Wow. Just… wow.
I need a minute.
***
I just finished reading Mischief Mayhem and Jena Doyle has done it again, turned my heart inside out and found all of the dark places inside. This book grabbed hold of me by the emotions and took me on an incredible ride.
Hollywood is the one with the quick smile and the funny quip, but the façade is hiding some real pain. He feels unloved, unworthy, and unnecessary. He needs to let go- let it all go, and the person who can help him is Club Princess and Professional Domme Verona, aka Mistress Mayhem.
Verona has experienced severe depression in the past and has used her Mistress Mayhem persona to lift herself away from it. I like that Doyle didn’t shy away from discussing mental illness. I also like that she discussed it in a careful and appropriate manner without discounting its seriousness.
The zexytime was very intense and intriguing. It sometimes went past my usual frame of reference, but was so well written that I enjoyed it despite myself. I liked how valued she made him feel by both aftercare and some very inventive d/s methods. But what I liked most about the zexytime was that their tastes and needs aligned perfectly, and everything they did was completely consensual. Consent is sexy.
And, yes, the zexytime was intense and inventive, but the emotions were what really stood out. Both characters were able to take each other away from thinking about their troubles and issues. They ascended to an entirely different level. And through that, genuine intimacy formed and they were able to find a space to fall in love.
The love was intense, but so was the tragedy. The war with the Caputis rages on, plus there are new antagonists to worry about. And not everyone walks away this time.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Hollywood and Verona
Genre- MC Romance
Length- novel
Heat- ☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️ Full-on BDSM.
Series? Y
Safety? Y (no cheating, no SA)
Triggers- graphic violence including use of firearms, explicit erotic content and BDSM, fluid exchange, adult language.
Tropes- Friends to Lovers, Golden Retriever Hero, Black Cat Heroine, Secret Relationship, Reformed Man Ho-Ho-Ho, Domme/Sub, Off Limits, Brother’s Best Friend, Blood Bond
Full disclosure: I wrote this honest review voluntarily after reading a free advance review copy. I received no compensation for this. I do not accept money for any of my reviews.
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