mock election.
I really enjoyed the second installment to The Chosen One series. The first book left off at the end of Ainsley’s Freshman year of college and The Hidden One picks up at the beginning of Ainsley's Senior year and her final project the mock election. I really enjoy the political aspect of this book. I feel like it plays a much bigger role than the first. Suzy is back to her evil ways trying to ruin Ainsley’s live any way she can, and the mock election opens up the ways that Suzy tries to sabotage Ainsley political ambitions.
Maya and Ainsley have been dating for three years. Their relationship is much steamier than the first book. You’re going to need a fan to cool down from their sex scenes.
All of my favorite characters from the first book have come back including Grover who makes a special appearance in Ainsley’s Presidential campaign. Maya’s backstory is even further explained, and it is mind-blowing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves political romances and new adult romances.
I really enjoyed the second installment to The Chosen One series. The first book left off at the end of Ainsley’s Freshman year of college and The Hidden One picks up at the beginning of Ainsley's Senior year and her final project the mock election. I really enjoy the political aspect of this book. I feel like it plays a much bigger role than the first. Suzy is back to her evil ways trying to ruin Ainsley’s live any way she can, and the mock election opens up the ways that Suzy tries to sabotage Ainsley political ambitions.
Maya and Ainsley have been dating for three years. Their relationship is much steamier than the first book. You’re going to need a fan to cool down from their sex scenes.
All of my favorite characters from the first book have come back including Grover who makes a special appearance in Ainsley’s Presidential campaign. Maya’s backstory is even further explained, and it is mind-blowing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves political romances and new adult romances.
judeinthestars's review
4.0
Even more than the stories, which pull you all the way in, I think what I like best about Markinson’s books is her ability to craft characters. Whether they’re MCs or supporting characters, she manages to make most of them complex, both strong and vulnerable, cynical yet willing to trust. I’m looking forward to reading more about Ainsley, Maya and the whole Carmichael family.
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