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The Zagreus Den #1
The Photographer's Apprentice
Freedom has a price. Desire demands everything.
Photographer Jonathan Moorgate has always lived by his own rules. Raised in London’s upper-class world, he rejected its conventions, carving out a reputation in the city’s underground with his provocative portraits of young men and a life defined by freedom and excess.
Everything changes the night he brings home a mysterious young man he can’t bring himself to let go.
Charlie was never meant for the streets. Cast out of his middle-class life after being caught in a forbidden act, he burns with a self-destructive fire—until Jonathan pulls him from the gutter and ignites something far more dangerous behind closed doors. Grateful, devoted, and with nowhere else to go, Charlie is willing to give Jonathan everything. Even his freedom. Even his life.
Their fragile world fractures when a seductive stranger invites them into the secretive, decadent society known as The Zagreus Den. To earn entry, Jonathan must complete a risky assignment: infiltrate a country house party and photograph powerful guests for blackmail. But when Charlie discovers a young nobleman imprisoned on the estate and marked for sale, the job turns into a desperate fight for survival.
Photographer Jonathan Moorgate has always lived by his own rules. Raised in London’s upper-class world, he rejected its conventions, carving out a reputation in the city’s underground with his provocative portraits of young men and a life defined by freedom and excess.
Everything changes the night he brings home a mysterious young man he can’t bring himself to let go.
Charlie was never meant for the streets. Cast out of his middle-class life after being caught in a forbidden act, he burns with a self-destructive fire—until Jonathan pulls him from the gutter and ignites something far more dangerous behind closed doors. Grateful, devoted, and with nowhere else to go, Charlie is willing to give Jonathan everything. Even his freedom. Even his life.
Their fragile world fractures when a seductive stranger invites them into the secretive, decadent society known as The Zagreus Den. To earn entry, Jonathan must complete a risky assignment: infiltrate a country house party and photograph powerful guests for blackmail. But when Charlie discovers a young nobleman imprisoned on the estate and marked for sale, the job turns into a desperate fight for survival.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
About the author
Merry Farmer
305 books1,148 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 21, 2026
4.5 stars, rounded to 5
I really enjoy this author’s writing, have read most of her books, have enjoyed the Brotherhood books set in the 1800s, and was expecting something more like those books, but this one was much more of a mystery for me. Jonathan is a photographer of families and portraits in late 1880s London by day and a photographer of pornographic pictures by night, ready for sales to like-minded men who enjoy handsome boys. When he rescues Charlie from thugs on the streets of London, Jonathan’s plan is the same as he always uses with the boys he photographs — pictures, food, pay him and send him on his way, with no thought for them once they leave his shop. But there is something about Charlie that causes a change in his routine and Charlie ends up staying and becoming his assistant. When contracted to take photos of a house party with prominent attendees by the owners of a new club (to Jonathan, at least), the Zagreus Den, he reluctantly agrees. From the time he and Charlie arrive, Charlie knows something is off, the vibes are bad, and he wants to leave, but Jonathan decides to stay. The longer they are there, the more Jonathan agrees with Charlie’s assessment, but they are now in too deep. Dangerous discoveries, desperate men, illegal activities with far-reaching consequences, and implications that lead back to Jonathan, all come to a head with some surprising (to me, at least) revelations and a rushed escape to complete their mission. During this time, both men discover things about themselves they weren’t aware of, and they learn each fills a need for the other that wasn’t expected.
I liked the characters, Charlie more than Jonathan, but I think part of that is that Jonathan is older, had been on his own a lot longer than Charlie, and had adapted to his circumstances and found a way to be successful in his own way, whereas Charlie was new to being on the streets and was in need of someone to care for him. He didn’t know how to survive in that environment and was determined to do whatever was necessary to get Jonathan to keep him. Charlie had much better intuition than Jonathan, and listening to him could have put Jonathan in a better position, but then there wouldn’t be a story, would there? We have polished villains, ready to manipulate and blackmail gullible men, and the unfortunates caught in the crossfire. It’s a mystery, a conspiracy, an orchestrated law breaking, and an example of privilege being an excuse for whatever you want to do, all as part of a war almost no one really understood was happening. You have lies, intrigue, dark undertones and nefarious purposes, all with a backdrop of a gentlemen’s house party at a country estate, and it drew me in and kept me interested the whole way through.
There are vibes of the Brotherhood, but also a new community for men of certain inclinations that reminded me of the Brotherhood, but in a more hedonistic way and with an unusual setting which is definitely not the Brotherhood. Both places offer sanctuary to gay men in a dangerous period in London, they offer companionship with people of a similar cultural background, as well as offering diversions which were different from the Brotherhood (at least from what I remember). I look forward to more books centered around the Zagreus Den with recurring characters (maybe a glimpse of Charlie and Jonathan again), and new adventures awaiting new characters. I enjoyed this book, and if this is a favorite author, I am sure you will, too.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
I really enjoy this author’s writing, have read most of her books, have enjoyed the Brotherhood books set in the 1800s, and was expecting something more like those books, but this one was much more of a mystery for me. Jonathan is a photographer of families and portraits in late 1880s London by day and a photographer of pornographic pictures by night, ready for sales to like-minded men who enjoy handsome boys. When he rescues Charlie from thugs on the streets of London, Jonathan’s plan is the same as he always uses with the boys he photographs — pictures, food, pay him and send him on his way, with no thought for them once they leave his shop. But there is something about Charlie that causes a change in his routine and Charlie ends up staying and becoming his assistant. When contracted to take photos of a house party with prominent attendees by the owners of a new club (to Jonathan, at least), the Zagreus Den, he reluctantly agrees. From the time he and Charlie arrive, Charlie knows something is off, the vibes are bad, and he wants to leave, but Jonathan decides to stay. The longer they are there, the more Jonathan agrees with Charlie’s assessment, but they are now in too deep. Dangerous discoveries, desperate men, illegal activities with far-reaching consequences, and implications that lead back to Jonathan, all come to a head with some surprising (to me, at least) revelations and a rushed escape to complete their mission. During this time, both men discover things about themselves they weren’t aware of, and they learn each fills a need for the other that wasn’t expected.
I liked the characters, Charlie more than Jonathan, but I think part of that is that Jonathan is older, had been on his own a lot longer than Charlie, and had adapted to his circumstances and found a way to be successful in his own way, whereas Charlie was new to being on the streets and was in need of someone to care for him. He didn’t know how to survive in that environment and was determined to do whatever was necessary to get Jonathan to keep him. Charlie had much better intuition than Jonathan, and listening to him could have put Jonathan in a better position, but then there wouldn’t be a story, would there? We have polished villains, ready to manipulate and blackmail gullible men, and the unfortunates caught in the crossfire. It’s a mystery, a conspiracy, an orchestrated law breaking, and an example of privilege being an excuse for whatever you want to do, all as part of a war almost no one really understood was happening. You have lies, intrigue, dark undertones and nefarious purposes, all with a backdrop of a gentlemen’s house party at a country estate, and it drew me in and kept me interested the whole way through.
There are vibes of the Brotherhood, but also a new community for men of certain inclinations that reminded me of the Brotherhood, but in a more hedonistic way and with an unusual setting which is definitely not the Brotherhood. Both places offer sanctuary to gay men in a dangerous period in London, they offer companionship with people of a similar cultural background, as well as offering diversions which were different from the Brotherhood (at least from what I remember). I look forward to more books centered around the Zagreus Den with recurring characters (maybe a glimpse of Charlie and Jonathan again), and new adventures awaiting new characters. I enjoyed this book, and if this is a favorite author, I am sure you will, too.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
May 7, 2026
The Photographer’s Apprentice is the first book in ‘The Zagreus Den’ series. It stars Jonathan Moorgate, a photographer, and Charlie, a young man living on the streets. This is told in third person from Jonathan and Charlie’s povs.
I’ll start with the cover. I love it. It’s very eye catching and fits the time period.
The blurb does a good job of giving a run-down of the plot so I won’t repeat it. The plot is heavier than other books set in the same time period written by this author. The premise of boys kidnapped off the streets reminded me of the Brotherhood series and this does take place during the same time period because Jonathan mentions that club. However, the Zagreus Den is more hedonistic rather than sophisticated like the Brotherhood.
Even though there is a good mystery wrapped in this plot, I consider it’s more heavy with character development. When Jonathan is first introduced, he’s presented as a man who rejects his upper-class family’s hypocrisy around sex and morals and strikes out on his own to establish his photography business. He pulls young men off the streets to photograph them nude and sells the pictures later. Unfortunately, Jonathan doesn’t realize that he is causing those boys to fall into grave danger. Jonathan appears to be suave, care-free and intelligent. But as the story progresses, more is revealed and we find out he is not. He struck me like a child who still wanted the approval of his father, his peers, and to be accepted into the same privileged status. So much so, he was willing to look away when someone needed help until he realized he was still an outsider among the people he wanted to be a part of. It was a big wake-up call for him. He also eventually learns to trust Charlie’s opinion. Jonathan wasn’t a likeable person.
Charlie first appears as a lost, naïve young man. Living on the street for months, he’s desperate for food and shelter, so he takes Jonathan up to be a model. He’ll do anything to stay with Jonathan and looks upon Jonathan as an angel and savior. Which sort of implied Charlie was naïve, even though he had good instincts when it came to who, and what, were good and bad. But Charlie does some deep thinking while involved in the mystery task that he and Jonathan are assigned. We find out that Charlie is smart and compassionate, and he re-analyzes how he feels about Jonathan. Charlie reaches a conclusion that he could be with anyone he chooses, that he doesn’t have to stay with Jonathan. But, I think Charlie is still naïve about the people he can trust in such a situation.
Jonathan and Charlie’s relationship appeared reversed when they first meet, but flips as the story progresses. Charlie is actually the more mature, perceptive, and kind person in the relationship. Charlie is the leader when it comes to directing the moral and wise decisions of their partnership, while Jonathan is the lead in their sexual dynamic. They both need each other in different ways.
The Photographer’s Apprentice is similar to the Brotherhood series, but darker. There’s a lot of character growth with Jonathan and Charlie and I really liked that. I give this book, 5 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I’ll start with the cover. I love it. It’s very eye catching and fits the time period.
The blurb does a good job of giving a run-down of the plot so I won’t repeat it. The plot is heavier than other books set in the same time period written by this author. The premise of boys kidnapped off the streets reminded me of the Brotherhood series and this does take place during the same time period because Jonathan mentions that club. However, the Zagreus Den is more hedonistic rather than sophisticated like the Brotherhood.
Even though there is a good mystery wrapped in this plot, I consider it’s more heavy with character development. When Jonathan is first introduced, he’s presented as a man who rejects his upper-class family’s hypocrisy around sex and morals and strikes out on his own to establish his photography business. He pulls young men off the streets to photograph them nude and sells the pictures later. Unfortunately, Jonathan doesn’t realize that he is causing those boys to fall into grave danger. Jonathan appears to be suave, care-free and intelligent. But as the story progresses, more is revealed and we find out he is not. He struck me like a child who still wanted the approval of his father, his peers, and to be accepted into the same privileged status. So much so, he was willing to look away when someone needed help until he realized he was still an outsider among the people he wanted to be a part of. It was a big wake-up call for him. He also eventually learns to trust Charlie’s opinion. Jonathan wasn’t a likeable person.
Charlie first appears as a lost, naïve young man. Living on the street for months, he’s desperate for food and shelter, so he takes Jonathan up to be a model. He’ll do anything to stay with Jonathan and looks upon Jonathan as an angel and savior. Which sort of implied Charlie was naïve, even though he had good instincts when it came to who, and what, were good and bad. But Charlie does some deep thinking while involved in the mystery task that he and Jonathan are assigned. We find out that Charlie is smart and compassionate, and he re-analyzes how he feels about Jonathan. Charlie reaches a conclusion that he could be with anyone he chooses, that he doesn’t have to stay with Jonathan. But, I think Charlie is still naïve about the people he can trust in such a situation.
Jonathan and Charlie’s relationship appeared reversed when they first meet, but flips as the story progresses. Charlie is actually the more mature, perceptive, and kind person in the relationship. Charlie is the leader when it comes to directing the moral and wise decisions of their partnership, while Jonathan is the lead in their sexual dynamic. They both need each other in different ways.
The Photographer’s Apprentice is similar to the Brotherhood series, but darker. There’s a lot of character growth with Jonathan and Charlie and I really liked that. I give this book, 5 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Photographer Jonathan Moorgate has always lived by his own rules. Charlie was never meant for the streets. Cast out of his middle-class life after being caught in a forbidden act, he burns with a self-destructive fire until then Jonathan pulls him from the gutter and ignites something far more dangerous behind closed doors. Their fragile world fractures when a seductive stranger invites them into the secretive, decadent society known as The Zagreus Den. To earn entry, Jonathan must complete a risky assignment: infiltrate a country house party and photograph powerful guests. But when Charlie discovers a young nobleman imprisoned on the estate and marked for sale, the job turns into a desperate fight for survival.
The start of new series & WOW! The story starts with Jonathan being a photographer with an illegal sideline, he rescues Charlie & they form a connection but when they go to the house party things get darker & far more dangerous. The author lulls you into thinking this is going to be a romance of Jonathan & Charlie falling in love & facing their fears & I was sold on that. But then the mystery kicks in & it becomes a dark mystery with slavery, trafficking & murder. I couldn’t put it down. The dynamics in Jonathan & Charlie's relationship shift & change whilst all the time their feelings deepen. This is one of the best books I’ve read by the author & I can’t wait to see what happens next
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The start of new series & WOW! The story starts with Jonathan being a photographer with an illegal sideline, he rescues Charlie & they form a connection but when they go to the house party things get darker & far more dangerous. The author lulls you into thinking this is going to be a romance of Jonathan & Charlie falling in love & facing their fears & I was sold on that. But then the mystery kicks in & it becomes a dark mystery with slavery, trafficking & murder. I couldn’t put it down. The dynamics in Jonathan & Charlie's relationship shift & change whilst all the time their feelings deepen. This is one of the best books I’ve read by the author & I can’t wait to see what happens next
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
April 19, 2026
This book opens up a new series set in England at the same time as The Brotherhood world, but in totally different circumstances. Jonathan is a photographer who also secretly takes clandestine photos of desperate young men to be sold to those who are in the market for risque images. A man who lacks moral clarity, he doesn't see how his work fails to help those around him and actually contributes to their suffering.
One day, he meets Charlie, an aristocratic young man who has been thrown out on the streets by his family after being fired from a job in which he was caught in flagrante delicto with a male colleague. As Charlie and Jonathan hit it off and Charlie begins to help Jonathan with his photography business, the two men are pulled in the world of the Zagreus Den. When they accept a job to photograph a house party in the country, they enter danger and deceit.
I was put off a lot in the middle of the book by the inaction of Jonathan in a serious situation in which he selfishly prioritized his own social standing over the severe needs of someone else. Since that is a circumstance that mirrors today's reality, it may be triggering for some. I kept with it despite not liking one of the MCs and the story somewhat resolved itself. I'm fine with reading about morally gray characters, but I hope to eventually like the MCs and I'm not sure that I got there yet with the one. I imagine he'll show up again in future books in the series and I will keep reading.
One day, he meets Charlie, an aristocratic young man who has been thrown out on the streets by his family after being fired from a job in which he was caught in flagrante delicto with a male colleague. As Charlie and Jonathan hit it off and Charlie begins to help Jonathan with his photography business, the two men are pulled in the world of the Zagreus Den. When they accept a job to photograph a house party in the country, they enter danger and deceit.
I was put off a lot in the middle of the book by the inaction of Jonathan in a serious situation in which he selfishly prioritized his own social standing over the severe needs of someone else. Since that is a circumstance that mirrors today's reality, it may be triggering for some. I kept with it despite not liking one of the MCs and the story somewhat resolved itself. I'm fine with reading about morally gray characters, but I hope to eventually like the MCs and I'm not sure that I got there yet with the one. I imagine he'll show up again in future books in the series and I will keep reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well Ms Farmer has gone darker! I literally couldn’t put this exciting story down so it was lucky that I started read as soon as I got the ARC. Still in historical times mode and set in the same timeline as her Brotherhood series, this book is much more of a mystery story with hints of dastardly deeds going on. Jonathan thinks that he is a hardened individual who has been making his way through life on his own after being rejected by his upper class father. He is actually among the most marshmallow of characters that Ms Farmer has ever written. Not that that’s a bad thing, it’s just funny how his role with Charlie flips over time. I absolutely adored this story and the characters, both good and bad, are the best thing about it for me.
I know that Ms Farmer always has her history facts right and she brings up some interesting details about life in this time period. I really like how she is so willing to try new things and not write the same thing every time. The sometimes scary mystery of this book is spooled out slowly for us as the characters are gradually immersed into the world of The Zagreus Den. It’s exciting and sexy and a marvelous journey.
I really can’t wait to see where Ms Farmer takes this series all the while taking us along for the ride.
I know that Ms Farmer always has her history facts right and she brings up some interesting details about life in this time period. I really like how she is so willing to try new things and not write the same thing every time. The sometimes scary mystery of this book is spooled out slowly for us as the characters are gradually immersed into the world of The Zagreus Den. It’s exciting and sexy and a marvelous journey.
I really can’t wait to see where Ms Farmer takes this series all the while taking us along for the ride.
May 4, 2026
"The Photographer’s Apprentice", book one in The Zagreus Den series is an interesting mix of historical MM fiction and poetic license. Opposites attract, social difference, it has the bones and basic worldbuild for an engrossing story. The only thing that holds it back, is MC Jonathan. He's a portrait photographer during the day with risque evening side gig. An aristocratic snob, disowned by his family, he photographs the young men of the London slums. His belief that he's rescuing them from lives of crime and poverty, was a bit annoying. More sleaze rather than white knight. Jonathan does rescue poor Charlie from some bullies, but was it simply the case of an angelic face rather than civic duty. Charlie is a more sympathetic character.
There's a bit of angst, much danger and a fairly good mystery story. House party secret society, there's something off about Jonathan's newest gig. He completely ignores Charlie (now his apprentice) whose gut is saying get out.
It's an opposites attract, social difference , slow burn story. Book two gets it's start in the cliffhanger.
Maybe not the strongest story to start a new series. But that could be due to my general dislike for the mains.
I received an advanced e copy from the author and this is my review.
There's a bit of angst, much danger and a fairly good mystery story. House party secret society, there's something off about Jonathan's newest gig. He completely ignores Charlie (now his apprentice) whose gut is saying get out.
It's an opposites attract, social difference , slow burn story. Book two gets it's start in the cliffhanger.
Maybe not the strongest story to start a new series. But that could be due to my general dislike for the mains.
I received an advanced e copy from the author and this is my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is quite an interesting start of a new historical series by Merry Farmer. We are in the late Victorians, the author again shows her knowledge of the time period and her research is spot on.
It's a story of smoke and mirrors, secrets and hidden agendas, trust which is hard to earn and easy to loose and two men who are thrown into a world where they find it difficult to distinguish between what's real and what is a disguise of a crime.
Jonathan took me a bit on a rollercoaster ride, I liked him first but struggled during the early days of the house party. But as soon as he got his priorities right again, I found him being the right person for Charlie. So if you could throttle him once in a while, just have faith and read on.
Charlie is a great character, he starts as a lost soul but I love how he finds his way and embraces what he thinks he needs.
The Zagreus Den is an interesting and intriguing place, I had to revise my originial impression a lot at the end and look forward to finding out more of their secrets.
It's a story of smoke and mirrors, secrets and hidden agendas, trust which is hard to earn and easy to loose and two men who are thrown into a world where they find it difficult to distinguish between what's real and what is a disguise of a crime.
Jonathan took me a bit on a rollercoaster ride, I liked him first but struggled during the early days of the house party. But as soon as he got his priorities right again, I found him being the right person for Charlie. So if you could throttle him once in a while, just have faith and read on.
Charlie is a great character, he starts as a lost soul but I love how he finds his way and embraces what he thinks he needs.
The Zagreus Den is an interesting and intriguing place, I had to revise my originial impression a lot at the end and look forward to finding out more of their secrets.
May 5, 2026
Not what I thought I was going to read...
Boy what a surprise!!! I started and finished The Photographer's Apprentice all in one day, I was hooked.
You know the age old adage don't judge a book by it's cover, well that's exactly what I did. Maybe that will teach me to read the book blurb before ignoring a book by one of my favorite authors. I thought this book was going to be a Harlequinesque regency type romance, that just goes to show how wrong I could be.
When I first started the book I thought it was deliciously sensual. I should have never doubted Merry Farmer... this was a one of a kind book that not only was sensual but also dark with an intriguing over arching plotline. She's got me hooked... hook, line, and sinker.
I can't wait to devour book 2, The Housebreaker's Assistant.
Boy what a surprise!!! I started and finished The Photographer's Apprentice all in one day, I was hooked.
You know the age old adage don't judge a book by it's cover, well that's exactly what I did. Maybe that will teach me to read the book blurb before ignoring a book by one of my favorite authors. I thought this book was going to be a Harlequinesque regency type romance, that just goes to show how wrong I could be.
When I first started the book I thought it was deliciously sensual. I should have never doubted Merry Farmer... this was a one of a kind book that not only was sensual but also dark with an intriguing over arching plotline. She's got me hooked... hook, line, and sinker.
I can't wait to devour book 2, The Housebreaker's Assistant.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very steamy novel where the needs of two men are met without them realising at first what they truly desired. Jonathan and Charlie have been rejected by their respective fathers and in trying to find acceptance in society Jonathan is caught up in a world of power hungry men who want to rule the influential people of London.
Through all the mysteries that kept unravelling all Jonathan wants to do is keep Charlie safe from the men that would do him harm in the world they have been thrust into. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series of The Zagreus Den.
It was a very interesting read learning about photography in the 1880s. As the next book in the series is called The Housebreaker's Assistant, I will be expanding my knowledge base once again.
Through all the mysteries that kept unravelling all Jonathan wants to do is keep Charlie safe from the men that would do him harm in the world they have been thrust into. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series of The Zagreus Den.
It was a very interesting read learning about photography in the 1880s. As the next book in the series is called The Housebreaker's Assistant, I will be expanding my knowledge base once again.
April 22, 2026
The Photographer’s Apprentice, The Zagreus Den Book 1, by Merry Farmer, is an MM historical romantic suspense featuring Jonathan, a photographer who has struck out on his own after being rejected by his wealthy family, and Charlie, a younger man who has fled his home in shame. This book introduces us to the Zagreus Den and a part of 19th century London that is seedier and rougher than other historical romances Farmer has written. Jonathan and Charlie do get their happily ever after, but the book ends on a cliff hanger for a secondary character, and sets up book 2. There's more suspense in this series but I enjoyed the tension and am invested in the characters and the world Farmer has created.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jonathan and Charlie story gave me mixed feelings because of the time period when many things were prohibited and frowned upon, and because of the attitude the characters had about life.
There’s many secrets, hidden agendas, and schemes to get the upper hand.
They don’t trust each other and they aren’t completely truthful about everything, but when the truth comes to light and the danger is imminent their priorities change, unknown ally help them from their pinch.
From that moment forward a couple of changes come in their lives that take an unexpected turn and confer them joy and happiness even if amends still need to be made.
There’s many secrets, hidden agendas, and schemes to get the upper hand.
They don’t trust each other and they aren’t completely truthful about everything, but when the truth comes to light and the danger is imminent their priorities change, unknown ally help them from their pinch.
From that moment forward a couple of changes come in their lives that take an unexpected turn and confer them joy and happiness even if amends still need to be made.
April 21, 2026
Another amazing story from Merry Farmer. It’s darker than what I’m used to from her but that only made this story more compelling.
Jonathan and Charlie were both rejected by their fathers because of who they are and somehow their paths crossed in the most unexpected way.
Jonathan offers Charlie a safe place to stay and soon things heat up between them.
When Jonathan invited to a private club, he never imagined in how much danger they would find themselves in.
I wish Jonathan would have stood up more for Charlie but at least he was able to redeem himself.
Strong series beginning. Can’t wait for book two.
Jonathan and Charlie were both rejected by their fathers because of who they are and somehow their paths crossed in the most unexpected way.
Jonathan offers Charlie a safe place to stay and soon things heat up between them.
When Jonathan invited to a private club, he never imagined in how much danger they would find themselves in.
I wish Jonathan would have stood up more for Charlie but at least he was able to redeem himself.
Strong series beginning. Can’t wait for book two.
April 22, 2026
Very intriguing and interesting first book of a new series, set in the late Victorians. This is darker than what I've read from this author previously. Jonathan and Charlie are very interesting characters, realistic in a way they have good and bad sides, I loved reading about the development of their relationship. Alongside the love story between the two main characters, we have mystery and suspense, around darker themes.
I really enjoyed the writing, we are completely immersed in this historical period, and I learned many things.
I got an ARC and this is my honest review.
I really enjoyed the writing, we are completely immersed in this historical period, and I learned many things.
I got an ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoy they way Merry Farmer captivates me from the first page. This story is a bit darker than some of the others and honestly, I wasn't convinced Jonathan would be able to redeem himself but the story was woven so flawlessly that he did. I really enjoyed how Charlie and Jonathan grow in themselves but also with each other. Very interesting story amidst a time period that has a lot of wrongs.
April 29, 2026
This is the beginning of a new series that draws you into a new world. Charlie who has been living on the streets of London is being chased down by robbers. He is saved by Jonathan the outcast son of a parliamentarian and photographer. This is the beginning of their relationship and adventure into danger. This storyline kept me reading until the last page plus wanting more of the intrigue, danger, mystery and romance.
April 25, 2026
Historical romance
I really enjoyed getting to know Jonathan and Charlie.
Jonathan is older and Charlie is younger, both bring something of value to the relationship.
Finding themselves in Zagrus Den, they soon realize the true nature of the place and the imminent danger they're in.
The mystery, suspense, and danger kept my attention until the end.
I really enjoyed getting to know Jonathan and Charlie.
Jonathan is older and Charlie is younger, both bring something of value to the relationship.
Finding themselves in Zagrus Den, they soon realize the true nature of the place and the imminent danger they're in.
The mystery, suspense, and danger kept my attention until the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another one that I literally could not put down. Intrigue, unintended consequences, can't let you go, strong character growth, can try to make amends, love can lift you up. Loved all the twists and turns of this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jonathan & Charlie
"He wasn't sure he liked it. He worried he liked it a bit too much."
The plot was a lot more stressful than I really thought it would be, but it was very engaging and very interesting. The spicy moments between Jonathan and Charlie were definitely noteworthy and entertaining.
It's hard to imagine this kind of club war when you exist in the same universe that Merry came up with for The Brotherhood, which is very vaguely mentioned. But then you have these two very specifically-natured clubs that cater to the poorer crowd in the rougher neighborhoods.
The Photographer's Apprentice was a fascinating and somewhat terrifying beginning to a whole new series. I'm ready for the next one and I know it's going to be just as much a nail-biter as this one.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
"He wasn't sure he liked it. He worried he liked it a bit too much."
The plot was a lot more stressful than I really thought it would be, but it was very engaging and very interesting. The spicy moments between Jonathan and Charlie were definitely noteworthy and entertaining.
It's hard to imagine this kind of club war when you exist in the same universe that Merry came up with for The Brotherhood, which is very vaguely mentioned. But then you have these two very specifically-natured clubs that cater to the poorer crowd in the rougher neighborhoods.
The Photographer's Apprentice was a fascinating and somewhat terrifying beginning to a whole new series. I'm ready for the next one and I know it's going to be just as much a nail-biter as this one.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
April 17, 2026
Wonderful story of Jonathan Moorgate, shunned gentry turned photographer and Charlie, a street boy. Loved these characters, how they were together and the intrigue of the situation. Amazing introduction to the Zagreus Den. Highly recommend.
April 19, 2026
Great!!!
Wow, could not put it down. What an engaging story and characters. Could have used more heat but the story kept me turning the pages until the end. I look forward to the next in the series.
Wow, could not put it down. What an engaging story and characters. Could have used more heat but the story kept me turning the pages until the end. I look forward to the next in the series.
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