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Political Gain
Lyla Adler wasn’t looking for love, just one reckless night to forget her manipulative ex and the unanswered questions surrounding her father’s suspicious death. A no-strings one-night stand with a handsome stranger in the front seat of his vintage Bronco feels like the perfect escape. Until she realizes he was never a stranger at all.
Kage Kensington is rich, ruthless, and dangerously well-connected. Entangled in a long-brewing revenge plot tied to the tragedy that destroyed his family, he has no time for distractions. But when Lyla’s brother calls in a favor, Kage is forced into a role he never protector to the one woman he should stay far away from.
As Lyla digs into the truth behind her father’s so-called accident, one she suspects her powerful senator mother was involved in, she’s pulled deeper into Kage’s secretive world and his fiercely loyal, morally gray inner circle. The closer she gets to the truth, the harder it becomes for Kage to keep his distance from the woman who threatens to unravel everything he’s built—and everything he’s tried to avoid.
What began as a single night becomes a dangerous game of secrets where love is a liability, trust is a gamble, and the truth could destroy them all.
Political Gain is Book One of a five-book series in which power corrupts, love is used as leverage, and secrets are the price of survival.
Kage Kensington is rich, ruthless, and dangerously well-connected. Entangled in a long-brewing revenge plot tied to the tragedy that destroyed his family, he has no time for distractions. But when Lyla’s brother calls in a favor, Kage is forced into a role he never protector to the one woman he should stay far away from.
As Lyla digs into the truth behind her father’s so-called accident, one she suspects her powerful senator mother was involved in, she’s pulled deeper into Kage’s secretive world and his fiercely loyal, morally gray inner circle. The closer she gets to the truth, the harder it becomes for Kage to keep his distance from the woman who threatens to unravel everything he’s built—and everything he’s tried to avoid.
What began as a single night becomes a dangerous game of secrets where love is a liability, trust is a gamble, and the truth could destroy them all.
Political Gain is Book One of a five-book series in which power corrupts, love is used as leverage, and secrets are the price of survival.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
15 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 1, 2026
Just finished and man, I really really wanted to like this as an original work. I read the fanfic and enjoyed it, but I feel like it did not quite work as an original story. I had such a hard time keeping the characters straight without the context of the FW names as there were just too many of them and when the mains would talk about the villains I had no idea who they were because their description or role was only briefly mentioned and way earlier. A quick reminder would have been helpful.
Another big problem I had with it was the characters and their personalities and backstories were WAY too similar to the fourth wing characters. Essentially the only thing that was changed from the fic were their names and the similarities in plot points and characterizations are way too close to fourth wing (like they are all the SAME CHARACTERS) for my comfort. It felt like I was reading the fic just loaded into KU but with different names, and was bummed there weren’t new scenes to enjoy. Also I saw more than a few typos and misspellings that were a bummer for a work that had a paid editor.
Lastly I was REALLY hoping the published fic would take a Mafia romance direction or be marketed as dark romance given how crazy some of Kage’s choices are. Now that the MMC isn’t Xaden Riorson and he’s not a mafia boss, the choices me makes such as having people killed doesn’t hit right when it’s not mafia/dark romance.
All in all I’m disappointed given I did enjoy the fic, just wished it was different rather than a copy and paste. I will keep it reading as my curiosity gets the better of me!
Another big problem I had with it was the characters and their personalities and backstories were WAY too similar to the fourth wing characters. Essentially the only thing that was changed from the fic were their names and the similarities in plot points and characterizations are way too close to fourth wing (like they are all the SAME CHARACTERS) for my comfort. It felt like I was reading the fic just loaded into KU but with different names, and was bummed there weren’t new scenes to enjoy. Also I saw more than a few typos and misspellings that were a bummer for a work that had a paid editor.
Lastly I was REALLY hoping the published fic would take a Mafia romance direction or be marketed as dark romance given how crazy some of Kage’s choices are. Now that the MMC isn’t Xaden Riorson and he’s not a mafia boss, the choices me makes such as having people killed doesn’t hit right when it’s not mafia/dark romance.
All in all I’m disappointed given I did enjoy the fic, just wished it was different rather than a copy and paste. I will keep it reading as my curiosity gets the better of me!
February 1, 2026
Wow. And not in a good way.
I was really excited to see this was coming out as an original work after reading the fanfiction and following the author's journey in turning this into a novel. I purchased it the day it came out - buying into all the hype. I love the idea of a fanfic author transforming their popular piece into an original novel and wanted to support.
And now? Well, for starters, I am genuinely shocked after reading these five-star reviews. Do these reviewers not understand what plagiarism is? Did they read the same story as me? Are they so blinded by their love of the fanfic they've lost their grip on reality? The author has literally taken her fanfiction and all the characterizations that make each of Rebecca Yarros's characters *them* ... and copied and pasted it into Amazon Publishing as an "original work."
Just a few (of the many) examples:
- The marked ones all have matching tattoos on their arms.
- Imogen (sorry, "Scarlet") still has dyed hair and the same attitude towards Violet.
- Their interpersonal relationships to one another are all EXACTLY the same (ie: Bodhi (Theo) is still Xaden's (Kage's) cousin. Garrick (Luke) is his best friend. Liam (WillLIAM) is his foster brother. Like, did you even TRY to make this original?
- Liam is her literal bodyguard when Xaden can't be. Sorry, I mean Will is.
- Their characterizations are all also exactly the same.
- Xaden's (Kage's) "betrothal" to Cat. Literally, he clarifies it was a betrothal.
- The scars on Xaden's back.
- Several canon lines/references like Garrick "mares in stables" that made it into this work.
What is perhaps even more disappointing, though, is how poorly this lazy adaptation translates to an original work.
Kage Kensington (also wtf kind of name is this??) is literally just Xaden Riorson dropped in modern day NYC (do not even get me started on how unrealistic this depiction of life in New York is. It's actually laughable.) In the context of Fourth Wing, his morally gray characterization works. In the context of the real world, it reads as glorifying his disturbing stalkerish, toxic unhinged male behavior. Honestly gross. And it's heavily implied he commits murder for hire (I'm looking at you exploding Tesla). All because someone threatens Violet. The girl he's slept with exactly once. This is so NOT okay. Like, Lyla (ahem, Violet) - RUN. I don't even want you anywhere near this toxic man who is "best friends" with your brother but then spends no time whatsoever with him after chapter 2. Except when he's stalking you and reporting back. I'm sorry, what???
In order to stand alone as an original work, this book needs some HEAVY editing. As in, the removal of scenes and extraneous plot lines and characters. Redevelopment/actual development of characters - there is literally no original character development in this book. They are all very clearly and obviously based on RY's characterizations of them. As it stands, it just simply does not work. At all. I read the fanfic once and finished it over a year ago. I legitimately could not follow this story with so many characters and bizarre unnecessary plots.
I actually had to pull up the OG version on ao3 just so I could reference character names and do a tandem read because so many characters were brought in with little to no previous mention. It worked in the fanfic b/c we all recognized those character's names and could put things together with no background, but in an "original" work, it made it impossible to follow. I suppose having a cheat sheet on ao3 is the only silver lining to the fact that the author literally copied and pasted a fanfic with updated names in an effort to pass this off as an original work (The fanfic is still there by the way, which is a violation of Kindle Direct Publishing T&C's so I have questions about that too).
Bottom line, this book does not know what it wants to be and suffers from a lack of any sort of identity outside of the FW universe. It's not quite dark enough to be a dark romance. It's too toxic to be a contemporary romance because Kage is deeply problematic when he isn't "Xaden". It's not twisted enough to be a psychological thriller. It's most definitely not a political thriller - it's called "Political Gain" but there is truly zero understanding of politics. The 'brother's best friend' trope falls flat - there is nothing that makes me believe they are actually 'best friends.' I also really do not understand how anyone could physically have sex in the front seat of a Bronco (sorry, suspension of disbelief I know, I know) parked on a Brooklyn sidewalk. It's not like it's suburbia - people are gonna be walking by. This is so out of character for Violet - even danger-seeking Violet. I mean err ... Lyla.
Given the way the book was promoted, I was expecting a lot of edits/changes to support all the claims made in the blurb. I was expecting a novel "based on" or "inspired by" the popular fanfic (which I really enjoyed as a fanfic by the way - I followed and commented regularly!!) If I had not read the original fanfiction, I would have DNF'ed this because it is so poorly developed as a standalone story without the FW backbone to support it - but curiosity got the better of me and I finished it. I will not be making the same mistake for book two.
I would have given this an extra star or two if I hadn't felt so bait and switched - but the fact that I paid to read an exact replica of the fanfic left a sour taste in my mouth. Then again, if I'd known what I was purchasing, I probably wouldn't have bought it in the first place.
Finally, OMG the typos and grammatical errors. There were so many!!! I do not fault the author for this as she supposedly paid for an editor. But damn, I would be asking for a refund from whomever she hired because yikes.
I was really excited to see this was coming out as an original work after reading the fanfiction and following the author's journey in turning this into a novel. I purchased it the day it came out - buying into all the hype. I love the idea of a fanfic author transforming their popular piece into an original novel and wanted to support.
And now? Well, for starters, I am genuinely shocked after reading these five-star reviews. Do these reviewers not understand what plagiarism is? Did they read the same story as me? Are they so blinded by their love of the fanfic they've lost their grip on reality? The author has literally taken her fanfiction and all the characterizations that make each of Rebecca Yarros's characters *them* ... and copied and pasted it into Amazon Publishing as an "original work."
Just a few (of the many) examples:
- The marked ones all have matching tattoos on their arms.
- Imogen (sorry, "Scarlet") still has dyed hair and the same attitude towards Violet.
- Their interpersonal relationships to one another are all EXACTLY the same (ie: Bodhi (Theo) is still Xaden's (Kage's) cousin. Garrick (Luke) is his best friend. Liam (WillLIAM) is his foster brother. Like, did you even TRY to make this original?
- Liam is her literal bodyguard when Xaden can't be. Sorry, I mean Will is.
- Their characterizations are all also exactly the same.
- Xaden's (Kage's) "betrothal" to Cat. Literally, he clarifies it was a betrothal.
- The scars on Xaden's back.
- Several canon lines/references like Garrick "mares in stables" that made it into this work.
What is perhaps even more disappointing, though, is how poorly this lazy adaptation translates to an original work.
Kage Kensington (also wtf kind of name is this??) is literally just Xaden Riorson dropped in modern day NYC (do not even get me started on how unrealistic this depiction of life in New York is. It's actually laughable.) In the context of Fourth Wing, his morally gray characterization works. In the context of the real world, it reads as glorifying his disturbing stalkerish, toxic unhinged male behavior. Honestly gross. And it's heavily implied he commits murder for hire (I'm looking at you exploding Tesla). All because someone threatens Violet. The girl he's slept with exactly once. This is so NOT okay. Like, Lyla (ahem, Violet) - RUN. I don't even want you anywhere near this toxic man who is "best friends" with your brother but then spends no time whatsoever with him after chapter 2. Except when he's stalking you and reporting back. I'm sorry, what???
In order to stand alone as an original work, this book needs some HEAVY editing. As in, the removal of scenes and extraneous plot lines and characters. Redevelopment/actual development of characters - there is literally no original character development in this book. They are all very clearly and obviously based on RY's characterizations of them. As it stands, it just simply does not work. At all. I read the fanfic once and finished it over a year ago. I legitimately could not follow this story with so many characters and bizarre unnecessary plots.
I actually had to pull up the OG version on ao3 just so I could reference character names and do a tandem read because so many characters were brought in with little to no previous mention. It worked in the fanfic b/c we all recognized those character's names and could put things together with no background, but in an "original" work, it made it impossible to follow. I suppose having a cheat sheet on ao3 is the only silver lining to the fact that the author literally copied and pasted a fanfic with updated names in an effort to pass this off as an original work (The fanfic is still there by the way, which is a violation of Kindle Direct Publishing T&C's so I have questions about that too).
Bottom line, this book does not know what it wants to be and suffers from a lack of any sort of identity outside of the FW universe. It's not quite dark enough to be a dark romance. It's too toxic to be a contemporary romance because Kage is deeply problematic when he isn't "Xaden". It's not twisted enough to be a psychological thriller. It's most definitely not a political thriller - it's called "Political Gain" but there is truly zero understanding of politics. The 'brother's best friend' trope falls flat - there is nothing that makes me believe they are actually 'best friends.' I also really do not understand how anyone could physically have sex in the front seat of a Bronco (sorry, suspension of disbelief I know, I know) parked on a Brooklyn sidewalk. It's not like it's suburbia - people are gonna be walking by. This is so out of character for Violet - even danger-seeking Violet. I mean err ... Lyla.
Given the way the book was promoted, I was expecting a lot of edits/changes to support all the claims made in the blurb. I was expecting a novel "based on" or "inspired by" the popular fanfic (which I really enjoyed as a fanfic by the way - I followed and commented regularly!!) If I had not read the original fanfiction, I would have DNF'ed this because it is so poorly developed as a standalone story without the FW backbone to support it - but curiosity got the better of me and I finished it. I will not be making the same mistake for book two.
I would have given this an extra star or two if I hadn't felt so bait and switched - but the fact that I paid to read an exact replica of the fanfic left a sour taste in my mouth. Then again, if I'd known what I was purchasing, I probably wouldn't have bought it in the first place.
Finally, OMG the typos and grammatical errors. There were so many!!! I do not fault the author for this as she supposedly paid for an editor. But damn, I would be asking for a refund from whomever she hired because yikes.
February 3, 2026
A thinly veiled attempt to masquerade a fanfiction as an original work. And it shows. I am sure there are some fangirls out there who will @ me for it, but there are so many problems with this publication that it needs to be said. I am fully supportive of authors getting their start in fanfiction. I think it's wonderful. I love Ali Hazelwood, for example. But this book gives fanfiction-turned-original-work a bad name.
I was looking forward to reading the original version of this popular fanfiction, but I cannot in good conscience support this work as-is and actually felt the need to say something as a result. It is such a blatant rip-off of Rebecca Yarros' characters and how they all relate to one another that it smells a lot like plagiarism and was uncomfortable to read. I was expecting to read a piece inspired by the original fanfic, not a near carbon-copy with pretty much nothing but the names changed. This really did not sit well with me.
Let me be clear, any one of the characters' traits would be fine standing alone. And more than one would be a simple coincidence OUTSIDE THE CONTEXT OF FOURTH WING. But as this was written as a Fourth Wing fan fiction originally - so all of these traits were actually derived from the Fourth Wing universe - and the author kept so many of these identifying traits - holy moly this is awkward:
Lyla's (aka Violet) EDS, Kage and the marked ones tattoos, Scarlett's dyed hair, Kage's back scar, Will and Kage being foster brothers and Will having a little sister, Scarlett "training" Lyla per Kage's request. The "Hawk Nose" character from Fourth Wing is referred to as "Buzzard." Sgaeyl is a dog so black she's navy blue. Brynn is "betrothed" to Kage and -prepare yourselves- Kage is involved in some sketch business relations with her uncle. Kage is working with Lyla's mom in secret. Violet's first 'love' is her mother's aid's son and her childhood best friend Deacon (aka Dain). Her friend Cecily (aka Rhi) has a twin sister with a baby. Lyla has an older sister and an estranged brother. I mean COME ON. And I could go on with the parallels for days. What makes this so problematic, is any one of these things, sure, is a "common trope" or "justifiable" in its own right, but compounded? Nah, it feels like a knock-off. I think what really bothered me the most when reading this was that it felt like the author was trying to monetize a popular fanfic, by publishing the story exactly as it was originally written for free. The problem with this is that it was published with virtually no changes to the original fan fiction work - a work that was rooted and built upon the characters that Rebecca Yarros developed and put into this world for all of us to enjoy.
And issues infringing upon plagiarism aside, this work simply does not stand up on its own as an original novel. Not even close. The story is confusing as hell, and relies on RY's characters and their Fourth Wing backstories to hold itself together. There were so many random characters introduced in this book with absolutely no prior context. I could not follow this without using Fourth Wing as a reference point. Even more disturbing, is that without the context of "Kage" being "Xaden Riorson," his character is really problematic in a way that glorifies controlling, toxic behavior. Ngl, it really gave me the ick. I wanted to love this, but it really should not be published as-is.
PS - The editor of this book should be fired. While there were numerous glaring typos and grammatical mistakes (it actually made me wonder whether the author perhaps accidentally published an earlier draft), my most favourite is probably when Kage judges Bradley's taste in Oreos saying he could at least get "Double Stuf" - yes you read that correctly: Double Stuf.
I was looking forward to reading the original version of this popular fanfiction, but I cannot in good conscience support this work as-is and actually felt the need to say something as a result. It is such a blatant rip-off of Rebecca Yarros' characters and how they all relate to one another that it smells a lot like plagiarism and was uncomfortable to read. I was expecting to read a piece inspired by the original fanfic, not a near carbon-copy with pretty much nothing but the names changed. This really did not sit well with me.
Let me be clear, any one of the characters' traits would be fine standing alone. And more than one would be a simple coincidence OUTSIDE THE CONTEXT OF FOURTH WING. But as this was written as a Fourth Wing fan fiction originally - so all of these traits were actually derived from the Fourth Wing universe - and the author kept so many of these identifying traits - holy moly this is awkward:
Lyla's (aka Violet) EDS, Kage and the marked ones tattoos, Scarlett's dyed hair, Kage's back scar, Will and Kage being foster brothers and Will having a little sister, Scarlett "training" Lyla per Kage's request. The "Hawk Nose" character from Fourth Wing is referred to as "Buzzard." Sgaeyl is a dog so black she's navy blue. Brynn is "betrothed" to Kage and -prepare yourselves- Kage is involved in some sketch business relations with her uncle. Kage is working with Lyla's mom in secret. Violet's first 'love' is her mother's aid's son and her childhood best friend Deacon (aka Dain). Her friend Cecily (aka Rhi) has a twin sister with a baby. Lyla has an older sister and an estranged brother. I mean COME ON. And I could go on with the parallels for days. What makes this so problematic, is any one of these things, sure, is a "common trope" or "justifiable" in its own right, but compounded? Nah, it feels like a knock-off. I think what really bothered me the most when reading this was that it felt like the author was trying to monetize a popular fanfic, by publishing the story exactly as it was originally written for free. The problem with this is that it was published with virtually no changes to the original fan fiction work - a work that was rooted and built upon the characters that Rebecca Yarros developed and put into this world for all of us to enjoy.
And issues infringing upon plagiarism aside, this work simply does not stand up on its own as an original novel. Not even close. The story is confusing as hell, and relies on RY's characters and their Fourth Wing backstories to hold itself together. There were so many random characters introduced in this book with absolutely no prior context. I could not follow this without using Fourth Wing as a reference point. Even more disturbing, is that without the context of "Kage" being "Xaden Riorson," his character is really problematic in a way that glorifies controlling, toxic behavior. Ngl, it really gave me the ick. I wanted to love this, but it really should not be published as-is.
PS - The editor of this book should be fired. While there were numerous glaring typos and grammatical mistakes (it actually made me wonder whether the author perhaps accidentally published an earlier draft), my most favourite is probably when Kage judges Bradley's taste in Oreos saying he could at least get "Double Stuf" - yes you read that correctly: Double Stuf.
February 1, 2026
⭐️ 5
🌶 3
Lyla Adler has had enough of being the dutiful Senators daughter. Newly single and having just moved from DC to New York, she follows her sisters' advice....that the best way to get over someone is by getting under someone else...and a no-strings, no names one night stand with a handsome stranger (in the passenger seat of his vintage Bronco) is just what she needed....until she sees him again the next morning when he strolls into her brothers home and introduces himself as Kage Kensington...her brothers best friend.
Kage Kensington doesn't have time for distractions, not when he is embroiled in a years long revenge plot that came from the tragedy that destroyed his family. But Lyla has her own reasons for being in New York, reasons that put her in a very dangerous position. And when Lyla's brother asks Kage to protect her, staying away from the one woman who could unravel everything becomes impossible....
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved it when it was first posted to A03 (as fanfic) and I love it even more now. The chemistry between Lyla and Kage is there from the start, and it simmers throughout the book, the push-pull, slow burn between is perfect...and despite knowing what was coming I STILL kicked my feet giggling when they (Kage) finally decided to stop fighting that he wanted Lyla.
Its been so fun to read this as an OG story, I have so much love for its A03 sister, but the changes to make this an original work just add a lil something extra to it. If ever there was a fanfic-turned-original work that deserves to have the world know about it...this would absolutely be one of them.
I can't wait for the rest of the series!
🌶 3
Lyla Adler has had enough of being the dutiful Senators daughter. Newly single and having just moved from DC to New York, she follows her sisters' advice....that the best way to get over someone is by getting under someone else...and a no-strings, no names one night stand with a handsome stranger (in the passenger seat of his vintage Bronco) is just what she needed....until she sees him again the next morning when he strolls into her brothers home and introduces himself as Kage Kensington...her brothers best friend.
Kage Kensington doesn't have time for distractions, not when he is embroiled in a years long revenge plot that came from the tragedy that destroyed his family. But Lyla has her own reasons for being in New York, reasons that put her in a very dangerous position. And when Lyla's brother asks Kage to protect her, staying away from the one woman who could unravel everything becomes impossible....
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved it when it was first posted to A03 (as fanfic) and I love it even more now. The chemistry between Lyla and Kage is there from the start, and it simmers throughout the book, the push-pull, slow burn between is perfect...and despite knowing what was coming I STILL kicked my feet giggling when they (Kage) finally decided to stop fighting that he wanted Lyla.
Its been so fun to read this as an OG story, I have so much love for its A03 sister, but the changes to make this an original work just add a lil something extra to it. If ever there was a fanfic-turned-original work that deserves to have the world know about it...this would absolutely be one of them.
I can't wait for the rest of the series!
February 2, 2026
5️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wish I could give this book infinite stars.
I’ve been a huge fan of Sarah’s Political Gain series since I found it online during my deep dive into Fourth Wing fanfiction. But make no mistake, Lyla & Kage are more than their respective counterparts in the original piece of fiction that Sarah drew inspiration from.
This story has a life of its own—it’s mysterious, sexy, spicy, and it’ll have you on your seat until the very last page. Also, did I mention this was written in Dual POV? I love a good MMC POV because you get ALL the yearning. Kage Kensington in Political Gain? The master of said yearning.
My only protest is that the next book in the series literally cannot come fast enough. Please, Sarah! We need more!
I wish I could give this book infinite stars.
I’ve been a huge fan of Sarah’s Political Gain series since I found it online during my deep dive into Fourth Wing fanfiction. But make no mistake, Lyla & Kage are more than their respective counterparts in the original piece of fiction that Sarah drew inspiration from.
This story has a life of its own—it’s mysterious, sexy, spicy, and it’ll have you on your seat until the very last page. Also, did I mention this was written in Dual POV? I love a good MMC POV because you get ALL the yearning. Kage Kensington in Political Gain? The master of said yearning.
My only protest is that the next book in the series literally cannot come fast enough. Please, Sarah! We need more!
January 31, 2026
I’m a Sarah Stan - I will read whatever she writes. I am THRILLED this is the beginning of a series and cannot wait for the second book to release this spring.
These characters were engaging and fun to follow. The whole cast felt more than one-dimensional which can be challenging to do when there are multiple characters you’re following. The plot moved quickly and was well paced. The details allow you to clearly envision the world and characters, but are vague enough you can use your imagination a bit too. I really enjoyed Political Gain and finished it in 24 hours. Such a fun read!
These characters were engaging and fun to follow. The whole cast felt more than one-dimensional which can be challenging to do when there are multiple characters you’re following. The plot moved quickly and was well paced. The details allow you to clearly envision the world and characters, but are vague enough you can use your imagination a bit too. I really enjoyed Political Gain and finished it in 24 hours. Such a fun read!
January 29, 2026
Sarah Wyland has done it again with another fantastic novel! Political Gain is set in NYC with characters that have secrets, a slow burn romance, and moral dilemmas of power and truth. I love seeing Lyla's growth and development as a character as she becomes more confident and assertive with what she wants. Also, her and Kage's relationship is a slow burn where the characters dance around each other despite mutual attraction.
Can't wait for the other books in the series!
Can't wait for the other books in the series!
February 2, 2026
Swoony, emotional, and impossible to put down. The chemistry was perfect and the love story felt real and earned!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews