What do you think?
Rate this book
The Royal Occult Bureau #1
The Royal Occult Bureau
This is the first book of The Royal Occult Bureau Series—a deliciously steamy paranormal gas-lamp fantasy series for adults.
My name is Asia Quicksilver, and my life has never been a bed of roses.
Well, I spent a lot of time in bed, but not to sleep. As a, well, let's say... lady of the night, I’ve seen a lot of action between the bedsheets. I won't apologize for my employment at De Luna House, the most luxurious brothel in London, but I'm not planning to make it forever. Once I set aside enough pounds to move out of London, I’ll start fresh.
My plan goes out of the window when a tall, dark and handsome man asks to be my exclusive client. I can’t refuse. The pay is too good. Except...he doesn’t want to tell me his name, and he doesn’t want to touch me. It’s the first time I've met a man who pays good money simply to watch me read a book. He says an incubus is after me, but I don’t believe him. He must be one of those opium addicts that cram London’s streets. But after a man with uncanny strength, speed, and charm attacks me, I wonder if my new, dark client is right.
My name is Asia Quicksilver, and my life has never been a bed of roses.
Well, I spent a lot of time in bed, but not to sleep. As a, well, let's say... lady of the night, I’ve seen a lot of action between the bedsheets. I won't apologize for my employment at De Luna House, the most luxurious brothel in London, but I'm not planning to make it forever. Once I set aside enough pounds to move out of London, I’ll start fresh.
My plan goes out of the window when a tall, dark and handsome man asks to be my exclusive client. I can’t refuse. The pay is too good. Except...he doesn’t want to tell me his name, and he doesn’t want to touch me. It’s the first time I've met a man who pays good money simply to watch me read a book. He says an incubus is after me, but I don’t believe him. He must be one of those opium addicts that cram London’s streets. But after a man with uncanny strength, speed, and charm attacks me, I wonder if my new, dark client is right.
Audible Audio
First published March 31, 2020
43 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 26, 2020
When a prostitute working in an upscale brothel in London acquires a handsome and mysterious client who wants her services full time, she finds herself embroiled in a manhunt for a murderous monster.
Asia can’t quite figure this man out. He doesn’t touch her, refuses to tell her his name and almost seems embarrassed to be there. What is his true agenda? In a world where prostitutes are being murdered at an alarming rate, what has Asia gotten herself into?
THE ROYAL OCCULT BUREAU by Barbara Russell is an intriguing twist on murder, mischief and mayhem! Enjoy the feel of nineteenth century London, follow a feisty heroine who digs just deep enough to become embroiled in something “other” and meet a hero who is so much more than he seems.
I DID enjoy this one very much, Asia is a wonderful heroine, but I found some repetition that got old after a few times. It took me out of the moment and I had to concentrate to dive back in. All told, I DO recommend this one for lovers of said mystery, murder and mayhem!
Tome Tender received a complimentary copy from Barbara Russell! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Me Myself and I (March 31, 2020)
Publication Date: March 31, 2020
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Print Length: 393 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Asia can’t quite figure this man out. He doesn’t touch her, refuses to tell her his name and almost seems embarrassed to be there. What is his true agenda? In a world where prostitutes are being murdered at an alarming rate, what has Asia gotten herself into?
THE ROYAL OCCULT BUREAU by Barbara Russell is an intriguing twist on murder, mischief and mayhem! Enjoy the feel of nineteenth century London, follow a feisty heroine who digs just deep enough to become embroiled in something “other” and meet a hero who is so much more than he seems.
I DID enjoy this one very much, Asia is a wonderful heroine, but I found some repetition that got old after a few times. It took me out of the moment and I had to concentrate to dive back in. All told, I DO recommend this one for lovers of said mystery, murder and mayhem!
Tome Tender received a complimentary copy from Barbara Russell! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Me Myself and I (March 31, 2020)
Publication Date: March 31, 2020
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Print Length: 393 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 19, 2025
I was rather surprised at how this book started off I wasn't expecting the lead character to be a female prostitute and a brothel in London over places but let's just say things were steamy they was a lot of action a coincident all kinds of mess going on and then when it gets down to it it's just really just oh my God I have to expected part of this and the other half I did not so I hope you enjoy the book you can get it on Audible as well and happy reading cuz you will love this this is a great five star book.
January 25, 2022
The Royal Occult Bureau has an interesting and not often seen premise. The main character is a prostitute and she does her job really well even though. She's learned throughout the years how to be selective of her clients and the madam is very good about keeping her girls safe.
One day, violet tells her she's to be with one exclusive client for the rest of the week because he specifically requested a grey eyed girl. The client doesn't want to have sex with her at all he just wants to sit in her room with her while she goes about her routine despite her attempts to get him interested.
We find out later that he'd a magical being who is trying to keep her safe from an Incubus that's been going around killing prostitutes. He's part of those secret royal occult bureau that are beings that essentially bring the evil beings to justice whole making sure their presence stays secret from humans.
The beginning was pretty good and sucked me right in but by the middle I was annoyed because once our main lady finds out about these beings it seems as if she's better at solving crime than they are just from being driven to save her friend. Then you learn the main detective who's been protected is half Incubus and he can't be with her because if they "mate" she's essentially bonded to him forever and I'd he sees her even thinking of kissing another man he would go into a rage and could possibly kill her
....except that's exactly what happens. He bonds to her but then we find out he had a fiance so it's pretty effed up that he bonded anyway.
Finally we almost catch the bad guy but the whole 2nd half they were alluding to now she didn't need to sell herself for sex cause she's so smart and could do anything but she was like this is my choice and life and they end up wiping her memory cause she's human but he hired her on to be his housekeeper by just giving her lots of money so she doesn't have to be a prostitute anymore.
It was overall underwhelming for me (as you can tell cause I don't even remember their names) and it's mentioned that she gets her memory back in the sequel but I won't be continuing. Not for me.
One day, violet tells her she's to be with one exclusive client for the rest of the week because he specifically requested a grey eyed girl. The client doesn't want to have sex with her at all he just wants to sit in her room with her while she goes about her routine despite her attempts to get him interested.
We find out later that he'd a magical being who is trying to keep her safe from an Incubus that's been going around killing prostitutes. He's part of those secret royal occult bureau that are beings that essentially bring the evil beings to justice whole making sure their presence stays secret from humans.
The beginning was pretty good and sucked me right in but by the middle I was annoyed because once our main lady finds out about these beings it seems as if she's better at solving crime than they are just from being driven to save her friend. Then you learn the main detective who's been protected is half Incubus and he can't be with her because if they "mate" she's essentially bonded to him forever and I'd he sees her even thinking of kissing another man he would go into a rage and could possibly kill her
....except that's exactly what happens. He bonds to her but then we find out he had a fiance so it's pretty effed up that he bonded anyway.
Finally we almost catch the bad guy but the whole 2nd half they were alluding to now she didn't need to sell herself for sex cause she's so smart and could do anything but she was like this is my choice and life and they end up wiping her memory cause she's human but he hired her on to be his housekeeper by just giving her lots of money so she doesn't have to be a prostitute anymore.
It was overall underwhelming for me (as you can tell cause I don't even remember their names) and it's mentioned that she gets her memory back in the sequel but I won't be continuing. Not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2021
“The Royal Occult Bureau” is an innovative concept: “Twilight” meets “Sherlock Holmes”.
Read full review in the 2021 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 9, 2020
Yeah, I am way into this book. I had no idea what to expect as I’ve never read a ‘gaslamp’ novel before (or I just hadn’t realized I had until now), but I very much enjoyed The Royal Occult Bureau.
I found Asia to be a wonderfully strong and intelligent, and a great match for the brooding and dark Evander. I loved how their chemistry added to the plot and their interactions and attraction felt natural for their characters, not forced, and holy sexual tension Batman! I thought the book was well-written, the twists and turns strategically planned to enhance the story instead of coming out of nowhere to create conflict for conflicts’ sake. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first person POV – I would have liked to see how some of the situations played out in Evander’s eyes, but this was more of a personal preference more than anything else.
This is a fantastic beginning to the series but be warned – this does end on a cliffhanger so if you want a complete HEA with all the loose ends tied up, you’d probably be disappointed. Or, you can read the first one, process, then proceed to search for the second so you can keep following Asia and Evander. At least, that’s what I’m planning on doing.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Barbara Russell for my copy!
I found Asia to be a wonderfully strong and intelligent, and a great match for the brooding and dark Evander. I loved how their chemistry added to the plot and their interactions and attraction felt natural for their characters, not forced, and holy sexual tension Batman! I thought the book was well-written, the twists and turns strategically planned to enhance the story instead of coming out of nowhere to create conflict for conflicts’ sake. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first person POV – I would have liked to see how some of the situations played out in Evander’s eyes, but this was more of a personal preference more than anything else.
This is a fantastic beginning to the series but be warned – this does end on a cliffhanger so if you want a complete HEA with all the loose ends tied up, you’d probably be disappointed. Or, you can read the first one, process, then proceed to search for the second so you can keep following Asia and Evander. At least, that’s what I’m planning on doing.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Barbara Russell for my copy!
October 19, 2025
I was rather surprised at how this book started off I wasn't expecting the lead character to be a female prostitute and a brothel in London over places but let's just say things were steamy they was a lot of action a coincident all kinds of mess going on and then when it gets down to it it's just really just oh my God I have to expected part of this and the other half I did not so I hope you enjoy the book you can get it on Audible as well and happy reading cuz you will love this this is a great five star book.
August 10, 2020
A steampunk romance with a Sherlock Holmes style flair. Perfect. Intriguing and action packed. A Jack the Ripper tone sets this story up for a twist you don't see coming. This book like all I have read of this author so far is a pleasure to read and a definite page turner.
April 11, 2020
I would have given this book 5 stars, but I didn't care for the ending. I'm wondering whether the end indicates there will be other books in this series? What happens next for Asia and Evander? Okay, let me back up a bit, the story wasn't bad, it is actually very good, but the ending left me wanting more. I suppose that is a good thing and a bad thing. The good part is the story is unique and the characters are interesting and mysterious. The bad part is having to wait to see what journeys and adventures come next for these characters. With that being said, this is a 4.5 star book and it is well worth your time. If you don't like cliffhangers, you won't like this book; if cliffhangers don't bother you, then come take a journey with the Royal Occult Bureau.
November 29, 2023
I’ve not read any of this author’s books before although she seems pretty prolific. I happened across this one in a Gaslamp ebook sale.
I really enjoyed it. The H and h were fun to read about. I enjoyed their increasingly passionate romance although I was disappointed it wasn’t resolved in this book. However I’ve bought book 2 to read. lol This is a 7 book series so far.
I thought the twist about different coloured eyes being impervious to certain Unnatural beings was a unique idea. I’m interested to find out more about R.O.B. and the people who work there. It will be fun to see all the Unnatural creatures and how R.O.B. will deal with them.
I admit I’m not a big fan of first person narration but I didn’t really mind it. I would’ve really liked to have heard more from Lynch though (H).
There was a handful of typos and grammatical errors in the book but not enough to diminish my enjoyment of the story.
Well written, hot, detailed steamy scenes although no actual intercourse occurs in this book.
I’m excited to see that this author writes gas lamp and steampunk series plus HR so I’m sure I’ll be reading her books for a long time.
Steam level - 3.5/5
I really enjoyed it. The H and h were fun to read about. I enjoyed their increasingly passionate romance although I was disappointed it wasn’t resolved in this book. However I’ve bought book 2 to read. lol This is a 7 book series so far.
I thought the twist about different coloured eyes being impervious to certain Unnatural beings was a unique idea. I’m interested to find out more about R.O.B. and the people who work there. It will be fun to see all the Unnatural creatures and how R.O.B. will deal with them.
I admit I’m not a big fan of first person narration but I didn’t really mind it. I would’ve really liked to have heard more from Lynch though (H).
There was a handful of typos and grammatical errors in the book but not enough to diminish my enjoyment of the story.
Well written, hot, detailed steamy scenes although no actual intercourse occurs in this book.
I’m excited to see that this author writes gas lamp and steampunk series plus HR so I’m sure I’ll be reading her books for a long time.
Steam level - 3.5/5
June 4, 2020
Our heroine has seen many men in the brothel, but none are quite like the man who hired her for the week and yet doesn't want to use her. But this is just the start of the strange things surrounding this man and she is about to learn many new things.
This is book one of an urban fantasy series with a steampunk setting. And that is why I was drawn to this book from the start as I am a sucker for both those genres. As it turns out, my exploration was well rewarded as the story is very well written, the setting is detailed and gritty, and the characters are deep and mysterious. Think that description is over the top? Then you haven't read the book. The story is highly enjoyable and very engaging, with lots of mysteries and twists to be explored. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so you will definitely be looking for book two. I know I am.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author for review purposes.
This is book one of an urban fantasy series with a steampunk setting. And that is why I was drawn to this book from the start as I am a sucker for both those genres. As it turns out, my exploration was well rewarded as the story is very well written, the setting is detailed and gritty, and the characters are deep and mysterious. Think that description is over the top? Then you haven't read the book. The story is highly enjoyable and very engaging, with lots of mysteries and twists to be explored. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so you will definitely be looking for book two. I know I am.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author for review purposes.
March 28, 2020
Set in the Victorian era Asia is a whore in the De Luna House, she has dreams and wants to turn her life around. That is until someone starts killing women. A man turns up and wants to hire her for a week but he doesn't want anything from her. Curious she begins to follow him and find out his secrets. But his secrets are not what she expects and she is drawn into his paranormal world. The feeling they have for each other grow despite the fact that they cannot be together.
This is the first book in the series and I will definitely be reading the next book especially after how this book finished and leaves you wanting more. I love the characters that the author has made, all interesting with many different layers to them, and the book comes with plenty of twists and turns.
This is the first book in the series and I will definitely be reading the next book especially after how this book finished and leaves you wanting more. I love the characters that the author has made, all interesting with many different layers to them, and the book comes with plenty of twists and turns.
March 27, 2020
This novel combined two things I love: historical fiction and magical mystery. It’s a combination of steamy love story mixed with a mystical mystery with a dash of good humor. Asia is a delightful main character who pulls no punches and offers no apologies for her life as a prostitute in turn of the century London. Evander is the enigmatic Adonis who hires her for the week, but things don’t go as expected. When an underground world threatens all that Asia knows, she is drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
April 29, 2020
The Royal Occult Bureau is an intriguing blend of historical mystery and steamy paranormal romance! Asia is a prostitute at the De Luna House brothel, saving up so she can start a new life. When a man offers an incredible sum to be her only client for a week, she can’t refuse. But she ends up sucked into a paranormal murder mystery. I really liked Asia and Evander! The story has lots of suspense, mystery and magic. I definitely recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2020
This book is different to what I’d normally read but I really enjoyed it. It was well written and the story and characters were well developed. I loved the strong, sassy female personality and like seeing the relationship dynamics evolve throughout the book. The story was excellent. It was action packed and full of twists and turns. There was suspense, intrigue, emotion, hot chemistry and romance. I’d highly recommend this book and look forward to future books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2020
An excellent book!!
This book is the first one in The Royal Occult Bureau series and I loved it. It is written in first person pov and I usually don’t like that very much, that’s just me, but the story and the characters are so good I just kept on reading. I loved Asia and Evander and interesting secondary characters, hope to read more about them further on in this series. The books has a great plot. It has a cliffhanger and therefore not a standalone.
I received this ARC from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
This book is the first one in The Royal Occult Bureau series and I loved it. It is written in first person pov and I usually don’t like that very much, that’s just me, but the story and the characters are so good I just kept on reading. I loved Asia and Evander and interesting secondary characters, hope to read more about them further on in this series. The books has a great plot. It has a cliffhanger and therefore not a standalone.
I received this ARC from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
July 17, 2020
A great read. I couldn't put it down and read it through the night. It's set in a world of supernaturals where a Royal Occult Bureau investigates and punishes evil doers. In this book they are on the trail of a supernatural murderer that reminds me of Jack the Ripper. They try to protect a young beautiful prostitute who they believe will be the next victim. Can they stop him? You'll have to read to find out.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
September 7, 2020
This book is a refreshing historical story unlike any historical romance I’ve read before. The perspective itself was so different and very interesting. It was well written with strong character development and a very interesting setting - creating a world within a world. In the books I’ve read, I haven’t read a main character with this profession and the authentic way the author approaches the subject was interesting to me. Stigma and all. I was surprised and quite enjoyed this read. I received a free copy from voracious readers only.
April 14, 2020
An excellent start in a new series!
Set in the Victorian Era, this story is a combination of romance and mystery with a good dose of paranormal. There's plenty of suspense, as well as steamy encounters, a unique and intricate plot with unexpected twists and well developed characters. The ending was unexpected, with the promise of more adventures for Asia and Evander. I'm anxiously looking forward to see what comes next!
Set in the Victorian Era, this story is a combination of romance and mystery with a good dose of paranormal. There's plenty of suspense, as well as steamy encounters, a unique and intricate plot with unexpected twists and well developed characters. The ending was unexpected, with the promise of more adventures for Asia and Evander. I'm anxiously looking forward to see what comes next!
May 29, 2020
This is the atmospheric gothic story of Asia, a skillful soiled dove who is targeted by a creepy supernatural creature. The world building is unique and immersive--a great introduction to what promises to be an interesting series. While delightfully steamy, the romance follows the pattern of many paranormal series, with plenty left to resolve and more mysteries to solve. I'm eager to read the next book in the series!
September 16, 2020
Her bed is used an awful lot but not just for sleeping in. She works in a brothel and has many clients until one wants to be with her without her seeing any others. She agrees as the pay is good but he just sits andnread. He tells her someone is after her and she believes he has taken too many drugs. What will happen when she is attacked? Is it an one off? Can the state man kept her safe? See if he can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2020
This was my first book by Barbara Russell, but it won’t be the last! I was instantly drawn into the world Russell created, and found the story peppered by well rounded heroes and heroines, perfectly designed villains, and enough sass and humor to keep me smiling until the end. Russell has set up this up with creative world building, and I can’t wait for book two of the series! Well done!
March 30, 2020
An interesting mix of magic, mysteries, and an era of brothels. The mix of characters from Asia to Evander her mysterious client. The story brings you well into this world and the evil within. Looking forward to see what happens in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2020
This is the story of Asia and Evander. She works in the brothel and Evander hires her for the week. This is an engaging story that takes place in Victorian England. I enjoyed the weaving of paranormal, magic and mystery in this story. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline kept my attention throughout. I found the story well written and characters well developed. I love that it’s Victorian. A really great read and if you love paranormal and mystery then you will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
So so so good! I devoured it.
Brilliantly written, such an excellent plot line and unique take on supernaturals. I’ve never read a book from the pov of a whore/prostitute and this was so well done. I honestly want to read the next book now the ending was such a tease!
I can’t believe more people haven’t read this, one of my favourite reads of 2020 for sure!
Brilliantly written, such an excellent plot line and unique take on supernaturals. I’ve never read a book from the pov of a whore/prostitute and this was so well done. I honestly want to read the next book now the ending was such a tease!
I can’t believe more people haven’t read this, one of my favourite reads of 2020 for sure!
April 1, 2020
Wow what an interesting book! Love finding a new plot to read. This was a page turner for sure. The characters were engaging the storyline solid
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written within a wonderful world. The characters were fun to read about and this was a very quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
I absolutely adored this book. It takes you back in history and it's got mystery with a bit of thrill. The characters are well developed and the story line is exceptional. I loved this book so much that I went and bought the second in the series. Hands down five stars.
April 3, 2020
This is the start of what I think will be a Fabulous series! The world building is fantastic the characters are phenomenal and I'm excited where the rest of the series will go!
April 30, 2020
A really wonderful book. The characters are so good.
This is the first book I have read by Author Barbara Russell.
But it won't be my last. Enjoyed reading...
This is the first book I have read by Author Barbara Russell.
But it won't be my last. Enjoyed reading...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews