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The Senator's Wife #2
Caught Sleeping
Despite the fragility of their relationship, Catharine and Alex have found a happiness together they never expected to find. Alex's career is soaring with her hard-fought place on the US Women's National Team as she prepares for the World Cup over the summer. Catharine is flourishing in her newfound freedom, embracing her love with Alex, while still being forced to keep their romance a secret amidst her soon-to-be ex-husband's presidential campaign.
But it's more than either woman hoped for. More than they ever imagined.
Until a secret is revealed that threatens it all. Their relationship. Alex's career. Catharine's business. Even their lives. When it all comes crashing down, both women must ask themselves—how can love survive?
But it's more than either woman hoped for. More than they ever imagined.
Until a secret is revealed that threatens it all. Their relationship. Alex's career. Catharine's business. Even their lives. When it all comes crashing down, both women must ask themselves—how can love survive?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2023
330 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Jen Lyon
5 books953 followersJen Lyon is an avid lover of sports, travel, theatre, and the ocean. When she isn’t writing, Jen can be found sailing, browsing the shelves of her local bookstore, cheering ardently at an NWSL soccer match, or training horses at her Southern California horse ranch, where she lives with her wife, Donna, and their dogs and horses.
Follow Jen on IG @jenlyonauthor where she unapologetically spams her page with photos of her corgis, dachshund, horses and obscenely large Maine Coon cats.
Follow Jen on IG @jenlyonauthor where she unapologetically spams her page with photos of her corgis, dachshund, horses and obscenely large Maine Coon cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
March 14, 2025
Okay read!
June 7, 2023
Lyons does not disappoint with this much anticipated sequel to The Senator’s Wife. The description of soccer games especially at the World Cup are just like being there. Exceptional writing and storytelling with another book in the series to come.
This is a series not to be missed.
This is a series not to be missed.
March 25, 2023
Damn! That was just INCREDIBLE!
March 16, 2024
March 2024 - Second “read” was the audio book version narrated by Abby Craden. Story was still great. And I love Abby but she was really put to the test in the accent department (English, French, Welsh, Scottish, Southern, etc). Let’s just say some were better than others 😆. Anyway happy I am now prepped to finally read Whistleblower.
5 stars – Holy cow!
The first book was really good. I am happy to say book two is even better. If you are like me and get anxious when you know a book is going to have a lot of angst and bad shit happening, all I can tell you is it’s totally worth it. Go read it, now. Then come back for the spoilers if you want. PLEASE DO NOT READ THEM BEFORE READING THE BOOK.
Thank you, Jen Lyon. This is such an amazing story. Please consider making them into audiobooks. I would LOVE to hear all the great accents and scenes acted out.
5 stars – Holy cow!
The first book was really good. I am happy to say book two is even better. If you are like me and get anxious when you know a book is going to have a lot of angst and bad shit happening, all I can tell you is it’s totally worth it. Go read it, now. Then come back for the spoilers if you want. PLEASE DO NOT READ THEM BEFORE READING THE BOOK.
Thank you, Jen Lyon. This is such an amazing story. Please consider making them into audiobooks. I would LOVE to hear all the great accents and scenes acted out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2023
The thrilling book 2 of the series starts with Alex waking from a chilling dream.
A harbinger of things to come.
After a successful stint as part of the US Women's National Team with stats and accolades to be proud of, Alex is eagerly looking forward to a three week break and reuniting with Catharine. Then crap hits the fan and happiness is blown to smithereens.
Lyon does an incredible job weaving recurring characters into the storyline which is loaded with intrigue, political machinations and soccer. The seamy side of politics, the two-faced "Christian" spouting, blackmail, rabid disregard of decency and dignity for political power be it party or personal are laid bare. Pressures faced by elite athletes on and off the field with matches, competition, interviews shown. In the storyline, best friends prove to be better than toxic blood family. Catharine and Alex deal with the storms around them in different ways. Soccer is the eventual saving ground for one, missteps and all. The other concentrates on the business world, focused on the end game.
I loved when what I thought was to come did not! Instead I was presented with unexpected scenarios - teasing my expectations. Once more I consigned Sen. Cleveland to the sewers and rooted for Alex and Catharine. In my heart I look forward to the forecast of sunny skies and happy days ahead but wait with trepidation.
Kudos Jen for keeping my eyes glued to the pages reading through the night, frustration and anger balanced by hope and love. Bring on book 3.
A harbinger of things to come.
After a successful stint as part of the US Women's National Team with stats and accolades to be proud of, Alex is eagerly looking forward to a three week break and reuniting with Catharine. Then crap hits the fan and happiness is blown to smithereens.
Lyon does an incredible job weaving recurring characters into the storyline which is loaded with intrigue, political machinations and soccer. The seamy side of politics, the two-faced "Christian" spouting, blackmail, rabid disregard of decency and dignity for political power be it party or personal are laid bare. Pressures faced by elite athletes on and off the field with matches, competition, interviews shown. In the storyline, best friends prove to be better than toxic blood family. Catharine and Alex deal with the storms around them in different ways. Soccer is the eventual saving ground for one, missteps and all. The other concentrates on the business world, focused on the end game.
I loved when what I thought was to come did not! Instead I was presented with unexpected scenarios - teasing my expectations. Once more I consigned Sen. Cleveland to the sewers and rooted for Alex and Catharine. In my heart I look forward to the forecast of sunny skies and happy days ahead but wait with trepidation.
Kudos Jen for keeping my eyes glued to the pages reading through the night, frustration and anger balanced by hope and love. Bring on book 3.
March 19, 2023
Ever since finishing book one I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how their story continues, and I was glad I was buckled in (on a plane) for the ride. I can’t decide which was more bumpy but both led to the same place, home. There’s so much to unpack, but like book one I couldn’t read this fast enough while at the same time not wanting it to end. That’s how you know a book is fantastic. Cannot wait for book three.
May 18, 2023
Am.Az.Ing!
I've read some really great romance books this year (including from prominent authors Like Clare Ashton, Clare Lydon, EJ Noyes, Nicole Pyland, and Rachel Lacey—and I loved those books like babies to cherish), but Jen Lyon’s Caught Sleeping is, amazingly (given she’s a new author), the best yet!
Carrying on from where bk 1 leaves off, Caught Sleeping is darker than its more sedate (but gorgeous) slow-burn predecessor, with developments you can’t predict. Which keeps you hooked and will surely ruin at least one night of your sleep. BEWARE… you have been warned 😉.
Caught Sleeping is refreshing in how it plays against certain tropes. Both MCs are flawed and their behaviour often far from praiseworthy. But that’s because Ms. Lyon keeps them organic and lets their characters and traits play out. There is selfishness (sometimes unwitting), immature responses to events and interactions, and questionable decision-making. And yet the author manages to keep both characters fully sympathetic.
Is Catharine sometimes reckless? Yes. Does she live in ignorance of how she affects others? Too often, yes. Is Alex to unsure of herself? Yes. Is she too self-consumed and at times whiney? Yep.
But, you’ll more likely want to take them aside and help them, not condemn them. (They may need more than a finger wagging at times, too!) And I think if you’re wanting to do that, then you’re more than a little engaged.
Don’t look for a cuddly romance here. It’s complicated with many developments derailing the women’s ideal choices and wishes. And the leads spend a lot of the time apart. If you’ve read book 1 (which you will need to do first), you’ll know that Catharine is CEO of an international company and Alex is a football (soccer) player seeking to establish herself in the US national squad. Which means the individual strands have to fully stand up to keep you invested. They very much do, with the story unwinding from dual, alternating POVs, which works very well.
2 supporting characters in particular come more to the fore here than we saw in bk 1, Nathalie and Amelia, and both are better for it as deeper, more interesting characters in their own rights and in how they impact the MCs. I’d happily read some short stories featuring Amelia and Nathalie as (separate) leads.
I find it hard to believe how good Jen Lyon is, frankly. Her narrative is so engaging with the right balance of internal POV and events and story progression that you get dragged in as surely as a kitten beckoning you, compelling you to go and pet her. I’ll be shocked if you don’t fully root for Catharine and Alex to overcome their very significant challenges individually and as a couple.
And this series is, as far as I can see, Ms. Lyon’s debut. It’s frightening to think she may well develop yet further as a writer!
Book 3 is forthcoming, I’ve heard, although I don’t know when. But, damn, I hope it’s soooon!! I can hardly wait 😯
I've read some really great romance books this year (including from prominent authors Like Clare Ashton, Clare Lydon, EJ Noyes, Nicole Pyland, and Rachel Lacey—and I loved those books like babies to cherish), but Jen Lyon’s Caught Sleeping is, amazingly (given she’s a new author), the best yet!
Carrying on from where bk 1 leaves off, Caught Sleeping is darker than its more sedate (but gorgeous) slow-burn predecessor, with developments you can’t predict. Which keeps you hooked and will surely ruin at least one night of your sleep. BEWARE… you have been warned 😉.
Caught Sleeping is refreshing in how it plays against certain tropes. Both MCs are flawed and their behaviour often far from praiseworthy. But that’s because Ms. Lyon keeps them organic and lets their characters and traits play out. There is selfishness (sometimes unwitting), immature responses to events and interactions, and questionable decision-making. And yet the author manages to keep both characters fully sympathetic.
Is Catharine sometimes reckless? Yes. Does she live in ignorance of how she affects others? Too often, yes. Is Alex to unsure of herself? Yes. Is she too self-consumed and at times whiney? Yep.
But, you’ll more likely want to take them aside and help them, not condemn them. (They may need more than a finger wagging at times, too!) And I think if you’re wanting to do that, then you’re more than a little engaged.
Don’t look for a cuddly romance here. It’s complicated with many developments derailing the women’s ideal choices and wishes. And the leads spend a lot of the time apart. If you’ve read book 1 (which you will need to do first), you’ll know that Catharine is CEO of an international company and Alex is a football (soccer) player seeking to establish herself in the US national squad. Which means the individual strands have to fully stand up to keep you invested. They very much do, with the story unwinding from dual, alternating POVs, which works very well.
2 supporting characters in particular come more to the fore here than we saw in bk 1, Nathalie and Amelia, and both are better for it as deeper, more interesting characters in their own rights and in how they impact the MCs. I’d happily read some short stories featuring Amelia and Nathalie as (separate) leads.
I find it hard to believe how good Jen Lyon is, frankly. Her narrative is so engaging with the right balance of internal POV and events and story progression that you get dragged in as surely as a kitten beckoning you, compelling you to go and pet her. I’ll be shocked if you don’t fully root for Catharine and Alex to overcome their very significant challenges individually and as a couple.
And this series is, as far as I can see, Ms. Lyon’s debut. It’s frightening to think she may well develop yet further as a writer!
Book 3 is forthcoming, I’ve heard, although I don’t know when. But, damn, I hope it’s soooon!! I can hardly wait 😯
May 8, 2024
ugh. well. bummer.
i enjoyed this one a lot less than the first one. a lot of that rested on amelia and the fwb arc, which i'll get into down below in spoiler territory, but overall upon reflection it just felt like a lot of filler to keep alex and catherine apart for longer to have it be a trilogy? idk. a lot of the plot and distance between them just felt drawn out for the sake of drawing it out. like, it wasn't awful, but i found myself rlly annoyed during a lot of it.
plus like... i just don't care abt the carlton plot. we're living in a trump hellhole, and i just don't want more focus on it in my escapism fiction. so i would have liked less of the political arc and i hate that it's being drawn out for his campaign.
but okay, i just feel like the amelia thing was such an unnecessary retread of the caleb arc from book one??? like... rinse, repeat, just with a woman and slightly less of an asshole.... i'm not interested at all, actually. i didn't like amelia on her own as a character in book 1. she is just VERY much not my vibe for a character (or a person in real life, tbh) cocky, sarcastic, teasing, pushy characters DRIVE ME UP THE WALL, and she was all that rolled into one. and i found so many things she did irritating.
idk. there's more things i could get into. i actually found ALL of the soccer players apart from Sawyer and sometimes Halsey to be BEYOND IRRITATING and pushy. mind your business!!! esp in the scene where idk i hated them all tbh. i just felt like it was filler and drama and basically redoing book 1 for the sake of keeping them apart to get to book 3. and that sucks!!! i rlly hope we get less of carlton/the political arc in book 3, but i don't have high hopes, and i'm not very excited for it despite enjoying where catherine and alex left off at the end.
a real fucking bummer. abby craden knocked it out of the park tho, (but damn that australian accent is ROUGH and the french one's not much better).
i enjoyed this one a lot less than the first one. a lot of that rested on amelia and the fwb arc, which i'll get into down below in spoiler territory, but overall upon reflection it just felt like a lot of filler to keep alex and catherine apart for longer to have it be a trilogy? idk. a lot of the plot and distance between them just felt drawn out for the sake of drawing it out. like, it wasn't awful, but i found myself rlly annoyed during a lot of it.
plus like... i just don't care abt the carlton plot. we're living in a trump hellhole, and i just don't want more focus on it in my escapism fiction. so i would have liked less of the political arc and i hate that it's being drawn out for his campaign.
but okay, i just feel like the amelia thing was such an unnecessary retread of the caleb arc from book one??? like... rinse, repeat, just with a woman and slightly less of an asshole.... i'm not interested at all, actually. i didn't like amelia on her own as a character in book 1. she is just VERY much not my vibe for a character (or a person in real life, tbh) cocky, sarcastic, teasing, pushy characters DRIVE ME UP THE WALL, and she was all that rolled into one. and i found so many things she did irritating.
idk. there's more things i could get into. i actually found ALL of the soccer players apart from Sawyer and sometimes Halsey to be BEYOND IRRITATING and pushy. mind your business!!! esp in the scene where idk i hated them all tbh. i just felt like it was filler and drama and basically redoing book 1 for the sake of keeping them apart to get to book 3. and that sucks!!! i rlly hope we get less of carlton/the political arc in book 3, but i don't have high hopes, and i'm not very excited for it despite enjoying where catherine and alex left off at the end.
a real fucking bummer. abby craden knocked it out of the park tho, (but damn that australian accent is ROUGH and the french one's not much better).
December 16, 2023
**see update at end for audiobook review**
When a new author has a debut as phenomenal as The Senator's Wife, it's got to feel a bit intimidating when releasing a follow-up. But like her characters, Jen Lyon stepped up in a big way and gave us an excellent second installment.
I have a real soft spot for Catharine, having been forced to live a life she never wanted primarily due to her sexual orientation. She's brave, strong and resolute - determined to hold on to the highly successful shipping company she's been running for many years. Alex is at a career crossroads, finally within striking distance of realizing her ultimate dream. But while that is true, she is exhausted by not being able to live an open, authentic personal life. Especially with the woman she truly loves.
Because this is a series, it's difficult to say much without giving something away. Lyon does a great job moving their story along in a believable manner, without rushing through the necessary steps to work through their hurdles and obstacles.
After the experience of the first book I found myself holding my breath throughout this one, knowing how much could go wrong. There's angst, which is par for the course for these star crossed lovers. And heart clutching moments.
While this doesn't end on a cliffhanger, I can't help but be anxious about what is to come, knowing more than a few people are working against the couple finding long-term happiness. I can't wait to see how this sublime story ends and certainly hope the villains ultimately get theirs. You don't have to be a fan of women's soccer to enjoy this romantic series, but it's definitely a bonus when you are!
If you haven't read these yet, I can't recommend them highly enough!
Update after audiobook listen:
MY GOD! Abby Craden KILLED on this book. Killed! If there's high angst and deep emotion to be conveyed, she is really unmatched in that regard. She goes there, she makes you FEEL it. What she did with Alex's character especially about killed me. Just spectacular work. These books are phenomenal. I won't lie - as emotionally difficult as the books were to read, the listen was harder because Abby's performance really brings it home. But staying away would be a mistake. Because wow.
When a new author has a debut as phenomenal as The Senator's Wife, it's got to feel a bit intimidating when releasing a follow-up. But like her characters, Jen Lyon stepped up in a big way and gave us an excellent second installment.
I have a real soft spot for Catharine, having been forced to live a life she never wanted primarily due to her sexual orientation. She's brave, strong and resolute - determined to hold on to the highly successful shipping company she's been running for many years. Alex is at a career crossroads, finally within striking distance of realizing her ultimate dream. But while that is true, she is exhausted by not being able to live an open, authentic personal life. Especially with the woman she truly loves.
Because this is a series, it's difficult to say much without giving something away. Lyon does a great job moving their story along in a believable manner, without rushing through the necessary steps to work through their hurdles and obstacles.
After the experience of the first book I found myself holding my breath throughout this one, knowing how much could go wrong. There's angst, which is par for the course for these star crossed lovers. And heart clutching moments.
While this doesn't end on a cliffhanger, I can't help but be anxious about what is to come, knowing more than a few people are working against the couple finding long-term happiness. I can't wait to see how this sublime story ends and certainly hope the villains ultimately get theirs. You don't have to be a fan of women's soccer to enjoy this romantic series, but it's definitely a bonus when you are!
If you haven't read these yet, I can't recommend them highly enough!
Update after audiobook listen:
MY GOD! Abby Craden KILLED on this book. Killed! If there's high angst and deep emotion to be conveyed, she is really unmatched in that regard. She goes there, she makes you FEEL it. What she did with Alex's character especially about killed me. Just spectacular work. These books are phenomenal. I won't lie - as emotionally difficult as the books were to read, the listen was harder because Abby's performance really brings it home. But staying away would be a mistake. Because wow.
May 17, 2023
Filler. Thought we hit rock bottom in book one. Still descending. Did not realize this would be stretched into another book.
March 20, 2023
This is book two on the series and picks up not long after where book one The Senators Wife left us.
I can’t say to much as I don’t want to spoil it and I will unpack everything after the third and final book. But seriously I can recommend these books enough! They are so fabulous. I’ve been on a rollercoaster for the past 3 days reading both books.
This writer is immensely talented. The characters and world she has created are spectacular. The storyline in phenomenal and I I’m swooning so hard over Catherine. This written shows knowledge of Business, politics and football/soccer, it’s truly remarkable. I absolutely can not wait for book 3.
Bravo Jen Lyon your books are simply stunning.
I can’t say to much as I don’t want to spoil it and I will unpack everything after the third and final book. But seriously I can recommend these books enough! They are so fabulous. I’ve been on a rollercoaster for the past 3 days reading both books.
This writer is immensely talented. The characters and world she has created are spectacular. The storyline in phenomenal and I I’m swooning so hard over Catherine. This written shows knowledge of Business, politics and football/soccer, it’s truly remarkable. I absolutely can not wait for book 3.
Bravo Jen Lyon your books are simply stunning.
June 3, 2024
Catharine deserved better! God, this was brutal to get through. The angst was pure torture and, speaking of torture, I implore the usually phenomenal Abby Craden never to do accents again, I may actually implode from the cringe.
April 12, 2023
Can't wait for 3
I loved 'Senator's Wife.' I loved this one more. Can't wait for book 3.
And finally some love triangle in lesfic. My prayers were answered. Thank you, Jen Lyon.
I loved 'Senator's Wife.' I loved this one more. Can't wait for book 3.
And finally some love triangle in lesfic. My prayers were answered. Thank you, Jen Lyon.
September 3, 2025
4.5⭐️
If this Catharine doesn’t have a HEA at the end I will not be happy 😕
If this Catharine doesn’t have a HEA at the end I will not be happy 😕
April 18, 2023
It’s been a heartbreaking rollercoaster so far. I’m so happy things are looking up at the end of the book. I’m deeply invested in Catherine and Alex’s relationship, and I truly can not wait to see what comes next for them, in book three. I’m hoping for continued strengthening of their relationship and a united front when it comes to dealing with the assholes set out to hurt them. Speaking of my fingers are crossed for a whole heaping dose of Karma for Carlton, Caleb, and Catherine’s Father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
5⭐️ Raw, real and exhilarating! If you are after a sweet, low angst, happily ever after romance, this is not it. But if you want to be thrown into the mess of life with all its sharp dangerous edges, and really feel something, this is the story for you. Finishing book #2, despite feeling a little battered and bruised, as well as apprehensive for what is to come, I can’t help but feel the warm embrace of hope. Bring on book #3!
Oh and I have to add, the queer jock in me was all for the amount of “football” (soccer) and the match detail provided in this book. The fade to black for a sporting match is almost (but not quite) as bad as between the sheets! Thank you Lyon!
Audiobook - overall, Abby Craden does a wonderful job breathing life into these characters. Unfortunately, as an Australian, she really did butcher the Australian accent!
Oh and I have to add, the queer jock in me was all for the amount of “football” (soccer) and the match detail provided in this book. The fade to black for a sporting match is almost (but not quite) as bad as between the sheets! Thank you Lyon!
Audiobook - overall, Abby Craden does a wonderful job breathing life into these characters. Unfortunately, as an Australian, she really did butcher the Australian accent!
April 12, 2024
I absolutely loved the book! It was a great read and I was completely engrossed in it. Having said that, I was really disappointed when Alex moved on to a different partner. It broke my heart to see Catharine go through that. While I appreciate the author's decision to fade to black on the intimate scenes between Catharine and Alex (which I’m not a fan of), I am glad that the intimate scenes between Alex and her new partner also fade to black. If they didn't, I would have just skipped those pages….cos that is how much I like Alex’s new relationship.
December 3, 2023
I’m so frustrated by this book! I felt the same way about the first book and still, I persisted. Okay so here we go: yes, the writing is solid, strong even, it’s the meandering and pandering to problematic stereotypes that stifles it for me. Catherine, hot as fire off the page, much more redeemable and believable here in book two because that dichotomy of her charter in book one had me reeling. Alex though, my goodness simpering does not do enough to describe how weak and sniveling I found her. I know I’m supposed to be endeared by her past and her lack of love, and support, but grow a backbone will you! Everyone, and I mean everyone fought her battles for her and by the time she has the best and long overdue speech of her life, finally finding her voice; it was too late for me. Again, one love scene between the two characters we are supposed to be rooting for, but a million between Alex and the team captain, I found it gross. I see people giving this five stars. Okay, I guess. I would just say read Milena McKay and tell me this is five stars. There is a way to engage in depth and character development without sacrificing titillation. This feels like pandering, and it’s sad because this author doesn’t need to do that; otherwise it’s inexperience or laziness. Finally, just love football, (yes I said football and not soccer) if you read this because that is where the author excels and clearly has a passion, it just takes away from the actual plot development and what could be a truly great story. I get I’m in the minority here, but it’s an honest review no less.
February 24, 2024
Looking forward to Book 3!
This was one of my most anticipated books of the month and I was really looking forward to reading it and as soon as it is available on the Amazon I quickly bought it. Overall, I enjoyed this second book in the series, however, I deducted half a star because I was a little disappointed when Alex and Catharine broke up. Although I did understand where Alex was coming from and she did it for Catharine's best interest, but still I wish she talked to her and found a better solution. On top of that, I felt a bit uneasy when Alex fell into bed with Amelia as I kept routing for Alex and Catharine to return. I think this shows how well written the book is when you get invested into the characters/relationships.
All in all, this book was a rollercoaster of emotions, fortunately, the ending gave me hope and I can't wait to read book 3 in which I hope Alex and Catharine's relationship can survive through whatever lies ahead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2023
I cannot begin to express how quickly I download it this when it became available. I have waited and waited for book 2 of the series, and I was not disappointed.
I have no idea how this author is able to properly capture and expressed the emotions that both of these women went through but man did they ever….
Spoilers below…..
I know that the relationship with Amelia was part of the healing process for Alex, but I’m not gonna lie when I tell you it made me so angry. I felt bad for Amelia, because the poor girl had fallen in love with Alex, knowing that Alex was only ever going to love Catherine. I’m hoping at least they can remain friends!!
Now, Catherine just needs to get her company back and put that homophobic father of her in his place!
I have no idea when book 3 comes out but I’ll be waiting!!
I have no idea how this author is able to properly capture and expressed the emotions that both of these women went through but man did they ever….
Spoilers below…..
I know that the relationship with Amelia was part of the healing process for Alex, but I’m not gonna lie when I tell you it made me so angry. I felt bad for Amelia, because the poor girl had fallen in love with Alex, knowing that Alex was only ever going to love Catherine. I’m hoping at least they can remain friends!!
Now, Catherine just needs to get her company back and put that homophobic father of her in his place!
I have no idea when book 3 comes out but I’ll be waiting!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2023
This pacing of this book really didn’t work for me. Throughout the whole book, we got so little of Alex and Catherine together, and I felt that seeing more of the happy relationship was necessary for my buy in to this relationship, which the first book didn’t completely sell me on. Perhaps if they lasted longer at the beginning of the book before the break up, I wouldn’t have found the amount of angst so annoying.
Alex’s immaturity and the back step in her character growth really bothered me; I found her very frustrating in this book. The author tries to convince the readers of Alex’s growth, but I really struggled to see it, she made all the same mistakes from the first book all over again. Did she not learn anything from getting involved with her best friend the first time? I just hated the relationship storyline between Alex and Amelia so much. I also didn’t think we got enough Catherine in the book, however what we did get I enjoyed. Catherine was a character that I could see some growth in. I reached the point where I was wishing Catherine would move on and leave Alex behind. And don’t even get me started about the fact that Catherine had always stepped up for Alex, but Alex continued to not step up when Catherine really needed her and when she finally did it was too little too late for me.
As you can see, there was a lot that really didn’t work for me with this second book. Ultimately I was left wondering why Catherine was even into this “child”. I saw some other reviews mention this book felt like filler, and at this point I kind of feel the same way. I’m interested to see if this feelings sticks, and I think this book was necessary following my completion of the series. Anyway, I’ve made it this far so of course I’ll finish the series, but there is a lot the next book will need to make up for me, especially when it comes to redeeming Alex.
Alex’s immaturity and the back step in her character growth really bothered me; I found her very frustrating in this book. The author tries to convince the readers of Alex’s growth, but I really struggled to see it, she made all the same mistakes from the first book all over again. Did she not learn anything from getting involved with her best friend the first time? I just hated the relationship storyline between Alex and Amelia so much. I also didn’t think we got enough Catherine in the book, however what we did get I enjoyed. Catherine was a character that I could see some growth in. I reached the point where I was wishing Catherine would move on and leave Alex behind. And don’t even get me started about the fact that Catherine had always stepped up for Alex, but Alex continued to not step up when Catherine really needed her and when she finally did it was too little too late for me.
As you can see, there was a lot that really didn’t work for me with this second book. Ultimately I was left wondering why Catherine was even into this “child”. I saw some other reviews mention this book felt like filler, and at this point I kind of feel the same way. I’m interested to see if this feelings sticks, and I think this book was necessary following my completion of the series. Anyway, I’ve made it this far so of course I’ll finish the series, but there is a lot the next book will need to make up for me, especially when it comes to redeeming Alex.
March 25, 2023
This isn’t just your every day romance. It is a romance thriller that will cause your blood pressure to rise as it knocks your socks off!
It’s the second book in the series and was another riveting and compelling adventure. I found myself emotionally invested in the characters, experiencing both the ups and downs and the highs and lows. There was the ugliness of politics and some crazy-bad things happening with the potential to blow the lid off the good things that I wanted to happen. At times, I was a very uncomfortable and impatient reader.
The story rotated back and forth between the political ramifications affecting Catherine and the dramatic ramifications around the soccer team affecting Alex. Jen Lyon did such a skilled job in using secondary characters to glue the story together. Most notable were Nathalie, Malcolm, Amelia, Caleb, Amanda, Halsey, Sawyer, Salty and Alex’s other teammates.
Since I don’t follow soccer(football), I found it educational to get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes of a team’s locker room with its fierce friendships, loyalties, rivalries and tensions. I found enjoyment both in the camaraderie and with the bitter behavior. There was a lot to follow with all the names of the teams and different players. I know what a goalkeeper is, but have no clue about a striker, midfielder, etc. Most importantly for me, being a huge sports fan in general, I found myself emotionally wrapped up with the fans and could imagine the trash talking and chanting U-S-A!! I even cried, I really did!
The outcome of Catherine and Alex’s relationship was the most important of all the emotional elements in the book….
That’s enough from me! Jen Lyon, thank you for the marvelous enjoyment you provided!!
It’s the second book in the series and was another riveting and compelling adventure. I found myself emotionally invested in the characters, experiencing both the ups and downs and the highs and lows. There was the ugliness of politics and some crazy-bad things happening with the potential to blow the lid off the good things that I wanted to happen. At times, I was a very uncomfortable and impatient reader.
The story rotated back and forth between the political ramifications affecting Catherine and the dramatic ramifications around the soccer team affecting Alex. Jen Lyon did such a skilled job in using secondary characters to glue the story together. Most notable were Nathalie, Malcolm, Amelia, Caleb, Amanda, Halsey, Sawyer, Salty and Alex’s other teammates.
Since I don’t follow soccer(football), I found it educational to get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes of a team’s locker room with its fierce friendships, loyalties, rivalries and tensions. I found enjoyment both in the camaraderie and with the bitter behavior. There was a lot to follow with all the names of the teams and different players. I know what a goalkeeper is, but have no clue about a striker, midfielder, etc. Most importantly for me, being a huge sports fan in general, I found myself emotionally wrapped up with the fans and could imagine the trash talking and chanting U-S-A!! I even cried, I really did!
The outcome of Catherine and Alex’s relationship was the most important of all the emotional elements in the book….
That’s enough from me! Jen Lyon, thank you for the marvelous enjoyment you provided!!
April 16, 2023
Yet again, my mind is blown!
Yet again, my mind is blown. This 2nd part took me on a JOURNEY!!! I hated what was happening and loved what was happening at the same time. The bad/evil characters made me want to jump in the book and throttle them and the beloved characters (Alex and Catherine) had me all up in my feels at every turn in the story. Alex Grey and Catherine Brooks (I wholly despise that other last name of hers, lol) are two of the most intricately well rounded novel characters I've come across in a while. I'm in love with both of them!
And I also love how the story includes so much side character support and action, an admirable feat compared to most novels that I've read in the past. The subtleties and nuances of each character jumped full force off the page and overall created an even better reading experience. The Amelias (justice for Amelia), the Sawyers (a best bud you can never get rid of), the Nathalies (that scathing French woman)...even the Scottish bodyguard Malcolm (lol), helped cement this story as one of the best.
I've said this once before in Book 1's review, but this whole series needs to be taken to the screens, it's viewing pleasure worthy. I'm in awe of this writing. I really need Jen Lyon to stop slaying my life like this!!! 🙃🫠🙃🫠Have not been able to focus on real life because I'm enjoying this series so much as if it were my reality. That's how you know you've written an incredible book. 👏 👏 👏 Keep going. I want more.
Yet again, my mind is blown. This 2nd part took me on a JOURNEY!!! I hated what was happening and loved what was happening at the same time. The bad/evil characters made me want to jump in the book and throttle them and the beloved characters (Alex and Catherine) had me all up in my feels at every turn in the story. Alex Grey and Catherine Brooks (I wholly despise that other last name of hers, lol) are two of the most intricately well rounded novel characters I've come across in a while. I'm in love with both of them!
And I also love how the story includes so much side character support and action, an admirable feat compared to most novels that I've read in the past. The subtleties and nuances of each character jumped full force off the page and overall created an even better reading experience. The Amelias (justice for Amelia), the Sawyers (a best bud you can never get rid of), the Nathalies (that scathing French woman)...even the Scottish bodyguard Malcolm (lol), helped cement this story as one of the best.
I've said this once before in Book 1's review, but this whole series needs to be taken to the screens, it's viewing pleasure worthy. I'm in awe of this writing. I really need Jen Lyon to stop slaying my life like this!!! 🙃🫠🙃🫠Have not been able to focus on real life because I'm enjoying this series so much as if it were my reality. That's how you know you've written an incredible book. 👏 👏 👏 Keep going. I want more.
March 19, 2023
Wow just wow!
I thought book one the Senator's Wife was amazing, but book two has surpassed it. We all know for books to be really good, they've got to have all the emotions and as readers we must feel these jumping from the page constantly. But, Caught Sleeping made me feel like I was in the room with protagonists, watching their dramas roll out before my very eyes. This book is a roller coaster and personally I cannot wait for book three The Unfinished Line.
I thought book one the Senator's Wife was amazing, but book two has surpassed it. We all know for books to be really good, they've got to have all the emotions and as readers we must feel these jumping from the page constantly. But, Caught Sleeping made me feel like I was in the room with protagonists, watching their dramas roll out before my very eyes. This book is a roller coaster and personally I cannot wait for book three The Unfinished Line.
March 30, 2023
more please!
I never want to leave this world! I can't wait for the third book! The story telling is fantastic and when I say it was impossible to put this down, I truly mean it!!
SPOILERS:
I have never been so torn on a love interest in my life. I truly love the relation ship Alex has with both Catharine and Amelia. I was genuinely rooting for both couples during their time. I truly hope Amelia is able to find someone to make her happy and that her an Alex can be friends ❤️
I never want to leave this world! I can't wait for the third book! The story telling is fantastic and when I say it was impossible to put this down, I truly mean it!!
SPOILERS:
I have never been so torn on a love interest in my life. I truly love the relation ship Alex has with both Catharine and Amelia. I was genuinely rooting for both couples during their time. I truly hope Amelia is able to find someone to make her happy and that her an Alex can be friends ❤️
November 27, 2023
Again, very capturing story and I just can't wait for the next book to come out. Because the story must go on. 😬
March 19, 2023
It is not often that a book these days has me turning pages until dawn. This one did. The next installment of this series is again a tension-filled rollercoaster that beautifully captures the emotions felt by the characters and delivers that to the page. If you like sports novels don't miss it. Age gap, a glimpse behind power structures. Well-developed characters. What are you waiting for?
March 26, 2023
Caught Sleeping
Jen Lyon told a fabulous sequel. I greatly enjoyed the book, I look forward to the rest of the series. This book had me enthralled throughout and didn't want to put it down. It's angsty but resolved well.
Jen Lyon told a fabulous sequel. I greatly enjoyed the book, I look forward to the rest of the series. This book had me enthralled throughout and didn't want to put it down. It's angsty but resolved well.
March 23, 2023
Wow
Lots of ups and downs. I was hanging on every word. I Believe! Great story and better characters. My only hope is there is a book three.
Lots of ups and downs. I was hanging on every word. I Believe! Great story and better characters. My only hope is there is a book three.
June 1, 2025
I can breathe now…
When we were only at page 40 or so and it it all came tumbling down, I knew that most of the rest of this part in the series would be heartbreaking and heart wrenching. And the way it went down left me feeling a bit bereft for Catharine, more than Alex. Senator Cleveland struck at the weakest link because he knew this is where he would have not only leverage but get the results he was seeking.
It hurt my heart to hear Catharine basically beg Alex to come, to talk to her. Alex knew that all of this was possible she knew who they were dealing with from the moment she first met the Senator. All this time, I thought she was stronger. But I was wrong. She was weak and weak willed where she needed to be a bit tougher.
Her response to this bully as well as Catharine’s 23 years of allowing tos behavior left them to allow this to happen. I don’t know how else it could have played out except the way that it had. But I had the women fighting this together in the midst of it. What bothered me most about it all was that Alex ran every time she was faced with a challenge. She ran away from Catharine the first time and into the arms of Caleb her best friend and tried to have a relationship that she knew was impossible from the start because she lacks feelings for him. And that went all pear shaped. She kept running from Catharine and Catherine kept going to get her. And then she ran right into the arms of Amelia. More problems to add to mounting media issues. She didn’t deal with Caleb and his new girlfriend properly and left that fight to Amelia and Catharine on multiple occasions. Just more and more weaknesses shown. I am glad that Catharine and Nathalie finally had their face off because it was the gut punch to reality that Catharine needed.
And Amelia had to do what she did because she needed Grey to be happy after Catharine showed up again. It was written on the wall. And just like Amelia could read those plays on the field, she could read the Catharine and Alex chronicles. And she was deemed the loser in the affection and love department. These two had it in spades. However, Catharine always remained true without a hint of anyone to pull or take her away from Grey, not even Nathalie.
I know we still have some issues to deal with. The divorce isn’t final. The company is now in the hands of her father. And her and Alex are out in the open and gaining acceptance from the public. Especially where the sports fans are concerned. I am sure that will bleed into further audiences. Let’s see if Alex is finished running. We haven’t full aired the AmEx coupling. And the most dreaded and abusive men are still out there with scores to settle.
When we were only at page 40 or so and it it all came tumbling down, I knew that most of the rest of this part in the series would be heartbreaking and heart wrenching. And the way it went down left me feeling a bit bereft for Catharine, more than Alex. Senator Cleveland struck at the weakest link because he knew this is where he would have not only leverage but get the results he was seeking.
It hurt my heart to hear Catharine basically beg Alex to come, to talk to her. Alex knew that all of this was possible she knew who they were dealing with from the moment she first met the Senator. All this time, I thought she was stronger. But I was wrong. She was weak and weak willed where she needed to be a bit tougher.
Her response to this bully as well as Catharine’s 23 years of allowing tos behavior left them to allow this to happen. I don’t know how else it could have played out except the way that it had. But I had the women fighting this together in the midst of it. What bothered me most about it all was that Alex ran every time she was faced with a challenge. She ran away from Catharine the first time and into the arms of Caleb her best friend and tried to have a relationship that she knew was impossible from the start because she lacks feelings for him. And that went all pear shaped. She kept running from Catharine and Catherine kept going to get her. And then she ran right into the arms of Amelia. More problems to add to mounting media issues. She didn’t deal with Caleb and his new girlfriend properly and left that fight to Amelia and Catharine on multiple occasions. Just more and more weaknesses shown. I am glad that Catharine and Nathalie finally had their face off because it was the gut punch to reality that Catharine needed.
And Amelia had to do what she did because she needed Grey to be happy after Catharine showed up again. It was written on the wall. And just like Amelia could read those plays on the field, she could read the Catharine and Alex chronicles. And she was deemed the loser in the affection and love department. These two had it in spades. However, Catharine always remained true without a hint of anyone to pull or take her away from Grey, not even Nathalie.
I know we still have some issues to deal with. The divorce isn’t final. The company is now in the hands of her father. And her and Alex are out in the open and gaining acceptance from the public. Especially where the sports fans are concerned. I am sure that will bleed into further audiences. Let’s see if Alex is finished running. We haven’t full aired the AmEx coupling. And the most dreaded and abusive men are still out there with scores to settle.
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