Sugared Showman: A Twisted Carnival Story

by K.M. Avery

Sometimes doing your job can come at a cost and make you question everything you know to be right. That's what happens for Serenity and Hawk as they cross paths at Haunted Harvest Hellscape.

Will Hawk be able to run his carnival during the busiest time of year without putting it all on the line to help a pink haired, apple cider donut making, girl of his dreams? Or will his long time friend Jace set it all ablaze before he can even get it figured out?

Come find out in Sugared Showman, book three in the Twisted Carnival Series.

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2026

Reviews

[Luna May · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS! 🎪🖤

Y'all know I love a good carnival romance, and when you throw in some dark romance, I'm all for it!

Sugared Showman by K.M. Avery follows Hawk and Serenity, and let's just say there's a little bit of everything going on in this one. Between the drama, secrets, and Jace stirring up trouble, these two definitely have their hands full.

Now, the tropes? MFM, age gap, tattooed and pierced men, BDSM, praise kink, and blood play. Do I really need to say anything else?

Y'all already know that's right up my alley!

I really enjoyed the Halloween carnival setting, and I liked that this wasn't just some sweet little love story. There's plenty of drama, some darker moments, and a few questionable morals thrown in for good measure. And we all know I don't mind a few red flags in my fictional men.

This was a quick, fun read that kept me entertained. If you like your romance a little twisted and your men a little morally questionable, give this one a try!

⚠️ Check your triggers! Some of the heavier ones
include blackmail, blood play, murder, CNC, BDSM, degradation, and substance abuse references.

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing spooky addition to the Twisted Carnival Series. I absolutely devoured this read, This book follows Hawk the Showman of the carnival and Serenity a donut maker who is indebted to some nasty men using her not only for free labor but also in other manors. Hawk falls for Serenity the moment he lays out of her and has came up with a plan to free her but here enters the chaos of a man named Jace and things go off course but you won't know the rest unless you read it 😉 This book is mfm with darker moments so please read your trigger warnings. The spice in this book omg omg omg is the spicest chase you'll encounter so far in this series and it didnt disappoint in the slightest. The cliffhanger at the end has me begging for book 4 and mildly disappointed its all over. If you want a quick read with spice, pumpkins, and morally grey men then this is the read for you. Highly Recommend! I got this book via the author and this is my voluntary review .

[Bookish_Carisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously loved this book. Serenity, Hawk, and Jace are perfect. I'm so glad Serenity got out from under those idiots. I loved the devious mind of Hawk and his plans to get Serenity away from Clay and Cora. The pumpkin patch scene with Serenity and Hawk lives rent free in my head. Jace just showing up brought in an entire new dynamic and I was seriously here for it. I need more of the three of them though. I didn’t want to stop reading about the three of them. I need to know where this dynamic goes, what happens to them.

[Suzi McWhinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

"For all the girls who love Halloween and fantasized about getting railed against a pumpkin with a chill in the air."

Who doesn't love a Carnival, especially at the spookiest time of the year?
What Hawke owns and runs is The Haunted Harvest Hellscape Carnival!
All prepared for Halloween with spooky rides and all things Halloween.
It's his pride and joy, and when he has to address complaints regarding a congestion in the line up to the cinnamon sugar-dusted donuts Stand, and his eyes land on the nerdy goth girl serving behind the counter. He sees stars!!
Enter Serenity. A girl who works for Cora and Clay to repay them for helping her. She is also their partner....just not by choice!
Hawke falls instantly into lust. But is soon feeling protective as Serenity is all alone for the night shift at the Booth.
Who doesn't love a deranged ex con falling for the nerdy Goth girl! Ummmm me!!!
He knows what he wants and he intends to get it.
There just needs to be some readjusting of what to do with Cora and Clay, as they will not let Serenity go without a fight!
And as Serenity and Hawke fall into a precarious relationship, with Hawke promising her that he will "fix everything", she just has to trust him.
And even though Hawke has a questionable past, he shows that he cares for Serenity, his "little bird", which is what I love about these big bad boys being brought to their knees for their woman.
A newcomer comes to the Carnival!
Enter Jace. Now he also has a colourful past!
Hawke and Jace go way back!
But he is a bit of chaos wrapped up in Tattoos and Piercings!
How does Serenity accept Jace into her life, knowing his history with Hawke?
And does Hawke want to share Serenity. She is his little bird after all?
A great story with plenty of dark elements surrounding the three misfits.
And lots of spice and open door smut which is off the charts hot, especially on the Ferris Wheel! ;)

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous addition to the Twisted Carnival Series! 🎪🖤

Such a fun, dark and spicy story that I absolutely DEVOURED! 🥵🔥

We have Serenity, a pastry chef who’s stuck in an awful situation. She’s indebted to a not so nice couple who are more than happy to use her for their own gain.

Enter Hawk, the showman who runs the Twisted Carnival! 😍 When he meets Serenity, he instantly falls for her and decides she’s going to be his! And of course, he wastes no time helping her get out of her crappy situation.

Serenity and Hawk were so good together! Their chemistry was insane, and these two definitely knew how to get themselves into all sorts of filthy mischief! 🥵

And then we get Jace! 🔥

This man already has a history with Hawk, and it doesn’t take long before he becomes part of their little arrangement. And let me tell you, he was the perfect addition!

Jace completely rounds out this awesome trio, making for one VERY HOT throuple! 😍🔥

I absolutely loved the dynamics between these three. The chemistry, the connection and all their filthy fun were just SO DAMN GOOD!

Honestly, I definitely needed more of Serenity, Hawk and Jace! They might have (maybe 👀) just taken the top spot as my favourite throuple in this series!

This was such a fun story filled with dark romance, filthy fun, incredible chemistry and some seriously hot morally grey men!

I loved every second of it! 🖤🎪

✨ What to expect:

❤️‍🔥 MFM Romance
⏳ Age Gap
🩸 Blood Play
🖤 Tattooed & Pierced MCs
🎪 Carnival Romance
🎃 Halloween
🔥 CNC (Consensual Non-Consent)
⛓️ Ex-Cons
🌈 Bisexual Rep
😈 BDSM
💕 Praise Kink

Spice Rating: 5/5 🌶️

[Charlene's Bookish Archives · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkly enchanting, deliciously twisted, my favourite one in the series yet! 🎪🍎

K.M. Avery has done it again, this carnival world just keeps getting deeper, darker, and utterly impossible to step away from! Sugared Showman is such a fantastic addition to this series; it feels like coming home to the Haunted Harvest Hellscape, but with all new secrets, stakes, and that delicious edge of danger that makes every page hum with tension.

Serenity is such a wonderful breath of fresh air, pink haired, donut-making, and full of quiet strength that catches Hawk completely off guard. And Hawk, What a complex, compelling character, caught between the carnival he's spent his life building and the one person who makes him wonder if everything he's protecting is actually worth the cost. Watching him try to keep everything running while also fighting for what matters, My heart was in my chest the whole time. The dynamic between him and Jace adds such brilliant, fiery conflict, loyalties fray, old wounds resurface, and you're never quite sure who's truly on whose side until the very end.

It's atmospheric, beautifully written, and has that perfect balance of heart and darkness that K.M. Avery does so incredibly well. You can practically smell the cinnamon and fried dough while shadows linger just out of sight. If you've been following this series, this one is a standout, and if you haven't started yet, trust me, you're going to want to dive in. Absolutely loved it from start to finish! 🖤🎡✨

"They say the show must go on. But what happens when the price of admission is everything you care about?"

[Amber Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎪🖤 ARC REVIEW: SUGARED SHOWMAN by K.M. Avery 🖤🎪

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 STARS

🌶️ Spice: 5/5 — EXTRA SPICY! 🔥

Dark carnival vibes, complicated relationships, possessive energy, and a whole lot of heat? YES, PLEASE! 😍🔥

Sugared Showman pulled me into its twisted carnival world with its creepy Halloween atmosphere, intense character dynamics, and steamy MFM romance. Serenity, Hawk, and Jace bring plenty of tension, complicated emotions, and chemistry that keeps the pages turning.

The carnival setting adds the perfect mix of eerie and intriguing, while the romance delivers darkness, vulnerability, and plenty of spice. And let me tell you, this is definitely NOT a fade-to-black read! 🌶️🥵 With BDSM, praise, degradation, and bold power dynamics, the heat is HIGH!

🖤 My verdict: A dark, steamy carnival romance that’s deliciously twisted and unapologetically spicy. If you love unconventional relationships, Halloween vibes, and romance that brings the HEAT, add this one to your TBR!

🎪 K.M. Avery, I’m ready for another ride through the Twisted Carnival! 🔥

⚠️ Check trigger warnings before reading.

📚 Thank you for the ARC! This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

#SugaredShowman #KMAvery #ARCReview #FiveStarRead #DarkRomance #MFM #SpicyBooks #Bookstagram #RomanceReader #TwistedCarnival

[gena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, K.M. Avery, you have officially ruined pumpkin patches for me.

I absolutely devoured this book! The Twisted Carnival series just keeps getting better, and Sugared Showman brought everything I love about a dark romance: obsession, possessiveness, complicated relationships, questionable morals, and enough spice to set the entire carnival on fire.

Serenity, Hawk, and Jace were such an entertaining combination. I loved Hawk's protective and possessive side, and Jace coming into the picture added a whole new level of chaos. The chemistry between these three was fantastic, and I was completely invested in their dynamic.

The Halloween carnival atmosphere was perfection. I loved the darker setting, the drama, the secrets, and all the twists along the way. And that pumpkin patch scene? Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor. That is NOT something I'll be forgetting anytime soon!

This was a quick, spicy read that kept me turning pages and left me wanting so much more. I was not ready for that ending, and now I'm impatiently waiting to see what's next for this trio.

If you enjoy dark carnival romance, MFM, possessive men, unconventional relationships, and a whole lot of spice, you absolutely need to visit the Twisted Carnival!

K.M. Avery, I'll gladly take another ride! Just maybe keep me away from the pumpkin patches.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨✨✨ARC Review✨✨✨✨
✨✨Release Date: October 31, 2026✨✨
Sugared Showman: A Twisted Carnival Story (Twisted Carnival Series Book 3)
K. M. Avery

‼️Check Trigger Warnings‼️
⚠️⚠️⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dedication:
🎃 For all the girls who love Halloween and fantasized about getting railed against a pumpkin with a chill in the air. 🎃

Book 3 in KM Avery’s Twisted Carnival series was the perfect read for this time of year.
Serenity, a little Goth donut maker, is completely taken advantage of by her bosses, who have also forced her into a relationship as part of paying off her debt.

Enter Hawk, a dominant ex-con MMC who immediately claims Serenity as his. They make a great D/s couple—until Jace arrives, turning up the spice and forming a throuple.

I love the whole found family trope, too. This was a quick, spicy, fun read with a few twists, and yes, we’re left with a cliffhanger ending. I need to know who Lux is!

Sugared Showman releases October 31, so be sure to grab yourself a copy.

[Shanaé · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🔥🔥🔥 | 💀💀

Serenity is stuck in servitude to a horrendous couple who use her for more than just running their vendor stand at the carnival. After complaints about the line bring Hawk, the carnival showman, into the picture, he instantly becomes obsessed with her. Then Jace, a longtime friend of Hawk’s, shows up and changes everything.

This is a fast paced, spice over plot quick read. It’s full of obsession, tension, lust, and a side of violence. The spice is high and occurs at a moderate frequency.

This is the third book in the series, and having read the other two, this is the best one so far. The cringiness with the age play was toned down, but we definitely have to do away with the mud puddle because that is not it. Yet another book where the boyfriends are Boyfriends and nothing.

Read If You Enjoy
* Carnival Themed Settings
* Spice Over Plot
* Baker FMC x Carnival Showman MMC x Hacker MMC
* Boyfriends that are Boyfriends
* Obsessive/possessive MMCs
* Instalust/instalove
*
I received an advanced reader copy via the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nicole Wolstenholme · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off thank you to K.M. Avery for my copy of Sugared Showman the third book in the series. Each one of these stories has gotten better and better. I love that they are all short stories filled with so much spice and detail. These are perfect for spooky season. I was so mad at the ending of this one, but in a good way. It left me ready for the next addition in the series.

Serenity is brought into work off her debit at the Apple Bliss with her boyfriend Clay and girlfriend Cora. However it’s more like she is their slave more than in a relationship. They leave her to work the stand all night while they go get sleep. Well because the line has gotten a little out of control the Showman has been called due to all the complaints. This is where Serenity meets Hawk (the showman) for the first time. Hawk instantly feels the need to make her his and will do anything to help her out. Come to the carnival and meet Serenity and Hawk.

[Amanda Lennex · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC copy from author

I love this series and look forward to each one.
I love Hawk being so strong and protective of Serenity but show and express his feelings and emotions. I wasn't sure what would come of Jace showing up suddenly, but it worked in the end.
I'm really wanting the next book to see what the outcome of Serenity is and also curious as to why/how Lux showing up at the end.
K. M. Avery does so well with creating these characters you can't help but root for, even if they've done some very questionable and bad things in the past. They want to be themselves and have a family, no matter how twisted that family can be.

[Krystle Rayne McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Sugared Showman! Hawke had me hooked from the beginning. A protective Daddy Dom who knows exactly how to handle a bratty woman? Yes, please! And then there's Jace, who is just as amazing. The two of them together were everything!
What I loved most was watching Serenity slowly gain her confidence after everything she'd been through. Hawke and Jace made sure she felt safe, respected, and in control of her own choices. Their relationship had the perfect balance of emotional connection, protectiveness, and some seriously good spice.
And that ending?! I knew there was a cliffhanger coming, but I was NOT prepared! Now I desperately need book four because I have questions!

[Renee collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.m. Girl thank you for letting me arc read this book!

K.m. Has become my favorite author this year it doesn’t matter what she writes I know for a fact it’s going to be a good book. This is the third book in The Twisted Carnival Series book one is Crazed Concessions and book two is called Jacked Jesters! This story is about Serenity, Hawk and Jace and the chemistry between these three is off the charts. I’m so glad Hawk stepped in and showed Serenity a healthy relationship and that she deserves to be happy and the Pumpkin scene had me grinning iykyk I’m not giving anything else away about it. K.M. We need to have words about that ending lol you can’t do that to me now I need more!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to A Twisted Carnival Series, perfect for welcoming in Spooky Season.
In this book we meet Hank who runs the Haunted Harvest Hellscape carnival and Serenity who works in the very popular donut shed. Serenity is in a tough situation with her bosses at the donut shed and Hank makes it his mission to get her away from them and into his arms, and boy does he!
The way this book needed, I really need to get a copy of the next one in my hands. I need to know why he showed up.

[Abbey Wales · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another really fun read from K.M. Avery! 🎪

I really liked Serenity and Hawk together. Serenity was such an easy FMC to root for, especially with everything she was dealing with, and I loved how protective Hawk became of her.

I also loved being back in the Twisted Carnival world with the Halloween atmosphere, darker moments and all the slightly unhinged behaviour I’ve come to expect from this series. 😂

Definitely another enjoyable 4-star read for me!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review and thank you for letting me be on your street team!🥹

[Jennifer Bollnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serenity is working at the Haunted Harvest Hellscape, but she is being taken advantage of by Cora and Clay. Hawk has an instant attraction to her and wants to come to her rescue. Then his old friend Jace comes along and adds another spicy component to their relationship. This is a hot and spicy seasonal story in the Twisted Carnival Stories. It is a rather short story but full of fun, morally gray characters, and spice, with the door not just open but blown off the hinges. It has many possible triggers, so check the warnings or read at your own risk.

[Victoria Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review of Sugared Showman by K.M.Avery.

This book was a quick spicy Halloween themed read. This entire series has been fun to read.

These books are a great way to kick off spooky season. The plot is good considering how short these stories are and the endings keep you wanting the next book ASAP.

I received this as an advanced reader copy and am truly grateful to have been giving this opportunity.

[Latisha Gokey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spooky twisted spicy short novel perfect before Halloween
Serenity working non stop at the donut shed at the carnival for a couple to pay back a debt for going to college.
Hawk who owns the carnival see her from afar and wants her.
And boy does he step in and help her day and night and helps her get away from the couple she was stuck with.

There is high spice MFM
Knife play Some spanking and oh yea a pumpkin patch

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one from K.M. Avery that I could not put down.

Serenity, our FMC, is working off a debt to a couple that takes advantage of her. Hawk, our FMC, wants her out of that shed. He will do anything, including illegal things, to help her get the freedom she deserves and is after.

Jace was a twist that I did not see coming in this one, but I am glad he was added into it.

I've never been more jealous of a pumpkin patch...

[emma beresford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be hot as Hell and it was!!!
Carnival setting and we are here for the sweet treats and total spice and maybe some apple cider.

K.M Avery just knows how to write saucy short stories and if you haven't read the Carnival series you need to absolutely brilliant!
Pulled me right in I love how there is always little twists to the story and just draws you into kinky and I'm here for it.

Highly recommend loveeee

My views and opinions are my own.

[Jennifer Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic read. A twisted carnival where anything can happen. Serenity is stuck in a bad situation and Hawk is the showman of the carnival. Hawk swoops in because he can’t stay away. Serenity, Hawk and Jace were so much fun to read about. Serenity and Hawk had great chemistry and then you add Jace to the mix and it just comes together. It is spicy, dark and the perfect read for this month!

[Pretty_Poisons_Dark_Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Twisted Carnival series. I have also reviewed the 1st book (Crazed Concessions) and it can be found on my profile. This story takes place at the Haunted Hellscape. It's a great spooky season read as it takes place during Halloween. Some tropes and trigger warnings include - carnival romance, age gap, tattooed and pierced MCs and more.

[Melissa-Darklydevotedsinsbetweenpages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugared Showman ..........
Obsessed i absolutely love this series and book 3 sugared Showman did not disapoint.
A spicey twisted Carnival story with all the coloured flags for a submissive surrender.
This book was everything and more and as delicious as those apple cider donuts sounded.
Get your ticket for Haunted Harvest Hellscapes and join Hawk & Serenity in the pumpkin patch 🎃

[Jenn Godbold · Rating 4 out of 5]

sugared snowman

Absolutely in love with the twisted carnival series and the characters km comes up with. This book was just as great as the other two in the series and you get hooked right from the first chapter. The spice was spicy 🌶️ good and I wish it had more. Can’t wait for her next book to come out in this series.

[Kathleen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenity is working for a couple at a carnival. They aren't very nice to her and soon she meets the owner Hawk.
As the pair gets closer and they start relationship Hawks friend Jace comes to see who Serenity is.
I really loved this steamy and short read. Hawk serenity and Jace were fire together!! Fun Halloween read!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great novella in KM Avery's Twisted Carnival series. Serenity is working at the donut place paying off her debt to Cora and Clay but they are terrible. Hawk is the Showman and runs everything. He sees Serenity and wants her. He plans on helping he get away from Cora and Clay.

[Gena L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the possessive, protective nature of Hawk. Love the chemistry and how the relationships between them and how Jace just invited himself in the relationship. Great story, plot, spice. Love the tie in to the series.

[Jennifer Causey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want to put this book down! Hawks protection of little bird is everything! Serenitys character was beyond relatable. This book had me on my toes through the whole thing but this ending COME ON! 🤣 why? You def need to read Crazed Concessions and Jacked Jesters before devouring this book!

[Ashley Smith · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This is my favorite series that KM Avery writes! It’s such a quick read and a great level of dark and spicy!! I’m the MMF vibe she’s got going on in this one and I have never wanted an apple cider donut more! Great primal play and I got left on a cliff hanger! I can’t wait to see what’s next!!