Thank you NetGalley and Boonie Doon Press for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

What a cute book! Seriously, if you are in the mood for a cozy, low spice witch/vampire themed romance this book is a great choice. The chapters are short so it reads very quickly (I finished it in a day). I would’ve liked the setting to be a little more descriptive but I just used my imagination to fill in the blanks.

This is book 2 in a series but it easily stands on its own. When you meet the characters from book 1 the author sums up their story pretty quickly so you don’t feel like you’re missing anything.

4 stars…great for reading on cozy Autumn evenings!

I haven’t read the first book in this series - but I received a copy of this one via netgalley and I LOVED it. I was nearly late to work finishing it, which is saying something because I try to be 15minutes early.

From the very start of Emma and Alaric’s fake relationship (if not before it begun), you could tell there was something between them, that they were destined to be more than “coworkers”. The ending for this book is so perfect.

Even the rival, Lily, doesn’t end up being so bad (in fact, there is only ONE character in this book that I don’t like.)

Linsey Hall has a unique take on vampirism, which is refreshing.

Anyway I loved this and want book one now!!

Posted on goodreads. Will post on instagram on Monday at 12 BST.

This story was so unexpected. I loved every page. Witches and vampires were just the backdrop, their romance tells it all. Read this!

Quick Summary: A charming, forever found, supernatural rom-com

My Review: How to Fake-date a Vampire by Linsey Hall is installment two in the Charming Cove series.

About the Book: When a seemingly clueless witch in search of a coven to call her own has an accidental encounter with a vampire duke with an attitude, strange things begin to happen.

What Makes This Book So Appealing: From humorously meeting her familiar to faking a partnership to experiencing a dreamy HEA, Emma was a delight. Alaric was nothing to sneeze at either. He was dark sexy with an air of mystery that made him that much more appealing. And let's not forget Penelope. She stole the show. This special, little community is tops.

My Final Say: I absolutely loved, loved, loved this brand of magical goodness. The story was everything I needed it to be. I am completely enamored with Charming Cove. Keep the books coming, please!

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: 💎
Series: Yes

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Bonnie Doon Press), and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own and have not been influenced by the aforementioned in any way.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️.5
Tropes: Dislike to love, Reluctant allies, fake dating, slow burn

I’m a sucker (no pun intended) for a fake dating trope, but you throw in vampires and witches and I am on BOARD.

Emma is working hard to make sure she can take her rightful spot amongst the Aurora Coven and takes her chance when she’s tasked with organizing a place for the Beltane Ball. Emma thinks she knows the perfect spot – the home of the Duke of Blackthorne, but unfortunately for her every time she encounters the duke, their interaction has gone spectacularly badly. Thankfully the Duke needs something from her too so they strike a deal, Emma will be his fake girlfriend in exchange for the use of his estate for the ball.

This book was funny, sweet, and the perfect book to get into the Autumn vibes. I loved Emma and watching her grow from someone who was unsure of herself into a confident witch. Her familiar Penelope was easily one of my favorite characters and it’s devastating to me that I don’t have one for myself. I want Penelope in my life!

Duke Alaric (I just love the name Alaric) is rightfully reclusive and suspicious of any outsiders but watching him learn to rely on and trust Emma was so wonderful! I adored him and will always fall for a grumpy man who will do anything to protect his loved ones.

This was a fantastic cozy rom-com and the perfect way to start the spooky season. Thank you so much to Linsey and Netgalley for an ARC provided for my honest review.

3.3 Stars
One Liner: Nice but not great

Emma Willowby is an outsider in Charming Cove and has only one chance to prove her worth. She makes a deal with a Vampire Duke, Alaric, to use his estate to host the Beltane Ball. In return, she agrees to be his fake girlfriend for his grandmother.
They have ground rules, of course. However, Emma cannot afford to fall in love with him and lose her anonymity. But what does the future have in store for her?
The story comes from the first-person POV of Emma and Alaric. Emma has a larger share.

My Thoughts:
The book is a standalone and can be read without book one. Though we have Aria in this one, she has only a minor role (with a paragraph of backstory). Oh, little Catrina appears too!
The writing is easy to read, way too easy at times but works well if you want something lighthearted. The pacing is decent, too.
I found the first-person voices hard to distinguish in book one. While that aspect is slightly better here (I still got confused in a couple of chapters), Alaric’s characterization seems to have been a lost opportunity.
Alaric being a vampire is another disappointment. Negating all popular vampire myths is fine as long as we are provided with something else to remember that he and his family are vampires. However, apart from adding a dash of donated blood to their champagne and martini, there’s nothing vampirish about them. It seems like having a human sounded ordinary, so we have a highly humanized version of a vampire. Sorry, but that’s lazy.
Emma is decent and someone I should root for. Yet, she appears judgmental in quite a few instances. Also, the repetition of her opinions (without additional information) makes her sound whiny instead of someone who needs to be loved and cherished. The emotional quotient just isn’t there to feel for her.
The magical elements are well done. I like the concept of revelation sticks and joy batteries. I’d have liked it if the party was a little more elaborate.
Penelope the skunk is Emma’s familiar. She is the highlight of the book. Just like Aria’s Boris, Penelope has a smart mouth and is a treat to read. Yeah, both familiars have almost human-like thoughts and actions, but I don’t mind since they make the book better.
Third-act breakups are not mandatory in romance. But if the book insists on having one, it should not be half-baked and bland. This one feels like a summarized version. And she forgives him so easily! Ugh.
The ending is cute and has HEA, so that’s something. However, I liked book one a lot better. The town and the magic in that one were interesting, even if the romance was a bit fast-paced.

To summarize, How to Fake-Date a Vampire is a steady-paced and lighthearted small-town witchy romance. Don’t expect much, though (not even vampires).
Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
******

How to Fake-date a Vampire by Linsey Hall is a quick, light rom-com novel with witches and vampires. I enjoyed reading it. It felt like a good palate cleanser in between intense reads. The cover is gorgeous. I would have liked a bit more emotions but overall it was a good story.
It's a second installment in the Charming Coven series but you don't need to read the first one to get into this. Although it is suggested as it always feels good to get a peak of your pre-loved characters in a new story especially in a paranormal one.
Read it if you like-
Vampires and witches
Fake dating romance
One-bed trope
Animals as familiars
Witchy community
Found family

Synopsis- Emma Willowby is an orphan who has just started to make her own place in the witch community of Charming Cove. To make her an official head witch, she needs to plan an annual Ball which is crucial to their inner workings. To make it a success she needs a venue which can wow everyone. And where else than the magnificent manor of the sexy, handsome vampire duke of Blackthorn Manor, who needs her to pretend to be his fake girlfriend for the sake of his ailing grandmother. They make rules for this fake dating act and obviously they break it one by one.

Things I loved- It was a fun and very light read. I loved the magic element in this. There were no intense emotions or scenes. The feeling of community and family ties were strong. I loved Alaric’s family, especially Vivian. She was adorable and fiery at the same time. And I absolutely loved the British charm that Alaric delivered. The setting was pretty fairy tale-ish all with magic and a Ball and magic and animals and magic😛. It can be a good palate cleanser in between your more intense fantasy and fiction reads.

Things I didn't love- The title should have been ‘How to fake date a Duke’. It would not have made any difference whatsoever if Alaric was to be a werewolf instead of a Vampire. Emma was also more worried about him being a duke than a vampire. The main characters felt a bit shallow and their connection lacked depth. I was a bit more intrigued in Vivian’s story and I would have loved it if it was explored more. The third act breakup felt forced and so is the patch-up. I would have liked a little bit more groveling.

Overall I loved it more so for the magical element. I would suggest it to anyone who wants to have a quick read with witches, vampires and other paranormal beings.

This might be the cutest book I have read this year. Like this was SO STINKIN CUTE I CAN'T GET OVER IT. Huge thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC, this was a new author and a new type of genre for me. And I was so impressed. Like sooooo impressed. The writing was absolutely outstanding, some of the best I have read. I never felt bored or that the writing was dull. The characters were so dynamic, a vampire and a witch - how much more magical can it get?! Even the side characters had their quirks and were super charming. I'm definetly going to have to check out the rest of the series as well as other works by this author. I cannot say it enough - the writing was FANTASTIC. I had a smile on my face the entire time.

4.5 Stars / 0 steam

"Wait are you serious?" "As an overboiling cauldron"

I'd been struck dumb the last two times I'd seen her, and this was no different. It took a conscious effort to get my tongue to work.

"I feel like Belle in Beauty and the Beast." "That would make me the Beast, then?" "Exactly". He shrugged, "if the shoe fits."

I was so excited to receive my e-arc from Linsey Hall for her second book in the Charming Cove series! How to Fake Date a Vampire is available today on Kindle & Kindle Unlimited! This series is so fun! Charming seaside British town, magical familiars, lovely fun banter, faking dating, planning a ball, and swoon worthy sexual tension and romance! This cozy magical read is the perfect kick off to the fall season. These interconnected books can be read as stand alones!

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. :)