Vanquisher of evil. Wrangler of offspring. Seriously in need of a coffee.
Miriam Feldman’s life is happily bobbing along. Her family and close friends support her magic and things are getting interesting with the wolf shifter. But smooth sailing turns to shark-infested waters when she plumbs the dark depths of her past to investigate her parents’ last con.
Being chum was never on her bucket list.
In comparison, Miri’s new assignment should be easy: track down a demon to check a necklace for dark magic. Of course, nothing about demons is simple and she finds herself forced to strike hard bargains with both demon hunters and an ancient vampire. Awesome.
The farther out she drifts seeking answers, the tighter she’s caught in a net of secrets, lies, and deadly revelations. And this time, she might not break free.
Just keep swimming …
A Shade of Myself features a later in life romance, a heart-pounding mystery, and a magical midlife adventure.
Deborah Wilde is a global wanderer and hopeless romantic. After twelve years as a screenwriter, she was also a total cynic with a broken edit button, so, she jumped ship, started writing funny, sexy, urban fantasy and paranormal women’s fiction books, and never looked back.
She loves writing smart, flawed, wisecracking women who can solve a mystery, kick supernatural butt, banter with hot men, and still make time for their best female friend, because those were the women she grew up around and admired. Granted, her grandmother never had to kill a demon at her weekly friend lunches, but Deborah is pretty sure she could have.
Trying to keep this short and sweet so here goes. Fourth book in series and is not a standalone. Still more interested in overarching storyline regarding the mystery of her parents’ death and the individual characters and I’m fascinated to see how this is going to wrap up. I wouldn’t come to this for the romance since it’s more a garnish than the main dish. If you’re into paranormal without the romance, you may enjoy it. Now I have to wait for the next one but I will be reading it.
Ohhhhh, the plot thickens!! Miri gets dragged into another case and it could lead back to her. As usual, another fantastic read in this series. Full of snark and romance. If you like Darynda Jones, you’ll LOVE Deborah Wilde!
This is a fantastic continuation of this amazing series! Miri our mc is incredible, she is so likeable and relatable as she continues to grow and develop and takes control of her magic and get used to the magical world around her. The rest of the cast are also amazing as they too continue to grow and we see more relationships / friendships develop. The storyline is fast paced and oh so addictive , it’s exciting and full of snark, drama and action and bit by bit we get some truths and some secrets are revealed. It’s one of those series that just keeps getting better and better and the twists and turns just keep on coming!
I have to admit... when book 3 left me a bit hanging, I was pretty scared to start this one. But hell yeah, that was totally unwarranted cause this one was awesome!
Worldbuilding: These instalments follow each other up pretty rapidly, so you never have the feeling that you missed out on much. I mean, the only thing Miri has done was work on Tatiana's memoirs. So yeah, we dive right back into the action, never feeling we have left. All the scenes and environments were clear and well detailed, ideal for total immersion!
Character development: This instalment really questioned Miri's quest for the truth. How far would she go, what would she do, etc. I think this one was a real eye-opener for her. And while she might not be the fittest among us, she is hella strong when it comes to her magic. Looking back over the different books, you come to realize how much she has grown and how much she has come into her own. I would read the books for that alone :D But then the author sweetens the deal with our grumpy (and pretty hot) wolf. Laurent is not a typical shifter; we already knew that, but sometimes I would like to shake some sense into him :D Seriously! But still, I guess that is part of his charm and why we like him so much. He feels real and not like a typical alpha male. Characters should feel lifelike, and they should feel like it could be someone you know. They should have their own worries, hopes and dreams. And I can honestly say it feels like all the characters in the author's books have this, not just the main character, but everyone.
Pacing and flow: As I've said before, we pretty much dive right into more action and the next chapter of discoveries for Miri. There is an excellent balance between action and conversations, keeping the story moving forward. It kept my attention throughout the whole book.
The book: The book was well written with no (noticeable) errors. There are sexual scenes described (if that is important to you). It has 328 pages, spread over 29 chapters and is told from Miri's point of view.
Final thoughts: I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, and all in all, I really liked it. Even with the touch of apprehension I had when starting it, it was soon replaced by blissful silence, the occasional snort/laugh, and my finger clicking my Kindle for the next page rather urgently. Miri isn't a typical heroine; hell, she's 40! But she is so much fun to be around, and so is the whole cast... yes, even Zev :D Pick this one up!
This was another really enjoyable instalment in the Miriam Feldman Magic after Midlife PWF series. There was a LOT going on in this book, with three main plot threads:
- Miri trying to find the person who tries to set her up at the beginning of the book and learn why - Miri trying figure out what's going on with her latest client - Miri trying to find out the truth behind her parents' death
Plus there are a couple of minor plot threads and the romance thread with Laurent (which, as usual in this series, was the weakest element of the stories for me... at least outside of the steam factor anyway). The whole 'seeing him with Cam and getting upset about it' thread felt like a totally unnecessary complication that was thrown in for nothing more than adding in some token relationship drama. But there's so much going on in so many other areas that creates urgency and conflict for Miri that the story would have been 100% fine without it.
And my other frustration in this book - not unrelated to the above - was Miri's insecurities. The only saving grace with those is that they irritated the hell out of her every bit as much as they irritated me. I just feel - much like she does - that she's old enough and experienced enough to NOT immediately jump to conclusions and assume the worst.
Other than that, though, I really enjoyed it. Having so much going on plotwise- not to mention the Jewish mythology schtick - stopped this book (and the series as a whole) from feeling like yet another same-same PWF knockoff. Plus, I will never not appreciate a solidly diverse cast of characters who aren't written as though their entire purpose is to be token members of whatever diverse community they belong to.
Looking forward to moving onto Book 5 next month :-)
I’m ambivalent about this book primarily because in my personal life, I’m not the “friends with benefits” kind of gal-all or nothing, and only if the “magic” happens, so whether heartbreak or happiness follows, it’s all in until the end for me-and this heroine is a fence sitter with deep convictions. I kind of get it-I was told that my 4 year relationship in college with what turned out to be my gay boyfriend was as important to me as my marriage, despite the fact that I knew him as gay for 3 of the 4 years we were “together”, so I understand a small bit of reluctance to lay your cards on the table, especially since you KNOW there are just things you don’t want to hear-but this is getting into lagging that, in my experience, turns to indifference. So it makes me impatient. And what’s with the overwhelming fear but always noted attraction to the former rabbi Vamp? Ack, it’s making me irritated. However, the solid storyline and awesome secondary characters-even “dayplayers” like gulag Book-club members, are top-notch and thus I come back for more punishment! Well, on to the next, to see if the seemingly under-regarded Wolf will be given a little more full contact time!
Another winner of a read from Deborah Wilde. I just love Miri, and am enjoying the ways in which she is finding herself again. Just as she is getting to grips with her magic, and the magic world so to is she getting to grips with herself...slowly but surely she's getting there. It's much like the process with the couch.
One of my favourite parts in reading a series is seeing the way not just the main character changes and grows but those around her too - we see this in the ways in which her regular folks and magic folks are becoming intertwined and finding connections with each other beyond her. Another thing that is great about reading a series is the ways in which things get handled that tracks much the same way in real life instead of book timetables. In this book we're finally getting to the emotional hangovers from book one. A much needed conversation finally happens, while another needed one doesn't.
I'm not in love with the ending, but I have hope that things will work out in a way that I like in the next read.
Mira and her shadow Diana are in all kinds of trouble in this story.
Mira and her shadow Diana get into all kinds of trouble this time. Thank god she has friends like her wolf shifter sometimes boyfriend sometimes partner. Her still friendly no magic detective ex husband father of sixteen year old Sadie her no magic daughter. Then their are her old friends with no magic and all the new friends she has made since she refound her magic. And of course the demons and vamps and others that she has unintentionally made enemies because she doesn’t know what she is doing in the magic world. Then the magic police have to clean up after her reluctantly. If she isn’t careful she is accidentally going to kill a no mag person and then her life is really going to a worse mess than it is now. So someone needs to help me please. Really Please Help Me!
I am becoming increasingly more disenchanted with this series. The main romantic entanglement is displaying the sort of drama and angst I associate with YA books, and is being drawn out to a ridiculous extent. This is tedious, in my opinion. The humor is nearly totally missing. The blend between the overarching plot line and the rest of the plot of this book is not terribly smooth. I'm finding fewer and fewer of the main characters to be appealing. Perhaps the kitten....yes, I like the kitten. While I am interested to know where it all ends up, I don't know that I'm interested enough to carry on. To be fair, I find very few series capable of remaining interesting to me for more than 3 or 4 books.
I love me some Miri! But this woman needs a holiday. She is juggling so many balls by the end of this book that I’m waiting for them to fall.
I love Deborah’s sense of humour, the snarkiness and the friendships she has created in this world are brilliant. There are many different elements and sections that Miri is involved in now, each with their special requirements. I have loved watching Miri grow with her abilities and making these connections and new friends, rebuilding old friendships and good ol’ book club even had it’s own surprises for us.
I am really looking forward to more of this series. ARC received for an honest review.
Excellent! It just keeps getting better and better! I'll be honest, I almost stopped reading when I thought the author was going to pull a "Hallmark Movie" angsty move. In fact the only reason I continued was that I use reading as a reward for walking on the treadmill. I didn't want to walk. So my solution was to start reading and walking. I told myself that as soon as I hit the Hallmark moment, I could put the book down and stop walking!!! Woo Hoo! My plan failed. First, there was no Hallmark angsty moment! I walked longer than my usual time!! Yeah, it was that good! Deborah Wilde is that good!
This is an in-depth, thought provoking and puzzling series, there is plenty of action and intrigue, but you are also trying to figure out the underlying mystery of Miriam’s life, history and family and how that fits with the new magical family she is build for herself.
A fabulous story of mystery and illusion and a gratifying and exciting read… the only feeling at the end is for more… more adventure, more clues and more understanding of the mysteries as they unfold.
I highly recommend this series and this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This is my favourite series by Deborah Wilde so far, and each book is better than the last as Miri grows into herself in midlife. After concentrating on being a wife and mother, she finally allows herself to exist as herself a little more, embracing each aspect of herself. She is far from perfect, messes up a lot and has a fantastic sense of humour and self depreciation. Her inner circle has to learn to cope with this, and additional people are admitted to the inner circle too. Extremely well written and full of snark and saracasm, I love these books.
The life of Miriam just keeps getting harder and more dangerous. Her latest job with Tatiana is one she fights to take on, but little did she know just how bad this job could go. Between her boss, her bestie Jude, her sexy wolf shifter Laurant, vamps and demons, Miriam is in way over her head.
I don't know how she does it, but Wilde keeps readers on the edge of their seats and hitting them up with plot twists that shock and amaze. I can't wait to read book five when it comes out!
A Shade of Myself: A Humorous Paranormal Women's Fiction (Magic After Midlife Book 4), my sixth read from author Deborah Wilde. Entertaining, fun read. Croix Provence's narration again made the 11-hour 4-minute tale pass quickly and adds greatly to the book's enjoyment she adds to the author's work with her voice adding an undercurrent of humor. I'll be reading more from this author. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Cannot get over how much I am loving Miri's character. The self-awareness is just so spot-on (also admirable, but relatable, too, because there are many situations where she is aware... and yet can't help reacting in a not-fully-productive way, too).
Also, can I just say I truly have very little idea of what the big reveal will be with her parents?! The end of this has a reveal, yes, but not enough that I am figuring out the pieces yet... And that's pretty amazing, honestly. Hats off to Wilde.
Another great addition to this series, everything flows, and I love the characters old and new. In this installment Miriam is hit with another cryptic message and prophecy that just may lead to answers about her parents death as well as taking on a very interesting case with an unexpected twist she would never have guessed. This series just keeps getting better and I look forward to the next read.
I have really loved this series so far. The writing is so good, the storyline gripping and brilliantly done. This is the fourth book in the Magic After Midlife series which sees Miriam delving into her past and uncovering secrets of her parents. I couldn't put it down. It includes a hot wolf shifter and the slow burn of the series is now beginning to heat up, so you won't want to miss this latest installment.
Gah, I love this author. The. Best. Snarky. Dialog. Mistress of the smashing comeback, we need more interaction between Miri and Eli. Thanks for giving us Miri, our very own Jewish Avenger. Her mouth is her weapon. Great mystery, storyline is the bomb with her insane interaction with all the side characters, and Laurent. You gotta read this series, it's so good.
This is another outstanding addition to a series that always exceeds my expectations. I love Miri and the entire cast of characters. I feel that this is so totally original that I am getting another breath of fresh air, with this book. I LOVED IT!!! I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I think the story is GREAT!!!
Deborah Wilde has created a fabulous series with a wonderful cast of characters. There is magic, mayhem, danger to avoid, puzzles to solve, and regular life to maneuver. Each book has snark, sass, issues, and action so it never gets tiring. I love this series. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
I’m persevering with this story because I WANT TO KNOW THE ENDING. It’s instalments are all well written and flow along gently but if I’m honest I prefer more pace and action and WAY more 🔥🔥🔥thank the lord of authorland that Miri and Loz finally got it on this time!! Staying with it.
I loved the pop culture references in this funny book. It also has the usual fascinating characters, but we learn even more about them! We learn some more about the families of Lauren and Miriam, about Tatiana's past, about gargoyles, demon hunters, and golems. Plus, obviously, there is plenty of suspense in the book.
I really liked the smaller story that continued through out the book but didn't like the direction of the overall arc. I still can't fathom how she got to the conclusion that she did that changed the entire story the way it did. There was a lot of discussion about choices and gray area and ethics in this book. I enjoyed that because we do make situational choices the aren't always clearly black and white in life.
I love that this had so many twists, I wish it didn't keep jumping to other languages when people talk. It is difficult to follow a story in different dialects when you have to start and stop to translate. Other than that it had me on the edge from page to page.
Another adventure with Miri to discover her parents last con to which the question is do you really want to know the answer? Another job to solve, some one on one time with the sexy wolf shifter, a secret discovered and so much more.
I love this fun, humorous, action packed series and am always left eager for the next book.
I love this series the lead it just keeps getting better Miriam is someone I would love as a friend. I especially enjoy the dynamic between her and her daughter. Already I can’t wait for the next one and hope there are many more in this series
Miriam had to deal with vampires, demons and shifters not to mention a teenage daughter in her quest to discover how and why her parents died. She makes a few startling discoveries that shake the foundations of her life.
Got to admit I loved the new book club like a fan girl seeing her favorite artist! That was a fun moment and the hook up with Laurent was everything and more!! Next adventure p!ease!
Things are getting really interesting for Miriam, and every time she thinks she finally has a handle on things they spiral even further out of control. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to finding out what happens next.