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Desperate Run
Draven Grim
I've walked as Death among the living for seven years since losing my very heart.
Now, my only obsession is the hunt until she stepped foot into my territory.
Max has until the weekend's end to escape me, but even then, only death will
part us. I am the hunter known as Grim, and you, little sheep, are my prey
this Halloween.
Max Deluca
Getting in was the easy part; getting out will likely be the death of me.
Midnight Menagerie grants the maze winner whatever the heart desires...
and I've known my wish for seven years. Then I come face to face with
him. I was drawn to Draven, and as I stared Death in the face, I never
felt safer, even if that was a mistake. This place is not my sanctuary,
but maybe Grim is.
The contract says I'm free after this weekend, but I fear he won't let
me go... and what terrifies me most is that I don't think I want him to.
I've walked as Death among the living for seven years since losing my very heart.
Now, my only obsession is the hunt until she stepped foot into my territory.
Max has until the weekend's end to escape me, but even then, only death will
part us. I am the hunter known as Grim, and you, little sheep, are my prey
this Halloween.
Max Deluca
Getting in was the easy part; getting out will likely be the death of me.
Midnight Menagerie grants the maze winner whatever the heart desires...
and I've known my wish for seven years. Then I come face to face with
him. I was drawn to Draven, and as I stared Death in the face, I never
felt safer, even if that was a mistake. This place is not my sanctuary,
but maybe Grim is.
The contract says I'm free after this weekend, but I fear he won't let
me go... and what terrifies me most is that I don't think I want him to.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2024
142 people are currently reading
3086 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
June 8, 2025
I AM IN LOVE WITH A 7ft GIANT WITH SCARS ALLOVER HIS BODY, SILVER EYES, DEATH PERSONIFIED AND WITH HIS NORTHWESTER WOLF !
Yes you can lock me up, I completely lost it !
I picked this book up not expecting much. I like the authors and saw some of my girls on tik tok saying they loved this book. Still I wasn’t too convinced. Oh but I was wrong. This BOOK IS FABULOUS! WHAT A FUCKING CRAZY AMAZING STORY!
The story takes place in a Horror Carnival, this carnival has a 10 thousand dollars fee and it’s really hard to get in. The carnival itself is a full book entertainment, but then we also have the MMC personal story, the FMC personal story and their love story. I can’t begin to explain to you that if you are a Dark Romance lover and if you are on the hunt for something different than the same old thing, LOOK NO FURTHER, you found your book.
Max is a girl in Med school, she has many many manyyyyyyyyyyyy traumas and that only made her more determined and fierce. She does have insecurities but she masks them well and she fights. She is strong, mouthy, obnoxious and rude AF but I loved her. Sometimes I wanted to put duct tape on her mouth so she would stop being so infuriating, but still I LOVED her. She entered the Carnival with her best friend Sasha and 2 other friends Deck and Ben.
The carnival works like this, the have 6 mazes and they are all one worst then the other. In those mazes the owner/hunter of the maze can do whatever they want to you if you get caught, including kill you. Also the hunters which are 6 : “Midnight, Lephee, Blonde Shell, Pot belly, Gabe and Grin “ they can pick their prey of the weekend and they will personally hunt them. Needless to say that I don’t know why anyone would pay for something like that 😂😂😂
Draven aka GRIN the ONLY winner of all 6 mazes is the most feared hunter, he is intimidated not only by his size and the fact he has a trained wild gigantic wolf named Shade, but also because he is mean, cruel and heartless, or is he ????
So I am not giving anything away in here because just by this you can already see how crazy this book is. The deaths are the MOST horrific terrifying I’ve ever read in a book. And I am here for it !!!!!
The love story is intense, beautiful, sexy, spice and everything I wished for.
As I said I didn’t expect much of this book and I CERTAINLY didn’t expect to be SOBBING in the end. Omg I cried like a baby.
This book is incredible and if you read do NOT skip the extended epilogue because there is an amazing foursome. Everyone and their mothers know I am not into this kind of scenes, trouples YES big YES, more than that it’s a no no for me. But this wasn’t part of the story , it was just a fun little very HOT scene, so if it’s not for you you don’t have to read it and it won’t interfere in the story.
I am telling to trust me and read this book. Amazing!
Honestly after seen some of the best revenge killing in this book I”ll be a little disappointed if you don’t actually punch the person’s nose into their face, open their mouth with your bare hands and dislocated their jaw, carved their eyes out to feed to your wolf and pull their tongue out of their mouth and write my name on their tongue as a gift to me because they tortured me with words. Wow how romantic 😂😂😂😂
Yes you can lock me up, I completely lost it !
I picked this book up not expecting much. I like the authors and saw some of my girls on tik tok saying they loved this book. Still I wasn’t too convinced. Oh but I was wrong. This BOOK IS FABULOUS! WHAT A FUCKING CRAZY AMAZING STORY!
The story takes place in a Horror Carnival, this carnival has a 10 thousand dollars fee and it’s really hard to get in. The carnival itself is a full book entertainment, but then we also have the MMC personal story, the FMC personal story and their love story. I can’t begin to explain to you that if you are a Dark Romance lover and if you are on the hunt for something different than the same old thing, LOOK NO FURTHER, you found your book.
Max is a girl in Med school, she has many many manyyyyyyyyyyyy traumas and that only made her more determined and fierce. She does have insecurities but she masks them well and she fights. She is strong, mouthy, obnoxious and rude AF but I loved her. Sometimes I wanted to put duct tape on her mouth so she would stop being so infuriating, but still I LOVED her. She entered the Carnival with her best friend Sasha and 2 other friends Deck and Ben.
The carnival works like this, the have 6 mazes and they are all one worst then the other. In those mazes the owner/hunter of the maze can do whatever they want to you if you get caught, including kill you. Also the hunters which are 6 : “Midnight, Lephee, Blonde Shell, Pot belly, Gabe and Grin “ they can pick their prey of the weekend and they will personally hunt them. Needless to say that I don’t know why anyone would pay for something like that 😂😂😂
Draven aka GRIN the ONLY winner of all 6 mazes is the most feared hunter, he is intimidated not only by his size and the fact he has a trained wild gigantic wolf named Shade, but also because he is mean, cruel and heartless, or is he ????
So I am not giving anything away in here because just by this you can already see how crazy this book is. The deaths are the MOST horrific terrifying I’ve ever read in a book. And I am here for it !!!!!
The love story is intense, beautiful, sexy, spice and everything I wished for.
As I said I didn’t expect much of this book and I CERTAINLY didn’t expect to be SOBBING in the end. Omg I cried like a baby.
This book is incredible and if you read do NOT skip the extended epilogue because there is an amazing foursome. Everyone and their mothers know I am not into this kind of scenes, trouples YES big YES, more than that it’s a no no for me. But this wasn’t part of the story , it was just a fun little very HOT scene, so if it’s not for you you don’t have to read it and it won’t interfere in the story.
I am telling to trust me and read this book. Amazing!
Honestly after seen some of the best revenge killing in this book I”ll be a little disappointed if you don’t actually punch the person’s nose into their face, open their mouth with your bare hands and dislocated their jaw, carved their eyes out to feed to your wolf and pull their tongue out of their mouth and write my name on their tongue as a gift to me because they tortured me with words. Wow how romantic 😂😂😂😂
October 28, 2025
🎪 3 stars 🎪
The first half was super addictive. Crazy… but addictive (it’s times like these I question my reading taste). Draven is just so- come se dice insane but also romantic but morally black but in a cute “here’s someone’s tongue for you” way? He even has a whole ass pet (but not pet) wolf. My poor wee soul also found out what ‘questionable use of a spoon’ meant 😔🤚🏻.
A death carnival setting full of deadly mazes and sinful attractions will always be such a fun concept, and I loved how dark romance was incorporated into it! 🎡
Somehow, however, I actually started to get a little bored. Draven and Max’s relationship progressed too quickly for my liking and I was honestly so checked out of the story by the end to the point I was skimming pages. It took me days to pick up the last couple of chapters, but this may have been a me problem. I’d still recommend giving this a go for those that like horror carnivals and morally black possessive seven-freaking-foot giants (just check TW first!!)
🎠⛧°⋆༺♱༻⋆°⛧🎠 ⛧°⋆༺♱༻⋆°⛧🎠
➸ 𝑷𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 ᝰ.
I just needed something fun🤞🏻(I think this is supposed to be fun?). Also I hear the fmc is morally grey so sign me tf up. I was just looking at the triggers briefly and one is ‘questionable use of a spoon’… help- 😀
The first half was super addictive. Crazy… but addictive (it’s times like these I question my reading taste). Draven is just so- come se dice insane but also romantic but morally black but in a cute “here’s someone’s tongue for you” way? He even has a whole ass pet (but not pet) wolf. My poor wee soul also found out what ‘questionable use of a spoon’ meant 😔🤚🏻.
A death carnival setting full of deadly mazes and sinful attractions will always be such a fun concept, and I loved how dark romance was incorporated into it! 🎡
Somehow, however, I actually started to get a little bored. Draven and Max’s relationship progressed too quickly for my liking and I was honestly so checked out of the story by the end to the point I was skimming pages. It took me days to pick up the last couple of chapters, but this may have been a me problem. I’d still recommend giving this a go for those that like horror carnivals and morally black possessive seven-freaking-foot giants (just check TW first!!)
🎠⛧°⋆༺♱༻⋆°⛧🎠 ⛧°⋆༺♱༻⋆°⛧🎠
➸ 𝑷𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 ᝰ.
I just needed something fun🤞🏻(I think this is supposed to be fun?). Also I hear the fmc is morally grey so sign me tf up. I was just looking at the triggers briefly and one is ‘questionable use of a spoon’… help- 😀
September 17, 2024
It's part my book... clearly I think it's five stars ⭐
January 5, 2025
That was beyond good, if I could give it more stars I would.
Max has literally reached Lana Myers level of badass. She is one of the most enjoyable, mouth watering, and badass female characters I’ve read. I’m in love with her 100%. - Green eyes, dark hair, walking perfection filled with dark humour and attitude.
Draven…. I cannot express in words how perfect of a morally black mmc he is. I’m also equally in love with him. He is a work of art in every sense of the word. - 7ft tattooed, pierced, icy silver eyes, dark hair, Viking style fit of a man. 🤌
The plot was the bomb.com.
The killing and action made you feel every bit as if you were living in the moment next to the characters.
The spice- CALIENTE 🥵 dios mío casi me muero leyendo el final 🫠
If you like dark romance … this is it, read this asap don’t be like me and put it off
5/5 Picasso
Max has literally reached Lana Myers level of badass. She is one of the most enjoyable, mouth watering, and badass female characters I’ve read. I’m in love with her 100%. - Green eyes, dark hair, walking perfection filled with dark humour and attitude.
Draven…. I cannot express in words how perfect of a morally black mmc he is. I’m also equally in love with him. He is a work of art in every sense of the word. - 7ft tattooed, pierced, icy silver eyes, dark hair, Viking style fit of a man. 🤌
The plot was the bomb.com.
The killing and action made you feel every bit as if you were living in the moment next to the characters.
The spice- CALIENTE 🥵 dios mío casi me muero leyendo el final 🫠
If you like dark romance … this is it, read this asap don’t be like me and put it off
5/5 Picasso
October 13, 2024
There was no doubt in my mind that this was gonna be a five star read. Two of my favorite authors teaming up SAY NO MORE 😍🔥👏🏻😮💨💣✨ the way their writing and storytelling flowed together so seamlessly!!!
First, I just need to talk about the focus point of this story .The circus with the mazes and the competition, is something you rarely see in books that aren’t fantasy and I thought that was such a cool fucking story. It gave you something else to focus on and be excited about besides our two MCs. And when I tell you those mazes had me on the edge of my fucking seat I am NOT kidding, that shit was so wildly entertaining.
the characters in the story were the icing on the cake. Burns wrote our MMC Draven who was absolute perfection ( her MMCs are GOLD) Tall, tatted, Brute (but sweet) speaks French has a pet wolf AND IS PIERCED, LIKE COME ON?! he had me in an absolute chokehold
And then Riggs wrote our FMC Max who was hilarious and witty, and my girl doesn’t back down from a challenge. I absolutely adored her.
But these two together?! Omg a match made in crazy town. A couple that decapitates together stays together.🤭🫶🏻 I love when two tortured souls find love
They absolutely nailed this book. It was the perfect mix of spice (and fuck was the spice hot af) an exciting page turning plot. It also put me on quite the emotional roller coaster, which I always love.
YALL HAVE GOT TO READ THIS
First, I just need to talk about the focus point of this story .The circus with the mazes and the competition, is something you rarely see in books that aren’t fantasy and I thought that was such a cool fucking story. It gave you something else to focus on and be excited about besides our two MCs. And when I tell you those mazes had me on the edge of my fucking seat I am NOT kidding, that shit was so wildly entertaining.
the characters in the story were the icing on the cake. Burns wrote our MMC Draven who was absolute perfection ( her MMCs are GOLD) Tall, tatted, Brute (but sweet) speaks French has a pet wolf AND IS PIERCED, LIKE COME ON?! he had me in an absolute chokehold
And then Riggs wrote our FMC Max who was hilarious and witty, and my girl doesn’t back down from a challenge. I absolutely adored her.
But these two together?! Omg a match made in crazy town. A couple that decapitates together stays together.🤭🫶🏻 I love when two tortured souls find love
They absolutely nailed this book. It was the perfect mix of spice (and fuck was the spice hot af) an exciting page turning plot. It also put me on quite the emotional roller coaster, which I always love.
YALL HAVE GOT TO READ THIS
September 22, 2024
What the actual HELL am I supposed to do now after finishing this book...
First of all, thank you so much riggs and m.l burns for giving me the chance to arc read this book !!!! I buddy read this with a bestie and OMG??! I'm so obsessed, like can't get over it 😍🥵 such an amazing work from two absolutely incredible authors!
If you like a dark erotic horror romance, fast paced, carnival setting, psychological aspects, pierced peen, morally pitch black, touch him/her and you die, he's only a softie for her, feisty fmc, blood play, knife play, mending each other’s wounds, marking, primal, and all the yummy spice … add this in your tbr RIGHT NOW!!!
Max's past is traumatic and she is absolutely fiery. she carries herself so well despite all that she’s been through. her goal to never give in to the darkness is something that keeps her going everyday while still facing what has happened to her seven years ago. when she wins tickets to go to the midnight menagerie, where eshe meets draven and fights her way through the mazes and to prove that she can do it for that teenager inside of her. she becomes his prey and he’s never letting go 🤭
draven, draven, draven … THIS DEVIL OF A MAN !!! ugh i love him so much. he is obsessed with his little prey. this man is pierced, 7ft tall, has a pet wolf, and crazy about max from the moment he set eyes on her. he did everything to keep her safe. especially throughout the mazes, and after. when he helped put her back together after each one i simply melted. he also struggles with his past and fights like hell to overcome the memories that taunt him. he proves that he is stronger now and he can love. plus this man SPEAKS FRENCH AND MY MY THAT MOUTH ON HIM 😩🫦
These characters, their stories, the absolute explosive chemistry is so unreal 🖤 I literally couldn't stop reading! I needed to know what was going to happen next because i was just on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (SO YUMMY OMG and that second epilogue … i needed my rose)
First of all, thank you so much riggs and m.l burns for giving me the chance to arc read this book !!!! I buddy read this with a bestie and OMG??! I'm so obsessed, like can't get over it 😍🥵 such an amazing work from two absolutely incredible authors!
If you like a dark erotic horror romance, fast paced, carnival setting, psychological aspects, pierced peen, morally pitch black, touch him/her and you die, he's only a softie for her, feisty fmc, blood play, knife play, mending each other’s wounds, marking, primal, and all the yummy spice … add this in your tbr RIGHT NOW!!!
Max's past is traumatic and she is absolutely fiery. she carries herself so well despite all that she’s been through. her goal to never give in to the darkness is something that keeps her going everyday while still facing what has happened to her seven years ago. when she wins tickets to go to the midnight menagerie, where eshe meets draven and fights her way through the mazes and to prove that she can do it for that teenager inside of her. she becomes his prey and he’s never letting go 🤭
draven, draven, draven … THIS DEVIL OF A MAN !!! ugh i love him so much. he is obsessed with his little prey. this man is pierced, 7ft tall, has a pet wolf, and crazy about max from the moment he set eyes on her. he did everything to keep her safe. especially throughout the mazes, and after. when he helped put her back together after each one i simply melted. he also struggles with his past and fights like hell to overcome the memories that taunt him. he proves that he is stronger now and he can love. plus this man SPEAKS FRENCH AND MY MY THAT MOUTH ON HIM 😩🫦
These characters, their stories, the absolute explosive chemistry is so unreal 🖤 I literally couldn't stop reading! I needed to know what was going to happen next because i was just on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (SO YUMMY OMG and that second epilogue … i needed my rose)
September 24, 2024
This book was everything and more!
You follow the MMC Draven (aka Grim) and our MFC Max in the wonderful horror carnival setting. While reading this book, I fell in love with Draven. The man of few words was possessively obsessed with Max and would yeet anyone from this planet for her. Max is an entire vibe of her own! Sassy take no BS from no one!
Reading this book had me hallucinating while reading because this is so detailed, I could envision the scenes in my head! The intense mazes were having me on the edge of my seat with one in particular having me cry (Riggs and Mel don’t do that to my heart again!).
Well done to Riggs and Mel for creating a book I could escape into. I now want a pet wolf though……
You follow the MMC Draven (aka Grim) and our MFC Max in the wonderful horror carnival setting. While reading this book, I fell in love with Draven. The man of few words was possessively obsessed with Max and would yeet anyone from this planet for her. Max is an entire vibe of her own! Sassy take no BS from no one!
Reading this book had me hallucinating while reading because this is so detailed, I could envision the scenes in my head! The intense mazes were having me on the edge of my seat with one in particular having me cry (Riggs and Mel don’t do that to my heart again!).
Well done to Riggs and Mel for creating a book I could escape into. I now want a pet wolf though……
September 21, 2025
Mind you he calls her petit mouton 💀
October 20, 2024
If C. J. Riggs and M. L. Burns poured their hearts into it, you can bet I’m going to devour every page! This book was an exquisite tapestry of my wildest dreams; a tantalizing blend of erotic horror that ignites the senses (make sure to check those trigger warnings, my friends). It dives deep into the shadows, revealing a world that is as dark as it is exhilarating. Draven and Max captured my heart in an instant. Draven embodies everything that makes your heart race—he's the ultimate daddy you can't help but crave. And Max? She’s the fierce, unapologetic heroine we all deserve—relatable, powerful, and utterly unyielding. I promise, if you open this book, you’re in for a dazzling journey that you won't soon forget. Trust me, you will be left breathless and utterly enchanted!
October 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a saucy little delight to read 😻
If you want to read about a 7ft tatt’d up man with piercings(iykyk), who tells you to run, petit mouton! Then this book is for you👄
It is dark, twisted, fun and oh so spicy 🥵
This book follows Max(FMC) who is a college student navigating her life after being left numb due to severe trauma and Draven/Grim(MMC) who travels with the Midnight Menagerie circus as one of its deadly Hunters.
Max signs up to enter the circus/carnival which runs a series of maze games and as luck would have it, Draven chooses her to be his Prey 👀🌶️
The main/side characters in this book all brought something worthwhile and integral to the plot which made this read so fun and interesting.
My good boy SHADE holds a special place in my heart 🐺🖤
P.S. THAT EPILOGUE was EVERYTHING 🥵🥵🥵🥵����
This is the perfect October read and I am so grateful to have been able to ARC read this!
UNREAL, FUN, HOT 🔪🐺🌶️📚👄🖤🥵
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a saucy little delight to read 😻
If you want to read about a 7ft tatt’d up man with piercings(iykyk), who tells you to run, petit mouton! Then this book is for you👄
It is dark, twisted, fun and oh so spicy 🥵
This book follows Max(FMC) who is a college student navigating her life after being left numb due to severe trauma and Draven/Grim(MMC) who travels with the Midnight Menagerie circus as one of its deadly Hunters.
Max signs up to enter the circus/carnival which runs a series of maze games and as luck would have it, Draven chooses her to be his Prey 👀🌶️
The main/side characters in this book all brought something worthwhile and integral to the plot which made this read so fun and interesting.
My good boy SHADE holds a special place in my heart 🐺🖤
P.S. THAT EPILOGUE was EVERYTHING 🥵🥵🥵🥵����
This is the perfect October read and I am so grateful to have been able to ARC read this!
UNREAL, FUN, HOT 🔪🐺🌶️📚👄🖤🥵
September 22, 2024
think of “No place to hide” by Harper Ashley & “The mindfu*k series” by S.T. Abby. Now mix both of those together & you get this wild rollercoaster of a ride. This book was so damn entertaining in the darkest of ways lmaooo
Draven is hands down one of my all time favorite morally black characters just based on his dark humor alone. 😂😂😂 mans was HILARIOUS to me. Literally laughed out loud. & our leading lady , Max was a bad ass through & through. I loveeee me a strong ass FMC. If give absolutely no fucks was a person , it would be Max. My only complaint was the repetitiveness when it came to Max running track in the past. Outside of that , I was irritated af when I had to put my kindle down in the middle of reading because I was having such a good time with this. The anxiety towards the ending ?! 😮💨😮💨 DIABOLICAL ‼️ & that endinggggggg 🥵🥵🥵 I even fell in love with some of the side characters which makes a story even better to me.
I’ve never actually read anything by C.J. Riggs but I’ve read M.L. burns before. Their writing styles definitely complement each other & this book flowed beautifully. Ive never actually read an erotic horror NOVEL. Any erotic horror’s I’ve come across has always been a novella but hear me when I say all 400+ pages were worth it.
4.5 stars. Fast paced & so easy to read. Most importantly… this absolutely PERFECT for spooky SZN.
Get into it ! & DO NOT TAKE THE TWs LIGHTLY 🤨
Draven is hands down one of my all time favorite morally black characters just based on his dark humor alone. 😂😂😂 mans was HILARIOUS to me. Literally laughed out loud. & our leading lady , Max was a bad ass through & through. I loveeee me a strong ass FMC. If give absolutely no fucks was a person , it would be Max. My only complaint was the repetitiveness when it came to Max running track in the past. Outside of that , I was irritated af when I had to put my kindle down in the middle of reading because I was having such a good time with this. The anxiety towards the ending ?! 😮💨😮💨 DIABOLICAL ‼️ & that endinggggggg 🥵🥵🥵 I even fell in love with some of the side characters which makes a story even better to me.
I’ve never actually read anything by C.J. Riggs but I’ve read M.L. burns before. Their writing styles definitely complement each other & this book flowed beautifully. Ive never actually read an erotic horror NOVEL. Any erotic horror’s I’ve come across has always been a novella but hear me when I say all 400+ pages were worth it.
4.5 stars. Fast paced & so easy to read. Most importantly… this absolutely PERFECT for spooky SZN.
Get into it ! & DO NOT TAKE THE TWs LIGHTLY 🤨
September 2, 2025
5⭐️s!
This book was so fucking good, I can’t even. For most of the book my only possible reaction was “BIIIIIIIIITCH!!!” Lmao. Like no other words.
Draven is incredible, so fucking hot it should be illegal. And Max is a total fucking badass. It is basically Insta lust, and then they fall in love very very quickly, but it’s so good I didn’t even care — even as an enemies to lovers girl.
The mazes were great, Troy’s (LOVE THAT MAN) was obvi my favourite. But some were literal hell to read I won’t lie. READ THE TW’s!!!! PLEASE! It’s not for the weak stomachs, or the fragile hearts (I love your fragile heart, protect it).
The last maze (or rather, the second last) made me need to take a long break because I was so stressed out. But don’t worry too much, there’s still a HEA.
The end felt a little rushed, we didn’t see a lot of the revenge and I’m not gonna lie it annoyed me. I know it would have made the book longer, but I really would have preferred that (I am a fantasy reader so I’m used to very long books).
Now, the epilogue. ‼️ (SPOILERS!!!) ‼️
I’m happy for the ones that loved it, but girl I fucking hated that shit lmao. Like the whole book Draven was so fucking possessive and then what??? Gives it up? (It just didn’t feel like the characters would do that? Or am I alone on this?) I’m sorry I hardly even skimmed that shit. It would have been okay with it if the book had like… any indication it was coming? Like any tension at all. But no, it was just BAM here we are, fucking each other! If it’s also not for you, you don’t have to read it. But I would have preferred if it was something totally different, I did feel a little stolen from. Like I wanted to see more of Draven and Max, their life together. Love Troy and Sasha, but I could NOT stomach reading Draven fuck Sasha… I mean…. No I’m so sorry, no. I’m too jealous for that, I liked my possessive as fuck Draven. And Max with Troy? I just can’t see it. It felt so weird 😭. Like she barely kissed him in the maze and then instantly regretted it, and Draven punishes her for it…. And then…. They all fuck??? 😅 I felt like I got shot in the head from behind 😂
Anyway, the book up until that point was fucking great. Totally stole me away from the real world, I stayed up way too late reading it a couple nights ago. I read more than half in less than a day. Idk if we’re still getting a second book, but I hope we are!
This book was so fucking good, I can’t even. For most of the book my only possible reaction was “BIIIIIIIIITCH!!!” Lmao. Like no other words.
Draven is incredible, so fucking hot it should be illegal. And Max is a total fucking badass. It is basically Insta lust, and then they fall in love very very quickly, but it’s so good I didn’t even care — even as an enemies to lovers girl.
The mazes were great, Troy’s (LOVE THAT MAN) was obvi my favourite. But some were literal hell to read I won’t lie. READ THE TW’s!!!! PLEASE! It’s not for the weak stomachs, or the fragile hearts (I love your fragile heart, protect it).
The last maze (or rather, the second last) made me need to take a long break because I was so stressed out. But don’t worry too much, there’s still a HEA.
The end felt a little rushed, we didn’t see a lot of the revenge and I’m not gonna lie it annoyed me. I know it would have made the book longer, but I really would have preferred that (I am a fantasy reader so I’m used to very long books).
Now, the epilogue. ‼️ (SPOILERS!!!) ‼️
I’m happy for the ones that loved it, but girl I fucking hated that shit lmao. Like the whole book Draven was so fucking possessive and then what??? Gives it up? (It just didn’t feel like the characters would do that? Or am I alone on this?) I’m sorry I hardly even skimmed that shit. It would have been okay with it if the book had like… any indication it was coming? Like any tension at all. But no, it was just BAM here we are, fucking each other! If it’s also not for you, you don’t have to read it. But I would have preferred if it was something totally different, I did feel a little stolen from. Like I wanted to see more of Draven and Max, their life together. Love Troy and Sasha, but I could NOT stomach reading Draven fuck Sasha… I mean…. No I’m so sorry, no. I’m too jealous for that, I liked my possessive as fuck Draven. And Max with Troy? I just can’t see it. It felt so weird 😭. Like she barely kissed him in the maze and then instantly regretted it, and Draven punishes her for it…. And then…. They all fuck??? 😅 I felt like I got shot in the head from behind 😂
Anyway, the book up until that point was fucking great. Totally stole me away from the real world, I stayed up way too late reading it a couple nights ago. I read more than half in less than a day. Idk if we’re still getting a second book, but I hope we are!
January 26, 2025
4.5⭐️
Emotional Damage - 5⭐️
Desperate Run was such a heady rush - both Burns & Riggs brought these characters to life. You have Max who is our headstrong, audacious fmc hellbent on finishing the mazes just to get her revenge and redemption on her past in order to move forward, and Draven aka Grim, who is our tall, broody, death personified mmc, a man of few words, but who needs words when actions speak louder. You throw these two together in the midnight menagerie and it’s like the Big Bang, his instant obsession with our Petit Mouton began when her sharp tongue started stirring the pot right from the get go, and I was mopping that shit up.
The way the sexual chemistry between both our MC’s had me in a chokehold - I’ve read a couple books by Riggs and this author is slowly becoming my 2025 fave, but I digress. I know these characters were supposed to be morally grey in their own right, but honestly with how traumatic their backstories were, I truly believe that everything they did just to survive was justified, and both of them took the “touch him/her and die” to a new level. I’m a woman obsessed.
"I’ll provide you a loaded gun to end my life, because death is the only thing that will separate me from you.”
This story was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish that had me on the edge of my seat, and at one part absolutely sobbing. I loved every minute with Max, Draven, Troy and Sasha. The spice was next level and damn does it make me want to run away to the circus just to see if I can find a 7 foot tall, tatted mountain of a man for myself.
if you haven’t read this book yet, and you find yourself wanting a little chaos from the midnight menagerie, READ IT! & whatever you do, choose to run, baby
Emotional Damage - 5⭐️
Desperate Run was such a heady rush - both Burns & Riggs brought these characters to life. You have Max who is our headstrong, audacious fmc hellbent on finishing the mazes just to get her revenge and redemption on her past in order to move forward, and Draven aka Grim, who is our tall, broody, death personified mmc, a man of few words, but who needs words when actions speak louder. You throw these two together in the midnight menagerie and it’s like the Big Bang, his instant obsession with our Petit Mouton began when her sharp tongue started stirring the pot right from the get go, and I was mopping that shit up.
The way the sexual chemistry between both our MC’s had me in a chokehold - I’ve read a couple books by Riggs and this author is slowly becoming my 2025 fave, but I digress. I know these characters were supposed to be morally grey in their own right, but honestly with how traumatic their backstories were, I truly believe that everything they did just to survive was justified, and both of them took the “touch him/her and die” to a new level. I’m a woman obsessed.
"I’ll provide you a loaded gun to end my life, because death is the only thing that will separate me from you.”
This story was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish that had me on the edge of my seat, and at one part absolutely sobbing. I loved every minute with Max, Draven, Troy and Sasha. The spice was next level and damn does it make me want to run away to the circus just to see if I can find a 7 foot tall, tatted mountain of a man for myself.
if you haven’t read this book yet, and you find yourself wanting a little chaos from the midnight menagerie, READ IT! & whatever you do, choose to run, baby
July 16, 2025
4.25
All I heard was that this was set in a creepy ass carnival and I was sold. I'm surprised more people are not talking about this book. It's unhinged, gory, chaotic, and the smutt is pretty damn good. Draven is everything I love in an MMC: Hates everyone but her, gives touch her, you die to a whole other level, and speaks French. Max is bad ass. She doesn't take any shit and is tough as nails. The banter between her and Draven is wonderful. I am so glad I found this book. Please check your triggers, and if it works for you, I would recommend it.
All I heard was that this was set in a creepy ass carnival and I was sold. I'm surprised more people are not talking about this book. It's unhinged, gory, chaotic, and the smutt is pretty damn good. Draven is everything I love in an MMC: Hates everyone but her, gives touch her, you die to a whole other level, and speaks French. Max is bad ass. She doesn't take any shit and is tough as nails. The banter between her and Draven is wonderful. I am so glad I found this book. Please check your triggers, and if it works for you, I would recommend it.
October 4, 2024
**Thank you SO MUCH to C.J. Riggs for allowing me the opportunity to be on your street team. As for you, and Burns— BRAVA. I need to check out the rest of your work. Receiving ARCS with stories like this is like a dream. 🫶🏼**
Two words: extended. epilogue.
Are you guys KIDDING ME FOR THIS?? This whole story had me laughing out loud, gasping, blushing, squealing, sitting up in shock— the list goes freaking on. There was so much plot that I was on the edge of my seat all throughout.
I adore the FMC, Max with everything in me. She is me, I am her. Her bratty attitude had me rolling! She showed so much strength and it was so admirable. Easily adding her to my favorite character list.
Draven... 7ft tall drink of mfkn highest quality water. Madly in love with him, literally the reason why dark fictional men could never compete with a real man. I admired his courage and his obsession was so fkn HOT. Ohmygoddd. The spice in this… THE SPICE IN THIS?!!! Both authors outdid themselves for this book and I can’t wait for everyone to check it out. x
Two words: extended. epilogue.
Are you guys KIDDING ME FOR THIS?? This whole story had me laughing out loud, gasping, blushing, squealing, sitting up in shock— the list goes freaking on. There was so much plot that I was on the edge of my seat all throughout.
I adore the FMC, Max with everything in me. She is me, I am her. Her bratty attitude had me rolling! She showed so much strength and it was so admirable. Easily adding her to my favorite character list.
Draven... 7ft tall drink of mfkn highest quality water. Madly in love with him, literally the reason why dark fictional men could never compete with a real man. I admired his courage and his obsession was so fkn HOT. Ohmygoddd. The spice in this… THE SPICE IN THIS?!!! Both authors outdid themselves for this book and I can’t wait for everyone to check it out. x
September 18, 2024
Where do I begin with this one. Welcome to the carnival that will make all your depraved dreams come true. This story was exciting, funny, panic worthy and adventurous. Max has her goals set but meeting Draven wasn't in that equation. However, I have never laughed as hard and often as I did with this story. Max's banter and ridiculous humor had me in tears. Draven was the brooding male we all look for in our MMC's. I loved every bit of his demanding self. I loved this story and the plot. The book was well written and both authors accomplished a well-rounded story. Both fed of each other's energy to accomplish a great book!
The only negative I have about this book is . . . the length of it. I'm used to reading this genre and getting an erotic horror more that 200 pages was new for me. Given the story is long it works and works well.
In the end this book is worth the hype. I hope others loved it as much as I did.
The only negative I have about this book is . . . the length of it. I'm used to reading this genre and getting an erotic horror more that 200 pages was new for me. Given the story is long it works and works well.
In the end this book is worth the hype. I hope others loved it as much as I did.
December 2, 2024
Didn't like the last epilogue
Loved the book all the way through, until the last epilogue with the foursome. For some reason that bothered me, not sure why, but personally, I'm far too jealous to do something like that and dravan and maxs relationship seemed to be the possessive kind so it didn't seem to fit with them at all.
Loved the book all the way through, until the last epilogue with the foursome. For some reason that bothered me, not sure why, but personally, I'm far too jealous to do something like that and dravan and maxs relationship seemed to be the possessive kind so it didn't seem to fit with them at all.
May 6, 2025
for a guy who revolved all his personality about being possessive he wasn’t so possessive in the end..he killed for less
October 31, 2024
Oh my death. The twist. The turns. The sex. The love. The obsession. The sass. Unhinged, delicious, sexy, spicy. Give me more please.
I knew going into this is would love it & I even ordered it to have has a paperback when I was only 20% in. Draven is absolutely the most unhinged man who will crawl on broken hands and knees for Max.
"I'll provide you a loaded gun to end my life, because death is the only thing that will separate me from you."
LIKE DID YOU JUST READ THAT? SWOOOOOON. 🤤
You want a Spooky read that follows a travelling circus haunted house thing but has equal amounts of spice and plot? This is it. Watch the triggers and be aware it's not exactly for the faint of heart. There is a lot of killing and maiming (but it's in the name of love so it's fine). 😈
I can't even begin to tell you about this book without spoiling things and just giving you all the details. I can tell you that this is 100% a 5 star read.
A few quotes to lure you into the Midnight Menagerie 🖤
"I'm angry but my therapist tells me I should take a few breaths before doing some- thing stupid. Killing him too quickly will only piss me off more, and in this case, this is the stupid she is referring to."
"Fuck, this is everything I desire to have until I’ve taken my last breath. I don’t think I will ever get enough of her, and that's terrifyingly beautiful."
“I’m a gun waiting to be fired. I don't bring hope. I’m not the light in the darkness, but instead, serve as its catalyst. With me, the only inevitable thing, is death. Which is why, dear Max, I am called what I bring.”
It's because beauty is comparable, where you are not. You are my version of perfection, which no one can compare to."
"The 'eat me' comment is going to bite her, because I already plan on doing so. Now that she's openly asked for it, well, who am I to deny such a request."
I knew going into this is would love it & I even ordered it to have has a paperback when I was only 20% in. Draven is absolutely the most unhinged man who will crawl on broken hands and knees for Max.
"I'll provide you a loaded gun to end my life, because death is the only thing that will separate me from you."
LIKE DID YOU JUST READ THAT? SWOOOOOON. 🤤
You want a Spooky read that follows a travelling circus haunted house thing but has equal amounts of spice and plot? This is it. Watch the triggers and be aware it's not exactly for the faint of heart. There is a lot of killing and maiming (but it's in the name of love so it's fine). 😈
I can't even begin to tell you about this book without spoiling things and just giving you all the details. I can tell you that this is 100% a 5 star read.
A few quotes to lure you into the Midnight Menagerie 🖤
"I'm angry but my therapist tells me I should take a few breaths before doing some- thing stupid. Killing him too quickly will only piss me off more, and in this case, this is the stupid she is referring to."
"Fuck, this is everything I desire to have until I’ve taken my last breath. I don’t think I will ever get enough of her, and that's terrifyingly beautiful."
“I’m a gun waiting to be fired. I don't bring hope. I’m not the light in the darkness, but instead, serve as its catalyst. With me, the only inevitable thing, is death. Which is why, dear Max, I am called what I bring.”
It's because beauty is comparable, where you are not. You are my version of perfection, which no one can compare to."
"The 'eat me' comment is going to bite her, because I already plan on doing so. Now that she's openly asked for it, well, who am I to deny such a request."
September 22, 2024
Are we actually KIDDDING???? Two amazing authors wrote a true master piece!
If you are looking for a good erotic horror, this is DEFINITELY the book for you! It does a whole menu of trigger warnings so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEE 🎶, check them before diving in.
Right off the bat, the dedication had me hooked and intrigued of what the vibes were going to be. You’ll get to meet Draven & Max, which btw, they do have their own playlist (both are absolutely fire).
Draven is written by M.L. Burns & Max is written by C.J. Riggs and I truly appreciate the different style of writing for both main characters, you can see how they put their time and soul into these characters. Both characters have a tragic past that you are able to see them fully process and be open with their past.
I was not expecting to be crying or screaming (with & without the s) with this book. The plot was an easy 5 ⭐️’ the spice was DEFINITELY spicin’ 🌶️. The side characters who you’ll get to meet are truly funny and some who you want to absolutely throw hands with.
Thank you both to M.L. Burns & C.J. Riggs for giving me a chance to read this arc but also being able to buddy read this with one of my book bestie!!! Absolutely love you both and can’t wait to read more stories you both right! 🤍✨
If you are looking for a good erotic horror, this is DEFINITELY the book for you! It does a whole menu of trigger warnings so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEE 🎶, check them before diving in.
Right off the bat, the dedication had me hooked and intrigued of what the vibes were going to be. You’ll get to meet Draven & Max, which btw, they do have their own playlist (both are absolutely fire).
Draven is written by M.L. Burns & Max is written by C.J. Riggs and I truly appreciate the different style of writing for both main characters, you can see how they put their time and soul into these characters. Both characters have a tragic past that you are able to see them fully process and be open with their past.
I was not expecting to be crying or screaming (with & without the s) with this book. The plot was an easy 5 ⭐️’ the spice was DEFINITELY spicin’ 🌶️. The side characters who you’ll get to meet are truly funny and some who you want to absolutely throw hands with.
Thank you both to M.L. Burns & C.J. Riggs for giving me a chance to read this arc but also being able to buddy read this with one of my book bestie!!! Absolutely love you both and can’t wait to read more stories you both right! 🤍✨
October 20, 2024
Holy god…somebody get me a fan😅😅
This was something elseee!!!! I ate this up. Let me tell you now a dark maze/carnival with an obsessive MMC?🫡
I loved the whole maze thing. Learning more about the FMC throughout the book and why she wanted to complete & finish was emotionally heartbreaking. The authors dealt with tough subjects in the most right way so please always remember to check the TW’s. I was not expecting her story/background & it kinda felt right not knowing (personally for me)? Like it just added so much more to the plot and twists.
Let’s talk spice.. wow. I loved it and I loved how it was set out between chapters. We had tension & gripping maze scenes then BAM the spice came along perfectly.
The characters are easy to fall in love with & also the ones you will HATE. This book really has so much going on but it’s just done in the right way!!!
That extended epilogue.. oh my gosh!!!!🤤 That was wow..SAY NO MORE😏😏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was something elseee!!!! I ate this up. Let me tell you now a dark maze/carnival with an obsessive MMC?🫡
I loved the whole maze thing. Learning more about the FMC throughout the book and why she wanted to complete & finish was emotionally heartbreaking. The authors dealt with tough subjects in the most right way so please always remember to check the TW’s. I was not expecting her story/background & it kinda felt right not knowing (personally for me)? Like it just added so much more to the plot and twists.
Let’s talk spice.. wow. I loved it and I loved how it was set out between chapters. We had tension & gripping maze scenes then BAM the spice came along perfectly.
The characters are easy to fall in love with & also the ones you will HATE. This book really has so much going on but it’s just done in the right way!!!
That extended epilogue.. oh my gosh!!!!🤤 That was wow..SAY NO MORE😏😏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 23, 2024
5 ⭐️ all day long !!!! What a masterpiece this is !
Miss Riggs and Mrs Burns you really outdone yourself with this piece of absolute perfection !
I feel in love soooo hard with Draven and Max AND Shade ! 😍 definitely the new 3 musketeers haha
This book left me laughing , gasping, hot 🥵 and hyperventilating and trying to breath through my tears ! You had me messed up you two lol
One of my top reads for 2024!
OUTSTANDING 👏🏼
Miss Riggs and Mrs Burns you really outdone yourself with this piece of absolute perfection !
I feel in love soooo hard with Draven and Max AND Shade ! 😍 definitely the new 3 musketeers haha
This book left me laughing , gasping, hot 🥵 and hyperventilating and trying to breath through my tears ! You had me messed up you two lol
One of my top reads for 2024!
OUTSTANDING 👏🏼
October 24, 2024
♾️⭐️
5🌶
Literally could not fault this. I knew I was gonna love it but I didn't realise how much exactly. Draven and Max have captured my heart and will forever have a place there.
I do however need and want more.
Please and thank you 😊
Everyone needs to read this book 🖤
5🌶
Literally could not fault this. I knew I was gonna love it but I didn't realise how much exactly. Draven and Max have captured my heart and will forever have a place there.
I do however need and want more.
Please and thank you 😊
Everyone needs to read this book 🖤
November 15, 2024
Fastest DNF ever god awful
Read
November 15, 2024It’s a 0 star from me. My pick for a buddy read and DAMN did I waste a pick. DNF 😭
September 20, 2025
5 stars just for the fact that it’s the first book I’ve been able to finish in over a month
November 9, 2025
well that was different
September 20, 2024
What the hell do I read after this!?
Like this was PERFECTION - I will take no criticism for this book 😭
You ever read a book that had your anxiety so high your fiance had to hold your hand 😅 this is that book 😭
Like this was PERFECTION - I will take no criticism for this book 😭
You ever read a book that had your anxiety so high your fiance had to hold your hand 😅 this is that book 😭
September 5, 2025
♾️⭐️!!!!!!
I think I may have found my favorite book of the year holy death
I think I may have found my favorite book of the year holy death
January 6, 2025
You could take one look at my goodreads and know that fantasy is more my thing than contemporary dark romance. HOWEVER, M.L. Burns always knows how to get me reading!! I’ve never read anything by C.J Riggs, although i’ve definitely had her in my TBR for a while!!
I love that they each took charge of a character in this collaboration and gave them so much chemistry (ladies have you been sexting to practice??) I loved both main characters as well as the side characters, the witty banter between them, and you all know I love a badass FMC and Max is definitely that!!
I love that they each took charge of a character in this collaboration and gave them so much chemistry (ladies have you been sexting to practice??) I loved both main characters as well as the side characters, the witty banter between them, and you all know I love a badass FMC and Max is definitely that!!
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