First Thoughts when I closed the book: "Just not my cup of tea."
I'm always open to reading outside my preferred genre so that's why I requested this one to read from Sourcebooks. I thought the story sounded interesting because I love the circus and was looking forward to an insider's glimpse of that time in the 19th century. The circus aspect of the story was fun to read and I did enjoy all of that. But the characters just didn't come to life for me and I thought at times that their choices were silly. Yes, I know you need to advance the story but I shook my head more than once at the improbable ways of thinking. The other aspect that fell short for me was the relationship between Calliope and Brian. I didn't believe one bit of it and felt that it needed more attention of their friendship and less on the physical side.
Recommend? With hesitation! I really didn't like this one very much, but everyone has different tastes so what didn't work for me may work for another reader. As always, I like to leave my readers with other viewpoints so that they can get a well-rounded opinion about a book before they decide to read or not-to-read. Please check out what other bloggers are saying about this one!
Rating: 6/10
Long and Short Reviews: "This is a wonderful story, and readers who like adventurous historical romance set in exotic settings will probably enjoy this book. Highly recommended. "
In the Hammock: "It was fun to read about the circus acts and performers though. It reminded me just a tiny bit of the travelling show in "Annie Get Your Gun." The author excels at the other areas of the story besides the romance."
Author: Mary Ellen Dennis
Published: August 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical FictionPages: 448
* Uncorrected ARC
Disclaimer:Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I'm not sure it's my cup of tea either.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry this did not work for you but you tried :)
ReplyDeleteVeens- I tried really hard!!
ReplyDeleteNice honest review. You can't love them all - even though we try.
ReplyDeleteI like the cover
ReplyDeleteI totally feel you with wanting to read outside the norm. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't!
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is for me either, but I probably would read it if someone handed it to me...I'd at least give it a try
ReplyDeleteAt least you tried it. Sometimes when stepping outside of your genres brings about a great surprise.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. I am currently reading something right now that is meh my self. Sorry this didn't work out chica.
ReplyDelete