I want to live my life in peace for a little while as opposed to pieces. I don’t know who I have to bribe to catch a break, but I’m willing to pay the big bucks.
Apparently, no one got the memo. Midlife is one messy ride.
Fine. I’m off to Lexington, Kentucky to find a self-proclaimed dragon who sports a mullet, beer belly and delusions of Immortal grandeur. This time he’s gone too far. He’s messed with me and mine for the last time.
The way to end a dragon is to remove his tail. We thought we had. A tail is in the back. Right?
Wrong.
So, so wrong.
With the love of my Immortal life by my side along with a few smack-talking, geriatric Nephilim and a foul-mouthed, toothpick loving Keeper of Fate, I’m ready.
And when it’s done, I’m taking a freaking vacation. I’ve earned it.
Robyn writes because the people inside her head won’t leave her alone until she gives them life on paper. Her addictions include shoes (the expensive kind), Coke with extra ice in a styrofoam cup, and bejeweled reading glasses. A former professional actress, she now lives in the south with her family and too many animals to count. Writing gives her a chance to have a job where working in her P.J.’s is acceptable. You can follow Robyn at http://www.robynpeterman.com and at Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Robyn-P....
Another excellent book in this series!! It was funny, serious. And I even shed a tear. (Don’t tell anyone). Perfect timing as the next book in the series comes out in two days. I can’t wait.
No prude here but this one REALLY seemed to stretch any semblance of dialogue and previously hysterical characters just dull and annoying strings of gibberish with swears in between.
[I rarely return books. Return this one. Reminder to self to not bother with the last in there series. Too bad, series started out fun & funny.]
Daisy: Gideon: Alana Catherine, Candy Vargo, Tim, the whole crew
The Story:
I love this ever expanding family. Ms Peterman needs to give them a chapter or two of peace but they never fail to rise to all the challenges put in front of them.
This series has some of the most outrageous characters that you cannot stop yourself from laughing out loud just from their conversations. This book was action packed, suspenseful, beautifully romantic and sad sometimes all in one chapter. This was a fast read. I loved it!
A Leaner Meaner Midlife (Good To The Last Death, #11) is so updside down and inside out. I Love it! I can't get enough of crazy that is absolutely fantabulous. This divine, original and oh so quirky tale is a great story of Daisy whose live is absolutey weird, zany and full of mayhem and madness. It is a Paranormal Women's Fiction that had me laughing so hard and sobbing at others. Daisy's life is absolutely bonkers she rides by the seat of her pants and hopes for the best with her eyes closed, she loves the grim reaper, her dad is an Archangel and has many other friends with weird titles. I love that Robyn's humour knows no bounds and you never know what she comes up with. Robyn and the other group of authors that have banded together to bring brilliance of women over 40 a new lease on life. Hail the Fab 13, you should look them up you are going to love their work.
I love Daisy, Gideon, Alana Catherine, and the whole group of friends and ghosts that have gathered around her. I love all her adventures, the facts, the humor, the love between all the couples, the toothpicks, and all the rest. But it would sure be nice if they could have some time off! That would make for a boring book, though, and this is anything but.
If you've gotten this far in the series, then you enjoy the zany, awkward, weird world that Robyn has created. I LOVE the characters in her books and the strangeness that is Candy Vargo, Tim, and Jennifer. I adore the 4 horsemen, and I'll probably never get enough of Daisy and Gideon. The characters are strange, the story is written with the weirdest dialogue, and the plot follows the most illogical route. It's amazing. I laughed a lot and got sentimental a little. Can't wait for the next in this wacky series!
Better than the last booked, laughed a lot loved seeing old characters come back and enjoyed the big fight with the villain. Also need to give another shout out to the voice narrator for this story, she does an amazing job.
Jessica Almasy is a brilliant performer as always, but I'm getting series fatigue. Continued novellas with only minor movement are no longer amusing. I'm glad the big "party" happened at the end. At least that felt significant.
This series needs to wrap up, and if it doesn't this reader may not make it to the end.
I swore to myself I'd keep this title pun for the last of the series, but apparently, Robyn Peterman's warped imagination made me do it now.
It doesn't help that I spent many a moment glued to the pages, stuck in the action and wondering what will happen to the ever-growing crew surrounding Daisy and Gideon that I've grown to love so much. I was not disappointed.
And I ended up laughing a little too hard for my own (OK, my stomach's) good. Then came a massive hook that will, again, make me wait impatiently for what comes next.
Book Review: Good to the Last Death #11: A Leaner Meaner Midlife by Robyn Peterman, Narrated by Jessica Almasy
In “Good to the Last Death #11: A Leaner Meaner Midlife,” Robyn Peterman continues to weave her signature blend of humor, supernatural elements, and insightful commentary on personal transformation. However, while I appreciate the creative ambitions of this installment, it ultimately reveals signs of narrative fatigue, leaving both longtime fans and newcomers grappling with its pacing and structure. Particularly notable in this entry is the audiobook experience, which, despite Jessica Almasy’s talent, presents challenges that detract from the enjoyment of the story.
Peterman’s series has long captivated readers with its whimsical mix of paranormal escapades and relatable themes surrounding life transitions, identity, and growth. In this installment, the story’s protagonist grapples with the complexities of midlife, a motif that resonates with many readers navigating their own life changes. However, as I engaged with “A Leaner Meaner Midlife,” I found myself grappling with a sense of stagnation within the narrative. The ongoing format of novellas, which contribute only minor plot advancements, risks saturating the reader’s interest. What was once an engaging exploration of character and humor now feels repetitive, casting a shadow over the novel’s potential.
Jessica Almasy’s narration, while marked by her usual vigor and character interpretation, faced its own hurdles. The once-vibrant delivery occasionally faltered under the weight of the drawn-out plot. Although Almasy is undoubtedly a skilled performer who brings a variety of personas to life, the pacing of Peterman’s script often undermined her efforts. At times, the dialogue and story structure felt disjointed, making it difficult for listeners to maintain focus. This auditory challenge could leave audiences disengaged, diminishing the impact of the humor and emotional beats that Peterman undoubtedly intended to shine through.
Moreover, the climactic moment, the “big party,” is heralded as a significant event within the narrative. While I agree that this scene injected a sense of urgency and importance, it stood in contrast to the overall pacing that preceded it. This moment felt like an effort to recapture the excitement that earlier installments had effortlessly conveyed, rather than a natural culmination of character growth and storyline development. In essence, while the party scene was indeed a highlight, it also served as a poignant reminder of the series’ struggle to maintain narrative momentum.
As I reflect on this entry, I find myself echoing the sentiments of many readers who have begun to express a desire for a conclusive end to the series. The potential for deeper exploration of personal themes and character resolution seems ever-present, yet the continued proliferation of novellas threatens to dilute the richness of the story. Without a discernible arc leading to a satisfying resolution, the risk of losing reader investment looms large.
In conclusion, “Good to the Last Death #11: A Leaner Meaner Midlife” presents a multifaceted portrait of a series at a critical juncture. Robyn Peterman’s humor remains a delightful constant, and Jessica Almasy’s narration shows glimpses of her talent throughout the challenges posed by the material. However, as the narrative leans into familiar territory without adequate progression, it raises questions about the sustainability of extended series formats. For devoted fans and newcomers alike, this installment serves as a compelling, yet cautionary tale: while creativity and character can spark joy, the necessity for resolution and depth must not be overlooked. As we turn the pages—or, in this case, listen to the chapters—I hope for a future where Peterman can guide her characters toward a meaningful conclusion, reinvigorating the series for all who have come to cherish it.
Another good one! They’re all great and always make me think about good vs evil and how these books relate to real life in that there are angels and demons that are constantly fighting. Then I picture how crazy it would be if there actually were a literal person like Candy Vargo who is Karma. So creative, Robyn!
Once again Daisy and Gideon and their loyal crew are getting threatened with death… as per usual. Can the immortals, June, and Jennifer please get a break from fighting for once?! Not today, because Micky Muggles is back and wants immortality from Daisy, but that means a war is around the corner… again. Sigh.
This story wraps up one battle, but we’re left hanging before the next spar can begin. Daisy is maaaad now, so we shall see how she handles The Higher Power. I’m sure it won’t involve omitting lower extremities or chomping butt like in this read. lol.
Anything is possible if you just believe.
Next is Book 12 of 12: Having the Time of My Midlife Publication date November 18, 2024
For me, since Peterman’s book 12 is 7 months away, I am going to read one of Agatha Frost’s books called Double Espresso Deception
The Good to the Last Death series is my go to happy place. If I’ve read or viewed too much emotionally draining material—I absolutely need a light-hearted, funny series. I adore Jessica Almasy’s narration. I love this series!!!!
And now, I want to offer 2 criticisms. 1. Keep character voices consistent. The cast of characters has grown quite a lot. I noticed in this particular reading, I’m getting lost and confused about who is speaking.
2. Why are these books becoming so short??? I wouldn’t even mind the shorter book if the price from Audible reflected it. I hate to use a credit for a book this length. If the price was more reflective of Audible’s sales, I’d happily pay it and keep my credit! A 4 hour book is just not enough. I love this series! Lengthen the books!!!!
This book continued with the same whacky characters that we know and added a few more interesting characters. Without giving spoilers, I'll vaguely say that I found the evolution of Daisy and Gideon's relationship to be hilarious. I also really enjoyed how this book had a proper ending. I mean, yes, most of the book was in crisis mode with the baby and the humans needing to be kept away from danger, but the crisis did wrap up before the book ended and Daisy did finally get to spend more than like 20 minutes with her baby. I'm still wondering who's been delivering the mail and that kind of thing while Tim and the rest of them are always busy with some crisis, but I'm not sure that I'll ever find that out. Naturally, by the end of the book we learn what crisis will need to be dealt with in the next book.
Having the time of my Mid-life reading this Series!
This Series is one of my Favorite Series; like EVER!
I was hooked by the first book when our heroine “inherited” her gift…. I’m so in love with the development of this story. The characters are wonderful. Candy Vargo is one of my favorite characters in this world.
Thank you so much for such an exciting story full of twists and turns. So much love and friendship out of pure chaos. I would love to see this on screen! Oh my, the Four Horseman would be amazing!
In this world full of craziness, I appreciate Robyn for sharing her talent and giving us such a wonderful story full of laugh out loud fun!
Soooooo, can the gang FINALLY kill off a deranged 'dragon'??
When they realised they hadn't cut off the correct tail to kill him off, well, hacked off was an understatement, no pun intended 😉
The Mullet Moron has kidnapped Tory and wants Daisy to make 'it's Immortal 🤔🤔
But when they attempt to rescue Tory, they find he's been drinking her blood to build his powers, and he's packing a wallop.
Can they FINALLY be free of the Mullet Moron????
I adore the gang, they are my kind of people, mentally unstable and a mouth that'd make a sailor blush, Candy, can kill by cooking, Tim and will die for their family, all of them ❤❤❤❤
Next book been pre ordered for a while, roll on November and Daisy taking on the Higher ups. 😁😁😁
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the Good to the Last Death series. Like the rest of the books in the series, this one is filled with humor, love for a found family, and action. All Daisey wants to do is spend time with Gideon and their baby, but enemy Micky Muggles is back and he’s hard to get rid of. Like most of the books in this series, it ends with a hook for the next book, which I can’t wait to read. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes paranormal women’s fiction.
I listened to the audiobook. Narrator Jessica Almasy’s performance is fantastic. I highly recommend this version of the book.
Daisy has just about had enough of her family being in danger. It seems Mickey Muggle is not actually dead – it seems that cutting off a dragon’s actual tail was not how to kill him – the tail is in the front. Mickey wants Daisy to provide the spell that will make him immortal and he has taken Tori as collateral until he brings the spell. It will take the whole crew to finally settle this. I think my favorite section is when they were renaming things – birthquakes for contractions was my favorite!
I'm so glad I came upon this series. I'm so glad that I could read the books Rather than having to wait for them to come out. Now I've gotten to the point The 12th book isn't out yet...DARN! I guess I'll have to wait like everybody else. I'm already kind of hoping this isn't going to be the last book. I've had a lot of fun reading about all these crazy characters.
This series just gets better and better! Mickey is done for and Daisy finally marries Gideon. Their family (not all by blood) is stronger together which enables them to defeat Mickey. Then the four horsemen make Daisy beautiful for her wedding. You will laugh and cry with and at all the wonderful characters, you will wonder how all those characters work together so well and, finally, you will be happy that the story will continue in the next book in this series.
Thrills, chills and of course but churning factoids!
Daisy and the gang take on a mullet wearing Dragon who thinks she can make him an Immortal. Grams, Candy and Jennifer help Daisy but there are some losses along the way. Gideon is gorgeous and supportive as usual along with Tim and the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. They finally have an engagement and a certain joyful ceremony but that's a spoiler. ;-)
I feel bad for Daisy. She just cannot seem to catch a break. All she wants to do is spend time with her baby and Gideon without having the world seem to come to an end. Unfortunately, they have to deal with the idiot who thinks he is a dragon. Daisy has found a lot more ghosts to help as the death counselor, and there is a wedding. Unfortunately, Daisy just cannot seem to catch a break and have even a decent wedding without something crashing the party.
The story was very good, but had lots of unnecessary garbage in it
The story was good. I read it straight through, but every single paragraph was just nonsense and filth. Yes, they were funny, but I have a feeling the story could’ve been told in about a dozen pages and the rest was just fluff to make a book I preferred it when there was a real story to read, and the laughs went along with the story instead of dragging it.
I love this book and I love Ms. Peterman's excellent sense of humor!! I have never laughed so much. Every character she creates is my favorite. Her stories flow easily and keep you entertained. I never felt like there was a lull in the story or a lot of unnecessary filler. She is a very gifted and creative author. You won't be sorry to buy this book.
Robyn Peterman is just laugh out loud funny and you cannot go wrong reading her books. The Good to the Last Death series is amazing- do yourself a favor and have a roaring good time working your way through the craziness. Each book is better than the last. I devoured Book 11 is just a few hours, and it just made me SO HAPPY. Enjoy!
The skills of Robyn Peterman... making you go from laughing to gagging all in one sentence, lmao. There's some things in life you can prepare yourself for, but finding out you bit off the wrong end of a dragon.. nope, not prepared. Thank goodness for Daisy's group of awesome madness cause she's going to need it at the end. Unfortunately, the end is only the beginning.
I think Robyn could have ended the series with this book - so I was surprised there was a cliff hanger at the end. So much fun to be had with the 4 horsemen, Keeper of Fate, and all the other mythical characters come to life. It was an enjoyable read and of course I'll do Book 12 once it comes out.
Book 11 the story of Daisy continues big battles and shocking loss with a twist and kind of cliff hanger at the end, more trouble but new or old is yet to be known. Evil I one Cassandra, evil two the first Angel of mercy,evil three part Angel Dragon man. Really Angel are more bad then demons.or is Daisy meeting them before they fall? (And become demon)