Ava McGuire should be dealing with moving on after her devastating breakup. Instead, she’s been thrust into the world of paranormal. As if learning that your best friend is mated to a serial killer vampire wasn’t bad enough, she learns she has her own vampire mate.
Valen has been held prisoner for longer than he can fathom. The human world is vastly different than the one he was taken from centuries ago. For starters, there are tall buildings and places that claim to make your lunch in under five minutes. He’s having to relearn the world around him while navigating the complicated urge to claim his mate while also being wary of touch after being held captive.
Ava and Valen, with the help of their friends, are trying to get to the bottom of what’s really going on in Chicago. All the rain, all the paranormals showing up, and what was the true reason Valen was taken all those years ago?
Ava herself just might be the key to it all. Turns out, she’s not some simple human, she’s the last of the line of one of the most powerful witch families to ever exist.
"Bend over the kitchen table and keep the skirt on," I command. She obeys immediately and peeks over ber shoulder, giving me a coy smile. "Those bodice rippers really did teach you a thing or two." “You have no idea."
This is easily one of my favorite series so far. When I read the first book last year, I knew if they made it into a series how amazing it could be. If you read the first book, you know just how unhinged and hilarious it was. This one was just as funny since we have some Zav and Celine cameos, and we even meet some new characters for book three.
This book picks up exactly where book one ended which I loved. This book had me wanting so much more this time around, especially with the mystery sub plot of what happened to Valen and why he was held captive for so long. It’s just making me so much more feral for book three with mystery man. Which by the way I am completely obsessed with and cannot wait for his antics in book three. Ava and Valen were so perfect, I honestly didn’t want their story to end. I love the fact that we are getting another book and another amazing couple and if it goes how this one did, we will have all the couples together again which I absolutely loved.
I wouldn’t have a thing about this book and love how the sub plot is playing out throughout this series. This series and world has become one of my absolute favorites and I know there will so much more to come in the next book that I honestly cannot wait for. If you are looking for a series that has amazing banter, some seriously delicious spice, and hilarious characters that like to bite. Look no further and sink your teeth into this one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️/5
*Thenk you so much to the amazing authors, Aura Hayes for the ARC!*
My heart broke a little because I saw a fanart of the mmc from this book and he looks like my lost love, Luc King... but that alone was enough to add it to my TBR. Lol. Then i saw it had the VIRGIN MMC trope, and you guys know how much i appreciate that.
So here I am, patiently waiting for the release.
I’m just hoping, with my fingers crossed, that this one doesn’t include the ex-lover trope for the mmc (like the first one).
Call Me HIRAYE Because… Where the Hell Is the Plot?
BABYYY where the hell is the plot? What is taking it so long? TO FIND ME-E-E Oh baby, where the hell is the Villain? Getting down with another? Tell him when you see him baby, he should run. Tell it when you see it, baby… tell it I’m pissed.
Let Me Start Nice Before I Spiral
I’m going to say this first because I mean it, I loved a lot about this book. Truly. Even while I was struggling, there were things that kept me glued to the pages. • The concept of the story? Incredible. No notes. • The themes of captivity, trauma, healing, and vulnerability were genuinely well done. • Zavier? My unhinged Redheaded Vampire? I missed him being an absolute menace, and I’m glad he still delivered some of that chaos. • Valen’s innocence made him so likable. His curiosity about the world, phones, cars, everything? was actually such a highlight. • Ava’s softness with Valen? Beautiful. The patience, the care, the understanding of trauma, that was done right. • The friend group dynamic and banter? Ate. Every time they were together, I was seated. I laughed so hard I peed a little a few times. • And most importantly: the mystery man I don’t know who he is, I don’t want to know yet, I just know I’m obsessed and I will be first in line for his book.
So yes. I see the vision. I love the idea of this story.
Which is exactly why this hurts.
Valen: Soft Boy, Filthy Mouth, Confusing Morals
“Hope is a feeling I haven’t dared to feel in a very long time, but Ava gives me that. Maybe given enough time, she can heal the hole that has been left in my soul.”
Valen was, at his core, a soft, innocent vampire trying to navigate a world that was entirely new to him, and I loved that. I loved watching him process things, confront his trauma, and slowly open up. And then somewhere along the way, this man developed the mouth of a porn star and I said… okay??? growth??? • His innocence + curiosity made him incredibly endearing • His vulnerability felt real and well represented • His slow trust in Ava was beautifully done • Virgin MMC moment? I was SAT. Btw? He came in his pants. HOT!
But here’s where I struggled: • His treatment of Zav??? Unacceptable. • Constantly calling him petulant, childish??? I was like… what is your problem?? • He kept going back and forth - One second respecting Zav. Next second reducing him to an annoyance?? Pick a side. Please!!!
And the biggest issue for me: He trusted Ava, yes, but no one else. The lack of trust toward others (especially Zavier) felt frustrating and underdeveloped in his POV
I wanted to love him fully. I really did. But he made it difficult.
Ava: I Tried. I Really Did
I’m just going to be honest. I didn’t like Ava. At least not for a long time.
She felt like she was trying too hard to be bubbly in the first half, and it didn’t land for me. It felt forced, and it made her hard to connect with. • First half: ❌ not a fan • Second half (when she grounded herself): okay… I see you
What I did love: • Her patience with Valen • The way she let him move at his own pace • Her softness in handling his trauma
But here’s what didn’t work for me: • Her entire character became about protecting Valen • Her powers, her arc, her identity all centered around him. Yes, it’s romantic… but it felt limiting
And I’m sorry, but if I didn’t fully like either the MMC or the FMC…
Yeah. Something’s wrong.
Everything That Made Me Lose My Mind (Respectfully)
Let’s get into it. • First 30% was painfully slow. Not paced like Book 1 at all!! It didn’t hook me the same way. • Zav…what did they do to you?? Quirky → turned into annoying. Most of the earlier jokes didn’t land. The K-I-S-S-I-N-G scene??? I had to physically stop reading. It felt like he was quirky just for the sake of it. His depth from Book 1? Gone. However it did come back in the second half of the book, but by this time I was annoyed.
The repetition. Oh my God, the repetition. • Let’s say Valen finds an apple: • He thinks about it • Tells Xavier • Tells Ava • Ava tells someone else • That person reflects on it and then they tell another set of friends • Valen thinks about it AGAIN three chapters later I GET IT. YOU FOUND THE APPLE. MOVE. ON!!!! • “My mate” was repeated so many times I started losing it. • Ava being a witch = anticlimactic. The reveal didn’t hit. Later developments should’ve happened earlier. • 85% in and I STILL didn’t know who the villain is like I know its the captors, BUT WHO IS THE CAPTOR?!? Who am I supposed to hate?? I was just there. Confused. Angry. Plotless. • Plot neglect (this is my villain origin story) Plot mentioned at 53%. Then ignored until 93%. I’m sorry??? What???
• Last 7% = the best part… but too late • Finally, villain revealed, some answers given, stakes explained. But at 95%?? After everything?? No.
How This Could’ve Been So Much Better
This is what frustrates me the most, because the fix was right there. If the plot introduced at 53% had been developed properly… If we got even a hint of the final reveals earlier… If we knew the villain OR AT LEAST THE STAKES by 50%…
Everything would’ve worked. • The domestic scenes? Fine. • The character arcs? Acceptable. • The pacing? Forgivable.
Because we would’ve had context.
Instead, this felt like a buffer book, and I don’t like that. If I’m reading 300–400 pages, I need substance throughout, not just at the end. I kept saying this while reading I love the plot. I just don’t love the execution.
Final Thoughts (And a Broken Heart)
I wanted to rate this higher. I really did.
There is so much potential here. The premise is strong. The foundation is there. And I genuinely believe the next book is going to be a banger.
But I can’t rate a book on potential. • I struggled to connect with the main characters • I was more invested in the mystery man than the MMC • The repetition drove me insane • And the plot… was hiding from me
So this is a 3 star read.
If you’re looking for something light and easy, you might enjoy it more than I did. But for me? It just wasn’t what I was hoping for.
I've been waiting for this book for awhile and it took me a few days to finish due to rl.
But we saw in the last book how Valen found his mate in Ava and he's her new roommate. Things are alittle awkward between them since Val is dealing with being free and in a new world, and Ava is dealing with a break up and a new killer on the loose. So we see the 2 grow together and slowly get into a relationship. Its funny because Val is so shy and little touch sensitive. And had a CUTE PUPPY WITH HIM POM POM!!!!
But I'm glad it took awhile since he was locked and kept prisoners. But him learning how to drive, read romance books and take care of his mate was good. I do wish we had more of Ava learning more witchy things but maybe in book 3 she'll come into her own.
We also got Z and Val team up and finding out Valen true organ and why he was captured. We saw the couple for book 3 and the big bad. Lots of drama coming. I recommend reading both books before book 3 comes out.
Low angst, no ow/om drama, no cheating, secondary characters, drama, Virgin MMC/No virgin Fmc
Recommend-yes Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heat level-🌶🌶.5
Prologue Slowinsta Age gap Praise kink Violence Force proximity Sorta death (becoming a supernatural) No condom Hea Epilogue
We had brief glances of Valen in book 1, but I KNEW I’d love him.
The way I knew he would be so shy and naive due to being locked away for so long? I WAS SO READY FOR HER TO BREAK HIM OUT OF HIS SHELL and god did Ava do it so well.
Ava was perfect for him in every way. She was light and bright and happy and he was a bit broody yet innocent. It was such a good contrast. They were both immediately possessive over each other but took things slow, which I LOVED.
Ava only got a little annoying when she decided to do some dumb shit towards the 80% mark but it was all find and dandy because that’s how we got LEVIIIIIII and I just know I’m gonna love that demon 😈
I received an ARC from the author — thank you so much!! 💕
Okay but this series??? It’s officially one of my comfort chaotic universes. If book one was unhinged, funny, and slightly feral… this one said “hold my blood bag” and kept the same energy while adding more plot, more tension, and somehow making me even more emotionally attached. We pick up right where things left off (bless continuity 🙏), and I LOVED that. No awkward reset, just straight back into Ava and Valen’s mess—in the best way. And Valen?? Sir has been through it. Watching him adjust to the modern world after literal centuries of captivity while also dealing with mate instincts™ and trauma? Yeah… I’m unwell. Ava, on the other hand, is chaotic sunshine with a witchy identity crisis, and together they are: ✨ adorable ✨ slightly unhinged ✨ one emotional breakdown away from ruining me Their dynamic?? Top tier. I did NOT want their story to end. Also can we talk about the subplot?? Because I am INVESTED. The whole mystery around Valen’s captivity + everything happening in the background is lowkey making me feral for book three. And don’t even get me started on mystery man… I’m already obsessed and he barely had to try. We also get cameos from previous faves (Zav supremacy still stands), plus new characters that actually add something instead of just existing—which we love. Tone-wise: it’s that perfect mix of banter, spice, and emotional moments that sneak up on you when you’re just trying to have a good time. One minute you’re giggling, the next you’re like “oh… oh that hurts.”
Tropes & vibes: • fated mates • forced proximity / roommates • paranormal chaos • found family • “he’s dangerous but soft for her” • mystery subplot creeping in the background
Honestly, if you want a series with: 🧛chaotic humor 🧛lovable characters 🧛spice that actually hits 🧛and a plot that’s slowly getting deeper
…just start this already.
I’m already impatiently waiting for book three because this world has me in a chokehold.
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on April 15th called, Loving a Witch is Totally Foolish. This book picks up after the events of book one, Loving a Vampire is Total Chaos. This story is about Ava and she is dealing with a breakup when she finds out that Valen, the guy that they saved, who is her roommate and a vampire, is also her mate. But Ava is not ready for a new relationship, she doesn't even know Valen. Valen has been through so much in his immortal life, he was held captive for centuries. But now Valen is finally free and has so much to learn about today's world, luckily Ava is happy to help him while they get to know each other. Ava is helping Valen heal and cope with his past trauma as well as learning the modern world, when she finds out she is a witch. Valen starts helping Ava learn who she really is and how to access her powers. And with all the supernatural things going on and bad guys closing in on them, Ava and Valen have to lean on each other, their mates, to survive. I had been eagerly awaiting this book after reading and loving book one, and it definitely didn't disappoint! This is such an entertaining paranormal romcom series, I just love these books so much! I loved the dynamic between Ava and Valen, they were so sweet together, they helped each other so much and their story was so beautifully written. I also loved that we still got so much Zav and Celine content! The humor and banter in these books are truly laugh out loud funny! I love this book and this series so much! I can't wait for the series to continue, I'm soo excited for Luna and Levi's story! (Also, when Ava was teaching Valen about holiday traditions and he chose for them to make sugar cookies together, I just had to make some sugar cookies myself for my review photo!) 💜📚
Thank you to the author and her team for this ARC of Loving a Witch is Totally Foolish, in exchange for an honest review.
I can’t.. I can’t do this. This is incredibly bad writing. I’m DNFing on page 223 and I almost DNFed 220 times already. I can’t do this anymore. The writing is juvenile. How did it get this bad from the first book? Yes, it was insufferable at times in the first book, but this is so bad. Zander is obnoxious in this book, how can anyone find him attractive? Ava is insufferable, I know I will dislike her if I met her in real life. Something about her character comes across as very forced. Valen has the personality of a cardboard. I have put up a genuine effort to finish this book, but I can’t anymore. Life is too short for me to force myself to finish books I don’t enjoy.
There is this bit where Valen calls bikes horses on wheels.. sure.. then Ava tells him let’s teach you how to drive a car and he thinks “a carriage with wheels if you ask me.” He must not be as indestructible as he says, because only brain damage would explain that quip. Carriages have wheels, Aura Hayes. Why would you ever put something like that onto paper.
Valen’s torso is riddled with scars from his torture, and I can only assume it’s because Aura wanted him to sound cool or something and forgets about it later when Ava runs her hands down his “smooth” chest. How can he be indestructible when he has scars that don’t heal? These points might seem small to you, but this just speaks of lazy writing. I do not enjoy lazy writing. AND DON’T GET ME STARTED ON THE CONTRACTIONS BIT UGH.
first book was a lot of fun but this one gave me the ick and i almost dnf’d 😐 fast burn romance and absolutely nothing going on plot wise until like 70% through
This book had me laughing out loud and going Awww! Such a sweet, fun addition to this series!
Animal familiars galore!!! Pom Pom has my heart 🩷🐶
This may be an unpopular opinion but Valen is not as interesting or well rounded of a character as Zavier and even the new guy, Mr. Demon! I appreciate Valen’s bookishness and struggle with trauma, but he is kinda bland overall. Ava is adorable and caring, I love her empathy and protectiveness. I’m so happy Zav has a strong side character role in this book, I love him so much!!! This book has the sweetest found family trope and lots of laugh out loud moments.
The plot pacing is a bit slow. I struggled with the plot, it feels unfocused. We start with healing from trauma and exploring a mate bond, then to completing a Christmas checklist and learning about Ava’s magic, then to trying to solve a murder mystery, then finally meeting the person behind most of the issues, giving us the actual antagonist for the story in the last 10% of the book. Book 1 is more structured (imo).
I like the world building of the demon and angel realms, and the added magic system info for the witches.
This book has spice, 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall, I enjoy the found family aspect of this story, need more Zav in my life, and am looking forward to book 3.
Boring, disjointed and way longer than it needed to be. It lacked any of the charm of the first book. There was no connection or banter between the MCs. Valen was dry and had nothing to his character. Ava was a frustrating FMC who made a lot of bad decisions especially when it came to her magic. She was scared of the power and was moping about using it and then proceeded to use it in a very dangerous way without training her abilities first. She was not a well written character and came off as super childish.
Zavier was hilarious in book 1 but his quirks became really annoying in book 2. The writing in book 1 wasn’t fantastic but there was elements to it that worked and this feels as if it is a completely different author. There was barely any plot for the first 70% and then it’s like she threw everything in a blender in the last 30% and it became convoluted and unnecessary.
There is also a whole plot line with Ava’s parents and her history that just got abandoned! Legit it’s unresolved and the next book is not focused on her! Really poor writing to be honest. I don’t know if I will even read the third book, the new third book MMC was introduced and he seems like he will be an interesting character, but do I care enough?
But this was a huge letdown from the fun I had with the first book. It just felt like there was pointless chapters devoted to shopping and baking and stupid things, but no actual story progression happened. What a disappointment.
"You have ruined me, Ava McGuire. How lucky I am to be yours."
[Thank you for the ARC to @aurahayesauthor]
LOVING A WITCH IS TOTALLY FOOLISH has become my obsession. I can't stop thinking about this book.
A witch who didn't know she was a witch. A vampire who's older than you can imagine. A sweet Pomeranian who steals everyones hearts. A crime story that's totally captivating. A romantic relationship that's burned into my mind. The humor. Zavier and Valen. And Mystery Man. This book is the holy grail for every paranormal romance fan. Absolutely intoxicating.
I swear, this book made me cry with laughter, blush, and shiver. Aura writes in such a way that you can't put it down—it's addictive. The characters, whom I LOVED from the very first moment, don't make things any easier. Ava and Valen's relationship exceeded my wildest expectations. Their slow growth, their exploration, and their learning about each other was wonderful. The crime and paranormal plots once again completely satisfied me, though the more I think about this book, the more I long for a sequel.
Zavier is my favorite vampire. Valen has become closest to my heart. But I have a feeling that Mystery Man will blow my mind in the third book. He's given me every reason to think that in book two.
You have to explore this universe. It certainly won't disappoint.
The story, much like in the previous book, is light and engaging, though at times I found myself wishing it had been trimmed down a bit – that’s why I knocked off a star. And another half-star for some moments that felt a little illogical (I mean, I get that this isn’t exactly the kind of genre where you go looking for airtight logic, but some parts were just a bit too much).
Ava and Valen make a very sweet couple – so caring and gentle with each other, deeply empathetic and mindful of one another’s feelings, always wanting to protect each other from harm and danger. Overall, we now have a sort of “gang” made up of three couples (and yes, we’re introduced to a new guy here, and let me tell you, I already really like him; the next book definitely won’t be boring with him around). They all get pulled into such a wild mess that it’s going to take them a long time to sort it out – but honestly, that just makes it even more exciting 🔥
There’s plenty of humor too – I caught myself giggling at some of the dialogue, and Zev does not disappoint, still the funniest little menace 🤣
So yes, I’m definitely waiting for the next book! I need to find out how the next couple’s relationship will unfold and how they’re going to deal with the big bad. So many questions!👀
Tropes: 🪄Witch x Vampire 🔥 Virgin MMC 💞 Fated Mates 🧪 Magic & Chaos 💀 “This is a terrible idea… let’s do it anyway” 😏 Sarcastic / Sassy Heroine 🩸 Touch Her and Die 😮💨 Slow Burn (але з напругою з перших сцен) 😤 Forced Proximity 🫀 Emotional Walls / Trauma 👀 Secrets & Hidden Truths
This was so good! I was kicking my feet and giggling at parts, shocked with the twists, and stressed when the bad stuff happened. I can’t wait to read the next book! Valen is a wonderful book boyfriend! He took the initiative to learn and applied it to his relationship with Ava! And Ava is a boss! She loves fiercely and we all need a best friend like her!
Aura did it again! This was such a lovely and funny love story. Valen is absolutely adorable and we don't deserve him.
Pom Pom 100% reminded me of my puppy, who I already had claimed as my familiar ❤️❤️ (not all witches get cats, some of us get overly attached fluff balls)
Overall another fantastic story and I'm super excited for the next book (vampire x demon is going to be so hot 🔥 🔥 🔥)
Thanks to Aura for the ARC. All comments are my own.
I never thought I’ll love Valen as much as I did Zavier and girl, was I wrong!!
Ava and Valen was everything. Opposite in every way, they somehow fit. What made it more sweet was, they worked on their bond. I enjoyed the progression for their relationship - from the awkward roommates stage to trying to spend time together to the deep love. They both were so protective of each other. Valen needed that. His past was so heartbreaking.
Dear God, Zavier!!! He is still the cutest menace I’ve ever read. He was a hoot throughout the book. He and Ava bickered like true siblings and then came the most unexpected character! Not going to spoil but ‘That Character’ just elevated the hilarious meter in this book. I loved the new development.
I felt the book had some loopholes and dragged a tiny bit in the middle. But overall I enjoyed it so much.
-Fated mates. -Found family. -Vampire x Witch -Roommates to lovers. -Hurt/comfort. -V hero. -Could not be read as standalone. -KU, TW. -Recommended
Loving a Witch is Totally Fooish - Aura Hayes Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice : 🌶️🌶️
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Tropes : 🩷 fated mates 🩷 vampire x witch 🩷 forced proximity 🩷 virgin mmc 🩷 dark romcom
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Review: This was another fun installment to this series. I was really looking forward to it because when we met Valen in the first book I figured he’d be important, so learning he’d get a book I was really excited. Valen and Ava’s relationship is my favorite so far. They get thrust into their mate pairing and close proximity living situation, and both of them have a lot of wounds to heal from. Ava is freshly out of a serious relationship and Valen is finally free after being held captive and tortured for centuries. Watching them heal together was a beautiful thing, and how open and trusting they were with each other. Caring for one another came as natural as breathing even when they were practically strangers. The progression of their relationship felt very natural and I was so happy for them when they finally admitted that they wanted each other outside of just the bond but because they’d truly fallen for each other. We got a little twist and surprise setting up the couple for the next book and I am SO EXCITED for those two. The overarching plot line got a lot more intense, and we’re set up for a big final showdown in the finale book. Overall this was a funny sweet and sassy time. I loved getting to see Zav and Celine, and of course Luna and her new companion.
My only issue with this series is I feel like the plot pacing could use some work. I felt the same with the first book, but this one I did enjoy more overall. I will absolutely be finishing the series.
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Thank you to Love on the Line and the authors for an advanced copy. All thoughts and option are my own.
Finished Loving A Witch Is Totally Foolish in one seating!! WHAT A MASTERPIECE 🥹🥹🥹 Valen and Ava have my heart!!!
When I started the book, I told myself that I shouldn’t finish it in one go. I really wanted to savor it lol, but it quickly became impossible! I was completely hooked!
Reread “Loving a Vampire” a few days before, and having it so fresh in my mind was the best decision as it picks up immediately after the events of that book (you definitely need to read them in order).
In this one we discover more about Valen and Ava’s story. I absolutely adored these two, they were incredible. They truly felt meant to be. It showed us how deep their connection went and how little by little they start to understand each other, and who they are besides the mating bond. They did a brilliant job of exploring their relationship despite the bond and it made their love feel authentic and meaningful.
I adored Valen, he was the perfect MMC, soft, tortured and resilient. My heart broke for him and his story. And Ava?!?! I loved her spunky personality and how strong and caring she was. Both of them would do anything to protect their loved ones. Loved that we got to explore new lore!
Zavier needs a special mention, he is even more chaotic than in the first one! He makes me laugh so much! He’s absolutely bananas lol His one liners had me laughing out loud on multiple occasions! Him and Celene continue to be an incredible duo and love that we keep seeing them together.
I cannot believe we finally got to meet Mystery Man!!! The way Aura introduced him, had me screaming!! I have a feeling he might become my favorite lol Luna surprised me, loved that we got to know more about her. The easter eggs for their book have me so hyped! Cannot wait to see how that’s going to unfold!
This book also raises the stakes plot wise, we discover more about the world, its creatures and the perils that hide behind the dark!
I don’t want to say more about the plot. I think it’s better to go in blind and discover while you read it, but it definitely gets bigger and more complicated!! I am so intrigued to see what they are going to do for book 3! THAT ENDING?!
If you love stories with great banter, incredible relationships, chaotic best friends, the cutest animal companions that also have an exciting plot, definitely give this one a read!
I really liked the start of the book and Valen had me hooked. Like he is the reason the book was worth reading. It didn’t have the same humor as the first one and when I reached the middle of the book it just got meh 😕
When a certain someone was introduced it got a bit better but and I will read the last book because of this couple (and to find out how it all goes) but this book wasn’t the best unfortunately ❤️
I was going to give it four stars because the last 20% was so action-packed and the climax/finale definitely have me intrigued enough to continue on with the series, unfortunately it really dragged for more than half the book and there was zero plot up until the end. While I love me some romance, even with it being the most important part of this book, I didn’t feel any tension/sparks between the two MCs. But I am super excited for Luna and Levi’s book!
Ava McGuire is already struggling to move on from a painful breakup when her world is turned upside down by a series of supernatural revelations. Not only is her best friend now entangled with a dangerous vampire, but Ava learns she has a vampire mate of her own: Valen, a man who has spent centuries in captivity and is still adjusting to the modern world. As Ava and Valen attempt to navigate their bond, they’re pulled into a larger mystery involving strange events in Chicago, rising paranormal activity, and the truth behind Valen’s imprisonment. Along the way, Ava discovers she may be far more powerful than she ever imagined.
This is a strong continuation of the first book, building on its foundation while expanding the scope of the story. There’s a noticeable shift toward a more plot-driven narrative, which works well in setting up future installments without losing the charm that made the series fun to begin with. The humor and lighter moments are still very much present, balancing out the chaos and higher stakes. I also appreciated how much payoff there is from book one, with threads carrying through in a way that makes the overall story feel cohesive. Ava holds her own as a lead, matching the strength of Celine, while Valen brings a different but equally compelling dynamic compared to Zav.
There’s honestly very little to critique here if you enjoyed the first book. The story continues to juggle humor, romance, and supernatural intrigue effectively, and the stakes feel more grounded despite the larger scope. It clearly leans into setting up book three, which may leave some elements feeling more transitional, but it never feels like filler. If anything, it made me more invested in where the series is heading, especially when it comes to certain… intriguing characters. Overall, this remains a fun and witty series that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering on story and stakes.
✦What to Expect✦ •Fated mates •Virgin MMC •Vampire x witch •Forced proximity •Mystery subplot
✦Characters✦ •Ava McQuire •Valen
✦Fav Quotes✦ “You are starlight,” I explain. “I’ve been wondering what you remind me of, and it is not the sunshine. It’s starlight. Beautiful and magical and awe-inspiring.”
This pink-haired witch has once again brought me to my knees.
“I’m ruined by you.”
✦Thoughts✦ VALEN you precious vampire you!!!
I loved the dynamic between them, they were just so sweet to each other ! Valen was still healing from what happened to him and Ava was so gentle with him.
Then when his possessive vampire mate side came out, ate it up!!!! Their chemistry?! Hotttt
The banter with Valen & Zav had me cracking up!!!!! Love this crew and the next book is going to be a wild ride I already can tell!
Mystery man!!!!!!!!!! I am already OBSESSED with him and can’t wait for the next book!!!
I’ll def be doing a re read when the audio comes out!!
✦Micro-Tropes✦ •He 💦 in his pants •He💦 on her 🍈🍈 •He reads bodice rippers •Pet friends •Dry humping
I am not well. It’s been a long while since a book (let alone a series) has had me this obsessed. Aura Hayes, you have me in a chokehold and I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to function until book 3 is out — I have so many questions!
Valen completely stole my heart. My heart breaks for everything he’s been through, but the author handles his suffering with such beauty and care. He’s never portrayed as a victim; instead we get to watch him grow, open up, and heal day by day with Ava by his side. The way he calls her “Starlight” or “clumsy tiny one,” his fear of elevators, and his adorable confusion about “strange metal contraptions” (aka cars) had me smiling nonstop. His possessiveness when Liam is around? Chef’s kiss.
Ava is pure sunshine — bubbly, pink-haired, pink-clothes-obsessed, and so adorably human (well… witch!) that I genuinely want to go shopping with her. I loved her parents, the found-family warmth, and the moment Valen sees their auras blend into one giant one — it warmed my heart so much.
The banter is hilarious, the slow-burn tension is delicious, the flow is effortless with short chapters that make it impossible to put down, and the Mystery Inc. gang dress-up scene? Genius. Plus Zav the Pomeranian is the sweetest sidekick ever.
This book gave me everything: laughs, steam, action, emotional depth, and characters I want to be real. If you love witchy chaos, fallen-angel-turned-vampire goodness, and found family with a side of pink sparkle, this is an absolute must-read.
Aura Hayes… thank you for the obsession. 7 stars! I need book 3 yesterday. 💕📖🐶
I received this book as an arc and I am leaving my honest review.
Loving A Witch Is Totally Foolish by Aura Hayes is the second book in the Total Chaos trilogy.
Ava is a human whose world was turned upside down when her long term relationship ends and she needs to find a new place to live. Oh, and it turns out she’s a witch that can’t access her powers. Cherry on the top? An ancient and severely traumatized vampire is her roommate AND her mate.
This installment is Ava & Valen’s love story and told through their POV but Celine & Zav are very present (and still insanely hilarious) side characters. We’re also treated to more of Luna and a certain mystery demon that I’m preemptively in love with. We can see the shape of their found family forming and it’s chaotic and messy but absolutely heartwarming.
Also, I died laughing when Zav found out Valen’s full name is Valentine and all of the hilarious cupid jokes and emojis that ensued!
Loving a Witch is Totally Foolish is perfect for paranormal rom-com fans that enjoy dark undertones, found family, age gap with hilarious fish out of water moments, impulsive witch coming into power FMC, virgin vampire unpacking trauma MMC, fated mates, animal sidekicks and slow burn to open door spice!
Ava is getting over a breakup, but instead of feeling sorry for herself, she is pulled into a hidden world of vampires and demons.
Valen has been locked away for centuries and is finally free. The moment he sees Ava, he feels they are meant to be together.
But why was he captured? And can he find out the truth with help from Zavier, a vampire who never stops joking?
As Ava starts to feel like she was meant for more, she realises she might be a big part of everything.
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this book after finishing the first one. It was so good to see Zavier again. How do you even miss a fictional character this much?
I absolutely loved Valen. He is smart, gentle, and just deserves everything good. I’m so happy he got his horse with wheels.
.I loved how the guys were with the familiars. Total pet dad energy.
And honestly, who would have thought reading a few bodice rippers would lead to such a filthy mouth 🥵🥵🥵
Why was my favourite line “boobs”?? 😂
Now I’m on tenterhooks waiting for the next book !! This was well worth the wait !
Fated Mates
Virgin Vampire MMC
Forced Proximity
Full of Banter
Pet Friends
Magic and spells
Spicy scenes 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.5⭐️ Such a cute, fun paranormal read with the perfect mix of humor, heart, and a little suspense.
I really loved getting Valen’s story. Watching his character growth and seeing him adjust to a whole new world was so satisfying. Ava was the perfect match for him, so patient, loving, and grounding. Their dynamic felt natural and easy, and I loved how their relationship developed.
The found family in this series continues to be top tier. I loved all the Zavier and Celine cameos. Zav continues to steal the show with his shenanigans. And Luna and Levi definitely have me so ready for their book 👀
And the familiars?! Adorable. I’m obsessed with their little personalities, it added such a fun, cozy layer to the story.
This is book 2 of an interconnected series, so I definitely recommend reading in order. Make sure you read Loving a Vampire is Total Chaos for Zavier and Celine’s story and where the suspense subplot really kicks of
Overall, this was a light, magical, and super enjoyable read that kept me engaged the whole time.
Thank you Aura Hayes and Love on the Line Literary for the ARC 🩷