Something is watching me. I can’t tell if it wants to hurt or protect me. Is the howling at night real or is my mind playing tricks on me? What about the flashes of white fur I see out of the corners of my eyes? And who is the beautiful, pale man haunting my dreams?As carnival performers, it’s always on to the next show. A tattooed sword swallower with an affinity for fire has gotten me all fired up. Connor not only doesn’t mind, but he’s encouraging the sparks to fly. My heart’s being pulled in multiple directions and somehow it actually feels right.Meanwhile, I’ve been tasked with the impossible for this show. I can’t just pull it off, I have to nail it perfectly or the whole operation could go up in flames. The ride has just begun. Step right up.Abra Cadabra is the second installment in the Harem of Freaks series. These books are not standalones, so be sure to read Freak Show first.
Dnf at 76% I woke up this morning and tried to continue where I left off and could not do it. This is terrible... the supernatural shifters just don’t fit in this book. The MC is also just accepting this like its fine? Oh and let’s not forget that she just had to be the most special snowflake and be a weird mix of human and supernatural.
This was entertaining and I loved to see how much of a badass Melody could be. Plus, I really like how much communication there is between her and Connor (even when he's being a fucking asshole).
There are is one thing that hasn't really worked for me yet, and it's Connor. Who's also the mmc, so yikes.
The problem is that, out of nowhere, he's saying that she shouldn't be stuck to him. That she should see other people if it would make her happy. When she didn't even ask!!! She's being flirted with, not reciprocating, and he's like "you could if you want to". And then he gets jealous just by the idea of her actually going through with it??? YOU ASKED
The other problem is that there were some instances of her saying or doing something and him being all "babe, aren't your overreacting?" or "babe, you are being too harsh". His concept of letting her be with anyone is technically supportive, but he's not being supportive when he makes her question her own judgement. Multiple. Times.
I like Connor and I feel like he's giving exactly what she needs at this age and at this time of her life, but there's a lack of maturity in him that I just don't appreciate. And, while I love reverse harems, I feel like this book didn't need to be one or should've been worked on a bit better first.
Abra Cadabra is the second book within the Harem of Freaks series.
In this, we are still following Melody and Connor, but we also get to meet two new additions into the little harem. Hello Razvan - our dragon lover. Hello Hunter - our werewolf shifter. Now Raz is way more interesting than Melody and Connor combined. I absolutely loved him from the very beginning, and I can't wait for what will come next. He's adding some much-needed spice into this relationship. All I can say is that I want more.
As for Hunter, we definitely met him in the beginning of the first book. We also know about him in that one as well. He's kind of standoffish but a dad. So, I'm weighing the pros and cons right now and wondering what will happen with him down the line.
Other than that, the girl drama is just so dumb and unnecessary in her life (and in mine). I'm also hoping we get more carnival plot in these carnival themed books. Not that I'm complaining on the romance department... but I want more carnival stat.
Still very simplistic in its world building as was book one, we only see the world through the carnival and even that view is very limited. So, it's ok about the characters and while Connor, Razvan and Hunter are interesting Melody calls a bit short. For me she's too naive, yes I know she's only eighteen but has had a long and difficult childhood as the child of an alcoholic who kept bringing strange drunks home who always left leaving Melodys mother.pregnant and who cares for the babies making sure they were fed (if there was food) clean and safe. Melody also stated in book one that she had stayed away from boys apart from a few kissing sessions as she didn't want her own baby. Leaving the day of her eighteenth birthday anything was better than staying in the only home she knew. Yet she trusts so easily (even after what happened.to.her at the.first carnival) Now in this book we're told Melody was intimate with boys for her school, so either it reads wrong or it is an.error. Like I say though the men more than make.up such small.irritations. I just wish the story as a whole had more depth......................
We are introduced to two more men that will probably be a part of Melody's harem. I really love the story. Still got that carnival/circus vibe but it's much better at this one than the carnival from the first book.
I'm still a bit new to the RH genre and it does take some getting used to. I don't mind love triangles when done right, but I love how there is no choice here. Everyone wins. Very excited for book 3.
This was another quick read and fairly light on the drama. The supernatural aspect becomes a reality in this book right from the start. Two more guys are introduced for the harem and can't say I'd be complaining to have a sexy Romanian dragon and werewolf shifter come calling. Connor and Melody are continuing to get to know one another and have left the last circus for a new one where things are a little easier and the owner is not a cruel bastard. Melody takes on the role as Ringmaster which actually turned out to be her calling after she got over the anxiety. Seems they may be sticking around this particular show for now so I'm can't wait to see what they get up to next. FYI there is some minimal OW drama and one of the guys does mess around with other circus chicks after meeting Mel but nothing serious and by the end he's almost certainly completely smitten with her.
Wow! What an excellent second installment to this series. I love this world and these characters with each new page I read. Which shouldn’t be surprising knowing Crystal. Her work is always phenomenal.
This book seems to have things looking up for Melody and Connor. Each of them slowly starting to move on from their dark pasts. I can only hope it continues on this way.
Crystal has created a beautiful and creative world for those of us that have always loved the idea of the circus or carnival. Each new act more death defying and artistic than the next.
I love how engrossed I’ve become but I’m also stuck. Worried that I will finish too fast and find myself missing these characters. Either way, I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls…step right up
Book 2 -
This book definitely had more “zing” than book 1. We now have Hunter and Raz! I’m not so sure about Raz yet but I’m sure he’ll make a good come back. We are officially in the shifter world and I’m still feeling like theirs more to Mel than we really know! Also, I still want to know what the deal with these dreams are!
Ringmaster Melody pulled it off and excited to see more of her come out of the shell. I love Connor and Mel together! I can’t wait to see more of how all of this story goes.
*Overall 4/5 *Heat? 4/5 *First person POV *Romance 1/5 *Short Story *3 men 1 lady, soo far
"Abracadabra" by Crystal Ash offers a commendable representation of disabilities, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the narrative. While the story's focus on this aspect is praiseworthy, the plot and character development may leave some readers wanting more depth and complexity. Nonetheless, the book's commitment to showcasing disability rep is a valuable contribution to the literary world.
This story was such a great addition to the first. The harem appears to be forming and while there are some dramas they feel more like growing pains and less like world shakers. I hope This story continues to build and get better but it's definitely one that should be read in order. Because while you may not be left with a cliffhanger and things seem ok for now, it definitely leaves you with a few questions and wanting more. The only thing that kind of throws me in this book is some of the words for certain things are so scientifically or medically correct it feels a little bit like hitting a random speed bump, for me at least. Overall a good book especially if you are looking for one with some carnival/performer type themes; would recommend.
A slow build, slow burn RH that is introducing new mythos and world building. The characters are as fantastic as they are fascinating - even if some of the reactions feel off. That could be me though.
Not only is Melody's connection with Connor getting better. But she is also unknowingly forming one with Hunter and Razvan. 😅😅😅 she is utterly completely fucked!
Another day, another carnival, another brilliant book from Crystal Ash
Freak Show, the first book in the Harem of Freaks series, was a fantastic read and this book is even better. Crystal is incredibly good at creating characters that seem so real. Their thoughts. their feelings, and especially their insecurities in this series, all make them seem so real to me. I feel as though I know them personally. Melody is the main character in the series and most of the story is told from her point of view. I loved the few chapters written from other characters' viewpoints, helping us to understand them and their side of events. Mel has grown so much stronger since the beginning of the first book and seems to have grown up so much as well. She comes out of her shell more in this book and takes on a new responsibility at this new carnival. Although she and Connor have only known each other for a very short time, he is becoming more and more important to her and she to him. They work so well together, in spite of their insecurities and their own personal histories. I did want to give Connor a kick up the arse sometimes and tell him to pull himself together but overall, I just loved him for himself, all broken and holding back. We meet a character from the first book who we were not properly introduced to then, and I am utterly under his spell already. Talk about a tall package of gorgeousness! A completely new character also bursts onto the scene, one who I came to love by the end of the book. He is the epitome of a bad boy... or is he? Friendships are formed and possibilities abound. The ending is just lovely (no cliffhanger) and I can't wait to see what happens next. Crystal's books are some of my favourites so treat yourself and get reading now.
Abra Cadabra, the second installment in Crystal Ash’s Harem of Freaks series, builds upon the dark, unsettling charm of Freak Show, further exploring the twisted world of carnival life and the protagonist’s growing relationships. This book delves deeper into the underworld of the carnival, introducing new characters, secrets, and challenges. While it expands on themes introduced in the first book, Abra Cadabra also had a few ups and downs for me, which made it a mixed but engaging read.
One of the strongest aspects of Abra Cadabra is its world-building. Ash does an excellent job weaving a sense of mystery and danger into the carnival’s everyday life, making it feel surreal yet gritty. The sense of unease is almost constant, and you can feel the protagonist’s ongoing struggle to understand her place in this bizarre world. This book adds layers to the carnival’s dark lore, drawing readers further into its murky depths. Ash’s descriptions bring to life the lurid colors and unsettling characters, making it easy to picture the eerie attractions and ominous figures that populate the story.
On the character side, Abra Cadabra expands the protagonist’s “harem,” adding more potential love interests. This development adds complexity but can also feel rushed at times, as the heroine’s relationships don’t always feel entirely fleshed out before she moves on to the next one. Some of the interactions felt repetitive, and while each male character has unique qualities, they occasionally felt like stock archetypes rather than fully developed individuals. I wanted a bit more insight into their backgrounds or motivations to really understand the draw each had on the protagonist beyond surface-level attraction.
One challenge with Abra Cadabra was its pacing. The book is a slow-build, which works well for a reverse-harem series, but there were moments where the story felt bogged down by internal dialogue or scenes that didn’t push the plot forward. Although the central mystery surrounding the Wolf Man and the protagonist’s deeper connection to the carnival continues to intrigue, I occasionally found myself waiting for more impactful plot developments or twists to pick up the momentum.
Overall, Abra Cadabra does a good job expanding on the dark world and romance that began in Freak Show, but it didn’t fully captivate me. For fans of the series, this book will likely be a satisfying continuation, especially if you enjoy dark romance with a supernatural twist. While I appreciate the eerie carnival setting and the protagonist’s evolving relationships, I felt the story could benefit from deeper character development and a stronger pace. It’s a decent, intriguing read that keeps you curious enough to see where the story leads next—3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the second book in the Harem of Freaks series, and it is absolutely worth reading. They are a bit shorter, which I generally don't get into, but they are so captivating that you just can't help but enjoy them. They do need to be read in order, so if you haven't read the first, Freak Show, definitely read it.
In the first book, we met Melody and Connor. They paired up as the only two carnival "freaks" that were decent people. Together, they opted to save a tortured soul, the Wolf Man, and his two children, despite the fact that doing so meant they had to leave the show. In this book, we get to experience Melody and Connor's adjustment to the new carnival show they've arrived at. But that's not all they have to adjust to. Melody and Connor's relationship is blossoming, but it's a bumpy road thanks to both their pasts. Not to mention the strangely handsome tattooed fire and knife showman that seems to have an interest in Melody and the oddly familiar silent follower that Melody isn't sure if she's more afraid of or fascinated with both confusing her feelings.
Although there wasn't a lot in the line of character development and only minimal world building, there was some really fun story here. I'm usually such a sucker for strong character development and in depth world building, but the storyline is like nothing I've ever read and simply pulls you right in. That's not to say that neither the characters nor the world is becoming fleshed out because they are, rather this series seems to take it a little slower, focusing more attention on the unique story while slowly giving the reader more and more background.
It's such a delightfully fun and completely original story, and I can't help but anxiously get to the next book.
4.4 stars. Ok so things are definitely starting to pick up. I’m liking how Melody and Connor’s relationship is developing and evolving. We’ve met a couple new men who are similar, but very different. One of them comes with much more responsibility than Melody ever expected taking on so young, but is sweet and so caring. The other is sort of a playboy. Not wanting to be tied down by one woman, and he brings some OW drama to mix that wasn’t so bad it ruined his character for me, but I still felt annoyed and the ick was creepin into my peripherals. Im not completely sold on him yet, and thankfully, neither is Melody. Neither of these men have gone farther than a kiss, besides Connor. And I’m liking the slower pace to their relationships with all the things they have to think about.
Something new to this that I haven’t really seen before though is that Connor is the one encouraging her to pursue the other men. I’ll be interested to see how things progress with everyone’s relationships when they all have so much hurt and trauma to work through.
Im glad I picked this series up. These books are pretty short, and quick, and I’m finding them really entertaining. I can’t wait to see if there are more men who will be added to the mix, and what they bring to the table.
Abra Cadabra is the second in this series and it proves to be just as amazing as the first. Crystal Ash does not at all disappoint with bringing the characters and their world to life. This story continues to build on the carnival and the paranormal world as Melody and her guys continue to grow and figure out what they mean to one another. The story progress nicely as more characters come into the light. This book is full of excitement, steamy sexy times, and lots of magic. This book further pulls you into its world and is one that I stayed up late reading. It is lightly peppered with chapters written in the point of view from one of the guys which helps to further give some more insight into their own individual stories aside from Melody's without overwhelming the reader with too many povs. If you read the first book and are looking into this one too, and you like magic, shifters, and spit-fire female leads, then this paranormal reverse harem is just for you! This is just one of those books/series that you can happily reread, and I will definitely do so in preparation for the next installment!
There was plenty of character and relationship building in this book. Not nearly as much excitement and drama within the carnival/freak show aspect with potential danger but still plenty of things happened. Mel’s relationship with Connor has progressed to the next level both physically and emotionally. Mel is establishing a relationship with the werewolf family she and Connor has saved from the 1st book. She’s also introduced to another shifter, a dragon named Raz, but that relationship seems to be precarious at the moment.
The author did a great job balancing the emotions among Connor and Mel in regards to her having more than 1 lover which makes the whole thing seem more realistic. This series is a “build as you go” type reverse harem. All the men are slowly being introduced to the others so it’s nice to watch the relationships between the 3 men develop too.
Another fantastic book in this series! Already bought the rest of the series so I will be binge reading it over the next day or 2! ☺️
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
I really liked this book. It was wonderfully written. I like the change in perspective, but that most of it is told from Melody’s pov. I have two very minor complaints about the book. This one, along with the first, both felt more like short stories than full length novels. It’s hard to figure out what the big plot and resolution is, or at least one that’s big enough to be the theme of a book. It’s an amazing book and so much fun to read, no matter the length. But I think it would feel more satisfying if it had a little more meat to it. Or maybe if the first two books were combined to make one book. My other second silly complaint? That’s not how bacon is made, lol. It sounds like the boar was killed this morning and poof, yummy bacon. Don’t know why it bugged me, but it did. It should tell you how good the book is that these were the only things I could think of to mention negatively.
It definitely enjoyed the world the author created and how each one of the characters in the harem had different personalities and their own insecurities and such. Personally I thought the 6 books could be condensed down to 3, but whatever, more money for the author.
It kept reminding you that the main character was 18, but I think it kept reminding you of this because none of these characters seemed like the age they were (18-23ish). I don’t know if the author wanted the characters to be younger for a New Adult type of age group or what, but they all seemed too mature to be in that age range. Which I’m totally cool with because I ignore that it kept saying she was 18 and just read like she was mid 20’s or so.
Drama. Smut. Imperfect characters. Bisexual relationships. Overall pretty fun set of books.
Wow this series has fully captured my attention, its creative and new and intriguing. With the carnival/ freak show dynamic with the supernaturals thrown in it is fantastic. The characters are well developed and I really like how each guy kind of balances out the other guy's flaws in a way. I also love how its not an insta-harem or a group of friends that all want the same thing that have been friends forever, they are all going with the flow it seems. The emotional and mental strength that Mel possesses is kind of awwe inspiring. I mean I know each of the guys has their own issues but the way they act emotionally towards Mel is upsetting sometimes, but she seems to power through. I love this series so far an I can't wait for book 3 to continue more of their journey!
Another exciting installment in the Harem of Freaks series. Really enjoying the slow-pace of build of the harem that Melody is building. Love that we finally see a moment between Melody and Connor. Love the development of Hunter's character, as he approaches Melody. We also have the inclusion of Razvan's character, as Melody & Connor join another carnival. There is also a realistic feeling of character development, including Connor understanding the concept of sharing Melody with other in the harem or Melody wanting more from the men in her life.
Interesting end of the story, answering some questions we develop during the story while leaving us wanting more and needing to know what happens next.
Another brilliant sequel. This author is very good at keeping the storyline moving. I was actually pleasantly surprised where the story ended up. Usually you can tell where a story is going from foreshadowing, but I missed it here, and it’s nice to be surprised. I love the new additions in this book, especially that one of the characters is a type you don’t normally see in a harem. My only complaint is the same as with most books from this author - the story is short for an RH novel. That said, this author does turn the stories around pretty quickly, so it does seem to balance out. So glad there’s already an expected release date for the next one!
With this second installment Crystal Ash starts off right where we left off. Mel and Conner's relationship is getting a bit more defined. They are@a brand new carnival they "wolf man and his pups" escaped. Yet Mel keeps seeing glimpses of a pale wolf. Her dreams are haunted by them along with another creature. Among this new rag tag bunch of performers and side show "freak's" . Someone has an eye out for Mel,will this change the relationship between Connor and her? Or will it break it? Who can tell you just have to keep on reading this fast pace, spiced up book.