I wanted so desperately to inhale this book, but I knew that it was one I’d want to savor. From the very get go it was so fun to see the world that Hannah has built. This high fantasy is full of incredible world building, an interesting magic system, and yet it was also so incredibly realistic.
It seems that 2026 will be my year of academia inspired books as so many of them are releasing this year, and I am so glad that I was able to start off with this fun romp of a story. It felt like being back in college, but with magic. Naomi is 18 and it feels like she’s 18, not in the young way but in the “I’m ready to take on the world and anything, aaaaand might not know everything yet but I’m determined.” It was so incredibly charming, and even more was to see serious Naomi meet her match in her “fake fiancé” Daziel.
Daziel, a demon who isn’t really supposed to be in the human realm and decides that he’s going to capitalize on Naomi’s lie to get out of bad dates, truly steals the spotlight. He’s fun and sincere and trying desperately to learn about Naomi’s life while enjoying his own, seeing the differences in their cultures and how the interact with magic differently… all while trying to share close quarters was adorable and hilarious. However, what really immersed me in the world was how they both interact with their friends, family, professors and even the politicians in governing body of the Tulum, the relationships were top tier and that to me is what makes this so convincing, and so realistic.
I often enjoy a vibes book, but I am not a “for the vibes only” kind of reader. I like the rules and details and trying to piece things together. I wasn’t sure originally where this one would end up, it was giving such fun rom-com vibes, but the world building was immaculate (I need to know more about the winds and the other great creatures) and the mystery Naomi is trying to solve goes deep into the history and magic of their world. The Jewish inspired elements and folklore were so fun to see in a fantasy setting, and gave such a fun spin to the world that, to me deepened the intrigue of the mystery. So while this does have cozy vibes and is for the most part light hearted, the mystery and piecing together of the puzzle was a very fun spin that keeps you guessing.
I truly hope that there is more to Naomi’s and Daziel’s story and we get to see more of this world. I set it down and was immediately sad that I couldn’t continue on with their story. I didn’t want to leave and I know there is plenty left open that we could get another book, and I really hope we do!
Looking to find A Practical Guide to Dating a Demon? Here you go:
This book was provided to me as an advanced readers copy by NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. As a side note, some of the links to Bookshop.org or Libro.fm will either provide me or an indie bookshop I support a portion of the affiliate sales if you use them to buy a book I recommend!
my way by Starlight 
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