Magical Twist

Midlife Witchery #3

by Brenda Trim

Rumor has it that midlife is for drinking wine, traveling, and discovering the joy of life. But there's no rest for the wicked. Or for a Fae-witch hybrid like myself.

Danger follows me everywhere - even to the grocery store - as the evil entity continues to stalk supernaturals in Cottlehill Wilds. But I barely have time to worry about that now that the Fae Queen is dead.

My bad. No, seriously. I let my power loose and it took over.

Leaving Grams behind to return to Eidothea and fight a war wasn't exactly in my plans. As usual, I'm totally clueless. At least I have my orthotic inserts to keep me on my feet and Sebastian and his irresistible kisses to lift my spirits when things go wrong.

And let's face it: things are going to go wrong.

Just because I can cast a spell without burning off my eyebrows now doesn't mean I can survive giant trolls, bogharts, or the insane Fae King. And since my best friends refuse to let me face this battle alone, the stress of saving the realm and the people I love most in both worlds is threatening to turn me prematurely grey.

Sometimes being the Guardian really sucks.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2021

About the author

Brenda's Paranormal Women's Fiction

Mystical Midlife in Maine Series
1. Magical Makeover
2. Laugh Lines & Lost Things
3. Hellmouth & Hot Flashes
4. Holidays With Hades
5. Saggy But Witty in Crescent City
6. Nasty Curses & Big Purses
7. Fae Forged Axes & Chin Waxes
8. Demonic Stones & Creaky Bones
9. Underworld Frights & Sleepless Nights
10. Pixie Dust & Brain Rust
11. Magical Hands & Silver Strands
12. Deadly Quips & Furry Lips
13. Enchanted Tattoos & Lost Fools
14. Shady Secrets & Sun Spots

Twisted Sisters Midlife Maelstrom Series
1. Packing Serious Magical Mojo
2. Cadaver On Canal Street
3. Seances & Second Line Parades
4. French Quarter Fae
5. King's Day Magical Mischief
6. Etou-Fae The Hard Way
7. Hurricanes, Heros & Hail Marys
8. Royal Street Romp
9. Levees, Lost Crowns & Loa
10. Mud Bugs & Cherished Hugs
11. Creole Dishes & Deadly Wishes

Brenda's Paranormal Romance Books
DARK WARRIOR ALLIANCE SERIES
1. Dream Warrior
2. Mystik Warrior
3. Pemas Storm
4. Isis Betrayal
5. Deviant Warrior
6. Suvi's Revenge
7. Scarred Warrior
8. Hellbound Warrior
9. Isobel
10. Rogue Warrior
11. Shattered Warrior

Reviews

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midlife is a whole different story when you find out you are a supernatural witch hybrid with a lot of power.
Not quite the midlife crisis I was thinking of!
However, I am now in charge of helping get rid of the evil Fae king.
And protecting my new home in Pymm's Pondside England.
I am learning about how to be a witch and use my powers.
But I have a great group of new friends and a romantic interest as well. Just didn't think I would have to end a war to get through all this!
OH well, I'm sure we will get to the relax and drink wine part of this life sometime. Meanwhile a kingdom to save and my new home to keep safe. MIdlife is a whole new kettle of fish!

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The battle continues and there is more danger then ever. Fiona and Bas I really like and couldn’t get enough of them. This was a good story with great characters. I can’t wait too read what will happen next.



I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[David Bernard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a good idea to rely on spell check as an editor.

I liked the characters and story, which is why I read all three books in this series. However, after book 3, I doubt I will read any of the other books by this author. The amount of errors became irritating as I read. Example - “They would never have been able to their power if the possessed it.” and small thing like ‘belong’ where it should have been ‘be long’ “I won’t belong”. For me, these type of errors disrupt the flow when I am immersed in a story. I can deal with one or two but book 3 had entirely too many. Disappointing.

[Dee Currey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rythum Needs fixed.

Like main character and her pose .characters seem well developed and stories make some sense. Magical Fights need help.And really you and the boyfriend are escaping a dugeon and bad guys could trap you any second and your making out huh!!! And another thing I noticed in earlier story in the middle of characters talking author decided to drop in information or history lesson about earlier book huh!! Half page later she gets back to the conversation the characters are having.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! This time the story just dove in feet first into the deep end! Fiona and Grams are a pair! Vordor is trying his best to get Fiona and it seems the Bo40 is heading into the fight in Eidothea. Poor Fiona being pulled in a hundred different directions all to quickly, being over 50 I completely sympathize with her complaints! Am glad the all of Bo40 are keeping it real and sticking together on this! The trip into Eidothea is eventful and eye opening to everyone. Bad guys abound, bad guys go down, however the good guys take a lot of hard knocks! Captured, thrown in the dungeon, paraded in front of the snob nobility, had food thrown at her and placed in an uncomfortable position all so Vordor can look as if he is all important. In the end the Bo40 and the Eidothea rebellion kick butt and Vordor is no more!!! The portal is once again put in place, the Bo40 group goes home to heal and the rebellion begins the task of reorganizing their home country. The Bo40 gets home only to find out the killings haven't stopped so they are again on the hunt for a bad guy. Fiona is good, just sore and wanting a bath; Violet is healing but mentions she feels different and beginning to worry about it; Aislynn is healing and worried about Argies.... a romance waiting to happen or already happening?? Grams is still there and solid....one of many puzzles to figure out. The girls kicked butt! So looking forward to the next story... the teaser indicates it's Violets story soooooo !!!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue-Dee Numb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from opening this is an action packed entry! The book starts right where we left off, with the Fairy Queen Thelvienne dead, they throw her back into Fairy, but King Vodor is not going to let this pass and is going to come gunning for the portal that Fiona's family have guarded for generations
The ladies of the Backside of Forty venture into Fairy where they join with the Underground group to de-throne King Vodor who has been misusing Fairies and syphons their energies to inflate is own, but he has his sights firmly on Fiona who would surely be a great source of power for him. Can they survive?

I really love this series it shows the benefits of being a slightly older woman with power and the downsides too (sore knees anyone?) The characters relationships and friendships are so well written, I have to admit my heart was in my throat more than once. I am really looking forward to the next instalment, and that is always a great endorsement for a series when you are looking forward to what is coming

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Fiona has her hands full this time. As if killing Queen Thelvienne and absorbing her magic wasn't bad enough, now she has to deal with an angry King. Vodor gets in the first strike when he attacks Fiona through the portal, but she manages to shut him down and prepares to bring the battle to him. Meanwhile, Fiona and Bas get closer and he admits his feelings to her but she is not sure she has time to have a relationship with all the current turmoil.

Fiona is going to go through some changes in this one as her magic grows stronger. She is also going to get the crap knocked out of her a couple of times. After all, she is still a middle-aged woman with a bad knee. Violet and Aislinn have their friend's back through it all. Find out what happens when all three of them head off to bring Vodor down. Will they all make it back unscathed?

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona has just killed Thelvienne, the Fae Queen, and absorbed her power. Her adventures will take her from Pymm's Pondside, near Cottlehill Wilds in England to the debauched city of Eidothea, where she will need her friends' help to combat Vodor, the evil Fae King. The fight would be hard enough for a young woman, but a middle-aged woman with all the middle-aged aches and pains that go with it make it just that more interesting.
This story keeps getting better as it goes along. Fiona starts her life over after raising her children and burying her husband, and finds out she is half witch and half Fae after her Grams dies. Along the way, she kindles new friendships and deepens others, all while saving the world for both supernaturals and humans. It is a fantastic series, each book better than the last. It is best read as a series, in order.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally The Backside of Forty bring war to the Fae realm.

I totally loved this book. However, the start was scary with the mausoleum catching fire. As usual the King relies on his illusions to fight. Fiona sees through them though. When they get to Eidothea they find themselves surrounded. They discover what ties the portal to one spot in Eidothea. After that they relocate the portal so the Evil King doesn't know where it is. Everyone gets injured & comes home after the war different! Everyone's powers were affected in the Fae realm. Violet needs to do research to figure out what her new tattoo means. Bas & Fiona finally admit their real feelings for each other. And I am excited for book 4, yet ecstatic after reading the spin off series based on Phones! Loved this book and the hook up that were made.😉

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This is the third book in the series, finishing the story arc of Fiona vs. the Fae King and Queen. You need to have read books one and two first, and this one ends with a few loose threads to be tidied up later!

Fiona has managed to kill the Fae Queen, which she realizes puts her squarely in the crosshairs of the Fae king.
It means another trip to the Fae realm, and the chance to bring the fight to the rebellion before they face off with the king.
Of course, life doesn’t always make things easy…

Another gripping addition to this magical midlife series, this book is filled with midlife worries, magical opponents, and a few impossible magical feats- which might be impossible only if you know that!
An entertaining read for PWF fans and urban fantasy lovers.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not as good as the shrouded Nation series but has gotten better with each book and while the references to the dodgy knee and hot flashing has lessened a bit compared to the first it still is mentioned a bit but much in my opinion but I still.am enjoying ther series. There are minor other things like the use of peppermint creamer in coffee that screams American writer. I am in Scotland so not absolutely sure it cannot be found in England but I know in Scotland we do not have access to things like that easily here not like America at least the liquid flavoured ones I have seen American's use we have the powdered version of coffee mate and I was able to get some flavoured ones once from amazon but pretty expensive and not widely available

[Lya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is good, but grammatical errors abound.

I love the story, which is why I keep reading, but I get snagged by too many proofreading problems. There are sentences that don't hold together or are actually sentence fragments. Lots of grammatical errors exist throughout the book.. In one of the books, a character was making tacos and two paragraphs later, at the beginning of the next chapter, they are making stew and the tacos disappeared from the story.

I would definitely up my ratings if the books were edited more carefully, since I am still reading despite all these issues. Normally, I would have already moved on.

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magically delicious

Lots of things happen in this book! It’s a bit of a wild ride spanning both Pimms Pondside and the land of fairy! Our girls from the backside of forty are still trying to find the killer there and figure out how to dethrone the king of the Fea as well as deal with all the new magical things coming at them! I love seeing middle age woman owning it. Owning being older, owning whatever life throws at them and just owning who they are with out apology. This story as all the feels, a beautiful love story, epic battles and hints of things to come! Love the book! Loved the narrator! Both are well done and highly entertaining.

[Melissa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is aptly named. Hard to write a review without spoiling it. The Backside of Forty soldiers are battling on for the Fae realm. Its got some family drama though not nearly as much as the last installment. Still numerous references to the aches and pains of aging but not as intrusive this time. Fiona comes off quite powerful. At the end one battle is put to bed and another seems to be gearing up with the preview for book 4.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tricia S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fionna is back, trying to understand her Fae-witch hybrid powers. She has made some magical friends and some very powerful enemies. After killing the Queen of the fae world, the King comes after her. The power hungry King is zeroing in on Fionna and all her friends. I like books that feature older women, cats are a plus so is ghosts. There may not be any cats but there is a ghost, Fionna's grandma. Paranormal books are usually good and this book is no exception. This series is fun and easy to read, also the characters are so likable. I can't wait til book 4 comes out on June 8th.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time of change.

Brenda Trim has written a fast pace fantastic book. Her main characters have trying time, That they over come. Sparks fly between Fiona and Bad which was bound to happen. Violet has a new makes on her chest that has her magic feeling different. Violet's children are thinking about moving to MY and live with Fiona's children. Lots have changed but the best is love is in the air and magic has nothing to do with it. Can't wait for the n ext book that's out in May.

[lynn miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

More adventures with the Backside of fourth crew Fiona,Violet and Aislinn . And of course the sexy brooding Fae warrior Bas .
Of course she gets into trouble of course she aches and pains, but Fiona has the courage and strength of a woman half her age and magic to back it up . I love Fiona and her little chats to herself, she kicks the villains to the curb and manages to get herself a hot man in the process all while sporting wrinkles and stretch marks .
Great series .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Loretta TheMoodyRedhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty much about Fiona, The Backside of Forty, and the guys overthrowing the Evil Fae King Vodor. There was quite a bit of excitement and a lot of fighting and limbs being dislocated.

Fiona noticed something different about her friend Violet after the altercation with the kings guards, but can’t quite put her finger on what exactly changed. The end of this book is from Violet’s perspective rather than Fiona’s, so I imagine Book 4 will be about Violet’s new powers.

Next book is the 4th of 10 - “My Magical Life to Live”

[Tara Heilman]

Fiona managed to kill the Fae Queen, but the King is still a threat. Her biggest battle will take place in the Fae Realm. It won't be easy, but nothing is after you hit 40. The group definitely have their hands full this time around. With Fiona having a better handle on her magic, the girls are more powerful than ever. The action starts from the the first page and is non stop throughout. Absolutely loved it! Tis is my voluntary opinion of an advanced copy I received.

[William Vegvari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. The characters were well in sync with each other and had the story move at a continuous pace.
A bit of witchcraft and paranormal powers really gave it some interest leaving you with the "what's going to happen next" scenario.
If you enjoy this genre then I recommend this book, but be prepared to lose yourself and not notice the time flying by.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing Battle . . .

I really enjoyed this story with all of the action and things going on. The battle continues and the danger to everyone Fiona cares about increases. As Fiona and Bas get closer, he admits his feelings for her but this is not necessarily the right time to do anything about this.

The story line is good, fast-paced, and the characters are memorable. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book!

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona is the Guardian of the Portal and still trying to figure out her magic. She has just accidentally killed the Fae Queen and absorbed her magic when she is attacked by the Fae King through the Portal. It feels like her power is being siphoned and she has to come up with a solution to cut the Fae magic off at the Portal then she can join the resistance and work to get rid of the Evil Fae King. This story is pretty much non-stop action with some romance thrown in. Highly recommended.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of women on the Backside of Forty work together to battle evil. Most have other responsibilities, to Coven or family, but all have a devotion to following what their instincts tell them is right - which sometimes leads them into conflicts with group, family or coven

Pitched battles, romance and betrayed alliances make for a messy and deadly trail of tragedy

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

The battle continues in Book 3. Defeating the Fae Queen was step one. Fiona and her friends must now face the challenge of the Fae King. I absolutely love the take on this story. Learning you have magic at a later age in life brings its own challenges, and the author's take on it is refreshing.
The story moves rapidly in this book. I love this world created by the author. Fun read.

I received an ARC of the story in exchange for an honest review.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the fae queen dead it's time to deal with the evil fae king. Events speed up, magic becomes the new mantra as good and evil face each other in the land of the fae. Personal emotions, strengths, weaknesses all need to be faced, he who dares all shall win.

This is not the end of the series and I'm glad about that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Wow and I thought the first 2 books in the series were good
This one was phenomenal! So much action with a little bit of heated sex
The characters are great and I found myself cheering them on...
Fiona and Sebastian have so much sexual heat between them that they just may explode!
The Backside of Forty coven is nothing to sneeze at Fiona, Violet, and Aislenne are butt kicking women over forty...who have plenty of magic.

[Elaine Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good except for poor editing

I liked the story line but the editing was terrible. Many words that are just plain wrong plus lots of grammar and punctuation errors . Stairs creak , not creek. Multi pane windows, not multi PAIN. These errors in editing distract the readers. This book was worse than most I read on my kindle fire. I wish you would have someone like me, a retired technical editor, give these books a careful read through.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment had suspense, drama, mystery and danger. Fiona comes into sudden powers and has an angry king after her. While all of this is going on Bas finally admits he has feelings for her and it couldn’t come at a worse time. Her friends rally around her when she stumbles (due to being middle-aged and bad knees). Will she have time to explore a relationship with Bas? When the king comes gunning for her will her and her friends be able to escape his wrath unscathed?

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, the interaction and chemistry between the characters is great. This book, has a good storyline, it is entertaining, and filled with action and adventure. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the series continue the magic the ladies have grow, and for the moment the big threat has been eliminated. However the work is not done for Fiona as she grows , but there is still those aches and pains. Her relationship with Bad keeps on with sparks, and we still wait.
Interesting and readable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.