August

Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate #1

by Duckie Mack

The Balancing 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.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, M M Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Magic, Paranormal Romance

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2024

About the author

She loves reading and writing stories that show that love isn't defined by gender. She writes sweet romance with fun heat, adorkable characters, and is a sucker for an HEA.

She lives in Southern California with her family, 2 dogs, and 3 cats, and loves to give out free hugs at pride events.

Duckie loves to interact with readers and is most active on instagram @authorduckiemack

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Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

August & Alyx
Rating: 3.4 ⭐

- Best Friends Brother
- Human/Shifter (Centaur)
- Paranormal
- Found Family
- Size Difference

Well this was just a sweet paranormal romance with all the cuteness, blushing, and flirting. This has a circus that has become a found family and good start to the series.

Sweet baby August made you want to hug him and fan his blushing cheeks! He is a great friend to Aaron, shy, anxious about his centaur side, and endearing. August is ashamed of his heritage, making him uncomfortable in his own skin to a point where he won't let anyone see him in his centaur form or even partially shifted. Poor thing went through hell in his clan before he left it all behind and mysteriously found himself at the right place and right time to end up joining the circus 10 years ago. Shortly after he joined, Aaron joined and they've been a duo act ever since. When Aaron gets injured, being a showoff to the ladies, his brother Alyx comes to help. Alyx is an exotic dancer after him and his brother left working for the family circus. Alyx never thought he would step foot on circus grounds again but here he is and he takes an instant liking to August at first sight.

The couple was adorable and even with Alyx's riling August up he was so patient with an inexperienced August. He never pushed and always made sure that August knew he was in control, especially after he learned about August's first sexual experience. They take their time to settle into their dynamic and you get to see Alyx breaking down August's walls he has built around himself. Alyx helps August feel valued and treasured for the first time in his life, while helping August gain more confidence in himself. The thongs scenes were 🔥. The epilogue of a year later was a nice addition to see how the group is doing now that Aaron is all healed up.

"I can't believe I got so lucky to have such an incredible person as my mate."
"It's a mirror, baby. Because I see the same thing."

There's intrigue with the little sea shell, well piece of a shell, that played a part throughout this story. I'm curious to see where it turns up next and what that will be about.

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-achingly sweet MM Best Friend's Brother paranormal romance where Opposites Attract. With cuteness, feels, flirting & blushes, a lovely Circus found family, & a sprinkle of magical suspense to start the series!
I loved August & Alyx so much!! I'm happy to be back in this world 😍. Devoured my #ARC in around 5hrs.

August is shy, anxious, serious, endearing. A Centaur, ashamed of his heritage; it's heartbreaking to see him uncomfortable in his own skin. He does the balancing act with bestie & brothers-by-choice Aaron.
Alyx is confident, flirty, playful & sweet. He's Aaron's younger brother (by a year) & does exotic dancing. He never wants to work again in circus after their childhood, but Aaron's injury brings him to BCC...& August! It was meant to be temporary, but.. 😏.

Omg, these 2 are so adorable! Aaron is the perfect wingman, gotta love him match-making haha. The 1st half is such a slow burn, as our 2 settle into their dynamic. I loved seeing Al break down Aug's walls! The spice kicked up in the 2nd half 😉 & it's HOT, I adored that it came with feelings. The thong scenes 😍😂🥵. Heh Al's reaction to PNR world is fun 🤭. Loved the ending & epilogue.

The little sea shell intrigue! I'm curious to see what that will be about. So excited!! RTC.

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5+/5
3) Top feels: 😆☺️🥺😏😍🤭😭😋😤🥰😳🤗😁🐴
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.75/5
Angst: 2/5
Dark: 1/5 (in past)
6) Creativity + world: 4.7/5
7) Plot arc: (Cute Love & Belonging, lil mystery) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

[Riina - huono_lukija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start for the series!

I hadn't read the previous books of the Black Cat Circus before, so I really wasn't sure what to expect, but that didn't matter, since I was able to get into the world easily.

The main relationship of the book was very wholesome. I loved August with all his insecurities and I loved Alyx even more with his supportiveness. The only thing about the book I found a little confusing was the hints of the mystery going on the background (I would've loved to read so much more about it), but I guess we get to that later on.

And because I have a soft spot for magical creatures founding their family I'll definitely be reading the first books of BCC too!

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm happy to report that season 2 of Black Cat Circus has the same vibe of season one! Duckie has done the best friends brother trope as I always hope it will be, where the brother is supportive and wants to see these two people close to him happy!
August has always hidden his pnr side for the bad rep of the species, and when his partner, Aaron, is injured, Aaron calls his brother Alyx in for help. Alyx has avoided the Circus life since his past experiences, but soon realizes how different Black Cat is from any other Circus. These two have a beautiful flirting banter that just is easy and happy. When feelings develop, they must decide together what is best for all three of their futures. It's a beautiful start to season 2, and I can not wait to see how the rest of this round plays out!

[❀ Alex ❀ [Hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome!! Cute, Lighthearted and fun ❤️❤️

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Cat Circus starts off Season 2 with a bang!
Duckie Mack is brilliant again in her contribution to another season of Black Cat Circus. We very briefly hear about August and the Balance Brothers in The Daredevil, but they're barely mentioned again in the first round. August having his own story, and centering around the contrast of the circus act and his centaur half was a really fun read. August is a very sweet and lovable character, and a wonderful opposite for both his act partner, Aaron, and his eventual LI, Alyx, who is Aaron's younger brother. Though Aaron and Alyx are humans, Aaron was allowed the secrets of the BCC since he had been with the company for a decade. Alyx only knows that August is Aaron's act partner, and nothing extensive about the circus itself. Alyx grew up mostly hating his experience in the circus as a kid, and never wanted to revisit the idea. When Aaron gets injured, and asks Alyx to fill in so the Balance Bros don't lose their spot, Alyx is initially wary. As he trains and meshes with August, their connection grows into a deep friendship and attraction, and begins to encourage Alyx to shift his lifestyle priorities.
Though Seven has set a magical barrier upon the circus & staff for the unaware humans, Alyx begins to see things with August that make him more and more curious about his peculiarities. Alyx eventually stumbles upon August during his shifted run, and the couple are forced to confront their emotions for one another and their new situation. August is pleasantly surprised by Alyx's sweet reaction to his centaur, and they both realize that their relationship is only stronger for it.
There's very little coverage in the story about the humming shell that August picked up that had distracted Aaron and caused his injury. It's mentioned when it seems to have been the tool used in August & Alyx's mating brand, but then disappears. I'm wondering if this shell magic is what will continue as the "Pearl of Fate" hook for the new season. I'm looking forward to Conall's story by Rye Cox next.
August is a fantastic read, and I recommend it and all of the Black Cat Circus books to those who love sweet paranormal romance stories with tons of humor and pop-culture references, low/medium angst and lots of spice.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Black Cats Circus and was very excited to hear that the authors got back together to give us more stories from this world. So as soon as August was available I jumped right in. First, let me tell you, it was like reconnecting with old friends, it was the same loving, magical world from the first season. And now back to August...
August just broke my heart. He was so quiet, shy, and full of pain. His past made him guarded of his true nature and wary of letting people get too close. But then Alyx bursts into his life, teasing and flirting with August every chance he had. Their attraction sparked everytime they got close to each other, until a fire was lit, giving us some steamy moments. Alyx was so patient and caring; respectful August's fears and wariness, being exactly what August needed in his life. The pacing of their relationship was perfect for them, allowing time for trust to build and old wounds to heal.
The Black Cat Circus still has its magic of bringing love of all kinds to bloom within its world. And I can't wait for the next victim 😁

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a return to Black Cat Circus! August and Aaron are partners in their circus act. After Aaron breaks his leg, his brother Alyx, the exotic dancer comes to care for him and replaces him in the act, not knowing August is a centaur or the circus is magical. It's a sweet love story with big, timid, withdrawn August fascinated by outgoing, dominant, smaller Alyx. All the original Black Cat performers are back and you can feel there are more stories to tell, beginning with this lovely one. It's a special story, you can feel the emotions are in every page. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just knew I was gonna love this...this was just lovely. All the feels you can get from a romance is in this sweet romance. I loved the first BCC series and this first book in the followup was wonderful start to the series. August and Alyx connection was instant...a true opposites attract...Alyx was bold and outgoing...the right person for August gentle sensitive nature. I LOVE IT!. I will be continuing on with the series...I highly recommend if you enjoy first BCC.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

August by Duckie Mack is part of the multi author Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate series.

August is the first book releasing in this second season of the Black Cat Circus series. It's about August and Alyx. Alyx is the brother of August act partner and best friend. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When these authors got together to release Season one of this series last year, I was completely enamored. This series was and still is my favorite mm series of all time! When the second season of this series got announced I was SO excited!! I had some questions I wanted answered with this second season; was it worth the wait? Will it be as good as the first season? And is it going to evoke the same or similar feeling that the first series did? The answer to those questions are yes, to all of them.

August is a centaur shifter who is apart of a balancing act with his best friend Aaron, when Aaron gets injured, Aaron's brother Alyx, comes to stay with him at the circus. When these two meet they weren't prepared for what they would end up meaning to each other, but that is the magic of the circus after all!

I LOVE this circus!!! August and Alyx's characters were so cute!! I liked how Alyx's character was confident and bold, I also liked how he was so open to everything that he thought he saw going on at the circus. Along with how understanding he was when he found out what August is. August's character was adorable! He was so kind, shy, sweet, and caring. He knew Alyx didn't want to be apart of a circus again and offered to step back from performing until Aaron's leg was healed. That was really thoughtful and considerate of his character to suggest that, however, I'm really glad that Alyx chose to perform with August!

The descriptions of the practices that Alyx and August were performing was so detailed! I could picture what they were doing, it was incredible! What I loved the most about this book is that we got to see all of the characters we got to know from the first season, they were a prominent feature in this story, and I LOVED that!

I'm really curious about what that little seashell means, or what it does. It makes me very excited to keep reading so I can find out!

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first thought before I even read halfway through the book was that I loved August. To me, August seems shy, naive, and handsome. There is just a pull to his character, a vulnerability that you can feel and see. Then towards the end of the book, I realized I was in love with Alyx. His sweetness, care, acceptance of August just filled my heart contentment. It was like fate had stepped in to find the perfect match for August. Someone that had his own trauma and yet was able to grow emotionally and with strength as an adult. Duckie Mack writes sweet with a bit of heat. I know that when I read her books that is what I'm going to get and I love it. Her characters are real, they have a full spectrum of emotions which makes her writing so real to me.

This book, August, is a perfect start to the Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate series. It has all of our favorite characters in it and brings us new characters to fall in love with. It mixes trauma with kindness, fear with acceptance, and a love that seems limitless. I can honestly say that I had barely finished the first set of BCC books when I started asking for more. To me the series is so special. It brings great authors like Duckie, Rye, Morgan, and Kota together to write one cohesive series. They created a magical world with BCC and I can't for the rest of the stories. I can't wait to fall into the world Black Cat Circus and leave this one behind for a little bit.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in the connected series Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate, which is itself a follow up to last year's Black Cat Circus. While there are recurring characters from that, this can stand alone. I've read a lot of shifter stories, with all manner of animal shifters, but a centaur shifter is new to me, and I loved the idea. August is such a sweetheart, I loved him right from the start. He does a circus balancing act with his best friend, Aaron, but when Aaron has an accident he meets Aaron's brother, Alyx and they have an instant connection when Alyx agrees to take Aaron's place while he heals up.

These two together were just the most adorable thing. August came to Black Cat to get away from a bad home situation, the circus is his home, and Aaron is his brother in everything but blood. He's wary of revealing his true centaur nature to anyone, and hides it as much as possible. Alyx is the total opposite to August, he's a former circus kid who became an exotic dancer, he's confident, cocky, yet totally devoted to his brother and these two just work so well together. He's so accepting of everything about August, supportive and loving and it's all just so perfect.

The thread of this series is going to be the pearl that brings all the couples together, it plays a part here and I can't wait for more.

Tropes:
Low Angst
Best friend's brother
Shifters
Paranormal
Found Family
Shared universe

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Natalie for clearing some things up for me before I felt like I could dive into this story ! I loved it!

The MCs seemed perfectly suited for each. 🥰 and it was so endearing to see Aaron so supportive of their relationship and to see how he was looking out for August to then being so happy his brother was the right one for him.🥺

♥︎ Low Angst
♥︎ Hurt / Comfort (Bits of praise)
♥︎ Shy x Confident
♥︎ No scenes with others / no interest in others

- I didn’t know this was season 2 of a multi author series so I’m going to go back and try to read some of the others before continuing. This was really sweet, little to no angst which is usually my jam but I felt myself wishing for a little more something tho I can’t even tell you what what something is.. it just felt like something was missing 🤔
- Now this is a personal pet peeve, but it really bothers me when I’m in the MC’s POV and the introduction to side characters is always them being attractive. Why does the character need to find everyone attractive in their head? Their attractiveness being the first or only stand out characteristic is annoying. I understand wanting to bring attention to characters who have their own books but there are other ways to do that. 🙄
- The epilogue is was nice but I feel kinda robbed that there wasn’t a scene to show August’s reaction to Alyx getting the tattoo. 🥲

[David Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

August
Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate
Duckie Mack
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

A fabulously magical return to Black Cat Circus!

I can’t say enough how much I love Black Cat Circus and August continues their story beautifully.

August is so freaking adorable and even with the shame he carries, he doesn’t let it make him dark or uncaring. Alyx is a little minx! I loved the snarky, flirty interactions between Alyx and August. Aaron has such little brother energy and I loved when he would pop up wiggling eyebrows.

The circus as always is such a magical place, but it’s fun to watch as Alyx almost sees what is hidden under Sev’s magic and then to see his amazement when it falls away.

There was such tension leading up to August’s revelation about his family, past and who he is, that I held my breath through the whole conversation.

The only plot point that killed me, not getting a resolution, was that damned shell. I know it will lead to something bigger, but I want it now. (Please read as Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka)

[isthisakink · Rating 5 out of 5]

So here for season two of BCC🥳

I was deeply invested in the first series in this universe, and I am so glad it’s back for round two!

I loved this story. It was so sweet and full of healing and acceptance, and I loved August and Alyx together. Aaron was also stellar. The whole thing was precious.

What I did not vibe with was the fact that it seemed like the file got corrupted when it was uploaded, and there were heavy glitches in the text. Not, like, editing misses, but for real like glitches in the matrix. Words swapped around, sentences splicing themselves, spaces where they should/shouldn’t be… it was so weird. And it was confusing to try and figure out why I kept catching on things, because the sentence would read right in my brain but my eyeballs were seeing that it wasn’t. Trippy stuff.

4.5/5. I loved it, it just made my brain hurt a little bit sometimes. I don’t think that’s anyone’s fault, I just really think something didn’t load right somewhere and it’s all mixed up. I can’t wait to keep moving forward into the next book!

[Mommysuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first I am reading of this series. However, I was not lost. I will be going back to read the others. I need to read Sev's story.  This looks like a great series.

August and Aaron are partners in a circus act. Aaron is human, and August is a centaur. Aaron decided to show off for two women and wind up breaking his leg.  Alyx, is Aaron's brother rushes to the hospital and decides to take care of his brother. Alyx also stepped in and took Aaron's spot in the circus.

August is afraid Alyx will find out what he and the others in the circus are. Once Alyx does find out he is the best. My heart broke for August at this point. It is so sweet how patient and understanding Alyx is with August.

This is a definite must-read. It could be read as a standalone. However, I will be going back to read the previous books.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to our second season. I love August so much, he is so shy, so unsure of himself yet somehow knows who he wants if not always what he wants. Love how Alyx wants August to know his consent is required and requested before taking any steps so he knows what they want is the same thing. I love how they grow together in themselves and their love. I love the relationship between August and both brothers and how different they are but how important they are. I love the relationship between Alyx and Aaron and how that even grows when he comes to him and helps the team and circus. Even though he's afraid August accepts that Alyx loves and sees him for him and when he lets the magic lead the love even grows more. Come, runaway and join us for this new season. You may even spot Peanut.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

August is part of the multi author Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate series. Each book is a standalone story but why not enjoy the whole series. This story is about August a centaur and Alyx a human. August is part of the Balancing Brothers act and his partner in the act gets hurt so Alyx comes to help out. I fell in love with both of these characters. I also liked Aaron who called Alyx his brother to help until he got better. I love the way Duckie writes. This season of Black Cat Circus is starting out just as good as the first season. I can't wait to read the other books in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and both seasons of the series.

[Amber Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duckie Mack has done it again! After a roaring success in the first round of books featuring the Black Cat Circus, the circus is back in town! I absolutely loved getting to see some of my favorites from the BCC while getting to know some new characters along the way. I absolutely adored August and Alyx together and I loved how Aaron was a supportive brother. Every moment between them was just so sweet and perfect. Their relationship did move fast, but it still felt natural at the same time. I'm now thoroughly invested and cannot wait to read the rest of the books!

[Tosha · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The tension that had been building up in me, the need to break free, was coursing through me with my fight-or-flight instincts readying for action. I found myself needing to know what he thought of me like this. Dreaded it too. But I forced myself to ask.”

August was everything we came to expect from the first series. Strong found family, cameos from all of our favourite characters and now HEA for some of them. You will just love August & Alyx! And a whole new magical element tying this new series together; I can’t wait to see where it takes us!

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

August is really the most lovable character - innocent, shy, hiding a secret that he finds too painful to share. A great way to do a brother's best friend trope, where both brothers were super kind and accepting. I was delighted that there would be new books in the Black Cat Circus series and this fit right in. It was lovely to see the characters from the first books again.

[Melissa Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable. So happy to see the Black Cat Circus folks again. Can't wait to see where the rest of the books take us. August was an absolute cinnamon roll and entirely too precious for this world.

[Trish Skywalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love being back at the BCC with all of our old friends!
This is August’s story, one half of the Balance Brothers. He’s been working with his best friend Aaron for a decade, but when an accident leaves Aaron unable to perform and in need of help, his brother Alyx comes to assist. August can’t help but notice that Alyx is quite the looker. And Alyx feels the same about August.
Alyx does notice that August is careful and guarded. As they grow closer, emotionally and physically, Alyx knows August has a secret. He would never imagine that August isn’t quite human!
These two are so sweet together. August has a lot of fear about who he is and where he came from, but Alyx is so patient and understanding. He really makes August feel safe, and accepts him for who he is, and what he is. And we get to know Aaron, who is absolutely hilarious 🤣🤣
Another great start to the BCC!!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what can I say... Duckie did it again!!! She started the first book in the last 4 book series with Daredevil (which if you haven't read, GOOO READ IT!!) and she knocked it out of the park again!! This book was the sweetest book ever!! The kindness, family bonds, caring characters mixed with humor and mystery, this book has it all!! I'm so excited to read the rest of the Black Cat Circus books again, Duckie started it off with a 5 Star read!!! Highly Recommend!!

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

August by Duckie Mack is the first book in the Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate series by various authors. This story takes place at the Black Cat Circus which is made up of mostly paranormal beings that are hidden from their human audiences. There is a previous series about it that you may want to read first to understand the setting and characters that work there. August is a centaur who left his herd because he was ridiculed for being kind and caring and not wanting to follow their violent ways. He always tried to hide this part of himself because he was afraid it would scare others. Shortly after leaving he found himself at the Black Cat Circus where Seven, the ringmaster, told him to come because he saw his real self and knew he could help him. There he met Aaron, who chose him to be his partner in a balancing act. Aaron was human but he grew up in his parent’s circus where all he had time to do was perform with his brother, Alyx. They finally got fed up with that life and also left. When Aaron missed performing he found the Black Cat Circus and together with August made a big name for themselves with their act. Alyx, on the other hand, had no desire to ever be with a circus again so he became a dancer at a club and was one of their headliners. Then Aaron had an accident that left him unable to perform and when Alyx came to be with him he got talked into taking his place in the balancing act with August. The story continues as they get to know each other while practicing and both feel an attraction. August’s story slowly comes out but he can’t reveal his other side for fear it will scare Alyx away. Alyx is patient with him and continues to see everything about him, even that he is holding back something. August is inexperienced but wants more with Alyx so they take their time and eventually have some very hot love scenes. Meanwhile August hasn’t shifted in a while and starts having problems because of it. When they move to a new town there is a pasture so he goes there late at night and shifts which always makes him feel better. Alyx can’t figure out why he leaves but one night he goes for a run and sees him in his other form which leads to all kinds of angst but also to them finding their way to love. I enjoyed this story. The circus setting is different from other ones that I have read yet it was even better because of the acts the paranormals could do that made them more fantastic than in other circuses. All of the characters were kind and caring. August was shy but very diligent in wanting to do the best act possible. Alyx was sassy yet went slowly with him so he could learn more about him and his needs. Aaron was just like any other brother and added some humor as he teased both of them and the other members of the circus were interesting and supportive of them. I was also happy to see that all 3 of them could form an act together when Aaron recovered from his injury. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories that take place in a circus about shifters who have to hide their other selves yet are willing to risk exposure for love.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
It's so good to be back with the Black Cat Circus and August's story is a great way to get back into the found family, paranormal series.
August's performance partner and best friend, Aaron, finds himself in need of help from his brother after getting injured trying to impress some girls (and not for the first time). Having another human come into the circus's world is a little dangerous considering the people and beings that work there but the Ringmaster's magic will protect them from notice. What August doesn't expect is meeting Alyx and being so immediately drawn to him. Alyx finds himself equally attracted and is willing to help his brother out and work closely with August as they perform their Balancing Bros act every night to the crowds.
There is clear chemistry between the two MC's from the moment they meet, August getting extremely flustered whenever Alyx is around and especially if he has anything nice to say about him, which Alyx finds totally endearing. It's a slow burn romance as August has no confidence in himself or his body when it comes to others, anything romantic or physical. Alyx is so good with him in that regard, constantly reassuring and making sure August knows he is safe and cared for. It's so sad that he's never felt comfortable in his natural form as a centaur, even around his found family at the BCC, but his family made him feel so bad about himself up until he left them that he is constantly trying to make himself smaller and not impact others.
I really enjoyed the relationship development in this book and just how much care Alyx takes with August. Aaron is a fun addition and it's great that there is no jealousy over his best friend and brother being together and working together. It's a seamless flow that makes for another wonderful story in the BCC series. I can't wait for the next one!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by the idea of a magic circus in the Black Cat Circus series where the various performers, most not human, would find their mate. I clearly was not the only one so enthralled since there is now a second season of the Black Cat Circus. Part of my enthusiasm for the series comes from my love of the series title, as I am a huge black cat aficionado. The first installment of the second series is August by Duckie Mack. When asked to name my favorite mythological creature I usually forget centaurs in favor of dragons, even though I’ve read lots of books with centaurs in them. Duckie has an interesting take on centaurs, one I’ve not seen before, which makes this story more entertaining. August is the eponymous centaur who is afraid to let anyone see him in his centaur form for many reasons and has built a shell around his heart as a result. The twist that injures his partner is cute and sets up the reason for Alyx to temporarily join the Balance Brothers act. I especially enjoyed reading how the extreme extrovert Alyx tempers his personality to meet the needs of the very introverted August. His willingness to put August first totally won me over so I can see how it would do the same for August. A great start to a new series part two! I received a free copy of the book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Choyang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this whole series: both the 'Black Cat Circus' books, then the series sequels in 'Black Cat Circus: Pearl of Fate'.
This book, 'August' is the 1st book in the 2nd part of this series: 'BCC: Pearl of Fate', and I've read and liked them all.

I'm hoping for more...(grin)

Sooo...I've actually just re-read this book because I liked it so much, especially intrigued by that elusive Pearl of Fate... which seems to be some type of magical sentient being? (wowza!)

I LOVE this storyline and all (well, most) of the characters (except not the cretins from their pasts)! Love the interplay between the two MCs, both of whom have been emotionally scarred by past circumstances and people.

I got all up in my feels for August as he slowly lets himself become more vulnerable, more trusting with his new love, Alyx. But, he has a HUGE secret he's keeping from him!

And Alyx, taking the time to go easy, emotionally & physically, with August who seems very inexperienced at friendship and love, (with a couple of friend exceptions but even then he holds back) so he doesn't get spooked by his new-found feelings. And Alyx, not wanting to get too close due to emotional fears ...and really, really not wanting anything to do with any more circuses, because of the way he and his brother Aaron were raised, in a different, not-so-nice circus.

I liked that August & Alyx could go full-tilt-boogie steamy pheromones on each other, but also just snuggle with each other, whispering stories in the dark til they fell asleep.

Not gonna throw any major spoilers in here, suffice to say I liked these characters a lot, as well as the whole Black Cat Circus concept, one of the BEST series (both parts 1 & 2) that I've read in a while!

And that 'Pearl of Fate'? How very mysterious and intriguing and I can't hardly wait to discover more!

Two thumbs up 👍👍

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Cat Circus is finally back! I was anxiously waiting for this second season, and this is a very good start!
I loved August and Alyx, they make a perfect couple, and fit very well together, despite being opposites. Alyx is flirty. August is more serious, and at first even a little bit worried about the fact that he’s a centaur shifter, while Alyx is a human.
The two men have to spend a lot of time together after an accident occurred to Aaron, Alyx’s brother and August’s working partner in the circus, and their feelings develop from a simple attraction to something bigger.
I loved Aaron’s part in the story. He knows August and Alyx really well, and he seems to understand from the fist moment that they are meant to be together.
It was also great to meet the other characters from the first season of the series, it just felt like coming back home for a family reunion.
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next, discovering the new couples, and knowing more about the mistery that surrounds the circus, which, I guess, will be unveiled in the last book.