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Carnival
When the news breaks of a serial killer being on the loose, it doesn’t take me long to remember it all — the night when the said serial killer took my virginity two years prior.
Determined to find him, I never could’ve anticipated what a single night of going back to the Carnival would bring.
James Maddox came wrapped in danger, with blood on his hands, a mask on his face, and most importantly, as the missing piece of my puzzle.
The missing piece of my past.
James holds all the cards, and somehow, I became the most important one in the deck.
Past binds us together, and it’s up to me to determine which cards he’ll deal. Because it might just cost me everything.
Determined to find him, I never could’ve anticipated what a single night of going back to the Carnival would bring.
James Maddox came wrapped in danger, with blood on his hands, a mask on his face, and most importantly, as the missing piece of my puzzle.
The missing piece of my past.
James holds all the cards, and somehow, I became the most important one in the deck.
Past binds us together, and it’s up to me to determine which cards he’ll deal. Because it might just cost me everything.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2025
77 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 25, 2025
I honestly don’t even know where to start. Carnival was a full-blown emotional rollercoaster and had me hooked from page one. There was no walking away from this book in one piece.
This was my first read by Kat King, and wow… what an introduction. I’ve seen her name floating around in the dark romance world, but I had no idea I’d get this obsessed. She built a story that’s insane, sensual, dark, and somehow still deeply emotional.
Rose and James’s relationship? Completely unhinged in the best possible way. It’s obsessive, intense, chaotic—but I ate up every second. James crosses literally every line and somehow that just makes him more unforgettable. He’s unhinged, dangerous, and yet it’s easy to see why Rose can’t walk away. And Rose isn’t your typical FMC either. She’s layered, scarred, and stronger than she seems at first.
The plot is a wild mix of mystery, romance, trauma, spice, and nonstop tension. Rose’s past unravels slowly, and once the pieces start falling into place, I couldn’t put it down. And yes, the spice? Off the charts. There’s primal play, mask kink, and even a spider scene I did not expect to work—but somehow it did. Only Kat King could pull that off.
Carnival is the kind of book that messes with your head and your heart. It's intense, addictive, and full of insane twists. As my first read from the author, it blew me away—and it definitely won’t be my last.
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC and for letting me dive into this chaotic, delicious world.
This was my first read by Kat King, and wow… what an introduction. I’ve seen her name floating around in the dark romance world, but I had no idea I’d get this obsessed. She built a story that’s insane, sensual, dark, and somehow still deeply emotional.
Rose and James’s relationship? Completely unhinged in the best possible way. It’s obsessive, intense, chaotic—but I ate up every second. James crosses literally every line and somehow that just makes him more unforgettable. He’s unhinged, dangerous, and yet it’s easy to see why Rose can’t walk away. And Rose isn’t your typical FMC either. She’s layered, scarred, and stronger than she seems at first.
The plot is a wild mix of mystery, romance, trauma, spice, and nonstop tension. Rose’s past unravels slowly, and once the pieces start falling into place, I couldn’t put it down. And yes, the spice? Off the charts. There’s primal play, mask kink, and even a spider scene I did not expect to work—but somehow it did. Only Kat King could pull that off.
Carnival is the kind of book that messes with your head and your heart. It's intense, addictive, and full of insane twists. As my first read from the author, it blew me away—and it definitely won’t be my last.
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC and for letting me dive into this chaotic, delicious world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
miss kat king, you have done it again.
once again you spoiled us all with a perfect, love story - a perfectly unhinged one, between two souls who were bound together by the stars.
ROSE MY SWEETEST HELLION 😭😭😭🩶🩶🩶 she's such a cutie, such an unhinged cutie and she's so so strong. my heart ached from her right from the beginning because that feeling of never belonging even when the people around you loved you with everything they had? felt. lived and seeing it in her made me realize how lonely it can get when you have no one in your corner. ( thanks aria, james and the entire desantis clan for being there for my strong girl ). she was a spit fire and she did NOT back down in front of her man easily, which i really really enjoyed.
🔪 JAMES 👅👅👅 ohmygod JAMESSS 👅👅👅 it's no actual secret that i love psychopathic, obsessive men but ohmy, he low-key takes the cake??? HE'S SO PERFECT BRO. he'd kill for her, he'd die for her - HE WENT TO PRISON FOR HER??? HE LOST HIS VIRGINITY TO HER??? okay so he's basically perfect and i'm never getting over how much he tried to understand rose's feelings despite not having them himself 😭❤️🩹 dream man over there low-key.
❤️🩹 their love is unhinged, raw and dark and kat wrote it so well i got chills reading it - multiple times.
🧪 oh and freya, you hot girl kisser. I SEE YOU 👅
once again you spoiled us all with a perfect, love story - a perfectly unhinged one, between two souls who were bound together by the stars.
ROSE MY SWEETEST HELLION 😭😭😭🩶🩶🩶 she's such a cutie, such an unhinged cutie and she's so so strong. my heart ached from her right from the beginning because that feeling of never belonging even when the people around you loved you with everything they had? felt. lived and seeing it in her made me realize how lonely it can get when you have no one in your corner. ( thanks aria, james and the entire desantis clan for being there for my strong girl ). she was a spit fire and she did NOT back down in front of her man easily, which i really really enjoyed.
🔪 JAMES 👅👅👅 ohmygod JAMESSS 👅👅👅 it's no actual secret that i love psychopathic, obsessive men but ohmy, he low-key takes the cake??? HE'S SO PERFECT BRO. he'd kill for her, he'd die for her - HE WENT TO PRISON FOR HER??? HE LOST HIS VIRGINITY TO HER??? okay so he's basically perfect and i'm never getting over how much he tried to understand rose's feelings despite not having them himself 😭❤️🩹 dream man over there low-key.
❤️🩹 their love is unhinged, raw and dark and kat wrote it so well i got chills reading it - multiple times.
🧪 oh and freya, you hot girl kisser. I SEE YOU 👅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
3.5⭐️
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
I need more clowns🤭🤭
quotes:
••
“𝕱𝖚𝖈𝖐
𝕾𝖔 𝖜𝖊𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖒𝖊.
𝕴’𝖛𝖊 𝖒𝖎𝖘𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖜𝖊𝖙 𝖈𝖚𝖓𝖙, 𝕽𝖔𝖘𝖊,’’
“𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖋𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖒𝖊 𝖆𝖌𝖆𝖎𝖓.’’
“𝖂𝖊𝖑𝖑, 𝖔𝖋 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖊,
𝕭𝖚𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊’𝖘 𝖘𝖔 𝖒𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖒 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝖏𝖚𝖘𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖇𝖔𝖉𝖞, 𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖞 𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑.’’
••
“𝓤𝓷𝔃𝓲𝓹 𝓶𝔂 𝓹𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓼,
𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓱.
𝓢𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓾𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽.
𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓽𝓱 𝓲𝓼 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓮𝓬𝓽.’’
...
“𝓝𝓸𝔀, 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓪𝓽.
𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽’𝓼 𝓲𝓽, 𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓷. 𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓴𝓮 𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓬𝓸𝓬𝓴.
𝓘’𝓶 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓽𝓱, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝔀𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓸𝔀 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓵𝓮 𝓭𝓻𝓸𝓹, 𝓪𝓶 𝓘 𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻?
𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵."
••
tropes:
☆🍁dark romance
☆🍁spooky halloween vibes
☆🍁spooky carnival
☆🍁masked mmc
☆🍁clown mask
☆🍁obsessed mmc
☆🍁he falls first and harder
☆🍁somnophilia
☆🍁dual pov
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
I need more clowns🤭🤭
quotes:
••
“𝕱𝖚𝖈𝖐
𝕾𝖔 𝖜𝖊𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖒𝖊.
𝕴’𝖛𝖊 𝖒𝖎𝖘𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖜𝖊𝖙 𝖈𝖚𝖓𝖙, 𝕽𝖔𝖘𝖊,’’
“𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖋𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖒𝖊 𝖆𝖌𝖆𝖎𝖓.’’
“𝖂𝖊𝖑𝖑, 𝖔𝖋 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖊,
𝕭𝖚𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊’𝖘 𝖘𝖔 𝖒𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖒 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝖏𝖚𝖘𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖇𝖔𝖉𝖞, 𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖞 𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑.’’
••
“𝓤𝓷𝔃𝓲𝓹 𝓶𝔂 𝓹𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓼,
𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓱.
𝓢𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓾𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽.
𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓽𝓱 𝓲𝓼 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓮𝓬𝓽.’’
...
“𝓝𝓸𝔀, 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓪𝓽.
𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽’𝓼 𝓲𝓽, 𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓷. 𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓴𝓮 𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓬𝓸𝓬𝓴.
𝓘’𝓶 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓽𝓱, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝔀𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓸𝔀 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓵𝓮 𝓭𝓻𝓸𝓹, 𝓪𝓶 𝓘 𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻?
𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵."
••
tropes:
☆🍁dark romance
☆🍁spooky halloween vibes
☆🍁spooky carnival
☆🍁masked mmc
☆🍁clown mask
☆🍁obsessed mmc
☆🍁he falls first and harder
☆🍁somnophilia
☆🍁dual pov
July 25, 2025
Wow! This book is a mindf*ck and twisted in all the best ways possible. It’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s full of tension, the chemistry is undeniable, and the spice is next level.
Rose has no memory of her childhood. It doesn’t matter how hard she tries, she just can’t remember. And on her 18th birthday she goes to a carnival that will change her life forever. She meets a clown that has dark eyes and a twisted smile, but little does she know, he’s a killer. But there is something about him that draws her to him. And he SEES HER, like really sees who she is deep down. Rose never really felt like she belonged in her world, she never really fit. She is a spitfire too. This girl is strong and a bit unhinged herself, but she is soft and she loves hard.
James…he is morally black! He’s a monster. He is unhinged, obsessive, possessive, he would die for her, and he kills for her. His entire world I Rose and he will do whatever it takes to have her.
Their love story is unhinged and beautiful all at the same time. Their souls were always meant to be together. And all the other characters, I freaking LOVED THEM! Aria is Rose’s ride or die and would do anything for her. That girl is unhinged and on another level. Hudson and Noelle are the parents she always deserved. This book was pure delicious darkness.
5⭐️
4🌶️
Rose has no memory of her childhood. It doesn’t matter how hard she tries, she just can’t remember. And on her 18th birthday she goes to a carnival that will change her life forever. She meets a clown that has dark eyes and a twisted smile, but little does she know, he’s a killer. But there is something about him that draws her to him. And he SEES HER, like really sees who she is deep down. Rose never really felt like she belonged in her world, she never really fit. She is a spitfire too. This girl is strong and a bit unhinged herself, but she is soft and she loves hard.
James…he is morally black! He’s a monster. He is unhinged, obsessive, possessive, he would die for her, and he kills for her. His entire world I Rose and he will do whatever it takes to have her.
Their love story is unhinged and beautiful all at the same time. Their souls were always meant to be together. And all the other characters, I freaking LOVED THEM! Aria is Rose’s ride or die and would do anything for her. That girl is unhinged and on another level. Hudson and Noelle are the parents she always deserved. This book was pure delicious darkness.
5⭐️
4🌶️
July 22, 2025
ARC Review
Carnival by Kat King
Before I signed up for the ARC I sent Kat a message, I read the blurb for Carnival and was immediately wanting to get my hands on a copy however I hesitated about signing up only because of the fact that there was a clown which as irrational as it is clowns freaks me the heck out but her response helped me take the jump and thank goodness I did
I was completely hooked from the first sentence, I was laughing about a clown of all things
There wasnt a dull moment in this book never once did I feel I had to push through to get to the next chapter. It was exciting, fast paced with an obsessed love story.
Listen would I even want to be in Rose's shoes? No
Would I want a man like James? No, maybe, wait no and thats my final answer... I think
I fell in love with these characters I cannot imagine anyone who wouldnt
Also new favorite nickname unlocked: hellion
Definitely worth the read and I cannot wait to read my next Kat King book
Carnival by Kat King
Before I signed up for the ARC I sent Kat a message, I read the blurb for Carnival and was immediately wanting to get my hands on a copy however I hesitated about signing up only because of the fact that there was a clown which as irrational as it is clowns freaks me the heck out but her response helped me take the jump and thank goodness I did
I was completely hooked from the first sentence, I was laughing about a clown of all things
There wasnt a dull moment in this book never once did I feel I had to push through to get to the next chapter. It was exciting, fast paced with an obsessed love story.
Listen would I even want to be in Rose's shoes? No
Would I want a man like James? No, maybe, wait no and thats my final answer... I think
I fell in love with these characters I cannot imagine anyone who wouldnt
Also new favorite nickname unlocked: hellion
Definitely worth the read and I cannot wait to read my next Kat King book
August 11, 2025
3.0 🌟 because i wanted Rose had her memories back and how she felt about it (like was she a normal kid or not) especially where she met Gabe i hoped she would get a memory trigger and remember everything!! also her grandmother reasons were not valid enough to be like that just obsession with the people’s information to k!ll her own family, i wish there’s a deeper story about her) — i wanted to know more about James story (like how did he ended up with foster family i know his parents were died but i wanted to know how he felt and did he remember his parents, and to know his obsession with Rose because on his chapter it wasn’t much written or described this feeling) — not to mention Rose and James relationship it was not deep enough to be DARK ROMANCE! Just he is obsessed with her, doesn’t mean it’s a Dark Romance!! It’s just s€x no chemistry between them! Sorry not sorry 🍸
August 12, 2025
Carnival by Kat King was a 5-star read for me. it is dark, twisted, and full of tension, this story had me hooked from start to finish. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and the book kept me wanting to know more the whole way through. It had a great plant and i especially loved the carnival setting, which I think added an eerie, thrilling edge. the fact that its mix of dark romance and just a touch of gore, was an incredible mood for me. This book was everything I hoped for and more.
July 14, 2025
Kat my girl is at it again. Absolutely stunning time to see this come to life Beta read to ARC. It's giving obsessed and possessive. It's screaming creepy crawlies and dangerous alliances. I am of course loving every moment of this dark romance and I'm just so sure you will too.
July 16, 2025
i was waiting for this story the moment james was mentioned in kortlek 😂
the pacing on this was 10/10
how kat comes up with all these ideas is beyond me but girl keep them stories coming!!!!
the pacing on this was 10/10
how kat comes up with all these ideas is beyond me but girl keep them stories coming!!!!
July 23, 2025
OMG 😭😭 THE BOOK WAS SO GOOD , THE CHARACTERS THE WRITING THE SETTING THE PLOT AHHH EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT I LOVE ROSE AND JAMES MY BABIESS AND THE CAMEOS? PERFECT.
July 25, 2025
What a fantastic pitch black man 😍 James was everything I could have expected and more. How the author ties in Rose's past was wonderful. We love a fictional character who falls first and never stops until he has her again. This is my third book by Kat King and she isn't disappointing me in the slightest! I love that the characters are all tied together, but each story gives you more insight into their world. I truly cannot wait to read what's next!!!
As always, please check your triggers; lots of gore in this one 😜
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
As always, please check your triggers; lots of gore in this one 😜
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2025
james and rose my babies 🥹
August 8, 2025
4.5 ☆.
First of all, this book stole my heart. It has everything: action, mystery, cute moments...
I felt connected to Rosalie. Maybe it's because of some traits of her personality are similiar to mines.
Hudson family owns my heart. Everytime they appear, I feel like warm and loved. I love how they care of each other in their special way. And I love how they show that love and care to Rosalie. They treat like she belongs to Hudson even she doesn't share their blood. Aria and Rosalie's friendship is goals. They're like sisters and they have each other back. There was a scene where Blair, Aria and Rose were together and I love that so much. Everytime Arlo appears, I fell in love with him. Don't judge me pls. 🫣
I cried like river at the end of the book. I love Hudson and Noelle. They're everything. The scene between Hudson and Rose. Oh, shayla my heart. 🥹
I enjoyed how Kat write this story. While I was reading the book, I felt inmerised in it. It was like it is already halloween and you can smell the spooky and eerie vibes from it. Now I want to go horror carnival. Maybe I should. 🤣
About James, I think he is the darkest mmc written by Kat King. He scared in some scenes, but I love him. He could do everything for Rose and that's so romantic 🥰 (blame my venus in leo for finding that romantic 🤣).
The reason I didn't give it 5 stars it is because I needed more romantic/cute moments between James and Rose. I already feel their deep connection. They were always fate-mated. They're soulmates. 🥹
First of all, this book stole my heart. It has everything: action, mystery, cute moments...
I felt connected to Rosalie. Maybe it's because of some traits of her personality are similiar to mines.
Hudson family owns my heart. Everytime they appear, I feel like warm and loved. I love how they care of each other in their special way. And I love how they show that love and care to Rosalie. They treat like she belongs to Hudson even she doesn't share their blood. Aria and Rosalie's friendship is goals. They're like sisters and they have each other back. There was a scene where Blair, Aria and Rose were together and I love that so much. Everytime Arlo appears, I fell in love with him. Don't judge me pls. 🫣
I cried like river at the end of the book. I love Hudson and Noelle. They're everything. The scene between Hudson and Rose. Oh, shayla my heart. 🥹
I enjoyed how Kat write this story. While I was reading the book, I felt inmerised in it. It was like it is already halloween and you can smell the spooky and eerie vibes from it. Now I want to go horror carnival. Maybe I should. 🤣
About James, I think he is the darkest mmc written by Kat King. He scared in some scenes, but I love him. He could do everything for Rose and that's so romantic 🥰 (blame my venus in leo for finding that romantic 🤣).
The reason I didn't give it 5 stars it is because I needed more romantic/cute moments between James and Rose. I already feel their deep connection. They were always fate-mated. They're soulmates. 🥹
August 5, 2025
I love James Maddox ♥️ from start to beginning. everything about him the way his only care in the world is rose and only her.
aria ,blair,arlo & Noelle & Hudson, i love the bond they all have now thats a family.
Vivian, ugh, I can't stand that evil b*tch & chase 😤 don't even ask me .
this part right here had me cracking up
“You’re such a psychopath.’’ “Yes, that’s the diagnosis.’’ “No, I meant it as an insult.’’
aria ,blair,arlo & Noelle & Hudson, i love the bond they all have now thats a family.
Vivian, ugh, I can't stand that evil b*tch & chase 😤 don't even ask me .
this part right here had me cracking up
“You’re such a psychopath.’’ “Yes, that’s the diagnosis.’’ “No, I meant it as an insult.’’
July 19, 2025
I had the absolute honor of ARC reading Carnival by one of my all-time favorite authors!
I screamed. I cried. I devoured this book.
Rose and James’s relationship is beautiful in the most haunting, messed up, broken way possible — and I loved every second of it. James stood by her through everything, and watching Rose confront the gaps in her memory, come to terms with what she did in her past, and still choose to love James with all his demons? It was powerful. It was next-level.
Now, listen... I might be a little biased because Kat King can do no wrong in my eyes, but this book truly blew me away. If I could ask for anything more, it would be to dive even deeper into the moment all her memories returned — I would’ve loved a bit more detail there. But honestly? I have no notes.
Carnival was a wild ride, and I adored every twist, turn, and emotionally gutting moment.
Mark your calendars: Carnival releases on July 25th — go pre-order it now! You won’t regret it.
I screamed. I cried. I devoured this book.
Rose and James’s relationship is beautiful in the most haunting, messed up, broken way possible — and I loved every second of it. James stood by her through everything, and watching Rose confront the gaps in her memory, come to terms with what she did in her past, and still choose to love James with all his demons? It was powerful. It was next-level.
Now, listen... I might be a little biased because Kat King can do no wrong in my eyes, but this book truly blew me away. If I could ask for anything more, it would be to dive even deeper into the moment all her memories returned — I would’ve loved a bit more detail there. But honestly? I have no notes.
Carnival was a wild ride, and I adored every twist, turn, and emotionally gutting moment.
Mark your calendars: Carnival releases on July 25th — go pre-order it now! You won’t regret it.
July 19, 2025
Kat King you have done it again!! I had the pleasure of receiving an e-ARC for this book and was so excited to dive in.
Carnival was an absolute rollercoaster from the first sentence of the book. 5 ⭐️!! I was immediately hooked and obsessed, needing more as I kept turning the pages. I love James & Rose, their story, their love for each other, the way they would both go to the ends of the earth to protect one another 😭 this is a standalone dark romance set in the same criminal / mafia world as Scarred Sins (which has been a top 10 read this year) and it delivered everything I love: found family, obsessive & psychotic mmc, strong willed fmc, top tier spice, criminal organizations, all set originally in a CARNIVAL SETTING?? Yes please. I loved seeing the whole De Santis family and getting more insight on their love for their family. I cannot wait for everyone to be able to read this July 25th!! As always, read your trigger warnings.
Carnival was an absolute rollercoaster from the first sentence of the book. 5 ⭐️!! I was immediately hooked and obsessed, needing more as I kept turning the pages. I love James & Rose, their story, their love for each other, the way they would both go to the ends of the earth to protect one another 😭 this is a standalone dark romance set in the same criminal / mafia world as Scarred Sins (which has been a top 10 read this year) and it delivered everything I love: found family, obsessive & psychotic mmc, strong willed fmc, top tier spice, criminal organizations, all set originally in a CARNIVAL SETTING?? Yes please. I loved seeing the whole De Santis family and getting more insight on their love for their family. I cannot wait for everyone to be able to read this July 25th!! As always, read your trigger warnings.
July 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mostly FMC POV but some MMC
I have been waiting for this one! Let’s recap some things. The book follows Rosalie, who is essentially the adopted daughter to Hudson and Noel from Sardonic burn, and James a serial unaliver who was obsessed with her.
From before the book and what we know of Rosalie lost her virginity to James inside the carnival two years prior to the book starting. So the book starts afterwards and it starts with Rosalie, wanting to learn more about James and essentially find out who he is and everything about him.
But then through that process, she starts learning more and more facts about herself and her biological family. And also about why she has a huge gap in her memory and what happened. But she also finds out that James is a part of that same past that she has forgotten.
We also get a small time jump in the book from after James is in prison. And throughout that small time, Rosalie makes some friends, one of who is also from her past that she doesn’t know about.
We will later find out that she isn’t as super innocent as she thinks she is because of what has happened
This book is super smutty and definitely has some triggers. So if you aren’t OK with things like dubious consent, then this book may not be for you. But always read triggers before starting this book.
OK now review time.
I personally feel like this book was mostly just a one person point of view, which was from Rosalie. I do wish we had a lot more of James and his perspective in the book and learning more about him. I also will say if you haven’t read any of Kat’s other books then you really wouldn’t understand Rosalie’s personality and who she is.
So if this was one of your first books by her, I can get how you’re upset because we don’t know Rosalie‘s personality in the book. Because essentially, we learn a lot about her in the other books.
I do feel like this book definitely was a quick read and a lot was happening at once. I personally like books like that where it feels like it’s moving very quickly and it’s easy to get through. But I know some people don’t like that fast paced, and how quick things will happen.
I wish we got a little bit more detail from Rosalie‘s past that she forgot. I wish that when she remembered we got like a chapter of why everything happened.
Overall I really like this book and the storyline, there’s just a few things I would want more of in it. Which was more chapters from James’s perspective, more detail into Rosalie’s past and why she forgot it, and also a little bit more action in the climax of the book.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mostly FMC POV but some MMC
I have been waiting for this one! Let’s recap some things. The book follows Rosalie, who is essentially the adopted daughter to Hudson and Noel from Sardonic burn, and James a serial unaliver who was obsessed with her.
From before the book and what we know of Rosalie lost her virginity to James inside the carnival two years prior to the book starting. So the book starts afterwards and it starts with Rosalie, wanting to learn more about James and essentially find out who he is and everything about him.
But then through that process, she starts learning more and more facts about herself and her biological family. And also about why she has a huge gap in her memory and what happened. But she also finds out that James is a part of that same past that she has forgotten.
We also get a small time jump in the book from after James is in prison. And throughout that small time, Rosalie makes some friends, one of who is also from her past that she doesn’t know about.
We will later find out that she isn’t as super innocent as she thinks she is because of what has happened
This book is super smutty and definitely has some triggers. So if you aren’t OK with things like dubious consent, then this book may not be for you. But always read triggers before starting this book.
OK now review time.
I personally feel like this book was mostly just a one person point of view, which was from Rosalie. I do wish we had a lot more of James and his perspective in the book and learning more about him. I also will say if you haven’t read any of Kat’s other books then you really wouldn’t understand Rosalie’s personality and who she is.
So if this was one of your first books by her, I can get how you’re upset because we don’t know Rosalie‘s personality in the book. Because essentially, we learn a lot about her in the other books.
I do feel like this book definitely was a quick read and a lot was happening at once. I personally like books like that where it feels like it’s moving very quickly and it’s easy to get through. But I know some people don’t like that fast paced, and how quick things will happen.
I wish we got a little bit more detail from Rosalie‘s past that she forgot. I wish that when she remembered we got like a chapter of why everything happened.
Overall I really like this book and the storyline, there’s just a few things I would want more of in it. Which was more chapters from James’s perspective, more detail into Rosalie’s past and why she forgot it, and also a little bit more action in the climax of the book.
July 24, 2025
Two years ago, Rosalie played with fire when she lost her virginity to a dangerously unhinged serial killer in a clown mask. Now, he’s back and ready to finally claim her for himself. But what if there’s more to them than that moment of intimacy, a deeper connection with a shared past?
As if getting the privilege of reading Aria and Arlo’s books wasn’t already amazing enough, Kat King decided to spoil us with another amazing instalment in the Sardonic Burn universe. This time, we get a look into the life of Rosalie, who we’ve met before as Aria’s best friend and Noelle/Hudson’s unofficially adopted daughter. I had VERY high expectations going into this one and boy, it still managed to blow me away!
“If obsession if a sin, sinful let me be. Because this woman belongs to me, utterly and wholeheartedly. Just as I belong to her.”
James was exactly like the unhinged crazy serial killer that I imagined him to be but in the best way possible. His heart is mostly dead but it does beat for one person only and that’s his Rosalie. I was honestly really intrigued by him in Kortlek but Carnival is where I fell for him…HARD. I just wanted to give this man a hug, for the hard life he’s had to live through, for the sacrifice he was willing to make for the love of his life, for how protective he was for Rosalie. He was perfect in every way (as perfect as a serial killer can be) and I adored how he fit right into this crazy and messed up family.
Rose also didn’t disappoint, not even a bit. She was smart, quirky, brave. I loved her dynamic relationship with the De Santis family and how she truly was a part of it, even without sharing a drop of blood or being an assassin herself. Everyone was so protective towards her, especially Hudson and Noelle who I already stan pretty hard.
“From the moment I laid my eyes on you, I had this feeling that you were simply the other half of me, and I haven’t let go of the feeling ever since.”
What I love most about the DeSantis family is that it’s unhinged, crazy violent, and yet so wholesome, so charming as a whole. So to say I’m obsessed with them is an understatement.
Kat King is such a top tier author in my opinion, she has a talent for creating stories that pull you in and keep you hooked. She’s become one of my favourite authors and I love the world she’s created. I really wish I was a part of the craziness of the DeSantis family and will be continuing my campaign to be formally adopted by Noelle and Hudson because who doesn’t want to be in the midst of action, assassins, love and passion, all encompassed by loyalty and a wonderful sense of family.
As if getting the privilege of reading Aria and Arlo’s books wasn’t already amazing enough, Kat King decided to spoil us with another amazing instalment in the Sardonic Burn universe. This time, we get a look into the life of Rosalie, who we’ve met before as Aria’s best friend and Noelle/Hudson’s unofficially adopted daughter. I had VERY high expectations going into this one and boy, it still managed to blow me away!
“If obsession if a sin, sinful let me be. Because this woman belongs to me, utterly and wholeheartedly. Just as I belong to her.”
James was exactly like the unhinged crazy serial killer that I imagined him to be but in the best way possible. His heart is mostly dead but it does beat for one person only and that’s his Rosalie. I was honestly really intrigued by him in Kortlek but Carnival is where I fell for him…HARD. I just wanted to give this man a hug, for the hard life he’s had to live through, for the sacrifice he was willing to make for the love of his life, for how protective he was for Rosalie. He was perfect in every way (as perfect as a serial killer can be) and I adored how he fit right into this crazy and messed up family.
Rose also didn’t disappoint, not even a bit. She was smart, quirky, brave. I loved her dynamic relationship with the De Santis family and how she truly was a part of it, even without sharing a drop of blood or being an assassin herself. Everyone was so protective towards her, especially Hudson and Noelle who I already stan pretty hard.
“From the moment I laid my eyes on you, I had this feeling that you were simply the other half of me, and I haven’t let go of the feeling ever since.”
What I love most about the DeSantis family is that it’s unhinged, crazy violent, and yet so wholesome, so charming as a whole. So to say I’m obsessed with them is an understatement.
Kat King is such a top tier author in my opinion, she has a talent for creating stories that pull you in and keep you hooked. She’s become one of my favourite authors and I love the world she’s created. I really wish I was a part of the craziness of the DeSantis family and will be continuing my campaign to be formally adopted by Noelle and Hudson because who doesn’t want to be in the midst of action, assassins, love and passion, all encompassed by loyalty and a wonderful sense of family.
July 29, 2025
Whenever a book starts with "you fucked a clown," you just know it’s going to be EPIC. I loved this book so much, from the very beginning to the last word. Rose and James’ connection, their love, their devotion, and—most importantly—their determination to own each other was everything. The book had the perfect balance of spice, thrill, and romance. I enjoyed it so much, I honestly don’t even think I have the right words to explain how I feel.
HOT. Hot beyond measure. That’s the only way I can explain every interaction between Rose and James. They were both smoking, brimming with electrifying chemistry—you can feel it pour off the pages.
The setting was so unique and just… perfect. The carnival theme, laced with mystery and secrets, was absolute catnip for me. I’m so happy I finally got to read James and Rose’s story. They’ve been living rent-free in my head ever since I read Kortlek, and this book only solidified what I already knew—they are the most adorable couple… well, as adorable as a psychopathic clown and his willing prisoner can be.
I loved the entire thriller-murderous-carnival vibe. James was an enigma through and through, and I was right beside Rose, trying to solve the mystery that is him. Throughout the book, James was aiming straight for my heart, and I’m scared of how willingly I’d hand it over. This man—his love, his obsession, his devotion towards Rosalie—it speaks to a different part of my soul. The lengths he’s willing to go just to protect her? I can’t help but love him more with every page.
Rose was determined, and her love for James was even stronger than his relentless will to protect her. Their connection was breathtaking in its intensity. The plot itself was so satisfying—every chapter only made me more curious. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author would throw a curveball and leave me spinning.
Rosalie was too sweet for the things she had to endure. But she was kind, brave, and so strong. Watching her grow—from being a little clueless to fully accepting herself—was such a beautiful journey. And Hudson… oh, his animosity towards James was peak comedy. He absolutely hates both the guys who dared steal his daughters away.
James and Rose went through so much in this book. Watching them finally get their happily ever after felt like a long-awaited reward. The wait was worth it. Every word of it.
HOT. Hot beyond measure. That’s the only way I can explain every interaction between Rose and James. They were both smoking, brimming with electrifying chemistry—you can feel it pour off the pages.
The setting was so unique and just… perfect. The carnival theme, laced with mystery and secrets, was absolute catnip for me. I’m so happy I finally got to read James and Rose’s story. They’ve been living rent-free in my head ever since I read Kortlek, and this book only solidified what I already knew—they are the most adorable couple… well, as adorable as a psychopathic clown and his willing prisoner can be.
I loved the entire thriller-murderous-carnival vibe. James was an enigma through and through, and I was right beside Rose, trying to solve the mystery that is him. Throughout the book, James was aiming straight for my heart, and I’m scared of how willingly I’d hand it over. This man—his love, his obsession, his devotion towards Rosalie—it speaks to a different part of my soul. The lengths he’s willing to go just to protect her? I can’t help but love him more with every page.
Rose was determined, and her love for James was even stronger than his relentless will to protect her. Their connection was breathtaking in its intensity. The plot itself was so satisfying—every chapter only made me more curious. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author would throw a curveball and leave me spinning.
Rosalie was too sweet for the things she had to endure. But she was kind, brave, and so strong. Watching her grow—from being a little clueless to fully accepting herself—was such a beautiful journey. And Hudson… oh, his animosity towards James was peak comedy. He absolutely hates both the guys who dared steal his daughters away.
James and Rose went through so much in this book. Watching them finally get their happily ever after felt like a long-awaited reward. The wait was worth it. Every word of it.
November 22, 2025
Okay, listen… I thought I was DONE with chaotic men who smell like danger and poor decisions. I really did. And then Kat King said, “Here, babe, meet James Maddox,” and suddenly I’m back in my natural habitat: making questionable life choices in the fictional world.
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, and also checking behind my door like… what if my own serial-killer soulmate is waiting? (Spoiler: he is not. Tragic.)
The moment the news breaks that a serial killer is on the loose, I should’ve been scared. I should’ve been normal. But no, not me. The way my brain immediately went: “Oh yeah, the guy who took my virginity two years ago… wonder how he’s doing?” Honestly, lock me up. I'm just as unhinged as this plot.
Heading back to the Carnival felt like walking into trauma with glitter. And then James shows up—masked, bloody, brooding, looking like every red flag I’d happily wrap around myself like a blanket. And suddenly my past, my trauma, AND my ovaries teamed up and said: we’re invested.
James holds all the cards, but let’s be real… I’m the girl who reads dark romance. I KNOW card games. And yet this man still has me losing every round on purpose.
And can we talk about how my beloved De Santis chaos is back in my life? Ugh, I’ve missed these morally questionable kings and queens. And now we’re expanding the family with Rose and James—like some dark, bloody holiday reunion I didn’t know I needed.
Would I survive being in this fictional family? Absolutely not. Would I still show up with cookies and a smile? Yes. Yes, I would.
Kat knows how to blend danger, desire, mystery, and absolute feral behavior in the best possible way. Carnival is fast, fun, spicy, and just unhinged enough to remind me why I love this genre.
If you want a book that feels like taking a shot of adrenaline while sitting on a haunted carousel… this is it.
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, and also checking behind my door like… what if my own serial-killer soulmate is waiting? (Spoiler: he is not. Tragic.)
The moment the news breaks that a serial killer is on the loose, I should’ve been scared. I should’ve been normal. But no, not me. The way my brain immediately went: “Oh yeah, the guy who took my virginity two years ago… wonder how he’s doing?” Honestly, lock me up. I'm just as unhinged as this plot.
Heading back to the Carnival felt like walking into trauma with glitter. And then James shows up—masked, bloody, brooding, looking like every red flag I’d happily wrap around myself like a blanket. And suddenly my past, my trauma, AND my ovaries teamed up and said: we’re invested.
James holds all the cards, but let’s be real… I’m the girl who reads dark romance. I KNOW card games. And yet this man still has me losing every round on purpose.
And can we talk about how my beloved De Santis chaos is back in my life? Ugh, I’ve missed these morally questionable kings and queens. And now we’re expanding the family with Rose and James—like some dark, bloody holiday reunion I didn’t know I needed.
Would I survive being in this fictional family? Absolutely not. Would I still show up with cookies and a smile? Yes. Yes, I would.
Kat knows how to blend danger, desire, mystery, and absolute feral behavior in the best possible way. Carnival is fast, fun, spicy, and just unhinged enough to remind me why I love this genre.
If you want a book that feels like taking a shot of adrenaline while sitting on a haunted carousel… this is it.
July 16, 2025
Rosalie Grace Ashford aka Rose got drunk on a Halloween night and decided to lose her virginity to a clown she met inside a scary house. She never got to see his face as he was wearing a peculiar clown mask, but his deep intense brown eyes were unforgettable.
Two years later, Rose comes across a news about a clown serial killer and his hunting ground was the Halloween Carnival Rose attended. But, what shocked her to the core was that the serial killer was the same guy Rose lost her virginity to. Curiosity makes Rose investigate this guy. Was it just curiosity, or desire? Will Rose catch up with the Clown?
*Read Carnival by Kat King to find out.*
My Note: I came across Kat King's 'Letters from Hell' and ever since finishing it I have been a bigg fan of hers. She is one of the best Dark Romance authors out there and she is criminally underrated. When I got selected to be a part of her ARC team, I was beyond happy and felt super honoured. I was literally counting days to read 'Carnival' and she did not disappoint. I got hooked from the very first sentence and I was not able to put it down until I finished it. The story was amazing, the characters were perfect and the climax was 🤌 I literally have no words to explain. And I'm in love with James Maddox, I already have a thing for clown masks and James was just straight out of a dream. Rose was also beautifully written. The story line was so amazing, and I loved how unpredictable the whole book was. This book has everything- spice, amazing story, perfect characters and amazing ending. This was beyond perfect and I look forward to reading more books from Kat. Again I thank you for the opportunity. I had a wonderful time reading this and I hope you guys will too.
Two years later, Rose comes across a news about a clown serial killer and his hunting ground was the Halloween Carnival Rose attended. But, what shocked her to the core was that the serial killer was the same guy Rose lost her virginity to. Curiosity makes Rose investigate this guy. Was it just curiosity, or desire? Will Rose catch up with the Clown?
*Read Carnival by Kat King to find out.*
My Note: I came across Kat King's 'Letters from Hell' and ever since finishing it I have been a bigg fan of hers. She is one of the best Dark Romance authors out there and she is criminally underrated. When I got selected to be a part of her ARC team, I was beyond happy and felt super honoured. I was literally counting days to read 'Carnival' and she did not disappoint. I got hooked from the very first sentence and I was not able to put it down until I finished it. The story was amazing, the characters were perfect and the climax was 🤌 I literally have no words to explain. And I'm in love with James Maddox, I already have a thing for clown masks and James was just straight out of a dream. Rose was also beautifully written. The story line was so amazing, and I loved how unpredictable the whole book was. This book has everything- spice, amazing story, perfect characters and amazing ending. This was beyond perfect and I look forward to reading more books from Kat. Again I thank you for the opportunity. I had a wonderful time reading this and I hope you guys will too.
July 28, 2025
*sigh*
I’m starting to learn something about myself. I love smut, I love spicy books, but I love a captivating story even more.
This was, to put it mildly, 80% smut and 20% story. Unfortunately for the author, I got interested in the story and didn’t care much for the smut. I’m not saying those scenes were badly written, I just wanted to know more about Rose’s past; the how, the when, the who. I kept going and even skimmed a bit…
But I decided to DNF at 47%. Why? Because Rose is pathetic.
Having sex with a serial killer without knowing? Fine.
Having sex multiple times with a known serial killer and staying with him? That’s weird, but okay, maybe he is manipulative.
Crying for him because he got arrested? That’s just pathetic.
Rose has no emotional connection to James. Yes, she knows they were foster siblings, but only because he told her. She doesn’t remember him or her past. To her, he is just a stranger she enjoys having sex with. All of their interactions are sexual. So why would you cry and feel guilty if he thinks you were the reason for his arrest, Rose?
Rose is your typical weak FMC. She is a virgin, had her first time drunk and begged a clown to sleep with her, loves dub-con and non-con sex, is a mafia “princess” but refuses to acknowledge it, is rich but insists on living a “simple life,” and is an orphan with a tragic backstory. She was also abused by her foster sibling.
The author ruined the book (for me) with too many sex scenes too soon. One or two after the first time would’ve been enough. I’m still curious about Rose’s past, but I’m not sure I care enough to keep reading.
I’m starting to learn something about myself. I love smut, I love spicy books, but I love a captivating story even more.
This was, to put it mildly, 80% smut and 20% story. Unfortunately for the author, I got interested in the story and didn’t care much for the smut. I’m not saying those scenes were badly written, I just wanted to know more about Rose’s past; the how, the when, the who. I kept going and even skimmed a bit…
But I decided to DNF at 47%. Why? Because Rose is pathetic.
Having sex with a serial killer without knowing? Fine.
Having sex multiple times with a known serial killer and staying with him? That’s weird, but okay, maybe he is manipulative.
Crying for him because he got arrested? That’s just pathetic.
Rose has no emotional connection to James. Yes, she knows they were foster siblings, but only because he told her. She doesn’t remember him or her past. To her, he is just a stranger she enjoys having sex with. All of their interactions are sexual. So why would you cry and feel guilty if he thinks you were the reason for his arrest, Rose?
Rose is your typical weak FMC. She is a virgin, had her first time drunk and begged a clown to sleep with her, loves dub-con and non-con sex, is a mafia “princess” but refuses to acknowledge it, is rich but insists on living a “simple life,” and is an orphan with a tragic backstory. She was also abused by her foster sibling.
The author ruined the book (for me) with too many sex scenes too soon. One or two after the first time would’ve been enough. I’m still curious about Rose’s past, but I’m not sure I care enough to keep reading.
July 16, 2025
ARC REVIEW “CARNIVAL” 🎪🎭
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my god! I loved absolutely everything about this book. Halloween themes setted on a Carnival site with clowns and scary other creatures? Yes, please. I got Rose, I really got her. Please check TRIGGER WARNINGS first before reading it.
This book was so crazy, yet so intense full of emotions and connections between all of the characters. Found family, dirty secrets with hardships until a happy ending. I loved every single character from Rose’s family and James and Casper.
This book started with the line “you fucked a clown” like I was getting hooked right on the first line. It represented Rose’ story on the Carnival at her 18th birthday and how she met James. And their obsession, crazy love story through the book. But it wasn’t a simple love story, it was about families, dirty secrets about what happened in Rose’s life yet she couldn’t remember her childhood and I am obsessed.
This book had a lot of kinks and it was pretty intense but perfect for dark romance lovers who would love to read about a mmc with a clown mask and a spider lover. My heart died at the crawling scene and I was even myself getting scared of them. 🤡
The writing was so good, the flow was perfect and it was easy to read. I loved the storyline, how the characters are constructed and the PLOT TWISTS. YES PLEASE! I was surprised 3 times and I really couldn’t expect the twists. I swear you can’t put this book down. It is truly an addiction. I will miss James and Rose so much, their relationship was so wholesome and I loved every moment of it. ❤️🔥
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my god! I loved absolutely everything about this book. Halloween themes setted on a Carnival site with clowns and scary other creatures? Yes, please. I got Rose, I really got her. Please check TRIGGER WARNINGS first before reading it.
This book was so crazy, yet so intense full of emotions and connections between all of the characters. Found family, dirty secrets with hardships until a happy ending. I loved every single character from Rose’s family and James and Casper.
This book started with the line “you fucked a clown” like I was getting hooked right on the first line. It represented Rose’ story on the Carnival at her 18th birthday and how she met James. And their obsession, crazy love story through the book. But it wasn’t a simple love story, it was about families, dirty secrets about what happened in Rose’s life yet she couldn’t remember her childhood and I am obsessed.
This book had a lot of kinks and it was pretty intense but perfect for dark romance lovers who would love to read about a mmc with a clown mask and a spider lover. My heart died at the crawling scene and I was even myself getting scared of them. 🤡
The writing was so good, the flow was perfect and it was easy to read. I loved the storyline, how the characters are constructed and the PLOT TWISTS. YES PLEASE! I was surprised 3 times and I really couldn’t expect the twists. I swear you can’t put this book down. It is truly an addiction. I will miss James and Rose so much, their relationship was so wholesome and I loved every moment of it. ❤️🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
Thank you so much for sending me the ARC copy! This review is entirely honest.
This book? Was a fever dream dipped in blood, obsession, and heartbreak.
It messed with my head in the best way.
Rosalie has no memory of her childhood and James is the monster who wants her anyway. He’s a killer. He’s obsessed. And he’d burn the world to have her. Their love story is twisted, deranged, and still so tender I found myself rooting for them through all the chaos. There’s memory gaps, found family (Hudson & Noelle = perfection), creepy carnivals, unhinged declarations, and a morally black MMC who is somehow still romantic??? Like… James is the darkest man Kat King has ever written and I need more of him.
🌪 Unreliable memory
🔪 Psychosexual tension
🎡 Horror carnival aesthetic
🖤 Dubious morality (but lots of love)
🌶 Off-the-charts spice (yes, even a spider scene…)
I ate it all up. And when the secrets started clicking into place? CHILLS.
I do wish we had a little more from James’s POV and some slower, softer moments between him and Rosalie, but honestly? I was locked in from the start and didn’t blink once. This book was absolutely amazing and I cannot wait for more
Rating: 4.5/5
If you love pitch-black romance, possessive monsters, and stories that live in your spine after you finish them, welcome to the carnival.
This book? Was a fever dream dipped in blood, obsession, and heartbreak.
It messed with my head in the best way.
Rosalie has no memory of her childhood and James is the monster who wants her anyway. He’s a killer. He’s obsessed. And he’d burn the world to have her. Their love story is twisted, deranged, and still so tender I found myself rooting for them through all the chaos. There’s memory gaps, found family (Hudson & Noelle = perfection), creepy carnivals, unhinged declarations, and a morally black MMC who is somehow still romantic??? Like… James is the darkest man Kat King has ever written and I need more of him.
🌪 Unreliable memory
🔪 Psychosexual tension
🎡 Horror carnival aesthetic
🖤 Dubious morality (but lots of love)
🌶 Off-the-charts spice (yes, even a spider scene…)
I ate it all up. And when the secrets started clicking into place? CHILLS.
I do wish we had a little more from James’s POV and some slower, softer moments between him and Rosalie, but honestly? I was locked in from the start and didn’t blink once. This book was absolutely amazing and I cannot wait for more
Rating: 4.5/5
If you love pitch-black romance, possessive monsters, and stories that live in your spine after you finish them, welcome to the carnival.
August 7, 2025
7,5-8/10 jeszcze nie wiem
Ta książka to dokładnie to czym little stranger i haunting adeline chciało być czyli dobrym dark romansem. Smut w miare smaczny i nie ma go co drugą stronę, fabuła jest ciekawa, są małe plot twisty, jest dobry klimat. Ogólnie bardzo przyjemny dark bardzo dawno takiego nie czytałam. Siegne po resztę książek o tej rodzinie.
Wiadomo nie jest to perfekcja np ogromnym dla mnie minusem był styl pisania? Kończenia rozdziałów gdzie coś się dzieje i ta akcja która jest ciekawa jest po prostu ucieta i przeskakujemy w czasie nie wiedząc co się stało. Bardzo mi się to nie podobało bo miałam wrażenie że autorka trochę nie wiedziała jak te najtrudniejsze elementy napisać więc je pominęła a szkoda bo zawsze były najciekawsza rzeczy. Kolejny minus to duże podobieństwo do little stranger. Maski, przybrane rodzeństwo, plot twist z wiezieniem i skipem 2 lat, ruchanie z pająkiem, ruchanie przy martwym ciele i możliwe że więcej. Trochę średnio ://
Kolejny mały minus to właśnie to ruchanie przy ciele na karnawale gdzie jest 300 osób szukają cie dziwni ludzie a ty się ruchasz za namiotem? Dziwne to było dla mnie ogólnie czasami były takie małe niezrozumiale rzeczy jak np jesteście serial killerami i nie sprawdzacie ludzi wokół siebie? Ta książka powinna mieć 50-100 stron więcej i rozwinąć niektóre rzeczy zamiast skakać bez wyjaśnienia. Bawiłam się fajnie mimo wszystko
Ta książka to dokładnie to czym little stranger i haunting adeline chciało być czyli dobrym dark romansem. Smut w miare smaczny i nie ma go co drugą stronę, fabuła jest ciekawa, są małe plot twisty, jest dobry klimat. Ogólnie bardzo przyjemny dark bardzo dawno takiego nie czytałam. Siegne po resztę książek o tej rodzinie.
Wiadomo nie jest to perfekcja np ogromnym dla mnie minusem był styl pisania? Kończenia rozdziałów gdzie coś się dzieje i ta akcja która jest ciekawa jest po prostu ucieta i przeskakujemy w czasie nie wiedząc co się stało. Bardzo mi się to nie podobało bo miałam wrażenie że autorka trochę nie wiedziała jak te najtrudniejsze elementy napisać więc je pominęła a szkoda bo zawsze były najciekawsza rzeczy. Kolejny minus to duże podobieństwo do little stranger. Maski, przybrane rodzeństwo, plot twist z wiezieniem i skipem 2 lat, ruchanie z pająkiem, ruchanie przy martwym ciele i możliwe że więcej. Trochę średnio ://
Kolejny mały minus to właśnie to ruchanie przy ciele na karnawale gdzie jest 300 osób szukają cie dziwni ludzie a ty się ruchasz za namiotem? Dziwne to było dla mnie ogólnie czasami były takie małe niezrozumiale rzeczy jak np jesteście serial killerami i nie sprawdzacie ludzi wokół siebie? Ta książka powinna mieć 50-100 stron więcej i rozwinąć niektóre rzeczy zamiast skakać bez wyjaśnienia. Bawiłam się fajnie mimo wszystko
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
Rose has a one night stand and loses her v-card to a masked man at a carnival whilst drunk and begs him for it. Thing is, we hear of this incident from her in quick retrospect 2 years after. She then learns he's probably a serial unaliver. In present day, he comes to her again and they do the deed again. I feel like these encounters just happened so fast (by 15%in).
I would've liked getting to know Rose more first. I think a peologue of the first encounter would've been. Better to help establish things.
I didn't really connect with Rose. She's another fmc who claims to be a shy v1rgin, never does crazy stuff, but then drinks and has s3x with clown and does it again within minutes of him coming to her room 2 years later, then he's gone again. if she had been set up a bit better I would accepted the quickie with the clown but her claiming to be a "shy good girl" plus the fact the incident was told in hindsight, distanced me too much from the outset. I didn't believe her character's motivations.
Felt more erotica because of the aforementioned. I struggled to get through it since it felt like I didn't get a feel for who these characters were. This one just didn't do it for me unfortunately.
I would've liked getting to know Rose more first. I think a peologue of the first encounter would've been. Better to help establish things.
I didn't really connect with Rose. She's another fmc who claims to be a shy v1rgin, never does crazy stuff, but then drinks and has s3x with clown and does it again within minutes of him coming to her room 2 years later, then he's gone again. if she had been set up a bit better I would accepted the quickie with the clown but her claiming to be a "shy good girl" plus the fact the incident was told in hindsight, distanced me too much from the outset. I didn't believe her character's motivations.
Felt more erotica because of the aforementioned. I struggled to get through it since it felt like I didn't get a feel for who these characters were. This one just didn't do it for me unfortunately.
July 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Carnival” by Kat King is a fever dream of blood, obsession, and the kind of dark romance that crawls under your skin and stays there.
Rose has no memory of her past—but that doesn’t stop her from stepping into a carnival that will change her life forever. When she meets him, the clown with the dark eyes and twisted smile, she doesn’t know he’s a killer. All she knows is he sees her—really sees her—and takes what no one else ever has: her innocence.
And then it spirals.
Because James isn’t just a monster. He’s her monster.
This book is a mindf*ck in the best way. Twisted, raw, unflinching. The tension is feral, the chemistry is blinding, and the spice? It’s “can’t-breathe, need-a-break, wreck-me-in-the-best-way” level. Touch-her-and-die? More like worship-her-while-covered-in-blood.
James is dark. Dominant. Deadly. And everything a morally unhinged reader could want.
If you’re into:
• Obsession that hurts
• Killers with hearts (sort of)
• Virginal corruption
• Carnival freakshow energy
• And spice that’ll make you blush in a blackout—
Read. This. Book.
Kat King, you unhinged genius, I’ll never look at carnivals the same again. 🎪💀🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Carnival” by Kat King is a fever dream of blood, obsession, and the kind of dark romance that crawls under your skin and stays there.
Rose has no memory of her past—but that doesn’t stop her from stepping into a carnival that will change her life forever. When she meets him, the clown with the dark eyes and twisted smile, she doesn’t know he’s a killer. All she knows is he sees her—really sees her—and takes what no one else ever has: her innocence.
And then it spirals.
Because James isn’t just a monster. He’s her monster.
This book is a mindf*ck in the best way. Twisted, raw, unflinching. The tension is feral, the chemistry is blinding, and the spice? It’s “can’t-breathe, need-a-break, wreck-me-in-the-best-way” level. Touch-her-and-die? More like worship-her-while-covered-in-blood.
James is dark. Dominant. Deadly. And everything a morally unhinged reader could want.
If you’re into:
• Obsession that hurts
• Killers with hearts (sort of)
• Virginal corruption
• Carnival freakshow energy
• And spice that’ll make you blush in a blackout—
Read. This. Book.
Kat King, you unhinged genius, I’ll never look at carnivals the same again. 🎪💀🖤
July 26, 2025
First of I love the dedication.....am here James no more waiting 😝
The man is someone you don't want to have your back to
I got sucked in from the first page... there's so much mystery to pack
The name of this book is so vague about what you are going to unpack
it annoyed me that while she was worried the siblings where laughing and throwing jokes
oh my goodness I never expected that...I keep getting more about more shocked as it progressed...the tense
Why do they keep on keeping things from her, it's her life her mental health..
As much as they had her best interest in heart and doesn't want her to get hurt they didn't care if their method was hurting her and slowly eating her way
When she playful insulted him saying "you are such a psychopath" and he was like "yes that's the diagnosis" not know she didn't mean it that way made him adorable
rose girl you don't have to call the spider ugly just because you are scared 😂😂
Just when I thought I have figured it out I get smack in the face with another plot twist...I have to give it to the author, I didn't expect anything that happened in this book
I always look forward to Hudson and james banter
The man is someone you don't want to have your back to
I got sucked in from the first page... there's so much mystery to pack
The name of this book is so vague about what you are going to unpack
it annoyed me that while she was worried the siblings where laughing and throwing jokes
oh my goodness I never expected that...I keep getting more about more shocked as it progressed...the tense
Why do they keep on keeping things from her, it's her life her mental health..
As much as they had her best interest in heart and doesn't want her to get hurt they didn't care if their method was hurting her and slowly eating her way
When she playful insulted him saying "you are such a psychopath" and he was like "yes that's the diagnosis" not know she didn't mean it that way made him adorable
rose girl you don't have to call the spider ugly just because you are scared 😂😂
Just when I thought I have figured it out I get smack in the face with another plot twist...I have to give it to the author, I didn't expect anything that happened in this book
I always look forward to Hudson and james banter
July 21, 2025
Thank you Kat King for an advanced copy of this book!
The spooky vibes are on point! If you love your masked men unhinged and unapologetic James is the one for you! He gives 0 f*cks, he can and will act however he dang well pleases 😂
It is told from mainly Rose’s POV with a few from James’s POV scattered in there. While Rose is preeeetty morally light grey, James is completely morally black 😂 but she’s ok with that! It takes her a bit to come to terms with his brand of crazy but eventually she accepts him for him 🥰
We’ve got a bit of revenge plot and quite a few missions to recover/save her 😂 there��s always something going on that gets them closer to the resolution of it all. I’d say a medium amount of gore, and there is some spider play in there (never read that before and yet it worked 🤷🏽♀️).
That leads me to the spice! Oof 🥵 was there spice! Starts pretty early, defs a fast burn with a few chapters in between scenes (gotta get the plot in there somehow 😂). And a lot of primal play, some mask play, also the spiders in one scene.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
🖤🖤🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The spooky vibes are on point! If you love your masked men unhinged and unapologetic James is the one for you! He gives 0 f*cks, he can and will act however he dang well pleases 😂
It is told from mainly Rose’s POV with a few from James’s POV scattered in there. While Rose is preeeetty morally light grey, James is completely morally black 😂 but she’s ok with that! It takes her a bit to come to terms with his brand of crazy but eventually she accepts him for him 🥰
We’ve got a bit of revenge plot and quite a few missions to recover/save her 😂 there��s always something going on that gets them closer to the resolution of it all. I’d say a medium amount of gore, and there is some spider play in there (never read that before and yet it worked 🤷🏽♀️).
That leads me to the spice! Oof 🥵 was there spice! Starts pretty early, defs a fast burn with a few chapters in between scenes (gotta get the plot in there somehow 😂). And a lot of primal play, some mask play, also the spiders in one scene.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
🖤🖤🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️
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