This was a super cute quick read! Personally I love the Vampire x Witch trope and these two were just adorable together. Maybe a bit too insta lovey for my liking but for those that love sweet and fluffy it would be perfect. I also loved the little familiars the witches have, I thought they were really sweet.
I think the one huge drawback this book had for me personally is how un-vampiric Alaric is, there is probably 3 mentions of blood throughout the entire book and no contributing factors depicting him as a vampire at all. Emma on the other hand is depicted very well as a young cutesy witch going through her training.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for honest review.

This book contained the least convincing vampire I've ever read on paper. The casual mention of blood mixed with liquor a couple of times is essentially the only thing that even remotely alluded to the Duke not being human.

While this story was told in the same universe as the previous book in the series as there was a cameo from a former character and the setting is technically the same town. This didn't feel like a sequel at all, magic didn't even seem to work the same way as it did in the first novel.

For some reason this book just didn't hit the mark for me. The writing felt stilted and a bit too cheesy, I overall liked the characters, but it was a predictable read.

Even better than the first book in this series of standalones, I enjoyed diving into this paranormal romance with my favourite trope - fake-dating! The way these two characters were dancing around each other was delightful and I was completely hooked on their chemistry throughout and the amusing interactions between the pair - goat interactions especially. It was nice to see them both opening up to each other though I felt as though Emma didn’t share as much as Alaric did, and we seem to get to know more about him than he does about Emma but he’s an interesting character with some serious baggage hanging over him (the trust issues kind) which give him depth and open their romance up to some drama. The Beltane Ball was a great way to bring these two together, and to give Emma chance to get to know Alaric’s family, as well as throwing lots of obstacles in Emma’s way. She’s a powerful and clever witch and she definitely shines here! A fun and suitably angsty fake-dating romance that you’ll no doubt love.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

Linsey Hall is a new to me author, and this is a fun take on the fake dating trope with witches and vampires, and a good laugh. It had very little spice, which was a disappointment for me, but the book itself was pretty good. The was only 1 explicit scene and it was short. It is a cozy, sweet romance for the upcoming fall season.

Emma is a young witch on a mission to become an official Coven member and finally have the family she's always wanted. Alaric is a reclusive, vampire duke who's been burned by women in the past. So when Emma gets an opportunity to plan the coven's annual Beltane Ball, she knows the only place worthy is the Duke's beautiful estate. Luckily for her, the Duke needs her for something too - to be his fake girlfriend. Oh, and there's also a humanlike, skunk familiar to contend with.

This is a mostly sweet (one short, explicitly spicy scene, although not extremely detailed) romantic comedy. It's got an awkward and adorable meet-cute, a witch on a mission, a lovely found family aspect, and a little drama to keep things interesting.

However, I think "A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Duke" would be a better title, as the vampire aspect was not a part of the plot aside from the odd blood-topped cocktail. The author made it clear that they weren't vampires like the movies or myths, they were basically rich humans.

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This book gave me all the cozy feels that I needed in my life.

Emma is the town witch. She isn't as powerful as the other witches in the coven. So, when the time comes for her to shine, she takes it. Host a Ball! It's not easy though since she has to come up with a better venue than her rival. And what better venue than the estate of Duke of Blackthorn.
The only problem is that the the duke doesn't like having so many people in his home but when his grandmother mistakes Emma for his girlfriend, he begs her to play along in exchange of using his estate for the ball.

I loved the cozy vibe that the author created with this book. My favourite thing about this book is hands-down Penelope. She's Emma's familiar and I absolutely adored her. (Is it weird to want to be like a skunk?) And I liked all the side characters. The family dynamic and the friendships made the book so wholesome.

I will say though that I did not like the third-act breakup. It didn't feel natural and was very unnecessary. It was as if the author wanted to write a third-act breakup just because every romance book has one but she couldn't properly deliver it. On top of that the reconciliation happened way too quickly and easily for my liking.

Overall, I really enjoyed it and if you're looking for a cozy, wholesome romance, definitely pick this up, especially during Halloween if you're someone like me who hates reading horror and would rather read a romance between a witch and a vampire.

Find the review on Goodreads, published on Aug 25

If you are in need of a cozy romance book with a healthy dose of paranormal, stop looking around and go pre-order How To Date A Vampire by Lindey Hall. I have to admit that I'm a little biased as I recognized myself almost instantly with the main character. Emma is clumsy, prone to accident, and just plain awkward at times. I stopped counting the number of times I locked myself out of my car. Unfortunately for me, I do not also have a hot, dark, steamy Duke living in my town who's also a vampire and single. Oh, and did I mention rich? In rich, sexy, mysterious, single vampire. (Cue my obsession for Damon in Vampire's Diaries.l Anyhow, soon Emma finds herself needing a favor from him, a favor he will grant in return of her pretending to be his girlfriend for a while. There's your forced proximity and the beginning of a cute like puppies in a basket love story. Be mindful that this is not a very spicy book. They will definitely do it a lot, just not in the book.

I fell in love with the characters and the book itself. Somehow, the pace is fast, so I didn't want to put it down, but slow enough for me to feel like I had known Emma and Alaric all my life. The story is funny and refreshing like a lemonade on a hot day. lts cozy and predictable while keeping you guessing on what's next. It will make you ask how come you have never heard of this author before and go look out at her other books. I, for sure, am definitely going to follow her closely from now on.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC! This story was very cute, a spooky tale meets Hallmark romance. The characters were likable and the slow romance was wonderful! I did get tired of hearing Emma swear by saying “oh, bum” though. And the one spicy scene in the book felt very out-of-place compared to the other parts of the book. Penelope was definitely my favorite character! Overall I’d recommend the book for anyone looking for a simple light-hearted romance with supernatural characters.

This is the second Charming Cove book. Charming Cove, a cosy magical place for a read. I’ve read and enjoyed both. You know what you are going to get before you start, but that’s not the point. I hope you, like me, will enjoy time in Linsey Hall’s imaginative magical romantic world, (where the girl/witch and the guy/vampire were always going to get together) and get to the end of the book just plain happy. Thank you to Bonnie Doon Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I enjoyed reading this light and fluffy love story. But i felt for myself it was too light. The whole he's a vampire, but really that means nothing. She changed all the vampire rules and left the witchy rules. I would have preferred a vampire with a darker side.

The story follows Emma and Alaric as Emma tries to put on the very best Beltane Ball. The characters were cute and I loved Penelope. Oh my goodness she just sounds like the cutest familiar I've ever read about. The writing is great and sucks you in from the get go. The chapters were short and I love how the chapters are split on POV's so I can read what everyone is thinking.

I did feel like the ending was a tad rushed. Maybe there were too many things going on there was a brand new conflict that I didn't think was necessary. I did enjoy the reading and I missed the characters when the book was done.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press for this ARC! I really enjoyed this fake dating witchy vampire romance. It was super cute and fast paced! The banter was adorable and I loved the family aspects of the story.

This was my first read by Linsey, but I’ll definitely read more from her in the future!

So glad to be back in Charming Cove. I fell in love with Linsey Halls A Modern Girls Guide to Magic so I was eager for a follow up. They really are such cosy, happy hits of drama, magic and romance and I loved getting to know some of the new characters and additions to the Charming Cove series.

We follow Emma and her plight to become a permanent member of the coven but first she must prove herself. She takes on the challenge of arranging the annual Beltane Ball, and with a lot at stake, she can’t afford to fail. We have rivalry, friendship, found family and of course the hunky addition of the duke (Alaric, need I say more!) and the whole story was so compelling.

It was super fast paced, really satisfying and I loved the fake dating romance trope and the found family element. I also didn’t think anything could get better than Boris the badger in the first book but wait, hold on… there’s Penelope the Skunk who, in her diamanté bow, completely had my heart. Loved it!

Even though it’s the second in the series, it doesn’t feel essential to have read the first one to get satisfaction and enjoyment out of the second. You’re perfectly introduced to the world and the characters and there was little overlap between the two so they could almost work as standalone but set in the same cute, quaint little village. I would highly recommend reading the first though because it was great.

Hope there will be many more in this series because I love them and could read them all day! I read this is one sitting and I was hooked.

This book is amazing, it moves fast, and it surprises you. There's scheming, I don't even know what too root for, in the power bid, I don't know who to trust and who I should kill of slowly? Damn.

this was a really sweet witchy x vampire romance, i loved the found family and the fake dating. I think the 3rd act conflict was a bit weak and it was a bit too insta love for me, but it was adorable and anyone who likes fake dating and alot of fluff would enjoy this. thank you netgalley for the arc.

I am currently still crying while writing this. This was such a beautiful story that touched my heart deeply. And I'm sorry but Penelope is absolutely hilarious. I love the characters, I love the plot. I just love absolutely everything about this book. I giggled and cried and went through an emotional roller coaster. This book was so entertaining and fluffy and just perfect. I have no words for it. I just adore it. All of it. I started this book at 12:30 AM thinking I'll read a bit before I go to sleep... well it's currently 4:00 AM because I had to finish it. I was hooked from start to finish. I have nothing but praise for this book.
Disclaimer: I did receive this ARC through Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

What an amazing book. Heartwarming and full of magic. Alaric and Emma make you swoon in they’re not quite there but their romance. This book has everything: witches, vampires, magic, mystery, enchantment, badgers and skunks. A fluffy feel good romance that I couldn’t put down. A great read with page turning romance

I wasn't the hugest fan of the first in the series which made me hesitant to give this one a try. But it's hard to resist the siren call of the fake dating trope and I'm so glad I gave in.

Once again, the familiar (all the love to Penelope the skunk) steals the show but Emma and Alaric were adorable together. And although very instalove, it was fun watching them fight their attraction to one another.

If you're looking for a cozy, magical, low angst rom-com for spooky season, this will be a perfect fit.

The second book in the Charming Cove series. A witch must prove herself to her coven so she agrees to a deal with a vampire duke. She'll pretend to be his gf for his grandmother and he'll let her use his mansion for the Beltane Ball. Except they fall for each other...

It's a funny book. Love the LOL scenes. The characters are interesting and charming. Really enjoy this fun book.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

This was a super cute and quick read! I absolutely loved the first book in the series so I knew I had to read this book! Emma and Alaric were so adorable and I loved seeing their growth. It was also nice getting to see some of the previous characters! The best thing about these books is the Familiars! They are so stinking cute and hilarious! Overall this was a wonderful and cozy paranormal romcom and I loved it!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

Thanks to Bonnie Doon Press, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

This is the second book in the series, and the second one I have read.

Emma's an orphaned witch trying to make a mark for herself in town and Alaric is a Vampire Duke. The story is light and it's a quick read. At times the story felt a bit rushed and I think there was a missed opportunity in making Alaric a vampire but essentially a cream puff. It would have been nice to see a more dangerous side of him, since that's why people generally read vampire romances.

The familiar this time is a skunk, Penelope, and she's pithy.

Although I did enjoy the first book in this series, I found myself skimming parts of this and didn't find it as engaging.