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Quirk of Fate #3
The Mating of Blind Billy Hipp
“I saw something fuzzy and gorgeous through the glass, yes. All five of you in the line-up looked more or less the same to me, but something… I don’t know… something divine kept me focused on the man in the middle.”
Billy Hipp, more commonly referred to as Blind Billy Hipp although he wasn’t fully blind, has spent eons regretting the actions of his youth. Now, he devotes his time to being the best damn Searcher in the area. An expensive Searcher who expects to be paid for what he does. What he doesn’t expect is to have someone with more cash than sense, turn up on his doorstep and insist on using his talents no matter how much every one of Billy’s senses is telling him to run in the other direction. Little did he know the job would bring him face to face with his destiny.
Dathan had a huge secret. Only the automaton who works at his building is aware he often goes out at night fully dressed and comes back sometimes days later, minus his boots, and he doesn’t ask questions. But Dathan is living on his aunt and uncle’s favor, and so when his uncle asks for one in return, he is obligated to say yes. How hard can it be to turn up for a line up at the local police station? Dathan thought it would be a laugh, but the experience gave him more than he’d bargained for.
Steam trains, grotesque machines, beautiful birds in gilded cages. Billy and Dathan have to navigate all of these and more for a chance at their HEA. But when the situation calls for a sacrifice – which one of them will make it and how much will it cost?
The Mating of Blind Billy Hipp is book three of the Quirk of Fates series, although it is a complete standalone. Mature content but then this book is intended for adults only. I do hope you enjoy it.
Billy Hipp, more commonly referred to as Blind Billy Hipp although he wasn’t fully blind, has spent eons regretting the actions of his youth. Now, he devotes his time to being the best damn Searcher in the area. An expensive Searcher who expects to be paid for what he does. What he doesn’t expect is to have someone with more cash than sense, turn up on his doorstep and insist on using his talents no matter how much every one of Billy’s senses is telling him to run in the other direction. Little did he know the job would bring him face to face with his destiny.
Dathan had a huge secret. Only the automaton who works at his building is aware he often goes out at night fully dressed and comes back sometimes days later, minus his boots, and he doesn’t ask questions. But Dathan is living on his aunt and uncle’s favor, and so when his uncle asks for one in return, he is obligated to say yes. How hard can it be to turn up for a line up at the local police station? Dathan thought it would be a laugh, but the experience gave him more than he’d bargained for.
Steam trains, grotesque machines, beautiful birds in gilded cages. Billy and Dathan have to navigate all of these and more for a chance at their HEA. But when the situation calls for a sacrifice – which one of them will make it and how much will it cost?
The Mating of Blind Billy Hipp is book three of the Quirk of Fates series, although it is a complete standalone. Mature content but then this book is intended for adults only. I do hope you enjoy it.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2023
About the author
Lisa Oliver
219 books971 followersLisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 26, 2023
A surprise treat from Lisa Oliver
This book was quite different from Lisa’s other books and series but a lot of fun. Some complex plotting so I didn’t see all the twists coming. Highly recommended.
This book was quite different from Lisa’s other books and series but a lot of fun. Some complex plotting so I didn’t see all the twists coming. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2023
This one is strange to the max and hard to rate. I love Lisa Oliver's books and characters but I sadly have to say this wasn't one of my favs.
I generally love me some steampunk, I love historical and paranormal elements being mixed in as well. Sadly this didn't hit the mark for me, even though I am not sad for having read the book.
The start was intriguing, the characters starting to form a picture, the storyline building momentum and leaving you wanting more... only to... turn into something confusing and clunky.
The sentences felt disconnected and the conversations unreal and stilted. The interactions with the antagonist were just weird and the reactions and actions of all the people at the scene just in no relation. I would have to spoil quite some bits here, so I sadly can't explain in greater detail the who's and what's and why's. Suffice it to say there was a distinct lack of emotional response to truths learned and experienced and some unfortunate cocky<\i> displays that were not called for at that<\i> specific location at that<\i> specific point in time and with certain witnesses present. What also puzzled me were those randomly inserted tidbits of information out of nowhere with no explanation of why they are even relevant, like Billy's heritage.
I think this could have been a truly great story with the help of a better editor. It felt to me as though a false version was published, as if the edited book lies in wait in another file. I just cannot believe that this was written by the same hand as other books by this author some of which are all time favorites of mine...
So I would still say that this is an okay afternoon read overall, even though not my fav and I would hazard a guess that some people might really like it or even love it. Maybe it is just a me problem. I invite you to read it yourselves, maybe you will be one of those people who will love it to bits.
I generally love me some steampunk, I love historical and paranormal elements being mixed in as well. Sadly this didn't hit the mark for me, even though I am not sad for having read the book.
The start was intriguing, the characters starting to form a picture, the storyline building momentum and leaving you wanting more... only to... turn into something confusing and clunky.
The sentences felt disconnected and the conversations unreal and stilted. The interactions with the antagonist were just weird and the reactions and actions of all the people at the scene just in no relation. I would have to spoil quite some bits here, so I sadly can't explain in greater detail the who's and what's and why's. Suffice it to say there was a distinct lack of emotional response to truths learned and experienced and some unfortunate cocky<\i> displays that were not called for at that<\i> specific location at that<\i> specific point in time and with certain witnesses present. What also puzzled me were those randomly inserted tidbits of information out of nowhere with no explanation of why they are even relevant, like Billy's heritage.
I think this could have been a truly great story with the help of a better editor. It felt to me as though a false version was published, as if the edited book lies in wait in another file. I just cannot believe that this was written by the same hand as other books by this author some of which are all time favorites of mine...
So I would still say that this is an okay afternoon read overall, even though not my fav and I would hazard a guess that some people might really like it or even love it. Maybe it is just a me problem. I invite you to read it yourselves, maybe you will be one of those people who will love it to bits.
April 3, 2023
The Mating of Blind Billy Hipp - Steampunk- Quirk of Fate #3
This is surely something different for me, but it was again, the cover that attracted me to Blind Blind Hipp’s fantasy world of shifters and gods.
It was very interesting in the first 50% but then I got a bit bogged down when all the protagonists were gathered together with my ‘Chimera’ and all its gadgetry, information overload to me.
However when they left than scene the excitement was restored and all was well again in Steampunk Land as far as the story goes.
Both Billy Hipp and Dathan were easy to connect with which kept my interest throughout despite the clunky gadgetry chapter.
I might try another in this series just to read a bit more about shifters.
This is surely something different for me, but it was again, the cover that attracted me to Blind Blind Hipp’s fantasy world of shifters and gods.
It was very interesting in the first 50% but then I got a bit bogged down when all the protagonists were gathered together with my ‘Chimera’ and all its gadgetry, information overload to me.
However when they left than scene the excitement was restored and all was well again in Steampunk Land as far as the story goes.
Both Billy Hipp and Dathan were easy to connect with which kept my interest throughout despite the clunky gadgetry chapter.
I might try another in this series just to read a bit more about shifters.
February 13, 2024
Interesting, and so far the most removed one from the pre established universe. We have a steampunk world, shifters, a mysterious "searcher" and a mystery to solve. Can't deny it was good, though the fact that the whole world was different did make me feel confused for several bits.
March 7, 2023
Steam Punk! and a bunch of other stuff...
I adored most of this book. MOST of this book. While there were some things I didn't like (personally) or things could have been tweaked more in editing to make certain parts less clunky and convoluted, this book still easily rates at least 4.5 stars to me.
I don't think I've ever read a steam punk book and if I did, it didn't make any kind of impact; but that aspect of the world building was superb. The picture painted throughout of steam and steel and copper were enchanting. The various kinds of automatons, fashion, and society drew you in kept you in that world. Really well done.
Shifter? In a steam punk book?! Uh, yeah. I'm always down for shifters. Completely out of nowhere and I didn't expect it but I love it. Because honestly? Why the f**k not?
Billy and his backstory were compelling and Billy was an extremely likeable character. Datham was a perfect partner for him. He was crazy smart, brave, strong and positive in all the right ways. Tottie was a total flake, but that made her seem more real in a way and that nature almost made me hope for her. The uncle was garbage but still got everything he wanted in the end with money and power which I guess is also kind of real even if it sucks. The villain this time is crazy evil and that whole bit was super dark. Like... Very nearly horrifying and it gets worse the more you think about it. Don't know what the trigger warnings for that would be but...
Basically everything from the confrontation scene to the epilogue was clunky and convoluted. It was all over the place and then it was a horrifying nightmare and then it was confusing and then over. I absolutely love and respect Lisa Oliver as a writer and a person but honestly the big fight scene was absurd. Like something someone would suggest in a stoner circle at 230 in the morning. Just a bunch of super high people doing a round robin to plot this. Barely even exaggerating here. Then its just over.
Still enjoyed this and would still recommend in a heart beat. Never going to be my favorite reread but I don't regret reading it and glad I bought it.
I adored most of this book. MOST of this book. While there were some things I didn't like (personally) or things could have been tweaked more in editing to make certain parts less clunky and convoluted, this book still easily rates at least 4.5 stars to me.
I don't think I've ever read a steam punk book and if I did, it didn't make any kind of impact; but that aspect of the world building was superb. The picture painted throughout of steam and steel and copper were enchanting. The various kinds of automatons, fashion, and society drew you in kept you in that world. Really well done.
Shifter? In a steam punk book?! Uh, yeah. I'm always down for shifters. Completely out of nowhere and I didn't expect it but I love it. Because honestly? Why the f**k not?
Billy and his backstory were compelling and Billy was an extremely likeable character. Datham was a perfect partner for him. He was crazy smart, brave, strong and positive in all the right ways. Tottie was a total flake, but that made her seem more real in a way and that nature almost made me hope for her. The uncle was garbage but still got everything he wanted in the end with money and power which I guess is also kind of real even if it sucks. The villain this time is crazy evil and that whole bit was super dark. Like... Very nearly horrifying and it gets worse the more you think about it. Don't know what the trigger warnings for that would be but...
Basically everything from the confrontation scene to the epilogue was clunky and convoluted. It was all over the place and then it was a horrifying nightmare and then it was confusing and then over. I absolutely love and respect Lisa Oliver as a writer and a person but honestly the big fight scene was absurd. Like something someone would suggest in a stoner circle at 230 in the morning. Just a bunch of super high people doing a round robin to plot this. Barely even exaggerating here. Then its just over.
Still enjoyed this and would still recommend in a heart beat. Never going to be my favorite reread but I don't regret reading it and glad I bought it.
June 27, 2025
The setting is pretty much 2003 Hot Topic chic; everyone dresses in corsets, thigh high boots, leather and chains, wears black eyeliner and blood red lipstick. This book is what a teenager would write complete with teenage werewolves and people who turn to pegasus.
I also loved the sentence where the big bad outlaw was about to burst into tears because his partner was going to skip a rock
I also loved the sentence where the big bad outlaw was about to burst into tears because his partner was going to skip a rock
July 15, 2023
I should have left well alone ... my few previous encounters with this author were less than stellar but a steam-punk alt-historical advertising blurb sucked me in - ack! Almost DNF'd when fated-mates veered into shifter territory but I hung on with gritted teeth to finish! 2 stars at the extreme best.
January 6, 2024
Enjoyed this steampunk flavoured book set between two fated mates!
This is a fast read, if in part due to the general feeling of urgency that propels you through reading the first half. Upon meeting the two main characters it is clear that they each have their secrets and someone is trying to get them to meet. This is then followed by a series of almost meetings, each with a higher feeling of urgency than the last as you hope for them to finally be able to meet. But once they do meet, there is this feeling of danger to it all. It is clear that someone was trying to bring them together, so now that they are there is a sense that something bad is going to happen. When it does the story continues to snowball onwards until things are resolved. It makes for a rather speedy but quite enjoyable read.
Finding out the hidden bits in each characters past was truly interesting. It is clear that Billy has a big back story and we get it coming out in pieces, both from stories others have told and his own remembering of the events. It is equally clear that Dathan has been hiding something about himself, but even when that is revealed it turns out there is more about his own past that even he doesn't know. Learning these things are relevant to the story moving forward and bringing resolution for these characters.
This is a fast read, if in part due to the general feeling of urgency that propels you through reading the first half. Upon meeting the two main characters it is clear that they each have their secrets and someone is trying to get them to meet. This is then followed by a series of almost meetings, each with a higher feeling of urgency than the last as you hope for them to finally be able to meet. But once they do meet, there is this feeling of danger to it all. It is clear that someone was trying to bring them together, so now that they are there is a sense that something bad is going to happen. When it does the story continues to snowball onwards until things are resolved. It makes for a rather speedy but quite enjoyable read.
Finding out the hidden bits in each characters past was truly interesting. It is clear that Billy has a big back story and we get it coming out in pieces, both from stories others have told and his own remembering of the events. It is equally clear that Dathan has been hiding something about himself, but even when that is revealed it turns out there is more about his own past that even he doesn't know. Learning these things are relevant to the story moving forward and bringing resolution for these characters.
March 17, 2023
disappointed
Lisa Oliver used to be an auto buy for me because I could expect good well edited stories worth the price in content and length. I am not sure what is going on, but the editing has become so bad in the last couple of books. Words misspelled, extra words, sentences that don't make sense. Bad editing can really throw me out of a story. I read to escape, it is like a movie in my head, and when I have to make myself go back to read more, its not fun anymore. I am used to reading books in one sitting and forcing myself to put it down if things need to get done. Definitely not the case this time.
As far as the story, personally I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I wasn't as invested in the couple. I was grossed out by the aunt, it triggered me. I felt there should have been more punishments handed out, instead of certain people getting away with things. Also, the communication at the end, with the eagle made no sense, no explanation was given. I did like the world, the steampunk life was great. Would love to see more of this type of world.
Lisa Oliver used to be an auto buy for me because I could expect good well edited stories worth the price in content and length. I am not sure what is going on, but the editing has become so bad in the last couple of books. Words misspelled, extra words, sentences that don't make sense. Bad editing can really throw me out of a story. I read to escape, it is like a movie in my head, and when I have to make myself go back to read more, its not fun anymore. I am used to reading books in one sitting and forcing myself to put it down if things need to get done. Definitely not the case this time.
As far as the story, personally I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I wasn't as invested in the couple. I was grossed out by the aunt, it triggered me. I felt there should have been more punishments handed out, instead of certain people getting away with things. Also, the communication at the end, with the eagle made no sense, no explanation was given. I did like the world, the steampunk life was great. Would love to see more of this type of world.
March 8, 2023
The Mating of Blind Billy Hipp threw me a bit. I think my previous readings with Lisa impacted the story. I have over 80 of her books and this has left me with certain expectations. First the story itself was well crafted with interesting characters and enough plot twists to make it interesting. Not a 7-course meal but a satisfying meal if that makes sense?
What threw me - I think - is the colliding of Greek mythology with the steampunk and paranormal worlds. This collision just felt - - - strange? which in turn just disrupted the reading experience for me..
What threw me - I think - is the colliding of Greek mythology with the steampunk and paranormal worlds. This collision just felt - - - strange? which in turn just disrupted the reading experience for me..
February 10, 2024
I am not sure why I am so drawn to steampunk, but let me tell you, Ms. Oliver did NOT disappoint!
The pictures that popped into my head as I tried to visualize what Billy was seeing were due to some of the best descriptive writing that I have read in a long time! This world doesn't allow you to expect the "norm" and even then there are several surprises along the way! Usually, I would describe this as a fascinating roller coaster ride, but it was more reminiscent of a speed race through the hills and valleys of West Virginia... if you know, you know! 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
The pictures that popped into my head as I tried to visualize what Billy was seeing were due to some of the best descriptive writing that I have read in a long time! This world doesn't allow you to expect the "norm" and even then there are several surprises along the way! Usually, I would describe this as a fascinating roller coaster ride, but it was more reminiscent of a speed race through the hills and valleys of West Virginia... if you know, you know! 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
March 12, 2023
A little different but good as always.
When I first started to read this book I thought this is going to be the first book of Lisa's that I don't like. But it did not take long for her magic writing to catch me and once again I had difficulty in putting it down. An interesting world and characters emerged in a quasi industrial revolution and social struggles of such a time. Well done Lisa!
When I first started to read this book I thought this is going to be the first book of Lisa's that I don't like. But it did not take long for her magic writing to catch me and once again I had difficulty in putting it down. An interesting world and characters emerged in a quasi industrial revolution and social struggles of such a time. Well done Lisa!
March 17, 2023
I love Lisa’s books, but this one just wasn’t for me. Didn’t help how lightly certain characters got off for their crimes - particularly the uncle. And a lot wasn’t explained which was confusing (like why Wendall was human-ish if his mom was a chimera?) And Sanders totally disappeared from the story with no explanation, which was disconcerting as he played a big role in the beginning. So yeah, sadly only 3 stars. Still recommend you read Lisa’s books, though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
Steam punk m/m romance
I love this author and have reread so many of her series but I hated this book. I couldn't rate it low because her writing, world building and character development were great. It is simply that I found that I really hate steam punk and will never purchase or ever read this genre again. It was advertised as "A hint of steampunk" but I thought nearly the whole book revolved around it.
I love this author and have reread so many of her series but I hated this book. I couldn't rate it low because her writing, world building and character development were great. It is simply that I found that I really hate steam punk and will never purchase or ever read this genre again. It was advertised as "A hint of steampunk" but I thought nearly the whole book revolved around it.
March 27, 2023
Rating: 3.5 stars
I'm not a huge fan of steam punk stories but I did enjoy this one for the most part. There were parts that kinda bugged me. Like how could Dathan shift with a blanket on but not his clothes?
I'm also not sure about the ending. Just seemed too pat. Still, I liked both Dathan and Blind Billy Hipp and thought the overall story was enjoyable.
I'm not a huge fan of steam punk stories but I did enjoy this one for the most part. There were parts that kinda bugged me. Like how could Dathan shift with a blanket on but not his clothes?
I'm also not sure about the ending. Just seemed too pat. Still, I liked both Dathan and Blind Billy Hipp and thought the overall story was enjoyable.
April 27, 2023
A fun little read.
But I have to say it’s more than a hint of steampunk! lol
This was as engaging as all of Lisa’s books have been for me. I’m not a fan of steampunk so I was nervous about what to expect but although it’s a central detail of the story it doesn’t get in the way of the characters.
Another wonderful read Lisa, thank you!
But I have to say it’s more than a hint of steampunk! lol
This was as engaging as all of Lisa’s books have been for me. I’m not a fan of steampunk so I was nervous about what to expect but although it’s a central detail of the story it doesn’t get in the way of the characters.
Another wonderful read Lisa, thank you!
May 11, 2023
Nice little quirky story
I loved this one! It’s a bit steampunk, a bit quirky, and a whole lot of fun. Billy and Dathan are fated mates and they meet in the most unusual way. This is worth a read. A half blind searcher and the man who is his other perfect half. I love the whole idea of this series too and can’t wait to read more of them. I loved these characters.
I loved this one! It’s a bit steampunk, a bit quirky, and a whole lot of fun. Billy and Dathan are fated mates and they meet in the most unusual way. This is worth a read. A half blind searcher and the man who is his other perfect half. I love the whole idea of this series too and can’t wait to read more of them. I loved these characters.
July 4, 2023
Author Eulogy largely help to get 3 stars🤔😉!
After reading book 2 of this series I couldn't wait for book 3! Boy was I disappointed😭, this book didn't come close to book 2 standards🤔. However the author remarks at the end of this book are worth reading and gave the storyline 3 Stars👍🤗!
After reading book 2 of this series I couldn't wait for book 3! Boy was I disappointed😭, this book didn't come close to book 2 standards🤔. However the author remarks at the end of this book are worth reading and gave the storyline 3 Stars👍🤗!
April 18, 2023
Creative, Quirky, and a Joy to read.
Any Lisa Oliver book is well written. This is no exception.
This is one of the most creative books that I’ve read in a long time. The characters will make you smile as you cheer them on. Enjoy!
Any Lisa Oliver book is well written. This is no exception.
This is one of the most creative books that I’ve read in a long time. The characters will make you smile as you cheer them on. Enjoy!
September 17, 2023
Interesting and delightful.
A little steampunk. A little bit of shifters and gods. A lot quirky. Two very interesting characters. Stir briskly and enjoy. I would love more of these two. Thank you Lisa!
A little steampunk. A little bit of shifters and gods. A lot quirky. Two very interesting characters. Stir briskly and enjoy. I would love more of these two. Thank you Lisa!
May 3, 2024
Dnf 52%
This book is excessively wordy. I was forcing myself to keep going. Each chapter was like a dragonball z episode...23 min of flashy nothing, 2 minutes of plot and advancement. I had to give up at 52%. It is probably a good story...but needs like 60% less words.
This book is excessively wordy. I was forcing myself to keep going. Each chapter was like a dragonball z episode...23 min of flashy nothing, 2 minutes of plot and advancement. I had to give up at 52%. It is probably a good story...but needs like 60% less words.
October 9, 2025
Fantastic!
Okay, now I need to go do some research, but I definitely enjoyed this story. Billy and Dathan are a great couple. The Steam Punk feeling is not one I’m familiar with but maybe I will research that as well. Enjoy people!
Okay, now I need to go do some research, but I definitely enjoyed this story. Billy and Dathan are a great couple. The Steam Punk feeling is not one I’m familiar with but maybe I will research that as well. Enjoy people!
March 10, 2023
Great Book!
While this was a bit different from Lisa’s other books I really enjoyed it. Kept me interested and on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. Loved these main characters! Totally recommend!
While this was a bit different from Lisa’s other books I really enjoyed it. Kept me interested and on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. Loved these main characters! Totally recommend!
March 15, 2023
Loved it
I loved this story. The different elements made it so interesting. She made everything come together just right. The MC’s were so right for each other.
I loved this story. The different elements made it so interesting. She made everything come together just right. The MC’s were so right for each other.
March 15, 2023
Different from the usual books of Lisa's but still a nice story. I liked it.
March 22, 2023
Based on the Ancient Greek myth of Bellerophon, this is a cute fated-mates story.
April 1, 2023
Awesome
Wow, this was a totally different and unique book for Lisa. I was throughly impressed. I really enjoyed this! Very good read ! Highly recommend!
Wow, this was a totally different and unique book for Lisa. I was throughly impressed. I really enjoyed this! Very good read ! Highly recommend!
May 24, 2023
loved it!
Loved the story! A unique and fresh setting. I always love stories by Lisa Oliver. I will be reading the rest of this series.
Loved the story! A unique and fresh setting. I always love stories by Lisa Oliver. I will be reading the rest of this series.
June 24, 2023
Excellent story. This book was a change from Ms Oliver's usual style. Well written with well developed characters.
November 13, 2023
I did Luke this story
I thought it was true story of life love and the pursuit of bad guys... But I don't think loss Oliver has ever disappointed me from book one to now
I thought it was true story of life love and the pursuit of bad guys... But I don't think loss Oliver has ever disappointed me from book one to now
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews