Possible spoilers
2.5 stars. While the premise of the book sounded interesting, a widowed president falling in love with a younger heart surgeon, it just wasn’t what I was expecting. The book is a throw back to the movie American President and lacks originality. The writer is too heavy handed with the politics for my taste. When I am reading a romance novel, I desire to escape the real world, not have is shoved in my face.
The main characters and side characters are well developed for the length of the novel. The relationship plus the ending felt a little rushed and too convenient. I would have preferred to have seen more interaction between the president, her teenage son and the surgeon and less of the politics which could have easily been accomplished. I will be hesitant to pick up another book by this author in the future without first seeing the reviews.

Who doesn’t want to read about a female president? A queer female president at that! I want to be clear that I am reviewing the newer 2022 release of this book, as there are many older Goodreads reviews of a previous version.

President Connie Calvin is a woman I would love to have in charge. She is cool, calm, and collected. She values her staff, she’s a great mom, she tries to get as many policy priorities through as she can, and she can admit when she’s wrong or not doing as much as she could be.

Emily Lawrence is a cool, confident, thoughtful pediatric surgeon, who winds up treating the President’s son early in her tenure at a DC hospital. She winds up in the President’s company shortly thereafter and calls her on the lack of ambition on health care reform - and it turns out that verbal sparring is something Connie is really into. They immediately feel sparks and soon Connie is figuring out how to spend additional time with Emily.

There are differences of opinion, things to overcome, some interesting drama with Emily’s ex who happens to be the daughter of a Republican Senator (for a self-proclaimed non-political person, she sure finds herself in political orbits!), and a scary 80% speedbump.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and made even better by getting to listen to Abby Craden narrate.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ylva for the free listen, I am voluntarily leaving a review.

you can bet that with the red white and royal blue movie coming out, i will be recommending this book wayyyy too much. i really enjoyed it (obviously or i wouldn’t recommend it) and it was a perfect mix between romance and realism. obviously, the story made it easier for them to spend time together while also discussing current issues in the US (lola keeley made her mission to call out republicans in this book and i’m so here for it). yes, it wouldn’t be as easy for an actual US president to date a woman, as a woman herself, in this day and age, and there was some homophobia in this book, just probably not as much as what would actually happen in this situation. but you know what? i don’t care because we need some fun sapphic stories between a president and a doctor and this book did that really well! 4.5⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Yvla Publishing for the audiobook copy of Presidential by Lola Keeley.

4.5 ★ I'm a sucker for both political and medical romances, and this has both! Yvla Publishing is my favorite publisher, and I feel lucky to have had the chance to listen to Presidential, especially since Abby Craden is the best narrator I've come across.

Constance "Connie" Calvin is the first woman elected as president of the United States, and deservedly so. Her first term running the country is difficult enough, and adding in being a widowed single mother to her 12 year old son with a heart condition makes it even tougher. When a new pediatric cardio surgeon is assigned to her son's care, the attraction between the two women is imminent.

Dr. Emily Lawrence is an accomplished pediatric surgeon that accepts a job at a prestigious D.C. hospital to be closer to her sister. A traumatic event left Emily and her sister by themselves, and ensuring they are there for each other is of the utmost importance.

Emily and Connie's relationship develops amid the backdrop of D.C. politics and navigating the waters of dating as such public figures, where everything is magnified. This is a feel good, low angst romance.

Lola Keeley is a seasoned writer and knows how to construct an engrossing tale. She’s known for her captivating characters, and she does a nice job with the characterization of these powerful and magnetic women. Connie and Emily are compelling characters. They’re strong, passionate and enterprising women. Listeners can not help but be drawn to their spirited energy. Their story arc is equally as engaging. This is an intriguing romance, dramatically drawn out and hard to resist. Overall, Keeley’s new audiobook is as entertaining as it is thought provoking. It dips its feet into relevant and current issues that need more positive action.

Because the storytelling is timely and relevant, I was completely pulled into Presidential’s narrative. Its relevancy furthers the story and adds texture to Connie and Emily’s romance. This is a dynamic couple, and listeners will absolutely enjoy their time with them. They have a strong emotional connection and chemistry; it can be seen through their interactions, dialogue, and shared moments. Furthermore, their relationship is built on mutual respect and support. They uplift and challenge each other, push each other to become better versions of themselves. All of this works to increase the tension and intrigue in their relationship, which ultimately adds depth and complexity to the storytelling and makes it more interesting for listeners.

Keeley invests a lot of time doing her homework, and it pays off for the narrative. There is a real credibility to the behind the scenes look at a president’s life. It is fascinating; anyone that loves politics will most likely be enthralled. Nothing on the president’s itinerary moves without purpose though, so expect the same with Connie’s love life. Listeners should be prepared for a bit of a fast-tracking in the love department. However, they can rest assured that Presidential is all the more exciting for it, making it a great listen in the end.

Final remarks…

This is narrated by Abby Craden so of course she elevates Keeley’s storytelling, upping the tension and suspense in ways that keep the listener invested in the plot. Moreover, Craden uses her voice to effectively convey the characters’ emotions, thoughts, and motivations. Her skill set ultimately provides Presidential with a depth that not only makes it dynamic but engaging. Bottom line: If you are one that enjoys a good sapphic romance, Presidential is a sure bet.

Strengths…

Fantastic story world
Intriguing storyline
Dynamic and engaging characters
Relevant and timely subject matter
Fast-paced and highly entertaining
Excellent narration

Thank you NetGalley and tantor audio for the alc in exchange for my honest review. I liked the unique story i liked that the president was female however was bot a fan of the narration and fpumd the pacing slow.

This is a good romance story between two strong independent women. One is a top pediatric surgeon in the country (Emily). To make things complicated, the other is the President of the United States (Connie). They meet when the President's son is taken to Emily's hospital to be checked out when he doesn't feel good. If you think dating is difficult, imagine trying to have a relationship with the President and all the security and politics that entails. Needless to say, it isn't easy.

I liked that the women how the women were portrayed. They both want to figure out how to make this budding relationship work. They had some insecurities, but they weren't overpowering and kept them from becoming weak characters. I liked how the story had romance without getting too sappy or goofy and had politics without getting too preachy. A very nice balance all around!

Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You really can’t go wrong with Abby Craden.

I read this book already but will always listen if AC narrates. She really brings the characters to life and added so much to the story that I didn’t get simply by reading it.

As for the book, it was excellent. It was nice to live in a world where there was a queer president! 5/5

Presidential by Lola Keeley is about Emily Lawrence, a pediatric surgeon that moves to Washington DC and ends up being responsible for treating the President's 12 years old son. President Constance “Connie” Calvin gets curious to meet her son's new doctor and seeks her out at an event in the White House. From there, they begin a friendship that quickly develops into a romantic relationship. The book is well-written, and both Emily and Connie are engaging and believable characters. There are many funny and nerdy moments that add a nice touch to the story. I like how Keeley brought up Emily's trauma related to guns and how that is presented and developed in the story. It raises the issue of gun control without making the story too heavy. The one thing that I didn't like very much was the fact that everything happened too fast, Emily and Connie fall in love quickly without having that many interactions to really get to know each other. I would have liked to see them interacting more with each other before they declared to be in love. Overall, Presidential is a good book that I'd recommend to anyone who wants to read a nice romance without too much angst. As for the narration, Abby Craden does exceptional work. She gives just the right intonation to each dialogue. The voices she uses fit the personality and emotions of each character perfectly. I believe Craden's narration makes this book more enjoyable than just reading it would be.

Thank you to Trantor Audio for the audiobook. I’ve read this book last year and jumped at the chance to listen to an audio version. Abby Craden does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. Her differing voices make it clear who is speaking and enhances the story. This is a nice retelling of the movie The American President. Constance Calvin (50) is President of the United States and a widow. Her 12 year old son Zach is seen by new department head cardiac surgeon Dr. Emily Lawrence (37) to check on his heart condition. Eventually the two meet when Emily gives a speech at a White House health conference. Emily is not political but a strong proponent of changing the health care system something Connie campaigned about.

This are smart, mature, women at the top of the fields and they take the time to think about what dating may look like between them. Emily lets Connie be a real person and not always Madam President. When Connie is given the chance to get meaningful legislation done in one area but it may cost her changing healthcare. Playing the game and comprises are part of politics but that doesn’t mean your new girlfriend is going to like it.

The author does a great job of explaining details of secret service protection during a date. Or why it is hard for Emily to bring a something as simple as a picnic or a bottle of wine. I love seeing Emily in her work at the hospital and with her sister but the second half shifts to focus more on Connie’s world. This is idealistic politics much like in the movie. And the politics over shadows the romance to some degree. I would have liked a little more connection to them as a couple. There is heat but some of their time together is more implied than shown.

Over all a very enjoyable read especially if you are a fan of the 1995 film or political romances. (4.5 Stars)

Story Review:
Lola Keeley's "Presidential" is an electrifying audiobook that explores the complexities of finding love amidst the scrutiny of the world's stage. Set in the high-powered world of Washington D.C., this charged, age-gap lesbian romance captivated me from the very beginning, leaving me utterly enamored by the characters and their journey.

At the heart of the story is Emily Lawrence, a brilliant pediatric surgeon, who finds herself on a collision course with the most powerful woman in America, President Constance "Connie" Calvin. Their first encounter sparks a rising sexual tension that is impossible to ignore, but the obstacles that stand in the way of their love are immense.

What impressed me most about Emily and Connie as a couple was their undeniable chemistry and the slow-burning romance that Keele masterfully crafted. The passion, commitment, and charm that Emily brings into Connie's life is beautifully portrayed, melting the President's famed icy cool demeanor. Their love story is both tender and passionate, drawing me in with each passing moment.

The stakes are high for Connie, as she navigates the turbulent world of politics while trying to balance her responsibilities as a widowed single mother. Keele skillfully weaves the challenges of being in the public eye with the growing desire between Emily and Connie, making the emotional journey of these two women all the more powerful and relatable.

The struggle of Emily and Connie to find a way to act on their feelings while under the constant glare of the public eye had me on the edge of my seat. The author skillfully delves into the dilemmas faced by powerful figures who must make personal sacrifices for the greater good. It was a rollercoaster of emotions as I rooted for them to find a way to be together, despite the risks.

The supporting characters in "Presidential" are equally captivating, especially the families of both Emily and Connie. The interactions between the two families provided delightful banter and added depth to the narrative. I found myself becoming invested in each character's journey, making the audiobook all the more immersive and enjoyable.

Lola Keeley's writing style is engaging and evocative, bringing the world of politics and romance to life with vivid detail. The combination of compelling storytelling, well-developed characters, and a thought-provoking plot made "Presidential" an absolute pleasure to listen to.

In conclusion, "Presidential" is a gripping and beautifully written audiobook that explores love, power, and the challenges of navigating a romance in the public eye. Emily and Connie's love story will stay with me for a long time, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a riveting romance with a dash of political intrigue. Lola Keeley has truly crafted a power couple worth rooting for, and I absolutely loved every moment of their journey.

Narration Review:
One cannot review "Presidential" without praising the exceptional narration by Abby Craden. As an audiobook enthusiast, I must say that Craden's performance was nothing short of remarkable. From the very first sentence, her voice draws you in with its captivating quality, creating an immersive experience that enhances the already compelling storyline.

Craden's narration is like magic; her skillful use of tone, pacing, and emotion brings each character to life in a way that feels authentic and deeply engaging. Her ability to distinguish between different characters, giving them unique voices and personalities, is truly impressive. It felt as if I was right there, witnessing the unfolding drama and romance of Emily and Connie's journey.

The chemistry between Emily and Connie is palpable in Craden's narration. She effortlessly conveys the rising sexual tension and emotional connection between the two protagonists, making their love story even more compelling. It is a testament to Craden's talent that I found myself fully invested in the characters' emotions and rooting for their happiness.

Craden's narration perfectly complements Lola Keeley's captivating writing, enhancing the audiobook to a whole new level. Her voice becomes the conduit through which the story comes alive, allowing listeners to be completely absorbed in the world of "Presidential."

In conclusion, Abby Craden's narration is a key element that makes "Presidential" an exceptional audiobook. Her ability to bring characters to life, infuse the story with emotion, and keep the listener engaged is truly commendable. If you are considering experiencing "Presidential" as an audiobook, Abby Craden's narration alone is reason enough to dive into this enthralling love story of power and passion.

Very nice romance. The story was entertaining, the characters likable, mature and quite realistic, and the romance was sweet and low angst. I didn’t feel super emotionally invested but still, it was an enjoyable read.

I listened to the audiobook version and Abby Craden’s narration was, as always, very good. Her voice has a calm cadence to it that very much fit these smart, serious characters.

Thanks NetGalley and Tantor for giving me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.