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Mayhem Motel
Static
The first time I laid eyes on Madison Payne, I knew he was mine.
He was such a surprising little treat to find within the walls of Mayhem Motel. Devoured by his fear, he became so malleable and submissive… for me.
I couldn’t possibly let him go.
But then he left, and I had no other choice but to find him again—by any means necessary.
And I did.
His fear consumed him once more, but he fell into me with a beauty and grace I could’ve only dreamed of.
I finally found the parallel to my shadow.
And now, we return to Mayhem. Back to where we began.
He was such a surprising little treat to find within the walls of Mayhem Motel. Devoured by his fear, he became so malleable and submissive… for me.
I couldn’t possibly let him go.
But then he left, and I had no other choice but to find him again—by any means necessary.
And I did.
His fear consumed him once more, but he fell into me with a beauty and grace I could’ve only dreamed of.
I finally found the parallel to my shadow.
And now, we return to Mayhem. Back to where we began.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
138 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Marie Ann
19 books522 followersMarie Ann is a writer of the weird and unorthodox who loves spending their free time reading fanfic and bingeing their favorite shows and movies.
If you liked what you read, stalk them!㋛︎
www.authormarieann.com
If you liked what you read, stalk them!㋛︎
www.authormarieann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 24, 2026
3.75 stars
Okay I really enjoyed this book but not in the way I was expecting to. I went into this thinking it was gunna be a really dark book and it actually was the complete opposite. This was so wholesome. Yes there were some wtf moments but nothing THAT insane. So yeah this isn’t the book I thought was gunna be reading but I’m not mad at all. I highly recommend this stalker romance
Okay I really enjoyed this book but not in the way I was expecting to. I went into this thinking it was gunna be a really dark book and it actually was the complete opposite. This was so wholesome. Yes there were some wtf moments but nothing THAT insane. So yeah this isn’t the book I thought was gunna be reading but I’m not mad at all. I highly recommend this stalker romance
February 15, 2026
5 stars!
Stalking (to the 10th degree!$
So obsessed with him he watched him from a tree and puts a camera in his house 😝.
Calls him “treat”
Clown
Haunted house
Hide and seal
Golden showers
Boot licking
I loved Cedric and Static as one person. The two separated was icing on the cake! I loved that Madison didn’t take too long to come into his desire for Static and I liked that he was a bit dominant in certain times too. Loved this!!
Stalking (to the 10th degree!$
So obsessed with him he watched him from a tree and puts a camera in his house 😝.
Calls him “treat”
Clown
Haunted house
Hide and seal
Golden showers
Boot licking
I loved Cedric and Static as one person. The two separated was icing on the cake! I loved that Madison didn’t take too long to come into his desire for Static and I liked that he was a bit dominant in certain times too. Loved this!!
February 18, 2026
I went into this one with high hopes. I was genuinely engaged early on, but once Madison left the Mayhem Motel, the pacing completely stumbled and never recovered.
Also, I’m just not into the whole “spoooooky haunted house” vibe. I haven’t loved Nordika Night’s Vile House series, and this felt like a knockoff version of that same aesthetic. Which is a shame, because I do have a soft spot for an obsessive sicko corrupting a tiny innocent. That trope will usually get me every time.
More importantly, I guess I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to romance. I generally don’t love when one of the MCs hooks up with someone else, though I can sometimes tolerate it if it’s a random, early-on situation, but this was Cedrick’s roommate and best friend. And not just any best friend, one Cedrick has a long sexual history with.
The first hookup already made me uncomfortable. The second one, around 40% in, completely pushed me out of the book. The whole “brat” dynamic especially gave me the ick. Can we please reserve that kind of chemistry and kink energy for the actual love interest?
I’m surprised no one mentioned this in reviews, because it was a full stop moment for me.
And as a side note, Madison’s roommate Kane is infinitely sweeter and more appealing than Cedrick. I genuinely found myself wishing they’d both end up with their roommates instead. That would’ve been a much better book.
Disappointed, because the setup had real potential, but the pacing issues and the romantic choices were not for me.
Also, I’m just not into the whole “spoooooky haunted house” vibe. I haven’t loved Nordika Night’s Vile House series, and this felt like a knockoff version of that same aesthetic. Which is a shame, because I do have a soft spot for an obsessive sicko corrupting a tiny innocent. That trope will usually get me every time.
More importantly, I guess I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to romance. I generally don’t love when one of the MCs hooks up with someone else, though I can sometimes tolerate it if it’s a random, early-on situation, but this was Cedrick’s roommate and best friend. And not just any best friend, one Cedrick has a long sexual history with.
The first hookup already made me uncomfortable. The second one, around 40% in, completely pushed me out of the book. The whole “brat” dynamic especially gave me the ick. Can we please reserve that kind of chemistry and kink energy for the actual love interest?
I’m surprised no one mentioned this in reviews, because it was a full stop moment for me.
And as a side note, Madison’s roommate Kane is infinitely sweeter and more appealing than Cedrick. I genuinely found myself wishing they’d both end up with their roommates instead. That would’ve been a much better book.
Disappointed, because the setup had real potential, but the pacing issues and the romantic choices were not for me.
February 15, 2026
i enjoyed every single second of this book & the watersports??? gimmie more 🤭😮💨
February 26, 2026
This was my first book with water sports, and I’m definitely not a fan, but I’m not putting any fault on the book for that because I knew it was there before I started it. This was actually a pretty good book. I found it on TikTok, and it was described as Fryboy but MM, and honestly, it matches really well.
I do feel like it could have been a little longer or maybe just reformatted and shortened in some parts while lengthening others, but I loved the characters. Cedrick is such a sweetheart outside of Static, but even the second time in Mayhem, you never really got full Static like you did the first time. You could still feel the care and attention from Cedrick peeking through, and I loved it. The characters just worked so well together. Cedrick really did an amazing job of helping Madison find his true self-worth and work through the trauma.
Also, the author did a fantastic job of making Mayhem actually seem scary. She paid really good attention to detail, so it genuinely felt nerve-racking in some scenes just from the tension and the fear.
I do feel like it could have been a little longer or maybe just reformatted and shortened in some parts while lengthening others, but I loved the characters. Cedrick is such a sweetheart outside of Static, but even the second time in Mayhem, you never really got full Static like you did the first time. You could still feel the care and attention from Cedrick peeking through, and I loved it. The characters just worked so well together. Cedrick really did an amazing job of helping Madison find his true self-worth and work through the trauma.
Also, the author did a fantastic job of making Mayhem actually seem scary. She paid really good attention to detail, so it genuinely felt nerve-racking in some scenes just from the tension and the fear.
March 18, 2026
Kane should've been the main LI. End of review.
Okay, okay, let me elaborate on the review.
The book per se is not *bad*, and neither is Cedrick's character, but God, it just feels so rushed. The "love" story is honestly rushed to the point where it sometimes gets confusing, as in, "Woah, how are they this madly in love after 10 pages?" And I get it, it's a short book and the characters are supposed to be a bit kooky and codependent, but the author managed to give Mads and Kane so much chemistry in the few pages that they have; that it feels like a shame they couldn't do that with Cedrick. Because I like the idea of the character, a lot, but he falls flat in places.
The writing style did not captivate me either. I don't mean this accusatorily at all, but it feels...AI-ish? Almost like a spicy chatbot roleplay. But honestly, that might just be me. It does pull me out sometimes because it's hard to picture the environments and what the author is trying to convey, and it feels very discombobulated. Also, the characters can read thoughts somehow and reply to them? It kept confusing me, honestly. Because a character would think something, and another would reply to the thought as if they said it out loud like it was nothing. This is mainly what triggered my "Geez, this sounds AI-ish." Even if it's not, it's still weird writing. Even a "fuck, how did he know what I was thinking?" would've pulled it together; now it feels cartoonish.
