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The Politician: Can love win her vote?
From an early age, Sarah Thompson's life has been driven by her ambition to become Prime Minister. The leadership of her party and the country is tantalisingly within reach when a new Assistant, Kendra, joins her team. Sarah’s growing fascination for the young outspoken environmental activist, makes it impossible to resist temptation. As the threat to Sarah's career gains momentum, she must navigate a tangled web of love and loyalty, or she will lose everything she’s ever worked for.
Kendra’s passion for the environment is as strong as her instant attraction to her new and sexy boss, Sarah. She knows there can be no future in such a relationship but her heart refuses to listen. As their love deepens, Kendra is subjected to the dark side of politics. Lies and deception are spun through Westminster to keep them apart.
What will it take for Sarah not just to win the election, but to win back the love of her life?
Kendra’s passion for the environment is as strong as her instant attraction to her new and sexy boss, Sarah. She knows there can be no future in such a relationship but her heart refuses to listen. As their love deepens, Kendra is subjected to the dark side of politics. Lies and deception are spun through Westminster to keep them apart.
What will it take for Sarah not just to win the election, but to win back the love of her life?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2022
About the author
Emma Nichols
14 books187 followersEmma Nichols lives in Buckinghamshire with her partner and two children. She served for 12 years in the British Army, studied Psychology and an MBA, and published several non-fiction books under another name, in sports peak performance, before dipping her toes into the world of lesbian fiction.
Emma's bestselling lesbian romance books are: Finding You, Remember Us, The Hangover, Forbidden, Ariana and Madeleine.
Emma's bestselling lesbian romance books are: Finding You, Remember Us, The Hangover, Forbidden, Ariana and Madeleine.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 20, 2022
The affair.
Sarah is party leader and the most likely candidate for Prime Minister. She's also attracted to her admin, Kendra, but is unable to act openly on her feelings because of public image as Sarah is also married with children. So they end up having a sexual affair, which, I must clarify, does not amount to cheating because Sarah and her husband lead separate lives.
This story is about a woman who is on her way to achieving political ambition and wonders at some point if these ambitions had even been her own dreams, if they were worth sacrificing her happiness for, and if she could have both career and happiness. I find Sarah very lucky to have supportive and loyal people around her and I really like her husband, Mark; and Kendra, both of whom showed no bitterness or resentment towards the situation they were in. Sarah herself isn't bad. She was aware of the sacrifices people around her make, including her children and I don't think she took any of them for granted, which makes it all work out.
This story focuses heavily on the relationship between Sarah and Kendra and it doesn't really go into the politics, which I have no issues with since I'm here to read a romance novel. But I thought what was lacking was a deeper connection between them. Their attraction for each other was physical and their relationship was sexual and because I feel it takes more than sexual intimacy to make certain sacrifices that the characters did, what they did for each other made little sense. I also thought a good opportunity to make this happen would have been through having Kendra perhaps bonding with Sarah's teenage twins, especially as she and the girl have common interests, but their connection wasn't fully explored.
I would say go for it if you like a book where the characters have good sexual chemistry but I think that's about it.
Sarah is party leader and the most likely candidate for Prime Minister. She's also attracted to her admin, Kendra, but is unable to act openly on her feelings because of public image as Sarah is also married with children. So they end up having a sexual affair, which, I must clarify, does not amount to cheating because Sarah and her husband lead separate lives.
This story is about a woman who is on her way to achieving political ambition and wonders at some point if these ambitions had even been her own dreams, if they were worth sacrificing her happiness for, and if she could have both career and happiness. I find Sarah very lucky to have supportive and loyal people around her and I really like her husband, Mark; and Kendra, both of whom showed no bitterness or resentment towards the situation they were in. Sarah herself isn't bad. She was aware of the sacrifices people around her make, including her children and I don't think she took any of them for granted, which makes it all work out.
This story focuses heavily on the relationship between Sarah and Kendra and it doesn't really go into the politics, which I have no issues with since I'm here to read a romance novel. But I thought what was lacking was a deeper connection between them. Their attraction for each other was physical and their relationship was sexual and because I feel it takes more than sexual intimacy to make certain sacrifices that the characters did, what they did for each other made little sense. I also thought a good opportunity to make this happen would have been through having Kendra perhaps bonding with Sarah's teenage twins, especially as she and the girl have common interests, but their connection wasn't fully explored.
I would say go for it if you like a book where the characters have good sexual chemistry but I think that's about it.
December 31, 2023
Entertaining and romantic. We have here a politician and a environmentalists....funny, i know.
But this was a story that made it work and even gave us an ending that romantic environmentalists will love.
But this was a story that made it work and even gave us an ending that romantic environmentalists will love.
September 25, 2022
Excellent
Kendra and Sarah make a sensational couple. Watching as the two fall in love and then experience heartache, as continue to be in love. I am a sucker for a good story with a politician. This was an excellent story.
Kendra and Sarah make a sensational couple. Watching as the two fall in love and then experience heartache, as continue to be in love. I am a sucker for a good story with a politician. This was an excellent story.
August 9, 2022
love and politics
I really liked the premise of the story. Sarah, likely the next PM falls for her admin Kendra. Only problem is - she’s married and the the optics and people’s reactions could affect her chances.
I liked the build up of this story but then, some things kept bugging me and kept throwing me out of the moment like the fact that Sarah is the leader of her party and yet she has no security detail? I think the lack of the entourage kept throwing me or maybe that’s the case with British politics. 🤷🏻♀️
I also thought what started as a casual hookup ended up evolving way too quickly into something serious. I didn’t quite get their connection.
But the second half of the book was sooo much better. The time spent talking established their love for each other and I thought what followed next was quite nice and felt more real. Overall even though the connection and chemistry between the two MCs took time for me to see it, it was a nice read. 3.5⭐️s
I really liked the premise of the story. Sarah, likely the next PM falls for her admin Kendra. Only problem is - she’s married and the the optics and people’s reactions could affect her chances.
I liked the build up of this story but then, some things kept bugging me and kept throwing me out of the moment like the fact that Sarah is the leader of her party and yet she has no security detail? I think the lack of the entourage kept throwing me or maybe that’s the case with British politics. 🤷🏻♀️
I also thought what started as a casual hookup ended up evolving way too quickly into something serious. I didn’t quite get their connection.
But the second half of the book was sooo much better. The time spent talking established their love for each other and I thought what followed next was quite nice and felt more real. Overall even though the connection and chemistry between the two MCs took time for me to see it, it was a nice read. 3.5⭐️s
June 18, 2023
What would you choose?
Politics has always struggled with its bad press and yet I find it fascinating…as long as I restrict my involvement in the interests of self preservation. Sticking to fiction is my compromise. Next, add in a romantic plot and a couple of women trying to find their happy-ever-after and it ticks all my boxes. So, fascinating background, believable characters, very well-written. Yes, ticks all boxes. Actually five and a half stars.
Politics has always struggled with its bad press and yet I find it fascinating…as long as I restrict my involvement in the interests of self preservation. Sticking to fiction is my compromise. Next, add in a romantic plot and a couple of women trying to find their happy-ever-after and it ticks all my boxes. So, fascinating background, believable characters, very well-written. Yes, ticks all boxes. Actually five and a half stars.
August 23, 2022
I found myself BEYOND intrigued by the premise of this novel, so much so that it catapulted to the top of my "to-read" heap on the weekend...BUT it fell flat in the worst of ways. I found myself unable to fathom how the characters of Sarah and Kendra could fall for one another as they'd hardly shared moments/conversations beyond anything sexual; yet they'd go to the ends of the earth for each other? VERY nearly a DNF.
May 12, 2023
The Politician
This is the first book I have read by Emma Nichols. I enjoyed the writing style. She created great chemistry and plenty if angst that was natural because of the job and characters. It was resolved beautifully, and I appreciated the growth of character. It didn't have the conclusion I would have expected, but am grateful for. I look forward to diving into the world's created by this author.
This is the first book I have read by Emma Nichols. I enjoyed the writing style. She created great chemistry and plenty if angst that was natural because of the job and characters. It was resolved beautifully, and I appreciated the growth of character. It didn't have the conclusion I would have expected, but am grateful for. I look forward to diving into the world's created by this author.
August 5, 2022
Sarah & Kendra meet by accident, literally. They are both very happy they did, by the end of Emma’s story. This is a good book for a rainy day read or a long wait in a doctor’s office. The way Emma writes her storylines you want to keep up with the character’s lives & the two mains in this book will keep you reading.
Sarah has a high level political career & Kendra is hired to work in her office. Aren’t office romances the best? Anyway, sparks fly & so does Kendra when a conniving employee sticks his nose where it doesn’t belong. But don’t fret, Emma loves a happily ever after, so the couple in this story get one. I always enjoy Emma’s stories. She has a way of writing that keeps you involved in the story and that keeps you reading. Grab this one for sure, you won’t be disappointed.
Sarah has a high level political career & Kendra is hired to work in her office. Aren’t office romances the best? Anyway, sparks fly & so does Kendra when a conniving employee sticks his nose where it doesn’t belong. But don’t fret, Emma loves a happily ever after, so the couple in this story get one. I always enjoy Emma’s stories. She has a way of writing that keeps you involved in the story and that keeps you reading. Grab this one for sure, you won’t be disappointed.
January 8, 2023
When I finished this book I didn’t quite know what to think of it, and to be honest, I’m still unsure even now.
The Politician has elements which I really enjoyed and felt drawn to, and yet there were one or two niggles that I couldn’t shake off.
Set in the UK and Thailand, the book follows political high flyer Sarah Thompson as she sets her sights on becoming the next Prime Minister. There seems little in the way to stall Sarah’s lofty ambitions, until she bumps into (quite literally) her new assistant – Kendra. Instantaneous attraction is felt on both sides, the only problem is as far as Sarah’s political family both at work and at home are concerned, she’s a straight, happily married women, and a mother to teenage twins.
This plot point is the first aspect I liked about the book and found to be executed well throughout.; it’s great to see different relationships and family dynamics represented. In Sarah and Mark’s marriage we get to see a couple in an open relationship, who communicate and support each other, not just for the benefit of their kids, but because in their own ways they love each other despite Sarah’s true sexuality. Nothing is hidden from each other, they simply conduct themselves in the manner that they feel is best for their family, whilst acknowledging that their family dynamic is fast approaching a moment of change.
Based on the above I could understand why Sarah might find someone instantly attractive on a sexual level, so her initial reaction to Kendra seemed to fit with her characters background. But, I did struggle with how quick the pacing goes from sexual attraction to full on love. Without the deeper connection I did find it difficult to buy into the emotions and feelings of each character further along in the story even though their sexual chemistry was on point.
I wish the author had spent just a little more time at the beginning building or showing the characters’ journeys from attraction to love, and skipped out the second visit to Thailand. Whilst I did love the Thailand section of the story for its location and the author’s vision of an eco and conservation resort, the second visit felt too similar to the first, with its purpose within the plot seeming to be repeated but from a different perspective. I would have preferred the first visit to Thailand to have encompassed all of the emotional and mental journeys for both characters in one deeper scene, rather than splitting that aspect into two parts.
There are however some brilliant secondary characters throughout this story. I adored Mark, he’s so supportive and understanding, the epitome of the type of person you’d want by your side if you were living a closeted life for the sake of your career. I also really liked the twins who are complete opposites for the most part, in particular Abs who is depicted as the sort of teenager who is in-tune to what is happening in the world despite her young age. And then there’s James, he’s the poster boy of what I’d describe a typical politician to be; ambitious, loyal to the party line at any cost, and motivated solely by what he can gain for himself, whilst pretending he isn’t. I honestly wanted to smack him in the face at some points.
All in all, I’ll probably try reading this book again to see if I can better grasp the emotional connection between Sarah and Kendra, and i enjoyed The Politician enough to check out what Emma Nichols has to offer.
3.5 stars.
The Politician has elements which I really enjoyed and felt drawn to, and yet there were one or two niggles that I couldn’t shake off.
Set in the UK and Thailand, the book follows political high flyer Sarah Thompson as she sets her sights on becoming the next Prime Minister. There seems little in the way to stall Sarah’s lofty ambitions, until she bumps into (quite literally) her new assistant – Kendra. Instantaneous attraction is felt on both sides, the only problem is as far as Sarah’s political family both at work and at home are concerned, she’s a straight, happily married women, and a mother to teenage twins.
This plot point is the first aspect I liked about the book and found to be executed well throughout.; it’s great to see different relationships and family dynamics represented. In Sarah and Mark’s marriage we get to see a couple in an open relationship, who communicate and support each other, not just for the benefit of their kids, but because in their own ways they love each other despite Sarah’s true sexuality. Nothing is hidden from each other, they simply conduct themselves in the manner that they feel is best for their family, whilst acknowledging that their family dynamic is fast approaching a moment of change.
Based on the above I could understand why Sarah might find someone instantly attractive on a sexual level, so her initial reaction to Kendra seemed to fit with her characters background. But, I did struggle with how quick the pacing goes from sexual attraction to full on love. Without the deeper connection I did find it difficult to buy into the emotions and feelings of each character further along in the story even though their sexual chemistry was on point.
I wish the author had spent just a little more time at the beginning building or showing the characters’ journeys from attraction to love, and skipped out the second visit to Thailand. Whilst I did love the Thailand section of the story for its location and the author’s vision of an eco and conservation resort, the second visit felt too similar to the first, with its purpose within the plot seeming to be repeated but from a different perspective. I would have preferred the first visit to Thailand to have encompassed all of the emotional and mental journeys for both characters in one deeper scene, rather than splitting that aspect into two parts.
There are however some brilliant secondary characters throughout this story. I adored Mark, he’s so supportive and understanding, the epitome of the type of person you’d want by your side if you were living a closeted life for the sake of your career. I also really liked the twins who are complete opposites for the most part, in particular Abs who is depicted as the sort of teenager who is in-tune to what is happening in the world despite her young age. And then there’s James, he’s the poster boy of what I’d describe a typical politician to be; ambitious, loyal to the party line at any cost, and motivated solely by what he can gain for himself, whilst pretending he isn’t. I honestly wanted to smack him in the face at some points.
All in all, I’ll probably try reading this book again to see if I can better grasp the emotional connection between Sarah and Kendra, and i enjoyed The Politician enough to check out what Emma Nichols has to offer.
3.5 stars.
August 7, 2022
Disappointing
I’m an enthusiastic fan of Emma Nichols. Her Vincenti series won my heart from the first few pages. I’ve also enjoyed Elodie, Madeleine, Ariana, This Is Me, and even the lighter Duckton-by-Dale titles, among others.
Given my affinity for political fiction and lesbian love stories, I was disappointed when I finished The Politician and found it was among my least favorite of Nichols’s novels. I was hoping for a story on par with my two top picks for sapphic political fare: Hayley Cass’s Those Who Wait and its sequel, Forever and A Day; and Harper Bliss’s five seasons of French Kissing.
The Politician lacked the tautness and competitive aspects of a consequential political race, focusing most of the story on the main characters’ sexual affair — and not on the main characters’ emotions or motivations. Sarah and Kendra’s meet cute collision outside the coffee shop is well done but the plotting of their relationship didn’t get the same attention. Also, some of the best HEAs have one of the lovers veering off her original path, but those successful route changes are based on a well developed relationship, Nichols didn’t convince me that Sarah and Kendra’s was.
I’m an enthusiastic fan of Emma Nichols. Her Vincenti series won my heart from the first few pages. I’ve also enjoyed Elodie, Madeleine, Ariana, This Is Me, and even the lighter Duckton-by-Dale titles, among others.
Given my affinity for political fiction and lesbian love stories, I was disappointed when I finished The Politician and found it was among my least favorite of Nichols’s novels. I was hoping for a story on par with my two top picks for sapphic political fare: Hayley Cass’s Those Who Wait and its sequel, Forever and A Day; and Harper Bliss’s five seasons of French Kissing.
The Politician lacked the tautness and competitive aspects of a consequential political race, focusing most of the story on the main characters’ sexual affair — and not on the main characters’ emotions or motivations. Sarah and Kendra’s meet cute collision outside the coffee shop is well done but the plotting of their relationship didn’t get the same attention. Also, some of the best HEAs have one of the lovers veering off her original path, but those successful route changes are based on a well developed relationship, Nichols didn’t convince me that Sarah and Kendra’s was.
August 9, 2022
Sarah Thompson is on the cusp of achieving her ambition, to become Prime Minister. A new assistant Kendra, joins her team, and there is an instant attraction between them. They both know there cannot be a future for them, yet their hearts refuse to listen, as they spend more time together. Kendra despises the lies and deception in Westminster that conspire to keep them apart, and wants nothing to do with that world. Will their love find a way to be together?
There are beautifully drawn real characters, including an array of secondary characters. The conflict is a very real one that many people face – particularly if they are seeking high office – how do they compromise between their duty to the country and to their loved ones? It is even more difficult if there is a clandestine relationship thrown into the mix. Emma Nichols skates through the trickeries and nuances with delicate ease, presenting a satisfying and credible romance. As always, the writing is beautiful, with descriptions that take you to the locations and there is the usually twist or two along the way.
Is this a great book you should pick up today? Absolutely, hear hear.
There are beautifully drawn real characters, including an array of secondary characters. The conflict is a very real one that many people face – particularly if they are seeking high office – how do they compromise between their duty to the country and to their loved ones? It is even more difficult if there is a clandestine relationship thrown into the mix. Emma Nichols skates through the trickeries and nuances with delicate ease, presenting a satisfying and credible romance. As always, the writing is beautiful, with descriptions that take you to the locations and there is the usually twist or two along the way.
Is this a great book you should pick up today? Absolutely, hear hear.
August 12, 2022
I love Emma Nichols stories. This one is one of my favorites. The MCs are two very strong women, with different paths, but they love each other deeply.
Sarah lives in a world of deception, her sexuality hidden as she turns her aspirations to politics. She has twins, conceived out of a drunken night with her best friend. Her ultimate goal is to become Prime Minister and she is guided by a very conniving campaign assistant who ultimately has only his best interests at heart. She hires a new assistant and the attraction is instant. This doesn’t feel like one of her many affairs with women, this is different. Their journey passes many obstacles, the hurt, the distance, threatens to keep them apart forever. I loved the story. If I have one complaint is that significant moments like her encounter with her campaign assistant should have been included. I would have liked an epilogue, the story called for one. But, the book is another winner for Ms. Nichols.
Sarah lives in a world of deception, her sexuality hidden as she turns her aspirations to politics. She has twins, conceived out of a drunken night with her best friend. Her ultimate goal is to become Prime Minister and she is guided by a very conniving campaign assistant who ultimately has only his best interests at heart. She hires a new assistant and the attraction is instant. This doesn’t feel like one of her many affairs with women, this is different. Their journey passes many obstacles, the hurt, the distance, threatens to keep them apart forever. I loved the story. If I have one complaint is that significant moments like her encounter with her campaign assistant should have been included. I would have liked an epilogue, the story called for one. But, the book is another winner for Ms. Nichols.
November 3, 2022
Wonderful story!
I really enjoyed this story about Sarah, the politician on the verge of winning the election for Prime Minister of England, and Kendra, the environmentalist hired to be her administrative assistant. The way in which they met added some lightness to the storyline and there was a perfect blend of heat and emotion as we watched them fall for one another. All the characters were great, even the baddie Jeremy.
The vivid descriptions of Thailand in the second half of the book seemed so realistic, from the humidity and bugs to the awe inspiring beauty. I have to admit the ending was a bit of a surprise, but of course, they had to have an HEA! Wonderful story, Emma!
I really enjoyed this story about Sarah, the politician on the verge of winning the election for Prime Minister of England, and Kendra, the environmentalist hired to be her administrative assistant. The way in which they met added some lightness to the storyline and there was a perfect blend of heat and emotion as we watched them fall for one another. All the characters were great, even the baddie Jeremy.
The vivid descriptions of Thailand in the second half of the book seemed so realistic, from the humidity and bugs to the awe inspiring beauty. I have to admit the ending was a bit of a surprise, but of course, they had to have an HEA! Wonderful story, Emma!
January 9, 2023
I read this last year and loved it 😀.
Sometimes a slow burn builds deliciously; sometimes you can't wait for the girls to get together! The politician and her assistant pretty soon can't resist each other, I was happy to read here since this is a story about freedom, independence, and choices as we see Sarah and Kendra get together before, it seems, their paths diverge.
With major choices to be made by both girls, how can they find their way back to each other? This forms the major thrust of the story, and I really enjoyed that--plus the varied and lovely settings we get to enjoy the scenes in.
My first Emma Nichols book but not my last!
Sometimes a slow burn builds deliciously; sometimes you can't wait for the girls to get together! The politician and her assistant pretty soon can't resist each other, I was happy to read here since this is a story about freedom, independence, and choices as we see Sarah and Kendra get together before, it seems, their paths diverge.
With major choices to be made by both girls, how can they find their way back to each other? This forms the major thrust of the story, and I really enjoyed that--plus the varied and lovely settings we get to enjoy the scenes in.
My first Emma Nichols book but not my last!
December 30, 2022
I absolutely adored this book. The chemistry between the two characters from the very beginning was great and kept me hanging on to every word that was written. I wasn’t too crazy about the storyline as I’m not a political person but it was still a very enjoyable read. As well as the relationship between the two MC’s, I loved the relationship between Sarah and her husband. He was so supportive and put Sarah’s happiness before anything else. This gave me some very strong feelings. Such a beautiful story.
December 10, 2025
This book didn’t live up to the reviews.
Everything felt rushed and clunky. Given the high stakes involved, the romance was under developed and the character’s motivations were unbelievable. In all, the stakes weren’t well managed. Couldn’t root for either MC because neither felt real or relatable.
Great premise but poor execution. Only good point was it wasn’t poorly written or narrated and wasn’t so bad as to make me want to DNF. For that, I’ve elevated my initial rating to 2 stars.
Perks of Office by Liz Rain handled the forbidden political office romance premise much better.
Everything felt rushed and clunky. Given the high stakes involved, the romance was under developed and the character’s motivations were unbelievable. In all, the stakes weren’t well managed. Couldn’t root for either MC because neither felt real or relatable.
Great premise but poor execution. Only good point was it wasn’t poorly written or narrated and wasn’t so bad as to make me want to DNF. For that, I’ve elevated my initial rating to 2 stars.
Perks of Office by Liz Rain handled the forbidden political office romance premise much better.
June 18, 2023
What would you choose?
Politics has always struggled with its bad press and yet I find it fascinating…as long as I restrict my involvement in the interests of self preservation. Sticking to fiction is my compromise. Next, add in a romantic plot and a couple of women trying to find their happy-ever-after and it ticks all my boxes. So, fascinating background, believable characters, very well-written. Yes, ticks all boxes. Actually five and a half stars.
Politics has always struggled with its bad press and yet I find it fascinating…as long as I restrict my involvement in the interests of self preservation. Sticking to fiction is my compromise. Next, add in a romantic plot and a couple of women trying to find their happy-ever-after and it ticks all my boxes. So, fascinating background, believable characters, very well-written. Yes, ticks all boxes. Actually five and a half stars.
October 9, 2022
Wow amazing storyline
Wow amazing storyline I loved the main characters chemistry it shone through, their struggles were exceptionally written definitely kept you reading congratulations
Wow amazing storyline I loved the main characters chemistry it shone through, their struggles were exceptionally written definitely kept you reading congratulations
November 7, 2022
DNF. The story was missing detail that I couldn't get past. Lost interest.
April 25, 2023
I did not finish this book. Honestly it was So slow and really confusing...
December 6, 2023
It is a well written complex story. The stars is based on personal enjoyment and can only give it 2.5.
August 18, 2022
Start to finish, this was a great read. So well-written, and the storyline moves with such fluidity. I found absolutely no "fluff". which I so appreciate. I'm a big fan of Ms Nichols, and don't hesitate to recommend this novel. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews