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The Billy Houston Saga #1
Billy Houston Rags to Riches
"A colorful journey involving exotic locations and larger than life personalities." Kathy Denver, The International Review of Books
At fourteen years of age, Billy Houston arrived in Santa Monica, California and embraced the land of opportunity with both hands. This is his story.
From clandestine raffles with his schoolmates, to creating two of the most dynamic franchise businesses in history, Billy's tale is one of triumphs and tribulations, interspersed with the wit and wisdom of a natural-born entrepreneur.
Inspired by true events, Billy Houston Rags to Riches will take you on a journey unlike any you've read before - rooted firmly in reality, but with the twists and turns of a fast-paced financial thriller.
At fourteen years of age, Billy Houston arrived in Santa Monica, California and embraced the land of opportunity with both hands. This is his story.
From clandestine raffles with his schoolmates, to creating two of the most dynamic franchise businesses in history, Billy's tale is one of triumphs and tribulations, interspersed with the wit and wisdom of a natural-born entrepreneur.
Inspired by true events, Billy Houston Rags to Riches will take you on a journey unlike any you've read before - rooted firmly in reality, but with the twists and turns of a fast-paced financial thriller.
- GenresAmazon
324 pages, Hardcover
Published November 8, 2018
About the author
Greg Holman
5 books1 followerGreg Holman is an Australian entrepreneur turned author of The Billy Houston Saga — a four-book international thriller series spanning Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Greece, the United States, and the fictional republic of Sundara.
At twenty, Greg survived the car crash that killed one of his best friends. At twenty-one, he untied himself during an armed hold-up involving a sawn-off shotgun — and the gunman came back. Forty years later, those experiences became part of the inspiration behind the Billy Houston series.
After building and exiting multiple businesses across finance, franchising, and technology, Greg brings firsthand experience of ambition, wealth, betrayal, addiction, reinvention, and personal collapse to his fiction.
The Billy Houston Saga follows self-made entrepreneur Billy Houston from the streets of Santa Monica to the boardrooms of Wall Street, before everything begins to unravel.
Greg splits his time between Australia and Thailand, where much of the series unfolds.
At twenty, Greg survived the car crash that killed one of his best friends. At twenty-one, he untied himself during an armed hold-up involving a sawn-off shotgun — and the gunman came back. Forty years later, those experiences became part of the inspiration behind the Billy Houston series.
After building and exiting multiple businesses across finance, franchising, and technology, Greg brings firsthand experience of ambition, wealth, betrayal, addiction, reinvention, and personal collapse to his fiction.
The Billy Houston Saga follows self-made entrepreneur Billy Houston from the streets of Santa Monica to the boardrooms of Wall Street, before everything begins to unravel.
Greg splits his time between Australia and Thailand, where much of the series unfolds.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 27, 2026
Greg kindly reached out to me, offering an e-book copy of his 4 books that make up The Billy Houston Saga – while it isn’t the type of thriller that I would typically reach for, I sure to love to read outside of my ‘norm’ and there was just something about these books that I couldn’t refuse.
So, I’ve completed reading Book 1 – Rags to Riches and what I enjoyed most about Greg’s writing, is the easter eggs that he would leave along the way, hinting of things to come, I was eager to know what happened next and I was hooked into this financial thriller from the get go.
Billy is a hustler and dreams of being an entrepreneur, it starts with him building his first financial empire, followed by 2 other ventures and it safe to say, he is hit with wins, losses, jealousy, politics, revenge, dodgy characters and he faces rebuilding his life over and over again.
The story is both intense and slightly emotional, Billy himself is such a flawed character - he is always seeking ‘what’s next’ and fails at any type of commitment, leading to him learning many of life lessons the hard way. Even though he has many flaws, his character is enigmatic and this along with his ever give up attitude to life, drew me in and left me very invested in his story and where life is taking him.
Billy has many a comeback I can’t help but wonder, will his luck for comebacks run out eventually? and will he leave the legacy that he dreams of, or will it all come crashing down? Next up in the series is Fall from Grace and I’ll just have to read it to find out.
One last thing i’ll add – this book finished off with a Q&A with the author and I’ll say it again, this needs to be a thing it ALL books, it gives extra depth to the story and a peek inside of the mind of the author.
Thank-you Greg for a gifted copy, in exchange for an honest review.
So, I’ve completed reading Book 1 – Rags to Riches and what I enjoyed most about Greg’s writing, is the easter eggs that he would leave along the way, hinting of things to come, I was eager to know what happened next and I was hooked into this financial thriller from the get go.
Billy is a hustler and dreams of being an entrepreneur, it starts with him building his first financial empire, followed by 2 other ventures and it safe to say, he is hit with wins, losses, jealousy, politics, revenge, dodgy characters and he faces rebuilding his life over and over again.
The story is both intense and slightly emotional, Billy himself is such a flawed character - he is always seeking ‘what’s next’ and fails at any type of commitment, leading to him learning many of life lessons the hard way. Even though he has many flaws, his character is enigmatic and this along with his ever give up attitude to life, drew me in and left me very invested in his story and where life is taking him.
Billy has many a comeback I can’t help but wonder, will his luck for comebacks run out eventually? and will he leave the legacy that he dreams of, or will it all come crashing down? Next up in the series is Fall from Grace and I’ll just have to read it to find out.
One last thing i’ll add – this book finished off with a Q&A with the author and I’ll say it again, this needs to be a thing it ALL books, it gives extra depth to the story and a peek inside of the mind of the author.
Thank-you Greg for a gifted copy, in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2026
Billy Houston: Rags to Riches is a fast-paced entrepreneurial story that chronicles one man's relentless drive to build something from nothing. Loosely inspired by Greg Holman's own life, the novel follows Billy Houston from his childhood, where he is constantly looking for ways to make money, to the life-changing events that push him toward pursuing his dream of building a business empire.
After a devastating car accident alters the course of his life, Billy throws himself into entrepreneurship, launching one startup after another while learning valuable lessons about business, ambition, and the enemies success can create. Rather than focusing on a single company, the novel highlights the early stages of his entrepreneurial journey, showing both the victories and the setbacks that shape him.
I enjoyed this book for what it set out to be. It's a fairly short read that doesn't waste time getting to the point. The pacing is incredibly quick, moving from one venture to the next at a breakneck speed without ever really slowing down. That makes it an easy book to fly through, especially if you enjoy stories about startups, business, and the determination it takes to succeed.
If I had one criticism, it's that the rapid pace sometimes leaves you wanting a little more time to sit with the major moments and explore Billy's relationships and challenges in greater depth. Even so, the momentum keeps the pages turning and makes for an engaging read.
Overall, Billy Houston: Rags to Riches is an entertaining entrepreneurial novel that offers an accessible look at the highs, lows, and lessons of building a business. If you're interested in stories about ambition, perseverance, and the mindset of an entrepreneur, it's well worth checking out.
After a devastating car accident alters the course of his life, Billy throws himself into entrepreneurship, launching one startup after another while learning valuable lessons about business, ambition, and the enemies success can create. Rather than focusing on a single company, the novel highlights the early stages of his entrepreneurial journey, showing both the victories and the setbacks that shape him.
I enjoyed this book for what it set out to be. It's a fairly short read that doesn't waste time getting to the point. The pacing is incredibly quick, moving from one venture to the next at a breakneck speed without ever really slowing down. That makes it an easy book to fly through, especially if you enjoy stories about startups, business, and the determination it takes to succeed.
If I had one criticism, it's that the rapid pace sometimes leaves you wanting a little more time to sit with the major moments and explore Billy's relationships and challenges in greater depth. Even so, the momentum keeps the pages turning and makes for an engaging read.
Overall, Billy Houston: Rags to Riches is an entertaining entrepreneurial novel that offers an accessible look at the highs, lows, and lessons of building a business. If you're interested in stories about ambition, perseverance, and the mindset of an entrepreneur, it's well worth checking out.
July 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.85/5
Thank you so much to the author for sending me your book series — I hugely appreciate it! 💜📚
Rags to Riches is a financial entrepreneurial thriller, making it quite different from the thrillers I would usually pick up, but I found the story genuinely interesting. Loosely based on the author’s own life experiences, the story felt authentic and personal, and there were moments where it became quite emotional. I found myself genuinely caring about what happened to these characters, which I always appreciate in a story.
I particularly enjoyed the writing style, with different timelines exploring events from our main character’s life. Little clues and snippets of information are scattered throughout, gradually giving us more insight into his journey, and I enjoyed piecing these together.
This is a fairly short, fast-paced read that sets the scene for the rest of the series. It offers an interesting look at the mindset of an entrepreneur who is constantly looking towards the next big opportunity and the drive that comes with always wanting more.
A unique thriller that was different from my usual reads, but one I found interesting and emotionally engaging. I’m looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series takes us! 📖✨
Thank you so much to the author for sending me your book series — I hugely appreciate it! 💜📚
Rags to Riches is a financial entrepreneurial thriller, making it quite different from the thrillers I would usually pick up, but I found the story genuinely interesting. Loosely based on the author’s own life experiences, the story felt authentic and personal, and there were moments where it became quite emotional. I found myself genuinely caring about what happened to these characters, which I always appreciate in a story.
I particularly enjoyed the writing style, with different timelines exploring events from our main character’s life. Little clues and snippets of information are scattered throughout, gradually giving us more insight into his journey, and I enjoyed piecing these together.
This is a fairly short, fast-paced read that sets the scene for the rest of the series. It offers an interesting look at the mindset of an entrepreneur who is constantly looking towards the next big opportunity and the drive that comes with always wanting more.
A unique thriller that was different from my usual reads, but one I found interesting and emotionally engaging. I’m looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series takes us! 📖✨
October 23, 2022
an interesting tale
Fascinating work about the thought processes involved in starting a business. Success and failure equally addressed. Very enjoyable read! Thank you, Greg Holman!
Fascinating work about the thought processes involved in starting a business. Success and failure equally addressed. Very enjoyable read! Thank you, Greg Holman!
June 2, 2026
Wow what a ride. I was pulled through his journey through this box set of all 4 books. I just could not put it down as I wondered where I was going to be taken next. Each tale will have you wanting more of his tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant collection
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant collection
June 20, 2026
Billy Houston Series:
BILLY HOUSTON: RAGS TO RICHES, #1 - I could not put this book down! BH is interesting, his story is intriguing, and his character and personality are likeable. You cannot help but rooting for him and love it when he wins. One bad thing: there are three more books before his story is completely told. Source: BookSirens. 5*
BILLY HOUSTON: RAGS TO RICHES, #1 - I could not put this book down! BH is interesting, his story is intriguing, and his character and personality are likeable. You cannot help but rooting for him and love it when he wins. One bad thing: there are three more books before his story is completely told. Source: BookSirens. 5*
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews