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Charlie Travesty #2

A Light in the Dusk

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Tunnels full of monsters. A half-vampire slave. A forbidden romance.

Charlie Travesty has been banished from the mansion.

Now bearing the tattoo that marks her as a slave, she begins work in the sewers, far below the city of New Ve. The weepers—vampires and humans alike who have been infected by a deadly virus—seem to be increasing in number, and the death toll is rising.

In order to ensure her survival, Charlie launches her own investigation. She finds an unexpected ally in infamous bounty hunter Noah Forrest, despite his ability to get under her skin like nobody else. With him at her side, and a human on the other, Charlie discovers that nothing is what it seems in the tunnels she now calls home.

111 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2020

55 people are currently reading
756 people want to read

About the author

Jessi Elliott

23 books401 followers
Jessi Elliott is a new adult and young adult paranormal and fantasy romance author.

She lives in Ontario, Canada with her adorable calico cat, Phoebe.

When she's not working on her next book, she likes to hang out with friends and family, get lost in a steamy romance novel, watch Friends, and drink coffee.

You can find Jessi on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Join her newsletter to stay up to date on book news and upcoming releases!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ibmmLg
Instagram: https://bit.ly/39YAnsQ
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3JgKlaV
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3kb7D4Y

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5 stars
117 (17%)
4 stars
241 (36%)
3 stars
240 (36%)
2 stars
48 (7%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Dee.
424 reviews34 followers
May 13, 2020
3.5 stars- I knew there was going to be a cliffhanger. I knew it.

Noah. Why is he like that? I was snickering multiple times at his sarcastic, dry jokes. I want more information about him, badly.

The story was kind of messy in this one. The length is so short, it's hard to explain things nicely. That is why I propose they change it into a whole series. I'm not saying it because I want more Noah, I promise.

The addition of a hijabi doctor vampire brought a smile to my face. Thank you.



Before
forbidden romance? isn't she free and can date whoever she wants?

I'm a hoe for Noah already. We get more of him YES
Profile Image for Whitney.
330 reviews130 followers
March 6, 2021
If you haven't read any of these books, you need to read my review of the first one here.

The plot thickens! I don't want to say too much because each of these books are super short, but packs an emotional punch. Let's just say that the love triangle takes a bad turn - leaving Charlie upset and confused. There are still questionable things happening in the royal family that she can't escape either. Poor Charlie is put in the middle of so many complicated scenarios. (I secretly love it!)

Highly recommend this series for all the paranormal lovers!
Profile Image for Sophie Ann.
197 reviews11 followers
July 12, 2020
I love where this series is heading. Charlie is such a lovable character, I love watching her develop and feel so much for her when things don't quite go to plan.

These books have one of the nicest writing styles, everything just flows and I find I can read these so quickly.

I'm excited for the romance to develop in this, the two love interests are complete polar opposites, the guy you should want and the guy you shouldn't but want anyway - it'll be interesting to see who Charlie chooses (or somebody else entirely, there's so many twists and turns I don't see coming, anything can happen at this point).

This one was a little slower than the first one with less happening action wise but a lot of character and relationship development , it still got a 4 star as I am so invested and intreiged the entire time, even when it's a bit slower.

I like that there's the element of humour and banter between the characters to break up the seriousness.

Overall this is a beautifully written and thought out book and I really am starting to love K.J Sutton & Jessi Elliott as authors - onto book number 3!
Profile Image for Sara.
1,494 reviews432 followers
October 3, 2024
In terms of plot, this is sitting at a solid 2 star rating unfortunately, and I think the main reason for that is because there isn't really much of a plot. We get a lot of Charlie moping, and umming and ahhing over Drew and keeping her vampire side in check. And some conversations with Noah that centre around a rather illogical set up that sees the two 'team up' in a weeper investigation. Other than that.... I got nothing. The weepers are pretty creepy I guess.

However this gets three stars for the sexy scenes that brim with chemistry and the undeniable connection between Charlie and Noah. Drew I find irritating and a bit of a plot device, Noah I appreciate for the smoky eyes and broodiness. Although I found his quips to be a little underwhelming at times.

I still want to continue this series because I do still think it has potential - but I'm going to need some serious plot development and world building to keep me interested.
Profile Image for Jessica.
48 reviews16 followers
May 12, 2020
Oh my goodness! This series is so compelling. Honestly, it's been hard to read with everything going on in the world and I just want this whole book in my lap. For those of you that are new, this is part of a serial where 2 of the installments have already been released. The next 2 have release dates of May 26, 2020 and June 9, 2020.
I cannot stress how amazing these books are: be warned they are adult and I love adult books with accurate depictions of mature content-not fade to black or tacky! The scenes were tasteful and I will keep saying I want more right now! This book did end on a cliffhanger, which I did not mind at all and it just made me want the next installment more.
I really hope that everyone who loves vampires and paranormal adult romance with a hint of dystopian will give this serial a try! 🖤

**I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My rating and feelings are my own.
Profile Image for .*•.  ☾  sephia ☾ .•*..
354 reviews21 followers
August 1, 2020
2.5 I’ve come to realise I don’t like this authors writing style. She has really good ideas, but then there is no SUBSTANCE to them.

These books are keeping me interested, and this is such a cool idea for a book, but it just comes of flat. I love the basics of the characters, but again, there isn’t any depth.

I do not think I will be reading from this author in the future, as I also read “Fortuna Sworn” which I extremely disliked and also fell flat. These books are better though, but still not amazing.

This is why you should not listen to hype surrounding a book and just read the blurb.
Profile Image for Melissa Polk.
Author 11 books70 followers
May 9, 2020
So much happened in this installment! WOW! A thing happened that I saw coming but hadn't wanted to happen. Another thing happened that I didn't see coming at all. Feelings! Emotions! Action! So much action!

There's nothing specific I can say about this that won't spoil things if you haven't read the first part (why haven't you read the first part? really, you should). I will say: Noah *fans self* and also that I love seeing the conflict Charlie has within herself. It's so poignant.

I will also say that I read this through in one sitting. That's how compelling it was. My emotions went through a whole roller-coaster range of ups and downs before I was done. Intrigue, disgust, arousal, laughter, tears. This installment has it all.
Profile Image for Alissa Buhoveckey [morrigans_books].
63 reviews36 followers
May 12, 2020
This is volume 2 in the Charlie Travesty series! Go read the first volume, A Whisper In the Dark before reading this!
••••
Just want to thank Kelsey and Jessi for letting me be such a big part of this series behind the scenes. I was able to be a beta-reader and give feedback and read the final ARC! Both times I read it and loved it!

This is a great setup for the next two volumes! We really get to understand and see what the problem in the city is and imagine what Charlie is going to have to do to fix it. Not to mention we learn more about Charlie and Drew! Their romance takes a big step in this volume and I loved it. Even though I was partial to Noah😂 I can’t wait for more scenes with Noah😍

Things I would like to see in A Memory in the Flame is more history on the city and Charlie’s father, Noah and Charlie together more, and Charlie become a badass because we all know she has it in her🙌🏻
•••
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this volume! Just a reminder that this series being serialized— all four volumes make up one book but is being released in parts. Each volume is about 95-110 pages long.
Profile Image for Chivon.
331 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2020
As our story continues with Charlie and new found allies, Drew and his sister Nina, we slide along a daily routine of fitting in, working the tunnels, and maintaining the blood lust .
The bounty hunter, mysterious bad boy Noah ,is working with Charlie as they travel and maintain the tunnels of the weepers( total zombie vibes. )
Charlie and Drew leap into a damned relationship ,sexy as may be, that could very well end her security at the Inn and her image.

I love the whole atmosphere and all the characters in this story. We begin to see Charlie develop and become more confident with her new Halfling self. Of course as soon as shit gets good, something has to go wrong....right.
I cannot wait to continue this story and learn where Charlie is headed next. Noah is such a bad boy i definitely need more on him asap. We end with an unexpected visitor to Charlies door, and lets just say this cannot be good... to be continued... and yes im sooooo hooked give me more asap. book three i need you .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tam.
100 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2025
Ok. I’m having fun with these so far!
The mouth on this man! Phew! 😮‍💨
We do love a man that gives C*nty vibes 😏🤣

That ending though!!!
Profile Image for Ann Helen - TheDarklingOne ☾.
31 reviews10 followers
May 26, 2020
Drew and Charlie, sitting in a tree. K-i-s-s-i-n-g. No, more like f-e-e-d-i-n-g. Still hot.

Drew forever and always!
Profile Image for Tathy's Cozy Nook.
133 reviews18 followers
June 16, 2020
Volume 2 was sexy!! At the turn of each page it was like something even hotter happened. The confusion between lust & hatred for Noah & the everlasting longing for Drew UGHH I SWOON!!! I’m so mad Drew didn’t do more to protect her when it all went down. But that cliff hanger at the end? OMG!
Profile Image for Miss Kindly (Sanna).
251 reviews24 followers
May 10, 2020
Thanks to the authors for providing me with an ARC.

At first the second installment of Charlie Travesty felt a bit cringey and rough around the edges to me. After a while though I found myself drawn into the world, kind of settling in to enjoy the ride. And by the end I was quite hooked.

Overall I enjoyed the second part more than the first. In the first part we mostly get an introduction to the world whereas in this Charlie is getting settled in in her new reality. We also get to see the start of a bigger plot take form. Mostly though we kind of hang out in this world and I quite enjoy the magical realism of it. Ever wonder what a bar with humans, faeries, nymphs and vampires look like? Welcome to Rowan's! Something fun pretty much always happens at Rowan's. It feels like a real world were people go to work, hang out at the bar and so on. Instead of following heroes on an epic quest, we get to know what everyday life in a cruel but magical world could be like.

This second part is also quite romance heavy and I love how it's done. For once in fantasy it's not about finding your one true love and yearning for them through an entire book just to share a kiss at end. It's more like casual dating, hanging out like you would actually do, except for that small detail of being a vampire with a hunger for blood. The same goes for how the authors deals with sex, like something natural to be enjoyed, it's good but it doesn't have to shatter mountains. The fact that our protagonist watched funny cat videos online together with a friend at one point when she was feeling down was such a fun detail to me, it makes all of this feel real and close.

Charlie herself... well, I don't have a problem with her but don't love her. She still doesn't really have much of a personality I think. Kind of liked that she at one point even felt like a bit of a coward in a realistic way, because at least it makes sense that she wouldn't be som badass fighter considering her background. She continues to struggle with her inner monster though.

Drew really grew on me because he actually has a distinct personality that's quite funny and relaxed. Not everyone need to be dark and brooding, he's actually a normal guy without being boring. Feels like the authors did a good job writing him.

And don't worry, we see more of Noah as well. He's still mostly a mystery but entertaining for sure.

Towards the end the pace picks up and now I'm really excited to see what happens next. So, in conclusion, if you can live with the occasional cringe and that some things might not make perfect sense (because I had a couple of those) it can still be really enjoyable. I would recommend it when you want something easy and fun and it did manage to hook me in eventually.

Profile Image for Julia.
Author 3 books13 followers
June 3, 2020
A Light in the Dusk by K. J. Sutton and Jessi Elliott Review

Synopsis:

Tunnels full of monsters. A half-vampire slave. A forbidden romance. Charlie Travesty has been banished from the mansion. Now, nearing the tattoo that marks her as a slave, she begins work in the sewers, far below the city of New Ve. The weepers - vampires and humans alike who have been infected by a deadly virus - seem to be increasing in number, and the death toll is rising. In order to ensure her survival, Charlie launches her own investigation. She finds an unexpected ally in infamous bounty hunter Noah Forrest, despite his ability to get under her skin like nobody else. With him at her side, and a human on the other, Charlie discovers that nothing is what it seems in the tunnels she now calls home.

“In a place like this, Charlie, you usually won’t be in the mood to laugh. That’s why you have to force yourself to find the humor, at least once every day.”

Drew is honestly such a precious little marshmallow that must be protected at all costs.

“Save it,” she interrupts, pushing her chair back. “You can be all for peace, Lavender, but at the end of the day, you’re still a monster.”

I do feel bad for Charlie. She had the life of luxury, and then one moment later, it’s all snatched away from her due to the colour of her eyes. She was forced out of her home, abandoned by her ‘family’, sent into the world alone and afraid.
She’s been told that she is a monster just because of her species even though she doesn’t want to hurt people. So I feel for you, girl.

“We don’t choose our family,” Lucas says, offering me a gap-toothed smile. I’m surprised when my eyes prick with tears, and I quickly blink them away and clear my throat. “Yeah, you’re right. We don’t.”

I’m sure Charlie wishes she was born to a more loving and caring family than the ones she was given. That’s for sure.

“But even knowing something doesn’t mean you can accept it.”

“What do you think a hero is?” the girl demands, keeping pace, despite her short legs. “They’re just ordinary people who do extraordinary things. You may not be a vampire, Charlie. You may not know how to use a sword—” “Is this supposed to be cheering me up?” “—but why should that mean you can’t be a hero in this story? Our story?”

I am honestly rooting for Charlie to be the hero in this story. I can see her trying. This is only book 2, she still has plenty of time to be the person she was meant to be and wants to be.

“The more peaceful you feel, the more terrified you should be,” Nina counters, not unkindly. “A peaceful life just means you’ve become complacent.”

4.5/5 Stars!
Profile Image for Lacy.
869 reviews47 followers
May 9, 2020
Drew is like a light in the dusk. A spot of warmth that makes facing this harsh new reality a bit easier.

A Light in the Dusk is part two of the Charlie Travesty serial. We pick right back up with the story. Charlie is going through the motions of existing in her new life, when the threat of a growing number of wheepers has her pairing up with her annoying nemesis, Dr. Doofenshmirtz Noah Forest, to try and solve the mystery. (Is this CSI now?) I keep picturing Noah as Emmett Cullen from Twilight.
Charlie also grows closer with Drew and finally admits her feelings for him. But, because he's a human, things are... complicated.
Nina actually started to grow on me but by the end of this volume, I don't care if she chokes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I'm sad for numerous reasons and need the next installment immediately. 🥺

P.S. Let. Charlie. Name. Her. Cat.


***Thank you again to Kelsey (K. J.) Sutton and Jessi Elliott for allowing me to read an early copy.***
Profile Image for Lisa (lifeinlit).
710 reviews587 followers
June 27, 2020
I'm LOVING this serial!! I can't get enough of these characters and this story... and I love that these volumes are all releasing a couple of weeks apart. I'm ready for MORE!!
Profile Image for Hannah Toplis.
72 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
I am loving this series, the last page made my heart drop! I love the writing and the story but it's the characters that are making it for me, I have rated this book higher than the first but only because I've spent more time the Charlie and I care so much more for her than I did in the first book, if it keeps going this way this series could end up in my top series ever list
Profile Image for Emma of Themiscyra.
255 reviews18 followers
August 23, 2020
Again, this was entertaining. I am still pleasantly surprised. The ending was a rollercoaster, and the cliffhanger made my jaw drop. I'm going to dive into #3 to figure it out!!
Profile Image for Tessy.
Author 3 books3 followers
May 22, 2020
This book was even better than the first!

I had so many high hopes digging into the second volume of the Charlie Travesty serial and I was not disappointed in the least. This book was sexier and darker than the first and it made my little heart scream with pure joy!

I really loved that we got to see so much more of Drew and Nina in this one. We also got to meet a lot more of the people Charlie lives with and interacts with on a daily basis. The character development was so spot on!

We also got to see Charlie’s relationship with Drew develop more in this volume – which was something I desperately looked forward to in the first installment. I cannot wait to see where the rest of this serial takes their story. I have a feeling I won’t be disappointed by that either!

Something I hadn’t expected was to see Charlie dealing more with her vampire side, but I was thrilled to see more of it from the very start of the book! We got to see her struggles and her feelings towards that half of her lineage. It only added to the mystery and intrigue of the plot lines in this particular installment. What I really look forward to seeing is how she ends up feeling about being a halfling by the end of the entire story arc.

If you’re still on the fence about this because vampires can be such a gamble, let me put your mind at ease! I have been wary about vampire books for years because I hadn’t found one I could really sink my teeth into for over a decade. But this one. THIS ONE! This breaks the mold and I don’t think you’d regret picking it up either! If you want sexy, dark, intriguing vampires and humans alike in a dark, creepy, bone chilling world, this is the serial for you!

This serial easily gets 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Elise.
120 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2020
I was apprehensive during the first half of this as I felt it to be a bit jumpy and found myself feeling like I’d slept through things because I felt like I was reading point A and then point C.
However, this didn’t draw too much away from the story and the second half was ALL action! I loved it and I can’t wait to see where volume 3 takes us!

I am rooting for Charlie and Drew. Forbidden love can sometimes be really “bleh” but as I said in my review for volume 1, I am rooting for Charlie and Drew is such a decent guy! So I just want it to be not-so forbidden and that would be great.

Noah is of course, very dark and mysterious and we love that too, right? Although rather pretentious and he does get on my nerves a bit but I suppose that’s all part of his charm.

Thank you so much Jessi Elliott and Kelsey Sutton for the e-ARC. I’m really excited to see what you have up your sleeves for the next release!
Profile Image for Samantha Traunfeld.
Author 3 books27 followers
May 12, 2020
The second installment of the Charlie Travesty serial is even better than the first. Full of tension and romance, Charlie is starting to adjust to her new life. Then she’s thrown into a crazy investigation. I’m excited to see where the next installment takes her, and how much she’ll grow through out the serial.
Profile Image for Zara Hoffman.
Author 24 books136 followers
May 23, 2020
I'm late to the party, I know. But if I thought I loved #1 in this series, I LOVE this one. It just took everything that was great from the first book and built on it before charging right on with the crazy rollercoaster that is the main character's life. I can't recommend this series enough and I can't wait for #3.
Profile Image for Angela Anne.
96 reviews142 followers
May 12, 2020
Such a great part of the serial!!! Loved reading about all the sexy vampires and seeing how the plot thickened...and that plot twist at the end has me craving more. While reading, I kept saying “just one more page” until I had finished the book and it was WAY past my bedtime haha.
Profile Image for Amanda.
882 reviews
May 11, 2020
This story just keeps getting better and I am so hooked! Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Sasha.
157 reviews12 followers
September 21, 2020
It's a short book which is kind of weird but I am kind of liking the direction it is heading. I hope that the series doesn't disappoint me, in the end.
Profile Image for Crystal K.
591 reviews8 followers
October 28, 2023
3 stars

Let me tell you, I really don't like the FMC. I mean, just how clueless can she be? Her inability to recognize her father's connection to a hotel is mind-boggling. And her obsession with Noah, followed by her mistreatment of poor Drew, is incredibly frustrating. It's beyond annoying when FMCs lead men on who are clearly interested in them while they pine for someone else.

Now, Charlie's behavior around Noah and other women is a whole other story. She seriously needs to gain control over her emotions. And as for Drew, well, he couldn't be more clueless. It's painfully evident that she's been using him, and their relationship seems solely focused on the physical side. Friends with benefits, perhaps? Just wait until Nina discovers the whole mess.

This book is pretty short. "Just as I did when they hung my mother's body on the wall." Wait, when did that happen? It seems like foreshadowing.

Future me here: The series has a promising premise, but due to publication issues, it remains incomplete. Read it at your own risk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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