Carnage

Crestvale Killers #3

by Mia Monroe

Genres: M M Romance, LGBT, Romance, Dark, Found Family, Dark Romance, Adult

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2026

Reviews

[Rae]

I didn’t like this book as much as I liked book one, but it was a fun easy read. It was repetitive in some places, and I wish there had been at least a teeeeny bit of angst or slow burn in there, but it’s fun to read about this house full of murder muffins! I SWEAR I better get the Steath-Shadow-Bellamy show soon!!!! I was more invested in whatever is going on with them that the actual main couple 😂

[Jessica]

I'm very much sure that these books has some kind of drugs in them, because I'm obsessed with them! 😄
Carnage and Rue were adorable together and I was happy when they admitted they were in love with each other 💗 I will say though, the drama in the back with Bellamy, Shadow and Stealth were entertaining to read, that will be interesting to see in the future 👀
I was hoping to see more of Wraith and Paxon though, they were barely in here 😭
I can't wait for the next book and that will be Whisper's story! He is an intriguing character and I'm interesting to see where his story will go 🥰

[Betty Loves Books Galore]

This is a hookup to more dark romance, featuring Rue and Carnage, and is book three in the Crestvale Killers series.

Rue turns to Carnage for help to escape a dangerous gang, only for them to become obsessed with each other. Together, they fight for revenge, freedom, and the feelings that grow between them.

I’m loving this series, I always ponder if I should wait for a series to be fully released before I jump in or jump in and then count down the days for the next book - well, this series, I jump in straight away - I’m obsessed.

Carnage and Rue are so frigging cute together. Love their relationship development and love this found family so much.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM dark romance
Check CW
Opposites attract
Size difference
Hitman x trafficking victim
Hurt / Comfort
Rescue
Virgin MC
Forced proximity
Spicy times & dirty talk
First times
Praise kink
C*ck warming
Calls him precious
Revenge
Found family
HEA

[Abigail Beckwith]

Here's "Carnage" by Mia Monroe. It's the third novel in the Crestvale Killers series.

["Take out an entire gang just to get close to the man I’m obsessed with? I’m in.

Rue
Leave it to me to get caught up with the wrong crowd as soon as I move to the big city. Now I’m trapped with nowhere to run, stuck counting down the days until the worst man alive decides he’s done with me. I’m too afraid to ask what happens after that.
Then I see him. A viable escape route. He’s just as scary as my current captor, but there’s a kindness in his eyes that draws me closer. Out of one fire into another, but maybe this one won’t burn as much. I’m obsessed with finding him again, and when I do, I’ll do anything to get him to save me.

Carnage
The last thing I need is to get caught up in business that isn’t mine, but the minute I see the stunning blond with way too innocent eyes pleading with me from across the bar, I’m hooked. This isn’t a mild interest, it’s taking over my world, and I can’t rest until I find him.
I know he’s supposed to be with me and I’ll burn this entire city down to make it happen. Getting him away from the men he’s tied up with won’t be an easy task, but easy things bore me anyway. Turns out, my obsession has a wild streak in him that rivals my own. This is gonna be fun.
Revenge will be sweet, but maybe, love is even sweeter."]

These two were sooo perfect for each other. They were both afraid of the other, in a I-might-catch-feelings kind of way (and in the this-has-the-potential-to-break-me kind of way).

But they figured it out. They talked with each other, with their found family. They were honest with what they were feeling and with what they wanted. It was refreshing (even if the group of them are all contract killers).

I canNOT wait for the rest of these men to fall utterly smitten and get their HEAs.

Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, emotional abuse, unwanted sexual advances, previous parental murder/suicide, discussion of child SA material and trafficking, violence, murder, and more.

#specter #wraith #carnage #whisper #crestvalekillers #crestvalekillersseries #miamonroe #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Katsey]

⭐ Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 2.5/5

This has been my favorite book in the series so far! 🤩❤️ Every book just keeps getting better, and I'm getting more and more attached to this amazing found family. 🫶🏡

Rue and Carnage were absolutely everything. 🥹❤️‍🩹 I always love a victim-and-savior dynamic when it's done well, and I honestly enjoyed them even more than Specter and Colson. 🔥 Rue is trapped in such an abusive and toxic relationship, and seeing Carnage help him escape was both heartbreaking and beautiful. 🥺💔➡️❤️ Their connection developed so naturally, and even though they grew close quickly, I completely believed it. Their chemistry was both incredibly hot ❤️‍🔥 and unbelievably sweet. 🌹

Rue is honestly the sweetest soul. 🥹🌸 He deserves all the happiness in the world, and I loved seeing him become friends with Colson and Bellamy. 🫂💕 He finally has people who truly care about him, and that made my heart so happy. ❤️

One of my favorite things about this series is that every book gives us more insight into the other hitmen. 🖤🔫 I'm completely invested in all of them now! Whisper is such a sweetheart 🥺🤍 and he desperately deserves his own happy ending. I'm really hoping Blush is the perfect match for him because I already can't wait to learn more about his heartbreaking backstory. 📖💔✨

And it's not just Whisper who has me curious! 👀 Shadow, Stealth, and Bellamy still have me completely hooked. 🤭❤️‍🔥 I'm still hoping that throuple actually happens because the chemistry is definitely there! 🙏🔥 But Phantom and Ghost have also caught my attention. 🖤👻 Their chemistry is amazing, and I'm seriously hoping they're already together and get their own book... or that they both find love and somehow end up as a quadruple. 😂❤️ At this point, I just need more books about all of them!

Rue and Carnage's story truly had everything—heartbreak 💔, healing ❤️‍🩹, romance 🥰, found family 🫶, and plenty of chemistry. ❤️‍🔥 It was such an enjoyable read, and I can't wait to continue this series! 📚✨

[True Loveislovereview]

Rue found himself captured by a man named Leon. After a night out he woke up in a stranger’s house and couldn’t leave. Leon has plans for Rue. Rue doesn’t know what plans. He thinks it has something to do with him still being a virgin. Leon is not a nice man, but Rue can’t escape.
One night, when Leon took him to a bar, Rue saw a nice-looking guy with kind eyes, this was his chance.

After finishing a job, Carnage and Whisper went to a bar. He felt some eyes on him, a guy sitting at a table with other guys, he looked desperate, as if asking for help.
They had a brief interaction, during which Rue asked for help getting out, but Rue soon needed to leave.

Carnage can’t get him out of his head. He got names, he suspects human trafficking.
He promised himself he would find Rue and keep him safe.

It took a while, but he got him. He took him home, where he and the other guys live. (Read the previous stories) Now he needs to find Leon and end him.
Rue is happy; he knows he’s safe, but can’t do anything as long as Leon is walking around.

Rue and Carnage develop feelings for each other. Rue begs Carnage to take his virginity.
Ha! He has to be patient.
Carnage has to let Rue go, he’s not good for a sweet innocent guy like Rue.

Watch how Carnage and his killer team hunt down the trash of the earth.
Believe me, it’s not a simple job.

I love the concept of this series. A team of vicious guys who make the world safer by putting down the scums. While they are rough and tough, and protective as fuck, they are softies around their lovers. The sexual parts are hot, the banter fun, and the jobs gore.
Overall an entertaining story, captivatingly written, with mild angst, and lovable characters.

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Flick]

Such a good series!

Rue and Carnage were *chef's kiss*. I adore this series because of how well Mia blends violence with sweetness. I like to call that particular blend violent fluff and boy does Mia know how to do violent fluff. You get all the best things - the sweetness of two guys who think they aren't enough finding out they are just perfect as they are for each other and the dark joy of seeing the bad guy get exactly what he deserves (and let's just say that it's not a nice stay in a cozy prison cell). Rue was a beautiful blend of strength, innocence and fearlessness. He went through so much, both before and during his time with he who does not deserve to be named, and yet he was still able to keep a certain pure belief in the world. The courage it takes to fight to live is often overlooked but it takes a huge amount of courage and fearlessness to not give up (though to be clear, giving up is not shameful in any way). Carnage was so sweet. He's this incredibly strong and outwardly confident guy who is also capable of gentleness and patience. He gave Rue exactly what he needed, never pushed and was just as worried as Rue was of whether he would be enough. It's always lovely to see guys who would usually probably be categorised as "macho" or "alpha" be able to show softness. I love the series and I also love how this wonderful family is growing - I can't wait to see who will become part of the family next!

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡]

"𝚂𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎, 𝚍𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚑. 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚋𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗."

Carnage and Rue were just so freaking cute together. I didn't know Carnage had it in him to be so caring and sweet with a lover. As soon as Rue was free from his disgusting captor and in Carnage's care, Carnage made him a priority. He respected Rue's boundaries, while consistantly reminding him that he was safe. It was exactly what Rue needed after being locked in a place with no autonomy.

It was kind of adorable how both men were afraid the other would find them wanting. Carnage has never been in a relationship before and poor Rue has spent most of his life in a conservative household hiding who he truly is. His experience is limited and Rue worries he has nothing to offer a man like Carnage. Neither needed to worry, because together they gave one another everything they needed.

I loved the blossoming friendship between Rue, Colson, and another certain someone we've met before. I think Colson's advice really helped when Rue was uncertain about his future. There were also quite a few teases of possible future couples in this series and I honestly cannot wait to find out who ends up with who!

[Julia Toth]

I loved being back in Crestvale with this crew. I've come to know and love these guys and I'm so excited for them all to find their partners.
This time it's Carnage's time to find his happily ever after and I really enjoyed the ride! Carnage and Rue meet at a club, when Rue is trying to get away from Leon who is keeping him kind of like a captive. Carnage does what they guys do best and gets Rue out while also getting a bit obsessed which was to be expected 🤭 I really enjoyed their story and how they dealt with Leon, while also dealing with other bad people and cleaning up the streets of Mistone and Crestvale. I loved how sweet and gentle Carnage was with Rue. It was great to see a softer side of Carnage. Rue got to be more sure of himself and got to explore what he liked thanks to Carnage providing that safety and freedom he so badly needed.

I love the banter between the crew and the great found family vibes. It's always fun to see what the other characters are up to and getting to know everyone a bit better.

This was a fun, pretty lighthearted read even with the darker aspects. Pick this up if you like darker themes, we'll meaning vigilantes and great found family vibes.

[Spice Fan]

ARC review - 4.5⭐️

This had me from the first chapter, like I’d never left Crestvale. And off the bat I loved Rue - he’s the absolute cutest. But what a situation to innocently find himself in. Luckily the stars aligned and he had Carnage to help him out.

It was good to be back amongst the murderer buddies and their significant others. Carnage is likeable from the start, 100% in with getting Rue out of his predicament no questions asked, and then believing he needs to warn Rue off the type of man he is. Rue’s naivety and dedication works against Carnage’s beliefs of himself, and it’s a sweet, protective, spicy ride to the end and their HEA, with some danger and bad guy dealings to round it all out.

There are a lot of characters within the murder buddies group, and it does almost get a little confusing when they’re all together - I can’t wait for all their stories. I’m especially liking where it looks Shadow’s is headed - bring it on.

I’m really enjoying this series of Monroe’s. My favourite yet.

[Molly Otto]

Carnage prefers his hands to take out his marks snd dowsnt really understand what its like to love or let anyone asides from his family in until Rue asks for his help a stranger in a random bar. Rue has been held in captivity for the last few months and when he spots Carnage at the bar he asks for help even when he knows it may be his undoing. What starts with a game of cat and mouse to help Rue be set free leads to him being kidnapped but this time from the right people.
These two have a fun dynamic in togwthwr they are utterly the sweetest thing ever but outside they will do whatever it takes to gwt the job done. Rue may be sheltered but be is tough in his own right and fully embraces the men of Crestvale and all it means to be apart of their family. It was a joy to see the budding friendships of the hit man's wives club and will be even better to see is their group grows with each additional book. With hints for what's to come I know I for one cannot wait to see who falls next and how thst plays out for them.

[Sharon L]

"We came back stronger, clearer, and knowing that we’re taking out the worst of the worst makes my job that much sweeter."

This is book 3 in the Crestvale Killers by Mia Monroe. If you haven't read the freebie prequel, Hitman Hookup, you are missing out so signup for Mia's newsletter, you won't be disappointed. I would also suggest that you read these books in order to get the full enjoyment from them. Each story carries over all the characters from the previous books.

New to the city, Rue makes some unwise decisions that costs him his freedom. The clock is ticking and time is against him, he has to come up with a plan.

There were some tense moments where I had to metaphorically cover my eyes and speed through them as quickly as possible. What can I say, I'm a big old softie at heart.

A chance meeting, a desperate plea for help, a surprise kidnapping, hurt/comfort, found family, a fitting end to his captor/tormentor

[Elaine Gray]

This is the third book in the Crestvale Killers series, and I highly recommend reading the books in order to fully appreciate the characters and relationships that carry throughout the series. Rue is new to Mistone and finds himself trapped in a dangerous situation with someone he desperately wants to escape. One night, he spots Carnage at a bar and takes a chance by asking him for help. After months of being held captive, Carnage finally helps Rue escape, and their journey together begins.
I loved watching Rue and Carnage grow closer as they worked to stay safe and uncover the person responsible for Rue's ordeal. Their connection felt natural, and they were truly perfect for each other. The romance, suspense, and found-family elements kept me invested from start to finish.
Overall, this was another great addition to the series, and I can't wait to read more about these brothers finding their happily ever after.

[Courtney]

This is definitely the weakest book in the series so far. The relationship felt really rushed, they were so indecisive for the whole like 2 weeks this book takes place over and then they were in love. Rue’s almost constant doubt that Carn wanted him also didn’t help matters. Like how many times does this man have to tell you he wants you to stay before you actually believe him?

My other main sticking point for this book was how these two read so far apart in age but they’re supposed to only be 5 years apart. Carn reads like he’s mid-thirties, and Rue reads like a teenager most of the time. There’s being naive and inexperienced and then there’s just juvenile. Unfortunately he leaned into juvenile a lot. He’s 24 out on his own and we never got a really in depth background of what he was doing between 18 and 24. Why didn’t he leave home earlier? Why does he have zero self confidence yet he lives on his own? Like you have to have some confidence for that.

[DMCechak]

Carnage & His Pretty Angel Baby

“You’re unique, Rue. Special. I’m probably not even close to being good enough for you, but I’ll try. I like how I feel around you. I feel… human.” A smile tugs at my lips as I reach up and brush my fingers over his cheek. “I think you’re amazing. You’ve endured so much and yet you still have the capacity to care for people. You love your brothers. I know; I can see it. And I’ve never felt safer. You’re worthy of me, Carn. You’re worthy of anything you want.”

Book 3 in Mia Monroe’s Crestville Killers adds another romance to this crew of hardened men who often feel that love is beyond their reach.

Carnage comes a ross Rue’s pleading eyes in a notoriously dangerous bar and recognizes something in his heart that has been hidden for years.

Rue needs to get away from his psychotic kidnappers after 5 months of fear and while out in public, sees a man of that might change his world. Hopefully for the better.

Another engaging story of pain but enhanced with the pleasure of love.

[Demetra Roussakis]

I love this authors books. This is book 3 in the series and I recommend younres them in order to enjoy the other couples that are a part of these books. Rue is new in Mistone when he ends up with someone he shouldn’t. Kept close to the baddie, Rue is desperate to get away. One night while out, he sees someone at the bar who he thinks can help him. Meeting in the bathroom, he begs for help and Carnage tells him he will. After some time, Carnage was able to “kidnap” Rue to safety. This is the start of their story as Rue and Carnage get closer together while trying to find the baddie who held him for months. I loved the way these two were perfect for each other. I cannot wait to read more of these brothers finding love.

[Sarah Thornburg]

Carnage is the third novel in the Crestvale Murderers series, and possibly my favorite so far. Although I may have said that about the others, too. Either way, this series has so far exceeded expectations. I love the character growth in the novels, and even though Mia is keeping us in the dark about a couple of the characters we've met, it makes the anticipation of reading about them that much sweeter.

Even though their relationship starts off a little unconventional, Carnage and Rue complement each other well, giving each other what they need. As in most of Mia's novels, the chemistry between the main characters is explosive, and their friendships with the other 'Murder Buddies' are full of wit and humor.

I highly recommend this series and can't wait to read more.

[Heather Duff]

I think this may be my favourite of the series. Something about the almos fated vibes that I love.

One look and Carnage knows Rue needs help, and somehow Rue knows Carnage can help.

What ensues is a game of Carnage doing whatever necessary to track Rue down and get him away from the d-bag that currently ‘owns’ him and has some really disgusting plans for him.

I love that Rue doesn’t fall at Carnage’s feet, though he feels attraction and a pull, he takes time and questions what he wants in life. After what he’s experienced, I love that he is taking the time to make a choice.

And the way Carnage supports Rue to find himself…*chef’s kiss*

[K]

1st person POV Dual
Plot 4/5
Spice 3.5/5
MM


I am freaking loving this entire series but Carnage and Rue were definitely something else! Rue is such an innocence to him! He ends up in a bad situation but finds the courage to seek help! Not knowing that the man he asked for help would actually turn out to be so much more!

Carnage, sweet angry murdery Carnage, has a protective streak a mile wide and Rue sets off every one of his needs to protect as well as something deeper!

I loved that Rue finds himself in this house of killers while Carnage finds a soft place to let go a little in Rue! It's a great story and I cannot wait for this series to continue!!

[Melissa Beth]

Another great one in the Crestvalr Killers series

As usual, I really enjoyed Mia Monroe's lastest work!

The plot and spice were on point!

Though I do have to say that I didn't love the MCs as much as I did in the 1st 2 books in the series. I liked them, was engaged by them, and rooted for them. Just, something felt missing towards the end when it was all tied up in a bow. I definitely wanted a HEA, but after gradual character development for the majority of the book, the ending resolution to their relationship felt light speed.

So it's a 4.5 for me, but I rounded up cuz I love Mia Monroe's books.

[Simera]

Rue finds himself in the worst spot and knows he needs to get away. When he sees Carnage at the bar he knows he needs to ask. Little did Rue know that by asking Carnage for help his life would change for the better.
Carnage doesn't expect to fall for Rue but when he sees him he knows he has to help.
Carnage and Rue are really sweet together. They bring out the best in each other and embrace the not so "good."
Found family, getting justice and love the murder buddies, some violence but hey they are taking out the trash.

[Deb R]

Winner

Another absolute winner in the series. There's a little less drama in the background story But overall Definite must read. I love that there's no misunderstanding and the fact that these books are as much dialog as they are development makes it such a fun read. You can really feel the conversations and you understand how this family functions. Books that are always 3rd party narrated are boring and this author brings her characters to life by putting the developement into the dialog.

[Shannon Janssen]

"Carnage" is book three in the Crestvale Killers series by Mia Monroe. I am loving this series. One of the things I love about this author is how real her characters are. Carnage and his band of brother may be morally gray but they are not without a code of honor. I really enjoyed getting Carnage's story and watching him and Rue get their HEA was tense at times but worth every minute. Seeing the side characters evolve has been great too and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Jaimed]

Taking control of your life

Poor Rue has had his life shoved off the rails after being kidnapped. He needs a knight in dark clothes and scary looking. Carnage is exactly the guy he needs and lucky for him Carnage is interested enough to figure out how to find him and try to free him.

I think this is a good addition to the series. I like Rue and what he brings to Carnage and the series. I'm waiting for Bellamy's story with our troubled guys since that will be a fun one.

[Liz]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I was expecting a little more obsession honestly but their relationship was still amazing. Carnage and Rue were so sweet and respectful of each other I truly loved it. Carnage is my baby I love him so much. The plot of this one was super fun to read. All the violence and rescuing was a blast lowkey. Love this group of hit men, super excited for Whisper’s story.

Nicknames: baby, babe, love, precious
Location: Crestvale

[Amandaluvstoread]

I rounded up to 4 stars. I really wanted to love this, and for the most part I did but I was so distracted by the hints of other couples that it made me less interested in Carnage and Rue. I love the characters in the series but I feel like I won't read Shadows book now. I am not a fan of MMM. I used to be, but not one author that I have read has done it well. Someone is always left out. 3 is a crowd so they say. Now when I see MMM it is an automatic no for me. That is so disappointing.

[Michelle Thorne]

I could not put this book down!!! I am in love with this series and cannot wait for all of the other brothers to find their perfect match.

This book has the most amazing, found family, hit men doing great things for the world, a brave guy who takes a huge risk to save himself, his perfect hero and fantastically steamy moments!!

Read this....and if you haven't read the others DO IT NOW!!

[Stephanie]

Another enjoyable story in the Crestvale Murderers series. Carnage and Rue were so cute together. I loved seeing the caring and sweet side of Carnage. They seemed to grow together and have the same vulnerabilities. As always, these books leave me wanting more murder buddies and I’m excited to see what’s next!

[Aimee]

Super sweet

How can a book title Crestvale Killers be super sweet…lol! Because it has a sweet virgin named Rue who is rescued by a dashing model-looking man named Carnage, who just happens to take out the trash of the world. I am enjoying this world so much and I can’t wait to keep reading more.

[Lisa]

Carnage sees a man who he believes needs rescuing in a club one evening. Over the course of the next few days he stalks him and eventually kidnaps him to free him.
Rue goes to live with Carnage and his brothers in the mansion. The book is then taken up with Carnage trying to find Leon, who held Rue captive and killing him.