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Leveling Up #9
Magical Midlife Battle
The eighth book in the Wall Street Journal Bestselling series.
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.
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.
Audible Audio
First published September 19, 2023
2236 people are currently reading
2278 people want to read
About the author
K.F. Breene
122 books14.6k 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
Check out her chat group on Goodreads!
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 884 reviews
October 24, 2025
Well, I just blitzed through this.
The series is a firm favorite, and I've been waiting for this book - the first real battle with Momar's troops, to save Kingsley's pack.
It was fun, nerve-wracking, and I cried a bit. And I'm a bit bummed at some of the concluding bits of this book. But I sure as hell can't wait for the next.
Re-read March 2024
On re-read, I bumped this up to 5 stars. On my first read of a new book in a favorite series, I read really fast. Like, just can't get enough, can't put it down, blitz reading. It means I miss some nuance, and there was a lot of it in this book. I think I also lowered the rating a hair because this is the first book in the series that gave us a gazillion POVs and I wasn't in love with that - it felt like it fractured the narrative a little.
To combat that tendency - the blitz read of favorites - I usually immediately start a series re-read after the blitz read, and that second pass through is more savoring. I get to digest all the plot threads and really appreciate the nuance. I didn't do that after the initial read of this book, though - the ending was such a gut punch that I wanted to read something else to cheer up. That meant I didn't get the savoring read to parse all the details.
So much happens in this book. The detailed unpacking of Austin's past, and the healing of his familial relationships. But also some additional perspective. He wasn't wholly to blame for the events of that time. I wish he would truly see and believe that, but I don't know that he ever will. But look, that conversation with his mom in this book was devastating.
We also got really wonderful glimpses into Sebastian and Nessa. The guilt they feel, not only over who they were forced to become to survive in the mage world, but also over the events in this book... it is heartbreaking. I hope Jess, Austin, and their team are able to reel those two back in, convince them they don't have to go it alone. Convince them that they deserve to be part of this family. It's clear that's something that they've never had, and they don't know how to trust it and just be part of it. I really want that for them.
The series is a firm favorite, and I've been waiting for this book - the first real battle with Momar's troops, to save Kingsley's pack.
It was fun, nerve-wracking, and I cried a bit. And I'm a bit bummed at some of the concluding bits of this book. But I sure as hell can't wait for the next.
Re-read March 2024
On re-read, I bumped this up to 5 stars. On my first read of a new book in a favorite series, I read really fast. Like, just can't get enough, can't put it down, blitz reading. It means I miss some nuance, and there was a lot of it in this book. I think I also lowered the rating a hair because this is the first book in the series that gave us a gazillion POVs and I wasn't in love with that - it felt like it fractured the narrative a little.
To combat that tendency - the blitz read of favorites - I usually immediately start a series re-read after the blitz read, and that second pass through is more savoring. I get to digest all the plot threads and really appreciate the nuance. I didn't do that after the initial read of this book, though - the ending was such a gut punch that I wanted to read something else to cheer up. That meant I didn't get the savoring read to parse all the details.
So much happens in this book. The detailed unpacking of Austin's past, and the healing of his familial relationships. But also some additional perspective. He wasn't wholly to blame for the events of that time. I wish he would truly see and believe that, but I don't know that he ever will. But look, that conversation with his mom in this book was devastating.
We also got really wonderful glimpses into Sebastian and Nessa. The guilt they feel, not only over who they were forced to become to survive in the mage world, but also over the events in this book... it is heartbreaking. I hope Jess, Austin, and their team are able to reel those two back in, convince them they don't have to go it alone. Convince them that they deserve to be part of this family. It's clear that's something that they've never had, and they don't know how to trust it and just be part of it. I really want that for them.
December 22, 2025
I need the next one now!! I love this series. Finally, we get to head over to Kingsley town where Austin has to face his past and what happened just before he left. It starts with Edger and his flower... don't tell Kingsley. Kingsley does not think the danger is as great as it really is and is trying desperately to take control of Jessie's group and realizing it's just easier to let them run around the town naked. Then the attack begins, and it is so much worse than anyone dreamed.
Gosh, darn it, now I want to re-read this one... again. The sacrifice at the end... I always cry!
Gosh, darn it, now I want to re-read this one... again. The sacrifice at the end... I always cry!
April 16, 2025
'That' Time Has Finally Arrived!💥❤️🩹
Magical Midlife Battle: Leveling Up, Book 8
By: K.F. Breene
🎧 Audiobook Narrated By: Nicole Poole
Length: 12 hrs and 43 min
📖 Ebook Read
wow, what a treat for your ears this audiobook is!🎧🤩👏
This book is masterful in its ability to suck you into its crazy, keep you there whilst you're laughing, crying, and as tense as teenager - waiting for their exam results!😉
As the title suggests, it is finally time for the battle on Austin's brothers' pack lands. They have logistics, temperaments, and unknowns to navigate. Also, bridges for Austin to try to rebuild after his past within his old pack and his family.🫣
Honestly, this was an absolute dream of a read. It had everything I hoped for and more. We get to know about certain characters, which was fascinating! Basically, I can't get enough of this series. Its 'beautifully crazy' and is pure genius.😍👏
Debbie, 1970, UK
Magical Midlife Battle: Leveling Up, Book 8
By: K.F. Breene
🎧 Audiobook Narrated By: Nicole Poole
Length: 12 hrs and 43 min
📖 Ebook Read
wow, what a treat for your ears this audiobook is!🎧🤩👏
This book is masterful in its ability to suck you into its crazy, keep you there whilst you're laughing, crying, and as tense as teenager - waiting for their exam results!😉
As the title suggests, it is finally time for the battle on Austin's brothers' pack lands. They have logistics, temperaments, and unknowns to navigate. Also, bridges for Austin to try to rebuild after his past within his old pack and his family.🫣
Honestly, this was an absolute dream of a read. It had everything I hoped for and more. We get to know about certain characters, which was fascinating! Basically, I can't get enough of this series. Its 'beautifully crazy' and is pure genius.😍👏
Debbie, 1970, UK
September 19, 2023
Jessie, Edgar, battle flowers, oh my!
PWF, Paranormal, shifters, witches and wizards, fantasy, older FMC, warrior women, grumpy/sunshine, touch her and 💀
spice 🌶️🌶️
This book was amazingly better than the last. We finally get to see Austin’s entire family. Getting an in depth view of all the undercurrents allowed me to see what shaped Austin into Austin Steele. Some of that insight was enlightening while other parts tragic. It’s a hard road they have at his old pack lands, but they promised to help them defeat the evil Wizard and that’s what they will do. The alternative is too devastating to contemplate.
Jessie continues to grow as a character. She has all but she’d her self conscious, self depreciating, past thoughts…. For the most part anyway. Either way she pushes past those moments and comes out all the brighter for it.
Austin played a HUGE part in this book. I know he has played a larger and larger role, speaker wise, as the books have gone on but this one was around half his POV. I could be wrong but it was a lot! Him and Jessie are full hot 🥵 and heavy now which is just the way our MMC like it’s. I keep wondering when he will….. well, you will see.
The band of misfits weee amazing. I love the energy they bring and the weirdness they show everyone without care. They are my spirit characters!
I laughed so hard I cried at a couple moments. I cried at others. This book pulled out every emotion it could make me feel and left me wanting more. There is always something new happening in this world and I don’t know how the author can think to ever end this series.
In case it wasn’t understood…. I HIGHLY recommend this book and the entire series!
PWF, Paranormal, shifters, witches and wizards, fantasy, older FMC, warrior women, grumpy/sunshine, touch her and 💀
spice 🌶️🌶️
This book was amazingly better than the last. We finally get to see Austin’s entire family. Getting an in depth view of all the undercurrents allowed me to see what shaped Austin into Austin Steele. Some of that insight was enlightening while other parts tragic. It’s a hard road they have at his old pack lands, but they promised to help them defeat the evil Wizard and that’s what they will do. The alternative is too devastating to contemplate.
Jessie continues to grow as a character. She has all but she’d her self conscious, self depreciating, past thoughts…. For the most part anyway. Either way she pushes past those moments and comes out all the brighter for it.
Austin played a HUGE part in this book. I know he has played a larger and larger role, speaker wise, as the books have gone on but this one was around half his POV. I could be wrong but it was a lot! Him and Jessie are full hot 🥵 and heavy now which is just the way our MMC like it’s. I keep wondering when he will….. well, you will see.
The band of misfits weee amazing. I love the energy they bring and the weirdness they show everyone without care. They are my spirit characters!
I laughed so hard I cried at a couple moments. I cried at others. This book pulled out every emotion it could make me feel and left me wanting more. There is always something new happening in this world and I don’t know how the author can think to ever end this series.
In case it wasn’t understood…. I HIGHLY recommend this book and the entire series!
September 22, 2023
Loved Magical Midlife Battle
Hilarious, action-packed, and (surprisingly) emotional. Never a dull moment in Magical Midlife!
Love this cast of characters! I am thankful there will be at least a few more books about them. Also, I'm curious how the story will eventually conclude. 10 books total? No complaints here. Definitely looking forward to the next.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys adult Urban Fantasy with strong MCs, a zaney and unique cast of support characters, great banter, and lots of laughs. Also, those that enjoy a slow-build, swoon-worthy romance. Leveling Up has it all.
Hilarious, action-packed, and (surprisingly) emotional. Never a dull moment in Magical Midlife!
Love this cast of characters! I am thankful there will be at least a few more books about them. Also, I'm curious how the story will eventually conclude. 10 books total? No complaints here. Definitely looking forward to the next.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys adult Urban Fantasy with strong MCs, a zaney and unique cast of support characters, great banter, and lots of laughs. Also, those that enjoy a slow-build, swoon-worthy romance. Leveling Up has it all.
September 23, 2023
A bit slow and and too drawn out. Mostly liked the ending though the main characters part in the final battle was smaller than expected and seemed a bit anticlimactic to me.
September 19, 2023
This was so good!! Retuning back to the world of Jesse and Austin is always a blast and this installment didn’t disappoint.
A rollercoaster of emotions. I was shocked and surprised on so many levels. Oh my heart!!
It was a page turner for me. Plenty of action and comedy sprinkled in throughout the pages. I loved some of the new characters as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
A rollercoaster of emotions. I was shocked and surprised on so many levels. Oh my heart!!
It was a page turner for me. Plenty of action and comedy sprinkled in throughout the pages. I loved some of the new characters as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
September 24, 2023
OMG! Did not see that coming.
As expected another winner and a wonderful paranormal romance that is so deliciously sinful. K.F. does PNR like no other and I have high expectations that she continually exceeds. I have not read one story that she has written that I have not loved and has not wowed me. I love seeing new worlds coming to life and meeting new characters and with K.F.’s wordsmithing she lets you see every single nook and cranny and vivid life of both. She always writes a story that is so unique and enthralling and so original that you can’t put them down, you have to know what is happening right away. This story is a complete delight in oh so many ways. K.F. builds so much emotions in the story and you always find yourself laughing out loud with the crazy goings on and banter between the characters. But don’t be fooled there is equal amounts of times that you will also need a tissue. Well done girl you always set the bar exceedingly high!
As expected another winner and a wonderful paranormal romance that is so deliciously sinful. K.F. does PNR like no other and I have high expectations that she continually exceeds. I have not read one story that she has written that I have not loved and has not wowed me. I love seeing new worlds coming to life and meeting new characters and with K.F.’s wordsmithing she lets you see every single nook and cranny and vivid life of both. She always writes a story that is so unique and enthralling and so original that you can’t put them down, you have to know what is happening right away. This story is a complete delight in oh so many ways. K.F. builds so much emotions in the story and you always find yourself laughing out loud with the crazy goings on and banter between the characters. But don’t be fooled there is equal amounts of times that you will also need a tissue. Well done girl you always set the bar exceedingly high!
July 30, 2024
K.F. Breene you made me cry. I understand why you did it but that doesn’t make it any less sad. I've listened to this book so many times and it still makes me cry.
The more I read/listen to this book the more I dislike Kingsley, Austin's brother. He comes across as such an asshole. Everything is all about him saving face, controlling other people, not listening to other people, basically posturing so that he can maintain his place as alpha since he isn’t as dominant as some people and would lose if challenged by them.
The more I read/listen to this book the more I dislike Kingsley, Austin's brother. He comes across as such an asshole. Everything is all about him saving face, controlling other people, not listening to other people, basically posturing so that he can maintain his place as alpha since he isn’t as dominant as some people and would lose if challenged by them.
August 30, 2024
This one was painful. Seeing inside Austin's family and how Kingsley's people treat the Ivy House crew that have come to help them is insulting. It is definitely a different look into the magical world.
It was nice to see how Jessie and the crew handled the issues with as much grace as possible. I was angry throughout most of the book. It is always good when an author can illicit such strong emotions from the reader. I will say I am crushed at part of what happens and might have to take a break before continuing. Also, it might be better to just power through it at this point.
I still deeply love this world and all of the Ivy House crew. Their found family vibes are so strong that it would be hard for someone not to fall in love with them.
It was nice to see how Jessie and the crew handled the issues with as much grace as possible. I was angry throughout most of the book. It is always good when an author can illicit such strong emotions from the reader. I will say I am crushed at part of what happens and might have to take a break before continuing. Also, it might be better to just power through it at this point.
I still deeply love this world and all of the Ivy House crew. Their found family vibes are so strong that it would be hard for someone not to fall in love with them.
September 19, 2023
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!
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!
October 1, 2023
I just love this series so much. My friends kept looking at me when I’d laugh out loud at the book. This one is a bit more somber than the others, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, hopefully just some good fun!
January 21, 2024
SO GOOD! I am sad that the last book of the series isn’t out yet! If a book can make me laugh and cry then it sticks in my heart. I love this series so much and I adore the characters.
June 8, 2024
Excellent fantasy!
I have throughly enjoyed the entire Leveling Up series and, imo, this is the best thus far. I love the characters and they are like old friends and the storyline is well written with plenty of action and many surprises. I highly recommend it.
Kindle Unlimited
I have throughly enjoyed the entire Leveling Up series and, imo, this is the best thus far. I love the characters and they are like old friends and the storyline is well written with plenty of action and many surprises. I highly recommend it.
Kindle Unlimited
September 20, 2023
This series just keeps getting better. The crazy battles, the crazy characters, the hilarious scenes, it never gets old. I would read this series forever if it could last that long.
October 1, 2023
I love this series so I hope to see more books. That said this was one of my least favorite books in the series. It was dark and not at all as enjoyable as the rest of the series. There are definitely a few fun parts but the overall feeling of this book is dark. The ending is sad too. I also felt like the author changed the way she had written Kingsley. He seemed like an inadequate leader compared to the powerhouse he was in the other book. His pack seemed more like bunch of spoiled children then a group of shifters. It was disappointing. The battle was a let down with it playing out mostly in what Jesse did. I loved the attack flowers and Edgar is always a treat. It seemed like the majority of the book centered around Tristan and Nessa and that got old fast. She also made Sebastian seem like a total idiot. Bottom line while I didn’t hate it, it’s not one I want to read again, unlike the rest of the series. This one was a bit disappointing. I guess in every series there has to be at least one disappointment. This was that for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
Re-listened August 7, 2025.
Re-listened March 23, 2025.
Re-listened August 7, 2024.
Re-listened March 18, 2024.
Audiobook - Audible
Narrated by
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Q: How many times did you listen to chapter 27?
Me: Yes.
I need to give Nicole Poole kudos for an awesome job/performance narrating this story!
Jessie and Austen.
Their love story is super cute!
I wish we had gotten more time with Kingsley and his family, and less Nessa/Tristan.
(Nessa, Tristan and the whole Daddy thing give me the ick, and I need brain bleach!)
I LOVE the Ivy House Crew, though, and hope we'll see more of Mr Tom, Edgar, and Niamh's antics in the future.
Breene sure knows how to tell a good story!
Re-listened March 23, 2025.
Re-listened August 7, 2024.
Re-listened March 18, 2024.
Audiobook - Audible
Narrated by
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Q: How many times did you listen to chapter 27?
Me: Yes.
I need to give Nicole Poole kudos for an awesome job/performance narrating this story!
Jessie and Austen.
Their love story is super cute!
I wish we had gotten more time with Kingsley and his family, and less Nessa/Tristan.
(Nessa, Tristan and the whole Daddy thing give me the ick, and I need brain bleach!)
I LOVE the Ivy House Crew, though, and hope we'll see more of Mr Tom, Edgar, and Niamh's antics in the future.
Breene sure knows how to tell a good story!
September 19, 2023
Fecking awesone
Ok so not quite the battle I was expecting but jeepers the one we got & the run up to almost had me peeing myself because I didn't want to put my kindle down ( took it to toilet with me in the end & perched it I at the end of the sink so I didn't have to stop reading)
I think Sebastian & Nessa deserve their own stories & in thanking every God that it's not the end of the series now I just need to wait patiently ?? for the next one .K F Breene fans old & new are in for a feast with this book.
Ok so not quite the battle I was expecting but jeepers the one we got & the run up to almost had me peeing myself because I didn't want to put my kindle down ( took it to toilet with me in the end & perched it I at the end of the sink so I didn't have to stop reading)
I think Sebastian & Nessa deserve their own stories & in thanking every God that it's not the end of the series now I just need to wait patiently ?? for the next one .K F Breene fans old & new are in for a feast with this book.
September 22, 2023
Fantastic and just what I needed
This was a truly great read. Everything I needed in this series was here and in standard form. We got the banter of Ivy Crew and all it’s glory, a solid outcome with the battle against Momar, more Nessa (she has solidly replaced Niamh as the one to watch), new characters that will undoubtedly join the main crew at O’Brien’s, actual story progression (seriously, after defeating Momar what would’ve been left of the magical world? Now we have something to look forward to), and a real reason to root for more Tristessa (Tristan/Nessa end game goals).
So why not a perfect score and me ranting and raving about how 5 is too little? I honestly felt that there was a book/novella 7.5 that I missed along the way. I even re-read the bonus chapters that didn’t make the cut in book 7 to make sure I wasn’t missing out. I also re scoured the newsletters to see if I missed something at the bottom. Alas that wasn’t the case.
When exactly did this flower show happen? Also, I would’ve loved to see the scene of Jessie finding the wedding invitation. It probably included loads of eye rolls at Mr. Tom reading her mail, Niamh commenting on his stupidity and exclaiming how fun it’ll be to watch Steele and the Ivy crew invade her old Jane life, not to mention Austin sensing her anxiety and walking in with Cyra and Hollace who will make the very best deadpan remarks! Where is this short story?!? I need answers.
Random note, I know we only met Jimmy once, but in the earlier books she did express missing him. In this book, she only mentions how Mac is roughly around his age. In all her sacrificial glory, at no point did she think about her son or remember that he (not just Austin) will grieve the most for her. It kinda felt dissatisfying noticing the slight when throughout this particular book the bonds of family were consistently slapped in our faces.
Austin remembering how close he was to his niece, Her making an appearance to talk about how the parents needed to see that the young ones would fare well in the battle, the garrettes stepping up to protect and help take care of the territory’s inhabitants, same deal with the killer flowers, and even Jessie’s attempt to talk sense into Kingsley for not reprimanding his people for being so callous to Broken Sue smack down style. It just felt disingenuous to not spare a thought for her son. I mean did they even let him know his mom was badly hurt?
This was a truly great read. Everything I needed in this series was here and in standard form. We got the banter of Ivy Crew and all it’s glory, a solid outcome with the battle against Momar, more Nessa (she has solidly replaced Niamh as the one to watch), new characters that will undoubtedly join the main crew at O’Brien’s, actual story progression (seriously, after defeating Momar what would’ve been left of the magical world? Now we have something to look forward to), and a real reason to root for more Tristessa (Tristan/Nessa end game goals).
So why not a perfect score and me ranting and raving about how 5 is too little? I honestly felt that there was a book/novella 7.5 that I missed along the way. I even re-read the bonus chapters that didn’t make the cut in book 7 to make sure I wasn’t missing out. I also re scoured the newsletters to see if I missed something at the bottom. Alas that wasn’t the case.
When exactly did this flower show happen? Also, I would’ve loved to see the scene of Jessie finding the wedding invitation. It probably included loads of eye rolls at Mr. Tom reading her mail, Niamh commenting on his stupidity and exclaiming how fun it’ll be to watch Steele and the Ivy crew invade her old Jane life, not to mention Austin sensing her anxiety and walking in with Cyra and Hollace who will make the very best deadpan remarks! Where is this short story?!? I need answers.
Random note, I know we only met Jimmy once, but in the earlier books she did express missing him. In this book, she only mentions how Mac is roughly around his age. In all her sacrificial glory, at no point did she think about her son or remember that he (not just Austin) will grieve the most for her. It kinda felt dissatisfying noticing the slight when throughout this particular book the bonds of family were consistently slapped in our faces.
Austin remembering how close he was to his niece, Her making an appearance to talk about how the parents needed to see that the young ones would fare well in the battle, the garrettes stepping up to protect and help take care of the territory’s inhabitants, same deal with the killer flowers, and even Jessie’s attempt to talk sense into Kingsley for not reprimanding his people for being so callous to Broken Sue smack down style. It just felt disingenuous to not spare a thought for her son. I mean did they even let him know his mom was badly hurt?
September 22, 2023
What else can I say? I absolutely ADORE this series. It is so completely off the wall crazy that it just somehow works. It is also one of those rare books that are actually better experienced on audio versus reading. The narrator - Nicole Poole - has been the consistent narrator throughout this series and her way of portraying each of these crazy, zany, absolutely bonkers characters is just.....well...perfect.
I mean seriously, there are no words to accurately explain these characters. For example, there is Edgar - the batsh*t crazy vampire with a love for serial killing flowers and cutthroat gnomes. Then, there is the way she does Niamh....there are no words. Absolute brilliance!
Unfortunately, there were a couple of very serious moments in this one (this book includes the battle that everyone has been preparing for for the last couple of books) and I give Ms. Breene even more credit for the way she was able to balance the totally and vastly different spectrum changing emotions and make me go from laughing to crying - and not just a bit of a tear in my eye either.........
And speaking of that...I think I'm still a little mad about the crying......
But, I'm in this for the long haul.
Book 9 *taps foot impatiently* waiting on you buddy.....
I mean seriously, there are no words to accurately explain these characters. For example, there is Edgar - the batsh*t crazy vampire with a love for serial killing flowers and cutthroat gnomes. Then, there is the way she does Niamh....there are no words. Absolute brilliance!
Unfortunately, there were a couple of very serious moments in this one (this book includes the battle that everyone has been preparing for for the last couple of books) and I give Ms. Breene even more credit for the way she was able to balance the totally and vastly different spectrum changing emotions and make me go from laughing to crying - and not just a bit of a tear in my eye either.........
And speaking of that...I think I'm still a little mad about the crying......
But, I'm in this for the long haul.
Book 9 *taps foot impatiently* waiting on you buddy.....
December 24, 2023
This series honestly gets better with every book, and this installment was out of this world. I am just in
love with Jess and Austin. Relationship goals right there, just like Nessa says. But it’s more than just
these two that make these books great. All the crazy side characters and shenanigans make this series a
laugh out loud delight to read. We don’t see as much of Mr. Tom in this book, but Edgar and his flowers
had me clutching my sides, along with Niamh, as per usual. I’m also very invested in the love triangle(ish)
between Nessa, Broken Sue, and Tristan. Although, I think it’s clear what the end game is there. Caution
though—it wasn’t all fun and games this time. You’re going to need some tissues for the ending. I was
sobbing during and after the big battle. But overall, another great episode masterfully done by the
brilliant K.F. Breene.
love with Jess and Austin. Relationship goals right there, just like Nessa says. But it’s more than just
these two that make these books great. All the crazy side characters and shenanigans make this series a
laugh out loud delight to read. We don’t see as much of Mr. Tom in this book, but Edgar and his flowers
had me clutching my sides, along with Niamh, as per usual. I’m also very invested in the love triangle(ish)
between Nessa, Broken Sue, and Tristan. Although, I think it’s clear what the end game is there. Caution
though—it wasn’t all fun and games this time. You’re going to need some tissues for the ending. I was
sobbing during and after the big battle. But overall, another great episode masterfully done by the
brilliant K.F. Breene.
January 5, 2026
Wow, the big battle is finally here. There's a little less cookiness from the Ivy House crew just with the more solemn plot notes, but there was still some notes of crazy humor. I was in tears because we do lose someone. I'm intrigued to see where we go from here, but I'd also honestly be fine just reading day in the life snippets until the end of time. I love these guys - KF Breene really gets you to fall in love with a group of characters and want to be part of theme! A prefect way to kick of my reading for 2026! Also, the graphic audio was stellar per usual.
September 21, 2023
Perfectly Magical!
So many words describe this book: magical, breathtaking, energetic, hilarious, heart stopping and so much more. Ms. Breene has poured so much life into this story. Jesse, Austin and their ragtag team are challenged with a fight for their lives. It isn’t easy being alphas amongst such a variety of creatures but they pull it off impeccably. Will our heroes save Kingsley’s pack? Just read this book and you’ll find out! I couldn’t put it down until the last page was read.
So many words describe this book: magical, breathtaking, energetic, hilarious, heart stopping and so much more. Ms. Breene has poured so much life into this story. Jesse, Austin and their ragtag team are challenged with a fight for their lives. It isn’t easy being alphas amongst such a variety of creatures but they pull it off impeccably. Will our heroes save Kingsley’s pack? Just read this book and you’ll find out! I couldn’t put it down until the last page was read.
September 24, 2023
Another excellent installation in the series!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. We’ve known this battle was coming for a few books and it definitely did not disappoint! The only problem with reading it in the first week of release is having to wait for the next one longer! Guess I’ll just have to reread/relisten to these first 8 books in the meantime ;)
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. We’ve known this battle was coming for a few books and it definitely did not disappoint! The only problem with reading it in the first week of release is having to wait for the next one longer! Guess I’ll just have to reread/relisten to these first 8 books in the meantime ;)
October 4, 2023
4.75 Stars
Overall Rating ★★★★★
Plot ★★★★★
Humor ★★★★★
Characters & Character Development ★★★★★
Narration ★★★★★
Story: This book had it all. It made me laugh and almost cry. So much was going on. It was an amazing adventure. Can't wait for more from this series. I think I'll have to do a re-listen to put more thoughts into my review.
Narration: I love this narrator every time!
Overall Rating ★★★★★
Plot ★★★★★
Humor ★★★★★
Characters & Character Development ★★★★★
Narration ★★★★★
Story: This book had it all. It made me laugh and almost cry. So much was going on. It was an amazing adventure. Can't wait for more from this series. I think I'll have to do a re-listen to put more thoughts into my review.
Narration: I love this narrator every time!
Read
June 10, 2025“It’s been a long time since you were a girl,” Jasper said.
“I might look like four hundred, but I feel like a spritely two hundred, and I’ll make sure to bate your head in after I’m done with that muppet, how’s that?”
“I might look like four hundred, but I feel like a spritely two hundred, and I’ll make sure to bate your head in after I’m done with that muppet, how’s that?”
October 4, 2023
Best one yet. Laugh a lot and then cried.🥲
October 9, 2023
wow
What a wild ride, I laughed and even cried. Which is quite the feat for a book to move me that much. K. F. Breene knocked it out of the park with this one!
What a wild ride, I laughed and even cried. Which is quite the feat for a book to move me that much. K. F. Breene knocked it out of the park with this one!
February 11, 2024
I have truly enjoyed this series.
It has made me laugh so hard, bought tears to eyes
I highly recommend this this series
I can wait for book 9
It has made me laugh so hard, bought tears to eyes
I highly recommend this this series
I can wait for book 9
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