It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year…
Fiona My holidays don’t seem like they can get any worse. As San Francisco’s preeminent fixer I don’t have time to celebrate, until Bash Pontius convinces me to embrace the season. He may have solved my holiday blues, but he’s created another problem. With a washboard stomach and his push to protect me, I’ve managed to fall for a man who doesn’t do long-term relationships.
Bash I work hard as a senior member of Clear Security with plenty of hard work and determination, but when Fiona McPhee’s father’s past transgressions threaten to take her down, I can’t help but step in and help. I see beyond the Irish siren’s leather veneer and she has me reevaluating long term relationships.
Unwrapped is the second 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.
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
This is the second book in the Clear Security Holiday Series. If you've read any of the other book in the Clear Security Series you'll recognize some of the characters. The chemistry between Fiona an Bash was off the charts. This is a book that easy to get into and hard to get out of. So grab a comfortable spot where you won't be disturbed and dig it. A great book that is hot,steamy and guaranteed to get your juices flowing. Well written with exciting characters and an engaging story line. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fiona McPhee is a true daughter of Ireland. Her voice still carries the lilt of the green island. And unknown to most, but a fact that is always a part of Fiona’s worldview, is the presence of her Irish heritage in her family’s business connections, friends, and her dad’s life imprisonment in a California federal prison. Her father’s story is that of an Irish businessman whose company "rewarded" his success and skills by sending him to the US to gain support for their “company” and to forward the financial benefits of the company’s operations in America back across the ocean to Ireland. But, when the business is that of the IRA and the US operations include gun trade to certain nefarious social groups and gangs, trouble and the interest of the FBI follows. And, when one of those deals led to the murder of US citizens, the penalty is not to be sent home to Ireland, but rather to be sent to an American federal prison for life.
And so, Fiona grew up an only, but well-beloved child in a small immigrant Irish community of San Francisco, educated in Catholic schools, and ultimately attending college and law school. But, rather than having unlimited opportunities, she was always aware of her precarious position because of her dad’s incarceration and the unrelenting interest of several government agencies in him and his family. And so, upon her admission to the California Bar, she created a very exclusive legal practice serving the San Francisco start up and tech community with a recognition of the danger that her family’s connections to their Irish homeland cast on her.
To attempt to protect herself and her young firm, Fiona has worked to stay clear of any connections that might draw the notice of the local San Francisco police or the FBI to her and her practice. However, the assumption of the various policing agencies is once IRA, always IRA. And so, she and her firm have often been subject to the close inspections of those local and national agencies. But, she is not facing the world alone. Her childhood friend, Maureen, also daughter of fellow Irish immigrants and who run an authentic Irish pub, is a wiz with technology with the special skill of invisible hacking. With Maureen’s special skills, Fiona is able to have access to plans and actions of the alphabet agencies before they can disrupt and do damage to either her and or her clients.
As the Christmas holidays approach, and as one would wish for peace on earth and good will for all to be the status of life and business, the world of Fiona’s firm and Clear Security, a firm that has been a central player in the local tech and start up community, are gifted with a busy season. Currently Fiona’s law firm and Clear Security have been called in to investigate the blackmailing of several high placed judges and politicians whose private membership and activities at a local BDSM club, The Dungeon, are about to be made public. Additionally, one of Fiona’s clients, Hunter Anderson, who is a part of a tech startup which is about to go public under the guidance of venture capitalist company, SHN, has been charged with the murder of his partner and longtime girlfriend, Jenn DeMille.
With forces who would like to find dirt on the Irish lass and her current clients coming at Fiona and her firm from all directions, Fiona, herself, needs protection. So, in addition to helping her to discover the truth about her client’s involvement in the death of his partner and the blackmailing attempts at The Dungeon, Clear Security is also charged with protecting Fiona. Sebastian Pontius—Bash—former Ranger and US Marshal is tasked by Clear Security with becoming Fiona’s shadow and protection. And while Fiona bristles at the idea of anyone—especially a man—having the ability to call the plays in her game, she finds that she can’t find fault with the close attention she receives from Bash.
Once more, author Ainsley St. Claire provides her readers with all their desires—a cleverly crafted plot with unexpected twists and turns, telling the stories of intelligent, compelling women engaged in realistic relationships with handsome, hot, passionate men who are respectful and supportive of the women in their orbit. 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 most enjoyable as St Claire lures the reader both intellectually and emotionally to consider the actions and choices individuals make, not just for themselves, but to help others. The novels always focus on really good people trying to make a difference in our world.
This novel is the second seasonal installment in the Clear Security's Holiday, which is associated with the Tech Billionaires series, but each novel is able to be read as a standalone experience. Like The Tech Billionaires, this newest novel is smart, energetic, and exciting. And, in this novel as in the novels of her other series, the reader can get a taste of the next installment in the final pages of the romance. So, at the beginning, in the middle or at the end, don't be afraid to jump into a St. Claire series, the author always has you covered. Having had such a delectable taste, of this holiday series, I always want to taste more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review and but enjoyed reading it so much that I will purchase a copy through Kindle.
I really enjoyed the one book I read by this author this time last year so when this popped up on Booksprout, and I realised it was the next in the series I grabbed the chance to read it. Even though it covers some tough topics, it is still quite a light read. The feel of the book was much darker, however than the one I read last year. That was all holiday spirit and romance, whereas this was crime and BDSM! The first chapter had me a bit befuddled; there was a lot of terminologies that I didn’t understand. I don’t know if it was a culture thing (I might be too naive and innocent to have got all the BDSM references) or a slight language difference between the US and UK English? I persevered through it, and once I was into the story, I became familiar with the author’s style of writing. There were still a few events that I didn’t follow when Fiona was getting technical about some of the cases she was covering, but I decided these intricate details weren’t essential for me enjoying the book as a whole. The book is fast-paced, and there is so much drama going on it doesn’t let up. I devoured this so fast as I wanted to know what was going to happen with Fiona and whether she could get her happy ever after with Bash. There are plenty of blush moments, but they are fitting to the story, and overall this was a fantastic read. I look forward to next year’s offering when I can delve back into this world once more!
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
This starts with Fiona in a BDSM club but she isn't there for pleasure she is there to catch a guy who isn't there to play by the rules. Bash works for Jim from book one and he is there doing security. Turns out Fiona is a kind of lawyer. I didn't really understand what her job was because when one of her clients gets accused of murder she finds him a lawyer.
Anyway Bash says he will help and they start to get a little closer. She is told she needs to go see her dad who is in jail because he is a General in the IRA and got caught. She finds out he doesn't have long left and is worried what that means for her.
After her visit the FBI show up without a warrant which seems stupid to me. They illegally enter her house and do bad things but she has cameras everywhere so records it all. They try to enter her offices but Bash send them away.
Then the police show up illegally and plant bugs in her office which obs she finds because she has cameras and she get the policeman who has been harassing her for ages suspended.
Her and Bash get closer and closer and when they get together they have a lot of sex - a lot.
There is so much going on in this book. The blackmail plot, the murder plot, the harassment and the IRA and none of that has anything to do with Bash and Fiona's relationship. Also either she is super sensitive or he is some kind of vibrator cos all he has to do is touch her and she orgasms.
She hold a big secret back from him for most of the book buts nothing in the end and every story is wrapped up in a nice little bow.
All that i aside i enjoyed this more than that the first book but there was no epilogue
I am a big fan of this author and receive the ARC directly from her via BookSprout. Having read all her books, I enjoyed this one as a bit of a continuation of the other stories. You can read each book as a standalone, but it will probably make you want to read the others to learn the stories of the other characters. I like the holiday books as they focus on the Clear Security characters who appear in her other stories. I enjoyed this one as it overlaps with the Tech Billionaire series and I was looking forward to the story of Fiona McPhee, who acts as the fixer for many of the characters in that series. As the book opens, we are reintroduced to Fiona McPhee, who has been called to the Dungeon, a BDSM club to help sort out some issues with members. As she is handling an incident, she meets a handsome stranger in the club but is called away to handle another client. This stranger is Bash Pontius, who is also working at the club but for Clear Security. They connect and end up working on a few of the same cases. There is instant chemistry between them and leads them to have more than a working relationship. While working on their latest case, Fiona’s past and family connections with the IRA are revealed. This adds quite a bit of depth to the story and challenges to their relationship. As they grow together, both Fiona and Bash begin to realize that maybe the right person can make you think about a future that was not previously imaginable.
🌟🌟ONE CHART TOPPING TREAT🌟🌟 Blazing buzzards! Ainsley breaks bad with this spectacularly composed debacle, weaving in blatant treachery, strategic blackmail and cunning manipulations, highlighting the thrill of the chase and skill of the hunt, keeping you riveted on a razors edge, propelling this hot little number to a whole new level. Anarchy and serendipity descend in a flurry of clever strategy and confusion, ripping through barriers and crushing perimeters, restrictions are amplified and expanded, observing the taxing struggles and pulse racing triumphs, noting the deadly twists and stunning turns, blasting this bad boy to life brilliantly. Unleashing brutal tactics, relentless pursuits and ruthless decisions, reaching deep for every fiber of strength in a fierce surge of preservation and determination, bursting this jewel into a tailspin with mind-blowing results, merging this gem together seamlessly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Ainsley, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
This book is a little different from the other Tech Billionaires/Venture capitalist series in a few ways. First, Fiona is the center of the story and she is decisive, unyielding and brilliant at what she does in her investigations and fixing things for her clients. Her role in the book has her in more of a power position than most novels of this type.
The three main cases that Fiona and Bash’s security firm are working on are what makes this book a real page turner. Details are revealed as the investigation of each unfolds. We don’t really have the ability to predict who might be responsible - just like in a real investigation. When I look back in everything that was involved in the story from maximum security prison to the office Christmas party, not a word is wasted.
I was glad Fiona warmed up to Bash. The two of them seemed a little robotic in the relationship. They spoke the right words and did the best of the “dirty” deeds, but the after talk seemed too clinical, rather than intimate, to me.
The story involving Fiona’s background made this extra interesting, and added to the quality of the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the Clear Security Holiday Series and it stars Fiona, who we have met in other books by this author in the Clear Security Series, she is an Irish spitfire lawyer. This story puts her with Bash who runs Clear Security with Jim who starred in this first Holiday Series book. Bash is a playboy of sorts until he meets and gets to know Fiona, but he wants more with her but Fiona has some HUGE secrets that make it impossible for a life together.
This story was a very interesting story and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters in this story. I love how the author interweaves her characters from her other series and how all the characters know each other. I loved how hard and fast Bash falls for Fiona and I love how strong a character Fiona is. Bash is really there for Fiona and I fell hard for him as well.
This story has a very interesting mafia aspect which I was not expecting and its very light on the mafia aspect. I usually don’t love mafia romances but this one I did not mind because the author did something very different with it as it related to the storyline.
Love this series! If you like romance with suspence, then you will love this book. "Unwrapped" is part of the "Clear Security Holiday" series. This series came about from St. Claire other series: the "Tech Billionaires" and the "Billionaire Venture Capitalists". All of the books are fantastic. I don't know how St. Claire does it, but she keeps coming up with these wonderful story lines and is able to weave the characters from one book to another without getting the reader lost! Clear Security is the organization that helps protect the Billionaires. Although their stories intertwine, they can be read alone. (But don't.... they're too good not to read them all!) The characters are rich and live lavish lifestyles but this of course puts their lives in danger as well. People want to hurt them or their businesses. Enter... Clear Security. Fiona, a lawyer/fixer that has worked with the team before is front and center in this book. She is working with Bash, a member of the Clear Security team. Bash is also a fixer and a protective one at that. He wants nothing more than to protect Fiona and fix her international crime connections at the same time. Ainsley St. Claire is a fabulous author. Very original in her stories and a masterful story teller. I would highly recommend this book.
Very absorbing, entertaining novel. This episode is a very enjoyable part of the series which are all stand-alone novels but the characters and the storyline link in well from previous episodes. As before, all the characters were very well developed and described and the book was action-packed and had very good momentum. All the dialogues were scene-appropriate, the language, vocabulary, wit and editorial competence all contributed to a very good, enjoyable reading experience. The rapport, physical attraction and the deep love that develops between Sebastian and Fiona, two very independent people were palpable and their private moments were steamy hot. This book bridged several genres, from professional, crime thriller with several threads of criminal events, romance, erotica with a tiny backdrop of BDSM thrown in. The relationship between all the characters was well described and the atmosphere of the different scenes could be easily imagined. I like this author and would happily recommend this book to others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This magnificent book is number two in the Clear Security Holiday, this story is about Fiona and Bash, we met Fiona back in Landon’s book and we have seen glimpses of her along the Tec Billionaire series, she is fearless and strong, she is a fixer, she knows how to handle herself, and has a past that it’s threatening her present; Bash on the other hand is working every moment he has in Clear Security, as bodyguard, he is not looking for a serious relationship, he just want to have fun… that until he meets his match, and finds out the maybe, being with someone isn’t so bad. Fiona doesn’t believe in love, neither does Bash, that brings them together on a rollercoaster of emotions and situation in which they both will need to rely on the other, and learn that they are a team now, and something more. Bash is absolutely adorable when he is trying not to be jealous, the way suddenly he is referring to her as his woman, it’s so great, I mean we get to see how he changes his life without realizing it, also, how he is so great dealing with Fiona’s past, I’m in love with this one. Fiona has a backstory that is so interesting and intriguing, her family is involved in some shady business, and she is a respectable lawyer and owns her own business by fixing other people’s problems, I loved her interactions with her dad, and how she was one step ahead always, also she little by little let Bash inside her mind and heart, that was beautiful to watch. I totally recommend this one, you’re going to love it, and you won’t want it to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Getting The Love They Didn’t Know They Needed - Have you ever looked forward to reading a book so much, that you switched off your cell phone and unplugged your home phone? That is what I did today when I started reading this book, because I knew it was going to be fantastic. I can confirm that I was definitely not disappointed. I suggest you carve out a few hours, where you will not be interrupted before you start, as the angst and suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, the intimate moments will have you hot under the collar and the way all the character worked together, will leave you elated. You need to make this book one of your weekend reads, as you won’t want to stop reading once you start.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this second installment to A Clear Security Holiday series you get betrayal, blackmail, family drama and so much more. Fiona is an attorney who gets high profile clients out of trouble with the help of Clear Security and high profile lawyers. Her father is a part of IRA and went to jail for life because he was an illegal gunrunner. Bash helped Jim and Gage get Clear Security up and running. He is very good at his job and takes care of the people who matter to him. Their explosive chemistry was well written. Fiona and Bash work well together and their teams get amazing results for their clients. I can't wait for the next book in this series. A definite must read that you won't be able to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This author has become one of my absolute favorites and I am loving this series! The first book with Marcella and Walker was incredible and this one was just as great! I was already a fan of Fiona’s from the first book and now I love her even more! She’s a total b@d@$$ in my opinion but I loved her vulnerable side, too. Especially when she sees her father. Bash is just pure sex appeal! Since that phone call to Fiona after their date, while he was still in the car in front of her home, I’ve been fanning myself! The two of them have this raw heat that is downright explosive! I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fiona is a fixer but she has trouble fixing her own life. How do you fix being the daughter of one of the highest ranking IRA members? And now that he’s dying, she’s expected to take his place. Add to that a client accused of murder and another being blackmailed for their sexual choices and she’s stretched thin. Now she’s met the man that could actually deal with her hectic life. What’s a girl to do?
Bash has been around the block and he’s not looking for love, but it may just have found him. He’s been seeing the most beautiful woman ever at the BDSM club he’s been assigned to. He approaches her but she always walks away. But now he’s been assigned to help her with her client suspected of murder. Can he convince her to take a chance on him?
From start to finish I was on the edge of my seat, once again Ainsley has magically captured her characters and thrown all kinds of things at them!!!
Absolutely unputdownable... Full of action, adventure and romance. Got me hooked from the first page...Loving this series so far. There is plenty of danger, action and a HEA. Has many twists and turns along the way. A real page-turner. Just full of drama, tension and action! From start to finish I was on the edge of my seat, once again Ainsley has magically captured her characters and thrown all kinds of things at them! Absolutely loved this book and definitely going on my favourite list of 2020 and on my all time favourite list too. Happy reading everyone!!
I've been with "Fiona's folks" for a wonderfully long time, so when a new addition comes, I'm IN IT!
It was so much fun watching two people fight their attraction. Especially Bash, who Does Not Want a Permanent Woman! His friends and co-workers are all succumbing, but not him, nope!
Fiona has a secret, a doozie! She won't let anyone close because of it. Can Bash be different for her? Or, is she destined to be alone?
Just love this series! Plenty of steam!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Fiona and Bash’s story was truly amazing. I lost myself while reading their story, and what a story Fiona had. I loved the way they both danced around their attraction. And then when they could deny it no longer, the fireworks began to fly. With a huge obstacle in their way, Sebastian was not going to let it stop them from being together, Fiona felt that their love was not destined to be forever. I was on pins and needles waiting to see what their ending would be. When Ainsley writes another Billion Scandals book, I can forget about the world and problems and settle in for a glorious ride and what a thrilling ride this book was.
I loved Fiona and Bash's story and the interaction with familiar characters. The characters were well written and the story lines were engaging and dynamic. I was happy with the everything but the conclusion. *Spoilers* tag. I felt that Fiona's lifelong struggle with her family obligation that, at one time, lead to her boyfriends murder, that was resolved in an hour over a civil luncheon in a 5 star hotel, was unrealistic. The actions of the police when searching her office and home were hard to accept but a small enough point that I just accepted it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Clear Security Series is a joy to read. So far, they have been steamy hot, intriguing and some kind of action usually happens. In this story, we finally get to read about Fiona. She is such a strong, confident and kick-butt type of woman. And she connects with Bash is is sweet, charming and a total hunky alpha! Their chemistry together is off the charts explosive, and they are so great together. This is a must read series and I can't wait for the next one!
I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
Ainsley St. Claire knows how to capture the reader with her writing. You find it hard to stop turning the pages as you follow the romantic journey of her amazing characters. You're pulled in to the story and glued to the pages and held there until you read the last words. Her characters are amazing, easy to get to know, easy to relate to and easy to fall in love with them. You won't be disappointed adding this to your reading list. My only warning is once you start reading, you may find it hard to put the book down until you finish it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fiona has a infamous background through her family so trying to start up a business puts her on many watch lists. Bash is ex military and on the payroll of Clear Security. They meet at The Dungeon, one of her clients and from there it gets very heated complicated. Surprises and twists keep this story on a roller coaster ride and the emotions are intense as we turn every corner of the journey. The characters are strong-willed and determined to reach their goals, but goals change as they decide to open their hearts. The ending was terrific. Can not wait for the next story in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ainsley St Claire does it again with Unwrapped. I love how these stories have the characters I love from previous books.
From the world of BDSM to the family legacy of the IRA and everything in between, the only thing that matters to Bash is loving and protecting Fiona. For Fiona she doesn't know what her future holds but she knows she wants Bash to be a part of it.
The second book in the Clear Security
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unwrapped By Ainsley St Claire Main Characters: Fiona and Bash I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author. 5 out of 5 stars This is about the 9th book I have read by this author and she never ever disappoints. There is always great sex and chemistry between the main characters and add all the suspense, action, angst, twists, and turns and you have a great author with wonderful fulfilling books. You can't wait for the end and when you get there you just want even more. Highly recommend this book and all of her others also.
I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for a review. My opinion is my own.
I always get excited when I see ARCs arrive in my mailbox from Ms St. Claire. This one definitely lived up to my expectations. I always liked when Fiona appeared in the previous books in all of the interconnected series and was excited when I saw that she was finally getting her own story. It did not turn out at all like I expected it would but that just keeps it exciting. The plot was so enthralling that I had problems putting it down.
Fiona is an attorney who gets high profile clients out of trouble with the help of Clear Security and high profile lawyers. Bash is working at BDSM club where he spots Fiona. Bash and Fiona are assigned to work together to help solve a case but the attraction between these two is unexpected. The chemistry between Bash and Fiona is hot, intense, and very steamy. This was such a great book and a great addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fabulous read from Ainsley St Claire. We run into characters from previous books and you’ve met Fiona before but this does work as a standalone. Fiona is a lawyer in the San Francisco area. She’s a “fixer” and her job is to work things out. This time her past is getting in the way and Bash is assigned to protect her from the sins of her father. Fast paced read, well developed characters, a well plotted story and enough twists and turns to make it an adventure. Characters are perfect for each other and the suspense is realistic without being predictable. Another darn good read.
I discovered Ainsley St. Claire's books a couple of months ago and have read through almost all of them. Ainsley weaves great storytelling with interesting characters and good plot lines. I have been intrigued by Fiona and her role in other books by St. Claire and I was not disappointed when I read about her relationship with Bash and her history.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Strong and feisty heroine, just as strong man who comes into her life, both in sensitive jobs with high-end clients and delicate yet dangerous situations. Hints of kink, super-steamy scenes, a backdrop of international, illegal organizations and guv letter agencies, and a mix of adventure, falling in love, industrial espionage, blackmails, and a few cameos of couples from other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Steamy and edgy. Fiona is a spitfire lawyer. Bash is a hotshot security consultant. Together these two heat up the pages as they combine their offices to take down the bad guys. It is a fast paced story with several things to keep track of at the same time. Small references are made to past stories and characters in the series which add greater depth to the story. As Bash and Fiona race towards their happy ending you will enjoy every minute turning the pages.