House of Cards

Tech Billionaires #1

by Ainsley St. Claire

She thinks she needs to put her family before herself. He's determined to prove her wrong.

Maggie is the heiress to the Reinhardt Department Store fortune. Her father died and the board of the company expect Alex to run the company but they’ve never had a nonfamily member run the company. The board has a simple solution—she needs to put the family first and marry Alex. Forget the fact that she isn’t his type and she loves someone else. Jonathan Best has been in love with Maggie Reinhardt since high school. Everything he’s done has been for her including escaping from his family’s clutches and opening a 5-star hotel and casino on the Las Vegas strip. He can’t forget their last time together and how after so long it was so right. So, after picking up the pieces he formulates his plan to stop the wedding and that when things get really interesting.

House of Cards is a standalone romantic suspense novel with a happy ending. It’s the first in the Billionaire Tech Series featuring the team members from the Venture Capitalist and Clear Security series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Billionaires, Friends To Lovers

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2020

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

[Shatarupa Dhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:
Jonathan Best is nervous at the prospect of meeting Maggie Reinhardt again. She's his one true love since their teenage years, someone he looks forward to proposing as soon as she arrives from Minneapolis.

Margaret Reinhardt is in Vegas to tell Jonathan about her upcoming marriage to Alex Walker, and how there can be nothing more now between them. She has to do it for her family. Her older brother Christopher or her younger Steven are not interested in their family business and it's up to her now to ensure that their uber-rich business stays in the fam.

Would Jonathan be able to convince her otherwise?

Review:
The story starts with Jonathan remembering about their affair a few months ago during the pre-opening of his casino resort, Shangri-la, situated on the Las Vegas strip. And now her surprise visit has him making plans for their future.

The first book I'm reading where the male protagonist's grooming session is mentioned and that is the most truthful account I've ever read in a book. And one where's there sexting as well. Their nicknames for each other are too cute. Narrated in the first person from both his and her perspective, this was a fun and suspenseful read highlighting what happens when rich people have to manage their emotions along with their billion-dollar businesses.

All of thirty-one, I could totally feel what Maggie had to go through with her controlling and manipulative mother. And of course, Alex is a gay, standard formula for romances like this but I do love that there isn't a triangle. Yay to that! Alex's humour is a bit cringy and it doesn't even compensate for his selfish ways.

Jonathan is thirty-three, the same age as Maggie's older brother. Apart from running the casino he built, Jonathan has some other talents as well which he is seeking to capitalize now. But he still wants his love with him, though Maggie doesn't seem interested in making any efforts at first. While it did seem a bit long-winded at times, I still enjoyed the descriptions and the problems that one encounters on a day-to-day working of a resort and casino.

Maggie's mother is so infuriating. And so is Herbert, Alex's homophobic father. And they have set up an elaborate scheme with the lawyers of putting them in jail if they don't get along with what their parents want, just for family honour. Or is there something else going on? The way the story unfolded came as a wonderful shock to me. The blurb made me feel that I was getting a contemporary romance but then the suspenseful undertones had me thrilled! And when Maggie finally gets back at her mother on her own steam, I rejoiced with her.

If there ever was a genre called business romance, then this would be it! While Jonathan tries his level best to support her along with her entire family, new threats arise which leads to Maggie thinking she's better off staying far from others. The entire family coming together towards the end was just great! Even though it ends on a grim note with the epilogue. I look forward to reading the entire series, this is the first book I'm reading by Ainsley St Claire, as well as Clear Security and Venture Capitalist series too, protagonists of which make an appearance in this book as well.

Thank you to Booksprout for an e-ARC of the book.

My review of the books in the Tech Billionaires Series is as follows:
House of Cards | Royally Flushed | Sleight of Hand | Running Hot

Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings

[Jenny Hobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maggie has been in love with her brothers best friend Jonnie since school. They finally get together to then have Maggie's world come crumbling down with the news that she is to marry her gay best friend in order to keep the family business she has worked so hard for. Her mother is pushing the wedding but all is not as it seems.
I enjoyed the plot of the story it had family fueds, decit, romance and drama by the bucket load. I did however find it was a bit of a slow start. For me nothing really gripping happened untill nearly half way through and then it all kicked off. I also personally found some of the other stuff that happened could of been trimmed back a bit.
Overall a decent story and once I finally got into it I did enjoy it

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

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

The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!

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

[Lesley · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you enjoy a book where our heroine constantly makes stupid decisions and leaves you shaking your head constantly, then this is the book for you. The book starts with Jonnie ready to propose even though they’ve never really dated and had slept together months earlier. Maggie’s life is in Minneapolis, but he went to Vegas and built a casino for her. Before he can propose though, she announces she is marrying her gay best friend to fulfill her father’s will and keep the family company going.

The romance comes and goes in this book because Jonnie and Maggie spend so much of it apart. The whole storyline with the family company takes up a lot of time for Maggie and Jonnie is dealing with other minor storylines - one of which is left hanging at the end of this book and I can’t figure out how it plays in to the rest of the series.

The book was slow at the start, but did pick up. However, once Maggie’s dumb decision in Vegas went down, I lost interest fast. Frankly, this is a book where I think the HEA is Jonnie finding someone better to him.

I received a review copy from Booksprout.

[Lady M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros: - Jonathan and Maggie, I liked how easy they were when they were together.
-The non romance plot, I love how all these little bombs kept dropping. The romance part of the story was almost secondary.
-The use of characters from the previous series. I love getting to see other characters from previous books.
-The lead into the next book wow! Can't wait.
Cons: time frame was hard to follow with large jumps ahead in time that weren't labeled.
-Jonathan and Maggie when they weren't together.
- The sex scenes, just too many for my taste and pretty graphic, I'll be honest I skimmed through most of them.
- Fantasy scene, again just not my thing.
-Maggie's decision-making, without giving anything away it was just predictable, but luckily it led to something good, so ultimately it was worth the eye roll.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Liked the characters; however, at times there was much too much detail. The storyline was good but could have been a shorter read.

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

[Haidee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say it did not disappoint.
Jonathan and Maggie have loved each other from afar since they were teenagers and did not act on their attraction until her brothers wedding. Now Maggie must let his go for the good of her family legacy but Jonathan does not give up easy.
This is were the story gets interesting with all the twist and turns it kept me on the edge of my seat.
Go to go have the next book in the series calling my name.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gambling with Hearts and Lives

With skill and creativity, Ainsley St. Claire has done it again—she has crafted a magnetic and engaging novel, House of Cards, as the introductory novel of a new exciting series, Tech Billionaires. This initial novel allows the reader to enter a world of power, money, and entrepreneurship which engages the reader in world of intrigue, family disfunction, and romance, set in a contemporary setting filled with engaging characters, some who have wandered through the pages of St. Claire’s previous series, Venture Capitalist.

Jonathan Best, CEO of one of Las Vegas’ newest and hottest gambling resorts, Shangri-La, is a man of power, but he is also a man of love and integrity. Growing up in Minneapolis, he was grounded by a loving family and is still best friends with his partner in crime since childhood, Christopher Reinhardt. In fact, they are closer than friends, closer to being true brothers. When Christopher at the age of 16 sought emancipation from his wealthy and manipulative family, it was Jonathan’s family who opened its heart and doors to provide a loving, protective safe space for the boy, supporting him emotionally through high school, college and medical school as he moved ever farther from the expectations of the Reinhardts. The founding and controlling family of a collection department stores that offer a range of retail offerings appealing not only to high end shoppers, but also to the general population, the Reinhardts are a force with which to be reckoned. And, as best friends, Jonathan was constantly in contact with all of the Reinhardts, not only his buddy Chris, but also Chris’s younger sister, Maggie. In fact, he has been in love with Maggie since they were teenagers and that love has not wavered. She was his inspiration when he conceived of and built his resort, Shangri-La. Every aspect was envisioned with Maggie in mind. He has a diamond in the resort’s safe just waiting for the opportunity to ask her to marry him.

Maggie Reinhardt, the only daughter of the Reinhardt Hudson empire, runs Reinhardt Foundation, a NFP which directs money and merchandise to support a variety of charities including the Brighter Future program that focuses on helping middle school and high school students to stay engaged in school. But, as the dutiful daughter, Maggie is about to make the ultimate sacrifice for family. In her father’s and grandfather’s wills was a requirement that only a married family member could claim control the Reinhardt Hudson empire. Because the actions of her brothers, Christopher and Stevie, have made them ineligible, the Medusa stare of her controlling mother has fallen on Maggie, and Mom is demanding that she marry. And, according to Mom, the man Maggie must marry is her best friend from childhood, Alex Walker, whose family owns Elite Electronics. According to Maggie’s mother and Alex’s father, the match is made in business merger heaven. To Maggie, while Alex is her friend and she loves him, she doesn’t love him romantically and she never will—she loves Jonnie, her brother’s best friend. Nor will Alex ever love her romantically—his current boyfriend would object.

But more is in play than a marriage/merger—Maggie’s heart and happiness are in jeopardy, with something more ominous at play, threatening to not only break hearts, but also lives.

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.

House of Cards is smart, energetic, and exciting start for the beginning of the series. And, in this novel as in the novels of her other series, we can get a taste of the next volume 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 new series, I really want to taste more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review and will enjoy reading it again through Kindle Unlimited.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great getting to know these well developed characters that were engaging and enjoyable with plenty of chemistry to keep the storyline flowing.

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

[A Hybrid Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a roller-coaster of emotions. The main characters were a very nice pairing and the story wasn’t a cliché. At the beginning you may believe that, but the more you’re into the story, you will realize that is not anything like you thought it was going to be. It has so many twists and turns that is impossible to put down until you finish, and even then, you need more. It happened to me. I didn’t actually believe I was going to love this story as much as I did, but honestly it’s just the perfect instalment for the beginning of a saga.

In one hand we have Margaret, she is the second of three brothers, and both brothers are uninterested and incapable of taking the position of chairmen. She believes it's her responsibility to preserve the company his great-grandfather, grandfather and father sacrificed a lot to keep on the top. The situation does not get better when her mother is forcing her to marry someone she doesn’t love and she feels traped in more than one sense. She has a secret. She is in love with someone else and she is willing to let that love go, because she firmly believes it's her duty. The situation takes a turn and she will learn that not everything is what it seems.

Then we have Jonathan, this guy is the loveliest person alive. He is the definition of perfection, the love he feels for Margaret is so strong he is willing to do anything in his power to help her anyway he can. The beauty of Jonnie is that when he wants something he doesn’t stop until he gets it.

One of the things that I love is the way the author portrays the fact that family may not be perfect and that every family has its secrets, but love among brothers and sisters is unique and that it doesn't matter if people is not blood they are still family, because family doesn’t end with blood.

I got a little bit stressed with some situation between the main characters, but that’s just me, and that makes them who they are. So, just keep reading. In less than you think you will fall in love with Magpie and Jonnie.

The story is amazing. The characters are lovely, you want to know more about them. It's like you’re feeling the stress along with them. And that ending...my God, I can’t wait to know more of what is going to happen with that huge hook at the end…

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

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary ARC - early release copy of this book in Kindle format from the author for review purposes.

This is the start of a new series by the author called Tech Billionaires. It features characters from her other series and for me that was the highlight as I enjoyed her previous series alot. While this is a complete story, the book does put you on a small cliff at the end but not about the current couple but rather what will happen in this series as the next book comes out with a new couple.

For me this book had way too much drama I guess you could say. I love the romance and while the drama is cool in reading romances I want more romance and less drama. I would have loved to explore Maggie and Jonnies romance more and seen them date and have that one night but it was sorta summarized.

This story does have wonderful characters. I liked Maggie though I wish she had been stronger against her mother and I liked Jonnie except I felt he was a little too busy with his Casino and while he pled that he loves Maggie I didn’t really see that, it seemed like she came in second to Queen Diva and his casino.

That said, the author has a wonderful writing style and she writes stories I cannot put down and this was a story with lots of twists and turns. I am trying not to spoil the story as going in blind is the best way to explore this story.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the death of her father wasn’t distressing enough Maggie finds herself in the untenable position of having to marry her best friend to retain control of the family business. She loves her best friend Alex but they both know that there will never be a romance between them especially since her heart has belonged to Jonathan since she was a teenager.

Jonathan is a successful businessman and Maggie’s brother’s best friend. They have had feelings for each other for years but have only recently acted on them. Jonathan was starting to plan a future that included Maggie until she dropped the bombshell that she would be getting married and it wouldn’t be to him.

Intrigue, twists and heat combine into a compelling storyline as Maggie and Jonathan must decide if the love they have for each other is strong enough to overcome all the obstacles conspiring to keep them apart.

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa, I just finished House of Cards and this book had my head spinning just a bit. I will warn you that there is a LOT going on in this book, the blurb does a great job giving you an idea about the premise but it barely scratches the surface of what you will unveil by reading House of Cards (which talk about being aptly named)!

The characters have depth and valid reasonings(ish) for what they do and even though there is a lot going on in the book which I don't feel is completely necessary to the book, it does build it up even more. All in all if you are looking for a steamy romantic suspense with a swoonworthy hero and a(n almost too much) selfless heroine, House of Cards is a book you should check out asap. I will definitely be keeping a look out for the next book in the series and give this 4 outta 5 stars!

PS: Thank you to the author for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!!!
Fantastic! Ainsley drops the bomb and lowers the boom, weaving a cocoon so intricately and tight, drawing you deeper into this tangled web, until everything else ceases to exist. A raging tempest of inexplicable circumstances and inadvertent events, blow this baby into the eye of the storm, bursting it into a tailspin with an astonishing culmination. Illustrating incredible, well rounded scenario's, ramping up the adrenaline and exuberance with such intensity and precision, blasting this little fella to life spectacularly. The characters are authentic and original with qualities and traits that transforms into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and colorful descriptions so rich and lively, they blend and flow smoothly. Remarkable job Ainsley, thanks for sharing this amazing baby with us.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but I just wished there was more Maggie & Jonnie. There was also so many other issues that I kind of felt like their romance took a backseat.
I did like that Maggie wanted to let Jonnie know in person what she had to do. However, she knows he’s really busy and is only in town for two hours to drop the bombshell?!? I found that pretty crappy, especially since he was called away on “emergencies” and wasn’t able to return to her to hash out the disaster-in-waiting.
There was always something about Alex that rubbed me the wrong way. Don’t get me started on Maggie’s mother!
I am looking forward to the next book. I just hope that we get to see more of Maggie & Jonnie.

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

[Anne Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a twist you will NOT have seen coming. Ainsley St. Claire has been setting this storyline up, showing the pressure that Maggie is under, but to find that she is not only going to go through with the forced marriage to her gay friend Alex, but he seems more determined even that her mother that she goes through with it, is a great way to make the reader even more certain she belong with Jonnie. That story is at times sad, funny, hopeful, and horrifying, but the twist in the friend group is absolutely unexpected. I love Ainsley St. Claire’s writing; she never fails to entertain and engage, and I can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this awesome book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Ailyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary ARC - early release copy of this book in Kindle format from the author for review purposes.
Initially I was drawn to Jonathan, he is excited and the whole scene vibrates with anticipation. When Maggie arrives, the story goes slightly downhill. It is not her fault, she is a great woman with a ton of problems, and it was only going to get worse.
For a contemporary romance, I think this is not romantic enough. But if you are looking for drama, cat and mouse, with a side of mystery, House of Cards fits the bill well enough. Overall, I enjoyed it, I came looking for love but found family instead.

[Stabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was interesting from the get go. No lagging no slowing down. It was non-stop back and forth between Maggie and Jonnie. Their chemistry was explosive. I love how Ainsley St Claire detailed the relationship between the two families and how much he was willing to do to get to be with her. He stood by her through the most disastrous time of her life with her Mother lying to her and her world as she knew it coming crashing down. In the end it was a love that would last once she allowed herself to believe in it. I read this book in a day as I couldn't put it down.

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

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start for a new series! So full of intrigue and romance!

[Shawna McAlerney Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is a woman who thought she knew what she wanted. She has been in love with Jonathan since they were in school together and after a romantic weekend together, she's hoping to move forward with him. But when her dad suddenly passes away and the empire she has helped build is going to be given to someone not in the family, her only option is to marry him, Alex, to still be a part of the empire. Problem is Jonathan, who runs his own empire, loves Maggie with everything he is and will stop at nothing to help her. Sweet romance with a side of drama.

[Cynthia L. Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series. Will there be more in the next book about what happened to Cecilia? I loved reading about the characters Jonnie and Maggie. Glad to see her mother and the bad people get what was coming to them in the end. I enjoyed reading Ainsley’s books. Great storylines and great characters. Very well written and enjoyed every minute of reading the books.

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

[Linda Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whirlwind of top of the upper crust problems, from family financial and/or empire legacies to less than crystalline behind the scenes personal involvements. Millions, of dollars, create millions, of problems.

In this book, a great number of the characters from the rest of the series meet, greet, mingle, and generally create a nice group of friendships and alliances, with the introduction of a couple of "bad guys" and relative interactions.

Shock ending, as an opening for the next in the series.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter I was hooked on this book. If you are going to start it, make sure you have plenty of time to finish it. I couldn’t put this book down. And the ending. I’m dying to know what happens next. You will find yourself falling for both Maggie & Jonnie. You cheer for the good that happens to them. You will find yourself hurting when they hurt

[Brittany Grantham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is the rich, good girl who does everything her family tells her. Jonnie is her brother Christopher’s best friend. They have crushed on each other forever. For her it was middle school and high school for him. Her father dies and his will makes it where she (since her brothers who left the family) the heir has to marry or her great-grandfather’s company gets dissolved. So her very controlling mother tries to force her to marry her gay best friend Alex. Her mother will do anything to get her way. Jonnie loves her and wants her to not marry Alex and start a life with him. It’s got drama and love why wouldn’t anyone wanna read it?

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

[Claire RC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read books by this author before, but l enjoyed reading this one. It is a long story but has believable characters in Jonnie and Maggie, the couple have known each other for a long time and Jonnie is looking forward to to her visit, however, things don’t go as planned when she tells him that, in order to ensure the survival of her own dynasty, she has to marry someone else! A interesting and very intriguing book.

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

[Suzanne Giorgione · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a great mix of love, family, suspense and heat. Story is long, but there is so much detail to tell the tale and bring us into the world of these wealthy people. I enjoyed the characters very much and look forward to the next book in the series! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Review Copy from Booksprout.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed the story line, it kept me engaged in the story along with good characters. This was a decent sized book, so it kept me entertained for a bit. I thought the book was pretty good, would like to know what happens in the next book of the series. Would love more of each of the characters from book 1.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story!  I fell in love with Jonathan(Jonnie)!!!!!!!  Lot's going on to keep your interest piqued! Quite the dysfunctional family; the Reinhardt elders! Maggie was definitely a stong woman! Nice continuation of characters I got to know in an earlier St. Claire novel!

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

[Christiane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, nice to read while relaxing. I really liked the book, and great mix between love story and intrigue.

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

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainsley St Claire has started this series off with a bang!!

Jonnie is a self made billionaire. He owns one of the latest casino resorts in Sin City but something or someone is missing in his life, the woman who stole his heart years ago. When he gets a call from her to inform him she is coming to talk to him he is super excited until she drops a bomb on him he never saw coming. 🖤🖤