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From Hell, With Love
Ramona Greenbriar did not mean to summon a demon.
Divorced, academically disgraced, and working retail at a fake magic shop — she has enough complications. Her magic has never once done what it was supposed to, which is probably how the demon got in. That, and the grimoire came out of a donation box alongside a moldy sandwich. It was always going to go badly.
Enter Zara — three hundred years old, impeccably suited, and going absolutely nowhere until the next new moon, whether either of them likes it or not.
Which means explaining to her roommates why there's definitely-not-a-demon in the apartment, trying not to notice that Zara is extremely hot, adorably curious about the mortal world, and treats Ramona like she's someone worth the trouble.
Falling for a demon wasn't the plan. But then again, nothing in Ramona's life has ever gone to plan. Why start now?
From Hell, With Love is a witty, slow-burn spicy sapphic romantasy
forced proximity that gets intimatefake dating a demona magical tether that broadcasts your feelings (including the inconvenient ones)a possessive demon who gives you her complete, undivided, three-hundred-years-of-patience attention and means every word of itfound family who absolutely will not mind their businessand the dangerous realization that being truly known might ruin you for anything less
Divorced, academically disgraced, and working retail at a fake magic shop — she has enough complications. Her magic has never once done what it was supposed to, which is probably how the demon got in. That, and the grimoire came out of a donation box alongside a moldy sandwich. It was always going to go badly.
Enter Zara — three hundred years old, impeccably suited, and going absolutely nowhere until the next new moon, whether either of them likes it or not.
Which means explaining to her roommates why there's definitely-not-a-demon in the apartment, trying not to notice that Zara is extremely hot, adorably curious about the mortal world, and treats Ramona like she's someone worth the trouble.
Falling for a demon wasn't the plan. But then again, nothing in Ramona's life has ever gone to plan. Why start now?
From Hell, With Love is a witty, slow-burn spicy sapphic romantasy
forced proximity that gets intimatefake dating a demona magical tether that broadcasts your feelings (including the inconvenient ones)a possessive demon who gives you her complete, undivided, three-hundred-years-of-patience attention and means every word of itfound family who absolutely will not mind their businessand the dangerous realization that being truly known might ruin you for anything less
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2026
About the author
Bryce Oakley
29 books314 followersBryce grew up in the mountains of Colorado with a taste for adventure and a head full of clouds. She never grew out of either. She lives in Denver with her partner, two adorable rescue dogs, and a very opinionated cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 2, 2026
2.5 rounded up.
I know a lot of people loved this one, but I just found it unengaging. I ended up skimming a large chunk of it.
I know a lot of people loved this one, but I just found it unengaging. I ended up skimming a large chunk of it.
April 16, 2026
Short one as I am abroad these days. I enjoyed the banter and the romantic connection... and the trope "found family".
I hope we will get more novels about the other characters....
I am too curious about Cammie.
Ps. Some spicy scenes.... a demon and a witch? Can only be hot 🔥🔥🔥
4.5 stars
I hope we will get more novels about the other characters....
I am too curious about Cammie.
Ps. Some spicy scenes.... a demon and a witch? Can only be hot 🔥🔥🔥
4.5 stars
April 14, 2026
Loved this book. But felt like who/what Cammie really is had to be addressed properly. That feels like a loose end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2026
4.5 Stars
Oooo I really enjoyed this!! Bryce did it again. I love a witchy magical book and I loved this take on magic and demons! It was so fun, witty and made me laugh. But it also had emotions and obstacles. Poor Ramona had so much to overcome from her past, starting over and not where she wanted to be in life. But she had such an amazing group of friends/roommates, even if she didn’t let them in right away!
Her and Zara were perfect! Their relationship was funny and sweet and steamy 😏
The side characters were all so fun and had such unique personalities 😍 (and the animals!)
Written in Third Person with 1x POV. Magic, Forced Proximity, Witch/Demon, Fake Dating, Found Family, One Bed. 6x Spicy Scenes (including bonus epilogue).
Oooo I really enjoyed this!! Bryce did it again. I love a witchy magical book and I loved this take on magic and demons! It was so fun, witty and made me laugh. But it also had emotions and obstacles. Poor Ramona had so much to overcome from her past, starting over and not where she wanted to be in life. But she had such an amazing group of friends/roommates, even if she didn’t let them in right away!
Her and Zara were perfect! Their relationship was funny and sweet and steamy 😏
The side characters were all so fun and had such unique personalities 😍 (and the animals!)
Written in Third Person with 1x POV. Magic, Forced Proximity, Witch/Demon, Fake Dating, Found Family, One Bed. 6x Spicy Scenes (including bonus epilogue).
April 6, 2026
Rating: 4.25 stars
Ramona is 35, divorced, the black sheep of her witchy family, and feeling like her life has come to a dead-end when she accidentally summons and tethers herself to a (hot) demon. And Zara (the aforementioned hot demon) is a refreshingly written take on a demon. She doesn't come across as an archetype, instead she's confident, loyal, and grounded. I had a really good time with this story and it seems there will be more to this world, so I can't wait to continue on.
read if you enjoy:
🖤 paranormal romance
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 found family
Ramona is 35, divorced, the black sheep of her witchy family, and feeling like her life has come to a dead-end when she accidentally summons and tethers herself to a (hot) demon. And Zara (the aforementioned hot demon) is a refreshingly written take on a demon. She doesn't come across as an archetype, instead she's confident, loyal, and grounded. I had a really good time with this story and it seems there will be more to this world, so I can't wait to continue on.
read if you enjoy:
🖤 paranormal romance
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 found family
April 15, 2026
Signs of AI?
There’s some serious signs of AI generation. Which is frustrating since I like Bryce Oakley’s work, and if this is true, is a huge disappointment.
There’s some serious signs of AI generation. Which is frustrating since I like Bryce Oakley’s work, and if this is true, is a huge disappointment.
April 5, 2026
Absolutely my favourite Bryce Oakley book so far! Funny, spicy, fab MCs and great world-building!
July 21, 2026
This was amazing!!! Exactly what I needed after a reading slump. Not just a romance book, but it talks about family, greif, betrayal, self-doubt.
You can tell the author is educatrd in magic and loves what she does, and that made the story do much better too!!
Relationships between the main FMC and her flatmates and how it evolutionised was beautiful.
The romance was sweet and yearning and the ending had me in tears on the train. This is definitely a must read for me.
You can tell the author is educatrd in magic and loves what she does, and that made the story do much better too!!
Relationships between the main FMC and her flatmates and how it evolutionised was beautiful.
The romance was sweet and yearning and the ending had me in tears on the train. This is definitely a must read for me.
May 3, 2026
oh theres like a ton of ai in this.
like ALOT.
like ALOT.
July 21, 2026
Ramona got her life back…… from hell.
April 24, 2026
Witches, Demons, bureaucracy, curses, rituals and familiars. Found family, summonings, finding ones selfworth and crashing the establishment - seriously, what else do you need for a super cute story about a witch who gets life-help from hell?
May 21, 2026
I had a whole thing about how Ramona's broken magic represented neurodivergence, and how she was going to refuse to break the curse for reasons that didn't really make sense in-universe but fit the metaphor. and then she broke the curse and it gave everyone superpowers and life was immeasurably better for everyone so I'm choosing to believe I was way off the mark with that
Ramona is a janky witch who's given up on everything after her divorce and a minor incident where she magically attacked her ex-wife's affair partner (I feel like everyone kind of glossed over that), and then she accidentally summons a demon, Zara. it's fun, Ramona has a lovely found family and a complicated but shows up when she needs them actual family, there's some decent spice, and a wonderful witchy vibe. and the supporting cast is coming back apparently which I'm excited for, I'm a fan of the magic worldbuilding
it felt like the book made some connections that didn't really land? possibly because I was reading into slash projecting the neurodivergence thing for a while, but like the book goes really hard on how the curse ruined everything and now the curse is gone everything will be better. but also Ramona did magically assault that lady, that was with intent and forethought and everything. but rather than go into that we instead get a thing at the end where Ramona tells off her ex-wife and partner and they're all impotently mad so I guess that's fine.
and the resolution with Zara felt like "the book is already over 400 pages let's just sprinkle in some foreshadowing and then jump to the end when everything is fine"
but also there's a strap made out of demon magic so
Ramona is a janky witch who's given up on everything after her divorce and a minor incident where she magically attacked her ex-wife's affair partner (I feel like everyone kind of glossed over that), and then she accidentally summons a demon, Zara. it's fun, Ramona has a lovely found family and a complicated but shows up when she needs them actual family, there's some decent spice, and a wonderful witchy vibe. and the supporting cast is coming back apparently which I'm excited for, I'm a fan of the magic worldbuilding
it felt like the book made some connections that didn't really land? possibly because I was reading into slash projecting the neurodivergence thing for a while, but like the book goes really hard on how the curse ruined everything and now the curse is gone everything will be better. but also Ramona did magically assault that lady, that was with intent and forethought and everything. but rather than go into that we instead get a thing at the end where Ramona tells off her ex-wife and partner and they're all impotently mad so I guess that's fine.
and the resolution with Zara felt like "the book is already over 400 pages let's just sprinkle in some foreshadowing and then jump to the end when everything is fine"
but also there's a strap made out of demon magic so
May 12, 2026
This was such a let down for me, but not even from a story standpoint. I actually thought the story was quite well crafted, if incredibly predictable, and had a lot of fun with it, initially. Key word being initially because did someone else write the latter half of this book? What happened to the writing? There were so many instances, too many to count, where words were just repeated within the same sentence, whole paragraphs were repeated on the same page etc. I don't know if it's an ebook fault, but I doubt it. There was a whole scene missing during the Gala portion, where they suddenly just teleport from the middle of the dance floor to a room, that we next chapter find out was a storage closet??? It was so jarring I thought I was having a stroke, they genuinely were standing in the main ballroom and then two sentences later Felix is opening a door. It made me wonder if the book was rushed toward the end.
The thing that pissed me off the most was how many goddamn times it said "through the tether", WE GET IT THEY'RE CONNECTED. I don't need to read about it every other paragraph good lord. Deadass, I predict it was used at least 50 times. It also made the book so uninteresting since no emotion was ever shown, especially as it pertains to Zara, we just had it spelled out in a listical of emotions and that was it. Like thanks for telling me every two seconds that Zara was worried, couldn't have shown me that through actions or even facial expressions.
Also, what was the point of Cammie? The whole book was setting up to either her being supernatural and lying about it, or turning supernatural AS WAS IMPLIED AT THE END, but then nothing comes of it? Absolutely nothing. No resolution. So again, what was the point? She could be taken out of the story and absolutely NOTHING changes. Which to be honest goes for most characters except the two leads.
It just became an utter slog to get through, I beg either hire an editor or take more care in re-editing. I tend to give more grace to self-published/kindle unlimited books since they don't have a team behind them, but this was genuinely egregious.
The thing that pissed me off the most was how many goddamn times it said "through the tether", WE GET IT THEY'RE CONNECTED. I don't need to read about it every other paragraph good lord. Deadass, I predict it was used at least 50 times. It also made the book so uninteresting since no emotion was ever shown, especially as it pertains to Zara, we just had it spelled out in a listical of emotions and that was it. Like thanks for telling me every two seconds that Zara was worried, couldn't have shown me that through actions or even facial expressions.
Also, what was the point of Cammie? The whole book was setting up to either her being supernatural and lying about it, or turning supernatural AS WAS IMPLIED AT THE END, but then nothing comes of it? Absolutely nothing. No resolution. So again, what was the point? She could be taken out of the story and absolutely NOTHING changes. Which to be honest goes for most characters except the two leads.
It just became an utter slog to get through, I beg either hire an editor or take more care in re-editing. I tend to give more grace to self-published/kindle unlimited books since they don't have a team behind them, but this was genuinely egregious.
June 18, 2026
This book had a very interesting concept, which is why I decided to read it.
It had an amazing start, and the characters were great, except Marcus. He's a dick.
But about halfway through the book, the writing started to feel AI-generated. I actually had to pause reading and check the reviews to see if anyone else had noticed it too. And yes, there were a few people who brought it up, although there was also someone defending the author's integrity and claiming it wasn't.
I'm aware there's no definitive way of knowing whether a book is AI-generated, and that it ultimately comes down to the reader's perception. But from my point of view, it felt AI-generated. From the middle of the book to the end, I found myself cringing and constantly rolling my eyes at how repetitive the writing became.
With that said, the book was still very interesting to read. If you're a fan of The Devil She Knows by Alexandria Bellefleur, you'll probably enjoy this too, as long as you can overlook the possibility that it feels AI-generated.
I honestly thought this was going to be a 4.5-star read, but it just went downhill once I got halfway through the book.
My final rating is 3 stars.
It had an amazing start, and the characters were great, except Marcus. He's a dick.
But about halfway through the book, the writing started to feel AI-generated. I actually had to pause reading and check the reviews to see if anyone else had noticed it too. And yes, there were a few people who brought it up, although there was also someone defending the author's integrity and claiming it wasn't.
I'm aware there's no definitive way of knowing whether a book is AI-generated, and that it ultimately comes down to the reader's perception. But from my point of view, it felt AI-generated. From the middle of the book to the end, I found myself cringing and constantly rolling my eyes at how repetitive the writing became.
With that said, the book was still very interesting to read. If you're a fan of The Devil She Knows by Alexandria Bellefleur, you'll probably enjoy this too, as long as you can overlook the possibility that it feels AI-generated.
I honestly thought this was going to be a 4.5-star read, but it just went downhill once I got halfway through the book.
My final rating is 3 stars.
May 3, 2026
I don't have an issue with authors using AI to check spellings and grammar, but this book was filled with AI-isms that are obvious to anyone who uses those platforms.
One or two I could get over, but they are in every single chapter. I saw a thread post where the author responded to another review and said she doesn't use it, but just because you say it doesn't make it so. It's obvious it has been used.
And look, I'm not saying you shouldn't read the book. If you like the sound of the tropes and blurb, then go for it. And I don't think this is the case for her entire catalog of books. But this particular one absolutely has AI language and formatting throughout, which is so disappointing.
One or two I could get over, but they are in every single chapter. I saw a thread post where the author responded to another review and said she doesn't use it, but just because you say it doesn't make it so. It's obvious it has been used.
And look, I'm not saying you shouldn't read the book. If you like the sound of the tropes and blurb, then go for it. And I don't think this is the case for her entire catalog of books. But this particular one absolutely has AI language and formatting throughout, which is so disappointing.
April 23, 2026
Loved it! Exactly what I wanted from a witch x demon story, with a strong focus on the supernatural/fantasy side of things as the characters slowly fall in love, grow and heal, and find themselves in situations that they didn't expect. Even better, things are not quite what they seem. plenty of surprises along the way as Ramona and Zara work towards trying to severing the accidental tether that formed. Their friends are a colourful bunch (and I'd love to see a story or two focusing on some of them), and the setting is rich and amusing in equal measures. I had a lot of fun with this book and will definitely be reading more of their stories.
June 4, 2026
It was PERFECT. Zara and Ramona are the OTP. I laughed a lot, I cried at the severance, and I cooed at everything Wick did.
This book was every bit as good as The Devil She Knows, same vibes and fantastic witty banter.
The pacing was phenomenal. Ramona EARNS every single thing that happens to her by the end. And the found family vibes are off the CHARTS.
I felt a lot with this book, which is what the very best books are supposed to do.
5/5 Perfect score. No complaints.
This book was every bit as good as The Devil She Knows, same vibes and fantastic witty banter.
The pacing was phenomenal. Ramona EARNS every single thing that happens to her by the end. And the found family vibes are off the CHARTS.
I felt a lot with this book, which is what the very best books are supposed to do.
5/5 Perfect score. No complaints.
April 22, 2026
OMG I LOVED EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF THIS, AND I ONLY WANT MORE!!!!! After over 400 pages, you’d think I would be ready for it to wrap up — but I was honestly dreading it coming to an end!
Bryce Oakley is slowly becoming a new fav author, the way she writes her characters (both main and side) has me in chokehold! I really am a sucker for found family, and it comes at no surprise to me that this was the perfect group of misfits! I really hope there are future works in this universe, because I need to know more about Cammie!
This book had a little bit of everything: fantasy elements, forced proximity, top tier banter, tension, and suspense! Would HIGHLY recommend this one to anybody interested in a suspenseful cozy fantasy with a witch that accidentally summons a demon! 😈
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Bryce Oakley is slowly becoming a new fav author, the way she writes her characters (both main and side) has me in chokehold! I really am a sucker for found family, and it comes at no surprise to me that this was the perfect group of misfits! I really hope there are future works in this universe, because I need to know more about Cammie!
This book had a little bit of everything: fantasy elements, forced proximity, top tier banter, tension, and suspense! Would HIGHLY recommend this one to anybody interested in a suspenseful cozy fantasy with a witch that accidentally summons a demon! 😈
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
May 10, 2026
Curses, and Demons, and witches- oh my sapphic little heart.
Framilies and families converge to make this book a fabulous read. Sprinkled with some devilish intent and familiars being larger than life characters- you are going to giggle with their antics. Got some steamy scenes, even in small spaces, and the heat from the MCs resonates off the page… or it is my phones battery telling me reading the book in one sitting wasn’t my best life choice, but I digress.
Grab this book, pull up your familiar, snug down in some blankets and get lost in the magic of a happily ever after.
Framilies and families converge to make this book a fabulous read. Sprinkled with some devilish intent and familiars being larger than life characters- you are going to giggle with their antics. Got some steamy scenes, even in small spaces, and the heat from the MCs resonates off the page… or it is my phones battery telling me reading the book in one sitting wasn’t my best life choice, but I digress.
Grab this book, pull up your familiar, snug down in some blankets and get lost in the magic of a happily ever after.
May 19, 2026
Ambitious, magical, and hot!
Bryce Oakley doing paranormal romance is the thing I didn't know I needed but now can't imagine a world without. The magical plot was no mere window dressing for the romance, rather a fully fleshed out adventure with love, betrayal, longing, suffering as well as healing. I cried. I laughed out loud. I wished it wasn't over; this needs a sequel for the other coven members NOW please.
With love, Matthew
Bryce Oakley doing paranormal romance is the thing I didn't know I needed but now can't imagine a world without. The magical plot was no mere window dressing for the romance, rather a fully fleshed out adventure with love, betrayal, longing, suffering as well as healing. I cried. I laughed out loud. I wished it wasn't over; this needs a sequel for the other coven members NOW please.
With love, Matthew
July 23, 2026
Ramona was such the disaster witch in a tough spot in life, and accidentally summoned a demon to top it off. Lucky for her Zara was reasonable. They ended up causing more problems than planned and went through some heisty activities together. Their love story was very sweet and they both supported and believed in one another. The roommates were a nice touch.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: emotional and psychological abuse by parent, frequent mentions of hell, curse, loss of job, financial insecurity, past cheating wife, past magical accident, attempted murder of side character by ghosts
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: emotional and psychological abuse by parent, frequent mentions of hell, curse, loss of job, financial insecurity, past cheating wife, past magical accident, attempted murder of side character by ghosts
March 24, 2026
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying; forced proximity is the best troupe and the way Bryce gave that idea a fun twist was refreshening.
This is a third person, sapphic romatasy, that will wrap around your heart, and settle, like it was always meant to be there.
We start our story with Ramona Greenbriar, who is introduced as a divorced, failed witch, now working at a fake magic shop, when things go bad for her, and she quickly plummets to rock bottom. This is where Ramona decides to double down on her nonexistent luck, and casts a spell, accidentally tethering a demon to herself.
“I’m going to die in an over sized t-shirt that says Witch Happens.”
Enter Arareth “Zara”, the afore mentioned demon, from Hell, who is now tethered with Ramona, a tether that lets them feel everything the other is feeling. Zara is calculated, precise, and organized, the exact opposite of our chaotic Ramona. The two having to work together, alongside a slew of lovable side characters, (I cannot wait to see more of!) to figure it all out, was fun and easy to fall in love with.
This was a perfectly paced, cozy, sapphic, opposites-attract romantasy, filled with love, acceptance, found family, and complex family dynamics. I laughed, I smiled like a giddy idiot, I cried. Ramona’s character arch is consistent but difficult for her to accept and as a reader you really feel her growth, which is made stronger with Zara’s constant, reliable presence throughout. You can see when and where both of their mentalities shift and how sometimes we all just need to take a step back, we need to let our people stand next to us and to share the crushing weight of who we think we are, and let the people who actually see us, remind us of who we actually are.
“It was the most ordinary thing in the world and it was extraordinary.”
I love this universe. I am feral to continue being part of this world. When you pick this book up, you will not be disappointed.
Let me start by saying; forced proximity is the best troupe and the way Bryce gave that idea a fun twist was refreshening.
This is a third person, sapphic romatasy, that will wrap around your heart, and settle, like it was always meant to be there.
We start our story with Ramona Greenbriar, who is introduced as a divorced, failed witch, now working at a fake magic shop, when things go bad for her, and she quickly plummets to rock bottom. This is where Ramona decides to double down on her nonexistent luck, and casts a spell, accidentally tethering a demon to herself.
“I’m going to die in an over sized t-shirt that says Witch Happens.”
Enter Arareth “Zara”, the afore mentioned demon, from Hell, who is now tethered with Ramona, a tether that lets them feel everything the other is feeling. Zara is calculated, precise, and organized, the exact opposite of our chaotic Ramona. The two having to work together, alongside a slew of lovable side characters, (I cannot wait to see more of!) to figure it all out, was fun and easy to fall in love with.
This was a perfectly paced, cozy, sapphic, opposites-attract romantasy, filled with love, acceptance, found family, and complex family dynamics. I laughed, I smiled like a giddy idiot, I cried. Ramona’s character arch is consistent but difficult for her to accept and as a reader you really feel her growth, which is made stronger with Zara’s constant, reliable presence throughout. You can see when and where both of their mentalities shift and how sometimes we all just need to take a step back, we need to let our people stand next to us and to share the crushing weight of who we think we are, and let the people who actually see us, remind us of who we actually are.
“It was the most ordinary thing in the world and it was extraordinary.”
I love this universe. I am feral to continue being part of this world. When you pick this book up, you will not be disappointed.
Did Not Finish
April 25, 2026The plot bored me a bit. I loved the concept, yet it was not how I imagined it.
April 15, 2026
Omg! This is my favorite Bryce Oakley book so far! It was funny, emotional, spicy, and all of the characters were likeable . She did a good job with the world building as well. Seems we will get another story in this world and I can't wait!
May 29, 2026
This was totally different than what I thought it would be! It reads as more of a cozy fantasy than a romance book. Found family themes. MC in her mid-thirties who's still figuring out who she is and what she wants out of life. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially the last ~100 pages!
April 6, 2026
So this just caught my attention and held it!
I can honestly say that I have never read anything like this. I have read thousands of books in many genres, even a few with witches, this one grabbed my imagination and it spun from there! The characters are wonderfully colorful, quirky and fun which supports the storyline perfectly. I never thought I would say I fell in love with a devil, yet I did just that here!
I can honestly say that I have never read anything like this. I have read thousands of books in many genres, even a few with witches, this one grabbed my imagination and it spun from there! The characters are wonderfully colorful, quirky and fun which supports the storyline perfectly. I never thought I would say I fell in love with a devil, yet I did just that here!
May 24, 2026
I thought the concept was very interesting, romantic, and sexy, but the AI editing just lost me…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ramona Greenbriar never meant to summon a demon. After losing her place in the magical academic world, going through a divorce, and working at a fake magic shop just to get by, she is already at her lowest point. Hoping to turn her luck around, she attempts a simple spell from a grimoire she finds, only to accidentally tether herself to Zara, a powerful demon she cannot be more than sixty six feet away from. With a limited amount of time to break the bond before consequences spiral, the two are forced into close quarters, shared emotions, and a connection neither of them expected.
My review:
This was the happiest I have ever been to go on a rollercoaster of emotions. I was laughing, tearing up, and blushing all within the same few chapters. It has so many of my favorite elements, from found family to a main character learning to overcome both internal doubt and external barriers, to that perfectly done forced proximity that actually means something.
From the very beginning, I was hooked. The opening felt chaotic in the best way, with Ramona sorting through donated junk and somehow finding herself on the path to summoning a demon. It set the tone for a story that balances humor with vulnerability. Ramona as a character felt incredibly real to me. She is messy, discouraged, and carrying the weight of past failures, but she keeps trying even when she does not believe in herself. Watching her slowly rebuild that confidence was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
Zara completely stole my heart. She is sharp, efficient, and unintentionally soft in ways that made every interaction feel layered. What I loved most was how she supported Ramona without overpowering her growth. She challenged her, stood up for her when no one else would, and created space for Ramona to start believing in her own abilities again. Their connection felt natural and earned, especially with the emotional tether forcing them to experience each other so deeply.
The relationship development was done so well. It was not rushed, and the tension built in a way that made every small moment feel important. The near moments, the shared vulnerability, and the realization that they did not actually want to be separated all carried so much weight. By the time everything came to a head, I was fully invested.
I also really appreciated the underlying themes woven throughout the story. The idea that one moment in your past can shape how you see yourself for years was handled in such a thoughtful way. Ramona’s struggle with her magic was not just about ability, but about belief, fear, and the way she had internalized failure. Seeing that unravel piece by piece was incredibly satisfying.
The found family aspect added so much warmth to the story. Her roommates were not just side characters, they felt like a genuine support system. Each of them contributed in different ways, and watching them come together to help Ramona and Zara made everything feel grounded. It gave the story a sense of home even when everything else felt uncertain.
There was also a strong thread of mystery and tension running alongside the romance. The hints about Ramona’s past, the corruption spreading through the land, and the deeper issues within the magical community all added layers that kept me engaged. It never felt like just a romance, it felt like a full story with emotional and narrative depth.
By the end, I was overwhelmed in the best way. The resolution tied all the loose threads together, and the growth each character experienced made the final moments even more meaningful. I loved seeing Ramona step into her power and create something new for herself, especially after everything she had been through.
I love romantasy, and this is easily one of my favorite reads yet. This book made me feel everything, and I was fully invested from start to finish. I would absolutely recommend it, even to someone who does not normally read this genre!
My review:
This was the happiest I have ever been to go on a rollercoaster of emotions. I was laughing, tearing up, and blushing all within the same few chapters. It has so many of my favorite elements, from found family to a main character learning to overcome both internal doubt and external barriers, to that perfectly done forced proximity that actually means something.
From the very beginning, I was hooked. The opening felt chaotic in the best way, with Ramona sorting through donated junk and somehow finding herself on the path to summoning a demon. It set the tone for a story that balances humor with vulnerability. Ramona as a character felt incredibly real to me. She is messy, discouraged, and carrying the weight of past failures, but she keeps trying even when she does not believe in herself. Watching her slowly rebuild that confidence was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
Zara completely stole my heart. She is sharp, efficient, and unintentionally soft in ways that made every interaction feel layered. What I loved most was how she supported Ramona without overpowering her growth. She challenged her, stood up for her when no one else would, and created space for Ramona to start believing in her own abilities again. Their connection felt natural and earned, especially with the emotional tether forcing them to experience each other so deeply.
The relationship development was done so well. It was not rushed, and the tension built in a way that made every small moment feel important. The near moments, the shared vulnerability, and the realization that they did not actually want to be separated all carried so much weight. By the time everything came to a head, I was fully invested.
I also really appreciated the underlying themes woven throughout the story. The idea that one moment in your past can shape how you see yourself for years was handled in such a thoughtful way. Ramona’s struggle with her magic was not just about ability, but about belief, fear, and the way she had internalized failure. Seeing that unravel piece by piece was incredibly satisfying.
The found family aspect added so much warmth to the story. Her roommates were not just side characters, they felt like a genuine support system. Each of them contributed in different ways, and watching them come together to help Ramona and Zara made everything feel grounded. It gave the story a sense of home even when everything else felt uncertain.
There was also a strong thread of mystery and tension running alongside the romance. The hints about Ramona’s past, the corruption spreading through the land, and the deeper issues within the magical community all added layers that kept me engaged. It never felt like just a romance, it felt like a full story with emotional and narrative depth.
By the end, I was overwhelmed in the best way. The resolution tied all the loose threads together, and the growth each character experienced made the final moments even more meaningful. I loved seeing Ramona step into her power and create something new for herself, especially after everything she had been through.
I love romantasy, and this is easily one of my favorite reads yet. This book made me feel everything, and I was fully invested from start to finish. I would absolutely recommend it, even to someone who does not normally read this genre!
Review of advance copy received from Author
From Hell, With Love – Bryce Oakley
5 star review
“From Hell, With Love” was my best read of 2026 so far. I laughed at the complications of being tethered to a demon and teared up when people showed up for one another. Okay, who am I kidding, I had to reach for a tissue.
If working in a corporate structure is hell, then why wouldn’t hell have a corporate structure?
Summary
Ramona’s magical powers have failed her spectacularly in the past. So much so that she lost her job, her wife, and was removed from her coven. What she had done in the past couldn’t be worse than accidentally summoning a demon. And now, Ramona is tethered to Zara, the demon, unable to go more the 66 feet apart until they can figure out how to break the spell. Even worse, the tether allows them to share feelings, not awkward at all when tethered to a hot demon!
My Review
“From Hell, With Love” was my best read of 2026 so far. I laughed at the complications of being tethered to a demon and teared up when people showed up for one another. Okay, who am I kidding, I had to reach for a tissue.
From the first lines of “From Hell, With Love” Bryce Oakley built characters and a community that felt real. Ramona has so many layers; life had really kicked her down, but she kept going, even when it was hard and it hurt, and she didn’t want to run into people from her past. Hoping she could make a change she tried to use her magic, something that has failed her since she was young, to bring good fortune and maybe help her finally pay the rent on time. Her magic didn’t work in the way she had intended, does anyone actually mean to summon a demon? But, as the story unfolds, maybe being tethered to a demon is the best thing to ever happen to you.
Zara, the demon, is perhaps my newest crush. She is efficient, she likes organization, and burns hot. Literally hot, because she’s from hell, but also hot as in sexy. Zara is high up in the corporate structure of hell, because why wouldn’t hell be based on a corporation, including a HR department. The idea that you are already in hell for eternity and you still have to sit down with HR for a performance review, genius!
The ability to use Zara’s lack of knowledge of what happens above ground is a great plot device and had me nodding along, especially when explaining TV and movies. I know my partner often has to remind me that what we are watching is fiction when I point out it wouldn’t happen that way in real life!
There are tropes of fake dating, one bed, and really, really forced proximity. There is an undercurrent of good versus evil and what can be justified as good, even when it is against the rules, but not morally wrong.
Throughout the story there were hints of what might have happened to Ramona, there was a subplot of suspense and mystery woven through the romantasy. The suspense was important in the storyline and provided depth for the secondary characters.
The idea that one event in your past can fundamentally change the course of your future was a running theme throughout the book. It provided insight into the character development and laid the groundwork learning what we are led to believe isn’t always the reality of what happened.
A romantasy is not a genre I normally reach for, but I’ve liked everything that Bryce Oakley has written, and wanted to give it a chance. I’m so glad I did! I’m proof that you don’t need to like a romantasy to love this book.
Do yourself a favour and download the extended epilogue – not only is it hot, but there are some breadcrumbs for a sequel. I know I would welcome reading more about Zara, Ramona, and their friends.
5 star review
“From Hell, With Love” was my best read of 2026 so far. I laughed at the complications of being tethered to a demon and teared up when people showed up for one another. Okay, who am I kidding, I had to reach for a tissue.
If working in a corporate structure is hell, then why wouldn’t hell have a corporate structure?
Summary
Ramona’s magical powers have failed her spectacularly in the past. So much so that she lost her job, her wife, and was removed from her coven. What she had done in the past couldn’t be worse than accidentally summoning a demon. And now, Ramona is tethered to Zara, the demon, unable to go more the 66 feet apart until they can figure out how to break the spell. Even worse, the tether allows them to share feelings, not awkward at all when tethered to a hot demon!
My Review
“From Hell, With Love” was my best read of 2026 so far. I laughed at the complications of being tethered to a demon and teared up when people showed up for one another. Okay, who am I kidding, I had to reach for a tissue.
From the first lines of “From Hell, With Love” Bryce Oakley built characters and a community that felt real. Ramona has so many layers; life had really kicked her down, but she kept going, even when it was hard and it hurt, and she didn’t want to run into people from her past. Hoping she could make a change she tried to use her magic, something that has failed her since she was young, to bring good fortune and maybe help her finally pay the rent on time. Her magic didn’t work in the way she had intended, does anyone actually mean to summon a demon? But, as the story unfolds, maybe being tethered to a demon is the best thing to ever happen to you.
Zara, the demon, is perhaps my newest crush. She is efficient, she likes organization, and burns hot. Literally hot, because she’s from hell, but also hot as in sexy. Zara is high up in the corporate structure of hell, because why wouldn’t hell be based on a corporation, including a HR department. The idea that you are already in hell for eternity and you still have to sit down with HR for a performance review, genius!
The ability to use Zara’s lack of knowledge of what happens above ground is a great plot device and had me nodding along, especially when explaining TV and movies. I know my partner often has to remind me that what we are watching is fiction when I point out it wouldn’t happen that way in real life!
There are tropes of fake dating, one bed, and really, really forced proximity. There is an undercurrent of good versus evil and what can be justified as good, even when it is against the rules, but not morally wrong.
Throughout the story there were hints of what might have happened to Ramona, there was a subplot of suspense and mystery woven through the romantasy. The suspense was important in the storyline and provided depth for the secondary characters.
The idea that one event in your past can fundamentally change the course of your future was a running theme throughout the book. It provided insight into the character development and laid the groundwork learning what we are led to believe isn’t always the reality of what happened.
A romantasy is not a genre I normally reach for, but I’ve liked everything that Bryce Oakley has written, and wanted to give it a chance. I’m so glad I did! I’m proof that you don’t need to like a romantasy to love this book.
Do yourself a favour and download the extended epilogue – not only is it hot, but there are some breadcrumbs for a sequel. I know I would welcome reading more about Zara, Ramona, and their friends.
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