Unlocked Dive

Broken Boys of Cirque #2

by A.K. Blythe

Even fallen angels are allowed to dream…Echo

Fearless. Flawless. Fractured.

I’m an aerial prodigy with a perfect future—until it’s shattered with the bones in my wrist. Now my only hope of rebuilding my dream is to spend four months training in a secluded cabin with Cirque recruiter Byrd Baardwijk. One look at the former rope god, and I want him to “evaluate” a lot more than my unlikely recovery. He sees me as a bad idea. I see his own broken pieces begging him to lose control.

But as our time runs out and our shared ghost comes calling, I start to wonder—is my salvation worth the price of his soul?

Byrd

Retreat. Recover. Resist.

Running away after my divorce isn’t supposed to be complicated. Until an old friend asks me for a favor and my dreams of solitude are invaded by the ghost of the first guy who broke my heart. Except Echo Wash is nothing like his older brother. He’s sass and sin, a mistake I can’t afford to make. And for the first time in my life, I want to ignore all my cautious, moral warnings and drown myself in every forbidden fantasy he offers.

But how can I put him back together when all I want to do is take him apart?

Unlocked Dive is an 18+ MM forbidden age gap romance with hurt/comfort, forced proximity, and mature content. Expect 1st person present tense, dual POV, and material that some readers may find sensitive. Full content warnings included in the book and on my author website.

This is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones following a group of elite aerial circus athletes through their struggles to find unconventional love in unexpected places. It can be read on its own and includes a HEA, but includes minor spoilers for book 1, Wristlocked.

Genres: M M Romance, Forced Proximity, Sports, Sports Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Romance

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2024

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hope is an unlocked dive."

He was flying until he wasn't and then he was broken.
That's what Jericho Wash thinks.
One break and his career is over. His dreams crushed like his hand was.
But Coen 'Byrd' Baardwijk doesn't believe that.
With the proper training, Byrd believes he can get Echo back on that rope.
He can get him into Cirque.
He just didn't expect the feelings that come with helping him.
The want. The need. The tension.
But he can't act on them.
No matter how much he wants to.
And he really really wants to…
So will they be able to resist? Or will they set themselves free?

"Even fallen angels are allowed to dream."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review 🖤💙

"Am I brave enough to take it? Am I foolish enough to keep pretending I can resist?"

This world sucked me in from the first book and I just go deeper and deeper into the hole.
Byrd and Echo absolutely have my heart and they had it from the very beginning. The tension between them. Their personal experiences. The way everything culminated in them meeting and it was just pure chemistry. This whole book PURE CHEMISTRY and I loved every single second of it!! 💙💙
And of course the playlist just flew through me so it was a LONG one but it is one of my favs 🎶🖤

"You know when I don't feel fucked up? When you touch me. When you look at me like something worth of wanting."

Echo suffered an injury that crushed his dreams. He was echo.
"They called me 'Echo' because I only needed to see a trick once to repeat it. I was invincible. Until I wasn't."
But then everything came crashing down. Until him.
Coen Baardwijk but everyone knew him as Byrd.
Byrd and Echo have this amazing chemistry from the first time they are on the page and it just continues and grows throughout the whole book. Their own history and what they experiences brought them to this point. To being coach and athlete but you can already tell they are so much more than that! A.K. Blythe brings the angst and the spice and the romance to this amazing second installment of the series and I cannot wait to see what else they have in store 🖤🖤

"You need to learn to be selfish every once in a while."

Like I said before this is one LONG ASS playlist but I absolutely love it so I hope you do too 💙🎶

(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ba... )

🎶 "Love Is a Circus" - PIA MARIA
🎶 "Good Boy" - ZEE MACHINE
🎶 "older" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Enter Sandman" - Alessia Cara, The Warning
🎶 "Smoke" - Connor Price, Walker Hayes
🎶 "Ring Master" - Molly Millington
🎶 "Dusk Till Dawn" - HALUNA, Le Bober
🎶 "Outta my head - Slowed & Reverbed" - Omido, Rick Jansen, Ordell
🎶 "Make Me Feel" - Elvis Drew
🎶 "Close To You" - Gracie Abrams
🎶 "Happy World" - Debbii Dawson
🎶 "Good Bi" - Beth McCarthy
🎶 "Competition" - Little Mix
🎶 "good luck, babe!" - senses
🎶 "Fallout" - Marianas Trench
🎶 "play pretend" - margo
🎶 "Tattoo" - Loreen
🎶 "Electricity" - Ashley Jana
🎶 "Idontwannabeyouanymore" - Tristan Paredes
🎶 "doomsday" - Lizzy McAlpine
🎶 "Never Really Over" - Katy Perry
🎶 "Angels Like You" - Miley Cyrus
🎶 "Control" - Halsey
🎶 "Bad Decisions" - BOBI ANDONOV
🎶 "Walls Could Talk" - Halsey
🎶 "Pretty Boy" - Cavale
🎶 "Shatter Me" - Lindsey Stirling, Lzzy Hale
🎶 "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" - My Chemical Romance
🎶 "As They Bloom" - Unlike Pluto
🎶 "Cirque" - Sub Urban
🎶 "CHRONICALLY CAUTIOUS - Stripped" - Braden Bales
🎶 "Funhouse" - P!nk
🎶 "The Winner Takes It All - Acoustic" - Jae Hall
🎶 "Only One King" - Tommee Profitt, Jung Youth
🎶 "use me" - Makk Mikkael
🎶 "One Of Your Girls" - Troye Sivan
🎶 "My My My!" - Troye Sivan
🎶 "No Mercy" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Bed Chem" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "salvation" - Christabelle Marbun
🎶 "Still Don't Know My Name" - Labrinth
🎶 "Friction" - Imagine Dragons
🎶 "Creepin'" - Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage
🎶 "Baby" - Madison Beer
🎶 "Desperado" - Rihanna
🎶 "sloppy" - KiNG MALA, UPSAHL
🎶 "…Fuck" - Johnny Rain
🎶 "Sweet Dreams" - Besomorph, Bolshiee
🎶 "Smoke - Remix" - BOBI ANDONOV, Son Lux
🎶 "Don't Go Insane" - DPR IAN
🎶 "Lose My Breath" - Destiny's Child
🎶 "Hanging by a Thread" - Des Rocs
🎶 "Lovesick in Public" - Zoe Ko
🎶 "BRAT" - Chrissy Chlapecka
🎶 "Silence" - Marshmello, Khalid
🎶 "Human" - Rag'n'Bone Man
🎶 "ever fallen?" - Kate Peytavin
🎶 "I like the way you kiss me - burnt" - Artemas
🎶 "I Don't Smoke - Audiotree Live Version" - Mitski
🎶 "More Than Chemical" - Bec Lauder, Two Feet
🎶 "Moonlight" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "Love Is A Weapon" - Letdown.
🎶 "I'm yours" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "FMLYLM" - Ella Isaacson
🎶 "FUCK" - Snow Wife
🎶 "Coffee In The Morning" - Jeremy Jordan
🎶 "Tainted Love" - Claire Guerreso
🎶 "Collide (Sped Up Remix)" - Justine Skye, Tyga
🎶 "Hot for Teacher" - Van Halen
🎶 "Drinking With Cupid" - VOILA
🎶 "WONDERLAND" - Neoni
🎶 "Shivers" - No Resolve
🎶 "Do I Wanna Know?" - Arctic Monkeys
🎶 "eyes don't lie" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Spectrum" - Florence + The Machine
🎶 "The Greatest Show" - No Resolve, Matt Copley
🎶 "Don't Say I Didn't Warn You - Acoustic" - VOILA, Craig Owens
🎶 "I Want You to Want Me" - Chase Holfelder
🎶 "Talking Body" - Tove Lo
🎶 "Never Enough - Loren's Version" - Loren Allred
🎶 "Movement" - Hozier
🎶 "SICK" - Chandler Leighton
🎶 "Painkiller" - Ruel
🎶 "Slow Down" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "Fire On Fire" - Sam Smith
🎶 "I'm Not Here To Make Friends" - Sam Smith, Calvin Harris, Jessie Reyez
🎶 "Shameless" - Camila Cabello
🎶 "Heaven" - Niall Horan
🎶 "Not Afraid Anymore" - Halsey
🎶 "One For the Money" - Escape The Fate
🎶 "Winner" - Conan Gray
🎶 "The Exit" - Conan Gray
🎶 "I Want It All" - Bonnie McKee
🎶 "Bones" - MOD SUN
🎶 "Black Honey" - Thrice
🎶 "I'm Ready" - Sam Smith, Demi Lovato
🎶 "Skin" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "I Feel You" - Depeche Mode
🎶 "BLUE" - Billie Eilish
🎶 "All I Have Left To Give" - Thousand Below
🎶 "Lemonade" - Andrew Lambrou
🎶 "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" - Billie Eilish
🎶 "Lose" - KSI, Lil Wayne
🎶 "More" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 "Gravedigger" - Livingston
🎶 "Troubled Waters" - Alex Warren
🎶 "Don't Give Up On Me" - Andy Grammer
🎶 "Rain" - Sleep Token
🎶 "Glitter In The Air" - P!nk
🎶 "Come With Me Now" - KONGOS
🎶 "exes" - Tate McRae
🎶 "Sucker (Cover)" - Meet Me @ The Altar
🎶 "Middle Of The Night" - Rain Paris
🎶 "Runnin' Home to You - Guitar Version" - Grant Gustin
🎶 "Love On The Brain" - Rihanna
🎶 "Those Eyes - Sped Up" - New West
🎶 "Blackout" - Breathe Carolina
🎶 "Chokehold" - Sleep Token
🎶 "The Best" - Nicotine Dolls
🎶 "You Found Me" - The Fray
🎶 "Last Man Standing" - Livingston

And remember what I said about A.K. Blythe bringing the spice?? Well they weren't playing around 🌶️🌶️

"That's it, baby. Fuck, you look gorgeous with that smart mouth gagging on my cock."

"Do you think I can make you come like this? Filling both your needy holes without ever touching your cock?"

"I love you spread out and whimpering for me."

"I'm gonna toy with you until your deviant mouth can't do anything but beg."

🪶 Tropes 🪶

🪽 MM Romance
🪽 Sports Romance (Circus)
🪽 Big Brother's Ex
🪽 Age Gap
🪽 Hurt/Comfort
🪽 Forced Proximity
🪽 Forbidden Romance
🪽 Coach/Athlete

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C_0k0OLIY...

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 2 out of 5]

One. Turns out I really DO need a shelf for brotherfuckers. And not even the fun taboo version. Just MCs who've fucked the other's brother.

There's a pandemic going around of MCs being too forgiving of the other MC fucking their brother and not telling them about it and I DON'T like it.

Two. I might be having a midlife crisis because every book I've read lately feels like it has too much sex and I no longer know if I'm being objective about it. Why are you having sex 20% in and suspecting yourself of being in love 30% in? What am I to look forward to the rest of the book? Also, YOU JUST MET THIS MAN.

Serial killers would have a timeeeee with some of these MCs, let me tell you. Echo? Dead at 21 because he fancied himself in love with a recluse he met a few weeks ago.

Also.

Not this book being about many, many people trying to convince the 32 year old man that the 21 year old is bad for HIM because the kid will make him abandon his dreams.

Like, please be serious 😂

I mean, sure, Coen has a history of throwing away his dreams to make room for his partner's dreams but it's still a stretch. He was of an age with the last two people he did this for.

I like the name Coen. Love it even. Maybe.

Fun fact: This book features my worst word:✨channel✨

Favorite quote: "I want you more than I want school.”

Because kids will kid, I guess.

And you're trying to convince me this deeply unserious young man is going to lead the 32 year old man astray.

Right.

**Thanks for buddy reading this with me, Julie. Knowing someone else was suffering alongside me made this worthwhile even though you had a different experience with it. ❤️

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5***** stars

“Is this a dream?” I whisper.
“No, baby. I’m right here.”

Echo & Coen, people. ♡

How much deeper can we dive before we come full circle and start to fly?


“You reminded me that I had wings, and you made me love them again, even though they had scars. You showed me that they could still take me where I wanted to go.

Loved this.
RTC. Maybe.

**************
Broken Boys of Cirque

Book 1 - Wristlocked (MMF)
Book 2 - Unlocked Dive (MM) - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - tbd (MM)

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was my first circus performer book and it was pretty interesting! I've never been to this type of circus show, but I have seen videos of aerial silks etc. and I always thought it looked so pretty.

Echo and Byrd were definitely a dramatic couple with all their secrets and guilt, but for some reason I just could not emotionally connect to either one of them. Objectively they both go through some pretty upsetting events, but I felt like the tin man with no heart and I honestly don't know why 😂😂 It's why I didn't rate any higher, because that connection just wasn't there. I felt like that Loki meme...'Yes, very sad... Anyway...' 😂😂😂

I was intrigued by the potential story for Josha and Gem though, and I really did like the whole circus profession, so maybe I will connect to their story more.

[loverexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Emotions: 4
MCs: 4.5
Spice: 4.5 🌶️

Unlocked Dive by A.K. Blythe is book 2 in the Broken Boys of Cirque series.

I am in awe of A.K. Blythe's writing. It's incredible to think that this is only her second book. When I start a book by this author I instantly recognize her way of writing and her way of delivering the emotions of her characters. She's brilliant.

Unlocked Dive was everything I expected and more. Echo and Byrd...the two of them when they set eyes on each other it was lust at first sight. It's something for me that doesn't always work, but A.K. Blythe gave these two so much depth and was also able to demonstrate what makes them such a perfect fit, that I couldn't help but believe in their love story.

Add to that a touch of forbidden and a sense that a shadow hangs over their relationship, and the result is a book that completely pulled me in.

I really enjoyed the journey Echo and Byrd took together to find out who they really are and what love really is.

Echo and Byrd were also extra steamy. If gray sweatpants are something that sets you on fire, you'll be more than served with these two.

I'm already excited to read book 3, which will tell the story of Josha and Gemiah. This will be an interesting one!

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Byrd and Echo 🖤
Broken boys | Age gap | Forbidden

Sweet broken boys who fell so madly in love and were exactly what the other needed. There were some one-of-a-kind scenes in here and I felt every single emotion and every ounce of passion right along with them.

....


"I want to kiss away the scars of everyone who's come before me and suck their venom from his wounded soul."

"You know when I don't feel fucked up? When you touch me. When you look at me like something worthy of wanting."

"The only part of you I want to break is your self-control."

"I want to on him against the tiles and pillage him with my cock until I've stolen his secrets and made them mine."

"He's ethereal, obscene, and achingly vulnerable, and I'm so far past the point of no return with him, I can feel the edges of my heart flying away."

"Fuck, you knew what you feel like?"
"It feels like coming home."

"I think we rewrote the definition of 'home' when we found each other."

....


⚠️ possible spoilers below in tropes and trigger warnings






Tropes:
Coach/athlete
Aerialists
Broken boys
Age gap
Forbidden
Flip fucking
Bareback
DAP
Mental illness rep
Ex's brother
Brothers ex
Ass virgin
First times


TWs:
Abusive ex
Abusive brother
Violence
Hospital stay
Injury

[davdashaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a ride – very good, very hot, and surprisingly mature!
I really enjoyed the touches of aerial circus sport. The descriptions weren’t overly detailed, but when they appeared, they were a bit hard to visualize. Still, they gave the story a unique flavor that I loved.

What stood out most to me was how Byrd instantly understood who liked who. None of that frustrating “oh no, we can’t, we mustn’t, don’t talk to me, stay away” nonsense. And Echo… for his age, he was incredibly mature psychologically. It made his dynamic with Byrd feel so grounded and real 💕.

The chemistry between the main characters was amazing – they were seductive and sweet at the same time 😍. They supported each other through everything, and the best part: they actually communicated! No random third-act breakup, no forced misunderstandings 👏. The conflicts that did exist felt natural and were handled beautifully.

And yes… it was hot. Really hot. Especially those final chapters 🔥🔥💦. I couldn’t stop reading, and I loved every second of it.

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I'm OBSESSED with this book. I've had people jumping in my DMs telling me to read this for a while now, so when @ak.blythe_books offered me a copy I figured I'd take a chance. SO worth it, Unlocked Dive was INCREDIBLE. Echo and Byrd are two rope aerialists at very different points in their lives, but when they are thrown together their chemistry is so strong it’s basically inevitable they'd end up together. This book had me looking up Cirque du Soleil routines so I could picture what these guys were doing, and it's just WILD. The writing is AMAZING, the characters feel real, and the spice is HOT. I'm still thinking about this one, and I just know I'll be talking it up A LOT, so go ahead and get it on your TBR.

The story is very character driven, and I loved seeing all of Echo and Byrd's personal growth and watching them come together. OMG, I loved bratty aerial prodigy Echo. I'm not normally a huge fan of characters like him, but I think the fact that he was recovering from what could have been a career-ending injury endeared him to me so much. I love how he grapples with his own fears on the rope and for a relationship with Byrd; his cocky attitude belies some true vulnerability that I kind of loved. And Byrd, omg. Though he's not physically broken, he's been worn down to nothing emotionally, and watching him come back to life with Echo was just beautiful. This might be my favorite age gap romance I've ever read. The age difference between Echo and Byrd isn't significant, but it seeing Echo mature and Byrd let loose until they could meet each other at the same place was so perfect.

Y'all, this is my first book by AK Blythe, and I'm SO impressed with the WRITING! It's beautiful and engaging, sometimes lyrical but not in an overly flowery way (if that makes sense)? I highlighted SO MUCH, sometimes multiple lines on a single page, because it was all just BEAUTIFUL. It made picking a quote for my review really difficult because I loved them all! I'm definitely going to have to go back and read the first book in the series at some point, and I've heard that there is a third book coming - I'M SO EXCITED! I can't recommend this book enough, READ IMMEDIATELY.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this book is phenomenal. Holy hotness this book singed my kindle. The writing is sublime, I didn’t dare rush it, unbelievably good! These two characters - absolutely loved them. I need to get my hands on book 1 and I hope that’ll hold me until the author pens the next book for me to devour! I can already tell AK Blythe is going to be a favourite for me after this book.

There is so much delicious tension between these two characters because of all the reasons - age gap, brother’s ex, one’s the other’s coach - this is fantastically forbidden! The language is texturally rich as we follow them on their bumpy road to an oh so very satisfying HEA. I absolutely loved that these characters do not do what I kept expecting - reading this was such a delight. Also I absolutely loved the world building - Aerialists skill development and the world of Cirque was stunning.
Definitely do yourself a favour and read this book, it will not disappoint.

Here what you can Expect:
* Hurt comfort
* Insta lust but brilliant slow burn too
* Banter
* Found family of the Big Top
* Age gap
* forced proximity
* Coach Athlete
* Bisexual Rep
* Grey sweatpants
* Not so vanilla
* Pining
* Possesive
* Opposites attract
* Tonnes of Forbidden vibes
* Elder brothers ex
* SO MUCH swoon
* Stellar dirty talk

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I don’t even know where to begin to explain how special Byrd (Coen) and Echo (Jericho) are. These two snatched up my heart and held on to it for this entire book and beyond. I was ENTRANCED by their love and relationship. Beautiful, broken men.

After a life altering fall and many surgeries, Echo isn’t quite ready to get back to the aerial performances he excels at. But it’s time. Physically? He’s healed. Mentally? Not so much.

Byrd is tasked with training and working with Echo to prepare him to get back to school doing what he loves, what Byrd doesn’t expect is to fall in love with his much younger student, who just happens to be his first boyfriends younger brother. THE SHOCK! 🫢

Byrd and Echo are so sweet. So delicious. So WORTHY of each other. They heal one another, they fix eachothers broken pieces, they work hard, and they love harder.

This entire book is about healing, growth, acceptance, and not accepting anything less than what you deserve when it comes to love. And they did it so beautifully.

The side characters were hilariously perfect, and this story absolutely shocked me in depth and description. It was stunning. I can’t wait to have a copy on my shelf 🥹💙

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Story :4 stars
Spicy :+5 stars

Unlocked Dive is the Broken Boys of Cirque´s second book .

Echo is an important figure in the circus world, in the field of aerial acrobatics, but an accident keeps him away from the rings until his physical and psychological recovery.

Here enters Byrd, who will be in charge of evaluating him to see if he is fit to return to the circus world. To do this, the two go alone to an isolated cabin for Echo to regain his confidence and skills.

The physical attraction is immediate, despite being a forbidden relationship between two men with an age difference, being instructor and student.

The spicy scenes are off the charts.

[Library_of_a_Trashpanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Blythe reached out to me to help promote her first book and to arc read it, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. But as I just finished Unlocked Dive, I’m so freaking glad she chose me.

You have Byrd. The professional aerialist who’s hired to coach and re evaluate Echo for the top cirque school in the world. You have Echo, the broken boy who has forgotten how to fly. Put these two incredibly attractive men in a Cabot together and alone….you some amazing banter, some angst, and a whole heaping pile of smutty goodness.

I’m a sucker for an age gap romance, especially one that there’s done hesitant vibes but then f*ck it I want you happens. The brothers Ex was a new micro trope for me, but I liked it. It hit different.

The spice. Holy cow the spice. I love the way Blythe can tell an emotional story in so many ways with their intimacy. And I mean, some of it was just downright hot AF.

I am going to not do patiently wait for the next book because I now know the couple and I need to know!!! Thank you for letting me read this and give an honest review.

[Kristie "onkristiesbookshelf" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

"I could kiss him forever and it would never be enough"

Unlocked Dive by A.K. Blythe has quickly become a new favorite. This gritty, raw story, filled with intense emotions, left me completely enraptured. Echo and Byrd's complex relationship and personal struggles resonated deeply, making them unforgettable characters.

I was completely absorbed in this book from the very beginning. It was so hot that I felt like my fingers were on fire! The flirty banter between Echo and Byrd is one of the highlights of the story. Byrd's filthy mind, unleashed by Echo's wit and charm, creates a dynamic and entertaining dynamic.

"Im going to f*ing defile you"

Blythe's writing is a force to be reckoned with. Her prose is a symphony of words, dancing across the page with a lyrical grace that captures the heart and soul of the story. It's as if she paints a vivid picture with words, each stroke carefully crafted to evoke a deep emotional response. The emotional depth and raw intensity of their interactions make this book truly unforgettable.

The forbidden age gap romance between Echo and Byrd is both thrilling and emotionally charged. The characters are complex and relatable, facing significant challenges and personal growth. A.K. Blythe's writing is evocative and engaging, creating a world that's both immersive and thought-provoking.

"If you keep paying for love with pieces of yourself, Coen, you'll eventually go broke and there will be nothing left to spend on yourself."


The intensity of the emotional connection between Echo and Byrd is unlike anything I've experienced in a book before. Their shared pain and vulnerability create a bond that feels incredibly raw and authentic. The way they navigate their forbidden relationship, balancing desire with fear and uncertainty, is both thrilling and heartbreaking.

While "Wristlocked" introduced me to A.K. Blythe's incredible talent, "Unlocked Dive" has solidified her as one of my favorite authors. Her ability to create complex and relatable characters, coupled with her masterful storytelling, makes her books truly unforgettable. I'm still buzzing from the emotional rollercoaster that was "Unlocked Dive." It's a book that will stay with me for a long time to come, and I eagerly await A.K. Blythe's next masterpiece.

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[Kim Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin with this devastatingly beautiful book? Well, it's part two of the series, and I'd recommend to read the first one beforehand to understand the full background of the characters, but it technically can be read as a standalone.

These characters truly are broken souls, considering their tr@umatic and heavy pasts. Echo is a true athlete, but after he had an life-changing accident, nothing is the same anymore. Byrd is there to help him get to his former shape, or to a better shape again.

Echo is a true force himself, he is that type of person that draws everyone straight to him. He is charismatic, unapologetic authentic and a bit of a brat, which honestly makes his whole self even more thrilling 🤭

Byrd is a bit more steady, but he struggles too, and the combination of them both is groundbreaking.

Truly a gem of a book, can't wait to start reading the third of this series 💙

[Crystal Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When AK announced book 2 of the cirque series, I knew I had to get my grubby little hands on it. Diving back into the world of cirque was exactly what I needed. I’ve been obsessed since Wristlocked. It makes me wish I was a strong & flexible cirque baddie because the hotness going on in this world is 🤌🏽🤌🏽.

🪢 Ꮛ૮ᏂᎧ: 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘫𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯, 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯. 𝘏𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘊𝘪𝘤𝘪. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮... 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘖𝘓𝘋𝘌𝘙.

⛓️‍💥вуяԃ: 𝘍𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯, 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘊𝘢𝘭. 𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳...𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦. 𝘈𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦. 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵?

A.K. does a wonderful job giving these characters trauma, complexity, depth, and raw emotions that seem to be a bit challenging at some points. The key is that they find solace in each other and work through it all. The push/pull at the start and the tension are perfection. The angst is well done but had me screaming “just f*ck already”.

The spice level was phenomenal, talk about a one handed read 🤭, IYKYK. So much of the banter and the ԃιяту talk added to the hotness. Ya girl was IN LUST, daddy Byrd all day baby. A.K. fit their pieces together allowing us to see that just because you have been hurt, fallen, or failed that doesn’t mean you are broken beyond repair. Echo & Byrd have this poignant, painful, and beautiful story. It had me weeping in a beautiful way, my heart squeezed and all I wanted was for these two to keeping falling. Together. Forever.

I absolutely adore an MM and I will keep coming back for more babe. This world and its characters are so vivid, so real & visceral that I will never get enough. A.K. thank you for continuing to fuel my addiction to cirque and giving me characters that will leave a mark on my soul. This ARC was ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING AND MORE and I cannot thank you enough for allowing me the chance to read it.

✨Tropes: Alphahole MMC, Sports Romance, Jealous/Possessive, MM Romance, Coach/Student, Age Gap, forced proximity, Angst, Forbidden Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Brother’s Ex.

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 💕😂🤔😏🥵😈🤤🥹😭😍

Quotes:

“You loved every fractured piece of me, how could I do less,”

“Falling in love with you was never a choice”

“Got a thing for lost boys?”

“I want to know how your mouth feels swallowing my ɕσɕк"

“The only part of you I want to break is your self control”

“You are worthy of wanting. When I’m around you all I do is want.”

“I’m not asking you for anything, I’m telling you to take”

“Don’t you have a gag reflex?”

“God, I could get drunk on his kisses”

“Such a greedy boy”

“I need you to ƒυɕк me like you’re breaking all the rules”

“You’re real. I love you.”

“I remember everything, every single moment of you.”

“𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘯. Like falling in love when you least expect it”

“I crave your truth, all of it and always. The way I’ve given you mine.”

“I’m Echo, and this ass is 𝘔𝘐𝘕𝘌."

“I was pretending I could keep you.”

“Show me that beautiful mess you made, baby.”

“Hope is an unlocked dive.”

“I never knew I could want something the way I wanted you.”

“So hungry. Should I feed you my ɕσɕк next?”

“There’s my dirty boy”

“I think we rewrote the definition of ‘home’ when we found each other.”

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH

This was such a beautiful story and I loved every part of it. I loved the broken pieces of both Byrd and Echo being put back together by each other. I was consistently highlighting lines and passages and reading to my co workers! The spice was SPICY, the tenderness and love was there, the banter and possessiveness was there. Byrd is definitely making my 2026 book boyfriend list!

I love an age gap, forced proximity, hurt x comfort story and this delivered!

Even though this is book 2 you do not need to read book 1 for things to make sense!

[Tammy - · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! I had to take a few moments to cool down before I could write this review, because this book is HOT. If you've read the first book in this series, you probably already expect that, and trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Unlocked Dive takes us back into the cirque world, and this is Echo and Byrd's story. After a devastating injury, Echo needs to get his fearlessness back if he's going to be able to follow his dreams. His only hope may be 4 months of training at a secluded cabin with a Cirque trainer.

Byrd just wants to hide away at his cabin and wallow after his divorce, but when his friend asks him for a favor, he can't say no. Training Echo could be a disaster since Echo is the younger brother of Byrd's ex. Echo is nothing like his brother though, and soon, Byrd finds himself wanting to be more than just his teacher.

I could have easily read this book in one sitting if life hadn't got in the way. Still, I found myself picking up this book every possible moment that I could, because I couldn't get enough. It's truly a toss up as to which of these guys I loved more. Byrd is the responsible, older guy who is trying to do the right thing while Echo is the arrogant flirt who can't help but tempt Byrd to cross every line.

While this story has tons of heat, it also has some heartfelt moments and some moments that had me laughing out loud. As with the first book in this series, the cirque is at the center of the story, but it doesn't overtake it. It's the perfect backdrop to the romance and the connection between these two broken men who somehow want to fix each other.

If you've read Wristlocked, then you'll love getting a glimpse of Gia, Gale and Lyot again (and if you haven't read it yet, you should definitely be adding it to your TBR). Broken Boys of Cirque is definitely going to be one of my top reads of this year, and I can't wait to see where this series goes next.

[Krystal Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW ✨

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Author: A.K Blythe ✨

HOLY SHIT!
This books was so freaking GOOD! 🥹😫😈

The spice? SOOOOO GOOD! 🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you know me, you know MM is my absolute FAVORITE! 🥰 So this book did not disappoint me at all! It’s made its way to my top reads of the year and that’s saying a lot for me!

With that being said… be aware this book will have you HOOKED from the very beginning so if you have plans for the day.. go ahead and cancel them right now!

Echo & Byrd grew together and separately within themselves throughout the book and it was so beautiful to read 🥰

If I had to convince you to read this book by a quote.. here it is… 🥹🩵

“I didn’t want you to have to be careful. I wanted to make it good for you.” 😫🤭🥰🩵

This book had me on an emotional roller coaster 🎢 literally the entire book and I will definitely be reading this again ! 🥰

Tropes:
• MM
•Age Gap
•Hurt/Comfort
•Forced Proximity
•Teacher/Student
•Forbidden Romance

[Bookish Boo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Byrd and Echo 🫠

After I read Wristlocked, I knew I would love whatever came next. But this really exceeded all of my expectations. The push and pull, the misplaced savior complex, the dirty talk, it was all so well written! And when Byrd finally said eff it? BOOM!!! It was explosive.

These two were such a blast to read about, and I loved every second of the ride! I laughed, I swooned, I went feral, and tears were also shed. Echo and Byrd both had to find themselves again after big losses, but they found their home in each other.

There were also some new characters introduced that are a part of a traveling Cirque group called Big Top, and I hope to read more about them in the future!

Thanks, AK, for allowing me to continue the series as an ARC reader. It's always a great time!!

[Kyara Gevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another BANGER from AK Blythe! A-MA-ZING! That cocky mouth of Echo with the restraint of Byrd are just ugh so incredible! But Echo is very good in getting whatever he wants. The story is so beautiful. So unique with the circus setting, but on the other hand also very relatable. I love these two so much. I can't exactly explain my obsession with them but god i couldn't get enough of them. I went from sad, to hot, to heartbroken, to happy, to ... i don't know what else but i felt it all.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been (sort of) patiently waiting for the ARC of this book and when I received it I LIT THE HECK UP. I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for Wristlocked and I knew immediately I loved A. K.’s writing and style of book. When the ARC sign up for this book went live I was ecstatic and signed up immediately.

Now, you may be asking yourself why I love these cirque books so much. And honestly, I love the tricks, I love the characters, and by god do I love the spice in these books. It’s fun, it’s emotional, and you get taken on a wild ride as you navigate the world and challenges that A. K. Blythe’s characters face. Especially because Echo and Byrd are just absolutely to die for. Their dynamic, the absolute sass of these two, had me giggling and kicking my feet the entire book.

I am BEGGING YOU on my hands and knees if you are looking for a sports romance you don’t typically see floating around, PLEASE pick up Wristlocked and Unlocked Dive. They are truly worth it and they gave me VERY BIG FEELINGS.

[bookgoddess96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I want to kiss away the scars of everyone who’s come before me and suck their venom from his wounded soul.**

This book entranced me from the beginning. I was ADDICTED. I didn’t want to eat, breathe or sleep until I was done. Echo and Bryd are beautifully broken and perfect for each. I could feel the love between the two of them, and the longing and the tension. This was my first ever cirque book and oh my gosh I LOVE it. I love what a big part the cirque played in the book. Their performing scenes were top tier. I could literally picture them in my head. The whole book was amazing. I loved watching them fall in lover and heal each other’s wounded soul but I equally enjoyed watching them grow stronger on their own as well. Dont even get me started on the spice because holyyyy shiiiit they are so hot together😮‍💨🥵 this book really had a way of bringing out all the emotions. Absolutely mesmerizing🥹I am so eager for book two🙏🖤

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Firstly, thank you to AK Blythe for the advanced copy of Unlocked Dive. I have not yet read Wristlocked, but Unlocked can be read as a standalone. That being said, I will definitely be going back and reading Wristlocked. I fell head over heels for AK’s writing style and these 2 characters. Echo and Byrd are both so broken, and they continue to come apart over and over again in their quest to become whole. Their love amid their pain wrenched my heart open again and again. I will be thinking about these 2 for a long time and that is the mark of a great read for me. I cannot wait to see what AK writes next!

[Daryn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlocked Dive ARC Review:

Echo and Byrd 💙

First off, I loved them so incredibly much. These two had me misty eyed throughout the majority of the book. Their pasts, secrets, and hurt in finding each other is so exquisitely done, I couldn’t help myself from growing so deeply attached to them. The book is complex emotionally with wonderful leads. These two became favorites of mine, the way they love is so touching and painful.

Echo is a broken spitfire of a guy with so much depth and sass. While Byrd is also a complex character, he is even more afraid than Echo is of his own accident which is saying something. I loved to get to know the other characters in this world, and see future hints at other books. I am sucked into this world, I will be returning happily to cry again!

A perfectly emotional experience, so beautifully done.

5/5🌟

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ✨️

First of all, thankyou to our smutty lord and saviour A.K Blythe for providing me with an ARC copy of the second novel in the Broken Boys of the Cirque!

As an avid fan of Wristlocked, I had very, very super high expectations for this book and by God did it exceed it. Personally, I think that Unlocked Dive is the superior of the two. I honestly didn’t think the perfection of Wristlocked could be improved, but seeing Blythe’s progression from her debut novel was an absolute delight.

Both Byrd and Echo come off as very old souls, and the way they skirt around each other, and the way they destined to be together is so beautifully painful. Byrd continued to break my heart throughout the entirety of this novel, in such an introverted, quite way. It’s not even with what he said or did but just with his inner thoughts. He deserves the absolute world I loved seeing Echo push and prod Byrd to make him accept it. The journey Echo goes through is a lot more blatant and it seems like he is the only one who doesn’t see his pain, and watching Byrd take his pain on his shoulder’s as well as his own was almost distressing.

Not once did a character do something in this book that confused me or made no sense. Every little part of the story line, every piece of dialogue and every movement the characters make is well thought out and methodical. There wasn’t even a second where I was confused by a character’s decision. They are both so level headed, maybe Echo grew into this over the first half of the book, but they both still have that little bit of unhinged character in them which they only let go on each other. Byrd finally giving up that little bit of a control and letting someone else care about his needs and wants is perfect, it honestly made me emotional. This passionate man who has been kept in a cage, losing parts of himself for so long, because all he wanted to do was make everyone around him the happiest they could possibly be. Absolutely devastating.

I don’t think the events of the book would have made as much as an impact, without being encompassed within this style of writing. It’s almost like poetry. The way Cirque moves are being described in this book had me watching Cirque du Soleil videos at 1am, my suggested videos are an absolute mess, but it was worth it. This is especially apparent in moments of intimacy or desperation. They way the characters describe the event’s is breath taking. It really says something about an author when they can explain something in such an un-physical way, but the reader is fully aware of what is happening. If anything, this just increases the impact.


“All the warning pieces of myself dissolve and scatter, and there’s no thought, no decision made, just my hands in his hair and his mouth under mine like there was never meant to be space between us”.

Third act break-up? Who is she? We do not know her. These characters talk shit through. The hotel scene where they have an actual discussion about their relationship rather than arguing is soul warming. Yes, it’s difficult and of course it’s painful but honestly this brought me a great amount of peace. This book is proof that characters can go through a conflict and go about fixing it maturely and it’s still entertaining. They should give this book out as a learning material in marriage counselling.

I am trying my utter best to keep this review PG, but I would be doing this book, this author and anyone who read’s this review a disservice if I did not talk about the smut in this book. Girls, I’m telling you it is a 10/10. Outright 5 stars. Complete perfection. I have absolutely zero notes.

So, yes. If this genre of book is your thing, you should 1000% read it. I just want to say Thankyou again to A.K. Blythe for letting me be a part of your journey of becoming an author. You have a reader for life.

“You know, it is possible to be more than whole together without being less than whole apart”.

[Catarina Águas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

My God, the way I just devoured this book. It was so good and amazing.
Byrd had been giving himself his whole life to other people and not one took without breaking something. He was so afraid and used to being left that for me from the start, things between him and Echo would end. He didn't feel like he deserved better so naturally, he would lose Echo. My heart broke for him more than once, for him and Echo too.
Echo was so confident and sure of himself, I loved him. But beneath it all, he was also vulnerable and wanted Byrd so much.
Their relationship was so good. They both didn't want to hurt the other and did everything they could to prevent it. They were their biggest cheerleaders and I just loved that

[bookdiaryofyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg! this book was everything and more!!! I love the relationship between Byrd and Echo! they really bring out the best in each other!! also this cirque vibe is everything!! I love the setting, story, plot, I love it all!!

[Danielle Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echo has fallen from grace, an accident in his home gym has him rebuilding himself back up so that he can get into the cirque school of his dreams. Though he is one of the most stubborn, outspoken person you’ll ever meet fear grips at him when he thinks about training. He has 4 months to show that he has what it takes, but he can’t do it alone. He’s sent to one of the best trainers in the business Byrd Baardwijk, who Echo plans to push his luck with in all the ways possible.

Byrd after his recent divorce he’s tucked himself away in his secluded cabin in the woods, hoping for some peaceful time to find himself again. That silence doesn’t last very long when he’s requested to help train one of the top prospects on ropes Echo Wash, to make sure he’s ready for the audition of a lifetime. Byrd has built walls of protection but Echo may be the brattiest, most persistent person on the planet but he may be the one to see the true Byrd.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I had the amazing opportunity to be a beta reader for this book and it did not disappoint! I fell in love with these characters and A.K’s writing from the very first page I was hooked! Echo’s bratty and young but he should not at all be underestimated, he will snatch your heart so fast and you won’t even realize it! While Byrd is older and more calculated but he’s built his walls so high he can’t even see himself what he truly needs and desires but Echo shows him what he needs and deserves.

[October O'Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where has this book been hiding??? I can’t believe this isn’t making ALL the rounds. It is PHENOMENAL. Let me count the ways:

1. It is HOT. I mean hottttttttt. The spice be spicin’ on top of more spice. These two come together and it is 🔥🔥🔥 but it also never feels gratuitous or like it detracts from the story. The author does an amazing job actually using the sexier scenes to advance the story, not just add smut for the sake of it.

2. There’s a great love story here. These two MCs are exactly what the other needs, and the love they develop for one another heals all their broken pieces.

3. There are good villains. Even though they aren’t actively engaging with the MCs, the villains loom large in the story, and the author does a great job of giving them life and personality even though you only meet them briefly. And they’re easy to hate.

4. There’s a fucking circus! The MCs are aerialists for Cirque de Soleil, which is a brand new world, not often explored in contemporary mm romance, and it was fun to learn about.

I had been in a massive book slump for about 6 months before stumbling on this book. It cured me. I gobbled it up in 2 days. It’s so good. Well-written, dynamic characters that are easy to cheer for. Hot as fuck. I mean 🥵🥵🥵 And an interesting backdrop against a big top. Do yourself a favor and move it to the tippy top of your TBR.

CWs
Physical injury
Minor physical violence
Divorce (not MCs)
Brief homophobic comments
Depression

Tropes
Age gap
Forbidden (teacher student/brother’s ex)
Second chances

Details
Gay (presumed)/ Bi MCs
Spice level 5/5
Mostly strict roles (one flip fucking scene)
Dildos
Phone sex
Masturbation
Butt plugs
Minor restraint
Cum play
Tattoos
Sweatpants

[Brittany Uller · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
Once again, AK has given us a beautiful story about broken people who find love in each other. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint. Byrd and Echo are both so special. One of my favorite things about AK is how she does character development and how she showcases flawed characters in such a real way. As the series name will tell you, these two are broken boys. They're both fighting their own demons and they realize they can't do it alone. This is filled with forbidden love, angst, pining, and lots of spice. This can be read as a standalone but I promise you'll want to read Wristlocked too. And as usual, I loved being in this world and learning more about the circus performances!