The Price of Politics

First-I LOVED THIS STORY! With our world completely embroiled in the back door dirt of politics, T.B. Markinson has shown us through muck of the election process in a unique way. Instead of the Presidency of the United States that Ainsley was born for, she's running for 'President' in a college project. Unfortunately, even in a mock election, the stakes are very high and so is the personal price. My God do I dislike Susie Q! Masterful, funny, and sexy as hell! I so hope there is a book three! As always, Lori Prince is outstanding! Her range of emotions for the characters is MASTERFUL! T.B.- if there is a book three, please let Lori continue. Nobody could do this better!

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"People can be kind, supportive, and loving"

"The Hidden One (The Chosen One #2)" continues the love and fears of Ainsley and Maya, picking up three years after book #1.

First, I'll get the obvious out of the way: Lori Prince reminds us why she's one of the best narrators on Audible! What a wonderful listening experience!! To be fair, though, her work was certainly made easier by the terrific book that Markinson wrote for us!

Desperate to protect MC Maya from public scrutiny (read book #1 for that story!), MC Ainsley has removed herself from the Carmichael's goal of grooming her to be elected President one day. Maya, though, is more concerned that Ainsley follow a path she wants, rather than deny herself important goals as a price to pay for loving Maya.

Aaannnd...cue the music for machinations. Lots of machinations by lots of people. Everybody, it seems, wants to have a hand in forcing a future for Ainsley and Maya.

Returning characters Fiona (Fee) and Pat are terrific, and the dog Grover gets a much larger role, as you might have guessed from the cover art.

Arch-nemesis Susie returns, more arch-nemesisy than ever! Despite Ainsley's brother Ham having taken over family power in the last book, grandmother has not exactly retired to a rocking chair. Their sister Kylie has some interesting news too! And oh, yes, there are yet more interesting things to learn of Maya's past, despite Maya's desire to let the past stay in the past.

While the mock campaign provides the basic storyline for the book, the most interesting parts involve the people and behind-the-scenes activities...sort of like real life!

Even my politically liberal self did roll my eyes at some of the over-the-top depictions of Democrats being loving and fair-minded, while Republicans are openly misogynistic. Well, ok, the bit about the Republicans was rather accurate.

I can't say much more without a spoiler tag, so let me conclude by saying this is a terrific addition to The Chosen One series, and I hope there will be a book #3! 4.8* for "The Hidden One".

I thought I'd end my review as the author ended her book, with a great quote from Ainsley:

"Life is often hard and unfair. People can be cruel. Sometimes, it’s hard to get out of bed."

"But life is also beautiful. People can be kind, supportive, and loving. No matter how hard I try, it’s hard to stop smiling when I think of all the people who have been there for me during the worst of times."

We all occasionally are confronted with the worst of times. May we all also have people who will be there for us, and may we all be there for our friends when they need us.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

My rating and my review was not in anyway affected by my having been provided a review copy.

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2 people found this helpful

A brilliant story from beginning to end!

This is the sequel to “The Chosen One” with plenty of political intrigue, family obligations, loyalty and of course romance. If you’ve already read either of these books then you already know how great these books are...To me the audiobooks are just as good. In fact, I really liked this sequel! To me at least, It’s always a sign of a good book when I find I can’t seem to put it down and in fact had me in gauged and made me feel a range of emotions while listening to it...Now I don’t like to include spoilers, so I won’t...but, I will say that Markinson’s formula for this series works because she always creates in her writing such believable characters and such amazing plots. Above all I love her skill at creating characters full of faults, kindness and bravery which we all have in us and an antagonist whose evil knows no restraint. As for the narration of this book by Lori Prince, I feel like it may have taken me a chapter or two to get myself accustomed to the voices to each of the characters but after that it flowed seamlessly. I really wasn’t disappointed and I was glad I had the opportunity to listen to it.

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Loved this!!!

Wow! TB Markinson has done an incredible job with this book! It was the perfect follow-up book for the Chosen One!

Lori Prince is an exceptional narrator and as usual, she has brought the characters to life!

Bravo!

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1 person found this helpful

Loved these characters

I would love to see a third installment of these wonderful characters.

Thanks for the break from life.

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very good

there were a couple conversations I had wanted to happen that didn't and even though that was unexpectedly very disappointing I can't say this sequel was anything but great. it'd be cool if there was a short story acknowledging the one not about the two leads but this book is worth the read regardless.

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GREAT FOLLOW-UP!

I loved it! The narration was great and gave that extra flair to the story. It will really keep you entertained. You will get your fill of romance, mystery, betrayal, politics and family pressures. The author did a great job with the character builds and plot. I read the previous book in this series (The Chosen One) and enjoyed it as well. I really look forward to reading more books from this author. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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Enjoyable

I enjoyed listening to this book and enjoyed the story. I was happy with the book and would listen to more by this author or narrator..I provided this review in exchange for a complimentary copy of the audiobook from the author, narrator, or publisher.

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Another!?

Honestly, I just want a sequel. I can see potential plot points, and I want more Ainsley and Maya.

#ABC_for_office

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Great Read

The Hidden One (The Chosen One #2) was another great ready by T.B. Markinson. Ainsley inadvertently finds herself in the middle of a campaign trail. She is taking part in a mandatory class project as the Democratic presidential candidate, even though she didn't want to be the candidate. She wants to shield her girlfriend from any potential turmoil. I enjoyed reading more about Ainsley and can't wait to read more by the author.

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1 person found this helpful