What do you think?
Rate this book
Sugar, Spice, and Magical Midlife
A pinch of desperation. A tablespoon of desire. A cup of madness. A recipe for disaster.
Mm. Do you smell that? It’s the warm gooey cinnamon from my oven-hot rolls. I make the best baked goods in all of New Mexico, perhaps the whole world, using a secret family recipe, and a little forbidden magic. My bakery has been booming ever since I got rid of that 220-pound bag of moldy beans, aka the world’s most grotesque farting and armpit-sniffing ex-husband.
My life is finally on track. My autistic preteen son is thriving, despite his unpredictable magic. My bumbling apprentice and her disappearing pygmy dragon only manage to set the place on fire a few times a month.
And then he walks into my life. A tall, tanned, virile shifter, who, after one steamy night, makes me believe in a whole new kind of magic. There’s just one problem—he’s an outlaw, accused of a crime he says he didn’t commit.
Am I stupid enough to believe him? Possibly. Am I reckless enough to follow him to the ends of the earth to prove his innocence? Definitely. Especially when the succubus he claims framed him might be the very same demon who killed my parents.
Mm. Do you smell that? It’s the warm gooey cinnamon from my oven-hot rolls. I make the best baked goods in all of New Mexico, perhaps the whole world, using a secret family recipe, and a little forbidden magic. My bakery has been booming ever since I got rid of that 220-pound bag of moldy beans, aka the world’s most grotesque farting and armpit-sniffing ex-husband.
My life is finally on track. My autistic preteen son is thriving, despite his unpredictable magic. My bumbling apprentice and her disappearing pygmy dragon only manage to set the place on fire a few times a month.
And then he walks into my life. A tall, tanned, virile shifter, who, after one steamy night, makes me believe in a whole new kind of magic. There’s just one problem—he’s an outlaw, accused of a crime he says he didn’t commit.
Am I stupid enough to believe him? Possibly. Am I reckless enough to follow him to the ends of the earth to prove his innocence? Definitely. Especially when the succubus he claims framed him might be the very same demon who killed my parents.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
677 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Tara West
84 books1,157 followersTara West writes books about dragons, witches, and handsome heroes while eating chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate. She's willing to share her dragons, witches and heroes. Keep your hands off her chocolate.
Tara West's young adult and new adult romances have been Kindle bestsellers. A former high school English teacher, Tara is now a full-time writer and graphic artist. She enjoys spending time with her family, interacting with her fans, and fishing the Texas coast.
Hang out with her on her Facebook fan page at: https://www.facebook.com/tarawestauthor
Keep up with her latest news at: www.tarawest.com
She loves to hear from her readers at: tara@tarawest.com
Tara West's young adult and new adult romances have been Kindle bestsellers. A former high school English teacher, Tara is now a full-time writer and graphic artist. She enjoys spending time with her family, interacting with her fans, and fishing the Texas coast.
Hang out with her on her Facebook fan page at: https://www.facebook.com/tarawestauthor
Keep up with her latest news at: www.tarawest.com
She loves to hear from her readers at: tara@tarawest.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 19, 2024
This was great. Laugh out loud funny. I loved the vulgarity. Great characters, great bad guys and fantastic everyone else. Lots of action, some steamy bedroom scenes and did I mention vulgarity? Highly recommend.
April 26, 2025
To say I had a hilarious time with this book is almost an understatement as I was in stitches/laughing fits most of the time. Tara's vivid descriptions of the characters, especially Colin and the drab lacklustre 20 year marriage was absolutely spot on, not to forget about nicknames like Homewrecker Barbie and gnomes stealing her vibrator. Absolutely entertaining from Luci kicking out Colin, the new hunk Ric, a sphinx and protector of the Phoenix, who heats up the spice, an adventurous trip to Rome with the succubi closing in (plenty of twists and revelations there) and so much more until the totally unexpected twist at the end leaving me drooling to read more. I'm definitely hopping on this ride. Excellent wordbuilding Tara.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens
September 11, 2025
Loved this witty funny laughing out loud book or Tara west ! This is my first book of her and am going to dive into book two soon, she show such grace with her autistic son character and I couldn’t get enough of it !
not-my-cup-of-tea
September 21, 2025Yeah, I didn't get very far. Just not for me.
December 26, 2024
Managed one and a half chapters and honestly, that was more than enough. Depressing.
November 29, 2024
What a ride this book was! What a hoot this book was! I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my cheeks! Luciella is the most awesome MC, she's no walkover, she has oomph, she has gumption! Finally breaking the shackles of her boring marriage, she's FREE! Heck, I think she deserved a medal for sticking out 20 years of sexual frustration with a farting, armpit smelling, infantile blimp of a husband and she grabs her freedom in both hands. She's a witch and baker extrordinaire to book, quietly enjoying her bakery and new life with her son. And then Ricardo pitches up... he's a hunk, who's obviously into her but she can't see that. I love the uncertainty yet attraction they have for each other, and when they both take the plunge I was excited for them! Just as things heat up, like REALLY steamy, things fall apart, badly! Gus the troll appears, Ric is hauled away, Luci's livelihood is threatened and she decides to fight back, with the most unlikely allies ever! I just loved Tara's imagination, she flew with it like a pro! And the results were superb! Hell, she clutched me in her talons? claws? magical hands? and took me on a hell of a ride! Halfway around the world ride! To danger, to the unexpected, to jaw dropping revelations, to awesome action, to incredible magic, no mere ride, THIS was a ride of note!
Golly are these characters awesomely true to life, not the what they are but how their deepest thoughts and wishes are expressed, come on, which of us hasn't dreamt on something we don't dare act on? Well, Tara allows us to explore our dreams vicariously, deliciously, with no repercussions at all! What could be better??? Not only did I adore Ric and Luci but I got a dose of Ethyl, who's hilarious, Lenny who's ridiculously crude and funny, Bob, well he's kind of dead... and there are the ghosts too. And Des, OMG what a brilliantly realistically crafted character! When he hugged Shu, my eyes filled up, when he kissed his mama, it was so so warming, so so moving, I cried. Every nuance of his "special needs" fitting, perfect, true, sensitive. Ok, not the magic, that was an added cool extra.
Tara's books are always a major source of pleasure reading, she knows how to titillate, she knows how to tantalise, she knows how to enrapture, captivate her reader. Adding species effortlessly, flowingly into a story isn't an easy task but she does so, exceptionally, surprising me often. This was so delightfully tongue in cheek, not only the humour but the entirety of it, the plot, the dialogue and the larger than life characters. A story with lots of meat on its bones. With real issues. Like picking up and starting anew after a divorce. Like being the best mom one can be to an autistic child. Like keeping one's business afloat. Like allowing oneself a bit of enjoyment without the guilt. It's so succulently smutty and steamy and evocative and just yummy. The drama built up the tension I didn't even know I felt until my shoulders dropped at the end of the most gorgeous HEA, truly gorgeous! I couldn't get enough! I loved it all! This book was a breath of fresh air, from the fabulous characters, to the intricate plot, to the incredible imaginary magical system, I mean, a lipstick as a wand? Yep, THIS book has it all! Delightful, wonderful, very fabulous read!
Golly are these characters awesomely true to life, not the what they are but how their deepest thoughts and wishes are expressed, come on, which of us hasn't dreamt on something we don't dare act on? Well, Tara allows us to explore our dreams vicariously, deliciously, with no repercussions at all! What could be better??? Not only did I adore Ric and Luci but I got a dose of Ethyl, who's hilarious, Lenny who's ridiculously crude and funny, Bob, well he's kind of dead... and there are the ghosts too. And Des, OMG what a brilliantly realistically crafted character! When he hugged Shu, my eyes filled up, when he kissed his mama, it was so so warming, so so moving, I cried. Every nuance of his "special needs" fitting, perfect, true, sensitive. Ok, not the magic, that was an added cool extra.
Tara's books are always a major source of pleasure reading, she knows how to titillate, she knows how to tantalise, she knows how to enrapture, captivate her reader. Adding species effortlessly, flowingly into a story isn't an easy task but she does so, exceptionally, surprising me often. This was so delightfully tongue in cheek, not only the humour but the entirety of it, the plot, the dialogue and the larger than life characters. A story with lots of meat on its bones. With real issues. Like picking up and starting anew after a divorce. Like being the best mom one can be to an autistic child. Like keeping one's business afloat. Like allowing oneself a bit of enjoyment without the guilt. It's so succulently smutty and steamy and evocative and just yummy. The drama built up the tension I didn't even know I felt until my shoulders dropped at the end of the most gorgeous HEA, truly gorgeous! I couldn't get enough! I loved it all! This book was a breath of fresh air, from the fabulous characters, to the intricate plot, to the incredible imaginary magical system, I mean, a lipstick as a wand? Yep, THIS book has it all! Delightful, wonderful, very fabulous read!
December 31, 2024
Sugar Spice And Magical Midlife is the first in the series of Midlife Manace By Tara West. Having never read anything before by this author I was excited to jump in and go along for the ride, and oh baby what a ride it was. I have never laughed out loud so hard while reading a book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily . This book has it all, a great plot, fantastic characters and is a fun and very easy read, I finished it in one evening. If you think this book is a sweet cozy about a bakery, you are half right. It is based around a bakery, and the cinnamon buns are sweet, however there is a good amount of spice and you will never read the words, gosh darn it , as the words in this book are , well lets just say more adult like. So , if those things do not blow your skirt up and make you go whoop de doo, than this book is not for you. If it does , then welcome friends I know it will have you howling and never be able to look at another iced cinnamon bun the same way without blushing. It may also have you clutching your imaginary pearls, beads, or maybe something that is waterproof and hums and perhaps will tickle your fancy or whatever you want to call her.
I love a book with just the right amount of spice , solid plot and hysterical humor, and this book checks off all those boxes, and for that reason this was the easiest 5 star book for me.
I love a book with just the right amount of spice , solid plot and hysterical humor, and this book checks off all those boxes, and for that reason this was the easiest 5 star book for me.
September 9, 2025
It's not the worst book I've read but, I wouldn't read it again and wouldn't recommend.
Things I liked:
I enjoyed the light-heartedness of the author's writing. It was silly and fun at times.
I could for sure identify with the protective nature of Luci over her son. I think Tara did a great job describing the challenges of having an autistic child and the challenges of having autism.
Shu...need I say more? LOL!!
What I didn't enjoy as much:
I felt like there was a ton going on. Fairy cousins with anxiety, slutty tendencies, and a dildo crow wearing GF. Autistic kid. Stinky farty ex. Mom and Dad mystery. Evil(?) Grandma? Hot/shifting/criminal/almost extinct race boyfriend. Succubi all over, the weirdo at the inn...I felt like there were a million side stories to the main one.
This is a personal thing, but I really dislike descriptive, over-the-top sex scenes in a book. The number of times "trill" was used was one too many. When a sex scene reads like "his hot throbbing member awakens my soft, eager pleasure spot and has my womanhood screaming" or insert whatever overly descriptive words you want...I'm just not a fan. Thank God there were only a couple of these scenes, though.
What I thought was odd:
How many gross-smelling things were mentioned in this book. Breath, farts, poop...
Things I liked:
I enjoyed the light-heartedness of the author's writing. It was silly and fun at times.
I could for sure identify with the protective nature of Luci over her son. I think Tara did a great job describing the challenges of having an autistic child and the challenges of having autism.
Shu...need I say more? LOL!!
What I didn't enjoy as much:
I felt like there was a ton going on. Fairy cousins with anxiety, slutty tendencies, and a dildo crow wearing GF. Autistic kid. Stinky farty ex. Mom and Dad mystery. Evil(?) Grandma? Hot/shifting/criminal/almost extinct race boyfriend. Succubi all over, the weirdo at the inn...I felt like there were a million side stories to the main one.
This is a personal thing, but I really dislike descriptive, over-the-top sex scenes in a book. The number of times "trill" was used was one too many. When a sex scene reads like "his hot throbbing member awakens my soft, eager pleasure spot and has my womanhood screaming" or insert whatever overly descriptive words you want...I'm just not a fan. Thank God there were only a couple of these scenes, though.
What I thought was odd:
How many gross-smelling things were mentioned in this book. Breath, farts, poop...
November 3, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. We meet witch and baker Luci who has a 12 year old autistic son names Des. She decides she's not happy in her marriage and asks for a divorce. Fast forward a year, her along with her pixie/witch cousin Ethyl run her bakery. There is a handsome tall drink of water that comes in daily to put an order in. He made Luci want to date again. Luci was raised by Ethyls grandmother when her parents were killed by a succumbi when she was 15. Luci had always suppressed her magic...she is known an an Alpha witch but no one knows the extent of he power. Ric, the tall dark drink of water is the last known sphinx. He has a thing for Luci and her baked goods. On their date, he is arrested for crimes he didn't commit by the food inspector that has been trying to shut Luci down for ages. Luci knows it was a succubus that framed Ric and is now on her way to Rome to set home free. Things just get weirder and weirder in Rome and as a mom, Luci wants to protect Des from all thr violence. Des is a smart kid and wants to help Ric. Luci learns some hard truths that have been kept from her for a long time. Will Luci be able to help Ric anf keep Des safe or will she become a victim like her parents?
January 4, 2025
This book was downright hilarious! I can’t say that I can relate to everything that’s happening in Luci’s life, but I too have a rancid farting ex-husband, lol. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. There really is no quick summary that will do this book justice so let me highlight a few things that made this book shine. A whip smart and slightly awkward best friend/cousin pixie with a petite dragon as a side kick. A dildo-horned minotaur that’s part of an underground rebel group, can you say badass! A mythical lion shifter, thought to be extinct but is really hiding in plain sight as an undertaker. An infestation of gnomes (yes, really little people) that live in the walls stealing and hiding anything they can get their grubby little fingers on. And so many others that I can’t list them all. I can say that Luci and Ric have a sweet, sour and spicy love story. Did I mention that Ric is a tall, dark eyed, broad chest, tattoo covered hunk of a man with a sultry accent?! I 100% hate but secretly love that their story is a cliffhanger, but seriously Tara, when’s the next book dropping because I am ready!?!?
August 28, 2025
This was my first Tara West book, and I have to say, it was completely bonkers. The humor was both funny and outlandish, and the story sucked me in immediately. I loved that a lot of my expectations were flipped on their heads. The descriptions: excellent, yet disgusting. Why are only the bad smells described in such vivid detail? Why does everyone have such terrible breath? I really had no idea what was going to happen next, which was both delightful and terrifying (I'm looking at you Taco Tuesday).
Luci is a very powerful witch who is on the run from succubi who want to steal her powers. After going on a date with a very attractive sphinx shifter, he is arrested for murder. Luci travels to Rome in hopes of testifying on his behalf and uncovers a war brewing between the demons and rebel magic users. Hilarity and calamity ensues.
I was surprised to like every character in this book. The characters have enough description and emotional development that I wanted to know more about everyone. We only get to see Ric for like, 3 scenes, but I'm hoping we get to learn more in the next book.
Thank you to BookSirens and Tara West for the free eARC.
Luci is a very powerful witch who is on the run from succubi who want to steal her powers. After going on a date with a very attractive sphinx shifter, he is arrested for murder. Luci travels to Rome in hopes of testifying on his behalf and uncovers a war brewing between the demons and rebel magic users. Hilarity and calamity ensues.
I was surprised to like every character in this book. The characters have enough description and emotional development that I wanted to know more about everyone. We only get to see Ric for like, 3 scenes, but I'm hoping we get to learn more in the next book.
Thank you to BookSirens and Tara West for the free eARC.
Read
September 8, 2025This book comes with a warning that, much like the cinnamon rolls baked by the female protagonist, this book contains spice… And, much like those famed cinnamon rolls… it did contain spice and a questionable relationship with physics.
Luci is a 40-year-old single mother with an autistic 12-year-old child. At the beginning of the book, she re-frames her life, shedding the things that have been holding her back--mainly her ex-husband… As she steps into her power, she catches the eye of a local business owner, Ric, who has a shady history and a weird relationship with ghosts. When Ric gets arrested for a crime that Luci knows that he didn't commit, Luci, her BFF and her son take off to set Ric free.
The world-building was fascinating, I especially enjoyed how the author made us worry that death or at least possession was around every corner. The author also did a fairly good job of filling the book with morally gray characters who you could empathize with, even when you wanted to throttle them for being complete dorks.
I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Luci is a 40-year-old single mother with an autistic 12-year-old child. At the beginning of the book, she re-frames her life, shedding the things that have been holding her back--mainly her ex-husband… As she steps into her power, she catches the eye of a local business owner, Ric, who has a shady history and a weird relationship with ghosts. When Ric gets arrested for a crime that Luci knows that he didn't commit, Luci, her BFF and her son take off to set Ric free.
The world-building was fascinating, I especially enjoyed how the author made us worry that death or at least possession was around every corner. The author also did a fairly good job of filling the book with morally gray characters who you could empathize with, even when you wanted to throttle them for being complete dorks.
I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2024
An enjoyable read start to finish. The characters were well written and I loved the banter and inner dialogue of Luci in this book. The two main characters Luci and Ric were very likable. Luci may have endured a relationship that was not beneficial or healthy for her but she had the courage and strength to finally leave. She has her priorities in order; her son Des and her successful bakery. I don’t feel that we get enough of Ric in the book for me to say to much on him but he seems like an honorable shifter whom life has dealt a real crap hand. I believe we will get a clearer picture of Ric in the next book in this series. I truly got a kick out of The Golden Girls loving fairy godfather Shu, whose references and slang are stuck in the 80’s.. you’ll find out why when you read the book but he had me in stitches. Tara West is an author I gravitate towards, I enjoy her books a lot, especially the Court of Fae and Firelight Series, so I am looking forward to the next Midlife Menace book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2025
Lucielle is a witch who owns a bakery and is recently divorced (we get to read the moment she decides to divorce his selfish husband). She loves to bake gluten free pastries with a bit of magic and be the best mom her autistic son Des deserves.
Both Lucielle and her son are powerful witches but she has successfully concealed that fact because her parents were murdered by a sucubus demon who wanted powerful magic.
Thanks to a hot date with the gorgeous Ricardo (Ric) that ends with him in prison for a murder he didn't commit, she, her son, her cousin and best friend, and her cousin's pigmy dragon go to Rome to try to get Ric free.
This is book one of the series and ends in a cliffhanger, and has a lot of mysteries and plot twists, and a lot of hilarious moments. And it has some spicy but it's not the main focus of the story because Ric and Lucielle are apart most of the book.
-ARC read-
Both Lucielle and her son are powerful witches but she has successfully concealed that fact because her parents were murdered by a sucubus demon who wanted powerful magic.
Thanks to a hot date with the gorgeous Ricardo (Ric) that ends with him in prison for a murder he didn't commit, she, her son, her cousin and best friend, and her cousin's pigmy dragon go to Rome to try to get Ric free.
This is book one of the series and ends in a cliffhanger, and has a lot of mysteries and plot twists, and a lot of hilarious moments. And it has some spicy but it's not the main focus of the story because Ric and Lucielle are apart most of the book.
-ARC read-
December 3, 2024
This was incredible! A well written, well paced midlife read that introduces us to Luciella, a mum, a witch and a baker who has put up with the husband from hell for far to long and so finally breaks free and kicks him to the curb! Starting over isn’t easy but Luci dives into her bakery and new life with her so be when one day her life gets turned upside down, in a good way! Ric, a drop dead handsome spinx shifter walks in and their chemistry is off the charts but is there too much in their pasts to let them be together? It’s got incredible world building and the author really knows how to draw you in and keep you hooked and on the edge of your seat with an exciting and enthralling storyline and exceptional characters, with the romance, the humour, the mystery and suspense and I enjoyed every minute of it!
November 8, 2024
The intro alone was a gem of vulgar, decriptive humour entwined in sarcasm and snark from the POV of our FMC, Luci.
This left me craving cinnamon rolls, 🍕 pizza and there is nothing wrong with a good taco 🌮.
Without giving the plot away, Luci is a talented baker/witch who meets an insatiable hot shifter named Ric. Both have baggage from their past, but will it stop them from coming together.
This book has some interesting cursing (may add to my repertoire), quirky pygmy dragon, bureaucracy with the best acronyms, hypersensitive nose (I can truely relate), sex that may wreck you for anyone else, twists and turns.
I enjoyed this world of supernaturals and now patiently wait for book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This left me craving cinnamon rolls, 🍕 pizza and there is nothing wrong with a good taco 🌮.
Without giving the plot away, Luci is a talented baker/witch who meets an insatiable hot shifter named Ric. Both have baggage from their past, but will it stop them from coming together.
This book has some interesting cursing (may add to my repertoire), quirky pygmy dragon, bureaucracy with the best acronyms, hypersensitive nose (I can truely relate), sex that may wreck you for anyone else, twists and turns.
I enjoyed this world of supernaturals and now patiently wait for book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2025
Luciella's life is going great. She's divorced her disgusting ex and has opened the bakery of her dreams. She uses a little of her witchy magic to bake up delicious treats. Her autistic son, Desi, is doing great, except when visiting her ex and his new wife. All she needs is a date. She decides to go on one with one of her best customers, Ricardo. Their night is going great till Gus, troll and police officer, comes and drags Ric away and charges him with a murder he didn't commit since he was with her at the time. Luci won't let him fight this alone and she flies off to Italy with her best friend, her dragon and Desi to try to save Ric, but Italy turns into quite an adventure.
I loved this book. There was so much action and adventure in it that I couldn't put it down.
I loved this book. There was so much action and adventure in it that I couldn't put it down.
November 30, 2024
Oh that was fun! But also wtf did I just read? 😂 This was a fast-paced ride stretching from New Mexico to Rome with a cast of characters ranging from witches to Minotaurs.
My favorite thing about this book is how effortless Tara West makes the world-building. She just shows us the rules and the cast. And in at least one instance the FMC breaks the fourth wall to explain it to the reader.
I do wish we would’ve had more development of the relationship between Luci and Ric. They only get a first date then Luci’s off on her adventure.
Thank you to BookSirens and Tara West for an ARC of this book! This is my honest review.
My favorite thing about this book is how effortless Tara West makes the world-building. She just shows us the rules and the cast. And in at least one instance the FMC breaks the fourth wall to explain it to the reader.
I do wish we would’ve had more development of the relationship between Luci and Ric. They only get a first date then Luci’s off on her adventure.
Thank you to BookSirens and Tara West for an ARC of this book! This is my honest review.
February 25, 2025
Luci's story had me addicted from the beginning. Fasten your seat belts ( or broomsticks) this will be a wild ride!! Between trolls, gnomes, demons, witches, succumbus out to kill her, a sphinx with wicked sexy times, so much mystery and intrigue your glued to the pages wondering what will literally drop by/ turn up next!! Great story plot, so much witty banter, did I mention ghosts or rather "hosts" that helps?? Twists that keeps you guessing some I missed, and very entertaining to the end.
Seems as if the Phoenix will continue to need the witch and sphinx to protect it in the next book as well…..can't wait to read the next journey 😉
I received this as a free copy and leaving my honest review voluntarily .
Seems as if the Phoenix will continue to need the witch and sphinx to protect it in the next book as well…..can't wait to read the next journey 😉
I received this as a free copy and leaving my honest review voluntarily .
September 29, 2025
A Sweet & Sassy Paranormal Treat
This book is pure fun with a magical kick! Luci is the kind of midlife heroine you root for—smart, sarcastic, and just trying to keep her magical bakery (and life) from catching fire. With a great mix of humor, heart, and a hint of heat, this cozy paranormal romp had me smiling all the way through. A little chaotic at times, but that’s half the charm!
It’s a delightful escape if you’re into magical midlife heroines, small-town drama, and a dash of danger.
Highly recommend for fans of cozy-but-spicy paranormal reads.
thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for the advanced copy.
This book is pure fun with a magical kick! Luci is the kind of midlife heroine you root for—smart, sarcastic, and just trying to keep her magical bakery (and life) from catching fire. With a great mix of humor, heart, and a hint of heat, this cozy paranormal romp had me smiling all the way through. A little chaotic at times, but that’s half the charm!
It’s a delightful escape if you’re into magical midlife heroines, small-town drama, and a dash of danger.
Highly recommend for fans of cozy-but-spicy paranormal reads.
thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for the advanced copy.
November 8, 2024
After being so generously provided with an Arc, I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of reading it!
For starters, The author, aka Tara West, did not disappoint, right from the start the little jokes, funny comments had me giggling! She did a fantastic job of drawing me into the storyline, world and characters! Where can I get a Ric? No spoilers but yes please! Haha!
Tara, did a great job, keeping us going with just enough flow, with romance, humour and suspense that the story unfolded naturally!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series now!
For starters, The author, aka Tara West, did not disappoint, right from the start the little jokes, funny comments had me giggling! She did a fantastic job of drawing me into the storyline, world and characters! Where can I get a Ric? No spoilers but yes please! Haha!
Tara, did a great job, keeping us going with just enough flow, with romance, humour and suspense that the story unfolded naturally!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series now!
November 18, 2024
Opened this book, and started laughing even in the introduction!!! I think this book is the perfect combination of both of Tara's pen names, it has the heat and passion that Tara brings to her books and the no nonsense crazy fun and situations that PJ brings. Luci and Ric are such an awesome couple and Federica with her "Horns" had me laughing out loud. I am looking forward to more books in this series, I want to see Des grow in his powers and all that he is going to accomplish. So many wonderful characters and such an awesome story. Give me more!!!!
December 2, 2024
Luci is a witch that owns her own bakery. She is a loving mother to her son Des. She serves both human and supernaturals at her bakery and has become smitten by one of her customers.
Ricardo loves Luci's baked goods and stops by every morning to purchase sweets from her. He really wants to ask her out but is too shy to do so.
Fate has a way of putting two people together even when they don't seem to have the courage to do so themselves and then the journey begins.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ricardo loves Luci's baked goods and stops by every morning to purchase sweets from her. He really wants to ask her out but is too shy to do so.
Fate has a way of putting two people together even when they don't seem to have the courage to do so themselves and then the journey begins.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2024
This is book 1 in West's new Midlife Menace series. A well written and captivating read that delights in its humor. A wonderful start to a new series with main characters, Luci - single mom and baker as well as a witch and Ric - a hot spinx shifter. The chemistry is instant as are the laughs. Great characters and a thrilling storyline with mystery and suspense. I'm so excited for more from West and this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
☆Magically delicious♡
Luci is finally getting away from her useless husband. She started a new life baking with her magic. Eventually, she comes across a shifter named Ric, and the rest is history. This story was so full of magic, spice, adorable characters, and more! Luci's son was the sweetest, and I loved the autistic representation the author created! The story flowed so nicely, and I couldn't stop turning the pages!
Thanks so much to the author and Booksirens for the ARC!
☆Magically delicious♡
Luci is finally getting away from her useless husband. She started a new life baking with her magic. Eventually, she comes across a shifter named Ric, and the rest is history. This story was so full of magic, spice, adorable characters, and more! Luci's son was the sweetest, and I loved the autistic representation the author created! The story flowed so nicely, and I couldn't stop turning the pages!
Thanks so much to the author and Booksirens for the ARC!
December 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this very spicy book.
Luci is a very powerful witch, as is her autistic son. She has managed to hide that from everyone. She has divorced her cheating husband, who is also a terrible father, and has opened her own bakery.
She meets a very sexy shifter who is falsely accused of murder, then a vicious gnome has shut down her bakery. She then takes her son, and her best friend and goes to Rome to help clear her boyfriend's name. She then finds herself up to her eyeballs in Succubi, who are trying to possess her for her powers.
Luci is a very powerful witch, as is her autistic son. She has managed to hide that from everyone. She has divorced her cheating husband, who is also a terrible father, and has opened her own bakery.
She meets a very sexy shifter who is falsely accused of murder, then a vicious gnome has shut down her bakery. She then takes her son, and her best friend and goes to Rome to help clear her boyfriend's name. She then finds herself up to her eyeballs in Succubi, who are trying to possess her for her powers.
January 12, 2025
Sugar, Spice, and Magical Midlife
I love how in “Sugar, Spice, and Magical Midlife” by Tara West we get to meet Luci and walk through the twists and turns of her life as a single parent of and autistic preteen, a business owner with those trying to destroy her, and her love life with someone accused of a crime he didn’t commit. If you want to know what happens I guess that you will have to read “Sugar, Spice, and Magical Midlife” to find out what happens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love how in “Sugar, Spice, and Magical Midlife” by Tara West we get to meet Luci and walk through the twists and turns of her life as a single parent of and autistic preteen, a business owner with those trying to destroy her, and her love life with someone accused of a crime he didn’t commit. If you want to know what happens I guess that you will have to read “Sugar, Spice, and Magical Midlife” to find out what happens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2025
Sugar, Spice and Magical Midlife was a hoot! It was very faced paced, but hilarious. At one point, I even read out loud what was written and my husband laughed with me. I think this was a very creative story.
Looking forward to the second book.
To get five stars, I do wish there could have been some parts that were expanded upon. I was confused a bit once they got to Italy. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Looking forward to the second book.
To get five stars, I do wish there could have been some parts that were expanded upon. I was confused a bit once they got to Italy. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2025
This book is hilarious. Luci the FMC is so relatable to me and her creative cursing which aren’t actual curse words are some of the best part of this book. It does have a couple spicy scenes that are fantastic. So I would rate it mildly spicy. When the gnomes still her vibrator it’s the hilarious. Ric the MMC is everything you want in a PNR, tall dark handsome tattooed and a shifter. I can’t wait for the second one to come out. Highly recommend!!
I give it 🌶️🌶️/5 because there are only 2 scenes of smutty goodness. I’m hoping for many more in the next book.
I give it 🌶️🌶️/5 because there are only 2 scenes of smutty goodness. I’m hoping for many more in the next book.
September 27, 2025
This was a fun read. The raunchy humor was on point. descriptions of the main character's ex husband were hilarious. The first chapter had me literally laughing out loud. The plot was good i enjoyed the inclusion of an autistic witch and how they are viewed. The steam was good but the author used the word protrusion a few times describing the main male characters attributes and it didn’t sit well with me in a spice scene. The world building was good and the book includes a glossary to help keep things straight. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it and continue the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews