What do you think?
Rate this book
Her Freaks #2
Taming the Ringmaster
After the bombs, the world changed. Alcide’s Circus is proof of that. Freaks, outcasts, abominations, they have been called it all, but they found freedom within the big top to embrace themselves and each other. They have never been slaves—until now.
Last Stop is a mecca in a destroyed world, filled with riches and treasures from the times before, yet under the decadent, utopian façade hides a darker underbelly, and when the circus rolls into town, things start to get interesting.
Fate has its cruel eyes set on Rhea, and will test everything she thought she knew, not only about herself but her family as well. Sometimes you have to lose everything to find the truth about who you are, and what you are capable of.
When the Circus falls and the freaks are forced to fight for their lives in the dust, will there be anyone left to pick up the pieces?
Last Stop is a mecca in a destroyed world, filled with riches and treasures from the times before, yet under the decadent, utopian façade hides a darker underbelly, and when the circus rolls into town, things start to get interesting.
Fate has its cruel eyes set on Rhea, and will test everything she thought she knew, not only about herself but her family as well. Sometimes you have to lose everything to find the truth about who you are, and what you are capable of.
When the Circus falls and the freaks are forced to fight for their lives in the dust, will there be anyone left to pick up the pieces?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2019
108 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Erin O'Kane
66 books487 followersErin O'Kane is an independent author from the UK. She used to work within healthcare, but now is able to follow her dream as a full time author. Writing is her escape and a dream she never thought possible until she was given a push from her friends and family.
She has an addiction to coffee, Lucozade and baked goods. When not writing she will be found on adventures with her husband, reading a book or watching bad romance movies.
She has an addiction to coffee, Lucozade and baked goods. When not writing she will be found on adventures with her husband, reading a book or watching bad romance movies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 5, 2022
As soon as I realized where this story was going I was nervous. As a fan of apocalyptic reads the one thing I’m not a fan of is the far too believable and sad reality of our fellow humans. With a member of the family lost in the last book I was beyond hesitant in learning who’d be next. I had to speed read through certain parts especially when the animals were brought out. By the end I’m happy with how things played out but I’m hoping the freaks get a big win in the end and rid the world of bigots, racists and jealous muggles 😉 Rhea adds a new member to the harem and while I’m fine with him and how that played out I still think she forms bonds far too quickly. She also has sex at the worst times in my opinion and I’m shocked those moments weren’t more explosive. Rhea also tends to both overreact and under react at times often annoying me to no end especially as we learn she’s soooooooo much more powerful than ever expected. Hoping for a bloody vengeful and I guess happy ending as well 😈
January 31, 2022
Holy crap man. This series continues to tear at my heart AND make me smile. This book was a bit more emotional for me than book one.
You do need to read book one in order to follow this book. Taming The Ringmaster focuses on their trip to a new city to perform for what becomes known as the “masters.” Upon arriving to the new city, they realize it was all a setup. They become slaves, forced to fight for the masters against other “freaks.”
These authors are so insanely talented. I can’t even deal with how amazing they are.
You do need to read book one in order to follow this book. Taming The Ringmaster focuses on their trip to a new city to perform for what becomes known as the “masters.” Upon arriving to the new city, they realize it was all a setup. They become slaves, forced to fight for the masters against other “freaks.”
These authors are so insanely talented. I can’t even deal with how amazing they are.
March 3, 2023
The circus answers an invitation to perform in the city placing them all directly in a situation none could ever have imagined. This second book definitely upped the ante and it was full of such intense emotional angst. It was a rollercoaster from start to finish and has a much darker vibe than its predecessor. Rhea really came into her own here and there were times I’ll admit that I was a bit worried and convinced things were going to implode with just how much darkness and pain they were all subjected to.
We are also introduced to a new harem member Xavier, he is a stone-cold killer who from years of brutality and dark deeds initially seems almost empty and without conscience. Rhea instantly feels a connection and the two gradually form a tentative bond that expands when the two are paired to fight together as a single unit both now having to rely on the other to trust to have their back and ensure both of their survival.
There were definite shocks lots of intense heart-stopping moments including some delicious heat and a rebel cause to embrace as this family of misfits fight for their right to simply exist. I’m now looking forward to the final book and discovering how it all is resolved. I’m really enjoying this series a lot and definitely recommend reading it.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
December 13, 2019
OHMYGODS this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. At one point in the book I was crying and was ready to fly to England and kick both authors butts, but they redeemed themselves in the end of the book. I felt emotional wrung out after that story, now I'm going to be suffering from a banging book hangover.
This book goes from ashes of book one into a roaring fire. Rhea and her men are pushed to their absolute limits when they go to the city. Deceit lies around every corner and Rhea will have to dig deep to overcome her fears. She will discover new and amazing sides of her powers.
Let's not forget the new character that will be introduced *squeeeee* and the scorching hot heat level *fanning myself* 🔥🔥🔥
I highly recommend you one-click this amazing series and fall in love with the characters as I have. You won't be disappointed.
This book goes from ashes of book one into a roaring fire. Rhea and her men are pushed to their absolute limits when they go to the city. Deceit lies around every corner and Rhea will have to dig deep to overcome her fears. She will discover new and amazing sides of her powers.
Let's not forget the new character that will be introduced *squeeeee* and the scorching hot heat level *fanning myself* 🔥🔥🔥
I highly recommend you one-click this amazing series and fall in love with the characters as I have. You won't be disappointed.
December 11, 2019
This book is about 20x as intense as Circus save me. It blew me away. I couldn’t stop reading and I became so invested in these amazing characters that my stomach was in knots.
I absolutely love the themes of this book. That out of darkness you can rise, stronger, burning hotter, more powerful than you were before. Rhea certainly embodies that in Taming The Ringmaster. I liked her in Circus save me, but I love her now. She and her men are all deeply flawed and broken, but they fight for love and family and freedom.
You really need to read this book. It’s a stunning work of raw beauty and cruelty that will simultaneously rip your heart out and make it swell. That’s a rare feat.
I absolutely love the themes of this book. That out of darkness you can rise, stronger, burning hotter, more powerful than you were before. Rhea certainly embodies that in Taming The Ringmaster. I liked her in Circus save me, but I love her now. She and her men are all deeply flawed and broken, but they fight for love and family and freedom.
You really need to read this book. It’s a stunning work of raw beauty and cruelty that will simultaneously rip your heart out and make it swell. That’s a rare feat.
December 10, 2019
DNF at 25% - nothing has happened in the story except they talked about how much they love each other. Blah blah blah. We get it...you all have special nicknames for each other.
March 27, 2021
Holy fuck.
I really really hope theres gonna be another book. This was absolutely stunning and everything was so intertwined i really wanna know more about why the ringmaster went to the Masters and what he did.
The Boys:
Rex- S h i t. The fact that he could use the powers of the animals he was around was so fucking cool. Honestly i liked him a lot, there was obvious chemistry from the start and he was so shy.
Jessie- okay fuck you. I cried so god damn hard. And then he just?? ugh. He was so happy and was ready to do anything for her it broke my heart. I'm really glad they were each others firsts.
Nixon- No. No no no no, he didn't deserve that attack. I'm really glad they got to stay close because i know the others were jealous but i mean come on, the man wouldn't have been able to handle it. He was fucking brutal when it came to her and i loved him so so much.
Alcide/Ringmaster- Alright, so i was JUMPING on their relationship from the start. I was so ready for it but i definitely felt that betrayed when he went with the Masters, thankfully that shit was corrected. But his power was magnificent
Blain- fucking cocksucker, i loved him. Their love hate relationship was so refreshing even during their time at the prison. I loved him and his power and just everything about it.
Xavier- Holy fuck balls. He was my favorite. I loved their chemistry from the start, and the harsh glares. The shower part?? fuck yes. Anyways i hope theres more of this so i can get more of them.
ALSO THE ANIMALS FUCK
I really really hope theres gonna be another book. This was absolutely stunning and everything was so intertwined i really wanna know more about why the ringmaster went to the Masters and what he did.
The Boys:
Rex- S h i t. The fact that he could use the powers of the animals he was around was so fucking cool. Honestly i liked him a lot, there was obvious chemistry from the start and he was so shy.
Jessie- okay fuck you. I cried so god damn hard. And then he just?? ugh. He was so happy and was ready to do anything for her it broke my heart. I'm really glad they were each others firsts.
Nixon- No. No no no no, he didn't deserve that attack. I'm really glad they got to stay close because i know the others were jealous but i mean come on, the man wouldn't have been able to handle it. He was fucking brutal when it came to her and i loved him so so much.
Alcide/Ringmaster- Alright, so i was JUMPING on their relationship from the start. I was so ready for it but i definitely felt that betrayed when he went with the Masters, thankfully that shit was corrected. But his power was magnificent
Blain- fucking cocksucker, i loved him. Their love hate relationship was so refreshing even during their time at the prison. I loved him and his power and just everything about it.
Xavier- Holy fuck balls. He was my favorite. I loved their chemistry from the start, and the harsh glares. The shower part?? fuck yes. Anyways i hope theres more of this so i can get more of them.
ALSO THE ANIMALS FUCK
September 19, 2024
There's some somewhat dark moments in this book for Rhea - beware!
QUICK IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you haven't read "Circus Saves Christmas" after reading book #1, "Circus Save Me," I strongly suggest you do that before continuing with this book! You can find it in "Dark Temptations: Volume 1" by the same two authors. There are a few novellas at the beginning of that collection that relate to this series, "Circus Saves Christmas," in particular, that has some information that's brought up in this book. It's clear you've missed scenes if you jump right into this one, so I suggest hitting that up first!
-----------------------------------
Something is going on in the new city that the circus has traveled to. They all seem to feel something is off and that it's dangerous, but Alcide seems determined to stay for a bit. By the time they decide it's too risky to remain where they are, it's too late, and they're captured to be slaves that fight each other for other people's entertainment.
There's some possible triggers you may want to look up, but nothing too dark. There's some violence, minor gore, $exual h@rassment, de@th, etc.
I really enjoyed this book and the depths of some of the characters, even giving some life and dimension to a few of the "bad guys." Rhea also has to question how far she's willing to go while in captivity - Is she willing to lose who she's become since meeting her men? Does violence need to be the answer? Death? Or is it best to give in and fight those who have no other choice, people just like her, just to stay alive?
QUICK IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you haven't read "Circus Saves Christmas" after reading book #1, "Circus Save Me," I strongly suggest you do that before continuing with this book! You can find it in "Dark Temptations: Volume 1" by the same two authors. There are a few novellas at the beginning of that collection that relate to this series, "Circus Saves Christmas," in particular, that has some information that's brought up in this book. It's clear you've missed scenes if you jump right into this one, so I suggest hitting that up first!
-----------------------------------
Something is going on in the new city that the circus has traveled to. They all seem to feel something is off and that it's dangerous, but Alcide seems determined to stay for a bit. By the time they decide it's too risky to remain where they are, it's too late, and they're captured to be slaves that fight each other for other people's entertainment.
There's some possible triggers you may want to look up, but nothing too dark. There's some violence, minor gore, $exual h@rassment, de@th, etc.
I really enjoyed this book and the depths of some of the characters, even giving some life and dimension to a few of the "bad guys." Rhea also has to question how far she's willing to go while in captivity - Is she willing to lose who she's become since meeting her men? Does violence need to be the answer? Death? Or is it best to give in and fight those who have no other choice, people just like her, just to stay alive?
January 4, 2022
Okay... If a little disappointing.
MAY HAVE SPOILERS .,...
I was a little disappointed with this book. The first had me so excited and then within the first chapter of this one I knew it would be different. They kept talking about things that happened between book one and two so much that I kept stopping and thinking I needed to go back to one to see if I missed an epilogue or something. Then it seemed like the authors kept switching chapters, one writing one and the other another and so forth. The styles kept changing. Another issue I had was that Rhea kept seeming to forget shit that happened.... Like it the first book there was that big ass battle where the guys left her behind and she had to kill people attacking her.... But in this book shes all distraught talking bout this is my first kill... No it wasn't and she had emotional upheaval this time but not the last book. She seemed stronger the first but kept breaking down in this one. Which is fine, because they were going through some tough shit... But it was like her strength of character only came through when she was in her guys arms or something was happening to them.. Just seemed like a change of character strength. Honestly idk how to feel about this book. Oh huh and don't even get me started on Ringmaster. 😒
MAY HAVE SPOILERS .,...
I was a little disappointed with this book. The first had me so excited and then within the first chapter of this one I knew it would be different. They kept talking about things that happened between book one and two so much that I kept stopping and thinking I needed to go back to one to see if I missed an epilogue or something. Then it seemed like the authors kept switching chapters, one writing one and the other another and so forth. The styles kept changing. Another issue I had was that Rhea kept seeming to forget shit that happened.... Like it the first book there was that big ass battle where the guys left her behind and she had to kill people attacking her.... But in this book shes all distraught talking bout this is my first kill... No it wasn't and she had emotional upheaval this time but not the last book. She seemed stronger the first but kept breaking down in this one. Which is fine, because they were going through some tough shit... But it was like her strength of character only came through when she was in her guys arms or something was happening to them.. Just seemed like a change of character strength. Honestly idk how to feel about this book. Oh huh and don't even get me started on Ringmaster. 😒
May 13, 2021
Another quick, guilty read. I enjoyed this one more than the first.
For starters, the writing was better. Not astronomically, but there was improvement, though it still seemed rather disjointed between sections at times. It still reads more as two singular authors each writing a chapter and then stringing it together than a real collaboration. Some of the foreshadowing in the first quarter of the book could have been brilliant... if that plot point hadn't been totally dropped/changed, leaving me waiting for something that never came.
Rhea is one of my least favorite protagonist. She comes across often as a whiny Mary Sue. She has all the powers (yes, all of them) and strength when convenient. Everything goes right for her, and even when it seems like it won't... it does.
Easy to read; I would probably read the next installment if it were to come when I wanted something that doesn't take much thought, or I just need a guilty reverse harem escape read for a bit.
For starters, the writing was better. Not astronomically, but there was improvement, though it still seemed rather disjointed between sections at times. It still reads more as two singular authors each writing a chapter and then stringing it together than a real collaboration. Some of the foreshadowing in the first quarter of the book could have been brilliant... if that plot point hadn't been totally dropped/changed, leaving me waiting for something that never came.
Rhea is one of my least favorite protagonist. She comes across often as a whiny Mary Sue. She has all the powers (yes, all of them) and strength when convenient. Everything goes right for her, and even when it seems like it won't... it does.
Easy to read; I would probably read the next installment if it were to come when I wanted something that doesn't take much thought, or I just need a guilty reverse harem escape read for a bit.
August 6, 2020
Taming
Dang! I shouldn't have read it so quickly, I love Taming the Ringmaster, and I want more of the Her Freaks series. I need the Christmas novella, and I need book 3. This is a RH (reverse harem), but I'm glad the authors decided to build a good storyline instead of using sex as a filler. The story is excellent, there was one scene where I couldn't understand what was happening. I kept saying "This can't be true."
I'm glad Alcide and Rhea finally came together. Maybe it's just me, but I like Alcide a lot. I like all the guys, but it's his silent aloofness that draws me. If K.A. Knight and Erin O'Kane are reading this review, please give us more than 3 books in this series. I can see this being a series on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV. You guys have created something memorable.
Dang! I shouldn't have read it so quickly, I love Taming the Ringmaster, and I want more of the Her Freaks series. I need the Christmas novella, and I need book 3. This is a RH (reverse harem), but I'm glad the authors decided to build a good storyline instead of using sex as a filler. The story is excellent, there was one scene where I couldn't understand what was happening. I kept saying "This can't be true."
I'm glad Alcide and Rhea finally came together. Maybe it's just me, but I like Alcide a lot. I like all the guys, but it's his silent aloofness that draws me. If K.A. Knight and Erin O'Kane are reading this review, please give us more than 3 books in this series. I can see this being a series on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV. You guys have created something memorable.
November 8, 2021
Taming the Ringmaster
I Give this Book a 4-4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 5.
Bring the Kleenex! 🤧😢
And can I just say, when I read books that feature cells/cages they for some reason seem forgotten, and the characters can just gallivant around. Thankfully this wasn’t the case, you really get a sense of imprisonment and cruelty.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes
Relationship Type: RH> Reverse Harem: MFMMMMM
M/M(?): No.
Heat: 2ish/5, not much heat wise, which is absolutely okay with me cause the book is plot driven and kept my attention.
Affection & Romance: it’s half of both of these at this point, nothing is rushed and definitely not intsa, and my goodness lots of cute affection and has all the feels! 🥰
Dark(?): I can kinda go with Dark Lite-ish, but to me it’s not dark.
Pacing: well paced, slow to mid, you feel like you’re experiencing it.
Drama: 5/5
Suspense: 5/5
I Give this Book a 4-4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 5.
Bring the Kleenex! 🤧😢
And can I just say, when I read books that feature cells/cages they for some reason seem forgotten, and the characters can just gallivant around. Thankfully this wasn’t the case, you really get a sense of imprisonment and cruelty.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes
Relationship Type: RH> Reverse Harem: MFMMMMM
M/M(?): No.
Heat: 2ish/5, not much heat wise, which is absolutely okay with me cause the book is plot driven and kept my attention.
Affection & Romance: it’s half of both of these at this point, nothing is rushed and definitely not intsa, and my goodness lots of cute affection and has all the feels! 🥰
Dark(?): I can kinda go with Dark Lite-ish, but to me it’s not dark.
Pacing: well paced, slow to mid, you feel like you’re experiencing it.
Drama: 5/5
Suspense: 5/5
June 29, 2020
Aaaahhh this burns so good! I know you have already Circus Saves Me, I know why you're here. The complete shock you are in for had my heart breaking! The Freaks find themselves in a very unsettling situation. Alliances are formed in the darkest of places, making you question everything! I found my heart racing with fear for Rhea and her family! The Ringmaster leaves you clutching at your heart with your mouth gaping. Will they survive? Did things go according to plan? The cliffhanger has me on the edge of my seat, eager for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2021
Taming the Ringmaster, book two in the Her Freaks series, continues the story of Rhea and her new family, a small group of circus performers; Alcide, the ringmaster, Blaine, Jesse, Nixon and Rex. When they are sent an invitation to a new town called Last Stop, the group feel like they might be able to relax a little. When the towns citizen's try to warn them away, will it be to late for the group to get out of town? When the circus falls into the hands of the crazy "Masters", and the group is forced to do unimaginable things to survive, will they be able to pick up the broken pieces?
September 7, 2020
I enjoyed this and the characters development! Just wish it was longer! Can't wait for the next in the series. I did have to re read the first book as I'd forgotten who was who.
Then I forgot to read the mini book after so characters relationships had developed and I could only vaguely remember.
Anyway, I felt like a few characters were just sidelined as you hardly saw or heard anything from them.
Then I forgot to read the mini book after so characters relationships had developed and I could only vaguely remember.
Anyway, I felt like a few characters were just sidelined as you hardly saw or heard anything from them.
October 15, 2021
Taming the Ringmaster - K A Knight & Erin O'Kane
** 5 Huge Stars ***
This book goes above and beyond the first book, I was page turning like crazy, needing my next fix of this crazy adventure. This is completely and utterly addictive, I loved every. single. minute.
This is without a shadow of doubt one of the best post apoc books I've read in quite sometime.
I am absolutely chomping at the bit for the final instalment in this series.
** 5 Huge Stars ***
This book goes above and beyond the first book, I was page turning like crazy, needing my next fix of this crazy adventure. This is completely and utterly addictive, I loved every. single. minute.
This is without a shadow of doubt one of the best post apoc books I've read in quite sometime.
I am absolutely chomping at the bit for the final instalment in this series.
November 4, 2020
Absolutely Fan-freaking-tastic 😁
This series has everything you could ever want in a story 😃. Love, excitement, disparities, anger, hope and a fabulous cast of characters 😲. I CANNOT wait for the next book 🤗. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH K.A. and Erin, PLEASE🙏, Please🙏, please🙏 write more SOON 🤓.
This series has everything you could ever want in a story 😃. Love, excitement, disparities, anger, hope and a fabulous cast of characters 😲. I CANNOT wait for the next book 🤗. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH K.A. and Erin, PLEASE🙏, Please🙏, please🙏 write more SOON 🤓.
January 30, 2022
This series is addictive. I am completely spellbound by these characters. The storyline is very well developed. I can't imagine that number of hours spent brainstorming, but every minute paid off. The story will pull you in, ravage you, and spit you out. The next minute it will breathe life back in to your soul. I am so excited to dive in to book three and see where it leads!
May 9, 2020
Great read
I loved the book. Following Rhea on this emotional journey. I love her men and to find more family. Cliffhangers in this book. I was tense a couple of times waiting to see what would happen Good writer
I loved the book. Following Rhea on this emotional journey. I love her men and to find more family. Cliffhangers in this book. I was tense a couple of times waiting to see what would happen Good writer
November 3, 2021
jaw dropping
Gut wrenching, jaw dropping madness. This book is even better than the first. Filled with pain and action. The ending is a massive crescendo leading into what promises to be a devastatingly good ending in the next book.
Gut wrenching, jaw dropping madness. This book is even better than the first. Filled with pain and action. The ending is a massive crescendo leading into what promises to be a devastatingly good ending in the next book.
November 4, 2021
Enjoyed
I loved book 2. I still have questions. How dud they knock the group out to take them to begin with. The bracelet rhea is given seemed to not work as well as i thought it would.
I loved book 2. I still have questions. How dud they knock the group out to take them to begin with. The bracelet rhea is given seemed to not work as well as i thought it would.
October 17, 2022
Absolutely loved this book! Rhea is a strong and loving character who will stop at nothing to protect the people she loves and those that need her! This book was so angsty but beautiful at the same time! Wish this series wasn't almost done though!
April 11, 2020
Book 3?
Hmmm, loved it, but feel we missed a bit as there are referrals to things that happened between book 1 and 2, waiting for 3 now, great series so far, well worth the read
Hmmm, loved it, but feel we missed a bit as there are referrals to things that happened between book 1 and 2, waiting for 3 now, great series so far, well worth the read
October 5, 2020
Fantastic
Wow, Amazing just amazing couldn't put it down it was definitely a adventure I won't forget!!!!! Need to read 100
Wow, Amazing just amazing couldn't put it down it was definitely a adventure I won't forget!!!!! Need to read 100
March 5, 2021
amazing
I wish there was a 3rd book where we see the rebellion and the freaks take over. But I enjoyed this ending
I wish there was a 3rd book where we see the rebellion and the freaks take over. But I enjoyed this ending
April 28, 2021
Again super Brill read. Loved the first book. Great second book, can't wait for the third.
Must reads!!
Must reads!!
May 6, 2021
Wow
Holy wow that was so freaking good!! I dont even have words. I need more of Rhea and the test of the freaks. I cant wait til the next book comes out
Holy wow that was so freaking good!! I dont even have words. I need more of Rhea and the test of the freaks. I cant wait til the next book comes out
November 5, 2021
Bring plenty of Kleenex!!!
November 16, 2021
I'm really sad that I couldn't get into this series. Book 1 was awesome but I hated the turn that books 2 & 3 took.
July 27, 2022
2.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews