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Smokethorn Paranormals #1
Strike It Witch: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series, Book 1
“Thanks for your concern, but I don’t need your protection. I have a mystical cat, an unprincipled gnome with a violent streak, and I have my magic.”
Betty Lennox is an elemental witch on a mission to leave her desert hometown of Smokethorn, California, for good. But first, she needs to sell the property she inherited from her mother to someone who, among other things, doesn’t mind living in a paranormal seniors' trailer park in a town where it’s so hot in summer that the local demons head back to Hades to cool off.
She’s also running low on cash to keep up the protection spell on the park. When she’s offered a job to procure a cursed grimoire, one so dangerous the local coven won’t touch it, she takes it. Even though the job comes from a vicious wolf alpha who won’t rest until she’s dead.
To get the grimoire and keep her soul, she’ll have to lean on her partner—a magic cat named Fennel—Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome, a graveyard demon, her retired necromancer best friend, and her second-least favorite bartender in town, who also just happens to be the wolf alpha’s son.
If they can manage to work together without killing each other, Betty just might survive.
For fans of urban fantasy with a side of slow-burn romance.
Betty Lennox is an elemental witch on a mission to leave her desert hometown of Smokethorn, California, for good. But first, she needs to sell the property she inherited from her mother to someone who, among other things, doesn’t mind living in a paranormal seniors' trailer park in a town where it’s so hot in summer that the local demons head back to Hades to cool off.
She’s also running low on cash to keep up the protection spell on the park. When she’s offered a job to procure a cursed grimoire, one so dangerous the local coven won’t touch it, she takes it. Even though the job comes from a vicious wolf alpha who won’t rest until she’s dead.
To get the grimoire and keep her soul, she’ll have to lean on her partner—a magic cat named Fennel—Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome, a graveyard demon, her retired necromancer best friend, and her second-least favorite bartender in town, who also just happens to be the wolf alpha’s son.
If they can manage to work together without killing each other, Betty just might survive.
For fans of urban fantasy with a side of slow-burn romance.
Audible Audio
First published October 30, 2024
About the author
C.P. Rider
20 books348 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 76 reviews
April 6, 2025
Can't
I tried...
It was going okay, but holy shit, it's mostly name dropping songs and talking to a cat that constantly says, "Meow." And somehow, Betty carries on a conversation with that. It got annoying really fast.
I got 50% through, but couldn't take reading about the authors taste in music instead of the storyline anymore. Once or twice, I could deal with. Constantly, though? No. Knock that off. First, it alienates your readers who either do not know or do not like that music. Two, authors shouldn't interject themselves into the main character unless it's a biography. Just put a Playlist in the beginning or end of your book if your music taste is so important.
Anyway, it ruined this book for me.
I tried...
It was going okay, but holy shit, it's mostly name dropping songs and talking to a cat that constantly says, "Meow." And somehow, Betty carries on a conversation with that. It got annoying really fast.
I got 50% through, but couldn't take reading about the authors taste in music instead of the storyline anymore. Once or twice, I could deal with. Constantly, though? No. Knock that off. First, it alienates your readers who either do not know or do not like that music. Two, authors shouldn't interject themselves into the main character unless it's a biography. Just put a Playlist in the beginning or end of your book if your music taste is so important.
Anyway, it ruined this book for me.
January 3, 2025
“You are an earth witch, Lilibet Lennox. Cease your cowardice and trust your power.”
Rider’s Smokethorn Paranormals takes place nearby Sundance (another Rider series) without crossover. This series tells the story of Lilibet “Betty” an elemental witch trying to connect to the land of the Siete Saguaros Mobile Home Park three years following her mother’s passing. The park was created by her mother as a place for paranormal retirees. Betty’s always saying she’ll leave, not used to staying in one place, but everyone wants her stay. Before she can leave, she’s determined to connect with the land and restore it, but for some reason it’s depleting her magic instead.
The book is full of interesting characters, a wonderful mix of paranormals and the setting is unique, but I still found myself struggling with the book. I’m hoping it was a case of “it’s not you, it’s me” because I love the other series written by this author and had hoped I’d found a third to follow. The (too) many song references got old, but I did enjoy the scene where she drives the long way to finish listening to a good song. I’ll give book 2 a go and hope this was just a rando miss b/c of mood.
January 26, 2026
Oh, what FUN!!! I'm so happy Goodreads suggested that one to me, it's one of the rare wins and bullseye suggestions I got here!
The book is very nicely written, the action flowed quite nicely, the side characters were very well explored, basically none of the characters felt two dimensional (except maybe the bad guys but I don't expect a huge backstory for a random person in book one), and the banter was exquisite!
Betty also has the cutest sidekicks ever (a magical cat friend and a garden gnome pleaseeee), and I enjoyed the way the author planted the seeds (pun very much intended) for the next books.
The only downside is the constant descriptions of which song is playing which is great the first few times but got old fast as I didn't know most of the songs so it was pretty wasted on me and just took me out of the atmosphere of an otherwise pretty fun book.
Still if you're into paranormal mystery, urban fantasy, cosy reads like me I recommend you add this one to your TBR asap!
The book is very nicely written, the action flowed quite nicely, the side characters were very well explored, basically none of the characters felt two dimensional (except maybe the bad guys but I don't expect a huge backstory for a random person in book one), and the banter was exquisite!
Betty also has the cutest sidekicks ever (a magical cat friend and a garden gnome pleaseeee), and I enjoyed the way the author planted the seeds (pun very much intended) for the next books.
The only downside is the constant descriptions of which song is playing which is great the first few times but got old fast as I didn't know most of the songs so it was pretty wasted on me and just took me out of the atmosphere of an otherwise pretty fun book.
Still if you're into paranormal mystery, urban fantasy, cosy reads like me I recommend you add this one to your TBR asap!
November 22, 2024
Great start to a new series by one of my favorite authors
Yay, perfect beginning to a new series from C.P. Rider! Love it so far... Hope book 2 comes out very soon.
Yay, perfect beginning to a new series from C.P. Rider! Love it so far... Hope book 2 comes out very soon.
February 16, 2025
3 1/2 stars enjoyed despite faults after 2 books.
Well written characters and dialogue. I like and care about these people. There is humor and danger. The “fight” scenes are followable. On the short side length wise. A little more effort and this could have been truly good. I think some authors don’t have bigger ambitions. I do have some annoyances to irk -some not to bring up. The lore. I hate it when supernatural beings are overly humanistic. Shifters don’t get cancer naturally because their cells are renewed when they shift. They can get old but this series seems to be mostly regulating them to human lifespans. The reason here seems to be relatability not unforgivable plot conveniences. Another lore sore point is salt in one of the spells. If Betty didn’t have any money on her in book 2, how did she stop for tocos? Those issues keep this series out of the big league but don’t ruin the enjoyment of some fun characters. I wouldn’t buy this series but I will keep reading it with kindle unlimited. Try the Soulwood series by Faith Hunter.
Well written characters and dialogue. I like and care about these people. There is humor and danger. The “fight” scenes are followable. On the short side length wise. A little more effort and this could have been truly good. I think some authors don’t have bigger ambitions. I do have some annoyances to irk -some not to bring up. The lore. I hate it when supernatural beings are overly humanistic. Shifters don’t get cancer naturally because their cells are renewed when they shift. They can get old but this series seems to be mostly regulating them to human lifespans. The reason here seems to be relatability not unforgivable plot conveniences. Another lore sore point is salt in one of the spells. If Betty didn’t have any money on her in book 2, how did she stop for tocos? Those issues keep this series out of the big league but don’t ruin the enjoyment of some fun characters. I wouldn’t buy this series but I will keep reading it with kindle unlimited. Try the Soulwood series by Faith Hunter.
January 2, 2025
3.5 stars
November 7, 2024
(4.5 Stars)
I am a fan of C.P. Rider. I just loved her Sundance series. Well, let me tell you that "Strike It Witch" is going to be another one of her series that will be my favorite. The small town atmosphere of Nowhere, CA, colorful and unique characters as well as all of trouble and mayhem the characters get into has already got me hooked.
Betty Lennox's mother died three years ago when a spell went array. Now Betty has been trying to run the Siete Saguaros Mobile Home Park her mother left her for retired paranormals and try to restore the land back to its former glory. Unfortunately, the land is not responding to her magic and it is depleting Betty's power in the process. She is desperately trying to find a buyer but so far no one seems suitable. In addition, the local coven wants Betty to join but she has a beef with Margaux Ramirez, the leader who failed her mother when she needed her most. No amount of seducing will make Betty join that coven or forgive Margaux.
Meanwhile the local werewolf Alpha, Floyd, would do anything to get rid of Betty. Yet, his son, Ronan Pallas, finds her alluring and wants to be with her. Betty is resisting everyone's pleas to no sell the place and stay even her magical cat, Fennel and garden gnome, Cecil want her to stay. They are very protective of her and will do anything to save her.
Alpha Floyd has brokered a deal with Betty to obtain a magical grimoire for him. He believes that she is foolish enough not to realize that the book is curse especially to the person who the book is first handed over to. Betty is no dummy and she puts a contingency plan in place to ensure that she comes out unscathed and she is going to make sure that Alpha Floyd pays through the nose for her services.
There is a lot going on in the read, including a myriad of demons and it seems that everyone is betraying each other left and right. Yet, with all of the chaos surrounding her, Betty is a protagonist that a reader really wants to embrace. She is kind, considerate, and selfless. I was an immediate fan. I even liked one of the demons, Sexton, even though he is a scary jerk.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the author put in too many musical songs/playlist references. It seemed like every paragraph had a couple. It became a little irritating. However, not so much that it interfered entirely with my reading enjoyment but enough for me to downgrade my rating to 4.5 stars rather than 5.
If you are interesting in a fun, edge of your seat new series, "Strike It Witch" just might be the one for you. I highly recommend it and suggest that you place it on your "to read" list.
I am a fan of C.P. Rider. I just loved her Sundance series. Well, let me tell you that "Strike It Witch" is going to be another one of her series that will be my favorite. The small town atmosphere of Nowhere, CA, colorful and unique characters as well as all of trouble and mayhem the characters get into has already got me hooked.
Betty Lennox's mother died three years ago when a spell went array. Now Betty has been trying to run the Siete Saguaros Mobile Home Park her mother left her for retired paranormals and try to restore the land back to its former glory. Unfortunately, the land is not responding to her magic and it is depleting Betty's power in the process. She is desperately trying to find a buyer but so far no one seems suitable. In addition, the local coven wants Betty to join but she has a beef with Margaux Ramirez, the leader who failed her mother when she needed her most. No amount of seducing will make Betty join that coven or forgive Margaux.
Meanwhile the local werewolf Alpha, Floyd, would do anything to get rid of Betty. Yet, his son, Ronan Pallas, finds her alluring and wants to be with her. Betty is resisting everyone's pleas to no sell the place and stay even her magical cat, Fennel and garden gnome, Cecil want her to stay. They are very protective of her and will do anything to save her.
Alpha Floyd has brokered a deal with Betty to obtain a magical grimoire for him. He believes that she is foolish enough not to realize that the book is curse especially to the person who the book is first handed over to. Betty is no dummy and she puts a contingency plan in place to ensure that she comes out unscathed and she is going to make sure that Alpha Floyd pays through the nose for her services.
There is a lot going on in the read, including a myriad of demons and it seems that everyone is betraying each other left and right. Yet, with all of the chaos surrounding her, Betty is a protagonist that a reader really wants to embrace. She is kind, considerate, and selfless. I was an immediate fan. I even liked one of the demons, Sexton, even though he is a scary jerk.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the author put in too many musical songs/playlist references. It seemed like every paragraph had a couple. It became a little irritating. However, not so much that it interfered entirely with my reading enjoyment but enough for me to downgrade my rating to 4.5 stars rather than 5.
If you are interesting in a fun, edge of your seat new series, "Strike It Witch" just might be the one for you. I highly recommend it and suggest that you place it on your "to read" list.
May 30, 2025
Honestly, a bit boring but I knew that going into it. It’s very new school settings on old school vibes. But I didn’t like how human our inhuman characters were. They could use magic sure but they got old, got cancer, got a heart attacks etc. meaning they were only “other” as a plot device. If you’re going to write a book like that, why even waste the time on making it paranormal?
I also didn’t like was the forced “almost” romance. You know who it is the first time they meet and there reasons why they shouldn’t is stupid especially considering they are going on human lifespans and our FC is supposed to be 35.
And speaking of romance, I don’t NEED spice in my book, however having it tells me the author is writing for adults, not young adults. Just something to show the characters age other than blushing and beating around the bush. Again especially when you age your characters passed 30, who have normal human lifespans, and are not immortal. That just doesn’t make sense to me and it seems like the book is trying to force a romance over multiple books, probably with a different person who comes out of left field.
I’ve only liked one series like that and it was Kate Daniel’s, which had world building, fantastic characters, and amazing writing to fall back on. And that series had NO sex-not even innuendoes I don’t think so it was VERY YA even though the characters were immortal. I loved that series but wish it had more realistic relationships as well but it was written so well it made up for it.
Besides that, the constant song “suggestions “ were weird and made our FC seem 60, not 35 (literally my age and the songs being suggested are from my mom’s age). It was constant. At least 3 times per chapter.
Overall, it was a good book to fall asleep to. And I don’t have anything else to listen to atm so I kept going back and relistening to the chapters but not really paying attention. It just helped pass the time.
If Book 2 ever becomes free I may listen to it. Otherwise I won’t be wasting money or my last credit on it
I also didn’t like was the forced “almost” romance. You know who it is the first time they meet and there reasons why they shouldn’t is stupid especially considering they are going on human lifespans and our FC is supposed to be 35.
And speaking of romance, I don’t NEED spice in my book, however having it tells me the author is writing for adults, not young adults. Just something to show the characters age other than blushing and beating around the bush. Again especially when you age your characters passed 30, who have normal human lifespans, and are not immortal. That just doesn’t make sense to me and it seems like the book is trying to force a romance over multiple books, probably with a different person who comes out of left field.
I’ve only liked one series like that and it was Kate Daniel’s, which had world building, fantastic characters, and amazing writing to fall back on. And that series had NO sex-not even innuendoes I don’t think so it was VERY YA even though the characters were immortal. I loved that series but wish it had more realistic relationships as well but it was written so well it made up for it.
Besides that, the constant song “suggestions “ were weird and made our FC seem 60, not 35 (literally my age and the songs being suggested are from my mom’s age). It was constant. At least 3 times per chapter.
Overall, it was a good book to fall asleep to. And I don’t have anything else to listen to atm so I kept going back and relistening to the chapters but not really paying attention. It just helped pass the time.
If Book 2 ever becomes free I may listen to it. Otherwise I won’t be wasting money or my last credit on it
April 16, 2025
great characters and universe
Rating:4.5⭐️
"Thanks for your concern, but I don't need your protection. I have a mystical cat, an unprincipled gnome with a violent streak, and I have my magic." Betty Lennox
In my quest for writers and books with new approaches to their main characters and the tropes I enjoy reading, this is a great new find that I can’t wait to share.
Although the author is a popular writer, C.P. Rider is new to me. The Smokethorn Paranormals is the first series I’ve read by Rider and all its characters and elements have struck a chord with me.
Starting with the main character of Betty Lennox, a grief torn earth witch, living in a 19 ft Airstream trailer in the paranormal seniors' trailer park she inherited from her mother. Betty’s curvaceous, dark-haired reflective of her Mexican heritage, and trying to leave her desert hometown of Smokethorn, California. But she has to honor her mother’s wishes and legacy and find the right earth witch to buy the property.
From the paranormal senior citizens in living in the trailer park, beautifully realized and hilariously depicted in a number of scenes, to the desert area around her, the location feels fresh and authentic. A vibrant new world for a series and group of extraordinary characters. That extends to the town itself.
Rider’s Betty Lennox is a woman so consumed by her loss that she doesn’t even realize how it’s caused her to become stuck in life, a kind of limbo. Unable to move forward however she tries. It’s a powerful portrayal of love, loss and grief. And magic.
For it’s magic or its absence that a clear sign of loss and grief.
Betty’s friends, one of whom is a retired necromancer in her eighties, Ada,
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⭐️
"Thanks for your concern, but I don't need your protection. I have a mystical cat, an unprincipled gnome with a violent streak, and I have my magic." Betty Lennox
In my quest for writers and books with new approaches to their main characters and the tropes I enjoy reading, this is a great new find that I can’t wait to share.
Although the author is a popular writer, C.P. Rider is new to me. The Smokethorn Paranormals is the first series I’ve read by Rider and all its characters and elements have struck a chord with me.
Starting with the main character of Betty Lennox, a grief torn earth witch, living in a 19 ft Airstream trailer in the paranormal seniors' trailer park she inherited from her mother. Betty’s curvaceous, dark-haired reflective of her Mexican heritage, and trying to leave her desert hometown of Smokethorn, California. But she has to honor her mother’s wishes and legacy and find the right earth witch to buy the property.
From the paranormal senior citizens in living in the trailer park, beautifully realized and hilariously depicted in a number of scenes, to the desert area around her, the location feels fresh and authentic. A vibrant new world for a series and group of extraordinary characters. That extends to the town itself.
Rider’s Betty Lennox is a woman so consumed by her loss that she doesn’t even realize how it’s caused her to become stuck in life, a kind of limbo. Unable to move forward however she tries. It’s a powerful portrayal of love, loss and grief. And magic.
For it’s magic or its absence that a clear sign of loss and grief.
Betty’s friends, one of whom is a retired necromancer in her eighties, Ada,
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
February 11, 2026
Betty Lennox is an elemental witch on a mission to leave her desert hometown of Smokethorn, California, for good. But first, she needs to sell the property she inherited from her mother to someone who, among other things, doesn’t mind living in a paranormal seniors' trailer park in a town where it’s so hot in summer that the local demons head back to Hades to cool off.
She’s also running low on cash to keep up the protection spell on the park. When she’s offered a job to procure a cursed grimoire, one so dangerous the local coven won’t touch it, she takes it. Even though the job comes from a vicious wolf alpha who won’t rest until she’s dead.
To get the grimoire and keep her soul, she’ll have to lean on her partner—a magic cat named Fennel—Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome, a graveyard demon, her retired necromancer best friend, and her second-least favorite bartender in town, who also just happens to be the wolf alpha’s son.
If they can manage to work together without killing each other, Betty just might survive.
Heather's Notes
I liked this book at the start, but as the book progressed, I started losing interest. The author kept adding things, without resolving the ongoing issues. Also there was very little world building or even explain. It felt like we were just suppose to know things. I don't see that it is a spin off so I would have like more explanation on how things worked. I would have also liked more resolution on the different issues. I don't know if I will continue or not.
She’s also running low on cash to keep up the protection spell on the park. When she’s offered a job to procure a cursed grimoire, one so dangerous the local coven won’t touch it, she takes it. Even though the job comes from a vicious wolf alpha who won’t rest until she’s dead.
To get the grimoire and keep her soul, she’ll have to lean on her partner—a magic cat named Fennel—Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome, a graveyard demon, her retired necromancer best friend, and her second-least favorite bartender in town, who also just happens to be the wolf alpha’s son.
If they can manage to work together without killing each other, Betty just might survive.
Heather's Notes
I liked this book at the start, but as the book progressed, I started losing interest. The author kept adding things, without resolving the ongoing issues. Also there was very little world building or even explain. It felt like we were just suppose to know things. I don't see that it is a spin off so I would have like more explanation on how things worked. I would have also liked more resolution on the different issues. I don't know if I will continue or not.
March 7, 2025
Set in the same universe as Spiked, this series has a few references to characters in that series but it focuses on another location, other characters and beings that were not mentioned before or only as side characters. I really enjoyed Betty who is trying to leave the small, desert town she lives in where she runs a small trailer park for senior magical beings who may have a limited budget and don't have the support of a powerful group. Unfortunately, she is running out of money and the earth on which she lives is draining her magic. She hopes if she takes a dangerous job to retrieve a curse grimoire she'll have enough money to at least renew the protection wards on the trailer park. But if she has any chance to live she will need to rely on her partner, a magical cat named Fennel, a homicidal garden gnome, her 80+ necromancer best friend and her second least favorite bartender, the son of the alpha who wants her dead.
The characters are off beat and come off perfect in the story. There is plenty of action and a slow burn romance. I really like how CP Rider writes. She creates good all around stories.
The characters are off beat and come off perfect in the story. There is plenty of action and a slow burn romance. I really like how CP Rider writes. She creates good all around stories.
December 1, 2025
Betty is an elemental witch, running a supernatural trailer park that she inherited from her mother. Assisted by her magical cat, Fennel and a murderous garden gnome, Cecil, she is trying to keep the park running until she can sell it.
But her powers aren’t what they should be and she’s short of money. She would like nothing more than to find someone to take over the park and leave town. She also takes jobs on the side to help out. These are all interesting.
Taking a job from the local vicious, wolf alpha to obtain a cursed grimoire, things get messy.
The alpha wants nothing more than to see her dead (preferably after she gets his book), she has problems with the local coven, her best friend is a retired necromancer and the man she is attracted to happens to be the alpha’s son.
This book doesn’t really have action but it has magic, suspense, some surprises, and humour. The characters are all interesting, Ida, the necromancer, is fantastic, Cecil, the gnome, is funny and scary.
There are a lot of questions that need answers, some that are gradually coming out and I’m sure more will be revealed in future books.
A quick, easy book.
But her powers aren’t what they should be and she’s short of money. She would like nothing more than to find someone to take over the park and leave town. She also takes jobs on the side to help out. These are all interesting.
Taking a job from the local vicious, wolf alpha to obtain a cursed grimoire, things get messy.
The alpha wants nothing more than to see her dead (preferably after she gets his book), she has problems with the local coven, her best friend is a retired necromancer and the man she is attracted to happens to be the alpha’s son.
This book doesn’t really have action but it has magic, suspense, some surprises, and humour. The characters are all interesting, Ida, the necromancer, is fantastic, Cecil, the gnome, is funny and scary.
There are a lot of questions that need answers, some that are gradually coming out and I’m sure more will be revealed in future books.
A quick, easy book.
October 31, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.5*
First time read the author's work?: No (I rank the other book series set in the same world higher)
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.5*
First time read the author's work?: No (I rank the other book series set in the same world higher)
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
November 5, 2024
Book 1 has me hooked!
Oo this was a great start to a new series! As I started reading about Betty, something was tickling my brain (not bats this time) and when I read the first nod to Sundance and that previous series, it clicked why there was that tickle (that wasn’t bats) in my head, ‘cos Betty appeared in a novella from the Sundance series 😁 How ace is it that we get another series in the same world? Made me smile anyhoo!
Like a rolling stone gathering moss, this first instalment of Betty’s story rolled along, increasingly gathering more action and intensity as it went and had the added effect of captivating and rolling me up with it along the way. Two things I love in a book/series, that make it stand out and elevate a storyline for me, are a potent slow (or slow-ish) burn and the loyalty and love of found family/friendships. This has the beginnings of both and I’m sooo looking forward to the developments ahead, plus finding out more about the questions around Betty’s mums death that were raised here, plus, well, everything else! 🤷🏼♀️💖
Oo this was a great start to a new series! As I started reading about Betty, something was tickling my brain (not bats this time) and when I read the first nod to Sundance and that previous series, it clicked why there was that tickle (that wasn’t bats) in my head, ‘cos Betty appeared in a novella from the Sundance series 😁 How ace is it that we get another series in the same world? Made me smile anyhoo!
Like a rolling stone gathering moss, this first instalment of Betty’s story rolled along, increasingly gathering more action and intensity as it went and had the added effect of captivating and rolling me up with it along the way. Two things I love in a book/series, that make it stand out and elevate a storyline for me, are a potent slow (or slow-ish) burn and the loyalty and love of found family/friendships. This has the beginnings of both and I’m sooo looking forward to the developments ahead, plus finding out more about the questions around Betty’s mums death that were raised here, plus, well, everything else! 🤷🏼♀️💖
September 10, 2025
Sorry, this one just didnt work for me.
For one thing the non-stop song references got annoying really fast, plus it was simply very distracting.
As for the story as such, I made it about halfway through and all the while I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd inadvertently stumbled into a spin-off series which might have explained all the missing history, hostile tensions with everyone and their gran, world building / lore, etc
It also didnt help that the fmc often came across as a split personality all reckless gungho big mouthed attitude one moment whiny insecure woe-is-me-poor shmuck the next.
On top of that most of her "issues" both magical and people/relationship-wise seemed selfmade in the line of self-fullfilling prophecies/ psychosomatic elements or childhood and/or drama related assumptions that are taken as hard fact without ever questioning, bothering to confirm any truth
For one thing the non-stop song references got annoying really fast, plus it was simply very distracting.
As for the story as such, I made it about halfway through and all the while I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd inadvertently stumbled into a spin-off series which might have explained all the missing history, hostile tensions with everyone and their gran, world building / lore, etc
It also didnt help that the fmc often came across as a split personality all reckless gungho big mouthed attitude one moment whiny insecure woe-is-me-poor shmuck the next.
On top of that most of her "issues" both magical and people/relationship-wise seemed selfmade in the line of self-fullfilling prophecies/ psychosomatic elements or childhood and/or drama related assumptions that are taken as hard fact without ever questioning, bothering to confirm any truth
July 4, 2026
This is a fun, well-written story that is complete on it's own but obviously sets up threads for the rest of the books. The main character, side characters, and setting were all interesting and done well (yes there are a lot of music references like other reviews mentioned, but I glossed over those I didn't recognize, and I honestly didn't care if I liked the music or not since the character mentioning music was one of her "things", like wearing black was too).
Anyway, the dialogue was good and not full of "cliche, sassy lady speak", which I appreciated. The romance was Ronan was nice because it was a subplot and not a main feature. This book is more of the setup and eventual acknowledgement of how they feel, but I'm sure the next ones will get more juicy.
Overall, fun and fresh take on urban paranormal fantasy with solid characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Anyway, the dialogue was good and not full of "cliche, sassy lady speak", which I appreciated. The romance was Ronan was nice because it was a subplot and not a main feature. This book is more of the setup and eventual acknowledgement of how they feel, but I'm sure the next ones will get more juicy.
Overall, fun and fresh take on urban paranormal fantasy with solid characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
May 20, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by this! It was a really fun, lighthearted, read. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pick up another CP Rider book after mostly finishing her Sundance series, but I really enjoyed the characters in this series and how her writing’s grown. I loved Betty tackling her grief and insecurities with her abilities as an Earth witch and trying to move out from her mother’s shadow. I loved her relationships with Cecil and Fennel. The chemistry between her and Ronan was great and the fact that we don’t know why Ronan won’t challenge his father to be Alpha, just makes it all more interesting. Overall, I found the cast of characters here more interesting than her Sundance ones. In the Sundance series, everyone seemed to be in a bit of a box. I feel like her characters were more layered and interesting in Strike It Witch.
October 23, 2025
Everything C P Rider writes is pure gold, I don't know why her complete originality still surprises me, but it does. More fool me. This series, like all her others, is set to become a firm favourite.
Meet Betty Lennox, failing earth witch, who has a cat friend called Fennel, and a non-verbal gnome called Cecil who likes to firebomb things. Really, that should be all you need to know. But there is also a brilliant octogenarian best friend called Ida, and a love interest (alpha werewolf Ronan) to swoon over. And yes, I am shipping Betty and Ronan hard!
I listened to this in audio and it was wonderfully narrated, including all of Fennel's mrrow's, which never failed to make me smile.
I devoured book one and have hopped right into book two. As I'm sure you will! Get yourself reading this wonderful paranormal treat.
Meet Betty Lennox, failing earth witch, who has a cat friend called Fennel, and a non-verbal gnome called Cecil who likes to firebomb things. Really, that should be all you need to know. But there is also a brilliant octogenarian best friend called Ida, and a love interest (alpha werewolf Ronan) to swoon over. And yes, I am shipping Betty and Ronan hard!
I listened to this in audio and it was wonderfully narrated, including all of Fennel's mrrow's, which never failed to make me smile.
I devoured book one and have hopped right into book two. As I'm sure you will! Get yourself reading this wonderful paranormal treat.
January 5, 2025
A new series from one of the best in suburban fantasy!
Witches, shifters, demons and mages oh my! Smokethorn CA is a small town with a super trailer park and an earth witch who wants out. She’s scared the land is rejecting her and after her mom’s death she needs to get away. But too many people and entities relay on her services and she just can’t seem to cut the ties that bind. A demon is on the loose, death is a customer who is the ultimate Karen and the shifter alpha leader hates her guts. What’s a witch to do but fall for his son and play all sides in order to make it out alive. Can’t wait for book 2.
Witches, shifters, demons and mages oh my! Smokethorn CA is a small town with a super trailer park and an earth witch who wants out. She’s scared the land is rejecting her and after her mom’s death she needs to get away. But too many people and entities relay on her services and she just can’t seem to cut the ties that bind. A demon is on the loose, death is a customer who is the ultimate Karen and the shifter alpha leader hates her guts. What’s a witch to do but fall for his son and play all sides in order to make it out alive. Can’t wait for book 2.
February 25, 2025
Betty Lennox came home an hour too late. She's an earth witch like her mother, and walked in too late to save her mother. Now she's desperate to sell the property she inherited from her mother before her magic disappears completely. Meanwhile she's working odd jobs to make ends meet with the help of a magical cat and a homicidal garden gnome.
Why I started this book: Kindle Unlimited pick that's lingered for a while.
Why I finished it: Compelling characters, plot and world. I'm always on the hunt for new paranormal authors and Rider has promise. Bonus points for great sidekicks.
Why I started this book: Kindle Unlimited pick that's lingered for a while.
Why I finished it: Compelling characters, plot and world. I'm always on the hunt for new paranormal authors and Rider has promise. Bonus points for great sidekicks.
June 25, 2025
Intriguing and entertaining
Rider has an engaging style. We're presented with a hilarious cast of characters and a lot of buried secrets that Rider doles out very slowly. I love the beauty of the Southwestern US, and to me it's an interesting choice of setting for an earth witch's story, as the usual tendency is to think the climate is harsh and not welcoming to plant life. However, the extraordinary plants and animals which have evolved to live there demonstrate that it's perfectly habitable if you're tough enough, and the folks in this tale are not weaklings. I'm invested in the characters and excited to move on to the next book.
Rider has an engaging style. We're presented with a hilarious cast of characters and a lot of buried secrets that Rider doles out very slowly. I love the beauty of the Southwestern US, and to me it's an interesting choice of setting for an earth witch's story, as the usual tendency is to think the climate is harsh and not welcoming to plant life. However, the extraordinary plants and animals which have evolved to live there demonstrate that it's perfectly habitable if you're tough enough, and the folks in this tale are not weaklings. I'm invested in the characters and excited to move on to the next book.
August 24, 2025
Well, I liked this more than I thought I would and most of that is the characters - primary and secondary. While they have their secrets and personal issues, they also owned up to their stuff and put a little snark into it too. Note - a little. Not so much that you lose the discussion. The constant monologue with the song titles was a bit much. My generation, so I appreciated almost all of them, but I didn't need to hear about 20 of them. When I find myself skimming parts of a storyline because it's aggravating, that's not a good thing. I'm interested in book 2 and plan to see if there is a bit of a tweak to the approach and if the characters develop a bit more.
June 10, 2026
I'd already dnf'd this once. So when I started re-reading it I wasn't surprised when the intro was a little off-putting with its cheesiness. However this time around, when I got as far as witnessing the heroine plan contingencies for risky situations (in the same intro), I was hooked from there on out. I really liked that she made well informed decisions, and was overall a sensible FMC. Her relationship with her friend and her "partner" Fennel was fun and heartwarming to read about. The chemistry definitely sizzled between her and the male lead. And the overall plot was entertaining.
4 stars! Glad I gave this one another try!
4 stars! Glad I gave this one another try!
April 13, 2025
This is another of the same set of series like Sundance, it's equally wonderful and a really good read. Very satisfying, all about a woman who comes home after her mother dies, she wants to put down roots but she feels she can't. There's the small matter of her friends a potential hot boyfriend and her own magic letting her down but she has no idea why, all the while the local Alpha is terrible and out to get her. The hot guy is his son. She shouldn't but he is delicious and she really should.
The story is a really good one and a tale of friendship and hope.
The story is a really good one and a tale of friendship and hope.
December 18, 2025
What a breath of fresh air this book is! 🤩🥳🥳🤩🤩
Excellent in every sense of the word.
The FL has become the second (only Kate Daniels ahead) on my list of spectacular characters, and the MLis equally impressive.
The story, the characters, the fantasy world the author created is so fantastic and new among the thousands of fantasy books that are released that I can't even describe it in words anymore 😍
I'm just going to leave here 🧚, buy the remaining books, and take time off work to read them😅
Excellent in every sense of the word.
The FL has become the second (only Kate Daniels ahead) on my list of spectacular characters, and the MLis equally impressive.
The story, the characters, the fantasy world the author created is so fantastic and new among the thousands of fantasy books that are released that I can't even describe it in words anymore 😍
I'm just going to leave here 🧚, buy the remaining books, and take time off work to read them😅
October 26, 2025
This was different and I liked it.
Earth witches like Betty aren't something I've read about often and I enjoyed that part of the story - her trying to reconnect with the soil and plant life she's known all her life.
I also enjoyed the way she went about her business - with demons, humans and other people in her small town.
And then the romance that is slowly brewing with Ronan...
I'm looking forward to book 2.
Earth witches like Betty aren't something I've read about often and I enjoyed that part of the story - her trying to reconnect with the soil and plant life she's known all her life.
I also enjoyed the way she went about her business - with demons, humans and other people in her small town.
And then the romance that is slowly brewing with Ronan...
I'm looking forward to book 2.
November 4, 2024
What a fantastic introduction to C.P. Rider's new series! I've thoroughly enjoyed all of her previous works, and this book did not disappoint. Ida, Fennel, and Cecil form a perfect found family for our protagonist, Betty, alongside the intriguing Ronan. The story is a captivating page-turner, and I can't wait to dive deeper into the adventures of this delightful band of misfits. Highly recommend!
January 31, 2025
Daaang
This book is smoldering. Full of sass and violence and a wee dram of romance. I can't wait to read the next adventure! Betty is a fun MC with the power to back it up. Ronan is hot and whoo boy! Cecil is a hoot with his violence. Just loved all the characters. A truly great read.
This book is smoldering. Full of sass and violence and a wee dram of romance. I can't wait to read the next adventure! Betty is a fun MC with the power to back it up. Ronan is hot and whoo boy! Cecil is a hoot with his violence. Just loved all the characters. A truly great read.
April 10, 2025
Good but...
The characters, plot, and settings were all done well.
The repeated inaccuracies about the lavender was distracting. For example, the main character gives someone a single bud of lavender to squeeze 'like a stress ball' but the size a single bud of lavender is comparable to a single grain of uncooked rice so that would prove difficult.
The characters, plot, and settings were all done well.
The repeated inaccuracies about the lavender was distracting. For example, the main character gives someone a single bud of lavender to squeeze 'like a stress ball' but the size a single bud of lavender is comparable to a single grain of uncooked rice so that would prove difficult.
May 1, 2025
Worth every second it takes to read this book
The author has a great plot and knows how to make it keep moving. I had a hard time closing my pad at the end of any chapter.... no dull moments or slow downs. The back story is expertly tied in to the on going story. Great work C. P.
The author has a great plot and knows how to make it keep moving. I had a hard time closing my pad at the end of any chapter.... no dull moments or slow downs. The back story is expertly tied in to the on going story. Great work C. P.
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