Bedlams Playground

The Phantom Chasers #1

by C.A. Rene, Story Brooks

Hey, Phantom Hood!
We’re The Phantom Chasers and we’re looking for our next adventure.
There’s nothing too scary, or too haunted for the four of us.
We’ve been to the most famous haunted houses in the state,
And now we need your help.
Where would you guys want us to take you next?
We love to live stream our sleep overs,
and share with you as much of the experience as we can.
Send us your suggestions!!
And remember,
Nothing is off limits!
Sincerely,
Your Phantom Chasers.
Mary, Connor, Nick, and James

*The Phantom Chasers series is intended for readers 18 years or older. Contains dark themes, sexual situations, hauntings, possessions, and other triggering situations. Please be advised to read the content warning found in the front of the book. *

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Dark, M M Romance, Novella

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2022

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Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesante, diferente, erótico

James, Nick, Connor y Mary, se dedican a ir a sitios embrujados y filmarlos para sus redes sociales, así es como hacen su dinero. Ellos son amigos de la infancia, quienes siempre han tenido sentimientos entre ellos, pero que nunca los han expresado. Pero ahora, encerrados en un viejo asilo, rodeado de fantasmas, unos buenos y otros malos, solo los podrá salvar la unión que hay entre ellos, o quizás ni eso?

Me gustó mucho el suspenso con el que comienza el libro, el no saber que les espera dentro del asilo, o si lo que están viviendo es real o no. El problema es que hubo escenas eróticas, que se desarrollaron como un corto porno, sin pies ni cabeza. No hay desarrollo de los personajes y esperan que el lector crea que con un poco de sexo se arreglo todo.
Sin embargo, el final nos deja con la duda de que pasará después, así que es probable que lea el próximo libro de la serie para ver cómo les va a nuestros protas y su nueva relación...

[Crystal (Crystalreads2) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santo cazzo di merda. I’m Okay. I’m okay. No, I’m not okay. Want to know why? I mean, this is the most positive way. The authors delivered a mind f*ck.

Read your trigger warnings. I have zero triggers; please don’t go by me if you have triggers. On my dark scale, it's black and teeters on pitch black.

Ghost hunters Mary, Connor, and Nick decided to scope out an abandoned asylum. That once housed one of the most dangerous serial killers, along with other horrific acts he committed; what they didn’t expect what the series of events that happen when they are stuck in the asylum.


Bedlams Playground is a short, dark, twisted read that will leave you wanting more and questioning your morals. As always, the spice is just a plus. I proudly fell down the dark rabbit hole. That ending blew my mind 🤯. I can’t wait to see what happens next. If you’re looking for a dark pnr with ghosts, Bedlams Playground is for you.

[Willie Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW

Dubcon/ noncon, Past child abuse and assault, Blood, Murder, Ghost, Rape, Brother on Brother, Possession, Why choose, MM, doppelgänger/possession, poltergeist



Bedlams Playground is a dark why choose paranormal romance. This is the first book in the Phantom Chasers series.The Phantom Chasers make a living by exploring haunted places and live streaming their experience. But this haunted insane asylum may be more than they bargained for. Mary, James, Nick and Connor are in for a wild haunting time as they spend the night exploring the fate of Conroy Davies and the residents who still remain there. The prologue had me on the edge of my seat and the rest of the book just pushed me over the edge. This book is perfect for Halloween! I can't wait for the next book in the series Silent Night Theme Park to be released on December 27, 2022.

[Rebecca Norvitz Norvitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this story was going to be scary but I was so wrong. It does have a creepy vibe to it but it also has a thigh clenching vibe to it as well. This book has tons of steam

Both CA Rene and Story Brooks are 1-click authors for me. This story is original, seeing as they are at an abandoned insane asylum. Every asylum book I’ve ever read was up and running. I loved everything about this book. I can’t wait to see where the The Phantom Chasers go on their next adventure.

[disha · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Creepy as hell!! This book literally gave me chills. The whole book creeped me out. I'm not gonna say much cuz anything more would be a spoiler. I gotta say the chemistry between the characters was amazing.

The ending!! I literally can't wait for the next book of what's gonna happen!

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, seriously, why didn't I pick this book up MUCH sooner? I personally love both authors, AND I love reverse harems. Sprinkle some ghost action in there, and it's a hit.

Bedlam's Playground is book one in "The Phantom Chasers" series. The series is about a paranormal / ghost - hunting team consisting of a set of brothers, another male friend, and one female named Mary. Apparently all of the men have feelings for Mary, and Mary for them, but I guess they haven't told Mary that. The men have all decided within themselves that if Mary ever chose one of them, they'd all back off and be happy for the couple, but that they'd also be happy if Mary chose ALL of them. Cute, right?

In this book, they are exploring an old asylum where a serial killer had gotten loose, murdered 3 orderlies and then was restrained to a bed and the door sealed so he could never get out. One side of the asylum housed the criminally insane like the serial killer Conray and the other side housed "unwanted" children with physical disabilities or mental issues. Conray was a bit of a pedo as well. I don't want to give away much more of the plot, but there are some spicy scenes with supernatural and a human, m/m and more.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different read for me... dark paranormal romance...I liked the relationship between the 4 characters and the outlying storyline... the Conroy/Mary stuff creeped me out, especially due to her background.

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bedlams Playground is the first book in the The Phantom Chasers series. It's also a whychoose, dark(er) retelling of "The Cask of Amontillado " by Edgar Allen Poe. As a huge Poe fan, I highly approve of this.

Mary, Conner, and brothers, James and Nick...also known as The Phantom Chasers. They earn their money as paranormal investigators and live stream their explorations on their channel. They end up exploring one of the most haunted Asylum, Home of the serial k!ller, Conroy Davies. Now it's a fight to make it out there alive.

Okay, I literally had chills after reading this. Not because it was horrifyingly, monster scary, but the psychological creep factor was definitely off on the charts. Please note, there are some triggers and dark themes. So please be advised. This novella is a quick, steamy, kind of "sit by a campfire and tell spooky story" vibes. Just in time for the Spooky Season

[chestercopperpot_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

why choose ghost hunters

Gimme all the CA Rene, I always have such a good time reading Chrissy’s books and this one was no exception, even with a new to me coauthor.

This was wild - the story follows a group of 4 ghost hunters who stream all of their explorations. When they choose the site of a long abandoned asylum that housed the most deplorable criminal ever, the hauntings start.

I wasn’t sure exactly how this was going to play out but it was wild and twisted and kept me intrigued (and also a little scared. I couldn’t read this at night lmao).

Excited to see how these two continue this series now that they’re out of the asylum!

Full of on page dub/non con and lots of references to p3dophelia and SA of minors, so please keep that in mind prior to picking up.

[XxnightxowlxX74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted Possession…

Mary, Connor, James and Nick are the Phantom Chasers. They seek out haunted locations to try and get proof of the unknown.
When they travel to an asylum to investigate the story of a serial killer they got more activity then they bargained for.
Connor is possessed by the serial killer and has a little fun with the others.


This was dark, twisted and creepy, it’s not going to be for everyone. Make sure to check the trigger warnings before jumping in.

[kim_is_bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel weird saying I enjoyed this book because it was an uncomfortable read to say the least! The trigger/content warnings are not listed at the beginning and they should have been (I think the authors forgot or uploaded the wrong version because they do say to check the TW/CWs in the book description on Amazon). So here they are: non consensual relationships, talk of CSA, degradation, mental illness, 1950s mental illness treatment such as electrochocs leading to death. This might not be an exhaustive list as I might forget some things. If these things do not bother you, than I totally recommend this book! It was creepy and a perfect spooky season read! The spice is well written and I loved that it’s multiple POVs. I can’t wait for the next book in the series because I am anxious to know what happens next!

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bedlams Playground by C.A. Rene and Story Brooks is a dark why choose paranormal romance. This is the first book in the Phantom Chasers series.

I was so excited when Chrissy and Story announced they were doing a paranormal romance and they did not disappoint. I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn't help but binge the book in one sitting.

I really enjoyed getting Connor, Mary, James, and Nick's points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

I can't wait for the next book in the series Silent Night Theme Park to be released on December 27, 2022.

I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, contemporary romances, paranormal romance, or reverse harem romances.

[Nedra81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intensely dark read!! Of course, Chrissy does an impressive job of fucking with her readers minds in the most delicious fashion, so if you have any triggers, turn back now!

Bedlams is a short, dark, and twisted read that even made me question my morals, and I’m a demented person. Also, I’m definitely starting with pnr books from now on!

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was dark unique and spooky but super hot it was the perfect read for Spooky season! When I say I devoured this story I mean I inhaled it in one sitting I’m loving the whole vibe this book gives off and I already can’t wait for book two in the Phantom Chasers series!

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for spooky season

These two authors, what a combination. This is a great book for spooky season and the ending left me wanting more.

While this book is a fairly quick read, a lot happened, and there is even more to come. The story flowed effortlessly and the descriptions made you feel like you were right there with the characters. It’s spooky, creepy and there is plenty of spice, pretty much what I expected from these authors.

As always, read the trigger warnings because the book does get dark. I don’t have triggers so I’m not going to say much in regards to the potential triggers but please take care of yourself first.

I’m excited to dive into the next book in the series and I can’t wait to see what this author duo comes up with next.

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

C.A. Rene writes such deranged dark romance books, but she puts in humor that lightens it up.

In Bedlams Playground , James, Nick, Conner, and Mary go to investigate a haunted asylum. Without spoiling too much, there is a psychotic poltergeist who ends up possesses Connor, and the group goes through it. They are trapped and trying to figure out how to escape as well as rescue Connor. If you're into dark romance, you should read this author. Definitely check your TWs.

I want to read the second book right now but it's night time and I'm scared LOL

[Franjessca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review posted at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

I wanted to read a spooky read for Halloween 2022, and I came across Bedlam’s Playground by Story Brooks and C.A. Rene, thanks to JLCR Author Services. I had never read anything from these two authors, and the synopsis, plus the tropes, hooked me into reading this book. First, I’m going to admit that the movie Poltergeist frightened me as a little girl. I have a hard time to this day watching that movie.

This book is a Why Choose/Reverse Harem, where the characters don’t have to choose. The MMCs, James, Connor, and Nick, have feelings for the FMC, Mary but have never acted on them. They respect her too much and don’t want to hurt her, especially when you learn about her past. The boys won me over by how they were with Mary. I loved each of them in different ways.

Mary instantly became a favorite of mine while reading this book. The poor girl went through a lot in her past and goes through a lot in this book. She’s strong with what she’s gone through and what happened to her in this book. I’m glad she has James, Connor, and Nick with her. They are very protective of Mary, and after everything in this novella, they find out some things they didn’t know about, and I’m glad they finally realize how they care for each other in different ways.

Overall, I give the first novella four stars, and I’m glad I found these two authors’ books and read Bedlam’s Playground. Please, C.A.Rene and Story Brooks, don’t put Mary, James, Nick, and Connor through too much in the next book. Although, more spice between them would be great. I can’t wait to read how their relationships grow together.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you enjoy phantom chasers (ghost hunters) that are all friends and work well together that end up dealing with a vengeful serial killer spirit that wants to wreak havoc, you’ll enjoy this series. This is a Why Choose/Reverse Harem Paranormal/Gothic Romance book/series, and if you are a fan of those genres/tropes, you’ll enjoy it too.

[Bookiechick Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is unlike anything that Rene has produced yet and I’m here for it!

This was the perfect Halloween read. It was intense, dark, gritty, sinister, and so much more. I cannot tell you how disappointed I was when I got to the end. I NEED MORE!

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book like this but in saying that this one was in a lane of its own. I absolutely love the plot and direction this went in. It left everything said but with room to expand and continue in the future if Rene so wished. The characters were great and complimented the story and well as well as gave us all the feels needed to make this an unforgettable read. I cannot for the life of me tell who my favorite was because I don’t think we have bonded enough to make that claim, at least for me anyway but id love to see more to be able to make those connections.

The world we dive into with this had me captivated, I absolutely love the world building and the amount of detail Rene gives us. It has clear imagery and is truly immersive. I cannot get enough.
I felt like there’s still more here and I hope we revisit this world again very soon but stay in it a lot longer than this. Amazing job Chrissy, you knocked this out of the park!

[Jaime Mott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know where these authors were going with this story, but boy am I sure glad they went there! I love all things spooky and this book was like bringing them all together and having a party with them. There are trigger warnings so check those before starting this. It may not be for everyone, but it was right up my alley! The prologue had me on the edge of my seat and the rest of the book just pushed me over the edge. This story introduces us to The Phantom Chasers, a group of friends that explore haunted places and track paranormal activities. But they have no idea what they are getting into with Bedlams and the residents who still remain there. We meet many interesting side characters that add to the story, but don’t take away from the main characters. The steam is off the charts with this one! If a little degradation and possession are what you are looking for then this will fit the bill for sure!

[Kay Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this up within a day. You had me at a ghost who's into voyeurism. And glow-in-the-dark spunk? Okay, I'm intrigued. Lol.

We’ve got this group of friends who call themselves the Phantom Chasers. They're exploring an abandoned insane asylum/psych ward that is known to be haunted by several ghosts in mixed horrors. They’re recording it all for their fans (I’m guessing it's for YouTube since it's all visuals and not just audio). While exploring, things start to happen... going from omg what just happened to kinky real quick. Lol.

Do note the trigger warnings! There are some Forced and slightly okay with it Non-Con situations. There is an amazing MM scene!

Overall, it nailed it for a novella! They didn’t try to cram in too much, and the multiple POVs let you experience a few wild moments between each character without getting overwhelmed.


Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Audiobook: Physically Read
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)

[Jess McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok... I admit it took me a bit to read this one. I don't do a lot of spooky things. I do like Halloween reads, but sometimes the ghosts are too much. Once I looked past the creepy and stopped getting goosebumps from head to toe, I couldn't put it down.

This one is a short-ish read and I loved it!! Mary, James, Nick and Connor are ghost hunters and decide to go to a haunted asylum for the night. The encounter what they came for and then some. Even though it has succeeded in scaring the pants off of me, there were some funny parts where I did laugh out loud. With all this being said... I've got to make sure I keep my big girl pants on for Silent Night Theme Park...

[The Book Hangover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love dark books and what a fantastically dark, twisted and thrilling book this is. I was really drawn to the idea of The Phantom Chasers from the blurb and it has exceeded my expectations. I loved the way it made me feel as though I was on the edge of my seat, wanting to continue reading but at the same time not - like when you watch a horror film through your fingers! It is the first in a series, dark, spicy, why choose romance with taboo themes that may be difficult for some readers so I highly recommend you check the TW. And with that ending I am so excited for the second book in the series to see what happens next.

[April Davadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bedlam Playground (The phantom chasers 1)

Why choose romance

Okay . Complete mindfuvk! This story is somewhat based in retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's The Cask of Amontillado .

Chrissy & Story Brooks most definitely worked their magic with this . Because honestly .. I'm stumped literally like "what the what did I just read?" But NOT IN A BAD WAY ! More of an holy crap this is about a group of ghost hunters that livestream an have the wildest dark experience ever.

5 star read all the way .. I feel like I can't even try to explain with out giving it away .. you just have to read it ! This was an all consuming, I need the next part right NOW read . The authors did not disappoint with this one .

[Michelle Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strap in for a spooky and twisted ride! This book will give you literal chills. It’s dark and creepy and has that psychological ick factor. And I need more! Mary and her guy friends are ghost hunters, making their income by traveling around and live streaming their haunted venues. This time they turn up at a haunted asylum. This short and steamy novella features a depraved ghost hell bent on possessing sweet and innocent Connor.

There’s so much going on in this short time frame but it’s setting up for such an amazing series! Check the TWs on this one! There’s haunting, MM, mentions of past abuse, and sexy ghost dub-con.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story for spooky season! It’s a why choose dark romance. Mary and the three guys go from “haunted” place to “haunted” place live streaming their finds of the supernatural. When they get to this new location they can all feel a difference from everywhere else they have been. All of them are trying to find a way to save each other and escape the nightmare they found themselves in.

[Rosa Dunahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom Chaser are 4 best friends who explore haunted place. Mary, James, Nick and Conner spend the night at the insane asylum to find out what truth about Conroy Davies. They will get more than they bargained for after meeting the ghosts in this place. But will all of them make it out alive? Bedlams Playground is one book you will want to pick up for this Halloween season.

[Shawna Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was over way before I wanted it to be! This was the perfect Halloween book! It blew me away. IT WAS SPOOKTACULAR 🤣🤣 yes I did just say that💀 i flew through this book and was constantly wanting to know what in the heck was going to happen next. I loved the whole ghost hunters thing! That was fun! I am hooked and I already want more!!

[Kiana McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an overall good book. The copy that I received did not have an extensive trigger warning list but 100% look at and understand the triggers this is a dark themed book with sexual situations hauntings possessions and can 100% be triggering for someone. A group of four Mary Connor Nick and James go to an insane asylum for their YouTube their video grouping that they do and they are all about haunted places. Just with Bedlam’s they bit off a little bit more than they can chew. They each play a part in getting out of this haunting and there is a interesting plot twist/cliffhanger at the end of the book which I am excited to read book 2 to see what happens.

[Kati]

WTF did I just read???

I don't even know how to rate this book. The uploaded file clearly wasn't the final version. There were still grammatical errors, weird highlighted boxes, and the trigger warning list was missing.

This book definitely has a ton of triggers and readers definitely should beware and look at reviews.

TW include rape, dubcon, rape of children

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab book it’s what I expected from CA Rene & Story Brooks and more . Loved the story and the characters and I may have felt cold shivers once or twice you know those creepy fingers running up your spine.