Before the Cozy Read: The Illusion of Power (Passion and Politics #1) by J.L. Seegars

Okay bestie, let me be real with you — if you’re looking for a book that’ll have you up at 2am whispering “just one more chapter” while your tea goes cold and your blanket is halfway on the floor… this is that book.

The Basics

📘 Title: The Illusion of Power: Passion and Politics #1
✍🏾 Author: J.L. Seegars
💞 Tropes: Why Choose (MMF), Slow Burn, Protector, Cheating, Political Drama, Stalking, Kidnapping, Gun Violence
🕯️ Reading Vibe: Cliffhanger chaos… but oh, it’s so worth it.

What Pulled Me In

It started with the promise of politics and power plays… and then I realized it was way more than that. Think Scandal meets a dark, emotional romance with bodyguards who look like they bench-press presidential SUVs. 👀
From the first few chapters, I knew I was about to be emotionally wrecked in the best way. The tension, the secrecy, the what are you doing, girl?! moments—it’s the kind of storytelling that makes your heart race and your brain yell.

The Vibe Check (Spoiler-Free)

This book feels like watching Scandal and shouting at your TV while eating popcorn. You know something wild’s coming, but you just can’t look away. The plot twists? The emotions? The cliffhanger? My jaw was on the floor and my Kindle was judging me for how fast I was flipping pages.

Perfect For Readers Who…

• Love a spicy, high-stakes Why Choose romance (because choosing is overrated 😌)

• Want a mix of politics, suspense, and heartbreak

• Enjoy characters who make you say, “girl… why?!” and then immediately, “okay but I get it”

Cozy Pre-Read Rating:

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️ out of 5 candles (my blanket fort is already reserved for part two).

Final Thoughts

This book will have you questioning just how far your main girl Selene will go to protect her peace, her heart, and her freedom. It’s a slow burn that turns blazing once it hits. Oh—and the spice? 🔥 Top tier. You might need a fan. Or two.

Ready to unpack the chaos, the cliffhanger, and that ending?
👉 Head over to After The Cozy Read: The Illusion of Power — spoilers and spice await.