What do you think?
Meant for Mayhem
He’s the NHL’s best defenseman—and a brand-new single dad.
She’s the speech therapist who understands his daughter better than anyone.
When a desperate lie turns into a fake marriage, he gets the stability he needs… But falling for his wife?
That was never supposed to happen.
Coming late 2026.
She’s the speech therapist who understands his daughter better than anyone.
When a desperate lie turns into a fake marriage, he gets the stability he needs… But falling for his wife?
That was never supposed to happen.
Coming late 2026.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2026
About the author
Aimee Vance
17 books355 followersAimee 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.
Follow along on Instagram @aimeevancebooks
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.
Follow along on Instagram @aimeevancebooks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
September 27, 2026
4.5 stars.
"Meant for Mayhem" by Aimee Vance is an addictive, binge-worthy marriage-of-convenience nanny x hockey star sports romance and the perfect addition to the Moms of Mayhem universe! I loved Mikko (MMC) and Shannon (FMC) so freaking much. They were the perfect little (fake at first) family. Mikko just found out that he is the father of a baby girl named Leena. He wants nothing more than to keep playing hockey, but he can't stop having panic and anxiety attacks, thinking about where Leena is and how she's doing and if she's ok when he's on the road for his games. The league has forced him to take a mandatory mental health leave for two weeks. In order to have his daughter come on the road with him for the remainder of the season, Mikko lies and says that he's married to Shannon, and that she would be able to watch Leena while he's playing hockey. There's just one problem: he hasn't told Shannon and has to get her to agree to his scheme. I am such a sucker for marriage-of-convenience. I love when two dopes who *~swear~* they are not going to fall for each other end up falling for each other. I love watching their clashing personalities and animosities slowly melt away into genuine affection and tenderness and shared inside jokes and memories and real feelings. From the beginning, it is so obvious that Mikko is smitten with Shannon, like down BAD bad. He promises to never lie to her, tells her that he wants to take care of her, and is supportive of her mental health and her wants and wishes. He watches her. He silently observes her likes and dislikes. He listens, sometimes *too* well. SWOON. Shannon, what a wonderful FMC. She is reluctant to trust Mikko because of the things she's been through in life. She had a very, very traumatic childhood, and everyone she's ever loved has left her, so she's closed off and nervous about giving in to her ever-growing feelings about Mikko and his amazing daughter, Leena. Still, she gives all she has to give to everyone else, especially Lori, who is basically a mom to her. I adored their dynamic; it made me cry several times. Ugh! So well-written. I also loved the banter between Mikko and Shannon. It made me laugh multiple times! Of course, seeing the other members of his hockey team is always a good time. They all chime in with jokes and name-calling and constantly diss each other back and forth, but they are also their own little family and are fiercely protective of the other members of the team. On the flip side, Shannon's Moms of Mayhem group chat had me rolling. They are such a fantastic friend group! I really love this series, and this installment is no different. LOVE IT!
Thank you to Aimee Vance and House of Hearts Lit. for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Meant for Mayhem" by Aimee Vance is an addictive, binge-worthy marriage-of-convenience nanny x hockey star sports romance and the perfect addition to the Moms of Mayhem universe! I loved Mikko (MMC) and Shannon (FMC) so freaking much. They were the perfect little (fake at first) family. Mikko just found out that he is the father of a baby girl named Leena. He wants nothing more than to keep playing hockey, but he can't stop having panic and anxiety attacks, thinking about where Leena is and how she's doing and if she's ok when he's on the road for his games. The league has forced him to take a mandatory mental health leave for two weeks. In order to have his daughter come on the road with him for the remainder of the season, Mikko lies and says that he's married to Shannon, and that she would be able to watch Leena while he's playing hockey. There's just one problem: he hasn't told Shannon and has to get her to agree to his scheme. I am such a sucker for marriage-of-convenience. I love when two dopes who *~swear~* they are not going to fall for each other end up falling for each other. I love watching their clashing personalities and animosities slowly melt away into genuine affection and tenderness and shared inside jokes and memories and real feelings. From the beginning, it is so obvious that Mikko is smitten with Shannon, like down BAD bad. He promises to never lie to her, tells her that he wants to take care of her, and is supportive of her mental health and her wants and wishes. He watches her. He silently observes her likes and dislikes. He listens, sometimes *too* well. SWOON. Shannon, what a wonderful FMC. She is reluctant to trust Mikko because of the things she's been through in life. She had a very, very traumatic childhood, and everyone she's ever loved has left her, so she's closed off and nervous about giving in to her ever-growing feelings about Mikko and his amazing daughter, Leena. Still, she gives all she has to give to everyone else, especially Lori, who is basically a mom to her. I adored their dynamic; it made me cry several times. Ugh! So well-written. I also loved the banter between Mikko and Shannon. It made me laugh multiple times! Of course, seeing the other members of his hockey team is always a good time. They all chime in with jokes and name-calling and constantly diss each other back and forth, but they are also their own little family and are fiercely protective of the other members of the team. On the flip side, Shannon's Moms of Mayhem group chat had me rolling. They are such a fantastic friend group! I really love this series, and this installment is no different. LOVE IT!
Thank you to Aimee Vance and House of Hearts Lit. for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
October 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🏒 Small Town Hockey Romance
👶 Single Dad | Fake Marriage | Forced Proximity
💚 Green Flag MMC | Strong FMC
I really liked this book. I'm not normally a huge fan of the single dad trope, but honestly, Shannon is what made me want to read this one in the first place. Even just from the blurb, I was more interested in her story than the whole fake marriage/single dad setup, and she definitely delivered.
Shannon was such a strong FMC, especially considering the neglectful and traumatic background she came from. I liked her pretty much from the beginning, and I really loved seeing her build a life for herself despite everything she'd been through. She deserved to be loved and, quite frankly, shown it in her love language, and I was very happy to watch Mikko do exactly that.
I also really loved her relationship with Leena. Shannon immediately connected with this little girl and loved her like she was her own, even though she wasn't biologically hers. There was something really sweet about watching that relationship develop, and I think it added a lot more emotion to the story than just the romance between Shannon and Mikko.
Mikko was a Green flag. I loved him for Shannon. He was supportive, patient, and really wanted to do right by both Shannon and Leena. I especially appreciated that he didn't try to “fix” Shannon or make her past disappear. He just gave her the space to be herself while showing her what it felt like to actually be cared for.
One thing I REALLY appreciated was the lack of a third-act breakup. We did get a little bit of miscommunication because, shockingly, these two were bottling up their feelings instead of talking about them, but when things finally came to a head, they actually talked about it and worked through it like adults. Imagine that. 😂
Overall, this was just a really sweet romance with characters I actually enjoyed spending time with. Shannon absolutely carried this book for me, but Mikko was exactly the kind of man I wanted her to end up with, and I loved seeing the three of them become their own little family.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🏒 Small Town Hockey Romance
👶 Single Dad | Fake Marriage | Forced Proximity
💚 Green Flag MMC | Strong FMC
I really liked this book. I'm not normally a huge fan of the single dad trope, but honestly, Shannon is what made me want to read this one in the first place. Even just from the blurb, I was more interested in her story than the whole fake marriage/single dad setup, and she definitely delivered.
Shannon was such a strong FMC, especially considering the neglectful and traumatic background she came from. I liked her pretty much from the beginning, and I really loved seeing her build a life for herself despite everything she'd been through. She deserved to be loved and, quite frankly, shown it in her love language, and I was very happy to watch Mikko do exactly that.
I also really loved her relationship with Leena. Shannon immediately connected with this little girl and loved her like she was her own, even though she wasn't biologically hers. There was something really sweet about watching that relationship develop, and I think it added a lot more emotion to the story than just the romance between Shannon and Mikko.
Mikko was a Green flag. I loved him for Shannon. He was supportive, patient, and really wanted to do right by both Shannon and Leena. I especially appreciated that he didn't try to “fix” Shannon or make her past disappear. He just gave her the space to be herself while showing her what it felt like to actually be cared for.
One thing I REALLY appreciated was the lack of a third-act breakup. We did get a little bit of miscommunication because, shockingly, these two were bottling up their feelings instead of talking about them, but when things finally came to a head, they actually talked about it and worked through it like adults. Imagine that. 😂
Overall, this was just a really sweet romance with characters I actually enjoyed spending time with. Shannon absolutely carried this book for me, but Mikko was exactly the kind of man I wanted her to end up with, and I loved seeing the three of them become their own little family.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am always a sucker for a single dad sports romance, and this book did not disappoint! It had so many great tropes all in one book: single dad with the cutest daughter, hockey, marriage of convenience, found family, anxiety rep, and black cat x golden retriever.
Mikko and Shannon were perfect together and they had instant chemistry. As how a marriage of convenience usually works out, they both wanted more and to extend their relationship past the end update, but they have both been burned before and it was hard for them to admit their feelings. Once they did, it was great to see their story really take off! There was no third act breakup, there was a hint of drama when they weren't communicating openly, but they quickly recovered. I loved their story, and their bonus epilogue was extra sweet and their daughter has quite the personality as she gets older!
Mikko and Shannon were perfect together and they had instant chemistry. As how a marriage of convenience usually works out, they both wanted more and to extend their relationship past the end update, but they have both been burned before and it was hard for them to admit their feelings. Once they did, it was great to see their story really take off! There was no third act breakup, there was a hint of drama when they weren't communicating openly, but they quickly recovered. I loved their story, and their bonus epilogue was extra sweet and their daughter has quite the personality as she gets older!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full arc review to come but I LOVEDDDD this!!
September 24, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
One desperate lie. One unexpected family.
He is the NHL’s best defenseman. But when he feels his season is threatened he makes a desperate decision to save his career.
He tells them he is married, and now he needs her ASAP!
I loved this book and like always everything Aimee Vance writes. I love how heartfelt it was but most importantly, it was such a great feeling seeing Shannon FINALLY getting her HEA. It was such a beautiful feeling to see how Mikko and Shannon built their own little family and how he gave her the sense of security she craved all her life.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
One desperate lie. One unexpected family.
He is the NHL’s best defenseman. But when he feels his season is threatened he makes a desperate decision to save his career.
He tells them he is married, and now he needs her ASAP!
I loved this book and like always everything Aimee Vance writes. I love how heartfelt it was but most importantly, it was such a great feeling seeing Shannon FINALLY getting her HEA. It was such a beautiful feeling to see how Mikko and Shannon built their own little family and how he gave her the sense of security she craved all her life.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
September 21, 2026
Meant for Mayhem was EVERYTHING I wanted and more. 🥹🏒❤️
I was already completely obsessed with Aimee Vance after reading the prequel as an ARC, and I knew then that I had to read every book in this series. Honestly, at this point, I’ve accepted that I will read anything this author writes forever. 😂📚
The way she wrote these characters was just beautiful. Every single person felt so real and so easy to love. I genuinely couldn’t find one person to hate. And the found family aspect? 🥹💗 It was such a huge part of the story, and that was one of my favorite things about it.
Mikko was an NHL superstar, a brand-new dad, and a man desperately trying to keep everything together. When a panic attack threatened his career, he made one very questionable decision—telling his team that he and Shannon were married. 😭😂
Shannon was supposed to leave town and finally start the life she had worked so hard for. Instead, she found herself drawn into Mikko’s world, especially because of his adorable little daughter. What started as a favor slowly became something neither of them expected. 🥹💕
And I LOVED watching that relationship develop. Mikko and Shannon made me swoon, laugh, cry, and giggle like an idiot. 😭😂💗 Their chemistry was everything, but it was the little moments between them that really got me.
AND THEY BOTH LOVED TO READ. 📚😭
I cannot explain how happy this made me. I genuinely don’t think I’ve come across an MMC who read for fun in quite this way before. Mikko had actual books. He read the same kinds of novels Shannon loved. And when they went on a date and bought books for each other because they wanted the other person to experience something they loved?! 🥹📖
Then they sat together and read.
I WAS SOLD. THAT WAS IT. TAKE MY MONEY. 😂📚💕
I loved getting little appearances from characters I had already fallen in love with from the previous book too. Seeing them again and watching the world of this series grow felt so comforting. 🥹❤️
This book had romance, hockey, an adorable child, fake marriage, emotional moments, humor, and SO much found family. But more than anything, it had characters who cared deeply about each other.
Aimee Vance writes with so much heart. There is something incredibly powerful about the way she portrays these people and their relationships. I felt completely invested in them from beginning to end. ❤️
At this point, I don’t even think I’m capable of resisting an Aimee Vance book. If she writes it, I’m reading it. Simple as that. 😂📚
Tropes / Why You’ll Love It:
🏒 Small-town hockey romance
👶 Single dad MMC
💍 Fake marriage
💕 Marriage of convenience vibes
📚 Book-loving MMC & FMC
👨👩👧 Found family
🏡 Small-town community
❤️ Slow-burn romance
🥹 Emotional healing
😂 Forced proximity
👨👧 Protective & devoted dad
💗 Sweet family moments
✨ Previous characters making appearances
Perfect for readers who love: hockey romance, single dads, found family, fake relationships that turn real, bookish couples, emotional character-driven romances, and romances that make you feel like you’ve become part of the family. 🥹📚💕
Thank you so much to Aimee Vance and House of Hearts for the ARC opportunity. I absolutely loved getting to read this one early! ❤️
I was already completely obsessed with Aimee Vance after reading the prequel as an ARC, and I knew then that I had to read every book in this series. Honestly, at this point, I’ve accepted that I will read anything this author writes forever. 😂📚
The way she wrote these characters was just beautiful. Every single person felt so real and so easy to love. I genuinely couldn’t find one person to hate. And the found family aspect? 🥹💗 It was such a huge part of the story, and that was one of my favorite things about it.
Mikko was an NHL superstar, a brand-new dad, and a man desperately trying to keep everything together. When a panic attack threatened his career, he made one very questionable decision—telling his team that he and Shannon were married. 😭😂
Shannon was supposed to leave town and finally start the life she had worked so hard for. Instead, she found herself drawn into Mikko’s world, especially because of his adorable little daughter. What started as a favor slowly became something neither of them expected. 🥹💕
And I LOVED watching that relationship develop. Mikko and Shannon made me swoon, laugh, cry, and giggle like an idiot. 😭😂💗 Their chemistry was everything, but it was the little moments between them that really got me.
AND THEY BOTH LOVED TO READ. 📚😭
I cannot explain how happy this made me. I genuinely don’t think I’ve come across an MMC who read for fun in quite this way before. Mikko had actual books. He read the same kinds of novels Shannon loved. And when they went on a date and bought books for each other because they wanted the other person to experience something they loved?! 🥹📖
Then they sat together and read.
I WAS SOLD. THAT WAS IT. TAKE MY MONEY. 😂📚💕
I loved getting little appearances from characters I had already fallen in love with from the previous book too. Seeing them again and watching the world of this series grow felt so comforting. 🥹❤️
This book had romance, hockey, an adorable child, fake marriage, emotional moments, humor, and SO much found family. But more than anything, it had characters who cared deeply about each other.
Aimee Vance writes with so much heart. There is something incredibly powerful about the way she portrays these people and their relationships. I felt completely invested in them from beginning to end. ❤️
At this point, I don’t even think I’m capable of resisting an Aimee Vance book. If she writes it, I’m reading it. Simple as that. 😂📚
Tropes / Why You’ll Love It:
🏒 Small-town hockey romance
👶 Single dad MMC
💍 Fake marriage
💕 Marriage of convenience vibes
📚 Book-loving MMC & FMC
👨👩👧 Found family
🏡 Small-town community
❤️ Slow-burn romance
🥹 Emotional healing
😂 Forced proximity
👨👧 Protective & devoted dad
💗 Sweet family moments
✨ Previous characters making appearances
Perfect for readers who love: hockey romance, single dads, found family, fake relationships that turn real, bookish couples, emotional character-driven romances, and romances that make you feel like you’ve become part of the family. 🥹📚💕
Thank you so much to Aimee Vance and House of Hearts for the ARC opportunity. I absolutely loved getting to read this one early! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mikko Laaksonen is a professional hockey player who recently found out he has a daughter. When dealing with overwhelming anxiety and facing mandatory time off from playing he blurts out the he has a wife who can help him with his daughter. The name he spills out is Shannon Wilder, a woman he’s been enamored with. She agrees to marry him and help with his daughter in exchange for room and board while she completes her fellowship. A favor for a friend soon turns to more though.
I really enjoyed this book, and loved Mikko and Shannon. Right from the start Mikko showed how much he cared about Shannon, he vowed to always tell the truth, and never pushed her for more than she could give. Her difficult childhood had made her closed off and protective of herself, understandably so, and Mikko never made her feel bad for that. He just supported her and took care of her. I really liked that Shannon didn’t always push him away, she retreated sometimes, but eventually let him in.
The third act was really good, and involved them talking with each other and putting their feelings out there. So many times characters don’t do that, and just make assumptions. Mikko and Shannon didn’t do that, and I really appreciate how Aimee Vance wrote them. She created some great characters who were real and worth rooting for.
The found family aspect of these books is great and I love all of the other side characters. Logan, Mikko’s teammate, was too funny. Little Leena was the sweetest thing, and Shannon’s immediate devotion to her just warmed my heart. I want to thank Aimee Vance and House of Hearts Lit for the advanced copy of this book, I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
No third act breakup
4/5 on the Spicy Sale
Anxiety rep
I really enjoyed this book, and loved Mikko and Shannon. Right from the start Mikko showed how much he cared about Shannon, he vowed to always tell the truth, and never pushed her for more than she could give. Her difficult childhood had made her closed off and protective of herself, understandably so, and Mikko never made her feel bad for that. He just supported her and took care of her. I really liked that Shannon didn’t always push him away, she retreated sometimes, but eventually let him in.
The third act was really good, and involved them talking with each other and putting their feelings out there. So many times characters don’t do that, and just make assumptions. Mikko and Shannon didn’t do that, and I really appreciate how Aimee Vance wrote them. She created some great characters who were real and worth rooting for.
The found family aspect of these books is great and I love all of the other side characters. Logan, Mikko’s teammate, was too funny. Little Leena was the sweetest thing, and Shannon’s immediate devotion to her just warmed my heart. I want to thank Aimee Vance and House of Hearts Lit for the advanced copy of this book, I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
No third act breakup
4/5 on the Spicy Sale
Anxiety rep
October 1, 2026
Heartfelt, addictive and filled with humor. If you haven’t fallen for Linwood and all of the endearing characters living there, you are missing out! Vance’s Mayhem Hockey Club is packed with a great locale, easy to love supporting characters and hunky athletes who fall hard when they cross paths with their “one”. I love every minute of my visit there with each additional book in the series. This time we are getting to the heart of the attraction between Shannon and Mikko. There was a great lead up to this storyline at the end of the second book in the series, so we dive right into the fact that Mikko suddenly has a baby and desperately needs help. In walks Shannon and her snark to steal the show. The chemistry between them is phenomenal and they each make it so easy to fall for them. The book is well developed, other than a little bit too much mystery left in the what led up to the instant baby situation. I loved their friendship and how it grows easily with the connection between them and loving this precious baby. His friends both back in Linwood and on his team add a nice addition to the storyline and bring laughs often to the forefront. I hope we will get more from this series because I wholeheartedly love the town and club and youth team!
Shannon is my favorite character by far because she has such a sass to her that makes her impossible not to want to hug once you know her back story. She’s sincere and caring and you just know the barbs she lets fly are to protect herself from being walked on again. I adore her!
I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance filled with a great team connection as well as friends back home that love and support them as they find their forever love.
Shannon is my favorite character by far because she has such a sass to her that makes her impossible not to want to hug once you know her back story. She’s sincere and caring and you just know the barbs she lets fly are to protect herself from being walked on again. I adore her!
I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance filled with a great team connection as well as friends back home that love and support them as they find their forever love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a good book. We meet Mikko, NHL goalie who just learned be has a daughter a couple months ago and now he is having panic attacks on the ice when he doesn't know if she is safe. The head honchos give him ideas such as a nanny but he vetos that idea and they joke if he has a secret wife somewhere and he says yes and gives the name Shannon. We meet Shannon, who will be moving to Denver fpr her fellowship with speech pathology after helping Lori deal with her Parkinsons. She keeps people at arms lengths as she didnt have the best childhood but Lori is different bc she saved her on so many occasions growing up. Her son is a retired NHL player and his former teammate and friend shows up with a toddler and drops a bombshell...Mikko told his bosses that she was his wife..WTH! He explains the situation and it would benefit her as well, housing, car, money for helping him. Leena changes her mind. The precious little girl who smiles and waves at her while being shy. Shannon agrees to marry Mikko. What's the worst thing that can happen? Mikko and Shannon try their best in the situation but when the attraction gets to be too much there is only one thing to quench that thirst. They never expected how easy "married life" could be. Mikko is an attentive dad and Shannon being in all her inked glory is helping people. She never expected to feel like she belongs somewhere but those negative feelings always come back. Drama, hot dayum moments, cute little moments and an adorable little girl makes this book oh so good.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a good book. We meet Mikko, NHL goalie who just learned be has a daughter a couple months ago and now he is having panic attacks on the ice when he doesn't know if she is safe. The head honchos give him ideas such as a nanny but he vetos that idea and they joke if he has a secret wife somewhere and he says yes and gives the name Shannon. We meet Shannon, who will be moving to Denver fpr her fellowship with speech pathology after helping Lori deal with her Parkinsons. She keeps people at arms lengths as she didnt have the best childhood but Lori is different bc she saved her on so many occasions growing up. Her son is a retired NHL player and his former teammate and friend shows up with a toddler and drops a bombshell...Mikko told his bosses that she was his wife..WTH! He explains the situation and it would benefit her as well, housing, car, money for helping him. Leena changes her mind. The precious little girl who smiles and waves at her while being shy. Shannon agrees to marry Mikko. What's the worst thing that can happen? Mikko and Shannon try their best in the situation but when the attraction gets to be too much there is only one thing to quench that thirst. They never expected how easy "married life" could be. Mikko is an attentive dad and Shannon being in all her inked glory is helping people. She never expected to feel like she belongs somewhere but those negative feelings always come back. Drama, hot dayum moments, cute little moments and an adorable little girl makes this book oh so good.
Review of advance copy
MIKKO - my heart is yours! This man is the quiet, observant and protector of the group. I knew he’d be a special one, but he absolutely stole my heart.
Shannon - she has tugged at me in each book as I knew her story was complex. She has the hard exterior but inside is a girl who wants to be loved and chosen. As her walls broke down, mine did too with tears multiple times.
These two come together in the best way for Leena, Mikko’s toddler daughter, and truly think they’re pulling one over on us denying this pesky feelings. The way they built a slow foundation of friendship to gain each other’s trust was pure perfection. The slow burn is worth it in this book! These two are definition of “it was worth the wait”.
The camaraderie between Mikko and his teammates is a highlight of this book. Logan had me laughing so much - I am so glad we got more of him!
The Moms of Mayhem group chat popped up when we needed it and it was as chaotic as always with these women! I absolutely love this girl gang of mayhem!
I may have read this series out of order, but I still love every one of the books. I cannot wait for the next book - coming December 2026!
Thank you to House of Heart Lit for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Shannon - she has tugged at me in each book as I knew her story was complex. She has the hard exterior but inside is a girl who wants to be loved and chosen. As her walls broke down, mine did too with tears multiple times.
These two come together in the best way for Leena, Mikko’s toddler daughter, and truly think they’re pulling one over on us denying this pesky feelings. The way they built a slow foundation of friendship to gain each other’s trust was pure perfection. The slow burn is worth it in this book! These two are definition of “it was worth the wait”.
The camaraderie between Mikko and his teammates is a highlight of this book. Logan had me laughing so much - I am so glad we got more of him!
The Moms of Mayhem group chat popped up when we needed it and it was as chaotic as always with these women! I absolutely love this girl gang of mayhem!
I may have read this series out of order, but I still love every one of the books. I cannot wait for the next book - coming December 2026!
Thank you to House of Heart Lit for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 2, 2026
What a Beautifully Addicting Story!
Acquaintances to married for convenience and faking it for the world while they worked through true attraction that turned into them giving into their base desires slowly while they travelled together for his hockey career and mental health.
These two fell into a partnership that turned into bone deep love. I really enjoyed watching them grow as individuals while becoming a team and finding love in the middle of the chaos. They each had troubles in their past if varying degrees and that helped them understand each and it was so BEAUTIFUL to watch these souls find love and devotion for each other and because of each other!
Ahhh!! It was really a beautiful story! You get lots of laughs, you get high emotions, you get family working through things, you get found family.
I am really intrigued by the first two books and the one hinted at next (Tate and Mason), I also hope that Logan gets his time to shine! He’s such a goober but such a gem too!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I will TOTALLY be back for more!
Acquaintances to married for convenience and faking it for the world while they worked through true attraction that turned into them giving into their base desires slowly while they travelled together for his hockey career and mental health.
These two fell into a partnership that turned into bone deep love. I really enjoyed watching them grow as individuals while becoming a team and finding love in the middle of the chaos. They each had troubles in their past if varying degrees and that helped them understand each and it was so BEAUTIFUL to watch these souls find love and devotion for each other and because of each other!
Ahhh!! It was really a beautiful story! You get lots of laughs, you get high emotions, you get family working through things, you get found family.
I am really intrigued by the first two books and the one hinted at next (Tate and Mason), I also hope that Logan gets his time to shine! He’s such a goober but such a gem too!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I will TOTALLY be back for more!
October 2, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
Such an extraordinary contract marriage story, I can say! It was interesting right from the start, and I couldn’t stop reading this slow-burn yet totally swoon-worthy romance. Their relationship is so mature and VERY sweet! I really loved this 😭🖤
As Logan said in the epilogue, the foundation of their rushed marriage wasn’t ordinary, but that’s what made their relationship grow stronger and stronger.
Their instant connection, chemistry, and sexual tension were SO there, and the way Leena accepted Shannon almost instantly was so amusing. I kept going ARGH because I really wanted them to just give in and kiss already 😭
I cried so much when it was revealed why Shannon chose her current job and learned about her painful childhood, which also explained why she accepted the contract marriage in the first place :,)
And can we talk about the way Shannon stood up for Mikko and Leena?! APPLAUSEEEEE 👏 She’s such a strong girl! I also loved how much she genuinely cared about Leena, and the way Mikko remembered every little thing about Shannon really touched me and made me tear up 🥲 They really deserve each other.
I think I found my new favorite writer!!! And I’m LIVING for it! I gotta read the previous Mayhem series because I’m so curious!! And I can’t wait for the next one either 👀
Thank you for the ARC, Aimee & House of Hearts Lit! 🖤
Such an extraordinary contract marriage story, I can say! It was interesting right from the start, and I couldn’t stop reading this slow-burn yet totally swoon-worthy romance. Their relationship is so mature and VERY sweet! I really loved this 😭🖤
As Logan said in the epilogue, the foundation of their rushed marriage wasn’t ordinary, but that’s what made their relationship grow stronger and stronger.
Their instant connection, chemistry, and sexual tension were SO there, and the way Leena accepted Shannon almost instantly was so amusing. I kept going ARGH because I really wanted them to just give in and kiss already 😭
I cried so much when it was revealed why Shannon chose her current job and learned about her painful childhood, which also explained why she accepted the contract marriage in the first place :,)
And can we talk about the way Shannon stood up for Mikko and Leena?! APPLAUSEEEEE 👏 She’s such a strong girl! I also loved how much she genuinely cared about Leena, and the way Mikko remembered every little thing about Shannon really touched me and made me tear up 🥲 They really deserve each other.
I think I found my new favorite writer!!! And I’m LIVING for it! I gotta read the previous Mayhem series because I’m so curious!! And I can’t wait for the next one either 👀
Thank you for the ARC, Aimee & House of Hearts Lit! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This Mayhem series is absolutely fantastic! I have been following it closely, and I adore this dynamic Girl Gang and their Found Family.
Mikko struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, and to protect his loved ones, he tells a small lie to his boss, hoping she will agree to help him.
On the other hand, Shannon has dedicated herself to caring for the one person who has always been there for her. Now, it's finally her chance to pursue her own career. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a Silent Giant appears at her door, holding a little girl and asking for help.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to read the eARC, and I am happy to provide my honest review in return.
Mikko struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, and to protect his loved ones, he tells a small lie to his boss, hoping she will agree to help him.
On the other hand, Shannon has dedicated herself to caring for the one person who has always been there for her. Now, it's finally her chance to pursue her own career. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a Silent Giant appears at her door, holding a little girl and asking for help.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to read the eARC, and I am happy to provide my honest review in return.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another absolutely metal addition to the Mayhem Hockey Club series!
This has been a story I have waited for since I first knew Shannon existed. It did not disappoint!
One thing that is consistent through all of Aimee’s books is found family. This book truly exemplifies that. We watch as Shannon builds her family around her and we see her be chosen in return. And actually acknowledge that it is happening and that she is loved. Its just… my heart. Every time. Shannon is a character I have connected with on so many levels so getting to experience this journey with her was truly so special as a reader.
Mikko is just *screams internally*. His experience through this book felt very real. New fatherhood. Anxiety. Just navigating this new normal he has been thrust into. Him and Shannon just work so well together. They each just have the things the other one needs and the support you see between the two of them is magical.
It wouldn’t be a Mayhem book without the Mayhem! We get a lot of fun moments with all the Moms, even if sometimes its just in the group chat. And the guys are a great support to Mikko. Even the kids come through to cause… well… mayhem. We even get to spend some quality time with Logan, everyone’s favorite Yeti winger. The standout for sure is Lori. The best of the parents for sure (sorry Helena). Seeing the depth of her relationship with Shannon really hit deep. And her one-liners! She is an icon. She is a legend!
Aimee continues to combine her signature brand of humor with emotional storytelling. So many moments in this book felt visceral. I could feel my stomach drop and my heart race. It also brought some new perspective to some moments in my life. I laughed out loud. I cried so many times. Why does she keep doing this to me! And I will always come back for more.
I can’t wait to see what mayhem *winks* is in store next for these characters! I just love them all so much! ( I will make this joke as many times as I can)
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This has been a story I have waited for since I first knew Shannon existed. It did not disappoint!
One thing that is consistent through all of Aimee’s books is found family. This book truly exemplifies that. We watch as Shannon builds her family around her and we see her be chosen in return. And actually acknowledge that it is happening and that she is loved. Its just… my heart. Every time. Shannon is a character I have connected with on so many levels so getting to experience this journey with her was truly so special as a reader.
Mikko is just *screams internally*. His experience through this book felt very real. New fatherhood. Anxiety. Just navigating this new normal he has been thrust into. Him and Shannon just work so well together. They each just have the things the other one needs and the support you see between the two of them is magical.
It wouldn’t be a Mayhem book without the Mayhem! We get a lot of fun moments with all the Moms, even if sometimes its just in the group chat. And the guys are a great support to Mikko. Even the kids come through to cause… well… mayhem. We even get to spend some quality time with Logan, everyone’s favorite Yeti winger. The standout for sure is Lori. The best of the parents for sure (sorry Helena). Seeing the depth of her relationship with Shannon really hit deep. And her one-liners! She is an icon. She is a legend!
Aimee continues to combine her signature brand of humor with emotional storytelling. So many moments in this book felt visceral. I could feel my stomach drop and my heart race. It also brought some new perspective to some moments in my life. I laughed out loud. I cried so many times. Why does she keep doing this to me! And I will always come back for more.
I can’t wait to see what mayhem *winks* is in store next for these characters! I just love them all so much! ( I will make this joke as many times as I can)
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2026
I love this series so much. I was really looking forward to this one, with the little preview of Mikko’s news in Made for Mayhem. I love the trope of the big stoic athlete having a kid he didn’t know about! Bonus that it was the Finnish hockey player ❤️
Shannon’s backstory was so heartbreaking, and I was rooting for her to get a happy ending. Her journey through the book was so good! She and Mikko both really grew through this one into emotionally mature individuals and such a great couple. When they finally give in to what they both want, it’s perfect.
I can’t wait for Mason and Tate in the next book! Thanks to House of Hearts for the early copy!
Shannon’s backstory was so heartbreaking, and I was rooting for her to get a happy ending. Her journey through the book was so good! She and Mikko both really grew through this one into emotionally mature individuals and such a great couple. When they finally give in to what they both want, it’s perfect.
I can’t wait for Mason and Tate in the next book! Thanks to House of Hearts for the early copy!
September 26, 2026
I loved how Mikko and Shannon built their convenience marriage out of friendship first, they had a mutual respect for each other, it made when they finally gave into the physical part of their relationship that more rewarding.
Mikko was such a green flag of a man. He was an amazing dad and Just wanted to be the best for her.
Shannon was one tough cookie. She had such a hard childhood but didn't let that hold her back.
I absolutely love this series so much! They are all standalones but connected so it's best to read them in order!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mikko was such a green flag of a man. He was an amazing dad and Just wanted to be the best for her.
Shannon was one tough cookie. She had such a hard childhood but didn't let that hold her back.
I absolutely love this series so much! They are all standalones but connected so it's best to read them in order!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel bad because every time Aimee writes a book that I know took her months to write, I typically finish reading it in less than 24 hours. 🫣 What I don't feel bad about is how good her storytelling is and how she creates these worlds and characters that seem like they could be my irl friends and acquaintances. Also, I was unprepared for Mikko to be a stern brunch daddy who wants Shannon to be exactly who she is, until she wants to ... not. 😅😏 Do yourself (and your heart) a favor and visit Mayhem. You'll be happy you did. 🥰
Review of advance copy
I am a complete sucker for a single father trope, give him a little girl and be still my heart. Mikko and his teammates are giant hockey players, but Leena makes them all a little puddles of goo.
Shannon and Mikko have chemistry and tension. This marriage of convenience might as well have been fate.
The way their relationship unfolded was just beautiful. The moments with Leena will make your heart swell.
The way Mikko takes care of both his girls was just swoon-worthy.
This is one that you will want to add to your TBR.
Shannon and Mikko have chemistry and tension. This marriage of convenience might as well have been fate.
The way their relationship unfolded was just beautiful. The moments with Leena will make your heart swell.
The way Mikko takes care of both his girls was just swoon-worthy.
This is one that you will want to add to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️.🌶️
🏒Mayhem Hockey Club Book 3
🫦Single Dad x Nanny
💍Fake Marriage
🔥Slow Burn
📲Group Texts
💖Anxiety Rep
It was so good to be back with the Mayhem Hockey characters I already know and love. This time watching Mikko and Shannon (and sweet Leena) fall in love. This story was so sweet and they both had so much personal growth through the story. Mikko learning to manage his anxieties when he can’t control everything. Shannon learning to let people in because love doesn’t have to hurt or cost you anything. And precious Leena learning to talk and feel safe. The tension, the banter, the group chats; I am here for it all! Thank you to Aimee Vance for the arc!
🏒Mayhem Hockey Club Book 3
🫦Single Dad x Nanny
💍Fake Marriage
🔥Slow Burn
📲Group Texts
💖Anxiety Rep
It was so good to be back with the Mayhem Hockey characters I already know and love. This time watching Mikko and Shannon (and sweet Leena) fall in love. This story was so sweet and they both had so much personal growth through the story. Mikko learning to manage his anxieties when he can’t control everything. Shannon learning to let people in because love doesn’t have to hurt or cost you anything. And precious Leena learning to talk and feel safe. The tension, the banter, the group chats; I am here for it all! Thank you to Aimee Vance for the arc!
October 3, 2026
I received this as an ARC from the House of Lit. I read the first 2 books in the Mayhem series and was so excited to read this story about Shannon and Mikko. One thing I love about this series is that you can read them as standalones. Yes, you may not understand some of the back stories of the other characters, but not knowing does not change the plot of this story.
Small town romance, single father, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, one bed
Small town romance, single father, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, one bed
Review of advance copy received from Author
so good.. forced proximity, marriage of convenience, hockey player and speech pathologist, anxiety rep, acquaintance/friend to lovers, Sass, snark, funny, sweet, and sooo good.... he's a single daddy... she's the girl he really likes and is the only one who come to mind when he's asked if he has a secret wife. His little girl is absolutely adorable... This is a must read!!
September 25, 2026
i was so excited for their book and it did not disappoint
September 30, 2026
forgot this book was coming out but it was cute
September 28, 2026
This is the third book in Aimee Vance’s Mayhem series, and just when I think these books can’t get any better, Aimee surprises me all over again.
This time we’re following Mikko, our Finnish top defenseman for the Colorado Yetis, and Shannon, our prickly outsider who is basically being dragged kicking and screaming into the Mayhem friend circle. And these two?! I LOVED THEM.
Shannon has had a tough life. Her mother abandoned her, her alcoholic father spent most of her childhood failing her, early on he was in prison after killing Beckett and Mason Conway’s father in a drunk driving accident - they were best friends tying one on together until tragedy struck. Shannon learned very young that the only person she could truly depend on was herself.
But Lori, Beckett’s mother, took Shannon under her wing despite everything her father had done. She was her teacher and tried to help in any way Shannon would allow - she was a tough nut to crack even then! In the previous books, Shannon moved into Lori’s home to help care for her as she struggles with Parkinson’s disease, all while working toward her master’s degree in speech pathology.
Mikko and Shannon first connected in the last book when Mikko stepped in and defended her from her abusive father. There was definitely something between them, but before either could explore it, Mikko’s entire world turned upside down.
He found out he was a father.
Suddenly he’s flying to Finland, discovering he has a toddler named Leena, and learning her mother - who is struggling with drug addiction - is giving up her parental rights and leaving.
Mikko goes from professional hockey player to full-time single dad basically overnight, and the adjustment is HARD. His anxiety becomes overwhelming, his panic attacks begin affecting his play, and eventually the team gives him an ultimatum: take some time, get things under control, and figure out how to balance hockey and fatherhood.
The team is even willing to let Leena travel with them, but they want Mikko to hire a nanny.
Instead, Mikko blurts out that he’ll bring his wife.
Sir. You do not have one of those. 😂
Enter Shannon.
Mikko goes to her during his two-week leave intending to apologize for dragging her into his mess…and somehow ends up offering her an arrangement. She’s already moving to Denver to finish her master’s, so why not move in with him, travel with the team, and care for Leena while he plays? He’ll financially support her through the season, and when hockey ends, so does their arrangement.
Totally practical.
Definitely no feelings involved.
Sure. 😂
Shannon and Mikko are already fighting their attraction to each other, but Shannon genuinely cannot understand why Mikko would choose her out of everyone he could have asked. She keeps her walls high and covers them in thorns because getting close to people means giving them the opportunity to leave.
But the arrangement also solves some very real financial worries for her, so she agrees.
And Mikko IMMEDIATELY takes this fake-wife situation very seriously.
The constant “my wife”?!
SWOON.
He buys her a ring. Gets her a car completely customized for her. Makes sure she has everything she could possibly need. And little Leena? She is obsessed with Shannon almost immediately.
Then we get meeting the in-laws, where Shannon comes face-to-face with Mikko’s less-than-warm, judgmental father, and absolutely DECIMATES that man with words when he comes for Mikko.
One of my favorite parts of their relationship was how equally protective they were of each other.
Mikko hasn’t had someone truly in his corner, defending him and taking care of him, in a very long time. Shannon might pretend she doesn’t care about anyone, but once Mikko becomes hers? Good luck coming for that man. 😂
And Mikko has some SERIOUS Prince Charming vibes going on.
He’s constantly thinking about what Shannon and Leena need while they’re traveling, how he can make things easier for them, and how he can make Shannon feel cared for and valued. He’s absolutely a control freak - but there’s a purpose behind it. Taking care of the people he loves is how Mikko feels safe.
And Shannon understands that.
She meets Mikko exactly where he is. She understands his need for control instead of fighting against it. She becomes a balm during his panic attacks and gives him a safe place to land.
For someone who doesn’t trust easily, Mikko trusts Shannon implicitly.
And from the very beginning of their arrangement, he makes her one promise: he will never lie to her.
And that man HELD UP HIS END OF THE AGREEMENT.
Meanwhile, Shannon is having her own internal battle trying desperately not to fall in love with Mikko and Leena.
Spoiler alert: she is failing SPECTACULARLY.
Honestly, those two had her heart from the first moment she saw them together. Her real struggle becomes convincing herself that they could actually choose her. That they could stay. That this doesn’t have to be temporary.
That she is worthy of being loved.
Shannon is also absolutely her own worst enemy. Mikko has repeatedly told her he will tell her the truth, but instead of asking him the questions she’s afraid of, she shuts down. Cue two people internally spiraling over things that could probably be solved with one conversation. 😂
But what really stood out to me was the representation of Mikko’s panic attacks and anxiety.
I loved seeing the MMC be the one struggling with anxiety and panic while our strong FMC becomes his safe place. And I especially appreciated that his love story wasn’t treated as a replacement for actual treatment. Mikko is actively working on himself and getting help while Shannon supports him through it. He even uses the tactics he’s gleaning from therapy when dealing with Shannon.
There were also some incredibly emotional moments in this book that had me tearing up.
Shannon working with Lori and Walt absolutely got me. Those quiet moments where she’s helping people navigate communication, grief, loss, and the realities of Parkinson’s disease were beautifully done. There’s something especially heartbreaking about grieving pieces of someone while they’re still right there with you.
And then Shannon working with Leena…
When Leena finally calls Mikko “Dada” as her first word?!
😭😭😭
DONE.
Aimee Vance delivered another incredibly strong book in the Mayhem series.
I loved Mikko and Shannon individually, but I especially loved who they became together. Neither one needed the other to “fix” them - they needed someone who would stand beside them, understand them, defend them, and choose them.
And that’s exactly what they did.
I keep saying it with every book, but somehow it continues to be true:
The Mayhem series just keeps getting better and better. 🏒❤️
This time we’re following Mikko, our Finnish top defenseman for the Colorado Yetis, and Shannon, our prickly outsider who is basically being dragged kicking and screaming into the Mayhem friend circle. And these two?! I LOVED THEM.
Shannon has had a tough life. Her mother abandoned her, her alcoholic father spent most of her childhood failing her, early on he was in prison after killing Beckett and Mason Conway’s father in a drunk driving accident - they were best friends tying one on together until tragedy struck. Shannon learned very young that the only person she could truly depend on was herself.
But Lori, Beckett’s mother, took Shannon under her wing despite everything her father had done. She was her teacher and tried to help in any way Shannon would allow - she was a tough nut to crack even then! In the previous books, Shannon moved into Lori’s home to help care for her as she struggles with Parkinson’s disease, all while working toward her master’s degree in speech pathology.
Mikko and Shannon first connected in the last book when Mikko stepped in and defended her from her abusive father. There was definitely something between them, but before either could explore it, Mikko’s entire world turned upside down.
He found out he was a father.
Suddenly he’s flying to Finland, discovering he has a toddler named Leena, and learning her mother - who is struggling with drug addiction - is giving up her parental rights and leaving.
Mikko goes from professional hockey player to full-time single dad basically overnight, and the adjustment is HARD. His anxiety becomes overwhelming, his panic attacks begin affecting his play, and eventually the team gives him an ultimatum: take some time, get things under control, and figure out how to balance hockey and fatherhood.
The team is even willing to let Leena travel with them, but they want Mikko to hire a nanny.
Instead, Mikko blurts out that he’ll bring his wife.
Sir. You do not have one of those. 😂
Enter Shannon.
Mikko goes to her during his two-week leave intending to apologize for dragging her into his mess…and somehow ends up offering her an arrangement. She’s already moving to Denver to finish her master’s, so why not move in with him, travel with the team, and care for Leena while he plays? He’ll financially support her through the season, and when hockey ends, so does their arrangement.
Totally practical.
Definitely no feelings involved.
Sure. 😂
Shannon and Mikko are already fighting their attraction to each other, but Shannon genuinely cannot understand why Mikko would choose her out of everyone he could have asked. She keeps her walls high and covers them in thorns because getting close to people means giving them the opportunity to leave.
But the arrangement also solves some very real financial worries for her, so she agrees.
And Mikko IMMEDIATELY takes this fake-wife situation very seriously.
The constant “my wife”?!
SWOON.
He buys her a ring. Gets her a car completely customized for her. Makes sure she has everything she could possibly need. And little Leena? She is obsessed with Shannon almost immediately.
Then we get meeting the in-laws, where Shannon comes face-to-face with Mikko’s less-than-warm, judgmental father, and absolutely DECIMATES that man with words when he comes for Mikko.
One of my favorite parts of their relationship was how equally protective they were of each other.
Mikko hasn’t had someone truly in his corner, defending him and taking care of him, in a very long time. Shannon might pretend she doesn’t care about anyone, but once Mikko becomes hers? Good luck coming for that man. 😂
And Mikko has some SERIOUS Prince Charming vibes going on.
He’s constantly thinking about what Shannon and Leena need while they’re traveling, how he can make things easier for them, and how he can make Shannon feel cared for and valued. He’s absolutely a control freak - but there’s a purpose behind it. Taking care of the people he loves is how Mikko feels safe.
And Shannon understands that.
She meets Mikko exactly where he is. She understands his need for control instead of fighting against it. She becomes a balm during his panic attacks and gives him a safe place to land.
For someone who doesn’t trust easily, Mikko trusts Shannon implicitly.
And from the very beginning of their arrangement, he makes her one promise: he will never lie to her.
And that man HELD UP HIS END OF THE AGREEMENT.
Meanwhile, Shannon is having her own internal battle trying desperately not to fall in love with Mikko and Leena.
Spoiler alert: she is failing SPECTACULARLY.
Honestly, those two had her heart from the first moment she saw them together. Her real struggle becomes convincing herself that they could actually choose her. That they could stay. That this doesn’t have to be temporary.
That she is worthy of being loved.
Shannon is also absolutely her own worst enemy. Mikko has repeatedly told her he will tell her the truth, but instead of asking him the questions she’s afraid of, she shuts down. Cue two people internally spiraling over things that could probably be solved with one conversation. 😂
But what really stood out to me was the representation of Mikko’s panic attacks and anxiety.
I loved seeing the MMC be the one struggling with anxiety and panic while our strong FMC becomes his safe place. And I especially appreciated that his love story wasn’t treated as a replacement for actual treatment. Mikko is actively working on himself and getting help while Shannon supports him through it. He even uses the tactics he’s gleaning from therapy when dealing with Shannon.
There were also some incredibly emotional moments in this book that had me tearing up.
Shannon working with Lori and Walt absolutely got me. Those quiet moments where she’s helping people navigate communication, grief, loss, and the realities of Parkinson’s disease were beautifully done. There’s something especially heartbreaking about grieving pieces of someone while they’re still right there with you.
And then Shannon working with Leena…
When Leena finally calls Mikko “Dada” as her first word?!
😭😭😭
DONE.
Aimee Vance delivered another incredibly strong book in the Mayhem series.
I loved Mikko and Shannon individually, but I especially loved who they became together. Neither one needed the other to “fix” them - they needed someone who would stand beside them, understand them, defend them, and choose them.
And that’s exactly what they did.
I keep saying it with every book, but somehow it continues to be true:
The Mayhem series just keeps getting better and better. 🏒❤️
September 25, 2026
Format: eBook
Rating: 5/5
Heat: 3/5
Pages: 377
Publisher: Revel Books
Series or Stand Alone: Mayhem Book #3
Source: Advanced reader copy from author Aimee Vance (thank you)! This is my honest review.
Tropes & Notes
Marriage of Convenience • Single Dad • Black Cat FMC • NHL Player MMC • Shared Proximity • Found Family • Mental Health Rep • Only One Bed • They Read Together • Past Trauma • Hilarious & Heartfelt
Recap Quickie
Mikko Laaksonen finds out he’s the single dad to toddler, Leena, overnight and quickly becomes familiar with juggling single parenting and his career as a defenseman for the NHL’s Denver Yeti. An early season mid-game panic attack forces a leave of absence while Mikko comes up with a plan that will allow his daughter to be at all of his games with him and ease his panic. All he needs? A wife and the team will allow his family to travel along!
Shannon Wilder is the snarky, gothy hometown girl who’s never let anyone get past the strong walls she’s built around her heart. But she’s always had a gift for connecting with kids and, with plans to move to Denver to finish her speech-pathology fellowship, she will finally leave her past behind. That is until Mikko shows up on her doorstep with a… marriage proposal!? The two had met before and, sure there’d been an instant connection, but marriage!? Shannon hits it off with Leena right away and this arrangement would save her on rent, a car, and more so she finally agrees.
And as these marriages of convenience tend to do… it starts to feel less and less “convenient” and more and more… real. But both Mikko and Shannon have ways of looking at love and family that have been ingrained in them since they were small. Unlearning those patterns to overcome the fear of choosing what you truly want is often harder than any other obstacle.
My Thoughts
I apologize in advance for my chaotic thoughts- I struggle with this part when it comes to my favorite authors because I feel like I can never adequately capture how much I love their stories!
As Aimee Vance put in her newsletter today, “...this series isn't really about hockey. It's about losing yourself somewhere in the middle of showing up for everyone else—and finding your way back.” And I think that’s what makes me love this series so much. Aimee documents the emotion, beliefs (true and untrue) that we repeat to ourselves, and vulnerabilities that so many of us experience in our lives. She interjects the most hilarious one-liners, soul-mate-level friendships, and the sweetest love story and the result is this incredible Mayhem series that has become one of my absolute favorites!
I loved getting to finally see Shannon’s gooey insides after two books of seeing primarily her snarky (yet loveable) side. Yet this wasn’t at the cost of her snark- we still got plenty of that which was hilarious! I loved that we got to explore her relationship and history with Lori and to see Mikko’s unconditional love for her.
And speaking of Mikko... he was the sweetest gentle giant. The way he loved without expectation, and was a quiet, strong, steady presence. But also BOSSY and a READER and BLONDE!? Yes, just yes to all of it. And sweet Leena was the cutest! The moments with her were some of the most emotional for me!
Now let’s talk about the spice because Ms. Aimee Vance kicked things UP a notch for Mikko and Shannon. And yes- it was AMAZING (see chapter 21). But seriously… this book called for more spice. This is a couple that if you saw them in real life, you would say, “oh yah, they are definitely having hot sex.” So this was the ONLY way to go.
Anyway, once again Aimee Vance shows me why she is one of my faves. Her writing is beautiful and emotional and my eyes leaked from start to finish per usual.
Overall Recommend For
Relatable Emotions & Experiences • Humor • Characters • Connections • Spice
40+ Reader Appeal? (Not Considered in Rating)
Yes… just yes. Just read it.
For more 40+ audio romance takes, check me out on Instagram @HotFlashesHotListens!
Rating: 5/5
Heat: 3/5
Pages: 377
Publisher: Revel Books
Series or Stand Alone: Mayhem Book #3
Source: Advanced reader copy from author Aimee Vance (thank you)! This is my honest review.
Tropes & Notes
Marriage of Convenience • Single Dad • Black Cat FMC • NHL Player MMC • Shared Proximity • Found Family • Mental Health Rep • Only One Bed • They Read Together • Past Trauma • Hilarious & Heartfelt
Recap Quickie
Mikko Laaksonen finds out he’s the single dad to toddler, Leena, overnight and quickly becomes familiar with juggling single parenting and his career as a defenseman for the NHL’s Denver Yeti. An early season mid-game panic attack forces a leave of absence while Mikko comes up with a plan that will allow his daughter to be at all of his games with him and ease his panic. All he needs? A wife and the team will allow his family to travel along!
Shannon Wilder is the snarky, gothy hometown girl who’s never let anyone get past the strong walls she’s built around her heart. But she’s always had a gift for connecting with kids and, with plans to move to Denver to finish her speech-pathology fellowship, she will finally leave her past behind. That is until Mikko shows up on her doorstep with a… marriage proposal!? The two had met before and, sure there’d been an instant connection, but marriage!? Shannon hits it off with Leena right away and this arrangement would save her on rent, a car, and more so she finally agrees.
And as these marriages of convenience tend to do… it starts to feel less and less “convenient” and more and more… real. But both Mikko and Shannon have ways of looking at love and family that have been ingrained in them since they were small. Unlearning those patterns to overcome the fear of choosing what you truly want is often harder than any other obstacle.
My Thoughts
I apologize in advance for my chaotic thoughts- I struggle with this part when it comes to my favorite authors because I feel like I can never adequately capture how much I love their stories!
As Aimee Vance put in her newsletter today, “...this series isn't really about hockey. It's about losing yourself somewhere in the middle of showing up for everyone else—and finding your way back.” And I think that’s what makes me love this series so much. Aimee documents the emotion, beliefs (true and untrue) that we repeat to ourselves, and vulnerabilities that so many of us experience in our lives. She interjects the most hilarious one-liners, soul-mate-level friendships, and the sweetest love story and the result is this incredible Mayhem series that has become one of my absolute favorites!
I loved getting to finally see Shannon’s gooey insides after two books of seeing primarily her snarky (yet loveable) side. Yet this wasn’t at the cost of her snark- we still got plenty of that which was hilarious! I loved that we got to explore her relationship and history with Lori and to see Mikko’s unconditional love for her.
And speaking of Mikko... he was the sweetest gentle giant. The way he loved without expectation, and was a quiet, strong, steady presence. But also BOSSY and a READER and BLONDE!? Yes, just yes to all of it. And sweet Leena was the cutest! The moments with her were some of the most emotional for me!
Now let’s talk about the spice because Ms. Aimee Vance kicked things UP a notch for Mikko and Shannon. And yes- it was AMAZING (see chapter 21). But seriously… this book called for more spice. This is a couple that if you saw them in real life, you would say, “oh yah, they are definitely having hot sex.” So this was the ONLY way to go.
Anyway, once again Aimee Vance shows me why she is one of my faves. Her writing is beautiful and emotional and my eyes leaked from start to finish per usual.
Overall Recommend For
Relatable Emotions & Experiences • Humor • Characters • Connections • Spice
40+ Reader Appeal? (Not Considered in Rating)
Yes… just yes. Just read it.
For more 40+ audio romance takes, check me out on Instagram @HotFlashesHotListens!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"I told them we're married. That you were mine."
I knew I was going to love this story the second Mikko said, "Get in the truck, Shannon" in Made for Mayhem, but I didn't realize quite how much! I finished Meant for Mayhem in under 24 hours. The story is completely addicting and bingeable. I couldn't get enough of Mikko, Shannon, and Leena! If you're unfamiliar with the Mayhem Hockey Club series, this can be read as a standalone, but I highly encourage you to start at the beginning to see how this lovely found family came to be.
In Meant for Mayhem NHL player, Mikko, is struggling under the weight of his career and juggling being the sole caregiver for a daughter he didn't know he had. In the midst of a burgeoning panic attack, Mikko makes a bold declaration to his team's GM that he's married, and his wife is a woman he barely knows but hasn't been able to get out of his head. Shannon is ready to get away from the family that never supported her, but standing on her own for the first time in her life is going to be a financial hardship. When Mikko comes clean, they come to a mutually beneficial resolution: a marriage of convenience that will allow Shannon to take care of Leena while Mikko has hockey commitments and will allow Shannon a place to stay with no cost.
Dare I say it? Mikko might have dethroned short short wearing, Tom Selleck look-alike Ty from my top Aimee MMC spot...
Hear me out! He's quiet, caring, thoughtful, supportive, protective, loves to read!, and is so down bad for Shannon. His devotion to his daughter, Leena, is so sweet and lovely. And my girl, Shannon! Complete grumpy black cat energy but a total softy underneath! Her past has caused her to build her walls high and keep everyone at arm's length. Too bad for her Mikko's battled bigger foes. These two have great tension from the get go, and I love how Vance builds it over the course of the story. I was kicking my feet, grinning like a fool, and fanning myself over the swoony, sweet, and spicy moments.
Just like the rest of the series, found family is at the forefront in both the girl gang at the Pilates studio, and the Mayhem Hockey club extended family. I love this cast of characters, how supportive they are of each other, all of their jokes and teasing, and how they always show up for each other. It's a group I wish was real so I could be a part of it! While a lighthearted read overall, please be aware the story does contain: alcoholic/absent parents, gaslighting/manipulative family, panic attacks, and more.
Aimee's teased who the focus of the next full length book will be, and it's the one we've been waiting for...Mason and Tate! I'm so excited!! In the interim readers can look forward to a holiday novella starring the whole Mayhem crew this winter. I love this whole series so much, and I can't recommend the stories enough!! Meant for Mayhem releases September 25th, don't miss it!
"You know, you deserve good things too, right? Happiness, and all that? Just because we're women doesn't mean we have to spend our lives serving everyone else, Shannon."
"That's right, wife, we're not friends. We're married."
"Pizza is the perfect food...We've got grains, veggies, and dairy all in one. Practically a health food."
"You've spent so many years being the strongest person in every room that you forgot strength can also look like being scared and doing it, anyway."
"I'm sorry life has been so hard for you....But I'm not sorry it led you here."
I knew I was going to love this story the second Mikko said, "Get in the truck, Shannon" in Made for Mayhem, but I didn't realize quite how much! I finished Meant for Mayhem in under 24 hours. The story is completely addicting and bingeable. I couldn't get enough of Mikko, Shannon, and Leena! If you're unfamiliar with the Mayhem Hockey Club series, this can be read as a standalone, but I highly encourage you to start at the beginning to see how this lovely found family came to be.
In Meant for Mayhem NHL player, Mikko, is struggling under the weight of his career and juggling being the sole caregiver for a daughter he didn't know he had. In the midst of a burgeoning panic attack, Mikko makes a bold declaration to his team's GM that he's married, and his wife is a woman he barely knows but hasn't been able to get out of his head. Shannon is ready to get away from the family that never supported her, but standing on her own for the first time in her life is going to be a financial hardship. When Mikko comes clean, they come to a mutually beneficial resolution: a marriage of convenience that will allow Shannon to take care of Leena while Mikko has hockey commitments and will allow Shannon a place to stay with no cost.
Dare I say it? Mikko might have dethroned short short wearing, Tom Selleck look-alike Ty from my top Aimee MMC spot...
Hear me out! He's quiet, caring, thoughtful, supportive, protective, loves to read!, and is so down bad for Shannon. His devotion to his daughter, Leena, is so sweet and lovely. And my girl, Shannon! Complete grumpy black cat energy but a total softy underneath! Her past has caused her to build her walls high and keep everyone at arm's length. Too bad for her Mikko's battled bigger foes. These two have great tension from the get go, and I love how Vance builds it over the course of the story. I was kicking my feet, grinning like a fool, and fanning myself over the swoony, sweet, and spicy moments.
Just like the rest of the series, found family is at the forefront in both the girl gang at the Pilates studio, and the Mayhem Hockey club extended family. I love this cast of characters, how supportive they are of each other, all of their jokes and teasing, and how they always show up for each other. It's a group I wish was real so I could be a part of it! While a lighthearted read overall, please be aware the story does contain: alcoholic/absent parents, gaslighting/manipulative family, panic attacks, and more.
Aimee's teased who the focus of the next full length book will be, and it's the one we've been waiting for...Mason and Tate! I'm so excited!! In the interim readers can look forward to a holiday novella starring the whole Mayhem crew this winter. I love this whole series so much, and I can't recommend the stories enough!! Meant for Mayhem releases September 25th, don't miss it!
"You know, you deserve good things too, right? Happiness, and all that? Just because we're women doesn't mean we have to spend our lives serving everyone else, Shannon."
"That's right, wife, we're not friends. We're married."
"Pizza is the perfect food...We've got grains, veggies, and dairy all in one. Practically a health food."
"You've spent so many years being the strongest person in every room that you forgot strength can also look like being scared and doing it, anyway."
"I'm sorry life has been so hard for you....But I'm not sorry it led you here."
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 ARC REVIEW: Meant for Mayhem by Aimee Vance
Releases TOMORROW! 9/25/2026
Buckle up, readers, because this one is going to be a little bit long! I love this one so much and have so much to say, so strap in and let's get talking about this new release!
Tropes:
🏒 Marriage of Convenience
🏒 Single Dad
🏒 Black Cat FMC
🏒 NHL Hockey Player
🏒 Snarky Banter
🏒 Anxiety Rep
🏒 Girl Gang
🏒 Found Family
Meant for Mayhem is Book 3 in the Mayhem Hockey Series, and I have been wanting to start this series for a while. Book one has been sitting on my next-up list forever, so when I had the opportunity to pick up book three as an ARC, I jumped at it.
Since this is an interconnected standalone series and I'm starting in the middle, it took me a little while to sink into the story. But this is not the first time I've started in the middle of a series, and honestly, it's how I have discovered some of my favorite authors and series before, so I didn't let it scare me.
I will say, the first 50% was a little harder for me to follow since I had not read books one and two. However, it was not enough to make me stop reading, and I was intrigued enough to keep going. Then, around the halfway point, everything clicked for me, and I was completely sucked in.
Once Shannon and Mikko started letting their walls down, their story really took off. I found myself reading early in the morning and late at night because I needed to see where their story was going.
I loved Shannon's unexpected relationship with Walt. It was a smaller part of the story, but I really enjoyed seeing how her plans for her internship changed and how she connected with Walt and made something meaningful out of it. Shannon had a way of forming relationships everywhere she went, from Lori and Leena to Mikko, Walt, and the Moms of Mayhem, even when she was initially reluctant.
And Mikko. The gentle giant. 🥹 I loved seeing how good he was with Leena and Shannon and how he patiently showed up in so many ways. From the custom car to the birthday date, I loved watching him break down his walls.
I also really appreciated the anxiety and mental health representation. The book gives you a detailed look at Mikko's thoughts and how his therapist helped him work through his anxiety in a healthy way. His struggles around Leena, Shannon, and hockey added another layer to his character.
Both Shannon and Mikko were dealing with things from their past involving family, belonging, and feeling good enough. Watching them work through those complicated feelings added so much depth and character development to the story.
And the chemistry between these two? 🔥 Their connection was definitely one of my favorite parts.
I also loved seeing how everything came full circle, from Mikko having no one in the stands at the beginning of the season to having an entire village there for the last game. 🥹
And that emotional epilogue between Shannon and Lori... Don't make me cry! 😭 I was so happy for Shannon, and I could picture Lori on that day. The waterworks were real.
In summary, this was a new series for me and a new-to-me author, and I couldn't have been happier that I had the opportunity to read this one. As soon as I am able, I am clearing the decks and going back to book one! In fact, I already own it on Audible, so there's no reason to delay!
Releases TOMORROW! 9/25/2026
Buckle up, readers, because this one is going to be a little bit long! I love this one so much and have so much to say, so strap in and let's get talking about this new release!
Tropes:
🏒 Marriage of Convenience
🏒 Single Dad
🏒 Black Cat FMC
🏒 NHL Hockey Player
🏒 Snarky Banter
🏒 Anxiety Rep
🏒 Girl Gang
🏒 Found Family
Meant for Mayhem is Book 3 in the Mayhem Hockey Series, and I have been wanting to start this series for a while. Book one has been sitting on my next-up list forever, so when I had the opportunity to pick up book three as an ARC, I jumped at it.
Since this is an interconnected standalone series and I'm starting in the middle, it took me a little while to sink into the story. But this is not the first time I've started in the middle of a series, and honestly, it's how I have discovered some of my favorite authors and series before, so I didn't let it scare me.
I will say, the first 50% was a little harder for me to follow since I had not read books one and two. However, it was not enough to make me stop reading, and I was intrigued enough to keep going. Then, around the halfway point, everything clicked for me, and I was completely sucked in.
Once Shannon and Mikko started letting their walls down, their story really took off. I found myself reading early in the morning and late at night because I needed to see where their story was going.
I loved Shannon's unexpected relationship with Walt. It was a smaller part of the story, but I really enjoyed seeing how her plans for her internship changed and how she connected with Walt and made something meaningful out of it. Shannon had a way of forming relationships everywhere she went, from Lori and Leena to Mikko, Walt, and the Moms of Mayhem, even when she was initially reluctant.
And Mikko. The gentle giant. 🥹 I loved seeing how good he was with Leena and Shannon and how he patiently showed up in so many ways. From the custom car to the birthday date, I loved watching him break down his walls.
I also really appreciated the anxiety and mental health representation. The book gives you a detailed look at Mikko's thoughts and how his therapist helped him work through his anxiety in a healthy way. His struggles around Leena, Shannon, and hockey added another layer to his character.
Both Shannon and Mikko were dealing with things from their past involving family, belonging, and feeling good enough. Watching them work through those complicated feelings added so much depth and character development to the story.
And the chemistry between these two? 🔥 Their connection was definitely one of my favorite parts.
I also loved seeing how everything came full circle, from Mikko having no one in the stands at the beginning of the season to having an entire village there for the last game. 🥹
And that emotional epilogue between Shannon and Lori... Don't make me cry! 😭 I was so happy for Shannon, and I could picture Lori on that day. The waterworks were real.
In summary, this was a new series for me and a new-to-me author, and I couldn't have been happier that I had the opportunity to read this one. As soon as I am able, I am clearing the decks and going back to book one! In fact, I already own it on Audible, so there's no reason to delay!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Maybe walls that tall weren’t knocked down. Maybe they were climbed, one handhold at a time, by someone patient enough to find them. With each smile, each story she shared, I was determined to never let her regret letting me in.”
✔️pro hockey romance
✔️single dad
✔️marriage of convenience
✔️black cat FMC
✔️anxiety rep
✔️found family
✔️no 3rd act breakup
This book is excellent, and I loved reading it so much. Every single book in this series is special in it’s own way, and while you don’t technically have to read them in order (they are interconnected stand alone novels) I highly recommend that you do, so you have all of the context of the found family and how all of the relationships and friendships have grown and changed throughout the series. Mikko (MMC) is a NHL defenseman and recently found out that he is a dad to a toddler girl named Leena (his daughter’s mother signed over her rights and is not a character we ever see on page). Shannon (FMC) is working toward becoming a speech pathologist so she can leave her small town and all of the bad memories behind. When Mikko is caught in an impossible situation at work he lies and says that Shannon is his wife even though they barely know each other, and it turns out to be the best thing either of them could have asked for and never imagined they could have.
Shannon does not trust easily, and though she loves her friends she keeps everyone at arm’s length because she thinks it’s easier to keep her feelings locked down. She’s had so much heartbreak and disappointment in her life, and her childhood was rough. She throws everything she is into helping others, often to her own detriment. It was love at first sight between Shannon and Leena, and watching their relationship blossom was honestly one of the most healing and special parts of the story. Shannon doesn’t believe she deserves to have a healthy family of her own, but she finds that with Mikko and Leena, and I definitely got emotional several times while reading. He just sees her on such a deep level, and though she thinks she doesn’t want/need that, deep down she does and is just afraid that she will lose everything when their original agreement is over.
The anxiety representation is done so well, and though most of the anxiety talk is centered around Mikko and why he needs Shannon’s help for the hockey season, she is definitely dealing with anxiety as well in her own way. I like how the author wrote these characters, because they are definitely cut from the same cloth but still uniquely individual people. Marriage of convenience (any fake relationship, really) is one of my absolute favorite romance tropes, and I love when the fake relationship never really feels fake at all. Reading this book makes me want to go back and reread the first two in the series, and though it is an emotional book it is healing and the relationship and communication is so healthy.
*I am so grateful to be a member of Aimee Vance’s ARC/Content team! Thank you so much to Aimee and her team for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
✔️pro hockey romance
✔️single dad
✔️marriage of convenience
✔️black cat FMC
✔️anxiety rep
✔️found family
✔️no 3rd act breakup
This book is excellent, and I loved reading it so much. Every single book in this series is special in it’s own way, and while you don’t technically have to read them in order (they are interconnected stand alone novels) I highly recommend that you do, so you have all of the context of the found family and how all of the relationships and friendships have grown and changed throughout the series. Mikko (MMC) is a NHL defenseman and recently found out that he is a dad to a toddler girl named Leena (his daughter’s mother signed over her rights and is not a character we ever see on page). Shannon (FMC) is working toward becoming a speech pathologist so she can leave her small town and all of the bad memories behind. When Mikko is caught in an impossible situation at work he lies and says that Shannon is his wife even though they barely know each other, and it turns out to be the best thing either of them could have asked for and never imagined they could have.
Shannon does not trust easily, and though she loves her friends she keeps everyone at arm’s length because she thinks it’s easier to keep her feelings locked down. She’s had so much heartbreak and disappointment in her life, and her childhood was rough. She throws everything she is into helping others, often to her own detriment. It was love at first sight between Shannon and Leena, and watching their relationship blossom was honestly one of the most healing and special parts of the story. Shannon doesn’t believe she deserves to have a healthy family of her own, but she finds that with Mikko and Leena, and I definitely got emotional several times while reading. He just sees her on such a deep level, and though she thinks she doesn’t want/need that, deep down she does and is just afraid that she will lose everything when their original agreement is over.
The anxiety representation is done so well, and though most of the anxiety talk is centered around Mikko and why he needs Shannon’s help for the hockey season, she is definitely dealing with anxiety as well in her own way. I like how the author wrote these characters, because they are definitely cut from the same cloth but still uniquely individual people. Marriage of convenience (any fake relationship, really) is one of my absolute favorite romance tropes, and I love when the fake relationship never really feels fake at all. Reading this book makes me want to go back and reread the first two in the series, and though it is an emotional book it is healing and the relationship and communication is so healthy.
*I am so grateful to be a member of Aimee Vance’s ARC/Content team! Thank you so much to Aimee and her team for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
September 25, 2026
A Heartwarming, Slow Burn Hockey Romance! 🩵🏒
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5
🌶️🌶️.5 /5
Meant for Mayhem was such a heartwarming, feel-good, and emotional hockey romance! I absolutely loved Shannon and how real she felt as a character. She had that standoff-ish, black cat exterior, but underneath was someone incredibly caring and warm. I loved getting to see the softer sides of her come out throughout the story. The slow burn and found family elements also made this such an easy story to get invested in.
I’m always a sucker for a marriage of convenience, and this one was no different! I loved watching Mikko and Shannon go from an arrangement that was mostly accidental to slowly building something real between them. Their relationship developed such a solid foundation of trust and friendship, and I enjoyed all the snarky banter along the way.
Mikko was also such a great single dad, and Leena was SUCH a sweetie! Seeing Mikko figure out this completely unexpected new chapter of his life while also trying to balance his career was something just special. Leena brought so much heart to the story, and I loved the way her relationship with Shannon developed too.
And I really appreciated the anxiety representation in this book. It’s not something I see represented as often in romance for the MMC, so I really enjoyed seeing Mikko’s anxiety and panic attacks be such a meaningful part of his story. It wasn’t just something thrown in for drama either. It was part of his character and his growth, and I thought it added another layer to his relationship with Shannon.
On that note, one of my favorite things about this story was the emotional “baggage” both Mikko and Shannon carried. Their past experiences actually mattered to the way they approached relationships, trust, and letting people in, and I loved that it never felt like their backstories were just there to give them something sad to overcome. Their baggage added real emotional complexity to the story and made the process of them opening up to each other feel much more meaningful.
The slow burn worked really well for me because it gave Mikko and Shannon time to actually get to know each other. I loved watching the little moments build into something bigger as Shannon slowly let her walls down and Mikko earned her trust. Their connection felt earned, and that made the romance that much more satisfying.
Overall, Meant for Mayhem was a sweet, emotional, and feel-good hockey romance with a slow-burn relationship, a marriage of convenience I absolutely ate up, a wonderful found-family dynamic, and characters with real emotional depth. I loved Shannon, Mikko, and Leena, and I especially appreciated how much thought went into their individual stories and the things they were carrying with them.
Thank you so much to Aimee Vance and House of Hearts for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own. 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5
🌶️🌶️.5 /5
Meant for Mayhem was such a heartwarming, feel-good, and emotional hockey romance! I absolutely loved Shannon and how real she felt as a character. She had that standoff-ish, black cat exterior, but underneath was someone incredibly caring and warm. I loved getting to see the softer sides of her come out throughout the story. The slow burn and found family elements also made this such an easy story to get invested in.
I’m always a sucker for a marriage of convenience, and this one was no different! I loved watching Mikko and Shannon go from an arrangement that was mostly accidental to slowly building something real between them. Their relationship developed such a solid foundation of trust and friendship, and I enjoyed all the snarky banter along the way.
Mikko was also such a great single dad, and Leena was SUCH a sweetie! Seeing Mikko figure out this completely unexpected new chapter of his life while also trying to balance his career was something just special. Leena brought so much heart to the story, and I loved the way her relationship with Shannon developed too.
And I really appreciated the anxiety representation in this book. It’s not something I see represented as often in romance for the MMC, so I really enjoyed seeing Mikko’s anxiety and panic attacks be such a meaningful part of his story. It wasn’t just something thrown in for drama either. It was part of his character and his growth, and I thought it added another layer to his relationship with Shannon.
On that note, one of my favorite things about this story was the emotional “baggage” both Mikko and Shannon carried. Their past experiences actually mattered to the way they approached relationships, trust, and letting people in, and I loved that it never felt like their backstories were just there to give them something sad to overcome. Their baggage added real emotional complexity to the story and made the process of them opening up to each other feel much more meaningful.
The slow burn worked really well for me because it gave Mikko and Shannon time to actually get to know each other. I loved watching the little moments build into something bigger as Shannon slowly let her walls down and Mikko earned her trust. Their connection felt earned, and that made the romance that much more satisfying.
Overall, Meant for Mayhem was a sweet, emotional, and feel-good hockey romance with a slow-burn relationship, a marriage of convenience I absolutely ate up, a wonderful found-family dynamic, and characters with real emotional depth. I loved Shannon, Mikko, and Leena, and I especially appreciated how much thought went into their individual stories and the things they were carrying with them.
Thank you so much to Aimee Vance and House of Hearts for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own. 💕
September 29, 2026
ARC review: Thank you, HoH for the opportunity! I'm always honest in my reviews b/c I don't want to read crap or be mislead...so I'll never do that to you!
✨ Romance Comfort-Read Alert ✨
I’ll always fill you in on:
🛑 Cheating / OW-OM drama: no
💞 Angst: mid
🚫💔 Third-act breakup: NOPE 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
🔥 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏡 HEA ALWAYS
Mikko...big sigh...you dreamy man. I haven't read Moms of Mayhem, but I read Made for Mayhem, and I LOVED it. So, when the opportunity came up for this ARC I jumped on it!
We meet our MMC, Mikko, in the other book, as well as the FMC, Shannon. Mikko is Swedish, a giant, very quiet, and very intense. In the end of Made for Mayhem, he finds out he's going to be a dad, which rocks his world. He returns home w/ his kid, Leena. Leena's about 18 months, I think. Her mom signed over her rights b/c she's an addict.
Mikko adjusting to life as a father, full time hockey player is rough. He's riddled with guilt for missing so much of Leena's life, he's saddled with anxiety anytime he is away from her. He is at an away game, hears a kid cry and thinks of Leena, which leads to him letting a score happen. This all lands him in hot water with team management, and he has a panic attack.
During a meeting w/ management, he tells them he's married. This leads him going to see Shannon and basically begging her to be his wife for the rest of the season, and to take care of Leena. In return, he will take care of everything for her financially, which she desperately needs b/c her family are a bunch of shitbags.
Of course, Mikko and Shannon, who have always been attracted to one another, fight the feelings but eventually give in. Let me tell you....grab a fan b/c BAAAAYBEEE it's cute and hot and fun. Mikko is the sweetest man. Total acts of service king-planning day trips for Shannon and Leena when they travel with him. He's so thoughtful and kind. He really loves Shannon, and she has a difficult time with it b/c she's used to people leaving or not truly loving her-always having stipulations to love or affection. So, Mikko throws her, but she does love him so much.
I loved that Shannon was a strong FMC that wasn't annoying. She had a hard time accepting help, but she did it, and chose to believe Mikko when he told her how he felt instead of insisting she wasn't good enough for him. They did have this minor lack of communication thing, mainly due to fear and anxiety on their parts, but it wasn't a break up at all.
I really loved this book and I can't wait for it to be on audio in my library, I'll totally borrow this so fast. I want to hear Mikko's voice. It's a very sweet read that tackles hard subjects but in a way that is very well done.
You absolutely need to read it. You don't have to read the other two books first, but it would help. The side characters/found family make up a good bit of their stories and worth it to know them!
✨ Romance Comfort-Read Alert ✨
I’ll always fill you in on:
🛑 Cheating / OW-OM drama: no
💞 Angst: mid
🚫💔 Third-act breakup: NOPE 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
🔥 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏡 HEA ALWAYS
Mikko...big sigh...you dreamy man. I haven't read Moms of Mayhem, but I read Made for Mayhem, and I LOVED it. So, when the opportunity came up for this ARC I jumped on it!
We meet our MMC, Mikko, in the other book, as well as the FMC, Shannon. Mikko is Swedish, a giant, very quiet, and very intense. In the end of Made for Mayhem, he finds out he's going to be a dad, which rocks his world. He returns home w/ his kid, Leena. Leena's about 18 months, I think. Her mom signed over her rights b/c she's an addict.
Mikko adjusting to life as a father, full time hockey player is rough. He's riddled with guilt for missing so much of Leena's life, he's saddled with anxiety anytime he is away from her. He is at an away game, hears a kid cry and thinks of Leena, which leads to him letting a score happen. This all lands him in hot water with team management, and he has a panic attack.
During a meeting w/ management, he tells them he's married. This leads him going to see Shannon and basically begging her to be his wife for the rest of the season, and to take care of Leena. In return, he will take care of everything for her financially, which she desperately needs b/c her family are a bunch of shitbags.
Of course, Mikko and Shannon, who have always been attracted to one another, fight the feelings but eventually give in. Let me tell you....grab a fan b/c BAAAAYBEEE it's cute and hot and fun. Mikko is the sweetest man. Total acts of service king-planning day trips for Shannon and Leena when they travel with him. He's so thoughtful and kind. He really loves Shannon, and she has a difficult time with it b/c she's used to people leaving or not truly loving her-always having stipulations to love or affection. So, Mikko throws her, but she does love him so much.
I loved that Shannon was a strong FMC that wasn't annoying. She had a hard time accepting help, but she did it, and chose to believe Mikko when he told her how he felt instead of insisting she wasn't good enough for him. They did have this minor lack of communication thing, mainly due to fear and anxiety on their parts, but it wasn't a break up at all.
I really loved this book and I can't wait for it to be on audio in my library, I'll totally borrow this so fast. I want to hear Mikko's voice. It's a very sweet read that tackles hard subjects but in a way that is very well done.
You absolutely need to read it. You don't have to read the other two books first, but it would help. The side characters/found family make up a good bit of their stories and worth it to know them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews