I don't even know where to begin with all the reasons I loved this book and why it is more than 5 stars. This author is so incredibly talented for the emotions she can evoke (I never thought I would cry during a sourdough making session that happened in a book but here we are). It is a perfect blend of cozy and deeply emotional, with spice.

The main characters are what blew me away with how complex and deep they are in a way where it isn't just a cute little kitchen witch and a shadow wielding demon in a whimsy winter town. (Don't get me wrong , I love the whimsy and the cozy baking, that's what it an auto-request for me on NetGalley) There are SO many layers to them that was breadcrumbed to us as the reader making it that much more of an emotional punch, hence all my tears lol. They also have such relatable flaws that really struck a deep chord with me, reason #52 this author is so insanely talented that she can create that with the exact right words.

The romance between Ark & Cassia has so much angst, YEARNING (all caps needed), chemistry, love, compassion, selflessness, kindness.

This book was just a perfect blend of everything I loved and I just know this book is going to be a tremendous hit. I am telling everyone I know to read it without a doubt. Thank you Enola for your brilliant creative mind, I'll be reading everything you have written and will write :)

Right, so I’m gonna need the next book ASAP. Genuinely, I adored this. The plot, the world building, the magic systems, the characters, the found family and relationships? No notes, everything was fantastic. I thought the pacing was perfect and the writing was descriptive without being overly flowery.

I really liked Cassia and Ark’s relationship, the progression felt very natural and the banter was top tier. Truthfully I just wanted more of everything, this could’ve been 1000 pages and it wouldn’t have been enough. I probably experienced every emotion while reading. Laughed? Yup. Cried? Oh yeah. Get angry? You betcha. Was shocked? Yes! And then that ending!? I’m so excited for the next book.

Okay, can someone explain why a book about a demon lord, a kitchen witch, fake engagement chaos and magical drama had me sitting here with the biggest “please don’t make me leave this world yet” feelings? This book was such a surprisingly comforting read. It had that perfect mix of cozy fantasy, romance, humor and emotional moments that sneak up on you when you least expect it. Cassia completely stole my heart. She’s the kind of character who carries so much kindness and strength even when life keeps throwing obstacles her way. I loved her warmth, her determination and the way she always tries to protect the people she cares about.

And Ark… excuse me while I scream into the void because this man (well, demon) is a walking green flag. Arkenoth could have easily been written as the intimidating demon lord, but instead, he surprised me with his patience, loyalty and the way he sees people beyond their status or bloodline. His dynamic with Cassia was honestly my favorite part of the book. Their banter had me smiling like an idiot and watching their relationship grow felt so natural and sweet. The world Enola M. Douglas created was another highlight for me. I loved the idea of different magical beings trying to coexist while dealing with old prejudices and complicated social rules. There was a lot going on beneath the cozy moments and I appreciated that the story explored heavier themes like grief, identity, family and finding your own place in the world without losing the magical charm.

The side characters were also fantastic. They brought so much personality, humor and heart to the story. The friendships, the found family vibes and even the little moments involving Starlight made this book feel like more than just a romance. Also… some of the creatures and unexpected little details had me saying “Okay, I love this place, when can I move in?”

If I had one tiny complaint, it would be that I wanted even more time with certain characters and parts of the world. I was having such a good time that I wanted extra pages to explore everything. Honestly, my biggest problem was simply that the book ended and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. This book made me laugh, got me emotional, made me root for characters I instantly cared about and gave me that cozy feeling of finding a story that feels like a warm blanket after a long day. It’s magical, charming and full of heart.

A huge thank you to Enola M. Douglas and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC before its release. I’m so grateful I got the chance to experience this beautiful world early and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

I loved this. I loved everything about this book and I cannot thank NetGalley and Enola M. Douglas enough for this e-Arc of Smoke, Mirrors, and Misdemeanors. Amongst the many reasons this was so good, the feeling while reading was like being wrapped in a furry blanket on a chilly fall day while drinking a spiced chai latte. Just a warm hug written on paper. This is a cozy (high-ish stakes) fantasy romance with found family, strangers to lovers (nice and spicyyyy), a whimsical fmc and down bad for her shadow demon mmc who also has his own found family. The main characters strike a deal in their own best interests and a beautiful story unfolds. Currently finding a way to contact the author to see when she’s coming out with a hard copy because I will absolutely be pre-ordering as soon as available. As fall and Halloween get closer, this will be such a nice magical autumn read upon release!

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing, and of course Enola M. Douglas for allowing me the honor of reading this book!

This book has everything! It was a breath of fresh air with characters that are funny, honest, and so lovable! I was on chapter two when I realized I would not be able to put this down. There was no miscommunication. Our main characters are nice to each other and not enemies at all (Not every book needs to be enemies to lovers)! The friendships and found family in this book are so beautifully written. There is community that is just so heart warming, it made me want to give everyone a warm hug. The book does go into serious topics of grief and sacrifice, making the book feel all the more honest and real.

As a cat lover myself, I cannot share enough praise for this book. I hope we find out more about Anuck in the next book. Knowing Enola has a cat named Don Julio is just the cherry on top haha

I will definitely be telling all my book friends to read this <3

I greatly enjoyed Smoke, Mirrors and Misdemeanours. While a cozy fantasy in some respects, it still had some darker moments and some romantasy-style steamy ones, so I think it straddles both genres and would make a great transition piece for readers looking to dip their toes from one style to another. Both Cassia and Ark were well-developed characters who grew over the course of the story. I enjoyed, too, the fact that their relationship progressed at a reasonable pace and didn't feel like insta-love or insta-lust. The side characters were also memorable and well written, even those that did not appear for long; they still all felt distinct and necessary to the story. The book concluded in a satisfactory way while leaving room for more, and it did appear a sequel is planned. I, for one, will definitely read a second book. I still want to know the truth about the maybe-cat Anuck! I am notoriously stingy when it comes to giving five stars, so at first I planned to give this 4.5, but when I compared it in my mind to other books I've given that rating to recently, this one came out well ahead, so I have decided to go all the way with a five star rating.

Fake marriage, shadow daddy, banter, magic, so many good tropes - yes. But so so much more!
I did not expect to love this book so much, I thought it was going to be full of clichés and derivative plot lines but it was so emotional, the characters were so well rounded, the romance was beautiful and the plot line was actually there getting me questioninghow this book was going to end!

Ark was broody but not in the classic emotionless, barely says anything to the FMC and then suddenly falls in love, he was a green flag from the start and still so interesting and swoon worthy.

Cassia was feisty but soft and warm. She baked/healed and put dumb men in their place; truly the queen of duality that I feel a lot of FMC often lack.

So putting those two together, a cute cat, a few spicy scenes and well built world (not too complicated but interesting and unique) together and it is the perfect recipe (😉) for a few late nights of gigging, kicking your feet and blowing off all responsibilities to eat up every word of this book.

Watch me hit a reading slump after this because it'll be a good while before I find such an enchanting read again.

No idea how I got a free copy of this book to read, it was too good! Can't wait to find a pretty hard cover of this read to grace my book shelves ❤️

Kindly received an ARC copy from NetGalley for an honest review

Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours by Enola M. Douglas

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

⭐ Witch x Demon
⭐ Fake Engagement
⭐ He Falls First
⭐ Allies to Lovers

I was pleasantly surprised by this book and would love to read more in this world! Every page of this novel is full of beautiful descriptions and care, I felt like I was right there with Cassia.

The romance between Cassia and Ark was so beautiful and intimate. Cassia is the sweet where Ark is the spicy, he also gave off "touch her and die" vibes. As the story progressed, I could feel the yearning and love these two had for each other. Cassia is determined to take care of others which shows in her ability to make sure others are fed, defend the orphanage, and making sure Ark knows he is cared for.

There were many scenes where Ark showed he cared for the children as well. One in particular he was intently listening to the child. This showed his human, loving, and caring qualities. This book is perfect for the cozy romance reader who enjoys a little spice!

Thanks again from NetGalley and Enola. M Douglas for my e-arc copy of this book. It is expected to be released on October 1, 2026!

**Review: *[Book Title]* ✨**

This was such a cute, cozy fantasy! It’s very low-stakes, whimsical, and full of fun banter—the kind of book that feels like a warm cup of tea on a cold day.

Aura is a kitchen witch who is trying to save the bakery and orphanage she’s built a home around, and when she crosses paths with Varil, the “Idle Prince” of the Demon District, they end up making a fake engagement deal that slowly becomes a lot more complicated.

The found family aspect was probably one of my favorite parts, and I really enjoyed watching Aura and Varil’s relationship develop. Their banter was so much fun, and there was enough obvious yearning and chemistry to keep me invested in their romance. It reminded me a lot of *The Spellshop* by Sarah Beth Durst, but I think I actually enjoyed this one a little more because the romantic tension felt more present throughout.

Overall, this was exactly the kind of cozy fantasy I was in the mood for—charming, easy to read, low-stress, and with a sweet romance at the center. If you love cozy fantasy, fake dating, found family, magical bakeries, and plenty of banter, this is definitely one to pick up!

Thanks to NetGalley & the author for a chance to review this arc! The cover is beautiful 🥹

Honestly, this was a super cute & sweet read. It follows Cassia, a kitchen witch who takes care of an orphanage & Ark, a demon who’s tired of people trying to force him into things he doesn’t want.

A powerful demon wants to shut down Cassia’s orphanage, so she confronts him & there she meets Ark. The latter just got out of an irritating conversation with the one shutting down the orphanage - so he sees an opportunity to piss him off.

The characters were really lovable and their romance progressed in a natural way. They had deep & meaningful conversations and genuinely wanted the best for one another. There’s a small communication issue around the 80% mark, but even if I hate this trope, I think it was the only time that it felt like it was handled correctly. Especially since they knew each other by then, so it wasn’t pushed too far. The side characters weren’t the most present, but I liked that the author included a child that sees more than he seems.

Family issues were discussed as it was something the mmc struggled with. There’s one conversation where the fmc tried to tell the mmc to basically ‘make an effort’ with his problematic father, and it didn’t sit right with me but his mother had that conversation with her a bit later on in the novel so I appreciated that it didn’t just sit there.
« A family should stay together.
- That depends entirely on the family. » well said.

The pacing was on the slow side and I do believe this could’ve been cut down but I still enjoyed this read nonetheless.

« You see, I’ve found that the happiest people are the ones who stopped asking where they came from and start deciding where they’re going. (…) - it’s not where the seed fell that matters. It’s what you do with the soil you’re given. »

I had SO much fun reading this! Cassia and Ark were such a fun pairing! 🥰

Tropes:
🧙‍♀️ Kitchen witch
😈 Demon MMC
💍 Fake engagement
🎭 Fake dating
🔥 Slow burn
🏡 Found family
☕ Cozy fantasy
🍰 Bakery setting

I loved watching their fake relationship slowly turn into something neither of them really expected. Cassia is such a sweetheart but she is also stubborn and determined, especially when it comes to protecting her bakery and the kids she cares about! Ark’s mysteriousness had me intrigued from the beginning! 👀

The cozy fantasy vibes were perfect! I especially loved the bakery setting, found family, magical world, and all the fancy galas mixed with their little domestic moments. The slow burn was SO good, and the chemistry between Cassia and Ark just kept getting better. ☺️ Add in demons, witches, secrets, and a fake engagement that starts feeling a little too real 👀 I was sold 😆

Definitely a 5-star read for me and I’m already excited for more from this world!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Pub Date: October 1, 2026

Thank you to the author (Enola M. Douglas) & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so cute and cozy! I absolutely devoured it! The world building was amazing and the character development was spot on. I adored the romance between our demon and kitchen witch. I cannot wait to read another book by this author! She made me feel all the feels.

This book was sooooo cute. Sometimes books are too cozy and I get bored but this one was just perfect! First of all I LOVE the fake dating trope its like my favorite thing and this book does it so well, you can just feel the yearning and tension.

The pacing might have been just a tad slow for me but I think it was still okay for me. And I just want to gush about the cover too, I really liked it and I think I will need to get this one as a shelf trophy. Great book, highly recommended!!

Instead of leaving a review, I want to write you a letter.

Dear author,

Unfortunately you ate with this and left no crumbs. I devoured this masterpiece.

I loved being in this world, the heirarchy, the dynamics—I’ve never read anything like it. I never knew I needed a book which felt like JUJUTSU FRIKKIN KAISEN.

I request you to write books for Opalina, Lilibeth, Rhodes, Cauis and Oromon. Please. On my knees.

Also…THIS NEEDS TO BE A KDRAMA I ACCEPT NOTHING LESS.

With regards,
Reader

What an adorably cozy and cute love story!

Think about the times you felt most cozy: perhaps a warm drink in your hand, swaddled in warm blankets, the chilliness of autumn gently showing itself outside in the color changes of the leaves - now imagine sitting down and reading this book feeling this way.

The characters connected on realistic levels - strangers who strike a bargain as each could solve the other's situation but find out through time that the attraction is mutual and on fire (there is some spice to be found within the pages here and there). The progression in their relationship felt natural and had me rooting for them throughout the entirety of the book. I also enjoyed some of the reversal of expectations of how certain characters act as tropes generally have them skewed in a different direction, bringing bouts of fresh air to story archetypes.

The world-building was a bit light but worked perfectly for the framing of the story, revealing enough to be the foundation of the plot but still leaving mysteries to be solved or thought about (how many different covens of witches are there? what do humans do with magical beings in their midst? etc.).

I went into this knowing it was going to be cozy to some degree, but I hadn't expected to devour it like a freshly made home-baked apple pie. I am eager to purchase this on release!

My Takeaways:
- a Kitchen witch making all the food and me now wanting all the food
- healthy friendships are beautiful to behold
- cute cute cute interactions
- I feel cozy all over and I blame the author

Thank you to NetGalley, the author Enola M. Douglas, and the publisher ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for giving me an eARC to read and review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this! The mix of magic, romance, humor, and the whole cozy-but-chaotic atmosphere worked so well for me. The characters were incredibly fun to follow, and the story had so much charm that I flew through it. Such an easy five stars.

First things first: Enola M. Douglas, I am formally demanding a literally universe. I need a Book 2, Book 3, a Book 4, and frankly, I won’t rest until you’ve paraded a whole Bridgerton treatment for every single character. From Elios Rhodes to Delphyne, hand it over, PLEASE.
The world-building is quite unique. It hits the perfect sweet spot of mixed species, social issues, and the theme of creating your own path in life despite where you hail from. There can be enough lore in each book about the demons, elves, witches, purebloods to keep a history nerd like me thriving.
The adults in this book were actually adulting. It was a welcome change amidst a sea of book characters who’re making terrible life choices. And hallelujah, the kids weren’t used a cute props or cheap comic relief. The stakes might not have been ‘end of the world’ high, but for sure the emotional stakes were astronomical.
The romance moved a bit fast (for my usual taste, so this is subjective). It made sense though. Cassia and Ark have zero time for BS and possess emotional clarity so they clocked pretty early on that there were holding ‘the one’.
The main conflict wrapped up pretty quickly, but then it hit me: I’m reading about seasoned adults (the parents) with years of political and social experience. They accepted the kids’ whims the same way my parents do, so again it made sense to me.
Please just send sequels my way immediately. I won’t rest until there’s a whole series.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

I loved every second of this book! I enjoyed the characters, the storyline and the world. The mixture of magic and human technology and of the different races was incredible.
The story with the orphanage and her family touched me deeply andhadoften had tears in my eyes. The strength and bravery in these persons is awe inspiring. To learn about the characters, their motives and values was beautiful. I loved the side characters, especially the ash and aegis boys. The best friends you could wish for. I think my favourite side characters will always be the animal companions and I want to know more about Anouk! I love this cat.
I don't always like the FMCs but I love Cassia. She has the heart, the soul, the backbone and the strength. She is the whole package and don't get me started on her magical skills - damn I need her food! But she would be the best friend I always wanted. Supportive, loyal, kind, someone you could face everything with. She is one of the persons you admire and want to be.
Ark is definitely on the yes yes yes more book boyfriend list. He is charming, handsome, supportive, attentive, kind, has shadowy and brooding vibes and he has the best heart. I love green flag MMCs and when they would turn the world upside down for love I am gone. I need more POVs from him, damn maybe I need a whole series where he and Caius and Rhodes cleanse properties and secure artifacts! Supernatural Winchester vibes and these 3 men - sold! Please write a series! Pleeeeeeaaaaaasssse!

So yeah, long story short this book is a must read!

This story radiates warmth and comfort. The writing is rich and vibrant, creating an engaging experience in this contemporary fantasy. The magic system is straightforward yet effective, with political intrigue involving both magical creatures and humans. Our main characters, Cassia and Ark, are well-crafted. They both exhibit strength and resilience, each pursuing their own ambitions. In a way, they represent two sides of the same coin regarding their family. Cassia’s parents were her whole world, and she treasures the moments spent with them while grieving the loss of what she no longer has. On the other hand, Ark has never experienced that kind of bond with his parents, feeling a distance that leaves him longing for what might have been. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the two. The supporting characters were also fantastic. The close friendships were incredibly uplifting, showcasing the purest form of camaraderie, while others brought unexpected twists. The plot kept a consistent rhythm, letting events develop organically. It was captivating, and despite the wide range of emotions, it stayed reflective and warm. The story concludes with a glimpse of what’s ahead as that narrative progresses, and I'm patiently waiting for the next installment. Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC!

This is a cosy loveable read thoroughly enjoyed this book the romance was sweet and cute the found family and and fake marriage tropes are my favorite

I consider this book pretty much perfect! I adored everything about Ark and Cassia - I loved every second of it and wanted to live in their cozy little world forever.

I find cozy romances can be quite hit and miss for me but the blub absolutely yanked me in and I devoured this as soon as I got started. Yes, it's quite cute and some things are sweet, but there are underlying depths that stopped this being overly saccharine. The world backstory is brillant, there's some mystery and intrigue, magic but generally not the showoff kind. I especially enjoyed some of the fun back-and-forth between the two MC's and how forthright Cassia is. Yes, she can overthink things, but can't we all? The secondary characters here are fabulous, and I really hope we get more books about Ark's friends in particular. I also really enjoyed his parents, Cassia's bakery customers, and I desperately want to know more about her cat, seeing as everyone seems to have suspicions about him!

I can't wait to make this new world a regular visiting place, give me more Ark and Cassia as soon as possible!

Thanks to NetGalley and the Victory Editing Co-Op for the ARC. All all thoughts are my honest opinion.

Okay, I was so intrigued to give his book 4//5🌟 but my mind finally at rest when I completed the 5 stars rating there. I'm not a long thread reviewer anymore but here's my take:
.
First of all, thank you for netgalley to provide me with an Arc copy of this book.
.
This book is the first cozy fantasy I read and I'm really glad that this book is the beginning of my journey through Cozy fantasy. This book is as cozy as you can get. You get bakery, delicious cake recipe, magic in the kitchen and of course what else we can hope to get but a man as sweet and handsome as Arkenoth?
.
Cover?
Gorgeous. No need to say anything. But I like how Arkenoth's horn is like twisting on his head. Cool detail. I love the color pallette too. So charming and calming.
.
Characters?
Oh, this is it. This is the best MMC so far. No dirty language or overlusting the FMC since chapter 2. Both of them just fins each other interesting at first, respectfully. Before getting more and more interested in one another by the time story goes on.
.
Chemistry?
Oh, don't get me start with he yearning. Even though it's less than my desirable yearning in fiction book, 60% of yearning is better than most books I've read so far this year. I didn't get devastated by the over sweet romance. And I get a good siblings banter between Arkenoth and Oromon. I can't ask for more, honestly, I can't.. but if I may add, perhaps more yearning?
.
Spice? 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Honestly author wrote a better version of smut scene, compared to some books who claimed to be adult romantasy. The narration and the description is sweet and amazing not sloppy and not childish at all. Both of them know the risks and takes a very careful step towards it. Arkenoth is really REALLY RESPECT Cassia and I can't say bad things about him. He never crossed a line not even in his thought, so yeah please take a note, author romantasy out there!
.
Overall Plot?
It's comfy. Even if few moments in this books got me teary really quick, it's still very very much cozy fantasy. No drama no angst no unnecessary conflict. Just a woman try to survive and a man who try to make a choice for himself rather than following norm standards.
.
Enola knows how to make tearjerker departure with beloved ones. Not a devastating but the grief is right there behind my eyelids. Once again, good jobs and good luck for the sales. I really hope to see your book 2 of this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in return for an honest review!

I fell in love with this book with each page I read. Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours pulls you in with the "fake engagement" trope while making you walk away ready to fight anyone who dares try to hurt Cassia and Ark.

This book breaks a lot of molds. Fake entanglements are typically messy and that is the plot. However, from the beginning, Ark sees a strong women who life has tried to crush and, while he gains some benefit, he never simply sees her as someone to use. Ultimately, the level of a business transaction to their connection allows no one to feel like they have the upper hand (class issues rampant in the books aside).

Cassie is not a simpering maiden who constantly needs to be saved despite her being in a desperate situation. She is hardened from life, but still kind and had a large heart. Ark is powerful, but shockingly gentle in his masculinity and how he takes up a space. The level of chemistry these two characters have is beyond the norm and, honestly, show how to love someone. They give space when it is needed while also showing that they are never truly too far from one another.

The MAGIC lore is outstanding. When this book turned into a study in how magic works, what Ark does with his time, and that this world is so diverse...it broke open a new level for the story.

This is not a simple tale of two characters falling in love because of a bargain, it is about the magic that comes from someone who falls organically and can make you feel seen, wanted, and healed.

4.75⭐

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC copy of Smoke, Mirrors,and Misdemeanors

I am honestly surprised at how much i enjoyed and loved this book. It's a cozt fantasy about a world where Elf , Demons, Witches and Humans co-live . But halfbreed,mixed people ar sneered at . Everybody is obsessed with lineage and pure blood. Cassia a half human - witch, kitchen witch manages the starlight orphanage. When that orphanage comes to danger she strikes a deal with the idle demon prince.

This book is a cozy fantasy,fake dating/ courting trope and found family

This book...this BOOK! OH MY GOD, IT WAS SO GOOD! It was fantastical, well written, fun and so damn funny. Like what a cozy read?!? I just adored everything from the title, description, cover and narrators to the storyline, the MCs, side characters. It was all perfection.

Now THIS is what I want when I am in the mood for a cozy fantasy! I’m not going to lie, I am typically not a “cozy” book reader, but this had me hooked and it was so enjoyable. There was a plot that kept you entertained, but it was low-steaks which made it easy to put down and pick back up. When people love “cozy mysteries” - this must be how they feel. I am now a “cozy romantasy” person. I think the coziest part for me was the descriptions of the food the FMC cooked/baked and the atmosphere of different places in the story (e.g., the different houses, kitchen, bakery, etc). It just made me want to go and bake some cookies to eat while reading. This was a very cute and relaxing book with slow burn that could kill (which I LOVE). It was a little insta-lovely, BUT books with “mates” or “bonded pairs” I usually give a pass so that didn’t bother me. Some of the magic aspects were a bit confusing at times, but it was eventually all explained or it didn’t impact your overall understanding of the story.

I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for future books in this series - the epilogue made me crave more! Thank you to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC early.

What an introduction to this author! I have never read anything from Enola and requested this on NetGalley from the description and cover. Jaw dropped, what a good read.

The main female character is a kitchen witch and the main male lead is a demon. The vibes are cozy with a side of romantasy feeling. The descriptions of food honestly made me go out buy more flour and sugar and bake. I have baked so much this past week. This book describes food like I haven't seen before.
The romance and tension was perfect for the pacing of the book. I think their ages matched their actions. They are adults who think through their actions and don't act childish.

I can't wait to dig into more of Enola's stories. I loved this world and hope to see more world building here. Easiest decision for a preorder all summer.

Firstly, thank you so much to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this before publication in exchange for an honest review. 💖

This was such a super cosy, delicious read! 🥹😍 I was hooked from the beginning and loved the Authors writing style. 4.5⭐️ rounded up! And the cover 😍

This book felt like being wrapped up in a warm, snuggly blanket with a hot drink 🥹✨ It is going straight onto my list of books that would be PERFECT for an autumn/winter reread!

Cassia is such a beautiful, kind hearted FMC. 💖 A witch with no lineage that makes her not seen in Meredith but she refuses to let that stop her from protecting the mixed-blood children at Starlight Orphanage from losing their home and showing them that they also can reach for more. Then we have Varil Arkenoth, Ark a pure blood demon MMC who strikes a bargain with her, a fake engagement through the Yuletides festivities to appease his mother and a relationship that slowly becomes SO much more 👀❤️‍🔥 in exchange for help to save the Starlight orphanage.

Their relationship was honestly adorable and so full of kindness. The romance bloomed naturally and was beautifully paced, the banter between them in magical messages has you laughing, and I loved watching their feelings develop. The romance also never completely takes over there is plot there, which I really appreciated. And the FOOD! 😍 If The Witching Flour Bakery were real, I'd be there everyday. The descriptions had my mouth watering! I also wanted to sit around the dinner table at Starlight Orphanage with sticky fingers, comforting food and all the laughter. 🥹 The found family element was another huge highlight for me, on both Cassia and Ark's sides. Rhodes and Caius especially stood out, and I could happily have spent even more time with all of these characters and hope to see more in the future books like the Author has promised.

Everything comes together beautifully towards the end tying it together in a what feels like a lovely bow, but honestly... I WANT MORE! 😂 The epilogue and little glimpse towards book two have left me VERY ready and eagerly waiting for the next instalment.

A cosy, magical, romantic read with found family, banter, demons, witches, elves and enough substance to keep me completely invested. This absolutely needs to be on your TBR! 💖✨📚

From the very first page I know this book was a 5 stars material!! I'm totally in love with the writing style, the characters, and how the author seamlessly crafts a fake-engagement story that's gentle, sweet, and a little bit spicy 😉

This story follows Aura Cassia, a Kitchen Witch with mixed blood of human and witch known as Unthethered in society, who makes a bargain with Varil Arkenoth, a pureblood demon prince, to save her parent's legacy, Starlight Orphanage. Arkenoth (Ark) offers to save the orphanage from legally seized by another demon lord, in exchange for Cassia becoming his 'fake' Chosen and accompanying him to his family's ball. They have 2 weeks to convince a persistent, pureblood-obsessed demon society that they truly engaged, all while protecting the orphans from losing their home.

The narrative focus on how Ark and Cassia get to know each other within the timeframe, how they navigate the political conflicts of demon society, how they re-learn true meaning of family and love.

This is such a heartwarming read. The story flows at a comfortable pace, and while the conflicts are compelling, they aren't as overly grand as most romantasy tropes. No forced angst or unnecessary swearing. Ark has little bit brooding side but in the most comfortable, charming way. Both characters are adult (Ark is 33 and I think Cassia is around that same age), they are mature and it's really shows!! It feels like a true adult love story where slowly discover each other, respect boundaries, communicate steadily, and worshiping (yes they use this exact word 😌) each other. I reaaallllyyy loveeeeee every single of it.

I must admit, along the way my brain kept craving for a dramatic plot twist but it just never happened. So, some readers might find it a bit slow.

I love Ark so much. He is so mature, gentle, and everything about him just screams "GENTLEMAN" he literally had me giggling non stop. From now on, he's my number 1 book boyfriend 😘

Cassia is the embodiment of a strong woman whose power doesn't come from pure intelligence or brute physical/magical force. Her strength lies in her resilience, which is something I rarely depicted so well. She inspired me to be a resilient, proud woman who can still show vulnerability.

I love this book so much and hope a lot of people read how amazing it is. I can't wait for the official release date and sharing amazing Ark x Cassia moment with other readers 😆✨️

This book was beautifully written. I couldn't put it down. The details were like me watching it happen. I was definitely rooting for them and was so giddy at their banter. There was some sad moments where I was like whaaa? Whyyy? But overall it warmed my heart back up :). The epilogue got me.. Be careful what you wish for.

4.5 Stars!

This book follows Cassia, a kitchen witch, as she is trying to save Starlight orphanage from a sale that would leave them all without a place to go. She happens upon Ark, a demon, in a split second meeting that leaves Ark wondering if there's a way they can bargain and help each other. He would help her save the orphanage, and she would enter a fake engagement with him to throw his overbearing mother's matchmaking plans into disarray. Magical shenanigans follow after that as they problem solve and try to stick to the plan.

This book was such a pleasant surprise! I was not sure at first if I would like it, because I'm not super into romance-focused books. This book was so cozy and lovely like the inside of a warm, gooey, cinnamon roll. I enjoyed the author's lush and descriptive writing, for the food, clothing, and surroundings. I was also a big fan of the characters - I loved Cassia and Ark, as well as their best friends - all unique and kind and funny in their own ways. I do wish we got to see more of the children who live at Starlight orphanage though, The magic system and the world building were so intriguing. I thought the set up of the world was like nothing I've ever read before, with four major factions coexisting after a magical incident left some of them stranded on that world. I hope there are future books to dive deeper into this world and how each group's magic and history have evolved. Despite being a cozy romantasy, this book also ended up tackling some deeper themes such as classism and personal identity/purpose.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see if there will be more books in this world from the author. Definitely would recommend and will look forward to any future books!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Enola M. Douglas for this advance readers' copy. All opinions are my own. This book is available on October 1, 2026.

This was such a fun read! Think Bridgerton meets a cozy magical bakery and a sweet demon prince. The fake engagement always hits and this one between a stubborn kitchen witch and a protective shadow demon was perfection!

The magical vibes and slow burn and low stakes made this the perfect cozy read!

🥐 Magical Bakery
😈 Green Flag Demon Lord
🪄 Fake Engagement
🏡 Found Family
🔥Slow burn
⏳ Slow Burn Romance
🐈 Judgemental Cat
🎉 Cliffhanger
📚 ARC

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for my ARC of Smoke, Mirrors, and Misdemeanours!

Well, this was a delight! If you're looking for a cozy romance, this is cozy AF, in the best way.

This was such a perfect combination of slow-burn romance and engaging plot. I was rooting for Cassia and Ark all the way from their great meet-cute. The dual POV worked so smoothly, and I loved both characters individually as much as I loved them together. They are both such genuine, sweet people, and I seriously enjoyed watching them be good to each other. It was a nice break from my dark romance reads.

The writing was easy and flowing, the story was fun, and this book just made me happy.

The Banter? Top notch
The relationship? They complete each other so perfectly I was in awe the entire time, watching it develop.
AND THE ROMANCE? OH MY LOOOORD.
They were so tender with each other,
I'm so sad to see them go, but so so excited for book two. Can't wait!!

Posted to Goodreads on 8/19/2026:

First of all, I want to say thank you so much to Enola M. Douglas and Studio Miko for allowing me to read this e-ARC copy!

Cassia is a kitchen witch raised by "untethered" orphan parents who also take care of "untethered" orphans. She also is a bakery owner and bakes absolutely amazing dishes that can heal and make you feel good with her kitchen witch magic! She has created a "family" of friends like her without "pure" lineage (whether it be from witch, demon, elf or human descent). You are considered "untethered" if your lineage is combined of one of these.

Her orphanage is being gobbled up by a demon mogul set on buying land without remorse and when she tries to stop it or even work with him, he refuses, and from there she meets a very handsome and kind demon who makes a deal with her. She pretends to be his chosen and attends his mother's ball and he will try to save the orphanage. What can go wrong!? Not to mention, this particular demon is exceptional at exercising and cleansing homes (Supernatural with a demon twist? Call me intrigued!) with rare and dangerous relics and he has a very fun and very good looking set of friends to help him (Maybe we will get a love story for them in the next books???!!!)

I love the slow building tension between these two, you knew right away this "pretend" thing wouldn't stay "pretend". It's a story full of getting to know each other, heartaches and childhood "demons" so to speak (pun intended), as well as starting fresh and blossoming into something special, with a pleasant twist that will leave your heart bleeding for more.

I heard this may be a multi-book series and I must say, Douglas has got me in for them all, hook, line and sinker. I'm a sucker for a tough demon with a soft heart.

One of my favorite excerpts from the book that made me chuckle:
Rhodes: "Are we sure it's a cat?"
Ark: "Well, Cassia seems certain. But I get the feeling there's a story behind those whiskers."
Rhodes: "Yeah. That's not a cat."

I am really curious about that cat! you have to check this book out, it is such a cosy but fantastic ride!

This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed the mix of mystery, magic, and romance, and the characters had such a charming dynamic together. The story had that cozy, whimsical feeling I was hoping for, while still giving me enough mystery to keep me curious about what was going to happen next. A sweet, magical read with mystery, romance, and just the right amount of mischief.

★★★★★ The banter alone made me fall for this book 🔥

I went into Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours for the premise, a Kitchen Witch striking a fake-fiancée bargain with a demon prince to save her orphanage and stayed completely hooked for the banter. Enola M. Douglas has such a gift for dialogue; every exchange between Aura Cassia and Ark crackles with wit, timing, and just the right amount of tension. It's the kind of chemistry that makes you grin at your book in public.

What really elevates it is how the humor never undercuts the stakes. Aura's determination to protect her sanctuary and the found-family of kids depending on her gives real weight to the story, while her sparring with Ark equal parts sharp-tongued and secretly soft keeps the whole thing feeling fun and alive even in its more tender moments. Watching the "performance" of their fake engagement slowly blur into something real was such a satisfying slow burn, largely because their dynamic was so much fun to be inside of from page one.

I don't have a single complaint, this was an absolute delight from start to finish.

Five stars, easily one of my favorite romantasy reads this year. Enola M. Douglas has a new fan, and I'll be first in line for whatever she writes next. 🍯🔥

I adored this book! It’s such a cozy book, but somehow emotionally devastating at the same time. There are heavy themes of grief, death, and illness of a parent. However, it’s balanced by found family, lots of humor, and romance that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. The premise of this book drew me in immediately, and the writing and pacing kept me hooked.
Admittedly, I didn’t realize this was to be the first in a series so I was a little stressed when there were still loose ends when I hit the epilogue. Although the ending does leave the reader mostly satisfied, I can breathe easy knowing we will get more answers in books to come.
Loved the characters we meet and love how they develop over the course of the book. Special shout out to Anuck, I love whatever’s wrong with you.

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the eARC🖤

✨🖤 Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours by Enola M. Douglas 🖤✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the ARC!

Okay, this was adorable. I wasn't expecting to get as invested as I did, especially since romance-heavy books aren't usually my thing, but this had such a cozy, comforting vibe that I was completely won over.

Cassia is a kitchen witch desperately trying to save Starlight Orphanage, and Ark is a demon who happens to have his own problems with an overbearing mother. Their solution? A fake engagement. Obviously, magical chaos follows. 😂

I really enjoyed Cassia and Ark, but I think the friendships were just as much fun. The characters all had their own personalities, and the whole cast brought so much warmth and humor to the story.

The setting was another big win for me. There are four magical factions, a fascinating history, and a magic system I desperately wanted more of. I loved getting little glimpses into how this world came to be, but I definitely finished wanting to know more about the different groups and their histories.

And the writing! The descriptions of the food, clothes, and surroundings made everything feel so vivid. This book genuinely felt like a cozy little escape.

I also appreciated that underneath all the magical shenanigans and fake dating, there are some deeper themes around classism, identity, and figuring out where you belong.

My only complaint was that I wanted more of the kids at the orphanage! I would've happily spent more time there.

Overall, this was a sweet, funny, cozy romantasy with a surprisingly interesting world, and I'm really hoping there are more books coming because I am absolutely curious about what else this world has in store. 🖤✨