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The Villainous Heroes Series #3
The Circus: A Villainous Heroes Novel
I always knew I was different. Knew there was a darkness in me that could never be banished. I am the freak that hears voices in his head, voices that demand sacrifices for their potent bloodlust.
And being caged like an animal has only worsened my affliction.
But I'm not alone, not anymore. My soul and hers have known each other for an eternity, the girl who can see the dead. I'll do anything to keep her safe from the monsters of her past and present.
No matter the cost to my soul.
And being caged like an animal has only worsened my affliction.
But I'm not alone, not anymore. My soul and hers have known each other for an eternity, the girl who can see the dead. I'll do anything to keep her safe from the monsters of her past and present.
No matter the cost to my soul.
- GenresDark Romance
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2024
17 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 23, 2024
I am unwell. Review to come.
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“I Dᴏɴ’ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴇʟʟ ʜɪᴍ ʜᴏᴡ ɪᴛ ᴇɴᴅs, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ’s sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴏ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴇᴠᴇʟ ᴏꜰ ᴛʀᴀɢᴇᴅʏ.”
I don't even know where to begin with this review. Having already read "The Game" and knowing this is an origin story for the beloved Teddy Poe - I knew this was going to tear my heart out and stomp on it.
The level of love I have for Teddy is unparalleled and I simultaneously was and was NOT ready for this journey. Ruby, you are a sadistic woman. But I love you for it.
"Iꜰ ꜰᴀɪʀɪᴇs ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ʀᴇᴀʟ, sʜᴇ ᴡᴀs ᴏɴᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇᴍ. Iꜰ ᴡɪᴛᴄʜᴇs ᴡᴀʟᴋᴇᴅ ᴛʜɪs ᴇᴀʀᴛʜ, ᴛʜᴇɴ sʜᴇ ᴡᴀs ʙᴜʀɴᴇᴅ ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴀᴋᴇ. Aɴᴅ ɪꜰ sᴏᴜʟᴍᴀᴛᴇs ᴇxɪsᴛ, sʜᴇ's ᴍɪɴᴇ."
Ruby's writing is captivating and Teddy and Eden's story had me ensnared the whole way through. After all that's said and done, I am so happy that Teddy's past got it's own full length book and I really did adore Eden so much. Their obsession for one another was tragically beautiful and all consuming. I think I might have highlighted this entire book.
"Iꜰ ʜᴇ's ᴏʙsᴇssᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ, ᴛʜᴇɴ I ᴀᴍ ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜɪᴍ."
Emotions aside, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the spice is spicing in this one too. Talk about origin stories? Well, here's the origin story to all Teddy's delicious k*nks. (But also, how did Ruby even manage to make the spice beautiful? The way they were discovering themselves with one another could also make me cry!)
In summary, I'm still at a loss for words and nothing I can say will encompass my need for more.
“Iꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴠᴇɴ’ᴛ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴢᴇᴅ ɪᴛ ʙʏ ɴᴏᴡ, I’ᴍ Iɴsᴀɴᴇ.”
“Hᴏᴡ ɪɴsᴀɴᴇ?”
“Iɴsᴀɴᴇ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛᴏ ꜰᴏʟʟᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʟɪꜰᴇᴛɪᴍᴇ.”
----------------
“I Dᴏɴ’ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴇʟʟ ʜɪᴍ ʜᴏᴡ ɪᴛ ᴇɴᴅs, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ’s sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴏ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴇᴠᴇʟ ᴏꜰ ᴛʀᴀɢᴇᴅʏ.”
I don't even know where to begin with this review. Having already read "The Game" and knowing this is an origin story for the beloved Teddy Poe - I knew this was going to tear my heart out and stomp on it.
The level of love I have for Teddy is unparalleled and I simultaneously was and was NOT ready for this journey. Ruby, you are a sadistic woman. But I love you for it.
"Iꜰ ꜰᴀɪʀɪᴇs ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ʀᴇᴀʟ, sʜᴇ ᴡᴀs ᴏɴᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇᴍ. Iꜰ ᴡɪᴛᴄʜᴇs ᴡᴀʟᴋᴇᴅ ᴛʜɪs ᴇᴀʀᴛʜ, ᴛʜᴇɴ sʜᴇ ᴡᴀs ʙᴜʀɴᴇᴅ ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴀᴋᴇ. Aɴᴅ ɪꜰ sᴏᴜʟᴍᴀᴛᴇs ᴇxɪsᴛ, sʜᴇ's ᴍɪɴᴇ."
Ruby's writing is captivating and Teddy and Eden's story had me ensnared the whole way through. After all that's said and done, I am so happy that Teddy's past got it's own full length book and I really did adore Eden so much. Their obsession for one another was tragically beautiful and all consuming. I think I might have highlighted this entire book.
"Iꜰ ʜᴇ's ᴏʙsᴇssᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ, ᴛʜᴇɴ I ᴀᴍ ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜɪᴍ."
Emotions aside, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the spice is spicing in this one too. Talk about origin stories? Well, here's the origin story to all Teddy's delicious k*nks. (But also, how did Ruby even manage to make the spice beautiful? The way they were discovering themselves with one another could also make me cry!)
In summary, I'm still at a loss for words and nothing I can say will encompass my need for more.
“Iꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴠᴇɴ’ᴛ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴢᴇᴅ ɪᴛ ʙʏ ɴᴏᴡ, I’ᴍ Iɴsᴀɴᴇ.”
“Hᴏᴡ ɪɴsᴀɴᴇ?”
“Iɴsᴀɴᴇ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛᴏ ꜰᴏʟʟᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʟɪꜰᴇᴛɪᴍᴇ.”
December 13, 2024
There are not adequate words in any language to explain how deep my love for Teddy Poe runs. So, I'll use his explanation. I'm not just in love with him...I've devolved fully into madness with him.
I have a billion highlights in here. Not really, but certainly, the most I've ever had. And their significance equals this exaggeration.
The weirdest part is that I don't usually latch on to characters of his level, mainly because I don't like reading dark romances with shock value passages. With Teddy, the depth, the ubiquitous magnitude of his tortured being clamped onto my heart and would not let it go. His story isn't written to jar you into knowing him; it flows fluidly into showing us exactly who he is. Not a hero, but a soul who gives his all for those he deems worthy of his obsession.
This book will hurt. And if you're like me and met him in the future from The Game, you are yearning for his happiness, for his wholeness. This is not that. It's his past. His making. And I believe it will only bring you to love him more. But be warned, healing does not come within these pages.
I ache for the day when my Teddy Poe will finally find reprieve from the awful fates that have rained down nothing but the worst. Because if anyone deserves to smile in the darkness amongst the ghosts, it's him.
I have a billion highlights in here. Not really, but certainly, the most I've ever had. And their significance equals this exaggeration.
The weirdest part is that I don't usually latch on to characters of his level, mainly because I don't like reading dark romances with shock value passages. With Teddy, the depth, the ubiquitous magnitude of his tortured being clamped onto my heart and would not let it go. His story isn't written to jar you into knowing him; it flows fluidly into showing us exactly who he is. Not a hero, but a soul who gives his all for those he deems worthy of his obsession.
This book will hurt. And if you're like me and met him in the future from The Game, you are yearning for his happiness, for his wholeness. This is not that. It's his past. His making. And I believe it will only bring you to love him more. But be warned, healing does not come within these pages.
I ache for the day when my Teddy Poe will finally find reprieve from the awful fates that have rained down nothing but the worst. Because if anyone deserves to smile in the darkness amongst the ghosts, it's him.
January 16, 2025
Ruby?!!! I’m so glad we are getting Teddy’s stories but damn it it’s so sad!! 😭😭 I loved getting to meet Eden too and Cash!!
I definitely have more questions than answers! Like the little girl ghost that has Teddy’s eyes?! What was that??? I hope Dick and Daniel get what’s coming to them too!
I can’t wait for the conclusion to this story!
I definitely have more questions than answers! Like the little girl ghost that has Teddy’s eyes?! What was that??? I hope Dick and Daniel get what’s coming to them too!
I can’t wait for the conclusion to this story!
December 14, 2024
"The Circus" was the first book I have been an ARC for. I am so happy that I had gotten this chance to read Teddy's story. Teddy is my all time favorite MMC and I fell in love with him in "The Game". I have never smiled so much from the banter between two main characters like I have with Teddy and Eden. Teddy and Eden are the epitome of perfection. This book also touched my momma heart from Teddy and his mom's relationship. Ruby Medjo books have been my favorite thus far in my romance book journey. I can not wait to read more of them, even though the circus wrecked my heart.
December 20, 2024
The Circus swings into action a whole thirteen years before the other books strut onto the scene! If you’ve been a fan of Ruby’s previous magic, this one’s a must-grab. I’m practically bouncing in my seat for more adventures with Teddy Poe and the Villainous Hero crew! These tales will leave you breathless yet glued to every single page!
I always had a hunch Teddy’s backstory would tug at the heartstrings, but wow, this one hit me right in the feels! It peels back the layers of his past, adding depth to his character and making you adore him even more.
Teddy and Eden together? Pure dark romance gold! Their bond feels like it’s been written in the stars—deeply tangled and heartbreakingly beautiful. And let’s not forget Cash—he’s just perfection!
Now, don’t expect a sunshine and rainbows ending here. It leaves you with a bittersweet taste and plenty of questions. But fear not, this isn’t the last we’ll see of Teddy’s adventure, and I’m buzzing with excitement to see where this wild ride takes us next!
Things to know
loss, grief, watching a loved one succumb to cancer, and two teenagers who have been sexually abused throughout their lives, Dubious consent, breath play, blood play, knife play, edging, cock warming, toys, forced orgasm, primal play, anal, double penetration, risky sexual practices, sexual assault (depicted on page), homophobic slurs (said to main character), CSA (discussed), blood, gore, murder, torture, cancer (father figure), neurological disease (mother), death of loved one (on page), found family, brat x dom, haunted asylum, “little ghost”, graveyard scene
I always had a hunch Teddy’s backstory would tug at the heartstrings, but wow, this one hit me right in the feels! It peels back the layers of his past, adding depth to his character and making you adore him even more.
Teddy and Eden together? Pure dark romance gold! Their bond feels like it’s been written in the stars—deeply tangled and heartbreakingly beautiful. And let’s not forget Cash—he’s just perfection!
Now, don’t expect a sunshine and rainbows ending here. It leaves you with a bittersweet taste and plenty of questions. But fear not, this isn’t the last we’ll see of Teddy’s adventure, and I’m buzzing with excitement to see where this wild ride takes us next!
Things to know
loss, grief, watching a loved one succumb to cancer, and two teenagers who have been sexually abused throughout their lives, Dubious consent, breath play, blood play, knife play, edging, cock warming, toys, forced orgasm, primal play, anal, double penetration, risky sexual practices, sexual assault (depicted on page), homophobic slurs (said to main character), CSA (discussed), blood, gore, murder, torture, cancer (father figure), neurological disease (mother), death of loved one (on page), found family, brat x dom, haunted asylum, “little ghost”, graveyard scene
December 15, 2024
I just finished this book, and I’m absolutely wrecked. Teddy Poe—my broken, beautiful, haunted baby—has me in a chokehold. Getting to delve into his past, to see the pieces of what shaped him into the man he is today, was devastatingly perfect. The writing had me so deep in his pain, his struggle, and his love that I couldn’t put the book down. I’m obsessed with him and need more of his story. Just… more. Ruby, please, I’m begging you!
Teddy and Eden together are everything I could hope for in a dark romance. Their connection feels timeless, soul-deep, and so tragically beautiful. Every moment with them was charged, and I couldn’t stop rooting for them, no matter how dark things got. And Cash? Absolute perfection. His humor was the perfect contrast to all the angst, and their little gang of three—Teddy, Eden, and Cash—had me falling hard. I need to read about them forever.
And that ending? I have no words. I cried for a full 20 minutes when I finished. My heart feels like it’s been ripped out, stomped on, and left in pieces. Ruby, how could you? I’m addicted to your books, but you’ve destroyed me with this one. I can’t stop thinking about it, and I NEED more of Teddy’s story. Please, I’ll read anything—just give us more!
Teddy and Eden together are everything I could hope for in a dark romance. Their connection feels timeless, soul-deep, and so tragically beautiful. Every moment with them was charged, and I couldn’t stop rooting for them, no matter how dark things got. And Cash? Absolute perfection. His humor was the perfect contrast to all the angst, and their little gang of three—Teddy, Eden, and Cash—had me falling hard. I need to read about them forever.
And that ending? I have no words. I cried for a full 20 minutes when I finished. My heart feels like it’s been ripped out, stomped on, and left in pieces. Ruby, how could you? I’m addicted to your books, but you’ve destroyed me with this one. I can’t stop thinking about it, and I NEED more of Teddy’s story. Please, I’ll read anything—just give us more!
December 13, 2024
Plot - 🎪🎪🎪🎪🎪
Spice - 🗡🪦🩸🏃🏻♀️➡️🔥
My love for Teddy Poe - 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
We're all masochists here, right? Because we keep handing our heart to Ruby knowing full well she's going to have us broken and sobbing!
I fell into madness with Teddy Poe in The Game and have never wanted a happy ending for a character more in my life than I want for him. And did we get it in this book? Absofuckinglutely not! But you do get to glimpse true happiness for him... for a while.
Teddy and Eden are perfection. Their obsession with each other has you falling for them individually and as a couple, and they are so tragically perfect for each other. Reading about their story will make your heart ache for Teddy even more though, be warned!
OH AND THE SPICE?! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 "Grab onto the headboard" has forever been replaced with "grab the headstone" as one of my favourite lines 🫠🖤.
Spice - 🗡🪦🩸🏃🏻♀️➡️🔥
My love for Teddy Poe - 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
We're all masochists here, right? Because we keep handing our heart to Ruby knowing full well she's going to have us broken and sobbing!
I fell into madness with Teddy Poe in The Game and have never wanted a happy ending for a character more in my life than I want for him. And did we get it in this book? Absofuckinglutely not! But you do get to glimpse true happiness for him... for a while.
Teddy and Eden are perfection. Their obsession with each other has you falling for them individually and as a couple, and they are so tragically perfect for each other. Reading about their story will make your heart ache for Teddy even more though, be warned!
OH AND THE SPICE?! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 "Grab onto the headboard" has forever been replaced with "grab the headstone" as one of my favourite lines 🫠🖤.
December 15, 2024
How do you put into words all that Teddy Poe is? Then to have a woman like Eden to match that level of a character. I can’t quite put it into the right words you have to feel this book. Every question we had from The Game as to why Teddy is the way he is was answered down to how he knew how to do makeup! Those little intricate details were executed so perfectly. The raw and pure emotion radiated through my entire body through each turn of the page. The connection that is Eden and Teddy was exactly as it was described love that will last through each lifetime. This book is tragic but it is absolutely one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read as well. You will feel your emotions on such an electric charged deep level. This book deserves very star out there!!!
January 27, 2025
I totally fell in love with the Character of Teddy Poe when I met him reading The Game, and he has lived rent free in my head ever since. I've been anxiously waiting for more about him, and was so delighted when Ruby announced this book!
First, I was very glad the author made it very clear this was not a happily ever after. Which, I mean you kind of already knew, since it was a origin story of sorts, and we know where he ends up later. This was a beautifully brutal story, and my heart is breaking in the best ways. I loved Teddy and Eden., they're perfect for each other.
Second, Ruby really know how to write these secondary characters that just draw you in. Just like I was obsessed with reading more about Teddy, now I really need to read more about Cash. also this author just leaves little titbits of info that is like little worms eating into your brain. I hope she writing furiously. Not sure how much longer my brain will hold out! LOL!
Giving this 4 stars only because there were some jumps in the story that thru me off a bit, and good reads doesn't allow for partial stars. Ruby's characters are 5 stars all the way!
First, I was very glad the author made it very clear this was not a happily ever after. Which, I mean you kind of already knew, since it was a origin story of sorts, and we know where he ends up later. This was a beautifully brutal story, and my heart is breaking in the best ways. I loved Teddy and Eden., they're perfect for each other.
Second, Ruby really know how to write these secondary characters that just draw you in. Just like I was obsessed with reading more about Teddy, now I really need to read more about Cash. also this author just leaves little titbits of info that is like little worms eating into your brain. I hope she writing furiously. Not sure how much longer my brain will hold out! LOL!
Giving this 4 stars only because there were some jumps in the story that thru me off a bit, and good reads doesn't allow for partial stars. Ruby's characters are 5 stars all the way!
December 14, 2024
I would give this a million stars if I could!
"And you like the pain," I retort. "Now grab the fucking headstone and scream my name, little ghost."
"I don't want to be a ghost without you."
"Then we go together, baby. That I can promise you."
The Circus was gut wrenchingly, hauntingly beautiful…I’ve loved Teddy Poe since The Game and this book just solidified it even more. Both Teddy and Eden have dark souls like me and every interaction between the two of them resonated with me. Ruby has a way of setting scenes like no other, her word choice and descriptions are unmatched. This is a MUST read for any dark romance lover 🎪🎡 Teddy and Eden forever 🖤
"And you like the pain," I retort. "Now grab the fucking headstone and scream my name, little ghost."
"I don't want to be a ghost without you."
"Then we go together, baby. That I can promise you."
The Circus was gut wrenchingly, hauntingly beautiful…I’ve loved Teddy Poe since The Game and this book just solidified it even more. Both Teddy and Eden have dark souls like me and every interaction between the two of them resonated with me. Ruby has a way of setting scenes like no other, her word choice and descriptions are unmatched. This is a MUST read for any dark romance lover 🎪🎡 Teddy and Eden forever 🖤
January 3, 2025
I was not expecting that ending, but I’m not sure why though😂 I mean it’s Ruby, she loves to destroy us before she puts us back together. This book is no different, I feel utterly empty after finishing this book and I need more asap!
I loved Teddy as soon as he was introduced in The Game, and I love him even more after this book. This book gave us insight into why Teddy is the way he is, I just loved reading about his backstory and meeting Eden. Eden and Teddy are perfect for each other, I loved their banter and their chemistry. Ruby brought us the same spice we excepted from her and let me tell you there is a cemetery scene you don’t want to miss out on. 😮💨🥵
We see some characters that we met in The Game and I still hate those characters, actually I think I hate them even more now!
If you haven’t read any of this series from Ruby, I highly recommend starting with Folie à Deux!
I loved Teddy as soon as he was introduced in The Game, and I love him even more after this book. This book gave us insight into why Teddy is the way he is, I just loved reading about his backstory and meeting Eden. Eden and Teddy are perfect for each other, I loved their banter and their chemistry. Ruby brought us the same spice we excepted from her and let me tell you there is a cemetery scene you don’t want to miss out on. 😮💨🥵
We see some characters that we met in The Game and I still hate those characters, actually I think I hate them even more now!
If you haven’t read any of this series from Ruby, I highly recommend starting with Folie à Deux!
December 18, 2024
“If he’s obsessed with me, then I am addicted to him, and our twisted trust has just cemented those feelings for the two of us, I think.”
I loved this book and Teddy Poe! I don’t have words for how much this book destroyed me. The Circus gives you the answers to how Teddy ended up at the Circus and his brand of crazy that we saw in The Game.
Eden and Teddy are a perfect match in this book. They play into each other’s needs and accept them for it. Plus can we talk about the spicy scenes in this book, especially the cemetery scene. 🥵🥵 These too do spice and kinks at a totally different level.
If you’ve read previous books by Ruby this one is a must. I can’t wait for more of Teddy Poe and the Villainous Hero series. These books leave you a wreck and you feel all the emotions but keep you hanging on with each page.
I loved this book and Teddy Poe! I don’t have words for how much this book destroyed me. The Circus gives you the answers to how Teddy ended up at the Circus and his brand of crazy that we saw in The Game.
Eden and Teddy are a perfect match in this book. They play into each other’s needs and accept them for it. Plus can we talk about the spicy scenes in this book, especially the cemetery scene. 🥵🥵 These too do spice and kinks at a totally different level.
If you’ve read previous books by Ruby this one is a must. I can’t wait for more of Teddy Poe and the Villainous Hero series. These books leave you a wreck and you feel all the emotions but keep you hanging on with each page.
December 24, 2024
"I just hope that when this all ends, she'll still be holding my hand amidst the flames of our lives.”
"Not a ghost haunting those halls and my soul for eternity."
Teddy Poe, how I have missed you!
I am so unbelievably greatful to have received an
ARC copy of The Circus! After The Game I needed more. Teddy and Eden's story is so dark and tragically beautiful. This book left my heart hurting and wanting more.
"I'd say I love you, but we both know that's far too trivial for what we have."
"We have madness,"
"And that's far, far more powerful than love, I think."
Ruby said for a long time she was waiting for the perfect match for Teddy and Eden is just that! She was definitely worth the wait, his "murderous little ghost".
If you are looking for more of our dark tormented man be sure to pick up The Circus on December 27th!!
"Not a ghost haunting those halls and my soul for eternity."
Teddy Poe, how I have missed you!
I am so unbelievably greatful to have received an
ARC copy of The Circus! After The Game I needed more. Teddy and Eden's story is so dark and tragically beautiful. This book left my heart hurting and wanting more.
"I'd say I love you, but we both know that's far too trivial for what we have."
"We have madness,"
"And that's far, far more powerful than love, I think."
Ruby said for a long time she was waiting for the perfect match for Teddy and Eden is just that! She was definitely worth the wait, his "murderous little ghost".
If you are looking for more of our dark tormented man be sure to pick up The Circus on December 27th!!
December 27, 2024
I finished this book and I can't stop thinking about it. I don't even know how to eloquently review this book because it had me feeling every emotion. Teddy is just such a haunted character and I love him even more than I did from The Game. It was beautifully heartbreaking to get his backstory. Eden is absolutely perfect for him. I loved her strength and resilience despite her upbringing and circumstances. Teddy and Eden know each other on an other worldly plane... True soulmates in every sense of the word. Obsession, sexy, dark, raw and beautiful is truly the only way I can describe this book.
Just be prepared with tissues because Ruby is shattering hearts. This is a series so be sure to read the rest of the villainous series I promise you will not regret it.
Just be prepared with tissues because Ruby is shattering hearts. This is a series so be sure to read the rest of the villainous series I promise you will not regret it.
January 11, 2025
I was blessed to be a beta and alpha reader for Ruby & I love Teddy and Eden’s love story so much I had to reread it a 3rd time once it was published.
Hands down my favorite read of 2024 and don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s an easy read cuz this book is dark and so fuck!ng tragic.
This is part of her Villainous Heroes series and depending on how you want to experience pain you might want to read this book first or read it after Folie a Deux & The Game (I prefer the latter)
We meet Teddy Poe in The Game and I don’t think I’ve ever been so intrigued and obsessed with a MMC like him. You just can’t help but be drawn to him while realizing he’s gone through some crazy shit in his life.
And that is what The Circus is, his origin story.
When I tell you grab some tissues, I’m not joking. I’m sobbing as a write this review because the pain of those last chapters is a literal dagger to the heart, but I would go through it again and again to relive Teddy & Eden’s story.
If you’re a dark romance lover, have ever felt like an outcast, consider urself an emo kid (playlist is 🔥, or have dealt with loss this book will make you feel so seen.
I could go on and on but idk if my heart can take it. Ruby’s writing is always so captivating and pulls out all the emotions from you. You’re missing out if you haven’t read her books!
I would love to see audio versions of these books 🖤
Hands down my favorite read of 2024 and don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s an easy read cuz this book is dark and so fuck!ng tragic.
This is part of her Villainous Heroes series and depending on how you want to experience pain you might want to read this book first or read it after Folie a Deux & The Game (I prefer the latter)
We meet Teddy Poe in The Game and I don’t think I’ve ever been so intrigued and obsessed with a MMC like him. You just can’t help but be drawn to him while realizing he’s gone through some crazy shit in his life.
And that is what The Circus is, his origin story.
When I tell you grab some tissues, I’m not joking. I’m sobbing as a write this review because the pain of those last chapters is a literal dagger to the heart, but I would go through it again and again to relive Teddy & Eden’s story.
If you’re a dark romance lover, have ever felt like an outcast, consider urself an emo kid (playlist is 🔥, or have dealt with loss this book will make you feel so seen.
I could go on and on but idk if my heart can take it. Ruby’s writing is always so captivating and pulls out all the emotions from you. You’re missing out if you haven’t read her books!
I would love to see audio versions of these books 🖤
January 1, 2025
“I tear my heart open—I sew myself shut
And my weakness is that I care too much”
The Game was my #1 read of this year, so when Ruby announced we were getting Teddy’s backstory I was thrilled. But man oh man was I unprepared for how much this book was going to rip me open. It was beautifully tragic knowing where Teddy ends up. Watching these two become obsessed with each other was such a treat and the spice!! *fans self* Ruby does not disappoint!! Can’t wait for more of Teddy!
And my weakness is that I care too much”
The Game was my #1 read of this year, so when Ruby announced we were getting Teddy’s backstory I was thrilled. But man oh man was I unprepared for how much this book was going to rip me open. It was beautifully tragic knowing where Teddy ends up. Watching these two become obsessed with each other was such a treat and the spice!! *fans self* Ruby does not disappoint!! Can’t wait for more of Teddy!
February 11, 2025
Welp here I sit here in a puddle of tears, devastated! I want to say I absolutely love Ruby Medjo’s The Villainous Series! I fell in love with the twins from Folie Á Deux. Then there was The Game where we meet Teddy Poe and I have LOVED him ever since. Those of us who did fall in love with him have waited patiently for his story and it was perfection! I couldn’t have imagined a darker, more heartbreaking way to tell his story. I can’t wait for her next book!
December 28, 2024
Worth the wait!
The Circus will drag you thru the ringer, have you questioning your morals, and leave you emotionally drained and yet begging for more. Teddy & Eden are tortured love personified and we are privileged to be able to witness their macabre love affair. If this book doesn't make you cry, you have problems. It's ok to root for the villain
The Circus will drag you thru the ringer, have you questioning your morals, and leave you emotionally drained and yet begging for more. Teddy & Eden are tortured love personified and we are privileged to be able to witness their macabre love affair. If this book doesn't make you cry, you have problems. It's ok to root for the villain
December 28, 2024
4/5⭐️ 2.5/5🌶️
Teddy Poe. What to say about Teddy. He is definitely a rollercoaster full of dark secrets and depravity. This slow burn had me pining for the moment when they finally get together. I loved Eden’s character and her slow descent into madness. It wasn’t without warrant though. She was definitely pushed to her breaking point and I loved to see the snap. And I hardly swoon for side characters, but Cash…dayum. I’ll take Teddy and his best friend too.
My only critique in the book is that sometimes it got a bit repetitive with wording. Ruby Medjo is so well read and educated that her wording beautiful, poetic even. But with poetic and unique words, they stand out and it’s noticeable when repeated. But with the story being that good, it was an oversight. I really enjoyed The Circus and I can’t wait to see what’s next in this world because there are ABSOLUTELY unanswered questions.
Teddy Poe. What to say about Teddy. He is definitely a rollercoaster full of dark secrets and depravity. This slow burn had me pining for the moment when they finally get together. I loved Eden’s character and her slow descent into madness. It wasn’t without warrant though. She was definitely pushed to her breaking point and I loved to see the snap. And I hardly swoon for side characters, but Cash…dayum. I’ll take Teddy and his best friend too.
My only critique in the book is that sometimes it got a bit repetitive with wording. Ruby Medjo is so well read and educated that her wording beautiful, poetic even. But with poetic and unique words, they stand out and it’s noticeable when repeated. But with the story being that good, it was an oversight. I really enjoyed The Circus and I can’t wait to see what’s next in this world because there are ABSOLUTELY unanswered questions.
October 11, 2025
Based on other reviews it seems I would have liked the book more had I read the other books first. Although this lines up chronologically, it wasn’t actually first. The ending certainly wouldn’t suck so much for me if I already met the future version of Teddy.
January 4, 2025
4,25-4,5 stars - insert surprised Pikachu face
October 9, 2025
I love a good dark romance, I don't love the age of everyone involved. I wish they were more mid 20s plus.
January 20, 2025
Guys, this book. Where do I even begin?
This was my first ARC and I am glad I took the leap with this one. Having not read The Game before hand, I went into this totally blind and it was SO fun. I’ve heard so many things about the infamous Teddy and y’all did not exaggerate- he is amazing. He is dark, broody, twisted, and somehow still a golden retriever when he’s around Cash (also amazing!) or Eden. And Eden! This woman has so much personal growth throughout the book. It was fun watching her come into her own and find herself. Their love grows to such a magnitude so fast, it’s hard not to fall for both of them. Did I mention Teddy calls her “Little Ghost”? I mean, come on. They’re also absolutely feral for each other. The cemetery scene- Holy hell, that is all I have to say. You should see all the things I highlighted throughout this book. The way this ended left me with no words, and I am so curious to see what the future looks like for these characters.
This book is dark, so make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. I ate this up and can’t wait to read more of their stories. Up next, Folie À Deux and The Game!
This was my first ARC and I am glad I took the leap with this one. Having not read The Game before hand, I went into this totally blind and it was SO fun. I’ve heard so many things about the infamous Teddy and y’all did not exaggerate- he is amazing. He is dark, broody, twisted, and somehow still a golden retriever when he’s around Cash (also amazing!) or Eden. And Eden! This woman has so much personal growth throughout the book. It was fun watching her come into her own and find herself. Their love grows to such a magnitude so fast, it’s hard not to fall for both of them. Did I mention Teddy calls her “Little Ghost”? I mean, come on. They’re also absolutely feral for each other. The cemetery scene- Holy hell, that is all I have to say. You should see all the things I highlighted throughout this book. The way this ended left me with no words, and I am so curious to see what the future looks like for these characters.
This book is dark, so make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. I ate this up and can’t wait to read more of their stories. Up next, Folie À Deux and The Game!
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