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The Witches of Holiday Hills Cozy Mystery #7
Witch or Without You
Grab your coffee and sit a spell. USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Carolyn Ridder Aspenson brings back witch Abby Odell and sets her a wild ride on her cozy mystery broomstick with her snarky, talking, Burmese cat familiar by her side.
Sometimes even a snarky Burmese cat familiar can’t fix his witch’s broken heart.
Welcome to Holiday Hills, a quaint, small town filled with quirky residents and magical mayhem.
And for me? Just toss a pinch of a love triangle as twisted as a unicorn's horn! I'm a witch and a paranormal cozy mystery writer with a serious case of heartache.
You see, my ex-boyfriend, Gabe, has been kidnapped by a mountain man who's out for blood. And things are about to get even more complicated!
Both my life, and my feelings.
On the one hand, I've got a brand-spanking new publishing contract that's got me celebrating with a pint of cookies and cream ice cream. And on the other hand, I've got two magical men crowding my head and my heart - my ex, Gabe, and a new warlock who's knocking on my heart he’s cast a love spell over me.
But if you know me, you know I've got a plan, and it involves finding Gabe before the mountain man does something terrible. The problem is, my talking cat familiar and I can’t do it alone. I need help, and I'm not sure how to ask for it without raising some eyebrows. I mean, how do you tell your new sort of beau that you need him to help rescue your ex without it being awkward?
And let's not forget the suspicious characters lurking in the shadows. I've got a hunch that one of these magical men is responsible for Gabe's disappearance, and I'll be spellbound if I don't figure out who before it's too late.
So grab your broomsticks, because we've got a mystery to solve! Will I save Gabe and risk losing my new love interest? Or will I choose the new guy and leave my past behind? Only time will tell in this magical mess of a love triangle!
Witches, Warlocks, shapeshifters, coffee, pastries, books, murder, and a magical amateur sleuth! Holiday Hills has it all!
Sometimes even a snarky Burmese cat familiar can’t fix his witch’s broken heart.
Welcome to Holiday Hills, a quaint, small town filled with quirky residents and magical mayhem.
And for me? Just toss a pinch of a love triangle as twisted as a unicorn's horn! I'm a witch and a paranormal cozy mystery writer with a serious case of heartache.
You see, my ex-boyfriend, Gabe, has been kidnapped by a mountain man who's out for blood. And things are about to get even more complicated!
Both my life, and my feelings.
On the one hand, I've got a brand-spanking new publishing contract that's got me celebrating with a pint of cookies and cream ice cream. And on the other hand, I've got two magical men crowding my head and my heart - my ex, Gabe, and a new warlock who's knocking on my heart he’s cast a love spell over me.
But if you know me, you know I've got a plan, and it involves finding Gabe before the mountain man does something terrible. The problem is, my talking cat familiar and I can’t do it alone. I need help, and I'm not sure how to ask for it without raising some eyebrows. I mean, how do you tell your new sort of beau that you need him to help rescue your ex without it being awkward?
And let's not forget the suspicious characters lurking in the shadows. I've got a hunch that one of these magical men is responsible for Gabe's disappearance, and I'll be spellbound if I don't figure out who before it's too late.
So grab your broomsticks, because we've got a mystery to solve! Will I save Gabe and risk losing my new love interest? Or will I choose the new guy and leave my past behind? Only time will tell in this magical mess of a love triangle!
Witches, Warlocks, shapeshifters, coffee, pastries, books, murder, and a magical amateur sleuth! Holiday Hills has it all!
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2023
209 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
148 books543 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 22, 2023
Poorly plotted and it shows
Perhaps a plot outline would have helped the author keep track of who was who and when; having a clear direction would have made it easier for her to keep track of where her characters were at any given point. As it stands this became a complete and utter mish-mash, with unintelligible "clues", too much body swapping and the addition of the missing money did little to assist the storyline.
Gabe, Kaeden, Remmington, Waylon, and Dexious flip-flop around and have more personality swaps than a schizophrenic with so little rhyme or reason it just becomes frustrating. Yes, we know there are two Remmingtons, Kaeden isn't who he claims and that multiple someones are up to no good but the supposed love triangle did not work on any level. Neither did Abby swapping into the K9 handler for more information.
Plot holes exist from novel to novel for instance Gabe states early on in the series he's a cross between a wizard and warlock and consequently not a strong one of either but suddenly he's a really strong warlock in this episode. Equally, in early books, Gabe says that Abby is stronger than him and yet he's suddenly the strongest warlock and she's not safe. The nonsense with Remmington which stretched over two novels at least was just simply ridiculous. The MBI are so undefined and remote as to be irrelevant notwithstanding the earlier novel where they tried to recruit Abby or the point where Gabe says if you'd said yes you would be coming with me on this mission; that makes zero sense when this mission lost its way and became a "protect Abby mission" for lack of a concrete plot.
No just no!
Perhaps a plot outline would have helped the author keep track of who was who and when; having a clear direction would have made it easier for her to keep track of where her characters were at any given point. As it stands this became a complete and utter mish-mash, with unintelligible "clues", too much body swapping and the addition of the missing money did little to assist the storyline.
Gabe, Kaeden, Remmington, Waylon, and Dexious flip-flop around and have more personality swaps than a schizophrenic with so little rhyme or reason it just becomes frustrating. Yes, we know there are two Remmingtons, Kaeden isn't who he claims and that multiple someones are up to no good but the supposed love triangle did not work on any level. Neither did Abby swapping into the K9 handler for more information.
Plot holes exist from novel to novel for instance Gabe states early on in the series he's a cross between a wizard and warlock and consequently not a strong one of either but suddenly he's a really strong warlock in this episode. Equally, in early books, Gabe says that Abby is stronger than him and yet he's suddenly the strongest warlock and she's not safe. The nonsense with Remmington which stretched over two novels at least was just simply ridiculous. The MBI are so undefined and remote as to be irrelevant notwithstanding the earlier novel where they tried to recruit Abby or the point where Gabe says if you'd said yes you would be coming with me on this mission; that makes zero sense when this mission lost its way and became a "protect Abby mission" for lack of a concrete plot.
No just no!
February 27, 2023
Another Witchy Adventure With Abby
Back in the magical world of Holiday Hills where the magical’s and humans live happily side by side and the humans have no idea, Abby Odell is once again embroiled in another mystery, not murder this time, but Abby’s boyfriend Police Chief Gabe Reynolds, a powerful warlock, disappeared some time ago and he has managed to tell Abby not to try and find him as she would be in danger but headstrong Abby has decided it is time to bring him home.
Abby had no idea she was a witch until after her mother died as she had put a binding spell on Abby which broke when she died. Abby is growing into her powers and is a powerful witch now that she knows what she is doing, at least she transports to the correct locations now! Her mum’s best friend Bessie who owns the bookshop/coffee shop looks out for Abby and she rents out the apartment above the shop.
Bessie is also a witch and has taken Abby’s mum’s familiar, a green parrot called Mr Charming as her own and Abby’s familiar Cooper, a Burmese cat, have a love hate relationship, Mr Charming loves Coop and Coop pretends to hate Mr Charming. Coop is so funny and sarcastic he often steals the show!
This story had so many twists and turns and Abby had no idea who she could trust. I wasn’t sure who the bad guy was until the reveal.,
An enjoyable escape into magic, mystery and fun and thank you Carolyn for the ARC.
Back in the magical world of Holiday Hills where the magical’s and humans live happily side by side and the humans have no idea, Abby Odell is once again embroiled in another mystery, not murder this time, but Abby’s boyfriend Police Chief Gabe Reynolds, a powerful warlock, disappeared some time ago and he has managed to tell Abby not to try and find him as she would be in danger but headstrong Abby has decided it is time to bring him home.
Abby had no idea she was a witch until after her mother died as she had put a binding spell on Abby which broke when she died. Abby is growing into her powers and is a powerful witch now that she knows what she is doing, at least she transports to the correct locations now! Her mum’s best friend Bessie who owns the bookshop/coffee shop looks out for Abby and she rents out the apartment above the shop.
Bessie is also a witch and has taken Abby’s mum’s familiar, a green parrot called Mr Charming as her own and Abby’s familiar Cooper, a Burmese cat, have a love hate relationship, Mr Charming loves Coop and Coop pretends to hate Mr Charming. Coop is so funny and sarcastic he often steals the show!
This story had so many twists and turns and Abby had no idea who she could trust. I wasn’t sure who the bad guy was until the reveal.,
An enjoyable escape into magic, mystery and fun and thank you Carolyn for the ARC.
February 27, 2023
Witch Abby Odell’s love interest, Police Chief Gabriel Ryder, is gone on a clandestine mission and told her not to wait for him. Well, Abby is done waiting and intends to find him no matter what it takes. She has spent her time writing a book, but she must find Gabe and knows that he is safe. A warlock named Kaedan arrives in town and tells her to give up on finding Gabe or else! She doesn’t care what “or else” means as she has the help of her cat, her familiar Cooper (who adds that touch of humor and sarcasm). Not everything is what it seems and not everyone may be who they are. Kaedan, the mountain man, Dexius Kredum, Remmingon the interim police chief, warlocks, witches, fairies…who can she trust? I had to pay attention to the many characters and how they were related to the story, but as I take notes when I read a book that I am reviewing (I have read most of the books in this series), I really enjoyed this light hearted paranormal. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation, from the author, for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
May 14, 2023
Have fun figuring out who is who in this one!
There aren’t a ton of characters in this story, but because they’re (mostly) all magical and can change shape and appearance at will, you’re never quite sure who exactly is who. Abby gets taken in by the bad guy, but isn’t sure who he is. All she knows is that she wants her boyfriend Gabe back and face anyone to get him, helped by her familiar, Cooper the cat (who is sometimes a dog). Note: there are a couple of editing glitches (like different spellings for a main character’s name) but those are really minor and don’t take away from the story.
There aren’t a ton of characters in this story, but because they’re (mostly) all magical and can change shape and appearance at will, you’re never quite sure who exactly is who. Abby gets taken in by the bad guy, but isn’t sure who he is. All she knows is that she wants her boyfriend Gabe back and face anyone to get him, helped by her familiar, Cooper the cat (who is sometimes a dog). Note: there are a couple of editing glitches (like different spellings for a main character’s name) but those are really minor and don’t take away from the story.
February 11, 2023
You can never go wrong picking up a book by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson! She creates characters that are interesting, realistic and so entertaining. In this series the familiars add their own unique personalities and humor to the storyline. This book keeps you guessing throughout. There’s so much going on with all the magical shenanigans that you’re kept wondering what and who is real. Abby is told several times, ‘Things are not what they seem!’. That sure is the truth! This is such an entertaining series!
February 24, 2023
The seventh book in this series is the best yet! Abby is still searching for her warlock boyfriend who has disappeared while on a top secret investigation. Two other warlocks are helping her, or are they really? The plot is twisty and exciting, the characters are interesting, and the cat is fabulously snarky. Ms. Aspenson is a fabulous author. If you haven’t read her work, you owe it to yourself to do so! I’m looking forward to the next in the series! I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
April 23, 2023
if Gabe went so far out of his way to try to change her feelings, is it really worth pursuing something with him, or looking out for his safety?
so many lies by so many parties is so short a time add up
who was he really protecting?
shape shifting warlocks plus are a big hairy pain, but so are beaux that lie for their own convenience
will Holiday Hills be safe again?
if both manage to survive, will Abby trust again? especially after a cheating, lying ex sent her back to Holiday Hills
girl power baby!
so many lies by so many parties is so short a time add up
who was he really protecting?
shape shifting warlocks plus are a big hairy pain, but so are beaux that lie for their own convenience
will Holiday Hills be safe again?
if both manage to survive, will Abby trust again? especially after a cheating, lying ex sent her back to Holiday Hills
girl power baby!
May 7, 2023
Complex read.
Another great addition to this magical series, this on is a lot more complex than the previous books and that's not a bad thing. When Gabe goes missing on a case and every thing in Abby's life is out of whack she knows something is wrong she just has to figure out what it is. When she realizes that friends and enemy's alike are not always what they seem to be, look out this witch is mad and on the rampage. As expected a great story with wonderful realistic characters a joy to read, Baz.
Another great addition to this magical series, this on is a lot more complex than the previous books and that's not a bad thing. When Gabe goes missing on a case and every thing in Abby's life is out of whack she knows something is wrong she just has to figure out what it is. When she realizes that friends and enemy's alike are not always what they seem to be, look out this witch is mad and on the rampage. As expected a great story with wonderful realistic characters a joy to read, Baz.
October 1, 2023
Witch or Without You is the 8th book in the Witches of Holiday Hills Cozy Mystery Series by Carolyn Ridder Asperson in which Abby is trying move on without Gabe and has starting see Remington. Romances is blooming between Bessie and Waylon too! Strange things are happen and Cooper keeps saying that some of the magical world don't smell right. Is Cooper lossing his touch? Will Abby figure out why Gabe is still missing and Remington is acting strange at times. Who really is Kaehma? Can Abby really trust anyone? Such a great book and had me confused until the end!
August 24, 2023
Abby is still searching for Gabe, she started seeing Remington but it doesn't feel right and now he's helping her search and now there's another guy Kaepon from MIB who insists he is here to help her find Gabe to protect him. So much going on, who can she trust? Abby is relentless in her efforts to find Gabe and there are more twists and surprises you just can't figure out who is untrustworthy and who isn't. Great Read and in the end the truth comes out.
April 16, 2024
Hunting for Gabe!
Gabe is missing!! Abby is hunting for him but hasn't been having any luck. Something very strange is going on. Cooper, her feline familiar has been trying to help but she's very hard to guide. Then strange things have been going on with her friends. Some of them are acting very strange and some are scaring her. Can she discover where Gabe is and which of her friends are dangerous to her. What is going on?
Gabe is missing!! Abby is hunting for him but hasn't been having any luck. Something very strange is going on. Cooper, her feline familiar has been trying to help but she's very hard to guide. Then strange things have been going on with her friends. Some of them are acting very strange and some are scaring her. Can she discover where Gabe is and which of her friends are dangerous to her. What is going on?
February 14, 2023
Abby Odell returns in her search for Gabe, her boyfriend and ex sheriff of Holiday Hills. Or is that her ex-boyfriend and the current sheriff is her boyfriend. Abby is confused but determined to find Gabe and resolve who will be her boyfriend. But people don’t seem to be who they are. Is Abby losing her mind or is the magical world a little wonky. Great conclusion to this search.
March 3, 2023
Best one in the series! Abby goes searching for Gabe, and what a wild search it is! A powerful warlock who is after Gabe stays ahead of her in every turn, and transforms himself into people Abby normally can trust. At this point, she can't trust anyone as nothing is as it seems. Very suspenseful and very entertaining. A page turner for sure!
April 1, 2023
Witch or Without You: Book 7 of the Witches of... 4.5 stars
I know it seems unfair to only give this story 4.5 stars when it is a good story.
Unfortunately, I read at night in bed so trying to keep all the bad guys straight was just too dang hard.
I am thrilled with the happy ending!
I know it seems unfair to only give this story 4.5 stars when it is a good story.
Unfortunately, I read at night in bed so trying to keep all the bad guys straight was just too dang hard.
I am thrilled with the happy ending!
October 16, 2024
Witchy sleuthing
Abby’s beau, Gabe is MIA and Abby is getting worried. Magicals keep coming to her with info, but is it true? She and her cat familiar, Cooper, work together to find out what is going on.
This series is quite fun and getting even more interesting with each book. The magical aspects are fun, and the fact they live among normals who are oblivious to the magic, is done well. Can’t wait to read more!
Abby’s beau, Gabe is MIA and Abby is getting worried. Magicals keep coming to her with info, but is it true? She and her cat familiar, Cooper, work together to find out what is going on.
This series is quite fun and getting even more interesting with each book. The magical aspects are fun, and the fact they live among normals who are oblivious to the magic, is done well. Can’t wait to read more!
July 14, 2025
Does True Love Prevail?
WOW! This one was a little tricky to follow but it was still really good. Where did Gabe really go? Who was his brother? Was Remington a good guy or a bad guy? And who was Kadean really? Where did he come from? It all comes together in the climatic ending! This one is really good, but most of this authors books are! Have some witchy fun! Enjoy!
WOW! This one was a little tricky to follow but it was still really good. Where did Gabe really go? Who was his brother? Was Remington a good guy or a bad guy? And who was Kadean really? Where did he come from? It all comes together in the climatic ending! This one is really good, but most of this authors books are! Have some witchy fun! Enjoy!
February 6, 2023
Witch or Without You is a fantastic paranormal cozy mystery. It is engaging and suspenseful. The mystery is interesting and complex. There are so many twists it kept me guessing until the very end. I love the characters, especially the animal familiars. This is such a fun book. I really enjoyed it.
May 26, 2023
Another great story!
The characters were amazing. I always love reading what's going on in Abby's life in each book.
The storyline was incredible and so full of fun, excitement and mystery. I think this is my favorite twisted story of this series and I highly recommend this read!
The characters were amazing. I always love reading what's going on in Abby's life in each book.
The storyline was incredible and so full of fun, excitement and mystery. I think this is my favorite twisted story of this series and I highly recommend this read!
December 29, 2025
Suspenseful
Fun book to read. Many of the characters weren't who they were pretending to be. That kept you on your toes to figure out if they were the correct person or an imposter. lots of magic and mystery. Cooper was quite the character. Enjoy!
Fun book to read. Many of the characters weren't who they were pretending to be. That kept you on your toes to figure out if they were the correct person or an imposter. lots of magic and mystery. Cooper was quite the character. Enjoy!
February 16, 2023
WOW!
A confusing wild ride is in store for Abby in this story. Very well written with great characters & a charming setting. I look forward to more.
A confusing wild ride is in store for Abby in this story. Very well written with great characters & a charming setting. I look forward to more.
April 19, 2023
witch or without you
I wish I had read these in order but this was still an excellent story. Now ill look for another one to read.
I wish I had read these in order but this was still an excellent story. Now ill look for another one to read.
Read
May 7, 2023Plot Twists Galore
This story had so many plot twists or characters that you needed a score card,but I really enjoyed trying to figure out who really was the bad guy!
This story had so many plot twists or characters that you needed a score card,but I really enjoyed trying to figure out who really was the bad guy!
May 17, 2023
Too confusing. Continuity problems since in the previous books, Gave is a middling warlock, yet in this one he's suddenly the most powerful.
May 20, 2023
A Lot of Magic
This story took a lot of twists. From talking cats & powerful witches it made for an interesting story. Good ending.
This story took a lot of twists. From talking cats & powerful witches it made for an interesting story. Good ending.
May 20, 2023
Very good and I really enjoyed it. This one had so many twists and turns that I had a hard time keeping up. A great little cozy mystery.
May 31, 2023
A very enjoyable series with exciting characters! I love this authors books!
June 10, 2023
I usually like this author but I didn't enjoy this read. The plot could have been written in 1/4 of a page. The main character repeats the same things over and over. To me it felt like a dog chasing it's tail.
June 15, 2023
witch without
Lies, lies and more lies. Trust out the window. Good things happen as well as bad. Alls well that ends well
Lies, lies and more lies. Trust out the window. Good things happen as well as bad. Alls well that ends well
June 18, 2023
Great Read
Loved all the twists and turns about this book. Yes, I suggest you all read it. It will be fun.
Loved all the twists and turns about this book. Yes, I suggest you all read it. It will be fun.
July 9, 2023
This author is great, if your into this genre
This series has been great and fun reading. If you want something new and interesting then read this series. It doesn't disappointe.
This series has been great and fun reading. If you want something new and interesting then read this series. It doesn't disappointe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews