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Leveling Up #4
Magical Midlife Love
The fourth book in the Wall Street Journal bestselling Leveling Up series.
The Ivy House team is shaping up, but there are still holes to be filled, and a magical summons outstanding. Jessie needs a teacher. Someone who can fit in with the whacky Ivy House crew.
And that was going just fine...until she gets a request to host a powerful, neighboring mage. A teacher isn't going to be enough.
She needs more power in her crew. She needs some might. This time, Austin Steele might not be able to dominate what she calls in, creatures no shifter has ever dominated before.
But that isn't all Austin has to worry about.
After a skirmish in the bar, suddenly his whole world is turned upside down. He can no longer ignore the feelings that have been growing for Jess. He also can't ignore the town's complete lack of readiness for the neighboring mage's visit.
He must call in his brother to help lock down the town. And when his brother arrives, he must finally hash out the past that has split them apart so that he can claim his future.
The Ivy House team is shaping up, but there are still holes to be filled, and a magical summons outstanding. Jessie needs a teacher. Someone who can fit in with the whacky Ivy House crew.
And that was going just fine...until she gets a request to host a powerful, neighboring mage. A teacher isn't going to be enough.
She needs more power in her crew. She needs some might. This time, Austin Steele might not be able to dominate what she calls in, creatures no shifter has ever dominated before.
But that isn't all Austin has to worry about.
After a skirmish in the bar, suddenly his whole world is turned upside down. He can no longer ignore the feelings that have been growing for Jess. He also can't ignore the town's complete lack of readiness for the neighboring mage's visit.
He must call in his brother to help lock down the town. And when his brother arrives, he must finally hash out the past that has split them apart so that he can claim his future.
494 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2021
About the author
K.F. Breene
124 books15.1k followersFollow me!
K.F. Breene is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Amazon Most Sold Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and fantasy novels. With millions of books sold, when she's not penning stories about magic and what goes bump in the night, she's sipping wine and planning shenanigans. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and out of work treadmill.
Click FOLLOW for notification of new releases.
Join her mailing list to receive BONUS CONTENT, free stories, and hear about the crazy goings-on of her life. Sign up here ➜ http://bit.ly/KFBContent
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K.F. Breene is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Amazon Most Sold Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and fantasy novels. With millions of books sold, when she's not penning stories about magic and what goes bump in the night, she's sipping wine and planning shenanigans. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and out of work treadmill.
Click FOLLOW for notification of new releases.
Join her mailing list to receive BONUS CONTENT, free stories, and hear about the crazy goings-on of her life. Sign up here ➜ http://bit.ly/KFBContent
Check out her chat group on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,164 reviews
January 1, 2022
I’ll have to say that this one had a bit of a slow start for me which I wasn’t expecting. Yet after a while, the ball starts rolling and before you know it, it’s steamrolling downhill and you literally CANNOT put the book down. It may take a little while, but then it becomes apparent that everything has been (or appears to be) thoroughly thought out and you’re able to start seeing the bigger picture in Jacinta’s Magical Midlife world. Little easter-egg hints are scattered throughout the chapters making it that much more enjoyable to read. Oh and we finally get some sexy time for Jacinta, but Breene still doesn’t shy away from the awkward moments that seem to pop up from time to time around Jacinta and her crew.
Though the characters are well and truly developed by now, it’s always fascinating to learn even more about them in aspects you never dreamed of. And there are plenty of new characters and creatures as well. I absolutely LOVE how Breene doesn’t focus on one supernatural creature. She’s always throwing a wrench into her books and gives you her take on another mythical creature who’s really a shifter and making it that much more exciting. I really can’t wait to hear Nicole Poole narrate this one because I think it’ll be even better. And the twist in the last few chapters?!? It’s something you didn’t see coming, yet you totally should have, and now you’re kicking yourself that you didn’t, and still can’t really believe she just did that, but ohhhh yeah she did! I really really really want the next book NOW!
Though the characters are well and truly developed by now, it’s always fascinating to learn even more about them in aspects you never dreamed of. And there are plenty of new characters and creatures as well. I absolutely LOVE how Breene doesn’t focus on one supernatural creature. She’s always throwing a wrench into her books and gives you her take on another mythical creature who’s really a shifter and making it that much more exciting. I really can’t wait to hear Nicole Poole narrate this one because I think it’ll be even better. And the twist in the last few chapters?!? It’s something you didn’t see coming, yet you totally should have, and now you’re kicking yourself that you didn’t, and still can’t really believe she just did that, but ohhhh yeah she did! I really really really want the next book NOW!
December 20, 2025
Finally, my two favorite characters stopped dancing around each other and... could they be mates?!? The MCs son comes home from college and gets to learn about magic, and new fun characters come to play. I was grinning for most of the book. I'm excited about all the action-packed scenes and, of course, really sad at one scene at the end. I can't wait until book 5!!
March 1, 2021
Magical Midlife Love
(Leveling Up #4)
by K.F. Breene
These books are so good! It's important to read these in order! There are things you must know to get full enjoyment out of the books by reading them in order. You might get a spoiler , small one or two, but still a spoiler if you read this before reading the others first.
This has a hilarious vampire, a brooding gargoyle butler, a hot shifter, hot gargoyles as body guards, a house with an attitude and an army of evil dolls, a Bigfoot with a sense of humor ( at times and a short temper at other times), and so much more!
There is a bit of suspense, lots of humor, great characters, romance, and fun! Bad guys vs hot good guys! Scheming plans is under way by dark magic! Beware!
I loved all the very opening which really didn't fit. Our star gal is letting people attack her so she can practice her powerful defense magic. She is not to be hurt in the activity. A bar patron that hates her stabs her. Her hunk of a boyfriend and unofficial mayor comes and he isn't mad or upset. He scolds her for blasting the jerk too hard. She is still bleeding! Normally he is very possessive.
(Leveling Up #4)
by K.F. Breene
These books are so good! It's important to read these in order! There are things you must know to get full enjoyment out of the books by reading them in order. You might get a spoiler , small one or two, but still a spoiler if you read this before reading the others first.
This has a hilarious vampire, a brooding gargoyle butler, a hot shifter, hot gargoyles as body guards, a house with an attitude and an army of evil dolls, a Bigfoot with a sense of humor ( at times and a short temper at other times), and so much more!
There is a bit of suspense, lots of humor, great characters, romance, and fun! Bad guys vs hot good guys! Scheming plans is under way by dark magic! Beware!
I loved all the very opening which really didn't fit. Our star gal is letting people attack her so she can practice her powerful defense magic. She is not to be hurt in the activity. A bar patron that hates her stabs her. Her hunk of a boyfriend and unofficial mayor comes and he isn't mad or upset. He scolds her for blasting the jerk too hard. She is still bleeding! Normally he is very possessive.
March 2, 2021
Hoooo Boy this book was awesome! Ms. Breene was in rare form when writing it. It flowed so well, I never felt uncomfortable when reading it, I truly got lost in the pages. Time flew and absolutely nothing pulled me out of the story.
We got to meet more family, both from Jessie’s side and Austin's. It all went swimmingly. Her son was just great, I hope he comes for another visit (so does Mr. Tom lol)
Superdooper Supes join the team and even I’m a bit in awe of them. And I got my wish for more “Bigfoot” in my life (I keep calling him John in my head), he's freaking perfect.
But most importantly... I FINALLY got my itch scratched vicariously through Jess and Austin, holy crow it was worth the wait! Not gonna lie I kinda want to beat up Jess and steal her man. The whole time I was reading this book I was metaphorically making “gimme” hands. I choked on jealousy. You get the idea. That man is fiiiiiiine.
My respect for Jess shot through the roof with how she handled Austin's change in position. Well done, very well done.
And lordy, finally, THAT plot twist! Gah! Best. Twist. Evah!
We got to meet more family, both from Jessie’s side and Austin's. It all went swimmingly. Her son was just great, I hope he comes for another visit (so does Mr. Tom lol)
Superdooper Supes join the team and even I’m a bit in awe of them. And I got my wish for more “Bigfoot” in my life (I keep calling him John in my head), he's freaking perfect.
But most importantly... I FINALLY got my itch scratched vicariously through Jess and Austin, holy crow it was worth the wait! Not gonna lie I kinda want to beat up Jess and steal her man. The whole time I was reading this book I was metaphorically making “gimme” hands. I choked on jealousy. You get the idea. That man is fiiiiiiine.
My respect for Jess shot through the roof with how she handled Austin's change in position. Well done, very well done.
And lordy, finally, THAT plot twist! Gah! Best. Twist. Evah!
October 19, 2025
This series is a favorite, and this book was definitely a favorite within it. It was so great to see Jessie and Austin shake off the cycle that had become frustrating with them.
It was also really great to have a different pattern to the arc of the book. And goddamn, I can't wait to see how that all turns out.
The only quibble is that there were a couple jumps forward, and one in particular actually made me yell at the book in frustration, like "Wait, what?!" I wanted to meet the three new arrivals, see the aftermath of their arrival, as well as what was up with those wolves! It felt weird to leap a few weeks forward at that moment.
It is a small quibble though, because the core of the book was the unfolding - finally - of Austin and Jess, as well as a big leap forward in the overall arc. Also, meeting Sir-Stares-A-Lot was pretty great.
Jess and Austin really are perfect together. Seriously, couple goals.
I'm so glad the next book comes out in May!
re-read Jan 2023
This one is definitely a favorite in the series. I feel like all the character beats are just perfect, and the plot really unfolds well. The books before this were fun, but this was, for me, the book where the series became a serious favorite.
It was also really great to have a different pattern to the arc of the book. And goddamn, I can't wait to see how that all turns out.
The only quibble is that there were a couple jumps forward, and one in particular actually made me yell at the book in frustration, like "Wait, what?!" I wanted to meet the three new arrivals, see the aftermath of their arrival, as well as what was up with those wolves! It felt weird to leap a few weeks forward at that moment.
It is a small quibble though, because the core of the book was the unfolding - finally - of Austin and Jess, as well as a big leap forward in the overall arc. Also, meeting Sir-Stares-A-Lot was pretty great.
Jess and Austin really are perfect together. Seriously, couple goals.
I'm so glad the next book comes out in May!
re-read Jan 2023
This one is definitely a favorite in the series. I feel like all the character beats are just perfect, and the plot really unfolds well. The books before this were fun, but this was, for me, the book where the series became a serious favorite.
February 11, 2021
Wow! This book is just amazing. As Jessie and Ivy House continue to connect and grow together, the stakes are higher than ever. Jessie's sending out summons left and right, and some incredible new team mates show up on the scene. What K.F. Breene wrote in here was so magical and original. Twists and turns are everywhere and I was surprised over and over again. The team gets their first taste of how the magical world outside of O'Briens works and the action and intrigue is perfection. And Austin Steele, *sigh. Austin Steele is everything. I adore this series and am so excited for what's to come.
January 21, 2025
4.5 happy stars
FINA F ING LLY!!!!
All kinds of blue conditions happening over here 🤣. It really took four books… FOUR WHOLE BOOKS… to get some 🔥 🫠🫠🫠
But it was sooo worth it 😮💨.
Jess’s growing her power and needs some help. Besides having people/beings randomly stab her (mostly Sasquatch 😬) so that she can work on her powers and then heal herself, she needs to find ways of containing and working her magic properly 😅. She sends out summons to see who can actually come to Ivy House (if they’re able to penetrate her defenses) and who can actually help train her 😅.
Besides this, she finds out that the beings connected to her (AKA her crew which includes AUSTIN 😬😅🫠) can feel her at all times…
AT. ALL. TIMES 🫣🫣🫣 like even when she thinks she’s ALONE 🫣😅🫣
And. She. Is. MORTIFIED!!!!! 😳😳😳🫣🫣🫣
And the most yummy part of this all? Austin Steele and Jessie FINALLY 🔥.
It took four books in the making…
I wonder what’ll happen next? 🤔👀
What I liked/loved: POSSIBLE SPOILERS
—the 🔥. BOW. CHICKA. BOW. WOW 👏🏻🔥 FINAAAAALLLLY!!! Yes. It’s slow burn (four books in+ any percentage equals EXTRA SLOW BURN) but it was soooo worth it 👏🏻. They kiss around 20% followed by some phone shenanigans (🔥) soon after leading to their 75% 🔥HOME RUN!!!! And a MATING one too 😮💨
—choosing mates 🫶. Well, if I’m gonna wait four books, it better be worth it 😒 lol. I love that both Austin and Jessie knew what they were feeling, so when the CLAIMING 🥵 happened, it was expected 💦
—Austin doesn’t come to play 🥵💦🫠 you go you boo 😮💨
—the side characters ❤️. It’s the same ol crew, but add in Austin’s estranged brother Kingsley whom I adored 👏🏻
—Jessie’s son coming to visit ❤️ and being approving of Austin 👀. I didn’t want him to leave either
—the new powers and new beings on Jessie’s side 👀
—the twist! 😳 yeah. I didn’t see it coming 😅 can’t wait to get to book 5!
—mending the estrangement 🫶. I love that Austin and Kingsley act like adults and figure it out
—the fighting 👏🏻. MORTAAAALL KOMBAT 😮💨 lol not really but it just felt epic 🤣🤣🤣
—the times I laughed/smiled 🤣. The side characters make my dad 🤡💀
What I didn’t like/wanted more of: SPOILERS
—FTB scenes 😐 you’re telling me they’re having fun on the phone and I can’t see or hear it?!?!? 😑😒
—we already waited four books, why’d I have to wait until over 70% for the claiming to happen? 😩
—the reason why they don’t NEED to use protection 😐. Yes. I know Jacinda is forty, but come on! Ugh damn you Austin Steele 😑
Overall, I loved it!!!
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-violence/ bloodshed
-OMD: there’s a OM who flirt with the h. The H goes feral. Later he fights another OM
-biting/marking
-no condoms/he had vasectomy
-cliffy
FINA F ING LLY!!!!
All kinds of blue conditions happening over here 🤣. It really took four books… FOUR WHOLE BOOKS… to get some 🔥 🫠🫠🫠
But it was sooo worth it 😮💨.
Jess’s growing her power and needs some help. Besides having people/beings randomly stab her (mostly Sasquatch 😬) so that she can work on her powers and then heal herself, she needs to find ways of containing and working her magic properly 😅. She sends out summons to see who can actually come to Ivy House (if they’re able to penetrate her defenses) and who can actually help train her 😅.
Besides this, she finds out that the beings connected to her (AKA her crew which includes AUSTIN 😬😅🫠) can feel her at all times…
AT. ALL. TIMES 🫣🫣🫣 like even when she thinks she’s ALONE 🫣😅🫣
And. She. Is. MORTIFIED!!!!! 😳😳😳🫣🫣🫣
And the most yummy part of this all? Austin Steele and Jessie FINALLY 🔥.
It took four books in the making…
I wonder what’ll happen next? 🤔👀
What I liked/loved: POSSIBLE SPOILERS
—the 🔥. BOW. CHICKA. BOW. WOW 👏🏻🔥 FINAAAAALLLLY!!! Yes. It’s slow burn (four books in+ any percentage equals EXTRA SLOW BURN) but it was soooo worth it 👏🏻. They kiss around 20% followed by some phone shenanigans (🔥) soon after leading to their 75% 🔥HOME RUN!!!! And a MATING one too 😮💨
—choosing mates 🫶. Well, if I’m gonna wait four books, it better be worth it 😒 lol. I love that both Austin and Jessie knew what they were feeling, so when the CLAIMING 🥵 happened, it was expected 💦
—Austin doesn’t come to play 🥵💦🫠 you go you boo 😮💨
—the side characters ❤️. It’s the same ol crew, but add in Austin’s estranged brother Kingsley whom I adored 👏🏻
—Jessie’s son coming to visit ❤️ and being approving of Austin 👀. I didn’t want him to leave either
—the new powers and new beings on Jessie’s side 👀
—the twist! 😳 yeah. I didn’t see it coming 😅 can’t wait to get to book 5!
—mending the estrangement 🫶. I love that Austin and Kingsley act like adults and figure it out
—the fighting 👏🏻. MORTAAAALL KOMBAT 😮💨 lol not really but it just felt epic 🤣🤣🤣
—the times I laughed/smiled 🤣. The side characters make my dad 🤡💀
What I didn’t like/wanted more of: SPOILERS
—FTB scenes 😐 you’re telling me they’re having fun on the phone and I can’t see or hear it?!?!? 😑😒
—we already waited four books, why’d I have to wait until over 70% for the claiming to happen? 😩
—the reason why they don’t NEED to use protection 😐. Yes. I know Jacinda is forty, but come on! Ugh damn you Austin Steele 😑
Overall, I loved it!!!
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-violence/ bloodshed
-OMD: there’s a OM who flirt with the h. The H goes feral. Later he fights another OM
-biting/marking
-no condoms/he had vasectomy
-cliffy
March 30, 2026
Every single little thing that I didn’t love about this series has been taken care of and every single thing I love about this series is heightened in this book. I LOVED IT!!!! Absolute pitch perfect, humorous, action-packed, romantic urban fantasy addiction at this point. I am SO glad I can binge and don’t have to wait for the next one, cause there are some twiiiiists in this one!
November 22, 2022
First, let me say, I'm not a romance reader. The first book in the series was not a romance in my opinion but more fantasy and "paranormal." It was fun and witty and with lots of little plot twists. The main characters were distinct in their own unusual, quirky way. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book.
Each successive book has gone downhill and with this one, its disappointing. The characters have lost their pizzazz, humor is lacking and the plot predictable (with the exception of the final twist I didn't see coming.) Chapters are devoted to the romance of the main characters. Needless to say, there are chapters of the book I completely skipped and didn't miss a bit of the story, not that there was much of one.
I will read the final book when it is released hoping for a return to the 1st book format.
Wrote this after finishing the book. There is a change...I will NOT be reading any more of the series. There are just too many GOOD books out there.
Each successive book has gone downhill and with this one, its disappointing. The characters have lost their pizzazz, humor is lacking and the plot predictable (with the exception of the final twist I didn't see coming.) Chapters are devoted to the romance of the main characters. Needless to say, there are chapters of the book I completely skipped and didn't miss a bit of the story, not that there was much of one.
I will read the final book when it is released hoping for a return to the 1st book format.
Wrote this after finishing the book. There is a change...I will NOT be reading any more of the series. There are just too many GOOD books out there.
June 29, 2026
Magical Midlife Love doesn’t wander in politely — it crashes through the door like a middle‑aged goddess who’s had three wines, a bad day, and absolutely no intention of behaving.
KF Breene keeps you guessing every single time — and that’s the joy of her writing. You never know what you’re going to get, except that it’ll be gloriously unfiltered, packed with divine sarcasm, dripping with hilarity, and so far outside the square it’s basically orbiting the moon. She has no filter, no fear, and no interest in playing it safe. And honestly? That’s why her stories hit like a magical slap to the face.
I’m never disappointed in anything she writes. Not once. This instalment is another brilliant tale in a long line of “holy hell, KF, what have you done now” masterpieces.
And can we take a moment to appreciate the absolute JOY of having stories where middle‑aged women get the misadventure? The magic? The chaos? The romance? The “oops, I accidentally summoned something that wants to eat me” energy?
Here’s to middle‑age — apparently it’s where all the fun was hiding.
I haven’t laughed this hard in ages. KF’s writing doesn’t just lead the way — it grabs you by the collar, drags you into the madness, and dares you to keep up. The Ivy House team is shaping up… sort of… maybe… if you squint and ignore the parts where they’re catastrophically unhinged. Jessie needs a teacher who can handle her whacky crew, and things are going fine until she’s asked to host a powerful neighbouring mage.
Suddenly she doesn’t just need a teacher — she needs might. She needs power. She needs backup that won’t spontaneously combust. And Austin Steele?
Oh sweetheart.
He’s dealing with his own emotional cyclone. After a skirmish in the bar, his whole world flips upside‑down. He can’t ignore his feelings for Jess anymore — not even a little — and he definitely can’t ignore the town’s complete lack of readiness for the mage’s visit.
He calls in his brother, and when he arrives, Austin finally has to hash out the past that’s been splitting them apart so he can claim his future. It’s messy, emotional, hilarious, and absolutely delicious.
KF Breene writes with the same chaotic‑friend energy as Robyn Peterman — big laughs, big heart, big magic, big mayhem. Grab a drink or three, settle in, and prepare for the best read of your life.
If you’re not reading KF Breene, you’re genuinely missing out.
KF Breene keeps you guessing every single time — and that’s the joy of her writing. You never know what you’re going to get, except that it’ll be gloriously unfiltered, packed with divine sarcasm, dripping with hilarity, and so far outside the square it’s basically orbiting the moon. She has no filter, no fear, and no interest in playing it safe. And honestly? That’s why her stories hit like a magical slap to the face.
I’m never disappointed in anything she writes. Not once. This instalment is another brilliant tale in a long line of “holy hell, KF, what have you done now” masterpieces.
And can we take a moment to appreciate the absolute JOY of having stories where middle‑aged women get the misadventure? The magic? The chaos? The romance? The “oops, I accidentally summoned something that wants to eat me” energy?
Here’s to middle‑age — apparently it’s where all the fun was hiding.
I haven’t laughed this hard in ages. KF’s writing doesn’t just lead the way — it grabs you by the collar, drags you into the madness, and dares you to keep up. The Ivy House team is shaping up… sort of… maybe… if you squint and ignore the parts where they’re catastrophically unhinged. Jessie needs a teacher who can handle her whacky crew, and things are going fine until she’s asked to host a powerful neighbouring mage.
Suddenly she doesn’t just need a teacher — she needs might. She needs power. She needs backup that won’t spontaneously combust. And Austin Steele?
Oh sweetheart.
He’s dealing with his own emotional cyclone. After a skirmish in the bar, his whole world flips upside‑down. He can’t ignore his feelings for Jess anymore — not even a little — and he definitely can’t ignore the town’s complete lack of readiness for the mage’s visit.
He calls in his brother, and when he arrives, Austin finally has to hash out the past that’s been splitting them apart so he can claim his future. It’s messy, emotional, hilarious, and absolutely delicious.
KF Breene writes with the same chaotic‑friend energy as Robyn Peterman — big laughs, big heart, big magic, big mayhem. Grab a drink or three, settle in, and prepare for the best read of your life.
If you’re not reading KF Breene, you’re genuinely missing out.
January 20, 2025
3.5 Gobble Them Up Stars
This is a fun series, if you don't think about it too much. It is a little formulaic in it's structure and I'm okay with that since I have a really good time in the story and get a few really good laughs in.
Jacinta and crew are at it again and waiting for a Mage to show up. Jess put out a magical call in the last book in the last book, but some of the candidates just didn't pass muster. In true Ivy House fashion though they made a fun game of it and those that don't pass get a funny rejection.
Will we wait for the big bag battle to go down at the end Jess get's a little time with her son, who takes the news of her windfall fortune and magic much better than Jessie's parents did. We get some sweet moments and then some pretty funny ones as Mr. Tom tries to put together an Easter Egg hunt. Dicks and Janes are so strange in some of their customs it seems, but it does make for some hilarious moments as Mr. Tom tries to decipher traditions to make this a memorable trip for Jessie's kid.
Lot's of movement on the relationship front, which shouldn't be a surprise due to the title. However, it seems that it is going to be dragged out a little farther as our couple tries to figure out what mating really means and how it works. Austin might just be a little too perfect. He says all the right things at the right times and fights fiercely for Jessie. It is refreshing that we have more situational drama than emotional drama in the series.
We get four new potential members to the Council at Ivy house and they are some powerhouses. Besides the mage Sebastian we really don't get a lot of time with any of the new additions to the air team to care about them yet. However, I did like Sebastian and the page time we got with him. I guessed the plot twist there early on, but it was still enjoyable and I look forward to seeing dividends from that in future books.
Overall this isn't a serious series. It is a light quick read and I use them for pallet cleansers between some of my more substantive reads.
Narration:
I listened to the Graphic Audio Version of the story. I love the full cast for the performance as I think it adds to the humor of the series and makes the some of the situational comedy just that much more entertaining.
This is a fun series, if you don't think about it too much. It is a little formulaic in it's structure and I'm okay with that since I have a really good time in the story and get a few really good laughs in.
Jacinta and crew are at it again and waiting for a Mage to show up. Jess put out a magical call in the last book in the last book, but some of the candidates just didn't pass muster. In true Ivy House fashion though they made a fun game of it and those that don't pass get a funny rejection.
Will we wait for the big bag battle to go down at the end Jess get's a little time with her son, who takes the news of her windfall fortune and magic much better than Jessie's parents did. We get some sweet moments and then some pretty funny ones as Mr. Tom tries to put together an Easter Egg hunt. Dicks and Janes are so strange in some of their customs it seems, but it does make for some hilarious moments as Mr. Tom tries to decipher traditions to make this a memorable trip for Jessie's kid.
Lot's of movement on the relationship front, which shouldn't be a surprise due to the title. However, it seems that it is going to be dragged out a little farther as our couple tries to figure out what mating really means and how it works. Austin might just be a little too perfect. He says all the right things at the right times and fights fiercely for Jessie. It is refreshing that we have more situational drama than emotional drama in the series.
We get four new potential members to the Council at Ivy house and they are some powerhouses. Besides the mage Sebastian we really don't get a lot of time with any of the new additions to the air team to care about them yet. However, I did like Sebastian and the page time we got with him. I guessed the plot twist there early on, but it was still enjoyable and I look forward to seeing dividends from that in future books.
“All animals and people have the innate, primal ability to sense danger. It’s built into us. Women have to listen to it more than men because you are so often prey.”
Overall this isn't a serious series. It is a light quick read and I use them for pallet cleansers between some of my more substantive reads.
Narration:
I listened to the Graphic Audio Version of the story. I love the full cast for the performance as I think it adds to the humor of the series and makes the some of the situational comedy just that much more entertaining.
April 23, 2026
Ok ok ok it might be the voice actor, buuuuut I kinda like Elliot Graves.
Lots of great progression and many laughs as always. I'm seriously looking forward to the next GraphicAudio release, but I'm addicted I might try reading the ebook copies -- starting from the first book to see what I might have missed.
Lots of great progression and many laughs as always. I'm seriously looking forward to the next GraphicAudio release, but I'm addicted I might try reading the ebook copies -- starting from the first book to see what I might have missed.
April 7, 2026
I love the well roundedness of this series. Theres a great ongoing plot, believable romance that slowly unravels, and great humorous moments.
May 3, 2026
Simply... wow!!!!
There are so many words I could use to talk about this book, but it could all be summarised into this one: WOW!!!!
Did I ever mention that K.F. Breene is an amazing author? I don’t care if I did. It bears repeating.
She.
Is.
FANTASTIC!!
And this new book once again epitomises the whole scope of her greatness, of her fantastic storytelling, of her way with giving birth to so close to life characters and situations.
And I love Ivy House, Jess, Austin (seriously my favourite male hero in all of the thousands of books that I have read in my life), and the whole crew.
And I’m looking much forward to having some questions answered in the next book!
There are so many words I could use to talk about this book, but it could all be summarised into this one: WOW!!!!
Did I ever mention that K.F. Breene is an amazing author? I don’t care if I did. It bears repeating.
She.
Is.
FANTASTIC!!
And this new book once again epitomises the whole scope of her greatness, of her fantastic storytelling, of her way with giving birth to so close to life characters and situations.
And I love Ivy House, Jess, Austin (seriously my favourite male hero in all of the thousands of books that I have read in my life), and the whole crew.
And I’m looking much forward to having some questions answered in the next book!
August 6, 2021
It took forever but at least the romance bits progressing rather nicely.
Love that ending twist! ❤️
Love that ending twist! ❤️
February 26, 2021
There is something about this series that I have loved from the very beginning. I will admit though, that I have been more than a little frustrated with the two crazy people whose feelings for each other have been flying right over both their heads. In this installment, we FINALLY start to make some progress. Well, come to think about it, it is REALLY good progress. We also get to be a fly on the wall and find out that Austin Steele has been being a naughty boy. He realized that our resident female gargoyle is fairly clueless when it comes to shifter behavior and thought that he would be able to claim her (to keep other men away from her) yet still take his time on letting her know how he has been feeling. Silly man....when will they ever learn...????
So, FINALLY we get forward movement from these two and *gasp* they also talk about their feelings and what they both want going forward. OMG, did the world end? Nope...just two crazy kids deciding to actually act in a mature manner. (But, tbh, I did do a small happy dance in my kitchen...but I won't admit that to just anyone!)
Besides this great leap forward, Jess also has a ton of other things going on (This book was truly jammed packed with lots and lots of things). We have mages still responding to her summons - but FINALLY have one who seems to be worthy...AND he gets along with the team. Then, she summoned help in the form of some powerful beings and BOY does she get some surprises on that end. And, she has also sent out a summons for another gargoyle "leader" and we are all pleasantly surprised with what happens there. So....quite an installment right? Lots of new people to meet and then to decide whether they are worthy....that is never easy.
We also get to meet Austin Steele's brother and if that isn't a great way to get a peek into what makes Austin tick, I don't know what is. Kingsley seems like a really good guy (I will be honest and say that I wasn't sure if that was going to be a good idea or not...but I am always happy to be wrong on things like this. )
And Jess' magic. For once, she seems to be learning at a pretty good pace and at least, from what we are told, has many less accidents and disasters than in the beginning. So...everything is going great, right?
Again, no spoilers but then we are a given information at the end of this book that is the equivalent to having a bucket of cold water thrown on our heads. Come on...seriously??? Can't we have a little bit of peace for at least one book? Obviously not. But, I am not sure how this is going to affect our merry band a crazy characters. Will it destroy them, or will it end up being something that makes things better ? (after everyone gets their pound of flesh, that is)
So, this book kept me intrigued and enthralled throughout the entire book. It went by way too quickly and I was so depressed when I realized that the book was over. I alternated between listening and reading, and as usual, had no problems with the narration. But, I will be waiting anxiously for the next installment. Trying to wait patiently, but that has never been my strong suit, so I'll probably fail at that miserably. Just being honest......
So, FINALLY we get forward movement from these two and *gasp* they also talk about their feelings and what they both want going forward. OMG, did the world end? Nope...just two crazy kids deciding to actually act in a mature manner. (But, tbh, I did do a small happy dance in my kitchen...but I won't admit that to just anyone!)
Besides this great leap forward, Jess also has a ton of other things going on (This book was truly jammed packed with lots and lots of things). We have mages still responding to her summons - but FINALLY have one who seems to be worthy...AND he gets along with the team. Then, she summoned help in the form of some powerful beings and BOY does she get some surprises on that end. And, she has also sent out a summons for another gargoyle "leader" and we are all pleasantly surprised with what happens there. So....quite an installment right? Lots of new people to meet and then to decide whether they are worthy....that is never easy.
We also get to meet Austin Steele's brother and if that isn't a great way to get a peek into what makes Austin tick, I don't know what is. Kingsley seems like a really good guy (I will be honest and say that I wasn't sure if that was going to be a good idea or not...but I am always happy to be wrong on things like this. )
And Jess' magic. For once, she seems to be learning at a pretty good pace and at least, from what we are told, has many less accidents and disasters than in the beginning. So...everything is going great, right?
Again, no spoilers but then we are a given information at the end of this book that is the equivalent to having a bucket of cold water thrown on our heads. Come on...seriously??? Can't we have a little bit of peace for at least one book? Obviously not. But, I am not sure how this is going to affect our merry band a crazy characters. Will it destroy them, or will it end up being something that makes things better ? (after everyone gets their pound of flesh, that is)
So, this book kept me intrigued and enthralled throughout the entire book. It went by way too quickly and I was so depressed when I realized that the book was over. I alternated between listening and reading, and as usual, had no problems with the narration. But, I will be waiting anxiously for the next installment. Trying to wait patiently, but that has never been my strong suit, so I'll probably fail at that miserably. Just being honest......
September 13, 2021
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Magical Midlife Love
Jessie is earning a name for herself in the magical world and within her town. But with her notoriety comes an increase in potential enemies. While the Ivy House team has certainly become more powerful, they are not at their peak performance. Jessie needs a skilled teacher in magic and to undergo a blood oath to reach her full potential. When she receives an invitation to meet with a powerful mage, she knows the team isn’t ready yet. They will have to shore up their defenses and prepare as best they can. But with the Ivy House gang, you know it will be an enchanting and humorous experience.
Magical Midlife Love kicked off with a visit from Jacinta’s son, but the time spent with him seemed rushed. After the hilarious visit from Jess’ parents in the last book, I was expecting more family time when her son came to visit. Granted there were some funny scenes, but the family dynamic didn’t build as much as I thought it would. However, even if this side story didn’t quite pan out, the rest of Magical Midlife Love definitely made up for it.
The addition of an adrenaline junkie mage with an inability to tell social cues was perfect. Every character in this series is a bit off, and it adds to the humorous chaos that encompasses Ivy House. Sebastian was a great balance to Austin’s growing power, making sure the story never veered too far into the serious side. Sebastion also brought to light the technical side of magic. I enjoyed learning about how magic worked and the different ways it could be used. He challenged Jessie to craft more complex spells and pushed her towards success.
I also enjoyed the return of Mr. Tom and Niev’s bantering back and forth. While present in the first book, their love-hate relationship has faded into the background as various characters and plot points have developed. As I listened to the audiobook, I couldn't help but laugh at their verbal sparring and antics.
Now let’s talk about the tension between Jessie and Austin. The tension that is so present all one or the other has to do is take a few steps and it will drag them under. This has been building and teasing readers since book one, growing in intensity as the series has progressed. While I can understand Jessie’s hesitation due to her divorce, I also think it’s been taking way too long for them to make a decision. Even by the end of this book, I’m left a bit confused as to why Jessie is struggling so hard to form a concrete relationship. But romance is also not normally my thing, I’m here for the humor and magic slinging action.
Magical Midlife Love was another fun installment to the Leveling up series. These books are easy reads that can help alleviate my mind when I’ve read heavier novels, or when I don’t want to work as hard putting together plot points. While the romance is a bit off, I enjoy the magical battles and the ever evolving team at Ivy House.
Jessie is earning a name for herself in the magical world and within her town. But with her notoriety comes an increase in potential enemies. While the Ivy House team has certainly become more powerful, they are not at their peak performance. Jessie needs a skilled teacher in magic and to undergo a blood oath to reach her full potential. When she receives an invitation to meet with a powerful mage, she knows the team isn’t ready yet. They will have to shore up their defenses and prepare as best they can. But with the Ivy House gang, you know it will be an enchanting and humorous experience.
Magical Midlife Love kicked off with a visit from Jacinta’s son, but the time spent with him seemed rushed. After the hilarious visit from Jess’ parents in the last book, I was expecting more family time when her son came to visit. Granted there were some funny scenes, but the family dynamic didn’t build as much as I thought it would. However, even if this side story didn’t quite pan out, the rest of Magical Midlife Love definitely made up for it.
The addition of an adrenaline junkie mage with an inability to tell social cues was perfect. Every character in this series is a bit off, and it adds to the humorous chaos that encompasses Ivy House. Sebastian was a great balance to Austin’s growing power, making sure the story never veered too far into the serious side. Sebastion also brought to light the technical side of magic. I enjoyed learning about how magic worked and the different ways it could be used. He challenged Jessie to craft more complex spells and pushed her towards success.
I also enjoyed the return of Mr. Tom and Niev’s bantering back and forth. While present in the first book, their love-hate relationship has faded into the background as various characters and plot points have developed. As I listened to the audiobook, I couldn't help but laugh at their verbal sparring and antics.
Now let’s talk about the tension between Jessie and Austin. The tension that is so present all one or the other has to do is take a few steps and it will drag them under. This has been building and teasing readers since book one, growing in intensity as the series has progressed. While I can understand Jessie’s hesitation due to her divorce, I also think it’s been taking way too long for them to make a decision. Even by the end of this book, I’m left a bit confused as to why Jessie is struggling so hard to form a concrete relationship. But romance is also not normally my thing, I’m here for the humor and magic slinging action.
Magical Midlife Love was another fun installment to the Leveling up series. These books are easy reads that can help alleviate my mind when I’ve read heavier novels, or when I don’t want to work as hard putting together plot points. While the romance is a bit off, I enjoy the magical battles and the ever evolving team at Ivy House.
March 14, 2021
4.5 Stars
So much fun!
I need the next book!
So much fun!
I need the next book!
February 25, 2021
What good story in book 4
This book 4 was good addition to the series.
With lots of action. Magic and twists and turns happening.
Jess and Austin finally get it on, thank goodness!!!!
I am never disappointed in any of her stories, looking forward to reading more.
This book 4 was good addition to the series.
With lots of action. Magic and twists and turns happening.
Jess and Austin finally get it on, thank goodness!!!!
I am never disappointed in any of her stories, looking forward to reading more.
March 30, 2026
Heck Yeah!!! Finally!!
Reminder - Consume this series in audiobook form but DRAMATIZED ADAPTATION ONLY!!
Reminder - Consume this series in audiobook form but DRAMATIZED ADAPTATION ONLY!!
January 5, 2026
Such a cute series.
February 24, 2021
What happens next?
This book gave me all kinds of feels.
Of course we knew Austin and Jessie would hook up, it was inevitable but for all those feelings and deeper meanings to come up to make the relationship seem more than a rebound was sooooooo thoughtful. It was an incredible nod to women who are at points in their life where they know what they want and what they won’t tolerate. Breene allowed Jessie the flexibility to explore those feelings and still maintain the little bit of independence she hard won for herself.
I kinda wanted more Jimmy time, we got to see and hear all sorts of craziness in the last installment with her parents it kinda just seemed too chill. Did she introduce him to any of the younger shifters or magical people who set up shop in the town? How’d that go?
Stray thoughts: I’m gonna be really peeved if we have to deal with a pregnancy scare or deal with a “geriatric” pregnancy in the next installment. They live during precarious/uncertain times and with the constant challenges and added stress of constant training, I just don’t want to see it play out or the all too real consequences of what a life like that could have on a high risk pregnancy.
Although it was kinda telegraphed early on not to implicitly trust Sebastian, I can’t say I wasn’t surprised at the reveal tho.
Needless to say, this review isn’t really selling how much of a brilliant and ENTERTAINING story this was. I enjoyed the banter and although I felt we were slipping into Breene’s familiar trope about how the women were badass and still incredibly naive when it comes to realizing their feelings for their partners I still very much enjoyed watching it all play out.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Seriously! Is it time for book 5 yet?
This book gave me all kinds of feels.
Of course we knew Austin and Jessie would hook up, it was inevitable but for all those feelings and deeper meanings to come up to make the relationship seem more than a rebound was sooooooo thoughtful. It was an incredible nod to women who are at points in their life where they know what they want and what they won’t tolerate. Breene allowed Jessie the flexibility to explore those feelings and still maintain the little bit of independence she hard won for herself.
I kinda wanted more Jimmy time, we got to see and hear all sorts of craziness in the last installment with her parents it kinda just seemed too chill. Did she introduce him to any of the younger shifters or magical people who set up shop in the town? How’d that go?
Stray thoughts: I’m gonna be really peeved if we have to deal with a pregnancy scare or deal with a “geriatric” pregnancy in the next installment. They live during precarious/uncertain times and with the constant challenges and added stress of constant training, I just don’t want to see it play out or the all too real consequences of what a life like that could have on a high risk pregnancy.
Although it was kinda telegraphed early on not to implicitly trust Sebastian, I can’t say I wasn’t surprised at the reveal tho.
Needless to say, this review isn’t really selling how much of a brilliant and ENTERTAINING story this was. I enjoyed the banter and although I felt we were slipping into Breene’s familiar trope about how the women were badass and still incredibly naive when it comes to realizing their feelings for their partners I still very much enjoyed watching it all play out.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Seriously! Is it time for book 5 yet?
February 27, 2021
I can never get enough of this world. I am never able to put down these books. If you are looking for action packed misfits read to fight. This book has you covered. This book is all kinds of funny. We also see that age is just a number. Oh I am not even going to talk about how we get steamy sex in this book. No, I am. It was very hot sex that I thought I glasses would fog up. I did blush while reading because the family was in the front room. Note to self. Don't read while around people. I think everyone likes Jesse's son. I hope to see him again. I can't wait for the next book. It looks like we are going to be in for some surprises.
May 29, 2026
Yes, finally! (Spoiler Alert)
OMG, Freaking finally! Austin and Jessie finally got it together and let some of the steam out of the pot! Yessss, I was so rooting for these two.. So I guess my real question is what the hell is going on with Sebastian\ Elliot Graves.. Just wondering how's he going to play this out...🤔 Well off to book 4!
Overall Rating:
4* ~ A Good Read (as of 11/26/21
Re-read Started 05/27/26 - Finished 05/28/26// Rating Still stands at 4*
OMG, Freaking finally! Austin and Jessie finally got it together and let some of the steam out of the pot! Yessss, I was so rooting for these two.. So I guess my real question is what the hell is going on with Sebastian\ Elliot Graves.. Just wondering how's he going to play this out...🤔 Well off to book 4!
Overall Rating:
4* ~ A Good Read (as of 11/26/21
Re-read Started 05/27/26 - Finished 05/28/26// Rating Still stands at 4*
July 16, 2021
I finally got my “…genuinely satisfying night…” and was not disappointed.!.
Onto to book 5, with a big question in my book lover weirdo mind. Will I still HATE the twist in this installment? 🤔 Or, will the conclusion ease my displeasure? ⚖️
Excellent Story - Excellent Read
September 26, 2025
This series is moving along at a ripping pace.
In this one Jessie's son comes for a visit and his reaction to learning about Jessie's new life is very different from her father;s reaction. I liked meeting him and loved how her crew took him under their wings, especially Mr. Tom. The Easter egg hunt made me envious.
We also meet Kingsley, Austin's brother and other members of his pack. I am enjoying meeting the various family members.
The big news is that Austin and Jessie stop denying their feelings and acknowledge their feelings and the fact that they are mates. I love how they are together. Austin is boyfriend goals. He hypes up Jessie so much and is so supportive. The book makes no bones about the fact that Austin is the biggest, baddest, meanest Alpha around. He is THAT guy. But the book also does not make him an Alpha-hole. I love how the author has crafted Austin as hyper masculine but also sweet.
We get a Phoenix, a Thunderbird and a new mage to add to Jessie's Knight's roundtable.
There is a surprise twist that honestly, I was not very surprised about. I think maybe it is because I listened to the book on audio. The voice actor involved in the twist was really good in their performance to the extent that they made my spidey senses tingle. I am very interested to see how this goes.
I am consuming these books like chips because they go down so easily!
In this one Jessie's son comes for a visit and his reaction to learning about Jessie's new life is very different from her father;s reaction. I liked meeting him and loved how her crew took him under their wings, especially Mr. Tom. The Easter egg hunt made me envious.
We also meet Kingsley, Austin's brother and other members of his pack. I am enjoying meeting the various family members.
The big news is that Austin and Jessie stop denying their feelings and acknowledge their feelings and the fact that they are mates. I love how they are together. Austin is boyfriend goals. He hypes up Jessie so much and is so supportive. The book makes no bones about the fact that Austin is the biggest, baddest, meanest Alpha around. He is THAT guy. But the book also does not make him an Alpha-hole. I love how the author has crafted Austin as hyper masculine but also sweet.
We get a Phoenix, a Thunderbird and a new mage to add to Jessie's Knight's roundtable.
There is a surprise twist that honestly, I was not very surprised about. I think maybe it is because I listened to the book on audio. The voice actor involved in the twist was really good in their performance to the extent that they made my spidey senses tingle. I am very interested to see how this goes.
I am consuming these books like chips because they go down so easily!
March 1, 2022
Magical Midlife Love is book 4 of the Leveling Up series. I LOVED this book. I think it is my favorite of the series. It might be because Jess and Austin finally let their guards down and gave in to their feelings for each other. It might also be because Austin’s brother Kingsley answered Austin’s call for help and we saw them reconcile and catch up after years apart. It might be because Jacinta’s son came for a visit and Mr. Tom did a whole Easter egg hunt for him and garden party for everyone. It might be because we saw all of them together as a family. It might be because Jess finally took her oath. Or maybe it was the Phoenix and the Thunderbird. I think it was all of the things. This book made me smile so big. It also kept me on my toes. There was an interesting twist toward the end so I am really looking forward to moving on to book 5 to see where things go from here. The narration was great. I definitely recommend this series. It is full of humor and excitement.
December 31, 2023
Holy cow! This book started off a little slow but I’ve been so invested in the characters from having grown through 3 books with them (lol) that I really didn’t mind too much.
But the twist! 😳😳😮🤯
I was thrown! And I’m so confused! I have so many questions! On to the next one! 😂
But the twist! 😳😳😮🤯
I was thrown! And I’m so confused! I have so many questions! On to the next one! 😂
May 23, 2021
Just pure ridiculous fun
(-0,006⭐ not enough mention of The Dolls)
(-0,006⭐ not enough mention of The Dolls)
November 10, 2023
Great action , great characters and surprising development .
light and fun book .
light and fun book .
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