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Arcane Tales #2
The Spinster's Swindle
Revenge is in her future. But falling for her enemy’s son is one fate this spiritualist could never have envisioned.
Playwright Maxwell Millerson would rather spend his days dreaming up stories than cleaning up his father’s messes. But a trendy renovation has the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, and not even Max’s imagination can conjure a way out. Desperate, he turns to the multi-talented—and alluringly audacious—Madame Xyla to help him spin gold from straw.
Lydia Weaver, professionally known as spiritualist Madame Xyla, has long sought revenge on the man responsible for her cousin’s imprisonment. When her enemy’s son visits her seance room seeking advice, Lydia leaps at the opportunity for vengeance. Until Max’s easy charm and poetic words threaten to turn her plans upside-down.
As their friendship grows and they give way to their mutual attraction, Lydia and Max must weigh family duty with their hearts’ desires. And only when they confront old wounds and new feelings can a happy ending be in the cards.
Playwright Maxwell Millerson would rather spend his days dreaming up stories than cleaning up his father’s messes. But a trendy renovation has the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, and not even Max’s imagination can conjure a way out. Desperate, he turns to the multi-talented—and alluringly audacious—Madame Xyla to help him spin gold from straw.
Lydia Weaver, professionally known as spiritualist Madame Xyla, has long sought revenge on the man responsible for her cousin’s imprisonment. When her enemy’s son visits her seance room seeking advice, Lydia leaps at the opportunity for vengeance. Until Max’s easy charm and poetic words threaten to turn her plans upside-down.
As their friendship grows and they give way to their mutual attraction, Lydia and Max must weigh family duty with their hearts’ desires. And only when they confront old wounds and new feelings can a happy ending be in the cards.
- GenresHistorical Romance
192 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2021
1 person is currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Stein
28 books169 followersAward-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 10, 2021
Took my worries away for awhile
I’ve been reading Ms. Stein’s books since her debut and I love witnessing her tremendous growth as a storyteller. The world she created with her words is filled with multifaceted characters, tightly woven relationships, richly drawn backdrops, and beautiful prose.
At a time when I needed a diversion from my worries, escaping into the romance between Lydia and Max meant a great deal to me.
I’ve been reading Ms. Stein’s books since her debut and I love witnessing her tremendous growth as a storyteller. The world she created with her words is filled with multifaceted characters, tightly woven relationships, richly drawn backdrops, and beautiful prose.
At a time when I needed a diversion from my worries, escaping into the romance between Lydia and Max meant a great deal to me.
November 8, 2021
Catherine Stein writes some of the most unconventional historical romances out there, and The Spinster's Swindle continues the trend. You'll find no balls, dukes, or country estates here. Instead, Max comes to see Madame Xyla, a medium, for help in pulling his father's gambling house out of bankruptcy.
Unfortunately for Max, Madame Xyla is actually Lydia Weaver, whose parents owned said gambling den before its forcible takeover by Max's father. It seems like this is her perfect opportunity for revenge... but of course, her feelings for Max might just get in the way.
That's right, it turns out that Max and Lydia have a lot in common, including a penchant for the theater, a shared sense of humor, and even a previous lover (bi rep on both sides coming your way!). Will Lydia decide that love is more important than revenge? Will Max give up on his family business?
The resolution is just the cherry on top, as Max and Lydia find the perfect middle way for their romance. Highly recommended!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Unfortunately for Max, Madame Xyla is actually Lydia Weaver, whose parents owned said gambling den before its forcible takeover by Max's father. It seems like this is her perfect opportunity for revenge... but of course, her feelings for Max might just get in the way.
That's right, it turns out that Max and Lydia have a lot in common, including a penchant for the theater, a shared sense of humor, and even a previous lover (bi rep on both sides coming your way!). Will Lydia decide that love is more important than revenge? Will Max give up on his family business?
The resolution is just the cherry on top, as Max and Lydia find the perfect middle way for their romance. Highly recommended!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
November 3, 2021
This is my first book by Catherine and will not be my last. I have already bought the first book in this series.
Maxwell Millerson loves to dream up stories to make into plays. His love in life is to be a famous playwright.
Unfortunately, he must work at another job he hates to pay the bills and keep his father out of debt. Till now,
his father has borrowed money from the wrong people then wasted it. Now if he can't find a way to come up with lots of money, the family business will be lost and he worries what will become of his sister. Everything he does is for his sister, not for his weasel of a father. Someone tells him of a spiritualist who could help him.
Lydia Weaver and Madame Xyla are one and the same. Madame Xyla is the spiritualist who Maxwell went to see.
When he meets her on the street later, he knows who she is at once.
Lydia, recognized Maxwell's last night at once ! Fate has finally given her the chance to get revenge for her cousin and parents. Maxwell's father stole her parent's business then had Jack thrown in prison. She can use his son to bring him down. Hate and revenge doesn't always work the way a person plans it.
She is surprised to learn Maxwell is nothing like his father, he is kind, has an easy charm and way too handsome.
He has a way of using words like no one she has ever met. As they work together to solve his problems, they spend a lot of time together. There is a lot of mystery, intrigue, and fun in this book. Will Lydia revenge finally or will she lose something even more important ? Will Maxwell figure out why she is helping him and what will he do if and when he does ? This is very steamy book, so if that is not your thing this may not be the book for you. All the scenes fit the story and help lead to the ending. This was a new type of book for me and I could not put is down.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
I hope you give it a try I know you will love it...I can't wait to go back and read book one, Jack story.
Maxwell Millerson loves to dream up stories to make into plays. His love in life is to be a famous playwright.
Unfortunately, he must work at another job he hates to pay the bills and keep his father out of debt. Till now,
his father has borrowed money from the wrong people then wasted it. Now if he can't find a way to come up with lots of money, the family business will be lost and he worries what will become of his sister. Everything he does is for his sister, not for his weasel of a father. Someone tells him of a spiritualist who could help him.
Lydia Weaver and Madame Xyla are one and the same. Madame Xyla is the spiritualist who Maxwell went to see.
When he meets her on the street later, he knows who she is at once.
Lydia, recognized Maxwell's last night at once ! Fate has finally given her the chance to get revenge for her cousin and parents. Maxwell's father stole her parent's business then had Jack thrown in prison. She can use his son to bring him down. Hate and revenge doesn't always work the way a person plans it.
She is surprised to learn Maxwell is nothing like his father, he is kind, has an easy charm and way too handsome.
He has a way of using words like no one she has ever met. As they work together to solve his problems, they spend a lot of time together. There is a lot of mystery, intrigue, and fun in this book. Will Lydia revenge finally or will she lose something even more important ? Will Maxwell figure out why she is helping him and what will he do if and when he does ? This is very steamy book, so if that is not your thing this may not be the book for you. All the scenes fit the story and help lead to the ending. This was a new type of book for me and I could not put is down.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
I hope you give it a try I know you will love it...I can't wait to go back and read book one, Jack story.
October 24, 2021
I was charmed by Max’s charming gullible romantic characters that I could understand why Lydia fell for him despite her revenge. Max is in utter despair to fix his father messes thus he seeks Madam Xyla, a professional spiritualist to help him see the future and Madam Xyla gives him some brief insights, one of them is he requires a partner. For me, Lydia is a very unique heroine, apart from being good at gambling and being a spiritualist and her eccentric style, she is alluringly a tease that when Max encounters her and asks her as his partner, he is very tempted into her every character when they begin gambling to gain the money which apparently a trap for him.
At the peak of scenario of Lydia’s, Max has to clean up his father mess again when his father is going to unravel mummy to attract visitors but lose it. Lydia takes the leap to help him again to ruin the gambling club. I love the mummy’s show so much, it’s rich in detail that I could imagine how it was. I had been wondering why Lydia despises Max’s father so much until the past reveals how his father treats Lydia and her cousin when they were young. However as they become more than partner, they finally succumb to their steamy temptation.
This book is brilliant! What so attracting is that you will find in every chapter the goddess’ name and its definition, the unusual spiritualist and the romantic hero. Catherine Stein’s writing has always brought my imagination into the world I have never been into. Thank you, Catherine Stein, for the ARC!
At the peak of scenario of Lydia’s, Max has to clean up his father mess again when his father is going to unravel mummy to attract visitors but lose it. Lydia takes the leap to help him again to ruin the gambling club. I love the mummy’s show so much, it’s rich in detail that I could imagine how it was. I had been wondering why Lydia despises Max’s father so much until the past reveals how his father treats Lydia and her cousin when they were young. However as they become more than partner, they finally succumb to their steamy temptation.
This book is brilliant! What so attracting is that you will find in every chapter the goddess’ name and its definition, the unusual spiritualist and the romantic hero. Catherine Stein’s writing has always brought my imagination into the world I have never been into. Thank you, Catherine Stein, for the ARC!
October 18, 2021
Revenge is in her future. But falling for her enemy’s son is one fate this spiritualist could never have envisioned.
Playwright Maxwell Millerson would rather spend his days dreaming up stories than cleaning up his father’s messes. But a trendy renovation has the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, and not even Max’s imagination can conjure a way out. Desperate, he turns to the multi-talented—and alluringly audacious—Madame Xyla to help him spin gold from straw.
Lydia Weaver, professionally known as spiritualist Madame Xyla, has long sought revenge on the man responsible for her cousin’s imprisonment. When her enemy’s son visits her seance room seeking advice, Lydia leaps at the opportunity for vengeance—until Max’s easy charm and poetic words threaten to turn her plans upside-down.
As their friendship grows and they give way to their mutual attraction, Lydia and Max must weigh family duty with their hearts’ desires. And only when they confront old wounds and new feelings can a happy ending be in the cards.
I did not particularly like this book. I finished it but it was a problem. I don't think I will ever read another book by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Playwright Maxwell Millerson would rather spend his days dreaming up stories than cleaning up his father’s messes. But a trendy renovation has the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, and not even Max’s imagination can conjure a way out. Desperate, he turns to the multi-talented—and alluringly audacious—Madame Xyla to help him spin gold from straw.
Lydia Weaver, professionally known as spiritualist Madame Xyla, has long sought revenge on the man responsible for her cousin’s imprisonment. When her enemy’s son visits her seance room seeking advice, Lydia leaps at the opportunity for vengeance—until Max’s easy charm and poetic words threaten to turn her plans upside-down.
As their friendship grows and they give way to their mutual attraction, Lydia and Max must weigh family duty with their hearts’ desires. And only when they confront old wounds and new feelings can a happy ending be in the cards.
I did not particularly like this book. I finished it but it was a problem. I don't think I will ever read another book by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 31, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Spinster’s Swindle is the stand-alone follow-up to The Scoundrel’s New Con. It’s not necessary to read that previous book first, however, I do recommend it, as it’s equally fun.
This story follows Lydia Weaver, cousin to the previous book’s hero, Jack, in a loose retelling of “Rumplestiltskin.” I loved that she’s the one who wants revenge for what happened to her and Jack years ago. I also love the bi rep! She mentions her past relationships with women, and how they’re likely to be remarked upon by the moralistic society, who mistake them for only friends.
And then there’s Max…such a sweetheart! I loved his literary tendencies, and the fact that he’s a secret playwright, used to cleaning up after his wastrel father only to unknowingly cross paths with someone he conned.
I loved this execution of the diverted revenge plot, where she finds herself falling for Max in spite of who his father is, and he comes to know her heart, so he’s conflicted when he finds out the truth of her initial intentions.
This book is pure perfection, putting a fresh new spin on both the fairy tale that inspired it and some familiar tropes. If you love fairy tale retellings, stories with Gothic aesthetics, or a swoon worthy historical romance, you’ll absolutely enjoy this one.
The Spinster’s Swindle is the stand-alone follow-up to The Scoundrel’s New Con. It’s not necessary to read that previous book first, however, I do recommend it, as it’s equally fun.
This story follows Lydia Weaver, cousin to the previous book’s hero, Jack, in a loose retelling of “Rumplestiltskin.” I loved that she’s the one who wants revenge for what happened to her and Jack years ago. I also love the bi rep! She mentions her past relationships with women, and how they’re likely to be remarked upon by the moralistic society, who mistake them for only friends.
And then there’s Max…such a sweetheart! I loved his literary tendencies, and the fact that he’s a secret playwright, used to cleaning up after his wastrel father only to unknowingly cross paths with someone he conned.
I loved this execution of the diverted revenge plot, where she finds herself falling for Max in spite of who his father is, and he comes to know her heart, so he’s conflicted when he finds out the truth of her initial intentions.
This book is pure perfection, putting a fresh new spin on both the fairy tale that inspired it and some familiar tropes. If you love fairy tale retellings, stories with Gothic aesthetics, or a swoon worthy historical romance, you’ll absolutely enjoy this one.
January 10, 2022
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Based on the writing, I can honestly say I would be thrilled to read another book from this author. The characters of Max and Lydia are wonderful, with Max continually surprising me with his observational skills, his kindness, and his wordsmithing. Lydia is resourceful, intelligent, confident, yet hesitant to allow herself to love. Both are realistically described and relatable. Both have alter-egos, which I thought was a clever point of similarity. Both are surprisingly open and fluid in their sexuality, which would have been considered shocking during this time period. It still is, if I'm being honest.
The plot is unusual and I loved some of the descriptions, especially how the theatre lights work and Lydia's skill at "fortune-telling." Max's father is the perfect real-life villain, totally self-absorbed and irredeemable. It would be difficult not to root for his demise.
Overall, I found this to be a story well-told and well-written, with likable and relatable characters (mostly). One of the things I appreciated most was there was nary a sign of the nobility. I truly enjoy historical fiction, but why must almost every one of them revolve around finding a Duke? This story was about regular people who were exceptional for who they were, not what they were. I definitely recommend reading it.
The plot is unusual and I loved some of the descriptions, especially how the theatre lights work and Lydia's skill at "fortune-telling." Max's father is the perfect real-life villain, totally self-absorbed and irredeemable. It would be difficult not to root for his demise.
Overall, I found this to be a story well-told and well-written, with likable and relatable characters (mostly). One of the things I appreciated most was there was nary a sign of the nobility. I truly enjoy historical fiction, but why must almost every one of them revolve around finding a Duke? This story was about regular people who were exceptional for who they were, not what they were. I definitely recommend reading it.
October 12, 2021
Catherine Stein is an author who is brand new to me, and I'm happy to have discovered her! This is a follow-up to the previous entry in the series, and while I haven't read it, this works fine as a standalone. The setting is around the turn of the nineteenth century and the h, Lydia Weaver, is a refreshing change of pace from your typical high-society virgin. She's a smart, worldly woman who has made her success in life as a spiritualist, and has encountered every swindle in the book while she has made a living conning others. The H, Maxwell Millerson, is a tweedy but handsome playwright trying to escape from under the thumb of his overbearing, spendthrift father. Their worlds collide--to sweet, sexy effect--as Lydia intends to use Maxwell in her plan for vengeance against his father, but both end up finding their HEA.
Not only are the MC's wonderful, but the secondary characters are a lot of fun, too, and there are some interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits involving the theater scene during that time period. I'm a bit of a drama nerd, so I loved this!
My only caveat: I wish the final chapter and epilogue had been slightly better developed, giving us more of a sense of how Lydia fares in the future. She seemed to be done with the spiritualism at one point, chastising herself as a phony, but in the epilogue it's implied that she's continuing in that role. Was she able to come to terms with her shady past? Maybe she and Maxwell will have small roles in the next book and this will be further explored.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not only are the MC's wonderful, but the secondary characters are a lot of fun, too, and there are some interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits involving the theater scene during that time period. I'm a bit of a drama nerd, so I loved this!
My only caveat: I wish the final chapter and epilogue had been slightly better developed, giving us more of a sense of how Lydia fares in the future. She seemed to be done with the spiritualism at one point, chastising herself as a phony, but in the epilogue it's implied that she's continuing in that role. Was she able to come to terms with her shady past? Maybe she and Maxwell will have small roles in the next book and this will be further explored.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2021
Lydia Weaver, a spiritualist with the intention of taking revenge against whoever harmed her family, had a well-laid plan and she put it to run, but she did not count on the designs of her heart. Maxwell Millerson was in a vulnerable position affected by a family drama that haunted him and when Madame Xyla showed up to ease his worries, his heart clung to her. I have not read The Scoundrel's New Con, the story introduces us to characters from the previous book, but it stands on its own. Amusing situations behind the plan, funny characters with a lot of creativity that had me chuckling with the surprises. Felt sorry for Max, his doubts and his lack of decision but above all, I liked Lydia’s character clever, creative, independent, cunning and with resources. The kind of heroine that I like most. Voluntarily reviewed this copy that I received free from Booksprout and I liked it.
November 15, 2021
I absolutely loved these two characters, Lydia Weaver and Maxwell Millerson, were so fabulous together, and like Ying and Yang, they brought the best out of each other. Two people who are each alone and looking for redemption.
By the time you get to the second chapter you are hooked as this amusing, enchanting, passionate and highly entertaining book pulls you in to their unusual love story.
Even the secondary characters come to life with their humour and advice, as Lydia tries to seek revenge and Maxwell looks for a way to cut his father's chains.
Catherine Stein has a wonderful way of giving her characters quirky but believable personalities, while her descriptive writing brings not only her story and characters to life, but you feel as if you are immersed into the middle of their adventure.
A fabulous read!
By the time you get to the second chapter you are hooked as this amusing, enchanting, passionate and highly entertaining book pulls you in to their unusual love story.
Even the secondary characters come to life with their humour and advice, as Lydia tries to seek revenge and Maxwell looks for a way to cut his father's chains.
Catherine Stein has a wonderful way of giving her characters quirky but believable personalities, while her descriptive writing brings not only her story and characters to life, but you feel as if you are immersed into the middle of their adventure.
A fabulous read!
November 5, 2021
Living in France I am particularly interested in Max’s preferred drink, lol. I should invite him and Lydia some time for a good served Absinthe… if only it would be possible !
The dreamer which really isn’t one and the cool lady which also isn’t really one. I liked them both. As well as Irv. What an interesting man!
What an interesting story !
There’s nothing missing, nothing boring and sometimes so hilarious in his historical correctness, it’s enlightening ! And so very shameful to the people living this era.
Enjoy your read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The dreamer which really isn’t one and the cool lady which also isn’t really one. I liked them both. As well as Irv. What an interesting man!
What an interesting story !
There’s nothing missing, nothing boring and sometimes so hilarious in his historical correctness, it’s enlightening ! And so very shameful to the people living this era.
Enjoy your read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2021
Never has revenge been so much fun! This book is delightful! Looking for another way to bail out his father’s failing club, Max sought spiritual help from Madame Xyla (Lydia). Unfortunately, Lydia had been seeking revenge on Max’s father for years, and Max gave her the access that she needed. Well, things did not go as planned and along the way, the two discovered that they were made for each other. This book is laced with humor, dips into unconventional areas, and has the most wonderful characters. This story is creative, imaginative and oh so steamy! Reading it will lift your spirits!
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.
October 18, 2021
Fate walks into her parlor, the son of the man she vowed vengeance gives her the entry she needs to start her plan. Revenge for a crime against her cousin, Lydia will destroy the gaming club belonging to Max Millerson's father. Pretending to save the club, she never expected to fall in love. Once she confesses to Max her game of revenge, she will not only break his heart, but her own. A nice change for all the characters to work for a living and no connection to upper society. Includes humor and very steamy encounters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 8, 2021
Great cast of characters!
Madame Xyla aka Lydia Weaver like most fortune tellers can sizes up her mark in a short time but this one Maxwell Millerson may just be the one that will give her what she wants. I loved the start of book Max thanks to his father was in a bit of pickle but his challenges are just starting. I love how the author wrote this tale it was such fun to read. I do not know this author well but this will not be the last book I read of hers. Yes, I do indeed recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Madame Xyla aka Lydia Weaver like most fortune tellers can sizes up her mark in a short time but this one Maxwell Millerson may just be the one that will give her what she wants. I loved the start of book Max thanks to his father was in a bit of pickle but his challenges are just starting. I love how the author wrote this tale it was such fun to read. I do not know this author well but this will not be the last book I read of hers. Yes, I do indeed recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 6, 2021
The second book in the Arcane Tales series a story that kept me turning pages and held my interest right from the start. I do not think Playwright Maxwell Millerson and Madame Xyla/Lydia Weaver realized what would happened after they first met. I enjoyed seeing their story come together. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2022
Once again Catherine Stein creates a spunky , strong and self assured heroine in Lydia and pairs her with a charming, sensitive and kind hero, Max. When they meet Lydia is on a mission and it doesn't fit in with Max's plans, so what unfolds is a delightful relationship that leads to painful choices needing to be made. A delight. 4-1/2 sweet stars
October 25, 2021
🃏 The Spinster's Swindle 🎴
Arcane Tales Book 2
✒️ Catherine Stein
https://www.facebook.com/catsteinbooks/
Release Date 11/05/2021
Publisher Steam Cat Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q35CC5F/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Revenge is in her future. But falling for her enemy’s son is one fate this spiritualist could never have envisioned.
Playwright Maxwell Millerson would rather spend his days dreaming up stories than cleaning up his father’s messes. But a trendy renovation has the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, and not even Max’s imagination can conjure a way out. Desperate, he turns to the multi-talented—and alluringly audacious—Madame Xyla to help him spin gold from straw.
Lydia Weaver, professionally known as spiritualist Madame Xyla, has long sought revenge on the man responsible for her cousin’s imprisonment. When her enemy’s son visits her seance room seeking advice, Lydia leaps at the opportunity for vengeance—until Max’s easy charm and poetic words threaten to turn her plans upside-down.
As their friendship grows and they give way to their mutual attraction, Lydia and Max must weigh family duty with their hearts’ desires. And only when they confront old wounds and new feelings can a happy ending be in the cards.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her betrayal be the end of what could have been …
After reading the first book in this series, there was no way I would wait to read the next, being a lucky reader, I have the arc stacked on one of my shelves.
What I just love with the author is her heroes are no alpha men, they are more on the beta side, standing by the heroines, helping them as the women are no damsels in distress, perfectly able to rescue themselves if need be.
Max is a sweetheart, he wears his heart on his sleeves, he is a planner, a righter, cleaning everyone else’s mess, a protector in his soul.
« Not all heroes wear armor. Some fight with their heart.»
Thus how he found himself in this situation, to right once more his father’s mistakes. But it puts him on the path of a woman who bewitched him at first sight, a woman who entrances him.
Lydia after loosing everything, survived in becoming Mme Zyla, so she compartmentalized her life, juggling between the many parts of herself. When Max landed on her doorstep, he granted her the means to get her revenge.
But it was an easy thing when Max but just the son of her nemesis, but as she gets to know the man behind the name, he is the opposite of his sire, with his words, his kind attention and his gentleness he unsettles her.
What going through her plan will cost her.
Those two are so perfect with one another, they share a love for staged tales, they chart their life and love unconditionally those who are dear to their heart.
Mrs Stein offers us a lovely tale of two persons so alike they were made to meet but can they work their different and trust one another with their secrets.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Arcane Tales Book 2
✒️ Catherine Stein
https://www.facebook.com/catsteinbooks/
Release Date 11/05/2021
Publisher Steam Cat Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q35CC5F/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Revenge is in her future. But falling for her enemy’s son is one fate this spiritualist could never have envisioned.
Playwright Maxwell Millerson would rather spend his days dreaming up stories than cleaning up his father’s messes. But a trendy renovation has the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, and not even Max’s imagination can conjure a way out. Desperate, he turns to the multi-talented—and alluringly audacious—Madame Xyla to help him spin gold from straw.
Lydia Weaver, professionally known as spiritualist Madame Xyla, has long sought revenge on the man responsible for her cousin’s imprisonment. When her enemy’s son visits her seance room seeking advice, Lydia leaps at the opportunity for vengeance—until Max’s easy charm and poetic words threaten to turn her plans upside-down.
As their friendship grows and they give way to their mutual attraction, Lydia and Max must weigh family duty with their hearts’ desires. And only when they confront old wounds and new feelings can a happy ending be in the cards.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her betrayal be the end of what could have been …
After reading the first book in this series, there was no way I would wait to read the next, being a lucky reader, I have the arc stacked on one of my shelves.
What I just love with the author is her heroes are no alpha men, they are more on the beta side, standing by the heroines, helping them as the women are no damsels in distress, perfectly able to rescue themselves if need be.
Max is a sweetheart, he wears his heart on his sleeves, he is a planner, a righter, cleaning everyone else’s mess, a protector in his soul.
« Not all heroes wear armor. Some fight with their heart.»
Thus how he found himself in this situation, to right once more his father’s mistakes. But it puts him on the path of a woman who bewitched him at first sight, a woman who entrances him.
Lydia after loosing everything, survived in becoming Mme Zyla, so she compartmentalized her life, juggling between the many parts of herself. When Max landed on her doorstep, he granted her the means to get her revenge.
But it was an easy thing when Max but just the son of her nemesis, but as she gets to know the man behind the name, he is the opposite of his sire, with his words, his kind attention and his gentleness he unsettles her.
What going through her plan will cost her.
Those two are so perfect with one another, they share a love for staged tales, they chart their life and love unconditionally those who are dear to their heart.
Mrs Stein offers us a lovely tale of two persons so alike they were made to meet but can they work their different and trust one another with their secrets.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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October 29, 2021
I thought it was interesting that both the main characters admitted that they slept with people of the same sex - especially as in this time, homosexuality was still a crime. and then it turned out to be the same man! There was a very down-to-earth discussion of this - no innocents here as they said - and the theatre lifestyle seemed to encourage - or at least not discourage same sex relationships. Max certainly trusted Lydia and this was the backbone of their adventures. Trust.
This was an era when spirituality, seances, psychics and so on were all the 'rage' - lots of parties with psychics and so on - and this gave the story authenticity - and i just loved the mummy scene.
Overall a nice book to read.
This was an era when spirituality, seances, psychics and so on were all the 'rage' - lots of parties with psychics and so on - and this gave the story authenticity - and i just loved the mummy scene.
Overall a nice book to read.
November 7, 2021
Love or Vengeance ? . . .
Playwright Maxwell Millerson (“Max”) is a good person, always trying to clean up after his father ruins something. But when his father makes a really bad move putting the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, it is beyond Max’s skill to make it right. So he consults Madame Xyla, posing as a spiritualist but actually a fake. She wants revenge on Max’s father for causing imprisonment of her cousin. Is she willing to use Max for that revenge? Or will the relationship that has been forming between them be more powerful than the desire of hurting his family?
Playwright Maxwell Millerson (“Max”) is a good person, always trying to clean up after his father ruins something. But when his father makes a really bad move putting the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, it is beyond Max’s skill to make it right. So he consults Madame Xyla, posing as a spiritualist but actually a fake. She wants revenge on Max’s father for causing imprisonment of her cousin. Is she willing to use Max for that revenge? Or will the relationship that has been forming between them be more powerful than the desire of hurting his family?
November 23, 2021
An entertaining and passionate story filled with revenge and romance. This story kept me intrigued to the end and Max and Lydia are characters I was drawn to very quickly. Duty and desire soon clash and lead to a wonderful happy ever after.
Read
July 23, 2023This mini-review is part of a list that can be read in full at The Smut Report
Heat Factor: Sex in the moonlight
Character Chemistry: I absolutely believed that they liked each other.
Plot: She wants to destroy his dad, but maybe he also kinda wants to destroy his dad?
Overall: The plot doesn’t always make sense, but I really enjoyed it anyways.
File this one under: protagonists with unusual jobs. Our heroine, Lydia Weaver, is a spiritualist. Now, for those of you who aren’t obsessed with late 19th-century religious movements, spiritualism involved communicating with the dearly departed, usually at seances. Professional spiritualists are interesting because they’re one part con artists, one part entertainers, and one part people who maybe really have the gift of communing with the dead. Lydia (aka Madame Xyla) is very clear—at least with the reader—that she is purely an entertainer. She uses her knowledge of human nature to guide clients to find the answers they want to hear; the ghost stuff is just for show. We can, as readers, choose to take her at her word on this one—and I think, honestly, it’s better not to look too deeply into her work, because a lot of people who were really into spiritualism were mourning dead loved ones and desperately searching for connection and closure. Under that light, her work seems much less innocent than she might have us believe.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Heat Factor: Sex in the moonlight
Character Chemistry: I absolutely believed that they liked each other.
Plot: She wants to destroy his dad, but maybe he also kinda wants to destroy his dad?
Overall: The plot doesn’t always make sense, but I really enjoyed it anyways.
File this one under: protagonists with unusual jobs. Our heroine, Lydia Weaver, is a spiritualist. Now, for those of you who aren’t obsessed with late 19th-century religious movements, spiritualism involved communicating with the dearly departed, usually at seances. Professional spiritualists are interesting because they’re one part con artists, one part entertainers, and one part people who maybe really have the gift of communing with the dead. Lydia (aka Madame Xyla) is very clear—at least with the reader—that she is purely an entertainer. She uses her knowledge of human nature to guide clients to find the answers they want to hear; the ghost stuff is just for show. We can, as readers, choose to take her at her word on this one—and I think, honestly, it’s better not to look too deeply into her work, because a lot of people who were really into spiritualism were mourning dead loved ones and desperately searching for connection and closure. Under that light, her work seems much less innocent than she might have us believe.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
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