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Wicked Little Thing

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Welcome to the Carnival of Shadows—where the lights dazzle, the secrets cut deep, and love could cost your life. When Sasi is forced to go to a carnival with her roommate, she doesn't expect to be swept up in a romance. There’s something darker beneath the surface—something that calls to her darkest desires.

And then there’s him.
The ringmaster.
The shadow that walks like a man.

The one with eyes like midnight and a smile made for sin. He offers her danger, pleasure, and a place beside him in the dark… but at what cost?
As the line between dream and nightmare begins to blur, she must is she falling for a fantasy—or is this twisted romance the beginning of her end?

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2026

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About the author

Myranda Rae

38 books52 followers
Some people balance life with yoga and green smoothies. Myranda does it with school pickup lines, candles, and just enough coffee to power through another steamy chapter.

A mom of five and an author for about the same number of years, Myranda spends her days teaching her kids survival skills and her nights wrangling possessive alien warlords, broody shifters, and dangerously irresistible men who love just a little too hard.

When she's not writing, you can probably find her crafting with her kids, scrolling Zillow for houses she'll never be able to afford, or “just browsing” IKEA (we all know how that ends).

Follow her if spicy romance or chaotic mom life speaks to you because her books will always speak for themselves.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Mariah (Wondered Pages).
613 reviews21 followers
October 25, 2026
Connect with me!
✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ✏ TikTok ✏ Facebook

Wicked Little Thing by Myranda Rae has a dangerously seductive ringmaster with shadow magic, a morally questionable heroine, and a traveling carnival where pleasure and nightmares collide. Don't expect an intricate fantasy adventure. Come for the shadow daddy, stay for the scandalous chemistry, and prepare to question your taste in fictional men.

Sasi's ordinary night takes a scandalous turn when she encounters Shade, the mysterious ringmaster of the Carnival of Shadows. Their attraction quickly becomes an obsessive romance filled with dark desires, supernatural secrets, and some seriously questionable decisions. The carnival provides an intriguing backdrop, but make no mistake, the real attraction here is the explosive chemistry between Sasi and Shade.

Oh my goodness, Shade certainly knows how to please a woman! Rae's writing makes their intimate encounters incredibly sensual. I found myself clenching my thighs through more than a few scenes. Their shameless public displays of affection were particularly entertaining. These two have very little interest in keeping their hands off each other. I was perfectly happy to read about it.

I wasn't particularly fond of Sasi fighting another woman over Shade. Watching women compete for a man's attention isn't my favorite romantic development. However, I did have to laugh at Shade enjoying the spectacle from the sidelines. His amusement was perfectly suited to his wicked personality.

The romance takes a disturbing turn as Sasi embraces her darker impulses. One particularly gruesome act of devotion gave me serious Harley Quinn and Joker vibes. Apparently, nothing says everlasting love quite like a little bloodshed. Their relationship is certainly unconventional, but their shared appetite for danger makes them a fascinating twisted pair.

The plot takes a backseat to the romance. Surprisingly, I didn't mind. The supernatural intrigue and traveling carnival provide just enough atmosphere to support what is essentially a series of scorching encounters. Rae's engaging prose and uninhibited characters made the experience entertaining.

Wicked Little Thing is perfect if you enjoy obsessive romance, dangerous heroes, and unapologetically explicit spice.
Profile Image for Jaimie.
494 reviews13 followers
March 29, 2026
This is one of those books that has you saying "what the f did I just read" when you finish it, but not in a bad way! I was sucked straight in from the beginning and wanting to see how this crazy journey played out. I can definitely say I have never read anything else like this.

Sasi and Shade...such an interesting couple and they take us on an adventure for sure! Shade is darkness and power and him and Sasi are immediately drawn to each other. She is not a soft FMC, but stubborn, strong, and is taking no crap whatsoever. This is not a slow-burn, but it really isn't insta-love either. We get straight obsession between the two of them.

The carnival setting with the train? So unique and just added so much uniqueness to the story.

Spice? It's spicing. If you don't like spice, this is NOT for you. Red flags? They are all there! Darkness, adventure, chaos, and plot twists? Yep, all there and all great. We get to the end, and we go through a multitude of emotions, but I really love the way that it ended.
Profile Image for Jada Alix.
81 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! Sasi and Shade 🥵—I’ve never read anything like it, and I adored every second. The train carnival setting was so unique, and I instantly connected with Sasi from the very beginning. There’s one thought she has early on that I related to immediately, and it made me fall in love with her all over again. And omg… Shade is sooo HOTTTTT. Their chemistry had me completely hooked.

The ending made me so happy! The spice is perfect, so no worries there. If I had to nitpick, the beginning felt a little fast-paced for me—it was kind of instant attraction—but that’s just a personal thing. Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to see what you write next!
Profile Image for Anna Copp.
88 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 9, 2026
I definitely liked this book overall and could totally see it turning into a series if the author chose to.

The setting was interesting as it constantly changed locations and realms.

I liked the characters overall. They were different than most books I have read as the MMCs were both super morally gray (like a really dark gray, I would almost say morally black). I loved that Sasi never backed down from anyone. We love a man who can be somewhat soft for his woman, like definitely NOT a cinnamon roll but certainly softer. I loved their banter. Mortimer was probably my favorite side character and I wish we had more time with him (Myranda, I would happily read a romance involving Mortimer!).

It started off smut heavy but then got more complex as we went which was interesting to be honest as I've never read a book that just immediately jumped in like that.

I do wish there had been more backstory in certain areas. Sasi just had no real connection with anyone in the Mortal Realm and it wasn't ever really explained as to why. I also thought more could have been done with the Light Forgers as they felt somewhat unimportant, like Thalora or another character kind of served the same purpose almost as them. Maybe a prequel novella featuring Shade and his battle with the Light Forgers?

This felt like a really unique book and I definitely liked it overall; I would recommend it to anyone looking for a dark, supernatural romance with really morally gray characters.

I received this as an ARC and voluntarily am leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chasity Trimble.
682 reviews40 followers
August 1, 2026
This was my first read by this author. The traveling magical circus was such a fun setting and I loved how everything revolved around the mysterious train that carried the Carnival of Shadows from place to place. It gave the whole story a dark, mysterious feel that I really enjoyed.

Sasi was probably my favorite part of the book. I liked her personality and the banter between her and Shade kept me smiling. As Sasi gets pulled deeper into the carnival’s secrets and closer to the mysterious ringmaster, the story blends magic, danger and romance in such a different way.

The chemistry between them was definitely there, but my biggest hang-up personally was the romance. I tend to like a slow to medium burn with more story before the spice. This one jumps into the spice pretty quickly and I would’ve enjoyed it even more if there had been a little more plot before everything heated up. I like my spice to complement the story, not lead it.

Overall, this was an entertaining read with a unique paranormal world, a creepy traveling circus, plenty of magic and enough mystery to keep me turning the pages. If you like dark paranormal romance that’s high heat, low on story and depth and don’t mind the spice coming early, this one is worth checking out.
3.75/5
Profile Image for Ruby Ellis.
Author 12 books15 followers
April 5, 2026
This was the craziest train ride I have ever been on and I’m still not totally sure what I experienced—but I’m not mad about it! This book pulled me in from the first page and I sat there transfixed as I read the entire book in one sitting. The humor, the spice, the vibes—I truly am still at a bit of a loss as to what else to say. I think this is one that you just need to read and experience for yourself.
Profile Image for Books & Me.
22 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2026
This is one ride you definitely want to be on...

This is actually such a fun, spicy read 🌶️
The carnival setting?? Kinda creepy but in a way that pulls you in, like you don’t even question it, you’re just there for the ride 🎡
And Sasi and Shade…🥵
they’re BOTH obsessed with each other and I loved that. It’s not one-sided at all, it’s very much “we’re making bad decisions together and we’re gonna stand by them” energy😮‍🔥
Shade?? I folded. Immediately. No hesitation.
The whole book just feels a little chaotic, a little unhinged, but in a fun way where you’re just smiling the whole time!
If you want something spicy, fun, and a little wild… this is definitely one to pick up!
Profile Image for Twinkle.butt.reads.
499 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 17, 2026
Listen. If you like your romance dark, dangerous, and dipped in morally questionable decisions… this one’s for you.

Wicked Little Thing by Myranda Rae said, “You like red flags?” and then handed me a whole crimson parade.

Sasi is not your soft, sit-in-the-corner heroine. She’s layered, conflicted, and caught in the kind of emotional chaos that makes you yell at the page but also whisper, “okay but I get it.” Her pull toward Shade isn’t just attraction it’s obsession wrapped in temptation, dipped in darkness.

And Shade?
Ohhh Shade. That man is walking shadow energy. Enigmatic. Dangerous. The kind of fictional male who would absolutely ruin your life and somehow you’d still thank him.

What I loved most is that this isn’t just spice and vibes. There’s power plays. Sacrifice. Emotional wreckage. The push and pull between desire and self-preservation feels raw and real. Rae balances steamy intensity with actual emotional depth, so you’re not just blushing you’re invested.

The pacing keeps you hooked, with those “just one more chapter” moments that turn into 2am regrets. The world-building adds that supernatural edge without overwhelming the romance, and the twists? Let’s just say I gasped.
Profile Image for Hopesmoonlitpages.
63 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book had me from the beginning!! When the preface says:
“This book is 25.6% smut. Yes, I did the math.” Then you KNOW you will be in for a ride!! And what a ride it was!

I absolutely loved Sasi and Shade. Their relationship was fire! 🔥 This is not a slow-burn fall in love kind of book. It’s also not insta-love. Sasi and Shade have their own agendas and sappy love stories are not part of that. It’s one of the things I absolutely loved about the book.

There are plenty of surprises and plot twists throughout. It’s not a full on smut read as the preface might lead you to believe.

This is a stand alone book which was definitely another plus for me! I love that I don’t have to wait for a second book and I get the HEA immediately. It’s not often that I read a standalone or get the instant HEA.

If you love your book to have an assortment of magical creatures, witty banter, lots of spice with a plot and just really dark unhinged MC’s then dive headfirst into the fun that is Wicked Little Thing!

Thank you to the author for this copy in advance of release. This voluntary review contains opinions that are my own.
Profile Image for KathrynAlyse.
148 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2026
Where do I even start? 😂 This whole book was absolutely wild, unhinged, hilarious, and spicy as hell.

The FMC completely stole the show for me. Her inner commentary and sassy personality had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. And once she gets attached? Oh boy... she becomes possessive, and I was eating it up. Also, there's nothing more terrifying than a scorned woman. 😂

Then we have Shade... an umbramancer who had me both gasping and drooling. He's possessive, obsessive, and maybe just a little narcissistic... okay, maybe more than a little. 🤣 But do I love him anyway? Absolutely.

Who would've thought I'd end up loving a carnival-themed dark romance? This book takes you on a completely chaotic ride filled with spice, darkness, magical beings of every kind, and battle between light and dark.

And while this book definitely brings the heat, it isn't all spice. There's an actual plot, and I was just as invested in that as I was in the romance. I swear I said "WTF?!" and "Hell yeah!" at least a dozen times while reading—and I mean that in the best possible way.

This was such a fun, addictive read, and I had an absolute blast with it!
Profile Image for Lexi.
103 reviews
October 8, 2026
The concept of a magic-traveling carnival was what drew me in to this and I was disappointed that it did not play as big of a role as I thought it would. I was wanting more world-building considering the synopsis made it seem as if the setting would be more important, but instead this was just pure spice. The MCs were literally fucking on page 25, which was far too fast for me.

Sasi was also a difficult character to like. I was heavily relating to her in the beginning, with her outlook of life and how it seems monotonous and overall meaningless, which described how my depression and derealization makes me feel a bit too accurately. However, the way she acted because of this cynical perspective was a bit too selfish for my liking. I know she was intended to be this morally gray character who matches the MMC’s freak, but she really only came across as self-absorbed and as if the world owed her something. She literally admitted to having no problem sleeping with married men, which gave me the ick.

The MMC also referred to her vagina as “a pretty little pink flower.” That was a no for me.
Profile Image for Ariel Vigo.
33 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 18, 2026
ARC Review: Thank you to the author for the ARC. 🥰

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

(No spoilers)

Okay… this book was not what I expected and honestly? That’s a good thing. Wicked Little Thing is super smutty & the dark carnival vibes makes it so interesting!

Let’s talk about the MMC for a second though because MYRANDA… the audacity! Shade is a HOT walking red flag 🚩 with a top hat 🤣 He is manipulative, dramatic, mysterious and gives off dangerous vibes. Like ngl half the time I was kind of like, okayyy Phantom of the Circus 🥵🔥

Sasi (FMC) is messy, curious, and makes questionable decisions but the gray area between danger and desire is what keeps the story moving. I think she was a solid character for this plot. If it wasn’t for her curiosity it wouldn’t have been as entertaining

If you’re in the mood for something dark, unhinged, will make you go “wtf” but still have fun and question the “calculated” smut ratio in the beginning of the book.. then this is for you 🤣

Proceed if you’re looking for a good time 🤭
Profile Image for Kassie Jones.
186 reviews8 followers
May 11, 2026
This book is a total fever dream, and I don’t mean that in a bad way, just in a you-never-know-whats-coming-next kind of way. There's an illusion-based carnival, magic train (at least, it seemed magical to me, but maybe it was just Shade), all the different creatures, light vs dark… the list goes on and on, but somehow it all just works.

Shade and Sasi are made for each other. We so often hear about the morally grey MMC, but they truly are match for match, and I love that for them. They’re violent and aggressive and total red flags, but maybe two red flags together make a shade of green? Also, there is some really fantastical, ethereal writing in here when they’re coming together that really captures the otherworldy vibe.

Myranda comes out swinging from the very first chapter on this, and it doesn’t let up the entire way. My only question is… in the dedication/author note, she says she did the math and there’s only something like 25% spice… girl, are you SURE?! Because this spice really do be spicing!
Profile Image for Shay loves books.
411 reviews23 followers
May 27, 2026
A deliciously wicked good time! Extra spicy with a touch of darkness, what more cld you ask for?

This book takes you on a journey you didn’t know you needed until you read it. Imagine going to a magical circus and suddenly your in cahoots with an Umbramancer you affectionately call Shade, and him being immortal and you a mere mortal, he needs you essence to stay alive, so you willingly give it all to him, and although you don’t normally care about anyone but yourself, you find your having feelings for Shade when secrets start being told and you find out he’s been keeping secrets from you, things get messed up and fighting for your life takes on a whole new meaning!

This book was such a good time. I enjoyed it. I absolutely love a good messed up dark circus romance, although this one was way different, it’s so good! To have a love like Sasi and Shade wld be a dream come true.

I hope there is gonna be a book 2 cause I have so many questions, I need answers to!
Profile Image for Honeybadgerreads.
162 reviews17 followers
January 27, 2026
Wicked Little Thing hooked me before even really getting started! The chemistry between the FMC (Sasi) and MMC (Shade) is seductive, laced with danger, obsession, and that uncertain feeling of "should I want this?"

Sasi goes to a traveling circus with her roommate and ends up in the arms of the ringmaster. From there, a smutty adventure ensues with them traveling the world. Of course, things happen that leaves them questioning decisions already made and to be made… with some being really dark. Sasi is just as morally grey as the ringmaster, and honestly the pairing is divine!

☑️Obsessive/possessive MMC
☑️Both characters morally grey
☑️Touch her and 💀
☑️Forced proximity
☑️Enemies to lovers
☑️Power imbalance
☑️Dark secrets
☑️Casual unaliving
☑️Shadow daddy

If you love dark paranormal romance where both main characters are morally grey, then this should be your next read! 🖤
Profile Image for Skye Daniels.
Author 6 books50 followers
May 31, 2026
Sasi and Shade have a magnetic, chaotic connection that kept me turning pages. Sasi is fierce, determined, and never backs down, while Shade is equal parts danger and temptation. Their relationship is intense from the start, driven more by obsession than romance.

The traveling carnival and train setting gave the story such a distinct atmosphere, making it feel unlike anything else I've read. Add in plenty of spice, morally gray characters, twists, and nonstop chaos, and you've got a wildly entertaining ride. Did I mention plenty of spice? because the spice is spicing. I loved every minute of it.
22 reviews
April 7, 2026
I love how Sasi never changed throughout the whole book. She was a badass that didn’t take shit and questioned everything. She had her insecurities from her past and she owned them. I really enjoyed watching Shade break down her walls and her finally admitting it herself how she was really feeling. Through the betrayal, anger, sadness, and lust she worked through it all. I enjoyed how she thought outside the box to solve the problem and didn’t give up. I am so thankful it ended as a happily ever after because they were definitely soulmates.
Profile Image for Maggs.
70 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2026
“Is she dreaming?” “Is she in a coma?” “Has she been drugged?”

Sasi, the FMC, goes to a carnival with her friend and instead
Of a carnival she finds herself in a magical paranormal world. .. one that immediately starts the beginning of a whirlwind dark romance.

✅ paranormal dark romance
✅ verrrry morally gray FMC and MMC
✅ lovers to enemies to lovers
✅ over 1/4 of the book is spicy scenes
✅ HEA

This book was amazing and absolutely blew my mind!
61 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2026
Smoking Hot Dark God Shadow Daddy🖤💋

If you are a lover of a Spooky, smoky Shadow Daddy Dark God who falls for his prey, who is a feisty, strong FMC....this is the book for you. The spice is hot and not too "obscene ". I will be seeking out more of her books having resd this one. I really liked the characters and spirit realm Circus. Wait until you see our Shadow, she has art in the book.😘😈
Profile Image for Jehn Love.
13 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2026
Amazing from start to finish.
I could not put this book down.

Got 2 of my besties to stop what they were doing to read it with me.. lol

From the first chapter to the last you are completely in the story.

All I can say is Shade is the only shadow daddy I want!! And Sasi my girl is the baddest of them all..

What a book.

I enjoyed every single second of this read!

Can’t wait to read the rest of your books!!
Profile Image for Jen Baldwin.
423 reviews5 followers
March 14, 2026
I cannot give this book enough stars!!!!!! This is the most whimsical smut I've ever read, but it's so much more than that. It's an adventure, an emotional rollercoaster (about 70% in), a mystery, a comedy, feminine rage, people/beings with flaws like a mofo, but still love one another deeply. I immediately ordered a physical copy after finishing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for Alejandra Gil Galindo.
14 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 9, 2026
4 star read for me. It had me on the edge of my seat a lot throughout the book. It pulled me in immediately. At first it seems like it was more spice than plot but it changed the more I read. I loved the book and wish there was more.
Profile Image for ShadowSmut Jen.
32 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 8, 2026
This book was hot, and heartbreaking and happy all at once. It was a rollercoaster and kept me captivated the whole time! The story was wonderful and the spice was amazing! Highly recommend this to anyone who loves the darkness, shadows, magic, love and lots and lots of spice!
Profile Image for Jenna Elines.
25 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2026

I get lulled into a false sense of “shallowness” with all the debauchery, smoke, mirrors and sex in the beginning and then get sucker punched in the heart by the end. I love it so much! The story is sexy, clever, funny and kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next!

Profile Image for Katie.
606 reviews8 followers
March 20, 2026
What a wild read! Mind the content here. Some of what you can expect:
- morally grey x morally grey
- run away with the (paranormal) circus
- things just got weird, should I be concerned?
- if villian, why hot?
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Profile Image for Pretty_Poisons_Dark_Romance.
192 reviews14 followers
March 30, 2026
Personally this one wasn't for me but who knows ... you might like it! I am very particular about the books I read with magic or paranormal stories and sometimes I have a hard time sticking through it. Its definitely a spice over plot type of book and you do get a HEA.
Profile Image for Megan Nicolls.
264 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2026
I agree with a lot of reviews on here that this book is a ride and what the fuck did we just read. They all seemed to like it. I did not. The MC’s are both really unlikable and the plot is barely there. I should have DNF’d this in the beginning when everything just felt off.
Profile Image for FeliciaoftheTwistedPlot.
45 reviews
August 15, 2026
What a wild ride! It was fun to read a book where the FMC is just as morally grey as the MMC! 🖤🖤 a dark romance with elements of fantasy and the paranormal. Dark versus light. The hunt for immortal power. Very very spicy!!🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Crystal.
67 reviews
April 11, 2026
It started out great but then seemed to lose its pace and substance.
Profile Image for Kimberly Walters.
777 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2026
A good, and quick read for me.
First book I've read from this author and I don't plan on it being my last.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews