The Fae Side of Forty

A Magical Midlife Misadventure #2

by Jennifer L. Hart, Jacqueline Rendell (Narrator)

She made a bargain with a fae prince...but how high is the price?

Joey Whitmore has learned her lesson when it comes to magic - it just isn't worth the toll. Her plan is to keep her nose clean and enjoy midlife to the fullest. Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, the works. But when the fae prince appears to call in his favor, Joey has no choice but to live up to the bargain she made and leave Wine Wednesday in her wake.

The ruse is simple. Play Robin's mortal fiancé in exchange for wiping the slate clean. But the more she learns about the tricksy fae bachelor, the more Joey becomes convinced that the fae prince is hiding something…something that only magic can illuminate. Does Joey have what it takes to untangle herself from the fae, or will she lose herself to them forever?

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Audiobook, Magic, Contemporary

Audiobook

Published May 15, 2021

About the author

Sign up for my author newsletter and never miss a new release at authorjenniferlhart.com

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Hart writes about characters that cuss, get naked, and often make poor but hilarious life choices. A native New Yorker, Jenn now lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her imaginary friends. Her works to date include the Cougars and Cauldrons series, the Silver Sisters series and the upcoming Legcay Witches of Shadow Cove.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fae Side of Forty
By Jennifer Hart
I really enjoyed this paranormal romance. This is book two, and last, in the series. Great characters, plot, and paranormal situations. Satisfying ending! Narration was excellent!

[Jennifer Hart]

Book 2 featuring Joey Whitmore who is not as young as she used to be and her fae trickster is available now!

This book killed me. I am now officially dead inside because I gave it all my feels. Enjoy!

[Marion Over · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series. Definitely a woman's 40+ don't feel so alone type of book. It's funny, sexy, romantic and magical drama abound.
Hart has a way of making all the normally tragic things about getting older funny and far more simple than they seem.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute and emotional paranormal/fantasy romance.. I liked it! It has really likable characters..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book and series that’s a must read or listen. ❤️

[Madelen Rytterstam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lite bättre. Gillar den trots lite romance. Den är lagom romance för mig.

[Sarah Harper Harper Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story

What a great story! Believable characters (yes even the fae)! I loved the nuanced and honest characters. Even Prince Charming has flaws.

[Lisa White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so many things about this book & this duology. I loved Joey’s character & that she was funny without being snarky (so many laugh out loud moments in the book). I loved the way the relationships were written too from her relationship with her mother, grandmother & Dragon, to her relationship with her best friend Darcy (we all need a Darcy - someone who can say it like it is). & her ex.
I especially loved how her relationship with Robin evolved & the vulnerability & empowerment required on both parts for that to happen.
I feel like I could easily go back & read them both, all over again.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey Whitmore is back and ready to take life by the balls!!!
She tries to get through each day wondering what will happen next and what mischief Robin will throw her way next.

[Anaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book has already impressed me, Jennifer L. Hart knows how to create characters and give their story depth - without losing the lightness or the humour of the story. I was looking forward to the next book.
The story skilfully builds on the first book and any gaps in knowledge are filled in on the way.
The characters got under my skin again. Although the faeprince Robin is an eye-catcher, Joey is reserved towards him. This book is not about a few hot sex scenes but about trust - in every way. Robin and Joey have to find trust in each other. The author captures the insecurities of both and their inner struggle. The entire plot is written from Joey's perspective, but Robin's side is easy to grasp. While listening to the story I discovered more behind the charming prince and how his feelings changed him. The tension and attraction between these two is perfect.
But Joey and Robin must not only face themselves and their emotions, they have to handle a threat as well. The plot surprised me and it remained exciting until the end.
The narrator Jacqueline Rendell is consistently convincing. She knows how to portray the characters, especially Robin.
Jennifer L. Hart's series is one of my highlights in this genre and I'm looking forward to read more of her books.

[Linda Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚🧚🏾‍♀️
The Fae Side of Forty
By Jennifer L. Hart
@midlife
I just love this series! Magical Midlife Misadventures by Jennifer L. Hart is a delightful read of an over forty woman trying to come to terms with her life. The Fae Side of Forty is the second book in this series. I don’t know how many books there will be; but it doesn’t matter as each escapade has closure.

📚🍷😃🤣❤️🍫
Here are a few of my thoughts
•Read and enjoy. I didn’t have to think too hard
•Be careful with whatever you may be drinking as you may slobber when you laugh out loud
•Keep in mind that Fae may not be able to out and out lie; but they can will withhold pertinent information which I’m thinking is the same thing as lying
•Fae are tricksters and they excel at it
•Each chapter is headed with a Notable Quotable from Grammy B. God love her! And I do!
•So much innuendo!
•These Magical Midlife Misadventures are exactly that with a just enough magic to make you want more. Just like chocolate…

My advice is to just kickback and enjoy the read. Just like a Calgon commercial… “Calgon take me away”. Remember those? Never mind. Unless you are well over forty you’ll have no idea what I’m talking about.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a bit longer to read this book, but it was another amazing read! Joey is back in her own timeline after book 1 and waiting for Robin to show up after his 'threat' at the end of book 1. It was great to read about Joey and her family again. And Robin.. oh.. Robin. Handsome fae prince.

I cannot divulge too much because of spoilers. But I can say that book 2 tugged at my heartstrings for Robin. It is revealed what happened to him in the period since he struck his last bargain with Joey and it was so not what I expected. But it lead to a wonderful story of accepting love, keeping your values and how Joey is such a smart woman!

One thing: the term 'middle-aged woman' was thrown about a lot (a lot lot haha). I must say that I did not feel middle-aged at that age at all! I had a young child and did not feel old or saggy. Don't you know 50 is the new 40?! :-)

I received an ARC from the author (thank you!) but I always buy my own digital copy as well. All opinions are my own.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun sequel to the first book “Over the Faery Hill”. Here, Joey is trying to move on with her life. She’s teaching gymnastics with her old coach and practicing to become a yoga instructor. But she just can’t get away from the Fae. Robin Goodfellow wants to cash in on the bargain they made – a pretend engagement – and Robin’s brother, Andreas, wants help with a serious family problem. Joey teeters between wishing all this magic ‘stuff’ would just go away and fighting her feelings for Robin, the sexy fae prince. I especially liked the clever bits of wisdom included in this one. Quotes like ‘You need to look outside of your own feelings of being judged by others’ and ‘I vowed right then and there that I would stop using my age as an excuse to not go after what I wanted’ added a compelling theme of Joey learning to overcome her insecurity about how she looked and go after the life she wanted, not what others felt she should settle for. If you like fantasy, humor, a good story and likeable, relatable characters, you’ll enjoy this book!

[Margaret Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am delighted to of discovered Jennifer L Hart, she has become my newest go to author, and I am really enjoying her books.

This is the second book in a 2 book series, and I loved it, not only is the main character a middle aged woman which us slightly more mature ladies can relate to, there is also a gorgeous Fae Prince called Robin, and believe me ladies we could all do with a Robin, in our lives.

The narration was superb and the story fast paced, I was hooked and not once did I find my mind wandering off. When I had finished the story I was pleased with the ending, the only sadness I felt was that it is only a 2 book series.

If you enjoy Paranormal Women's Fiction, then I would be sure to give this series a go and if you have never listened to this genre, then why not loose yourself in some fantasy, believe me I think it is well worth the Audible Credit.

A massive thank you to Jennifer L Hart for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review another great book.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You believe what you want to believe, Joey. But just because you believe it, doesn’t mean it’s the truth."

Are Joy and Robin fated? What's going to happen? And who let the dogs in?

The first book that Jennifer Hart wrote was my #1 book of last year. If possible, this one's even better! I love Joey, she reminds me of me when I was 20 years younger with my own issues ;). And just when you think things couldn't get worse...better? along comes two new characters that hold everyone's fate in their hands...or do they?

All I can say is I hope to heavens this isn't the last we hear from Joey...and Robin... Highly Recommended.5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily chose to read and review it]

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey Whitmore had foolishly entered into an agreement with a Fae prince. When he shows up to collect the favor she owes, she has no other choice than to comply. She is to pretend to be Robin Goodfellow’s mortal fiancé and then the debt is over.

But the Fae are a bit tricky, and Joey knows the prince is hiding something. He doesn’t seem to be acting the same as she remembered from before; and she finds she does have feelings for him. But if she cannot get untangled from the Fae, she may be stuck there forever!

I really enjoyed this one. Grab your copy and see what happens between Robin and Joey. You might find yourself also falling for this swoon-worthy prince!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fae side if forty. Is the second book on the series. It was an enjoyable conclusion to the story. In this series I found them less fanciful than other midlife books, however more realistic in the characters and the situations they get into, if dealing with a fae prince can be at all realistic, who says it can't. There were laugh out loud moments and also some deep issues brought up. I recommend this as a good read as well as other books by this author. Looking forward to the new series coming soon.

[Charliegirl1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to review

These books have been hard for me to review. The mortal characters are flawed, the heroine middle aged and frumpy. The fae characters are physically beautiful but with flawed characters and a set of rules that still aren't clear. There's a lot of living inside the head of the heroine , and the story seems not quite complete. Despite all of that, the worst part of the book is the dozens if typos and wrong usage that completely disrupts the flow of the story. I've read several books by this author and they're all full of them .

[MommaT_Book_Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one picks up 1 month after Over Fae Hill, and doesn't disappoint! Joey's stiil a bit of a Stephanie Plumb, but has learned her lesson and is a much better character in book 2! The characters developed further, and I loved the direction they went. The world is the same, and Grammy Bee's words of wisdom had me snorting with laughter at the beginning of each chapter! Fae magic, some snark, a little mystery, more steam, and lots of fun as Joey meets his family! Well done, did not disappoint!

I received an ALC of this title & CHOSE to leave a review.

[Thefirelily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The novel portrays the complexities of middle-aged women, showcasing their strength, resilience, and capacity for growth and new beginnings. Joey is a compelling character who starts to embrace midlife with self-acceptance. Her journey of rediscovering herself amidst the fae's fantastical world is entertaining and thought-provoking. Hart's writing is witty and engaging, filled with humorous observations and witty banter. The "Notable Quotable from Granny Bee" at the beginning of each chapter adds a charming touch, reminiscent of the epigraphs in Darynda Jones's Charley Davidson series.

[Kristin Whitehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book even more than the first one. Robin is back and he is so swoon worthy that I don't know how Joey resists him. I love these characters and really want to see more of them. I received this as an advanced reader copy to review. Honestly though, I buy all of Jennifer L. Hart's books any ways. This was just a bonus because I got to read if before it came out. It looks like there might be a spin off of this series so here's hoping we see more of this cast of characters as well.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading both romance and fantasy and they are combined by Jennifer L Hart into this terrific series. You can read this book without reading the first one and still understand it but it’s so much better to read both. I really enjoyed this book with its warping of traditional fairy tales and strong female characters. It is by turns exciting, sad, sexy and fun to read. I can’t wait to read the follow up series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patrice Veilleux Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost..

I wanted to like this story more because I like the characters but whew, it’s a plodding, narcissistic journey through the first half. It gets tiring reading about all the insecurities and doubts a woman has over and over..then finally, the action starts and there are a few rewarding scenes that made me laugh out loud. There are good plot twists and lots of love in the end but it takes determination for the reader to get there.

[Dami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic and laughter, what more can you want?

Thoroughly enjoyed this duology. Lots of action, mystery and laughter. It has a well-planned plot and character growth as well as well-written dialog and pace. The narrator does a great job defining characters with voice modulation, accents, etc., so you always know who's talking. This series will definitely go into the "worth listening to again" category.

[Barbara Besold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Escape!

I absolutely LOVED this series by Jennifer Hart! Her characters are relatable and so clever with their descriptions and comebacks that I literally laughed out loud several times. If you like a great story line with a not-so-perfect leading lady, and a touch of fae magick, this is a series for you! I thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series, to the point where I read them both within 2 days. Dive into this series today, you won't regret it!

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a sequel to Over The Faery Hill, this was pretty darn hilarious.
I didn't think some of Joey's adventures could get any more entertaining, and in this one ... they do.
It picks up a month after the events of Book 1 and Robin Goodfellow is back ... and decidedly not all that happy.
But events that were set into motion by Joey's trip through time have come to pass and she has to pay for her bargain. Even if it means posing as Robin's fiancee.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't quite as enchanted with book 2 in the series because of the graphic sex, but at least the author was direct about that section and gave the readers an out (feel free to skip ahead if you don't want the details, etc.). Book 2 was more predictable since I already knew the characters, but I still enjoyed rejoining the 2 main characters as they connected.

[Janis Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and so relatable

Loved these books! So easy to see myself in Joey's shoes, the past regrets, mourning the loss of her youth and beauty. So satisfying to see her overcome obstacles, even though she stumbled a bit on the way. Laughed out loud at some parts and finished the series with a sigh of contentment. Thank you Jennifer Hart for a series I truly enjoyed.

[Shantana Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with a fun storyline. Has a bit of family drama, along with love interest, and adventure - what's not to love!
*Caution: there are some foul language parts and love scenes (she does give you a chance to skip the graphic love scene, by stating where to skip to if that's not your interest).

[Kieraanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, light hearted read for the over forty crowd. ;) Loved seeing Joey come into her own with her life choices, confidence and new found power/love interest. It would be interesting to see more adventures with these two given the change in their status at the end, but I get the feeling the author was going more for a fade to black kind of scenario.