Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Powerplay #1

Prince of the Press

Rate this book
Marcus Ambrose is Washington's newest political reporter, the Prince of the Press, famous for his womanizing ways. But when he lays eyes on his brother's new secretary, the Prince may have met his match, and he'll put all his talents to use to convince her to be his.

Renee Erikson might well be the loneliest woman in D.C. She spends long days working for Ambrose and Associates, and long nights taking care of her family. Sexy, charming Marcus Ambrose is the boss's brother, and strictly off-limits. Renee can't afford to lose her job or her heart.

The chase is on, and Marcus is pressing hard, will he get the girl, or give them both a world of heartache?

Included in the Anthology "Mischief Under the Mistletoe: Holiday Hotties Just Waiting To Be Unwrapped"

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2016

84 people are currently reading
423 people want to read

About the author

Selena Laurence

51 books910 followers
Romance Author | Coffee Drinker | Breaker of Tropes | Mother of Doodles

Selena Laurence is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of One of a Kind Romance. She has published books in Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. She’s also a curated contributor in non-fiction on Medium as SE Reed.

Selena lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with her family, her Goldendoodle, and Demon Cat. Her favorite city is Edinburgh, her favorite color is purple, and her favorite shoes are Converse.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
78 (29%)
4 stars
99 (37%)
3 stars
69 (25%)
2 stars
17 (6%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
May 23, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (5/23/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Marcus Ambrose is Washington's newest political reporter, the Prince of the Press, famous for his womanizing ways. But when he lays eyes on his brother's new secretary, the Prince may have met his match, and he'll put all his talents to use to convince her to be his.

Renee Erikson might well be the loneliest woman in D.C. She spends long days working for Ambrose and Associates, and long nights taking care of her family. Sexy, charming Marcus Ambrose is the boss's brother, and strictly off-limits. Renee can't afford to lose her job or her heart.

The chase is on, and Marcus is pressing hard, will he get the girl, or give them both a world of heartache?
1,217 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2018
This book was good
Profile Image for Mary Mooney.
2,542 reviews59 followers
December 25, 2016
I read and reviewed my personal copy of this book for Wicked Reads.

Marcus Ambrose is a political reporter and after paying his dues for a few years in Philly, he gets a job in D.C. with the biggest political news station in the world. And with is brother being the it man for making people big in the political arena, Marcus is in his element. But he is also famous for his womanizing ways. So when he lays eyes on Renee, his brothers new secretary, he is ready for the chase. But he may be getting more than he bargains for.
Renee Erikson owes a lot to Derek, her new boss. He has helped her with her job and with her Mom who has cancer and her younger brother who seems to be struggling with life in general since their Mom got sick. So Renee doesn't have time for a relationship especially when Marcus makes her mind turn to mush. She has to keep her wits about her when he is around.
Will Marcus think she isn't worth the trouble when he learns about her family? Will Renee be able to keep resisting Marcus or lose her job in the process? Can they both fight the attraction and the pull they feel when tragedy strikes?
I love Selena Laurence and this is a great story and it has a few chapters of The Kingmaker, Derek's story, at the end. And I am about to dive in to it.
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews34 followers
January 19, 2018
This is the first book in the Powerplay series. It is best if it read before the others in the series.

I was gifted with the next three books in audio and I remembered that I had picked up this first in the series back when it was offered as a limited time free gift on Amazon. So, I was determined to read the first one over the holiday weekend before listening to the audios in the car during my commutes in the New Year. Why did I wait to read this? Honestly, somebody should smack me for not pushing this one up my TBR list sooner!

Bad boy, Marcus, is the little brother of the Kingmaker, Derek. Sweet, over-burdened Renee is Marcus’ new secretary and off-limits. The attraction was instantaneous and the sizzle never fizzled. It’s also heart-warming in the care that both Derek and Marcus show to Renee, her family, and each other.

Yeah! Now it’s time to start those audiobooks!!


Title: PRINCE OF THE PRESS
Series: Powerplay #1
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Received from: Amazon purchase
Profile Image for MsChris1161.
487 reviews52 followers
August 14, 2020
PRINCE OF THE PRESS by Selena Laurence:
Sexy, charming, and gorgeous Marcus Ambrose loves the chase, whether it be a story or a woman, but he's never had to work very hard to catch a woman until Renee Eriksen. Renee is young, beautiful, smart... and Marcus's older brother's personal assistant and off limits. But for the first time in his life he can't walk away from a woman, if only she would stop walking away from him! I always love stories about the players being brought to heel by the right woman. Renee hooked Marcus without even trying and of course she fell hard for him too. These two had great chemistry and I especially loved the ending! Another wonderful story by Selena Laurence!! 4 stars
Profile Image for Coral.
776 reviews31 followers
September 14, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
Profile Image for Heather in FL.
2,063 reviews
April 28, 2016
This was an entertaining story, if not super long. The title makes it seem like his occupation will play a big part in the story, but it really doesn't. But it was one of those stories where the boy has played around (and kinda has a reputation for it) and the girl is just trying to do the right thing for herself and her family, and something about her makes him decide she's the one he can't live without. The only wrench in the whole thing was his brother who was her boss, who basically forbade them from dating. And of course that which is forbidden is so much more exciting, right? Only that wasn't really it... it was more like "screw what you say, she's the one for me", only he didn't actually say that, which causes problems.

