POTUS

Powerplay #3

by Selena Laurence

Jessica Hampton is the heir to a political dynasty, and the first woman President of the United States. For six years she has given up everything in order to fulfill her late husband's legacy. Now, as her term in office draws to a close, she wants nothing more than to finish with the dignity her family demands. But when Jessica begins to negotiate an important Middle East accord with the sexy Egyptian Ambassador, being President takes a back seat to being a woman.

Kamal Masri knows all about being an heir. He's not only Egypt's Ambassador to the US, he's the son of one of the world's wealthiest men, and he’s spent his life in service to family and country. But when Kamal begins to negotiate an important Middle East accord with the beautiful President of the United States, being dutiful takes a back seat to being a man.

Against a backdrop of international crimes, political maneuvering, and endless public scrutiny, Jessica and Kamal must navigate their growing attraction, conflicting expectations, and even an insidious threat to their lives. Can two people from opposite sides of the planet ever find a safe place to fall in love?

The President’s Man is a lovers from opposing camps political romantic suspense full of intrigue, an amazing heroine, an alpha hero, sizzling heat, and a glorious happily ever after worthy of a White House movie.
* This book was previously published under the title POTUS.*

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Politics, Contemporary

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2017

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I got hooked on the television show Scandal years ago, I started my journey into political romance stories. What draws me the most to them is the forbidden aspect of the story-line. Not forbidden as in taboo, but forbidden as your life is not your own when you're in politics, especially at the White House level. That struggle is what draws me to them. It makes the end game, a HFN/HEA, so much more poignant for me than any other trope. So you can see how I would be immediately drawn to POTUS: A Powerplay Novel!

I don't even know where to begin with this book. IT WAS ALL THE THINGS. I'll start with that LOL It had mystery and intrigue but not so much so that you get bogged down with it and unfocused from the real story ... the journey of Jessica Hampton and Kamal Masri. And not just their journey together, their journey individually. Here's the thing about this book that I loved the most ... it isn't just a romance journey of Jessica and Kamal, it's a story of Jessica and Kamal both coming to terms with who they want to become. It's a story of individual growth woven together throughout a romance story so poignant your heart will soar and it will also break .... it's quite the roller-coaster and a hell of a ride!

I could not believe how fast time had gone by while reading this book. I blinked and it was the last chapter ... I almost wept. I wanted more words. I wanted more story. I'm not going to detail as to why, because that would give you the ending lol, but I did feel like the end was rushed. There are events that take place that I wish I could have been a part of but it wasn't my story to tell so .... (i know, vague much...)

Anywho ... do yourselves a favor and pick this book up. It's my fist read by Selena Laurence and I feel like I've been missing out on some really great words for a long time. I'm looking forward to a lot more!

Copy provided for blog tour review

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. It had romance and some mystery and left me with a huge smile.

Jessica Hampton is the President of the US. She never really wanted the job, but ran after the death of her husband. While working on some negotiations with the ambassador from Egypt, they fall in love. As someone tries to kill her to stop the negotiations, Kamal must choose between his country and the woman he loves.

I loved how both Jessica and Kamal both were living lives that they had been pushed into and didn't really want. Once they were together, they realized they complimented each other.

This was my first book from this author and I'll gladly read more from her.

[Saunders · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love political romance and anything forbidden. So I jumped into this one as it was free.

POTUS is a slow paced romance - too slow for me and unfortunately delivered no burn effect.

I wasn't a fan of the female President. For someone (allegedly) in this position she came across as a bit too insipid and allowed others to disrespect her. Maybe the author wanted this and bring in a strong male character to "show her the way"

Overall too slow paced and too many things that were unbelievable with the plot.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong second book in the Powerplay series in which Jessica Hampton, the widowed female President of the United States enters into a relationship with the Egyptian ambassador, Kayla Masri, who happens to be great friends with Derek Ambrose from the first book, as they negotiate the Millenial Accord between Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

Jessica was elected after her husband was killed in a plane crash and she was asked to stand in his place. Following the events of the first book she is being pressurised by her in-laws and the party to stand again, she really doesn't want to but they are playing the guilt card.

Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with the Accord, including Kamal's father, the wealthiest man in Egypt, and an assassination attempt is made on Jessica's life at a White House event. As Kamal's agents investigate in parallel to the FBI, he gets a sneaking suspicion that the assassins were funded from a source close to home.

Again, this was a great novel with just the right combination of politics, terrorism, raunchy sex and romance. Albeit that this was slightly less believable than the first book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The furthest thing from Jessica Hamptons mind was having a boy friend with being the President of the United States and all her hands were full at the moment. But once Kamal Masri stepped into her office to go over the stabilization of the Middle East since he was the Ambassador to Egypt all things changed.

Jessica best friend Fiona Aronson...Senator Aronson.... keeps telling Jessica she needs to have some fun...it has been years since she did something for herself. But Jessica wasn't having any of it she knew she had one more year left in her term and wanted out. But will her in-laws let her only do one term ?? Jessica's husband was slated to be the President of the United States but an accident took him from her to young and Jessica decided with the help of her in-laws to continue his dream of being the President. But can she stop this train so she can have some what of a life back or will the meeting of Kamal change all that ??

Kamal knew what he wanted and he wasn't letting anything get in the way of that...not his father or the Egyptian government. But will Jessica want the same things ??

They both have high powered job's, always in the public eye but can there hearts win out in this ??

With this installment they just keep getting better and better !! The suspense in this installment had you hanging because come on we are taking about the Presidency here !!

LOVED KAMAL !! Can't wait for more !!

[Stacey spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start this review out by saying I am Canadian, just like those beer commericals. So here in the "North" we don't have Presidents or Senators, I won't list the politcal differences but I started out having a hard time figuring out the levels of power. I can't even tell you our own levels of power so I didnt let that stop me from enjoying this book. I can tell you the exact moment in the book when I figured out what POTUS actually stood for (Not my best moment but remember Canadian, eh).
After about 2 chapters I didn't even care about the titles or who was incharge of what, I fell in love with Kamal and Jessica.

Jessica's power and authority might intimidate some men but not the take charge dominating presence of Kamal. This man quite literally answers to no one! This was a forbidden love by not just social standards but cultural. Kamal had to also compete with the love of a ghost, Jessica's husband who she honoured everyday in the Oval office. Scarifices were made. The level of suspense keeps you reading into the early morning just because you have to have answers.

So I didn't let something like a different counties politics stop me form devouring this book. There is so much to this book and I loved every word of it.

[Kali McQuillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy! The blurb pulled me in from when I first read it, it had such a atypical story line that I knew I wanted to read it.

This book is more than just a story about the first woman President and what she has to go through everyday as the President. It's a story about love, loss, duty, sacrifices, tough choices and decisions. Not just for her but also for Ambassador Kamal Masri.

While the love story unfolds, there's situations that make you question - what are they going to do? How do you make that choice? Haven't they been through enough?

I was not disappointed in this book at all! I loved the secondary characters too! It kept me reading even when I shouldn't have been. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the authors writing style.

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jessica & Kamal's story! She is one of The Strongest Female Characters I have ever read, carrying the weight of the country on her shoulders. She puts the citizens and her family first, beliving she can not have her own happiness. Kamal is as sweet as he is sexy!! The way he puts Jessica before himself, swoon!!! I am so glad she finds a balance and realizes that even the strongest people need someone behind them, supporting, and loving them.
This series is fantastic but I have to admit this is my favorite so far! Did I mention how sweet & sexy Kamal is? Shh don't tell Marcus or Derek!!! I'm anxiously awaiting the next book!

*An ARC was generously provided for my honest review

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (6/19/2018)!💝

Blurb:
She's the President of his heart.

A leader beloved by her nation.
Jessica Hampton is the heir to a political dynasty, and the first woman President of the United States. For six years she has given up everything in order to fulfill her late husband's legacy. But now, as her term in office draws to a close, she wants nothing more than to finish with the dignity her family demands. But when Jessica begins to negotiate an important Middle East accord with the sexy Egyptian Ambassador, being President takes a back seat to being a woman.

A man trapped on all sides.
Kamal Masri knows all about being an heir. He's not only Egypt's Ambassador to the US, he's the first-born son of one of the world's wealthiest men. Kamal's father has controlled his fortune, his career, and now possibly his life, because when the Egyptian parliament instructs him to negotiate an accord that threatens his father's illegal business dealings, all hell breaks loose. But as dark forces from the far side of the globe conspire to destroy the accord, Kamal is prepared to do whatever it takes to win Jessica's love. He'll fight to protect her, even from his own country.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect <3

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books.

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

The first female President of the United States is beloved by her nation. After more than two years in office, the country already knows they want Jessica Hampton back for a second term. But what does Jessica want? She’s spent the last six years fulfilling someone else’s legacy, and although she loved her late husband and still loves his family, Jessica’s ready to move on with the rest of her life.

Egyptian Ambassador to the United States Kamal Masri has had demands placed on him from a very young age. In his culture, family comes before all else, and you never disobey your father. Having spent so much of his life outside Egypt, Kamal begins to question these ethics—especially when his father’s request goes against everything he’s been working toward in his career.

The attraction between Jessica and Kamal is undeniable, but their situations make a relationship impossible. Family issues and politics just add to the chaos surrounding them. Each will have to make their own decisions about what’s right for their country … and what’s right for their hearts.

POTUS is part of the Powerplay series, but it is a standalone story. It can easily be read without having read the previous books in the series. The most appealing factor of this book is how both main characters are older and more mature, and their choices have life and death consequences. They each need to make decisions based on not only what is best for themselves but also what is best for their country, and those scenarios rarely overlap.

Aside from the differences between Jessica and Kamal’s goals for their respective countries, the most appealing layer of the story was the differences in their cultures. As an Egyptian, Kamal was raised to believe that men should protect women, yet he was falling in love with the most powerful woman in the world. His protectiveness was not always completely misguided, but he still had to learn to let go and allow Jessica to take care of herself. It amused me to see his friends laughing at him about some of his beliefs.

The plot itself was complex and woven together tightly, creating plenty of intrigue to keep me turning page after page. Every action had a consequence, politically and personally, and no choice could be made in a vacuum. Jessica and Kamal’s relationship grew at a believable pace, and their feelings for each other evoked every one of my own emotions.

I would have liked to see a bit more wrap-up about Kamal’s father, but overall the story left me enthralled and satisfied. I have yet to find a book by Ms. Laurence I didn’t thoroughly enjoy, and I look forward to future additions to this series.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable romance. I enjoyed the political aspect, and the characters were likable.

[Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

***This and other reviews can be found at www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com ***

*ARC*

POTUS. This is a term we have been hearing a lot of as of late because of the recent election. This is my third political romance I guess you could call in it in about a three month period. Overall I liked POTUS; I was drawn in with the blurb hoping that it was going to be a steamy forbidden type of read. That isn’t what I got unfortunately but what I did get was a slow paced romance that took me quite a few chapters to really get into the storyline but one that was lacking that special umph to make it more.

I think my main real issue was with Jessica, the President herself. We picture our President being string minded, strong in personality and someone who we respect. Jessica’s dream was never to be the President; it was the dream of her husband who died parents to keep their name alive in politics. She allowed others to disrespect her and her position, she allowed others to try to dictate her life and when she finds someone that makes her happy, others act pathetically and at times nastily.

Kamal is the Egyptian Ambassador to the United States and he is working closely with the President on getting a resolution passed between their countries. He is attracted to Jessica and her to him. I loved how he took charge and even when it made her mad pointed out certain things. He bided his time, he didn’t just go in for the kill, he worked at being her friend and someone she could trust. What he does for her earned my respect because there is no greater gesture than what he does for her.

Overall POTUS was an okay read, it may work better for others but I just didn’t love it like I had hoped.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author - this is my voluntary review

Wow - another great book from Selena! Jessica is the president of the United States and a widow trying to fill the shoes and dreams of her dead husband and his parents whom she loves. Now almost to the end of her term she's longing for some freedom and to start living again, but the US needs her for another term, and she's not feeling it. Kamal is Egypt's Ambassador to the US and the oldest son, having everything controlled by his father throughout his life. As the President and the Ambassador work on a negotiation, feelings start to take place as bullets start to fly. With more info on the shooting Kamal must make the hardest decision ever. Potus is the perfect blend of politics, suspense, family, friends, romance and taking control of your life.

[Rebecca Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of my favorite show Scandal. I love political intrigue! This book was great but it didn't start getting really good till the second half. Loved every second of it! Hopefully there will be more like this to come!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Hampton married into political royalty, never expecting that she would find herself serving in the highest position of the United States government. As President, Jessica has fulfilled the dreams of the Hampton family, stepping into a role that she always assumed would go to her dead husband. But the years in office have taken their toll, and Jessica barely remembers what made her, well, her anymore. Kamal Masri has always lived his life for the good of his family. As the eldest son, his responsibility is to secure his family's place in the world political arena. When his work with Jessica to broker peace in the Middle East evolves from a purely political alliance into something much more, Kamal will be forced to decide where his true loyalties lie.

Although she's the President of the United States, Jessica is extremely down-to-earth, a leader that resonates with her people. She's suffered incredible loss, but has managed to rebuild her life and carry on the legacy of the man that she lost too early. But living in the public eye and carrying so much responsibility has left her ready for change, for a chance to be the woman that she was before she stepped up to lead the U.S. Jessica's meetings with Kamal begin as purely business, but progress quickly to passionate and clandestine, and both Jessica and Kamal find something in each other that allows them to be more free than they've been in forever. With much to lose if their relationship goes public, and if the treaty that they are negotiating goes forward, Jessica and Kamal find themselves fighting for their love and for their lives.

POTUS is a great addition to Selena's Powerplay series. This book, with it's imaginative and timely plot, engaging characters, and all of the markers of a political thriller, grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. The action is non-stop, and the steam factor is waaay up there, earning POTUS 4 sexy, intrigue-filled, action-packed stars, and a recommendation for TBRs everywhere.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

[Inflight Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Lola at https://milehighkinkbookclub.com/2017...

Once Upon a Time, a woman was elected as Commander in Chief. No, it’s not Olivia Pope! That would be scandalous. It’s Jessica Hampton, a widow whose husband died in a plane crash. Jessica Hampton is balancing matters of national security and a non-existing personal life.

POTUS is a timeless romance that flips the script with a female widow as President. Imagine your best friend, a Senator from Texas, barging through the doors of the Oval Office and setting up a double date. Its pure wackadoodle, right? However, the author can pull it off.

Kamal Masri is the Egyptian ambassador to the United States. He is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome. He had me at “Your staff disrespects you.” From their first introduction, it was kismet. It was all heat, pent-up desire and longing rolled into a perfect package. He immediately becomes her confident and friend. She takes care of the country. He takes care of her. Oh my! Sign me up immediately.

The storyline is surprising sweet and erotic at the same time. As a widow, it would be hard to create scenarios of sex scenes rolling around the sheets in the Lincoln Bedroom. How do you make a total unbelievable scenario believable and sexy? Immediately, you have questions with an eye roll.

How did she get elected?

Why did she get elected?

She can’t date. She can’t have casual sex. She can’t indulge in phone sex? She can’t indulge in a little kink. So, what must a 37-year-old single woman with a healthy appetite for sex do to get love and affection while negotiating peace treaties and trade agreements?

POTUS works because the story doesn’t take itself too seriously. It has the right mix of political elements to create a credible foundation before indulging in flights of Patriotism and Heroism. It will take you by surprise and make you exhale.

Source: ARC gifted by author

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this second book in the series

4.5 Stars... I really enjoyed this second book in the series.
Pros:
-strong, well written characters
-interesting story line
-recurring characters
-action, romance, Heat

Cons:
-research error or sheer laziness plus bad editing/proofreading resulted in a glaring error...the 45th president would not be out of office on Jan 22, 2018. It is not difficult to figure out when presidential election years are and inaugurations are always in odd years, thus, 2017. It annoyed the crap out of me and took my head out of the story (at a particularly sweet moment making it even more annoying) and that is a cardinal sin for me!
-there’s a big build up in the story then it all seems to wrap up too neatly.
-there is reference to Kamal and Derek not speaking (which is due to the events of book one) but it’s never clarified and since Derek is there at the end and all appears hunky dory it’s annoying to not have some explanation. Vagueness like that is irritating.

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kamal Masri always has everything in control. Egyptian Ambassador to the USA, he is part of the Powerplay Club - a boys club for his friends who each equally have an important role to play in their respective careers within the world of politics and power.

Kamal begins to work with the President and soon finds that he may have to go against his whole belief system, family, tradition and be a man without a country. Of all the players in the series, Kamal has held the least interest for me, but I do like this story. His respect for others, his love of family and tradition and his morals make this book an enjoyable and insightful read.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endearing, well paced and entertaining. The first female president is a widow. She’s lonely and wanting to leave the job after her first term. She begins working on a trade deal with the Egyptian Ambassador and develops a friendship that turns into a romantic relationship. Balancing their careers and duty to their respective countries proves difficult when assassination attempts on her life point to The Egyptian President being behind the shooters.

I loved the characters and found each to be lovable and relatable. Their real emotions were evident and, thankfully, shown to us rather than told over and over as is the trap some romance writers fall into. Great story overall.

[Patricia Camaioni · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent story

A very good follow-up to the Power play series. This story has political intrigue and a hot romance. You will love the first woman president of the United States and her romance with the sexy Egyptian Ambassador. If you haven't read the first two in this series although standalone stories they are interconnected in a very good way. Serena Lawrence's story telling has you hooked from the very first page.

[emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good

i was a bit annoyed that jessica didn’t wanna be president that much - i wanted a woman with more ambition and everything. also i wanted her to be more powerful in her intimidate relationship with Kamal. really liked him.

wished there was more tension before the relationship began.

there were a couple of bland parts but i pushed through and the ending was okaygood

curious about derek and his book

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT story!!

This book is filled with political intrigue and a wonderfully heartfelt romance. I was personally touched by the way the author handled some very difficult subjects while also writing a very touching romance. This story was very well written and researched! Personally, I would rate this as a 10 star romance that can not be missed!!!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

POTUS...

A fantastic Powerplay Book. This series is Fanfreakingtastic. This book was intense. So many secrets with dramatic twists and turns. Action, lies, love, sex and political plots. This book has it all. At times it's predictable but it doesn't stop the excitement of the story. A fairly new author for me, but I like it.

[Patrick Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pickins are mighty slim....

It's getting hard to find a good, old fashioned encounter between FBI and CIA - harder still to find one in the free ebooks (search string) column. I could have done without the bedroom battlefield play-by-play in the ninth chapter; text to speech didn't make it read any better.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Imagine being the president of the United States and being a woman, Woo Hoo! The struggles of a female president showing strength and power while internally trying to move on from a life changing event was captured in this book with eloquence and finesse.

[Rosalyn Crotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potus

This book was excellent. I enjoyed everything about the story and think that it is a must read for everyone.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light, enjoyable fare.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than SCOTUS (which I also enjoyed). Really well-done plot and I loved the almost Victorian-esque romance between Jessica and Kamal.

[Marina Vedenkova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Понимаю, любовь к мертвому мужу - штука серьезная, но из-за этого ставить крест на своей жизни? Это не просто глупость. Это тупость. А мужик классный =}