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Seven Sins Carnival #2
Illusionist
The carnival always has room for sinners.
I’m a great many things—illusionist, killer, survivor of the Sanctum of Ash.
But I’m done being patient.
The Prophets who destroyed my brothers and me are still out there.
And the next target?
My father.
Enter Nova Calder—a fugitive escape artist with blood on her hands and sirens on her trail.
She crashes into the Seven Sins Carnival like a meteor: reckless, feral, and completely unimpressed by my carefully controlled world.
But the real problem arrives wearing a badge.
Theodore “Teddy” Coleman, FBI agent and former Secret Service golden boy, is hunting the truth behind the Sanctum of Ash. His investigation leads him straight to the carnival’s traveling doorstep.
And straight to Nova and me.
We were supposed to silence him.
Instead… we keep him.
Because breaking a good man might be the most entertaining trick of all.
As the town gets painted red, Teddy will have to decide if he's going to expose the monsters... or join us.
Step right up...
The show is about to begin.
Illusionist is a dark MMF romance featuring an unhinged illusionist, a runaway escape artist with nothing left to lose, and the federal agent unlucky enough to catch their attention.
I’m a great many things—illusionist, killer, survivor of the Sanctum of Ash.
But I’m done being patient.
The Prophets who destroyed my brothers and me are still out there.
And the next target?
My father.
Enter Nova Calder—a fugitive escape artist with blood on her hands and sirens on her trail.
She crashes into the Seven Sins Carnival like a meteor: reckless, feral, and completely unimpressed by my carefully controlled world.
But the real problem arrives wearing a badge.
Theodore “Teddy” Coleman, FBI agent and former Secret Service golden boy, is hunting the truth behind the Sanctum of Ash. His investigation leads him straight to the carnival’s traveling doorstep.
And straight to Nova and me.
We were supposed to silence him.
Instead… we keep him.
Because breaking a good man might be the most entertaining trick of all.
As the town gets painted red, Teddy will have to decide if he's going to expose the monsters... or join us.
Step right up...
The show is about to begin.
Illusionist is a dark MMF romance featuring an unhinged illusionist, a runaway escape artist with nothing left to lose, and the federal agent unlucky enough to catch their attention.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2026
About the author
Arden Hart
11 books303 followersArden Hart writes dark, obsessive romances that linger in the shadows. Expect possessive heroes, twisted desires, and tension that grips you until the last page.
When not weaving danger and obsession onto the page, Arden enjoys strong coffee and dreaming up morally gray characters who refuse to let go.
When not weaving danger and obsession onto the page, Arden enjoys strong coffee and dreaming up morally gray characters who refuse to let go.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
June 12, 2026
The first chapter (prologue) caught my attention right away. Nova is running from a very abusive relationship (with Roman), and ends up at The Seven Sins Carnival, where she meets Silas. She's a very talented escape artist and is looking for a job.
Silas, the illusionist at The Seven Sins Carnival, has been waiting 20 years to find Malachi Voss, the Prophet, cult leader and collector of kids who've had a rough life. The carnival people called him father, and now, years later, he's hiding under the guise of a charitable foundation.
Teddy is an FBI agent tasked with investigating the unaliving of people wherever the carnival goes.
Silas notices Nova weaving in and out of the crowd; attraction pulls him to follow her. Her past keeps her on high alert, and she surprises him by catching him in the act of following her. Their attraction is instant, and their chemistry is high. Silas is seductive and makes her pulse race; he's curious and fascinated with Nova and can sense that she's hiding a dark secret.
Teddy, watching the show from the crowd, notices something heating up inside of him when he's watching Silas and Nova in their act (The Illusionist and Escape Artist). The way they move around each other and the magnetic energy around them. He's wondering why he's getting turned on and hopes no one notices. He's supposed to be gathering info on them, not wanting to be part of the act.
I liked the relationship that the three had, the trust they found in each other and the strong attraction they felt. The steam is super hot and detailed. And I'm glad that Silas and Teddy could see right through her and that she had things she was running from, and allowed her to 'fall' while they caught her. I also liked that Nova and Silas helped create a safe space for Teddy to finally accept who he is and the type of relationship he wants in his life.
And for their plans to find the prophets who did unimaginable things to those poor children... I was cheering them on!
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Theodore (Teddy), Silas & Nova
Nickname: Little Fugitive
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MMF, Why Choose, Multiple 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Seven Sins Carnival Series- Illusionist: Book 2
Audiobook: n/a as of June 2026
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT: Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Carnival/FBI Agent
*⚔️
*Revenge
*CA/CSA
*No cheating or sharing of the MMCs outside the relationship (why choose)
⚠️ 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 and am voluntarily writing this review.
Silas, the illusionist at The Seven Sins Carnival, has been waiting 20 years to find Malachi Voss, the Prophet, cult leader and collector of kids who've had a rough life. The carnival people called him father, and now, years later, he's hiding under the guise of a charitable foundation.
Teddy is an FBI agent tasked with investigating the unaliving of people wherever the carnival goes.
Silas notices Nova weaving in and out of the crowd; attraction pulls him to follow her. Her past keeps her on high alert, and she surprises him by catching him in the act of following her. Their attraction is instant, and their chemistry is high. Silas is seductive and makes her pulse race; he's curious and fascinated with Nova and can sense that she's hiding a dark secret.
Teddy, watching the show from the crowd, notices something heating up inside of him when he's watching Silas and Nova in their act (The Illusionist and Escape Artist). The way they move around each other and the magnetic energy around them. He's wondering why he's getting turned on and hopes no one notices. He's supposed to be gathering info on them, not wanting to be part of the act.
I liked the relationship that the three had, the trust they found in each other and the strong attraction they felt. The steam is super hot and detailed. And I'm glad that Silas and Teddy could see right through her and that she had things she was running from, and allowed her to 'fall' while they caught her. I also liked that Nova and Silas helped create a safe space for Teddy to finally accept who he is and the type of relationship he wants in his life.
And for their plans to find the prophets who did unimaginable things to those poor children... I was cheering them on!
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Theodore (Teddy), Silas & Nova
Nickname: Little Fugitive
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MMF, Why Choose, Multiple 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Seven Sins Carnival Series- Illusionist: Book 2
Audiobook: n/a as of June 2026
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT: Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Carnival/FBI Agent
*⚔️
*Revenge
*CA/CSA
*No cheating or sharing of the MMCs outside the relationship (why choose)
⚠️ 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 and am voluntarily writing this review.
August 3, 2026
The premise? Fantastic and fun. A group of survivors systematically hunting down the people responsible for decades of torture. Nova's escape in that first chapter from an abusive husband had me hooked. I became increasingly invested more in the Seven Sin boys twisted history with the Prophets unfolding.
Plot twist... I actually enjoyed the polyamorous relationship too! Although Nova and Silas made a great team I wish they had more time to establish their relationship. Surprisingly I liked them even more once Theodore joined the dynamic. Win in my book there because a find few literary one's enjoyable with a good balance. The confrontation with both Roman and Malachi were also immensely satisfying. It was interesting to see the juxtaposition between the two torture scenes. Revenge served exactly how I ordered it; bloody, messy and long overdue.
Where this lost me was the balance. Midway through it started feeling like the spice scenes overtook everything. Give me something to sink my teeth into between rounds! The survivor storyline, revenge, mystery and Agent Coleman's investigation were sitting RIGHT THERE begging for more attention. All those aspects became increasingly rushed. Also why omit Coleman's meeting with Dr Rebecca Morrison. That would have been phenomenal as a reader to see that interaction but instead it was brushed under the rug. Some of the spicy dialogue became redundant as well, basically repeating what the narration had already described. I needed a bit less spice, more emotional development and wayyyy more of that deliciously dark plot.
Plot twist... I actually enjoyed the polyamorous relationship too! Although Nova and Silas made a great team I wish they had more time to establish their relationship. Surprisingly I liked them even more once Theodore joined the dynamic. Win in my book there because a find few literary one's enjoyable with a good balance. The confrontation with both Roman and Malachi were also immensely satisfying. It was interesting to see the juxtaposition between the two torture scenes. Revenge served exactly how I ordered it; bloody, messy and long overdue.
Where this lost me was the balance. Midway through it started feeling like the spice scenes overtook everything. Give me something to sink my teeth into between rounds! The survivor storyline, revenge, mystery and Agent Coleman's investigation were sitting RIGHT THERE begging for more attention. All those aspects became increasingly rushed. Also why omit Coleman's meeting with Dr Rebecca Morrison. That would have been phenomenal as a reader to see that interaction but instead it was brushed under the rug. Some of the spicy dialogue became redundant as well, basically repeating what the narration had already described. I needed a bit less spice, more emotional development and wayyyy more of that deliciously dark plot.
June 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦
Wow. The second book in the Seven Sins Carnival series is packed — raw emotions, secrets, and new beginnings all wrapped in one deliciously chaotic story.
This is Silas' book. And when he meets Nova, an escape artist, he knows immediately that she's his — whether she likes it or not. She can fight it all she wants. Then Teddy, a federal agent, shows up and things get very interesting. We're talking edging and a primal chase through the woods. Yeah. You read that right.
This is a co-write between Arden and Selena Winters — and just like they proved in the Beautiful Stalker series, these two don't just work together; they elevate each other. Arden's already stunning writing style gets that extra layer of glitter, and it shows on every page.
Go read this if you like your federal agents with a chase kink and zero chill, if a dark carnival setting wrapped around an MMF bi-awakening sounds like exactly the kind of unhinged you needed today, and if you want edging, primal energy, and a love triangle that makes you genuinely sweat — all in one book. 😮💨😈
⛓️ Love triangle
⛓️ MMF
⛓️ Voyeurism
⛓️ Bi-awakening
⛓️ Enemies to Lovers
⛓️ Primal Chase
⛓️ Edging, Overstimulation, BJ, DP, vers
❗️Check TW
97/26
Wow. The second book in the Seven Sins Carnival series is packed — raw emotions, secrets, and new beginnings all wrapped in one deliciously chaotic story.
This is Silas' book. And when he meets Nova, an escape artist, he knows immediately that she's his — whether she likes it or not. She can fight it all she wants. Then Teddy, a federal agent, shows up and things get very interesting. We're talking edging and a primal chase through the woods. Yeah. You read that right.
This is a co-write between Arden and Selena Winters — and just like they proved in the Beautiful Stalker series, these two don't just work together; they elevate each other. Arden's already stunning writing style gets that extra layer of glitter, and it shows on every page.
Go read this if you like your federal agents with a chase kink and zero chill, if a dark carnival setting wrapped around an MMF bi-awakening sounds like exactly the kind of unhinged you needed today, and if you want edging, primal energy, and a love triangle that makes you genuinely sweat — all in one book. 😮💨😈
⛓️ Love triangle
⛓️ MMF
⛓️ Voyeurism
⛓️ Bi-awakening
⛓️ Enemies to Lovers
⛓️ Primal Chase
⛓️ Edging, Overstimulation, BJ, DP, vers
❗️Check TW
97/26
June 5, 2026
Damn! I need me a Silas, Teddy n Nova 🥵
She’s on the run, she ends up in Seven Sins Carnival but she’s is spotted straight away by Silas and he isn’t about to let her go. Teddy an FBI agent investigating the Sanctum of Ash finds himself in a bit of a predicament 🤭…
"𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝑒'𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑒𝒹, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓇𝑒𝒸𝑜𝑔𝓃𝒾𝓏𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝑔𝓃𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝓈. 𝒲𝑒'𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓇𝓊𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝓇𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓊𝒾𝓁𝒹 𝓃𝑒𝓌 𝓁𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓈𝒽𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓈."
I loved the insight into Nova and Silas’s backgrounds and the darkness they share, their sm3xy times are hot buuut when they decide to keep their ‘pet officer’ it takes it to a whole new level. For me the plot took back seat to the spicy times though it was still an integral part in the building of this series. I can’t wait for Rowe’s story next 😊
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She’s on the run, she ends up in Seven Sins Carnival but she’s is spotted straight away by Silas and he isn’t about to let her go. Teddy an FBI agent investigating the Sanctum of Ash finds himself in a bit of a predicament 🤭…
"𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝑒'𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑒𝒹, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓇𝑒𝒸𝑜𝑔𝓃𝒾𝓏𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝑔𝓃𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝓈. 𝒲𝑒'𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓇𝓊𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝓇𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓊𝒾𝓁𝒹 𝓃𝑒𝓌 𝓁𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓈𝒽𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓈."
I loved the insight into Nova and Silas’s backgrounds and the darkness they share, their sm3xy times are hot buuut when they decide to keep their ‘pet officer’ it takes it to a whole new level. For me the plot took back seat to the spicy times though it was still an integral part in the building of this series. I can’t wait for Rowe’s story next 😊
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2026
Silas (and the rest of the boys) are systematically ruining his Dad (& leader of the prophets) entire life & legacy in this book! There is a runaway escape artist (Nova) who joins their carnival crew, and an FBI agent (teddy) who is investigating the Sanctum of Ash cult & its missing members…
Everyone joins forces to take down those horrendous pedos down and it is lovely!
As much as I’m not a fan of “insta-love” it only makes sense in this book cause their timeline is quite limited…
I still need Marek’s story… 🥰
Also loved the tie in to the beautiful stalkers series with the help of Ethan! Fun nod!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
MMF and all the combos that entails!
Restraints, primal play, fun times!
Everyone joins forces to take down those horrendous pedos down and it is lovely!
As much as I’m not a fan of “insta-love” it only makes sense in this book cause their timeline is quite limited…
I still need Marek’s story… 🥰
Also loved the tie in to the beautiful stalkers series with the help of Ethan! Fun nod!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
MMF and all the combos that entails!
Restraints, primal play, fun times!
July 26, 2026
Hot, Passionate and Dark!
Whew, this was good! What these seven brothers have been through I just wanna hug each one of them my word. Silas, Teddy and Nova are perfect and I love their dynamic.
Whew, this was good! What these seven brothers have been through I just wanna hug each one of them my word. Silas, Teddy and Nova are perfect and I love their dynamic.
June 16, 2026
Illusionist is what happens when someone takes a traveling carnival, stuffs it full of attractive disasters, adds unresolved trauma, questionable life choices, and then lights the entire thing with neon signs that read “This is a terrible idea.”
Naturally, I had a great time.
The story follows Nova, a runaway escape artist trying to outrun her past, Silas, an illusionist whose hobbies include being dangerously obsessed five minutes after meeting someone, and Teddy, an FBI agent who repeatedly wanders into situations that should have come with hazard pay. The premise alone is delightfully unhinged. The authors waste absolutely no time throwing readers into the chaos. Nova arrives carrying secrets, Silas immediately develops an interest that could generously be described as “intense,” and Teddy is basically standing in the path of an oncoming freight train while politely asking for identification.
The biggest strength of this book is the atmosphere. The carnival feels alive. It is creepy, seductive, unpredictable, and somehow manages to feel like both a home and a crime scene. Every scene carries this feeling that something terrible and exciting could happen at any moment.
Silas is a walking red flag wrapped in tattoos, confidence, and bad decisions. Nova is smart, capable, and refreshingly unwilling to be steamrolled. Their chemistry crackles from the moment they meet. The banter is sharp, flirtatious, and loaded with enough tension to power a small city.
Teddy deserves special recognition for being the closest thing this story has to a functioning adult. Unfortunately for him, he wandered into a carnival populated almost entirely by beautiful lunatics.
The spice is plentiful, bold, and frequently arrives with all the subtlety of a marching band kicking down your front door. If you’re looking for slow-burn restraint, this carnival misplaced it somewhere near the Ferris wheel.
My only criticism is that some readers may find the insta-attraction a little too instant. Certain characters take one look at each other and immediately start planning emotionally questionable activities. Then again, this is dark romance. Sensible decision-making left town several chapters ago.
Rating: 4.25/5
Spice: 4.5/5
Darkness: 4.5/5
Chaos Factor: 5/5
Trigger Warnings
* Domestic abuse
* Emotional manipulation
* Cult-related trauma
* Violence and murder
* Stalking themes
* Possessive behavior
* Criminal activity
* Blood and gore
* Dark psychological themes
* Morally gray (and occasionally morally missing) characters
Final Verdict
If you enjoy:
* Dark carnival settings
* Morally gray characters
* MMF romance
* Obsessive attraction
* Dangerous chemistry
* Trauma healing wrapped in chaos
…then Illusionist is likely your ticket.
This book doesn’t ask whether the red flags are visible. It hangs them from the Ferris wheel, illuminates them with carnival lights, and then sells souvenir versions in the gift shop. And somehow you’ll still buy a ticket for another ride.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Naturally, I had a great time.
The story follows Nova, a runaway escape artist trying to outrun her past, Silas, an illusionist whose hobbies include being dangerously obsessed five minutes after meeting someone, and Teddy, an FBI agent who repeatedly wanders into situations that should have come with hazard pay. The premise alone is delightfully unhinged. The authors waste absolutely no time throwing readers into the chaos. Nova arrives carrying secrets, Silas immediately develops an interest that could generously be described as “intense,” and Teddy is basically standing in the path of an oncoming freight train while politely asking for identification.
The biggest strength of this book is the atmosphere. The carnival feels alive. It is creepy, seductive, unpredictable, and somehow manages to feel like both a home and a crime scene. Every scene carries this feeling that something terrible and exciting could happen at any moment.
Silas is a walking red flag wrapped in tattoos, confidence, and bad decisions. Nova is smart, capable, and refreshingly unwilling to be steamrolled. Their chemistry crackles from the moment they meet. The banter is sharp, flirtatious, and loaded with enough tension to power a small city.
Teddy deserves special recognition for being the closest thing this story has to a functioning adult. Unfortunately for him, he wandered into a carnival populated almost entirely by beautiful lunatics.
The spice is plentiful, bold, and frequently arrives with all the subtlety of a marching band kicking down your front door. If you’re looking for slow-burn restraint, this carnival misplaced it somewhere near the Ferris wheel.
My only criticism is that some readers may find the insta-attraction a little too instant. Certain characters take one look at each other and immediately start planning emotionally questionable activities. Then again, this is dark romance. Sensible decision-making left town several chapters ago.
Rating: 4.25/5
Spice: 4.5/5
Darkness: 4.5/5
Chaos Factor: 5/5
Trigger Warnings
* Domestic abuse
* Emotional manipulation
* Cult-related trauma
* Violence and murder
* Stalking themes
* Possessive behavior
* Criminal activity
* Blood and gore
* Dark psychological themes
* Morally gray (and occasionally morally missing) characters
Final Verdict
If you enjoy:
* Dark carnival settings
* Morally gray characters
* MMF romance
* Obsessive attraction
* Dangerous chemistry
* Trauma healing wrapped in chaos
…then Illusionist is likely your ticket.
This book doesn’t ask whether the red flags are visible. It hangs them from the Ferris wheel, illuminates them with carnival lights, and then sells souvenir versions in the gift shop. And somehow you’ll still buy a ticket for another ride.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2026
The carnival has room for sinners, survivors, and bad choices.
Nova arrives at the Seven Sins Carnival with a past she can’t outrun and blood on her hands. She’s an escape artist who can slip almost any lock, but freedom is harder when fear has lived in her body for years. The carnival makes room for the parts of her that never learned softness.
Silas is an illusionist, a survivor, and a man built from control. He knows how to redirect attention, hide damage, and turn vengeance into performance, but Nova unsettles the order he’s carved out of chaos. She meets his darkness without flinching.
Then Teddy walks in with a badge, a case file, and a moral compass that still believes in clean lines. He’s supposed to expose the carnival, not crave the two people at its center. But they unravel him, pulling him toward desire, danger, and justice he can’t easily reject.
Together, the three become something sharp, intimate, and unstable in all the right ways. A fugitive, an illusionist, and a federal agent caught between vengeance and love, building a bond that’s obsessive, protective, and real enough to hurt.
Nova moves from guarded survival into believing love doesn’t have to mean ownership. Silas lets intimacy become more than control. Teddy shifts from outsider to devoted partner, accepting a love that breaks every rule he used to live by. Together, they build a dark, physical bond rooted in chosen family, devotion, and protection.
A dark, kink-forward MMF erotic romance set inside a vigilante carnival, filled with polyamory, bi-awakening, primal heat, survival, obsession, revenge, power exchange, trauma, found family, and morally gray justice. It’s violent, filthy, tender beneath the damage, and ultimately about choosing the people who see every broken piece of you and still call it home.
The Elevator Pitch: A fugitive escape artist finds refuge in a carnival built by survivors, only to collide with an illusionist whose vengeance is as precise as his desire. When a federal agent follows the trail of missing men to their doorstep, his search for truth pulls him into a bond that fractures his duty and awakens hungers he never named. Together, the three are drawn into a world of masks, blood debts, and dangerous devotion, where justice and love both demand surrender.
Heat Level: 🖤🔥 Erotica / Kink-Forward
Nova arrives at the Seven Sins Carnival with a past she can’t outrun and blood on her hands. She’s an escape artist who can slip almost any lock, but freedom is harder when fear has lived in her body for years. The carnival makes room for the parts of her that never learned softness.
Silas is an illusionist, a survivor, and a man built from control. He knows how to redirect attention, hide damage, and turn vengeance into performance, but Nova unsettles the order he’s carved out of chaos. She meets his darkness without flinching.
Then Teddy walks in with a badge, a case file, and a moral compass that still believes in clean lines. He’s supposed to expose the carnival, not crave the two people at its center. But they unravel him, pulling him toward desire, danger, and justice he can’t easily reject.
Together, the three become something sharp, intimate, and unstable in all the right ways. A fugitive, an illusionist, and a federal agent caught between vengeance and love, building a bond that’s obsessive, protective, and real enough to hurt.
Nova moves from guarded survival into believing love doesn’t have to mean ownership. Silas lets intimacy become more than control. Teddy shifts from outsider to devoted partner, accepting a love that breaks every rule he used to live by. Together, they build a dark, physical bond rooted in chosen family, devotion, and protection.
A dark, kink-forward MMF erotic romance set inside a vigilante carnival, filled with polyamory, bi-awakening, primal heat, survival, obsession, revenge, power exchange, trauma, found family, and morally gray justice. It’s violent, filthy, tender beneath the damage, and ultimately about choosing the people who see every broken piece of you and still call it home.
The Elevator Pitch: A fugitive escape artist finds refuge in a carnival built by survivors, only to collide with an illusionist whose vengeance is as precise as his desire. When a federal agent follows the trail of missing men to their doorstep, his search for truth pulls him into a bond that fractures his duty and awakens hungers he never named. Together, the three are drawn into a world of masks, blood debts, and dangerous devotion, where justice and love both demand surrender.
Heat Level: 🖤🔥 Erotica / Kink-Forward
June 16, 2026
This was my fault going into it knowing I'm not into why choose and generally steer clear of MM. The beginning before Teddy got added was fine but it just got cringy when it became a throuple dynamic. The smut was not as spicy as Ringmaster and the dirty talk was repetitive - "open that pretty mouth", "taking him/us so well", "come for me". You get the point.
I mainly went in cuz I wanted to see them exact revenge on daddy dearest. It was poetic and satisfying since it was more graphic than the last book. They also provided a tiny bit more color on the abuse they went through unlike the previous novel.
Safety - no OWD, OMD from FMC's ex, no cheating, why choose so they share amongst themselves but not anyone outside of their relationship. MMC1 was a manwhore according to previous book's vibe.
I mainly went in cuz I wanted to see them exact revenge on daddy dearest. It was poetic and satisfying since it was more graphic than the last book. They also provided a tiny bit more color on the abuse they went through unlike the previous novel.
Safety - no OWD, OMD from FMC's ex, no cheating, why choose so they share amongst themselves but not anyone outside of their relationship. MMC1 was a manwhore according to previous book's vibe.
July 17, 2026
The actual feels this one gave me were chef's freakin kiss. 🤌🏻
Silas, Elias' brother, is always the bridesmaid and never the bride as they say. Except when he sets eyes on Nova. The sneaky escape artist that has come to town to audition to be in the show. Not at all to run from her past. 👀⛓️
She's his. Period. And the tension between these two, well it snaps like a rubber band because who can blame her 😅
Both of them are so caught up in each other that they don't realize someone else has been watching. And he has his eyes on Nova too. And maybe also on Silas??? And did I mention he's an FBI agent 👀👀👀
This was action packed, so smutty 🥵, and kept the family together from the first book in this series. I cannot wait to read the next book. I need to know more.
Silas, Elias' brother, is always the bridesmaid and never the bride as they say. Except when he sets eyes on Nova. The sneaky escape artist that has come to town to audition to be in the show. Not at all to run from her past. 👀⛓️
She's his. Period. And the tension between these two, well it snaps like a rubber band because who can blame her 😅
Both of them are so caught up in each other that they don't realize someone else has been watching. And he has his eyes on Nova too. And maybe also on Silas??? And did I mention he's an FBI agent 👀👀👀
This was action packed, so smutty 🥵, and kept the family together from the first book in this series. I cannot wait to read the next book. I need to know more.
August 12, 2026
Fun to read
The chemistry between characters Silas, Nova, and eventually Teddy is so darn hot. I should probably find it disturbing that the characters hunt down and plot the demise of others , but I don't. The social justice / revenge vibes continue to be strong in this series. The overarching story is rooted in dark themes, so checking trigger warnings is advised.
That said, I love how the carnival family embraces Nova, and then does it all over again for Teddy. It was fun to watch the three characters turn into a throuple . I don't know what else to say. This had humor, emotion, good spicy tension, wonderfully spicy scenes, and great found family / protective vibes.
The chemistry between characters Silas, Nova, and eventually Teddy is so darn hot. I should probably find it disturbing that the characters hunt down and plot the demise of others , but I don't. The social justice / revenge vibes continue to be strong in this series. The overarching story is rooted in dark themes, so checking trigger warnings is advised.
That said, I love how the carnival family embraces Nova, and then does it all over again for Teddy. It was fun to watch the three characters turn into a throuple . I don't know what else to say. This had humor, emotion, good spicy tension, wonderfully spicy scenes, and great found family / protective vibes.
June 7, 2026
as stated before… there is some kind of crack cocaine hidden in these books 😭
are they literally masterpieces? no.(but also yes. because people seriously need to stop being so harsh. if it makes you feel good - it IS good.)
are they one million percent addictive? absolutely.
this is cliterature in its finest, purest form🫡✨
I will be reading every single word these two ever publish. every novella. every bonus chapter. every random newsletter exclusive. every grocery list if they decide to release one.
thank you for your time 💆🏼♀️😭🤠
are they literally masterpieces? no.(but also yes. because people seriously need to stop being so harsh. if it makes you feel good - it IS good.)
are they one million percent addictive? absolutely.
this is cliterature in its finest, purest form🫡✨
I will be reading every single word these two ever publish. every novella. every bonus chapter. every random newsletter exclusive. every grocery list if they decide to release one.
thank you for your time 💆🏼♀️😭🤠
July 7, 2026
Ugh. I wanted to love this. The whole reason I read the first book was so that I could read this one because I saw some fan art that was 🔥. I enjoy a good mmf story, but unfortunately this one didn't work for me.
This is picky, but I hated that everytime they had sex, didn't matter which 2 (or 3), the first command was "just move". Like I get maybe the first time you're having sex you have to remind the guy that he can't just stick it in and be still. But this happened every. Single. Time.
This is picky, but I hated that everytime they had sex, didn't matter which 2 (or 3), the first command was "just move". Like I get maybe the first time you're having sex you have to remind the guy that he can't just stick it in and be still. But this happened every. Single. Time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2026
Silas and Teddy and Nova. MMF. Nova is a professional escape artist and escaped her abusive husband. On the run she finds Silas and the sins carnival. Teddy is an FBI agent who just so happens to fall in love with Silas and Nova. This story again had all the potential to be freaking amazing! And while it was better than the first book, the characters still lack depth. I also feel unresolved about Nova and her parents and we know NOTHING about Teddy…
June 14, 2026
⭐ 4/5 🌶️ 4/5
An easy, spicy read with likeable MC’s and an enjoyable plot. A vibes read for sure 😈 looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
An easy, spicy read with likeable MC’s and an enjoyable plot. A vibes read for sure 😈 looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 27, 2026
Silly, smutty vacation read. Fun!
July 8, 2026
This was not it! Too insta lovey, no character development at all, a lot of things were told and not shown. The premise is cool, but the execution wasn’t great.
June 30, 2026
The carnival always has room for sinners.
I’m a great many things—illusionist, killer, survivor of the Sanctum of Ash.
But I’m done being patient.
The Prophets who destroyed my brothers and me are still out there.
And the next target?
My father.
Enter Nova Calder—a fugitive escape artist with blood on her hands and sirens on her trail.
She crashes into the Seven Sins Carnival like a meteor: reckless, feral, and completely unimpressed by my carefully controlled world.
But the real problem arrives wearing a badge.
Theodore “Teddy” Coleman, FBI agent and former Secret Service golden boy, is hunting the truth behind the Sanctum of Ash. His investigation leads him straight to the carnival’s travelling doorstep.
And straight to Nova and me.
We were supposed to silence him.
Instead… we keep him.
Because breaking a good man might be the most entertaining trick of all.
As the town gets painted red, Teddy will have to decide if he's going to expose the monsters... or join us.
Step right up...
The show is about to begin.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first.
Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Why Choose, Dark Romance, Dark, Why Choose / Reverse Harem (MMM/FM or MMF dynamics), Enemies-to-Lovers, Morally Gray Love, Touch Her and Unalive, Found Family, Captor/Captive, Corruption Arc, Serial Killer Romance, Vigilante Justice, Trauma Bonding, Fugitive FMC, Lawman Falls for the Criminals, Hidden Identity, Secret Society, Revenge Quest, Broken Hero, Chaotic FMC, Good Man Tempted by Darkness, Ice King MMC, Dark Carnival, Small Town Secrets, Travelling Circus/Carnival, Captor/Captive, Revenge, Psychological Suspense, FBI vs. Killers Cat-and-Mouse Tension.
Illusionist is the 2nd book in the Seven Sins Carnival series by Arden Hart and Selena Winters. This book is a dark MMF romance featuring an unhinged illusionist, a runaway escape artist with nothing left to lose, and the federal agent unlucky enough to catch their attention.
The Illusionist is the second book in the Seven Sins Carnival series, where magic, mystery, and danger come out to play. Written by Arden Hart and Selena Winters, this novel blends the dark magic of a touring carnival with revenge gone awry and the struggle to survive, bringing street-level contemporary dark romance to life.
The Illusionist tells the story of Nova Calder, a hellion escape artist and fugitive whose reckless behaviour throws the Seven Sins Carnival's carefully constructed disorder into chaos, and Teddy Coleman, an FBI agent whose investigations threaten to expose what hides beneath.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this novel is its deeply evocative atmosphere. The carnival itself takes on a life of its own, extravagant and cruel. With connective prose that is vivid and visceral, Hart and Winters build a backdrop for this travelling aquatic landscape, full of wonder mixed with terror. The carnival is a fitting setting for themes of illusion—not only the tricks of magicians, but also how people wear masks and how secrets wait just beneath the surface.
The characters are complex and relatable. Nova, as our FMC, is unapologetically herself; she has a bloodied past and a sharp-edged attitude. Teddy is a former Secret Service agent with almost too-good-to-be-true used-car salesman-type morality, and they clash not only over their goals but also over how to think about that morality.
With mutual mistrust and unwelcome attraction, their shaky relationship keeps the drama alive without resorting to clichés. The narrative keeps readers on their toes, constantly asking who the true monster is and who the savior is. It adds volume and keeps things moving at a good clip.
I love how both Arden and Selnea are skilled writers who weave their twisted plot through familiar tropes without making it feel stale, thanks largely to their darkly stylized, poetic language.
The Illusionist does remarkably well in balancing action with its character arcs. The stakes rise quickly and dramatically, with vivid depictions of violence and tension, never gratuitous; the violence fits the brutality of the world our authors have created.
The investigation of loyalty not only to family but also to her own sense of ethics is perhaps the most arresting ongoing theme in this thread. The Sanctum of Ash presents a frightening enemy that lends this carnival mythic significance and pushes it past the line dividing mortal from not-quite-mortal.
If you are anything like me and enjoy a darker romance that weaves a spell through all the grit and shadows to settle its characters where they should be, The Illusionist is addictive to read! And if you enjoy a dark contemporary romance with an eerie twist, this one is sure to lead the way through themes of trust, betrayal, and the nightmare that survival can entail. But readers seeking a lighter or simpler romance might be put off by the tone. Fans of morally grey characters and an intricate, show-don't-tell setting will enjoy this carnival gone wrong.
As the “show” begins all over again, readers are left asking: in this world of illusion, what will we accept as truth?
I’m a great many things—illusionist, killer, survivor of the Sanctum of Ash.
But I’m done being patient.
The Prophets who destroyed my brothers and me are still out there.
And the next target?
My father.
Enter Nova Calder—a fugitive escape artist with blood on her hands and sirens on her trail.
She crashes into the Seven Sins Carnival like a meteor: reckless, feral, and completely unimpressed by my carefully controlled world.
But the real problem arrives wearing a badge.
Theodore “Teddy” Coleman, FBI agent and former Secret Service golden boy, is hunting the truth behind the Sanctum of Ash. His investigation leads him straight to the carnival’s travelling doorstep.
And straight to Nova and me.
We were supposed to silence him.
Instead… we keep him.
Because breaking a good man might be the most entertaining trick of all.
As the town gets painted red, Teddy will have to decide if he's going to expose the monsters... or join us.
Step right up...
The show is about to begin.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first.
Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Why Choose, Dark Romance, Dark, Why Choose / Reverse Harem (MMM/FM or MMF dynamics), Enemies-to-Lovers, Morally Gray Love, Touch Her and Unalive, Found Family, Captor/Captive, Corruption Arc, Serial Killer Romance, Vigilante Justice, Trauma Bonding, Fugitive FMC, Lawman Falls for the Criminals, Hidden Identity, Secret Society, Revenge Quest, Broken Hero, Chaotic FMC, Good Man Tempted by Darkness, Ice King MMC, Dark Carnival, Small Town Secrets, Travelling Circus/Carnival, Captor/Captive, Revenge, Psychological Suspense, FBI vs. Killers Cat-and-Mouse Tension.
Illusionist is the 2nd book in the Seven Sins Carnival series by Arden Hart and Selena Winters. This book is a dark MMF romance featuring an unhinged illusionist, a runaway escape artist with nothing left to lose, and the federal agent unlucky enough to catch their attention.
The Illusionist is the second book in the Seven Sins Carnival series, where magic, mystery, and danger come out to play. Written by Arden Hart and Selena Winters, this novel blends the dark magic of a touring carnival with revenge gone awry and the struggle to survive, bringing street-level contemporary dark romance to life.
The Illusionist tells the story of Nova Calder, a hellion escape artist and fugitive whose reckless behaviour throws the Seven Sins Carnival's carefully constructed disorder into chaos, and Teddy Coleman, an FBI agent whose investigations threaten to expose what hides beneath.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this novel is its deeply evocative atmosphere. The carnival itself takes on a life of its own, extravagant and cruel. With connective prose that is vivid and visceral, Hart and Winters build a backdrop for this travelling aquatic landscape, full of wonder mixed with terror. The carnival is a fitting setting for themes of illusion—not only the tricks of magicians, but also how people wear masks and how secrets wait just beneath the surface.
The characters are complex and relatable. Nova, as our FMC, is unapologetically herself; she has a bloodied past and a sharp-edged attitude. Teddy is a former Secret Service agent with almost too-good-to-be-true used-car salesman-type morality, and they clash not only over their goals but also over how to think about that morality.
With mutual mistrust and unwelcome attraction, their shaky relationship keeps the drama alive without resorting to clichés. The narrative keeps readers on their toes, constantly asking who the true monster is and who the savior is. It adds volume and keeps things moving at a good clip.
I love how both Arden and Selnea are skilled writers who weave their twisted plot through familiar tropes without making it feel stale, thanks largely to their darkly stylized, poetic language.
The Illusionist does remarkably well in balancing action with its character arcs. The stakes rise quickly and dramatically, with vivid depictions of violence and tension, never gratuitous; the violence fits the brutality of the world our authors have created.
The investigation of loyalty not only to family but also to her own sense of ethics is perhaps the most arresting ongoing theme in this thread. The Sanctum of Ash presents a frightening enemy that lends this carnival mythic significance and pushes it past the line dividing mortal from not-quite-mortal.
If you are anything like me and enjoy a darker romance that weaves a spell through all the grit and shadows to settle its characters where they should be, The Illusionist is addictive to read! And if you enjoy a dark contemporary romance with an eerie twist, this one is sure to lead the way through themes of trust, betrayal, and the nightmare that survival can entail. But readers seeking a lighter or simpler romance might be put off by the tone. Fans of morally grey characters and an intricate, show-don't-tell setting will enjoy this carnival gone wrong.
As the “show” begins all over again, readers are left asking: in this world of illusion, what will we accept as truth?
July 4, 2026
Illusionist by Arden Hart & Selena Winter
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I know five is the max. Chill out, girls.)
Spice: ♾️ (Holy shit... I need to cool down.)
Holy. Fucking. Hell.
I just finished this book and... God. Okay, thank you, Ivett, for being extra dramatic, but believe me when I say... I want Silas and Teddy.
I told you girls I had my eyes on Silas back in Ringmaster, and I fucking knew it.
Before you start reading this book, I need to warn you.
DO NOT.
Again...
DO NOT read this during your break at work.
(There is absolutely not enough time to erase those chapters from your head before you have to go back and act like a functioning member of society.)
The story picks up exactly where the previous book left off. This time, Elias's and Silas's Daddy Dearest is the main target. I can't even call him the victim, because he was everything but a victim. I have to admit, the satisfaction I felt when he permanently exited the storyline was absolutely unmatched.
As an added bonus, we also get another target: Nova's husband.
I don't have any polite words for a grown-ass man who grooms young girls - not in a book, and definitely not in real life. So seeing his fate unfold? Again... incredibly satisfying.
Which leaves me questioning myself yet again:
Do I actually need that therapist I've been joking about lately?
Because I feel like my reaction to all of this should concern me...
...but it doesn't.
Teddy, Nova, and Silas are absolutely incredible together. I already loved the duo before Teddy joined them, but after?
Holy hell.
After this, there isn't a single dimension where my soul could be saved. But honestly... I don't want it saved anyway, so who cares?
The chemistry between the three of them is phenomenal. The tension, the longing, the devotion... everything feels so natural. The many spicy scenes are overflowing with lust, desire, and, most importantly, equality. Their polyamorous relationship never feels forced - it just works, and I absolutely adored seeing the trust and love they built together.
Dear Arden and Selena...
Do you think they'd accept one more person into the relationship? Asking for a friend. Obviously.
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I know five is the max. Chill out, girls.)
Spice: ♾️ (Holy shit... I need to cool down.)
Holy. Fucking. Hell.
I just finished this book and... God. Okay, thank you, Ivett, for being extra dramatic, but believe me when I say... I want Silas and Teddy.
I told you girls I had my eyes on Silas back in Ringmaster, and I fucking knew it.
Before you start reading this book, I need to warn you.
DO NOT.
Again...
DO NOT read this during your break at work.
(There is absolutely not enough time to erase those chapters from your head before you have to go back and act like a functioning member of society.)
The story picks up exactly where the previous book left off. This time, Elias's and Silas's Daddy Dearest is the main target. I can't even call him the victim, because he was everything but a victim. I have to admit, the satisfaction I felt when he permanently exited the storyline was absolutely unmatched.
As an added bonus, we also get another target: Nova's husband.
I don't have any polite words for a grown-ass man who grooms young girls - not in a book, and definitely not in real life. So seeing his fate unfold? Again... incredibly satisfying.
Which leaves me questioning myself yet again:
Do I actually need that therapist I've been joking about lately?
Because I feel like my reaction to all of this should concern me...
...but it doesn't.
Teddy, Nova, and Silas are absolutely incredible together. I already loved the duo before Teddy joined them, but after?
Holy hell.
After this, there isn't a single dimension where my soul could be saved. But honestly... I don't want it saved anyway, so who cares?
The chemistry between the three of them is phenomenal. The tension, the longing, the devotion... everything feels so natural. The many spicy scenes are overflowing with lust, desire, and, most importantly, equality. Their polyamorous relationship never feels forced - it just works, and I absolutely adored seeing the trust and love they built together.
Dear Arden and Selena...
Do you think they'd accept one more person into the relationship? Asking for a friend. Obviously.
June 14, 2026
🎡 Welcome to the Seven Sins Carnival. Try not to fall in love with the monsters. 🎠
🎡 Welcome to the Seven Sins Carnival. Try not to fall in love with the monsters. 🎠
🖤 Arden and Selena did it again! 🖤
Anytime these two authors collaborate, holy h€ll do they knock it out of the park.
I adored this trio. Silas, Nova, and Teddy each bring something unique and essential to their poly relationship. Silas the illusionist is a survivor of the Sanctum of Ash cult. He's devoted himself to metting out justice for the crimes of the Prophets. Nova comes to Silas broken and on the run from her abusive ex. Through Silas and his family, both blood and chosen, she begins to find safety, acceptance, and healing. She discovers that she fits perfectly within the Seven Sins Carnival, where everyone carries their own scars and wounds. Together, they have built a family founded on understanding, support, and unconditional acceptance, helping one another heal and find a place where they truly belong. The FBI, Teddy Coleman, has been working to uncover the truth behind the Sanctum of Ash. He's learned that everything isn't black and white. Some forms of justice can only be found in blood. He's also discovered something about himself he didn't know he needed. How did he ever live without Silas and Nova?!
SILAS SAYS:
“He's joining the family too,” I drawl, running a hand down Teddy's muscled arm. Elias appears in the doorway behind the others, taking in the scene with raised eyebrows. “Of course he is.” He shakes his head with resigned amusement. “Silas always was greedy.”
It was refreshing to see characters make the right choices and prioritize what was best for everyone involved. I loved the bi-awakening, the playful banter, and the hot AF chemistry 🫠 One of my favorite aspects of this series so far: both Ringmaster and Illusionist give us some incredibly satisfying karmic justice. ⚖️
Trauma recognizes trauma, so be sure to check the trigger warnings if you need them. To fully understand these characters and the depth of their pain, you'll get glimpses into their pasts. Their histories are heartbreaking and, at times, very dark.
🖤 Domestic abuse
🔪 Childhood cult abuse (off page)
🖤 Murder
🔪 Eye for an eye/karmic justice
🎡 Welcome to the Seven Sins Carnival. Try not to fall in love with the monsters. 🎠
🖤 Arden and Selena did it again! 🖤
Anytime these two authors collaborate, holy h€ll do they knock it out of the park.
I adored this trio. Silas, Nova, and Teddy each bring something unique and essential to their poly relationship. Silas the illusionist is a survivor of the Sanctum of Ash cult. He's devoted himself to metting out justice for the crimes of the Prophets. Nova comes to Silas broken and on the run from her abusive ex. Through Silas and his family, both blood and chosen, she begins to find safety, acceptance, and healing. She discovers that she fits perfectly within the Seven Sins Carnival, where everyone carries their own scars and wounds. Together, they have built a family founded on understanding, support, and unconditional acceptance, helping one another heal and find a place where they truly belong. The FBI, Teddy Coleman, has been working to uncover the truth behind the Sanctum of Ash. He's learned that everything isn't black and white. Some forms of justice can only be found in blood. He's also discovered something about himself he didn't know he needed. How did he ever live without Silas and Nova?!
SILAS SAYS:
“He's joining the family too,” I drawl, running a hand down Teddy's muscled arm. Elias appears in the doorway behind the others, taking in the scene with raised eyebrows. “Of course he is.” He shakes his head with resigned amusement. “Silas always was greedy.”
It was refreshing to see characters make the right choices and prioritize what was best for everyone involved. I loved the bi-awakening, the playful banter, and the hot AF chemistry 🫠 One of my favorite aspects of this series so far: both Ringmaster and Illusionist give us some incredibly satisfying karmic justice. ⚖️
Trauma recognizes trauma, so be sure to check the trigger warnings if you need them. To fully understand these characters and the depth of their pain, you'll get glimpses into their pasts. Their histories are heartbreaking and, at times, very dark.
🖤 Domestic abuse
🔪 Childhood cult abuse (off page)
🖤 Murder
🔪 Eye for an eye/karmic justice
July 13, 2026
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I don’t know about you, but if I ever found myself at the Seven Sins Carnival, I just know that everything would turn out alright 🤣 Is everyone unhinged? Yes. Do we love that about them? Also yes. Do we live for the protective found family? Sure do. AND do we love it when one of the acts is ready to expand and claim a new member…or two? Double yes.
🎪MF to MFM/MMF
🖤Bi-Awakening
🎪Vøyeurism
🖤Use of Restraints
🎪Edging & Praise K!nk
🖤DP, DVP & C💦m Play
🎪Primal Play
🖤Touch Her And…
Silas has been focused on retribution, vengeance, and justice, and nothing will stop him from his next target – his father. Then, Nova crashes into the Seven Sins Carnival with shadows in her eyes and sirens hot on her trail. Adjusting for Nova was seamless, but the real problem arises when Teddy shows up – an FBI agent hunting the truth behind the Scantum of Ash and the trail of disappearances in the carnival’s wake. Nova and Silas were supposed to silence Teddy, but instead? They keep him. The carnival always has room for sinners after all…
Whew! This. Was. Spicy. AF. The tension was off the charts when Silas and Nova met, and it couldn’t be contained…a powder keg just waiting to explode (and it didn’t take long!). Little did they know that Teddy was a witness for some of their intimate moments, and Teddy couldn’t figure out who he was more interested in…why choose? Am I right? And I for one am better off that Silas and Nova wanted to play with Teddy, and keep him. Teddy couldn’t tear his eyes off of either of them, so there was zero chance of him leaving once everyone got to play together. AND. Play. They. Did. And although the spice is very much there, once these three became a unit, everyone was “all-in” – there were vulnerable moments and no doubt that when they said “I got you” that they meant it.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I don’t know about you, but if I ever found myself at the Seven Sins Carnival, I just know that everything would turn out alright 🤣 Is everyone unhinged? Yes. Do we love that about them? Also yes. Do we live for the protective found family? Sure do. AND do we love it when one of the acts is ready to expand and claim a new member…or two? Double yes.
🎪MF to MFM/MMF
🖤Bi-Awakening
🎪Vøyeurism
🖤Use of Restraints
🎪Edging & Praise K!nk
🖤DP, DVP & C💦m Play
🎪Primal Play
🖤Touch Her And…
Silas has been focused on retribution, vengeance, and justice, and nothing will stop him from his next target – his father. Then, Nova crashes into the Seven Sins Carnival with shadows in her eyes and sirens hot on her trail. Adjusting for Nova was seamless, but the real problem arises when Teddy shows up – an FBI agent hunting the truth behind the Scantum of Ash and the trail of disappearances in the carnival’s wake. Nova and Silas were supposed to silence Teddy, but instead? They keep him. The carnival always has room for sinners after all…
Whew! This. Was. Spicy. AF. The tension was off the charts when Silas and Nova met, and it couldn’t be contained…a powder keg just waiting to explode (and it didn’t take long!). Little did they know that Teddy was a witness for some of their intimate moments, and Teddy couldn’t figure out who he was more interested in…why choose? Am I right? And I for one am better off that Silas and Nova wanted to play with Teddy, and keep him. Teddy couldn’t tear his eyes off of either of them, so there was zero chance of him leaving once everyone got to play together. AND. Play. They. Did. And although the spice is very much there, once these three became a unit, everyone was “all-in” – there were vulnerable moments and no doubt that when they said “I got you” that they meant it.
June 7, 2026
Illusionist is another fantastic collaboration from two authors who never disappoint. I always get excited when Arden Hart and Selena Winters team up, and this book is a perfect example of why.
This dark MMF romance is packed with red-hot chemistry, emotional depth, and a story that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Set within the Seven Sins Carnival—a refuge created by survivors of a cult—the series continues to build a fascinating world filled with damaged but resilient characters.
This installment focuses on Silas, the carnival's illusionist, Nova, an escape artist running from her own abusive past, and Teddy, a former Secret Service agent turned FBI agent who is investigating the carnival. Their paths collide in ways that are intense, emotional, and completely captivating.
The story tackles some very dark themes and heartbreaking moments, but those heavier elements are balanced beautifully by the love, devotion, and acceptance these three find together. Watching them build trust and connection amid the chaos made the romance feel all the more meaningful.
And, of course, the rest of the carnival family adds so much heart to the story. The found-family dynamic is one of my favorite parts of this series, and it makes every book feel richer and more immersive.
If you enjoy dark romance with complex characters, emotional healing, found family, and plenty of spice, this is an absolute must-read. I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes. Separately and together, Arden Hart and Selena Winters continue to deliver unforgettable stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This dark MMF romance is packed with red-hot chemistry, emotional depth, and a story that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Set within the Seven Sins Carnival—a refuge created by survivors of a cult—the series continues to build a fascinating world filled with damaged but resilient characters.
This installment focuses on Silas, the carnival's illusionist, Nova, an escape artist running from her own abusive past, and Teddy, a former Secret Service agent turned FBI agent who is investigating the carnival. Their paths collide in ways that are intense, emotional, and completely captivating.
The story tackles some very dark themes and heartbreaking moments, but those heavier elements are balanced beautifully by the love, devotion, and acceptance these three find together. Watching them build trust and connection amid the chaos made the romance feel all the more meaningful.
And, of course, the rest of the carnival family adds so much heart to the story. The found-family dynamic is one of my favorite parts of this series, and it makes every book feel richer and more immersive.
If you enjoy dark romance with complex characters, emotional healing, found family, and plenty of spice, this is an absolute must-read. I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes. Separately and together, Arden Hart and Selena Winters continue to deliver unforgettable stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The ILLUSIONIST is dark with its heart wrenching, traumatizing, and murdery moments. It will have you twitterpated with all the scrumptious spice. Silas and Nova are H O T together—Teddy knows this, because he watches them through the window—that watching stirs a new kind of want in Teddy. It confuses him. Makes him want things he’s never wanted before.
They’re still methodically circling the wagons around the bad guys—because no matter how pitch black the men of Seven Sins Carnival are, the Sanctum of Ash Profits are far, far darker.
Authors Arden Hart and Selena Winters are a match made in heaven, as far as I’m concerned. A dream team for my favorite kind of triple-Ds: Dark, Decadent Debauchery.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Silas
✨Teddy
FMC:
✨Nova
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA, continuing/interconnecting storyline
Series:
✨Book 2of7: Seven Sins Carnival
Tropes:
👉decadently dark romance
👉morally black mmc
👉bi-awakening
👉serial killer mmc
👉vigilante justice
Triggers:🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, mmf, mm, open🚪sex, graphic descriptions, dubcon
💥profanity
💥violence: graphic, torture, revenge violence, kidnapping
🔥references to: child abuse, child sexual abuse, cult abuse, sexual assault, drug use
💥death: serial killing, murder, family member death
💥psychological: power imbalance, revenge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They’re still methodically circling the wagons around the bad guys—because no matter how pitch black the men of Seven Sins Carnival are, the Sanctum of Ash Profits are far, far darker.
Authors Arden Hart and Selena Winters are a match made in heaven, as far as I’m concerned. A dream team for my favorite kind of triple-Ds: Dark, Decadent Debauchery.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Silas
✨Teddy
FMC:
✨Nova
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA, continuing/interconnecting storyline
Series:
✨Book 2of7: Seven Sins Carnival
Tropes:
👉decadently dark romance
👉morally black mmc
👉bi-awakening
👉serial killer mmc
👉vigilante justice
Triggers:🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, mmf, mm, open🚪sex, graphic descriptions, dubcon
💥profanity
💥violence: graphic, torture, revenge violence, kidnapping
🔥references to: child abuse, child sexual abuse, cult abuse, sexual assault, drug use
💥death: serial killing, murder, family member death
💥psychological: power imbalance, revenge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2026
This co‑write between Arden and Selena Winters proves once again why they’re such a powerhouse duo. Illusionist, the second instalment in the Seven Sins Carnival series, zeroes in on Silas the enigmatic Illusionist and his fixation on Nova, an escape artist with more walls than doors. Both characters carry heavy pasts, and the way their scars mirror each other makes their connection feel inevitable. I loved watching Silas slowly dismantle Nova’s defences, not through force but through patience, understanding, and a kind of quiet persistence that gives her room to breathe. Their chemistry ignites from the moment they encounter each other, and their banter is the perfect blend of sharp, teasing, and emotionally loaded. The story doesn’t shy away from dark themes, but the authors balance the heaviness with moments of trust, vulnerability, and genuine connection. And once Teddy enters their orbit, the dynamic shifts in a way that feels natural, intense, and deeply character driven. The bond between the three of them is magnetic. By the end, I was fully invested, not just in their relationship, but in their healing, their choices, and the strange, dangerous world they’re trying to survive in. Illusionist delivers tension, heart, and a trio you can’t help rooting for. A fantastic addition to the series, and I’m already counting down to the next act in the Carnival.
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.
June 16, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this and had not read the previous book in the series - which really was not a problem since I'd say 97% of this book is spicy MMF smut. Allow me to be clear, that is not a complaint!
Here we have the Illusionist Silas who is working at the Carnival of Seven Sins along with his "brothers" - all of whom escaped a cult after suffering through horrific things. They now travel the country as a carnival while exacting revenge on the "Prophets" who tortured them as children.
Nova is on the run from her abusive husband who took her when she was 15 and never expected her to fight back. Silas immediately decides he wants her (listen, the 'romance' here is essentially "I saw her first, she's mine") and Nova joins the Carnival as an escape artist.
Teddy - well, Teddy learns a lot of things about himself. This sweet cinnamon roll FBI Agent gets tangled in with the Carnival and then winds up tangled between Silas & Nova experiencing his bi-awakening, discovering a praise kink, and apparently everyone is a switch. Love this for them.
What little plot there was did catch my interest enough to where I'll probably go back to read the first book and definitely the rest of the series. Don't get into this looking for a literary masterpiece - it's a dark and very spicy exploration of kink, power dynamics, and everyone in every hole at the same time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Here we have the Illusionist Silas who is working at the Carnival of Seven Sins along with his "brothers" - all of whom escaped a cult after suffering through horrific things. They now travel the country as a carnival while exacting revenge on the "Prophets" who tortured them as children.
Nova is on the run from her abusive husband who took her when she was 15 and never expected her to fight back. Silas immediately decides he wants her (listen, the 'romance' here is essentially "I saw her first, she's mine") and Nova joins the Carnival as an escape artist.
Teddy - well, Teddy learns a lot of things about himself. This sweet cinnamon roll FBI Agent gets tangled in with the Carnival and then winds up tangled between Silas & Nova experiencing his bi-awakening, discovering a praise kink, and apparently everyone is a switch. Love this for them.
What little plot there was did catch my interest enough to where I'll probably go back to read the first book and definitely the rest of the series. Don't get into this looking for a literary masterpiece - it's a dark and very spicy exploration of kink, power dynamics, and everyone in every hole at the same time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2026
FBI agent damsel and distress and a man who will destroy the world for both of them
My Thoughts 💭
You definitely get for the majority of the first half of the book you get so much insight into Silas and Nova and the relationship they're building but yet you also get to see them separately as characters individually.
There is a lot of tension in yearning and there's this dark passion between the two of them.
Then as The story goes On you get to see where Teddy gets involved and he essentially is so confused by not only his attraction to Nova but yet his attraction to Silas and what gets him even more is the fact that it is forbidden he's never found another man attractive so this is kind of confusing him and he's also confused because he's an FBI agent who is supposed to do right not wrong but yet he ends up seeing where justice has failed and that's why Silas and Nova take matters into their own hands.
With this being booked to you I thought this book was a little bit lighter than the first book and you also get a well-rounded overall of Side characters too so it gives a lot of foreshadowing and a lot of wanting each of their books as well.
I 100% would definitely say to start off with the ringmaster and then go to this book for the best experience possible.
My Thoughts 💭
You definitely get for the majority of the first half of the book you get so much insight into Silas and Nova and the relationship they're building but yet you also get to see them separately as characters individually.
There is a lot of tension in yearning and there's this dark passion between the two of them.
Then as The story goes On you get to see where Teddy gets involved and he essentially is so confused by not only his attraction to Nova but yet his attraction to Silas and what gets him even more is the fact that it is forbidden he's never found another man attractive so this is kind of confusing him and he's also confused because he's an FBI agent who is supposed to do right not wrong but yet he ends up seeing where justice has failed and that's why Silas and Nova take matters into their own hands.
With this being booked to you I thought this book was a little bit lighter than the first book and you also get a well-rounded overall of Side characters too so it gives a lot of foreshadowing and a lot of wanting each of their books as well.
I 100% would definitely say to start off with the ringmaster and then go to this book for the best experience possible.
June 7, 2026
I love the unhinged brothers of the Seven Sins Carnival and was so excited for the next story in the series after reading Ringmaster, which featured Elias and Jules. The second book focuses on Silas, the Illusionist, and his obsession with Nova, an escape artist. The heat and tension between these two begins the moment they see each other, and I couldn’t get enough of their innuendoed banter. Once Teddy is claimed by them both and added into the mix, the chemistry between these three needs all the fans!🥵🪭
Silas and Nova both have secrets and hard pasts which helped them understand each other’s fears and scars. I absolutely loved the way Silas cracked through Nova’s defenses, uncovered her fears and then gave her a safe place to let go and start to heal. When Silas says, “I got you”, he’s all in. Teddy’s black and white world of law and order comes crashing down when he realizes he understands the vigilante work of the brothers and admits his hidden taboo desires. The way these three come to love and support each other made my heart happy.
If you love a romance that takes place in a dangerous and cruel world with suspense, spice and action, then step right up to the Seven Sins Carnival and add The Illusionist to your TBR!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 3, 2026
This is the second book in the series that I am now addicted to and want to read about each brother.
Nova is an abused wife. She stands up to her husband leaving him for dead and goes on the run. Nova is an escape artist and find the Seven Sins Carnival.
“For the first time in longer than I can remember, I feel safe, protected.”
Silas the Illusionist and brother to Elias. They are finally getting their 20-year vengeance on their father. When he sees her in the crowd and tracks her down its instant attraction. Their first performance together is so hot and full of sexual tension.
“I want you exactly as you are. Damaged, dangerous, and absolutely fucking magnificent.”
Teddy the FBI agent investigation the Seven Sins and the Sanctum of Ash cult. He is onto a few leads when he sees Nova and Silas perform. He doesn’t understand his attraction to both.
“They look up when I enter, and the warmth in their eyes makes my chest tight with emotion I am not ready to name.”
This book has tension, raw emotions, chemistry, new beginnings, secrets and instant attraction. I love how quickly it moves and pulls you into the story.
“We’re all running from something, beautiful. The difference is whether we run towards freedom or towards another kind of cage.”
Nova is an abused wife. She stands up to her husband leaving him for dead and goes on the run. Nova is an escape artist and find the Seven Sins Carnival.
“For the first time in longer than I can remember, I feel safe, protected.”
Silas the Illusionist and brother to Elias. They are finally getting their 20-year vengeance on their father. When he sees her in the crowd and tracks her down its instant attraction. Their first performance together is so hot and full of sexual tension.
“I want you exactly as you are. Damaged, dangerous, and absolutely fucking magnificent.”
Teddy the FBI agent investigation the Seven Sins and the Sanctum of Ash cult. He is onto a few leads when he sees Nova and Silas perform. He doesn’t understand his attraction to both.
“They look up when I enter, and the warmth in their eyes makes my chest tight with emotion I am not ready to name.”
This book has tension, raw emotions, chemistry, new beginnings, secrets and instant attraction. I love how quickly it moves and pulls you into the story.
“We’re all running from something, beautiful. The difference is whether we run towards freedom or towards another kind of cage.”
June 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Silas, Teddy, and Nova’s story did not disappoint! From the very beginning, I was completely invested in their journey and loved watching their relationship evolve. Seeing Teddy find his place with Nova and Silas was both emotional and incredibly satisfying, adding so much depth to their story.
What I loved most was how each character brought their own strengths to the relationship. Silas and Teddy are dominant, protective, and possessive in their own ways, while Nova more than holds her own and serves as the heart of their dynamic. Together, they create a connection that feels authentic, intense, and impossible not to root for. Silas especially shines as the steady force guiding them toward a place they can finally call home.
And don’t go into this expecting a soft romance. This book absolutely delivers the darkness that dark romance readers crave. The tension, possessiveness, emotional depth, and gritty moments are balanced perfectly with the love and devotion growing between the characters.
If you enjoy reverse harem romance with strong characters, intense chemistry, emotional growth, and a deliciously dark edge, this book is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Silas, Teddy, and Nova’s story did not disappoint! From the very beginning, I was completely invested in their journey and loved watching their relationship evolve. Seeing Teddy find his place with Nova and Silas was both emotional and incredibly satisfying, adding so much depth to their story.
What I loved most was how each character brought their own strengths to the relationship. Silas and Teddy are dominant, protective, and possessive in their own ways, while Nova more than holds her own and serves as the heart of their dynamic. Together, they create a connection that feels authentic, intense, and impossible not to root for. Silas especially shines as the steady force guiding them toward a place they can finally call home.
And don’t go into this expecting a soft romance. This book absolutely delivers the darkness that dark romance readers crave. The tension, possessiveness, emotional depth, and gritty moments are balanced perfectly with the love and devotion growing between the characters.
If you enjoy reverse harem romance with strong characters, intense chemistry, emotional growth, and a deliciously dark edge, this book is definitely one to add to your TBR.
July 24, 2026
Intriguing Story
Nova is running from danger and runs right into Silas. Silas is mesmerized by Nova when she stumbles into the carnival. He knows she is running from something and he's determined to find out what she is hiding. As much as Nova is drawn to Silas she can't risk letting her guard down. Slowly Nova is drawn into Silas' world though, and soon she isn't so sure she wants to escape.
This was an exciting addition to the Seven Sins Carnival series. Nova was an exciting character with her own dark and tragic back story. She is a fighter though. It was inspiring to see her find her way back from all she had endured. Silas' devotion to her was intense but sweet. He is smitten with her immediately. It was nice to see agent Coleman again from the previous series as well. He was a nice addition to the story. It is interesting how the Sanctum story is evolving and I am looking forward to seeing how it continues to develop. It is also interesting to learn more about each brother and I am anxious to learn more. Each story seems more complex as we get further into the series. It will be interesting to see how the story develops.
Nova is running from danger and runs right into Silas. Silas is mesmerized by Nova when she stumbles into the carnival. He knows she is running from something and he's determined to find out what she is hiding. As much as Nova is drawn to Silas she can't risk letting her guard down. Slowly Nova is drawn into Silas' world though, and soon she isn't so sure she wants to escape.
This was an exciting addition to the Seven Sins Carnival series. Nova was an exciting character with her own dark and tragic back story. She is a fighter though. It was inspiring to see her find her way back from all she had endured. Silas' devotion to her was intense but sweet. He is smitten with her immediately. It was nice to see agent Coleman again from the previous series as well. He was a nice addition to the story. It is interesting how the Sanctum story is evolving and I am looking forward to seeing how it continues to develop. It is also interesting to learn more about each brother and I am anxious to learn more. Each story seems more complex as we get further into the series. It will be interesting to see how the story develops.
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