The Carnival

by Deanna Hill

Every seven years, The Carnival returns.



Every seven years, someone disappears.



Seven years ago, Emerson's sister walked through its gates... and never came home.



Now The Carnival has returned.



Determined to uncover the truth behind her sister's disappearance, Emerson follows the only trail she has left into a place where free tickets are never free, mirrors keep secrets, and the paths refuse to stay the same.



The Illusionist knows her name before she speaks it.



The Knife-Thrower presses danger to her skin and calls it trust.



The Ringmaster offers her a choice no one truly survives.



As the line between captor and protector begins to blur, Emerson must decide who she can trust before The Carnival claims far more than her soul.



Because once it claims you...



It never lets you go.



Some sins demand an encore.



The Carnival is a haunting dark paranormal why choose (MMF) romance featuring morally gray love interest, forced proximity, found family, carnival magic, and a complete romance with a guaranteed HEA. Some mysteries are meant to linger.

296 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 2026

Reviews

[Amanda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deanna is always a yes for me, so when I saw a spooky carnival why choose, it wasn’t even a question for me!

This is
🔮 why choose with tension
🎡 eery paranormal carnival
🎟️ he fell first (twice…)
🔮 mystery aspects
🎡 characters with a history
🎟️ pet names from masked men

Going in, it had a bit of an eery vibe and that is exactly what we are looking for. Some said it could be scarier, but let’s remember this is a romance author not a horror author. I think the vibes were there for what this is.

I was immediately drawn in to the fmc because she was honestly a badass. She wasn’t afraid, she didn’t turn back, and she kept going despite being told not too — sure, was that a mistake? Yea but she was a strong independent woman trying to find her sister so leave her be!

This is more of an Insta-lust kinda story. If you don’t like it, the door is right there. I normally don’t like insta-lust but when the book is 200 pages, I don’t expect much more than that, ya know? You have to know what you’re getting in to! And DeAnna does it right for me honestly. It isn’t insta-smash, there is still a build up. It’s more-so insta-attraction.

This is truly a quick, fun Halloween read with some yummy spice, a deep backstory (because it wouldn’t be a DeAnna Hill book without emotional damage), and a little traumatizing carnival experience.

Overall
4 ⭐️
2 🌶️

[★*☆ Cheryl ☆*★ · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

RTC

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Oh boy… where do I even start with this one?

The premise is what hooked me. A spooky carnival? YES PLEASE. I was absolutely ready to be creeped out. Unfortunately, the book didn’t quite deliver the spooky carnival vibes I was hoping for.

From the beginning, I struggled with the atmosphere and writing. It felt like it was trying really hard to create that eerie, unsettling feeling, but it never fully landed for me. Instead, I often found myself confused and pulled out of the story.

There were also quite a few contradictory moments throughout the story that had me going back and rereading because I genuinely thought I had missed something. Turns out… nope. I hadn’t. And once I start questioning whether I accidentally skipped a page, I’m officially out of the story.

Overall, I really wanted to love this one because the concept had SO much potential, but the lack of atmosphere, rushed relationships, limited character development, and continuity issues made it difficult for me to fully connect.

The premise had me running into the carnival. The execution had me looking for the exit.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley & publishers for this arc!

This reminded me so much of a darker Caraval or Game of Oaths! This had me hooked from the start - a spooky carnival, say less!! The carnival itself had such an eerie, chilling vibe it really added to the suspense of the book.

I love Emerson. She was such a good FMC - she’s headstrong, determined and a little stubborn. Personally I wasn’t a big fan of the MMC - and how already obsessed he was with Emerson, I’m not really sure but something about it wasn’t sitting right with me.

All in all this was a fun spooky season read !

[Ang_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!

The plot, the characters, the suspense, ugh!

this book sucked me in right from the cover and held me til the bitter end.

I fell on love with all the main characters but Tobias really stole heart. As for the FMC, what a bada$$! I couldn't get enough.

highly recommend adding to the spooky season TBR!

[Lover of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

She does it again! I have not come across a book of hers that I haven't loved!!

[Vitamin · Rating 1.5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of “The Carnival” in exchange for an honest review.

I probably should’ve stopped reading at the trigger warnings. But I got a free copy in exchange for an honest review. So here it is: the book was already a mess in the prologue. You’ve barely started telling me your story, and I’m already tripping over sentences that try to sound deep but turn out to be completely generic. Every single time. The pacing is so rushed that a lot happens, but none of it feels like it goes anywhere. There’s always something happening, but I never get a chance to understand why the characters are doing any of it. They already have feelings for each other, they’re ready to trust each other, and I’m sitting there thinking: since when?

Atmosphere? None. Scary? No. Exciting? No. The sex scenes are explicit, but they’re completely lifeless. How is that even possible? So much of this book is about attraction, but I felt no chemistry between the characters. But descriptions of everyone’s clothes? Oh, there’s no shortage of those. I really don’t get why they’re there when they add nothing to the scene. Why spell out the obvious, then leave me to fill in the gaps when the story makes no sense without an explanation?

And don’t even get me started on the continuity errors... Actually, let’s get into those. Kenan comes onstage shirtless, but during the same act, his muscles suddenly flex under his shirt. At the start of the book, Evelyn is two years older than Emerson. Later, Emerson calls herself a twin 😐 Kenan pulls the knife away from Tobias’s throat and steps back. A few lines of dialogue later, he pulls it away again. In the aerial silks scene, I couldn’t even tell whether Emerson was standing on the floor or still hanging in the air: Kenan has already lowered her to the floor, she talks to the men, takes a step back, and then somehow drops to the ground again after they leave. Then the Carnival workers let her go and form a circle, but a few paragraphs later, she’s breaking free of a worker’s grip. When did they grab her again? I honestly don’t get it. Was I just not paying attention, or what?

Honestly, if this comes down to the author’s writing skills, I’d suggest she take some creative writing classes. I’m not saying that to be nasty. Get a little more practice, and I’m sure you’ll get there.
1.5 stars. Sorry⭐

[Emily Bork-Leeper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of free advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

Oh boy, I was all over the place with this book. Starting off, I was really excited. The prologue was haunting and immediately pulled me in. Just like the carnival, it latches its claws into you. The way the carnival draws people in, reminded me off a sirens song and I loved it.

"Those who wander too close even claim to hear the faint strains of music, tugging at something dark inside of you. The songs of longing, of desire, and fear."

So originally, the plot seemed very clear. Emerson wanted to find out what happened to her sister at the carnival 7 years ago. However, the plot was lost, and then found, and then lost, and then kind of found again? It was really hard to follow Emerson through this, when you are wanting to find out what happened to her sister but then she just starts flirting with and falling for sketchy men. I was genuinely confused at times. There is also the very stereotypical cringe nicknames. "Kitten" ?? "Baby girl" ?? "Little bird" ?? Tough.

"If I survive this with a half lucid thought, I will consider that a win." (quote from book but also my thoughts reading this)

There is so much potential in this book but something felt off and it was taking me out of the world that was built. There wasn't much chemistry and it felt pretty rushed. Around 68%, I got invested in the story again. I started liking the characters more and had more appreciation for Emerson. However, it is made very clear how different she is and not like other girls...

The ending turned out pretty good but honestly, Emerson was probably the only notable character in the book. She is tough and puts on a brave face when most people can't. She is confident in her convictions no matter how terrified she might be, she is not one to fight the inevitable and cry the whole way there. The end definitely made the book a little better and although I was still left with questions, I kind of like that I have to fill in the blanks.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely magical. Emerson is on a mission to find her missing sister. So she goes to the carnival to investigate. We meet Tobias, the illusionist, and he warns about stepping foot inside. Of course she has her own agenda and ignores him.
As soon as she steps in you can feel the carnival’s dark magic through the pages. It is a place where your dark desires are revealed. You can feel the lust and sexual tension in the air. Especially when we see Kenan’s knife throwing performance.
I loved the relationship between Emerson, Kenan, and Tobias. Adding her into their situationship allowed Kenan and Tobias to form a stronger relationship. The three of them together have great chemistry and a sweet relationship. The romance is hot and spicy.
It is a very well written and paced novel. I just love it when carnivals/circuses have darker themes. I enjoyed every single moment and was glued to the pages from beginning to end.
If you enjoyed Caraval and The Night Circus and want something with darker themes and spice this is for you.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the copy of this ARC, The Carnival.

I knew immediately that this was going to be a good time because of the playlist in the beginning of the book. Circus Psycho by Diggy? Lovelovelove
This premise book reminds me of Phantasma in the best way with the event that happens every so often and there are trial-ish while you are in there.
Oh, and the boyfriends, were boyfriend? Chef's kiss. I wish the book was longer, just to get more emotions out of Kenan and Tobias. I was left wanting more of not only their relationships, but their backgrounds and who they are as people.
I thought the ending was good! I kind of assumed it would happen that way, but the delivery was good either way!

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for giving me my first ARC Read!!

I reallllly loved the idea of this book. The premise sounded so spooky and interesting. And I did enjoy my read, but there were somethings that didn't sit right that took away from it for me.

I loved the characters. I think the cast was so distinct and differentiated that they were fun to learn about. I loved learning the backstory between the two MMCs. I liked the magic system. and I liked the ending, it was a good way to close the story without the FMC getting exactly what she was looking for which was a nice change of pace.

I loved the premise. Spooky carnival, people disappearing. things being weird. I love a why choose and polyam relationships, especially being polyam myself. But ultimately this felt like it needed more time to be fleshed out. It's a quick and easy read, but I feel like would have been more enjoyable if the world was fleshed out more. We jumped straight into plot. Like immediately page one. I could have used some more build up and background. who were these characters, where were we. It touched on it a little bit, but there wasn't much world building.

It also was a little too convenient that the MMCs were already so infatuated. They didn't have to hate her, but I feel like there should have been more time of getting to know her than an immediate love. I was fine with them hooking up, they just had feelings too soon. We barely learn anything about FMC to warrant these feelings too. MMCs never said what they loved about her, they just did. It needed some more background and reasoning. Don't get me wrong, I know things move fast in romance novels, this was just toooooo fast and didn't feel authentic.

To end it all, I liked this book. It wasn't bad for a quick little read, but I feel like if given more time, so much more could have been done with it.

[Alexiss Reads Romance · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op for providing me this ARC.

I am giving this book a 2.5/5

I think this book has a good premise. The idea is captivating and it truly does lure you in. I actually wanted to see what was going to happen in this book. So it kept me on my toe and the pacing was good. I liked our 3 main characters but, with this novel only about 200 pages the character development is very surface level. I feel like only one character gets fleshed out, which allows you to empathize with the character but, the other two characters trauma is like background noise.

My biggest issue was the details in this book. There were cases where the description of the scene was given to us and it made sense, but then I turn the page and I would be so lost. There were many moments where I was actually confused. The continuity of the book as well has some issue, it feels like there was almost no re-read of this book and it was just given to us as it came out of the author mind without fact checking their own work. There is also sentences describing what the character is wearing and then two sentences later we get another description of what the character is wearing again, written in a different way. Why?

Also... Why is there almost 2-3 ellipses on each page? I think the pause was overused and it took out on very important parts.

I think it you are interested in a Carnival with some dark elements, trauma, mfm & mmf then this book would be for you. Just have a fun time.

[Tee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a good time reading this book!

I’m someone who loves books that center around circuses/carnivals, especially spooky ones, so I was so excited to read this book. The premise is so compelling; the story takes place at a spooky carnival, where people are mysteriously disappearing. Emerson is there in search of her sister, so I was intrigued to follow her along on the journey.

The characters themselves were great. I loved learning about the different backstories of the cast. I also love that the romance was a why choose, as I haven’t read about many relationships that result in polyamory. I did think the deep feelings between the love interests and our protagonist felt a bit quick for my personal tastes; but I still liked their dynamic nonetheless.

I think the story felt a bit rushed at times. From the very beginning, it feels like we are thrown into the plot, and I wish we had gotten a bit more build up / setup and the world fleshed out a bit more before we got to the inciting incident. Having said that, I found this world and magical system to both be interesting.

All in all, I enjoyed my time reading this book, and I think others looking for a fun carnival read will too.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, DeAnna Hill, and Azala Romance for allowing me to read the eARC!

[Destany Struth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Thank you for allowing me to be an arc reader🫶🏻

Although I did thoroughly enjoy reading this, and thought the writing was well done, I do feel like this story could have been a little more. There was a ton of potential for this one, and unfortunately I feel like there were just puzzles that were missing. I loved the idea of the story and I also feel like it could have been a bit more dark. It felt more as if it was a suspenseful romance more than i’d describe a dark romance. I loved the dynamic of the characters; Emerson, Kenan, and Tobias were beautiful but I do think there could have been a bit more build up with their relationship and their pasts. The relationship did feel like it was an insta-love with little to no back story. So therefore, I do wish there would have been a better build up between the three, I also wish that there was more of a background of Tobias and Kenans relationship and who they were before. The ending of the story was something I expected but also loved at the same time.

Ughh, I just feel like this story could have been longer and it could have been just perfect! Regardless, I did enjoy reading it and found myself intrigued with the story and seeing it through!

[Erin Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I originally read Carnival and Night Circus, I loved the vibe of them. Then, this book came along, and it merged these two books in a wonderful way where the ring leader is an evil mastermind and the love triangle gets to become a why choose relationship. It's exactly what I wanted from the other two put together in a well paced book.

Emerson is such an interesting character to me. In many novels, the FMC comes into the world without a real goal. Normally, they experience events first, and then become part of it by default. Emerson came to the carnival on purpose with an explicit goal in mind. She was trying to find her sister, and wanted to be there even though she had all of the evidence that it probably wouldn't go well for her. And then she was the catalyst to ending the carnival as it was known less than a week after arriving.

Her and her boys loved each other in a way that seemed visual. Like fated mates, but in a carnival setting. I really enjoyed the story, and I had so much fun getting to read about them!

[❀ Jamie ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hauntingly beautiful story! Need a Fall / Halloween book to add to your TBR? Add this dark paranormal carnival to your list!

The setting of this book gave me chills. I felt like I was in a scene from the movie Coraline. It jumped right into the plot and never let up. It was a quick read so I am happy I could read it in one sitting!

I adored the high stakes, action, suspense, and the romance. Don’t even get me started on the spice. It was HOT. You better buckle up for chapter 32!! 🥵

The multiple POV’s (3) in this was also chef’s kiss. I felt like their relationship flowed naturally and was genuine. I was so happy with the ending! I will be recommending this book to everyone.

“The Carnival claims what it desires, and rarely returns what it takes.”😈

Tropes:

🎡Why Choose(MMF)
🎭 Masked MMC’s
🎠Second chance
🎟️ Dark carnival
🍿Parlor Tricks ... or is it?
🎡 He Falls First (x2)
🎭 Forced Proximity
🎠Mirrors and bikes
🎟️Tension

[Deonna Balentyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me from the start. I was super excited about the concept and it was not disappointing. I loved the way the carnival draws you in and the differences between a normal one and this one. I love Emerson and how she never gave up on her sister. This is intense and magical, there is a lot that happens and in a short amount of time. I do wish that we were able to experience more of the world within the carnival and out. I really like the guys and the mysterious nature of them and their gifts. It would have been nice to learn more about them though as well. Kenan and Tobias are strong main characters and felt such a pull to Emerson. I enjoyed the mystery and surprises. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Deanna Hill.

[Jennifer Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much DeAnna for sending me this ARC! I absolutely devoured this story! It is so different than anything else I've ever read and that is the highest compliment!! Emersyn goes searching for answers about the disappearance of her sister at a Carnival that appears every 7 years. Emersyn tries to uncover the mystery and meets Tobias, an illusionist and Kenan a knife thrower. This is a why choose romance and the spice was sooooo hot! I needed to touch grass a few times!!! This story was a wild ride and I binged it in a day! This is the perfect book for spooky season! You will absolutely not be disappointed!

[Samantha Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being chosen as an ARC reader for “The Carnival” 🎡 by Deanna Hill. “The Carnival” 🎡 is my first Dark Paranormal Romance 🥰. The Carnival is as enchanting as it is dark. I couldn’t put it down y’all. It’s charged with carnival 🎡 magic and brings all the sensual vibes. The dynamic between Emerson (an aerialist), Kenan (a knife-thrower), and Tobias (an illusionist) makes for a real page tuner.

“Everyone knows the rumors of the carnival 🎡, and yet…the thrill of the unknown is irresistible.”

“The Carnival’s magic flows through me, and for the first time, I’m not going to resist it … I’m going to use it.”

[Annika · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Net Galley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

There were a few inconsistencies in this book story wise that affected my enjoyment. Things like the FMCs age changing throughout the book. Or the outfits and positions of characters in scenes changing with no dialogue about it. I found myself getting lost as I was reading and having to backtrack to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Overall I really liked the premise of the book and think it had a lot of potential. The books flows well other than the inconsistencies. It just didn’t quite measure up to what I wanted!

[Kata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark paranormal why choose romance with carnival magic and found family. This book reminded me of Caraval, Hotel Magnifique and The Night Circus in a good way.

I enjoyed the haunted, mysterious feeling of the story. The chemistry between the main characters was great and the plot had me hooked.

Great book for the spooky season!


“The Carnival claims what it desires, and rarely returns what it takes.”


I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.

[Heidi Lauper · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The perfect time of year for this spooky story to release.

Emerson is searching for her missing sister, last seen at the Carnival but from the moment she enters the Carnival she feels its draw and power.

The ringmaster offers her an impossible choice and her decision leads to a rollercoaster of events with a fantastic climax.

Her assigned guides are an integral part of this why choose MMF book- and illusionist and a knife thrower- and their perspectives are all included.

Thank you DeAnna and Azala Press for the ARC, all thoughts are my own.

[Rachel Ferrari · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

🌶️🌶️ Spicy Scale

The author said carnival and RH and I was immediately hooked. The magic of the carnival is what drew me in to finish the story.

I do wish the story had been fleshed out a little bit more as I think it would do really well as a trilogy! Overall I did enjoy the themes and the characters and look forward to what else the author has published. 🫶

“You’ll be in the death cage with us on your pretty little ring as we ride around you.” Um YES PLEASE. 🏍️🌶️

[Chloe Montes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ARC REVIEW!

This is definitely a super good dark romance if you’re looking for anything circus themed. It really brought the magic of a carnival to life with all the different acts and the suspense.
There were definitely a few parts that confused me a bit but I absolutely loved the chemistry between Emerson, Tobias, and Kenan.
The author jumps right into the story and doesn’t waste any time. They are masked, they are hot, they ride bikes, what else could you want?

[Lily-May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my type of book at all but something made me want to read it,
And I am so so glad I did
I absolutely loved that there was no messing about and the story began so quickly making it a book I struggled to put down.
The spice in the book was done perfectly it was part of the story
I loved the people in the book

I absolutely loved it I cant wait to read more by this author

I really didn't want this book to end I'm gonna miss it!

Very grateful to netgalley and the publishers for this eArc

[Michelle White · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

This book was a good read; I read it all in one sitting. I loved the strong FMC, how she was willing to what needed to be done and then change it for the better. The two MMC fell head over heels for her and would do anything to protect her the moment she walked into the carnival. This book had mystery, suspense along with some romance and the spicey scenes where just as great. This book defiantly kept me reading. I can't wait to read more of Deanna Hill work.

[Jessica Moorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2⭐️

This was an amazing book!🎡🎠🎟️🫶

I love the dynamic between the main characters! The masked men carnival vibe with mystery and a bit of paranormal elements is top tier! 👌The only thing is that it’s not really a dark romance in my opinion it’s more of a creepy suspense romance but I still enjoyed it a lot. I hope there’s a second book because I’d love more of them!❤️‍🔥

[Tess.turns.pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!
If you want a spooky, dark carnival read...This is it! This gave me AHS Freakshow vibes and i loved it. Why choose to poly. Dark Carnival. Magic. Paranormal. Masked MMC!
Every 7 years The Carnival comes back around. Emerson goes there to look for her missing sister and ends up having more questions than answer! This was a fun read and had me hooked from the beginning!

[Shannon Blake · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I received the ARC from the author for an honest review. This one was good, but confusing in a lot of places. The overall temp of the book was rushed and didn’t flow as it should have. The spicy scenes were there and who doesn’t love a pair of hot MMC’s. I think with some better back story and a slowed down timeline, and less description of things that weren’t important, this would be great!

[Valerie Hodgkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Once I got started, I ended up reading 70% of the book in one sitting. It was intriguing and captivating and kept me wanting to know what was coming next. I loved the dynamic between Tobias, Kenan, and Emerson, and the ending was perfect. At its core, I loved the reminder that sometimes, love really does conquer all.