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Two Headstrong, Driven CEOs. One Undeniable, Scorching Attraction.

Being a scientist gives Lauren Taylor a purpose in life. At twenty-five, she's the CEO of a billion-dollar biomedical company, Paragon Laboratories. On the brink of a major discovery, Lauren lets nothing interfere with her work. Until she meets Gabriel Betts, the gorgeous and brilliant CEO of another Silicon Valley startup, and is forced to face her inconvenient and overwhelming attraction to him.

Billionaire Gabriel Betts is a successful scientist in his own right. He's made his way in the world by being an early adopter and never losing focus. Captivated by Lauren's brilliance and unselfconscious beauty, he's determined to win the reclusive female CEO over at any cost.

But what neither Gabe nor Lauren are prepared for is the white-collar danger that's lurking in Silicon Valley... The danger that threatens not only their companies, but their very existence.

* This is an update to the previously released High Interest and contains significant edits.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2017

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About the author

Leigh James

42 books449 followers
USA Today and Amazon Top-10 Bestselling Author Leigh James is currently sitting on a white-sand beach, watching the sunset, dreaming up her next billionaire. Get ready, he's going to be a HOT one!

Just kidding! Leigh is actually freezing her butt off in Maine, USA, where she lives with her awesome husband, their great kids, and her BFF Choco the chocolate lab. But she promises that billionaire is REALLY going to be something!

Her books have been translated into German, French, Italian, and Portuguese. Leigh also writes Young Adult Paranormal Romance as Leigh Walker. Her smash-hit series Vampire Royals was previously optioned by Netflix.

Sign up to get new release notifications at: http://www.leighjamesauthor.com/subsc...!

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5 stars
263 (46%)
4 stars
172 (30%)
3 stars
93 (16%)
2 stars
24 (4%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Esther .
896 reviews199 followers
November 14, 2017
3.5

Was a fairly good read. Two brilliant/intelligent CEO’s that fall for each other as they deal with enemies that are trying to steal and kill. Heroine invented something revolutionary, and someone will do anything to get there hands on it.

Gabe and Lauren are cute, sweet and definitely have chemistry!

Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,710 reviews529 followers
December 28, 2016

A new to me author recommended by a very favorite author whose books I can't put down. I didn't think I could lose on that recommendation.

This romantic suspense held my interest from start to finish. It was set in a different environment from what I am accustomed to reading and I really liked that variation. The suspense was well-written and the characters were multi-dimensional and a perfect match in my opinion. Each were strong and intelligent leaders in their fields and CEOs of their companies. Put them together and of course there were sparks on and off the romantic playing field -- or lab as in this case.

I was impressed and will definitely keep an eye out for more from Leigh James and any future releases.
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,324 reviews17 followers
February 26, 2018
In preparation for a blog tour stop for the third book in this series, I decided to binge read the entire series, starting with this installment. I had never read anything by this author prior, so I wasn't sure what to expect with it. Unfortunately, it didn't resonate with me as much as I'd hoped.

The book's action and suspense started right away, which left me a little confused, as some of the situation wasn't well explained. I felt like there was a prequel novella that I had missed, and in fact had to leave my reading environs to go check, it was that prevalent. I felt that the book could use a bit more world building to alleviate that confusion.

Lauren and Gabe were well thought out characters, but I felt that their relationship felt rushed in light of all the danger that was surrounding them. There was no real down time to see if the feelings they felt were actually true, so the relationship didn't feel believable to me. The suspense angle ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which I don't enjoy, but thankfully I have the next books lined up to continue with the story!

All things considered, this was a somewhat interesting installment that definitely left me wanting more in several ways. Definitely worth a try, if you enjoy books that end with a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Jezabell Girl.
1,074 reviews68 followers
January 10, 2020
4.5 Stars

From billionaire CEOs, scientists, and mercenaries, this story really does have it all, and more.

Lauren is full of corporate espionage and is set inside of a billion dollar biomedical company. Lauren is a 25 yr old brilliant scientist with a new and innovative biomedical prototype which could revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of patients but despite her brilliance, and her company’s security measures, her computer system is hacked and suddenly all that Lauren has been working for, for years, is under threat.

There is one man that Lauren can turn to for support, and protection, and that is Gabriel Betts but Gabe has more than his business interests in mind when it comes to Lauren. With Gabe working closely at her side, Lauren lowers her defences and starts to fall for his charms. Gabe is everything that Lauren needs and whilst together they face danger on a daily basis, they continue to grow close.

Whilst Lauren and Gabe’s developing relationship was endearing, especially how Gabe treats Lauren’s inability to stop working long enough to fall in love, the book’s strength lies within the mystery and intrigue of Lauren’s skills as a scientist and what she must face in order to protect her business interests from outside parties. Despite protecting her prototype with everything she can, her business is suddenly the focus of two other companies: one that can be trusted, Gabe’s, and the other which is intent on taking over her business and acquiring control over the rights to her unique product.

Despite the science theme of this book, the story can easily be enjoyed by anyone looking for a good romantic suspense book. The world of R&D is opened up to readers and with it the understanding of the dangers involved when developing new products. There is also a side story developing between Lauren’s sister, Hannah and her bodyguard Wes that I can’t wait to read more about, especially as Hannah seems to be a key player in the next instalment.

This ebook was kindly provided by the author and publisher (Jack's House Publishing) prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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Profile Image for Maida.
Author 14 books460 followers
February 16, 2017
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

As it is right now, I'm giving Lauren a 3.5 rating. It's a fast-paced romp in a fascinating setting that is atypical of romance novels. Leigh James did very well in introducing the readers to the biotech world. I liked that she made her H/H both equally strong and she did not put unnecessary obstacles in their way in terms of realizing their love for each other. I also liked that through all the events happening with Lauren, Gabe was persistent and did not give up until she trusted him fully. Overall, I enjoyed it and will likely read Gabe when it comes out.

The reasons I did not give Lauren a 5 rating are mostly things that took me out of the story and reduced my enjoyment of the reading experience.
1. Grammar and word selection. I found myself substituting words for the ones she used and saying "Huh?" on some of her phrasing.
- "the sun shined through" -- should be shone
- instead of (watching him) jealously, it should be covetously
- "resigned myself to being pleased" ??
- "tongue tentatively searching my mouth" ???
2. Formatting issues. There were sentences that should not be italicized.
3. Her style of repeating the same phrase at least three times within one chapter gets annoying at times ex. "bashing skull", Gabe saying okay that he didn't really mean
4. There are details that don't make sense.
- Why was her long, blonde hair down when she's at the lab?
- 1,199 failed tests but next test subject was 1,201. What happened to 1,200?
- Gabe and Lauren met for the first time and they're already on first-name basis.
- How can Lauren have a tight body when there's no mention of exercise?
5. Leigh James made Lauren so incredibly clever that I really did not feel the life and death struggle she was supposed to be in. I always knew she would get out of the danger. There was no suspense there.

Essentially, I'm suggesting more proofreading/polishing before the launch.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews11 followers
Want to read
August 31, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (9/4/2021)!🎁
Profile Image for Corinne.
391 reviews31 followers
February 22, 2017
I enjoyed the book. The story was good and kept you intrigued. I also enjoyed the writing. I did find it a little long. Story line stretched out a little too long,but was kept me interested.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
2,773 reviews715 followers
March 25, 2017
I wish we could give half Stars. I think this story is more 4.5 Stars!

The start of a great Billionaire story! I love how different this story is to most Billionaire books out there. You've got a couple who are on even footing, both CEO's of their own company, both brilliant and beautiful. While Gabe may not be so different, he's still certainly very sexy. It's Lauren that is not your typical heroine. She's a 25 year old scientist who has spent the last 6 years in her lab perfecting her invention that will revolutionize the healthcare industry. She's shy and socially awkward.

Lauren meets Gabe when he contacts her sister to set up a meeting to discuss partnering with his company. There is instant attraction between the both but different reactions. Gabe goes after what he wants and he wants Lauren. Lauren is very reserved and scared, trying to use the excuse of her work to keep Gabe at bay. It doesn't take long for Gabe to break through her walls.

Gabe is one of my favorite Alpha Heros I've read. He's a strong, dominant man who knows what he wants and won't stop until he gets it. He's also very protective and caring. While this story is not finished, it does not end on a huge cliffhanger. I can't wait to read more about Lauren and Gabe!

ARC given by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
1 review
February 22, 2017
I was guidebook this book as an ARC in exchange for my review. To be honest, i just didn't find it intriguing. I had to push my way through it to finish it off. The storyline was just ridiculous given the heroines age, her character and the scope of the story.
I may have just been hyper critical when reading this because I did have to give a review, but I didn't like it. I just couldn't get a proper feel for the time line, sometimes days would pass without Lauren making contact with her beau, and then time would drag by when she was in the lab.
The first person style of writing wasn't distracting or off putting for me, I just didn't like the book. It felt slow, but the speed when the couple gets together is awfully fast given her singular focus on her work and lack of social engagements.

Profile Image for Diana Aragon .
67 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2019
This is the first book of the Silicon Valley Billionaires series by Leigh James ,a revamped version of the High Stakes Billionaires’ serial and what a treat it was. As a reader, it is a first to find a novel where both central characters are alpha billionaires. Lauren Taylor is a fierce, intelligent, noble, brilliant lady (a bit naïve, too) who is driven to do the right thing for her cutting edge technology company which has been her life for the last six yrs. Gabriel Betts, also a self made billionaire is more world savvy, an aggressive negotiator who is never shy to use his charisma and sexy dimpled smile to seal a deal or win the heart of the woman he is into. It is refreshing to witness their dynamic, witty banter and how their professional and personal relationship grow while our hero never put down our heroine interests, letting her soar and find her true worth while a true partnership is born.

”Lauren” is a window into today’s techno world. There is suspense and a lot of “what if” or “who is in it” but in the end it is a romance with the right amount of heat and tenderness. The supportive characters add context, comic relief and more heat to the entire story. Some of the situations are pure movie-like escapism and we have a happy for now ending since there will be a second book. Leigh James did a good job expanding into what was an ok serial into a good, entertaining and sometimes informative novel about the merciless world of Silicon Valley and its culture. I'll award this book ☆☆ ☆☆, Gabriel book's is next.

I received Lauren as an ARC but the High Stakes serial was part of my personal e-library, and these are my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
560 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2019
Lauren Taylor, CEO of Paragon Industries, has devoted her life to her work. Lauren is dedicated to developing a low cost diagnostic patch for use in healthcare. If trials are successful, the patch could possibly diagnose cancer, skin disease, genetic disorders, etc. Paragon Industries maintains the patch under trade secret status, so it is not trademark protected. Therefore, security is extremely important. When Lauren discovers the computers have been compromised by a disgruntled former employee, she scrambles to get her patch ready for production before the competition beats her patch to market.

Gabriel Betts, billionaire CEO in Silicon Valley, approaches Lauren with a partnership deal. Lauren initially rejects his offer, but Gabriel persists. Gabe’s persistence and dimple weaken Lauren’s resistance enough that she agrees to present his offer to the board. With Gabe’s international connections, Lauren’s patch can go “live” worldwide. So, Lauren vows to keep their attraction on the back burner. When Lauren’s life is threatened, Gabe goes all out Alpha male!

This was my first Leigh James novel and it won’t be my last! I truly enjoyed the suspense, plot twists, and storyline. A true page turner! I liked how supportive and encouraging Gabe was of Lauren. I liked that Gabe actually took the time to see the “real” Lauren and didn’t expect her to be anyone other than herself. Lastly, I LOVED that the heroine was so stinking intelligent! Of course, Gabe’s dimple flashing was a bonus! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,397 reviews25 followers
February 9, 2019
Leigh James is a new to me author, but I will definitely be looking into more of her titles, as LAUREN hooked me from the get-go and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

This story takes place in Silicon Valley where Lauren Taylor has built her biomedical company. She is married to her work and has devoted the last six years to perfecting the device that could make her a household name in biomedical circles. Outside of her sister, Hannah, she doesn't let most people in because she is so concerned about keeping her trade secrets just that, secret.

Gabriel Betts is also a CEO of a biomedical company and he feels that he can be of assistance to Lauren and her company as she brings her product to market due to his international network. Gabe is not used to being told no, so when Lauren initially turns him down not only to partner with his company, but also to go out with him, he certainly doesn't back down easily.

Gabe and Lauren are both very strong willed, intelligent people. It's clear there is chemistry between them from their first meeting, but the question becomes can these two people who have always been so solely focused on work make the time to see where they could go as a couple? Throw in some corporate espionage, a whole lot of action and suspense and you have a great combination.

While I did feel the book was very slow at times, in the end I'm glad I stuck with it, as it was very good. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Jamie Salisbury.
Author 41 books170 followers
February 25, 2017
I was apprehensive about purchasing this book at first. The story line was so out of the norm compared to other "billionaire" books. White collar crime in the biotech industry? Why not, no industry is safe these days.
Once I started reading, I was not disappointed. Ms. James takes you into the biotech world of Silicon Valley giving you a very realistic look at the highly competitive world of this industry, and a sizzling hot relationship that is born.
The book is very well written. The hero and heroine, Lauren and Gabe sizzle together. What more could you ask for? How about some backstabbing competition and a true villain who's more ruthless and bad-ass than any I've ever met in a long time and you've got the start of a fantastic new series. One which I would highly recommend.
I can't wait for the next book to see how everything plays out...because some characters in this book aren't going away quietly.
Profile Image for Jackie.
49 reviews
February 21, 2017
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Welcome to Silicone Valley where every secret is important and could change mankind.

Lauren Taylor is a brilliant scientist and billionaire in her own right who has been working on a chip that could change the world of healthcare. She is a closely guarded person and only lets a few people into her life.

Her sister and PR person convinces to meet Gabe Betts who is also a Silicone Valley billionaire. He wants to help Lauren with her product and get it out globally. He wants to join forces but Lauren is skittish and it doesn't help that there is a mole in her company.

It's a great read and it keeps a person on their toes as to who is the mole trying to get her notes on the newest creation.

Loved it and can't wait to read about her sister.
Profile Image for Sophie.
1 review
February 15, 2017
When a young female researcher and CEO of her own company holds a ground-breaking bio-medical invention that is sure to rule the global healthcare market and change the lives of people as they know it, everyone wants a piece. Lauren has devoted the last 6 years of her life to her research and protecting it with her very living and she is not ready to share, not with just anyone, but at what cost. When the competition won’t take no for an answer and your world is threatened, what and who you thought you loved and cared for the most changes along the way.

I enjoyed reading it, the emotions are well received as you can feel the struggles each character goes through. It is spiked with a little sexy romance, tainted by treachery and holds a dose of suspense all at once.
48 reviews
February 11, 2018
Techies win

Lauren is a biomedical engineer, driven to produce a patch that could benefit healthcare. She is fiercely pricing and protective. At 25 years of age, she has lived and breathed solely for her goal, and her sister, Hannah. Enter Gabriel Betts, an equally driven CEO, who wants to partner his company and his life with Lauren. Solving a threat of corporate espionage moves the two closer, to a HEA for now. There is a teaser for additional stories.
I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Andrea Akers.
963 reviews4 followers
February 25, 2018
SVB 1

Lauren Taylor is married to her work. She is a CEO and has technology that can make a difference in how medical care will be cared for in the future. Gabriel Betts is a self made billionaire in his own right but wants to partner with Lauren's company to take on the international market. Together they find a partnership both personal and professional. Will the competition beat Lauren to market with her new technology or will they lose everything including their lives to get her product to market?
Profile Image for Tammy Cody.
269 reviews19 followers
February 22, 2019
It’s hard to describe how I felt about this book. It was ok and I didn’t have too much trouble finishing it but it seemed “uptight” and just didn’t flow I guess. It was hard to relate to the characters for the first 1/2-2/3 of the book which I think hurt my overall care for the book. This trope is a hard one for me to really get behind anyway because most are just SO far out there and this one is no exception.
2 reviews
January 10, 2022
Simply delicious

Loved the beginning, middle and ending. Looking forward to book 2 already. The writing was seriously captivating, loved the !mixture of hardcore and the brilliance in how the writer expired the workings of the Berlin's !and and feelings.

I would recommend this book to anyone adventurous or in need of a great book. Just fantastic and poking forward to the delights and !pre from this truly a!axing writer!
February 20, 2018
Thought the characters were well developed and the plot of the story was intriguing and held your interest to make it a page turner. Two CEO’s and a steamy hot relationship, International espionage and overcoming trust issues. This books had it all including the hot relationship between Lauren and Gabe...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nikole.
812 reviews
September 8, 2022
This felt like it was too much back and forth
there was too much stuff being said and going on that if was written correctly, we would've been able to feel and assume and put together instead of having to be said
I didn't feel like they loved each other and I didn't feel like she was a super smart scientest, I was told those things and that was it.
Idk how to explain it really
1 review
February 23, 2017
A good book for me is a book that the sex does not over shadow the story. That the story would be a good read even if the sex wasn't there. This was a very good story with love and mystery. I give it a 4.5 stars. I would like to know when the next book comes out!
March 18, 2021
Brilliant couple

It's good to read about a brilliant woman ,that also can hold her on on being a couple. She also came into her own by letting herself open up to love and being a bit dominated!
273 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2022
Excellent

Love this author and this series does not dissapoint. Wonderful! Definitely will reread. Great plot, strong characters, both male and female, and love stories worth to swoon over.
January 8, 2022
I've read and enjoyed a lot of books by Leigh James, but not this one. The story line was fine, but this romance didn't seem hot/lusty/loving/protective like I think was the goal. It felt aggressive/controlling/abusive/icky and i don't think I'll bother with the rest of this series.
265 reviews
January 7, 2023
A bit contrived, bordering on ridiculous at some points but overall I enjoyed. Lauren and Gabe were likable enough. There wasn’t a cliffhanger per se, though the Chinese threat is still there. It looks like book 2 has a lot of Gabe’s perspective so I’ll try it.
Profile Image for Sara Aston.
10 reviews
February 20, 2017
First book I've read by Leigh James and I really enjoyed it. Great story line along side the romance side of it a real page turner and I can't wait for the next one
March 15, 2018
Good book. Really intense. It one of three. I’m on the 3rd one now. Can’t wait to see how it ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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