Itโs not often the entire gang is together. Some have moved away to chase their dreams, and others have fled in the search for who they truly are. Most have stayed, creating a home and a future right where it all began. Being reunited should be all fun and games, right? ๐๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐จ. Because in the space of one night, buried emotions are exposed, confessions are made, and adversities are tested. So, what started as a casual catch up with old friends quickly became so much ๐ข๐ค๐ง๐...
Jay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When sheโs not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three little boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV. She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
This series grabbed my heart from the very beginning and has ahold of it still years later.
I was going to leave this and start it on the weekend but I couldnโt help myself, so on Friday the 13th there I sat, coffee in hand and tears on my face. This wrung so many emotions out of me, I felt like I was on a high one minute then the next minute to be plummeted into a low as some characters in this book battled through their emotional struggles, with me battling them also right alongside them.
But even through their struggles this tight knit group of friends uplifted them and surrounded them with love.
Even though this was a short novella it packed a big punch of feels, I giggled, I cried and I swooned as mayhem and chaos walked hand in hand delivering an unputdownable story.
the biggest plot twist of 2020 is Jay McLean writing 5 (!!!!) more books for the More Than series when the last book came out in 2015. what the hell ๐ญ
one of those five books better be a second lucycameron book!
It feels so good to be back in the 'More Than' universe. I was so happy to see these characters again and read about them as adults. The gang is back with more mayhem and one last Christmas in the cabin together. Jay's writing is my favorite and I can't wait for what's next!
I absolutely love all the books by Jay that Iโve read so far, but the More Than series definitely has a special place in my heart. I love these characters and their friendship so much and having these extra glimpses into their fictional lives was everything! I already need more content from this universe๐ฅบ
The perfect holiday adjacent catch up with the couples and characters of the More Than crew. I absolutely knew Iโd be feeling all the emotions while reading as this is a Jay read, but it was so much MORE THAN I expected. So much love, pain, laughter, and feelings that are so real and relatable. So good and fun to get updates on all of these characters and Iโm excited to see that this author plans to give us a little more in this universe. Love to read them all grown up.
Loved, loved, loved it. Makes me want to reread the series all over again.
Excited for the new novella too! Hope we see Amanda and Logan fostering/adopting Micah. Was never a Heidi fan, but would like to see her get an HEA with Roman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I felt this was all over the place. Pieces here and there on all the couples and it was nice getting to know what's going on. Unfortunately, as much as I liked the sweet parts, the sad parts were still heartbreaking.
The crazy part was all the mayhem! *SMDH*
Next up is More Than a Mayhem Wedding in mid 2025.
The book I never knew I needed โ this was a fantastic return to the More Than world as we see the characters from one of my all-time fave series (now in their late 20s) all gather together for a night of Christmas mayhem.
Itโs been ten-ish years (in this world) since the events of the first book, and each of our couples have been through ups and downs, and I loved this opportunity to see where theyโre at. Itโs an emotional one, with some heartbreaking but very real struggles, and there are some truly heartfelt moments as they support each other as always, but OMG, this book is hilarious. The banter, the pranks, and even drunk Lucy, I laughed so much and loved every moment of this reunion.
With ten different POVs, we get the perspectives of all of the main characters plus two special guest appearances, and I loved getting so up close and personal with each of them. Thereโs SO much love in this group, and they are just magic together. And bonus - the special guests hint at a new story to come, and I am here for it.
Definitely not a standalone, this is for fans of the series, and it's such an awesome read, I loved every moment. Thank you, Jay McLean!
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
I enjoyed this but at the same time I was constantly finding myself confused because it's been so long since I read the More Than Series and I was struggling to remember who was who and what their back stories were. Thats more on me than the writing - as usual Jay's writing was great, and there were plenty of both serious and fun moments and the world building is great.
If youโve been missing the More Than gang, A More Than Mayhem Christmas by Jay McLean feels like a warm, festive reunion with old friends. Itโs a lighthearted novella that delivers on its promise of chaos, laughter, and holiday cheer while offering a few heartfelt moments along the way.
The story brings the entire crew together in a cozy cabin for a Christmas celebration, and the result is a whirlwind of fun. The mayhem is exactly what youโd expect from this lively group, with games, banter, and all the chaos that comes with putting so many strong personalities in one room. The joy of the novella lies in its simplicityโitโs a slice-of-life snapshot that feels like catching up with old friends over the holidays.
For fans of the series, one of the most satisfying elements is simply spending time with all the couples again. Whether theyโve stayed close to home or ventured off to pursue their dreams, itโs heartwarming to see how theyโve grown while still holding on to the bonds that tie them together.
While the focus is on humor and connection, McLean doesnโt shy away from sprinkling in emotional moments. A couple of scenes bring depth and tenderness to the story, reminding us why these characters and their relationships are so beloved. Those moments add just enough weight to balance the lighthearted tone.
This quick read left me smiling and nostalgic, ready to dive back into the rest of the series. A More Than Mayhem Christmas is a delightful holiday treat for fansโa fun and chaotic celebration of love, friendship, and the ties that hold us all together. And with more books in the series on the horizon, the anticipation only grows.
Copy received from the author for an honest review
Well, this Christmas short was something I never knew that I needed, but loved getting my hands on once I knew about it.
IT has been many, many moons since I have read the More than series, so I did spend a bit of the time confused as to who belonged to whom, but that is a me problem more than (see what I did there) the book.
As usual, Jay McLean gave us a story full of emotion and love - and a reminder of why I love her writing so much.
I donโt want to give away any spoilers but if you are a fan of the More Than series (and you should be) you will love this novella. My only complaint is I want MORE. The banter, the mayhem, all the things I have loved about these characters was a joy to revisit.
So many emotions with this book, no much longer ago I decided reread the More Than series, and whatโs my surprise to figure out this little novella about all the characters almost 10 years later?
I love the stories but the big question is: we will have new books apart from the other novella? Heidi will finally have her happy ending?
Who the hell is Roman and where he came from? He is introduced in another books?
At the end of the book I was feeling so happy, itโs amazing to go back home. I love seem grow up Lucy and Cam with a little girl, I felt Rileyโs pain as well. Please give us moreโค๏ธ
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Devoured this! All of these characters live rent free in my head and I can't get enough. This novella was perfect. It wasn't too long and it was a nice closure with all the couples.
When you love a series, you want for the stories to go on forever. Jay McLean gave us a reunion of our favorite More Than characters and fit in so much within this short book. From the emotional to the family dynamic as a friend group, this novella packed the perfect punch!
I love love love this gang and A More Than Mayhem Christmas reminded me why. This holiday novella is for the readers that have previously read the series and just want more. I loved seeing the whole gang back together and causing major "mayhem". It was fun and lighthearted antics, but McLean definitely knew when to throw in the emotional and show what makes this whole crew so special. They play hard, but they care and love harder and that totally comes out in their one night together. I laughed and cried and loved each moment that unfolded. These characters have my heart.
"It's so much more than a cabin," Heidi murmurs, echoing my thoughts. "So much more than a home," Amanda adds. "It's where friendships were formed..." Riley says. "And where first loves were found..." Lucy sighs. ......"And where family is forever."
I had forgotten about Jay's ability to completely shatter your heart before gluing the pieces back together. From the very first chapter, I was in a chokehold, and I swear I cried in every single chapter (some were happy tears).
I absolutely loved seeing the gang back together again. And I completely enjoyed all the mayhem that went on in this one single Christmas Day. But I also have to say that I love the fact that Jay kept each and every one of them real, with real-life issues and struggles. She also showed us how, when you're in a relationship, your partners struggles turn into your struggles and how you need to work together in order to be able to move forward.
This was certainly not your regular holiday story, but it was definitely what us fans of the More Than series needed. I loved, loved, loved seeing Lucy again. And hopefully soon we'll see Heidi get the hea she also deserves.
Quote: โItโs so much more than a cabin... So much more than a home... Itโs where friendships were formed... And where first loves were found... And where family is forever.โ
I am so excited thereโs more for the characters of Mayhem. Iโm so excited that I got the opportunity to read this one early. Im happy I get to jump into the world of Mayhem once again. This reminds me of when I first read More Than This for the first time, which is Mikayla and Jakeโs story. My favorite couples are back as well, #TeamSilence and #TeamLuca
My favorite quotes from the story are from my two favorite couples. โWhen Iโm good, he thrives. But when Iโm notโฆ he spirals.โ Team Silence โI wouldnโt want to do life without you.โ โReally?โ I ask, raising my eyebrows. โTwo nights ago, you threatened to murder me in my sleep.โ Team Luca
I love being home ๐ฅน๐ซถ๐ป โขโขโขโข Thank you so much to Jay McLean for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!! It is truly a Christmas miracle because Jay McLean gifted us a new holiday novella set in the More Than world, aka my FOREVER HOME. This is seriously the best gift and I didnโt even think to ask for itโฆshe just knew ๐คญ Silly me for expecting a fun little catch up with the besties, because I kid you not, I cried 10 times reading this 17 chapter novella. It may be Christmas but Jay knows how to punch me in the gut. MY FEELINGS! So we come back 10 years after the series started, and I can honestly say, nothing has ever felt more like coming home. Our Mayhem Crew are all navigating different stages in life but decide to come together for one last holiday at Cam and Lucyโs cabinโฆmoment of silence for all the memories ๐ฅน Weโve got it all: heartache, healing, laughter, and of course, a whole lot of love. My favorite part of getting this novella is how Jay keeps it real. These peopleโs lives are not perfect, not even close, but Jay is able to capture the purest definition of unconditional love within this tiny glimpse back into their universe. The love and devotion between the couples AND within the friendships-more so family IMO!!!-is just everything! We also got some unexpected visits from special guests and I really loved that. The bond between this group is unbreakable and this novella certainly proved it. LONG LIVE THE MAYHEM!!! I seriously need moreโฆbut no rush ๐คฃ Jay, ILY, Thank you so much for this GIFT ๐โจโจ
It was so great being back with the more than gang ๐ฅน Iโve missed these characters so much and this is a world I never want to leave. I think if I had to choose one fictional friend group to be a part of it would be them. I mean can I join in on the mayhem pleaseee?! Jay always knows how to balance emotional scenes with laughter. One minute youโll be emotional then the next someone is throwing someone at someone lmao Poor Logan couldnโt catch a break ๐ Lucy is still my spirit animal she cracks me up I love her so much. This catch up was much needed I loved seeing where everyone was at in their lives. I shall patiently wait for more mayhem to come ๐
You're an incredible writer and no doubt make the heartthrob of your story so real, they will always be alive. This Novella continues a beautiful story and a catch up of our favorite More Than characters. Found family is the best, but it's something more when Jay shares the world with us. Loved revisiting everyone and the mayhem. It was the cherry on top. Or the star on top of the everglowing Christmas Tree. Thank you for keeping this world going, for continuing to keep them honest and true to character. For including your readers in a world where we feel we belong. May the Mayhem forever thrive. ๐
I read the More Than series years ago and loved it so much. When I saw that a novella was released I had to immediately read it. Giving it 5 stars because years later Iโm still obsessed with all of the characters.
Devoured. Immediately yes. It was so much fun seeing the characters again! I read it and immediately re-read it because I read so fast the first time I wanted to savor it the second.
At first I was struggling to feel the group's energy all over again, it was years ago since I hang out with them. Personally I still love them, but I am so intrigued with a potencial relationship between two side characters.... I am so invested in their story I can not even express my feelings properly. I enjoyed it a lot, it is worth to read.