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Intrinsic Values #1
Artifacts
Aldric Beamer thought working in an antique shop would be safe and boring. He never expected to find his life, or his heart, in danger.
Being the low man on the totem pole is nothing new for Aldric Beamer. The youngest of three siblings, he was always kind of the afterthought in his family. There were blessings and curses to that, but Aldric’s trying hard not to let his questionable confidence sink any lower.
He’s managed to find work in a tight field, and Aldric loves his job at Intrinsic Value. He loves it so much, he often works off the clock—or maybe he just doesn’t want to go home to his empty apartment.
Aldric’s devoted to his job, and he’s slowly learning to trust his boss and coworkers. Then things begin to happen, bad things. First there’s the vandalism, then Aldric is attacked, and all the security Aldric thought he had vanished with the crash of a fist to his face.
Officer Darrell Jenkins takes one look at the beautiful, bruised man he finds behind an antique store, and something in his heart melts. It scares him, and he’s brisk when he should have been compassionate.
Aldric’s no pushover, though. He’s had enough of being ignored and treated like he doesn’t matter as much as everyone else. And he’ll make damn sure Officer Jenkins doesn’t dismiss him, in any way.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of violence and non-sexual assault. There are expressions of homophobia by several characters, mentions of non-nurturing parenting, references to addiction and a scene of attempted abduction.
Being the low man on the totem pole is nothing new for Aldric Beamer. The youngest of three siblings, he was always kind of the afterthought in his family. There were blessings and curses to that, but Aldric’s trying hard not to let his questionable confidence sink any lower.
He’s managed to find work in a tight field, and Aldric loves his job at Intrinsic Value. He loves it so much, he often works off the clock—or maybe he just doesn’t want to go home to his empty apartment.
Aldric’s devoted to his job, and he’s slowly learning to trust his boss and coworkers. Then things begin to happen, bad things. First there’s the vandalism, then Aldric is attacked, and all the security Aldric thought he had vanished with the crash of a fist to his face.
Officer Darrell Jenkins takes one look at the beautiful, bruised man he finds behind an antique store, and something in his heart melts. It scares him, and he’s brisk when he should have been compassionate.
Aldric’s no pushover, though. He’s had enough of being ignored and treated like he doesn’t matter as much as everyone else. And he’ll make damn sure Officer Jenkins doesn’t dismiss him, in any way.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of violence and non-sexual assault. There are expressions of homophobia by several characters, mentions of non-nurturing parenting, references to addiction and a scene of attempted abduction.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2021
17 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Bailey Bradford
182 books552 followersA few things about me...
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 19, 2021
Yeah, I had to abandon this around 30%.
I was excited for this story because the premise reminded me of The Mystery of Nevermore and I've been looking for something similar. But the writing is just so awkward.
“He was trying to work out what his summons could be to do with.” “The floors shone gold and they were also polished to perfection.” Sentences were either repetitive, clumsy, or grammatically incorrect. The story is just filled with writing like this & I could barely get through it. The final straw for me was when pov changed midchapter with no indication.
I see this author has written a lot, so I might check out something else by them, but I just could not get through this.
I was excited for this story because the premise reminded me of The Mystery of Nevermore and I've been looking for something similar. But the writing is just so awkward.
“He was trying to work out what his summons could be to do with.” “The floors shone gold and they were also polished to perfection.” Sentences were either repetitive, clumsy, or grammatically incorrect. The story is just filled with writing like this & I could barely get through it. The final straw for me was when pov changed midchapter with no indication.
I see this author has written a lot, so I might check out something else by them, but I just could not get through this.
April 26, 2021
Aldric Beamer is a very shy twenty-one-year-old guy, he feels inferior with low self-esteem. He’s surprised when antique shop owner Elliot Douglas hires him. Aldric is fast learning and loves his job, finally, he can eat more than once a day. Elliot cares about the young guy.
One night, Aldric was closing up the backdoor of the store, he suddenly got attacked and found in blood by some passengers.
That’s how police officer Darrell Williams meets Aldric for the first time.
Patrol Officer Williams is the one who got the call about a bleeding guy in the alley behind the antique shop. While in blood the guy is attractive, somehow Darrell is rude and questioning the situation.
After offering his excuses he also offers to bring Aldric home.
Oh, that escalated quickly. Just a few sentences and already a confession and a kiss… oh well.
What follows is an intriguing mystery, it wasn’t just Aldric at the wrong place or time, it was on purpose and this part of the story was nicely put together.
There was a mention of Dan Brown’s books, I must say it felt sometimes like it, in a good way, no copying or something, just bits of the content.
Besides the mystery in this story, there is the part about Aldric and Darrell their relationship. It’s quite instant.
We learn some parts about Darrell’s reluctant motives to come out and be open with their relationship.
While Aldric is quite shy and withdrawn he has a backbone, he stands up for himself, I loved that!
The whole story together was slightly developed and felt here and there a bit unfinished. I’m not sure if the next one of this series will be a continuation.
Overall it was entertaining and certainly, the thrilling mystery was intriguing and captivating. I enjoyed reading it.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytesReviews
One night, Aldric was closing up the backdoor of the store, he suddenly got attacked and found in blood by some passengers.
That’s how police officer Darrell Williams meets Aldric for the first time.
Patrol Officer Williams is the one who got the call about a bleeding guy in the alley behind the antique shop. While in blood the guy is attractive, somehow Darrell is rude and questioning the situation.
After offering his excuses he also offers to bring Aldric home.
Oh, that escalated quickly. Just a few sentences and already a confession and a kiss… oh well.
What follows is an intriguing mystery, it wasn’t just Aldric at the wrong place or time, it was on purpose and this part of the story was nicely put together.
There was a mention of Dan Brown’s books, I must say it felt sometimes like it, in a good way, no copying or something, just bits of the content.
Besides the mystery in this story, there is the part about Aldric and Darrell their relationship. It’s quite instant.
We learn some parts about Darrell’s reluctant motives to come out and be open with their relationship.
While Aldric is quite shy and withdrawn he has a backbone, he stands up for himself, I loved that!
The whole story together was slightly developed and felt here and there a bit unfinished. I’m not sure if the next one of this series will be a continuation.
Overall it was entertaining and certainly, the thrilling mystery was intriguing and captivating. I enjoyed reading it.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytesReviews
May 26, 2021
If this was meant to be a romantic suspense .... I have to admit the 'suspense' was rather underwhelming. Each time something interesting happens (an attack, a threat, an abduction etc), the plot pacing (and hence my attention) stalled as the author then interjects some sexy-times between the MCs. For a shy and retiring virgin - Aldric throws about some unexpected 'moves' onto the more experienced Darrell (who of course develops an insta-lust/lurve upon his first encounter with a battered Aldric). I liked/appreciated secondary characters Elliot and Jonas more but I guess they will have their moment to shine in subsequent titles of this series. 2.5 stars at best.
April 9, 2021
Aldric doesn’t know much about life. He gets a job in an antique store, much to his surprise. He loves his job and is a quick learner. Then he gets hit over the head and meets Darrell the cop. They are attracted to each other immediately and they seem to attract trouble too.
Aldric was such a sweet, naive character. I liked him a lot, however his lack of knowledge in several areas was never explained and although it added to his appeal I would of liked to have more of his backstory. With Darrell on the other hand, his backstory was well explained with one meeting of his family.
The intimacy between the men was touching. I liked how shy, unsure Aldric took control of their relationship. It seemed that Darrell should of been strong one but he really wasn’t. I liked their give and take.
The mystery, while central to the story, didn’t feel like it was the focus. An enjoyable feel good kind of story that made me happy to have read it.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Aldric was such a sweet, naive character. I liked him a lot, however his lack of knowledge in several areas was never explained and although it added to his appeal I would of liked to have more of his backstory. With Darrell on the other hand, his backstory was well explained with one meeting of his family.
The intimacy between the men was touching. I liked how shy, unsure Aldric took control of their relationship. It seemed that Darrell should of been strong one but he really wasn’t. I liked their give and take.
The mystery, while central to the story, didn’t feel like it was the focus. An enjoyable feel good kind of story that made me happy to have read it.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
April 14, 2021
A slow burn but what a great read
This is the first book that I read by Bailey Bradford and I would admit that it was an extremely slow read to begin with to, the point that I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it. But I am so glad that I continued and finished this book because there is so much feeling in this read that it can’t help but get you totally hooked. I really feel for both Aldric and Darrel. But in totally different ways Aldric had been basically thrown out of his home by his parents when he was at an age he could look after himself and he never gave up, you know always looking for work to live in his poor excuse of a home really but it was home for him. And then you’ve got Darrell. He had so much expected of him from his family and he knew they would never except me as a gay man. And the same with his work being a Gay cop in San Antonio Would be an uphill battle to get excepted no matter how how well he is at his job.
That all changes when he meets Aldric. He’d been called out to a man who had been attacked behind an antique shop. And the first time Darrell made eyes with him he knew there was something special there and it made him be abrupt and rude to hide it.
Aldric cant believe he found a job working in an antique shop for an amazing man called Elliott. Aldric was surprised one night leaving the store and somebody hit him on the back of the head. He woke up to 2 good Samaritans helping him and they had called the police. Aldric knew there was something special about Darrell and hope that he was just being rude because he was having a really bad day. But what would happen when they spend time alone together.?? Would they be friendly? Would the attraction be too much and what would happen when Aldric wanted more than hook up?? Would Darrell be able to give more and risk everything or would it just be too much of a risk for him??.
These two are just a amazing pairing, the banter that they have and the chemistry is just off the charts I found myself smiling so much throughout this book. But my heart also hurt for them both.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Bailey Bradford.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book that I read by Bailey Bradford and I would admit that it was an extremely slow read to begin with to, the point that I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it. But I am so glad that I continued and finished this book because there is so much feeling in this read that it can’t help but get you totally hooked. I really feel for both Aldric and Darrel. But in totally different ways Aldric had been basically thrown out of his home by his parents when he was at an age he could look after himself and he never gave up, you know always looking for work to live in his poor excuse of a home really but it was home for him. And then you’ve got Darrell. He had so much expected of him from his family and he knew they would never except me as a gay man. And the same with his work being a Gay cop in San Antonio Would be an uphill battle to get excepted no matter how how well he is at his job.
That all changes when he meets Aldric. He’d been called out to a man who had been attacked behind an antique shop. And the first time Darrell made eyes with him he knew there was something special there and it made him be abrupt and rude to hide it.
Aldric cant believe he found a job working in an antique shop for an amazing man called Elliott. Aldric was surprised one night leaving the store and somebody hit him on the back of the head. He woke up to 2 good Samaritans helping him and they had called the police. Aldric knew there was something special about Darrell and hope that he was just being rude because he was having a really bad day. But what would happen when they spend time alone together.?? Would they be friendly? Would the attraction be too much and what would happen when Aldric wanted more than hook up?? Would Darrell be able to give more and risk everything or would it just be too much of a risk for him??.
These two are just a amazing pairing, the banter that they have and the chemistry is just off the charts I found myself smiling so much throughout this book. But my heart also hurt for them both.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Bailey Bradford.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2021
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Aldric, with little money and in need of a job, sees a job advertised in the window of an antique shop. Elliot, the owner, hires him and takes him under his wing. Aldric is injured in an attempted robbery and meets cop Darrell and after an initially bad meeting, romance follows.
This book had some good points. I loved Elliot and seeing a business owner taken on a young man to give him work and teach him. It was sweet. Elliot is such an upstanding guy it almost felt like he was from another era. I also really liked Aldric. Life wasn’t always good to him but he kept on going and trying and I loved that about him. I liked that Darrell and Elliot had a bit of a struggle to get their acts together so they could be together.
I did have a few issues. There were a few story arcs that started to be explored but didn’t really end up being developed. In particular, early on in the story we see Alderick struggling financially and then he meets Darrell and it is never mentioned again. I found this odd. It almost felt like bits of the story were missing. Also, it took me a while to warm up to Darrell and even in the end I only liked him because Aldric did.
Overall Artifacts was enjoyable and I like the mix of danger, mystery and romance and the story offered, I just would have liked to have seen the story developed a bit more. 3 stars from me.
Aldric, with little money and in need of a job, sees a job advertised in the window of an antique shop. Elliot, the owner, hires him and takes him under his wing. Aldric is injured in an attempted robbery and meets cop Darrell and after an initially bad meeting, romance follows.
This book had some good points. I loved Elliot and seeing a business owner taken on a young man to give him work and teach him. It was sweet. Elliot is such an upstanding guy it almost felt like he was from another era. I also really liked Aldric. Life wasn’t always good to him but he kept on going and trying and I loved that about him. I liked that Darrell and Elliot had a bit of a struggle to get their acts together so they could be together.
I did have a few issues. There were a few story arcs that started to be explored but didn’t really end up being developed. In particular, early on in the story we see Alderick struggling financially and then he meets Darrell and it is never mentioned again. I found this odd. It almost felt like bits of the story were missing. Also, it took me a while to warm up to Darrell and even in the end I only liked him because Aldric did.
Overall Artifacts was enjoyable and I like the mix of danger, mystery and romance and the story offered, I just would have liked to have seen the story developed a bit more. 3 stars from me.
April 13, 2021
This was really good. Aldric was a character who was timid, shy, and struggling at the start of the book and we really got to watch him blossom after being given a chance at a great job by Elliott and by meeting gruff Officer Darrell. Darrell was not interested in any kind of relationship, but Aldric was charming and sweet and Darrell found he couldn’t stay away. In the closet with a strict military family, Darrell kept himself pretty tightly locked up. It was great to see Aldric bring him out his shell. They were so complementary to each other. I liked this a lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2021
Check out our full post for ARTIFACTS on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Veronica – ☆☆☆
Aldric, with little money and in need of a job, sees a job advertised in the window of an antique shop. Elliot, the owner, hires him and takes him under his wing. Aldric is injured in an attempted robbery and meets cop Darrell and after an initially bad meeting, romance follows.
This book had some good points. I loved Elliot and seeing a business owner take on a young man to give him work and teach him. It was sweet. Elliot is such an upstanding guy it almost felt like he was from another era. I also really liked Aldric. Life wasn’t always good to him, but he kept on going and trying and I loved that about him. I liked that Darrell and Elliot had a bit of a struggle to get their acts together so they could be together.
I did have a few issues. There were a few story arcs that started to be explored but didn’t really end up being developed. In particular, early on in the story we see Aldric struggling financially and then he meets Darrell, and it is never mentioned again. I found this odd. It almost felt like bits of the story were missing. Also, it took me a while to warm up to Darrell and even in the end, I only liked him because Aldric did.
Overall, ARTIFACTS was enjoyable, and I like the mix of danger, mystery, and romance the story offered, I just would have liked to have seen the story developed a bit more. Three stars from me.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
April 10, 2021
Darrell doesn’t want or need anyone in his life, his family certainly don’t require him in their lives! He’s always felt left out, surplus to requirements, if that’s not the case then why does his father constantly ignore him then?
And so his hookups are just that, nothing more......
Aldric desperately needs a job, his money is running out and his rent is due! So when he sees a sign outside a shop hiring staff, he quickly goes inside.....
He gets the job and all is fine in his world, that is until he’s attacked!!
Meeting Aldric for the first time knocks Darrell for six, and that’s why he treats him rudely! Not being openly gay is a problem for Darrell, his family wouldn’t accept it and he’s not even sure his job would understand either!!
But he knows he needs to apologise to Aldric.
He doesn’t want a one night stand, nor does he want to be a booty call, Aldric wants to be loved and to love openly, chasing the officer will only bring heartache, shame his heart isn’t listening!!
It’s a first book in a new series. And it’s been a while since I’ve read anything by this author.
But it’s a great read, and a series I’m keen to keep an eye open for.
The secondary characters need stories too they were a great addition to the story.
So can Aldric get the man of his dreams? Or will Darrell remain firmly in his closet? And is it the ghost of the dead man that’s causing the harassment of both the widow and Aldric? Or is there a more sinister plot?
Romance and a mystery thrown in, what more could you wish for.
🦋I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.
And so his hookups are just that, nothing more......
Aldric desperately needs a job, his money is running out and his rent is due! So when he sees a sign outside a shop hiring staff, he quickly goes inside.....
He gets the job and all is fine in his world, that is until he’s attacked!!
Meeting Aldric for the first time knocks Darrell for six, and that’s why he treats him rudely! Not being openly gay is a problem for Darrell, his family wouldn’t accept it and he’s not even sure his job would understand either!!
But he knows he needs to apologise to Aldric.
He doesn’t want a one night stand, nor does he want to be a booty call, Aldric wants to be loved and to love openly, chasing the officer will only bring heartache, shame his heart isn’t listening!!
It’s a first book in a new series. And it’s been a while since I’ve read anything by this author.
But it’s a great read, and a series I’m keen to keep an eye open for.
The secondary characters need stories too they were a great addition to the story.
So can Aldric get the man of his dreams? Or will Darrell remain firmly in his closet? And is it the ghost of the dead man that’s causing the harassment of both the widow and Aldric? Or is there a more sinister plot?
Romance and a mystery thrown in, what more could you wish for.
🦋I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.
April 13, 2021
Aldric is used to just barely getting by, but he thinks his luck might be changing when he gets a job in an antique store. Suddenly he has stability, and health insurance, and the chance to maybe feel settled— and then he’s assaulted and mugged outside the store one night. Traumatic as that experience is, it introduces him to police officer Darrell, and both feel an instant connection, despite Darrell’s immediately sticking his foot in his mouth. Aldric and Darrell are good together, and for each other, although Darrell must navigate his own toxic behaviors, the legacy of a deeply controlling and homophobic upbringing. They both must also contend with the mystery that motivated the attack on the shop in the first place. The mystery part of the plot was dynamic and fast-paced. While I wouldn’t call them loose ends, however, there were a few dangling plot threads I’m not quite sure where to place at the resolution of the drama— I can’t tell whether or not there was supposed to be something vaguely sinister about Aldric’s boss Elliott, for example. Overall, however, a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2023
Audio: 2 Stars, awful, it did not help the poor writing. The 40 something voices sounded like an 80 and the 21 sounded like a 14.
Story: The idea was good but incredibly poorly developed. There is a lot of unnecessary filling. Then the characters are written like cartoons instead of real people. The Darell character is a complete selfish bastard and the Aldric character is full of self-pity because he is "poor" and has no sex experience?!? Another pet peeve, if your family can't accept you the way you ARE, fudge them! Then Aldric goes on an "adventure" when the police are actually trying to save your life just because you can't deal with jealousy in a relationship which is not even a real relationship.....just mostly lust and sex! Plus pushing someone to come out is rude, specially if that person told you he wasn't really ready to come out. SO INMMATURE!!!! And he put the other MC's life in danger. Like I said, the idea of the whole book was good but incredibly poorly and lazily written and I'm not even including all the weird grammatical issues. Hope you enjoy, Happy Readings!
Story: The idea was good but incredibly poorly developed. There is a lot of unnecessary filling. Then the characters are written like cartoons instead of real people. The Darell character is a complete selfish bastard and the Aldric character is full of self-pity because he is "poor" and has no sex experience?!? Another pet peeve, if your family can't accept you the way you ARE, fudge them! Then Aldric goes on an "adventure" when the police are actually trying to save your life just because you can't deal with jealousy in a relationship which is not even a real relationship.....just mostly lust and sex! Plus pushing someone to come out is rude, specially if that person told you he wasn't really ready to come out. SO INMMATURE!!!! And he put the other MC's life in danger. Like I said, the idea of the whole book was good but incredibly poorly and lazily written and I'm not even including all the weird grammatical issues. Hope you enjoy, Happy Readings!
March 31, 2021
What should have been an easy job turns into a life-threatening mystery for Aldric.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – from seeing Aldric’s tentative and insecure beginnings at Intrinsic Value, to seeing his self-confidence and self-worth come out. He is a strong character that grows throughout the book. Darrell is the opposite – he looks strong but is so far inside the closet, he can see Narnia. Together, these two work perfectly. Now, I just need to know more about Elliot and Jonas!
The writing style is smooth, and the pace is perfect. Although this is the first book in the series, you don’t get a big info-dump on anyone or anything. I would have liked to have known a bit more about the families of both the main characters, but enough is inferred for me to figure most of it out.
This was a fun and sassy read that I have no hesitation in recommending. An excellent start and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – from seeing Aldric’s tentative and insecure beginnings at Intrinsic Value, to seeing his self-confidence and self-worth come out. He is a strong character that grows throughout the book. Darrell is the opposite – he looks strong but is so far inside the closet, he can see Narnia. Together, these two work perfectly. Now, I just need to know more about Elliot and Jonas!
The writing style is smooth, and the pace is perfect. Although this is the first book in the series, you don’t get a big info-dump on anyone or anything. I would have liked to have known a bit more about the families of both the main characters, but enough is inferred for me to figure most of it out.
This was a fun and sassy read that I have no hesitation in recommending. An excellent start and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
April 14, 2021
Aldric Beamer loves his job in an antique shop. Unfortunately, he has no problem working after hours, which gets him into trouble one evening. He is attacked outside the store, and the self-confidence he was starting to build is shattered.
San Antonio police officer, Darrell Williams, has an odd reaction to the bruised victim he finds in a dark alley behind an antique store. His heart goes out to him. The feeling shakes him up, so he is more gruff than he meant to be and acts indifferent toward Aldric instead of showing compassion. Officer Williams had no interest in any kind of relationship, but something about Aldric wouldn’t let him stop thinking of him. Can Darrell help bring back some of the confidence Aldric needs to find in himself? Or will Aldric regain his own confidence as he refuses to be ignored anymore and won’t allow Darrell to ignore him? Along the way, will they discover who attacked Aldric?
San Antonio police officer, Darrell Williams, has an odd reaction to the bruised victim he finds in a dark alley behind an antique store. His heart goes out to him. The feeling shakes him up, so he is more gruff than he meant to be and acts indifferent toward Aldric instead of showing compassion. Officer Williams had no interest in any kind of relationship, but something about Aldric wouldn’t let him stop thinking of him. Can Darrell help bring back some of the confidence Aldric needs to find in himself? Or will Aldric regain his own confidence as he refuses to be ignored anymore and won’t allow Darrell to ignore him? Along the way, will they discover who attacked Aldric?
April 13, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
Aldric is nearing the end of his rope. With no job and no income, he’s about to lose the crappy little apartment he lives in. Already Aldric’s had to choose between electricity or water, bills or food, and it’s only by chance he sees the hand-drawn Help Wanted sign in the shop window. Intrinsic Value isn’t anyplace Aldric thought he would — or could — get a job. It’s an antique store, and the only thing Aldric knows about antique shops is that he can’t afford anything in them.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
Aldric is nearing the end of his rope. With no job and no income, he’s about to lose the crappy little apartment he lives in. Already Aldric’s had to choose between electricity or water, bills or food, and it’s only by chance he sees the hand-drawn Help Wanted sign in the shop window. Intrinsic Value isn’t anyplace Aldric thought he would — or could — get a job. It’s an antique store, and the only thing Aldric knows about antique shops is that he can’t afford anything in them.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
April 12, 2021
Aldric gets a job in an an antique shop then he gets hit over the head and meets Officer Williams.
Aldric goes into the antique shop with the help wanted notice and owner Elliot gives him a job with an actual living wage and health care. Several weeks later he is closing up the back door when he is knocked unconscious. Officer Darrell Williams get called to the scene and finds his eyes keep going to the beautiful battered man who is the victim of the seemly senseless. This is a finely turned M/M romance with a crime mystery running through it is highly entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aldric goes into the antique shop with the help wanted notice and owner Elliot gives him a job with an actual living wage and health care. Several weeks later he is closing up the back door when he is knocked unconscious. Officer Darrell Williams get called to the scene and finds his eyes keep going to the beautiful battered man who is the victim of the seemly senseless. This is a finely turned M/M romance with a crime mystery running through it is highly entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2021
I have read a lot of books by Bailey Bradford and this one didn't disappoint. Darrell and Aldric's romance is filled with mystery, suspense, romance, funny, some intense moments, and will have your attention from start to finish. Aldric is sweet, needs a job and he's got Darrell's attention. Darrell is in the closet but he's attracted to Aldric. This a great start to a new series and I'm looking forward to the next book.
May 5, 2021
This is my first book of Bailey Bradford. I really liked their writing style and my first story of theirs. Artifacts was a cute and unpredictable story. I had thought the main couple and characters were going to be someone else but it didn't end up for what I thought.i also liked the mystery and suspense they had to solve - again totally unpredictable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2021
I have been reading Bailey Bradford off and on for years--some of my favorite books are from her. This book was a bit different. It was a slow start for me but half way through it began to pick up and I enjoyed the rest of the book.
April 11, 2021
I've never read anything from Bailey Bradford. Artifacts was cool. I loved Aldric he was a sweetheart. I just wished Darrell had more courage in the beginning. I am glad they got together.
April 17, 2021
This was an interesting little story with plenty of intrigue as to who and why. I certainly got it wrong (as usual). What kept it more entertaining for me was the lovely slow burn romance and the well written characters and world building.
April 21, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline it was brilliant
April 24, 2022
Well I have to say I did not guess who the dad guy was so in my books that is a good mystery. As for the relationship between Aldric and Darrell...it felt a little rushed. It would have been nice to see Darrell have to work for forgiveness a little harder. In the end though I was glad he was able to stand up (and out) for what he really wanted. On a side note, I say there is more to Elliot then meets the eye???
April 7, 2023
Audiobook 3.5🌟’s
I really enjoyed the storyline, the mystery, and the anticipation of “catching” the assailant. Also, the struggles Daryl endured on behalf of his family members' acceptance of his lifestyle mixed with his soaring feelings for Aldric, were engaging and kept me on my toes, rooting for their HEA.
On the other hand, the narrator did absolutely nothing to bring these characters to life. Daryl’s character's voice was the only “believable” narrative, while Eliott sounded entirely too old for his age and Aldric appeared to be a child, which kind of destroyed the visuals on a few scenes. A switch in narrators, or two, would do wonders for this audio experience.
I really enjoyed the storyline, the mystery, and the anticipation of “catching” the assailant. Also, the struggles Daryl endured on behalf of his family members' acceptance of his lifestyle mixed with his soaring feelings for Aldric, were engaging and kept me on my toes, rooting for their HEA.
On the other hand, the narrator did absolutely nothing to bring these characters to life. Daryl’s character's voice was the only “believable” narrative, while Eliott sounded entirely too old for his age and Aldric appeared to be a child, which kind of destroyed the visuals on a few scenes. A switch in narrators, or two, would do wonders for this audio experience.
January 1, 2022
I have not read this author for a few years and I am glad that I took a chance on this book. I really enjoyed this story. I found the book blurb intriguing. This is the story of Aldric Beamer and Darrell Williams. Aldric is alone and fighting to survive. He stumbles upon a help wanted sign and unexpectedly finds himself working for a man he really likes and respects. Feeling like he is a magnet for bad luck, he hopes this is a sign that his luck is turning around. One night while locking up the antique shop on his own, he is assaulted and left for dead in the back alley. Luckily he is found and help is summoned. He is shaken up, injured and mildly concussed when he first meets Darrell. San Antonio police officer Darrell Williams is called to the scene. Darrell's instant interest and warming for Aldric, causes him to panic and react abruptly and rudely to Aldric. When Darrell shows up at the hospital to apologize for his atrocious behaviour; Aldric is gracious and tries to explain away Darrell's behaviour to his boss and coworker. Aldric is finally in a place where he feels more secure and no longer lets people walk all over him. He sets out to make sure Officer William's doesn't ignore or dismiss him. With an auspicious beginning like that, there was no where to go but up. I really liked the interaction between the main characters and the relationship between Aldric and his coworkers. It added a lot to the story. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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