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Flat White Flag
Maya Rivers’ post-resurrection body has developed magical broadcasting capabilities. Unfortunately, the signal feeds directly into her fiancé’s nervous system. As if that weren’t mortifying enough, she’s also inherited a demonic estate with a flair for psychological warfare and a disturbing passion for cataloguing other people’s trauma for fun and menace.
Maya's juggling supernatural politics, a shadow-wielding warlord who moisturises with military precision, and her body evolving faster than her coping mechanisms.
She's starting to realise something she might actually be the powerful one now.
Nobody is more alarmed.
Maya's juggling supernatural politics, a shadow-wielding warlord who moisturises with military precision, and her body evolving faster than her coping mechanisms.
She's starting to realise something she might actually be the powerful one now.
Nobody is more alarmed.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
85 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Lara McKenzie
5 books39 followersLara McKenzie writes quirky, heartfelt stories brewed with humour, magic, and a splash of rebellion.
With a love for sharp wit, morally grey characters, and slow-burn tension, Lara blends the cosy and the chaotic into stories that linger like your favourite cup of coffee.
When she's not writing, you’ll find her researching weird folklore, chasing plot bunnies, or perfecting her latte art (with mixed success).
With a love for sharp wit, morally grey characters, and slow-burn tension, Lara blends the cosy and the chaotic into stories that linger like your favourite cup of coffee.
When she's not writing, you’ll find her researching weird folklore, chasing plot bunnies, or perfecting her latte art (with mixed success).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 1, 2025
The weak are the weak no longer.
"You're a ceramic hoarder with caffeine dependency issues."
OMG! I've been ousted, brilliantly 😁😁😁😂😂
One of MANY fabu one liners that appear in these books.
Moving can be a horrible experience. But with demons with transport portals, it's a snap.
Maya has now moved in with Scorpion and life is plodding along.
So of course thing's go pair shaped.
In the shape of getting married and soul bonded.
It's getting way too much and Maya's anxiety starts to flare.
Then she receives an inheritance from Scorpions dad and thing's take a rotten turn.
Absolutely fantastic writing. Written as a blog, inspiring.
Can't wait for MORE. ❤❤❤❤❤😁😁😁
Took less than four hours to devour this book! Awesome.
"You're a ceramic hoarder with caffeine dependency issues."
OMG! I've been ousted, brilliantly 😁😁😁😂😂
One of MANY fabu one liners that appear in these books.
Moving can be a horrible experience. But with demons with transport portals, it's a snap.
Maya has now moved in with Scorpion and life is plodding along.
So of course thing's go pair shaped.
In the shape of getting married and soul bonded.
It's getting way too much and Maya's anxiety starts to flare.
Then she receives an inheritance from Scorpions dad and thing's take a rotten turn.
Absolutely fantastic writing. Written as a blog, inspiring.
Can't wait for MORE. ❤❤❤❤❤😁😁😁
Took less than four hours to devour this book! Awesome.
September 1, 2025
the best series ever
These are the funniest, laugh out loud books ever. Get your latte (or in my case nice Cab) mismatched socks and oversized hoodie, sit in your safe place read and laugh (after all they do say laughter is the best medicine).
These are the funniest, laugh out loud books ever. Get your latte (or in my case nice Cab) mismatched socks and oversized hoodie, sit in your safe place read and laugh (after all they do say laughter is the best medicine).
September 1, 2025
I adore this series.
This one gives ALL the feels, along with the usual healthy dose of laughter. Can't wait for the next one!
This one gives ALL the feels, along with the usual healthy dose of laughter. Can't wait for the next one!
September 5, 2025
10/10 would recommend
This book series is everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. As a fellow chaos gremlin barista with no latte art skills this a series brought me so much laughter and I def would have bought merch
This book series is everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. As a fellow chaos gremlin barista with no latte art skills this a series brought me so much laughter and I def would have bought merch
October 19, 2025
The wedding is here
Maya and Scorpion are headed to wedded bliss with some bums along the way. This was another excellent installment in the series. Four books in and each one great in their own way. The character progression has been phenomenal even with the blog style writing. The wit/humor has remained on par throughout and even the side characters are fabulous in their own right.
Maya and Scorpion are headed to wedded bliss with some bums along the way. This was another excellent installment in the series. Four books in and each one great in their own way. The character progression has been phenomenal even with the blog style writing. The wit/humor has remained on par throughout and even the side characters are fabulous in their own right.
October 5, 2025
This book makes me so sad. It could have been so beautiful and powerful, but the author chose to make Scorpion an abuser, and then have Maya marry him.
I repeat - the author made the MMC an abuser and then romanticized it by having the FMC marry him instead of leave him.
We don't do that. Women should leave abusive men and never look back. Their healing and issues are not on us to solve.
If the author wanted them to ride off into the sunset, she should have never made him an abuser. It was unnecessary and served no purpose but to make him hate-worthy. She ruined his character.
And she spit on every single moment in every book where she acted like cared about survivors of abuse. She doesn't. It was most certainly performative, and frankly it's disgusting.
The author hates women and delights in graphic harm of them, over and over again. This is deeply concerning, on top of the misogyny and romanticizing of abuse. And trying to sugar coat it as "empowerment" is sickening. There is nothing normal or healthy about this.
I won't be reading anything else written by this author and I've removed all her books from my lists.
I repeat - the author made the MMC an abuser and then romanticized it by having the FMC marry him instead of leave him.
We don't do that. Women should leave abusive men and never look back. Their healing and issues are not on us to solve.
If the author wanted them to ride off into the sunset, she should have never made him an abuser. It was unnecessary and served no purpose but to make him hate-worthy. She ruined his character.
And she spit on every single moment in every book where she acted like cared about survivors of abuse. She doesn't. It was most certainly performative, and frankly it's disgusting.
The author hates women and delights in graphic harm of them, over and over again. This is deeply concerning, on top of the misogyny and romanticizing of abuse. And trying to sugar coat it as "empowerment" is sickening. There is nothing normal or healthy about this.
I won't be reading anything else written by this author and I've removed all her books from my lists.
October 9, 2025
incredibly moving and another must read story
Rating: 5⭐️
Again, how to say that Maya’s Blog is an absolute must read series. Each one continues to improve upon its predecessor and show its characters development in a way that’s consistent with the journey and emotional growth of the series.
It’s fabulous writing and I’m so hooked.
Plus yes to the great covers that happen to showcase the storytelling within. That’s happening less and less so claps and kudos.
This is the story where Maya accepts and comes into her own. What makes this so special is to understand the time line between the beginning of her journey, when she fled her abusive family and the traumatic events and powerful affirming experiences she’s experienced that have led her here. It’s been just three years.
Oftentimes it’s felt so much longer.
So when you think about her life before, her anxiety and other personal issues, on top of the trauma and tragedy, for her to be able to realistically start to accept her own power and new life is extraordinary. And believable within the narrative and her situation.
Her support and maybe even the lack of here when it comes to this major crisis, is crafted in such a layered, emotional manner. Raw, heartfelt, powerful. And truly written in such a way that the reader can relate to Maya’s feelings and the way she needs to express her reactions to this moment.
No spoilers but fabulous. It’s part horror, romance, comedy and all things fantastic. Just amazing stuff all around.
I love it when a family comes together to destroy things. Especially the women. What an awesome scene!
There’s another book coming out. A surprise because this easily could have been the finale. I’m thrilled we’re going forward.
More and more please.
Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.
MAYA’S BLOGS:
Espresso Yourself #1
Brew Diligence #2
Uncharted Grounds #3
Flat White Flag #4
Little Bean #5 (coming soon)
Rating: 5⭐️
Again, how to say that Maya’s Blog is an absolute must read series. Each one continues to improve upon its predecessor and show its characters development in a way that’s consistent with the journey and emotional growth of the series.
It’s fabulous writing and I’m so hooked.
Plus yes to the great covers that happen to showcase the storytelling within. That’s happening less and less so claps and kudos.
This is the story where Maya accepts and comes into her own. What makes this so special is to understand the time line between the beginning of her journey, when she fled her abusive family and the traumatic events and powerful affirming experiences she’s experienced that have led her here. It’s been just three years.
Oftentimes it’s felt so much longer.
So when you think about her life before, her anxiety and other personal issues, on top of the trauma and tragedy, for her to be able to realistically start to accept her own power and new life is extraordinary. And believable within the narrative and her situation.
Her support and maybe even the lack of here when it comes to this major crisis, is crafted in such a layered, emotional manner. Raw, heartfelt, powerful. And truly written in such a way that the reader can relate to Maya’s feelings and the way she needs to express her reactions to this moment.
No spoilers but fabulous. It’s part horror, romance, comedy and all things fantastic. Just amazing stuff all around.
I love it when a family comes together to destroy things. Especially the women. What an awesome scene!
There’s another book coming out. A surprise because this easily could have been the finale. I’m thrilled we’re going forward.
More and more please.
Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.
MAYA’S BLOGS:
Espresso Yourself #1
Brew Diligence #2
Uncharted Grounds #3
Flat White Flag #4
Little Bean #5 (coming soon)
September 2, 2025
So many BIG emotions! What a wild ride!
Phenomenal. Been waiting for weeks for this, as I just found this series at the beginning of August and devoured them over a weekend! And Lara does not disappoint. Such an emotional roller coaster. I laughed, I cried, I am pretty sure my husband thinks I have lost my mind, but oh how this book redeems me. I have never felt so understood. I cannot WAIT for the next book… though I know it may be the last (hopefully not). These characters are so heartwarming and give so much courage and bravery, that I think all of us need sometimes. If you have ever felt lost, like you do not belong, or are not enough, this series is exactly the read you need to change your whole perspective. Thank you Lara McKenzie for reminding me that we ALL deserve to take up space, that our trauma does not define us, and that kindness is not weakness but strength.
Phenomenal. Been waiting for weeks for this, as I just found this series at the beginning of August and devoured them over a weekend! And Lara does not disappoint. Such an emotional roller coaster. I laughed, I cried, I am pretty sure my husband thinks I have lost my mind, but oh how this book redeems me. I have never felt so understood. I cannot WAIT for the next book… though I know it may be the last (hopefully not). These characters are so heartwarming and give so much courage and bravery, that I think all of us need sometimes. If you have ever felt lost, like you do not belong, or are not enough, this series is exactly the read you need to change your whole perspective. Thank you Lara McKenzie for reminding me that we ALL deserve to take up space, that our trauma does not define us, and that kindness is not weakness but strength.
September 1, 2025
How did I forget that this came out today? Only saw it by accident, so I immediately had to get it and devour it in one sitting. I can't explain why I find this so engaging. A whole book made up of just blog post entries and some comments... shouldn't work, but this is so good! This is the book where everything changes for Maya - I mean more than they have already. There is a lot of emotional development, and she really begins to believe in her own self worth. However, the road to self worth does not come easily, and Maya faces a few major hurdles that came out of left field and really shook her confidence. Luckily she has some damned good friends/found family that rallied around her, but I will admit that I found myself in tears in more than one place. The ending had an amazing update from Maya, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
4.75 stars
4.75 stars
October 26, 2025
I still have some issues with some of the writing — I know we are getting the story through Maya’s blog but sometimes the characters speak too much like Maya and she has very distinct speech patterns. In this book some characters were less Maya-like but Charlotte is still written too much like Maya which is disappointing.
There are so many things to recommend this book — it’s funny, short easy-to-read chapters perfect for just before bed. There’s a talking ghost shrimp, shadow demon lover and more. I have so much love for the characters and the overall positivity in this tale that I would still recommend it every time. Just with caveats.
There are so many things to recommend this book — it’s funny, short easy-to-read chapters perfect for just before bed. There’s a talking ghost shrimp, shadow demon lover and more. I have so much love for the characters and the overall positivity in this tale that I would still recommend it every time. Just with caveats.
September 16, 2025
Hmm
SPOILERS AHEAD.
Good book. Brave book. On the one hand I appreciate that Scorpion isn’t perfect and makes mistakes. On the other hand, I remember intimately what it feels like when your partner, whom you are completely vulnerable to, weaponizes your insecurities and attacks you. Then abandons you emotionally. His wedding vows felt hollow. I have learned to trust actions not words and until his actions earn him forgiveness, I am holding a grudge. Maya may forgive him, but I do not. Also, Genevieve is my spirit animal. Long may she reign.
SPOILERS AHEAD.
Good book. Brave book. On the one hand I appreciate that Scorpion isn’t perfect and makes mistakes. On the other hand, I remember intimately what it feels like when your partner, whom you are completely vulnerable to, weaponizes your insecurities and attacks you. Then abandons you emotionally. His wedding vows felt hollow. I have learned to trust actions not words and until his actions earn him forgiveness, I am holding a grudge. Maya may forgive him, but I do not. Also, Genevieve is my spirit animal. Long may she reign.
November 5, 2025
I'm still really enjoying the series but this one didn't captivate me in the same way the previous books did. Some moments/choices by the characters really felt like they came out of nowhere for me which is what I think threw me off a bit. I love Maya and all that's she's done and its amazing how this book follows her journey, but a small part of me does miss the simplicity of a cafe with strong found family and flirting with bunny cup guy.
Nevertheless I am so happy that I discovered this series and timed my reading so that the final book was already out by the time I got to it.
Nevertheless I am so happy that I discovered this series and timed my reading so that the final book was already out by the time I got to it.
September 4, 2025
Absolute Love
I am not ashamed to say that I binge-read the first three books and almost died waiting the three weeks for “Flat White Flag” to release (I’m fashionably late to this party).
McKenzie’s writing style is snarky, emotional, and amazing. You would think that a full novel written as blog posts wouldn’t translate well but you would be wrong. I have recommended these to everyone I know and cannot wait to see what happens next!
I am not ashamed to say that I binge-read the first three books and almost died waiting the three weeks for “Flat White Flag” to release (I’m fashionably late to this party).
McKenzie’s writing style is snarky, emotional, and amazing. You would think that a full novel written as blog posts wouldn’t translate well but you would be wrong. I have recommended these to everyone I know and cannot wait to see what happens next!
December 6, 2025
Why so good?!
So I am someone who enjoys reading long books. I get annoyed at novellas labeled as full length novels.
I still love these. Maybe its being a millennial and blogging is inherently sentimental but these are the right mix of depth with short and sweet. I love that the main character is scared and brave. I also love all the side characters and hate all the villains. I appreciate anyone who burns down an abusive house especially in defense of children.
So I am someone who enjoys reading long books. I get annoyed at novellas labeled as full length novels.
I still love these. Maybe its being a millennial and blogging is inherently sentimental but these are the right mix of depth with short and sweet. I love that the main character is scared and brave. I also love all the side characters and hate all the villains. I appreciate anyone who burns down an abusive house especially in defense of children.
September 19, 2025
This author is my hero!
I love the way this whole series of books read. I don’t buy very many books I can read for free, but I bought them all. Lara McKenzie is magic in book form!! I’ve laughed until my husband thought I was being weird. Long live the weird and socially awkward.
I love the way this whole series of books read. I don’t buy very many books I can read for free, but I bought them all. Lara McKenzie is magic in book form!! I’ve laughed until my husband thought I was being weird. Long live the weird and socially awkward.
October 18, 2025
Wonderful Series
I was so pleased to find another book in this series had been released, and that this is not the last in the series. I really needed an emotional support book right now. I will say that the story took a bit of a dark turn mid-way through, which I did not really need, but in the end it was all happy tears.
I was so pleased to find another book in this series had been released, and that this is not the last in the series. I really needed an emotional support book right now. I will say that the story took a bit of a dark turn mid-way through, which I did not really need, but in the end it was all happy tears.
September 2, 2025
Chaos, coffee, laughs and drama
Part four in Maya's story, still hilarious but for me the mk isn't emotional so far. Certain demon made me angry so much my husband was on the receiving end of the second hand fury. I keep recommending this series to everyone it was a great find.
Part four in Maya's story, still hilarious but for me the mk isn't emotional so far. Certain demon made me angry so much my husband was on the receiving end of the second hand fury. I keep recommending this series to everyone it was a great find.
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September 2, 2025
Ridiculous giggling
These books just have me snorting or giggling at inappropriate times.
Maya's personal growth from book 1 till now has been a joy to read.
Hoping for some love for her friends and chosen family!!
4.75 stars
These books just have me snorting or giggling at inappropriate times.
Maya's personal growth from book 1 till now has been a joy to read.
Hoping for some love for her friends and chosen family!!
4.75 stars
September 3, 2025
Wedding Edition
Even if this one didn't have the oomph and tension of earlier entries in the series, Maya's snark was still present and accounted for so I'd still recommend it (and will read book 5 as soon as it's released.)
Fun was had.
Even if this one didn't have the oomph and tension of earlier entries in the series, Maya's snark was still present and accounted for so I'd still recommend it (and will read book 5 as soon as it's released.)
Fun was had.
September 20, 2025
really love these books
Written in a blog format instead of chapters I had a bit of a problem with the first few pages, in her first book. Love the way she uses this format. I now wait for the next book and immediately download it.
Written in a blog format instead of chapters I had a bit of a problem with the first few pages, in her first book. Love the way she uses this format. I now wait for the next book and immediately download it.
September 21, 2025
Still loving this series.
Happy if it ended here, but definitely would like more. Enjoying this series immensely. Very funny, good for people with neurodivergence and even for people like me looking for something a bit different. I like the way it’s formatted.
Happy if it ended here, but definitely would like more. Enjoying this series immensely. Very funny, good for people with neurodivergence and even for people like me looking for something a bit different. I like the way it’s formatted.
October 5, 2025
maya’s blog book 4
Still loving these books and tearing through them with glee. A little more serious, a lot more hope to share. I read through KU initially, and am now trying to decide whether to purchase them in physical or digital format…
Still loving these books and tearing through them with glee. A little more serious, a lot more hope to share. I read through KU initially, and am now trying to decide whether to purchase them in physical or digital format…
December 17, 2025
I absolutely love this series! This is book 4 and we get more into Maya and Scorpions future in this one. They are soul bonding and having their human marriage. Stressful?? No way! There’s one moment where I wanted to toss my kindle across the room and there was another that was so unexpected and I was dying laughing! Can’t wait to dive into the next one!
September 4, 2025
fun fun fun
Always a good surprise to find the next book .
Fun, well written, feel good .
Look forward too more !!!
Always a good surprise to find the next book .
Fun, well written, feel good .
Look forward too more !!!
September 4, 2025
Magic and mayhem and joy
I. Love. These. Books. Picture a chaos dragon batting big brown eyes and reaching out with granny talons for the next book. GIMME.
I. Love. These. Books. Picture a chaos dragon batting big brown eyes and reaching out with granny talons for the next book. GIMME.
September 7, 2025
Funny and Witty
The writing is amazing. It’s laugh out loud funny. Great series please keep them coming. Great idea to put it forward as a blog.
The writing is amazing. It’s laugh out loud funny. Great series please keep them coming. Great idea to put it forward as a blog.
September 7, 2025
Funny but not as good as the earlier books.
Maya and Scorpion get married, but hijinks happen first. This was good but not laugh out loud funny like the earlier books.
Maya and Scorpion get married, but hijinks happen first. This was good but not laugh out loud funny like the earlier books.
September 12, 2025
Amazing
Such an amazing series. Will be re-reding just patiently waiting for little bean to come out! Carry on with the fantastic work.
Such an amazing series. Will be re-reding just patiently waiting for little bean to come out! Carry on with the fantastic work.
September 18, 2025
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK!!! The whole series is just *chef’s kiss* I will definitely re-read the series over and over again.
September 21, 2025
4.5⭐ I've thoroughly enjoyed this series. I'm sad to finish it, and I wish there were more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews