Previously part of the Magical Midlife Kickstarter.
This is a bonus story that plays into elements in Magical Midlife Battle. It should be read after Magical Midlife Alliance. It isn't necessary to the overall series ARC, but rather a fun little aside into the lives of the Ivy House Crew.
Edgar does not cheat in flower shows. He might use a magically enhanced serum, but anyone could do that. It's not his fault the other competitors don’t know magic exists!
But when the Ivy House crew goes to the pre-show to support him, it becomes clear that someone should've been watching Edgar much more carefully. What he's done is way worse than overgrown flora.
While Jessie is dealing with that, she gets a shock as she discovers photos of her ex with his girlfriend…turned fiancée. And while the flood of emotions can be ignored, the desire to show off Austin on social media is not.
After putting Mr. Tom in charge of the flower fiasco, she decides to take Austin on his perfect date. Her goal: to have one thing go right in her life. Just one thing!
K.F. Breene is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Amazon Most Sold Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and fantasy novels. With millions of books sold, when she's not penning stories about magic and what goes bump in the night, she's sipping wine and planning shenanigans. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and out of work treadmill.
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The amount of excitement for the novella I had... and it did not disappoint! Set in-between Alliance and Battle, Jessie and the gang travel to Edgers big flower competition. What happens next is hilarious! Meanwhile, Jessie's ex is getting married again, and she has no idea how to feel about it. Our favorite bear shifter, Austin, has something to say about it, though.
I absolutely loved this short story and read it twice in a row because I didn't want it to end! Then I had to re-read battle, which reminded me of the book we met Kingsley, so I had to go back and re-read Love! I spiraled... not sorry!
This is a fabulous novella that works as a great bridge from the last book, where Sebastian and Nessa worked outside the team to help get gargoyles on board. We get to see Tristan settle in with the team. We find out Austin is aware of a hell of a lot more than we think he is in the previous book. And we get Jessie giving Austin his perfect date.
It also nicely sets up the book after Battle. Loads of fun!
This author does not mess around. You would think a novella in the middle of a series would be a quick, light read with little to advance character interactions or the overall plot. But not with this author, not with this series. You COULD skip this and move on to the next book in the series proper, but you would miss so much. SO much. Fun, wacky scenes are interspersed with serious, meaningful ones, and by the time you’ve finished, you know much more about these characters than before you started. It’s amazing, and I look forward to reading it many more times.
I love this series, and Edgar is one of my favorite characters, but this read is disappointing. Why title it Magical Midlife Flowers if it only covers the first half of the novella? The remaining chapters has nothing to do with the flower show, except for being mentioned a few times in passing. Why not use those chapters to write more Edgar crazy hilarious events that leads up to the flower show? What about funny stories about his long-running experiments and near death experiences with his attack flower versions 1.0 and 2.0 that led to perfecting his dangerous, yet friendly 3.0 version he used in the contest? How about instead of just telling what his display looked like, it would have been amusing to read Edgar's point of view and his thought process in creating his display, much less how he physically went about setting it all up! Jasper's reaction with “I can actually feel the crazy emanating off this exhibit," just wants me to know more! What about a few paragraphs of Naimh's sneaky participation in Edgar's homage to the gargoyles? Or a little detailed back story of why Edgar loves flowers would add more depth to his character. Even including conversations between Edgar and the flower show guests, and maybe the judges reactions toward his entry would have been entertaining to read. How did Ms Breene not consider writing more? To be honest, after reading seven chapters about the flower show, the chapters that followed about Tristan, Jessie's relationship with Austin and her ex, etc just felt off, like I was reading parts of two different stories that were put together to make a novella. Moreover, how disappointing would it be if this attempt was a money grab.
This novella was a supremely cute little interlude. Let’s be honest - we’ve all fantasized about showing an ex just how much we’re thriving without them, right? Jessie gets that moment, but in true Jessie fashion, she quickly realizes that the real win is living fully in the now. Still, I couldn't help but mentally high-five Austin for wanting to rub it in a little - because same.
Edgar, as always, had me cackling. His ridiculous situations somehow keep escalating, and just when you think it can’t get any weirder, Breene says challenge accepted. It’s a hilarious, chaotic delight.
This was a fun little romp that scratched the itch, but now? I need book 8. I’m ready for more plot, more spice, and more Ivy House mayhem. Let’s go.
What a happy surprise this novella dropping on New Year’s Day was! Gods I love this series so much, love, love, LOVE! The only downside is that this means the last book is nearly here… I honestly think that will be such a sad day… KF Breene has outdone herself with these books, they are so heartwarming good it makes me smile just thinking about them. Literally can’t wait to find out what happens with Tristan, nessa, Sebastian and broken sue! Brilliant Novella but then, of course it is!
What can I say. These books are fun and the crazy crew always makes me giggle a bit.
Edgar's flowers and the flower shows he covets winning prizes in has been a discussion point in this series through all the books. It was so much fun to see what actually happens at a flower show and what crazy antics the unhinged vampire can get up to. The scenes at the flower show were pretty funny and Tristen just got a glimpse of the chaos that is the Ivy House team.
Jess and Austin are solidifying their relationship a little bit more all the time. Austin yet again proves to be extremely generous when it comes to Jess as she is struggling with her Ex and his happiness spread over social media.
“Be the person you want to be, unapologetically, and only allow those who appreciate you into your life.”
While I didn't love some of the insecurities that Jess was feeling towards her ex especially considering where she was in her own life, part of me understood wanting the person who left you to know that you are happy or happier without them. Also Jess's ex seems like a jerk who may need a little comeuppance in the future.
Overall a cute story that focused a little on the flower show, a little on Tristen figuring out the new crew and his place in it and a little about Jess and Austin working out the Dick and Jane side of their relationship outside the mating bond.
A perfect little nip just to keep you from going mad with the wait. And wasn't it perfect? Can't wait to see how Austin deals with the ex. And can you believe the flowers. Good lord what will he come up with next
There may be flowers, poor Edgar! But the Jess and Austin love is at the forefront of this story, and so beautiful! Learning a new culture more deeply, fighting enemies (it wouldn’t be Jess if there weren’t any action, now, would there), getting to know the new addition to the team (awwwww I love him!!!)… and dealing with suppressed feelings in such a wonderful way!
Loved, loved, loved! Now looking forward to what comes next on that front.
I think I’m getting bored of this story. Unless you are ride or die for this crew, you can probably skip this novella.
I was hoping it would focus on Edgar or Nessa and the new Guardian guy, but instead it focuses on Jesse’s insecurities involving her ex getting remarried.
Oh Gosh, Edgar and his flowers!😂 and that ending? Oh Lord, I want to see the Christmas or wedding episode where Austin picks on that jerk of an ex of Jessie. That guy was infuriating!
It is nice to see Nathanial even tho it just a short while🥲 And Tristan’s bewilderment with the whole crazy crew of Ivy House. Love that scene with Austin though. It was iterated even before that Austin knows what happens inside his territory. But it was still a surprise to me he knew about EVERYTHING. As in everything. From Ulric’s bully to Seb and Nessa’s trick. He knows. Super fun to read this series again! I will be reading the next book now🥰
As expected another winner and a wonderful paranormal romance that is so deliciously sinful. K.F. does PNR like no other and I have high expectations that she continually exceeds. I have not read one story that she has written that I have not loved and has not wowed me. I love seeing new worlds coming to life and meeting new characters and with K.F.’s wordsmithing she lets you see every single nook and cranny and vivid life of both. She always writes a story that is so unique and enthralling and so original that you can’t put them down, you have to know what is happening right away. This story is a complete delight in oh so many ways. K.F. builds so much emotions in the story and you always find yourself laughing out loud with the crazy goings on and banter between the characters. But don’t be fooled there is equal amounts of times that you will also need a tissue. Well done girl you always set the bar exceedingly high!
Another fun and delightful read that went by way too fast since I was immersed in the story. Still loving the MCs and crew as they overcome their obstacles, sometimes of their own making. lol
The pacing and writing continue to be well written to me and the story is entertaining. I wished that this book was longer to expand on some of the story threads but I'm hoping that they will be addressed in upcoming books.
Straight of the bat I was laughing, I mean it is hard not to laugh with this crew but the beginning of this book was funnier then most. I was surprised i missed it and then realized it came out after the next one, it came out of sequence and a bulk of it was setting up for the book that is coming out in a few months. It was a fun read, loved Austin as the alpha who can take a step back to let his mate shine despite his protective urges. Cannot wait for the next book to come out.
I enjoyed this novella so much. I love the insights into the life of the Ivy House members outside of the big life-threatening events. It didn't seem like a novella as many things that were packed in.
I love Edgar, and his flowers have always been a fun side quest. It was funny while being just scary enough. I would read a novella about each side character because I am so invested in this world. I was happy to support the Kickstarter for this project. I can't wait to continue in the series.
“You look like some sort of lost mountain man. Do you not own any mirrors?” “Says the woman with lipstick on her teeth.” He smirked at me, flicked his cigarette, and peeled off into the bar. I took a step back quickly, bringing my finger up to my teeth. Then I remembered I hadn’t applied lipstick,
I remember seeing the Kickstarter that included this novella but I somehow completely missed it being published as a separate kindle ebook so I'm a bit late to the party with this novella. Technically it fits into the series after Magical Midlife Alliance so I wouldn't recommend reading it before that point but it won't be a problem if you read it later. It was fun to see more background information of the magical flowers Edgar used in the big battle scene though so I'm glad I picked up this story.
I love the entire crazy Ivy House crew and the banter between them all is just fab. Edgar has always been one to go his own way and he really goes off the rail in this story so it's up to the others to try and reign him back in again. This may only be a short novella but it packs a lot of fun into those pages so while it's not an essential part of the series it's definitely a recommended one!
I loved reading this novella about how the "magical killing flowers" came to be, how Austin realized that after he mated Jessie, he forgot to take care of the things that a married couple would do, and how Nessa and Sebastian are really seen through Austin and Tristan's eyes.
I loved how Tristan came clean to Austin about Nessa's loyalty and how he worries and feels like it's too good to be true in the pack. In his old Gargoyle cairn, he wasn't treated with respect; just as a weapon because of his strange and hidden background. His former boss held it over him like a weapon. But Jessie completely welcomed him in with open arms.
When Jessie gets a post on social media about her ex-husband, Matt, getting engaged, she's shocked. He never allowed her to post anything. But the new woman is 10 years younger, and according to her son, Jimmy, his dad had to make sure that he sealed the deal before she ran. Matt doesn't cook, clean, pick up dry cleaning, nothing. Jessie used to do that for him. But Matt has a serious jealous streak. So Nessa and Austin have been posting romantic pictures on social media to show off their love. Since taking the Ivy House magic, Jessie has never looked better, whereas her ex is dying his hair and has wrinkles everywhere.
A must read! Can't wait to read book #9, after the battle. I can't wait for Austin to meet Matt!!
I love this series, so I was so excited that there would be a novella to tide me over until the next installment came out. Also, the flower show was alluded to in Magical Midlife Alliance. I was disappointed in this novella. Just so you know, I am far from a prude. I don’t mind a gratuitous sex scene when it adds to the story. But this book read like an Austin and Jesse erotica novella. The flower show was a very minute part of the story. I will continue to purchase and read anything Breene puts out with this series, and I can’t wait until she writes about Jesse going to her ex’s wedding, etc.
Re-listening October 2025 This novella fell short for me. I’m not sure why exactly. Something in it’s tone or vibe or whatever just felt off. It’s hard to explain.
Book seven in a hilarious and magical series about a forty-year-old woman starting over, stumbling into something extraordinary, and discovering that life still has so much more to offer.
Edgar doesn’t cheat at flower shows. He might use a magically enhanced serum, but anyone could! When the Ivy House crew shows up to support him, it becomes painfully clear: someone should’ve been watching Edgar much more closely. Because this time, overgrown flora is the least of their worries. Jessie’s life hits a little snag, her ex is engaged. Cue emotions she’d rather ignore, and a burning desire to show off Austin. Determined to have just one thing going right, Jessie plans a “perfect” date for Austin.
• Midlife magic and found family • Emotional chaos meets magical mayhem • Overgrown flora and inevitable disasters • Jessie stepping up (and showing off Austin) • Love, rivalry, and social media shenanigans • One “perfect” date - if everything doesn’t explode first ***
My husband says I have to put a warning on these books – once you pop you just won’t stop. Because, well, I didn’t. I read all eleven books that are currently published in under a week.
If like me, you’re craving a FMC who is a bit older and more mature, these are your books. Looking for genuinely hilarious books that will make you laugh until you cry? These are your books. Need multiple points of view and magical fantasy adventures? These are your books.
This book is a bit shorter as it was originally a novella part of the Magical Midlife Kickstarter. This means that you still get the delicious, spicy, uproariously hilarious hijinks you now expect, but on a lighter and quicker pace. Think fewer life and death battles and more flower shows with unexpected danger.
Edgar really shines in this book, which I love because Edgar is simply perfection. I always need more Edgar. I also loved getting to delve more into the pack dynamics and seeing Austin in his seemingly natural environment.
This is such a great palate cleanser in this series, technically you don’t need to read it to keep up with the story – but why would you want to miss out on such fun?
As you will see in all my reviews for this series the side characters are legit my favourites. As the books go on we meet more and more of them. You cannot conceive of the glorious weirdness, comedy gold and pure hearts that will come from Jessie’s growing crew. I have legit cackled, laughed out loud, snort and belly laughed my way through this series. They’re barmy, charming and downright dangerous.
Magical adventures with a FMC who knows better thanks to being over the sticky first part of her life, genuinely hilarious hijinks, and a story that’ll hook you so hard you’ll sacrifice sleep.
This definitely has a lot of fun with flowers if you’re into magical flower trying to kill you, lol. It’s definitely worth the read. The characters are brought to life in this book and it’s brilliant to read about them and their chemistry with each other as they grow into the Ivy House and this is the new addition to the house. We’re already read about most of the characters from the previous book but there’s still so much more that is being revealed in each book about the characters is just so fascinating to read. Their personalities are really unique and interesting that makes them so powerful that they are really cool and that makes them personable and likable. Jesse and Austin are definitely the main characters and are really in love and fun to see how they grow together and they are really fun characters. It’s very steamy! The characters come off as crazy and hilarious and sometimes they’re outright outrageous, but they’re really fun for the story. The real reason it works is that they work together and create harmony in a manner where there normally isn’t much in the first place and they strive towards it. It’s what makes it work so well, and it’s not easy either because they have problems with others working against them or trying to kill them. Their crew’s ability to work together makes it fun and strange in an otherwise chaotic environment where different species work together towards a common goal and it makes for a great fun story.