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Magic After Midlife #2
Made in the Shade: Magic After Midlife, Book 2
Miriam Feldman’s got a murder to solve, a mouthy golem to corral, and her name to clear. Quite frankly, she’s swamped.
Her new gig as a fixer for the magic community is a lot like being a full-time mom to someone else’s kids...they get annoying faster but don’t respond to guilt trips. And sure, maybe she feels kind of grumpy and stabby about these irritating jobs, but that doesn’t mean she killed her latest client!
As far as the magic police are concerned, Miri and her wolf shifter friend Laurent might as well have “guilty of murder” tattooed on their foreheads. If they lose this fight, it’ll be a one-way trip to Deadman’s Island. Talk about a real buzzkill for their easy banter and deepening chemistry.
Even worse, the non-magic cops are also investigating the crime—and her ex-husband is the lead detective. This wasn’t how she meant to pop his cherry about the existence of magic, but the time for foreplay is over.
To unmask the real killer, she’ll have to navigate hidden agendas, lies, and the undead. But hey, she’s faced worse; she used to be on the PTA.
Featuring a slow burn shifter romance and a smart older heroine with zero effs left to give, this clever, laugh-out-loud urban fantasy will take you on a wild ride.
Her new gig as a fixer for the magic community is a lot like being a full-time mom to someone else’s kids...they get annoying faster but don’t respond to guilt trips. And sure, maybe she feels kind of grumpy and stabby about these irritating jobs, but that doesn’t mean she killed her latest client!
As far as the magic police are concerned, Miri and her wolf shifter friend Laurent might as well have “guilty of murder” tattooed on their foreheads. If they lose this fight, it’ll be a one-way trip to Deadman’s Island. Talk about a real buzzkill for their easy banter and deepening chemistry.
Even worse, the non-magic cops are also investigating the crime—and her ex-husband is the lead detective. This wasn’t how she meant to pop his cherry about the existence of magic, but the time for foreplay is over.
To unmask the real killer, she’ll have to navigate hidden agendas, lies, and the undead. But hey, she’s faced worse; she used to be on the PTA.
Featuring a slow burn shifter romance and a smart older heroine with zero effs left to give, this clever, laugh-out-loud urban fantasy will take you on a wild ride.
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First published June 7, 2021
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About the author
Deborah Wilde
42 books1,046 followersDeborah Wilde is a global wanderer and hopeless romantic. After twelve years as a screenwriter, she was also a total cynic with a broken edit button, so, she jumped ship, started writing funny, sexy, urban fantasy and paranormal women’s fiction books, and never looked back.
She loves writing smart, flawed, wisecracking women who can solve a mystery, kick supernatural butt, banter with hot men, and still make time for their best female friend, because those were the women she grew up around and admired. Granted, her grandmother never had to kill a demon at her weekly friend lunches, but Deborah is pretty sure she could have.
she/her
Smart (ass) heroines. Epic magic. Red-hot romance.
She loves writing smart, flawed, wisecracking women who can solve a mystery, kick supernatural butt, banter with hot men, and still make time for their best female friend, because those were the women she grew up around and admired. Granted, her grandmother never had to kill a demon at her weekly friend lunches, but Deborah is pretty sure she could have.
she/her
Smart (ass) heroines. Epic magic. Red-hot romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 10, 2021
This is second in a UF series that builds character and plot arcs over multiple volumes. So I recommend reading in order.
You know more or less what to expect with this based on the first. I'm glad that Wilde didn't draw out past where it ends up in this one. But I'm also more than a little tired of the vampires being a thing. Particularly the head dude whose name I can never remember.
The plot and pace of this one are outstanding. And I even liked the twist even though I diagnosed it a little over midway. That said, the events of exploring the truth about Miri's past felt cheap. I'm sure it'll come together to make sense eventually, but in this one, it just felt like so much author say-so.
Anyway, I'm keeping this short because I'm already vague-enough by writing as if you've read the first and understand what the heck I'm saying. It's four stars, though a bit wobbly about it. I was fully engaged, and I like Miri, despite her somewhat flamboyant (r)age issues.
A note about Chaste: Miri still isn't anywhere near a relationship where she could do the two-step tango with anyone. Developments develop a bit, but nothing like where we'd need to be to have anything explicit. There's not even any decent kissing. Sadly. Don't take this to indicate that there aren't interesting developments with Laurent, because there are. Just not along the intimacy axis.
You know more or less what to expect with this based on the first. I'm glad that Wilde didn't draw out past where it ends up in this one. But I'm also more than a little tired of the vampires being a thing. Particularly the head dude whose name I can never remember.
The plot and pace of this one are outstanding. And I even liked the twist even though I diagnosed it a little over midway. That said, the events of exploring the truth about Miri's past felt cheap. I'm sure it'll come together to make sense eventually, but in this one, it just felt like so much author say-so.
Anyway, I'm keeping this short because I'm already vague-enough by writing as if you've read the first and understand what the heck I'm saying. It's four stars, though a bit wobbly about it. I was fully engaged, and I like Miri, despite her somewhat flamboyant (r)age issues.
A note about Chaste: Miri still isn't anywhere near a relationship where she could do the two-step tango with anyone. Developments develop a bit, but nothing like where we'd need to be to have anything explicit. There's not even any decent kissing. Sadly. Don't take this to indicate that there aren't interesting developments with Laurent, because there are. Just not along the intimacy axis.
January 25, 2022
Quick(ish) Review
Trying to keep this short and sweet so here goes. Second book in series and is not a standalone. Still more interested in overarching storyline regarding the mystery of her parents’ death and the individual characters. Romance is still very, very small part of this story but everything else is working so well I don’t mind. If you’re into paranormal without the romance, you may enjoy it. I definitely did since I tore through it like a hot knife through butter.
Trying to keep this short and sweet so here goes. Second book in series and is not a standalone. Still more interested in overarching storyline regarding the mystery of her parents’ death and the individual characters. Romance is still very, very small part of this story but everything else is working so well I don’t mind. If you’re into paranormal without the romance, you may enjoy it. I definitely did since I tore through it like a hot knife through butter.
June 7, 2021
I love the midlife paranormal stories and this second book is amazing! Miri our strong, snarky and sassy female mc is awesome as she gets into trouble whilst out helping people. It’s an exciting and entertaining read that just draws you in as we follow Miri as she tries to solve her clients murder in this magical adventure. Fast paced the storyline is so,so,addictive and once you pick this up you are not getting anything else done till it’s finished..
June 4, 2021
Miri is back and is trying to solve a murder before the Lonestars come after her or Laurent. Made in the Shade Is the second installment in the Magic After Midlife series and it’s pure magic! Warning - Don’t have any plans when you start this cause you won’t be able to tear yourself away! Can’t wait for more!
February 2, 2022
Fast paced adventure from start to finish.
I devoured this second book in the series and loved every minute of it. Miri is a great character, as she’s finally learning to stand up for herself and do what she wants. I love that about her, as too many times we lose ourselves as spouses/partners or as parents. She’s stubborn, and sometimes, a bit foolish. But aren’t most of us? LOL. Thankfully when I am, I don’t end up face-to-face with the bad guys.
If you haven’t read the first book, definitely do as this will have some spoilers, plus the first one did a great job of setting up the world and backstory, which we go deeper in. We don’t get all the answers, but that’s fine because this is a series and that’s what keeps us going.
If you’re looking for a fun, interesting paranormal/UF that focuses on the character development and overarching story arc, this is a great series to check out. If you’re looking for paranormal romance, this isn’t it. This is a paranormal women’s fiction, meaning it focuses on the woman’s journey and it’s a lot of fun.
I devoured this second book in the series and loved every minute of it. Miri is a great character, as she’s finally learning to stand up for herself and do what she wants. I love that about her, as too many times we lose ourselves as spouses/partners or as parents. She’s stubborn, and sometimes, a bit foolish. But aren’t most of us? LOL. Thankfully when I am, I don’t end up face-to-face with the bad guys.
If you haven’t read the first book, definitely do as this will have some spoilers, plus the first one did a great job of setting up the world and backstory, which we go deeper in. We don’t get all the answers, but that’s fine because this is a series and that’s what keeps us going.
If you’re looking for a fun, interesting paranormal/UF that focuses on the character development and overarching story arc, this is a great series to check out. If you’re looking for paranormal romance, this isn’t it. This is a paranormal women’s fiction, meaning it focuses on the woman’s journey and it’s a lot of fun.
February 9, 2024
Absolutely fantastic! This series just keeps getting better and better! It’s always such a wild ride with off the wall revelations, quirky side characters, and always has me cackling! Five stars! See y’all on another page!
March 28, 2022
fantastically funny
Book 2 stepped up from book 1 and I loved that lol
Miri and Laurent are funny and amazing when they work together, Sadie is awesome, Eli is growing on me and everything else that made up this story was magically intriguing.
Book 2 stepped up from book 1 and I loved that lol
Miri and Laurent are funny and amazing when they work together, Sadie is awesome, Eli is growing on me and everything else that made up this story was magically intriguing.
January 7, 2022
3.5 stars! Good story, I enjoyed it!
October 25, 2024
Super cute 🥰 fun read but totally not a romance
September 15, 2021
Alice In Wonderland On Jewish Steroids?
It’s hard to write this review because so often I felt bewildered and lost. I was sort of getting it, the angst, the identity crisis, the midlife crisis (that one was easy) so I hung in there because the writing is unlike other women’s paranormal fiction books, Jewish heroines are rare in this genre, and…I’m a Shiksa? Ha, I don’t know but it caught me up even if sometimes I didn’t remember who some characters were or understand the first bizarre time/space travel experience or where the story was going. BUT, half way through, when Miri and Laurent stop butting heads and begin working together I began to relax as the story became cohesive, enjoyable and it all made sense.
It’s hard to write this review because so often I felt bewildered and lost. I was sort of getting it, the angst, the identity crisis, the midlife crisis (that one was easy) so I hung in there because the writing is unlike other women’s paranormal fiction books, Jewish heroines are rare in this genre, and…I’m a Shiksa? Ha, I don’t know but it caught me up even if sometimes I didn’t remember who some characters were or understand the first bizarre time/space travel experience or where the story was going. BUT, half way through, when Miri and Laurent stop butting heads and begin working together I began to relax as the story became cohesive, enjoyable and it all made sense.
June 11, 2021
Worldbuilding:
We start the book a little while after the end of the first, Miri is working for Tatiana and oh, doesn't she love it... From the first page onwards you get a boatful of Miri describing her clients in a very snarky and colourful way. I can tell you that I was seriously not prepared for that from the get-go and it took me a while to get used to it again. So beware those that think they can ease into it... you're in for a surprise :D (it's not a bad one, I promise!).
As we've come to expect from the author, all scenes and environments are clear and detailed. Everything made sense and I wasn't left scratching my head in confusion (it happens!) :)
Character development:
Gone is the mouselike librarian! Miri knows she still has a lot to learn about her magic, but she's done with sitting on the sidelines. I really like that you can clearly see how she is much more comfortable with herself and how she continues to grow, showing that age is never an issue and that she has plenty more in store for us where that came from. She has her priorities straight and sticks to them, even when the going gets (really) tough.
This book isn't so much about her learning to use or (re)discovering her magic, it's more about learning about it and its history.
Laurent, ah... but I really really like this dark and brooding wolf :D While he is a very reluctant partner and they clash more often than not, you can see the bond between them getting stronger while both learn to work with and rely on each other.
Every character felt like it was written with a purpose, both main and side characters were well fleshed out and felt real.
Pacing & flow:
As I've said before, you kinda get thrown in, and while that isn't a bad thing, it took me a while to get the hang of it again. That said, it could also just be me, so take that into account. So yeah, the pace is set on high, with the necessary time to catch your breath in between :) But it all comes together really good, so there were no lulls in the story not did it feel rushed.
The book:
The book itself was well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is no sex described (if that is important to you).
The book is 336 pages long, spread over 29 chapters and told from Miri's point of view.
Final thoughts:
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and while it took me waaaaay longer to finish the book than I expected, I really like where it's going! Miri is a lot to take in :D but shows that even mature women can kick ass with the best of them! I'm looking forward to the last book of the series, hoping that we get to know a lot more of Laurent, as he is still as mysterious as ever ;)
We start the book a little while after the end of the first, Miri is working for Tatiana and oh, doesn't she love it... From the first page onwards you get a boatful of Miri describing her clients in a very snarky and colourful way. I can tell you that I was seriously not prepared for that from the get-go and it took me a while to get used to it again. So beware those that think they can ease into it... you're in for a surprise :D (it's not a bad one, I promise!).
As we've come to expect from the author, all scenes and environments are clear and detailed. Everything made sense and I wasn't left scratching my head in confusion (it happens!) :)
Character development:
Gone is the mouselike librarian! Miri knows she still has a lot to learn about her magic, but she's done with sitting on the sidelines. I really like that you can clearly see how she is much more comfortable with herself and how she continues to grow, showing that age is never an issue and that she has plenty more in store for us where that came from. She has her priorities straight and sticks to them, even when the going gets (really) tough.
This book isn't so much about her learning to use or (re)discovering her magic, it's more about learning about it and its history.
Laurent, ah... but I really really like this dark and brooding wolf :D While he is a very reluctant partner and they clash more often than not, you can see the bond between them getting stronger while both learn to work with and rely on each other.
Every character felt like it was written with a purpose, both main and side characters were well fleshed out and felt real.
Pacing & flow:
As I've said before, you kinda get thrown in, and while that isn't a bad thing, it took me a while to get the hang of it again. That said, it could also just be me, so take that into account. So yeah, the pace is set on high, with the necessary time to catch your breath in between :) But it all comes together really good, so there were no lulls in the story not did it feel rushed.
The book:
The book itself was well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is no sex described (if that is important to you).
The book is 336 pages long, spread over 29 chapters and told from Miri's point of view.
Final thoughts:
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and while it took me waaaaay longer to finish the book than I expected, I really like where it's going! Miri is a lot to take in :D but shows that even mature women can kick ass with the best of them! I'm looking forward to the last book of the series, hoping that we get to know a lot more of Laurent, as he is still as mysterious as ever ;)
May 24, 2021
Miri - One, Rest of the World - Zero
Miri is a fantastic character who is finding out her future involves more Kegeling and less selflessness. When women start to resemble their mothers while men just get more silver-foxy by the day, I want to be Miri. She has definitely found her fierce in this book and I love her for it.
Miri is finally beginning to realise, in her early forties, that she is more than just a mother to her sixteen year old daughter and definitely should not always available to take up her ex-husband's slack when it comes to co-parenting said daughter. Plus, of course, she has magic so the rest of the world can just suck it up from now on.
Made In The Shade finds Miri getting to grips with her new powers and finding faster ways to travel. She is also embroiled in a murder and has to fight tooth and nail to solve it because nobody else really seems to care about the truth and she is not going to let Laurent be convicted for something he didn't do. The mystery is twisty and turny and I wasn't sure how it was going to be resolved until it actually was.
Zev and Tatiana makes appearances and they are both great value for money. I wanted to punch Eli in this one for so many reasons. Laurent I just love, full stop.
All the characters in Deborah's books are so real, even the unreal supernatural ones, and the recurring characters are all so funny. I regularly laugh out loud when reading her stories and this one is no exception. All I can say is that I want to re-watch The Golden Girls yet again and I'm going to have to re-think my outfit whilst doing so!
Miri is a fantastic character who is finding out her future involves more Kegeling and less selflessness. When women start to resemble their mothers while men just get more silver-foxy by the day, I want to be Miri. She has definitely found her fierce in this book and I love her for it.
Miri is finally beginning to realise, in her early forties, that she is more than just a mother to her sixteen year old daughter and definitely should not always available to take up her ex-husband's slack when it comes to co-parenting said daughter. Plus, of course, she has magic so the rest of the world can just suck it up from now on.
Made In The Shade finds Miri getting to grips with her new powers and finding faster ways to travel. She is also embroiled in a murder and has to fight tooth and nail to solve it because nobody else really seems to care about the truth and she is not going to let Laurent be convicted for something he didn't do. The mystery is twisty and turny and I wasn't sure how it was going to be resolved until it actually was.
Zev and Tatiana makes appearances and they are both great value for money. I wanted to punch Eli in this one for so many reasons. Laurent I just love, full stop.
All the characters in Deborah's books are so real, even the unreal supernatural ones, and the recurring characters are all so funny. I regularly laugh out loud when reading her stories and this one is no exception. All I can say is that I want to re-watch The Golden Girls yet again and I'm going to have to re-think my outfit whilst doing so!
January 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this follow up to Throwing Shade (Magic after Midlife #1), featuring all of our favourite characters from Book 1, and letting us see more of the dysfunctional-but-ultimately-supportive Feldman family dynamic while also dropping tantalising new clues about Miri's past.
It's nice to see that the friendship between Miri and Jude is as strong as ever (not to mention the mother-daughter banter with Sadie), and I really love Tatiana as a character. I'm not sure how I feel about the developing relationship - whatever kind of relationship it turns into, whether it's friendship or more - between Miri and Laurent though. I'm not dead set against it, but I think it's going to depend on how it ends up being written.
Meanwhile, I felt like the surface plot - investigating who killed Miri's chauffeuring client as why - didn't hold my interest as much as the plot from Book 1. But also, I enjoyed hanging out with Miri et all enough that I didn't mind and was happy to just follow her along for the ride.
That said, the whole Kefitzat Haderech thing with the Russian-accented Gargoyle and his sock fetish was... a little on the weird/silly side (also, my brain kept reading it as Kwisatz Hederach, which - come to think of it - is probably linguistically related, given that the term apparently translates as 'shortening of the way' in Frank Herbert's pseudo-Arabic Chaksoba language)
And I'm definitely curious about where the series is going to go from here (luckily, I already have Book 3 in my Kindle library, and I suspect it's not going to be too long before I read it)
It's nice to see that the friendship between Miri and Jude is as strong as ever (not to mention the mother-daughter banter with Sadie), and I really love Tatiana as a character. I'm not sure how I feel about the developing relationship - whatever kind of relationship it turns into, whether it's friendship or more - between Miri and Laurent though. I'm not dead set against it, but I think it's going to depend on how it ends up being written.
Meanwhile, I felt like the surface plot - investigating who killed Miri's chauffeuring client as why - didn't hold my interest as much as the plot from Book 1. But also, I enjoyed hanging out with Miri et all enough that I didn't mind and was happy to just follow her along for the ride.
That said, the whole Kefitzat Haderech thing with the Russian-accented Gargoyle and his sock fetish was... a little on the weird/silly side (also, my brain kept reading it as Kwisatz Hederach, which - come to think of it - is probably linguistically related, given that the term apparently translates as 'shortening of the way' in Frank Herbert's pseudo-Arabic Chaksoba language)
And I'm definitely curious about where the series is going to go from here (luckily, I already have Book 3 in my Kindle library, and I suspect it's not going to be too long before I read it)
September 28, 2024
This is a curious mix of Jewish mythology and middle age angst. Miri is a mix of flashes of brilliance and complete stubbornness, so completely lost in the delusion she knows best… iconic when she is clueless about her magic and there are very few of her kind (BS) to give her guidance.
I like the Laurent character and you can feel the tension between them.
Eli learns the truth about Miri’s magic and she is initially upset by his reaction (Telling her to stay away from Sadie) but she comes up with a plan to release Laurent from prison and arrest a rouge Lonestar who killed an innocent.
The head Lonestar is known to Eli and her dad is Eli’s friend… this helped Eli see Miri’s POV and he comes around.
Zeb (head of vampires) might feature in future books as Miri reacts to him, and defends him to the parents of the boy who started the whole fiasco .. something that surprises him. Sadie had invited him into their house..
Miri finds the Lonestar, Fred, who was responsible for the fire that burnt down her house after her parents murder. He was able to walk through walls and attacked Miri in her house. She learns how to use the BS travel room safely and tries to help Fred, but in her attempt to cut ties to a demon controlling him, Miri causes his death… a fire spontaneously starts in his house. He briefly gets his memory back but gives her nothing of value.
Miri finds out Laurent has BS powers too!
They almost have a moment but Emmett is dropped off by Jude to live at Laurent’s place… he is less than pleased.
I like the Laurent character and you can feel the tension between them.
Eli learns the truth about Miri’s magic and she is initially upset by his reaction (Telling her to stay away from Sadie) but she comes up with a plan to release Laurent from prison and arrest a rouge Lonestar who killed an innocent.
The head Lonestar is known to Eli and her dad is Eli’s friend… this helped Eli see Miri’s POV and he comes around.
Zeb (head of vampires) might feature in future books as Miri reacts to him, and defends him to the parents of the boy who started the whole fiasco .. something that surprises him. Sadie had invited him into their house..
Miri finds the Lonestar, Fred, who was responsible for the fire that burnt down her house after her parents murder. He was able to walk through walls and attacked Miri in her house. She learns how to use the BS travel room safely and tries to help Fred, but in her attempt to cut ties to a demon controlling him, Miri causes his death… a fire spontaneously starts in his house. He briefly gets his memory back but gives her nothing of value.
Miri finds out Laurent has BS powers too!
They almost have a moment but Emmett is dropped off by Jude to live at Laurent’s place… he is less than pleased.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
3.5 stars. First what I didn’t like about the story. At times , in my opinion, there was an excess of details about Miri’s thoughts on finding herself and her various relationships that resulted in the murder mystery story line getting rather lost at times. Also while I generally like Miri, there was times when I really disliked her behaviour. No need to make the same mistakes over and over and who leaves their teenager alone in the home just after a rogue demon busted in. As for Laurent, he seems to be a rather condescending ass at times.
What I loved about the story. The fact that is is set in Vancouver in the province I live in. I can relate to the places. I absolutely love the unique world building that includes Jewish mythology; Yiddish terms (learned some new words); and diversity in culture, people, and situations. This unique world sets itself apart from most of the rest in the genre. I like seeing Miri being badass and setting her foot down while at the same time being willing to admit her fears and realize she is over her head. The story is entertaining and I did not guess right off who the murder was. I look forward to seeing the series develop and learn more about Miri’s past. Also, I hope the dragging out of the romance doesn’t go overboard and Laurent steps his game up in the personality department.
What I loved about the story. The fact that is is set in Vancouver in the province I live in. I can relate to the places. I absolutely love the unique world building that includes Jewish mythology; Yiddish terms (learned some new words); and diversity in culture, people, and situations. This unique world sets itself apart from most of the rest in the genre. I like seeing Miri being badass and setting her foot down while at the same time being willing to admit her fears and realize she is over her head. The story is entertaining and I did not guess right off who the murder was. I look forward to seeing the series develop and learn more about Miri’s past. Also, I hope the dragging out of the romance doesn’t go overboard and Laurent steps his game up in the personality department.
June 7, 2021
After the first book, I thought Deb’s imagination couldn’t be any wilder (*snickers*), but I was once again, surprised. In a good way.
This time, Miri is tangled in a serial killer scenario. There’s one leaving bodies in a murderous spree, and since Miri’s last client is a victim, she’s in the spotlight. Somehow. And to add some juice into things, the Ohrists police is sure Laurent is the killer.
But add in the regular, non-magic police, aka Miri’s ex-husband, investigating the murder? And s#$t is hitting the fan and spraying all over.
Then you have a weird puppet on strings trying to kill Miriam, and a weird in-between world that’s allowing her to warp-leap to other places, a gargoyle and weird riddles. Oh, and her daughter is dating *gasp*. There are some hilarious scenes there.
But let’s backtrack to Laurent. He’s so delicious, and we learn some more about his past and his family. And Miri is proving to be his best ally in this frame job they find themselves in.
His and Miri’s attraction is so slow-burning, it’s insane. I just hope that something happens to speed things up in the next book.
I know this review is a jumbled mess, but seriously – if you read Deb’s books and your brain isn’t fried in every direction, you’re reading them wrong!
I loved it!
This time, Miri is tangled in a serial killer scenario. There’s one leaving bodies in a murderous spree, and since Miri’s last client is a victim, she’s in the spotlight. Somehow. And to add some juice into things, the Ohrists police is sure Laurent is the killer.
But add in the regular, non-magic police, aka Miri’s ex-husband, investigating the murder? And s#$t is hitting the fan and spraying all over.
Then you have a weird puppet on strings trying to kill Miriam, and a weird in-between world that’s allowing her to warp-leap to other places, a gargoyle and weird riddles. Oh, and her daughter is dating *gasp*. There are some hilarious scenes there.
But let’s backtrack to Laurent. He’s so delicious, and we learn some more about his past and his family. And Miri is proving to be his best ally in this frame job they find themselves in.
His and Miri’s attraction is so slow-burning, it’s insane. I just hope that something happens to speed things up in the next book.
I know this review is a jumbled mess, but seriously – if you read Deb’s books and your brain isn’t fried in every direction, you’re reading them wrong!
I loved it!
November 8, 2022
4½ stars! Another great book from Deborah Wilde!!
The plot thickens as Miriam learns more about the magical world she abandoned after her parents' deaths. Like the first book in this series, Throwing Shade, there was a lot going on in this book, but it is well handled. The plot moves along at a quick & steady pace, with an underlying mystery slowly pieced together. There was a lot of character development in this book, with Miri growing & learning more about her powers as a Banim Shovavim. Her ex-husband & close friend, Eli, also expands as a character. Laurent is as delicious & deviant as ever, & the super slow burn romance kindling between he & Miriam has my mouth watering. I can't wait for them to get together. Deborah Wilde is a true gem of an author, & this series is a great showcase of her work. The worldbuilding is detailed & layered, with more questions to be answered even as the old answers are revealed. There are a slew of highly interesting background characters, as well. Highly recommended! I can't wait to dive into book 3!
The plot thickens as Miriam learns more about the magical world she abandoned after her parents' deaths. Like the first book in this series, Throwing Shade, there was a lot going on in this book, but it is well handled. The plot moves along at a quick & steady pace, with an underlying mystery slowly pieced together. There was a lot of character development in this book, with Miri growing & learning more about her powers as a Banim Shovavim. Her ex-husband & close friend, Eli, also expands as a character. Laurent is as delicious & deviant as ever, & the super slow burn romance kindling between he & Miriam has my mouth watering. I can't wait for them to get together. Deborah Wilde is a true gem of an author, & this series is a great showcase of her work. The worldbuilding is detailed & layered, with more questions to be answered even as the old answers are revealed. There are a slew of highly interesting background characters, as well. Highly recommended! I can't wait to dive into book 3!
June 5, 2021
I love this series so much. I can connect with Miriam on many things, and understand her view point on others. I love that she is a woman my age, battling to find herself and her place in the world.
I love the dynamic between Miri and Laurent and the fact that Deborah hasn’t pushed things between them. Given the fast timeline of these books it makes sense that they are where they are in their friendship/partnership. Laurent has worked on his own, as an outcast for a long time. Miri enjoys his company and his help and wants to learn this magic world with his ‘guidance’, because she can do this shit on her own she just chooses not to. This helps create trust and allows Laurent to slowly open up to her.
Deborah is one of my favourite authors, I love her writing to bits and I can’t wait to see where this story takes us next.
ARC received for an honest review.
I love the dynamic between Miri and Laurent and the fact that Deborah hasn’t pushed things between them. Given the fast timeline of these books it makes sense that they are where they are in their friendship/partnership. Laurent has worked on his own, as an outcast for a long time. Miri enjoys his company and his help and wants to learn this magic world with his ‘guidance’, because she can do this shit on her own she just chooses not to. This helps create trust and allows Laurent to slowly open up to her.
Deborah is one of my favourite authors, I love her writing to bits and I can’t wait to see where this story takes us next.
ARC received for an honest review.
June 7, 2021
Deborah is incapable of disappointing. She has taken the PWF Genre and given it her unique spin of Jewish Mysticism, which continues in the second book of the Magic after Midlife Series. Miri is so relatable and I love watching her learn more about her powers, and no spoilers, but in this book she discovers some of the risks associated with them. I also love the acknowledgement of some of the misogyny in some of the religious dogma, one of my favorite quotes was, “Typical. only brand the women, Lilith didn’t impregnate herself”. I am enjoying watching the relationship develop between Miri and Laurent and I cannot wait to see where it goes. I would absolutely recommend this book to any reader, but you should read “Throwing Shade” first, it is not a standalone. You should go get both now!
I voluntarily read anARC and this is my honest review.
I voluntarily read anARC and this is my honest review.
October 21, 2021
The exposition is out of the way, but, apparently, we are not done with the full contents of the kitchen sink, when it comes to adding more weird creatures and magical concepts. I get that the author attempted to make some of those into comic relief, but her humor falls flat for me - I found nothing even remotely amusing in either of the books I have read so far. All I found was the author trying very hard to sound funny. The only slight improvement over the first book was lack of blatant crudeness in this one, and still no sex scenes. But, while I appreciated it, in and of itself it's not a good enough reason to read a 330 page book!
I slogged through this book, but I am not subjecting myself to any more of the dredgery of reading these books. Reading humorous fantasy shouldn't feel like a boring chore.
I slogged through this book, but I am not subjecting myself to any more of the dredgery of reading these books. Reading humorous fantasy shouldn't feel like a boring chore.
May 17, 2024
Does That Drink Come With Umbrella?
MagicMidlife2
I’m on a Wilde ride, pardner, and it is awesome!
Third series. Second book. Totally loving it.
Miri has dropped the law firm and moved onto the magic side of the street. She hasn’t worked out how to let her daughter and her ex know, but, finally, she is choosing more than surviving as a motto.
But having magic doesn’t make people more intelligent or better behaved; it just widens their stupidity options. There is still work to be done - because adulting is hard. A fact often obscured by economic security or over dependence on lineage. Orange is the new black, anyone?
Finding her way out of doormatitis is a challenge, but Miriam is up to it. And, being Miriam, she will carry everyone else in her circle with her - even kicking and screaming.
Next book, please.
MagicMidlife2
I’m on a Wilde ride, pardner, and it is awesome!
Third series. Second book. Totally loving it.
Miri has dropped the law firm and moved onto the magic side of the street. She hasn’t worked out how to let her daughter and her ex know, but, finally, she is choosing more than surviving as a motto.
But having magic doesn’t make people more intelligent or better behaved; it just widens their stupidity options. There is still work to be done - because adulting is hard. A fact often obscured by economic security or over dependence on lineage. Orange is the new black, anyone?
Finding her way out of doormatitis is a challenge, but Miriam is up to it. And, being Miriam, she will carry everyone else in her circle with her - even kicking and screaming.
Next book, please.
June 10, 2021
This is another fabulous book in the Magic after Midlife series, which is getting stronger and stronger as the series progresses. I love the characters and as we get to know them better and see their relationships grow, you are drawn into the story and their interconnections.
This is a great magical mystery, with a crime to solve and so many layers to explore. I love that the main characters, Miriam, is not some young thing and is instead a real woman with life experience, which is needed to navigate the complex magical world and keep her feet in the normal world. This is no easy task.
Loving the series and can’t wait for more... especially more Miriam and Laurent.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This is a great magical mystery, with a crime to solve and so many layers to explore. I love that the main characters, Miriam, is not some young thing and is instead a real woman with life experience, which is needed to navigate the complex magical world and keep her feet in the normal world. This is no easy task.
Loving the series and can’t wait for more... especially more Miriam and Laurent.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 9, 2021
Of all the midlife paranormal women's fiction, this is a must read.
I have read many of the paranormal women's fiction this one gets the midlife more or less correct, it has an interesting magic which is focused on the Jewish Faith and an underlined story of right and wrong along with a focus on racism and perceptions. And Miriam and Laurent a great couple with some good slow burn. Oh and can't forget a good mystery to boot.
Miriam is tasked with driving a college student to the airport when their vehicle is attacked and the college student murdered and it looks like either Miriam or Laurent Could be the killer. It's a great story couldn't put it down, also highly recommended.
I have read many of the paranormal women's fiction this one gets the midlife more or less correct, it has an interesting magic which is focused on the Jewish Faith and an underlined story of right and wrong along with a focus on racism and perceptions. And Miriam and Laurent a great couple with some good slow burn. Oh and can't forget a good mystery to boot.
Miriam is tasked with driving a college student to the airport when their vehicle is attacked and the college student murdered and it looks like either Miriam or Laurent Could be the killer. It's a great story couldn't put it down, also highly recommended.
April 21, 2025
Another fabulous entertaining read! Paranormal Women's Fiction for the Win!
Made in the Shade by Deborah Wilde is a hilarious addition to Magic After Midlife series. Like the Calgon Bath commercials, Made in the Shade is a book designed to take us experienced women on a magic ride to a world full of laughter, magic, and strange mythical creatures. And what a wild ride it is!
Deborah's hero is, in my humble opinion, much more witty than the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and has this Catholic School drop-out wishing she could convert to Judaism ✡️! The situations and dialogue had me falling on the floor, laughing most of the time!
I can hardly wait to start book three of this delightful series!
Made in the Shade by Deborah Wilde is a hilarious addition to Magic After Midlife series. Like the Calgon Bath commercials, Made in the Shade is a book designed to take us experienced women on a magic ride to a world full of laughter, magic, and strange mythical creatures. And what a wild ride it is!
Deborah's hero is, in my humble opinion, much more witty than the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and has this Catholic School drop-out wishing she could convert to Judaism ✡️! The situations and dialogue had me falling on the floor, laughing most of the time!
I can hardly wait to start book three of this delightful series!
June 9, 2021
Miri is settling more into being herself. But as usual life throws a wrench into her plans. While doing an easy job things go anything but easy. In solving this latest mystery she needs to start full contending with showing the hidden aspect of herself to her daughter and ex-husband so that they stay safe. There's some "How now?" moments with a Lonestar, long socks are way better than other socks and some interesting new folks we meet along the way. She also totally kicks ass, and may have shifted her flirting with the resident brooding wolf.
*I'm a lucky fish and on the author's ARC team*
*I'm a lucky fish and on the author's ARC team*
June 22, 2021
Excellent followup to the first book
The second installment in Wife's delightful Magic After Midlife series, delivered on all the premise of the first book. Wilde has a great grasp on her characters and their motivations. The underlying story kept the intrigue going throughout the entire book, with a delicious back and forth to who the villain was. There were moments when it felt as though things were falling apart, only to have everything flip around again. The growth in the relationships of the main characters keeps notching up the interest me levels. I am impatiently awaiting her third offering, and praying there will be many more to follow!
The second installment in Wife's delightful Magic After Midlife series, delivered on all the premise of the first book. Wilde has a great grasp on her characters and their motivations. The underlying story kept the intrigue going throughout the entire book, with a delicious back and forth to who the villain was. There were moments when it felt as though things were falling apart, only to have everything flip around again. The growth in the relationships of the main characters keeps notching up the interest me levels. I am impatiently awaiting her third offering, and praying there will be many more to follow!
July 13, 2021
Fun Fast Paced Action
Miri, the heroine in this series, is a 40+ divorced mother of a teenager girl. Miri also has unique paranormal gifts that allow her to rid the world of certain types of paranormal bad guys. Only she's just now exercising those powers after locking them away for the last 2+ decades. People either want her help or want to kill her. Miri wants to embrace her magic and leave her dull life behind. Oh my, has she succeeded. This book starts off with a murder, and Miri races from one clue to the next to solve the case before it gets pinned on her and her sometimes werewolf partner, Laurent. Loved this book!
Miri, the heroine in this series, is a 40+ divorced mother of a teenager girl. Miri also has unique paranormal gifts that allow her to rid the world of certain types of paranormal bad guys. Only she's just now exercising those powers after locking them away for the last 2+ decades. People either want her help or want to kill her. Miri wants to embrace her magic and leave her dull life behind. Oh my, has she succeeded. This book starts off with a murder, and Miri races from one clue to the next to solve the case before it gets pinned on her and her sometimes werewolf partner, Laurent. Loved this book!
January 19, 2022
SO MUCH FUN!!!!!
OMG, only a women either bladder issues would know about the k ers together walk. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. Now as a 66 year old woman I have become very good doing that walk. Over the last couple of day's I've been trying to train my bladder. As I'm walking as fast as I can I'm chanting, "hold it, hold it, hold it" and when I get to the toilet and I have sat down I say "release" . I know it sounds crazy but it's working. This whole book.kept me in stitches I was laughing so hard 😂. I hope to see more of Sadie in the next few books, and I bet she does have magic.
OMG, only a women either bladder issues would know about the k ers together walk. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. Now as a 66 year old woman I have become very good doing that walk. Over the last couple of day's I've been trying to train my bladder. As I'm walking as fast as I can I'm chanting, "hold it, hold it, hold it" and when I get to the toilet and I have sat down I say "release" . I know it sounds crazy but it's working. This whole book.kept me in stitches I was laughing so hard 😂. I hope to see more of Sadie in the next few books, and I bet she does have magic.
June 2, 2021
Miriam (Miri) has changed her job from a librarian at a law firm to a fixer in the magical community, but there are going to be teething problems, and Miri might have to think quick to get out of the trouble heading her way. Is Miri up for the murder, she has decided to solve? What about the danger coming her way? I loved this intriguing, humourous, paranormal, murder mystery tale. I loved Miri and the troubles/challenges she faces, and look forward to the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
June 5, 2021
I love the PWF Genre. The Magi After Midlife series is my favorite. This is an amazing story about a woman accepting who she is and protecting those she cares about and doing what she believes is right. For me there is so much to love about this book and Miri's journey. This is so original and brings me such joy in reading this book. I do not know if I can stand to wait for book 3, but I know that I will love it!
I received an ARC from the author and I am leaving this TOTALLY HONEST Review because I believe that this is an amazing book and I Loved every page!!!!
I received an ARC from the author and I am leaving this TOTALLY HONEST Review because I believe that this is an amazing book and I Loved every page!!!!
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