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Ferndale Falls Forever #1

Faking with the Fae King

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I’ll do anything to save my magical small town, even fake marry a grumpy shadow fae. What could go wrong?

When magic floods my small town, it brings mayhem and turns me and my besties into newbie witches. As mayor, I haven’t got a clue how to handle pixie pranksters, walking tulips, or sexy shadow daddies swooping out of the sky. How the hell do I hide all these shenanigans from the non-magical world?

Enter King Severin, aka, sexy shadow daddy, aka, my future hubs.

Turns out that last one’s no joke! He offers to wrap my town in Faerie glamour to protect it from outsiders… if I agree to be his fake wife for a year.

It’s fine, totally fine. I’ll simply ignore his devastating cheekbones and sinful smirk.

But there’s a catch. I have to win a magical Bachelor-style competition to prove I’m worthy to be queen. Eensy problem? I don’t have any idea how to use magic.

The very first event? I fall flat on my face, literally.

Severin growls he’ll teach me magic so I can win. Suddenly, my “fiancé” is glued to my side, his every touch making my tummy flutter. And when he takes me flying? Hooo, boy. My foolish heart keeps forgetting all of this is fake…
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Faking with the Fae King is a spicy cozy fantasy rom com grumpy shadow daddy in recovery from being morally grey, a sunshiny witch who doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit, a sassy talking fox familiar, an obsession with magical bakeries, and more witchy besties than you can shake a broomstick at.

Welcome to Ferndale Falls, the magical small town where heart-melting romance, toe-curling spice, humor, magic, low-stakes adventure, and a warm hug of a found family combine into stories you’ll devour.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2025

585 people are currently reading
1229 people want to read

About the author

Krista Luna

36 books428 followers
Krista Luna writes spicy fantasy and paranormal romance featuring otherworldly men and the strong women they can’t live without. She loves combining sizzling romance with thrilling adventure, laugh-out-loud humor, and cozy found families full of best friends and talking animals.

When she’s not writing, you can find Krista reading or watching her latest fantasy or scifi favorite, all while eating chocolate. Because there’s always chocolate.

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5 stars
486 (45%)
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342 (31%)
3 stars
196 (18%)
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41 (3%)
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15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie.
23 reviews
September 13, 2025
This was a cute cozy read! I needed a little palette cleanser that didn’t require a lot of thought and just give me all the fuzzy feels and this definitely did the job!
Profile Image for Racy_Reviewer.
169 reviews19 followers
July 1, 2025
I came for the fake marriage.
I stayed for the shadow fae, the dirty talk, and the knot. 🥵

Ferndale Falls has officially cast a spell on me, and King Severin? He’s a shadow-drenched, sinfully smug menace who made my soul combust every time he called her “good girl.” And oh, he says it more than once. And then again. And again. Until your spine’s curling like a possessed broomstick. 🔥

This isn’t your average cozy fantasy romcom—it’s a chaotic magical romp wrapped in cinnamon roll softness and tied with a filthy, knot-shaped bow. Yep. There’s a knot. And if you’re wondering whether it’s used? Let’s just say… the bedroom scenes are feral in all the best ways.

The tension between Rae and Severin? Electric. The flying scenes? Unholy. The Bachelor-style trials? Utterly unhinged.

✨ Grumpy shadow daddy energy? Check.
✨ Sunshine witch who accidentally stumbles into everyone’s hearts (and magical competitions)? Absolutely.
✨ A fae king who teaches her magic and wrecks her with praise? YEP.

It’s dirty. It’s delicious. And it still manages to be funny, feel-good, and full of found family. If you’re craving a spicy escape where the grumpy fae talks you through every filthy thought he’s having while he makes you his forever queen—this is it.

If Severin says “good girl” one more time, I will not survive. And honestly? I don’t want to.
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,843 reviews526 followers
January 7, 2026
This was a cute read with a trying-to-reform shadow fae and a dedicated mayor who just discovered she’s a witch. Hannah was self sacrificing to the max and that led her to accepting a fake engagement and planned fake marriage to Mr Tall Dark and morally grey in exchange for the protection of her town. Severin was selfish, largely because of his difficult life, but still wanted the best for his kingdom. He tended towards emotional constipation but grew relatively quickly as his relationship with Hannah progressed. He was also a plant daddy, which is always a plus in my book. They were sweet together.

Spice: 3/5

Triggers: references to death of grandmother (past), mentions of past war, discussion of emotionally unavailable parents, bar brawl, inebriation, threat to safety
Profile Image for Monica.
43 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2025
Cute and cozy fae king with peen shadows
Profile Image for Clairelettersandmore .
338 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2025
In short: not awful at a surface level, but for me, it missed the spark entirely. An over-baked trope fest that needs more bite, less fluff.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Kirby Kirby.
193 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2025
God. A shadow daddy, vibrating extra bits, cinnamon roll dirty talking MMC AND a sassy pet companion?! What more could you want? Knotting? Fated mates? don’t worry it’s all here!

I feel like there are certain authors who are just the absolute best in their genres and when I tell you Krista Luna is the QUEEN of spicy fantasy? She knocks it out of the park. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I can not waittttt for more of this series! She’s introduced several side characters and all seem so relatable and heart warming.

The world building? *chefs kiss* 💋 if you haven’t read her series Brides of the Moon Blade Clan, you’re missing out as it is the start of this world coming together of rather collaborating but great news this reads BEAUTIFULLY as a standalone and just mentions some of the past FMCs we’ve grown to love!

❤️❤️‍🔥💗❤️‍🔥❤️
M/F
Interconnected standalone (that can easily be read as a true standalone)
Shadow daddy fae
Boss witch FMC
Dirty talking cinnamon roll MMC
Snarky familiar fox 🦊
Bridal games/competion with NO OWD
Profile Image for Cas ✨.
826 reviews7 followers
July 10, 2025
Krista Luna is one of those authors who has honed her craft so well that her style is so distinct and it brings me such comfort that I always really look forward to reading her work. I fear that I end up sounding like a shill being such a big supporter and a member of the ARC team, but I assure you that I just love her books that much.

This new world, although connected to the lovely orc series that I highly recommend reading first, was so much fun!! There were SO many new characters!! (It was a little overwhelming at times with with Witchy Bitch Book Club, ngl, but I didn’t mind the chaos) There were also many new connections that I’m looking forward to exploring in future books (with the others weres especially!) and gosh, the business names were so cute!! I really liked that we got to see not only the main characters grow and flourish but also the town being revitalized, it was a really clever foil to Severin, if I do say so.

Severin was everything that I would want in a “villain turned good guy”; he was just the right touch of dark, arrogant and selfish but also trying SO hard to be better, especially once he realized his feelings for our sweet mayor. I thought from the trope maps that Hannah would be a happy-go-lucky but she wasn’t overly sunshiney, and it really suited her because she still had this warmth that radiated from the page that was so comforting to read. I really loved her genuine kindness and compassion, and her powers are so great! The creative ways she had to utilize them kept me on the edge of my seat and while I’m not a huge fan of OW drama (very light OW drama, btw), the resolution with that was very satisfying.

I won’t comment too much on the rest because spoilers but I enjoyed the steamy bits a lot too! They jumped right in head first because their chemistry was off the charts and it really fit their relationship. Krista did an amazing job with mature communication in this one and it was really refreshing the way it relayed to all parts of the story, including the intimate scenes. (And LAWD have mercy, the mouth on that man!!! He needs a warning label!)

OH! And Finn definitely stole the show, as Krista promised. 😂 I think I highlighted nearly every one of their interactions because I found his lines so amusing!!

TLDR: This was super sweet and such a feel-good read!! Definitely recommend it! 🥰



updated 7/10
RTC tomorrow — but wow!!! 😍 this was super sweet!
Profile Image for Mott (Foxandcatspress).
112 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2025
~ Faking With The Fae King ~
By Krista Luna

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟✨

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

About:
Hannah a baby witch and Mayor of Ferndale Falls, a recently magical small town, is working her hardest to keep things from falling apart. When one day a Fae king appears in the sky with an offer she can afford to refuse, marry him for a year and a day and King Severin will make sure Ferndale Falls will be safe from the outside world and thrive.
The only catch, Hannah must win one of three Bridal Trials to for fill their agreement.
But as time goes by Hannah releases she may want more with the Shadow fae king than just a fake engagement….

My Thoughts:
This book was a such a delightful read! The story was funny and unique with loveable characters and colourful settings.
Hannah and Severin’s relationship grew in national way that made it impossible to be invested in their story.
And it wasn’t only the main characters that stood out in this book, but the side characters where just as likeable and vibrant. Hannah’s friend group left me smiling and hoping to see more of them in the future.
And all the discriminations of food left me wishing for my own Brownie fae baker.
Even though I love everything about this book, my all time favourite has to be Finn, Hannah’s charming talking Fox!

If you like sound a romcom with a magical small town, talking animals, dashing fae, vivid descriptions and magical Trials?
Then you need to read this book!
Hands down this book is now a favourite book of mine 💕🧚‍♂️✨
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,484 reviews382 followers
August 6, 2025
This book was an absolute delight from the very first page to the end!

I adored the storytelling, and everything was just so endearing - from the running tulips, all the adorable animals, FINN - the most precious fox familiar ever, and the small town feels. I just loved this.

If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy fae romance, with an arranged marriage, a shadow daddy MMC, small town vibes, a strong and determined FMC with other female friends who fully support her instead of drag her down, and marriage trials - then you need to read this!

I was given a copy to read and review. My thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Kara McCrea.
132 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2025
Faking with the Fae King by krista luna was a hilariously funny work of art. The book centers on a fake marriage agreement between our Human / new witch town mayor Hannah and the Fae King Severin. In exchange for helping Hannah fix up her slowly dying town, Severin gets her hand in marriage for a year and a day, solidifying the ability for him and his people to stay on earth.
Hannah handled the entire situation in this book I like to believe much like I would. Act first, ask questions later 🤣 she will do anything for the town that she loves, be it changing a light bulb or marrying a complete stranger. She is a little bit chaotic but I really loved that about her personality. She kinda throws it all to the wind and acts in the moment.
Severin on the other hand is very calculated. He knows what he's doing and when he sets out to accomplish something, he knows just what to do or who to delegate to get the task done. He first comes off as very cold and aloof but quickly warms up and I just loved his personality. I found that they had great chemistry together and they kept me chuckling my entire read through. From magic bread that will be the best you've ever had, flowers with legs of their own, to spicy outside fun times and an overconfident shadow daddy, this book was the perfect RomCom read.
183 reviews14 followers
July 7, 2025
Adorable! 🥰 I really had fun reading this! It gives all the spicy fun times of a shadow fae king with the sweet heart of a mayor who wants the best for the people around her and works tirelessly to make it happen! The found family and loyal gal pals are truly a joy and make you want to be sitting with them, in the local bookstore (I Touch My Shelf 🤭) , drinking custom cereal milk cocktails and eating coordinating cupcakes!

I simply cannot wait to see what happens next in Ferndale falls!!! The variety of fae species and available witches promise for fun galore!

This book is a spicy cozy fantasy rom com with low stakes and feel-good fun! We've got:

💜 grumpy sunshine
💜 flying shadow daddy
💜 witch who doesn’t know how to use her powers
💜 forced proximity
💜 good girl praise
💜 flying spice, shadow spice, & knotting
💜 fated mates
💜 fake engagement
💜 magical mishaps & humor
💜 talking animal familiar
💜 found family
💜 cozy small town


Overall 4.5/5 stars 🥰


I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. My opinions are my own. Thank you!
Profile Image for Anastey.
550 reviews9 followers
July 6, 2025
Thank you Krista Luna for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was so much fun! It was cozy, a little snarky, deliciously slow burn, and an all around hilarious romp with the fae. The worldbuilding was fantastic, and the pacing was perfect. It was so hard to put down, and the spice was so good.

Hannah is one of those people that tries to take care of everyone else, even if it totally burns her out. I adored watching all her friends, old and new, come together and surround her with all the love and support she needs. Lots of found family goodness, and a fantastic book club too.

Severin is a grumpy ex evil dude, who is trying to reform himself. Honestly, he is doing a great job. I loved watching him work through his reactions, and figuring out why he behaved like that, and how not to be like that in the future. There was so much personal growth. He may be dark and broody on the outside, but he is pure cinnamon roll sweetness in the center.

I loved all of the characters, and I can see future books in the series with a few choice pairings. Dragon and wolf shifters, pretty please?

The magic was a ton of fun, and always interesting. I really want some pizza pixies, and walking flowers hanging out in our world too.

One of my favorite things were the shop names. They were glorious, and I want to see these in real life!
I touch my Shelf (bookstore)
Slice of Life (pizza)
Bling it On (jewelry)
Cake My day (bakery)
Haute and Bothered (dress shop)
Profile Image for Bookwyrm_in_KC.
234 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2025
Cozy romantasy with a morally gray shadow daddy MMC? Yes please!

Hannah is the mayor of a small town that is slowly dying. She also recently found out that she's a witch, but can't figure out what her magic is.

Then Severin, king of the shadow fae and a former bad guy (now in his redemption era), shows up one day promising Hannah that he will help her bring businesses and tourism back to her town as well as protect it. All she has to do is marry him for a year and agree to let the shadow fae stay in earth. Oh, and win the fae bride contest.

Their romance, though starting out as fake, quickly becomes more and more real, with Severin realizing that for the first time in his life he is caring for someone other than himself and Hannah seeing the good man that has been hidden for years under the mask of terrifying warlord.

If you love:
-shadow daddy fae
-competent and kind FMCs
-magic lessons
-cozy small towns
-smallfae hijinks
-adorable fox familiars
-grand gestures
then you will adore Faking with the Fae King.
Profile Image for Kelsey Haggerty.
457 reviews
July 14, 2025
okay so both reoccurring characters!! severin, our previously enthralled dark fae king who was set free in the orc series (FR READ IT!! MAGICAL STUDS!!) and hannah, the last two human witches bff and mayor of a dying small town
as with everything wrong, a fake marriage fixes all…. with the twist of the bride trials which hannah must win one to prove herself worthy in the old ways of avalon
i loved their relationship and how severin was turning over a new leaf, actively trying to go against his learned villain instincts and this man’s love of baked goods…. i can’t fault him or his sexy shadow magic
i loved the attention he gave hannah and how hannah made him a better person
no third act breakup, no miscommunication
as always, i had a blast reading krista luna’s stories
also, new way of fucking & flying dropped (move over rhys & feyre)

overall: 4/5
spice: 3/5
Profile Image for Miriam.
249 reviews
July 13, 2025
This was my first Krista Luna book, and I had so much fun! This world was so whimsical. I really enjoyed all of the different kinds of magic and Fae. The tulips were such a great little addiction, and I’m obsessed with the pixies!

You can never go wrong with a shadow daddy, and I loved this one! The romance was cozy and adorable, and the spice was SO good. Man knows what he’s doing.

Finn might be my overall favorite part of the whole story. He was adorable!

I’m definitely going to read more of Krista’s books! If you want a cozy/whimsical/spicy romance, grab this one 💕

TROPES
Shadow Daddy
Fake Marriage
Forced Proximity
Sassy Fox Familiar
Grumpy/Sunshine
Human Witch

Thank you so much to Krista Luna for sending me a copy for an honest review. 💖
Profile Image for Natalie.
116 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2025
I’ve got to start writing some reviews haha.

So here we go. This book was good which is why I gave it a 3 ⭐️ rating.

It had a redeemed villain, all kinds of mystical creatures and magic (talking animals, witches, shifters,Fae, etc.). It also had found family and witty banter.

For me, personally, the banter would get cringey 😬😆 Like why is our FMC saying “what the heckity heck” 😂😂. Most of the time,it was funny.

Other than that, it was a very sweet love story with a happy ending. Minimal conflicts.

Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️.5
Grumpy MMC x sunshine FMC

He talks you through it lol.

Profile Image for Lara the Smut Raider 🏹.
235 reviews
August 12, 2025
Adorable. I hated the wedding trials. The fact that I was still able to give this 3.75 stars in spite of this is a testament to the author’s writing. The “hunger games” is of my least favorite tropes in the entire romance universe. It feels like a cheap and easy way to infuse conflict into a story and isn’t imaginative whatsoever to me. HOWEVER. Severin and Hannah were lovely together and there really wasn’t a lot of tension, and zero violence. These weren’t fights to the death, and that helped significantly. I liked getting a closer look at Ferndale Falls and meeting the new cast of characters. Super excited for future books in this series for sure! The steamy scenes had a major hold on me 🥵 it was medium burn and soooo 🔥 once it hit. Severin is an ultimate, dominate, shadow daddy and I was all for it. Sign me the fuck up for more of these dark fae.
Profile Image for Grace Leonora Griffiths.
163 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2025
I've never wanted to visit a fictional town so much. Ferndale Falls is now on my list of places to visit when magic returns.
I loved the depth of Severin and Hannah. They change so much, not because they need to but because they want too. For themselves and each other.
Such a romantic story.
And who doesn't want all types of pizza? I need to befriend some Pixies and Brownies so I can live a life of tasty food.
A great standalone book. And I am so looking forward to reading more from Ferndale Falls new Fae residents 😉
Profile Image for Kathryn.
674 reviews9 followers
July 10, 2025
As always, Krista just writes a world that sucks you in and is ao vivid and full of such amazing and authentic characters you can not put it down.
I loved this spin-off. I wasn't ready to leave moonblade Village, and she found a way to keep it going. From the evil enemy shadow fae king from the first series to a pastry living fend who just wanted a new home, it was such a cute storyline. The bride games were fun with a splash of owd to keep it not only entertaining but engaging. I love that the orcs still play a part, but we are also opening up for different creatures. Bring on the dragons and werewolves story! Can't tease that and not deliver now!!!!
66 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2025
Another great read by Krista Luna! If you’ve loved the world of the moon blade clan then you’ll love the continuation of the shadow fae in ferndale falls. Hannah is the mayor of ferndale falls and will do anything to help her town even marry the shadow fae king severin. What started out as a marriage of convenience has blossomed into true love!
Profile Image for Ashley Morgan.
321 reviews6 followers
July 6, 2025
Wow wow wow!!!! Did someone say Fake marriage and to a Far King!!! This shadow daddy is everything!!! The dirty talk, the shadows, the KNOT!!!!! This book will KNOT disappoint! Krista Luna does it again!!! I’m so happy Hannah finally got her happy ending!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jacq.
42 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2025
Krista does it again! I absolutely loved her Moonblade Clan series and was so excited she branched out to continue Severin's story. All I have to say is....Severin is absolutely delicious! The way he treats Hannah and how they fall in love is perfect.
Profile Image for Erin.
18 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2025
Such a fun new series! I absolutely loved her orcs so journeying into the Earth side of that universe was a blast. So much magic and spicy fun in this cozy read!
Profile Image for Lulu Williams.
281 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2025
This was an amazing start for this new series , Krista has done it again. I fell hard, being totally invested and grinning like a fool. The sweetness, tenseness, and oh so spicy. Can you say hello shadow daddy, a fox familiar, witch besties. A town on a brink of failing, a bargain with a shadow king, bridal trials … a page turner I did not put this book down . I cannot wait to see what’s in store for our town and future books.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,254 reviews86 followers
July 4, 2025
Love, love, love!! Need more stars.. Adorable, passionate, and heartmeltingly swoony.. Severin is truly the shadow daddy of all shadow daddies..
Profile Image for Emily.
102 reviews
November 13, 2025
Cute. I don’t usually like the fake marriage trope but it worked in this story.
Profile Image for Molly Stanton.
107 reviews12 followers
July 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

A cute, cosy "urban" fantasy.

I want to thank Krista for an ARC copt in exchange for an honest review!

I only recently discovered Krista's books, but despite that, I managed to SPEED through her Brides of the Moon Blade Clan in less than a month. The final book in the series, definitely laid the plans for the spin-off series and I was SO excited for this new series set within Ferndale Falls.

Faking with the Fae King follows Hannah, mayor of Ferndale Falls - who is trying to recooperate the popularity and stability of her beloved small town, which has suffered significantly since the new highway was built - diverting attention away from their small town. Hannah is determined to fix anything and everything she can to ensure that the place she calls home stays afloat and flourishes like it did in her childhood.

When a sexy, shadow fae with his own agenda literally appears in her small town, she initially think her plans are crumbling around her - like the potholes that refuse to remain filled. However, when he proposes (literally) an engagement in exchange for his help in reviving the town and associated businesses, it feels too good to be true. The town immediately comes to life - when it comes to the tulips perhaps a little TOO alive, and is protected with a glamour that protects it from anyone that may be unkind or unaccepting of magic. Now Hannah, only has to marry Severin and compete in the traditional BRIDE TRIALS. What could go wrong? After all its only a year of marriage and its not like she actually has to fall for him...

Faking it for the Fae King features:
💜 Fake Dating (Fake Engagement)
✨ Shadow Play
💜 Grumpy Sunshine
✨ Reformed Hero
💜 Witches
✨ Magical Book Club
💜 Praise Kink
✨ Shadow Daddy
💜 🪢🪢🪢
✨ Fated Mates
💜 Animal Familiar
✨ Flying FUN
💜 Found Family and Sisterhood
✨ Unconventional Witches Coven

This was such a fun addition to the universe that Krista Luna has created. It features some beloved former faves from her previous books - including Hannah and her friends - Naomi included.

Hannah is a sunshiney character with a heart of gold and desire to help and fix any and all problems that may arise. She is hardworking, loyal and always puts the good of her town and her friends before her own wishes and wants. I loved the way in which Hannah's magic presented itself and adapted, throughout the book. Unlike many fmcs, while she was aware (from the previous interconnected series) that she was a witch, she had no awareness of how that magic presented itself, and therefore no idea as to the powers she had. Instead, the powers gradually presented themselves and were learnt as the story developed. I enjoyed being able to see the progression of her powers and her abilities growing, as she progressed through the bride trials.

Severin is recovering and finding his footing after breaking free from the control of a dark GOD, who manipulated and moulded his entire race to create a war centered around spite and revenge. When the opportunity to move his people and castle to a human world with its own kind of magic, presented itself, he decides that he will go ANYTHING to ensure that he and his people can break free from the dying remains of the world suffering from the effect of the once-was war. His inifity for plant magic and his rather morally grey approach to most things, present him as a dicotomy of a character. However, his desire to learn and adapt first to improve the life of his people, and then for Hannah, make him the perfect morally grey mmc.

Character building and story arcs are some of my favourite things about Krista's writing. She is able to mention and sow the seeds for future books effortlessly, while also creating lovable side characters and heroines in their own right. In this book, we see Autumn and Skye most predomininately as her two best friends now that Naomi spends much of her time in the other world with her Orc husband. Autumn and Skye, as well as the other members of the Witch Bitch Book Club, play into the found family trope beautifully and their sisterhood is built while trying to figure out their powers to assist Hannah in the Bride Trials. I also LOVED the relationship between Hannah and Finn, her fox familiar - arguably the main character of this book 🤣.

In terms of world building, Ferndale Falls is the perfect amalgamation of the "real world" and the magical world of the previous interconnected series. Most enjoyably about the world buidling was how the magical "moved in" to the Falls, taking over the vacant businesses and turning them into shops and eateries that would serve all residents. To those who knew about magic, they would see the town for what it truly was, but to everyone else they'd perceive it as a run of the mill business.

As much as I loved this book and this world. there are some things that I couldn't help but find extremely cheesy. Namely some of the interactions between the fmc and her extended friendgroup which felt a tad forced. As well as her own awareness and address towards her arousal - some of the lines made me shudder a bit.

Overall, however, this book is a fun cosy fantasy, with plenty of spice and unique magic as well as world building. The characters are fun and I am excited to see the development of the future books in the series - particularly the aforementioned hinted mmcs.
Profile Image for Brittney.
155 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2025
I don’t know what kind of magic Krista Luna is working with, but this book made me feel like I’d been wrapped in sunshine, kissed by shadows, and handed a cupcake frosted with pure serotonin. I am so in love with this story, I don’t even know where to begin. Honestly, this might be the longest review I’ve ever written because I have so much to say about how much I adore it.

Maybe I’ll start here: Ferndale Falls feels like home. I want to hang out with Hannah and her lively besties, bake enchanted cookies (because that’s totally my thing), yell “PIZZA!” with pixies, and flirt with morally recovering shadow kings. Plus, a snarky fox familiar? Yes, please.

And OH MY GOD, Severin. This man walked in all growly and fae with a “fake marriage for the good of your town” vibe, and I was like, sure, okay… but somewhere along the way, he became the most amazing MMC I can’t go a single day without thinking about now. There’s something about the way Severin falls—not just for Hannah, but for her town, her people, her magic—that made him unforgettable. He’s not just a shadow king. He’s the heart of this book. And don’t even get me started on the “good girl” praise. TOP. TIER. The way Severin drops it all soft and low and full of heat? Yeah. Melted. Gone. Ascended. I may or may not have reread those moments more than once (okay, a lot more than once).

I lived for every time Hannah mentioned her butterflies. Tequila-drunk, caffeine-hyped, absolutely feral—those tiny energy bursts were a whole mood and narrative arc all on their own. And I definitely felt them doing cartwheels during that waterfall scene. You know the one. MAGIC-COMBINING. CLOTHES-DROPPING. EVERYTHING-CHANGING. I will never be normal about it.

Also? I’ve never wanted to eat a cupcake so badly in my life—or sip one of those cereal milk mixers while hanging out with the witches and pretending everything’s totally fine when it’s definitely not. The whole vibe was just chef’s kiss. Hannah’s friends weren’t just side characters; they were in it, making the story warm and inviting.

And OMG, seeing those pixies again made me so happy! Remember how in Bound to the Orc Ranger (Brides of the Moonblade Clan novella) they totally lost their tiny minds over discovering pizza for the first time? I was here for that madness back then, and getting to catch up with them again, now running their own pizza shop in Ferndale Falls? Pure magic and delightful mayhem, and honestly, I want to move there just to hang with them.

Then Rune showed up—Severin’s idea to make sure Hannah is protected by hiring him (and Luna) as her personal bodyguard because Meloria. UGH. She just won’t stop stirring the pot during the trials. But really... let’s talk about Autumn. The second she started giving Rune those eyes and casually mentioning her thing for “brawny types,” I was sold. Fully shipping it. The tension is brewing, and I need their book, like, yesterday.

And this world?? We’re not just dipping into some one-off magical town. Krista Luna is clearly building something bigger here—Faking with the Fae King fits naturally into the universe she created in her Brides of the Moonblade Clan series. You don’t have to read those books first, but if you have, this just makes the whole world feel richer and more connected.

This book is a warm hug dipped in spice and wrapped in glitter. It’s cozy excitement, romantic tension, magical competitions, and sweetness with a fae king who doesn’t stand a chance against a heroine who’s smart, kind, and utterly unforgettable—Hannah. I laughed, I swooned, and I had the absolute best time losing myself in this world.

Thank you to Krista Luna for the ARC—I’m genuinely heartbroken that it’s over. I want to stay in Ferndale Falls forever, eat cupcakes with witches, yell “pizza!” with pixies, and never return to the real world again.
Profile Image for Nevena.
934 reviews27 followers
July 8, 2025
🖤 “You, Hannah, are the missing piece of my soul.”
~~~
Hannah is the best! As the youngest mayor of Ferndale Falls, she has quite a lot on her plate. But she’s not a woman who’d easily back down from a challenge. I just loved her indefatigable spirit and big heart - that woman will do so much to take care of everyone. Hannah is so compassionate, caring, kind and hard-working. And she’s so fun. Even more, I loved her courage and strength to face anything that stands in her way. Hannah is a truly incredible woman and I adored her so, so much!

And then, enters King Severin of the Shadow Fae, a.k.a grumpy shadow Daddy with a teeny-tiny obsession with baked goods and who’s also in recovery from being a villain! Severin is smug, confident and quite bossy. But underneath all the “I-can-crush-nations” vibes lies a man with a big and caring heart. Let me tell you, Severin doesn’t do anything halfway whether it comes to romantic gestures, research or building new businesses in Ferndale Falls. I loved his determination and resourcefulness. And that dirty-talking mouth of his! Severin throwing the occasional “good girl” at the right moment will melt your pant… I mean… heart! The King of the Shadow Fae is one phenomenal male and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Hannah and Severin! After defeating the Dark God, the Shadow Fae King wants to give his people a better life. But in order to stay on Earth, he needs a bride. So, Severin offers Hannah a bargain she cannot refuse - he will protect Ferndale Falls if they marry for a year and a day. And by Fae tradition, there were also bridal trials… Yeah, Hanna has her work cut out for her.

I absolutely adored those two together! Hannah and Severin’s chemistry was phenomenal and every banter and shared moment was a true delight to read. I just couldn’t get enough of them! What started as an arrangement very quickly became something so much more and I was all in for everything that happened. And the spice… Oh, the spice was absolutely SPICING. Ah, the things Severin could do with those naughty shadows of his! 🫠 The Shadow Fae King and the Mayor of Ferndale Falls were so, so perfect for each other and more than deserved to find happiness and love together. (And their wedding ceremony was just… BEAUTIFUL!)

In addition, the storyline was incredible! The bridal trials kept me on my toes the whole time. Even more, I loved watching Ferndale Falls bloom with all the Fae creatures opening businesses with glorious names despite all the magical chaos. Then, there was also Hannah’s familiar - Finn - I adored this sassy fox so much. And last, but absolutely not least, the Witch Bitch Spicy Book Club - that group of witches are the best ones ever!

Overall, Faking with the Fae King is a fun, cozy and delightfully naughty story and I absolutely loved every single page of it! And I cannot wait to see what happens in Ferndale Falls next!
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