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A Mystery Box Romance #3
The Motel Box
Welcome to the Starlite Motel. The gin is cold, the proprietor is gorgeous, and it’s been 1954 for the past seventy years.
Gavin, a successful San Francisco architect, is done playing the role of the perfect husband. Desperate to escape his loveless marriage, he takes a job as a human test subject for Nebu-Tech’s experimental quantum AI car, the Chimera. His only task is to sit back, dissociate, and let the self-driving vehicle carry him across the Mojave Desert.
But when the Chimera overheats, it reroutes him to the Starlite Motel—an impossibly pristine, 1950s Googie-style roadside oasis in the middle of nowhere.
There he meets Peter, the motel’s handsome and unnervingly attentive proprietor. Peter mixes the perfect gin and tonic, wears vintage tailored gabardine, and looks at Gavin as if he’s been waiting for him for a thousand years.
As the desert heat rises, so does the undeniable chemistry between them. For the first time in his life, Gavin is allowed to be messy, vulnerable, and deeply desired. He begins to shed the armor of his old life, finding sanctuary in Peter's arms. But the Starlite hides a terrifying secret.
Can Gavin unravel the mystery of the “Motel Box” and save the man he loves, or will time finally catch up to them both?
The Motel Box is a steamy, atmospheric M/M sci-fi thriller about breaking the loops we build for ourselves, the healing power of vulnerability, and finding a future worth fighting for.
Gavin, a successful San Francisco architect, is done playing the role of the perfect husband. Desperate to escape his loveless marriage, he takes a job as a human test subject for Nebu-Tech’s experimental quantum AI car, the Chimera. His only task is to sit back, dissociate, and let the self-driving vehicle carry him across the Mojave Desert.
But when the Chimera overheats, it reroutes him to the Starlite Motel—an impossibly pristine, 1950s Googie-style roadside oasis in the middle of nowhere.
There he meets Peter, the motel’s handsome and unnervingly attentive proprietor. Peter mixes the perfect gin and tonic, wears vintage tailored gabardine, and looks at Gavin as if he’s been waiting for him for a thousand years.
As the desert heat rises, so does the undeniable chemistry between them. For the first time in his life, Gavin is allowed to be messy, vulnerable, and deeply desired. He begins to shed the armor of his old life, finding sanctuary in Peter's arms. But the Starlite hides a terrifying secret.
Can Gavin unravel the mystery of the “Motel Box” and save the man he loves, or will time finally catch up to them both?
The Motel Box is a steamy, atmospheric M/M sci-fi thriller about breaking the loops we build for ourselves, the healing power of vulnerability, and finding a future worth fighting for.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2026
About the author
Wesley McCraw
10 books44 followersBorn, raised, and currently living in Oregon, Wesley McCraw writes queer speculative fiction.
Wes graduated from the University of Oregon, where he completed the much-acclaimed Kidd Tutorial. During his time at the university, he was also a member of Write Club, where he trained under screenwriter Omar Naim (The Final Cut, Dead Awake).
Wes graduated from the University of Oregon, where he completed the much-acclaimed Kidd Tutorial. During his time at the university, he was also a member of Write Club, where he trained under screenwriter Omar Naim (The Final Cut, Dead Awake).
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy
The Motel Box is the third book in the Mystery Box Romance series. It is a standalone, so you can enjoy it regardless of whether you have read the previous book, The Fraternity Box. I’m coming into this story after reading both previous books, but the story grabbed me on its own. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a romantic mystery, or a mystery romance. I personally prefer romantic comedies but this mystery is intriguing, so you should give it a read. You might discover, like me, that some mysteries are worth it! This one has more twists than a plate of cooked spaghetti. I’m not going to give the story or the plot away. I’m going to introduce you to the characters, then urge you to read the story to get to know them better.
First we meet Gavin, taking a ride in an experimental AI-driven car, the Chimera. The clever vehicle can detect when Gavin’s aroused, and that’s just one of many reasons I’ll pass on riding in a car “driven” by AI. Can you imagine it? (Our author could – marvelously.) In case you’re reading a review of mine for the first time, I’m not a big fan of AI personally. My views on AI notwithstanding, this book grabbed my attention from the first page, and held me for the full experience, close to 130 pages.
I’m not counting the AI-driven car, the Chimera, as a character, though it certainly holds enough of Gavin’s attention that we never forget the car completely.
As the car takes Gavin through the Mojave Desert, Gavin remembers his ex-husband Richard, who had not exactly excelled at loving Gavin, let’s say. Gavin asks the Chimera if there’s anyone “out there” for him – and the car’s AI states Gavin’s statistics while it “initiates a search” for the perfect match. Then the heat surrounding the car causes its systems to begin to malfunction, and the car “finds” them a safe stopping point – a motel, off the road through the desert, off the infamous Route 66, on a side road to boot. Isolated, yet in pristine condition. The car sputters into a shed behind the motel and Gavin steps out and into the vintage Starlite Motel.
Now we meet Peter, who is dressed impeccably as the motel’s desk clerk. We soon find out that Peter is also the cook, the maintenance man, and everything else – he’s the only person at the motel.
It turns out Peter shares something in common with Gavin – his partner has left him, so Peter feels bound to the motel. Or is that really what binds him to the place? There’s your mystery.
The romance is, obviously, between Gavin and Peter, and it has nearly as many twists as that plate of spaghetti I previously mentioned. It’s a well-written story, with characters so well-developed I felt like I knew them (including the AI car). You need to add this book to your “To Be Read” stack, then shove it to the top. It’s a fast read and very well done. The ending is a bit unusual, but it’s still a “happily ever after.”
I’m seriously interested in reading the next book in this series. First, though, I want you to read this story, if you enjoy a good romance. If you like twists in the story, you need to read this book. If an unusual box showing up in a motel in the “middle of nowhere” catches your attention, you simply must read this book!
This is a romantic mystery, or a mystery romance. I personally prefer romantic comedies but this mystery is intriguing, so you should give it a read. You might discover, like me, that some mysteries are worth it! This one has more twists than a plate of cooked spaghetti. I’m not going to give the story or the plot away. I’m going to introduce you to the characters, then urge you to read the story to get to know them better.
First we meet Gavin, taking a ride in an experimental AI-driven car, the Chimera. The clever vehicle can detect when Gavin’s aroused, and that’s just one of many reasons I’ll pass on riding in a car “driven” by AI. Can you imagine it? (Our author could – marvelously.) In case you’re reading a review of mine for the first time, I’m not a big fan of AI personally. My views on AI notwithstanding, this book grabbed my attention from the first page, and held me for the full experience, close to 130 pages.
I’m not counting the AI-driven car, the Chimera, as a character, though it certainly holds enough of Gavin’s attention that we never forget the car completely.
As the car takes Gavin through the Mojave Desert, Gavin remembers his ex-husband Richard, who had not exactly excelled at loving Gavin, let’s say. Gavin asks the Chimera if there’s anyone “out there” for him – and the car’s AI states Gavin’s statistics while it “initiates a search” for the perfect match. Then the heat surrounding the car causes its systems to begin to malfunction, and the car “finds” them a safe stopping point – a motel, off the road through the desert, off the infamous Route 66, on a side road to boot. Isolated, yet in pristine condition. The car sputters into a shed behind the motel and Gavin steps out and into the vintage Starlite Motel.
Now we meet Peter, who is dressed impeccably as the motel’s desk clerk. We soon find out that Peter is also the cook, the maintenance man, and everything else – he’s the only person at the motel.
It turns out Peter shares something in common with Gavin – his partner has left him, so Peter feels bound to the motel. Or is that really what binds him to the place? There’s your mystery.
The romance is, obviously, between Gavin and Peter, and it has nearly as many twists as that plate of spaghetti I previously mentioned. It’s a well-written story, with characters so well-developed I felt like I knew them (including the AI car). You need to add this book to your “To Be Read” stack, then shove it to the top. It’s a fast read and very well done. The ending is a bit unusual, but it’s still a “happily ever after.”
I’m seriously interested in reading the next book in this series. First, though, I want you to read this story, if you enjoy a good romance. If you like twists in the story, you need to read this book. If an unusual box showing up in a motel in the “middle of nowhere” catches your attention, you simply must read this book!
Review of advance copy
My latest read was The Motel Box, the third book in the Mystery Box Romance series by Wesley McCraw. I was fortunate enough to be given an ARC of this book, but this review is given voluntarily. As with the other books in this series, The Motel Box is about a mysterious box that, when found, changes the lives of those who encounter it. One of those lives, in this case, is that of Gavin, a San Francisco architect who just left his controlling, abusive husband, his job, and his home, in search of a chance at a better life. The other life is that of Peter, proprietor of the Starlite Motel, designed in the Googie (futuristic mid-century) style, in pristine condition down to the slightest detail. An attraction between the two men is evident, nearly from the start. But when a mysterious box appears, and Gavin starts to question things that don’t seem quite right, secrets are revealed and fears surface.
Let’s get the negatives out of the way so that we can end on a happy note. I would have appreciated more detailed descriptions of the main characters, such as age, height, hair color, eye color, physical build, etc., just so that I can picture them in my mind’s eye as I’m reading. Some of that was included, but not for both characters. The other negative was that I felt a little lost with Chapter 24, but I can’t explain why without a spoiler. However, things did work themselves out in my head before the end, so I’m happy. I would also have preferred this to be a dual-POV story, which it isn’t, because I always feel more connected to the characters that way, but that’s not a major issue. There were also a couple of other flaws, but not enough to ruin the book for me.
My thoughts on the writing are much more positive. To me, the author did an amazing job expressing emotions. I truly felt Peter’s loneliness, pain, and despair, and the way he was trying desperately not to lose hope. Again, I can’t get too much further into that due to spoilers, but I felt it in my soul. I loved both Gavin and Peter’s characters, wishing the best for them, and cheering them on as they worked towards building their lives, and fulfilling their dreams, together. Heck, I was almost ready to book a stay at the Starlite just to support them! They’re that lovable. I’ve now read all three books in this series, and I just have to say that this was my favorite. Was it flawless? No. But the storyline and the characters drew me in from the start, trapping me in their world. And as the story progressed, I found myself thinking, “This would make such a great movie.” For me, that’s a sign of a really great book, wanting to share it with a broader audience.
The spice level was about a 2 out of 5, which is more than enough for me. Everything taken into account, my rating went from a 5 to a 4 and back to a 5 out of 5 (actually, a 9 out of 10, rounded to a 5 for a 1-5 scale.) Oh, and that cover. Love it as well.
Let’s get the negatives out of the way so that we can end on a happy note. I would have appreciated more detailed descriptions of the main characters, such as age, height, hair color, eye color, physical build, etc., just so that I can picture them in my mind’s eye as I’m reading. Some of that was included, but not for both characters. The other negative was that I felt a little lost with Chapter 24, but I can’t explain why without a spoiler. However, things did work themselves out in my head before the end, so I’m happy. I would also have preferred this to be a dual-POV story, which it isn’t, because I always feel more connected to the characters that way, but that’s not a major issue. There were also a couple of other flaws, but not enough to ruin the book for me.
My thoughts on the writing are much more positive. To me, the author did an amazing job expressing emotions. I truly felt Peter’s loneliness, pain, and despair, and the way he was trying desperately not to lose hope. Again, I can’t get too much further into that due to spoilers, but I felt it in my soul. I loved both Gavin and Peter’s characters, wishing the best for them, and cheering them on as they worked towards building their lives, and fulfilling their dreams, together. Heck, I was almost ready to book a stay at the Starlite just to support them! They’re that lovable. I’ve now read all three books in this series, and I just have to say that this was my favorite. Was it flawless? No. But the storyline and the characters drew me in from the start, trapping me in their world. And as the story progressed, I found myself thinking, “This would make such a great movie.” For me, that’s a sign of a really great book, wanting to share it with a broader audience.
The spice level was about a 2 out of 5, which is more than enough for me. Everything taken into account, my rating went from a 5 to a 4 and back to a 5 out of 5 (actually, a 9 out of 10, rounded to a 5 for a 1-5 scale.) Oh, and that cover. Love it as well.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed reading The Motel Box. The story gripped me from the beginning and while I had no idea of what the story was about, it immediately thrusted me into the inner thoughts of Gavin with all of his insecurities and self doubts. I couldn’t help but relate to his lack of self worth wondering if he was made because of who he was with and not because of who he is. The motel, with its flashy 60’s era ultra-modernism proved to be the perfect backdrop for Gavin to escape to for reflection. I would have loved to be in his shoes to be able to escape and relax. But, this book is a romance at its heart but in order for that to be fully realized Gavin had to endure twists and turns along the way. This story never felt rushed instead leaning toward the slow burn emotional roller coaster that so many of us go through. I especially loved the reverse Dorian Grey aspect of the whole story and just when I thought I had the story figured out, the twist realization caught me by compete surprise! I really enjoyed how the landscape and surroundings progressed the story beyond the dialog and interactions between Gavin and Peter. I do wish we had more backstory on the wolves but what we do get is still entertaining and satisfying. If you are looking for a romantic encounter that does not shy away from the heat and intensity of a M/M romance, then I highly recommend this book. I look forward to more in the Mystery Box series. I received an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
This was brilliant. Seriously, I'm not sure I have the words to describe all the things that I not only loved about this book, but all the things that made it stand out as enormously inventive and massively insightful.
Okay, with that said, this is the third book in this series, and I have to say that this series just gets better with every new instalment. I liked book one. I loved its coziness. It felt like a warm blanket. Book two was even better. It was spooky, sexy, mysterious, and fun! And now, well, I absolutely adored book three. Hands down, it is my favourite, so far. If I could give it more than five stars, I would, because it's that kind of brilliant. The attention to detail coupled with the sheer enormity of the "world" the author's built is remarkable. The storyline is weird, fun, unique, and filled with a variety of themes that tie everything together so neatly. I'm impressed. (That doesn't happen overly often.) So, do I recommend this book? Yes, absolutely, I do.
Now, it's probably important to point out that I received an early copy of this book via BookSirens with the understanding that I'd write an honest review. This has been my 100% honest opinion. I don't know the author. I've never met the author. Except for the occasional "off" week, I generally read a book every one to two days, so I read a lot. As I've said, I've read all three books in this series, and I highly recommend this book.
Okay, with that said, this is the third book in this series, and I have to say that this series just gets better with every new instalment. I liked book one. I loved its coziness. It felt like a warm blanket. Book two was even better. It was spooky, sexy, mysterious, and fun! And now, well, I absolutely adored book three. Hands down, it is my favourite, so far. If I could give it more than five stars, I would, because it's that kind of brilliant. The attention to detail coupled with the sheer enormity of the "world" the author's built is remarkable. The storyline is weird, fun, unique, and filled with a variety of themes that tie everything together so neatly. I'm impressed. (That doesn't happen overly often.) So, do I recommend this book? Yes, absolutely, I do.
Now, it's probably important to point out that I received an early copy of this book via BookSirens with the understanding that I'd write an honest review. This has been my 100% honest opinion. I don't know the author. I've never met the author. Except for the occasional "off" week, I generally read a book every one to two days, so I read a lot. As I've said, I've read all three books in this series, and I highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy
This is, on so many levels, a fabulous book.
Gavin is an immediately relatable character, flawed yet likeable and aware of his flaws, but also ignorant of how what he actually needs and who he actually is.
I was invested in Gavin and Peter from the get-go. And the Chimera is used in an absolutely beautiful way, taking the Deus ex Machina into 2026. I particularly loved the use of a painfully slow software update as the plot device that drives the story!
And I loved the heartbreaking insight into the pain of being an openly gay man in 2026 America, juxtaposing it with the hope and terror of being queer in the 1950s. The threat and uncertainty that lurks with every interaction, not knowing who's a safe person and who sees you as a threat for no reason other than who you love. As a neurodiverse woman who works in STEM, the overlap in the unease, the implicit need to mask, the fear of the potentially vicious punishment that hangs over your head simply for being who you are, the anxiety about being seen as nothing more than your most obvious label - they all resonated really strongly.
And turning the metaphor of the pain of necessary change and letting go of what we have invested in that no longer serves us into the setting was beautiful.
The imagery was gorgeous evocative, the romance palpable, and the pacing let the story breathe.
As an avid omegaverse reader, I particularly appreciated the nod!
Overall - a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Gavin is an immediately relatable character, flawed yet likeable and aware of his flaws, but also ignorant of how what he actually needs and who he actually is.
I was invested in Gavin and Peter from the get-go. And the Chimera is used in an absolutely beautiful way, taking the Deus ex Machina into 2026. I particularly loved the use of a painfully slow software update as the plot device that drives the story!
And I loved the heartbreaking insight into the pain of being an openly gay man in 2026 America, juxtaposing it with the hope and terror of being queer in the 1950s. The threat and uncertainty that lurks with every interaction, not knowing who's a safe person and who sees you as a threat for no reason other than who you love. As a neurodiverse woman who works in STEM, the overlap in the unease, the implicit need to mask, the fear of the potentially vicious punishment that hangs over your head simply for being who you are, the anxiety about being seen as nothing more than your most obvious label - they all resonated really strongly.
And turning the metaphor of the pain of necessary change and letting go of what we have invested in that no longer serves us into the setting was beautiful.
The imagery was gorgeous evocative, the romance palpable, and the pacing let the story breathe.
As an avid omegaverse reader, I particularly appreciated the nod!
Overall - a thoroughly enjoyable read!
August 6, 2026
Book 3 of Mystery Box Romance. Can be read as a standalone.
'The Motel Box is a steamy, atmospheric M/M sci-fi thriller about breaking the loops we build for ourselves, the healing power of vulnerability, and finding a future worth fighting for.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'The Motel Box is a steamy, atmospheric M/M sci-fi thriller about breaking the loops we build for ourselves, the healing power of vulnerability, and finding a future worth fighting for.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I went into The Motel Box thinking I had this series figured out after the first two books. ABSOLUTELY NOT. Wesley McCraw threads in these gorgeous odes to the 1950s, all nostalgia and grit, while quietly planting echoes of the future that only hit you once everything clicks into place. The twists kept me guessing, and Peter and Gavin’s journey had me fully invested. I even teared up. The emotional beats land beautifully, and the intimate scenes are handled with real care.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 7, 2026
Starlight Hotel is an interesting place where time never changes it’s been 1954 for 70 years. This romantic mystery is so intriguing. There are so many twists. The Chimera is the most interesting. It’s an AI powered car and all I can say is poor Gavin. The car brings Gavin to the hotel where we meet Peter. Peter is the only person at the hotel at all. The characters are well written and easy to connect to. This was an incredible read full of steam, mystery, intrigue and love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 17, 2026
I loved this book, everything was just so good. I was so excited to keep reading i stayed up til 4am the night before cuz I just couldn't put it down, I didn't want to put it down, but alas I had to sleep. It was too good they were amazing together and the emotions it brought out in me😫 I felt so bad for Peter and Gavin and all they had to go through but in the end it all worked out and I was sad it ended. I can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2026
Intriguing & different. Gavin is an architect & frustrated with his life. He leaves his husband, his husband is a man who only looks at appearances & Gavin wants more. Trying to clear his mind Gavin takes an AI self driven car on a trial run. He ends up back in 1954 & meets hotel owner Peter. As their visit progresses we realize Gavin & Peter have some sort of past which brings us to our mystery, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Groundhog Day meets The Quantum Leap but with boys kissing. I was absolutely captivated by this third book in the Mystery Box series. The whole concept of the story; where modern technology meets mid-1950’s, with a mind blowing twist I did not see coming.
✨MM
✨Sci-fi romance
✨Mystery
✨Forced proximity
✨Strangers to lovers
✨MM
✨Sci-fi romance
✨Mystery
✨Forced proximity
✨Strangers to lovers
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well written and innovative mystery story. I loved it and could not put it down once started. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2026
This book is $0.99 from 8/22-8/27.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews