Feeling Fictional

Magical Midlife Flowers (Novella)

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Magical Midlife Awakening

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:
After the battle to save Kingsley's pack Jessie's enemies are still licking their wounds and regrouping for a bigger attack so that should give the Ivy House crew the chance of a little downtime before things ramp up again. Unfortunately for Jessie the holidays are fast approaching and that comes with an invitation to her ex-in-laws huge Christmas party. As much as Jessie is keen to show off Austin she's less keen on having to spend any time around her ex and his parents.

Magical Midlife Awakening is a little slower paced than the last book but that didn't make it any less enjoyable to read. Jessie is really forced to look back at her marriage and see exactly how her ex managed to twist her emotions to get her to do what he wanted. It makes for quite uncomfortable reading at times but seeing Austin and her friends rally round helped on that front. It was really easy for Jessie to fall back into old patterns around her ex but with the others there she was able to push through that and start to deal with him on her own terms using her newfound confidence. It showed just how much she has grown and changed now she's free to live life on her own terms and I loved seeing her stand up for herself.

While their enemies seem to have taken a step back for now that doesn't mean the Ivy House crew are resting, they're working harder than ever to build relationships with potential new allies and to continue their training as a team so they're ready for whatever is thrown at them in the next battle. Sebastian and Nessa still have their own plans that they're working to put in place and I think we're going to see a lot more of their plans come to fruition in the next book. There is a lot going on in this world but with Jessie's newfound confidence added to her determination to protect the people she cares about I think her enemies are going to have a bigger fight on their hands than they could ever have anticipated!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Magical Midlife Flowers - K.F. Breene

Previously part of the Magical Midlife Kickstarter.

This is a bonus story that plays into elements in Magical Midlife Battle. It should be read after Magical Midlife Alliance. It isn't necessary to the overall series ARC, but rather a fun little aside into the lives of the Ivy House Crew.

Edgar does not cheat in flower shows. He might use a magically enhanced serum, but anyone could do that. It's not his fault the other competitors don’t know magic exists!

But when the Ivy House crew goes to the pre-show to support him, it becomes clear that someone should've been watching Edgar much more carefully. What he's done is way worse than overgrown flora.

While Jessie is dealing with that, she gets a shock as she discovers photos of her ex with his girlfriend…turned fiancée. And while the flood of emotions can be ignored, the desire to show off Austin on social media is not.

After putting Mr. Tom in charge of the flower fiasco, she decides to take Austin on his perfect date. Her goal: to have one thing go right in her life. Just one thing!

Leveling Up Series:

Magical Midlife Flowers (Novella)

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:
I remember seeing the Kickstarter that included this novella but I somehow completely missed it being published as a separate kindle ebook so I'm a bit late to the party with this novella. Technically it fits into the series after Magical Midlife Alliance so I wouldn't recommend reading it before that point but it won't be a problem if you read it later. It was fun to see more background information of the magical flowers Edgar used in the big battle scene though so I'm glad I picked up this story.

I love the entire crazy Ivy House crew and the banter between them all is just fab. Edgar has always been one to go his own way and he really goes off the rail in this story so it's up to the others to try and reign him back in again. This may only be a short novella but it packs a lot of fun into those pages so while it's not an essential part of the series it's definitely a recommended one!

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
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Kindle:

https://amzn.to/48R4hMu

Tuesday, 19 September 2023

Review: Magical Midlife Battle - K.F. Breene

It has all come down to this.

The battle to save Kingsley's pack, and Austin's place of birth, is upon them. They have their team, they have their supplies, and they have a very nerve-wracking secret weapon that Edgar devised.

They aren't even close to ready.

If they lose this battle, every shifter in the world will be in jeopardy. But to fight means danger they might not all walk away from.

If only the battle was their sole worry.

Austin has come home for the first time in fifteen years. He left the pack in tatters and a great many people haven't forgotten, his family included. He must finally face his past.

Get ready for a thrilling and emotionally charged next installment in the Leveling Up saga.

Leveling Up Series:

Magical Midlife Flowers (Novella)

Magical Midlife Battle

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:
Well it's the moment we've all been waiting for, a battle that the series has been building towards since the first book, it's time to fight for their lives in defence of Kingsley's territory. I feel like I've been waiting so long for this book and it really didn't disappoint.

It was so fun to see Jesse and her motley crew away from Ivy House and trying to fit in with Kingsley's pack mates. Kingsley has already made his peace with Austin and Jesse but the rest of their family, and the pack, have no idea what kind of madness is heading into town and they're not particularly happy to have Austin back - even though he is there to help them.

There were some really interesting dynamics in this instalment of the series and it was interesting to see Austin trying to tread carefully and build bridges, I felt really sorry for him with the way some people treated him but it was good to see Jesse and the others come to his defence.

I honestly don't want to say much more about this book, if you're a fan of the series you'll know the kind of antics to expect from the regular characters and you'll already be prepared for an action packed ride. If you've stumbled across this review by accident don't start reading at this book but do grab yourself a copy of Magical Midlife Madness and be ready for a fun adventure as you end up binge reading the rest of the series though!

Friday, 24 March 2023

Review: Faithless in Death - J.D. Robb

It's a beautiful Spring day in NYC when Lt. Eve Dallas gets an early morning murder call. A talented young sculptor hasn't had such a perfect day in May. Killed by her own hammer, at first it looks like an argument with a jealous partner but it soon becomes clear that there is much more to this case than a lovers' quarrel turned fatal.

Eve finds herself drawn into the dark and dangerous world of a secret order. A world in which white supremacy, misogyny and religious fanaticism are everyday activities. Eve has dealt with some tough cases before but is it too much even for her to take on a wealthy, influential organisation with friends in very high places.....?

In Death Series:
Naked in Death
Glory in Death
Immortal in Death
Rapture in Death
Ceremony in Death
Vengeance in Death
Holiday in Death
Midnight in Death (Novella)
Conspiracy in Death
Loyalty in Death
Witness in Death
Judgement in Death
Betrayal in Death
Interlude in Death (Novella)
Seduction in Death
Reunion in Death
Purity in Death
Portrait in Death
Imitation in Death
Big Jack (Available in the Remember When Anthology or separately)
Divided in Death
Visions in Death
Survivor in Death
Origin in Death
Memory in Death
Haunted in Death (Novella)
Born in Death
Innocent in Death
Creation in Death
Eternity in Death (Novella)
Strangers in Death
Salvation in Death
Ritual in Death (Novella)
Promises in Death
Kindred in Death
Missing in Death (Novella)
Fantasy in Death
Indulgence in Death
Possession in Death (Novella)
Treachery in Death
New York to Dallas
Chaos in Death (Novella)
Celebrity in Death
Delusion in Death
Calculated in Death
Thankless in Death
Taken in Death (Novella available in the Mirror, Mirror anthology or separately)
Concealed in Death
Festive in Death
Obsession in Death
Devoted in Death
Wonderment in Death (Novella)
Brotherhood in Death
Apprentice in Death
Echoes in Death
Secrets in Death
Dark in Death
Leverage in Death
Connections in Death
Vendetta in Death
Golden in Death
Shadows in Death

Faithless in Death

Forgotten in Death

Abandoned in Death

Desperation in Death

Encore in Death

Payback in Death (September 2023)

Visit J.D. Robb's website for more information.

Review:
Faithless in Death was another fantastic instalment in the series, I will never get tired of reading about these characters but a big draw of the books is how well the murder mystery side is written too. J.D. Robb manages to make every single case different from the last and this was the first time Eve is investigating a so-called religious cult that is really just one man using religion to justify his mysogynistic, racist & homophobic views and to force others to adhere to his rules.

The deeper Eve digs into this cult the more of their abhorrent practises she uncovers but the biggest issue will be trying to make the people in charge pay for their crimes before anyone else gets hurt. Eve has really come into her own as a capable leader and she shows here just how well she can pull together a huge operation with involvement of multiple different agencies. I love watching Eve work but I also really enjoy the personal interactions between all the team members, Peabody and McNab are always on hand to add a bit of humour alongside the other detectives in the bullpen and of course Feeny and Mira have that calming parental influence over everyone too. The biggest draw is always the relationship between Eve and Roarke though, total couple goals right there.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
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Thursday, 23 March 2023

Review: Shadows in Death - J.D. Robb

As it often did since he'd married a cop, murder interrupted more pleasant activities. The again, Roarke supposed, the woman lying in a pool of her own blood a few steps inside the arch in Washington Square Park had a heftier complaint.

When a night out at the theatre is interrupted by the murder of a young woman in Washington Square Park, it seems like an ordinary case for Detective Eve Dallas and her team. But when her husband Roarke spots a shadow from his past in the crowd, Eve realises that this case is far from business as usual.

Eve has two complex cases on her hands - the shocking murder of this wealthy young mother and tracking down the shadow before he can strike again, this time much closer to home. Eve is well used to being the hunter, but how will she cope when the tables are turned? As Eve and the team follow leads to Roarke's hometown in Ireland, the race is on to stop the shadow making his next move...

Faithless in Death

Forgotten in Death

Abandoned in Death

Desperation in Death

Encore in Death

Payback in Death (September 2023)

Visit J.D. Robb's website for more information.

Review:
When you're this many books into a series it can be really hard to think of new things to say in a review but the fact that I'm still mad about this series when it's over 50 books in (and am close to finishing my third reread of all of the books and novellas!) should tell you all you need to know. These books are like crack and I especially love the audio versions narrated by Susan Ericksen who does a fantastic job of bringing all the characters to life. J.D. Robb aka Nora Roberts really is the queen of this genre, nobody does it better.

Shadows in Death sees Eve taking on a formidable enemy and one who is targeting the person she cares about most in this world. I always love getting to see more of Roarke's past but it's not often we see him quite so unsettled and it was an interesting change to their dynamics to see Eve comforting him for a change.

The killer in this book may just be one of their most dangerous opponents yet but when you come gunning for one of the NYPD's top Lieutenants and her husband you'd better believe that the NYPD are going to turn out in force to stop you.

This story moves at a fast pace all the way through and it was lovely to see so many people step up and come to bat for Eve and Roarke.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
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Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Review: Magical Midlife Alliance - K.F. Breene

After a disappointing return from the basajaunak lands, it's clear that Jessie and her crew need to form an alliance and fast! A massive battle is materializing, targeting Kingsley. Without more help, they'll never be enough to save Austin's brother from total annihilation.

The good news is, gargoyle cairns are interested in meeting her. She's the only living female gargoyle and a connection with her has the opportunity to improve their status. They'd just have to change their way of life to accommodate her, not an easy ask for a gruff, stubborn sort of creature.

She has her back against the wall. She must try and wrangle her crew into some semblance of "normal" to entice even just one major cairn to her side. Something not totally impossible…except for the interference of a cairn's Lead Enforcer.

He isn't just a gargoyle. Couldn’t be, not with his unnatural size, strength and glowing eyes. His origins are a mystery and his entire person is cloaked in danger. He might just hold their fate in his hands.

Making an alliance was always going to be difficult, but now it might be nearly impossible, and not just because the crew has no idea what "normal" might look like.

The clock is ticking.

Leveling Up Series:

Magical Midlife Alliance

Magical Midlife Flowers (Novella)

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:
Jessie, Austin and their crew know they still need to gather as many allies as they can before the big showdown with Momar and they need to do it fast if they want to have a chance of helping save Kingsley and his pack.

The last book saw them focused on getting to know more of the basajaunak but this time around we get to see more of the gargoyles when Jessie invites 4 of the largest cairns to meet. Things don't always go to plan though and a lot of the gargoyles are very set in their ways and have no idea what to make of Jessie and the rest of her crew.

I'm not going to go into any more details because I want to avoid spoilers but it was really fun to see Jessie once again boggling people's minds because she doesn't think or act the way they expect her to. She definitely has her own way of doing things but she is also extremely loyal and protective of the people she considers hers so she's the kind of person you want on your side when you're going into a fight.

I love the whole Ivy House team but I am getting a little annoyed with Sebastian and Nessa for the way they go behind Jessie's back and start plotting without anyone else's input. I'm sure they have Jessie's best interests at heart but it really is about time for them to start acting like the team members that they've become. I really hope that is something that changes as the series continues but either way I'm fully invested and can't wait to see what happens next.

Wednesday, 14 December 2022

Review: Magical Midlife Challenge - K.F. Breene

The signs are unmistakable, Momar isn't just targeting Austin's brother.

When one of Momar's grunts breaks into Austin's territory looking to grab Jessie for questioning, Jessie and her crew realize they are under fire. In order to protect themselves, it becomes obvious they need backup.

Thankfully, the basajaun's people have invited Jessie and her crew into the basajaunak lands. This is their golden opportunity to seek their help.

The problem is, a host of mages and mercenaries are following them. Once they take Jessie this time it won't be just for questioning, and she won't be coming back.

To omit this detail to the basajaunak would result in punishment. And everyone knows "punishment" with basajaunak is synonymous with an unmarked grave. But to tell them would get their visit canceled and force them to face the threat alone. Either way could mean certain death.

Decisions, decisions.

Welcome back to O'Briens, where the only certainty is that nothing is normal.

Leveling Up Series:

Magical Midlife Challenge

Magical Midlife Flowers (Novella)