An interesting intro to the series... I'll probably continue with it.
Profile Image for Pam.
401 reviews34 followers
June 11, 2016
4.5 stars!! What a great beginning to a new series; loved the characters!!
Profile Image for Traceys.
1,484 reviews72 followers
September 9, 2018
3.5 stars

A quick read with lots of intetesting elements mixed in.

Marcus is a reporter, his big bro is involved in supporting politicians. Marcus has a history of being a player, but there's something about Renee that has him trying harder to Impress.

Renee is a woman with alot on her plate, working hard for Derek, a sick mum and a troublesome teenage brother. She has no time for herself.

Marcus it's fair to say acts a bit pushy on their first meet, playing the the player he is, I actually thought I wasn't going to like him! He does improve and will grow on you. Renee needs some relief from her chaotic life and maybe Marcus is the guy for that? She has her guards up as there's not much room for anything else to go wrong in her life.

I liked the brothers relationship and I'm definitely interested to see Derek find something other than work.

This is a novella so it's a quick read, but the author shows us the characters well, and the story line keeps you interested.
2,000 reviews38 followers
January 7, 2018
When her boss's little brother decides he wants to get to know her better, things get complicated for Renee. With her Mom sick with cancer she really needs her job not to mention the health plan that's been paying for Mom's cancer treatment. She knows getting involved with Marcus is a bad idea, but he's the master of the full court press when it comes to a woman he wants, and he really wants Renee. A steam yet sweet story with a strong yet vulnerable heroine and a bad boy hero who turns out to be better than anyone knew, including himself.
Originally included in the Mischief Under the Mistletoe anthology.
Profile Image for Miss.
48 reviews
May 26, 2018
Oh Marcus.... Marcus Ambrose - little brother to Derek "Kingmaker" Ambrose - has started his career in DC political reporting and falls for his brothers secretary. A personal struggle between the brothers and a family issue for Renee doesn't pose well for their relationship. This story had me engrossed and not for one thing in particualr. It is a well written story that has you wanting to read the next one and the next. Although it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone but once you read it you will want to read the rest of them!
Profile Image for Rachel-RN.
2,424 reviews29 followers
January 1, 2018
I found myself a bit ambivalent about this one. I really didn't like Marcus and felt he was too pushy and immature (considering Renee worked for his brother). But the more it went on, he grew on me. I liked about he was supportive of her brother David. Renee had so much on her plate, but it did get better. Nice ending; I liked knowing how the mom and brother were doing.
I really did like Derek.
Profile Image for Jenny Dauksa Schaber.
668 reviews
February 3, 2017
A great beginning to a new series. I loved the political surroundings and the push and pull between both brothers and Renee. There's no triangle, but there is quite a bit of protectiveness. There was so much realism to many situations that make the characters not only relatable but also lovable and pull you deep into the story. I'm so glad that I picked this one up and cannot wait to continue on with the series.
Profile Image for M.
45 reviews
October 18, 2017
Loved it!

I unfortunately found this book after having read, Kingmaker, but that didn't matter. Once I read this one I felt I knew all the characters in the subsequent books a little better. Selena Laurence peeled back the layers of the main characters and showed that even with flaws they can find their true self and share that with the people around them.
Profile Image for Christine Jalili.
2,193 reviews44 followers
December 2, 2018
I loved this book! I actually read the second book in this series first, then ended up buying the whole series, it’s that good. Loved how charming Marcus is, but could it be that’s he’s really fallen for Renee? She’s got so much going on in her life, but can she resist Marcus? I loved that I felt their emotions and that they were so good for each other. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kavitha.
150 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2025
Liked Marcus but his brother is kind of much. Renee is different subject. It felt as if Marcus was only trying. She want him but not want him at the same time.
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
1,087 reviews21 followers
January 5, 2017
This book is so good! I downloaded it for free from Amazon and I enjoyed this novella so much that I purchased the next book in the series The Kingmaker. Prince Of The Press is the story of Marcus a newly hired political reporter in Washington D.C., his brother Derek (you will get his story in The Kingmaker) a major political consultant in D.C., and Renee, Derek's assistant. I hate when reviews get so detailed that the story is given away so the gist is Marcus meets Renee and wants to get to know her. He is one of those guys that has always gotten what he wants but not this time. Renee's plate is beyond full and Derek warns his younger brother to leave her alone. Well you know that younger brothers never listen so ... It's a great story.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
119 reviews
March 4, 2017
Prince of the press

This story was very much to my liking. So now I can't wait to read the brothers story. This is one book I'll be recommending to my friends.
Profile Image for Inflight Reads.
528 reviews30 followers
April 24, 2016
Review for MILE HIGH KINK BOOK CLUB at https://milehighkinkbookclub.com/

I just finish Prince of the Press in preparation for reading the 2nd book in the series: THE KINGMAKER.

First. I will admit that I am a sucker for romance with politics, sex and scandal. So, when I saw the cover of the book with the Lincoln Memorial I totally jumped on it. Plus, it was FREE. Score!

Every player wants a girl that is worth the change!

When the first line of the book makes you sit up straight to tuck your legs under, you know you are in for a blissful state of reading. I was expecting sex and scandal, however was pleasantly surprised when the book went in another direction. I enjoyed the characters Renee and Marcus. As a novella, the book is a quick and easy read.

It has everything I enjoy in a book – perfect meet cute, instant attraction, and sizzling chemistry both characters try to ignore. Renee Erikson is managing heavy family responsibilities with no time for dating and romance. She especially does not want to deal with a notorious playboy who wants the thrill of a chase only to kick her to the curve when he learns about her extra baggage. Marcus Ambrose is trying to prove he is not that guy! You will enjoy the energy and effort he puts in to win her heart.

It’s both heartwarming and steamy. Definitely worth reading and I’m looking forward to other stories in the series.

What’s next? The KINGMAKER (Derek Ambrose, the older brother) Review coming soon!!!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Like this review? Follow our blog at https://milehighkinkbookclub.com/
Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MileHighKink...



Profile Image for SouthernAngel.
1,618 reviews9 followers
February 15, 2017
A great introduction to a new series, although a little short on details.
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,582 reviews19 followers
April 6, 2016
What a great intro into a new series! Prince Of The Press by Selena Laurence was about a young political reporter in DC, Marcus, who immediately falls for his older brother's assistant, Renee. Of course, the brother interferes, life interferes, and Marcus is torn up because he can't get what he wants right away. Well, guess what? Marcus has to grow up a little, wise up a little, and work hard for what he wants at work and in his personal life. Good thing they muddle their way through to their HEA! Great chemistry, good lead in to the series, sweet epilogue. Can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
July 30, 2017
A young man that had one night stands in place of any relationship, catches a glimpse of a young woman, who his brother declared off limits,,as she was an employee of the brother and in a vulnerable position, trying to maintain the income to support her sick mother and younger brother.
As most things. When they are out of reach, they are the things we desire.
However, over a period of time and incidents, the womaniser became only interested in one woman, who was not interested.
Will the wolf man get caught??? You will enjoy the chase!!
I purchased this book in a set with "The Kingmaker", another really good read.
Profile Image for Jos.
1,833 reviews140 followers
May 19, 2016
4.5 Stars GREAT Start

OK, I loved this short, fast paced read! What a great and intriguing set-up for the next book and I for one cannot wait to read Derek's story. Now, why only 4.5 Stars, well for me, it was Renee's character. I really liked her a lot, I did, but her stubbornness was a put off for me. I get why she felt that way at first but then I was getting frustrated with her esp all that Marcus was doing to prove he was serious. Now, the En, the Epilogue....can you say PERFECTION:)

Loved it and hope to get even more of them in Derek's book.
502 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It is an amazing start to a series. Marcus is a hot sexy journalist, who is used to getting any woman he wants. He wants Renee, his brothers personal assistant. They try to stay away from each other, but the pull is too strong.
This is a great start to a series, I cannot wait for more. Selena Laurence has created an amazing cast of characters and and an interesting plot.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,753 reviews52 followers
April 17, 2016
Pretty simple novella to introduce Derek Ambrose, the Kingmaker of politicians. His brother is an up and coming political news reporter with a reputation as a playboy. Immediately he fixated on Renee, Derek's assistant, and won't let up. I actually felt a little sorry for having to deal with family concerns and this guy harassing her. The story was short and predictable but a good intro for the Kingmaker novel. I got my copy from the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
336 reviews
May 8, 2016
Be aware that the novella ends at the 70% mark for your Kindle!

I was pleasantly surprised by this novella, and am so glad that I picked it up as well as THE KINGMAKER when it was on sale as a pre-order promo. This book made me feel nostalgic for several things: WEST WING, NEWSROOM, and my three years living in Washington, D.C. I also now have a strong desire to read more "political" romance books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.