Genre: Dark Romance, Psychological Horror
Subgenres: Erotic Thriller, Horror Romance, Revenge Fantasy
Step Right Up for a Twisted Carnival Ride – This One's Not for the Faint-Hearted
Ever wondered what happens when a haunted carnival hides more than just cheap scares? Satan’s Affair by H.D. Carlton isn’t your run-of-the-mill dark romance – it’s a blood-drenched plunge into obsession, revenge, and twisted desire. Carlton pulls you into a world where justice is delivered with a blade, and the line between villain and saviour barely exists.
What’s the Story (Spoiler-Free, Promise)
Sybil escaped a horrific cult – but survival didn’t soften her edges. Now she travels with Satan’s Affair, a haunted carnival that rolls into town under the guise of cheap thrills and eerie performances. But while guests expect harmless fun, Sybil has deadlier plans. Her act isn’t just a performance – it’s a cover for hunting down wicked men and ensuring they meet the kind of justice that leaves a mark. After each kill, Sybil turns to her trusted companions for release – keeping the high of the hunt burning long after the blood dries. But as the bodies pile up and the lines between performance and reality blur, Sybil’s grip on control begins to fray.
Tropes & Themes:
- Tropes: Morally grey heroine, revenge plot, killer obsession, anti-heroine romance, psychological manipulation, hallucination companions
- Themes: Survival, trauma, retribution, madness, forbidden passion, the fragility of reality
The Vibe – Dark, Twisted, and Unapologetically Brutal
Forget carnival nostalgia – this story is haunting, graphic, and dripping with danger. Carlton crafts an atmosphere that’s claustrophobic and electric, pulling readers into the unsettling glow of carnival lights that mask the violence lurking underneath. Emotionally, Satan’s Affair hits hard. There’s no soft edge to Sybil’s world – her encounters are brutal, explicit, and raw. This isn’t a book about romance blooming from darkness – it’s about channeling violence into power, and the twisted pleasure that comes with it.
Content Warnings
This book isn’t here to play nice. Expect graphic violence, explicit sexual content (including post-murder scenes), trauma, abuse, and heavy psychological themes. If dark, unfiltered storytelling isn’t your thing, consider this your exit sign.
What Makes It Stand Out
⭐ Sybil is an unforgettable anti-heroine. Carlton gives us a character who is violent, damaged, and unapologetically feral. There’s no attempt to sand down her edges – and that’s what makes her so captivating. You might not root for her, but you’ll be glued to her every move.
⭐ The carnival setting is pure brilliance. It’s more than just a backdrop – the carnival is Sybil’s playground, hunting ground, and home. The atmosphere is oppressive yet enticing, mirroring the duality of danger and pleasure that drives Sybil.
⭐ The writing is immersive and gritty. Carlton’s prose doesn’t hold back – you’ll feel every slice of the blade and taste the metallic edge of Sybil’s revenge. The visceral detail adds a layer of brutal intimacy to the narrative.
But…
- It’s short. At under 200 pages, the novella moves fast – maybe a little too fast. Sybil’s backstory is hinted at but never fully explored. There’s room to dig deeper into her psyche and the roots of her vengeance.
- The side characters stay in the shadows. Sybil takes center stage, and while her companions add to the atmosphere, they don’t receive much development beyond their roles in her world.
Personal Take
Reading Satan’s Affair felt like walking through a blood-drenched fever dream. Sybil’s not a character you relate to – she’s one you watch in awe and terror. Her violent form of justice and how she channels it through physical release makes for an uncomfortable yet addictive read. If you’re drawn to revenge fantasies with morally grey heroines who take what they want and leave bodies in their wake, this one will stick with you long after you put it down.
Writing Style & Pacing
Carlton’s prose is sharp, unforgiving, and thick with tension. She paints each scene in vivid, bloody detail, immersing readers in Sybil’s world without offering reprieve. The pacing is fast and relentless, which fits the novella format – though some readers might crave a little more space to breathe between kills.
Character Breakdown
Sybil dominates every page. Her character is crafted with complexity and brutality, making her a unique figure in the dark romance genre. Carlton explores the intersection of trauma, power, and pleasure, turning Sybil’s every action into a reflection of her fractured sense of justice. The supporting cast? They’re there, but Sybil is the focus. Her companions add to the eerie, violent tone, but the emotional weight stays firmly on her shoulders.
Setting – A Carnival of Shadows
The carnival isn’t just a set piece – it’s woven into the heart of the story. Its transient nature mirrors Sybil’s detached existence, and the macabre performances create a sense of unease that lingers even in quiet moments. It’s the perfect hunting ground for a character like Sybil, blending spectacle with hidden violence.
If You Liked…
- Rina Kent or Pepper Winters – for dark, gritty heroines and violent narratives
- C.J. Roberts – for morally ambiguous revenge-driven plots
- Penelope Douglas – for seductive yet dangerous storytelling
You’ll eat this up. It’s intense, fast-paced, and delivers exactly what dark romance fans crave.
Who’s This For?
- Fans of dark psychological thrillers with erotic elements
- Readers who enjoy morally grey anti-heroines
- Anyone into revenge fantasy with graphic violence
- Those who like their romance served with blood and chaos
Final Thoughts
Satan’s Affair isn’t romance in the traditional sense – it’s a dark, brutal journey through trauma and vengeance. If you’re looking for a story that shocks, unsettles, and keeps you hooked, this one delivers.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) – A fast, violent, and compelling dark novella that cuts deep.
