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.

** spoiler alert ** *ARC Review*

This was such a cute read! It had just the right amount of detail in the beginning. I find that sometimes, specifically with paranormal romance the detail/world-building can be too heavy which is not always enjoyable. (I really only enjoy heavy world-building in epic fantasy.)

The story and their relationship progressed at just the right pace as well. Emma the FMC is a witch, and she is new to the town. She is trying to make her way to being an official witch in the town's coven and along the way she happens upon a duke who is also a vampire.

Little side note, there is way more witch content than vampire content but it didn’t bother me I actually liked that the author focused mainly on Emma.

They decide to fake date and inevitably fall for each other. This was a super light and fun read. It was pretty low on the angst, there is a third act break up but it was resolved very quickly and I would say Alaric really wasn’t that big of a turd. He also had the cutest grand gesture ever. Low spice but the chemistry was there the whole time and it didn’t subtract from the story.

If you love a good paranormal romance and are looking for something light hearted this is for you! It honestly helped me get out of a pretty big book slump!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
The review is also now live on Goodreads

A really fun easy read. Loved the witchy coven bits but the vampires didn't seem very inhuman apart from the strange cocktails! The family based storyline was good and I enjoyed reading it as a light-hearted fantasy romance.

Beautiful, sweet and absolutely magical. I've read this in one stand, impossible to put down. I loved this book.

This cozy low stakes romance with enchantingly witchy vibes is a perfect read for the start of the fall season.
Emma, a witch living in Charming Cove has several embarrassing run-ins with the handsome Duke of Blackthorn who has just returned to his family estate in the coastal town. When her coven holds a competition to see who can choose the best place to hold a very important event that would set the pace for the rest of the year, Emma asks the Duke a favor.. But he needs a favor in return. Though neither savoy is as easy as it seems. Emma faces scheming rivals, unruly ghosts, and even paparazzi. At least she has the of her sassy and adorable familiar.
The story is full of cozy romantic scenes, sexual tension with a beautiful backdrop.
I totally recommend for your next cozy romance read!!

How to fake-date a vampire by Linsey Hall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️

A witch (sunshine) x vampire (grumpy) fake dating relationship! Turn to lovers!! I’m here SO for it!

This book was really surprising, it’s definitely different to your normal vampire stuff which I loved!!!
All the characters were sweet, especially Lilly in the end! I got all the warm & fuzzies with this book & the ending was so sweet 🥹

I recommend giving it a read, it’s a nice & quick book with 228 pages!! I am gonna to be adding Linsey Halls first book in this series (Modern girls guide to magic) to my tbr.

Thank you Linsey hall & Netgalley for the arc
Happy reading 📖

Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn't influence my review. This book pulled me in with its tropes, and it didn't disappoint. However, I wish it was one person POV. I definitely recommend for you guys to read this book!

Well this was sooo magicly sweet! Such a feel good romance.
I love the trope of fake dating witch and vampire. I truly enjoyed this one...
But... The Third act break up thing - No! This book does not need that. And sooo insta love. I just needed more feelings for MCs.

And what happened to the Ghost?! The ending was little rushed. And there are a few subjects that left open, but still it was a very good book.

This is a fun, cozy fantasy romcom. It’s the second book in the Charming Cove series, but it can be read as a stand-alone.

Emma is a witch who needs to find a spectacular location to hold a gala so she can become a full member of her coven. Alaric is a vampire with an amazing mansion, but no desire to open it up to other people. However, he does need a fake girlfriend, so they strike up a deal.

Really enjoyed both main characters and all the secondary characters. Truly a found family for Emma (one of my favorite tropes!) And also… Penelope was fantastic!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for How to Fake Date a Vampire to come out August 31, 2023.

This was a super cute follow up in the Charming Cove series. I absolutely loved the first book, the Modern Girl's Guide to Magic, and this was a great addition to the magical world of Charming Cove.

This book centers around Emma, a witch trying to secure her place within her local coven. In order to earn her placement, she must successfully plan the important annual ball--an important witchy event where all of the yearly magic is gathered. She enters an agreement to fake date the local vampire duke in exchange for using his estate for the ball and romance ensues. Emma also has an adorable familiar, a skunk named Penelope, who I believe really carries the story.

While this is the second book in the Charming Cove series, it is a stand alone story. If you are looking for a cute, witchy romance with cozy vibes you'll probably really like this one.

About:Emma Willoughby is an orphan and part of the witches' coven. She has always wanted to belong somewhere and have a family. She finally gets the opportunity when the coven announces a contest to select the official witches. The contestants need to find an amazing place to host the party Nothing could be more amazing than the duke's garden though.
Alaric has recently broken up with his ex-girlfriend Katrina. His grandmother doesn't know that and she is coming back to his house to meet her.
Thus Emma and Alaric agree to fake a date but Emma is starting to find a familial connection in the Duke family and the Duke finds her fitting perfectly there.

Why should you read it?
*I would recommend this book to you only if you want a light read. If you are fine with things not making sense and just want a short and simple read then this is for you.

My review: The monologues were so repetitive I skipped most of them Nothing made any sense. The magic system was so flawed. You could do things as big as calling the dead back as ghosts and as small as hiding your face from the paparazzi. Everything was so convenient Emma never faced any challenges. The only saving grace of this book was Penelope the skunk and even she didn't feel like an animal She talked so much like a human it felt unrealistic even for some light reading.

Quick fun cozy read for the start of fall!

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

I absolutely adore the vampire and witch trope, the characters were so charming. I read it in a little less than 2 days, I couldn’t put it down!

Thank you Bonnie Doon Press & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion. My review on goodreads is published now.