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Madame Hyde
A one-night-stand-to-forever spicy lesbian erotic romance between an incognito rock star and a flirty stranger.
Office worker Lucy Klint is feeling unusually bold when she invites home the sexy butch American with a raspy voice she meets in a Sydney laundromat. It’s one night only…but what a night.
Rock star Persephone “Seph” Hyder can’t get the cute woman from Sydney out of her head. Lucy doesn’t have a clue who Seph really is—like the fact she’s a rich, world-famous singer. Or that she’s at war with herself, her creativity, and her restrictive record label.
The one-night stands turns into much more, and restrained Lucy starts exploring light BDSM delights with Seph. Learning to let go is only half the battle for the two, though. What happens when Lucy learns the truth about who her wanderer lover really is?
Office worker Lucy Klint is feeling unusually bold when she invites home the sexy butch American with a raspy voice she meets in a Sydney laundromat. It’s one night only…but what a night.
Rock star Persephone “Seph” Hyder can’t get the cute woman from Sydney out of her head. Lucy doesn’t have a clue who Seph really is—like the fact she’s a rich, world-famous singer. Or that she’s at war with herself, her creativity, and her restrictive record label.
The one-night stands turns into much more, and restrained Lucy starts exploring light BDSM delights with Seph. Learning to let go is only half the battle for the two, though. What happens when Lucy learns the truth about who her wanderer lover really is?
292 pages, ebook
Expected publication January 24, 2026
6 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Thea Belmont
4 books94 followers2024 Best Erotica Goldie Winner for Principle Decisions.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 20, 2025
First thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book!
I’ve seen the authors other book, Principle Decisions before but haven’t read it so I went into this book not really knowing anything about the authors themes/style but found the description interesting. A rock/pop star casually meeting someone in a laundry mat who doesn’t recognize her. Not wanting to just retell the story or the description anymore, the book was quite enjoyable. There’s a crap ton of sex scenes but even then, they are lots of sweet moments between Seph and Lucy which helps build why they grow to love each other and not just they are compatible in bed (which they are also). Even the secondary characters, Seph’s band mates and Lucy’s roommate and her boyfriend are all sweet and it was cute reading/learning about them.
I don’t think I’d ever be someone to just go to a renaissance fair but after the day they spent, it lowkey sounds like fun as hell.
I enjoyed reading this and recommend it as a quick easy read! Just as a psa there is 0 drama except like two pages and even then it’s very quick so if 0 drama is not your cup of tea, this might not be the book for you
I’ve seen the authors other book, Principle Decisions before but haven’t read it so I went into this book not really knowing anything about the authors themes/style but found the description interesting. A rock/pop star casually meeting someone in a laundry mat who doesn’t recognize her. Not wanting to just retell the story or the description anymore, the book was quite enjoyable. There’s a crap ton of sex scenes but even then, they are lots of sweet moments between Seph and Lucy which helps build why they grow to love each other and not just they are compatible in bed (which they are also). Even the secondary characters, Seph’s band mates and Lucy’s roommate and her boyfriend are all sweet and it was cute reading/learning about them.
I don’t think I’d ever be someone to just go to a renaissance fair but after the day they spent, it lowkey sounds like fun as hell.
I enjoyed reading this and recommend it as a quick easy read! Just as a psa there is 0 drama except like two pages and even then it’s very quick so if 0 drama is not your cup of tea, this might not be the book for you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book charmed me from the start. With a one night stand turned into long distance chatting turned into something more serious, I was obsessed with both Lucy and Seph from the start. Lucy is a soft, quiet, artistic office worker, and Seph is a tall, muscular rockstar (unknown to Lucy) who goes by the stage name Madame Hyde. Both are wonderfully fleshed out characters with their own hopes, dreams, and drives and both are extremely attractive in very different ways - let’s just say I was very well fed with both our ladies ♥️
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The story is rather straightforward and positive-leaning and not overly complicated so I would happily class this as a perfect beach read if you want sexy, sapphics with your summer relaxation.
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I will say that there were points in the story that felt rather clunky - a few chapters seemed to end out of what felt like nowhere or just very suddenly which was a bit jarring to read. Additionally, as the author is Australian, there were a few sentence structures that were odd when Seph (an American) spoke. This only stood out really once or twice though and didn’t interrupt the flow of the story otherwise.
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I did also enjoy the thread of Lucy drawing Seph as a viking character in a web comic project of hers. What I think is harder to be done properly is that the story was a colonizer romance of sorts with the viking woman (Seph) flirting with and falling in love with an aboriginal woman (Lucy). I’ll always raise a flag when that kind of romance appears with a white author, but I will leave to POC to say whether or not it was handled well.
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I’m a bit nit-picky because I did enjoy myself so very much with the story of these two. I most definitely could have read even more from Lucy and Seph (and had even more of the super steamy scenes between them). I would happily devour any additional sexy short stories where these two are involved. I’m so hungry for more after having such a fun time with these two gorgeous women.
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Definitely consider adding this book to your summer TBR, whichever hemisphere you are in.
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*I received an eARC from Ylva Publishing & NetGalley. All opinions are my own*
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The story is rather straightforward and positive-leaning and not overly complicated so I would happily class this as a perfect beach read if you want sexy, sapphics with your summer relaxation.
.
I will say that there were points in the story that felt rather clunky - a few chapters seemed to end out of what felt like nowhere or just very suddenly which was a bit jarring to read. Additionally, as the author is Australian, there were a few sentence structures that were odd when Seph (an American) spoke. This only stood out really once or twice though and didn’t interrupt the flow of the story otherwise.
.
I did also enjoy the thread of Lucy drawing Seph as a viking character in a web comic project of hers. What I think is harder to be done properly is that the story was a colonizer romance of sorts with the viking woman (Seph) flirting with and falling in love with an aboriginal woman (Lucy). I’ll always raise a flag when that kind of romance appears with a white author, but I will leave to POC to say whether or not it was handled well.
.
I’m a bit nit-picky because I did enjoy myself so very much with the story of these two. I most definitely could have read even more from Lucy and Seph (and had even more of the super steamy scenes between them). I would happily devour any additional sexy short stories where these two are involved. I’m so hungry for more after having such a fun time with these two gorgeous women.
.
Definitely consider adding this book to your summer TBR, whichever hemisphere you are in.
.
*I received an eARC from Ylva Publishing & NetGalley. All opinions are my own*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, I must say, that cover is amazing and made me intrigued enough to read this book despite that labelled as an erotic romance that is not normally the genre I read. Who would not fall for Seph if that is what her body looks like.
Just like the cover the book starts with a bang in a laundromat in Sydney when Lucy observes this hot super ripped woman taking off her shirt to get it cleaned. Soon Lucy invites Seph up to her flat when they wait for their laundry to get clean and that is one hot first hook-up. Seph must however urgently leave for a concert with her now clean shirt. She comes back after and finishes what she started but then goes back home to Los Angeles. The story does not end there but they stay in touch and a few months later they manage to meet again, this time in America.
I thought there would be a bit more drama around the fact that Seph is hiding the fact that she is a famous rock star from Lucy for the longest time. However, that is certainly not the focus of the book nor any jealousy against an ex popping up. The focus of the book is for sure the spicy time and fantasies being played out between the two of them. As such the book is good but it would have been nice with a bit more story and drama between all the hooking up and with time falling for each other.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Just like the cover the book starts with a bang in a laundromat in Sydney when Lucy observes this hot super ripped woman taking off her shirt to get it cleaned. Soon Lucy invites Seph up to her flat when they wait for their laundry to get clean and that is one hot first hook-up. Seph must however urgently leave for a concert with her now clean shirt. She comes back after and finishes what she started but then goes back home to Los Angeles. The story does not end there but they stay in touch and a few months later they manage to meet again, this time in America.
I thought there would be a bit more drama around the fact that Seph is hiding the fact that she is a famous rock star from Lucy for the longest time. However, that is certainly not the focus of the book nor any jealousy against an ex popping up. The focus of the book is for sure the spicy time and fantasies being played out between the two of them. As such the book is good but it would have been nice with a bit more story and drama between all the hooking up and with time falling for each other.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I may not be the target audience for this one
I enjoyed many aspects of this story but overall it left me feeling flat, indifferent rather than attached to any character, or rooting for/against mains Seph and Lucy getting together. There's plenty of sex, some with toys/dirty talk/roleplay and other lighter end of the spectrum kinks taking places in numerous places; some great conversations between characters that were uplifting to read (supportive/standing up for each other, unexpected responses etc) and nerdy interests they pursue in and out of the bedroom (so to speak). There are (pop cultural?) references I didn't get so I wonder if the book is geared towards the 20 and 30 something age crowd or maybe someone who's more attuned to those things. I'm glad I read Madame Hyde but it's not going on my re-reading list. If you want a story with a variety (and plenty) of sex; characters who are creative and artistic, this is worth considering. It's low angst and 'blink and you'll miss it' drama with mostly erotic, NSFW and sweet romantic moments making up the story.
I preferred author Belmont's previous book over this one but will read whatever she publishes next despite this one not being my particular cup of tea.
I enjoyed many aspects of this story but overall it left me feeling flat, indifferent rather than attached to any character, or rooting for/against mains Seph and Lucy getting together. There's plenty of sex, some with toys/dirty talk/roleplay and other lighter end of the spectrum kinks taking places in numerous places; some great conversations between characters that were uplifting to read (supportive/standing up for each other, unexpected responses etc) and nerdy interests they pursue in and out of the bedroom (so to speak). There are (pop cultural?) references I didn't get so I wonder if the book is geared towards the 20 and 30 something age crowd or maybe someone who's more attuned to those things. I'm glad I read Madame Hyde but it's not going on my re-reading list. If you want a story with a variety (and plenty) of sex; characters who are creative and artistic, this is worth considering. It's low angst and 'blink and you'll miss it' drama with mostly erotic, NSFW and sweet romantic moments making up the story.
I preferred author Belmont's previous book over this one but will read whatever she publishes next despite this one not being my particular cup of tea.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My goodness, these two MCs are simply fantastic.
The music, the profound conversations, the hot moments... everything is spot on! At least for me!
Even before I read the book, I knew I'd love it.
Low Angst is exactly what I needed right now.
The first encounter between Seph and Lucy in the laundry room is fantastic and steamy.
Lucy and Seph are amazing together! Seph is a veritable Butch Goddess and Lucy is a simply sweet and gentle woman.
I loved the explosive chemistry and the slow exploration of each other's needs and secret desires incredibly sexy.
Seph, is Persephone Hyder and part of a very famous band. The actual leader and also the founder of the band.
Their music is internationally known, and yet Lucy has no idea who she's dealing with, when she‘s meeting the woman of her dreams.
All she knows is that she must be a Viking Goddess, given how tall and muscular she is.
The dark makeup makes her mysterious and transforms her into someone who has stepped straight out of her butch dreams.
It's really low-angst, but there are brief moments of doubt and certain challenges that need to be overcome.
But all in all, very sweet, very hot, and full of likable supporting characters!
Many thanks to Ylva Verlag, Thea Belmont, and NetGalley for the ARC.
The music, the profound conversations, the hot moments... everything is spot on! At least for me!
Even before I read the book, I knew I'd love it.
Low Angst is exactly what I needed right now.
The first encounter between Seph and Lucy in the laundry room is fantastic and steamy.
Lucy and Seph are amazing together! Seph is a veritable Butch Goddess and Lucy is a simply sweet and gentle woman.
I loved the explosive chemistry and the slow exploration of each other's needs and secret desires incredibly sexy.
Seph, is Persephone Hyder and part of a very famous band. The actual leader and also the founder of the band.
Their music is internationally known, and yet Lucy has no idea who she's dealing with, when she‘s meeting the woman of her dreams.
All she knows is that she must be a Viking Goddess, given how tall and muscular she is.
The dark makeup makes her mysterious and transforms her into someone who has stepped straight out of her butch dreams.
It's really low-angst, but there are brief moments of doubt and certain challenges that need to be overcome.
But all in all, very sweet, very hot, and full of likable supporting characters!
Many thanks to Ylva Verlag, Thea Belmont, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Maybe it's just that a villain can love the worst parts of you as much as the best. Whereas a hero can only excuse the worst parts and love your best. They'll forgive you. A villain doesn't need to forgive you. They just want you in your entirety."
If ever there a need for a manual on how to top from the bottom- this be the holy grail!
These two MC’s, with their music, with their art, with the laundry mat, with the long distance- absolutely wonderful. There is no way to avoid falling for them. Best part? They act like adults. Adults with lives. Responsibilities. With heads on their shoulders. With the ability to use their words and express what’s going on without having some cataclysmic miscommunication. When space is needed there’s no silent treatment. When lines are crossed they are addressed and not used as passive aggressive fodder. It was a gorgeous book to read as these two women navigated into each other’s hearts so responsibly.
The kink is a minor player, but the heat is squelching as they maneuver roles, and fantasies, and alley ways and floors, and walls. It’s a ride you won’t soon forget and I am absolutely going to be reading more books by this author.
If ever there a need for a manual on how to top from the bottom- this be the holy grail!
These two MC’s, with their music, with their art, with the laundry mat, with the long distance- absolutely wonderful. There is no way to avoid falling for them. Best part? They act like adults. Adults with lives. Responsibilities. With heads on their shoulders. With the ability to use their words and express what’s going on without having some cataclysmic miscommunication. When space is needed there’s no silent treatment. When lines are crossed they are addressed and not used as passive aggressive fodder. It was a gorgeous book to read as these two women navigated into each other’s hearts so responsibly.
The kink is a minor player, but the heat is squelching as they maneuver roles, and fantasies, and alley ways and floors, and walls. It’s a ride you won’t soon forget and I am absolutely going to be reading more books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
for lucy it was a one night stand just some random woman she met in a laundromat and they went up to her apartment she never imagined it would be anything else
seph also didnt think it would be anything else she had more important things on her mind.... like her tour.....
what she hadnt expected was lucy not knowing who she was and seph liked it...... there was no pretence just acceptance and though they had a few days together seph had to go home back to america whilst lucy stayed in sydney australia....
but as time went on.... and seph and lucy kept talking and contacting each other.....seph real identity needed to be known to lucy but how to tell her.... after all time had gone on and now it could end things between them before things got serious between them
have to say i was drawn into this storyline and its interesting to see how fame can change peoples perception on right and wrong behaviour and also the spice was very hot.....
for lucy it was a one night stand just some random woman she met in a laundromat and they went up to her apartment she never imagined it would be anything else
seph also didnt think it would be anything else she had more important things on her mind.... like her tour.....
what she hadnt expected was lucy not knowing who she was and seph liked it...... there was no pretence just acceptance and though they had a few days together seph had to go home back to america whilst lucy stayed in sydney australia....
but as time went on.... and seph and lucy kept talking and contacting each other.....seph real identity needed to be known to lucy but how to tell her.... after all time had gone on and now it could end things between them before things got serious between them
have to say i was drawn into this storyline and its interesting to see how fame can change peoples perception on right and wrong behaviour and also the spice was very hot.....
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
hot erotic sapphic romance
The beautiful cover caught my eye first and the story matches it: a hot, sexy, low-angst erotic romance with light BDSM-elements for a relaxing and enjoyable read.
I loved the start in Australia where unsuspecting Lucy has a hot fling with Seph without realizing that Seph is a famous rockstar and lead singer of Madame Hyde. The romance is sweet and develops at a nice pace. Though sweet, the sex is hot throughout (remember: erotic romance!).
I esp. relished the music, lyrics and Lucy‘s art. It‘s like a character added to the story. I loved that Lucy‘s art reflects her dual heritage - Swedish and Aboriginal (now I need a story about a Viking warrior princess in Australia).
There is a moment of drama when Lucy discovers who Seph is, but thankfully it‘s not blown out of proportion. It was great to see a nice crew of secondary characters - Seph‘s band and Lucy‘s bestie.
An entertaining read with a great mix of hot and sweet moments and insights into music and art.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily
The beautiful cover caught my eye first and the story matches it: a hot, sexy, low-angst erotic romance with light BDSM-elements for a relaxing and enjoyable read.
I loved the start in Australia where unsuspecting Lucy has a hot fling with Seph without realizing that Seph is a famous rockstar and lead singer of Madame Hyde. The romance is sweet and develops at a nice pace. Though sweet, the sex is hot throughout (remember: erotic romance!).
I esp. relished the music, lyrics and Lucy‘s art. It‘s like a character added to the story. I loved that Lucy‘s art reflects her dual heritage - Swedish and Aboriginal (now I need a story about a Viking warrior princess in Australia).
There is a moment of drama when Lucy discovers who Seph is, but thankfully it‘s not blown out of proportion. It was great to see a nice crew of secondary characters - Seph‘s band and Lucy‘s bestie.
An entertaining read with a great mix of hot and sweet moments and insights into music and art.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily
January 10, 2026
Principle Decisions was really good, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I really liked Madame Hyde for the fuller storyline. I thought there was more character involvement with the side characters.
The instant connection felt real and sizzled off the page. The sexual compatibility was naturally explored by both main characters, with Steph being guarded on bigger things and helping to show Lucy that sexual desires, whatever they maybe are fine to explore with a partner in a safe environment.
I have never read a phone sex scene before but this one will be very difficult for anyone to beat, the beautiful expression of body empowerment and self expression was incredibly well written, with a tender thoughtfulness you don’t often read in a sex scene.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the opportunity to read this story, it will stay with me, for the best reasons, for a very long time.
The instant connection felt real and sizzled off the page. The sexual compatibility was naturally explored by both main characters, with Steph being guarded on bigger things and helping to show Lucy that sexual desires, whatever they maybe are fine to explore with a partner in a safe environment.
I have never read a phone sex scene before but this one will be very difficult for anyone to beat, the beautiful expression of body empowerment and self expression was incredibly well written, with a tender thoughtfulness you don’t often read in a sex scene.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the opportunity to read this story, it will stay with me, for the best reasons, for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lucy and Seph meet in a Laundromat and what ensues is a one night stand that leaves an impression on both. They continue texting and soon realise they are both developing feelings. But Seph is keeping a secret from Lucy. Eventually the secret comes out. How will Lucy react when she learns Seph has kept a major part of her life secret?
It's a good story, and the characters are likeable if not a little too perfect. However, I think more angst around the reveal could have added depth and challenge to the store and propelled it into a 5 star rating.
It's a good story, and the characters are likeable if not a little too perfect. However, I think more angst around the reveal could have added depth and challenge to the store and propelled it into a 5 star rating.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved Thea Belmont’s previous book, Principled Decisions, so I was pretty intrigued by this one. I still like Thea’s writing style, but I did feel that there was some missing tension and chemistry between Lucy and Hyde. I also found myself losing interest in the middle of the book, and it took me a few extra days to finish it. Overall, I still enjoyed the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first book by this author and it was way more steamy than I was expecting, which isn't a bad thing. It was just a lot. There were sweet moments as well between Seph and Lucy. They build their relationship slowly which was nice considering how they started.
It's a very, quick, sexy read with very little angst, but if you don't like explicit scenes, don't read,
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's a very, quick, sexy read with very little angst, but if you don't like explicit scenes, don't read,
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lucy and Seph are a great example of how to handle a long-distance relationship—minus the small detail of Seph hiding that she’s a rockstar. The tension and sexual chemistry are spicy and well done, and both the characters and storyline are thoughtfully developed. The writing pulls you into Lucy’s perspective so completely that you feel every emotion right along with her. An easy 100% recommendation and definitely a reread.
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