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Smokethorn Paranormals #5
Last Witch Effort
“Believe this: I’m not just a demon. I’m their demon.”
Betty Lennox thought surviving Alpha Floyd and merging her volatile earth and demon powers meant she’d finally earned some peace in Smokethorn, California. But keeping the peace in a desert town full of opinionated paranormals is never easy—especially when you’ve accidentally become the de facto leader of a newly fractured wolf pack.
When ruthless demon hunters from The Org and rogue necromancers descend on Smokethorn to threaten her people, Betty finds herself facing her most dangerous battle yet. Enemies are closing in from all sides; she can't afford a single misstep.
To save her town and keep her soul, she’ll have to lean on her ever-expanding family of friends—her partner-cat Fennel, Cecil the homicidal garden gnome with an explosive streak, her octogenarian necromancer best friend, the local witches and wolves, and the wolf shifter who won her heart.
In a place where paranormal enemies are around every corner, Betty is about to prove that taking care of her people isn't just a duty—it's a promise.
Betty Lennox thought surviving Alpha Floyd and merging her volatile earth and demon powers meant she’d finally earned some peace in Smokethorn, California. But keeping the peace in a desert town full of opinionated paranormals is never easy—especially when you’ve accidentally become the de facto leader of a newly fractured wolf pack.
When ruthless demon hunters from The Org and rogue necromancers descend on Smokethorn to threaten her people, Betty finds herself facing her most dangerous battle yet. Enemies are closing in from all sides; she can't afford a single misstep.
To save her town and keep her soul, she’ll have to lean on her ever-expanding family of friends—her partner-cat Fennel, Cecil the homicidal garden gnome with an explosive streak, her octogenarian necromancer best friend, the local witches and wolves, and the wolf shifter who won her heart.
In a place where paranormal enemies are around every corner, Betty is about to prove that taking care of her people isn't just a duty—it's a promise.
- GenresUrban FantasyParanormal
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2026
About the author
C.P. Rider
21 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 4, 2026
Another good entry. Love the ctaracters and it was a good storyline - but they overdid her self-sacrificing and learning to relying on others trope a bit. Sad to hear the next book is the final one in the series.
October 2, 2026
I have loved every series I have read by CP Rider, but the wonderful melting pot of characters in Smokethorn has made this one my favorite so far.
Last Witch Effort picks up almost exactly where the previous book left off, with Betty somehow juggling even more responsibility than before. Being the landlord of a paranormal trailer park was apparently not enough, because she is now also Alpha of the La Paloma Pack, which might be my favorite of her many increasingly unexpected titles. What I loved most about this new role was not the title itself, though, but what Betty does with it. Watching her help the pack begin to heal after decades of abuse under their former Alpha was deeply satisfying, and it gave us another opportunity to see just how far she has come.
That growth is really at the heart of this book. Betty is still Betty, stubborn, protective, funny, and occasionally overwhelmed by the chaos surrounding her, but she is also slowly learning to accept who she is, what she is capable of, and perhaps most importantly, what she is becoming. There are several genuinely emotional moments throughout the story that made me feel even more connected to her. She has spent so much of her life believing she had to stand on her own, so seeing her finally begin to understand that she is surrounded by people who love her, support her, and will not let her face everything alone was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Of course, Smokethorn would not be Smokethorn without danger closing in from every direction. Between demon hunters, rogue necromancers, witches, wolves, and the increasingly complicated responsibilities Betty has taken on, there is plenty happening. But even with all the action and supernatural chaos, the relationships remain the real heart of the story for me.
Betty’s connection with everyone around her is what makes this series so special. Her relationship with Ronan continues to be wonderful, while new characters like Esperanza slide naturally into this strange little community. Fennel and Cecil remain two of my absolute favorite secondary characters, and, surprisingly, Betty’s banter with Mason became one of the funniest highlights of the book. Their dynamic brought some much-needed levity among the heavier moments.
What I love most about Betty is that she changes people’s lives simply by being who she is. She protects, she helps, she makes space for people, and she somehow keeps collecting strays, both literal and metaphorical, wherever she goes. In return, Smokethorn and La Paloma give her something she has never really had before: a place where she belongs and people who choose her just as fiercely as she chooses them.
She may have once believed she was alone, but she will never truly be alone again. Watching her finally realize that was such a beautiful moment.
I loved this installment and everything it added to Betty’s journey. I cannot wait to see where the series takes her next.
Last Witch Effort picks up almost exactly where the previous book left off, with Betty somehow juggling even more responsibility than before. Being the landlord of a paranormal trailer park was apparently not enough, because she is now also Alpha of the La Paloma Pack, which might be my favorite of her many increasingly unexpected titles. What I loved most about this new role was not the title itself, though, but what Betty does with it. Watching her help the pack begin to heal after decades of abuse under their former Alpha was deeply satisfying, and it gave us another opportunity to see just how far she has come.
That growth is really at the heart of this book. Betty is still Betty, stubborn, protective, funny, and occasionally overwhelmed by the chaos surrounding her, but she is also slowly learning to accept who she is, what she is capable of, and perhaps most importantly, what she is becoming. There are several genuinely emotional moments throughout the story that made me feel even more connected to her. She has spent so much of her life believing she had to stand on her own, so seeing her finally begin to understand that she is surrounded by people who love her, support her, and will not let her face everything alone was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Of course, Smokethorn would not be Smokethorn without danger closing in from every direction. Between demon hunters, rogue necromancers, witches, wolves, and the increasingly complicated responsibilities Betty has taken on, there is plenty happening. But even with all the action and supernatural chaos, the relationships remain the real heart of the story for me.
Betty’s connection with everyone around her is what makes this series so special. Her relationship with Ronan continues to be wonderful, while new characters like Esperanza slide naturally into this strange little community. Fennel and Cecil remain two of my absolute favorite secondary characters, and, surprisingly, Betty’s banter with Mason became one of the funniest highlights of the book. Their dynamic brought some much-needed levity among the heavier moments.
What I love most about Betty is that she changes people’s lives simply by being who she is. She protects, she helps, she makes space for people, and she somehow keeps collecting strays, both literal and metaphorical, wherever she goes. In return, Smokethorn and La Paloma give her something she has never really had before: a place where she belongs and people who choose her just as fiercely as she chooses them.
She may have once believed she was alone, but she will never truly be alone again. Watching her finally realize that was such a beautiful moment.
I loved this installment and everything it added to Betty’s journey. I cannot wait to see where the series takes her next.
October 26, 2026
one dimensional MMC, too slow growth for the MFC bogs down the story
Rating: 4.25⭐️
I believe this is the penultimate story of the series. There’s so much to it, tons of new characters, plot developments, and layers of to the storytelling here to absorb.
I was happy to see a brief recap of the dramatic scenes from the last book included in the beginning as it’s been a while now since its release. I needed the reminder of how we left those characters and how that book ended.
Betty Lennox grapples with her new responsibilities as the Alpha of the pack, as well as her own personal feelings and fears about her mixed demon/earth witch bloodlines and powerful abilities.
Unfortunately, Betty’s inability to handle this comes off as being whiny and often incapable of growing up. Time and again, the author has Betty refusing help or not facing the dangers that put her friends and “found family” members in situations that could have been avoided.
Instead of feeling connected or invested, if you’re like me, it just frustrates you as a reader and puts you outside of the narrative.
Things that save it are new characters and elements that do show Betty’s best qualities as she works to protect and pull the community together after such a heinous leadership. And that new shifter clan introduced? Intriguing and left me wanting more. Also that new lone cat shifter too. Plus’s also for the fabulous Cecil, Fennel, and Ida!
The good and now the so so. That’s Ronan, the problematic MMC. He’s still basically one note, one that’s remained unchanged since book one. He wants to be alpha, he’s not the alpha. His wolf is unhappy. He says it’s his problem not hers. Flags anyone?
And his solution at the end? A major issue for me. And if the author is writing this as a real solution for the couple, then I have a problem with her as well as with the storyline.
Because the fact is that she’s a better Alpha. The pack and community is healing and she’s willing to see and address issues he doesn’t understand and/or see . But he wants to be Alpha. And she’s (as the author is writing this), seems willing to give in because he’s whining about it. Wolf sad . Pls make me Alpha. Boohoo.
Stop, just stop. She’s great as a leader. He’s a good fighter, doesn’t mean he is a leader. Deal. Make him a second.
Well, let’s see how the last book plays out. But it’s going to take 2 years until we can get the story. Yes, 2028.
See you then.
Cover design by The Book Brander
The Smokethorn Paranormals Series (6 book series) :
Strike It Witch #1
Any Which Wolf #2
Wicked Witch of the Wolf #3
The Wolfing Hour #4
Last Witch Effort #5
Big Bad Witch #6 - February 29, 2028
Rating: 4.25⭐️
I believe this is the penultimate story of the series. There’s so much to it, tons of new characters, plot developments, and layers of to the storytelling here to absorb.
I was happy to see a brief recap of the dramatic scenes from the last book included in the beginning as it’s been a while now since its release. I needed the reminder of how we left those characters and how that book ended.
Betty Lennox grapples with her new responsibilities as the Alpha of the pack, as well as her own personal feelings and fears about her mixed demon/earth witch bloodlines and powerful abilities.
Unfortunately, Betty’s inability to handle this comes off as being whiny and often incapable of growing up. Time and again, the author has Betty refusing help or not facing the dangers that put her friends and “found family” members in situations that could have been avoided.
Instead of feeling connected or invested, if you’re like me, it just frustrates you as a reader and puts you outside of the narrative.
Things that save it are new characters and elements that do show Betty’s best qualities as she works to protect and pull the community together after such a heinous leadership. And that new shifter clan introduced? Intriguing and left me wanting more. Also that new lone cat shifter too. Plus’s also for the fabulous Cecil, Fennel, and Ida!
The good and now the so so. That’s Ronan, the problematic MMC. He’s still basically one note, one that’s remained unchanged since book one. He wants to be alpha, he’s not the alpha. His wolf is unhappy. He says it’s his problem not hers. Flags anyone?
And his solution at the end? A major issue for me. And if the author is writing this as a real solution for the couple, then I have a problem with her as well as with the storyline.
Because the fact is that she’s a better Alpha. The pack and community is healing and she’s willing to see and address issues he doesn’t understand and/or see . But he wants to be Alpha. And she’s (as the author is writing this), seems willing to give in because he’s whining about it. Wolf sad . Pls make me Alpha. Boohoo.
Stop, just stop. She’s great as a leader. He’s a good fighter, doesn’t mean he is a leader. Deal. Make him a second.
Well, let’s see how the last book plays out. But it’s going to take 2 years until we can get the story. Yes, 2028.
See you then.
Cover design by The Book Brander
The Smokethorn Paranormals Series (6 book series) :
Strike It Witch #1
Any Which Wolf #2
Wicked Witch of the Wolf #3
The Wolfing Hour #4
Last Witch Effort #5
Big Bad Witch #6 - February 29, 2028
October 14, 2026
Ode to Betty
This one is a miss for me. I had to force myself to finish. 80% was characters taking turns counting the accolades of all that is Betty. When they weren't saying it to her they were thinking it in case the reader forgot since we read the other books or 5 pages ago. I do agree with them that her insistace on being a marter is way past its prime. Its insulting to the other characters who are very capable, frankly she is often wrong. It has to be me. I'm the only one who can. Nobody come with me so your safe. These last three sentences are things she said, when in fact Fennel made the most sense for the task. Then Fennel completed the task with no contribution from her at all! It was boring until it was annoying. What could have been an interesting reveal was overshadowed by my eye rolls when Betty was slow to the obvious. Then had the audacity to list the clues that lead to this realization. These books have to much blood and romance for a reader to be a child. Stop treating us like it. The characters are great. The setting is great. The story has possibility. USE IT!
This one is a miss for me. I had to force myself to finish. 80% was characters taking turns counting the accolades of all that is Betty. When they weren't saying it to her they were thinking it in case the reader forgot since we read the other books or 5 pages ago. I do agree with them that her insistace on being a marter is way past its prime. Its insulting to the other characters who are very capable, frankly she is often wrong. It has to be me. I'm the only one who can. Nobody come with me so your safe. These last three sentences are things she said, when in fact Fennel made the most sense for the task. Then Fennel completed the task with no contribution from her at all! It was boring until it was annoying. What could have been an interesting reveal was overshadowed by my eye rolls when Betty was slow to the obvious. Then had the audacity to list the clues that lead to this realization. These books have to much blood and romance for a reader to be a child. Stop treating us like it. The characters are great. The setting is great. The story has possibility. USE IT!
October 15, 2026
Fab witch effort! 😁💖
We start off pretty much where the previous book ended. Tense and intense, Ronan’s fighting challenges, Betty’s fighting for her life - and in the midst of this, one line has me laughing aloud! 😆
I think that kind of sums the tone this book up. Such a great mix of action, emotion, banter and humour. Fab writing 👌🏼
Betty of the many hats adds yet another one, cos she’s obvs not got enough, right? 🙈 And at times (not surprisingly!) struggles juggling all the responsibilities shes taken on, especially when there’s haters coming for her from all directions - and she’s not helping her stubborn self by trying to do it all alone 🙄 I admit I was rolling my eyes at her a few times, ‘just accept the help already!’ 😆
Anyhoo, there’s a lot going on, a lot going down and also a lot of love going round. Cecil and Fennel are an absolute delight, as always, and we get to find out a bit more about our mysterious Fennel 🐈⬛👀
Only one book left! I’m not ready to say goodbye to my found book family 🥺 but at the same time I’m so looking forward to reading it - book reader problems eh?🤷♀️😆
We start off pretty much where the previous book ended. Tense and intense, Ronan’s fighting challenges, Betty’s fighting for her life - and in the midst of this, one line has me laughing aloud! 😆
I think that kind of sums the tone this book up. Such a great mix of action, emotion, banter and humour. Fab writing 👌🏼
Betty of the many hats adds yet another one, cos she’s obvs not got enough, right? 🙈 And at times (not surprisingly!) struggles juggling all the responsibilities shes taken on, especially when there’s haters coming for her from all directions - and she’s not helping her stubborn self by trying to do it all alone 🙄 I admit I was rolling my eyes at her a few times, ‘just accept the help already!’ 😆
Anyhoo, there’s a lot going on, a lot going down and also a lot of love going round. Cecil and Fennel are an absolute delight, as always, and we get to find out a bit more about our mysterious Fennel 🐈⬛👀
Only one book left! I’m not ready to say goodbye to my found book family 🥺 but at the same time I’m so looking forward to reading it - book reader problems eh?🤷♀️😆
October 5, 2026
C.P. Rider is a master world builder and I dare you to try to put this book down
The penultimate book in the Smokethorn Paranormal series could be the best of all her books. Which is saying a lot. Betty is doing everything she can to keep everyone around her safe and sound while being beset on all flanks by forces opposing her. Asshole wolves who worked for the old Alpha, the Org and their stupid paranormals who think they make the rules on the planet and it seems like now there is a new demon stalking her also. All of this comes to a head and she is faced with choices she swore she would never make but ultimately has to in order to keep her loved ones safe. This is not a book to start unless you have some time because you aren’t going to put it down. Just a friendly warning.
The penultimate book in the Smokethorn Paranormal series could be the best of all her books. Which is saying a lot. Betty is doing everything she can to keep everyone around her safe and sound while being beset on all flanks by forces opposing her. Asshole wolves who worked for the old Alpha, the Org and their stupid paranormals who think they make the rules on the planet and it seems like now there is a new demon stalking her also. All of this comes to a head and she is faced with choices she swore she would never make but ultimately has to in order to keep her loved ones safe. This is not a book to start unless you have some time because you aren’t going to put it down. Just a friendly warning.
October 2, 2026
I enjoyed it but the constant "Betty's injured again" was a bit much. I did like the way she was helping the pack (that will listen) to heal and bond more. Poor Ronan, what tough spot to be in. They are handling things together well and Betty is learning to lean on all of those around her. She still struggles with doing it all but she is improving. The "unknown man" with the chain in the cemetery is unveiled. No real surprises there. Plenty of character growth and a few surprises across the board. I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 23, 2026
Great installment. My only issue was how it started in the middle of action and it was disorienting since I read the last book awhile ago. It also took the MC awhile to take action even with everyone prodding her. Still, lots of action and love. It tied up a bunch of loose ends and is a great setup for the final book with no cliffhanger.
October 27, 2026
5 Star - Couldn't put this book down. Its stay up late reading and be late to work good.
4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep
3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week to finish
2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list
1 Stars - DNF
4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep
3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week to finish
2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list
1 Stars - DNF
September 29, 2026
I loved this book so much it made me sad when I finished it because it meant that I was done with the book and didn’t have any more Betty to read about for a while. It was wonderful to return to Smokethorn again!
October 3, 2026
I hate that it’s over
I love these characters and this story. CP Rider writes books where you wish you were friends with the people she writes about. It’s so easy to escape reality and get lost in another world.
I love these characters and this story. CP Rider writes books where you wish you were friends with the people she writes about. It’s so easy to escape reality and get lost in another world.
October 10, 2026
3.5 stars
October 10, 2026
4.5 Stars:)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews