Inspired by Moulin Rouge! Set in Prohibition-era New York, a magical ride across the bay takes the reader to an island where pleasure can be found for anyone with a pocket of gemstones. On an island filled with time travelers, mind readers, healers and illusionists, Luxe Revelle is the star of the show. Her magic surpasses everyone else, and she has taken her family’s survival as a mission. From the moment Jamison Port enters the big tent their futures immediately entwine. Luxe must choose between a cruel man that can protect her family for life, and a poor dreamer on a mission to find his lost parents.
While I enjoyed the love triangle, I found it uneven. The growth of the relationship between Jamie and Luxe is a slow build, but worth it. The downfall of Luxe’s relationship with Dewey is much fast and less developed. Jamie’s search for his family is endearing, Dewey’s search for power makes him an easy villain.
The glitz and glamour of Charmant draw the reader into this amazing standalone fantasy. I highly recommend it to readers that enjoyed Caraval and Hotel Magnifique.