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The Senator's Wife #1
The Senator's Wife
Two Women. Two Worlds. One Love Worth Risking it All.
When professional soccer player Alex Grey goes on a vacation to the local South Carolina islands, she isn't anticipating any life-changing events. Just a relaxing weekend to prepare for the upcoming season. But that quickly changes when she finds herself the lone witness to a sailing accident and makes the decision to risk her own life to save a drowning woman—unwittingly coming to the rescue of a U.S. senator's wife, Catharine Cleveland.
Despite the vast disparity between their worlds, the two women find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another after the near-catastrophic afternoon. Following a series of interactions from the soccer fields of Portland, to the Marina District of San Francisco Bay, and the cutthroat political circle of Washington, D.C., they find their friendship growing, transforming into an attraction neither woman can deny.
Nor an attraction either woman can comfortably embrace.
As the magnetism of their connection grows, both women are forced to decide if the pursuit of love is worth the cost while living under the scrutiny of the public eye.
The Senator's Wife is Book One in a three book series.
When professional soccer player Alex Grey goes on a vacation to the local South Carolina islands, she isn't anticipating any life-changing events. Just a relaxing weekend to prepare for the upcoming season. But that quickly changes when she finds herself the lone witness to a sailing accident and makes the decision to risk her own life to save a drowning woman—unwittingly coming to the rescue of a U.S. senator's wife, Catharine Cleveland.
Despite the vast disparity between their worlds, the two women find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another after the near-catastrophic afternoon. Following a series of interactions from the soccer fields of Portland, to the Marina District of San Francisco Bay, and the cutthroat political circle of Washington, D.C., they find their friendship growing, transforming into an attraction neither woman can deny.
Nor an attraction either woman can comfortably embrace.
As the magnetism of their connection grows, both women are forced to decide if the pursuit of love is worth the cost while living under the scrutiny of the public eye.
The Senator's Wife is Book One in a three book series.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2023
729 people are currently reading
4795 people want to read
About the author
Jen Lyon
5 books1,001 followersJen Lyon is an avid lover of sports, travel, theatre, and the ocean. When she isn’t writing, Jen can be found sailing, browsing the shelves of her local bookstore, cheering ardently at an NWSL soccer match, or training horses at her Southern California horse ranch, where she lives with her wife, Donna, and their dogs and horses.
Follow Jen on IG @jenlyonauthor where she unapologetically spams her page with photos of her corgis, dachshund, horses and obscenely large Maine Coon cats.
Follow Jen on IG @jenlyonauthor where she unapologetically spams her page with photos of her corgis, dachshund, horses and obscenely large Maine Coon cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 581 reviews
April 11, 2023
This book kept me up for two days straight.
I don't read reviews before I read books because I don't want to ruin anything for myself. But in this case I wish I had. I would have seen that several nights of insomnia were in store.
All kidding aside, this book is gorgeous. I've read a lot of fiction in the women loving women genre, and I think this book may take the cake.
Browsing some of the reviews before making sense of what I wanted to write, I can see why some readers would not love this book. It is not a book in the feel-good-light-and-fluffy romance spectrum. This book is deep. It is intense with a capital I. It is high angst. It is definitely not for someone looking for a light read or who is sensitive to fretfulness.
There is a scene of domestic violence that may be off putting to some readers. Not graphic or gruesome, but heartbreaking and real and very prominent to the story. It broke my heart and made me root for Catherine all the more.
One of the things I loved is that the main protagonist, an exceptionally wealthy businesswoman with a proper English upbringing and deep family roots in money and class, isn't just lollypops and butterflies. She has numerous struggles in her life that are relatable and heart wrenching and it leaves the reader wanting to see her find her happily-ever-after. It speaks to the real life scenario that money and class does not exclude a person from controlling situations, domestic violence, unhappy marriages, etc.
I wouldn't classify the book as romance, but more as beautiful literary fiction with a lesbian storyline, which tells a compelling and touching love story.
As others have pointed out, it isn't in the classic lesbian trope so many books are currently following. It feels so much realer than that. It is poignant. Heartbreaking. It had moments that made me laugh out loud and others that brought me close to tears. I went on the full run for the gamut of emotions, which is the best compliment I can possibly give a book. It made me feel everything. And I bought the second book in the series the moment this one concluded.
Ms. Lyon is a beautiful storyteller, with a tight grasp on eloquent language, and an even better talent for reaching into her characters and showing you their hearts and souls.
I look very forward to reading more of her work in the future. What a ride this series has already been.
I don't read reviews before I read books because I don't want to ruin anything for myself. But in this case I wish I had. I would have seen that several nights of insomnia were in store.
All kidding aside, this book is gorgeous. I've read a lot of fiction in the women loving women genre, and I think this book may take the cake.
Browsing some of the reviews before making sense of what I wanted to write, I can see why some readers would not love this book. It is not a book in the feel-good-light-and-fluffy romance spectrum. This book is deep. It is intense with a capital I. It is high angst. It is definitely not for someone looking for a light read or who is sensitive to fretfulness.
There is a scene of domestic violence that may be off putting to some readers. Not graphic or gruesome, but heartbreaking and real and very prominent to the story. It broke my heart and made me root for Catherine all the more.
One of the things I loved is that the main protagonist, an exceptionally wealthy businesswoman with a proper English upbringing and deep family roots in money and class, isn't just lollypops and butterflies. She has numerous struggles in her life that are relatable and heart wrenching and it leaves the reader wanting to see her find her happily-ever-after. It speaks to the real life scenario that money and class does not exclude a person from controlling situations, domestic violence, unhappy marriages, etc.
I wouldn't classify the book as romance, but more as beautiful literary fiction with a lesbian storyline, which tells a compelling and touching love story.
As others have pointed out, it isn't in the classic lesbian trope so many books are currently following. It feels so much realer than that. It is poignant. Heartbreaking. It had moments that made me laugh out loud and others that brought me close to tears. I went on the full run for the gamut of emotions, which is the best compliment I can possibly give a book. It made me feel everything. And I bought the second book in the series the moment this one concluded.
Ms. Lyon is a beautiful storyteller, with a tight grasp on eloquent language, and an even better talent for reaching into her characters and showing you their hearts and souls.
I look very forward to reading more of her work in the future. What a ride this series has already been.
June 5, 2023
**'In your barely conscious mind with all your ideas, you have to shuffle them around, think about what is worth going on paper, even work your ideas over and over long before you as a storyteller has the surety to begin writing that story..'
3.5stars!
A somewhat enjoyable and at times uncomfortable storyline.
::- have to give myself a reprieve from checking out book #2!!
3.5stars!
A somewhat enjoyable and at times uncomfortable storyline.
::- have to give myself a reprieve from checking out book #2!!
July 14, 2023
Alex Grey’s life is all about soccer and her best friend Caleb. That is until she risks her life to save a woman in a sailing accident. Catherine is the reluctant wife of an American senator. She has disconnected from her true self to fulfill a promise to her father and a commitment to her husband. Catherine’s self imposed walls begin to crack upon meeting Alex and Alex begins questioning her attraction to this woman.
I am positively ecstatic to learn The Senator’s Wife is the first in a series of three books. Lyon lays out a lot of ground work for the series in a captivating story of how they met and became lovers. There is a rather large age gap as well as a huge socio-economic chasm between the women which Lyon effectively addresses and reduces to a nonissue.
I am a rapid reader normally yet I found myself slowing to a crawl as I enjoyed Lyon’s use of language. Her words and phrasing swirled deliciously on my palate as the characters and the story came to life for me. There is no better reading experience than to find an author who captures your emotional imagination with a uniqueness of style and a quality of writing which far exceeds any expectations.
This is a book that I enthusiastically recommend and am adding to my top 10 books of this year.
I am positively ecstatic to learn The Senator’s Wife is the first in a series of three books. Lyon lays out a lot of ground work for the series in a captivating story of how they met and became lovers. There is a rather large age gap as well as a huge socio-economic chasm between the women which Lyon effectively addresses and reduces to a nonissue.
I am a rapid reader normally yet I found myself slowing to a crawl as I enjoyed Lyon’s use of language. Her words and phrasing swirled deliciously on my palate as the characters and the story came to life for me. There is no better reading experience than to find an author who captures your emotional imagination with a uniqueness of style and a quality of writing which far exceeds any expectations.
This is a book that I enthusiastically recommend and am adding to my top 10 books of this year.
June 12, 2023
This book was everything! I devoured it in less than a day and then regretted reading it so quickly. But it was almost impossible to set down. As a part-romance, part-drama, this checked off a lot of boxes for me. I loved that there was an intricately developed story instead of just 'meet, fall in love, hop in bed.' The characters were well rounded, carefully developed and I really enjoyed the arc of both mains. I found the writing beautifully engaging and very well done, which is a welcome surprise in an independently published book. The use of language was lovely and refreshing.
I love sports but don't know much about football (soccer for the Americans), but I came out loving the game. I fell totally in love with all the characters, not just the mains, and was rooting for a happy ending. Since the book is part of a series, I enjoyed the ending that left me immediately ready to move to the next book. The author's attention to detail was impeccable and well crafted while still making the book easy to read.
The only negative I can come up with is that I would have loved a little more length to the sex scenes, but the lead up to them is still gorgeously written. I can say four chapters into the second book and I am already seeing a difference in the way the romantic scenes are depicted in that book, so that is promising. :D
But in all, well done. A definite five star from me. I jumped right into the next book in the series. I'd recommend both to anyone at this point and am excited for a third book to follow. This is everything we need in the WLW genre.
I love sports but don't know much about football (soccer for the Americans), but I came out loving the game. I fell totally in love with all the characters, not just the mains, and was rooting for a happy ending. Since the book is part of a series, I enjoyed the ending that left me immediately ready to move to the next book. The author's attention to detail was impeccable and well crafted while still making the book easy to read.
The only negative I can come up with is that I would have loved a little more length to the sex scenes, but the lead up to them is still gorgeously written. I can say four chapters into the second book and I am already seeing a difference in the way the romantic scenes are depicted in that book, so that is promising. :D
But in all, well done. A definite five star from me. I jumped right into the next book in the series. I'd recommend both to anyone at this point and am excited for a third book to follow. This is everything we need in the WLW genre.
July 18, 2023
I am blown away by this book. Initially drawn in by the book cover/blurb I thought soccer, romance and politics seemed an interesting combination but I soon realized that I would have to find better words to describe how I feel about this book.
Fate works in mysterious ways. Who knew that a trip to the Carolina Island would impact four individuals: Alex, her best buddy Caleb, Catharine and her husband Carlton. When Alex Grey makes a split second decision to swim to the aid of a capsized sailor she has no idea how her life will be forever changed. With Caleb's help, they make their way to the house where the woman is staying. The surroundings are opulent but cold and they are quickly dismissed and shown the door. It is at a follow up thank you dinner that Alex and Caleb realize that they are in Cleveland Manor and the woman saved from drowning is Catharine, wife of Senator Cleveland.
Catharine is written as a transplanted English woman, CEO of one of the world's largest shipping companies. Warm yet aloof - an accomplished older woman. Alex is the unassuming soccer star. No bravado. Her love for soccer evident. Two women and what will become over time an undeniable attraction. We learn of the depths of the friendship between Caleb and Alex and the roots to the Cleveland marriage. Soccer plays a part skillfully woven into the storyline along with political machinations, blackmail, intrigue and abuse. Frustration, jealousy, doubts, steely resolve, wonder, prejudice and ultimately passion fill the pages. I loved and hated characters with equal measure, my emotions tied up in the storyline.
Lyon's writing compelled me to keep reading through the night to the end. Now bleary eyed, I eagerly await book 2 and recommend The Senator's Wife with 5 stars.
This book is a gem waiting to be discovered.
Fate works in mysterious ways. Who knew that a trip to the Carolina Island would impact four individuals: Alex, her best buddy Caleb, Catharine and her husband Carlton. When Alex Grey makes a split second decision to swim to the aid of a capsized sailor she has no idea how her life will be forever changed. With Caleb's help, they make their way to the house where the woman is staying. The surroundings are opulent but cold and they are quickly dismissed and shown the door. It is at a follow up thank you dinner that Alex and Caleb realize that they are in Cleveland Manor and the woman saved from drowning is Catharine, wife of Senator Cleveland.
Catharine is written as a transplanted English woman, CEO of one of the world's largest shipping companies. Warm yet aloof - an accomplished older woman. Alex is the unassuming soccer star. No bravado. Her love for soccer evident. Two women and what will become over time an undeniable attraction. We learn of the depths of the friendship between Caleb and Alex and the roots to the Cleveland marriage. Soccer plays a part skillfully woven into the storyline along with political machinations, blackmail, intrigue and abuse. Frustration, jealousy, doubts, steely resolve, wonder, prejudice and ultimately passion fill the pages. I loved and hated characters with equal measure, my emotions tied up in the storyline.
Lyon's writing compelled me to keep reading through the night to the end. Now bleary eyed, I eagerly await book 2 and recommend The Senator's Wife with 5 stars.
This book is a gem waiting to be discovered.
September 27, 2023
Updated after audiobook listen: I loved the audiobook just as much - if not more! Because Abby can perform angst, longing and emotional stuff like nobody's business. And what she did with the villains who I wanted to strangle with my bare hands! So, so good. A killer, but amazing.
Original review of ebook:
MY GOD, this book! It's thrilling when you read something this special, knowing more is to come.
On the surface it would seem that wealthy, accomplished businesswoman Catharine Cleveland would have little in common with professional soccer player-on-the-rise Alex Grey. Their lives are so diametrically opposed that their paths may never have crossed if not for that fateful day Alex pulled Catharine from the water after a boating accident. And yet something begins grow between them that neither can deny. But it seems so impossible. Catharine is in a loveless arranged marriage with a United States Senator and Alex is completely focused on her career goal - making the US National Team. Enter the unstoppable force. The heart wants what it wants.
This story is so beautifully written and I absolutely love the mains - especially Catharine. How can you NOT fall in love with her?!? She's such a complex character. To avoid her miserable home life, she primarily focuses on growing her family's wildly successful shipping business that she hopes take over one day. She is older than Alex by well over a decade and has settled into a life she didn't want, but is making the best of. She has an eclectic group of friends and is refreshingly down to earth and likable - not what you would expect of someone of her wealth and status. Alex is making a real name for herself in women's soccer, and at age 27 her dream is finally within reach.
But one wrong move can ruin them both.
While I could go on about intriguing - and villainous - secondary characters, I won't. Just know that this is a book that needs to be experienced.
With all the incredible work that has been released these last few years, I am convinced we are living in something of a sapphic fiction renaissance. The quality of what is available now - many by new authors with fresh voices such as Lyon - is truly outstanding. While it's just March, I wouldn't be at all surprised to find this on my Best of 2023 shortlist at year's end. Bravo! Bring on book two!
Original review of ebook:
MY GOD, this book! It's thrilling when you read something this special, knowing more is to come.
On the surface it would seem that wealthy, accomplished businesswoman Catharine Cleveland would have little in common with professional soccer player-on-the-rise Alex Grey. Their lives are so diametrically opposed that their paths may never have crossed if not for that fateful day Alex pulled Catharine from the water after a boating accident. And yet something begins grow between them that neither can deny. But it seems so impossible. Catharine is in a loveless arranged marriage with a United States Senator and Alex is completely focused on her career goal - making the US National Team. Enter the unstoppable force. The heart wants what it wants.
This story is so beautifully written and I absolutely love the mains - especially Catharine. How can you NOT fall in love with her?!? She's such a complex character. To avoid her miserable home life, she primarily focuses on growing her family's wildly successful shipping business that she hopes take over one day. She is older than Alex by well over a decade and has settled into a life she didn't want, but is making the best of. She has an eclectic group of friends and is refreshingly down to earth and likable - not what you would expect of someone of her wealth and status. Alex is making a real name for herself in women's soccer, and at age 27 her dream is finally within reach.
But one wrong move can ruin them both.
While I could go on about intriguing - and villainous - secondary characters, I won't. Just know that this is a book that needs to be experienced.
With all the incredible work that has been released these last few years, I am convinced we are living in something of a sapphic fiction renaissance. The quality of what is available now - many by new authors with fresh voices such as Lyon - is truly outstanding. While it's just March, I wouldn't be at all surprised to find this on my Best of 2023 shortlist at year's end. Bravo! Bring on book two!
March 24, 2023
Phenomenal!!!!
February 21, 2023
4.75 Stars - Nearly perfect
I’m pretty sure this is her debut novel and if so Jen Lyon is going to be an author to watch. Her writing is excellent. The characters are interesting. The story is exciting and anxiety inducing.
All that being said, there were a few bumps for me as far as trying to wrap my head around the fact that Catherine is a high powered executive/owner of a billion dollar worldwide company and yet is still somewhat under the thumb of her husband who treats her like crap and she puts up with it. I can kind of understand it but I guess I just needed the author to really explain it to me like I’m a three year old. Also the sex scene are fade to black 😭 Grrr. There are a couple other things that are really just nitpicks that I’m just gonna keep to myself because I have a feeling that most other people they wouldn’t bother at all.
But regardless, she’s got me hooked on the story and it’s going to be a hell of a ride in the next two books. I can’t wait to see Carlton destroyed as he deserves. Please please please let him be destroyed.
CW for on screen extreme homophobia and on screen domestic violence.
Shelved: Kindle unlimited, rich girl/poor girl, not so straight, sapphic romance, fade to black, angst, sneaking around, Carlton must be destroyed, oh my God ladies please be careful
I’m pretty sure this is her debut novel and if so Jen Lyon is going to be an author to watch. Her writing is excellent. The characters are interesting. The story is exciting and anxiety inducing.
All that being said, there were a few bumps for me as far as trying to wrap my head around the fact that Catherine is a high powered executive/owner of a billion dollar worldwide company and yet is still somewhat under the thumb of her husband who treats her like crap and she puts up with it. I can kind of understand it but I guess I just needed the author to really explain it to me like I’m a three year old. Also the sex scene are fade to black 😭 Grrr. There are a couple other things that are really just nitpicks that I’m just gonna keep to myself because I have a feeling that most other people they wouldn’t bother at all.
But regardless, she’s got me hooked on the story and it’s going to be a hell of a ride in the next two books. I can’t wait to see Carlton destroyed as he deserves. Please please please let him be destroyed.
CW for on screen extreme homophobia and on screen domestic violence.
Shelved: Kindle unlimited, rich girl/poor girl, not so straight, sapphic romance, fade to black, angst, sneaking around, Carlton must be destroyed, oh my God ladies please be careful
February 3, 2023
I had the pleasure of beta reading this novel prior to its release. I love a good slow burn romance, and this one is exceptional. The story captivated me from start to finish and I was absolutely in love with both Catharine and Alex. I am just beginning to beta read book two in the series and I can't wait to see where it goes. The writing is beautiful. But the storytelling is even better. Definitely a must read!
February 25, 2023
I’m speechless. This book was everything. It was written to perfection and I was completely emotionally invested. My heart broke, I was so angry, there were many tears, I laughed, and my heart was put back together again. I cannot recommend this book enough. Easily top 3 books I’ve read so far in 2023.
I’m so glad it’s going to be a series and can’t wait to read the next one.
I’m so glad it’s going to be a series and can’t wait to read the next one.
March 20, 2023
I really liked this one, both Alex and Catherine are great characters. They each have had difficult lives, Catherine especially, and their love for each other is very special.
Jen Lyon did a fantastic job as a debit author with her writing and bringing out all the emotions and thoughts that each mc had.
I’m excited for the next two books in the series.
Jen Lyon did a fantastic job as a debit author with her writing and bringing out all the emotions and thoughts that each mc had.
I’m excited for the next two books in the series.
February 16, 2023
I have mixed feelings on this one. I am all for the longer books and tend to love them as they keep my attention and tend to not have that instant love I see so much. I love to see more character and relationship development in the lead up and this definitely is on the longer side with ample opportunity to do both. It felt like the characters did not really interact too much with each other though so I missed that build up of the relationship here but there was some good character development, especially for Alex. The history of both characters was very well thought out and described and I liked having that background set up but I couldn't get a sense of how they felt about their current situation. I also felt like their communication with each other was severely lacking and they went right to the 'I love you' after just a few interactions. The hold ups on Catharine's side aren't detailed enough to make me feel like her situation is unescapable too and sometimes felt like it was drawn out for no reason. One other thing that really bugged me is how everyone is referred to by their last name. Catharine even refers to her best friend as Ms. Comtois and it just makes everything so formal and I couldn't understand how Alex and Catharine jumped in so quickly together. I did love the writing and now feel a bit invested in the story so I think I will still read the sequel once it is released but I do hope to see some better communication and more interaction with the MCs.
October 20, 2025
This book really drove me to despair at times! Right from the start, I was drawn deep into the story of Alex, a professional soccer player, and Catharine, the wife of a senator. What kind of power women are these two? Jesus! Alex is an absolute sports ace who knows exactly what she wants, at least when it comes to sports. On the other hand, we have Catharine, an experienced woman who runs a company but still can't escape her very influential husband.
The slow burn is very sloooow and requires a lot of patience. The back and forth in this relationship is delightful, even if it's not always easy to endure. Some of the decisions that are made may be questionable, but they make perfect sense in the overall context of the book. I also realized once again that I really like age gap love stories! It brings a whole different balance to the story.
The chemistry was great, and the long slow burn built up endless tension. But I should mention that there aren't really any spice scenes here.
I really enjoyed the first book and will read the other two parts soon, as I naturally want to know how Alex and Catharine will manage their relationship. Especially with Catharine's husband. I expect a lot of drama!
Highly recommended!
The slow burn is very sloooow and requires a lot of patience. The back and forth in this relationship is delightful, even if it's not always easy to endure. Some of the decisions that are made may be questionable, but they make perfect sense in the overall context of the book. I also realized once again that I really like age gap love stories! It brings a whole different balance to the story.
The chemistry was great, and the long slow burn built up endless tension. But I should mention that there aren't really any spice scenes here.
I really enjoyed the first book and will read the other two parts soon, as I naturally want to know how Alex and Catharine will manage their relationship. Especially with Catharine's husband. I expect a lot of drama!
Highly recommended!
May 10, 2023
Didn't realize this book would have a cliffie ending of sorts so on to the next. Enjoyable read with over the top bad men and hard put upon women. The author could have used her thesaurus a bit less often but overall, I am all in on the romance between NWSL star Alex and the business titan and long suffering senator's wife Catherine.
August 20, 2024
Once again I find myself alone in a sea of 4-5 star reviews from my ff romance reading GR friends haha.
In The Senator's Wife, Alex Grey, a female soccer athlete rescues the drowning wife of a Republican senator, Catherine Cleveland, who is also an heiress to a global shipping empire. Catherine's circumstances can be summed up as Lyon does here: "The perfect hostess, the politician’s wife, well-spoken but not outspoken, friendly but not warm." Alex has yet to experience her own gay awakening, made even more complicated by the fact that her childhood friend Caleb is in love with her. Alex and Catherine keep finding their way back to each other despite being from wholly separate worlds. An age-gap romance with one FL being cold and aloof usually does the trick for me (hello Lee Winter!) so I was hoping this would satisfy me.
There were plenty of times I enjoyed the writing, and this is a strong debut novel despite it not working for me. Like this memorable quote:
I will be keeping an eye out for Lyon's future works, but I don't feel compelled to read any more of Alex and Catherine's story. I have to say, I know this is a series, yet the ending was still so abrupt it about snapped my neck. I kept tapping my e-reader for the next page that wasn't there.
It was such a great premise, Alex saving Catherine from drowning should've been a perfect set up for an eventual romance. There were cute moments for sure but the overall chemistry felt off to me. We kept being told about how awkward their encounters were, which took me out of the moment rather than being the endearing kind of awkward. Alex was too obtuse for my liking and at one point I was frustrated that she couldn't come to the realization about what Catherine was going through with her husband despite supposedly being her burgeoning lover and confidant. Furthermore, the level of insecurity and self-pity emanating from her may be a deliberate choice to offset her youth and naivete from Catherine's character but man did it it hard for me to like her. For a love interest that supposedly complement's Catherine's rough edges, she wasn't a strong enough counterpart. Maybe Lyon has plans to develop her character in later books. I hope she does.
Lastly, in fairness this point may be more me than the story, but it ended up being more centered around the Senator’s oppressive conservative values and religion-based homophobia than I was expecting.
I don't prefer my MCs to be closeted in the first place, so it's no wonder why this book and I didn't see eye to eye in the end.
"...Perhaps we are tit-for-tat,” Alex returned her smile. “I saved you from drowning, and in another way, you’ve done the same for me.”
“A liberal evaluation.”
“A genuine assessment. There is more than one way to drown.”
In The Senator's Wife, Alex Grey, a female soccer athlete rescues the drowning wife of a Republican senator, Catherine Cleveland, who is also an heiress to a global shipping empire. Catherine's circumstances can be summed up as Lyon does here: "The perfect hostess, the politician’s wife, well-spoken but not outspoken, friendly but not warm." Alex has yet to experience her own gay awakening, made even more complicated by the fact that her childhood friend Caleb is in love with her. Alex and Catherine keep finding their way back to each other despite being from wholly separate worlds. An age-gap romance with one FL being cold and aloof usually does the trick for me (hello Lee Winter!) so I was hoping this would satisfy me.
There were plenty of times I enjoyed the writing, and this is a strong debut novel despite it not working for me. Like this memorable quote:
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
I will be keeping an eye out for Lyon's future works, but I don't feel compelled to read any more of Alex and Catherine's story. I have to say, I know this is a series, yet the ending was still so abrupt it about snapped my neck. I kept tapping my e-reader for the next page that wasn't there.
It was such a great premise, Alex saving Catherine from drowning should've been a perfect set up for an eventual romance. There were cute moments for sure but the overall chemistry felt off to me. We kept being told about how awkward their encounters were, which took me out of the moment rather than being the endearing kind of awkward. Alex was too obtuse for my liking and at one point I was frustrated that she couldn't come to the realization about what Catherine was going through with her husband despite supposedly being her burgeoning lover and confidant. Furthermore, the level of insecurity and self-pity emanating from her may be a deliberate choice to offset her youth and naivete from Catherine's character but man did it it hard for me to like her. For a love interest that supposedly complement's Catherine's rough edges, she wasn't a strong enough counterpart. Maybe Lyon has plans to develop her character in later books. I hope she does.
Lastly, in fairness this point may be more me than the story, but it ended up being more centered around the Senator’s oppressive conservative values and religion-based homophobia than I was expecting.
"'I'm not a lesbian, Sawyer—' Alex practically choked on the word, her face hot with humiliation, trying to find a fine line between defending herself and not insulting her friend."
I don't prefer my MCs to be closeted in the first place, so it's no wonder why this book and I didn't see eye to eye in the end.
April 1, 2024
I can't really come out with a reason as to why I kept delaying reading TSW but delay I sure did. And I sure as hell shouldn't have done that and should have just read it from the get-go cos now I realise that this is so up my alley and I can't get enough. I loved the dynamics between MCs, Catharine Cleveland and Alex Grey; all that pull-push factor, should I or shouldn't I?
Don't let me even start on the angst, the drama which can get intense… there was just a lot happening in TSW. Like really Alex, why Caleb? I mean I get the reasoning. Caleb seems pretty likeable initially but turns out to be an egotistical maniac and definitely not a likeable person over time. As for the Senator, well he is on another level of man-I-really-despised. At one point, I just wanted to throttle him cos what he did to Catharine was just so unforgivable. And Catharine, just leave the damn man already! You deserved so much more than him!
Can't wait to dive into book 2 and see what happens next. I'm really rooting for Catharine to come out on top and find the happiness she so deserves.
5 ⭐
Don't let me even start on the angst, the drama which can get intense… there was just a lot happening in TSW. Like really Alex, why Caleb? I mean I get the reasoning. Caleb seems pretty likeable initially but turns out to be an egotistical maniac and definitely not a likeable person over time. As for the Senator, well he is on another level of man-I-really-despised. At one point, I just wanted to throttle him cos what he did to Catharine was just so unforgivable. And Catharine, just leave the damn man already! You deserved so much more than him!
Can't wait to dive into book 2 and see what happens next. I'm really rooting for Catharine to come out on top and find the happiness she so deserves.
5 ⭐
November 4, 2024
DNFing this one.
I'm so disappointed with this book. The first thing that struck me is how incredibly unbelievable the evil men are. Over the top. And the whole Southern culture thing seems like it belongs in the 1950s. I'm not from the south so I can only assume but it was cringe worthy.
The biggest issue is the use of wrong words and made up words. Regress is not the same as repress. There are loads of examples but that's the last one I read before tossing my phone and giving up.
I usually check the 1-star reviews to see if the issues have to do with use of the English language and editing but I didn't this time and it cost me time and money. I picked up The Senator's Wife on sale on Audible and am stuck with it now. And then to find out that this was clearly a long book that's been split in two makes me even madder because while I might be able to struggle through one, I don't think I can do two.
So if editing matters to you, keep browsing.
I'm so disappointed with this book. The first thing that struck me is how incredibly unbelievable the evil men are. Over the top. And the whole Southern culture thing seems like it belongs in the 1950s. I'm not from the south so I can only assume but it was cringe worthy.
The biggest issue is the use of wrong words and made up words. Regress is not the same as repress. There are loads of examples but that's the last one I read before tossing my phone and giving up.
I usually check the 1-star reviews to see if the issues have to do with use of the English language and editing but I didn't this time and it cost me time and money. I picked up The Senator's Wife on sale on Audible and am stuck with it now. And then to find out that this was clearly a long book that's been split in two makes me even madder because while I might be able to struggle through one, I don't think I can do two.
So if editing matters to you, keep browsing.
November 25, 2023
Love love love!
February 2, 2024
4.5⭐.
Last year I saw Jen Lyon's books everywhere, but I waited for the whole series to be out to dive in. One thing is certain: Lyon knows how to pull readers in. Her writing is immersive: descriptive but not overly so, and her characters are three-dimensional. There are so many reasons why Catharine and Alex shouldn't be together: Catharine being married to, let's say it, a monster, her deal with her father, Alex's moral clause. They are surrounded by toxic patriarchy and homophobia. And yet, fate brings them together, and there is an invisible string that pulls them toward one another. Some decisions are made out of fear, some were infuriating, but strength and bravery are not givens for everyone. Lyon didn't shy away from hard but necessary scenes, one of which gave me nausea, and I applaud her for it.
There were some things that weren't perfect for me. With the exception of Sawyer, none of the side characters grabbed my heart. It's a given that Carlton and Caleb exist to be hated, Nathalie is as endearing as she is annoying, and may I add, has the worst English accent (despite studying in England and starring in English-speaking productions). Amelia's line in the car, drunk or not, was so tacky. Also, I was disappointed in Alex's reaction when she learned about Catherine being a victim of violence. I was expecting rage and protectiveness, but she was almost detached. Still, I am 100% committed to Catherine and Alex's story. So much chemistry without them even being together, so much angst. I look forward to seeing these two characters find justice,strength and happiness
Last year I saw Jen Lyon's books everywhere, but I waited for the whole series to be out to dive in. One thing is certain: Lyon knows how to pull readers in. Her writing is immersive: descriptive but not overly so, and her characters are three-dimensional. There are so many reasons why Catharine and Alex shouldn't be together: Catharine being married to, let's say it, a monster, her deal with her father, Alex's moral clause. They are surrounded by toxic patriarchy and homophobia. And yet, fate brings them together, and there is an invisible string that pulls them toward one another. Some decisions are made out of fear, some were infuriating, but strength and bravery are not givens for everyone. Lyon didn't shy away from hard but necessary scenes, one of which gave me nausea, and I applaud her for it.
There were some things that weren't perfect for me. With the exception of Sawyer, none of the side characters grabbed my heart. It's a given that Carlton and Caleb exist to be hated, Nathalie is as endearing as she is annoying, and may I add, has the worst English accent (despite studying in England and starring in English-speaking productions). Amelia's line in the car, drunk or not, was so tacky. Also, I was disappointed in Alex's reaction when she learned about Catherine being a victim of violence. I was expecting rage and protectiveness, but she was almost detached. Still, I am 100% committed to Catherine and Alex's story. So much chemistry without them even being together, so much angst. I look forward to seeing these two characters find justice,strength and happiness
April 27, 2023
I LOVED this slowburn! But... be aware that while the girls do get together, of course, we only reach the early days of their nascent relationship. Book 2 is out now, and I see there will be a book 3.
Which is super news for me since I enjoeyd the MCs so much. They both made me laugh, cry, sigh, and want to shake them into sense!!
Be aware there is a scene that includes violence; it's written tastefully--if that's the right word--but the actuality of it made me so angry I was spitting, at least metaphorically, at the perpetrator.
Which showed me I was FULLY engaged with the characters and events. I LOVED The Senator's Wife, one of my top 5 reads this year. And I can't wait to get into book 2. (Altho I've got some good ones, heopfully great ones to get to first.)
Which is super news for me since I enjoeyd the MCs so much. They both made me laugh, cry, sigh, and want to shake them into sense!!
Be aware there is a scene that includes violence; it's written tastefully--if that's the right word--but the actuality of it made me so angry I was spitting, at least metaphorically, at the perpetrator.
Which showed me I was FULLY engaged with the characters and events. I LOVED The Senator's Wife, one of my top 5 reads this year. And I can't wait to get into book 2. (Altho I've got some good ones, heopfully great ones to get to first.)
July 12, 2023
So confused by all the good rating .. boring, slow, uneventful, lame. The premise had the potential to be better. Don’t waste your time on this.
September 19, 2023
this slowburn was SO painful yet so good
April 8, 2023
2.5 ⭐️ I decided to bump this up my TBR and read it as soon as possible because of the raving reviews it has been garnering, especially after the release of Book 2 recently.
'The Senator's Wife' by Jen Lyon features an age-gap romance between Catharine Brooks, a successful British businesswoman and "the senator's wife," and Alex Grey, a celebrity soccer player. With this trope, I thought I would love it from the get-go, but boy was I wrong.
This is definitely an angsty novel. And to me, the amount of angst—mostly rooted in misogyny, homophobia, and domestic abuse—was beyond upsetting. On more than one occasion, it made me want to hurl my phone across the room, or to read another book and just never come back to it. I should have just done the latter, but here I am.
Also, all the talks related to soccer failed to engage me. Despite not being big on sports, I often find myself loving sport romances. But not this time—sadly. Perhaps I was too furious and frustrated to care about soccer? Still, for some reason, I was able to power through. Perhaps because the chemistry and the attraction between Catharine and Alex was still good enough for me?
Anyway, the narrative between the two women did pick up eventually, albeit oh-so-slightly, in the final half of the book—ending with enormous loose ends that hopefully will be addressed in Books 2 and 3.
That said, I, however, don't think I want to stay and deal with the angst this series will further provide. I don't think I can cope with the stress caused by the jerks—the men—in this story for another book or two. The extreme amount of misogyny, abuse, and homophobia throughout is just too much for me. I even thought of dropping it again even when I was already at 90% of the story. It managed to be rage-inducing until its last chapters. I don't think seeing the jerks punished for their crap will be worth the stress and anger that I'm sure to encounter in the sequels.
'The Senator's Wife' by Jen Lyon features an age-gap romance between Catharine Brooks, a successful British businesswoman and "the senator's wife," and Alex Grey, a celebrity soccer player. With this trope, I thought I would love it from the get-go, but boy was I wrong.
This is definitely an angsty novel. And to me, the amount of angst—mostly rooted in misogyny, homophobia, and domestic abuse—was beyond upsetting. On more than one occasion, it made me want to hurl my phone across the room, or to read another book and just never come back to it. I should have just done the latter, but here I am.
Also, all the talks related to soccer failed to engage me. Despite not being big on sports, I often find myself loving sport romances. But not this time—sadly. Perhaps I was too furious and frustrated to care about soccer? Still, for some reason, I was able to power through. Perhaps because the chemistry and the attraction between Catharine and Alex was still good enough for me?
Anyway, the narrative between the two women did pick up eventually, albeit oh-so-slightly, in the final half of the book—ending with enormous loose ends that hopefully will be addressed in Books 2 and 3.
That said, I, however, don't think I want to stay and deal with the angst this series will further provide. I don't think I can cope with the stress caused by the jerks—the men—in this story for another book or two. The extreme amount of misogyny, abuse, and homophobia throughout is just too much for me. I even thought of dropping it again even when I was already at 90% of the story. It managed to be rage-inducing until its last chapters. I don't think seeing the jerks punished for their crap will be worth the stress and anger that I'm sure to encounter in the sequels.
