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MAX

They fear me. Worship me. Call me an abomination.

I’ve earned my freedom a dozen times in The Pit, but I keep going back. Because violence is my church, and blood is the only thing that makes me feel alive.

Then he arrives. Pretty. Fast. New. A golden-haired boy with ocean eyes and no clue how this island works.
He doesn’t belong here, and he’s going to get himself killed. Just like all the other wide-eyed fools who think survival is about hope instead of brutality.
So why the fuck can’t I stop watching him? Why do I keep stepping in? Why does the monster in me go quiet when he’s near?

He’s everything I never wanted.
And everything I’d burn this whole godsdamned island for.

KIERAN

My mother is dead.

I followed her last instructions to the get on the boat, get to the island, survive. Her final words still echo in my head—Live, Kieran. Live.
But Ibitha doesn’t want me. I have no papers, no useful skills, nothing to offer... except a pretty face. And here? That’s enough to get you owned. Now I pour drinks in a brothel I never chose, counting down the days until my debt’s repaid. Until I’m free.

Then he notices me. Max. A legend carved in blood and bone.
I should fear him, everyone does. He looks at me like I’m already his. Like he’s made up his mind. Like I’m something he plans to keep. And the most dangerous part? A piece of me wants that. Wants him.

But you don’t fall for someone like Max.
You survive him. Or you don’t.

OBLITERATED is a full-length MM romance as part of the 1nf3ction multi-author post-dystopian zombie apocalypse series. While all the stories take place in a shared world, each book can be read as a standalone.

Expect violence, obsession, biting banter, sword fights, broken boys, morally grey messes, and two lovers who’d rather kiss in a pit full of zombies than say “I love you” out loud.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

33 people are currently reading
206 people want to read

About the author

N. Boeyer

10 books65 followers
N. Boeyer grew up in a tiny country called the Netherlands. She has been bilingual since she couldn’t wait for the Dutch translations of her favorite books, so she taught herself English. This resulted in her pursuing an English education from the age of twelve, and writing stories followed shortly thereafter. Since she was a teenager, it has been her dream to be a writer, and a writer she has always been at heart.

It took her a while to accept that the pretty boys who talk way too much in her head needed a voice, and her love for queer romance grew bigger with every written word and chapter. She has finally found the guts to share her boys with the world and hopes someone out there will love them as much as she does.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Lola.
183 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2025
I read the first of these Mayhem Manuscripts books and thought it was a decent start and was excited to read more of them. I let my spouse decide which one to read next and he was like "oh, definitely the Mad Max one", which, fair. Unfortunately, I wildly overestimated how big of a plot point the pit fighting would be. This was my first time reading this author and I don't think I'd seek them out again. My issues with this were simple: I was bored, I didn't connect with the characters, and it felt unfinished.

The story centered on big, broody, gladiator Max investigating corruption amidst their island community's leadership. He asks for help from Kieran, who is new to the island and working as a bartender for a brothel owner who basically "owns" him. Not much happens in this investigation until way late in the book, and, when it seems like we might finally have some answers... it just sort of ends. With almost zero explanation or follow up. I don't claim to be the smartest or most observant person, but, I was confused at the ending. I felt like I must have missed a chapter, but nope, that's truly how it went down. It was so unsatisfying. There was also a kind of "twist" but it was incredibly obvious so there wasn't any tension surrounding it.

I felt like I barely knew the MCs outside of their basic personality traits (and some of those felt told more than shown) and I definitely didn't feel the connection between them. I'm sometimes ok with insta, with the MCs pretty much doing the whole "mine" thing from the start, as long as there's some explanation (even if it's fairly weak) but it's pretty lame to see "I have no idea why, he just is". I've also previously loved books where the MCs are obsessed with each other but had a slower physical burn because, once the steam starts, it's usually amazing - but here it was so underwhelming. There were also things that weren't clear to me. I feel like there's an assumed age gap but I had no idea how old Max was supposed to be - was he 25, 35, 40? No clue. Also, it was clear he'd never engaged in anal sex before but, had he ever been with a man in any way? Was this an awakening for him? I got that he was meant to be gray ace/demi (?) but there wasn't a ton of info. I was also disappointed I had to inform my husband there wasn't nearly as much "arena fighting" as I hoped there’d be.

It wasn't a complete disaster (hence the 3 stars) but I'm writing this one day after I finished and I had to look up Kieran's name because I'd already forgotten. After liking (but not loving) the first book in this series and following up with this, I'm less excited about reading more of them.

Nicknames: pretty, Kee

The Pit isn't just punishment, it's a death trap dressed up as entertainment, disguised as justice.


"You're no monster, Max. You're mine."


Mine, the press of his body demands. Mine, the drag of his lips insists. Yours, the tremor in my bones answers.


A better man would be appalled, horrified that his partner would kill for him. But shit, I am not a better man.


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Safety (may contain spoilers)

SA/rape: Kieran escaped an attempted assault (prior to coming to the island) and, later, there is an on page attempted assault that he fights off.

Other person drama: Max had a previous sexual relationship with the Magistrate of the island and she has some page time. She felt jilted but Max never had any feelings for her. Their sexual past was mentioned a few times though and it jarred me for some reason - it just seemed unnecessary for him to think about things like her screaming for more while he fucked her against a wall.
Profile Image for Flora.reads.books.
198 reviews12 followers
October 2, 2025
ARC Review
5⭐

"They fear me. Hate me. Say I'm an abomination. The reincarnation of every evil that ever crawled out of the dark. But I'm not their monster. I'm their motherfucking deity, and I decide their fate."

"What he doesn't know is that he's the first fucking person I've kissed."

"I don't give a fuck that they're watching. Let them watch. Let them all watch me lay my claim. He's mine, and if another man, another person, so much as breathes near him, I'll tear that breath right out of their lungs."

"I want to let him in. To let him see the parts no one else survives. To let him touch the pieces I swore I'd keep locked away."

"I love you, Kee. I love you so fucking much."

Friends, this book was so freaking good! My first book by this author and definitely not the last! 😍
I love it when the MCs are obsessed with each other, and Max? Yeah, he's obsessed with Kieran. 🥹🥹💙 I’m-buying-you-clothes-that-fit-you-kind-of-obsessed. 🥹🥹🥹

Also, let’s not forget about Chompy! 🤭 I mean… he's the character you didn’t know you needed until you read about him. 🤭🤭 I’m not gonna spoil the surprise but damn, what a cutie… kinda. 🤭😂🖤 Not sure I'd want to have the same pet, tho! 😂😂🤭

Chapter 16 wrecked me. I’m not saying a word about what happens—you’ll just have to suffer read it yourself—but holy hell. 😭💔
N. Boeyer, I’m looking directly at you. 👀 You hurt me. RUDE. 🙄🫠 But fine… you’re forgiven, because yeah, it was obvious ✨that✨ was coming. Still. I’m keeping my side-eye on you. 😒😂

Obliterated is fast-paced and had me hooked from the start.
I laughed and grinned but I also sobbed. It was so good. 🥰 I loved how Max didn’t want to want Keiran but couldn’t stay away from him. And Kieran? Yeah, he’s a fiery little thing, and we love that! 🥰💙
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🪙 MM
🐊 Dystopia
🫣 Obsessed
🐊 Zombiegator
🪙 Biting/Marking
🐊 Touch him and ☠️
🪙 Sexual Awakening
🐊 You’re Mine
🪙 Gladiator pit
Profile Image for Sofi.
180 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2025
“He lives to heal. He was made to love. I live for destruction. I was made to obliterate.”

I really wanted to love this book, but I don’t think I fully did. It had potential, but sadly it fell flat for me. The plot and the idea were really good, and I was hooked at the beginning—the whole pit thing and Max being this feared, unbreakable legend on the island was just so good. I was loving it, loving the connection between Max and Kieran, and I saw so much potential in their dynamic… but then I lost the excitement.

I wouldn’t say I got bored, because I did read it in a day, but I just didn’t feel anything for it. That potential connection with both MMCs that I felt in the beginning completely faded. The plot got lost too, and that’s what frustrates me the most because it had SO much potential. Everything about this book should have worked, but it just didn’t for me.

And the worst part is that I can’t even explain why. The writing wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t call it anything special. The characters had the potential to move me and make me love them, but they stayed halfway—I didn’t feel like they were fully developed. I don’t know… it’s like I liked the idea but not the execution. There were definitely parts I really loved, but the parts where I just didn’t feel anything outnumbered them.

Don’t get me wrong, I did like the relationship between Keiran and Max. It was instant, obsessive, and had the whole “touch him and die” vibe, so of course I loved it. Max slowly softening because of Keiran, buying him clothes, sitting in his room all night, and Keiran accepting and loving Max’s demons — they were perfect. The problem for me was that even though I saw their connection, I didn’t fully connect with either of them myself, so I saw it but I didn’t feel it. Because of that, the romantic or painful moments they shared just didn’t hit me as strongly as I’m sure they should have.

“In the nothingness, the wasteland, in the emptiness that makes me me, there’s this tiny flicker. A spark of something. A shimmer in the dark that glows stubbornly brighter, refusing to snuff out, refusing to let me end it. It scares me more than he ever could, this fragile little thing that feels dangerously like desire, or maybe even hope for a better life. That spark has a name. That spark is called Max.”

“Kee, I’m not… Not me right now,” he says against my lips when I finally pull away, voice ragged and raw.
“You are,” I rasp, “This is a piece of who you are, and I love all parts of you… even the broken, the dark ones.”

What I can say is that I loved how everything starts. The idea of this island, the rules, the storyline around the corruption of the leaders, and the pit were all really interesting. I loved the power Max had, it was just so freaking hot, he felt like he had some kind of superpower with the way this man was feared and how he survived so many things. Max in the pit was truly one of the things I loved the most. Yeah, it was extremely violent, but the confidence this man had is what drove me insane. And I didn’t exactly hate the ending; I mean, it was fast, but it did come to a conclusion. What I didn’t like was that the whole plot about uncovering the corruption of the leaders was resolved basically behind the scenes.

I’ll rate it 3.5 stars because it wasn’t bad, just not incredible. And I hate that, because this book had everything to be addictive and to make me love it… but it just didn’t, and yeah, I’m sad about it.

“He’s my morality, the key to my humanity. Without him, I’d burn it all down just to watch the flames dance. There’s something he ignites within me, something fragile, almost vulnerable. A whisper in the chaos, grounding me when everything else screams for destruction. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s the line I can’t cross. The edge of sanity I desperately cling to. Without him, I’m nothing but a monster unleashed; with him, I’m still a monster, but one that can pretend, just for a moment, to be human.”

Quotes worth mentioning:

“They fear me. Hate me. Say I’m an abomination. The reincarnation of every evil that ever crawled out of the dark. But I’m not their monster. I’m their motherfucking deity, and I decide their fate.”

“Max. Here, being a little broken is surviving. Being a monster just means you’re still alive.”
Profile Image for Mal.
543 reviews45 followers
October 10, 2025
I loved the Greek Myth parallels in the sorry - champions, the pit, legends , the council, the names - the nomenclature nodding to the stories of old in the future.

Max and Kee are fire - epic instant connection, almost fated adding to the intensity while the romance burns slow, simmering to an inferno. The touch him and die themes were swoooooon as well the stalkerish meet cutes and gifts and I loved that Kee doesn’t stand in Max’s larger than life warrior shadow - he had skills and a backbone of his own.

The heirarchy of Ibitha is so well crafted, this town coming to life in my imagination, sucking me in till I was living in this post apocalyptic hellscape. The walkers and the rain a real threat , the corrupt council, the watchers and the blood hungry populace.

The chemistry between Max and Kee is chefs kiss - white hot, fraught with resistance and emotion and so much hurt comfort.

The scene with Tass toward the end gutted me

Also I adored Chompy and max’s love for Chompy was too cute.

Cannot emphasise how much you need to read this if you love a touch of gore in you swoony epic dystopian romance.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
108 reviews22 followers
October 29, 2025
RTC — Did I just finish one of my favorite reads of the year?! Wow, that was absolutely incredible!! 🤯
Profile Image for Ash .
336 reviews52 followers
October 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐
2 🌶️


Max & Kieran were very cute together even in a zombie apocalypse. Max fighting his demons and Kieran softening some of Max's edges. 

Chompy stole the show for me. 

Another good addition to the Inf3ction series. 


Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sussu {Romance Obsessed}.
234 reviews10 followers
October 13, 2025
Thank you so much for the arc!

This is my second read for the infection series, it's so good, I'm obsessed haha
Also this one made me teary eyed, these boys are so sweet.

"You're no monster, Max. You're mine"

This could be the book for you (please chew TWs):
Post apocalyptic
Dark romance
Grumpy x sunshine
First times
Touch him and 💀
Wound care
Gladiator
Scarred, touch starved hero
OTT possessive MCs "you're mine"
Zombie gator
The most resilient flipflops ever 😂


The story features Kieran and Max, and they actually meet when Max discovers Kieran as a stoaway on an incoming ship full of migrants.

Unfortunately Kieran lacked the official paperwork to enter legally. He claims to be underage, hoping for leniency.
He's always been a bit on the smaller side, with a youthful appearance. Why not use it to his advantage?

That is when one of the town leaders swoops in to take him under her wing.
She owns a bar and brothel in the area, and since Kieran is not yet 18 (wink wink), he would start work in the bar and transition to being a brothel worker when he's of age.
He's bought himself a few months of time to hatch an escape plan, and fortunately Max makes him and offer: help in an investigation and he will be free.

Max is a unique character, and I found myself really liking him.
He's immune, which is crazy, but he also loves to fight in the pits against the infected.
He's very closed off, and he has a reputation that makes everyone keep their distance.

Kieran is really sweet, more sunshine and just trying to survive. He's the new guy, unsure of how things work there, and unaware of the scary reputation Max has.
Have you ever seen the comic with the big dog and the tiny kitten? Think of that.

Max sees Kieran and can't help himself. He can't stay away. He's amassed a bit of wealth from the pits, and he wants to use it for good.
Newer clothes, better shoes, and food for Kieran.
Keep him warm, fed and safe.
Also breaking into his place at night to make sure he's sleeping okay, totally normal behavior. 😂

I love how Kieran is the only one who can touch Max, and as his confidence grows, the bratty side of him comes out.
They have amazing chemistry and banter between each other, plus the tension was crazy.

I'm excited to read more books in the series!
Profile Image for The Naughty Booknook.
171 reviews68 followers
October 7, 2025
“I just need you right now. All of you. I need it so fucking bad.”

Omg Max and Kieran I swear they made me sad the made me cry they made me love them both. Kiernan was the calmness to Max's beasts and Max was everything Kiernan needed to live. This story was not about the spice it was about two men with a connection that was deep and raw and true and everything you want to read.

Each book just gets better in this series and continues to leave me wanting more.

🔥🔥🔥
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Seraphina Reads.
442 reviews17 followers
October 7, 2025
Obliterated
Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: 1nf3ction
N. Boeyer

Max & Kieran
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

Obsessive/ Protective/ Possessive
Hurt / Comfort
Gladiator Pit
“You’re MIne”
Zombiegator
Touch Him and D1e
Found Family

Wow, this series has been fantastic. This is the 3rd book so far and it's fantastic.

These books are dark, gritty and raw, but also so sweet and emotional. Very vulnerable and beautiful in their own unique way.

I really enjoy this series alot.

In this book, we have Max and Kieran. Max is part of the Watchers on this island. It’s separate from the rest of the world, still infected though. Here he meets Kieran as a stow away and instantly Max is taken with him.

Max just… watched Kieran, making sure no one touches him in any way, in doing so, these two become close. Max is clearly obsessed with Kieran and doesn't know why. He sneaks into his room and leaves him gifts, always watching out for him.

There is a hierarchy in this book, and they are corrupt, well some of them. Max, Sami and Tass trying to undo their wrongs. This was so emotional, huge found family vibes.

Max and his crew are always trying to fight off the corrupt, or the infected in The Pitt.

“He’s absolutely terrifying. He’s everything I should fear And he’s everything I can’t stop wanting.”

Max and Kieran become closer, forming a deeper possessive bond, the two cannot take their eyes off each other.

“You’re no monster, Max. You’re mine.”

I loved this, this story is so much more. The hurt they both carry, the solace they find in each other's arms. The justice they want for the Island.

I cried in this book. My heart hurt for Max. They have gone through so much. This world they are in now is so damaged.

“Tears streak my cheeks, tears of want and relief and the kind of aching I didn’t know had a name.”

These two men are incredible together, so beautiful and perfect for eachtoher.

There is a lot going on in this book, I flew through it. It was so good. I really hope you give this series a shot. It’s so emotional and vulnerable

I loved the ending of this book. I loved Max and Kieran together. Kieran is the light to Max’s dark.

So thankful for this arc
Profile Image for NitemareMoon.
142 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2025
Max and Kieran. This is another solid addition to the 1nf3ction series with a new-to-me author. This was a slow-burn romance and gripping enough plot to keep me turning pages. I enjoyed the writing style; it felt dark and intense with enough substance to make the words feel meaningful.

Max was a force to be reckoned with, wild, dark, and dangerous. Kieran was a feisty little survivor who wasn't afraid of Max, even the darkest parts that he wanted to keep hidden. These two love-sick fools couldn't resist the undeniable pull that had toward one another. It was sweet torture waiting for them to finally stop staring at one another and get together already.

I was quite fond of the side characters, so I was heartbroken when the inevitable finally happened. Sobbing!

The reason this is a 4-star instead of 5 is because it seemed like everything came to a head with the plot and love declarations in the last chapter, and then we skip right to the epilogue. While everything was wrapped up in the epilogue neatly and justice was served (gooo Chompy!), I wanted more show and less tell. I wanted more of the details of the investigation and what was found out. I especially wanted more time with Max and Kieran together.


Profile Image for Jeannine.
47 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2025
This book was very different of everything I read from N. Boeyer so far, but she has for sure, a talent to write about a love story in a dystopian/apocalypse setting. I loooove the world building and all the different aspect of the dystopian. It was so interesting to discover and I thought it was well made and the concept was very original.

Seventy-six years ago, some people screwed up (oh surprise!) and let loose a virus into the air that started infecting people. Some people are immune, some are carriers, and some, unfortunately turned into Walkers, a nice word for zombies. The virus is still in the air and spread through the red rain. The general rule when its coming: DO NOT GET WET.

Max is living on Ibitha, an island controlled by The Nine, a group a people who’s making all the rules. He’s a Watcher and help, along other watchers, to assure security and peace on the island. He, then, meets Kieran, a man who arrive not so legally on the island…

Oh my gawd these these two! I loved them so much! Max is a very scary person but Kieran swoop him with his sassiness and his flip flop, and the big badass than everyone is scared of becomes even more scary if someone dare to touch Kieran. Their chemistry was off the charts and I ate every moments between them. I love the deep understanding that Kieran has for Max and how he accepted all of him without judgement and let him be. The setting and the action was also perfectly paced and well written.

This book was a fun and romantic story with gory action and sprinkled with some heartbreaking moments (haven’t forgiven you yet N for chapter 16-and the bonus chapter).

If you love dystopian, romance, touch starved and very possessive character with hurt/comfort this book is for you
Profile Image for Sasha [latenightswithabook].
109 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2025
I’m so impressed at how each of these books manage to pack such a punch in their short runtime. I love that each book explores its own little corner of the world and the societal structure is completely different in each.

This one was soo sweet and heartbreaking. Max and Kieran completely stole my heart 🥺 Talk about opposites attract, Kieran definitely has some tricks up his sleeve but compared to Max he’s basically a kitten. “Mad” Max has to be one of the most badass characters I’ve ever seen, he lives up to his namesake and then some. The gladiator scenes had me on the edge of my seat.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts and the slower burn in this book was delicious. It takes these two a while to get there but when it does the spice is completely worth the wait. We get some more red rain scenes in this one and it’s just the plot device that keeps on giving.

I also wanted to note that this book is unexpectedly funny - especially considering how emotional it is. The Lord of the Rings rant had me giggling to myself for an embarrassingly long time.

⭐ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
Profile Image for Leilani Noack.
510 reviews12 followers
October 9, 2025
Here’s to book number 3 and it was sooo good just like the other 2. I love Max & Kieran together and that they got to see the real version of each other. I felt bad that Max had to make some hard decisions and had to break himself a little bit more. But an amazing book in general.
Profile Image for Bookandmischief06.
79 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2025
Obliterated by N. Boeyer is the third book in the INFECTION series by Mayhem Manuscripts. This is a series of standalone books that are all part of an interconnected world. Obliterated takes place 76 years after the infection caused by the Red Rain took hold, creating a sub-species of infected individuals. Some are no longer human while many live with the infection but haven’t yet turned. Obliterated is a dark, dystopian MM romance with an obessive/possessive MC, touch him and die, hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine and a gladiator pit full of zombies.

Kieran is on the run from his former life. Following the death of his mother, he has nothing left and needs to find another life. That’s how he eventually finds himself on a ship bound for Ibitha, an island that has managed to maintain some semblance of society and civil life in the midst of the death and destruction the Red Rain Virus has caused throughout the rest of the world. There’s just one problem, Ibitha has strict rules about those who can legally enter the island. Kieran is not only lacking papers for legal entry but he doesn’t even make it off the ship before a Sergeant with The Watch finds him.

Maximos Skarlatos has been a resident of Ibitha for most of his life. He may not be the friendliest person around, but what he lacks in kindness, he more than makes up for in his skill and theatrics in the pit. Max is also the only resident on this island to be Immune. Anywhere else, this status might have bought him a one-way ticket to a research facility, never to be heard from again, but here on Ibitha, its made him a fan-favorite in the pit where he’s found himself more than once. In addition to being a famous pit fighter, Max is also a Sergeant with The Watch. This security team is essential to keeping the island safe. Given his immunity, he’s also the first to be volun-told to go deal with a recently Turned ship passenger. Dealing with a Turned individual is easy. What he doesn’t expect to find is a golden-haired, blue-eyed man hiding in the corner of the ship cabin.

I absolutely loved this book. The world building was expertly done, especially for a book that really wasn’t all that long. As the reader, I was immediately immersed into a completely different world than the first two books. This island, while dealing with an apocalyptic situation is much more of a working society. The plot development is incredibly strong in this story while the character development is more subtle, it doesn’t lack in any way. I hope this author chooses to write more stories like this one in the future. This book is a strong addition to an already amazing series. I gave this book 4.75 stars.
1,036 reviews14 followers
October 7, 2025
N. Boeyer is a new-to-me author, I've never read her books prior to Obliterated so I was excited to not only continue reading this series, but I was also excited that I was getting introduced to a new-to-me author. I am very impressed with this author's writing, they have a brilliant storytelling ability and they took the shared world and made it completely their own. I liked how Max and Kee are in a completely different area compared to the previous books in this series, they are literally on an island away from the mainland. I found that really cool and unique!

The way of life on the island is interesting, outsiders think they are getting freedom when in reality you're getting yourself trapped into a place with snakes hiding in the bushes ready to strike. The rules that are upheld as laws on this island are simple yet deceptive. Max is known for being the rule-breaker, the one to watch out for.. Meanwhile Kee is perceived as weak, young, and disposable, when in reality he is anything but. Which overtime not only he realizes that about himself, Max also starts seeing Kee's worth as well.

I thought this story was absolutely fantastic! Honestly, it might be my favorite one in the 1nf3ction series so far, I just love this cast of characters. I also love how the characters are presented as one way, and then as the story progresses you learn more about them, which adds more dimension and depth to each of the characters, and I LOVE that! Max and Kee's relationship is a delightful slow burn, they don't have a cutesy relationship, or even an overly 'romantic' one, at least not how romance is often portrayed. But what they DO have is something of their own, that they built together overtime, gradually getting to know one another and letting their carefully built walls down to let the other in.

I also want to talk about Tass, Max's other half, the light to his dark.. She was such a terrific character, I enjoyed the banter between her and Max, and how she would tease both Max and Kee mercilessly. There's a particular chapter that will make you tear up, I'm not going to spoil anything but make sure you have tissues. One of my favorite components of this story is how even though the world is gone, and there are zombies and corruption everywhere, Max, Kee, Tass, Roe, Sammi, and of course, Chompy, form their own family unit that has each others backs no matter what. I found that really inspiring and I love the found family aspect!
Profile Image for Didi DarkBee.
30 reviews
October 7, 2025
Hold on tight! Obliterated is no ordinary post-apocalyptic romance. This is a dark, wild, and adrenaline-fueled story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. N. Boeyer has created a brutal dystopian world where the real danger isn't just the zombies (or Walkers, or Touched), but the roughest man on the island: Max.

Max is everything the label "morally grey" promises. A sadistic warrior, addicted to violence, whose only pleasure seems to be fighting in The Pit and, well, general chaos. He's the embodiment of danger, but, Kieran (our "softer" protagonist), can't help but be drawn to him. The chemistry between them is explosive and raw. Every interaction is a push-and-pull of biting banter, palpable sexual tension, and moments of brutally earned tenderness. The way Max claims and chases Kieran is intense and completely addictive. Their chase scene in the woods? Iconic.

The world-building is fantastic. The island of Ibitha, with its walls and its zombiegator, feels desperate and alive. The subplot about Immunity and corruption adds layers of complexity to the action.

What I loved most:

The Max/Kieran Dynamic: Their relationship is built on chaos and survival. There are no easy "I love yous," just fierce actions and bulletproof loyalty. Their hunt is legendary!

The Wild Action: From the hunt for Chompy to the climax in The Pit, the action is relentless.

The Voice: Kieran's narration is fresh and full of sarcastic humor, which balances Max's darkness perfectly.

If you like dark MM romance, with broken characters who find and fix each other in a ruined world, and where you have to kiss in a pit full of zombies to prove your love, you have to read this book!

Warning: Expect violence, dark romance, obsession, biting banter, and a lot of tension. The Chapter 16 destroy you. Be careful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hailey.
104 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2025
Find yourself a man like Max 🖤

Firmly in the dystopian world, it's brutal, messy, downright disgusting - but I blooming love it!

The journey the books in the 1nf3ction series are taking me on is wild and they are all so good!

Book 3 is about Max and Keiran 🖤

Kieran is a Stowaway on a boat bound for Ibitha - a place everyone talks about going to for a better life in this dystopian world. A place of safety and freedom.
But when the boat he is hiding on docks he soon gets a reality check.
He is met by Max, the watcher, who finds him hiding at the back of the boat and knows he has boarded illegally but he doesn't say anything to 'The Nine' who basically rule the island and allocate people homes and jobs.
There is something about Kieran that has Max's attention and he just cant let it go.

Max - the most feared man on the island, the 'monster', built from pure muscle and no f*cks given. The type of guy that walks into a room and it falls silent, eyes dont meet his and no one would dare speak to him - until Kieran.

I really enjoyed this book as I have done with the others I have read in this series so far.
Max is totally nuts but in all the ways us dark romance girls love! He is fierce, unhinged, not to be messed with and I just love the possessive side of him he has when it comes to Kieran.
The fact he would do absolutely anything to keep Kieran safe says it all - what a man!

I was hooked from the minute Max found Kieran on the boat and their journey from beginning to end was perfect. I really felt for Max with the whole Tass situation and my heart shattered when he did what he did - totally necessary but didn’t shatter me any less knowing that.

The banter, the friendships, the chemistry, the win! All perfect!

Their story is proof that in the most terrible of places, you can still find love and good people.

My first read from N. BOEYER and won't be my last 🖤
Profile Image for Gabi.
40 reviews6 followers
October 13, 2025
6⭐️ for this one. Omg this book was so good wtf. I usually don’t like “short” books bc I feel there is no time to really build a good depth to the plot, characters personalities AND a good pace for the relationship, so usually feels all rushed. This book however was perfect developed in everything, damn. The ambientation is so cool, the plot, how badass Max is. I loved Max and Kieran relationship, how Max was soft and realised he was deserved of feeling things besides violence and blood. The pit thing was also so cool.

“They fear me. Hate me. Say I'm an abomination. The reincarnation of every evil that ever crawled out of the dark. But I'm not their monster. I'm their motherfucking deity, and I decide their fate.”

“I don't just survive; I fucking dominate. And she's going to learn just how vicious I can be.”

“He's amazing. Terrifying. Fucking unforgettable. A warrior carved out of blood and grit, like he was born for this pit and everything in it.”

“I can't stay away from you, Kee." His voice is rough, dragged raw from his chest. "I haven't exactly tried, but shit. If I did, I'd fucking fail." "Fuck you," I breathe, but there's no bite in it. "I don't want you to try."

“"You have to be sure of that." His words are a warning, but his eyes, Gods. His eyes scream something else. Mine. Mine. Mine. And my heart answers without hesitation. Yours. Yours. Yours.”

“He lives to heal. He was made to love. I live for destruction. I was made to obliterate.”

“He doesn't know it yet, but he's the line I can't cross.
The edge of sanity I desperately cling to. Without him, I'm nothing but a monster unleashed; with him, I'm still a monster, but one that can pretend, just for a moment, to be human.”
Profile Image for Amber Murphy.
37 reviews
October 29, 2025
Mad Max Conquers Love

(⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5, Spice 🌶️🌶️/5)

I’d rate this one around 3.5 stars. It had potential but ultimately fell short for me.

The story follows Max, a brooding gladiator investigating corruption within his island community’s leadership, and Kieran, a newcomer working as a bartender for a brothel owner who essentially controls him. The premise was promising, but the pacing dragged, and the investigation didn’t really gain momentum until much later in the book. When it finally felt like things were coming together, the story ended abruptly, with little resolution or follow-up. There’s a late “twist,” but it’s so heavily foreshadowed that it loses most of its tension.

I also struggled to connect with the characters. Beyond a few surface-level traits, I never felt like I truly knew Max or Kieran. Their communication stayed shallow for most of the story, and that lack of emotional depth made it hard to become invested in them as individuals or as a couple. The chemistry was underwhelming, and the spice was minimal compared to earlier books in the series—you don’t move beyond longing thoughts until about halfway through, and even then, it never fully delivered.

Some aspects felt underdeveloped or glossed over. I would’ve loved more background on Max—particularly how he found Chompy and how he built his safe house. Those details could have added warmth and dimension to his character and made the world feel more grounded.

While the concept and setting were intriguing, the uneven pacing, lack of depth, and muted romance kept it from fully landing for me. It wasn’t a bad read by any means, but it left me wanting more from both the plot and the characters.
Profile Image for xmanicpixiebookgirlx.
175 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2025
I’m going to start from the ending and work my way back. So here it goes, that extra epilogue was everything! The first meeting of the dynamic duo of Tass and Max! This book couldn’t have ended in a better more impactful way.

I had my suspicions about our boy Kee being immune. It made the most sense for the story arc and I’m sooo glad it turned out that way. Kieran was a light, a lifeline, throughout this book. His presence made everything feel hopeful. His character is complicated in a human way which I felt balanced out our other damaged, deranged MC.

Maximos, Max. His character is just incredible. I absolutely adored him. I mean, I can’t contain my love for an unhinged psychopath that gets off by mutilating walkers. My favorite aspect of the entire book was that Max wasn’t just Max. There was this demon, monster, inside of him clawing to get out, but when it came to Kee that monster (as well as Max) were on the same page.

“It’s like my demon wants him to take the pain away. The monster inside me is addicted to Kieran. When I have him, when I make him ours, everything else falls away: the scrape of that knife, the wail, the thrash of her body.”

That whole section had me hooked.

The plot line is incredible, although I felt the ending was a bit rushed. I wish there was a bit more detail into Roe’s whereabouts and how exactly everything came out. I feel like it all happened so quickly, but the buildup was incredible.

And just as a small shoutout, Chompy 🩷 The book was better because you were in it.

The Infection series is just overall incredible and every book that releases from this universe is incredible.

Obliterated is a work of art and I am just so thrilled that I had the opportunity to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
218 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“If you love morally grey monsters, broken boys, and a love story that hits like a blade, this one’s for you.”

This book wrecked me—in the best way. From the first page, Obliterated throws you into a brutal, post-apocalyptic world of red rain, Walkers (zombies), and a society ruled by The Nine. N. Boeyer’s worldbuilding is incredible: dark, gritty, and terrifyingly believable. But at its heart, this isn’t just a story about survival. It’s about Max and Kieran.

Max is a legend carved from blood and violence—a fighter, a Watcher, the monster everyone fears. Kieran is the boy who shouldn’t survive, the one pouring drinks in a brothel while counting down the days until freedom. He’s soft edges and sass where Max is all teeth and scars. Together? They’re explosive.

I love obsessed MMCs and Max is obsessed with Kieran—buying him clothes that fit, stepping in again and again even when he swears he shouldn’t. And Kieran? He’s fire and defiance and everything Max didn’t know he needed. Their chemistry is raw, their connection deep and devastatingly beautiful.

This book gave me everything:
💀 Brutal fights and bloody stakes
🔥 Off-the-charts tension
🖤 Obsession, tenderness, and found family (Chompy!! 🤭)
😭 Chapter 16 (I’m still not okay)

By the end, my heart was in pieces but I wouldn’t trade the ride for anything. Obliterated is gory, tender, romantic, heartbreaking, and addictive. N. Boeyer, I’m side-eyeing you for the pain but also bowing for the brilliance.

If you like morally grey heroes, high-stakes worlds, and a romance that’s both dangerous and soul-deep, you need to meet Max and Kieran.
Profile Image for Mikaela (risqué.romance).
393 reviews9 followers
October 12, 2025
Obliterated - N. Boeyer
5/5✨🌟

* SPOILERS *

This is the first book by this author and oh man, I’m obsessed with how she brought Max and Kieran to life. I didn’t think I could love these two as much as I did. Don’t even get me started on the side characters that were everything and more.

I highly recommend this book but I will point out to read the triggers because your mental health is everything.

I loved Max from the moment we met him. This world just made me love him on so many levels. His personality fit him so perfectly and man, the way that he wanted to protect Kieran was everything. The moment these two finally got together, I was so here for it.

The torment that Max went through because of something that we knew was coming but didn’t want to come - ugh, I wasn’t expecting me to hurt like that. Why did you have to do that to me, N. Boeyer? My god… like what?

I absolutely loved the justice that comes in this book because it was one of the best ones I’ve read.

And Chompy was so fun to meet in this book. Also, I loved how Roe was with both guys. This book was such a good twist in this series. I loved the whole pit reality we got to because it showed Max in his truest form.

I could go on and on about these two but I loved the slow burn as well as how from the moment these two met, there was such a connection these two had that I just wanted more. Also, that rain scene… that was something else and I needed more. Also, loved how Kee got vengeance. All in all, I needed more. This book will keep you on your toes from beginning to end.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Rae_Reads.
132 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2025
Obliterated is a full-length MM romance set in the post-dystopian zombie apocalypse world of the 1nf3ction multi-author series. This standalone entry by N. Boeyer is a brutal, emotional, and deeply compelling story of two broken souls finding solace in each other.

Max is a gladiator in The Pit. Feared, worshipped, and immune to the virus. He’s a man shaped by violence, convinced he’s a monster, and resigned to a life without love. But when Kieran arrives on the island of Ibitha, everything changes.

Kieran is young, vulnerable, and pretending to be seventeen to avoid being forced into sex work. After his mother’s death, he follows her final plea to survive. He has nothing but a pretty face and a fierce will to live. Max sees him, protects him, and slowly begins to unravel in his presence.

Their relationship is a slow burn, filled with tension, guarded longing, and emotional depth. When the spice finally hits, it’s raw and transformative. Max begins to understand intimacy as healing, and Kieran calms the chaos inside him like no one ever has.

Boeyer’s writing is immersive and intense, balancing gritty action with tender moments. The gladiator pit scenes are visceral, and the emotional stakes are high. This was my first book by N. Boeyer, and I’m already hooked.

Obliterated is another absolute banger in the 1nf3ction series.

Vibes:
-Morally Gray MC
-Dystopian Survival
-Slow Burn
-Hurt/Comfort
-Obsessive/Protective MC
-Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic
-Sexual Awakening
-“Touch Him and Die” Energy
-Gladiator Pit Drama

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶
Profile Image for Sharon Elias.
64 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2025
OMG, this book.😩
I went in blind ( as i always do)

'Mad Max', lives on the island of Ibithia, a 'piece of paradise' as they call it. A part of the infected world where people are safe, or as safe as can be in a world full of 'Walkers' ( Infected, Zombies)

Max is the only person on the island who's immune for the Red Rain, the same rain who infects people and turns them into Walkers.
He's a legend. He is not afraid of anything, he craves violence, the fight...

And then he meets Kieran.
A pretty boy who's not supposed to be on Ibitha, but Kieran wants to live a free, happy life.
Little does he know, Ibitha is not the promised land..

Two opposites meet. And attract.
Max, who never loved anyone before, feels a pull toward Kieran. He feels the need to protect him, keep him safe.

A turn of events has them working together.
To unravel the secrets of the island. To protects it's people, and eachother.

What a beautiful story this was. ❤️
A dystoppian horror story, lots of violence and zombies, but also a lot of unexpected love. Protecting eachother at all costs and finding your person.

This book had me in a chokehold and i kept on Reading and reading.
I was allso crying, like, who knew you would cry during a dystopian horror story??😩

Also, is it weird i have a love for Chompy?🐊

Thanks N Boeyer for this amazing book, and damn you for that bonus chapter. I thought i was done crying!!😩

Arc Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for VicReads.
1,530 reviews45 followers
October 5, 2025
𝙾𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍
𝚋𝚢 @nboeyerauthor

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

↓↓
This book was so good. I'll admit this was the first time reading this author, but it's safe to say it will definitely not be my last.

Max and Kieran had me in a chokehold. There is just something about an absolute grump who becomes completely obsessed and soft for only their person, and boy was Max Obsessed with a capital O.

Watching these two open up and become equally obsessed with each other put me through the emotions. I was not expecting this dystopian zombie filled book to bring out the emotions but goodness, it was just the perfect combination. It was the perfect mix of love, fighting, vulnerability, loss, friendship, family and gore.

Max and Kieran both have their own struggles and issues from their past but they slowly heal each other in a way that only they could. Kieran, the fierce and strong man he was, was the perfect match for Max's broodiness.

And Tass 😭😭 my heart broke right along with Max through it all.

I loved Chompy so much. I don't know what it was about the zombiegator but when Max was explaining him, I was cracking up. He was a character I didn't expect but was so happy he was there. The ending, with Chompy, quite fitting!

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
☣️Obsessive/possessive/protective
☣️Hurt/comfort
☣️Dystopian Island
☣️Gladiator pit
☣️You’re Mine
☣️Grumpy/sunshine
☣️Touch him and ☠️
☣️Zombiegator
☣️Sexual Awakening
Author 3 books39 followers
October 18, 2025
Oh my, yes!! This was brutal, gory, bloody and also incredibly romantic at the same time. Kieran has made his way to Ibitha, a place that’s meant to be a safe haven in these troubled times. The first person he meets is Max – who promptly slams him against a wall and threatens his life. Not the most auspicious start, but when he learns more about Max he can’t help but fall for him.

Max is – well, a monster. Part of what I loved about this story was that the author was unapologetic about just how brutal Max was. The man was a killing machine, with more than a few hints of sociopathic tendencies. He was also a big kid who thought a zombie alligator was fun, somehow built a family and inspired fear and loyalty in others. This was a RIDE!! I was seriously not sure how they were going to get their happily ever after and was utterly engrossed for the whole book. I have really been enjoying the books set in the Mayhem verse and especially when it leads to me finding a new author to read.

I would say there is far more gore and bloodiness than there is romance/sex – think Walking Dead but with slightly more romance if that helps – but as long as that doesn’t squick you out, I think this is one that many people will enjoy. There were some really sad moments that made me sniffle and I’m still not sure I forgive the author for one in particular (you’ll know what I’m talking about once you’ve read the book) but I am going to see if there is more written by them that I can read!
Profile Image for Ashley Rose Dead.inside_but_reads.
164 reviews27 followers
November 4, 2025
This is part of the 1nf3ction series and is a Dark Dystopian Romance with a HEA. These books are Written as standalones so they do not need to be read in order. Check those TWs before heading in!

🌶🌶

Max is a watcher on the island of Ibitha which is controlled by "The Nine" and he isn't just a watcher he is the only one Immune to the virus on the island. He is also a straight bad ass MF who lives by FAFO. On the island if you break the laws (or get on one of The Nine's bad side) your thrown into the pit where you have to defeat zombies for your freedom. Max has been to the pit 9 times defeating 9 zombies and keeping his title of pit champion.
During his day job while policing the docks he finds Kieran a stow away on the last shipment and instead of throwing him back on the ship to the mainland he inadvertently gets him shipped to the brothel 🫣 Now Max feels like he has a debt to be paid and has to get Kieran out...that is until Max's new mission get handed to him and he has to investigate the brothel that Kieran is currently at. So partnership it is!
This story is twisty turny so I'm going to leave it at that so I don't spoil anything! This story is also heavy on plot and feels man...my heart just kept breaking for these guys so I'm so very very happy they got the HEA they deserved and that ending with Chompy man I was actually cheering 🤣
Profile Image for Shannon Winning.
101 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2025
I’m so obsessed with this series, I have had the privilege of reading the first 3 so far and I am blown away.

It’s crazy how even now a world not filled with zombies that I can relate to this world these authors have created. Especially in Obliterated there’s always going to be someone fighting to have the most power always someone going against the law to be so powerful.

We have Max the pit master the immune, he’s a god in Ibitha everyone fears him, besides his best friend and the man that raised him. In walks Kee just trying to find a life for himself to live for himself and his mom there’s an instant connection, kee doesn’t fear Max he sees what others don’t, he is not a monster everyone makes him out to be.

I cried so much in this book, it tore me open these two were destined for each other the chemistry was off the charts, I love a man that’s so grumpy but so so sweet for him man. Lee understood Max more than anyone honestly could see the man underneath all the blood and scars.

Obliterated truly made me hurt for the characters I was tore to pieces put back together and then tore up again and finally at the end I was smiling through those tears.

10 out of 10 I would always recommend
Profile Image for Emma Capella.
Author 1 book25 followers
October 7, 2025
Obliterated by N. Boeyer is the third book I’ve read in the Mayhem Manuscripts: Season One – 1NF3CTION series, and wow — the action is seriously amped up in this one!

One thing I’m absolutely loving about this series so far is that each book gives us at least one unique rotted animal 😆— a little theme I truly hope continues.

This installment once again offers a fresh and fascinating perspective on how people adapted and survived after the RRV13 outbreak. This time, we’re taken to an island community mostly protected thanks to the Watchers. There, we meet two very different characters: Max, the gladiator-like champion of the Pit, and Kieran, a stowaway survivor.

Life on the island runs like a tight ship under the rule of the Nine and their strict decrees — and punishment often means fighting for your life in the Pit against those lost to the virus.

I loved both Max and Kieran, but the side character Tassa won me over too. Watching how these three very different people navigated life in the city added depth and complexity to the story.

The relationship between Max and Kieran develops beautifully, and the plot had me hooked from start to finish. As always, no spoilers here — but if you haven’t already, I highly recommend diving into this series!
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