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Leap of Faith
Sometimes all you need is a little push. Running from his shattered gymnastics career, Charlie Avrill’s one hope for redemption is the strange and colourful world of the circus. His skills should make him a good fit for seasoned performer, Darius Lungo. But Darius won’t compromise his high stakes act for just anyone. Still mourning the loss of his performance partner who unexpectedly abandoned the show, Darius’s heart can’t take another temporary filler. No matter how perfect Charlie might seem at first glance. But the circus is dying, and Darius owes his bosses a stellar act to sell. Putting their differences aside to recreate the star attraction, Darius and Charlie grow closer with each rehearsal. But Charlie’s only in the ring for a one-night-only performance and the circus is due at its next stop—off the island and into Europe. Can Charlie push aside his fears and take the leap of faith to change his entire life? And, if he does, will Darius still be there to catch him? Leap of Faith is a standalone age-gap, enemies to lovers, mm romance where the twists and turns don’t only happen in the ring.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2021
About the author
C.F. White
28 books166 followersBrought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 16, 2021
Audio - 3.5 Stars
Story - 3 Stars
The slow burn was just too damn slow for me and the lack of steam didn't help. Just when I start enjoying the MCs as a couple, the story ends. The ending does leave me wondering if there could be another book. I wouldn't mind a continuation with more couple time.
Story - 3 Stars
The slow burn was just too damn slow for me and the lack of steam didn't help. Just when I start enjoying the MCs as a couple, the story ends. The ending does leave me wondering if there could be another book. I wouldn't mind a continuation with more couple time.
April 28, 2021
I’m speechless… simply speechless. I’ve never read a book by CF White before, so I had no idea what I was in for, and Leap of Faith has blown me away. The relationships, the angst, the drama, and the magic. It’s completely unique and utterly enchanting, and CF White’s Leap of Faith deserves every bit of praise I can heap upon it.
A May/December romance, with a thoroughly opposites-attract couple, both of the main characters are in serious need of some powerful self-healing. Charlie has run home to hide after some poor decisions changed his plans for Olympic gold. And Darius, the jaded star of the Geodeaux Circus, is mourning the loss of his performance partner. These two need to find some peace, and are crying out for some real healing in their lives.
Told in alternating points of view, we get to know both Charlie and Darius as they process the events as they unfold. Plus, the artful way CF White unveils each of their backstories is glorious. Masterfully crafted, details are disclosed at the perfect pace, and ensured I’d never be able to put this one down!
As well as the stunning slow-burn romance between Charlie and Darius, CF White goes to tremendous depth in exploring this eclectic cast and their relationships. Between Charlie’s friends and family, and the vast array of folks who make up the Godeaux Travelling Circus, the characters in Leap of Faith are complex and fascinating.
As P.T. Barnum said, “Everyone Loves a Circus”. Well, CF White must agree! Descriptions of thrilling acts of skill and grace, daring knife throwers, the campy clowns, and the dashing Ringmaster; Mentions of the families who scrimp and save all year to afford their tickets; The anticipation generated by the performers who explode on the streets of the village, tempting folks to come see the show; The sense of awe and wonder felt by young and old alike. CF White uses prose so rich it sent me right back to the bleachers under the Big Top, and I could practically taste the cotton candy. Leap of Faith is an experience like none other!
A May/December romance, with a thoroughly opposites-attract couple, both of the main characters are in serious need of some powerful self-healing. Charlie has run home to hide after some poor decisions changed his plans for Olympic gold. And Darius, the jaded star of the Geodeaux Circus, is mourning the loss of his performance partner. These two need to find some peace, and are crying out for some real healing in their lives.
Told in alternating points of view, we get to know both Charlie and Darius as they process the events as they unfold. Plus, the artful way CF White unveils each of their backstories is glorious. Masterfully crafted, details are disclosed at the perfect pace, and ensured I’d never be able to put this one down!
As well as the stunning slow-burn romance between Charlie and Darius, CF White goes to tremendous depth in exploring this eclectic cast and their relationships. Between Charlie’s friends and family, and the vast array of folks who make up the Godeaux Travelling Circus, the characters in Leap of Faith are complex and fascinating.
As P.T. Barnum said, “Everyone Loves a Circus”. Well, CF White must agree! Descriptions of thrilling acts of skill and grace, daring knife throwers, the campy clowns, and the dashing Ringmaster; Mentions of the families who scrimp and save all year to afford their tickets; The anticipation generated by the performers who explode on the streets of the village, tempting folks to come see the show; The sense of awe and wonder felt by young and old alike. CF White uses prose so rich it sent me right back to the bleachers under the Big Top, and I could practically taste the cotton candy. Leap of Faith is an experience like none other!
April 11, 2021
MARAVILHOSO!!! Sou apaixonada por circo desde os 13 anos de idade quando assisti uma animação chamada 'kaleido stage' desde então eu comecei com meu fascínio pelo mundo circense e tive um dos momentos mais loucos da minha vida quando fui no Cirque du Soleil. Ler um MM com o tema circo foi um presente, principalmente quando é bem escrito. Eu descobri o plot twist da história antes dele acontecer, juntei às peças rápido e fiquei esperando o momento da bomba estourar nos personagens. O destino agiu legal nessa história, toda situação de Darius e Charlie foi tão genial que ainda estou de boca aberta, espero que tenha um segundo livro... Fiquei totalmente apaixonada pela história!
April 9, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This book brings us right into the middle of both Charlie’s and Darius’ lives where life changing events are already in progress. We start with Charlie, who is on a plane home. He has devoted his life to gymnastics and that seems to be over as something happened and the story comes out slowly. We then meet Darius on his 40th birthday. Darius’s entire life has been the circus, but with his performance partner, Louis, who was also his best friend, long time crush, and son of the circus owners, abandoning them, Darius has now become a solo act and the ticket sales are suffering.
Darius was immediately the kind of character I wanted to know more about. He keeps to himself mostly, he’s prickly, and he’s starting to feel every one of his years on the road.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This book brings us right into the middle of both Charlie’s and Darius’ lives where life changing events are already in progress. We start with Charlie, who is on a plane home. He has devoted his life to gymnastics and that seems to be over as something happened and the story comes out slowly. We then meet Darius on his 40th birthday. Darius’s entire life has been the circus, but with his performance partner, Louis, who was also his best friend, long time crush, and son of the circus owners, abandoning them, Darius has now become a solo act and the ticket sales are suffering.
Darius was immediately the kind of character I wanted to know more about. He keeps to himself mostly, he’s prickly, and he’s starting to feel every one of his years on the road.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
March 21, 2021
It took me a while to get into this book but suddenly I couldn't let go.
The relationship between Darius, circus performer and Charlie, Olympic gymnast does not start well but the circus unites them and they barely imagine as it unites them
Absolutely fantastic story and I can't wait to read more about this amazing circus and its acts!!
I received an arc in exchange of an honest opinion
The relationship between Darius, circus performer and Charlie, Olympic gymnast does not start well but the circus unites them and they barely imagine as it unites them
Absolutely fantastic story and I can't wait to read more about this amazing circus and its acts!!
I received an arc in exchange of an honest opinion
May 27, 2021
3.5
This was a good and entertaining read. Charlie was a young man looking for exceptance and longed for something he was unsure of until he started working at the cirrus, Darius was jaded because of a unrequited love he had for his past partner at the cirrus. Both Charlie and Darius were just what they needed in each other!!
This was a good and entertaining read. Charlie was a young man looking for exceptance and longed for something he was unsure of until he started working at the cirrus, Darius was jaded because of a unrequited love he had for his past partner at the cirrus. Both Charlie and Darius were just what they needed in each other!!
October 22, 2024
3.5 stars
September 2, 2021
GR Note: I have no idea what the problem is. I think it has something to do with me switching formats (ie. when I click "Want to Read" when it's still only ebook avail and then try to switch to audio) or if it's when the ebook (which I usually "read along" with even when I'm listening) is finished and it triggered GR to mark the book as read. I'm noticing sometimes it fills in a rating even though I didn't think I pushed anything and then it won't let me change it from the app. Anywhoooo.... here I am at a real computer and this is my ACTUAL rating (4) and an actual review:
I grabbed this on release day because I consistently enjoy CF White & Piers Ryman. I also love age gap & unique tropes - CIRCUS! I'm thankful for other reviews that pointed out this was slow burn - because I saved it for a day when that's what I was in the mood for.
Darius is turning 40 and while he thoroughly enjoys his life with Godeaux’s Travelling Circus, he pines for something more permanent in his personal life. He's also quite the grump. While Charlie is in his early 20s, he's definitely not a sunshine either. White really lets us get to know these two characters and their history and readers see how their lives actually intersected long before they met. I got to know and love Charlie's family and the Godeaux "found family" which really helped with understanding the MCs better.
Once they get together (about 70% mark) - it gets pretty steamy, but they still struggle to communicate well on what they each want and need in life and from each other. Obviously - ROMANCE! - they do finally work it out. I liked the epilogue in terms of Darius & Charlie's relationship, and while not a cliffhanger it did kind of open the door to more story.
Note: White commented on another review that she IS continuing Darius & Charlie's story in a serial on her website called, "Encore!". Chapter 1 is even in audio. (also, if like me you find it when you need a little more caffeine in your system, scroll down to the bottom & read "up" or you'll end up reading chapter 2 before you listen to chapter 1.)
Narration: I again enjoyed Piers Ryman's performance. I really liked his growly, grumbly voice for Darius. He did a good job with all the other voices as well. It was easy to listen to and kept the various characters consistent in my mind.
I grabbed this on release day because I consistently enjoy CF White & Piers Ryman. I also love age gap & unique tropes - CIRCUS! I'm thankful for other reviews that pointed out this was slow burn - because I saved it for a day when that's what I was in the mood for.
Darius is turning 40 and while he thoroughly enjoys his life with Godeaux’s Travelling Circus, he pines for something more permanent in his personal life. He's also quite the grump. While Charlie is in his early 20s, he's definitely not a sunshine either. White really lets us get to know these two characters and their history and readers see how their lives actually intersected long before they met. I got to know and love Charlie's family and the Godeaux "found family" which really helped with understanding the MCs better.
Once they get together (about 70% mark) - it gets pretty steamy, but they still struggle to communicate well on what they each want and need in life and from each other. Obviously - ROMANCE! - they do finally work it out. I liked the epilogue in terms of Darius & Charlie's relationship, and while not a cliffhanger it did kind of open the door to more story.
Note: White commented on another review that she IS continuing Darius & Charlie's story in a serial on her website called, "Encore!". Chapter 1 is even in audio. (also, if like me you find it when you need a little more caffeine in your system, scroll down to the bottom & read "up" or you'll end up reading chapter 2 before you listen to chapter 1.)
Narration: I again enjoyed Piers Ryman's performance. I really liked his growly, grumbly voice for Darius. He did a good job with all the other voices as well. It was easy to listen to and kept the various characters consistent in my mind.
April 4, 2021
"Leap of Faith" by C.F. White is beautiful. I have rewritten this first sentence a few times because there are so many things I want to say about this story... and I'm not convinced there is a simple way to sum up how fantastic it is.
Let's start with the beginning of the novel. When the reader first meets Charlie, he's fleeing a career in gymnastics and a shot at the Olympics. It's unclear why he's fleeing, but he's definitely on the run. He returns home to Jersey Island. Jersey is the home of his mum and his sister (who has a different father ... Charlie has the sweetest relationship with his little sister who happens to be Deaf. All Charlie knows of his own father is that he's not in his life. From the first time he appears, it's clear that Charlie has been hurt
When Charlie meets up with his best friend Josh... and proceeds to get drunk, he's still in the bar when a group of circus performers appears. This is the first time that Charlie encounters Darius.
Oh, Darius. I may have a new favorite dark and brooding character. Darius has been with the circus his entire life. For most of it, he was partnered with and in love with Louis. Louis was unattainable... but their high-flying routine under the big top was like magic... that is until Louis left with no goodbye and no way for anyone to contact him. Darius has spent a long time cutting himself off from his friends/family but he's in trouble. The circus is in trouble and they need a better, more exciting act from Darius to keep the big top full.
Once these two characters meet - and let me tell you it was an amusing and mortifying situation that you won't forget - there are instant sparks. They get under each other's skin right away but Darius's prickly exterior is a bad fit with Charlie's insecurity and wounded soul.
There were so many things that I loved about this book. First of all, I was so wrapped up in the story that I couldn't put it down. White's writing is engaging and emotional and it was such a joy to slip into the story (and I didn't want it to end). White really captures the way that our decisions can have a huge impact on our lives, and how there are times when we simply don't want to move on from the past without a fight. Both of the main characters are facing battles that are all-encompassing.
The circus, the trapeze in particular becomes the thing that binds Charlie and Darius. Charlie is not only enraptured by Darius's skill, but he can also apply his gymnastics talent to high flying. As they work together, they become more and more intrigued with one another. The attraction is visceral and smoking hot even when they are nowhere near one another. White has such a convincing and beautiful way of writing the relationship between the two main characters. It is no easy road for either of them; there's push and pull, hurt and attraction and so much to overcome.
I have no intention of ruining the plot for you. Suffice to say, the plot is intricate, a little mysterious, and thoroughly engaging. I enjoyed all of it.
Let's start with the beginning of the novel. When the reader first meets Charlie, he's fleeing a career in gymnastics and a shot at the Olympics. It's unclear why he's fleeing, but he's definitely on the run. He returns home to Jersey Island. Jersey is the home of his mum and his sister (who has a different father ... Charlie has the sweetest relationship with his little sister who happens to be Deaf. All Charlie knows of his own father is that he's not in his life. From the first time he appears, it's clear that Charlie has been hurt
When Charlie meets up with his best friend Josh... and proceeds to get drunk, he's still in the bar when a group of circus performers appears. This is the first time that Charlie encounters Darius.
Oh, Darius. I may have a new favorite dark and brooding character. Darius has been with the circus his entire life. For most of it, he was partnered with and in love with Louis. Louis was unattainable... but their high-flying routine under the big top was like magic... that is until Louis left with no goodbye and no way for anyone to contact him. Darius has spent a long time cutting himself off from his friends/family but he's in trouble. The circus is in trouble and they need a better, more exciting act from Darius to keep the big top full.
Once these two characters meet - and let me tell you it was an amusing and mortifying situation that you won't forget - there are instant sparks. They get under each other's skin right away but Darius's prickly exterior is a bad fit with Charlie's insecurity and wounded soul.
There were so many things that I loved about this book. First of all, I was so wrapped up in the story that I couldn't put it down. White's writing is engaging and emotional and it was such a joy to slip into the story (and I didn't want it to end). White really captures the way that our decisions can have a huge impact on our lives, and how there are times when we simply don't want to move on from the past without a fight. Both of the main characters are facing battles that are all-encompassing.
The circus, the trapeze in particular becomes the thing that binds Charlie and Darius. Charlie is not only enraptured by Darius's skill, but he can also apply his gymnastics talent to high flying. As they work together, they become more and more intrigued with one another. The attraction is visceral and smoking hot even when they are nowhere near one another. White has such a convincing and beautiful way of writing the relationship between the two main characters. It is no easy road for either of them; there's push and pull, hurt and attraction and so much to overcome.
I have no intention of ruining the plot for you. Suffice to say, the plot is intricate, a little mysterious, and thoroughly engaging. I enjoyed all of it.
March 26, 2021
As soon as you finish reading this review, BUY THIS BOOK! Leap of Faith is definitely a slow-burn romance! To borrow from Shakespeare, the would-be lovers appear to be star-crossed, but fear not—this story includes a HEA.
The book spends a good bit of time on character development. That development pays big dividends as the story progresses. In fact, I became so attached to the characters that by the time I was nearing the end, I found myself agitated that Francine might not be addressed. She was, thankfully!
The “leap of faith” in the title is, as you might guess, a metaphor for taking a chance on someone. Of risking yourself. “Maybe it’s your turn to jump off that podium then? Find out if I can catch you,” Charlie says at a pivotal point in the story. But when you’re talking about the trapeze, the leap of faith takes on more meaning—dangers not only emotional, but physical as well. Flying without a net? As I read about the performance, I was reminded of Ennis in “Brokeback Mountain” when he tells Jack that “[t]here ain’t no reins on this one.” This world can be a cruel and vicious place, and we can but take our chances, hoping that our special someone will be there to catch us. Pliny the Elder suggested that fortune favors the bold. What could be more bold than flying 20 feet up in the Big Top at Godeaux’s?! Darius found himself “[w]ishing and hoping that he wouldn’t fly solo forever.”
This is a story about Charlie finding himself, of discovering his destiny. He thought that competing in the Olympics was to be that destiny. He was wrong. “Fortune” has a funny way of sneaking up on us, putting us in the right place at the right time. “Charlie was [here]. And he was a man. A man in his own right. No matter what blood coursed through his veins, nor how he got here. What mattered was that he was here. Standing in front of him, asking him to take a chance. To take a leap of faith.” Sometimes, all of the bad stuff that happens to us, brings us down, throws us to the net below, is leading us to our rightful place in this Universe.
This is an incredible story—one that found me bedewing the screen on my Kindle with tears of worry; later, tears of joy. It’s not difficult to predict the outcome in this book—it’s a romance, after all. But that’s not the point. It’s the journey that matters.
May 2, 2021
Returning home to Jersey with his gymnastics career in tatters, Charlie’s mum informs him that, as welcome as he is, Charlie will need to find work. Charlie’s friend Josh steers him towards the circus. Charlie’s breath is taken away by the tall, dark, and handsome Romanian – Darius. However, after an unfortunate accident, Darius and Charlie’s encounters are, at best… strained. After his friend went AWOL, Darius has been strongly encouraged to find a new partner for his act. Unfortunately, as perfect as Charlie is for the spot, he reminds Darius too much of the man he was in love with.
Leap Of Faith is written in UK English, from Charlie and Darius’s viewpoints, and is grammatically excellent. It is also a story that left me battling between my heart and my head – an aspect I will explain later.
Irrespective of the significant age gap, there are similarities between Darius and Charlie. They are both athletic, like to put on a show, and have unrequited feelings for their best friends. They also think a lot, say little, and focus via their performances. Though, Charlie talks more than Darius. Darius is the classic strong silent type, whose actions speak for him. Outside of the big top, he prefers to be a recluse and outwardly comes over as a grump. However, internally, both men maintain a continuous monologue.
I hugely enjoyed the story, especially the circus performances and the cover of the novel is superb. The arc is entertaining, and it contains the classic parts where the main protagonists are blind to what is before them, questioning every act and emotion. Charlie’s deaf sister is a delight, and the extended cast is big enough to provide a diverse world but not so large that I lost track of who was who.
The story is also intensely detailed, and emotion-based. Now, this is where my heart battled my head. So, I apologize if what comes next seems garbled.
I read this story over three days, so I probably saw some areas differently from reading it over a more extended period. Nevertheless, as good as the drama is – due to the shortened reading period, I noticed a fair bit of repetition – both emotional and with some descriptions, e.g., stomach flips. Serving as reminders, these duplications also made the manuscript longer than necessary in an already long story – less can be more. Some hints were also repeated enough so that later revelations were only surprises to the characters, not the reader.
Intense details also come out between conversations, and some were similar to previous musings. A sentence is spoken, then there is a paragraph or so of thought process/emotions before more dialogue – here, I occasionally lost the chat thread. In some instances, I found it easier to follow when I re-read a section – dialogue only.
Regardless of the above, I loved the characters and the atmospherics and didn’t want to stop reading. But, had the repeats not been there, there would have been space for extra’s that – if the end was anything to go by – could come out in another ditty from this world – albeit this is supposed to be a standalone novel.
No matter what my reading quirks may be, Leap Of Faith is still an excellent read that submerged me into the world of the circus with two leading men searching for what’s missing in their lives. I have no doubt that many will enjoy it too.
Leap Of Faith is written in UK English, from Charlie and Darius’s viewpoints, and is grammatically excellent. It is also a story that left me battling between my heart and my head – an aspect I will explain later.
Irrespective of the significant age gap, there are similarities between Darius and Charlie. They are both athletic, like to put on a show, and have unrequited feelings for their best friends. They also think a lot, say little, and focus via their performances. Though, Charlie talks more than Darius. Darius is the classic strong silent type, whose actions speak for him. Outside of the big top, he prefers to be a recluse and outwardly comes over as a grump. However, internally, both men maintain a continuous monologue.
I hugely enjoyed the story, especially the circus performances and the cover of the novel is superb. The arc is entertaining, and it contains the classic parts where the main protagonists are blind to what is before them, questioning every act and emotion. Charlie’s deaf sister is a delight, and the extended cast is big enough to provide a diverse world but not so large that I lost track of who was who.
The story is also intensely detailed, and emotion-based. Now, this is where my heart battled my head. So, I apologize if what comes next seems garbled.
I read this story over three days, so I probably saw some areas differently from reading it over a more extended period. Nevertheless, as good as the drama is – due to the shortened reading period, I noticed a fair bit of repetition – both emotional and with some descriptions, e.g., stomach flips. Serving as reminders, these duplications also made the manuscript longer than necessary in an already long story – less can be more. Some hints were also repeated enough so that later revelations were only surprises to the characters, not the reader.
Intense details also come out between conversations, and some were similar to previous musings. A sentence is spoken, then there is a paragraph or so of thought process/emotions before more dialogue – here, I occasionally lost the chat thread. In some instances, I found it easier to follow when I re-read a section – dialogue only.
Regardless of the above, I loved the characters and the atmospherics and didn’t want to stop reading. But, had the repeats not been there, there would have been space for extra’s that – if the end was anything to go by – could come out in another ditty from this world – albeit this is supposed to be a standalone novel.
No matter what my reading quirks may be, Leap Of Faith is still an excellent read that submerged me into the world of the circus with two leading men searching for what’s missing in their lives. I have no doubt that many will enjoy it too.
March 31, 2021
This was my first book by this author, and I found it to be a very enjoyable read. Although there are many books both MM & MF that work within the realm of a circus, it is not your everyday background. I wonder why though as I’ve always loved reading stories set inside a circus setting, maybe it is because I watched (many many times) as a child The Greatest Show on Earth with Charlton Heston and Betty Hutton (I still watch it and love it); maybe it’s because that the circuses themselves are not that common anymore. I remember when I was a kid (1980’s) a circus would come to our city at least once a year if not more. These days the old traveling circus is much rarer – in Australia anyway!!
Sorry, sidetracked…
I loved becoming invested in this circus of the author’s imagination. Leaving aside the two main characters (MCs), the wide variety of unique and sometimes quirky secondary characters this author created allowed you to be fully immersed into the world of the circus. It was easy to imagine the big top, the ringmaster, the clowns, the acts, and of course the trapeze.
The two MCs, Darius and Charlie, worked together. Here we had our grumpy/sunshine characters, and I’ll admit it’s one of my favourite pairings. There’s nothing like a grumpy MC just trying to work out what to do with the ray of sunshine character that has just exploded upon his life. To be fair, Darius has been in a bit of an ugly place since his performance partner left him.
From flashbacks and dialogue, we see that even when his partner was there Darius had been stuck in a hopeless position (in love with a straight man) and unable and masochistically reluctant to try to change his feelings. He had become accustomed to the depression, and even with Charlie coming onto the scene, he didn’t want to let go of his sadness, as it was the only thing he knew. Luckily Charlie is persistent, and it is his amazing gymnastic and performance skill and his ability to be just as stubborn as Darius that finally pushes him through Darius’ walls.
As for the big climax, I had a hint of it in the beginning, then disregarded it. It wasn’t until a few chapters before the reveal that I thought about it seriously. Although Darius could have handled it better, it was also a natural reaction.
Although there is a definite HFN, I’d even venture a possible HEA, the last chapter leaves it open for a second book where Darius and Charlie’s relationship may be tested further.
If you enjoy a slow burn romance set in the intense and magical world of the circus, I’d highly recommend checking out Leap of Faith.
All my reviews can be found on my blog: The Word Nerd Reviews
Follow Me: Facebook & Twitter
Sorry, sidetracked…
I loved becoming invested in this circus of the author’s imagination. Leaving aside the two main characters (MCs), the wide variety of unique and sometimes quirky secondary characters this author created allowed you to be fully immersed into the world of the circus. It was easy to imagine the big top, the ringmaster, the clowns, the acts, and of course the trapeze.
The two MCs, Darius and Charlie, worked together. Here we had our grumpy/sunshine characters, and I’ll admit it’s one of my favourite pairings. There’s nothing like a grumpy MC just trying to work out what to do with the ray of sunshine character that has just exploded upon his life. To be fair, Darius has been in a bit of an ugly place since his performance partner left him.
From flashbacks and dialogue, we see that even when his partner was there Darius had been stuck in a hopeless position (in love with a straight man) and unable and masochistically reluctant to try to change his feelings. He had become accustomed to the depression, and even with Charlie coming onto the scene, he didn’t want to let go of his sadness, as it was the only thing he knew. Luckily Charlie is persistent, and it is his amazing gymnastic and performance skill and his ability to be just as stubborn as Darius that finally pushes him through Darius’ walls.
As for the big climax, I had a hint of it in the beginning, then disregarded it. It wasn’t until a few chapters before the reveal that I thought about it seriously. Although Darius could have handled it better, it was also a natural reaction.
Although there is a definite HFN, I’d even venture a possible HEA, the last chapter leaves it open for a second book where Darius and Charlie’s relationship may be tested further.
If you enjoy a slow burn romance set in the intense and magical world of the circus, I’d highly recommend checking out Leap of Faith.
All my reviews can be found on my blog: The Word Nerd Reviews
Follow Me: Facebook & Twitter
June 10, 2021
4.25 Stars
‘Leap of Faith’ by C.F. White is an enjoyable, fairly predictable novel filled with wonderful characters who all too frequently agonize and overanalyze the actions of others.
The story takes place on Jersey, part of the British Isles, where Charlie Avrill, an until recently Olympic contender in gymnastics, has been sent home in disgrace following a serious ‘indiscretion’. There is meets Darius Lungo, 20 years his senior, who is the star aerialist and headliner for the Godeaux Traveling Circus.
The supporting characters, particularly Charlie’s mother and his little sister, Millie, and his best friend, Josh, as well as the owners of the circus, Francine and Benoit Godeaux, and other circus performers like Carlos, the ‘bad seed’, Nina who is attracted to Josh, and Louis, Darius’s former performance parter are all nicely developed.
The author’s narrative on Goodreads provides a good synopsis of events.
‘Leap of Faith’ by C.F. White is an enjoyable, fairly predictable novel filled with wonderful characters who all too frequently agonize and overanalyze the actions of others.
The story takes place on Jersey, part of the British Isles, where Charlie Avrill, an until recently Olympic contender in gymnastics, has been sent home in disgrace following a serious ‘indiscretion’. There is meets Darius Lungo, 20 years his senior, who is the star aerialist and headliner for the Godeaux Traveling Circus.
The supporting characters, particularly Charlie’s mother and his little sister, Millie, and his best friend, Josh, as well as the owners of the circus, Francine and Benoit Godeaux, and other circus performers like Carlos, the ‘bad seed’, Nina who is attracted to Josh, and Louis, Darius’s former performance parter are all nicely developed.
The author’s narrative on Goodreads provides a good synopsis of events.
Want to read
August 16, 2021Snagged the Audible for less than $6. (Don’t know if that’s release pricing or if set that low permanently.)
June 9, 2024
This novel was so weird lol I couldn’t tell if the characters were modern or weird Victorian-era street urchins. Charlie was so annoying too I couldn’t hardly stand him 🙄
November 22, 2021
4.5 stars - I really, really enjoyed my time here with Charlie and Darius.
+ The character development here is outstanding. I became attached to just about every character presented in this book. It's not often I find myself with an interest in everyone introduced in a book, even the villian/antagonist/shitty characters, but man, I could have read another hundred or more pages just learning more about the full cast here.
- On the above note, there were a couple of characters that I did wish had a bit more importance placed on them, or at least equal to their counterpart. Specifically, I felt the lovable ringmaster got put too much on the back burner causing him to seem a little emotionally distant when it would have been most important. Not too big a deal, as I can see the reasoning behind it, I just imagined him a little more emotionally invested in arguably the most or second most important matter he's dealing with.
+ This was a rare instance where I actually was patient when it comes to the slow-burn. There's something about slow-burns, especially the ssslllloooooowww slow-burns, that really trigger my impatience and cause me to want to skim through. This was not one of those cases. I really enjoyed everyone in this book, so it helped prevent me from becoming hyper-focused on the MC's and wanting to rush their romance.
+ Our younger MC, Charlie, was delightfully mature. Despite the circumstances that brought him back home, I felt he really handled himself in a way I would expect an adult in their early 20s in a transition period to do.
+ The way disability (specifically, a deaf child) is handled here is refreshing. Not only did this character have her own distinct and adorable personality, but her disability still left her a very capable kid, and there weren't giant obstacles related to her disability thrown in there just for the heck of it. She is treated as any other kid would, and the loving relationship between her and her family was so endearing to see.
- The only real negative I have is I didn't really feel the separation in Darius' mind between his past love and his new one. Sure, it's clearly stated in the book at the appropriate time, but something just didn't make it as believable for me as I would have liked. It left a bit of an icky taste in my mouth, but I was able to get over it by the end.
Overall, a really nice and unique story with a wonderful cast of characters with actual depth. Thank you C.F. White for this heartwarming journey!
+ The character development here is outstanding. I became attached to just about every character presented in this book. It's not often I find myself with an interest in everyone introduced in a book, even the villian/antagonist/shitty characters, but man, I could have read another hundred or more pages just learning more about the full cast here.
- On the above note, there were a couple of characters that I did wish had a bit more importance placed on them, or at least equal to their counterpart. Specifically, I felt the lovable ringmaster got put too much on the back burner causing him to seem a little emotionally distant when it would have been most important. Not too big a deal, as I can see the reasoning behind it, I just imagined him a little more emotionally invested in arguably the most or second most important matter he's dealing with.
+ This was a rare instance where I actually was patient when it comes to the slow-burn. There's something about slow-burns, especially the ssslllloooooowww slow-burns, that really trigger my impatience and cause me to want to skim through. This was not one of those cases. I really enjoyed everyone in this book, so it helped prevent me from becoming hyper-focused on the MC's and wanting to rush their romance.
+ Our younger MC, Charlie, was delightfully mature. Despite the circumstances that brought him back home, I felt he really handled himself in a way I would expect an adult in their early 20s in a transition period to do.
+ The way disability (specifically, a deaf child) is handled here is refreshing. Not only did this character have her own distinct and adorable personality, but her disability still left her a very capable kid, and there weren't giant obstacles related to her disability thrown in there just for the heck of it. She is treated as any other kid would, and the loving relationship between her and her family was so endearing to see.
- The only real negative I have is I didn't really feel the separation in Darius' mind between his past love and his new one. Sure, it's clearly stated in the book at the appropriate time, but something just didn't make it as believable for me as I would have liked. It left a bit of an icky taste in my mouth, but I was able to get over it by the end.
Overall, a really nice and unique story with a wonderful cast of characters with actual depth. Thank you C.F. White for this heartwarming journey!
September 21, 2021
Flying Into Love (an audio review)
I’m a huge C.F. White fan and I was thrilled when this book was released. I wasn’t in a position to review the book, but when the audio came out, I leapt. (Ha ha.) I’m so glad I did.
This is a great book. I loved that Charlie was somewhat broken when he came home to lick his wounds. His gymnastics career in tatters has left him at loose ends. He’s broke, home couch surfing, and facing his failures. Not all his fault, but I did respect him for being willing to take ownership.
He doesn’t plan to join the circus. His mother has always been hugely anti-circus and he’s absorbed some of that animosity. But when he’s presented a chance to show off his artistic and physical prowess, he takes it.
Darius has been with the circus forever. And he had a performance partner with him continuously for most of those twenty years – until recently. Louis took off to parts unknown leaving a devastated Darius behind. He leaves messages he knows Louis will never pick up. And he fights to recover from a twenty-year crush on a man who could never – would never – love him back. Not in that way.
Then Darius meets Charlie and although he’s beyond reticent, something in the young man calls to him. And not just Darius’ ability to spot talent. As they work together to perfect a performance, they also develop and form a bond that grows into something more. Then the past crashes into them and it looks like all is lost.
But this is a romance, of course. I loved the precious connection between the two men and yearned for them to fix the problems and get on with life as it could be, not as it is. I love well done age-gap romances and this was definitely one I’d listen to again. Now, this is a completely stand-alone book but there’s an open circle at the end that has me completely intrigued. For that alone, I hope there is at least one more book.
Piers Ryman narrates all of Ms. White’s books and I couldn’t be more pleased. He does a brilliant job – especially with the multi-lingual Darius. This is definitely a book I recommend and will likely go back to and listen to again.
I’m a huge C.F. White fan and I was thrilled when this book was released. I wasn’t in a position to review the book, but when the audio came out, I leapt. (Ha ha.) I’m so glad I did.
This is a great book. I loved that Charlie was somewhat broken when he came home to lick his wounds. His gymnastics career in tatters has left him at loose ends. He’s broke, home couch surfing, and facing his failures. Not all his fault, but I did respect him for being willing to take ownership.
He doesn’t plan to join the circus. His mother has always been hugely anti-circus and he’s absorbed some of that animosity. But when he’s presented a chance to show off his artistic and physical prowess, he takes it.
Darius has been with the circus forever. And he had a performance partner with him continuously for most of those twenty years – until recently. Louis took off to parts unknown leaving a devastated Darius behind. He leaves messages he knows Louis will never pick up. And he fights to recover from a twenty-year crush on a man who could never – would never – love him back. Not in that way.
Then Darius meets Charlie and although he’s beyond reticent, something in the young man calls to him. And not just Darius’ ability to spot talent. As they work together to perfect a performance, they also develop and form a bond that grows into something more. Then the past crashes into them and it looks like all is lost.
But this is a romance, of course. I loved the precious connection between the two men and yearned for them to fix the problems and get on with life as it could be, not as it is. I love well done age-gap romances and this was definitely one I’d listen to again. Now, this is a completely stand-alone book but there’s an open circle at the end that has me completely intrigued. For that alone, I hope there is at least one more book.
Piers Ryman narrates all of Ms. White’s books and I couldn’t be more pleased. He does a brilliant job – especially with the multi-lingual Darius. This is definitely a book I recommend and will likely go back to and listen to again.
March 30, 2021
His whole life, gymnast Charlie has been warned away from the circus by his mother. When his Olympic dreams are dashed, however, he returns home to Jersey and finds himself drawn in to the visiting circus like a moth to a flame. Part of that is Darius, the handsome older trapeze artist whose hot-and-cold demeanor is epic and with whom he shares some truly off-the-charts chemistry. I really loved so much of this novel. Some of the highlights:
The setting is beautifully drawn: the island and culture of Jersey is at times more a character than a backdrop, and the features of the landscape and the lives of its inhabitants add depth and character to the story. The circus itself is also vibrantly drawn, and you get a sense of the world-within-a-world that it clearly is to its inhabitants, full of performative energy and excess, but also carefully regimented and orchestrated behind the scenes.
The characters are complex and interesting: Charlie in particular won my heart, and the aching bravery with which he confronts the ruin of his original dreams, the reality of a sometimes distant best friend he’d held an unrequited torch for for years, the sense of missing some part of himself, capturable only when performing, is all so compelling-- he’s an easy character to root for. Darius is more challenging, but he too has faced plenty of challenges, including the unreciprocated longing for a man who could never give him the love he wanted, even before he abandoned him (more on that as you read the novel).
For the most part, I was really invested in the connection between the two of them, as it seemed to be exactly what they both wanted and needed. I would have liked to see a bit more development of the connection between Darius and Charlie after the big reveal (purposely vague here, as spoilers are the worst), if only because I wanted to see Darius prove, to himself and Charlie, that it really was Charlie he had feelings for, on his own terms, and not just as a shiny, new, conveniently look-alike stand in for his twenty years of unrequited love. There’s a bit of that in the epilogue, to be fair, but not enough that I was entirely persuaded. Overall, however, a really compelling read.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair & honest review.*
The setting is beautifully drawn: the island and culture of Jersey is at times more a character than a backdrop, and the features of the landscape and the lives of its inhabitants add depth and character to the story. The circus itself is also vibrantly drawn, and you get a sense of the world-within-a-world that it clearly is to its inhabitants, full of performative energy and excess, but also carefully regimented and orchestrated behind the scenes.
The characters are complex and interesting: Charlie in particular won my heart, and the aching bravery with which he confronts the ruin of his original dreams, the reality of a sometimes distant best friend he’d held an unrequited torch for for years, the sense of missing some part of himself, capturable only when performing, is all so compelling-- he’s an easy character to root for. Darius is more challenging, but he too has faced plenty of challenges, including the unreciprocated longing for a man who could never give him the love he wanted, even before he abandoned him (more on that as you read the novel).
For the most part, I was really invested in the connection between the two of them, as it seemed to be exactly what they both wanted and needed. I would have liked to see a bit more development of the connection between Darius and Charlie after the big reveal (purposely vague here, as spoilers are the worst), if only because I wanted to see Darius prove, to himself and Charlie, that it really was Charlie he had feelings for, on his own terms, and not just as a shiny, new, conveniently look-alike stand in for his twenty years of unrequited love. There’s a bit of that in the epilogue, to be fair, but not enough that I was entirely persuaded. Overall, however, a really compelling read.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair & honest review.*
April 20, 2021
I loved it!
If other commitments hadn’t intervened, I would have read this book in one go. As it was, it took me a few days but I hated every second that I had to put this one aside. The story had my emotions all over the place. There’s mystery and suspense but mostly it was the developing relationship between Darius and Charlies that kept me on pins and needles.
The blurb lets us know that Charlie’s gymnastics career has ended but we’re kept in suspense and it’s quite a while before fully learn what happened. We also know that Darius’s performance partner has left the circus but why he left is not fully disclosed right away. These little tidbits are only part of the reason why I found this story so engrossing.
I also loved the rich cast of secondary characters. Charlie’s younger sister was a delight and she added an element that brought out a softer side of Darius. Carlos was an interesting character, one of those you love to hate type. His is the kind of character that I love to see redeemed at some point. Maybe another book set in this world?
I’ve come to really appreciate Ms. White’s writing style and her ability to keep me hanging on every word just enough that it’s not painful, but also to weave an excellent story while she does so. Leap of Faith is a standalone story, and the main couple gets their HEA, but the ending left things a bit open for more stories. I hope there are more books coming set in this world.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
If other commitments hadn’t intervened, I would have read this book in one go. As it was, it took me a few days but I hated every second that I had to put this one aside. The story had my emotions all over the place. There’s mystery and suspense but mostly it was the developing relationship between Darius and Charlies that kept me on pins and needles.
The blurb lets us know that Charlie’s gymnastics career has ended but we’re kept in suspense and it’s quite a while before fully learn what happened. We also know that Darius’s performance partner has left the circus but why he left is not fully disclosed right away. These little tidbits are only part of the reason why I found this story so engrossing.
I also loved the rich cast of secondary characters. Charlie’s younger sister was a delight and she added an element that brought out a softer side of Darius. Carlos was an interesting character, one of those you love to hate type. His is the kind of character that I love to see redeemed at some point. Maybe another book set in this world?
I’ve come to really appreciate Ms. White’s writing style and her ability to keep me hanging on every word just enough that it’s not painful, but also to weave an excellent story while she does so. Leap of Faith is a standalone story, and the main couple gets their HEA, but the ending left things a bit open for more stories. I hope there are more books coming set in this world.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
July 30, 2021
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this story -- I even wished it was longer than it was and that definitely doesn't appeal to me much.
The main parts of the story deal with a small touring family circus (tours around Europe).. MC's are Darius, an acrobat and star of the show except he recently has had his partner leave the circus (and his family), and Charlie, a local resident of Jersey who is supposed to be going to the Olympics in gymnastics but is now returning home, banned from competing. The gist of the story is getting Darius and Charlie together as performers (and, hopefully, to many including this reader as lovers). Darius, however, is 40 and Charlie is 22 years old. So, huge age gap, huge chip on Darius' shoulder about his former partner, and huge problem with Charlie's mother hating all things circus for some reason. That reason becomes known to the reader fairly early, but unknown to the characters in the book until the end.
I loved the look behind the scenes of this circus and I really liked both Darius and Charlie a lot. My wishes: more scenes with Darius and Charlie actually doing their act, less the few cliches that were kind of out of place for me, and using some of the strong secondary characters for another book so we can keep track of Darius and Charlie.
The main parts of the story deal with a small touring family circus (tours around Europe).. MC's are Darius, an acrobat and star of the show except he recently has had his partner leave the circus (and his family), and Charlie, a local resident of Jersey who is supposed to be going to the Olympics in gymnastics but is now returning home, banned from competing. The gist of the story is getting Darius and Charlie together as performers (and, hopefully, to many including this reader as lovers). Darius, however, is 40 and Charlie is 22 years old. So, huge age gap, huge chip on Darius' shoulder about his former partner, and huge problem with Charlie's mother hating all things circus for some reason. That reason becomes known to the reader fairly early, but unknown to the characters in the book until the end.
I loved the look behind the scenes of this circus and I really liked both Darius and Charlie a lot. My wishes: more scenes with Darius and Charlie actually doing their act, less the few cliches that were kind of out of place for me, and using some of the strong secondary characters for another book so we can keep track of Darius and Charlie.
September 21, 2021
This review is for the audiobook version of ‘Leap of Faith’ that I requested as an ARC. I’m now posting a voluntary written opinion of it. I like to try out new-to-me artists, as both CF White and Piers Ryman are, and the ARC has provided me the perfect opportunity to acquire, listen to and review this book.
CF White delivers a wonderful story in ‘Leap of Faith’. The backdrop of circus-life is an unusual setting for a book and is thoroughly intriguing. I also like the locale of Jersey in the Channel Islands. It imbues a feeling of the far-flung to this untraveled US Midwesterner.
The book has a little more slow-burn than I normally read, but it’s tempered with an angst level that doesn’t get too overwrought. The delicious amount of unresolved sexual tension balances out the length of time the reader has to wait for Darius and Charlie’s relationship to really begin.
Overall, the book offers an entertaining age-gap, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance with a small touch of mystery that will leave readers satisfied at the happily-ever-after.
Piers Ryman delivers a terrific performance with narration. He gives all of the characters a distinct voice that also suits the way they are written by White.
Recommended.
CF White delivers a wonderful story in ‘Leap of Faith’. The backdrop of circus-life is an unusual setting for a book and is thoroughly intriguing. I also like the locale of Jersey in the Channel Islands. It imbues a feeling of the far-flung to this untraveled US Midwesterner.
The book has a little more slow-burn than I normally read, but it’s tempered with an angst level that doesn’t get too overwrought. The delicious amount of unresolved sexual tension balances out the length of time the reader has to wait for Darius and Charlie’s relationship to really begin.
Overall, the book offers an entertaining age-gap, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance with a small touch of mystery that will leave readers satisfied at the happily-ever-after.
Piers Ryman delivers a terrific performance with narration. He gives all of the characters a distinct voice that also suits the way they are written by White.
Recommended.
September 12, 2021
Oh wow! what can I say. this story really blew me away. It grabbed me from the get-go and held me. The characters are so intriguing and the story interesting. My heart went out to Darius. You knew from the beginning something happened between him and his performing partner of twenty years that broke him but not what. Also with Charlie. You found out something happened to upset his Olympic chance but what? What sent him home? I loved how painstakingly slow these tidbits were unraveled, keeping you wanting more. The setting was so amazing and unique. I mean who doesn't love a circus?
The performance was good, it was just that for a moment the British accent of the narrator threw me off. The story is set in New Jersey. Charlie and his friends and family are from there. The circus people are of different nationalities, Carlos Spanish, Darius Romanian so the accent just had me confused. Now having said that I got over it fast as I was pulled into this fabulous story. I was then mesmerized. So come on. Take a leap of faith and join the circus! I just had to say that!
The performance was good, it was just that for a moment the British accent of the narrator threw me off. The story is set in New Jersey. Charlie and his friends and family are from there. The circus people are of different nationalities, Carlos Spanish, Darius Romanian so the accent just had me confused. Now having said that I got over it fast as I was pulled into this fabulous story. I was then mesmerized. So come on. Take a leap of faith and join the circus! I just had to say that!
January 25, 2022
Things I liked: The setting. Charlie’s bond with his sister. The bond between (most) of the circus performers. The HEA. The descriptions of the aerial work (no idea if it was correct but it sounded amazing). Francine - she deserves a better family.
Things that bothered me: Josh was a terrible best friend. The way Charlie didn’t act like an adult and talk to his mother, allegedly his close friend as well as parent. His instant trust in Darius to take Millie on a trapeze. Darius’s sulking. and his constant drinking when we’re supposed to believe he’s an amazing athlete/acrobat. He’s frankly whiny, not broody and exciting. The numerous spelling errors. Usually I don’t mention those as I know especially self publishers get knocked for proofing, but with errors in both English, French and Spanish, it was impossible to ignore them.
I really wanted to rate this higher than I did, but tbh at times it felt like a first draft. I’ve read other books by CF White and really enjoyed them, but this, although an enjoyable read, wasn’t easy to get lost in.
Things that bothered me: Josh was a terrible best friend. The way Charlie didn’t act like an adult and talk to his mother, allegedly his close friend as well as parent. His instant trust in Darius to take Millie on a trapeze. Darius’s sulking. and his constant drinking when we’re supposed to believe he’s an amazing athlete/acrobat. He’s frankly whiny, not broody and exciting. The numerous spelling errors. Usually I don’t mention those as I know especially self publishers get knocked for proofing, but with errors in both English, French and Spanish, it was impossible to ignore them.
I really wanted to rate this higher than I did, but tbh at times it felt like a first draft. I’ve read other books by CF White and really enjoyed them, but this, although an enjoyable read, wasn’t easy to get lost in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
Freshly disgraced Olympic gymnastics hopeful, Charlie Avrill flees home to the island of Jersey where he tries to get some casual work with the circus in town. He catches the eye of high wire artist, Darius Lungo, who is still drinking heavily and hating the world since Darius’s trapeze partner so-called out a year ago. I always love stories where two broken pieces make a perfect whole and this story had me smiling the whole time! CF White always creates such great characters and plots, and Leap of Faith is no exception: I loved the slow tease of the main characters’ backstories, the peak into circus life, and Charlie’s promiscuous best friend and lovely family. The plot was so rich - there was also such a lovely symmetry in Charlie’s decisions versus his mother’s. I always love Piers Ryman’s resonant voice and expression, and his French, Romanian, and British accents here were brilliant. It was all perfect!
September 15, 2021
A beautiful story filled with twists and turns that will keep you interested and on the edge of your seat!
An Olympic level elite athlete with an uncertain future and trapeze artist nursing a broken heart; an unlikely pair with too many things in common. How could they not become more than just a circus act?
These characters will have you emotionally invested as they are so well written you will feel as if you know them. You’ll hurt for them, you’ll have hope for them and ultimately cheer for them.
Running away with the circus may not be such a bad idea if it helps you find yourself and who you were always destined to be.
Don’t pass this up!!! The audio version is amazing and the narrator is spot on!
I’m hoping the author will give us a follow up to see what happens to the other characters in the story!
An Olympic level elite athlete with an uncertain future and trapeze artist nursing a broken heart; an unlikely pair with too many things in common. How could they not become more than just a circus act?
These characters will have you emotionally invested as they are so well written you will feel as if you know them. You’ll hurt for them, you’ll have hope for them and ultimately cheer for them.
Running away with the circus may not be such a bad idea if it helps you find yourself and who you were always destined to be.
Don’t pass this up!!! The audio version is amazing and the narrator is spot on!
I’m hoping the author will give us a follow up to see what happens to the other characters in the story!
February 1, 2023
A web of threads from the past and present
Charlie comes home from university after being disqualified from the Olympic team. He made some mistakes, but was manipulated by his coach.
When the circus is in town, Charlie asks for a job, and instead of being a ticket taker, his gymnast body means he can work on the trapeze.
Darius is nursing his broken heart because his unrequited love left him behind. He was also his trapeze partner, so he's resistant to Charlie being the new one. But, they're immediately in sync, in the air and on the ground.
It takes Darius awhile to come around, and things are more complicated as some truths are uncovered, but ultimately the two are meant to be.
An interesting premise, but the big secret is obvious, and there's a lot that isn't addressed, not the least of which is the abuse by Charlie's coach.
An OK read.
Charlie comes home from university after being disqualified from the Olympic team. He made some mistakes, but was manipulated by his coach.
When the circus is in town, Charlie asks for a job, and instead of being a ticket taker, his gymnast body means he can work on the trapeze.
Darius is nursing his broken heart because his unrequited love left him behind. He was also his trapeze partner, so he's resistant to Charlie being the new one. But, they're immediately in sync, in the air and on the ground.
It takes Darius awhile to come around, and things are more complicated as some truths are uncovered, but ultimately the two are meant to be.
An interesting premise, but the big secret is obvious, and there's a lot that isn't addressed, not the least of which is the abuse by Charlie's coach.
An OK read.
October 8, 2021
May to December Slowburn at the Circus
This is a pleasantly written book with a slowburn May to Demcember lovestory between Charlie and Darius.Charlie is an university student with a gymnastics scholarship. His live is turned upside down and he returns to his childhood home. Darius is a grumpy, cigar smoking trapeze acrobat who is still "mourning' departure the of his circuspartner.
They meet , not in the most pleasant way, and are attracted to eachother, but are hesitant. However Charlie needs a job and instead of a regular job he joins the circus and is asked to join Darius as a trapeze artist.
There is a little twist in the plot, which you see coming from a mile away but does not deduct from the development of the story.
4,5 stars, due to the fact that the twist was obvious
This is a pleasantly written book with a slowburn May to Demcember lovestory between Charlie and Darius.Charlie is an university student with a gymnastics scholarship. His live is turned upside down and he returns to his childhood home. Darius is a grumpy, cigar smoking trapeze acrobat who is still "mourning' departure the of his circuspartner.
They meet , not in the most pleasant way, and are attracted to eachother, but are hesitant. However Charlie needs a job and instead of a regular job he joins the circus and is asked to join Darius as a trapeze artist.
There is a little twist in the plot, which you see coming from a mile away but does not deduct from the development of the story.
4,5 stars, due to the fact that the twist was obvious
June 20, 2022
CF White has done a lovely job of illustrating the pageantry of a circus performance while also including the personal experiences of the audience and performers. Having been a both a dancer and a school athlete in a past life, I am particular about how performers and athletes are portrayed in books. This one hit the mark on quite a few aspects of life in front of an audience.
The romance had all the bittersweet experiences that you can expect from a book by this author, and the characters are all beautifully flawed. The angst of the romance and the emotions of the characters are expertly portrayed by Piers Ryman's narration. I look forward to listening to more stories by this author and narrator duo.
The romance had all the bittersweet experiences that you can expect from a book by this author, and the characters are all beautifully flawed. The angst of the romance and the emotions of the characters are expertly portrayed by Piers Ryman's narration. I look forward to listening to more stories by this author and narrator duo.
September 15, 2021
I enjoyed both the characters and setting of this story. We don't get a lot of m/m romances set in the circus and the background here was well defined and described. Charlie's reason for seeking out the circus to perform and his abilities made perfect sense as did Darius' reluctance to take him on. The chemistry between them was immediately palpable, but their deeper relationship took the right amount of time. There was a bit of a Dirty Dancing vibe to the plot which I enjoyed immensely. Piers Ryman's performance was excellent. He captured the thrill of the rehearsals and the changing relationship between Charlie and Darius perfectly.
October 1, 2021
Great story. VERY interesting ending! Care to run away with the circus?
It’s almost cliched- older performer meets young prodigy. But it’s more than that. Darius and Charlie fall fast. It makes sense, life under the Big Top is different. Louder, more colorful. It’s all here. You can also smell the popcorn!
Darius is such a grump, he makes you want to squeeze him. Charlie makes you want to protect him from the world. Together, they make you gasp. In and out of the motor home!
Seriously, I really enjoyed this story!
It’s almost cliched- older performer meets young prodigy. But it’s more than that. Darius and Charlie fall fast. It makes sense, life under the Big Top is different. Louder, more colorful. It’s all here. You can also smell the popcorn!
Darius is such a grump, he makes you want to squeeze him. Charlie makes you want to protect him from the world. Together, they make you gasp. In and out of the motor home!
Seriously, I really enjoyed this story!
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