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Midlife Magic in Memoriam #1
Potions and Pajamas
What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger, and hungrier, and a whole lot weirder.
The ring on my finger was supposed to be a promise to spend our lives together. But my fiancé decided that wasn’t what he wanted.
So he buried me alive.
To my fiancé’s dismay, I’m not dead, or at least mostly not.
I’m starting over.
I’ll do things differently this time. I’m forty-three and finally ready to live my life for myself, shedding the shackles of what I’m “supposed” to do.
Except something unexpected is happening to me—something strange.
Danger is coming, but I’ll be ready. I’m done allowing someone else to dictate what I do with my life.
It’s never too late to take control.
The ring on my finger was supposed to be a promise to spend our lives together. But my fiancé decided that wasn’t what he wanted.
So he buried me alive.
To my fiancé’s dismay, I’m not dead, or at least mostly not.
I’m starting over.
I’ll do things differently this time. I’m forty-three and finally ready to live my life for myself, shedding the shackles of what I’m “supposed” to do.
Except something unexpected is happening to me—something strange.
Danger is coming, but I’ll be ready. I’m done allowing someone else to dictate what I do with my life.
It’s never too late to take control.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2022
583 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Keira Blackwood
124 books325 followersSassy. Snarky. Supernaturally Sparkly.
Keyboard ninja, late-blooming bibliophile, proud geek, animal lover, eternal optimist, visual artist.
USA Today Bestselling Author Keira Blackwood writes exciting paranormal romance and romantic urban fantasy with all the snort laughs and all the feels.
For news, exclusives, and your free book, sign-up for Keira's newsletter: http://www.keirablackwood.com/newslet...
Keyboard ninja, late-blooming bibliophile, proud geek, animal lover, eternal optimist, visual artist.
USA Today Bestselling Author Keira Blackwood writes exciting paranormal romance and romantic urban fantasy with all the snort laughs and all the feels.
For news, exclusives, and your free book, sign-up for Keira's newsletter: http://www.keirablackwood.com/newslet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 5, 2024
This storyline was so weak and contrived i truly struggled to finish it….not my fav.
October 28, 2024
This book started out so weird, I had to keep reading just to figure out what was happening, and before I knew it, I was fully invested and the characters were growing on me.
October 5, 2025
Hmm. Despite the FMC going through one of my personal worst nightmares on page, the threat level didn’t feel higher than cartoon level and was quickly resolved. In fact, none of the tension felt particularly tense, which was a relief after reading a few books recently which messed with my head and my heart! The trouble was, there also wasn’t really any empathy formed with any of the characters because none of it felt real to me, so even at the end of the book I wasn’t either happy or sad at the resolution of the story. It just… was.
So, the FMC gets cut out of her cat-hating mother’s will at the beginning of the book, inheriting only a lockup of unidentified stuff. The rest was, bizarrely, left to a cat. Not just a cat, but a cat with the stupidest name I’ve ever seen. She goes home and tells her fiancé she’s not been left anything, so he does a completely normal thing and drugs her before burying her alive. As one would (/sarcasm). Anyway, she wakes up in a coffin/box underground, and is found by an alchemist who gives her a potion to bring her back to life since, at this point, she is “mostly dead” (which gave me Princess Bride vibes). When she wakes up three days later, she has no reflection, no pulse and an enormous appetite for uncooked meat and people (Santa Clarita Diet, anyone? By this point, the woman is looking like Drew Barrymore in my head). She goes to her friend’s house and they go back to the woman’s home where her dick fiancé tries to kill her. Again. So, she bites him. Obviously. He turns into a comedy zombie, biting her foot and moaning “braaains.”
Are you seeing why I couldn’t take this seriously by this point?
The two women stuff the zombie ex into a freezer then track down the alchemist guy, who stops time and informs the was-mostly-dead-now-mostly-alive woman that she is now a “revenant.”
Anyway, long story short: the alchemist (who is half wizard, half wolf shifter) and the revenant woman fall in bed… I mean love. With the help of others they find the woman’s (NOT dead) mother (there’s a definite Not Actually Dead theme) and they solve all the mysteries about all the faked deaths and attempted murders and stuff. It could have been exciting, but it just wasn’t, for me. I failed to empathise with or relate to any of the characters and it all felt silly and two dimensional. It was an entertaining story, but it just didn’t grab me, which is a shame.
So, the FMC gets cut out of her cat-hating mother’s will at the beginning of the book, inheriting only a lockup of unidentified stuff. The rest was, bizarrely, left to a cat. Not just a cat, but a cat with the stupidest name I’ve ever seen. She goes home and tells her fiancé she’s not been left anything, so he does a completely normal thing and drugs her before burying her alive. As one would (/sarcasm). Anyway, she wakes up in a coffin/box underground, and is found by an alchemist who gives her a potion to bring her back to life since, at this point, she is “mostly dead” (which gave me Princess Bride vibes). When she wakes up three days later, she has no reflection, no pulse and an enormous appetite for uncooked meat and people (Santa Clarita Diet, anyone? By this point, the woman is looking like Drew Barrymore in my head). She goes to her friend’s house and they go back to the woman’s home where her dick fiancé tries to kill her. Again. So, she bites him. Obviously. He turns into a comedy zombie, biting her foot and moaning “braaains.”
Are you seeing why I couldn’t take this seriously by this point?
The two women stuff the zombie ex into a freezer then track down the alchemist guy, who stops time and informs the was-mostly-dead-now-mostly-alive woman that she is now a “revenant.”
Anyway, long story short: the alchemist (who is half wizard, half wolf shifter) and the revenant woman fall in bed… I mean love. With the help of others they find the woman’s (NOT dead) mother (there’s a definite Not Actually Dead theme) and they solve all the mysteries about all the faked deaths and attempted murders and stuff. It could have been exciting, but it just wasn’t, for me. I failed to empathise with or relate to any of the characters and it all felt silly and two dimensional. It was an entertaining story, but it just didn’t grab me, which is a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
ok
I have read other books by this author, and I was hoping that this book would be just as good as the other ones but unfortunately it was not. I was disappointed with Rose. It was interesting when this book 1st started out and it sounded like it was going to be a good book until Rose came home. Not only did her fiancé try to murder her, but she tried to make excuses for why he did it and maybe it was an accident. It was so annoying to hear that monologue in her head when the guy was clearly a jerk. Even through almost the whole book, she was trying to make excuses for him. She finally got smart and said heck with him. Of course, when her freezer with her fiancé and it disappeared, she couldn’t make any more excuses for him anyway. Then Rose latches onto Andrew very quickly. Her relationship with her fiancé was barely cold before she jumped into it with Andrew. I’m not sure if I’m going to read the next book in the series or not especially if it’s as obnoxious as this one was.
I have read other books by this author, and I was hoping that this book would be just as good as the other ones but unfortunately it was not. I was disappointed with Rose. It was interesting when this book 1st started out and it sounded like it was going to be a good book until Rose came home. Not only did her fiancé try to murder her, but she tried to make excuses for why he did it and maybe it was an accident. It was so annoying to hear that monologue in her head when the guy was clearly a jerk. Even through almost the whole book, she was trying to make excuses for him. She finally got smart and said heck with him. Of course, when her freezer with her fiancé and it disappeared, she couldn’t make any more excuses for him anyway. Then Rose latches onto Andrew very quickly. Her relationship with her fiancé was barely cold before she jumped into it with Andrew. I’m not sure if I’m going to read the next book in the series or not especially if it’s as obnoxious as this one was.
April 22, 2024
omg so boring I want the last couple hours of my life back!!
Decent story but there is so much unbelievably boring drivel, filler word vomit it literally will put you to sleep. So I had to skim most of the pages just to get through it. We do not need to know. Every single act and second of the day the MFC does ! You are allowed to write things like the character went to work and just skim the bullet points details that occurred. Not give us a second by second, blow by blow account of every single thing the character does .. gesh I removed two stars because I had to skim so much and being poorly written & executed. The book could have literally been less than 12 chapters and the story would not have suffered at all. Re write this immediately, learn how to use that backspace and delete button on the excessive drivel and filler. Condense this book down and it would be 5 stars.
Decent story but there is so much unbelievably boring drivel, filler word vomit it literally will put you to sleep. So I had to skim most of the pages just to get through it. We do not need to know. Every single act and second of the day the MFC does ! You are allowed to write things like the character went to work and just skim the bullet points details that occurred. Not give us a second by second, blow by blow account of every single thing the character does .. gesh I removed two stars because I had to skim so much and being poorly written & executed. The book could have literally been less than 12 chapters and the story would not have suffered at all. Re write this immediately, learn how to use that backspace and delete button on the excessive drivel and filler. Condense this book down and it would be 5 stars.
July 27, 2022
Who is Scott and what is he up in arms about? Who is Rosemary? How do they know one another? What happens to Rosemary as she is getting into her car? Who or what plays whack-a-mole with her? What news has she been given? Oh my gosh, the three traumas Rosemary has endured just over one chapter into the book had my jaw ready to hit the floor. Who is the mysterious stranger? Oh, I think I love Wendy. Yep, after Rosemary's story, Wendy taking her home and helping deal with Scott, I love her. What happens to Scott? I could not stop laughing!!!! What is Noodles McDoodles Butterbelly? What do we learn? WHat does Lily do for Andrew and Rosemary? What happened with Wendy when Rosemary needed to eat? What do we learn at the end? Read and see what is truly going on. I was surprised, pleasantly of course. I cannot wait for the next book.
July 15, 2023
Alright. I waited a few days to write a review for this so I could let it marinade. I'm a little disappointed with this book. There was promise, but it didn't hit the mark.
The book started out with a good plot, but it felt like the author was in a rush and decided to skip out on filling in the details.
This was a quick read that could have been better. There were quite a few funny parts, some clean romance bits, and okay characters. There was a lot that didn't make sense, and I don't really feel everything was wrapped up by the end. I feel like the author took the easy way out, said the cat did it, and then wiped her hands of trying to flush out the book. And, we're left with an extremely stupid cliffhanger at the end.
I read this. I finished it. I doubt I'd go on to the second in the series when my time could be better spent reading something else.
The book started out with a good plot, but it felt like the author was in a rush and decided to skip out on filling in the details.
This was a quick read that could have been better. There were quite a few funny parts, some clean romance bits, and okay characters. There was a lot that didn't make sense, and I don't really feel everything was wrapped up by the end. I feel like the author took the easy way out, said the cat did it, and then wiped her hands of trying to flush out the book. And, we're left with an extremely stupid cliffhanger at the end.
I read this. I finished it. I doubt I'd go on to the second in the series when my time could be better spent reading something else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
Well this was certainly different and at one point I wasn't even sure if I would finish it due to the fact that it was really really different!! But as I read on and became part of Rosemary's life I am very glad I stayed with her and the book.
Rosemary and Scott are living together but not really into each other as Rosemary finds out when she awakens up after a glass of wine in a box underneath dirt....and she is promptly rescued by a yummy looking guy whom she has never met and knows about. Actually the whole book is about discovering one's own self worth and moving forward with bits of humor to level out the story.
Rosemary and Scott are living together but not really into each other as Rosemary finds out when she awakens up after a glass of wine in a box underneath dirt....and she is promptly rescued by a yummy looking guy whom she has never met and knows about. Actually the whole book is about discovering one's own self worth and moving forward with bits of humor to level out the story.
October 15, 2024
While I am not really a fan of fantasy type books, I did enjoy this one. It was different from others I have read. Rose comes home one night and finds her boyfriend preparing her a hot bath, with a glass of wine. But she never makes it into the tub. The wine is drugged, and she is buried alive by said boyfriend. Luckily, she is saved, but at a cost. The potion she is given to keep her alive turns her into a revenant. What is that, you ask? Is she a zombie? Not quite...but you might want to read the book to see what exactly that is. While this book can be read as a stand alone, there is a next book to continue reading about her best friend Wendy.
July 26, 2023
Rosemary’s mother has died and left her nothing. Weird cuz there should’ve been something. Then her fiancé drugs and buried her alive only to be saved by drinking a portion that turns her into a monster. Then things get weird. But what if it was all a big trick?
Here’s what I didn’t like: the execution of the story. Most of the book felt rushed and a lot of things were basically described as Ok this happened. Insta love. The kitsune.
Here’s what I liked: revenants aren’t something you typically see in UFs. Premise was good. Fade to black.
Overall meh! No longer interested.
Here’s what I didn’t like: the execution of the story. Most of the book felt rushed and a lot of things were basically described as Ok this happened. Insta love. The kitsune.
Here’s what I liked: revenants aren’t something you typically see in UFs. Premise was good. Fade to black.
Overall meh! No longer interested.
March 10, 2024
This was really an odd book, so it's hard for me to write my reaction to it. The book itself is well written, it just doesn't really appeal to my tastes in supernaturals. I read quite a few supernatural cozies, but this is the first time I've encountered a revenant. I'm not a fan of zombies, and revenants are a bit too close to zombies for comfort. I probably won't read any more of this series, but I like the author's writing style enough to give one of her other series a try. Midlife Magic in Marshmallow seems to be about witches, which is more in my interest range.
July 23, 2022
Everyone talks about mid-life changes. She sure didn't expect them to be to this extent. Her Fiance sure didn't act the part of a loving fiance. Would he pay for his actions?
This is a great story of surprises, changes, and a new life after forty—and what a life (sort of).
You'll need to read to discover just how her life changes and if it is for the better? Unique midlife read that will keep you reading without stopping to the end.
This is a great story of surprises, changes, and a new life after forty—and what a life (sort of).
You'll need to read to discover just how her life changes and if it is for the better? Unique midlife read that will keep you reading without stopping to the end.
August 29, 2022
ENTERTAINING READ
Rosemary is in her40's and is again having boyfriend trouble. He tries to kill her and succeeds, mostly. However, she is found and saved by a man that confounds her vow to swear off men. However, she is hungry, very hungry and hopes she didn't eat her best friend. And then there is the situation with her maybe not dead mother who left her estate to... not her. I like the action, humor, mystery, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
Rosemary is in her40's and is again having boyfriend trouble. He tries to kill her and succeeds, mostly. However, she is found and saved by a man that confounds her vow to swear off men. However, she is hungry, very hungry and hopes she didn't eat her best friend. And then there is the situation with her maybe not dead mother who left her estate to... not her. I like the action, humor, mystery, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
September 11, 2022
Alright then!
Okay then, if Wendy is the next story and she’s looking for help, why doesn’t she just ask Andrew the alchemist? It would make a hole lot of sense for a cure. And what’s with the bear, is he a shift attracted to his mate? Either way waiting til next year is a cruelty to us readers, I mean I will probably forget about this series after a month because I usually do until it pops up like a new read. We’ll see you later possibly!
Okay then, if Wendy is the next story and she’s looking for help, why doesn’t she just ask Andrew the alchemist? It would make a hole lot of sense for a cure. And what’s with the bear, is he a shift attracted to his mate? Either way waiting til next year is a cruelty to us readers, I mean I will probably forget about this series after a month because I usually do until it pops up like a new read. We’ll see you later possibly!
August 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this read/style of writing. Rose is awesome, Wendy is the best friend I've always wanted and Andrew... Mmm. The man is man goals 🤤 I wish it was a bit spicier.... I'd rate it 🌶️/5. I think the term for this is "fade to black?" either way, it was a great read. I had fun trying to figure out what kind of supernatural being was going to be revealed where the FMC is concerned... I was wrong every time 😂 Will definitely be continuing the series.
September 5, 2023
Hunky guy saves middle-aged mom by making her a revenant
Pretty nice twist on how Rosemary becomes supernatural and the powers she is developing. The parts about Scott were fun - not ethical, but satisfying. I didn't really care for the wrap up. It made no sense that Rosemary's bite could change Scott but not Wendy. The distant, uncaring mom gets a new life with a magical good luck charm.
Pretty nice twist on how Rosemary becomes supernatural and the powers she is developing. The parts about Scott were fun - not ethical, but satisfying. I didn't really care for the wrap up. It made no sense that Rosemary's bite could change Scott but not Wendy. The distant, uncaring mom gets a new life with a magical good luck charm.
July 31, 2022
A unique take on a middle-aged woman coming into her power…
Kiera Blackwood has created a uniques magical world that is entirely believable. Her characters seem like people you could meet in your own life, yet there is magic. Ms. Blackwood created an engrossing story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Kiera Blackwood has created a uniques magical world that is entirely believable. Her characters seem like people you could meet in your own life, yet there is magic. Ms. Blackwood created an engrossing story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
August 4, 2022
A different kind of supernatural
The first half of this I found to be a bit slow and frustrating. It really didn't pick up til a little over the halfway mark. A lot different from most of the PWF I've read in regards the type of supernatural Rosie turned out to be and her journey on how she got there. Interesting and well written in the end.
The first half of this I found to be a bit slow and frustrating. It really didn't pick up til a little over the halfway mark. A lot different from most of the PWF I've read in regards the type of supernatural Rosie turned out to be and her journey on how she got there. Interesting and well written in the end.
dnf
July 13, 2023I won't rate it because I knew it was going to be bad going into it... this was my bad for choosing it.
Too much going on, but not enough plot. The MC is a mess. Where she should laugh, she cries. Where she should cry, she freaks out. Where she should ask questions, she runs away. She's insane, but not the entertaining kind. No thanks!
Too much going on, but not enough plot. The MC is a mess. Where she should laugh, she cries. Where she should cry, she freaks out. Where she should ask questions, she runs away. She's insane, but not the entertaining kind. No thanks!
July 15, 2022
This book is a great start to a new series! The storyline is entertaining and filled with action, adventure and intrigue. The interaction and chemistry between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more, I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
July 17, 2022
Intriguing start to a new series. Will definitely keep you on your toes and wondering what's coming next. Well written. Interesting characters and supporting characters. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review
July 19, 2022
Very intriguing and entertaining read filled with action and adventure. I can't wait for more in this great series. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are completely my own.
July 28, 2022
buried alive
Rosemary thought Scott loved her but she was so wrong, course when u wake up buried alive I think that gives it away. Run away fun something different but not bad. Enjoyed it
Rosemary thought Scott loved her but she was so wrong, course when u wake up buried alive I think that gives it away. Run away fun something different but not bad. Enjoyed it
July 30, 2023
Ok
Story was a little disjointed at times, the character was a little hard to like at times. She continued to run away constantly from the things that could help her which was frustrating. Even the side characters were a little flat.
Story was a little disjointed at times, the character was a little hard to like at times. She continued to run away constantly from the things that could help her which was frustrating. Even the side characters were a little flat.
September 2, 2023
New life
Taking a chance on life when everything you've ever known changes in an instant. They author weaves a tale of change that our heroine struggles to deal with. From an evil ex to a devoted best friend our heroine runs the gambit.
Taking a chance on life when everything you've ever known changes in an instant. They author weaves a tale of change that our heroine struggles to deal with. From an evil ex to a devoted best friend our heroine runs the gambit.
September 21, 2023
What about the bear?
This was a wild ride. Describing the first half of this book sounded like I was having a fever dream. I'm still not quite sure the fever has broken, honestly. That was definitely....something?
This was a wild ride. Describing the first half of this book sounded like I was having a fever dream. I'm still not quite sure the fever has broken, honestly. That was definitely....something?
November 5, 2023
some new beginnings start with endings
sadly her transformation was more than just being cheated on and dumped
tricky transitions and interfering others make whatever comes next harder to achieve- and oh so funny, a bit sad, and more than a little intense and insightful
sadly her transformation was more than just being cheated on and dumped
tricky transitions and interfering others make whatever comes next harder to achieve- and oh so funny, a bit sad, and more than a little intense and insightful
December 25, 2023
This was an enjoyable, lighthearted, humorous, heartwarming story, despite the various monsters and bad guys and near-death experiences. There was lots of love that contrasted sharply with the evil intentions of the bad guys and the antics of a very quirky cat.
June 24, 2024
Found the beginning chaotic
I disliked the confusion in the first chapters . I nearly be a up on it but I persevered and the story began to make sense. Having got into it I began to enjoy it and will read more by this author
I disliked the confusion in the first chapters . I nearly be a up on it but I persevered and the story began to make sense. Having got into it I began to enjoy it and will read more by this author
August 7, 2022
DNF. 43% through but the FMC is just annoying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews