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Carnival of Mysteries
You Can Make Me
Journalist Cooper Harris received a dire warning from a psychic early in his career as an investigative Your curiosity will lead you to death’s doorstep. That prediction came true when he ignored instructions from law enforcement friends, and showed up to a crime scene only to become the latest victim of a serial killer. He was rescued by the man he desperately loves but denies at every turn—Detective Dennis Hamilton—and left with gruesome and debilitating injuries.
Three months later, Denny is at his wit’s end. He’s done everything in his power to help Cooper heal, but the reporter is obsessed with finding a mythical carnival that is rumored to possess some “woo woo fountain of youth and vitality.” Denny desires Cooper just as he is, but the reporter has always gotten by on his looks and investigative skills. Cooper refuses to give up hunting for answers, even if it means making a deal with the very devil responsible for his scars.
With the help of his trusted friends, and two men not of this time, Denny will fight to stop a killer from finishing what he started with Cooper, the man he has come to cherish. Cooper will have to choose between exposing the secrets of the Carnival of Mysteries, and accepting that love is more important than the truth he seeks.
You Can Make Me is the third book R.L. Merrill has contributed to the Carnival of Mysteries shared world. It can be read as a standalone, but readers will more fully enjoy the story after reading You Can Do Magic and You Can Save Me. Each book in the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series stands alone and includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. Recommended for readers 18+
Three months later, Denny is at his wit’s end. He’s done everything in his power to help Cooper heal, but the reporter is obsessed with finding a mythical carnival that is rumored to possess some “woo woo fountain of youth and vitality.” Denny desires Cooper just as he is, but the reporter has always gotten by on his looks and investigative skills. Cooper refuses to give up hunting for answers, even if it means making a deal with the very devil responsible for his scars.
With the help of his trusted friends, and two men not of this time, Denny will fight to stop a killer from finishing what he started with Cooper, the man he has come to cherish. Cooper will have to choose between exposing the secrets of the Carnival of Mysteries, and accepting that love is more important than the truth he seeks.
You Can Make Me is the third book R.L. Merrill has contributed to the Carnival of Mysteries shared world. It can be read as a standalone, but readers will more fully enjoy the story after reading You Can Do Magic and You Can Save Me. Each book in the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series stands alone and includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. Recommended for readers 18+
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2025
4 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Merrill
80 books701 followersWhether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 23, 2025
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 5 hearts.
Cooper is an investigative journalist. After nearly being disfigured and losing his life at the hands of a serial killer, he is obsessed with the Carnival of Mysteries, believing it can make him whole again. In truth, many other things are key to his survival.
You Can Make Me is the third and last book of a trilogy within the Carnival Of Mysteries framework, of which there are over twenty books written by various artists. From the first page, I was absorbed into the story. When reviewing, I usually make notes as I read, but I didn’t want to stop for a second. And by the end, I was a mess. My heart had gone on a rollercoaster, and I’d been truly entertained.
The story is told in the first person, from the viewpoint of Cooper and Denny. The overall worldbuilding spans all three books, covering, primarily, LA, Las Vegas and a lovely cottage by a lake. RL Merrill always provides enough description to transport me to her world without going into minute detail. This perfectly suits my reading tastes. I was too absorbed in the story to notice any technical aspects of the writing, but this author has traditionally produced a high standard of grammar.
Cooper embarks on a journey to reclaim his life, and in doing so, helps others as well. He must learn that his looks aren’t what make him a beautiful man, overcome depression and realize that being a survivor makes him even stronger. Also, he must accept that he isn’t on this journey alone.
Denny is ex-forces. When he left the Marines, he embarked on a life in law enforcement. He has a world of patience and a couple of divorces behind him. He’d also do anything for Cooper. He is a strong, protective man with a beautiful soul.
You Can Make Me is RL Merrill writing at its best. The story is more than reclaiming life after horrific trauma. It’s about helping others in the process, even if it means the distress is prolonged, with a far greater goal being attained.
As already mentioned, this is the third and final book in this embedded series. As such, there is a welcome return of other previous characters in an effort to protect the carnival and finally banish a nasty evil. Among other things, the story contains serial killers, kidnapping, fire, recovery, teamwork, camaraderie, friendship, an odd toy gifted by the carnival, and let’s not forget the magic of the carnival.
The story shows people at their best and worst – brilliant.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Cooper is an investigative journalist. After nearly being disfigured and losing his life at the hands of a serial killer, he is obsessed with the Carnival of Mysteries, believing it can make him whole again. In truth, many other things are key to his survival.
You Can Make Me is the third and last book of a trilogy within the Carnival Of Mysteries framework, of which there are over twenty books written by various artists. From the first page, I was absorbed into the story. When reviewing, I usually make notes as I read, but I didn’t want to stop for a second. And by the end, I was a mess. My heart had gone on a rollercoaster, and I’d been truly entertained.
The story is told in the first person, from the viewpoint of Cooper and Denny. The overall worldbuilding spans all three books, covering, primarily, LA, Las Vegas and a lovely cottage by a lake. RL Merrill always provides enough description to transport me to her world without going into minute detail. This perfectly suits my reading tastes. I was too absorbed in the story to notice any technical aspects of the writing, but this author has traditionally produced a high standard of grammar.
Cooper embarks on a journey to reclaim his life, and in doing so, helps others as well. He must learn that his looks aren’t what make him a beautiful man, overcome depression and realize that being a survivor makes him even stronger. Also, he must accept that he isn’t on this journey alone.
Denny is ex-forces. When he left the Marines, he embarked on a life in law enforcement. He has a world of patience and a couple of divorces behind him. He’d also do anything for Cooper. He is a strong, protective man with a beautiful soul.
You Can Make Me is RL Merrill writing at its best. The story is more than reclaiming life after horrific trauma. It’s about helping others in the process, even if it means the distress is prolonged, with a far greater goal being attained.
As already mentioned, this is the third and final book in this embedded series. As such, there is a welcome return of other previous characters in an effort to protect the carnival and finally banish a nasty evil. Among other things, the story contains serial killers, kidnapping, fire, recovery, teamwork, camaraderie, friendship, an odd toy gifted by the carnival, and let’s not forget the magic of the carnival.
The story shows people at their best and worst – brilliant.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
October 17, 2025
This is the third book that R.L. Merrill has written in the Carnival of Mysteries multi-author shared world. I received a review copy of You Can Make me and once I learned that the previous two books were connected, I knew I had to listen to them before reading the third (I already owned them but hadn’t listened yet). So, I did and they were fantastic. Before I continue, I want to say that you can listen to or read each one as a standalone and each main couple gets their HEA. However, trust me when I say that you will appreciate these wonderful stories even more if you read them in order; I am so glad that I did that even though it meant that this review was written later than I originally promised.
I know I’m gushing a bit in this review but I can’t help it; these stories just blew me away and this one in particular was fantastic. It was also a bit hard on my emotions at times but so worth it in the end. There are no trigger/content warnings listed for the book but there are some pretty gruesome things that happen in the story so I thought I should at least say that.
Another thing worth mentioning – and I got permission from the author to share it here – is that there is a free prequel. It can probably be read before or after You Can Make Me but I’m glad I read it before. It’s mentioned and linked in the beginning of this book but I’m giving the link here in the hope that it might entice you to read You Can Make Me or, even better, all three books by R.L. Merrill.
Free prequel – Our Story Begins: https://bookhip.com/SKRQRSV
OK, so this isn’t turning out to be much of a review but you know what – the blurb is very good and much of anything more I’d say would probably involve spoilers. I’ll just close by say this was a thrilling, suspenseful, and at times nail biting, conclusion to the over arching storyline started in You Can Do Magic and I won’t hesitate to recommend all three of the books.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and I promptly purchased a copy of this book.
I know I’m gushing a bit in this review but I can’t help it; these stories just blew me away and this one in particular was fantastic. It was also a bit hard on my emotions at times but so worth it in the end. There are no trigger/content warnings listed for the book but there are some pretty gruesome things that happen in the story so I thought I should at least say that.
Another thing worth mentioning – and I got permission from the author to share it here – is that there is a free prequel. It can probably be read before or after You Can Make Me but I’m glad I read it before. It’s mentioned and linked in the beginning of this book but I’m giving the link here in the hope that it might entice you to read You Can Make Me or, even better, all three books by R.L. Merrill.
Free prequel – Our Story Begins: https://bookhip.com/SKRQRSV
OK, so this isn’t turning out to be much of a review but you know what – the blurb is very good and much of anything more I’d say would probably involve spoilers. I’ll just close by say this was a thrilling, suspenseful, and at times nail biting, conclusion to the over arching storyline started in You Can Do Magic and I won’t hesitate to recommend all three of the books.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and I promptly purchased a copy of this book.
September 19, 2025
You Can Make Me is the next book in R.L. Merrill’s foray into the multi-author series ‘The Carnival of Mysteries’. It concentrates on two characters, Cooper Harris (an investigative reporter) and now ex-Detective Dennis Hamilton with support from their friends, characters from the previous two books ‘You Can Do Magic’ and ‘You Can Save Me’ as they track down Virgil Evans, the murderous cult leader and his followers.
Cooper is one the lucky ones in that he survived an attack although left terribly scarred and hiding away from society. He is being looked after by his lover, Dennis or Denny, who has resigned from the police force. Cooper is having a tough time of it but he gradually comes to the understanding that he must move on with his life. He also sees Denny as he really is, his supporter and protector and the love of his life.
When they come out of hiding they have to face the threat of the cult finding them and finishing the ‘job’ as in either killing the two survivors of Virgil Evan’s attacks, Cooper and Dee Dee, or getting entrance to the mysterious carnival. The same carnival Cooper has been drawn to since childhood.
There is magic and dire predictions in abundance as the friends and lovers protect each other and finally come face to face with Evans. It all adds up to a wonderful finish to this phase of their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cooper is one the lucky ones in that he survived an attack although left terribly scarred and hiding away from society. He is being looked after by his lover, Dennis or Denny, who has resigned from the police force. Cooper is having a tough time of it but he gradually comes to the understanding that he must move on with his life. He also sees Denny as he really is, his supporter and protector and the love of his life.
When they come out of hiding they have to face the threat of the cult finding them and finishing the ‘job’ as in either killing the two survivors of Virgil Evan’s attacks, Cooper and Dee Dee, or getting entrance to the mysterious carnival. The same carnival Cooper has been drawn to since childhood.
There is magic and dire predictions in abundance as the friends and lovers protect each other and finally come face to face with Evans. It all adds up to a wonderful finish to this phase of their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2025
More Magic Men!
Cooper Harris and Denny Hamilton are characters in Merrill’s previous book, You Can Save Me; but, they have a brief romantic history as well. Cooper is surprised to see Denny involved in the investigation of the story Cooper is covering. Here, Cooper is being protected by Denny after Cooper survives a near fatal stabbing. It takes a long time for Cooper to trust that Denny won’t disappear, though they ultimately learn to trust their love for each other.
Throughout the story, characters from the previous two books in the series appear, as does the Ouija board used by Dane in You Can Do Magic and the Magic 8 Ball given to Denny by the mysterious witchy women. I particularly enjoy the brief visits with Charlene, a woman of many talents, as well as the unorthodox solution to the age gap problem! You Can Make Me can be read on its own, but you’ll enjoy it more if you have read You Can Do Magic and You Can Save Me first, in that order. I loved the book and hope Merrill does more with these characters!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cooper Harris and Denny Hamilton are characters in Merrill’s previous book, You Can Save Me; but, they have a brief romantic history as well. Cooper is surprised to see Denny involved in the investigation of the story Cooper is covering. Here, Cooper is being protected by Denny after Cooper survives a near fatal stabbing. It takes a long time for Cooper to trust that Denny won’t disappear, though they ultimately learn to trust their love for each other.
Throughout the story, characters from the previous two books in the series appear, as does the Ouija board used by Dane in You Can Do Magic and the Magic 8 Ball given to Denny by the mysterious witchy women. I particularly enjoy the brief visits with Charlene, a woman of many talents, as well as the unorthodox solution to the age gap problem! You Can Make Me can be read on its own, but you’ll enjoy it more if you have read You Can Do Magic and You Can Save Me first, in that order. I loved the book and hope Merrill does more with these characters!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2025
Another book in this series within a series by R.L. Merrill. The overall Carnival of Mysteries series is a marvelous collection of stories that all have some connection with a magical carnival that travels around to where it is needed.
It is definitely worth reading the two books that come before with this one as you will get a lot more out of it and you won’t learn the spoilers early. This volume focuses on Cooper and Denny who have been involved in the other books. There is a VERY intense scene in the beginning, but don’t let that put you off if you don’t like that kind of thing because the rest of the book calms down (mostly). I really like how Ms Merrill works the fantastical elements of her story into these books and also how she writes this book from a number of different characters perspectives. She manages to work some big surprises into this story as well as some quite a bit of emotional drama. Marvelous!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is definitely worth reading the two books that come before with this one as you will get a lot more out of it and you won’t learn the spoilers early. This volume focuses on Cooper and Denny who have been involved in the other books. There is a VERY intense scene in the beginning, but don’t let that put you off if you don’t like that kind of thing because the rest of the book calms down (mostly). I really like how Ms Merrill works the fantastical elements of her story into these books and also how she writes this book from a number of different characters perspectives. She manages to work some big surprises into this story as well as some quite a bit of emotional drama. Marvelous!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2026
I’m a huge fan of this author, and the Carnival of Mysteries series, so reading this was a no-brainer. I loved Cooper and Denny, and the part the carnival plays in their story, which is a wonderful suspenseful paranormal romance.
I loved Cooper and Denny’s relationship, and how Denny slowly helps Cooper through the aftermath of a horrible attack. I thought both of their reactions were realistic, especially with it taking a while for Cooper for finally move forward emotionally, mentally and physically. I liked the reason for why Cooper is searching for the carnival and his role in keeping it safe.
I quickly got caught up in their story, and didn’t want to put it down, especially as things come to a head, and the killer makes his final move. I loved how everything and everyone works together in an action-packed conclusion to rid the world of a very nasty man.
I’d love to revisit these characters later on, especially with the mystery tied to the carnival at the end. I loved the carnival’s part in Cooper and Denny’s HEA.
I loved Cooper and Denny’s relationship, and how Denny slowly helps Cooper through the aftermath of a horrible attack. I thought both of their reactions were realistic, especially with it taking a while for Cooper for finally move forward emotionally, mentally and physically. I liked the reason for why Cooper is searching for the carnival and his role in keeping it safe.
I quickly got caught up in their story, and didn’t want to put it down, especially as things come to a head, and the killer makes his final move. I loved how everything and everyone works together in an action-packed conclusion to rid the world of a very nasty man.
I’d love to revisit these characters later on, especially with the mystery tied to the carnival at the end. I loved the carnival’s part in Cooper and Denny’s HEA.
September 16, 2025
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A fascinating read. My first in this shared world, and though i would have benefited from having read earlier works, I was able to keep up just fine.
It was a unique premise that was a big mind-bending. It’s a bit of a bleak and dark start, but along the way, hope is found, and this couple finds the second chance they deserve, all while finally putting an end to the killer who has been terrorizing so many.
There are some wild magical, mystical aspects to this story. It was imaginative and detailed. The characters were really interesting and beautiful, and I loved the friends and family that surrounded them.
A fascinating read. My first in this shared world, and though i would have benefited from having read earlier works, I was able to keep up just fine.
It was a unique premise that was a big mind-bending. It’s a bit of a bleak and dark start, but along the way, hope is found, and this couple finds the second chance they deserve, all while finally putting an end to the killer who has been terrorizing so many.
There are some wild magical, mystical aspects to this story. It was imaginative and detailed. The characters were really interesting and beautiful, and I loved the friends and family that surrounded them.
September 22, 2025
Thriller. Scary, thriller mystery that keeps you on your toes. Absolutely fascinating, brave romantic characters that take you on a journey you don't want to miss. Cooper is a bit of a daredevil journalist that never walks away from a story, even if he was warned away. Detective Denny is the man who loves him who tries to pick up the pieces after Coop ignored the most important warning. Their journey of recovery, loyalty, love, promises made and promises kept and dedication keeps you on the edge of your seat and your heart beating fast in empathy, excitement, dread and hope. Amazing cover art! Great found family and excellent story. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2025
If you've never ventured to the Carnival of Mysteries, now is the time to go! R.L. Merrill's You Can Make Me is the next installment in this magically delicious series of interconnected standalones. Readers finally learn more about Cooper and Denny, who have been secondary characters in previous stories. This book didn't disappoint. It's filled with mystery, danger, adventure, and of course love and friendship. As a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, I was especially touched by Cooper's struggle with his assault and TBI as he and Denny moved forward in life. There was great disability representation as well as the author's continued great queer and mental health representation. I can't wait for more carnival excitement. Come join the mayhem!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
September 18, 2025
This is the 3rd book set in the Carnival of Mysteries series featuring previous MCs.
This time its Cooper and Denny's story. Cooper is a victim of one of Virgil Evans' followers.
After months in hospital and rehab, Denny takes Cooper home to care for him.
They meet friends from previous books and eventually they tell Cooper the truth behind the Carnival.
Denny then gets himself kidnapped by another Evans follower and is critically ill. He is taken into the Carnival to heal. Four months later he meets back up with Denny in Vegas.
I did enjoy this story.
This time its Cooper and Denny's story. Cooper is a victim of one of Virgil Evans' followers.
After months in hospital and rehab, Denny takes Cooper home to care for him.
They meet friends from previous books and eventually they tell Cooper the truth behind the Carnival.
Denny then gets himself kidnapped by another Evans follower and is critically ill. He is taken into the Carnival to heal. Four months later he meets back up with Denny in Vegas.
I did enjoy this story.
September 17, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how the psychics and the carnival played such a strong role in this story. Cooper's curiosity led him into danger and Denny is just in time to save him. Cooper had pursued and won Denny's heart before this. I liked how Denny was able to help him. Unfortunately the evil one is not done with them. I liked how all the elements came together
October 11, 2025
Cooper is attacked by a serial killer, almost dies, his ex Denny saves him and now he and Denny are in hiding. Denny has secrets that has to do with The Carnival of Mysteries he can't tell Cooper even though that Cooper is trying to find answers about it. With things closing in on them, Cooper has to decide what is more important, exposing the carnival or his love for Denny. I really love this series.
September 14, 2025
I think this book was weaker than the first two. There wasnt much plot, and not really a lot about the carnival.
And then everything happened im the end super fast. I wish it was explained a bit more how Evans got to be so powerful. And Coopers sudden powers also just came out of nowhere and conviniently only appeared to beat the bad guy.
And then everything happened im the end super fast. I wish it was explained a bit more how Evans got to be so powerful. And Coopers sudden powers also just came out of nowhere and conviniently only appeared to beat the bad guy.
September 19, 2025
Not only do I love these Carnival of mysteries books but I love the way RL has built their own "sub series" with them. Great characters, Cooper who inquisitiveness puts him in danger but luckily Denny is just in time to save him. Well written storyline with a paranormal element and intriguing plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2025
I have really enjoyed these stories around the Carnival of mysteries. We have gotten characters that are relatable and pull your emotions for them. This one in particular we get Cooper and Denny and how Cooper does his best to deny his feelings but of course is constantly drawn to our guy Denny.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2025
Book three did not disappoint and was a great addition to the series. Overall a good read and was a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
Cooper and Denny's story is full of patience, healing, suspense and is thoroughly intriguing. The Carnival of Mysteries is fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews