Magical Midlife Dating [Dramatized Adaptation]

Leveling Up [Dramatized Adaptation] #2

by K.F. Breene, Karen Novack (narrator), Christopher Williams (narrator)

She must learn to fly, but can she withstand the allure of the handsome new teacher?

The decision has been made. Jessie has taken the magic, and all the weird that goes with it. Including wings. There's only one problem - she can't figure out how to access them.

Through a series of terrible decisions, Jessie realizes she must ask for help. Gargoyle help.

But she could've never predicted who answers her call - he's an excellent flier, incredibly patient, and a good trainer. He's also incredibly handsome. And interested. Maybe flying isn't the only thing she needs help with. Maybe she needs help getting back on that saddle, too, emerging into the dating pool.

Except, the new gargoyle is also an alpha, just like Austin, and the town isn't big enough for two.

Turns out, flying is the least of her problems.

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Slow Burn, Urban Fantasy

7 pages, Audio CD

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

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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.

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Reviews

[Lucie V. · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

✅ Mature 40 yo MC
✅ Funny geriatric crew
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ New secondary characters
✅ Fast pace / Quick read
✅ Light and funny
✅(🆗) Simplistic plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: abduction, decapitation, and dismembering (not graphic), creepy dolls, burns and other injuries (again, not graphic)
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️ / 5

3.5 stars

This book is not amazingly good, but it is entertaining. I would not sit down and binge-read this, but listening to the audiobook while I do my things is the perfect entertainment. I did enjoy the book overall, but I can see my interest in this series quickly dwindling if the plot doesn’t pick up in the next book.

My main complaint is about the lack of progression in the plot. Jessie and her gang are training so Jessie can learn how to wield her new abilities, but they remain passive for most of the book. Jessie only takes control and goes on the offensive at the very end. For most of the book, she knows she might be hunted for her powers and connection to Ivy House, yet she seems content to stay at home and train until something happens or someone comes looking for trouble.

I do love this geriatric crew. Mr. Tom and Niamh’s banter is probably my favorite part of the book. There are new secondary characters; some will probably stay, others have left already, but it was nice to have new characters to spice things up a little.

The romance was not central in the first book, and I liked it this way. Sadly, it changed with this sequel. I think the issue here is with the time Jessie spent at Ivy House. Apparently it’s been months, but it felt like only weeks. Jessie wants to take some time for herself, and after her divorce, she is in no hurry to get involved with anyone. That being said, she also craves affection and connection, so she decided to try online dating. Obviously, it added some funny moments to the book, especially since she tried dating regular humans while being surrounded by her magical weird gang, but I also feel that it took the focus away from the real plot.

After the ending of the first book, I was ready for magical attacks and more action. Instead, it was cute and funny, but mostly about Jessie trying to find a suitable date, trying in vain to learn how to fly, and basically just waiting for something to happen. What made it all feel even more pointless is that it seems obvious to me that Jessie will eventually end up with Austin. Once again, though, he didn’t make that much of an impression on me in this sequel. He is not a bad character at all, and I like how Jessie and Jessie are great friends, but I am still waiting for him to make me feel butterflies…

I will read the next book and hope it does get better, because while I do enjoy the banter and shenanigans in this series, I need more than that to remain engaged for 10 more books.



1. Magical Midlife Madness [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐.5

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[Daisy Delfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

Edit February 2026:
Jacinta tries to date it goes all kind of wrong!

This series is funny and highly entertaining. And I'm on my first reread, because two new graphicaudiobooks came out and also the next book is coming soon.

[Therése · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the first one, it's for when you're in the mood for some good goofy fun times. Humor is hit or miss but the side characters continue to be the most interesting part of this series.

[Mara Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. A solid, silly haha good time. The audiobook equivalent of your favorite show that you play in the background for the comfort the world and the characters bring to your soul

[Juanita Draime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Midlife Dating was already such a fun installment in the series, but listening to the GraphicAudio version made me fall in love with it all over again. This reread-listen was absolutely fantastic. The different voices, the sound effects, and the full-cast performance gave the story so much extra personality and energy that it felt even more immersive this time around.

One of the best things about this series is how alive it already feels on the page, and the audio version somehow takes that even further. The humor landed so well, the magical chaos was even more entertaining, and the character dynamics felt richer and more vivid with the added performances. It really brought out the heart and fun of the story in such a memorable way.

I already loved this book, but this version made the characters feel even more real and made the whole experience that much more enjoyable. The GraphicAudio adaptation was amazing, and it reminded me exactly why I adore this series so much. Easy 5 stars.

[Kristi A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Leveling Up series is so fun! I don't usually do well with auto books so I hesitated to continue this series when I couldn't find book 2 in physical form but finally curiosity got the best of me and I listened to the dramatized audio. This is done so well I only had to rewind when someone interrupted, not my normal 3 rewinds to listen to the same scene because I kept zoning out like with most other audiobooks.

If you are looking for something light, goofy, and that will have you laughing out loud getting weird looks from strangers as you pass by, give this book a listen!

[Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the dating antics; wish Jesse wasn't such a prude. If she was just a little bit more on board with the cultural nudity I would find her less obnoxious. But she's not actually obnoxious and she's not annoying yet. So that is top marks for her. Also as usual the side characters steal the show and all the voice actors are on point. Ivy house being her own character is fantastic and the banter back and forth between Niamh and mister Tom is probably the best part of the whole series. I love them so much.

[Alyson Buxey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still fun but not quite as sharp as the first. Many laughs with dipping her toe into the world of dating and gargoyle ridiculousness. Jacinta and Austin continue to draw you in and I’m looking forward to seeing the table filled

[Souporn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m highly enjoying this series. All the characters are fun, interesting storyline. Magic is happening in my mind.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll try one more of these and if not 4*'s not sure this is for me... the humor isn't hitting for me? Maybe it's the audio... but this was better than book 1.

[Stephanie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banter and humor in this book is top tier! We could all use our own Ivy House!

[Tawana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Samantha Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally loved it - breath of fresh air different for me. Funny too.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Laugh out loud funny, good chemistry between the characters and enough mystery to keep me hooked. The dramatized version definitely adds to the enjoyment.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, quirky and enjoyable with a good range of characters

[Sara DeArmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

The FMC is okay but the side characters carry the story. Graphic Audio cast is perfect. Goofy quick listen. Pretty funny moments particularly with my favorite vampire.

[Kelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good break from the normal. Just a comfy, cozy, hilarious read. I need to own these. I already want to re read the books and i havent made it through the series😆

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Jessie learns more about her power and Ivy House while working to build her alliance and maybe find a boyfriend.

While not as novel as the first book, it was still very enjoyable and filled with the elements that made me really love the first book. The humorous moments really make the book, and all of the dating fails (especially the online dating fails with the unsolicited dick pics and more) just cracked me up. Again, this author somehow channeled some of my own personal experiences onto the page. Middle-aged dating is not for the weak of stomach, especially when using an online service. Listening to all of this in Graphic Audio just cracked me up all the more.

The overplot is developing, the inevitable romance with Austin is simmering, and the ride is full of fun. I'm thoroughly enjoying these books and adaptations as the brain candy they are.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series so much! The humor and fantasy are very fun, but the honest, complicated, and relatable perspective of a 40-something heroine is what is bumping it up a notch for me; such a refreshing contrast to the 18-21 heroines in most fantasy adventures.

[Toubob · Rating 2 out of 5]

The voices were just wrong along with how some of the words were pronounced such as Basajaun.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to be a fun silly time. It is a modern fantasy that does not take itself too seriously and you just go along for the ride.

[Jessica Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just such a fun, silly, super funny series! I’ve been having so much fun on this magical adventure and can’t wait to see where the next one takes me!

[Kristen Praetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series!! So funny! it takes you out of a gloomy place!

[Tempera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is hilarious!!! Many places I have laughed out loud!

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️