Finding Mayhem by Layla Frost

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Welcome home, neighbor…

I wasn’t looking for a lover. I wasn’t even looking for a friend. After my life imploded around me, I only wanted one thing: a fresh start for me and the baby I carried.

That was before Ward ‘Hollywood’ Garrison stormed down a walkway and into my life. Cooking for me. Spending time with me. Giving me his dimpled grin and making me smile for the first time in far too long.

Ward may have been charming, but he was no hero. A member of the Court of Mayhem motorcycle club, he had figurative blood on his hands—and very real blood on his shirt.

He had secrets. Then again, so did I.

Afraid to lose more than I already had, I was determined to keep my distance from my irresistible neighbor.

Or maybe it was time to take a risk and find happiness… by Finding Mayhem.

Finding Mayhem

The Biker, the Belly, and the Binge-Watch

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️🤨🤗🙁🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

💔 Heroine: Mac Davis

Mac is a twenty-six-year-old school psychologist whose life has been upended by pain and unexpected motherhood. She finds herself pregnant and alone, searching for a fresh start. When a friend offers her the use of a vacant house in Massachusetts, Mac takes the leap—though the move is anything but easy. Moving all her belongings while pregnant and emotionally raw sets the tone for her vulnerability. So, when the tall, rugged man next door offers to help, she hesitates at the sight of his biker vest but accepts the kindness. Her wariness is palpable, but so is her quiet resilience.

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🛡️ Hero: Ward “Hollywood” Garrison

Ward is a paradox wrapped in leather and loyalty. A member of the Court of Mayhem motorcycle club, he lives on a quiet suburban street that belies the danger and moral ambiguity of his world. From the moment Mac arrives, Ward is drawn to her—not in spite of her pregnancy, but perhaps because of the strength she radiates. He’s relieved the nosy old neighbor is gone and intrigued by the woman who’s taken her place. Ward’s dual life—running Mako Security by day and helping people escape their demons by night—adds depth to his character. He’s not squeaky clean, but he operates by a code, and that code includes showing up for Mac in ways that matter.

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🔥 Plot Pulse

Their relationship unfolds slowly, organically. Ward doesn’t push—he offers. Help with boxes. Meals when Mac’s cooking proves… ambitious. Evenings spent watching House become their quiet ritual, a balm for two people nursing invisible wounds. The emotional rhythm of the story builds through these small, intimate moments. It’s not just about attraction—it’s about companionship, trust, and the kind of comfort that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

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✅ What Hit Home

• The duality of the MC members was compelling—they’re outlaws with a conscience, protectors cloaked in menace.
• Ward’s split existence between his dangerous MC life and his gentle, domestic side was beautifully rendered. Watching him cook for Mac and care for her felt like peeling back layers of armor to reveal something tender underneath.
• The intimate scenes were sizzling hot!

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⚠️ What Felt Worn

• The prologue sets up Mac’s pregnancy and her fiancé’s joy but then jumps abruptly to her moving in alone. The emotional gap—what happened to him—lingers too long without resolution, which dulled the initial impact.
• Personal quirk: the name “Ward” conjures up Ward Cleaver vibes, which felt tonally off for a biker hero. It’s a minor distraction, but one that stuck.

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🎧 Narration Breakdown

Troy Duran and Maxine Mitchell deliver a stellar dual performance. Troy’s voice is deep, commanding, and undeniably sexy—he nails Ward’s blend of grit and warmth. Maxine brings emotional clarity to Mac’s journey, capturing her anxiety, hope, and quiet strength with finesse. Their vocal chemistry enhances the story’s emotional beats, making the audiobook feel immersive and intimate.

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📝 Final Thoughts

This story balances grit and grace, danger and domesticity. Mac and Ward’s slow-burn connection is built on mutual care and emotional healing, not just physical attraction. The narration elevates the experience, making it a standout listen for fans of emotionally grounded romance with a touch of outlaw edge.

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