Sarah Hawley returns with the second enchanting installment in the Glimmer Falls series, A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch, proving to be just as humorously delightful and romantically captivating as its predecessor. For anyone even slightly intrigued by fantasy or romance, diving into this series is an absolute must. It’s important to note, for those new to Glimmer Falls, that this book is a direct continuation from the first, A Witch’s Guide To Fake Dating A Demon. To avoid any spoilers, it’s highly recommended to start your journey there before immersing yourself in Calladia and Astaroth’s story.
From the very first page, I was utterly engrossed. While I anticipated enjoying this book after loving the first one so much, I was completely swept away by Calladia and Astaroth’s narrative, perhaps even more so than Oz and Mariel’s. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is expertly crafted, brimming with witty banter and genuinely entertaining dialogue, particularly from Calladia, whose penchant for bar brawls instantly made her a favorite character.
Considering his actions in the first book, I initially approached Astaroth with caution. However, his redemption arc, which begins with him stranded on Earth with amnesia and reliant on a reluctant Calladia, is surprisingly endearing. Hawley masterfully unveils a more vulnerable side to both Calladia and Astaroth, characters who initially present themselves as emotionally guarded and standoffish. The chemistry between them is undeniably electric and utterly addictive, making their interactions a highlight of the book.
Calladia’s assertive nature and zero-tolerance for foolishness is fantastic. I particularly appreciated the descriptions of her physical strength – Astaroth’s admiration for her “muscled calves” is just one example of this refreshing detail. More importantly, her pride in her strength is wonderfully portrayed. Given her complex emotional journey, particularly involving her mother and a past emotionally abusive relationship, seeing her self-assuredness is truly empowering.
Astaroth undergoes a significant transformation himself. Stripped of his powers and memories, the demon we initially loved to hate becomes almost unrecognizable. This evolution makes him significantly more likable, especially after his villainous role in the first book. We are granted glimpses into his past, exploring the motivations behind his earlier behavior, which I found genuinely intriguing and added depth to his character.
Delving deeper into specific plot points risks spoilers, but I will say this: if you are drawn to emotionally complex, morally ambiguous characters embarking on paths of redemption, then Astaroth’s journey in A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch will thoroughly captivate you. I was also particularly impressed by Hawley’s authentic use of British colloquialisms and humor for Astaroth. Many non-UK authors struggle to convincingly write British characters, but Hawley absolutely nails it, adding another layer of charm to his persona.
The romance itself is incredibly compelling. I adored that Astaroth’s initial attraction to Calladia stemmed from her physical prowess and ability to overpower him. Their interactions are comedic gold, and their romantic chemistry is gloriously intense, making for a truly unforgettable love story.
A special mention must be given to Astaroth’s mother, Lilith. Despite being a secondary character, she steals every scene she’s in with her hilarious antics and her AO3-obsessed fascination with NSFW Tudor Tentacle fanfiction. The contrast between her loving and supportive relationship with Astaroth and Calladia’s cold and emotionally manipulative mother is also powerfully impactful, playing a crucial role in Calladia’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Having eagerly anticipated exploring the Demon realm further, I was thrilled that this book offered precisely that. Yet, I remain equally excited to revisit Glimmer Falls and delve deeper into this magical world in the next installment.
A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch is unequivocally a must-read for fans of witchy, paranormal rom-coms. Trust me, you’re going to absolutely devour this book.
