Title: Midlife Bed and Broomstick
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Cougars and Cauldrons #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

I love that Hart’s writing is about women who are going through midlife mayhem, drastic changes in their lives, and often even menopause. They are women who have often already had children (or not if that is their desire). And then, to top off all of the drama of change and escaping an abusive asshole husband, Sam is introduced to the world of magic. I love how much this continues to wreak mayhem and nonsense into her life. Plus, it makes for an unforgettable journey that I just didn’t want to put down. It was brilliant, fun and a whole lot of female empowerment after a lifetime of oppression.

Although I loved this story, it most definitely featured yet another dopey “alpha” male who makes decisions without talking to the woman he supposedly loves. Decides he knows what’s “best” without any form of consideration or communication with the woman he loves. It’s a trope for a reason, and one I often love. But it’s also one that makes me roll my eyes. And honestly, Damien is the epitome of this. He feels guilty that the past led Sam into an abuser’s path, but he also continues to follow the same stupid pathways in the pursuit of doing the “right thing”. It’s definitely a fun thing to read about, but, it’s also something completely ridiculous that had me huffing my frustration throughout.

Even though Damien is very obviously going to be a strong love interest for Sam from the very beginning, I love that Matthias is slowly but surely set up as a potential point in the love triangle too. Plus, the way that his arc with Sam ends out this story is brilliant. Not only does it make me keen to read the next book in the Cauldrons and Cougars series, but I also don’t know which male I prefer. I do have a bit of an idea of how this triangle works out as I read Midlife Passions and Predators out of order. However, the journey to get there is still something that I can’t wait to go on and watch unfold!

Sam as a mother is so realistic. It’s a reminder that no matter how big and strong and old your children get, you’re still a mother. The hovering, the caring, and the bossing around never truly stops when you have children to raise. Sam’s dynamic with her son may have shifted drastically, but she’s still a mother. And, throughout all of the trials and nonsense that she puts up with throughout this story, she still places her son’s health and happiness above all else.

The combination of an MS diagnosis, an abusive soon-to-be ex-husband and, ultimately going on a journey to find out where you belong is an impressive and amazing combination. It was one that made it virtually impossible to put down. Plus, it’s a reminder that no matter your age, there is always a chance for a new beginning and happiness in love. It just takes a whole lot of courage and lucky circumstances. It made an already fun storyline all that much more potent and is probably why I’m really enjoying Hart’s writing at this point in my life.

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Image source: Jennifer L. Hart