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The Carny
At a town fair on the coast of Oregon, handsome Native American carny, Vincent Youngblood, bestows an unforgettable kiss on shy, awkward teenager, Charlotte Davenport. Then disappears without another word, leaving her baffled and enamored.Ten years later, Charlotte is still living in the small fishing town of Astoria, while being trained to--reluctantly--take over for her philandering hotelier father when he retires. After all, who else will do it? Her two perfect sisters are busy being married to their flawless husbands and having cookie cutter children, while Charlotte remains single, childless, and every bit as mousy as she was a decade ago.As Charlotte struggles to climb out from underneath her judgmental parents thumb, the carnival rolls back into town, and Charlotte finds herself face to face with Vin again. He's back to run his father's carnival, walking away from a promising career in medicine he started in Chicago. Will her biased and judgmental family accept her relationship with a man who is not only a Native American, but works as a carny for a living? And what unsavory secrets bind the well-educated and seemingly superlative Vin to that ramshackle carnival? After all, you can’t judge a carny by its cover.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2012
4 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Moss
20 books342 followers"I write because if I don't...my head will explode, and ruin the drapes." ♥
Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more.
When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading, watching movies then comparing them to books, wrangling five kids, mugging on one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.
Brooke is also an avid Autism Awareness advocate, and a passionate foster/adoptive mother, who loves to share her experiences with anyone who will listen.
Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com
Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more.
When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading, watching movies then comparing them to books, wrangling five kids, mugging on one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.
Brooke is also an avid Autism Awareness advocate, and a passionate foster/adoptive mother, who loves to share her experiences with anyone who will listen.
Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 16, 2012
MOVE OVER DANIELLE STEELE AND NORA ROBERTS! There is a new romance author coming around the corner and her name is Brooke Moss.
When I first read the synopsis from the publisher, I was so excited to begin reading it. I was anxiously waiting and waiting until the book came out, and when I finally got the opportunity to read it, I couldn't put it down, I read the book in five hours. I spoke to the author and she told me she poured her soul into that book. I read it and I was very pleased and impressed. The book was simply addicting! There were plot twists every few chapters, and moments that leave you in awe and made you get a bit angry at the characters, this is my kind of book! I wanted to slap Regina and Charlotte's family for how horrible she was to Charlotte.
I felt so sorry for Charlotte, she had a horrible family to her and she found her true love and someone who appreciated her for who she was and didn't want to change a single thing about her. That is my kind of man. I am so happy this book is getting published and I urge people to read it. If you have been a fan of Nora Roberts or Danielle Steele, it's nothing compared to this book!
When I first read the synopsis from the publisher, I was so excited to begin reading it. I was anxiously waiting and waiting until the book came out, and when I finally got the opportunity to read it, I couldn't put it down, I read the book in five hours. I spoke to the author and she told me she poured her soul into that book. I read it and I was very pleased and impressed. The book was simply addicting! There were plot twists every few chapters, and moments that leave you in awe and made you get a bit angry at the characters, this is my kind of book! I wanted to slap Regina and Charlotte's family for how horrible she was to Charlotte.
I felt so sorry for Charlotte, she had a horrible family to her and she found her true love and someone who appreciated her for who she was and didn't want to change a single thing about her. That is my kind of man. I am so happy this book is getting published and I urge people to read it. If you have been a fan of Nora Roberts or Danielle Steele, it's nothing compared to this book!
May 26, 2012
You know how, when you are in high school, and all your cool friends have boyfriends? And no matter what happens, you always seem to be the odd person out? But in your heart you just know that if that one special person would notice you, that you could rock their world? If so...you definitely will love reading this book.
Brooke Moss is the author of The Carny....a story about 2 people who come from different walks of life, not quite sure where they fit in with their families, and their community. Most people would think that a young Native American from a local tribe would be nothing more than a carnival worker...but....looks are deceiving and the hero and heroine of this story know how to help each other grow and reach their respective dreams.
I loved the heroine....she is a loyal friend, daughter, sister,aunt, and, even though she is stuck in a life that she did not envision for herself, she is working as hard as she can at being the best for her family. The dialogue in this book is smart, funny, and pretty soon you start to feel like you are a member of the family....all the things that you want from an afternoon of reading. Make sure you block out some time to read The Carny.....because once you start, you won't want to put this book down. Ms. Moss has outdone herself again!
Brooke Moss is the author of The Carny....a story about 2 people who come from different walks of life, not quite sure where they fit in with their families, and their community. Most people would think that a young Native American from a local tribe would be nothing more than a carnival worker...but....looks are deceiving and the hero and heroine of this story know how to help each other grow and reach their respective dreams.
I loved the heroine....she is a loyal friend, daughter, sister,aunt, and, even though she is stuck in a life that she did not envision for herself, she is working as hard as she can at being the best for her family. The dialogue in this book is smart, funny, and pretty soon you start to feel like you are a member of the family....all the things that you want from an afternoon of reading. Make sure you block out some time to read The Carny.....because once you start, you won't want to put this book down. Ms. Moss has outdone herself again!
July 11, 2012
4.5
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/07/review-...
Favorite Quote: “We’d only known each other for a total of seven minutes “
How important was your first kiss? How long did the feeling last? A minute? A day? A Year? When seventeen year old Charlotte Davenport received her first kiss from carnival worker Vince Youngblood, nothing came close to replicating that feeling for 10 years. Now, Vince and the carnival are back in town and Charlotte is hoping that the second kiss will be just as good.
Charlotte Davenport never forgot her first kiss from a carny. Now 10 years later, she is still living in the same small town, running the family hotel that she doesn’t want, and has been left at the altar by her fiancé. Charlotte is just barely living until she sees her carny again and life suddenly seems interesting again.
Vince Youngblood has always been part of his father’s carnival but life pulled him in a different direction until his father disappears and Vince chooses to leave a promising medical career to help run the family carnival. When he arrives back in town, he sees Charlotte again and is shocked by this feelings towards her. Older and wiser now, he wants to see where this attraction between them can go.
Brooke Moss has a definite gift when it comes to romantic contemporaries. The Carny is a romantic, delightful, and heartwarming story about love, family, and second chances. Filled with plenty of humor, snarkiness, and eccentric characters; we get a ringside seat as we watch Charlotte struggle with her attraction to a man she only knew for 7 minutes while dealing with her dysfunctional family and their racism. Extremely character driven, it’s very easy to submerge yourself into the lives of these characters and the stories they have to share. Charlotte is a delightful person who has admirably dealt with the hand life gave her with humor, intelligence, and a lot of patience. Stuck in a home and career she hates, Charlotte’s inner monologue will have you chuckling to yourself as she tries to live her own life despite what her family demands from her.
Vince Youngblood is quite a swoon worthy hero. Gorgeous, sweet, and gentle; he’s an alpha hero with a heart of gold. He has lived a full life, and like Charlotte, has experienced loss and disappointment from his family. He too felt the connection with Charlotte but they were both young and the circumstances just didn’t lend themselves to exploring those feelings. Their romance starts out slowly, intertwining with the main conflict of the story. I love how each of them is intent on exploring and fanning the flames of their attraction to one another.
“For over a decade, I’d been comparing every kiss I ever shared with a man to the lone kiss Vin gave me.”
Moss gives them more than enough time to get to know one another. They hit some bumps in the road and there are trust issues on Charlotte’s end and some secrets on Vin’s end to resolve but all in all it’s a wonderfully sweet romance that takes your breath away. The smexy times are off scene but that doesn’t take away from the sheer beauty of this relationship. The only part I didn’t like was Charlotte lack of trust. She jumps quickly to conclusions that could have been easily resolved with a simple question or two.
The secondary characters play their respective roles brilliantly. Charlotte’s family is absolutely horrible. Dysfunctional and racist; you can’t help but cringe every time one of them opens their mouth.
“It baffled me that Imelda continued to show up for work everyday. If my mother were my employer, I would have locked myself in the bell tower with a rifle a long time ago.”
Moss addresses their issues gracefully, allowing Charlotte’s family to slowly see the error of their ways in a realistic fashion. I really liked how Moss examines the issues through scenes to show us and Charlotte that racism is just as prevalent in this day and age. Just because you’re not wearing a white hooded sheet on the weekends doesn’t mean you can’t be racist. Charlotte’s best friend Kate is hilarious with her advice and defense of Charlotte. She is the type of friend we all need-someone who loves us just the way we are. Charlotte’s relationship with her mother and sisters is tremulous and their road to understanding and accepting one another is a poignant aspect of the story. I enjoyed meeting Vince’s family and it was enlightening to see racism from their eyes. I loved Vince’s step mother with her biting wit and sarcasm.
“I didn’t know we were having company tonight, I would have cleaned up, or burnt the place down, or something.”
The ending is heartbreaking yet gratifying as everything and everyone finds their place and settles beautifully. It wasn’t an easy road for these characters but it’s well earned. I love the tiny epilogue added that is told from Vin’s POV. It wraps it all up nicely and left me with a smile.
“Some people live their whole lives wondering about their first love-that person who held their heart when they were young….We got a second chance, and not everyone can say that.“
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/07/review-...
Favorite Quote: “We’d only known each other for a total of seven minutes “
How important was your first kiss? How long did the feeling last? A minute? A day? A Year? When seventeen year old Charlotte Davenport received her first kiss from carnival worker Vince Youngblood, nothing came close to replicating that feeling for 10 years. Now, Vince and the carnival are back in town and Charlotte is hoping that the second kiss will be just as good.
Charlotte Davenport never forgot her first kiss from a carny. Now 10 years later, she is still living in the same small town, running the family hotel that she doesn’t want, and has been left at the altar by her fiancé. Charlotte is just barely living until she sees her carny again and life suddenly seems interesting again.
Vince Youngblood has always been part of his father’s carnival but life pulled him in a different direction until his father disappears and Vince chooses to leave a promising medical career to help run the family carnival. When he arrives back in town, he sees Charlotte again and is shocked by this feelings towards her. Older and wiser now, he wants to see where this attraction between them can go.
Brooke Moss has a definite gift when it comes to romantic contemporaries. The Carny is a romantic, delightful, and heartwarming story about love, family, and second chances. Filled with plenty of humor, snarkiness, and eccentric characters; we get a ringside seat as we watch Charlotte struggle with her attraction to a man she only knew for 7 minutes while dealing with her dysfunctional family and their racism. Extremely character driven, it’s very easy to submerge yourself into the lives of these characters and the stories they have to share. Charlotte is a delightful person who has admirably dealt with the hand life gave her with humor, intelligence, and a lot of patience. Stuck in a home and career she hates, Charlotte’s inner monologue will have you chuckling to yourself as she tries to live her own life despite what her family demands from her.
Vince Youngblood is quite a swoon worthy hero. Gorgeous, sweet, and gentle; he’s an alpha hero with a heart of gold. He has lived a full life, and like Charlotte, has experienced loss and disappointment from his family. He too felt the connection with Charlotte but they were both young and the circumstances just didn’t lend themselves to exploring those feelings. Their romance starts out slowly, intertwining with the main conflict of the story. I love how each of them is intent on exploring and fanning the flames of their attraction to one another.
“For over a decade, I’d been comparing every kiss I ever shared with a man to the lone kiss Vin gave me.”
Moss gives them more than enough time to get to know one another. They hit some bumps in the road and there are trust issues on Charlotte’s end and some secrets on Vin’s end to resolve but all in all it’s a wonderfully sweet romance that takes your breath away. The smexy times are off scene but that doesn’t take away from the sheer beauty of this relationship. The only part I didn’t like was Charlotte lack of trust. She jumps quickly to conclusions that could have been easily resolved with a simple question or two.
The secondary characters play their respective roles brilliantly. Charlotte’s family is absolutely horrible. Dysfunctional and racist; you can’t help but cringe every time one of them opens their mouth.
“It baffled me that Imelda continued to show up for work everyday. If my mother were my employer, I would have locked myself in the bell tower with a rifle a long time ago.”
Moss addresses their issues gracefully, allowing Charlotte’s family to slowly see the error of their ways in a realistic fashion. I really liked how Moss examines the issues through scenes to show us and Charlotte that racism is just as prevalent in this day and age. Just because you’re not wearing a white hooded sheet on the weekends doesn’t mean you can’t be racist. Charlotte’s best friend Kate is hilarious with her advice and defense of Charlotte. She is the type of friend we all need-someone who loves us just the way we are. Charlotte’s relationship with her mother and sisters is tremulous and their road to understanding and accepting one another is a poignant aspect of the story. I enjoyed meeting Vince’s family and it was enlightening to see racism from their eyes. I loved Vince’s step mother with her biting wit and sarcasm.
“I didn’t know we were having company tonight, I would have cleaned up, or burnt the place down, or something.”
The ending is heartbreaking yet gratifying as everything and everyone finds their place and settles beautifully. It wasn’t an easy road for these characters but it’s well earned. I love the tiny epilogue added that is told from Vin’s POV. It wraps it all up nicely and left me with a smile.
“Some people live their whole lives wondering about their first love-that person who held their heart when they were young….We got a second chance, and not everyone can say that.“
September 18, 2017
Me encantó!!!!!
Completamente romántico, de inicio a fin.
Una historia de esas que hace mucho no me topaba y en las que el final es tan bonito que no queda más que el buen sabor de una buena lectura.
Hubo muchas historias que seguir, algunas tristes y otras felices, me gustó que se le diera final a cada personaje.
Sacó a mi yo romántica jajaja
June 29, 2012
I first just have to blurt out that: I Loved this story! Loved it. :)
Getting that out now, I have to say, what first intrigued me into reading this story, was the cover. You see above, there's so much color, and it's just really eye catching, beautiful. You see the couple (Vin and Charlotte) above, and down below you see the carnival, and both of those images really appealed to me, along with the synopsis. What really grabbed me though, was Chapter 1, it just sucked me in, wanting to immediately know more! The story starts out with an unbelievable first kiss that forever marks both Charlotte and Vin, but they do not reconnect until ten years later. That seems like a lonnggg time, but sometimes that wait could be worth it, and here you will their reunion, and (sigh) their feelings for one another come back again, and it takes off from there. What does unfortunately stand in their way is racism towards Vin, because of his Native American ethnicity and because he is a carny, and that will not do for the Davenport family, especially Charlotte's father. There had to be conflict, obstacles, and the new couple's love is tested through different ways. One being Racism, and you will see how this bugs and frustrates Charlotte when someone she knows talks rudely about Vin, his friends/family, his ethnicity, his occupation. Some lines here were perfectly written for characters that you probably will dislike; I know I was shocked when a reference was mentioned here and here, and it is just shocking to think that there are probably some that have not moved with the times of change, and here you will read characters that have not changed with the times towards equality.
What I loved was how hooked I was towards the writing on scenery, making me wanna visit Oregon even more. Next, the romance between Charlotte and Vin was just beyond wonderful to read. Moss wrote the story, the characters, everything, just incredibly well. The feelings were also really relatable, as I found myself to understand and connect with Charlotte's feelings, towards her family, friends, and of course towards Vin. Having this from her point of view was very helpful to understand her story better, and we see her change from an obedient individual to a stronger human being that stands up for herself. Vin was a great developed character, as we read through his conversations what pain he went through in his life, since first meeting Charlotte, and really, you fall in love with him...he's just one character that you will love, as he is what Charlotte envisioned he would be...
So, I encourage you to purchase this novel when it comes out. You will not be disappointed! This was just phenomenal, and I Recommend It!
Getting that out now, I have to say, what first intrigued me into reading this story, was the cover. You see above, there's so much color, and it's just really eye catching, beautiful. You see the couple (Vin and Charlotte) above, and down below you see the carnival, and both of those images really appealed to me, along with the synopsis. What really grabbed me though, was Chapter 1, it just sucked me in, wanting to immediately know more! The story starts out with an unbelievable first kiss that forever marks both Charlotte and Vin, but they do not reconnect until ten years later. That seems like a lonnggg time, but sometimes that wait could be worth it, and here you will their reunion, and (sigh) their feelings for one another come back again, and it takes off from there. What does unfortunately stand in their way is racism towards Vin, because of his Native American ethnicity and because he is a carny, and that will not do for the Davenport family, especially Charlotte's father. There had to be conflict, obstacles, and the new couple's love is tested through different ways. One being Racism, and you will see how this bugs and frustrates Charlotte when someone she knows talks rudely about Vin, his friends/family, his ethnicity, his occupation. Some lines here were perfectly written for characters that you probably will dislike; I know I was shocked when a reference was mentioned here and here, and it is just shocking to think that there are probably some that have not moved with the times of change, and here you will read characters that have not changed with the times towards equality.
What I loved was how hooked I was towards the writing on scenery, making me wanna visit Oregon even more. Next, the romance between Charlotte and Vin was just beyond wonderful to read. Moss wrote the story, the characters, everything, just incredibly well. The feelings were also really relatable, as I found myself to understand and connect with Charlotte's feelings, towards her family, friends, and of course towards Vin. Having this from her point of view was very helpful to understand her story better, and we see her change from an obedient individual to a stronger human being that stands up for herself. Vin was a great developed character, as we read through his conversations what pain he went through in his life, since first meeting Charlotte, and really, you fall in love with him...he's just one character that you will love, as he is what Charlotte envisioned he would be...
So, I encourage you to purchase this novel when it comes out. You will not be disappointed! This was just phenomenal, and I Recommend It!
July 6, 2012
DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC of this book as a part of the author’s promotional blog tour.
The Carny is a delightful read. Super fun, fast and well written. The dialogue flows easily and funny and the characters are familiar. The Carny is a sweet read that makes you fall in love with the possibility that men like Vincent Youngblood could possibly exist. He’s funny, charming, handsome and totally climbable. Through the whole book I wanted to just vault up him like a rope ladder.
Set in the Pacific Northwest, Moss has built a world that is believable and complete. Set in Astoria, Oregon, a small fishing town, Charlotte Davenport is the black sheep in her perfectly uppercrust family. Moss paints an amazingly accurate picture of the kind of small town snobbery that goes on amongst the affluent. The running joke of “I’m not racist! I gave to this or that charity just three years ago!” cracked me up throughout the book. She captures the kind of narrow focused thinking that so many American’s suffer from. Amazingly, Moss manages to keep from making her characters the butt of their own jokes and finds something special and human about each of them.
The plot of the story is based around the love at first sight/fated pairing of Charlotte and Vincent Youngblood who she meets as a teen at the local carnival. Their meeting and later reconnection flows like a perfect dream. Exactly the way love should be. Overall I found The Carny to be fantastic. The quick turnaround of Charlotte’s mother’s behavior was a little out of character and hard to swallow, but other than that I found the pacing and story to be great.
Perfect for a summer read, you’ll devour The Carny and fall in love with Vincent Youngblood.
The Carny is a delightful read. Super fun, fast and well written. The dialogue flows easily and funny and the characters are familiar. The Carny is a sweet read that makes you fall in love with the possibility that men like Vincent Youngblood could possibly exist. He’s funny, charming, handsome and totally climbable. Through the whole book I wanted to just vault up him like a rope ladder.
Set in the Pacific Northwest, Moss has built a world that is believable and complete. Set in Astoria, Oregon, a small fishing town, Charlotte Davenport is the black sheep in her perfectly uppercrust family. Moss paints an amazingly accurate picture of the kind of small town snobbery that goes on amongst the affluent. The running joke of “I’m not racist! I gave to this or that charity just three years ago!” cracked me up throughout the book. She captures the kind of narrow focused thinking that so many American’s suffer from. Amazingly, Moss manages to keep from making her characters the butt of their own jokes and finds something special and human about each of them.
The plot of the story is based around the love at first sight/fated pairing of Charlotte and Vincent Youngblood who she meets as a teen at the local carnival. Their meeting and later reconnection flows like a perfect dream. Exactly the way love should be. Overall I found The Carny to be fantastic. The quick turnaround of Charlotte’s mother’s behavior was a little out of character and hard to swallow, but other than that I found the pacing and story to be great.
Perfect for a summer read, you’ll devour The Carny and fall in love with Vincent Youngblood.
June 13, 2012
A kiss is just a kiss--- or is it? How powerful/memorable is a kiss? Good enough to last a few seconds, an hour, ten years...
Charlotte Davenport and Vincent Youngblood story begins with a kiss when she and her two friends visit the local carnival. The first time she meets Vincent (Vin) and the last time she sees him until ten years later.
Seasons change, and since the story is written in Charlotte's POV, we see what she went through in the last six months. Then the carnival rolls back to town,and this time with Vin. Sparks fly. They pick up from where they left off but this time as adults.
Oh, Vin. He's truly swoon-worthy, patient, and had so much weighing him down, but that didn't stop him from getting what he desired, and in my opinion, he deserved.
Vincent and Charlotte's HEA was pure bliss, after all they went through.
Ms. Moss wrote a really touching story about love, prejudices, misunderstandings, second chances at love and finally acceptance. I really enjoyed reading The Carny. I look forward to reading more from Brooke Moss
May 22, 2012
My review of
The Carny
By Brooke Moss
This was such a touching and tender story of love against all adversary. Charlotte goes to a carnival with her two friends while they are in high school, she meets this carny by the name of Vincent. He hears one of her friends teasing her about her experiences with boys. He says that he washer boyfriend and kissed her. He rocked her world with that one kiss. Through the years she always wondered what happened to him. They meet up again and they reconnect and have a world wind romance that is complicated by him being a carny and Native American. Her family is in total dysfunction and everyone trying to tell her how to live her life. Definitely a must read to see the trials and tribulations that these two must go through in order to find true love and happiness. Thank you Brooke Moss for a wonderful story I thoroughly enjoyed this.
The Carny
By Brooke Moss
This was such a touching and tender story of love against all adversary. Charlotte goes to a carnival with her two friends while they are in high school, she meets this carny by the name of Vincent. He hears one of her friends teasing her about her experiences with boys. He says that he washer boyfriend and kissed her. He rocked her world with that one kiss. Through the years she always wondered what happened to him. They meet up again and they reconnect and have a world wind romance that is complicated by him being a carny and Native American. Her family is in total dysfunction and everyone trying to tell her how to live her life. Definitely a must read to see the trials and tribulations that these two must go through in order to find true love and happiness. Thank you Brooke Moss for a wonderful story I thoroughly enjoyed this.
June 26, 2012
I absolutely loved it! The characters were so crisply sketched. I could totally feel the characters of Charlotte and Vin and their magically pure love! The humor was apt in all the situations and made the reading even more enjoyable. Way to go Brooke!
Read
May 28, 2012Sweet, subtle, heart-warming romance.
July 8, 2012
A Love Story with Humor and Heart
In Charlotte Davenport's family appearances have always come first. Stuck between what her family expects of her and the pressures of being a teenager, Charlotte finds herself caught in a lie that leads to a kiss that will haunt her for a decade. After locking lips with shaggy haired, Native American Vincent Youngblood at the carnival he's working at she finds herself drawn to every one to pass through Northwestern Oregon. After being dumped at the alter she finds herself living at home with her parents again and bearing the burden of the family hotel business.
But when a chance meeting brings Vin back into her life the judgementalness of the people in her life complicates the budding relationship. Like Charlotte he's taking care of the family business while putting his own dreams on hold. He could be a doctor, but in Astoria all people see is a Native American carny. Though there's more to Vin than her snobbish family sees on the surface, will his own secrets quash the bond between them? Can love overcome the pressures of family duty, racism, classism, and misunderstanding?
There is so much to THE CARNY I have to admit it's difficult knowing where to start. While it falls into the romance genre it's very much a love story pitted with social issues. This goes beyond the Romeo-and-Juliet-esque tropes often associated with interracial romances and boils it down to a very honest view of classism and racism. I wouldn't quite call it a book with a message but if readers are looking for one it's there. One of my closest friends is Native American and we've had many discussions on stereotyping and political correctness, the downfall of Native American culture and the many humanitarian wrongs that have been committed against them. I applaud Moss for not detracting from the romance between Charlotte and Vin while still giving readers a reminder that racism still exists in the world.
One of the strongest talents Moss brings to the table as a writer is her ability to pepper her stories with a humor that's very organic and utterly endearing. While many readers of the romance genre might wince at the first-person narrative it serves this particular story so well I can't imagine it written any other way. Vin is a truly fresh hero, one I was incapable of disliking even at his moments of showing his own flaws. Charlotte in contrast was both relatable and a little frustrating, there was something a bit naive, almost adolescent about her at the beginning that made me want to shake some sense into her. As with Moss' debut novel, THE CARNY, is balanced with an intricate and essential collection of secondary characters.
I would be remiss as a reviewer and native of the Pacific Northwest if I neglected to mention what I love most about Moss' novels—her settings! Somehow, she manages to take real places and let them develop into irreplacable backdrops for her stories. As I read THE CARNY I was easily transported back to my childhood trips along the Oregon coast with my father. Readers who fall in love with places they read about in fiction from Hogwarts to Forks to Bon Temps will find a special place for Astoria.
If you're in the mood for a beach read with humor and heart please don't hesitate to put THE CARNY on your list! I highly recommend it for readers who've ever had to face obstacles of social differences for love.
***ARC received via publisher.
In Charlotte Davenport's family appearances have always come first. Stuck between what her family expects of her and the pressures of being a teenager, Charlotte finds herself caught in a lie that leads to a kiss that will haunt her for a decade. After locking lips with shaggy haired, Native American Vincent Youngblood at the carnival he's working at she finds herself drawn to every one to pass through Northwestern Oregon. After being dumped at the alter she finds herself living at home with her parents again and bearing the burden of the family hotel business.
But when a chance meeting brings Vin back into her life the judgementalness of the people in her life complicates the budding relationship. Like Charlotte he's taking care of the family business while putting his own dreams on hold. He could be a doctor, but in Astoria all people see is a Native American carny. Though there's more to Vin than her snobbish family sees on the surface, will his own secrets quash the bond between them? Can love overcome the pressures of family duty, racism, classism, and misunderstanding?
There is so much to THE CARNY I have to admit it's difficult knowing where to start. While it falls into the romance genre it's very much a love story pitted with social issues. This goes beyond the Romeo-and-Juliet-esque tropes often associated with interracial romances and boils it down to a very honest view of classism and racism. I wouldn't quite call it a book with a message but if readers are looking for one it's there. One of my closest friends is Native American and we've had many discussions on stereotyping and political correctness, the downfall of Native American culture and the many humanitarian wrongs that have been committed against them. I applaud Moss for not detracting from the romance between Charlotte and Vin while still giving readers a reminder that racism still exists in the world.
One of the strongest talents Moss brings to the table as a writer is her ability to pepper her stories with a humor that's very organic and utterly endearing. While many readers of the romance genre might wince at the first-person narrative it serves this particular story so well I can't imagine it written any other way. Vin is a truly fresh hero, one I was incapable of disliking even at his moments of showing his own flaws. Charlotte in contrast was both relatable and a little frustrating, there was something a bit naive, almost adolescent about her at the beginning that made me want to shake some sense into her. As with Moss' debut novel, THE CARNY, is balanced with an intricate and essential collection of secondary characters.
I would be remiss as a reviewer and native of the Pacific Northwest if I neglected to mention what I love most about Moss' novels—her settings! Somehow, she manages to take real places and let them develop into irreplacable backdrops for her stories. As I read THE CARNY I was easily transported back to my childhood trips along the Oregon coast with my father. Readers who fall in love with places they read about in fiction from Hogwarts to Forks to Bon Temps will find a special place for Astoria.
If you're in the mood for a beach read with humor and heart please don't hesitate to put THE CARNY on your list! I highly recommend it for readers who've ever had to face obstacles of social differences for love.
***ARC received via publisher.
June 27, 2012
GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance/Family Drama
RECEIVED: Review for Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
First off this book in every way is one of my favorite romance books that I’ve read all year. After I finished reading it I immediately went back and read a couple of pages over that I loved, especially the epilogue which was fantastic. The Carny is about two people who have a love that is undeniable but many obstacles stand in their way especially their unstable families. Brooke Moss wrote a book that I will read over and over again.
The Carny follows Charlotte; she is one of three daughters to the very wealth Davenport family. While in high school a young Charlotte falls for a boy who works at the carnival, whom kisses her and then disappears. Ten years go by and after looking for him each year the carnival comes, Charlotte is about to give up on her young crush. But one day the carnival comes back in town and the boy, now a very good looking man is finally there. His name is Vin and he too has been hoping to meet Charlotte again. Thus begins a story about the love of two people and how together they must overcome their past fears to be together.
Charlotte is a girl who is shy but so smart and determined to make everyone else around her happy but herself. But once she meets Vin again he fills that void she’s always needed and becomes a stronger person. I really enjoyed watching Charlotte grow, she goes through a lot of heart ache, a lot to do with her family but in the end it makes her a more independent woman. Even though her family frustrated me to death because they couldn’t see that they weren’t the most important people in the world, I really enjoyed every scene, bad and good, they all were in. I loved how Charlotte stood out and was so loving and accepting to everyone even though she had money.
Vin, the carny and young crush all grown up. He comes from a Native American background and in every way makes a girl’s heart beat a little faster. I loved how bold he was as a young teen, no matter his background he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. His compassion and adoration for Charlotte is sweet and absolutely perfect. He too has suffered like she has, but in such a different way. In a way they both heal each other from the damages of their families. The chemistry of these two was amazing and though they had their ups and downs that frustrated me, I loved every minute of them together.
Overall this is one of my favorite love stories, it has everything you need: family, drama, challenges, romance, and growth for each character. And even though this is a romance story it does focus on both characters families, who each are struggling with something. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to share this book with others. The characters are unforgettable; there is humor that will definitely put a smile on the readers face, and of course the romance.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with some mature content and lots of family drama. Fans of one of my other favorite romance books Beautiful Disaster by Jaime McGuire and Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles should read The Carny Brooke Moss.
THEME: Romance/Family Drama
RECEIVED: Review for Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
First off this book in every way is one of my favorite romance books that I’ve read all year. After I finished reading it I immediately went back and read a couple of pages over that I loved, especially the epilogue which was fantastic. The Carny is about two people who have a love that is undeniable but many obstacles stand in their way especially their unstable families. Brooke Moss wrote a book that I will read over and over again.
The Carny follows Charlotte; she is one of three daughters to the very wealth Davenport family. While in high school a young Charlotte falls for a boy who works at the carnival, whom kisses her and then disappears. Ten years go by and after looking for him each year the carnival comes, Charlotte is about to give up on her young crush. But one day the carnival comes back in town and the boy, now a very good looking man is finally there. His name is Vin and he too has been hoping to meet Charlotte again. Thus begins a story about the love of two people and how together they must overcome their past fears to be together.
Charlotte is a girl who is shy but so smart and determined to make everyone else around her happy but herself. But once she meets Vin again he fills that void she’s always needed and becomes a stronger person. I really enjoyed watching Charlotte grow, she goes through a lot of heart ache, a lot to do with her family but in the end it makes her a more independent woman. Even though her family frustrated me to death because they couldn’t see that they weren’t the most important people in the world, I really enjoyed every scene, bad and good, they all were in. I loved how Charlotte stood out and was so loving and accepting to everyone even though she had money.
Vin, the carny and young crush all grown up. He comes from a Native American background and in every way makes a girl’s heart beat a little faster. I loved how bold he was as a young teen, no matter his background he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. His compassion and adoration for Charlotte is sweet and absolutely perfect. He too has suffered like she has, but in such a different way. In a way they both heal each other from the damages of their families. The chemistry of these two was amazing and though they had their ups and downs that frustrated me, I loved every minute of them together.
Overall this is one of my favorite love stories, it has everything you need: family, drama, challenges, romance, and growth for each character. And even though this is a romance story it does focus on both characters families, who each are struggling with something. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to share this book with others. The characters are unforgettable; there is humor that will definitely put a smile on the readers face, and of course the romance.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with some mature content and lots of family drama. Fans of one of my other favorite romance books Beautiful Disaster by Jaime McGuire and Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles should read The Carny Brooke Moss.
July 3, 2012
Rating: 4.5
While standing in line at a carnival, Charlotte's friend Regina begins teasing her about her love life, or lack there of. When Regina's taunting of Charlotte is overheard by Vin, a tilt-a-whirl operator at the carnival, he feels the need to step in and defend her. And when they have a moment apart from the prying ears of her friends, they introduce themselves, feeling this strong connection. Before Charlotte gets on the ride, Vin kisses her. A kiss that neither one of them ever forget.
I keep saying it over and over again, but I really love it when I can connect with a book. The Carny did just that. Not only did it make me think, but it made me laugh, and it definitely made me cry. Charlotte didn't fully realize until she met Vin again, ten years after that kiss, just how rude and bigoted some of her friends and family were. She's had to deal with feeling like the "not-so-perfect" one in her family. She felt inferior to her parents and sisters. They seemed to want to change her, mold her into who they wanted her to be. It was as if she was never good enough just being herself, despite the fact that who she was was a very caring, loving, understanding person. Something that set her miles apart from her family.
Vin had dealt with being made fun of, name calling, and the lack of respect for his Native American heritage his whole life, but he didn't let that turn him into a hateful person. All he wanted was to help people. Whether that was as a doctor or simply helping out his family, in particular his sick father, who is the owner of the carnival that he worked at years ago. And with Charlotte, Vin sees the beauty in her that even she doesn't see in herself.
Sure, Charlotte and Vin's journey throughout this book isn't all perfect. Like with any relationship, they have some ups and downs. But it only made them stronger people. I really enjoyed seeing Charlotte come out of her shell and stand up for herself and others. There were a number of things about Charlotte's story that, in some small way, mirrored my own life. And I envy how her story turned out. Perhaps that's why this book was so emotional for me. As pathetic as it may sound, I'm having to wipe away tears as I write this review! Even so, I know that this is one book that I will read again.
Once I started reading The Carny, I didn't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the story so much. Now, being that what I read was an ARC, I did find some minor errors in it. There was also a time or two when I felt the flow of the story threw me off a little bit. That tended to happen when Charlotte would take you back to a past occurrence. It was the return to the "now" that tended to throw me off. None of those things ruined the enjoyment of the book for me though. I really look forward to reading more of Brooke Moss' work in the future.
Oh, one more thing before I forget, I loved the way the story wrapped up. You're given a glimpse into the future of these characters. I was really happy about that. A lot of times when I'm finished reading a book, I'm bummed out that I don't know what became of the characters that I grew to care about. This book had a satisfying conclusion to it!
** I received an eARC copy of the book from InkSpell Publishing for review.**
While standing in line at a carnival, Charlotte's friend Regina begins teasing her about her love life, or lack there of. When Regina's taunting of Charlotte is overheard by Vin, a tilt-a-whirl operator at the carnival, he feels the need to step in and defend her. And when they have a moment apart from the prying ears of her friends, they introduce themselves, feeling this strong connection. Before Charlotte gets on the ride, Vin kisses her. A kiss that neither one of them ever forget.
I keep saying it over and over again, but I really love it when I can connect with a book. The Carny did just that. Not only did it make me think, but it made me laugh, and it definitely made me cry. Charlotte didn't fully realize until she met Vin again, ten years after that kiss, just how rude and bigoted some of her friends and family were. She's had to deal with feeling like the "not-so-perfect" one in her family. She felt inferior to her parents and sisters. They seemed to want to change her, mold her into who they wanted her to be. It was as if she was never good enough just being herself, despite the fact that who she was was a very caring, loving, understanding person. Something that set her miles apart from her family.
Vin had dealt with being made fun of, name calling, and the lack of respect for his Native American heritage his whole life, but he didn't let that turn him into a hateful person. All he wanted was to help people. Whether that was as a doctor or simply helping out his family, in particular his sick father, who is the owner of the carnival that he worked at years ago. And with Charlotte, Vin sees the beauty in her that even she doesn't see in herself.
Sure, Charlotte and Vin's journey throughout this book isn't all perfect. Like with any relationship, they have some ups and downs. But it only made them stronger people. I really enjoyed seeing Charlotte come out of her shell and stand up for herself and others. There were a number of things about Charlotte's story that, in some small way, mirrored my own life. And I envy how her story turned out. Perhaps that's why this book was so emotional for me. As pathetic as it may sound, I'm having to wipe away tears as I write this review! Even so, I know that this is one book that I will read again.
Once I started reading The Carny, I didn't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the story so much. Now, being that what I read was an ARC, I did find some minor errors in it. There was also a time or two when I felt the flow of the story threw me off a little bit. That tended to happen when Charlotte would take you back to a past occurrence. It was the return to the "now" that tended to throw me off. None of those things ruined the enjoyment of the book for me though. I really look forward to reading more of Brooke Moss' work in the future.
Oh, one more thing before I forget, I loved the way the story wrapped up. You're given a glimpse into the future of these characters. I was really happy about that. A lot of times when I'm finished reading a book, I'm bummed out that I don't know what became of the characters that I grew to care about. This book had a satisfying conclusion to it!
** I received an eARC copy of the book from InkSpell Publishing for review.**
August 1, 2012
Everyone knows that one mean girl that your friends with because of your parents or another friend or a relative (or they are a relative) and you don’t really like them, but you put up with them anyway. Well, Charlotte the proverbial good girl, has that friend, who also happens to be the “easy” girl of their high school. While at the carnival at the town’s local crab festival during their senior year in High School, this friend attempts to humiliate Charlotte by making fun of the fact that Charlotte hasn’t had a boyfriend of any significance. The ‘carney,’ boy working the ride they are planning to get on comes to her rescue claiming to have been her boyfriend. Then he kisses her once and vanishes.
Fast forward ten years, Charlotte was dumped at the altar, is living back at home with her neurotic and vacuous mother and self-absorbed womanizing father, working for the family business in a job she hates, and generally being everyone’s doormat. Still, every year she goes to the carnival and looks for the boy who gave her the spine-tingling kiss against which she finds all other men wanting; and even better, he has thought of her too and wants to get to know her.
And that’s just in the first chapter. This book was fabulous! (and I don’t use exclamation points randomly) This book was a wonderful tale of two people who tried to do what was right for everyone else to the point that they almost missed out on what was right for them. Luckily, that chance second meeting gave them both something they had been missing. This book was so engrossing that I didn’t even notice that it was 2:00 am before I finished, but I just couldn’t put it down. And when I did put it down it was with a happy sigh. Not that their weren’t issues… let’s just leave both their families out of it.
I give this book 5 out of 5 clouds. I can’t wait to read more from this author. My feel good moment of the day.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Fast forward ten years, Charlotte was dumped at the altar, is living back at home with her neurotic and vacuous mother and self-absorbed womanizing father, working for the family business in a job she hates, and generally being everyone’s doormat. Still, every year she goes to the carnival and looks for the boy who gave her the spine-tingling kiss against which she finds all other men wanting; and even better, he has thought of her too and wants to get to know her.
And that’s just in the first chapter. This book was fabulous! (and I don’t use exclamation points randomly) This book was a wonderful tale of two people who tried to do what was right for everyone else to the point that they almost missed out on what was right for them. Luckily, that chance second meeting gave them both something they had been missing. This book was so engrossing that I didn’t even notice that it was 2:00 am before I finished, but I just couldn’t put it down. And when I did put it down it was with a happy sigh. Not that their weren’t issues… let’s just leave both their families out of it.
I give this book 5 out of 5 clouds. I can’t wait to read more from this author. My feel good moment of the day.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
May 30, 2012
Charlotte Davenport will never forget her first kiss, from a carny. Vincent Youngblood has been in her heart for the past ten years. After she was left standing at the altar and being cheated on she moved back home. Her mother needs someone around to take care of. And that lands on Charlotte, her two sisters are married. Charlotte goes to the same carnival that she meet Vin ten years ago. When she is face to face with the man that stole her heart. He looks just as good as he did back then, maybe even better now. When he asks her out and she says yes she knows that her parents won’t approve with him being Native American. But she doesn’t care, she is tired of doing what her family wants her to do. She quickly falls in love with Vin. When he tells her is dark secrets she only hopes she will become his world.
This is another amazing book from Brooke Moss. It seems that she knows how to pull you in and doesn’t let go until the very end. This story starts with Charlotte and her girlfriends Regina and Kasey at the carnival. Regina is bugging Charlotte about her love life. She has never had a boyfriend and Regina knows this so Kasey make one up for her. When Regina is asking who that is when we meet Vin. I really enjoy the emotion shown in Charlotte and Vin. I feel you watch Charlotte grew up in this book. She has self-esteem issues and Vin helps her with that. Brooke Moss enjoy comedy in her books so you will laugh out loud when you are reading.
This is another amazing book from Brooke Moss. It seems that she knows how to pull you in and doesn’t let go until the very end. This story starts with Charlotte and her girlfriends Regina and Kasey at the carnival. Regina is bugging Charlotte about her love life. She has never had a boyfriend and Regina knows this so Kasey make one up for her. When Regina is asking who that is when we meet Vin. I really enjoy the emotion shown in Charlotte and Vin. I feel you watch Charlotte grew up in this book. She has self-esteem issues and Vin helps her with that. Brooke Moss enjoy comedy in her books so you will laugh out loud when you are reading.
June 16, 2012
Charlotte Davenport has an unforgettable kiss one night when she’s standing in line at the carnival: a kiss that will rival every other kiss she’ll have for the next ten years. The mysterious and darkly exquisite Native American boy named Vincent Youngblood disappears soon after, leaving her craving more.
Years later, after being left at the altar, she’s back at the carnival, and so is the mysterious man of her dreams. More gorgeous than before, he’s excited to see her, and all she has to do is summon the courage to ask him out. Fortunately, he beats her to the punch.
The Carny is an original and fresh romance set against the festive backdrop of the carnival and the historical resort town of Astoria. The first chapter sucked me in, and I wanted to be Charlotte waiting in line for the Tilt-A-Whirl. What an amazingly magical moment! My heart went out to Charlotte as she dealt with the family she never fit in with, the job she never wanted to have, and the position she never thought she’d be in after moving back home at almost thirty. I wanted her and Vin to find their happily ever after, and Brooke Moss definitely delivers. I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future!
Years later, after being left at the altar, she’s back at the carnival, and so is the mysterious man of her dreams. More gorgeous than before, he’s excited to see her, and all she has to do is summon the courage to ask him out. Fortunately, he beats her to the punch.
The Carny is an original and fresh romance set against the festive backdrop of the carnival and the historical resort town of Astoria. The first chapter sucked me in, and I wanted to be Charlotte waiting in line for the Tilt-A-Whirl. What an amazingly magical moment! My heart went out to Charlotte as she dealt with the family she never fit in with, the job she never wanted to have, and the position she never thought she’d be in after moving back home at almost thirty. I wanted her and Vin to find their happily ever after, and Brooke Moss definitely delivers. I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future!
March 6, 2016
Honestly the main character took those stars off. She's very good at making assumptions and there were so many cringe-worthy scenes with her having the wrong conclusions about Vin that I really couldn't. I had to physically stop reading for a moment and ask aloud "omg woman WHYY" because she just needed to chill.
The book also has a great exploration of family issues and racism though. The ending was so cheese but I enjoyed it, despite the unrealistic resolutions. :)
The book also has a great exploration of family issues and racism though. The ending was so cheese but I enjoyed it, despite the unrealistic resolutions. :)
August 15, 2012
4.5 Stars! I will gush more about this fantastic read shortly. So stay tuned...
January 7, 2019
Voy a decirlo, altas expectativas que no fueron llenadas, la trama prometía, Charlotte conoce a Vin en la feria se besan y luego se reencuentran diez años después, a partir de ahí se enfrentan a algunas cosas, como la familia de ella que es muy snob y los secretos de él.
Me gustó Vin, es trabajador, tierno y amoroso, me aprecio coherente y maduro, ahora Charlotte no, no me gustó, actuaba como adolescente y muchas veces actúo tan pasiva que me provoco todo el tiempo darle una paliza.
Lo positivo Vin es nativo americano, me encanta que las autoras americanas coloquen protagonistas así y que los dejen muy en alto, también todo el libro es bastante romántico.
El final no me gustó.
Me gustó Vin, es trabajador, tierno y amoroso, me aprecio coherente y maduro, ahora Charlotte no, no me gustó, actuaba como adolescente y muchas veces actúo tan pasiva que me provoco todo el tiempo darle una paliza.
Lo positivo Vin es nativo americano, me encanta que las autoras americanas coloquen protagonistas así y que los dejen muy en alto, también todo el libro es bastante romántico.
El final no me gustó.
August 2, 2012
Four Stars
That kiss. That one kiss at the entrance gate of the tilt-a-whirl when I was eighteen was enough to give me hope. Hope that real romance and real passion actually existed in the world.
Charlotte Davenport’s life is not what it’s all cracked up to be. Sure she comes from a wealthy and prestigious family, but she considers herself, sort of an outsider. Physically, she is nothing like her two older sisters. Though she is beautiful in her own, unique way, she has always lived in their shadows. She’s also trying to make her snobbish parents happy by studying hotel management, instead of horticulture. By her parent’s standards, she is supposed to be groomed to take over the family hotel empire, and not become a florist like she dreamed of. So here she is: No love life, stuck in a career she hates and back to living at home to placate her crazy mother and always absent father. But fate is about to make her life a little more interesting.
Even after ten years, Charlotte has never forgotten that unbelievable kiss she shared with Vincent “Vin” Youngblood. Even after her, now ex, fiancé left her at the altar, she wasn’t as devastated as she should’ve been. For the last ten years, every time the carnival comes into town, she is drawn to it, hoping to run into him again. Then one night, she finally runs into him and man, oh, man, the sparks are still there.
Vin returns to Oregon to help run his father’s carnival business, by himself. He was on his way to becoming a doctor when he gets word that his father has left town. With his father no where to be found and people’s livelihoods are at stake, he takes it upon himself to run the business until he comes back. That’s when he runs into Charlotte.
It’s like they’ve never been apart. Their chemistry is undeniable and the two begin to date. However, Charlotte’s family is not so happy with her choice of boyfriend. Not only is he a “carny”, but he’s also Native American. Yes, her family is one of those. In this day in age, you would think there would be more tolerance, but, alas, no. Of course they believe they’re not racist since they donate to local Native American causes. Ugh. I can’t stand ignorance, but then again, I’m rambling and getting off the point. Anyway, with Vin by her side, Charlotte starts to grow a pair. lol. Sorry, that’s how I can describe it. She’s starting to stand up for herself, but will it be enough to hold back her controlling father and family?
I really liked this story. I loved how Charlotte’s character evolved. She went from being kind of timid, to having a backbone. Plus, Vin made a great hero and he was such a sweetheart. I loved how he treated Charlotte. They made a great couple and I was so happy they had their HEA. However, it was a little too clean for me, not that it was a bad thing, but it would’ve been nice to have some steam. There were also moments where I wanted to slap Charlotte because she would jump the gun and hurt Vin’s feelings. Vin is wonderful and simply adorable. He made this story worth it.
That kiss. That one kiss at the entrance gate of the tilt-a-whirl when I was eighteen was enough to give me hope. Hope that real romance and real passion actually existed in the world.
Charlotte Davenport’s life is not what it’s all cracked up to be. Sure she comes from a wealthy and prestigious family, but she considers herself, sort of an outsider. Physically, she is nothing like her two older sisters. Though she is beautiful in her own, unique way, she has always lived in their shadows. She’s also trying to make her snobbish parents happy by studying hotel management, instead of horticulture. By her parent’s standards, she is supposed to be groomed to take over the family hotel empire, and not become a florist like she dreamed of. So here she is: No love life, stuck in a career she hates and back to living at home to placate her crazy mother and always absent father. But fate is about to make her life a little more interesting.
Even after ten years, Charlotte has never forgotten that unbelievable kiss she shared with Vincent “Vin” Youngblood. Even after her, now ex, fiancé left her at the altar, she wasn’t as devastated as she should’ve been. For the last ten years, every time the carnival comes into town, she is drawn to it, hoping to run into him again. Then one night, she finally runs into him and man, oh, man, the sparks are still there.
Vin returns to Oregon to help run his father’s carnival business, by himself. He was on his way to becoming a doctor when he gets word that his father has left town. With his father no where to be found and people’s livelihoods are at stake, he takes it upon himself to run the business until he comes back. That’s when he runs into Charlotte.
It’s like they’ve never been apart. Their chemistry is undeniable and the two begin to date. However, Charlotte’s family is not so happy with her choice of boyfriend. Not only is he a “carny”, but he’s also Native American. Yes, her family is one of those. In this day in age, you would think there would be more tolerance, but, alas, no. Of course they believe they’re not racist since they donate to local Native American causes. Ugh. I can’t stand ignorance, but then again, I’m rambling and getting off the point. Anyway, with Vin by her side, Charlotte starts to grow a pair. lol. Sorry, that’s how I can describe it. She’s starting to stand up for herself, but will it be enough to hold back her controlling father and family?
I really liked this story. I loved how Charlotte’s character evolved. She went from being kind of timid, to having a backbone. Plus, Vin made a great hero and he was such a sweetheart. I loved how he treated Charlotte. They made a great couple and I was so happy they had their HEA. However, it was a little too clean for me, not that it was a bad thing, but it would’ve been nice to have some steam. There were also moments where I wanted to slap Charlotte because she would jump the gun and hurt Vin’s feelings. Vin is wonderful and simply adorable. He made this story worth it.
July 30, 2012
One kiss was all it took for Charlotte to know Vincent Youngblood will be someone that she'll not soon forget, and for the next ten years, she couldn't go to a carnival without ever searching for the familiar long, dark hair and tall stature of Vincent. When they meet again, Charlotte's romantic notions were replaced by disillusionment. Jilted at the altar by a man she thought she loved, Charlotte moved back home and took over the reigns at her father's hotel. Family life remained the same: controlled by the dictates of what's expected of her by her family and the society, keeping her mother from finally taking that leap off of a bridge and pretending to be happy when she's far from it. But she's not without hope. So when Vincent walked back into her life, she was more than ready to take a chance. Odds are definitely not in her favour this time, as her family's disapproval of Vin and Vin's family secrets threatened to break their budding romance.
Charlotte Davenport is one of those characters that I'm generally not a fan of. She's easily overwhelmed by her family and more often, she comes off weak. If not for her friend Kasey strong-arming her to finally stand up for herself and do the things she wants to do, Charlotte would probably remain as everyone's doormat. I also didn't like that she keeps adding one and one and coming up with five. I get that she couldn't trust any man in general because of her history, but man does she jump to conclusions like it's nobody's business! I do like her fresh innocence despite the life mileage she's clocked in her twenty-nine years. Above all else, she's very loyal to a family who only seemed to love her when she's serving her purpose.
Speaking of her family, they're like the ugly relatives whom you wish you didn't know. They're very judgmental, and sometimes, borderline derogatory. They seemed to be stuck in an era when stature was more important than anything else. It was hard to see how Charlotte could be related to these people.
As usual, Brooke Moss shows her masterful skills in bringing small town living to life through her descriptive writing. Coastal Oregon couldn't have been more picturesque than if the reader had been there herself.
VERDICT: It's unfortunate that I couldn't love this more than I should have; after all, Brooke Moss brought forth a new offering to the romance genre where the hero is of Native American descent. It is rare. I just had a terrible time with Charlotte's wishy-washy attitude and the tidy way in which this book ended. Don't get me wrong, I love me some HEA. But the entire ending just felt too contrived for me. Fans of contemporary romance that also deals with some racial and social issues will be enamoured with Brooke's new book. Despite my complaints, I think Brooke is a fantastic romance writer who finds inspiration anywhere and from anyone. She's definitely one of select authors on my radar whose work I'll always look forward to reading.
Charlotte Davenport is one of those characters that I'm generally not a fan of. She's easily overwhelmed by her family and more often, she comes off weak. If not for her friend Kasey strong-arming her to finally stand up for herself and do the things she wants to do, Charlotte would probably remain as everyone's doormat. I also didn't like that she keeps adding one and one and coming up with five. I get that she couldn't trust any man in general because of her history, but man does she jump to conclusions like it's nobody's business! I do like her fresh innocence despite the life mileage she's clocked in her twenty-nine years. Above all else, she's very loyal to a family who only seemed to love her when she's serving her purpose.
Speaking of her family, they're like the ugly relatives whom you wish you didn't know. They're very judgmental, and sometimes, borderline derogatory. They seemed to be stuck in an era when stature was more important than anything else. It was hard to see how Charlotte could be related to these people.
As usual, Brooke Moss shows her masterful skills in bringing small town living to life through her descriptive writing. Coastal Oregon couldn't have been more picturesque than if the reader had been there herself.
VERDICT: It's unfortunate that I couldn't love this more than I should have; after all, Brooke Moss brought forth a new offering to the romance genre where the hero is of Native American descent. It is rare. I just had a terrible time with Charlotte's wishy-washy attitude and the tidy way in which this book ended. Don't get me wrong, I love me some HEA. But the entire ending just felt too contrived for me. Fans of contemporary romance that also deals with some racial and social issues will be enamoured with Brooke's new book. Despite my complaints, I think Brooke is a fantastic romance writer who finds inspiration anywhere and from anyone. She's definitely one of select authors on my radar whose work I'll always look forward to reading.
July 15, 2012
The Carny is like a modern day telling of Jane Austen's Persuasion. When we first meet Charlotte at a carnival one summer evening, she is in the midst of being humiliated by her supposed mean girl friend while on line for a ride. Charlotte's humiliation? Had she been kissed or not? Trying to hedge the question, she is aided by the carny collecting tickets. This good looking, sweet young guy saves Charlotte from being the talk of her high school by giving her what she didn't want to admit she's never had--her first kiss.
That kiss makes quite an impression on her and for ten years afterwards, she carries the feeling from that magical moment with her. When she moves back home at twenty-eight to be groomed by her father to take over his hotel, Charlotte still finds herself attending the annual town Crab Festival in hopes of running into Vin. This year she could really use something good in her life, especially after being dumped at the altar by her cheating ex-boyfriend, Lance. When her wish comes true and she hears Vin say her name out loud, Charlotte becomes her teen self again momentarily. Could her desire to rekindle that one night spark become something lasting?
Brooke Moss has written a contemporary romance with wit, honesty, unique characters, and added lots of spirit and a heaping of heart in The Carny. Charlotte is the equivalent of the black sheep of her family--she's the total opposite of her skinny, blond mother and older sisters. Unlike her siblings, she is not married, childless, and moved back home when her mother threatened to jump off a bridge. To say the Davenport family has problems is putting it mildly, and Charlotte has to let go of her childish hang-ups and learn to trust if she is to have a chance with Vin. Her family doesn't want want her dating a Native American Indian, especially one who's a carny. But love does conquer all--sometimes it just takes clearing a bunch of hurdles.
There were a few occasions when Charlotte told us too much about her family life and I would have preferred a scene instead. I liked her even when I wanted to scream at her. She was real and, like a certain Anne Elliot, had to stand up for herself and her heart. Vin was very worthy of my swooning over him. He accepts Charlotte for who she is, no matter what. Brooke Moss may not write the cookie cutter stories we find so easily available on the market and that's fine with this reader. For outstanding storytelling featuring unique characters like I found in The Carny, I'll stick with this author to entertain me while pulling on my heartstrings. Another book to take on vacation!
That kiss makes quite an impression on her and for ten years afterwards, she carries the feeling from that magical moment with her. When she moves back home at twenty-eight to be groomed by her father to take over his hotel, Charlotte still finds herself attending the annual town Crab Festival in hopes of running into Vin. This year she could really use something good in her life, especially after being dumped at the altar by her cheating ex-boyfriend, Lance. When her wish comes true and she hears Vin say her name out loud, Charlotte becomes her teen self again momentarily. Could her desire to rekindle that one night spark become something lasting?
Brooke Moss has written a contemporary romance with wit, honesty, unique characters, and added lots of spirit and a heaping of heart in The Carny. Charlotte is the equivalent of the black sheep of her family--she's the total opposite of her skinny, blond mother and older sisters. Unlike her siblings, she is not married, childless, and moved back home when her mother threatened to jump off a bridge. To say the Davenport family has problems is putting it mildly, and Charlotte has to let go of her childish hang-ups and learn to trust if she is to have a chance with Vin. Her family doesn't want want her dating a Native American Indian, especially one who's a carny. But love does conquer all--sometimes it just takes clearing a bunch of hurdles.
There were a few occasions when Charlotte told us too much about her family life and I would have preferred a scene instead. I liked her even when I wanted to scream at her. She was real and, like a certain Anne Elliot, had to stand up for herself and her heart. Vin was very worthy of my swooning over him. He accepts Charlotte for who she is, no matter what. Brooke Moss may not write the cookie cutter stories we find so easily available on the market and that's fine with this reader. For outstanding storytelling featuring unique characters like I found in The Carny, I'll stick with this author to entertain me while pulling on my heartstrings. Another book to take on vacation!
March 25, 2013
Ahhh, what a romance! Brooke Moss writes a novel full of tenderness and compassion that is just so beautiful! I was so taken with the main characters and their quest for love and acceptance. Charlotte Davenport comes from a very wealthy family. The family is so snooty and uppity with their “better than everyone” demeanor. While Vincent Youngblood is the handsome Native American that runs the tilt-a-wheel at the local carnival. They had met when they were both teenagers ten years ago. Since that time, Vin’s chance kiss has haunted Charlotte occasionally. When the carnival once again comes to town, Charlotte has high hopes that the unknown man will remember her or at least be in attendance. And, low and behold, there he is! Can he be even more gorgeous than he was all those years before? He just smiles at her, and it’s wonderful!
As the two get to know each other, the couple is plagued with various unaccepted opinions. Vin is not worthy of the Davenport name – especially when Charlotte’s dad, MacIntyre, gets wind of their relationship. So, Charlotte is forced to tell a little white lie regarding Vin’s employment status. She just wants her family to like him, but what happens when the truth comes out, results in hurt feelings and disappointment, which Charlotte just cannot begin to fathom. How is she going to fix this? And, if she tries, will Vin even let her back into his heart after she so inadvertently hurt him? Her family is just so demeaning with their racist comments that result in humiliation. And, who were they to speak? She is constantly a witness to her mother’s regular entertainment of a glass of alcohol while her father constantly solicits his flirtatious nonsense to the female population. So how could they shame the man that she loves?
Ms. Moss writes a story that is innocent and sweet. Two people just wanting to desperately find love. Charlotte is tired of everyone thinking that she will be an old maid, while Vin has been so afraid of starting his life over after a previous love is taken from him unexpectantly. I was more than happy to have read this book! It gave hope to second chances and was eye-opening to the speculation of racism when one can’t see past the obstructed views of their own self. Looking forward to reading more novels by this inspiring author! Couldn’t help but be intrigued by the attractive cover also!
As the two get to know each other, the couple is plagued with various unaccepted opinions. Vin is not worthy of the Davenport name – especially when Charlotte’s dad, MacIntyre, gets wind of their relationship. So, Charlotte is forced to tell a little white lie regarding Vin’s employment status. She just wants her family to like him, but what happens when the truth comes out, results in hurt feelings and disappointment, which Charlotte just cannot begin to fathom. How is she going to fix this? And, if she tries, will Vin even let her back into his heart after she so inadvertently hurt him? Her family is just so demeaning with their racist comments that result in humiliation. And, who were they to speak? She is constantly a witness to her mother’s regular entertainment of a glass of alcohol while her father constantly solicits his flirtatious nonsense to the female population. So how could they shame the man that she loves?
Ms. Moss writes a story that is innocent and sweet. Two people just wanting to desperately find love. Charlotte is tired of everyone thinking that she will be an old maid, while Vin has been so afraid of starting his life over after a previous love is taken from him unexpectantly. I was more than happy to have read this book! It gave hope to second chances and was eye-opening to the speculation of racism when one can’t see past the obstructed views of their own self. Looking forward to reading more novels by this inspiring author! Couldn’t help but be intrigued by the attractive cover also!
October 16, 2012
I was thrilled when I was contacted to take part in a promotional tour for Brooke’s newest release “The Carny”. I was lucky enough to read her novel “The What If Guy” last year and fell in love with her writing style. This was one of those books that I couldn’t say no to.
At age 18, Charlotte and two friends are enjoying the carnival. A chance encounter brings her face to face with handsome carny Vin and one unforgettable kiss that she can’t get out of her head. Even after 10 years, she can’t get the handsome carny off her mind.
The passing years hasn’t been easy for either Charlotte or Vin. Life has taken them both down very different paths with lots of bumps along the way. When yet another chance encounter being them back together can they rekindle that spark from 10 years ago?
I really liked Charlotte, she had a lot of issues to work through. Her family is controlling and knows what is best for her – at least they think so. Deep down Charlotte knows she needs to get out from under her father’s thumb and away from her parents home. I kept cheering for her to take that step, break out of her shell and stand up for herself and what she believes in.
This was one of those books that I devoured in one sitting, staying up well past my normal bedtime because I had to know what happened with Charlotte and Vin – whether the two of them would be together, would her father get what was coming to him, would she finally stand up to her mother and sisters?
Would I recommend this book? Most definitely! It’s an amazing story of a woman who take that step out into the world and follow her dreams. Will I read more by this author? Of course! I can’t wait to see what Brooke comes up with next!
At age 18, Charlotte and two friends are enjoying the carnival. A chance encounter brings her face to face with handsome carny Vin and one unforgettable kiss that she can’t get out of her head. Even after 10 years, she can’t get the handsome carny off her mind.
The passing years hasn’t been easy for either Charlotte or Vin. Life has taken them both down very different paths with lots of bumps along the way. When yet another chance encounter being them back together can they rekindle that spark from 10 years ago?
I really liked Charlotte, she had a lot of issues to work through. Her family is controlling and knows what is best for her – at least they think so. Deep down Charlotte knows she needs to get out from under her father’s thumb and away from her parents home. I kept cheering for her to take that step, break out of her shell and stand up for herself and what she believes in.
This was one of those books that I devoured in one sitting, staying up well past my normal bedtime because I had to know what happened with Charlotte and Vin – whether the two of them would be together, would her father get what was coming to him, would she finally stand up to her mother and sisters?
Would I recommend this book? Most definitely! It’s an amazing story of a woman who take that step out into the world and follow her dreams. Will I read more by this author? Of course! I can’t wait to see what Brooke comes up with next!
July 26, 2012
I started out really enjoying this book. Brooke Moss writes small towns with beautiful warmth, and I'm a big fan of small town novels, especially ones that center around a fair or carnival or any kind of festival.
I had some issues with the ebook formatting and some editing mistakes that shouldn't have been missed by the publisher (I will point out I don't blame the author for these mistakes, but this was sloppy on the part of the editor/line editor/etc), and that sort of thing drives me crazy when it's consistent. Mistakes do happen, but there were a lot of them in here and I found it hard to overlook.
Then, towards the middle, I just started getting frustrated with Charlotte, the heroine. She didn't just jump to conclusions, she plunged to them. And then just as fast would turn on her heel and want to make things perfect with Vin. I thought their "love" happened to quickly, and many of the romance elements were too cheesy for me. The ending especially felt like every HEA cliche thrown in all at once and I actually exclaimed "oh my GOD" in the last chapter, with no small amount of groaning.
Maybe I'm just too bitter to read really sweet stories, and I'll gladly admit that this is my failing and not the book's. Moss is a good writer and I have another of her books on my Kindle that I'm looking forward to reading based on positive reviews.
If you like super sweet romances with tidy HEAs, you'll probably like this one a lot. Sadly it wasn't my cup of tea.
I had some issues with the ebook formatting and some editing mistakes that shouldn't have been missed by the publisher (I will point out I don't blame the author for these mistakes, but this was sloppy on the part of the editor/line editor/etc), and that sort of thing drives me crazy when it's consistent. Mistakes do happen, but there were a lot of them in here and I found it hard to overlook.
Then, towards the middle, I just started getting frustrated with Charlotte, the heroine. She didn't just jump to conclusions, she plunged to them. And then just as fast would turn on her heel and want to make things perfect with Vin. I thought their "love" happened to quickly, and many of the romance elements were too cheesy for me. The ending especially felt like every HEA cliche thrown in all at once and I actually exclaimed "oh my GOD" in the last chapter, with no small amount of groaning.
Maybe I'm just too bitter to read really sweet stories, and I'll gladly admit that this is my failing and not the book's. Moss is a good writer and I have another of her books on my Kindle that I'm looking forward to reading based on positive reviews.
If you like super sweet romances with tidy HEAs, you'll probably like this one a lot. Sadly it wasn't my cup of tea.
September 18, 2012
Author: Brooke Moss
Published By: Inspell Publishing
Age Recommended: 14
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Blog For: GMTA
Review:
"The Carny" by Brooke Moss was simply sweet, wonderful and heart warming romantic read that I could not put down until I had finished it. I love it from the first page. Just how powerful and memorable was this kiss? Well, I will say it lasted for over ten years. WoW!
Charlotte Davenport and Vincent Youngblood's story starts out with a kiss while she was at a carnival. Ten years later they are now adults and now they were back together. There will be a lots of soul searching in the novel...'love, prejudices, misunderstandings but most of all second chances at love and a final acceptance.'
"The Carny" was a well written story that was very clever, intelligent and funny.I found myself laughing out loud while reading this novel.
All of the characters were all absolutely wonderful really making this story simply a excellent read.
This is a lovely romance had such a wonderful hero that I just couldn't get enough of and if you are interested in a sweet funny romance...you have come to the right place...."The Carny" I would recommend to you.
Published By: Inspell Publishing
Age Recommended: 14
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Blog For: GMTA
Review:
"The Carny" by Brooke Moss was simply sweet, wonderful and heart warming romantic read that I could not put down until I had finished it. I love it from the first page. Just how powerful and memorable was this kiss? Well, I will say it lasted for over ten years. WoW!
Charlotte Davenport and Vincent Youngblood's story starts out with a kiss while she was at a carnival. Ten years later they are now adults and now they were back together. There will be a lots of soul searching in the novel...'love, prejudices, misunderstandings but most of all second chances at love and a final acceptance.'
"The Carny" was a well written story that was very clever, intelligent and funny.I found myself laughing out loud while reading this novel.
All of the characters were all absolutely wonderful really making this story simply a excellent read.
This is a lovely romance had such a wonderful hero that I just couldn't get enough of and if you are interested in a sweet funny romance...you have come to the right place...."The Carny" I would recommend to you.
August 14, 2012
This was an interesting book with some fun characters and a compelling storyline. Charlotte, to me was the kind of character that I just want to wring their necks for being so silly. She did have some good personal growth that was a main focus of the book, but I still felt she had a way to go at the end. Vin is just about the sweetest, most loyal, amazing kind of guy there is. Almost unrealistic in how perfect he was, but he was still a good character. Many side characters filled in the story which focused on Charlotte and the turning points in her life - catalyzed by dating her carny. There is a healthy (or unhealthy, depending on your preferences) dose of over-dramatized reactions, but the story is sound and good. To warn you, this book is a little edgy for me due to more swear words than normal and a bit too casual reference to closed-door scenes.
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August 3, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the story and the characters. I loved how the main character really developed a back bone and eventually gave her family hell for how pretentious they were. I was impressed with Melody in stepping down off her Clydesdale to acknowledge the fact Vin just wasn't a fling for Charlotte. I loved how Melody told her to go after him after that disastrous dinner "party." The only thing that kept me from giving this book a total 5 stars was because I liked Vin, don't get me wrong, but I wish he was a little more rugged with a bit of an edge. If he had waylaid Char's father during that party I would have been much more pleased with him instead of him just sitting there saying "sir." Good read. Will keep and read again.
October 10, 2012
This book is not only about the romance, that transcends race and class, between Charlotte (born into a wealthy family) and Vin (a Native American carny). It is also about the personal growth of Charlotte. Charlotte always felt like a "wallflower" and was insecure especially compared to her beautiful socialite sisters. She was dumped at the altar and returned home to work for her family business though she really wanted to be a florist. Her parents shared a dysfunctional relationship and her mother and sisters would have been a perfect cast for "Housewives of Portland". I enjoyed the romance between Charlotte and Vin. It was so sweet and Vin was truly swoonworthy. He was so tender, loving and patient with her.
December 4, 2012
I absolutely LOVED this book! It has everything from witty dialogue to beautiful descriptions to laugh out loud humor. I was swept away by Vin and Charlotte and their beautiful love story. I adore Brooke Moss's writing style and look forward to future/other works. I will continue to reread and reread "The Carny" over and over. Simply amazing.
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