We're All Mad Here

by Dee Garcia

Crazy. Psycho. Freak.

Those are just a few of the words society has used to label me since I was old enough to remember.
Not that it isn’t true—I am crazy.
I've been dealt nothing but craptastic hands in this game called life, suffering through many unimaginable atrocities, and as a result, my psyche had to come up with creative ways to keep me from folding in on myself.
Three separate personalities being one.
My Invulnerable Woman act with Carnaval du Plaisir being the other.

And then one day came Brooks…

He wasn’t a product of my imagination or part of the show, but after that first night I saw him in the audience during one of my salacious, death-defying acts, he kept coming back for more. Each time he tried getting closer, tried worming his way into my calloused heart, and each time I warned him unhinged broads like me don’t fall in love. Only he proved me wrong.
I did, I fell—truly, madly, deeply… and then we paid the ultimate price.

They say love conquers all.
Yeah, well, I call bull.
Psycho bitches don’t get a happily ever after.

Note from the Author: We’re All Mad Here is not a true romance novel. It is a dark psychological with the added romance and spice. Some readers may consider it dark romance, but word to the wise—there is no HEA. Should you decide to forge on and brave Vayla’s twisted world, please remember you are doing so at your own discretion. Also please keep in mind, this book contains dark subject matter. Check content warning inside and proceed with caution. Suitable for mature audiences only.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2021

About the author

Dee Garcia is a voracious fan of romance novels and a long time lover of the written word. Her mission is to craft unique, compelling stories that will give her readers a place to briefly escape the trials and tribulations of everyday reality. With headstrong heroine's who don't need a man to stand on their own two feet, Dee hopes to leave her mark in the Indie world, one plot twist at a time.

Reviews

[warhawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Horror
Type: Standalone Book 3 of 7 from Carnaval de la Mort
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:




When her own family failed her, Vayla found her new family among the freaks of Carnaval de la Mort. Life was simple yet fulfilling until Brooks came into her life and showed what normal could be like. However, she might not yet be ready to say goodbye to her past.



This book was so much more than I thought it would be. For something relatively short, it packed a punch. I felt for all the characters and considering their situation, that was something.

“They’ve been right for years, but I’ve let greed lead me. You deserve to be happy, Vayla. It’s unrealistic for me to believe that you could ever really be mine.”

I felt so angry and sad for Vayla. I loved how the other characters had their own purposes and Thaïs was of course my favorite.

We’re All Mad Here is a story of finding one’s peace. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a sexy horror with a splash of Romance.

Note:
Unless you have triggers, I suggest avoiding reading the blurb and warning for the best reading experience.



Books in the series:




🔹🎪🔹 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔹🎪🔹



For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:

[Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this freak-a-leak

What a mad story. I had no idea what I was getting a myself into when I started this book. But it was really good. Vayla just wanted to be a normal kind of girl in the end and one of her personalities just refused to share her enough to allow it. It was dark and sexy and everything I loved

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow!!!
This book was dark, delicious mayhem that had me hooked and took me on one hell of a ride! I already knew Garcia was brilliant, but damn! This story was unlike anything I've read before and fit seamlessly into this series.

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ★



By being the Invulnerable Woman at the Carnaval de la Mort, Valya found a secure place to coexist, yet no one knows of her inner struggles. When in the spotlight, she gives the audience an erotic and memorable performance, but when the show ends, her memories do not fade.

Valya is a multi-dimensional character and her predicament is beyond intriguing. Though she wants to open her heart, she also knows it’s too full. As the plot unfolds, I sympathized with Valya and her conflict between change and stability. Given the steady direction, and the complexities given its length, this story is certainly impactful.

We’re All Mad Here is a narrative that delves into the psyche. This book would appeal to those who do not have boundaries when reading about romance.



*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*



For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 ‘Re-Associated’ Stars***

When I read a tease of this book, I immediately made grabby hands at it.

When the author stated that classifying this book was a bit difficult since it could be looked at as a dark romance, but not really since there is no HEA...I was intrigued.

After basically devouring it, I call it absolutely fascinating!

There are dark elements in it and there romance elements in it, but it’s not really either...it’s a bit of everything and it all surrounds the very compelling Vayla and the crazy, beautiful chaos of her mind.

I loved Vayla. There is a quiet kind of strength to her and an acceptance of all the pieces that are apart of her and how they make her whole, but also break her apart in equal measure. How she flows with it all fascinated me in every way and despite knowing that there was no HEA, I was still crossing my toes that there could be a way because she deserved one.

This is a quick read, think novella length, but it totally packs a punch. The amount of knowledge you get about Vayla and all that she’s been through and going through was a lot, but it never felt like overwhelmed ~ well, it was hard not to be overwhelmed because of the various personalities, but it was easy to roll with. There are triggers, some intense ones, so reader beware, but all in all, this was a great read...even with no HEA.

~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~

[RebelLoveReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi friends! Let me tell you about this book I just read 😱 “ᗯᗴ’ᖇᗴ ᗩᒪᒪ ᗰᗩᗪ ᕼᗴᖇᗴ“ by Dee Garcia is book 3 of “ᑕᗩᖇᑎᗩᐯᗩᒪ ᗪᗴ ᒪᗩ ᗰOᖇT“ A series showcasing a marvel of Coney Island’s oddities. In this story we meet a range of personalities all belonging to...

-ᐯᗩYᒪᗩ-

She is the “Invulnerable Woman“ and in her act she uses her talents to wow, allure and tantalize her audiences. What are those talents? Well, I can’t give everything away now can I?

Vulnerability and childhood trauma caused her to heal with the help of multiple personalities. They lead her to the inception of becoming invulnerable and help her cope day to day- to the point of dissociation.

This story is not for everyone with triggers abound, a perfect addition to my collection of dark, dirty, depraved reads. From page one Dee has created a wondrous mind fuck of a story that is fast paced and full of twists to keep you enthralled till- The End

And that end, you will never see coming!

[We Like them Dark Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book two days ago and I can still faintly hear some creepy clown music playing in my head. Probably unrelated, but this book was just SO TWISTED it was a whole vibe-I was literally stuck trying to wrap my head around being completely satisfied even though the ending left me with little aches in my heart-and left my mind reeling from all the games it was played.
The first chapter leaves your jaw on the floor-this author goes for it, and OWNS the darkness. Her writing is so vivid it plays out like a movie-which leaves me thinking she needs to write screen plays to psych thrillers because I was so impressed with how she conveyed the deep, insanely twisted emotions of Vayla.
It was a totally quick read-I was so invested in it that I really devoured this one. This author seems to get better, and better with each piece of work she puts out there, and I’m so here for it!

[Ola Adamska · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew that I was about to start a WILD RIDE when I decided to start the novella titled "We're All Mad Here" by talented Ms. Garcia.
I got what I signed up for, but also many many more. This story will be full of darkness, steam, twisted things. This story is definitely something else and it will leave you with sad feelings in the end.
You are going in at your own risk! Try yourself and dive in!

[Nohely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hell Woman!!
Ok. After the initial shock and reaction has worn off, I’m able to do this review. First and foremost, this is NOT a HEA kinda book... it is mentioned. So if you’re looking for that, this definitely won’t be the book for you. Furthermore, This book is deliciously dark and twisted... it pulls you in.... and it will spit you right back out in a Jaw dropping manner. You won’t be able to put it down, but you won’t want it to end either!! I have to say that I absolutely love Vayla and so far, she’s my favorite from the Carnaval de la Mort series. Dee Garcia.... you did the damn thing!!!
-Nohely

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're All Mad Here is the story of Vayla, who has endured such a horrible trauma-filled past and copes with it through her multiple personalities. Dee Garcia captures your attention with her spectacular circus show setting. This book is raw and emotional and so beautifully written. I'll be honest I tend to avoid books like this but let me tell you, this story will grasp onto your heart and soul and literally suck you right in. This book has many trigger warnings, so you've been warned. It is heartbreakingly consuming, so if you don't have any triggers, go in blind and read it. It broke my heart, and this story will stay with me for a long time.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re All Mad Here by Dee Garcia

This is one of my rare ratings where I won’t be going with my rating list, the rating average for this book is an overall 3.5/5.
But I Disagree, I Truly enjoyed this book so I will Give this Book a 4/5 Star Rating, so I will be Listing it as 4.

Take the >Warning At The Beginning< of this book Seriously, if you can’t handle it just keep on walking.
I on the other hand, Enjoy reading books like this. I Love Reading Dark to Extremely Dark Books and I also have >Zero< Count them...ZERO Triggers.
This is a well written book, and should be enjoyed by those that appreciate Dark Twisted Reads.
I HAD to keep reading this book, the moment I opened this book I literally couldn’t put it down, I had to see where this book was going to the very end I was completely zoned in.

HEA(?): No
Cliffhanger(?): No.
Type of Ending(?): Definitely a Heartbreaker, when I closed the book, I sat back and let what I read sink in...just wow.
Relationship Type: Oh goodness, this is a tough one to figure out, it’s so simple to explain if you read it but to write it out it’s a massive giveaway and I won’t spoil this.
So it an N/A for this one :)
Heat: it’s more that the Plot is more important actually, but there is heat and it’s pretty good and very interesting, 3-3.5/5.
Romance: 3.5-4/5
Dark: This is an interesting one to rate, I don’t know how to rate this without explaining but I won’t spoil this book, so (to me) I give this book a 3.5/5, this book will/may be darker for others.
Suspense: So with the warning in the beginning, the suspense factor drops dramatically, cause you already had a feeling going in. 2-2.5/5
Drama: There is definitely some drama, 3/5.
Pacing: This is a fairly quick read, but honestly pretty good and is appropriate for the length of the book.

[Avery King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, she's done it again!

This dark, twisted tale, is most definitely not for the faint of heart, so proceed of your own volition.

Unlike the usual romance, wether it be dark or not, that Dee Garcia writes, this book is not about romance, despite some of its themes, and does not end in a happily ever after.

For me, personally, this was a breath of fresh air! Unlike so many of the stories I've read in the past, We're All Mad Here checked off every box I had hoped it would, and so many more. I'm not the biggest fan of fluffy, cute romance, and find myself craving something more dark and heavy, and this book delivered that. Even sinister at times, the plot line drove me forward one page at a time, seeking out answers to an ending I hadn't suspected until the very last second.

I'm so pleasantly blown away by this book, and applaud Dee for her ability to step outside her comfort zone and craft such a wonderfully dark tale.

Even if you find that this piece of work isn't quite for you, I very highly suggest you reaching for anything else that this author has written. Her work speaks for itself, but I can't help but to hype her up even more. Dee is such a source of inspiration for me as an author, And I most definitely want to be like her when I grow up.

Vayla and her freak family get 5 stars from me!!

[Keri | Reads & Salt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating Scale

Overall: 5/5
Shock: 5/5
Angst: 0/5
Spice: 4/5

TW: please check all trigger warnings for this one!

Themes:
~coney island vibes
~twists and turns
~dark, dark and DARK

Usually, I would start out a review with a synopsis of the general idea of the story but I think you should definitely go in blind on this one. The only thing that you need to note, per the author, is that this is not a happy ending. This book is incredibly dark but makes you feel so many emotions. That is all you need to know when going into this story!

There are no words besides the fact that Wer’e All Mad Here by Dee Garcia is freaking CONSUMING. From the first page, you are taken on a wild ride and you better hold on tight until it is finished. When I put this book down, I literally just sat there for a few minutes to gather my thoughts. I love a book that has a lot of spice but also makes you feel things. Let’s also not forget the creep factor of this entire ambience! Dee Garcia does the setting of this carnival so well that you can almost smell the popcorn and hear the people around you. Like I said, CONSUMING!

This is the second book that I have read from this author and I will definitely be picking up more. I love Dee Garcia’s writing and storytelling. I feel like I will always think about this book.

I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're All Mad Here is exactly what I was thinking the entire way through this book. I loved every twist and every turn that Dee Garcia took us on. Garcia has a writing style that makes you feel everything that Vayla feels and it's as haunting as it is beautiful. You go through her tragedies and her triumpths and it honestly makes you want more. When I recommend this author to others, this is one of the books that I would tell them is a must read. If you like dark romantic writing style, stop right here and get this book. Warning, there is material that can be triggering for some audiences and you should be cautious if dark themes are something you struggle with. All in all, I loved every chapter in this book and I wanted so much to see it end beautifully. Just as in life, not every story is a happy ending. I would not have wanted it any other way.

[Katiie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check TW.

This author writes very dark books.

I love love loved this book!!
I did knock off a star only due to the fact I didnt realize the rape was goin to be spoken about in full detail. It was a bit hard for me but I pushed through and was happy I did. The book had so many crazy turns. I loved the people in her head even tho Thais was a straight up asshole. I knew there was no HEA but that was a okay with me but that fucking ending man I didn't expect that! That shit was crazy!!
I was annoyed that Vayla had gotten mad at marcel due to the fact he killed Thais but he gave plenty of warning if she interfered he would take care of her and the bitch didn't listen!!!!
I enjoyed all this crazy fucked up shit (I could have gone without the full in-depth rape but that's on me not looking further into TW) if this dark twisted shit sounds up ur ally read it

[N.M. Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um.... ok so to say I was not prepared for this, is a massive understatement. Dee's writing has always been my favourite, but this time I was rendered speechless at this masterpiece. This is not your typical Dee Garcia book, nor is it romance. This is a fine line between art and destruction. This whole book is a mindf*ck of epic proportions and I couldn't put it down. I'm sure that doesn't say much for me, but when something so dark is created so beautifully, you can't look away. Such an incredible journey and look into such a complex mind was extraordinary to experience.

The ending is not for the faint of heart. You've been warned.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal Story!

WOW! This story was absolutely phenomenal! Right from the very start I was intrigued by Vayla and her uniqueness. She makes you fall in love with her and chaotic messy mind.

I was blown away by the story and how it consumed me, so much so that I completely lost track of time. When I reached the last page and saw that the story was over, I was shocked and sad that I wasn’t going to get anymore of this amazing story or these fantastic characters.

Brilliantly written story, with phenomenal characters, and a darker storyline that hooks you and doesn’t want to let you go.

[Marissa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dee — you did it again, and with a “no HEA”?? Girl, you know you good when I fall in love with this book EVEN WITH NO HEA! 🖤

Dee you’ve brought mental illness to the light with V and her “loves”! This story is so heartbreaking, and yet this is the reality that some people face on a daily! I honestly wish she got her HEA because she deserves it, but her not so happy ending was just so traumatically and beautifully written — only you could’ve pulled that off boo. Le sigh, My heart breaks for V and Brooks — and even for Thais!

Well done Dee!! 🙌🏼

[Lost Within The Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't even know how to start this review. I wouldn't say its a dark romance there are dark themes to it but its not necessarily dark. I will say its not a romance at all if your looking for an HEA this book is not for you. Overall I like the story a lot I had some questions like why not I have a male personality? Why doesn't my alter ego want to do me in the shower? And what was going through Dee's head when she wrote. this

[Sydnie Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dee Garcia has once again written a dark romance that no one saw coming. There's definitely some heat and spice in the story but the character development is what really hit home for me. There are some definite triggers so read at your own discretion, but I absolutely loved this novel. It was a faced paced read that had me wanting to know more since Vayla and the "others" were first introduced. I'm such a hugh fan of Dee Garcia's work and this did not disappoint.

[Ericaperez007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vayla wow just wow! Vayla had a hard childhood. Mom not caring dad being a pig and her uncle following right after!

Vayla set out to find her self to be her own person. To live as she would want to live. So she and her special friends all landed at circus de La mort. She meets a dream boat of a man and starts to fall hard for him. Sadly not all her friends like him.

Trigger warnings lots of sex, traumatic childhood, teen rape (16), mental illness, and bloody gore.

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man I really don’t have many words to say about Vayla story. The only thing that comes to mind is that I’m so sad for the ending that she had because she so deserved all the happiness she could had. It was a great story not with the ending you expect but it was still a great story with all the madness you can have in it.

[Caitlyn Childress (wickedlittlebooknerd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive, Wickedly delicious, Whirlwind of a ride

Holy crap!

The biggest mind f&$k I’ve ever read.

This book starts off with a bang.... This isn’t your typical read and to me going into this book blind was probably the greatest feeling, because the words tell the story so perfectly and effortlessly that you can’t help but just sit back and hold on for the journey. Vayla - My girl right here, she’s a survivor and one of those characters that you just click with, you feel her emotions and feelings. She just has this energy you want to get closer too. Now she has some things going on, I won’t spoil anything but the author flawlessly executed this part! This book will make you feel all the things, one minute your fanning yourself and then bammm your feeling your heart being shredded apart with a serrated knife. It is dark and has dark themes, and has twists after twists that will have you finishing and then flipping back because you can’t be finished already! This has been one of my favorite reads of 2021. I honestly feel like my words don’t even do it justice, this story will wreck you in the best ways! Read it, just do it already.

[J.A. Lafrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
That was a twist

We're All Mad Here, and trust me you get sucked right into Vayla. You become so vested in what is going to happen next, you forget your not watching a movie but reading a book.
Dee Garcia takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and trust me your going to need to self soothe, if you know what I mean.
A definite must read.

[Alexis Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not at all what I expected! I’m not normally a fan of books that don’t end in a happily ever after, but this book is an exception! The ending completely surprised me and was not at all what I expected. I won’t spoil anything, you just have to read it for yourself.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Lauren Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m one of this people that am still waiting to find a real trigger in a book. If reviews say that it’s too disturbing and sick I am reading it ASAP.
I wouldn’t say this is super dark, but as I just said I am really not affected by much. I honestly just found it sad.
That being said it IS factually a dark story, so be aware of TW.
Enjoy!

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What in the twisted, dark, steamy, what did I just read goodness is this? I love Dee’s books and this one was phenomenal. I need to go in there and buy the rest of these books in the series because that was mine blowing good.

[Megan Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow. This book literally took my breath away! I stayed up until almost 2 in the morning just to finish reading it because I couldn't get enough Vayla's story was mind blowing, absolutely amazing! This is definitely a story I will read over and over again!

[Corrinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Near the end my heart was racing and I was holding my breath ... Dee how could you? But it was perfect ! Wow what a story and told it you did ! Something unexpected and refreshing it wasn’t all roses, far from it ! I knew it wasn’t gonna end good but gee dee uh I felt bit gutted !

[Shelley Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew by the first page this was going to be an amazing and messed up book and she did not let me down. This was my first book with no hea but it was so good I don’t even care. If you was to read great steamy parts highly recommend