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Leveling Up [Dramatized Adaptation] #1
Magical Midlife Madness [Dramatized Adaptation]
A woman starting over. A new house with an unexpected twist. A cape wearing butler acting as the world's worst life coach.
"Happily Ever After" wasn't supposed to come with a do-over option. But when my husband of twenty years packs up and heads for greener pastures and my son leaves for college, that's exactly what my life becomes.
Do-over.
This time, though, I plan to do things differently. Age is just a number, after all, and at forty I'm ready to carve my own path.
Eager for a fresh start, I make a somewhat unorthodox decision and move to a tiny town in the Sierra foothills. I'll be taking care of a centuries old house that called to me when I was a kid. It's just temporary, I tell myself. It'll just be for a while.
That is, until I learn what the house really is, something I never could've imagined.
Thankfully forty isn't too old to start an adventure, because that's exactly what I do. A very dangerous adventure that will change my life forever. I have a chance to start again, and this time, I make the rules.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
"Happily Ever After" wasn't supposed to come with a do-over option. But when my husband of twenty years packs up and heads for greener pastures and my son leaves for college, that's exactly what my life becomes.
Do-over.
This time, though, I plan to do things differently. Age is just a number, after all, and at forty I'm ready to carve my own path.
Eager for a fresh start, I make a somewhat unorthodox decision and move to a tiny town in the Sierra foothills. I'll be taking care of a centuries old house that called to me when I was a kid. It's just temporary, I tell myself. It'll just be for a while.
That is, until I learn what the house really is, something I never could've imagined.
Thankfully forty isn't too old to start an adventure, because that's exactly what I do. A very dangerous adventure that will change my life forever. I have a chance to start again, and this time, I make the rules.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 26, 2024
11 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
K.F. Breene
120 books14.4k 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.
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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 33 reviews
February 14, 2025
A quirky group of characters in a magical world. A good amount of comedy, more so than most of the fantasy ish books I read.Hoping the next one will be better with some of the world building out of the way.
October 31, 2025
This FMC is witty, powerful, and so comfortable in her own skin—exactly the heroine I didn’t know I needed. Sign me up for this magical ride
May 1, 2025
Basic Plot: After her divorce, Jess takes a chance on a new town and a new job as a caretaker of an old house, and gets a lot more than she bargained for.
I really liked this book. It truly surprised me how much. It should be the cheesiest thing on the planet and cringey, yet somehow manages to be a ton of fun. I liked the book's approach to age and experience, not shying away from either. There are cons to getting older, but also some very serious pros that often get overlooked, and I was very glad that Jess (and the other characters, too) embraced them. Being a middle-aged divorcee myself, I heard my own thoughts about enjoying independence and finding one's place in the world echoed by Jess. It's refreshing to read a book with a heroine like me in the now, rather than the me of 20 years ago. She's been through a lot, seen even more, and has the wit and wisdom (and low tolerance for BS) that comes from those experiences.
The plot was straightforward, and the world-building relatively minimal, but the journey was the enjoyable bit. It moved along at a good clip that kept me listening. I liked that getting to know the characters was such large part of the book. As eccentric and odd as they are, they made the whole story even better. Niamh is already a favorite, and I want to be her when I get old. Tom/Earl cracks me up. I liked how Austin was written- again, very self-aware. Their friendship/probable-slow-burn-romance made me happy. He truly listened to her, she knew what she wanted, and it wasn't a new relationship right away.
I read this traditionally first, so I had high hopes for the Graphic Audio edition. All of my favorite elements fully came through, and hearing the voices of the different characters just made everything even better. Everyone was cast perfectly, and that made me beyond happy. I cannot recommend the experience enough!
I really liked this book. It truly surprised me how much. It should be the cheesiest thing on the planet and cringey, yet somehow manages to be a ton of fun. I liked the book's approach to age and experience, not shying away from either. There are cons to getting older, but also some very serious pros that often get overlooked, and I was very glad that Jess (and the other characters, too) embraced them. Being a middle-aged divorcee myself, I heard my own thoughts about enjoying independence and finding one's place in the world echoed by Jess. It's refreshing to read a book with a heroine like me in the now, rather than the me of 20 years ago. She's been through a lot, seen even more, and has the wit and wisdom (and low tolerance for BS) that comes from those experiences.
The plot was straightforward, and the world-building relatively minimal, but the journey was the enjoyable bit. It moved along at a good clip that kept me listening. I liked that getting to know the characters was such large part of the book. As eccentric and odd as they are, they made the whole story even better. Niamh is already a favorite, and I want to be her when I get old. Tom/Earl cracks me up. I liked how Austin was written- again, very self-aware. Their friendship/probable-slow-burn-romance made me happy. He truly listened to her, she knew what she wanted, and it wasn't a new relationship right away.
I read this traditionally first, so I had high hopes for the Graphic Audio edition. All of my favorite elements fully came through, and hearing the voices of the different characters just made everything even better. Everyone was cast perfectly, and that made me beyond happy. I cannot recommend the experience enough!
May 1, 2025
The story is engaging and fun, with just the right mix of midlife crisis emotional reckoning with fresh adventure. I absolutely love the main character Jessie. Why can’t ALL my fantasy heroines be 40-year old recent divorcees with annoying parents and a stalled love life who are brave enough to say, screw this, and move to a new town for a job at some creepy-looking house? The set up has a great combo of misfit locals who are loyal but tease each other with some pretty serious stakes if (who are we kidding – when!) things get serious. Jessie makes a great fish-out-of-water, coming into this cute wine-tasting tourist town as a mundane “Jane” but having to grasp the reality of the magic all around her very quickly.
I hadn’t realized this was part of a series when I started it. This book comes to a pretty good conclusion – one issue is clearly resolved – but a much larger overarching issue has been raised that continues to develop over later books. I’ve read books 2 and 3 also and am continuing on, but I would recommend trying this one even if you generally shy away from long series (which I do). I’m going to keep seeing where this goes for as long as it keeps my interest, and so far, so good!
If you can, listen to the audiobook, which has a dramatized adaptation with a full cast. All the POV characters (and I think several others) have their own actors playing them, which adds so much to the reading. It is excellent -- you won’t be disappointed. Although watch out, you might also fall in love with a certain hot male alpha…
I hadn’t realized this was part of a series when I started it. This book comes to a pretty good conclusion – one issue is clearly resolved – but a much larger overarching issue has been raised that continues to develop over later books. I’ve read books 2 and 3 also and am continuing on, but I would recommend trying this one even if you generally shy away from long series (which I do). I’m going to keep seeing where this goes for as long as it keeps my interest, and so far, so good!
If you can, listen to the audiobook, which has a dramatized adaptation with a full cast. All the POV characters (and I think several others) have their own actors playing them, which adds so much to the reading. It is excellent -- you won’t be disappointed. Although watch out, you might also fall in love with a certain hot male alpha…
April 10, 2025
Interesting story, loved the audio movie aspect of the book. After doing a little research I realized that this is actually a book series, this is just a dramatic adaptation of the first? I don't know what abruptly ended and I kind of wish there was more. I enjoyed the humor written into the story and the interaction between characters. It was sorry and entertaining.
FOR ME ..
After her divorce, her son is in college and Jesse is on her own. She decides she's going to start a new life as an independent woman. After spending the night at her parents house, she realizes that she needs to get herself together much faster than she originally planned. She receives an offer from her aunt to become the caretaker for ivy House, the weird home she connected with as a child. Come to find out the house has chosen her to inherit its magic. The book is pretty humorous, love the way it describes the gargoyle butler and it's relationship with Niem, the sheep shifting crotch the old lady neighbor. On her first night visiting the town she ends up at Austin's bar. He's the one that explains that magic exists and she has been chosen by the house to be the protector. Long story short, the house is attacked she accepts her destiny to inherit the magic and boom the fight is one. Kind of anticlimactic, but entertaining in the humor that's written into the story.
FOR ME ..
After her divorce, her son is in college and Jesse is on her own. She decides she's going to start a new life as an independent woman. After spending the night at her parents house, she realizes that she needs to get herself together much faster than she originally planned. She receives an offer from her aunt to become the caretaker for ivy House, the weird home she connected with as a child. Come to find out the house has chosen her to inherit its magic. The book is pretty humorous, love the way it describes the gargoyle butler and it's relationship with Niem, the sheep shifting crotch the old lady neighbor. On her first night visiting the town she ends up at Austin's bar. He's the one that explains that magic exists and she has been chosen by the house to be the protector. Long story short, the house is attacked she accepts her destiny to inherit the magic and boom the fight is one. Kind of anticlimactic, but entertaining in the humor that's written into the story.
March 22, 2025
I have found a new obsession to pursue and that is listening to any book narrated by my favorite male narrators. While tumbling down this particular rabbit hole, I found this delightful gem.
Magical Midlife Madness is an hilarious misadventure of a 40-year-old divorcée (a real Liz Lemon type) who bumbles through an ACOTAR-esque world (ie. Magical). This is the answer for those of us at an unsatisfactory point in the middle of our directionless lives, who love reading stories like ACOTAR, but are also kinda tired of reading about hot 20 -year-olds who just kinda succeed at everything. Jess is learning to accept her role within this magical community with her sagging tits and creaking knees. She handles all the surprises thrown her way by chugging bad wine and ....wait, a minute...just need a quick stop to take care of this incontinent bladder.
This was a laugh-out-loud book, and I highly recommend listening to the Graphic Audio version for Neive's character alone. She reminds me of Talia the gnome from The House by the Cerulean Sea.
.
Magical Midlife Madness is an hilarious misadventure of a 40-year-old divorcée (a real Liz Lemon type) who bumbles through an ACOTAR-esque world (ie. Magical). This is the answer for those of us at an unsatisfactory point in the middle of our directionless lives, who love reading stories like ACOTAR, but are also kinda tired of reading about hot 20 -year-olds who just kinda succeed at everything. Jess is learning to accept her role within this magical community with her sagging tits and creaking knees. She handles all the surprises thrown her way by chugging bad wine and ....wait, a minute...just need a quick stop to take care of this incontinent bladder.
This was a laugh-out-loud book, and I highly recommend listening to the Graphic Audio version for Neive's character alone. She reminds me of Talia the gnome from The House by the Cerulean Sea.
.
July 26, 2025
This is a great beginning to a magical series. Middle age magic is even more fun than teenagers. Especially if you don't even know you have magic. We have a vampire, a gargoyle, shifters (different animals), and even a semi-sentient magical house. This is going to be such a fun series. Already grabbing #2 to put it in line.
I highly recommend the audiobook version, as it's a big production with multiple voices and music. Definitely enjoyable. You might just find yourself a bit too absorbed in the story to get anything else accomplished.
Come for the magic, stay for the humor, friendships, and the chaos.
I highly recommend the audiobook version, as it's a big production with multiple voices and music. Definitely enjoyable. You might just find yourself a bit too absorbed in the story to get anything else accomplished.
Come for the magic, stay for the humor, friendships, and the chaos.
August 9, 2025
I don’t usually read books like this but it sounded like a good time and spoke to me a bit in my midlife age as well. It was like a Hallmark movie (which I also don’t watch) and spun into a quirky (sometimes corny), hilarious, and heartfelt good time…with magic! The FMC was amazing, especially when you’re tired of constantly reading about 19-21 year old girls miraculously being some OP mature heroine. The side characters stole the show. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am surprised to say I will be reading the next book.
October 17, 2025
I enjoyed the story of a freshly divorced woman, who looked after her husband and son, before the son went to college and the husband dumped her. She has to go to her parents house and stay with them. But a friend of her's offers her a job as the keeper of her aunts house.
Because she always loved the house, she takes it and moves there. A new town, a new house and new people. She is dumped into a whole new world and has to come to terms that magic and supernaturals exist.
It was a good story and I enjoyed the narration so much.
Because she always loved the house, she takes it and moves there. A new town, a new house and new people. She is dumped into a whole new world and has to come to terms that magic and supernaturals exist.
It was a good story and I enjoyed the narration so much.
September 9, 2025
I was completely sold based on the title and the fact that is was available through Graphic Audio. This was a completely refreshing take on the story of the 40 year old woman who's husband leaves her and child heads off to school. She picks up and moves to a small town to be the caretaker of a very old house with a quirky cast of characters. In fact, the quirky characters are everything, and the secrets of the house make for a fun surprising story. 40 definitely isn't too old to start over.
September 26, 2025
When I first saw 4 stars for this book, especially the graphic audio, after the first few chapters I couldn't believe anyone could rate this book that high. But it was just the beginning. Too many sound effects were annoying but once the plot of the story held and the characters' personalities developed, it was rather entertaining. Dont get me wrong, this was not a great literary work but it was an enjoyable read, definitely a cozy autumn book.
May 8, 2025
Okay so, 5 starts is probably overstating it BUT I think it’s worth the rec. This is what I think when someone says cozy, fantasy, fun book with less tropes and appropriate ages. It’s cute, funny, realistic (like how the character reacts to things), a lil hot, less angst, and pro-aging. Every book is pretty consistent in the series and still fun to listen to and read.
July 6, 2025
Ok, so being almost 40 myself, I was annoyed with the beginning of this book about how she kept referring to herself as middle-aged. I don't consider 40 middle-aged, nor do I FEEL middle-aged, BUT once I got past all that nonsense, I found this book hilarious. I'm on book 2 now, and it makes me lol.
August 10, 2025
I enjoyed the main character and how she is comfortable in her own skin. It's great to have a "the chosen one" kind of story where the chosen one is not a teen!
It was a fun read but I'm not sure I like the "graphic audio" style of audiobook where sound effects etc are included. I'll give it another try (maybe with Book 2 of this series) and see how I go.
It was a fun read but I'm not sure I like the "graphic audio" style of audiobook where sound effects etc are included. I'll give it another try (maybe with Book 2 of this series) and see how I go.
August 28, 2025
oh boy. it is trying so hard.
magical? check.
empty nester? check
big strong guy? check
perimenopause? the new IT topic? check
quirky characters? check
And somehow, it doesn't work.
So much telling not showing and explaining.
And how is it that this once-in-a-lifetime super strong woman never found the ability to stand up for herself before this???
magical? check.
empty nester? check
big strong guy? check
perimenopause? the new IT topic? check
quirky characters? check
And somehow, it doesn't work.
So much telling not showing and explaining.
And how is it that this once-in-a-lifetime super strong woman never found the ability to stand up for herself before this???
March 11, 2025
The voices are just wrong. The audiobook narrated by Nicole Poole does a lot better job with the voices than this version. I really hate how the voice actors in this version pronounced some of the words like Basajaun.
March 20, 2025
2.75 stars. I really enjoy that the FMC is divorced and in her 40s. It is lighthearted and an easy read. Not sure if I will continue the series. It reminds me a bit of the Robyn Peterman Good to the Last Death series, but not as silly/funny.
May 26, 2025
Finally a fantasy FMC that is not a poor age 14-24 living at the edge of the forest in a hovel trope. It’s refreshing and rare to see a fully grown adult FMC. This was fun and didn’t take itself too seriously.
June 17, 2025
2.5 Meh, just meh. The narration was pretty meh too.I liked Mr.Tom he was the only interesting character in this first book. Too many comments on age, on boby problems because of age, on perceptions of middle aged ,all the time! Geesh I get it. I felt no desire to continue the series
July 30, 2025
This book is hilarious. Every woman in her 40s would love it. I laughed out loud so many times that my kids thought I going crazy. 😂 🤣 Every young woman who reads it can strive to be this heroine. She's awesome. Seriously absolutely love this book!
September 15, 2025
4✨ Ok this was just plain fun! I laughed out loud and even related to this cozy fantasy story and its main female lead. I adored every single character!! I hope the rest of the series is just as good. Highly recommend the graphic audio. It’s full cast and fabulous!
November 8, 2025
Such a fun audio book! This is the first graphic audio I’ve listened to, and it’s almost like the sounds and accents are another character. The story was light hearted and fun. The characters are quirky and lovable. Looking forward to seeing how the series unfolds!
February 25, 2025
Cute, funny, easy read between books
March 24, 2025
Well this was a weird chaotic journey. Slowly started to love the bizarre and chaotic crew. Solid listen.
March 31, 2025
I LOVED this series the first time i read it on my kindle. They did an amazing job casting the voices for this audiobook version!
April 15, 2025
This was my first dramatized adaptation, and I was rather impressed! I'm definitely hoping they'll do the rest of the series since it only goes to 6!
May 11, 2025
Ok, kinda fun parts. The preview made the book sound better than it really was. Didn’t really grab my attention. Won’t read the rest of the series.
June 20, 2025
Absolutely hysterical!!! Had me in tears laughing so hard at work!! I would recommend to anyone looking for a light-hearted good fun read!!
August 31, 2025
Adorably hilarious into into KF Breene! I can’t wait to read the rest of these!
October 24, 2025
my ONLY complaint is please stop making slurping sounds to show they're drinking 😭 otherwise I absolutely love the book and the voice acting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews