A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
Published: March 7, 2023
Berkley
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 395
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Sarah Hawley is an author of romance and fantasy novels. She was a winner of #RevPit 2018, and her short stories and articles have been published by Hooked, Slackjaw, the Belladonna Comedy, and Points in Case. She cohosts the Wicked Wallflowers Club podcast about romance fiction, which was featured on Entertainment Weekly. Sarah has both a BA and an MA in archaeology.
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.
“Feeling things isn’t a weakness.”
Mariel comes from a long line of powerful witches. And her mother never lets her forget that or the prophecy that claims Mariel will be the most powerful witch in centuries. Except she isn’t, Mariel can’t perform the most basic of spells without struggling. When she accidentally summons a demon, he only wants to seal the bargain. Her soul for whatever her heart desires. Except, Mariel doesn’t want to give up her soul.
This book was charming, fun, and sweet! I loved how this story flowed; the writing was endearing and kept my attention.
I loved Mariel. She was a relatable character, and I enjoyed watching her find her voice and power. Oz was a great leading man, and I loved his complex situation and what he brought to the balance with Mariel. Together, they were such a perfect couple.
The storyline was unique and exciting, and I enjoyed how this world was described. All the characters were memorable, and the side characters were well-placed.
This book was beautifully written, with powerful moments, passion, and a belief that anything is possible. I loved this story from the first page and could not read this book fast enough.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. The writing was divine, the characters heartwarming, and the magic sizzled. This book was the perfect rom-com.