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Circle of Freaks
Since I was a little girl, I fell in love with the circus. It's all I ever wanted to see up close or be a part of. There was no room for things like that where I grew up. There was no room for anything except bad memories and bad expectations.
Every year around Devil's Night, since we moved to Stockbridge, the Circle of Freaks paranormal circus comes to town. It's an eighteen-and-over horror show in which no one talks about what goes on inside because they can't.
But this year is different. This year, my prayers have been answered by gifting me a ticket. Despite what people think of me at school. Despite the girls gone missing––– Found dead. I wasn't prepared for what I would see.
I wasn't prepared for…him.
Every year around Devil's Night, since we moved to Stockbridge, the Circle of Freaks paranormal circus comes to town. It's an eighteen-and-over horror show in which no one talks about what goes on inside because they can't.
But this year is different. This year, my prayers have been answered by gifting me a ticket. Despite what people think of me at school. Despite the girls gone missing––– Found dead. I wasn't prepared for what I would see.
I wasn't prepared for…him.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
63 people are currently reading
1997 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
February 24, 2025
I'm starting to wonder what's wrong with me 😭🤣
April 16, 2025
⭐️3.75 🌶️3.5
is it me am I the drama ? 🤣😭 .
I seriously enjoyed this , but it was so many wtf moments and the twist definitely twisted fersure .
Draco seemed like such an asshole even tho he suspected from the jump she was the one and Ivy was such a complex character .
I’m still stuck on that ending bc excuse me ?!
is it me am I the drama ? 🤣😭 .
I seriously enjoyed this , but it was so many wtf moments and the twist definitely twisted fersure .
Draco seemed like such an asshole even tho he suspected from the jump she was the one and Ivy was such a complex character .
I’m still stuck on that ending bc excuse me ?!
May 3, 2024
What the heck!! This book was crazy good. I absolutely loved the twisted darkness it had, the mystery and the gothic vibes! Draco and Ivy were great together. Their connection was intense. They were hot, erotic, and the spice was off the charts!
I devoured this book in one sitting because once I started I couldn’t stop reading! The twists and turns keep you hooked. Carmen is a fantastic writer when it comes to truly dark, thriller romances. Her writing draws you instantly and takes you on a crazy ride! I haven’t read Whispers In The Dark, but now I’m definitely going back to read Alice’s story.
I devoured this book in one sitting because once I started I couldn’t stop reading! The twists and turns keep you hooked. Carmen is a fantastic writer when it comes to truly dark, thriller romances. Her writing draws you instantly and takes you on a crazy ride! I haven’t read Whispers In The Dark, but now I’m definitely going back to read Alice’s story.
October 11, 2024
this book is utter shit.
draco is shit.
the smut is shit.
the writing is shit.
draco is shit.
the smut is shit.
the writing is shit.
May 1, 2024
***4,5 "True love never dies!!!" stars***
"We all have secrets.
We all have fears. Wants. Needs. Desires.
I want all of hers, but mine she will fear."
Wow!!! This series has it all!!!
Gothic atmosphere, twists, erotism, and intriguing plotline!!!
I was so happy that we got Ivy's side of the story... I liked how the author handle it!!!
I liked that this time, we got deeper into the dark circus and we learned more about it and Draco.
I loved that there were paranormal aspects in it!!!
And I loved that some missing points from the first book get ansered in here!!!
I am very exciting for the next book, and why not? I would love to read Keir's story too!!!
"Welcome to the Circle of Freaks, my love. I own you now."
Ivy was labeled as a slut from the rest of the school, because she had a bad experience...
Unfortunately for her, even though that she is working really hard to change her life, the people around her are dragging her down...
Until, a childhood dream is coming true and she is stepping foot in the haunted carnival that you can enter only if you are above eighteen...
From that moment and the moment that Draco is giving her a free ticket to enter the Circle of Freaks, her life is changing drastically...
"I'm not a prince. I'm not a savior but I'm the man they all will fear if they so much as touch you."
I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Draco...
I liked the history behind their unique bond...
I liked that some things finally connected in here...
I liked the mystery, the haunting aura, the horror circus and everything that surrounded them...
I am so intrigued by this world and I want more...
Delilah Croww has created something magnificent in here, and if you have no triggers and you are enjoying dark romances that are touching the edge of horror, then you have to enter this incredible world!!!
"The perfect love story."
"That doesn't exist."
"It exists... with us."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"We all have secrets.
We all have fears. Wants. Needs. Desires.
I want all of hers, but mine she will fear."
Wow!!! This series has it all!!!
Gothic atmosphere, twists, erotism, and intriguing plotline!!!
I was so happy that we got Ivy's side of the story... I liked how the author handle it!!!
I liked that this time, we got deeper into the dark circus and we learned more about it and Draco.
I loved that there were paranormal aspects in it!!!
And I loved that some missing points from the first book get ansered in here!!!
I am very exciting for the next book, and why not? I would love to read Keir's story too!!!
"Welcome to the Circle of Freaks, my love. I own you now."
Ivy was labeled as a slut from the rest of the school, because she had a bad experience...
Unfortunately for her, even though that she is working really hard to change her life, the people around her are dragging her down...
Until, a childhood dream is coming true and she is stepping foot in the haunted carnival that you can enter only if you are above eighteen...
From that moment and the moment that Draco is giving her a free ticket to enter the Circle of Freaks, her life is changing drastically...
"I'm not a prince. I'm not a savior but I'm the man they all will fear if they so much as touch you."
I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Draco...
I liked the history behind their unique bond...
I liked that some things finally connected in here...
I liked the mystery, the haunting aura, the horror circus and everything that surrounded them...
I am so intrigued by this world and I want more...
Delilah Croww has created something magnificent in here, and if you have no triggers and you are enjoying dark romances that are touching the edge of horror, then you have to enter this incredible world!!!
"The perfect love story."
"That doesn't exist."
"It exists... with us."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
May 13, 2024
Trigger warnings: SA, Attempted SA, and blood
I LOVE THIS BOOK! This is the first of its kind and the first that I have seen that feed into the Halloween/Haunted house worker kink of guys in costumes. The writer is really good with keeping you hooked. I do wish she spent a little more time describing the characters, and life at the circus (rather than the steady hardships of home/school/work) but overall it's a great quick read.
I LOVE THIS BOOK! This is the first of its kind and the first that I have seen that feed into the Halloween/Haunted house worker kink of guys in costumes. The writer is really good with keeping you hooked. I do wish she spent a little more time describing the characters, and life at the circus (rather than the steady hardships of home/school/work) but overall it's a great quick read.
April 30, 2024
I’ve been waiting for this since I read Whispers in the Dark. This answered a lot of the questions I was left with after reading the first novella. We finally get Ivy’s POV. Ivy and Draco’s story is beautiful. The way Delilah (Carmen Rosales) is with world building and character development is next level. If you read the first novella then you somewhat have an idea of things but whewww it is still a mindf*(k🤯 .This is meant for people with no triggers. This is dark erotic horror with just the right amount of spice 🥵 Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down. I freaking devoured it!! I’m so ready for more of their story, I don’t want to have to wait till October 😭😭but I know it will be amazing.
5/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️
5/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️
May 5, 2024
This book caught my eye because I’m a big fan of books with a circus/carnival/theme park theme to them. This has a dark paranormal circus and carnival as well as masked men, an obsessed and possessive MMC who unalives people and a FMC who faces many struggles before the MMC comes along. It has all the makings of a great book.
This book was so good until around 80%, and I debated posting about this one because I don’t like posting negative reviews but the fact that this was totally worth reading for that first 80% of the book has me on the fence. The last 20% of this book seemed rushed and like the author forgot that they wanted it to be a certain subgenre and added a bunch of stuff at the very end that got super confusing and didn’t make much sense. It was like I was reading a completely different story and there were several big reveals all at the end that really didn’t need to be there. If this book continued with the same thing and had an ending that fit with the first 80% of the book I would have given it 5⭐️
I gave this 3.5 ⭐️ and did really enjoy all but the last 20%
This book was so good until around 80%, and I debated posting about this one because I don’t like posting negative reviews but the fact that this was totally worth reading for that first 80% of the book has me on the fence. The last 20% of this book seemed rushed and like the author forgot that they wanted it to be a certain subgenre and added a bunch of stuff at the very end that got super confusing and didn’t make much sense. It was like I was reading a completely different story and there were several big reveals all at the end that really didn’t need to be there. If this book continued with the same thing and had an ending that fit with the first 80% of the book I would have given it 5⭐️
I gave this 3.5 ⭐️ and did really enjoy all but the last 20%
May 9, 2024
It was a good read but, it was so confusing at one point. All the truths and secrets were revealed all the sudden without proper slow build-up. But, overall, I loved it. It was a nice book.
Please read trigger warnings before reading this book.
Book Review:
What happens when you have been living a life of hell? What happens when you are doing everything you can do to survive and attend a school for a better life? What happens when you badly want to attend a freak circus about which you have been wishing since childhood? What happens when you finally get a chance to attend it with your friend? What happens when you gets a chance to attend it as a VIP? What happens when you encounter someone and you feel a kind of bond with that person? What happens when people suddenly start disappearing? Who do you think could be behind all this?
Tropes & T/Ws:
>> Dark romance
>> Circus show / Paranormal
>> Murder / Kidn@pping
>> MFF / FF romance
>> Reincarnation / Mystery
>> R@pe / Voyeurism
>> Touch her & Die (literally)
>> Chasing / P!erced p**n
>> St@lker
Read this amazing paranormal circus romance book and know what happens when she finally meets him.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Please read trigger warnings before reading this book.
Book Review:
What happens when you have been living a life of hell? What happens when you are doing everything you can do to survive and attend a school for a better life? What happens when you badly want to attend a freak circus about which you have been wishing since childhood? What happens when you finally get a chance to attend it with your friend? What happens when you gets a chance to attend it as a VIP? What happens when you encounter someone and you feel a kind of bond with that person? What happens when people suddenly start disappearing? Who do you think could be behind all this?
Tropes & T/Ws:
>> Dark romance
>> Circus show / Paranormal
>> Murder / Kidn@pping
>> MFF / FF romance
>> Reincarnation / Mystery
>> R@pe / Voyeurism
>> Touch her & Die (literally)
>> Chasing / P!erced p**n
>> St@lker
Read this amazing paranormal circus romance book and know what happens when she finally meets him.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2024
Ivy and Draco🎪
This was a wonderful read! I was a little confused with what was going on probably because I didn't read whispers in the dark first, but once I finished it, it all started to make a little more sense. What I loved about reading circle of freaks was the twisted darkness, the mystery, and the spice. Ivy and Draco are amazing. I'm definitely going to go read Whispers in the dark for Alice's POV.
This was a wonderful read! I was a little confused with what was going on probably because I didn't read whispers in the dark first, but once I finished it, it all started to make a little more sense. What I loved about reading circle of freaks was the twisted darkness, the mystery, and the spice. Ivy and Draco are amazing. I'm definitely going to go read Whispers in the dark for Alice's POV.
May 2, 2024
5+🌟 𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑱𝒂𝒘-𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 & 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 🔥
𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺/ 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺 :📑
🎪 Dark High School Romance
🎪 Paranormal Circus
🎪 €rot!© Horror
🎪 Obsessive H
🎪 Sinister Chilling vibes
🎪 Shocking Secrets
🎪 Mysterious & Thrilling ride
🎪 Reincarnation
🎪 FCKING 🔥🔥 (Hot MF scenes & also very hot FF scenes🥵🌶️ )
💕𝑭𝑨𝑽𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑻𝑬 𝑸𝑼𝑶𝑻𝑬 💕
𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔.
📢 𝑪𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑹𝒀 𝑪𝑨𝑳𝑳-𝑶𝑼𝑻: 📢
Please read the CWs by the author, as this one is a treat for lovers of Dark Horror Romance and there's a reason it's said, read this only if you have no triggers. You've been warned. 😉
𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: 📝
I absolutely loved book 1, Whispers in the Dark but had so many questions left unanswered and some things that I really couldn't comprehend fully.
BUT THIS ONE, EXCEEDED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS, ANSWERED EVERYTHING AND I LOVED IT OVER THE TOP FOR THE INSANE TWISTS & SECRETS AND THE CHERRY ON TOP WAS LOADS OF HOT SPICY TIMES.🔥
But please do heed the warnings given by the author but Dark Romance lovers, like myself will have an absolute blast reading this one as you will keep on guessing but will still be unable to deduce the Why and What behind it all.
Ivy is a student and her living condition might be bad because she has to struggle to keep the lights on and it doesn't help her case for having a mother who's the worst like she does, yet Ivy intends to complete her school and make a name for herself.
I'd met Ivy in the previous book and it was amazing and thrilling seeing the life from her side of the tracks while also viewing the parallel version of events. (you'll know what I mean if you've read book 1, no worries though as this is not a spoiler)
I don't know why but Ivy's troubled life had me intrigued because of her stubbornness maybe to not bow down to people who wanted to put her down or act superior to her because of her background.
That girl has a spark and I was in awe to see her fighting spirit.
Especially when High School kids are the worst and especially after the one incident, it's almost like a battle everyday for her to keep her head up.
Ivy has always been fascinated with the Circus although the one in their town looks freaky and she wants to go but doesn't really have the money for it.
We are taken into a chilly Circus that's so mysterious just like it's ring master and the many horrific rides and antics look fun but why so feel scary too.
Also, why does Ivy feel this pull to the handsome stranger who pops up every time she's in trouble and then disappears into thin air?!
Oohhh... The writing is so eerie and makes you feel the chilling vibe and sets the stage perfectly for this Romantic Horror ride. The Dark vibe and thrilling twists will grab you and won't let go until you enter this ' Circus made of Freaks' and surely you will be as obsessed with this story as it will drive you crazy.
I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT MENTION: THANK YOU A TON, Ms. Croww - FOR LISTENING TO ME AND GIVING US SOME REALLY SPICY FF TIMES.
I remember saying this in my last review as the only complaint. I felt our author had teased us in Book 1.
But this book.....OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS. I was wide-eyed and pleasantly surprised to find "the one" full on DAYUMM HOT SCENE, which we didn't get in the previous one AND ALSO WE GET MORE. LIKE OH MY.... THIS ONE SUCH A FREAKING PANTY MELTER FOR SURE. 🥵🥵🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥
Draco Hades is obsessed over Ivy and I have to say the intensity and the deep emotions feel so raw and so real that it will definitely pierce your heart especially after knowing the extent of Draco's dedication for her.
There are deep secrets that Draco harbours but the one he can't hide even if he tried is his Obsession for Ivy and how he can't stay away from her.
Ahhh.... Ms. Croww has made a fan out of me for this genre. I seriously can't get enough of it and I'm already counting the days till the next book comes out.
5+ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Abso-freaking-lutely loved loved loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺/ 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺 :📑
🎪 Dark High School Romance
🎪 Paranormal Circus
🎪 €rot!© Horror
🎪 Obsessive H
🎪 Sinister Chilling vibes
🎪 Shocking Secrets
🎪 Mysterious & Thrilling ride
🎪 Reincarnation
🎪 FCKING 🔥🔥 (Hot MF scenes & also very hot FF scenes🥵🌶️ )
💕𝑭𝑨𝑽𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑻𝑬 𝑸𝑼𝑶𝑻𝑬 💕
𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔.
📢 𝑪𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑹𝒀 𝑪𝑨𝑳𝑳-𝑶𝑼𝑻: 📢
Please read the CWs by the author, as this one is a treat for lovers of Dark Horror Romance and there's a reason it's said, read this only if you have no triggers. You've been warned. 😉
𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: 📝
I absolutely loved book 1, Whispers in the Dark but had so many questions left unanswered and some things that I really couldn't comprehend fully.
BUT THIS ONE, EXCEEDED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS, ANSWERED EVERYTHING AND I LOVED IT OVER THE TOP FOR THE INSANE TWISTS & SECRETS AND THE CHERRY ON TOP WAS LOADS OF HOT SPICY TIMES.🔥
But please do heed the warnings given by the author but Dark Romance lovers, like myself will have an absolute blast reading this one as you will keep on guessing but will still be unable to deduce the Why and What behind it all.
Ivy is a student and her living condition might be bad because she has to struggle to keep the lights on and it doesn't help her case for having a mother who's the worst like she does, yet Ivy intends to complete her school and make a name for herself.
I'd met Ivy in the previous book and it was amazing and thrilling seeing the life from her side of the tracks while also viewing the parallel version of events. (you'll know what I mean if you've read book 1, no worries though as this is not a spoiler)
I don't know why but Ivy's troubled life had me intrigued because of her stubbornness maybe to not bow down to people who wanted to put her down or act superior to her because of her background.
That girl has a spark and I was in awe to see her fighting spirit.
Especially when High School kids are the worst and especially after the one incident, it's almost like a battle everyday for her to keep her head up.
Ivy has always been fascinated with the Circus although the one in their town looks freaky and she wants to go but doesn't really have the money for it.
We are taken into a chilly Circus that's so mysterious just like it's ring master and the many horrific rides and antics look fun but why so feel scary too.
Also, why does Ivy feel this pull to the handsome stranger who pops up every time she's in trouble and then disappears into thin air?!
Oohhh... The writing is so eerie and makes you feel the chilling vibe and sets the stage perfectly for this Romantic Horror ride. The Dark vibe and thrilling twists will grab you and won't let go until you enter this ' Circus made of Freaks' and surely you will be as obsessed with this story as it will drive you crazy.
I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT MENTION: THANK YOU A TON, Ms. Croww - FOR LISTENING TO ME AND GIVING US SOME REALLY SPICY FF TIMES.
I remember saying this in my last review as the only complaint. I felt our author had teased us in Book 1.
But this book.....OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS. I was wide-eyed and pleasantly surprised to find "the one" full on DAYUMM HOT SCENE, which we didn't get in the previous one AND ALSO WE GET MORE. LIKE OH MY.... THIS ONE SUCH A FREAKING PANTY MELTER FOR SURE. 🥵🥵🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥
Draco Hades is obsessed over Ivy and I have to say the intensity and the deep emotions feel so raw and so real that it will definitely pierce your heart especially after knowing the extent of Draco's dedication for her.
There are deep secrets that Draco harbours but the one he can't hide even if he tried is his Obsession for Ivy and how he can't stay away from her.
Ahhh.... Ms. Croww has made a fan out of me for this genre. I seriously can't get enough of it and I'm already counting the days till the next book comes out.
5+ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Abso-freaking-lutely loved loved loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 12, 2024
**3.25**
MAYBE it's because I coincidentally went to a paranormal themed Cirque performance days before starting this, but all the things I really don't fuck with in books (dark romance, novellas, paranormal), just worked?
The first couple chapters were ROUGH (read like they were translated, switched tenses, choppy sentences, 0 flow) but I'm glad I didn't immediately DNF because everything after was great. The pacing was really well done for a shorter book, especially considering the amount of world building needed for this kind of story. I know that the "destiny" trope was what made this paranormal, but I thought the concept of a broken girl running away to a freaky circus was compelling enough on its own (however I can't lie that the desire to find out what exactly the "destiny" was, is what sucked me in to finishing the last half in one sitting). I thought the twist was... good? I didn't clock any of it. Which on one hand, it was a great "aha" moment, but on the other, there weren't enough clues to create speculation, so though things did add up during the explanation, I was a little lost in trying to remember the details. I loved Ivy and her snappy quips, LOVED the freaky spice, but the ending was way too abrupt imo. Overall, not my favorite story, but it was done uniquely and as a woman, I can appreciate the concept. Probably will not read the other books from this universe.
MAYBE it's because I coincidentally went to a paranormal themed Cirque performance days before starting this, but all the things I really don't fuck with in books (dark romance, novellas, paranormal), just worked?
The first couple chapters were ROUGH (read like they were translated, switched tenses, choppy sentences, 0 flow) but I'm glad I didn't immediately DNF because everything after was great. The pacing was really well done for a shorter book, especially considering the amount of world building needed for this kind of story. I know that the "destiny" trope was what made this paranormal, but I thought the concept of a broken girl running away to a freaky circus was compelling enough on its own (however I can't lie that the desire to find out what exactly the "destiny" was, is what sucked me in to finishing the last half in one sitting). I thought the twist was... good? I didn't clock any of it. Which on one hand, it was a great "aha" moment, but on the other, there weren't enough clues to create speculation, so though things did add up during the explanation, I was a little lost in trying to remember the details. I loved Ivy and her snappy quips, LOVED the freaky spice, but the ending was way too abrupt imo. Overall, not my favorite story, but it was done uniquely and as a woman, I can appreciate the concept. Probably will not read the other books from this universe.
April 28, 2024
A dark and twisted romance from Carmen Rosales writing under the pen name of Delilah Croww for Circle of Freaks, a book with distinct gothic and supernatural undertones set mainly in the erotic travelling circus that gives off distinct Cirque Macabre vibes and comes to town once a year.
Full of twists and turns and a tale involving fate, destiny and reincarnation, the heroine Ivy was one of life’s victims, no matter how hard she tried to escape, she kept getting dragged down until she pays a visit to the circus where meets the mysterious Draco with who she feels an instant connection.
I’m really not sure what is going on in this series, but I do know I’m intrigued enough to want to know more.
Full of twists and turns and a tale involving fate, destiny and reincarnation, the heroine Ivy was one of life’s victims, no matter how hard she tried to escape, she kept getting dragged down until she pays a visit to the circus where meets the mysterious Draco with who she feels an instant connection.
I’m really not sure what is going on in this series, but I do know I’m intrigued enough to want to know more.
April 30, 2024
Ivy (h19) struggles to get by in a gritty, impoverished neighborhood where her daily life includes dealing with a predatory boss, degrading treatment at her high school, and wastrel of a mother who thinks Ivy should use her body to get ahead. Ivy's long-held wish to attend the circus comes true when she receives a ticket, despite the dark rumors surrounding the event, and the rash of girls going missing in nearby towns. At the circus, Ivy encounters Draco, the charismatic and enigmatic ringmaster, with whom she feels an instant, intense connection. She finds herself drawn to the dark, supernatural circus that compels her to confront her fears and desires. As Ivy navigates her complex relationship with Draco she discovers disturbing revelations about their past lives together, lives touched by destiny, supernatural forces, and personal trauma. As Ivy steps further into the circus's spectacle, she finds embracing her dark destiny with Draco and the grim realities of the brutalities they and their friends face. Ultra-hot and steamy dark gothic romance with elements of horror, romance, and psychological thriller, creating a tale of desire, fears, and the search for belonging in a world filled with violence and mystery. Have to add "Whispers in the Dark" (Alice and Lazurus) to my TBR in anticipation of "True Love Never Dies" later this year.
May 4, 2024
I ended up giving this novella 3.5 stars because I loved the idea of the story that was being told. Unfortunately I was confused at some times near the second half and end of the story because it felt like it was being rushed to come to a conclusion, which some may find too unenjoyable. I would ah e really loved this book if all the plot twists were presented individually or maybe there could have been more foreshadowing. While a standalone this book is a spinoff of Whispers in the Dark in which characters cross over between books.
May 6, 2024
4 ⭐
Well, I didn't expect to fall in love with he carnival but here I am...
This book was dark, twisted, and yet romantic 😂 Something is definitely wrong with me cause the messed up parts of this book had me in a choke hold 😂
I loved the fact that it had FF scenes in it that were actually pretty well done!
Sadly it did lose a star due to missing words and extra words that were placed incorrectly.
But I devoured this book like it was air!
197 pages of full on triggers.
197 pages that made me questions why I like this shit 😂
I'm DYING for your to read this 😌😏💙
Well, I didn't expect to fall in love with he carnival but here I am...
This book was dark, twisted, and yet romantic 😂 Something is definitely wrong with me cause the messed up parts of this book had me in a choke hold 😂
I loved the fact that it had FF scenes in it that were actually pretty well done!
Sadly it did lose a star due to missing words and extra words that were placed incorrectly.
But I devoured this book like it was air!
197 pages of full on triggers.
197 pages that made me questions why I like this shit 😂
I'm DYING for your to read this 😌😏💙
May 3, 2024
She has loved the circus from an early age and she tries to block how others treated her. She will finally get a ticket to the circus but she ignores the danger around this circus. Girls have gone missing and even been found dead. What will happen to her? Will she get away? See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
May 5, 2024
Wow! Just finished "Circle of Freaks" by Delilah Croww and when I say I binge read this book in a few hours... oh I did! This is a bit different than some of my other reads, and when I say it's dark, this book IS DARK. Think smoking hot, british, circus Dexter DARK! If that isn't your cup of tea, skip but if it is, let's be FRIENDS! The main character, Ivy is broken and abused by so many, but God this woman is strong. Then in comes the Circle of Freaks, and Draco. There are some crazy twists and turns, lies and LOTS of secrets in this book. I can't wait to drive headfirst into Delilah Croww's worlds!
May 26, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was hot 🔥🔥🔥 and it definitely had potential but the last 50 pages of so I was super confused about what was going on.
June 15, 2024
This is super spicy and I loved it. I didn't realize it was a prequel though and I still read it. It definitely makes me want to read the series. I had a tough time with the last few chapters. It got a little confusing buy I feel like it may come together when I read Lover's Fate
August 31, 2025
This was a fun read and I was entertained. However, the amount of errors and need of editing took me out of the story a bit. Circus of Freaks had potential and seemed like the type of book I would love. What fell flat for me is the characters didn’t have believable chemistry.
May 21, 2024
so much yes. horror/erotica/paranormal dark romance? give it to me. 5/5🌶️🔥
February 10, 2025
i am shook in the best way🫠
April 30, 2024
This book has be hooked. This story follows Ivy and Draco and it is dark and I love every twisted moment of it. Draco is the character you love to hate. The character development was great and that ending whew. This whole book was so good. I need more.
April 28, 2024
Chefs kiss 💋 I love dark carnivals and dark romance and this book hit it spot on. Delilah has a talent for writing twisted stuff and still making it sound like a romantic love story. I love the plot and the characters and it kept me intrigued throughout the entire book. Can't wait to read her next book and find out what Delilah has in store for us.
July 26, 2024
2,25 ⭐
Well... Loved the initial part, but then everything stopped making sense
Well... Loved the initial part, but then everything stopped making sense
April 30, 2024
Holy. Crap. WTF was that?!?! I thought book one, Whispers in the Dark, was good but this was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!! This is Ivy’s story and we get more of the circus side of things. I was not expecting some of the twists this took but they were all worth it and then some. And that ending… PERFECT!! I can’t wait to read Lovers Fate next. 🖤🔥🎡🔥🖤
My favorite quote:
“I’m guessing when it’s the best version of ourselves. The perfect love story.”
“That doesn’t exist.”
But every girl wants it to exist.
Villain or hero.
Angel or devil.
We all want the perfect love. The perfect love story.
“It exists with us.”
My favorite quote:
“I’m guessing when it’s the best version of ourselves. The perfect love story.”
“That doesn’t exist.”
But every girl wants it to exist.
Villain or hero.
Angel or devil.
We all want the perfect love. The perfect love story.
“It exists with us.”
May 21, 2024
3⭐
Well, after an off the hook rec, I jumped straight into this, and surprisingly I flew through it.
It was interesting but there wasn't enough of the plot, the details. About half way through, we just started getting slammed with information, backstory, who's who etc.
I did like:
🎪 The circus
🎪 Why they were doing what they did
🎪 Draco and his darkness
🎪 The smut
🎪 Keir
🎪 The slightly horror aspect
🎪 The house
It was just so fucking baffling, I needed this be twice as long as it was because I was actually really fucking invested in this plot line.
Ehh I have no words lol. But yeah. 🤷🏻♀️
Well, after an off the hook rec, I jumped straight into this, and surprisingly I flew through it.
It was interesting but there wasn't enough of the plot, the details. About half way through, we just started getting slammed with information, backstory, who's who etc.
I did like:
🎪 The circus
🎪 Why they were doing what they did
🎪 Draco and his darkness
🎪 The smut
🎪 Keir
🎪 The slightly horror aspect
🎪 The house
It was just so fucking baffling, I needed this be twice as long as it was because I was actually really fucking invested in this plot line.
Ehh I have no words lol. But yeah. 🤷🏻♀️
May 31, 2024
Circle of Freaks was my first read from author Delilah Croww, which immediately caught my attention with its promise of a depraved carnival setting infused with a paranormal flair. From page one I was completely consumed by the dark grittiness cloaked in mystery, a feeling of uneasy anticipation emanating from the pages. Beautifully complex characters, a twisting plot, and some spicy shenanigans, I found myself invested in uncovering the truth.
Croww presents us with all the building blocks for an amazing story, however the narrative suffers from inconsistent pacing, forcing readers to race towards a confusing and rushed ending. Also, I had no idea heading into this book that it was a spinoff of another one of her stories, which I probably should’ve read before digging in.
There’s a rich history that is continuously built upon, and I feel like the second half of this book would’ve benefitted with more development. The revelation hits hard, and I would’ve loved for the fine details to emerge as well. Ivy and Draco are stunning characters and deserve to have their story told in its totality. And, mannn, is their chemistry sizzling!
All in all, I did enjoy this book, and I’ll absolutely be reading more from the author in the future. If a dark, sexy carnival setting is your thing, and you’re a sucker for a good mystery, this may be the one for you. And while I haven’t read it yet, I recommend reading Whispers in the Dark prior to this one just to be safe!
Croww presents us with all the building blocks for an amazing story, however the narrative suffers from inconsistent pacing, forcing readers to race towards a confusing and rushed ending. Also, I had no idea heading into this book that it was a spinoff of another one of her stories, which I probably should’ve read before digging in.
There’s a rich history that is continuously built upon, and I feel like the second half of this book would’ve benefitted with more development. The revelation hits hard, and I would’ve loved for the fine details to emerge as well. Ivy and Draco are stunning characters and deserve to have their story told in its totality. And, mannn, is their chemistry sizzling!
All in all, I did enjoy this book, and I’ll absolutely be reading more from the author in the future. If a dark, sexy carnival setting is your thing, and you’re a sucker for a good mystery, this may be the one for you. And while I haven’t read it yet, I recommend reading Whispers in the Dark prior to this one just to be safe!
June 2, 2024
I wanted to enjoy this book. I really did. I started off liking it even though it needed heavy editing. I tried to overlook that since it was an ARC, though it was difficult.
The first half of the book was pretty good. The second half was a discordant mess. I felt like chapters were missing. It all rushed forward, new elements being added in before the other ones were explained. At one point a character was mentioned as if the reader should already know who it was. I don’t remember that name ever coming up before and the character never made an appearance in the book as far as I can tell, though he is mentioned several more times.
I felt like it just kind of fell apart. I almost DNF it even though I had read around 75% of it by then. It held such promise. I was disappointed in how it devolved into a jumbled mess. I see other reviews about how good it is and feel like I missed something!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The first half of the book was pretty good. The second half was a discordant mess. I felt like chapters were missing. It all rushed forward, new elements being added in before the other ones were explained. At one point a character was mentioned as if the reader should already know who it was. I don’t remember that name ever coming up before and the character never made an appearance in the book as far as I can tell, though he is mentioned several more times.
I felt like it just kind of fell apart. I almost DNF it even though I had read around 75% of it by then. It held such promise. I was disappointed in how it devolved into a jumbled mess. I see other reviews about how good it is and feel like I missed something!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
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