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Passion and Politics #1
The Illusion of Power
For fans of the New Camelot series by Sierra Simone and Kennedy Ryan’s All the King’s Men duet, comes The Illusion of Power. A spicy, contemporary romance that follows future First Lady, Selene Taylor, during the integral months of her husband's campaign for the Oval where she finds herself navigating the embarrassment of his infidelity, the dangers of being a Black woman in proximity to political power, and perhaps worst of all, falling for the two men tasked with protecting her.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2025
691 people are currently reading
1582 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Seegars
11 books2,412 followersJ.L. Seegars is a dedicated smut peddler and lifelong nerd who’s always had a love of words, storytelling and drama. When she isn’t writing messy and emotionally complex characters like the ones she grew up around, she’s watching reality TV, supporting her fellow authors by devouring their work or spending time with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
July 8, 2025
Listen, I did not anticipate the book taking this turn. Who would have thought that you could spin a throuple in this style?
This was like a movie, with all of the foreshadowing, tests, twists, lies, and secrets, and the battle for power and control. In a political sense, I like how realistic it was. I have no idea who is running the show anymore, but you have the master and the puppet.
The way that Selene, Cal, and Beck's love balanced each other in this chaotic environment was so exciting. However, AUBREYYY, YOU SOB. I hope you are respectfully in the dirt in book two. As the plot develops, it becomes evident how politics and power can fuel a man's ego and cause him to reveal his actual nature. After everything they've gone through, I wonder whether he ever loved Selene or if she was only a pawn in his political scheme. And we have yet to get an apology.
With that ending, what are we to do? With all eyes on them, how will the throuple find their way back to each other? Given her new role as First Lady, what exactly will Selene do?
This was like a movie, with all of the foreshadowing, tests, twists, lies, and secrets, and the battle for power and control. In a political sense, I like how realistic it was. I have no idea who is running the show anymore, but you have the master and the puppet.
The way that Selene, Cal, and Beck's love balanced each other in this chaotic environment was so exciting. However, AUBREYYY, YOU SOB. I hope you are respectfully in the dirt in book two. As the plot develops, it becomes evident how politics and power can fuel a man's ego and cause him to reveal his actual nature. After everything they've gone through, I wonder whether he ever loved Selene or if she was only a pawn in his political scheme. And we have yet to get an apology.
With that ending, what are we to do? With all eyes on them, how will the throuple find their way back to each other? Given her new role as First Lady, what exactly will Selene do?
September 24, 2025
I loved every minute of this book! The drama and spice (ohhh the spice 🥵) gave me Scandal vibes. But Aubrey isn’t no Fitz! That man is infuriating. He’s the character you love to hate…and hate I did!
Cal & Beck…I love those men. Their backstories were sad and heartbreaking. Them finding love in each other was beautiful and adding Selene made them whole.
I can’t wait for the 2nd book in this series!
Cal & Beck…I love those men. Their backstories were sad and heartbreaking. Them finding love in each other was beautiful and adding Selene made them whole.
I can’t wait for the 2nd book in this series!
November 29, 2025
There were some editorial misses that kept pulling me out of the story and I hate that for me 😩
October 7, 2025
Just finished my live discussing this book.
This book irked my nerves so bad. I felt like I was reading several books at once. Everything felt disjointed. I liked the romance but not in this book. The political plot, interesting but not with the villain husband who was a villain for no reason. There were topics that were brought up that were never expounded upon. This was Scandal if Scandal were to be a book.
This book irked my nerves so bad. I felt like I was reading several books at once. Everything felt disjointed. I liked the romance but not in this book. The political plot, interesting but not with the villain husband who was a villain for no reason. There were topics that were brought up that were never expounded upon. This was Scandal if Scandal were to be a book.
July 15, 2025
3.5 rounded up and i’m being generous because i love janill😔
July 11, 2025
Selene x Cal x Beck
“The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” - Malcom X
I must admit, I went into this book blindly because J. L. Seegars is one of my auto-buy authors. I thought it was going to be a swoon worthy read similar to the New Haven series. No ma’am!!! She switched gears and really showed us the depth of her pen! She didn’t shy away from hot topics surrounding our nation: a strained political climate, gun control, mass shootings, extremist groups and racism. She also kept us intrigued by lacing in the affairs, the action, the mystery, and the slow-burning MMF why choose element (after all…she is the self proclaimed smut peddler). This book had so many layers and it could EASILY be adapted for the big screen or a mini series. The action and suspense kept me edge and had my nerves fried!!!
There were parts of the book that had my blood boiling! I hate seeing women settle and tolerate disrespect. Selene is a Boss! She’s smart, successful and a force to be reckoned with. So to see her dimming her light all for her husband’s success was bothering me. Cal (he’s Hunter’s brother from the New Haven series) and Beck were the epitome of knights in shining armor. They were two very intense men who loved and protected HARD! Their gentleness, their care and their covering is what the book girlies dream of.
Thank you J. L. For blessing me with this ARC. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an intense slow burn with a powerful storyline.
4.5 ⭐️
“The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” - Malcom X
I must admit, I went into this book blindly because J. L. Seegars is one of my auto-buy authors. I thought it was going to be a swoon worthy read similar to the New Haven series. No ma’am!!! She switched gears and really showed us the depth of her pen! She didn’t shy away from hot topics surrounding our nation: a strained political climate, gun control, mass shootings, extremist groups and racism. She also kept us intrigued by lacing in the affairs, the action, the mystery, and the slow-burning MMF why choose element (after all…she is the self proclaimed smut peddler). This book had so many layers and it could EASILY be adapted for the big screen or a mini series. The action and suspense kept me edge and had my nerves fried!!!
There were parts of the book that had my blood boiling! I hate seeing women settle and tolerate disrespect. Selene is a Boss! She’s smart, successful and a force to be reckoned with. So to see her dimming her light all for her husband’s success was bothering me. Cal (he’s Hunter’s brother from the New Haven series) and Beck were the epitome of knights in shining armor. They were two very intense men who loved and protected HARD! Their gentleness, their care and their covering is what the book girlies dream of.
Thank you J. L. For blessing me with this ARC. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an intense slow burn with a powerful storyline.
4.5 ⭐️
October 7, 2025
4.5
My biggest gripe was Selene’s ignorance toward her husband like sorry he never gave anything but power hungry and conniving. Like the fact that she never picked up on anything was irritating to me. Overall this was a STORY a great one too but I just don’t see it ending well for her when she should’ve just got the damn divorce lmao.
My biggest gripe was Selene’s ignorance toward her husband like sorry he never gave anything but power hungry and conniving. Like the fact that she never picked up on anything was irritating to me. Overall this was a STORY a great one too but I just don’t see it ending well for her when she should’ve just got the damn divorce lmao.
August 6, 2025
Want to know what the ultimate forbidden romance is? Imagine the future First Lady of the United States getting involved with her two secret service agents—talk about a plot twist!
Our FMC, Selene, is a tech-savvy business owner who’s been through a lot. You won’t have to read long before you discover the tragedy that struck her family. Her husband, who’s running for president, is an absolute jerk. He dismisses her at every turn and truly believes the world revolves around him.
But it’s not just about the romance. JL Seegars delivers the drama, suspense, action, and—of course—mind-blowing spice. Be prepared for a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will have you eager for the next book.
This book is a wild ride, and I loved every second of it!
Our FMC, Selene, is a tech-savvy business owner who’s been through a lot. You won’t have to read long before you discover the tragedy that struck her family. Her husband, who’s running for president, is an absolute jerk. He dismisses her at every turn and truly believes the world revolves around him.
But it’s not just about the romance. JL Seegars delivers the drama, suspense, action, and—of course—mind-blowing spice. Be prepared for a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will have you eager for the next book.
This book is a wild ride, and I loved every second of it!
July 12, 2025
Hmm, well. Selene and Aubrey. A match made in marital hell. When you dive in to this read expect to gasp and be ready to throw hands. Expect political animals, assumed love and affection. No APOLOGY (Read and see what I mean).
The drama went from the first page to the very end. There most definitely will be a book 2. Politics is already messy, but Selene and Aubrey in The White House is even messier. My goodness. Stay tuned..
I do have to add the flow of the book was a bit off sometimes. It made me feel like I was missing something. Like things happened before, but conversations weren’t really told to the reader what really unfolded.
The drama went from the first page to the very end. There most definitely will be a book 2. Politics is already messy, but Selene and Aubrey in The White House is even messier. My goodness. Stay tuned..
I do have to add the flow of the book was a bit off sometimes. It made me feel like I was missing something. Like things happened before, but conversations weren’t really told to the reader what really unfolded.
July 24, 2025
The story was too much for me. 3.25 stars though....
November 16, 2025
Omfggggg that ending was a lot 😮💨 But damn I hate Aubrey so much! JL knew exactly how to piss us off w that ending
August 5, 2025
JL does it again. A cliff hanger hates to see her coming. This book was everything … drama & mess (from chapter 1), romance, smut (talk about BLUSHING!) and a freaking cliff hanger. I absolutely loved this, even given our political climate I was able to enjoy it.
August 21, 2025
🥹
The book reads like it was written for a television series, and I honestly would not mind. So let’s manifest that because the storyline was strong! I enjoyed the scandalous behavior and the things that were happening behind closed doors. I feel like Selene’s character represented so many things that black women endure - being the closer or fixer, the strong one, not able to live out many dreams because of other responsibilities. I can go on and on. Whew 😩
The book reads like it was written for a television series, and I honestly would not mind. So let’s manifest that because the storyline was strong! I enjoyed the scandalous behavior and the things that were happening behind closed doors. I feel like Selene’s character represented so many things that black women endure - being the closer or fixer, the strong one, not able to live out many dreams because of other responsibilities. I can go on and on. Whew 😩
October 15, 2025
My first J.L. Seegars book and it did not disappoint. I honestly started reading the book based on the title alone not knowing what I was getting myself into. But I’m glad I stuck with it! When I say my jaw was on the floor for most of the book… 🤭 The 🌶️ and the plot were done so well. I can’t wait for part 2 to come out in December!!
January 2, 2026
4.5⭐️ 3🌶️
I enjoyed "The Illusion of Power." It kept me wanting to know more. The build up was very slow but intentional. Ngl, I was ready for the poly/why choose to arrive and when it did...Yes, JL, yes. It was a slowwww burn but wow.
The end of this book was a little wild and I can see how the people were up in arms because that...was a lot.
I enjoyed "The Illusion of Power." It kept me wanting to know more. The build up was very slow but intentional. Ngl, I was ready for the poly/why choose to arrive and when it did...Yes, JL, yes. It was a slowwww burn but wow.
The end of this book was a little wild and I can see how the people were up in arms because that...was a lot.
November 29, 2025
The Long Game
If Selena doesn’t get her lick back in blood I promise ima start a riot!!! Seegars has always layered her stories with complex emotions and difficult situations and this is probably the best of the ones I’ve read. There was a balance here of them knowing and seeing so much but missing things that lended itself to a sense of realism. She gave you glimpses of the happiness and wins you wanted and then snatched them from you in the most engaging and frustrating ways. So much so that once I started there was absolutely no way I could stop. The love, the betrayal, the scheming, the layers of the political, the personal, and the privileged are Shonda Rhimes level captivating. Seegars like to take you down through there and I can’t even be mad at it. But I can’t wait to see what she does next and in what ways Selena’s character develops. This is the stuff best sellers are made of.
If Selena doesn’t get her lick back in blood I promise ima start a riot!!! Seegars has always layered her stories with complex emotions and difficult situations and this is probably the best of the ones I’ve read. There was a balance here of them knowing and seeing so much but missing things that lended itself to a sense of realism. She gave you glimpses of the happiness and wins you wanted and then snatched them from you in the most engaging and frustrating ways. So much so that once I started there was absolutely no way I could stop. The love, the betrayal, the scheming, the layers of the political, the personal, and the privileged are Shonda Rhimes level captivating. Seegars like to take you down through there and I can’t even be mad at it. But I can’t wait to see what she does next and in what ways Selena’s character develops. This is the stuff best sellers are made of.
August 29, 2025
I liked the writing and concept of Illusions of Power, but I was really disappointed with how the story ended. Selene never seemed to gain any real control over her situation she was constantly manipulated, and that really irked me. It left me unsure about continuing the series. Unless book two gives her more control , I’m not sure I can keep reading.
October 29, 2025
I really wanted to like this book more. I love JL’s books (except Release Me 🥴) but this severely missed the mark for me. I truly feel no romance needs to be 400+ pages, especially if there are several parts to the book, please wrap it up by page 370. There was so much inner thought between the dialogue that sometimes I would forget what the conversation was even about.
I didn’t feel any spark between the characters and Selene and Beck both annoyed the hell out of me. Cal was my favorite and he didn’t even get enough of the spotlight. We didn’t even get to watch them fall in love, they were just like “I love you” “i know, me too” how?! when?! what did i miss!! lol
I felt like I read the Kingmaker all over again, where’s the originality?! I get being inspired but it was literally like Kingmaker with a throuple instead. Also, maybe i’m freaked out but how are there only 3 sex scenes in a 416 page book?! And when there was opportunity for at least one more she breezed through it… don’t PMO JL lololol. Like girlllll you said you’re a smut peddler. PEDDLE IT UP!! I wanted to be sweating how I did when I read Restore Me.
As a black woman I loved the advocacy and attention brought to problems we face, at the same time I read for escapism and it was just very… political. Even Kingmaker wasn’t that political. I wanted to see my good sis get her back busted open and instead… she just had no backbone for a lot of the book. I won’t spoil the “plot twist” but let’s just say.. no jaws were dropped. I cracked the case and I’m not even in the damn Secret Service.
I didn’t feel any spark between the characters and Selene and Beck both annoyed the hell out of me. Cal was my favorite and he didn’t even get enough of the spotlight. We didn’t even get to watch them fall in love, they were just like “I love you” “i know, me too” how?! when?! what did i miss!! lol
I felt like I read the Kingmaker all over again, where’s the originality?! I get being inspired but it was literally like Kingmaker with a throuple instead. Also, maybe i’m freaked out but how are there only 3 sex scenes in a 416 page book?! And when there was opportunity for at least one more she breezed through it… don’t PMO JL lololol. Like girlllll you said you’re a smut peddler. PEDDLE IT UP!! I wanted to be sweating how I did when I read Restore Me.
As a black woman I loved the advocacy and attention brought to problems we face, at the same time I read for escapism and it was just very… political. Even Kingmaker wasn’t that political. I wanted to see my good sis get her back busted open and instead… she just had no backbone for a lot of the book. I won’t spoil the “plot twist” but let’s just say.. no jaws were dropped. I cracked the case and I’m not even in the damn Secret Service.
August 10, 2025
JL…. You’ve done it again! The fact that this is book one of a new series is the only reason I’m not mad about the ending lol now I need the next books released. Her way to always capture the duality of characters will never get old to me and will also make me more connected to the people she writes. 10/10.
March 9, 2026
3.5 stars
I don't think I've ever read a throuple romance story before so that was interesting. I think JL Seegars did a good job setting up the romance and the Selene, Cal, Beck scenes together was mmmhmmmm. While I also thought the politics was pretty realistic, I kind of didn't care for it. However, I think I will continue with this series because that ending definitely peaked my interest for what is to come!
I don't think I've ever read a throuple romance story before so that was interesting. I think JL Seegars did a good job setting up the romance and the Selene, Cal, Beck scenes together was mmmhmmmm. While I also thought the politics was pretty realistic, I kind of didn't care for it. However, I think I will continue with this series because that ending definitely peaked my interest for what is to come!
December 29, 2025
Spicy , political, twisted, and fun 🙂↕️ let’s get to book 2 🤭
January 15, 2026
**4.5 stars
The ending had me mad!! I didn’t think it was possible for Aubrey to be even more cold and heartless 🥲
The ending had me mad!! I didn’t think it was possible for Aubrey to be even more cold and heartless 🥲
January 16, 2026
This book trauma dumped on me.
I appreciate the author’s intention for this book to be a reprieve, but honey it was not
I appreciate the author’s intention for this book to be a reprieve, but honey it was not
August 14, 2025
I enjoyed reading this. However, its ending has me a little mad. Like I need this situation (the ending) to be fixed ASAP in book 2. God I could strangle Aubrey 🥲…
December 27, 2025
3.5 stars 🧳 🙂↔️
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Something about this book just felt a little off? The book definitely could’ve been a little shorter and I almost wish there was more focus on Cal, Beck, and Selene emotional connection. I do believe they have a connection but I just feel like a lot wasn’t discussed?
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I enjoyed the main story line but I felt like there where alot of sub plot line where you got taken out of the main book and then brought back in and it was hard to follow the direction of where the book was going . The ending of the book was a good twist but I think Aubrey just pissed me off so much that I was like whatever!
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A lot of great topics discussed and brought up in book and address well so I do give props to that.
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“We don’t talk enough about how exhausting anxiety is. How it steals your ability to reason, leaving your brain free to run a mental marathon your body didn’t agree to or train for. How, once that marathon is over, fatigue sets in, sending you plummeting into paralysis, a numb kind of relaxation that costs too much to bring so little relief”.
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Something about this book just felt a little off? The book definitely could’ve been a little shorter and I almost wish there was more focus on Cal, Beck, and Selene emotional connection. I do believe they have a connection but I just feel like a lot wasn’t discussed?
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I enjoyed the main story line but I felt like there where alot of sub plot line where you got taken out of the main book and then brought back in and it was hard to follow the direction of where the book was going . The ending of the book was a good twist but I think Aubrey just pissed me off so much that I was like whatever!
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A lot of great topics discussed and brought up in book and address well so I do give props to that.
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“We don’t talk enough about how exhausting anxiety is. How it steals your ability to reason, leaving your brain free to run a mental marathon your body didn’t agree to or train for. How, once that marathon is over, fatigue sets in, sending you plummeting into paralysis, a numb kind of relaxation that costs too much to bring so little relief”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 27, 2025Not my cup of tea. I just read it because I love Jl. Seegars. Not a bad book per say I am just not a trouple kinda girl… had to skip some parts.
And the nickname (pet) just grinds my gears. 🫠
And the nickname (pet) just grinds my gears. 🫠
August 10, 2025
An uneven start to an intriguing premise!
Selene Taylor’s high-profile marriage is in crisis. Following the tragic death of their son, the political career of her husband, Aubrey, skyrockets. Now the Democratic presidential nominee and with Election Day fast approaching, we open on the reckoning of Aubrey’s affair with a campaign staffer going public. Bound to her husband by more than marital vows, Selene finds herself drawn to members of her Secret Service detail, Agents Callan Drake and Lance Beckham, best friends who are hiding secrets of their own. As threats to Selene’s safety escalate, the trio find themselves navigating ever murkier waters of betrayal and intrigue.
I love every single theme of this work, but at times it buckles under the weight of balancing them all. Race, politics, neurodivergence, misogyny, fidelity, school shootings, grief, and a romantic connection between not two, but three people, is a hefty list to carry. Seegars is a skilled writer, so nothing entirely founders, but the pacing and connection do suffer.
The story starts strong, but with a bit of a slog in the middle and a rushed ending, it’s a rollercoaster. Selene, Cal, and Beck are all well-drawn characters with interesting backstories, and the struggle of any poly romance is having the space to establish the connection between them all. The logic for this group is there, but at times I didn’t feel the emotional hits as hard as I’d expected. The spicy scenes are definitely fantastic, though, full marks for that!
If you’re looking for romance with diverse representation and hefty plot, I’d recommend giving this a try. There is a lot of promise, and I do plan to try the next book in the series!
Selene Taylor’s high-profile marriage is in crisis. Following the tragic death of their son, the political career of her husband, Aubrey, skyrockets. Now the Democratic presidential nominee and with Election Day fast approaching, we open on the reckoning of Aubrey’s affair with a campaign staffer going public. Bound to her husband by more than marital vows, Selene finds herself drawn to members of her Secret Service detail, Agents Callan Drake and Lance Beckham, best friends who are hiding secrets of their own. As threats to Selene’s safety escalate, the trio find themselves navigating ever murkier waters of betrayal and intrigue.
I love every single theme of this work, but at times it buckles under the weight of balancing them all. Race, politics, neurodivergence, misogyny, fidelity, school shootings, grief, and a romantic connection between not two, but three people, is a hefty list to carry. Seegars is a skilled writer, so nothing entirely founders, but the pacing and connection do suffer.
The story starts strong, but with a bit of a slog in the middle and a rushed ending, it’s a rollercoaster. Selene, Cal, and Beck are all well-drawn characters with interesting backstories, and the struggle of any poly romance is having the space to establish the connection between them all. The logic for this group is there, but at times I didn’t feel the emotional hits as hard as I’d expected. The spicy scenes are definitely fantastic, though, full marks for that!
If you’re looking for romance with diverse representation and hefty plot, I’d recommend giving this a try. There is a lot of promise, and I do plan to try the next book in the series!
July 26, 2025
The way this ended, I need book 2 ASAP! Perfect for fans of Scandal!
January 8, 2026
DNF: She lost me at the gay scene, I thought Selene was going to have a little sneaky hookup with one of the security guards…nope just a sword fight with two men 🙄
July 31, 2025
I love/hate this book. I love a why-choose and the premise of this story was interesting but there were definitely some misses for me. I will be reading book 2 though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews