What do you think?
Rate this book
Welcome To Midlife Magic #3
Susan, Break The Curse!
Susan's dreams are coming true.
Unfortunately... So are her nightmares.
Susan Moore in back in her element as the maestro of middle management, relishing her new job as Client Experience and Customer Support Contact Center Department Manager. Things in the supernatural world have quietened down a little, so now, she's taken her Chosen One hat off, and she's blazing a trail as the new Queen of Office Politics.
She's even starting to accept the fact that Donovan, her overprotective, blisteringly hot fae prince, could really be her later in life love. Once she gets over some lingering doubts, she just might throw herself headfirst into some romance in middle age. Seize the day, and all that.
But when Susan's nemesis plants something on her - something bad - things take a sinister turn.
Will Susan find her way out of the darkness?
Susan, Break The Curse! is book three in the fun, fast-paced and thrilling new paranormal women's fiction series Welcome To Midlife Magic, by bestselling urban fantasy author Lauretta Hignett.
Content Some coarse language. As well as a diverse cast of unicorns, werewolves, sentient houses, dragons, vampires and fae etc, this book does includes discussion around involuntary infertility, menopause, gender bias in healthcare, and mental health issues.
Unfortunately... So are her nightmares.
Susan Moore in back in her element as the maestro of middle management, relishing her new job as Client Experience and Customer Support Contact Center Department Manager. Things in the supernatural world have quietened down a little, so now, she's taken her Chosen One hat off, and she's blazing a trail as the new Queen of Office Politics.
She's even starting to accept the fact that Donovan, her overprotective, blisteringly hot fae prince, could really be her later in life love. Once she gets over some lingering doubts, she just might throw herself headfirst into some romance in middle age. Seize the day, and all that.
But when Susan's nemesis plants something on her - something bad - things take a sinister turn.
Will Susan find her way out of the darkness?
Susan, Break The Curse! is book three in the fun, fast-paced and thrilling new paranormal women's fiction series Welcome To Midlife Magic, by bestselling urban fantasy author Lauretta Hignett.
Content Some coarse language. As well as a diverse cast of unicorns, werewolves, sentient houses, dragons, vampires and fae etc, this book does includes discussion around involuntary infertility, menopause, gender bias in healthcare, and mental health issues.
268 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2024
692 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Lauretta Hignett
53 books473 followersA raving fangirl for all things paranormal, supernatural, supernormal and fantastical, Lauretta writes fun Urban Fantasy, PNR and Superhero adventures with a dash of sweet romance and humour.
She's a massive fan of Young and New Adult fiction, loves a plot twist, hates cliffhangers, and always keeps her readers on their toes.
When she's not writing, Lauretta enjoys fad diets, sunshine, her two little children, weird craft projects and massive amounts of dark chocolate
She's a massive fan of Young and New Adult fiction, loves a plot twist, hates cliffhangers, and always keeps her readers on their toes.
When she's not writing, Lauretta enjoys fad diets, sunshine, her two little children, weird craft projects and massive amounts of dark chocolate
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 6, 2024
Great addition to Susan's story. I fell into "just another chapter" syndrome; I started the book and didn't put it down till "The End". I love the characters, they are well written and keep getting better, the action and the twists kept me engaged and wanting more, and that ending… I can’t wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review
September 17, 2024
So sad. I devoured (heehee) the first 2 books. This one took 2 months to finish. I loved how competent Susan was in the other books. But this one, she's in the new world of magic but doesn't bother to discuss what's happening to her. Ugh, I hated that. So I set it aside. But I wanted to finish so I finally picked it up again. So much repetition. I started aggressively skimming.
My other complaint was the lack of Donovan. He was missing for 90% of the book (or at least it felt like it).
I will probably read the next book, but not for a while, until I can get back into the correct headspace.
My other complaint was the lack of Donovan. He was missing for 90% of the book (or at least it felt like it).
I will probably read the next book, but not for a while, until I can get back into the correct headspace.
September 19, 2024
I didn't really like this book as much as the first two in the series for two reasons:
- Things suddenly became much less humorous. The whole book is basically about Susan going through what is essentially a series of psychotic episodes and it's just not at all fun to read? It's not that she doesn't have a history in psychiatric facilities that would warrant the hallucinations and other things that she goes through, it's just that it's such a serious fucking downer in what is presumably a more humorous series. It's hard to make someone suffering a mental breakdown funny, also kind of inappropriate, so I understand the tone, but I wasn't expecting it out of this series. Also, Susan is so fucking stupid in this book, why would she suddenly trust Juliette and/or think that she could manipulate her? Why the fuck doesn't she talk to ANYONE at all about what she's going through? Why has she not learned her lesson from the first several books and started actually communicating with the people who are specifically there to help her? Who the fuck knows? Definitely not me!
- No one figures out what's up with Susan, despite her acting sketchy as fuck. No one presses her to open up about anything, everyone just believes her when she says that the instances of her acting like a mentally unwell person are just "stress". No matter how many times these things happen, everyone just smiles and nods when Susan piles on the excuses.
The book is an exercise in frustration overall, with a few pretty funny and enjoyable parts mixed in. Fingers crossed that the next book doesn't have Susan acting like a total dumbass again, but I'm setting my expectations low on that after reading the first few chapters.
- Things suddenly became much less humorous. The whole book is basically about Susan going through what is essentially a series of psychotic episodes and it's just not at all fun to read? It's not that she doesn't have a history in psychiatric facilities that would warrant the hallucinations and other things that she goes through, it's just that it's such a serious fucking downer in what is presumably a more humorous series. It's hard to make someone suffering a mental breakdown funny, also kind of inappropriate, so I understand the tone, but I wasn't expecting it out of this series. Also, Susan is so fucking stupid in this book, why would she suddenly trust Juliette and/or think that she could manipulate her? Why the fuck doesn't she talk to ANYONE at all about what she's going through? Why has she not learned her lesson from the first several books and started actually communicating with the people who are specifically there to help her? Who the fuck knows? Definitely not me!
- No one figures out what's up with Susan, despite her acting sketchy as fuck. No one presses her to open up about anything, everyone just believes her when she says that the instances of her acting like a mentally unwell person are just "stress". No matter how many times these things happen, everyone just smiles and nods when Susan piles on the excuses.
The book is an exercise in frustration overall, with a few pretty funny and enjoyable parts mixed in. Fingers crossed that the next book doesn't have Susan acting like a total dumbass again, but I'm setting my expectations low on that after reading the first few chapters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
This is a really good series. I have to admit I started reading it because of, well, Susan, but I got hooked. There are some really cute characters but I have to say I got tired of the duocorn pretty quickly. Obviously there were other elements that made up for that as I kept reading.
January 7, 2025
The third instalment races along like the predecessors and you just keep turning the pages- great story, well written. Modern problems framed in supernatural settings, and a great FMC and cast of amusing extra characters all about. Great found family vibes and who wouldn’t love a sarcastic functioning alcoholic fashion designer magical unicorn, who’s so extra he even has two horns as your new bestie..
August 20, 2024
Notebook one and two of “Susan the choosen”
I liked book I and really liked book 2… and recommend them to several friends. Book 3 was well written but, unfortunately, it really was too dark and depressing for me. I am hoping when book 4 comes out that the tone will go back to the lighter, funny/snarky, less depressing tone.
I liked book I and really liked book 2… and recommend them to several friends. Book 3 was well written but, unfortunately, it really was too dark and depressing for me. I am hoping when book 4 comes out that the tone will go back to the lighter, funny/snarky, less depressing tone.
July 31, 2025
2.5
I’m so mad about this book, it is so much worse than the previous ones. I won’t give it a 2 or a 1 just because the overall story is interesting and hopefully it will end somewhat graciously in the next instalment, but this one deserves to burn and be rewritten as the series intended.
First of all, there is very little humor (funny humor, I mean), 90% of the characters are away 90% of the time, Susan becomes a dumbass and the tone is very dark and psychologically heavy.
When I said that moving on the story would have trouble keeping the humorous part and the plot part on track I didn’t mean that the author should just choose one of the two and completely switch genres! And it might have been acceptable, were there not, once again, way too many crude jokes and over the line sexual comments. I will not explain the scene nor are there spoilers, but this was the moment at the 21% mark where I almost DNF this book: (censored by me to avoid getting banned)
This left me feeling so uncomfortable and it isn’t even clear if it is a tasteless joke or if the author is really trying to insult alpha-male podcasters by saying that they are passive gays. The MC just laughs and doesn’t comment and the discussion on misogyny keeps on going.
I really had to force myself to go on through the next 5 pages full of other suggestive insults used to “empower women” (I guess that was the intention) in order to continue with the actual story. I am a woman and I consider alpha males idiots just like the next person, but it doesn’t mean that I want to read cheap teenage level jabs that add absolutely nothing to a book that was supposed to be humorous and fun. By doing this you are just lying down on their same ground and revelling in the same mud as them. Violence and contempt empower no one, I thought it was supposed to be the moral of this whole series.
After this section the story picks up as before, but I wasn’t having that much fun anymore.
I will read the last book just to have closure, but at this point I’m not sure if I would recommend this series to anyone if they asked.
Moving on to the spoilers:
I’m so mad about this book, it is so much worse than the previous ones. I won’t give it a 2 or a 1 just because the overall story is interesting and hopefully it will end somewhat graciously in the next instalment, but this one deserves to burn and be rewritten as the series intended.
First of all, there is very little humor (funny humor, I mean), 90% of the characters are away 90% of the time, Susan becomes a dumbass and the tone is very dark and psychologically heavy.
When I said that moving on the story would have trouble keeping the humorous part and the plot part on track I didn’t mean that the author should just choose one of the two and completely switch genres! And it might have been acceptable, were there not, once again, way too many crude jokes and over the line sexual comments. I will not explain the scene nor are there spoilers, but this was the moment at the 21% mark where I almost DNF this book: (censored by me to avoid getting banned)
Bart gave a little smirk. "The ones that are getting laid, aren't getting laid by women, if you know what I mean. And I can tell you that for a fact."
I chuckled. "I hear you."
"There's nothing more satisfying than ej@culat!ng down the throat of a sexist male podcaster. Best 0rg@sms ever."
This left me feeling so uncomfortable and it isn’t even clear if it is a tasteless joke or if the author is really trying to insult alpha-male podcasters by saying that they are passive gays. The MC just laughs and doesn’t comment and the discussion on misogyny keeps on going.
I really had to force myself to go on through the next 5 pages full of other suggestive insults used to “empower women” (I guess that was the intention) in order to continue with the actual story. I am a woman and I consider alpha males idiots just like the next person, but it doesn’t mean that I want to read cheap teenage level jabs that add absolutely nothing to a book that was supposed to be humorous and fun. By doing this you are just lying down on their same ground and revelling in the same mud as them. Violence and contempt empower no one, I thought it was supposed to be the moral of this whole series.
After this section the story picks up as before, but I wasn’t having that much fun anymore.
I will read the last book just to have closure, but at this point I’m not sure if I would recommend this series to anyone if they asked.
Moving on to the spoilers:
July 10, 2024
Even though I do remember the books I've read, it's always appreciated to get a recap at the start of a book, it brings everything to the fore immediately and sets my juices even more to read the book! And believe me, I DESPERATELY wanted to read this book! Susan is a very unusual character, firstly, she's older than most MC's, which is awesome. Secondly, she's confused as to what is real or not, THAT "condition" can be placed firmly on her ex's shoulders, he's just grrrrrrr!!!!
I can't help but adore Susan, I mean, everything this brilliant author portrays is so flipping realistic! Ok, maybe not the magical aspects but the confusion, the deceipt, the betrayal and the undermining are all too real. What I particularly love about Susan is her tenacity, her thoughts might be all over the place but her determination is fierce. She sure has a heck of a lot to process and deal with in this book! And the instigator? No, not her ex, but someone even more despicable, a someone called Connor....a someone who's got such a chip on his shoulder, mommy issues, and, shoo, EVERY issue out there! He schemes, he lies, he dupes anyone he can for the sole purpose of...yep, he wants it ALL! He wants to be the top honcho of all the worlds, he wants Susan, not for her per say, but to control her and the narrative for his personal gain. Oh lordie! The lengths he goes to! He truly will stop at nothing, do anything, to achieve his goals!
Susan has accepted who she is, what she is but she still has this niggle at the back of her head telling her she's not good enough, not worthy of Donovan. Gosh, she even questions his motive for wanting HER! Unfortunately, Connor uses this uncertainty to set her off on yet another spiral. Good golly did that give her a mind blow! Ms Hignett spun it superbly, once more, so realistically. My heart bled for Susan. After being subjected to incarceration, to being institutionalised, I felt her pain in my bone marrow! But although Susan might be a tad confused, might be overcome with fear, her smarts shine through like a beacon leading the way through a dark night. I loved how she processed it, I adore her analytical mind and her trust in herself. Well, it was touch and go for a minute....
Hells bells and glory be are these characters AWESOME!!! Cress has me in stitches with her overt pursuing of Susan, and I was soooo surprised at what, or who, was the cause of her giving up! Nice one! Violet, the sentient house, is an imagery delight, Cecil, oh golly, HOW to describe Cecil???? Arrogant? Obnoxious? Foul mouthed? A drinking, smoking, drugging, happy go lucky individual? He's all of that and then some, he's an absolute hoot! But he's also very loyal, he's protective, he's sassy, he's a true friend! Suave, dashing Donovan, kind hearted yet ruthless at the same time, is delish! I love how genuine he is, he'll leave no stone unturned for Susan, not because she's the Chosen One but because I could feel his love for her filtering through the pages. And my heavens, DID he ever go through hoops for her! I loved every second of their romance unfolding, so so much! Truthfully? I loved EVERYTHING that unfolded before me, I was lapping up every nuance, every twist, every magnificent event!
Ms Hatchell has surpassed herself with this book and indeed this series, one minute I'm laughing hysterically, the next minute my stomach is clenching in angst, the next my heart swells in delight, the whole bang shoot! This is a book with lots of substance, don't be fooled by the humour, which is so natural, it really is about getting to know oneself, getting to face ones fears, getting to let people in. So utterly immersive and so utterly unputdownable! I can't wait for the adventure to continue! I NEED the adventure to continue quickly, THAT ending, OMG!!!
I can't help but adore Susan, I mean, everything this brilliant author portrays is so flipping realistic! Ok, maybe not the magical aspects but the confusion, the deceipt, the betrayal and the undermining are all too real. What I particularly love about Susan is her tenacity, her thoughts might be all over the place but her determination is fierce. She sure has a heck of a lot to process and deal with in this book! And the instigator? No, not her ex, but someone even more despicable, a someone called Connor....a someone who's got such a chip on his shoulder, mommy issues, and, shoo, EVERY issue out there! He schemes, he lies, he dupes anyone he can for the sole purpose of...yep, he wants it ALL! He wants to be the top honcho of all the worlds, he wants Susan, not for her per say, but to control her and the narrative for his personal gain. Oh lordie! The lengths he goes to! He truly will stop at nothing, do anything, to achieve his goals!
Susan has accepted who she is, what she is but she still has this niggle at the back of her head telling her she's not good enough, not worthy of Donovan. Gosh, she even questions his motive for wanting HER! Unfortunately, Connor uses this uncertainty to set her off on yet another spiral. Good golly did that give her a mind blow! Ms Hignett spun it superbly, once more, so realistically. My heart bled for Susan. After being subjected to incarceration, to being institutionalised, I felt her pain in my bone marrow! But although Susan might be a tad confused, might be overcome with fear, her smarts shine through like a beacon leading the way through a dark night. I loved how she processed it, I adore her analytical mind and her trust in herself. Well, it was touch and go for a minute....
Hells bells and glory be are these characters AWESOME!!! Cress has me in stitches with her overt pursuing of Susan, and I was soooo surprised at what, or who, was the cause of her giving up! Nice one! Violet, the sentient house, is an imagery delight, Cecil, oh golly, HOW to describe Cecil???? Arrogant? Obnoxious? Foul mouthed? A drinking, smoking, drugging, happy go lucky individual? He's all of that and then some, he's an absolute hoot! But he's also very loyal, he's protective, he's sassy, he's a true friend! Suave, dashing Donovan, kind hearted yet ruthless at the same time, is delish! I love how genuine he is, he'll leave no stone unturned for Susan, not because she's the Chosen One but because I could feel his love for her filtering through the pages. And my heavens, DID he ever go through hoops for her! I loved every second of their romance unfolding, so so much! Truthfully? I loved EVERYTHING that unfolded before me, I was lapping up every nuance, every twist, every magnificent event!
Ms Hatchell has surpassed herself with this book and indeed this series, one minute I'm laughing hysterically, the next minute my stomach is clenching in angst, the next my heart swells in delight, the whole bang shoot! This is a book with lots of substance, don't be fooled by the humour, which is so natural, it really is about getting to know oneself, getting to face ones fears, getting to let people in. So utterly immersive and so utterly unputdownable! I can't wait for the adventure to continue! I NEED the adventure to continue quickly, THAT ending, OMG!!!
September 4, 2024
I have to start with the descriptions of the characters in the beginning of this book, it made me laugh my butt off and i appreciate the humour of the author for doing this. I also enjoyed the quick recap because as I feel I've read a gizillion books between book 2 and 3 it was nice to have my memory jogged on what had happened previously.
That said OH WOW what an intense read this was. The humour was still there which is nicely supplied by my little duocorn of delight Cecil and I literally spat my coffee everywhere over his obsession over Susan's lady garden amongst other chortle worthy gems he spouts. Cress is still trying to bond with Susan, even going as far as glamouring herself for a fake interview with her. Donovan is as swoony as ever, although he puts himself in danger to help the chosen, but even though all my favourite characters are here they mostly take a back seat in this book because this one is mainly about Susan herself.
Conner The Devourer has found the perfect way to strike out at The Chosen One by placing a curse on her to make her fears seem a reality. What does Susan fear the most, the loss of herself. It was heartreandering watching her being thrust back into painful memories not knowing if they were real or an illusion and you could literally feel her fear coming off the page as she didn't understand why this was happening. This had to be some of the best writing around mental health I've ever read and done with great sensitivity I applaud the author for this.
But Susan is stronger than Connor gives her credit for and she'll beat her demons with bells on.
I absolutely loved this one and can't wait to see how it all ends in the next book, I highly recommend this series of you haven't already read it. 😁
That said OH WOW what an intense read this was. The humour was still there which is nicely supplied by my little duocorn of delight Cecil and I literally spat my coffee everywhere over his obsession over Susan's lady garden amongst other chortle worthy gems he spouts. Cress is still trying to bond with Susan, even going as far as glamouring herself for a fake interview with her. Donovan is as swoony as ever, although he puts himself in danger to help the chosen, but even though all my favourite characters are here they mostly take a back seat in this book because this one is mainly about Susan herself.
Conner The Devourer has found the perfect way to strike out at The Chosen One by placing a curse on her to make her fears seem a reality. What does Susan fear the most, the loss of herself. It was heartreandering watching her being thrust back into painful memories not knowing if they were real or an illusion and you could literally feel her fear coming off the page as she didn't understand why this was happening. This had to be some of the best writing around mental health I've ever read and done with great sensitivity I applaud the author for this.
But Susan is stronger than Connor gives her credit for and she'll beat her demons with bells on.
I absolutely loved this one and can't wait to see how it all ends in the next book, I highly recommend this series of you haven't already read it. 😁
March 29, 2025
Another Great Installment
3½-4 for this one.
More Cecil madness, and lovable Violet enthusiasm; a bitchy socialite ... well, more than one; a big, very bad, wolf; and machinations by the Big Bad. No pitched battles, but lots of underhanded politics.
Susan once again shows her strength is her compassion and empathy, especially when dealing with new and unusal creatures.
And Hignett, once again, shows how deftly she intertwines social commentary on topics such as American gun violence, juvenile detention, and Anerica's defacto slavery in the form of penal labour; in this one she tackles misogyny, 'bro,' and incel culture. It's not preachy, but it *is* pithy, and a welcome dash of 'reality,' grounding the fantasy elements.
There is a definite change of pace, though the stakes are much higher.
Susan continues to battle the damage to her sense of Self, and psyche, this time in a much more visceral way, and she's not the only one. She also keeps receiving *more* slaps in the face about the realities of her former marriage, and worse - who knew what, when. Vincent looks worse and worse, because he IS awful.
There are plenty of interesting hints about different characters, which will no doubt come to fruition later.
My only qualm is that Nate and Eryk haven't been explored very far as characters, but as the books *are* from Susan's point of view, she has had the least interaction with these two.
One hopes that Connor, the 'pig wolf,' and the vile socialites, Vincent, (his parents,) and Seraphina, ALL get their personalised comeuppances!
5☆ = Loved/Highly Recommend
4☆ = Really Enjoyed
3☆ = Good, Solid, Read
2☆ = Had Potential, or At Least A Decent Premise AND Some Difficult-To-Overlook-Flaws
1☆ = Why?
3½-4 for this one.
More Cecil madness, and lovable Violet enthusiasm; a bitchy socialite ... well, more than one; a big, very bad, wolf; and machinations by the Big Bad. No pitched battles, but lots of underhanded politics.
Susan once again shows her strength is her compassion and empathy, especially when dealing with new and unusal creatures.
And Hignett, once again, shows how deftly she intertwines social commentary on topics such as American gun violence, juvenile detention, and Anerica's defacto slavery in the form of penal labour; in this one she tackles misogyny, 'bro,' and incel culture. It's not preachy, but it *is* pithy, and a welcome dash of 'reality,' grounding the fantasy elements.
There is a definite change of pace, though the stakes are much higher.
Susan continues to battle the damage to her sense of Self, and psyche, this time in a much more visceral way, and she's not the only one. She also keeps receiving *more* slaps in the face about the realities of her former marriage, and worse - who knew what, when. Vincent looks worse and worse, because he IS awful.
There are plenty of interesting hints about different characters, which will no doubt come to fruition later.
My only qualm is that Nate and Eryk haven't been explored very far as characters, but as the books *are* from Susan's point of view, she has had the least interaction with these two.
One hopes that Connor, the 'pig wolf,' and the vile socialites, Vincent, (his parents,) and Seraphina, ALL get their personalised comeuppances!
5☆ = Loved/Highly Recommend
4☆ = Really Enjoyed
3☆ = Good, Solid, Read
2☆ = Had Potential, or At Least A Decent Premise AND Some Difficult-To-Overlook-Flaws
1☆ = Why?
July 5, 2024
Susan's world was turned upside down when she was locked up in a psych ward for attempting to murder her husband. Only, she wasn't paranoid - her scumbag ex was really cheating on her, and the explosion she caused was really because of uncontrollable magic. Lucky she has a hot fae prince to help her learn about magic and defeat the evil Devourer, right? Not to mention a high-functioning alcoholic duocorn stylist, sex-obsessed Princess Cress, Violet the sentient apartment building, and nervous bear-shifter Bart.
Susan has to keep fighting the Devourer's evil schemes, while keeping her department at the Insurance company in tip-top shape, and trying to prevent the irrepressible Cecil from sniffing all the coke he appropriated while masquerading as a narcotics dog. But Susan is still struggling to escape her own nightmares and believe in herself, as a sensible, highly organised, experienced woman with a talent for managing people.
This book is a joy from beginning to end. Susan is a character you can immediately identify with, as she deals with mundane and magical situations with methodical aplomb.
The characters are quirky, three-dimensional figures, and the settings well-described and relatable (waiting in an interminable line at the DMV, that exclusive restaurant where nobody ever dares to eat the artisan bread). Donovan, the aforementioned hot fae prince, is sexy yet vulnerable, just how we like them, and Cecil the duocorn is an absolute scream.
Oh yes, and the fae are experiencing great personal growth since engaging with therapy. Come on, Susan, we're all rooting for you
Susan has to keep fighting the Devourer's evil schemes, while keeping her department at the Insurance company in tip-top shape, and trying to prevent the irrepressible Cecil from sniffing all the coke he appropriated while masquerading as a narcotics dog. But Susan is still struggling to escape her own nightmares and believe in herself, as a sensible, highly organised, experienced woman with a talent for managing people.
This book is a joy from beginning to end. Susan is a character you can immediately identify with, as she deals with mundane and magical situations with methodical aplomb.
The characters are quirky, three-dimensional figures, and the settings well-described and relatable (waiting in an interminable line at the DMV, that exclusive restaurant where nobody ever dares to eat the artisan bread). Donovan, the aforementioned hot fae prince, is sexy yet vulnerable, just how we like them, and Cecil the duocorn is an absolute scream.
Oh yes, and the fae are experiencing great personal growth since engaging with therapy. Come on, Susan, we're all rooting for you
July 5, 2024
This is book 3 in the Welcome to Midlife Magic series. (And if you haven’t started reading it yet, run now to read from the beginning!) We pick up where book 2 left off. Susan is back at work in her new role and Juliette has asked her to lunch under the guise of burying the hatchet. But the only hatchet Juliette really wants to bury is right in Susan’s back!!
With all her worst fears now haunting her every time she gets upset, Susan is worrying she is having another psychotic breakdown - or even that she never left the hospital in the first place. And to make matters worse, Donovan (her anchor to her sanity), has gone to the under to help break the curse placed on her.
This book was full of surprises, like finding out certain people were magical. And there were some hints at a possible big reveal for another set of characters! (I am so sad I have to wait to find out!)
And the characters just keep getting better and better!! Cecil is an absolute riot!! I can’t tell you how much I love him!! And Cress, how can you go wrong with a warrior who wants to solve all her problems with murder!
After the ending of book 2, I was nervous to start this one because you knew already something was going to happen to Susan. (I’m one of those out the book down and pick it back up right away kind of readers!) But I was such an amazing book! It was wonderfully written and Susan really faced her fears! I’m already waiting (somewhat) patiently for the next book!
With all her worst fears now haunting her every time she gets upset, Susan is worrying she is having another psychotic breakdown - or even that she never left the hospital in the first place. And to make matters worse, Donovan (her anchor to her sanity), has gone to the under to help break the curse placed on her.
This book was full of surprises, like finding out certain people were magical. And there were some hints at a possible big reveal for another set of characters! (I am so sad I have to wait to find out!)
And the characters just keep getting better and better!! Cecil is an absolute riot!! I can’t tell you how much I love him!! And Cress, how can you go wrong with a warrior who wants to solve all her problems with murder!
After the ending of book 2, I was nervous to start this one because you knew already something was going to happen to Susan. (I’m one of those out the book down and pick it back up right away kind of readers!) But I was such an amazing book! It was wonderfully written and Susan really faced her fears! I’m already waiting (somewhat) patiently for the next book!
June 10, 2025
I went into this book with a bit of trepidation. The last book gave me an idea of what we're in for, and I was anxious about how it would play out. It didn't help that I read other reviews and found that other readers described the experience of reading this as a bit stressful. In general, Lauretta Hignett is a great writer. She has a talent for balancing humor with poignant, thought-provoking, and emotional situations. But this book did lean more into heaviness and felt less balanced. Susan struggles with losing her grip on reality. There's a good chunk of the story where she's dealing with traumatic flashbacks, and she frustratingly keeps it a secret from those in the best position to help her. I still love the characters, especially Cecil. Although the next book is about war, I hope it manages to have a lighter tone than this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
The author did it again: she left me angry and disappointed! This book was so darn good, I didn’t want it to end, and that’s why I’m angry and disappointed. Poor Susan, she is really put the wringer in this one, and she is the only one who can help her. I fall more in love with this series with every book that come out. I love how far Susan has come, and how protective and fun her friends are. Of course, this ended in a cliffhanger (hence, why I’m angry and disappointed I don’t have the next one in hand LOL!), and I will eagerly await the next book. Well-written, engaging, interesting, wonderful characters…just an all-around wonderful book and series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 13, 2024
There's little I love more than a new book in a series I adore. I get settled in my recliner with my quilt and my cat, and I dive in. One of the MANY things I love about this book is the cast of characters and quick recap at the beginning. While I know I'm going to love the book regardless, I appreciate having the reminders because my memory is unreliable.
This series (and this author in general) is very good at shining a light on the inequality women deal with, particularly in professional settings. Our protagonist, Susan, takes no guff and says all the things we all wish we had the guts to say. Who knows, maybe after reading this some of us WILL have the guts to say them!
This book deals a lot with mental health issues (what is real and what isn't) and forgiving ourselves over things we wish we hadn't done or wish had gone differently. That might be a bit difficult for some people to read, but I believe it's worth going through.
As usual, once I reached the end of the book I wished there was more! I can't wait for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I'm also buying this book because I WILL read this series multiple times!
This series (and this author in general) is very good at shining a light on the inequality women deal with, particularly in professional settings. Our protagonist, Susan, takes no guff and says all the things we all wish we had the guts to say. Who knows, maybe after reading this some of us WILL have the guts to say them!
This book deals a lot with mental health issues (what is real and what isn't) and forgiving ourselves over things we wish we hadn't done or wish had gone differently. That might be a bit difficult for some people to read, but I believe it's worth going through.
As usual, once I reached the end of the book I wished there was more! I can't wait for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I'm also buying this book because I WILL read this series multiple times!
July 17, 2024
entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series
This is an entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A woman that thought she went crazy and attacked her husband and then spent time in a psychiatric ward. Is rebuilding her life when she starts experiencing weird things again. She shouldn’t find out that she wasn’t crazy she just magical. A great number of things begin to happen she meets a fairy prince and some other magical people let her know that she is the chosen one. She has a bit of blood from every race in all the realms. No spoilers but it is an entertaining and action field through imagination fantasy magic and just outright fun. Check it out
This is an entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A woman that thought she went crazy and attacked her husband and then spent time in a psychiatric ward. Is rebuilding her life when she starts experiencing weird things again. She shouldn’t find out that she wasn’t crazy she just magical. A great number of things begin to happen she meets a fairy prince and some other magical people let her know that she is the chosen one. She has a bit of blood from every race in all the realms. No spoilers but it is an entertaining and action field through imagination fantasy magic and just outright fun. Check it out
November 17, 2024
Title: Susan, Break the curse!
Author: Lauretta Hignett
Pages: 262
Rating: 3/5
Currently available on kindle unlimited
"Susan's dreams are coming true.
Unfortunately... So are her nightmares."
I'm loving this midlife magic series. It's so refreshing to see a female lead in her 40s instead of late teens) early 20s and a Fae prince being interested in her 🤣 (we have a chance!)
This was a light hearted binge read. Funny in places and as always endearing.
Susan is faced with all her nightmares taking over her mind. The series beautifully and respectfully discussing mental health issues and fear of authority. A lot is packed in just 262 pages.
It's a chic lit fantasy. Like Helen harper, Annabel chase, Megan ciana diodge etc. so if you enjoy those authors you're sure to enjoy this one too.
A great in-between heavy reads book too.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You'll love this book if you like
- urban fantasy
- light hearted reads
- female lead in her 40s
- sassy unicorns
- sentient houses
- chic-lit fantasy
Author: Lauretta Hignett
Pages: 262
Rating: 3/5
Currently available on kindle unlimited
"Susan's dreams are coming true.
Unfortunately... So are her nightmares."
I'm loving this midlife magic series. It's so refreshing to see a female lead in her 40s instead of late teens) early 20s and a Fae prince being interested in her 🤣 (we have a chance!)
This was a light hearted binge read. Funny in places and as always endearing.
Susan is faced with all her nightmares taking over her mind. The series beautifully and respectfully discussing mental health issues and fear of authority. A lot is packed in just 262 pages.
It's a chic lit fantasy. Like Helen harper, Annabel chase, Megan ciana diodge etc. so if you enjoy those authors you're sure to enjoy this one too.
A great in-between heavy reads book too.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You'll love this book if you like
- urban fantasy
- light hearted reads
- female lead in her 40s
- sassy unicorns
- sentient houses
- chic-lit fantasy
July 7, 2024
This third installment of Susan, You're the Chasen One begins with a brief overview of preceding events and a list of characters.
Susan is a manager rebuilding her life after divorce while being stalked by a mysinogist detective, bitter ex-in-laws, and the hate-fueled contender for the Fae throne. All while preparing for a hot date with the lust of her life.
Interesting characters, engaging subplot, and surprising twists make this a book that could be read as a stand-alone, though I recommend the whole series.
Susan is a manager rebuilding her life after divorce while being stalked by a mysinogist detective, bitter ex-in-laws, and the hate-fueled contender for the Fae throne. All while preparing for a hot date with the lust of her life.
Interesting characters, engaging subplot, and surprising twists make this a book that could be read as a stand-alone, though I recommend the whole series.
August 11, 2024
I enjoyed books 1 and 2 much more than this one. The majority of the book is spent on Susan battling her fears/nightmares. Which means constantly revisiting her time in the psychic ward and flash backs to specific scenes she focused on. There are some scenes in the beginning with Vincent and his parents that are not resolved as the book progresses. Scenes with a detective and her neighbors that will definitely have to be revisited for some closure. This one just seemed disjointed in the deep focus on her psychoses and really rushed in all the other areas. Not quite as satisfying as previous.
November 24, 2024
This book had a lot of dark introspection in it. Susan kept reliving her worst nightmare over and over until she finally realized that she really feared something else entirely. This emotion had influenced her entire life. Once she got a handle on that she had to travel to the Under to rescue Donovan who was being trapped by his own guilt.
The reason for Vincent’s parents’ animosity is still a mystery.
Not as much humor in this book and a disturbing amount of misogyny. Connor is close to reaching his goal in the epilogue.
The reason for Vincent’s parents’ animosity is still a mystery.
Not as much humor in this book and a disturbing amount of misogyny. Connor is close to reaching his goal in the epilogue.
July 7, 2024
Book 3 into Susan's adventures, we've seen so much growth from her as a character since the first book but she has some serious breakthroughs in this book, she is literally forced to face the demons in her head, which is probably a good thing seeing how many people in her life want to take her down and stab her in the back for real! As always Susan handles the situation she's faced with like a pro, Cecil bring the sass and Cress brings the mayhem. A fierce and fabulous book!
July 9, 2024
This series is so different than the others by Lauretta Hignett, but just as good. It's light and fun while still touching on a number of important (not as fun) real-world topics. To be able to do that without bringing the energy down takes talent and a deft touch, which this author definitely has in spades. The character bios at the beginning were definitely the highlight. Hilarious. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
July 13, 2024
Oh my goodness, I laughed, I cried, I was once again muttering at my kindle like a mad woman, somehow Lauretta makes you feel everything so intensely, the characters are wonderful and I absolutely adore Cecil! The storyline pulls you along at a perfect pace in my opinion, enough detail that you are there with Susan but nothing ever feels bogged down or long winded. Thoroughly enjoying this new series and can’t wait to see what happens next!
September 22, 2024
Damn it Susan
I mostly enjoy this series.
Except.
Sometimes people need to go to mental wards. They really do.
Books and pop culture like to demonize them. Make them scary places to avoid at all costs.
That makes it that much harder to go when needed, or to admit a loved one.
I do like her therapist. I like that therapy is given such a positive light. Medicine can also help people.
I mostly enjoy this series.
Except.
Sometimes people need to go to mental wards. They really do.
Books and pop culture like to demonize them. Make them scary places to avoid at all costs.
That makes it that much harder to go when needed, or to admit a loved one.
I do like her therapist. I like that therapy is given such a positive light. Medicine can also help people.
May 19, 2025
Susan, Break the Curse (Book 3)
I was sad to come to the end of this series, but Susan, Break the Curse was the perfect send-off. Action-packed, fast-paced, and full of magical chaos, this final book had me hooked from the start.
I loved how Susan outsmarted the bad guys at every turn—witty, fierce, and just a little unhinged (in the best way). One of my favorite moments was when her nemesis neighbor was finally outed as a bad mother. That scene was so satisfying and had me cheering for Susan!
She’s the kind of heroine you root for and want to grab a drink with. The finale wrapped things up with heart, humor, and just enough mayhem to keep me smiling long after I turned the last page.
If you haven’t read this series yet, you’re missing out on a wild and wonderful ride.
I was sad to come to the end of this series, but Susan, Break the Curse was the perfect send-off. Action-packed, fast-paced, and full of magical chaos, this final book had me hooked from the start.
I loved how Susan outsmarted the bad guys at every turn—witty, fierce, and just a little unhinged (in the best way). One of my favorite moments was when her nemesis neighbor was finally outed as a bad mother. That scene was so satisfying and had me cheering for Susan!
She’s the kind of heroine you root for and want to grab a drink with. The finale wrapped things up with heart, humor, and just enough mayhem to keep me smiling long after I turned the last page.
If you haven’t read this series yet, you’re missing out on a wild and wonderful ride.
August 5, 2025
Susan is at risk, well she always seems to be but this time a faux friend is used by a nemesis to curse her and her attempts to close the spark stones. It was frustrating to watch her seemingly spiral when she has worked so hard to put her life back together. It was frustrating to read and I felt so sorry for her. I love that she has such a strong support group now. Cecil is an amazing character that brings fun, light and humor. We all need a Cecil in our lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
An action-packed, hilarious, paranormal series featuring a middle aged woman who thought she was going crazy due to peri menopausal hormones, but is actually the Chosen One in a multi world battle against an evil villain. There are romantic elements throughout but this is a closed door series (which I wish I knew before diving in) with lots of fantastical creatures, loads of laughs, office politics and strong positive messages. A fun, imaginative read.
July 11, 2024
Susan's third book hits all the right spots! Her character and story advances brilliantly in this story, we see her confronting her own demons, her princely nemesis and adding new folks to her cause. Cecil remains absolutely fabulous and Cress gets even funnier! Heartily recommend and once again on tenterhooks for the next installment!
July 13, 2024
This is so much fun. I start reading and I'm halfway through before I look up. I love watching Susan become more comfortable with herself as she moves thru the book. Traveling with her cast of motley characters keeps you turning the page to see what happens next. I'm looking forward to the next book, and everything else the author writes.
July 13, 2024
I am in love with this series. I really like Susan as a character. I like this book was a little more focused on internal conflict. I like the developing romance between her and Donovan a lot. I also like the new relationship that was started in this book. Although, it did come out of left field a little.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews