On the eve of his retirement from the NHL, Ty Hudson met a woman he never forgot—and lost her just as quickly. One night. Instant sparks. Terrible timing.
Three years later, Ty is back in Linwood, building a life that feels smaller than the one he planned—coaching the Mayhem Hockey Club, tending a rescue farm full of misfits, and loving the eight-year-old next door like she’s his own.
Then Daisy Winslow comes crashing back into his world.
Daisy never expected to return to Linwood heartbroken and grieving, desperate to hold on to the only family she has left. The last thing she’s prepared for is Ty—the man she never truly moved on from—or the way her niece Junie already adores him.
That spark reignites, even as grief makes everything heavier. Daisy is barely holding herself together. Ty is risking his heart—for her, and for the family he never knew he wanted.
But this time, he isn’t walking away.
Made for Mayhem is a second-chance small-town hockey romance featuring single guardian, forced proximity, found family, and all the heart.
Aimee Vance writes heartfelt and hilarious romance featuring sassy heroines, grumpy heroes, and small-town happily-ever-afters—preferably with a Diet Coke nearby. Her romcoms blend humor and heart with sharp banter, big feelings, and love stories designed to make readers laugh, swoon, and feel right at home.
A lifelong fantasy and romance reader, Aimee studied public relations at Texas Christian University. She lives in Texas with her husband, two young daughters, and a Labrador Retriever. When she’s not writing, she’s usually rereading her favorite romances or cheering from the sidelines of her kids’ sporting events—occasionally at the same time.
Sweetly emotional read. I did relate more to the first book than this one, however it was still a great read. The cast is fantastic. It’s relationship-focused and character-driven with the plot focused on the guardianship of a little girl alongside healing from grief while the two main characters get a second chance at love (they had just a brief one night encounter years prior). There’s laughs, tears, and a slow simmer of chemistry into steamy times. A great HEA with an epilogue several years later that made my heart melt.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama. Both seemed to have experience, nothing specific I can recall being discussed on page though. They both thought of each other after their first ships passing in the night style interaction, unsure if either really dated since then though. The H especially was spread pretty thin with all his commitments.
Some tropes/themes: ☆ Second chance, feels like soulmates ☆ Age gap ☆ Former athlete ☆ Single parent vibes - MMC as foster parent, FMC as aunt ☆ Forced proximity ☆ Adorable kid ☆ Lots of precious animal sidekicks ☆ Loud and loving support group ☆ Start of female friendships ☆ MMC is a caretaker ☆ Grief processing ☆ FMC is a little lost ☆ Slow burn ☆ Small town
I love Aimee Vance's books so freaking much! "Made for Mayhem" is another absolute winner in the Mayhem Hockey Club series. It is a second chance, forced proximity, small-town romance with two fantastic main characters who must navigate their reconnection, their recently acquired grief, new parenthood, the legal system, and a whole lot of yearning. Daisy and Ty met randomly one night in Chicago when it was her first day in the city. They spent hours together, talking, getting burgers, playing truth or dare, and going to the beach... they shared a special connection, but once the night ended, they went their separate ways. Still, they never forgot one another. Years later, after the death of her sister, Daisy heads home to Linwood to take care of her niece, Junie, who has been left without a parent. Surprise is not a strong enough word when Daisy finds out Huddy, aka Ty, was her sister's next-door neighbor and has also been put in charge of caring for Junie in the interim while custody is decided definitively by the courts. Junie binds Daisy and Ty together despite their grumpy x sunshine personality differences. Slowly but surely, they begin to set their differences aside in order to care for Junie first and foremost, but their connection is stronger than just that. That day in Chicago together was deeper than they are willing to admit, but the more time they spend together, the deeper their bond becomes. Their banter, chemistry, and collective grieving are absolutely fabulously written. Off the charts good! I laughed, cried, and swooned while reading this. One of the best things Aimee does with her writing is the way she weaves things together effortlessly. Despite this being a hockey romance, it's not all about sports. It blends sports with family drama, romance, and humor with expert precision. I could not stop reading this once I started. Her writing is addicting! I adored seeing Emmy and Beckett from book one, and I am super stoked to see who gets to be in book three! I loved all of the small-town, found-family aspects. I loved the animals, as well as the shenanigans that happen with them on Ty's rescue farm. Junie is an adorably written kid character, not annoying in the slightest, totally believable. Daisy and Ty are such great surrogate parents. They always put Junie first, even when it means putting their own grief and healing on the back burner. I even enjoyed the legal process where Junie was concerned. It felt accurate to the process and never felt like it was diverting attention away from the romance aspect. AND THE SPICE! Oh my god, the spice. So freaking good. Seriously, I loved this one. I seriously cannot wait for the next book!
Thank you to Aimee Vance and House of Hearts for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I’m honestly so glad I picked it up because Aimee Vance is a new author for me, and there’s something about her writing that feels easy to sink into while still hitting emotionally.
It leans more into the emotional side of things rather than feeling like a traditional hockey romance, especially with Ty stepping away from the sport early on. That shift really allows the story to focus on grief, healing, and rebuilding a life after loss. Daisy returning home after her sister’s death and stepping in for Junie carries so much weight, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.
The dynamic with Ty adds another layer that just works. Their past connection, the time apart, and the slow, careful way they find their way back to each other felt natural and earned. The slow burn, the banter, and the quiet moments of care really stood out, and Junie brought so much heart to the story. Even the small-town setting and the animals added a comforting, cozy touch without taking away from the heavier themes.
What I appreciated most was how the story handled grief. It never felt rushed or overly dramatic, just honest and messy in a way that made the healing feel real. The found family aspect, the steady support system, and the way love slowly grows around loss made this one stick with me.
A really solid, emotional read that lingers after you finish.
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Huge thank you to Aimee Vance & House of Hearts Lit for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
thank you so much to the author and House of Hearts tours for the early copy! all opinions are my own!
WHY IS THIS BOOK SO DAMN SPECIAL I ALMOST CRIED OMGGGGGG ty hudson is just... the man. since book one i noticed he was one of a kind, that type of character i would jump on his arms. and this book proved just that: how he doesn't hesitate to help others, how being a foster dad makes him so whole he can't imagine his life without that kid in his life, how intense he is. and seeing grief being described as it was on page, it broke me. it has way too many good sentences on how to deal with it, to know it, to accept it sometimes, how to be with someone dealing with it, and i think that was super powerful. daisy's character was so me in previous years, when everything felt out of control and couldn't seem to find balance nowhere, that felt a burden and didn't want to be helped. and i loved her development, how she earned her place in the Mayhem crew, how she was able to get better a little bit every day... it was so powerful, so beautiful i didn't care about the age gap at all. those two are perfect for each other and idk why are you sleeping on such a perfect book 💜💜 and now i can't wait for the next book, this series just keeps getting better and better, thank you Aimee for writing it!!!
This was the fun silly read I needed after all that emotion and crying. I had a blast reading this because while it was silly and I was kicking my feet it still dealt with some serious matters that helped ground it (but not in a buzzkill way obvi) but made the story sweeter because of what they worked through. I live laughed loved this
Don’t let this cute little, sunset colored cover fool y’all. This book is heavy. Admittedly I was not prepared so consider this your warning. It will also incite any medical anxiety you may have. You have been warned.
BUUUUUT that didn’t stop me from loving it and making me tearful in those closing moments. Good heavens the FEEEEELS I had. I am obsessed with Ty Hudson y’all. What a gem of a man who takes care of all the things and loves so deeply and is the best kind of man you want in your corner.
Daisy bugged me a little with her avoidant tendencies but it was a genuine strength AND weakness that I liked seeing develop over the book. There were some brutal moments that will sink into your bones.
I adore all of these side characters and the found family they provide. It’s full of good communication and tender moments. I flew through it without even trying because Aimee Vance is incredible at pulling you into the circle.
And I’m sorry, BOOOOOK THREEEEEE???
Overall audience notes: - Contemporary Romance - Language: moderate - Romance: 3ish open door - Violence: mild - Content warnings: loss of a sister from cancer, parental abandonment (recounted), grief depiction, discussions around foster care
Ummm I think Daisy & Ty had my most favorite meet-cute ever? The dirty dancing almost leap? Truth or dare? Literally obsessed. Having me crying by chapter 5? Already knew this one would do me in.
I read book 1 in preparation for this ARC & loved it! I love a single parent trope but it was executed wonderfully. One of my favorite parts of the book was the relationship between Ty & Junie. I couldn’t wait to see it explored more after Ty revealed Junie’s mom was dying.
Some people love loudly and that’s wonderful but my favorite parts of love are the quiet ones. The acts that wouldn’t mean a lot to anyone else but the one you’re doing it for. That was Ty. That was how he loved Junie & how he ended up loving Daisy.
What you’ll get:
🌼 Grumpy x Sunshine 👨🏻 Single Dad/Guardian ❤️🩹 Healing from Grief 🏠 Forced Proximity 🔥 Slow Burn → Scorching 🐓 Farm animal chaos 🏒 Found Family
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Ty and Daisy with a little June bug on the side :)
Review of advanced copy received from author.
This one hit real close to home for me having just lost my mom not even 6 months ago but in a good way. Our FMC is portrayed exactly how I’m feeling and also not feeling and that’s hard to describe in words but Aimee did it.
Daisy sweet young Daisy was adventurous, brave, and soulful. Ty was hardened by life, strong willed, and a bit cynical. I really loved the depth of their devotion from the beginning of our present day. Junie was sad, smart, and strong willed but so important in getting out characters on the same page.
This book was so good I finished it in just 5 hours of straight reading time. I keep finding out things I wasn’t expecting and feeling things that made me crave more(laughing till I choked multiple times). Some of our plot was unique and set it above other books in the sense that you don’t think about real life scenarios( the ones no one talks about anyway) being included in a book as a part of the story but it made it feel that much more real.
Daisy and Junie went through something that unfortunately is a huge part of life and it’s depicted in a tasteful and real way in their story. Ty was the back bone and flood gatekeeper that they both needed to keep them grounded and loved.
I can’t wait to read about Shannon in the next one she’s always so mysterious!!!
Hockey, romance, found family, grief, all the emotional things
Going back to Linwood felt like coming home and being back amongst the Mayhem was just as wonderful as the last time. Ty and Daisy's story was perfect, two opposites meeting in the middle. A gentle, steady warmth mixed with unapologetic chaotic beauty. The charming town vibes, the hockey, the found family and Easter eggs for what's to come... all of it perfect. This book is a bit heavier, dealing with grief is big in this one but it's done so beautifully and realistically. Anyone who's lost someone understands the rollercoaster that is grief. I laughed, I cried and swooned. SO GOOD and I'm always recommending this series to all my friends because it's just so wholesome in the best way. Book 2 did not disappoint.
Made for Mayhem packed an emotional punch that I wasn't expecting. Ty and Daisy met years ago, and neither of them ever forgot the other. When Daisy returns to town after the heartbreaking loss of her sister, she's carrying so much grief while trying to stay strong for her niece.
What she never expected was to end up fighting for custody alongside Ty, the man she never forgot.
This was such a heartfelt story. I loved Ty so much because of the way he showed up and just knew what Daisy needed, even when things between them had a rough start. Watching these two navigate grief, healing, and finding their way back to each other made for a beautiful journey in the end.
This book was stunning and heartbreaking and healing and so fun. Literally all the feels. I cried a ridiculous amount. The crying thankfully alternated with giggling and smiling ear to ear… because while it was emotional, it was also a brilliant romcom.
-Small town romance -Grumpy x sunshine -Foster dad x aunt -Second chance with the one that got away -Forced proximity -Grief journey -Caretaking -Found family -All the banter -YEARNING
You can reads this as a standalone, HOWEVER, I recommend starting with book one, Moms of Mayhem. This will give you the full experience of meeting all the characters (there’s a lot of amazing character crossover).
Thank you Aimee for the chance to enjoy an ARC. I’m a lifetime fan of you and your brain and all the stories you come up with.
it’s been a long time since i’ve so instantly fallen in love with a book in a world completely new to me, but huddy and daisy had my heart right from the start. this story had absolutely everything - I couldn’t put it down.
Wow! This is such a sweet story between Ty and Daisy as she navigates grief and raising her niece. This book had me laughing out loud, crying and everything in between. Thank you Aimee for writing such an honest, raw, heartfelt book. 🩵
I went into Made for Mayhem already a bit cautious. I liked the characters in the first book, but the writing didn't work for me, and this one lost me even faster. I ended up DNFing at 30%, and honestly, I could feel myself checking out from chapter one.
The writing style is the main problem. It’s super fragmented, almost like bullet points, and it completely pulled me out of the story. I think it’s supposed to feel introspective, but it just comes off choppy and repetitive. Instead of getting absorbed, I kept noticing the writing itself, like it was trying a bit too hard to sound deep.
Which sucks, because I wanted to like this. I already had some goodwill going in since I liked the characters before. There’s definitely potential—the dynamics, the setting, the emotional beats—but the execution just didn’t land for me. Once the writing started bothering me, I couldn’t unsee it.
Also, this might be a small thing, but the cover didn’t help either. The characters look nice, but not super interesting, and the whole thing has that slightly too-perfect, almost AI-generated vibe. It ends up feeling kind of flat and lacking personality, especially compared to more hand-drawn romance covers.
Overall, this feels like a “just not for me” situation more than the book being outright bad. If you like a more stylized, fragmented inner monologue and light sports romance vibes, you might still enjoy it. But for me (especially as someone neurodivergent), the writing style was just too distracting to push through.
Audio: Fantastic! Dual narration with Vanessa Moyen returning as the female lead (Daisy), and Gideon Frost voices Ty! They were so so good! This one is extremely emotional for both characters, and they did an incredible job bringing them to life. It was already a candidate for a top read of the year, & this audio solidified that! If you can't tell, highly recommend!!
As both a mom and eldest sister, this one hit me square in the feels, HARD! It was so emotionally charged, I lost count of how many times it made me ugly cry, but I loved every second of it!
Daisy, Ty, & Juniper are in such a hard situation, all dealing with grief in different ways, while Daisy & Ty are trying to navigate custody of Juniper as well. They each have their challenges, but the way they love Juniper, want what's best for her, & do whatever is necessary to give her that is a beautiful thing. I don't want to give everything away, it's such a beautiful story that develops so well, so this will be pretty vague, but their journey will both break your heart but also put it back together again.
I could yap about it on and on and on, but as I said, not going to give everything away, you need to experience it for yourself! You won't regret it!!
**Thank you Aimee Vance & House of Hearts for the opportunity to listen & review the audio! All opinions are my own**
“You save puppies and grow mustaches? Dangerous combination, Huddy.”
Oh, Aimee!! I didn’t think I could love a book more than Moms of Mayhem, but you blew me away with this one. Made for Mayhem is book 2 of the Mayhem Hockey Club series, one of my favorite series of all time. Thank you so, so much for letting me read an early copy of this perfect angel baby book, and I’m sorry I wasn’t able to post on pub day!
Daisy and Ty are my new favorite Mayhem couple - and the bar was SUPER high with Emmy and Beckett. Daisy’s character is an absolute treat. I saw a lot of myself in her. She experienced a LOT of trauma in such a short amount of time, and her resiliency is my favorite thing about her. And TY. Oh, Ty. He’s just perfect. The grumpy former hockey player turned animal rescue farmer of my dreams.
Aimee packed SO much into this book, in the best way. It all flows so well together. It’s not just a romcom - it’s a story about dealing (and struggling) with grief, a mismatched group of women forming a sisterhood, and a beautiful testament to found family. I cried a LOT of happy and sad tears. Reading this felt cathartic. If you haven’t read any of Aimee’s books, I definitely recommend starting with the Mayhem Hockey Club series.
When I read book one in this series, I was obsessed and couldn’t recommend it enough, so I was really excited to jump into book two. And while I did enjoy it, some parts of the plot were a little harder for me to fully connect with.
I absolutely loved the meet-cute between Ty and Daisy and was instantly hooked by their chemistry and the setup. But the story then takes a more emotional turn when Daisy gets the news that her sister has passed away after struggling with an illness she never told Daisy about. Daisy then returns home to care for her niece, only to discover that Ty, the man she briefly met in the city, had somehow become her sister’s neighbour and is now involved in her niece’s life.
I could look past the coincidence of Ty being the neighbour, but I personally struggled a bit with the idea that the sisters were meant to be extremely close, yet Daisy had no idea her sister was seriously ill or preparing for what would happen to her daughter. It made it a little difficult for me to fully believe that part of the story.
That said, I still enjoyed Ty and Daisy together, and the emotional moments between them kept me invested throughout.
Made for Mayhem is a beautiful heartbreaking and heartwarming story. Ty(Huddy) and Daisy meet in Chicago the evening of his retirement from hockey. They spend the evening/night together walking around the city getting to know each other. He moves home the next day and she starts her new life in Chicago. For the next three years, they think about each other. Daisy then comes to Colorado after her sister dies to help care for her niece, Juniper/Junie. Unbeknownst to her, Ty is Junie’s foster dad and he loves next door. Will Ty and Daisy finally give into their feelings? The dual narration by Vanessa Moyen and Gideon Frost was phenomenal. Vanessa Moyen was magnificent as beautiful, sweet, grief stricken Daisy and lovable, brilliant Juniper. All of Daisy’s hurt, pain, grief, sadness, vulnerability, genuine happiness and love were clearly evident in her voice. Gideon Frost was spectacular as grumpy, growly, caring, charming Ty. His love for Daisy and Junie was clearly in his voice and actions. Junie was absolutely adorable. Her character elevated this story so much. She was such an integral part of their love story. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook. Thanks to the author and House of Hearts for this ALC. AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Story 5 stars Narration 5 stars
Aimee Vance is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine ♥️ While I absolutely loved Moms of Mayhem, and getting to know the initial friend group, Made for Mayhem brought all the feels. It makes you giddy and hopeful, breaks your heart and stomps on it a few times and then heals you in the best way possible. From rowdy teammates, to untruly teenage hockey players to adorable farm animals (Piggie Smalls was a favorite), this novel has it all.
You first meet Ty, the main male lead, in book 1 as Emmy's brother and a teammate to Beckett. He gets roped into helping coach the local youth hockey team after retiring from the NHL. This book starts in the past, on the eve of his retirement. On a night full of emotions, he meets Daisy, new to the city and trying to reinvent herself. They connect instantly but know their time together is limited to one night.
Fast forward three years to when Daisy discovers that her sister was sick and passed away leaving her niece without a parent... after driving all night to get to get to her hometown, the last thing Daisy expected was coming face to face with the one that got away. The catch? Ty is currently fostering her niece and is the thing standing between her and full custody.
When I say this book wrecks you in the best way possible, I mean it. I would highly recommend reading book 1 in order to get to know the characters better.
I said before and I will say it again... I can't wait for Mikko's story!!!!
This story is heartbreaking but healing as we navigated grief, family dynamics and life changes.
Ty exudes safety and comfort for everyone in his life
Daisy is the breath of fresh air blowing in the wind.
I loved their meet cute - one night of “not a date” vibes while leaving lasting impressions to be reconnected 3 years later under less than ideal circumstances for everyone involved.
I loved seeing Ty in a father role! He is so good for Junie girl! Daisy’s dynamic with their relationship was perfect - she knew what they each needed and they all built a new normal together.
Junie is a great kid - I loved all her facts and sass!
This is my first book of Aimee so easily read as a standalone for this series but I will definitely be checking out more from her!
Thanks House of Hearts for this ARC copy for my honest review.
This book emotionally clotheslined me and then had the audacity to make me THANK IT for the experience.
Made for Mayhem gives us retired NHL player Ty Hudson, professional grump, rescue farm owner, and certified acts-of-service king who reconnects with Daisy, the woman he shared one unforgettable night with three years earlier right as her entire world falls apart. After the death of her sister, Daisy returns home to care for her niece Junie and suddenly finds herself navigating grief, forced proximity, co-parenting chaos, and unresolved feelings with the one man she never forgot.
And LISTEN. Ty Hudson? This man was out here quietly holding everyone together while internally being SO gone for Daisy it hurt. The protectiveness? Elite. The patience? Elite. The way he loved Junie like she was already his child? I was UNWELL. And Daisy’s grief felt so heartbreakingly real and the way she tries to outrun it with humor and chaos until she physically can’t anymore absolutely wrecked me. The emotional depth in this book was INSANE, but somehow Aimee Vance still balanced it with banter, warmth, and found family moments that made my heart feel full again.
Also Junie? Tiny queen. Emotional support child of the year. And don’t even get me started on the letters from Daisy’s sister because those absolutely took me OUT.
Read this if you’re looking for grumpy hockey men with secret marshmallow hearts, grief and healing done beautifully, found family perfection, and a MMC who loved her long before he realized he was building a home around her. Aimee Vance I’m sending you a Venmo request for the box of tissues you owe me for this one.
I loved this one so much! Ty and Daisy were incredible together. From their meet cute, to reconnecting years later and navigating life, and kids, and grief and the legal system together. This book made me laugh and cry and blush. All the feelings. The found family was some of the best that I’ve seen. And I absolutely loved all the crazy animals and their shenanigans on Ty’s rescue farm. I loved that Ty and Daisy always, always put Junie first, even if it meant putting themselves and their grief on the backburner. And the spice!? Whew, when that spice hits it had me squealing and blushingggg. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to Aimee and House of Hearts for an arc!
Ty Hudson is everything! I loved him in book 1, but this book did it for me! His relationship and love for Junie, the farm, Ty and Daisy’s story all perfection. The found family and the humor is everything you expect from this author but she hurls you into a whirlwind of emotions. Something I did not realize I wanted. Grief is such a tough subject to write about and Aimee executed it flawlessly.
I am so thankful to have received this ARC from Aimee. I think this book is one of my favorites by her so far! I can’t wait for book 3!
3.5⭐️ wowza was I pleasantly surprised with this book!!!! I truly loved it and how pure Ty’s relationship was with Daisy from the beginning and his relationship with Junie. Ty was truly such a good guy from the start and I wish I had more backstory on him, it felt like the part about his parents just went away (might be my fault for not reading book 1) but I wanted more from him.
If Hallmark got into the sports romance business, this book would be it, and I mean that in the best way.
Made for Mayhem is such a cozy, heart-filled read, wrapped up in pure love, healing, and just the right amount of small-town charm. Aimee Vance handled grief beautifully, showing how differently it can look for everyone and I especially appreciated what wasn’t said. (Truly, thank God no one hit us with “she’s in a better place.”)
The side characters brought so much life to the story. The banter, the found-family dynamic, and yes, the farm animals (!!) added the perfect touch of humor. I laughed, I smiled, and I definitely teared up.
And Ty?? The pining was elite. Give me a man who rethinks his entire facial hair routine after one interaction… I’ve seen enough, I’m sold.
Thank you to House of Hearts Lit & Aimee Vance for the gifted ARC and the opportunity to read early. All opinions are my own.
I loved Moms of Mayhem…I LOVED Made For Mayhem! 🙌🏼🧡 This book was absolutely beautiful and so well written. The story of grief as well as fostering/adoption was handled so gracefully and with incredible care. Bravo Aimee on such an amazing story!
And isn't it just so pretty to think. All along there was some Invisible string Tying you to me?
This was so good!! First, I loved their unique meet-cute. I know exactly how it feels to meet someone and instantly feel an unforgettable connection. Second, Ioved the way grief was handled. We got to see Junie, Ty and Daisy handled it all differently. The letters from Violet made me so emo. Lastly the found family was so heartwarming. Them becoming a foster family was the perfect ending to this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.