Title: A Witch's Guide To Fake Dating A Demon
Author: Sarah Hawley
Genre: Fantasy Rom-Com
Publisher: Gollancz / Orion
Pages: 400
Release Date: 9 March 2023
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Hello fellow book lovers! I'm back today with my review for A Witch's Guide To Fake Dating A Demon by Sarah Hawley, a deliciously witchy, paranormal rom-com that’s bursting with humour, whimsy and plenty of steamy romance—I was hooked!
Synopsis
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.
Review
I LOVED this! It was such a fun and thoroughly entertaining read that witchy romance lovers are guaranteed to enjoy. The magical world building was really rich and I loved the vast variety of magical beings and creatures we encounter. From naiads and centaurs to pixies and werewolves there is soo much (magical) diversity. And getting to explore how they all live together (and at quite close proximity) within the fairly small community of Glimmer Falls was really rather interesting.
But of course, the main draw was our utterly adorable witchy protagonist, Mariel and her scorchingly swoon-worthy, romance with the broodingly sexy Ozroth.
Sarah Hawley has done a spectacular job at crafting such emotionally complex and three dimensional characters I couldn’t help but love (and root for).
Mariel, our FMC is such a kindhearted and chaotically inquisitive character who practically radiates sunshine. She’s also pretty sensitive and wears her heart on her sleeve, so her scenes with her mum (and the merciless put downs about her competency and magical abilities was super heartbreaking to witness.)
However, I did love seeing her grow in confidence and learn to overcome her insecurities— especially when she stopped caring what everyone else thought, focused on herself and learned to accept herself and her powers as they are (whilst becoming an absolute badass in the process.)
Ozroth, our MMC was just as loveable as Mariel in all his grumpy, dramatic and overly protective glory. I absolutely loved how sweet and marshmallowy he was once you get past his ferocious, tough guy exterior.
The banter was really good, and not just between Mariel and Ozroth! I adored the hilariously witty back and forths between Mariel’s mum, Diantha and Mariel’s (super ancient) great-great-great (by a lot) grandfather, Alzapraz. Trust me, his dialogue is pure sass and I’m certain he only lives to torment Diantha.
Overall, a witty, feel good fantasy romance that fans of Erin Sterling, plant magic or the fake dating/ opposites attract tropes definitely don’t want to miss.
And with the teaser we get for (Mariel’s bestie) Calladia’s book, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of A Demon’s Guide To Wooing A Witch.
Also a huge thank you to Javerya over at Gollancz for this absolutely stunning proof copy.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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