Why You Won’t Put Down Mayhem in Disguise
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In Mayhem in Disguise, Anika Savoy crafts a mesmerizing historical romance that effortlessly blends the charm of a handsome Irish doctor with the mystique of old Mohegan medicine. Set against the backdrop of Black Bear Creek, this captivating tale explores the intertwining lives of Bella and the enigmatic Irish doctor, whose fate is influenced by a Mohegan medicine woman’s haunting warnings. As Bella delves into the secrets of her past, she discovers that the paranormal is as real as the love that blooms amidst the chaos.
Published by Inkspell Publishing, Savoy’s latest work promises readers an enchanting journey through fiction where romance, history, and the supernatural converge. With its intriguing story and compelling characters, this book is a must-read for fans of both historical and paranormal romance. Dive into this extraordinary series and find out why Mayhem in Disguise deserves a top spot on your reading list!
Title: Mayhem in Disguise
Author: Anika Savoy
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
Genre: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Pages: 263
Star Rating: 4 stars
Spice Rating: 0 chili pepper (fade to black)
Having read Anika’s first book in the Ungilded series (The Ghost in Her, check out my review) I was very excited to receive an email from Anika asking me to read and review book 2.
Going into Mayhem in Disguise I initially thought this one wouldn’t be for me. Where book 1 was fun and interesting pretty immediately drawing me in with its gothic whimsy style. I felt like book 2 was falling flat. It didn’t have the original charm and glittering effect that The Ghost in Her had and I was resigned to let it fall by the wayside.
I am so glad that I didn’t! Mayhem in Disguise transforms into something beautiful. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely has its faults. The fact that she is Mohegan is repeatedly hammered in your mind as if you don’t understand that she is from that culture or that it gives the motives behind a lot of what she does and why Bella does it.
It also has an Insta Love feel (if you like that this would be perfect). After 2 days together, the enigmatic doctor has already confessed his love for her and her for him. Now I am fully aware that times were different in 1889. People moved quickly courting and marrying after maybe a month (if that). It is just not something that I am into. I want to feel some tension in the romance. A push and pull of being explicable drawn to one another. Not so much a slow burn but in that territory.
“My Mohegan Goddess”
What is done well in Mayhem in Disguise is done really well. It is written well. Anika’s voice as the author is unique and consistent, enhancing the story. Drawing ties to the first standalone in the series. Making you want to reread it. Yelling at the page “he is sucking you dry, like a vampire” as if the book can hear you and respond adequately.
The foreshadowing and thought put into the details are imposing. Laying pieces out bit by bit, creating a web to catch a bug big enough to satisfy the spider.
In addition, the book uses vivid descriptions and sensory details to create a strong sense of place and immerse the reader in the story. You vividly see the country town of Black Bear Creek. Feel the crispness of the water on your skin as Bella takes a dip enticing the doctor to join. Hear the wind blow and rustle leaves along the grass.
The plot, characters, and setting are also consistent throughout the book. The timeline is set perfectly. With no major plot holes or inconsistencies to detract from the story. The characters feel real. Bella is incredibly naive, it is almost unbelievable. But her heart gives her a redeeming quality.
“To Matanoto! May he rot in Hell!”
It is engaging in a way that I begrudgingly had to put it down for things like sleep. Picking it back up and making it the first thing I did (after coffee of course). With parts being incredibly heartwarming. You softly smile to yourself or giggle like a schoolgirl.
Whether you want something eerie, that will chill you to the bone. Or something more thrilling with tension (not romantic tension) so palpable you have to take a break and breathe. Mayhem in Disguise fits both of those criteria. Making it the perfect fall read.
Thank you so much to Anika for sending me a copy to review. Mayhem in Disguise releases on September 17th. Grab yourself a copy!
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