The Future Chosen: A political romance

by Mina V. Esguerra

The nation of Isla has a No two politicians from the same family. Two elected officials who marry make their families one; only one can continue to serve.

In the future, Maria Lourdes and Andres Miguel could very well be their country's best and most influential leaders. She could be president one day, like her grandmother. He could be a senator one day, like his uncle. Marrying another politician is against the law, but why should it matter? Today they’re just young people who want to be together.

They’ll deal with the rest of it tomorrow.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Ebooks

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2016

About the author

Mina V. Esguerra writes contemporary romance and young adult novellas. She has a bachelor's degree in Communication and a master's degree in Development Communication, put to good use in her work as trainer and content management consultant. Mina lives in Metro Manila, Philippines, with her husband and daughter.

She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."

Reviews

[Norah Una Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I absolutely loved the episodic style The Future Chosen has. Not many authors could pull it off but Mina V. Esguerra is definitely not one of them. The entire book was very angsty, filled with secrets, family drama, interesting characters, captivating political plot that just thickens and thickens and a beautiful romance that can't be broken by anything, not even the time itself. I can't wait to read more of Mina's books. Here's to finding fantastic new authors in 2018 as well!

[K.J. Charles]

And once again I start an Esguerra book at breakfast like an idiot, and end up taking a two hour lunchbreak to glom the lot. Thank goodness she doesn't write fantasy doorstops or I'd never get anything done.

I loved this. Alt-Philippines political romance set in a society where anti-nepotism laws ban any family from having more than one elected official at a time. It doesn't prevent political dynasties altogether, though, it just puts incredible pressure on the candidate. Lourdes and Andres are the chosen scions of their respective families, so falling in love is a terrible mistake. Their relationship is full of conpromises, many unpalatable, secrets, and blackmail. They're both ambitious and the story doesn't shy away from how deceitful they're prepared to be to serve their careers as well as their affair.

I'm not 100% sure the subplot of an ongoing attack on Lourdes worked--I felt it needed following through more--but I loved the romance, the gnarly compromises, the genuine sense that these are hopeful young people trying to make the world better *and also* people who need to win elections to do so and won't let much stand in their way. An unusual and hugely engaging read.

[Sam I AMNreader]

So this is part melodrama, part political thriller, and part low-angst second chance romance.

Have I lost my senses? Probably. I'm not sure what this book is though, so I mean, not really.

Anyway, the beginning of the book is swoony. So is the middle. I'm still working out how I feel about it as a romance because it is a strange one indeed. IT's one of those team-up, do everything for one another types. And it's a bit swoony. But also, that bit lacks tension and some of the external tension felt weirdly on-the-nose in this particular moment so I wasn't thrilled with that. It's not the book's fault.

I really don't know how to rate it, so I'm not going to. It was easy to read, be invested in, get a little wrung out from and yet did not hit that spot right now. None of this makes sense. Perhaps the highest praise is "yes, definitely I recommend if you are interested, and I'll be reading more from the author"

Also, have you seen this cover?

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh, I was just bored. This is basically a collection of three short stories and it didn't work that well for me. You don't get to see the falling in love, which made it hard to get invested, and I never did totally understand all the political rules.

[kb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always admired how experimental the author is, and with this one, she proves once again just how she's capable to pull everything off so well. This book hits three birds in a stone: politics, showbiz entertainment, romance. Enjoyed how the political plot and family drama just thickened and thickened, and how all characters were important in moving the plot forward. While the author has noted that Isla is not the Philippines, I wished it was anyway. Lots of our experiences as a nation are reflected in the story, and a few of my aspirations for the country are voiced as well. And most especially (because this is a romance novel after all)? I LOVED the ~love between Lourdes and Andres, and them too—they're clever, careful, compassionate, the perfect central characters. (Wished there was more, though because (I felt like it would be exciting to see what happens after—do they both get to keep their positions, will Marquetta revenge, what does Z think about all of this, more Emil and Trudy, please?).) Recommended to readers fond of political drama and secret relationships and books that may keep you up all night.

My favorite parts:


"...because part of his magic was the way his eyes locked with hers, and closed off the entire world"

"No two politicians in the same family, was the simple way of describing the law. The Mayo-Matias Free and Just Elections Law boldly removed the possibility of a dynasty from the political landscape, ensuring that no one family would have that much power over local and national government."

"'Don't be worried,' he said with a smile. 'Twelve slots in the senate. Maybe you'll be better than ten other people.'
'You mean eleven.'
'No, I’ll make it. Against you?'
'Maybe your head will be too big for the ballot photo and people forget to vote for you.'
'As long as my smile fits, I'm in,' Andres said, giving her that exact, smug, annoying, heart-melting grin."

"She missed this easy way they talked to each other, the play with words you could only really have with someone you considered your equal."

“No one should ever feel that they don’t have a choice."

"'Are you defending this system? I mean, you are a product of it.'
Andres called himself that, with irony. He also hated himself, the way that he was raised. 'That I am,' he said, 'but I also have legs, a brain, and a mouth. And there are no strings controlling me. I will do what I feel is right.'"

"She got to be with someone who knew. Knew more than others, in fact, because that boyish face and fit body of his carried a brain."

"Human nature, human greed."

[Janus the Erudite Artist · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me longer than expected to finish this book because of work and mom duties. I have to say it's been a while since I read one of Mina's books and wow, did I miss her writing. :D

My first impression upon seeing the cover, I thought it was about royalty. Ha! Well, c'mon, the gown. That regal pose. While not accurate, I think our female protagonist here is somewhat her own version of royalty.

I found it surprising that I liked this book. If you know me, or have been following my social media accounts, I'm not one to talk about politics. I like peace. I like positivity, and that kind of vibe is not something I can mix with politics. I mean, have you seen the news lately? I doubt you'd find anything worth being happy about in terms of our government no matter what party, alliance or whatever side nowadays.

Anyway, the characters in this book are just lovable. You might say the whole star-crossed lovers scenario is something you've already experienced, 'been there, done that', but I can't help but root for these two. Each chapter I read, I find myself going: "awwwww..." over Andres' determination to be with Lourdes, of his unwavering will to see through making what they have work in the best way they can in spite of all the hindrances.

I didn't get full closure afterwards though, I still feel like the threat on Lourdes' life wasn't fully explored, and I did want to see how Andres and Lourdes twist the whole law and allow them to get married.

Nevertheless, I think this is my 2nd favourite from Mina's books (IGoL still wins the top spot). Engaging story, unique plot and a romance worth fighting for... I definitely ship this!

[Ádria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Demorei muito pra conseguir terminar esse livro. Comecei e parei duas vezes.
Em parte, porque é em inglês - e não to tão acostumada. Mas principalmente porque é chato. Li com a intenção de ser algo leve, romancinho ok... mas não consegui sentir química nenhuma com os dois, não vi amor nem nada disso. E aí teve a política toda, que não era exatamente empolgante. A premissa era boa, entretanto.

[leenahreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw "A Political Romance" I knew I just had to read this!! I mean POLITICS AND ROMANCE COMBINED? YES THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

And it definitely did not disappoint. Every aspect of this story was written so well, and it was very well plotted. It was cute, romantic, manipulative, and thought-provoking. Mina just knew how to get me invested in Lourdes and Andres's romance. I ached for their struggle, I rooted for them, I kept waiting for a way out where they can have their happy ending. I felt like I was watching an episode of Scandla except the romance was just so soft and pure.

I really liked this a lot. MINA NEVER DISAPPOINTS ME!! READ THIS!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/21/2019)! 🎁

[Kazen]

Nothing wrong with the book, I'm just not in the mood for such heavy politics (the title isn't kidding) and sneaking around right now.

[nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

andreslourdes cheaters with rights <3 wish we could read more about their political journey, as well as their relationship development, after the revelation.

[H. Bentham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a little more serious and subtle on the kilig, but it is hot, hot, hot!!! I once told Mina I was planning to write a romance with three different timelines and she said it would have an episodic feel to it and she was right. The three time periods were differentiated well to really show how the characters have evolved internally for a time period, but, as always, MVE pulled it off nicely.

I cannot claim to understand everything on the politics side (I probably need to reread a few times to fully grasp it) but the romance side is ON POINT! I’ve not related to the secret lovers trope as hard as this (except on MM romance books because, obviously), especially in the parts where Lourdes and Andres are working on the schedules and logistics of their trysts. Also when they have reached a point (separately, on their own personal pacing) where they felt they finally needed to decide where to take the relationship to. Should they have an escape plan? Should they stop seeing each other? How to make it work like this???

I also love the powerplay between these two, and especially because Andres recognizes and treats Lourdes as an equal not only because of the circumstances, but because he’s an actual okay guy, with values and principles. And Lourdes’ green dress / armor? THE BEST!!

It is also one of those books where MVE’s wonderful world-building skills are showcased. The whole political structure of Isla is sound enough to ensure the secret romance angle is justified as well as making it workable in real-life, flaws and all.

This ends in HFN and I’m probably not the first one to say this, but I need moar! I want to see their babies and I want to know their lastnames! Haha!

*This review also appears on my personal blog: bentchcreates.tumblr.com

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book after hearing the author speak about her experiences as a writer. I was not disappointed. The Future Chosen is a compelling story of forbidden love between two very likeable characters. Their physical attractiveness is matched by their intelligence and dedication to their careers; a refreshing take on the usual self-centred heroes and heroines we often encounter. My one drawback is that there are remnants of what appears to be a short story late in the book, where we are unnecessarily reminded about previous events in the book. I look forward to reading more books by Mina Esguerra.

[Jay Tria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense! And that's given my last MVE read was Iris After the Incident, though this is a different kind of intense because politics and legacies and being born into obligations and expectations like you wouldn't believe. Isla felt real, like a Philippines I wish I was living in, specially during these times. Lourdes and Andres are strong characters, not at all perfect, and are in love in the most dangerous way. I rooted for them from the start all while I was wondering how the hell will they make it through this grand messhowtellmenow.

Told you, intense.

[Sarah Fuller · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. The writing style was not my cup of tea. I’m obviously in the minority. It was well written, but the style took me out of all of it. I felt removed from the action and thus my investment in the characters lessened.

There was so much interesting aspects of this book! The originality, the laws, the politics, the scandal, the intrigue was all there. But, I sadly was only mildly interested in it all and really not invested in their happily the way I wanted to be.

[Miss Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

gorgeous cover but not my favorite esguerra. i would have liked more resolution to the lourdes attack plot and more on how lourdes and andres fell in love would not have gone amiss. a mid esguerra is still a pretty good read tho

3 stars

[Carla Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. It's the book I never realized that I wanted, until I read it. It's timely, relevant, and I love the idea it explored of a whole political system of children being groomed into leaders. Andres and Lourdes falling in love was so organic that you just want to follow them on their journey to fight for them to stay together. I wanted to scream and make them destroy the system that they both loved and hated, even if it was what brought them together. The book has been written in a way that is so well-thought out that I couldn't stop turning the page. Loved it!

[Bianca Mori · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense, smart and razor-sharp semi-dystopian romance between two brilliant young things, groomed from birth with what you might term 'high expectations' (understatement of the year.) I loved this book--it was kickass and absorbing and written so realistically I did start to ponder the possible pros and cons of the Mayo-Matias Free and Just Election Act. The improbable romance between Andres and Lourdes is nailbiting and anxiety-inducing, since it needed to be hidden and the two very smart people in its center kept taking larger and larger risks. Come for the romance and stay for Esguerra's vivid world--an alternate timeline, she calls it, and not really the Philippines (my pet theory is that Isla is in Visayas while chaotic Laya is Luzon)--where a slick society hides a sad rot that can't be legislated away.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - it was interesting romance with the very political element of it. It was set up in three sections and went together seamlessly.
I wish there was an epilogue to know what happens. But from the romance aspect they should be HEA.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5

Overall, the romance in The Future Chosen was, like in any other Mina V. Esguerra book, pretty great (will I ever get over Better At Weddings Than You? I don't think so, no). I liked Andreas and Lourdes and I loved that they were both very strong people trying the best with the world they were born and raised into. I loved that Lourdes was the one people went to to solve their problems and all that.

BUT the political part was kinda boring to me? I wasn't sold on that and, to be honest, there were several times I felt like dropping this book because I wasn't buying it at all. I just dragged it until I finally finished it. I liked the plot twist at the end but, to be honest, wasn't at all surprised that Andreas wasn't really his father's son because that's quite in the nose - if I were more invested in this book I'd probably have noticed it sooner lmao, but even that sounded like something Mina dropped here to shock us readers (like she did with Lourdes being shot at and then probably being poisoned??). I'll keep reading her books because I really like the way she writes romance, but I'll probably stick to contemporary from now on.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I love other books by Mina V. Esguerra a little bit more than The Future Chosen. Just a little bit. The urban vibe is more relatable. But I cannot resist a (somewhat) dystopian romance that is not a young adult book with a lot of politics. It's kind of fresh becaues it's not the typical Romeo-and-Juliet trope when the two protagonists cannot be together. I like how they're equally intelligent and capable. And I like how politics has some weight in the novel. Another thing that makes this story fresh and exciting is that the gender stereotype isn't that strong here. Usually it's the female protagonist that hangs on to the relationship more than the male protagonist. But here, it's the guy that won't let go and refuse to give up. And he's also the one that makes more effort. The book is definitely page-turnery. It keeps you on the edge because the obstacle seems too big to overcome and the chance of them giving up is just as high as the chance of a happy ending. For me , the only thing that falls short is the ending. Not that I don't like a happy ending but I can't see how what was a big deal suddenly became not that big a deal anymore. (Maybe I've missed something and should go read the ending again?)

[Ana Valenzuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

If political dynasties were a thing of the past, then this is what it will be.
Lourdes and Andres both come from political families and thus cannot get married (have a relationship even). But just what Zamara said to Andres, who cares if Lourdes and him weren't politicians? Still, there is more to the plot than the political dynasty law, and that is what kept me hooked.

[Ros · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, this gave me a feel of Kiera Cass's The Selection series. Most likely because of the framing of the story and the tone of the writing.

It really sets itself apart from Mina V Esguerra's contemporary romances which I also binged on earlier in the year.

It had a good concept and impeccable writing as what can be expected from Mina.