Grand Romantic Delusions and the Madness of Mirth

by Meghan Ciana Doidge

I walked away from my own matchmaking event, leaving behind me the men who I was beginning to believe might be mine. The ones I was even starting to hope were my soul-bound mates.

I know now that hope was wrong.

I also know what I need to do to move forward. To say goodbye to my beloved brother, to accept the duty I was born and bred to undertake — to hold the intersection point and rule a realm.

Love, compatibility, and companionship aren’t factors in my future. But I need just a moment, a few days, to accept everything else that comes with my blood and my position. I need to embrace my fate as if it were my choice — even if it never really was a choice. Any of it.

And that includes finally accepting the deadly power I wield.

But apparently, my would-be suitors have a different future in mind for us all. And though I’m not running — or at least not running from them — they’re primed for the chase.

A good thing, too. For there are children who need our protection … and a last layer of secrets to be uncovered.

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 1Grand Romantic Delusions and the Madness of Mirth, Part 2Snag (Conduit 2)(coming next!)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 (book detail page).

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2025

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

[Rozanne Cadotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh!

I don’t believe there could be any better accolade for an author to see in a review than, “I don’t want it to end. I want more! I want to read more about these people’s lives!” But I also realize that said author wants to move on, has other stories to write. And there is another story in this world, at least, coming soon! I have been deeply immersed in Meghan Ciana Doidge series, all of them, buying them, one by one, not reading anything else in the TBR pile waiting for me! Jade and her cohort, the oracle, the necromancer, the reconstructionist. All fascinating! And I need to see what will come next, for I do believe there will be more,and I’me here for it alll.

[Anteia Consorto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duology is nothing short of amazing.
So much happens in this conclusion to Mirth’s story; it’s a whirlwind of action, romance, found family, letting go, moving on, all the emotions…
I really loved the multiple points of view, giving the reader the inner thoughts of various characters.
There’s a lot of growth from the characters and more of their background is revealed. I love how everything in MCD’s writing has a purpose, nothing happens just because; no scene is a filler or there just to entertain. Everything throughout the story happens for a reason.
I was so absorbed in the story, living in this incredible world MCD created, that before I knew it I was reading “The End” and it was 2 am.

[Krys F · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Conduit world, it appears that Awry women are destined to have a harem of men falling at their feet. The second and final book of Mirth's story was better than book one, but it took a while to get there. I didn't like Mirth at all in book one, so it was nice to see some character development from her. She suffered a great loss, but that loss just weighed down book one in a way that turned me off. In book two, we got to see emotional growth with her finally dealing with her loss and with all of the men in her life. This is my least favorite series from this author, but I'll continue to read anything new she puts out, hoping she gets back to her original style of writing.

[Jennifer Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meghan Ciana Doidge has done it again.

Like all her books, this one invites you in, keeps you turning the pages until the end, and leaves you wishing for more.
The characters are larger than life and, yet, somehow, still down to earth. The story never lags. I didn't skim through pages to get to more interesting parts of the story.
I loved it when Mirth lets her power loose in the theater. I was tickled to find out that Coda was the mysterious person helping find the kids.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful sequel….no continuation of Mirth 1

Ms. Doidge is a wonderful story teller. Mirth and company are realistic and remarkable. She weaves them into a believable team… with all their warts and graces. The children are so very much a part of this.

I do not normally read reverse harems. If you have prejudices against that, this is not the book to read. I enjoyed this book and am glad I decided to read it. The sex scenes are great and I need book 3!

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in the series. The characters are multi-faceted and intriguing. They all have rich histories and how they fit in and enhance the bond group is interesting. The children we met in the first book bring so much to the story and seem to enlighten each of the characters. I enjoyed this book immensely.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt read, couldn’t put it down but didn’t want it to end either. Such a great writer, I’ve loved every single one of her books. A fantastic follow on from book one, lots of spicy 🌶️, laughter, few tears and I cannot wait for her next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice conclusion to Mirth and her boys. Loved all the different relationships. All the boys have their own strengths to bring to the bond. Mirth is one strong cookie thanks to all of them! And phew on that ending, I was worried about my fav boy!

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

MORE OF THIS! I love Meghan’s writing but her moving into why choose genre *chefs kiss*. These characters were great,both books were fun and if she wrote an unplanned 3rd book it wouldn’t hurt my feelings!!

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

Another beautiful story from MCD! I have read many of MCD’s books and I just love how her characters grow and become stronger throughout the series. A duology is not enough for Mirth and her family ❤️ Here’s to hoping for more later down the road!

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than part one, but again, if you took out all of the detailed graphic sex, it could have been one book. It's a good story with a satisfying ending and lots of trails leading to a continuing series. It's also a quick how-to primer for those who don't already know which parts go where.

[Anne Deegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mirth is so different!

Doidge does it again…grabs my attention and I get nothing done while I inhale these 2 books about Mirth and her world. Different from the world of Cupcakes and Trinkets, but awesome! Be prepared for adult themes.

[♡ Jay ˚୨୧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It honestly felt like only half a story!

With a cast this big, the romance payoff ended up feeling a little rushed for me.

I wanted more buildup, more moments, more depth… especially with Elias. That man had so much potential, and the author only gave me crumbs T.T

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t even finished .i am trying to read or more slowly - I don’t want it to end. I LOVE THIS BOOK. I loved part 1 as well. Thank you Meghan

[Nat Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Wow wow wow!!!!

I am rather speechless. Thoroughly enjoyed. Couldn't put down.

Complex characters and plot.


.... and again, wow!
Thank you!!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great writing, too short for me

I have decided I am mot a short story reader. I always need more, but especially for this Conduit World. I hope we get more about Mirth and crew.

[Kristi Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply satisfying read!!

MCD once again delivers complex characters within a fully developed world that is mesmerizing! As always I can’t wait for the next book!!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story! Love these characters and such a fascinating world. Very steamy and sweet, as well.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely steamy!

[FirinneSolas · Rating 5 out of 5]

a delight - as always. looking forward to reading more from this world

[Suzanne drennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and free of the predicable and tiresome elements too often used. Characters were interesting and not stereotypes. More please.

[Linda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mirth parts I &II

Fast paced books with outstanding world building, intrigue, and strong female lead. Very well written and totally engaging story. Warning: very spicy

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little spicy for my taste. There was a good exciting sequence rescuing children.

[Betty L Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

ohhhh

This was so good. I love the soul bonded group they have my heart. I have to see if there are more awry