In 1934, life in Brookburn, Indiana, is quiet, simple, and peaceful, but young dreamer Levi Beckerman yearns for more. When the carnival shows up for the Fourth of July, he’s entranced by its many temptations. None is more seductive than the charismatic barker, Sebastian Gustineau.<br><br>Seb’s been a part of the carnival for almost a decade. Once, it provided him the escape he needed from a life he thought he didn’t want, but now, he craves things it can never offer. Flitting from dusty town to dusty town, he loses himself in pretty dalliances. Levi seems like the perfect distraction, until a single conversation convinces him that preserving Levi’s innocence and way of life is more important than his momentary satisfaction.<br><br>However, his plan to discourage Levi goes horribly wrong. When Levi’s family is threatened, Levi fights to protect them, doing what he can to hide the secrets he’s sheltered his entire life. The only person he trusts is Seb. He just isn’t sure if the growing bond between them is enough to save them all.

A Simple Charm

“I know you don’t understand,” Seb said. “I’m not sure how you could when this is all you know.” He shook his head when Levi opened his mouth to argue, shaking Levi slightly to make his point. “Just listen to me. I didn’t have to tell you any of this. I could’ve played Bertie’s game, convinced you to come back with me without you ever being the wiser. I didn’t do that for a reason, and whether you like that reason or not, it doesn’t matter. Because yeah, Otto has a point. You’d be a star if you came along with us. Looking like you? Able to pull those tricks? Easiest thing in the world.”


Chapter 19