I struggled to picture scenarios by the way they were described, especially at Mayhem Motel. And maybe it was to be as disoriented to the main readers as it was for the characters, but it's not really a good idea to be unable to picture the environments in a horror-ish novel and feel the fear and confusion the character feels; I could feel the spookiness, of course. But I kept getting confused on the logistics to the point I had to reread it a couple times to picture it in my mind. Could be a personal problem, though.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The fact that around 40% of the book we get a sex scene between one of the MMCs and a prominent side character while already "in couple mode" with the other MMC threw me off. I felt like it was unnecessary and added nothing to the plot. Could've used those pages to write more story for the actual characters, but I digress.
The sex was...fine? Dunno, it felt a bit juvenile honestly and not that sensual. It was funny to see the thought process of Maddison when the golden shower scene came through, though. I don't know; I guess my sentiment for the spice is just "fine." I struggled to find the sexual chemistry between the two characters believable.
Anyways, I finished the book in less than a day, so maybe I overwhelmed my brain with piss and clowns. But honestly, as I said, the writing style threw me off quite a lot, and I don't know if I'll pick up any extra books from this author. Which is a shame because I enjoy the premise *a lot*. Hot clowns, monsters, horror, and sex? Who doesn't like that? But yeah. Dunno. Would've gotten more stars if I didn't feel like it was as rushed and the book was more...bookish and less fanficton-ish.
Okay, okay, let me elaborate on the review.
The book per se is not *bad*, and neither is Cedrick's character, but God, it just feels so rushed. The "love" story is honestly rushed to the point where it sometimes gets confusing, as in, "Woah, how are they this madly in love after 10 pages?" And I get it, it's a short book and the characters are supposed to be a bit kooky and codependent, but the author managed to give Mads and Kane so much chemistry in the few pages that they have; that it feels like a shame they couldn't do that with Cedrick. Because I like the idea of the character, a lot, but he falls flat in places.
The writing style did not captivate me either. I don't mean this accusatorily at all, but it feels...AI-ish? Almost like a spicy chatbot roleplay. But honestly, that might just be me. It does pull me out sometimes because it's hard to picture the environments and what the author is trying to convey, and it feels very discombobulated. Also, the characters can read thoughts somehow and reply to them? It kept confusing me, honestly. Because a character would think something, and another would reply to the thought as if they said it out loud like it was nothing. This is mainly what triggered my "Geez, this sounds AI-ish." Even if it's not, it's still weird writing. Even a "fuck, how did he know what I was thinking?" would've pulled it together; now it feels cartoonish.
I struggled to picture scenarios by the way they were described, especially at Mayhem Motel. And maybe it was to be as disoriented to the main readers as it was for the characters, but it's not really a good idea to be unable to picture the environments in a horror-ish novel and feel the fear and confusion the character feels; I could feel the spookiness, of course. But I kept getting confused on the logistics to the point I had to reread it a couple times to picture it in my mind. Could be a personal problem, though.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The fact that around 40% of the book we get a sex scene between one of the MMCs and a prominent side character while already "in couple mode" with the other MMC threw me off. I felt like it was unnecessary and added nothing to the plot. Could've used those pages to write more story for the actual characters, but I digress.
The sex was...fine? Dunno, it felt a bit juvenile honestly and not that sensual. It was funny to see the thought process of Maddison when the golden shower scene came through, though. I don't know; I guess my sentiment for the spice is just "fine." I struggled to find the sexual chemistry between the two characters believable.
Anyways, I finished the book in less than a day, so maybe I overwhelmed my brain with piss and clowns. But honestly, as I said, the writing style threw me off quite a lot, and I don't know if I'll pick up any extra books from this author. Which is a shame because I enjoy the premise *a lot*. Hot clowns, monsters, horror, and sex? Who doesn't like that? But yeah. Dunno. Would've gotten more stars if I didn't feel like it was as rushed and the book was more...bookish and less fanficton-ish.
February 22, 2026
1⭐️. DNF chapter 6 out of 31 chapters + epilogue. So around ~18%
Was looking for something dark and spicy and delulu but it didn’t pulled me into it.
Didn’t like the “innocent” MMC. He is hmmmmm too much of “I know I’m lame / I’m so innocent / I didn’t know anything.”
Too much time at the horror/scary mini amusement park. Ultimately, It’s an entertainment place, so it’s not that deep but it’s also trying to show that it’s dark and dangerous. Yea I’m not buying into it.
Was looking for something dark and spicy and delulu but it didn’t pulled me into it.
Didn’t like the “innocent” MMC. He is hmmmmm too much of “I know I’m lame / I’m so innocent / I didn’t know anything.”
Too much time at the horror/scary mini amusement park. Ultimately, It’s an entertainment place, so it’s not that deep but it’s also trying to show that it’s dark and dangerous. Yea I’m not buying into it.
March 9, 2026
3 ⭐️ Not bad, not a favourite – but not a regret either.
Ok, listen up…you can’t criticise apple pie for having apples in it.
This book is extremely upfront about what it is, what it does, and which kinks it’s going to lean into. If you skip the trigger warnings and then get mad that the book contains exactly what it warned you about, that’s not a critique, that’s user error.
There’s voyeurism, stalking, degradation, fear play, consent games, and scenes that are deliberately meant to feel shame-adjacent, and feral. It’s going to be a hard no for plenty of readers. And that’s fine. The book isn’t pretending it’s fluffy or mainstream taste.
What surprised me is that this isn’t just “80% smut”. It’s more balanced than the premise suggests. The kink is loud, yes, but there’s also a real undercurrent of emotional need and psychological coping. I went in mostly for the Mayhem Motel aesthetic – the grime, the liminal roadside-hell vibe, the immersion-horror setting – and the book delivers on atmosphere, especially early on. The motel feels like a dare that got out of hand. And honestly, the waiver section was a highlight for me because it grounds the horror in bureaucracy. Nothing says “welcome to hell” like a legal document calmly listing suffocation and death.
I also liked the texting and the digital proximity thread. When the stalking element works, it really works: that itchy sense of being watched, the push-pull of disgust, curiosity, adrenaline, and shame.
Character-wise, the concept is compelling.
Madison reads like someone shaped by control: religious trauma, fear of being “wrong”, fear of desire, fear of his own body. The book plays with fear as both prison and permission – fear is what he was raised on, and fear is also what lets him step outside the rules.
Cedrick/Static is interesting because you can feel the messy and contradictory: performer as mask and truth, Mayhem as ritualised release, Cedrick as the human who can connect.
I liked a lot about this book but here's why this only lands at three stars fore me: strong ingredients, but execution hiccups.
My biggest issue is the writing style itself, especially the amount of inner monologue that keeps explaining itself. Instead of letting obsession and possessiveness emerge through behaviour and escalation, the narration repeatedly tells us what something means and announces shifts (“I’m going off-script”) rather than letting us discover them.
I kept wishing the story trusted ambiguity more at the start. Let us meet Static as an unsettling unknown first. Let us doubt. Let someone else clock the change (Kaser was right there as the perfect observer/foil, and I wish the book had used them harder to show Cedrick slipping rather than telling us. I was still hooked, but I felt like the author tried to play this safe.
The other imbalance for me was escalation: the kink keeps levelling up, while the emotional arc sometimes feels flatter in comparison. I wish the relationship beats had built with the same intention as the erotic ones. Also, Madison’s religious trauma felt a bit unevenly threaded – present, then quiet for a loooong time, then suddenly very loud again late in the book but too short to feel like proper emancipation.
Overall: I get why people will love this. If you’re here for immersive horror romance, taboo tension, fear-as-foreplay, the gritty setting, and the stalker-texting spiral, there’s plenty to devour. For me, it was entertaining and occasionally gripping, but the over-explaining dulled the sharpest edges.
Ok, listen up…you can’t criticise apple pie for having apples in it.
This book is extremely upfront about what it is, what it does, and which kinks it’s going to lean into. If you skip the trigger warnings and then get mad that the book contains exactly what it warned you about, that’s not a critique, that’s user error.
There’s voyeurism, stalking, degradation, fear play, consent games, and scenes that are deliberately meant to feel shame-adjacent, and feral. It’s going to be a hard no for plenty of readers. And that’s fine. The book isn’t pretending it’s fluffy or mainstream taste.
What surprised me is that this isn’t just “80% smut”. It’s more balanced than the premise suggests. The kink is loud, yes, but there’s also a real undercurrent of emotional need and psychological coping. I went in mostly for the Mayhem Motel aesthetic – the grime, the liminal roadside-hell vibe, the immersion-horror setting – and the book delivers on atmosphere, especially early on. The motel feels like a dare that got out of hand. And honestly, the waiver section was a highlight for me because it grounds the horror in bureaucracy. Nothing says “welcome to hell” like a legal document calmly listing suffocation and death.
I also liked the texting and the digital proximity thread. When the stalking element works, it really works: that itchy sense of being watched, the push-pull of disgust, curiosity, adrenaline, and shame.
Character-wise, the concept is compelling.
Madison reads like someone shaped by control: religious trauma, fear of being “wrong”, fear of desire, fear of his own body. The book plays with fear as both prison and permission – fear is what he was raised on, and fear is also what lets him step outside the rules.
Cedrick/Static is interesting because you can feel the messy and contradictory: performer as mask and truth, Mayhem as ritualised release, Cedrick as the human who can connect.
I liked a lot about this book but here's why this only lands at three stars fore me: strong ingredients, but execution hiccups.
My biggest issue is the writing style itself, especially the amount of inner monologue that keeps explaining itself. Instead of letting obsession and possessiveness emerge through behaviour and escalation, the narration repeatedly tells us what something means and announces shifts (“I’m going off-script”) rather than letting us discover them.
I kept wishing the story trusted ambiguity more at the start. Let us meet Static as an unsettling unknown first. Let us doubt. Let someone else clock the change (Kaser was right there as the perfect observer/foil, and I wish the book had used them harder to show Cedrick slipping rather than telling us. I was still hooked, but I felt like the author tried to play this safe.
The other imbalance for me was escalation: the kink keeps levelling up, while the emotional arc sometimes feels flatter in comparison. I wish the relationship beats had built with the same intention as the erotic ones. Also, Madison’s religious trauma felt a bit unevenly threaded – present, then quiet for a loooong time, then suddenly very loud again late in the book but too short to feel like proper emancipation.
Overall: I get why people will love this. If you’re here for immersive horror romance, taboo tension, fear-as-foreplay, the gritty setting, and the stalker-texting spiral, there’s plenty to devour. For me, it was entertaining and occasionally gripping, but the over-explaining dulled the sharpest edges.
February 26, 2026
Static by Marie Ann had me hooked from the very first page. I started with “just one more chapter” and before I knew it I was completely pulled into the story.
One of the things I loved the most was the whole atmosphere surrounding the Mayhem Motel, turned into a kind of permanent haunted attraction. Marie Ann makes the setting, the characters working there, and the sinister mood feel incredibly real and alive.
But the best part, is the relationship between Madison and Static (Cedrick). It’s strange, surreal, and very original. I have to admit that I have a pretty serious crush on Static 😅😍 and I found Madison’s evolution and personal growth really interesting to follow.
It’s an easy book to read, mostly because you just can’t put it down, and it also leaves you wanting to know more about the other characters. It’s hard to leave the Mayhem Motel behind when you reach the end.
In the end, it really feels like these two characters needed to find each other, even if it happened in the least orthodox way possible. And without spoilers, I loved that the story ends the same way it began.
------ ESP ------
Static de Marie Ann me ha tenido enganchada desde la primera página. Empec�� con "solo un capítulo más” y cuando me di cuenta estaba totalmente atrapada en la historia.
Una de las cosas que más me han gustado es toda la atmósfera que envuelve al motel Mayhem convertido en una especie de atracción permanente de pasaje del terror. Marie Ann consigue que tanto el lugar, los personajes que trabajan allí y el ambiente siniestro se sientan muy reales y vivos.
Pero lo mejor, es la relación entre Madison y Static (Cedrick). Es extraña, surrealista y muy original. Admito que tengo un crush bastante serio con Static, y la evolución y crecimiento personal del personaje de Madison me ha parecido muy interesante.
Es un libro fácil de leer, sobre todo porque no lo puedes soltar, y además te deja con ganas de seguir conociendo a los demás personajes. Cuesta abandonar el motel Mayhem cuando llegas al final.
Al final sientes que estos dos personajes necesitaban encontrarse, aunque fuera de la forma menos ortodoxa posible. Y sin hacer spoilers, diré que me ha encantado que termine de la misma manera que empezó.
One of the things I loved the most was the whole atmosphere surrounding the Mayhem Motel, turned into a kind of permanent haunted attraction. Marie Ann makes the setting, the characters working there, and the sinister mood feel incredibly real and alive.
But the best part, is the relationship between Madison and Static (Cedrick). It’s strange, surreal, and very original. I have to admit that I have a pretty serious crush on Static 😅😍 and I found Madison’s evolution and personal growth really interesting to follow.
It’s an easy book to read, mostly because you just can’t put it down, and it also leaves you wanting to know more about the other characters. It’s hard to leave the Mayhem Motel behind when you reach the end.
In the end, it really feels like these two characters needed to find each other, even if it happened in the least orthodox way possible. And without spoilers, I loved that the story ends the same way it began.
------ ESP ------
Static de Marie Ann me ha tenido enganchada desde la primera página. Empec�� con "solo un capítulo más” y cuando me di cuenta estaba totalmente atrapada en la historia.
Una de las cosas que más me han gustado es toda la atmósfera que envuelve al motel Mayhem convertido en una especie de atracción permanente de pasaje del terror. Marie Ann consigue que tanto el lugar, los personajes que trabajan allí y el ambiente siniestro se sientan muy reales y vivos.
Pero lo mejor, es la relación entre Madison y Static (Cedrick). Es extraña, surrealista y muy original. Admito que tengo un crush bastante serio con Static, y la evolución y crecimiento personal del personaje de Madison me ha parecido muy interesante.
Es un libro fácil de leer, sobre todo porque no lo puedes soltar, y además te deja con ganas de seguir conociendo a los demás personajes. Cuesta abandonar el motel Mayhem cuando llegas al final.
Al final sientes que estos dos personajes necesitaban encontrarse, aunque fuera de la forma menos ortodoxa posible. Y sin hacer spoilers, diré que me ha encantado que termine de la misma manera que empezó.
February 15, 2026
3.5⭐️
I was eagerly awaiting this book, as it sounded really interesting and I usually enjoy everything this author writes. I did enjoy the book, but there was something missing. It feels like at first not much happened in the book, there was just a lot of inner monologue, then suddenly a lot happened and then it was already over.
Madison clearly had trauma due to his religious upbringing, but the characters' backgrounds—even though we did get some info—were still somewhat lacking. I really liked Static/Cedrick, but both MMCs remained somewhat distant to me. This book clearly focuses more on the whole Mayhem thing and the stalking etc. than on creating a connection to the characters -I didn't quite catch chemistry between them either.
I have somewhat conflicted feelings about this, but overall I liked the book and will definitely read the other books in the series.
________
”What are you doin
I miss you”
”You already know what I’m doing…”
”Doesnt mean I dont want you to tell me”
”I’m sitting here talking to you because apparently I don’t have anything better to do with my day.”
”Im that special huh”
”Apparently stalkers get special privileges.”
”Not just any stalker I hope”
”Just the good ones.”
”Im a good boy yay me”
He fits with me like the sharpest jigsaw to my fucked-up edges, and I never thought someone like that could exist.
“Tell me. Tell me what you want from me.” And in the span of ten seconds, I see it all flash before his eyes. Worry, angst, fear. Indignation and resolve, before he finally settles on something close to determination if the hard set of his mouth is anything to go by. I want to kiss it.
”I want you to take it all.”
I was eagerly awaiting this book, as it sounded really interesting and I usually enjoy everything this author writes. I did enjoy the book, but there was something missing. It feels like at first not much happened in the book, there was just a lot of inner monologue, then suddenly a lot happened and then it was already over.
Madison clearly had trauma due to his religious upbringing, but the characters' backgrounds—even though we did get some info—were still somewhat lacking. I really liked Static/Cedrick, but both MMCs remained somewhat distant to me. This book clearly focuses more on the whole Mayhem thing and the stalking etc. than on creating a connection to the characters -I didn't quite catch chemistry between them either.
I have somewhat conflicted feelings about this, but overall I liked the book and will definitely read the other books in the series.
________
”What are you doin
I miss you”
”You already know what I’m doing…”
”Doesnt mean I dont want you to tell me”
”I’m sitting here talking to you because apparently I don’t have anything better to do with my day.”
”Im that special huh”
”Apparently stalkers get special privileges.”
”Not just any stalker I hope”
”Just the good ones.”
”Im a good boy yay me”
He fits with me like the sharpest jigsaw to my fucked-up edges, and I never thought someone like that could exist.
“Tell me. Tell me what you want from me.” And in the span of ten seconds, I see it all flash before his eyes. Worry, angst, fear. Indignation and resolve, before he finally settles on something close to determination if the hard set of his mouth is anything to go by. I want to kiss it.
”I want you to take it all.”
March 13, 2026
2.5⭐️
Madison leaves home to go to a uni his parents don’t approve of, and moves in with some new roommates. Said roommates convince him to come to an insane haunted motel, where he meats the scary clown of his dreams—Static.
This book has some crazy content:
-scary stalker clown x innocent guy that loves being scared
-lots of bodily fluids (especially water sports)
-stalking
-whatever k*nk it is where people like to scare / be scared
I was really keen to read this, mostly because I’ve never read something like it! The cover is awesome, and the author tried something cool! However, it seemed like the CONCEPT the author had was locked in, but the actual plot and characterization maybe not so much.
The execution and writing quality were also a bit of a let down for me.
SO if you’re just in it for the crazy tropes and themes and want to read something with shock value? Go for it! But don’t expect to be blown away by the writing.
Madison leaves home to go to a uni his parents don’t approve of, and moves in with some new roommates. Said roommates convince him to come to an insane haunted motel, where he meats the scary clown of his dreams—Static.
This book has some crazy content:
-scary stalker clown x innocent guy that loves being scared
-lots of bodily fluids (especially water sports)
-stalking
-whatever k*nk it is where people like to scare / be scared
I was really keen to read this, mostly because I’ve never read something like it! The cover is awesome, and the author tried something cool! However, it seemed like the CONCEPT the author had was locked in, but the actual plot and characterization maybe not so much.
The execution and writing quality were also a bit of a let down for me.
SO if you’re just in it for the crazy tropes and themes and want to read something with shock value? Go for it! But don’t expect to be blown away by the writing.
March 7, 2026
DNF at 20%. Who are these people?! 20% in and there’s no backstory at all. Just introducing more and more characters. I’m trying to follow as Madison is going through the motel and the descriptors are just weird to me and hard to follow. These characters feel like the author knows exactly who and what they are but didn’t bother to tell anyone else.
February 14, 2026
a stalker and his little treat
Great book. I was hooked. Actually clocked into work 15 minutes late today because I was up all night reading then read all day in between patients. Couldnt get enough! Static was everything. And I thought Madison was perfect, just like Cedrick said he was. I am excited to see where this Mayhem Motel series goes from here! Also, are we getting something from Kane? I wont be upset about that one bit!
Great book. I was hooked. Actually clocked into work 15 minutes late today because I was up all night reading then read all day in between patients. Couldnt get enough! Static was everything. And I thought Madison was perfect, just like Cedrick said he was. I am excited to see where this Mayhem Motel series goes from here! Also, are we getting something from Kane? I wont be upset about that one bit!
March 7, 2026
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO PUT A RANDOM FKN HOOKUP WITH HIS BEST FRIEND/ROOMMATE AT 40%???? i loooooveeeed static as a character i ate up the first 30% until he started fucking around w his bestie. and after the mmc left mayhem the pacing was awful. I NEVER WRITE REVIEWS but that fkn random ass hookup with his best friend 3 TIMES made it an automatic 1 star no matter how much i loved static’s character. heed my warning besties if you don’t like spice outside the actual relationship the book is supposed to be about, BC I KNOW I DON’T
February 13, 2026
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚟𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚖—𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎.”
Welcome to Mayhem Motel... and what a freaking intro this was. I read the short in the Phobia anthology a while back but even without a reread, this blew any expectations out of the water.
Static is a gd mystery to me. Obsessive, possessive, definitely stalkery, and literally makes a living off the fear of others. Yet somewhere in all of that, he is incredibly tender. It’s not something I expected - but the way he is drawn to Madison and what that brings out of him is in such contrast to what most of the world sees of him. I'm obsessed with the way his mind works...these fear inducing situations and all of his little terms of endearment...darlin, treat, prize, little mouse. I'm as smitten + confused as Madi - consider us two twin puddles at the feet of Cedrick.
And speaking of Madi, this boy has my whole heart right now. His upbringing and the strength it took to break away from it - I was soft for him immediately. He’s actively trying to unlearn the damage, but it’s these unhinged, adrenaline fueled encounters with Static that force him to decide what he actually wants.
These two are chaotic together. Static doesn’t know how to love without possession, and Madison can’t stay away - even when he probably should. I love how they, very unconventionally, figure things out.
I also love a book that makes me think between the lines and this was such an interesting play on healthy/unhealthy types of fear. The fear that keeps you trapped and the fear that opens your eyes. Along the same line, there’s a fear/faith parallel that runs deep - how both can be paralyzing but when when you confront and dissect it, it removes the power and you’re left with freedom. Is it horror romance? Yes. Are you still going to fall into a google-hole researching types of fear and its effects on the idea of morality, attachment styles and the nervous system? Very possible.
Welcome to Mayhem Motel... and what a freaking intro this was. I read the short in the Phobia anthology a while back but even without a reread, this blew any expectations out of the water.
Static is a gd mystery to me. Obsessive, possessive, definitely stalkery, and literally makes a living off the fear of others. Yet somewhere in all of that, he is incredibly tender. It’s not something I expected - but the way he is drawn to Madison and what that brings out of him is in such contrast to what most of the world sees of him. I'm obsessed with the way his mind works...these fear inducing situations and all of his little terms of endearment...darlin, treat, prize, little mouse. I'm as smitten + confused as Madi - consider us two twin puddles at the feet of Cedrick.
And speaking of Madi, this boy has my whole heart right now. His upbringing and the strength it took to break away from it - I was soft for him immediately. He’s actively trying to unlearn the damage, but it’s these unhinged, adrenaline fueled encounters with Static that force him to decide what he actually wants.
These two are chaotic together. Static doesn’t know how to love without possession, and Madison can’t stay away - even when he probably should. I love how they, very unconventionally, figure things out.
I also love a book that makes me think between the lines and this was such an interesting play on healthy/unhealthy types of fear. The fear that keeps you trapped and the fear that opens your eyes. Along the same line, there’s a fear/faith parallel that runs deep - how both can be paralyzing but when when you confront and dissect it, it removes the power and you’re left with freedom. Is it horror romance? Yes. Are you still going to fall into a google-hole researching types of fear and its effects on the idea of morality, attachment styles and the nervous system? Very possible.
Read
March 13, 2026DNF at 60%.
I am so incredibly tolerant, and I love so many different writing styles. Prose to clinical journalism, I love it all.
What I couldn't handle was the repetition and insistence on highlighting bodily sensations in this book. 'He felt sick to his stomach', 'his stomach roiled', 'he felt his stomach clench', 'he struggled to keep down bile',' 'he tasted vomit on the back of his tongue', 'he struggled to keep down the contents of his stomach'..
None of those are direct quotes, mind you. But after a certain point I started rolling my eyes and yelling at my Kindle: 'Yeah, I fucking get it, your tummy hurts!'
Along with many repetitions about how he couldn't catch his breath, his breath came short, he gasped, struggled to take in a full breath; so on and so forth, forever and forever.
I honestly think I would have liked this story if the author hadn't jammed these descriptions down my throat every other paragraph.
There are other ways to communicate anxiety and panic aside from describing the state of your internal organs. Idk if it was lazy or they were trying to piss me off on purpose. I loved the content but hated the way they related the story.
I am so incredibly tolerant, and I love so many different writing styles. Prose to clinical journalism, I love it all.
What I couldn't handle was the repetition and insistence on highlighting bodily sensations in this book. 'He felt sick to his stomach', 'his stomach roiled', 'he felt his stomach clench', 'he struggled to keep down bile',' 'he tasted vomit on the back of his tongue', 'he struggled to keep down the contents of his stomach'..
None of those are direct quotes, mind you. But after a certain point I started rolling my eyes and yelling at my Kindle: 'Yeah, I fucking get it, your tummy hurts!'
Along with many repetitions about how he couldn't catch his breath, his breath came short, he gasped, struggled to take in a full breath; so on and so forth, forever and forever.
I honestly think I would have liked this story if the author hadn't jammed these descriptions down my throat every other paragraph.
There are other ways to communicate anxiety and panic aside from describing the state of your internal organs. Idk if it was lazy or they were trying to piss me off on purpose. I loved the content but hated the way they related the story.
February 17, 2026
"You will feel like a victim-because you are."
This was deliciously dark and disturbing. Five fucking stars.
Here is a list of the fuck-ton of trigger warnings in this book that I got from her website for your convenience. ;) :
Coulrophobia (fear of clowns), haphephobia (fear of being touched), physical violence, dubious consent, non-consent, psychological/mental manipulation, stalking, bodily fluids, orgasm denial, jealously, sex with other people while MC’s are not in a relationship, religious trauma, forced proximity, over the top possessive/obsessive behavior, mentions of past mental health issues, mention of alcoholism, anxiety/panic attacks, verbal/mental child abuse, reference to homophobic slurs, references to internalized homophobia, sadism/masochism, blood play, water sports, rope play, collaring/ownership, hide & seek, pain kink.
This was deliciously dark and disturbing. Five fucking stars.
Here is a list of the fuck-ton of trigger warnings in this book that I got from her website for your convenience. ;) :
Coulrophobia (fear of clowns), haphephobia (fear of being touched), physical violence, dubious consent, non-consent, psychological/mental manipulation, stalking, bodily fluids, orgasm denial, jealously, sex with other people while MC’s are not in a relationship, religious trauma, forced proximity, over the top possessive/obsessive behavior, mentions of past mental health issues, mention of alcoholism, anxiety/panic attacks, verbal/mental child abuse, reference to homophobic slurs, references to internalized homophobia, sadism/masochism, blood play, water sports, rope play, collaring/ownership, hide & seek, pain kink.
March 2, 2026
A solid 3 maybe a 3.5.
I went into this because I saw someone post about how maybe they had met their trigger finally. So I thought oh this book is gonna be messed up…instant download.
Now let me be clear there are some things in here that I’m like oh ummm interesting choice but nothing that made me run the opposite direction. The story is quite cute. Like if McKamey Manor (haunted house) had a meet cute moment this would be the book. Throw in some religious trauma and this was really a fun read.
I went into this because I saw someone post about how maybe they had met their trigger finally. So I thought oh this book is gonna be messed up…instant download.
Now let me be clear there are some things in here that I’m like oh ummm interesting choice but nothing that made me run the opposite direction. The story is quite cute. Like if McKamey Manor (haunted house) had a meet cute moment this would be the book. Throw in some religious trauma and this was really a fun read.
February 20, 2026
Static Shock
I read the novella when it was in the Phobia anthology a few years ago so I was excited to hear it was being made into a full book. Madison Payne has had enough of his religious parents so when he decides to leave its the best thing he could have done. When his roommates ask him to go to the Mayhem Hotel he's not sure and he's even less sure when he meets Static. In three words Static is cute but psycho it fits him perfectly and when he sees Madison he knows he wants him and will do anything to make him his. Great start to the series and I'm sat on the edge wondering who's book is next.
I read the novella when it was in the Phobia anthology a few years ago so I was excited to hear it was being made into a full book. Madison Payne has had enough of his religious parents so when he decides to leave its the best thing he could have done. When his roommates ask him to go to the Mayhem Hotel he's not sure and he's even less sure when he meets Static. In three words Static is cute but psycho it fits him perfectly and when he sees Madison he knows he wants him and will do anything to make him his. Great start to the series and I'm sat on the edge wondering who's book is next.
February 23, 2026
This was delightfully fast-paced and SO wholesome are you kidding 🥹🖤
March 10, 2026
3,75 ⭐
Really enjoyed myself throughout the whole book, even though water sports is a kink I'm not the biggest fan of. The last 100 pages were my favorite parts 😃
Really enjoyed myself throughout the whole book, even though water sports is a kink I'm not the biggest fan of. The last 100 pages were my favorite parts 😃
March 13, 2026
DNF at 10%. I can already tell in the first 30 pages it’s going go be total garbage! I have hated this authors other stuff too. I’m out!
Did not finish
March 13, 2026Dnf
February 28, 2026
Im tired of the word perfect. Cedrick described Madison ✨️perfect✨️ 35 freaking times. Anyways, I pushed through and I'm glad I did because aside from the golden shower and the boot worship? seriously? boot worship? okay so aside from that I actually enjoyed their interactions. Cedrick is cute and adorable while static is all kinds of fucked up and then there's ✨️perfect✨️ Madison with his squeaks and his Oh's(sarcastically by the way because what do you mean he squeaks 20 times and Oh more than 40 times)
February 18, 2026
🖤🤡He's The Rapture I Need, And I'm The Nightmare He Wants🤍😈
"He has no idea how magnificent...how perfect he is for me. How he gave me something I've always needed instantly. He's crazy if he thinks I'm going to give him up."
"He's the rapture I need, and I'm the nightmare he wants."
"His eyes...They're so blue."
"I'm foaming at the maw to get a taste of him. Of that sweet, delectable fear oozing from his pours. All for me. Because of me. And I'd be a fool to deny myself such a sweet, little treat."
"F***, he's got me wrapped around his little finger. Such a strange little thing, he is. Not blurting the one word that could get him out of this. It's almost like he's beggin' for it."
"Whether I show up in my darlin's nightmares or his dreams, he will come to see me again. And if he doesn't...I'll find him."
"He's the only splash of color I've had in this oil-stauned world I live in, and I don't think I can give that up."
"It's not false color like people see during an oil spill, when light reflects on it and they see hues of pigmentation. No. Madison is the whole god**** rainbow put right in front of my very eyes."
"I'm your stalker, your nightmare. You're my rapture, my most delicious treat, and I miss you."
"I am obsessed with Madison. Wholly and entirely, sickeningly obsessed with him. I want to devour him. I want to consume him. I want to feel him. Taste him. I want to know him. His fears and desires. What drives him and what keeps him awake at night. I want to know what it is that makes him want to live."
OMG, this book was everything! I love anything by Marie Ann and I've been waiting for this baby to release. This was a dark, stalker, sweet, horror romance. I love that this also gave me the haunt attraction vibes as well. This was written so well that the first half of this played out like a horror movie. The haunted motel rooms and attractions were described with so much description that I felt the anxiety of going through those rooms. The kink and spicy scenes were darkly delicious 🔥🔥🔥🔥. This book also had trauma and quite the feels.
This story follows Cederick and Madison. Madison left his religious abusive parents to try to venture on his own and go to college. He lives with roommates who soon become good friends to him. They get him to go to Motel Mayhem which is similar to a haunt horror attraction. This scares Madison as he is extremely sheltered to life in general. In there, he meets the unhinged psycho clown Static aka Cederick 🤡. He puts Madison through the ringer and scares the piss out of him literally 🤣. Madison forgets he can safe word and just goes with it. He didn't expect to get turned on by all the fear. Cederick becomes obsessed with him and ends up stalking him. In many ways 😂. This leads to them talking and meeting in person. Cederick gets Mads to agree to come back to Motel Mayhem for one more experience with him. Can Madison let go of his demons to embrace himself? Will Cederick tell Madison how he really feels? Can these two find love in the light and dark?
I loved both of these men so much. Madison felt so much guilt for being gay and was very conflicted as he was raised in a religious abusive household. I'm so proud of him for finding himself and standing up for himself. Cederick had a hard upbringing as well but different. He thinks he's crazy and no one will want both parts of him (Static included). I love how fast the two meet and fall for each other. It's kismet and the pull is very strong. They both see and understand each other fully. Cederick brought Madison alive and made him feel. Madison made Cederick feel safe and belong. The spice was filthy, dark, and so sexy 🔥🔥🔥🔥. The chemistry was off the charts 🥵. I love how timid and bratty Mads got. That was an adorable shock. I loved how obsessive and patient Cederick was with Mads. These boys were everything 🥹. I can't wait to read the next book as Kaser really intrigued me! Fantastic start to this series. 🤡🪓🩸💡🏚😈🤍🖤
"He fits with me like the sharpest jigsaw to my f*****-up edges, and I never thought someone like that could exist."
"This means we're crazy right...'cause this is pretty crazy. A stalker and his victim...in love."
"We're pretty f*****' crazy, treat."
"He has no idea how magnificent...how perfect he is for me. How he gave me something I've always needed instantly. He's crazy if he thinks I'm going to give him up."
"He's the rapture I need, and I'm the nightmare he wants."
"His eyes...They're so blue."
"I'm foaming at the maw to get a taste of him. Of that sweet, delectable fear oozing from his pours. All for me. Because of me. And I'd be a fool to deny myself such a sweet, little treat."
"F***, he's got me wrapped around his little finger. Such a strange little thing, he is. Not blurting the one word that could get him out of this. It's almost like he's beggin' for it."
"Whether I show up in my darlin's nightmares or his dreams, he will come to see me again. And if he doesn't...I'll find him."
"He's the only splash of color I've had in this oil-stauned world I live in, and I don't think I can give that up."
"It's not false color like people see during an oil spill, when light reflects on it and they see hues of pigmentation. No. Madison is the whole god**** rainbow put right in front of my very eyes."
"I'm your stalker, your nightmare. You're my rapture, my most delicious treat, and I miss you."
"I am obsessed with Madison. Wholly and entirely, sickeningly obsessed with him. I want to devour him. I want to consume him. I want to feel him. Taste him. I want to know him. His fears and desires. What drives him and what keeps him awake at night. I want to know what it is that makes him want to live."
OMG, this book was everything! I love anything by Marie Ann and I've been waiting for this baby to release. This was a dark, stalker, sweet, horror romance. I love that this also gave me the haunt attraction vibes as well. This was written so well that the first half of this played out like a horror movie. The haunted motel rooms and attractions were described with so much description that I felt the anxiety of going through those rooms. The kink and spicy scenes were darkly delicious 🔥🔥🔥🔥. This book also had trauma and quite the feels.
This story follows Cederick and Madison. Madison left his religious abusive parents to try to venture on his own and go to college. He lives with roommates who soon become good friends to him. They get him to go to Motel Mayhem which is similar to a haunt horror attraction. This scares Madison as he is extremely sheltered to life in general. In there, he meets the unhinged psycho clown Static aka Cederick 🤡. He puts Madison through the ringer and scares the piss out of him literally 🤣. Madison forgets he can safe word and just goes with it. He didn't expect to get turned on by all the fear. Cederick becomes obsessed with him and ends up stalking him. In many ways 😂. This leads to them talking and meeting in person. Cederick gets Mads to agree to come back to Motel Mayhem for one more experience with him. Can Madison let go of his demons to embrace himself? Will Cederick tell Madison how he really feels? Can these two find love in the light and dark?
I loved both of these men so much. Madison felt so much guilt for being gay and was very conflicted as he was raised in a religious abusive household. I'm so proud of him for finding himself and standing up for himself. Cederick had a hard upbringing as well but different. He thinks he's crazy and no one will want both parts of him (Static included). I love how fast the two meet and fall for each other. It's kismet and the pull is very strong. They both see and understand each other fully. Cederick brought Madison alive and made him feel. Madison made Cederick feel safe and belong. The spice was filthy, dark, and so sexy 🔥🔥🔥🔥. The chemistry was off the charts 🥵. I love how timid and bratty Mads got. That was an adorable shock. I loved how obsessive and patient Cederick was with Mads. These boys were everything 🥹. I can't wait to read the next book as Kaser really intrigued me! Fantastic start to this series. 🤡🪓🩸💡🏚😈🤍🖤
"He fits with me like the sharpest jigsaw to my f*****-up edges, and I never thought someone like that could exist."
"This means we're crazy right...'cause this is pretty crazy. A stalker and his victim...in love."
"We're pretty f*****' crazy, treat."
February 20, 2026
1.5 stars. This is like the third chance I give this author and probably the last, although it's the first time I haven't DNF-ed one of their works, so that's something.
This had potential. I want to be very clear that this looked like good premise, which is why I picked it up. It looked dark, and I'm sucker for stalking and other scary elements. Sadly, it's the execution that failed badly.
First problem was the writting style. It felt juvenile and cheesy most of the time, it made it hard to take the story seriously. There were parts where I also couldn't picture what the author tried to show, especially when it came to places (such as the inside of the Mayhem Motel itself). That was important since the story is so entertwined with the place where the main events happen.
Then there's the problem with the relationship. The dynamic sounds great as an idea, but the development between them was clunky. The moment where each of them realized they loved the other felt like it came out of nowhere. Again, I couldn't see how that made sense. I needed it to feel more organic.
The MCs themselves aren't bad. I liked each of their backstories, although I wish the religion topic had been actually touched since Madison came from a strict religious family. There's some talk about it, but it wasn't nearly enough and felt like it was placed there just to remind the reader of it without commiment. I think Cedric was fine, although most of his dialogue (and Madison's too, to be fair) felt very cringey.
Finally, the ending. Things were very rushed, too much happened in just a few pages, so it didn't allow those scenes to be anything meaningful. It was a mess, and even as someone that likes messy plots this was the bad type.
Overall, this wasn't a well written book imo. The good thing is that it was engaging during some parts, which is why I finished it. I have to give it to the author for that, I kept going because I wanted to know where it was going. But that wasn't enough to sell the premise, and it's disappointing that such a nice idea is done like that.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
This had potential. I want to be very clear that this looked like good premise, which is why I picked it up. It looked dark, and I'm sucker for stalking and other scary elements. Sadly, it's the execution that failed badly.
First problem was the writting style. It felt juvenile and cheesy most of the time, it made it hard to take the story seriously. There were parts where I also couldn't picture what the author tried to show, especially when it came to places (such as the inside of the Mayhem Motel itself). That was important since the story is so entertwined with the place where the main events happen.
Then there's the problem with the relationship. The dynamic sounds great as an idea, but the development between them was clunky. The moment where each of them realized they loved the other felt like it came out of nowhere. Again, I couldn't see how that made sense. I needed it to feel more organic.
The MCs themselves aren't bad. I liked each of their backstories, although I wish the religion topic had been actually touched since Madison came from a strict religious family. There's some talk about it, but it wasn't nearly enough and felt like it was placed there just to remind the reader of it without commiment. I think Cedric was fine, although most of his dialogue (and Madison's too, to be fair) felt very cringey.
Finally, the ending. Things were very rushed, too much happened in just a few pages, so it didn't allow those scenes to be anything meaningful. It was a mess, and even as someone that likes messy plots this was the bad type.
Overall, this wasn't a well written book imo. The good thing is that it was engaging during some parts, which is why I finished it. I have to give it to the author for that, I kept going because I wanted to know where it was going. But that wasn't enough to sell the premise, and it's disappointing that such a nice idea is done like that.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
February 13, 2026
Oh this was perfect in so many ways
I had been so excited for this book since reading the anthology piece in Phobia, and although I knew I was going to love it just from that piece alone, I didn’t know how it was going to go or how the story was going to be told. I literally loved every single part of it so much!
Madison is such a darling, with a lot of baggage he had to get away from, and I’m so glad he stood up for himself and chose to take that risk. You meet some amazing side characters through his inner circle who were all so fun and lovely, especially Kane (like the most perfect bestie ever).
Him meeting Static at Mayhem Motel transformed his life into something he could’ve never expected or dreamed of, but it was everything he needed and more.
Static is the sweetest little freak show of a character I have ever met. He’s such a juxtaposition because how can something with sharp pointy teeth and clown makeup be the purest person in the whole stinking world?! He is obsessed with Madison from the very first time he meets him, and by obsessed I mean stalker level obsessed- and it was the cutest stalking ever I swear.
This book has everything my heart ever needed, and was written so perfectly, flowing well and constantly delivering on banter, sweetness, spice and swooning. If I wasn’t giddy, I was hot, and if I wasn’t hot I was laughing, and if I wasn’t laughing I was tensing my butt cheeks.
Watching these two characters fall for each other was so fun, and it played out completely differently to how I imagined, but it worked so well for who these two are.
I am HOOKED, Mayhem Motel is my new happy place, and I’m so dang excited to see where this series takes us. M delivered their captivating storytelling and detailed visuals that I have come to expect with each release but am still always blown away by, and this story showed a side to them that I feel we don’t see as often. Although there were dark elements, and some hefty trauma there, it was also endearing and lovely, and to get that from a book about a stalker clown? Like come on!
The tropes in this book were so delectable, and done so well, that I fear the books I read in the next few months really have a lot to live up to!
I had been so excited for this book since reading the anthology piece in Phobia, and although I knew I was going to love it just from that piece alone, I didn’t know how it was going to go or how the story was going to be told. I literally loved every single part of it so much!
Madison is such a darling, with a lot of baggage he had to get away from, and I’m so glad he stood up for himself and chose to take that risk. You meet some amazing side characters through his inner circle who were all so fun and lovely, especially Kane (like the most perfect bestie ever).
Him meeting Static at Mayhem Motel transformed his life into something he could’ve never expected or dreamed of, but it was everything he needed and more.
Static is the sweetest little freak show of a character I have ever met. He’s such a juxtaposition because how can something with sharp pointy teeth and clown makeup be the purest person in the whole stinking world?! He is obsessed with Madison from the very first time he meets him, and by obsessed I mean stalker level obsessed- and it was the cutest stalking ever I swear.
This book has everything my heart ever needed, and was written so perfectly, flowing well and constantly delivering on banter, sweetness, spice and swooning. If I wasn’t giddy, I was hot, and if I wasn’t hot I was laughing, and if I wasn’t laughing I was tensing my butt cheeks.
Watching these two characters fall for each other was so fun, and it played out completely differently to how I imagined, but it worked so well for who these two are.
I am HOOKED, Mayhem Motel is my new happy place, and I’m so dang excited to see where this series takes us. M delivered their captivating storytelling and detailed visuals that I have come to expect with each release but am still always blown away by, and this story showed a side to them that I feel we don’t see as often. Although there were dark elements, and some hefty trauma there, it was also endearing and lovely, and to get that from a book about a stalker clown? Like come on!
The tropes in this book were so delectable, and done so well, that I fear the books I read in the next few months really have a lot to live up to!
February 13, 2026
If you read the Phobia anthology, you already know the vibes… but this full-length version? Oh, it was worth the wait. And then some.
Marie Ann never misses, but Mayhem Motel? Absolutely feral in the best way. The most delicious kind of scary—the kind that wraps around your throat and whispers, “you’re not going anywhere.” And guess what? I didn’t want to.
Madison is such a sweetheart with a mountain of baggage he desperately needed to escape. Watching him finally stand up for himself and take that terrifying leap? Chef’s kiss. Growth. Healing. A little chaos. We love to see it.
And his inner circle?? Elite. No notes. Especially Kane—sir, how are you the most perfect bestie to ever bestie? Protect him at all costs.
Then he meets Static at Mayhem Motel and his whole life tilts on its axis. What starts as something unexpected turns into exactly what he needed. And Cedric?? I am unwell. I need more immediately. He is everything for Madison. Everything.
This story had me fully possessed. I couldn’t put it down. You don’t just read it—you feel it. The fear, the obsession, the tenderness, the love… it’s all right there like you’re standing in the room with them.
I devoured every second and I am officially begging for more Mayhem Motel content. Please and thank you. 🖤
Things to know
Mm romance, Coulrophobia (fear of clowns), haphephobia (fear of being touched), physical violence, dubious consent, non-consent, psychological/mental manipulation, stalking, bodily fluids, orgasm denial, jealously, sex with other people while MC’s are not in a relationship, religious trauma, forced proximity, over the top possessive/obsessive behavior, mentions of past mental health issues, mention of alcoholism, anxiety/panic attacks, verbal/mental child abuse, reference to homophobic slurs, references to internalized homophobia, sadism/masochism, blood play, water sports, rope play, collaring/ownership, hide & seek, pain kink.
Marie Ann never misses, but Mayhem Motel? Absolutely feral in the best way. The most delicious kind of scary—the kind that wraps around your throat and whispers, “you’re not going anywhere.” And guess what? I didn’t want to.
Madison is such a sweetheart with a mountain of baggage he desperately needed to escape. Watching him finally stand up for himself and take that terrifying leap? Chef’s kiss. Growth. Healing. A little chaos. We love to see it.
And his inner circle?? Elite. No notes. Especially Kane—sir, how are you the most perfect bestie to ever bestie? Protect him at all costs.
Then he meets Static at Mayhem Motel and his whole life tilts on its axis. What starts as something unexpected turns into exactly what he needed. And Cedric?? I am unwell. I need more immediately. He is everything for Madison. Everything.
This story had me fully possessed. I couldn’t put it down. You don’t just read it—you feel it. The fear, the obsession, the tenderness, the love… it’s all right there like you’re standing in the room with them.
I devoured every second and I am officially begging for more Mayhem Motel content. Please and thank you. 🖤
Things to know
Mm romance, Coulrophobia (fear of clowns), haphephobia (fear of being touched), physical violence, dubious consent, non-consent, psychological/mental manipulation, stalking, bodily fluids, orgasm denial, jealously, sex with other people while MC’s are not in a relationship, religious trauma, forced proximity, over the top possessive/obsessive behavior, mentions of past mental health issues, mention of alcoholism, anxiety/panic attacks, verbal/mental child abuse, reference to homophobic slurs, references to internalized homophobia, sadism/masochism, blood play, water sports, rope play, collaring/ownership, hide & seek, pain kink.
February 25, 2026
This is a VERY Dark Romance I wouldn't say it's Pitch Black but it is listed as a Romantic Horror story. It DOES come with a HEA so your good there but we got alot going on with this one...St@lking/Dubcon/Religious Trauma/Trash bag parents..ALOT..so check and double check those TWs before heading in.
🌶🌶🌶
"I finally found the parallel to my shadow. Because he’s the rapture I need, and I’m the nightmare he wants"
Maddison has finally broken away from his toxic family to venture on his own to college. He wants to bond with his new roommates as he was very sheltered for most of his life so when they all decide to go to this haunted motel that has creepy characters that chase you he reluctantly agrees. Now this isn't your normal haunted house attraction...there are basically no rules here...it all goes...and among those creepy characters is Static the sadistic clown. When their time comes in the Motel they quickly get separated and you guessed it Maddison is left with Static. As Static is terrifying *I MEAN* playing with Maddison he starts to notice the reactions Maddison is having to him and the fear and Static decides to push ALL the boundaries. Once the night is over Static has a new obsession and Maddison has a new St@lker.
What evolves between this two is surely Toxic but Maddison soon learns about Cedrick who is the man behind Static and that these 2 sides make up one very interesting man.
This was dark and Unhinged and completely off the rails and I loved every minute of it. These two guys are both broken boys but the fact that Cedrick will be there to teach Maddison to just accept himself the way he is because Cedrick thinks he is perfect just did me in, And Cedrick just looking for someone to accept both sides of him and getting Maddison who not only accepts both side but loves and embraces them WHEW How did this become so melty...I mean in the most dark unhinged way. I really do hope we get more if this crew I'm very intrigued by these guys 😈
🌶🌶🌶
"I finally found the parallel to my shadow. Because he’s the rapture I need, and I’m the nightmare he wants"
Maddison has finally broken away from his toxic family to venture on his own to college. He wants to bond with his new roommates as he was very sheltered for most of his life so when they all decide to go to this haunted motel that has creepy characters that chase you he reluctantly agrees. Now this isn't your normal haunted house attraction...there are basically no rules here...it all goes...and among those creepy characters is Static the sadistic clown. When their time comes in the Motel they quickly get separated and you guessed it Maddison is left with Static. As Static is terrifying *I MEAN* playing with Maddison he starts to notice the reactions Maddison is having to him and the fear and Static decides to push ALL the boundaries. Once the night is over Static has a new obsession and Maddison has a new St@lker.
What evolves between this two is surely Toxic but Maddison soon learns about Cedrick who is the man behind Static and that these 2 sides make up one very interesting man.
This was dark and Unhinged and completely off the rails and I loved every minute of it. These two guys are both broken boys but the fact that Cedrick will be there to teach Maddison to just accept himself the way he is because Cedrick thinks he is perfect just did me in, And Cedrick just looking for someone to accept both sides of him and getting Maddison who not only accepts both side but loves and embraces them WHEW How did this become so melty...I mean in the most dark unhinged way. I really do hope we get more if this crew I'm very intrigued by these guys 😈
February 19, 2026
Liked It More Than I Thought I Would
This is not my usual type of queer romance book but I’ve been enjoying a bit of a darker storyline and this definitely delivered.
The interesting thing about this book is that our stalker boy Static is actually one of the sweetest characters in the entire book. From the beginning I liked him and his chaotic mind but I especially loved the softer moments we got from him and there were a lot!
I tried to like Madison but I found him to be the least interesting character in this book which is where it mostly loses its points. He had a lot of potential but everything just fell a little short. We never got enough information about his past but we’re supposed to connect to his trauma related to his past. He was really inconsistent with his emotions, sassy one second, traumatized another, stuttering the next, and his relationships with his roommates had potential but it seemed like everyone in the house was trying except for him. I would have liked seeing a few more scenes of him actually putting in effort with his roommates to get to know them or bond.
That being said, the two main side characters, Kane and Kaser were fun but both felt like half drawn out. Kaser was confusing from the glimpses we got of him with Static, and Kane was too perfect in his support of Madison. It kind of makes me hope those two are paired together in the next book so we can get more of their stories.
What this book needed especially was just more. It felt half written and half developed. If we had more time to really get to know the characters and see them dating and being in each other’s worlds it would have felt a lot more like a story that was complete.
Tropes: Stalking, Possessiveness, Role Play, Water Sports, First Times, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
This is not my usual type of queer romance book but I’ve been enjoying a bit of a darker storyline and this definitely delivered.
The interesting thing about this book is that our stalker boy Static is actually one of the sweetest characters in the entire book. From the beginning I liked him and his chaotic mind but I especially loved the softer moments we got from him and there were a lot!
I tried to like Madison but I found him to be the least interesting character in this book which is where it mostly loses its points. He had a lot of potential but everything just fell a little short. We never got enough information about his past but we’re supposed to connect to his trauma related to his past. He was really inconsistent with his emotions, sassy one second, traumatized another, stuttering the next, and his relationships with his roommates had potential but it seemed like everyone in the house was trying except for him. I would have liked seeing a few more scenes of him actually putting in effort with his roommates to get to know them or bond.
That being said, the two main side characters, Kane and Kaser were fun but both felt like half drawn out. Kaser was confusing from the glimpses we got of him with Static, and Kane was too perfect in his support of Madison. It kind of makes me hope those two are paired together in the next book so we can get more of their stories.
What this book needed especially was just more. It felt half written and half developed. If we had more time to really get to know the characters and see them dating and being in each other’s worlds it would have felt a lot more like a story that was complete.
Tropes: Stalking, Possessiveness, Role Play, Water Sports, First Times, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
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