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Dream in Darkness
The night is young, and you’re a winner. Enter the tent, become a sinner.
Yasmeena Al-Khalifa joined Hel’s Carnival as a means to an end, escaping the harsh conditions of Ira. Now that she’s a spy for The Devil’s Masquerade, she’s seeing more blood and death than she initially bargained for.
It’s a dog eat dog world, except the biggest enemy of the felion… are wolves.
Tempest Lupine—daughter of the leader of Pack Escalus—must pair up with Yasmeena for the performance of a a fake engagement, designed to bring their two warring species together.
As the battle between the felion and lupion continues, can Yasmeena and Tempest extinguish their fiery hate? Or will their flames grow into an inferno?
These violent delights might just meet a violent end.
Yasmeena Al-Khalifa joined Hel’s Carnival as a means to an end, escaping the harsh conditions of Ira. Now that she’s a spy for The Devil’s Masquerade, she’s seeing more blood and death than she initially bargained for.
It’s a dog eat dog world, except the biggest enemy of the felion… are wolves.
Tempest Lupine—daughter of the leader of Pack Escalus—must pair up with Yasmeena for the performance of a a fake engagement, designed to bring their two warring species together.
As the battle between the felion and lupion continues, can Yasmeena and Tempest extinguish their fiery hate? Or will their flames grow into an inferno?
These violent delights might just meet a violent end.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 21, 2026
Yasmeena and Tempest both had oodles of trauma, but from very different sources. Tempest had a horrid abusive father and a lot of blocked out memories. Yasmeena clawed her and her brother’s way out of indentured servitude to carve a better life for themselves. Both had plenty of anger and biases. Yasmeena was fierce and passionate, but also able to make decisions with a level head. Tempest was cold and tended to snap, but also able to change her perspective over time. The world they existed in was dark and full of intrigue and betrayals. They had to fight both their inner demons and the outside world for their HEA.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: alcohol use and mentions of drug use, PTSD, nightmares and flashbacks of childhood abuse and neglect, sexual harassment and catcalling, mention of rape, SA, and serial rapist, graphic violence, fist fighting, explosions, murder, patricide, gore, hospitalization, active political conflict, mentions of indentured servitude, government mistreatment of citizens, death of parents (past), poverty of side characters including children, mention of self harm and scars, top surgery scars, mention of pregnancy (side character), mention of infertility (side character)
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: alcohol use and mentions of drug use, PTSD, nightmares and flashbacks of childhood abuse and neglect, sexual harassment and catcalling, mention of rape, SA, and serial rapist, graphic violence, fist fighting, explosions, murder, patricide, gore, hospitalization, active political conflict, mentions of indentured servitude, government mistreatment of citizens, death of parents (past), poverty of side characters including children, mention of self harm and scars, top surgery scars, mention of pregnancy (side character), mention of infertility (side character)
May 3, 2026
ARC review
From the cover art to the story inside, everything about this book is a delight. There’s rich lore and world building, enemies to lovers forced proximity sapphic love, so much queer representation and complex politics - all set in a sexy dangerous carnival.
* note this is the 2nd in a series and you’ll definitely want to read the first to truly understand the overriding plot threads and character backgrounds! Also, the first was just as good.
This is a rich world with multiple factions and rulers. Trans, ace and queer rep galore and it’s all delivered beautifully. There’s prejudice in this world, but it’s based on race and class and it’s a huge part of the plot.
The set up worked so well to introduce us to both characters. It’s dual POV and we get insight into the trauma that both Tempest and Yasmeena have suffered and to their motivations. I really loved seeing their relationship grow - and the tension between them ramp up - as they rehearse their performance for the carnival.
Tempest - fierce, sweet, vulnerable Tempest - goes through so much over the course of the story. She’s forced to confront not just her own feelings but the trauma and abuse of her past and the very real betrayals that are done TO her and demanded OF her in the present.
And Yasmeena - so much strength and patience. She bends like a willow but keeps her roots strong.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series where we - FINALLY- get Luc’s story (I hope!).
Thanks so much to the author for the review copy.
From the cover art to the story inside, everything about this book is a delight. There’s rich lore and world building, enemies to lovers forced proximity sapphic love, so much queer representation and complex politics - all set in a sexy dangerous carnival.
* note this is the 2nd in a series and you’ll definitely want to read the first to truly understand the overriding plot threads and character backgrounds! Also, the first was just as good.
This is a rich world with multiple factions and rulers. Trans, ace and queer rep galore and it’s all delivered beautifully. There’s prejudice in this world, but it’s based on race and class and it’s a huge part of the plot.
The set up worked so well to introduce us to both characters. It’s dual POV and we get insight into the trauma that both Tempest and Yasmeena have suffered and to their motivations. I really loved seeing their relationship grow - and the tension between them ramp up - as they rehearse their performance for the carnival.
Tempest - fierce, sweet, vulnerable Tempest - goes through so much over the course of the story. She’s forced to confront not just her own feelings but the trauma and abuse of her past and the very real betrayals that are done TO her and demanded OF her in the present.
And Yasmeena - so much strength and patience. She bends like a willow but keeps her roots strong.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series where we - FINALLY- get Luc’s story (I hope!).
Thanks so much to the author for the review copy.
May 6, 2026
This world just keeps getting better! Thank you to the author for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First, let me say that I loved being back in this world and seeing so much of Draven and Gemma! I love their dynamic and it feels like visiting family reading about this world again.
Now , I have to say I loved Dream in Darkness! I loved the tension, the fleeting moments that lead to so much more, the friendships and relationships being built, the brutal resolutions to several characters and even the politics! I hope with the potential novella and book 3 we get to see many more positive resolutions throughout Hel.
Tempest is a firecracker that’s been squashed (often violently) throughout her life. Yasmeena is exceptional, wants everyone to be safe and at peace. Their connection from the start was sizzling and it just kept getting hotter throughout. Having an arranged marriage brought them closer and who doesn’t love forced proximity;).
Im hoping we get to see more of these two in the next books (and the others!) Well written and perfectly paced imo. Highly recommend!!
First, let me say that I loved being back in this world and seeing so much of Draven and Gemma! I love their dynamic and it feels like visiting family reading about this world again.
Now , I have to say I loved Dream in Darkness! I loved the tension, the fleeting moments that lead to so much more, the friendships and relationships being built, the brutal resolutions to several characters and even the politics! I hope with the potential novella and book 3 we get to see many more positive resolutions throughout Hel.
Tempest is a firecracker that’s been squashed (often violently) throughout her life. Yasmeena is exceptional, wants everyone to be safe and at peace. Their connection from the start was sizzling and it just kept getting hotter throughout. Having an arranged marriage brought them closer and who doesn’t love forced proximity;).
Im hoping we get to see more of these two in the next books (and the others!) Well written and perfectly paced imo. Highly recommend!!
June 26, 2026
Romeo & Juliet (kinda) x Demons x Circus x fake engagement
I was going to save this until the 3rd book comes out October, but decided Pride Month was the perfect time to read to this.
It’s two years after the events of Dance for Demkns and the luipon and felion “war” has reached a boiling point.
I do love this world, we got extra exposition lore about the various creatures and I did enjoy the politicking parts of the story. Again on the nose relating to the real world, but it was done well. The two year time jump kinda works cause Tempest’s dad has been PLANNING HIS REVENGE for the cousin’s “murder” in book 1.
Some stuff was so silly like Tempest’s pack leader father is named CAIN so of course his brother is named ABEL. His brother who he overthrew to become the Alpha. Also - one of the pack’s last name is CAPULET. Pack Escalus is another R&J reference.
I bought the relationship progression between the two. The push/pull of an arranged engagement when you are attracted to each other but it’s for POLITICS and oh yeah you’re supposed to kill the head of your new family.
Honestly - that ending INFURIATED ME. I had to knock .25⭐️ for that obituary as an ending, which frankly feels lazy, because the set up in the content warnings was the serial r*pist gets it and that’s what we got! AND BECAUSE I KNOW, we’re gonna get flashbacks to what happened in book 3. I know it’s the only way for Lillian and Luc to get together and it just reeks of plot device to have a 3rd act breakups or Luc feeling guilty and having a crushing reveal scene. Also - why can’t you tell Lillian her husband is a SERIAL RAPIST, like abortion has gotta be a thing in this world. Why would she want to have his baby if she knew - even if she had been trying. Uggh.
Despite the above - I’m ready for book 3, it’s been basically set up perfectly and will be seeking out Rose Santoriello other books. They seem right up my alley.
‘This place might be called The Cathedral, but there are no saints here.’
Things are starting to get tense between the felion and the lupion, but I wouldn’t have wished death on anyone, especially not an innocent bystander.
One of her thick biceps is covered in tattooed swirls, the other an enchanting scene with trees and a single glowing moon. It’s always stricken me as odd that lupion use one, singular moon in all of their symbolism, given that we have two moons, but I let go of the thought, trying to have fun with my friends.
What should’ve been a fun birthday celebration has turned into an all-out brawl. It’s madness and melee as the Cathedral’s employees attempt to break up the fight. Maybe if a felion hadn’t killed a lupion this week, this wouldn’t be happening. Or maybe it would. It’s hard to tell anymore.
One Haeresis Plaza, reads the sign out front as we make our way inside the looming skyscraper. It’s been two years since I became a spy for The Devil himself, but it still feels wrong waltzing in here like I own the place.
I don’t have much dirt on The Devil, but if you asked me his weakness, I’d say it’s my best friend. Lilian. He loves his brother Raph, and it’s clear he cares deeply for Draven and Gemma, but there’s something about the way every hair on his body shoots up at the mere mention of her that gives it away. I don’t intend to betray my king, and I would never do anything to put Lilian at risk, but if I were someone else… she’s who I’d use as bait against him.
It’s asinine that anyone thinks we came over to steal resources. Every felion I know that’s come over to Haeresis in the last few years escaped. Khalid and I didn’t ask to be here, but we didn’t have much of a choice. Our parents died. We were lucky
“No, we need a unified symbol. A felion-lupion hybrid?” Draven suggests, and a shudder racks my entire body. Gemma and Reina look up at me with wide eyes. “That would take too long,” Luc says, having been quiet these last few minutes. “What about a marriage pact?” “A marriage pact between an important lupion and an important felion might just do the trick,” I agree. “But who?”
Honestly, life and death continue to surprise me.
That was until my cousin was brutally murdered by The Devil’s Masquerade. Now the expectation falls on me to take over when my father is no longer capable.
No, not just a dream. A memory. It’s how I got my magic. I may not always agree with my father’s decisions, but this one was wise.
While there are few things illegal on Hel, that doesn’t mean society just allows anything to happen. There are silent rules and expectations, and The Cathedral is the shield my father uses to get away with heinous acts—like selling atra or working for and against political organizations.
“People who joke about scars have never been cut. It’s easier to make light of someone’s pain when you’ve never felt it,” she says, her voice comforting. “Regardless, your tattoos are beautiful.”
The entire reason for this turf war between our species is that we’re all fighting for hunting territory; maybe I can bring it up, ease some of this negative energy festering between us and transform it into something more positive. Our common goal. “Do you think this war will have long term effects on your people?”
“Good,” I say, licking my lips. “Lupion can smell things like arousal. My pack and others would be able to tell if we’ve never so much as touched. The bite just adds to the ruse.” She’s panting heavily, staring in perplexed silence. That bite was one of the hottest things I’ve ever experienced, and a small part of me hopes she feels the same way.
“Is there anything you like about her?” “She’s strong-willed and determined. And she’s pretty easy on the eyes,” I confess, and Lilian gasps like I’ve just said something scandalous. “What?!” “You’re attracted to your fiancé!” “Is that a crime?” “No, it’s a good thing.”
“I think I’m afraid of anything permanent because all I’ve ever known is change and death,” he admits, and it hurts my heart, because it’s true.
We are The Devil’s Masquerade, and nothing will stop us. Not even love.
Uri cracks his knuckles. “Legally, you cannot murder anyone who cannot or may not be able to fend for themselves, including but not limited to people with disabilities, children, and the elderly. You also cannot sexually assault anyone. Tyranny is also illegal, as well as—” “Is indentured servitude on the list?” Josina asks. “No.” Uri frowns. “So we’ll add an amendment,” Raph suggests, a big goofy smile on his face, and my heart skips a beat. “That’s what the government is for, right?”
Yasmeena’s deep tan skin blushes pink, as she lazily saunters towards me. “If we’re really going to sell this whole engagement, I think your mouth should taste like me, too.”
It’s too much. I moan, my entire body melting as I feel her explore me with her tongue.
“You shouldn’t kiss me,” she says. I shrug, looking at her lips. “Why not?” “You can’t—I thought the rule was we wouldn’t kiss?” “I made the rule, I decide when it changes,” I say, pulling her back into me as she smiles. This time, she doesn’t protest.
Look at what your pack has done.” “I will. I promise.” Yasmeena stands and puts out the lantern, leaving me in the dark. “Don’t become whatever monster they want to make of you. Forge your own path.”
“Permission to do whatever I want to you? To make you a better aerialist, of course,” she says, her voice sounding coy. “Of course.” I give her a smirk.
This constant push and pull is draining. Yasmeena isn’t good for me. Not if I’m going to follow my father’s orders and kill Draven.
“Princess, what the fuck is going on?” “My father wants me to kill you,” she says, and shock moves through my body in waves. Gradual at first, but eventually it threatens to drown me. I furrow my brows and shrug. “Okay, well, did you tell him to fuck off?”
I don’t fully understand Draven’s magic. Unlike those of us with atra markings, demon and half-demon power isn’t tied to an element; it’s untethered.
I was going to save this until the 3rd book comes out October, but decided Pride Month was the perfect time to read to this.
It’s two years after the events of Dance for Demkns and the luipon and felion “war” has reached a boiling point.
I do love this world, we got extra exposition lore about the various creatures and I did enjoy the politicking parts of the story. Again on the nose relating to the real world, but it was done well. The two year time jump kinda works cause Tempest’s dad has been PLANNING HIS REVENGE for the cousin’s “murder” in book 1.
Some stuff was so silly like Tempest’s pack leader father is named CAIN so of course his brother is named ABEL. His brother who he overthrew to become the Alpha. Also - one of the pack’s last name is CAPULET. Pack Escalus is another R&J reference.
I bought the relationship progression between the two. The push/pull of an arranged engagement when you are attracted to each other but it’s for POLITICS and oh yeah you’re supposed to kill the head of your new family.
Honestly - that ending INFURIATED ME. I had to knock .25⭐️ for that obituary as an ending, which frankly feels lazy, because the set up in the content warnings was the serial r*pist gets it and that’s what we got! AND BECAUSE I KNOW, we’re gonna get flashbacks to what happened in book 3. I know it’s the only way for Lillian and Luc to get together and it just reeks of plot device to have a 3rd act breakups or Luc feeling guilty and having a crushing reveal scene. Also - why can’t you tell Lillian her husband is a SERIAL RAPIST, like abortion has gotta be a thing in this world. Why would she want to have his baby if she knew - even if she had been trying. Uggh.
Despite the above - I’m ready for book 3, it’s been basically set up perfectly and will be seeking out Rose Santoriello other books. They seem right up my alley.
‘This place might be called The Cathedral, but there are no saints here.’
Things are starting to get tense between the felion and the lupion, but I wouldn’t have wished death on anyone, especially not an innocent bystander.
One of her thick biceps is covered in tattooed swirls, the other an enchanting scene with trees and a single glowing moon. It’s always stricken me as odd that lupion use one, singular moon in all of their symbolism, given that we have two moons, but I let go of the thought, trying to have fun with my friends.
What should’ve been a fun birthday celebration has turned into an all-out brawl. It’s madness and melee as the Cathedral’s employees attempt to break up the fight. Maybe if a felion hadn’t killed a lupion this week, this wouldn’t be happening. Or maybe it would. It’s hard to tell anymore.
One Haeresis Plaza, reads the sign out front as we make our way inside the looming skyscraper. It’s been two years since I became a spy for The Devil himself, but it still feels wrong waltzing in here like I own the place.
I don’t have much dirt on The Devil, but if you asked me his weakness, I’d say it’s my best friend. Lilian. He loves his brother Raph, and it’s clear he cares deeply for Draven and Gemma, but there’s something about the way every hair on his body shoots up at the mere mention of her that gives it away. I don’t intend to betray my king, and I would never do anything to put Lilian at risk, but if I were someone else… she’s who I’d use as bait against him.
It’s asinine that anyone thinks we came over to steal resources. Every felion I know that’s come over to Haeresis in the last few years escaped. Khalid and I didn’t ask to be here, but we didn’t have much of a choice. Our parents died. We were lucky
“No, we need a unified symbol. A felion-lupion hybrid?” Draven suggests, and a shudder racks my entire body. Gemma and Reina look up at me with wide eyes. “That would take too long,” Luc says, having been quiet these last few minutes. “What about a marriage pact?” “A marriage pact between an important lupion and an important felion might just do the trick,” I agree. “But who?”
Honestly, life and death continue to surprise me.
That was until my cousin was brutally murdered by The Devil’s Masquerade. Now the expectation falls on me to take over when my father is no longer capable.
No, not just a dream. A memory. It’s how I got my magic. I may not always agree with my father’s decisions, but this one was wise.
While there are few things illegal on Hel, that doesn’t mean society just allows anything to happen. There are silent rules and expectations, and The Cathedral is the shield my father uses to get away with heinous acts—like selling atra or working for and against political organizations.
“People who joke about scars have never been cut. It’s easier to make light of someone’s pain when you’ve never felt it,” she says, her voice comforting. “Regardless, your tattoos are beautiful.”
The entire reason for this turf war between our species is that we’re all fighting for hunting territory; maybe I can bring it up, ease some of this negative energy festering between us and transform it into something more positive. Our common goal. “Do you think this war will have long term effects on your people?”
“Good,” I say, licking my lips. “Lupion can smell things like arousal. My pack and others would be able to tell if we’ve never so much as touched. The bite just adds to the ruse.” She’s panting heavily, staring in perplexed silence. That bite was one of the hottest things I’ve ever experienced, and a small part of me hopes she feels the same way.
“Is there anything you like about her?” “She’s strong-willed and determined. And she’s pretty easy on the eyes,” I confess, and Lilian gasps like I’ve just said something scandalous. “What?!” “You’re attracted to your fiancé!” “Is that a crime?” “No, it’s a good thing.”
“I think I’m afraid of anything permanent because all I’ve ever known is change and death,” he admits, and it hurts my heart, because it’s true.
We are The Devil’s Masquerade, and nothing will stop us. Not even love.
Uri cracks his knuckles. “Legally, you cannot murder anyone who cannot or may not be able to fend for themselves, including but not limited to people with disabilities, children, and the elderly. You also cannot sexually assault anyone. Tyranny is also illegal, as well as—” “Is indentured servitude on the list?” Josina asks. “No.” Uri frowns. “So we’ll add an amendment,” Raph suggests, a big goofy smile on his face, and my heart skips a beat. “That’s what the government is for, right?”
Yasmeena’s deep tan skin blushes pink, as she lazily saunters towards me. “If we’re really going to sell this whole engagement, I think your mouth should taste like me, too.”
It’s too much. I moan, my entire body melting as I feel her explore me with her tongue.
“You shouldn’t kiss me,” she says. I shrug, looking at her lips. “Why not?” “You can’t—I thought the rule was we wouldn’t kiss?” “I made the rule, I decide when it changes,” I say, pulling her back into me as she smiles. This time, she doesn’t protest.
Look at what your pack has done.” “I will. I promise.” Yasmeena stands and puts out the lantern, leaving me in the dark. “Don’t become whatever monster they want to make of you. Forge your own path.”
“Permission to do whatever I want to you? To make you a better aerialist, of course,” she says, her voice sounding coy. “Of course.” I give her a smirk.
This constant push and pull is draining. Yasmeena isn’t good for me. Not if I’m going to follow my father’s orders and kill Draven.
“Princess, what the fuck is going on?” “My father wants me to kill you,” she says, and shock moves through my body in waves. Gradual at first, but eventually it threatens to drown me. I furrow my brows and shrug. “Okay, well, did you tell him to fuck off?”
I don’t fully understand Draven’s magic. Unlike those of us with atra markings, demon and half-demon power isn’t tied to an element; it’s untethered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5 ⭐
I’m not entirely sure what I expected from this book beyond the blurb: an interspecies romance about Tempest, a Lupion/wolf, and Yasmeena, a Felion/cat-demon, who enter a fake engagement to unite two enemy species and end up catching feelings along the way.
Sadly, I had a hard time fully connecting with the characters. We do get glimpses of their pasts, but it never felt deep enough to really anchor me emotionally. I kept hoping that understanding their trauma would make me feel closer to them, but since it wasn’t explored in much detail, it came across more as surface-level information than something I could truly feel.
Overall, I felt a bit conflicted. I didn’t dislike the characters, but I wasn’t completely drawn to them either. Tempest was especially hard to warm up to at the beginning. I understood the pressure she was under and why she built such a guarded personality, and there were moments where her softer side showed through, which I appreciated. Still, her growth didn’t feel as impactful as I expected, especially when it came to her relationship with her father and some of the choices she made toward the end, which felt mostly unnecessary and self-inflicted.
Yasmeena, on the other hand, stood out to me more. She felt more grounded and interesting, and I enjoyed her perspective. However, I wish the story had given her more space to grow as well. There was a lot of potential there that I would have loved to see explored further.
Even though this is marketed as a monster romantasy, I’m not sure I’d personally call it a romance-heavy story. It felt much more focused on the political conflict between the species. The story really leans into the idea of uniting Lupions and Felions, which I can see working well for readers who enjoy that kind of plot. For me, though, it meant that the romance and character development took a bit of a backseat.
Speaking of the romance, I liked the enemies-to-lovers idea in theory, but the execution didn’t fully convince me. Their initial animosity felt more tied to external circumstances than to something deeply personal. With Tempest especially, the tension seemed to linger more out of pride than genuine emotional conflict. Yasmeena was more open to trying to understand her as a person, even though she started out prejudiced because of their species differences and Tempest’s behavior. Because of this imbalance, their dynamic didn’t feel as satisfying as I’d hoped. Their connection also leaned more physical than emotional for most of the book. Even Yasmeena acknowledges at one point that she doesn’t truly know Tempest and wants to understand her better. When they eventually started opening up, it felt like it happened quite late, almost near the end.
The worldbuilding, especially the magic system, wasn’t very prominent here either. To be fair, the author did mention that reading the first book is important to fully understand those elements, so I assume that groundwork was laid there.
One thing I did really enjoy was the found family aspect. The Devil’s Masquerade has a strong sense of camaraderie, even if it sometimes felt a bit overwhelming with so many characters involved. Still, those dynamics added a nice layer to the story, particularly on Yasmeena’s side. Tempest’s connections felt more limited in comparison, with her friendship with Taryn being the most noticeable.
Overall, this might just be a case of me going in with different expectations. I tend to focus a lot on character and romance development, so this didn’t fully click for me. But I can definitely see readers who enjoy political intrigue and morally gray characters getting much more out of it. I do think the author shows a lot of promise, and I’d be interested in seeing what she writes next.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not entirely sure what I expected from this book beyond the blurb: an interspecies romance about Tempest, a Lupion/wolf, and Yasmeena, a Felion/cat-demon, who enter a fake engagement to unite two enemy species and end up catching feelings along the way.
Sadly, I had a hard time fully connecting with the characters. We do get glimpses of their pasts, but it never felt deep enough to really anchor me emotionally. I kept hoping that understanding their trauma would make me feel closer to them, but since it wasn’t explored in much detail, it came across more as surface-level information than something I could truly feel.
Overall, I felt a bit conflicted. I didn’t dislike the characters, but I wasn’t completely drawn to them either. Tempest was especially hard to warm up to at the beginning. I understood the pressure she was under and why she built such a guarded personality, and there were moments where her softer side showed through, which I appreciated. Still, her growth didn’t feel as impactful as I expected, especially when it came to her relationship with her father and some of the choices she made toward the end, which felt mostly unnecessary and self-inflicted.
Yasmeena, on the other hand, stood out to me more. She felt more grounded and interesting, and I enjoyed her perspective. However, I wish the story had given her more space to grow as well. There was a lot of potential there that I would have loved to see explored further.
Even though this is marketed as a monster romantasy, I’m not sure I’d personally call it a romance-heavy story. It felt much more focused on the political conflict between the species. The story really leans into the idea of uniting Lupions and Felions, which I can see working well for readers who enjoy that kind of plot. For me, though, it meant that the romance and character development took a bit of a backseat.
Speaking of the romance, I liked the enemies-to-lovers idea in theory, but the execution didn’t fully convince me. Their initial animosity felt more tied to external circumstances than to something deeply personal. With Tempest especially, the tension seemed to linger more out of pride than genuine emotional conflict. Yasmeena was more open to trying to understand her as a person, even though she started out prejudiced because of their species differences and Tempest’s behavior. Because of this imbalance, their dynamic didn’t feel as satisfying as I’d hoped. Their connection also leaned more physical than emotional for most of the book. Even Yasmeena acknowledges at one point that she doesn’t truly know Tempest and wants to understand her better. When they eventually started opening up, it felt like it happened quite late, almost near the end.
The worldbuilding, especially the magic system, wasn’t very prominent here either. To be fair, the author did mention that reading the first book is important to fully understand those elements, so I assume that groundwork was laid there.
One thing I did really enjoy was the found family aspect. The Devil’s Masquerade has a strong sense of camaraderie, even if it sometimes felt a bit overwhelming with so many characters involved. Still, those dynamics added a nice layer to the story, particularly on Yasmeena’s side. Tempest’s connections felt more limited in comparison, with her friendship with Taryn being the most noticeable.
Overall, this might just be a case of me going in with different expectations. I tend to focus a lot on character and romance development, so this didn’t fully click for me. But I can definitely see readers who enjoy political intrigue and morally gray characters getting much more out of it. I do think the author shows a lot of promise, and I’d be interested in seeing what she writes next.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2026
I adore this series so much! It 100% resparked my love of the carnival vibe, while getting the fun and dark sides of it perfectly. Book 1 instantly hooked me in the world and I couldn’t wait to see how book 2 went. This was definitely a more political and plot heavy book. I loved getting to see the inner workings of multiple species and how the government interacts with them. There was plots, spy’s, political marriages, deals, treaty’s, campaigns, all while Tempest and Yasmeena fight between duty and passion. I loved their dynamic because they were mirrors of each other. Both oppressed by a figure of power, both dedicated to their species and duty, and both very talented performers. Tempest was fighting for her freedom while Yasmeena showed her how it could be if she was free.
Add in their banter and undeniable sexual chemistry, they were an amazing pair. It was definitely a slow burn; not as spicy as Gemma and Draven’s book but the tension made up for it. There were definitely spicy scenes but they weren’t the center of the book. This book was more for discovering the world and new species, overcoming oppressive governments and coming out on the other side better for it. I definitely enjoyed it, there’s some really exciting things to come in book 3, I’m sure of it!
Add in their banter and undeniable sexual chemistry, they were an amazing pair. It was definitely a slow burn; not as spicy as Gemma and Draven’s book but the tension made up for it. There were definitely spicy scenes but they weren’t the center of the book. This book was more for discovering the world and new species, overcoming oppressive governments and coming out on the other side better for it. I definitely enjoyed it, there’s some really exciting things to come in book 3, I’m sure of it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want it messy and terrifying and real,” she says. “I want this to be real.”
I adored this world and I adored this book! The main characters stole my heart. I loved their chemistry, and the hate-to-love was chef's kiss, done so well. I absolutely loved the political aspects of the story along with the detailed background we got of each MC, and how that affected them and their decisions along the way. Not to mention, the forced proximity and tension were delicious. Returning to Hel's Carnival was amazing, and getting to know more of the inner workings and each of the carnies better. The found-family aspect was perfect. I literally had the best time in this world and with these characters and their story.
Things I loved:
Angry sapphic romance
Hate to love
Political engagement between two high conflict species
Found family
Mental health rep
Really cool magic system
The circus performance
✨
I adored this world and I adored this book! The main characters stole my heart. I loved their chemistry, and the hate-to-love was chef's kiss, done so well. I absolutely loved the political aspects of the story along with the detailed background we got of each MC, and how that affected them and their decisions along the way. Not to mention, the forced proximity and tension were delicious. Returning to Hel's Carnival was amazing, and getting to know more of the inner workings and each of the carnies better. The found-family aspect was perfect. I literally had the best time in this world and with these characters and their story.
Things I loved:
Angry sapphic romance
Hate to love
Political engagement between two high conflict species
Found family
Mental health rep
Really cool magic system
The circus performance
✨
May 31, 2026
This was such a good book, I loved how the author brought in the whole cat and dog analogy. Even though Tempest was from a line of wolves and Yasmeena was from Cat Nymphs. How two different totally different people came together to stop the turf war between their two races so they could co-exist peacefully.
May 4, 2026
April 2026 Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews (BookTome Edition): “Dream in Darkness” by Rose Santoriello
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
"The night is young, and you’re a winner..
Enter the tent, become a sinner..” - Rose Santoriello
From the author of the “Augury University” series and co-author of “The Tenth Muse: Vol. 1” comes the second installment in the “Wizard of Oz” and “Helleverse” inspired series “Hel’s Carnival”. Return to Planet Hel and immerse yourself in Santoriello’s world-building that acts as an interconnected spinoff universe to their previous Monsters Romance series! Expect more exposition on the lore of the Carnival’s performers, a Fake Marriage that will bring about fiery tension, and one character who will find themselves faced with a major ultimatum; duty or heart? I’d say more..But I’d hate to spoil the show! Curious to tune into Act 2 of “Hel’s Carnival”? Then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on May 4, 2026!
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 5/5🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes: Monster Romance, Fake Engagement, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Sapphic Romance, FF Romance, Wolfpack Leader’s Daughter FMC x Aerialist/Assassin FMC, Secrets & Lies Revealed, Self-Discovery & Healing, and Assassin/Circus Performing Found Family.
Trigger Warnings: (Full Descriptions Can Be Found in the Book).
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
"The night is young, and you’re a winner..
Enter the tent, become a sinner..” - Rose Santoriello
From the author of the “Augury University” series and co-author of “The Tenth Muse: Vol. 1” comes the second installment in the “Wizard of Oz” and “Helleverse” inspired series “Hel’s Carnival”. Return to Planet Hel and immerse yourself in Santoriello’s world-building that acts as an interconnected spinoff universe to their previous Monsters Romance series! Expect more exposition on the lore of the Carnival’s performers, a Fake Marriage that will bring about fiery tension, and one character who will find themselves faced with a major ultimatum; duty or heart? I’d say more..But I’d hate to spoil the show! Curious to tune into Act 2 of “Hel’s Carnival”? Then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on May 4, 2026!
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 5/5🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes: Monster Romance, Fake Engagement, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Sapphic Romance, FF Romance, Wolfpack Leader’s Daughter FMC x Aerialist/Assassin FMC, Secrets & Lies Revealed, Self-Discovery & Healing, and Assassin/Circus Performing Found Family.
Trigger Warnings: (Full Descriptions Can Be Found in the Book).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book #2 of the Hel’s carnival series! Let’s get into it! We meet Tempest Lupine & Yasmeena Al-Khalifa as side characters in book one but it’s easy to slip into the world without previous knowledge of book one. I really enjoyed seeing the characters of the Devil’s Masquerade through Tempest & Yasmeena’s eyes. The political plots on this book series are always so well fleshed out and this book was no exception. I loved the chemistry between Yasmeena and Tempest and the sweet angst of their arranged engagement! I loved that Tempest came into her own and took her life into her hands. The ending felt right for them too!
Side note: I’m so excited to see what happens in the next book, I’ve been waiting for Luc’s story since book one! 💜
Features;
🐱Spy/Alpha Heir
🐺Felion/Lupion
😈Poc coded FMC
🗡️Aerialist duo
🧶Sapphic Romeo and Juliet vibes
🤡Political main plot
🎪Angst
🎡Slower burn
🎠Shower spiciness
Side note: I’m so excited to see what happens in the next book, I’ve been waiting for Luc’s story since book one! 💜
Features;
🐱Spy/Alpha Heir
🐺Felion/Lupion
😈Poc coded FMC
🗡️Aerialist duo
🧶Sapphic Romeo and Juliet vibes
🤡Political main plot
🎪Angst
🎡Slower burn
🎠Shower spiciness
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews