A Wedded Midlife

Witching After Forty #8

by Lia Davis, L.A. Boruff

Ava and Drew are getting married!

SQUEE!

But it's not going to be easy. C'mon, this is Ava we're talking about.

As her powers go completely bonkers, everything that can go wrong suddenly does. After all, she's a witch and her beloved is technically a witch hunter.

Drew's family isn't helping matters either. Everyone Ava loves turns out to be a creature that freaks them all out.

Witches? Check.
Vampires? Check.
Shifters? Check.
Ghouls? Check (Check, check.)
Add in the devil, a snarky talking cat, and the fae (boy, they are not helpful at all).

It seems like the only direction anyone will be marching is away from each other as quickly as possible.

The last thing Ava needs as she tries to get to the altar is an old nemesis turning up, so surprise, surprise that's exactly what happens. As chaos wreaks havoc for the witches and hunters alike, Luci decides that now is the perfect time to go MIA. The devil is in the details, and it turns out no one knows anything about this demon king after all.

Will it be hell on earth or happily ever after for the newlyweds?
No one's really sure yet...

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal Romance

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2022

About the author

In 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than twenty books, including the bestselling A Tiger’s Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.

While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.

Lia’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it’s her home and she loves it! Sign up for her newsletter, become a member of her fan club, and follow her on Twitter @NovelsByLia.

Reviews

[Sassy Mystic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book thirteen of the Witching After Forty series and Ava and Drew’s wedding is less than two weeks away now. All the arrangements have been made and the location and dress all sorted. A sudden change to Ava’s powers leaves her puzzled and wondering why they have gone bonkers. Could she be pregnant? She was the last surviving witch in her line and so inherited a lot of power. Everything starts to go wrong and the sudden arrival of Drew’s relatives, with his grandmother Pearl and brother Ian, seems to increase the bad news. His sister Lily turns up slightly later on and at least she seems friendly. Pearl and Ian don’t like the fact Drew is marrying a witch, who is also a necromancer, when their whole family line are witch hunters! Pearl in particular even scares Drew. Somehow, Winston, the house, welcomes them without any question. Ava already has a full house with Wade, Wallie and Michelle, Zoey, Larry, Alfred and the cats, never mind Sam, Olivia and Sammie, and then both sets of parents turning up. On top of that Luci keeps disappearing, leaving his beloved wife Phira behind, to deal with some issues back in Hell. He won’t tell anyone what the issues are exactly, nor any time frame of when he would be back. Ava wants him there for the wedding, but who knows if that would happen.
Drew’s family members are not exactly happy to be sharing a house, that Winston had to magically expand to fit them all in, with vampires, ghouls, witches and necromancers, shifters, fae, the devil himself and talking cats, being all the things they were raised to kill. Hopefully they can see that not all other supernatural beings are evil and can live side by side with humans peacefully. Not that they have readily changed their opinion on vampires just yet! A series of disasters with the venue for the wedding, the wedding dress and so many more, leave Ava thinking that their wedding is cursed! Accusations are bandied around and questions asked, as they try to find out why all these things are happening. Then news of an old adversary comes to light, that a certain powerful being was trying to keep quiet so as not to ruin the celebrations, but ending up causing the exact opposite! Chaos has descended upon the wedding plans and this close to the date, nothing else is available, making Ava despair that the wedding will ever go ahead. They have already delayed and postponed so many times, that nothing can stop them going ahead now, however bad things get. A possible cause for Ava’s powers going on the fritz is finally discovered, bring good news to the family. Luci gets to make up for his frequent absences by stepping up at the last minute, while Alfred does what he does best. An unpleasant threat comes calling for Alfred at the end of the book, which will make for some interesting decisions to come in the next book, so I can’t wait to see what happens next! Good to see the witch hunters getting to see the other side of the supernaturals they normally hunt and changing their opinions about most of them, after meeting Ava and Olivia’s extended families. How Ava’s powers will be affected going forward is a subject I would love to know. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Stan Hutchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues the humorous story of Ava and her extended family of all kinds of supernatural beings. You really need to start at the beginning of the series to fully appreciate the nuances and relationships. Watch for a change in PoV at chapter breaks. It's quite confusing if you miss them. There is lots of humor throughout the book that nicely contrasts with some of the more violent episodes.
Big disappointment - Ava is NOT pregnant, which was up in the air at the end of the previous book. But her magic is still out of kilter. There seems to be a plot to disrupt the wedding; weird things continue to happen. It seems a magic wielder is out to stop the wedding. Could it be Ava? Drew’s relatives? The miscreant gets their just desserts. Ava is delighted to finally find out why her powers are wonky.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book!!

Wedding bells are finally here for Ava and Drew... except for all the horrible things that keep occurring to try to keep their happy day from occurring. Like the new venue burning down, or the wedding dress fiasco, the food poisoning, and... let's not forget... Drew's hunter family coming to visit prior to the wedding. Their kinds are mortal enemies... like for REAL! And could it be Drews brother causing the issues or someone else? And Luci has been stuck literally in hell trying to resolve some issue that he won't tell anyone about... and Ava's magic is still on the fritz! But Ava and Drew are determined to get married!!!

Love, love, love this book and story! And loved the ending!! Perfect way to end this book! Lol with more drama and witchery things to come!

I received an ARC for my honest review!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soon to be Hitched . . .

Ava, half-witch and half-necromancer, is trying to move things forward for her wedding with Drew but everything keeps going crazy. Trouble with her wedding dress, the caterer, Ava’s magic acting wonky, and the families and guests themselves who should by definition be hostile enemies since she's a witch and her sweetheart is from a family of witch hunters. Her neighbor Luci (as in ‘Lucifer’) is there too, so we are guaranteed to see some madcap shenanigans even if he isn’t intending that. Is someone deliberately trying to mess up the wedding? Who would do that? Will Ava finally learn what is causing her powers to be so out of control?

Grab your invitation because this will be an event you won't want to miss!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meeting the in-laws is stressful enough, but what happens when you’re also starting to believe your wedding is cursed? The authors have very deviously used the question “what’s the worst that could happen?” against Ava in the countdown to her wedding day. Because, everything that could possibly go wrong, does, and in some of the most spectacular ways imaginable. During the course of this book, we learn some things that are sure to mean that wedded bliss isn’t going to be all it’s cracked up to be for Ava and Drew. Whatever it is that’s coming down the line for them, I can’t wait to read all about it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Time is running out for Ava and Drew as things keep going wrong with the wedding plans along with Ava's powers acting up. The culprit behind the sabotage in caught and with help from Lucifer and friends, the wedding is better than it was planned originally. I found some of the mishaps to be very comical. I'm also glad that Ava's in-laws come to like her.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Drew are getting married, well that is the plan before everything gets crazier then usual. I laughed very hard through most of the is book as whatever could go sideways and wrong does. Meet new and old characters, friends and enemies pop in to add to the fun and then there are the usual crazies that hang with Ava. Loved it and had to see what would go wrong int eh next chapter as I read it.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you read the others in this wonderfully wacky series? No? Before you enter the madness that is this story perhaps a little background would help. I would totally recommend reading the books before this. They are quick, fun and out of this world nutso. That being said add in the madness of wedding planning, mixing a magical family with a family of paranormal monster hunters and the chaotic madness that is Ava’s life and you have an over-the-top blast of manic entertainment.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the series has Ava and Drew getting married and everything is going wrong! The in-laws show up, the venue burns, and her dress is stolen. Add to that her wonky powers and someone in the family being pregnant and you have a hilariously funny story! I honestly don’t want this series to end! I love this world and the crossovers into the other series make for amusing tales!.

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

[Deb Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of mid life series in general, and this one is particular holds a special place in my heart. I love the quirky characters, they are all so different but somehow gel together to make a solid group of friends and family. Anyone who says wedding, knows that nothing will go according to plans and this is no different, especially with the future in laws. Luci and Lucy steal the show as always. Excellent fast paced read.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story worked well, much better than the previous one. It flowed nicely; even with the alternating POVs (Ava and Olivia), it was clear what was going on. There were quite a few problems, which created much needed tension and suspense.

It's still cozy, so once a problem is finally identified, it's generally resolved without too much trouble. In this book, it took quite a while to id the source of the trouble, which made for a successful and enjoyable adventure. Nice.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Drew are getting married in book thirteen A Wedded Midlife and as always for poor Ava things do go as she planned. From Ava's crazy magic to all the quirky characters things take some crazy fun turns. This is an entertaining read and I can't wait to see what happens for all the quirky characters in the final book of this fabulous series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is getting married but nothing ever goes smoothly for her and with Drew saying what he did about the wedding well Ava freaked out and to make things even worse Drew’s grandmother turns up she’s the matriarch of the hunter family so no things are going from bad to worse for Ava. I loved this story actually the whole series and I definitely recommend this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's a couple to do when it seems like some person or event is out to destroy your wedding like the wedding venue burning down, the wedding dress fiasco and oh your soon to be in-laws coming to visit before the wedding.

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

[Doreen Tuell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read!

I really liked this story! It was filled with necromancers, witches and magic (new, old, and wonky), shapeshifters, vampires, ghouls, paranormal hunters, and wacky family dynamics. Throw in a wedding where disaster after disaster happen and you are right at home with the characters!

[Rehana Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

So

I have really enjoyed this series of books. Ava was brilliant, Olivia was nuts, I loved how the family kept extending and even Drew's family at the end were acceptable. All the different stories were funny and exciting and I wasn't bored once. I read the whole series with no other book in between which is rare.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

In out, in out, shake it all about.

We caught the bad guys! Oh no! We didn't. Wait! Yes, we did! Nope. We definitely did this time. No, sorry. Gone again. Lol. Also, if the actual Devil himself comes hell for leather, screaming, "RUN" at the top of his lungs as he glides past you like Jack Sparrow, you should probably take the opportunity to go. Just saying.

[Alma Conchas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Ava's life keeps getting better and better!

Oh man, I loved Ava and Drew's wedding story, although it was strange to see that Ava's magic was not working properly for her when she needed it the most was sad, but for it to turn out the that she's going to be a grandma was a big wow moment for me. Now I can't wait to see what happens next in their family!

[Janie Taylor Euell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crossovers lack depth

I fell in love with these authors in the Fanged Series. However, the switching and addition of characters has been chaotic and lacked the depth I’d grown to love. The novella style simply lacks the character development. I’m not a writer just a fascinated reader.

[Sara Moore Wilkson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava's life is wild and crazy

Ava has such a good support system. Her friends and family are there to help with all the crazy that comes woth being a witch necromancer hybrid. But even with all their help and support will the wedding happen?

[Kay Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful series!

This is an extremely well plotted series. I enjoy the story line. I'm intrigued by the characters and the situations/challenges they are faced with. Each new adventure is thoroughly entertaining.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly entertaining, heartwarming and laugh out loud fun adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and exciting passion. An edge of your seat exciting journey from beginning to end.

[Loraina Snowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witching after 40 #13

This is a great series to follow. The characters and situations are always fun. The storytelling is strong and fun to follow. The author does fun things hairy her characters.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disasters leading to a wedding

Aha and Crew are getting married, at least that is the plan. First his family shows up. Then all sorts of disasters happen. It's par for the course in this fun but wacky series.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!

Ava and Drew finally got married but they had to go through a lot to get there. Their wedding was being sabotaged but you need to read it to find out by who. Another great story.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun this was to read! I was especially happy about how Drew’s family was so accepting, that was a nice touch. It will be interesting to find out if Ava’s powers return with the birth of the baby. I really enjoyed this!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I have always gotten into this series. This story is certainly no exception. A wedding is so romantic, even if it has a few hiccups to get through. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Vivien · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as great as the previous books.
Pearl Walker is definitely a monster-in-law. It turns out most hunters are narrow minded especially Pearl & it was only hanging out with Ava & her family do they finally realize that not all creatures are evil. Like humans there are good & evil.

[Adricrisuruta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining new installment. Between Ava meeting Drew's family, Luci going missing, and someone trying to sabotage the wedding, the crazy events unfolded in a very entertaining sequence. The scene with the giant on the beach was the best.