Magical Midlife Rogue

Leveling Up #12

by K.F. Breene

As Austin continues his tour to bring shifters into the convocation, he hears whispers about a powerful rogue no one dares bring into their territory—a shifter who strikes first and asks questions later.

Jessie and Austin, however, never walk away from someone in need. Unfortunately, they’re racing against the clock.

Evan, the new gargoyle cairn leader, has asked to meet the Mistress of Ivy House.

What should be straightforward quickly spirals out of control…because nothing is ever simple when Niamh is behind the wheel.

Soon, Jessie’s crew is juggling a volatile rogue and a growing mob of furious gargoyles who don’t appreciate being taunted on their home turf.

As always with this crew, chaos isn’t just possible…it’s inevitable.

Genres: Fiction

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 19, 2026

About the author

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K.F. Breene is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Amazon Most Sold Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and fantasy novels. With millions of books sold, when she's not penning stories about magic and what goes bump in the night, she's sipping wine and planning shenanigans. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and out of work treadmill.

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Reviews

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow the build up to the main battle has me on the edge of my seat, you can feel it as your reading.
This book was brilliant I laughed so much, even spat my drink and had it come out my nose, thanks for that.
The storyline in this book was brilliant and I am so looking forward to seeing what will happen next.
Great new characters and I love the character development throughout the whole series.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

This entry in the Leveling Up series earned ALL the stars. It’s a rare series that can keep the momentum for 12 books (with more on the way!) but each entry is fresh, funny and ratchets up the tension while raising the stakes. There’s a reason why KF Breene is one of my favorite authors of all time.

This entry follows Jessie, Austin and the Ivy House crew as they travel and visit in efforts to grow their convocation. First on the agenda is a shifter pack visit, followed by a stop in a forest to offer a rogue shifter a home, and lastly, a scheduled cairn visit. Multiple POVs throughout (Jessie, Austin, Nessa, Tristan and John primarily).

The bulk of the emotional work in this entry is done by Nessa/Tristan and John (the rogue shifter). Seeing the crew through the eyes of an outsider is ALWAYS a delight.

“Jessie’s team is special. Odd. Horribly so. But very special. I find that I fit in there, and I’ve been told it’s the beginning of the end for me because of it.”

I really loved John’s storyline - a powerful lion shifter and former alpha who retreats to an isolated mountain top after granting pack control to his 3 sisters. He fits in nowhere. But maybe that’s perfect for Jessie and her crew. They take the oddballs, those left behind, and they add them as ingredients to a mix that is always better than what it was before. And they always have room for more.

Nessa and Tristan’s relationship takes some huge emotional leaps in this entry. Be ready to fall even more in love with the Guardian gargoyle with a mysterious past. And watch out for dating advice from Niamh!

I’m even more excited for the next entry in the series! Thanks so much to KF Breene for the review copy.

[CozyWyvernReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We are paying homage to the mighty gargoyle." Edgar put his spindly fingers on the bar. "I once created a shrine to honor your god."

My oh my, I cannot stop laughing with this crew! There is a reason this series is so popular, and while yes, we all love the heroes, all of the side characters are what really make this book shine. K.F. Breene can write their multiple POVs so incredibly well, that I would not have it any other way. Every one of the books in this series is like a warm hug straight to my soul.

Story:
Jess and her crew need to continue growing their number if they have any hope of taking down Momar. The odds are stacked against them, and time is running out. This time, things really heat up with more than one magical battle (I do love great action scenes!). And, as the title would imply, they track down a rogue along the way. It's truly a testament to this entire team that things are handled, well... the way they always are. With care, empathy and a healthy dose of weird that only Breene's brand of writing could cook up.

I'm not usually one for long series. The plots can get repetitive, or the end just feels too drawn out, but it truly works here. This is the one instance where I wish genies were real, so I could wish for a never ending series. My second wish? I'd wish these characters were real so I could go and hang out with them in person! I'd join Niamh on her porch and bring some rocks. (Wish three, never ending basket of rocks. Ha!). This series has a special place in my heart, nonetheless.

Back to MM12 though - I loved this one! Things felt exciting from page 1 - how can they not with a team always on the move, am I right? So many laugh out loud moments, I'm pretty sure I was getting side-eye from my husband at one point because I couldn't stop giggling. Jess and Austin truly have something special, and the rest of the team feels like family at this point. Though you might be able to predict the way things will go, you can never predict how you'll get there. Or what might pop out of the trees... Like Phil in his vest and hard hat.

If you're just now reading reviews for this series (why are you starting here ya weirdo? There are 12 other books!), don't even question it. Go back, start with book one like a normal person, and enjoy the ride. She writes fast, no need to wait until this series is over. It's worth it.
At this point, I may have rambled too much and not said enough about this specific book, but why spoil things? Go! Get outta here! Go read!
And if you haven't read anything by KF Breene before, know I've been writing reviews since 2013, and she has never stopped being my #1 favorite author. Pick what speaks to you, and start there.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited to be a part of Team @kfbreene , thank you so much for trusting me with a copy of the latest Leveling Up book, Magical Midlife Rogue.

This series quickly became one of my all time favorites…no lie, at minimum, I read the entire series at least one a year…it’s definitely my go to comfort read.

WHY? So glad you asked…😉

Jacinta, is your average human entering midlife. Recently divorced and with her son off to college she’s at a loss of what to do. While she tries to figure out her life, she accepts the position of caretaker at Ivy House in a different town.

And, turns out it’s no normal house…it’s magical! Jessie is quickly introduced to a whole new world and, turns out, she is gifted with magical powers by the house —> becoming the only female gargoyle…is your interest piqued yet?

I love Jessie because she defies the norm, even as a human, but especially as she enters the magical world…she does things her own way!

In this, the 12th book of the series, Jessie and Austin Steele are on a tour trying to recruit people to their convocation, it picks up about a month after the last book and I was so happy to be able to continue the journey with Jessie and Austin.

Things are definitely starting to pick up in this book as they start gearing up for the fight against Momar and growing the team with even more kick butt magical people.
I also like that we got to see more POV’s from different characters like Tristan, John, Nessa, etc. And we can’t forget Mr. Tom, I live for his crazy, eccentric moments!

Haven’t read the series yet, PLEASE go check it out, you will not regret it. Then come back and let me know if you liked it 😉

[Arc review booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Queen Breene for the Arc 🫶🏼
5✨ I absolutely loved this book! honestly can’t get enough of this series KF Breene could write 20 more books in this series and I would demolish them all!

Jessie has to stand on the sideline while her mate Austin fights another Alpha, while holding herself back from letting him get hurt. Austin is Jessie perfect match in every way he’s might not be perfect but he’s perfect for her.

Austin now healed, Nessa challenges him to a cook off a long running joke who’s the better cook between them. They both decide to cook Jessie favourite (it’s fine) dish, lasagne.

Tristan “sigh” this man (gargoyle) he’s sure is fine! The way he watches and interacts with Nessa 🔥 I love their chemistry and the little games they play with each others! Seeing both side of their vulnerability bringing them that much closer. How he takes care of her by dresses her for bed 🥹

Mr Tom is still the same hilarious grumpy butler who is not even trying to be funny but his sarcasm has me laughing so hard.

Niamh is always up to her old tricks in ticking everyone off! 🙈 trying to cause a fight and annoying the bar tender will never not be funny, also the advice she’s gives is always on point (sometimes) 😅

We get to met new characters one who’s seems so what normal who’s thinking about being part of the crazy crew and another who just as crazy as the rest of them 😂 Jessie and Austin together are either fighting threats, being called upon a challenge or make sure their crew aren’t causing trouble.

Can’t highly recommend this book enough! 🙌🏼

[TribesReadingObsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I’m hooked, loved this book!
This is actually my first in this series, so I had to wrap my head around all the characters, the plot and everything that’s kind of happened. But guess what, it maybe book 12 but now I need to and want to read the others to see how things came to be.

These characters are hilarious, they are crazy, unique, weird, a family and I absolutely laughed out loud. I’ve found a new series to shout off the roof tops, to get everyone else to get on this.

It’s got shifters galore, mages, a phoenix, gargoyles, a powerful house, gnomes, a weird old vampire and more!
There’s a battle brewing but it takes time to build an army, people to convince to join the cause, training to be done, challenges to have to do due to power strengths (well you know alphas it’s what they do, measuring appendages 😉)

Austin and Jessie are the main characters they are the leaders and mates and absolutely perfection here but we also get povs from many other unique main characters, this is a diverse group and well you’ll love them and want to know their stories and povs so it’s definitely great getting theirs in amongst this book.

Absolutely recommending this series and now I get to enjoy reading from the first book which I’m excited about, so definitely join me and start from book 1. I’m not going to get this series out of my head after reading this book. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this before now!!!

[Brittany Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book that KF Breene has ever written but Magical Midlife holds a special place in my heart because it’s so different. From the very first book, you are sucked into the lives of Jessie and Austin. The side characters have voices and experiences that scream so loudly that I reflect back on them often. It is truly an experience to be able to read these books.

Magical Midlife Rogue is the 12th book in the series and it does not disappoint. Edgar is a vampiric delight, Nessa the deathwatch angel shines so brightly, Tristan opens up and his chemistry with Nessa finally comes to a boil. Those are just some of the characters. This book was truly unputdownable and I have no regrets on how fast I read it except the next one is not out yet.

I laughed so often in this book.
‘“Ye’re after climbing into me lap.” “First Edgar and now Phil.” Sebastian swallowed. “My bowels feel a little loose.” “Well, don’t shite yerself right there,”

But I also felt all the emotions.
‘“You did have a choice, back in the day. And you have a choice now. You have always had a choice. And you chose, and choose, to be a hero.…Jessie needs people like us. Like Niamh. Like Austin. She needs people who aren’t afraid of the night. Who else will battle the creatures that exist there, but us?”

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC*

My favorite book crew is back, and all members are together again. We picked up from where the last book left off, and they are going full speed ahead with the unifying of shifter packs and gargoyle cairns, and there is a LOT happening in this book. I also love how the ending sets us up for what's to come in our next adventure.

We still see some spicy time, but compared to the past books, it is tamed down, BUT we do get more Tristan and Nessa action, and I am here for it! And I STG that if those two are not end game...Fighting will ensue (No, not really, but I will sulk for a long time). We are also introduced to some new powerhouse players, and we see Jess stop downplaying her role within the convocation. So I find that a huge win.
We still get our crazy antics from our OG crew, and there are plenty of laughs to be had. I will never get tired of this series, and it will be a sad day when I have to say goodbye when their stories are done.

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much happened in this book! K.F. Breene continues building towards the inevitable Momar battle in the most hilarious ways possible. Jessie's team gets weirder and the whole team is together again. There is also soooo much development between Tristan and Nessa. I am so here for it.

Additionally, I absolutely adored the throwback to the DDVN series with the line "Steve just seems like a lion's name."

This book does an amazing job of balancing the crazy with the poignant. K.F. Breene works through traumas in such beautiful ways that it helps heal parts of you that you didn't know were broken.

Overall, another great read in my favorite series by K.F. Breene. I will be so sad when this series ends. Until then: "Let's go to wherever that puca goes. I want to see if she starts a fight."

========================================================================
Thank you K.F. Breene, Keri, and Bunni for my ARC. The way I screamed when I got the email :D

[Nicola Reynoldson (nics_timetoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to be accepted into KF Breene’s arc team for this book. For anyone who likes to read about a quirky older FMC then this series is for you. The series has some of the best side characters I have ever read and the banter is delicious.

I’m really loving how the Leveling Up series keeps getting better. In Magical Midlife Rogue, Jessie Hunt continues to grow into her power, and it’s incredibly fun to watch her become more confident and capable. Mt Tom, Niamh and Edgar just keep getting better and Austin well I just want to give him a hug.

K. F. Breene balances humor, action, and character moments really well. The banter is still hilarious, the magical world keeps expanding, and the stakes feel higher than in earlier books. The build up to the battle scene was fantastic.

I love how the series celebrates starting over in midlife—Jessie is such a refreshing urban fantasy heroine.

Another fast, entertaining installment that left me excited for the next book.

[NH7492 · Rating 5 out of 5]

MM#12 - Rogue

I love visiting with this crew and feel sad knowing it’s probably coming to a close soon.

Jessie and Austin are on the road still trying to recruit shifters and gargoyles to their cause. The Ivy House crew bring all the fun and crazy as usual, but this book brought deeper introspection and self reflection from a few characters and I have enjoyed seeing side characters evolve.

I show up for the banter, the quirky personalities, the comedy (the nicknames have me cracking up!!) and the enjoyment of watching Jessie blossom. I am never disappointed! Being middle aged I truly enjoy seeing a character of a similar age, live and remind us to live (even if it’s vicariously). I have to say though, Phil really dropped some words of wisdom that were quality and hilarious :)

I cannot wait to dive into MM#13 - Conclave. Austin, Jessie and crew are about to really kick ***!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to join these characters again is always like a warm fuzzy hug; comforting, exciting, humorous with a touch of suspicious anxiety for what could happen. It was good to see Sebastian and Nessa settling back into the group and happily. We have watched in anticipation as the story is building toward a final showdown with Momar and how the conclave has developed and planned to handle it. This book feels like everyone coming into their own and embracing their strengths. There's always so much going on and that has to be accomplished but it seems prep is done and now we're into strategy. It feels like a new phase and momentum is increasing now. Everybody hold on to your knickers cause K.F. Breene is the Queen of chaos and we're headed right for it. I'll be on the side lines in my purple muumuu waving a flag and cheering from the sidelines.

[Kate Brasington · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨ARC REVIEW✨✨

Immediately right of the bat there being arguments/ banter between Mr. Tom and Niamh was not unexpected nor was unwelcome because I love the constant fighting between those two!
Jessie and her crew of misfits are back and they are gearing up to take down Momar! The battles in this book had me on edge but I loved every second of it!
I always love reading these books because the dialogue between the characters always has me laughing out loud! Reading this book made me realize I should reread this series because there truly is nothing like it!
If you are looking for a fantasy series with a band of misfits, magical creatures you don’t usually see and characters who are 30+ Magical Midlife is going to be the series for you! Thank you to KF Breene for sending me an early copy of this book

[GenXBookBestie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Midlife Rogue is another absolute win in the Leveling Up series.
Jessie and Austin continue to be one of my favorite couples, and watching them charge headfirst into magical chaos together is pure entertainment.

The humor in this book? Top tier! I laughed so many times while reading this that my household probably thinks I’ve fully lost it. Between the wild situations, the banter, and the absolute mayhem that follows Jessie like a magical storm cloud, the chaos and comedy are perfection.

I also loved the multiple POVs and getting to spend more time with the side characters. This world just keeps expanding in the best way, and every character feels like someone you want more of.

And that main battle… yeah. Enough said. Epic, chaotic, and exactly what I wanted!

If K.F. Breene writes it, I’m reading it. No hesitation. No questions. Just immediate grabby hands.

[Lorraine Caruana · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the plot twists and turns. For the first time in my life it took me four days to finish a book by this author. Not for being boring and neither for being unreadable, on the contrary I wanted to savour each word, I did not want to rush and miss anything. I was on a literary high and I refused to come down from it. I knew that by the end I would crash and have withdrawals. This was so good that when you read the last page you’re already missing everyone. New characters are introduced and I must say I already have a soft spot. The dialogue as always cracked me up and I ended up wiping my eyes many a time. But heck, Suspicious Sue.? Really? That had me spitting out my coffee. Now #13 is gearing up to be really really good and I can hardly wait.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I missed these characters! They are the perfect blend of chaotic energy and love that will make you laugh out loud while having all the feelings. Phil summed it up best with: "We don't say sorry for having fun; We have it, pay for the damage, and we move on"

It's so hard to choose, but this book is definitely tied for my favorite of this series. It was packed with tense confrontations and very relatable self-reflection moments. I really appreciated that the author made references to events and characters from previous books without completely retelling the story. I loved having Sabby and Nessa back with the gang and seeing them open up to their found family and can't wait to see what's next for all of them.

Thank you to the author for providing this ARC!

[Shelli Tessier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series of all time! Twelve books in and still going strong. I was so happy to see more character development with Tristin and Nessa, and the same ol' wacky gang! I was laughing out loud at some of the antics, and on the edge of my seat during some of the battles and challenges. KF Breene writes characters so well in all of her books, but this group of misfits steals your heart. This book had Jessie, Austin and the gang traveling around trying to convince others to join their convocation. It starts with a bang and keeps going all the way to the end, with no end to the action/entertainment. It is going to be rough waiting for the next book!

[Amanda Klingensmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not many series are still getting better and better by book 12, but this one somehow manages to do so. This is also the first series I have read with a SECOND slow burn romance that keeps you eagerly anticipating the scene where they FINALLY get together, and has you just as invested in the romance of the side characters as you do for the main couple. As always, the quirky side characters steal the show throughout the book, leading to laughing hysterically SEVERAL times. 10/10, no notes, can't wait for the next one!!

[Tara_reads_romantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing and hilarious! I love the multi POVs, especially the side characters POV. The relationships between the ivy house crew and Austin's crew is hilarious. Every interaction these people have with other packs/Cairns is unhinged af and I am here for it 😂 thank you KF Breene for this gifted ebook! Niamh is one of my favorites because she is so damn smart and knows exactly what is needed when its needed👏🏼and of course the creepy vampire who finally got the recognition from Aurora he deserves

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I found myself completely swept up in the continuation of Jess’ journey. I genuinely cannot read these books in bed anymore—I laugh way too loudly and get myself in trouble every time.
The team’s antics are as entertaining as ever, bringing the perfect mix of humor and heart. And the mystery surrounding the rogue in this installment? Absolutely compelling. It kept me turning pages long past when I should have stopped.
Out of the whole series, this one might just be my favorite so far. I’m already itching to see where Jess goes next!

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint or lallygag to get to the good stuff. Right away there are challenges, battles, and mages causing havoc. There is a senile vampire, happy gargoyles, weird mythic creatures, and Fred. It’s so heartwarming and hilarious to have the whole crew.

The new additions to the convocation are expertly manipulated. Niamh and Phil hit all the bars. Chaos follows. The end is getting closer and I can’t wait for Jessie and Austin to destroy Momar.

[Jen Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of my favorite books in this series! The action, the building of characters and the cliff hanger ending! All gold! K.F. Breene was one of my favorite authors before this book but this book was by far my favorite of hers I’ve read so far! Can’t wait for the next book in this series and to see how the characters (old and new!!!) progress. And I swear Edger grows on me every book but I think he grew on me soooo much more with this one!

[Jennifer Lil'n Dunski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Gods, this book is phenomenal! The Ivy House Crew is back, and better than ever. The insanity is pure and amazing!

"Welcome. Sorry for your loss of sanity. It's all downhill from here."

This right here is a perfect explanation to this series and the chaos that follows. Jessie, Austin and the crew are another step closer to bringing Momar to his knees, and I'm all for it! Although the ending of this book wasn't what I was expecting, it just leaves me wanting the next book now!

[~Shawna the crazy coffee reader~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great addition to the series! I’m impressed and excited every single time the next in series comes out because I know it will capture my attention!

I absolutely loved that we got so many POVs. Seeing their inner thoughts and how they processed everything was entertaining and really helped understand how they operate.

[Jessica Prow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not have loved this any more! Deeper and, dare I say sexier, dives into our favorite characters. So much more character building and seeing Jessie get more solidly into her own self makes my heart and soul sing!! Keep em coming and I'll keep singing their praises!

[Sara Piket · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!!! I just love this series so much and this book did not disappoint. I think I'm really going to like John and his interactions with all the Ivy House crew. I was excited to get a little more heat between Tristan and Nessa. 10/10 keep 'em coming!

[Cory Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series ever, love Jessie & Austin! Well written, great side characters, and hilarious!

[Samantha Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Midlife book yet! Intense, filled with chaos and humor and just enough dark memories to make you want to read faster. The Ivy House Crew are not backing down for anyone!

[K.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Jessie and her crew are back and the crazy just hasn’t stopped. If you’ve been along for the ride, it has only gotten better. Jessie is maturing, Austin is evolving, Niamh is scheming, the Basajaunak are taking names, Tristin and Nessa are torturing each other but HOLY HOT! The newbie Fred is a totally clueless riot. I laughed so freaking hard. This one is kinda heavy, and when the hilarity hit, it sneaks up and WHAM! Laugh out loud and gut busting! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for book 13.

[Linda Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Magical Midlife Rogue. I laughed so much!

Full review to come.