There is no room for love when politics are involved.
It may have only been a few weeks, but Ileah Vasileiou fell hard and fast for Finn Gallagher—the one man her father would never approve of. Instead of following her heart, she marries Delaware Governor-hopeful, Timothy McKinnon. As a rising political star, he’s the perfect political match—if he wasn’t more devoted to his career than her happiness. Forced to placate her family and the nation, her own ambitions are buried beneath a decade of public appearances and private silence.
When Tim is murdered, Ileah turns to the one man she never stopped loving. Known for being a ruthless businessman who can make or break anyone’s political career, Finn has been quietly waiting for the moment she'll be his again. With Ileah newly widowed and no longer bound by duty, Finn is done biding his time in hopes he can finally have the one woman he’s wanted for over a decade.
But in Washington, nothing is ever as it seems.
When secrets come to light, Ileah must choose between the life she’s learned to navigate and the one Finn and his brother have built for her.
Irene Bahrd is a feisty Capricorn and one of the most avid readers you will ever meet. Her favorite genres to read or write include romantic comedies, political romance, romantasy, and the occasional contemporary dark romance.
She started her writing journey as a dare from a friend, after recounting dating stories from her early twenties. They inspired her to write spicy romantic comedies and parodies that feature a variety of book boyfriends—though most are cinnamon roll golden retrievers. Many of her stories contain LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent characters.
Irene can be found on Instagram and TikTok under @irenebahrdauthor
I loved this book and I’m evermore addicted to this series. I received this book as an ARC but had to finish the first one before starting. The biggest help to enjoying interested in this series is just that. Read the first and then jump into this beauty. I’m so grateful I got the ARC and was able to enjoy Ileah and Finn right after Arranged Vacancy.
Huge fan of second chance romances, Ileah and Finn are a wonderful couple that allow politics to control their relationship. Great back and forth between these two MCs as well as legitimate hesitations and blocks for them to get together again. But Finn, I think I like him more than Alex from the first book. Finn’s love for Ileah is addictive to the reader with an earnest and loving depth that makes you want to forgive him for everything and anything. He’s got a darker side to him but is such a cinnamon roll for his leading lady.
The book is set in a political world and I think manages lay out the constrains and difficulty they encounter to be together while dealing with internal battles and personal issues. I loved this one! And can’t wait to read the next installment.
I can’t believe I never wrote a review for this book! I honestly didn’t think I’d love it more than Arranged Vacancy, but I was so wrong. I absolutely loved everything about it. And Finn?! He’s right up there with Alex in my favorites bookish husbands. This story had me from the first chapter like all of Irene’s books, and I’m still thinking about it. I cannot wait for book 3!
🎧 The first book was a hit with me and it is very enjoyable to me, when I get to relive scenes from a book I have read but from a different point of view.
🎧 As I started listening to it, (and obviously didn't read the blurb as always), it was so fun listening to her Greek last name, or mentioning her yiayia! Fun for me, listening to my language in a romance book even if it's just a name.
🎧 I chose this because I was still on a Rocca high and I wanted more from her. I loved her male voices on this one. Superb. Almost forgetting there is a male narrator here because his chapters where fewer. But then when those chapters came up. Mr. Furlong. That hint of Irish accent there. It was like showing me the desert but not letting me have it. Like a promise. Delish.
❗️ Disclaimer : My rants, ramblings, and incoherent thoughts below might be considered spoilers by some. Also, often, I do not read trigger warnings or blurbs.
🎧 40% I have my issues with him, to be honest. Trust issues on my part. Because sometimes I take things very personally. I am missing something from the first part of the book to the middle point. I am not very aware with traumas and I know people react differently but I think she got over it a bit too quickly. And he is more sensible than her.. hmm.
🎧 60% Yes, now she woke up. Isn't she stressed that somebody might spill the beans of what she did?
🎧 Even if the spice for a Bahrd book is less than others, I enjoyed it a lot. My husband saw my face while listening and he said "whatever he is doing to her, let me know and I will". I have to tell him a hint of an Irish accent is more than enough. :D
🎧 Special thanks for the personal warning by Ms. Bahrd. It was definitely distracting at times making it not safe for cooking while listening.
Absolute Majority Love & Politics #2 By Irene Bahrd Narrated by Gary Furlong, Angelina Rocca
Absolute Majority is part of Irene Bahrd's Love & Politics series. Bard provides enough background information that Book 2 could be read as a stand-alone. This book is for readers who enjoy: strong female characters, possessive male characters, 5-chili pepper spice in nearly every chapter, and political intrigue.
I appreciated that the political suspense was more developed in this story. Bard has a talent for twists and turns, and I hope she continues to deepen the political suspense in her series.
I also appreciate the character development. Ileah evolves from a Washington Darling smiling by the side of her husband, who she was forced to marry by her father, to a widow who becomes Vice President of the US. The feminist leaning is strong in this narrative: "Women have used red lipstick as a sign of power and protest. The women leading before me would be ashamed of me for taking this long to go toe-to-toe with the patriarchy. I'm done playing small. First step, the Senate, and, then, with Finn [MMC] by my side, I'm helping Jaclyn [FMC2] take the Oval" (Chapter 18).
Gary Furlong has a strong, smooth baritone Irish accent that lends well to his characterization of Finn (MMC), a charismatic second generation Irishman. Angelina Rocca provides a nuanced and evolved characterization of Ileah that holds the listener's attention. Furlong and Rocca make a great audiobook pairing.
I want to thank you #IreneBahrd and #HighGravityAudioProductions for my ALC. This review is my honest opinion.
ALC: This series is addicting and this book/ audio was a fantastic listen. It's different then what I usually listen to but Irene does a great job captivating my attention with it and really creating a world that I'm invested in. The detail, the spice, the storyline, all of it is completely addictive to the listener and gives you a love that will conquer all. Narrators Angelina Rocca and Gary Furlong bring this story to the listener and their voices were perfect for these characters. Absolutely amazing.
Blurb: There is no room for love when politics are involved.
It may have only been a few weeks, but Ileah Vasileiou fell hard and fast for Finn Gallagher—the one man her father would never approve of. Instead of following her heart, she marries Delaware Governor-hopeful, Timothy McKinnon. As a rising political star, he’s the perfect political match—if he wasn’t more devoted to his career than her happiness. Forced to placate her family and the nation, her own ambitions are buried beneath a decade of public appearances and private silence.
When Tim is murdered, Ileah turns to the one man she never stopped loving. Known for being a ruthless businessman who can make or break anyone’s political career, Finn has been quietly waiting for the moment she'll be his again. With Ileah newly widowed and no longer bound by duty, Finn is done biding his time in hopes he can finally have the one woman he’s wanted for over a decade.
But in Washington, nothing is ever as it seems.
When secrets come to light, Ileah must choose between the life she’s learned to navigate and the one Finn and his brother have built for her.
Absolute majority Being someone from status , a good ol political background , a glorious partner all feels like life's mapped out ....... Is really that all you will ever need ? Ileah had a great law career and all a good girl from a good family and good future life could dream but did she really wanted to be the good girl in this very good picture , born and married off as a political pawn brought along death of lights she was always meant to shine in while someone just held onto those switches which had a power to light it all back up , but would she choose the one who has to step down so she would rise , she would shine she would rule may be maybe not...... And that's the tale of ileah and finn .personal opinion the book does highlight how politics and people in politics have turned out to be bad and yet not so bad , how much change is craved for and how in all honesty if well orchestrated power can be in hands of those for whom it exists . Females in politics have begun to rise but they still have to fight the chains of patriarchy , they still face criticism and synicism while another less apt male partner is much more accepted, the story highlights how the actual man is someone who despite his sucess dosnt feel threatened by the light of his women , grace can be in standing behind with head held high and power lies in ability to trust , for me the book is an eye opener or rather I would say a wake up call .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ileah and Finn had a fling in their youth that was so powerful that, even years later, they couldn't forget each other no matter how hard they tried. As Ileah tookher place as the perfect politician's wife to a man she never loved and Finn and his brother became the most powerful silent partners in the US Government, their paths seem to go in different directions. It isn't until Ileah finds herself a widow and her best friend Jaclyn is put into the prime position politically to skyrocket her trajectory to the oval office, that Finn makes it his mission to get Ileah in the same path to VP alongside Jaclyn. Finn takes his opportunity to be the rock that Ileah needs to regroup and find her power so she can make her real political dreams a reality. But with so many secrets between them and so many hurdles to conquer to make the best choices for the country, they find themselves constantly questioning each other and putting their feelings on the back burner while they make public image and politics their main focus. They can only fight their connection for so long and eventually they give in, but working an elusive, mysterious man like Finn into her public image could become the thing that kills her political aspirations. This story was so fun and kept me intrigued the entire time. It so different from a lot of other romance themes and I loved the first book so seeing the story come into view even more so in book two was a lot of fun! I am excited to see this journey unfold from a new perspective in book 3! Angelina and Gary were great on this title. I especially loved the subtly of Finn's Irish accent and how Gary really embodied that battle between accents the way the character does. It was a fantastic performance and they brought the story to life so well.
Absolute Majority Love & Politics #2 By Irene Bahrd Narrated by Gary Furlong, Angelina Rocca
This is just what I was waiting for! A good, exciting, romance filled with the deceit of politics and passion. Finn and his brother know how to get things done. Years after his relationship with Ileah, he is done waiting, and takes things into his own hands not only to pivot her into realm of her political career, but to be with him. Will their love survive this time? Bahrd took me on a journey that is so much fun! Each scene skillfully plotted to give just enough to find their way. Finn truly saw the path Ileah needed to take for her to be happy and he gave it to her! Plus crossing over with people from Arranged Vacancy just makes it even better. This is a fabulous likes, and grat testimony to what women can achieve!
Gary Furlong and Angelina Rocca are amazing together. Furlong breaks out his fantastic Irish brogue and creates a conniving yet charismatic Finn. Rocca finds Ileah's true self, each nuance growing and becoming the fabulous woman she is. Loved their connection and chemistry. They made a spectacular listen.
Absolute Majority is the second book in the Love and Politics series. Finn and Ileah met and fell in love years ago. Due to familial pressure, Ileah married Tim. Fast forward several years and Finn finally has another chance with Ileah. He has never stopped loving her. Can their love survive this time? Listen for all the answers. This is a fantastic love story that was narrated brilliantly by Angelina Rocca and Gary Furlong. Angelina Rocca was divine as Ileah. You could feel all of Ileah’s disappointment and unhappiness in her life and marriage to Tim in her voice. Later on, you could sense the changes in her when everything starts improving thanks to Mickey and Finn. Her performance was superb. Gary Furlong was magnificent as Finn. The love he always had for Ileah was so clearly evident in his voice. I loved his Irish brogue. These two voice actors brought this story to life beautifully. I highly recommend listening.
Make sure u read the 1st book in this series before u read this book cause it's not a standalone
Ileah's father is marrying her off to Tim for a political advantage, but Mickey Finn's brother wants him to marry her too for political reasons, but Finn has fallen for Ileah. A year after Finn confesses his love for Ileah, she is marrying Tim, and he will have the governor's spot then in a few years run for the Senate. Tim promises to be a good husband for Ileah. 8 years later, at Jaclyn and Christopher's wedding and everything that happened in book 1. Finn and his brother Mickey make stuff happen and help where they can. Finn definitely wants Jaclyn to become president and Ileah, her vice president. Ileah, Jaclyn, and Evelyn are best friend's 4ever, and their husbands aren't so much. I absolutely adore Mickey and Finn. This is a really good book, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I like the mystery/thriller aspect of this story. It does read like a political romantic thriller. Beware that this book does sound like current events with the various political references.
Ileah and Finn shared some steamy scenes. Although, I do have to admit that the romance was not enough to keep my intrigue and interest. This is the first time in a long while that I have not instantly loved a book by Irene. It actually took me by surprise. For some reason, I just struggled to connected with all of the cast of characters in the story. Thus, in part I struggled to stay connected with the story. There would be moments that would capture my attention and hold it for a while but then it would go away again.
This book may have been just ok for me, but I still am a fan of this author's.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ a bold, emotionally charged political romance that sounds as powerful as it reads, thanks to the dynamic narration by Angelina Rocca and Gary Furlong. 🎧💔
This second installment in the Love & Politics series brings heat, high-stakes ambition, and a heroine who finally stops playing small. Ileah Vasileiou went from a pawn in her father’s political chess game to a widow-turned-Vice-Presidential hopeful with fire in her veins. And Finn Gallagher? Whew. He’s got a possessive streak, an Irish brogue, and the kind of unwavering loyalty that ruins you for anyone else.
The audio is where this book truly shines. Rocca captures every emotional beat of Ileah’s transformation, you feel her exhaustion, grief, and eventual rise. And Gary Furlong? His smooth, commanding delivery made Finn downright dangerous in the best way. That slip into the irish accent? So good. Their chemistry is undeniable and elevates every scene they share.
“I’ve known since the day we met that you would be the last woman I’d ever touch. That realization scared me, but only for a moment.” 😮💨🔥We LOVE A DOWN BAD MAN!
Tropes: 💍 Marriage of Convenience 💔 Second Chance Romance 📈 Political Intrigue 🧨 Possessive MMC 👠 Strong Political Woman 🧑🤝🧑 Forbidden Love
They fell in love but had to not be together for political gain which of course meant heartbreak on his side as he watched her marry someone else and be his wife even if it was only for show. Which was heartbreaking for her on some levels also.
They found their way back to each other’s arms when the time was right and proceeded with the relationship they always wanted 🥰🥰
He helped bolster HER political career all while loving her publicly!
And seeing Jaci and Alex getting to live their love even if it was sort of a lie.
Ahh!! I’m interested to see what’s in store for Mickey and Evelyn either together or individually in the next book! 😍
Ileah & Finn were always meant to do big things….life just has to get a little messy along the way I enjoyed this….if you read Arranged Vacancy the books overlap some so you know roughly when things are going to happen….you just don’t always know how or why….if you haven’t read Arranged Vacancy I suggest you read it first….you don’t have to but it definitely helps put all the pieces together if read in order This was a great read….just know the time frame is decades long but I think that made the book even better…& I love the “what if???” aspect of the book…will I get to see it in my lifetime??? Probably not but it was fun to read about it & before anyone freaks out about it being a book about politics….it is but it isn’t at the same time
Omg! This book is so so good. Its quite refreshing with what all is going on in the world today, if only it was actually reality. I absolutely love love love Finn and Mickey. Finn is absolutely swoon-worthy and there isn't anything he wouldn't do for the woman he loves. He literally puts her on a pedestal. Ileah is such a strong character who was stifled, but easily makes a strong comeback. I found this book even more enjoyable because the political beliefs in this book highly align with my own. Many kudos to Irene for writing such a fantastic book. If you haven't read Arranged Vacancy, read that one first, it's just as amazing. These are not standalones. Can't wait for Mickey's book that is coming soon!
I absolutely love the way Irene Bahrd writes her writing style is far different from any other author I have read before!
I really loved that we got a glimpse of of IIeah & Finn the first book of this series and I love that Irene tells us we need to read the first book in the series as this one is not a standalone book because if I had not read the first book I would of been lost.
IIeah & Finn story was beautiful written and I loved how they had a past relationship before and that they reconnected on this book and you got to know more about them and more about the political champion from the first book as it continued on into this book.
This was an intense and emotional ride that I thoroughly enjoyed. Narrated brilliantly by Angelina Rocca and Gary Furlong, the audiobook brought Ileah and Finn’s story to life in the best way. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the tension between love and political obligation made every scene feel high-stakes. I appreciated how Finn never gave up on Ileah, even when she was forced to marry for political gain. After her husband’s death, their reunion was everything I hoped for: raw, passionate, and complicated. The narrators captured both vulnerability and strength perfectly. This isn't just a political romance; it's a powerful story about reclaiming your voice, no matter the cost.
This was such a great book and I absolutely loved it! It was such an amazing sequel and I loved seeing the characters from Arrange Vacancy make an appearance in this story as well. I loved how much Finn loved Ileah and how that was shown throughout the book through his thoughts and actions. Would highly recommend if you enjoy spice and political drama. You do need to read Arranged Vacancy first since this book has some of the same characters and is set in the same world. Thank you to Irene Bahrd for the ARC of this story.
Usually, I read to escape the real world and don't like politics in my books. But Absolute Majority was a glimpse into how things could be better if people weren't so full of hate. I adored Finn and his patience and genuine love for Ileah. That even if he couldn't be her forever, he just wanted her to shine and be supported. It was a refreshing read that filled me with hope that things could be better and the scary political climate could eventually change for the best.
4.5 star read, thanks to Irene Bahrd for an advanced copy for my honest review.
Audio Review: Absolute Majority Written by Irene Bahrd Narrated by Angelina Rocca and Gary Furlong
Bahrd is known for her boundary pushing, intriguingly unpredictable stories. Absolute Majority is a spicy mystery. There's a twist around every corner. The drama is real and the secrets run wild.
I love me some mystery and this one definitely has it! I completely loved Ileah and Finn! Especially the way he loves lleah. Don't get me started on the steam! Oh my, my, my, this author never disappoints! Can't wait to see what is to come and everyone should check it out even if you haven't read the first one. This one can be read as a standalone.
I’m hooked on this series. Politics, morally grey Heroes, strong more than capable women. Love it!! Angelina Rocca and Gary Furlong were incredible as Ileah and Finn! Can’t wait to listen what’s next
Dual Narration - Angelina Rocca and Gary Furlong Fantastic narration, these two gave such life to this story.
I really enjoyed this audiobook. Finn and Ileah were dating until her reality of a situation where she found due to family and political obligations are forcing her to marry someone else. Finn is determined to still get the girl at any means necessary.
The start if this story happens in line with Arranged Vacancy it is recommended to read/listen to book 1 first.
I really loved how the main men in these books believe in their women and want to see them shine.
For somebody who could care a less about politics this was a really good read! Finn being the “bad guy” doing whatever it takes to get his girl kept me on my toes through this listen!
Edited to include ALC review: Even with having read this story when it first came out, I was not prepared for how powerful listening to it would be. Listening to Angelina Rocca and Gary Furlong deliver those speeches had tears welling in my eyes, and gave goosebumps to my goosebumps. Honestly, these two were absolute perfection as Ileah and Finn.
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“I’m no longer your secret love, Finn. I’m yours, always.”
This book is definitely unlike anything I've read before, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Ileah and Finn have been seeing each other for a while now and are very much in love. Unfortunately, Ileah finds herself in a situation where she needs to marry someone else for political advancement. Finn, being the greenest red flag that he is, is still set on getting the girl and he is willing to do anything, anything to get her.
This story overlaps a lot with Arranged Vacancy, and it is very much a political romance. I found the story so inspiring, to the point where I believe that a close-door version of it should be published so that little girls all over the world can learn that we can achieve anything we set our mind to, even when almost everyone around us thinks it's impossible.
Aside from that, Finn and Ileah had a beautiful love story, and I loved how he never stopped believing in Ileah, even when she had stopped believing in herself, and he always pushed her to follow her dreams. Also, I loved how we got to see this protective older brother side of Mickey, and I can't wait to read his story.
Quote: “I’ve known since the day we met that you would be the last woman I’d ever touch. That realization scared me, but only for a moment. You’re my world, Ileah, and I’ll do everything in my power to ensure your happiness.”