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A review by natashaleighton_
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
A deliciously witchy, paranormal rom-com that’s bursting with humour, whimsy and plenty of steamy romance—I was hooked!
It follows Mariel Spark,prophesied at birth to be the most powerful witch in generations. The only problem is, she’s absolutely terrible at spell-work and much prefers gardening magic over the flashy spells her mother favours.
But when a spell goes wrong, Mariel inadvertently summons herself a demon—and an unbreakable soul bargain.
Now the demon, Ozroth the Ruthless (who is a legend among his kind) can’t leave Mariel’s side until she agrees to sign over her soul, otherwise he’ll be stuck with her forever—something neither of them wants.
With Mariel now stuck with a demon for a roommate and a family who already see her as a disappointment, she knows she can’t tell them about her mistake. Instead Mariel announces that she and Oz are dating as they both try to find a way the break the bargain.
And the more time they spend together, the more their attraction grows. But Ozroth is on a deadline, and if he succeeds in his goal he’ll damn Mariel to a life without magic or emotion and doom any chance they have at a relationship forever…
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.
It follows Mariel Spark,prophesied at birth to be the most powerful witch in generations. The only problem is, she’s absolutely terrible at spell-work and much prefers gardening magic over the flashy spells her mother favours.
But when a spell goes wrong, Mariel inadvertently summons herself a demon—and an unbreakable soul bargain.
Now the demon, Ozroth the Ruthless (who is a legend among his kind) can’t leave Mariel’s side until she agrees to sign over her soul, otherwise he’ll be stuck with her forever—something neither of them wants.
With Mariel now stuck with a demon for a roommate and a family who already see her as a disappointment, she knows she can’t tell them about her mistake. Instead Mariel announces that she and Oz are dating as they both try to find a way the break the bargain.
And the more time they spend together, the more their attraction grows. But Ozroth is on a deadline, and if he succeeds in his goal he’ll damn Mariel to a life without magic or emotion and doom any chance they have at a relationship forever…
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship