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Showtime (Marvelle Circus #1)

by Chloe Kayne (Goodreads Author)

3.68 of 5 stars 3.68 · rating details · 223 ratings · 163 reviews

The grandeur of the traveling circus is at its peak in the early 1920s when sixteen-year-old Laila Vilonia is searching for an escape from her bleak future. Behind the gates of the legendary Marvelle Circus, she is thrust into a mysterious world she never knew existed—a paradise populated with outcasts. It’s in this glamorous new home that Laila sparks a controversial roma...more

Paperback, 346 pages

Published September 21st 2012

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Feb 21, 2013 Alysa H. rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I won a copy of this book in Elle Casey's January Anniversary Indie Book Giveaway.

I thought the description sounded amazing, but this book wasn't really for me. I can't speak to questions of realism or historical accuracy about circus life in 1918, so I'll just say it's clear that the author has a great passion for her subject matter!

I can speak to other things: For one, the over-long, repetitive descriptions set a certain dream-like tone, but I'm not sure whether the dreaminess was intentional...more

9 likes · like · see review

Dec 31, 2012 D rated it 4 of 5 stars

A dark and eerily beautiful love story. Love for a new life. Love for belonging. Love for new family. And love that will make you run away with the circus.
Lose yourself in a world of wonder and deceit as you get to know Laila Vilonia and her crew of misfits in the Marvelle Circus. It's 1918 and Laila suddenly finds herself thrust into a world that demands hard work, strength, tenacity and that you always check over your shoulder.
I absolutely love how author Chloe Kayne portrayed life in a travel...more

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2013 Keri rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, favorites

I was lucky enough to win this book in a giveaway. When I wasn't in school or studying for exams, I was literally devouring this book. The action, mystery, and drama starts on page one and doesn't cease until the very end.

Showtime is the story of Laila, a teenage girl who joins the circus in order to escape her terrible home life. While in the circus she makes plenty of new friends, becomes a star, and also falls in love with the mysterious "Disappearing Man."

The author's writing style is beauti...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 27, 2012 Step rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

NOPE. I cannot even with this unedited, unresearched, unrealistic, unreadable piece of nonsense. I knew what this was ten percent in, but I finished it out of spite. But UGH to these undistinguishable characters, this vacuous excuse for a main character, this Mary Sue story disguised by a vaguely intriguing synopsis. But there is so much wrong here. The strange preoccupation with school exams despite being in a traveling circus in the early 1900s? Running water in a train? Unrealistic interactio...more

8 likes · like · see review

Feb 14, 2013 Emilie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This was the first book I read all semester just for fun, it felt like feeling the fresh breezes again after being underground for months! Books are my drug. This was a great one to choose, too, because it was so good! The book is written with great artistry, that paints a picture in your mind. The plot was engaging and kept moving with intrigue and plot twists. It made me want to be in the circus.

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 06, 2013 Marissa at Beneath the Moon and Stars rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow. That was....amazing. It was wonderful and vivid and it made me want to go to the circus so bad. Can I have the next one right now? Please?

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 08, 2013 Brenda Ayala rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: steals

I just want to say I am extremely happy that I got this book for such a steal. Sure, I have to post an honest opinion about the book in exchange for the book, but I would have done that anyway!

I loved it. I never would have guessed this about myself, but it turns out I quite like circus books. This is definitely a book I'll be recommending to others. I finished it in just over a day while flying back from vacation.

Basic synopsis: 16 year old Laila has learned to do what she has to in order to g...more I just want to say I am extremely happy that I got this book for such a steal. Sure, I have to post an honest opinion about the book in exchange for the book, but I would have done that anyway!

I loved it. I never would have guessed this about myself, but it turns out I quite like circus books. This is definitely a book I'll be recommending to others. I finished it in just over a day while flying back from vacation.

Basic synopsis: 16 year old Laila has learned to do what she has to in order to get by. She leads a hard life, involved with dealing (fake) drugs to dangerous people as well as living in a brothel. When an opportunity arises for her to join the circus and escape her predicament, she does. But not without wondering whether it was the correct choice. She eventually rises to stardom and learns that things are still hard, no matter where you are.

The story starts immediately. The author does an excellent job of giving valuable information without making it seems so introductory. All the characters were distinct and seemed real, which I used to underestimate in novels until I read on where the characters were dismally flat. Anyway, I loved the descriptions of the circus and the circus acts. I normally tend to skim through the descriptions in a book, but for this I was so focused on it that I would spend an inordinate amount of time on just one paragraph.

I think Jodelle and Vivian were my favorites. Jodelle is the fiery best friend that doesn't guard against showing her true feelings. And Vivian is one hell of a villain. It was so much fun to hate her and her scathing remarks!

Probably the only downside for me was that it was relatively predictable, but I'm not sure if that's because I've read too many books or not. Even so, I was still caught by surprise with some things (Dex and Seth's past, which I'm sure we'll find out more in the next book).

My only real reason for giving the book 4 stars out of 5 is because it needs to have an awesome follow-up in the second book. I know it's probably not fair to lower the rating of this one before the other one has even come out, but there you go.

Read it. It's great.(less)

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Jan 09, 2013 Laura Zimmerman rated it 3 of 5 stars

I received this book at no cost, thanks to the author. She sent me a free copy in exchange for an honest review so here goes...

I have to say that I had trouble maintaining interest in this story. The first few paragraphs were difficult to get through because they were SO descriptive--I felt the amount of description of the surroundings took away from what events were happening. However, after that the writing seemed less forced, as if the author settled into her rhythm.

It's possible that my inab...more I received this book at no cost, thanks to the author. She sent me a free copy in exchange for an honest review so here goes...

I have to say that I had trouble maintaining interest in this story. The first few paragraphs were difficult to get through because they were SO descriptive--I felt the amount of description of the surroundings took away from what events were happening. However, after that the writing seemed less forced, as if the author settled into her rhythm.

It's possible that my inability to remain interested is due to my age (mid-40's). The book was written as a YA selection so I realize that I may just be too far outside the age group the book was intended for. I found myself thinking that the story, the settings, the events, and the characters were not quite developed yet, as if they were still maturing into what they could have been. There are certainly some intriguing parts (such as the train car--I always imagined circus trains to be comfortable and functional, not the luxuriously appointed car that was described early in the book, which made me wonder what the circus owner was up to), but overall the story didn't do much for me.

Having said that, I can see how a younger person would be intrigued and interested in "Showtime". I think there's a piece of each one of us that has dreamed of joining the circus and wondered what that life would be like. I also believe that we all know, or knew, someone whose life was a bit on the rough side; someone who really wanted to get away and start a new life, and the author taps into those parts of us.

I wish I had read the book about 25 years ago--I think I would have read it with a very different eye than I did at this point in my life. As it was, my attention wasn't held by the story and rather than being interested enough to finish the book, I read about half and then moved on to another book.

I commend the author for her efforts. I see some real potential in "Showtime" and I hope she continues to hone her writing skills and do more writing in the future.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 30, 2012 Kathryn rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Laila is a teenage girl in 1918 who runs away from her home in a brothel to join the circus. She integrates herself in circus life and dreams about becoming an aerialist. She is a very likable character and there were times I could relate to her.

There was also the mysterious Dex, aka the Disappearing Man. Throughout the novel, Laila’s friends were always telling her to stay away from him because he did something really bad, bu...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 30, 2013 Melody rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I think it was very generous of the author to provide me with a review copy of the book and it made me want to like it much more than I did.

The premise has a lot of potential--the circus, running away from a bad home life, etc--but the author doesn't take as much advantage of it as she could have. The circus is also a very difficult subject to write about, so I commend the author for her ambition. But the setting was poorly r...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Lace rated it 3 of 5 stars

I received this book through the author for free in exchange for an honest review.

I gave this book 3 stars. I loved how it was very visual and descriptive right away. You felt like you were in the scene, in the moment. You definitely get that the "old circus" vibe here and it's wonderful. There were a few times where I felt like the storyline wasn't very fluid, slightly choppy - it would just go from one scene to the next with no in between, but it was not often. Laila, the main character is ver...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I started out thinking this was a paranormal romance for some reason. But it kept popping up on a "must read" list. The author, Chloe Kayne, was gracious to give me a copy in exchange for my review.

When I started the book, I was hooked from the get go. It felt as if I were transported to the time period when circuses were the stars. I cant wait to get my hands on book 2. The storylines are so beautifully interwoven that you cant find a place to put the book down even for a moment. The jealousy V...more

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 28, 2013 Kimberley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, part-of-a-series, i-own-a-copy

I've been flicking through the reviews and it seems that I'm one of many who were sent a free ebook copy from the author Chloe Kayne, in exchange for an honest review. That said, having now read the story, I would gladly have paid for a copy myself.
I really enjoyed Showtime. The main character's backstory was well developed and a lot of the other characters were likeable. Even the ones that were nasty were so in a way that wasn't irritating, as they were integral to the story.
I loved the descrip...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Pyxi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-devour, amazing-indie-read

Wow. Let me first start by saying this is normally not my genre. I tend to lean more into the fantasy/paranormal tales but SHOWTIME didn't disappoint.

Chloe Kayne creates a rich and colorful world of early 1900's circus life. While the storyline could get a bit violent in parts, overall I enjoyed the writer’s brutal honesty of human nature. The leading lady, Laila Vilonia was easy to connect with and fall in love with. I loved the mystery behind her love interest, Dex and the way the story unfold...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 26, 2013 Ronna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-give-away

SHOWTIME is a story full of wonderful descriptions of the sights, sounds, thrills, performances, and back stage life in the 1920's Marvelle Circus. Laila is a sixteen year old girl who has run away from a tragic home life just to find herself choosing the life of the circus. She makes many friends and an enemy or two.

Laila's boyfriend. The Disappearing Man---Dex, is looked upon very skeptically by the rest of the troop because of rumors of a shady, perhaps violent past. Despite Laila's many new...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 01, 2013 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved everything about this book. Everything! The characters were fabulous, especially the main character, Laila who was everything I love in a kick-ass protagonist. Laila's love interest, Dex, was dark and brooding. Mysterious right up to the end of the story. As for her detail into which Kayne delves into regarding the traveling circus and sideshow performers... it was impeccable! As a huge fan of all things circus, this book left nothing to be desired. I simply cannot wait for the next inst...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 21, 2013 Falisha Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I first started reading the book It took me a while to get used to. I thought the beginning was harder to understand what was going on. BUT after reading the whole book, I LOVED IT. It was a dark, mysterious, interesting book. The love story was great, even though I wish we could have had a little more knowledge of Dex's character along the way. Seth came out of nowhere too, which confused me momentarily, but quickly was able to catch on. Over all. Good book. The story line was interesting...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 21, 2013 Lila rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Some things about this book are great. Namely, I think the author's got a great idea for the plot, her descriptions are good, and she isn't afraid to show some grit in her novel. I was engaged pretty much the whole time, although not until the very end did I feel it was one of those all-consuming page-turners that I simply had to keep reading.

The problems with Showtime stem mainly from inexperience, I think. Some of the finer plot points are skimmed over, particularly when it came to relationsh...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 24, 2013 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, historical, nontraditional-family, ya

While I am not typically a big fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed reading Showtime. Chloe Kayne did a great job creating an interesting novel set in the early 1900s. I really enjoyed watching Laila's rebirth as a circus performer with Marvelle circus. I don't know much about circuses during their heyday, so this was a really interesting read for me. I liked how Kayne gave Laila a new life with a very interesting and complex set of friends to help her during this transition. Adding in Dex as a...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 19, 2013 Jennie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The story focuses on the Marvelle travelling circus in 1918, with 16 year old Laila Villonia as the main character.

The rough outline of the story is Laila runs away from her miserable life with her parents, her mother a prostitute and her father in a an institution. In the aftermath of a fight, Laila finds herself in the office of Robbins, the owner of Marvelle Circus. Claiming to be an orphan, the circus takes her...more Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The story focuses on the Marvelle travelling circus in 1918, with 16 year old Laila Villonia as the main character.

The rough outline of the story is Laila runs away from her miserable life with her parents, her mother a prostitute and her father in a an institution. In the aftermath of a fight, Laila finds herself in the office of Robbins, the owner of Marvelle Circus. Claiming to be an orphan, the circus takes her in and sets her up working. It follows Laila's adventures in the Circus, her friendships, her traineeship, and new loves.

As for my opinion on the book, I found it slow to begin. It opens with a fast paced "action" scene which is exciting and you expect the book to keep the same pace, but once Laila joins the circus, it seems to slow down somewhat, as details of Laila's day to day life is depicted. As this is going to be a series, I understand why this was done and was necessary, but taking it as a standalone, it did take away from the flow of the storyline.

For the first 100 pages I couldn't seem to connect to any of the characters, the personality or motives. Also the feel of the circus and the setting of 1918, didn't really come across very well, it could have been set in any time period.

However, once you got past those first 100 pages, the book for me really took off, I finally began to connect with Laila, her friends seemed more endearing, the circus started to come to life, much to my delight. In particular I absolutely loved, the disappearing man i.e Dex, who unfortunately I cannot talk about too much as I would spoil the book, but honestly he is a great character, to Kaynes credit and I can't wait to see how his storyline unfolds throughout the series!

Although it may sound as if I have listed a lot of negatives, I really did enjoy the book once I got into it. As the circus transformed towards the end of the book, I became more and more enamoured and excited, as I had hoped I would be before reading it. Chloe described the shows performance in so much wonderful detail and really brought it to life.

Had the beginning of the book reflected the ending, I would have given this book a 5/5, but unfortunately it was slow to begin, so I can only give it a generous 4/5. Thankfully the ending more than made up for the start of the book and I am very excited for the next instalment in the series. A very good debut novel. Hopefully any issues with Showtime will disappear as Chloe continues to delve into the world of Marvelle.

Watch my video review here: http://youtu.be/sIfIQWt5REs (less)

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Jan 28, 2013 Rachel Macwhirter rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sixteen year old Laila Vilonia is living a horridly depressing life in early 20th-century America. When her best friend runs off to let her take the fall for a violent encounter with a drug dealer, the situation turns upside down and she is given the chance of a lifetime, the chance to run away with the country’s most prestigious circus and leave her abusive mother and future prospects in a brothel behind her.

For the most part, I really loved this book. The characters were mostly well written a...more Sixteen year old Laila Vilonia is living a horridly depressing life in early 20th-century America. When her best friend runs off to let her take the fall for a violent encounter with a drug dealer, the situation turns upside down and she is given the chance of a lifetime, the chance to run away with the country’s most prestigious circus and leave her abusive mother and future prospects in a brothel behind her.

For the most part, I really loved this book. The characters were mostly well written and the plot was interesting, if a mite predictable. I was a big fan of Laila, the protagonist, though admittedly she took a while to grow on me. Once she did, however, I was very firmly on her team. On more than one occasion, I caught myself saying ‘yeah, go Laila!’ out loud (this worried one of my dogs). After the beginning of the book, Laila had agency, which I really appreciate in YA protagonists.

The writing itself erred heavily on the side of purple prose. Deeply purple prose. The prose was such a deep purple that I expected the riff from Smoke On The Water to play at any moment. At least, for a while. Once I’d gotten used to it, it barely affected the experience. The writing may have been overly flowery, but at least it was consistently flowery. There was a nice flow to it, once I got past the initial shock of the style. Kayne certainly has a way with words and she wrote in a way that felt appropriate to both the setting and the story itself.

That said, the fact that it felt appropriate does not mean that it was accurate. I will touch on historical accuracy later.

I also thought that some of the descriptions of physical action – such as the routines of the aerialists and other circus performers – were executed nicely. Writing action like that can be a difficult task but Kayne pulled it off.

The characterisation, as I alluded to earlier, was at a good level. I was pleasantly surprised by Jodelle, who originally seemed to be set up to be the cliched, obligatory bitchy girl for the protagonist and reader to sneer at – that kind of character shows up in a disappointingly large proportion of YA books. But Jodelle had depth. She was cold towards Laila – and everyone really – in the beginning of the book for reasons. She grew very noticeably as a character.

As did Laila herself. Laila’s development was great. She became more confident in herself, which is always a lovely thing to see. She went to an effort to acknowledge and examine her own feelings for Dex, trying to figure out exactly where those feelings were coming from and why she was feeling them. I felt that the way this was done was excellent. Not many YA ladies take the time to stop and think about whether or not their feelings could be coming from negative complexes. I suppose many YA ladies don’t have backstories quite like Laila’s, though.

Unfortunately, all of these things I liked about the novel made it even harder for me to get through the things I didn’t like.

You can read the full review here at my blog.(less)

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Jan 27, 2013 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, general-fiction, own, teen

Showtime follows Laila Vilonia and her journey into and within the Marvelle Circus. Laila follows her friend, Hannah, to the Circus. Hannah is planning on meeting up with some kids from school. Things end up going bad and Hannah gets ambushed and beaten by the group of kids. Laila tries to help and/or stop it but is restrained herself by a member of the group. Dogs start barking in the distance and everyone flees but Laila gets caught in the act of something she didn't do. The men grab her and t...more Showtime follows Laila Vilonia and her journey into and within the Marvelle Circus. Laila follows her friend, Hannah, to the Circus. Hannah is planning on meeting up with some kids from school. Things end up going bad and Hannah gets ambushed and beaten by the group of kids. Laila tries to help and/or stop it but is restrained herself by a member of the group. Dogs start barking in the distance and everyone flees but Laila gets caught in the act of something she didn't do. The men grab her and take her back to the Circus, taking her to Madame Robbins, C.O.O of Marvelle Circus. Through discussion of the incident on the grounds, Laila not telling the whole truth, Laila is sent to work off her debt at the Circus which works for her due to Laila having "no parents". Taken to carriage 114 she meets her roommates Jodelle, Alysia and Florence. Laila's new life at the Circus begins. The truth about her parents is revealed to the reader as she struggles with leaving them and what has happened to her in her previous life. She makes friends, true friends and learns the quirks of others and of the Circus. She makes enemies as well and strange things occur due to this. Once graduating from school at the Circus her life and fate is decided for the rest of her life at the Circus. She becomes an aerialist, something few become. She learns fast and ends up filling in last minute to one performance captivating not only the audience but others around her as well. Robbins ends up naming her the new feature performer. Many are happy with this, some are not. Laila feels the pressure and responsibility being a feature performer brings with it. Can she handle it? Can she also ignore the stares and talks of others in regards to her new relationship?

At first I was unsure of this book. I had heard lots of praise for this book and with working at a library the book is a popular check out. As I read I fell in love with the book. Going through Laila's journey was amazing, from leaving her family, to finding friends, her true love and her career calling. The reader views lots through her eyes and her growth as a person is interesting and encouraging. There are a few spots that are hard to read but it helps in her growth. Very well written, my only criticism with the writing is the over use of some of the same words in a couple of places close together in the book. Great book, cannot wait for book 2!!

Thanks to Chloe Kayne for my e-book copy of the book. I was very much enjoyed!(less)

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Jan 16, 2013 Joey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A free e copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, so let's get started.
I believe I do not need to repeat the plot, but the book is not as interesting as the plot seems. Yes, Laila has been through quite a few obstacles, including (view spoiler) etc., but they were not exciting enough. You see, every time she was about to be in serious trouble, her friends and lover came to the...more A free e copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, so let's get started.
I believe I do not need to repeat the plot, but the book is not as interesting as the plot seems. Yes, Laila has been through quite a few obstacles, including (view spoiler) etc., but they were not exciting enough. You see, every time she was about to be in serious trouble, her friends and lover came to the rescue before things got too far, and that kind of annoyed me, and this also made the whole story dull. Reading Showtime is like riding on a roller coaster and every time you were about to reach the peak and fall, the car retreats backwards, and the worst is, it happened several times.
Okay, now to the relationships. Laila met a few friends in the circus, Jodelle was one of them, at the beginning, Jodelle hated Laila for no reason but then they become friends. You must think there were something to make such a change, but you are wrong. I don't know if I have made a mistake and skipped a chapter or two, but I didn't see anything that will make Jodelle suddenly like Laila. It's like somebody cast a spell on Jodelle and suddenly 'poof!' they become best friends. The same goes with James, they've met once and the next time they were already sitting together at lunch and and act like they were friends who knew each other much more than a day. You don't make friends that easy.
But surprisingly, the love between Laila and Dex was well developed. I love the brief exchanges before they fell in love with each another, and the struggles Laila's been through before she decide to go against her friends' advice and draw herself closer to Dex, and of course the sweet moments they shared and their faith in each another, this is something I greatly appreciated.
And to the villain we knew every book has: Vivian. She hated Laila and did a great amount of things to harm Laila, she was arrogant, self-loving, easily jealous, cruel and mean, and I love it. It's not that I like her, but the way the author describes her, she stood out better than most of the characters in the book.
Chole Kayne has a great way of describing things to the readers, you can really dive into the story and have a clear image of the glamorous and grand Marvelle Circus, which was the best circus in the world, and of course, the danger lying beneath the glamour. Kayne also surprised me with her exceptionally good skills in using third person point of view, which I rarely saw, I have to give credit to that.
And Kayne also did a great job at leaving a cliff hanging ending, and even I am a bit dissatisfied with book one, I am looking forward to book two, and I sincerely hope it will be better.
(less)

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Sep 05, 2012 Dawn Vanniman rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

As you know, I am extremely picky about self-published books. I honestly had to go searching on this one after I read it - I was sure it was from some amazing small press that I hadn't heard of, but nothing shows up. The editing was fantastic. Ms. Kayne is going places, she's a fantastic writer!

Set in 1918, tis is the story of Laila, a girl who runs away with the circus.

Laila's dad is pretty much out of the picture and her mo...more

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Apr 19, 2013 Maddison - the geek loves books_ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

When Chloe Kane asked me to review this book I was excited to get reading. This book I found to be quirky, interesting and entertaining. Set in 1918-1919 Showtime takes you on journey inside the circus with 17-year-old Laila Vilona where she gets caught up in mysterious events, including one involving her friend. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and the quirky, mysterious journey it took me on. I am looking forward to meeting up with Laila and continuing her adventures in the future.

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Aug 20, 2012 Joni Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

I credit this book to getting me out of my reading funk. Until this book came along I was reading Mary Higgins Clark and nothing else simply because it kept my mind busy, not because I was actually into the story. And then came a period of not reading at all. Until I came home to a package on my porch and unwrapped it to find a copy of this lovely novel.
The detail is extraordinary. The circus and the characters come to life in this novel. I was captivated by the romance between Laila and her "D...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Sierra rated it 4 of 5 stars

We've all felt it. That itch to get away. In Chloe Kayne's Showtime, main character Laila actually has the courage to do so. But not in any small sense, mind you. Oh, no. This girl joins a traveling circus as part of her quest to get away from a horrible family life.
Set in the pre-depression year of 1918, Kayne introduces us to a world shrouded in talent, mystery, and the undulating, relentlessness of circus performers.
But under all the glam and glitz, lies a cache of secrets, lies, and murde...more We've all felt it. That itch to get away. In Chloe Kayne's Showtime, main character Laila actually has the courage to do so. But not in any small sense, mind you. Oh, no. This girl joins a traveling circus as part of her quest to get away from a horrible family life.
Set in the pre-depression year of 1918, Kayne introduces us to a world shrouded in talent, mystery, and the undulating, relentlessness of circus performers.
But under all the glam and glitz, lies a cache of secrets, lies, and murder. (And that's all I have to say about that. Sorry. I watched Forrest Gump last night with my ma...)
Anyways, now to my favorite part of reviewing...Character profiles!
Laila Vilonia was a very likable character. She gives readers a fresh new voice to read about, and c'mon. Her background is enough to make even me feel sorry for her. Now, some people frown upon pity. But I find that my own pity towards a character makes me think of them as more tangible and real. Laila gave me a sense of...not pity really, but a bit of shame towards her past. I wanted to see her grow and succeed in a life away from home (does this make sense? Dude, I dunno. But I'm trying to make sense here!).
Her new band of friends included a cast that is as easily relatable and likable as Laila herself. Kayne throws in enough drama and tears that makes these friendships seem to be stronger than the short amount of time that they've known one another.
Oh, and don't let me forget the always mysterious "Disappearing Man"! As if that title isn't enough to clue you in, the love interest in Showtime, Dex, is one hella hard character to like. I say this with absolute fondness, btw. Dex is hard to like because of a few things a) we never really learn too much about him, b) Laila seems to be iffy about her own feelings towards him c) he is considered dangerous by everyone else in the book, and d) I'm totally Team James.
Team James, you ask? Sierra, is there another love triangle? NO, dear reader, there is not! Thank the lord on that, but I just legit loved James more because he cuddled with tiger cubs (aw!!), wasn't gay, and is cast as a total hottie. Also, there is probably no chance of him ever being in a love triangle with Laila and Dex. But still.
Loved the story, loved the characters, and just to make this a little more interesting for ya, I'm including my FAVE little quote (said by my favorite man, James, on page 105 of my uncorrected proof):
"You're here because you had no other choice," ... "You don't join the circus to fulfill your own dreams."
Simply enchanting, is it not?
Can't wait for more from this author!
(4/5 stars)
(less)

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Nov 03, 2012 Nanette Bradford rated it 5 of 5 stars

Showtime by Chloe Kayne Reviewed by Nanette Bradford YATR Review Panel Date read: 2 November 2012

The more of this book you read the more you want to know about Laila, the 16 year old, who left her old life behind to join the Circus. Well, she really didn't have much of a choice though. Her life at home is anything but great. Her father couldn't deal with life anymore and decided to take the cowards way out. He actually thought by shooting himself, in front of his wife and kid mind you, he would...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Sanna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

So ok,at first I really wasn´t sure about this book.
It starts with 16-year-old Layla going to the Marvelle Circus with her friend Hannah. She can`t afford to actually see the show, but is still impressed by all the glimmer and glamour and awesomeness surrounding her.
But instead of cherishing the atmosphere, Hannah and Layla meet up with a guy from school to sell them drugs. As Hannah has already sold him fake stuff before, he brought a bunch of friends to teach her a lesson. After the fight is i...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 01, 2012 TuRtLeFaEiRe added it

Shelves: a-wish-list-book, book-library

Ooooh! This would be in my 'What happens next?' stack!

1 like · like · see review

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About Chloe Kayne

*I'm an impatient ARC-a-holic
*I have a degree in business
*I love performing aerial arts & pole dancing
*I'm vegan
*My parrot really is smarter than your honor student
*I love the smell of gasoline and blown-out candles, but hopefully not in the same situation

Let's tweet a little twit: twitter.com/chloekayne
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Showtime (Marvelle Circus #1)

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