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A second chance romance set in the political intrigue of Washington DC.

She holds his darkest secrets…He is her deepest regret.
Teague Roberts is a Supreme Court nominee on the fast track to the nation's highest legal job. As the best friend of the President's husband, he's a favored son in Washington, and a man used to getting everything he wants. But Teague also hides a secret, and it could explode his nomination, as well as the image he's spent years crafting.

Deanna Forbes is Washington's hottest new investigative reporter, and Teague's ex-fiancee. Her history with the only man she's ever loved is complicated and filled with remorse. When she's assigned to report on his nomination, Teague knows things won't end well. Deanna could topple his house of cards.

As the confirmation hearings heat up, and sparks fly between the former lovers, they must both decide what matters more--the job or the person, ambition or heart. And when a delicate dance toward reconciliation begins, more secrets will be revealed, old betrayals will be unearthed, and two fractured souls will have one last chance at forever. In the city where deception burns bright, will Teague and Deanna rekindle their love, or flame out once and for all?

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2017

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About the author

Selena Laurence

51 books908 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.

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5 stars
58 (49%)
4 stars
47 (39%)
3 stars
9 (7%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Book Riot Community.
1,552 reviews350k followers
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November 10, 2017
Not a perfect book by any means, but a surprisingly enjoyable and emotional romance novel. Teague Roberts and Deanna Forbes were engaged to be married in college, but then Dee got cold feet and called it off. Now Teague’s nominated for the Supreme Court and Dee is a political reporter in Washington. Will these two crazy kids get back together? There are a few inconsistencies in the story that bothered me just enough that I couldn’t fall in love with this book completely, but the characters are awesome, the chemistry between Dee and Teague is burn-worthy, and the ending gave me all the feels. I’ll definitely be reading Laurence’s other books in this series.

— Tasha Brandstatter


from The Best Books We Read In June 2017: https://bookriot.com/2017/07/03/riot-...
Profile Image for Alison.
3,797 reviews149 followers
June 4, 2017
Three and a half stars.

Teague Roberts is that American dream, the black boy from the Projects who made good, his older half-brother was in a gang, his mother was unmarrried but he has overcome his disadvantages and become a wealthy successful lawyer in Washington, he is the President Jessica Hampton's nominee for the vacancy in the Supreme Court caused by the death of Supreme Court Justice Erin McKenna.

Deanna has recently moved to Washington to work as an investigative journalist for a print newspaper, specifically covering the Prseidnrtial nominee to the Supreme Court. Twelve years ago she and Teague were dating, engaged and he wanted her to move to New Haven with him while he finished law school, but her parents persuaded her that it would never work and she broke off their engagement. Deanna is the one person who knows a secret from Teague's past that could derail his candidacy.

I liked this but I didn't love it as much as the two preceding books, perhaps because Deanna liked rough sex and I find it uncomfortable to read that, I can't quite separate it from abuse in my mind - but that's my personal issue, and it wasn't super rough.

Teague had a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and probably quite justifiably in some respects, about Deanna and she was a bit of a martyr IMHO.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,118 reviews33 followers
April 8, 2017
This was one of the strongest books I have read !! The strength between these two characters is Brilliant !!

Teague dream was always to become a Supreme Court Justice but when a tragedy strike his family at a young age his mother and brother make sure he still will achieve his dream !! But in the long run who will it be hurting .. ALL of them.

Deanne had always thought her life would always include Teague but when Deanne parents interfere her dreams turn to dust.

But when they see each other years later can there still be that spark .. can they get past there bad bad break up .. can he ever trust she won't leave him again .. can he get last what her parents did .. can he thank her father for what he did for his brother .... there are a few what if's BUT I promise your heart will melt with this installment not break !!

I wish I could give more than a 5 !! Fantastic writing !!
Profile Image for Jane.
701 reviews10 followers
September 1, 2017
Loved It!

I am a really hard person to make cry reading a story. BUT, this one made me cry and it was so unexpected! I really loved that! I know, that's not what most people would consider a great story but, what I say is, if the story makes you feel something, that the best story there is! This is that story! Teague and Dee we're engaged in college but forces in there lives tore them apart. From there, both will have to except and reconcile there past in order to move forward together. If you looking for a second chance romance that will make you feel something, this is your story!!
Profile Image for Tasha.
Author 1 book122 followers
June 23, 2017
More like 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story and characters a ton, but there were some inconsistencies and issues that really bothered me. Nevertheless, the ending won me over. I plan on reading more of this author's work for sure.
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,170 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2017
Teague Roberts is a DC Attorney who has just been nominated for the Supreme Court by the President. He has worked his way up from the streets of Chicago into a prominent lawyer but unfortunately has a big secret he has been hiding from everyone close to him.

Deanna Forbes is a reporter for the Washington Sentinel and dated Teague back in college but broke up with him to appease her parents as he did not meet their criteria. Yet she has never forgotten about him and lives with regret for listening to her parents and not choosing Teague. When her boss, Brice Carter tells her that she needs to dig up dirt on Teague she is torn between her job and protecting the man she still loves.

When Deanna and Teague come face to face will they be able to put the past aside and realize they both still have feelings for each other? Will their jobs and the secrets they hold get in the way of a future together?

When Teague learns about the secret that Deanna herself has been hiding will he understand or see it as another betrayal?

This was another great book in the Power Play series. Each of these men are so unique and I love each of their stories.

I liked that Teague had worked his way up from nothing into a big success but I was still very disappointed when his race came into play a few times, especially at the airport. No matter what he accomplished he was still viewed as less. I understood why his past was hidden but at the same time it was pretty sad that they viewed it necessary at the time to do so.

I liked the growth we saw from Deanna when we learned what choices she made after she was told to split from Teague by her parents. I loved how she truly stuck to her guns in protecting those she loved and how she wasn't intimidated by others when it came to her job. I loved that she developed a relationship with Roland and how the two truly supported each other as friends.

Teague and Deanna together had so much passion and love but definitely some ups and downs. They had past mistakes to overcome and it was sad how much Teague believed he wasn't worthy of Deanna.

The ending was so bittersweet. I was super sad on one hand but I was glad what came out of it in the long run and I was glad at Teague's new appointment!

Reviewed for KFA
Profile Image for Diane.
3,099 reviews23 followers
June 13, 2017
Selena Laurence has done it again. Setting another of her exciting Powerplay novels in the high stakes atmosphere of Washington, D. C. where even a hint of scandal can destroy the lifelong dream a highly qualified candidate for the Supreme Court. This is a steep and crooked roller coaster track leading to a rocky second chance romance that explores the highly volatile subjects of race and the taboo of interracial dating. Teague and Deanna come face to face 12 years after she caved to pressure from her wealthy, white and deeply prejudiced parents and walked away from the man she loved. Her defection left him broken and bitter while Deanna has had to live with her guilt and her regret. Newly united, they face devastating and impossible consequences of those choices with a grace and dignity that I found especially riveting. It's a love story that is sinfully sexy, achingly poignant and beautifully color blind. Kudos to this amazing author!
495 reviews
May 5, 2017
Another outstanding member of this series. This is Teague Roberts and Deana's story. He's about to be nominated for the Supreme Court when Deanna walks back into his life. She's the one who broke his heart all those years ago. She also knows the secret that he's hiding.

Together again? That's the story that the book explores along with some substantial issues that they have to work through. His secret and the toll it has taken on him emotionally. Racism in the United States. Do they come through, of course, but the journey is incredible.

Selena Laurence is an amazing author and if you love romances and politics, this is the series for you.
Profile Image for The Ordinary Housewife Book Blog.
52 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2017

Despite his rough beginning, Teague is a rising star and seems to have it all-good looks, a position as one of the top attorneys in DC, and now a nomination to become the next Supreme Court Justice. However, a long-buried secret threatens to ruin it all.

Deanna hasn't seen Teague in years but now she's the reporter assigned to covering his nomination to the Supreme Court. She also knows the secret that could destroy everything he has worked for.

SCOTUS is an extremely well-written novel, the characters are well developed and I found myself quickly drawn into Teague and Deanna's lives and relationship. This was a great read, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others!
224 reviews
July 10, 2017
If you have not yet read Selena Laurence you need to make one of her books the next one you pick up !!
In SCOTUS of the Powerplay series,we have Teague's story. Teague is being tapped to be a Supreme Court Justice but at his nomination announcement he spots his ex fiancee who is now a reporter for a local newspaper and he knows she is the one person who could ruin his life long dream of being on the Supreme Court.
This book can stand along but also meshes with the other books of the series Prince of Press, The Kingmaker and POTUS.
Profile Image for Shannon Godwin.
3,218 reviews31 followers
July 26, 2017
Loved this book.Teague has always wanted to be a Supreme Court Judge Everything is right where he wants it until Deanna walks back into his life.
Deanna has a great job working at the newspaper and her job is to cover the nomination.
The quesiton is will they be able to over the past and have a future with ruining one or both of there careers? They both have secrets that could ruin each others career. How far will they go to protect one another?
This book kept me very late reading. I could not put it down. I had to know what would happen.
2,998 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2018
My favorite of the series! I just loved Dee and Teague, and I connected with them in a way that I hadn't quite with the earlier couples. I adore a good second chance romance, and this has everything I love. While the reason for the breakup could have turned me against Dee, how can you not sympathize with her when she cut out her family and made a relationship with his brother. Some parts of this story were bittersweet, but I liked the ending overall.
Profile Image for Beth.
3,057 reviews29 followers
May 28, 2018
Another good entry in the series

Enjoyable third book in the Powerplay series. The characters are well defined and the reader is able to see them as real human beings. The storyline addresses an important issue.

The situation between Deanna and her father seems too pat and there’s no mention of the mother which seems like a huge hole in the storyline.
Profile Image for M.
45 reviews
October 18, 2017
Loved it!

Real life issues, push and pull of living a life which many may deem as unworthy of such a high political office appointment only added to the dynamics of this book. Another great read from Selena Laurence.
Profile Image for Miss.
48 reviews
May 26, 2018
Emotional from start to finish. Teague Roberts worked his way up from the projects to prospective Supreme Court Justice. His past becomes his present and he comes face to face to things in his past that can cripple him. It is a powerful story. Have your kleenex close by.
2,265 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2018
SCOTUS...

A great read. Slow at times. This is Teague story from the Powerplay series. Teague unsuspected reunites with the one person that broke his heart and knows his secrets. Passionate, dramatic, secrets and angsty deception.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,142 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2017
A really good, emotional book, my favorite in this series, so far. I'm so glad I read it!
Profile Image for Jean.
490 reviews48 followers
May 11, 2017
4.5 civil stars
review to follow
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,955 reviews32 followers
October 5, 2018
SCOTUS is the fourth book in the Powerplay series. They do need to be read in the order of release.

Teague and Deanna’s story is all about emotion and secrets. It brought out more than a few tears for me. I love a good cry. I just don’t recommend it as you’re driving the turnpike! Yep, I was listening to this on Audiobook and that is not a good plan. Read the book. Read the series. Just work your schedule to avoid 70 mph when you get to book four!

What I loved the most about this series is that each book is so unique. The characters are the unifying factor. There is nothing that feels like a formula. Each couple is different and complex. Also, nobody gets the ending that you expected at the beginning. Isn’t that fun?!

I would love to read (listen to) the final book in this series.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: SCOTUS
Series: Powerplay #4
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: NSFW
Received from: Selena Laurence (as an Audible gifted copy)
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
1,137 reviews24 followers
May 1, 2017
A second chance romance set in the political intrigue of Washington DC.
Teague Roberts is a Supreme Court nominee on the fast track to the nation's highest legal job. As the best friend of the President's husband, he's a favored son in Washington, and a man used to getting everything he wants. But Teague is also a man with a secret, and it could explode his nomination, as well as the image he's spent so many years cultivating.

Deanna Forbes is Washington's newest hot investigative reporter, and Teague's ex-fiance. Her history with the only man she's ever loved is complicated and filled with remorse. When she shows up in D.C., assigned to report on his nomination, Teague knows things won't end well, because Deanna could tear down his house of cards.

As the confirmation hearings heat up, and sparks fly between the former lovers, they must both decide what matters more--the job or the person, ambition or heart. And as a delicate dance toward reconciliation begins, more secrets will be revealed, old betrayals will be unearthed, and two fractured souls will have one last chance at forever. In the city where politics burns bright, will Teague and Deanna rekindle their love, or flame out once and for all?
Profile Image for Linda.
121 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2017
I received an ARC of this book which I voluntarily reviewed.
If anyone has read any of my previous reviews then you'll know I am not one to overly gush but Oh My! I just loved this book! I am new to this series but it really didn't matter, you can just pick it up and dive right in! The dynamic between Teague and Deanna and the struggles they both go through when dealing with a multi-racial relationship is heartbreaking. Add in Teague's nomination to become a Supreme Court judge and a deep dark family secret and you have all the ingrediants for a blockbuster. I really need the rest of the series now!
1,499 reviews16 followers
April 14, 2017
Teague and Deanna have been apart for over a decade but both have managed to achieve their dreams: Teague as a big-time D.C. lawyer and the President's nominee as the newest Supreme Court Justice, and Deanna as one of D.C.'s brightest investigative journalists. Deanna is sent, unbeknownst to her, to investigate her former love. This tale is full of love, heartbreak, disappointment, honor, ethics, secrets, regret, forgiveness, loss, hope and everything in between. Will their careers keep them apart or will they get a second chance at happily ever after?
Profile Image for Rebecca Whaley.
1,765 reviews32 followers
April 17, 2017
This book was awesome! I love this series! Its like watching an episode of scandal and I love that show! Its hot as hell and full of intrigue and political machinations. You see what its like behind the doors that they don't want you to see! Loved it and really hope their more!
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
April 23, 2017
Teague and Deanna were in love and engaged but Deanna’s family pushed her to break it off with him. Teague was from the wrong side of town with different skin color from them. This sends their lives in 2 different directions until one day, they both end up in DC and cross paths again. Teague is being nominated by the President for Supreme Court decision and Deanna is the new reporter assigned to cover it. Deanna is the only person that knows all of Teague’s secrets. This was a phenomenal journey for second chance love. There is so much hurt between Teague and Deanna. Can he forgive? Will she forgive herself? This is all happening as his dream of becoming a Supreme Court justice is within his grasp. So many secrets, so many political games, all keeping you tied to this incredible story. Loved every heart pounding, sexy, passionate moment. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
244 reviews15 followers
April 26, 2017
Review originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books.

*I was provided a copy of SCOTUS by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*

If you’re looking for a romance you can really sink your teeth into, look no further than Selena Laurence’s SCOTUS. This Powerplay novel is a standalone political romance that truly packs a punch, dealing with some serious current issues like racism and political scandals and featuring an interracial couple. It’s an emotional second-chance romance that will keep you turning the pages right up to the end.

Teague Roberts has had his eye on becoming a Supreme Court Justice since he was a little kid growing up in a neighborhood filled with gangs and violence. All his life he’s been trying to get out of the shadow of his upbringing, but he’ll never really be able to forget where he’s from. Just as he’s on the cusp of getting everything he’s ever wanted, a blast from his past shows up and threatens to ruin it all.

Deanna Forbes was once engaged to Teague, but now she’s assigned to report on him as the president’s Supreme Court nominee. Her boss wants her to find a scandal, but Teague appears squeaky clean on the outside. She’s the only person who knows his darkest secret and could ruin his entire career. Deanna already has sins of the past to atone for. Despite having never stopped loving Teague, she’ll never be able to forgive herself for what she did to him twelve years ago.

The way the author handled the racial issues in this book was both heartbreaking and brilliant. The reader gets both perspectives, with Deanna having been raised by parents who wouldn’t accept a black man for their son-in-law and Teague struggling to overcome every racial roadblock thrown in front of him.

Teague’s character was so complex I couldn’t help but love him right from the start. On the outside, he was a successful attorney wearing power suits and working eighty hours a week. On the inside, he was still the kid who grew up in a rough neighborhood and was used to defending himself, sometimes for no other reason than the color of his skin. No power suit would change the perception of some people, and throughout the story Teague had to accept this and find ways to overcome it.

Deanna was intriguing on her own as well. It wasn’t long after letting go of Teague the first time that she realized it was the mistake of a lifetime. She spent the next twelve years trying to make up for it any way she could. And once Teague was back in her life, she was going to do whatever she could to right her past wrongs.

The emotion in this book was off the charts, and it ran the gamut of heartfelt to heartbreaking and everything in between. I was so emotionally connected to these characters that I hurt for them and could feel every bit of their pain. Even a secondary character brought me to tears several times.

I have read quite a few books by Ms. Laurence and truly enjoy her writing, but this one is her absolute best. The present-day issues and emotional journey will stay with me for a long time to come.
Profile Image for K-BRC.
1,036 reviews
April 29, 2017
A Hot Time in the Capital City! The political romance heat is on, and it's a book you don't want to miss. He's a big, sexy, hunk aiming for a seat on SCOTUS; she's a knockout investigative reporter with knowledge of secrets that could destroy him. You've really got to read this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews