A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon

by Sarah Hawley

Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side—and she kind of doesn’t want him to?

Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon—one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain.

Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. But his reputation has suffered ever since a bargain went awry—if he can strike a bargain with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. Ozroth can't leave Mariel's side until they complete a bargain, which she refuses to do (turns out some humans are attached to their souls).
 
But the witch is funny. And curvy. And disgustingly yet endearingly cheerful. Becoming awkward roommates quickly escalates when Mariel, terrified to confess the inadvertent summoning to her mother, blurts out that she's dating Ozroth. As Ozroth and Mariel struggle with their opposing goals and maintaining a fake relationship, real attraction blooms between them. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she'll lose all her emotions—including love—which will only spell disaster for them both.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

Mariel Spark has been told she needs to do better her whole life. She needs to get better at her magic. She needs to do this. She needs to do that. Nothing is ever good enough for her mother. Or the prophecy supposedly lingering over her head.

All that pressure is sure to be released in unexpected ways. Perhaps that is why Mariel accidentally summoned a demon while trying to summon flour (yes, you read that right). Cue chaos and romantic pursuits.

My Review:

I've heard so much about how funny, delightful, and charming A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is. After finally picking it up and trying it, I must tell you all those comments are spot-on.

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is as witty as it is charming. The characters are a delight, though I sometimes wanted to bundle Mariel up and protect her from her family. (Site note: some people may find the controlling behaviors and comments toward Mariel triggering, so keep that in mind!).

While the romance is so much fun, I wish they had leaned a little heavier into the grumpy/sunshine trope. Yes, Mariel fits its sunshine side very much, but Oz could have been (adorably) grumpier. Though he does slide right into the protective bear type, that's cute.

I had a lot of fun while reading A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon, and I'm so happy to see that it's part of a series. I wished we got to see more of the friends, but it looks like they're all probably going to get their own book, so I'm now thrilled.

Highlights:
Paranormal Romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Witchy Mayhem

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 19 November, 2023: Finished reading
  • 19 November, 2023: Reviewed