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Supernatural Entanglements #2
World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26An oracle who can see the future teams up with the far-too-hot demon from her past to avert catastrophe, in this steamy paranormal romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Zomromcom.
Gwen Wexloff might be able to see the future, but not when it matters. Her visions invariably involve piddling issues, which means—unlike most oracles—she’s spent her life predicting for everyday humans instead of international power brokers. After a clutch of brain-slurping zombies escapes from their walled-off compound, though, Gwen experiences the first genuinely world-altering vision of her life . . . and now she needs help.
Unfortunately, that help comes from Hugh Blacke, the same starchy (but annoyingly cute) demon who watched her bomb her oracle verification test years ago. To Gwen's dismay, the two of them will need to work together to unravel the deadly conspiracy behind the zombie breach, despite their complicated past and the secrets they’re keeping.
Even with her newfound power, she couldn't have foreseen how quickly they'd both want more than a simple partnership. But the clock is ticking—and with the fate of humanity at stake, Gwen and Hugh will have to decide how much they’re willing to risk for an unexpected, passionate love...and a future together that might prove very short indeed.
Gwen Wexloff might be able to see the future, but not when it matters. Her visions invariably involve piddling issues, which means—unlike most oracles—she’s spent her life predicting for everyday humans instead of international power brokers. After a clutch of brain-slurping zombies escapes from their walled-off compound, though, Gwen experiences the first genuinely world-altering vision of her life . . . and now she needs help.
Unfortunately, that help comes from Hugh Blacke, the same starchy (but annoyingly cute) demon who watched her bomb her oracle verification test years ago. To Gwen's dismay, the two of them will need to work together to unravel the deadly conspiracy behind the zombie breach, despite their complicated past and the secrets they’re keeping.
Even with her newfound power, she couldn't have foreseen how quickly they'd both want more than a simple partnership. But the clock is ticking—and with the fate of humanity at stake, Gwen and Hugh will have to decide how much they’re willing to risk for an unexpected, passionate love...and a future together that might prove very short indeed.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 11, 2026
About the author
Olivia Dade
27 books6,012 followersOlivia Dade grew up an undeniable nerd, prone to ignoring the world around her as she read any book she could find. Her favorites, though, were always, always romances. As an adult, she earned an M.A. in American history and worked in a variety of jobs that required the donning of actual pants: Colonial Williamsburg interpreter, high school teacher, academic tutor, and (of course) librarian. Now, however, she has finally achieved her lifelong goal of wearing pajamas all day as a hermit-like writer and enthusiastic hag. She currently lives outside Stockholm with her delightful family and their ever-burgeoning collection of books.
*******
If you want to find me online, here’s where to go!
Website: https://oliviadade.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OliviaWrites
Newsletter: https://go.oliviadade.com/Newsletter
*******
If you want to find me online, here’s where to go!
Website: https://oliviadade.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OliviaWrites
Newsletter: https://go.oliviadade.com/Newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 21, 2026
✨🔮 World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon 🔮✨
This book was absolutely unhinged and I loved every second of it.
I actually ended up loving this one more than book one. The plot felt more fleshed out while still being completely ridiculous in the best way.
I seriously laughed so much while reading this. I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook!
🖤 What to Expect
• Oracle FMC
• Demon MMC
• Forced partnership
• Zombies
• Paranormal romance
• Second chance romance
_ _ _ _
⭐️ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: August 11, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
This book was absolutely unhinged and I loved every second of it.
I actually ended up loving this one more than book one. The plot felt more fleshed out while still being completely ridiculous in the best way.
I seriously laughed so much while reading this. I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook!
🖤 What to Expect
• Oracle FMC
• Demon MMC
• Forced partnership
• Zombies
• Paranormal romance
• Second chance romance
_ _ _ _
⭐️ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: August 11, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Read
April 23, 2026You can tell Olivia Dade had fun with this--and I had a great time too! There were several scenes that made me snort-laugh. Really fun read all around, without sacrificing emotional depth for kicks.
I'd definitely recommend starting with the first in the series to avoid major spoilers and so the world building makes more sense. I'm looking forward to the next book that the epilogue set up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.
I'd definitely recommend starting with the first in the series to avoid major spoilers and so the world building makes more sense. I'm looking forward to the next book that the epilogue set up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Y'all, I absolute loved the first book in this little paranormal romance series, Zomromcom, when I read it last year. So, I was hype to receive an early copy of this next book from NetGalley (thanks to the publisher, Berkley). All the opinions, which are quite positive, are my own!
Dade brings it again, from the start and with aplomb, as far as the lighthearted and irreverent humor. The last one had it in spades (the plays on Beauty and the Beast's Gaston's song lyrics remains a favorite running "joke" of any book I've ever read)...and I'm so here for the cheese-related puns and references that are the running joke in this second book. (Do the cheese-involved sexuals in the in-world tv series Curdled go too far? Perhaps. But I shan’t hold it against the actual world being built on page. Everybody is allowed their kinks. Haha.) Also, the sheer number of snacks/foods name-dropped as they magically appear for the trolls, Lorraine and Kip, to eat is truly my favorite thing. Literally so much fun.
Alright, plot-wise, this takes what we got from the first book and definitely expands the world and the story. There was drama and adventure as this group looks further into the culprits behind the zombie breakout from book one, and attempts to build a team of allies with some actual power, in order to prevent the apocalypse that Gwen's visions of the future keep showing her. It was well-paced and interesting, with some solid twists and plenty of excitement. As per usual with series like this as well, I always enjoy seeing the small roles from characters who were previously the focal ones - that continuity and those cameos are always a very fun piece of these interconnected romances.
And as the plot developed, so did our characters. While Gwen and Hugh were a great pair (more of that later), the individual development for them was definitely focused on Gwen, which makes sense, as she was our narrator. I really liked her arc, a gorgeous coming into one’s own confidence, as she realizes that the difference she makes small scale, helping and improving the lives of the people you love and who surround you as community, is just as great (if not more so) as doing something large and universally world-changing. The small actions and gestures save the world by preserving and enhancing our shared humanity, and learning to understand and *believe* that, against the messages the world gives, is heart-filling. Also, the idea of judging yourself by the standards of your friends and neighbors, not those of the privileged and powerful, is an important one that we should really all work on internalizing. Tangentially related to that, I appreciated the unexpected and fantastically-woven-in commentary on the immeasurable limitations on people’s potential when they lack access to basic healthcare, etc. due to societally inflicted low economics/income. The effects of those limitations are not always obvious, as we see here, but the ramifications of that lack of access can be so huge! Although in this case, that commentary is super well balanced with the way that even with those unintended/unknown limitations, people are still incredibly helpful to and important in their communities. Hat tip to that point, alongside the way it proves yet again that these [class] differences are completely fabricated by those in power attempting to limit anyone else from reaching where they have found themselves.
As promised, Gwen and Hugh. First, a literary romance Hugh? Be still my I-have-a-real-life-romance-Hugh heart. Their super subtle mate thing (from Hugh's side), and slower burn high-yearning vibes, from both sides, is fantastic. Though in the book, since you could perhaps characterize this as a second chance romance, the delivery of the spice comes pretty quickly post-reunion, and it was great. Solid paranormal aspects, as far as Hugh's demon appendages and heat-spreading capacities, and generally lovely (and not at all cringy) traditional spice-scene writing. I thought Gwen and Hugh were a spectacular and well-written match for each other. Absolutely an opposites attract situation, where they both help each other see their own worth/hidden talents, and come out from behind their respective walls (whether emotional or self-doubt), in a way that made me feel all fuzzy and happy inside.
With a title like World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon, a reader expects a certain level of humor and irreverence, which Dade delivers. And we're also given an adventure-filled plot and a cozy and spicy romance. The best of all worlds. Exactly the sequel to Zomromcom that I hoped it would be. I can't wait for (the clearly set up) next book!
“And at his age, he should already know that rules and justice didn’t always demand the same actions or work toward the same outcome.”
“That said, feelings aren’t consent, and not all desire is welcome or voluntary. […] …your emotions cannot and do not offer me any additional physical or emotional rights.”
“I’ll go out with love, in love – and fighting all the way down.”
“She’d made the lives of those in her community a little better every day for decades, exactly as he’d told her. And that wasn’t nothing, was it? Didn’t their live have meaning? If so, didn’t her life have meaning… […] …why was she still judging herself by the standards of the most privileged and powerful rather than her friends and neighbors?”
“She knew how to make genuine friends out of strangers, especially when those strangers were also her neighbors. She knew how people in difficult circumstances could form informal partnerships to stay alive and protect the vulnerable. And she certainly knew how to scrape for survival, powered by determination and community instead of inborn talent.”
“…some people were rule followers, either by nature or by training. Others weren’t. Her main conclusion? One category wasn’t necessarily better than the other, as long as the people in question were following or breaking the right rules for the right reasons…”
“Do you love me, Hugh?” / “Yes.” Immediate. Unequivocal. / “Like darkness loves a spark. In your absence, more than I can bear.”
“Easy-peasy, melted cheesy."
Dade brings it again, from the start and with aplomb, as far as the lighthearted and irreverent humor. The last one had it in spades (the plays on Beauty and the Beast's Gaston's song lyrics remains a favorite running "joke" of any book I've ever read)...and I'm so here for the cheese-related puns and references that are the running joke in this second book. (Do the cheese-involved sexuals in the in-world tv series Curdled go too far? Perhaps. But I shan’t hold it against the actual world being built on page. Everybody is allowed their kinks. Haha.) Also, the sheer number of snacks/foods name-dropped as they magically appear for the trolls, Lorraine and Kip, to eat is truly my favorite thing. Literally so much fun.
Alright, plot-wise, this takes what we got from the first book and definitely expands the world and the story. There was drama and adventure as this group looks further into the culprits behind the zombie breakout from book one, and attempts to build a team of allies with some actual power, in order to prevent the apocalypse that Gwen's visions of the future keep showing her. It was well-paced and interesting, with some solid twists and plenty of excitement. As per usual with series like this as well, I always enjoy seeing the small roles from characters who were previously the focal ones - that continuity and those cameos are always a very fun piece of these interconnected romances.
And as the plot developed, so did our characters. While Gwen and Hugh were a great pair (more of that later), the individual development for them was definitely focused on Gwen, which makes sense, as she was our narrator. I really liked her arc, a gorgeous coming into one’s own confidence, as she realizes that the difference she makes small scale, helping and improving the lives of the people you love and who surround you as community, is just as great (if not more so) as doing something large and universally world-changing. The small actions and gestures save the world by preserving and enhancing our shared humanity, and learning to understand and *believe* that, against the messages the world gives, is heart-filling. Also, the idea of judging yourself by the standards of your friends and neighbors, not those of the privileged and powerful, is an important one that we should really all work on internalizing. Tangentially related to that, I appreciated the unexpected and fantastically-woven-in commentary on the immeasurable limitations on people’s potential when they lack access to basic healthcare, etc. due to societally inflicted low economics/income. The effects of those limitations are not always obvious, as we see here, but the ramifications of that lack of access can be so huge! Although in this case, that commentary is super well balanced with the way that even with those unintended/unknown limitations, people are still incredibly helpful to and important in their communities. Hat tip to that point, alongside the way it proves yet again that these [class] differences are completely fabricated by those in power attempting to limit anyone else from reaching where they have found themselves.
As promised, Gwen and Hugh. First, a literary romance Hugh? Be still my I-have-a-real-life-romance-Hugh heart. Their super subtle mate thing (from Hugh's side), and slower burn high-yearning vibes, from both sides, is fantastic. Though in the book, since you could perhaps characterize this as a second chance romance, the delivery of the spice comes pretty quickly post-reunion, and it was great. Solid paranormal aspects, as far as Hugh's demon appendages and heat-spreading capacities, and generally lovely (and not at all cringy) traditional spice-scene writing. I thought Gwen and Hugh were a spectacular and well-written match for each other. Absolutely an opposites attract situation, where they both help each other see their own worth/hidden talents, and come out from behind their respective walls (whether emotional or self-doubt), in a way that made me feel all fuzzy and happy inside.
With a title like World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon, a reader expects a certain level of humor and irreverence, which Dade delivers. And we're also given an adventure-filled plot and a cozy and spicy romance. The best of all worlds. Exactly the sequel to Zomromcom that I hoped it would be. I can't wait for (the clearly set up) next book!
“And at his age, he should already know that rules and justice didn’t always demand the same actions or work toward the same outcome.”
“That said, feelings aren’t consent, and not all desire is welcome or voluntary. […] …your emotions cannot and do not offer me any additional physical or emotional rights.”
“I’ll go out with love, in love – and fighting all the way down.”
“She’d made the lives of those in her community a little better every day for decades, exactly as he’d told her. And that wasn’t nothing, was it? Didn’t their live have meaning? If so, didn’t her life have meaning… […] …why was she still judging herself by the standards of the most privileged and powerful rather than her friends and neighbors?”
“She knew how to make genuine friends out of strangers, especially when those strangers were also her neighbors. She knew how people in difficult circumstances could form informal partnerships to stay alive and protect the vulnerable. And she certainly knew how to scrape for survival, powered by determination and community instead of inborn talent.”
“…some people were rule followers, either by nature or by training. Others weren’t. Her main conclusion? One category wasn’t necessarily better than the other, as long as the people in question were following or breaking the right rules for the right reasons…”
“Do you love me, Hugh?” / “Yes.” Immediate. Unequivocal. / “Like darkness loves a spark. In your absence, more than I can bear.”
“Easy-peasy, melted cheesy."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Olivia Dade’s contemporary romances and was excited to receive this advanced copy of World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon. I didn't realize this was the second in a series so I was confused by the first few chapters. This is primarily because we are dropped into the story immediately after the events of the first book, which, again, would have made much more sense if I had read Zomromcom first. Don’t make my mistake and be a chaos reader; consume them in order.
I found the synopsis of the first book to be a bit hectic. The exposition comes from multiple different points of view, which sometimes made it hard for me to follow and slowed the pace down. I don't feel like the book really hit its stride until about 30% in and the manic humor didn’t really work for me. For instance, Gwen loves cheese. No, more than that, she is obsessed. Cheese features heavily throughout the book to the point that it felt heavy handed. I featured so much that I felt Gwen's simple love of fromage turned into an overdone personality quark (hey, cheese pun!).
Once the story takes off, though, Dade touches on important themes: hiding in plain sight while also denying (or not recognizing) who you really are, self-worth, the importance of consent, and the incredible value of found family. There is trans and queer rep, as well, which I love to see.
I've seen some reviews complaining about the lack of worldbuilding and I can't quite comprehend it when the characters LIVE IN GEORGETOWN. Hugh drives a Prius! There's an entire extant world right there and Dade has cleverly layered magic and mythology over top of it.
Briefly: For reasons yet unknown, someone has released the zombies from a secure facility built decades ago to keep them contained. Gwen and her friends stop the creatures before they escape the walled Containment Zone and wreak havoc in the city, but the mystery of why the creatures were released remains.
Gwen is an oracle, albeit a very weak one. Her love interest is Hugh, a local Councilman and very hot demon. Gwen ekes out a living in The Containment Zone, which was built decades ago to contain a horde of zombies. She survives by making minor predictions for friends and neighbors in exchange for goods and services.
Hugh and Gwen met decades ago when she was about to (barely) graduate from the oracle academy. He is smothered by family obligations and expectations. Gwen spent her childhood and adolescence separated from family and friends during school and remains unsure of her place in the world. She can’t make useful predictions, doesn’t have a regular job, and has little contact with her family of origin even now. What use is an oracle who can only make minor predictions. What is one’s intrinsic worth when their own family barely keeps in contact with them? Is fulfilling familial obligations more important than living the life you want?
I will absolutely continue to devour her contemporary romances, I’m just not sure that this series is for me. If you love hijinks, mystery, and silliness alongside your hot romance, you should absolutely check the series out.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
I found the synopsis of the first book to be a bit hectic. The exposition comes from multiple different points of view, which sometimes made it hard for me to follow and slowed the pace down. I don't feel like the book really hit its stride until about 30% in and the manic humor didn’t really work for me. For instance, Gwen loves cheese. No, more than that, she is obsessed. Cheese features heavily throughout the book to the point that it felt heavy handed. I featured so much that I felt Gwen's simple love of fromage turned into an overdone personality quark (hey, cheese pun!).
Once the story takes off, though, Dade touches on important themes: hiding in plain sight while also denying (or not recognizing) who you really are, self-worth, the importance of consent, and the incredible value of found family. There is trans and queer rep, as well, which I love to see.
I've seen some reviews complaining about the lack of worldbuilding and I can't quite comprehend it when the characters LIVE IN GEORGETOWN. Hugh drives a Prius! There's an entire extant world right there and Dade has cleverly layered magic and mythology over top of it.
Briefly: For reasons yet unknown, someone has released the zombies from a secure facility built decades ago to keep them contained. Gwen and her friends stop the creatures before they escape the walled Containment Zone and wreak havoc in the city, but the mystery of why the creatures were released remains.
Gwen is an oracle, albeit a very weak one. Her love interest is Hugh, a local Councilman and very hot demon. Gwen ekes out a living in The Containment Zone, which was built decades ago to contain a horde of zombies. She survives by making minor predictions for friends and neighbors in exchange for goods and services.
Hugh and Gwen met decades ago when she was about to (barely) graduate from the oracle academy. He is smothered by family obligations and expectations. Gwen spent her childhood and adolescence separated from family and friends during school and remains unsure of her place in the world. She can’t make useful predictions, doesn’t have a regular job, and has little contact with her family of origin even now. What use is an oracle who can only make minor predictions. What is one’s intrinsic worth when their own family barely keeps in contact with them? Is fulfilling familial obligations more important than living the life you want?
I will absolutely continue to devour her contemporary romances, I’m just not sure that this series is for me. If you love hijinks, mystery, and silliness alongside your hot romance, you should absolutely check the series out.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of this book. My review is based on that copy. The published work may differ from what I read.
Olivia Dade’s books are usually solid three star reads for me. Her plus size protagonists are wonderful, and as a fellow squishy girl myself I deeply appreciate that. Her execution is often lacking, but it’s usually at a forgivable level. Zomromcom was not forgivable. In fact, the first book in this series was a complete dud. I was annoyed, frustrated, and very unsatisfied by it. I came into this one hoping it would be a better experience. It wasn’t.
The characters are over the top in almost every possible way, as are the relational interactions. In fact, everything about this book is so ridiculous that it reads like a satire. Gwen did make me laugh though. Her obsession with cheese is both relatable and hilarious. But other than that strangely defining character trait, she is a textbook damsel in distress for the entire book. Disappointing. The story is rushed and the tropes are obvious. That said, it’s occasionally funny. It’s a very specific brand of humor, but it made me smile. The trolls are the exception. Their humor is painfully juvenile and eyeroll inducing.
It’s a very madcap, hand-wavy plot. Don’t expect it to make a ton of sense. There were wild, confusing swings in the story that came out of left field. The world building is inconsistent, contradictory, and often left unexplained. The villain might as well be twirling a mustache. There is also a LOT of miscommunication by assumption, which is a trope I really don’t like. If your characters are adults, let them behave like adults. Relationship plots that exist only because the characters refuse to ask really obvious questions drives me absolutely nuts. The lack of perception implied by Gwen’s inability to understand what is right in front of her makes her look incredibly dimwitted.
I don’t love the physical focus in the writing. The word choices and the emphasis on physical attraction over any other quality is uncomfortable and way too horny for me. I’m interested in romance, not lust. The emotional beats were forced and dramatic. The spice is also not written very well. It’s full of florid language and really over done dialogue, and I ended up skimming most of it. The one positive is that there is a heavy emphasis on informed consent.
The ending is a mess. Nothing about it worked.
Dade’s exploration of being a plus sized woman in a world that is not designed for us is refreshing. I just wish it was done with more finesse, less spice, and more than a basic attempt at coherency.
Olivia Dade’s books are usually solid three star reads for me. Her plus size protagonists are wonderful, and as a fellow squishy girl myself I deeply appreciate that. Her execution is often lacking, but it’s usually at a forgivable level. Zomromcom was not forgivable. In fact, the first book in this series was a complete dud. I was annoyed, frustrated, and very unsatisfied by it. I came into this one hoping it would be a better experience. It wasn’t.
The characters are over the top in almost every possible way, as are the relational interactions. In fact, everything about this book is so ridiculous that it reads like a satire. Gwen did make me laugh though. Her obsession with cheese is both relatable and hilarious. But other than that strangely defining character trait, she is a textbook damsel in distress for the entire book. Disappointing. The story is rushed and the tropes are obvious. That said, it’s occasionally funny. It’s a very specific brand of humor, but it made me smile. The trolls are the exception. Their humor is painfully juvenile and eyeroll inducing.
It’s a very madcap, hand-wavy plot. Don’t expect it to make a ton of sense. There were wild, confusing swings in the story that came out of left field. The world building is inconsistent, contradictory, and often left unexplained. The villain might as well be twirling a mustache. There is also a LOT of miscommunication by assumption, which is a trope I really don’t like. If your characters are adults, let them behave like adults. Relationship plots that exist only because the characters refuse to ask really obvious questions drives me absolutely nuts. The lack of perception implied by Gwen’s inability to understand what is right in front of her makes her look incredibly dimwitted.
I don’t love the physical focus in the writing. The word choices and the emphasis on physical attraction over any other quality is uncomfortable and way too horny for me. I’m interested in romance, not lust. The emotional beats were forced and dramatic. The spice is also not written very well. It’s full of florid language and really over done dialogue, and I ended up skimming most of it. The one positive is that there is a heavy emphasis on informed consent.
The ending is a mess. Nothing about it worked.
Dade’s exploration of being a plus sized woman in a world that is not designed for us is refreshing. I just wish it was done with more finesse, less spice, and more than a basic attempt at coherency.
March 15, 2026
I went into World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon by Olivia Dade with pretty high hopes. I previously enjoyed Spoiler Alert, and paranormal romance is a genre I usually have a lot of fun with. The premise here is creative: an underpowered oracle reconnects with a powerful demon from her past while supernatural chaos starts closing in.
I’ll start by acknowledging that the book is very clearly meant to be silly. The tone is chaotic, quirky, and intentionally over-the-top, with eccentric side characters and a lot of absurd humor. I can absolutely see this working for readers who enjoy that kind of zany fantasy vibe. I haven’t read the first book in the Supernatural Entanglements series, but if that wink-wink, nudge-nudge style worked for fans there, I’m sure it will work again here.
For me, the humor actually overwhelmed the story. Running jokes (especially the constant cheese references) show up so frequently that they started to dominate the page. What might have started as a funny character quirk eventually felt like it was taking up more space than the actual relationship or plot.
I also struggled with the pacing of the exposition. Much of the lore and backstory is delivered through long explanations or characters filling in information for each other, which made the world feel less immersive than it could have been. These choices also made the dialogue and overall pacing feel somewhat clunky. The ideas behind the setting are interesting, but I often found myself wishing they were revealed more organically through the story.
Where the book really lost me, though, was Gwen’s internal narrative. She constantly insists she can’t trust her own judgment and sees herself as incompetent, but her actions throughout the story often show the opposite. She makes difficult decisions, navigates dangerous situations, and even chooses to become a parent knowing she’ll likely be raising her child alone. That’s a huge act of self-reliance. Because of that, the arc about her learning to trust herself never quite landed for me. By the end, the resolution leans heavily on Hugh reassuring her of her worth and I found myself wishing that confidence had come more from Gwen herself.
There’s a lot of creativity in this world and I can see the appeal of the chaotic humor, but for me the tone, exposition, and character arc didn’t quite come together in a satisfying way.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
I’ll start by acknowledging that the book is very clearly meant to be silly. The tone is chaotic, quirky, and intentionally over-the-top, with eccentric side characters and a lot of absurd humor. I can absolutely see this working for readers who enjoy that kind of zany fantasy vibe. I haven’t read the first book in the Supernatural Entanglements series, but if that wink-wink, nudge-nudge style worked for fans there, I’m sure it will work again here.
For me, the humor actually overwhelmed the story. Running jokes (especially the constant cheese references) show up so frequently that they started to dominate the page. What might have started as a funny character quirk eventually felt like it was taking up more space than the actual relationship or plot.
I also struggled with the pacing of the exposition. Much of the lore and backstory is delivered through long explanations or characters filling in information for each other, which made the world feel less immersive than it could have been. These choices also made the dialogue and overall pacing feel somewhat clunky. The ideas behind the setting are interesting, but I often found myself wishing they were revealed more organically through the story.
Where the book really lost me, though, was Gwen’s internal narrative. She constantly insists she can’t trust her own judgment and sees herself as incompetent, but her actions throughout the story often show the opposite. She makes difficult decisions, navigates dangerous situations, and even chooses to become a parent knowing she’ll likely be raising her child alone. That’s a huge act of self-reliance. Because of that, the arc about her learning to trust herself never quite landed for me. By the end, the resolution leans heavily on Hugh reassuring her of her worth and I found myself wishing that confidence had come more from Gwen herself.
There’s a lot of creativity in this world and I can see the appeal of the chaotic humor, but for me the tone, exposition, and character arc didn’t quite come together in a satisfying way.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sitting somewhere in the realm of 2.5 to 3 stars.
World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon picks up right where Zomromcom left off with Gwen -the pregnant oracle- at the helm this time. Our main character is racing to SEC Councilor Hugh Blacke's abode to convince him to join Edie, Max and the rest in fixing the conspiracy mess that started with the zombie outbreak from book one. And -of course- she must do this dressed as Guy Fieri for some godforsaken reason.
This was just a rough of read as book one was for me, unfortunately. I picked this one up because I was interested to see where the conspiracy plot went and hoped that the cheesiness would lessen with this second book. Alas, this one also suffered from an over-abundance of quirkiness that, once again, overtook any world or character building the story had. Gwen and Hugh had some cute moments and a great set up for a second chance romance but it was replaced with the same kind of insta-love that we saw with Max and Edie in the previous installment. Within the first 24 hours of meeting again, they were basically ready to go full-throttle into marriage.
On top of the insta-love, there was also this weird obsession with cheese that Gwen had going on. All this time we could have spent building the relationship between Hugh and Gwen, getting some much needed world building or furthering the plot was spent with us learning about Gwen loving cheese, or her waxing poetic about this weirdly sexual show about cheese-related things. Her referencing a particular part of her anatomy as a "cheese cave" nearly made me drop the rating a full star.
There was a lot of potential here. I can see the bones of a story that I would really enjoy, but I don't think I will be continuing on with the next book that is set up in the epilogue of this one.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC copy for review.
World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon picks up right where Zomromcom left off with Gwen -the pregnant oracle- at the helm this time. Our main character is racing to SEC Councilor Hugh Blacke's abode to convince him to join Edie, Max and the rest in fixing the conspiracy mess that started with the zombie outbreak from book one. And -of course- she must do this dressed as Guy Fieri for some godforsaken reason.
This was just a rough of read as book one was for me, unfortunately. I picked this one up because I was interested to see where the conspiracy plot went and hoped that the cheesiness would lessen with this second book. Alas, this one also suffered from an over-abundance of quirkiness that, once again, overtook any world or character building the story had. Gwen and Hugh had some cute moments and a great set up for a second chance romance but it was replaced with the same kind of insta-love that we saw with Max and Edie in the previous installment. Within the first 24 hours of meeting again, they were basically ready to go full-throttle into marriage.
On top of the insta-love, there was also this weird obsession with cheese that Gwen had going on. All this time we could have spent building the relationship between Hugh and Gwen, getting some much needed world building or furthering the plot was spent with us learning about Gwen loving cheese, or her waxing poetic about this weirdly sexual show about cheese-related things. Her referencing a particular part of her anatomy as a "cheese cave" nearly made me drop the rating a full star.
There was a lot of potential here. I can see the bones of a story that I would really enjoy, but I don't think I will be continuing on with the next book that is set up in the epilogue of this one.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Zomromcom and was beyond thrilled to get this book! I loved this zombie apocalyptic universe and couldn’t wait to escape into this world once more. While I still enjoyed getting to return to the universe, I didn’t fall nearly has hard for Gwen and Hugh as I did for Edie and Gaston.
The second in the series follows Gwen, a middling oracle, and Hugh, a demon from her past. Forced to work together to figure out what really happened with a major zombie breach. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, these two learn to work together and sparks fly along the way.
While fantasy can be a bit hit or miss for me, I really liked how Olivia Dade keeps the fantasy in this universe very light and semi-silly. Like her other novels, Dade brings a ton of humor and fun, quirky characters to the story. I loved the community of characters and how they play off each other and seem to genuinely care for one another, which was a huge strength to the story. I think I struggled a bit to connect with the main characters of this one. While I love cheese, Gwen’s obsession went a bit too far, even for being as zany as she was. I also didn’t feel fully invested in Gwen and Hugh’s love story- it felt very quick and relied very heavily on instantaneous love. I would’ve rather seen them build the tension a bit more, especially with the perfect setup for a second chance romance. Finally, the fantasy lore could rely a bit too heavily on exposition, and felt a bit contrived/forced, rather than organic and helping to push the plot forward in a meaningful way. Overall, while this was a fun and light, I definitely had more reservations with this one compared to some of her other books.
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!
The second in the series follows Gwen, a middling oracle, and Hugh, a demon from her past. Forced to work together to figure out what really happened with a major zombie breach. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, these two learn to work together and sparks fly along the way.
While fantasy can be a bit hit or miss for me, I really liked how Olivia Dade keeps the fantasy in this universe very light and semi-silly. Like her other novels, Dade brings a ton of humor and fun, quirky characters to the story. I loved the community of characters and how they play off each other and seem to genuinely care for one another, which was a huge strength to the story. I think I struggled a bit to connect with the main characters of this one. While I love cheese, Gwen’s obsession went a bit too far, even for being as zany as she was. I also didn’t feel fully invested in Gwen and Hugh’s love story- it felt very quick and relied very heavily on instantaneous love. I would’ve rather seen them build the tension a bit more, especially with the perfect setup for a second chance romance. Finally, the fantasy lore could rely a bit too heavily on exposition, and felt a bit contrived/forced, rather than organic and helping to push the plot forward in a meaningful way. Overall, while this was a fun and light, I definitely had more reservations with this one compared to some of her other books.
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of ARC received from publisher on NetGalley
Thank you Berkley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
2.5⭐️ I will be candid up front and say I didn’t realize this was actually a sequel to Zomromcom which I have not read.
World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon didn’t quite hit for me. I was intrigued by the prologue but subsequently felt like the book itself was a complete tonal shift from there. It really did not set the expectation of going from this awkward but adorable meet cute and immediate embarrassment (her exam) directly into a pregnant Gwen being on the run with two trolls after killing an entire population of zombies. It gave me a little whiplash. I thought we would be seeing some of Gwen’s work in the meantime. But instead, it seemed like everything was done through exposition which made things drag a bit for me.
The humor in this book was also not my style. At first, I loved Gwen’s inner monologue, sarcasm, and obsessive love of cheese. But all of it became slightly grating after a while and the cheese mentions/jokes/puns were quickly overdone.
I personally did not feel like the pregnancy really added much to this book but I will admit that’s not my thing in general.
Hugh was a cute love interest but I felt like it was a little tough to get immersed in the love story written in third person POV (in my opinion) and with how heavily things leaned towards horniness and hotness? I guess it felt a little superficial.
Even though this one wasn’t my cup of tea, I would guess that if you liked Zomromcom then this is probably a book you will enjoy and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Thank you Berkley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
2.5⭐️ I will be candid up front and say I didn’t realize this was actually a sequel to Zomromcom which I have not read.
World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon didn’t quite hit for me. I was intrigued by the prologue but subsequently felt like the book itself was a complete tonal shift from there. It really did not set the expectation of going from this awkward but adorable meet cute and immediate embarrassment (her exam) directly into a pregnant Gwen being on the run with two trolls after killing an entire population of zombies. It gave me a little whiplash. I thought we would be seeing some of Gwen’s work in the meantime. But instead, it seemed like everything was done through exposition which made things drag a bit for me.
The humor in this book was also not my style. At first, I loved Gwen’s inner monologue, sarcasm, and obsessive love of cheese. But all of it became slightly grating after a while and the cheese mentions/jokes/puns were quickly overdone.
I personally did not feel like the pregnancy really added much to this book but I will admit that’s not my thing in general.
Hugh was a cute love interest but I felt like it was a little tough to get immersed in the love story written in third person POV (in my opinion) and with how heavily things leaned towards horniness and hotness? I guess it felt a little superficial.
Even though this one wasn’t my cup of tea, I would guess that if you liked Zomromcom then this is probably a book you will enjoy and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As an oracle, Gwen is one that sort of slips under everyone's radar. Her visions are mundane and don't tend to affect the greater world order (although they do tend to be greatly appreciated by the people she's oracle-izing for). That is, until she has a doozy of a vision after helping take out a massive group of zombies in the Containment Zone (which is a whole other story. Literally. It was book 1.) with her neighbors.
Let's just say this doozy of a vision could mean very bad things for a whole lot of supernaturals if she and her friends don't find a way to stop it before it comes to fruition.
So she girds her loins (kind of literally) and prepares to seek out the one demon who might be able to help them put a stop to this badness before it boils over. As it turns out, that one demon is devastatingly handsome, makes her heart go pitter-patter, and was present when she made a fool of herself at her oracle test years earlier.
As it also turns out, Hugh is morally upright (so not caught up in the twisted plot to bring down a large swath of supernaturals), genuinely kind, and has never forgotten Gwen after their brief meeting. He's also fiercely dedicated to keeping her safe no matter the cost.
Trollish shenanigans (come at me, bro!), demons, oracles, and zombies (OH MY!), complicated family dynamics, a demon who is ready to go all in, and an oracle who can do far more than she ever believed she could. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Let's just say this doozy of a vision could mean very bad things for a whole lot of supernaturals if she and her friends don't find a way to stop it before it comes to fruition.
So she girds her loins (kind of literally) and prepares to seek out the one demon who might be able to help them put a stop to this badness before it boils over. As it turns out, that one demon is devastatingly handsome, makes her heart go pitter-patter, and was present when she made a fool of herself at her oracle test years earlier.
As it also turns out, Hugh is morally upright (so not caught up in the twisted plot to bring down a large swath of supernaturals), genuinely kind, and has never forgotten Gwen after their brief meeting. He's also fiercely dedicated to keeping her safe no matter the cost.
Trollish shenanigans (come at me, bro!), demons, oracles, and zombies (OH MY!), complicated family dynamics, a demon who is ready to go all in, and an oracle who can do far more than she ever believed she could. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 26, 2026
“I’ll go out with love, in love—and fighting all the way down.”
🧀 fake dating (until it’s not)
🧀 post apocalyptic world
🧀 he’s obsessed with her
🧀 pregnancy (but the baby isn’t his)
🧀 cheese obsessed FMC
I am actually so surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I went into it expecting something fun and a little chaotic, but I ended up getting completely pulled in. It was fast paced, easy to follow, and had that addictive quality where you keep saying “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
The chemistry between Gwen and Hugh was so palpable I was panting right alongside them. The tension was immediate and constant, and every interaction between them had me kicking my feet. The romance was not only searing hot, but also so unexpectedly sweet and delicate. Beneath all the tension and banter, there was something really tender there that made me love them even more.
Hugh is absolutely obsessed with my girl, as he should be, and I ate up every second of it. He had that perfect mix of protective, devoted, and completely gone for her energy that makes a romance impossible to put down. And Gwen? Obsessed with cheese… and I guess Hugh too. Honestly, she was such a fun FMC and her personality made this even better.
The fake dating trope worked so well here, especially with the post apocalyptic setting adding even more stakes and tension to everything. It felt fresh, entertaining, and way more emotional than I expected. I really, really enjoyed this one and had such a good time reading it.
🧀 fake dating (until it’s not)
🧀 post apocalyptic world
🧀 he’s obsessed with her
🧀 pregnancy (but the baby isn’t his)
🧀 cheese obsessed FMC
I am actually so surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I went into it expecting something fun and a little chaotic, but I ended up getting completely pulled in. It was fast paced, easy to follow, and had that addictive quality where you keep saying “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
The chemistry between Gwen and Hugh was so palpable I was panting right alongside them. The tension was immediate and constant, and every interaction between them had me kicking my feet. The romance was not only searing hot, but also so unexpectedly sweet and delicate. Beneath all the tension and banter, there was something really tender there that made me love them even more.
Hugh is absolutely obsessed with my girl, as he should be, and I ate up every second of it. He had that perfect mix of protective, devoted, and completely gone for her energy that makes a romance impossible to put down. And Gwen? Obsessed with cheese… and I guess Hugh too. Honestly, she was such a fun FMC and her personality made this even better.
The fake dating trope worked so well here, especially with the post apocalyptic setting adding even more stakes and tension to everything. It felt fresh, entertaining, and way more emotional than I expected. I really, really enjoyed this one and had such a good time reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I am a big Olivia Dade fan, with my absolute favorite being ZomRomCom. Imagine my excitement when I saw this gem of a book two in the series come available as an ARC. Insert embarrassing happy squeal here. I adored reading Gwen's journey to love and self-acceptance as the true badass she is.
Gwen and Hugh are a very sweet and precious couple. When reunited, Hugh wastes no time making Gwen the center of his world. Hugh maintains constant attention on her and her needs regardless of any appearance of sacrifice on his part. Both of these main characters would ordinarily dwell in the "lawful good" category (with Gwenn occasionally rebelling for the common good), so seeing them operate in the very chaotic zombie apocalypse (with a twist of government corruption) is pure comedy gold. There is something so pure and innocent in how Hugh and Gwen interact and care for one another (even when they themselves aren't being innocent), and it gives me the happy sighs. Additionally, the supporting cast of characters are thoroughly engaging and wonderful. You find yourself thinking that catastrophic events might not be quite so bad if you get such a lovely rag tag collection of weirdos to help you through it.
I can't recommend this book enough and I am SO stoked for book three.
I am a big Olivia Dade fan, with my absolute favorite being ZomRomCom. Imagine my excitement when I saw this gem of a book two in the series come available as an ARC. Insert embarrassing happy squeal here. I adored reading Gwen's journey to love and self-acceptance as the true badass she is.
Gwen and Hugh are a very sweet and precious couple. When reunited, Hugh wastes no time making Gwen the center of his world. Hugh maintains constant attention on her and her needs regardless of any appearance of sacrifice on his part. Both of these main characters would ordinarily dwell in the "lawful good" category (with Gwenn occasionally rebelling for the common good), so seeing them operate in the very chaotic zombie apocalypse (with a twist of government corruption) is pure comedy gold. There is something so pure and innocent in how Hugh and Gwen interact and care for one another (even when they themselves aren't being innocent), and it gives me the happy sighs. Additionally, the supporting cast of characters are thoroughly engaging and wonderful. You find yourself thinking that catastrophic events might not be quite so bad if you get such a lovely rag tag collection of weirdos to help you through it.
I can't recommend this book enough and I am SO stoked for book three.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon" is Olivia Dade's second book set in the ZomRomCom Universe. While I had a hard time getting into the first book of the series, this one was a lot more palatable and fun for me. The humor and nostalgia with this book jump right off the page, making me feel as though Gwen, the FMC, were a friend I knew instead of just a character and the chemistry between her and Hugh, the MMC, was sizzling.
Gwen is an oracle that isn't very good at it. While she can predict the future, it is usually just small things like what you might eat or if you'll get a ticket. Once she has a world ending vision, however, she seeks the help of Hugh to find out what could be going on behind the scenes and if anyone can be truly trusted.
Max and Edie were cute to see, however their scenes reminded me why it was hard for me to like the first book. I think with all the explanations given throughout the book of what had happened previously, and the relationships with the characters, you could actually read this one as a stand-alone if you wanted to. The side characters, especially Pip and Lorrie, were hilarious and fun to see though I did keep wondering where they kept getting all the food.
Definitely a fun and quick read, and as one who isn't normally into zombies or certain supernatural, a good time.
3.5 stars
**Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Gwen is an oracle that isn't very good at it. While she can predict the future, it is usually just small things like what you might eat or if you'll get a ticket. Once she has a world ending vision, however, she seeks the help of Hugh to find out what could be going on behind the scenes and if anyone can be truly trusted.
Max and Edie were cute to see, however their scenes reminded me why it was hard for me to like the first book. I think with all the explanations given throughout the book of what had happened previously, and the relationships with the characters, you could actually read this one as a stand-alone if you wanted to. The side characters, especially Pip and Lorrie, were hilarious and fun to see though I did keep wondering where they kept getting all the food.
Definitely a fun and quick read, and as one who isn't normally into zombies or certain supernatural, a good time.
3.5 stars
**Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!
I love everything Olivia Dade writes, and her foray into paranormal romance last summer with Zomromcom was a delight! I wasn't anticipating this becoming a series, but I sure am pleased with the results. You do need to read Zomromcom first to really understand everything and enjoy it.
Gwen is an oracle who isn't very talented, or so she thinks. We start out with a flashback to her meeting Hugh Blacke, one of the Demons (or in his case, half-demon) who will be overseeing her final test at school. Not to spoil too much, but despite the fact that her test goes poorly, when we pick up after the events of the last book, Gwen calls on Hugh to help prevent/fix the issues their rag-tag group has discovered in the Zone.
This has so much going on in the best way. Paranormal romance with romantic suspense and mystery. Lots of Olivia Dade's trademark humor, plus-sized heroines and the men who love them, and she always finds a way to tackle the topic of complicated family relationships/family estrangement. This has great world-building and pregnancy rep! Very cool powers and lore for demons as well.
Without spoiling anything, I will say that this justifies my beliefs that I'm not interested in reading much fantasy with certain magical/supernatural beings. They cannot be trusted! I will be shouting about this closer to release! Now's your chance - read Zomromcom in preparation if you haven't already.
I love everything Olivia Dade writes, and her foray into paranormal romance last summer with Zomromcom was a delight! I wasn't anticipating this becoming a series, but I sure am pleased with the results. You do need to read Zomromcom first to really understand everything and enjoy it.
Gwen is an oracle who isn't very talented, or so she thinks. We start out with a flashback to her meeting Hugh Blacke, one of the Demons (or in his case, half-demon) who will be overseeing her final test at school. Not to spoil too much, but despite the fact that her test goes poorly, when we pick up after the events of the last book, Gwen calls on Hugh to help prevent/fix the issues their rag-tag group has discovered in the Zone.
This has so much going on in the best way. Paranormal romance with romantic suspense and mystery. Lots of Olivia Dade's trademark humor, plus-sized heroines and the men who love them, and she always finds a way to tackle the topic of complicated family relationships/family estrangement. This has great world-building and pregnancy rep! Very cool powers and lore for demons as well.
Without spoiling anything, I will say that this justifies my beliefs that I'm not interested in reading much fantasy with certain magical/supernatural beings. They cannot be trusted! I will be shouting about this closer to release! Now's your chance - read Zomromcom in preparation if you haven't already.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐, rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!
I enjoyed this! I really enjoyed ZomRomCom and I was excited to return to this world and these characters.
However. I am not sure I'm sold on the political machinations in this book? We were introduced to a fantastic mystery in book one, and the unraveling of that mystery in this book felt . . . lackluster, for lack of a better word. I found myself skimming long portions of the book because, in comparison to the hack-and-slash action of book one, the pages and pages of third-hand accounts of all of Hugh's politicking was downright soporific. If Gwen couldn't be present for the investigation, at the very least we should have been able to read that information from Hugh's POV.
I also don't know if Gwen's character was done justice? She had two strong narrative threads about motherhood and feeling inferior as an oracle going into this book, but ultimately it felt like her arc came down to "she feels bad to lying to Hugh twice to save herself from major embarrassment, it didn't work either time, and he fell in insta love with her anyway so it doesn't really matter". Her character was perfectly primed to experience a competency arc for the ages, and I was left wanting.
I mean, I still enjoyed it. Hugh was a precious and gentle MC, it was so refreshing to read how out-loud he loves Gwen. And I'm still going to read book three.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!
I enjoyed this! I really enjoyed ZomRomCom and I was excited to return to this world and these characters.
However. I am not sure I'm sold on the political machinations in this book? We were introduced to a fantastic mystery in book one, and the unraveling of that mystery in this book felt . . . lackluster, for lack of a better word. I found myself skimming long portions of the book because, in comparison to the hack-and-slash action of book one, the pages and pages of third-hand accounts of all of Hugh's politicking was downright soporific. If Gwen couldn't be present for the investigation, at the very least we should have been able to read that information from Hugh's POV.
I also don't know if Gwen's character was done justice? She had two strong narrative threads about motherhood and feeling inferior as an oracle going into this book, but ultimately it felt like her arc came down to "she feels bad to lying to Hugh twice to save herself from major embarrassment, it didn't work either time, and he fell in insta love with her anyway so it doesn't really matter". Her character was perfectly primed to experience a competency arc for the ages, and I was left wanting.
I mean, I still enjoyed it. Hugh was a precious and gentle MC, it was so refreshing to read how out-loud he loves Gwen. And I'm still going to read book three.
April 9, 2026
f you’re looking for a romance where "opposites attract " against the backdrop of a potential apocalypse, the second installment of the Supernatural Entanglements series delivers.
The story follows Gwen, a pregnant, "mediocre" oracle who has just helped stop a zombie apocalypse but now is trying to prevent an interspecies war. In order to prevent this next cataclysm she seeks the help of Hugh—a wealthy, strait-laced government official and half-demon from her past.
The "opposites attract" trope is executed brilliantly here. Gwen’s chaotic, loving nature is the perfect foil to Hugh’s rigid, by-the-book personality. They truly are the yin to each other’s yang, making their relationship feel both earned and inevitable. Hugh’s respect and care for Gwen is refreshing as well as this trope can usually end up with one character constantly criticizing, the other’s behaviour.
The humour and banter in this book was great and served as a necessary lifeline because without it the story would have felt too grim. Also, there was just enough spice to keep things hot without overshadowing the plot.
Despite the story taking me a bit to get into, the chemistry between Gwen and Hugh makes this a must-read for fans of the series. It’s a delightful mix of high-stakes tension and genuine heart.
The story follows Gwen, a pregnant, "mediocre" oracle who has just helped stop a zombie apocalypse but now is trying to prevent an interspecies war. In order to prevent this next cataclysm she seeks the help of Hugh—a wealthy, strait-laced government official and half-demon from her past.
The "opposites attract" trope is executed brilliantly here. Gwen’s chaotic, loving nature is the perfect foil to Hugh’s rigid, by-the-book personality. They truly are the yin to each other’s yang, making their relationship feel both earned and inevitable. Hugh’s respect and care for Gwen is refreshing as well as this trope can usually end up with one character constantly criticizing, the other’s behaviour.
The humour and banter in this book was great and served as a necessary lifeline because without it the story would have felt too grim. Also, there was just enough spice to keep things hot without overshadowing the plot.
Despite the story taking me a bit to get into, the chemistry between Gwen and Hugh makes this a must-read for fans of the series. It’s a delightful mix of high-stakes tension and genuine heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s been 84 years – coughs – okay, so it’s only been (looks back at her review for Zomromcom) 1 year, 2 months, and 3 day's worth of waiting for this, and praise cheeses it is finally in my greedy little hands!
World’s Okayest picks up almost immediately after that cliff hangery ending Olivia gave us in Zomromcom, so if you’ve been putting off reading book one to avoid said ending, you’re gouda to go. And unlike it’s predecessor, this book ends with a decently ‘nice’ cliff hanger of an ending. I mean, nice for a cliff hanger since I’m not likely to yeet this at a wall after finishing it. XD
While Edie and Max are still kicking around, and being oh so ooey gooey and in wuv, this time we focus on Gwen, our okayest oracle, and the demon from her wayback days who has aged like a delicious Gruyere. Between you and me, I liked Gwen a smidge more than Edie. She felt more fleshed out and well rounded. On the flip side, I feel like there is a whole lot more to Hugh that we could have gotten. Fingers crossed book three sheds some more light on him.
An excellent sequel of a book, and well worth the reading! Now if only my streaming services could get the newest season of Curdled for me to binge watch.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC!
World’s Okayest picks up almost immediately after that cliff hangery ending Olivia gave us in Zomromcom, so if you’ve been putting off reading book one to avoid said ending, you’re gouda to go. And unlike it’s predecessor, this book ends with a decently ‘nice’ cliff hanger of an ending. I mean, nice for a cliff hanger since I’m not likely to yeet this at a wall after finishing it. XD
While Edie and Max are still kicking around, and being oh so ooey gooey and in wuv, this time we focus on Gwen, our okayest oracle, and the demon from her wayback days who has aged like a delicious Gruyere. Between you and me, I liked Gwen a smidge more than Edie. She felt more fleshed out and well rounded. On the flip side, I feel like there is a whole lot more to Hugh that we could have gotten. Fingers crossed book three sheds some more light on him.
An excellent sequel of a book, and well worth the reading! Now if only my streaming services could get the newest season of Curdled for me to binge watch.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one took me a bit to get into, if I’m being honest. At the beginning I found myself a little confused about who was who and what everyone actually was in terms of supernatural identity. There are quite a few layers to the characters and the world, and it took me a few chapters to really settle into it.
But once it clicked? I was hooked.
I really loved Gwen. She’s soft and caring at her core, but she’s also the kind of person who would absolutely go to the ends of the earth for the people she loves. That balance made her such an easy character to root for.
Gwen and Hugh’s relationship definitely goes from 0 to 100 pretty quickly, but honestly…I was completely fine with it. After twenty years of yearning, I think they’ve more than earned the right to move fast.
And Hugh? I loved him. Full stop. His character was such a standout for me and now I desperately want more of him immediately.
All in all, I’m giving this one 4 stars. I really enjoyed it once I settled into the world, but the number of characters and supernatural identities had me a little confused at first. Still, once it found its footing, it became a really fun and engaging read.
But once it clicked? I was hooked.
I really loved Gwen. She’s soft and caring at her core, but she’s also the kind of person who would absolutely go to the ends of the earth for the people she loves. That balance made her such an easy character to root for.
Gwen and Hugh’s relationship definitely goes from 0 to 100 pretty quickly, but honestly…I was completely fine with it. After twenty years of yearning, I think they’ve more than earned the right to move fast.
And Hugh? I loved him. Full stop. His character was such a standout for me and now I desperately want more of him immediately.
All in all, I’m giving this one 4 stars. I really enjoyed it once I settled into the world, but the number of characters and supernatural identities had me a little confused at first. Still, once it found its footing, it became a really fun and engaging read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Berkley for this eARC!
If you like stepping into a world where demons are hot, oracles are real, and your friend group is made up of funny, supernatural people, look no further than World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly Seeks Demon) by Olivia Dade.
Going into this, I didn’t know it was a sequel, but besides from a little bit of world-building & backstory confusion, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It’s about a oracle who while defending her home from zombies, has a vision of a near apocalyptic future, so she finds her only hope in a hot demon she met once twenty years ago (and hasn’t stopped thinking about since). Oh, also she’s pregnant and loves cheese.
I enjoyed this - reminds me a little bit of Travis Badree’s Legends & Lattes, but smutty and with more action. It’s a super silly book, and I loved it. A fun getaway into a fantasy world; I only just wish the world-building about how the supernatural exists side-by-side with our world was more detailed, and how the Containment Zone community came to be was as well.
The epilogue sets it up for another book, and I hope it comes, I’ll be looking forward to it!
If you like stepping into a world where demons are hot, oracles are real, and your friend group is made up of funny, supernatural people, look no further than World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly Seeks Demon) by Olivia Dade.
Going into this, I didn’t know it was a sequel, but besides from a little bit of world-building & backstory confusion, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It’s about a oracle who while defending her home from zombies, has a vision of a near apocalyptic future, so she finds her only hope in a hot demon she met once twenty years ago (and hasn’t stopped thinking about since). Oh, also she’s pregnant and loves cheese.
I enjoyed this - reminds me a little bit of Travis Badree’s Legends & Lattes, but smutty and with more action. It’s a super silly book, and I loved it. A fun getaway into a fantasy world; I only just wish the world-building about how the supernatural exists side-by-side with our world was more detailed, and how the Containment Zone community came to be was as well.
The epilogue sets it up for another book, and I hope it comes, I’ll be looking forward to it!
March 2, 2026
Warning: This book is best enjoyed with a variety of cheeses on hand.
World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon picks up right where Zomromcom left off. Small-time oracle Gwen Wexloff has suddenly gone from helping neighbors with her minor visions to prophesying apocalyptic events. With the help of her troll comrades, Lorrie and Kip, she escapes the Containment Zone in search of Hugh Blacke, the half-demon Supernatural and Enhanced Ruling Councilor who witnessed her disastrous oracle certification test twenty years ago. She needs Hugh’s help to investigate who broke zombies out of containment without triggering a war between humans and supernaturals. Along the way, they get a second chance to explore the spark they felt two decades prior. And cheese. So much delicious cheese.
Verdict: Olivia Dade fans will eat up this funny, heartfelt, action-packed, and fromage-friendly supernatural romance.
Thanks to PRH and Edelweiss for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon picks up right where Zomromcom left off. Small-time oracle Gwen Wexloff has suddenly gone from helping neighbors with her minor visions to prophesying apocalyptic events. With the help of her troll comrades, Lorrie and Kip, she escapes the Containment Zone in search of Hugh Blacke, the half-demon Supernatural and Enhanced Ruling Councilor who witnessed her disastrous oracle certification test twenty years ago. She needs Hugh’s help to investigate who broke zombies out of containment without triggering a war between humans and supernaturals. Along the way, they get a second chance to explore the spark they felt two decades prior. And cheese. So much delicious cheese.
Verdict: Olivia Dade fans will eat up this funny, heartfelt, action-packed, and fromage-friendly supernatural romance.
Thanks to PRH and Edelweiss for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been (sort of) patiently waiting for this book since I read the end of Zomromcom. Gwen and her visions were a little comical, and the conspiracy plot was left pretty wide open. World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon is a solid continuation of this plot, but it wasn't quite as campy as Zomromcom. I did find I missed Edie's Gaston jokes, and the cheese stuff wasn't quite enough to fill the void.
Gwen and Hugh had such an obvious connection from the moment they met in the prologue, and it was so painfully obvious that he was into her when he got roped into unraveling the conspiracy with her band of misfits from the zone. The plot lagged a bit in some parts, but it was set over such a short amount of time that they'd obviously have to have some downtime to rest. What did not lag, however, was Hugh's commitment to Gwen's comfort and well-being.
While I'm excited for the next installment, I found myself really hoping we'd get a Death + Eloise pairing!
4.5 ⭐️
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for eARC access 💕
Gwen and Hugh had such an obvious connection from the moment they met in the prologue, and it was so painfully obvious that he was into her when he got roped into unraveling the conspiracy with her band of misfits from the zone. The plot lagged a bit in some parts, but it was set over such a short amount of time that they'd obviously have to have some downtime to rest. What did not lag, however, was Hugh's commitment to Gwen's comfort and well-being.
While I'm excited for the next installment, I found myself really hoping we'd get a Death + Eloise pairing!
4.5 ⭐️
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for eARC access 💕
March 30, 2026
𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘽𝙚𝙧𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮.
If you’re a big fan of cheese (literally) you will love this.. it’s best consumed alongside a variety of cheeses - the meltier the better (or as Gwen would say, “Easy Peasy Melty Cheesy” which is beyond brilliant btw).
When I started reading I quickly realized this was book two in the Zomromcom series and without reading the first one (unbeknownst) to me I found myself in the middle of a storyline that I knew nothing about.. BUT it was quick to get into which I appreciated! Had I read the first one I would have definitely appreciated how quickly book two picked up where book one left off.
I love every romance Olivia Dade has written, mainly because I myself am a fellow plus size baddie and LOVE the representation that she writes so well. World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon is not something I would normally read but the way she layered the supernatural with real mundane life was cohesive and brilliantly executed. It may have also reignited my passion for cheese 😂
If you’re a big fan of cheese (literally) you will love this.. it’s best consumed alongside a variety of cheeses - the meltier the better (or as Gwen would say, “Easy Peasy Melty Cheesy” which is beyond brilliant btw).
When I started reading I quickly realized this was book two in the Zomromcom series and without reading the first one (unbeknownst) to me I found myself in the middle of a storyline that I knew nothing about.. BUT it was quick to get into which I appreciated! Had I read the first one I would have definitely appreciated how quickly book two picked up where book one left off.
I love every romance Olivia Dade has written, mainly because I myself am a fellow plus size baddie and LOVE the representation that she writes so well. World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon is not something I would normally read but the way she layered the supernatural with real mundane life was cohesive and brilliantly executed. It may have also reignited my passion for cheese 😂
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I will start by saying I am so grateful to have received an ARC from Netgalley for this book!
I first saw this book while browsing Goodreads last fall (2025) looking for books to add to my 2026 fall/Halloween TBR (yes, I plan that far ahead). I read the description and thought it sounded like a light-hearted addition to my list. After seeing it on Netgalley, I was too excited to wait until this fall so I requested it and here we are!
Now, for my review... I will start by saying, this book is one of the most well written books displaying open inclusivity that I have ever read. It is also absolutely hilarious! While I enjoyed the comedic relief throughout the entirety of the book, I found parts to be overly cheesy (IYKYK). There is plenty of plot, but it didn't seem to have the smooth flow and emotional grab that I look for in books that I rate higher. All that being said, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a hilariously cheesy easy read. Gwen and Hugh make an adorably cute couple, and I would love to know more about how their blended family ends up working out.
I first saw this book while browsing Goodreads last fall (2025) looking for books to add to my 2026 fall/Halloween TBR (yes, I plan that far ahead). I read the description and thought it sounded like a light-hearted addition to my list. After seeing it on Netgalley, I was too excited to wait until this fall so I requested it and here we are!
Now, for my review... I will start by saying, this book is one of the most well written books displaying open inclusivity that I have ever read. It is also absolutely hilarious! While I enjoyed the comedic relief throughout the entirety of the book, I found parts to be overly cheesy (IYKYK). There is plenty of plot, but it didn't seem to have the smooth flow and emotional grab that I look for in books that I rate higher. All that being said, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a hilariously cheesy easy read. Gwen and Hugh make an adorably cute couple, and I would love to know more about how their blended family ends up working out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC.
If you want hijinks and fun and chaos in a super lighthearted way, this is the series for you.
I actually read this in less than 2 days, and it was honestly addictive- as are most Olivia Dade books to me.
Side note; Hugh is the most un-sexy name for an MC, and honestly my brain never recovered, I am so sorry!
Anyways, this was very fun and even though it was apocalyptic, it was somehow low-stakes?
Random things I loved:
He calls her "honey" 🥹
Her pregnancy (not a spoiler, she's already pregnant before the book starts), isn't even a deterrent for him.
They're a really sweet/believable couple.
~~~~~~~
A few things that fell flat for me:
Insta-love to the max.
I wish the cheese puns were maybe cranked down 20%, because it was almost entirely Gwen's only personality trait.
~~~~~~
Truthfully I always have such a randy (yes, I said randy) time with Dade's books and this was so unique and just FUN.
Are they literary masterpieces? Not exactly. Do I have a blast reading and enjoy the vibes? Absolutely I do.
💃🏼
If you want hijinks and fun and chaos in a super lighthearted way, this is the series for you.
I actually read this in less than 2 days, and it was honestly addictive- as are most Olivia Dade books to me.
Side note; Hugh is the most un-sexy name for an MC, and honestly my brain never recovered, I am so sorry!
Anyways, this was very fun and even though it was apocalyptic, it was somehow low-stakes?
Random things I loved:
He calls her "honey" 🥹
Her pregnancy (not a spoiler, she's already pregnant before the book starts), isn't even a deterrent for him.
They're a really sweet/believable couple.
~~~~~~~
A few things that fell flat for me:
Insta-love to the max.
I wish the cheese puns were maybe cranked down 20%, because it was almost entirely Gwen's only personality trait.
~~~~~~
Truthfully I always have such a randy (yes, I said randy) time with Dade's books and this was so unique and just FUN.
Are they literary masterpieces? Not exactly. Do I have a blast reading and enjoy the vibes? Absolutely I do.
💃🏼
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
World's Okayest Oracle picks up right where Zomromcom left off, so you will definitely need to have read the first book to understand what's happening in this one.
Gwen is a severely underpowered oracle who has just had her first major vision of the future, and it is not good. In fact, it's end-of-the-world bad. She and her friends have managed to thwart disaster at the hands of the zombies, but they're left weakened and in desperate need of backup. So Gwen dons a disguise and goes to see Hugh, a demon council member who broke her heart 20 years earlier.
There is a lot of action in this book, and a lot of absurdity (in this case, all of it cheese themed), but underneath, Gwen and Hugh have a real connection, and I found their love story to be believable, if a little rushed. The side characters were outstanding -- would love to see more from Eloise in particular.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this title.
Gwen is a severely underpowered oracle who has just had her first major vision of the future, and it is not good. In fact, it's end-of-the-world bad. She and her friends have managed to thwart disaster at the hands of the zombies, but they're left weakened and in desperate need of backup. So Gwen dons a disguise and goes to see Hugh, a demon council member who broke her heart 20 years earlier.
There is a lot of action in this book, and a lot of absurdity (in this case, all of it cheese themed), but underneath, Gwen and Hugh have a real connection, and I found their love story to be believable, if a little rushed. The side characters were outstanding -- would love to see more from Eloise in particular.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this title.
March 6, 2026
World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon is the second book of a series. You will have to read the first to really get into the second.
I am trying hard not to compare the two because like most romance series it tries to appease a multitude of readers. While some people like reluctant lovers others love the destined to be together. For me this book was a little too instalove.
What this book does well:
1) the secondary characters are always superb.
2) loved some of the action scenes
3) if you love a soft cinnamon FMC you will love Gwen. She has the squishiest heart of all.
4) the actually conflict in this was interesting. I wish it actually played more of a role in the story.
What you may not like:
1) instalove- yes the have a past connection but still
2) if you don’t like your FMC being pregnant
3) a lot of spice before character growth
I am trying hard not to compare the two because like most romance series it tries to appease a multitude of readers. While some people like reluctant lovers others love the destined to be together. For me this book was a little too instalove.
What this book does well:
1) the secondary characters are always superb.
2) loved some of the action scenes
3) if you love a soft cinnamon FMC you will love Gwen. She has the squishiest heart of all.
4) the actually conflict in this was interesting. I wish it actually played more of a role in the story.
What you may not like:
1) instalove- yes the have a past connection but still
2) if you don’t like your FMC being pregnant
3) a lot of spice before character growth
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for this advanced reader copy.
I LOVE this series! Zomromcon was easily one of the most fun books I read in 2025, and the follow up, "World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon," was a perfect follow up.
I absolutely adored Max and Edie from the first book, so I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy following the oracle Gwen and demon councilor Hugh, but this was an absolute delight. Such a fun world, great spice, and overall entertaining characters. Lorrie and Kip and amazing, and I cannot wait to get more from them. I truly would be happy to read books about any of these characters, and anything written by Dade. I have thoroughly enjoyed her other books, but this series is just peak. I cannot wait to read more from Olivia Dade, and especially more set in this world.
I LOVE this series! Zomromcon was easily one of the most fun books I read in 2025, and the follow up, "World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon," was a perfect follow up.
I absolutely adored Max and Edie from the first book, so I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy following the oracle Gwen and demon councilor Hugh, but this was an absolute delight. Such a fun world, great spice, and overall entertaining characters. Lorrie and Kip and amazing, and I cannot wait to get more from them. I truly would be happy to read books about any of these characters, and anything written by Dade. I have thoroughly enjoyed her other books, but this series is just peak. I cannot wait to read more from Olivia Dade, and especially more set in this world.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This is a deeply goofy book (on some levels) and I have to admit to giving it 5 stars for the cheese lore alone, which is solid and inventive and wholly ridiculous. But that is what I love about Olivia Dade -- she's all in. If a character is cheese-obsessed, then we are along for the apps and the book fandom and the streaming adaptation ride, even if that is just a fanciful subplot. The romance is full of tender moments, snarky and hilarious dialogue, and apocalyptic paranormal shenanigans. Loved reading a main character that happens to be pregnant. Love that this is about a person who feels powerless but who creates community and another person who has a lot of power and uses it to listen and make real changes. That's so hopeful on many levels. If you liked ZomRomCom, the adventure continues.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, let me just say I think Olivia Dade is my new favorite author! I’m not sure if this is considered a series or not, but it is the second book in the same world setting. This world is sort of a post zombie apocalyptic setting with supernatural beings and humans. This book follows an Oracle who has never been considered a very good Oracle, trying to contact a demon from her past to help her save the world. I really love the interaction between the two main characters, really I guess I just love the interaction between all the characters. The book is a blast
and the romance between our Oracle and her demon is super fun and a little spicy. It’s a great time following along on their journey of them trying to save the world while finding love. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
and the romance between our Oracle and her demon is super fun and a little spicy. It’s a great time following along on their journey of them trying to save the world while finding love. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have read so many of Olivia Dade’s books so when I saw this on NetGalley, I had to request it. I was so excited to be accepted. Thank you, NetGalley and Berkeley publishing for the chance to read and give my honest review.
World‘s Okayest Oracle (reluctantly) Seeks Demon is the second in this paranormal series and I would recommend reading Zomromcom first so the world building and group of characters makes sense. I loved this one. It continues the story of a group of neighbors that are battling zombies in their neighborhood. I loved that we got to see more of the characters from the first book and got more details about the zombies breakout. The new characters in this one were great and fit right into the group. The banter and snarky comments had me laughing out loud and the chemistry between Gwen and Hugh was excellent. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR. You won’t regret it.
World‘s Okayest Oracle (reluctantly) Seeks Demon is the second in this paranormal series and I would recommend reading Zomromcom first so the world building and group of characters makes sense. I loved this one. It continues the story of a group of neighbors that are battling zombies in their neighborhood. I loved that we got to see more of the characters from the first book and got more details about the zombies breakout. The new characters in this one were great and fit right into the group. The banter and snarky comments had me laughing out loud and the chemistry between Gwen and Hugh was excellent. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR. You won’t regret it.
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