The Mirage Guild

Prism Society

by Gabi Salas

Beaches or bartenders? I know which one I’d rather be on...

Absence has not made Izzy Esposito’s heart grow any fonder of New York City. She’d much rather be back on the beaches of Bora Bora with her best friend, drinking away the fact that at thirty-five, she’s well and truly past her prime expiration date. But instead, she’s walking through city rain on the way to a job she had to beg her brother for.

The Prism Society is Brooklyn’s hottest destination for those wishing to explore their desires in sumptuous surrounds — with or without an audience. Prism’s sommelier-in-training Max Kingsley is usually content to work his magic behind the bar. Then Izzy bursts in the door and her magnetic curves have him yearning for a private room...

Max is seven years younger and a hundred times hotter than Izzy is used to, so this is clearly just a fling. But when they’re asked to organize events for The Prism Society’s newest sister club, the lines of business and pleasure merge into one.

Directionless Izzy is only too glad to take the distraction of Max’s delicious orders. Until she’s forced to decide what she really wants...

396 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2024

About the author

Gabi Salas, the mastermind behind sizzling contemporary romances, believes reading smut is feminist AF. She's the author of the debut series "The Prism Society," a solid one-handed read *wink*. Gabi resides in Kansas City with her husband, hilarious daughter, and a ridiculously cuddly cat named Pepper. When not crafting stories, she's drowning in honey oat milk lattes, binging smutty novels, or dark and twisty murder podcasts.

Connect with Gabi on gabisalas.com or follow her journey on Instagram @‌gabisalasauthor.

Reviews

[Kirsten | Bookish.kir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and overall I thought it was okay.

A big part of this book is the fact that Max is training to be a master sommelier. And I have to be honest, I don’t know a single thing about wine so a lot of those conversations surrounding wine took me out of the story a bit because I was just so lost hah.

I wish there had been more character development throughout. Izzy was pretty much stuck in the mindset that she wasn’t good enough for anything long term because she was older. And Max never really voiced what he wanted from Izzy. The ending felt rushed and I was just left feeling kinda meh.

3.5

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the synopsis of this I thought this was going to be a different book. I got a few things from the synopsis but not what I was expecting. This read much slower for me than I was hoping and had a hard time wanting to finish. But finish I did. I'm glad that I did, because there was a great little surprise towards the end, BUT that doesn't change my mind on the book.

I went into this book with high hopes thinking we would get to see more about the club and a romance built inside the club. We got to see all about the club, but not about the romance. It was more about Izzy and how wrapped up she was in her head. That is where she stayed. The WHOLE BOOK.

I get it. I am neurospicy. I overthink everything. But I don't want the whole book to be about that. I came to read about a SPICY ROMANCE. There was NO ROMANCE to be found. There was plenty of spicy scenes. I will give the book that. But there wasn't any romance. I don't think this should be tauted as a romance if there isn't any. A few touches here or there as he shows a little affection isn't romance.

Romance would entail showing or talking about how she feels about Max. Or Max talking about how he feels about Izzy. There were no real conversations to themselves or each other about those feelings. I felt like we were supposed to just automatically figure out those things based on what little bit we were given.

I feel like this book was very underwritten. There wasn't enough development put into it. You can't just throw some spicy scenes into some a rich girls world and expect it to work with giving that girls world more context than what we were given.

[Jasmine Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 4/5
🌶️2.5/5

Tropes:
Brother’s best friend
Reverse age gap
Strong female friendships
Entrepreneurship

Summary:
Isabella is 35 and after a life of adventure feels behinds. She takes a job at her brother’s club to figure out her life. She meets Max who’s always been in love with her since he was younger and now that he’s near her it becomes hard to stay away. The two have to figure out the lines of business and pleasure as it merges into one.

My Thoughts:
This book is so realistic in so many ways. Especially in the way of wanting to have life all together and as a woman having this timeline in life that we feel we have to live by. This book made me feel like it’s okay to not have it all together. And I don’t have to meet anyone’s expectations but my own. Isabella was a free spirit when it came to her early adult life but always felt like she was playing catch up because she chose to live her life for her. Max showed her that it was okay to slow down and just deal with what life throws at you one step at a time. Isabella was worried about what people would think of her and Max couldn’t care less. I loved the boundaries he sets to protect himself. I wish Isabella would have given their love a chance sooner. I loved how Max knew what he wanted and never wanted to settle for that. I also liked how Dom was so accepting of them being together and helped encourage it. And the ending to this book was so good it was like a plot twist lol, absolutely love it!!

[neus.dreamybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella is 35 and has returned to NY, to her parents home to regroup and think about her future. She has been traveling and living free for the last several years and because of the words of her last boyfriend when breaking up with her, she now thinks she has to settle down. So she asks for a job at her little brother's club.

Her brother is a 28 years old co-owner of a seggs club, and now her immediate boss will be one of his friends, Max, a gorgeous 28 years old man who works at the club and is studying to become a master sommelier. She doesn't know this but Max had a crush on her growing up so when working late nights and having a great camaraderie and an even better chemistry, he doesn't lose his chance to be intimate with her.

Izzy doesn't want to be with Max because of the age gap, and between them lacks communication sometimes because she doesn't tell him about her worries and he doesn't tell her that he wants to be her forever. What i loved is how Max cares about her and how Izzy believes in his potential as a sommelier.

This is the first book i've read of this author but it won't be the last.

- This is an ARC read and i'm giving my honest opinion -

[Cigi cini · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥reverse age gap
🔥younger brother's best friend
🔥entrepreneurship
🔥wine nerd
🔥sex club / adult club
🔥panty thief
🔥sex in public
🔥strong female friendships

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

The Mirage Guild by Gabi Salas is a steamy, contemporary romance that follows the journey of Izzy Esposito, a woman caught between her past and her present, and the magnetic allure of a younger man, Max Kingsley.

Izzy, at thirty-five, is not particularly thrilled to be back in the hustle and bustle of New York City, especially when her heart yearns for the tranquil beaches of Bora Bora. Her return to the city isn't voluntary; it's necessitated by a favor she had to call in from her brother, landing her a job she’s not enthusiastic about. This setup quickly establishes Izzy as a relatable character, grappling with the disillusionments of mid-life and the search for meaning and excitement.

The Prism Society, where Izzy finds herself working, is a vivid backdrop for the story. It’s an exclusive club in Brooklyn known for its luxurious and provocative atmosphere, catering to those who wish to explore their desires. The environment is lush, decadent, and sensuously detailed, offering an escape that readers of this genre will likely find enticing.

Max Kingsley, the club’s sommelier-in-training, brings a compelling dynamic to the narrative. He’s younger, extraordinarily attractive, and instantly drawn to Izzy’s presence. Their chemistry is electric from the moment Izzy walks through the door, and Gabi Salas does an excellent job of building their relationship with a blend of playful flirtation and deeper emotional undertones. Max’s character, while initially seeming like a typical love interest, evolves to show depth and vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with Izzy.

The age gap between Izzy and Max is a central theme, adding tension and intrigue to their interactions. Izzy’s self-consciousness about being seven years older than Max adds a layer of realism to their romance, making it more than just a superficial fling. Their evolving relationship is filled with passionate encounters, but it’s also marked by moments of introspection and growth, particularly for Izzy.

As the story progresses, Izzy and Max are tasked with organizing events for The Prism Society’s new sister club, which blurs the lines between their professional duties and personal desires. This subplot adds a layer of complexity and keeps the narrative engaging. The dual pressures of business responsibilities and burgeoning romance push both characters to confront their desires and insecurities.

From feeling "past her prime" and directionless, she gradually discovers what she truly wants, both in her career and her personal life. Her journey is empowering, showcasing her development from a state of resignation to one of self-assuredness and purpose.

The Mirage Guild is a tantalizing read that blends romance, self-discovery, and the allure of forbidden pleasures. Gabi Salas crafts a story that is both sensuous and emotionally resonant, making it a compelling choice for readers looking for a romance that delves into the complexities of love, age, and personal growth. If you're seeking a novel that offers both escapism and depth, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Hot mama, that packed a lot of heat.
Gabi has created a great world where people can explore safely. Her descriptive writing allows you to imagine the club's so vividly.
Book 2 in the series and it was just as good as the 1st one. This was Izzy's story. She is Don's sister from book 1.
Izzy was a bit confusing for me at times. Although she was kind, thoughtful, intelligent and fun. However she wasn't very smart when it came to feelings. For someone that travelled the world most of her life she was very unsure of herself. I get she felt she wasted her life and now she is to ols to settle etc. She worries about fitting in what society deems right but she never worried about the society when she decided to just travel and do whatever she wanted. That confused me also she has been in a relationship before so surely she would know what feelings are different and more. Other than that she was a fun character.
Max was perfect, he is trying to achieve his dream while working at the Prism club. He is nurturing, passionate, caring and smart. He is best friends with Dom, so he really shouldn't be crushing on his best friends older sister (age gap of 7 yrs).
But her working with him is getting harder each time.
I loved how easily they got on and were always helping each other to achieve their passion. Their chemistry was there from the start. I mean I felt it, so why couldn't Izzy haha.
They have a lot of hot encounters without labelling their relationship.
As things get more intense at work can they stay as colleague or explore more? Can Izzy look past the age gap and see what she has with Max is real? What will Dom say when he finds out?
There is a lot of personal growth for both of them. I loved the group of friends and family they both have.Great banter, feelings, character growth, love and lots of spice.

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Definitely a story for when you're feeling like reading about the rich and elite. (Not that I'm saying that as a bad thing; there's nothing wrong with escapist fare). I found it hard to relate to Isabella. I identified with some of her internal issues and how she felt about herself, but that was about it. It was hard to buy that she had this untapped event planning talent that apparently put her on par with the top planners, particularly since she had almost no practical experience. And even if she did, there are tons of people with the same calibre of talent who aren't instantaneously successful simply because they don't have the luck or opportunities that people like Isabella do. I also found her hard to relate to because she really had no struggle-- if her business failed, for example, she wouldn't be destitute. The house she wanted? She didn't put off purchasing it (or renovating it) because of a tight budget. Her success had more to do with nepotism, her family's connections and a seeming endless supply of money. And at the end, she talked about how everyone stepped in to help her and she was able to hire staff (in part, I'm sure, to do the grunt work), which is well and great (love to see supportive networks in books!) but it left me wondering exactly what she was doing to be productive.
Max benefited a bit from his connections despite his more humble beginnings. I thought he was the more compelling character and wasn't fleshed out nearly enough.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ashley Oestreich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5

The Mirage Guild by Gabi Salas is a steamy romance that follows the journey of Izzy. Izzy is a 35 year old woman trying to leave her adventurous past behind to figure out her future. Izzy is in her own head and is relatable in the way that she thinks she has to have it all figured out and be perfect. Whilst trying to figure out her future she starts to work for her brother at his sex club The Prism Society. She is instantly drawn to a younger man, Max Kingsley. And boyyyy do they have chemistry 🔥

Max Kingsley, is younger, extremely handsome and very quickly becomes enamored with Izzy. Izzy and Max have almost an instant spark and Gabi just builds in it so beautifully. Izzy constantly isn’t sure that she is enough for Max. The age gap between the two is another trope of this book that Gabi spends a lot of time building upon.

The Prism Society is the first book in this series. The sex club is an exclusive club in Brooklyn where people go to explore themselves and their desires. Sex clubs are a favorite trope of mine and Gabi does an amazing job of bringing it to life and including a lot of spicy scenes!

The Mirage Guild is a beautiful story not only about romance but about finding oneself and fully embracing that. There is romance, indecisiveness, tantalizing read that blends romance, something forbidden, age gap and just a lot of really good and relatable marks.

I fell in love with Gabi after book 1 and this book is another I’d recommend!!!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm absolutely in love with the first half of this book - Izzy's lack of direction and soul searching despite everyone around her seeming to have a life plan resonated with me HARD. I loved her snark, her determination to earn a life for herself despite her trust fund, and I loved her 'pick yourself up and make the best of it' attitude.

And let me tell you, Max didn't disappoint either. Phew! Gorgeous, kind, supportive, a good listener who also thinks before he speaks...if anything he's a bit too perfect.

I am always here for an older woman/younger man story and this one is excellent, especially as the age gap (7 years) is not their primary issue.

Despite being set around an adult club, it's not 'that' type of story, most of the time it could be any normal bar, with the occasional more risqué activity happening. Izzy and Max only take advantage of their location on a couple of occasions, and even then it's with limited impact of being in a 'club'.

Somewhere around two-thirds of the way through I felt things lost their way just a little. I suspect that will be cleared up in the final edit. And I'll be honest, the end didn't do it for me personally, but as The Mirage Guild started with such an atypical heroine, I wanted her to have a unique ending.

[K. Ramjohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mirage Guild is a spicy reverse age gap tale and my first read from this author.
The story follows Izzy, a thirty five year old, who spent the past decade traveling and has returned home to work at her brother's adult club while she figures out her life.

On her first day at work, she meet Max, who is studying to be a sommelier and there's an instant attraction. However Max is 7 years younger, which caused some hesitation on her part. But as the story progressed, we saw he was kind and supportive and I loved the growing camaraderie between them. I enjoyed their growing relationship but Izzy was too much in her head and I wished they had better communication between them.
Their steamy scenes were sizzling, however despite the novel being set in an adult club, it's not that type of story, and most of the time it read like any normal bar.
The story did slow down at certain points but I did enjoy seeing Izzy's development and finding direction in her life. I also enjoyed the sommelier aspect of the story and learning about the different wines.
This was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to romance lovers.

[Danes_booksta · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Arc review
Tropes i enjoy:
♥️ :brothers best friend
♥️ :reverse age-gap
♥️ :strong friendships

I wanted to connect with this story so much more than i did. I love the reverse age gap and even though 7 years is not that big of a gap, she was way too in her head about literally everything.

I loved how supportive she was of him passing his sommelier test and how she made flash cards but i felt like they connected more on a friendship/ business relationship level than they did on a romantic relationship level, i think it's because she was so in her head it made me not love them as much. She questioned everything. And like, even when people were telling her how great she was?She still questioned it.

They had the spice in bed, with Max becoming just didnt feel anything onger than firing. And it could be because she was so caught up at first, just took me out. I'm roughly the same age and she just kept dwelling on stuff instead of moving on and making a name for herself.

I think that part of me wanted more relationship/ romance instead of just sex. I didn't feel that deep love. And honestly? The ending kind of felt forced with that little surprise at the end...

[A.H. Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabi Salas writes spice, intimacy, and romance in such a unique way, and The Mirage Guild is a testimony to that! Max and Isabella are the cutest couple, bringing out the best in each other.

Isabella is a strong, kind, and amazing woman, ready to prove herself and make her mark. Max, with his ambition to become a sommelier, doesn't let anyone deter him from his dream—plus, he's flirty as hell! Both have been burned by past loves and the expectations of their immediate circles, yet they’ve managed to change and grow.

I absolutely loved how they believed in each other. Max was such a golden retriever but a boss in the bedroom, while Isabella, despite pushing Max away due to feelings of inadequacy, proved she was truly accomplished.

The book also tackles the social issue of women feeling the need to have everything accomplished by the age of 30, highlighting the pressure and challenges they face. Communication was key to their relationship, big time, and their growth throughout the story was beautifully portrayed.

And that ending? AMAZING!

* I received an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Justine Gingras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: dual
Tropes: reverse age gap, younger brother's best friend, entrepreneurship, wine nerd, sex club / adult club, panty thief, sex in public, strong female friendships


When Izzy moves back to the Big Apple from the relaxing beaches of Bora Bora, she finds herself caught between her past and the present. After cashing in a favor with her brother, her move was not a choice of her own and she finds herself in a less then enjoyable job. The Prism Society, an exclusive club in Brooklyn, where members can explore their deepest desires.

The club’s sommelier in training, is young, attractive and drawn to Izzy. Max and Izzy’s chemistry is electric and instant as soon as Izzy walks through the door. I love the way that their relationship and character development grows throughout the book.

The realistic insecurities and concerns of Izzy being 7 years older adds a relatable touch to their story that I couldn’t get enough of! Full of romance, self discovery and forbidden desires the Mirage Guild should be added to your TBR!

[Jan Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
✨I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

"The Mirage Guild" by Gabi Salas got me hooked from start to finish. Izzy and Max’s chemistry and tension was instant. It was nice reading how their relationship progressed from their flirty bangers to their HEA.

I love how some scenes and topics were close to reality, from reaching your dreams and knowing what you want in life. Even though I’m 12 years younger than her, I related to Izzy so much. From being lost, to finally knowing what she wants touched my heart.

Reading “The Mirage Guild” really surprised me. It wasn’t all steam and spice, but it also tackles life and love. I truly recommend this to be addded to your TBR. 📚

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mirage Guild is the second book in The Prism Society series. I did not get to read the first before this one, but to me, it was not lacking.

The story follows a well travelled entrepreneurial woman in her mid-30s, Isabella, and her younger brothers (7 year age gap), sommelier-in-training, best friend, Max.

They are from two different ends of the scope of life, and they meet each other when Isabella is back home from her trip, she asks her brother for a job, at his adult club, where Max also works.

The book amazingly showcases relatable situations with navigating life, careers, friendships, and relationships. For me, it also outlined a particular message: If you want it, go for it. Don't always second guess yourself and don't make assumptions of others.

Gabi Salas has written a beautiful story with life, love, and AMAZING spice! I will definitely be going back to read the first in the series and can't wait for what is to come!

[Rosie :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟.5
🔥🔥🔥

Really enjoyed the reverse age gap and development of the two characters.
I loved that Izzy became her own independent business women.
Max is a totally sweetheart and totally deserved to be shown off and loved.
It’s felt quite full on at the start and almost came out of nowhere but as the story develops and the characters do too you can really start to see the depth of the relationship.
I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the spicy scenes in the club and would have liked more emphasis on that!

-Reverse age gap
-Adult club
-Brothers BFF
-Fling
-Rich girl / working class boy
-Workplace

[Bookish Lady Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: THE MIRAGE GUILD
By: Gabi Salas
I loved the first book in this series and this one just as much. It was good and relatable I mean I want to have my life together and I feel a lot like it’s not. Definitely loved the it’s ok to not have it all together vibes! The two MCs complemented each other perfectly and placed healthy boundaries it was refreshing to read. The spice and vibes of this book was so so good! I can’t say it enough I loved it. And the twist perfect!!! 😍

🔥Reverse Age Gap
🔥Younger Brother's Best Friend
🔥Entrepreneurship 
🔥Wine Nerd
🔥Sex Club / Adult Club
🔥Panty Thief
🔥Sex in Public
🔥Strong Female Friendships

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mirage Guild follows Gabi Salas’s previous book, The Prism Society. We learn about Max and Izzy’s story, a reverse-age gap, contemporary romance. Lots of tropes in this one! Brother’s best friend, workplace romance, schmexy club… LOTS of things going on in this one! I did love how Salas developed the relationship between Izzy and Max. No spice was skimped in the writing of this novel. 😉 We get hefty doses of it and I’m not mad at it. I love Salas’s writing style and I’m excited to see where this series goes from here!

[Kimberly Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and definitely not the last. I fell in love with Isabella and Max. There was fear, excitement, energy, sadness, angst... everything a book should have. And don't forget all that SPICE 🥵
Gabi built the story in such a way that I couldn't put it down!
If you're looking for a fun, meaningful, super spicy age gap romance, definitely check this one out. You won't regret it!
Thank you, Gabi and The Author Agency, for this ARC.

[Erika [The Smut Files] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy feels like she is past her prime and has returned to NYC to ask her brother for a job at his club. She did not expect her chemistry with Max.

Izzy was definitely suck in her head too much and think there could have been better communication. I definitely loved the last few chapters.

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
* Reverse age gap (7 years)
* Wine bar + sexy club
* Younger brother's best friend
* Sex in public
* Workplace

Overall Rating: 4/5

[Jennifer Painter Slotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book my Gabi Salas and it definitely won't be my last! This book drew me in right away and then I couldn't put it down and didn't want the story to end. Loved Max and Izzy's insane chemistry and connection - it jumped right off the pages. So glad they were able to overcome miscommunication and find their happily ever after. Loved the steamy chemistry in this book and hoping there are more books to come in the series!

[Chandra Quimby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with these characters, feeling all the feels. There was fear, excitement, energy, sadness, angst...everything a good romance should have. And let's not forget the SPICE!!! Oh there was plenty of that and I'm here for it! I enjoyed the storyline and character development and how Gabi built the story arc in such a way that you couldn't put it down! I'm ready for more!

[Amaris (IG: readwithamaris_ ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

𝗪𝗢𝗪. 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘄. 𝗜 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁. 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 (𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱😂). 𝗦𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝟯𝟬𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗲. 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳- 𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲…𝗜 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝗵𝗮.

𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝘅’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗜 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗶𝗺. 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗼🥵.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗻, 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗽 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁! 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖!🤍

[Kristens_korner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid slow burn romance with a decent amount of spice. I love the story of the chocolates and the wine and the main male character . I wasn't so crazy about the main female character and all her insecurities and the pregnancy, but I think it is just my preference to lean toward darker stuff and not the fairy tale of marriage and kids.

[Sabrina V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Isabella is forced out of her comfort and expectations to see how life can be if you don’t spend all your time worrying about it and I love how Max and Isabella slowly grow individually and together through the whole book. I love them so much 🥰

[Readingwithdesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella and Max!!! Love these two!! This was my first book by this author and definitely not the last !! I love ❤️ this !!!

[LAJordan Leigh Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF for now. I liked the setting & characters. It just wasn’t what I expected from a workplace sex club trope. Maybe I’ll give it another try sometime.

[Emily pistel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️🎉

I really enjoyed this book, but I just wanted more from it. I just felt like it was really slow at some points. BUT. I really loved the ending / the last few chapters. I loved the reverse age gap! She did such a good job doing the build up for these characters and the chemistry! I just feel like I didn’t connect with the book fully.

🔥Reverse Age Gap
🔥Younger Brother's Best Friend
🔥Sex Club / Adult Club
🔥Panty Thief
🔥Sex in Public
🔥Strong Female Friendships

[Logan Liebetrau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mirage Guild was a good book let me say that first off. The characters were loveable (especially dirty Max) but it just didn't have a good flow to the story that I wanted. The time covered seemed to fast paced and I wasn't taking any of the information on it. The spice was great when it happened, I don't know. This one just wasn't "it" for me. And that's okay!

[mrsxtremistsbookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a 2.5

Thank you to @theauthoragency for this ARC. This book sounded like it would be super intriguing as it follows Izzy, our FMC who has moved home in her early 30s ready to figure out her life and Max, the bartender at her brother’s sex club.

Unfortunately for me, I could not relate to Izzy at all. While the things she is going through should be relatable I didn’t find her character to be. This pulled me out of the story quite a bit and I had troubles liking her and Max together due to this reason as well.

Max was an amazing character. I liked getting to know him, seeing him with his family, his thoughts and feelings.

If you like contemporary love stories focusing on the relationship and no outside conflict or stressors, bougie people with money, or workplace romance stories this book may still be great for you.

Troupes: reverse age gap, brothers friend, sex club, workplace relationship
Spice 3/5
Plot 3/5
Pace 3/5
Character Personality 2.5/5
Character Growth 3/5
Writing Style 3.5/5
World Building 4/5