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.

Senator Oliver Michaels ran a campaign to make some changes in Congress. Oliver is a former college football star and NFL player. Every bill Oliver introduces gets defeated but he does not quit. When a former flame and current New York Times reporter finds some very damaging information regarding some Oliver's congressional nemesis', Oliver is hesitant at first but when the evidence begins to pile up, he knows he must do something. What extremes will they go to keep the information from being made public.


4 stars

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the ALC. The narrator Imani Jade Powers was great.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – Smart, engaging, and timely

I really enjoyed this book overall. It’s a sharp, fast-paced political thriller that pulls you into the chaos of Washington D.C. and doesn’t let go. The story follows Senator Oliver Michaels, who starts off hopeful about making change but quickly finds himself drowning in the mess of politics, corruption, and personal heartbreak. That felt pretty real, honestly.

What I appreciated most was the emotional depth. Oliver isn’t just a politician—he’s a person struggling with disappointment, divorce, and a second chance at love. The connection between him and Alex, the journalist who comes back into his life, felt authentic. Their shared past gave the story a more human core, and I was rooting for them both.

The plot has some great twists and raises some important questions about power, loyalty, and what people are willing to risk to do the right thing. There were a few moments where things got a little over-the-top, but the message behind it all—the need for integrity in politics and the importance of standing up for what’s right—really hit home.

If you like political thrillers with heart, this one is definitely worth checking out. It’s compelling, thoughtful, and a good reminder that even in a rigged system, people can still choose to fight back.

Wow! Wow! WOW!!!!!!

This one has NOT YET been RELEASED, but look for it soon!!

This book was incredible!! Hold on to your hats everyone, you are in for a RIDE!!!!

Oliver is the youngest Senator in history! He has high hopes for making big changes in Washington. But, his marriage is falling apart, and sometimes, he's not sure if he will actually be able to change anything...

Then, one day, a reporter reaches out to him, (Alex) and he finds it's someone with whom he was once very well acquainted. His College Sweetheart! When she presents a theory that she is working on, one that WILL garner much attention and controversy, he immediately wants in!
What he doesn't realize is that he will be putting everyone he knows and loves in danger...
And so will she!

🛑🛑 I'm going to suggest that you STOP RIGHT HERE 🛑🛑 if you don't want to know anymore about the book, as I am goind to delve into it a bit here, but still will NOT give away the whole thing...

As Alex goes on interviewing and challenging everyone involved, her partner in crime (and news) is also on the front lines interviewing. When he gets hurt, intentionally, the shoe literally drops... and warning bells are ringing all around them...

Will they be able to complete what they started? Will people continue to get hurt? What can they do? How far does the infected grip reach??? AND, are they willing to actually find out????

This one brings back feelings from Erin Brockovich... whereas an entire town is feeling the effects of a business in the area... and no one is able to help them... even a little bit. 😮😢
But then, you'd need to mix in a little mob action, like The Godfather, where people are getting wiped out... just because... and then you might have some kind of idea where we are heading here! 😫😫😫

#TheSenator by #MayaGoldenBethany and narrated outstandingly by #ImaniJadePowers.

ALL THE STARS FOR ME!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
*** Release date is soon on 4/15/25, so look 👀 for it on shelves then !! ***

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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

More of a romance than a thriller but appreciated the political intrigue and background of the characters.

The Senator is a standalone mystery by Maya Golden Bethany. In some ways, this reminded me of a modern-day Erin Brockovich!

This book was fascinating! I loved seeing how the plot revealed itself! So good!!!

I loved the narration by Imani Jade Powers. She did such an amazing job bringing this book to life!

If you enjoy a good mystery or political thriller, you must read The Senator!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Senator by Maya Golden Bethany
Narrated by Imani Jade Powers
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: April 15, 2025

If you enjoy political thrillers, this is a nice one.

Oliver Michaels is a Senator, who's campaign ran on the promises to clean up Washington, but quickly became disheartened as he experienced all the barriers in Washington, and his marriage falling apart. Alex Broussard is a reporter trying to uncover corruption between the head of the EPA and a chemical company. Together, they work for a common goal of a better government for a better country.

This book is well written, and a fast paced thriller. I enjoyed the entire book and couldn't put it down. Imani Jade Powers, the narrator, is fantastic and her performance really drew me into the story.

I liked this book a lot. It was fast paced, fairly realistic and had a touch of romance. Alex and Oliver make good partners, both with strong convictions and a sense of duty and loyalty.

The narration was well done and pulled you along the excitement.

Cannot wait for the next book

#netgalley #TheSenator

I love me a good old fashioned Washington D.C. thriller and this book hit the spot. This story reminded me of the Dupont case (real life case) but with a twist. The story kept me wanting to hear more and the characters were very interesting. I did like the entanglement between the main characters and the narrator was spot on!! If you are a fan of a thriller and want to go for a ride listen to this book.

I want to thank @NetGalley @dreamscape_media for allowing me to listen to this good time thriller!