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The Carnival
One night of fun turned into a nightmare.
As I was chilling with my roommates in an abandoned amusement park, something happened that completely changed the trajectory of my life.
Two masked men, one prey, and a game full of twisted, filthy pleasures.
Carnivals could be fun, but it seemed they weren't the best place to get chased in. Where could one hide and what could they find?
The carnival held its secrets, and after that night, it also held my biggest one - I seemed a lot more innocent than I was, especially when those two masked men took my innocence away.
"The Carnival" is a horror/thriller erotica intended for mature audiences only! It guarantees a HEA! This is a placeholder date!
As I was chilling with my roommates in an abandoned amusement park, something happened that completely changed the trajectory of my life.
Two masked men, one prey, and a game full of twisted, filthy pleasures.
Carnivals could be fun, but it seemed they weren't the best place to get chased in. Where could one hide and what could they find?
The carnival held its secrets, and after that night, it also held my biggest one - I seemed a lot more innocent than I was, especially when those two masked men took my innocence away.
"The Carnival" is a horror/thriller erotica intended for mature audiences only! It guarantees a HEA! This is a placeholder date!
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2025
9 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Steli Simeonova
20 books183 followersSteli Simeonova is a journalism student in the Netherlands. She loves books and art, and spends a lot of time creating both. Her favorite animals are cats (cause they are sassy just like her) and she has adopted more than a few in her life.
Other interests include watching Formula 1 and travelling, so right now, she's probably at some airport, with headphones in, listening to her music collection and enjoying some quiet time.
In her books you can find diverse pairs, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a variety of kinks (with primal being her favourite).
Other interests include watching Formula 1 and travelling, so right now, she's probably at some airport, with headphones in, listening to her music collection and enjoying some quiet time.
In her books you can find diverse pairs, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a variety of kinks (with primal being her favourite).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 21, 2025
Perfect for spooky season, this short, super steamy, dark, primal romance comes with a host of TWs but at its heart it’s not what it seems, so do with that what you will.
I enjoyed it, despite some head-scratching moments. I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m sharing my honest review.
I enjoyed it, despite some head-scratching moments. I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m sharing my honest review.
October 26, 2025
One night. Two masks. No going back.
Sparrow thinks her 21st birthday will be nothing more than weed, beers, and teasing banter with her roommates, Raven and Crow, at their favorite off-limits amusement park. But when the lights flicker and the shadows shift, something darker stirs. What starts as harmless fun becomes a game she never agreed to play, one that pushes her to confront the parts of herself she’s tried to ignore.
Masked strangers stalk her through broken rides and silent halls, knowing too much and getting too close. Her instincts scream run, but her body reacts with something far more complicated. When the masks fall, so does every illusion about what she wants and who she trusts.
Years later, the carnival stands tall again, rebuilt and fully theirs. So does their relationship. The fear, the fire, the trust, the thrill. What started in shadows becomes the foundation of something real. But even now, Sparrow still longs to be caught.
Sparrow grows from emotionally unsure to someone who owns her wants without apology. Raven reveals quiet dominance beneath his calm, while Crow shifts from chaos to steady, grounding care. Together, they drop the masks and meet each other as they are.
Their bond evolves from playful tension to dark intimacy, built on trust, surrender, and choice. What began as a game becomes a love rooted in control, desire, and deep connection.
A dark, steamy, MFM Halloween horror erotica with masked men, dubcon, primal play, humiliation, sword crossing, and a twisted throuple dynamic set in an abandoned amusement park turned haven. It explores fear, desire, control, fantasy, identity, intimacy, deception, and trust. It’s about surrendering to what you crave, confronting the parts of yourself you try to hide, and finding a love that doesn’t follow the rules but never lets you go.
The Elevator Pitch: A dark, steamy thrill ride set in an abandoned amusement park where masks hide more than faces and nothing goes as expected. What begins as a playful night spirals into a dangerous game of fear, lust, and power that changes everything. Twisted, intense, and unexpectedly tender, it's a story of surrender, discovery, and love that refuses to play by the rules.
Sparrow thinks her 21st birthday will be nothing more than weed, beers, and teasing banter with her roommates, Raven and Crow, at their favorite off-limits amusement park. But when the lights flicker and the shadows shift, something darker stirs. What starts as harmless fun becomes a game she never agreed to play, one that pushes her to confront the parts of herself she’s tried to ignore.
Masked strangers stalk her through broken rides and silent halls, knowing too much and getting too close. Her instincts scream run, but her body reacts with something far more complicated. When the masks fall, so does every illusion about what she wants and who she trusts.
Years later, the carnival stands tall again, rebuilt and fully theirs. So does their relationship. The fear, the fire, the trust, the thrill. What started in shadows becomes the foundation of something real. But even now, Sparrow still longs to be caught.
Sparrow grows from emotionally unsure to someone who owns her wants without apology. Raven reveals quiet dominance beneath his calm, while Crow shifts from chaos to steady, grounding care. Together, they drop the masks and meet each other as they are.
Their bond evolves from playful tension to dark intimacy, built on trust, surrender, and choice. What began as a game becomes a love rooted in control, desire, and deep connection.
A dark, steamy, MFM Halloween horror erotica with masked men, dubcon, primal play, humiliation, sword crossing, and a twisted throuple dynamic set in an abandoned amusement park turned haven. It explores fear, desire, control, fantasy, identity, intimacy, deception, and trust. It’s about surrendering to what you crave, confronting the parts of yourself you try to hide, and finding a love that doesn’t follow the rules but never lets you go.
The Elevator Pitch: A dark, steamy thrill ride set in an abandoned amusement park where masks hide more than faces and nothing goes as expected. What begins as a playful night spirals into a dangerous game of fear, lust, and power that changes everything. Twisted, intense, and unexpectedly tender, it's a story of surrender, discovery, and love that refuses to play by the rules.
October 27, 2025
The Carnival by Steli Simeonova is a dark, twisted blend of horror, thriller, and erotica that takes readers on a chilling ride through an abandoned amusement park where one night of fun turns into a nightmare. What begins as a carefree adventure with friends quickly spirals into a dangerous game of pursuit, secrets, and forbidden desires.
For a short story, The Carnival is surprisingly well-developed. Often, dark erotica can feel rushed or lack emotional depth, but Simeonova manages to balance atmosphere, tension, and character development in a way that feels both immersive and intentional. The pacing keeps you hooked, the writing is vivid, and the sense of danger lingers long after the final page.
This story isn’t for the faint of heart—it leans fully into its genre, offering a haunting, seductive experience meant for mature readers.
If you’re a fan of dark erotica with a horror twist, The Carnival is a perfect addition to your spooky season TBR. It’s eerie, provocative, and sure to keep you thinking long after the lights go out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For a short story, The Carnival is surprisingly well-developed. Often, dark erotica can feel rushed or lack emotional depth, but Simeonova manages to balance atmosphere, tension, and character development in a way that feels both immersive and intentional. The pacing keeps you hooked, the writing is vivid, and the sense of danger lingers long after the final page.
This story isn’t for the faint of heart—it leans fully into its genre, offering a haunting, seductive experience meant for mature readers.
If you’re a fan of dark erotica with a horror twist, The Carnival is a perfect addition to your spooky season TBR. It’s eerie, provocative, and sure to keep you thinking long after the lights go out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2025
📚 Book Review: The Carnival by Steli Simeonova 🎡🩸
Trigger warnings/tropes/kinks included — please review them before diving in!
“One night of fun turned into a nightmare.” — That first line had me hooked immediately, and the chills didn’t stop there.
On the night of Sparrow’s 21st birthday, instead of throwing a party or going to the bar, she and her roommates Raven and Crow decide to visit their secret spot — an old, abandoned amusement park said to be cursed. What was supposed to be a quiet, celebration quickly spirals into something dark, twisted, and unforgettable. This night will change Sparrow’s life forever.
This book perfectly blends horror, suspense, and spice — a haunting carnival ride from start to finish. Steli Simeonova creates an atmosphere so vivid and eerie you can practically hear the rusted rides creaking and feel the danger lurking behind every shadow.
If you’re looking for a spicy horror thriller that will keep your heart pounding and your mind racing, The Carnival is the perfect read to add to your October lineup. 🎠🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Chilling, thrilling, and sinfully dark.
Trigger warnings/tropes/kinks included — please review them before diving in!
“One night of fun turned into a nightmare.” — That first line had me hooked immediately, and the chills didn’t stop there.
On the night of Sparrow’s 21st birthday, instead of throwing a party or going to the bar, she and her roommates Raven and Crow decide to visit their secret spot — an old, abandoned amusement park said to be cursed. What was supposed to be a quiet, celebration quickly spirals into something dark, twisted, and unforgettable. This night will change Sparrow’s life forever.
This book perfectly blends horror, suspense, and spice — a haunting carnival ride from start to finish. Steli Simeonova creates an atmosphere so vivid and eerie you can practically hear the rusted rides creaking and feel the danger lurking behind every shadow.
If you’re looking for a spicy horror thriller that will keep your heart pounding and your mind racing, The Carnival is the perfect read to add to your October lineup. 🎠🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Chilling, thrilling, and sinfully dark.
October 27, 2025
Crow, Raven and Sparrow are roommates who head to a deserted carnival. When Sparrow heads to the washroom, she notices a Guy Fawkes masked man and knows she needs to run and hide.
This is a "cute" (in a darker romance type of way), quick yet steamy read with lots of primal play. I liked the way the MCs connected and how we saw a little glimpse of the past.
If you enjoy novellas that have masked men (MFM) who tell you to "run," that takes place at an abandoned amusement park, then I would suggest this book!
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 4 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Crow, Raven, & Sparrow
Darkness: 1 out of 5 🖤
Type of book: MFM, 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novella
Title: The Carnival
Ending Type: HEA
*Dominant MMCs
*Dub Con
*O control
*Primal Play
*Humiliation/Degredation/Praise
*MFM
*Abandoned Carnival
*No cheating or sharing outside the relationship
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
This is a "cute" (in a darker romance type of way), quick yet steamy read with lots of primal play. I liked the way the MCs connected and how we saw a little glimpse of the past.
If you enjoy novellas that have masked men (MFM) who tell you to "run," that takes place at an abandoned amusement park, then I would suggest this book!
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 4 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Crow, Raven, & Sparrow
Darkness: 1 out of 5 🖤
Type of book: MFM, 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novella
Title: The Carnival
Ending Type: HEA
*Dominant MMCs
*Dub Con
*O control
*Primal Play
*Humiliation/Degredation/Praise
*MFM
*Abandoned Carnival
*No cheating or sharing outside the relationship
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
October 30, 2025
🎪🎪🎪.5/5
🌶🌶/5
3 Roomates, one creepy carnival, a 21st birthday, and a dark smutty night.
On the night of Sparrows 21st birthday, her roommates, Crow and Raven, have a surprise for her at their usual hangout place. The old rundown carnival, said to be haunted, where things will quickly turn primal. Where Sparrow will be left questioning her sanity and reality from dream.
This novella was pure primal spice, thriller horror with a mix of romance, and MFM, with a tiny bit of mm. I will admit, it was hard to follow at times and I did find myself having to reread certain parts. It was also very discriptive and emersive, to the point I could vividly imagine exactly what was happening. It was the perfect quick read for the spooky season!
🌶🌶/5
3 Roomates, one creepy carnival, a 21st birthday, and a dark smutty night.
On the night of Sparrows 21st birthday, her roommates, Crow and Raven, have a surprise for her at their usual hangout place. The old rundown carnival, said to be haunted, where things will quickly turn primal. Where Sparrow will be left questioning her sanity and reality from dream.
This novella was pure primal spice, thriller horror with a mix of romance, and MFM, with a tiny bit of mm. I will admit, it was hard to follow at times and I did find myself having to reread certain parts. It was also very discriptive and emersive, to the point I could vividly imagine exactly what was happening. It was the perfect quick read for the spooky season!
October 24, 2025
A nice spicy Halloween story that has some well-done twists and turns you don’t see coming, as well as some you do. This was a fast-paced read where once you sit down and get into it, you’ll keep reading it to the end. This is told in the single pov of Sparrow yet done in such a way that you still get the feel and understanding of Raven and Crow. The carnival setting is immersive and adds to the dark, primal, scare factor. It was a little confusing to follow sometimes to where I had to re-read a few parts, but this has a good dose of suspense, emotion and lots of spice. "This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."
October 30, 2025
My oh my, this was darkly erotic . . . dubcon predator-and-prey drama amidst the ruins of a haunted amusement park. Steli establishes her characters, sets the tone, and builds the backstory quickly, then builds upon all of that, upping the sensuality alongside the tension. As readers, we figure out the secrets of the masked men before she does, making the dubcon aspect a little more palatable, and once it all begins to twist around the reveal, I love what she does to bring it all to a close and deliver on the emotions.
October 30, 2025
This was dark and sexy. Two things I love reading from Steli. You get Sparrow, Raven and Crow. I call them the little birds. They sneak into an abandoned carnival to celebrate sparrow 21st birthday. That is where the naughty fun happens and I loved it. Because it’s close to Halloween I fell right into this. I felt like I was there. And Raven and Crow are everything plus more. I had a great time reading this. Super hot and spicy.
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.
December 18, 2025
This is a very atmospheric stalker/chase erotic horror. The atmosphere is provided by an abandoned carnival at night (seriously, can a masked chase get a better location than that?).
Sparrow is out for some weed-infused fun with her two roomies Raven and Crow in a derelict carnival they had found. Then she finds herself alone and being chased by two masked figures. When she is (as she must be) caught then it all escalates. And, sure, things are not what they seem either.
Very erotic, very tense -- great stuff indeed. A short and wonderful story.
Sparrow is out for some weed-infused fun with her two roomies Raven and Crow in a derelict carnival they had found. Then she finds herself alone and being chased by two masked figures. When she is (as she must be) caught then it all escalates. And, sure, things are not what they seem either.
Very erotic, very tense -- great stuff indeed. A short and wonderful story.
October 23, 2025
This was a short, spicy, perfect for Halloween read!!!
Filled with chase scenes, horror or scare scenes, primal aspects, CNC or rape fantasy and all sorts of dirty, delicious things!!!
Raven, Crow and Sparrow were made for each other. Whatever Sparrow wants Raven and Crow will give it to her.
I loved their dynamic and the way the story flowed.
Wish I had 2 hot guys to bring me to an abandoned amusement park and act out my dirty fantasies!!
Check ur triggers and buckle up for a HOT ride!!
Filled with chase scenes, horror or scare scenes, primal aspects, CNC or rape fantasy and all sorts of dirty, delicious things!!!
Raven, Crow and Sparrow were made for each other. Whatever Sparrow wants Raven and Crow will give it to her.
I loved their dynamic and the way the story flowed.
Wish I had 2 hot guys to bring me to an abandoned amusement park and act out my dirty fantasies!!
Check ur triggers and buckle up for a HOT ride!!
October 25, 2025
Three roommates end up at an abandoned carnaval. This short steamy book comes with trigger warnings and they are necessary. This dark book is full of spice. There is a three person relationship (MFM) and some darker moments. This book is full of suspense and has a certain scare factor but has a HEA. If you like dark, suspense and loaded with steam, this book will be a great fit.
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.
October 27, 2025
Spice: 5/5
Genre: Halloween Horror, Novella, Masked Men, Dark Horror Romance
Content Warnings: Lots, please read CW
ARC Source: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoughts: Steli Simeonova’s The Carnival is not for everyone or the faint of heart. It’s a quick, fast paced novella that often blurs the boundaries between fear and desire. If you’re looking for a dark, psychological, heart pounding, “fun” October read, check out this novella.
Genre: Halloween Horror, Novella, Masked Men, Dark Horror Romance
Content Warnings: Lots, please read CW
ARC Source: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoughts: Steli Simeonova’s The Carnival is not for everyone or the faint of heart. It’s a quick, fast paced novella that often blurs the boundaries between fear and desire. If you’re looking for a dark, psychological, heart pounding, “fun” October read, check out this novella.
November 2, 2025
The old dilapidated carnival site was rumored to be haunted. It's also their favorite place to hang out. When the boys step out to grab her birthday present she suddenly finds herself in the middle of a living nightmare. This book is full of primal chasing as well as other adult fun with a very dark theme. It all wraps up with a fantastic HEA at the end.
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.
October 26, 2025
It's fun, spicy and perfect for spooky season! I've praised Steli's writing more than once, but she is a pure mastermind. The way she writes is just amazing and it sucks you in. This story was so my thing, but there were was a moment (like once or twice) that didn't float my boat.
Thank you Booksprout and the author for this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it! 4.5⭐️
Thank you Booksprout and the author for this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it! 4.5⭐️
October 29, 2025
Part of the Chasing In The Dark series, The Carnival is an erotic horror that’s deliciously spicy! Sparrow along with her roommates Crow and Raven, head to an abandoned carnival for a birthday celebration on Halloween. Ish gets twisted and dark, but it’s super fun to read!.
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.
October 31, 2025
The Carnival is part of the Chasing In The Dark series. This is a dark erotic short story that is thrilling, steamy, intense, suspenseful and enjoyable to read. The characters were ruthless, spicy, fierce, and likable. I enjoyed this dark romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2025
This was a short and really spicy story. It was a bit spooky and I liked the abandoned carnival setting although I was rolling my eyes at how Sparrow did not suspect a thing. The ending was just perfect though.
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 8, 2025
Definitely for mature audiences - spicy, erotic, uncomfortable. This was a quick read but the author pulls you in from the beginning, with the descriptions I felt like I was actually there. This book could fall under so many categories that I would hate to have to catalog it. All I can say is, READ IT!.
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 9, 2025
I think because this is fiction it opens me up to be able to enjoy it more. Because it opens your mind to dark fantasies without any real life consequences. I also found the book to be super romantic. You'll have to read the book to understand what I mean because I don't want to give away the 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.
November 12, 2025
Edgy and Erotic
Sparrow visits an abandoned carnival with her roommates Raven and Crow when they are separated. Then, men with masks begin their chase… This story is a bit mid in terms of both horror and erotica, but some of the scenes are hot enough (so long as all disbelief is suspended). Overall, I enjoyed it well enough.
Sparrow visits an abandoned carnival with her roommates Raven and Crow when they are separated. Then, men with masks begin their chase… This story is a bit mid in terms of both horror and erotica, but some of the scenes are hot enough (so long as all disbelief is suspended). Overall, I enjoyed it well enough.
October 24, 2025
Sparrow, Raven and Crow are roomates who go to the carnival and when Sparrow gets seperated from the guys, she finds herself chased by two masked men! Well written engaging steamy desires, dark themes, stalker MFM and more!
October 25, 2025
Story 4.25 ⭐️
Spice 5 🌶️
Sparrow gets chased through an abandoned amusement park by 2 masked men who have their way with her as they catch her.
This is a fun erotic short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spice 5 🌶️
Sparrow gets chased through an abandoned amusement park by 2 masked men who have their way with her as they catch her.
This is a fun erotic short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2025
There's a lot going on here. Make sure you're into dark themed stories to get the most enjoyment out of it. It's a good story and has a lot of dark creativity to it.
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.
October 28, 2025
Story is defiantly of the dark erotic genre. Enjoyed how characters built up to the plot and conclusion. Was hoping for a epilogue to be included.
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.
October 28, 2025
I enjoyed read this book I couldn’t put it down turning the pages. I thought the story was interesting and was well written that kept you reading. I can’t wait to read from Steli Simeonova. I recommend.
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.
October 29, 2025
A short story perfect for spooky season reading!!! A dark and steamy story with a robust menu (trigger warnings). An adventure to an abandoned amusement park turns into primal chase with lots of scares. This was a suspenseful and dirty story that was an absolute delight to read!
November 3, 2025
I freaking love this book. It had everything you could want in it. Horror suspense, romance, twist, and turns. It’s definitely worth reading. I highly recommend it.
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 3, 2025
A spooky little Halloween themed read with Sparrow and her men, Raven and Crow. With two masked men and some twisted games, this is a sexy little read done as only Steli can.
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 8, 2025
Another deliciously dark and twisted love story in the series. You will be sucking to every page. Devour all her books.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews