Suspense, mystery, second-chance romance - this book had it all. I enjoyed this title immensely.

Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Senator by Maya Golden Bethany is a riveting political thriller that immerses readers in the high-stakes world of Washington D.C., where power and corruption are ever-present. The narrative follows U.S. Senator Oliver Michaels, who is committed to combating the deep-seated corruption he encounters upon his election.

Senator Michaels' resolve is put to the test when he teams up with New York Times reporter Alex Broussard to investigate a potentially explosive corruption scheme involving influential figures, including fellow congressmen, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, and a chemical manufacturer. As their investigation progresses, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy that threatens their lives and the lives of those around them.

Key aspects of the book include:

Political Intrigue: The novel offers a compelling glimpse into the inner workings of Washington D.C., revealing the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and hidden agendas that influence political decisions.
Character-Driven Narrative: The story delves into the motivations and actions of Senator Michaels and Alex Broussard as they navigate a perilous landscape of power and deceit.
High-Stakes Suspense: The escalating danger throughout the investigation creates a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Themes of Corruption and Justice: The book explores political corruption, the abuse of power, and the quest for justice, raising important questions about accountability and the role of individuals in challenging powerful institutions.
Audiobook Experience: The audiobook version, narrated by Imani Jade Powers, is highly praised for its excellent narration. Powers' clear voice and skillful pacing enhance the listening experience, drawing listeners into the heart of the political drama.
The Senator is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that will captivate fans of political intrigue and suspense. Maya Golden Bethany's background as a journalist adds authenticity to the story, while the fast-paced plot and well-developed characters keep readers engaged. The audiobook version is highly recommended for those who enjoy immersive storytelling experiences.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narrator was great!

I loved the second chance romance. The dynamics of the Senator and his wife. The journalist team. All the corruption of government and corporations.

A lot of suspense, mystery and romance all wrapped into one.

3,5 ⭐

'the senator' is a political thriller that follows oliver michaels, who becomes the youngest senator in congress. he soon finds himself struggling with systemic bureaucracy and a crumbling marriage.
when alex broussard, a new york times journalist and his ex-girlfriend, brings him evidence of a major scandal, they begin an investigation together. as they dig deeper, they uncover a deadly conspiracy that threatens not only their own lives, but also those of the people closest to them.

when i picked this book up, i expected romance in it, but i was hoping it would be a side plot. it felt more like a romantic thriller than a political one, despite the premise, which i was immediately interested in. unfortunately, it didn't quite deliver in the way i had hoped. the plot mainly followed reporters working to uncover a pollution issue.

nevertheless, i still think it was a solid debut novel by maya golden bethany. the storyline kept me engaged thorought. while it wasn't especially unique, i still wanted to see how things would unfold.
the book was thought-provoking, and i appreciated the exploration of relatable, timely themes like corruption.

the characters were well-developed and had emotional depth. oliver, in particular, stood out - he was honest and moral. i wish real-life politics had more people like him - though, i think that's unlikely to happen.
i also really liked the relationship between him and alex. their connection felt authentic, and i was rooting for them.

i really appreciated the mention of environmental issues. the pollution research was well done and informative.

the audiobook, narrated by imani jade powers,
was good. her voice was well-paced and engaging, but i believe the production would've been way better if there was a male voice, or, even better - a larger cast. since there were a lot of characters, at times i found it hard to distinguish who was speaking.

overall - i had a good experience with this one.
i'm open to reading more from maya golden bethany, and i'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys political dramas with a few twists.


*thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and the author for the digital copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*

The Senator gave me a mix of Erin Brockovich and and The Informant. This political thriller keeps your interest through the entire book as it doesn’t just focus on the corruption and the environmental health issues. There are other engaging stories sprinkled in that allow you to get immersed in the political read.

US Senator Oliver Michael who is recently elected is different than the other Senators. He is focusing on getting people engaged in politics who haven’t had an interest before and getting bills passed for the common good of the world unlike some other Senators. Michael’s is approached by his old girlfriend from college who had a random source leave her with the story of a lifetime but, she needs his help and access to other Senators. This creates a dangerous position for them both but they need to uncover the truth for the good of the people.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Maya Golden Bethany's debut political thriller, The Senator, takes readers into the high-stakes world of Washington D.C. politics. The story follows U.S. Senator Oliver Michaels, who finds himself trying to navigate the corruption in Washington. When his college ex-girlfriend, New York Times reporter Alex Broussard, approaches him with evidence of a corruption scheme, Oliver sees an opportunity to make a real difference. As they delve deeper, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy that puts their lives—and those of their loved ones—in jeopardy.

This was the first book I’ve read by Maya Golden Bethany, and I’m really glad I picked it up. The story was gripping from the start and packed with action, drama, and just enough mystery to keep me hooked. I loved the political backdrop and found the plot engaging throughout. The supporting characters added a lot of color and energy, and the pacing and dialogue felt just right. There were plenty of twists that kept things interesting, and it never felt slow. It was just a solid, entertaining read that delivered exactly what I was hoping for.

The audiobook, narrated by Imani Jade Powers, was excellent. Her voice was clear, well-paced, and made it easy to distinguish between the different characters. The performance added a lot to the story and made the experience even better.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance listening copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the digital copy of this audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

While I had hoped for political intrigue with a side of romance, what I got instead was a romantic suspense novel that takes place in Washington, D.C. Oliver is an ex-NFL player who was elected as a congressional representative. He’s there to “drawn the swamp” and get things done. However, a year into his term, he’s utterly disillusioned with most everything. Too much toeing the party line, too many lobbyists and special interests, too much graft.

Oliver’s old college flame is a reporter for the New York Times. She approaches him with a corruption scheme she’s uncovered. He’s enthusiastic to working with Alex and do some real good, make some real change in Washington. But as they investigate and collect more evidence, its clear that people are watching them, putting themselves and their family at risk.

I thought the writing was fine, if somewhat predictable. In fact, there were few real surprises, and as I mentioned, not as much political intrigue as I hoped. This audiobook was great to pass the time, but in a month’s time, I will have forgotten most of it. I do have to say that while I enjoyed the narration by Imani Jade Powers, this is the sort of book that needs multiple narrators because there are so many characters, it’s hard to keep track.

2.5 stars rounded up.

I would say this was more of a romantic thriller than a political one despite the premise being that a US Senator and a New York Times reporter are trying to expose EPA violations, money laundering, corruption, and disregard for human life.

My biggest issue was that Oliver and Alex were so stereotypical and I didn’t really care for either of them. They were painted as so heroic and the good guys despite the fact they were carrying on an affair while trying to make the bad guys pay. This white hat vs dark forces theme was carried throughout and each character was quickly put into one stereotype or the other. I found most of the reactions and behavior of the various characters to verge on the unbelievable. But, sounds like our sainted couple gets their happy ending as expected. The whole concept of a savior team taking down corrupt politicians and manufacturers will remind you of many other books and movies that handled the issue in better told stories.

Listened to the audiobook narrated by Imani Jade Powers. She did a fine job trying to voice all the characters but this production would have benefited by using a larger cast, or at the very least, a male voice. There were a lot of different characters and sometimes hard to tell which was speaking.

I spotted this while browsing and was drawn in by the cover and premise. Yes, please to "a riveting political thriller set in today's Washington D.C., exploring the high stakes of power and corruption!"

Having read THE SENATOR, it felt a bit more like a romantic suspense novel than a political thriller. I liked that things weren't overly drawn out, but there was a lot of jumping around from scene to scene. I think I was expecting something grittier and less action-driven.

At the same time, that made for a quick read! Imani Jade Powers's narration was great, as always.

The Senator is a political thriller that digs into the complexities of power, corruption, and personal redemption within the corridors of Washington, D.C. The narrative centers on Oliver Michaels, the youngest senator from Maine, who grapples with disillusionment in the face of entrenched bureaucracy and a faltering marriage. His encounter with investigative journalist Alex Broussard reignites his commitment to public service as they uncover a deep-seated corruption involving high-ranking officials and a chemical manufacturer.​

The novel is structured to appeal to readers who appreciate a blend of political intrigue and personal drama. Bethany's portrayal of the characters offers a glimpse into the moral and ethical challenges faced by those in power. The pacing of the story maintains a steady rhythm, allowing for character development and plot progression.​

While the book provides a narrative that intertwines themes of justice and personal growth, I found the resolution to be somewhat predictable. The characters' journeys are marked by moments of introspection and decision-making that align with familiar tropes in the genre.​

The Senator presents a narrative that explores the intersection of personal and political spheres. It offers readers a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking, though it may not introduce groundbreaking elements to the political thriller genre.

The Senator is written by new to me author Maya Golden Bethany. I want to thank NetGalley, Maya Golden Bethany and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of this work. I devoured this book in less then 24 hours. Once I got into it (which was within chapter one) I could not stop. Senator Oliver Michaels and his wife, Lena are young and in Washington, Oliver is a former NFL football player who had beat out an aged congressman. He has bright ideas and wants to give back to the :"little people" However he learns quickly that politics seems to be more and more about lining your pockets.

Oliver's former college friend, Alex is now a reporter with The NY Times. She is anonymously sent information that shows coverups in chemical disposals that is causing harm to land, people and animals. She appeals to Oliver for his help - and at first he does not want anything to do with it. Until he witnesses a shady interaction with two tenured senators.

However, once the investigation begins it becomes clear that no-one is safe. Those whose pockets have been receiving kickbacks will make sure no-one is left standing to cast blame on them.
This was a well written, well read aloud story. The narrator was perfect and her voice was soothing,. I really enjoyed this book - and cannot wait to see what the author writes next.

What a great book! It kept me on my toes from three unreliable narrators. I love how it ended and everything came together. I was on an 11 hour flight and didn’t sleep because of this book! It was so good. I couldn’t stop reading it. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5th star was because the ending though meant to be a twist was quite obvious. This book was intense in that I was always off balance and waiting for the other shoe to drop. Ended 2023 with a bang!

The Senator is a typical political thriller and readers of the genre will be able to anticipate just about every twist and turn. The Senator is a former NFL player, handsome, and 'good.' He and his wife Lydia are separated when Alex, an old college friend who's now an investigative reporter for the NY Times, appears on the scene. Simultaneously, we are introduced to a young family living in a ramshackle mobile home Marktown, Indiana and struggling with health issues that obviously can be attributed by the pollution caused by a local factory, part of a large multinational corporation. Well, you can imagine how the story will unfold. The 'good' characters in this novel are much to stereotypically good much as the 'bad guys' are stereotypically immoral, succumbing to the temptation of wealth. The ending is barely believable. Narrator Imani Jade Powers does an excellent job when reading narrative and in the second half of the book, after she ceases trying to differentiate the voices of male and female characters, at which she is not very successful. For those who like formulaic stories that don't require much attention, The Senator will be just the ticket.

Looking for total Scandal vibes? Look no further.

The Senator follows Oliver Michaels, the youngest U.S. senator in Congress, who’s already disillusioned by Washington politics when a New York Times reporter (and former flame) shows up with a bombshell corruption case. What follows is a fast-paced spiral of political games, cover-ups, rekindled chemistry, and very real danger.

Reading about politics might feel like a bit much now, especially if you're like me and looking for an escape, but if you’ve got the capacity and interest, this one’s worth the read or listen. I listened to the audiobook and was hooked from the jump.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC.

Oliver Michaels is The Senator. He has come to Washington from Maine state politics to make a difference but changing the status quo is not easy. His personal life is in disarray. His marriage has fallen apart due to the demands of his job and his wife’s alcoholism. Oliver is living alone in a DC apartment and it is there that New York Times investigative reporter Alex Broussard confronts him. She has discovered about corruption between the EPA and a chemical manufacturer and the effect it has had on a small town. Oliver is frustrated by his inability to get a bills passed because he refuses to go along with political deals. Alex asks him to support her and he does. Obviously there is a political reason but there is also a personal one. Oliver and Alex had a long term relationship in college and working together has rekindled it. As Alex and her team of researchers get closer to the truth, they are in danger. Alex and Oliver realize that they are on the wrong side of a powerful coalition and their lives and those of others are threatened.

The Senator, written by Maya Golden Bethany and read by Imani Jade Powers, is a compelling political thriller. Oliver Michaels is a strong character, disillusioned by Senate deals and saddened by the failure of his marriage. Ambitious Alex Broussard enters his life again at the right time. However, the main story here is the horrible effect chemical pollution has on public health and how far people will go to protect their interests. Bethany slowly and deliberately builds suspense and develops the relationship between Oliver and Alex. Imani Jade Powers is an excellent narrator. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, Maya Golden Bethany and Imani Jade Powers for this ARC.

The Senator by Maya Golden Bethany is a solid 4-star listen. Bethany delivers a well-paced political thriller with a satisfying second-chance romance, effectively capturing the disillusionment of idealistic Senator Oliver Michaels and the high stakes of exposing corruption in Washington D.C. The audiobook narration enhances both the intrigue and the chemistry between the leads. While occasionally leaning into familiar tropes, the story is engaging and thought-provoking. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook ARC.

Maya Golden Bethany's The Senator audiobook offers a compelling blend of political thriller and second-chance romance set against the backdrop of Washington D.C.'s murky underbelly. The narration effectively captures the disillusionment of idealistic Senator Oliver Michaels, who finds his initial hopes for change crushed by the realities of the political machine.

The arrival of New York Times reporter Alex Broussard ignites a spark of hope, presenting Oliver with a chance to expose a significant corruption scheme. Bethany skillfully weaves together the intricacies of political maneuvering with the rekindling of a past romance between Oliver and Alex, who share a college history. The audiobook format allows the listener to fully immerse themselves in both the tense political intrigue and the simmering chemistry between the two leads.

As Oliver and Alex delve deeper into the conspiracy, Bethany raises the stakes, revealing that powerful figures will stop at nothing to protect their interests. The danger escalates beyond political fallout, threatening the lives of Oliver, Alex, and their loved ones. The audiobook effectively conveys the mounting tension and the difficult choices they face between personal safety and the greater good.

The Senator is a well-paced and engaging listen that explores the complexities of power, corruption, and the enduring nature of love. Bethany delivers a timely and relevant story that will appeal to those who enjoy political thrillers with a strong romantic element, leaving the listener pondering the true cost of fighting for what's right.

This is largely a political thriller and the story felt both familiar and relatable. The main characters are a reporter and the youngest Senator to sit in Congress who was once a professional football player. I wasn't deeply invested in the characters in the beginning of the novel as they felt somewhat two dimensional. Despite that, the story itself was interesting. I think this suffered mostly from pacing issues at the beginning. When consuming a thriller, I prioritize my interest being piqued and for the action to move relatively quickly over character development or growth. Once the story got interesting, about 30% in, I was invested. I think this is a first novel and some minor faults are expected.

The mystery itself was delightfully twisted and I truly enjoyed the political focus of the story. The romance plot felt a bit thin and unnecessary. This had great bones and I think as this author continues in her craft the pacing issues at the start of the novel will naturally work themselves out. I want to stress that my initial impatience with the beginning of this novel was rewarded with how the story grew and ultimately resolved itself. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

This audiobook is narrated by Imani Jade Powers. Imani's narration was sheer perfection. I enjoyed how easily I was able to keep the characters separated based on her inflection and tone. The narration really elevated this novel.

Thank you to Maya Golden Bethany, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

If you enjoy Louise Penny, you should like this book. Maya Golden Bethany's novel debut is an exciting, fast-paced political thriller. It's John Grisham meets Erin Brockovich, and kept me entertained the entire way through. A chemical spill, a reporter, and a young Senator with morals adds up to a spectacular Washington D.C. thriller, plus throw in a bit of romantic entanglement for the cherry on top.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book and will read more from this author as she publishes.
Very well done.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Maya Golden Bethany for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

ARC copy, audiobook
Book: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars

This is a review of the audiobook.

Author: Maya Golden Bethany
Narrated by Imani Jade Powers

Publishes April 15, 2025

This is Maya Golden Bethany’s Debut novel and it was a hit for me! This was a fast paced, gripping political thriller. This follows a New York Times reporter Alex Broussard. She receives an anonymous package about two US senators who are believed to be corrupt along with information on a chemical spill that happened. Thats when she reaches out to Oliver Michaels who is the youngest senator in Congress, who campaigned on how he hoped to change Washington for the greater good. Oliver being in congress for just about a year has had his spirit broken down and is run down. Alex brings him the package she got in hopes that he would help her, and this is when they start looking around and things begin to unravel. They find themselves and their loved ones in dangers from what they had been uncovering.
I really enjoyed the plot twists and the suspense of what is to come next. Having worked in and studied politics I can see how Oliver became run down so quickly. Maya did a really good job at capturing and giving us insight on the inner most workings of the government. I wish that there were more Olivers now a days with the passion and drive to change things for the greater good.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC audiobook. All opinions are my own.