| Title | : | Every Breath You Take (Billionaires in Disguise: Xan \u0026 Georgie #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 237 |
| Publication | : | First published February 14, 2015 |
At a high society wedding, Georgie Johnson is introduced to Alexandre de Valentinois, a hereditary duke of nothing who flies around the world on his private planes and describes himself as “one of those despicable, idle rich men.”
Yet, when pressed, he sings at the wedding in a gorgeous, clear tenor that tugs at Georgie’s soul, and miraculously, he calms her paralyzing stage fright so she can accompany him on the piano, even though she thought she had left her classical music career behind when she went into hiding.
But Alexandre has a dark side. His name is Xan Valentine, and he’s the rock star front man for Killer Valentine. He’s famous, but his paparazzi-dogged lifestyle might get Georgie killed.
Includes: “Alwaysland, a Xan Valentine Prequel."
Every Breath You Take (Billionaires in Disguise: Xan \u0026 Georgie #1) Reviews
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First, let me say that if you haven't read any of the previous Billionaires in Disquise books, you won't understand this book....or at least I didn't....and I have no clue what order you should read the earlier ones in but you have to have an idea of who Rae, Lizzy, Flicka, and Dom are to even begin to TRY to understand this book. I wish the author had warned us that you needed to read prior books before this one because it is definitely not a "standalone" that can be understood since there is no background on any of the other characters and they play a big part in the first half of the book. Also, it should be noted that it has BDSM in it, not a lot like Fifty Shades but the girls worked at some sort of BDSM place called Devilhouse and there was a very explicit scene between Georgie and Alex.
Second, I don't know who the billionaire is in this book.....I am assuming Alex because he holds a supposed landless, meaningless nobility title of Duke and he does have a jet but there is no reference to all of his money and he is supposedly working his tail off trying to hold together a band that can't fill a 30,000 seat stadium. I guess his money will show up in one of the later books in this series??
The characters were not very interesting...well, they were not very believable. Georgie (and what a stupid, irritating name for a female lead!) was some kind of prodigy pianist who is in hiding from the Russian mob for something her dad did before he died and she's going to law school so she can earn the big bucks to pay back the money he apparently stole.....wth?? If she is as good a pianist as the book implies, why would she not pursue that and make her big bucks instead of thinking she can go to law school for years and years and then make millions of dollars to pay everyone back on top of all her student loans? huh???
Then you have characters that are supposed to be princes, princesses, and different rankings of nobility and yet they all met at some small school in the US, were dorm mates, and worked at a BDSM? Seriously???
The writing was choppy and all over the place. The book was confusing as hell. There were weird paragraphs that had me scratching my head and going "what the hell?" Here's a perfect example:
"He had been sliding away, and he hadn't even felt it until she called him back with his name. The power of his name had called him back. The connotations swirled: the nine billion names of God; a deep and inscrutable, singular, jellicle name; the intimacy of being named, in the name of the Lord, and more."
Could someone please explain to me what that means because I have absolutely no clue. Sadly, this is not a book that I can recommend and I really, really hate to say that because I know how much time and effort an author puts into writing. So while this book was not for me, I believe in giving an author a second chance. Any recommendations of a true standalone by Ms. Babylon? -
After the relatively sweet story of Tryp (also in this rock band) we get Xan- and ladies, he's all yours.
Just could not warm to him or Georgie, and it all became a bit unbelievable and ridiculous.
Not interested in continuing, especially because that boring BDSM place Evilhouse (that name- really?) just annoyed me.
This is not romance for me, erotic or otherwise. -
Dnf.
First 16% there was Natasha, descriptive sex with her, I went to read blurp again, lol, because I saw some Georgi name....
Thank you, but no way I'll read a romance book with this scenes. -
FREE on Amazon today (11/14/2017)!
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Originally posted on
Books & Bottles.Despite his total lack of belief in such egregious superstition, Alexandre had found a muse.
Holy popsicle sticks I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between Alexandre and Georgie is so beautiful and the no-relationship relationship that formed through their mutual marriage to their music was beautiful. They both have their own lives and their own darkness and mutually agree that relationships are irrational but that wedding sex is completely game. Their fling turns into two, but as Georgie's past rushes to find her she has to decide how much she wants to run away from.
But really, watching the two of them come to care for each other was the biggest squeal-fest! And all their cute it's-definitely-not-a-date dates were so them and absolutely adorable! Even if it's all incredibly cheesy, I don't care. Still loved it. :)
I love reading about musicians.: the people who are so in-tune with their inner composition that the outside world is nothing more than white noise, the dedicated fingers flitting across keys and strings at obtuse hours, the strong and outspoken who fight to be heard. I love reading about classical music and people who play it, and I love listening to it while reading and I only wish I could play it. Reading from Alex's perspective was perfection. He is a musical prodigy - truly - that can see music. The way Babylon describes the music was intoxicating and I couldn't get enough.Sapphire and ocean green streaked with sunset swirled around Alexandre, and he felt the music wave through every cell in his body. Yes, he had written it and it was a part of him as much as a child would be, but when he performed it, he lived it again, and his heart pulsed and shattered with each lyric line. The chord change at the end brought in deep maroons and golds.
And Georgie's back story was so cool! There is definitely more to it than what we're told in Every Breath You Take and I cannot wait to see how it all wraps up in the next few episodes.
I am so pleased I found this on my Kindle. I have no idea when or why I bought it (I'm suspecting a free romance promo weekend) but I'm so glad I have it. I really enjoyed Babylon's writing style and how she develops each of the characters individually while still leaving plenty of room to grow. I will be finishing this series and will probably swoon over it for quite a while. I highly recommend you give this a read because it's fabulous. -
What happens when you mixed a girl with a dark past that is always looking over her shoulder and a Rock star with a dark side and a few secrets of his own?
Georgie Johnson was her new name, this new person was her ticket to safety, unless she needed to move and then Johnson will be gone just like her real identity Georgiana Oelrich. Having a different life than her old one for starters she was not rich nor she played the piano, something she missed dearly. When Georgie comes face to face with someone from her old life, she is forced to come clean. When she is pushed to performed at Rie's wedding she is paired with this mysterious man he is none other than Alexandre de Valentinous a Duke.
Alexandre de Valentinous was indeed a Duke, but no one knew him as his noble title. Alexandre was none other than Xan Valentines the front man of Killer Valentines a rock band. When Xan comes face to face with this incredible gorgeous woman he knew he wanted to have more than one night with her. But can he keep his secret from Georgie about his true identity?
Can Xan and Georgie have any kind of relationship without coming clean about their true identities or will they leave the attraction they feel for each other at the door once and for all?
This was one incredible story. I can't wait to continue with this series.
I recommend this book. -
DNF... I was seriously having a hard time following this. Within the first 2 chapters I was confused & couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. The writing was bad, the dialogue was crappy & details were choppy.
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Holy smokes! Loved it! This book starts after Killer Valentine reluctantly cancels several concerts because Xan's voice is suffering and he needs to take a break.
"Rest your voice this weekend. Go find a cabin in the woods. Play your guitar, if you want. Read a book. Binge-watch movies. Don't talk. Don't shout. Don't sing. Don't make a damned sound until you have to warm up your throat for the show in Miami next week."
So he decides to attend his cousin's wedding in Paris. It's there that he meets Georgie Johnson. I loved to see more of the mysterious Xan from the first book!
Georgie has a past that has a way of catching up with her and when she is invited to attend her best friend's impromptu wedding in Paris, she decides it may be a good idea to get away. It is there that she meets Alexandre, who is Xan from Killer Valentine, unbeknownst to Georgie.
He wore a dark blue business suit with a peach tie, knotted tightly, and even under the layers of cloth, his body looked lean, like he was a runner or a swimmer. With his pale golden skin, like he could tan if he wanted to but never saw the sun, and that long hair that faded to blond at the end, plus his large dark eyes, the effect was slightly vampiric.
Alex and Georgie hit it off immediately due to a music connection.
It's clear from the beginning that both of these individuals are carefully guarding their pasts from each other, as a reader I found that rather frustrating.
Time to prod. She asked, "So why did you show up here, anyway?"
"Because you gave me your address. Considering how jealously you guarded your phone number, your address must be a rare and precious thing. I would be a cad to throw away such a jewel."
"How poetic," Georgie said. "Let's hear the truth this time."
Alex's bemused expression didn't change. Indeed, he seemed frozen until he blinked, swallowed hard and drained his glass. "I had to get away."
"From what?"
"Work." He refilled his glass and offered her more, but she was driving so she shook her head. "Why did you give me your address, if you were going to give me the third degree for utilizing it?"
"There's 'Alwaysland.' Now you're working on this one. What do you do with your songs?"
His tight smile was rather proper. "Isn't it enough that they exist?"
"You're being very Socratic, answering my questions with more questions. No, it's not enough that they exist. Assuming this wasn't a nookie run, you flew all the way here to bust into the music building in the middle of the night to play a song for me. It isn't enough to say that it just exists."
And finally the truth comes out, OMG, I was so glad when it did! And the ending is full of suspense and I was so hoping that things would end the way they did. Not a full blown cliff-hanger, but I cannot wait for the next book!!
This is the first I've read from Ms. Babylon, but it won't be the last!
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. -
Every Breath You Take by Blair Babylon, the first book by this author for me but OMG it is definitely not the last. It was an amazing journey of two people who were so lost that they needed to find each other in order to heal.
The book oozed heart and passion from ever page, it was as if it was travelling through my fingers to touch my very soul – I’m gobsmacked at how I feel about it! It showed more than I thought I was going to get it gave me love and passion in absolute bin loads and moreover it was full of desire, hope, longing, honesty and devotion – not just from the characters but from the author also because her devotion to her craft was clearly evident in this book – she nailed it!!
Being asked to play, off the cuff at her friend’s wedding is almost too much for Georgie but she has a guardian angel in her midst – the beautifully named stranger - Alexandre de Valentinois. His soothing tone and calming words ease her mind and her nerves and she finds that the passion she has fought for so long begins to rise to the surface again. Georgie isn’t looking for a relationship, in fact she isn’t looking for anything but she can’t help herself when it comes to the man that has the ability to sooth her soul.
Alexandre was every bit as exotic and mysterious as you could imagine but he has secrets, things that lurked deep within him and that no matter how hard he tried he may never be able to bury completely, but if they meant that Georgie was in danger, would he be able to protect her or would he have to stay away?
Fate has its reasons for the hands that we are dealt in life and while as individuals both Alexandre and Georgie were amazing, it was the character that they each held within that drew me to them. They were beautiful, creative individuals who were the complete compliment to each other, two halves of the same whole as some would say. It was as if they had no control over the draw that their souls had to each other. They were merely along for the ride.
As much as they tried to fight the feelings so to speak neither of them had a choice. Georgie was that Alexandre was quickly becoming central to everything good in her life and Alexandre was determined that he was to follow his heart and that he would never let her go.
Quantifying their feelings was not possible – they just felt and for that you had to admire the fact that they were prepared to accept their fate and love completely.
After finishing the book, I have to say that Blair Babylon is a rare find, one that’s ability to weave magic with her words leaves you in little doubt that her level of talent is not easily come by.
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This is one book by Blair I felt, for me was bitter sweet. This is Georgies story and although I was looking forward to it, it saddened me, as Georgie is the last of our beautiful Devilhouse trio to have their story told. BUT what a story it is! Hot, steamy and sensual, I thought my fingers would singe just from holding my Kindle. It brought new meaning to Kindle Fire! Add in a Rockstar and a touch of danger and you have the perfect recipe for an unmissable book!
Stand back Mr Grey, there's a new hottie in town!
At Rae and Wulfs wedding Flicka introduces Georgie to Alexandre de Valentinios. Like Georgie, Alex is also hiding a secret but something about Georgie resonates in Alex and when Flicka pushes Alex and Georgie into performing at the wedding they find they're equally drawn to each other. I found this particular part of the story beautifully sensual. The amount of raw sexuality and emotion portrayed in what I can only describe as a 'Ghost style pottery scene' (You all know the one!) set the pages (Kindle) on fire! This scene held more emotion than any 50 Shades movie!
But Georgie cannot let her guard down, danger is always lurking and has a way of finding her no matter how hard she tries to hide. Is it possible to run from our pasts? There is a beautiful slow build in emotions between Alex and Georgie. As Alex has some time off he spends it with Georgie in America, when he realises she's in danger he cannot help but come to her rescue.
There is so much sexual chemistry between this couple but the growing emotions and feelings between them is what I find important in any romantic story. Yes they have that instant connection but it has a natural and realistic beauty to it and doesn't feel forced. This is something I find Blair puts into all her characters relationships and what stood out for me when it came to reading Blair Babylons books. Rae and Wulf are my all time favourite book couple and no one can take their place but I think I've found a couple who I could easily love just as much! What else is in store for Georgie and Alex?
Who needs 50 Shades of Grey when you have the Devilhouse hotties and their sexy Alpha males! Go on and one click now and be prepared to heat up your e-reader if you love Rae and Lizzie, you will love Georgie too!
I received a copy of Every Breath you Take in exchange for an honest review! -
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. In this book Georgie is hiding from her past but goes to Paris upon her fiends insistence. While there she finds out that her friend is getting married. At her friends wedding Georgie meets a man named Alexander. Georgie has been out of the loop of that group of friends for so long that she has no clue who he is but everyone else does and just assumes that his identity is know to all.
Alex likes the fact that Georgie has no clue who he really is, he also likes the fact that he can talk music with her and she doesn't go all fan girl on him.
The more you go though the story the more you realize Alex is the rocker from the intro to the story. Xan Valentine needs to rest his throat and going overseas to this wedding is just the think to do no singing just being there for family. This is only part 1 of this story so when Georgie figures out who he is Alex knows he can't loose her and does everything in his power to keep her. Georgie may not realize it yet but she needs his help too and the closer they get the more it is necessary.
This is a great opening to this book series following these two and I can not wait to read more. -
***********D.N.F.**********
although this seemed to be a well written book, I didn't get involved with the characters and was not interested in the story at all -
Kindle freebie 4/25/16
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I'm giving this book 3 stars, simply based on the length of time for me to get into the story. By the time I was truly invested, the book was almost over. There were several times I considered setting it aside and trying to come back to it later.
That being said, I'm glad I sort of powered through because at the end, I WAS invested and now I really want to read the rest of the series and see what's in store for Georgie and Alex! I just wish a bit more background into Georgie's past was included with this book, or that it was a bit easier to understand what was happening.
One thing is, I did like the writing style. There was a lot of descriptive language that kind of pulled you in and allowed you to really "see" what was going on. I could definitely see myself really enjoying other books by this author, and the rest of this series especially. -
This entire XAN AND GEORGIE collection should be called "Addiction". I couldn't get enough of it!! I loved every book.
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Just didn't do it for me
I saw all the four and five star reviews and so decided I should give it a try since this book had been in my TBR pile for awhile. I tried and pushed myself reading this novel but gave up at 30%.
I'm not sure where all the high ratings came from. I couldn't stand Georgie. She was whiny, one minute I'm strong attitude then in the next second, a coward about everything again. I understand all characters have their demons they fear and need to face but she was just too inconsistent and flighty. I found no love in any of the other characters either which is rare. I may not always like the main character but can find love in supporting characters that lets me continue the storyline...unfortunately this novel didn't have for me. I understand this novel is considered an erotic romance but it just didn't do it for me.
I really wanted to finish the novel and see what happens then move on to the next like I usually do but if I couldn't get pass 30% with trying then chances are I won't be able to continue the series.
Just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean it won't work for someone else. Don't feel discouraged because I rated it low. If you want to read it, then do. Happy reading all. -
Free download. Well I'm not sure about this book. I knew that some parts would probably be confusing because previous books would have established the characters but the actual story was too...much. Well at least the music descriptions were, Georgie's cold behaviour, and Alex's strange music persona. I wouldn't recommend reading this without prior character history as it hinders the enjoyment factor although I didn't really connect with the characters. Georgie is running from her past, but it would seem to be her fathers past transgressions. Alex is trying to gain perspective over his music career. Both are hiding the truth about themselves and decide on nothing more than sex but will that happen? The plot has potential, the story confused me, the story was overpowered by music references in all scenes, including the sex scenes. Lots of angst, very little romance as every intimate moment was brought back to just a 'nookie call'. The characters weren't great but again I'm basing my review without reading previous novels. Overall I wouldn't continue the series.
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Even though it is first in this series it is a spin-off and felt a little lost with other references. Didn't connect to the main characters. Good book, good writing but not my cuppa right now. Might pursue series in the future.
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It took me awhile to finish reading this book. It wasn't boring; it wasn't exciting. I just was waiting for a little MORE and I didn't get it, so I'm on the fence with this one.
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Good read
I enjoyed the book but the first 40% was confusing. Too many subplots and characters going in every direction but with each other.
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Blair Babylon writs a good story however, sometimes you can get lost in all of the back story she includes in an ongoing series. I understand this is done in a effort to help those who are new to a series and perhaps aren't reading them in order but it still gets tedious.
What I really don't enjoy is when authors use a lot of "fluff" to add length to their books, unnecessary words that when omitted from the line or paragraph don't change anything. Too many authors are doing this today and ending up getting bad or low star reviews. Ms. Babylon is guilty of this practice.
It's so bad at one point in the story that sentences don't even make any sense.
The basic story is good but the characters are hiding so much from each other that you want to shake some sense into them. I like Georgie and Xan but Lizzie, what an irresponsible person! And Georgie, what makes her think she'll accumulate 5, or was it 8, million dollars to repay her parents debts by becoming a lawyer? Like law school is free, and she'll get million dollar cases just out of law school.
You will have to suspend logic to believe in the characters but it's still a decent read. -
Two Complex Multi-Level Characters: Georgie and Alex
Wow, who would have thought Georgie was all kinds of complicated. You knew something was up when she went to Paris in Lizzy's last book and talked to Flicka. It was interesting to pick up the story from Georgie's POV, she certainly has some complex inner dialogue. Whilst this first book wasn't quite as good as the last three of Lizzy's or Rae's book, it still made for a good read.
In this book, we get to know a little more about Georgie's back story, which delves a little into her past. We still don't know much about her, other than she feels the need to run and reinvent herself. I guess this is because she is hiding from what her parents did. I'm sure we will find out more.
For me this was a good read, the characters are well written and the overlapping dialogue from the previous books is consistent. Alex is an interesting character that sees things in colors and musical notes. He too is also hiding more than we've been introduced to. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. -
The beginning of Georgie and Xan
This book is the first in a series about Georgie and Alexandre/Alex Valentinios. This book introduces you to Xan a rockstar with a secret and picks up in the middle of Blair’s other book - Rae’s story.
Georgie, Rae’s roommate in college is stalking a long lost friend when she see’s Rae in PARIS. Thing move quickly and Georgie and Lizzy escape to Paris to be bridesmaids at their friends wedding. Georgie’s past secret life catches up with her very quickly and makes Georgie feel unsafe and she runs away.
Alex (or is it Xan) helps Georgie escape having experience running away from screaming fans. They travel back to her college town and hide from their secrets together. At the end, she meets Xan, Alex’s stage personality. It’s a cliffhanger and the next book is worth it! -
Well while Rae and Wulf are off on their adventure, Georgie and Xan get theirs !!
And what an adventure!!
Georgie a closet musician, goes to college with Rae and Lizzy and these three are funny and absolutely adorable in their interactions with each other . With the men in their life it's even funnier!!
Xan is a musician and child prodigy from Monaco. He is Very serious about being a Rock Star , and his band Killer Valentine is on its way to the top
Is Georgie ready for a Rock and roll lifestyle??
Or will she stay in her self imposed seclusion ?? -
3.5 stars more accurately.
Feel like I've been dropped into the middle of something the prequel didn't prepare me for.
Who is Georgie? Princess, filthy rich, Mafia daughter?
It took a bit for them to actually meet. And while there's some back story for Georgie, its confusing.
Xan is very sensual, and it seems to be tied to music. He's a character I would have liked to see more of.
Interesting sub-plot of her true identity and being chased.
Fun bdsm scene
I feel like I'm missing the whole story behind the Lizzy, Mannix, Theo thing.
So confused. -
Alwaysland:
This is a short story of Xan’s from a couple years past that gives you a look into him and a foray into love.
Every Breath You Take:
This is a very steamy romance. I went into this book from the rock stars series and have not read the billionaires series. I could tell from the beginning that there was so much history with a lot of the characters and I had to wait awhile for Xan to appear. It seems like the other series would have a great deal to do with BDSM and unfortunately that bled into this book as well. I liked the suspense angle.
