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Carnaval des Ténèbres #5
Master
Ezra
I am the Ringmaster.
A monster.
Not a knight in shining armour. She would do well to remember that.
Delilah was running from something, and I refused to save her. The Carnaval was not a place to hide when life was hard, it was a last resort. The thin line between life and death, when there were no other options. It was all we had.
Delilah
I like to play with fire.
A Runaway.
For five years I have waited for him. For the Carnaval.
He thinks I need saving, but I can save myself. The Carnaval calls to me, I feel it in my soul. I need the darkness to make me feel alive, so I can set the world on fire.
I am the Ringmaster.
A monster.
Not a knight in shining armour. She would do well to remember that.
Delilah was running from something, and I refused to save her. The Carnaval was not a place to hide when life was hard, it was a last resort. The thin line between life and death, when there were no other options. It was all we had.
Delilah
I like to play with fire.
A Runaway.
For five years I have waited for him. For the Carnaval.
He thinks I need saving, but I can save myself. The Carnaval calls to me, I feel it in my soul. I need the darkness to make me feel alive, so I can set the world on fire.
- GenresDark RomanceDarkEbooks
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2020
4 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Alice La Roux
45 books153 followersAlice La Roux is a dirty minded, mouthy author who is still trying to find her genre while dabbling in the world of romance.
She’s a bookworm who reads anything and everything and is addicted to social media. Feel free to add her on Facebook, she doesn’t bite…much.
She’s a bookworm who reads anything and everything and is addicted to social media. Feel free to add her on Facebook, she doesn’t bite…much.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 22, 2020
I never know what I’m going to get when I read an Alice La Roux book. It’s refreshing, surprising and scary. I’ll be honest I’d read anything she’s written and she’s the only author I’d venture blind down any stray path. I don’t even check the genre so I could think I’m reading one thing to be completely shocked when she throws a curveball.
Master is a dark carnival romance/horror. It’s executed well and kept me guessing right to the end.
A carnival of freaks is no place for an innocent girl. It’s made for the damaged. When Ezra walks into town you stare. You’re either mesmerised or afraid. He’s a beautiful freak.
Delilah is desperate to join the carnival, but Ezra doesn’t understand why. She doesn’t look like the sort of girl who is out of options and the carnival is for the broken.
Ezra’s sister is the sort of person the carnival protects. With secrets and blood can Delilah truly find a home?
I really enjoyed this. In fact I think it’s my new favourite by this author. Master is part of a series by multiple authors but can be read as a standalone. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Master is a dark carnival romance/horror. It’s executed well and kept me guessing right to the end.
A carnival of freaks is no place for an innocent girl. It’s made for the damaged. When Ezra walks into town you stare. You’re either mesmerised or afraid. He’s a beautiful freak.
Delilah is desperate to join the carnival, but Ezra doesn’t understand why. She doesn’t look like the sort of girl who is out of options and the carnival is for the broken.
Ezra’s sister is the sort of person the carnival protects. With secrets and blood can Delilah truly find a home?
I really enjoyed this. In fact I think it’s my new favourite by this author. Master is part of a series by multiple authors but can be read as a standalone. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2020
3.5 ★
As the proprietor and Ringmaster of Carnaval de Ténèbres, Ezra Black is known as the Master. With his own deformity, he knew how it affected people but Ezra decided to give a home to those in similar situations. Known as an asshole by many, Ezra’s actions are steadfast and for the protection of his carnival family. When Delilah Westborne demands to be part of the circus, Ezra gives her a chance but he doesn’t anticipate how it will affect everyone.
Told in dual POV, the dynamic between Ezra and Delilah is a bit of a push and pull. Because Ezra operates by his own rules, Delilah tries to fit in to gain his attention. As Delilah has her own demons, Ezra is quick to act as her protector and help her heal.
In having read all the previous books in this series, I was curious to learn more about Ezra, with his domineering demeanor and fuck all attitude. While there were some revelations, this storyline came across as focusing more on Delilah and another secondary character. Also, there wasn’t a certain type of kinkery that I was looking forward to. 😉 That said, I liked how the other carnival characters had more of a role in this one and the story was entertaining overall.
Master is a dark romance about survival and taking back one’s power.
Carnaval des Ténèbres series:
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
As the proprietor and Ringmaster of Carnaval de Ténèbres, Ezra Black is known as the Master. With his own deformity, he knew how it affected people but Ezra decided to give a home to those in similar situations. Known as an asshole by many, Ezra’s actions are steadfast and for the protection of his carnival family. When Delilah Westborne demands to be part of the circus, Ezra gives her a chance but he doesn’t anticipate how it will affect everyone.
“I want to fuck her, but it feels like more than that. I want to own her. To mark her.”
Told in dual POV, the dynamic between Ezra and Delilah is a bit of a push and pull. Because Ezra operates by his own rules, Delilah tries to fit in to gain his attention. As Delilah has her own demons, Ezra is quick to act as her protector and help her heal.
“I can feel the beat of her heart between us as her words sink into my skin. Revenge is the only way.”
In having read all the previous books in this series, I was curious to learn more about Ezra, with his domineering demeanor and fuck all attitude. While there were some revelations, this storyline came across as focusing more on Delilah and another secondary character. Also, there wasn’t a certain type of kinkery that I was looking forward to. 😉 That said, I liked how the other carnival characters had more of a role in this one and the story was entertaining overall.
Master is a dark romance about survival and taking back one’s power.
Carnaval des Ténèbres series:
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 15, 2020
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Book 5 of 7 from Carnaval des Ténèbres
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
The Carnaval had been Ezra Black’s life for the past decade. As the owner and ringmaster, he provided the unwanted people a refuge to be themselves. Delilah Westborne was one of those desperate souls. She would do anything to escape her past even if it means to go head to head with The Devil himself.
Ezra stood out in the previous book due to his abrasive personality. I was interested in finding out more about him in his book. However, I felt he didn’t get the spotlight he deserved. I knew more about Delilah and Lottie than him. I liked how he stayed true to his personality, but I wanted to know more about him and his past.
I enjoyed the overall storyline especially with how the author included the other characters throughout the book. The sex scenes were hot and I also liked the ending.
Master is a story of overcoming adversity in one’s own way. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a Dark Romance.
Books in the series:
🎪🎩🎪 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🎪🎩🎪
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Book 5 of 7 from Carnaval des Ténèbres
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
The Carnaval had been Ezra Black’s life for the past decade. As the owner and ringmaster, he provided the unwanted people a refuge to be themselves. Delilah Westborne was one of those desperate souls. She would do anything to escape her past even if it means to go head to head with The Devil himself.
Ezra stood out in the previous book due to his abrasive personality. I was interested in finding out more about him in his book. However, I felt he didn’t get the spotlight he deserved. I knew more about Delilah and Lottie than him. I liked how he stayed true to his personality, but I wanted to know more about him and his past.
They tried to break my body, but I reclaimed it. I took that suffering and I made it into something beautiful, now I couldn’t survive without it.
I enjoyed the overall storyline especially with how the author included the other characters throughout the book. The sex scenes were hot and I also liked the ending.
Master is a story of overcoming adversity in one’s own way. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a Dark Romance.
Books in the series:
🎪🎩🎪 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🎪🎩🎪
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
January 18, 2021
Fantastic! I think this might have been my favorite book in the series so far.
🎪
Ezra. Delilah. Charlotte.
“This is the Carnaval, it isn’t a fairy-tale escape. It’s bloody and brutal, and we look out for our own. This is all we have.” “It’s all I need,”
“Retribution for Charlotte. Revenge for me. Freedom for us all.”
🎪
Delilah is running away from a sinister life seeking refuge with the Carnival. Having met Ezra years ago, she knows she fits with his world better than her own family.
Ezra, the ringmaster, shoos her away feeling that she can find a better life than joining the circus.
🎪
“When he saw my scars, he realized that I was broken, and yet, he still wanted me to leave. It wasn’t until he watched me cut myself open and willingly bleed to be here that he grasped how deep my flaws were. I was a freak to my core. I wanted the pain, I hungered for it. It was how I controlled my life, and to give him that much power over me was a stupid choice.”
🎪
Ezra has a sister Charlotte that had a horrific event happen to her, she’s no longer the sane women she used to be. He does what he can to keep her safe but things take a bloody turn all in the name of revenge.
🎪
Worlds collide in this book. Between the Carnival and a Cult.
🎪
“When I’d put on my Ringmaster outfit, I’d become the version of me that I knew the best. That was the real me. The Devil. And Delilah needed to realize that. I wasn’t her saviour, I wasn’t her harbor in the storm because I was the fucking storm.”
🎪
Ezra wasn’t a favorite character of mine in the prior books but I totally fell in love with him, horn and all in his book.
🎪
Ezra. Delilah. Charlotte.
“This is the Carnaval, it isn’t a fairy-tale escape. It’s bloody and brutal, and we look out for our own. This is all we have.” “It’s all I need,”
“Retribution for Charlotte. Revenge for me. Freedom for us all.”
🎪
Delilah is running away from a sinister life seeking refuge with the Carnival. Having met Ezra years ago, she knows she fits with his world better than her own family.
Ezra, the ringmaster, shoos her away feeling that she can find a better life than joining the circus.
🎪
“When he saw my scars, he realized that I was broken, and yet, he still wanted me to leave. It wasn’t until he watched me cut myself open and willingly bleed to be here that he grasped how deep my flaws were. I was a freak to my core. I wanted the pain, I hungered for it. It was how I controlled my life, and to give him that much power over me was a stupid choice.”
🎪
Ezra has a sister Charlotte that had a horrific event happen to her, she’s no longer the sane women she used to be. He does what he can to keep her safe but things take a bloody turn all in the name of revenge.
🎪
Worlds collide in this book. Between the Carnival and a Cult.
🎪
“When I’d put on my Ringmaster outfit, I’d become the version of me that I knew the best. That was the real me. The Devil. And Delilah needed to realize that. I wasn’t her saviour, I wasn’t her harbor in the storm because I was the fucking storm.”
🎪
Ezra wasn’t a favorite character of mine in the prior books but I totally fell in love with him, horn and all in his book.
August 12, 2020
”I’m the devil who makes her scream for God. And this is my freak show.”
I was excited to finally learn out about the intimidating leader of the CARNAVAL, and LaRoux exceeded my expectations!!!!
“Who the fuck do you think I am? I am the devil. Body, soul, every whimper, every bite of pain, and every fucking wave of pleasure is mine.”
I was eager to learn more about Ezra Black, surprised to find that the @sshole with a horn growing out of his forehead is also super sexy! And he isn’t just a jerk; Ezra is a complex, fascinating character. Best of all, he stays true to character, not changing just because he meets a woman.
“When I’d put on my Ringmaster outfit, I’d become the version of me that I knew the best. That was the real me. The Devil. And Delilah needed to realize that. I wasn’t her saviour, I wasn’t her harbor in the storm because I was the fucking storm.”
Which leads me to his love interest… Delilah was totally unexpected, completely turning Ezra’s world upside down! Running away from an abusive religious cult, Delilah comes with tons of baggage, makingher the perfect addition to the group!
“I am Frankenstein’s monster, a patchwork of parts, some of them good and some of them darker, more sinister and hungrier for revenge.”
This was my first book by LaRoux and definitely will not be the last!
May 2, 2024
Ομολογώ ότι δεν το περίμενα αυτό από το βιβλίο του Ezra. Καθηλωτικό και μία ακόμα υπενθύμιση γιατί θα επιλέγαμε την αρκούδα.
January 31, 2022
3.5 stars.
‘He warned me, they all did, that the Carnaval corrupts your soul. They just didn’t tell me that it was in the best way’
I found this author on Tiktok and thought I’d give this a go, it looked cool and dark and so, why not?
Overall, I enjoyed the read. It was short and sexy and it kept me interested. Sadly though, I wasn’t a fan of the romance. Ezra was a caricature of the typical ‘bad boy’ so I just could take him seriously. And honestly, him having a horn was the least of my worries. He was horrible. But I completely understand that this is dark romance and the bad boy trope is very popular, it’s just not my taste.
The freak show/ carnival aspect was fun and I liked Delilah. Her backstory was interesting and the way it fit into the story was well done.
This is well worth a look if you’re into dark romances with dangerous men.
‘He warned me, they all did, that the Carnaval corrupts your soul. They just didn’t tell me that it was in the best way’
I found this author on Tiktok and thought I’d give this a go, it looked cool and dark and so, why not?
Overall, I enjoyed the read. It was short and sexy and it kept me interested. Sadly though, I wasn’t a fan of the romance. Ezra was a caricature of the typical ‘bad boy’ so I just could take him seriously. And honestly, him having a horn was the least of my worries. He was horrible. But I completely understand that this is dark romance and the bad boy trope is very popular, it’s just not my taste.
The freak show/ carnival aspect was fun and I liked Delilah. Her backstory was interesting and the way it fit into the story was well done.
This is well worth a look if you’re into dark romances with dangerous men.
March 16, 2021
I instantly liked the flow of this story and the mystery surrounding both Ezra and Delilah. The way they volleyed back and forth with one another intrigued me and had me peeling back the layers and trying to find the truth of the matter within their troubled interactions. La Roux has a great writing style and even as things got darker and more twisted, I couldn't put this book down.
August 28, 2020
Holy Church.. This Story is The Best one of this series. I am loving Ezra And Lilah even more than I have ever expected 🖤
October 9, 2021
I loved that this book embraced it's darkness, the characters were so so interesting, I really enjoyed this book
June 28, 2020
I'm always excited when Alice La Roux announces she has another book coming out because she never fails to satisfy the craving inside of me for a story that is dark, twisted and passionate. Ezra is the devil, but becomes Delilah's saviour when she's looking for the freedom to finally be herself. As is the case with every book by this author, I'm left wishing the book didn't have to end because I can't get enough of the characters she creates. Alice La Roux is an author you need to check out and follow because her books are amazing and addictive
January 6, 2025
When I saw the book with considered “horror romance” I was underwhelmed.
Yes, the book has dark elements, but I guess I’ve read more hardcore books. There is spooky dark carnivals vibes, however it wasn’t scary. Also, if you haven’t read the other books in the series it’s hard to follow characters. It’s advertised as a stand-alone but it’s messy and just throws in names of characters like we are suppose to know who they are?
Spice is good written and well placed. It’s definitely not the main point of the book. Love the main characters.
Yes, the book has dark elements, but I guess I’ve read more hardcore books. There is spooky dark carnivals vibes, however it wasn’t scary. Also, if you haven’t read the other books in the series it’s hard to follow characters. It’s advertised as a stand-alone but it’s messy and just throws in names of characters like we are suppose to know who they are?
Spice is good written and well placed. It’s definitely not the main point of the book. Love the main characters.
June 25, 2020
My favourite of the series!
Alice La Roux does not do things be halves and Master is no exception. This story is completely thrilling. I could read about Ezra and Delila forever and I am dying for more about Charlotte! The book is really well written as always and the characters are brilliantly fleshed out. If there was an option for more than five stars I'd use it.
Alice La Roux does not do things be halves and Master is no exception. This story is completely thrilling. I could read about Ezra and Delila forever and I am dying for more about Charlotte! The book is really well written as always and the characters are brilliantly fleshed out. If there was an option for more than five stars I'd use it.
July 7, 2020
AMAZING!!
I have loved all the books in this series so far and Master does not disappoint. This is the first book I have read by Alice, but I will be checking out her other titles.
Ezra and Delilah's story is both heartbreaking and wonderful. I read this book rather quickly and was enthralled from the first page
I have loved all the books in this series so far and Master does not disappoint. This is the first book I have read by Alice, but I will be checking out her other titles.
Ezra and Delilah's story is both heartbreaking and wonderful. I read this book rather quickly and was enthralled from the first page
February 18, 2021
This is part of a series of interconnected standalone stories but I haven’t read any of the others.
This was a really quick easy read. The characters are hot and the chemistry is off the charts.
I loved the background and working out who all the players were and their roles in the carnaval. The easy it all comes together at the end was beautiful!
A fab read!
This was a really quick easy read. The characters are hot and the chemistry is off the charts.
I loved the background and working out who all the players were and their roles in the carnaval. The easy it all comes together at the end was beautiful!
A fab read!
June 30, 2020
Loved Master!!! This story was not at all what I was expecting and I very much loved it. Part of it was because this was more of "romance" compared to some of the others in this series. I can't help that I love me some love or more in this case sex and an alpha asshole. 😈
July 8, 2020
The ringmaster
From the moment the ringmaster was introduced I was so excited to read his story. This book was dark and original; I loved Ezra and Delilah. This book was beautifully delivered by Alice.
From the moment the ringmaster was introduced I was so excited to read his story. This book was dark and original; I loved Ezra and Delilah. This book was beautifully delivered by Alice.
June 22, 2020
I enjoyed this twisted tale of love. Esra is totally an alpha male that you cant but love
June 27, 2020
I beta read this one so I read it before I ready any of the other and I really enjoyed it and it would be enjoyable as a standalone with a tweaked ending. I do have to admit though that Maia was my favourite ‘freak’ but that’s just because I love fairies.
The story is great and very different from Alice’s normal, it was a lot darker and this one didn’t have as much violent’s in it.
Ezra runs the carnival for the freaks as well as trying to look after his sister who got damaged and cannot perform anymore and Delilah is a young girl who is trying to run away from her family but Ezra keeps trying to get her to go back home.
I would have loved more about Charlotte but I am more than happy with the ending.
The story is great and very different from Alice’s normal, it was a lot darker and this one didn’t have as much violent’s in it.
Ezra runs the carnival for the freaks as well as trying to look after his sister who got damaged and cannot perform anymore and Delilah is a young girl who is trying to run away from her family but Ezra keeps trying to get her to go back home.
I would have loved more about Charlotte but I am more than happy with the ending.
January 7, 2024
This was my 1s book by this author. I was so happy to read Ezra story once I meet him in book one. It was so good I didn't want to put it down. I think you enjoy this one especially if you have read the other
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews