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Billionaires in Disguise: Theo & Lizzy #2
Playing Rough: Billionaires in Disguise: Lizzy
“Falling Hard,” Billionaires in Disguise: Lizzy, Book #1, is FREE from this site. Download it here: http://smarturl.it/fallinghard
Be careful whom you submit to.
Lizzy is trapped. Her new boyfriend Mannix Bonfils and his business partner Theo Valencia have bought The Devilhouse, and her job is gone. Her estranged parents keep calling, wanting her to quit college to coach Olympic-level gymnastics, the life she escaped at sixteen. Mannix demands that she give up more and more control, and he becomes rougher, more frightening, with her. Her estranged parents keep calling, wanting her to quit college to coach Olympic-level gymnastics, the life she escaped at sixteen. Sports reporters stalk her college dorm, looking for the feel-good homecoming story she dreads. Mannix’s sexual power games grow more disturbing every day, and someone tries to shoot them at The Devilhouse, narrowly missing Lizzy. Even though she wants to stay with Mannix, to grow stronger, to be loved, and to fulfill her commitment, everyone is telling her to get out, but they all seem to want something from her. When Theo offers to help her leave, should she stay with Mannix or go back to the prescribed life she thought she had escaped?
Be careful whom you submit to.
Lizzy is trapped. Her new boyfriend Mannix Bonfils and his business partner Theo Valencia have bought The Devilhouse, and her job is gone. Her estranged parents keep calling, wanting her to quit college to coach Olympic-level gymnastics, the life she escaped at sixteen. Mannix demands that she give up more and more control, and he becomes rougher, more frightening, with her. Her estranged parents keep calling, wanting her to quit college to coach Olympic-level gymnastics, the life she escaped at sixteen. Sports reporters stalk her college dorm, looking for the feel-good homecoming story she dreads. Mannix’s sexual power games grow more disturbing every day, and someone tries to shoot them at The Devilhouse, narrowly missing Lizzy. Even though she wants to stay with Mannix, to grow stronger, to be loved, and to fulfill her commitment, everyone is telling her to get out, but they all seem to want something from her. When Theo offers to help her leave, should she stay with Mannix or go back to the prescribed life she thought she had escaped?
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2014
139 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Blair Babylon
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Blair Babylon is the nom de plume of an award-winning, USA Today-bestselling author who used to publish literary fiction. Because professional reviews of her other fiction usually included the caveat that there was too much deviant sex and too much interesting plot, she decided to abandon all literary pretensions, let her freak flag fly, and write hot, sexy, erotic romance.
FOLLOW ME HERE ON GR.
Blair Babylon often releases ebooks at a special release-day price of 99c.
To never miss a sale, CLICK HERE: http://smarturl.it/Babylon-Email
Blair Babylon is the nom de plume of an award-winning, USA Today-bestselling author who used to publish literary fiction. Because professional reviews of her other fiction usually included the caveat that there was too much deviant sex and too much interesting plot, she decided to abandon all literary pretensions, let her freak flag fly, and write hot, sexy, erotic romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 6, 2017
I'm Surprised I Couldn't Stop Reading
After feeling a little underwhelmed from the first book in Lizzy's story, this one surprised me to no end. It was so good, I had a hard time putting it down to go to bed or work...lol This second book was written even better than the first. I almost felt like I was a bystander in the book, but if I was I think I would have tried to knock some sense into Lizzy. The characters are well thought out and have good depth to them. You get a more of Lizzy's past, as well as a little from Mannix. On the subject of Mannix, he is truly a rotten individual. A user and something beyond a sadist. I feel he has a true hatred of women, or at the very least they are very much beneath him. He also has a superiority complex issue, guess that's from growing up with old money and over privileged child hood. As for his brother, Theo, there is something hiding there too. I'm hoping we find out more about him, especially his hidden tattoo.
Lizzy really needs some confidence building, and that she can do some better for herself. I feel deep down she is not a true sub, as she really does have opinions.
Overall, I was very impressed with the quality of this book. I was kept on my toes, and it is more than an erotic romance. The sex scenes weren't quite as prevalent as the Rae books or as graphic, for which I am grateful. Not really into graphic abuse scenes. I will definitely be reading the next book, I really need to know what happens.
After feeling a little underwhelmed from the first book in Lizzy's story, this one surprised me to no end. It was so good, I had a hard time putting it down to go to bed or work...lol This second book was written even better than the first. I almost felt like I was a bystander in the book, but if I was I think I would have tried to knock some sense into Lizzy. The characters are well thought out and have good depth to them. You get a more of Lizzy's past, as well as a little from Mannix. On the subject of Mannix, he is truly a rotten individual. A user and something beyond a sadist. I feel he has a true hatred of women, or at the very least they are very much beneath him. He also has a superiority complex issue, guess that's from growing up with old money and over privileged child hood. As for his brother, Theo, there is something hiding there too. I'm hoping we find out more about him, especially his hidden tattoo.
Lizzy really needs some confidence building, and that she can do some better for herself. I feel deep down she is not a true sub, as she really does have opinions.
Overall, I was very impressed with the quality of this book. I was kept on my toes, and it is more than an erotic romance. The sex scenes weren't quite as prevalent as the Rae books or as graphic, for which I am grateful. Not really into graphic abuse scenes. I will definitely be reading the next book, I really need to know what happens.
November 8, 2019
Two stories woven into one
Lizzy gives herself to a psychopath and thinks she is strong and loved.. he will not allow her to go to college or to the Devilhouse and he steals all her clothes and phone and bank accounts and social media accounts..
Mannix and Theo buy the Devilhouse from Wulf and Theo is too busy to run it but Mannix as Dom destroys the system that had been working well and when the contractors object he sacks them. Lizzie is now confused.
It is a roller coaster with me wanting to slap her or hug her... Theo is in all the best bits
Lizzy gives herself to a psychopath and thinks she is strong and loved.. he will not allow her to go to college or to the Devilhouse and he steals all her clothes and phone and bank accounts and social media accounts..
Mannix and Theo buy the Devilhouse from Wulf and Theo is too busy to run it but Mannix as Dom destroys the system that had been working well and when the contractors object he sacks them. Lizzie is now confused.
It is a roller coaster with me wanting to slap her or hug her... Theo is in all the best bits
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2022
Read as part of Royal Romance Superbundle Boxed Set: Billionaires in Disguise
Ends on cliff-hanger.
Ends on cliff-hanger.
September 9, 2018
Wow
I'm starting to think Lizzy is the dumbest female around. I get that she was mentally abused by her so called parents when she was younger, but not caring about what Mannix does to her!!! I just hope she gets out before he completely ruins her.
I'm starting to think Lizzy is the dumbest female around. I get that she was mentally abused by her so called parents when she was younger, but not caring about what Mannix does to her!!! I just hope she gets out before he completely ruins her.
November 27, 2019
Definitely the second book in a multi-book series. Not as gripping as most of Blair’s work, but maybe I’m just sick of love triangles.
Contains both hot sex and horrifying abuse, but at least never mistakes abuse for consensual BDSM.
Contains both hot sex and horrifying abuse, but at least never mistakes abuse for consensual BDSM.
July 9, 2021
OMG! What has Lizzy gotten herself into? Mannix gives me the shivers and not in a good way. What he's trying to do to the Devilhouse is awful and the contractors are going to revolt! Hopefully Theo can step in to rescue Lizzy and save the Devilhouse.
November 12, 2017
I really could not wrap my head around Lizzy’s Thought process. I wanted to scream. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
July 2, 2018
blair I really hate this mannix guy so much I want to hit him so badly. This book has got me hooked hoping that lizzy and theo get together I cannot put it down i'm on to the next one now.
June 3, 2019
Great details within the lizzy storyline
July 13, 2021
This series is addicting . One book was all it took. I'm all in
March 20, 2023
Overwhelmed
This one was a little dark, but so worth the time to dad. Blair take on this one kinda blew me away with the intensity.
This one was a little dark, but so worth the time to dad. Blair take on this one kinda blew me away with the intensity.
March 20, 2017
Love this story!
September 13, 2016
Billionaires in Disguise: Lizzy is a brilliantly fantastic thrill ride that will have you holding your heart and soul in your hands the entire time. There is a precious vulnerability that lends more strength and resilience to these marvelous characters than you could ever imagine. What you have in your hands is more than just a story about fighting for who you are, what you want, and what you need, it’s an anthem to those who have been beaten down or twisted around that we are not the images that others have made us into. We are more than just a reflection of the dreams of others. Instead, we are our own individual who will rise above our past and present to walk amidst the clouds of fantasies long crushed by monsters. We are so much more than even we realize. We are life, love, and light to those lives we touch deeply and irrevocably.
Lizzy has reshaped and molded her life into one that she had become proud of. She is independent, she is strong, and she is in control of her future. When she meets Theo, she is intrigued by this man of beauty, shadow, and wonder. When her worse fears are preyed upon, she frantically seeks the shelter of one who claims to be able to reinforce her steel walls. Instead, she finds that she finds herself falling into an abyss even darker than the one that envelopes her past. She can’t see beyond the shadows that hold her captive of the dangers that lie patiently in wait to devour her whole. At her darkest moment, her own personal hero steps in to do what he can to help relieve her pain. Ignoring the high cost of his actions, Theo refuses to just stand by and let Lizzy fade away. Will Lizzy take hold of the hand that is desperately waiting to take her to safety and lead her into a future that she has never allowed herself to dare dream of, or will she stubbornly refuse to take any shortcuts in order to achieve the goals she has set before her?
I had always wondered about Lizzy as I read through Georgie and Xan’s story, and now I see that there is so much more to this wondrously spirited woman. She is a beautiful phenomenon that made me love her from the very beginning. My heart ached at how I completely understood her and her way of thinking. She made sense to me, and yet I yelled and screamed at her when she passed up a breathless opportunity when she walked away from Theo. I understood why she did it, but I still hoped that she would come to her senses before it was too late. Theo was so much more than I ever imagined. He was an incredible puzzle wrapped in a haunting mystery that made my breath catch in my throat and my heart skip a few beats when the pieces finally fell into place. Fear was never an emotion that I associated with him because he such an all-consuming love and concern for Lizzy above all else. He needed her just as much if not more than she needed him. They were the rock that steadied and buoyed the other. They complimented each other beyond perfectly to the point of finally allowing both of them to open and blossom like never before.
Blair Babylon is an extraordinary artist whose masterpieces live and thrive within my heart and soul. She is a master poet who makes my soul sing and exult the praises of boundless hope and life sustaining love. She has captured a part of my soul that no one else will ever be able to claim. Reading one of her books is like coming home to a place where you belong with no strings, no conditions, and no doubts.
Lizzy has reshaped and molded her life into one that she had become proud of. She is independent, she is strong, and she is in control of her future. When she meets Theo, she is intrigued by this man of beauty, shadow, and wonder. When her worse fears are preyed upon, she frantically seeks the shelter of one who claims to be able to reinforce her steel walls. Instead, she finds that she finds herself falling into an abyss even darker than the one that envelopes her past. She can’t see beyond the shadows that hold her captive of the dangers that lie patiently in wait to devour her whole. At her darkest moment, her own personal hero steps in to do what he can to help relieve her pain. Ignoring the high cost of his actions, Theo refuses to just stand by and let Lizzy fade away. Will Lizzy take hold of the hand that is desperately waiting to take her to safety and lead her into a future that she has never allowed herself to dare dream of, or will she stubbornly refuse to take any shortcuts in order to achieve the goals she has set before her?
I had always wondered about Lizzy as I read through Georgie and Xan’s story, and now I see that there is so much more to this wondrously spirited woman. She is a beautiful phenomenon that made me love her from the very beginning. My heart ached at how I completely understood her and her way of thinking. She made sense to me, and yet I yelled and screamed at her when she passed up a breathless opportunity when she walked away from Theo. I understood why she did it, but I still hoped that she would come to her senses before it was too late. Theo was so much more than I ever imagined. He was an incredible puzzle wrapped in a haunting mystery that made my breath catch in my throat and my heart skip a few beats when the pieces finally fell into place. Fear was never an emotion that I associated with him because he such an all-consuming love and concern for Lizzy above all else. He needed her just as much if not more than she needed him. They were the rock that steadied and buoyed the other. They complimented each other beyond perfectly to the point of finally allowing both of them to open and blossom like never before.
Blair Babylon is an extraordinary artist whose masterpieces live and thrive within my heart and soul. She is a master poet who makes my soul sing and exult the praises of boundless hope and life sustaining love. She has captured a part of my soul that no one else will ever be able to claim. Reading one of her books is like coming home to a place where you belong with no strings, no conditions, and no doubts.
June 15, 2014
Captivating and intense; erotic romance at it's best!
Blair Babylon turns up the heat in Playing Rough! Lizzy's quest for strength leads her to submit to Manix in ways she never imagined were possible. Even as her friends being to voice their concerns as Lizzy's behavior beings changing; she immerses the mantra of "Weakness is pain leaving the body." while ignoring her instincts whispers of caution.
It takes a crazed gunman and shocking changes at The Devilhouse to shake Lizzy out of her haze; but with Manix now running every aspect of her life, finally opening her eyes and acknowledging his sadistic manipulations may be too little too late.
Playing Rough is a fast paced erotic adventure that will blow your mind! The depth of storytelling and character development is amazing. While episode one contained a noticeable amount of timeline crossover with the previous series, The Devilhouse Books: Rae, episode one is all about Lizzy, and I loved it. I would highly recommend this excellent series to adult readers who enjoy books with BDSM themes, complex characters and intense storylines!
A copy of Playing Rough was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
MY SPECIAL EDITION BONUS REVIEW OF: Falling Hard: A Romance, Episode #1 (Billionaires in Disguise: Lizzy)
Initially the timeline started out a little confusing for me; I'll just come straight out and say that the introduction flat-out threw me off. Add in that this series is connected to character from the previous series, Billionaires in Disguise: Rae, and that the timeline is essentially the same, it took me a little while to adjust from the Lizzy I remembered from the previous series and connect with her character in the setting of having her own story. Once I got over that little hiccup the book really started to take off for me!
I loved getting to know Lizzy better and connecting with her character. There is so much more depth to her than was anticipating; I underestimated her because of my previous experience with her being a supporting character. I always thought of Lizzy as pleasant and caring, but to see her inner struggles, insecurities and emotions coming through was an eye opening experience for me. By a quarter of the way in I was 100% hooked.
Lizzy is a female powerhouse. Emotionally abused, physically damaged, mentally conflicted and sexually unsatisfied; she views herself as broken but at the same time uses her strength and outward beauty to her advantage every day. Her over the top Jersey girl attitude that's packed into such a pint sized body is a winning combination every time.
Her will to survive and stand on her own two feet is admirable and at the same time she has this soft and vulnerable side that I just couldn't help falling in love with.
I found Falling Hard to be an erotic adventure, it IS still the Devilhouse after all! Once again pushing the limits as it delves into the heat of subspace bliss and explores dominant settings that are both terrifying and tantalizing. A fast paced, engaging and emotional rollercoaster; Falling Hard overcame its initial challenges and left me satisfied while at the same time yearning for more. It's what the Devilhouse is known for, after all!
Blair Babylon turns up the heat in Playing Rough! Lizzy's quest for strength leads her to submit to Manix in ways she never imagined were possible. Even as her friends being to voice their concerns as Lizzy's behavior beings changing; she immerses the mantra of "Weakness is pain leaving the body." while ignoring her instincts whispers of caution.
It takes a crazed gunman and shocking changes at The Devilhouse to shake Lizzy out of her haze; but with Manix now running every aspect of her life, finally opening her eyes and acknowledging his sadistic manipulations may be too little too late.
Playing Rough is a fast paced erotic adventure that will blow your mind! The depth of storytelling and character development is amazing. While episode one contained a noticeable amount of timeline crossover with the previous series, The Devilhouse Books: Rae, episode one is all about Lizzy, and I loved it. I would highly recommend this excellent series to adult readers who enjoy books with BDSM themes, complex characters and intense storylines!
A copy of Playing Rough was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
MY SPECIAL EDITION BONUS REVIEW OF: Falling Hard: A Romance, Episode #1 (Billionaires in Disguise: Lizzy)
Initially the timeline started out a little confusing for me; I'll just come straight out and say that the introduction flat-out threw me off. Add in that this series is connected to character from the previous series, Billionaires in Disguise: Rae, and that the timeline is essentially the same, it took me a little while to adjust from the Lizzy I remembered from the previous series and connect with her character in the setting of having her own story. Once I got over that little hiccup the book really started to take off for me!
I loved getting to know Lizzy better and connecting with her character. There is so much more depth to her than was anticipating; I underestimated her because of my previous experience with her being a supporting character. I always thought of Lizzy as pleasant and caring, but to see her inner struggles, insecurities and emotions coming through was an eye opening experience for me. By a quarter of the way in I was 100% hooked.
Lizzy is a female powerhouse. Emotionally abused, physically damaged, mentally conflicted and sexually unsatisfied; she views herself as broken but at the same time uses her strength and outward beauty to her advantage every day. Her over the top Jersey girl attitude that's packed into such a pint sized body is a winning combination every time.
Her will to survive and stand on her own two feet is admirable and at the same time she has this soft and vulnerable side that I just couldn't help falling in love with.
I found Falling Hard to be an erotic adventure, it IS still the Devilhouse after all! Once again pushing the limits as it delves into the heat of subspace bliss and explores dominant settings that are both terrifying and tantalizing. A fast paced, engaging and emotional rollercoaster; Falling Hard overcame its initial challenges and left me satisfied while at the same time yearning for more. It's what the Devilhouse is known for, after all!
July 12, 2016
I love Lizzy's POV the more I read through this part of the series. In this selection, we find out so much more about not only Lizzy but also Mannix and Theo. We see what drives Lizzy to allow the way Mannix handles her as his sub, why she takes what she does from him and the brokenness she feels deep down inside of her. But we also get a glimpse into the life that Mannix has lived, what caused the pain in his body and his life and why he feels the need to treat all of his subs the way he does. Believe me, a part of me wants to sympathize with Mannix for what he has had to endure in his lifetime. But the largest part of me seethes at the way he takes out every wrong in his life on those who can't defend themselves. He's a master manipulator and a fiend. I also sympathize with Theo over the feelings he initially had for Lizzy, feelings that haven't left him but have only grown stronger as the days go by. But I also feel such anger toward him for not simply taking her from Mannix's clutches and staging an intervention, which is exactly what he should have done by now.
I love the way the author brings us into the psyche of the characters, shows us their inner workings. It's easy to judge when you see the characters from the outside, but Ms Babylon is able to take us to a level no all authors can reach. It isn't all sunshine, dreams and wishes inside the mind of her characters. Their lives are a living nightmare, and she simply takes us through the unforgiving maze that leads us through. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the time Lizzy has in the substitute Dom's hands during Breaking Rules. This has been eye opening from so many perspectives. But I have a feeling things are about to get so much more than interesting.
I love the way the author brings us into the psyche of the characters, shows us their inner workings. It's easy to judge when you see the characters from the outside, but Ms Babylon is able to take us to a level no all authors can reach. It isn't all sunshine, dreams and wishes inside the mind of her characters. Their lives are a living nightmare, and she simply takes us through the unforgiving maze that leads us through. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the time Lizzy has in the substitute Dom's hands during Breaking Rules. This has been eye opening from so many perspectives. But I have a feeling things are about to get so much more than interesting.
August 14, 2014
First off you need to know that this is Episode 2 in the series. You really need to read Episode 1 to understand what's going on.
Secondly, you need to know that this is a hard book to read, especially if very rough BDSM bothers you. I have read a lot of erotic romances, even dark erotic romances, but I have never read one featuring a genuine submissive masochist with a genuine psychopath as her dominant. Until now that is.
Lizzy is one seriously messed up woman. Her parents really did a number on her. I felt bad for Lizzy, and could not stop myself from wincing at the terrible decisions she continued to make in this episode. Her psycho dominant, Mannix, is a very damaged man, both mentally and physically. He suffers from chronic pain, and believes the only way to relieve that pain is to inflict it upon someone else, someone like Lizzy.
Lizzy believes, as her parents had drilled into her from a very early age, that pain is weakness leaving the body. And Lizzy does not want to be weak. She thinks that the pain will make her strong. As you can imagine this makes for one very toxic unhealthy relationship.
Will Lizzy come to her senses in time? Will Mannix's half brother, Theo, and Lizzy's best friend, Georgie, finally get it through Lizzy's thick stubborn head that Mannix is truly dangerous? Will the past that Lizzy tried so hard to escape from finally catch up with her? Will Mannix destroy the cash cow that is The Devilhouse?
We don't get answers to all of these questions in Episode 2, but it certainly sets us up for more answers in Episode 3, Breaking Rules. I'm off to read it now.
Secondly, you need to know that this is a hard book to read, especially if very rough BDSM bothers you. I have read a lot of erotic romances, even dark erotic romances, but I have never read one featuring a genuine submissive masochist with a genuine psychopath as her dominant. Until now that is.
Lizzy is one seriously messed up woman. Her parents really did a number on her. I felt bad for Lizzy, and could not stop myself from wincing at the terrible decisions she continued to make in this episode. Her psycho dominant, Mannix, is a very damaged man, both mentally and physically. He suffers from chronic pain, and believes the only way to relieve that pain is to inflict it upon someone else, someone like Lizzy.
Lizzy believes, as her parents had drilled into her from a very early age, that pain is weakness leaving the body. And Lizzy does not want to be weak. She thinks that the pain will make her strong. As you can imagine this makes for one very toxic unhealthy relationship.
Will Lizzy come to her senses in time? Will Mannix's half brother, Theo, and Lizzy's best friend, Georgie, finally get it through Lizzy's thick stubborn head that Mannix is truly dangerous? Will the past that Lizzy tried so hard to escape from finally catch up with her? Will Mannix destroy the cash cow that is The Devilhouse?
We don't get answers to all of these questions in Episode 2, but it certainly sets us up for more answers in Episode 3, Breaking Rules. I'm off to read it now.
September 9, 2014
Reviewed on behalf of Fictional BookHos:
+++
First off you need to know that this is Episode 2 in the series. You really need to read Episode 1 to understand what's going on.
Secondly, you need to know that this is a hard book to read, especially if very rough BDSM bothers you. I have read a lot of erotic romances, even dark erotic romances, but I have never read one featuring a genuine submissive masochist with a genuine psychopath as her dominant. Until now that is.
Lizzy is one seriously messed up woman. Her parents really did a number on her. I felt bad for Lizzy, and could not stop myself from wincing at the terrible decisions she continued to make in this episode. Her psycho dominant, Mannix, is a very damaged man, both mentally and physically. He suffers from chronic pain, and believes the only way to relieve that pain is to inflict it upon someone else, someone like Lizzy.
Lizzy believes, as her parents had drilled into her from a very early age, that pain is weakness leaving the body. And Lizzy does not want to be weak. She thinks that the pain will make her strong. As you can imagine this makes for one very toxic unhealthy relationship.
Will Lizzy come to her senses in time? Will Mannix's half brother, Theo, and Lizzy's best friend, Georgie, finally get it through Lizzy's thick stubborn head that Mannix is truly dangerous? Will the past that Lizzy tried so hard to escape from finally catch up with her? Will Mannix destroy the cash cow that is The Devilhouse?
We don't get answers to all of these questions in Episode 2, but it certainly sets us up for more answers in Episode 3, Breaking Rules. I'm off to read it now.
+++
First off you need to know that this is Episode 2 in the series. You really need to read Episode 1 to understand what's going on.
Secondly, you need to know that this is a hard book to read, especially if very rough BDSM bothers you. I have read a lot of erotic romances, even dark erotic romances, but I have never read one featuring a genuine submissive masochist with a genuine psychopath as her dominant. Until now that is.
Lizzy is one seriously messed up woman. Her parents really did a number on her. I felt bad for Lizzy, and could not stop myself from wincing at the terrible decisions she continued to make in this episode. Her psycho dominant, Mannix, is a very damaged man, both mentally and physically. He suffers from chronic pain, and believes the only way to relieve that pain is to inflict it upon someone else, someone like Lizzy.
Lizzy believes, as her parents had drilled into her from a very early age, that pain is weakness leaving the body. And Lizzy does not want to be weak. She thinks that the pain will make her strong. As you can imagine this makes for one very toxic unhealthy relationship.
Will Lizzy come to her senses in time? Will Mannix's half brother, Theo, and Lizzy's best friend, Georgie, finally get it through Lizzy's thick stubborn head that Mannix is truly dangerous? Will the past that Lizzy tried so hard to escape from finally catch up with her? Will Mannix destroy the cash cow that is The Devilhouse?
We don't get answers to all of these questions in Episode 2, but it certainly sets us up for more answers in Episode 3, Breaking Rules. I'm off to read it now.
August 4, 2015
Lizzie Playing Rough continues where Falling Hard ended.
Lizzie has been drifting, trying to make a life for herself after failing at a life goal decided for her when she was just five years old. At a Devilhouse party, Lizzie meets Theo a handsome lawyer, and Mannix, an ex-pro-football player with a taste for the disturbing. When someone starts shooting at both men, Lizzie struggles to work out who the would-be murderer is.
Lizzie #2 takes you into the darker side of Mannix's life and relationship with Lizzie. Lizzie signs a Dom/Sub contract, ignoring pleas from Georgie to read and amend the contract in Lizzies favour. As Mannix's scenes become more disturbing, Lizzie remains adamant she will not fail or leave Mannix, mistaking his terms of endearment as love. Theo has not given up on Lizzie, determined to show Lizzie how little Mannix thinks of his subs, while trying to prove to Lizzie, love is more than mere words.
Blair Babylons descriptive writing holds so much depth of emotion and her books have such well rounded characters, you cannot help but be pulled into their lives, taking the journey with them, going through a rollercoaster of emotions. Keep the tissues (and chocolate!) handy as you'll find yourself wanting to hug, shake and scream at Lizzie, Theo and Mannix.
Blair Babylon takes words on a page, a series of books, and turns them into so much more. When you think a series can't get any better, it does!
I received a complimentary copy, of Lizzie #2, in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie has been drifting, trying to make a life for herself after failing at a life goal decided for her when she was just five years old. At a Devilhouse party, Lizzie meets Theo a handsome lawyer, and Mannix, an ex-pro-football player with a taste for the disturbing. When someone starts shooting at both men, Lizzie struggles to work out who the would-be murderer is.
Lizzie #2 takes you into the darker side of Mannix's life and relationship with Lizzie. Lizzie signs a Dom/Sub contract, ignoring pleas from Georgie to read and amend the contract in Lizzies favour. As Mannix's scenes become more disturbing, Lizzie remains adamant she will not fail or leave Mannix, mistaking his terms of endearment as love. Theo has not given up on Lizzie, determined to show Lizzie how little Mannix thinks of his subs, while trying to prove to Lizzie, love is more than mere words.
Blair Babylons descriptive writing holds so much depth of emotion and her books have such well rounded characters, you cannot help but be pulled into their lives, taking the journey with them, going through a rollercoaster of emotions. Keep the tissues (and chocolate!) handy as you'll find yourself wanting to hug, shake and scream at Lizzie, Theo and Mannix.
Blair Babylon takes words on a page, a series of books, and turns them into so much more. When you think a series can't get any better, it does!
I received a complimentary copy, of Lizzie #2, in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2014
**Part 1** As part of the Billionaires in Disguise series, we learn more about Lizzy and her past. After her Dom-Date with The Dom she thought she was in love with him. And it was hard to see him much less with someone else. So she follows Rea's advice about telling The Dom she wants to be his sub. When she tells him he is not angry with her, he just doesn't take subs or slaves. He will help her find a Dom if that is what she wants. She meets Theo at at Devilhouse party and she likes him but she also sees Mr Smolder (Mannix) across the room. Which will she choose? And what will she do when she finds out the connection with Theo and Mannix? It was a surprise to me but I can't wait for more. Blair has a way of pulling you into the story and making you want more when you reach the end.
**Part 2** Blair Babylon has done it again and you will not be disappointed. Lizzy is trying to figure out where she needs to be in her life. After running away at 16 years old and hiding from her parents, she believes that pain is the only answer. But at what cost will she submit to Mannix? But will she let Theo and Georgie help her before it is too late? At the ending I was screaming NO you can't do this to her and then it was like OK, that will work. But what will Lizzy and Theo do now? I was on the edge of my seat while reading this one and didn't want to put it down even to sleep. And I can't wait for more.
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
**Part 2** Blair Babylon has done it again and you will not be disappointed. Lizzy is trying to figure out where she needs to be in her life. After running away at 16 years old and hiding from her parents, she believes that pain is the only answer. But at what cost will she submit to Mannix? But will she let Theo and Georgie help her before it is too late? At the ending I was screaming NO you can't do this to her and then it was like OK, that will work. But what will Lizzy and Theo do now? I was on the edge of my seat while reading this one and didn't want to put it down even to sleep. And I can't wait for more.
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
December 19, 2015
There is a cliffhanger but this is a great series.
This is a hard book for me to review. I’ve read the entire series and loved it. Since I read them all, one right after the other, it’s a bit difficult to separate one episode from the other.
In this episode we learn more about Lizzy’s past. We also find that things are getting more and more rough between her and Mannix. This episode contains even more disturbing things than episode 1 but it seems necessary for the overall story.
The BID: Lizzy books are a bit darker than the Rae books but it fits for Lizzy’s character. This series is full of sexy and not so sexy times. It is also full of intrigue and some violence. I did not want to stop reading this series once I started.
Be warned that there is strong language and some possibly disturbing scenes in this book. There is also a cliffhanger, which I usually hate. I love Blair Babylon’s books, though, and since all of the episodes for Lizzy’s story are available now I have no problem recommending this series.
If you read the BID: Rae series, and you want more of her and Wulf, you MUST read BID: Lizzy.
p.s. I do not understand reviewers who criticize this for being only part of a book. The title of the book clearly lets you know that it is Episode 2. I hate it when authors do not disclose that their book has a cliffhanger but this is not the case with this book.
This is a hard book for me to review. I’ve read the entire series and loved it. Since I read them all, one right after the other, it’s a bit difficult to separate one episode from the other.
In this episode we learn more about Lizzy’s past. We also find that things are getting more and more rough between her and Mannix. This episode contains even more disturbing things than episode 1 but it seems necessary for the overall story.
The BID: Lizzy books are a bit darker than the Rae books but it fits for Lizzy’s character. This series is full of sexy and not so sexy times. It is also full of intrigue and some violence. I did not want to stop reading this series once I started.
Be warned that there is strong language and some possibly disturbing scenes in this book. There is also a cliffhanger, which I usually hate. I love Blair Babylon’s books, though, and since all of the episodes for Lizzy’s story are available now I have no problem recommending this series.
If you read the BID: Rae series, and you want more of her and Wulf, you MUST read BID: Lizzy.
p.s. I do not understand reviewers who criticize this for being only part of a book. The title of the book clearly lets you know that it is Episode 2. I hate it when authors do not disclose that their book has a cliffhanger but this is not the case with this book.
November 9, 2015
Lizzie's story is very hard to read. She was abused from childhood. Her father was a gym coach and forced her to compete no matter how hurt she was. One day she wised up and ran away. Later, as an adult she falls in love with the Dom who owns the BDSM club she works at to put herself through college. Finally realizing she must give up on her boss, she requests that he find a Dom for her. Her boss is selling the club to 2 brothers and one of them asks about Lizzie. Mannix is huge, a former football player who had to quit because of injuries. Mannix needs to inflict pain in order to feel better himself. Lizzie, due to her childhood, can tolerate more pain than any other Sub he has ever had. Slowly he dictates every move she is allowed to make. She quits school, she never leaves his house unless it is with Mannix. He takes her to the BDSM Club and flaunts other women at her. He has to leave town and tells her he is giving her to his brother Theo while he is gone. He is to be her Master. Theo has seen Lizzie go from a bright and bubbly woman to a zombie in constant pain. He has wanted her from the first. Now he has a chance to heal her, to earn her love, and to keep her safe. Can he do it within the time allowed him? Is Lizzie too broken? Does Mannix have a clue as to his brother's feelings? Is he playing with both of them?
June 6, 2014
I give this 5 stars!
Fantastic read!!! At first book one started out kind of slow for me. I am so glad I kept reading because I absolutely loved it. When I saw it was a story about BDSM I thought here goes another book that's going to be similar to what I have read. Boy was I wrong.
Rea is a small town girl who is going to school for psychology. She wants to open a clinic to help children that are autistic. When Rea finds her self failing her class and not being able to afford to take it again she knows its time for her to pack up and move back home and forget all her dreams.
Rea's friends Lizzy and Georgie decide they want to help her get a job to help her afford to finish school. They decide to tell her about there job at The Devilhouse. They take her to one of the upscale parties where she has a wild quickie with a blonde hottie! Rea soon finds out her little quickie was with non other then The Dom. Owner of the Devilhouse.
Rea decides to work for The Dom at the Devilhouse to earn money for school. She finds herself submitting to The Dom no matter how hard she tried not to. Will The Dom turn out to be the Devil or will he the prince Rea has been waiting for?
This story will have you heated up real quick and wanting more!!!!
Reviewed by: Amy Zec
Fantastic read!!! At first book one started out kind of slow for me. I am so glad I kept reading because I absolutely loved it. When I saw it was a story about BDSM I thought here goes another book that's going to be similar to what I have read. Boy was I wrong.
Rea is a small town girl who is going to school for psychology. She wants to open a clinic to help children that are autistic. When Rea finds her self failing her class and not being able to afford to take it again she knows its time for her to pack up and move back home and forget all her dreams.
Rea's friends Lizzy and Georgie decide they want to help her get a job to help her afford to finish school. They decide to tell her about there job at The Devilhouse. They take her to one of the upscale parties where she has a wild quickie with a blonde hottie! Rea soon finds out her little quickie was with non other then The Dom. Owner of the Devilhouse.
Rea decides to work for The Dom at the Devilhouse to earn money for school. She finds herself submitting to The Dom no matter how hard she tried not to. Will The Dom turn out to be the Devil or will he the prince Rea has been waiting for?
This story will have you heated up real quick and wanting more!!!!
Reviewed by: Amy Zec
July 3, 2014
This is the second episode in the Billionaires in Disguise series by Blair Bablyon. In this episode Lizzy begins her BDSM relationship with Mannix Bonfils. This is Lizzy’s first BDSM relationship. After her failed attempt at a relationship with Theo Valencia, Mannix’s half-brother, you really wanted to see Lizzy happy. You quickly see her going down the wrong road fast. She thinks that Mannix can give her all she needs. Strength and love, the things she was lacking all her life. At first you think Mannix will provide all those things but you soon see how manipulative he becomes. The person who seems like the hero becomes the villain.
I could not put this book down. I needed to see what happened next. Would Theo, who is aware of all Mannix ways and who you can see cares about Lizzy, step in and play the white knight? Would Lizzy finally wake up and know that this type of relationship is not for her? I had to know. Unfortunately, not all questions were answered but enough to give you hope. Especially when Mannix puts Lizzy in Theo’s care for a week while he goes out of town.
I look forward to reading the next episode. I want to see Lizzy get her happily ever after.
I could not put this book down. I needed to see what happened next. Would Theo, who is aware of all Mannix ways and who you can see cares about Lizzy, step in and play the white knight? Would Lizzy finally wake up and know that this type of relationship is not for her? I had to know. Unfortunately, not all questions were answered but enough to give you hope. Especially when Mannix puts Lizzy in Theo’s care for a week while he goes out of town.
I look forward to reading the next episode. I want to see Lizzy get her happily ever after.
September 20, 2016
Book 2 ... wow!
thing's started to get very serious as Lizzy falls further under Mannix's influence and we get to see how Lizzy'spast shaped her into a person who has no sense of self love.
I felt sad and I guess mad with her, that she could so easily give up her life that she'd struggled to carve out for herself.
As Mannix slowly shows his true colours I am hoping that Lizzy will realise that the only person who will save her is herself.
No one can make her see sense not even Georgie can't get through to her.
Mannix is a difficult character to like. I have a tiny bit of compassion for how he got to be how he is. but his sadistic tendances and his dismissal of a Subs worth show that underneath the facade he's drowning in his own pain and allowing it to warp his soul. if he ever had one!
Theo has so many conflicting reasons for why he shouldn't or should step in to save Lizzy from a fate that she may not walk away from. Will he risk it all, only for her to walk straight back to Mannix?
thing's started to get very serious as Lizzy falls further under Mannix's influence and we get to see how Lizzy'spast shaped her into a person who has no sense of self love.
I felt sad and I guess mad with her, that she could so easily give up her life that she'd struggled to carve out for herself.
As Mannix slowly shows his true colours I am hoping that Lizzy will realise that the only person who will save her is herself.
No one can make her see sense not even Georgie can't get through to her.
Mannix is a difficult character to like. I have a tiny bit of compassion for how he got to be how he is. but his sadistic tendances and his dismissal of a Subs worth show that underneath the facade he's drowning in his own pain and allowing it to warp his soul. if he ever had one!
Theo has so many conflicting reasons for why he shouldn't or should step in to save Lizzy from a fate that she may not walk away from. Will he risk it all, only for her to walk straight back to Mannix?
November 22, 2021
I'm officially addicted to this author's writing. She is a champion at layering suspense in a way that completely prevents me from putting down her books.
This was the second book in Lizzy's series, a branch of the larger Billionaires in Disguise universe. Lizzy is caught between two men, but it isn't a love triangle. One wants to hurt her and break her, the other (seemingly) wants to love her. She is damaged enough that she's having trouble with the situation. Where a healthy person would have run, she stayed. Where a sane person would have called the police, she forgave. Where a well-adjusted person would have gone to the hospital, she begged to simply be put to bed. It's both maddening and sad.
Theo has to figure out a way to free her damaged mind so he can free her increasingly damaged body before it's too late for her. Mannix will eventually kill her because she'll sit there, letting him hurt her, until he does. He can't stop himself, and she won't protect herself. Again, maddening and sad. But it makes for a great read!
This was the second book in Lizzy's series, a branch of the larger Billionaires in Disguise universe. Lizzy is caught between two men, but it isn't a love triangle. One wants to hurt her and break her, the other (seemingly) wants to love her. She is damaged enough that she's having trouble with the situation. Where a healthy person would have run, she stayed. Where a sane person would have called the police, she forgave. Where a well-adjusted person would have gone to the hospital, she begged to simply be put to bed. It's both maddening and sad.
Theo has to figure out a way to free her damaged mind so he can free her increasingly damaged body before it's too late for her. Mannix will eventually kill her because she'll sit there, letting him hurt her, until he does. He can't stop himself, and she won't protect herself. Again, maddening and sad. But it makes for a great read!
January 8, 2015
Please note this review may contain spoilers.
Playing Rough (Lizzy #2) picks up just where Playing Hard (Lizzy #1) ended which is great as I literally finished book 1 and downloaded book 2 as needed to know what was happening between Theo, Mannix and Lizzy.
This book was really quite intense and centres mainly around Mannix and Lizzy's Dom and Sub relationship.
The other major storyline is that Mannix and Theo buy The Devilhouse and Mannix makes some major changes to the way the club is run and not all for the better.
We also learn more about The Dom and his background and surprise relationship.
I am enjoying this series, easy to read but not mind blowing yet. I think book 3 may make me happy as Theo and Lizzy are having some time together as Mannix goes away for business and Theo agrees to be her dom for a week and I simply LOVE Theo. Good Times are a coming I think .....
For more reviews, please visit our website: www.romancebetweenthesheets.com.
Playing Rough (Lizzy #2) picks up just where Playing Hard (Lizzy #1) ended which is great as I literally finished book 1 and downloaded book 2 as needed to know what was happening between Theo, Mannix and Lizzy.
This book was really quite intense and centres mainly around Mannix and Lizzy's Dom and Sub relationship.
The other major storyline is that Mannix and Theo buy The Devilhouse and Mannix makes some major changes to the way the club is run and not all for the better.
We also learn more about The Dom and his background and surprise relationship.
I am enjoying this series, easy to read but not mind blowing yet. I think book 3 may make me happy as Theo and Lizzy are having some time together as Mannix goes away for business and Theo agrees to be her dom for a week and I simply LOVE Theo. Good Times are a coming I think .....
For more reviews, please visit our website: www.romancebetweenthesheets.com.
September 2, 2023
This book is ridiculous; it goes against everything that has been established about the characters in the previous series. When Wulf sold The Devilhouse, he promised to put in place ironclad contracts to make sure that everyone could keep their job. None of that was mentioned when Mannix fired the entire staff. Also, as careful as Wulf was, he would have established the characters of the Doms that he allowed in his club. And, he certainly would have researched Mannix before he recommended him to Lizzie as her Dom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2015
I know the future installments in the series will bring this story to conclusion; for me, I'm hoping for a HEA. It's difficult to get through hundreds of pages of abusive power dynamics and the darker side of BDSM without a HEA. I almost DNF this one because it focuses on the Dom/Sub as Master/slave in so many of the ways it absolutely shouldn't happen. I needed more of the promise of things to come.
September 29, 2015
I really enjoyed reading the twists of the story! Every time Theo and Lizzy are together, you can't help but root for Theo! But what Lizzy thinks she feels with Mannix is difficult to just set aside! The story is so different from Rae and Wulf's story, I'm not sure how Blair does it, come up with fresh story lines! I can't wait for the next installment of Lizzy's story.
July 8, 2014
Blair Babylon is in my #oneclick list. 4.5 for this set. Definitely twisted, I like twisted and dark as long as light is sprinkled in. Very few times I wanted to skip through scene descriptions.
Lizzy is all kinds of messed up. So are all the other players. Everyone trying to find their way.
Lizzy is all kinds of messed up. So are all the other players. Everyone trying to find their way.
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