Obsession

Billionaire Venture Capitalist #5

by Ainsley St. Claire

A scorching romance is all theirs… if the mob doesn't get to her first.Cynthia's corporate whistleblowing against the mafia turned her life upside down. Throwing herself into a new high-powered job, she tries to ignore how her past decisions might come back to bite her. Her plan to keep everyone at arm's length fails when a gorgeous billionaire takes her breath away, adding a potential target to the crosshairs…

Tired of gold-digging women, Todd's stunning and brilliant new neighbor makes him feel like more than a billion bucks. He can't wait to invest his mind, body, and soul into her and her life. If only he could figure out why she's holding back…

When Cynthia learns the Russians want revenge, she has no choice but to spill her secrets to Todd and pray he doesn't become the next victim.

With hitmen hot on their heels, can Cynthia and Todd keep their love alive before the mob bankrupts their future?

Obsession is the fifth standalone book in the steamy Venture Capitalist series of romantic suspense novels. If you like powerful heroes, confident women, and scorching-hot action, then you’ll love Ainsley St Claire’s tantalizing tale.

Buy Obsession to collect on a thrilling romance today!

Genres: Romance

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2019

About the author

Ainsley 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

Reviews

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh heck yeah, this is another FANTASTIC story in the Venture Capitalist series and I can’t wait for more!!

Todd is a sexy billionaire that just relocated to the San Francisco area from NYC to open the new office on the West Coast. Being new to the area he doesn’t know many people so when CeCe invites him to a celebration party he jumps on it and hopes to meet some new people. Who he wasn’t expecting to find is a beautiful, smart, successful business woman.

Cynthia has been with SHN since the doors shut down permanently. She has many friends now thanks to her job which are all successful billionaires. While at a celebration party her friend, CeCe, she is introduced to a sexy man. When her life is being threatened, the same man she met at the party, he steps up to protect her and keep her safe.

This is the 5th book in the Venture Capitalist series and it has me glued to the very end. Ainsley St Claire is an amazing author and I am constantly waiting/checking for when she will be giving us more!! This is definitely one of my favorite series and authors!! Can’t wait for the next book 🖤🖤

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story. It has romance, friendship, a little bit of drama and suspence. Just PERFECT!

5 STARS!

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense heartwarming exciting slow build romance. This intriguing storyline is well written and is a standalone in the Venture Capitalist series. It has danger, mystery, suspense, intrigue, and its dramatic, with humor, love, twists and turns that makes this an addicting page turner. The characters are smart, interesting, strong, and have instant chemistry with cameo appearances from previous series characters. I honestly and voluntarily reviewed this ARC.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another good read in the series. In this one we have Cynthia and Todd. He has just moved to San Francisco. He ends up meeting Cynthia and falling for her. Her life is crazy right now with her work drama. Thankfully Todd is just who and what she needs to get through it all.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with an intriguing story line. The author brings strong characters in Cynthia and Todd as well as the supporting characters who play a huge role in bringing the story around. The chemistry between the two is hot and steamy and their romance sizzles. She fills the story with drama,suspense,danger and enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge. It's an action packed entertaining book and I loved reading it.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay then! Why is this my first Ainsley St Claire book? This was fast paced with interesting characters, hot romance with lots of chemistry and a terrific story. Started at the beginning and read all the way through. Not a dull moment and no “stupid” plot devices. I’ll definitely go back and read the previous books in this series (this one is #5) and anything else that comes from this author. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).

[Gaynor Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very good!

Cynthia and Todd not only have the excitement of a new relationship, lust and love they have to deal with so much more! Danger, suspense, intrigue and the mob! What a story!

[Theresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todd and Cynthia had a slow burn relationship, until Cynthia was threatened and Todd jumped in to save the day and take care of her. This band of friends love and lookout for each other the emotional impact when one is down is felt in each page. A pleasure to be reading this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SnickSnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific book! Cynthia and Todd both work in the world of finance and they are introduced by a mutual friend at a fundraiser. They hit it off and as their friendship deepens and becomes something more, Cynthia ‘s role as a whistle blower at her previous company comes into play. The Russian mob doesn’t mess around and they find themselves fighting not only for their lives, but for those around them as well. This was a page turner with twists and turns I didn’t expect. Cynthia and Todd’s amazing group of friends/colleagues had a huge role in making this book such an enjoyable read. Definitely recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this great series, and is Cynthia and Todd’s story. These two are introduced by mutual friends and instantly hit it off. No spoilers; this is a great read, you will not be disappointed. This is a well written story which is filled with drama, suspense, twists, secrets, revenge, romance, and is a steamy and intriguing read. I was hooked from the very beginning, and look forward to reading more of this authors’ work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monique Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and this series. This book is full of suspense and intrigue. I love to revisit the old characters and like seeing new characters and couples forming. I enjoy the courting, the romance and the chemistry. Todd and Cynthia are very hot and sweet together. I love a true gentleman.

[Lady M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This this series just keeps getting better and better! I love the way Cynthia and Todd meet and how they become friends. Add in all the excitement and how the relationship changes, it was just addicting. It's a longer book (a little over six hours on the Kindle timer) but I still got it all read in about twenty-four hours I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for more

[anita.thebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provide to me by Author. I am giving my review voluntarily.

Obsession by Ainsley St. Claire this is the 5th book in the steamy Venture Capitalist series of romantic suspense novels.

I gave this book 5 stars.
Ohhhhh heck YES! this was a hot book. Loved it!!! Ainsley keeps getting better with this series, it's addicting, when you finish one book you wish you had the next to start read.
This series has so many strong, intriguing, smart and beautiful characters that you can't help but fall in love with them, and you feel like you are part of their group of friends, and family.
This book was about Todd Wallington he’s an investment banker for a company called Morgan Wealth Management in New York City, and he came to San Francisco to open a new office for them and manage their West Coast investments. He also came for intentions of dating CeCe, but her heart is already taken by someone else....so she once again was doing her matchmaking with her friends Cynthia Hathaway, she's worked in venture capital for eight years. She worked for BrightStar company which was an investment company, the FBI shut them down due to some treasonous actions by one of their investors and the managing partner. They were told by a whistleblower, and Cynthia was the whistleblower. Now she is in fear for her life because someone is out to shut her up.
Cynthia now works for SHN company doing the same type of work.
Todd and Cynthia have a lot in common, they become friends very quickly- they both really like each other but it takes them some time to cross that line to lovers.
This book has it all, mystery suspense, danger, it's funny, love, hot sex, great friendship's, awesome characters some we already know and new ones. It was wonderful to revisit with them again 😍. In the end Todd and Cynthia found their HEA.
CeCe omg goodness me..... I can't wait for her story already, common pleaseeeee - Mason maybe hummm? 🤔😲.

[Susan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of the Venture Capitalist books published so far, I can sincerely say that this whole series has been outstanding.
In Obsession, we meet Cynthia, a new partner in the Venture Capitalist firm SHN and Todd who has recently moved to San Francisco from New York to open a new branch for an investment banking firm. The two were introduced at a function celebrating a congressional candidates victory.
They see each other again when they bump into each other at their condo building. They become friends and meet casually for dinner or drinks, neither of them wanting to take the relationship further since they are living in the same building.
Ms St Clair is very adept at creating fully developed, compelling characters in her stories.
There is so much depth not only in the characters but also the action of the story.
Cynthia had been a whistleblower at her previous company when she uncovered illegal Russian involvement in that firm. What follows is intrigue and suspense that makes this book into a page turner. I loved all the action and the chemistry develop between Cynthia and Todd as well as meeting up with all the other characters from earlier books in the series.
Find out how dangerous the situation with Cynthia’s whistleblowing affects her and those associated with her. Be part of the growing romance between her and hot Todd.
I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+* ARC – Great addition to the SHN series!!
This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. I have read many of the books in this series through ARC programs or various promotions. This series has followed the partners, friends and significant others of the venture capital firm SHN. The books have characters that are very different from many books I have read where the main characters are billionaires.
This is the story of Cynthia and Todd, who we met in prior books. Cynthia has moved to SHN after her prior firm was closed due to their involvement with the Russian mob. As the book opens, Cynthia meets Todd, a NY investment banker who moved to San Francisco to open his company’s West Coast office. As the investigation continues with Cynthia’s old firm, she becomes the target of the Russian mob. At this point since they are friends, Todd insists that she stay with him for her safety.
In my opinion the books in this series get better and better as they go along. This storyline with the Russian mob and how they are involved in business and hacking really added to how the plot unfolded. I also enjoyed how Cynthia and Todd’s relationship evolved from friends to so much more. They were both likable and had great chemistry together.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verified ARC Reader
Intense, dramatic, heartwarming!
by sewsummore

I really loved this book. It was intense, dramatic, heart warming and made compulsive reading. Cynthia is a woman who fears for her life after becoming a whistle blower to the FBI. Her love interest is Todd an investment banker and new to San Francisco. They begin as friends but soon become much more, eventually falling in love. I loved this book, each page tempting me to read the next. I loved the characters in the book, the friendships between work mates, the honesty of doing what is right in a difficult situation. This book was the complete deal!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed this book.

[Anne Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another gripping book in the Venture Capitalist series, and it’s such a pleasure to get to know Cynthia and Todd. In Cynthia, Ainsley St Claire has written one of the strongest characters I’ve read in a while. From her original courage in turning BrightStar in to her ongoing courage in dealing with the fallout, Cynthia grips the reader’s interest and empathy. Todd too is well-drawn – not too protective, not wimpish, just right. The story has the level of intrigue and tension we’ve come to expect from these books (after all, it includes the Russian mob!), and it is a read-in-one-sitting book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline, you really get drawn into the characters right st the start. I loved the excitment of not knowing what was going to happen. Cynthia and Todd wow what away to start a relationship. The steamy sex was making me feel as if I was going through it myself. I could not put the book down it was great. I believe the book was well written. I love reading and feeling what the author feels when they write a book. Well done Ainsley you have written another great story. Love you work.
Thank you for this opportunity to review your book it was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. .

[CS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia and Todd star in this intelligently written romance with an underlying espionage flavor. Cynthia is a venture capitalist and Todd is an investment banker. Both wealthy, smart, and single. They bond over their eclectic taste in 90’s music and are intellectually matched.
When the FBI made their appearance in her life, this romance turned into a life and death drama with a Russian criminal out to get Cynthia.
Well written with lots of action and fast paced drama.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, once again, a truly amazing read from this hugely talented author. Flawlessly written & crafted in such a way that you couldn't put it down even if you really needed to, it was that compelling. Ok I confess it came with me for a toilet break! I was drawn into the story, the danger, the friendships & the sexy as hell hot loving after all the trauma. A happy ever after, it doesn't get better than this. Read the blurb previous reviews, this is a MUST read. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC & this is my honest & volunttary review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fast paced with interesting characters, hot romance with lots of chemistry and a terrific story.
Page turner, definitely not a dull moment.
I like that story is place in high powered business district and have handsome billionaire in the mix and some Russian Mob.
Who is going to win after some secrets are exposed?
Great ,strong characters . This is very well written book.It’s nice addition to this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bill Jakobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, very intriguing book

This certainly was packed with a lot of intrigue, strong willed people, surprises and of course, love. I really enjoy reading this series because it's so easy to visualize the scenes. The movements of the FBI agents, the security teams along with the main characters. Climbing up the fire escape was something. Hitting a bad guy with a golf club. The group interactions, the trips, meetings and food. It's so much fun visualizing all of it. Going on to the next book...yay! Written by Cindy :)

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Venture Capitalist Series and is a great standalone read. Fast-paced and full of suspense. Once you start reading you'll find it hard to put this book down. The characters are well-developed and entertaining. The storyline gets intense when the Russian mob tries to get back at Cynthia for being a whistleblower. Their romance takes on a new turn and is full of danger and drama. I read an arc copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia and Todd's story. Very good stoyline. Loved the series but liked this last book the most. Loved Cynthia, her strength and the way her character was developed. Fell a little bif in love with Todd. This was a compulsive and very easy read. Would definitely recommend this boom to readers who love suspense and drama.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Brostek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling Mystery/Romance!
Another great hit for Ainsley St Claire. This is the fifth book in the Venture Capitalist series and a real page turner. Intense drama, intrigue of corporate espionage and the Russian Mafia will keep you on the edge of your seat. Add the charm of San Francisco, steamy romance and wonderfully warm, witty characters and a HEA for a very enjoyable read. Enjoy!

I received an arc copy and am happy to leave my honest review.

[T.Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, easy read. I typically lean more towards psychological thrillers so, for me, it wasn’t as intense as I like in the whole Russian mob thing. But, I enjoyed the story and I like the idea of all these love stories intertwined into a group of friends. I can’t wait to read them all!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book Obsession. It was a lot of fun to read, enjoyed the storyline and characters. Everything was well developed and it's a great addition to the others in the series. Made me wanting more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has a new job but she is still worried about the mafia who she blew the whistle on. He sees her and when he is struck by her beauty. He can tell she is hiding something. She ends up telling him when she is threatened. Will it help? Will he run? Will he stay? See what will happen

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more suspenseful than the other books. Cynthia is at SHN now that she has secretly whistle-blown her previous company for illegal foreign dealings. She learns that her new neighbor is the cute guy who followed her friend to San Fran. However, things just keep getting from bad to worse. Can her new romance with Todd survive? 4.5 stars