From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Skye Warren comes a new story in her Smoke and Mirrors series.
Charismatic. Devious. Secretive. Emerson Durand is the ringmaster for the illustrious Cirque des Miroirs. In each city he finds a new woman to command for the night. Until he finds the one woman who doesn't bow to his demands.
Luna Rider soars through the air as an aerial acrobat. She's determined to prove herself at the new circus, but she doesn't count on the ringmaster's determination. Or the secrets that hover under the striped tent.
** Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do. **
This little bonus story was the perfect addition to the Smoke and Mirrors series! Emerson may have redeemed himself in my eyes with his actions,and he sorely needed to…. Because those actions caused so much pain,so much trouble for Logan and Sienna! He wanted to make up for it,and he thought he’d found the perfect way to do that by getting the performer Logan had wanted,but never found a way to gain for his circus. Luna lived in a world of pain,and her only escape was in her performance,and with Seraphina. She’d accepted she’d never be able to leave her father’s circus,and his abuse,not alive anyway…. Until that night,until that stranger,the one that won her from her father in a cardgame. That night changed her life,and Seraphina’s, in ways she’d never thought possible.
Short story that packed a punch,a story that i loved very much!
EMERSON. OMGGG. I LOVED HIMMMMMM. Love me a good anti-hero. I wish this was a full length novel so I could read more about him and Luna! Perfection. The ringmaster and the athlete. Just amazing.
This short novella follows Luna and Emerson, two circus performers from rival circuses. Luna is a star and Emerson is determined to make her his and take her to his circus. It’s more nuanced than that description but it’s a novella and so I don’t want to give too much away.
Emerson is super cocky, French, and dresses like a model. He has an attitude where you sort of want to punch him but he’s also really endearing as well. The ringmaster thing was a little bit to overcome for me because I can’t help but imagine a sillier character.
But the scene where he’s pretending to be a ringmaster and telling Luna what to do in the bedroom is surprisingly hotter than I expected and really changed things for me. Maybe I do like the circus 😂.
His POV is super possessive but when it comes down to it he was really looking out for Luna and what she wanted.
Luna is a very controlled woman who has never really had her own life and I enjoyed her story transformation and how she got to feel free with Emerson. She has had a rough life and I liked her personality and that she wasn’t naive when so many times this type of character is portrayed with no backbone.
The story moves very quickly and the ending is abrupt, which again since it’s a novella I wasn’t surprised by that but I would have loved to see how things planned out a little bit more.
I would classify the story as dark romance lite in that there’s elements in the possessive MMC and the heavy topics. There’s definitely triggers here, specifically SA. It doesn’t occur but it’s spoken about quite a bit.
Overall this was really fun and I enjoyed a quick, spicy read set in a setting that I’d never really expect since I don’t think I’ve ever read this type of book about a circus before.
Emerson, the ringmaster for the most successful circus, is recruiting for performers…one in particular, Luna Rider. Unfortunately, there are a few obstacles he needs to deal with first before she will accept his proposal😳
A good story, but I honestly feel we didn’t really get to know Emerson as well as we could have so definitely would’ve liked a bit more information about him. I loved Luna but felt she’d been handed a raw deal but loved how this ended❣️
Romance and passion at the circus? This is unmissable. Especially if it's written by this author. I like her writing style filled with deep emotions and dark nuance.
So in this novella, the lovely young woman is steeped in a life of misery and sacrifice, and then comes the hero clad in disruption and maybe salvation. Could he be worse than her current fate? At least his promises are covered in desire.
I love everything in this story. It's intense and infused with tragedy and twisted emotions. This couple is fure fire!
Yes, they share intimate moments with naked skin and dirty deeds, but it goes beyond that. Emerson is a villain, yet he's still got a speck of soul and it soars as the trapeze artist Luna soars when she performs. So much sense of freedom there!
Terrible circumstances have marked her life. My heart went out to her. He seems to be there to spark new pains, but oh no, he brings an exciting dawn of redemption and hope. It's beautiful, really.
I love the tension when he barges into her stale life, the playful and catlike seduction he showers on her, the connection they make amidst the pacts and the gambles. So good.
A pity that it isn't longer, and I'd rather have read the final book in Logan and Sienna's trilogy before this novella.
The darkness is what is hidden in their souls! These two have baggage, and pain, and what appears on their surface, isn’t what lingers below. It is no wonder they can shock the other; It is no wonder they instantly know the other; It is no wonder that they connect without even wanting to, and it consumes them. Great storytelling, vibrant characters, and all the alpha-male you can handle!
Any book or series that is written by Skye Warren always delivers a well written story with unusual characters that you don't find in any other books. She is not a "rinse and repeat" author and always grounds me when I am having a dry spell of stories/characters that are not satisfying.
Emerson and Luna's story was one that redeemed Emerson's character from the "Cirque des Miroirs" trilogy where he is the behind the scene villian. He has been forced to leave the circus and sees Luna, an amazing trapeze artist; as his way back into their good graces. My only complaint was that the book wasn't long enough. I didn't want it to end. Whether Ms. Warren is writing a novella or a complete series her stories and characters seldom disappoint the reader. She knows how to pace her work and create characters with depth that she reveals in a succinct method. She builds her plots with many distractions and revelations that may start one way and go another. I love that she is not predictable right up to the very end.
Even though Luna and Emerson's characters were presented in a novella, Ms. Warren was able to take a deep dive into Luna's backstory and provide Emerson with a love match that meant more to him than himself. He is a very cocky, self-center man who has f.......ked his way through towns and women until he meets Luna. The story wasn't focused on his sexual kinks as much as it was focused on a sexual attraction that was far more satisfying because it included the concept of "true love". Emerson was willing to leave Luna because he didn't deserve her until she proves him wrong.
Great story that will resonate with me long after reading this book.
Three and a half This is a novella so sadly everything gets finished pretty abruptly which is a shame because the story had me invested in these characters and I'd have liked a lot more. Luna is a trapeze artist who has been kept totally under her truly awful fathers thumb or should that be boot because he's a piece of work ! So speaking of a piece of work that's where Emerson fits in quite well. He's a very cxxxy, opinionated French ringmaster who thinks he's always right and right now he's determined to take Luna away. What follows is a journey for Luna not just to escape her vile father but to discover that she can be oh so much more than a pawn and that actually yes she does deserve more ! My first book by this author and she certainly writes a steamy tale with flair. As dominating as Emerson is he's not afraid to empower Luna which felt perfect so I'm a bit sad that the last chapter just felt quick and abrupt. Yes he shows he has compassion but truthfully this reader was left wanting more which is a shame. Bottom line if new to this author it's eye opening as to her style and if already invested in her work a great way to catch up with her characters. This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
If you’ve invested any time in Skye Warren’s Smoke and Mirrors (Cirque des Miroirs) trilogy, take a moment and read Blue Moon, a nibble of a novella based on the enigmatic and charismatic showman, Emerson. As the “villain” of the trilogy (or seemingly so), Warren situates him in a more morally gray position in Blue Moon. He’s responsible for finding a new act for Circque des Miroirs as penance, and he finds it with Luna, a gorgeous acrobat. Throughout the novella, Emerson shows the complications of his character as he saves Luna from an abusive situation while wanting to covet her for himself. There is definite chemistry and team between Emerson and Luna, a cornerstone of a Skye Warren story.
However, Emerson’s novella is wildly underdeveloped, leaving us with questions at the end of Blue Moon. Maybe it’s because Emerson is an important character in the Smoke and Mirrors trilogy, but I was hoping for more from his story. Warren may have more for him in store later, but Blue Moon feels like mostly a start, not an end for Luna and Emerson. I know that 1001 Dark Nights and Blue Box Press stories are short-form; however, I’ve read several of them to know that I wanted more from Warren for this story.
Luna Rider has been training for the circus since she was born. Now an accomplished trapeze artist, she is the main draw to her father’s circus, Blue Moon.
Emerson Durand, renowned ringmaster for Cirque de Miroirs, wants Luna — both to join Cirque de Miroirs, and on a physical level. And he’s willing to lie and cheat to get his way.
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This was a short and sweet novella set within Skye Warren’s Smoke & Mirrors series.
I adored the instant attraction and chemistry between Luna and Emerson. Luna is drawn to Emerson, despite knowing she shouldn’t be. Emerson is determined and taken aback by the protectiveness he immediately feels for Luna. He has decided that Luna deserves better than the hand she has been dealt, and he is resolved to give it to her, no matter what it takes.
I hope we get more Emerson & Luna in the future! It was nice watching Emerson grow and evolve throughout this story, and I would love to see more of the two of them in the future 💜
Blue Moon is a novella in Skye Warren’s Smoke & Mirrors series and although I’ve not read any of those books, I enjoyed this story so much. The author managed to pack an emotional punch into Emerson and Luna’s tale. It’s a very quick read but contained more substance than some other books I’ve read that were double the size. Luna’s life in her father’s circus has not been her own and has been marred by abuse. When Emerson shows up to take her away to another circus, she’s not certain she will be any better off than she is now.
I don’t want to give too much away as this is a novella, but the writing was lyrical and the story immensely engaging. I was pulled right into this little book and at times felt as if I were soaring along with Luna. Emerson is a ringmaster and there is a cleverly intimate scene where he directs Luna as he would the circus. Blue Moon was a delight from start to finish and I’m eager to read the rest of the Smoke & Mirrors series.
Emerson Durand had been ejected from the Cirque Des Miroirs after attempting against Sienna, Logan Whitmere’s now wife. Now he’s betting on obtaining Luna Rider, world renowned trapeze athlete, as his ticket to get inside the circus again. But what he didn’t realize is that he was going to be owned too.
I loved that this story could be read in a couple hours and yet, it felt like a complete story. Emerson is the same as in the series, a little cocky, a little tricky, and a little honest. He won Luna by his usual trickery but he would have taken her away anyway because she was not safe in her current situation. All the feelings he used to scorn in Logan came to bite him in the butt and that was the final joke on the ringmaster.
Entertaining as usually expected from this gifted author!
The 1001 Dark Night books are smaller short novellas.
In this book we have Luna Rider soars through the air as an aerial acrobat. She was once an Olympic gymnastics competitor. Now, she works as an aerial acrobat in the circus. She has a younger sister to look after and care for. They both live with the circus performers and try to do their best and help out where they can.
Emerson Durand is the ringmaster for the illustrious Cirque des Miroirs. Once he finds Luna he can't seem to forget about her. He wants her in his show and no one else's.
If Luna goes with Emerson will they be able to both work together?
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Blue Moon by Skye Warren is a captivating addition to the Smoke and Mirrors series. It features the enigmatic ringmaster Emerson Durand and the determined aerial acrobat Luna Rider. The author weaves a tale of charisma, deception, and secrecy under the striped tent of the illustrious Cirque des Miroirs. As Emerson seeks control over every woman he encounters, Luna emerges as the one who refuses to submit to his demands.
This novella skillfully explores the dynamics of power and desire, creating a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between Luna and Emerson radiates off each page, especially during the spicy scenes. Emerson is a possessive MMC who takes his 'performance' in the bedroom very seriously. Overall, this was a great story that I wish could have been longer! Another great addition to the Smoke and Mirrors series!
I loved this book. Great world building and amazing characters. Easy to read and addictive plot. I loved the first two books in this series and this was a great bonus. It’s very beautifully written.
Emerson Durand is a charismatic and secretive ringmaster for the Cirque des Miroirs. Commanding and possessing alpha. Luna Rider is an aerial acrobat. She is determined and strong. She is providing for her sister.
Luna doesn’t bow to Emerson, like so many others. Their chemistry is off the charts. They are perfect for each other. Dive into this mysterious novella and uncover the secrets that are hidden under the striped tent.
Overall I loved this book. If you’re a fan of unconventional book tropes, then I recommend reading this novella.
Emerson goes on a mission to get Luna to leave her father's circus and come to his. He wants to make amends and thinks this is the perfect way to go. Luna, however, doesn't get much say which seems to be her lot in life. She is used as a pawn by her father, and it seems like Emerson is going the same thing. I will say that I didn't mind either character, but I didn't particularly care that much about them either. As it is a novella, it was very short and kind of skipped over some things. This is the first book I've read in this series and I felt like I was missing some important things. It would have been nice to know why Emerson felt like he needed to have Luna with him to get back into the circus.
Emerson was fired by Logan when he put Sienna in danger. He has always been a part of the circus and wants back in, and he’s convinced that Luna Rider is his way back. Luna is an aerial acrobat in another, more seedy circus that her father owns. She is not well taken care of by her father and Emerson knows that Logan will help her if he can get her to go with him. So… he goes to her circus, and makes a wager with her father.. and wins Luna. But there’s more to the story, much more. You’ll love this book. Plus, we do get to see Sienna and Logan again and see where they’re at in their lives.
This is an extension of the Smoke and Mirrors duet that is Sienna and Logan’s story, and it’s good.. so good. I’m a Skye Warren fan, and have always loved her books.
OK wait wait wait wait wait Hold up What is in this novella ?! Because I am ADDICTED
But first as always
🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁
DUAL POV 🙌🙌🙌
So this is my first introduction to this author and first introduction to a circus theme romance book, and ... I loved it?! Like I'm needing more
This is the perfect novella introduction to this world. The book is so good. There's flirting banter, sprinkle of dark themes and the spice was delicious. The characters are fantastic, the MMC is hott. I am definitely adding the other books to the top of my TBR because this was great I loved it so much. I need more
This was a quick, hot and chaotic novella! It explores a known character from the past books and a new FMC while also showcasing some moments with Logan and Sienna which are the main characters from the first two books.
Emerson and Luna are both intriguing and likeable characters, I really enjoyed hearing more about Emerson’s background and all about Luna who is super resilient.
It had somewhat a very quick insta love beginning which isn’t always my favorite. It also left me wanting more at the end, i don’t know if this was done on purpose to show more of them in upcoming books? But I’ll definitely be on the lookout to hear more about them!
Hang onto your seats, and get ready for the greatest show! The Cirque des Miroirs is back in town, and it's bringing all the drama, angst, intrigue, mystery, shady characters, steamy goodness, and danger we've come to expect. There are twists and turns you won't see coming, and I loved every minute of it.
This novella was a quick read. It was perfectly paced and well written with a highly entertaining plot, and it kept me turning the pages as fast as possible. I'm a huge fan of Skye Warren's books, and this only further solidifies why I love reading her books. I highly recommend reading it. It is a standalone with a HEA.
When Emerson displeases his boss, he decides to make amends by recruiting Luna to the circus that he works at. He makes a deal with her father however convincing both Luna and her father is proving to be more difficult than he imagined.
Luna has her reasons for working at the circus her father owns and it isn’t because she enjoys it or wants to be near her father. She may be intrigued and attracted to Emerson but even that may not be enough to convince her to leave.
The chemistry between Emerson and Luna is undeniable and everything that Luna has been through in the past has only made her stronger and more determined to protect those she loves.
I've said it in the second installment of the Smoke and Mirrors series, and I'll say it again; the mystique of the circus, and the intriguing almost other-worldly atmosphere Warren created in the first novel are gone. Blue Moon was a short novella supposedly still centred around the circus, though honestly, it could have well been the story of a mobster. The guns, dirty tricks, back-alley card games and, human trafficking - it all screamed Mafia/mobster setting. I know Warren has written those as well, so it was just so disappointing to slip into this world again after I enjoyed the almost fantastical world of the circus she created in the first book.
I love this book so much. Emerson is the perfect, slick, con artist of a ring leader - the best ringleader the circus has ever seen. He can commend the attention of any audience. Luna is a trapeze artist who commands attention from the audience in her own way. When Emerson comes to recruit to his circus, all bets are off. Circus folk don’t play by the rules, and Emerson sees something he wants, he goes after it. The only complaint I had about this book was that it was too short as novella’s often are. I wanted more of these two.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Novella as a great introduction into the Smoke and Mirrors series.
Luna is a trapeze artist that brings in the crowds. Emerson is the man who wants to take her away to the circus he works for and he wants her for more than just working at the circus. Luna has been used and used by her father for his circus, all he wants in the money he makes off her performances. Emerson wins her in a poker game. He takes Luna away, but Luna has a secret she needs to protect. Can Emerson get her away from her father! Grab this Novella and welcome to the circus!
This is Emerson and Luna’s story. He’s the circus’s MC. She is a talent he’s “scouting”, a wonderful acrobat. He is ruthless and takes what he wants, at the same time wants to be back working at the circus. It’s an unexpected story to a certain point, as it presents what happens behind the scenes at the circus and how difficult life there could be. Nevertheless, it was exciting to read and know a bit about Logan and his circus at this point in time.
The book is about Luna and Emerson.They are two circus performers from rival circuses. Emerson is determined to make Luna his and take her to his circus. Emerson is french and his's possessive. When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Skye Warren is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book
I loved this story of Emerson and Luna!! He goes to her circus with the purpose to steal her away to earn his place back at his circus. Their chemistry is fire. He succeeds but when he finds out the things that she's been through, he doesn't feel worthy if her. Emerson literally saved Luna and her sister Seraphina. Along the way, Luna falls for him. I love these two together. I highly recommend this book!!
This was short and entertaining. Emerson sees himself as the bad guy, but he's determined to have Luna, for the circus and for herself. They both have such interesting backstories, and there's a lot packed into this novella. Though it kind of just ends, it does end happily and I liked seeing her be brave and take what she wants.
I found this story to be beautifully melancholic Luna’s past is horrific but that is not what initially motivates Emerson but when he finds out it drives him. Seraphina was a surprise but not a problem and she and Luna are welcomed with open arms by Logan and Sienna. The ending was a surprise but offers hope for the future.
Emerson and Luna’s story was exciting and twisty. There is such exquisite tension and an avalanche of fiery sparks that zing and zap between these characters that it is almost impossible to put this book down for any reason. The pacing may be fast but that does exactly nothing to dull the intensity of this pair and their tantalizing story.