Genevieve is a lawyer, not a babysitter, and certainly not a dog trainer. She is just about to become a full barrister, a British litigating attorney, when her law mentor dies unexpectedly. She is shuffled off to another barrister, one who’s nothing at all like her kind and decent former mentor, and then she is assigned the office’s worst case: Arthur Finch-Hatten, six-feet and four-inches of … four-inches of ripped, loaded, hot English nobleman who is wasting his life and his inherited estate so audaciously that his younger brother is suing him for control of their family’s earldom. There is a darn good chance that Arthur will lose everything, even his crazed, badly behaved puppy.
Unless he shapes up.
Gen’s new boss hasn’t been able to convince Arthur to mend his ways. His uncle’s lectures haven’t had any effect on his depraved debauchery and lavish lifestyle.
The only way for Genevieve to make partner is to win Arthur’s case, and the only way to win his case and save his earldom is to keep him from spending his days hungover in bed and his nights pouring Cristal on drunk, naked women before flying off in his private jumbo jet to the next party.
Arthur is enough to make any woman need a stiff drink.
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Audio Review: Stiff Drink (Runaway Billionaires: Arthur Duet, Book 1) by Blair Babylon (Author), John Lane (Narrator)
It took me a minute to wrap my head around the accent, but once I did my heart was lost. Babylon lures you in with a slight of hand and leaves you craving more. TROUBLE is the game and Arthur is his name. He knows how to break a heart, but if he’s not careful he might just lose his own.
I am not going with the majority on this story. It’s not that I didn’t like it but it really had no purpose..meaning nothing got resolved. I like Arthur and Gen. we learn about them in detail except what needs to stay hidden. Each has a problem the other can help with. But the problems don’t get resolved here. They get worked on. I did love the intrigue and the whole tussles with the brother. But frankly I needed more answers and something to make me want to listen to part 2.
I did listen to this on audio. John Lane was the narrator.
5 star Review Stiff Drink (Runaway Billionaires #2: Arthur Duet #1) by Blair Babylon
AUDIO REVIEW:
Blair Babylon is a relatively new author to me and I am thankful that she was recommended to me. John Lane, the narrator certainly brought Stiff Drink to life for me and had me swooning on numerous occasions. His voice was spot on in my opinion for Arthur Finch-Hatten and I enjoyed the variety of voices he used multiple characters.
We first met Arthur and Maxence in Cash’s story in Working Stiff and I loved them both so I could not wait to dive in to this one.
Stiff Drink is a hot, steamy, at times funny and spicy book which had me totally invested from the first to the last chapter.
Genevieve(Gen) is a lawyer who inherits Arthur’s case. They will test one another’s boundaries as Gen struggles to keep Arthur out of the tabloids and thereby save his earldom and her career; it certainly led to some fun times. This book was well written, witty, romantic, intriguing and all in all a great book to listen to.
This is book one in the duet so you have been warned and I anxiously await it’s conclusion.
Cliffhanger Alert!! If you do not like cliffhangers then stop and wait for the both installments to Gen and Arthur’s story. Now that that’s out of the way, this second book in this series was a great book! Arthur we met in Working Stiff was an intriguing character that had a lot of mystery once we got to know him and does not seem like what he wants the world to perceive him as – the Earl of Gives No Fucks. Gen was a pretty straight forward character that has some issues from her past,as well as a confidence issue as she works to become a barrister. The pair are polar opposites but have amazing chemistry together, are well developed and written well. This was a great story despite the cliffhanger and the narration by John Lane did a great job bringing this story to life. Overall, this was another great book by Blair that I would recommend to others.
Arthur Finch -Hatten, Lord Severn
Genevieve Ward
Genevieve, a lawyer, or barrister as they are called in England, was assigned the most difficult case, her former law mentor had, when he suddenly dies of a heart attack.
Arthur, how best to describe him. Rich! Self centered at times! Playboy, that is one way to describe him. He needs representation to help win his case over his brother, who was suing for the Lordship.
While, Gen helped Arthur win his case, she finds he’s not who he is portrayed to be, and Arthur was there to help, Gen overcome her demons. Which go back to her college days.
As Gen and Arthur spend more and more time together, a more personal relationship came.
This book/audio book was intensely hot, some funny and lots of very serious added info. It literally has all the elements of what makes a book a hit (in my opinion).
Blair Babylon has quickly become one of my favorite authors, having read most all her writings, and looking forward to future books.
This book is most definitely a 5 star book, worthy of many more.
UPDATED: 10th January 2020 for Audiobook
Sensually Playful & Intense. Full Of Intrigue & Familial Betrayal.
Unabridged Audible Audiobook
Stiff Drink: Arthur Duet, Book #1
Runaway Billionaires, Book #2
By: Blair Babylon
Narrated by: John Lane
Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
I was captivated by the narrator’s voice in this story. It kept me completely riveted throughout, mind you the whole story is so gripping so it’s no surprise!!
Lord Arthur Finch-Hatten, Earl of Severn is being sued for his Earldom & billions by his younger brother, Christopher. Christopher & the press, all suggest that Arthur is squandering his money on sex, extravagant spending, travel & drugs! Everything on the surface points to this being the truth but as we peek behind the curtain it’s more than clear that Arthur is using his ‘Cad & Wastral’ tags as a cover of some sort!
Genevieve Ward is a British born, American raised, Barrister in training. Her sponsor in her Law Offices recently died so she’s assigned a new one. They’re both at a loss how to reign Arthur in. Octavia threatens to drop his case, which he’s not at all happy about. In a desperate move, Gen suggests she becomes his pretends girlfriend, to try & curtail his bad habits & galivanting. To her utter shock they both agree!! Over time a true & trusted friendship grows between Arthur & Gen. She comes to see how deeply kind and clever he is. How much Spencer House, it’s people, contents & grounds truly mean to him, he loves them all, and how absolutely loyal he is to Crown & Country. She just can’t mesh that side of him with the frivolous one that world knows!
After a couple of seemingly unrelated incidents, months later, Arthur is out of sorts. She even risks her career by using a ‘honey pot’ technique to try & get him to talk. It doesn’t work but he suddenly seems fearful & wants to settle the Law Suit at all costs!!
What can possibly have happened to have shaken the unshakeable Lord?? Is his life in danger? Is her’s, his families?? Aargghhh I need the next book NOW!!
I adored the gradual build up of this couple, of how compassionate & caring he is with her. I also love his unwavering loyalty to his friends & the Crown. Gen is a spit fire when she’s riled up. I have a feeling she & Arthur are going to need that side of her in the concluding book. I am absolutely *not* a fan of either Christopher or Elizabeth!! They both seem like users that are out for themselves, for differing reasons I think?!
I highly recommend this Audiobook Its completely riveting and worth all of the stars!!
Debbie, 1970, UK
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(28th March 2017)
I found the 1st few chapters a little slow going (hence 4 stars not 5) but they were necessary & definitely didn’t spoil the the remainder of the book!!!
Gen is a British born but American raised Barrister in training, who, after the death of her sponsor at her Law office, is put in a more ‘hands on’ position with her Law Office’s most difficult client …. Lord Arthur Finch-Hatten, the Earl of Severn. His younger brother is suing him for his title, lands & billions, as he deems that Arthur squanders it on drink, drugs & women in front of the world’s press without shame. Part of her job is to convince to him to change his ways, at least until the court case. Her chance of getting the best start to the next stage to her career depends on her success with him. She dispares & finally throws out, in front of her new sponsor, that she’d pose as his girlfriend to keep him out of the bad press & on the straight & narrow …. she hopes!!!
Arthur has secrets, that’s clear from the start. He refuses to curb his wayward lifestyle, that’s being played out in the press, but we don’t know why. it’s clearly not stupidity as he’s beyond clever. Bits & pieces are revealed throughout the book as to his reasons & lordy are they huge & lofty but scary too, He has such integrity!! He does, to an extent, curb his lifestyle, thanks to Gen, but his secrets keep getting in the way & dragging him further down!!
The chemistry between Arthur & Gen as this story unfolds is sweet at the start, as she’s rather selfconsious but it soon heats up to boiling levels. I’ll just mention the kitchen 😉 Their friendship is building into something strong. The peripheral characters are as equally intriguing as the two main ones & some are deeply unsettling, as are some of the actions that are occurring!!
I can hardly wait for the conclusion to Arthur’s story. I NEED to find out how the Author finally decides to untangle him from all of the knots he’s gotten himself & now Gen into!! I’m hoping his bff’s will make an appearance in book 2 as I love Casmir & Max too. I highly recommend a Stiff Drink 😉 Beautifully written.
Debbie, 1970, UK
Genevieve is nearly a full barrister when her mentor dies and she is shuffled off to a new one and receives a new case and client Arthur Finch-Hatten. He is being sued by his younger brother who wants his earldom and everything because he is basically wasting it. That is the appearance of his life but when Gen is roped into babysitting him she discovers that is really not all there is. Feelings get involved but there are underlying secrets Arthur has and this one ends with a cliffhanger with him jetting off without her… Great narrator!
Despite what some may have imagined, I knew when the title said Arthur Duet #1 that this was going to be a two part set because Arthur begs to have more than one book dedicated to him. He is witty and charming, built and handsome, and he has a major secret that cannot come easily. There has to be a build up and a threat, and this first part holds exactly that. Arthur is a bit stuffy and seems to have decided to allow himself to go a bit wayward, but there’s so much more to the story.
Genevieve isn’t even a full barrister yet, and this is the case she get saddled with. Raised in the United States, she knows she must become more British to win her tenancy with the law firm. Arthur’s is not an easy case, and she is unsure she’s ever going to be qualified for it. And the worst part is that she had to keep steering her mind away from the steamy thoughts she has about him on a daily basis. She has her secrets, too, and they are ugly and heartbreaking.
Things between the Gen and Arthur become sizzling as they fight their attraction to each other to save Gen’s chance at the tenancy. There’s passion and danger and the bit of BDSM we expect to find when it comes to these billionaires. It’s a wild, perilous ride that packs heat with the romance. And I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
The story of Arthur and Gen is a must read, especially if you enjoy Blair Babylon’s writing. Again, this author has written a compelling story of two diverse characters that just happen to be thrown together and must survive their conflicts in order to get through life. Guaranteed to leave you wanting more of their story.
Blair Babylon did it again. “Stiff Drink” is so completely enthralling that I literally did not stop reading the book until I was 100% finished. Who needs sleep when England and Gen need to be saved and my new book boyfriend Arthur is the perfect hero for the job. I love how Blair Babylon always manages to create complex characters that are so real and multidimensional. Their many layers constantly draws in the reader, keeping them alternating between emphasizing with their current plight and guessing where the story will go next. I absolutely LOVED this book and am eagerly looking forward to the conclusion of the book to be released in May. Do not hesitate to buy this book!!!! One click buy right this minute!!! I reviewed an advanced read copy of this book… and LOVED IT!!!!
I have yet to be disappointed by one of Blair’s stories. I got into this story right away and wanted to see how Arthur and Genevieve’s story would play out… I didn’t want to put it down. Things are not always as they seem and you wonder if Arthur will ever be able to find his way through…and will Genevieve stick around long enough or give him another chance. My only complaint is that we have to wait for the next book to find out how their story ends…Always hoping for a HEA. I was gifted with a copy of this book and am happily leaving a review.
I have really enjoyed every book I have read by this author.
But I do believe this is the best yet.
Genevieve is a lawyer but she is now given the task of let’s just say man-sitter. After an unfortunate event she is now tasked with Arthur who is very rich, a playboy, a trouble maker perhaps?
How is this young lawyer going to shape up this sexy, alpha, pain in the rear?
Will Arthur get his way with this beautiful young lawyer?
I enjoyed this couple, nothing was fast and it flowed smoothly. I do believe I have found another fantastic series.
Well grab your copy and find out.
1/13/20 Edited to add my comments on the recently released audiobook.
Fantastic audio performance of a great book!
Stiff Drink is the first audiobook I’ve listened to performed by John Lane and it just blew me away. It’s been nearly three years since I’ve read and reviewed Stiff Drink and I’m having trouble finding the words to say how much I loved hearing the different voices that John did for this story. I’m not British so I have no idea if the accents he uses are accurate but they are panty-melting dreamy in my opinion.
I was so impressed that I immediately went looking for more books read by him to add to my wish list. That really is a huge compliment from me because these days I mostly only listen to MM (male-male) books unless they are ones written by favorite MF authors, like Blair Babylon.
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Original review of the book:
What a fantastic slow-burn story.
It’s a little hard for me to explain how much and why I like books by Blair Babylon. As a general rule, I hate books with cliffhangers (please don’t stop reading yet) but her stories are so compelling I just can’t stay away from them and – this is important – she doesn’t make you wait more than a few months for the next book. In the case of this story, the next book will also be the conclusion to Arthur and Gen story. Because I appreciate it when other reviewers mention a book has a cliffhanger I feel compelled to do the same but I implore you to give her writing a chance.
Blair Babylon is a superb storyteller. Her writing is witty, funny, tear-inducing, snarky (at times) and she uses words that challenge my vocabulary. Her Billionaires in Disguise: Rae series (available now as one book that contains the entire story) remains one of my all-time favorite books. I loved it so much I even bought the paperback copy. Never before in my life have I spent $24.99 on a book but that’s how much I loved that story and I had to have a copy for my keeper shelf.
Now for something about Stiff Drink. We met Arthur in Working Stiff (Casimir’s story) and I have to say he didn’t come off too well. (You don’t need to read Working Stiff to enjoy Stiff Drink as it stands alone with no problem.) Stiff Drink contains several surprises about Arthur and we learn that not everything is as it seems.
Once I started reading Working Stiff I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with Gen’s character, too. She’s trying so hard to be British and give up the Americanisms that hamper her climb up the career ladder. Arthur is helping her with that project and they come to work very well together.
This story made me laugh out loud in several places and shed tears in others. This kind of reaction from me is exactly what I look for in a good book and Blair always delivers just what I need. I nearly forgot to mention that the sexual tension between Arthur and Gen is absolutely delicious!
I received an advanced copy of this story some time ago but I had a hard time making myself start it because I knew I wouldn’t want it to end. I know that doesn’t make too much sense but it’s been a while since Blair’s had a new full-length novel released and I just wanted to savor it. I’m so glad I learned about her books three years ago; I hope you will give them a try.
A Review of Stiff Drink BID Arthur, book 1 by Blair Babylon
Fun and sexy – 5+++++ stars
When we first meet Genevieve Ward (who goes by Gen), she is about to become a full barrister (a British litigating attorney). She is under a bit of stress when her mentor/boss dies and she is assigned to another barrister. She then ends up assigned to their worst case, which is Arthur’s case. The only way for Genevieve to make partner is to win Arthur’s case, and the only way to win his case and save his earldom is to stop him from spending his days hungover in bed and having his photos blasted all over the internet.
Her prior mentor had taken a special interest in Gen and her multiple disadvantages. She spent her formative years in America, in Texas where her father lived. She still retains an abominable Texas accent despite her best efforts. Also, her lack of the benefits of the British independent school education like most of her colleagues enjoyed causes many clients to want someone else to take their cases. She also has a lot of confidence issues since her mother has always assured Gen of her lack of looks her whole life, telling her that she had to be especially smart and diligent to make up for her long, horsey face and too-big teeth.
Of course, we’ve already met Arthur in Cash and Rox’s story. Lord Arthur Finch-Hatten, the Earl of Severn is six-feet and four-inches of ripped, loaded, hot English nobleman who appears to be wasting his life and his inherited estate so audaciously that his younger brother is suing him for control of their family’s earldom. But, things are not always as they seem. I think Arthur may actually be a spy, so it will be interesting to see how things play out. Having to let Gen move in with him to pretend to be his girlfriend in hopes of keeping his nose clean and the tabloids off his back in order to try and win his case is paramount.
I can hardly wait for the next book in this story to find out how she wins his case in the House of Lords and how their relationship works out. Had several laugh out loud sections and lots of twists and turns. Make sure you get this one when you can.
**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
What a way to lose your heart so utterly and completely to a story! This is such a brilliant story that will touch you on literally every level imaginable. It will penetrate your heart and run numerous stealth missions to win over every piece of it. When you finally walk away from this book, you will see with new eyes, feel with a greater depth, and hope more intensely then you ever imagined. This book highlights and savors the most fragile and precious parts of what makes life truly sweet and fulfilling.
Gen is living her life the best way she knows how. She is fighting day by day to win respect from her peers and superiors, to win stability for her family, and to achieve expectations thrust upon her. She has no delusions about what she can and can’t accomplish, so when Arthur is gruffly thrown at her, she just digs harder and deeper trying to solve yet another problem in her way. Arthur thinks he knows how to handle a woman like Gen, but he quickly finds himself a challenge like no other. As he watches his life change in response to this strange yet intriguing woman, he finds himself at a difficult and painful stalemate. Can Gen prove to those who matter that she is worthy of a place among them, or will Arthur’s case destroy any hopes of fulfilling the only dreams she ever had?
I love walking blind into a Blair Babylon book because only then can I really appreciate all of the emotions, nuances, and life that you will encounter. Each of her amazing characters are completely and deliciously complex to their very core. There is nothing easy about her storylines either. They make you work, suffer, and sweat right along the characters every step of the way. These books become a part of you. Even if you don’t want to acknowledge that fact, it is still so very true.
Blair Babylon has forged a true masterpiece! She has taken a wonderfully wicked storyline, infused it with some fantastically stunning characters, and then molded it with spectacular twists and turns that gives you a truly extraordinary and wonderfully epic adventure. With this incredible powerhouse of an addition to her fun and quirky new series, I am absolutely on pins and needles to see what she creates next! This is one author that NEVER fails to deliver, and when what she delivers is pure bliss wrapped in utter perfection.
As always one of my favorite authors. The audiobook narrator hits this straight on. Have both audio and hard copy. This is the first installment of Gen & Arthur’s story. Enjoyed this very much and am looking forward to the next. All these stories over lap the previous books in spots, so makes you want to go back and read in order. Good read and even better listen.
I enjoyed reading about Gen and Author. I like that each character is more than meets the eye. The only annoying thing was the cliffhanger, but where it ended made sense. Somehow the author needs to speed up her writing…LOL This was a fun book and I recommend it to everyone that likes to read about tall handsome men and women that are capable of taking care of themselves!
This book.
What can I say about it that others have not already said?
I really love the dynamic between Arthur and Gen. Her ideas on how to handle him as her lawyer are unconventional but seem to work for the most part.
Though this is book 1 of a two part book, the cliffhanger was not horrible and could easily have been a book in a series that would come out at a later date. (Thankfully though it is only a month away!)
Great writing like always.