Sister in Law

by M.R. Morgan

Suzanne Dahlstrom, sexually abused as a child, matures into a strikingly beautiful young woman, determined to get her own back against men. Ultimately becoming an accomplished call girl, she takes advantage of men’s inherent weakness—their sex drive. When one of her clients, who represents a shadowy group of conspirators, furious about pending gun control laws and determined to undermine the president, offers her a huge sum of money to seduce and marry the president’s younger brother, she accepts. As the president’s sister-in-law, she’ll be in a perfect position to seduce the president himself, and the scandal—an affair with his own brother’s wife—will neutralize him politically. The seemingly bizarre scheme appears to be working…until an unexpected turn of events puts both the plan and Suzanne’s life in jeopardy.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2018

Reviews

[(old.enough.for.fairytales) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars:

If you’re a fan of political suspense thrillers, with a bit of spice, this one might be for you! This story follows Suzanne Dahlstrom, a call girl in DC who is approached by a mysterious organization to seduce the president in order to ruin his political career. How does she plan to get close enough to him to seduce him? By marrying the president’s brother, Adam. While things begin falling into place for the plot to unfold, Suzanne unexpectedly find herself actually falling for her husband. And when the mysterious organization changes the plans on her last minute, Suzanne is faced with a terrible decision with no positive outcome.

This was a step outside of my usual genre, but I’m glad I gave it a shot. While I did find the build up to the actual plot to be a bit long, I thought the rest of the story was action packed. I also thought the epilogue was a nice touch and wrapped up the story in a satisfying way!

TW: suicide, sexual abuse

Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shannon Dyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes it doesn’t pay to take a chance on an unknown author. Review to come at AAR.

[Ms. Just One More Book (Kris Miller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fearing the anti-gun proposals sure to take place once democratic nominee, Patrick McNeil takes office, a very dangerous group of individuals enlist the help of staunch NRA supporter, Lloyd Kilpatrick. His mission; to convince a much-frequented call girl to take down the next president of the United States. Suzanne Dahlstrom has had the deck stacked against her from a young age. Born to alcoholic parents, she was raped by her father at the age of ten, her mother killing him in a fit of rage. Suzanne’s trust in men having been broken by the man she should have been able to trust the most; she is now out to get revenge and whatever else she can take from them. Still, when Lloyd comes to her with this crazy scheme of marrying Patrick’s introverted brother just to seduce Patrick, she doesn’t want any part of it, until he tells her the payoff: one million dollars. Suzanne is an enchanting creature, neither black nor white, but enveloping all shades of gray. A unique storyline, well-written plot and captivating characters, makes Sister in Law a much enjoyable read.

~ Kris Miller, TopShelf Reviews

Merged review:

The deck has always been stacked against Suzanne Dahlstrom. Born to alcoholic parents and raped by her father at age ten─her mother shooting him dead in a fit of rage before her eyes─Suzanne’s trust in men was shattered by the man she was supposed to be able to trust the most. Today, she’s out for revenge, taking whatever she can from every man she crosses. However, when approached by a powerful Washington insider with a scheme to take down the next president of the United States, she wants no part in it─that is, until she’s offered a $1,000,000 payday. Suzanne is an enchanting creature, neither black or white, enveloping all shades of gray. Boasting a distinctive storyline, well-conceived plot, and captivating characters, SISTER-IN-LAW is an excellent read for the more mature reader.

~ Kris Miller, TopShelf Reviews

[A M · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t have to follow US politics or love political/psychological thrillers to be captured by this novel. It draws you in—even if you’re oblivious to Washington DC. If you’ve shut out the US Feds, disregard your past proclivities and dive into Sister-in-Law. Although I grew up in the US and Canada, I now live in Canada. However, place of residence doesn’t matter. Sister-in-Law is accessible to anyone and everyone.
Morgan’s plotline is clever without being unnecessarily circuitous. His prose is clear and precise. His characters’ motivations are easy to comprehend. However, he doesn’t spoon-feed you. He delivers exactly what you need. You fill in the rest.
I'm not going to expand on the plotline (a troubled seductress becomes the president’s sister-in-law to get to the president himself; echoes of Marilyn Monroe, anyone), other than to say that the sister-in-law gets to her target. And that's not a spoiler alert. It’s what happens along the way that counts. Enjoy the twists. Get your politics with a bang (double-entendre intended). Given the current political climate in Washington (shutdowns, disarray, doublespeak), you might be wishing the president actually had a sister-in-law.

A. M. Potter, Author of the North Noir series, featuring Detective Eva Naslund

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The premise of the book is that they want to control the next President of the US by having an escort marry his brother. First they want to assissinate him, then they want to be able to blackmail him. I just can’t read this one. I got about 20% into this one and just can’t do anymore.

[Elaine Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This author can WRITE! He also has a wicked sense of humor that underlies the story. For example, in describing the "masculinity" of Adam's bedroom, he writes: "There were no hunting scenes, no sports memorabilia, not a single mounted animal's head. The walls were not paneled in walnut and the bed frame was not cut from lodge poles."

Second, I was happily swept away by the characters and the plot and I read the book in one day because I had to know what happened. The twists were unexpected, interesting, and clever and the author kept ratcheting up the suspense until I had no idea how Suzanne was going to get out of her predicament. This book was fun and truly one of the best books I've read this year. My verdict: a dazzling 5 Star read.

[Meaghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I requested this book on Net Galley to review based on this line: If you’re a fan of J. D. Robb, Sandra Brown, or most any romantic suspense author, you’ll fall in love with Suzanne and find yourself unable to put her story down until the final, surprising twist.

This book was nothing like J.D. Robb or Sandra Brown.

I couldn't finish it.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The president of the National Rifle Association has just had one of their delegates removed from the assembly of over a thousand member-delegates after he started what turned into utter chaos. The reason for today's meeting was to discuss how they planned to go forward since even though the Presidential election was several months in the future the Democratic nominee was a shoo-in.

But, if his campaign promises come to pass then there would be major repercussions for gun owners and the NRA. When Lloyd Kilpatrick, a delegate from East Tennessee, put forth his suggestions that would break several federal laws among other things, the room went wild... especially since there seemed to be people with his same thoughts.

Later that evening Lloyd Kilpatrick received a phone call from a man who had been at the assembly and proposed a plan. Since there wasn't really anything that would keep the nominee from winning the election, their plan was to cause such a scandal once he was in office that he would immediately be removed.

The unknown group wants Lloyd, who is known for seeing escorts at every opportunity during his travels away from his wife, to approach a certain escort he is known for seeing with an offer she can't refuse. After marrying the President's brother she is to seduce her way into the President's bed causing a scandal of major proportions.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I will give you fair warning that there may be triggers revolving around the assault of a child. Suzanne was assaulted by her dad when she was ten years old and put into foster care due to her mother's substance abuse issues. After several near misses during her time in foster care, she was finally reunited with her mother.

Her hatred towards the male species seemed to be embedded in her soul, but she realized that she could use their desires against them as long as she was the one in control. Becoming an escort gave her the control she desired and her exorbitant fees ensured that her bank account was also growing.

What better way to get revenge than to get the President to get caught sleeping with his sister-in-law?

This book is action-packed, full of danger and suspense. I like how the story takes you back in history so you get to know all of Suzanne's layers and what led her to her decision. There are some surprising twists to the story and near the end of the book had me in tears.

Highly recommend!

[Vickie Sarmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if someone approached you and said that they had a simple task for you to accomplish and they would pay you a million dollars? That’s exactly what happened to Suzanne Dahlstrom, a highly paid escort!! What was the task, you might ask? It was to seduce and marry the brother of the hopefully soon to be President of the United States. Then once Suzanne accomplished part of the plan, she was to seduce the President and it was to become the hottest story in Washington D.C. Imagine the President getting caught in bed with his sister-in-Law!! He would no longer be the President, or that was the Lefts plan anyway. Suzanne set out on the attempting the plan.
The group set up across the country in San Francisco, where Adam McNeil lived. Gave her a new identity, history, and employment history as well. They even changed her looks a little, so she wouldn’t be recognized by anyone, if she were caught on camera They would be in contact with Suzanne with the upcoming plans. Of course, no one had a legitimate name or anyway to find out who they were. Will she be able to get Adam to marry her? Will she be able to seduce the President? How will she accomplish this plan? What will happen to her, once the plan is in place. The character development was very good. The reader could relate to the characters and their emotions. I also enjoyed the writing style of this author. Good political thriller. Definitely causes you to think that if there is enough money available to buy people, political corruption will always exist, no matter what!!

[=^._.^= · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the cover threw me off, the plot of the book made me want to read ASAP, I have always like the long conspiracy plots that take you through twists and turns. That was not the case for this book. Although I did enjoy reading this book, I was mostly invested in Suzanne’s life since more than half the book was her life and upbringing, it wasn’t until later on that I remembered “Oh yeah Suzanne is part of the plot to seduce the president”. Perhaps I have read too many mystery novels and watched to many shows but I did see the ending coming, which is to necessarily a bad thing as long as one enjoys the story along the way and I did. I found the story to be interesting and sexy without it being overdone, no super descriptive sex scenes that we read now in YA fiction which is something I appreciated and was not expecting considering Suzanne’s career choice. I wish we could see more plot development with the conspiracy, the ending was rushed and wrapped up too quickly, it felt more like a summary.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the premise of this book -a long game conspiracy to take down the man certain to be the next president, it fell short for me. The action and set-up in the beginning definitely grabbed my interest quickly, but then the story turned and went back and told the ENTIRE story of Suzanne's life and that was WWWWAAAYYYY too much and too long. By the time the story makes its way back to present day, you've forgotten what had happened in the first place.

I did like the way the story was narrated though. Written in third person, for me it felt like a story that has a narrator leading you through with the occasional scene being played out by our characters.

I would have enjoyed more depth around the conspiracy and the players and Adam's feelings once all is revealed. Once we got to that point, the story felt rushed and wrapped up way too quickly.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an good read, but it does start of slow and you do need to pay attention to the details to follow what all is taking place. I found it to have an interesting spin on how one could get to the power of the President and what all groups or individuals would do to get there or for money. During the first few chapters the build up seemed very slow and without purpose, but as the story came together, those details and building of the environment and characters really brought the story together. It is well-written and certainly kept me guessing on how things would work out. If you like suspense, political thrillers and a bit of romance/sexy type scenes, you will probably enjoy this read as it involves elections, politics, escorts, and more!

Thank you NetGalley and Black Opal for the chance to read this story and share my opinions!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gritty read with enough detail to satisfy the harshest critic, this book has it all; sex, politics and suspense. Well written and clearly thoroughly researched, this book is a must have for fans of realism with a hint of dram and undertones of a twisted sense of humour. This book contains believable characters and twists and turns galore, progressing in directions not expected from the first few chapters. The book description gives away enough to hook the reader, the book itself will have you looking for more by MR Morgan.

[BP34 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book's theme mirrors many of the headlines today. A call girl is paid a large sum of money to seduce and marry the president's brother and later seduce him. The group is a pro gun control lobby and their goal is to get rid of the President. Lots of back ground on how and why Suzanne became a call girl and her past history of being abused. The characters were likeable and the story line was entertaining. I read a reader copy via Net Gallery and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Gracie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only gave it 2 stars almost one. It wasn’t the worst over read but it wasn’t that great. The story is about an escort paid to marry the President’s brother then to seduce the president to get him impeached. With that being said I knew it would be a trashy romance but I do enjoy them occasionally. Even though I do enjoy trashy romance I still want a good story behind it. The ‘Sister-in-law’ was so poorly developed that it ruined the book for me. Most of the story it went into depth about how and why the main character became an escort. More than 1/2 way through you get introduced to the President’s brother. Which is okay because maybe there will be a second book finishing the story. Nope! It goes from meeting one time to a few dates to proposed/married!!! IF YOU ARE GOING TO EXPLAIN EVERY DETAIL OF WHY SHE IS WHO SHE IS THEN WHY DON’T WE GET TO SEE THE DETAILS OF THE RELATIONSHIP?!! This irritated me SO much! I felt 0 love from either end of the relationship. It all happened extremely fast. After that get married it jumps to her next goal. Seduce the President. Yet again you receive very few details. I just don’t understand it was like the author was so excited the story then was like “ehhh... I’m bored let’s finish this up”. I gave it two stars because I enjoyed the overall idea of the story and it wasn’t the worst book I’ve read. I would not recommend this book though.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author. (netgalley)This was the first time I ever read from this author, and it will definitely be my last. Can I give it back?

[Paul Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

An abused child grows into a beautiful woman, but burning with an obsession for revenge on all men. She uses her beauty to get what she wants, without a care to anyone else’s feelings, usually. She’s recruited into a sinister plan to take down the President of the United States by the {NRA}, but finds herself falling in love.
Speaking in digital terms, the first 10% of this story is just setup; takes that long for the protagonist to be introduced. It’s followed by a long description of the physical and psychological problems she faced growing up. It’s a long flashback to the present, which basically explains her approach to sex and business once we get there. This lasts till 27%, which means it’s over a ¼ done before the story actually starts.
I liked the writing, with plenty of funny stuff. The problem is the pacing; almost halfway through and it’s still not at the main plot so glaringly told in the publicity blurb. Not that her life story is boring, but every once in a while I wish it’d moved on. If there’s one thing I didn’t like about the writing, it’s the clunky foreshadowing at the end of each chapter; not necessary.
The thing with Craig was a little obvious, but a good touch, not unexpected considering the people she was dealing with. I didn’t think I would like the letters to her BFF, but they really helped to make her sympathetic. After starting as a woman intent on revenge, she mellowed nicely, coming across as more human.
The book takes quite an unexpected turn right before the end, something I would have never imagined from the main character. I’m not sure I’d call it believable, but it was well done. But right after that there’s another twist, and I found her decision on that one not credible at all. I have no idea how I feel about the ending and its aftermath, at once noble and yet all the more upsetting. I have some sympathy for her, but not as much as her story would want from me. Also, I am officially saying this is not an erotica as advertised. The sex scenes are truncated, hardly even foreplay.
Although it was for the most part nicely written, as mentioned above, there were moments when I felt like this was a beginning writer, and in the author page I saw I was right. A great first effort, but not as great as it could have been.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest at first I didn’t think this book would be any good. Second I’ve never read a book by a male author and didn’t know it until the end. After I started reading I couldn’t put it down. It made me a nervous wreck wondering what would happen next. Plenty of suspense, lies, and a plan by a group that wants to take the President down after he’s elected.
Suzanne had a rough childhood and wanted revenge on all men. She moves to New York and ends up working as an escort with her friend Marguerite who is the highest paid escort at the company. She gets involved in a plan to marry the soon to be president, Patrick’s, brother, get caught in bed with president and ruin his reputation. She is offered one million dollars.
Adam is smart, shy, and works in biomedicine. He is introduced to her at a fundraiser and it started there. Suzanne took it slow and when some of the security staff tried to pay her off she told Adam. Adam decided if they got married they couldn’t make her leave him. So they are married, soon the election is over, the term has started, and Suzanne is contacted that the plans have changed. They want her to kill the president. If she doesn’t, they’ll torture and kill her mother. She has really fallen in love with Adam, she’d already changed her mind about sleeping with the president, she didn’t want to hurt Adam that way. But now it’s worse and as she goes in the office to shoot Patrick, Adam walks in and she turns the gun and shoots herself in the chest. It’s touch and go and as her dearest friends gather around Adam realizes he still loves her, after talking to a therapist. But can she pull through and will Adam be able to forgive her tricking him and her lies?
* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This story was quite interesting. Suzanne is a really strong character and quite likeable.

There are some weird spots and a good bit of blantant foreshadowing. In fact, if it weren't the blantant foreshadowing, I would have given this book at least four, if not five stars.
I feel like the extreme use of the foreshadow was a attempt of adding filler or compensation. I like stories best when they utilize the subtle version of foreshadowing. I don't need to know it won't be the last time she regrets her decision.

So, the things I do like about this story...

It moves at a relatively fast pace. Each chapter introduces you to a new game piece and everyone is connected in some way.

The way things are done, for the most part, are pretty ingenious, especially if trying to avoid detection.

Some parts are pretty predictable but they aren't the important parts, so it was okay.

I recommend reading it as its not your average romance or suspense.

[Elaine Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This author can WRITE! He also has a wicked sense of humor that underlies the story. For example, in describing the "masculinity" of Adam's bedroom, he writes: "There were no hunting scenes, no sports memorabilia, not a single mounted animal's head. The walls were not paneled in walnut and the bed frame was not cut from lodge poles."

I was happily swept away by the characters and the plot and I read the book in one day because I had to know what happened. The twists were unexpected, interesting, and clever and the author kept ratcheting up the suspense until I had no idea how Suzanne was going to get out of her predicament. This book was fun and truly one of the best books I've read this year. My verdict: a dazzling 5 Star read.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sister-in-Law is not your usual boy meets girl story. Suzanne, a pricey call girl with a sad and broken past, has a chance to achieve redemption for herself by seducing the President of the United States. What follows is a twisty tale of seduction, friendship, and maybe even true love. M. R. Morgan has crafted a gripping story that, like a train wreck, I couldn't tear my eyes away from. Awkward at times, particularly during sex scenes, and a bit too sappy for my tastes, Sister-in-Law is not only worth a read, but will make you question where the power rests in your own relationships.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to get a man out of the presidency when you do not agree with him. Sex and politics seem to go together but how can you make it something that will cause a problem for the president? Make sure he gets caught in bed with his sister-in-law. The man who it looks like will win has a single younger brother. There is a group of people with money to spend who can pay to set this up. Suzanne is a call girl (escort) in DC who can always use money. The story is told in an interesting way to get you to the point the plan is working toward.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of Suzanne, who had a tortured childhood. This affected her life, her choices and her relationships. It is a story of pain, revenge and redemption. I liked the story, the progression of Suzanne's life and her final hope of a normal, happy life. I felt the writing was a bit unemotional and failed to draw me in as a reader. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, but I did enjoy the story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could be ripped from the headlines. It is a fast paced book with twists and turns and a little romance thrown in. It keeps your attention throughout the entire story. I look forward to more from this author.

[Doreen Keele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley. The slow buildup of guesswork and suspense keep you going until the very end. It twists and turns and keeps dramatically shocking a person. Definitely worth reading with a definitely different storyline that keeps shocking!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had just the right amount of intrigue and romance. It was very fast paced once the groundwork was laid and the story was very well told. I would read more stories by this author. This was outstanding.

[chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

What would you do for a million dollars? What if you have been used and abuse by those you should be able to trust? What if your the Presidents sister-in-law, and a lot of people do not like him? What do you do?

[Gracie · Rating 2 out of 5]

k because it wasn’t that great. The story is about an escort paid to marry the President’s brother then to seduce the president to get him impeached. With that being said I knew it would be a trashy romance but I do enjoy them occasionally. Even though I do enjoy trashy romance I still want a good story behind it. The ‘Sister-in-law’ was so poorly developed that it ruined the book for me. Most of the story it went into depth about how and why the main character became an escort. More than 1/2 way through you get introduced to the President’s brother. Which is okay because maybe there will be a second book finishing the story. Nope! It goes from meeting one time to a few dates to proposed/married!!! IF YOU ARE GOING TO EXPLAIN EVERY DETAIL OF WHY SHE IS WHO SHE IS THEN WHY DON’T WE GET TO SEE THE DETAILS OF THE RELATIONSHIP?!! This irritated me SO much! I felt 0 love from either end of the relationship. It all happened extremely fast. After that get married it jumps to her next goal. Seduce the President. Yet again you receive very few details. I just don’t understand it was like the author was so excited the story then was like “ehhh... I’m bored let’s finish this up”. I gave it two stars because I enjoyed the overall idea of the story and it wasn’t the worst book I’ve read. I would not recommend this book thought.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sister-In-Law by M.R. Morgan was a better read than I thought. After being raped by someone who is suppose to love, look out for, and above all, protect you. Suzanne Dahlstorm found out the hard way, that even blood will betray you. As Suzanne grows up, her beauty makes her more enchanting, enticing, and she learns to use it for her advantage. One day Suzanne is approached by one of her regulars, "How would you like to make one million dollars, cash?" All she had to do is become the sister-in-law to the next would be President of the United States. Seems simple enough, but things are not just that simple. A very intriguing ripped from the headlines story, fast paced, kept me reading. I truly felt for Suzanne and Adam McNeil.
Thank you M.R. Morgan for writing an unique, captivating, and one that kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was much going on in this book and not in a good way. We learn early on that our protagonist, Suzanne, had been brutally attacked in the first chapter, how beautiful she was, how men couldn't keep their hands or eyes off of her...in the first chapter. And in every chapter after that. We got it on one, thanks!

I had to put this down several times because I just could not get into it. I'm a completist so I finished it up. There's conspiracy, assault, love, sex, it was all over the place. The best friend is described as a sister figure, but yet Suzanne has sex with her. She falls in love with a man and claims living as a call girl helped her to overcome her trauma and care about men...WHAT!!!

The ending was wrapped up in a pretty little bow, very quickly, not convincingly. Way too pat and not satisfying. Storytelling is about creating an atmosphere and growing with your characters, taking a journey with them. I didn't even want to be on the same sidewalk.

I gave it two stars due to being jolted back into reality again and again. Being told instead of shown. It wanted to be edgy and then was dull.

Provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.