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Darlington Circus: The Velvet Deceit
In this seductive and chilling prequel to the Eternal Act, a mysterious circus arrives in 1960s New York City, bringing with it a cast of immortal characters bound together by an ancient curse. Nicole Darlington, however, is not like the others - she's mortal and bound to reincarnate, forever tied to her dominant husband. In this lifetime, the circus becomes haunted by a presence so terrifying that even ghosts would cower in fear. But Nicole's true horror lies in the secrets she keeps, for as the haunting intensifies, she finds herself drawn to Velar, her husband's right-hand man, and her feelings for him grow stronger. And in the shadows, a sinister truth awaits, shrouded in Velvet Deceit.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 18, 2025
This horror novel had a deliciously dark atmosphere. The FMC was one I tended to like and dislike in equal measure. I enjoyed the circus element. I was surprised by a couple moments in the book and felt the tension was perfectly written. There were a few dragging bit, but the story was a decent read.
October 13, 2025
fantastic
I absolutely ate this book up. I loved this prequel. This has me desperately wanting more of this love triangle and how it unfolds.
I absolutely ate this book up. I loved this prequel. This has me desperately wanting more of this love triangle and how it unfolds.
November 7, 2025
This was fun!!
It was much different than what I was expecting!
That ending was good!! I will be reading the next book, because now I HAVE to know what happens!!!
It was much different than what I was expecting!
That ending was good!! I will be reading the next book, because now I HAVE to know what happens!!!
February 19, 2026
I have been anxiously waiting to read this book! The first one left me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait for book 3!! I needed to find answers to what happened before book 1 and this prequel answers them.
A love triangle that will make you swoon and it’s hard to pick which one you like best Bellamy or Velar for Nicole. You want so much to hate Bellamy for what happens but at the same time it’s hard to blame him. I’m so torn 🤣.
A love triangle that will make you swoon and it’s hard to pick which one you like best Bellamy or Velar for Nicole. You want so much to hate Bellamy for what happens but at the same time it’s hard to blame him. I’m so torn 🤣.
April 21, 2026
The Darlington Circus: The Velvet Deceit
If you love magic, vampires, Fallen Angels and a supernatural Circus, then this is a book for you! You have a super controlling MMC and his wife who is human. A love triangle between the wife and husband and a Vampire. There is so much non stop action and lots of spice, that you find you have read the whole book and can’t wait to start the next book. There are a lot of surprises in this book I left for you to discover on your own! Run, don’t wait to get this book. Thank you for writing such an entertaining and wonderful book. Deborah Richards
If you love magic, vampires, Fallen Angels and a supernatural Circus, then this is a book for you! You have a super controlling MMC and his wife who is human. A love triangle between the wife and husband and a Vampire. There is so much non stop action and lots of spice, that you find you have read the whole book and can’t wait to start the next book. There are a lot of surprises in this book I left for you to discover on your own! Run, don’t wait to get this book. Thank you for writing such an entertaining and wonderful book. Deborah Richards
May 16, 2026
4.5 star rating for me. We step back in time with Nicole into her most recent life prior to the one in the first book. I feel like this was such good information to really understand Nicole a lot more as well as some of her decisions. We have a little more paranormal activity within this book. And I felt like this book was sent into two different phases. The first phase being the darkness that is threatening the circus; the second phase being more about understanding Nichole, her relationships with others and how she came to pass in this life. I think I enjoyed this book more than the first one and I’m looking forward to the third book which is releasing soon.
April 2, 2026
Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Immortals, vampires, dark angels, a girl who keeps coming back to life, and a…circus?! Yes, a circus. Fun, quick read. I did not expect the ending. Now I have to know what happens next! Onto the next book.
Immortals, vampires, dark angels, a girl who keeps coming back to life, and a…circus?! Yes, a circus. Fun, quick read. I did not expect the ending. Now I have to know what happens next! Onto the next book.
October 20, 2025
Not my usual type of read
This wasn’t my usual type of read, dark romantasy maybe? The spicy scenes were well done. The rest of the story was a little less than what I wanted. I would have loved to see more about the curse and the hundreds of years of the circus. There was a fallen angel storyline that felt like it could have had more to it. While this book wasn’t one of my favorites, others may enjoy it more
This wasn’t my usual type of read, dark romantasy maybe? The spicy scenes were well done. The rest of the story was a little less than what I wanted. I would have loved to see more about the curse and the hundreds of years of the circus. There was a fallen angel storyline that felt like it could have had more to it. While this book wasn’t one of my favorites, others may enjoy it more
October 9, 2025
Good Storyline - needs edits
The storyline was good, definite potential there. It needs editing for sure. I caught at least one repeated sentence and others that make no sense at all. How does one yell barely above a whisper? The use of descriptive words threw me back to middle school trying to come up with filler words to make up the required word count. I don’t need three sentences describing the same thing. Lastly, I get the dom/submissive angle the author was going for, but having a 500+ year old man calling a 18year old “baby girl” and her calling him “daddy” is cringe. I don’t care if she has been reincarnated. The situation gave slavery and Stockholm syndrome vibes and I had to skim past to get through those parts.
The storyline was good, definite potential there. It needs editing for sure. I caught at least one repeated sentence and others that make no sense at all. How does one yell barely above a whisper? The use of descriptive words threw me back to middle school trying to come up with filler words to make up the required word count. I don’t need three sentences describing the same thing. Lastly, I get the dom/submissive angle the author was going for, but having a 500+ year old man calling a 18year old “baby girl” and her calling him “daddy” is cringe. I don’t care if she has been reincarnated. The situation gave slavery and Stockholm syndrome vibes and I had to skim past to get through those parts.
April 21, 2026
4.5 stars
This prequel adds meaningful depth to the series, giving clearer insight into her past death and the curse that shapes everything. The circus setting remains vivid and atmospheric, with just the right touch of magic.
A strong, engaging installment that enhances the overall story—definitely excited for what’s next.
This prequel adds meaningful depth to the series, giving clearer insight into her past death and the curse that shapes everything. The circus setting remains vivid and atmospheric, with just the right touch of magic.
A strong, engaging installment that enhances the overall story—definitely excited for what’s next.
October 28, 2025
I really really wanted to like this. I mean it's a magical circus!!!!! Unfortunately it wasn't for me
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews