One night in Monaco, my best friend, Maxence, disappeared from the middle of the Monte Carlo casino like blowing away a breath of smoke.
I have no idea what Maxence was doing in Monaco that night. Yeah, he loves the Monte Carlo casino—the stage of British spy movies, billionaires, Russian mafia, and roulette.
But too many people in Monaco think he might be a danger to them.
He never should have been there.
But he was.
And so was Simone. She's trouble from our past at boarding school. Her husband is a good friend of some of the people who would be happier if Maxence wasn't around anymore.
They tell me Maxence was here in the casino, and then a few minutes later, he was gone.
Like he dropped off the face of the Earth.
Or like he was dropped off one of Monaco’s cliffs and into the blue Mediterranean Sea, which was just a few feet from where he was standing when he disappeared.
Arthur and I are in Monaco to find Maxence, no matter what it takes.
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.
One Night in Monaco is a fast-paced adventure that will have your pulse pounding and your heart on your sleeve. Friends are reunited and a new adventure has begun. This adventure will usher in a new era of revelation, love, and hope. What comes along the way is anyone's guess, but be prepared to be completely enthralled, fully engaged, and utterly amazed.
Maxence is in battle over his heart, his mind, and his life. He knows what he wants, but will others allow him to have it? He just wants to walk a simple, happy path, but his options are short if not existent. All he can do is fight back with everything he has in order to find what he has always wanted. Once he does find it, nothing will tear him away from his end goal. What happens when you want nothing from the world, but it wants everything from you? Can you find a life that is worth living, or will you be left with nothing but a hollow heart and a plastic smile?
I have been looking forward to savoring Maxence's story for awhile now. He has quite a tale to tell, and I am loving what I have read so far. He is just as intriguing if not more so then his friends Arthur and Casimir. They make such a dynamic and fascinating group of friends who are literally there for each other no matter what. To have and keep such amazing friends is truly a blessing. They want nothing from each other except their honest friendship and undying loyalty. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Blair has kept the most interesting and fascinating of her characters for last. We know hardly anything about Max, but that will quickly change. I am so excited for this crazy and incredible adventure before me. I know that Blair will give us a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget. Her deep passion and literary poise make each of her books a true delight and a precious gift to savor and enjoy. I encourage all romance readers to give her books a try. You will never be disappointed.
What I love about Blair Babylon books is the worlds she creates, and One Night in Monaco is no exception. Luxury, power, wealth - all of it beyond your dreams - is a backdrop for our very human, very vulnerable, and often extremely alpha characters who show us how uniquely human we all are — but Maxence? He’s one of a kind. And hot. Whooooo boy.
One Night in Monaco has it all - missing hot prince, a group of loyal friends rushing to find him, and a mysterious woman that leaves you guessing until the shocking end!
Royalty, luxury, adventure, and a hot prince at the center of a mystery that leads to a scorching hot intrigue.—
Don't miss the audiobook with Shane East, Lucy Rivers, Joe Arden, John Lane, Maxine Mitchell, Virginia Rose.
This prequel of one of the most curious of characters in Blair Babylon's epic, expansive Billionaires in Disguise world, Maxence Grimaldi's story is one I've been dying to get my hands on since I first 'met' him so long ago. He has always been an intriguing, mysterious dark horse and has popped in and out of many of the connected crossover stories from this series. After seeing those sexy little pieces of him, I want the total package, every juicy part!
He is the spare to the heir of Monaco and his psychopathic older brother, next in line for the throne, would love to see him gone, but Max seems to have 9 lives...how many does he have left now? He's loyal to those he loves, has a habit of finding damsels in distress, thrives on danger and adrenaline flows through his royal veins. He's intelligent, savvy, gorgeous and can vanish in an instant, disappearing for months without a trace, if the situation or his whims warrant it.
Seeing those lifelong friends, with their own stories to tell, jump to the rescue when Max goes missing, was a delightful bonus and I only wish this book had been longer to allow for MORE- more Max, more Arthur, Caz and their crazy ladies too. One Night in Monaco was a perfect, teasing start, written straight from Blair Babylon's witty and talented mind. When she reveals what's really going on underneath the dark cloak that hides Maxence Grimaldi's true self in the next book, Rogue, I'm probably going to lose my mind!
To me, this isn't a stand alone but the author may have another take on her books and series. These addictive, hot Billionaires were some of my first, exciting ebooks and I've reread several of my favorite characters stories more than once. If that isn't an indication of how much I adore this author and her amazing, steamy, suspensefully twisted, often humorous and sometimes dangerous worlds, I don't know what is!
O my goodness. Its Maxence...if you have read any of the other books you know Max is a player with a heart. Now we get his story... This can be the start of I good story but to really appreciate the amazingness that is Max you need to read Flicka, casmir and Arthur's stories first. Delve into the rich, famous, sexy manipulating lives of the elite. I promise you will enjoy the ride.
It has been a while since Blair Babylon has come out with a new book, and I was looking forward to reading Maxence’s story. Arthur and Gen and Casimir and Roxanne feature prominently in this “search” for Maxence. POV switches between the four of them and Maxence and the voice is third-person past-tense, not first. A new character is introduced at the end, Max’s new love interest, to be explored further in the next book, Rogue: Billionaires in Disguise: Maxence #1. Yes, this is the prequel.
Blair Babylon doesn’t write one-and-done books. Her books tend to be series, interrelated with characters from other series, which is wonderful because she develops characters so that the reader becomes friends with them. Xan Valentine/Alexandre Grimaldi makes an appearance, in name only. This story happens concurrently with Flicka’s story, after Wulf and Rae’s and Xan and Georgie’s, and presumably after the stories of the other bandmates. Keeping track of everything might be difficult with a less skilled storyteller. Not so with Blair Babylon. As a true professional, it’s clear that she has researched locations, which she describes in impeccable detail, has comprehensive character outlines and intricate plot summaries, and tells stories in a voice that is easy to follow and reminiscent of a friend telling you what they did over the summer. Except, I don’t have any friends who experience the things that her characters do.
There’s intrigue, danger, excitement, spies, royalty, unspeakable wealth, and even humor. And that’s one of my favorite things about these books. As an example, this made me chuckle: “Roxanne, standing beside Casimir, drew herself up to her full height of not-very-much…” Though not generally laugh-out-loud funny, there’s an understated wry humor that makes the reader feel like he/she is in on the joke, intelligent enough to “get it.” The characters, although almost otherworldly in their wealth, attractiveness, and intelligence, seem like regular folks with whom you’d like to hang out. You probably wouldn’t, because let’s be honest, even if they were real, they’d live in a different world, but because of her writing, you feel like you know them and are spending time with them.
I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series; perhaps, I should say the first in this series. I’m so glad that Blair Babylon is back at it, releasing another exciting new story with sympathetic characters and an intriguing plot.
I have been curious about Maxence for awhile now and the time has finally come for his story to be told! He has popped up throughout this series but was a bit mysterious even with the other series that he has appeared in and he continues to intrigue me. In this prequel, we get a little taste of what Maxence is like. The story is mainly told from Arthur, Casmir, Rox and Gen's POV with a sprinkling of Maxence. The group go on two separate adventures in this story, Maxence playing savior to a friend while his other friends go on a quest to find him while uncovering some disturbing things. This story takes place toward the middle of Flicka's story and has a twist at the end that will take Maxence's story in a direction that I was not expecting but look forward to seeing where it goes. Overall, I am excited to see what happens next and can't wait for the real story to begin.
Max gives us all a warm glow. This is the prequel to the third arm of the billionaire’s musketeers. The story is enjoyable and am looking forward to first book. This just wets the appetite. Pick this appetizer up for the special price and anticipate the next installment
This is One Night In Monaco, A Billionaires In Disguise; Maxence Prequel written by the amazing Blair Babylon! This book has been a long awaited one! I’m so excited to finally dig into the man of mystery Maxence Grimaldi!! He has been in this series as friends of Casimir and Arthur, his sexy as h@ll friends from boarding school. Ms Babylon knows how to string you along and NEED to know about her wonderful characters. She never fails to amaze me with the amount of details and little flashes of other friends that she sprinkled throughout her books. Full of intrigue, sinister associates, mob related activity, utter indulgence of opulence and sexy sexy times! Hurry up with the next one Ms Babylon! I’m about to burst over here!!
"One Night in Monaco" is a prequel designed to get readers primed and ready for the intoxicating world that is Maxence Grimaldi!
For avid fans of author Blair Babylon's work, Maxence's story has been a long time coming. "One Night in Monaco" is a tantalizing tease for the senses. A prequel for what's yet to come, this story is narrated by a cast of beloved characters known well by Ms. Babylon's readers: Casimir & Roxanne; Arthur & Gen; Maxence himself; and newly introduced Dree. Who exactly is Maxence? I've been waiting a long time to find this out. Finally, the truth is about to be unveiled. It would seem that he is about to be paired up with newcomer Dree, a romantically jaded nurse on the verge of unfurling her true inner self through a quest of self exploration. Drunk on tequila, what will be her next course of action? Ms Babylon sure knows how to end a story on a cliffhanger!!!
I'm not going to go into any great detail regarding the plot of this book. Remember, this is just a prequel. Rest assured though, that you will be left intrigued and salivating for more.... plus most likely mildly annoyed that you must wait for the next installment. "One Night in Monaco" is a wonderful exercise in perfecting the art of enjoying delayed gratification.
Until the next installment.... may it be published quickly!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I love it so much, I preordered my own copy. :)
Ohhh, we finally get to Maxence's story! He's always so distant. It will be such a thrill to hear all about him.
Max may be a behind the scenes kind of guy when reading about the others, but man does he jump in when it's time. When an old school mate comes running to Max in the casino, he immediately takes action to get her safely out of the casino.
If the night in Monaco is any indication, his story is going to be a rollercoaster ride! I can't wait for more...
No one can pack more twists turns and fun into a prequel book! Blair brings some of your favorite characters in to set up the stage beautifully for the first book of Maxence. Now I'm trying to patiently wait for the next release! Worth the read!
5 star Review One Night in Monaco (A Billionaires in Disguise: Maxence Prequel) by Blair Babylon
AUDIO REVIEW:
It was great to be back with Cash and Rox, Arthur and Gen, as they search for their missing friend Maxence. The story is told mainly by Arthur, Cash, Rox and Gen with a little from Maxence. I was totally invested in the story and had a hard time putting it done.
With a stellar cast of narrators including Shane East, Lucy Rivers, Joe Arden, John Lane, Maxine Mitchell and Virginia Rose they all did a fabulous job bringing Ms.Babylon’s story to life and added another layer to my listening pleasure.
One Night in Monaco 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 as they search for Maxence.
The friendship between Arthur, Cash and Maxence is all encompassing and I have to say it is heartwarming.They have had one another’s backs since they were children and nothing will change their loyalty and friendship towards one another.
I have been intrigued by Maxence Grimaldi since he appeared in the first book and this prequel has made me excited to read his story even more.
Oh Wow, We're Back On The Rollercoaster Of Emotions!!😳🙏😡 Sibling Rivalry Gone Awry?😱💔 One Night in Monaco (A Billionaires in Disguise: Maxence Prequel)
This was an absolutely delicious first dip into the World of Maxence Grimaldi, potential heir to the Principality of Monaco!😍 His best friends, since they started at Le Rosey Boarding School, at 5 & 6 years old, get calls in the middle of the night to be informed Max is missing. That isn't unusal, what is, is the fact that he's missing whilst in Monaco!!😳
Arthur & his wife Gen, plus Casimir & his wife Roxy, all meet up at a private Nice helipad to get to into Monaco. Once the wives are situated in a hotel it's time for the guys to start their search. Other than one quick glimpse of Max, and spotting a couple of suspicious guys heading in his direction, he isn't spotted again on security footage. A female friend from their school days, is seen running in his direction, seemingly being pursued by her husband's security though!😲
Things aren't looking good for Maxence. With the potential for him inheriting his Uncle's Principality & Billions, his brother might try to hide him or worse, he's especially desperate now his wife, Flicka, has disappeared or run away!!😔 Or the woman's mobster husband could have him!😱 Unless they're working together??💔😢 There's no way he could've escaped, Monaco is just too small.💥
I LOVED this book. I've been waiting for Max with love & patience, dying to get to know him better. This opened that window a little & it was so worth it!😍 The characters we'd already met are just illustrious, they sweep off of the page into your heart & soul. Every one of this Author's books has touched me & this one was no different. The love and loyalty these friends have is beyond compare!🙏 I can't wait for more in this new series of Billionaires In Disguise: Maxence, I just know he's going to rock my world and I just can't wait!😍🌟
This is a highly entertaining and well written introduction to Billionaire’s in Disguise: Maxence. I loved how quickly his best friends Arthur and Casimir, along with their wives Gen and Rox, raced to Monaco to track him down. The resulting search was filled with plenty of mystery, suspense, speculation, adventure, humour and some superior sleuthing – courtesy of the women. While this story has its conclusion, I’m looking forward to Maxence’s future escapades, especially given his penchant for rescuing damsels in distress. I received an Advance Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have waited so long for Maxence’s story! And it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. But of course, it’s just a prequel, meant to introduce the character more thoroughly and barely brush what will be the real story in the next books.
It’s a real challenge to also introduce characters developped in other books, like Arthur and Casimir, Maxence’s friends, and their spouses. It’s important to keep a balance between giving enough information that a newbie could understand the characters and the relationships, and not too much that it could confuse the reader. I’m not sure the balance was maintained here. But with so many characters, it’s understandable.
I still really enjoyed getting a deeper look at Maxence and his life. I can’t wait for the next book!
Quickie
- Series: Billionaires in disguise: Maxence prequel - Hashtags: #billionaire romance #multicultural romance #romantic suspense #one night stand - Trigger: mention of domestic abuse, mention of violence - Main couple: Simone Maina & Maxence Grimaldi - Hotness: 3/5 - Romance: 1/5 - + it was so nice to see everyone back! - – such a deceitful teaser
Great start to what's bound to be a fantastic series
I knew that I would be drawn into another great series and it definitely got me out of the book funk I was in. Ms Babylon is an author who literally creates a world to escape into thats way out of my normal life, but so totally believable too. This book took me from the monotonous dreary reality of work, and whisked me to the cosmopolitan shores of Monaco and Italy. Max is a character that has been in a few of the other books in the Billionaire world, hes always been a bit of an enigma and I can't wait to read the next book in his series. I haven't read every book in this vast world of European Elite and Royal society, but if you want to get hooked then you can start with a book 1 in a few of the storylines free... What are you waiting for. Get hooked like me. What I thought to One night in Monaco... Well I read it in one sitting, every page was more intriguing than the first. MAX has been a favourite character for a while, hes so mysterious and I can't wait to read the next books.
One Night in Monaco is like walking on a ledge while trying not to look down. Babylon masterfully guides readers through the heart stopping, unpredictable, neverending twists. Max is an enigma that will send chills up the spine while storming his way into your heart.
Love royal romance and this "millionaires in disguise" is the best kind--Reluctant Prince! And oh so sexy. Snap it up for your new favorite comfort read! Can't wait for more...
I was so excited to finally get to read about Max, as he is featured in a good way as a peripheral character in the other books of the Billionaires in Disguise series. However, in an obvious ploy to milk this story for everything in it, Max's tale has been chopped into a half dozen segments (that are not cheap) and sold as a serial rather than a full novel. Even a duet would be acceptable, there's already one of those in the series. I will not be purchasing any more of Ms. Babylon's books, as this is a disappointment of large proportions particularly since I waited so long to get to his part of the overlong story arc of the Billionaires. Just poor judgment and bad treatment of faithful readers.
I am so glad to FINALLY get the long-awaited start of Maxence's story!
Blair writes complex and intense books that are spread out in multiple issues (usually in quick succession) so if you don't like to be kept in suspense, then either wait for all of the books in the series (she divides them up by main character, be that female or male) to be presented and read them back-to-back-to-back (the way that I did with her Rae and Wulf story) or start now and get a jump on the action!
Once I got started with my first book of hers I had to keep going until I was caught up with everything - she is definitely an addiction. Some of her stories are a bit dark and definitely touch on issues that are difficult to deal with, though. She does a great job of really digging in deep and getting you invested in the characters.
I loved the fact that we were able to catch up with Casimir and Rox and Arthur and Gen, two couples that have been in previous stories, both Cas and Arthur have been best friends with Maxence since boarding school. Both couples are dear to my heart and have come to Monaco to find out what happened to Maxence. I don't know how Blair does it, as far as keeping all of her characters going at once, but she must be a genius!! Maxence has popped up various times through her story lines and he's always such a "knight in shining armor" character.
5 star Review One Night in Monaco (A Billionaires in Disguise: Maxence Prequel) by Blair Babylon
AUDIO REVIEW:
It was great to be back with Cash and Rox, Arthur and Gen, as they search for their missing friend Maxence. The story is told mainly by Arthur, Cash, Rox and Gen with a little from Maxence. I was totally invested in the story and had a hard time putting it done.
With a stellar cast of narrators including Shane East, Lucy Rivers, Joe Arden, John Lane, Maxine Mitchell and Virginia Rose they all did a fabulous job bringing Ms.Babylon’s story to life and added another layer to my listening pleasure.
One Night in Monaco 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 as they search for Maxence.
The friendship between Arthur, Cash and Maxence is all encompassing and I have to say it is heartwarming.They have had one another’s backs since they were children and nothing will change their loyalty and friendship towards one another.
I have been intrigued by Maxence Grimaldi since he appeared in the first book and this prequel has made me excited to read his story even more.
Absolutely brilliant! One Night in Monaco is an incredibly engaging story, brilliantly written, and wholly enjoyable; it definitely exceeded my already high expectations. Blair Babylon creates a perfect balance between the varying point of views while moving the plot forward. The premise of the storyline is quite intriguing with a blend of mystery, suspense, intensity, and wit; I was thoroughly sucked in and didn't want the book to end. Furthermore, we get the chance to hear from our past favourite characters, creating a sense of familiarity and relatability. Honestly, I'm hoping Maxence tale continues.
An outstanding group of talented narrators, Shane East, Lucy Rivers, Joe Arden, John Lane, Maxine Mitchell, and Virginia Rose performing this audiobook, created a marvellous listen. Each narrator brought a uniqueness to the characters and to the point of view, literally breathing life into the story.
Overall, One Night in Monaco was fantastic, it's wonderfully written with well-rounded characters and quality narration. This audiobook is worth the listen, and one I strongly recommend.
I was so excited to finally get this little gem in my hands! All devoted Blair Babylon fans have been salivating for Maxence's story, and this prequel certainly whets the appetite. I loved seeing Casimier and Arthur (and Roxanne and Gen of course!) again, and the fascinating glimpse of the way Max's mind works.
The long, painful wait for Max is nearly over - "One Night In Monaco" is a delicious appetizer to the main course.
The actual story itself was ok - a bit of a James Bond vibe. It was pretty cheesy, and pretty simplistically written. The characters were pretty twee. I’m almost embarrassed to add it to my “read” list, and won’t be reading any more of this series. And the names of the characters bugged me for some reason.
I’ve been waiting for this book for AGES. Maxence has always been a favorite character of mine. I love that Blair creates such intricate and inter-connected worlds. We see/hear peeks at characters from other books intermixed with this story – I LOVE that! 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, white knights, spies, and royal squabbles all play out in the most exciting 24 hours you’ve experienced in a long time. I can’t WAIT to read how the rest of Max’s story plays out. 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).
This is the first book I've listened to that has more than just two performers. I was a bit nervous because I just wasn't sure if I'd like to listed to so many different performers but it really was fantastic. I'd already listened to Joe Arden do a fantastic job with Blair's Working Stiff, and John Lane's wonderful voice perform Blair's Hard Liquor and Stiff Drink, but the other performers were new-to-me voices. All of them did an outstanding job with this story.
I was fortunate to read an early copy of One Night in Monaco and then get to experience it again as an audiobook. Below is what I wrote after reading the book:
Fans of Blair Babylon have been waiting for quite a while for the series of "Maxence" books and she hasn't disappointed us. While One Night in Monaco is technically a prequel for the series, it was enough to wet my appetite for the rest of the books.
In true Blair Babylon fashion, One Night in Monaco got me really going and ready to read all about Maxence. The story let's us revisit favorite couples from Working Stiff (Roxanne and Casimir) and Hard Liquor/Stiff Drink (Arthur and Gen). If you haven't read or listened to those books you can still enjoy One Night in Monaco but you will appreciate it a lot more if you do read them first. And why not? They are fantastic books whether you read or listen to them.
This story is full of the intrigue and droll (witty) humor that I have come to think of as Blair Babylon's signature style. I won't say I was kept on the edge of my seat exactly but I was captivated right from the start and couldn't put this down.
Be warned – since this is a prequel Blair leaves us hanging a bit and we won't find out more for a few months when book one of the series, Rogue, is released. I know that I can't wait.
Yay, the gang is back! Although it is preferable to have read the previous books covering Arthur and Casimir's stories, there is enough detail and background to the characters to allow you to read this book on its own. For me, the familiarity of the characters felt like coming home to the heart of the family, snuggling up on the sofa with a warm throw blanket and settling in for an action-packed movie.
After watching Casimir and Rox's characters develop in the Billionaires in Disguise-Runaway Billionaires spin off. Arthur and Gen's characters develop in the Billionaires in Disguise-Runaway Billionaires Arthur Duet, here we finally see them all converge to save Max's ass, literally! Ahhh Max, otherwise known as Sir Galahad, a character I had not managed to find a connection with in previous books, yet here I find myself deeply engrossed in his story. Max is a sweetheart, too busy saving the world and damsels in distress to stop long enough to worry about his own safety. Or maybe saving others offers Max a distraction from what is really going on in his own life. Then, teasingly, from characters of old comes a new character. Maybe Max will finally find his someone special, a chance to find his very own Rae of sunshine (get it) and of hope.
I have found myself instantly drawn to this new character and I am excited to see exactly where their story is going to lead us. Desperate to get my hands-on Rogue: Billionaires in Disguise: Maxence #1, I have ordered in advance. If you're looking for the next big character or storyline that is going to leave a lasting impact, then look no further. No other author has managed to leave an impact as much as Blair Babylon and her characters have. I cannot recommend this series enough.