I'm with Cupid

Witching After Forty #1.6

by Lia Davis, Coleen Marlo (Narrator)

A Paranormal Women's Fiction Valentines Day Novella

Ava Harper's life has taken more twists and turns over the last few months than a mountain highway. It started when she arrived back home in Shipton Harbor, Maine. She wears many hats: Part-time bookstore clerk, part-time author, necromancer in training, full-time caretaker of a ghoul, soon to be girlfriend to the town sheriff. She's still in denial of the latter. Now she has to add neighbor to Lucifer himself to that list.

Fine. Whatever. She can make her peace with living next door to the devil. But then, when she's finally out on a first date with the hotter-than-sin local sheriff, who shows up to crash the date?

Luci himself. And he has a date of his own.

To add to all the crazy in her life, she answers her door to find an animated skeleton standing on her doorstep, hoping she can help him find his murderer.

What else can go sideways this Valentine's Day in Shipton Harbor?

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Novella, Paranormal Romance, Magic

Audiobook

First published February 3, 2021

About the author

In 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than twenty books, including the bestselling A Tiger’s Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.

While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.

Lia’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it’s her home and she loves it! Sign up for her newsletter, become a member of her fan club, and follow her on Twitter @NovelsByLia.

Reviews

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore these cute little novellas for the holidays this author has been putting out! This is such a fun series and I can't wait for book two! I can see this one becoming a favorite!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m with Cupid
Witching After Forty, Book 3

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 12/13/24 - 12/13/24
Rating: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Coleen Marlo

The Characters:

Ava Harper:


The Story:

Ava Harper has her first date since losing her husband. She has conflicting feelings with missing him and her attraction to the sheriff. Of course there is always a supernatural wrench in the plans, this time in the form of Luci making it a double date and whisking the group away to Paris. A quick little story that was enjoyable.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Story . . .

A cute story for our reading pleasure . . .
Ava Harper was going on her first date with Sheriff Drew Walker. She was so excited, but had put eye makeup on over and over and still couldn’t get it right. Olivia came over to help. But someone knocked on the door. She had mascara on only one eye so far. Looking out the door, she found a skeleton named Larry standing on her porch and it spoke to her! She had raised him during a training session (she is a necromancer). Just then, Drew drove down the street and she pulled the skeleton inside, causing him to trip and his bones scatter over the floor. Once he got his head back in place, the bones reassembled.

Ava raced to finish her makeup. After magicking the mascara off her cheek, she was ready to go. Staying out of sight, her unusual family gathered to see her off on her date: a human, a necromancer, a ghoul, an undead cat, and now, and hopefully not for long, a talking skeleton. And Satan (“Luci”) lived next door – why couldn’t she have a “normal” life?

They arrived at the lovely restaurant and Drew ordered champagne as a familiar voice interrupted… Luci(fer) from next door! He had a date with him, a kindergarten teacher she knew, and her own first date was about to be ruined as he and Carrie sat right down at their table. With a snap of his fingers, they landed in Paris for a meal that replenished itself and never ran out. Then Luci led them on a tour. What a special way to have a first date on Valentine’s Day!

The story moves along at a good pace and has no problem holding the reader's attention. Ava has such an interesting life with one strange thing after another that she takes as typical. I love it! And Drew seems happy as well amongst her chaotic life. At least he seems resigned to a not-so-quiet life with her. Grab your copy and enjoy the rest of their evening with them.

[Just Jese · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just bad

I get wanting a quick read to offer something to the fans who just want more, but this was poorly thought out, awfully executed and just plain bad.
The details referenced about the previous books were wrong, from Carmen’s name becoming Scarlet as well as how the location of the cemetery changed to where Ava raised the slew of skeletons.
In addition, a lot of this story didn’t make any sense.
It was almost as if the author wanted to write about Drew and Ava’s first date and as an after thought to make it Valentine’s Day....where apparently Olivia didn’t have any plans with her happily married husband? Or that Europe is 6 hours ahead of the east coast. So if they had dinner at 7 or so... it would still be well past midnight in France. The sun would come up around 7am... making it around 1am back home.
Am I bring nitpicky... very much so. But really, they waited roughly 5-6 months to have their first date...on Valentine’s Day? And they live in a small town with virtually no crime and yet these officers are quick to fire their service weapons indoors...in a residential area?
This was just bad. I hope the next book, an actual full length novel will be better. Otherwise I don’t think I will continue with this series at all.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's impossible to review this book without spoilers unless you just say "Middle aged witchy woman goes out on a date which gets gate crashed by the neighbour and his date".
So here comes the *Spoiler*...... A skeleton comes to the door and asks you to investigate his murder, but you're getting ready for a date so you and your friends get the skeleton to hide so that your date doesn't see him. It turns out to be a very good evening, but when you invite your date in for coffee the skeleton startles him resulting in a bit of damage to your house. Your date arranges with you to return and spend the day with you later in the week and repair the minor damage.........*End of spoiler.*
Also the end of the book! Not at all what I was expecting, I thought this was a paranormal cozy mystery and I was looking forward to reading about some witchy investigating. I'm left wondering if the author uploaded the wrong file and maybe this is only half the book. 5 chapters does seem short even for a novella.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’M WITH CUPID is the third book in the Witching After Forty series. It is a valentine novella and the second novella series to come between books one and two.

A great set up for the cozy mystery of who killed the skeleton who showed up on Ava’s doorstep. I’m assuming that will be book “2” in the series. (Seriously, I hate when authors play with the numbers. This is the third book. The next one will be the fourth book, not book 2. Ugh!)

While I managed to read this without having read the first (or second) book, I think I would have loved it even more if I had read those ones. Not to say that anything was missing, I’m just greedy that way.

This was a fun and funny story. There is a lot of reference to past happenings, but I never felt lost. I was brought up to speed without it feeling like anyone reading would be talked “down to” and it intrigued me enough that I want to continue with the series.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: I’M WITH CUPID
Series: Witching After Forty Novella
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: L.A. Boruff

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe Luci crashed my date with a date of his own!

Ava was getting ready for her first date withdrew! "... It was totally the mirror’s fault that nothing I tried was working....". When the doorbell rang she thought she "... saw… the most unexplainable sight....". Exactly what did she see?

Well, she had to realize "... Olivia was right... I shouldn’t question it. Just roll with the craziness....Because that was my life now.... ". What was her life now?

Luci had a few tricks up his sleeve! "... “Just call me Cupid,”...". After an evening of unexpected delights, Ava "... suppose[d] that’s the perfect end to our night.”...". What was the perfect end to the night? What fun awaited Ava on this date with Drew? I chuckled my way through this novella. As Ava said "... Happy Valentine’s Day....". It's one to remember!.

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

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's right, Ava Harper, necromancer and Mom over 40 is going on a date with that sexy sheriff Drew and guess who else is coming to dinner? This double date is going to have a devil of a time, but what is a witch to do when she wants to spend a little time with the law of her life. It's hard enough to not feel guilty after having had the love of her life taken from her five years ago, but now to be back in the dating game, celebrating the most romantic night of the year and the Devil has decided he will see to the details. Great little novella that sets us up perfectly for the next installment so we can find out where that skeleton is from and who killed him.

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

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine is not sure about this whole dating thing, but when she gives it a try, things get odd really quickly.

This is a side story in the "Witching After Forty" series and it works fine as a standalone. No prior reading required to enjoy this one.

This is a cozy witch mystery with an even heavier dose of humor than usual. That works for me! The story is well written and easy to read with some very unusual twists to it. The story moves at a good pace and has no problem keeping the reader's interest throughout. Overall, another fun adventure for our heroine and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Marsha]

“I’m With Cupid” is a cute Valentines’ Day novella in the Witching After Forty series. This time Ava and Drew are going out on their first real date but before he even arrives, a talking skeleton shows up at her door requesting her assistance. After sending him upstairs to stay with Snoozy and Alfred, Ava heads out on her date with Drew.

Of course nothing ever goes as planned in Ava’s chaotic life do when Luci, the devil shows up at the restaurant with his date, Carrie, the kindergarten teacher they are all in for an interesting night including an impromptu trip to Paris. That was of course after they correct the mistake of first traveling to Paris, Tennessee. Lol. Of what gun there is to be had when Luci is in charge.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A date with a dishy Sheriff, the first in a very long time for widow Ava, who has mixed feeling of guilt for not staying true to her husband's memory (which is rubbish anyway) and the excitement of a new relationship with someone she really fancied. And amidst all this, a gate crasher, right between the two of them - only Satan would have the *** to do so! But he does promise some very exciting things on Valentine's Day....

Another great little novella which fleshes out the main series. Love these books, they are so much fun to read and makes me smile. Of course, not even I can say "No" to Satan....

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, this book was not what I expected since I have read a lot of Lia Davis and L.A. Boruff books over the years. This was silly in the best way possible while telling the story of the first date between Ava and the sheriff, Drew. There is a very odd array of paranormal creatures and humans with a very interesting mixture of paranormal abilities and flaws. Ava's household continues to get fuller, but you do not have to read the previous stories for this one to make sense. Lots of fun and well-written.

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

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava finally has her first date with the very hot Sheriff Drew. She's a bundle of nerves, but is determined to have a great time. After all, its Valentine's Day. Too bad the date gets hijacked by Lucifer (call me Luci) and his date. Although he makes it memorable, Ava is still determined to send Luci back to hell.

Fun and zany short story...perfect for celebrating Valentine's Day. I love Ava and her crazy life.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems interesting can be found in Maine. Ava is a busy character with whom seems to be on a ride of life that is a roller coaster. This also has a bit of humor thanks to her her soon to be boyfriend as it is put she pretends it would seem that it is not so. What a neighbor too she has. The first date is a doozy that could only happen here. If that could not be all then what about that skeleton whom wants something from her also. That ride is on high speed it would seem so. That is Valentine's day as it goes on here. Crazy is the normal and the reading is delightful.

[Sue-Dee Numb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Valentine...With Satan?!

Ava and Drew have a Valentine date, their first as so far something has come up each time they have tried. Tonight seems no exception when Luci (aka Lucifer aka Morningstar aka Satan) turns up at the restaurant with the sweet kindergarten teacher Carrie.
Luci takes the 2 couples on a perfect Valentine's date.
If
Ave has a lot going on at home but this little interlude it's all about Valentine's.

A quick read less than 10 minutes. But fun and introduces is to Carrie's next investigation.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is going on a date with Drew, she is a little nervous. Before she goes she has a visitor that comes, she doesn't have time. When they get to the restraurant, they are surprised by Luci. Luci takes over the date with his girlfriend. They have a some adventure before having to get home.

I really enjoyed this story. I didn't want to give to much away, recommend reading this. Looking forward to more books in series.

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

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ava’s story she’s a necromancer and she inherited a ghoul and made her cat immortal she’s 43 and going out on a date with sheriff Drew Walker and she is nervous. Ava’s life is crazy just as she was about to go on a date with Drew some craziness would always happen so this is their first official date and Ava was hoping that nothing would go wrong. Sorry guys no spoilers there were a few chuckle worthy moments I loved it it’s an amazing read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Valentines’ Day and Ava is finally getting her first date with Sheriff Drew. Things are going great when Lucifer shows up with his date, the local kindergarten teacher. He whisks everyone off to Paris for a wonderful evening, including a tour of the Louvre with Lucifer’s hilariously narcissistic version of history. Ava also gains a new member of her household when she accidentally raises a fully functional skeleton who wants her help to discover who murdered him. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is settling back in Shipton Harbor working part time at a book store while writing her own books. Christmas is coming and Ava decides to host a community-wide holiday party. When her friend suggests summoning Santa Claus, Ava goes along but they wind up summoning Satan instead.

This is a short story in the series and it was a quick, fun read which I really enjoyed. I was pulled into this well-written story from the beginning and kept hooked until the end. I'm eager for the next book and highly recommend this one. I do suggest that you read the first book before this story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava's life has changed a lot since moving back to her hometown. In this book we are taken on a crazy ride as Ava and Drew go out on a date and Lucifer takes over. But that's not the only thing happening in town and you need to read this series to find out what all the fun quirky characters are up to. I am loving this series from the humor to the great characters this is a definite must read. The characters are well developed and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jennifer]

Another great short story to add to the town of Shipton Harbor

I loved reading more about Ava and her new family of friends. What could go wrong with the Satan living next door. Plus Ava is finally getting to got out on her first date with the hunky sheriff Drew. But they get a uninvited guest while they are trying to get dinner. They are swept away to a dream destination . Ava and Drew get a 5 star first date with lots of sweet memories. I already downloaded the next book I can't wait to see what happens next with Ava and her new growing family.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to laugh out loud liked I did when reading this book. This was definitely a great addition to the series. This enjoyable fast paced read was exactly what I needed for a quick Valentine's day read. Overall a great read looking forward to seeing what else is in store for this series. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Stacy Van cise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short Valentine's

Our resident necromancer over forty Ava Harper has a date with the sexy town sheriff Drew. Valentine's day date. She gets an uninvited guest just before the sexy Drew shows to pick her up. Put that on the back burner and off to dinner. Everything is going good until Luci walks in the restaurant. He has his own Valentine's plans , Ava and Drew are along for the ride. How do you say no the the devil?

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you read A Ghoulish Midlife? You should it’s fantastic. This story takes place right after and emphasizes the madness that is now Ava’s life and takes us along for the ride. Ava’s first date with the hunky sheriff goes wonky when Lucifer invites himself and his date along. It actually works out really well but like everything in Ava’s life right now is totally off the wall. This story had me rolling on the floor laughing and wanting the next installment asap.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Valentine's Day story. Visiting the Louvre with Satan? Heck, why not? This was my first story in this series and now I really want to read more about Ava and her found/strays family. This is a very fun story with witches, talking skeletons, necromancers, an immortal cat, a ghoul, and Lucifer. I never knew Lucifer was such a subject of art. LOL

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

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

A fun Valentine’s themed short, set between books one and two in the series and the second of two novella stories.

A date with Drew is hijacked by the Devil, but it’s just one of many things that crops up on Valentine’s Day for Ava.

An amusing, quick read, perfect for when you’re short on time, but need a quick and fun read! You will need to have read both the first book in the series, and the first short story too!

Recommended for PWF fans.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is going on her first date since her husband died. Before her date even picks her up, a skeleton shows up looking for help and things get even stranger yet. But when you are a necromancer who practices light witchcraft and have The Devil as your neighbor, life will not be simple.
I loved this book , it made me laugh. The characters are quirky and I definitely want to read more

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

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a valentines day novella and it's a fun one where living next door to Lucifer, yes that one, is causing hilarious scenes. When on a date with the sheriff Lucifer turns up crashing the date. I loved the fun setting and the many things Ava is. It 8s set in Shipton like several other books. Can't wait to read those. I love the style of this cowritten book and I've read books before and am looking forward to my next.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another fun slice of Ava’s life during a ‘quieter’ time. I got a kick out of getting to know Luci and some of the other personalities around Ava better. I also suspect that this is setting up some of what’s going to come next. One thing I noticed by binging the series is that there are some of the details in this story that conflict with what I read in the first book. However, in spite of those small hiccups, I can’t wait to read more about these characters.

[Stan Hutchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short novella continuing the series. Larry, a walking, talking skeleton, is adding himself to Ava's extended family just as Ava is about to have her first date with Sheriff Drew. Panic and consternation ensue. Luci and Carrie join Ava and Drew, and Luci takes them to Paris for dinner, to visit the Louvre, telling them secrets behind the art, and to the Eiffel Tower for a memorable Valentine's night. And Ava gets a date with Drew set for next weekend.