“A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon” is a delightful and chaotic good read that blends witchiness with forced proximity tropes. It’s a fluffy, light story perfect for the spooky season. The book centers around Mariel, a nature witch, and Ozroth the Ruthless, a demon who finds himself in possession of a human soul. After Mariel accidentally summons Ozroth, an unbreakable attachment forms between them, threatening her soul and her magic. They become reluctant roommates, and Mariel must resist her growing attraction to the “demon-plane cowboy.”
Alternative book cover for “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon”, showcasing the characters Mariel and Ozroth.
Ozroth, with his newfound soul, becomes a moody drama queen struggling with human emotions. He’s an awkward and hilarious celibate sex god, a kryptonite for many readers. Mariel, on the other hand, is a strong and capable nature witch, using vines in badass ways. She handles the soul-stealing demon situation with a relatable lack of grace, making her a lovable heroine.
The initial dynamic of Ozroth trying to be a cold-hearted demon quickly evolves into him becoming a cuddly teddy bear. This shift creates some conflict, as Ozroth’s emotional journey and Mariel’s journey of gaining confidence overlap. There are moments where Mariel is harsh on Oz, which can feel like kicking a puppy, despite his initial intentions. As a reader, while Mariel’s assertiveness is appreciated, Ozroth’s vulnerability and willingness to take the blame evoke sympathy.
The external break-up catalyst feels predictable, leading to some eye-rolling moments. The miscommunication trope is present, but it could have been worse. Some plot points are resolved too easily at the end, but the reader might be ready to move on regardless. The story’s length, combined with the looming third-act breakup, can make it feel slightly drawn out.
The decision to reveal the fake dating arrangement to Mariel’s friends diminishes the impact of the trope. More fake dating interactions and a drunk demon scene would have enhanced the story’s enjoyment. The buzzed Ozroth scene’s abrupt end due to a fight is a missed opportunity.
Overall, “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon” is a well-written and unique story. The focus on the relationship between Mariel and Ozroth outweighs the external plot, but the witchy vibe is appreciated. It’s a promising start to a series, with a teaser for book two leaving readers eager for more.
The book earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, and 3 out of 5 chili peppers for its spiciness. The two explicit scenes and tension-building moments are well-written and fit the tone of the book. While some readers may find the scenes long, others may desire more.
A minor plot point in the ending raises questions, potentially to be resolved in future installments or through closer inspection of the audiobook. The cover illustration is considered underwhelming, as it doesn’t accurately portray the characters’ descriptions, particularly Mariel’s curvy figure. The alternate green cover is a better representation of the characters and their book descriptions.
