Sugar, Spice, and Magical Moonlight

by Tara West

A pinch of desire. A tablespoon of seduction. A heaping cup of frustration. A recipe for damnation.

Romantic, moonlit walks on the beach have a different kind of vibe when we’re surrounded by sirens who want to eat us, and not in a good way.

My world has been completely turned on its head.
I’ve been hiding from demons and corrupt witches with my retro fairy godfather, my bumbling apprentice, her floppy-horned lover, a mischievous, disappearing pygmy dragon, my gifted, autistic preteen son, and one hex of a sexy sphinx shifter.

The Department of Unapproved Magic shut down my bakery, possibly for good.

My annoying ex-husband won’t stop harassing us.
Most of the magical world, including my aunt, are hunting us.
Desperate to clear our names, we’re forced to befriend a beautiful WitchTok influencer who wants to kill us, control us, or both.

Good thing my boyfriend can lick his eyebrows. Otherwise, I’d have gone certifiably crazy. Now, if we could root out the demons before they find us, we might have a shot at escaping our so-called paradise alive.

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Tara 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

Reviews

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowww this was a rocket blast straight to vocabulary and smut heaven aside from the suspense making tension coils whilst turning to the next page as my curiosity senses were in overdrive with lots of laughter moments. After her aunt Serena put a bounty on her head, Luci and her family went to hide on Ric's private Italian island with siren invested waters. I could totally envision Luci is battling her insecurities after Colin, which makes her question their fast moving relationship. Though passion rages, she's fiercely adamant about having independence. Picturing Godfather Shu with his 80'ish clothes and mannerisms, the reveal of the egotistical, obnoxious Enchantress with her WitchTok, I rest my case. Actually I'm lost for words to adequately describe how fantastic the plot, the twists, the character and wordbuilding were. The refresher synopsis in the beginning was an added bonus. The end had me howling because of the wait till I can satisfy my addiction again.
I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank you so much.

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow! wow, wow, wow!!! This book is so awesome! It starts with an intense chasing scene and it just goes more intense from then on. It keeps you guessing what comes next and takes you from laughing out loud to biting your nails with expectancy from one scene to the next. And don't forget the spice, the heat between Ric and Luci can melt the soles of your shoes!! I don't know how I'm going to fare without the next fix of sugar and spice!!!! This book totally rocks ( specially Stu )

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYONE needs "a pinch of desire and a tablespoon of seduction" and this book gave me both 😁 Yes, as bizarre as that sounds, my DESIRE to read this book was bordering on the obsession and Ms West managed once again to seduce me good and proper with her storytelling! And, as the author mentioned at the onset, I came prepared, sunblock well in hand, it sure WAS scorching, I sure was melting in...umm...all the right places... This very comical, tongue in cheek read, is a MUST read, if you like it piping hot, which I do, you'll be in hysterics just as I was. So, not only do you need a STRONG sunblock, you need tissues too, to catch the tears when raucous laughter sprouts unexpectedly and you need to wipe your eyes to see what you're reading...

With her aunt, Serena, hunting Luci and Des, a newly freed from execution Ricardo and crew, are on the run. Which is how they end up on Ric's private island, surrounded by magically spelled coral and deadly sirens. And then the worst kind of smear campaign against Luci began. Serena uses WitchTok as a medium to spew lies, (clever, right???) soon everyone wants Luci's head on a platter. But Luci's way of fighting back doesn't have the desired effect. All it does is put Luci, Des and the rest of Luci's friends in even more danger. From an influencer called the Enchantress. But Ms West so effectively skewed it up, twisting the plot so tightly, I couldn't tell who was evil and who was not, what who's agenda was. And as the author unravelled it, revealed it bit by bit, I could have toppled over by how unexpected it was. I'm still reeling! The Enchantress?? OMG! Bea??? An even bigger OMG!

This story took a more serious tone than the previous one, still lots of laughs but soooo much drama! Oh heck the drama Luci has to deal with! Demon possessions, an aunt who wants her dead, the entire magical community want her dead, strange "guests" who Luci doesn't trust as far as she can spit (with cause I might add!), blood thirsty Sirens, her magic evolving, her son's magic evolving off the charts, a game which turned deadly and even gnomes stealing her tampons! But the drama intensifies even more with Luci's inner turmoil, THAT threatened to undo her more than any physical threats...Luci is one big mountain of insecurity. After what she endured with Colin, her ex, her entire stance was to be "Ms independence", never again would she be beholden to another, manipulated, forced to do anything she doesn't want to. She knows that Ric is perfect in every way but she's afraid to go all in, just as she's afraid of not and risk losing him. Tara handled this superbly, I felt like a guest in Luci's head, mulling it all over together with her. The "I do but I don't" play out conviction and my heart went out to Luci, I felt every blow, good and bad, she assaulted herself with. She's one heck of a strong character, even though she finds it hard to admit. She's vulnerable and indecisive but when it comes to her son Des, she'll claw like a cat on heat to protect him. And Ric? Well, he's proving to be everything Drs, and she, need.

Can Ricardo be more perfect??? He's rich, he's a sphinx shifter and he's as hot as Hades! And he's besotted with Luci, in every imaginable way, it's so endearing. Hells, when he told her "I've lost everyone I ever cared about. Until I found you", instant heart melt! I loved the one chapter about halfway through that was from his POV, very impeccable placing, very much an awwww moment. His love, his strength, his entire demeanour oozes protectiveness, caring and a genuinely wonderful guy. Heck, so many characters stand out, the Enchantress (gad I loathed her!) Nimue, Bea, Ethyl and definitely Uncle Stu! But Des, OMG do I adore that boy! What he's capable of blows my mind, that he's autistic, only adds to his awesomeness. Tara handled his entire character with great sensitivity and realism, just beautifully and honestly depicted. She presented each character delicately, showing their flaws and characteristics vividly drawing out the maximum emotions out of me.

This is a story and series like no other. This is about a 40 something women, taking her second chance at freedom, a woman dedicated to protect her son against all and any, a woman who finds her worth. This author captures every moment with excellence, every emotion with refinement and her plot and storytelling is polished to gleam in my heart, to take me on an adventure and want me panting for more!

[Sara Irons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luci, Des and Ric continue to fight off the evil with thier makeshift family in tow.

While I enjoyed reading more of the story, this book, to me, was not as good as the first one. It does take you through a ton of twists and turns trying to figure out who is a bad guy and who is a good guy, but, the indecisiveness of our MC is rather nerve wracking.

The introduction of new characters was interesting and keeps you guessing to the very end. This book, just as the last one, ends on a cliffhanger so we'll have to hang on to the edge til next year to find out what happens.

Can Luci finally get out of her head long enough to see what is blatantly right in front of her eyes? Will Ric be able to stay to protect Des?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Birch · Rating 3 out of 5]

"If you're the slightest bit concerned that reading smut will corrupt your eternal soul, don't read this book!"

Immediately swipes to continue, I was already baptized in Tara West particular brand of smut with book one.
I also appreciate that the author wrote a summary of book one. There was a lot of adventure and side characters to recollect.
I liked seeing Des come into his own and grow stronger, but the ending felt a bit underwhelming. I'm definitely curious to see where the next book heads, though, because the whole Luci and Ric conflict is still a bit unclear to me.

Magic
Shifters
Mischievious Gnomes

I received an advanced review copy free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luci completely frustrated me with her lack of commitment to Ric. Ric protected her and some family/friends, and she draws the line at not having anymore children after one!!!!!

The one child is important to everyone's future. She was very selfish to think about stretch marks and being pregnant. She's only thinking about her son and not her mate's needs. There are many great one liners and humorus moments in this drama and action filled story aimed to protect the last of it's kind species!!! I need to see how this gets resolved right now! A gripping entertaining read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[liz Chepkwony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, these books are amazing!! It’s so refreshing to get a FMC in her 40s. I feel like I can relate to her and her post kid body. Throw in dealing with a preteen and she is us 40 something’s on the verge of perimenopause. Well except she has a hot Latin shifter for a boyfriend and she is hiding from demons and her aunt who is out to find her and her son who is the most powerful of witches. Throw in an annoying influencer and a secluded private island and the laughs don’t stop. I wanted to read it in one sitting and didn’t want it to end at the same time. This is such a good one for the fantasy readers who are late 30s plus!!! It’s a must read. I can’t wait for the next one!!

[Amanda✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical Mayhem with Extra Sass

Luci’s life goes from flour-dusted chaos to full-blown magical mayhem in this second installment. The stakes are higher, the villains are trickier, and the humor is still on point. I loved the mix of danger, snarky banter, and sizzling chemistry with her swoony shifter boyfriend. The new settings (and creatures!) add a fresh, adventurous vibe without losing the cozy charm of book one.

It’s a little more hectic than the first, but if you’re into magical midlife heroines, offbeat sidekicks, and plenty of action with your romance, this is another sweet & sassy paranormal treat.

Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for the advance copy.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in West's Midlife Menace series. A great addition to the series and continues the storyline and characters beautifully. While I love this exciting storyline I adore these characters and love that West is delivering main characters in more mature years! Love, love love this! Beyond that, we have a well written and captivating read where our makeshift family fight evil and while we get additional characters, we also have a cliffy that has me curious about how a few things will be played out. Definitely excited for more from West and this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just as fun as the first book but is definitely getting heavier. This one felt a little less magical, as most of the plot is centered around social media, managing social perception, and classism or just outright xenophobia.

I liked seeing Des come into his power, but the ending felt a bit anticlimactic. I'm intrigued to see where the next book goes because I'm not sure I really understand the Luci and Ric conflict. I hope we get the ghosts back because I want more of Emilio's insults!

Thank you to BookSirens and Tara West for the free eARC.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to read this book, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the first book in the Midlife Menace series. It continued the storyline perfectly and enjoyed the supernatural romance element in this book. The characters were so well written and was invested in what was going on with them and how they felt like they belonged in this world. Tara West does an amazing job in writing this and left me wanting to read more from Tara West and the Midlife Menace series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated that this book started with a summary of the first book, as its been a while and I forgot a lot of things. It read like someone trying to tell you all of it in one breathe. It was a fun and enjoyable read. There were one or two things I figured out before they were revealed, but it was still fun. I think Stu is becoming my favourite character. I'm sad that I have to wait untl next year for book 3.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BethAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't stop thinking about this book! I need to know what happens to Luci, Des, and the rest of their group in book 3!

I love how the author includes everyday reality in the magical book like needing medicine and tampons and that you can't just use magic to solve all your problems. Her characters are also realistic. Just like in real life, our past relationships affect how we look at new relationships and you see that in Luci. I also enjoy the variety of magical/mythical creatures throughout the book.

This book reminds me a little of Harry Potter in the way that humans aren't supposed to know about magic and there is a parallel magical realm.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, what can I say. It was fantastic. This story moves along at a speed that is perfect for the flow. When need be, it speeds up or slows down. This makes for an enjoyable and easy to read story. These characters are interesting and you feel as though you know them. No matter what happens you cannot help but love them. This book has to be at the top of your TBR list, no doubt about it. You will not be disappointed.

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, things are certainly tough now for Luci, yes she has a fab, caring new boyfriend but, the whole witching world is against her, thanks to her aunt and they have all had to run away to find a sanctuary that can give them time to work out what to do next. Oh, and that fab boyfriend-he's started making decisions for her and is not telling her the whole truth about their relationship, but they can get through it, right?

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series, with this second book every bit a good as the first one.

Ric hs magically transported all of Luci's family, and himself of course, to his own private and vey protected island. Those who are chasing them can't find them, nevermind get to them.

A video influencer has been allowed to come to the island in hopes of giving the witch world a true view of Luci, not the one they have been told by her evil aunt. Unfortunately things don't go the way they hoped.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed the first book not realizing that it was part of a series since it stated standalone and figured since j read the first book I would continue on with the series. This book was just as funny for me as the first one and didn’t disappoint.

The FMC was older and I usually don’t go for that age group but find I didn’t mind it with this book at all. I always feel older when reading about character my age. I’m really excited for the next book and the suspense is just eating at me alive.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sugar, Spice, and Magical Moonlight was a great book! I loved the introduction of the Enchantress and her entourage, and where that took the plot. I struggled a bit with Luci and her insecurities and indecision, but those things really added a deeper layer to her character. I’m very much looking forward to the next book!

I received a copy of Sugar, Spice, and Magical Moonlight from BookSirens. I am voluntarily writing this review.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar, Spice, and Magical Moonlight Book 2 Midlife Menace series by Tara West has a bit of everything action, adventure, laugh out loud hilarious and magic! I loved this so much, devoured it in one sitting. I can't wait to read more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Midlife Story!

This second book was even better that the first. For me it was a fantastic story that made me want more with each page turn. This is good and spicy, just like I like my stories! I Loved It !!! No Spoilers!! No Blurb Repeats!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Malissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmmm

This one caused some irritation. Luci has shown some personality traits I'm not keen on even in a book character. I'm going to read the next book and see if maybe the main character has some growth. Still well written and entertaining, but the next book did be the last one I read.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had plenty of laugh out loud moments that made me smile...but also plenty of frustrating characters who give it the drama of a good romance story. The dynamics between all of the characters are interesting but this author does love her cliffhangers...so now the readers wait for the final installment of this series!

[Debbie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series so far

The book said have been really good so far I'm just very sad that the third book is not already out and I have to wait so long for it to come out I really hope that Lucy and Rick can work this out because I don't think the book works if they're not together.

[tre.wandereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

i truly enjoyed reading this as it was really funny and also very edge of my seat good! it had quite a bit of steamy scenes too so be forewarned if you're not a fan. i like that the book has gone deeper. so there is more things happening behind the scenes than what meets the eye

[Martha Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one. It was funny and tense at the same time somehow managing to be the perfect amount of both. I can't wait until the third book comes out since we were left on a cliffhanger.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

Luci and Ric's story with her son Des was entertaining. The story line was interesting, but during the second book, Luci started to beco.e more annoying with her hang ups. Some of her really decisions regarding Ric became old. Overall a very good book.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the series.

Nicely picks up where we left off. Now that every moment is overwhelming danger, it is up to our MC to figure out a balance between protection, lust, and safety.

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this second in series. Wonderful characters that will definitely have you coming back for more. Highly recommend reading this series it’s got laughs, scares and who did what. ❤️❤️❤️📚👍

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has a little of something for everyone. You’ve got action, you’ve got adventure, you’ve got magic, you got hilarity and you’ve got super swoon time. We are back in this incredible world and Luci is on the run and in hiding with the help of Ric. Des the pheonix and her son are with them as well as Shu, Freddie and Ethyl but it’s not all sunshine and roses as Luci’s aunt is trying to turn the magical world against them, declaring them to be demons!! Throw in a witch-tok influencer whose supposed to be helping, gnomes who like to steal shiny objects, a rude barista and sirens who want to eat them and you have a thrilling read that entertains and excites. I am super excited and so ready for book three!

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as funny as the last book.  The humor in this book is just as funny as the first one while being packed with tons of action and plenty of spice.  I really enjoyed it and I can't wait till the next one.