February 20, 2024
I ended up enjoying this a lot more than I initially thought that I would. Mostly due to really loving both the MCs and their dynamic. I particularly really loved Catherine, and also really related personally a bit to Alex. I haaaaate both the men in their lives, but the narrative wants me too, lol. Overall I enjoyed the other side characters and their friendships, except Amelia kind of ended up rubbing me the wrong way. I was sort of bummed about the fade to black sex scenes, but if that’s something you enjoy, it seems to be consistent here. I’m popping right into the sequel, though I feel it’s gonna get angst and horrible before anything gets better.
I listened to the audiobook and Abby Craden is fantastic as always. Accents aren’t her strong suit, and there were a lot of different ones here, and I thought she actually got into a pretty good rhythm and held herself pretty well—I ended up loving Catherine’s voice. The French and Natalie’s probably didn’t hit as well, but once you got it to it it felt less distracting and worked.
(Content warnings for domestic abuse and a potentially triggering on page scene of that abuse near the back half 80ish mark).
I listened to the audiobook and Abby Craden is fantastic as always. Accents aren’t her strong suit, and there were a lot of different ones here, and I thought she actually got into a pretty good rhythm and held herself pretty well—I ended up loving Catherine’s voice. The French and Natalie’s probably didn’t hit as well, but once you got it to it it felt less distracting and worked.
(Content warnings for domestic abuse and a potentially triggering on page scene of that abuse near the back half 80ish mark).
May 31, 2024
BRAVO! 😭❤️❤️❤️
Yet another gem of a book that seemed to align perfectly with my personal experiences, striking a chord with me and resonating on multiple levels. I loved how both Alex and Catharine break free from their oppressive, abusive relationships and navigate the complex journey of reclaiming themselves and their power, finally finding one another and discovering what real love truly is.
The story also explores the challenges of learning to trust again and navigating a healthy relationship after years of abuse. Jen Lyon captures these emotions so well, and her writing is phenomenal. There were many moments where I had to pause and let her words sink in. I'm really looking forward to seeing what’s next for Alex and Catharine in Caught Sleeping.
Yet another gem of a book that seemed to align perfectly with my personal experiences, striking a chord with me and resonating on multiple levels. I loved how both Alex and Catharine break free from their oppressive, abusive relationships and navigate the complex journey of reclaiming themselves and their power, finally finding one another and discovering what real love truly is.
The story also explores the challenges of learning to trust again and navigating a healthy relationship after years of abuse. Jen Lyon captures these emotions so well, and her writing is phenomenal. There were many moments where I had to pause and let her words sink in. I'm really looking forward to seeing what’s next for Alex and Catharine in Caught Sleeping.
June 22, 2023
I simply cannot say enough good things about this book. As a debut novel, Jen Lyon hit the nail on the head. A perfectly structured slow burn romance, you fall in love with the characters, lose yourself in the story, and though the ending is perfectly satisfying for a standalone book, I was thrilled to find out this novel is just one in a series of 3, with installment 2 releasing in the next couple of months.
If you love sapphic fiction, enjoy well-scripted love stories, or simply enjoy a relatable, beautifully written read, this book is for you. Oh, and for fans of women's soccer, this book is DEFINITELY for you. You won't regret it.
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
If you love sapphic fiction, enjoy well-scripted love stories, or simply enjoy a relatable, beautifully written read, this book is for you. Oh, and for fans of women's soccer, this book is DEFINITELY for you. You won't regret it.
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2025
3.5 rounded up.
In summary: a great story bogged down by rambling.
The story itself was wonderful, with Catherine and Alex as two great main characters whose feelings for each other gradually built into a believable romance.
However, the book was so unnecessarily long, filled with useless and long-winded descriptions and exposition. I just wanted it to get to the point already. I found myself skimming through pages at a time because they were so dragged out.
It’s such a shame. This could have been a 5 star book with some tighter editing.
I can't bring myself to read the rest of the series.
In summary: a great story bogged down by rambling.
The story itself was wonderful, with Catherine and Alex as two great main characters whose feelings for each other gradually built into a believable romance.
However, the book was so unnecessarily long, filled with useless and long-winded descriptions and exposition. I just wanted it to get to the point already. I found myself skimming through pages at a time because they were so dragged out.
It’s such a shame. This could have been a 5 star book with some tighter editing.
I can't bring myself to read the rest of the series.
December 27, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect when I start reading this book, but wow the story is interesting and beautifully written. I'm impressed, especially knowing that this is a debut novel. I liked both MCs and can't help but routing for them. I really look forward to book 2 and 3 in the series which I hope will be out soon.
Highly recommended!
26-27 Dec 2023: Re-reading Book 1 & Book 2 before reading the final installment.
March 28, 2025
5⭐️ Tragic yet beautiful, harrowing yet heartwarming. Just like the main characters, this book is complex, real and completely engaging. Exceptional.
Now I have to brace myself for book #2…
Now I have to brace myself for book #2…
April 10, 2023
This story was impeccable! Perfect!
Absolute perfection. This story was impeccable! Perfect! So well executed. I don't know what else to say. It was awesome!!! This novel must be turned into a film! I already have the two leads in mind. Jen Lyon, you are incredible at your craft. Don't ever stop ✍️! You were born for this!
Absolute perfection. This story was impeccable! Perfect! So well executed. I don't know what else to say. It was awesome!!! This novel must be turned into a film! I already have the two leads in mind. Jen Lyon, you are incredible at your craft. Don't ever stop ✍️! You were born for this!
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