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Crimson Oliver is a bad witch.

She's not wicked, but every spell she tries to cast goes awry in one way or another. After her last screw-up, the high priestess has threatened to bind her powers and turn her human for good.

Crimson's solution? Challenge the priestess to a battle of magic she can't possibly win.

Not without a miracle, anyway.

Enter hotter-than-hellfire demon Mike Cortez. He's a devil's advocate who can make anyone's dreams come true…for a price. He's had his eye on the seductive witch for a while, and Satan is in the market for a new assistant.

But Mike wants to date her, not damn her.

When he accidentally makes a deal condemning Crimson to an eternity of satanic servitude, they'll have to go to hell and back to outsmart the devil and save the witch's soul.

Ride along on a journey from the Big Easy to hell and back again in this fast, steamy paranormal romantic comedy!

Get it now!

170 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2020

570 people are currently reading
597 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Pulkinen

65 books796 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Pulkinen has always been fascinated with things that go bump in the night. Of course, when you grow up next door to a cemetery, the dead (and the undead) are hard to ignore. Pair that with her passion for writing and her love of a good happily-ever-after, and becoming a paranormal romance author seems like the only logical career choice. 

Before she decided to turn her love of the written word into a career, Carrie spent the first part of her professional life as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher. She loves red wine and chocolate, and in her free time, she likes to read, take pictures, and spend time with her family.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Chasity Trimble.
466 reviews20 followers
April 19, 2025
This is the third book in the New Orleans Nocturnes series. This is the first book of this author that I’ve had the pleasure reading/listening to. This is such a funny and delightful paranormal romcom.

Crimson Oliver, FMC, is a witch who has trouble with her magic glitching and tends to find when she tries to use her magic she has a mishap. She left me belly laughing throughout the book with her banter and inner dialogue. When the last mishap was enough to bring her in front of the coven and the high priestess wants to strip her of her magic.

Mike Cortez, MMC, is a hot demon and has his sights set on Crimson. He however accidentally makes a deal that sells her soul to the devil. Will Crimson be damned to the underworld? Will she be able to pull off the challenge against the high priestess with her magic?

Wonderful characters and fun, witty storyline. The author kept me engaged and the Narrator: Hollie Jacksonian I felt did a splendid job performing the characters. If you like humor, witty banter and sweet romcom then you’ll want to check this one out.
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,800 reviews17 followers
April 28, 2020
Life’s a Witch by Carrie Pulkinen a five-star read that will set your pages on fire. This is number three in the New Orleans Nocturnal series and the have just gone from strength to strength. I loved meeting Crimson Oliver in number two, she made me smile in that one and I was excited to hear that we get to see more in this instalment. This is my favourite of the series as I adore Crimson, she isn’t bad like some people think, just a little clumsy and not the best witch in the world, I think she would be me if I were a witch. This is such an easy read and will make you laugh so hard, Crimson and Mike will just make you warm in the best way, don’t miss this great story.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,402 reviews120 followers
April 26, 2020
5 Stars

Life’s a Witch is the third book in the New Orleans Nocturnes series by Carrie Pulkinen. Another fantastic, sexy, and funny Paranormal Romantic Comedy from Ms. Pulkinen. This series is such a fun read- I have really enjoyed my time exploring the New Orleans Nocturnes “world”. After meeting Crimson in Shift Happens (Book Two) and discovering she would get her own story in Book Three- I couldn’t wait to dive in. And I have to say, Ms. Pulkinen doesn’t disappoint! This series just seems to get better with each new instalment- and I have loved the sexy, fun, and humorous look at the New Orleans paranormal world. Even though these books are more light-hearted and sweeter than some of her other book/series- they still have plenty of excitement, dramatic developments, and intrigue to keep me spellbound. As I said, this is a paranormal romantic comedy- with witches, demons, magic, vampires, suspense, danger, and other supernatural elements- all set in mystical New Orleans.
As we discovered in book two, Crimson has a bit of glitch to her magic- every spell she casts simply goes awry. As we saw in book two- they can lead to some crazy and unexpected situations. Her latest blunder results in a summons to a Coven tribunal, where she will most likely be stripped of her powers, forever. In a fit of nerves, Crimson ends up challenging the coven’s High Priestess to a contest of magic- something she has no hope of winning… Right? This is where the story gets really interesting- and what happens next makes for a spellbinding read.
I hope this isn’t the end of the New Orleans Nocturnes stories- as I am definitely not ready to say goodbye- and there are a few characters who I would love to discover more about and need their own book/s- especially Gaston, Jasmine, and Jackson.
Looking forward to seeing what comes next!

Thank you, Ms. Pulkinen!
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews35 followers
April 22, 2020
LIFE'S A WITCH is the third book in the New Orleans Nocturnes series. Though each romance will stand on its own, for better enjoyment you will want to read this series in the order of release.

The New Orleans Nocturnes Series is laugh-out-loud funny – each book funnier than the last. I mean really – snorting and giggling laughter was heard! I don’t have to make the joke about “The Devil Went Down to…,” cause it and a lot of other great (and some groan-worthy) fun is included.

I fell in love with Crimson when she was helping Sophie in SHIFT HAPPENS. Now it’s time for her to find her hero. Who would expect a demon to fill that role?

This is one of those stories where they have to learn to communicate. Trust isn’t easy for many of us. To trust that if you tell your SO your secrets and believe that they will stay knowing your worst isn’t easy. That sounds like a weighty subject, but it is wrapped in a lot of humor, romance, snark, and more than a few angel food cakes.

LIFE’S A WITCH is wickedly entertaining, humorous, and delightful. I can’t wait to return to this series. Every trip to New Orleans with Carrie Pulkinen is magical! Sign up now for a tour.

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


Title: LIFE'S A WITCH
Series: New Orleans Nocturnes #3
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC
Received from: Carrie Pulkinen
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
April 20, 2020
Life's a Witch (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 3)
By Carrie Pulkinen
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book Life's a Witch (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 3) by Carrie Pulkinen. It is the next story in a series that I have loved since the first book. The story pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. I loved reading about the characters of Crimson Oliver and Mike Cortez. Crimson is a witch whose spells always go wrong. She finds herself threatened with the binding of her powers, she will then be only human. She decides to challenge the priestess to a battle of magic. Does she stand a chance at winning? Mike is a demon who has his eye on Crimson. He is attracted to her. He also accidentally makes a deal that will send her to the underworld, to be a servant for all eternity. What does the future hold for Mike and Crimson? Can Crimson’s soul be saved? Read this book to find out. This is a story that has hilarious moments that made me laugh. There are also romantic moments as well. Both the characters of Crimson and Mike are likable, and I grew to care about what happens to them with each chapter that I read. I also love that the characters from the first two books make their appearance in this story and interact with Mike and Crimson. I love paranormal stories and this book is a good example of the reason why. Don’t miss out on a wonderful story that will hook you in and won’t let you go. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Heather Bass.
649 reviews9 followers
December 6, 2020
I have read a few books from this author and she continues to blow my mind with her storytelling. This is the third book of the New Orleans Nocturnes series. You should read these books in order to understand what is going on. I was so excited when I got this book I stopped everything and started to read it immediately. The storyline kept me so addicted I read the book all the way through in one sitting. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this awesome series.

Crimson Oliver was a bad witch but not like you think. She was bad because every spell she does goes wrong. Crimson gets into some trouble that brings her to the high priestess and she ends up challenging her into a magic battle. She knows there is no way she is going to win but she is going to give it her all. Crimson looks for some help and she runs into a hot demon, Mike Cortez. She feels a connection to him that she has never felt before but she was told by her dad to stay away from demons. Crimson is starting to get to know Mike but she gets them both into a deal that only the devil himself can get them out of. Will Crimson be able to save her soul or will will this be a deal she can’t get out of?
Profile Image for Smutty~ Vibes.
248 reviews
November 29, 2020
Lifes a witch is the third book in the New Orleans Nocturnes series by Carrie Pulkinen. This series gets better with each book you read. In the third book we get to know more about the witch Crimson Oliver. I really liked her character i found her very entertaining. When she starts dating demon Mike Cortez the book gets even better. I loved mike and his character i felt him and crimson were perfect for each other. I found this series very funny and entertaining and the relations between characters were really fun to read about. This series is really worth the read if you havent yet make sure to add this to your TBR pile :) Thank you Carrie Pulkinen for writing this wonderful series and i cant wait to read more of your books.
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,117 reviews
August 1, 2021
Wow, this is a super cute, fun read, full of supernaturals and southern charm! It was perfect to keep me company while working for a couple hours. It’s witty, has a classic mean girl, and underdog, and comes with a fun little twist and some fate.

Would likely be open to more from this author. Predictable, but a fun, light read.

Lots to like, 4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️


Note:
I listened to the audiobook, the narrator is good. Her voice isn’t one I would seek out, but it’s mostly tolerable (a little high-pitched for my taste, and she speaks slowly). Her tones and inflections and pronunciations are perfect. 4-star performance.
Profile Image for JL Roberts.
872 reviews92 followers
May 29, 2025
Life really is a witch, especially if you're a bad witch, which is how Crimson Oliver sees herself seeing as all her spells she tries to cast usually go wrong. After a spell gone wrong and needing the help from some other oddballs, Crimson finds herself on trial and looking at possibly being banished from her coven and having her magic stripped. She needs her spells to work and fast. Enter Mike Cortez, sexy demon who has his eyes on Crimson. He can help Crimson, but it will cost her soul and he doesn't want to share her with Satan, he wants her for himself. Now the pair will have to find a way to keep Crimson out of the hot seat with Satan and Crimsons coven.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,000 reviews63 followers
April 20, 2020
This is the third book in this series, it keeps getting better and better. I enjoy this author and her writing skills make the stories engaging, fast paced and easy to read. I enjoyed the characters, I found myself easily connecting to them. In this installment Crimson’s spells always go bad. When the high priestess threatens to bind her powers, her reaction is to challenge her to a battle that she doesn't have a chance to win. What will happen when a demon named Mike makes a deal that could change everything for Crimson? The chemistry between all the characters kept me turning pages fast just to see what would happen at the end. I highly recommend reading this book to find out who wins this battle and if a witch’s soul is saved.
Profile Image for Piper.
1,774 reviews22 followers
April 24, 2020
We are back again in the 3rd installments in this series fun, uplifting and a fun read. Crisom on trouble with the witches Council.
Crimson is trying to find herself. I throughly enjoy Crimson and Mikes realtionships its very refreshing.
You want witty refreshing and sass you've come to the right book. Crimson and Mike are extremely well written characters. Carrie Pulkinen had pulled me into this world and I can't wait to read more.
2,536 reviews21 followers
April 12, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "LIFE'S A WITCH" This is book 3 in New Orleans Nocturnes Series which is such a delightful absolutely hilarious laugh out loud moments storyline an adventure you don't want to miss.
Crimson Oliver's magic is wonky since her mother tried to unlock her powers all at once causing a glitch with her powers sometimes it works and other times it turns out very bad.
The high Priestess Rosemary made her come before the Council because of her crimes she wants to bound Crimson magic and cast her out having no contact with witches at all but she challenges her and has a month to prepare to defeat Rosemary and become high Priestess or lose everything.
Mike Cortez is the hot as sin advocate demon for Satan he's half human and partly free he has to make payment to him monthly to stay up top he's infatuated with Crimson and wants her to be his.
Mike accidently makes a deal with Crimson she was joking at the time Satan wants a wicked witch to be his assistant and its his job to find him one so when Crimson says she'd give her soul, body to Satan to have everything the way it was she was only joking.
This is absolutely a must have book the series is excellent and brilliantly written with fantastic characters that make for a delightful story will Mike and Crimson be able to exchange her for a wicked witch to appease Satan.
Will Crimson have to be in servitude to Satan not being able to be break the contract made by mistake definitely well worth the read I can't wait to see who's story is next so many characters to choose from.
2,326 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2020
Life’s a Witch by Carrie Pulkinen was an entertaining, humorous, lilting story about Crimson and Mike. She’s a witch….with issues. He’s a recovering demon, that satan asks a final request of. Through a series of accidental mumblings…a horrible mistake is made, and now Mike is scrambling to fix everything and save the woman he loves.

This was a delightfully wicked read and was so thoroughly entertaining that I didn’t want it to end!!! The writing had an underlying, lilting humor…that, at times, had me guffawing and at times had me snickering. Romantic, steamy, funny, and an all out delight!!!!!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
6,527 reviews27 followers
April 21, 2020
Another laugh out loud addition tot this fun series once again we are with Crimson the witch who somehow manages to foul up every spell she cats. This latest mistake has led her to a tribunal of the coven and in a mistake caused by anxiety she has challenged the leader of the coven The witch Rosemary as high priestess has had a vendetta against Crimson from the word go Crimson enlists the help of a demon Mike Cortez to help her but things get even more complicated when he accidentally sells her soul to the underworld Can these two finally get things right and do they have a future together You will have to read to see
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2020
More fun with Crimson

Crimson is a terrible witch, unable to cast even basic spells without them backfiring and she's already in a pile of trouble with her coven after turning a werewolf into a cat.. the High Priestess of the coven seems to have a definite grudge against her and Crimson has no idea why.. in a mad, crazy, desperate moment Crimson calls a challenge.. can this bad witch outspell the High Priestess and rule the coven? Can anyone help her fix her dealings with a demon?

Have a good laugh at the trouble she gets in and makes 10 times worse with her faulty magic.
Profile Image for Aizlynne.
793 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2022
This book is recommended for readers 18+ due to adult content.

This review is for the Audible version of the book.

I laughed at this book more than the other two in the series. Frankly more than any book I've read recently. My biggest complaint was, again, the narrator.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2020
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Life's a Witch: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy by Carrie Pulkinen is the third book in the New Orleans Nocturnes series. I absolutely love this series! From the first book (License to Bite) I was hooked on this series. I have laughed so hard that I've about peed myself at the antics of these well written and lovingly developed characters. While each of the books can be read stand alone (but trust me, you WANT to read them in order and work your way through the humorous and sometimes cringe-worthy situations), you'll absolutely love the characters that are introduced and make reappearances through the series. Crimson and Mike's story was hysterically charming and sexy as... well, sin! (Mature Readers Only Please) With a spectacularly humanizing cameo by the Prince of Darkness himself and a storyline that is sweet, sexy and just plain satisfyingly entertaining, you'll kick yourself if you don't join in on the fun romps that are Carrie Pulkinen's New Orleans Nocturnes! Make space on your Must Read Author List for Carrie, if you haven't already added her!

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Bookfunnel.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
April 20, 2020
The third book in the New Orleans Nocturnes series another well written story in this series, I was not putting it down until I had finished reading. I found myself laughing as I read Crimson Oliver a witch and devil's advocate demon Mike Cortez's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashley Tackett.
97 reviews
December 6, 2020
Angels and Demons and Witches, oh my! This was a laugh out loud kind of book. I loved every minute of following Crimson and her new found troubles. As a Paranormal Romance fan, I was thrilled about the happy ending. The Devil himself couldn’t even deny this sweet couple their happily ever after!
4,624 reviews
April 20, 2020
Crimson and Mike's story was fun, thrilling and light read. I'm seriously crushing on this series so bad and the paranormal world the author has created.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,190 reviews85 followers
April 20, 2020
This is a super funny paranormal romance. It is smart and unique, sweet and full of wit! I laughed all the way through...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
455 reviews8 followers
April 19, 2020
Fun read!

This trilogy was a fast and fun read. Filled with supernaturals that are snarky and funny, the women are strong and not afraid to say what they think, the men are caring alphas who will do whatever it takes to keep their woman. I read all three books in one day. I'm up after midnight writing this so you know I loved it!
Profile Image for Jennifer Laird-Lord.
410 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2020
I really like this book. It made me laugh and the characters. I like the storyline and recommend this book and look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tammy Rossitto.
181 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2020
Great book!

I love this series. Just enough 💋💋💋 to be naughty without over doing it. I love a good story with some sex. Great writing. Only complaint? The author used "strut" and " strutting " a little too much in the two books I read. But that aside, a good read and I recommend reading this book.
34 reviews
April 11, 2020
Series keeps getting better

Love all the characters in this series and Crimson is one of my favourites. Hilarious as the rest of the books, hope see more of everyone and books for Gaston, Destiny, Jasmine, Jackson and Asher.
1,262 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this bad witch story. I loved Mike the demon. The story is really imaginative and lots of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending, the whole story was just lighthearted and fun
I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a comedy paranormal romance
Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
2,066 reviews17 followers
April 2, 2020
This is the third story in the series and it is about Crimson, a witch and Mike, the devil’s advocate. Crimson cannot cast a spell to save her life without it screwing up. Her mother tried to open her powers all at once as a little girl…it went wonky~ Mike is a demon who beat the devil at poker. He is half-free, but has to deliver a soul once a month to stay above ground. Crimson invoked a challenge in front of the coven that she will have to face off against the High Priestess. The loser suffers dire consequences. Mike and Crimson start dating and she accidentally agrees to sell her soul and body to the devil. Mike will do everything he can to save her from this fate…he loves her! Crimson is supposed to fulfill a prophecy that includes her selling her soul. What will happen? Can any of them save the other? There are more secrets and surprises in this humorous adventure! I received this via Booksprout and am leaving a voluntary review.
5,450 reviews32 followers
August 15, 2021
This is the first book by this author that I've read, but it won't be the last. While I don't feel like I was lost from not reading the previous books in the series, I do wish I would have read them first. I enjoyed the story line and loved the flow of the book. I adored the character work that was done. I found myself laughing out loud several times. I look forward to more from this author.

This book was just as great to listen to as it was to read thanks to the wonderful work by the narrator who brought this book to life. Great job done by both.

I received an ARC of both the book and audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
6,020 reviews45 followers
June 15, 2024
Their the wake of the previous book, Crimson benefited from the skills and info that resulted in reversing the bitten witch. She was caught up in a series of lies and accusations so that her coven now wants to try and bind her powers

Extraordinary circumstances reveal significant surprises.

Great challenge, action and romance

finding her inner witch, and learning how to harness her could save more than Crimson

will she be able to get her witch on ?

humorous and intense romantic adventures and drama

998 reviews14 followers
December 5, 2020
This is the story of Crimson Oliver, a witch who just can’t catch a break with her magic and everytime she casts a spell, something goes wrong and Mike Cortez, a demon in rehabilitation who makes deals with the devil and owns a restaurant all at the same time.

The story starts with Crimson as she is about to go in front of the Council of Elders of her coven, which is in direct relation to her latest magical mishap. As the Council convenes and Rosemary takes her place as head priestess, she asks one of the other witches to read out the charges against Crimson which, if they are found to be true, will .end up with Crimson having her power bound and a life in exile away from other witches for the rest of her life and Crimson has no intention of letting that happen as she is not guilty of any of the charges and given the result of her questioning, it looks like that is exactly what will happen, that is until she invokes the goddess and the right to challenge the high priestess to a magic battle and the goddess deems that it shall go ahead, much to the amazement of the rest of the coven, especially Rosemary. It is decided that the two witches have one month to prepare for the challenge and the winner takes the role of High Priestess and the loser has their magic bound and must live in exile, but Crimson is sure that Rosemary only rules the coven without their respect and decides that there must be more to Rosemary than meets the eye and that she will both find out and win the challenge, all she has to do is practice, practice and practice some more.

Next we meet Mike as he is about to go to his meet with a group of like minded demons and remembers to take his angel cake with him, a way to sweeten the evening, he also knows that he is late with his freedom payment when his hand starts to burn and his spine tingle, a sign that the connection between himself and Satan is itching for it to be paid. As the meeting winds up, Mike heads back home, he passes a few guys who he could read and see whether there could be a deal to strike, but he figures that it isn’t worth sending Satan yet another testicle as payment of the deal, he already has enough of those! He also sensed no malice in them and as he normally only made deals with those who would already be damned anyway, he passes on the opportunity, however, as soon as he gets past the restaurant downstairs and into his apartment, Satan is waiting for him, although it isn’t because he is late on a payment it is because he has a job for him, he is in need of a new assistant as his jealous girlfriend has gotten rid of the last one and he will only accept a witch, if Mike can manage it, then he can be free, so now the only thing Mike has to do is find one.

As Crimson and Mike decide to go to the same bar for different reasons and unbeknown to the other, they run into each other and the old flame ignites between them, but soon they have to go their separate ways before one of them decides to do something they would regret. The pull between them is too strong and they decide that they want to see where things will lead, but there are mishaps along the way and when they talk about it, they accidentally make a deal and Mike manages to damn Crimson when she agrees to give her body and soul to the devil in exchange for winning the contest against Rosemary.

This is a romp from New Orleans to Hell and back again, but will everything turn out to plan, or will history repeat itself? The only way to find out is to join the ride and find out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

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