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I will never believe anything a man tells me, ever again.
Even if he is 6-feet-4, hot, ripped, as handsome as a movie star, and a royal billionaire.
Maxence’s brother was trying to kidnap or kill him, and an organized crime thug wanted to cut off Max’s head and feed it to the sharks for entirely different reasons.
So, when a cute little blonde stood up on a barstool in the middle of the Buddha Bar in Paris and drew the attention of the wrong sort of guys, Maxence swooped in for the rescue. Everything about her appealed to him: her sweetness, her giggliness, and especially the fact that she was in trouble.
That last part made her sugar and catnip to Max.
Luckily, he only had five days before he left Paris and Europe for wherever his global charity job was going to send him this time. Why not spend it with the funny blonde who insisted he lie to her? Indeed, if she thought everything he said was a lie, he could confess his sins, unburden his soul, and reveal what he thought he never could. Five days with her sounded like Heaven if he could just convince her to stop throwing him out of her hotel room.
***
My life has become a sad country music song, but instead of heading south, I went to Paris. I was a good girl who had nothing left to lose, literally. My boyfriend had stolen everything. Everything except a non-refundable plane ticket to Paris, which was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime where that deadbeat was going to propose at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
So, I got on the plane without him.
After all that, it was understandable that when I started drinking at the Buddha Bar, things got a little out of hand. Luckily, a man intervened. He was so ripped that I could see every thick muscle of his abs, obliques, chest, and arms through the tight tee-shirt he was wearing. He towered over the guys who were bothering me, and they backed off. I took him back to my hotel because I was full of drunken, bad decisions that night. The last thing I needed was a man who wanted to save me when I was trying to do all the wrong things.
Even if he is 6-feet-4, hot, ripped, as handsome as a movie star, and a royal billionaire.
Maxence’s brother was trying to kidnap or kill him, and an organized crime thug wanted to cut off Max’s head and feed it to the sharks for entirely different reasons.
So, when a cute little blonde stood up on a barstool in the middle of the Buddha Bar in Paris and drew the attention of the wrong sort of guys, Maxence swooped in for the rescue. Everything about her appealed to him: her sweetness, her giggliness, and especially the fact that she was in trouble.
That last part made her sugar and catnip to Max.
Luckily, he only had five days before he left Paris and Europe for wherever his global charity job was going to send him this time. Why not spend it with the funny blonde who insisted he lie to her? Indeed, if she thought everything he said was a lie, he could confess his sins, unburden his soul, and reveal what he thought he never could. Five days with her sounded like Heaven if he could just convince her to stop throwing him out of her hotel room.
***
My life has become a sad country music song, but instead of heading south, I went to Paris. I was a good girl who had nothing left to lose, literally. My boyfriend had stolen everything. Everything except a non-refundable plane ticket to Paris, which was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime where that deadbeat was going to propose at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
So, I got on the plane without him.
After all that, it was understandable that when I started drinking at the Buddha Bar, things got a little out of hand. Luckily, a man intervened. He was so ripped that I could see every thick muscle of his abs, obliques, chest, and arms through the tight tee-shirt he was wearing. He towered over the guys who were bothering me, and they backed off. I took him back to my hotel because I was full of drunken, bad decisions that night. The last thing I needed was a man who wanted to save me when I was trying to do all the wrong things.
340 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2020
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.
Want gorgeous special editions? Go here:
https://blairbabylon.com/
To never miss a sale, CLICK HERE: http://smarturl.it/Babylon-Email
Want to be a Babylonian super-reader?
Check this out: https://www.patreon.com/AuthorBlairBa...
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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Want to Read
October 15, 2020GET IT NOW! I'm so excited to share the first book of Maxence's story with you! And . . . shockingly . . . it's a fun, rollicking adventure in Paris, and it's dirty. It's not insta-love, but it is insta-boink.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/35fGxVp
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B08J8BFVHR...
Amazon Audiobook: https://amzn.to/2GVs734
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/rogue...
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogu...
BN PPB: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogu...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rogu...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Read more at Blair's website: https://blairbabylon.com/books/rogue-...
Amazon: https://amzn.to/35fGxVp
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B08J8BFVHR...
Amazon Audiobook: https://amzn.to/2GVs734
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/rogue...
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogu...
BN PPB: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogu...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rogu...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Read more at Blair's website: https://blairbabylon.com/books/rogue-...
Read
October 9, 2020GET IT NOW! I'm so excited to share the first book of Maxence's story with you! And . . . shockingly . . . it's a fun, rollicking adventure in Paris, and it's dirty. It's not insta-love, but it is insta-boink.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/35fGxVp
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B08J8BFVHR...
Amazon Audiobook: https://amzn.to/2GVs734
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/rogue...
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogu...
BN PPB: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogu...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rogu...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Read more at Blair's website: https://blairbabylon.com/books/rogue-...
Amazon: https://amzn.to/35fGxVp
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B08J8BFVHR...
Amazon Audiobook: https://amzn.to/2GVs734
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/rogue...
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogu...
BN PPB: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogu...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rogu...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Read more at Blair's website: https://blairbabylon.com/books/rogue-...
October 16, 2020
After reading One Night in Monaco (that cliffhanger!!), I had to get my hands on Rogue, even if I couldn’t place my hands on Maxence (heh).
I was swept away with him and Dree as they navigate palace intrigue, a deep call to serve, drug dealers gone mad, and a madcap adventure that is as fascinating as it is passionate. Blair Babylon never disappoints, and Rogue ups the ante. The "mistaken identity" part of the book was one of the longest-running gags I've ever read, and that lent so much wit and humor to the story.
This is one of her best books and I cannot wait to read the rest in this series!
I was swept away with him and Dree as they navigate palace intrigue, a deep call to serve, drug dealers gone mad, and a madcap adventure that is as fascinating as it is passionate. Blair Babylon never disappoints, and Rogue ups the ante. The "mistaken identity" part of the book was one of the longest-running gags I've ever read, and that lent so much wit and humor to the story.
This is one of her best books and I cannot wait to read the rest in this series!
October 22, 2020
5 star Review Rogue (A Billionaires in Disguise: Maxence #1) by Blair Babylon
AUDIO REVIEW:
It was great to be back with Maxence Grimaldi as I have been intrigued by him since he appeared in the first book and the prequel only made me more excited.
Narrated by Shane East and Lucy Rivers, they did a fabulous job, Shane in particular bringing Ms.Babylon’s story to life and added another layer to my listening pleasure. I always knew there was a lot of depth to Maxence and that the woman who would capture his attention would need to be special and Dree most certainly is.
Maxcence is such a complex man and Shane certainly captured this in his performance. Although Dree has been deceived by her horrid ex-boyfriend, I loved how independent, sassy and feisty she was. She refuses to “use” Maxence’s wealth and I admired that. The chemistry that smoulders between them is intense and their connection is deep.
Rogue was well written, witty, nail biting, suspenseful as well as intriguing and all in all a great book to listen too. It is a fast paced adventure, which at times had me on the edge of my seat and my heart pounding.
Even knowing that this was going to end in a cliff hanger I still couldn’t wait to dive in. Their road to a happily ever after will be filled with twists and turns and will be bumpy but I cannot wait to see what happens next.
AUDIO REVIEW:
It was great to be back with Maxence Grimaldi as I have been intrigued by him since he appeared in the first book and the prequel only made me more excited.
Narrated by Shane East and Lucy Rivers, they did a fabulous job, Shane in particular bringing Ms.Babylon’s story to life and added another layer to my listening pleasure. I always knew there was a lot of depth to Maxence and that the woman who would capture his attention would need to be special and Dree most certainly is.
Maxcence is such a complex man and Shane certainly captured this in his performance. Although Dree has been deceived by her horrid ex-boyfriend, I loved how independent, sassy and feisty she was. She refuses to “use” Maxence’s wealth and I admired that. The chemistry that smoulders between them is intense and their connection is deep.
Rogue was well written, witty, nail biting, suspenseful as well as intriguing and all in all a great book to listen too. It is a fast paced adventure, which at times had me on the edge of my seat and my heart pounding.
Even knowing that this was going to end in a cliff hanger I still couldn’t wait to dive in. Their road to a happily ever after will be filled with twists and turns and will be bumpy but I cannot wait to see what happens next.
October 15, 2020
Another masterpiece from Blair Babylon, who I am convinced keeps getting better and better. Max is not at all as I’d imagined him, and really it’s no wonder, since he has been forced to repress who he is. The real Max keeps popping up his head, doing real-Max things that the other Max wishes he wouldn’t do. He struggles with his inner demons to be a Godly man, but he hasn’t quite figured out how to balance the different parts of himself, and as a result, tortues himself. He is a man searching for himself, impeded by too many bad guys who wish him harm. It’s hard to focus on self-actualization while trying to simply survive without getting yourself killed.
Dree is also searching for herself, struggling to define herself as more than just a sucker who falls for guys who lie. Interesting, then, that she requires Max lie to her, although I suppose this is how she changes the story she tells herself, since she is the one perpetuating the lie, thus controlling it. Dree is, surprisingly, a bad-ass, so although she comes across as an innocent, country bumpkin, she knows how to fight. It’s this survival instinct that propels her forward from one decision to the next, accepting help when needed, but never shying away from hard work.
We know from previous stories that Max is an attractive man. All of Blair Babylon’s leading men are exceedingly attractive. When Dree first sees Max, “It was like he’d scooped up all of the masculine perfection in the world and left none at all for the other guys.” Having a one-night-stand is on Dree’s bucket list of things she must do to change her life, and she is determined to have Max. She’s drunk and Max hesitates, but then “Max considered letting her yank on him while he stood immovable until they had a cogent conversation about whether she was too drunk to consent, but that time had passed. At this point, his choice was to either have sex with her or defend himself.” What follows is something that makes me see Max in an entirely different light. In previous books, his friends had made references to him seeking to become a priest. This lays that theory to rest.
I love the scene where Max talks about buying some clothes for Dree and he blithely talks about going to a “showing” where “models wear the clothes so you can select them. They’re tailored and delivered a few days later.” He is genuinely confused about why she would suggest going to a department store to pick out some clothes because “they won’t fit properly.” He has been so sheltered from the type of lives we normal humans lead that he doesn’t even understand why she would want to buy clothes like that. In contrast, Dree has never owned new clothes, always hand-me-downs or second-hand finds, other than the scrubs that were provided when she started work. The two of them are a study in contrasts.
There’s a profound scene where the two of them are in bed and it’s very dark, allowing only glimpses of shadows of each other. The descriptions used to convey the feel of the “grey curves in the blackness” is inspired. Max rises to stand next to the bed. “The trickle (of light) made a cluster of semicircles that was the side of Augustine’s (the fake name Dree insisted Max give himself) head, the heavy rounds of his shoulders and biceps, and the inward sweep of his waist to his hip. The line that was his arm moved… Dree reached her hand toward the gray frost on the side of his shoulder and found his skin.” To me, this scene encapsulated so much of the theme of this story: the secrets they are keeping from one another, the desire to share themselves despite the darkness (problems) that surround each of them, combined with the urge to hide in the darkness to protect themselves. This was a scene that made me pause and marvel at the genius of the imagery and the clear metaphor for their lives.
Secrets are such an important part of Max and Dree’s story. Both are devout Catholics and both feel shame and guilt for their actions, though neither knows this about the other. Each shares bits and pieces of their truths because they know the other will not believe them, since they’ve already agreed to lie. Both feel a deep connection to the other that they are unwilling to admit, even to themselves, believing they can power through these feelings and leave one another when their time together has come to an end. There’s a built-in expiration date to their adventure together and both are determined to live their lives afterward without regrets.
I had suspected Max had strong feelings for Flicka, but it wasn’t until Blair turned her focus on him that I understood the depth of his feelings, the lies he had told himself and allowed himself to believe about their relationship. Because he and Dree are sharing an honesty (disguised as lies) they have never shared with anyone else, he opens up about his feelings and his abiding hope that Flicka might find her way back to him. When he sees a photo of Flicka smiling after marrying Deiter, he is devastated because he recognizes the smile as one of true joy and he understands that he will never have her. Dree comforts him, telling him the truth he had refused to acknowledge for so many years: Flicka never loved him. Then Dree says, “This girl is nothing but a pretty bag of skin stuffed with red flags.” And the narrator comments, “Yes, that was Max's favorite kind of woman.”
If, like me, you start wondering why all of these male characters from Le Rosey are so tall and seem to fit a certain sexual profile, that’s addressed in the book too, when the narrator observes: “Le Rosey graduates are often in the top percentile of many traits, whether it was height, income, intelligence, arrogance, or depravity.” At least, Blair is aware that her characters are consistently of a certain type.
As the plot unfolded and I began to understand Dree’s situation better, I suspected where this was going, so the ending was not a shocker. It was clear that Max and Dree’s story could not be told in one book so I wasn’t too upset when I reached the end and there was no conclusion. I will be anxiously awaiting the next one. I am fully vested in these characters. I understand them as well as the larger truth that we all lie to ourselves to disguise the truths that are too hard to acknowledge.
Dree is also searching for herself, struggling to define herself as more than just a sucker who falls for guys who lie. Interesting, then, that she requires Max lie to her, although I suppose this is how she changes the story she tells herself, since she is the one perpetuating the lie, thus controlling it. Dree is, surprisingly, a bad-ass, so although she comes across as an innocent, country bumpkin, she knows how to fight. It’s this survival instinct that propels her forward from one decision to the next, accepting help when needed, but never shying away from hard work.
We know from previous stories that Max is an attractive man. All of Blair Babylon’s leading men are exceedingly attractive. When Dree first sees Max, “It was like he’d scooped up all of the masculine perfection in the world and left none at all for the other guys.” Having a one-night-stand is on Dree’s bucket list of things she must do to change her life, and she is determined to have Max. She’s drunk and Max hesitates, but then “Max considered letting her yank on him while he stood immovable until they had a cogent conversation about whether she was too drunk to consent, but that time had passed. At this point, his choice was to either have sex with her or defend himself.” What follows is something that makes me see Max in an entirely different light. In previous books, his friends had made references to him seeking to become a priest. This lays that theory to rest.
I love the scene where Max talks about buying some clothes for Dree and he blithely talks about going to a “showing” where “models wear the clothes so you can select them. They’re tailored and delivered a few days later.” He is genuinely confused about why she would suggest going to a department store to pick out some clothes because “they won’t fit properly.” He has been so sheltered from the type of lives we normal humans lead that he doesn’t even understand why she would want to buy clothes like that. In contrast, Dree has never owned new clothes, always hand-me-downs or second-hand finds, other than the scrubs that were provided when she started work. The two of them are a study in contrasts.
There’s a profound scene where the two of them are in bed and it’s very dark, allowing only glimpses of shadows of each other. The descriptions used to convey the feel of the “grey curves in the blackness” is inspired. Max rises to stand next to the bed. “The trickle (of light) made a cluster of semicircles that was the side of Augustine’s (the fake name Dree insisted Max give himself) head, the heavy rounds of his shoulders and biceps, and the inward sweep of his waist to his hip. The line that was his arm moved… Dree reached her hand toward the gray frost on the side of his shoulder and found his skin.” To me, this scene encapsulated so much of the theme of this story: the secrets they are keeping from one another, the desire to share themselves despite the darkness (problems) that surround each of them, combined with the urge to hide in the darkness to protect themselves. This was a scene that made me pause and marvel at the genius of the imagery and the clear metaphor for their lives.
Secrets are such an important part of Max and Dree’s story. Both are devout Catholics and both feel shame and guilt for their actions, though neither knows this about the other. Each shares bits and pieces of their truths because they know the other will not believe them, since they’ve already agreed to lie. Both feel a deep connection to the other that they are unwilling to admit, even to themselves, believing they can power through these feelings and leave one another when their time together has come to an end. There’s a built-in expiration date to their adventure together and both are determined to live their lives afterward without regrets.
I had suspected Max had strong feelings for Flicka, but it wasn’t until Blair turned her focus on him that I understood the depth of his feelings, the lies he had told himself and allowed himself to believe about their relationship. Because he and Dree are sharing an honesty (disguised as lies) they have never shared with anyone else, he opens up about his feelings and his abiding hope that Flicka might find her way back to him. When he sees a photo of Flicka smiling after marrying Deiter, he is devastated because he recognizes the smile as one of true joy and he understands that he will never have her. Dree comforts him, telling him the truth he had refused to acknowledge for so many years: Flicka never loved him. Then Dree says, “This girl is nothing but a pretty bag of skin stuffed with red flags.” And the narrator comments, “Yes, that was Max's favorite kind of woman.”
If, like me, you start wondering why all of these male characters from Le Rosey are so tall and seem to fit a certain sexual profile, that’s addressed in the book too, when the narrator observes: “Le Rosey graduates are often in the top percentile of many traits, whether it was height, income, intelligence, arrogance, or depravity.” At least, Blair is aware that her characters are consistently of a certain type.
As the plot unfolded and I began to understand Dree’s situation better, I suspected where this was going, so the ending was not a shocker. It was clear that Max and Dree’s story could not be told in one book so I wasn’t too upset when I reached the end and there was no conclusion. I will be anxiously awaiting the next one. I am fully vested in these characters. I understand them as well as the larger truth that we all lie to ourselves to disguise the truths that are too hard to acknowledge.
June 8, 2021
Maybe I should have read the first two books in this series first, but this one was offered for free and I jumped at it, as I'd never read this author before.
The heroine of this story is a dumb as a screen door in a submarine, so I immediately didn't care for her. Women don't have to be blonde and stupid, just sayin'. Women can be bright and funny, witty even. Just not giggly and stupid. She's a nurse for heaven's sakes and she doesn't know who fought who in World War I?????
And then the play with Monaco and using everyone's real names. His grandmother was in To Catch a Thief. I'm sure she was. At least Princess Grace was someone's grandmother, just not Maxence. I probably could have put up with the Casigheri name being bandied about but I was surprised you did not bring Stefano into the mix and have his boat blow up, that would have added yet another layer onto a book that needed some help with the story.
By the time I made it through to 50% of the book, I wasn't sure why I was still reading, and when I hit the part about her never catching on about the drugs? I figured I'd stick with this train wreck to the end. I should have started with Book 1, I could have saved myself some time I'll never get back. I'm still shaking my head at the five star reviews and thinking these readers should up their game.
The heroine of this story is a dumb as a screen door in a submarine, so I immediately didn't care for her. Women don't have to be blonde and stupid, just sayin'. Women can be bright and funny, witty even. Just not giggly and stupid. She's a nurse for heaven's sakes and she doesn't know who fought who in World War I?????
And then the play with Monaco and using everyone's real names. His grandmother was in To Catch a Thief. I'm sure she was. At least Princess Grace was someone's grandmother, just not Maxence. I probably could have put up with the Casigheri name being bandied about but I was surprised you did not bring Stefano into the mix and have his boat blow up, that would have added yet another layer onto a book that needed some help with the story.
By the time I made it through to 50% of the book, I wasn't sure why I was still reading, and when I hit the part about her never catching on about the drugs? I figured I'd stick with this train wreck to the end. I should have started with Book 1, I could have saved myself some time I'll never get back. I'm still shaking my head at the five star reviews and thinking these readers should up their game.
October 20, 2020
I love, love, love Blair's sexy, globetrotting billionaires!! This captivating romance starts off in Paris and takes off like a rocket in total romantic suspense awesomeness! Full of delicious palace intrigue, pitch-perfect bad guys, and tons of humor. Plus, Blair writes the best glamorous-location travel crack for all of us stuck at home.
November 2, 2020
So freaking good! But now I have to wait to find out what happens next!!!! Dree is down on her luck and the only thing she has left to her name is a ticket to Paris so she grabs her gym bag from work and boards the flight and off she goes. This book opens with her standing on her chair and declaring to the bar that she is going to "F*** Every Guy In There" and then realizes she better put her bucket list napkin in her purse before she loses it. When several guys approach and start to get rough, Max steps in and rescues her. He just happened to be in the Buddha Bar lying low waiting to go on to his next assignment or really his calling in life. He figures spending time with Dree, since she wants him to lie to her, is just what he needs and even if he tells her the truth she will never know and he can confess his sins and feel better. In the meantime, he can help her put her life back together and cross off some of the items on her bucket list. There is so much going on back home for Dree and Max doesn't know all of it. Make sure to go all the way to the end. Quite the ending!
I had this one in audio and LOVED it. The narrators were superb!
I had this one in audio and LOVED it. The narrators were superb!
Want to Read
February 25, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (2/25/2022)! 🎁
October 19, 2020
Fantastic First in a series – I need more now!
I've been a huge fan of Blair Babylon's writing for several years now. Her books have never disappointed me and that goes double for Rogue, the first book in her much-anticipated series about Maxence. Blair's stories have always been hot but this one might be the hottest yet.
I have to get this out of the way: this book ends in a cliffhanger BUT… Blair Babylon is one of the few authors that I trust to actually finish a series that she starts AND she doesn't make us wait a horribly long time between books in a series. I know that the next book is already finished…
So, for the story. Fans have been eagerly awaiting Maxence's story. We've caught glimpses of him in other books and his character has been a bit mysterious. (You don't have to read any other books to start enjoying this series but I'd recommend reading the three Runaway Billionaires books for best enjoyment.) There have been hints that Max was going to become a priest and we see a bit more of that in this book.
The blurb for the book is great so I'm not going to restate it here. I will tell you that Rogue captured and held my attention from beginning to end. I admit that towards the end of the book it was easy to see what was coming (I'm sure that was on purpose); but it was still an OMG moment when it came.
Rogue was also LOL funny in places. Dree and Maxence agree to not disclose who they really are and what they really do and this continues the humorous thread throughout the book. Dree is delightfully naïve about some things and never really seems to figure out the real name of the country that Maxence is from (you have to read it to understand).
In conclusion, this story has a little bit of everything: it's funny, witty, sad, intriguing, suspenseful and just plain fantastic. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author (I also pre-ordered a copy).
I've been a huge fan of Blair Babylon's writing for several years now. Her books have never disappointed me and that goes double for Rogue, the first book in her much-anticipated series about Maxence. Blair's stories have always been hot but this one might be the hottest yet.
I have to get this out of the way: this book ends in a cliffhanger BUT… Blair Babylon is one of the few authors that I trust to actually finish a series that she starts AND she doesn't make us wait a horribly long time between books in a series. I know that the next book is already finished…
So, for the story. Fans have been eagerly awaiting Maxence's story. We've caught glimpses of him in other books and his character has been a bit mysterious. (You don't have to read any other books to start enjoying this series but I'd recommend reading the three Runaway Billionaires books for best enjoyment.) There have been hints that Max was going to become a priest and we see a bit more of that in this book.
The blurb for the book is great so I'm not going to restate it here. I will tell you that Rogue captured and held my attention from beginning to end. I admit that towards the end of the book it was easy to see what was coming (I'm sure that was on purpose); but it was still an OMG moment when it came.
Rogue was also LOL funny in places. Dree and Maxence agree to not disclose who they really are and what they really do and this continues the humorous thread throughout the book. Dree is delightfully naïve about some things and never really seems to figure out the real name of the country that Maxence is from (you have to read it to understand).
In conclusion, this story has a little bit of everything: it's funny, witty, sad, intriguing, suspenseful and just plain fantastic. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author (I also pre-ordered a copy).
October 22, 2020
WOW…..just WOW! I must admit that Max was not a character I had initially warmed to in previous BID series. Oh, how I should’ve known better, after all, this is Blair Babylon we are talking about. Queen of suspense, action, hot hot romance and deeply emotional characters and storylines that leave their mark on your heart and soul.
We saw a glimpse of Max’s Sir Galahad personality in One Night In Monaco and Indecent Proposal. In Rogue we finally begin to unwrap the layers that make up Maxence. It is here we start to see the scars that run deep within his soul. I must admit these are the parts that broke my heart. The need to hug and care for this poor man who has seen extraordinarily little of it in his life was overwhelming. Throughout the book I found myself connecting to Max’s (Auggie) character in a way I thought I never would.
Dree has such a big, big heart. Innocent in the deceptive ways of the world and oh so trusting. Dree doubts herself so much and takes all the blame on her own shoulders. I believe Dree is the balm to heal Max’s broken soul and there is no one better than max to show Dree all the world can offer and so much more besides. When Dree told Auggie “Don’t give up on love. There’s someone out there waiting for a guy like you” I was screaming at my kindle” yeh, it’s you, you!!!!” I found myself extremely frustrated at Drees sister Mandy, especially when she would not believe Dree when she was trying to explain the situation. I understand she was panicking about the money for her sons’ care, but she should have supported Dree, after all it is not up to Dree to provide care for Mandy’s son. I wanted to give her a good shake on Drees behalf.
When Max (Auggie) received his next assignment and Dree gained help from Sister Annunciata, I could not help but feel there was a higher power was at work (Blair). The universe, so to speak, was at work putting these two together. I am looking forward to reading Max’s point of view when he opened the door and saw Dree standing there.
I am excited to see where the story will lead us and what is instore for Max and Dree.
We saw a glimpse of Max’s Sir Galahad personality in One Night In Monaco and Indecent Proposal. In Rogue we finally begin to unwrap the layers that make up Maxence. It is here we start to see the scars that run deep within his soul. I must admit these are the parts that broke my heart. The need to hug and care for this poor man who has seen extraordinarily little of it in his life was overwhelming. Throughout the book I found myself connecting to Max’s (Auggie) character in a way I thought I never would.
Dree has such a big, big heart. Innocent in the deceptive ways of the world and oh so trusting. Dree doubts herself so much and takes all the blame on her own shoulders. I believe Dree is the balm to heal Max’s broken soul and there is no one better than max to show Dree all the world can offer and so much more besides. When Dree told Auggie “Don’t give up on love. There’s someone out there waiting for a guy like you” I was screaming at my kindle” yeh, it’s you, you!!!!” I found myself extremely frustrated at Drees sister Mandy, especially when she would not believe Dree when she was trying to explain the situation. I understand she was panicking about the money for her sons’ care, but she should have supported Dree, after all it is not up to Dree to provide care for Mandy’s son. I wanted to give her a good shake on Drees behalf.
When Max (Auggie) received his next assignment and Dree gained help from Sister Annunciata, I could not help but feel there was a higher power was at work (Blair). The universe, so to speak, was at work putting these two together. I am looking forward to reading Max’s point of view when he opened the door and saw Dree standing there.
I am excited to see where the story will lead us and what is instore for Max and Dree.
Read
July 24, 2021***SPOILERS***
Wait he's a priest? And this book isn't complete, that's the end and the next book continues and he's a deacon and sometimes "slips up?!"
nope.
Update:
I've sat on this and read the reviews for all 5 books and I figured out what I don't like-it's the whole "surprise priest!" so it's not like some of the books where you know what you're getting into. Also, he's a prince, and he's hiding from that responsibility so this hiding as a deacon (not technically a priest yet so loophole?)...this is not to my taste and I'm only writing this so others can see it in case the whole surprise priest thing isn't your jam either.
Wait he's a priest? And this book isn't complete, that's the end and the next book continues and he's a deacon and sometimes "slips up?!"
nope.
Update:
I've sat on this and read the reviews for all 5 books and I figured out what I don't like-it's the whole "surprise priest!" so it's not like some of the books where you know what you're getting into. Also, he's a prince, and he's hiding from that responsibility so this hiding as a deacon (not technically a priest yet so loophole?)...this is not to my taste and I'm only writing this so others can see it in case the whole surprise priest thing isn't your jam either.
October 20, 2020
What a rollercoaster! So many things happen, I don’t know where to start. Let me say that you won’t get a dull moment in this book.
We finally get Maxence’s story. And what a story! The prequel just served to introduce new characters, including his love interest, Dree, but this first book in the series goes in a different direction. It’s still a romantic suspense–you have bad guys, fights, some mysteries–but here Maxence doesn’t try to run from something/escape from someone. Except maybe from himself? And we learn much more about him.
Dree is also an interesting character. She’s the opposite of Maxence: she comes from a poor family, doesn’t have a lot of experience with love. But she isn’t immune to troubles–far from it–and together, they’ll face many dangers and threats, while developping a strong bond.
Since I haven’t read all this author’s books, I wasn’t impressed with the various characters from other series who make an appearance.
The ending will leave you on the edge. I can’t wait for the next book!
Quickie
- Series: Billionaires in disguise: Maxence #1 (ends on a cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: #billionaire romance #romantic suspense #no strings attached #hidden identity
- Trigger: some violence, even death
- Main couple: Dree Clark & Maxence Grimaldi
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + Maxence is a fascinating character
- – still too many unnecessary repetitions
We finally get Maxence’s story. And what a story! The prequel just served to introduce new characters, including his love interest, Dree, but this first book in the series goes in a different direction. It’s still a romantic suspense–you have bad guys, fights, some mysteries–but here Maxence doesn’t try to run from something/escape from someone. Except maybe from himself? And we learn much more about him.
Dree is also an interesting character. She’s the opposite of Maxence: she comes from a poor family, doesn’t have a lot of experience with love. But she isn’t immune to troubles–far from it–and together, they’ll face many dangers and threats, while developping a strong bond.
Since I haven’t read all this author’s books, I wasn’t impressed with the various characters from other series who make an appearance.
The ending will leave you on the edge. I can’t wait for the next book!
Quickie
- Series: Billionaires in disguise: Maxence #1 (ends on a cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: #billionaire romance #romantic suspense #no strings attached #hidden identity
- Trigger: some violence, even death
- Main couple: Dree Clark & Maxence Grimaldi
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + Maxence is a fascinating character
- – still too many unnecessary repetitions
Want to Read
October 27, 2020This book is one I have been waiting for! Maxence just rescued a friend of his from high school who was running from her abusive husband. He is in Paris for almost another week, and decides to go to the Buddha Bar, where he is soon rescuing another woman (Dree), who was making some very bad decisions that night. He ends up going to her place, and they share a night of passion. Dree doesn't want to know his name, because she want this to be a one-night thing, and she doesn't want any strings, or even to be able to find him. He promises to leave in the morning before she wakes up so it won't be awkward. And he does just that. And then he comes back with coffee and croissants! They end up making a deal - a very hot deal- that will allow them to spend the next four days together and then never see each other again. Maxence has always been a real mystery to readers, and this book starts to tell us who and what he really is. I have been a fan of Blair Babylon since the first book that I read! Her novels feed all the fantasies that we have all had, and this one is really special! I can't wait to see what happens in the 2nd book! There are soooo many questions that are not answered yet, and I suspect that we are gonna be blown away when all the answers are revealed!
October 11, 2020
Max has a dark, complicated, traumatic backstory and Dree’s life is also in a mess, so this story is an intense, sexually darker romance with lots of mystery and adventure.
Warning - I need to put in a spoiler here as there could be Major Red Flags for some readers: Dree’s drunken risky announcement in a packed bar leads to sexual groping and a fearful situation that could be a huge trigger for some readers. In addition in their initial sexual encounter, while there may be implicit consent on her part at times, there is no verbal consent regarding some activites that could be a red flag for some concerning Max’s behaviour and his Dom demands and her trepidation at times about what is happening, so readers beware.
I ended up having to skim some of these more uncomfortable parts, but Blair continues to write exciting, interesting and engaging stories that you just can’t put down. The intrigue is rooted both in Maxence’s complicated background plus Dree's circumstances that she is temporarily escaping. Her backstory is almost as complicated as Max’s. They enjoy a lustful Paris adventure with Max's unlimited resources and resourcefulness, while avoiding a long list of powerful villains. At times it feels a bit like a James Bond romp with sex and adventure and intrigue. I was pleased to discover that although Dree is curvy but short, she is feisty and has kickass abilities when needed. Max uncovers interesting secrets in the clothes he borrowed from Arthur since he arrived in Paris without luggage.
Whoa major revelation of Maxence's dual dark/light nature and cliffhanger at the end of the story that left me with: What? Whoa! I can’t wait for the next book to see what this is all about, and find out how the intrigue plays out! For Blair Babylon fans this won't disappoint - it is a rollercoaster ride full of steam heat and adventure that you just can't put down.
Final Rating: 4.5 Stars because the sexual kink is not my catnip, and I had to skim some of these scenes.
Warning - I need to put in a spoiler here as there could be Major Red Flags for some readers: Dree’s drunken risky announcement in a packed bar leads to sexual groping and a fearful situation that could be a huge trigger for some readers. In addition in their initial sexual encounter, while there may be implicit consent on her part at times, there is no verbal consent regarding some activites that could be a red flag for some concerning Max’s behaviour and his Dom demands and her trepidation at times about what is happening, so readers beware.
I ended up having to skim some of these more uncomfortable parts, but Blair continues to write exciting, interesting and engaging stories that you just can’t put down. The intrigue is rooted both in Maxence’s complicated background plus Dree's circumstances that she is temporarily escaping. Her backstory is almost as complicated as Max’s. They enjoy a lustful Paris adventure with Max's unlimited resources and resourcefulness, while avoiding a long list of powerful villains. At times it feels a bit like a James Bond romp with sex and adventure and intrigue. I was pleased to discover that although Dree is curvy but short, she is feisty and has kickass abilities when needed. Max uncovers interesting secrets in the clothes he borrowed from Arthur since he arrived in Paris without luggage.
Whoa major revelation of Maxence's dual dark/light nature and cliffhanger at the end of the story that left me with: What? Whoa! I can’t wait for the next book to see what this is all about, and find out how the intrigue plays out! For Blair Babylon fans this won't disappoint - it is a rollercoaster ride full of steam heat and adventure that you just can't put down.
Final Rating: 4.5 Stars because the sexual kink is not my catnip, and I had to skim some of these scenes.
January 2, 2022
Genre; adult Romance
Maxence (Augustine) & Dree
Notes 📝
Lies, truth, mafia, drug dealers, bad ex, death, church, unusual friends.
A dark and captivating book 📖
5 star 🌟 read.
Maxence (Augustine) & Dree
Notes 📝
Lies, truth, mafia, drug dealers, bad ex, death, church, unusual friends.
A dark and captivating book 📖
5 star 🌟 read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2020
I loved this book, am anxiously waiting for the next installment.
At the end of the book One Night in Monaco, Dree spent time with Max’s friends Roxanne and Gwen in a Paris bar. They drank, ate and spent time making a bucket list for Dree to work on during her 4 day stay.
Dree is in Paris because her ex had stolen almost everything she had, but the plane ticket and a few hundred dollars, and she saw no reason not to use them and figure out what she would do next.
After the other girls left, she got plastered, and loudly offered to have sex with any man in the place. However, she got more offers than she bargained for. Max, who always has a soft spot for a woman in trouble, steps in and gets her out of the mess. He takes her back to her B&B and helps her check one item off her bucket list. That was supposed to be the end of it. But he gets to thinking that it is her first time in Paris, and he has a few days until his next assignment, so why not show her?
Meanwhile, back in the States, Dree’s ex has been hard at work farther ruining her life, trying to gather enough money to pay off his own debts. He really messed her up and her job is gone.
Dree’s friendly Catholic Sister finds her another job, since she is a nurse, she can go to Dubai to help with a mission. She reports for duty, only to find her Paris buddy is in charge of the mission. But there is an even bigger surprise than that.
Now we wait for more Dree and Max adventures.
At the end of the book One Night in Monaco, Dree spent time with Max’s friends Roxanne and Gwen in a Paris bar. They drank, ate and spent time making a bucket list for Dree to work on during her 4 day stay.
Dree is in Paris because her ex had stolen almost everything she had, but the plane ticket and a few hundred dollars, and she saw no reason not to use them and figure out what she would do next.
After the other girls left, she got plastered, and loudly offered to have sex with any man in the place. However, she got more offers than she bargained for. Max, who always has a soft spot for a woman in trouble, steps in and gets her out of the mess. He takes her back to her B&B and helps her check one item off her bucket list. That was supposed to be the end of it. But he gets to thinking that it is her first time in Paris, and he has a few days until his next assignment, so why not show her?
Meanwhile, back in the States, Dree’s ex has been hard at work farther ruining her life, trying to gather enough money to pay off his own debts. He really messed her up and her job is gone.
Dree’s friendly Catholic Sister finds her another job, since she is a nurse, she can go to Dubai to help with a mission. She reports for duty, only to find her Paris buddy is in charge of the mission. But there is an even bigger surprise than that.
Now we wait for more Dree and Max adventures.
October 13, 2020
I absolutely adored this book. I could not put it down and flew through the whole thing in one day. I cannot wait to see what will happen next with Max and Dree. You will laugh at all the antics and will be on the edge of your seat with the action. There is a perfect balance of sexy and sweet throughout.
October 22, 2020
Utterly brilliant!
I was counting the days for the release date, and it was so worth the wait. Once again, Blair Babylon proved herself a phenomenal author, taking her readers/listeners on a fast-paced and exciting adventure. Rogue is brilliantly written, engaging, and entirely captivating with the perfect balance of romance, sensuality, intensity, suspense, unexpected twist, and turns. The characters make this story utterly fabulous, especially Maxence Grimaldi. He is well-rounded with layers of complexity and genuine depth to his personality. Dree is sassy but not over the top, strong-minded, and quite spirited. Together, their connection is magnetic, passionate and wholly electrifying. I'm super energized for the next book and cannot wait to find what's waiting at the edge of the cliff.
Stellar performances by Lucy Rivers and Shane East! Their narration was spot-on, capturing the animations and the dynamics of the characters' personalities, literally breathing life into them and the story. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of Rogue and strongly recommending this audiobook.
I was counting the days for the release date, and it was so worth the wait. Once again, Blair Babylon proved herself a phenomenal author, taking her readers/listeners on a fast-paced and exciting adventure. Rogue is brilliantly written, engaging, and entirely captivating with the perfect balance of romance, sensuality, intensity, suspense, unexpected twist, and turns. The characters make this story utterly fabulous, especially Maxence Grimaldi. He is well-rounded with layers of complexity and genuine depth to his personality. Dree is sassy but not over the top, strong-minded, and quite spirited. Together, their connection is magnetic, passionate and wholly electrifying. I'm super energized for the next book and cannot wait to find what's waiting at the edge of the cliff.
Stellar performances by Lucy Rivers and Shane East! Their narration was spot-on, capturing the animations and the dynamics of the characters' personalities, literally breathing life into them and the story. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of Rogue and strongly recommending this audiobook.
November 9, 2020
After reading the sneak peak of this book in indecent proposal I knew I had to read all of the book.
Dree just got done hanging out with Roxanne and Gen at the bar (in One Night In Monaco) and now she is ready to live her life to the fullest. First thing on the list? Find a guy. Not just any guy (though her drunken exclamations may have not made that clear). As Dree tries to fend off the horde of guys she has attracted, one guy has all her attention. Max.
Max drags her out of the bar and proceeds to have his way work her.
Kidding.
But he does save her from the men surrounding her and he does take her out of the bar for some fresh air.
Dree tries to persuade Max to help her cross off items on her list so to speak. As much as he is inclined to help, she probably should just sleep for the time being.
Taking her back to her hotel to get some sleep he decides to stay the night to make sure she is OK... And to maybe help work with her list for the next few days that he is in town.
He does indeed help her with the list (though some of her things she start to rethink after spending time with him).
She finally gets to enjoy herself during the times she isn't dealing with the drama of her ex boyfriend.
Once her trip in Paris is over she is ready for her next adventure.
R4R
Dree just got done hanging out with Roxanne and Gen at the bar (in One Night In Monaco) and now she is ready to live her life to the fullest. First thing on the list? Find a guy. Not just any guy (though her drunken exclamations may have not made that clear). As Dree tries to fend off the horde of guys she has attracted, one guy has all her attention. Max.
Max drags her out of the bar and proceeds to have his way work her.
Kidding.
But he does save her from the men surrounding her and he does take her out of the bar for some fresh air.
Dree tries to persuade Max to help her cross off items on her list so to speak. As much as he is inclined to help, she probably should just sleep for the time being.
Taking her back to her hotel to get some sleep he decides to stay the night to make sure she is OK... And to maybe help work with her list for the next few days that he is in town.
He does indeed help her with the list (though some of her things she start to rethink after spending time with him).
She finally gets to enjoy herself during the times she isn't dealing with the drama of her ex boyfriend.
Once her trip in Paris is over she is ready for her next adventure.
R4R
September 28, 2020
Rogue is a phenomenal romantic suspense that is sure to delight and entertain as it holds your heart and mind captive. Nothing can prepare you for the roller coaster ride that is Maxence. He will take you unawares and leave you completely breathless and wanting. If nothing else, you will learn why he is so addicting to the women that he meets.
Dree is just your average American woman who is trying to carve out a place in the world. Luck has not looked so kindly on her recently, and she is trying to figure out how to come out on top. Luck in life is like luck at gambling. The stakes are never in your favor and the house always wins. However, maybe a helping hand can pull you up for a few minutes to take a breath of clean air and think clearly for awhile. When that hand is taken away, you are left with unsure legs and not a lot of options. Can Dree create herself a new life, or will she be pulled under by unsuspecting evil that is stalking her every move?
I have been dying to learn more about Maxence, and this book left me with a morsel of that info. Now that I have had a taste, I have to have more. Max doesn't know what to do with Dree as she captivates him like no other. Is she just a passing entertainment, or does Fate have more in store for this unlikely pair?
Blair Babylon has whet my already rabid curiosity for Maxence, and now I can't wait for more! He is such a gentle yet fierce soul that I just want to unravel and savor every step of the way.
Dree is just your average American woman who is trying to carve out a place in the world. Luck has not looked so kindly on her recently, and she is trying to figure out how to come out on top. Luck in life is like luck at gambling. The stakes are never in your favor and the house always wins. However, maybe a helping hand can pull you up for a few minutes to take a breath of clean air and think clearly for awhile. When that hand is taken away, you are left with unsure legs and not a lot of options. Can Dree create herself a new life, or will she be pulled under by unsuspecting evil that is stalking her every move?
I have been dying to learn more about Maxence, and this book left me with a morsel of that info. Now that I have had a taste, I have to have more. Max doesn't know what to do with Dree as she captivates him like no other. Is she just a passing entertainment, or does Fate have more in store for this unlikely pair?
Blair Babylon has whet my already rabid curiosity for Maxence, and now I can't wait for more! He is such a gentle yet fierce soul that I just want to unravel and savor every step of the way.
October 24, 2020
I love Maxence. *sigh*
I am surprised when Dree told him what was going on, he didn't attempt to put her in contact with either Casmir, Wolfram or Theo....
I am surprised when Dree told him what was going on, he didn't attempt to put her in contact with either Casmir, Wolfram or Theo....
October 22, 2020
OMG! That ending... I am looking forward to the next book. Loved getting to know more about Maxence. I like him and Dree. This should be so good.
September 2, 2022
Somewhat clueless nurse practitioner who grew up poor on a sheep farm trying to make a "new her" in Paris after sleezy boyfriend who was using her to get access to opioids dumps her and takes everything she has to pay some sort of debt. Has family that rely on her money every month so this not good.
Second-in-line prince of Monaco in disguise with a Galahad complex trying to fight his lustful nature, do better, and (secret) become a Catholic priest. Power hungry uncle who wants to be king wants him dead. Upset Mafia boss wants him dead. Brother wants...something *shrug*.
What supposed to be a one night stand after man rescues drunk woman from a horde of horny men at a bar turns into four days together in Paris that man pays woman for with understanding that he can do whatever he wants to her, solving her money problem and his lust problem.
- Royal/noble family inheritance drama
- Assassins, mafia bosses, drug dealers
- Friends in high places
- Running away from cheating husbands, divorce, and marrying your ex bodyguard
- Dirty cops
- Woman can hold her own in a fight
- Man has trauma from being kidnapped before, but woman is great at helping him through panic attacks
- Third person alternating perspectives
Second-in-line prince of Monaco in disguise with a Galahad complex trying to fight his lustful nature, do better, and (secret) become a Catholic priest. Power hungry uncle who wants to be king wants him dead. Upset Mafia boss wants him dead. Brother wants...something *shrug*.
What supposed to be a one night stand after man rescues drunk woman from a horde of horny men at a bar turns into four days together in Paris that man pays woman for with understanding that he can do whatever he wants to her, solving her money problem and his lust problem.
- Royal/noble family inheritance drama
- Assassins, mafia bosses, drug dealers
- Friends in high places
- Running away from cheating husbands, divorce, and marrying your ex bodyguard
- Dirty cops
- Woman can hold her own in a fight
- Man has trauma from being kidnapped before, but woman is great at helping him through panic attacks
- Third person alternating perspectives
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2021
Interesting characters and good setting. Fortunately not truly BDSM like the Arthur series.
October 4, 2020
This was one phenomenal read!! Once I started reading Maxence's first installment, I felt that I was peeling the layers off of an onion. He is such a sophisticated man that has more going on than one truly knows. We know from Maxence's past actions in his prequel that Max has a penchant for saving women in distress and he held true in this installment of his story. In white night fashion, he saved the day and continued to do so for Dree who we met at the end of Max's prequel. We learn more about Dree and as much as her situation frustrated me - the lying ex boyfriend that stole everything from her - I liked her independence and her desire to not want to use Max, a factor in a person that I don't think that Max gets to experience often. The pair spend several days together not telling each other the entire truth about each other while Max gives Dree the ultimate Paris experience. There were a few bumps in the road with their security from unknown sources but the pair were a great team together. Not only were they good a team, this pair had chemistry together that was off the charts and I think that Dree brought out a side of Max that we do not get to see often from him.
Their story moved along well and I was hooked on their adventure together. I liked how neither one really knew the other one and they kept pieces of themselves from the other one. The cliffhanger at the end makes me wish for the next installment now. Overall, I would recommend this book to others.
Their story moved along well and I was hooked on their adventure together. I liked how neither one really knew the other one and they kept pieces of themselves from the other one. The cliffhanger at the end makes me wish for the next installment now. Overall, I would recommend this book to others.
October 31, 2020
What happens in Paris...
I’ve been waiting for Maxence’s story for...EVER! He has always been a favorite character of mine as he weaves in and out through the books dedicated to his friends and family. I love that Blair creates such intricate and inter-connected worlds. We see/hear peeks at some of our other favorite characters from other books and storylines intermixed with this story – that is so fun! Creating these relationships will bring me back as a reader every time. These contemporary romance books are so much more than you’d expect from a typical billionaire story. She pulls us fully into the world of royalty, luxury, wealth, and espionage; with a side of potentially deadly family drama. Blair pours each character’s thoughts and experiences through the pages and embeds them directly into your brain (it’s amazing).
Action, suspense, romance, life upheaval, danger, fleeing a crazy, thieving ex, checking off an off-the-chain bucket list, white knights, spies, and royal squabbles play off of each other in the most exciting week you’ve experienced in a long time. I can’t WAIT to read how the rest of Max’s story plays out, the teaser setup at the end almost killed me.... I just know there’s going to be some wild twists – in typical Blair style!
I voluntarily received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, although I would have happily bought it! I’ve read more than a dozen of Blair’s books, and not once have I been disappointed.
My general rating rationale:
3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it (if they won’t listen, I’ll be louder).
I’ve been waiting for Maxence’s story for...EVER! He has always been a favorite character of mine as he weaves in and out through the books dedicated to his friends and family. I love that Blair creates such intricate and inter-connected worlds. We see/hear peeks at some of our other favorite characters from other books and storylines intermixed with this story – that is so fun! Creating these relationships will bring me back as a reader every time. These contemporary romance books are so much more than you’d expect from a typical billionaire story. She pulls us fully into the world of royalty, luxury, wealth, and espionage; with a side of potentially deadly family drama. Blair pours each character’s thoughts and experiences through the pages and embeds them directly into your brain (it’s amazing).
Action, suspense, romance, life upheaval, danger, fleeing a crazy, thieving ex, checking off an off-the-chain bucket list, white knights, spies, and royal squabbles play off of each other in the most exciting week you’ve experienced in a long time. I can’t WAIT to read how the rest of Max’s story plays out, the teaser setup at the end almost killed me.... I just know there’s going to be some wild twists – in typical Blair style!
I voluntarily received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, although I would have happily bought it! I’ve read more than a dozen of Blair’s books, and not once have I been disappointed.
My general rating rationale:
3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it (if they won’t listen, I’ll be louder).
October 1, 2020
Good gosh! Author Blair Babylon is a master at building suspense. I have been eagerly awaiting Maxence's story for YEARS. Finally it arrives and I am practically salivating as I tear into the book, excited that I will finally learn the truth about the elusive Maxence. As I am reading, I am finding that Maxence's unveiling is happening at the rate of an excruciatingly slow strips tease. The end of "Rogue" finds me with almost as many questions regarding who Maxence is as the beginning of the book-- but I promise that slooowly he is starting to be unveiled. One thing that is made abundantly clear is that Maxence lives two polar opposite lives and this results in my finding myself even MORE intrigued by him.
Now THIS is what I consider phenomenal writing! I am 1,000% invested in learning about Maxence. Like I eagerly awaited the publication of "Rogue", I will eagerly await the release of the next installment, "Order". Dree is simply intriguing and there could not be a more perfect pairing for a man like Maxence. She has the perfect blend of naivety, inner strength, humor, self-deprecation, and ball-busting fighting skills. She is utterly fascinating and now I am eager to learn more about the two of them combined. Rogue is simply genius writing. If you miss out on reading this series, you are seriously depriving yourself of reading what is sure to be the must read series of 2020/2021. 1-click buy today!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now THIS is what I consider phenomenal writing! I am 1,000% invested in learning about Maxence. Like I eagerly awaited the publication of "Rogue", I will eagerly await the release of the next installment, "Order". Dree is simply intriguing and there could not be a more perfect pairing for a man like Maxence. She has the perfect blend of naivety, inner strength, humor, self-deprecation, and ball-busting fighting skills. She is utterly fascinating and now I am eager to learn more about the two of them combined. Rogue is simply genius writing. If you miss out on reading this series, you are seriously depriving yourself of reading what is sure to be the must read series of 2020/2021. 1-click buy today!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2020
I absolutely LOVED the first part to Dree and Maxence's story!! Dree Clark has her bucket list for a new Dree. With a drunk declaration thrown out in the Buddha Bar comes a damaged knight in Maxence Grimaldi comes to save her. With the promise of a life changing proposal, how could a girl turn down Maxence. With a promise not to let real life get in the way of their bubble in Paris, what kind of trouble could two lost souls get into in only 4 days?
Dree Clark is ready to hit reset on her life. And on her first night in Paris, it kicks off her trip in an unexpected way. Maxence is ready to rescue the fiery American if she'll let him. Maxence strikes a deal with her for their 4 remaining days in Paris, and no real details of their lives back "home". And then they go their separate ways. For Dree's part, being Maxence's beck and call girl, she'll be able to send her sister the desperately needed money her ex stole. But as she digs deeper into the mess back home, will trouble follow her across the ocean?. Dree will get to see Paris, but at what cost? Will Maxence's familiar duties put a damper on things? Or the men seemingly after Maxence get him first? I received an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
Dree Clark is ready to hit reset on her life. And on her first night in Paris, it kicks off her trip in an unexpected way. Maxence is ready to rescue the fiery American if she'll let him. Maxence strikes a deal with her for their 4 remaining days in Paris, and no real details of their lives back "home". And then they go their separate ways. For Dree's part, being Maxence's beck and call girl, she'll be able to send her sister the desperately needed money her ex stole. But as she digs deeper into the mess back home, will trouble follow her across the ocean?. Dree will get to see Paris, but at what cost? Will Maxence's familiar duties put a damper on things? Or the men seemingly after Maxence get him first? I received an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
October 9, 2020
I am SO excited to finally get Max' story! Like every other Blair Fan, I've been dying to know Max better. He's appeared in previous books, popped up here and there... and I've always wondered "What's up with him, anyway?" We've only seen other characters' opinions of Max, but the things he does and the reasons behind them were always somehow shrouded in mystery.
"Rogue" is a delicious appetizer for the feast to come, leaving me wanting more in the very best way. It starts out as something of an American in Paris romance, but over the course of the book, the story turns more and more towards Romantic Suspense - and Blair is a mast of the genre.
By the end, we have more questions than answers, but we got a glimpse behind Max's mask. I got anxious while reading the end - boy-oh-boy, does Man have some `splainin' to do!
As always, I LOVED seeing the connections between events and characters in previous books! Not only does this firmly cement in the Readers mind when "Rogue" takes place within the larger Timeline of the "Billionaires In Disguise" world, it's just an amazingly rich display of world building.
I wait, with baited breath, for the next part of Max's story!
"Rogue" is a delicious appetizer for the feast to come, leaving me wanting more in the very best way. It starts out as something of an American in Paris romance, but over the course of the book, the story turns more and more towards Romantic Suspense - and Blair is a mast of the genre.
By the end, we have more questions than answers, but we got a glimpse behind Max's mask. I got anxious while reading the end - boy-oh-boy, does Man have some `splainin' to do!
As always, I LOVED seeing the connections between events and characters in previous books! Not only does this firmly cement in the Readers mind when "Rogue" takes place within the larger Timeline of the "Billionaires In Disguise" world, it's just an amazingly rich display of world building.
I wait, with baited breath, for the next part of Max's story!
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