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Magic After Midlife #6
Bent Out of Shade
Miriam Feldman’s road to happiness is littered with potholes.
Between her search for a vampire’s missing fiancée and getting answers about a creepy amulet tied to my parents’ murders, she's making enemies across the whole supernatural spectrum. Fun! Meanwhile, her daughter is acting out, and teen attitude is sooo delightful when you throw magic into the mix.
Then there’s that business with the Leviathan, but she's embracing positivity and ignoring it. Her ascent up the ladder as a magic fixer is on track, and she's got a first date with a certain sexy French wolf shifter to look forward to.
It’s pedal to the metal as she outruns and outplays deadly opponents set on revenge.
Bent out of Shade is the penultimate book in the Magic after Midlife series. It features a swoony romance, a mystery with heart-stopping twists and turns, and a magical midlife adventure.
Between her search for a vampire’s missing fiancée and getting answers about a creepy amulet tied to my parents’ murders, she's making enemies across the whole supernatural spectrum. Fun! Meanwhile, her daughter is acting out, and teen attitude is sooo delightful when you throw magic into the mix.
Then there’s that business with the Leviathan, but she's embracing positivity and ignoring it. Her ascent up the ladder as a magic fixer is on track, and she's got a first date with a certain sexy French wolf shifter to look forward to.
It’s pedal to the metal as she outruns and outplays deadly opponents set on revenge.
Bent out of Shade is the penultimate book in the Magic after Midlife series. It features a swoony romance, a mystery with heart-stopping twists and turns, and a magical midlife adventure.
310 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2022
234 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Wilde
42 books1,061 followersDeborah 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.
she/her
Smart (ass) heroines. Epic magic. Red-hot romance.
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.
she/her
Smart (ass) heroines. Epic magic. Red-hot romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 27, 2024
Good cute but getting bored with this series
September 16, 2022
Just deciding to end the series here
Honestly, at this point I'm really sick of Sadie. She is an unlikable character that's just a brat all the time and there's really nothing redeeming about her. She is a constant obnoxion throughout the entire series and I completely understand that Miriam obviously loves her and Wants to do everything to protect her but there's a certain point that you just need to say f*** it and let your kids learn on their own. I just feel like some of the expectations are unrealistic standards that no parent would actually ever deal with without eventually snapping. And honestly, Eli is in the same boat as Sadie. Both characters at this point in the series for me are so unlikable that I am having a hard time continuing the series because of the crappy attitude and constant aggressive and combative behavior all the time. Again, I understand that families are never going to get along, but when you have an ex-husband that's constantly fighting you and never listening and ignoring your co-parenting rules and a child that is completely combative all the time and picking fights and then disobeying safety concerns that an individual would eventually snap or at the very least put one of them in their place but instead it's just a constant influx of "well I love them so I'll just tolerate their behavior". Even with the most gentle of parenting that would not fly. I'm legitimately considering not buying the next book and just calling it an end of the series at this point because if I have to deal with any more of Eli and Sadie's crap I'm going to end up chucking my phone at the wall. Honestly fixing those two characters would fix the entire book, but I feel like we're so far down this path that there's no going back.
Honestly, at this point I'm really sick of Sadie. She is an unlikable character that's just a brat all the time and there's really nothing redeeming about her. She is a constant obnoxion throughout the entire series and I completely understand that Miriam obviously loves her and Wants to do everything to protect her but there's a certain point that you just need to say f*** it and let your kids learn on their own. I just feel like some of the expectations are unrealistic standards that no parent would actually ever deal with without eventually snapping. And honestly, Eli is in the same boat as Sadie. Both characters at this point in the series for me are so unlikable that I am having a hard time continuing the series because of the crappy attitude and constant aggressive and combative behavior all the time. Again, I understand that families are never going to get along, but when you have an ex-husband that's constantly fighting you and never listening and ignoring your co-parenting rules and a child that is completely combative all the time and picking fights and then disobeying safety concerns that an individual would eventually snap or at the very least put one of them in their place but instead it's just a constant influx of "well I love them so I'll just tolerate their behavior". Even with the most gentle of parenting that would not fly. I'm legitimately considering not buying the next book and just calling it an end of the series at this point because if I have to deal with any more of Eli and Sadie's crap I'm going to end up chucking my phone at the wall. Honestly fixing those two characters would fix the entire book, but I feel like we're so far down this path that there's no going back.
April 1, 2023
This was another thoroughly enjoyable instalment in the Magic After Midlife series.
There's not much I can say about what I enjoyed about this instalment that I haven't already said about the previous books in the series, so instead, I'll just state that I'm SERIOUSLY looking forward to the series finale, which is on my reading list for May.
There's not much I can say about what I enjoyed about this instalment that I haven't already said about the previous books in the series, so instead, I'll just state that I'm SERIOUSLY looking forward to the series finale, which is on my reading list for May.
August 21, 2022
Woooh, Miri’s road is speckled with twists and turns, and I love how resilient she is and how she doesn’t give up.
While still focused on finding her parents’ killer and the reason they died, Miri is now tasked with locating a vampire’s fiancé, a high-profile young lawyer who’d just won a big trial, then vanished off the face of the earth.
While tracking her whereabouts, Miri is met with the Leviathan who had healed her before (in the last book, I believe) and again in this one, and promises to help him. She strikes up deals with the weirdest creatures, lemme tell you.
Also, her relationship with Huff-n-Puff is being taken to the next level and boy are they the sweetest? I just love Laurent’s road to softening his heart towards Miriam.
Deb says this book is the penultimate in the series, and I feel that’s true. Most of the constant characters – Laurent, Sadie, Tatiana and even Zev – are all growing into their personalities in this one and it’s marvelous to experience.
I felt totally immersed in the story and enjoyed it a lot. It’s funny, it’s confusing and then it sets you straight, and it keeps you on your toes more than ever. Also, the sweet moments between Miri and Laurent are awesome.
While still focused on finding her parents’ killer and the reason they died, Miri is now tasked with locating a vampire’s fiancé, a high-profile young lawyer who’d just won a big trial, then vanished off the face of the earth.
While tracking her whereabouts, Miri is met with the Leviathan who had healed her before (in the last book, I believe) and again in this one, and promises to help him. She strikes up deals with the weirdest creatures, lemme tell you.
Also, her relationship with Huff-n-Puff is being taken to the next level and boy are they the sweetest? I just love Laurent’s road to softening his heart towards Miriam.
Deb says this book is the penultimate in the series, and I feel that’s true. Most of the constant characters – Laurent, Sadie, Tatiana and even Zev – are all growing into their personalities in this one and it’s marvelous to experience.
I felt totally immersed in the story and enjoyed it a lot. It’s funny, it’s confusing and then it sets you straight, and it keeps you on your toes more than ever. Also, the sweet moments between Miri and Laurent are awesome.
August 27, 2022
The sixth installment of Magic After Midlife lived up to my expectations. I love the interaction between Mitzi and Huff-n-Puff. They've both grown so much, not only through this particular story, but throughout the series. I re-read the entire series before indulging in Bent Out of Shade, and the arc is so beautifully inspired.
There was one point, about 40% in, where I said, "Oh, no, you didn't!" The whole thing with Zev and Kian... Wow. I didn't see that coming. I loved how Miriam stood up to him and garnered his respect.
And then the end--I can't believe you left us hanging, Wilde! I want book 7 right now!
This is easily the best series I've read in a long time, and it holds up to the re-reads I love to do. This cast of characters--Miri, Laurent, Tatiana, Eli, Emmett, Jude, Sadie, and Zev--are so real, adventurous and inspiring, that I'll be re-reading it for many years to come.
There was one point, about 40% in, where I said, "Oh, no, you didn't!" The whole thing with Zev and Kian... Wow. I didn't see that coming. I loved how Miriam stood up to him and garnered his respect.
And then the end--I can't believe you left us hanging, Wilde! I want book 7 right now!
This is easily the best series I've read in a long time, and it holds up to the re-reads I love to do. This cast of characters--Miri, Laurent, Tatiana, Eli, Emmett, Jude, Sadie, and Zev--are so real, adventurous and inspiring, that I'll be re-reading it for many years to come.
August 21, 2022
I love this series, and characters so much. The good times, and growth carry on in this penultimate *sob* book in the series. Miri who is certain of herself, her place in the world and with her people getting her is a wonderful sight to behold.
This book just shows how far everyone has come - Emmett and Laurent in big ways, and also seeing the change in Eli and Sadie. I love love how the world is changing and things that are happening aren't just isolated changes for Miri. The consequences and changes that come from the group being a group, the people who are her people knowing and loving all of her is just *chefs kiss* perfect.
Don't worry the action, the lists, and laughs are all there. So to is a great line from Miri to Sadie which I'm going to tuck away into my parenting bag.
*I'm a lucky fish and on the author's ARC team*
This book just shows how far everyone has come - Emmett and Laurent in big ways, and also seeing the change in Eli and Sadie. I love love how the world is changing and things that are happening aren't just isolated changes for Miri. The consequences and changes that come from the group being a group, the people who are her people knowing and loving all of her is just *chefs kiss* perfect.
Don't worry the action, the lists, and laughs are all there. So to is a great line from Miri to Sadie which I'm going to tuck away into my parenting bag.
*I'm a lucky fish and on the author's ARC team*
August 16, 2022
Book 6 in the Magic after Midlife series does not disappoint.
Just like the other book in this series (which I really think you should read in order) this book is filled with action and intrigue, and a gripping storyline and characters which you both love and love-to-hate (sometimes even the same characters).
The characters are the best part of this story, their difficult relationships, their individual flaws and even their humanity - even those that aren’t human.
There is a cliffhanger at the end, which would normally frustrate me, but this story was well-rounded and the cliffhanger felt more like a teaser of what is still to come... so can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Just like the other book in this series (which I really think you should read in order) this book is filled with action and intrigue, and a gripping storyline and characters which you both love and love-to-hate (sometimes even the same characters).
The characters are the best part of this story, their difficult relationships, their individual flaws and even their humanity - even those that aren’t human.
There is a cliffhanger at the end, which would normally frustrate me, but this story was well-rounded and the cliffhanger felt more like a teaser of what is still to come... so can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August 22, 2022
Miriam, hunting for her parent’s killer, agrees to take the vampire Vincenzo as a client and is soon confronted with a summons. In avoiding the summons, she unfortunately finds herself stuck with another issue that takes her back to hunting for the Ascendant. When she thinks her full plate cannot take anymore her daughter Sadie decides to act out and the vampire Zev alone with the Lonestars begin making threats. This has been one fast-past, exciting, mysterious, fascinating read with some interesting twist that will have you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed every minute and look forward to the next installment. You should definitely read this book you will not regret it.
August 25, 2022
In true Miriam fashion, she is gaining more tasks to do, including finding a missing fiancée. Will she find the time to discover who her parent's killer is? Or will she be too busy with her full plate of things to do for others? Can she solve all the mysteries that come her way? I love the snarky humour, twists in the story, the challenges she faces (both with her adventures, and with her daughter Sadie) and the quirky friends/family that add to her story (and the adventure). I am looking forward to the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
August 8, 2022
Just wow. This book is a wonderful read. The series just keeps on getting better and better, and there is no way I will be ready for the conclusion. Miri keeps on amazing me with her resilience, and desire to keep up with her moral compass despite the mess her life has become. Emmett remains a big favourite, as does a certain cat shifter gargoyle. A series of murders, magical dramas and vampire politics to deal with, while juggling coparenting a stroppy teenager and trying to date a younger wolf shifter make this such a fun read.
August 18, 2022
This sixth book in this series continues to bring it with a great story and characters that I Love! Now, one must read the first five before this one, to truly enjoy it. Miri is such a tough woman, and she is always doing what has to be done. I love her relationship with Emmett, an it fills me with real hope for her future happiness. I Loved every page and can hardly wait for Ace of Shades!!! No Spoilers!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Choose to and Love this World!!!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Choose to and Love this World!!!
August 22, 2022
This incredible series just keeps getting better and better and I am totally hooked. There’s so much going on in Miri’s life as she tries to hunt down her parents killer, find a vampire missing fiancée and has a rebellious teenager to deal with! It’s a gripping and captivating read that pulls you in Immediately, it’s exciting and is fast paced and full of action, mystery and suspense as we see Miri manoeuvre around everything in her life including the potholes!!! Sassy, Snarky and with twists and turns galore this is a fantastic addition.
October 14, 2022
To say Miri’s plate is full with discovering who murdered her parents as well as a teenage daughter discovering her new magic is an understatement. Then a master vampire’s fiancée is missing, there’s a supernatural gang war going on, and all she can collect is more enemies. But what happens when she follows the whispers?
Here’s what I didn’t like: eh. I can’t say much here other than I wasn’t sitting on the edge of my seat.
Here’s what I liked: I found this one more funny than usual. I really like Laurent and Miri together. I’m glad Tatiana isn’t being absolutely awful.
Overall this was fun and I look forward to the next book.
Here’s what I didn’t like: eh. I can’t say much here other than I wasn’t sitting on the edge of my seat.
Here’s what I liked: I found this one more funny than usual. I really like Laurent and Miri together. I’m glad Tatiana isn’t being absolutely awful.
Overall this was fun and I look forward to the next book.
August 18, 2022
Oh man that was an action packed ride!
Deborah does not leave us hanging with these new adventure’s for Miriam and the Team. I love her creativity with the situations that occur, the predicaments they all face, the internal soul searching they have to do, the fight for feminism and strength for independent women and the lists! My love for this series goes on.
As for the ending/beginning of the next book- WOW. I can’t wait to see what happens then.
Deborah does not leave us hanging with these new adventure’s for Miriam and the Team. I love her creativity with the situations that occur, the predicaments they all face, the internal soul searching they have to do, the fight for feminism and strength for independent women and the lists! My love for this series goes on.
As for the ending/beginning of the next book- WOW. I can’t wait to see what happens then.
September 25, 2022
Magical adventure
It's another exciting adventure with Miriam and crew! Miriam tries to do a job for Tatiana without getting killed or having any other injustices done (geez her job is hard), does her best to parent a teenager who recently learned that she has magic, explores her relationship with Laurent, and continues to investigate her parents' deaths. Overall she's pretty badass, despite not usually feeling that way about herself.
It's another exciting adventure with Miriam and crew! Miriam tries to do a job for Tatiana without getting killed or having any other injustices done (geez her job is hard), does her best to parent a teenager who recently learned that she has magic, explores her relationship with Laurent, and continues to investigate her parents' deaths. Overall she's pretty badass, despite not usually feeling that way about herself.
June 19, 2023
Miriam has plenty to deal with in this book. She is trying to find her parents murderer. Sadie is acting up " a teenage daughter the gift that keeps on giving" Emmett and Laurent are brilliant as usual. I love the humour sarcasm. The plot has lots of twists and turns. this is a fantastic read. I am sad that there is only one book left in this series, but I can't wait to read it.
The narration is absolutley perfect.
The narration is absolutley perfect.
August 8, 2022
Excellent read. Engrossing plot, mystery disappearance, a rebellious teenager with new magic. If you like an older woman as your magical heroine, Miri is your woman. Filled with snarky dialog, a hot wolf love interest, and peopled with magical characters. This is a fabulously entertaining series. Highly recommended.
August 20, 2022
This volume does not disappoint the reader. The storyline is filled with great characters, vampire politics, murders, and missing person investigations. This read is fast-paced, well-written, engaging, and entertaining. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
August 29, 2022
This another great installment in this series! I love the interactions and glimpses of personal history between the characters. Miriam and her wolf are growing with each story. I can't wait for the enxt in this series. I highly recommend this series.
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November 17, 2022Love
Love these books. Can't put them down. I'm not Jewish,but I love the references. Great humor and realistic sensuality. Just read them. You won't be sorry. Especially if you are Jewish.
Love these books. Can't put them down. I'm not Jewish,but I love the references. Great humor and realistic sensuality. Just read them. You won't be sorry. Especially if you are Jewish.
January 6, 2023
Phenomenal!!!
Wow. This was so good and at times intense!! I loved the onion layers of finding out about Miriam 's past, and the deepening of her and laurants relationship! I can't wait for the final book!
Wow. This was so good and at times intense!! I loved the onion layers of finding out about Miriam 's past, and the deepening of her and laurants relationship! I can't wait for the final book!
May 5, 2023
AHHHH, yes, so much to love about this book, not in the least her damn confidence. And Laurent! YESSSSS. My heart was breaking at the end. I just love the writing and the characters and I'm so sad I only have one book left in the series!
June 16, 2025
Wow this one was nonstop
Book 6 of this series offers a lot of answers while giving you even more questions.
The best is watching Miri evolve and become even better. And Laurent. Just the best.
Book 6 of this series offers a lot of answers while giving you even more questions.
The best is watching Miri evolve and become even better. And Laurent. Just the best.
September 9, 2022
Another good read
Haven’t met a Deborah Wilde book I haven’t liked and this one has just been added to the list. I can’t wait for the next one to come up *sigh*
Haven’t met a Deborah Wilde book I haven’t liked and this one has just been added to the list. I can’t wait for the next one to come up *sigh*
February 7, 2024
Action, adventure, magic, mischief and wonderfully quirky characters this series has it all.
January 11, 2025
Entertaining book.
Funny, good to have an adult female as Hero, but the self doubt was a bit irritating! Overall would recommend!
Funny, good to have an adult female as Hero, but the self doubt was a bit irritating! Overall would recommend!
June 4, 2025
Even though the series as a whole has been enjoyable, this one had me slightly bored.
July 21, 2025
I'm loving this series. So much fun and sass!
February 21, 2025
I liked this book much better than the last few. It focused quite a bit on the vampires and they were much more interesting.
August 27, 2022
If you’ve enjoyed the other books in this series then this one won’t disappoint.
This book is filled with action from the first page and whilst the clever plot around the case had me gripped I think the thing that makes Deborah stand out from the crowd with this book are the supporting characters. Their relationships, flaws and humanity (even if they aren’t human) are in some way at the centre of what makes this series so good. At the centre of that is Laurent and the romance angle doesn’t disappoint, but for me the star is Sadie and the kid parent family dynamic that exists.
Five stars! Although what the **** was that ending talk about leaving the reader dangling!
This book is filled with action from the first page and whilst the clever plot around the case had me gripped I think the thing that makes Deborah stand out from the crowd with this book are the supporting characters. Their relationships, flaws and humanity (even if they aren’t human) are in some way at the centre of what makes this series so good. At the centre of that is Laurent and the romance angle doesn’t disappoint, but for me the star is Sadie and the kid parent family dynamic that exists.
Five stars! Although what the **** was that ending talk about leaving the reader dangling!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews