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Thunderstruck
**Rated 5 stars by The Kindle Book Review**
***Amazon Bestseller No. 1 in Political Fiction***
They're opposing candidates in a contentious election who have a scandalous past.
Years ago, Monica and Brian had an intense affair, which ended in heartbreak.
Years later, Monica ends up facing Brian in a congressional campaign on the outskirts of Washington, DC. Old sentiments resurface, threatening to derail Monica's political plans. And when everything becomes public, Monica turns into a woman with nothing to lose. She's determined to win the election at any cost, despite whatever she may be feeling for her opponent. As Brian deals with his feelings for the only woman who ever really understood him, he is forced to make a decision about revealing information that could help him, but destroy her. As oversized egos and the desire to win an election threaten the bond slowly forming between these two political opponents, they end up discovering that they may have more in common than they originally thought.
***Amazon Bestseller No. 1 in Political Fiction***
They're opposing candidates in a contentious election who have a scandalous past.
Years ago, Monica and Brian had an intense affair, which ended in heartbreak.
Years later, Monica ends up facing Brian in a congressional campaign on the outskirts of Washington, DC. Old sentiments resurface, threatening to derail Monica's political plans. And when everything becomes public, Monica turns into a woman with nothing to lose. She's determined to win the election at any cost, despite whatever she may be feeling for her opponent. As Brian deals with his feelings for the only woman who ever really understood him, he is forced to make a decision about revealing information that could help him, but destroy her. As oversized egos and the desire to win an election threaten the bond slowly forming between these two political opponents, they end up discovering that they may have more in common than they originally thought.
- GenresContemporary
290 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2019
10 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Maria Riegger
13 books114 followersMaria Riegger is based in the Washington, DC area. She is a banking /corporate attorney by day (but please don't hold that against her), and a fiction author by night.
Maria is a Gemini whose head has always been in the clouds. From a young age, her mother scolded her for not paying attention; when she was bored, she would make up stories in her head. Her greatest fear is boredom. She has been writing since she was about thirteen years old. A lover of languages, she speaks French, Spanish, Catalan and some Portuguese; and has lived in the U.K., France and Spain.
She has been caught air-guitaring in public. She loves to laugh, and is the “go-to” person if a friend needs someone to laugh at his lame jokes. In true Gemini fashion, she indulges both her logical personality as an attorney as well as her creative fiction-writing personality. She loved law school and even misses it, which led her friends to conclude that she is certifiable.
A native of the Washington, DC area, she is a political junkie who has respect for all views and who admires the political involvement of Americans. She loves nothing more than a solid political discussion where all views are represented.
When not writing or lawyering, she can be found doing a myriad of activities including reading, traveling, volunteering, and basically anything else that is not housework.
Maria lives right outside of Washington, DC.
Contacting Maria
www.lawschoolheretic.com
www.facebook.com/lawschoolheretic
@RieggerM
Maria is a Gemini whose head has always been in the clouds. From a young age, her mother scolded her for not paying attention; when she was bored, she would make up stories in her head. Her greatest fear is boredom. She has been writing since she was about thirteen years old. A lover of languages, she speaks French, Spanish, Catalan and some Portuguese; and has lived in the U.K., France and Spain.
She has been caught air-guitaring in public. She loves to laugh, and is the “go-to” person if a friend needs someone to laugh at his lame jokes. In true Gemini fashion, she indulges both her logical personality as an attorney as well as her creative fiction-writing personality. She loved law school and even misses it, which led her friends to conclude that she is certifiable.
A native of the Washington, DC area, she is a political junkie who has respect for all views and who admires the political involvement of Americans. She loves nothing more than a solid political discussion where all views are represented.
When not writing or lawyering, she can be found doing a myriad of activities including reading, traveling, volunteering, and basically anything else that is not housework.
Maria lives right outside of Washington, DC.
Contacting Maria
www.lawschoolheretic.com
www.facebook.com/lawschoolheretic
@RieggerM
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 26, 2020
I enjoyed the book. Monica and Brian had an affair years ago. When it was over they had not seen each other since. Now they are opponents in a political campaign for representative of the eight district of Virginia. It has been a Democrat area for many years and Monica is a Republican running against Brian the Democrat. Will the feeling they once had and is maybe still there get in the middle of the competition. The story leads us through the campaign and the feelings they are exploring. Gives you an idea of how involved a campaign can be from the start to finish.
January 13, 2020
I really enjoyed Thunderstruck. Typically, I'm not one for political romances (maybe that's a thing) BUT after I read Red, White & Royal Blue I have a happy little buzz when I think about them.
Monica is a married, mother of one, libertarian and a daughter of Spanish immigrants running for the Republican congressional seat in a DC precinct election. The district is primarily blue and she realized she has a steep hill to climb but is confident in her success... until she finds out her opponent is the man she had a long-term affair with 5 years ago. It ended badly and they haven't spoken since. Brian is running for the Democratic congressional seat and has been assured that the typically blue district will be a slam dunk election.
Basically, their well-kept secret affair is outed and their respective already rocky personal relationships go up in smoke. Can they both hang onto their political nominations and duke it out at the polls? What happens when you realized that the person on the other lectern is the person you used to love talking to the most about the very same issues you are debating in front of a live audience?
I'm generally not into second-chance romances or any that involve cheating--- however, I think the author did a wonderful job managing those aspects. We weren't smashed over the head constantly with resentful ruminations, and continuous butt hurt about the same issues over and over again. The interactions felt realistic and understandable.
I really enjoyed this read and am looking forward to reading more by Maria Riegger.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.*
Monica is a married, mother of one, libertarian and a daughter of Spanish immigrants running for the Republican congressional seat in a DC precinct election. The district is primarily blue and she realized she has a steep hill to climb but is confident in her success... until she finds out her opponent is the man she had a long-term affair with 5 years ago. It ended badly and they haven't spoken since. Brian is running for the Democratic congressional seat and has been assured that the typically blue district will be a slam dunk election.
Basically, their well-kept secret affair is outed and their respective already rocky personal relationships go up in smoke. Can they both hang onto their political nominations and duke it out at the polls? What happens when you realized that the person on the other lectern is the person you used to love talking to the most about the very same issues you are debating in front of a live audience?
I'm generally not into second-chance romances or any that involve cheating--- however, I think the author did a wonderful job managing those aspects. We weren't smashed over the head constantly with resentful ruminations, and continuous butt hurt about the same issues over and over again. The interactions felt realistic and understandable.
I really enjoyed this read and am looking forward to reading more by Maria Riegger.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.*
March 22, 2020
I loved this book! I am so glad I had the opportunity of reading this book because it was fantastic. I couldn't put it down. It is the story about Monica Orellana, she's a daughter of immigrants who arrived in the US in search of a better life. Years later Monica starts getting involved in social activities because she wants to make a difference in her country. She is married to Christian, although lately, the relationship has been monotonous, they have one son, David. Monica is interested in building a political career, she is running for a congressional position on the outskirts of Washington. One day, she sees Brian Murphy, she remembers her past with the handsome candidate. Monica, many years ago had a relationship with Brian. She must be very careful to not let anybody know about her former affair, her political career depends on it. A very entertaining book that had me intrigued the whole time. I loved the tenacity of Monica to get what she wants. I think is a very strong character who is interested in having a professional life but also a family. Beautiful book!
July 25, 2019
*I received a free ARC in return for an honest review*
I've been in a bit of a book slump recently, not enjoying the books I've been reading much, but this book shook me out of my reading slump from page 1. I enjoyed it from start to end. It is a fun rom-com where two political opponents running for a House seat just outside of Washington DC have a romantic history. I loved everything about it - from the characters, to the politics, and the romance, it was all well-written and engaging. I also liked how the characters and relationships were realistic. Definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year, looking forward to more books by this author.
I've been in a bit of a book slump recently, not enjoying the books I've been reading much, but this book shook me out of my reading slump from page 1. I enjoyed it from start to end. It is a fun rom-com where two political opponents running for a House seat just outside of Washington DC have a romantic history. I loved everything about it - from the characters, to the politics, and the romance, it was all well-written and engaging. I also liked how the characters and relationships were realistic. Definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year, looking forward to more books by this author.
February 16, 2020
A light and easy romance that reels you in till the end.
Thunderstruck by Maria R. Riegger is about opposing candidates running for office who just happened to have had an affair years earlier.
This book was so much fun to read. It was witty, charming, believable characters, and great chemistry between the two main characters, Monica and Brian. Politics was lightly discussed throughout the book, but in a way that wouldn’t irritate the reader.
Christian, Monica’s husband was an annoying character. He came across a bit chauvinistic yet wimpy. Mike, the campaign manage for Brian was an obnoxious hot head. Both characters irritated me, which I’m sure was the author’s intention. I do wish she had given Christian a bit more of a backbone as I think that could have really made the triangle between Monica, Brian, and Christian much more interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Maria R. Riegger for the opportunity to read and review this 4 star book.
Thunderstruck by Maria R. Riegger is about opposing candidates running for office who just happened to have had an affair years earlier.
This book was so much fun to read. It was witty, charming, believable characters, and great chemistry between the two main characters, Monica and Brian. Politics was lightly discussed throughout the book, but in a way that wouldn’t irritate the reader.
Christian, Monica’s husband was an annoying character. He came across a bit chauvinistic yet wimpy. Mike, the campaign manage for Brian was an obnoxious hot head. Both characters irritated me, which I’m sure was the author’s intention. I do wish she had given Christian a bit more of a backbone as I think that could have really made the triangle between Monica, Brian, and Christian much more interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Maria R. Riegger for the opportunity to read and review this 4 star book.
August 15, 2019
***I received a free copy and am voluntarily giving an honest review***
I loved this romance novel. Monica was married to Christian, and they had a fourteen-year-old son named David. I disliked Christian right off the bat (in a good way; he provided a lot of drama and tension in the scenes he was in). He wasn’t supportive AT ALL of Monica running in an election. She was a Republican. Her competition was Brian, who was a charming Democrat.
Plot twist–Monica and Brian used to hook up years ago. I was on the edge of my seat with excitement when Brian’s old roommate went on national tv and said what he said. What can I say–I love juicy gossip lol.
I loved when Brian had texted Monica out of the blue. Their scenes were full of angst and I loved every second of it. Reading a book is my escape from the world that has been full of hatred lately. I was nervous about reading a political romance because of the country division, and I didn’t want that in the back of my mind when I’m supposed to be escaping in the pages of my book. However, the author did a great job of showing the political debates and the candidates’ views on sensitive topics without being overbearing. I was actually surprised of how much I enjoyed Monica. My favorite line: “Money talks,” Monica said, “and shit walks.”
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
I loved this romance novel. Monica was married to Christian, and they had a fourteen-year-old son named David. I disliked Christian right off the bat (in a good way; he provided a lot of drama and tension in the scenes he was in). He wasn’t supportive AT ALL of Monica running in an election. She was a Republican. Her competition was Brian, who was a charming Democrat.
Plot twist–Monica and Brian used to hook up years ago. I was on the edge of my seat with excitement when Brian’s old roommate went on national tv and said what he said. What can I say–I love juicy gossip lol.
I loved when Brian had texted Monica out of the blue. Their scenes were full of angst and I loved every second of it. Reading a book is my escape from the world that has been full of hatred lately. I was nervous about reading a political romance because of the country division, and I didn’t want that in the back of my mind when I’m supposed to be escaping in the pages of my book. However, the author did a great job of showing the political debates and the candidates’ views on sensitive topics without being overbearing. I was actually surprised of how much I enjoyed Monica. My favorite line: “Money talks,” Monica said, “and shit walks.”
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
December 28, 2019
For once, a romance I wasn’t sure how it would end
This political suspense novel kept me guessing pretty much to the end on how it would be resolved. I enjoyed the older woman and younger man aspect, and also the political plot carrying the characters through. Good book. I liked it.
This political suspense novel kept me guessing pretty much to the end on how it would be resolved. I enjoyed the older woman and younger man aspect, and also the political plot carrying the characters through. Good book. I liked it.
August 15, 2019
Fun summer read
A breezy, fun summer read about what happens when opposing candidates have a BIT too much history together. Honestly, this was a super fun romp. I loved the set up, and the romance/chemistry between Monica & Brian is #spoton. Would recommend this for a summer beach read, or any local NOVA citizen looking to add some spice to their politics.
A breezy, fun summer read about what happens when opposing candidates have a BIT too much history together. Honestly, this was a super fun romp. I loved the set up, and the romance/chemistry between Monica & Brian is #spoton. Would recommend this for a summer beach read, or any local NOVA citizen looking to add some spice to their politics.
Want to read
January 13, 2020💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
November 23, 2020
Political romance or political fantasy?
As entertainment during a time when politics is anything but, Thunderstruck delivers.
Outsiders with limited experience of campaign reality will like the view through the lens of opponents Monica and Brian. The candidates past affair that neither shares with their party are outed early on in the campaign by his former roommate who, despite his own success, is jealous of Brian's. The immediate fallout ends Monica's marriage. Brian's significant other moves out.
Their personal dance around each other stretches and bends the boundaries of protocol throughout the course of the campaign. They text and call each other. Set up dates, times and places to meet for coffee, drinks, dinner or to engage in a quasi-seductive game of pool. They go behind closed doors for pizza and movie night and leftover takeout from a Chinese restaurant in their respective homes. All behind the backs of their apparently oblivious campaign managers and staff. And no one intervenes until days before the election when the slow-burn simmer boils over.
This read was fun but far-fetched. I struggled with believability from the smallest details to the obvious omissions. Monica's husband dotes on their son then abruptly leaves the couple's Washington D.C. home to live with his mother in Florida when news of his wife's affair breaks. Monica rushes over to straighten Brian's tie in front of a live audience before their televised debate. No one in the bars and restaurants where the candidates meet up recognize them and alert the media despite national news reporting of their affair.
Numerous references to introvert vs. extrovert behaviors and attitudinal differences between Gen-X Monica and the younger Millennial Brian was more of a distraction than an enhancement to the characters' development. The epilogue seemed like an unnecessary afterthought.
Readers tired of politics-as-usual will enjoy the political fantasy of Thunderstruck.
As entertainment during a time when politics is anything but, Thunderstruck delivers.
Outsiders with limited experience of campaign reality will like the view through the lens of opponents Monica and Brian. The candidates past affair that neither shares with their party are outed early on in the campaign by his former roommate who, despite his own success, is jealous of Brian's. The immediate fallout ends Monica's marriage. Brian's significant other moves out.
Their personal dance around each other stretches and bends the boundaries of protocol throughout the course of the campaign. They text and call each other. Set up dates, times and places to meet for coffee, drinks, dinner or to engage in a quasi-seductive game of pool. They go behind closed doors for pizza and movie night and leftover takeout from a Chinese restaurant in their respective homes. All behind the backs of their apparently oblivious campaign managers and staff. And no one intervenes until days before the election when the slow-burn simmer boils over.
This read was fun but far-fetched. I struggled with believability from the smallest details to the obvious omissions. Monica's husband dotes on their son then abruptly leaves the couple's Washington D.C. home to live with his mother in Florida when news of his wife's affair breaks. Monica rushes over to straighten Brian's tie in front of a live audience before their televised debate. No one in the bars and restaurants where the candidates meet up recognize them and alert the media despite national news reporting of their affair.
Numerous references to introvert vs. extrovert behaviors and attitudinal differences between Gen-X Monica and the younger Millennial Brian was more of a distraction than an enhancement to the characters' development. The epilogue seemed like an unnecessary afterthought.
Readers tired of politics-as-usual will enjoy the political fantasy of Thunderstruck.
December 18, 2019
An electoral race to the presidency.
Monica was taking a chance to be America’s female president. She knew it would be tough, but the last thing she expected was to be running against Brian Murphy—and old friend and the only love of her life.
I didn’t really get into the political aspect that much (a lot of statistics, laws, and protocol,) but I enjoyed the tension between the two characters. We had two strong-willed characters butting heads and running neck-and-neck. It was the classic “He Said, She Said” debate in political chaos. Another note was that I didn’t expect it to be so lengthy, which made it daunting at times. I would’ve preferred a lighter, quicker read. The writing was pretty good and the whole thing was well-researched. Overall, it’s a decent story.
Monica was taking a chance to be America’s female president. She knew it would be tough, but the last thing she expected was to be running against Brian Murphy—and old friend and the only love of her life.
I didn’t really get into the political aspect that much (a lot of statistics, laws, and protocol,) but I enjoyed the tension between the two characters. We had two strong-willed characters butting heads and running neck-and-neck. It was the classic “He Said, She Said” debate in political chaos. Another note was that I didn’t expect it to be so lengthy, which made it daunting at times. I would’ve preferred a lighter, quicker read. The writing was pretty good and the whole thing was well-researched. Overall, it’s a decent story.
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November 9, 2020Letting readers know that my political romance, Thunderstruck, is currently on sale for 99 cents!! Grab it fast!
***Rated 5 stars by The Kindle Book Review***
***Amazon Bestseller No. 1 in Political Fiction***
They're opposing candidates in a contentious election who have a scandalous past.
Amazon - https://amzn.to/2ko0HHS
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/2OZ94b4
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/ebook/thunderstr...
***Rated 5 stars by The Kindle Book Review***
***Amazon Bestseller No. 1 in Political Fiction***
They're opposing candidates in a contentious election who have a scandalous past.
Amazon - https://amzn.to/2ko0HHS
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/2OZ94b4
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/ebook/thunderstr...
July 6, 2024
Amazing book, Monica and Brian haven’t seen each other in years. Being opposing candidates is something totally different. Will this give them a second chance or draw them further apart once again. Loved every minute of the story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews