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The Hidden Hotel #3
Whispers of Truth
Dahlia has proved herself a valuable employee of The Red Alder, even gaining the approval of the enigmatic - and annoyingly captivating - hotel owner Zavion. And just in time, because she’ll need all the support she can get for the hotel’s latest conference, a meeting between light and shadow phantoms, two warring races who’ve hated each other for as long as their history exists.
But this conference isn’t Dahlia’s only concern. She’s more convinced than ever that The Red Alder has a hidden enemy looking to bring them down, and a conference between two nearly feuding races seems like the perfect time for them to strike. But who could the culprit be? Clashing vampire coven leaders? A vengeful guest from a past conference? Or someone Dahlia has never met?
As Dahlia works to balance her responsibilities and concerns, Zavion does the unthinkable - offers himself up to help however she needs. While the two become closer in ways Dahlia never expected possible, she can’t let go of one What does Zavion know about her past that he refuses to tell her?
Dive into this urban fantasy trilogy filled with sweet, slow burn romance, quirky side characters, and a heroine determined to save the day through quality customer service. Perfect for fans of K. M. Shea's Magiford Supernatural City trilogies.
But this conference isn’t Dahlia’s only concern. She’s more convinced than ever that The Red Alder has a hidden enemy looking to bring them down, and a conference between two nearly feuding races seems like the perfect time for them to strike. But who could the culprit be? Clashing vampire coven leaders? A vengeful guest from a past conference? Or someone Dahlia has never met?
As Dahlia works to balance her responsibilities and concerns, Zavion does the unthinkable - offers himself up to help however she needs. While the two become closer in ways Dahlia never expected possible, she can’t let go of one What does Zavion know about her past that he refuses to tell her?
Dive into this urban fantasy trilogy filled with sweet, slow burn romance, quirky side characters, and a heroine determined to save the day through quality customer service. Perfect for fans of K. M. Shea's Magiford Supernatural City trilogies.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2024
134 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 25, 2025
I like magical fantasy stories. This is the 3rd one in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were developed well, the storyline has been continued from the 1st & 2nd books, and I like where it was headed. Hope to read more about the Hidden Hotel and these people.
December 8, 2024
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. Minor blood depicted, a lot of death threats, a few fights. The death threats are on the higher side of mildly distressing.
Sexual: Mild. This doesn't go beyond kissing, and not steamy at all.
Triggers: Betrayal, abandonment, foster care, physical abuse from family. Specifically (moderate spoilers)
I am so relieved! With how slow the second book was, I was worried this one might continue the trend (though I had an inkling that because it's the climax book it would be fine). It most certainly did not. The pacing was punchy and there was always something happening and kept me riveted the entire read. It made me wonder if it wouldn't have been better for this to have been a duology rather than a trilogy just for the sake of the pacing. That second book was hard to get through.
But!
This climax was well done. We finally get Dahlia to the truth that we, as readers, have known since book one, compliments of Zavion's POV. We also get answers to the 'is there someone messing with the hotel or not?' question, and we FINALLY get that romance going.
I wasn't at all surprised at the reveals though, since there were enough hints as to who the culprit was from book 2, so that was more of a satisfied feeling that I was right about who was behind all the messes. Also the big twist MAJOR SPOILER:
The big blowout halfway through when the truth finally comes out was more intense than I expected. Man, that was a horrible day for Dahlia. I appreciated that the author didn't pull back on how Zavion really messed up on how he handled things, but also that the big fallout made it so they were on even ground going forward. Especially when Zavion tells his side of the story.
The romance was interesting. It really didn't get going until almost 3/4th the way through, and I was worried it would be rushed after that whopper of a fight where Dahlia really needed to process things and figure out how to forgive everyone. It was mostly not rushed. But it was a bit. I feel like it could've been spread out better. In fact, if the second book had furthered the romance more as the B story, it would've made that book way better and set this one up so it didn't feel quite so...quick? I will say, as soon as Zavion became more emotionally self-aware, his awkwardness was adorable. Dahlia thought so too.
The theme here, where our struggles become our strengths, was much appreciated too. I love that Dahlia pointed that out to both Dalton and Zavion, and in trying to help them she realized it was true for her too. I've done that a few times, where, trying to help someone else see something differently, dropped a truth bomb that was life changing for me too.
Oh, and I want more of the Beast Mongers. They were fantastic and I love them. I really hope Veer gets a series!
Lovely ending. I really hope the next series does better with the middle ground if it's a trilogy as well. There is a short at the end of this giving the first bit of the next series, which centers around the missing Celestial Guardian Matriarch of the Heaven's Clan, and Luca the seer's special someone he's been waiting for. Should be fun!
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. Minor blood depicted, a lot of death threats, a few fights. The death threats are on the higher side of mildly distressing.
Sexual: Mild. This doesn't go beyond kissing, and not steamy at all.
Triggers: Betrayal, abandonment, foster care, physical abuse from family. Specifically (moderate spoilers)
I am so relieved! With how slow the second book was, I was worried this one might continue the trend (though I had an inkling that because it's the climax book it would be fine). It most certainly did not. The pacing was punchy and there was always something happening and kept me riveted the entire read. It made me wonder if it wouldn't have been better for this to have been a duology rather than a trilogy just for the sake of the pacing. That second book was hard to get through.
But!
This climax was well done. We finally get Dahlia to the truth that we, as readers, have known since book one, compliments of Zavion's POV. We also get answers to the 'is there someone messing with the hotel or not?' question, and we FINALLY get that romance going.
I wasn't at all surprised at the reveals though, since there were enough hints as to who the culprit was from book 2, so that was more of a satisfied feeling that I was right about who was behind all the messes. Also the big twist MAJOR SPOILER:
The big blowout halfway through when the truth finally comes out was more intense than I expected. Man, that was a horrible day for Dahlia. I appreciated that the author didn't pull back on how Zavion really messed up on how he handled things, but also that the big fallout made it so they were on even ground going forward. Especially when Zavion tells his side of the story.
The romance was interesting. It really didn't get going until almost 3/4th the way through, and I was worried it would be rushed after that whopper of a fight where Dahlia really needed to process things and figure out how to forgive everyone. It was mostly not rushed. But it was a bit. I feel like it could've been spread out better. In fact, if the second book had furthered the romance more as the B story, it would've made that book way better and set this one up so it didn't feel quite so...quick? I will say, as soon as Zavion became more emotionally self-aware, his awkwardness was adorable. Dahlia thought so too.
The theme here, where our struggles become our strengths, was much appreciated too. I love that Dahlia pointed that out to both Dalton and Zavion, and in trying to help them she realized it was true for her too. I've done that a few times, where, trying to help someone else see something differently, dropped a truth bomb that was life changing for me too.
Oh, and I want more of the Beast Mongers. They were fantastic and I love them. I really hope Veer gets a series!
Lovely ending. I really hope the next series does better with the middle ground if it's a trilogy as well. There is a short at the end of this giving the first bit of the next series, which centers around the missing Celestial Guardian Matriarch of the Heaven's Clan, and Luca the seer's special someone he's been waiting for. Should be fun!
October 11, 2024
Inhaled this book. Stayed up late to finish (because I could - if I’d had to get up early, I could have put this book down, which is a plus as far as I’m concerned. It was also a plus, personally, that I didn’t have to).
I have a lot of respect for this author. Her hero has made some understandable, given his past trauma and juvenile status, but reprehensible decisions that profoundly affected the heroine’s childhood in a negative way. And then he compounds that damage by not telling her the truth for months after re recognizes what mistakes he made. This book was where it all came out and all came home to roost. And it doesn’t happen at the very end and get swept away just as quickly. It happens at or near the middle, and time is given to allowing the arguments, the emotions, the conversations to all play out. Even with that, I think forgiveness and moving past it probably happened a bit too quickly. I would have liked to see Dahlia/Lia get a bit of time outside the hotel and its denizens to truly figure out if that’s where she wants to be permanently versus just visiting the courtyard. And Zavion goes from struggling with everything to do with human interactions to being near perfect in his responses to Dahlia/Lia awfully quickly.
But, the author did have an inordinate amount of plot and character stuff to wrap up in this one book, and while I might have wished for a bit more here or there, she did a superb job of not leaving anything big dangling out there, and the most important issues got their fair due.
I will definitely check out the follow on series that will tackle a prophecy made in the first book of this trilogy.
I have a lot of respect for this author. Her hero has made some understandable, given his past trauma and juvenile status, but reprehensible decisions that profoundly affected the heroine’s childhood in a negative way. And then he compounds that damage by not telling her the truth for months after re recognizes what mistakes he made. This book was where it all came out and all came home to roost. And it doesn’t happen at the very end and get swept away just as quickly. It happens at or near the middle, and time is given to allowing the arguments, the emotions, the conversations to all play out. Even with that, I think forgiveness and moving past it probably happened a bit too quickly. I would have liked to see Dahlia/Lia get a bit of time outside the hotel and its denizens to truly figure out if that’s where she wants to be permanently versus just visiting the courtyard. And Zavion goes from struggling with everything to do with human interactions to being near perfect in his responses to Dahlia/Lia awfully quickly.
But, the author did have an inordinate amount of plot and character stuff to wrap up in this one book, and while I might have wished for a bit more here or there, she did a superb job of not leaving anything big dangling out there, and the most important issues got their fair due.
I will definitely check out the follow on series that will tackle a prophecy made in the first book of this trilogy.
March 11, 2025
Good
This book completes Dahlia’s story, picking up right after the end of book two.
This time, Dahlia is helping host a conference between the Light and Shadow Phantoms. It’s an extra stressful meeting, because neither Zavion or Dante can help, due to their ties to the phantoms.
Meanwhile, Dahlia is still sure that someone is deliberately causing trouble in the hotel…
Dahlia finally gets to learn about her own heritage in this book, with a lot of secrets being revealed as far as that is concerned.
We also get to learn about Zavion’s history, which is definitely illuminating, and makes his behaviour understandable, and even forgivable to some extent.
We also find out the cause of some of the hotel incidents, and I found myself gratified to be correct as to what was happening!
Extra credits in this book for the spirit animals, because they were all adorable, even the scary ones!
This was a lovely end to a very cosy series, that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more about the prophesied heirs that the vampires and celestial guardians are looking for, and hope for many more stories in this world- and at least a cameo from Dahlia and co. Maybe even a story for Dante?
While each book does cover an entire story in itself, there are several ongoing background stories throughout the series, and Dahlia’s tale builds on the books that came before, so I recommend reading all of them in order.
If you’re a fan of cosy fantasy, cute critters, and magical misfits, then this is an enjoyable, and worthwhile series to read.
This book completes Dahlia’s story, picking up right after the end of book two.
This time, Dahlia is helping host a conference between the Light and Shadow Phantoms. It’s an extra stressful meeting, because neither Zavion or Dante can help, due to their ties to the phantoms.
Meanwhile, Dahlia is still sure that someone is deliberately causing trouble in the hotel…
Dahlia finally gets to learn about her own heritage in this book, with a lot of secrets being revealed as far as that is concerned.
We also get to learn about Zavion’s history, which is definitely illuminating, and makes his behaviour understandable, and even forgivable to some extent.
We also find out the cause of some of the hotel incidents, and I found myself gratified to be correct as to what was happening!
Extra credits in this book for the spirit animals, because they were all adorable, even the scary ones!
This was a lovely end to a very cosy series, that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more about the prophesied heirs that the vampires and celestial guardians are looking for, and hope for many more stories in this world- and at least a cameo from Dahlia and co. Maybe even a story for Dante?
While each book does cover an entire story in itself, there are several ongoing background stories throughout the series, and Dahlia’s tale builds on the books that came before, so I recommend reading all of them in order.
If you’re a fan of cosy fantasy, cute critters, and magical misfits, then this is an enjoyable, and worthwhile series to read.
January 2, 2025
Excellent series! I’m headed straight to her other books now; bye!
I read all three books of this trilogy in a single day! (Thank goodness I didn’t find them until this set was complete) (Thank goodness she’s writing at least one more trilogy in this story-world)
I discovered KM Shea two years ago, and after devouring every previous book had been reading every book she released as soon as they got to my library… then heard she had to take a hiatus for health reasons (get well soon, Kitty!). After re-reading all her books (some of them twice), I started looking for similar ones; a few of Kenley Davidson’s books were the closest I got… until now!
I’m so delighted to find another author who weaves supernaturals and modern-day humanity together in riveting combination.
Against a backdrop of differences in heritage and magical abilities, this series highlights that what actually makes a person unique is their choices in how to respond to circumstances that are out of their control, and that a hard past can be shaped into either weakness or into strength.
The main character was so much fun to get to know, and I loved how she leaned into her passion with a large helping of practicality.
I read all three books of this trilogy in a single day! (Thank goodness I didn’t find them until this set was complete) (Thank goodness she’s writing at least one more trilogy in this story-world)
I discovered KM Shea two years ago, and after devouring every previous book had been reading every book she released as soon as they got to my library… then heard she had to take a hiatus for health reasons (get well soon, Kitty!). After re-reading all her books (some of them twice), I started looking for similar ones; a few of Kenley Davidson’s books were the closest I got… until now!
I’m so delighted to find another author who weaves supernaturals and modern-day humanity together in riveting combination.
Against a backdrop of differences in heritage and magical abilities, this series highlights that what actually makes a person unique is their choices in how to respond to circumstances that are out of their control, and that a hard past can be shaped into either weakness or into strength.
The main character was so much fun to get to know, and I loved how she leaned into her passion with a large helping of practicality.
November 23, 2025
This is the third book, and after visiting the author's website, I don't get the impression that more are planned. There are two more trilogies listed there in the same universe, so maybe some of the loose ends will be taken up there, like the Lia (FMC)'s relationship with her foster brother and the spirit animal center. They were just dropped.
The romance was a little disappointing. The MMC, Zavion, did something pretty horrible. It's kind of patched it up in this book by making him younger. He starts off as seeming to be quite a bit older, having built a huge hotel, but in the last book it's revealed he's only 24, 6 years older than the FMC. The backstory with him just doesn't hang together very well.
Overall, a good book with some originality!
The romance was a little disappointing. The MMC, Zavion, did something pretty horrible. It's kind of patched it up in this book by making him younger. He starts off as seeming to be quite a bit older, having built a huge hotel, but in the last book it's revealed he's only 24, 6 years older than the FMC. The backstory with him just doesn't hang together very well.
Overall, a good book with some originality!
Read
December 18, 2024There is a lot about these books that are fun, but Zavlon is such a dismissive ass for the entire trilogy that it loses some of its appeal. I would say not for fans of KM Shea because even when the MMCs do problematic stuff, it is not *nearly* to this extent. How can Zavlon dedicate himself to creating an inclusive hotel when he both allowed and contributed to Dahlia's abuse? The only coworkers who treat Dahlia with a basic level of decency (without being reminded or convinced to do so) are Dante and Lola. Beyond his personal feelings, Zavlon's treatment of her is also just not how effective employers act.
September 27, 2025
One of my favorite series! Her next ones are Great too!
I really enjoyed the plot and characters!
I love that the story kept my interest with a good story, had a little clean romance, and the excitement of a mystery to solve!
Plus, there were only a few typos /Grammar errors.
Even though there are some sad, difficult situations in life subjects in the story, they teach you how to rise above those situations.
I would definitely recommend this series to young people, young adults And even us older people who don't like overly long, heavy and too complicated stories.
Thanks!
I really enjoyed the plot and characters!
I love that the story kept my interest with a good story, had a little clean romance, and the excitement of a mystery to solve!
Plus, there were only a few typos /Grammar errors.
Even though there are some sad, difficult situations in life subjects in the story, they teach you how to rise above those situations.
I would definitely recommend this series to young people, young adults And even us older people who don't like overly long, heavy and too complicated stories.
Thanks!
October 5, 2024
LOVED! total must read!!
Absolutely loved this trilogy. I do wish there’d been a bit more interaction between the love interests just to give it a little bit more depth. But what I wanted MOST was more in this amazing world!! And Nicole is delivering!!! Cannot wait for the new trilogy in the spring!! She sent up perfectly for it and I’m SO EXCITED!! KM Shea is my first author to add trilogy on trilogy to a world and I am delighted to have a new fantasy author do the same! Her urban fantasy realm is awesome!! MUST READ!
Absolutely loved this trilogy. I do wish there’d been a bit more interaction between the love interests just to give it a little bit more depth. But what I wanted MOST was more in this amazing world!! And Nicole is delivering!!! Cannot wait for the new trilogy in the spring!! She sent up perfectly for it and I’m SO EXCITED!! KM Shea is my first author to add trilogy on trilogy to a world and I am delighted to have a new fantasy author do the same! Her urban fantasy realm is awesome!! MUST READ!
January 11, 2025
a really satisfying end!
This was really great! Such a satisfying end to the trilogy that answered all the main questions instead of leaving obvious plot holes as a "read more" tactic. And the resolutions were not in a rushed manner, too, which I really appreciate.
Looking forward to reading the next trilogy about the Heavens clan matriarch! The excerpt showed that it's still got a mature, likeable heroine but with sufficient differences (parents!! I'm excited about that. Not enough books have good parents getting sufficient airtime) to make it a very exciting new read.
This was really great! Such a satisfying end to the trilogy that answered all the main questions instead of leaving obvious plot holes as a "read more" tactic. And the resolutions were not in a rushed manner, too, which I really appreciate.
Looking forward to reading the next trilogy about the Heavens clan matriarch! The excerpt showed that it's still got a mature, likeable heroine but with sufficient differences (parents!! I'm excited about that. Not enough books have good parents getting sufficient airtime) to make it a very exciting new read.
March 14, 2025
3.5 stars
I was a bit disappointed that the girl professed her love at the same time as the guy. I think they should have just dated for a while. There wasn't enough there to declare love.
I felt there was too much inner monologue. Sometimes I got lost in the actual conversation that was supposed to be happening.
I liked the enchanted beast tamer character and the pets. They were an interesting addition and I liked that the main character had an interest outside the hotel, although she didn't visit the shop very often.
I was a bit disappointed that the girl professed her love at the same time as the guy. I think they should have just dated for a while. There wasn't enough there to declare love.
I felt there was too much inner monologue. Sometimes I got lost in the actual conversation that was supposed to be happening.
I liked the enchanted beast tamer character and the pets. They were an interesting addition and I liked that the main character had an interest outside the hotel, although she didn't visit the shop very often.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2025
I wanted to like this series, but two things made me DNF the final book. One, there are some truly insufferable characters who continue to be given far more grace and access to the FMC than they deserve. Please don’t make me suffer through their childish actions when there’s no point. Two, are you kidding me with the romance? Zavion is truly immature and completely fails to ever apologize or be honest with Dahlia. It’s one thing to make a decision as a child that you regret, but his actions as an adult in a position of power over his employee are unforgivable.
February 8, 2025
Gah! Why did this have to be a trilogy! I wanted to read sooooo much more about Dahlia and her impeccable customer service skills. I am still really confused by the whole rushed romance thing at the end though. I don’t know if I was blind or if adding that plot line in was an after thought… Anywho, I literally only read this series because of Dahlia’s skills in dealing with ornery supernaturals. I sincerely wish I could learn her secrets of the 3 customer service smiles!
August 2, 2025
This is the last in the series, and it wraps up most things and leaves openings for other characters books. My complaint is there is a lot of commentary where it’s just characters thinking things through. It also has the trope of the main love interest showing a betrayal and the MC getting over it pretty quickly. This a frustrating end and I’m not sure I’d read other books by this author, even after the good start.
November 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I found Dahlia to be an interesting character and enjoyed following her journey to find out about her parents. There is some romance, but it's very sweet and clean. I found this to be a satisfying ending to the storyline, although I wouldn't mind visiting The Red Alder again.
November 22, 2024
Adventure, truths, and fun
The whole series is fun! I love how the writer keeps my interest and how the fantasy world is built. I especially love how it's a clean read. it has a love story, but it's not all consuming. It focuses more on the story and has no sex or fowl language that often distracts for a good story.
The whole series is fun! I love how the writer keeps my interest and how the fantasy world is built. I especially love how it's a clean read. it has a love story, but it's not all consuming. It focuses more on the story and has no sex or fowl language that often distracts for a good story.
April 16, 2025
Loved all three!
Such a fantastic story! Definitely had Ilona Andrews vibes with having the setting being a main focus of the story. Loved the FMC and the MMC, as well as the supporting characters. Everything about the story was heartwarming, and had just the right balance of intrigue, clean romance, and magic. Loved this trilogy and want more!
Such a fantastic story! Definitely had Ilona Andrews vibes with having the setting being a main focus of the story. Loved the FMC and the MMC, as well as the supporting characters. Everything about the story was heartwarming, and had just the right balance of intrigue, clean romance, and magic. Loved this trilogy and want more!
October 11, 2024
Superb series
I ahve so enjoyed Dahlia's story. The world building and story have been wonderfully crafted. I have loved these characters and hope there.are more stories coming!
Great well written and clean read.
I ahve so enjoyed Dahlia's story. The world building and story have been wonderfully crafted. I have loved these characters and hope there.are more stories coming!
Great well written and clean read.
January 22, 2025
Excellent ending to a fantastic series!
The end of this series has all the twists and turns. Emotional and cathartic, suspenseful and intriguing! With the promise of a new related series to come!
The end of this series has all the twists and turns. Emotional and cathartic, suspenseful and intriguing! With the promise of a new related series to come!
February 2, 2025
Such a sweet and fun read!
I read all 3 books nonstop, just a really entertaining and well written YA trilogy. I also worked customer service for many years so found that focus highly amusing!
I read all 3 books nonstop, just a really entertaining and well written YA trilogy. I also worked customer service for many years so found that focus highly amusing!
September 6, 2025
fantastic
This was a wonderful series! I really liked how the book ended. It tied everything up nicely, but still left us wanting a little bit more. I’m eager to start the next series.
This was a wonderful series! I really liked how the book ended. It tied everything up nicely, but still left us wanting a little bit more. I’m eager to start the next series.
October 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this story.
Content: clean - mild violence
Content: clean - mild violence
October 20, 2024
A great trilogy
Loved these books. Great story telling, loveable characters and no swear words! Don't hesitate to start this trilogy right now.
Loved these books. Great story telling, loveable characters and no swear words! Don't hesitate to start this trilogy right now.
October 24, 2024
The whole series was just wonderful. I'm sad to leave the Red Alder Hotel and the fun cast of characters. I want my own spirit beast too, just not a snake.
December 11, 2024
Excellent seriesx. I loved this series very much.
February 10, 2025
Excellent book and a nice finish. I recommend for an enjoyable read!
March 13, 2025
beautiful tale
Lovely, with beguiling characters, an excellent story plot - i couldn’t put it down. A story of love and what makes family.
Lovely, with beguiling characters, an excellent story plot - i couldn’t put it down. A story of love and what makes family.
March 18, 2025
Great series
Loved all the books in this series. Going to get the first one in the next series, and then see about any more.
Loved all the books in this series. Going to get the first one in the next series, and then see about any more.
March 19, 2025
Wonderful Book
Truly a must read. The kind of book series that will have a strong feeling of love, great joy and wonder. I enjoyed this series.
Truly a must read. The kind of book series that will have a strong feeling of love, great joy and wonder. I enjoyed this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews