Magical Midlife Madness: Leveling Up

Precise Disarray

not your grandmas romance story, slow burn spice, FUN FUN FUN characters

"The Levelling Up series was not something I expected to like. I had learned of this book on a random FB sponsored ad. I dont recall what drew me to it, but let me tell you none of this is my typical genre to read from. I think it was the appeal of reading of a character in her 40s. I'm in my 40s. Nice to see the main star to be someone outside the typical 20 something. Figured I'd give it a go, and if I didnt like it I have the option to stop, yes? The first chapter was meh. Though, I tend to be a little snarfy when I first begin a new book. Takes a little to get into it. But then once it started rolling, I was so very much hooked. I think once I realized that the writer can write, can flesh out detail, can give life to not only main characters, but give a lot to side characters, and I can imagine the surroundings so well yet am not spoon fed all everything. I was impressed, and hoked. I cant get enough, I could read from this world forever more. Love the characters, all the fun quirky details, and the lovely boost to my imagination. If you aren't reading KF Breene, you should. Very funny, lots of wonderful side characters, and the main story has some meat. But I could read all about the Levelling Up world without any story line. I just LOVE hanging out with all the characters. Funny stuff, hot stuff, some feels. Not overlly dramatic. And not at all scary despite some freaky stuff going on. And yes, there are ridiculously hot guys in this, with cringey names (I suspect it is an intentional nod toward the lame romantic tripe of so called romance books). Stop clutching your pearls long enough to just enjoy this. It's a slow burn, and please feel free to enjoy it. OR dont pick up a fantasy (on many levels) book. If the details in this book freak you out, then you wont be able to handle the intense spice of some of her other work. Ruin of Roses, comes to mind. That is another incredible story with loads of detail, awesome side characters, but the heat is turned way way way up. Wowza. Well done.. mm hhmmm ["

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March 26, 2022 Verified Purchase

Angela - Angel's Book Nook

Captivating Story. Powerful New Beginning.

"Magical Midlife Madness is book one in the Leveling Up series by K.F. Breene Divorced at 40 isn’t an ending; it’s a powerful new beginning. This book is a magical adventure! Our lead heroine enters a world full of wonder and finally sheds the stillness of her old life to embrace her strength and freedom. The cast of characters is a delight—witty, funny, and perfectly balanced. The budding romance is sure to blossom throughout the series, and the unique, magical house is a charming bonus. A truly fun read! It’s a delight to follow an older heroine as the main protagonist, especially with the added bonus of wonderful paranormal elements. I adored exploring the magically-infused Ivy House, with its secret passages, unique surprises, and rooms just waiting to be uncovered. Beyond its walls, the town is a haven for misfit supernaturals, all kept safe by the formidable lone alpha shifter, Austin Steele. I’m eager to learn more about this world! Magical Midlife Madness is a captivating story proving that life—and magic—truly begin after 40. Looking forward to reading on in the Leveling Up series. Rated: 4 Stars ["

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March 7, 2026 Verified Purchase

Diana

Mature and hilarious

"This book is absolutely amazing. I loved that it focuses on a more mature FMC as compared to many other romantasy style books. Jessie is smart, confident and so comfortable in her own skin. She loves herself in a way we all should. Austin is delectable and a true gentleman. The side characters are all spectacular, as is the case with all Breene books. I'm a major fan of Mr Tom. The story itself is very well written and kept me interested the entire time. By the end I was more than ready for the next book. If you're looking for a more mature romantic fantasy and love to laugh, don't skip this series! ["

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February 13, 2026 Verified Purchase

Jan

Epic Feel Good Story!

"This story has pizazz! Austin Steele is so hot! I love this fun, hilarious, slow burn book. It's a great start to the series and I'll never think of Begonias in the same way again. K.F. Breene is a wonderful author and I absolutely love Nicole Poole as well. Magical Midlife Madness is such a fun story and Nicole Poole just adds to the fun with her amazing narrator skills! This book is a classic. I've listened to it repeatedly and it never gets old. ["

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October 21, 2025 Verified Purchase

Alisa N

Much different than previous work

"I adore KF Breene's books. I've read the entire DDVN series and the Warrior Chronicles (more than once!). She has a great talent for creating offbeat characters who are completely nuts but also extremely lovable. Although this book was entertaining, I didn't fall in love with the characters. They are all likable, and several have a hefty dose of crazy that will make you snicker. The premise of a house that chooses its master was interesting. But... I felt like the age thing was seriously, seriously overdone. It seemed that literally every other page made a reference to being old. It became so distracting that I couldn't relate to the characters at all. Their primary characteristic was that they were either ancient or way beyond their prime. I had no idea that being 40 meant that you could no longer sit with your arms wrapped around your knees, and that every person who interacts with you will do so in a way that puts your age before everything else. That's really depressing :( If all of the characters had been the same age as the house's protectors, that would be different. But geez...this book made me think that being 40 feels like you are teetering on the edge of the grave. Because of my love for the author, I will probably pick up the next book in the series. Honestly, though, if I had never read any of her other books, I would be unlikely to purchase future installments. (If you've only read this book, I urge you to try DDVN to get a better feel for what this author can do!) ["

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February 25, 2020 Verified Purchase