Dree has been swindled, chased, heartbroken, conscripted, and kidnapped.
What on Earth could be worse than all that?
Don’t ask.
Don’t miss the exciting next book in the Maxence saga, ROYAL!
Is this the first Maxence book you’ve run across? Start the series with the first book, ROGUE.
Her ex-boyfriend was supposed to propose in Paris, but instead, he swindled her out of every penny she had. Now, the hottest man she’s ever seen has an indecent proposal to get her on her feet, and on her back, and on her knees.
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.
You know the problem with a book like this? It finishes. There is an end. This is unacceptable.
I could quite happily have continued reading for double the length. This one flowed so seamlessly from start to finish. No mess. No fuss. Just honest to goodness fabulous storytelling.
And the end? Oh my heart.
More and more and more please.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Fear, Suspense & Terror With Giggles, Steam & Love Woven In.😳🙈😄🔥💘 An Emotional Rollercoaster.💥 Royal (Billionaires in Disguise: Maxence #4)
Well this book started as it meant to go on ... by giving me a stress ulcer & heart palpitations!🙈 With both Max & Dree kidnapped at the end of book #3, this picks up a while later.😳 Thankfully Dree with her wit & fire gave me plenty of giggles & light hearted moments even during the most stressful & life threatening of times!😂 We need them both to escape or be found though!🙏
A number of old friends crawl out of the wood work. We also encounter a type of 'inch worm' (the kids song is on repeat in my head.😂). It's integral to the plot.👍 The depth & extremes of the backstabbing, betrayals & attempted murders of the past decade finally all come to light.💥 Who will be named the Crowned Prince?👑
This was so gripping. I flew through the pages because I couldn't put it down, I devoured it like a demon. Maxence made up for his failings in book #3 and then some.💘🔥 I'm hanging on the edge of this cliffhanger by my bleeding finger tips, it's that fast & steep!!😲💥 I'm so excited for book #5, I've pre-ordered it ready to demolish. This Series is truly unmissable!🌟
Oh my STARS !!!! If you are like me and like some intrigue and mystery , along with a sexy man that knows stuff and can rock your world, then this series is for you!! Max, the cosmopolitan undercover Prince, has been pulled from his missionary work because he is the second in line to the throne. His brother, Pierre, has died and Max now must step up to the plate.
As he is running the tiny country , he has an agenda. to stay alive !!!
But Many factors are against him ......
Dree , his "secretary" , is the only person that he can trust . She is also Extremely important to him....
As we left the last book , Prince, our duo had just been kidnapped from the Sea Change ball....... And ROYAL picks up right there !! This book was phenomenal !! It was at turns sad and hopeful, and parts made me gasp out loud, and also giggle 😆😆 So many questions answered, so many More questions revealed!! Some old friends make a spectacular appearance, and there is a lot of heart pumping , heart stopping action. I thought this book was absolutely brilliant, how it gives you Dree and Max's story of love, and the ongoing struggle of what Max needs opposed to what he truly wants. When I first meet Dree I ( hated) her. Because she had Max , and I didn't 😆😆😆 Now, I see that they are truly well matched and I root for them to get their happy ever after!!! But it won't be in this book !!!!
I hate the words ," the end " , and this book( as all of them ) , end in a spectacular finish....... And Monaco will never be the same!!!! Already anxiously waiting for More, and have very happily pre orderded the next book !!!
What a coincidence! All events in this book happened over roughly a 24 hour period of time-- which is almost exactly how long it took me to devour reading this book in its entirety. "Royal " is indeed THAT GOOD, so you will want to make sure that you have adequate time carved aside for reading. Truly phenomenal writing full of wicked plot twists and curves, plus a full cast of intriguing characters, combines to make for one wildly entertaining and sinfully delicious read!
My only wish is that there was a bit more romance between Dree and Maxence in this installment. Although, now that I think about it, this installment does take place over a roughly 24 hours period. That timeframe alone does not allow much time for steam between the sheets. At the conclusion of "Prince", Maxence and Dree each found themselves being kidnapped separately. "Royal" picked up post-kidnappings and is more about their attempts to save themselves and each other from their enemies, ultimately be reunited, and to make it to the election on time. Ha ha, even the world's most efficient multi-taskers would struggle to find excess amounts of time for sex with that timeline. I suppose I should cut them some slack then... ;-)
Leaving off at another nail-biting cliffhanger, we still have no idea if Maxence becomes the official Prince of Monoco or not. I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment and exciting conclusion....
I was given an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If the cliffhanger in the last book nearly killed me then the one is this book has definitely nearly put me close to the edge!
This installment in Maxence's story we pick up right where we left off in the last book with both Max and Dree being kidnapper by different groups. After realizing who betrayed him, Max convinces his kidnappers to free him just as his friends Arthur and Casmir arrive to save him. Once safe, Max then teams up with other that he went to school with to find and save Dree who was working on her third escape attempt. The pair are then reunited and in an not only action packed course of events they then have to face the drama of the election for the throne.
I was on the edge of my seat while reading this installment and then nearly threw my ereader when it ended as I am truly routing for Max and Dree's HEA. I feel that this couple get nothing but obstacles blocking their way no matter how hard I cheer for them! I loved seeing Arthur and Casmir coming to save the day as I had a feeling that he would need their assistance at some point. This action packed installment had me hooked from page one and showed the true depths that some will stoop to when power and money are involved. Now I just need to be patient for the conclusion to this story - I just hope that time flies while I wait!
Overall, this was a book that felt like it ended right after it started. If you are okay with nail biting cliffhangers, then I recommend this book and series. If you can not, then I recommend waiting for the entire series.
Edited 5/20/21 to add my comments on the audiobook: Audiobook Review: Overall – 5 Performance – 5 Story – 5
Lucy Rivers and Shane East continue to do a fantastic job with the audiobooks. Their accents and voices for the various characters are great and I look forward to listening to them perform the final book in this series.
Original review below:
Had my heart beating way too fast!
This series just keeps getting better and better! Royal kept me on the edge of my seat and had me holding my breath while reading much of it. There is so much heart-stopping action that I couldn’t begin to describe it all. Kidnappings, a mass shooting and so much more going on. And several of my favorite characters from previous books show up to help Max. Yay for Casimir and Arthur and Rogue Security!
Both Max and Dree are in peril throughout much of the story and the bad guys just keep coming and coming – from all different angles. Blair Babylon truly has a devious mind when it comes to writing scenarios for her characters. She knows exactly how to keep her readers engaged and how to leave us wanting more.
Just when I thought things were settling down for Max and Dree another situation pops up. Royal ends on a heck of a cliffhanger but I trust Blair Babylon to give them a fantastic HEA. I can’t wait to read Reign, the final book in this great series.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and besides that, I purchased a copy!
5 star Review Royal (A Billionaires in Disguise: Maxence #4) by Blair Babylon
AUDIO REVIEW:
Firstly you must listen to this series in order so if you have not read or listened to the previous books in this series then you need to STOP and do so before you move on to Royal. This is the continuation of Maxence Grimaldi and Dree Clark’s story and as with the previous books in the series it was a fast paced story that was gripping and had m There were times that I was on the edge of my seat as the action took place, fearing that the danger would be too much and than one or both of them would not escape what fate had planned for them.
Narrated by Shane East and Lucy Rivers, they did a fabulous great job in bringing Ms.Babylon’s story to life. There were so many twists and turns that at times I felt as though I was reeling but through it all the love that Maxence and Dree have for one another shines right.
Maxcence is such a complex man and Shane certainly captured this in his performance. The chemistry that smoulders between Dree and Maxcence continues to tantalize and the connection between them is deep and true.
Royal as well written, suspenseful, intriguing and after the way this book ends I am impatient for the next book to see what is in store for Maxence and Dree.
The story picks up after the harrowing events of the Sea Change Gala and we find Maxence in the one situation he’d hoped to never revisit. Dree’s not faring much better. But, instead of being frightened or overly concerned with her predicament, she’s determined to find her way back to Maxence – even if it gets her killed.
I’m enjoying the tight connection between Dree and Max and how much each has grown as a result. Dree’s likely the one person who actually knows Max best – through his alter egos: the rogue, the priest and now the prince. I love how Arthur and Caz once again make an appearance to assist Max with his latest troubles. It’s truly entertaining when these three get together – particularly the reactions to the furtive precautions Arthur’s made on the pretense of what’s best.
The story is well written with appealing characters, plenty of drama, angst, humour, suspense, and intrigue. There’s also some violence, deception and betrayal, a couple of twists, plus a little steam. I’m very much looking forward to the conclusion of this suspenseful tale: ‘Reign’. I received an Advance Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and I had really hoped it would be the last in the series, but unfortunately, there’s one more book to go. And this one ended on another cliffhanger. Aargh!
This particular installment read more like a novella than a full-length book, but that may be because I couldn’t put it down. It was another action-packed and riveting roller coaster ride with only a few brief interludes of tenderness and emotional exchanges between Max and Dree. For the most part, the story consisted of getting out of the jam they’d found themselves in at the end of the last book and getting into a new one by the end of this book.
As always, the writing is professional and engaging, characters are realistic and relatable, and the plot is intriguing and complex. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it, although I’d certainly suggest reading in order (starting with One Night in Monaco, #0.5).
I am just loving this series... Maxence and Dree just keep finding themselves in one mess after another... will they ever get a moment's peace? This installment of their story kept me riveted and on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. And while I knew it was coming, when the cliffhanger arrived I STILL wanted to throw my kindle across the room. Why? Because I don't want to wait to find out what happens next for these two and whether they'll survive the latest threat... and it's a doozy!!
OMG This series is unbelievably excellent. So much action and drama, kidnapping, rescues, escapes and just heart stopping twists. The characters are charismatic and I just fall into the story. Extraordinary story, I am hanging by a thread waiting for the conclusion to be written, even though the cliffhanger ending is tense.
Simply Gobsmacked!! Wow Wow Wow!! I'm never speechless, but I have a hard time with this review. I've loved Luvved other Blair Babylon books, even the other installments of Maxence & Dree's adventures. But, (not really a spoiler) Dree the inchworm and Maxence doing 'his thing' at crucial moments!!?? I tense up when I'm reading spectacular stories like this. Then I get to hug a heating pad - Oh woe is me, lol. I wish I was hugging etc that hot ripped mountain of muscle that does not inspire one holy thought, at all!! Thanks Blair for an awesomesauce & then some, sexy suspenseful delight. I'm soooo looking forward to Reign. And wickedly looking forward to binging with Maxence, Dree and company.
Lots of adventure, romance and royals a la Blair Babylon. I loved the all of the Maxence series and the other royals, but this cliffhanger is the bomb! I can’t wait for September to find out what happens! 😊👍
Tempt audiobook - I have finished the first four books of the six book series and while I like the MMC and FMC I probably will not read/listen to the last 2 books. Each book ends on a cliffhanger, which is kind of exciting… But I’ve kind of gotten bored with the story. The author went to a lot of trouble, researching the history and politics of Monaco to make this book more believable-ish. But by the end of book 4 it’s just so wild and out there. And so far there is very little spice. And the spice is not that spicy. Just saying.
Royal is the intoxicating continuation of Maxence's story. It is a stunningly phenomenal peek into the revelation of who one man really is and how his fate will inexorably change the future of a nation. What you find within these pages will astound and break your heart with its depth and intensity. However, like a phoenix, what rises from the ashes will never be the same again.
Max and Dree were fighting to get back to each other when we last saw them. Dree comes to realize the profound impact Max has made on her life and heart, and Max finally understands the true meaning of home. Together they are a force to be reckoned with, but when those against them play dirty, can they survive in order to see their possible future unfold?
What a fantastic adventure! This couple couldn't be more different and yet they compliment the other perfectly. It's the heart that matches and finds our other half if we will only listen to it. When no one understands what we feel, we just need to open ourselves to our beloved and allow them to love us until the pain recess or transforms into something beautiful.
Blair Babylon has continued to make me fall hopelessly in love with her marvelous characters. She knows that our struggles are the same no matter what level of society we come from. We are all people, and we all need love, hope, and joy. Even leaving us on the searing edge of a death defying cliff too many times than I can count, I find that this author is truly one of my all time favorites.
This is Royal: Billionaires in Disguise: Maxence # 4 written by Blair Babylon. Well hellfire and damnation! This series is going to be the death of me! and maybe Maxence and Dree as well! Just when you think that you know someone.... they turn around and stab you in the back... or take you hostage... whichever is easier. This whole book is one coup attempt after another! Blair Babylon is making me crazy by not letting me have the ENTIRE series right now!! You will fall in love with Prince Max and his secret "dirty ways" as he tries to protect the small country of Monaco from being ruled by crazy people. There is a new problem around every corner and people keep turning up dead. Can Max save the throne as well as Dree? Will his friends be able to find him in time? Just how many people at one time can be attempting to over throw the throne? Questions will be answered and reasons will be shown into the light.... maybe...? maybe in the next book.. lol
This is book four in Max and Dree's story and the twists and turns keep on coming. How did they get out of the last life threatening situations they were in and what new awful things happen? As with the other books with Max and Dree this one sucked me in. The characters are awesome, loving, and conflicted. They are real, well if you add in a lot of money and are royalty. I loved how much Dree and Max fight for their freedom and each other. This book has humor to add levity to the danger they encounter and it makes the book that much more enjoyable. Awesome writing, intricate plot, and loveable characters. Everything I want in a great read. Be warned because it does end with a cliffhanger, but I don't mind one bit. Their story is worth it. I was given the opportunity to read a copy of this book
And once again, we the audience (as this feels like a video drama, not a book) are left suspended above what could very well be the finale. Laughed out loud in several places, cringed in others. If you don’t like cliffhangers, wait until Reign, the next book is out and purchase the whole series. However, whether you buy the whole series or each as published, don’t miss this one. A swashbuckling read! And it should be a tv series. Grab the series, a definite add to the TBR list.
Royal, the next installment in Maxence's story is action-packed, has enough twists and turns to make you nauseous, and plenty of betrayal to go around. Just when we think Max will finally accept his fate, all hell breaks loose! Thank goodness his sexy little secretary is there to set the record straight. A must read in the Billionaires in Disguise series!
I read an ARC of Royal and willingly left this honest review.
Well! The twists in this one are out of this world. I Loved It!
Dree is one heck of a woman - not one to be kept tied down if she has anything to say about it. Max uses what he learned the first time he was kidnapped...for another successful win :)
Totally desperate for the conclusion of this series. Max & Dree are a powerhouse team.
Holy mother... it grabs you in the first page throws you around and smacks you up side the head with a surprising cliff hanger. Blair snags your heart with Max and Dree, and spins you an AMAZING story line which will have you burning for the conclusion book. You will fall deeper for the characters and love the suspense and intrigue of the story line.
As always Blair delivers. Here read the continuation of the bid for the throne of Monaco. Will Maxence finally decided to become a priest or take the crown... The twist an turns in this book is a shock an delight. Great read cant wait to read the final chapter.
OMG! Blair you have done it again. Love how you have made Dree such a strong character. Love her & Max. I cannot wait for the next book to see how they get out of this & the not so nice get what’s coming.
This is a good addition to the Maxence series, which I have been waiting for. Maxence is an interesting character, and this book delves deeper into the mystery and romance.
It bothered me that Maxence was so open to sexual experiences, even though he had taken a vow of celibacy in his quest to become a priest. I get that he probably isn't really going to end up as a priest, but it still bothers me that he broke his vows so much. He did feel guilty about it, and always confessed, but still ...
I will say that I prefer romances to have less kinky sex. Ever since 50 Shades of Grey was such a success, most romances feature at least some BDSM and some kinky scenes. This is true of most of Blair Babylon's books and series. This series seems to get a little kinkier and contain more BDSM with every book. Some of the kink in this one disturbed me, as it seemed extreme (biting, choking, and whipping your lover are too sadistic for my taste). I get that some people really enjoy that in romances, but I just don't find hurting your lover romantic. I still read Blair's books, because her writing/plots are very good -- but I wish more romances would feature love scenes that do not contain BDSM or a lot of kink.
I am glad I waited until all the Maxence books were out to start this series -- because I can't wait to find out what happens next. I won't give spoilers on the other Billionaire books, but I will say that I absolutely did not think Pierre suffered enough for what he had done. I also hope that Maxence's Uncle Jules gets what is coming to him before this series ends -- sounds like he deserves it.
My rating system is below. 1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it. 2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws. 3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating. 4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one. 5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Never a dull moment... Max wakes to find himself locked in a room onboard a cargo vessel miles out to sea, he escapes and then manages to persuade most onboard that he did not deserve to be killed and others were traitors.. Quentin had tried to shoot Max but Rossi (one of his old body guards) saved him.. Max tells Quentin he believed the wrong person and when he realised that he committed suicide..
Dree had managed to contact Arthur before the Russian mafia kidnapped her and both Arthur and Casmir track Max down using the beacon in his watch.. they arrive in helicopters..
Max asks if she is safe.. they are confused They start tracking her down with some help from Micah and Tricks plus a couple of his friends. By the time they find where she is she had already nearly escaped for a third time.. Max arranges for his own security from Dieters company and they all return to the palace... Tricks and his friends return to their yachts, A and C decide to stay a bit.. There will be a meeting of Monaco’s council scheduled for 6 but his scheming uncle, Jules brings it forward, then tries to take over but his daughter, Marie Therese has a made a deal with the Mafia and she looks like she is going to win, but Max and Dree arrive and there is chaos.. By the time, the final votes are held Max is elected prince and he proposes to Dree (again) and she retrieves the ring (in its case) from her bra.. 😆 Suddenly MarieTherese storms the throne room with her armed guards intending to kill everyone... then the book ends!! Seriously Blair ... we need some respite here... how can every book end in a cliff hanger! Four months to wait! Now I feel like 😭 Will I be reading the next one? Of course 😃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Learning more about who Maxence really is and where his pain originates was eye-opening and heart-wrenching, but it plays into his future so heavily that it explains why he has wanted to avoid becoming the next monarch in Monaco. When all of his family seems to be against him and murder attempts leave everyone suspect, he wants nothing more than to leave Monaco and live a normal life. But Maxence is not a normal prince. And yet, how can he leave the country in someone else's hands?
Dree is so down to earth, and it comes from her upbringing, one where she worked hard to help her family run their farming business, and she just wants to find her little slice of happiness. But with her ex's assumed to be hers, she has drug lords after her, and each moment in Maxence's arms puts her more at risk. With all of the backstabbing going on in the upper echelon of Monaco society, can she be what he needs to help him figure out what to do and trust him with her safety?
The detail of this royal society is intricate and incredible. Her stories are always filled with such mystery and intrigue that I never know where she's taking her characters next. But I'm impatiently waiting to find out.
I told myself after being disappointed in the last one I would read the next and give it a chance. I did. I won’t be reading the next one. The story should have wrapped up, but once again we have a cliffhanger. This time, however, I just don’t care. Max’s story has been dragged out and padded to the point of being ridiculous, and this installment just gets him out of the kidnapping jam the last book’s cliffhanger ended on and then spends the rest (I have no idea of page count since I read on Kindle, but I’m guessing 2/3 of the book) on the “election.” This isn’t intriguing anymore. The priest angle has been complete abandoned, and Max as a character has become supremely uninteresting. Dree keeps reminding us that she’s just a farm girl. Over and over. It’s just not worth reading.
I just took a peek at the other reviews, and I honestly have no idea why they are so excited about another stall. It just wasn’t that great.
Dree and Max are one of my favorite couples ever and especially in the Billionaire universe. I love all of Blair Babylon's couples, but there's just something special about Dree and Max. They are two confident people that know how to lead in their normal roles, but being thrown into new situations causes their fears and vulnerabilities. Dree so complements Max's anxieties. She's his personal cheerleader and confident. Max shows Dree a world she's never gotten to explore showing her possibilities for herself she has never considered. In Royal you see them start to come into themselves.
The plot thickness in Royal more. Bringing the tension even higher. Max and Dree need each other even more with the danger surrounding them.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
OMG!! What an amazing book! Blair Babylon writes the most incredible series of books and this one is something exceptional...the story is compelling, and the characters are so well written that you want to be their friend. This is book 5 in Maxence’s series, and each one just keeps getting better and better. You need to read this series, but for the most enjoyment, start with Casimir’s story- Working Stiff. Each book series can be read separately, but they do cross over and build their stories on the previous ones. I am so glad I found Blair’s books, and this one is unpredictable and exciting; a true thrill ride. I cannot wait for Reign. If you like contemporary, action filled, sensual romances, then Blair Babylon is the author you’ll want to read.