Cirque des Masques

by Becca Steele

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Becca Steele, comes an all-new dark MM standalone story.

It began with one stolen moment. I was never supposed to see him again.
I was never supposed to find out the secret of the Cirque des Masques.

Everyone knows that there’s something different about this circus. Something strange and unusual.
I should have stayed away, but I became too curious. And when I discover his secret, I know I have to face the consequences.

I played with fire, and now I’m going to burn.

Once you see behind the mask, there’s no escape from us.
Welcome to the show…

***
This book is a standalone MM story. Please use the Look Inside feature to view potential triggers.
Part of this story was first available in the Silent Night anthology. This edition has been extensively expanded.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary, Queer

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2023

About the author

Becca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of new adult romance from contemporary to dark. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.

Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another Spotify playlist.

Stalker links
http://linktr.ee/authorbeccasteele

Reviews

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cirque de Masques is an entertaining dark romance that focuses on a mysteriously haunted circus. I was initially intrigued by the setting of this story and was quickly taken on a brilliant ride of this mystical circus filled with complicated characters that are grounded by a blossoming forbidden romance.

The romance between Dima and Ollie is a blend of opposites attract and insta-love. I appreciated how their different personalities allowed their devotion and need to protect one another to thrive. Their connection is apparent from their initial meeting and only grows as the story continues.

Overall this is such an original, creative, and enticing story of forbidden love set in a dangerous and otherworldly setting. I enjoyed the surprises throughout that is a great complement to this romance.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[ivy]

I think this was a little too dark/disturbing for me. No rating because it’s my own fault.

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 2 out of 5]

MM Romance
Circus Mayhem
2 Stars ⭐️

The only reason I’m not rating this one star is because I like that this author branched out and tried something new. There’s too many new releases that are just the same story recycled over and over again and I appreciated something different. Unfortunately, this just did not work for me for a whole bunch of reasons, the main one being, this read like a paranormal romance in the beginning but then never delivered. I should probably say that I initially read the first few chapters of this in an anthology earlier in the year and had mixed feelings about it then too but I saw promise in it and hoped if it was longer, the kinks would work themselves out. Sigh. ☹️

This book first introduces us to Dima, one of our main characters, who says he is cursed with an insatiable bloodlust that causes him to always be turned on and in need of a hookup at all the circus stops. Him and his circus mates go to a club where he meets bartender, Oliver, a boy who is basically an orphan struggling to get by. The second their eyes meet Dima knows this is the one he wants and they go out to the alley to fuck around. When Dima introduces himself he uses his real name and curses because apparently no one is supposed to know their real identities outside of the circus members and when performing they wear masks. Oliver shows up the next day at the circus not realizing Dima is part of it until he sees him and says his name setting off a chain of events that puts Dima and Oliver at the mercy of the circus owners.

This above, is what was given in the anthology so I thought that because Dima had bloodlust, is turned on by blood and no one can know his real identity, meant this was some kind of supernatural story which intrigued me. The circus had a creepy vibe and the other characters present like Teeth, the killer clown, Darius and Florian, the knife thrower and security guard etc were described in ways that screamed magical and with the bloodlust I assumed they were some kind of vampire species. I was wrong, and while that was a bit disappointing because the set up would have been awesome, I wasn’t going to let it ruin the book for me.

But here’s the thing…Without a supernatural element, this book flailed. I went from being really into this circus world to realizing this was just a group of semi depraved normal individuals who weren’t developed all that well. If this had had the paranormal edge then maybe the love at first sight between Oliver and Dima could have been a fated mates type thing and I would have believed in them as a couple but as regular humans, Oliver’s actions made no sense. The owners of the circus kept mentioning soulmates but without a magical element it felt out of place. I could never get on board with them as a couple, never understood what either of them saw in the other and they were so one dimensional. Because I had no interest in the couple, my attention span during the sex scenes waned considerably. There was some blood play because of Dima’s supposed bloodlust 🙄 but without the vampire storyline, it just felt like a forced kink. 🤷🏻‍♀️

When all is revealed about this circus, I didn’t feel shock or disgust or even believe this to be a dark romance like other reviewers. I agreed with their methods of mayhem but how Oliver fit into it now made very little sense. The end conflict was just another thing I rolled my eyes at and it was a struggle to finish this. I was around 85% feeling like I wanted to DNF but kept at it because I didn’t hate it enough to have a dramatic DNF but man was it boring.

That being said, I’d be interested in seeing Teeth get a book because he was the most interesting character there. I’d take an origin story of sorts, it doesn’t even need to be a romance because his razor sharp rows of teeth sound a bit painful tbh. Teeth reminded me of that killer clown in American Horror Story Freak Show only he talked and AHS’s circus was wayyyyyyy more involved and interesting. I think there was potential here but unfortunately without a supernatural element I had no way to explain away the issues presented and it made the whole book too one dimensional and superficial for me.

So, while I love that this author branched out, writing about something other than high school/college aged enemies to lovers type books, I would have liked more world building, more intrigue and mystery to really sell me on this whole murder circus because even the backstory didn’t make a whole lot of sense. I just needed more. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Lars · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I had such a fun time with this 😌 I wish it was more fleshed out and we got to know the characters better because it had a great premise and the vibes were immaculate🤩 it was just too quick to get any higher of a rating from me. Still recommend tho🤍

[kaye taz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook

what the helly.

becca, please stick to contemporary.

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4,5 "Âmes Sœurs!!!" stars***



"Once you see behind the mask, there’s no escape from us.
Welcome to the show…"

Becca jumped for good to the dark side with this brand new story that its theme was around a creepy circus with mysterious aura and perplexed characters!!!
I was captivated by this story since the very first moment and even though, it is not for the fade of heart, I enjoyed very much this crazy and twisted journey!!!
I was always charmed by everything circus related and I am always loving reading about the dark circus or carnivals...
Add to that a very hot M/M couple and I was a total goner!!!

"It was said that those who caught a glimpse of the person behind the mask would be cursed for all eternity."

Ollie and Dima had some stolen moments together and then they had parted ways...
But fate was about to bring Ollie into Dima's playground and to witness things that he didn't need to know...
Now, he is bound to the circus and to Dima for lifetime.... The only way out is only by death...
Can Ollie stomach what is taking place under the beautiful tent of this mysterious circus???
Is he cut out for this lifestyle, even though he is very attracted to Dima???

"What was I walked into, coming to the Cirque des Masques?"

I really liked this story!!!
Dima and Ollie were so oppossite between them, but in a strange way, they were complimenting each other... I liked Dima's darkness and Ollie's lightness!!! I loved seeing them together!!! Their intimate moments were so hot!!!
At the same time, I liked uncovering the secrets of this mysterious circus!!!
And honestly, I am craving for more of this strange, but very intriguing crew!!! I am hoping that Becca will decide to give us more of this world!!!

"Embrace the curse..."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars for author branching out and trying something new!

But also what the fuck was that

[Kate V · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars!

Cirque de Masques was a haunting and darker romance about a found family in a circus with nefarious deeds. Ollie is an orphan and finds himself thrust into the world of blood, violence and secrets thanks to a one night stand with Dima.

In order to save Ollie, Dima does everything in his power to show Ollie their ways and why what they do is purposeful and meaningful. Ollie isn't so quick to bend the knee but the attraction he feels for Dima goes beyond simple infatuation. Will Dima be able to convince Ollie that they can build a life together? Will Ollie accept his new life?

I enjoyed this but it started out with an enemy vibe and quickly turned to insta-love and I wish there had been a little more tension and angst between Ollie and Dima. The story was short so I suppose there wasn't much room to do that but I think their story could have had more depth had their attraction been drawn out a little more. However, I really did love Dima and Ollie together and their bond. The story had a paranormal like feeling which was fun and the steam in here was yummy. Overall, intriguing and original. I love Steele's MM reads.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the idea for this story of an anonymous murder circus, but I didn't really buy the relationship.

Dima and Ollie are very instalove and declaring they'd die for each other, and there's mention of them being soulmates, but I couldn't figure out if that was just something people were saying because they apparently had this connection (I couldn't see it...) or if it was supposed to be some kind of paranormal element? It wasn't fully explained so I didn't get why it was included.

The blood kink of Dima's also wasn't explained properly. I didn't understand how him cutting himself and Ollie and dripping blood on themselves was any kind of explanation? I still don't understand why Dima is so into blood. I still don't understand this 'affliction' they all talked about. There needed to be more actual explanation about it - and pretty much everything else too!

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a perfect dark romance book if it weren't so rushed. It read more like an outline of a book rather than an actual complete novel. There was essentially no plot, no character development, and no tension between the main characters. While I have no problem with insta-love, in this case, it didn't work for me.

[lifis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Romance. Circus. Male/Male. Found Family. Це було напружено, брудно, але дуже класно🔥

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

They call it the Cirque Des Masques

Cirque Des Masques in an all new, dark, MM romance by Becca Steele that featured in the silent night anthology but has been extended extensively.

Ollie and Dima. The poor broken boys made me fall head over heels in love with them. They overcame so much and were true soulmates.

Here at the Cirque Des Masques we were a family.

This is a dark romance so there are trigger warnings at the start of the book. Some of those being blood lust, blood play and graphic killing.

Pick up this book today and immerse yourself in the mysterious circus life with creepy clowns and sexy flame throwers.

[Erica ♋️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dark but I still absolutely loved it 😍

[Angie☺️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I eat this book up 🤌🏽🤌🏽 I was hooked from the beginning it was just the perfect combination between dark, spicy and emotional.

The blood play really got me going bs lord that was hot 🥵🥵🤌🏽🤌🏽 when they used it to 🍆🍆 like what…! give me more.

I love the found family and I am hope there will be books about them.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this darker love story. It was a little creepy but also a bit magical as you are immersed in the dynamics of this mysterious circus. And Dima. Whew. 🥵 He had both me and Ollie mesmerized from the start!

Oh the spice:
🌶️ dirty talk
🌶️ possessiveness
🌶️ knife play
🌶️ bloodlust/blood play
🌶️ “good boy”

It was an excellent detour from her typical books and I was there for ALL of it. 😉 Definitely read the trigger warnings beforehand!

[Alyssa (hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You make me want so many things I've never wanted before."

4.5 ⭐ I've never read a book quite like this one—the circus setting was very different and interesting! It's definitely not for everyone: Cirque des Masques is a dark romance with instant attraction, blood play, soulmates, a bit of gore, and morally grey characters. I personally loved it! It was fast-paced and I was drawn to the story from the very first pages. It was also very hot!

"You look so fucking perfect, covered in blood. Chin up. I'm going to decorate your face with my cum."

🎪 Summary 🎪 The Cirque des Masques, or Circus of Masks, is an ancient traveling circus featuring masked performers and a dark and mysterious atmosphere. "Rumours followed the circus wherever it went. Tales of shadows, of darkness, of people disappearing without explanation. [...] Then there were the performers. Always clad in black with shades of red, the bright scarlet of freshly spilt blood. Always masked." The legend even says that those who see the unmasked faces of the performers will be cursed. In reality, the old tale goes a bit differently for Ollie. When he sees Dima's face after attending a performance of the Cirque, Dima recognizes him as the bartender he shared mind-blowing orgasms with the night before, and he asks the ringmaster and the others for mercy. They vote to determine if they will allow him to join the circus or if Ollie will lose his life to the hands of the performers. Since the story doesn't end there, you already know he doesn't die. But as Ollie discovers what the Cirque really is about and the bloodlust that curses its members, he's faced with a dilemma. Dima makes him happy, but his role in the cirque not so much. Can he really live this life to stay with the man of his dreams? "Once you're in, the only way out is death."

🎪 Further thoughts 🎪 The only thing preventing me from giving this book 5 stars is the relationship development. The insta lust was fun in the beginning, and I also really enjoyed the fact that Dima was very protective of Ollie. He took care of him and made clear to the others that they were not to mess with him. As the story progresses, Dima gets softer and softer with Ollie, but I would have liked to see them interact and talk more to explain this change in behaviour. At some point, Dima's declarations almost seem out of place because we didn't get those scenes. Nevertheless, I still loved their story and their bond.

As I previously mentioned, the dark circus universe in this book was very interesting and made the story stand out. I liked the parts discussing the Cirque's history and the tales, and I have a special appreciation for the Cirque des Masques family. The secondary characters were intriguing and very likeable (even Teeth!). My favourite was Florin, the "cute little psycho" with a thing for knives. I highly recommend reading this book if you don't mind the triggers.

[LifeReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a different MM dark read and it was definitely needed. I love that Becca has ventured into the darker side of MM.

Ollie has the biggest journey in this book as a character as he is unrecognisable at the end and I loved it.

Im such a huge huge fan of blood play so the blood kink in this really pushes my buttons, and the dark violent way that the kink presents itself in the circus and in the sex is really hot and disturbing and yum. Blood play is the best!!! 😂

Dima is the hot AF, forever horny circus guy and I loved his brutal honesty when he approached Ollie the first time. You don’t ask you don’t get lol

I just loved the concept of this story, so different from what’s out there at the moment and I need more dark books in my life.

Also, can I just say I loved the character Teeth in this…Becca nailed his creepiness in her descriptions and how he speaks and moves. He is chilling but I loved him. He is such a stand out. Gimme all the psycho circus performers!!! New kink unlocked.

[Stellaria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, a few things to point out before I dive into the details: I don’t mind dark, don’t have many triggers, just find some things disgusting to read about.
This book wasn’t disgusting, not at all. But it wasn’t dark either. Not in the way I see dark novels. It was just weird not in a nice way. Let me say it this way - if you give a character some excuse to enjoy something nasty it will be okay. For example if Dina was a vampire and the story was paranormal, this would have been okay. But in an ordinary story his character was a plain weirdo. Not cool.
And on the top of that he was in love love after a single BJ in a dark alley. Not cool either.
The book had a strong theme which was underdeveloped in many ways. Even if I put aside the blood thing the main characters lacked depth and consistency. It was forced and I need time for a proper build up.
Kudos for the author for trying something different though!

[Tania ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,6 ⭐️

[ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was unlike anything i’ve read before and i enjoyed every second of it. the whole dark circus thing worked out so well and i loved the uniqueness towards the plot and events. also, the mask aspect of it all (iykyk) was SO good it was like a sprinkle on top of the story. Becca Steele never fails when it comes to a good amount of plot and smut.

[Laurenreadsx_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot darker than I expected and I absolutely loved it. Loved Ollie and Dima. I loved how protective Dima became instantly, and the way he looked out for him. Dima and his act was HOT. I enjoyed seeing Ollie slowly learn about it all and adapt. I loved all the side characters and would love books on them 👀 I liked the family dynamic they all had with each other, especially seeing Ollie accepted in at the end. Loved the spice 🔥🤌🏽

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

TW - graphic murder, violence, torture, blood, orphans, homelessness + poverty (mentioned), pickpocketing, whipping, cutting (for a blood pact), cannibalism (secondary characters, past, mentioned), rape & pedophilia (secondary characters, mentioned), necrophilia (secondary characters, mentioned), prostitution (past, mentioned), drugging, arson + drunk driving + gambling + robbery (secondary character, mentioned)

CW - clowns, hand necklaces, blood play / bloodlust, knife play

Tropes - dark, MM, found family, possessive, jealous

Welcome to the murder circus

This was fun and twisted and an enjoyable read. Dima (MMC) and Oliver (MMC) were instantly drawn to each other and despite the chaos around them, they were able to be each other's rock.

Dima and the rest of the circus kind of play god in their own... special way. They're like the morality police but like in a morally grey way? And the blood lust 👅, I'm a fan. Florin (one of the side characters) is the fucking cutest knife wielding man basically a teddy bear with a knife lol

and the smut is smutting 🌶️😉

Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪

🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3 🔥🔥🔥

••I strode into the centre of the empty ring where Ollie waited for me, his eyes burning with desire. I wanted him. More than I'd ever wanted anyone or anything… my cock was rock hard and fucking dripping from the little display he'd put on, and the sight of that scarlet trail of blood down his cheek... it was so erotic, and I had to have him, right now. “On your knees.”

This won’t be a long review, but there was zero chnace of me not writing down something. I haven’t read all of Becca’s backlog, but this was the complete opposite of what I have read of hers, and I ATE IT UP!!

I love dark romance, and Cirque Des Masques, was everything.

You get suspense and ambiguous/morally gray characters. You get HOT and I mean H O T sexy times…Dima & Ollie are seriously scorching hot together. The chemistry and connection between them…phew I could feel it through my kindle! It’s very insta-lust/love, but Ollie has a lot to overcome in order to be accepted into the fold. But Dima is very growly and “he’s mine.” So that makes for a fun time. There’s some drama, but for a book less than 200 pages, I felt it was wrapped up well.

I would not complain though if we got more stories from this world because let me tell you…while this is Dima & Ollie’s book, the side characters played a big role. I wouldn’t mind some books about them 👀 cause curious minds wanna know….. Just maybe not the clown 😂 I mean was he really necessary?! Kidding. He was…and I’d really like to see someone bring him to his 🧎🏻‍♂️knees🧎🏻‍♂️

So here’s to hoping 🤞🏼 for more.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need many more just like this!

This book is unlike anything I’ve read from Becca before. That’s a win in my opinion, because I’m an eclectic reader. This book gives a look behind the curtain into the lives of fantastical people who do fantastical performances for the audiences that come to the circus.

The circus is actually a secondary character in this story. The focus of course is on Ollie and Dima. Ollie is a twenty year old who has lived a very hard life doing whatever it took to survive. One fateful night he meets Dima and their connection is instant.

While the majority of the book is focused on Ollie as he adjusts to his new reality, there are some side characters who made a big impression. Teeth and Florian are something else and I truly hope we will see more stories that bring other circus members together with their perfect partners. That’s what Dima and Ollie are. They may not seem like it on the surface, but they’re two parts of a whole that is dark and a little twisted. Yum!

We see the most growth from Ollie since everything involving the circus is new to him, but Dima discovers his heart and to me that’s what I needed to see.

I highly encourage you to grab a copy of this book if you like circuses that cater to the dark side, just desserts getting served, and some taboo kink just to keep things interesting.

This book will not be for everyone.

Dark Scale rating: 6.5 for somewhat graphic depictions of vigilante justice and bloodlust/blood play.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a five star read for me! The Cirque des Masques is a mysterious circus that has an interesting lore behind it. Those who work at this circus wear masks and it is said if you see their face you will be cursed. Dima is a fire performer for the circus and goes out in town to blow off some steam. When he sees a handsome bartender he is set on hooking up with him. After their brief encounter he can’t help but think about the bartender even though that usually doesn’t happen to him. Dima is very much detached to his hookups. This is necessary as he can’t get attached to anyone being a part of the mysterious circus. Ollie is a bartender who is struggling to get by. He is familiar with the streets and has not lived an easy life. He cannot believe the sexiest man he’s ever seen wants him. These two end up meeting again but it is in a deadly situation. I loved how protective, possessive, and yearning Dima was for Ollie. He was so taken aback by feelings he’d never had before. Ollie is way out of his comfort zone with Dima but he puts so much effort in to understanding him and his lifestyle. The two of them together were so mesmerizing and sexy. I loved the story behind the circus and how unique it was. It totally added to the creepiness but also the magical ambiance of the story. I would absolutely recommend this book for someone who likes creepy circus cult vibes, a main character that’s a little deranged, blood play, vigilante justice, and side characters that are just plain crazy.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I have read a lot of Becca Steele’s books and I was pleasantly surprised with how different this story was from what I have come to expect. It’s a bit darker, the world is more complex but there is some of Becca’s signature writing style like palpable tension and memorable side characters.

I was intrigued from the beginning and I felt like I was pulled into the mystery. Like always: Read the trigger warnings. Expect some darkness, it kind of gave American Horror Story vibes.

I wanted to know more about the circus, and the people within. Was this paranormal? Was it just smoke and mirrors? I still can’t tell. I loved learning about the origins of the circus but I wish we delved deeper into its inner working and got to know the side characters more. It was a fascinating concept and I think it would have been even better if the lore had been explored more.

I enjoyed this read but I felt the world building was lacking/I think there was so much more to be explored. The romance was there so if you are looking just for that, this will definitely be a good read for you. I hope there are spin-offs because I think there is so much more to be written and revealed.

3.5/5

[Becca Sabala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book!

It’s so different and that’s what really sucked me in.

Ollie has always lived his life just getting by, doing anything necessary to do so. He’s never lived a life of comfort or experienced what it means to feel loved. Then he meets Dima and he discovers a life he never could have expected.

Dima is sweet in his own crazy way. Having lived his life with the cirque he’s never needed to form connections outside of his made family. The night he meets Ollie, that all changes.

Ollie and Dima are so great together. Dima just wants to protect Ollie, but Ollie wants to handle everthing himself. So Dima finds a way to keep him protected while letting him discover his own way through life in the cirque.

[☆KittyKatsBooks☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love me a brilliantly dark circus romance, and Becca Steele DELIVERS in this glorious MM, murderous-awakening dark delight.
A chance encounter between our sweet homeless bartender, Ollie, and our hot circus fire guy, Dima, brings Ollie to his knees 😉 But Ollie gets to see behind Dima's mask, and at the Cirque Des Masques, that means he joins, or dies. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and being my first Becca Steele read, I will definitely be reading more of her work. Her words flow beautifully to make an incredible story and one that makes you feel allllll the things 🙈

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dima + Ollie

-mm dark romance
-circus family
-insta-lust
-vigilante justice
-soulmates
-blood play

i love the whole cirque setting & wish there were more romance books set in that world cause they could get SOOOO creative just like becca does here with their uhh…after hours activities. haha but i just want more & need them to be longer!!!

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick entertaining read that’s hot AF! I didn’t feel as connected to the characters and their world as I usually like to be, HOWEVER, the plot itself was pretty entertaining and kept me engaged! Plus you can never go wrong with a “good boy”🥵😍🔥