Member Reviews
Straight on to my Physical copy to buy" list for February 25th!
This is the first book I have read by Amy Boyles and I enjoyed it immensely. Any time a book can keep me laughing out loud, the author is immediately one for me to follow
The concept is fantastic and tbh, I would love to have a bookshop where I could escape into the worlds within the books. Addison comes from a large family of witches, however she does not have any magic, a bit awks for someone in a witchy family and so when tragedy strikes her family, she is consigned to get wed and this, she is really not too keen on
Enter Feylin, the grupy cinnamon roll king of the Fey and Addisons betrothed. Equally reluctant, he is also getting married to protect the legacy of his family.
Neither wants to get married, but neither wants to let the side down, so they decide ot fake their tryst and here, things get complicated
Boyles is an outstanding writer, combining drama and comedy with ease, creating a story that is unputdownable. This is a series I shall be collecting
Thank you to NetGalley for this awesome eARC. My review is given with gusto and of my own volition
"How To Fake It With a Fae" by Amy Boyles is a forced proximity enemies-to-lovers fantasy romcom book. Every Sarah J Maas and Holly Black fan would love it!
The book is about Addison, a magicless book-loving witch, and Feylin, the fae king. They are forced to be engaged due to a joined bond that occurred by accident. They have to go through four ceremonies in front of every witch and fae. They slowly fall in love, but will this love be enough when everything is against them? It has everything you want: love, humor, foreshadowing, twists, and a perfect cliffhanger.
This book is absolute perfection. I read it in one sitting and it is next to the Throne of Glass series on my book podium . I can't wait for the other books in this series, even though this book isn't out yet.
This was such a cozy enemies to lovers.
It gave Bridgerton meets a world of magic and I loved every second. I cannot wait to watch the rest of the sisters find their true love!
This was a fun little fantasy rom com! I did Like the main characters and I think It was a very fun story. It read super quick only took me a couple of sittings. So overall I enjoyed It and think it’s worth the read
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting me my first ever ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The title and cover really drew me in and when I read the description, I knew that I would love this book. This is a paranormal romantic comedy with a witch (who doesn't have powers) and the grumpy king of the fae. Addison is such a fun and relatable main character. She was very sunshine-y but never to the point where it was over the top. And her insecurities felt very real and something that a lot of folks will relate to. Feylin is a broody grump and I love him. Their banter and tension was phenomenal. You can definitely see how the author was inspired by other media (like Bridgerton). This book is a great homage to the romance books that have come before while being something new and interesting.
One thing I didn't love was an off-hand comment using the term "druggie". This might be a personal issue but I feel like words like that can have a negative connotation. While I don't think that was the author's intent, it did rub me the wrong way when reading. Other than that, I had a great time with this and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher, and Amy Boyles for the opportunity to read this amazing book!
“I didn’t catch your name.”
“That’s because I didn’t throw it at you,” I retort.
If this line didn’t sell you in this book immediately I don’t know what will 😂😂
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
How to Fake it with a Fae drops us right into Addison world as a witch living on the outskirts of witch society, and with humans because she never obtained the magic she was suppose to. But when Addisons wizard boyfriend drops an anvil on her head followed by a family tragedy… Addison has no choice but to go home. Once there more bad news awaits Addison when she finds out that her families magic is dwindling and the only hope to restore it is marriage. Too bad for her family, Addison has sworn off love and certainly marriage. In a twist of fate though Feylin, a man who Addison finds both attractive and infuriating may be the answer to all her problems… he needs a fake fiancée for his own personal reasons and agrees to fake it with Addie until they both get what they want.
I absolutely loved this story! Feylin and Addie had off the charts chemistry, and their banter/flirting was hilarious! I couldn’t wait to see what strangeness was going to happen next, from the crazy ceremonies to just their everyday life together! And watching them grow together, as well as their individual growth simply sold the whole story!! And the drama?! I couldn’t, I was in tears with the events that unfolded, and personally think a smidge more groveling would’ve been worth it!! I can’t wait to read more from this author though, I need to know what’s going to happen with Addie’s sisters!
If you’re looking for a funny, fantasy romcom with a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, filled with fae magic, witches and wizards, shenanigans, betrayal, the perfect amount of spice, and so much more than How to Fake it with a Fae is your perfect next read!
HAPPY READING 📖
I would like to thank netgalley and Ladybugbooks LLC for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The writing is a little naive at times but once you get past this it's enjoyable.
How To Fake It With A Fae: An Enemies to Lovers Romantic Comedy by A Boyles, published by Ladybugsbooks LLC,
is book one in the Seven Suitors for Seven Witches.
Blurb:
A brooding fae king bent on revenge meets his match in this hilarious modern romance.
Book lover Addison Thornrose can match you with your next perfect read. Unfortunately, she can’t match herself with a good man. Her latest just dumped her. Worse, she’s learned that unless she marries, and quickly, her family will lose their witch magic—forever.
Feylin, king of the fae, has no interest in romance. In fact, the only thing he’s interested in is getting revenge on the Thornrose family because they ruined his life. So when he learns that they’re holding a Bridgerton style ball to marry off their oldest daughter, Addison, he sees an opportunity for vengeance.
But what Feylin doesn’t expect is to start falling for Addison. And worse, he really doesn’t expect it when ancient fae magic binds him to her so that they can’t be separated.
His solution is to strike a bargain—be in a fake relationship. Just until they can break the spell between them, and just until he can get his revenge.
For Addison, this is a dream come true. She doesn’t want to be pawned off to a line of suitors, and she certainly doesn’t want to be engaged. But between the spine-tingling fake dates and the tension-infused banter, lines begin to blur. And Addison begins to wonder when her heart will stop faking it and her feelings become real.
Bridgerton meets A Court of Thorns and Roses in this grumpy-sunshine romantic comedy that features a magical bookshop, a tight-knit family, sisterhood, and lots of laughter. It’s the first in a series of stand-alone romances.
A witty and fun read that had me in stitches at times. Well written, beautifully thought out.
Well I'm now an Amy Boyle's fan for life. Sign me up, send me the entire blacklist.
I loved everything about this book. Witches, Fae, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fake engagement, feisty FMC, magical books, umm more please. Im here for all seven sisters. Addison and Feylin are adorable together in this witchy Romcom. Feylin is the biggest burnt marshmallow. All crusty on the outside but super gooey on the inside how could you not love him.
Do yourself a favour and add this to you Tbr!!
Pretty much exactly what you’d think. Fell flat in a few places and didn’t always manage to finish what it started, but it was mostly fun!
I loved this fake dating paranormal romance! Amy Boyles is a new author to me, I’ll be waiting for her next book after reading this one!
Addison comes from a magical family but has no magic herself, much to her family’s chagrin; she runs the family bookstore and is able to match customers with the perfect book.
She’s just been dumped by her boyfriend due to her lack of magic. The family magic is getting low, and Addison or one of her sisters needs to find a spouse. The family decides to hold a magic ball where everyone can meet her.
Feylin is the King of the Fae, living in an old castle in town. The fae and the witches are wary of each other. He met Addison at the bookstore, so when he sees her ex harassing her he steps in as her fake boyfriend. However, he somehow calls on ancient fae magic and suddenly he and Addison are bound together. They must go through a set of fae ceremonies prior to their marriage, which is a problem for a fake relationship!
The plot is very entertaining and I loved all the different characters, 5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
“Every part of me wanted her. I wanted to own her completely, brand her with my body, fill her and hear her moan my name.”
"So basically I'm in a fake relationship with a fae. I'm faking it with a fae."
"Addison." My name sounds sacred as it drips from his lips. "You are driving me out of my mind."
Amazing, wonderful, magical, funny and addicting!!! This book was all these things and more !!! A fantasy romance book with fake engagement, true love joining, witches, fae, spice, magic, forced proximity and enemies to lovers !!! I had the time of my life reading!! It was a refreshing book after a bit of dark books I went through and I’m so glad I did read it at the time I did!!! Addie is the first of six sisters only she is the only one without powers. When her family finds itself on a verge of losing it all, she has to marry. Only she is not expecting to fall and arranged a fake engagement with the fae king, Feylin, who despises her family but is also looking for a wife to make his lords happy. This book was made of betrayals, secrets, balls, tension, frustration, collaboration and a desire sparkling between the main characters, impossible to hide! Their story was so good to read and I honestly found myself more intrigued and invested in the story the more I read. And I genuinely can’t wait for the next one on this series !!!
"You have changed me, and for once a fae myth is right. I didn't say it when you mentioned it, too soon and all, but we believe that a joined couple signifies true love, and I've come to believe that."
"Because if this isn't true love, then true love doesn't exist."
"You, Addison Thornrose, you have wrecked me,"
Witches. Wizards. Fae.
This was a simple but cute read. I think both of the main characters were written well so the book kept my interest. I loved the element of magic in this story.
This is one of my new favorite books! First time in a while that I have finished a book in one day. I highly recommended this to my reader friends! 5 stars 100%!!!!!!
Netgalley arc
I really enjoyed the different style of writing, for someone who reads lots of fae books it was very refreshing.
I devoured this in less than 24 hours!
Addie is a witch with no powers in a family full of powers, she is forced to marry to carry on the magic of her family.. but is it that simple?
I don't feel it was very enemies to lovers as some other reads , probably more forced proximity?
Overall I really enjoyed this book 5*
4/5 stars! I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. I found it to be a nice quick read. How To Fake It With A Fae is book one of a new series. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series. This book is released February 25, 2024. Thank you Ladybugbooks LLC, Amy Boyles and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
The best advice I can give before reading this is to go into this story thinking it will be a silly enemies to lovers romance. It’s full of goofy metaphors, pop culture references, everyday slang in a modern day setting. This comedic romantantasy features witches, wizards, and fae with royalty and a fun big family feel. There’s a bit of world building, but I can see it being more complex in future books. It’s feel good quick read that features a little spice and miscommunication twists. The ending opens up into many more sequels, which I’d pick up if I was looking for a light hearted read.
I think this story is a cute start to a series. When I remembered to not take it too seriously, I enjoyed it much more than when I was analyzing it for a review.
A solid 3 ⭐️'s
ARC received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Any book I start is a three star and then I will at and. subtract so let's to some maths.
Start:
The beginning was a fun Ell Woods moments and. I loved it +0,5
Plot starts well Addie is getting a. bit whiny and starts to get on my nerves -0,5
They meet and Feylinis saving it a little bit +0,25
Addie gets more and more annoying -0,5
The plot and story. is not working and predictable;-0.5
End score = 2,25
Well it was just such a boring book and I was so close to DNF'ing it but my kindle said I had an hour left so I just powered through and finished it to make a rounded review but it was a struggle.
Addison was ...29 years old. I had to keep reminding myself about that. While I LOVED the grumpy/sunshine that just radiated from this, I had a lot of difficulty understanding why 2 adults couldn't talk about their feelings with each other. I don't mind the missed-communications trope, but I was tired by the end. However, I just love the idea of Addison's world and I think about lost it at the twist towards the end. I really enjoyed this overall.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
3.5
This is a pretty fun rom-com!
I struggle with romantasy books as I find they don't fulfil my expectations as a fantasy, nor as a romance. By leaning more heavily into the romance side of things and opting for a very soft magic system in an urban fantasy setting, Boyles has hit the mark for me.
The heart and soul of any romance, for me, is the chemistry between the two leads. At the start, I found it a little difficult to buy into. Addie and her love interest immediately engage in verbal sparring that, at times, feels immature. As the relationship develops and we spend more time with the characters, they're able to engage in a more meaningful way on the page. Once this happens, the real sparks start flying.
The story kicks off with Addie being summoned home after the death of her beloved grandmother. I expected to see grief on the page. But right after Addie gets the news, we meet Feylin, and the narrative focus shifts to signal that this is the love interest and that he's a bit of a babe. This felt out of step with what had just occurred a mere scene earlier. This disconnect continues throughout, reducing the grandmother and her death to a narrative device.
The second is something some readers are fine with, but I rarely enjoy: miscommunication. There are several instances where Addie refuses to tell Feylin something for seemingly no reason. Most of these are small, and are perhaps used as a way to get the reader used to her poor communication when it becomes more important to the plot, but unfortunately that didn't work for me.
I also struggled with the rules around the family magic. It seems that all daughters are required to get married and have children to preserve the family's power - this struck me as unnecessarily heteronormative. Perhaps I've misunderstood how the magic works, but I couldn't help but think what if one of the daughters was a lesbian or asexual? There are seven of them, so the odds aren't bad that one might be queer. This isn't something that impeded my enjoyment of the narrative but it did catch my attention and make me wonder how it could have been done in a more inclusive way.
The spice is good! I don't know for chilli pepper ratings (perhaps a 2-2.5?). There are only a couple of on pages physical scenes, but Boyles does an excellent job of creating sexual tension. You're just dying for them to hurry up and get together.
Overall, this was fun! It's easy to read and does what it sets out to do. If you like romcoms and don't mind the miscommunication trope, give How to Fake it with a Fae a go!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.