I knew the world was bigger than the small town I grew up in, but discovering just how large it really is might send me into a spiral.
Demons exist, and not only that, they have a carnival they run on Earth, full of the most vile people crafting deals to further their bad deeds. And yet, it’s in this tent of sin that I find my savior.
With a deal sealed by a kiss, I’m sworn protection by the most fearsome creature I have ever laid eyes on. The only problem is, I’m not sure he can protect me from his world too. As he teaches me about his world, it’s clear that someone else is calling the shots, and I fear who the mastermind is that has control over this realm.
Discoveries will be made, limits will be tested, and bonds will be formed. In the end, will the Corrupt Carnival protect me from my greatest nightmare, or will it all end in Mayhem?
T.R. Oldin is an Indie author who writes mafia, university, stalker, fantasy, and hockey romance. She loves all things dark and travels the world as she reads and writes.
In her books, you can expect mental health representation, dark themes, and a plot that will have your jaw dropping, unable to put the book down. Her goal is for readers to see pieces of themselves in each character and find their strength in themselves even after the story has ended.
T.R. currently lives in Europe and loves to travel to different beaches, learn new languages, and immerse herself in new cultures. When she isn’t writing, she is likely reading in the sand or drinking a latte at a cafe in town.
You can find the most up-to-date information about releases and her works on Instagram or her Amazon page. She loves to hear from her readers and will be attending two book signings in 2025 (Sinners and Stardust in Boston in August, and Authors at the Armories in Leeds in October)
I was part of the ARC read for Magic and Mayhem. These are my true feelings on the book.
Magic and Mayhem is a fun, short read. The character and world building was swift, but very well explained. I'm excited to dive back into the atmosphere as the series continues.
Evolet is a strong Boss B, following her through her journey of being held captive to finding her true power was very engaging. Eryx has that strong Shadow Daddy appeal and all that entails. The two of them together are going to be such a strong force
EEEEEEP I LOVE IT. Romantasy with some monster lovin. This book was very different from anything I've read before. The combination of different ideas from multiple religious ideologies to create one giant fantasy realm is so interesting. I love the growth of love and strength in Evolet, she started as this meek and seemingly broken young girl but grows into a strong and fierce badass woman. The relationship between Evolet and Eryx is strange, thrilling, beautiful, and kinky... just how I like it. They may not have much time together but you can really see him help build her up the way she always needed.
I wanna kick some butt after reading this and kinda wish I could experience "the pearls" 😈 iykyk
I can see this series going in such a wild direction. I cannot wait to read more and already wish I had the next books! A must read if you like some demon in your romance and a twisty story with powers, hellfire, different realms, a touch of hell, and a carnival of fun 🤩 COMING SOON!!!
"This life is like a nightmare and a horror story all rolled into one."
This was fun and hot 🔥 I enjoyed lore of this book. It was original on so many levels. This whole functioning of Hell was amazingly done. I didn’t enjoy Lucifer so much, sorry I just love that man (not in this book, but overall), but story with Adam and Eve was amazing! So yeah, lore is great! 🖤
Second thing Eryx is big bear and I want him! I know I know, he is a demon, but come on! He is protective, sweet, funny, nice, good looking and okay he has horns so 🫣 Evolet was strong and there is no much to say about her! She was intelligent and when the time came, she showed her true power and will to live!
Overall, I loved it! It’s not perfect, but still you should read it if you want something short with protective hot demon! 🖤
This really enjoyed this! The story has created such a cool concept and interesting characters that pulls you in. Filled with trauma, cult vibes, magic, mates, demons and a demon carnival! The character development is fast paced but done well, Evolet has been through so much but her strong will has you rooting for her throughout. Overall this was such a fun read and I’m excited to see what’s to come in the Corrupt Carnival series.
This was such a cool concept for a book! There were so many intricate layers and this is only the beginning of the series! I’ve never read anything like this.
I want to start off by saying read the trigger warnings please. Also I enjoy fiction books because they are just that… fiction. There are some things in this book that I don’t necessarily believe or align with in real life but it in no way took away from the reading experience. It made sense for the world that Taylor is building in this series.
I love Eryx and his whole crew of demons. They were hilarious, protective, and mischievous. His powers were super cool and I loved the whole concept behind his role as well as the others at the carnival.
The layout of who Lucifer is and Hades and all of it was a unique take and creative in the mission that is taking place throughout the story.
Evolet not only had a cool name but she was a fierce FMC. Her story was heartbreaking but the fire that lived in her was so entrancing to see as she grew more confident.
I love paranormal books with demons and witches and all the spooky vibes and this one brought an even amount of suspense, humor, spice, and romance. I’m so ready for the next book!
Oh wow. This starts off in a CHOKEHOLD and Does. Not. Let. Go. Cults, trauma, demons, magic and SPICY SPICE. This series will now be 4 books and I cannot WAIT for the others to release. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend!
“All I could see, all I could feel, was the Carnival.”
Step into T.R. Oldin's new paranormal romance. You'll find magic, mayhem and of course romance. Please check the trigger/content warnings before reading.
Ev has always wanted to break free of the chains that held her from an early age. Reading books of all genres, she latched on to characters who represented her and drew from the courage and strength. She must now continue on her own journey to see if the endings will also come true.
Eryx has watched his sister come into her full power with her mates. He finds a human girl in his tent at the carnival but there is something about her.
Yall, I am so excited that Taylor has jumped into the realm of paranormal romance! Enjoy this fast-paced paced PNR filled with magic, mayhem and other twists and turns. Find and join the carnival if you can!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A fast spicy read that keeps you wanting more! Evolet is fierce, Erxy is compassionate yet demanding, and I’m in love with Lilu (I mean she is a succubus, how could you not be?!).
Evolet’s story followers her abuse and search for her own power of self. Erxy acts like a love sick puppy from the moment they meet, how can you not love a demon who would destroy the world for you and worship you at the same time? (Who also happens to have a forked tongue and maybe some other surprises packed away)
This is the first of four in the series, and I can’t wait for the second!
Oh my goodness! This book was addicting and suspenseful and thrilling and I can’t come up with anything more words because I am just awestruck how good it is. You are hooked from the prologue. The suspense has you not wanting to put the book down. The was awesome and can’t wait for more.
I’ve been reading and reviewing Taylor’s books from the very beginning, and I’ve always loved paranormal romance. So when I found out that Taylor was writing a paranormal romance I knew that I had to get my hands on it ASAP. And y’all…this book did NOT disappoint.
I really enjoyed seeing Evolet come into her own and really find her strength after everything that she had been through in her life. The years that she spent at the hands of the “master” would have been enough to crush anyone, but Evolet used those years reading and learning everything she possibly could. She always had the strength there and exhibited it in small ways over the years, but she really finds and embraces that inner strength when she escapes. And then Eryx comes along and nurtures that strength in any way that he can.
And speaking of Eryx…by the time I was 25% of the way through this book I was a hundred percent, irrevocably in love with him. Taylor has this ability to make me completely love any MMC that she writes and this one was no different. I love that he’s possessive and protective of Evolet, but he doesn’t shield her or hold her back from finding herself and becoming who she was always meant to be.
This book pulled me in from the beginning and kept it’s hooks in me until I was finished. We get a strong FMC, fated mates, interesting world building, spice, and a special “appendage”. 😏 I loved every second of reading this book and can’t wait for what comes next in this series.
*Editing to add the audio review:
M.K. Blackwood and Sean Masters did such an amazing job bringing this book to life. I think they actually made me love the book even more, if that's even possible. 😍
I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC in return for an honest review:)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
☆ Shifters ☆ Fire Daddy MMC ☆ Fantasy/Paranormal ☆ Fated Mates ☆ Shibari (A form of art using rope) ☆ Badass/Strong FMC ☆ Demon Circus/Carnival ~~~~~~~
The story: I absolutely loved this plot line! The use of cult elements, paranormal imagery, and FIRE?? It was immaculate! I loved how much action there was and how captivating the whole story was. I was on the edge of my seat practically the whole time. And that ending?? Uuuuummmmm Ms Ma’am, that’s not fair >:( AHHH Anyway!! The whole carnival concept was so unique, and I’ve really only seen a demonic circus one other time, but it was so different than this one. I also love the demon mythology mixed into it, the imagery of the setting, and the descriptive language throughout the whole thing. It was definitely heart breaking to watch what Evolet was going through in the first bit of the book, BUT THE PLOT TWISTS??????? That had me speechless. And it all made sense in the end like puzzle pieces coming together!!
The characters: Evolet MY GUUUURL! Damn you lucked out with a fire daddy like Eryx. Literal shifter, demon, protective, and possessive all wrapped up into a purple-skinned-7ft-shoulder-length-haired MAN!! God DAYUMN! Anyway- Evolet was so brave throughout the whole story, and I love how she harnesses the power of anger, motivation, and revenge to become so resilient. She did so much on her own, and Eryx was there to help uplift her and it made the whole relationship just sooooo beautiful! And Lilu, omg she’s such a mood. And her mates? So hot! I hope to read her story soon if she gets one!! (Hehe 🤭 IYKYK)
The spice: I rated this 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 on the spice scale. There were about 5 open door scenes, that had elements of bondage, sub/dom/switch dynamics, weird demon dick, and just a whole lotta O’s! And don’t even get me started on the whole fated mates thing. I love me some fated mates 😙🤌 And I am a sucker for shibari. The beautiful art form using rope to make designs on a person. Of course there was a pentagram, and you can enjoy a perfect visualization of said pentagram on the cover and in the character art in the book! AHHH JUST LOVE!!
Thank you Ms. Oldin for the opportunity, and I hope to read more from you in the future!
This book, Magic & Mayhem: The Corrupt Carnival was stunning!!! This is book 1 in a series that I have high hopes & excitement for! T.R. Oldin was made to write Paranormal Romance, this book is the proof!!
I literally could not put this book down until I read it all the way through from start to finish. It's dark, exciting, creepy in a good way, and spicy! Evolet is the FMC, well she shares that role a bit but we can discuss that in a bit. She is not just a victim of her captor, her Master but she grows into her Witch abilities after meeting her mate through the veil! His name is is Eryx, the MMC. He's a demon of course! He is the reason, Evolet finds her strengths. Then there's his half sister, Lilu, who is the other equally strong FMC. She is the one in charge of the Carnival on the otherside of the veil and she is bada$$!!
I'm already looking forward to the next book and the one after that, and, well you get the point, it's that damn good!!
This was my first book by T.R. Oldin, and I can confidently say I’ll forever be a fan now. Magic & Mayhem: The Corrupt Carnival completely pulled me in with its dark, enchanting world and addictive storytelling.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The corrupt carnival setting was eerie yet mesmerizing, the magic system was intricate, and the fated mates aspect added the perfect layer of intensity. The slow-burn romance kept me turning the pages, and the chemistry between the protagonists was chef’s kiss—the kind that lingers long after you finish the book.
The world-building was next level, and every twist kept me guessing. Oldin’s writing is immersive, her characters are layered and compelling, and the blend of mystery, magic, and romance was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
If you love dark paranormal romance with high stakes, rich storytelling, and a touch of mayhem, Magic & Mayhem is a must-read. This won’t be my last book by T.R. Oldin—I’m officially obsessed!
This one was a super quick read and it was a super cool concept, the reason I put it as a 4 star is because its so short and I felt it deserved to be longer with more details going into the story line!
A bit about the book:
The carnival 🎡 is a scary fun time, that demons run in order to do the bidding of hell, Eryx runs the show and LOVES to put on a show, Evolet is a super strong woman who can do anything she puts her mind to, I absolutely loved the interactions between the two, and I can’t wait to see how these characters grow.
I cannot wait till the next one comes out! I was super excited to get a chance to read this one! I really enjoyed the characters and the development throughout the story, I absolutely am so excited to see how the story progresses and continues on, super glad to find a new author I enjoy! Thank you T.R. For allowing me to read this one! I will be reading the others when they are released!!
“I did not crawl through shards of broken glass and face off with my nightmare just to live a mediocre life, Eryx. I want magic and mayhem and everything you can give me."
Magic & Mayhem: The Corrupt Carnival is as the title implies; a smutty, trigger filled romp with an alpha protective demon. I loved every word. If you're a paranormal dark romance fan this Kindle Unlimited book is for you. It does get dark. The fmc is abused on page but for me it wasn't overwhelming. I'll be buying a physical copy.
TWs: Mentions of abuse, Cult like situations, Asshole alpha male Punishments (not the fun kind and a little of the fun kind), Su^cidal Ideation, Reflection on Attempted Su^cide, Murder, Blood, Fire & Gore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“We may be demons, but we do not invite that kind of evil into our realm. Clowns are some of the most vile creatures to ever have walked the earth.”
What a book!! Another fantastic story and characters from Tay! 😍
This is Tays first paranormal story but you would never know! It was so easy to read and flowed so smoothly. I fell in love with these characters almost straight away 🥰
Evolet is such a brave woman after everything she suffered from such a young age, she comes back fighting everytime and I love her for it! Her strength is unmatched 💪
Eryx .... this demon .... 🥵🔥😍 He is such a sweet gentleman/demon he knows what Evolet has been through ... he gives her the time and space she needs but also has that ... touch and her die! I knew I was gonna love him.
I adored the side characters and can not wait to see where their stories take us!!
This booked had me hooked from get go and always Tays trauma response in her books is done extremely well. The spice is 🔥🔥 and the plot is brilliant... you feel like you are drawn in and there with the characters 😍
Thank you Tay for having me on your team. Love you lots and I can't wait to see what's coming!!
This book had me hooked from start to finish. It is a quick and spicy read, but the story and the details are perfect. I can’t tell if I want to be Lilu or be with Lilu. Zavian made me laugh. Eryx and Evolet are perfect for each other. I loved the way Evolet quickly started coming out of her shell around Eryx. Gotta love a demon who does everything he can to make sure you’re safe and well taken care of. If you like demons and spice, this book is for you. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
⭐ 4.5/5 stars 🌶 4/5 spice 🔥 Infinity/5 fire demon daddy Alright, T.R. Oldin, I see you! You’re speaking my language.
Like you, I have family who follow me… so let me just say—Mum, I love you, but for the love of all things holy, do not read this review.
Now, let’s get into it. I’m brand new to paranormal romance—like, this is my first experience with it. And let me tell you… spank my ass and tie me to a tree with some shibari, because Daddy Crossroads Demon can set me on fire any day.
This story? Absolutely captivating. The world, the lore, the characters—I'm hooked. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but since I’ve loved T.R. Oldin’s Mafie series, I figured, if she writes it, I’ll read it. And guess what? I officially like paranormal romance now. That demon? Oh boy. That appendage? Let’s just say… whew.
At just 120 pages (according to my Kindle), this book somehow packs in: 🔥 A fast-burn romance 💔 Trauma 🌎 Amazing world-building ⚡ Banter 🖤 Mate bonds 👀 Side characters I need more of
This is such an exciting start to a new series, and I cannot wait for more!
This was so good it’s a fast pace spicy fated mates PNR, after being held by captive since she was a child Evolet manages to escape and is pulled to a mysterious carnival. I loved the characters Evolet is strong, resilient and a fighter she never let her captors break her no matter what they put her through. Eryx was so fun to read I loved seeing how determined he was to show her that she was so much more than what she believed. I enjoyed seeing them get their HFN and can’t wait to see more of them and the cliffhanger has me so eager to see what happens next.
This was a fun quick read. I’d say it’s about 3/5 on the spice scale. Make sure to read all the trigger warnings before you start reading it. It does hit on a good number of things that can be sensitive subjects for lots of people. I love the connection and banter between Evolet and Eryx. The development of their relationship is fun to witness. I do recommend this for people who enjoy demon romance.
Monsters and Mayhem by T.R. Oldin. Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please read triggers before reading. This was a fun and quick spicy read. Paranormal romance, fated mates and a who doesn’t love a sexy demon MMC who will do anything to protect their mate? Eryx had me hooked from the start 🥰 Evolet is fierce and I enjoyed watching her come into her self as the book went on. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. Releases February 28th 🏃🏻♀️😊❤️
I finished this in a couple of days. It did not disappoint!!! After reading the souls trilogy by harley laroux, I have been aching for another cult/demon marathon! This was what I wanted. Full of twists and turns.. demons, lust, villains, games, carnival! smut and some hilarious characters. Fmc and mmc are ment to be and the his protective side sparks from the moment he sees her. 🌶🌶🌶🌶 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loving this new world,Taylor builds it perfectly. The way Evolets character builds confidence throughout the book really keeps you invested. Love the sass she brings and Erynx is the perfect demon to match her. Relatively quick read and can’t wait to see what the next instalment brings, hope we don’t have to wait long!
I enjoyed this paranormal read for sure. I enjoyed seeing trauma, magic, spice, demons and much more. I liked how I was able to be intrigued from the beginning and kept wondering throughout the story what was to happen next.
One of the best I’ve read this year. Can’t wait for the next one. I hope I can continue to be an Arc reader for Tr because I will read anything she has wrote. Loved the build up of the fmc. She has trauma and finds a way to deal with it in a healthy manner. Please look at the tw as some can be a bit much but I loved every page.
****Please read the Trigger Warnings for this book because there is some parts of this book that can be hard for some****
First I just want to start off with, HELLO!?? This is Taylor’s first demon paranormal dark romance??? It’s almost impossible to believe because I wasn’t even 4 chapters in and I was already absolutely HOOKED!!
Evolet is a great example of not letting the past hold you back. Right away, our sweet girl is thrown from the abusive Hell she was held captive in to an entirely new world but this didn’t stop her, it in fact EMPOWERED her! Watching her figure out her way and coming into herself was so fascinating.
But who wouldn’t be empowered when you have a sexy demon daddy that is enamored with you from the moment you meet?? The spice is *chefs kiss* and PHEWWWWW the surprise he has tucked away had me giggling and kicking my feet!!! 😂
Eryx’s power and backstory of who he is was soooo interesting!! And how Lucifer and Hades tied in had me flipping the pages 😂 And don’t get me started on Lilu because SHEEESH can I also be a mate? 😂
This is a quick spicy read and the other 3 books are going to be incredible!!! I can’t wait!!
Just finished this last night, it SUCKED me in SO fast. I flew through it, on of those books that you have to read the last 15% slow cause you just don’t want it to end!! Ugh, I NEED more of this world! 🖤🙌👏
Thank you to the author and her team for delivering another incredible book. 。
I was a bit scared going into it as the whole demons/monsters romance with humans is not something I gravitate to. But this being a T.R. Oldin book I knew I had to give it a go and I was fairly certain it wouldn't disappoint. And it did not.
The whole idea of a carnival run by demons was fascinating. I really enjoyed the world building and how the hierarchy of the different princes of Hell worked. I can't wait to learn more about this world and the demon realm in the rest of the books in the series.
The romance aspect was also magnificent. Our main boy is 🔥. His care of Evolet was so sweet. And our main girl was so fierce once she found her safe space and took charge of her life.
If you're looking for something short, gripping, spice with the touch of the paranormal that this series is for you. Make sure to check it out on release day!!! 。*゚*.✧。•̀✧.。:゚✧。•̀。✧。*゚*.✧•̀.。:゚✧。•̀。.*゚✧。•̀