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NAKED AMBITION: A Thriller
When newspaper reporter Beck Rikki receives an unsolicited call from a high-ranking government official sending him off to investigate a candidate for President of the United States, he doesn’t realize he’s stumbled onto the story of a lifetime. As he digs deeper, he follows a trail of murder, bribery, infidelity and deceit that runs from Canada to the Caribbean—but all signs point to the White House.
Beck finds nothing is quite as it appears—not his sources, not his curious new love interest and especially not the story he’s pursuing. In the confusion, he suspects the motives of everyone—including his new love. He must figure out the truth or forces waiting in the wings will covertly grab the reins of power and take over the government.
For the first time in his career, Beck may have stumbled onto a story too dangerous to handle—but too important to walk away from. And with only days before the election, just when he thinks he’s solved the puzzle, he realizes he hasn’t.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2018
About the author
Rick Pullen
9 books35 followersRick Pullen is the author of the best selling novel, NAKED AMBITION, about a reporter investigating a corrupt presidential candidate.
NAKED TRUTH, the long-waited sequel to NAKED AMBITION, was released Sept. 24, 2018. It is a thriller about the mysterious death of a Supreme Court justice.
THE APPRENTICE, about a rookie reporter who unexpectedly finds herself investigating the president-elect, was published in late 2017.
Rick is an award-winning investigative reporter and magazine editor. He is a member of the FOLIO 100, the 100 most influential people in magazine publishing, and was a finalist for EDITOR OF THE YEAR. He is a member of the National Press Club, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, the Royal Writers Secret Society and Old Town Sleuths. He has spent most of his journalism career working in the Washington swamp. He resides in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia where he tries not to get his feet wet.
NAKED TRUTH, the long-waited sequel to NAKED AMBITION, was released Sept. 24, 2018. It is a thriller about the mysterious death of a Supreme Court justice.
THE APPRENTICE, about a rookie reporter who unexpectedly finds herself investigating the president-elect, was published in late 2017.
Rick is an award-winning investigative reporter and magazine editor. He is a member of the FOLIO 100, the 100 most influential people in magazine publishing, and was a finalist for EDITOR OF THE YEAR. He is a member of the National Press Club, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, the Royal Writers Secret Society and Old Town Sleuths. He has spent most of his journalism career working in the Washington swamp. He resides in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia where he tries not to get his feet wet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 13, 2016
Couldn't put it down.
Great story, especially in this upcoming election year. Every character in this book had their motivation. Reporter did his job exposing corrupt officials and money behind the Citizens United. American political system, bought and paid for South American drug lords. Beck thought he was doing a great service, did he really?
Great story, especially in this upcoming election year. Every character in this book had their motivation. Reporter did his job exposing corrupt officials and money behind the Citizens United. American political system, bought and paid for South American drug lords. Beck thought he was doing a great service, did he really?
October 8, 2017
Truth is stranger than fiction, the old saying goes, but what is really strange is fiction that practically becomes truth. Rick Pullen published his political thriller Naked Ambition in May, 2016, so it’s safe to say that a good bit of the writing predated all the revelations that came out of the actual 2016 Presidential campaign. But Pullen’s chronicle of dirty tricks, politicians on the take, and a reporter determined to get to the bottom of things comes very close to tracking some of the political goings on that have occurred since publication. So, kudos to Pullen for his foresight and even more kudos to him for writing a complex, tricky, and very enjoyable thriller.
The hero of Naked Ambition or, at least the closest thing to a hero this book has, is Beck Rikki, an investigative reporter for a fictional version of the Washington Post. Shortly before the party conventions, he learns from a highly placed Justice Department source that a Senator who is one of the leading candidates for the Presidency has actually been receiving illicit funds through some complex Cayman Island transactions from a company that’s bidding on a huge Pentagon contract. Rikki goes down to the Islands to investigate, accompanied by his new girlfriend, who just happens to be a major executive for the competing bidder on the Pentagon project. Slowly but surely, Rikki puts the story together, and each step of the way, the latest bombshell he uncovers leads to even more unsettling developments in the Presidential race.
The plot of Naked Ambition is quite detailed, as the underlying conspiracy would put Watergate to shame, with readers being treated to one twist revelation after another, culminating in perhaps the biggest one of all in the final chapter. Even though some readers might need a scorecard to keep all the players straight, Pullen does about as good a job as possible of making the various schemes understandable for the average reader without making them ridiculously simple. The author is a former investigative reporter, and, probably for that reason, Rikki’s methods and motivations seem quite credible, down to the very sticky personal ethical dilemma he creates for himself by going out with a woman whose company could make or lose a lot of money depending on how Rikki’s story turns out.
Although Pullen’s political wheelings and dealings in Naked Ambition ring true, the same cannot always be said about the characters’ personal ones. The author makes readers privy to the inner thought processes from time to time in the book, and they aren’t always consistent with their actions. However, I have to give the author credit for having Rikki engage in occasional conversations about his investigation with his easy chair, whom he dubs Red. It sounds hokey but it works and leads to one of the many twists in the book.
My first thought when I finished Naked Ambition was that it required a huge suspension of disbelief to buy into the various conspiracies and dirty tricks on display in the book. However, after what this country has actually gone through in the last year or so, events in the book don’t seem that far fetched at all. The difference between Pullen’s Washington and the real thing is that the author wraps up each plot point, no matter how bizarre, in a comprehensive yet easily understandable way, as opposed to matters in our real nation’s capital, which don’t always play out as orderly or in as dramatically compelling a manner as events in Pullen’s world. The result is a fast paced, enjoyable thriller that keeps readers guessing leading to a powerful payoff. My vote goes to Naked Ambition, the winner by a landslide.
The hero of Naked Ambition or, at least the closest thing to a hero this book has, is Beck Rikki, an investigative reporter for a fictional version of the Washington Post. Shortly before the party conventions, he learns from a highly placed Justice Department source that a Senator who is one of the leading candidates for the Presidency has actually been receiving illicit funds through some complex Cayman Island transactions from a company that’s bidding on a huge Pentagon contract. Rikki goes down to the Islands to investigate, accompanied by his new girlfriend, who just happens to be a major executive for the competing bidder on the Pentagon project. Slowly but surely, Rikki puts the story together, and each step of the way, the latest bombshell he uncovers leads to even more unsettling developments in the Presidential race.
The plot of Naked Ambition is quite detailed, as the underlying conspiracy would put Watergate to shame, with readers being treated to one twist revelation after another, culminating in perhaps the biggest one of all in the final chapter. Even though some readers might need a scorecard to keep all the players straight, Pullen does about as good a job as possible of making the various schemes understandable for the average reader without making them ridiculously simple. The author is a former investigative reporter, and, probably for that reason, Rikki’s methods and motivations seem quite credible, down to the very sticky personal ethical dilemma he creates for himself by going out with a woman whose company could make or lose a lot of money depending on how Rikki’s story turns out.
Although Pullen’s political wheelings and dealings in Naked Ambition ring true, the same cannot always be said about the characters’ personal ones. The author makes readers privy to the inner thought processes from time to time in the book, and they aren’t always consistent with their actions. However, I have to give the author credit for having Rikki engage in occasional conversations about his investigation with his easy chair, whom he dubs Red. It sounds hokey but it works and leads to one of the many twists in the book.
My first thought when I finished Naked Ambition was that it required a huge suspension of disbelief to buy into the various conspiracies and dirty tricks on display in the book. However, after what this country has actually gone through in the last year or so, events in the book don’t seem that far fetched at all. The difference between Pullen’s Washington and the real thing is that the author wraps up each plot point, no matter how bizarre, in a comprehensive yet easily understandable way, as opposed to matters in our real nation’s capital, which don’t always play out as orderly or in as dramatically compelling a manner as events in Pullen’s world. The result is a fast paced, enjoyable thriller that keeps readers guessing leading to a powerful payoff. My vote goes to Naked Ambition, the winner by a landslide.
January 4, 2017
At first, I am a little wary to read this story because I have been burned with political thriller before. But it turns out I really love it. Mr Pullen really blow me out with his book. Being investigative reporter himself, I think it make the story more relatable. My only regret is I take my time to finish this book. But it worth it.
The story focus on investigative reporter named Beck Rikki. He gets information that corrupt politician gonna become vice president. He feels it is his responsibility to investigate and expose it. Unbeknownst to him, there's bigger agenda at play. Besides Rikki, the story also focus on Geneva Kemper, wife of Senator Harvey, Daniel Fahy, director of justice department that prosecuted dirty politicians, and Keith, young investment banker that aspire to become author. Their lives were overlapped one with another. I like all of the characters except maybe senator Harvey. That's not too say he is bad. It just that maybe because I feel "cheated" with him.
The story is quite unrealistic. But for me, it was more important to read an enjoyable story than realistic one. The author make sure that the story is not black and white. It helps that it doesn't leave bad taste. Of course, it could have been better. It was not heavy. But the pace is quite slow. Besides, there's some actions that I still don't understand why it happen. But it could be my own problem. One little thing, this story remind me of America 2016 President election. I mean scandal and election anyone ?! Anyway, I really recommend this story for people who want to read great political thriller. Cannot wait to read Mr. Pullen other books.
Rating : 5 of 5
www.sharing55tories.blogspot.com
The story focus on investigative reporter named Beck Rikki. He gets information that corrupt politician gonna become vice president. He feels it is his responsibility to investigate and expose it. Unbeknownst to him, there's bigger agenda at play. Besides Rikki, the story also focus on Geneva Kemper, wife of Senator Harvey, Daniel Fahy, director of justice department that prosecuted dirty politicians, and Keith, young investment banker that aspire to become author. Their lives were overlapped one with another. I like all of the characters except maybe senator Harvey. That's not too say he is bad. It just that maybe because I feel "cheated" with him.
The story is quite unrealistic. But for me, it was more important to read an enjoyable story than realistic one. The author make sure that the story is not black and white. It helps that it doesn't leave bad taste. Of course, it could have been better. It was not heavy. But the pace is quite slow. Besides, there's some actions that I still don't understand why it happen. But it could be my own problem. One little thing, this story remind me of America 2016 President election. I mean scandal and election anyone ?! Anyway, I really recommend this story for people who want to read great political thriller. Cannot wait to read Mr. Pullen other books.
Rating : 5 of 5
www.sharing55tories.blogspot.com
September 5, 2018
Hmm. My ambivalence runs rampant on this one.
First, the not-so-great ... way too many cliches, as in, what editor/critique partners-let-you-get-away-with-all-these; awkward, cringe-worthy writing in parts (especially clumsy during the first sex scene); and two cases of using "taunt" when context clearly called for "taut." I'll stop there because I don't want to beat up this author too badly since ...
At some point in the book I couldn't stop reading because it morphed into a true, well-written political thriller with all the behind-the-scenes nasty yuck that is Washington DC. The points of law and journalism were fascinating. The political maneuvering scared me. The characters weren't especially complex, but I felt their shallowness stayed true to the environment.
Overlooking the not-so-great beginning, overall it was a good read. I'd be willing to follow Beck into another book ... hopefully with far fewer cliches and better writing the next go-round.
First, the not-so-great ... way too many cliches, as in, what editor/critique partners-let-you-get-away-with-all-these; awkward, cringe-worthy writing in parts (especially clumsy during the first sex scene); and two cases of using "taunt" when context clearly called for "taut." I'll stop there because I don't want to beat up this author too badly since ...
At some point in the book I couldn't stop reading because it morphed into a true, well-written political thriller with all the behind-the-scenes nasty yuck that is Washington DC. The points of law and journalism were fascinating. The political maneuvering scared me. The characters weren't especially complex, but I felt their shallowness stayed true to the environment.
Overlooking the not-so-great beginning, overall it was a good read. I'd be willing to follow Beck into another book ... hopefully with far fewer cliches and better writing the next go-round.
November 2, 2022
The story seemed to start a bit slow, but picked up. Some fun twists and turns in figuring who committed what crime and who orchestrated everything.
While any reader will quickly recognize the significance of "Naked" Ambition as they meet Geneva and her proclivity for nakedness wherever she can get away with it, I found it rather inconsequential to the overall story. There was certainly chemistry between Beck and Jen, but the description of their trysts kind of went overboard. While it was exciting, I didn't really want to be reading all about it (word porn).
The plot was engrossing and perplexing. The feel of the story (other than the bedroom scenes) felt a bit Grisham-esque to me (a good thing, from my perspective). It was a bit disturbing to think that the way this story unraveled could possibly happen in real life, leaving me wondering whether I can trust my government officials at at!
While any reader will quickly recognize the significance of "Naked" Ambition as they meet Geneva and her proclivity for nakedness wherever she can get away with it, I found it rather inconsequential to the overall story. There was certainly chemistry between Beck and Jen, but the description of their trysts kind of went overboard. While it was exciting, I didn't really want to be reading all about it (word porn).
The plot was engrossing and perplexing. The feel of the story (other than the bedroom scenes) felt a bit Grisham-esque to me (a good thing, from my perspective). It was a bit disturbing to think that the way this story unraveled could possibly happen in real life, leaving me wondering whether I can trust my government officials at at!
July 4, 2017
Drug cartels,corruption in the government,insider trading all in the name of greed and power.I was thinking about how much money is spent on our own elected officials and I have to wonder what could happen if there ever was or could be a complete break down in our country.
This Is very doubtful but with outside interference,it is a very important question. It's all about the intriguing thought,good read.
This Is very doubtful but with outside interference,it is a very important question. It's all about the intriguing thought,good read.
March 27, 2020
This is an engaging mystery featuring an investigative reporter and a whole lot of people with questionable ethics - not least of which is the beautiful nudist/lobbyist/con artist he kinda-sorta falls in love with. As a former investigative journalist, I thoroughly enjoyed the realistic description of the thrilling - yet often tedious -search for answers and the constant weighing of ethical obligations. I read it during a beach vacation, and it was the perfect companion.
February 24, 2017
Lots of twists and turns! By my estimation, this could have been written from first hand experience.
On a technical level, the plot is believable and easy to follow. The characters are well developed and down to earth, for being D.C. players, that is.
I really liked it and would recommend it to anyone.
On a technical level, the plot is believable and easy to follow. The characters are well developed and down to earth, for being D.C. players, that is.
I really liked it and would recommend it to anyone.
June 8, 2017
Not horrible
Not great either though. Skipped the middle and read the beginning and end. I don't usually do that, but got as far as page 63 before skipping to 320. Language is an issue and the detailed politics boring. It is definitely a political thriller though, so if that's your preference, it should work for you.
Not great either though. Skipped the middle and read the beginning and end. I don't usually do that, but got as far as page 63 before skipping to 320. Language is an issue and the detailed politics boring. It is definitely a political thriller though, so if that's your preference, it should work for you.
July 6, 2017
This is a story that will keep you guessing. Corruption runs rampant throughout D.C. and everyone seems to have hidden agendas. Who exactly is playing whom, and is there a mastermind behind all the events? Even the "good" guys don't always follow all the rules. Some good twists to the story. Characters were well-developed, but the plot plodded along at times.
January 3, 2020
Clever, juicy and scandalous plot that flowed easily and quickly. Loved the characters and look forward to reading about them in future books. I loved Beck, the hardcore investigative reporter, and his desire for truth, no matter the cost. Wish he was real and kept the real world political arena honest!
November 21, 2016
3+ rating
I read this book during election time. It has revelanee in today's political climate. We could very well see the electoral college reverse itself. Corruption is rampant in D.C.
I read this book during election time. It has revelanee in today's political climate. We could very well see the electoral college reverse itself. Corruption is rampant in D.C.
May 6, 2017
Slow start then takes off
The first forty percent is full of sexual undertones and overtones -- almost put the book down. Then the book took off with many twists and turns. Glad I did not put it down. Naked Ambition fits the title well.
The first forty percent is full of sexual undertones and overtones -- almost put the book down. Then the book took off with many twists and turns. Glad I did not put it down. Naked Ambition fits the title well.
June 16, 2017
Washington political thriller w/ twists & surprises!
Great character development. Exciting plot. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. If you're a political junkie, take a break from the news and read this!
Great character development. Exciting plot. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. If you're a political junkie, take a break from the news and read this!
June 16, 2017
Slow, slow,slow
I finally just gave up on this one. Didn't care about the characters or the plot. There are much better ways to waste your time. Thankfully it was free kindle book so I didn't waste any money.
I finally just gave up on this one. Didn't care about the characters or the plot. There are much better ways to waste your time. Thankfully it was free kindle book so I didn't waste any money.
September 29, 2017
Far fetched, but still very interesting and thought provoking. Typos were distracting, but otherwise if you are looking for a fun political thriller that keeps you guessing, this will do the trick.
I won a free copy from Kindle Scout
I won a free copy from Kindle Scout
January 2, 2018
Not sure I understand the high ratings for this book, I thought it was awful. I read about one third of it and gave up. The characters were cliched, the dialog contrived and unrealistic, and the storyline was uninteresting. I have to stop getting these free Kindle books!
September 26, 2019
Right out of Today's Headlines
This is a "scary" story in the sense of what politicians can do and how manipulative they can be. Good story with an investigative reporter chasing bad guys and interesting characters.
This is a "scary" story in the sense of what politicians can do and how manipulative they can be. Good story with an investigative reporter chasing bad guys and interesting characters.
April 14, 2026
Great investigation of politics
Some unseen twists provided insights to political maneuvers. Interpersonal relationships were very well defined. Unlike majority of stories this left a conclusion that was realistic.
Some unseen twists provided insights to political maneuvers. Interpersonal relationships were very well defined. Unlike majority of stories this left a conclusion that was realistic.
July 18, 2017
Truth and fiction ...
I feel slimy just reading this book in which almost everyone is corrupt in some way or other. In Washington, DC. Imagine that.
I feel slimy just reading this book in which almost everyone is corrupt in some way or other. In Washington, DC. Imagine that.
August 20, 2017
Great Read!
Great read! A story that makes you think and has turns you don't expect! The first political drama I have read and I plan to read more.
Great read! A story that makes you think and has turns you don't expect! The first political drama I have read and I plan to read more.
March 14, 2018
Keeps you guessing - good characters and plot lines
September 5, 2018
First time Pullen reader.
This book was very well written, reminds me of Patterson and Flint. Can’t wait to read more of his works.
This book was very well written, reminds me of Patterson and Flint. Can’t wait to read more of his works.
November 15, 2019
Got me...
It only took about 20 pages and it got me. The story winds back and forth but I liked the characters, as sorry as some of them are, and ok forward to a follow up.
It only took about 20 pages and it got me. The story winds back and forth but I liked the characters, as sorry as some of them are, and ok forward to a follow up.
May 18, 2020
Excellent story!
This is one of those thrillers that you want to read from start to finish......and very realistic. I’m looking forward to reading all of his creations.
This is one of those thrillers that you want to read from start to finish......and very realistic. I’m looking forward to reading all of his creations.
January 18, 2024
Pullen's first book. A reporter before he became an author of thrillers, Pullen writes a taut script for his characters. And they don't disappoint.
April 16, 2026
under the title on the cover of Naked Ambition are the words: ‘A Thriller’. this Rick Pullen novel is certainly a thriller, well written with twists and unexpected turns until the final pages.
June 5, 2026
This book kept me totally engaged from start to finish. I also loved the concept of "Red". We all need a confidant and sometimes a partner who doesn't critique or criticize is just perfect!! I just wish that the concept wasn't so totally believable in today's world!
August 14, 2017
Naked Ambition is a thrilling ride that takes you from Washington D.C. to the Cayman Islands and plenty of places in between with the charmingly eccentric reporter Beck Rikki. What ties all the threads together in this sprawling saga is Rikki's dogged determination to fight corruption...and there's plenty of it to go around. Some twists at the end make for a satisfying conclusion to Pullen's tale, but be warned: the satisfaction you experience as a reader may also make your blood boil as a citizen. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
May 18, 2016
Everywhere we turn, there is someone or something screaming about political corruption. It’s a very real and in many cases, sad thing. We all have our suspicions on who is doing what, where, when and how. This is the time to really pull out the political thrillers and distract you from all the chaos.
Right away I was fascinated with Beck. He’s a reporter who has had many breaking stories during his career. He’s the key person to be sought out by a number of players in the game to spill the secrets of the big wigs. He has the ability to take in the information and twist it to make sense. Once he’s intrigued, he runs with it and the story takes off.
Fahy is the government official that has tipped Beck off and asking for help to bring down one of the big guys with the dreams of making his new address on Pennsylvania Avenue a reality. After all, this guy has done so many things wrong and gotten away with them, now is the time to bring him down. If they don’t, it makes everything even harder for them in the end and spells disaster to all those living in this nation.
As the plot twists and turns, you see the path of many more characters cross. The lies, crime, twists, it’s crazy how far the crime branches out. It’s not just kept in the nation, but into other countries as well. After all,doesn't a crooked character have to be involved in all of the mess? Beck is uncovering all the deceit and crime he can find. So much, that it endangers his life.
He can’t give up on the story though. It’s ingrained in him to fight out the truth. But beyond the quest of knowing what’s right, he has to do this to prove to himself that he’s good enough in a lot of ways. He never expects to form a bond with anybody else, let alone during this action packed time. I like that he is also shown as a lovable character despite his aggressive nature.
I don’t really have any negatives for this book. Other than it was a bit slow and I would have liked parts of the book to go faster. Oh and maybe some of the characters explained earlier.
It’s a thrill ride that you don’t want to miss!
I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
Right away I was fascinated with Beck. He’s a reporter who has had many breaking stories during his career. He’s the key person to be sought out by a number of players in the game to spill the secrets of the big wigs. He has the ability to take in the information and twist it to make sense. Once he’s intrigued, he runs with it and the story takes off.
Fahy is the government official that has tipped Beck off and asking for help to bring down one of the big guys with the dreams of making his new address on Pennsylvania Avenue a reality. After all, this guy has done so many things wrong and gotten away with them, now is the time to bring him down. If they don’t, it makes everything even harder for them in the end and spells disaster to all those living in this nation.
As the plot twists and turns, you see the path of many more characters cross. The lies, crime, twists, it’s crazy how far the crime branches out. It’s not just kept in the nation, but into other countries as well. After all,doesn't a crooked character have to be involved in all of the mess? Beck is uncovering all the deceit and crime he can find. So much, that it endangers his life.
He can’t give up on the story though. It’s ingrained in him to fight out the truth. But beyond the quest of knowing what’s right, he has to do this to prove to himself that he’s good enough in a lot of ways. He never expects to form a bond with anybody else, let alone during this action packed time. I like that he is also shown as a lovable character despite his aggressive nature.
I don’t really have any negatives for this book. Other than it was a bit slow and I would have liked parts of the book to go faster. Oh and maybe some of the characters explained earlier.
It’s a thrill ride that you don’t want to miss!
I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews