Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Grave Magic Bounty (Forty Proof, #1)” as Want to Read:
Grave Magic Bounty
(Forty Proof #1)
by
When divorce comes your way, don't let the ex get you down. Get ready for a whole new laugh-out-loud adventure. Because life is just beginning . . . as a midlife bounty hunter of the supernatural!
# 1 in Women's Fantasy Fiction!
#1 in Fantasy & Futuristic Romance
# 1 New releases Werewolf and Shifter Romance
One day I’m married, living in Seattle, and magic isn’t real.
The next ...more
# 1 in Women's Fantasy Fiction!
#1 in Fantasy & Futuristic Romance
# 1 New releases Werewolf and Shifter Romance
One day I’m married, living in Seattle, and magic isn’t real.
The next ...more
Paperback, 338 pages
Published
February 18th 2020
by Independently Published
(first published February 16th 2020)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Grave Magic Bounty (Forty Proof, #1)

Midlife Bounty Hunter is book one in the Forty Proof series by Shannon Mayer.
Breena is a 41 year old heroine starting over. Her ex-husband has done a number and saddled her with all his debt and stolen her Grandmother’s house out from under her. She needs money and fast.
I liked Breena. I could relate to her and some of her life experience. I liked that she’s smart and resourceful. At times she did come across as a bit whinny, but the humor took me away.
I liked Robert. He’s the skeleton that Bre ...more
Breena is a 41 year old heroine starting over. Her ex-husband has done a number and saddled her with all his debt and stolen her Grandmother’s house out from under her. She needs money and fast.
I liked Breena. I could relate to her and some of her life experience. I liked that she’s smart and resourceful. At times she did come across as a bit whinny, but the humor took me away.
I liked Robert. He’s the skeleton that Bre ...more

Jun 10, 2020
Ronda
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2020-favourites,
kindle-unlimited
Addictive!
Shannon Mayer is new to me as an author, this is the first of her books that I have read, although I do have others on my tbr pile! I picked this up because of the synopsis and having recently read about an 'older' main character in a book, this appealed to me....
What an absolutely great book! At first I was a little unsure, the characters, the plot, the world... but somewhere along the line I became hooked! I absolutely love Breena and her history. I love Robert, Crash, Feish and ...more
Shannon Mayer is new to me as an author, this is the first of her books that I have read, although I do have others on my tbr pile! I picked this up because of the synopsis and having recently read about an 'older' main character in a book, this appealed to me....
What an absolutely great book! At first I was a little unsure, the characters, the plot, the world... but somewhere along the line I became hooked! I absolutely love Breena and her history. I love Robert, Crash, Feish and ...more

I almost died laughing.
First thing's first: I really appreciate the over forty protagonist. Smart, resourceful, and experienced, coupled with insecurities pushed on her from society (and a failed marriage) about her age. I identify with most of that and enjoyed it!
I felt super nostalgic after reading about Robert - a talking skeleton that Breena befriends in the cemetery. She offers him a chocolate bar for his help, but a part of me wonders what will happen if she gives him.... wine. Reminded ...more
First thing's first: I really appreciate the over forty protagonist. Smart, resourceful, and experienced, coupled with insecurities pushed on her from society (and a failed marriage) about her age. I identify with most of that and enjoyed it!
I felt super nostalgic after reading about Robert - a talking skeleton that Breena befriends in the cemetery. She offers him a chocolate bar for his help, but a part of me wonders what will happen if she gives him.... wine. Reminded ...more

Awful
To be fair, I only made it to chapter 4 and gave up in disgust. The MC sounded like a whiny 20-something, not a 41 year old fully grown woman. Her reference to her ex as "Himself" was cringey and the dialogue was trashy. I'm assuming there is some marketing ploy for these books about the paranormal and women in their 40's, but my god, that doesn't mean the author needs to mention this character's age constantly. The premise was absurd- staying with the ex's cousin who she barely knows becau ...more
To be fair, I only made it to chapter 4 and gave up in disgust. The MC sounded like a whiny 20-something, not a 41 year old fully grown woman. Her reference to her ex as "Himself" was cringey and the dialogue was trashy. I'm assuming there is some marketing ploy for these books about the paranormal and women in their 40's, but my god, that doesn't mean the author needs to mention this character's age constantly. The premise was absurd- staying with the ex's cousin who she barely knows becau ...more

May 05, 2020
Mlpmom (Book Reviewer)
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kindle-books
I absolutely loved this, so much more than I was expecting. So glad I gave this author and this series another chance and fell in love with it. I can't wait for more!
...more

I love it, this book is life! No for real, hear me out. The story flowed effortlessly and held my interest throughout. It was funny and totally entertaining. Here’s the kicker, our heroine is over 40 and basically obsolete in the world because she gave her best years to a guy. If that doesn’t ring true to a lot of us. It was a nice change being able to completely relate to a character. Add in a paranormal twist and now we’re having some fun!
I also love how this book is helping to introduce a gen ...more
I also love how this book is helping to introduce a gen ...more

This was a really entertaining read even though there were a few irritating tics. But by the end I’d forgotten them all.

I don't send many books back to audible and ask for a refund but this was one of them.
I'd wanted a light, slightly silly, paranormal read that my wife and I could listen to together in the evenings to wind down. 'Grave Magic Bounty' seemed to fit the bill. The main character is a recently divorced woman in her forties returning to her home in Savannah after twenty years away to start a new life and re-enter the Shadow world that she had run away from when she married.
It started to well enough wi

*1.5 stars* - I really wish they would gives us the options for half stars.
Anyways, I checked out the reviews for this book and thought I'd give it whirl.
I liked they idea of a grown woman who has already lived some of her life and has learned from it and is going back to her roots after being fucked over.
That being said, that's not what I found when I read it. I couldn't connect with the main character because I found her really annoying. I get that her ex treated her like shit for years and ...more
Anyways, I checked out the reviews for this book and thought I'd give it whirl.
I liked they idea of a grown woman who has already lived some of her life and has learned from it and is going back to her roots after being fucked over.
That being said, that's not what I found when I read it. I couldn't connect with the main character because I found her really annoying. I get that her ex treated her like shit for years and ...more

Shannon Mayer "Grave Magic Bounty" (Forty Proof #1) is a wonderfully original and quirky look at our heroine who is over 40 and starting over. I pissed myself laughing out loud all the way through. Shannon is a loose cannon when she writes and trust me you would not want her any other way. Shannon and the other Fab 13 are taking the world by storm by showing that being over 40 does not mean the end of life but something to be celebrated, pee pads and all. This brilliant story takes us on a journ
...more

I really enjoyed the story here - the setup and the world. And I love Breena, the main character.
But I seriously dislike most of the secondary cast, dislike how they constantly belittle and manipulate her, and I loathe Corb. There is NO excuse for the horrible, abusive shit that has fallen out of his mouth this whole book. I don't think he's any different than her ex. And it's going to take a hell of a lot to change my mind, so currently, the thought of him as possible love interest makes me thr ...more
But I seriously dislike most of the secondary cast, dislike how they constantly belittle and manipulate her, and I loathe Corb. There is NO excuse for the horrible, abusive shit that has fallen out of his mouth this whole book. I don't think he's any different than her ex. And it's going to take a hell of a lot to change my mind, so currently, the thought of him as possible love interest makes me thr ...more

This is my third book in the PWF genre in this group of 13 authors and I LOVED it!
I have several of Shannon's books on my Kindle, but not cracked any open yet, so this is a complete case of going in cold turkey with this author.
This was a fun read with a great cast of characters.
I love Robert.
Jinx grew on me.
Sarge, Corb, Eammon... are all well-written characters, but it is still early days to know more about them all and Crash... well, I have a lady boner for him.
Visually Robert (in my mind) i ...more
I have several of Shannon's books on my Kindle, but not cracked any open yet, so this is a complete case of going in cold turkey with this author.
This was a fun read with a great cast of characters.
I love Robert.
Jinx grew on me.
Sarge, Corb, Eammon... are all well-written characters, but it is still early days to know more about them all and Crash... well, I have a lady boner for him.
Visually Robert (in my mind) i ...more

Such a great book.
A 40 something divorcee returns to her home town of Savannah to regroup and hopefully save her grandmother's home from her bastard ex-husband.
She takes a job as a supernatural investigator / bodyguard in the hopes of making some cash...only to discover she's actually pretty good at it.
Great fun from start to finish. ...more
A 40 something divorcee returns to her home town of Savannah to regroup and hopefully save her grandmother's home from her bastard ex-husband.
She takes a job as a supernatural investigator / bodyguard in the hopes of making some cash...only to discover she's actually pretty good at it.
Great fun from start to finish. ...more

This is the first book in the forty proof series, and the heroine is over forty. Breena is out of shape, Advil popping, and she gives zero ducks!! She is a total badass that I have come to love!!
I absolutely enjoyed following Bree in her journey. From the beginning I knew her journey would be tough, but her character evolved throughout the book. I love her! Bree’s funny lines, and quick thinking was fun to read. I loved her side kick Robert. I hope to see more of him as well. I could definitely ...more
I absolutely enjoyed following Bree in her journey. From the beginning I knew her journey would be tough, but her character evolved throughout the book. I love her! Bree’s funny lines, and quick thinking was fun to read. I loved her side kick Robert. I hope to see more of him as well. I could definitely ...more

When I read that this was a laugh-out-loud paranormal fantasy where the main character is a 41-year-old divorcee who's sidekick is an animated skeleton named Robert, I thought, yep that's me set.
I found the main character Breena funny, some of the side characters interesting, and the book quite entertaining if not entirely satisfying. But the constant referrals to Breena's age and the fact that she is "old" and "past her prime" in every single chapter gets a bit tedious. She sounded and was tre ...more
I found the main character Breena funny, some of the side characters interesting, and the book quite entertaining if not entirely satisfying. But the constant referrals to Breena's age and the fact that she is "old" and "past her prime" in every single chapter gets a bit tedious. She sounded and was tre ...more

When I started this book I wasn't sure what to expect. I've read loads of Shannons books and the age of the characters never factored into it, so when I heard of this new over 40s strong female character movement I didn't know what to expect. How different would it be from her usual writing style, how relatable would the characters and world be, would it add to or take away from the overall sense of wonder her stories provoke. The honest answer is it made no difference Shannon created a world th
...more

Okay, I’ve had a beer or two, but... in the past couple of weeks, I’ve read books from three separate series, all with a 40-something female protagonist in a paranormal setting. Being a 40-something female myself, I’m going to assume I’m the target reading audience. Yes, I’ve made a few I’ll-informed decisions in my youth, yes, my body is a LOT different than when I was in my 20’s, but seriously!!! What’s with the never ending barrage of negative comments, from Breena, no less, on the current st
...more

Breena O'Rylee may be a 41 year old divorcee but that doesn't mean she can't take care of paranormal business! When she takes on a mysterious job in a graveyard Breena knows it's going to be weird. But she doesn't remember quite how weird it can become.
This book was so ducking funny. I love that Breena was such an aching, tired, sassy badass. She was a very realistic character, you know besides the paranormal part. Very well written and lots of excitement. It was super entertaining and I couldn ...more
This book was so ducking funny. I love that Breena was such an aching, tired, sassy badass. She was a very realistic character, you know besides the paranormal part. Very well written and lots of excitement. It was super entertaining and I couldn ...more

3.5 stars. I wish we could rate halves because rhis book is really not 4 star. My God the ageism is incessant and RELENTLESS.
For all that the book is about an old person *eyeroll*, the formula is very much the much-maligned, cliched YA. Misunderstood, down-on-her-luck, but plucky/sassy heroine, belittled and disrespected by almost everyone, slowly realising her potential, TWO potential love interests (what's a YA without a love triangle) and clearly gearing up to be the one who saves the world. ...more
For all that the book is about an old person *eyeroll*, the formula is very much the much-maligned, cliched YA. Misunderstood, down-on-her-luck, but plucky/sassy heroine, belittled and disrespected by almost everyone, slowly realising her potential, TWO potential love interests (what's a YA without a love triangle) and clearly gearing up to be the one who saves the world. ...more

Forty is the new 20 right? Just ask Breena O’Rylee, after a few life changing events bring her home to Savannah, she has an opportunity to pick up where she left off so many years ago. This newest Shannon Mayer book will keep you on your toes, the whole time. Get ready to laugh your tush off and jump into the thick of the supernatural world.

So good.
I loved it. Breena was smart, ingenious, kind and tough. She pulled her boots up and got on with what she needed to do, even in the face of ridicule. After her self doubt allowed her to be held back and smothered, she stood up and let her true self flourish.
I really enjoyed the drama, adventure and mystery. So many plot twists. So many times I wasn’t sure who were the good guys and bad guys. With characters and a world that were both rich and entertaining. Until an ending that I’m at o ...more
I loved it. Breena was smart, ingenious, kind and tough. She pulled her boots up and got on with what she needed to do, even in the face of ridicule. After her self doubt allowed her to be held back and smothered, she stood up and let her true self flourish.
I really enjoyed the drama, adventure and mystery. So many plot twists. So many times I wasn’t sure who were the good guys and bad guys. With characters and a world that were both rich and entertaining. Until an ending that I’m at o ...more

This changes everything! Love. Love. Love this new concept! Finally Paranormal world gets older, wiser, witty kick ass heroines. They are more dangerous than much younger ones because everyone just underestimate them.
"..they don't know the power of a woman who owns every part of herself."
It was so freaking fantastic! Enjoyed every minute of it. I felt Bree’s every movement and hurting with her as if it was me.
Loved every character- some to love, some to hate. Yelled, shouted and laughed with al ...more
"..they don't know the power of a woman who owns every part of herself."
It was so freaking fantastic! Enjoyed every minute of it. I felt Bree’s every movement and hurting with her as if it was me.
Loved every character- some to love, some to hate. Yelled, shouted and laughed with al ...more

If you crave stories of magic and exploring unknown realms of possibility, all through the lens of a feisty over forty heroine, this is a book for you! I am so excited this is part of a series, which means there is so much more of this new world to explore!
We meet Bree while she is interviewing for an unnamed job that requires unique skills. Throughout the book, Bree encounters an intriguing cast of characters, not to mention the swoon-worthy men, and establishes unlikely friendships. As she fac ...more
We meet Bree while she is interviewing for an unnamed job that requires unique skills. Throughout the book, Bree encounters an intriguing cast of characters, not to mention the swoon-worthy men, and establishes unlikely friendships. As she fac ...more

Brilliant read
This book explores how even as a woman of middle age, you can be a badass. Pain abounds, but badassery remains. The main character is a bitter divorcée with an ability to see into the paranormal shadows. She is taking her life back after a repressive marriage. She is fighting for her place against ageism and sexism. Her deceased grandmother is helping her find her path. Great story.
This book explores how even as a woman of middle age, you can be a badass. Pain abounds, but badassery remains. The main character is a bitter divorcée with an ability to see into the paranormal shadows. She is taking her life back after a repressive marriage. She is fighting for her place against ageism and sexism. Her deceased grandmother is helping her find her path. Great story.

Great read!
I loved this book because it's funny, well written and I can relate to the heroine. I look forward to more of this series. ...more
I loved this book because it's funny, well written and I can relate to the heroine. I look forward to more of this series. ...more

Speechless. Stunned. In the best way!
Shannon Mayer has brought, in my opinion, a game changer! This first in series book is in a class all it’s own, quite literally. PWF is a new subset in the literary world that focuses on women who are older, wiser, and quite frankly more bad*ss in their own rights. Shannon Mayer’s typical brand of magic and sass are found all throughout Grave Magic Bounty but with one key change, Breena O’Rylee is “old” 🙄 but don’t let her number fool you, after a jerk ex-hus ...more
Shannon Mayer has brought, in my opinion, a game changer! This first in series book is in a class all it’s own, quite literally. PWF is a new subset in the literary world that focuses on women who are older, wiser, and quite frankly more bad*ss in their own rights. Shannon Mayer’s typical brand of magic and sass are found all throughout Grave Magic Bounty but with one key change, Breena O’Rylee is “old” 🙄 but don’t let her number fool you, after a jerk ex-hus ...more

Finally! A paranormal world where the FMC is around my age! At 41, Breena is having to start over. Fresh from a divorce to a total a-hole, she returns to her home city of Savannah, Ga to start over with nothing.
This book spoke to my heart. Breena is my soul sister! Sassy, but confident. All out of ducks to give, she is brave and strong, despite needing to get in better shape (don't we all ;) ) She's so smart and really well written. She's a defender and I just adore her. I feel if she were real ...more
This book spoke to my heart. Breena is my soul sister! Sassy, but confident. All out of ducks to give, she is brave and strong, despite needing to get in better shape (don't we all ;) ) She's so smart and really well written. She's a defender and I just adore her. I feel if she were real ...more

I’ve been reading this author for years, and I’ve really enjoyed her books. Every time I start a new series, I know it’s going to be great. I went into this new one knowing this, but I must say I was blown away. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a while, and it’s definitely the best I’ve read by this author. At first, I admit I wasn’t sure. I was a little tired about hearing how “old” Bree was and how she is mostly washed up. Hey, I’m older than she is! LOL! Anyway, after that, it was a
...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Paranormal Women'...: Shannon Mayer - Forty Proof | 9 | 19 | Feb 05, 2021 04:46AM | |
Urban Fantasy ser...: August BOTM: MIDLIFE BOUNTY HUNTER by Shannon Mayer | 2 | 9 | Aug 06, 2020 09:11PM |
A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my u
...more
Other books in the series
Forty Proof
(5 books)
Related Articles
Kellye Garrett's first novel, Hollywood Homicide, was released in August 2017 and won the Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, and Independent Publisher...
201 likes · 49 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“They did squats holding weights; I just squatted and prayed I wouldn’t pee my nice new pants.”
—
1 likes
“Behold, my field of ducks, and see that it is barren. Absolutely not one duck in sight as far as I could see.”
—
1 likes
More quotes…