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Smokethorn Paranormals #2
Any Witch Wolf
"My partners are a delinquent gnome and a willing-accomplice cat. Plus, my best friend just bought a case of spelled wine from the witches in Sundance.”
Betty Lennox is an elemental witch in a desert town that gives Hades a run for its money in summer. Her magic is tied to the land under a paranormal seniors' trailer park she inherited from her mother, land that hasn’t fully accepted her. Because of this, her power has become unpredictable, unreliable, and unbelievably inconvenient.
Small-town trailer parks don’t pay much, so when a job pops up to find a missing beta wolf—an octogenarian lothario with a shoebox of questionable toys and a little black book filled with juicy tidbits about the town’s senior ladies— she takes it. As Betty delves deeper into the investigation, she attracts the attention of a dangerous stalker and a deadly alpha wolf.
Betty Lennox is an elemental witch in a desert town that gives Hades a run for its money in summer. Her magic is tied to the land under a paranormal seniors' trailer park she inherited from her mother, land that hasn’t fully accepted her. Because of this, her power has become unpredictable, unreliable, and unbelievably inconvenient.
Small-town trailer parks don’t pay much, so when a job pops up to find a missing beta wolf—an octogenarian lothario with a shoebox of questionable toys and a little black book filled with juicy tidbits about the town’s senior ladies— she takes it. As Betty delves deeper into the investigation, she attracts the attention of a dangerous stalker and a deadly alpha wolf.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2025
442 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Rider
19 books339 followersC.P. Rider has worked as a decorative and mural painter, a fitness instructor, and a background investigator for nuclear power plants, all of which prepared her in strange and different ways for writing paranormal and urban fantasy romance.
Originally from the California southwestern desert, she now lives a little closer to the ocean with her family, including 3 dogs, a cat, 2 fish, and the occasional friendly ghost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 1, 2025
Great second book. Betty is still struggling with her magic but boy are there surprises in store for her there. Family members are popping up and not necessarily in a good way. She’s been stalked while investigating the disappearance of a geriatric Lothario. These books are fun, well written has flawed characters and quirky ones. Between the magical friends and fiends Betty has a time of it
April 23, 2025
another compelling read, setting up multiple dramatic plots for the next story to come.
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Any Witch Wolf was a terrific story in a number of ways. The first is that Rider did the unexpected in terms of moving the character’s development and the apparent storyline in new directions than I’d anticipated.
Instead of moving comfortably with Betty’s magic and her settled in the trailer park, Rider’s story has Betty’s painful struggles with her magic, her memories of her mother’s love and legacy, as well as the trailer park’s own story still vividly in place.
Betty’s grief is being dealt with and shared with her friend, Ada, a retired necromancer living in the same trailer park, along with her familiar, a magical cat named Fennel and Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome.
Rider’s dusty small town citizens, human and paranormal, are beautifully crafted. Each feels genuine and natural to their age and living circumstances, doesn’t matter if they’re elderly werewolves who like to garden or frisky otherworldly beings who end up in a black book of a missing Lothario werewolf, they are realistic and characters who we connect with.
And when Betty is asked to find that missing werewolf, it becomes a funny, poignant journey we take with her. One of discovery through an older community very reflective of those around us.
Of course this investigation is not the only storyline that’s being played out here. Sexton’s involved. As is Betty’s past.
Any Witch Wolf: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series Book 2 by C.P. Rider is another compelling read, setting up multiple dramatic plots for the next story to come.
I can’t wait as I’m completely invested in this desert paranormal trailer community and Betty!
Highly recommended.
Great cover.
Cover design by The Book Brander
The Smokethorn Paranormals Series :
Strike It Witch #1
Any Which Wolf #2
Wicked Witch of the Wolf #3 - May 31,2025
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Any Witch Wolf was a terrific story in a number of ways. The first is that Rider did the unexpected in terms of moving the character’s development and the apparent storyline in new directions than I’d anticipated.
Instead of moving comfortably with Betty’s magic and her settled in the trailer park, Rider’s story has Betty’s painful struggles with her magic, her memories of her mother’s love and legacy, as well as the trailer park’s own story still vividly in place.
Betty’s grief is being dealt with and shared with her friend, Ada, a retired necromancer living in the same trailer park, along with her familiar, a magical cat named Fennel and Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome.
Rider’s dusty small town citizens, human and paranormal, are beautifully crafted. Each feels genuine and natural to their age and living circumstances, doesn’t matter if they’re elderly werewolves who like to garden or frisky otherworldly beings who end up in a black book of a missing Lothario werewolf, they are realistic and characters who we connect with.
And when Betty is asked to find that missing werewolf, it becomes a funny, poignant journey we take with her. One of discovery through an older community very reflective of those around us.
Of course this investigation is not the only storyline that’s being played out here. Sexton’s involved. As is Betty’s past.
Any Witch Wolf: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series Book 2 by C.P. Rider is another compelling read, setting up multiple dramatic plots for the next story to come.
I can’t wait as I’m completely invested in this desert paranormal trailer community and Betty!
Highly recommended.
Great cover.
Cover design by The Book Brander
The Smokethorn Paranormals Series :
Strike It Witch #1
Any Which Wolf #2
Wicked Witch of the Wolf #3 - May 31,2025
July 19, 2025
(4.5 Stars)
I have been in such a reading slump lately that I thought I would never be able to finish another book again. I am still struggling to read a new installment of a series that I love. Taking a reading break only worsened the problem. However, enough complaining. I am so pleased that C.P. Riders, “Any Witch Wolf “ brought me back!!
This second installment reunites me Betty the witch who is struggling to find a way to successfully infuse her magic with dirt on her mother’s senior trailer park. Although she is still struggling she is starting to make some headway.
She is asked once again by the Grave Demon, Sexton to watch over a magical plant that proves to be dangerous if not handled in a precise fashion. Additionally, Ronan her sexy admirer and 3rd in line in the werewolf pack has asked her to investigate a missing Beta shifter. If that is not enough, she also has a stalker to contend with.
There is a lot going on in this read and this series but one thing remains stable: Betty is a fierce friend, advocate for the weak and overall good person. She is easy to like and that is what makes this series so endearing.
With all that being said, there is plenty of action and Ms. Rider toned down (to some degree) all of the 80’s musical song references that plagued book one. Oh, don’t get me wrong there were still plenty but not as many as before.
I am now excited and looking forward to moving on to the next book in the series. I got my mojo back and not afraid to use it. Lol
I have been in such a reading slump lately that I thought I would never be able to finish another book again. I am still struggling to read a new installment of a series that I love. Taking a reading break only worsened the problem. However, enough complaining. I am so pleased that C.P. Riders, “Any Witch Wolf “ brought me back!!
This second installment reunites me Betty the witch who is struggling to find a way to successfully infuse her magic with dirt on her mother’s senior trailer park. Although she is still struggling she is starting to make some headway.
She is asked once again by the Grave Demon, Sexton to watch over a magical plant that proves to be dangerous if not handled in a precise fashion. Additionally, Ronan her sexy admirer and 3rd in line in the werewolf pack has asked her to investigate a missing Beta shifter. If that is not enough, she also has a stalker to contend with.
There is a lot going on in this read and this series but one thing remains stable: Betty is a fierce friend, advocate for the weak and overall good person. She is easy to like and that is what makes this series so endearing.
With all that being said, there is plenty of action and Ms. Rider toned down (to some degree) all of the 80’s musical song references that plagued book one. Oh, don’t get me wrong there were still plenty but not as many as before.
I am now excited and looking forward to moving on to the next book in the series. I got my mojo back and not afraid to use it. Lol
February 6, 2025
great continuation of the story 💖
I read Strike it Witch again before this, so I was completely immersed into Betty’s life already when I started book 2 and I continued to be immersed all the way through 🥰 The pace was slower at the beginning and speeded up towards the end, but I really liked that, as it felt we were truly following Betty through her life and everything going on in it. I especially love the developing friendships, both found family and romantically with Ronan - that smouldering fire is heating up and I’m loving the slow burn 🔥- and some very interesting reveals about Betty’s blood family! More teases really as there’s more to be revealed me thinks 🤨 ahh, so much I’d like to say, but I don’t want to do any spoilers 😆 I’ll just say that I already know this is a series I’m going to read again once it’s complete - and I rarely do that. Also liking the inclusion of 70’s music references that compliment wherever the storyline is at, psychic dj indeed! Loving the journey, loving Betty (my new book bff 😁), loving the ‘side’ characters (I had a lump in my throat at the scene with Cecil in the garden room 🥺), loving the love interest developments, loving this series - so much love!💖
I read Strike it Witch again before this, so I was completely immersed into Betty’s life already when I started book 2 and I continued to be immersed all the way through 🥰 The pace was slower at the beginning and speeded up towards the end, but I really liked that, as it felt we were truly following Betty through her life and everything going on in it. I especially love the developing friendships, both found family and romantically with Ronan - that smouldering fire is heating up and I’m loving the slow burn 🔥- and some very interesting reveals about Betty’s blood family! More teases really as there’s more to be revealed me thinks 🤨 ahh, so much I’d like to say, but I don’t want to do any spoilers 😆 I’ll just say that I already know this is a series I’m going to read again once it’s complete - and I rarely do that. Also liking the inclusion of 70’s music references that compliment wherever the storyline is at, psychic dj indeed! Loving the journey, loving Betty (my new book bff 😁), loving the ‘side’ characters (I had a lump in my throat at the scene with Cecil in the garden room 🥺), loving the love interest developments, loving this series - so much love!💖
January 28, 2026
Another one I read in a day! I really liked how this one outgrows Book 1 and adds so much more character and backstory and world building to the characters we already know and love.
I more or less called the big revelation/ plot twist from Book 1 but I'm not mad about it. I like how gradually Betty powers up, and the extra details about Ronan's past, the budding relationship with Bronwyn, and the mystery story was nicely done.
The main plot of this series builds up to be a good one - there's still one more mystery to solve after all!
The new characters were nicely introduced too, and again - no two dimensional job, I like how Rider writes even her side characters to have details and personality.
We had waaaay less song reference so it wasn't overwhelming - it seems that the author is listening to her readers opinions and I appreciate that.
All in all, these books are highly addictive, I'll be jumping into the next one immediately!
I more or less called the big revelation/ plot twist from Book 1 but I'm not mad about it. I like how gradually Betty powers up, and the extra details about Ronan's past, the budding relationship with Bronwyn, and the mystery story was nicely done.
The main plot of this series builds up to be a good one - there's still one more mystery to solve after all!
The new characters were nicely introduced too, and again - no two dimensional job, I like how Rider writes even her side characters to have details and personality.
We had waaaay less song reference so it wasn't overwhelming - it seems that the author is listening to her readers opinions and I appreciate that.
All in all, these books are highly addictive, I'll be jumping into the next one immediately!
February 2, 2025
slow paced but engaging
Any Witch Way is the second book in the series, and it continues Betty’s journey as she makes progress with her magic and her relationship with Ronan. We also get to uncover more about both of their histories, which adds depth to their characters and the world they inhabit.
However, I found the beginning a little frustrating, as it felt like Betty’s magical development had taken a step backward. This aspect of the world-building still feels incomplete to me, and I would have liked more clarity or exploration of her abilities.
That said, the characters remain well-written, and the cast is as engaging as ever. The relationships and dynamics keep the story compelling, but the pacing is quite slow, which may not work for everyone. While it’s still an enjoyable read, I found myself wishing for a bit more momentum and detail in the magical aspects.
Any Witch Way is the second book in the series, and it continues Betty’s journey as she makes progress with her magic and her relationship with Ronan. We also get to uncover more about both of their histories, which adds depth to their characters and the world they inhabit.
However, I found the beginning a little frustrating, as it felt like Betty’s magical development had taken a step backward. This aspect of the world-building still feels incomplete to me, and I would have liked more clarity or exploration of her abilities.
That said, the characters remain well-written, and the cast is as engaging as ever. The relationships and dynamics keep the story compelling, but the pacing is quite slow, which may not work for everyone. While it’s still an enjoyable read, I found myself wishing for a bit more momentum and detail in the magical aspects.
December 3, 2025
Betty is still trying to figure out why her magic isn’t working properly in the trailer park but she still has things to do.
Hired to locate a missing senior shifter, she discovers that he is a lothario but none of his partners seems to be jealous, making it a real mystery as to why he is missing.
She also has a mysterious stalker after her, calling himself Justice, she has no idea what he wants.
This book has a nice mystery, the tension between Betty and the local werewolf pack, (not counting Ronin), and the dislike of the local coven.
Fortunately, she has her friends, Ida, the cat Fennel and the gnome Cecil. And of course, Ronin is right there to lend her a helping hand.
The investigation into the missing wolf and her finicky powers is interesting. There are surprises, suspense, humour and slow romance.
A very enjoyable book and series.
Hired to locate a missing senior shifter, she discovers that he is a lothario but none of his partners seems to be jealous, making it a real mystery as to why he is missing.
She also has a mysterious stalker after her, calling himself Justice, she has no idea what he wants.
This book has a nice mystery, the tension between Betty and the local werewolf pack, (not counting Ronin), and the dislike of the local coven.
Fortunately, she has her friends, Ida, the cat Fennel and the gnome Cecil. And of course, Ronin is right there to lend her a helping hand.
The investigation into the missing wolf and her finicky powers is interesting. There are surprises, suspense, humour and slow romance.
A very enjoyable book and series.
September 5, 2025
It took me a bit to get back into this one. I like the characters but was having problems seeing a few connections. There are still a HUGE number of song references that distract a bit, to the point of skimming when they popped up. I think it was a bit better than book 1 though. I felt like I missed some significant segues, but when I re-read all the sections they just weren't there. Magic returns, but without explanation. Romance becomes seriously kindled, but without any decisions. There are still quite a few mysteries to be solved. There were quite a few reveals that need fleshing out too. Plenty of action, but not really fights/wars. Overall, a good book 2 with forward movement in the plot and the character growth.
February 12, 2025
The Smokethorn series really heats up!
I love all of C.P. Riders books and her world is one that always allows for wonderment. This time a missing beta wolf leads to a case that unearths (no pun intended) a history of the world which Betty might not be ready for but ultimately satisfies the reader in so many ways. As a couple Betty and Ronan find their way in this book as Betty and her newfound family find that they are bonded in a friendship which makes Betty feel like she has found the home she always wanted. There are surprises galore and an epilogue that leaves you begging for more. Can’t wait to read the next adventure.
I love all of C.P. Riders books and her world is one that always allows for wonderment. This time a missing beta wolf leads to a case that unearths (no pun intended) a history of the world which Betty might not be ready for but ultimately satisfies the reader in so many ways. As a couple Betty and Ronan find their way in this book as Betty and her newfound family find that they are bonded in a friendship which makes Betty feel like she has found the home she always wanted. There are surprises galore and an epilogue that leaves you begging for more. Can’t wait to read the next adventure.
February 27, 2025
Betty Lennox's witch powers are unpredictable and unreliable. She's working around that problem by relying on charms. When a small job to find a missing octogenarian lothario beta wolf turns dangerous, Betty must rely on her friendships and wits to survive.
Why I started this book: Eager to continue the series...
Why I finished it: Easy read with a big reveal at the end. I'm now waiting for the next installment and eager to check out Rider's other series.
Why I started this book: Eager to continue the series...
Why I finished it: Easy read with a big reveal at the end. I'm now waiting for the next installment and eager to check out Rider's other series.
February 6, 2025
Great second book
Really enjoyed continuing Betty's story, and glad to hear snippets from the Interdimensional Watering Hole, even if it was just a booze reference. And, apparently, Cecil and I have the same taste in music! Anyway, great book and already preordered the next one, just sad I have to wait until May for it.
Really enjoyed continuing Betty's story, and glad to hear snippets from the Interdimensional Watering Hole, even if it was just a booze reference. And, apparently, Cecil and I have the same taste in music! Anyway, great book and already preordered the next one, just sad I have to wait until May for it.
February 2, 2025
Good story with solid side characters
Although this is a continuing saga, there is a complete story in this one which is how I like my series. Solid side characters and sidekick’s. Looking forward to the next one.
Although this is a continuing saga, there is a complete story in this one which is how I like my series. Solid side characters and sidekick’s. Looking forward to the next one.
February 6, 2025
Another winner!
Love all this authors series and this latest is no exception. Excellent characters,action, magic, romance and undercurrents of mystery. Yet again impatiently waiting for the next instalment, only 3 months thank goodness!
Love all this authors series and this latest is no exception. Excellent characters,action, magic, romance and undercurrents of mystery. Yet again impatiently waiting for the next instalment, only 3 months thank goodness!
February 9, 2025
Saucy, sassy and sarcastic
Saucy, sassy and sarcastic, definite favorites and all here in abundance. Several not surprising but great uncoverings to this episode. And even more Cecil and earth magics. Reaching for the next one as I hit submit.
Saucy, sassy and sarcastic, definite favorites and all here in abundance. Several not surprising but great uncoverings to this episode. And even more Cecil and earth magics. Reaching for the next one as I hit submit.
February 10, 2025
Book two was just as fun and satisfying as book one. Highly highly recommend this series for fans of ever so slightly cozy urban fantasy with heart and quirky characters - and well written characters including the town itself.
Don’t sleep on this!
Don’t sleep on this!
March 7, 2025
Loved this!
This book was even better than the first. I enjoyed seeing Betty begin to come into her own. Embracing her magic was beautiful and her developing relationship with Ronan is yummy. Can't wait for the next book!
This book was even better than the first. I enjoyed seeing Betty begin to come into her own. Embracing her magic was beautiful and her developing relationship with Ronan is yummy. Can't wait for the next book!
April 3, 2025
Any Witch Wolf
I'm really enjoying this series.
Betty is a witch and so much more.
I love Fennel her magical cat and I adore her friend the Gnome Cecil even with his homicidal tendencies .
This book was warm ,different and very funny!
I'm really enjoying this series.
Betty is a witch and so much more.
I love Fennel her magical cat and I adore her friend the Gnome Cecil even with his homicidal tendencies .
This book was warm ,different and very funny!
November 25, 2025
It didn’t make sense, it still hasn’t a strong plot but here was even clearer. The big secret was a wtf moment, a mother protects, and this isn’t. Meh
I gave this series a second chance but I doubt I’ll keep reading it.
I gave this series a second chance but I doubt I’ll keep reading it.
February 4, 2025
Enjoyed this one better, appreciated that there was no major cliffhanger in this book and the main plot got wrapped up. Looking forward to more
February 8, 2025
3.5 stars
February 16, 2025
Good series
Good story line. I can usually suss out the story early on but this one had a good turn. Like the character development and the lack of hot and heavy sex scenes.
Good story line. I can usually suss out the story early on but this one had a good turn. Like the character development and the lack of hot and heavy sex scenes.
February 27, 2025
I am really enjoying this series. This book felt a little more muddled and not as tight as the first one. Still a very good entertaining read. Thank you.
March 7, 2025
A good continuation of the first book with interesting characters and a nice roll of the romance. This story is a good mystery and there are plenty of surprises in store for Betty.
March 16, 2025
Fun fast read
I like this story and series. Great characters with a lot of character. Magic and intrigue. I recommend it for ages 6 and up
I like this story and series. Great characters with a lot of character. Magic and intrigue. I recommend it for ages 6 and up
March 20, 2025
sassy
Cute and Sassy !
Loved the snarky talk and twists.
A made my day type of book.
Good job and writing!
Cute and Sassy !
Loved the snarky talk and twists.
A made my day type of book.
Good job and writing!
March 23, 2025
I have so many questions about this one. Hope book 3 answers them
April 12, 2025
strong female characters
I love a story that has a strong female who still has time to engage in romance on her terms. I am looking forward to the next episode in the series.
I love a story that has a strong female who still has time to engage in romance on her terms. I am looking forward to the next episode in the series.
May 30, 2025
Great read
July 18, 2025
Fun and fast paced
I'm 2 books into the series and thoroughly enjoying them. A good mix of strong characters and enough unknowns to make it interesting. Nice touches of humour
I'm 2 books into the series and thoroughly enjoying them. A good mix of strong characters and enough unknowns to make it interesting. Nice touches of humour
August 4, 2025
still a very slow burn but otherwise very good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews