I get why Jessie and Austin are taking it slow and trying to stay just friends but it's driving me batty. Marrying your Best friend is ideal. And since they're older and know more now they should be able to handle it.basically they need to talk more ( )

Series Info/Source: This is the third book in the Leveling Up series. Right now there are five books in this series with a sixth book planned. I got this to read on my Kindle through Kindle Unlimited.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book a lot and thought it was the best one of the series so far. Jessie is still struggling to learn about her magic and trying to choose her council when two things happen: 1) her parents decide to come for a visit and 2) someone makes it past Ivy House’s defense unseen. It’s hard to tell which event will end up in the bigger disaster.

I loved watching Jessie and her crew try to hide magic from her parents. I also am enjoying watching Jessie learn to control her magic better and seeing her build up a circle of friends that can help her control and protect the magic of Ivy House. Austin is in the book in a big way and I am really loving him as the male lead here. Watching Mr. Tom and Jessie’s mom duking it out over house chores was also hilarious.

The story was fast-paced, easy to read, and hard to put down. I love the new magical creatures that keep popping up and thoroughly enjoy all the characters we meet. This was a hugely entertaining and fun read and the best book in the series so far.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely love this whole series so far and this book was a highlight in the series for me. This is a hilarious series with intriguing magic, interesting magical creatures, and amazing characters. I would highly recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal series with some humor in them. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! ( )

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Magical Midlife Invasion

Jessie is steadily making progress with her magic and adjusting to having magical companions in her life. But just as she thinks she can take a chance to relax into her new role, her parents decide on an impromptu visit to Ivy House. Her ordinary nonmagical parents. Suddenly tasked with trying to hide the fantastical elements of her new life, Jessie will find herself in over her head. Especially when the members of Ivy House find that a new foe has begun watching the house, possibly planning an attack.

K.F. Breene has a talent for meshing together everyday life scenarios with the fantasy elements in her world. Magical Midlife Invasion is another hilarious and action packed addition to the Leveling Up series. I found myself chuckling at Jessie's parents' tactics and completely understanding where Jessie was coming from with her thoughts and reactions. To have something so normal be inserted into a plotline with readying battle defenses and magical training doesn’t seem like it should work, but it just does.

Part of what makes this series shine is the characters. The interactions between Mr. Tom and Jessie’s mother were hilarious. Wanting to be helpful, Jessie’s mom tries to cook and clean but Mr. Tom is right behind her trying to do the exact same thing. The two end up in a face off throughout the entire book trying to out help the other. It’s hilarious and Jessie pretty much throws her hands up in the air and lets them have at it. Though I can’t say I blame her, I wouldn’t want to get in between that type of feud either.

And amongst all the camaraderie and character development, K.F. Breene starts to peel back more lore about Ivy House and the extent of what Jessie can do. I love watching Jessie struggle to learn magic. Jessie wants to do her best and she is determined to figure out how to make it all work. I can’t wait to see what new heights Jessie will reach and how she will prepare for the next magical attack.

I can’t say enough how much I recommend this series for women in their midlife years. There are so many nuances and details packed into this series that are relatable. The overall tone and perspective of the story brings it all together in a light hearted enjoyable read. ( )

Magical Midlife Invasion
Leveling Up, Book 3
By: K.F. Breene
Narrated by: Nicole Poole
This is such a great series! On my favorite list! If you love magic, gargoyles, shifters, Bigfoot, mages, vampires, a house that has a personality and magic herself, touch of romance, and lots and lots of humor then start this series! Read in order and on Audible! The story is full of craziness, hilarious banter, unpredictable situations, and just a lot of fun to listen to! The narrator makes the book come alive!
In this story Jesse's parents come to stay with her but they don't know about her magic or the house, or all the craziness that goes with her life now. It's while they are visiting that Jesse's enemy decides to attack. Jessie and team are ready! Parents, not so much!😉 Can't wait for the next book! Truly recommend!!! ( )

lgpb ( )