The Circus of the Damned

Starred review from September 29, 2014
In Grey’s magnificent second Deal with a Devil paranormal romance (after Devil at the Crossroads), grifter Gilbert Blake uses his unusual magical powers to fleece marks and make a precarious living in the steampunk city of Shadowsea. An altercation in a dive bar brings Gilbert’s magic to the attention of crime lord Count Reuben, who tries to kidnap him. While fleeing, Gilbert is picked up by the Circus of the Damned, who have literally made a pact with a devil, and discovers that no one who joins the circus can leave it, even after death. As he gets to know the handsome and magical centuries-old ringmaster, Jesse, Gilbert’s not sure about wanting to leave anymore, but he’s still in danger from the Count and the pact. The romance between Gilbert and Jesse is erotic, touching, and believable, and the rest of the circus is drawn with a deft touch that elevates it above the clichés of its subgenre. There are no easy answers for these characters, and their journey is gripping from beginning to end.