Midlife Blues

Not Too Late #2

by Victoria Danann

Rita Hayworth is not just the only American in town. She's also the only human!

For all the everyday heroines over forty who know it's NOT TOO LATE for magic!

Begins with the formerly reclusive, gentleman vampire hosting a murder mystery dinner you'll never forget, and ends with the case of the captured kelpie. From Hallow Hill to northern Ireland, don't miss your favorite judge's magical adventures.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Fae, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Mystery

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2020

About the author

Over three million books sold.
Eighteen times Amazon #1.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Victoria Danann, is the author of over forty works of romance: paranormal, scifi, fantasy, and contemporary.

Her Knights of Black Swan series was voted BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE SERIES FIVE YEARS IN A ROW!

WEBSITE: https://www.VictoriaDanann.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/authorvictoriadanann

FOLLOW ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Danan...

COZY WOMEN'S ROMANTASY

Not Too Late 1. Midlife Magic
Not Too Late 2. Midlife Mayhem
Not Too Late 3. Midlife Mojo
Not Too Late 4. Midlife at Midnight
Not Too Late 5. Midlife at Midsummer
Not Too Late 6. Trials of Tregeagle
Not Too Late 7. Hallow Hill at Halloween 1
Not Too Late 8. Hallow Hill at Halloween 2 P
Not Too Late 9. MADE


WITCHES and WARLOCKS

Witches of Wimberley 1. Willem
Witches of Wimberley 2. Witch Wants Forever
Witches of Wimberley 3. Wednesday

READING ORDER:


THE KNIGHTS OF BLACK SWAN

Knights of Black Swan 1.My Familiar Stranger
Knights of Black Swan 2. The Witch's Dream
Knights of Black Swan 3. A Summoner's Tale (BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE NOVEL OF THE YEAR, 2013)
Knights of Black Swan 4. Moonlight (BEST SHIFTER NOVEL OF THE YEAR, 2013)
Knights of Black Swan 5. Gathering Storm
Knights of Black Swan 6. A Tale of Two Kingdoms
Knights of Black Swan 7. Solomon's Sieve (BEST VAMPIRE NOVEL OF THE YEAR, 2014)
Knights of Black Swan 8. Vampire Hunter
Knights of Black Swan 9. Journey Man
Knights of Black Swan 10. Falcon (BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE NOVEL OF THE YEAR, 2016)
Knights of Black Swan 11. Jax
Knights of Black Swan 12. Deliverance
Knights of Black Swan 13. Black Dog
Knights of Black Swan 14. Trespass
Knights of Black Swan 15. Irish War Cry
Knights of Black Swan 16. The Music Demon

Order of the Black Swan Novels
Black Swan Novel, Prince of Demons


THE HYBRIDS

Exiled 1. Carnal
Exiled 2. Crave
Exiled 3, Charming


THE WEREWOLVES

New Scotia Pack 1. Shield Wolf: Liulf
New Scotia Pack 2. Wolf Lover: Konochur
New Scotia Pack 3. Fire Wolf: Cinaed

HOTBLOODED 1. Stalk


CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Sons of Sanctuary MC , Book 1. Two Princes
Sons of Sanctuary MC , Book 2. The Biker's Brother
Sons of Sanctuary MC , Book 3. Nomad
Sons of Sanctuary MC , Book 4. Devil's Marker
Sons of Sanctuary MC, Book 5. Roadhouse
Cajun Devils MC, Book 1. Batiste
Sons of Sanctuary MC, Book 5. Roadhouse

Reviews

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still fun and cute.

The story goes on where the other book ended. It's nice, I like the characters (although they are a bit flat sometimes). It's a fast, easy read though, and if you liked the first book, you'll like this one as well.

[Margaret A Oak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why make a Such a short book?

First off the story is great, what there is of it. The first book in the series was 500 pages of fae creatures and life in Hallow Hills. Full of wonderful eccentric characters. This book left me frustrated and annoyed that so much was left out and felt cut off in the end and with only 132 pages there could have been much more that was glossed over and left unsaid. V. Dannan is a great writer and I'm sad I have to wait 2 months for next installment. I wished I could give 5 stars the characters and story are captivating but the short storyline felt incomplete

[Ann Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita Hayworth is now growing into her mantle of being a magistrate at Hallow Hill. For a small English village, the magical residents thrive on being busy. They work as hard as they party.
This year’s party is especially unusual because it’s happening the normally reclusive vampire’s manor home (talk about atmosphere). It’s all fun until the murder mystery party turns into a wild baffling night. There is more a foot than a night of food, drink and mystery. As the night progresses will Rita find out who is killing more than the booze?
This is the second book in the series “Not to Late” by Victoria Danann. It’s a puzzle of a whodunnit. Enjoy the dessert “crepes la orange flambé” and a cordial of orange dessert wine, and hope you can survive the night’s festivities.

[Pam James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of the seat good!

Goodness this book is so good. I love the way Rita's wicked mind thinks. Her solutions to problems are superb! Fantastic story! I would love to go to John David's Muder Mystery dinner. So much fun! Lots of intrigue in this book. It's another laugh out loud, got you sitting on the edge of your seat, can't wait to find out what happens next book! Another one of my favorite books of the year! I can't wait for the next book! From a Forever Fan... Pam James.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fantastic; however, I highly recommend that it is read in book order to fully appreciate it. Can't wait for Rita Hayworth's (yes, that is the main character's name) next magical adventure.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the series and what an adventure it is. A murder mystery dinner hosted by a vampire with a big surprise. Rita’s first time running the Court meet starts with Lochlan to help (as much as allowed) and Keir by her side to keep order. I won’t say what happens, but it’s very entertaining. This story is fun and has lots of humor and suspense. Victorian Danann does what she always does, pulls you into the story making you feel you are a part of the action. I look forward to the next book and what surprises are in store for us.

[Kourtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect escape read

When the stress of daily life is grinding you into dust, this book is the perfect escape. I laughed, I smiled, I gasped. The book sucked me into the daily life of the magistrate and I loved every minute of it. The writing is super smooth, the characters completely lovable and loathable. The worldbuilding is well done and I never felt lost or confused. I loved the murder mystery party that the vampire threw. There are so many fun moments in this story—it’s impossible to list them all. This is a guaranteed great read! I highly recommend it!

[Pam James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of the seat good!

Goodness this book is so good. I love the way Rita's wicked mind thinks. Her solutions to problems are superb! Fantastic story! I would love to go to John David's Muder Mystery dinner. So much fun! Lots of intrigue in this book. It's another laugh out loud, got you sitting on the edge of your seat, can't wait to find out what happens next book! Another one of my favorite books of the year! I can't wait for the next book! From a Forever Fan... Pam James.

[Gskm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I became fascinated with Rita in book 1 and this book met all of my expectations. The Court Meet gave us the ability to see more supernatural species interact as well as know more about Rita, Kier and Lachlan. I am thoroughly captivated. To get the most from this book, you definitely need to read book 1. I love the whole premise of the series and will anxiously await book 3.

[IdRatherBeReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magistrate making changes

Book 2 is all about how Rita the magistrate is attempting to fix Magic kind. We heard a few cases and the rulings on how Rita handled the situations, and honestly it was awesome. My most favorite part was the Phoenixes! That got me teary eyed because I knew the importance of what they did for her. John the vampire keeps making appearances that make me like him more and more. And of course how awesome are the sephalins, one who is Rita’s lover and the other 2 his brothers. Such a perfect book.

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midlife Blues

Book two continues in the fun way only found in Hallow Hill. Rita discovers even at her age she can still learn about herself the the kind of person she is. There's a fun dress up dinner party with friends, then court is in session. I couldn't wait to see the cases that would be brought up in this paranormal world. Bring on the next book quickly.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading more about Rita Hayworth and the small community of Hallow Hill. The cases that she adjudicated at the court meet were fascinating to me. Her sense of humor often made me laugh as she presided over the cases. I also felt her more somber emotions as she reviewed each case. I can't wait to get back to see what Rita is up to next.

[J.S. Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this World

An older heroine, a strange new land, magical folks, friends, riches, power; what a way to step into midlife. The world building is rich with creativity and expansive in the myths of magical creatures often not included in paranormal romance. I’m enjoying this series as if listening to a friend tell me about a perfect vacation.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never thought I could love a character more. Rita's spunk, humor, love, adventurous spirit even after all the things that she'd been through throughout her life is inspiring. Vampire hosting a party how cool is that.

[Helen Maddix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

This book moved our h on her journey, by showing the readers the Court, and our h learning how to do her job as Magistrate. It also sets up Book 3. Seems a little short, but I enjoyed the book.

[Dorimar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seinfeld’s book equivalent ?

These books feel like A Day in the Life short story that went a few hundred words too long. They read like a preamble or when a writer is introducing characters and their background to then get into the nuts and bolts of the story; except that all this background information. Leads nowhere, no hero’s journey or anything. Perhaps these are the equivalent to Seinfeld, the tv show about nothing.

The author does a good job of describing the locations and characters but there are holes (like the hex that arrived in the shop overnight) that are potentially missed opportunities.

[lisa jane costello · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough depth

I persevered to the second book because it's a really good story, the plot it good and could be amazing. I gave up when the collection of Phoenix got a bit more that a paragraph. I don't understand how it can be "a first" an amazing sight, never been seen before and then whittled down to being described as "bright". For me there isn't enough descriptive writing, I feel like i need to prompt the author, like I do my 10 year old child, what did she see? how did that make her feel?
I also don't understand the attraction to Keir either, apart from a physical one! Ritas just come out of a bad marriage and let's some one basicly move in with her, which all seems to be his idea, and she describes him more than once as a "player" he flatters her, but honestly he seems quite dense. In the last book it ended where Rita was flying on him, I wanted to experience that with her, but there was just nothing! She flew, it was quite comfy, she wasn't scared- that was it!
I hate to give negative reviews, and this series has so many amazing ones! I'm disappointed. The plot is good but the writing is lacking. That's my opinion anyway.

[Erinw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was mostly an interesting and entertaining story of a human woman who becomes judge of a society of paranormals. Most of the story details the trials she rules over and the innovative rulings she makes. That part of the book is a five star read. The beginning of the book concerns a fancy dinner party that makes no sense in terms of advancement of the plot and the last chapter made me say huh? Didn't understand it at all. I'm not a big fan of "was it a dream?" cliffhanger endings in which you don't know what is real and what is not.

While I wouldn't consider these books mysteries, they are a cozy read - interesting but not much action. Rita's character is too good to be true and life seems to be overly good for a riveting storyline, but I'll read the next one to see how I like it. The world building and writing is very good, I just would like to see a storyline plot instead of a retelling of someone's day.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books don't really have plots. They just follow around a 40+ year old mundane woman who was selected to be a judge (of supernaturals) as she gains confidence and is nearly worshipped by a host of supernaturals who trip over themselves to honor her. She succeeds at everything immediately. There's never any tension. It's entirely escapist writing - there's no plot. It's pleasant enough, but boring.

[Sarah D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read and an improvement over the first book. It was fun to read about the cases and the creative solutions/judgements.

That said, this is really not a book. It maybe qualifies as a novella, except it reads as incomplete. A book should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Even if it ends on a cliff hanger or the series continues, a book should include a complete and identifiable story of some sort. This was really just an interlude that ended abruptly.

The logical conclusion of this book would be for the last court case to end and then probably an epilogue where Rita pranks John David, to bookend the prologue. Instead it just ends in the middle of the last court case. It's not even a cliff hanger.

Luckily, there's no harm because the next book is already released, but just randomly ending a book is not the hallmark of a great writer, and it would have discouraged me from continuing with the series if I'd been reading this book as a new release.

As I start the next book, though, I realize that Book 2 really does just end abruptly. Book 3 picks up... when? Several weeks later or the next day? It's really unclear, but we never witness the end of the kelpie case. There's a brief update on it and a description of the town getting ready for Yule (as though the next book is starting several weeks later), but Rita says the Jersey Devil visited her just last night (so is it the next day?).

Then I stopped reading Book 3 after a few pages. Kier's reaction to the Jersey Devil breaking into Rita's house is to shrug, criticize her, then go watch sports on TV. Is this really the best we can do for the romantic interest here? Thanks, but I'd rather stay single if I were in Rita's shoes.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much as I was deeply disappointed by the lack of descriptive steamy sex in the first book of the series, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters so much so that I decided to finish the entire series. Not so with any other book in this genre without the spice. I have always previously DNF’d any book lacking in that respect. But that’s how good this author is, that she can elicit such interest and time investment from me without giving me any of what I am most desiring of my recreational fiction. Her description of Kier’s physical attributes and prowess is enough to drive me forward. I just have to use my imagination for Rita and Keir’s bedroom antics or as Rita describes “Keir Culain’s ‘nocturnal exercise regime.” Even without the steamy stuff, the story held me captive and I enjoyed every minute, especially all the cases brought before Magistrate Rita Hayworth. It was a quicker read than the first book, and I knew what to expect. I gave the first one 4 out of 5 stars because I expected something different and it was very weak in the sexual intimacy department. There was potential that made me hope there might be more later, but alas, notsomuch. The ef word came up once, like in the first book which is so refreshing and proves the skillful storytelling skills when an author can elaborate without using expletives. It is also in keeping with Rita’s age. Danaan is a masterful writer and even though I would like to see her stretch her erotica wings I truly enjoyed every word in this book, loved living this life with Rita. 5 stars because it stands high even without the spice.

[Katyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! The court cases were fascinating, as was the way Rita handled them.

Fair warning, though, that this may not be everyone's cup of tea - there's no life-or-death fights, Rita isn't having to battle, it isn't really anything you'd consider UF. But I feel like it's a fascinating take on the supernatural world and a mundane human woman finding her way after being dropped into the middle of it ... in a position of power.

I really like Rita - she is kind, compassionate, and determined to make a difference. She might feel enraged by a case she has to deal with, but she doesn't let it influence her ruling or turn her vengeful.

I do wonder, though, if we're going to have some life-or-death consequences when the royal fae decide they are not interested in reforming their ways to be a little bit decent. But even if that never happens, I am honestly enjoying the series.

[Maria Elmvang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot shorter than the first book in the series (about half the length in fact) which was quite the surprise, but still very enjoyable. This book covers the first trials Rita presides over - some in a LOT of detail, others less so. Again the Mary Sue aspect is strong in this one, but the outcomes of the trials are so very satisfying that I don't even care :-P

I don't quite buy the relationship between Rita and Keir - the friendship is obvious, the romance seems to be more tell than show. I love seeing John David coming a bit further out of his shell though!

Quick read that was easily devoured in a day.

[Deb Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breath of fresh air

First, a story full of magic and love. But mainly the heroine is not some vapid 20ish with no idea of the world. She is middle age but fully alive and living her best life. Danann has always had great comedic timing and this book is no different. It is a joy to read with the only downside being that there is only one book left. I could read Danann endlessly if only she would keep writing. This series is one of her best and she has so many great books already. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

[Carol Van horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita has settled into her new life and has met most of the people who live in the village. She's learning more about her new position in Court. She's now divorced from azzhat and has a new man in her life who simply adores her. She has a new home and helped a friend gain independence and confidence.

Now she is learning on the job as Magistrate and has her first few cases under her belt. She now has to learn to handle the consequences of one of those cases. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out in the next few books.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Rita Hayworth is not your typical heroine. She is middle aged, divorced with a daughter. She spent too many years in a marriage pleasing everyone but herself. Now is her time. Rita begins her new duties training and becoming a magistrate for a supernatural/paranormal village that straddles the human and mystical realm. Rita must learn to navigate and evolve into a judge. She has help along the way from vampires, brownies, sephalians, fae and many more. Refreshing and so consuming. Great characters, amazing world building. I am so looking forward to many more tales of Rita!

[Chad A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A recently discovered subgenre

This is the second series like this I am currently reading. I am not Chad but rather his other half and I do personally relate to the main characters. I think it's an amazing idea to make the main characters forth something women and I love that you touch on issues that we seasoned women are living with. It just seems like everything comes together too easily. Not sure exactly what I'd do to fix it. That being said, I love your work and plan on devouring your next book shortly.

[Karen Robeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loads of fun!

Our magical kingdom was established in book one, and the first judgments, in book 2, has all the drama I was looking forward to.
It isn't often I have specific reasons to pursue the sequel in a series.
With Midlife Blues you feel one section is complete and it is your choice to continue without being forced to. But guess what! You want to see what happens next! You do need to read book 1 first and build the magical world, but the storyline compels you to keep going.
I am enjoying Rita's adventures but don't feel a cliffhanger, which I hate.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Magistrate is off and running.

Rita is still unsure about her role as magistrate, she if continuously second guessing herself. That is until court starts and she begins hearing the cases. It is as if she really was made for this position. But, the cases become increasingly more difficult as the days go on. Will she be all she needs to be for not only herself but all of the magical kingdom?
This is an excellent second book in series. The story development and world building is simply amazing. I highly recommend this book and series. I am on my way to read book 3.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light-hearted and fun story. Not real deep, but good world building and humor. The secondary characters and the trial cases are entertaining. The romance got serious awfully fast for someone who just went through a messy divorce. Plus the main female character's strong interest in clothing and shoes is not a particular interest of mine, so that part was a little boring for me. This is the second book of a series and since it's on KU, I'll go on to the next one.