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

by Blair Babylon (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.2 2,891 ratings

Book 1 of 5: Her Royal Bodyguard

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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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Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079248LFZ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Malachite Publishing LLC; 1st edition (April 3, 2018)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 3, 2018
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 432 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 407 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #3,250 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #222 in Suspense (Kindle Store)
- #298 in Romantic Suspense (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.2 2,891 ratings

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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.

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Kentucky Bohemian

I Blame Blair

Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2018

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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

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JayEssReader

Ignore the awful title and give this a chance

Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2019

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This was my first time reading this author, I was not just pleasantly surprised by this book, I loved it! It did take me a couple of chapters to get into the groove with it, but once I did I couldn't put it down. Honestly my only complaint is the damn 300 titles and subtitles! Once Upon A Time: Billionaires in Disguise: Flicka (Runaway Princess). This has got to be one of the worst book titles I've ever seen. Which part is the actual title of this book and which parts are the irritating unnecessary subtitles? I would suggest dropping the Once Upon part and the Billionaires bit, they do pretty much nothing for this story, as the main storyline here is about our runaway princess Flicka.
Then every chapter has a descriptive title (sometimes a spoiler for what's about to happen, which I hate!), followed by the name of character POV, then a quote from the character. Seriously the titles in this book are exhausting.
I debated quite awhile before downloading it because I feared the book would be as terrible as the title made it sound. But ultimately I gave it a chance and I'm very glad I did because now I'm totally invested in Deiter and Flicka's story! The steamy bits (if you care about that) were relatively tame compared to some other romances I've read, but still they were romantic and fit in well with the story. I loved both of the main character's personalities and voices and the look into their royal/high society world was really fascinating. Once I got over the title and past the first 2 chapters I was hooked and now I can't wait to read part 2!

2 people found this helpful

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Sue Me

Action filled love story. We finally get to find out why Flicka is the Runaway Bride. Fabulous story! 4 more books in series!

Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2018

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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!

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Iona Cabot

Loved it!! Well beyond any twists and turns I could have dreamed/fantasized about !!

Reviewed in Canada on April 4, 2018

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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

fabu

Reviewed in France on September 23, 2019

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great Blair Babylone book

KayDavis

Another amazing book by Blair!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2018

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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.

4 people found this helpful

CloudyEmerald

Awesome as always

Reviewed in Australia on January 2, 2019

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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

addictive

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 26, 2023

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

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