while this book is part of a series each one features a new couple. I have only read this book and there were no spoilers to any other in the series.
There is nothing fresh with this story, if you enjoy the fake dating trope this book will prove enjoyable. it is lighthearted with minimal drama. The characters were okay but nothing to make it stand out from the crowd.
i received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was pretty good.
I found myself enjoying the fake dating of Emma and Alaric.
The banter was enjoyable and Emma trying to work her way up in her coven was entertaining.
I always enjoy the fake dating troupe.
It was a fun and enjoyable book

I'd like to thank Netgalley and publishers for providing me with a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book really had it all. A likeable cast of characters, a cozy environment, simple but fun lore for the "monsters" who are in this book.

It was a really delightful and easy read, keeping me engaged throughout. I also found it incredibly easy to hop back into the story even when real life took me away from it for a few days.

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read!

I wanted to like this, and I can see why others would like it, but sadly, I just really didn't like it.

The entire premise was very generic. Fake dating is a common trope (and possibly overdone), but I thought I'd enjoy a spin on the trope when supernatural elements like vampires and witches were mixed in. However, if you removed the supernatural elements, this book would have been almost identical, save a couple minor subplots about a ghost and Emma's familiar. I didn't see the point in Alaric's character being a vampire as it had very little bearing on his character development or the plot, and it actually almost never came up other than a couple of generic side comments. Was Alaric a vampire or just a regular rich guy?

The world-building was barely explained, so I didn't even really have a concept of what it meant to be a vampire or a witch in this world. Giving the story the benefit of the doubt though, it's possibly that the supernatural world-building elements were explained more in book 1, which I have not read, but if that's what happened, this really shouldn't be read as a standalone.

I didn't think the main characters had much chemistry, and I could not have cared less about the plot around the ball.

Overall, it is a fairly lighthearted and quick read though, so if you're reading it just for a standard fake dating story and don't care about the fake dating elements, you might enjoy this, but definitely don't pick this up just for the title or you'll be disappointed.

Also, be aware that this was more of a cozy fantasy book and kind of had the vibes of being a clean book, but it wasn't. That part wasn't for me, but this didn't impact my rating.

I love fantasy vampire books to death, and this just hit perfectly. I’ve not read anything from Lindsey hall before. so I was a little bit sceptical, but the writing style was easy to read. It was fun. It was fast paced. It had everything that I would want in a romance novel and especially in the spooky time of the year that’s just gone past and it was just spot on. I read it on Halloween and it was everything I wanted and needed to pick me up from Reader‘s slump

"How to Fake-Date a Vampire" by Linsey Hall is a delightful romantic fantasy that weaves magic, humor, and romance into an enchanting tale. The story follows Emma, a witty witch, as she enters into a fake relationship with Alaric, a charming vampire duke, to prove her worth to her coven. The book skillfully combines popular tropes like fake dating and found family, creating a fresh and engaging narrative. Emma's authenticity and determination make her a relatable protagonist, and Alaric's genuine nature adds depth to their budding romance. While the plot follows a predictable path at times, the story's execution keeps readers invested in the characters' journey. The book's minor shortcomings, such as quick resolutions and occasional corniness, are overshadowed by its endearing characters and witty storytelling. Overall, "How to Fake-Date a Vampire" is a heartwarming and humorous read, perfect for fans of lighthearted fantasy romance, offering an enjoyable escape into a magical world of love and acceptance.

thank to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy of the book. I really like the cover and the story is so funny, I really enjoyed it.

This was a cute, romance with fantasy element and plenty of witches.

I love the way @linseyhallauthor writes. There is just something so magical about it.
This is the second in the charming cove serie, although it can be read as a stand alone, I'd recommend you read book 1 as it's just as brilliant.

I love a fake dating, sexu vampire, cute witch love vibe.
I love the idea of having another moment with someone who is no longer here.

I started this around 5 hours ago and absolutely blitzed through it. A 5 star read from me.

This books is just the perfect book for fall and spooky season. I was so happy to share it with my friends and I encouraged them to all read it for their next book club when it gets released. I really enjoyed how this wasn’t a mortal girl fake dating vampire but rather the whole world was fantastical and our FMC was a witch!

I haven’t read something so cute and charming in awhile! I absolutely loved the humor and adorable banter between the characters. And who doesn’t love fake dating and rivals to lovers. I can’t get enough of the romantic tension. Great Halloween read.

This was a nice little treat that read like a hallmark movie. From the small town, fake romance, and a little ghost haunting.

Emma has never had a family and being apart of a coven would be a dream, only problem she has to fake date Alaric a vampire recovering for an ex girlfriend who broke his trust. The slow burn between Alaric and Emma blurs the lines in the best way providing the tension and friendship. While both Emma and Alaric keep their cards close to them, when they show up they really show up for each other! This is a small town romance, that kept me picturing a Hallmark movie playing. A little ghost from the past help add the magic the story was missing. I loved all the side characters who helped Emma along the way find herself and show her what family is!

Heat Factor: It’s medium/medium low on the rumpus scale, but decent tension and very sweet.

Character Chemistry: They clearly have it from the moment they bump into each other in a men’s room.

Plot: Emma is trying to establish herself in a coven located in a magical seaside town after a lifetime of looking for a family. Alaric is a Duke and a vampire still grieving his mother and doing his best to steer clear of people and being in the papers. When Emma gets the chance to join the coven IF she can plan a huge party, she strikes a deal with Alaric to use his estate, and hijinks ensue.

Overall: This is clearly one of those tender-hearted, binge-worthy series I’m going to be medium-term obsessed with.

Just in time for the most magical time of year, I present to you a witchy book with some light vampire flair.

In this engaging story we find Emma, who bounced around in foster homes after the death of her parents. Seeking a family, she’s moved to a seaside magical town on the coast of England where she’s been working on establishing a life for herself for two years. In this magical world, covens are like law firms, where you have to prove yourself as an apprentice and be invited to fully join the coven once you’ve shown you can be a productive and valued member. When the opportunity to plan a critical party to benefit the coven arises, Emma jumps at the chance.

Alaric is the Duke of Blackthorne, and he’s a vampire. Here’s the thing–Alaric is kind of like a vampire in name only. They eat food, they drink martinis, they just add a splash of blood to their drinks and call it a day. He also trots around during the day and they don’t actually live forever. To be totally honest, I didn’t really care. The witch component was way more interesting and I think having Alaric as a full-blown vampire would have detracted from Emma’s story. But without even looking at Goodreads I can guess paranormal aficionados will be some degree of aghast at this choice. And it did give me pause—why not make him a human? (Then you’d have to explain why he lives in a magical town.) Why not give him more vampiric traits? (Because this is a pretty light/warm book and I think it would really change the fundamental feeling of the book.) I do wonder if I should be more bothered that Alaric is only sort of a valid vampire but let’s be realistic—it’s a duke book and dukes in this day and age are also kind of superfluous so I rolled with it.

Anyway, they strike a deal to be in a fake relationship in order for Emma to be able to pull off a ball, and for Alaric to make his beloved grandmother happy—only from the very beginning it’s clear Emma and Alaric have a deep connection. This is why this is such a feel-good book—there’s no inner torment, they aren’t anxiously seeking proof the other person feels the way they do (and those books are fun too, don’t get me wrong)—they just immediately care for one another and have constant fizzles of chemistry.

The other reason this is such a feel-good book is because of the tertiary characters. Perhaps partially because this is a series, and also because of the world building at play, Emma’s friends and Alaric’s family members are well-developed and have strong connections with one another. It’s got the same feel as watching your favorite camaraderie-filled tv series.

The tension in this book is pretty light, coming from primarily Emma’s coven and the pressure to pull off the ball—but early on it’s pretty clear that all the characters are pretty reasonable and chill, so it doesn’t ever feel like Emma is in too much danger. Alaric’s eventual momentary freak out is also pretty predictable, but it didn’t really bother me because of all the little side shenanigans going on.

Honestly, I’m absolutely going to read the whole series. I’m a sucker for books that have vivid and well-built worlds, and this is one. (If, of course, a vampire eating a nice curry doesn’t send you through the roof in frustration.)

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

I love Charming Cove and I wish it was a real place I could settle into. Linsey Hall writes of a magical world that brings all of the warm fuzzies. In How to Fake Date a Vampire Emma is trying to become a full coven member and gets sucked into a small competition with her biggest rival of the apprentices. She ends up winning, but that means she has to deal with vampire Alaric on a regular basis. Alaric is the one that proposes the fake dating scheme, which is always one of my favorite tropes. Emma and Alaric are such a cute couple!

My only issue is the fact that Alaric was a vampire was pretty irrelevant to the story. He got blood from an outside source (that I don't remember well how that was described), he can be outside during the day, etc.

I could not put this down the romance the fantasy it's such a cosy cute book I love this so much I'm so glad I got to read this

This was a cute, romantic fantasy with plenty of witches and magical moments. I really enjoyed Alaric, Vivian and Penelope. Emma was a good main character, but I wished to know more background. I know cozy reads usually don't go into details, but I would've liked more history and world building on Alaric and vampires in general and the magic that keeps the magical community of Charming Cove hidden. At times I had to just suspend my questions and blindly accept to enjoy.

The plot of this one seemed a lot better paced than book one, which was enjoyable! The third act break up was a little rushed, but realistic enough. I enjoyed reading about the ball and the relationships that Alaric had with his family who all pitched in to help pull it off! It was nice to hear from Aria again soon. My biggest complaint is that the orphanage didn't come back into play. I really thought that it would come first circle and it never did.

All in all, this was an enjoyable cozy read and I give it 3 stars! It's worth a read if you like magic and romance books!

I love me some fake dating and this book delivered. The characters are all well developed, I enjoyed the light-hearted read, the plot keeps moving the story along at an even pace.

A grumpy sunshine ROMANCE??? With VAMPIRES?? Sign me up!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was such a light, quick read that kept me interested the whole time. I loved the village that this book is set in, it was easy to imagine
1

I really enjoyed the first book in the Charming Cove series, so I was looking forward to another book from Linsey Hall.
This romance takes place in a magical village in England where you encounter a number of fun background characters, which definitely gives Gilmore Girls vibes.
Our female main characters is immediately charming and relatable, which makes it easy to get invested in the story from the first chapter.
We slowly creep into the perspective of the male main character, which is a fun way to introduce him and then change what the reader's thoughts are about him.
I love fake dating in romance books and this story definitely delivered on that front.
I really enjoyed the found family component to this story as well. It was really heartwarming and endearing.
I did enjoy the first book in this series a bit more, but this was absolutely an enjoyable read. I'm really hoping we get more books in the Charming Cove series!
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

I’m a huge fan of everything Linsey writes and this is no exception, this had the perfect mix of romance and fantasy , I loved the fake dating plot, it’s so fast paced and addictive. I really loved that it was set in Cornwall one of my favourite places and as always Linsey writes such brilliant characters , a thoroughly engaging read

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an arc in exchange for my honest review!

Rating 3 stars

I love vampires and romcoms, so when I saw that this was both, I had to jump on the opportunity to enjoy this book! It was perfect, low stakes, and had lots of good moments that kept me going. Though, I will say some of the plot kind of fell through, I still enjoyed it, especially in the fall. Perfect easy spooky/cute book to have!