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The Ending of Things: Kisses & Carnivals
One week before her wedding, Tasha Evans discovers her fiancé is cheating with a mutual friend. But she's not crying into her wedding planner—she's planning the perfect goodbye.
Brand manager Tasha finds the texts on Liam's phone at 2 a.m. Three years of making herself smaller, dimming her light, and bending to fit his perfect picture. All for a man callous enough to cheat with a mutual friend.
Instead of quietly canceling the wedding, Tasha makes a bold she'll attend their joint bachelor-bachelorette celebration at the state fair, where their relationship began. Not to pretend, but to reclaim her power with one unforgettable, public
"To Liam, who thought I'd never find out. ..."
What follows isn't just a breakup—it's a reclamation. A new apartment. Abandoned passions reignited. The launch of her own creative agency. With her fierce best friend Riley, analytical Priya, and emotional Hallie by her side, Tasha navigates confrontations with her ex, reconnects with her parents on more authentic terms, and rediscovers the woman she'd set aside for someone else's idea of a picture-perfect relationship.
Raw, empowering, and achingly relatable, "The Ending of Kisses & Carnivals" is a celebration of choosing yourself when life tears up the script. Because sometimes the most powerful love story isn't about finding love with someone else—it's about finally, unapologetically falling in love with your authentic self.
Brand manager Tasha finds the texts on Liam's phone at 2 a.m. Three years of making herself smaller, dimming her light, and bending to fit his perfect picture. All for a man callous enough to cheat with a mutual friend.
Instead of quietly canceling the wedding, Tasha makes a bold she'll attend their joint bachelor-bachelorette celebration at the state fair, where their relationship began. Not to pretend, but to reclaim her power with one unforgettable, public
"To Liam, who thought I'd never find out. ..."
What follows isn't just a breakup—it's a reclamation. A new apartment. Abandoned passions reignited. The launch of her own creative agency. With her fierce best friend Riley, analytical Priya, and emotional Hallie by her side, Tasha navigates confrontations with her ex, reconnects with her parents on more authentic terms, and rediscovers the woman she'd set aside for someone else's idea of a picture-perfect relationship.
Raw, empowering, and achingly relatable, "The Ending of Kisses & Carnivals" is a celebration of choosing yourself when life tears up the script. Because sometimes the most powerful love story isn't about finding love with someone else—it's about finally, unapologetically falling in love with your authentic self.
- GenresNovella
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2025
156 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 27, 2025
“We see what we want to see in the people we love. We fill in the blanks with our hopes instead of reality”
This quote is a big slap from reality to all of us who keep pouring our time and attention into the wrong person. That was poor Tasha, who was so easy to like and relate to. She placed Liam, her fiancé on a pedestal and ignored all her instincts that were telling her he wasn’t the one. I loved the big reveal Tasha planned with her BFF and how she got her brother and funnily her dad, as co conspirators. Chalk up her mom to another bad parent. Ugh I know there are mothers like that out there, I’m just happy it wasn’t my mom, or me as a mother. She was awful. Definitely a women’s empowerment tale and no second was chance given since shes vowed to getting back to who she was before him.
November 25, 2025
Entertaining revenge story—maybe less revenge and more controlling the narrative with the truth. She finds out he’s cheating a week before the wedding and plans to out the cheaters during a pre-wedding event.
She realizes she’s fit herself into his expectations and is ready to move on.
She realizes she’s fit herself into his expectations and is ready to move on.
September 26, 2025
wow, this guy was a total loser…
Tasha is engaged and planning to marry in just a few weeks. And she discovers that her fiancé is cheating with a friend of theirs. So naturally, she breaks it off. But in a really good way.
Again, not a romance. Women’s fiction is more like it. The ending is satisfying for her as an individual who is rediscovering herself. Well written also, with characters that are lifelike and could be people you know.
KU read. I liked this one. It portrays various aspects of relationships and how they work. I truly loved her friends, they were a hoot! And I adore her dad…
Tasha is engaged and planning to marry in just a few weeks. And she discovers that her fiancé is cheating with a friend of theirs. So naturally, she breaks it off. But in a really good way.
Again, not a romance. Women’s fiction is more like it. The ending is satisfying for her as an individual who is rediscovering herself. Well written also, with characters that are lifelike and could be people you know.
KU read. I liked this one. It portrays various aspects of relationships and how they work. I truly loved her friends, they were a hoot! And I adore her dad…
August 23, 2025
I want more
I need a "1 year" later chapter! Did she start her business? Did her and Marcus get together? I want more!
I need a "1 year" later chapter! Did she start her business? Did her and Marcus get together? I want more!
July 21, 2025
The Ending of Things: Kisses & Carnivals by C.G. Dixon is not a romance but is all about finding love within yourself. Tasha Evans is planning a wedding that will be the ultimate testimony of her love for her fiancé Liam. But when she finds out that Liam is carrying on an affair with someone in their friend group, Tasha is gutted. Tasha has for years diminished her hopes and dreams to fit into the dimensions and expectations of her family and friends. However, learning of Liam’s betrayal is the final straw and she decides to take her life into her own hands. This story was very uplifting and inspiring as we watch Tasha deconstruct her present situation and rise from the ashes.
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October 25, 2025
I enjoyed the structure, emotional learning and relationship developments in this book, as well as some nicely crafted narrative. This book is largely a celebration of chosen family and support network. Our heroine serves a nice dish of cold reality to her erstwhile groom and at the same time begins to face her own mistaken compliance with his control, manipulation and narcissistic behaviors. The secondary theme is rediscovery of self and determining your own future - I enjoyed the renegotiation of her relationship with her mother. Wish fulfillment? Absolutely yes. Revenge fantasy? Yes, but in a cozy way. A nice quick read and potential for HEA.
August 19, 2025
Really good strong FMC
I absolutely loved this story. She found out his betrayal and instead of just accepting it, she came up with a plan and in the end, not only did she leave him, she found herself again that she had lost due to him. Highly recommend this book!
I absolutely loved this story. She found out his betrayal and instead of just accepting it, she came up with a plan and in the end, not only did she leave him, she found herself again that she had lost due to him. Highly recommend this book!
August 18, 2025
Great book
This book is one of the best books I've read this year. Loved how strong the main character is and how she handled the betrayal. Great Job!
This book is one of the best books I've read this year. Loved how strong the main character is and how she handled the betrayal. Great Job!
August 18, 2025
Self discovery and growth
A great story of rediscovering and moving forward after betrayal. Well worth a read. No soppy love story of betrayal and grovel, just a woman rediscovering her self worth and moving forward
A great story of rediscovering and moving forward after betrayal. Well worth a read. No soppy love story of betrayal and grovel, just a woman rediscovering her self worth and moving forward
August 22, 2025
extremely enjoyable
I read this book in a matter of hours I lived the empowerment the author gave to the MFC and she found that empowerment within her self! Fantastic read kudos to the author or an amazing story!!!
I read this book in a matter of hours I lived the empowerment the author gave to the MFC and she found that empowerment within her self! Fantastic read kudos to the author or an amazing story!!!
August 22, 2025
Well done. Less the story of a cheating SoB than a young woman reclaiming herself and not being letting someone else break her. Two big thumbs up for this version of how to respond to scum sucking cheaters and their cheating ways.
August 19, 2025
great short read
This came at the perfect time for me in my life. It was a quick and perfect read on exactly what I needed. The women were wonderful and I loved the journey.
This came at the perfect time for me in my life. It was a quick and perfect read on exactly what I needed. The women were wonderful and I loved the journey.
August 21, 2025
Very heartfelt story
This was an enjoyable story to read. Not a traditional cheat and forgiveness storytelling. A story of reflection, honesty and choices.
This was an enjoyable story to read. Not a traditional cheat and forgiveness storytelling. A story of reflection, honesty and choices.
June 18, 2025
Reflection
Foremost, I commend Author C.G. Dixon and appreciated that “The Ending of Things: Kisses & Carnivals was socially & ethically ambiguous 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽. Tasha’s experience is/was/could be anyone’s story & everyone can relate to the calculated, destructive and manipulative tendencies of Liam. Nevertheless, “The Ending of Things: Kisses & Carnivals” was phenomenal‼️excellent‼️profound‼️riveting‼️hilarious‼️…& a gratifying read‼️ More so, ”The Ending of Things: Kisses & Carnivals” was an empowering & captivating display of how to graciously reclaim the autonomy of self and thrive beyond the boundaries imposed through the disillusionments orchestrated by contrived “fairytales”, “#” deceptions & “dm” imposters🤷🏾♀️. Ladies (when applicable men too), this book although entertaining is/was cautionary tale. While love, romance & relationships etc. are fantastic, there are charismatic predators co existing in our communities. Be vigilant, be mindful, be cognizant & stay focused on the authenticity of you🪞🥰‼️
Foremost, I commend Author C.G. Dixon and appreciated that “The Ending of Things: Kisses & Carnivals was socially & ethically ambiguous 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽. Tasha’s experience is/was/could be anyone’s story & everyone can relate to the calculated, destructive and manipulative tendencies of Liam. Nevertheless, “The Ending of Things: Kisses & Carnivals” was phenomenal‼️excellent‼️profound‼️riveting‼️hilarious‼️…& a gratifying read‼️ More so, ”The Ending of Things: Kisses & Carnivals” was an empowering & captivating display of how to graciously reclaim the autonomy of self and thrive beyond the boundaries imposed through the disillusionments orchestrated by contrived “fairytales”, “#” deceptions & “dm” imposters🤷🏾♀️. Ladies (when applicable men too), this book although entertaining is/was cautionary tale. While love, romance & relationships etc. are fantastic, there are charismatic predators co existing in our communities. Be vigilant, be mindful, be cognizant & stay focused on the authenticity of you🪞🥰‼️
June 13, 2025
I love this story!
This story was his from beginning to end. It held my attention the entire time—I was surprisingly enthralled! The premise and storyline were excellent. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
This story was his from beginning to end. It held my attention the entire time—I was surprisingly enthralled! The premise and storyline were excellent. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 12, 2025
I really enjoyed the strong spirit and reclaiming of woman power! This was about a woman taking back her power and not only picking herself up but recovering sense of self and all that she’d lost. We’ve all been there with a toxic narcissistic partner and well done to her for straightening her crown. The whole book I was like “You go Queen!”
January 12, 2026
This book was well written, it just wasn't for me. It's not really a narrative fiction story because the only narrative revolves around the main character continuously going on about finding herself and all of her friends and family giving her positive affirmations. Anything that is done to progress the story is done solely for that purpose. For example, the main character decides to start a business. We don't read anything about her actually starting this business, just people constantly praising how amazing her idea is. She decides to take up photography but again all we get by way of explanation is everyone telling her how unique her eye is and how talented she is. Everyone in her life seems to serve no purpose other than to heap praises on her all day and to handle all of the tasks that she doesn't want to handle herself.
The main narrative of the story is that the main character discovers that her fiancé is cheating a week before the wedding. She decides that instead of just ending the relationship when she found out, she is going to wait until a joint pre-wedding party at a fair to give a public toast ending the relationship. We get pages upon pages of everyone telling her how amazing her decision is but it was fine because we were building up to the actual event. But then after the speech happens, we still just keep getting pages upon pages about how amazing she is. And if someone is not telling her how amazing she is, she is just telling us all the things she abandoned doing in an effort to keep her seemingly perfect relationship. It was like a big self help speech masquerading as a fiction story. All the praise heaped on her was a little heavy handed. I just wasn't a fan.
The main narrative of the story is that the main character discovers that her fiancé is cheating a week before the wedding. She decides that instead of just ending the relationship when she found out, she is going to wait until a joint pre-wedding party at a fair to give a public toast ending the relationship. We get pages upon pages of everyone telling her how amazing her decision is but it was fine because we were building up to the actual event. But then after the speech happens, we still just keep getting pages upon pages about how amazing she is. And if someone is not telling her how amazing she is, she is just telling us all the things she abandoned doing in an effort to keep her seemingly perfect relationship. It was like a big self help speech masquerading as a fiction story. All the praise heaped on her was a little heavy handed. I just wasn't a fan.
September 5, 2025
I enjoyed reading this, but would have loved to have felt it too . Everything felt very mediocre, no anxiety, no angst and no pleasure. We are told that the h felt a certain way but never got to experience it. So why 3 stars? Mainly for the well thought out secondary characters. These bought the humour to the story and though not laugh out loud moments, they did make me chuckle. I loved the dad, makes me wonder if the author based him on someone close. I'd definitely recommend the book for a quick read that won't cause you to worry about having to deal with emotional after read residue.
November 15, 2025
2.75
First, it's a very surface level story. There's no emotional punch that drags you along with any character. The dialog was very stilted but the texts were fun.
Second, Operation Gift retrieval was a delight.
Third, The amount of times she asks, "why didn't you tell me?" is not a delight. It's also followed up by how she wouldn't have listened to which Tash easily agrees. The redundancy is off putting.
Lastly, how could Hallie have mock-ups when the girls didn't know about her idea for her business or that she was really considering making moves to make it happen?
Not a bad story but not good either. Quick filler read.
First, it's a very surface level story. There's no emotional punch that drags you along with any character. The dialog was very stilted but the texts were fun.
Second, Operation Gift retrieval was a delight.
Third, The amount of times she asks, "why didn't you tell me?" is not a delight. It's also followed up by how she wouldn't have listened to which Tash easily agrees. The redundancy is off putting.
Lastly, how could Hallie have mock-ups when the girls didn't know about her idea for her business or that she was really considering making moves to make it happen?
Not a bad story but not good either. Quick filler read.
September 13, 2025
Self Empowerment
Great read and an exceptional telling of a women’s strength and resilience. The emphasis on choosing peace instead of suffering and getting even, being non-conforming to what hurts a woman is so relevant and a breath of fresh air. Reading this story can restore hope for women who have lost themselves but are ready to be found again. I’m glad this was not like the average cheaters arc where the woman is shown as weak and forgives those who harmed her and they get back together. This story expresses that women don’t need men to validate them. Bravo!
Great read and an exceptional telling of a women’s strength and resilience. The emphasis on choosing peace instead of suffering and getting even, being non-conforming to what hurts a woman is so relevant and a breath of fresh air. Reading this story can restore hope for women who have lost themselves but are ready to be found again. I’m glad this was not like the average cheaters arc where the woman is shown as weak and forgives those who harmed her and they get back together. This story expresses that women don’t need men to validate them. Bravo!
July 29, 2025
I love the book cover and the story of a woman finding herself after losing herself on her way to be a Mrs.
Where is falls short for me is the response to discovering the affair between her fiance and a casual friend and her decision to proceed with a pre-wedding event. Her pivotal moment felt meh—unless, I missed it, we never discover why she felt compelled to pay for the neon wedding signage she commissioned. I think involving social media would have made a bigger and lasting impact.
Where is falls short for me is the response to discovering the affair between her fiance and a casual friend and her decision to proceed with a pre-wedding event. Her pivotal moment felt meh—unless, I missed it, we never discover why she felt compelled to pay for the neon wedding signage she commissioned. I think involving social media would have made a bigger and lasting impact.
September 9, 2025
Romance?
This book was well written…
However, that’s about all I can give it. There was no romance. I get the concept and looked forward to it but after a while it felt repetitive and started sounding more like a self-help and empowerment project. I skipped through some parts thinking it would get better or something other than the toast would happen but it literally just ended. Out of nowhere.
This book was well written…
However, that’s about all I can give it. There was no romance. I get the concept and looked forward to it but after a while it felt repetitive and started sounding more like a self-help and empowerment project. I skipped through some parts thinking it would get better or something other than the toast would happen but it literally just ended. Out of nowhere.
August 25, 2025
Found through a PPC app, since I hate when an author’s work is stolen from them, I go do my research and track down the original - Great story about reclaiming yourself - I really identified with some of Tasha’s reflections reclaiming oneself even tho my situation as a happily married mother is different…
August 27, 2025
Beautiful
This book was a beautiful story of rediscover. Tasha found her voice and power again. This book was a beautiful love letter to self. It was great reading about a black woman knowing her worth and not crumbling when her truths came out. She was able to feel all of her feelings, and her circle didn't make her feel like less. Beauty from ashes.
This book was a beautiful story of rediscover. Tasha found her voice and power again. This book was a beautiful love letter to self. It was great reading about a black woman knowing her worth and not crumbling when her truths came out. She was able to feel all of her feelings, and her circle didn't make her feel like less. Beauty from ashes.
September 19, 2025
Inspiration
This novel is kind of an inspiration for all women. It tells the story of a woman who was kind of under her fiancee's thumb but through a misstep in their relationship became single again.
The Ending of things show her reawakening as an individual, her struggles and more importantly her growth.
This novel is kind of an inspiration for all women. It tells the story of a woman who was kind of under her fiancee's thumb but through a misstep in their relationship became single again.
The Ending of things show her reawakening as an individual, her struggles and more importantly her growth.
October 22, 2025
Short and Sweet
This book literally had me laughing out loud and times and tears in others. There is so much to unpack in this story so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom. It speaks to life at the most complex level or relationships and how we function in them. Thank you for this book I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
This book literally had me laughing out loud and times and tears in others. There is so much to unpack in this story so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom. It speaks to life at the most complex level or relationships and how we function in them. Thank you for this book I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
November 22, 2025
Wonderful story of reclamation.
This story is wonderful. How a strong woman reclaimed her life after heartbreak.
She didn't let her heartbreak break her down, but build her up.
I highly recommend this book
it's an eye opener on how you can cope with a cheating ex, and the aftermath of a broken relationship.
Thank you C.G. Dixon on a wonderful story that touched my heart.
This story is wonderful. How a strong woman reclaimed her life after heartbreak.
She didn't let her heartbreak break her down, but build her up.
I highly recommend this book
it's an eye opener on how you can cope with a cheating ex, and the aftermath of a broken relationship.
Thank you C.G. Dixon on a wonderful story that touched my heart.
August 25, 2025
good but…
I absolutely hated the ending. It was as if something else should have happened. Ugh.
No second chance romance? I feel cheated. It was still a great read. Don’t mind me, I’m just a lover of romance.
I absolutely hated the ending. It was as if something else should have happened. Ugh.
No second chance romance? I feel cheated. It was still a great read. Don’t mind me, I’m just a lover of romance.
August 28, 2025
🫶🏽🫶🏽
Loved this betrayal and bounce back for the FMC! The circumstances didn’t define her and she came out like a shining star in the end. Appreciate the attempted grovel but absolutely loved the immediate shutdown on reconciliation.🌟
Loved this betrayal and bounce back for the FMC! The circumstances didn’t define her and she came out like a shining star in the end. Appreciate the attempted grovel but absolutely loved the immediate shutdown on reconciliation.🌟
September 5, 2025
Wonderful story
This was a great story that showed how a woman reclaimed her truth from the ashes of a relationship that was smothering out her flame. And reminded us all of the silent dads that are always there for us, even if they don't say it out loud.
This was a great story that showed how a woman reclaimed her truth from the ashes of a relationship that was smothering out her flame. And reminded us all of the silent dads that are always there for us, even if they don't say it out loud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews