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Black Cat Circus #2

The Firedancer

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Coal was drawn to the circus after being driven out of the only home he knew. He was the outcast, the half-blood that shouldn't have survived the fire that burned inside him. At Black Cat Circus, he finds a family of people just like him, of those who accepts him just the way he is. However, the scars that were buried deep in his heart keeps him from letting anyone get too close. He is fire, and he's afraid of once again losing control of the very thing that made up the very essence of himself.

Rhett never knew his parents or had a family. Having grown up in foster care, he's determined to find a place he can finally call home. When he sees the ad looking for a chef for a certain traveling circus, he's compelled to apply despite never once leaving the little town he grew up in. What he doesn't expect is to find friends shrouded in mystery, and a beautiful man who burned so brightly but tried to dampen his flames.

The two can't resist the pull of the other, but are terrified of what it means to want more. When playing with fire, they must be careful or risk getting burned.

The Firedancer is a paranormal MM romance that features light temperature play and learning to be comfortable in one's own skin. It is part of the Black Cat Circus multi-author series that features found family and a magical cast of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but is better enjoyed as a series.

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2023

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About the author

Rye Cox

12 books81 followers
Be sure to follow to stay updated on latest release: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rye-cox

Rye is an M/M Romance author who is a romantic at heart. She believes that love conquers all, and that's why her stories are guaranteed to always have an HEA. When she's not writing, she escapes to the world of books or daydreams about becoming a future cat lady.

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5 stars
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62 (34%)
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20 (11%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 6, 2023
Reading about Coal in Daredevil had me excited for his book & the ARC did NOT disappoint! Devoured the story in around 4 hrs.

"The Firedancer" is a MM paranormal romance b/w broody, quiet, scary looking but a softie Coal (who has fire powers!) & Brave, resilient, forward, shortie Rhett (who's the circus's new chef!).

I love these guys so much! The story was cute, low angst & fun. Great to know of our MCs heritages! They had sexy first times 😉 too & am so glad found a family in Circus. Hector's gonna get a book too, eh? 😉😍

(This is not the full review, will come up with it soon!)

Story ratings:

1) Main Character(s) likeness: 5/5
2) Side characters: 4.9/5
3) Top 3 feels in story: Lil teary, Hottt, Cute!
4) Kept me hooked / Story flow: 5+/5
5) Satisfaction / Enjoyment: 5/5
6) Creativity / twists: 4.5/5
7) World development: 4.1/5
8) Relationship: 5/5
9) Problems+Resolution: 4.4/5
10) Sexy / steamy scenes: 2.5/5
11) Cuteness level: 5/5
12) Angst level: 2/5
13) Darkness level: 1/5
14) POV / Writing style: 1st person DUAL POV, 4.5/5
15) Grammar: 5/5
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,212 reviews64 followers
May 6, 2023
“Fire burns everything into coal.”

What a fantastic book!!

Another deliciously enticing tale from the Black Cat Circus. Magical and mystical, a unique circus where everything and everyone isn’t exactly as they appear to be.

The 24 year old, diminutive diner cook, Rhett, couldn’t be more excited to have answered a random ad in the newspaper for a chef and been chosen to run away with the circus. An orphan raised in foster care, there’s nothing to hold him in tiny Kither Springs. But was that ad really random at all?

Rhett knows from the minute he enters the circus grounds that unusual things are going on. And why does his new roommate keep mentioning that they are both “human.” Isn’t everyone?

Coal has been with the Black Cat Circus for ten years, ever since Seven, the owner and Ringmaster, rescued him after his family had rejected him. Coal is the Firedancer and his inner flame burns hotter and wilder than the flame boxes he uses in his act.

Coal is aloof, broody and doesn’t like to be touched. His friends in the circus understand why and give him his space but at 27, he does miss being able to be close, even intimate, with someone, but that would be far too dangerous.

It’s total combustion when the Firedancer takes a chance on more with the Chef. Sexy and romantic this book is about acceptance, overcoming rejection and learning to love yourself. Two souls finding love and a made family in the mysterious Black Cat Circus.

Story: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Swoon: 😍😍😍😍😍
Angst: 💔+
Profile Image for Tyler Bloodworth.
53 reviews11 followers
May 19, 2023
I received this ARC for an honest review, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Such a great follow up to the first book:) 🥰🥰🥰🥰
605 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2023
When I read the first book in this series I was blown away, I can't even begin to describe how much I love carnival/circus themes in books. So, to have not only those as a background/world, but in addition to have LGBTQ+ elements as well?! It's kismet for me! I'm excited for this whole series, I'll be honest though I was worried they wouldn't live up to how much I hyped them up in my head...

I did not need to worry! I haven't read very many stories by Rye Cox, but their writing is very good. And this book connected so well with Duckie's it almost felt as though it was one concurrent story. In a way, I suppose it is! For this being Rye's first foray into paranormal romance, they did a magical job!

When I was first introduced to Coal's character in The Daredevil; (Duckie Mack's book) he seemed aloof and kept to himself. His character intrigued me, all of them did cause they are all mysterious in their own ways, but him especially captured my attention. I wanted to know what gave him the ability to wield fire, and not only to wield it but to dance with it.

And in this book I got the answers I was looking for! Now, I was not expecting Rhett's character. But oh my gosh you guys, him and Coal make such a great pairing! They compliment each other so well!! And Coal's first impression on Rhett, wasn't a good one, but they were able to look pass that and build a relationship together. I adored how Rhett had a little freak out when he learned about the true magic behind the circus, but then he just accepted and embraced all of the people there. He didn't judge, or spew hate, he just accepted them. And treated them as people. One of my favorite parts of this book is the cooking scenes, the descriptions of Rhett trying to cook with an oven that's bigger than him, made me smile. This whole book made me smile, and giggle, and it drew me in. Quite frankly, I never want to leave this magical world these authors have created.

I'm really curious about Hector's character! Along with the rest of the Black Cat Crew, especially Peanut!

Here are some of my favorite moments:

'Page 22, chapter 10; If I didn't get answers now, then I really would go crazy. Knowing that I was serving food to a bunch of non-humans was one thing, but finding out I was crushing on a bird, now that was absolutely bonkers. '

Page 9, chapter 22; 'the world might have rejected us, but we carved a place for ourselves within it. We didn't need everyone to accept us. It was enough to have that one person who made you feel special, loved, and cared for. And for me, that was Rhett.'

This story just hyped me up even more for the other books that are still to come! Please do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy. And while this technically is a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the whole series together.

*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
Profile Image for Amanda Glaeser.
176 reviews9 followers
May 9, 2023
Two men, abandoned by their families, find their place with the circus.

When Coal was first introduced in The Daredevil, I thought he was the strong, silent type. A man of few words. But I was wrong. He's a man who doesn't allow anyone to get close to him because he believes that if he does, they'll get hurt.

That's the furthest thing from the truth. Coal has a huge heart, he just needed to find the right person to share it with. And that person just so happens to be a cook.

Rhett has always felt out of place in his hometown. He knew there was something missing. So when an ad in a newspaper, (that's he's never read before) Catches his attention, he jumps at the chance and applies for the job of cook with the circus. What he doesn't expect is to fall head over heels for the quiet man with the blazing blue eyes.

This is such a sweet book. I adored how Coal and Rhett's relationship started. How quiet Coal turns into a blabbering fool whenever Rhett is around. And how Rhett tries to figure out why he can't stop thinking about the cute fire dancer.

If you're looking for a cute, sweet story to read, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Elley Murray.
1,192 reviews145 followers
May 8, 2023
This is a sweet and steamy, low angst romance with a super fun cast of characters. It will make you want to go to the circus!! Coal and Rhett are such a good match (even if I DID see the "plot twist" about Rhett coming from, like, basically the first moments he's on page...) These two lost souls find each other and the way they come together is just so sweet. Also, this book made me hungry!! Rhett can come cook for me any time. ;)

Coal is the one of the core group from the Black Cat Circus I was least interested in, so I'm not super surprised that I wasn't quite as into this book as book one, The Daredevil. That being said, I CANNOT WAIT for Brighton's book (The Aerialist) and Seven's book (The Ringmaster)!!!

This is the second book in the Black Cat Circus series, which is a set of interconnected standalone novels each by a different author and all centered around the Black Cat Circus.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.

Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
Profile Image for SPOOKY B PACK.
96 reviews
May 11, 2023
I don't even know where to start with how amazing this book is. This whole series is amazing. I got to enjoy being a arc reader and I'm so glad I did. This is written perfectly. You have to love Coal and Rhett. They are perfect for eachother. I love the chemistry and I love the mystery of peanut. I love them all coming together and the show of Eli and Drake. You get to find out more about the characters and even see glimpses of the previous couple which is amazing. The mystery of Rhett is amazing. I enjoyed this book and it will be one of my new favorite books. If you need a cute romance that's got magic read this.
Profile Image for Niki.reads.rainbow.
173 reviews21 followers
May 13, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a free arc in exchange for my honest review.

The Firedancer, the second story in the Black Cat Circus series, follows Coal. Coal is shy, doesn’t like when people touch him (mostly because he’s scared he will lose control over his inner fire).

When BCC welcomes a new member, Rhett, who’s their new chef and has no idea about the supernatural creatures that are in the circus, Coal has a hard time staying away from him.

I really liked the story between Coal and Rhett, they relationship felt more organic than Drake and Eli’s, and it wasn’t an insta-lust story.

I’m really excited to read more about Hector, aka the only person who cared about Rhett from before he joined the circus.
861 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2023
4.5 stars. Very interesting story, fitting in very well with the previous book Daredevil. Both MCs felt like they never fit in anywhere and their feelings were beautifully written. They were so sweet healing together. For an author who has never written a paranormal book I found this aspect to be well thought out and hope they will be writing more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
501 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2023
Firedancer is the second book in the multi author Black Cat Circus series. This is Coal a firedancer with flames inside and Rhett who was raised in foster care who becomes the chef of the Black Cat Circus. Coal is afraid of hurting the people he cares about and Rhett is not afraid of fire or getting burned. This is a sweet and steamy story with all the feels I need. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
1,033 reviews9 followers
May 10, 2023
Coal is a half blood supernatural Vermilion Bird working in the Black Cat Circus. Rhett is the new human Chef. Coal is a shy, insecure creature with an aversion to touch and yet Rhett can easily tough him and make him feel at peace. Its a slow burn book filled with magical elements, a gentle arm love and low on page angst. This is an enjoyable series with many of the same characters in each book. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Katey Guillot.
634 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2023
😐 I am so confused…

What happened? From what I just read, the series did not use the same editing team, and this book was ROUGH. I barely made it through. I am really upset about it, too, because the story and the characters were there, but everything else was… not.

Not only was it hard to read, it was flat and lacking in emotion and connection. The issues with the tenses and the grammatical structure and using the wrong version of a word were a struggle to try and sort through, but the whole thing just read… flat. Monotone. There was no passion, even though the words were there. I felt zilch.

I’m not sure what was missing, but this one completely went past the goal and landed in boring territory, and I’m not thrilled to say that. I wanted freaking everything for Coal and Rhett to be full of feelings and passion and that intense togetherness that the first book had. I feel like I got cheated out of a story that should’ve been even better than the first.

3/5, I am a sad panda. Maybe with some revision, the story could come alive, but as of now? It DOA. 😩
Profile Image for evan.
36 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2023
This is the first book by Rye Cox that I read. I am definitely in love. So I found another favourite spicy MM writer :) The Firedancer follows Coal and Rhett and is the second book in The Black Cat Circus series. I would love to introduce you to some of my favourite and spicy quotes in this book to convince you to read it (you really should) but my Kobo did not let me. I love Rye's writing style and I finished this book way too soon. I am trying not too spoil too much so you should just go and read it!
Profile Image for Dawn Cutler-Tran.
Author 3 books49 followers
May 31, 2023
I loved Coal in the first book of this multi-author series and I’ve as so excited to see him get his own book! This is a new to me author and the story was short and sweet, each character seemed to get their time to shine and I understood the background and motivations of them both which made the way they came together feel fun, flirty and believable. I also desperately need to know more about the black cat in the black cat circus!

Thanks so much for the author of the ARC.
Profile Image for Molly Otto.
749 reviews14 followers
February 13, 2024
Omg these two are so dang adorable that you just want to squish them. Black Cat Circus has a way of finding the lost and giving them a family, and it's no different for Coal & Rhett. Coal has had trouble accepting his true nature, from a not so great past, and then you enter the new chef Rhett. Rhett is just so accepting and wants to see what the world has to offer after growing up in a small town where not much happens. When these two collide its fire, both are able to let go and be happy.
What another great addition to this beautiful found family. Cannot wait to see what's next!
Profile Image for Suz.
93 reviews
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 21, 2024
DNF at 68% (i think?)

i am once again DNFing a book in this collective over a child (or someone who is being perceived as a child in this case) being sexualized. someone please sedate me

Possible Spoilers ahead

TLDR MC 1 thinks that MC 2 is a CHILD when they first meet. (the worst meet cute i've ever read) MC 1 then thinks about how handsome MC 2 is while he still thinks MC 2 is a child. Consistency isn't a thing. neither is relationship growth.

direct quotes and my notes as i was reading. :)


HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 30
"Hey, kid. Where are your parents? The kitchen isn't a place to play," I said to his back. The boy turned off the stove— thank fuck-before spinning around on his stool to face me. The first things I noticed were his bright green eyes that glittered as beautifully as gemstones.
His eyes shone even brighter as his features twisted into a frown as he crossed his arms. The next things I noticed were his handsome features with a dark, five o'clock shadow that seemed too mature for a kid, but I brushed it off considering I knew nothing about the human aging process.
I'd heard from the circus-goers that children these days looked almost too mature for their age"

I'm sorry is this supposed to make want them to get together?? Am I supposed to root for the guy who's sexualizing someone he is perceiving as a child????

HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 31
The action was so exaggerated that he lost his center of balance and toppled forward. Fortunately, I was tall enough to lean over the counters and catch the kid under his armpits before he fell and cracked his head open.

WHAT

HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 31
The boy was so light that I knew he had to be lying about being an adult. I was a tad bit stronger than normal humans from the Vermilion Bird blood, but I definitely wasn't strong enough to hold an adult human man up like I was holding a puppy.

WTF. literally. what. is. happening??

HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 31
The boy-man—

HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 32
the kid—man—

2nd time thinking of him as a CHILD after having to be shown proof that he's an adult (literally, Rhett had to show him his ID before he would believe him????)

HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 33
Maybe it was because I thought he was a kid moments earlier, but he had an innocence about him that told me he'd only found this situation hilarious and wasn't making fun of me.

That feels very icky

HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 35
"It's good, right? Told you I wasn't playing around," he teased. His bright eyes glistened as they focused on me. A strangled sound came from my throat, and the chains I'd tightly bolted around my core loosened. Nothing about his actions should have caused me to lose control over myself, but they had anyway.

I'm uncomfy. 3 pages ago you thought he was a child

HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 64
Neither of them seemed to care about the fact that Eli was dating a man, but it felt like a huge bomb had been dropped on me. A pleasant and eye-opening bomb. I wondered if Conall was part of the rainbow as well.

Confusion??? Are we trying to add a fear of homophobia plot after calling the man who thought you were a child, "mysterious and hot" to his face? Consistency?

HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 103
We hadn't known each other long, but I was falling hard for this man. I may not have known everything about him,

Where's the tension???
"May not have known everything" do you know anything???? When did that happen? Off page???


HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 104
A loud bang had me pulling back slightly to look toward the sky. Our foreheads were still pressed together and the bright lights we'd come to watch exploded over us.

Logistics?????

PAGE 108 – no quote attached to this as it was a smut scene
They're both virgins and there's no talk of kissing or sex before it just happens???
What happened to verbal communication and consent?


HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 116
Rhett stayed the night. At first, I had trouble sleeping, worried that my flames would go out of control in my sleep—it wouldn't be the first time that happened.
But with Rhett calmingly patting my back, I'd eventually dozed off.

Weird he's worried about his flames when he sleeps but didn't have any concerns when his emotions were high from orgasms

HIGHLIGHT • PAGE 116
"I think it looks good on you. You look very manly." He laughed hard. "Are you saying I don't usually look manly?"
"What? No! That's not what I meant. I just mean..."

Ick. this was the last straw for me. was i reading too much into this? maybe. but the fact that Coal was talking about how Rhett was handsome while also thinking he was a child combined with this was really just too much.

Profile Image for Amber Lewis.
Author 9 books81 followers
May 24, 2023
Potentially 3.5 stars. I'm debating.

I really enjoyed world that was started in The Daredevil by Duckie and I was very much looking forward to getting to know Coal in this continuation. I really did like getting to see his character a bit better and hearing his backstory, but, unfortunately, this book fell a little flat.

For one the writing was a little bumpy and awkward. Some things were just worked a little awkwardly (particularly some of the sex scenes and dialogue) and other things were a bit repetitive, rehashing the same topics and themes over and over. Some parts also appeared a little inconsistent. Rhett was closeted, having never openly shown or truly considered showing interest in a man before, to the point he was literally shocked to find out there was an MM couple in the circus, and yet in his first conversation with Coal ends with "I'll be fine as long as some hot, tall, mysterious man isn't distracting me." It just seemed wildly out of character. Also, later in the story it's 5 am but bright and sunny outside, enough so that he's comfortable wandering into a strange wooded area? I'm not 100% sure where this story took place, but 5 am seemed a bit early for it to be that well lit? I mean, I guess it's totally possible, but it seemed a little off.

The story itself wasn't bad and flowed pretty smoothly. The couple did get together really quickly and honestly a little too easily. Neither of them had ever been a relationship before, (Rhett had never even flirted before?), and yet everything worked out so smoothly between them. In fact, considering they were each other's firsts, it didn't seem nearly awkward enough.

And speaking of sex, the heteronormative views on sex were... cringe. Let me be perfectly queer: SEX DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PENETRATIVE TO COUNT. Oral sex is sex. Getting your partner off without penetration is sex. "Coal and I had shared multiple orgasms with each other, but we never really did the final deed." Yes, yes you did. You literally had oral sex the night before, and you had done other stuff to get each other off before that. *gets down off soap box* Now, given Rhett's anti-queer upbringing, I can understand why he would have that thought process, but I don't think it was presented in a very good way. At the very least, it could have been a conversation later, but that was never really done.

So overall, do I regret reading this? Not one bit. I liked it. I enjoyed getting to see more of the circus, and I am definitely looking forward to finishing the series and seeing how the authors complete the amazing story already started by Duckie Mack and Rye Cox. If you like angsty books with magical elements, tragic backstories, lots of firsts, and insta-love, this may be the one for you.
120 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2023
No relationship angst
Insta-Connection
Hurt/Comfort
Found Family
First Times
Slow Burn
Dual first person POV


This book was adorable. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect but I love the circus and PNR so I figured, why not?

I liked that this book wasn't rife with stereotypes. The circus was full of preternaturals but not in a "look at all these weirdos" kind of way. All the side characters were just as great as the main characters and weren't basic filler. The MCs themselves were extremely sweet and their interactions with one another were fairly gentle. They moved from strangers to friends before they became lovers and they communicated so well, ALL THE TIME. Also, Rhett was short and an orphan but he was not self-conscious or bitter about any of it. Coal was burdened by fear of losing control of his fire but he still made an effort to be friendly and kind even as he had to distance himself from others. There were a lot of things that could have been done more aggressively in this book but instead were kept soft, and I honestly feel like the story felt more enjoyable because of that.

And Coal's relationship with his fire was a thing of beauty. It was part of him, part of what made him who he was, but it was also its own entity and something he feared losing control of. It was something that could never be taken from him but it was also something Coal didn't believe he could ever fully embrace.

"My life revolved around the heat of the flames. It was never a pleasant sensation, especially knowing that the heat could potentially swallow me and everyone around me whole at any moment..."

I was caught in this nervous thought pattern where one moment I'd wish Coal would just let go and allow the fire to burn hot, but then the next moment I feared for Coal and wanted to help him tuck his fire away so he could stay safe. I mean, I had my assumptions regarding some things but that didn't stop me from wanting to protect Coal whenever his confidence wavered.

Also, something I want to recognize is the author's use of safe words during intimacy that was not BDSM. It was amazing and I loved it! Communication, consent, and care is for everyone, not just kinky folks, so seeing it used as a way for two people to stay on the same page during newfound intimacy was... *sigh* wildly lovely.

Overall, the story was sweet and lighthearted. I received an ARC and these opinions are my own (and I do pride myself on my honest reviews) so when I say I recommend this book I genuinely mean that I recommend this book.
2,910 reviews21 followers
May 21, 2023
Firstly let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. for me there was 2 half’s of this book that coincide with my emotions while reading it you’ve got coal who basically was abandoned by his family because of a fire that he had no control over they never showed him how to take care of his gift. And he blames himself he is a half blood. Doesn’t like people touching him or getting too close as he doesn’t trust his power. When he went to live at the circus he managed to focus his fire to be a fire dancer. And this is where he met Rhett.
Rhett never knew his family he had grown up in foster care. Thankfully he has learned to be a chef after working in a diner but when he saw an advertisement for a chef for a travelling circus Rhett Applied thinking he wouldn’t hear anything back but he got the job and he was now the chef who would cook for everyone that worked within the circus. When he got there he didn’t know where to look he was taking so much in and he offered to do start work in the kitchen that day. And that is where he saw Coal. There seem to be a change chemistry between these two instantly. When Rhett Got to the RV he would be staying in he met his roommate who was going to show him the act from the circus at night and he was mesmerised by the fire dancer.
As I said that it was too emotions for me to write this book one was the overflowing love support and happiness that I feel felt for Rhett and Coal but also for the whole circus they are a friendly bunch. And the other emotion I felt was completing utter sadness and anger for both these young men who just grew up knowing no support no real feelings around them out of no fault of their own. My heart really broke for them here in their stories choked me up. But thankfully the good outweighs the bad They need to have such a chemistry that it will just blow your way passionately both share is off the charts but it’s that connection that you feel instantly when they’re together that makes this book for me I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jenn ReadsBooks.
282 reviews16 followers
May 19, 2023
I don’t usually go for books that are in the PNR universe, but this series called to me.

The Firedancer focuses on Coal, a half-blood with fire in his soul – literally, and the Firedancer of the Black Cat Circus and physically keeps to himself as much as possible because he fears the fire inside and what it could do to his found family.

Rhett is the new cook for The Black Cat Circus. He is slight, barely 5-feet tall and often mistaken for a tween or child. Rhett grew up in foster care, never knowing his real family. Cooking is his passion and he excels at it. He doesn’t mind the heat, the fire and the pressure of feeding an entire circus of hungry folks.

Coal first meets Rhett when he mistakenly assumes that he’s a child and not a grown man and tries to get him away from the fire, explaining that it is too dangerous to play in the kitchen. The reason for his concern is because the previous chef was a giant and the appliances were all made for her height. As Rhett is tiny compared to the gigantic kitchenware, one can forgive Coal for his assumption. Thankfully, Rhett is as easygoing as he is talented in the kitchen and he forgives Coal quickly.

Something about Rhett calls to Coal – and the fire within him. Rhett isn’t afraid of the burning happening within Coal. The fire wants Rhett and so does Coal.

Can Rhett help contain the fire within Coal and help him learn to embrace it instead of fear it? Can Coal trust that he won’t hurt Rhett, working with the flames in his soul to find his one true love?

I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is honest and unpaid.
The Firedancer
Rye Cox
Profile Image for Kristy Lynn.
218 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2023
Firedancer by Rye Cox is Book 2 in the Black Cat Circus multi-author series. The Black Cat Circus is a found family of supernaturals and a couple humans. The ringmaster, Seven, is called to the different members of the circus. He finds them and invites them to join him and travel with the circus. All of the people that he has brought into the circus has needed the love and kinship that is formed within the circus family.

Coal is a half Vermillion bird, half human. When he was younger he was not able to control his fire and he set the house on fire and injured his mother. He was cast out of the sacred lands and Seven found him and brought him to the circus. He is afraid to touch anyone or to be touched and he is extremely diligent about where he practices his firedance act.

Rhett is an orphaned young man who grew up in the foster care system until he was taken in and given a chance to learn a trade. He is a chef but as a gay man in a small town he is very lonely. He answers an ad for a chef for the circus never thinking he’d actually get the job. But, Seven does indeed hire him. Rhett is welcomed into the circus family immediately but as a human who doesn’t know the people he is feeding are supernatural.

Coal and Rhett are instantly drawn to each other. Coal’s fire is also drawn to Rhett and continues to reach out to him. Coal is struggling to hold his fire in check but also struggling to keep his hands (and mouth) off Rhett ;-)

Firedancer is so well written, there are moments of such sweetness, tenderness, and full on heat. No lie, chapter 2 made me cry. Rhett’s story is just that powerful and Rye Cox’s writing was just that great at bringing it alive.

🔥Supernatural/human
🔥Virgin MCs
🔥A mysterious cat named Peanut
🔥Literal and figurative fireworks
🔥Found family

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,244 reviews75 followers
May 13, 2023
"I've never felt more comfortable with anyone else. I've never had a home, but I imagine being with you is what home feels like."


This is my first read in the Black Cat Circus multi author series and after meeting everyone I am excited for the rest of the stories to come out! Cox did a great job introducing the different people who are part of the circus, enough that when I finished I immediately looked up the other books to see who's stories we are going to get. I have to be honest. I am most excited for the mysterious ringmaster Seven. I have so many questions about him after all the hints in The Firedancer. That doesn't mean I'm not excited for the others too, just that I tend to love a good mystery. But I digress.

The Firedancer gives us the story of Coal who I'm sure you guessed, is the resident Fire Dancer for the circus. He's quiet and broody. Coal is well liked but tends to keep to himself. Then we have Rhett, the newest member to be recruited by Seven. The previous cook for the circus has retired and Rhett is their replacement. He's friendly and more open than Coal. Though he's given a warm welcome, he's also unaware just who these people he's cooking for really are.

It was sweet how Coal and Rhett were drawn to each other. Their romance was very instalovey, but I don't mind that in PNR romances. I also loved the whole found family aspect of the Circus. It seems it's a place for lost souls to come together and get to be a part of a family, something they should have had all along. Everyone looks out for one another and joins in on the happiness when their members find love. After everything Coal and Rhett have been through in their lives, it was lovely seeing them both get everything they've always wanted. Someone who loves them just for who they are and a family who'll never let them forget they belong.

*4.25 stars*
Profile Image for LC.
580 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2023
The Black Cat Circus has a way of finding those that are lost and need a home. Rhett aged out of a foster care system in a small town where he never fit in until he met Hector, an ex-con with a heart of gold, who taught him him how to be a chef and what family could look like. Now Rhett was leaving the only person who had ever cared about him to go on an adventure and start a new life with the BCC.

Coal has been with the Black Cat Circus since the beginning. Sev saved Coal’s life when his father exiled him from the sacred lands penniless and alone. Now after years of practice Coal has more control over his fire and has his own act fire dancing for the BCC. He senses change coming and is nervous the first time he meets Rhett. Their connection is immediate with even Coal’s fire wanting to reach out and touch Rhett. What does this mean? Is it safe for Rhett? Will Coal unleash the chains controlling his fire?

OH MY GOODNESS!! I am in love with this series!! Rye Cox, this may have been your first paranormal book, I BEG you to not let it be your last. I spent the first couple of chapters crying and the last half of the book just awww’ing. This story is the best type of build me up, fill my bucket insta love out there. It is sweet romance. It is also spicy romance. I love the way Peanut keeps making cameos. I know this kitty is important and that soon we’re going to figure out how. I love how Sev has built and keeps his family together. This world that these authors have built is fabulous, these characters charming. It makes me want to see more of the series and of what Rye Cox has up her sleeve vis-á-vis Hector. Coming up soon The Aerialist by Morgan Lysand and The Ringmaster by Kota Quinn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mat Mansfield.
304 reviews16 followers
May 15, 2023
I’ve been a fan of Rye Cox from the beginning and was so excited to learn she’d be taking a step into the paranormal world. The Firedancer is quintessentially Rye - charming characters, strong found family vibes, and a sweet courtship with great chemistry - plus all the added goodness of the supernatural. I loved the additional details about the Black Cat Circus we get in this next installment of the series and felt completely drawn into the magic of the setting. I was also thrilled to see more of the fun characters, especially Conall, who is just the cutest thing ever, and Peanut, the mysterious black cat who follows the circus around the country.

I was intrigued by the character of the firedancer in the first book, and it turns out he’s every bit as adorable as I thought he’d be. Even though he’s happy with his chosen family in the circus, Coal still holds himself apart and carries the scars of a traumatic and isolating past. That’s why it’s so surprising, but incredible, when he’s drawn to the new circus chef, Rhett. Rhett is a pocket-sized dynamo who isn’t at all afraid of fire, either in the kitchen or from Coal’s magical, internal source fire. They’re a great match, and they really woo each other in a gentle romance. It feels like a slow burn, but it’s really insta-love, something I truly don’t know how Rye pulled off as deftly as she did.

I’m still smiling thinking about the absolutely wholesome way Coal’s source fire is drawn to and flirts with Rhett. Who knew an inner flame could be so cute?

Tropes:

❤️a Vermillion bird circus performer
❤️a short human chef
❤️hurt/comfort
❤️insta-love
❤️first times/virgin MCs
❤️chosen family
❤️fiery sexy times, figuratively & literally!
❤️low angst
Profile Image for Literary Maiden.
48 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2023
📚📖 ARC REVIEW 📖📚
The Firedancer by Rye Cox (Black Cat Circus #2)
I was really excited to read Coal’s story after meeting him in The Daredevil. He seemed so isolated, lonely and emotionally wounded that I needed to see his HEA. I will keep what Coal is a secret, it’s a nice surprise, but he can control fire and is therefore the Firedancer for the Black Cat Circus. What gives this character depth however is that he is afraid of his own fire and afraid to touch others lest he lose control and hurt others. This is completely tossed on its head when he meets Rhett though! It is not that he loses his fear but that he acts and grows close to him despite his fear.
Rhett challenges all of his beliefs about himself as soon as they meet. I won’t spoil the meeting but believe me when I say it is amazing and perfectly sets up their relationship. From there we see Coal start to come out of his self-imposed emotional isolation and Rhett comes to terms with a world much more magical and freeing than he ever could have imagined. It was great seeing all the characters from the prior book from their perspective - I cannot wait for their little Raven Shifter to get his happy ending! - and that the characters were not much different than past explanations which showed that the authors of each worked together really well. I loved the little revelations at the end as well! Really gave the story a little extra.
I recommend The Firedancer by Rye Cox, and the rest of the series, to anyone wanting a short read about those hurt in the past finding where they belong and who they belong with.
I recommend you check out book 1 - The Daredevil by Duckie Mack - as well.
June 9, 2023
ARC review

Book: The Firedancer by Rye Cox (13/05/2023).

The Firedancer is the second book in the Black Cat Circus series and tells how Coal, our incredible firedancer and Vermilion bird, founds his HEA with our amazing new BCC chef and adorable "human", Rhett.

The circus vibes mixed with the paranormal, the story of Coal's origin and Rhett's life and some mysteries here and they sweet and slowburn lovestory were my highlights of this reading.

The book aiming to delve deeper into circus activity practiced by paranormal creatures, use of fire powers and mysteries, taking breath circus performance and a lovestory between two mens who belong with each the perfect read for paranormal circus book lovers.

The 22-chapter narrative plus an epilogue is narrated in the first person and gives us a great understanding of its situations and events in its 156 pages.

My only criticism is that i need more of my shy and sweet couple!
I'm kidding, i would like to see more about Rhett origins and story (and now looks like Eli it's the only human on the team).

I'd like to get more of Coal and Rhett cuz looks like the book was not enough to satisfy my thirst of them (please Rye, only a bonus scene with them finally meeting with Hector in person. 😭🥺♥️)

(I'm going to stop writing because this review is turning out to be longer than expected and I don't want to risk giving away a spoiler).

Then "The Firedancer" is the perfect book for you if you like Vermilion bird shifters, strangers to lovers tropes, a little bit of mysteries, a all circus vibes and a slowburn romance between a cute couple that I'm going to take always in my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
7,996 reviews462 followers
May 24, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


The Firedancer is one installment in the shared world, multi-author Black Cat Circus series. It’s not necessary to read them all in order to have the whole story, as each book focuses on an individual couple. While there are cameos from others in the book, as the circus is the common backdrop, they work as standalones. I have not read any of the other books and had no problem following along.

This story is told in alternating first-person POV, so the reader really gets to know both MCs. Having both thought processes on page goes a long way to suspending what disbelief you need to and diving into the story. The romance between these two was really sweet and the instant attraction between them fueled their desire to know more about each other. For me, the pacing was a bit off. The first half of the story worked well, as they slowly got to know each other. But when they finally took the next step, the story moved at lightning speed. It was a little too fast, considering fated mates wasn’t the drive here. The MCs went from zero to sixty, and given the first half was such a lovely pace, the second half felt rushed. There’s no doubt that these two are made for each other, but I would have liked to see that developed and explored more.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

Profile Image for Sheena.
605 reviews11 followers
May 8, 2023
This is the second in the multi-author Black Cat Circus series, and follows the titular Firedancer, Coal, and Rhett, the new chef for the circus.

I already read the first book, and was lucky enough to get this straight after so I could dive right in to Coal's story. I was intrigued by him in the first book and this didn't disappoint. I loved the idea of Coal's heritage as a firebird (not a phoenix!), even as a half-firebird, it was something different that I'm not sure I've come across in any paranormal romance books before. I do love the idea of found family, and these two have had their hardships before finding where they belong in the Black Cat Circus.

While this is fast, almost instant - which is usually a big nope for me - it doesn't feel like it. Rhett and Coal do have that instant connection but they do take their time getting to know each other and it never felt forced or rushed. I loved these two together, it felt like two lost souls finally finding what they needed in each other. It was a joy reading their story and seeing them both blossom and find happiness. I thought there might be more to Rhett too, and I wasn't disappointed there either.

I do like the whole ensemble cast of the circus, and can't wait for Brighton's story next.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,110 reviews36 followers
May 10, 2023
**4.5**
So happy to read Coal's story after meeting him in The Daredevil. He keeps himself apart from others and doesn't trust the fire within himself after he was kicked out by his family at eighteen. Rhett is finally leaving the small town he's grown up in, first bouncing around foster homes and then living alone and working in the local diner with Hector, a man who becomes like family to him.
It's fun when Rhett first arrives at the Black Cat Circus as the only human there with everyone on their best behaviour but he ends up with a roommate who is more open than he should be. Coal is very hesitant about the new guy coming in, not dealing very well with change, but there is something about him that can't be denied. Rhett is enamoured with Coal, even with how distant he is at first but they're drawn together and Rhett has no hesitation when it comes to Coal's fire, even enjoying it. That allows a freedom in Coal that he's never had and it's a joy to read that for him. It's a super sweet romance that is low in angst, pretty fast paced and includes a loving found family who welcome everyone. I can't wait to read more from this series. This is the author's first pnr and it's written very well, with hints of the unknown and blends perfectly with the romance.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Colleen (boo_boos_books) Hewitt.
257 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2023
This is Rye’s first PNR and man this woman can do no wrong. I honestly didn’t want to put this down, I was sucked in by Coal and Rhett and I loved them so so much. I can see this being one of my comfort reads it’s just such a sweet easy read. The fire dancer is part of a multi author series but can be read as a standalone, I’d not read the pervious book in the series but I found the circus easy to follow and easy to understand and connect with the other members even though I haven’t met them before. It has however left me adding the other books to my tbr and I’m especially excited to find out more about seven.
After responding to a random ad in a paper he doesn’t order Rhett finds himself at black cat circus. He has a feeling there’s something strange going on and this isn’t helped when people keep referring to him and his roommate as “humans”. After a very interesting chat with the broody but beautiful Coal, Rhett finds out his is living amongst the supernatural and surprisingly Rhett isn’t out off. He actually develops a friendship and a sweet relationship with Coal. They work so so well together their story is so sweet, I loved how Rhett encouraged Cole and supported him. He was never scared of his fire, Instead he wanted to meet it. This turned out to be intimate in a way I wasn’t expecting. I really enjoyed watching these two gorgeous men fall in love. I also loved the twist about Rhett that ends up explaining why he’s so freaking good for Coal.

I received a copy from the author in return for my honest review
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