Grand Romantic Delusions and the Madness of Mirth (Part One): Conduit World

by Meghan Ciana Doidge

Still grieving the death of my beloved elder brother, but needing to fortify my newfound position, I’m forced to participate in a matchmaking event.

No matter that I have no desire, or any of the required skills, to hold one of the intersection points on my own, I am now the heir to the United European Nation. My chosen bond mates will be selected from the elite of society. Titled, wealthy, practiced in politics — and accomplished in all the essence-wielding skills I lack.

Chosen bond mates.

Not soul bound, not fated.

A love connection isn’t even a fever dream or a fleeting thought. A glam rock star, my childhood best friend, a staid earl, a bareknuckle fighter turned archduke, or a horse breeder …

I don’t get to choose any or all of them.

Because despite the purple eyes marking me as one of the powerful awry, I am in fact an ineffectual dud. The time to find and fortify any such predestined-by-the-universe connections — if such connections even exist for me — ran out when my brother died.

***
The Mirth duology is set in the Conduit World. While it’s not necessary to read all the interconnected series, the ideal reading order is as follows.Awry (Conduit 1)Grand Romantic Delusions and the Madness of Mirth, Part 1 (Mirth 1)Grand Romantic Delusions and the Madness of Mirth, Part 2 (Mirth 2)Snag (Conduit 2)Adult 18+ While choice vs. duty is a strong theme in the Mirth duology, Mirth doesn’t have to choose between her suitors, and they’re more than happy to lend a helping hand to each other as well. Content notes and a list of tropes can be found on MCD’s website (on the book detail page).

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2024

About the author

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.

Reviews

[Marie Valenzuela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy a good fantasy, and I like the premise behind Mirth. I would have rated this higher, but there was just a little too much graphic sex for my taste. I'm not a prude, but I really prefer it left to the imagination.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh so good!!!!

This is the beginning of a series. I love all of Doidge’s books. I just wish I could wait till they are all written so I could devour them all at one time. But, alas, I cannot.

All of her books are terrific, but somehow she keeps surprising me with a better book with each new book that she publishes.

I very much enjoy this new book in the Conduit world! I recommend you read her books in the recommended order because it makes the experience that much better!! Highly recommend! Enjoy!!!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read for a second time as a comfort read... now I'm really hankering for the second book. I think the challenge with why-choose romance is having clear and distinct characters; I've read a lot where the male personalities kind of get lost amongst each other. I loved all of the characters in this story though, and how they compliment and contrast each other. Sully is my absolute favourite!!

Meghan also did a great job of making Mirth's personality true to her circumstance as a royal.
The amount of spice was perfect - there was just a little bit, with the foundation laid for more bonding in book 2. What readers can expect:

- A modern royal courting event
- Why choose (one FMC, five MC)
- Queer - most characters in this book seem to be quite fluid / bi (this ties back to the world building which is based around 'bond groups')
- FMC has god tier power that she's resisting (I'm hoping book 2 has some hectic magic displays)

Overall I hope more people catch onto this one!

[Krys F · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read all of Meghan's books, and I'm a big fan, but this one was a letdown for me. There were several story lines going on and once, and none of them were making any sense. Mirth is mourning, and I get that, but the author didn't have to keep reminding us of that every few sentences. I also felt that most of sex scenes were forced, and some sex references were not needed at all. The best part of the book is the end when the plot is finally explained and things start unfolding. It took way too long to get to that point with a lot of mindless fluff written in between.

[Mrs K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really disappointed, I have read all of Meaghans cupcakes universe books usually in one or two sittings but this has taken weeks as it was so hard going and mopey, the lead character isn't likeable and it's only when I got more than half way through that I got slightly interested in some of the other characters and the dynamics . I only continued reading as I am stubborn and was hoping that it would improve - it didn't really.

[Kayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh so this is a story story.

Before I get into my review, I wanted to say when you read other reviews commenting on how "overly smutty" this is...they might just be used to solely reading YA. Yes, there are open door scenes (very tastefully hot tbh) but there is not an overt amount.

Now the review.

I read a lot of RH books, and beyond a select perfect few, they tend to follow a somewhat similar flow. You'll start to notice trends and structure repetition, which isn't a bad thing just predictable. This is one of those perfect few.

The nitty gritty: Mirth (FMC) is a princess who just went from spare to heir due to the tragic loss of her brother. In order to claim her place, she needs to form a powerful bond group while navigating her grief. Her father decides to host a match-making event to force issue, destroying what she thought would be her chance of choosing her mates. Slowly (real freaking slowly) we are introduced to the guys she is allowed to invite to participate. Some strangers, others old friends, and all in between. Not understanding, or in pure denial, she navigates following her duties and figuring out her new life. Honestly, imagine mama mia but instead of Sofie inviting her maybe dads she invites maybe mates...and she's a princess.

This is definitely a plot focused book, with tons of world building. Each MMC is introduced in a meaty chapter that just flows perfectly. They each are very clearly their own person, and come with their own baggage. The guys are not an established pack/group but watching them slowly piece together their situation was one of my favorite parts of this book.

This is also not a lighthearted read, all of the characters are going through some shit. Thank god for the occasional comic relief. It was done in an awesome way that felt well balanced and meaningful.

I can't wait to read the second!

[Lisa Maddison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much, I related to Mirth a lot. I didn't want this book to end, but it did and here is my review. Princess Euphrosyne is in mourning for the untimely death of her older brother and best friend. Her father needs an heir to take on the European intersect, so Mirth as she is known to her close friends, who were also her brother's friends. Because of power needed, she is being presented with bonded groups.
I would recommend reading Awry also by Meghan Ciana Doidge to understand the magical system, but the best part of this book was actually the characters, their side stories and interactions with Mirth. The hard part is always waiting for new books. I always recommend books by this author, but this book was so good, please try it.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

MCD is my favorite author, hands down. But this book just didn't hit her usual level of awesomeness. MCD consistently builds fantastic worlds with strong female leads but this book failed to do so. Mirth struggles with the loss of her older brother whom she shared an extremely close bond with -the book implies that they may have shared the same lovers or love interests and Mirth is now left struggling to find a relationship with friends/loved ones that knew her brother without the constant reminder.

This is the 2nd book in her new Conduit world and the first book, Awry, had a power FMC. I hope when part 2 comes out for Mirth, that she becomes a powerful female lead

[Rebecca Humpal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want sure about the “why choose” storyline, or knowing that would be a focal point, but I really enjoy the book. Sex scenes were well done, but somewhat graphic. If you don’t want to hear about people’s body parts this may not be the book for you. If you are queasy about anything other then vanilla this may also not be your book.

That being said this may become one of my favorite series of MCD. I’m including the Conduit series with Mirth’s because they are in the same world.

I really enjoyed this book, especially the relationship between Mirth and her chosen ones. I recommend you to read this book.

[Anteia Consorto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, MCD proves to be a master of storytelling. Not surprising, this book is fantastic.  I couldn't decide if I was going to like multiple POV's but it was amazing!  MCD seamlessly moves from one to another and it’s brilliant.
I'm so excited to explore this new universe and get to know these characters better.  This first book fleshes out just enough of their background and lives to let the reader get invested, knowing there's more to their stories.  I wasn't ready for it to end and can't wait for book 2. A wonderfully dynamic story. 

[Lisa Rector · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. I got 43% of the way through, and then stopped reading for a few weeks, and then tried to pick it up again, and I had no idea what was going on. After glancing back at a few chapters, I remembered that there was a bunch of points of view, and that it was like introducing the reader to each one. But nothing really happened almost halfway through the book. I kept expecting to get to some matchmaking event, but it was just setting up the characters. I have no desire to get back into it. I can’t believe I paid full price for this.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating departure from previous works of this author. I enjoyed the concept of a matchmaking event. It kind of reminded me of a bachelorette reality tv type of event but the contestants had supernatural talents. The idea of bonding groups is different and not something I would normally like but I grew intrigued with the characters. This book is more explicit and adventurous than previous works so, if that offends you, probably not the book for you.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am definitely interested to read what happens in the next book! Five possible bond mates, but what will Mirth do with that much combined power to bond with? I'm loving the different personalities of all the guys and love seeing them interact with each other and Mirth. I want to know more about the Awry power too!

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!

MCD has an amazing talent for character and world building that feels as if you live there with them and it’s just known to you. I’ve been enamored with her writing ever since I discovered the Dowser series. This however- is another level! I am SO excited to dive back in experience more of Mirth and her world. Please release the 2nd book quickly!!

[Nancy L Sumpter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

Soooo good, please say part two comes out this year!! Story grabbed me right away, couldn't stop reading until I finished the book. Now I want to cry cause I have to wait for part two.

[Jen Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting is the hardest part

As always, Meghan Ciana Doidge captivates. This one was a little racier than others but absolutely captivating. I love her character building and the intersection points. I can't believe it's finished and now I just have to wait for Part Two! Thank you MCD for yet another wonderful world to get lost in!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction

Meghan Ciana Dodge is a born storyteller who has masterfully created this world that's ours, but magical. Grand Romantic Delusions is a great beginning to a new chapter of her worlds. Looking forward to more in this story arch

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a little bit different but in a good way. I had to get used to the multiple pov’s, but once I did, wow. Waiting anxiously for the next book.

[Colette Hayter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant.

Another page turning masterpiece from MCD, compelling, eloquent and a you to read. This magical world keeps pulling me back in, I'm delighted to let it.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these characters and am enthralled with the story!

[Jenny Baron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Holy cats! This book is mesmerizing. The characters are wonderful. The plot keeps you engaged from the first page. I cannot wait for part 2.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the Awry world. I did like Mirth's character and predicament.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another couldn’t put down read by Meaghan Ciana Doidge. Characters to fall in love with, spicy 🌶️ and a great storyline. What more could you ask for xx

[Katrina Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can hardly wait for the next book. The world building and characters have grabbed my imagination and heart. Finished it in a day, could hardly put it down!