You Can Make Me: Carnival of Mysteries

Where to begin...'cause this story in the third installment by this author in the Carnival of Mysteries series is an amazing storyline that does not stop from beginning to end. "Disclaimer: You really need to read "You Can Do Magic" and "You Can Save Me" to get the full breadth of the characters that move through all three novels. There were moments in the storyline when I could only read one chapter at a time due to the seriousness of the events playing out in the story. All I can say is that if you love suspense, romance and love unending, then this three book series is for you. I just do not want to provide more information to spoil it for you readers. Just get them and read them! Reasons I enjoyed this book: Great world building /Wonderful characters /Tragic /Haunting /Scary /Page-turner /Original /Romantic /Twisted /Steamy /Entertaining /Easy-to-read /Action-packed

Cooper is attacked by a serial killer, almost dies, his ex Denny saves him and now he and Denny are in hiding. Denny has secrets that has to do with The Carnival of Mysteries he can't tell Cooper even though that Cooper is trying to find answers about it. With things closing in on them, Cooper has to decide what is more important, exposing the carnival or his love for Denny. I really love this series.

Cooper and Denny's story is full of patience, healing, suspense and is thoroughly intriguing. The Carnival of Mysteries is fascinating.

If you've never ventured to the Carnival of Mysteries, now is the time to go! R.L. Merrill's You Can Make Me is the next installment in this magically delicious series of interconnected standalones. Readers finally learn more about Cooper and Denny, who have been secondary characters in previous stories. This book didn't disappoint. It's filled with mystery, danger, adventure, and of course love and friendship. As a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, I was especially touched by Cooper's struggle with his assault and TBI as he and Denny moved forward in life. There was great disability representation as well as the author's continued great queer and mental health representation. I can't wait for more carnival excitement. Come join the mayhem! Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)

You Can Make Me by R.L. Merrill is a breathtaking conclusion to her trilogy within the expansive Carnival of Mysteries shared world. From the very first page, I was completely absorbed in the story of Cooper Harris, an investigative journalist whose life was shattered after a brutal encounter with a serial killer. The narrative is a heart-wrenching "rollercoaster" told through the perspectives of Cooper and his protector, Denny, moving between Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and a serene lakeside cottage. Merrill’s worldbuilding is vivid yet purposeful, transporting the reader into a story that explores the deep scars left by trauma—both physical and emotional. At the heart of the novel is Cooper’s desperate journey to feel whole again. Obsessed with finding the mythical Carnival of Mysteries to reclaim his former life, he struggles with depression and the belief that his injuries have made him "ugly" and unfit for his career. While Denny stands steadfastly by his side, Cooper eventually learns that healing is a personal choice; he cannot truly hear the words of love and affirmation from others until he is ready to see himself as a survivor rather than a victim. Denny is the perfect foil—an ex-Marine and detective with a soul of gold and endless patience—who refuses to let Cooper face his demons alone. As the final installment, this book brings back beloved characters to protect the carnival and face a lingering evil. It masterfully balances high-stakes tension—featuring serial…