In Dream Dancer, Calliope, Angelique's daughter, carries on the dream her mother had. She continues with the circus as an equestrian riding a blind horse and even owns it after her father is killed in an accident: one of many accidents that seem to follow the initial one that caused her mother's untimely death. When her circus is set on fire, she faces some tough decisions and many more troubles occur as she tries to be someone she is not. Calliope masquerades as a refined lady born in France after a wealthy couple adopts her. They believe Calliope saved their granddaughter from burning in the fire as she had. Will she ever find who her evil "leprechaun" is? Will terrible things never cease to follow her? Three men strive to gain her affection while only one will succeed. Until the very end, the reader has little clue about who that one will be. Also, the reader has little clue whether Calliope will complete the forward somersault. Her mother had tried and previously died doing it.

I found this story very well written. After reading past the part where Calliope pretends to be Mary O'Conner, the scenes flow more readily together and are in good taste. All the characters seem to work well together.

I know the beginning scenes confused me because I couldn't picture this taking place in the 1800s. The sex scenes were overdone and didn't ready a reader for them. They happened too abruptly and graphically.

Reviewed By Julie Thomas-Zucker
© January 2005