The Midlife Gemini's Guide to a Bad Horoscope

Powers of the Zodiac #1

by Kate Karyus Quinn, Demitria Lunetta, Marley Lynn

POWERS OF THE ZODIAC is a hilarious and new midlife magical series from the authors of Down & Dirty Supernatural Cleaning Services!

I’m Maddie and I had the Pinterest-perfect life… until I found out my husband had two other wives. Now, I’ve been granted magical powers that fit my star sign, and I’ve got the chance to have a nice, solid midlife crisis with a mysterious stranger. But do I really want to rebuild my life from the back of a motorcycle?

This is book 1 in the Powers of the Zodiac series. Join Maddie, Helena, and Crystal as they navigate their newly found magical midlife powers.

Genres: Magic

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2022

About the author

Kate Karyus Quinn is an avid reader and menthol chapstick addict. She has a BFA in theater and an MFA in film and television production. She lives in Buffalo, NY with her husband, three children, and one giant dog.

Find her online at katekaryusquinn.com

Sign up for her newsletter for exclusive content and giveaways! https://tinyurl.com/y9zz4hp6

Reviews

[Tammy Bertrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midlife Gemini's Guide to a Bad Horoscope by Kate Karyus Quinn, Demitria Lunetta and Marley Lynn is the first book in the Powers of the Zodiac series. This book was a great read as a Paranormal Romance with some spice. This book picks up where the Prequel left off but can be read as a stand alone because it does give a general idea of what happened in the Prequel. It follows the life of Maddie, one of Bert's three wives a year after Bert's death. It has just enough spice mixed with humor (the way Maddie describes Aden's privates is hilarious) to keep me reading. Maddie as a character started off as a bland and boring housewife and mother but quickly got intriguing as the story evolved. The book is packed with action, adventure and a side of romance. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a great Paranormal romance with some adventure. I can't wait to read about the other two wives in future books!
I was given a copy of this book from Book Sirens. All opinions are my own!

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Midlife Gemini's Guide to a Bad Horoscope was a very entertaining book to read. Fun, exciting, and quite a few ‘Oh my!’ moments, made this a hard book to put down. Once again, authors Kate Karyus Quinn, Demitria Lunetta, and Marley Lynn have managed to draw me into their series hook line and sinker.

Maddie, Maddie, Maddie. SMH… Let’s be honest here, Maddie wasn’t my favorite of the three wives. I see hate mail coming at me for that. But let’s get real here, there was a reason why Bert had three wives. Dependable, solid, mom, blah-blah-blah. She wasn’t very exciting. All that changed when she got her piece of the artifact, annnnd magical powers! Whoa! Now that was a surprise for everyone. Another surprise was the very mysterious, very delicious Aden - who was not what I expected. Anyhow, things are definitely interesting for Maddie now, hiding secrets from her kids, making friends with the other wives, a dead husband that won’t go away, rides on back of motorcycles and so much more.

Got to give props to the authors here, this was a solid read for me. It had just the right amount of heat, humor, twists, and excitement to keep me up all night reading. I did stumble in the beginning a bit trying to remember all the names but quickly got on track and just devoured the book in one sitting. The ending, that battle, OMG! It was AWESOME! Can’t wait to read the next book!

Stars: 4
I received this book from BookSirens. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bert had not only cheated on her, belittled her, and damaged Maddie's self-esteem, but he had also put their family in danger. With his shady dealings he had put her in a strange situation that was changing her life. I liked that Maddie didn’t settle to be a victim, but rather she took ownership of the situation, albeit with a certain mistrust thanks to what Bert had put her through. From being a super mom and an accepting and dispassionate wife, she was now part of a threesome, which had had the same ex and possessed different powers, thanks to the artifact. But that was not the only thing that had happened. She also had what seemed like a protector who had awakened passion in her, hoo hoo! and to top it off thugs were hot on her heels to steel her powerful artifact. An adventure full of supernatural and hilarious situations that kept me laughing as was reading what was happening. With tooth and nail Maddie was fighting for her family and what she needed in her life. Highly funny how the deceased was trying to score points with the family. After all he had and hadn't done! The mysterious Aden was doing a good job opening Maddie's eyes to what life could offer her and of course, with him besides her. The mythological characters caught my attention and how they were woven into the story, Helena's animosity with the professor made me curious and above all she left me super intrigued how she finished her one-night stand. What a twist! Action, suspense, many funny scenes, mythological and paranormal characters, assassins, violence, magic, romance, and passion. I voluntarily reviewed this interesting and entertaining copy that I received for free from BookSirens and I liked it.

[Liesbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

We start immediately with an opening scene where three wives burry their shared husband. It's a world where magical creatures and people live together with the humans. So it is an natural scene when they feed it to the Hydra or meet up with a werewolf. This book will be focusing one one of the wives, Maddie.

Maddie thought she was special, haven a marriage of 25 years and four children, what more could she ask for. But it seems her husband lived a secret life with his other 2 wives. They got struck by an magical object , but they don't feel different. That seems to change when Maddie's having her birthday. Some weird stuff is happening to her. To make it worse she even has a magical admirer who is following her everywhere. Then on top of this craziness someone is after the magical object and doesn't care who get's hurt in the process. Not to mention the ghost of her dead husband keeping her up some nights.


The whole story is written humorous but with an eye on celebration of women. That even with the most boring life, you can become a hero. You just have to change your perception of yourself. From the house mouse Maddie to a magical wonder mother. There are hilarious scenes mixed in with action , hot steamy scenes and humor. After receiving power Maddie goes through a midlife crisis and she doesn't know if she can trust the man that seems to see her for who she is. She feels special. I cannot wait to follow up of how it will go with the other two wives.

[Kreela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously cool quotes:
===================
“In my house are four children and a leprechaun who could be in danger right now!”
“Thanks to you, I understand that I have the sex appeal of a pair of stained and baggy sweatpants.”
“Can’t you see that he knew deep down he was a ten-cent man with a million-dollar woman?”

If that kind of writing doesn’t appeal to you, then you need a boring romance. This was a ode to motherhood. Maddie had four children and a wonderful life that turned out to be a sham. Her husband had two other wives, and those three all knew about her bland sex life. Gulp.

3 wives. 1 ghost. 1 Magic Object that every criminal wants (thanks, hubby!).

But when the criminals started tossing her home and threatening her children, mama bear appeared, and she had extra gifts. More, the family gets together in a healthy way to protect each other! I didn't have that kind of family, and it is fascinating to read. Everyone gets a happy ending, including the dead husband.


The magic:
=================
The relic split into 3 parts for the 3 wives: air, earth, water….and fire. Gods and demons.

The romance:
==================
Aden was a woman’s wet dream, and her ghost husband knew it 😂. I loved how her dead husband reacted.

Steam: oh, yeah. One memorable episode.

The action: Oh, yeah. What a family can do with bleach and ammonia went beyond my imagination. Add in 3 pregnant vampires and a demon? It was a riot.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madeline has had a bad year, her husband turned out to be a bigamist and had not one but two other wives, one who he married on the day they were supposed to renew their vows. Then not only was he killed, but the event that killed him appears to have had another effect on her life - one that includes the delicious Aden coming after her. The first in a new series by this author that features the three widows working together, however much they don’t want to.

This book follows on from a novella The Powers of the Zodiac, which also featured characters from the Down & Dirty Supernatural Cleaning Services series, which I love, and has now spun off into this new series. I’m glad I read the previous book, as it makes more sense when reading this one, although it’s a stand alone read. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, laughing out loud at times, as it has a comic bent but a serious story line too. It’s well written, plotted and takes the reader all over the place, in a good way. It’s a bit scary too to think how many ways kitchen liquids can be used to make explosives! I usually go for stronger female leads, but boy does Maddie (aka Lena) really come to life, especially when people try to harm her family. Roll on the next instalment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Midlife Gemini's Guide to a Bad Horoscope (Powers of the Zodiac #1) by Kate Karyus Quinn, Demitria Lunetta, & Marley Lynn
Publisher: Little Fish Publishing
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publication Date: January 11, 2022

The Midlife Gemini's Guide to a Bad Horoscope is the first book in the Powers of the Zodiac series by Kate Karyus Quinn, Demitria Lunetta, & Marley Lynn. This book can be read as a standalone novel and is also part of the world created in the Mythverse and Down & Dirty Supernatural Cleaning Services. If you liked those series, you will love this one too! If you haven't read any of those books, that's ok, you will still love this one if you enjoy fantasy books with awesome heroines!

This was such a fun read! I love the world that the authors have created! The characters are fascinating, with great personalities and even funnier banter. There were a couple of times I almost spit out my coffee!

The prequel to this series is also available, so you should definitely read that one so you have the back story.

I loved this book. It was fast paced and I could not put it down! I can't wait to see what happens next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lalia Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our midlife Gemini is Maddie, who we met in the prequel The Midlife Lady’s Guide to a Bad Horoscope. Maddie has obtained a powerful artifact from her recently deceased husband, Bert. Actually the artifact is one of three parts, the other two having been given to Bert’s other two wives. Just the one, a globe, has been bonded with blood to Maddie, giving her extraordinary powers.

So Maddie has lived with her children for a year seeing Bert’s ghost and maintaining the fiction to the kids that Bert is still alive. Maddie has some powers over air but has not done much to learn to use them, when on her Gemini birthday, she assumes more powers. But with the powers comes being magically visible to those who seek her globe for their own nefarious ends.

Maddie finds out that twenty-five years of being a mother, housewife, and business owner have given her more skills than one might think. In addition there is a new man in her life.

This is a romp of a story with lots of humor and truth about the human condition.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the strangest story to come out of NJ. A few pages into this book, I was hooked. This story of a woman discovering her husband was a philandering jerk with a penchant for marrying multiple women was a great hook. But… when they band together to dispose of his body in the Meadowlands? What can I say, I am a sucker for a good revenge story.

I loved Maddie, she was completely relatable, as the first wife and a woman watching her pinterest-perfect collapse around her feet. I loved the interactions between her and her children who watch their mom go from not swearing around them to contemplating murder. But the chef's kiss goes to the reactions between Maddie and her son's girlfriend, a battle-hardy leprechaun who grew up in Ireland, in what whe much assume was during the "troubles"

I also loved the inter-play between greek and celtic mythologies, two passions of mine. I can't wait to read the next one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine has been introduced to a whole new magical world and that is not just a figure of speech. Add in magical powers and supernatural suitors and life just got a whole lot more interesting, not to mention downright strange.

This is book one of the series, so a fine place to start.

This is something of a paranormal romance story with three different heroines with intertwined paths. This one pretty much focuses on the first of our heroines. It is well written, easy to read and lots of fun. There is a prequel to the series which provides a bit of background, but it is not necessary to have read it in order to understand this one. To accomplish that, we get a nice introduction to this brave new world and all the fantastical creatures that populate it. The story contains a good mix of action and humor which makes for some fun and easy reading. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midlife Gemini's Guide to a Bad Horoscope is the first full length book in the Power of the Zodiac series. It focuses on Maddie, who is one of the wives we met in the prequel novella. Maddie is adjusting to life as a widow, while keeping her husband’s death a secret from their kids. She wakes up on her birthday feeling a bit sick and suddenly has newfound superpowers, including the ability to split herself into a twin. She’s determined to keep her life as normal as possible, but with a demigod popping into her life again insisting that their fates are intertwined and some bad guys trying to get their hands on the artifact, she quickly realizes that things will never be the same again.

I enjoyed this book, I liked seeing Maddie step out of her housewife shell and become the empowered Lena. Aden is a good match for her and I loved that her kids are her greatest cheerleaders. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading Helena and Crystals’ stories in the next books!

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series so was looking forward to the second one and am pleased to say that I wasn't disappointed. Continuing mainly from Maddie's viewpoint she finds that she has come into an extraordinary power following her exposure to a magical artifact. Together with her husband's other two wives (you really should read the first book in the series to get the lowdown on what's happening, especially as it is free on Amazon as I write this), her children and a stranger called Aden they find that they are being chased by someone else after the artifact. Add in the ghost of her dead husband and there are fun and frolics, together with some violence and some definite spicy moments.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, and can recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal books with a touch of humour and again am really looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through BookSirens, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Terri McClean · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 ⭐️= a decent read that I and others enjoy but wouldn't necessarily keep on my bookshelf.
4⭐️= really good read that I probably will shelf but could be removed in future
5⭐️= a very good read that will earn a permanent place on my bookshelf

This book is good mash-up of a romance book and a paranormal book, that doesn't take you long to read, but is entertaining enough to keep you reading for a couple hours.
Maddie's story reminds us that just because we are a mum, doesn't mean we aren't allowed to a woman too, but in an action filled few days of thugs, demigods,vampires, and a leprechaun. A fun story , that also has a few serious touches. The book has some characters from thier other series, but doesn't rely on them for thevstory. This book can be read as a stand alone and has a complete ending of her story. While there is still some language its not as intrusive as it is in their other series. The prologue has an " oops" that got past editing but doesn't reflect the rest of the book.

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hilarious and Magical Read!!!

The Midlife Gemini's Guide to a Bad Horoscope is second book in a Powers of the Zodiac Series.

Maddie is a typical supermom in a minivan who just found out that her recently dead husband had another two wives. They left Maddie to deal with her husband's messy business with magical artifacts including a magic globe that turn out to give Maddie strange powers. There are many adventures for Maddie to deal with and also a sexy demigod, Aden, who tells Maddie that their fates are intertwined.

This book is a fun entertaining read with interesting and unique story line, it's a fun fast-paced exciting paranormal cozy mystery full of mystery, magic, humor and romance. I really enjoy it and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

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

[Frances Law]

KKQ and Friends have done it again! The first book in this new series, The Midlife Ladies Guide to a Bad Horoscope, was funny but this, the second is hilarious! There are some, not so subtle, digs at famous people and we meet again two of our favourite people in this universe, Paige (+ S.H.I.T. her Dalmanther) and Nicko. It’s ten months after Maddie, Helena and Crystal lost their (unbeknownst to them) bigamist husband. It is only on Maddie’s birthday that things happen that makes them start to question exactly what happened to them on that fateful night. It’s not particularly good news and Maddie is in the firing line.

These ladies really know how to write and I’m looking forward to Helena’s story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a week!! Maddie is now a widow after her husband dies, but surprise, he was married to two other ladies and had families with them as well. This series is about the three women and their starting over. Maddie has to set the business right, but also finds an artifact that gives her special powers. The fight is on to deal with those coming after the artifact and some are sneakier than others. The characters are terrific, with complex backstories and feelings. The storyline was fast-paced and flowed easily from one wild situation to another. Great dialogue and intrigue.

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

[Phoenix Seon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: read the prequel novella first. It sets the ground work nicely.

Poor Maddie has had her entire world upended when she not only: A) finds out her husband was married to 2 other women; B) receives insane powers; C) is stalked by all manner of creatures wanting the magical relic; but most of all D) is being offered help from a hunky demigod. This is NOT the life she's imagined as a mother and wife. But it is now her reality, and she has to find a way to keep herself and her kids safe.

This book is all the right stuff mixed together. Enjoy!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin M. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, such a fun book. Right up my alley with supernatural creatures; vampires, demigods, the fates, and even a ghost. The book revolves around Maddie, a woman that is trying to get on with her life after the death of her husband. Who on her forty-fourth birthday inherits powers from this magical zodiac device. With her birth sign being Gemini, she is able to split herself into multiple copies, as well as control the wind.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wanda Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK! So far every book that I have read by Ms. Quinn has made me laugh and feel bad for the characters as well as celebrating their triumphs with them. This series is as good as her first one and I look forward to reading many more stories by her. The characters are strong and well suited for each other. All kinds of action occurs. There is an HEA as well as danger, love and a ghost. I would recommend this story.

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

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie, Helena and Crystal were shocked when they learnt they have a husband in common, but that's not all they will have to deal with. Will they bond over the man who broke their trust? Or are they all too different? How will Maddie dealt with her perfect image, showing cracks? Is Maddie willing to risk her heart again? I loved the action, romance, humour and supernatural elements of this interesting tale, and I am looking forward to what happens next to Helena.

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

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

an expected vow renewal turns into a serious of existence altering events

Maggie is forced to deal with the realities of the serial polygamy of her husband of nearly twenty five years, as well as her sister wives, and the effects of an artifact said to endow god like powers

can the sister wives, Maggie, her children and a few new additions survive the resulting terrors and new opportunities?

harrowing, humorous and insightful

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

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall the book was okay. It was pretty well written in that it was easy to follow. It just wasn’t my kind of book. I didn’t like the main character and that made the book a challenge. Sure, there was character growth but there was too much I didn’t like about her in the first place to make it redeemable. For me it’s that I didn’t find her relatable, so I could see how other people could like the book. Just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amy Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic book. It takes place in the same universe as the Down and Dirty Cleaning series, so you still get to check up on Nico and Paige, which I thought was awesome, while this new series centers around a new group of characters. Ones that I find very relatable, in a “I may not be magic in a supernatural world, but I’m a middle-aged mom and I know what she is talking ‘bout!” Sort of way. I’m so glad there is another series to help me get my Supe fix!!!

I received an ARC, but my opinions are all mine.

[Patty Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book and when I received this book I was able to read it from the very beginning to the very end. I thought the character built-up was so well done it made the whole story line make sense to me as this is my opinon. I thougtht the storyline was very well written and had all kinds of action and loving and this is my opinion. I received an Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest review freely given.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these authors! They create interesting, fun and quirky books that suck you right in! Maddie goes from supermom and hum drum wife to super hot, super horny strong woman and I love it!! Her scum of a husband married 3 women and left Maddie to deal with the fallout of this and his shady business dealing with magical artifacts. You will love the cast of characters in this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world that has come from the collaboration of 3 amazing authors is something to be hooked to. Loved the concept, loved book and can't wait for more! This was a fun read with all the elements that touch one's heart and keep you connected to the protagonists.

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

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and this second one continues with the perspective of one of the wives, Maddie.

I did enjoy the flow of the writing and the fact that the characters are not twenty-something but mature women who can still rock with whatever life throws at them even if it is some newfound powers.

[Suzy Ostapower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well you can bet your whangdoodle that I enjoyed this book. Honestly, my poor husband kept getting woken up because I was laughing so much. I like to read in bed, okay? These three authors are literally magic together. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multiples Why Not

This series is definitely entertaining to this reader. Maddie is wife number one and super mom who worried over family and what people thought about them.

Maddie will have to make some choices that will forever change her life

Get on board for the ride of your life.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Willms · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many plot errors

This book was filled with plot discrepancies and errors. It was so frustrating to read several chapters, then find a different timeline. Or, read a chapter or two and have information repeated from prior chapters. I gave it three stars, rather than two, because with proper editing, this has the potential to be a good story.