She thought she was safe at Cirque de Mordu, the traveling danger circus where she found her scent matches, but her past caught up to her.
Jude, Matteo, Quinton, Dexter, and Dario must find a way to make the circus a safe place for Alex to return to, but that's hard to do when they don't know who it was that ran her off in the first place.
An Omega is Foresaken, an Alpha is Rotting, and a pack is in disarray as Alex hides out in a coffee cart and hopes for the best. When her past comes back to haunt her, she's faced with the decision to run and hide or return to the circus and everything that comes with it.
Two for the Show is a MMMMFM Omegaverse and the second book in the Trapped on the Tightrope Duet. It is NOT a standalone, and One for the Money needs to be read to enjoy Alex's happy ending.
Holly Monroe reluctantly lives in Florida with her husband, two kids, and two rescue pups. She's never met a character she couldn't traumatize, but she always gives them their happily ever afters.
I really enjoyed the first book and this second part of the duet did offer glimpse into the guys' past, so I did feel like I actually understood who they really were. Some have struggled with addiction, others with chronic pain or quite severe trauma, so in respect of that I did appreciate the author's ability to focus on the characters and all their complex individuality.
The thing that dis not work for me here was the lack of rational behaviour of the main heroine. The escape from the gentlemen made no sense to me whatsoever. First of all, she had a bonded Beta - no regards to his feelings. Then she had an alpha who supposedly she cares about, but leaves anyway despite his Alpha Rot condition and as a medical professional she knew the repercussions of such a deed - she left him anyway. I did not appreciate her lack of consideration.
Once she reappeared, all happened pretty quickly - she manages to hold a press conference exposing her abusers publicly, which had to happen for sure, but it felt a tad rushed to me.
Overall, it was an interesting story though the first book was certainly stronger in my humble opinion. I have read another book by the same author that pleasantly surprised me, so at some point I might check some of her other work. Hope other readers enjoy the duet as it does have good elements and it is certainly more character - driven.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.3 stars. I always love a satisfying ending, where all the pieces fall into place. This wasn’t my favorite duet ever, I’m really partial to psychos, but it was pretty entertaining. I liked all the different relationships developing at different paces, and the personalities that bloomed once things started to settle. It was a good time.🤷🏻♀️
I loved the first one but I'm absolutely obsessed with this one. The amount of times it made me cry is actually criminal.
Alex deserves absolutely every good thing in the entire world. She's so freaking strong facing down her abusers like that. Yeah she had th pack behind her but she did the dang thing 😭. Her trusting the guys made my heart so so happy.
The guys 😌😌😌. Sweet Dexter is definitely my favorite. I know it switched from books but how could he not be my favorite he's just so precious. Each of them being there for not only her but each other?? 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻.
The spice?? The SPICE?? This book be SPICING. There's a lot of spice lol. It all felt intentional though. It wasn't in there just to be in there it was a healing and bonding experience between them, and of course that heat scene 👀👀👀, and it was all so so good.
Great conclusion to this duet. There is some next level hurt/comfort here and I loved every page of it. These characters were written so well. I honestly liked every one of them and each of their very distinct personalities.
There are multiple storylines of past trauma that I felt were dealt with really well. There are no trauma healing genitalia in this story 😅 Things are talked about and worked out. The HEA felt very satisfying. Great duet 💕
Loved the way this concluded! Our FMC finally embraced the guys and was opening up and healing!! The way this book ended was great! I loved that things were resolved and the bad guys got what they deserved.
Their dynamics were amazing and i enjoyed that all the relationships took different amount of times. They got to know each other more and secrets were discovered.
This series was sooo good and im so glad that i found this author! Highly recommend!
I really enjoyed most of everything this book had. The plot, the drama, the characters and especially the representation. I can't wait for more of this series! 🌶️ 3/5
A lot of my criticisms of book 1 get resolved in book 2. We get a lot more detail about Alex’ frame of mind as an abuse victim, as well as more world building. After a short separation, Alex reunites with her carnival pack and is pretty much over any of her previous reticence. She’s all in now and doesn’t flinch away from people anymore or have any hang ups about being in a pack.
It felt a bit like the author wasn’t sure how to write herself out of the hole she’d put Alex in emotionally, so Alex just got over her issues.
What a thrilling ride. After the gripping end of One for the Money, I couldn't wait to continue the story in Two for the Show, and it didn't disappoint. The way the pack comes together and how all the characters are so defined and described its like you are really getting to know them. That combined with plenty of spice and thrills made it an emotional and joyous read.
Okay, thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I have some notes. This book was addictive, sweet, laugh-out-loud funny, spicy AF, and really great feel-good found family. As someone with some similar trauma, I also didn't mind how it handled trauma vs. kink.
Some parts were thoroughly enjoyable and well-written, others felt a bit drawn out or rushed. I genuinely believe this book mostly just needed another editing pass. Also, I get wanting a slow burn, but it felt like there was almost not spice in the first book and the second was so jam-packed that for some of it I was like "woah, where'd the plot go?" That being said, Dexter has my entire heart and I loved his character arc. Some may feel that some of his explanations of his fears and emotions were a bit blunt, and they would be correct, but as someone who is in the same club as him (Neurodivergent and Traumatized), I saw a lot of the intellectualization I use to deal with my own business. I also got exactly what I asked for from the first book between Dario and Dex where there was more support while also having a lovingly challenging relationship. I also appreciate that the book was like "nah actually the Dad WAS a POS and probably not in storm" because it felt a little like they were mixing having a psychotic episode with Choosing Murder before that. IMO that was separated well. On the other hand, and this is more of a writing-style choice, I don't need someone saying they refuse to process something in the moment. Once in a while? Sure. Me too, buddy. But it felt a bit forced, like the author was winking at me as the audience like "MAYBE THIS IS IMPORTANT".
In terms of kink and spice, I fucking LOVED the way there are on-page conversations about boundaries and limits. There's not enough of that in books. I don't think the author needed to use Quinton as a talking head for how consent is sexy though. I think if the audience is into it, they'll know. Additionally, although I'm not new to the kink scene or new to trauma and didn't necessarily need the explanations, I appreciated them nonetheless. It felt rudimentary, but with such sensitive topics, it's needed in at least one book. Like "Dummy's Guide to Trauma and Kink" in some ways, and I mean that with the most loving interpretation.
Overall, I loved the bones, the scenes, the characters, so so much of it, but it really didn't feel like the author trusted me as an audience. As odd as this might sound, it felt like a YA level read with advanced spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Welcome to Cirque de Mordu. The circus with a bite.”
First things first, I literally spat my drink out while I read the dedication- no joke! And then I was so excited to find the part in the book where it came to fruitition- and what a fucking handful of a way to get the spice and smut underway with the Alpha's and their Omega! But don't worry- this book is probably one of the spiciest omegaverse books I have ever read from Holly and I want to say- take a bow and well done 👏
Now, this is the second book of the duet- and the first book (one for the money) ended on a cliff hanger that I knew was coming but still not prepared for, lots of feelings were felt. And then, this book picks up from then- where the omega is on the run, again- running for her life, but away from her scent matched Alpha's. This book was Alex and her Alpha's fighting back, putting themselves first and it was full of emotions. These characters- were so well established and written and I felt attached to each of them, Alex's growth and development is remarkable and such a beautiful thing to read about and be apart of her story. Dexter- the twin with a dark and haunted past especially with omega's is a beautiful soul, he's unsure of his emotions, he's confused and overwhelmed but his growth is nutured by his brother, by the other Alpha's and most of all- by Alex. There's more details into his past that are explored in this story. Dario- grows more bold (yes- more than he already is), he is such a loveable golden retriever like alpha. Quinton- I would say he's the most golden retriever mmc ever! And he always makes me smile when he's around. He's the romantic of the group, always knows what to say. Jude- lead Alpha of this pack and he's one big handsome teddy bear. There's no way you can't love him, and his new formed relationships are all consuming and swoonworthy! Matteo- cannot forget the beautiful Beta! He's an important part of this family. And who knew he could be rather dominant and punishments could be easily welcomed!
This book made me want to rally for omegas rights. There's so much detail written particularly around omega storm and this development was heart breaking. This book was such a thrilling, sensual yet emotional read I happily devoured and was slightly addicted to.
Now, make sure you read your triggers. This is always very important ❤️
This book was the perfect conclusion to this duet!
Dr. Alex Shields ran from her life in order to escape her abusive pack. She thought she was safe at Cirque de Mordu until it became perfectly clear that she wasn't. Now her scent matched pack, Jude, Quinton, Matteo, Dario, and Dexter, have to find a way to make sure that the circus is safe for her and they have to find a way to tell her. As her old pack continues their search for her, Alex hides out working at a coffee cart. When someone calls in a tip that they've seen her though, she has to decide if she's going to run again or if she'll return to her scent matches.
I absolutely loved how Alex and her pack fought back against her old pack and refused to stay silent. Alex was so strong standing up to her abusers and speaking out against them. I also loved the way that Jude took charge and knew that they needed to take the fight back to Florida. I was so attached to all of the characters in this book. I wanted to go and rally on Alex's behalf. The character development was so good in this book! I felt like each of the characters really grew and the pack bonded together emotionally. Dexter's character really resonated with me especially when he had texted everything to Alex's old phone and had her read it. I completely understand and empathize with how difficult it can be to talk about things especially when trauma is involved and I feel like I always communicate better in writing in those situations. I felt like Dexter really took a leap of faith to trust Alex and he was able to come out of his shell a bit because of it. Also, the exploration of the dynamic between Jude and Dario was so well done. Dario knowing that he had to push a bit to get Jude to step out of his comfort zone was so good. I also really enjoyed Alex's exploration of punishment and limits with Quinton and Matteo. I feel like it really highlighted how submission can be used to help someone work through their emotions.
Overall, I loved this entire story. I am definitely looking forward to more stories from the circus. I definitely want to know more about Trevor and Guy, but I will take all of the stories! I would absolutely recommend reading this duet if you enjoy omegaverse. There are some darker themes explored though (especially regarding past trauma/abuse) so you may want to check the triggers if that may be a concern.
I’m giving this series overall 4 stars. Good writing, a good blend of story-telling and dialogue, a fabulous cast of characters, a good nod to how abuse and trauma impacts and how BOTH the MMCS and the FMC respect the other parties for it, and I just absolutely love Quinton.
I’m a fickle reviewer, not a consistent one. So sometimes I take away stars because of grammar/writing style, sometimes it’s because the plot doesn’t quite hit it for me. So for this story, I’d say that grammar wise, writing, and storyline. No critique from me, it’s a strong series.
The following are my personal hang up’s that bothered me while reading preventing it from being a 5-star reread.
The first is something I’ve noticed with a lot of RH. Where the sweetest, the most onboard MMC is somehow not given priority because he is so AVAILABLE. All things considering, I feel like Quinton should’ve made her feel the most comfortable, shown her the most care and proven he knows most about her (realizing she needed guidance during their first nest shopping trip, covering half her nest, buying her groceries, understanding her needs ahead of time). But somehow, I get the sense that the FMC put him on the back burner while she focuses on the other relationship and it bothered me a little. Saving grace was their date where I felt the most romantic interaction between all the MMCs.
For my second “ehhh…” feeling, I want to preface by saying the author did a great job portraying the impacts of abuse and trauma and offered great links for help and resources. Did not shy away from gritty details and the awful reality of domestic abuse. But it did make my brain itch that Alex explained away her aversion to touch as finally accepting the bond; muscle memory is real and consistent exposure to abuse does not erase that just because you’ve “accepted” your mates. But that’s just something I’m nit picky on.
Third, I admit I did skim some of the back stories. Only because it had been addressed in the monologues while reading from certain characters’ POVs, and to rehash it as a “conversation” between FMC and MMCs seemed redundant.
Overall, enjoyable, quick read. Solid story, solid characters, and I would recommend to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I jumped into this so fast from book one. Alex is on the run, someone in the circus was/is targeting her, Q is getting worse and now Mateo is sick...The guys need her back and she needs them just as much and misses them even more. Dex did the most growing up while they were apart. And honestly, I love that he found a way to communicate his feelings, background, and past with her. And the time stamps show her he thought about her constantly. This pack is so diverse and no one is left out. Jude reps his Maori heritage and isn't the "Cosmopolitan Alpha" type, instead a hard working, large man who deserves someone to finally take care of him mentally, emotionally, and physically. Alex shows him it's okay for him to share intimacy with her but also with Dario. There's more than enough love to go around. Q and Mateo both progress so far when Alex comes back, and she heals as well. Just took and older, stubborn Grandma Beta to set her straight. This group doesn't heal one another immediately. It's a slow progress that even continues the time they are apart. While the time they were apart hurt my soul, it didn't feel that long because of how it was written. The way the Alphas and Beta worked to make Alex feel loved and seen without her needing to ask was so heartfelt. They took on a dang Governor for her. They went to change a system as a Pack because they want to make life better for all Omegas, not just their own. The empathy in these men and how they and Alex heal from their physical and emotional traumas and change what they want in life. And they learn so much from each other, even things like cooking. And Alex, Q, and Dex's questionable choice in tv shows.
From start to finish, I couldn’t put it down. I quite literally fell asleep reading it only to wake up and continue on. To kick off this little review, I would like to have it on record that: 1.) I would like to personally own every shirt of Quinton’s that had an omega phrase on it and 2.) The circus NEEDS an HR department immediately. Now onto the regularly scheduled programming.
I absolutely adore each of the main characters. They all hold a special place in my heart for their own reasons. I even adore Sylvia! She very much gave me the elder wisdom vibes that Alex really needed to hear in her lowest moments (love ‘Lexi Black’. Was that a little hint to Q). I think it’s just amazing how Holly is able to get you to even fall for some of the side characters, not just the main ones. Hell, I wanted to jump through the screen and strangle each person that tried to get in the way of Pack Shields.
The spicy scenes were just perfect!! I audibly squealed every time there was even a little brush of a kiss or the touch of a hand on skin. The love between each couple and as a group was just heartwarming and I can’t get enough of it honestly. Everything played out beautifully and it really played out like an amazing movie or TV show in my head.
On repeat, the circus NEEDS to have an HR department. I would love to see how they interact with all the blatant misconduct that had been going on and lift some of the stress off of Jude’s shoulders. I kinda want to know more about Guy because Sylvia is on to something
The guys really step up and defend her against the other assholes, and while it definitely puts them through a lot, I loved seeing them stand their ground for her.
I was also really glad she found a kind female Beta when she ran. She helped her escape her abusive pack and even brought her back to the guys, which was such a great moment.
The way the guys take care of her is honestly really sweet. They clearly don’t like seeing her unwell and always try to look out for her.
The jar scene had me laughing out loud it was hilarious, but also kind of sweet at the same time.
I love that each bonding experience with the guys felt different and personal. It wasn’t just repetitive or purely Heat-based, which made it feel more meaningful.
Her previous pack, though… absolutely awful. Manipulative, arrogant, and just frustrating all around.
The Heat scene with the full pack was intense and honestly really good.
And the press conference scene? She did NOT hold back. I loved how she shut everything down so quickly and finally stood up to them.
“Piece by piece, thread by thread, they are weaving themselves together, and both will come out stronger for it.”
🎪ARC Review- release date August 14th. Read Part One (One for the Money) now to prepare! Overall 4.5/5 stars ⭐️
♥️This is a stunning conclusion to the Trapped on the Tightrope Duet. This book really digs into developing relationships, and building trust. Book one set us up to really soar into a delicious courtship and bonding. I really enjoyed this book- it definitely satisfied me! Fantastic conclusion and I cannot wait to read possible future books about other troupe members!!?!?♥️
What’s Inside? 🎪Omegaverse 🎪MMMMFM 🎪Omega on the run 🎪Scent Matches 🎪Courting 🎪 Found Family 🎪 Designation-specific illness 🎪 Finding where you belong where you least expect it
Holly Monroe’s writing style really pulls you into the story. I love how she crafts her characters. They are flawed and trying to do their best. They are so relatable and you cannot help but root for them.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. My opinions are my own. Thank you!
“I can’t rewrite the first act of your story, but the second will be an actual sweeping romance. With no question about the happily ever after.”
This was the part two I was hoping for. We got all kinds of spice, we got fun circus stuff, we got the guys opening up, we got concerts and communication... so refreshing. We had comedic relief. Alex and the guys get to know each other as a pack and work together to rid Alex of her past. I actually teared up when Quinton told Alex that he didn't want to wait for their bond anymore because his time is limited. I don't have favorites because why-choose, but Quinton was the sweetest golden retriever. I found the dates so perfect for each person. We got to know a little more about some other circus performers, and I am intrigued.
This duet was a fun ride. I really liked all the characters, and their circus talents were fun to read about. I am hoping for a story about a couple of the other performers. I would definitely read more in this world.
If book one was a masterpiece, book two is the kind of art you want tattooed on your soul. I devoured every single word, equal parts breathless and feral, because this was the high-stakes, heart-twisting, pack-shattering continuation I was craving. Alex’s journey from hiding in plain sight to standing in the fire of her past had me on edge, clutching my Kindle like it was a lifeline.
The circus is no longer just a backdrop it’s a living, breathing beast, and the way Jude, Matteo, Quinton, Dexter, and Dario tear themselves apart and stitch each other back together for her is pure, gut-deep devotion. The tension? Immaculate. The emotional payoff? Like a knife that cuts and heals in the same motion.
This duet owns me. The kind of own-me where I will recommend it to strangers in grocery store lines, mourn that it’s over, and reread until the pages (or pixels) burn.
Five stars, but only because I can’t give it the moon.
Oh I wish I could run away to join this circus! I love the depth and complexities of all of the characters but also the softer parts of omegaverse like the protectiveness and emotional connections. If you love your characters to need to work through their emotional damage, while coming together as a protective pack this is the story for you. These men were swoon worthy, the FMC kick ass, and the spice 🥵. The plot is so well done and as someone who has worked with both people who have experienced trauma and people who have experienced DV this is so well written, respecting all of the often stigmatised emotions so well!
Nobody does this kind of omegaverse as well as Holly. This quote from the book sums it up perfectly on who would love reading this duet
‘…. a haven for misfits. A safe spot for people who need a little extra help. A home for the weird and the extraordinary.’
We start the book with Alex having fled the circus, as it isn’t a safe place for her. Her men have to figure out how to make the circus safe again, let her know that, win her trust back, then protect her from her old pack (it’s a romance, so they get this all done as part of the happily ever after).
As in part one of the duet, there is a lot of trauma processing. But we get to move into actual healing in this book, both emotional healing and physical healing from Alex’s FOS and Quinton’s rot. These are two medical scenarios that appear unique to this universe and are used heavily in the plot (I’m kind of meh on this medical stuff; on one hand it’s interesting to speculate, on the other it’s just more trauma to dump on these characters).
It’s not a bad book overall but be warned about the trauma of it all. While we do get into healing finally, it’s a rough road to get there.
Two For The Show is book two of the Trapped On The Tightrope Duet.
Wow! We are now at the end of this amazing duet. I loved how all of the guys bonded together to make sure Alex felt safe and secure in her life. They did everything they could for her, but there were some things she needed to do for herself. I loved the strength she took from everyone to do what needed to be done.
Each of the guys were amazing in their own way. I really liked how Dexter came out of his shell and was able to work through his fears to accept everyone into his life. Jude really was the leader of the group, but he listened to the others and they worked together to solve their problems.
I enjoyed the circus vibe with this story. I don't think I had ever read a story that took place at a circus, so this was a new experience, but very enjoyable.
Who knew a book about the circus could make me cry so much (I knew)? I seriously adore this pack. These sweet men are everything Alex deserves, and everything they deserve in each other. They’re clearly perfect together, and their actions really show that. Every time one of them opened up, I went “yep, he’s my favorite,” until guess what, they’re all my favorite. It’s okay, I think Alex is my actual favorite. I’m so proud of her. There’s so much about this book that I want to compliment here, but it would really spoil the plot for you. Just know the drama is drama-ing and the spice is burning and the loose ends are…knotting. This second half of the duet has such an incredibly satisfying ending, making the cliffhanger in book one so worth every moment of torment. The drama of it all is truly just…*chefs kiss.* Holly really shined here.
I sometimes struggle with RH that focus more on the relationships than plot, because it often feels things are repeated a bit and a lot of internal monologuing, and whilst that did happen in this...I did keep going and enjoy because I liked the characters. They just feel so relatable that you end up feeling attached and routing for their HEA. That being said, I still did want more plot to this. For a DV theme revolving around the FMC and her previous pack, I wanted there to be more focus on that...more angst, more conflict just a bit to keep my emotions heightened. But there wasn't really much in this, the beginning started off well and then it just focused more on the pack all being together and getting closer. So I think it ended up being a little too fluffy and romantic for me. But again, I do really like the characters the author has created.
Really well written. Content warnings, yes, but handled well.
This Review encompasses bothe One for the Money and Two for the Show by Holly Monroe.
There are a lot of tough emotions traversed, and escaping from and healing from abusive relationships are hard. Holly has captured that and made it part of the character arc without it overshadowing the love, passion, and romance(s) of the story. MM and MF and the familial relationships built between imperfect people each dealing with their own trauma.
I really loved this story and every character Holly shared with us, and the Cirque de Mordu was a fantastic setting!
I don't usually love duets, but this story needed the time to fully unfold.
Thank you to Holly Monroe for two more awesome reads. You have never disappointed me yet.
This duet was honestly a 6 star read. From start to finish, I was excited to continue the story and didn’t want to put it down.
We get a strong FMC who, while being a strong independent women, doesn’t shy away from realizing when she needs her men. We get a group of caring, loving MMCs. And while one of them struggles to accept the FMC (always have to have the one who resists), it was done SO well in this book. He didn’t want her but he didn’t bully her, which seems to be the go to for authors.
We hear a lot about the “villains” of this story, but don’t get much interaction with them - which I surprisingly didn’t hate. The focus here really is on the pack. Despite this, we do get closure on the villains at the end.
As with anything I review, please check the TWs/CWs as your mental health matters.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that running away to join the circus is a bad idea. You might end up like our girl, Alex. Running away from a really terrible situation but end up finding your scent matched Alphas and beta. You might just find a home among the lost and outcasted. You might start to feel the FOS (Forsaken Omega Syndrome) and you just might match with an Alpha who has the rot (Alpha Rot). But honestly, it’s all just fate and where the wheel stops before the knife hits it is anyone’s guess.
So STEP RIGHT AND JOIN US FOR CIRQUE DE MORDU’S NIGHT OF THRILLS.
This duet really put me through the paces that’s for sure. Holly really can write a world that’s pretty immersive without being overwhelming. I truly enjoyed this omegaverse.