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How do things fall apart so easily?
Kate:
As a former teacher, my mission is to keep the disadvantaged youth of our city engaged with school. My non-profit has been wildly successful with the kids, but now I'm forty mentors short for the Christmas season. It didn't look like we would be able to find enough help, until Jim Adelson got involved. He may have solved my mentor problem, but he's created another: I can't concentrate with this panty melting God around.
Jim:
The community has been good to me. I'd built my successful security business with hard work and determination, and when I got approached to help Kate Monroe's non-profit, it seemed a fitting way to give back. I'd offer to spend time with some kids, but it’s Kate that I find myself wanting to spend time with. With beauty obvious to everyone, and a compassionate heart she wears on her sleeve, she has me reevaluating my priorities.
When the children's Christmas gifts go missing, Jim and Kate are forced together in the hunt.
Can true love fight through the drama to find a happy ending?
Gifted is the first book in the holiday series Clear Security Holidays. This is a standalone holiday romance suspense novel, but characters from the Venture Capital series and from Tech Billionaires can be known to make appearances.
Kate:
As a former teacher, my mission is to keep the disadvantaged youth of our city engaged with school. My non-profit has been wildly successful with the kids, but now I'm forty mentors short for the Christmas season. It didn't look like we would be able to find enough help, until Jim Adelson got involved. He may have solved my mentor problem, but he's created another: I can't concentrate with this panty melting God around.
Jim:
The community has been good to me. I'd built my successful security business with hard work and determination, and when I got approached to help Kate Monroe's non-profit, it seemed a fitting way to give back. I'd offer to spend time with some kids, but it’s Kate that I find myself wanting to spend time with. With beauty obvious to everyone, and a compassionate heart she wears on her sleeve, she has me reevaluating my priorities.
When the children's Christmas gifts go missing, Jim and Kate are forced together in the hunt.
Can true love fight through the drama to find a happy ending?
Gifted is the first book in the holiday series Clear Security Holidays. This is a standalone holiday romance suspense novel, but characters from the Venture Capital series and from Tech Billionaires can be known to make appearances.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2019
443 people are currently reading
206 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 60 reviews
November 28, 2019
Gifted was cute for what it was. A short, holiday romance with a good message. It demonstrates the importance of giving back to our community and all that can be done to aide those in need and how our good actions can truly have a positive impact on those around us.
I know this book was incredibly short and a holiday romance, so I walked right into this, but I wasn’t expecting the insta-love to be that quick or sweet. I blinked and suddenly Jim and Kate were head-over-heels, I’d-take-a-bullet-for-you in love with each other.
With the story itself, everything was a little to perfect. The friends were all over the top kind and everything worked itself out without much of an issue. Even the ending was abrupt.
Overall, if you’re looking for a quick holiday romance read (under 175 pages) to get you in the Christmas spirit, you could pick this one up and easily read it in a day.
I know this book was incredibly short and a holiday romance, so I walked right into this, but I wasn’t expecting the insta-love to be that quick or sweet. I blinked and suddenly Jim and Kate were head-over-heels, I’d-take-a-bullet-for-you in love with each other.
With the story itself, everything was a little to perfect. The friends were all over the top kind and everything worked itself out without much of an issue. Even the ending was abrupt.
Overall, if you’re looking for a quick holiday romance read (under 175 pages) to get you in the Christmas spirit, you could pick this one up and easily read it in a day.
November 18, 2019
I’ve liked Jim since we first met him in the Venture Capitalist Series but now that I’ve read his story I absolutely love him!!
Jim is the CEO of Clear Security which handles a bunch of high profile clients like SHN. When he gets an email from one of his clients that’s looking for some volunteers he can’t help but be interested in the cause but when things take a turn and he has to spend more time with the gorgeous Kate lines will be crossed and once they are there is no going back.
I absolutely love the whole idea of this story, I mean how could I not?? I personally enjoy helping people out especially kids when I can, they are our future after all. So to say this story touch my heart is a bit of an understatement. I’m definitely looking forward to every word Ainsley St. Claire gives us in the future. She is truly an amazing author and person in my opinion.
Happy Reading 🖤🖤
Jim is the CEO of Clear Security which handles a bunch of high profile clients like SHN. When he gets an email from one of his clients that’s looking for some volunteers he can’t help but be interested in the cause but when things take a turn and he has to spend more time with the gorgeous Kate lines will be crossed and once they are there is no going back.
I absolutely love the whole idea of this story, I mean how could I not?? I personally enjoy helping people out especially kids when I can, they are our future after all. So to say this story touch my heart is a bit of an understatement. I’m definitely looking forward to every word Ainsley St. Claire gives us in the future. She is truly an amazing author and person in my opinion.
Happy Reading 🖤🖤
September 10, 2021
Enjoyable trip back to San Francisco
After spending 20+ years in the Bay Area, I enjoyed reading about areas I’m very familiar with; almost like being there!
The author brought in a variety of characters to weave throughout the story to keep my interest. Several twists and turns which left me wondering what was next!
Good read...be aware there is some pretty spicy “romance “ going on throughout!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After spending 20+ years in the Bay Area, I enjoyed reading about areas I’m very familiar with; almost like being there!
The author brought in a variety of characters to weave throughout the story to keep my interest. Several twists and turns which left me wondering what was next!
Good read...be aware there is some pretty spicy “romance “ going on throughout!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2022
3.5* Better than the others. Still missing something.
I don’t know what it is with these books. They’re just a bit boring. I keep hoping for some excitement and it never happens. They are sweet though.
Kate runs a not for profit business, that helps disadvantaged children. When she is looking for sponsors to buy Christmas gifts for some prize winners, Jim of Clear security steps in with his friends.
I’ve been wanting to read their book for a while, as Jim has always come across as a bit standoffish. When he offers to be a sponsor, he’s very interested in Kate. Kate, for some reason thinks she’s not good enough for him. Yes here we are again…..
Apart from a few niggles, I really enjoyed this book. I just wish that she would follow through, with threats etc. I obviously don’t want the heroines to be beaten up or harmed. It’s just that in every single book, there has been a threat of some sort. And none of them have happened. The other thing is, can we have a description of people please? Describing him as hot, is not very helpful! As with other books, punctuation missing, and spelling mistakes.
Sex was hot! So that’s a plus! I also love the family atmosphere of Jim’s company. So yes I will read the others in the series.
I don’t know what it is with these books. They’re just a bit boring. I keep hoping for some excitement and it never happens. They are sweet though.
Kate runs a not for profit business, that helps disadvantaged children. When she is looking for sponsors to buy Christmas gifts for some prize winners, Jim of Clear security steps in with his friends.
I’ve been wanting to read their book for a while, as Jim has always come across as a bit standoffish. When he offers to be a sponsor, he’s very interested in Kate. Kate, for some reason thinks she’s not good enough for him. Yes here we are again…..
Apart from a few niggles, I really enjoyed this book. I just wish that she would follow through, with threats etc. I obviously don’t want the heroines to be beaten up or harmed. It’s just that in every single book, there has been a threat of some sort. And none of them have happened. The other thing is, can we have a description of people please? Describing him as hot, is not very helpful! As with other books, punctuation missing, and spelling mistakes.
Sex was hot! So that’s a plus! I also love the family atmosphere of Jim’s company. So yes I will read the others in the series.
July 29, 2024
Wonderfully entertaining and fun, the relationship between Kate and Jim was adorable and sexy!!
As a former fifth grade teacher, Kate Monroe soon realized teaching was impacted more by what happened outside of the classroom. That's when she decided to start Brighter Future, a non-profit organization focused on keeping disadvantaged kids in school. The kids who meet the criteria would be awarded a shopping spree at a local department store. When Kate comes up short forty mentors and shoppers for the kids it's an unlikely person that helps.
With a successful security business Jim Adelson is always willing to help out the community that has been so good to him. When he gets an email from a friend asking for assistance with a worthy non-profit helping at-risk kids stay in school it speaks to him. So does the picture of the director of the program.
But devistation hits when the gifts the children chose are stolen, and it looks like Christmas will be a serious disappointment for many families. Among developing feelings Kate and Jim must work together to recover the gifts.
As a former fifth grade teacher, Kate Monroe soon realized teaching was impacted more by what happened outside of the classroom. That's when she decided to start Brighter Future, a non-profit organization focused on keeping disadvantaged kids in school. The kids who meet the criteria would be awarded a shopping spree at a local department store. When Kate comes up short forty mentors and shoppers for the kids it's an unlikely person that helps.
With a successful security business Jim Adelson is always willing to help out the community that has been so good to him. When he gets an email from a friend asking for assistance with a worthy non-profit helping at-risk kids stay in school it speaks to him. So does the picture of the director of the program.
But devistation hits when the gifts the children chose are stolen, and it looks like Christmas will be a serious disappointment for many families. Among developing feelings Kate and Jim must work together to recover the gifts.
December 14, 2023
Kate works for a non profit charity helping get kids through school with incentives like a Christmas shopping trip. Jim works for a security firm who gets asked by a friend if he wanted to help on the day.
They meet at the shopping event and Jim asks her out which she agrees to. Then all the gifts that were bought for the children get stolen and she turns to Jim for help finding them.
He is very forward and pushy. she has to stay with him while they find out who did it so she is safe. He tells when she can help and makes her stand back when he doesn't think she can.
They find out who took the gifts and everything gets wrapped up nicely
It was an OK story but lacked a little depth i would say. There were a lot of mistakes. You would be reading Jim's POV and suddenly halfway through it would turn in to Kate's then back. There wasn't always the little speech marks (") to let you know when someone had started or finish talking and the end felt rushed
There were a lot of characters to remember. I felt like this was book 10 not book 1. I'm guessing there are other series with these characters.
This book had two of my pet hates when reading as well
1 - It was finished at 89% with 11% of the authors other works instead of fleshing out the end of this story
2 - No epilogue
I like the Christmas theme which is why i read it. I like reading Christmas stories in December.
Overall it was just OK and the characters are forgettable
They meet at the shopping event and Jim asks her out which she agrees to. Then all the gifts that were bought for the children get stolen and she turns to Jim for help finding them.
He is very forward and pushy. she has to stay with him while they find out who did it so she is safe. He tells when she can help and makes her stand back when he doesn't think she can.
They find out who took the gifts and everything gets wrapped up nicely
It was an OK story but lacked a little depth i would say. There were a lot of mistakes. You would be reading Jim's POV and suddenly halfway through it would turn in to Kate's then back. There wasn't always the little speech marks (") to let you know when someone had started or finish talking and the end felt rushed
There were a lot of characters to remember. I felt like this was book 10 not book 1. I'm guessing there are other series with these characters.
This book had two of my pet hates when reading as well
1 - It was finished at 89% with 11% of the authors other works instead of fleshing out the end of this story
2 - No epilogue
I like the Christmas theme which is why i read it. I like reading Christmas stories in December.
Overall it was just OK and the characters are forgettable
April 12, 2020
I really like Kate Monroe character the minute I started to read this story, it's amazing what one teacher could do to change a community and kids that need a better future. And then comes Jim and his perfect for her and together they really keep you entertained during this story of love and friendship, and laughter and joy. There wasn't a dull moment in this book and I really do love the way it ended for Jim and Kate and the kids as well. The author did a great job with writing this one, I will definitely read more of her books from now 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.
March 21, 2023
It's saccharine sweet
I don't know what the point is. The plot is secondary to the list of characters. The couple is secondary to rehashing all the previous plot lines. Everyone is the epitome of aspiration with no flaws at all. It's frankly boring. I don't care about previous characters. The writing style substandard. The world building is San Francisco but a non native version. The plot is a subplot with as little focus given to it as possible, I had to ask myself if it had a plot. So it's as feel good as a Hallmark movie, just not as well written and frankly forgettable.
I don't know what the point is. The plot is secondary to the list of characters. The couple is secondary to rehashing all the previous plot lines. Everyone is the epitome of aspiration with no flaws at all. It's frankly boring. I don't care about previous characters. The writing style substandard. The world building is San Francisco but a non native version. The plot is a subplot with as little focus given to it as possible, I had to ask myself if it had a plot. So it's as feel good as a Hallmark movie, just not as well written and frankly forgettable.
December 28, 2023
Gifted is a fabulous holiday read by Ainsley St. Claire. Stephanie runs a nonprofit program for kids. When she finds herself short on donors. Jim learns of the shortage from a donor and decides to step in and help, and bring along plenty of others to join in. Stephanie and Jim's story is a quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. I enjoyed this book. Gifted is book 1 of the Clear Security Holiday Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
October 22, 2022
Enjoyed this book a lot!they
I've read others books that contain Jim and Kate, the main characters in this story. I always wondered what their story was and now I know. It was a good one too. As in the bother books, this also contains intrigue, friends and family, good guys and bad guys and love. Each and every book I have read containing all these characters has been so good, I just keep looking for more. I have another coming up, yay. Written by Cindy :)
I've read others books that contain Jim and Kate, the main characters in this story. I always wondered what their story was and now I know. It was a good one too. As in the bother books, this also contains intrigue, friends and family, good guys and bad guys and love. Each and every book I have read containing all these characters has been so good, I just keep looking for more. I have another coming up, yay. Written by Cindy :)
February 3, 2020
Absolutely Awesome Read, well written, great characters, Awesome story line, easy read to hold you on their journey, this genre might not be for everyone but its a really wonderful story cannot wait for more from this Author.
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.
June 8, 2022
Good really good
Recently found this author and I'm now systematically devouring her writing. Slightly roundabout, out of sync but this has great charactors, great story line, fab writing, warm, inviting and a total page turner, throw in some sexy alpha guys, sizzling chemistry and deep sigh moments it's definitely a must read - off to read the next in this series!! Enjoy
Recently found this author and I'm now systematically devouring her writing. Slightly roundabout, out of sync but this has great charactors, great story line, fab writing, warm, inviting and a total page turner, throw in some sexy alpha guys, sizzling chemistry and deep sigh moments it's definitely a must read - off to read the next in this series!! Enjoy
October 1, 2024
another hit
I read this out of orders..there are 4 series that follow the same characters.
It's great to take the back story on Jim and Kate as the already had their HEA when I started.
Grab the order to the books and spend a week on the beach reading. You won't want to put these friends down!
I read this out of orders..there are 4 series that follow the same characters.
It's great to take the back story on Jim and Kate as the already had their HEA when I started.
Grab the order to the books and spend a week on the beach reading. You won't want to put these friends down!
December 7, 2023
Gifted : A Protective Hero Holiday Romance
Loved this book and the storyline all the characters feed into Ainsley other books most of which I have read and will read again. Will read more of the clear security books 👍🏼
Loved this book and the storyline all the characters feed into Ainsley other books most of which I have read and will read again. Will read more of the clear security books 👍🏼
January 25, 2024
heartfelt holiday read
Honesty, flirty, hard working good people, holiday cheer, and some adult sexy times. Makes a great story. Love how this story was wrote and the ending. I recommend this one. Looking forward to reading more by this author
Honesty, flirty, hard working good people, holiday cheer, and some adult sexy times. Makes a great story. Love how this story was wrote and the ending. I recommend this one. Looking forward to reading more by this author
January 17, 2021
An ok read but the characters did not have much depth.
June 4, 2021
Great Storyline, But Disappointing
Very little drama considering a gang was involved. Everything went too easy. No crazy ex's here. And they met without Cece's help.
Very little drama considering a gang was involved. Everything went too easy. No crazy ex's here. And they met without Cece's help.
October 22, 2021
Such a cute quick read. I loved seeing snippets of the others in this story ❤️
June 2, 2022
I loved this series and everyone in which makes it so much more exciting to read the rest of the books
July 15, 2022
DNF. Couldn't get into the story or characters. Wasn't awful just didn't want to invest anymore time slogging thru it
September 8, 2023
Charity leads to Love
Kate runs a non-profit that needs forty plus mentors for students. Jim gets her 42 mentors. They meet and both are afraid of running the other one off.
Kate runs a non-profit that needs forty plus mentors for students. Jim gets her 42 mentors. They meet and both are afraid of running the other one off.
November 11, 2023
Gifted (Clear Security Holiday #1) by Ainsley St Claire is an amazing read. I absolutely loved reading this book. It’s got all the feels with a perfect amount of intrigue.
November 9, 2019
St Claire’s Holiday Gift to Her Readers
Once more, Ainsley St Claire offers her readers the gift of her storytelling in her holiday novel, Gifted: A Clear Security Holiday. Katherine (Kate) Monroe, a former middle school teacher, nurtured students for five years before she left the classroom. Like many of her students, she had experienced the fact that there were many factors that stand between a student and success which as teacher, she could not control no matter how many hours she worked to meet the child’s academic needs. She knows the challenges for children when the adults in their lives, because of drugs, mental illness, and under-employment, need as much support as their children. And, she knows that the consequences of those adults’ actions can trickle down to the children. She knows because she has been one of the children who has had the poor decisions of adults trickle down on her and her sister.
With an understanding of what a child needs to have the freedom to learn, she began Brighter Future, an organization focused on removing a few of the barriers that had stood between Kate’s students and success. One tool used by Brighter Future, Kate’s social outreach NPO, was to “pay” her students—as all employees are paid go to work/school, be on time, and to produce/pass—and, if the students accomplished their “contract”, their “pay” would be a $200.00 shopping trip to the local Bullseye. And the program is a success—so much of a success that she has 200 students who have met the expectations of their “contract” and who now need to be “paid.” Happily overwhelmed by the success of the students in the program, but also overwhelmed by the deficit of funds needed to “pay” the successful students, she turns to her Board of Directors for help. One friend of a board member is Jim Adelson who heads an international security company an who now calls on his employees, friends and his company’s clients to help meet Brighter Future’s needs for additional funds and sponsors. SHN, one of San Francisco’s hottest financiers of startups, answers the call for help. Jim’s efforts and contacts provide sponsors for the additional 40 achievers.
At the sponsored shopping trip Kate meets Jim Adelson, the “friend of a friend” who stepped in to help bridge the gap of donors needed to help provide sponsorship for the successful achievers. Like Kate, he is where he is today because someone helped steer him in the right direction when his disrupted home life did not provide the discipline he badly needed. Luckily, he found himself in court with a judge who gave him the choice—jail or military service. Jim knows that the Marines gave him discipline and focus, and a commanding officer provided the final push that led to him founding his security career which cemented Jim’s future.
But, bad luck visits Kate’s office when one of the gangs, resentful that Kate’s successful motivational program undercuts its recruitment of foot soldiers from among the middle school children, breaks into her offices where the gifts are stored until the time of the scheduled holiday party. All of the gifts and Christmas joy intended to reward the sponsored students’ achievements are stolen. Kate and Jim must join forces to recover the gifts, providing the new acquaintances who share similar backgrounds and tastes, the opportunity to explore friendship, and ultimately, love.
What makes a St Claire novel such an engaging, powerful and emotional reading experience is her masterful plot construction, connecting the lives of interesting, realistic characters in contemporary events of social and cultural concern. Love is always the ultimate result, but as a reader, the experience is so enjoyable as St Claire lures the reader both intellectually and emotionally to consider the actions and choices of really good people trying to make a difference in our world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once more, Ainsley St Claire offers her readers the gift of her storytelling in her holiday novel, Gifted: A Clear Security Holiday. Katherine (Kate) Monroe, a former middle school teacher, nurtured students for five years before she left the classroom. Like many of her students, she had experienced the fact that there were many factors that stand between a student and success which as teacher, she could not control no matter how many hours she worked to meet the child’s academic needs. She knows the challenges for children when the adults in their lives, because of drugs, mental illness, and under-employment, need as much support as their children. And, she knows that the consequences of those adults’ actions can trickle down to the children. She knows because she has been one of the children who has had the poor decisions of adults trickle down on her and her sister.
With an understanding of what a child needs to have the freedom to learn, she began Brighter Future, an organization focused on removing a few of the barriers that had stood between Kate’s students and success. One tool used by Brighter Future, Kate’s social outreach NPO, was to “pay” her students—as all employees are paid go to work/school, be on time, and to produce/pass—and, if the students accomplished their “contract”, their “pay” would be a $200.00 shopping trip to the local Bullseye. And the program is a success—so much of a success that she has 200 students who have met the expectations of their “contract” and who now need to be “paid.” Happily overwhelmed by the success of the students in the program, but also overwhelmed by the deficit of funds needed to “pay” the successful students, she turns to her Board of Directors for help. One friend of a board member is Jim Adelson who heads an international security company an who now calls on his employees, friends and his company’s clients to help meet Brighter Future’s needs for additional funds and sponsors. SHN, one of San Francisco’s hottest financiers of startups, answers the call for help. Jim’s efforts and contacts provide sponsors for the additional 40 achievers.
At the sponsored shopping trip Kate meets Jim Adelson, the “friend of a friend” who stepped in to help bridge the gap of donors needed to help provide sponsorship for the successful achievers. Like Kate, he is where he is today because someone helped steer him in the right direction when his disrupted home life did not provide the discipline he badly needed. Luckily, he found himself in court with a judge who gave him the choice—jail or military service. Jim knows that the Marines gave him discipline and focus, and a commanding officer provided the final push that led to him founding his security career which cemented Jim’s future.
But, bad luck visits Kate’s office when one of the gangs, resentful that Kate’s successful motivational program undercuts its recruitment of foot soldiers from among the middle school children, breaks into her offices where the gifts are stored until the time of the scheduled holiday party. All of the gifts and Christmas joy intended to reward the sponsored students’ achievements are stolen. Kate and Jim must join forces to recover the gifts, providing the new acquaintances who share similar backgrounds and tastes, the opportunity to explore friendship, and ultimately, love.
What makes a St Claire novel such an engaging, powerful and emotional reading experience is her masterful plot construction, connecting the lives of interesting, realistic characters in contemporary events of social and cultural concern. Love is always the ultimate result, but as a reader, the experience is so enjoyable as St Claire lures the reader both intellectually and emotionally to consider the actions and choices of really good people trying to make a difference in our world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2020
ARC was given by Author through Booksprout. My review is given voluntarily.
I gave this book 5 stars.
This was a great start to a new series Jim and Kate were so cute together, and we got to revisit with some of our favorite SHN friends.
This was a touching, sexy, holiday season with a touch of mystery romance. I love Ainsley St Claire her writing always leaves me wanting more, and this book didn't not disappoint!❤️
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I gave this book 5 stars.
This was a great start to a new series Jim and Kate were so cute together, and we got to revisit with some of our favorite SHN friends.
This was a touching, sexy, holiday season with a touch of mystery romance. I love Ainsley St Claire her writing always leaves me wanting more, and this book didn't not disappoint!❤️
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2020
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Once I started I could not put the book down, from start to finish you just could not get enough left you wanting more. Kate with a non-profit and does a lot of help to the people. Jim wants to give back to the community he was asked to help Kate with the non-profit. It was hot and steamy and a bit on the side of scrumptious.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2019
Kate Monroe is sitting at her decrepit desk, that she has taken because no other staff would would work at it, in th offices of Better Futures a non-profit that she started herself a couple of years ago having decided that teaching in the San Francisco school system would not be as productive as could be potentially her own ideas. She built this charity on working with middle schools and offering 200 prizes to kids in deprived areas. If they could attend school on time each day and gain a passing grade for one term then they would each win a $200 shopping spree in a big store. Problem was she was 40 donors short and was worried with Christmas approaching rapidly. She put in a call to a board member Stephanie who was receptive and in turn called a contact Jim Adelson the CEO of Clear Security asking him for help. After checking out Kate online and becoming physically aroused at her chocolate brown hair with a hint of auburn and green eyes not to mention curves in all the right places he committed to 42 which got Kate really excited and grateful. Ainsley has written another sexy scorching hot romance with Gifted. Who knew that Jim was even more handsome than Mason and colleagues? When Kate who is tall at almost six feet first meets Jim the mutual attraction is intensely strong. Jim quickly changes from a workaholic CEO to a thoughtful caring hot hunk who has found his woman.
There are many sweet moments such as when we learn that Jim was actually a delinquent youth before a judge offered him the choice of jail or the Marines. He chose the marines and then began a protection business which now has over 500 employees. It especially touches his heart when he mentors Jamal a 12 year old boy who although extremely poor spends his $200 on his sister and grandmother who takes care of him and not himself. The growing romance between Kate and Jim is a delight and the steamy times are as always with Ainsley scorching hot while sensual and loving. It is always a joy to have cameos of our SHN friends when they of course hear the call for help and rally to support Jim and Kate and amaze them with their generosity. A romance nicely in tune with the season. Received this arc and have voluntarily with pleasure reviewed.
There are many sweet moments such as when we learn that Jim was actually a delinquent youth before a judge offered him the choice of jail or the Marines. He chose the marines and then began a protection business which now has over 500 employees. It especially touches his heart when he mentors Jamal a 12 year old boy who although extremely poor spends his $200 on his sister and grandmother who takes care of him and not himself. The growing romance between Kate and Jim is a delight and the steamy times are as always with Ainsley scorching hot while sensual and loving. It is always a joy to have cameos of our SHN friends when they of course hear the call for help and rally to support Jim and Kate and amaze them with their generosity. A romance nicely in tune with the season. Received this arc and have voluntarily with pleasure reviewed.
February 3, 2020
Absolutely Awesome Read, well written, great characters, Awesome story line, easy read to hold you on their journey, this genre might not be for everyone but its a really wonderful story cannot wait for more from this Author.
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.
November 18, 2019
This was a light and easy read. It was a fast-paced story with a gritty undertone.
When Kate arranges for underprivileged kids to win a shopping spree she doesn’t expect to find the love of her life in the process. Throughout the book, Kate has a lot of obstacles to endure, and not everything runs to plan. She does manage to squeeze in lots of steamy moments with her new beau, though.
Even though the background story is quite rough and tough, and the characters had a lot of ups and downs to overcome, the story had a very good-humoured and effortless feel to it. Everyone was a little bit too nice, too accommodating, and everything worked out too perfectly. It was a bit sickly sweet. I think it was the overselling of how right for each other Jim and Kate were that everyone kept waxing lyrical about. It made them seem too saintly so you couldn’t really identify with them. This didn’t ruin the story in any way; I would have just liked it to be a little more toned down. Maybe not all the problems being solved so easily with smiles on everyone’s faces. I little bit more hand-wringing would have been good. I think the story could have been a little more developed in this sense.
It wasn’t a bad read and certainly kept me entertained for an hour or so. I did want to see how everything worked out in the end. Would the kids get all their gifts, would Kate and Jim live happily ever after?
The very end felt too rushed. It just sort of ends. I would have liked an epilogue or just one more paragraph. It was a bit too abrupt for my liking.
Overall, a fun and pleasant read and I would like to read more of this author’s work.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
When Kate arranges for underprivileged kids to win a shopping spree she doesn’t expect to find the love of her life in the process. Throughout the book, Kate has a lot of obstacles to endure, and not everything runs to plan. She does manage to squeeze in lots of steamy moments with her new beau, though.
Even though the background story is quite rough and tough, and the characters had a lot of ups and downs to overcome, the story had a very good-humoured and effortless feel to it. Everyone was a little bit too nice, too accommodating, and everything worked out too perfectly. It was a bit sickly sweet. I think it was the overselling of how right for each other Jim and Kate were that everyone kept waxing lyrical about. It made them seem too saintly so you couldn’t really identify with them. This didn’t ruin the story in any way; I would have just liked it to be a little more toned down. Maybe not all the problems being solved so easily with smiles on everyone’s faces. I little bit more hand-wringing would have been good. I think the story could have been a little more developed in this sense.
It wasn’t a bad read and certainly kept me entertained for an hour or so. I did want to see how everything worked out in the end. Would the kids get all their gifts, would Kate and Jim live happily ever after?
The very end felt too rushed. It just sort of ends. I would have liked an epilogue or just one more paragraph. It was a bit too abrupt for my liking.
Overall, a fun and pleasant read and I would like to read more of this author’s work.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
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November 20, 2019A fun story that grabs you and pulls you in. One you'll stay up late reading just I see what happens next. An extension of the Bad Boy Capital SHN venture capital series, with Mason and CeCe, Emerson putting in appearances. Jim is the head of a security firm that helped Mason out with the leaks at SHN and helped CeCe when her entire cosmetics line was stolen and marketed before hers was released. Kate is a teacher who left teaching to start a nonprofit dedicated to keeping at risk kids in middle school. They meet when she ends up with 200 kids qualifying for a free shopping trip instead of the expected 100 through her program rewarding kids for perfect attendance and for maintaining decent grades. Both are caring and generous of heart, money and skills so together they overcome the need for more sponsors and the problems with getting the gifts to the kids. Hot chemistry, great friends helping friends and terrific hero and heroine make this book stand out. It's also better written than so many of this genre. Ms Davis actually seems to know how to write funny, witty, realistic and engaging dialogue. She's good at showing you what motivates and sustains her characters through exceptional dialogue and 3rd person observation without getting bogged down in long exposition from the author telling about the characters. Keeps the reader engaged and the story flowing. Well worth the time.
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.
November 16, 2019
If you are a fan of Ainsley St. Claire's "Venture Capitalist" series, then you will love Gifted! (If you are new to St. Claire, then this is a great place to start!) Some of you may remember Jim Adelson, the head of the security firm that SHN used in the "Venture Capitalist" series. Well, he's back and hotter than ever. Jim gets an email from a friend asking him to help woman (a former school teacher) who has started a non-profit called Brighter Future. Its goal is to keep at risk kids in school through a monetary motivation process. Jim thinks back to his own childhood and realizes that he could have benefited from a program like this; so, he calls his friends - aka the Venture Capitalists - and they all agree to help with this wonderful cause. Everything is going perfectly - too well - Kate soon realizes as she discovers that all of the Christmas gifts that are the "reward" for the hard working students have been stolen. Kate calls Jim for help and soon they discover that they may have more in common than just finding the stolen presents.
St. Claire's writing is always well done. Her character development, her descriptive scenes, her plot line, all lead to a story that flows beautifully from beginning to end. This is a stand alone, but she always makes you wanting the next installment in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
St. Claire's writing is always well done. Her character development, her descriptive scenes, her plot line, all lead to a story that flows beautifully from beginning to end. This is a stand alone, but she always makes you wanting the next installment in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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