Forbidden

Billionaire Venture Capitalist #1

by Ainsley St. Claire

Forbidden fruit never tasted this good.

Dillon:
Women have always been simple for me. Seduce her, bed her. Repeat.
Until I met Emerson.
She was off limits. No problem, I had plenty of discipline. I could handle mind over matter.
When I recognized the brains inside the seductive package, she became my personal black hole.
With her I was losing the battle. I don’t know if it was hormones, or pheromones, or black magic.
No matter what the rules said, I couldn’t pull away.
Damn the rules.

Emerson:
I had everything I ever wanted - at least I thought I did.
Then I met Dillon. I feel the pull, but I can’t let myself get distracted. Not now.
He has eyes of the hunter, and when he looks at me, I know I'm the prey.
He's dangerous and all wrong for me.
I thought I could stay strong and resist him.
I was wrong.
Forbidden is the rewrite of Forbidden Love. It is the first standalone book in the Venture Capitalist series of steamy romantic suspense. If you like heartthrob bosses, sexy-and-smart heroines, twist-filled plots, then you’ll love Ainsley St Claire’s too-hot-to-handle tale.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2018

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

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (9/2/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Are Dillon & Emerson friends...or friends with steamy hot benefits?
Billionaire Dillon Healy is one of the founders of SHN, the Bay Area’s most sought-after venture capital firm. With a history of a long string of women and single in a city where straight men are few, the threat of business and personal life colliding, he's determined to walk a straight line. To Dillon, that means work first and fun a short second. The last thing he is looking for is a serious relationship.

Emerson Winthrop, the hardworking new partner at SHN, is the picture of success. She is an amazing golfer and has a business she’s sold to SHN the most sought-after venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. She is a blonde-haired beauty with a seemingly flawless professional track record. And yet Emerson’s life takes a traumatic turn which leaves her questioning so much of what she once believed.

Both face an earth-shattering crisis that will alter the course of both Dillon and Emerson's lives, challenging deeply held assumptions about each other and ultimately, themselves. As love unexpectedly takes hold between them, they dare to envision what a future together could possibly look like . . . until everything Dillon takes for granted comes falling down on him and the firm.

Rich in emotion and fueled with suspense, Venture Capitalist: Forbidden Love reminds us that love is sometimes forged in the crises that threaten to shatter us . . . and that those who see us for who we truly are may not always be the ones easiest to recognize.

[Ozma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ring a ding ding! If you want to read a hot book, with actual plot, good grammar and spelling, then read this book. This book is not for the faint of heart as far as intimate scenes. So be aware! Having said that, it's nice to read a book in this genre that has a good plot and seems to be written by someone who knows how to spell and form a sentence. : ) I actually loved the parts of the novel talking about the business deal and the venture capital firm. It's nice to read a book that reflects one's work life intelligently and accessibly. I would have liked the book a lot just for that! The other stuff -- I guess that was just a bonus!

[Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

No....

I had so many issues with this book I’m not even sure where to start.

Emerson started out sounding like a strong, independent woman. Then we find out she has a law degree, started her own company, plays golf like a pro, is so beautiful, smart, has an adorable dog..... you get the picture. She’s the perfect woman. Suddenly she started crying constantly clinging, and became a doormat for Dillon.

Dillon tries to make us believe he loves her before he even knows her but he is still constantly having sex with other women. OMG. I would need a doctor’s certificate of health before I would want to get near him. He is hot, cold, then hot again for Emerson and for his many other women.

Then there is a date rape that gets glossed over that just really pissed me off! Maybe this will be addressed in a later book but it was handled badly in this one.

There is a meal that goes on FOREVER! Seriously, I don’t know what the author was trying to prove with this scene but it was excruciating.

My rant is over now and I’ll let you discover the many other issues if you choose to read this. Book one was enough for me!

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written instant attraction romance with the main characters Emerson and Dillon. Well described characters and they develop nicely through the story. It is a romance that is about staying friends inspite of what fate throws at you. Has a mix of mystery, passion and chemistry.

[Joana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Loved this Venture Capitalist new collection. Will keep reading from this series. 🫦👠👔📱

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had alot in it. Dillon was a partner in a venture capitalist business and Emerson has just joined as a new partner. He is attracted to her right away, but likes to keep it light. He does tend to have friends with benefits. He is a player. When his father dies and Emerson is a huge help getting it through it, he backs away and tries to get her join his friends with benefit club. She refuses, of course. At the same time, he really goes off the rails, drinking all the time and sleeping with lots of women. It takes a long time for him to get back on track. This story had alot going for it. Some of it was very hard to read. The author did a great job being realistic with some hard subjects. Very good book. I'm off to read the next one in the series.

[Marsha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forbidden Love by Ainsley St Claire

Whew. I guess mostly I am just happy to be finished with this book. It is a long one. Well, at just under 300 pages, it isn't physically a long book, it just reads like it. There are sections that are written in such ludicrous detail that has zero meaning to the plot or story: Did we really need a full chapter for the meeting with a party planner that no bearing on this story? Did we also really need to witness all eight courses of dinner?
On the other hand, there is one huge landing point that is approached, but never addressed to my satisfaction. What Adam did was horrible and glossed over so quickly. I get that this author is trying to write a feel good love story and the idea of rape puts a damper on that, so it should have been left out completely if not addressed properly. Sure, they suggest that they ruin him financially (obviously because poor people don't rape) (SMH) but there are no real consequences for him. Nor is there any substantial reference to Emerson's recovery. Suddenly it is just six months later and all is well. Also, and this is a BIG deal for me, there is no trigger warning anywhere for this event. Not in the book, on amazon, or goodreads was this event referenced. I would not have read it had I know it was there. It should not have been there.
Well, then Dillon has a family tragedy that is addressed in microscopic detail, maybe because he behaved like an ass because of it. I am not sure, but the depth of this coverage simply made the events with Adam seem even less important to this author.
Honestly, I just don't have what it takes to read more from this author. I finished this book because that I what I do, but I needed more for Adam. I ended it saddened, disappointed, and yes, triggered.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book and is the first book standalone book in the Venture Capitalist Series You'll love Emerson and Dillon. They're great characters who will capture your attention right at the beginning. Their attraction is immediate and their chemistry is off the charts. He's the gorgeous boss who is sexy, wealthy and did I say gorgeous. If you like romantic suspense you'll love this book. Well written with a strong, engaging story line and captivating characters. I read a free arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[christine smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dissapointed

I couldn't finish the book. I got about 75 percent in and I had to put it done. First of all the main male character was a meanwhile and the female was a dish rag. I couldn't take it anymore.

[Sugan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I went back to the beginning!!! Ainsley St. Claire has written three series that all intertwine: Billionaire Venture Capitalists, Tech Billionaires, and Clear Security. I first started reading St. Claire's books with a "freebie" and became hooked! The "freebie" was a few books in to the series and I was able to understand what was happening by the way in which St. Claire writes. She includes enough background information that you do not feel lost while not having to recount every detail in the previous books either. It was because of that, that I did not read, "Forbidden". "Forbidden" is the first book in the BVC series and it definetly sets the stage for the others. While I still believe that the wonderful writing allows you to understand the overall picture, I now realize what a shame it is to miss out on all of the details and the common threads that are entwined throughout all of the books.

"Forbidden" is where all three series begin. It is Dillon's and Emerson's story. Dillon is one of the three founders of the VC firm. He works long hours and does not have time for a real relationship. So far, he has been satisfied by hook-ups and the occasional fling. Enter Emerson. The newest member of the firm and the one that Dillon can not stop thinking about. Emerson is having trouble keeping her own feelings in check but she is not about to jeopardize her new job and the security it brings by breaking the "no fraternazation" rule. The two become close despite the rule. Dillon continues to demonstrate is friendship and care for Emerson when she experiences a horrible situation. Then, when Dillon's life starts to implode, Emerson is there for him in the same way he was for her. When Dillon can't handle what life has thrown at him, he strikes back at everyone and everything that matters to him. Can the bond that they share be enough to bring Dillon back from the edge?

I loved this story and am so glad that I went back to where it all began. The only reason I gave it 4-1/2 stars instead of 5 is that I really did care for the way in which Dillon handled some of his life after his family trajedy. I also didn't like the way Emerson basically just said, "Oh well, that's okay." I loved the power of friendship and the caring connection these two had, but I felt like it just slipped away too easily for Dillon and Emerson didn't seem to have enough self worth when it came to his "other female dealings". All in all, I would definitely recommend reading "Forbidden". St. Claire is a terrific story-teller and hooks you from the start.

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

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get A Life!💘

Emerson💋💃 is a well educated woman living in SF. She started and owns her own Accounting Services company. An adventure capitalist, Dillon🐺🍆🌋, wants her for his own company. He wants to buy her out.
Both of them are basically workaholics, but Emerson💋💃 has more of a personal life outside of work, with a house and a 🐕dog.

Dillon🐺🍆🌋 actually wants her for his own, but he refuses to allow himself to go there. He is a guy that doesn't want to get involved with women. He's a user🍆🌋 and then a loser. He never lets a woman stay overnight 🌙. When a woman gets too interested, he stops seeing her. He's a player.

I didn't much care for either of these characters. They have fast moving jobs, but they both seem to be smug, shallow people and lead shallow lives outside of work.
Work should be something you do, it's not what you are!


ARC Received from HG for a Voluntary and Honest Review.

The book📑 has way too much "telling" by the Author, and not enough "showing" , despite the fact that it is written from dual points of view. Too much narration and not enough actual conversation and interaction between characters put me off. Disappointed.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to an interesting series!

This book was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. This is one of the first friends-to-lovers stories that showed a realistic friendship between the characters in the beginning. Also, the hours that they worked were very honest to the type of industry they are in.
This is the story of Emerson who has just sold her business and becomes a partner in a venture capital firm. There she meets and gets to know Dillion who is a founding partner. As they get to know each other, they fight anything more than friendship because it is forbidden by the bylaws of their firm. Both go through really difficult periods in their lives and the other person is there to help them out. Their support of each other was very touching.
I really enjoyed it and found the characters and situations very true to life. One reviewer I read mentioned that they were turned off by the actions of the hero when they were not together. I didn’t really care for his actions, but I thought it made him more realistic than others I have read.

[Kilby Blades · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Forbidden" is the story of VC firm founding partner, Dillon and late-joining partner, Emerson, whose obvious attraction is mutually avoided due to the firm's anti-fraternization rules. Settling for a close friendship that doesn't cross the line is good enough...for a while. But when life happens and each one has their own reasons for needing comfort, it becomes harder (even impossible) to stay away.

What I loved about this book was that it dealt with serious themes that happen to real people in real life without taking away the romance. Real people have trauma and push the ones they love away. Real people need time to sort themselves out when tragedy strikes, and real friends are there for them at the other end of dark tunnels. That was another big strength of this book for me: the friendship aspect between the Dillon and Emerson and the broader set of friendships in the book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of this series!

This is Dillon's story, and Emerson's of course.

No fraternization. That's the company policy. So, that attraction, that zing they both feel, they'll keep it bottled up and just be friends, right!?!

What a friendship it is! I loved their easy interaction; their caring for each other.

Loved that Dillon loved Molly!

Ms. St Claire takes us into the dark that can result when you feel as if your life is crumbling at your sides. Thank goodness for Good Friends!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bill Jakobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a great book!

I love Ainsley St Claire's books. Books that make you laugh, cry and want to beat someone up. Intrigue, horrible crummy creeps, honest loving people and great descriptions of people and places. I cried a lot in this book because the story is so real. It was great reading about CeCe again, met her in other stories. She quite the friend. So far I have read several series by Ainsley St Claire and never disappointed by any of them. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Written by Cindy :)

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

This was a good book. I was a little disappointed in Dillon, I mean with how he is with all his women. He should have been a little more forceful with Celeste. Now that is one crazy girl. Emerson now she is what Dillon needs. I wish that she had went to the hospital and the police station and filed a report on Adam. He is a scum bag. I would have liked to know how he felt after Dillon's plan against him. That would have been nice to know. Otherwise good story, I enjoyed it. Thank you.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an updated version of Forbidden Love and the start of a new series. Emerson has worked hard and now she is getting the opportunity of a lifetime for her career. When she begins working with Dillon, sparks fly. However interoffice relationships are prohibited. Loads of drama, suspense and twists and turns really draw you in. The characters have lots of depth and the story is entertaining. I liked it.

[Dana Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good concept, just didn't flow well

The concept was good, but the book just didn't flow well. Too many twists, not enough character and story development. I think the author could have divided this book into 2 book, then it would have divided conflict and given more time for details and "flow". I like the overall story, just needed to not be quite so cheesey and just a little better developed.

[Andrea Berner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very different and a truly good read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it has a little twist in there to tantalize the reader. Problem is I finished the book but still had no idea where the 'twist' was going. Thankfully I enjoyed the characters and hopefully in further books I will get the answer.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm honestly not sure about this series. Things in this were good but just wish more happened to Adam. That was a big let down. Yes the videos were destroyed but seriously she needed more justice be it it legal or not.

Don't get me wrong I whizzed through this book the back story looks promising. Seriously considering book 2 then make a decision on where to continue onto book 3.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmerson is a new partner with a venture capital company. Dillon is one of the founders and helps Emmerson when she's sexually assaulted. They hook up but then Dillon is rocked by tragedy and falls apart. There was a lot of room for Dillon to grow as a person and I truly felt that he did. I ultimately enjoyed the plot and look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is as good as office romances get. Dillion and Emerson draws us in to their drama and keeps you glued to the pages from start to finish. It is well written, descriptive and has you cheering them on to a chance for happiness.

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

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Hiddengems and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book I have read by Ainsley St. Claire and I enjoyed reading it. A complex relationship between an Alpha female and Alpha Male. Both successful determined and workaholics. A good read.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Could not put it down. The chemistry between Emerson and Dillon is unique at best. Not giving any spoilers just be warned its a unique friends vs love at first sight type book

[Margie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a hard time finishing it. It was like reading about a high school relationship. The date rape part of the story was off putting. I couldn't stand how the main female character was so clingy and needy when she was treated like garbage. Would not recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. There are unanswered questions, like who is the mole? And do we hear more about Adam? Maybe the story continues and we get more info. Other than that, I loved all the people and it was heartbreaking at times but really good.

[Kristin Scearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Jill Desormeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jilld214@yahoo.com

[Jeanene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked, simply couldn’t put it down. But was a little dissatisfied with the ending. On one hand I wanted more closure, but on the other it hand me reaching for book two straight away❤️

[Debra Johnson]

Purch Amazon Sept. 3, 2018