<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.</i>

3 stars

This was just fine! I liked the fast paced intensity of it but I think the anything in politics realm is just feeling a little too much these days, so it definitely took me out of it a bit.

This is the first book of this author that I have read, and I enjoyed it from the start.

In this book, Alex Broussard a reporter for the New York Times comes into an anonymous tip about a chemical factory that is polluting a town in Indiana, and it being covered up by people in Washington and the EPA as well as a mob connection. She seeks assistance from her friend from college, US Senator Oliver Michaels agrees to help her while she teams up with her coworkers to uncover the cover up and work to expose it while the danger to them mounts.

This was a good read for me. It was well written, but the primary focus was on the reporters working to uncover the polluting and not really the Washington connection - at least until the end. Also, when I think of thriller it usually has more of a buildup then what I experienced in this read. Based on the description and title of the book I thought that there would have been more with the senator than with the reporters in this book.

Overall, it was a good read that I did enjoy and would recommend to others.

Oh, how I love a solid political thriller! Young, dashing Senator and smart, pretty NYT political reporter team up to clean up some dirty politics. This novel moved quickly, and I enjoyed both main characters. I look forward to more books by this debut author.

Maya Golden Bethany’s debut novel is smart and written with good research about environmental pollution. There was intrigue and suspense within the story and a built in romantic entanglement. There is definitely politics involved as the title suggests but it felt more about the reporter and the pursuit to uncover a scandal. I would say there is a lot of the story that gets buttoned up rather neatly and so there wasn’t a lot of unexpected nuances. There’s a bit of a cliffhanger in the epilogue so I’m curious if this book will become a series. I would enjoy reading more from this author. 3.75 stars rounded up.

The Senator is a fast-paced political thriller that pulled me in right away. The tension builds as powerful secrets begin to surface, and the characters find themselves caught between loyalty, justice, and danger. I loved the blend of suspense and emotional stakes—it felt timely and high-stakes without being overcomplicated.

The audiobook narration was strong and kept the momentum going from start to finish. If you enjoy political drama with twists and heart, this is a great pick.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to listen!

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Maya Golden Bethany and Dreamscape Media for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always excited to get my hands on a new author's work, I turned to this debut political thriller novel by Maya Golden Bethany. The author delivers a gripping story, while also adding undertones of personal relationships and determination to work outside the box for the betterment of others. While I had not heard of Maya Golden Bethany before, I am pleased that I found this book, as the storytelling is both gripping and relatable in the current political climate. This is a story that pits the 'little guy' against the larger corporation and political establishment. Not to be missed by anyone needing a great political thriller by a new author on the scene.

During his inaugural Senate campaign, Oliver Michaels sought to convince his constituents in Maine that he wanted to change the way things ran in Washington. While this might seem a daunting task, Michaels had never done things because they were easy. A year after winning his seat and being the youngest senator in Congress, Senator Michaels notices how broken things are in the nation's capital, where backroom deals and lobbyists run the show, rather than letting the elected officials debate and argue for advancements. Senator Michaels has also noticed his marriage crumbling, partly due to his work, but also the lack of connection with his wife, who wants all the glitz and glamour.

When Senator Michaels receives a visit from a determined individual, he cannot say no and listens to what she has to say. New York Times reporter Alex Broussard has a story on which she is working that could prove to be front-page news and highly scandalous. She has a source that there is a corruption scheme involving two congressmen, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, and a chemical manufacturer. The locals are suffering most, but no one is doing a thing about it. This could be Senator Michaels' key to changing the Washington narrative.

After waffling over what a single senator could do, Michaels is rejuvenated as Alex reminds him about his pledge to make a difference, They make some calls and appear in person to ask the tough questions in rural Indiana, which ruffles some feathers and leads many to begin panicking. Senator Michaels turns up the heat with questions and investigations, which sends chills up the spines of those in Washington, which are augmented when they realise that he will not go away. Drastic measures will have to be taken to stop the attention shone on this matter. Senator Michaels is running on adrenaline to get answers and also remembers the relationship he shared with Alex in college. Both have him determined not to stop as he hopes to impress the reporter.

Both Alex and Senator Michaels find that they are but small pieces in the larger governmental system and could be painting a target on themselves. With little time and a great deal of determination, both Sentor Michaels and Alex Broussard must decide how far to go when trying to derail what’s happening. Is it worth a life or two to save those of an entire community? A great debut novel that had me turning pages well into the night!

I love a good political thriller, particularly by those who are new to the scene. The fresh look at the genre can usually bring about some great stories and keep me energised to explore further, especially in these trying political times. Maya Golden Bethany delivers a jarring look at corruption in Washington with a strong narrative that kept me reading as i wanted to learn more. The foundation of the story is nothing unique, but is highly entertaining and kept me pushing forward. Great character development provides a connection to the story and those who push it along. Typical but also unique in their flavouring, Bethany offers the reader someone who care for and despise. Plot points are crisp and kept me on edge as I sought to see just how far two determined peple would go to change the American political system. A must-read and I hope to see more by the author soon!

Kudos, Madam Bethany, for a strong debut thriller!

Im grateful for the opportunity to be chosen to read this book.
Giving an honest opinion there was plenty plot twist but unfortunately for me I realised what they were before they happened.

I feel that there should have been a male and female voice as for me this was off putting.

I would consider reading this book instead of listening to it to see if I had a different outcome

Still an interesting audiobook and I would still look to read more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced audio book.

3.5 stars

When Alex, a reporter for the NY Times, stumbles onto a cover-up that scales to the upper echelons of the U.S. government, she goes to her college friend, Oliver, who is a state senator, for help. As the two get deeper into cover ups and payoffs, they put themselves, their family, and their friends in danger.

This felt like a pretty typical (and mostly successful) political thriller, in that you don't need to understand every detail in order to be swept up into the plot and feelings of danger. I did wish the author had made some of the relationship dynamics (i.e. Alex and Oliver) a bit more clear, so that things that happened later in the novel felt more organic, rather than a crammed in plot device. Overall, this is a solid choice for those interested in this genre.

The Senator is out April 15, 2025.

I really enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. The storyline hooked me from the beginning and kept me engaged until the end. I like Maya Golden Bethany writing style and Imani Jade Powers did an excellent job with the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for letting me read this ARC.

Maya Golden Bethany's "The Senator" plunges readers headfirst into the murky depths of Washington D.C., delivering a potent dose of political intrigue and rekindled romance. The narrative excels at portraying the disillusionment of idealistic newcomer, Senator Oliver Michaels, as he confronts the stark realities of federal politics. Bethany paints a compelling picture of systemic corruption, highlighting the insidious influence of lobbyists and the soul-crushing bureaucracy that can erode even the strongest resolve.

The novel's strength lies in its intricate plot, masterfully weaving together the threads of a high-stakes conspiracy involving corrupt politicians, environmental malfeasance, and even the shadowy presence of the mafia. The investigation led by the tenacious journalist, Alex Broussard, and her former college flame, Oliver, is a gripping race against time. The author skillfully ratchets up the tension, creating a palpable sense of danger as the protagonists delve deeper into the conspiracy, revealing the ruthless lengths those in power will go to maintain their grip.

However, the pacing occasionally falters, with certain sections feeling somewhat protracted. While the detailed portrayal of political machinations is a strength, it sometimes slows the momentum. A more streamlined approach could have amplified the suspense.

The novel skillfully employs the "second chance romance" trope, as Alex and Oliver rediscover their long-dormant feelings amidst the chaos of their investigation. The "political thriller" trope is also prominent, with its intricate web of corruption, high-stakes conspiracies, and the constant threat of violence. The "idealist vs. corrupt system" trope is also very evident.

Bethany delivers a satisfyingly hopeful conclusion, offering a refreshing dose of "progressive populism" and showcasing a protagonist who embodies integrity and grit. The characters are well-developed, and the glimpse into the "sewer" of politics is both enlightening and unsettling. The ethical dilemmas faced by Alex and Oliver, as they grapple with the choice between personal safety and public duty, add a layer of moral complexity to the narrative.

.Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advanced copy of "The Senator" by Maya Golden Bethany, a thrilling novel centered around a current U.S. Senator embroiled in a mystery involving the EPA and his colleagues. This book captivated me with its fast-paced writing and strong character development. Although the style occasionally bordered on cheesy, it added a fun element that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The evolving relationship between the two main characters was particularly engaging, and I'm eager to see what the author writes next. For fans of political thrillers like Stacey Abrams' "Rogue Justice," this book will be a delightful read. The combination of political intrigue and personal dynamics makes "The Senator" a compelling addition to the genre.

This is a debut novel about political intrigue with environmental health sprinkled in.

Oliver Michaels is a newly elected US Senator from the state of Maine and he believes he can change the world. He learns really quickly that he isn't going to magically clean house in DC. Bureaucracy is a beast he much learn to climb.

New York Times reporter Alex Broussard shows up at his office, and tells him about possible corruption involving a chemical company, and high level government officials that let too much slide. Side note, she and Oliver were an item in college. He's married, and to the outside eye, his marriage is perfection. In the marriage, things are turning quickly toward divorce. Alex is an added complication.

Oliver decides to help Alex expose the environmental health concerns and the corruption surrounding the seemingly bought silence surrounding it. The more they uncover, the more they realize this game is rigged heavily against them. The bad guys will do anything to silence them and no one is safe.

This is not a direct comparison, but this definitely has a feel of Erin Brockovich, with the little guy fighting the environmentally damaging Goliath. This book is written in a fast action format that will lend itself very well to the big screen. The build in the book as each layer is uncovered was mostly excellent, although abrupt in a few spots which made it trickier to follow. I love a fast paced full of action book and this book hits the mark!

I do wish it had more about the environmental issue. I feel like you had to read between the lines to connect those dots.

I listened to this book on audio and the narration is superbly done and well paced.

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Maya Golden Bethany for this arc audiobook copy. I will be giving my honest review.
3.75 ⭐️
The story follows NYT reporter Alex Broussard and young US senator Oliver Michaels. Alex reaches out to Oliver after she receives an anonymous tip about congressmen & other powerful figures colluding in a corruption scheme. The past relationship between the two as college sweethearts adds an interesting layer to the already intriguing story. Ooh and Oliver is a former pro NFL guy which was fun.
Political thriller/suspense isn’t typically my go to but that might have to change because this had me so locked in from start to finish. The pacing and dialogue were as well suited together as the narrator was for the audiobook. The narrator was excellent at shifting her voice for the different characters or moods. Not to mention her timing was impeccably and had me not pushing higher than 1.25. GWhich seems like a small thing but it makes so much of a difference). If like me you’re a fan of Scandal and/or Erin Brokovich you’ll enjoy this storyline.

I really liked this premise but sadly I just don't think it delivered. I found myself bored and confused. The twists felt predictable and it just fell flat for me. I appreciated the chance to listen to this book, and in the future I might try another book by this author.