A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon

Set in a modern and magical Pacific Northwest, Hawley’s hilarious and heartbreaking debut kicks off when Mariel Spark, prophesied to be the most powerful witch her family has seen in centuries, calls a demon after a botched attempt at summoning flour. Ozroth the Ruthless is a demon with a powerful reputation as a bargainer. However, his reputation is in jeopardy after a deal gone awry, and he needs to strike a deal with Mariel to redeem himself. The characters are forced into proximity and get stuck fake dating after Mariel, terrified of her mother’s judgment, announces that the two are actually a couple. Narrator Helen Laser masterfully captures the wit and tenderness of Hawley’s prose, and she breathes life into the eclectic cast of characters in the novel. Listeners will appreciate the multifaceted nature of the story, not only as a romance but also in its exploration of the power of friendship, setting boundaries with toxic people, and even the importance of preserving the environment.