Review: Presidential by Lola Keeley

How can you find love when the whole world is watching?

Synopsis

High-flying pediatric surgeon Emily Lawrence is new to Washington DC. Her first week in her new job puts her on a collision course with the most powerful woman in America, President Calvin.

Constance “Connie” Calvin’s first term is proving turbulent thanks to trying to juggle work and life as a widowed single mother to a 12-year-old boy. Running for re-election is imminent, and the critics are gunning for her. Worse, her famed icy cool is in danger of melting in the face of Emily’s passion, commitment, and charm.

Admitting the rising sexual tension between the women is just the start. How can they act on it while in the public glare? Giving into temptation comes with such risk. In a world that lives and dies on opinion polls, what will the country make of them?

A charged, age-gap, lesbian romance that puts the power in power couple.

My thoughts

“Hand-holding is for Jane Austen novels.”
Loc. 4211

I chuckled when I read this line. It is true that I like my books with heat, so I usually pass on the Austen novels.

Lola Keeley reflects the real world in the United States back at us in Presidential. The storyline kind of reminded me of American President (Dir. R. Reiner, 1995). I liked the romance. I loved the relationship between Connie and her son. I do wish there had been a little bit more heat as what was written was detailed, but too short for me (chuckle).

Keeley has a diverse cast of characters which I love. The age-gap is almost non-existent because of Emily’s career and experience. I like the even power match-up. They take turns romancing each other which I thoroughly enjoyed. I like partners who are equally involved. Jill, a secret service agent, tells Connie at one point that if Emily did for her in setting up just one date then she wouldn’t be single anymore. (sigh). I want Jill’s story. It can’t be easy being a secret service agent or dating one.

“This is where the Democrats go wrong. We run around resigning and wringing our hands while the Republicans do whatever they want and don’t ask for forgiveness later anymore.” Loc. 2289

Presidential kept me interested. I like Connie and Emily and even when the hurdles came they rode through them together. I actually preferred this over the usual “break-up then get back together” ending. This story is an election keeper.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.