I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was definitely cute but didn't really stand out from the crowd of contemporary-cozy-romantasy. There just wasn't anything gripping, you know?

I will be posting a review of this on my Instagram @bookrecs_bysara (linked below) within the next two weeks. This will be posted before Saturday 9/16. I will add the review to my Goodreads as well. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information.

I haven't read the first book in this series, but I would imagine you can jump into this one fresh just fine! It's a very sweet, light supernatural book about an aspiring official witch and a vampire duke teaming up to fake date so they can each accomplish a personal goal. There is some very light spice (almost entirely fade to black), and it's akin to a Hallmark movie, albeit with witches and vampires. All in all, a fun, cosy read! 3 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

"How to Fake-Date a Vampire" is as an endearing contemporary romance woven with intriguing fantasy nuances. At its core, it unites Emma, an aspiring witch on a quest for coven membership, with Alaric, a vampire duke yearning to conceal his single status from his sharp-eyed grandmother.

The story unfolds as Emma seeks the perfect venue for the annual coven gathering, ultimately setting her sights on the grand estate owned by the enigmatic duke. Yet, a steadfast policy bars anyone from entering his estate. Herein lies the crux of their unlikely pact—Emma and Alaric forge a clandestine agreement that forms the cornerstone of their secret sham relationship. As the tale progresses, the veneer of their feigned romance begins to waver, plunging them into a whirlwind of emotions that challenge their resolve.

This book calls to those who revel in romance narratives and are intrigued by fantasy elements. It's a blend that, while charming, occasionally stumbles in its cohesion. The juxtaposition of contemporary references, like the mention of "Breaking Bad," with the fantastical realm felt somewhat disconcerting. The convergence of these two worlds seemed to create an unintended friction, momentarily taking me out of the immersive experience.

The heart of the story—the blossoming romance—remains the driving force. It blooms with a sweetness that radiates from the pages, capturing the reader's heart. As Emma and Alaric navigate their charade and the burgeoning feelings that accompany it, their journey becomes irresistibly endearing.

This is a delightful romance read, a fusion of genuine affection and fantastical intrigue. While some elements might momentarily disrupt the seamless blend of the contemporary and the fantastical, the undercurrent of romance remains its most alluring aspect.

This was an unputdownable, foot-kicking, giggle-inducing good time!

This book follows on the same path as the first - low stakes, high enjoyment romance. The spice level is lower than the first which may open it up to a wider audience. It was truly delightful, all around.

I took a star off my rating because I found that the issue that I had with the first book was found here as well - the pacing. I found the first 75% went at a nice medium pace, kept me hooked, and also let me settle into the story and characters. But then the last 25% sped right by, everything was all happening at once and I felt like I wasn't able to sit with the characters as all of these big changes were happening - we rushed from one to another to another. I would have liked this book to be an extra 50 pages, I wanted to experience the big plot points with the characters more.

BIG love for the animal familiar in this book, she is my favorite so far!

While the characters from the first series were mentioned and involved in this one, you certainly would not need to read that book first. All characters were still introduced as if they were fresh and you wouldn't feel like you had missed anything if you read this book first.

As I said in the first book's review - I can't wait to read more in this series! It will become one of my favorite cozy fantasy romance series.

Big thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!

"She drew me to her like the sun, and I was a helpless planet in her orbit."

This is a cute, heart-warming, fake dating (obviously) romance about a young witch who is just trying to find a sense of belonging and people that she can call family. I loved this.

I adore these characters. Emma charmed me (pun intended) the moment she blurted out "It's not poo." to the Duke of Blackthorn. After growing up orphaned and in the foster system, her deepest desire is to have a family and I wanted so badly for her to find it. I was really glad that we get to know the MMC better in this one. I genuinely enjoyed Alaric and seeing not only how much he grows to care for Emma, but how attached he is to the memory of his late mother and how much he cares for his grandmother. There isn't much to do with him being a vampire. It's just mentioned a few times that they drink blood with their dinner, but he is otherwise a normal guy (except for being a Duke).

Penelope. I was so happy to find out that Emma has a familiar (since Boris was my favorite character in the first book). Penelope a skunk who loves sparkly things, compliments, and may have a thing for our badger friend, Boris. I never thought I'd want a cute little skunk following me around, but now I do! I also loved Alaric's grandmother. Vivian is a very cool grandma. She's a pool shark who likes binge-watching TV and getting everyone else drunk on her martinis. But she's also the kindest, most welcoming soul and I loved seeing her and Emma fall in love with each other at the same time that Emma and Alaric did. "You don't need to be with my grandson to be family."

The Romance I thought the fake dating was excellent in this book. Neither of them was really leagues ahead of the other in developing feelings, and it happened so naturally. The pace was perfect, starting with some chaste cheek kisses (it's giving that Mr. Darcy hand-flexing vibe) and leading all the way up to some moderate spice. There was a miscommunication break-up near the end, but I didn't find it that annoying because it didn't last long.

I wanted to be with her, despite it all. That was the one thing that was driving me mad that week. I still wanted to be with her.

I wasn't expecting for this book to pack an emotional punch, but it did. It's probably because I live far away from my family and miss them a lot. Seeing Emma's longing for a family fulfilled in Alaric and his grandmother made my heart warm. She even finds more family within her coven, with the most unsuspecting of people. "But we're still a coven. That's like being family. And in a family, you always love each other, but you don't always have to like each other." It's such a joyful ending seeing Emma absolutely surrounded by people who love her and knowing that she'll never feel alone again. And the way that Emma uses her special gift at the end... it made me tear up a little.

This is a standalone, so you don't need to read the first Charming Cove book to know what's going on. However, they do have several cameos from characters in book #1, since they're all part of the same community.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

This review will be posted to Goodreads on 8/30 and included in Instagram content (_bookish.brittany) on 8/30 and 8/31. It will be posted to Amazon and Barnes & Noble on release day, 8/31.

How to fake-date a Vampire is a cute contemporary romance with fantasy elements. Emma is a witch hoping for membership in a coven, and Alaric is a vampire duke who wants to hide his single status from his grandmother. Emma needs the best space in town to host the yearly coven party, and the duke's estate is by far the best option; the only issue is that the duke never allows access. The pair make a deal that they must keep secret, even as the fake part of the fake dating becomes a struggle to maintain.
How to fake-date a Vampire is a great read for those who love romance novels and like the idea of it having fantasy elements. Some of the contemporary elements felt awkward to me, especially with these fantasy elements. I just don't know if I want the TV show Breaking Bad mentioned on the same page as real-life vampires. I also think the background information on the characters and the world-building could have been smoother. These were minor issues for me; they did take me out of the story a little, but the romance plotline was what drove the story and was very cute, and the book was overall a fun romance read.

This book is a fantasy rom-com and is an wonderfully easy book to read.

The story follows a witch, Emma, trying to become an official member of her coven by hosting the annual ball that supplies them with magic for the next year. However, the best location in town happens to belong the the reclusive vampire duke who represents everything Emma hates. While he is reluctant to let her use his estate for such a big and public event they strike a deal, she can use the grounds if she agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend in front of his ailing grandmother. It shouldn't be that hard, should it? When one of the only rules is not to fall for him it seems that perhaps this wouldn't be such an easy bargain after all.

As they prepare for the ball, with things not going as smoothly as hoped for due to rogue elements hindering progress, they each learn more about one another, making things more difficult for the pair as they strive not to give in to temptation.

It is a cute story with lots of whimsical elements. At times I wished that the writing had been stronger as it felt a little underdeveloped, and the promise of vampires was overstated as the vampires within this don't really fit the usual vibe.

Devoured this book this morning it was such a fun read! This books fast pace and intriguing story line made it impossible to put down!

This follows the character emma willowby who is given a chance she can’t turn down, a chance to organise the Beltane ball. Emma knows she has to find the most spectacular place to hold the ball when she chooses Duke of blackthorn’s house she never expects to make a deal with a vampire. Emma can use the dukes house if she will fake date the duke…what can go wrong?

Emma is an apprentice witch who has been tasked with planning her coven's Beltane Ball. If she fails, she'll be kicked out of the coven. In a bid of desperation she makes a deal with a vampire duke - he'll allow her to use his estate property for the ball if she agrees to fake-date him to make his grandmother happy. She doesn't want a fancy life, just a family who loves her; he's not looking for a relationship after a sharp betrayal. But what if they're both exactly what the other needs?

Pros:
I enjoyed this one quite a bit more than the first one! The first one was more of a fun, hallmark story, but in this one I actually got invested in the characters and the plot! I loved Alaric and the relationship he and Emma had, and the pining was wonderful! Possibly just as good was the found family aspect! I'm a sucker for strong family relationships and this book definitely delivered. Overall, it was a fun, heartwarming read, while also sucking me in enough to care (I even teared up a little!)

Cons:
While I feel Ms. Hall's character and plot work have gotten better in this installment, the writing is still clunky occasionally, and the dialogue can be stilted and awkward. The first 20% also worried me, as it felt very similar to the first book. I had started to think I was going to read the same book over again.
I will also warn that if you come to this story looking for vampires... look elsewhere. I love me a good vampire romance but this was just not it. Other than adding blood to their cocktails the vampires might as well have been human. No fangs, no magic, nothing. I wouldn't have minded if the book had stated he would be human, but vampire is literally in the title. I was disappointed.

Overall, I think if you're looking for an easy, fun, fall read this would be very good! I would definitely recommend! And I'll be continuing with the series if she writes more.

I received an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Oh my gosh. I don't have enough words to describe how absolutely delightful I found this book. It's kind of a sillly romance but I absolutely loved it anyway and I want to read more by author Linsey Hall about this magical world she has created. :)

Such a cute romance! I absolutely loved Emma and the duke! This book will definitely be added to my list of “ spooky” reads during October and the fall season! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC

3.5/5.0

This story is a light easy romp, perfect for those times you don’t want to think too much, but enjoy a bit of fun. The writing is smooth and easy with a touch of humor - not the laugh out loud kind but the sweet and smile kind. No slapstick here, rather the situations, themselves, lend the story a lighter tone.

The plot employs the much overused trope of fake relationships in a fun, if not altogether unique, way. Alaric and Emma are both kind and sympathetic characters that are very easy to like. I did have a real problem with the lightning fast switch in character that came from both near the end of the book, however. First from Emma who, throughout the book was adamant that she didn’t want the life Alaric could give her. Now, we all know that would change, but it happened only pages after her once again repeated insistence - and with absolutely no explanation to why! Then, the same thing happens to Alaric. He makes an assumption and stubbornly sticks to it, then one comment from his Grandmother and he is a completely different person. It gives a reader whiplash, I tell ya! And, unfortunately, leaves the reader baffled and a bit disappointed. I won’t even get into the the weird house thing at the end. It is almost like the author wanted to quickly wind things up, create a fairy-tale ending and just be finished.

That being said, that fairy-tale ending was sweet and it did leave a happy smile on my face. It was just a bit of a mystified smile. Overall, I would still recommend the book - especially if one is just looking for an easy and entertaining escape for a few hours.

It's an extremely lovely romcom with plenty of cozy elements that are currently trending: good witches, small town and cottagecore vibes, even some slight rejection of certain aspects of aristocracy. It reminded me strongly of current trends not only in romance, but also in cozy games for women gamers.

The main characters are sweet and relatable, but the secondary characters really shine, particularly his family. I loved Vivian and Penelope!

My only critique is that I find the book too willing to please just about anyone. Commercially, of course, it's a sound strategy, but it makes it less memorable in general, and I feel it hobbles its own ability to make an emotional impact. There is spice, but barely. The heroine doesn't like dukes nor billionaires, but she does enjoy luxury enough for readers who want that kind of fairytale. There is drama, but it's not fully explored. And so on. I would have loved to see more depth, because I feel the author can pull it off! But mildness is also a virtue, and it was very enjoyable overall.

Thank you so much for the ARC, it was a good read!

How to Fake-Date a Vampire is the newest book by Linsey Hall and also the second part in the Charming Cove series. This book however can be read as a standalone within the series. As you might already expect from the title, this book is about fake dating. I was drawn to the cover and title itself and was curious about what this book would bring. What will I think of this book?

Faking it with a vampire duke—easy, right?

This year it is Emma's change to prove she is worthy of her wand to her coven. However in order to be able to prove it, she must be chosen to host the Beltane Ball first. With Lily as her competition, who has the perfect spot for the party already, it will be difficult to be chosen. Her only hopes are on the Blackthorn Estate which means making a deal to the vampire duke. It seems simple, Emma pretends to be his girlfriend as a show for his grandmother and she gets to host the party at the estate. Simple, right? But what if one of them develops feelings for another? Can they keep their fake dating a secret? Will Emma be chosen to host the Beltane Ball?

Can I just say I really love Vivian? She is one of the most wonderfull and charming characters I've ever come across in a book. I really wish I knew someone who is like her because she is amazing! I also really love Penelope who has a great sense of humor and I just love her whole attitude.

However this story really isn't about them. It is about Emma and Alaric. They are both really nice characters as well and are both dragged into fake dating because of a misunderstanding. However it does soon becomes clear that there might be more to it, than it seemed at first. I really loved everything about how the relationship between these characters is worked out.

Linsey Hall is an amazing author! How to Fake-Date a Vampire is super charming and I adorded every single part of it. I really am curious about the first part in the Charming Cove series as well after reading this book. Everything about the storyline just adds up in this book. If you're looking for a book with romance, strong family bonds, humor and much more? I would recommend reading How to Fake-Date a Vampire for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnie Doon Press and the Fantastically clever Linsey Hall for an arc e-copy of this book in exchange for a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐⭐⭐.75/5 Stars

As soon as I saw the this book available I knew I wanted to read after thoroughly enjoying the first book in this companion series.

We are following Emma, a witch, and Alaric, a vampire, (love that name) as they fake date for various reasons.

It was nice seeing them interact with Alaric's family and getting a found family for Emma outside the coven.

The animal side kick in Penelope the Skunk was amazing (Cant beat Boris the Badger though).

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to dip their toe into a fantasy romance book, with a very easy magic system to follow and lovely relationship.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press, for sending this book my way in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 🙏📚

I was intrigued by the premise of this book, which involved fake dating between a vampire duke and a witch. I found it hilarious and original, and I loved the familiar who was cute as hell. However, for me, the romance didn’t work. I felt that the relationship was rushed and then stalled, and I didn’t feel the connection between the characters. I wanted to see more chemistry and more development of their feelings.

I stayed until 87% of the book because I was curious about the vengeful ghost in the garden and the secondary characters, but I couldn’t finish it. This is just my personal opinion, and other readers might enjoy this book more than I did. I hope to see more from this author in the future, especially more depth and emotion in their romance stories.

This is a cozy witchy vibes story that is perfect for the start of fall season. It’s beautiful and magical, but not my favorite sadly. 😔

I recommend this book to people who like fast paced romances with fake dating and witchy magical vibes. 🧙‍♀️🧛‍♂️💕

A cute, cosy, light contemporary fantasy romance.
I loved Penelope, she completely stole the show for me!
This is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy, cosy read with a dash of romance and plenty of magic.

I really enjoyed this book! It's fairly lighthearted but there were some moments that made me tear up. It's the second in the series but you can definitely read it as a stand-alone. Penelope was an absolute delight! I look forward to reading more books in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bonnie Doon Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Bonnie Doon Press!

Exactly the easy reading cozy witchy romance I was looking for.

3.5 ⭐️

I was looking for a cozy read to keep me on my current reading streak while also letting me take a break from more complex topics and world building and this story delivered just that. I highly enjoyed reading the first book in this series, so I knew it was likely I’d enjoy this as well.

This stand alone novel in the Charming Cove series centers around Emma Willowby, an apprentice witch with the Aurora Coven and still somewhat new witch in town of Charming Cove. Growing up an orphan, Emma wants nothing more to find her found family and to prove herself worthy of becoming an official with of her coven. So when the chance arises to plan the Beltane Ball to prove her worth, she’s jumps at it. One problem, she has to convince the town’s handsome, but distant vampire Duke, Alaric Blackthorn, to help. Little does she expect that he’ll have his one problem needing solved - with a bit of fake dating…

Overall I quite enjoyed this read. The plot was quick to start and easy to digest. The characters were fun and sassy. And the relationships were endearing and easy to relate to. It didn’t like this book quite as much as the first in the series, but I am quite glad to have read it still. Some parts that kept me from giving this story a 4 star rating included how fast the pacing and problem resolution was, especially toward the end. As well as the inclusion of a quickly resolved, low stakes breakup scene. But, in all, I had fun delving into Charming Cove again, and this time with a sassy skunk familiar to keep me entertained.

Thanks NetGalley for an ARC of this book.