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Once Upon A Time: Billionaires in Disguise: Flicka (Her Royal Bodyguard Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.2 out of 5 stars 2,994 ratings

When a modern princess falls in love with her bodyguard, a royal fairy tale turns dangerous.
ONCE UPON A TIME, there was a beautiful princess. Flicka von Hannover lived an enchanted life. She jetted around Europe staging charity events with friends, had married a handsome prince in the most spectacular royal wedding of the 21st century, and should have lived happily ever after.

But then she found the handsome prince in bed with a duchess.
And then a coffee shop barista.
And then her own danged secretary.

Finally, the prince did the unthinkable, and the beautiful princess ran away.

The prince didn’t want to let her go. He couldn’t take his throne without her and sent henchmen to take her back to the castle.

Her worried royal brother sent people to look for her, too.

The prince threatened her. He said that if the princess contacted her brother or any of her friends for help, he would kill her brother and her brother’s new, pregnant wife.

So the princess ran to the only person she could trust, a man who was frankly not a handsome prince.

Dieter Schwarz had been Flicka’s bodyguard for years. He had protected her from assassins, kidnappers, and high school dates who got too handsy after a few drinks. He was a sharp-witted, sharp-jawed, hard-muscled former Swiss Special Forces operator who had started his own private security firm, Rogue Security, and had no past that he spoke of.

No one knew that he had been her first lover and broken her heart, but he's the only one she can trust now.

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From the Publisher

Blair Babylon - Thrillers that Bang

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079248LFZ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Malachite Publishing LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 3, 2018
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 432 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 407 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Her Royal Bodyguard
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,994 ratings

About the author

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Blair Babylon
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USA Today Bestselling Author Blair Babylon is an award-winning author who regularly publishes contemporary romance and romantic suspense fiction. After writing literary fiction where reviews usually included the caveat that there was too much deviant sex, she decided to abandon all literary pretensions, let her freak flag fly, and write hot, sexy, erotic romance with crazy, breakneck plot turns.

Copy/paste this link into your browser to sign up for email alerts about new releases, special sales, and free ebooks: http://smarturl.it/Babylon-Email . Blair sends out chatty, fun emails with great deals. Hey, she's a reader, too, and she understands that it's hard to find great new writers to read and harder to find great freebies and deals.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,994 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging with plenty of suspense, and appreciate its spectacular writing and amazing characters. Moreover, the book is full of emotions, with one customer noting the emotional connection with royalty, and features lots of details. However, customers disagree on the pacing, with some finding it slow going. Additionally, the book receives mixed reactions regarding enjoyment, with some finding it refreshing while others say it's boring from the beginning. Moreover, several customers note the repetition as a negative aspect.

59 customers mention "Writing quality"43 positive16 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as spectacular and well-crafted, with one customer noting how the author's imagination shines through.

"...can share with your co-workers: there’s a bit of steam here, and adult language as well as adult situations...." Read more

"...The writing style is superb. It was so hard to put down once I started, I had to finish this first book. It is jam-packed with drama...." Read more

"...This is not the easiest story to read but I think it should be read for new and old readers." Read more

"...The writing was solid but there was a lot of backstory weaved in, which is hard to do well...." Read more

56 customers mention "Character development"46 positive10 negative

Customers praise the character development in the book, noting the wonderful flow of characters and story, with one customer highlighting the strong female protagonist and another mentioning the presence of serious alpha males.

"...The characters are richly developed and engaging. Flicka’s down-to-earth views are surprising, irreverent, and fun...." Read more

"...I've read everything she writes. I love her Billionaires in Disguise series. Other reviewers have stated that each series can be read as standalones...." Read more

"...for Dieter; he made the book worth the time because he was an interesting character...." Read more

"...The plot was great. The characters were really good or really bad, but well written and always interesting...." Read more

23 customers mention "Emotional content"19 positive4 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as full of emotions and intense at times, with one customer noting how it evokes feelings of anger and sorrow.

"...This story focuses mostly on love, loyalty, and betrayal, and will touch every emotion you have before you’re through...." Read more

"Loaded with suspense, betrayal, and dedicated protection teams, this book has everything needed for a romantic suspense story. The plot was great...." Read more

"...It was intense and heartbreaking, sweet and sexy. And once again, I'm left thirsting for the next part of the story...." Read more

"...Dieter is definitely flawed but has a big heart. Flicka...I'm still holding out hope on her. Couple of things..." Read more

18 customers mention "Detail"13 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed content, with one customer noting its well-researched nature and another highlighting its thorough background information.

"...Nothing escapes her notice. Her organizational skills are what she does best. The interaction with Dieter leaves me wanting more of them together...." Read more

"...I really enjoy her style of writing - gives plenty of details and insight into the characters, and hints at more...." Read more

"Well, Flicka can plan a party. The book focused more on mundane details than the story of Flicka and Dieter...." Read more

"...Blair’s books are long, entrancing and incredibly detailed. She’s an excellent writer who does research and it shows...." Read more

34 customers mention "Enjoyment"23 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book, with some finding it refreshing and filled with excitement, while others describe it as boring from the beginning.

"...Flicka’s down-to-earth views are surprising, irreverent, and fun. The tension and passion between Flicka and Dieter is chemistry at its best...." Read more

"...Blair Babylon's books are a real treat to read. I've read everything she writes. I love her Billionaires in Disguise series...." Read more

"...There are so many other twists and turns in this story it was hard to keep up at times but hopefully with further installments it will settle all..." Read more

"...characters were really good or really bad, but well written and always interesting...." Read more

21 customers mention "Pacing"14 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it slow going, while others appreciate its wonderful loyalty.

"...This story focuses mostly on love, loyalty, and betrayal, and will touch every emotion you have before you’re through...." Read more

"...Not a bad read at all, just a slow read for a little while, but I did enjoy it" Read more

"...and must read them again (and again).Princess Flicka, our heroine, is strong and capable...." Read more

"...It was intense and heartbreaking, sweet and sexy. And once again, I'm left thirsting for the next part of the story...." Read more

8 customers mention "Repetition"0 positive8 negative

Customers find the book repetitive, with one customer specifically mentioning excessive filler content to justify multiple books.

"...I don't enjoy about Ms. Babylon's writing is her repetition of large chunks of information from her other books that apply to other characters in..." Read more

"...were awesome, the one thing I didn't like was all the repetition throughout the entire story...." Read more

"...The concept is good, but there is wayyyyyy too much rehash, which I would have overlooked if it was a complete book...." Read more

"This book was mostly a rehash of several others save for the first and last chapter...." Read more

Finally the story of Flicka begins here...
5 out of 5 stars
Finally the story of Flicka begins here...
I have read most of the books in the Billionaire's in Disguise series and it is awesome and this first book of the Runaway Princess Series Book 1 is great. I loved how Flicka's story opens with her best friend coming to her rescue and their friendship once again draws them in to each other's arms. I will continue reading all the books in this series because they are also filled with excitement and thrilling storylines. Blair Babylon does not disappoint. Everyone of her books are very good and entertaining.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Blair Babylon, you Evil Genius! I want to hate you. But I love your work *sob*. Why cain’t I just quit you???

    Forgive my tantrum. I’ll control myself now. But it truly is all Blair Babylon’s fault. She’s gone and written an amazing princess story (…back up and read that again: I just put the word “amazing” in front of “princess story!”), and I am obsessed. Now, while I think most women share at least a bit of the “Princess Gene” somewhere deep in their souls, I’m not one of those women that get totally absorbed by royal stuff. I’ve read a few, and liked some. But it’s not like I’m in love with all things having to do with handsome princes and royal weddings, etc. The blurb on this one, however, kind of grabbed my attention, so I decided to give it a try. Great galloping court jesters, am I glad I picked this one up!

    Our modern day Princess and heroine, Flicka, has the heart of Diana, the intelligence of Grace, and the strength of a young Queen Victoria; all wrapped into the savvy package of a woman who could run a Fortune 500 company. Her life has been—interesting so far, which has made her the tough, independent woman she is. She doesn’t see love the way most women her age do, and considers marriage as a dynastic responsibility. So she thinks her marriage to the very handsome and wealthy Prince of Monaco will be suitable since she loves him enough, she believes.

    With more twists and switchbacks than the famous mountainous roads of Monaco, this tale begins to unravel in delectable, outrageous, and sometimes horrifying ways. Nothing is really as it seems in Flicka’s incredible world where money can buy you anything except, perhaps, the truth. Betrayal seems to be the norm, after all, kidnappings and/or assassination attempts just seem to keep happening.

    There have always been two people Flicka could count on, though—her brother Wulf, and her bodyguard, Dieter. Although she and Dieter had a few rough years, his instinct has always been to protect her. It’s ingrained in him. Even when she’s married to the Prince of Monaco and should be under the protection of their bodyguards, somehow Dieter is always close by making sure she’s truly safe. Dieter may not be royalty, but he’s definitely a hero you can love as he proves himself repeatedly. He’s wonderfully loyal, brilliant, bold, and tough. He’s also the only man that can help Flicka.

    The characters are richly developed and engaging. Flicka’s down-to-earth views are surprising, irreverent, and fun. The tension and passion between Flicka and Dieter is chemistry at its best. As for the many Monarchs that flit in and out of the story line: well, they’re just a hoot in one form or another. Then there’s the plot itself, which is so engrossing and complex it nearly defies description, except for one word: WOW.

    So what can the reader expect? This is a story you can share with your co-workers: there’s a bit of steam here, and adult language as well as adult situations. While there is a bit of violence (kidnapping, assassination attempts) running through the plot, humor is embedded throughout thanks to Flicka’s irreverent inner monologue, serving to ease the tension. This story focuses mostly on love, loyalty, and betrayal, and will touch every emotion you have before you’re through.

    One word of warning, though… remember my rant at the beginning? Yeah. Flicka’s story does not end here. Our HEA is not gonna’ be at the end of this book, Dear Readers. But this story's too good to let go. I'm in for the series.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this story, but what I don't enjoy about Ms. Babylon's writing is her repetition of large chunks of information from her other books that apply to other characters in the story. Nor do I enjoy filler writing. You know what I mean. When the author goes on and on about some inane subject that adds nothing to the plot, isn't important to the story and you, as the reader, don't give a d*mm about.
    I'm so sick of napkins and don't understand why they had to be unbleached silk. NAPKINS! that Flika assures us the guest will be able to tell are polyester and not silk! Who cares?
    The very first chapter only gets tied into the story in the very last chapter and then the story ends with a cliff hanger. BOOOOOO!
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It was such a pleasure to once again dive into the first of Blair Babylon's Runaway Princess series. If I could give her 100 stars it would approximate how I feel about this book. So, I settled for the 5 stars allowed. Her opening sets the pace for this action filled adventure. The writing style is superb. It was so hard to put down once I started, I had to finish this first book. It is jam-packed with drama. Hints are dropped that Dieter is much more than he seems. We get some ties to other series, notably, Rae and Wulf and Alexandre/Xan/Alex and Georgie as well as Lizzie. In a previous series, culminating with the marriage of Rae and Wulf, we were left hanging with the sudden disappearance of newly married Flicka to Pierre Grimaldi. This is the series that will tell us why she vanished.

    What I will remember about this series is that I have to read it again, just like I reread all of her other books. I am a Blair Babylon junkie. I can't get enough of each series and must read them again (and again).Princess Flicka, our heroine, is strong and capable. Dieter remarks that she would make a fine general mustering the troops and setting detailed plans in place to win a war. She takes command of the preparations for Wulf's wedding down to the smallest detail. Nothing escapes her notice. Her organizational skills are what she does best. The interaction with Dieter leaves me wanting more of them together. The pace of the Flicka series keeps getting faster and faster as we get to the end of this first book. My dilemma: to go right on to the next book in the series or reread this first one, pulling out additional clues and enjoying the action while I anxiously await the last two books to be released.

    The salient point here is the filial bond between Flicka and her brother, Wulf. Then there is the romance and care that Dieter takes with Flicka. He trusts no one else to really protect her other than himself. In this story, Wulf's main focus is on his wife, Rae. He too would kill anyone who harms his sister. This book brings us assassination attempts, kidnapping, and so much more. What a psychological rush!

    I've already purchased the next 3 books that make up this series, with one more, as yet unavailable to order, to finish with a HEA. Blair Babylon's books are a real treat to read. I've read everything she writes. I love her Billionaires in Disguise series. Other reviewers have stated that each series can be read as standalones. I found that I needed to read each series as a unit. If you have not yet tried her books, look her up and find the recommended reading order. This next reread, I'll try it that way. I did not go that route originally, but read all the Wulf/Rae books, then the Xan/Alexandre/Alex & Georgie, the Lizzie books, and the superb Working Stiff, Stiff Drink/Hard Liquor books. Then filled in with the additional books. I am looking forward to Maxence's book. This Runaway Princess series is one that was anxiously awaited by Blair's fans. I highly recommend it to you! One of the best books out this year!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Iona Cabot
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!! Well beyond any twists and turns I could have dreamed/fantasized about !!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 4, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Iona Cabot (not anon!) Waiting for this book was so much like waiting for Christmas morning when I was 8 years old. I knew there would be surprises and even then, stuff that I had so hoped for, but usually, just wasn't in the realm of reality for our family. Well the realm of this (over 30 yo) woman got a totally wonderful hunky, wonderful, huge spark of brilliance and - yes! You did it Blair! This book is fantastical.
    Not even 5 minutes in and I was thrilled out of my skin! I know there's spoiler alerts, here and there. But, I'm not going to write about that. I've just been looking at my calendar since yesterday and really moaning and sooking(Eastern Canadian term for an adult being babyish) about how long it is until #2. I assure you, I'm totally on board for anything Blair Babylon writes and will keep sooking (probably!) until May 18th.
  • Olivia Paris
    5.0 out of 5 stars fabu
    Reviewed in France on September 23, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    great Blair Babylone book
  • KayDavis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another amazing book by Blair!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the much anticipated story of Prinzessin Flicka von Hannover. Sister of Wulfram von Hannover from Billionaires in Disguise:Rae. Flickas story begins within the same time frame as the original series. If you haven't read it yet, I will say I think it's better if you have. Reading the Billionaires in Disguise series in order will give you a greater understanding of how all of the other wonderful characters and the intricacies of their relationships with each other, fit in within Flickas series. Having said that, there is enough depth and description within the book in order to read it as a standalone. Be prepared to fall in love with some amazing characters.
    At the beginning of BID:Rae, I originally felt that Flicka was the typical spoilt Royal. I should've known that Blair Babylon had a plan all along. You can always guarantee she'll take your heart and soul on one hell of a ride, spitting you out at the end, feeling completely the opposite to how you did at the beginning.
    Flicka had a relationship 2 years previous. One that we learn throughout the book, broke her heart. Step in book villain Prince Pierre Grimaldi, the very aptly nick named Rat B&$!&£) by those who know him! Pierre and Flicka marry, Flicka thinking she has his heart at least. She believes their very grown-up marriage that he can put his d!(% anywhere, as long as she has his heart. After all, she's had the other kind of love, the one that leaves you broken, the kind she feels Hannovers were not meant to have.
    Well, I should've known there were going to be some serious twists. Don't expect them to be on the page only, my goodness, my heart has been twisted too! To protect herself, Flicka is forced to go on the run.
    I always have this issue when I buy a book from Blair Babylon. I'm so desperate to know what's going on, I read the chapter/contents page, trying to figure out what each of them mean. Followed by such a sense of excitement, only paralleled by Santa at Christmas time, I'm torn between devouring every page or holding onto it, not wanting it to end.

    I don't want to give the game away. If you want to know why she runs or what all the twists are then all I can say is, as well as purchasing Once Upon A Time, make sure you clear your diary, buy shares in Kleenex (Or in my case Maltesers) and expect the unexpected! The second book in this series In Shinning Armour is already up for pre-order. I can honestly say I've never pre-ordered a book so fast in my life!

    Although I purchased a copy, I received a Advanced Review Copy for my consideration and honest review.
  • CloudyEmerald
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome as always
    Reviewed in Australia on January 2, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Blair Babylon knows how to weave a story. If you haven't read Rae's story, the first set of books in this Universe, I highly recommend you start there. It is not absolutely necessary before you read this one but it's really more enjoyable. There is a "reading order" found on the authors website.
  • Mrs. R. F. Redford
    4.0 out of 5 stars addictive
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 26, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    You need to keep reading to find out how everything ends. It’s a really good series, definitely worth the read.

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