Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: August

SERIES: Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate

AUTHOR: Duckie Mack

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 221 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 12, 2024

BLURB:

The Balance Brothers have been performing together at the Black Cat Circus for years. Despite the name of their act, they aren’t related by blood, but are family by choice.

An injury brings their act to a halt. August needs to find a new partner, but he’s hesitant to work with someone he doesn’t know. Not only because of the bond it takes to do what they do, but also because he has secrets he’s not prepared for another human to know. August is a centaur.

Alyx grew up in a circus family, but he chose to go his own way and became an exotic dancer. When his brother calls on him, he shows up to help. It’s temporary, he has no desire to join a circus again. But there’s something intriguing about his new partner, and the Black Cat Circus itself.

August feels a strong pull to Alyx, but could his new partner accept him if he found out the truth of what he is?

August is a best friend’s brother, human/shifter, paranormal MM romance. The Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate is a multi-author series and season two of the Black Cat Circus World that features found family and a magical cast of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but is better enjoyed as a series.

REVIEW:

When I heard that we were getting blessed with a second season of Black Cat Circus I was overjoyed. I needed more of these stories and this one definitely set the bar high to kick off the new season!

August, and his best friend Aaron, comprise the Balance Brothers main tent act at Seven’s Black Cat Circus. They have worked hard over the last ten years to make their act a must-see every performance. They may not be blood brothers but they are as close as any brothers could be. When Aaron tries to impress not one but two beautiful women things go very wrong and has to be whisked away to the hospital. When the hospital contacts his brother Alyx, a very successful pole dancer at a high profile male dancer’s club, he rushes off to the hospital to see his dear older brother. They may have not had much time together recently, what with Aaron joining BCC (Black Cat Circus) and his need to avoid anything circus related after their upbringing in their family’s Novak Family Circus, but they kept in close contact. Seeing Aaron laid out in the hospital bed looking so small and fragile was hard. Knowing he broke two bones in his leg and was going to need help was his first priority. Even if that means setting foot back in the circus environment he ran from and vowed never to return to. But he will doing anything for his brother that got him away from their family. What he didn’t expect was the giant of a  man that was his brother’s act partner and best friend. The very gorgeous and muscular man…August! But can a man that swore off everything circus and the circus performer that’s hiding a huge secret have a chance together???

Wow! What a way to kick the new season of BCC into high gear! A shy centaur shifter that won’t show his real self to anyone and a spunky dancer that knows when to push his buttons…oh yes please! These two really complemented each other and helped the other grow and let go of the past to embrace who they are and what is in their future.

There was just the perfect amount of angst with August while watching Alyx help him understand he’s nothing like his ancestors and could be who he was was so touching. And watching Alyx let go of his pre-conceived beliefs on circuses to embrace that life again, with August and Aaron helping him understand that BCC is no ordinary circus and takes care of their own. Seven and his crew really do help those that need help and to find a way to their new home. And that’s the secret to BCC…it’s home to those that truly need it. And that’s a pretty wonderful thing to be 💕

I’m so excited to be back at BCC and surrounded by these caring and loving individuals. Last year this series was one of my best of 2023 and this new season is showing why I begged each of these amazing authors for more. So put up you feet, gram something to sip on and relax as we join the circus and their unique family. A HUGE thumbs up for me 👍

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon