Review: Under The Hat (Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow #2) by Sara Bourgeois

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I really enjoyed Under The Hat more than the first story. The author is really defining her characters and the unique universe of Calderon Hollow here so we get a real sense of the nature of the town, and the magical strength of the powers of the families who live there.

Blythe Fairfield has made her choice to live in the house, accepting the magic and learn her role, whatever it may be. But the unstable Veil and shifting perspectives of the townspeople make it hard for Blythe to get a better sense of them and her new community.

I really liked how the different relationships are evolving here, between Blythe and the magical family on the other side of the ancient power feud, and even more so, between her and the Sheriff who “knows” instinctively that there’s something about her and the town that he can’t see or be involved with but also realizing it’s no less true.

The details, the history behind the old feud, the darker aspects of the town, it’s slowly getting revealed.

And it all gives depth to her and the series.

Just terrific. Great storytelling.

Highly recommended. Love the author.

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow (4 book series)

If the Hat Fits #1

Under The Hat #2

Hat Out of Spell #3

Hat Trick #4

Buy link

Book 2 of 4: Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow

Blurb

Blythe Fairfield chose to stay in Cauldron Hollow. She’s not sure the town has chosen her back.

Her relationship with Sheriff Paine Wilder is in ruins. Her bank account is worse. The only job she can find is running a cash register at the local grocery store, where her boss is a conspiracy theorist, her customers include a woman who screams about paying for eggs, and the one friend who made it all bearable keeps talking her into things she shouldn’t do.

Then a reclusive prepper turns up dead on his rural property, and Blythe finds more than a body. Buried beneath the man’s unfinished root cellar is a book of spells that should not exist, magic that breaks every rule Blythe has been taught to follow. She can’t leave it for the police. She can’t destroy it. And she definitely can’t stop thinking about what’s inside.

Someone killed a man for this book. And Blythe just brought it home.

Review: Dying For Magic: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Ella Bloom Mysteries Book 1) by Sarah Noffke

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Dying for Magic, the first in the Ella Bloom Mysteries by Sarah Noffke, introduced me to another terrific author. I throughly enjoyed everything about this book and characters and anticipate diving into the rest of the series.

The characters and storylines, multiple plots, are very well developed and intriguing. And the more the story progresses, the better the exploration of the world becomes and the history of the Magic of the town of Gloamington.

I think the element I love best is that both of the main characters are enigmas. Ella Bloom, hired to become the 6-month assistant to the town’s favorite detective, has a past life full of questions and no answers.

And she arrives to find that the older gentleman she’s been hired to assist, Malcolm Fawkes, a renowned paranormal detective, has no memory of her or his past life.

So author Noffke builds a narrative around two people, and several animals, who have memory issues. All while struggling with daily tasks like identifying the local community citizens, and conducting a murder investigation that the police sheriff has tabled . It’s funny, compelling, believable, and absolutely engaging watching these two people build a friendship on such a shaky but shared experience.

I can’t think of another book or series quite like it.

I’m highly impressed and recommending this. And quickly going forward with this series.

Ella Bloom Mysteries (10 book series):

Dying For Magic #1

Magic Can Bee Deadly #2

Blue Blood, Black Magic #3

Verses and Curses #4

Raining Cats and Curses #5

Half-Baked Curses #6

Signed, Spelled, Delivered #7

Murder Spelled in Thread #8

Spelled For Choice #9 – June 19,2026

Born For Magic #10 – July 24,2026

Buy link

Book 1 of 10: Ella Bloom Mysteries

Blurb

Ella Bloom can see magic no one else can, and it’s leading her straight to a killer…

When Ella accepts a mysterious job in the picturesque town of Gloamington, all she wants is six months away from the noise of the city and a quiet place to call home. Instead, she finds herself assistant to Malcolm Fawkes, a renowned paranormal detective with no memory of hiring her—or much of anything else.

When magic that only Ella can see leads her to a murder, she discovers Gloamington isn’t the quaint small town it appears to be. Five years ago, it was a magical haven until something went terribly wrong. Now the town’s dormant wellspring—the Gloaming—is stirring again, awakening with Ella’s arrival.

With a reluctant Malcolm by her side, Ella must navigate a web of secrets, suspicious townspeople and her own mysterious connection to Gloamington’s magical past. Someone in town is willing to kill to keep magic buried forever. Ella’s unusual abilities make her their next likely target.

The Gloaming is opening once more. Could Ella Bloom be the key to everything?

Dying for Magic is the first in an enchanting mystery series from the creator of the blockbuster Beaufont universe.

One-Twenty-Six Press

Publication date

September 30, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

262 pages

Book 1 of 10

Ella Bloom Mysteries

‎

Review: If the Hat Fits (Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow #1) by Sara Bourgeois

Rating: 4⭐️

I love this author’s Haunted Ranch Mysteries series, so while I was waiting on the next book in that series to be released, I noticed that she had started another series, different location and perspective on a similar type of female character.

The author has a real fondness for older women starting over. I can get behind this.

The Haunted Ranch Mysteries series has the beauty of the Arizona desert and the unique nature that enhances the atmosphere and fantastic storytelling.

I’ve yet to find a similar surrounding landscape here that has the same feel or that is so striking that it acts as a compelling backdrop.

So it’s a nondescript setting that depends heavily on character development and storytelling. Luckily, it delivers on both accounts.

Where certain characters in other series are stereotypical personalities, here Bourgeous takes them outside of the usual configuration into something interesting.

The sheriff and townspeople all have characters that surprise the reader with their depth of personality and the growth they exhibit during the story. This continues throughout the series.

The overall magic system is one that is slowly evolving and being defined as each situation arises, and it’s an unusual one that envelops the entire town.

There’s an ancient witch family feud, a cat familiar, and of course, a sentient house, to go along with the main character of Blythe Fairfield, a woman who is restarting her life after divorce.

The language is one of someone quietly reviewing their past and present options, no panic but a sense of resolve to make things work. You immediately understand Blythe, the circumstances that brought her to Caldron Hollow, and the thought processes as each event comes her way. However, increasing wild each one is.

It ends with Blythe staying true to her values, at the beginning of her journey and a long way to understanding what’s ahead. The author has started to set much in motion but there is so much more that’s needs a foundation or exploration, especially with regard to the town and witch families.

I’m definitely going forward with the series. And recommending this. Great read!

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow (4 book series)

If the Hat Fits #1

Under The Hat #2

Hat Out of Spell #3

Hat Trick #4

Buy link

Book 1 of 4: Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow

Blurb

Welcome to Cauldron Hollow!

Sometimes the worst day of your life is just the beginning.

Blythe Fairfield has officially failed at adulthood. Divorced. Fired. Broke. When she inherits Gallows Gate House in the small town of Cauldron Hollow from her allegedly unhinged great-aunt, she decides it’s a temporary stop. Renovate. Sell. Leave.

Then her cat starts talking.

Cauldron Hollow isn’t just quaint. It was founded by two rival witch families. The Stoneharts stayed. The Tallowmeres were driven out.

Guess which family Blythe belongs to.

Between a house that hums with old magic, a violet streak suddenly appearing in her hair, and a snarky familiar named Pippin who keeps saying “Obviously,” Blythe barely has time to process her new reality before she stumbles over a dead body behind Merlin’s Diner.

The victim made enemies. Unfortunately, Blythe just made the suspect list.

With the town’s frustratingly handsome sheriff watching her every move and a killer determined to protect their secrets, Blythe must decide whether she’s still running from her inheritance or finally ready to claim it.

Turns out, if the hat fits… you might have to wear it.

If the Hat Fits is the first book in the Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow cozy mystery series. Expect humor, heart, magic, and a clean read with no swearing or explicit content.

Cauldron Hollow is an alternate universe to Coventry. You’ll see hints and shadows of our original wicked witches, but this book and series can be read and enjoyed on their own.

March 9, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

207 pages

Book 1 of 4

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow

Review: Managing the Vampire’s Mansion (Magiford Supernatural City story) by K. M. Shea

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I was absolutely delighted to see K.M. Shea’s new book in the Magiford Supernatural City universe, Managing the Vampire’s Mansion.

It’s a fantastically entertaining read, and the main character of Abi is absolutely endearing. I loved watching Abi slowly embed herself into the community around her and into Beckett’s undead life, changing and challenging him to do better.

And the surprise crossover characters was amazing and great in every aspect of the storyline. And each one made me want to go back and read their series again.

There’s a mystery and investigation involved here that will pull various elements of the community together that’s very well crafted. And a hilarious bit from the gnome group that wants Beckett to do things for them and has a special way of asking.

The love aspect I thought was rushed but the relationship was built really solidly, through believable interactions and genuine friendship. With some help from special fae tea.

The author has said that this is a standalone and that other characters in this small lakeside town will have their stories told. I look forward to reading every one.

Definitely recommend reading this and the other series in the universe.

Cover Art by Melody Simmons

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC.

Related Series Magiford Supernatural City universe series-all fabulous:

Magiford Supernatural City (5 books)

Gate of Myth and Power (3 book series)

Hall of Blood and Mercy (3 book series)

Magic on Main Street (3 book series)❤️

Court of Midnight and Deception (3 book series)❤️

Buy link

https://www.amazon.com/K-M-Shea/e/B005ANPMZU/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Blurb

Starting over as a house manager in a charming small town sounded perfect. Until my new boss turned out to be a vampire.

After burning myself out at my corporate career, I take a job managing a mansion in a picturesque tourist town to reset my life.

The house is historic. The town is charming. The locals are welcoming. And, as I accidentally discover, my unfairly handsome employer, Beckett Kinge, is a vampire in hiding.

Beckett prefers order, privacy, and absolutely no supernatural mishaps.

Unfortunately for both of us, a rogue vampire is attacking the locals. The same people who have been nothing but nice to me. As attacks escalate and secrets unravel, staying uninvolved is no longer an option.

And somehow the only person who steps up to find the vampire is me—the mansion manager with poor people skills who knows absolutely nothing about supernaturals.

At least… I think I’m the only one working this case. But somewhere between tracking a killer and trying not to die, I realize Beckett isn’t just protecting his secret. He’s protecting me. And that might be far more dangerous for my emotional well-being.

Regardless, the rampaging vamp has to be found, or no one in town will be safe. Not even me.

This stand alone cozy urban fantasy story is set in the same world as the Magiford Supernatural City trilogies, but is located in a different (real life!) town in Wisconsin. If you’re searching for a stand alone story with cast of characters that will make you laugh while they try to solve a mystery and muddle with the supernatural, pre-order this book today

April 24, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

271 pages

Review: Skulls and Sunlit Secrets (The Haunted Ranch Mysteries Book 7) by Sara Bourgeois

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

The Haunted Ranch Mysteries is my first dive into the writings of Sara Bourgeois but I just love what she’s accomplishing here with her characters, location and overall mystical aesthetic.

Skulls and Sunset is one of the best books in the series so far, combining the all the great elements of the series and the haunting emotional aspects of the story into one beautifully crafted tale of motherhood and obsessive love.

This novel moves Claire’s powers and abilities forward as well as resolves a previous storyline about that huge dark mysterious creature that’s seen flying over the desert in the past story.

But the anchor of this tale is the human being who has lost her life. One we meet briefly and yet immediately becomes someone we know and identify with. Amelia Sanders, so happy and bright.

That’s what is so impressive about this author is her capacity to make a character have such impact on the reader and story in such a short time. Like Amelia does. We are heavily invested in Claire’s investigation and want to know what happened.

It’s a heartbreaking mystery, with absorbing side stories to go along with it. And the ending is just as it should be, poignant and moving.

I love this series and story. It’s not a standalone. Each builds upon the previous one .

Highly recommended! Excellent read!

The Haunted Ranch Mysteries (8 book series)

Death Rides The Desert #1

Bones and Cactus Blooms #2

Spirits of the Saguaro #3

Tombstones with a View #4

Body Beneath the Wither #5

Death Waits at Dead Rock #6

Skulls and Sunlit Secrets #7

The Bone Charm #8

Buy link

Book 7 of 8: The Haunted Ranch Mysteries

Blurb

Everyone in Perdido Springs was looking up when Amelia Sanders died.

A total solar eclipse has turned the little desert town into a tourist destination, and Claire Caldwell just wants to survive the weekend without someone asking if her ranch does birthday parties. But when the moon covers the sun, Claire sees things the darkness reveals… creatures, pathways, and the outline of something vast moving through a world layered on top of her own.

Then the light returns. Amelia is dead outside the bar. The sheriff calls it a scorpion sting. Her friends call it impossible. A massive owl that shouldn’t exist keeps circling a house on the edge of town. And Claire is starting to realize that the murder and the owl might have nothing to do with each other, which means she has two problems, not one.

April 20, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

198 pages

Book 7 of 8

The Haunted Ranch Mysteries

Review: Midlife Bounty Hunter (Forty Proof #1) by Shannon Mayer

Rating: 4⭐️

I throughly enjoyed Shannon Mayer’s Midlife Bounty Hunter story about a divorced woman trying to earn money to save her house from her ex husband’s lawyers and earn a living. As a paranormal investigator/bounty hunter in Savannah, Georgia.

She’s of Irish descent, deeply so as she calls her ex “Himself”, and the fact that she’s Irish is a big deal here for other characters. It seems to be an important component of the series magic that’s playing out.

She had an abusive relationship with her ex husband, to the point he had her hospitalized in a mental institution because she saw the otherworldly beings. He didn’t. Instead of fighting the abuse, she gave in. I’ll let this part of the story to the reader.

Fast forward to the present. He’s had his lawyers take everything possible from her in the divorce, including the house her grandmother left her. This aspect of the divorce is a huge part of the series.

She’s in debt, wants her house back, and is in her late 40’s. But also she’s got her magic back, her past defense training and is, for all her trauma, very competent with certain things like guns and knives. Not a pushover. So she’s likable and very engaging as a person.

Except that Shannon Mayer has some very odd ideas about women’s bodies and ages. This was written in 2020, but for all the attitude on ageism it might be written in the 50’s or 60’s. She sees a woman in her mid forties as being middle aged, someone barely creaking along. A crone.

Shannon Mayer writes as if the character being 40ish years old is someone headed for the grave instead of a woman who is at a great age, especially these days where this is a fabulous time of life. Fifty is more accurate to be called middle aged and still people are working, active and motivated to do more than ever before. This has her sounding like she’s ready for aged care.

“If I’d learned anything at the ripe old age of forty-one, it was that no dream could last forever, and no man can save you from yourself.

“Score one for the old broad.”

Its quotes like this for the entire book. Had she made Breena in her 50’s, this might have been a tad more accurate. Or not. I have seen some 50ish women in yoga that would make many people cry.

Shannon Mayer, do better. Hint, she doesn’t in fact do better in the rest of the series.

The plot is great. Fantastic twists and surprises, with characters personalities and where the reader believes they stand in the storyline. That’s a huge plus for me. It it looks to continue as the “baddies” are exposed for who they are.

Ageism aside, and it’s a definite factor here, the book and character is great. And I’m going forward with it and her.

The Forty Proof Series (9 book series):

Midlife Bounty Hunter #1

Midlife Fairy Hunter #2

Midlife Demon Hunter #3

Midlife Ghost Hunter #4

Midlife Zombie Hunter #5

Midlife Witch Hunter #6

Midlife Magic Hunter #7

Midlife Soul Hunter #8

Midlife Vampire Hunter #9

Buy link

Book 1 of 9: The Forty Proof Series

Blurb

When divorce comes your way, don’t let the ex get you down. Get ready for a whole new laugh-out-loud adventure. Because life is just beginning . . . as a midlife bounty hunter of the supernatural! Now a COMPLETED series!

# 1 in Women’s Fantasy Fiction!
#1 in Fantasy & Futuristic Romance
# 1 New releases Werewolf and Shifter Romance

One day I’m married, living in Seattle, and magic isn’t real. The next, I’m divorced and living in the guest room of my ex’s hotter- than-sin cousin’s place in Savannah . . . and talking to an animated skeleton named Robert.

I have to admit, Robert isn’t my worst date.

At forty-one, I didn’t think I’d be starting over. But I’ll be damned if my ex thinks I’m down and out because he pulled a fast one on me.

When a job comes my way that offers me a chance to use my childhood training in the shadow world, I take it—I need the money more than I care about my sanity.

It’s dangerous.

I have to embrace the magic and dark of my past.

And I need Advil to keep me going.

But those who’d hold me back better sit up and take notice, because a new woman is in town, and she’s not about to be counted out by anyone.

Even if she does groan when she rolls out of bed in the morning.

Hijinks Ink Publishing

Publication date

February 16, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

340 pages

Book 1 of 9

The Forty Proof Series

Review: Magical Midlife Dating (Leveling Up #2) by K. F. Breene

Rating: 4.5⭐️

“Maybe we’d all had a fire inside us, clawing to get out, and we’d kept it at bay to fit into someone else’s mold of what we should be as women.” – Jessie

Other people have marked this quote and it’s because it’s impactful. To Jessie, the woman still navigating her way through the shambles of her life after the divorce left her homeless, her base of security and family gone in her middle age.

She packed up and moved cross country to a small remote village that she visited with her friend as a child. Now she’s a caretaker of a sentient magical mansion, got powers she needs to learn to control, and an enormous universe of paranormal beings that are increasingly interested in her and Ivy House.

Every aspect of Jessie, her character and emotional challenges is beautifully crafted. She stumbles, fights, figures things out, asks for help. She’s a very real, believable woman.

And the way the author builds up the need for not only Jessie but for Austin, Niahm, Mr. Tom, Edgar and the rest of the crew here to find their own places in the new order being established and help Jessie develop? So remarkable and layered emotionally.

I’m so looking forward to Jessie further exploring this new role and coming into her own in Ivy House, scary dolls and all.

Fabulous storytelling.

Leveling Up (13 book series):

Magical Midlife Madness #1

Magical Midlife Dating #2

Magical Midlife Invasion #3

Magical Midlife Love #4

Magical Midlife Meeting #5

Magical Midlife Challenge #6

Magical Midlife Alliance #7

Magical Midlife Flowers #8

Magical Midlife Battle #9

Magical Midlife Awakening #10

Magical Midlife Rescue #11

Magical Midlife Rogue #12

Magical Midlife Conclave #13 – Nov 12,2026

Buy link

Magical Midlife Dating: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel (Leveling Up Book 2)

Blurb

She must learn to fly, but can she withstand the allure of the handsome new teacher?

The decision has been made. Jessie has taken the magic, and all the weird that goes with it. Including wings. There’s only one problem – she can’t figure out how to access them.

Through a series of terrible decisions, Jessie realizes she must ask for help. Gargoyle help.

But she could’ve never predicted who answers her call – he’s an excellent flier, incredibly patient, and a good trainer. He’s also incredibly handsome. And interested. Maybe flying isn’t the only thing she needs help with. Maybe she needs help getting back on that saddle, too, emerging into the dating pool.

Except, the new gargoyle is also an alpha, just like Austin, and the town isn’t big enough for two.

Turns out, flying is the least of her problems.

date

August 11, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

468 pages

Book 2 of 13

Leveling Up

Review: Goddess Shifting (Shifter Lords Book 8) by S. E. Babin

Rating:4.75 ⭐️

Babin has done it again and written yet another new favorite in this fabulous series! With each new book and additional storylines, this character of Evie develops into someone who is stronger, more confident in her own abilities, and able to move forward with a future that’s full of potential for love and happiness.

A very hard fought battle, one that’s still ongoing here.

Goddess Shifting sees Evie, with enormous support from her family and friends, make huge strides forward in healing the wounds and trauma from her past experiences, including her toxic relationship with Caelan.

Rowan, her father and mother, Moira ( who honestly needs a side story or two), and now an adoptive Chimera baby who plays a new emotional element between Evie’s trauma and in the ongoing battles with other species targeting Evie.

Rowan and Evie will go further in their journey, and this ends on a happy note. Love this story! It’s so well written.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords (11 book series):

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7

Goddess Shifting #8 – April 14, 2026

Final Shift #9 – Aug 26,2036

Shift Happens #10 – 8/26

Shifting Allegiance #11 – Oct 6,2026

Buy link

Goddess Shifting (Shifter Lords Book 8)

Blurb

When you strike a deal with the fae, make sure you read all the fine print…

After nearly draining herself to save Rowan, Evie has called off all training to get some much-needed rest. Once again, the universe has a field day with her plans.

Evie thought she was the last living female Chimera.

She’s wrong.

When a baby is dropped off at the shop, Evie has no idea how to react. As she searches for the parents, it quickly becomes evident the child is no human or fae. She’s full-blooded Chimera, meaning there are at least two others out there like her.

But why would they give her their baby? And why is Evie thinking about keeping her?

Talk about throwing a wrench into her already complicated life.

As Evie and her friends search to uncover the mystery surrounding the child, other forces swirl around them, attempting to unbalance Evie and derail everything she’s worked so hard for.

Once again, everything is changing, but Evie finally knows who and what she wants.

It’s time for a fae bargain, one Evie hopes will finally bring her into her destiny.

Will it be a happy ever after, or is this just the start of Evie’s final downfall?

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

April 14, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

267 pages

Book 8 of 11

Shifter Lords

Review: Ghostly Force (Ghostly #10 by E.M. Leya

Rating: 4🌈

Ghostly Force was interesting for several reasons, the first being it let many of the other terrific characters play the main roles in the murder mystery investigations, allowing for character development and more independence of character exploration for each of these people.

Our series main couple, Lance and Angus, end up sidelined due to a horrific event at the beginning of the story. It basically takes both out of the plot for most of the time, especially Lance. Although there’s a very interesting dramatic side aspect to this that involves Angus and Betty that’s threaded throughout the plot. I wonder if that will have further impact going forward.

Lance’s brother, Jackson returns from his deployment with his ghostly friend, Kel. A new addition to the ongoing series since he’s here permanently as is Kel.

The mystery is sad, and not very complicated. Two murders actually. Each has a realistic plot, and an unfortunate ending for the families that feels believable .

Ghostly Force has Lance and Angus taking an important step forward in their relationship. And, indeed, Leya seems to be setting in motion so many elements for new aspects of the series, that I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.

This isn’t your typical high suspense plot but one based on character driven development and overall community dynamics, even though some characters are ghostly.

Definitely recommend reading this!

Cover Art by: Annabella Stone

Ghostly series:

Ghostly Awakening

Ghostly Findings

Ghostly Envy

Ghostly Claus

Ghostly Target

Ghostly Hostage

Ghostly Death

Ghostly Dilemma

Ghostly Bother

Ghostly Force

Ghostly Grandma (coming soon) Ghostly Wedding (coming soon) Ghostly Canine (coming soon)

Buy link

Book 10 of 10: Ghostly

Blurb

When life explodes for Lance and Angus it’s up to Detectives Franks and Burns to find answers.

What started off as a celebration ends in an explosion that will change lives. Lance and Angus just wanted to welcome Jackson back to town, but the night is a catastrophic failure when everything goes wrong, leaving everyone wondering what happened.

With people dead and many others injured, it’s up to Detectives Franks and Burns to put the shattered pieces back together and figure out how an evening out ended in tragedy for so many of Fairway’s residents.

This case is personal, and Franks will do all he can to find answers and bring justice for those he is closest to.

E.L. Publishing

Publication date

April 12, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

262 pages

Book 10 of 10

Ghostly

Review: How To Tell If Your K-9 Is A Demon by Trista Ricketts

Rating: 3.25⭐️

How To Tell If Your K-9 Is A Demon by Trista Ricketts is the first book by the author and it’s a cute little story. If you like the cover, then you have a great idea of what the story is about.

The author wrote a note telling the reader what prompted her writing this book, and I remember that meme. It was a good one.

The story about a K-9 officer who inadvertently adopts a demon made dog as part of his punishment is pretty cute. However, the writing doesn’t really live up to the potential of the theme.

The demon dog doesn’t really act like a rescue dog but like a demon in a dog’s body, carrying out duties and activities a rescue animal wouldn’t be able to perform. And the K-9 Officer, Chuck, isn’t bothered by the fact she’s got a paranormal being instead of a rescue dog.

This happens almost immediately into the story. Would have been more interesting had the dog and Chuck had time to develop a relationship and working partnership. But no, immediately into a bond and recognition process. And there’s a pug who watches daily tv with them who appears to be something else.

There’s a mystery about Chuck’s dad, a police officer who died while on duty, and Malachi who has been charged by his own hellish command with corrupting Chuck’s soul. Which is never believable. A golden retriever is more believable in this role than Malachi.

It all works out in the end. Cute and happily funny.

The reader will be able to know what will happen from page 1. It’s cute but predictable. If this is something you enjoy, then grab it up.

Cover Art: White Rose Publishing Service

Trista Ricketts notes:

“In 2025, I was lurking in a social media forum for lovers of Fantasy and Romance books. Someone posted a picture of a female police officer kneeling next to her K-9, a solid black dog who was “smiling” for his photo. The caption read, “Imagine you’re running from the police, and you hear ‘Fetch me his soul’, then you turn and see this.” The person who posted it commented they would love to read that book. A lot of other people chimed in saying the same. I commented and said, “I’ll write it!” Now I wish I had saved that post so I could thank that person for the prompt because otherwise, Malachi might have been adopted by someone else.”

Buy link

Blurb

She went to adopt a K-9 partner.

She did not mean to adopt a demon.

Officer Kelly “Chuck” Charles thought choosing her new K-9 would be straightforward.

Obedient. Loyal. Not possessed by ancient evil.

She was wrong.

Her new K-9 partner growls in dead languages, smirks like he’s plotting world domination, and reacts to holy water like it personally insulted his ancestors.

Because Malachi isn’t just a dog.

He’s a centuries-old demon trapped in a canine body — morally black, dangerously clever, and very annoyed about it.

The problem?

Chuck doesn’t know any of that yet.

She’s just a cop trying to survive long shifts, bad coffee, and a partner who may or may not be judging her soul.

She definitely doesn’t know she’s part angel.

And she absolutely isn’t prepared for the supernatural chaos headed straight for her life.

When a well-meaning witch gives Malachi his body back, everything goes from “weird dog behavior” to full-blown celestial disaster.

Redeem him.

Banish him.

Or fall for the demon who was never meant to have a heart.

How To Tell If Your K-9 Is A Demon is a laugh-out-loud paranormal romantic comedy packed with:

Accidental demon adoption
Snarky banter and slow-burn tension
A morally black demon with opinions
A strong female cop who didn’t sign up for destiny
Celestial Hijinks

If you love paranormal rom-coms with heart, humor, and just enough hellfire — this book will have you laughing, swooning, and side-eyeing every dog you meet.

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