Ain't Love a Witch?

Witchless in Seattle #6

by Dakota Cassidy

The name’s Winterbottom. Crispin Alistair Winterbottom. But you can call me Win, ex-international man of mystery, current resident of Plane Limbo, and ghost attached to Stephania Cartwright. For reasons unknown to us, Stevie can hear me, perhaps because she’s also an ex. An ex-witch, in her case, having lost her powers shortly before our first fateful meeting, upon her return to her hometown of Ebenezer Falls, Washington.Now, with my guidance—and help from her familiar, Belfry, and the spectral form of my old Russian adversary, Arkady—Stevie spends her days as the town medium, with a little light mystery-solving on the side. The latter of which I’d much prefer she’d avoid, considering the constant danger in which Stevie finds herself. You see, the longer we’re together, the deeper and more complex my feelings become for my mini-spy. And the closer she comes to discovering the few secrets I’m still trying to keep…for both our sakes.But when a precious life is on the line, even I know there’s no stopping my dove from going all in to solve the latest mystery that lands on our doorstep—literally. Along with Arkady and Bel, I’ll assist her in this latest endeavor. Because there’s more than one precious life on the line…including the one I can’t live without.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Fantasy, Witches, Magic

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2017

About the author

Dakota Cassidy is a national bestselling author with over thirty books. She writes laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, grab-some-ice erotic romance, hot and sexy alpha males, paranormal shifters, contemporary kick-ass women, and more.

Invited by Bravo TV, Dakota was the Bravoholic for a week, wherein she snarked the hell out of all the Bravo shows. She received a starred review from Publisher Weekly for Talk Dirty to Me, won an RT Reviewers Choice Award for Kiss and Hell, along with many review site recommended reads and reviewer top pick awards.

Dakota lives in the gorgeous state of Oregon with her real life hero and her dogs, and she loves hearing from readers!

Connect with Dakota online: https://twitter.com/DakotaCassidy https://www.facebook.com/DakotaCassid...

Join Dakota Cassidy’s Newsletter The Tiara Diaries! Join here: http://mad.ly/signups/100255/join

Reviews

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Arkady, a dead Soviet spy is the voice of reason you cannot help but chuckle. The rest of the novels are told from Stevie's POV, and I must say I enjoyed the heck out of Winterbottom's. We get to spend some time on the plane where Winterbottom and Arkady dwell. It is a place between here and heaven/hell. Stevie is still posing as Madame Zoltar and dealing with her unwitch status.

A knock on the door turns their happy little nest upside down when they discover a bundle, allegedly belonging to Winterbottom. This package requires special care, and Stevie is entirely out of her element.

Twists and danger are around every corner, but we also get time to learn details about Winterbottom from his feelings to the events of his death. The whole gang is present from townsfolk to Strike the Turkey. Um, yes, Stevie has a habit of collecting unusual pets. I loved the balance between the current mystery and character and arc development. We had some surprising moments from Stevie, ones that even surprised the heck out of her.

Cassidy continues to torment us with the romantic thread, but we do get to hear Winterbottom's thoughts on it and Arkady gives some advice. While I am hoping for a happily ever after, it is nice just knowing the feelings are there and enjoying tidbits as they develop.

Hollie Jackson continues to narrate the series and aside from the voice of Belfry, the bat, I love listening to her voices for these characters. In all fairness, I guess a bat would speak in a high-pitched over-excited voice. Thankfully, Belfry has few lines..lol Her accents for Winterbottom and Arkady enhance the tale, and her pacing makes it a great listen. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ain’t Love a Witch by Dakota Cassidy

6th Book in the Witchless in Seattle Mystery series. Best to read these in order.
Written from Winterbottom’s perspective. He’s one of the ghosts that are tied to Stephanie, the former witch turned medium.
In this cozy mystery paranormal, a baby is left on the doorstep and Stevie and ghosts must solve the mystery of who the baby belongs to.

An engaging series with a bumbling amateur sleuth and her tag along companions. In this book we find out a bit more of Winterbottom’s history and progress his determination to someday make it back to the land of the living.
The baby is adorable with everyone instantly enamored. His smiles and giggles are contagious. Too bad he is temporary. But it seems to be where the series will eventually end up.

[Megan (BookWifeReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this!!!! It was told from Win’s POV and it was fantastic to get into his head.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series up to now, but this book lost me.

Maybe it's me. Maybe because I don't have kids, I'm just less interested in that as a storyline for established characters in and established series. I just don't feel like the world Stevie and Winterbottom are living in needs a baby - even someone else's baby - to be added into the mix.

To be fair, I did not finish this book, so maybe the whole "we suddenly have a baby to take care of" plot line doesn't run through the entire book. That said, literally every moment after the baby appears on the doorstep is about bottles, diapers, pacifiers, etc. Me? I could care less about baby care ad nauseum.

I have liked this series because of the interactions between Win and Stevie, and their motley cast of supporting characters as they investigate murders and try to figure out how to have a relationship when one of you is actually dead. THAT is what has brought me back to this series book-after-book, that and the cheeky humour the author manages to insert seamlessly throughout all the stories.

This book just wasn't for me. Depending what happens next, I might read a next book.

[Berls · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this one took things to a new level for me. I think because 1- we finally get more of Win's background and 2- there's a baby!! y'all I adore baby's and when a baby comes into a story, especially one needing love and saving like this one, yeah, I'm head over heels. And Stevie's maternal nature was pretty heartwarming. I loved the mystery and it was fun delving into Win's past.

At first I didn't love it because it was told for Win's point of view and that threw me, but it grew on me and it was nice getting to see his view of the world and get some insight into what he sees and feels since Stevie can't see him or Arkady.

I do think Stevie is taking his secrets about Maranda way too far though. I just don't think it's that big of a deal and she's acting like it defines the level of trust in their friendship. Annoying. But it was nice to see the confirmation that he cares for her a lot more than she realizes.

Overall, I think this MIGHT be my favorite in the series thus far. And yes, I'm aware I keep saying that.

[Hsu Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
The whole gang is back again for another adventure. ( Even Strike, the turkey )
Stevie is still playing the part of Madame Zoltar for the tourists.
All in a days' work for Stevie.
What is this ? a baby ?
Who left a baby on my doorstep ? Win's baby ?
This is crazy. Could it be ?
Now, that is a really good mystery to solve.
Did Win had a baby + he didn't know ?
He said that it would have been impossible, because he does not sleep around w/ married woman.
The baby was just adorable. Fergus ? Chad-Brad? Brad-Chad?
Who cares about his name, he is just adorable,
I got to say that a scene towards the end.
I was crying along w/ Stevie. It was a very touching scene.
I won't spoil it. Sniff ! Sniff !
You will have to read the book to find out.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars... Stevie takes on her biggest case yet when an unexpected delivery lands on her doorstep... With the help of Win, Arkady, and all her furry companions, Stevie confronts a deadly adversary and protects a young life... Along the way, we discover the truth of Win's death; we also get a glimpse inside Win's mind as the entire read is told from his POV... True confessions of the ghostly kind and they are sweet and sexy... Another endearing read is this hypnotic series:)

[Brenda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Review to come

[VicciReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow I loved seeing this through Win's eyes. It was such good book. Loved how we got know Win more and explore more of his feelings for Stevie.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sixth entry in the Witchless series has Win's previous life as a spy for MI6 spill over into Stevie's life when she finds a baby on her doorstep. This mystery is quite different that the previous books and I liked it a lot. Once again Stevie with her ghosts and pets gets involved in a mystery that results in a little bit of heartbreak but includes lots of intrigue and enough humor to keep it from being too sad.

[Lucy Dosch (EBookObsessed) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really adore these characters but I am starting to get a little frustrated. I was hoping things would start moving in the romance department.

I really like these characters and I think narrator Hollie Jackson does a great job. While I have been listening to a lot of audiobooks that she has narrated, this is definitely my favorite from her.

For the first time, this story is told from the POV of our favorite spirit, ex-spy Crispin Alister Winterbottom. So why am I looking for romance between ex-witch Stevie and the dearly departed Win? Win keeps talking about his determination and his plan to return to the earthly plane of existence but he is always still “working it out.” He plans to take a body where the spirit has already vacated because he is a good guy but who is vacating their body unless they died or are dying? In fact, in book 3, Win gets a previously unknown twin brother. Why a twin brother except to be a future body for Win to take over but he hasn’t returned to the story, and again how are you going to get someone to vacate their body?

The story is very angsty because someone from Win’s past drops off a baby to what should have been his house for safe keeping, not knowing he is dead. Win finally convinces Stevie that the baby is most definitely not his child and Stevie takes to mothering this baby like a duck to water which causes Win to have all kinds of feelings watching Stevie with this baby.

Win refuses to tell Stevie of his feelings for her so she doesn’t waste her life waiting for him to accomplish his reimbodyment plan, but he was against her romance with Forest at the coffee shop (who now has a new girl friend) and she is clearly falling for Win, so where does that leave us?

While there is some thought that to bring Win back to the living, would be the end of the series, but not necessarily. We still need to figure out who killed Win originally. We need to see if Stevie gets her magical powers back and what about that warlock who took them. If Win knows how to get back to this plane of existence, and the warlock proved his has enough power to steal a body, who will get here first? Also Win’s former Russian Spy friend, Arcadie, has said in this story that he has no interest in returning to this realm anytime soon and giving a reasonable explanation why. So Arcadie can stay as their spirit friend while new adventures of Stevie and reimbodied Win can continue.

I enjoy a good supernatural light-hearted, fluff story now and again, including ones like the Molly Harper series. This one is fun and kooky but I want to get on with the romance already.

[Thomas Tymstone · Rating 1 out of 5]

★★SPOILER ALERT★★

Stevie C too unbalanced in this one, but not unpredictable. See baby in trouble blame first defend second and charge in blindly. Win has done nothing but have her back in all her loosely thought out schemes. At the first sign of something she doesn't understand, she accuses and threatens. Too much bad behavior after 5 books. I'm done. Nope I didn't finished last the two ghosts telling her to be careful. ✌🏾

[Gloria Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I love love love this series! I can hardly wait for more. Why these haven't been optioned for at least one movie, I'll never understand!

[Kate McMurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story told from Win’s point of view

In this terrific sixth book in the Witchless in Seattle series, instead of Stevie, the ex-witch who has narrated the previous five books, her BFF, the ghost of a dead, British spy, Crispin Alistair Winterbottom (“Win”) is in the driver’s seat. The story is told entirely from his point of view. Because of that, we get a fascinating glimpse of his life in spirit world, in a place called Plane Limbo, which sounds like a terrific place to hang out.

In this installment, a baby boy is dropped on Stevie’s doorstep, and a cryptic note is attached to his baby carrier that initially gives Stevie the impression that the baby is Win’s son. It turns out the truth is much more complicated. And in the process of figuring out who the baby’s mother is, and where she is, the riddle of who the father is leads Stevie once more into great danger.

This book, as always, is a fast-paced, highly entertaining read, with lots of humor along with the thrills and chills. It also provides a strong step forward in the romantic feelings that Win and Stevie have for each other. Win is growing in his ghostly abilities while Stevie is continually improving her self-defense spy skills, garnered due to the daily coaching of Win and his former adversary in life and current dear friend, dead Russian spy, Arkady. Stevie’s relationships with colorful residents of her hometown of Ebenezer Falls, Washington, continue to deepen, and her tiny, bat familiar Belfry constantly provides aid and comfort to Stevie—and lots of laughs in the story. Her rescue dog Whiskey is still around, and her new pet, a turkey she’s named Striker, is in the story as well.

The audiobook version that I listened to is narrated by Hollie Jackson, who narrates the entire series. She is an absolute joy to listen to. She is outstanding with every kind of foreign accent. In particular, her rendition of Win’s smooth, British accent is terrific, and her delivery of Arkady’s Russian accent is particularly memorable. Arkady’s dialogue is amusing in and of itself, but when performed by Hollie Jackson, it becomes laugh-out-loud funny.

[Imjussayin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In A Nutshell Witchless in Seattle is an outstanding cosy paranormal series. It is centred around Stevie, a witch who has had the witch slapped out of her, two ghosts and a host of quirky supporting characters from Belfry the bat familiar 🦇 to Strike the Turkey 🦃. Don’t ask, read. It’s well written, warm and witty.

When a baby lands on Stevie’s doorstep and Winterbutt (her spirit love) is indicated as the daddy, Stevie has to find his mother. But it’s easier said than done and less dangerous.

In this sixth adventure Cassidy still manages to spring surprises. From babies 👶🏾 to sharing this story from Winterbutt’s point of view. That would be Crispin Alistair Winterbottom, ex-international man of mystery, current resident of Plane Limbo. AKA ghost.

I have lots of praise for this series because it’s hugely entertaining without the usual but for jokes. However, I did find the Eastern European baddies wearing, especially in light of British & American arms policy.

An entertaining, worthwhile and fandabbydosey read.

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Book Rating
Sexual Content: u
Language: u
Violent: u
Would I read the next one or reread?: Yes.

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading from Winn's POV. The Russian is a delightful bit of comedic relief. However, this is a 3star for me because it was really predictable. The other small thing that bothered me was how often tummy time was mentioned. If this baby was 10ish months and crawling, he would be WAY past the point of tummy time. I recognize this is an odd thing to be bothered by, but has Ms. Cassidy ever put a 10 month old on his belly? THEY CRAWL AWAY. Tummy time is for small infants, to help strengthen and lengthen core muscles and prevent flat spots from developing on their beautiful little heads. Use literally any other baby pastime. Peekaboo, knocking over stacks of blocks, whatever. Despite this not being my favorite of the series, I'm looking forward to seeing where the things go.

[Emilye · Rating 5 out of 5]

WitchlessSeattle6 (Hollie Johnson, narrator)

A different point of view, as we saw through Win’s eyes.

A baby on the doorstep? So unexpected, so cliche, right? But, it isn’t Win’s. Stevie isn’t sure she believes that, but a truck in the sound, sets her off trying to find little Hardy’s mother.

We meet Stevie’s best friend from Paris, Texas, and find out more of what was stripped from her, when she was shunned. Not good times.

But, Arkady pushes Win to remember his death. Stevie is nearby, and hurt that Win talked more to Arkady than to her. Yet, that recollection opens the door to more. And, in remembering, they find the baby momma.

Stevie fell in love. And so did Whiskey. But, the baby is safer now.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ain't Love a Witch? Is the sixth book in this series and I heartily recommend reading the others before reading this installment or I promise you’ll be scratching your head going huh? But if you’ve read the others you will totally enjoy this installment. Winterbottom figures out lines he won’t cross as he falls deeper for Stevie. Arkady, believe it or not, is the voice of reason. And Stevie continues to get used to her human condition all the while trying to solve the mystery left on their doorstep.
This book is another romp from the twisted mind of Dakota Cassidy that will have you laughing your mascara off.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story!!! I especially enjoyable this one because it's was mostly from Winterbottom POV I felt we learn more about his backstory and also got to see things from his perspective and how much he truly love Stevie. I'm totally rooting for them I hope they get the HEA they deserve. Overall a entertaining read can't wait for the next book in the series. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no minority compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota Cassidy is the cure to the chaos of the world. Her books are full of humor and mystery with a sharp snarky tone. Moreover the writer's voice is so clear in every book she releases. This series is an ever evolving narrative which makes it simply impossible to not be excited about the next book. I have yet to read one of her books that I didn't absolutely love. Whether I am reading it or letting Alexa read it to me while I am working it's just so real and fantastic.

[Janet Armentani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read from Dakota Cassidy!
A late night knock at the door and a baby left on the stoop send Stevie, Win, and the gang into a scurry to find the missing, and hopefully still living, mom!
Fun times and a special guest appearance (don't tell BY!) by our favorite Paris, TX witch Winnie!
A great continuation of the Witchless in Seattle Series and I can't wait for the next one!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story! Stevie is getting better at solving things with the help of Win and Arkady. She still has a sassy and funny mouth. She learns even more about Win's past and has come to the conclusion she wants to have a family. There are a couple of twists to this story but I highly recommend you read the book and enjoy it as much as I did!

[Joy Ki`Ili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protect the innocent

This is all about family and we get the good & the bad in spades. The living half of the team indulges in pampering the most innocent, while the ghostly half tries to figure out how this all fits. What happens next is one wild ride but in the end the family is reunited and safe.

[Kimberly Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Mylanta!!

Stevie, Win, and the gang just keep getting bigger and better...However, I desperately want Win to figure out a way, like right now, to get back.(sigh) Until then, I will endless keep praying and cursing the lovely Dakota until that happens.

[Lyn Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much love.

Dakota Cassidy is a genius. There are very few who could write a romantic comedy and have you in tears of sadness as well as tears of laughter. The way she writes makes you feel the love she expresses.

[Renae Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series!!

So much fun!! Stefania is the best character...she's brave and fierce and loyal and she has the absolute best sense of humor and pops off with off the top of her head snark that I envy and wish my brain would come up with haha! Can't wait for more!

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told from Winn’s point of view, this was another fun adventure. Finding a baby on her doorstep, Stevie is sure it’s Winn, and he can’t convince her it’s not his. There’s a lot of emotional growth from Winn’s perspective and we get to see his love for Stevie and his need to protect her and find a way to get back to the earthly realm. A fast paced, cozy, Stevie opens up a bit, especially about her desire to have a family.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another wonderful story

And this series gets amazingly better and better that’s all quite fantastic ok so that’s book 6 done with so hurry up and catch up cause I can’t wait to see what happens next plus two of my favourite characters are joining the medley woo hoo

[A.A.B · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn't like the perspective shift, I found this book in the series more enjoyable than the previous few, and I did like that we got some insight into the long alluded to events of the past.

Still not as fun as the first two books though.

[Anne-Kathrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love Dakota's books and this is another one. This was mostly from Winterbottom's point of view. Nice to learn more about his background story.
Finish the book and ready for the next one :)