Review: CIRQUE DU MINUIT by Annabel Joseph

Cirque du Minuit
by Annabel Joseph
Publisher: Scarlet Rose Press
Release Date: February 28, 2012

It’s no easy feat transitioning from the disciplined arena of competitive gymnastics to the artistic whirl of the Cirque du Monde. Kelsey Martin finds secret inspiration in Theo Zamora, a dark, taciturn trapezist–until his partner dies in a tragic accident and he decides to leave the circus for good.

Theo doesn’t understand why Kelsey reaches out to him, only that she compels him with her unique combination of innocence and recklessness. Before long the two are collaborating on an aerial silks act for a new production, the Cirque du Minuit. Theo’s impatience with Kelsey’s naivete is matched only by his passion for her, and the two soon become embroiled in a tempestuous, consuming romance.

But some still blame Theo for his partner’s accident, and danger wraps up the two performers as inevitably as the scarlet silk of their act. Theo and Kelsey must find a way to connect and trust one another as he leads her deeper and deeper into a dangerous world of control and desire.

Cirque du Minuit was another incredible read from Annabel Joseph. This is the wonderful story of Kelsey Martin, a former gymnast and Theo Zamora a career cirque performer. Kelsey has just moved to Paris and joined the Cirque du Monde as one of their newest acrobats. She is adjusting to circus life and the differences between performing and competing with the help of her trainer Jason. But the man who has caught her eye is the temperamental and self-centered, Theo. She’s noticed his dark intensity from the moment she auditioned for the cirque and is keenly attracted to him. 

She gets lost in the training compound one day and happens to find Theo and his partner Minya in a Dominant/submissive scene that has her aroused and wondering what it would feel like to be Theo’s lover. Then a tragic accident during a trapeze act takes Minya’s life and leaves Theo with the stigma of being an untrustworthy partner. He takes her death very hard and closes himself off from the circus, locked away in his apartment. Kelsey is determined to bring him out of his depression. I was surprised that Kelsey had the strength and fearlessness to keep going to Theo’s apartment even after several verbal attacks and having the door shut in her face. She didn’t really know Theo that well but her attraction to him was powerful enough to keep her going back and even offer to be his new partner. 

The new partners are sent to Marseilles to star in a new aerial silk act with the Cirque du Minuit (Midnight Circus). Theo is a demanding task master as he trains Kelsey on the use of the silks. Their love affair also continues with him being equally as hard on her during her submissive training. Their whole relationship is rich with tumultuous emotions. I loved both these characters. There are multiple D/s sex scenes including lots of anal. The scenes are well written and emotional. I enjoyed the addition of Cirque du Monde’s owner, Michel Lemaitre. He’s the puppet master of both the cirque and his decadent le Citadel BDSM clubs. Lemaitre was an over the top character that I hope we see again in the future. 

I loved the imagery that was used when describing the practice and performance with the silks. If you have never seen an aerial silks performance I recommend you check one out. This novel definitely turns the experience into a sensual one. Theo and Kelsey’s story has to be one of my favorites from Ms. Joseph.  Watching Theo change from a self-centered ass-hat to a loving partner to Kelsey was captivating. Cirque du Minuit was a beautiful story with a tragic beginning that ends with a couple who is full of hope and love. This is one of my favorite novels of Annabel Joseph and a must read for any fan of BDSM erotic romance.