Maya thought marrying a shadow demon warlord was the craziest thing she'd ever do. She was wrong.
As she faces escalating attacks from hate groups, Maya discovers that having a hybrid baby doesn't make her vulnerable—it makes her dangerous.
And Maya is about to face her biggest challenges yet.
This is the explosive conclusion to Maya's journey from anxious barista to fierce mother, where she proves that sometimes the best response to people trying to silence you is to speak even louder.
Lara 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).
Little Bean brings Maya’s Blog to a close, with tears, drama and, yes, more growth and more hopeful happiness in the future for her and her growing family and friends.
Maya’s undergone so many dramatic changes from the broken abused human who started a blog she wasn’t sure anyone would want to read to a paranormal being herself with readers in the millions from many realms (it’s listed at the top of every chapter). She’s documented her journey, her fears and the challenges, every milestone and every step backwards. Her successes and her failures.
And each one has been one that’s had resonated with me, deeply, with this remarkable character that the author has framed out in this great blog format.
There’s side stories about women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. And the organization that offers them and their children more than just food and shelter.
It’s about recovery, healing, and the ability to accept help to move forward when needed. It’s emotional magic and it’s honestly so hard to put into words, what it means to read this series and reach the end.
I’m not ready. Truly I’m not.
So I’ll leave you with this small piece at the end.
From Maya to her readers as she writes as she thinks about what comes next, just one tiny bit.
“You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to want more than survival. You’re allowed to fall apart and rebuild yourself into something new. You’re allowed to be scared and brave at the same time.”
I can’t even get past the rest without going back and starting over. With tissues.
Given the current state of our world, especially for women, this character and series hits hard. An emotional gut punch, book by book.
Laughing, crying, recovery, loss, and renewed strength to move forward.
It’s a series I never expected when I first started reading. New author and format. But it’s one that’s stuck with me and it’s been a great read and source of comfort.
Now I’m passing it along to you. It a special kind of treasure, something to share with the next person who you think might be want a special voice in their lives.
The cover has a tag, An Umbrafore novel, which might possibly promise more novels to come in this chaotic universe. I can always hope.
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 - series finale
Little Bean brings Maya’s Blog to a close, with tears, drama and, yes, more growth and more hopeful happiness in the future for her and her growing family and friends.
Maya’s undergone so many dramatic changes from the broken abused human who started a blog she wasn’t sure anyone would want to read to a paranormal being herself with readers in the millions from many realms (it’s listed at the top of every chapter). She’s documented her journey, her fears and the challenges, every milestone and every step backwards. Her successes and her failures.
And each one has been one that’s had resonated with me, deeply, with this remarkable character that the author has framed out in this great blog format.
There’s side stories about women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. And the organization that offers them and their children more than just food and shelter.
It’s about recovery, healing, and the ability to accept help to move forward when needed. It’s emotional magic and it’s honestly so hard to put into words, what it means to read this series and reach the end.
I’m not ready. Truly I’m not.
So I’ll leave you with this small piece at the end.
From Maya to her readers as she writes as she thinks about what comes next, just one tiny bit.
“You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to want more than survival. You’re allowed to fall apart and rebuild yourself into something new. You’re allowed to be scared and brave at the same time.”
I can’t even get past the rest without going back and starting over. With tissues.
Given the current state of our world, especially for women, this character and series hits hard. An emotional gut punch, book by book.
Laughing, crying, recovery, loss, and renewed strength to move forward.
It’s a series I never expected when I first started reading. New author and format. But it’s one that’s stuck with me and it’s been a great read and source of comfort.
Now I’m passing it along to you. It a special kind of treasure, something to share with the next person who you think might be want a special voice in their lives.
The cover has a tag, An Umbrafore novel, which might possibly promise more novels to come in this chaotic universe. I can always hope.
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 - series finale
The book club and merch everyone can get onboard with
This is the most perfect ending to an amazing series. Do I want to know more about Dax and Flint and Nico? Yes. Of course. Am I satisfied with the uncertainty of whether they will get books of their own? Also yes. Do I wish there was more Maya and Scorpion in the works? 100% yes but I think the overall arc of this series is perfect to end right here.
Maya and Scorpion continue to be absolute perfection for a romance couple. The pacing and storyline and antagonist resolution all work so perfectly. I cannot think of a single thing that I would change. Across a 5 book series, to have zero flags and a 5 star rating on every single book is unheard of from me. I typically get pickier and find minor errors add up along the way. This series though is way above average.
Obviously it's a fantasy romance based novel. It's a blog format which is a really unique style. It's completely closed door. It's not realism but it's got a lot of very realistic scenarios as far as mental health and emotional processing goes, and the fantasy/supernatural elements never actually exceed the baseline set by book 1. None of it feels forced or has any hint of the author just trying to drag another book out - it just makes sense as the series progresses.
Genevieve merch could possibly be the only merch I'd be willing to cough up cash for. And if anyone has a book club similar to Imogen's please let me join. Please.
This book alternately makes me want to scream into a pillow because it seems to be the last one in the series and I am honestly, NOT READY. I will never be ready. Please! Please write more. I have never, in all my 44 years of reading had such an emotionally immersive experience as this series took me through. I have such a nuclear explosion size book hangover after each one of these, it takes me days and multiple visits to my therapist to process all of the healing that these books deliver. And Little Bean does not fail at delivering the most healing of all. The suspense, the bravery, the inner strength that is found by our found family in this last chapter is unbelievable. I again was laughing so hard at some of the chapters, my husband was worried. What a great conclusion! Could not have dreamt of a better close on the best series I have ever read. I have never felt more inspired or felt so seen and understood by a complete stranger, but these books have helped me start back onto my own path of healing. Words are never enough to give the utter joy, happiness, inspiration, and affirmations than Lara McKenzie put down on these pages. Thank you from the bottom of my bent and scarred but healing heart and soul.
This book is for everyone, even us nuerosparkly loves out there.
But I’m currently tearing up as I didn’t know it was the last one till I went to check when the next one was coming out. That’s how much I love this book. That losing this new book found family I’ve grown to love is making me actually cry.
This has been my absolute favorite new series and I read 10 books minimum a month, usually way more.
The emotional depth and hilarious, literal laugh out loud snarky humor mixed with the incredible found family feels and characters you will fall in love with has made this one of the best series i have read in a long time.
I am begging this author to please, PLEASE write more books in this universe. We all need it you brilliantly beautiful writer you.
unique and fun when we need more of that in this world
I truly enjoyed this entire series immensely. I found myself constantly wishing I could talk in a way that was as hilarious and engaging as Lara McKenzie writes in her books. I can honestly say reading these books brightened my days that might have otherwise been dark at times. I hope she continues to write many more novels and I hope you will read these as I think they are definitely 100% worth it. Needless to say her quirky and funny ways of writing are beyond measure, and I am here for it .
I've really enjoyed Maya's story, there are little bits of what all of us go through and feel on a daily basis. I highly recommend reading this and all of the blog books. The blog premise was different and made the story more interesting. The pacing was good and did not drag on as so many series do. I'm going to miss Maya, hopefully Ms. McKenzie has some more great books in the works.
Excellent 5th book. Drama…trauma and chaos. So many truths. The short look into pregnancy and early motherhood are exactly as most of us experience. Fear and lack of safety, whether written in the “supernatural “ world or the mundane exist. There are many reasons to read these books but the top reason is simply identifying with the characters and learning about yourself. Love the blog/response formate. Very excellent for us ADHD readers!
I rarely review anything, but felt I had to for this series. It kept me company (and sane) during the last few weeks of hospital outpatient visits for my husband. The way it was written was perfect. Short bursts and great humour. I'm sure people were looking at me as though I was strange as I chuckled my way through. I kept it for those visits until the last few chapters, when I had to go on to the end.
The important part of the title of this book, to me, is With Heart. So much heart in this story! I’ve grown to love all of these characters so much! I didn’t mean to read it all in one day - I intended to take my time with the story, but I simply could not put it down. This story took me through the whole gamut of emotions and I loved every second!
What a great ending to Maya's saga. I devoured this book in one afternoon. More adventurous for Draven family, and it was lovely to see progression from pregnant and uncomfortable, to struggling new parents to settled safe and happy. Jokes were flying, drama was pouring but it all ended exactly how it should.
Loooooved, loved, loved this series. The characters (with the notable exception of a few who earned and deserved all the scorn and loathing that could be heaped upon them); Maya's journey; and all the funny, precious, and/or chaotic moments that came with them. 10/10 definitely recommend.
This series has all the feels! I laughed, I cried, I got angry! Beautiful way to deliver a message wrapped in a beautiful lovestory that was total chaos in the absolutely best most magical way that absolutely reflected daily human existence! Can’t wait for mote stories from this author! Found family and healing generational wounds just wow 🤩
I literally read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. This book, this whole series actually, healed a part of my spirit. It made me laugh, cry, and hope.
Touching and funny and thrilling. I’ve read every book this week and I only wish that there were more. No synopsis because you have to read it for yourself.
Loved all of these books. Great ending. If I had any complaints I would have loved more comments from the blog readers. They are always fun. I had several laugh out load moments with my husband looking at me funny.
These books are amazing. They keep you intrigued and reading as quickly as possible. They are a series and you really have to read them in order, but it's well worth it.
Series finale. Not happily ever after. Happily healing, found family and love even after. Maya's life is still under fire by project purity and she and Scorpion are just trying to survive parenthood.
I loved how this book was written. I really hope that another will come when it's the right time. I want to read about the child growing up and making her way in the world.
I’m wrecked. This book had me in tears several times. Heartwrenched and then later on happy tears. Get your tissues ready because this one is doozy of an emotional rollercoaster ending on a happy note.
I love these books! They are so easy to read and I get so engrossed what's happening to Maya and her family and before you know it the book is finished! I really really hope there are more coming as I will miss Maya and her blogs if not
All of these author's books make a different part of my heart happy. The ridiculous moments, side characters, and care that goes into writing really shows.
Go indie authors and thanks for giving me something to read on days my heart and brain need a break.
Maya powerfully continues to learn how to value herself and protect others. Somehow the stories manage to be both gently humorous and violent. The blog writing style transcends the standard formulas for writing books.
An amazing cast of characters. A story which twists and turns..the while series is brilliantly written. One of those rare series where you look forward to the next instalment
Is this book perfect? Not really. There are frustratingly repetitive parts and “oh my god can they breathe already” sections galore, but do I love this series beyond measure? Yes. It’s brilliant, and funny, and a total mess but I can’t wait for the next one.