Step into the zany, supernatural world of The Accidentals, where ordinary women stumble into extraordinary paranormal adventures! Dakota Cassidy’s beloved series blends paranormal romance with chick-lit flair, delivering laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt friendships, and a fresh spin on supernatural tropes. With 11 books published and a 12th on the horizon, The Accidentals has carved a cozy niche for fans craving witty, female-driven stories.
Picture this: a dental assistant turned vampire, a cosmetics rep morphing into a werewolf, or a caterer trapped in a genie’s bottle. Each novel tosses its heroine into the paranormal deep end, making for a delightful mix of chaos, romance, and camaraderie. Let’s explore how this quirky series came to life, its standout stories, and why it’s a must-read for paranormal romance fans.
How The Accidentals Began
Dakota Cassidy, a USA Today bestselling author known for her comedic touch, launched The Accidentals in 2008 with The Accidental Werewolf. Inspired by her love for humor and larger-than-life characters, Cassidy crafted a world where paranormal mishaps are as common as coffee runs. Her goal? To create stories that balance steamy romance with laugh-out-loud antics, all anchored by fierce female friendships. The series, originally called Accidental Friends, grew into a fan favorite, with each book introducing a new heroine navigating her unexpected supernatural fate.
Cassidy’s knack for witty dialogue and relatable characters set the stage for a series that’s as much about personal growth as it is about paranormal hijinks. Drawing from her Texas roots and passion for “big hair” and humor, she infused The Accidentals with a vibrant, down-to-earth charm that resonates with readers.
The Heart of The Accidentals
The series kicks off with The Accidental Werewolf (2008), where Marty Andrews, a cosmetics empire hopeful, is bitten by a stray dog and transforms into a werewolf. Suddenly, she’s dodging kidnappers and sparring with Keegan, the alpha wolf who’s equal parts infuriating and swoon-worthy. The plot’s mix of suspense, humor, and romance sets the tone for the series’ signature style.
In Accidentally Dead (2008), dental assistant Nina is bitten by a vampire patient, waking up with fangs and a sailor’s mouth. With her friends Marty and Wanda by her side, she navigates her new undead life while clashing with the handsome vampire responsible. The Accidental Human (2009) follows Wanda, who grapples with mortality and a rekindled romance with Heath, a vampire with secrets. Later, Accidentally Catty (2011) introduces Katie, a vet who sprouts a paw after a cougar scratch, teaming up with the OOPS (Out in the Open Paranormal Support) crew to solve a mystery.
Set in vibrant locales like New York and New Jersey, The Accidentals weaves themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of friendship. Cassidy’s heroines are spunky, flawed, and fiercely loyal, often forming a tight-knit trio that shines through every story. Her humor—think sassy quips and pop culture nods—pairs with steamy romances and light suspense, making each book a breezy, addictive read.
Why The Accidentals Resonates
The Accidentals has won hearts for its unique blend of paranormal romance and chick-lit, offering a refreshing antidote to darker supernatural tales. Fans praise Cassidy’s ability to craft relatable heroines who grow through their paranormal predicaments, supported by friendships that feel like family. The series’ OOPS agency, introduced in later books, adds a layer of purpose, as the heroines help others navigate accidental transformations.
With over 34,000 Goodreads ratings averaging 3.9 stars, The Accidentals has built a loyal fanbase that cherishes its humor and heart. Cassidy’s influence extends to the paranormal romance genre, where her lighthearted approach and focus on female bonds have inspired readers to seek out similar stories. As the series continues, its legacy lies in proving that even accidental heroines can find their place in a supernatural world.
- Publication Years: 2008–2025 (ongoing)
- Number of Books: 11 published, 12th forthcoming
- Genres: Paranormal Romance, Chick-Lit
- Notable Award: RT Reviewers Choice Award (related to Cassidy’s broader work)
Dive into The Accidental Werewolf and let Marty, Nina, and Wanda sweep you into The Accidentals’ hilarious, heartfelt world of paranormal romance!