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Liquid Courage
One year after being hospitalized for a life-changing illness, Vivian is finally ready to get back into dating. Things are definitely looking up when a beautiful woman named Shari asks her out for drinks – and possibly more. Too bad the night turns whisky-sour when Shari not only rejects Vivian, but confirms her most self-conscious fears! Enter Kat the bartender, who has seen this train wreck of a date with her own observant eyes. It’s not the first time Shari has destroyed a woman’s self-confidence in one night, but it is the first time Kat has decided to personally cheer up the latest victim. What ensues is the most fateful week to ever befall Vivian the legal secretary and Kat the bartender. Nobody’s sure if a real relationship is on the docket – all they know is that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and at least one drink is always on the house.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2017
38 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Hildred Billings
149 books317 followersHildred Billings is a Japanese and Religious Studies graduate who has spent her entire life knowing she would write for a living someday. She has lived in Japan multiple times in multiple locations, from the heights of the Japanese alps to the hectic Tokyo suburbs, with a life in Shikoku somewhere in there too.
Currently, Hildred lives in Oregon with her partner and two cats. When she's not commandeering the corner of the neighborhood coffee shop on hours on end (it's okay, she's on a first-name basis with the baristas) she's probably parked on the couch watching Bob's Burgers or screaming at a Zelda game. (Seriously, Link, why don't you move right?)
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Twitter: @hildred
Currently, Hildred lives in Oregon with her partner and two cats. When she's not commandeering the corner of the neighborhood coffee shop on hours on end (it's okay, she's on a first-name basis with the baristas) she's probably parked on the couch watching Bob's Burgers or screaming at a Zelda game. (Seriously, Link, why don't you move right?)
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/3rgEzLz
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3c7Lcf4
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3vPLpvd
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/3lDutn5
Twitter: @hildred
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 13, 2020
Review of ‘Liquid Courage’ by Hildred Billings, Audiobook narrated by Victoria Mei
Hildred Billings is a well established and prolific author but somehow she’s been out of my radar until now. My friend Corrie suggested this audiobook as it’s narrated by Victoria Mei which adds great value. I’m glad I gave it a try as this was an entertaining and spicy lesbian audiobook.
Vivian is back to the dating pool after recovering from a serious illness. When her first date Shari dumps her and destroys her self-confidence, bartender Kat, who witnessed it all, comes to her rescue trying to cheer her up. What comes after that is an unlikely bond that could develop into something more…
This is a short but hot and entertaining book. The story caught my attention from the start. Ms. Billings character building is very good, both characters are fleshed out with authenticity and are very easy to empathise with. One of my favourite parts of this book are the dialogues as the author builds the leads’ relationship through their very natural sounding, sometimes trivial, sometimes profound, conversations at the bar. This story is a clear example of opposites-attract characters and how they complement each other.
Victoria Mei is the pseudonym of Asian American actress Natalie Naudus. She has recorded a few lesbian audiobooks but this is the first time I’ve listened to her narration. I really liked her different voices and her heartfelt performance. The overall tone of the book is light with some spicy scenes which Ms. Mei nailed perfectly. I’m definitely going to listen to her narrations in the future.
Overall, a well written, entertaining and spicy audiobook. 4 stars.
Duration: 3 hrs and 33 mins
Hildred Billings is a well established and prolific author but somehow she’s been out of my radar until now. My friend Corrie suggested this audiobook as it’s narrated by Victoria Mei which adds great value. I’m glad I gave it a try as this was an entertaining and spicy lesbian audiobook.
Vivian is back to the dating pool after recovering from a serious illness. When her first date Shari dumps her and destroys her self-confidence, bartender Kat, who witnessed it all, comes to her rescue trying to cheer her up. What comes after that is an unlikely bond that could develop into something more…
This is a short but hot and entertaining book. The story caught my attention from the start. Ms. Billings character building is very good, both characters are fleshed out with authenticity and are very easy to empathise with. One of my favourite parts of this book are the dialogues as the author builds the leads’ relationship through their very natural sounding, sometimes trivial, sometimes profound, conversations at the bar. This story is a clear example of opposites-attract characters and how they complement each other.
Victoria Mei is the pseudonym of Asian American actress Natalie Naudus. She has recorded a few lesbian audiobooks but this is the first time I’ve listened to her narration. I really liked her different voices and her heartfelt performance. The overall tone of the book is light with some spicy scenes which Ms. Mei nailed perfectly. I’m definitely going to listen to her narrations in the future.
Overall, a well written, entertaining and spicy audiobook. 4 stars.
Duration: 3 hrs and 33 mins
January 17, 2018
Hmmm...
This is my first book by Hildred Billings sans Cynthia Dane and I can't say I liked it all that much...I didn't hate it by any means but I had a hard time keeping focused on what was happening or caring all that much. The story started oit with such promise. Vivian tries to start dating via online and is left rudely at the bar. Bartender Kat witnesses this and picks her up when she gets off work.
I think the writing and dialgue is what got me the most. It didn't flow as well as I would have liked and since it's told in third person I was often times confused on who said what mentally. The dialgue felt choppy and didn't feel right coming out of the characters a lot of the time...So why the 3* rating? Well it was free on kindleUnlimited and and I'm feeling generous this year, like every year.
This is my first book by Hildred Billings sans Cynthia Dane and I can't say I liked it all that much...I didn't hate it by any means but I had a hard time keeping focused on what was happening or caring all that much. The story started oit with such promise. Vivian tries to start dating via online and is left rudely at the bar. Bartender Kat witnesses this and picks her up when she gets off work.
I think the writing and dialgue is what got me the most. It didn't flow as well as I would have liked and since it's told in third person I was often times confused on who said what mentally. The dialgue felt choppy and didn't feel right coming out of the characters a lot of the time...So why the 3* rating? Well it was free on kindleUnlimited and and I'm feeling generous this year, like every year.
June 28, 2020
A very sexy story but with a lot of vulnerability too.
The theme throughout is very much about body image, confidence and self esteem. How we see ourselves and others, plus how that can manifest into negatively impacting yourself, but most importantly others.
How even the most attractive person can be ugly because they have a foul attitude that tears others down.
The themes of being judged and judging others was very apparent and how much damaged that does.
Both love interests have experienced these setbacks and come together to experience a very lusty love, that is so much more.
The theme throughout is very much about body image, confidence and self esteem. How we see ourselves and others, plus how that can manifest into negatively impacting yourself, but most importantly others.
How even the most attractive person can be ugly because they have a foul attitude that tears others down.
The themes of being judged and judging others was very apparent and how much damaged that does.
Both love interests have experienced these setbacks and come together to experience a very lusty love, that is so much more.
Want to read
August 28, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/28/2018)!💝
May 20, 2020
Finding confidence has its perks.
Kat is a bartender but so much more. Vivian is trying online dating but the only good thing that happens is the place of meeting is Kat's bar. A date gone so wrong is made better by a connection wth Kat. They spend a week dating and getting to know each other. The rest is well a love fest of epic proportion. I enjoyed the Frank openness that Kat lived in her life. Seeing Vivi recover her health and her love for herself was beautiful. Together this pair are a unexpected moment on the way to a lifetime of LOVE. Good, quick and delicious read.
Kat is a bartender but so much more. Vivian is trying online dating but the only good thing that happens is the place of meeting is Kat's bar. A date gone so wrong is made better by a connection wth Kat. They spend a week dating and getting to know each other. The rest is well a love fest of epic proportion. I enjoyed the Frank openness that Kat lived in her life. Seeing Vivi recover her health and her love for herself was beautiful. Together this pair are a unexpected moment on the way to a lifetime of LOVE. Good, quick and delicious read.
dnf
July 5, 2019rep: lesbian mc's, f/f romance
dnf @ 46%
i wanted to take a chance on this book, but the only personality trait of the characters was their obsession with sex. also, the reviews for this are a bit sketchy. they're all higher ratings that start with a statement - quite literally in bold - praising the book, then one-three sentences. and there are dozens of them. seems a bit unethical to me.
September 28, 2018
ehhh
Clearly I'm more into Hildred Billings' novels than her novellas! (or is this just a short novel? idk.) She spends so much time on sex that it gets a little frustrating, since I'm pretty sure her natural state is exploring a relationship slowly. She needs more pages than this.
I also wasn't super into this one bc it revolves too much around the MC being insulted by a woman who ditches her after one date--kind of ruins the mood when that woman comes up every time something flirty or sexy is going on, like "If only Shari could see me now" etc. And there's a weird twist with Shari at the end too which turned me off.
Actually that last twist soured it enough for me that I might bring the rating down to a 2 later. But I did like the writing style, and the couple was cute. Hm. I hope that the next Billings book I read is better. I want to believe in her bc her two longer novels I've read are very good, but this book not so much.
Clearly I'm more into Hildred Billings' novels than her novellas! (or is this just a short novel? idk.) She spends so much time on sex that it gets a little frustrating, since I'm pretty sure her natural state is exploring a relationship slowly. She needs more pages than this.
I also wasn't super into this one bc it revolves too much around the MC being insulted by a woman who ditches her after one date--kind of ruins the mood when that woman comes up every time something flirty or sexy is going on, like "If only Shari could see me now" etc. And there's a weird twist with Shari at the end too which turned me off.
Actually that last twist soured it enough for me that I might bring the rating down to a 2 later. But I did like the writing style, and the couple was cute. Hm. I hope that the next Billings book I read is better. I want to believe in her bc her two longer novels I've read are very good, but this book not so much.
January 8, 2018
Vivian is going on her first date after a long recuperation from an illness that caused her to lose a lot of weight. After her date insults her and further damages her self-esteem she comes to the attention of Kat, the bartender who witnessed the date and had her own history with the woman who hurt Vivian. The book is about the developing relationship between Kat and Vivian and Vivian's reclaiming of her self-esteem.
This is a different type of book for Hildred Billings who has released it as a single author as opposed to her other F/F books co-written with Cynthia Dane. This book lies outside the fictional ecosystem of billionaires that is the hallmark of the Billings/Dane collection. I wish I'd liked the book more than I did since I'm a big fan of Billings' work. As a romance, there was little plot and not much tension, all of which are necessary for a successful story in this genre. Also, one minute Vivian was insecure and the next she was an aggressive flirt. It was hard to understand how that could be.
This is a different type of book for Hildred Billings who has released it as a single author as opposed to her other F/F books co-written with Cynthia Dane. This book lies outside the fictional ecosystem of billionaires that is the hallmark of the Billings/Dane collection. I wish I'd liked the book more than I did since I'm a big fan of Billings' work. As a romance, there was little plot and not much tension, all of which are necessary for a successful story in this genre. Also, one minute Vivian was insecure and the next she was an aggressive flirt. It was hard to understand how that could be.
January 13, 2019
Literally, just.....ok. Didn't capture me, the flow was off, I had no connection to either character.
April 22, 2020
Great book...needs more Sherri.
I enjoyed this story overall. Vivian and Kat were cute and were just what one another needed but I mostly enjoyed Sherri. I wish she had a bigger role in the book. Granted, she had a big impact but it's not the same. She was funny even though she wasn't trying to be. She simply kept it real and was just being herself well, as much of herself as she could remember how to be. She put me in the mind of those old grannies who just say whatever without apology. They don't mean to be mean or offensive it just comes out that way. Anyhoo, read the book to see for yourself and enjoy.
I enjoyed this story overall. Vivian and Kat were cute and were just what one another needed but I mostly enjoyed Sherri. I wish she had a bigger role in the book. Granted, she had a big impact but it's not the same. She was funny even though she wasn't trying to be. She simply kept it real and was just being herself well, as much of herself as she could remember how to be. She put me in the mind of those old grannies who just say whatever without apology. They don't mean to be mean or offensive it just comes out that way. Anyhoo, read the book to see for yourself and enjoy.
January 1, 2018
Loved it!
I always enjoy reading books by Hildred. Always such sexy scenes! It was a nice change of pace to not read about the usual billionaires (even though I love them). This was an excellent love story and I was happy to see Vivian find someone after being ill and not feeling like she was worth anything (I'm looking at you Shari). And when they finally got together ... whew! Highly recommend!
I always enjoy reading books by Hildred. Always such sexy scenes! It was a nice change of pace to not read about the usual billionaires (even though I love them). This was an excellent love story and I was happy to see Vivian find someone after being ill and not feeling like she was worth anything (I'm looking at you Shari). And when they finally got together ... whew! Highly recommend!
September 26, 2018
Good book
I really liked that the characters were regular people with regular jobs. I found both main characters very relatable. Vivi's lack of self esteem is something I think most people have dealt with at some point in their lives and I definitely understand Kat's struggles with being a not so femme lesbian. Loved how the two joined together with compassion as well as passion.
I really liked that the characters were regular people with regular jobs. I found both main characters very relatable. Vivi's lack of self esteem is something I think most people have dealt with at some point in their lives and I definitely understand Kat's struggles with being a not so femme lesbian. Loved how the two joined together with compassion as well as passion.
April 28, 2021
do you know' this is the first booke that delt with just two women falling heaverly for each other, and the fact i couldn't choose between either main character as my faverite, and my reason for falling in love with these two no angst? just an unexpected hook up for those who condone angst, just this
this and one or two more lesfic novels need no other,
both insequraties and the ability to work them out together, well done hildred billings
this and one or two more lesfic novels need no other,
both insequraties and the ability to work them out together, well done hildred billings
June 16, 2018
The book had potential
The story began with a lot of potential with Vivian meeting Kat after Vivian's other date goes bad at the bar where Kat bartends. After their eventual hookup the story fizzles though. The fizzle is complicated by the strange revelation from Vivian's original date.
The story began with a lot of potential with Vivian meeting Kat after Vivian's other date goes bad at the bar where Kat bartends. After their eventual hookup the story fizzles though. The fizzle is complicated by the strange revelation from Vivian's original date.
November 4, 2018
A young person with a self -esteem hang up.
Some people have their own way of overcoming their hang ups. It doesn't help that someone takes pleasure in pointing things out, but it takes the right person to make things feel better! The author has done it again of creating a great story! Enjoy!
Some people have their own way of overcoming their hang ups. It doesn't help that someone takes pleasure in pointing things out, but it takes the right person to make things feel better! The author has done it again of creating a great story! Enjoy!
October 10, 2019
Awesome and different
Great novella - quick read, and I will definitely read it again.
In fact, even though the body issues that Vivian had were due to being thin because of losing weight during an illness, this would be a good inspiration for those of us who are large, as well.
Such a sweet and hot read!
Great novella - quick read, and I will definitely read it again.
In fact, even though the body issues that Vivian had were due to being thin because of losing weight during an illness, this would be a good inspiration for those of us who are large, as well.
Such a sweet and hot read!
January 25, 2018
Excellent
This is an excellent reading I recommend, it's spicy and we'll written. A love that born from pain and deception, two hearts that found each other in a crowd. Kat and Vivian are perfect together, a story of fate, trust and freedom.
This is an excellent reading I recommend, it's spicy and we'll written. A love that born from pain and deception, two hearts that found each other in a crowd. Kat and Vivian are perfect together, a story of fate, trust and freedom.
September 2, 2018
Awesome
I really loved this book. It was about ordinary people and what they go thru in their daily lives. I loved the characters on how they interacted with each other. I would read this book again.
I really loved this book. It was about ordinary people and what they go thru in their daily lives. I loved the characters on how they interacted with each other. I would read this book again.
April 4, 2018
Fun read
I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the relationship between the two women and how it developed. Self esteem issues are tough.
I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the relationship between the two women and how it developed. Self esteem issues are tough.
September 17, 2020
Not a bad one.
January 18, 2021
Your worst nightmare ?
Really great story about the things that go on in bars. Lots have that nightmare of a patron with a Nasty Attitude. Off to my next Adventure.
Really great story about the things that go on in bars. Lots have that nightmare of a patron with a Nasty Attitude. Off to my next Adventure.
March 19, 2021
Very good book
Love all her books. Love a happy ending. Good editing. Hate a book filled with mistakes. I recommend this book.
Love all her books. Love a happy ending. Good editing. Hate a book filled with mistakes. I recommend this book.
May 1, 2018
Enjoyable!
I really liked the dialogue in this story. It made me laugh a couple of times. I think the story was real, it kept things moving along. I look forward to reading more stories by this author!
I really liked the dialogue in this story. It made me laugh a couple of times. I think the story was real, it kept things moving along. I look forward to reading more stories by this author!
August 19, 2022
Excellent age gap romance, the fight over alchahol self doubt of one of the main characters romance took time to happen Highly Recommended
April 1, 2018
WARM AND COST
I WAS SWEPT AWAY BY THIS STORY.
I WASN'T AWARE THAT THIS AUTHOR WAS THE SAME ONE THAT WROTE ( BOUND) THAT BOOK WAS SO F- ING EMOTIONAL.
AFTER LEARNING THAT THIS AUTHOR WAS THE SAME IT MADE COMPLETE SENSE. I ENCOURAGE ANYONE THAT ENJOYS LESBIAN BOOKS 📚 READ BOUND AS WELL AS THIS BOOK. AND BE SURE TO CHECK ✔ OUT HER OTHER LESBIAN BOOKS.
I WAS SWEPT AWAY BY THIS STORY.
I WASN'T AWARE THAT THIS AUTHOR WAS THE SAME ONE THAT WROTE ( BOUND) THAT BOOK WAS SO F- ING EMOTIONAL.
AFTER LEARNING THAT THIS AUTHOR WAS THE SAME IT MADE COMPLETE SENSE. I ENCOURAGE ANYONE THAT ENJOYS LESBIAN BOOKS 📚 READ BOUND AS WELL AS THIS BOOK. AND BE SURE TO CHECK ✔ OUT HER OTHER LESBIAN BOOKS.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews