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The Colony Carnivale #23
Maestro
Not yet published
Expected 23 Oct 26They call him Maestro—the man in a mask who conducts terror into symphony, savoring every note. By the time you set foot inside his Haunted House, you already belong to him. The maze was never built for escape. Somewhere within its shadows, he hunts for the crescendo... for the one scream he refuses to silence.
Lexi's never been a fan of Halloween. Horror movies, cheesy scares, all things spooky—she wants no part of it. She most certainly hates everything about the traveling carnival her bestie dragged her to.
Then the jester finds her in the crowd.
He's charming. He's gorgeous. He's the last person she should trust. But when he offers exclusive Haunted House entry, her friends decide for her. Soon they realize the animatronics are real, the blood on the floor is fresh, and the chainsaw is not a prop.
And yet, Lexi learns that surviving the maze of horrors is a fate worse than death. This carnival has no intention of letting her go.
The monsters say she belongs to them now.
The terrifying part? She's starting to believe it.
MAESTRO is a Halloween carnival-themed slasher novella with MMF pitch-black romance elements. It is part of The Colony Carnivale shared-world series but can also be read as a complete standalone. Be sure to read the author’s note first. For more info, visit the author’s website.
Lexi's never been a fan of Halloween. Horror movies, cheesy scares, all things spooky—she wants no part of it. She most certainly hates everything about the traveling carnival her bestie dragged her to.
Then the jester finds her in the crowd.
He's charming. He's gorgeous. He's the last person she should trust. But when he offers exclusive Haunted House entry, her friends decide for her. Soon they realize the animatronics are real, the blood on the floor is fresh, and the chainsaw is not a prop.
And yet, Lexi learns that surviving the maze of horrors is a fate worse than death. This carnival has no intention of letting her go.
The monsters say she belongs to them now.
The terrifying part? She's starting to believe it.
MAESTRO is a Halloween carnival-themed slasher novella with MMF pitch-black romance elements. It is part of The Colony Carnivale shared-world series but can also be read as a complete standalone. Be sure to read the author’s note first. For more info, visit the author’s website.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 23, 2026
About the author
Riley C. Smith
9 books139 followersRiley C. Smith is a millennial multigenre indie author of dark romance, monster/paranormal romance, and horror erotica. When she’s not crafting twisted storylines and imperfect characters, Riley enjoys traveling, experimenting in the kitchen, spoiling her beloved fur baby, and getting lost in a good book.
To learn more, visit Riley’s website and don’t forget to follow her socials for new releases, sneak peeks, character art, and giveaways—everywhere @riley_c_smith
To learn more, visit Riley’s website and don’t forget to follow her socials for new releases, sneak peeks, character art, and giveaways—everywhere @riley_c_smith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alpha review
Omg! This is dark and depraved in all the best ways. Riley has done it again. Lexi is hilarious in that cynical "I'm not like other girls" way, but it works so well here. She was very relatable to me, and I had so much fun being inside her head.
"And that’s saying a lot about a grown-ass man wearing a neck ruffle" - perfection!
The entire Haunted House sequence had me in a chokehold. It gives off the classic slasher-meets-Saw vibes as it heavily leans on the villain characters we all know, and that's the whole point. Riley knows her audience so well.
"Maestro, music" - had me cackling, even though I know it wasn't supposed to.
Now, the boys... They have no redeeming qualities about them, but why are they so hot? I loved the inclusion of Maestro's POV. The Dario scene and a glimpse at Ryan's background give so much depth to his character. It doesn't excuse his behavior in the slightest, but it gives the reader a pause to feel sorry for him.
Ace is absolutely insane, but I liked how he was always a bit softer with Lexi. The domestication of the trauma and abuse she goes through was jarring to read at times, yet somehow, I could feel they cared about her in their own sick way.
The smutty scenes are top tier as always. We get all variations of this throuple: MF, MM, and MFM. If you're familiar with Riley's books, you know you're getting explicit details with lots of dirty talk and all kinds of kinks. I nearly died at the Ferris wheel scene. It was so freaking good!
"Hello, Sidney" - I literally screamed.
And that ending... sheesh. What does it mean?
Hahaha being the alpha/editor has its perks because I know there's more to the story 😈
Favorite quotes:
“Oh, my boy. Everyone’s a sideshow act. The question is whether they’re entertaining enough to survive the curtain call.”
“He understood me. And he gave me more than just revenge. He gave me love. In this hopeless world, in our own way.”
“Yet, when he kisses me again, softer this time, almost tender, all I can think is finally. Finally someone who looks at me like I matter more than anything else. Finally someone who holds me like I’m the only thing keeping them sane.”
_
Please, read trigger warnings and take them seriously. It's not another dark romance with masked mmcs. It has elements of noncon, captivity, degradation, Stockholm syndrome, and A TON of violence and gore.
Omg! This is dark and depraved in all the best ways. Riley has done it again. Lexi is hilarious in that cynical "I'm not like other girls" way, but it works so well here. She was very relatable to me, and I had so much fun being inside her head.
"And that’s saying a lot about a grown-ass man wearing a neck ruffle" - perfection!
The entire Haunted House sequence had me in a chokehold. It gives off the classic slasher-meets-Saw vibes as it heavily leans on the villain characters we all know, and that's the whole point. Riley knows her audience so well.
"Maestro, music" - had me cackling, even though I know it wasn't supposed to.
Now, the boys... They have no redeeming qualities about them, but why are they so hot? I loved the inclusion of Maestro's POV. The Dario scene and a glimpse at Ryan's background give so much depth to his character. It doesn't excuse his behavior in the slightest, but it gives the reader a pause to feel sorry for him.
Ace is absolutely insane, but I liked how he was always a bit softer with Lexi. The domestication of the trauma and abuse she goes through was jarring to read at times, yet somehow, I could feel they cared about her in their own sick way.
The smutty scenes are top tier as always. We get all variations of this throuple: MF, MM, and MFM. If you're familiar with Riley's books, you know you're getting explicit details with lots of dirty talk and all kinds of kinks. I nearly died at the Ferris wheel scene. It was so freaking good!
"Hello, Sidney" - I literally screamed.
And that ending... sheesh. What does it mean?
Hahaha being the alpha/editor has its perks because I know there's more to the story 😈
Favorite quotes:
“Oh, my boy. Everyone’s a sideshow act. The question is whether they’re entertaining enough to survive the curtain call.”
“He understood me. And he gave me more than just revenge. He gave me love. In this hopeless world, in our own way.”
“Yet, when he kisses me again, softer this time, almost tender, all I can think is finally. Finally someone who looks at me like I matter more than anything else. Finally someone who holds me like I’m the only thing keeping them sane.”
_
Please, read trigger warnings and take them seriously. It's not another dark romance with masked mmcs. It has elements of noncon, captivity, degradation, Stockholm syndrome, and A TON of violence and gore.
September 21, 2026
Do love me a haunted house 🏚️
Lexi, is dragged along to the Carnivale by her friends and pseudo boyfriend. She isn’t one who enjoys this type of thing but also didn’t want to let her bff down. Invited to the haunted house by Ace, the group enters…not all of them leave! Lexi, wakes in a cage to two men Ace and Maestro aka Sammy and Ryan. That’s it, it’s all I’m saying because I don’t want to give it all away 🤭
I loved the haunted house with all its rooms, the violence within the walls 😬 The story flows through and we obviously get Dario making an appearance. A quick fear/spicy filled novella.
Horror/splatterpunk | 🩸 & Gore | Violence | Captivity | 🐝DSM | MM | MMF | DP | Spicy | An@l | Torture
Lexi, is dragged along to the Carnivale by her friends and pseudo boyfriend. She isn’t one who enjoys this type of thing but also didn’t want to let her bff down. Invited to the haunted house by Ace, the group enters…not all of them leave! Lexi, wakes in a cage to two men Ace and Maestro aka Sammy and Ryan. That’s it, it’s all I’m saying because I don’t want to give it all away 🤭
I loved the haunted house with all its rooms, the violence within the walls 😬 The story flows through and we obviously get Dario making an appearance. A quick fear/spicy filled novella.
Horror/splatterpunk | 🩸 & Gore | Violence | Captivity | 🐝DSM | MM | MMF | DP | Spicy | An@l | Torture
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is giving me Escape Room and The Devils You Know vibes, but with actual deaths, and honestly, it's fucking amazing!
So far, this book has earned its place in the Queen position. It scratched an itch I've been trying to satisfy for a while, and I genuinely feel like I'm going to have to sleep with a light on after finishing it. 🤣 I really liked the foreshadowing in this beautiful book.
Welcome to the carnival, people. Hope you enjoy your stay! 🎪🖤
So far, this book has earned its place in the Queen position. It scratched an itch I've been trying to satisfy for a while, and I genuinely feel like I'm going to have to sleep with a light on after finishing it. 🤣 I really liked the foreshadowing in this beautiful book.
Welcome to the carnival, people. Hope you enjoy your stay! 🎪🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly PLEASE check your trigger warnings because this one surely has a long list of them but if you're like me and have none, please jump right in...head first...don't look back (not that you'll want to) but I can officially say after this a absolutely love me a good haunted house because this was dark, full of gore,
and SPICYYYY SESSI devoured this one, is was too good! Ace and Ryan are deranged in epic proportions and find a new pet in Lexi who is just as much of a spit fire. They run the haunted house that you can never leave once you enter until Lexi that is. They become obsessed in more ways than one! Riley Smith has an amazing way of writing that reels you in from page 1 and you just can't look away no matter how hard you try.
and SPICYYYY SESSI devoured this one, is was too good! Ace and Ryan are deranged in epic proportions and find a new pet in Lexi who is just as much of a spit fire. They run the haunted house that you can never leave once you enter until Lexi that is. They become obsessed in more ways than one! Riley Smith has an amazing way of writing that reels you in from page 1 and you just can't look away no matter how hard you try.
Review of advance copy
Oh miss Riley Smith yes ma'am this was every f****** thing oh my God Ace and Ryan and Lexi yes please please oh my God this was sexy sensual, gory and degradation I loved every f****** minute of this I love every minute I love every bit of this book 😈🫣
October 4, 2026
Disclaimer: I'm reading these novels as a set of ARCs! Please note that they are dark, and come with a lot of trigger warnings! I'm quite new to dark novels, and they seem to hit me one of two ways - either I have the reaction of being grossly fascinated and unable to look away (a bit like when humans see an accident and can't help but side eye), or it turns my stomach and makes me flinch - both reactions I find interesting as a reader, but I tend to prefer the horror of the first! What type of dark reader you are with your own preferences/triggers, will no doubt affect how you find each of these reads.
A haunted house, being stalked by two crazy men who aren't there just to give you a scare - perfect slasher horror film vibes with all the gore and theatrical elements you need! It then developed into the erotic, when they find Lexi and rather than sending her the same way as their usual’s, they become rather attached to her. I enjoyed seeing Lexi's development - I'm not a fan of insta love especially when it doesn’t' make sense, so I was pleased for her to give as much as she could back! I also loved the MxM representation in this novel, and found that sub-dom relationship quite sweet! How cute is this -
“Yet, when he kisses me again, softer this time, almost tender, all I can think is finally. Finally someone who looks at me like I matter more than anything else. Finally someone who holds me like I’m the only thing keeping them sane.”
I think this segment of the Carnivale journey really nicely represents the dark romance genre!
A haunted house, being stalked by two crazy men who aren't there just to give you a scare - perfect slasher horror film vibes with all the gore and theatrical elements you need! It then developed into the erotic, when they find Lexi and rather than sending her the same way as their usual’s, they become rather attached to her. I enjoyed seeing Lexi's development - I'm not a fan of insta love especially when it doesn’t' make sense, so I was pleased for her to give as much as she could back! I also loved the MxM representation in this novel, and found that sub-dom relationship quite sweet! How cute is this -
“Yet, when he kisses me again, softer this time, almost tender, all I can think is finally. Finally someone who looks at me like I matter more than anything else. Finally someone who holds me like I’m the only thing keeping them sane.”
I think this segment of the Carnivale journey really nicely represents the dark romance genre!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The maze wasn’t built for escape, and she never stood a chance.
Riley C. Smith delivers pure, unadulterated terror wrapped in dark, dizzying obsession in Maestro! From the moment the jester singles Lexi out in the crowd, the tension never lets up, and I loved every heart pounding second of it.
Lexi is such a relatable protagonist, no fan of frights, dragged along against her will, which makes the horror hit so much harder when the "animatronics" move, the blood is real, and the chainsaw is far from a prop.
And the Maestro himself, Chills. A masked conductor of fear, hunting for that perfect, unforgettable scream, and he’s decided Lexi is the one who’ll give it to him.
The MMF romance element is pitch black, intense, and utterly consuming, the kind of dark pull where Lexi starts to believe she belongs to them, and you realise, so do you.
It’s Halloween/slasher vibes meets all consuming obsession, and it’s absolutely electric.
Can be read as a standalone, but fits perfectly into this haunting universe. Devastatingly good. 🎭🖤
Riley C. Smith delivers pure, unadulterated terror wrapped in dark, dizzying obsession in Maestro! From the moment the jester singles Lexi out in the crowd, the tension never lets up, and I loved every heart pounding second of it.
Lexi is such a relatable protagonist, no fan of frights, dragged along against her will, which makes the horror hit so much harder when the "animatronics" move, the blood is real, and the chainsaw is far from a prop.
And the Maestro himself, Chills. A masked conductor of fear, hunting for that perfect, unforgettable scream, and he’s decided Lexi is the one who’ll give it to him.
The MMF romance element is pitch black, intense, and utterly consuming, the kind of dark pull where Lexi starts to believe she belongs to them, and you realise, so do you.
It’s Halloween/slasher vibes meets all consuming obsession, and it’s absolutely electric.
Can be read as a standalone, but fits perfectly into this haunting universe. Devastatingly good. 🎭🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Riley Smith delivers pure, pitch-black slasher perfection with a classic Saw meets Halloween vibe! The story follows Lexi, a relatable, spitfire heroine who hates scares and gets dragged to a haunted house against her will. Once inside, she realizes the animatronics are real, the blood is real, and the chainsaw is far from a prop. Ace and Ryan are deranged in epic proportions, running a haunted house where nobody leaves until they single out Lexi as their new "pet". Add in Maestro, the masked conductor of fear searching for the ultimate scream, and you get a pitch-black MMF/throuple dynamic (including MF, MM, and MFM scenes). The tension never lets up, and the backstory details add surprising depth to their dark obsession.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maestro was one hell of a ride! I loved the dark horror-movie vibes, the twisted atmosphere, and of course, all the delicious carnage. There was something about the darkness of this story that completely pulled me in and kept me hooked.
Lexi, Ryan, and Sammy are absolutely perfect together. Their dynamic is twisted, intense, and exactly the kind of chaos I love in a story like this. They’re another group of unforgettable characters that I really hope we get to see more of down the line.
Another fantastic read that left me wanting more—and I’m definitely not ready to leave this dark little world behind!
Lexi, Ryan, and Sammy are absolutely perfect together. Their dynamic is twisted, intense, and exactly the kind of chaos I love in a story like this. They’re another group of unforgettable characters that I really hope we get to see more of down the line.
Another fantastic read that left me wanting more—and I’m definitely not ready to leave this dark little world behind!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you've got a heavy degradation kink, then this one is the one for you. I won't tell, promise. That line absolutely doesn't work for Lexi, though. That peer pressure is strong in here. How Lexi found herself talked into a haunted carnivale when she screamed at any tiny thing, I'd absolutely beyond me. Ace and Maestro don't just dabble in the gore. They drench themselves in it with glee. Why do these men like cages so much? Is it because technically they're caged whether they like to admit it or not? I will always have questions, and Carnivale eventually answers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maestro is novella 23 in the series. It is an erotic horror novella so please check the trigger warnings if necessary. The spice was really good in this one. We follow Maestro and Lexi. They were such a good pair and I loved them together. Oh, and let's not forget ... he's a masked man. This story is definitely more on the slasher side. I will be reviewing all novellas in the series and they can be found on my profile!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 23 of the Colony Carnivale....
Maestro, I would let you control me! Maestro and Ace run the Haunted House at the carnivale, and boy is it horrifying! But after the carnivale shuts down for the night these two climb into the same RV for some R and R! But something is missing they realize when they see her, Lexi. We get to see her initiation into the carnivale and I was kicking my feet like a giddy school girl. Two words for you... ferris wheel! You'll thank me later. xoxo
Maestro, I would let you control me! Maestro and Ace run the Haunted House at the carnivale, and boy is it horrifying! But after the carnivale shuts down for the night these two climb into the same RV for some R and R! But something is missing they realize when they see her, Lexi. We get to see her initiation into the carnivale and I was kicking my feet like a giddy school girl. Two words for you... ferris wheel! You'll thank me later. xoxo
October 6, 2026
Disclaimer: I am reading these books as a set of ARCS. Note they are dark and come with quite a bit of trigger warnings.
This was Book 23 of The Colony Carnivale. Maestro by Riley C. Smith started off with Lexi and a bunch of friends at The Carnivale. From there it’s how things go wrong for her in a haunted house and elsewhere. All of this then changes her. This book was wonderful. I could not stop reading.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was Book 23 of The Colony Carnivale. Maestro by Riley C. Smith started off with Lexi and a bunch of friends at The Carnivale. From there it’s how things go wrong for her in a haunted house and elsewhere. All of this then changes her. This book was wonderful. I could not stop reading.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of the many things i love about this shared world is that even though there are so many books each and every single one of them still knows how to keep you on your toes!
This story was a perfect addition to the series and was short but spicy in all the right ways!
Definitely a recommendation!
This story was a perfect addition to the series and was short but spicy in all the right ways!
Definitely a recommendation!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 23 in The Colony Carnivale. This story starts with Lexi being peer pressured into going to the Carnivale. The group goes into the haunted house, which is run by Maestro and Ace. The only thing about the haunted house is that people go in but don’t come out. This story has blood and gore galore.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy crap that was hot, from start to finish through visceral terror and because of it. If you enjoy your horror with a healthy side of terrifying kink this is definitely the book for you. Ryan and Ace are terrifying and damaged and absolutely delicious, Lexi may start as a terrified patron of a haunted house she doesn't realize is real, but she plays so well with them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maestro is all obsession, atmosphere, and danger.
This one leans fully into the twisted darkness of the Carnivale. The writing is sharp and immersive, and the entire story feels intense from beginning to end.
I raced through it. Short, powerful, and another strong addition to the series.
This one leans fully into the twisted darkness of the Carnivale. The writing is sharp and immersive, and the entire story feels intense from beginning to end.
I raced through it. Short, powerful, and another strong addition to the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the arc opportunity!
Oh these are just starting to get better and better.
I am actually obsessed with Ryan and Sammy, and Lexi is literally the icing in their cake. Absolutely adored this one. 😈
Oh these are just starting to get better and better.
I am actually obsessed with Ryan and Sammy, and Lexi is literally the icing in their cake. Absolutely adored this one. 😈
Review of advance copy received from Author
These guys 🥵
I loved this one 🙌🏻 Stockholm syndrome but in reality, you come to the conclusion that these two men treat you better than anyone else has ever in your life so of course you stay 😏
PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF THE TRIGGERS!!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved this one 🙌🏻 Stockholm syndrome but in reality, you come to the conclusion that these two men treat you better than anyone else has ever in your life so of course you stay 😏
PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF THE TRIGGERS!!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this. The way these two aquire lexi is verrrrrry questionable but hot damn the spicy scenes 🥵🥵🥵. I cannot wait to read more about these characters. I was hooked from the dedication and had a hard time putting this one down. Check your triggers, it's dark in here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The spice... The horror.... The gore need I say more?! This world is a trip
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love these kinds of stories. For every new visitor needs to perform to be accepted
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maaan I love me a good slasher story and this one was definitely executed perfectly! A solid MFM story, dabbles of back, and a whole lot of gore and trauma.🔥🎡🎪
Review of advance copy received from Author
CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!!!!
this book had a lot of gore and spice.
I don't think I wanna go into this maze!
I'm so invested in this series!!!
this book had a lot of gore and spice.
I don't think I wanna go into this maze!
I'm so invested in this series!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 23 of the colony carnivale.
A haunted house with all this letter punk goodness. Can you find your way out?
A haunted house with all this letter punk goodness. Can you find your way out?
Review of advance copy received from Author
So dark and depraved, and I lived for ALL of it!!!! Just check the trigger warnings!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Give horror movie vibes mixed with spice I loved it
Review of advance copy
Arc reader review.
THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. I love everything about this book. From the characters, to the massacres, to the possessiveness. And those last words? GIVE IT TO MEEEE.
THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. I love everything about this book. From the characters, to the massacres, to the possessiveness. And those last words? GIVE IT TO MEEEE.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a ride! These three definitely belong to the Colony! They are a perfect fit for the madness and chaos that make up the Carnivale. They are made for each other. This one is also extra spicy!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Book 23 of The Colony Carnival
Maestro my man was a bomb of an act, lexi had no idea who she xaught the eye of when she entered the tent.
Maestro my man was a bomb of an act, lexi had no idea who she xaught the eye of when she entered the tent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews