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Paper Billionaires #1
The Set Up
He's a single dad, billionaire CEO, and father to twin terrors. She's desperate to support her daughter. Falling in love with the nanny is complicated.
Scarlett:
I have less than $2,000 in my checking account and I need a job.
My ex took off with his assistant and millions of dollars that he stole in a Ponzi scheme.
I have zero professional experience, but I was an excellent stay at home wife and mother.
His boys never met their mother--she died to give them life.
The last nanny got the pet snake in her bed.
It doesn't matter. I need this job.
I will just have to ignore his grumpy attitude, chiseled body, perfect smile, and those indents on his hips that obviously point to something incredible.
I'm only doing this for my daughter.
Grayson:
My company is going public in the next few months.
My professional and personal life is in chaos.
The boys have been suspended. The nanny quit and I have no help.
She's not qualified but I don't have a choice.
She has curves that distract me.
I need to keep her out of my bed or this could take everything I've worked for down.
She thinks we can keep this professional.
My body says otherwise.
The Set Up will see a few familiar faces from the Venture Capital, Tech Billionaire, and Clear Security series. You won't want to miss this!
Scarlett:
I have less than $2,000 in my checking account and I need a job.
My ex took off with his assistant and millions of dollars that he stole in a Ponzi scheme.
I have zero professional experience, but I was an excellent stay at home wife and mother.
His boys never met their mother--she died to give them life.
The last nanny got the pet snake in her bed.
It doesn't matter. I need this job.
I will just have to ignore his grumpy attitude, chiseled body, perfect smile, and those indents on his hips that obviously point to something incredible.
I'm only doing this for my daughter.
Grayson:
My company is going public in the next few months.
My professional and personal life is in chaos.
The boys have been suspended. The nanny quit and I have no help.
She's not qualified but I don't have a choice.
She has curves that distract me.
I need to keep her out of my bed or this could take everything I've worked for down.
She thinks we can keep this professional.
My body says otherwise.
The Set Up will see a few familiar faces from the Venture Capital, Tech Billionaire, and Clear Security series. You won't want to miss this!
- GenresRomanceContemporary
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2023
568 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Ainsley St. Claire
46 books253 followersAinsley St Claire is a Romantic Suspense Contemporary Romance Author and Adventurer on a lifelong mission to craft sultry storylines and steamy love scenes that captivate her readers.
An avid reader since the age of four, Ainsley’s love of books knew no genre. After reading, came her love of writing, fully immersing herself in the colorful, impassioned world of contemporary romance.
When she isn’t being a bookworm or typing away her next story on her computer, Ainsley enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. She is happily married to her incredible soulmate and is a proud mother of two rambunctious boys. A scotch aficionada and lover of good food (especially melt-in-your-mouth, velvety chocolate) St Claire has an appreciation for the finer things without pretention. Travel and adventure have taken her around the world, getting inspiration for many of her stories from the characters she meets and observes along the way.
To find out more about Ainsley St Claire both creatively and personally, feel free to visit her official website at www.ainsleystclaire.com or follow her on social media (@ainsleystclaire). St Claire always loves to hear from her readers so feel free to reach out via ainsley@ainsleystclaire.com
An avid reader since the age of four, Ainsley’s love of books knew no genre. After reading, came her love of writing, fully immersing herself in the colorful, impassioned world of contemporary romance.
When she isn’t being a bookworm or typing away her next story on her computer, Ainsley enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. She is happily married to her incredible soulmate and is a proud mother of two rambunctious boys. A scotch aficionada and lover of good food (especially melt-in-your-mouth, velvety chocolate) St Claire has an appreciation for the finer things without pretention. Travel and adventure have taken her around the world, getting inspiration for many of her stories from the characters she meets and observes along the way.
To find out more about Ainsley St Claire both creatively and personally, feel free to visit her official website at www.ainsleystclaire.com or follow her on social media (@ainsleystclaire). St Claire always loves to hear from her readers so feel free to reach out via ainsley@ainsleystclaire.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 2, 2023
2.5 STARS ✨
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The Set Up from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was incredibly excited for this; I've never read a 'nanny' romance before, although I've read the trope a couple of times in fanfiction, and I really wanted to see it as a trope in an original piece because it was one that I thought I would enjoy. Unfortunately, The Set Up didn't really hit the mark for me for a range of reasons:
• The writing style unfortunately just wasn't one that I enjoyed. The pacing was very quick at some points and you would jump from hours to days to weeks to months and personally it just wasn't for me, but that doesn't mean that others wouldn't enjoy St. Claire's writing!
• At the beginning especially, the children in the book (the twins aged ten, Scarlett's daughter eight) were portrayed as a lot younger than they were. I am aware that a lot of children have different maturity levels for their ages, but they just came across as significantly younger with their behaviours. It did improve throughout the novel, but it was a bit hard to read, as was the school scene. Some teachers aren't great, I understand that, but the plot convenience of a 'young' teacher at a private school joining in on mocking a ten year old in her class and failing to notice any signs of learning difficulties? I am sure it happens, but it was all just a bit of a sigh for me.
• There were a few plot holes. I'm not going to spoil them, but they do leave things like Scarlett's finances not being added up or forgotten for plot convenience. There are also numerous points where Grayson, a billionaire who is highly intelligent, has numerous opportunities to connect the dots that are painstakingly obvious. Once again, I know that it was for plot convenience, but I was screaming into my notes and highlights a little.
I did round this up to three stars, as I did enjoy the plot itself, and I do think that this is a book that other people will enjoy, it just personally wasn't for me writing style wise. The Set Up releases tomorrow!
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The Set Up from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was incredibly excited for this; I've never read a 'nanny' romance before, although I've read the trope a couple of times in fanfiction, and I really wanted to see it as a trope in an original piece because it was one that I thought I would enjoy. Unfortunately, The Set Up didn't really hit the mark for me for a range of reasons:
• The writing style unfortunately just wasn't one that I enjoyed. The pacing was very quick at some points and you would jump from hours to days to weeks to months and personally it just wasn't for me, but that doesn't mean that others wouldn't enjoy St. Claire's writing!
• At the beginning especially, the children in the book (the twins aged ten, Scarlett's daughter eight) were portrayed as a lot younger than they were. I am aware that a lot of children have different maturity levels for their ages, but they just came across as significantly younger with their behaviours. It did improve throughout the novel, but it was a bit hard to read, as was the school scene. Some teachers aren't great, I understand that, but the plot convenience of a 'young' teacher at a private school joining in on mocking a ten year old in her class and failing to notice any signs of learning difficulties? I am sure it happens, but it was all just a bit of a sigh for me.
• There were a few plot holes. I'm not going to spoil them, but they do leave things like Scarlett's finances not being added up or forgotten for plot convenience. There are also numerous points where Grayson, a billionaire who is highly intelligent, has numerous opportunities to connect the dots that are painstakingly obvious. Once again, I know that it was for plot convenience, but I was screaming into my notes and highlights a little.
I did round this up to three stars, as I did enjoy the plot itself, and I do think that this is a book that other people will enjoy, it just personally wasn't for me writing style wise. The Set Up releases tomorrow!
January 1, 2024
Interesting story! Light on the steam, but i could handle it.
July 30, 2023
3.5 stars
September 21, 2023
Cute. It was not as steamy as I was hoping. I may just read the next one to see what happens, but it definitely isn't on my top TBR.
April 1, 2024
1.5 stars
I really did not like this book, not because it's badly written, but because I really didn't like how the author created the story. There's barely any chemistry between the characters and most of their feelings are based on a lot of tell instead of show. There's way too many scenes that should be instrumental to the romance - the ones where Scarlett spends time with the kids do make some sense, since it sets the scene as to why she interacts with Grayson and why they end up getting closer, although they end up being most of the book. I also understand why the author shows us what Grayson's work looks like - first because it seems there'll be a running vendetta happening through this series (since it's not solved here) and second because he's the traditional single dad with a really really busy job. To a certain degree, this backstage about his work is interesting, but after a while it's literally too much.
The author actually cuts some scenes between the two main characters from the actual story (fading to black or literally having one of the characters recalling what happened) to focus on the business & court side of things. Even the court scenes are abruptly cut, which was disappointing.
I don't really understand why these characters love each other, I don't see where it stems from, so for me this is not a good romance; but since I personally find this a very personal and particular opinion (I mean, all reviews are personal, but still) I'm rating that extra 0.5 stars for the actual rating. This is not a bad book, it's just not for me.
A little spoiler underneath
I really did not like this book, not because it's badly written, but because I really didn't like how the author created the story. There's barely any chemistry between the characters and most of their feelings are based on a lot of tell instead of show. There's way too many scenes that should be instrumental to the romance - the ones where Scarlett spends time with the kids do make some sense, since it sets the scene as to why she interacts with Grayson and why they end up getting closer, although they end up being most of the book. I also understand why the author shows us what Grayson's work looks like - first because it seems there'll be a running vendetta happening through this series (since it's not solved here) and second because he's the traditional single dad with a really really busy job. To a certain degree, this backstage about his work is interesting, but after a while it's literally too much.
The author actually cuts some scenes between the two main characters from the actual story (fading to black or literally having one of the characters recalling what happened) to focus on the business & court side of things. Even the court scenes are abruptly cut, which was disappointing.
I don't really understand why these characters love each other, I don't see where it stems from, so for me this is not a good romance; but since I personally find this a very personal and particular opinion (I mean, all reviews are personal, but still) I'm rating that extra 0.5 stars for the actual rating. This is not a bad book, it's just not for me.
A little spoiler underneath
April 4, 2023
Scarlett, a young mother with an 8-year-old daughter, desperately needs a break. Abandoned and cheated on by her husband, who's on the run after taking the money from his Investment company/ Ponzi scheme and has fled with his sidepiece, Scarlett relocates to San Francisco after a few scary threats from her husband's creditors. Down to her last $2,000, she's desperately seeking a job. But there's one problem; she's been a stay at home wife throughout her marriage and has no experience. But she has managed a complex household with staff and cared for her daughter and was responsible for social events.
She hears about a nanny agency and goes there to apply for a job. Despite her lack of direct experience, she persuades the desperate manager to assign her to a father with two boys. It's a live in position that turns out to pay very well. But Scarlett has to convince Grayson, the busy dad and widower, that she can take care of his boys. He's pretty desperate, having had a number of nannies abruptly quit because they couldn't handle his boys. Scarlett jumps into the breach and does pretty well. Grayson is suspicious because of her lack of experience, but he hires her.
Scarlett is so good with the boys and her daughter gets along with them so well. It's almost like a blended family but she has to remember she's the nanny.
Things are complicated because she cannot open up checking account or any sort of documentation that would lead her husband's creditors to her.
What's really beautiful about the story is how she handles the kids and how gradually Grayson realizes that he hasn't been the father that he should be. Scarlett succeeds not only in restoring sanity and happiness to the household, she also succeeds in modifying his behavior. And she stands up for one of the boys who's being dumped on by his teacher, who thinks he's stupid. She investigates, discovers he has a learning disability, probably dyslexia, and persuades the headmaster to observe the teacher. Grayson is reluctant to believe that one of his boys has a learning disability. But he finally comes around.
However, Scarlett has kept her pending divorce and the circumstances around it a secret because she's afraid he'll fire her. And the FBI has been involved because of Henry's crime.
One day the FBI shows up at Grayson's home. What I didn't like was Grayson, without any warning, abruptly fires her, and this is after they've established a close relationship. He doesn't think about Scarlett's security; all he can think about is his boys. It was a dick move, considering the very tight security surrounding him and his family.
This same device was used in another book, the one with Nate Lancaster and Lilly, where after she's close with him and his daughters, he loses faith and abandons her emotionally. Again both of these characters have crap tons of security surrounding them. I do like the tie-ins with her other books, Clear Security and the Stiletto sisters.
Overall, I think the story was excellent. I did find myself skipping the sex scenes to get to the story. That's unusual; It's usually the other way around for me. But they took on a certain sameness that if you read one you've read them all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She hears about a nanny agency and goes there to apply for a job. Despite her lack of direct experience, she persuades the desperate manager to assign her to a father with two boys. It's a live in position that turns out to pay very well. But Scarlett has to convince Grayson, the busy dad and widower, that she can take care of his boys. He's pretty desperate, having had a number of nannies abruptly quit because they couldn't handle his boys. Scarlett jumps into the breach and does pretty well. Grayson is suspicious because of her lack of experience, but he hires her.
Scarlett is so good with the boys and her daughter gets along with them so well. It's almost like a blended family but she has to remember she's the nanny.
Things are complicated because she cannot open up checking account or any sort of documentation that would lead her husband's creditors to her.
What's really beautiful about the story is how she handles the kids and how gradually Grayson realizes that he hasn't been the father that he should be. Scarlett succeeds not only in restoring sanity and happiness to the household, she also succeeds in modifying his behavior. And she stands up for one of the boys who's being dumped on by his teacher, who thinks he's stupid. She investigates, discovers he has a learning disability, probably dyslexia, and persuades the headmaster to observe the teacher. Grayson is reluctant to believe that one of his boys has a learning disability. But he finally comes around.
However, Scarlett has kept her pending divorce and the circumstances around it a secret because she's afraid he'll fire her. And the FBI has been involved because of Henry's crime.
One day the FBI shows up at Grayson's home. What I didn't like was Grayson, without any warning, abruptly fires her, and this is after they've established a close relationship. He doesn't think about Scarlett's security; all he can think about is his boys. It was a dick move, considering the very tight security surrounding him and his family.
This same device was used in another book, the one with Nate Lancaster and Lilly, where after she's close with him and his daughters, he loses faith and abandons her emotionally. Again both of these characters have crap tons of security surrounding them. I do like the tie-ins with her other books, Clear Security and the Stiletto sisters.
Overall, I think the story was excellent. I did find myself skipping the sex scenes to get to the story. That's unusual; It's usually the other way around for me. But they took on a certain sameness that if you read one you've read them all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2023
Family First
Grayson Blackstone is on the cusp of fulfilling his dream of turning his startup Firefly into functioning, successful business with the help of San Francisco’s SHN. Firefly is more than a tech brick and mortar retail store—Firefly will be tech first. All operations of retail will be handled remotely with a warehouse to house the goods. The only issue that has been a problem is the delivery system. And, the success of the company will depend on the postal services and overnight-delivery companies. But, Firefly doesn’t own that part of the equation. So, Grayson’s next goal is to acquire a logistics company that has the staff and infrastructure already in place.
But as Grayson moves forward, meeting the challenges at work, he is faced by more complicated and more important challenges at home—providing proper support and loving guidance for his motherless twin sons, Logan and Cooper, who are definitely a handful. The boys don’t remember their mother. She was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was pregnant with them and refused treatment until after they were born. She died when they were three months old. And, since then, it has been the three Blackstone men—and an ever-changing collection of nannies. So, when the last nanny doesn’t let the door hit her as she departs, Grayson is again nanny-less.
But luck is on his side—Scarlett Drake and her 8-year-old daughter, Avery, are recent transplants from Chicago to San Francisco and Scarlett, and following the meltdown of her marriage to her college sweetheart, Henry Jennings, Scarlett is seeking employment for the first time since Avery was born. Scarlett has been emotionally and financially blindsided. Husband Henry, a financial advisor, and his PA- turned-mistress, have absconded with millions of dollars from the financial firm’s clients’ portfolios, including the accounts of friends and even Scarlett’s parents.
With no sympathetic support from friends or family and fear of threats from the victims of Henry’s theft, Scarlett has relocated to San Francisco. With her experience in early childhood development, she has been able to locate work in the low paying/high turnover field. But, when she receives a phone call from an unlisted number she knows that she and Avery must again relocate and find new housing and a means of support for herself and Avery.
But, for once in a long time, luck and fate are with her. While she can’t present college degrees or certificates of skills, the local nanny agency, using the limited evidence of local childcare experience, sends her to an interview for a local family who have had a revolving door of nannies—Grayson Blackstone and his twin sons. The placement will be a limited period with an evaluation at the end of the designated time. For both employer and future employee, with all complicating circumstances of both, the conditions are agreeable. And, over time, the two bruised families begin to blend in love and in support.
Once more, Ainsley St. Claire provides her readers with a romance centered on family and woven with the challenges of known and unknown forces. The writing is smart, engaging and as always, filled with heart. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grayson Blackstone is on the cusp of fulfilling his dream of turning his startup Firefly into functioning, successful business with the help of San Francisco’s SHN. Firefly is more than a tech brick and mortar retail store—Firefly will be tech first. All operations of retail will be handled remotely with a warehouse to house the goods. The only issue that has been a problem is the delivery system. And, the success of the company will depend on the postal services and overnight-delivery companies. But, Firefly doesn’t own that part of the equation. So, Grayson’s next goal is to acquire a logistics company that has the staff and infrastructure already in place.
But as Grayson moves forward, meeting the challenges at work, he is faced by more complicated and more important challenges at home—providing proper support and loving guidance for his motherless twin sons, Logan and Cooper, who are definitely a handful. The boys don’t remember their mother. She was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was pregnant with them and refused treatment until after they were born. She died when they were three months old. And, since then, it has been the three Blackstone men—and an ever-changing collection of nannies. So, when the last nanny doesn’t let the door hit her as she departs, Grayson is again nanny-less.
But luck is on his side—Scarlett Drake and her 8-year-old daughter, Avery, are recent transplants from Chicago to San Francisco and Scarlett, and following the meltdown of her marriage to her college sweetheart, Henry Jennings, Scarlett is seeking employment for the first time since Avery was born. Scarlett has been emotionally and financially blindsided. Husband Henry, a financial advisor, and his PA- turned-mistress, have absconded with millions of dollars from the financial firm’s clients’ portfolios, including the accounts of friends and even Scarlett’s parents.
With no sympathetic support from friends or family and fear of threats from the victims of Henry’s theft, Scarlett has relocated to San Francisco. With her experience in early childhood development, she has been able to locate work in the low paying/high turnover field. But, when she receives a phone call from an unlisted number she knows that she and Avery must again relocate and find new housing and a means of support for herself and Avery.
But, for once in a long time, luck and fate are with her. While she can’t present college degrees or certificates of skills, the local nanny agency, using the limited evidence of local childcare experience, sends her to an interview for a local family who have had a revolving door of nannies—Grayson Blackstone and his twin sons. The placement will be a limited period with an evaluation at the end of the designated time. For both employer and future employee, with all complicating circumstances of both, the conditions are agreeable. And, over time, the two bruised families begin to blend in love and in support.
Once more, Ainsley St. Claire provides her readers with a romance centered on family and woven with the challenges of known and unknown forces. The writing is smart, engaging and as always, filled with heart. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2023
I love Ainsley St. Claire's writing and I love the characters from her previous books. Put the two together and it equals a hit for "The Set Up"!
Grasyon Blackstone is a billionaire living in San Francisco with his twin boys - and that means that he will need security. If you live in San Francisco and are in need of a top notch security firm, you go to the best: Clear Security. Yes, this is the same Clear Security from The Venture Capitalist Series, Tech Billionaires, the Stiletto Sisters, and the Clear Security Holiday Heartbreakers. I have been a fan of each of these so it was a lot of fun to catch up with so many of their wonderful characters. It was like going to a reunion and meeting up with old friends!
Grayson Blackstone fits right in with this eclectic group of people. He and his two best friends are self made billionaires and while that is appealing in many ways, it comes with its own set of rules and situations.
The first situation is that Grayson is a single dad to identical twins. He works long hours and needs help with the day to day of raising kids. He has tried several nannies, but the boys antics have caused them all to quit rather abruptly. Scarlett Drake is a woman who thought she had it all, until the truth about her husband came to light and now she is on the run with her daughter, Avery. She is down to her last few dollars and no real work experience other than being a wife and mother, so the idea of applying for a nanny position seems like the perfect, if not only, fit. She is a sharp eyed experienced mother who understands the working minds of a 10 year old so the twin boys in the home where she is applying for the nanny job do not phase her in the least. In fact, the boys take to Scarlett and her daughter immediately. The second situation becomes apparent very quickly: Scarlett can not share who she really is for fear of losing her job and to keep her whereabouts a secret.
St. Claire does a terrific job of painting the lives of both Grayson and Scarlett. She allows us to see into the mind of a working dad who wants to be more present but who just doesn't know to separate himself from his job. In the same way, St. Claire's depiction of a trusting, priviledged wife who suddenly finds herself with nothing is really well done. The determination and love she has for her daughter is beautifully written. The insight she demonstrates while being with the twins was that of a true parent.
Situation number three: lies become known, trusts are broken, and lives are at stake.
This is the first in the "Paper Billionaires" and I can not wait for the next book in the series - it was a wonderful story and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Grasyon Blackstone is a billionaire living in San Francisco with his twin boys - and that means that he will need security. If you live in San Francisco and are in need of a top notch security firm, you go to the best: Clear Security. Yes, this is the same Clear Security from The Venture Capitalist Series, Tech Billionaires, the Stiletto Sisters, and the Clear Security Holiday Heartbreakers. I have been a fan of each of these so it was a lot of fun to catch up with so many of their wonderful characters. It was like going to a reunion and meeting up with old friends!
Grayson Blackstone fits right in with this eclectic group of people. He and his two best friends are self made billionaires and while that is appealing in many ways, it comes with its own set of rules and situations.
The first situation is that Grayson is a single dad to identical twins. He works long hours and needs help with the day to day of raising kids. He has tried several nannies, but the boys antics have caused them all to quit rather abruptly. Scarlett Drake is a woman who thought she had it all, until the truth about her husband came to light and now she is on the run with her daughter, Avery. She is down to her last few dollars and no real work experience other than being a wife and mother, so the idea of applying for a nanny position seems like the perfect, if not only, fit. She is a sharp eyed experienced mother who understands the working minds of a 10 year old so the twin boys in the home where she is applying for the nanny job do not phase her in the least. In fact, the boys take to Scarlett and her daughter immediately. The second situation becomes apparent very quickly: Scarlett can not share who she really is for fear of losing her job and to keep her whereabouts a secret.
St. Claire does a terrific job of painting the lives of both Grayson and Scarlett. She allows us to see into the mind of a working dad who wants to be more present but who just doesn't know to separate himself from his job. In the same way, St. Claire's depiction of a trusting, priviledged wife who suddenly finds herself with nothing is really well done. The determination and love she has for her daughter is beautifully written. The insight she demonstrates while being with the twins was that of a true parent.
Situation number three: lies become known, trusts are broken, and lives are at stake.
This is the first in the "Paper Billionaires" and I can not wait for the next book in the series - it was a wonderful story and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
April 25, 2023
Just Didn’t Work For Me
I feel conflicted about the hero in this book. The author has surely given him a history that reveals vulnerabilities: screwed over by an investor when he and his friends were naïve young men with a brilliant tech idea and a widower whose wife died of cancer when their twin boys were just three months old. (She had delayed any treatment when she was pregnant.) But he comes across as a cocky alph-hole who thinks he’s God’s gift to women—he actually referred to his own smile as “panty-melting”...gag me!—not one of my favorite romantic hero types. I had hoped that he may have been a cinnamon-roll hero, but nope, not when he abandons the heroine at a critical juncture when he could have easily protected her. And he certainly owed her that…and more…after all she had done for his boys AND him. Grrrr. I’m generally one who enjoys the intimate scenes in romances, but these had a certain repetitiveness about them that made them fall flat. The cover model appears to be a different man than the one used in the A+ content at Amazon, as he looks decidedly different—way too much stubble and not so chiseled lower face. At the book review site where I downloaded this book, the author took pains to say, “No violence, no non consent, no drugs.” Weeeeelllll, there are certainly multiple threats of violence against the heroine, which is what motivates much of her behavior. And—as an addictions nurse—I had to laugh at the “no drugs” claim; the book has plenty of drinking! But I guess the author doesn’t count alcohol as a drug because it is legal and socially sanctioned. However, from what I know from all I’ve seen and learned, alcohol addiction is just as strong as opioid (and other substance) addiction…and can actually kill you! This ended up being a very dissatisfying read.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I feel conflicted about the hero in this book. The author has surely given him a history that reveals vulnerabilities: screwed over by an investor when he and his friends were naïve young men with a brilliant tech idea and a widower whose wife died of cancer when their twin boys were just three months old. (She had delayed any treatment when she was pregnant.) But he comes across as a cocky alph-hole who thinks he’s God’s gift to women—he actually referred to his own smile as “panty-melting”...gag me!—not one of my favorite romantic hero types. I had hoped that he may have been a cinnamon-roll hero, but nope, not when he abandons the heroine at a critical juncture when he could have easily protected her. And he certainly owed her that…and more…after all she had done for his boys AND him. Grrrr. I’m generally one who enjoys the intimate scenes in romances, but these had a certain repetitiveness about them that made them fall flat. The cover model appears to be a different man than the one used in the A+ content at Amazon, as he looks decidedly different—way too much stubble and not so chiseled lower face. At the book review site where I downloaded this book, the author took pains to say, “No violence, no non consent, no drugs.” Weeeeelllll, there are certainly multiple threats of violence against the heroine, which is what motivates much of her behavior. And—as an addictions nurse—I had to laugh at the “no drugs” claim; the book has plenty of drinking! But I guess the author doesn’t count alcohol as a drug because it is legal and socially sanctioned. However, from what I know from all I’ve seen and learned, alcohol addiction is just as strong as opioid (and other substance) addiction…and can actually kill you! This ended up being a very dissatisfying read.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
April 2, 2023
When Luck Finally Came Through -
Scarlett was devastated to discover the mess her husband had left her in, but she knew she had to persevere and survive for her daughter. As luck would have it, Scarlett was able to find a live-in nanny job immediately and settled in quite quickly. Grayson had been struggling to find a nanny that stayed longer than a few weeks, as his twin boys always reeked havoc that made them leave.
However, Scarlett was able to not only calm them down on the first day, but also find out the underlying reason for their actions. Scarlett was also able to help Grayson to build a better relationship with his sons, which made them all happier. Unfortunately, Scarlett was keeping a big secret that impacted Grayson’s business and the revelation caused friction between them.
Grayson’s life began spiralling out of control after he let Scarlett go, but spending time apart made he finally acknowledge his feelings for her. He decided to take the opportunity when he found one, to apologise and get her back, as they all missed her. It took them a few more hurdles to overcome, but they finally found their way to a happily ever after.
I am so glad that I read this book on a Sunday, I found myself totally immersed in the story right from the beginning, which made it difficult to take a break until I finished reading the book. I am addicted to Ainsley St Claire book, because it makes the reader feel like they are on a journey with exiting characters from previous books, with new characters just blending into their lives like they were always meant to be there. This story had everything you would expect was written by a truly talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Scarlett was devastated to discover the mess her husband had left her in, but she knew she had to persevere and survive for her daughter. As luck would have it, Scarlett was able to find a live-in nanny job immediately and settled in quite quickly. Grayson had been struggling to find a nanny that stayed longer than a few weeks, as his twin boys always reeked havoc that made them leave.
However, Scarlett was able to not only calm them down on the first day, but also find out the underlying reason for their actions. Scarlett was also able to help Grayson to build a better relationship with his sons, which made them all happier. Unfortunately, Scarlett was keeping a big secret that impacted Grayson’s business and the revelation caused friction between them.
Grayson’s life began spiralling out of control after he let Scarlett go, but spending time apart made he finally acknowledge his feelings for her. He decided to take the opportunity when he found one, to apologise and get her back, as they all missed her. It took them a few more hurdles to overcome, but they finally found their way to a happily ever after.
I am so glad that I read this book on a Sunday, I found myself totally immersed in the story right from the beginning, which made it difficult to take a break until I finished reading the book. I am addicted to Ainsley St Claire book, because it makes the reader feel like they are on a journey with exiting characters from previous books, with new characters just blending into their lives like they were always meant to be there. This story had everything you would expect was written by a truly talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2023
Another winner for Ainsley St. Claire.
Once again, we’re getting the band back together. It’s the start of a new series, featuring new characters, but like her previous stories it’s set in the same uber-wealthy world of the San Francisco investment bankers and venture capitalists we met in the author’s wonderful books.
If you like hanging out with billionaires, this is for you. And when the CEO encounters a stunning, strong but struggling woman who needs – and deserves – a break, step aside and watch the sparks fly.
From the opening prologue, when we meet the CEO of a company soon to have its initial public offering, to the inevitable HEA, “The Setup” doesn’t let up and never disappoints. And with all this author’s books, you can count on the thrilling suspense to make the read well worth it.
There are the tropes we have come to recognize in the “billionaire genre,” but this is much more entertaining than others because of Ms. St. Claire’s very likable people. Her latest edition can proudly stand with the best of the “billionaire books,” and I am eagerly looking forward to the next books in the series.
Five stars. Another winner for Ainsley St. Claire.
Once again, we’re getting the band back together. It’s the start of a new series, featuring new characters, but like her previous stories it’s set in the same uber-wealthy world of the San Francisco investment bankers and venture capitalists we met in the author’s wonderful books.
If you like hanging out with billionaires, this is for you. And when the CEO encounters a stunning, strong but struggling woman who needs – and deserves – a break, step aside and watch the sparks fly.
From the opening prologue, when we meet the CEO of a company soon to have its initial public offering, to the inevitable HEA, “The Setup” doesn’t let up and never disappoints. And with all this author’s books, you can count on the thrilling suspense to make the read well worth it.
There are the tropes we have come to recognize in the “billionaire genre,” but this is much more entertaining than others because of Ms. St. Claire’s very likable people. Her latest edition can proudly stand with the best of the “billionaire books,” and I am eagerly looking forward to the next books in the series.
Five stars. Another winner for Ainsley St. Claire.
March 26, 2023
When I started reading THE SET UP, I was hooked from the start. Single dad Grayson was floundering between intense work obligations and his twin 10 year old sons that ran off one nanny after another.
Scarlett was desperate for work. Her husband left her and their daughter destitute after running off with money from investors.
So we have a great story with the right amount of steam, intrigue and danger. Even going through the day to day lives with Scarlett giving the kindness and stability Grayson’s twins needed had me glued to the book. Scarlett had her secrets and did her best to keep her distance from Grayson, but she loved her daughter and those two boys.
I really enjoyed reading about their relationship unfolding. It had all the emotions - swoony, melancholy, and even mad. The story has a happy ending but there is an overarching plot that was unresolved for the next book. I look forward to it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Scarlett was desperate for work. Her husband left her and their daughter destitute after running off with money from investors.
So we have a great story with the right amount of steam, intrigue and danger. Even going through the day to day lives with Scarlett giving the kindness and stability Grayson’s twins needed had me glued to the book. Scarlett had her secrets and did her best to keep her distance from Grayson, but she loved her daughter and those two boys.
I really enjoyed reading about their relationship unfolding. It had all the emotions - swoony, melancholy, and even mad. The story has a happy ending but there is an overarching plot that was unresolved for the next book. I look forward to it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2023
This book had you guessing at every turn. I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know what was gonna happen next. Most love stories are guy and girl meet, then there’s a conflict of some thing they separate and then guy and girl get back together and live happily ever after, this story has every bit of that however, what makes this one different is the fact that you didn’t know how it was going to happen next. I loved the fact that the characters were brought to life, and I was able to connect to the story because of some of the characters. after reading the entire story, there were things that I felt needed to be tied up and the author did that by subscribing to her newsletter. You get drawn into the story with the characters and you can feel the emotions throughout the entire story. You can feel for each character. I love how the story goes back-and-forth between the two main characters and you get to see it from both points of view. This is definitely a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2023
This is the first book of the series. This book does so many things - it introduces new characters for the series, pulls in a few familiar faces from other series and pulls you in for the wild ride that you are about to embark on. Grayson Blackstone is a focused, hard working businessman. He is a single father to twin ten year old boys. He exists in a whirl of chaos, buusiness decisions and challenges along with a revolving door of nannies. Scarlette and her eight year old daughter have had their world turned upside down. Scarlette has no work experience but can run a household and raise a child. A live in nanny position seems like the option. Fate has crossed Grayson and Scarlette's paths but there are secrets and baggage that truely test these two as they navigate their way through life to find freedom and happiness. Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2023
I loved Scarlett and Avery from the very beginning! Scarlett was so strong, always putting Avery first, and doing whatever it would take to survive! Her dad really irked me!
I’m probably going to be in the minority here, but…I did not like Grayson. At least not in the beginning. He wasn’t involved in his kids lives, he barely even saw them, let alone spend time with them! And then he got upset when Scarlett showed him Cooper’s work! What a j3rk!!!
He finally started to redeem himself only to pull the rug from under Scarlett! Grayson thankfully pulled his head out of his bum and realized that Scarlett and Avery made all their lives better, and made them a family! It took some time, but he finally redeemed himself!
I’m really interested to see what happens with the revenge plot for Villefort. Can’t wait for Jaxon’s book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m probably going to be in the minority here, but…I did not like Grayson. At least not in the beginning. He wasn’t involved in his kids lives, he barely even saw them, let alone spend time with them! And then he got upset when Scarlett showed him Cooper’s work! What a j3rk!!!
He finally started to redeem himself only to pull the rug from under Scarlett! Grayson thankfully pulled his head out of his bum and realized that Scarlett and Avery made all their lives better, and made them a family! It took some time, but he finally redeemed himself!
I’m really interested to see what happens with the revenge plot for Villefort. Can’t wait for Jaxon’s book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2023
St Claire’s books are ones I always read cover to cover as soon as I get them, knowing they are going to be a fantastic read. Her new series, Paper Billionaires is exactly what we come to expect from her. Well written, her characters come to life and as she intertwines her books together, you still have other book characters in the story. The Set Up is no different. When Scarlett’s husband disappears leaving her to face not only the FBI, but those who want them dead, Scarlett does what a mother has to, run and protect her child. It is then that Grayson hires Scarlett as his nanny not knowing who she really is. As their attraction to each other grows, so does the danger for both families.
Ms. St Claire has managed to keep her series different and refreshing to read, while combining romance and suspense for a spectacular read.
Ms. St Claire has managed to keep her series different and refreshing to read, while combining romance and suspense for a spectacular read.
April 3, 2023
5 stars. I could not put the book down and finished reading it in one night.
I loved the strong female lead, she was able to provide for herself and her daughter no matter the obstacles. This book is not just a romance novel, the real focus of this story is the relationship between parent and child. How parents can provide attention to their children and built it in to their schedule no matter how busy they are.
This book has all of Ainsley 's hallmark, corporate intrigue, sexy, beautiful people and always lots of money. I also welcomed the plot twist. She continues to brings back some characters from the past books which is like having old friends around.
I love the series and will continue to look forward to the next books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the strong female lead, she was able to provide for herself and her daughter no matter the obstacles. This book is not just a romance novel, the real focus of this story is the relationship between parent and child. How parents can provide attention to their children and built it in to their schedule no matter how busy they are.
This book has all of Ainsley 's hallmark, corporate intrigue, sexy, beautiful people and always lots of money. I also welcomed the plot twist. She continues to brings back some characters from the past books which is like having old friends around.
I love the series and will continue to look forward to the next books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2023
Scarlett and her daughter have been moving around a lot since her husband and his secretary took off with millions of his clients money. Now she is being stalked by the victims when she is one herself. She ends up landing a nanny position with Grayson after learning he needs help. It is a temporary position with evaluations given before either party decides to extend the job commitment. The kids all get along and its not long before sparks fly between Scarlett and Grayson. Will things end when her past is discovered? Can they find a way to be together?
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that an y book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that an y book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2023
Scarlett Drake aka Jennings lost everything except 2000 dollars. Everything she owned was seized by FBI since her husband is wanted by FBI for ponzi scheme he ran. She decided to move to San Francisco with her daughter and decided to work as a live in nanny.
Grayson is a widower with two twin boys and none of the nannies are staying longer than a week nor a day. When Scarlett showed up, he was skeptical at first but when he saw her interacting with his kids
Everyone is getting along but Scarlett's past may catch up to her and it may create more problems for both.
It is a slow burn and this one is more about kids and family. This book took little bit longer to finish. It felt a bit length at times but I finished it and did enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grayson is a widower with two twin boys and none of the nannies are staying longer than a week nor a day. When Scarlett showed up, he was skeptical at first but when he saw her interacting with his kids
Everyone is getting along but Scarlett's past may catch up to her and it may create more problems for both.
It is a slow burn and this one is more about kids and family. This book took little bit longer to finish. It felt a bit length at times but I finished it and did enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2023
Grayson had problems. He had twin 10 year old boys that went through nannies like water. He finally hired Scarlett and she turned them into 2 well behaved children. They still misbehaved, but not like before. And they were nice to her 6 year daughter, Avery. Grayson and Scarlett were getting closer when her past came up to bite her hard in the butt. He over reacted and kicked them out. He finally came to his senses and begged her to returned as the boys were going through nannies again fast and he missed her
This story had a lot going on with Scarlett's ex and her budding romance with Grayson. It was a wonderful story to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story had a lot going on with Scarlett's ex and her budding romance with Grayson. It was a wonderful story to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2023
Scarlett is just trying to provide a safe home for her daughter. She has no work history or higher education because she took care of her lying cheating husband and their daughter. Grayson is so busy that he needs a nanny desperately for his twin boys. They’re more than a handful!
Ainsley has a knack for crafting these beautiful stories with realistic characters who you want to see happy. Her dialogue and setting demonstrate her skillful mastery of storytelling. This couple is so good together, it’s a slow burn but hot when they act on their attraction, and the mistakes are treated with respect and maturity. The added epilogue is fantastic!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ainsley has a knack for crafting these beautiful stories with realistic characters who you want to see happy. Her dialogue and setting demonstrate her skillful mastery of storytelling. This couple is so good together, it’s a slow burn but hot when they act on their attraction, and the mistakes are treated with respect and maturity. The added epilogue is fantastic!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2023
Scarlett lost everything when her ex-husband's ponzi scheme bilked millions
From unsuspecting investors and he fled the country with his mistress amd left her amd their daughter. Now she is starting over and needs to find a job, but it isn't easy when you share the name of a notorious criminal. Grayson has been raising twin boys alone since his wife passed. They have burned through a host of nannies and he is try to get a new business off the ground. When Scarlotte comes in he notices that she makes his life easier. Their relationship starts slow but their past and present issues may tear rhem apart. This is a great book and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From unsuspecting investors and he fled the country with his mistress amd left her amd their daughter. Now she is starting over and needs to find a job, but it isn't easy when you share the name of a notorious criminal. Grayson has been raising twin boys alone since his wife passed. They have burned through a host of nannies and he is try to get a new business off the ground. When Scarlotte comes in he notices that she makes his life easier. Their relationship starts slow but their past and present issues may tear rhem apart. This is a great book and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2023
The Set Up
By Ainsley St Claire
Main Characters: Scarlett and Grayson
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Grayson is on the verge of going public with his startup Firefly and all with the help of SHN. I love seeing some of the other main characters from past books. I especially loved Chapter 32, made me cry. Grayson is a great guy who had a terrible setback with his first company with his 2 friends. Scarlett is a woman scorned by her husband of 8 years, four months, and sixteen days. Scarlett leaves Chicago and heads to California and hopes to get a nanny position with the single dad of twins Grayson. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend.
By Ainsley St Claire
Main Characters: Scarlett and Grayson
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Grayson is on the verge of going public with his startup Firefly and all with the help of SHN. I love seeing some of the other main characters from past books. I especially loved Chapter 32, made me cry. Grayson is a great guy who had a terrible setback with his first company with his 2 friends. Scarlett is a woman scorned by her husband of 8 years, four months, and sixteen days. Scarlett leaves Chicago and heads to California and hopes to get a nanny position with the single dad of twins Grayson. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend.
December 24, 2023
Strong female character who steels 3 Hearts.....
Scarlet woke up one day and her her world was pulled out under her!! She needed to !ale a move for her safety but more important for her 8 year old daughter.
I'm a city with no friends or family she needed to find a job and procure a place safe for her daughter.
Grayson was a single man with two mischievous male twins. He couldn't hold on to a nanny due to their shenanigans.I He was a Billionaire and very busy with his company.
Lets take the journey with Scarlet after she meets with Grayson.
friendships, familia love, corporate corruption, bodyguards, furious investors, second chance......
Grab a copy on KU and Happy Reading!!
Scarlet woke up one day and her her world was pulled out under her!! She needed to !ale a move for her safety but more important for her 8 year old daughter.
I'm a city with no friends or family she needed to find a job and procure a place safe for her daughter.
Grayson was a single man with two mischievous male twins. He couldn't hold on to a nanny due to their shenanigans.I He was a Billionaire and very busy with his company.
Lets take the journey with Scarlet after she meets with Grayson.
friendships, familia love, corporate corruption, bodyguards, furious investors, second chance......
Grab a copy on KU and Happy Reading!!
March 28, 2023
The Set Up is book one in a new series from Ainsley St. Claire. Grayson is the billionaire single dad of identical twin boys who are out of control and torment every nanny they have. Enter Scarlett. A single mom who flees Chicago in the wake of her husband’s Ponzi scheme being discovered. Scarlett now only wrangles the boys, but manages to capture Grayson’s heart in the process. We even get cameos by the SNH crew. Ainsley once again delivers a happily ever after with a little angst and drama woven throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2023
Grayson and Scarlett have both experienced traumatic incidents in their lives and are stronger for it. When Scarlett leaves the country with his assistant along with all the money from his clients, she is left taking the blame for the fall out. With no resources left to her she gets the job as nanny for Grayson's sons, and it starts their journey. Their path is filled with twists and turns that will test their relationship. Will they live up to the challenge and get their chance for a happily ever after in the end. This story kept me glued to the pages cheering them on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2023
A good beginning to the series
Grayson never wanted children. But when his wife dies leaving him with three-month-old twins, he’s stuck. The boys are a handful and many nanny services want nothing to do with them. Until Scarlett shows up with her daughter. She’s the Nanny Whisperer. And she’s not hard on the eyes either.
Scarlett has been left holding the bag for her husband’s Ponzi Scheme. He disappeared one morning leaving her with the FBI on her doorstep. They took everything, even her engagement and wedding rings. Now she’s desperate to keep a roof over her and her daughter’s heads. She’ll take any job, even nannying for two boys that have the worst reputation in San Francisco.
Grayson never wanted children. But when his wife dies leaving him with three-month-old twins, he’s stuck. The boys are a handful and many nanny services want nothing to do with them. Until Scarlett shows up with her daughter. She’s the Nanny Whisperer. And she’s not hard on the eyes either.
Scarlett has been left holding the bag for her husband’s Ponzi Scheme. He disappeared one morning leaving her with the FBI on her doorstep. They took everything, even her engagement and wedding rings. Now she’s desperate to keep a roof over her and her daughter’s heads. She’ll take any job, even nannying for two boys that have the worst reputation in San Francisco.
April 3, 2023
The Set up is amazing! Scarlett is a mom with a charming daughter who were left high and dry from a scheming husband who abandoned them. She had to find a way to support herself and her daughter- her only skills- is being a mom! So she turn to a Nanny placement agency! The stunning widowed father is trying to take his company to trade publicly - only he has twin boys who’s are away every nanny! This story is wonderful- the character even though they are in the 1%- are amazingly real and flawed! This story is so enthralling I read cover to cover! This is a must read!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️! I voluntarily read this book as an arc copy!
April 15, 2023
The Set Up is the story of Grayson, a billionaire businessman and widower father of identical twins who have terrorized their recent nannies into quitting, and Scarlett, a single mom of a daughter whose husband abandons her for his assistant after swindling his investment clients of their money. Scarlett is desperate for a job and convinces Grayson to hire her. Scarlett soon becomes a substitute mother for the boys. Grayson and Scarlett eventually develop a relationship with secrets, past traumas, betrayal, and a slow burn romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2023
Scarlett needs a job and Grayson needs a nanny!
Scarlett Drake needs a job to take care of her daughter Avery after moving from Chicago after her soon-to-be ex-husband took off with his assistant to countries that do not have an extradition treaty with the United States with a lot of other people’s money.
Billionaire Grayson Blackstone just needs a nanny for his twin sons after they have chased off most of the nannies in San Francisco while he was trying to get his company ready to go public.
I liked The Set Up because the attraction between Scarlett and Grayson grew organically with a little help from their children.
Scarlett Drake needs a job to take care of her daughter Avery after moving from Chicago after her soon-to-be ex-husband took off with his assistant to countries that do not have an extradition treaty with the United States with a lot of other people’s money.
Billionaire Grayson Blackstone just needs a nanny for his twin sons after they have chased off most of the nannies in San Francisco while he was trying to get his company ready to go public.
I liked The Set Up because the attraction between Scarlett and Grayson grew organically with a little help from their children.
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