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Devlyn and Lauren #2
First Lady
Blayne Cooper and T. Novan continue to chronicle the lives of Lauren Strayer and Devlyn Marlowe in First Lady, the eagerly-awaited sequel to their thirteen-month best seller, Madam President. Planning a wedding is never easy. However, most brides don’t face the challenges that Lauren Strayer does. Her beloved comes with a ready-made family, something the biographer never imagined for herself. In addition, Lauren’s estranged father thoroughly disapproves of her future mate, who just happens to be the nation’s first female president. Lauren tackles the perils and pleasures of parenting and the tension between her private nature and her new, very public role. At the same time, Dev, a dedicated public servant, struggles to find the balance between managing the nation’s interests, her family, her fears, and her stress, while continuing the development of her relationship with Lauren. The result is an action-packed, amusing and tender tale of the sort that fans of Cooper & Novan have come to love and expect.
347 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
41 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Blayne Cooper
14 books174 followersBlayne Cooper has also written under the pen name Advocate. She is the Royal Academy of Bards 2005 Hall of Fame Author and a recipient of the 2014 Academy of Bards Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born in Northern California in January 1969, Blayne Cooper is the best-selling author of a variety of fiction ranging from mystery/romance to outrageous parody. With each novel she tackles a new personal writing challenge. The result is a diverse collection of lesbian fiction.
Blayne has held a number of interesting, and sometimes rather unusual jobs (sunflower sexer), and completed a stint as a Combat Medic in the Army National Guard. Today, she is a project manager for a legal publishing company by day, and writer by night.
In 1990 Blayne graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in political science. The next year she married and in 1995 she graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and was admitted into the Oklahoma Bar Association.
That same summer, her spirited daughter was born. A gregarious son completed the family in 1997. She easily ranks her children as her greatest accomplishment.
Blayne has always harbored an interest in fiction, but it wasn’t until 1998 that she tried her own hand at writing by reaching out to an online audience. A couple of years later, her work was published. While she enjoys the challenge of working in multiple genres, it's writing about the humor found in everyday life that gives her the most pleasure.
Blayne loves travel, reading, and spending long, sleepless nights crouched over her computer in search of the perfect words that will make people laugh or weep uncontrollably. She's still looking, but having a great time on the journey.
A rolling stone at heart, Blayne currently resides in the Midwest with her loving spouse, two children, and Wheaton Terrier. (from the author's website)
Born in Northern California in January 1969, Blayne Cooper is the best-selling author of a variety of fiction ranging from mystery/romance to outrageous parody. With each novel she tackles a new personal writing challenge. The result is a diverse collection of lesbian fiction.
Blayne has held a number of interesting, and sometimes rather unusual jobs (sunflower sexer), and completed a stint as a Combat Medic in the Army National Guard. Today, she is a project manager for a legal publishing company by day, and writer by night.
In 1990 Blayne graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in political science. The next year she married and in 1995 she graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and was admitted into the Oklahoma Bar Association.
That same summer, her spirited daughter was born. A gregarious son completed the family in 1997. She easily ranks her children as her greatest accomplishment.
Blayne has always harbored an interest in fiction, but it wasn’t until 1998 that she tried her own hand at writing by reaching out to an online audience. A couple of years later, her work was published. While she enjoys the challenge of working in multiple genres, it's writing about the humor found in everyday life that gives her the most pleasure.
Blayne loves travel, reading, and spending long, sleepless nights crouched over her computer in search of the perfect words that will make people laugh or weep uncontrollably. She's still looking, but having a great time on the journey.
A rolling stone at heart, Blayne currently resides in the Midwest with her loving spouse, two children, and Wheaton Terrier. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 29, 2018
I even liked this more than the first book «Madam President». Nolan and Cooper did a wonderful job to draw the picture of this patchwork family. I strongly recommend reading the first book first.
The book begins in the second year of Devlyns first term as the President of the United States. After the two have fallen in love, they now have to adjust their lives with the still new and exciting relationship and the family. Devlyn’s job demands a lot of her, every time and everywhere. She’s under an immense pressure. She want’s to do it right for everybody, but the stress level is rising up fast and she struggles to keep everything under control with job, fiancé, and kids.
Lauren has her share of struggles too. First of all, now she’s a co-mother of three little children. Second, soon she will be the First Lady, and with that, she has a lot more attention from the press, what isn’t easy for the usually private woman. And third, she’s still the biographer of the current president and has to find a way to do this, despite her relationship with her. And last but not least her failing relationship with her father.
I love this two women, how they managed to get through stormy and uncomfortable times. How they are committed to each other, and with every problem they were confronted, their bond would be stronger afterward. It’s not much of a political story, it’s more about their relationship and the family. Dev and Lauren are more than just in love with each other, they are also their respective best friend. They are at the same eye level and more than once, Lauren challenges Devlyn. And besides all the hurdles they have to take, they had also much fun. The secondary characters complete the story perfect, including Gremlin.
Highly recommended.
My rating 4.75 stars.
The book begins in the second year of Devlyns first term as the President of the United States. After the two have fallen in love, they now have to adjust their lives with the still new and exciting relationship and the family. Devlyn’s job demands a lot of her, every time and everywhere. She’s under an immense pressure. She want’s to do it right for everybody, but the stress level is rising up fast and she struggles to keep everything under control with job, fiancé, and kids.
Lauren has her share of struggles too. First of all, now she’s a co-mother of three little children. Second, soon she will be the First Lady, and with that, she has a lot more attention from the press, what isn’t easy for the usually private woman. And third, she’s still the biographer of the current president and has to find a way to do this, despite her relationship with her. And last but not least her failing relationship with her father.
I love this two women, how they managed to get through stormy and uncomfortable times. How they are committed to each other, and with every problem they were confronted, their bond would be stronger afterward. It’s not much of a political story, it’s more about their relationship and the family. Dev and Lauren are more than just in love with each other, they are also their respective best friend. They are at the same eye level and more than once, Lauren challenges Devlyn. And besides all the hurdles they have to take, they had also much fun. The secondary characters complete the story perfect, including Gremlin.
Highly recommended.
My rating 4.75 stars.
November 26, 2018
Reviewers note: Spoilers ahead if you haven’t read the first book Madam President.
Well I think I might love this just as much or if not more than the first book Madam President.
Devlyn is under more stress than ever in the second year of her presidency. She’s trying to make everyone happy and that includes her country, her fiancé and her three children. Lauren is also struggling with parts of her new role as soon to be First Lady, new mother to Devlyns three adorable children all the while helping her mother-in-law with their wedding and working on Devlyns biography. Can they make it all work? And still get the fairytale with a happy ever after?
What I love about these women is their commitment and true love to one another. Theirs is not only an all consuming loving relationship but they are also best friends. They have moments where they are genuinely playing the role of best friends and others when they are lovers.
In the first novel I wondered at times if Devlyn’s first wife, Samantha was her soul mate and Lauren was her chance at love again. But what I realised in this book was that Samantha is Devlyns first love but Lauren, well... she’s Devlyn’s soul mate and love of her life. They compliment each other but Lauren also challenges her and when they stand toe to toe they are equals. I think this confirmation made me love this book a little more than the first because it became about the the love story not the falling in love and romance.
I liked that in this book we saw Devlyn really become consumed with her role as commander and chief and the way Lauren grounds her at times and calls her out more than once, makes the story more realistic. I also enjoyed the build up and the sequences where their relationship was tested beyond a normal couples limits but with these two their love, friendship and constant communication seems to be what fixes their bumps in the road. It was incredibly admirable and gave me hope for the duration of their relationship to be forever.
This book ended perfectly and even though I’d love to know what Devlyn and Lauren are up to now, I don't need to know, you just know by the end that these two have a love that will last forever.
5 stars
Well I think I might love this just as much or if not more than the first book Madam President.
Devlyn is under more stress than ever in the second year of her presidency. She’s trying to make everyone happy and that includes her country, her fiancé and her three children. Lauren is also struggling with parts of her new role as soon to be First Lady, new mother to Devlyns three adorable children all the while helping her mother-in-law with their wedding and working on Devlyns biography. Can they make it all work? And still get the fairytale with a happy ever after?
What I love about these women is their commitment and true love to one another. Theirs is not only an all consuming loving relationship but they are also best friends. They have moments where they are genuinely playing the role of best friends and others when they are lovers.
In the first novel I wondered at times if Devlyn’s first wife, Samantha was her soul mate and Lauren was her chance at love again. But what I realised in this book was that Samantha is Devlyns first love but Lauren, well... she’s Devlyn’s soul mate and love of her life. They compliment each other but Lauren also challenges her and when they stand toe to toe they are equals. I think this confirmation made me love this book a little more than the first because it became about the the love story not the falling in love and romance.
I liked that in this book we saw Devlyn really become consumed with her role as commander and chief and the way Lauren grounds her at times and calls her out more than once, makes the story more realistic. I also enjoyed the build up and the sequences where their relationship was tested beyond a normal couples limits but with these two their love, friendship and constant communication seems to be what fixes their bumps in the road. It was incredibly admirable and gave me hope for the duration of their relationship to be forever.
This book ended perfectly and even though I’d love to know what Devlyn and Lauren are up to now, I don't need to know, you just know by the end that these two have a love that will last forever.
5 stars
February 6, 2022
A delightful read that ended wonderfully. Story picked up from the 1st book and details, how the President and her First Lady live their life as she completes her 2 terms in the White House. Very low angst with some hilarious moments, the wedding scene came to mind and a few anxious scenes. Some might call it dull but heck, I enjoyed reading FL.
January 26, 2019
I was in need of a good president fix (...) so I decided to read the second book of this story. This one continues where the first book left off by telling the story of Dev and Lauren while Dev is still serving as President of the US. It is almost a collection of short stories under different dates that move chronologically through mostly a year. So they move the story forward in a disjointed sort of way. Events such a birthday, wedding, parenting (ugh that hit home), a submarine issue (that one was sad) and a public relations blunder among others. Overall the book was entertaining although ran a little long. I also liked how they wrapped the story up.
February 27, 2022
kocham devlyn, lauren i ich cudowną rodzinkę!
to była świetna kontynuacja z przyjemną akcją i ogromną dawką fluff’u💛
to była świetna kontynuacja z przyjemną akcją i ogromną dawką fluff’u💛
December 8, 2015
This sequel finishes up the story very nicely. Didn't feel like something was missing or still needs to be addressed.
February 8, 2024
What a beautiful way to end Dev and Lauren's story, absolutely adored it!
January 18, 2015
Great writing, lovable characters...still i expected something else, the plot felt flat.
November 11, 2020
Very okay follow-up on the previous story. If you liked it, you should be happy to have more of them.
Small note, I was part-happy, part-envious of one of the main's easy going relationship with her stepchildren. So damn lucky.
On the other side, she has to deal with political and press madness and her partner insane workload so I guess it pans out.
Small note, I was part-happy, part-envious of one of the main's easy going relationship with her stepchildren. So damn lucky.
On the other side, she has to deal with political and press madness and her partner insane workload so I guess it pans out.
December 19, 2017
Excellent follow up to Madam President. Covering the development of the relationship between the President and her Biographer. I love the realism and humour in this story, it still has its serious moments but so much more scope for hilarity...note the wedding preparations and results which are side splittingly funny and quite poignant as well. Great double act with the first book.
October 28, 2015
Absolutely fabulous.
I enjoyed this book as much, and perhaps a little bit more, as Madam President. Devlyn and Lauren are amazing and very charming. There are so many moments that caused me to laugh out loud and moments I had tears in my eyes. Especially the wedding scenes were hilarious and so vividly described. Just as in Madam President, the dialogues were outstanding. I loved the children, they were Incredibly funny and their actions so preciously. It was pure pleasure to read this story. I highly recommend both books.
I enjoyed this book as much, and perhaps a little bit more, as Madam President. Devlyn and Lauren are amazing and very charming. There are so many moments that caused me to laugh out loud and moments I had tears in my eyes. Especially the wedding scenes were hilarious and so vividly described. Just as in Madam President, the dialogues were outstanding. I loved the children, they were Incredibly funny and their actions so preciously. It was pure pleasure to read this story. I highly recommend both books.
April 20, 2022
great series
Truly wonderful but you need to begin with the first book. Great characters, really engaging story and wonderfully heartwarming and heartbreaking at times. Laughed out loud so many times I don’t recommend reading in public. I wish these authors would continue with book 3. Can’t recommend enough.
Truly wonderful but you need to begin with the first book. Great characters, really engaging story and wonderfully heartwarming and heartbreaking at times. Laughed out loud so many times I don’t recommend reading in public. I wish these authors would continue with book 3. Can’t recommend enough.
April 12, 2016
This book is also just as good as the first one. Even more hilarious! I found myself laughing out loud so many times. If you want loads of sex you will be disappointed as the scenes are really tasteful and well done. It's a total joy to read!!
July 19, 2017
Only thing I didn't really like was the six year time jump in the final chapter.
August 27, 2020
Definitely better than the first book because it tackles more of their insecurities and how they work as a legitimate couple out of their own bubble of the White House.
I especially loved the scenes where Devlyn does damage control after Lauren runs her mouth about the DNA registration thing and where Devlyn decides to detonate Freedom Six. It made me feel immensely more respect for her than what I had from her being prone to temper tantrums. Couldn't help rolling my eyes at how she's always described as calm and suave despite consistently freaking out behind the scenes and shouting at people honestly.
What a journey though! Many things have happened and it indeed truly felt like a life. Loved the formatting of the book for that reason.
I especially loved the scenes where Devlyn does damage control after Lauren runs her mouth about the DNA registration thing and where Devlyn decides to detonate Freedom Six. It made me feel immensely more respect for her than what I had from her being prone to temper tantrums. Couldn't help rolling my eyes at how she's always described as calm and suave despite consistently freaking out behind the scenes and shouting at people honestly.
What a journey though! Many things have happened and it indeed truly felt like a life. Loved the formatting of the book for that reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2018
This was a great sequel about how Devlyn and Lauren navigate their engagement and marriage while Dev continues her duties as President and Lauren becomes comfortable as a mother and First Lady. This is the sequel to Madam President and is best read after reading that wonderful book.
August 6, 2018
I didn’t want it to end!
I would totally read a two-book story of Dev Marlowe (and fam)’s second term in office. I so thoroughly enjoyed these novels, and First Lady stands up so well as a sequel, which is often very difficult to do in romance.
I would totally read a two-book story of Dev Marlowe (and fam)’s second term in office. I so thoroughly enjoyed these novels, and First Lady stands up so well as a sequel, which is often very difficult to do in romance.
March 13, 2019
The reviews are totally overrated. In the entire book I kept myself expecting something else to happen. Like MariaGermanotta sad in another review in 2013, "the plot felt flat". And is that what this and the first book are about.
September 14, 2020
Having read the first part "Madame President", I knew I needed to know how the story of Devlyn and Lauren would go on. I had fallen in love with the characters, their humor and their love story, so reading the sequel really was a no-brainer.
Overall I enjoyed the story a lot, however, I didn't laugh as much as with the first book. Some of the scenes made me smile and others made me groan or roll my eyes. I felt, that in some situations the authors just meant a little too well, such as with the practical joke at the wedding.
I was both sad and positively surprised, when Lauren stood her ground on the family topic and didn't give in.
In many romance novels the story sadly ends once the couple has finally found their happiness together and starts to plan a life. With this sequel, we get to peek into the process of transforming a first attraction or love into a long-lasting relationship that has its ups and downs and fights and make-ups. That is a very natural thing to happen to any relationship and the authors show this process beautifully. It takes a lot to fall in love and it takes a truckload more to make a relationship work in the long run. Both sides have to make compromises and give in here or there. I'm very grateful that we got to see this happen.
Overall I didn't enjoy the sequel quite as much as the first book, but it left me with a good feeling and I would have read a third book if it had been available.
Overall I enjoyed the story a lot, however, I didn't laugh as much as with the first book. Some of the scenes made me smile and others made me groan or roll my eyes. I felt, that in some situations the authors just meant a little too well, such as with the practical joke at the wedding.
I was both sad and positively surprised, when Lauren stood her ground on the family topic and didn't give in.
In many romance novels the story sadly ends once the couple has finally found their happiness together and starts to plan a life. With this sequel, we get to peek into the process of transforming a first attraction or love into a long-lasting relationship that has its ups and downs and fights and make-ups. That is a very natural thing to happen to any relationship and the authors show this process beautifully. It takes a lot to fall in love and it takes a truckload more to make a relationship work in the long run. Both sides have to make compromises and give in here or there. I'm very grateful that we got to see this happen.
Overall I didn't enjoy the sequel quite as much as the first book, but it left me with a good feeling and I would have read a third book if it had been available.
March 10, 2023
Good, solid read.
My only bitch is that this and Madam President are both very clearly former fanfic, and kind of lack a focused plot. They're very much 'slice of life' than plot driven, but are still very entertaining.
My only bitch is that this and Madam President are both very clearly former fanfic, and kind of lack a focused plot. They're very much 'slice of life' than plot driven, but are still very entertaining.
June 6, 2025
I've Always ever wondered why there was a sequel. But each time I read this I couldn't help but not wanting Dev and Lauren's to end. While I have some reservations, it is always a pleasure reading through the banter and the political humour.
June 20, 2017
Love still.
April 27, 2018
Great sequel to Madame President
April 27, 2020
I enjoyed the continuing story from Madam President!
February 8, 2021
Fantastic Sequel
Fantastic follow up couldn't put it down its a pity there wont be any mkre would really love to know what life holds for the Marlows ,here's hoping
Fantastic follow up couldn't put it down its a pity there wont be any mkre would really love to know what life holds for the Marlows ,here's hoping
August 16, 2021
BUNGALOW!
November 2, 2021
Great sequal!
This was a great sequel to Madam President! I would live to read a third installment of Dev and Lauren's story!
This was a great sequel to Madam President! I would live to read a third installment of Dev and Lauren's story!
Read
September 4, 2022“You suck.”
“Only when asked nicely…”
🤭
I love the characters. And their kids. And their dogs.
“Only when asked nicely…”
🤭
I love the characters. And their kids. And their dogs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2023
Great
Great part 2 to the previous book.
Absolutely great reading, humourous, with intrigue as well.
Feeling like you are actually there.
Great part 2 to the previous book.
Absolutely great reading, humourous, with intrigue as well.
Feeling like you are actually there.
February 14, 2017
Read the series twice
I first read Madame President, and had to read First Lady. This was a great series. I enjoyed all of the characters. I laughed out loud often. I definitely would recommend.
I first read Madame President, and had to read First Lady. This was a great series. I enjoyed all of the characters. I laughed out loud often. I definitely would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews