The Aerialist

Black Cat Circus, Book 3

By: Morgan Lysand

Narrated by: Zachary Zaba

Brighton was a gangly awkward teenager the last time he saw his dad’s best friend Zander. Six years later, Brighton’s an adult, and still very aware Zander is hot.

As an aerialist in the Black Cat Circus, raven-shifter Brighton has honed his skills in the air. On the ground, not so much. He’s best friends with a cat—the circus mascot—and reads in his free time. But despite his seemingly quiet nature, Brighton knows what he wants. Zander.

Zander is freshly retired from a career in the military and eager for a new adventure. The circus awaits! Unfortunately, his best friend retired from said circus and decided to celebrate with a month long trip, leaving Zander alone with his kid. Zander remembers an adorable child, not the handsome young man Brighton has become, and his intense attraction makes him feel all kinds of wrong.

Can Brighton keep his secrets safe from his biggest crush? Can Zander control his yearning for the young acrobat? What will Brighton’s father think?

The Aerialist is a spicy dad’s-best-friend paranormal MM romance with a touch of primal play, forced proximity, and so. Many. Crop. Tops. It is part of the Black Cat Circus, a multi-author series that features found family and a magical cast of characters. Each book can be listened to as a standalone, but better enjoyed together.

©2023, 2024 Morgan Lysand (P)2024 Morgan Lysand

Brighton & Z

I previously read the book, which I very much enjoyed. I don't feel the narration did the story justice, though. The voices and dialog were fine, but the non-dialog portion of the narration fell flat for me.

The Raven and his Protector

I read this book originally back in April of this year, and loved it! This round I was able to enjoy the tale via audiobook. I have to say, that Zachary Zaba brings such a wide array of voices to the Black Cat Circus characters that I never have to wonder who is actually talking, or whose POV it is in each chapter.

Brighton is a character that grips and engages you right in the beginning. Even the dynamic he adds as a secondary character in the first Black Cat Circus book, The Daredevil, is enough to get you ready and willing to jump into his eventual story. The connection he forges with Zander after reconnecting with his parent's friend after so many years is just another fun layer and instantaneous hilarity when each MC realizes how attracted they are to one another. Zander is of course worried about the age gap between him and Brighton, and what their relationship will mean to Brighton's parents, but the two men surge forward with their relationship because their feelings come on so strong.

The added supernatural element to their story is a lot of fun, except for the stressful angst that happens near the end of the story with one of Brighton's Exes. I'm so grateful for how all of their circus crew can come together and support one another.

I've read The Aerialist a few times already, and adding in the fantastic audiobook is another necessary experience with this series.

I received an authorized copy of this story/audiobook and am volunteering my honest review.

Engaging and fun

This was my first visit to that Black Cat Circus. I really enjoyed Brighton and Zander's story. The plot was engaging and kept me interested. The aerial scenes were realistic, like I was watching them myself. The primal play element was fun. I liked how the members of the circus were one big family. I'm definitely going to go back and read the rest of the books in the series. Zachary Zaba did a wonderful job voicing these characters. I liked how each characters voice was distinctly different.

yes!

well Zachary Zaba makes an already fun book better with this amazing audiobook! His Zander voice is a beautiful deep cadence the draws you on and holds your full attention. Bris voice gives that fun playfulness that you wanted him to have when reading his pov. Rest of the cast are true to previous installments of this series so beautiful job. So happy they brought him on board for this series!

Oh, beautiful Bri, Black Cat Circus wouldn't be the same without you and that beautiful energy you exude. Zee didn't have a chance once he laid eyes on Bri again. These two are two magnets meant to crash into each other.
OK, now let's talk about the fun times they are top-notch fun that you wouldn't expect from the story, but wow, do they make it even better. A perfect combination of heat, found family, and just enough mystery to keep you on your toes wanting more. And the mystery of Peanut better be solved in the next book or I may riot. I haven't been able to put these books down since I started and have no plans until I finish with the Ringmaster!

Cheeky Raven

Brighton & Zander
Rating: 3.4 ⭐
Narrator: Zachary Zaba

- Paranormal
- Raven Shifter/Demigod
- Found Family
- Coworkers-to-Lovers
- Primal Play
- Dad's Best Friend
- Age Gap (21yrs)
- Mild exhibitionism