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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
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2026
158 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
Bryce Oakley
26 books291 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 56 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.
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!
May 3, 2026
oh theres like a ton of ai in this.
like ALOT.
like ALOT.
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?
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: 🔥🔥🔥
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75 ⭐
This is a forced proximity fantasy romance about Ramona Greenbriar, a disgraced witch working in a fake magic shop, freshly divorced and completely out of sync with her own powers; which have never behaved the way she wants them to. When she finds a grimoire in a donation box, she decides to risk it all on a spell for success and fortune. It’s not like her magic has ever worked in her favor anyway… right? Except this time, it does something; just not what she expected. Instead of fixing her life, she accidentally summons Zara, a three-hundred-year-old demon who becomes magically tethered to her until the next new moon. As the clock starts ticking, what begins as a reluctant partnership slowly turns into something much deeper… and far more dangerous for their hearts.
I’m a bit torn on this one. The beginning didn’t fully hook me; it felt slow, and I struggled to connect with the characters right away. Still, I was curious enough about how they would break the spell to keep going. For a while, it honestly felt like the story wasn’t moving much, but everything shifted in the second half. That’s when I finally started to care more deeply about both the characters and their relationship.
Ramona’s character arc was one of my favorite parts. Watching her go from someone who feels like a failure (someone who avoids her own magic) to someone who keeps trying despite her fear of messing up again was really powerful. Her growth feels gradual and realistic, and I loved how she slowly learns to accept both her magic and herself. She’s the kind of character that’s easy to see yourself in, especially if you’ve ever felt lost or out of place. Zara, on the other hand, felt a bit underexplored. She plays such an important role in Ramona’s journey by encouraging her, believing in her, and loving her, but I couldn’t help wishing we got more depth about her past and her life in Hell.
One of the highlights for me was definitely the found family. Felix, Kashvi, Posey, Cammie—and even Gerald the pigeon and Wick the fox—added so much charm and warmth to the story. They made the world feel fuller and more alive. I just wish they had been more present earlier on, because once they entered the story properly, everything became so much more engaging.
The romance took time to win me over. At first, I didn’t really feel the chemistry, and I wasn’t fully invested. But somewhere along the way, that changed. Their banter grew on me, their emotional walls started to come down, and their connection became something soft and genuine. By the time they finally broke the spell tying them together, I was way more emotionally invested than I expected; and yes, it hurt. Their ending, though, felt truly satisfying and emotionally complete.
With that in mind, the pacing is probably my biggest issue. The first half drags quite a bit, and I found myself very aware of how slowly things were unfolding. It made it harder to stay fully immersed. Even though the second half improves significantly, that slow buildup did affect my overall experience.
In the end, From Hell, With Love is more than just a demon x witch romance. It’s a story about identity, self-worth, and figuring out where you belong; about finding magic in the parts of yourself you once rejected, and discovering that sometimes belonging isn’t about fitting in, but about finally allowing yourself to exist unapologetically. If you love slow-burn romances, messy but lovable characters, and emotional journeys with a touch of magic, this might be the one for you.
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read this eARC. I’m grateful!
This is a forced proximity fantasy romance about Ramona Greenbriar, a disgraced witch working in a fake magic shop, freshly divorced and completely out of sync with her own powers; which have never behaved the way she wants them to. When she finds a grimoire in a donation box, she decides to risk it all on a spell for success and fortune. It’s not like her magic has ever worked in her favor anyway… right? Except this time, it does something; just not what she expected. Instead of fixing her life, she accidentally summons Zara, a three-hundred-year-old demon who becomes magically tethered to her until the next new moon. As the clock starts ticking, what begins as a reluctant partnership slowly turns into something much deeper… and far more dangerous for their hearts.
I’m a bit torn on this one. The beginning didn’t fully hook me; it felt slow, and I struggled to connect with the characters right away. Still, I was curious enough about how they would break the spell to keep going. For a while, it honestly felt like the story wasn’t moving much, but everything shifted in the second half. That’s when I finally started to care more deeply about both the characters and their relationship.
Ramona’s character arc was one of my favorite parts. Watching her go from someone who feels like a failure (someone who avoids her own magic) to someone who keeps trying despite her fear of messing up again was really powerful. Her growth feels gradual and realistic, and I loved how she slowly learns to accept both her magic and herself. She’s the kind of character that’s easy to see yourself in, especially if you’ve ever felt lost or out of place. Zara, on the other hand, felt a bit underexplored. She plays such an important role in Ramona’s journey by encouraging her, believing in her, and loving her, but I couldn’t help wishing we got more depth about her past and her life in Hell.
One of the highlights for me was definitely the found family. Felix, Kashvi, Posey, Cammie—and even Gerald the pigeon and Wick the fox—added so much charm and warmth to the story. They made the world feel fuller and more alive. I just wish they had been more present earlier on, because once they entered the story properly, everything became so much more engaging.
The romance took time to win me over. At first, I didn’t really feel the chemistry, and I wasn’t fully invested. But somewhere along the way, that changed. Their banter grew on me, their emotional walls started to come down, and their connection became something soft and genuine. By the time they finally broke the spell tying them together, I was way more emotionally invested than I expected; and yes, it hurt. Their ending, though, felt truly satisfying and emotionally complete.
With that in mind, the pacing is probably my biggest issue. The first half drags quite a bit, and I found myself very aware of how slowly things were unfolding. It made it harder to stay fully immersed. Even though the second half improves significantly, that slow buildup did affect my overall experience.
In the end, From Hell, With Love is more than just a demon x witch romance. It’s a story about identity, self-worth, and figuring out where you belong; about finding magic in the parts of yourself you once rejected, and discovering that sometimes belonging isn’t about fitting in, but about finally allowing yourself to exist unapologetically. If you love slow-burn romances, messy but lovable characters, and emotional journeys with a touch of magic, this might be the one for you.
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read this eARC. I’m grateful!
April 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
From Hell, With Love by Bryce Oakley
~Found Family, Chaos Magic, and One Very Hot Demon~
By trust well-earned by pages turned,
Though not my usual path to tread,
An advanced copy, given to be read.
So, I took a chance, and to my delight,
Found a tale cast in humor and light.
Within these pages, strong hearts beat,
Characters are grounded, vivid, complete.
Emotion rings honest, sharp, and true,
In a world, magical and believable, too.
A tangled premise, strange, and bright,
That pulled me in and held me tight.
Enter Ramona, trying to stand,
With life unraveling in her hand.
Divorced, disgraced, yet pushing through,
More resilient than she ever knew.
Who, through one very questionable spell,
Accidentally summons a demon as well.
Enter Zara, impeccable, striking, and sexy as ... Hell, 🔥
With depth and strength that quickly compel.
Not a stereotypical demon, no easy role,
But one with wit, care, and a protective soul.
A mystical tether now binds them together,
Forced proximity, pushed further than ever.
False pretenses drop away,
As real emotions grow and stay.
No magic is needed to feel what they share,
Their growing love and passionate flares.
Around them gathers a found family true,
Felix, Kashvi, Posey, and Cammie, too,
Gerald and a fox, 🦊, adding their part.
With humor, warmth, and so much heart.
They reinforce that family is chosen and made,
Through love that doesn’t falter or fade.
That even “disasters” can figure it out,
Be loved as they are, without question or doubt.
Their world is rich, with clever design,
Where magic and mundane intertwine.
And even Hell, with structure and rules,
Feels strangely fitting in all that ensues.
So, know this clearly, before you part,
This is a story full of depth and heart.
Of opposites drawn, of love and heat,
Of stakes that matter and journeys complete.
A book I truly enjoyed and commend,
Though sites limit stars, no halves to extend.
Yet in truth, it’s more to me,
Four and a half stars is the tea.
An honest review for a copy received,
All thoughts, my own, sincerely believed.
By word, by will, in clarity,
So mote it be.
#BryceOakley, #HungryHeartPress, #books, #BookReview, #bookstagram, #sapphicbook, #SapphicBookReview, #NetGalley, #LGBTQbooks, #SapphicRomance, #WLWlovestories, #SapphicFiction, #QueerRomance, #SappphicFiction, #LisaB_ReviewsBooks, #ARC, #onlyonebed, #Romantasy, #startingover, #rescuepuppy, #selfdiscovery, #hurt/comfort, #trauma, #curse, #HEA, #forcedproximity, #OnlyOneBed, #FoundFamily, #Magic, #HurtComfort, #FakeDating, #Witch, #Wiccan, #Demon
From Hell, With Love by Bryce Oakley
~Found Family, Chaos Magic, and One Very Hot Demon~
By trust well-earned by pages turned,
Though not my usual path to tread,
An advanced copy, given to be read.
So, I took a chance, and to my delight,
Found a tale cast in humor and light.
Within these pages, strong hearts beat,
Characters are grounded, vivid, complete.
Emotion rings honest, sharp, and true,
In a world, magical and believable, too.
A tangled premise, strange, and bright,
That pulled me in and held me tight.
Enter Ramona, trying to stand,
With life unraveling in her hand.
Divorced, disgraced, yet pushing through,
More resilient than she ever knew.
Who, through one very questionable spell,
Accidentally summons a demon as well.
Enter Zara, impeccable, striking, and sexy as ... Hell, 🔥
With depth and strength that quickly compel.
Not a stereotypical demon, no easy role,
But one with wit, care, and a protective soul.
A mystical tether now binds them together,
Forced proximity, pushed further than ever.
False pretenses drop away,
As real emotions grow and stay.
No magic is needed to feel what they share,
Their growing love and passionate flares.
Around them gathers a found family true,
Felix, Kashvi, Posey, and Cammie, too,
Gerald and a fox, 🦊, adding their part.
With humor, warmth, and so much heart.
They reinforce that family is chosen and made,
Through love that doesn’t falter or fade.
That even “disasters” can figure it out,
Be loved as they are, without question or doubt.
Their world is rich, with clever design,
Where magic and mundane intertwine.
And even Hell, with structure and rules,
Feels strangely fitting in all that ensues.
So, know this clearly, before you part,
This is a story full of depth and heart.
Of opposites drawn, of love and heat,
Of stakes that matter and journeys complete.
A book I truly enjoyed and commend,
Though sites limit stars, no halves to extend.
Yet in truth, it’s more to me,
Four and a half stars is the tea.
An honest review for a copy received,
All thoughts, my own, sincerely believed.
By word, by will, in clarity,
So mote it be.
#BryceOakley, #HungryHeartPress, #books, #BookReview, #bookstagram, #sapphicbook, #SapphicBookReview, #NetGalley, #LGBTQbooks, #SapphicRomance, #WLWlovestories, #SapphicFiction, #QueerRomance, #SappphicFiction, #LisaB_ReviewsBooks, #ARC, #onlyonebed, #Romantasy, #startingover, #rescuepuppy, #selfdiscovery, #hurt/comfort, #trauma, #curse, #HEA, #forcedproximity, #OnlyOneBed, #FoundFamily, #Magic, #HurtComfort, #FakeDating, #Witch, #Wiccan, #Demon
April 3, 2026
A Masterclass in Magic and Heart: Exquisite, Unforgettable, and Utterly Unmissable!
I’m struggling to find the words to review From Hell, With Love without accidentally spoiling the brilliant "mic drop" moments, but quite frankly, everyone needs to read this book immediately! Bryce Oakley has delivered a spectacularly vivid world that is f***ing fantastic from start to finish. The descriptive imagery is nothing short of spellbinding; it’s the kind of visceral, immersive writing that makes you want to live inside the pages. I devoured the story and the bonus epilogue (trust me, you’ll want to read that bonus epilogue too) like it was oxygen. I didn’t want the story to end, and it has left me desperate for more of this world.
The relationship between Ramona and Zara is electric. Watching Ramona, a “disaster witch” who accidentally summons a demon, navigate her tether to the effortlessly sexy Zara was a total joy. The magical tether itself is such a clever device—acting as a living, breathing mirror for their feelings. The way they could sense each other’s emotions (and the hilarious fallout of those shared dreams!) added such a brilliant layer to the romance. Zara is the ultimate "bad boss" legend, and the way she was described had me in a total puddle. More than the mind-blowing steam, it was the way they truly made each other better that made the story so heartfelt and exquisite.
Even though we’re dealing with witches, demons, and plot twists that hit when you least expect them, the story feels profoundly human. It taps into those universal feelings of being "broken" or dealt a rubbish hand, and watching Ramona’s journey toward self-acceptance through her own strength and the support of her found family was incredibly moving. Every side character is a total standout in one way or another—special shoutout to Gerald the pigeon, who is a complete scene-stealer!
The mystery surrounding Cammie at the end has also left me fully invested and dying for the next instalment. This is a 10/10 triumph that is as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching. To be honest, I would read a leaflet about this world it at this point; I’ll be first in line for whatever comes next. An absolute must-read!
I’m struggling to find the words to review From Hell, With Love without accidentally spoiling the brilliant "mic drop" moments, but quite frankly, everyone needs to read this book immediately! Bryce Oakley has delivered a spectacularly vivid world that is f***ing fantastic from start to finish. The descriptive imagery is nothing short of spellbinding; it’s the kind of visceral, immersive writing that makes you want to live inside the pages. I devoured the story and the bonus epilogue (trust me, you’ll want to read that bonus epilogue too) like it was oxygen. I didn’t want the story to end, and it has left me desperate for more of this world.
The relationship between Ramona and Zara is electric. Watching Ramona, a “disaster witch” who accidentally summons a demon, navigate her tether to the effortlessly sexy Zara was a total joy. The magical tether itself is such a clever device—acting as a living, breathing mirror for their feelings. The way they could sense each other’s emotions (and the hilarious fallout of those shared dreams!) added such a brilliant layer to the romance. Zara is the ultimate "bad boss" legend, and the way she was described had me in a total puddle. More than the mind-blowing steam, it was the way they truly made each other better that made the story so heartfelt and exquisite.
Even though we’re dealing with witches, demons, and plot twists that hit when you least expect them, the story feels profoundly human. It taps into those universal feelings of being "broken" or dealt a rubbish hand, and watching Ramona’s journey toward self-acceptance through her own strength and the support of her found family was incredibly moving. Every side character is a total standout in one way or another—special shoutout to Gerald the pigeon, who is a complete scene-stealer!
The mystery surrounding Cammie at the end has also left me fully invested and dying for the next instalment. This is a 10/10 triumph that is as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching. To be honest, I would read a leaflet about this world it at this point; I’ll be first in line for whatever comes next. An absolute must-read!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so fantastic, y’all! Truly a wonderful and fun reading experience.
Initially, this was a 4-star book for me, which is solid and enjoyable, and I recommend 4-star books. Then it reached a point around 65-75% through the book where it really started to feel like a 5-star book, and by the end, I was wholeheartedly on the 5-star train. I really enjoyed this book, and I know a lot of people will too.
I was not expecting to cry reading this, and not just cry but HEAVY crying. Certain aspects of the story's ending you can see coming from its nature, but knowing something is coming doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking. There’s this beautiful, melancholy moment of mutual desperation that just truly plucked a heartstring and made me really feel for the characters. There was an emotional tone that I wasn’t expecting that really stuck with me while reading the last 25% of the book.
The B plot was really solid. If this book were written a bit differently as a queer found family story, it would still be compelling, even without the romance, which is really impressive. I thought I knew generally what the plot was going to be like, but then there were some twists and new story additions that I hadn’t anticipated, which really beefed up the plot in a great way.
I strongly believe this lays the groundwork for a series of interconnected standalones, and I am excitedly anticipating the next books, both for the characters and the plotlines that remain mysteries.
The People know I love a Bryce Oakley book, and this is certainly no exception. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, the world this author created, and the reading experience all these elements created. I have no doubt those familiar with Oakley’s work will enjoy this, and I’m optimistic that those who aren’t familiar will be drawn to read more of her books after reading this one.
🌶️🌶️🌶️(3.5, 3 or 4 scenes some explicit thoughts/cutaways)
Thank you to Bryce Oakley for the advanced copy! I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Initially, this was a 4-star book for me, which is solid and enjoyable, and I recommend 4-star books. Then it reached a point around 65-75% through the book where it really started to feel like a 5-star book, and by the end, I was wholeheartedly on the 5-star train. I really enjoyed this book, and I know a lot of people will too.
I was not expecting to cry reading this, and not just cry but HEAVY crying. Certain aspects of the story's ending you can see coming from its nature, but knowing something is coming doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking. There’s this beautiful, melancholy moment of mutual desperation that just truly plucked a heartstring and made me really feel for the characters. There was an emotional tone that I wasn’t expecting that really stuck with me while reading the last 25% of the book.
The B plot was really solid. If this book were written a bit differently as a queer found family story, it would still be compelling, even without the romance, which is really impressive. I thought I knew generally what the plot was going to be like, but then there were some twists and new story additions that I hadn’t anticipated, which really beefed up the plot in a great way.
I strongly believe this lays the groundwork for a series of interconnected standalones, and I am excitedly anticipating the next books, both for the characters and the plotlines that remain mysteries.
The People know I love a Bryce Oakley book, and this is certainly no exception. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, the world this author created, and the reading experience all these elements created. I have no doubt those familiar with Oakley’s work will enjoy this, and I’m optimistic that those who aren’t familiar will be drawn to read more of her books after reading this one.
🌶️🌶️🌶️(3.5, 3 or 4 scenes some explicit thoughts/cutaways)
Thank you to Bryce Oakley for the advanced copy! I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is fortunately the opposite of what I can struggle with when reading fantasy. Ok it is about witches, magic and demons, but still a totally relatable story about outcasts that try to find a place where they fit. It is a heartful and fun read, something you know is a guarantee when you read a book written by Bryce Oakley and I had such a great time when I devoured the book. I loved Ramona, Zara and all the great side characters that enhanced the book so much. I would love to read a sequel about them all someday soon when they approach a new interesting challenge to solve.
Ramona is a complete failure at the start of the book. She is a 35-year-old witch that has stopped doing magic after an incident at her former high-profile job and on top of that she is divorced. She lives in a small flat she shares with other odd and magical roommates and struggles with a really shitty job. One day she has had enough of it all and tries to cast a spell, she wants to somehow summon success. That spell goes very different from intended, Ramona is after all a failure as a witch. A demon, Azareth (Zara), is somehow summoned and is suddenly tethered to her. Initially this all feels so complicated and all she wants is to find a way to break the bond she has with Zara and go back to her normal shitty life. Fortunately, that is not as easy as Ramona hopes, we get so much drama on the way, unravelling Ramona’s complicated past with her family, and that Zara may be exactly what she needs in her life to shift things around.
Ramona and Zara are just magic together in more than one way. Suddenly Ramona realizes that if the ritual she is planning will work, then Zara is leaving, and that is not what she wants in any way. Zara is also so invested in Ramona and they are so cute together, as a reader you just sit and hope that it will work out in some magical way.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Ramona is a complete failure at the start of the book. She is a 35-year-old witch that has stopped doing magic after an incident at her former high-profile job and on top of that she is divorced. She lives in a small flat she shares with other odd and magical roommates and struggles with a really shitty job. One day she has had enough of it all and tries to cast a spell, she wants to somehow summon success. That spell goes very different from intended, Ramona is after all a failure as a witch. A demon, Azareth (Zara), is somehow summoned and is suddenly tethered to her. Initially this all feels so complicated and all she wants is to find a way to break the bond she has with Zara and go back to her normal shitty life. Fortunately, that is not as easy as Ramona hopes, we get so much drama on the way, unravelling Ramona’s complicated past with her family, and that Zara may be exactly what she needs in her life to shift things around.
Ramona and Zara are just magic together in more than one way. Suddenly Ramona realizes that if the ritual she is planning will work, then Zara is leaving, and that is not what she wants in any way. Zara is also so invested in Ramona and they are so cute together, as a reader you just sit and hope that it will work out in some magical way.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 ARC Review 📚 Thanks to the author for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a humorous, cosy and spicy sapphic romantasy that blends magic, romance and self-discovery ✨️
Ramona is a witch having a difficult time - she's feeling adrift in her thirties, stuck with a boring job, avoiding her family, and carrying the weight of a past marriage. To make matters worse, her magic has never quite worked as it should.
Everything changes when she accidentally summons and binds a demon, Zara, to her, setting off a story full of charm, tension and unexpected warmth ⚡️
The forced proximity element is handled brilliantly, with the pair unable to stray more than sixty feet from one another. What follows is an engaging and funny journey as they learn about each other’s histories, fears and hopes. The magical tether adds an intimate twist 🔥 which deepens their connection in a way that feels both tender and entertaining.
The chemistry between Ramona and Zara is a real highlight. It is playful, intense and at times bed-breakingly steamy, but always rooted in genuine affection. Zara in particular stands out - while she is powerful, confident and undeniably formidable, she is also written with surprising softness. The author subverts the stereotypical characterisation of a demon and I loved Zara's deeply caring and protective nature, especially in the way she supports Ramona ❤️
The story unfolds at a steady, comfortable pace, focusing on character development and the gradual unravelling of a magical curse, alongside complicated family dynamics. The tone remains largely gentle and low in angst, making it an easy and enjoyable read while still offering emotional depth 💖
Overall, this is a warm and witty romantasy that celebrates connection and being truly seen. It is a lovely reminder that sometimes, we all need someone to help us recognise and remember just how brilliant we really are ❤️
This is a humorous, cosy and spicy sapphic romantasy that blends magic, romance and self-discovery ✨️
Ramona is a witch having a difficult time - she's feeling adrift in her thirties, stuck with a boring job, avoiding her family, and carrying the weight of a past marriage. To make matters worse, her magic has never quite worked as it should.
Everything changes when she accidentally summons and binds a demon, Zara, to her, setting off a story full of charm, tension and unexpected warmth ⚡️
The forced proximity element is handled brilliantly, with the pair unable to stray more than sixty feet from one another. What follows is an engaging and funny journey as they learn about each other’s histories, fears and hopes. The magical tether adds an intimate twist 🔥 which deepens their connection in a way that feels both tender and entertaining.
The chemistry between Ramona and Zara is a real highlight. It is playful, intense and at times bed-breakingly steamy, but always rooted in genuine affection. Zara in particular stands out - while she is powerful, confident and undeniably formidable, she is also written with surprising softness. The author subverts the stereotypical characterisation of a demon and I loved Zara's deeply caring and protective nature, especially in the way she supports Ramona ❤️
The story unfolds at a steady, comfortable pace, focusing on character development and the gradual unravelling of a magical curse, alongside complicated family dynamics. The tone remains largely gentle and low in angst, making it an easy and enjoyable read while still offering emotional depth 💖
Overall, this is a warm and witty romantasy that celebrates connection and being truly seen. It is a lovely reminder that sometimes, we all need someone to help us recognise and remember just how brilliant we really are ❤️
May 10, 2026
This was such a fun, highly anticipated read, I could not WAIT to dive in! I even stopped reading another book to start this one. I know. I’m shocked too.
But, Witches and Demons? Hello?
Woman after my own heart.
Ramona’s chaotic avoidance and Zara’s corporate-coded sass make them a perfect - if not slightly dysfunctional to start with - match.
I particularly loved the idea of the ‘Tether’ exposing their true feelings to each other, whether they wanted it to or not.
IYKYK.
Their connection... pun intended... is built on more than the tether. They see each other. They’re protective, careful, and honest with each other... Eventually.
And once they finally kiss for the first time!!
Oooof! The spice is spicing!!
The sympathy I have for for Ramona... God.
If anyone’s ever felt like a screw up, a blip, or just an inconvenience in their own life, it’s her.
And those who know that feeling, know how hard it is to shake. Especially when life keeps punching you in the face.
(Also, her ex, her mother and her boss can all do one. Seriously.)
Her resistance and reluctance to use her magic again is palpable, believable, and SO heart breaking! Which only makes Zara’s reasoning, logic and persistent encouragement/trickery all the sweeter.
Who’d have thought a Demon would truly want the best for you?
I also loved the aspects of Familliars, Spells, Curses, the Council, Covens, the High Priestess fed throughout the story... The entire entity that was the ‘magic shop’. Genius. Because we all know a shop like that... disorganised, chaotic, so full you can’t see anything... Good thing Zara is inhumanly organised!
It all just worked, and it felt like a real community that I’d love to be part of! Sign me up! I’m ready!
#fakedating #familysecrets #hurt/comfort #disasterwitch #summoneddemon #forcedproximity
But, Witches and Demons? Hello?
Woman after my own heart.
Ramona’s chaotic avoidance and Zara’s corporate-coded sass make them a perfect - if not slightly dysfunctional to start with - match.
I particularly loved the idea of the ‘Tether’ exposing their true feelings to each other, whether they wanted it to or not.
IYKYK.
Their connection... pun intended... is built on more than the tether. They see each other. They’re protective, careful, and honest with each other... Eventually.
And once they finally kiss for the first time!!
Oooof! The spice is spicing!!
The sympathy I have for for Ramona... God.
If anyone’s ever felt like a screw up, a blip, or just an inconvenience in their own life, it’s her.
And those who know that feeling, know how hard it is to shake. Especially when life keeps punching you in the face.
(Also, her ex, her mother and her boss can all do one. Seriously.)
Her resistance and reluctance to use her magic again is palpable, believable, and SO heart breaking! Which only makes Zara’s reasoning, logic and persistent encouragement/trickery all the sweeter.
Who’d have thought a Demon would truly want the best for you?
I also loved the aspects of Familliars, Spells, Curses, the Council, Covens, the High Priestess fed throughout the story... The entire entity that was the ‘magic shop’. Genius. Because we all know a shop like that... disorganised, chaotic, so full you can’t see anything... Good thing Zara is inhumanly organised!
It all just worked, and it felt like a real community that I’d love to be part of! Sign me up! I’m ready!
#fakedating #familysecrets #hurt/comfort #disasterwitch #summoneddemon #forcedproximity
April 22, 2026
Ramona Greenbriar is a down on her luck magic researcher, now working retail. It sucks, but she still had a bit of hope... then her boss announced a new location that she would NOT be running, it would be his frat boy brother.
(At one point she was a successful researcher, with a wife, Simone. Who cheated on her with Kate Stone for MONTHS and everyone knew and no one told her. Ouch.)
A very drunk Ramona uses a old spell book she found to try to get good luck... and accidentally summons a demon, Azareth. Who is really handsome, teases her and due to the spell has to stay within 65 feet of her.
(Hell has gone corporate, interestingly. Zara explaining it all is hilarious.)
So now Zara has to stay there until they fulfill the terms of the spell or sever the enchantment. Plus there's the four roommates who they have to keep in the dark. Who think they are dating!
They attempt to free Zara... and the spell fails. Both admit they don't want to be separated. They sleep together, and Ramona explains why she was kicked out of the coven.
I think Ramona"s sister Lisa is hiding something. We'll see.
The roommates find out, but they like Zara and offers to help. The group learns that the only place to get the info they need is Ramon's old school. They raid it, get the books, but Ramona's ex spots her and gets her arrested.
Oh, yup, Lisa cursed her AND Mom knew. It was a accident, and Lisa went into curse breaking to fix it, but they kept Ramona on the dark 20 years. She us, understandably, pissed.
Tether dissolved, Ramona cured, mess fixed.
Zara's back! Wrap up....
4.5 out of 5. Really well written, clever, sharp and romantic with drama.
(At one point she was a successful researcher, with a wife, Simone. Who cheated on her with Kate Stone for MONTHS and everyone knew and no one told her. Ouch.)
A very drunk Ramona uses a old spell book she found to try to get good luck... and accidentally summons a demon, Azareth. Who is really handsome, teases her and due to the spell has to stay within 65 feet of her.
(Hell has gone corporate, interestingly. Zara explaining it all is hilarious.)
So now Zara has to stay there until they fulfill the terms of the spell or sever the enchantment. Plus there's the four roommates who they have to keep in the dark. Who think they are dating!
They attempt to free Zara... and the spell fails. Both admit they don't want to be separated. They sleep together, and Ramona explains why she was kicked out of the coven.
I think Ramona"s sister Lisa is hiding something. We'll see.
The roommates find out, but they like Zara and offers to help. The group learns that the only place to get the info they need is Ramon's old school. They raid it, get the books, but Ramona's ex spots her and gets her arrested.
Oh, yup, Lisa cursed her AND Mom knew. It was a accident, and Lisa went into curse breaking to fix it, but they kept Ramona on the dark 20 years. She us, understandably, pissed.
Tether dissolved, Ramona cured, mess fixed.
Zara's back! Wrap up....
4.5 out of 5. Really well written, clever, sharp and romantic with drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
Love, Found Family, and Acceptance
PROs: 5 stars because it resonated and touched me deeply. I struggle with many issues of self-worth and self-acceptance, and Ramona resonated deeply with me. She is the perfect character for anyone who has ever felt they are not enough. Her journey felt so real, and maybe it just hit at a rough time for me, but the eventual validation was beautiful and wrapped with such heartbreak as to make me actually cry; it wasn't pretty. There's still chapters to go after that, luckily; Ramona deserves that HEA.
Zara is the most angelic of demons, supportive girlfriend, therapist, and girl boss all in one. She clearly has a lot of inner depth of her own, but due to her personality (and managerial skills), she can come off somewhat flat; you may have to use a bit of your own imagination to read between her lines. Plain and simple, I wish I had my own Zara.
CONs(?): There's a lot of deus ex machina in the plot development, characters showing up just when needed, revelations that push the story forward with only the slightest (if any) foreshadowing, but we're also seeing the world through the eyes of someone wallowing in her own depression; so either it is a weakness in the writing or a masterfully wrought unreliable third person limited narrator. Does not take away from the power of the story.
PROs: 5 stars because it resonated and touched me deeply. I struggle with many issues of self-worth and self-acceptance, and Ramona resonated deeply with me. She is the perfect character for anyone who has ever felt they are not enough. Her journey felt so real, and maybe it just hit at a rough time for me, but the eventual validation was beautiful and wrapped with such heartbreak as to make me actually cry; it wasn't pretty. There's still chapters to go after that, luckily; Ramona deserves that HEA.
Zara is the most angelic of demons, supportive girlfriend, therapist, and girl boss all in one. She clearly has a lot of inner depth of her own, but due to her personality (and managerial skills), she can come off somewhat flat; you may have to use a bit of your own imagination to read between her lines. Plain and simple, I wish I had my own Zara.
CONs(?): There's a lot of deus ex machina in the plot development, characters showing up just when needed, revelations that push the story forward with only the slightest (if any) foreshadowing, but we're also seeing the world through the eyes of someone wallowing in her own depression; so either it is a weakness in the writing or a masterfully wrought unreliable third person limited narrator. Does not take away from the power of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would not have thought a demon would be the one I was drawn to, but Zara easily won me over!
Ramona is sweet, caring and recovering from her life blowing up. After a divorce, being expelled from her coven and loss of her career, she is living with several roommates and working at a fake magic store, selling crystals. One fateful night she decides to caste a spell to summon success and good fortune. Not the greatest track record with spell casting, this one goes sideways as well. Instead of success and good fortune, she has summoned a demon! Zara materializes in her room.
The story is engaging and funny. I was absorbed into it as I got to know Ramona, Zara and the entertaining side characters. The tension between the two MC’s is palpable and I couldn’t help but be impatient as I waited for them to give into it!
As the story unfolds, the two are trying to find away to break the spell that has bound them together and long held secrets are exposed. But do they really want to be unbound after all?
This was a completely enjoyable story with an underlying romance that moves the story along and has the reader anticipating the MC’s giving into their charged chemistry.
Thank you to Bryce Oakley for the arc. I happily leave my honest review.
Ramona is sweet, caring and recovering from her life blowing up. After a divorce, being expelled from her coven and loss of her career, she is living with several roommates and working at a fake magic store, selling crystals. One fateful night she decides to caste a spell to summon success and good fortune. Not the greatest track record with spell casting, this one goes sideways as well. Instead of success and good fortune, she has summoned a demon! Zara materializes in her room.
The story is engaging and funny. I was absorbed into it as I got to know Ramona, Zara and the entertaining side characters. The tension between the two MC’s is palpable and I couldn’t help but be impatient as I waited for them to give into it!
As the story unfolds, the two are trying to find away to break the spell that has bound them together and long held secrets are exposed. But do they really want to be unbound after all?
This was a completely enjoyable story with an underlying romance that moves the story along and has the reader anticipating the MC’s giving into their charged chemistry.
Thank you to Bryce Oakley for the arc. I happily leave my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adored From Hell, With Love by Bryce Oakley. I got an ARC from her at the last minute because a friend was reading it and said how good it was. I'm so appreciative that I got the chance to read this amazing book early; I couldn’t put it down! Here are some of the reasons why:
Innovative concept for how Hell works: Hell as a bureaucracy is fantastic! That would literally be Hell for me!
Loveable main characters: Ramona, because she's been hurt and betrayed and feels very relatable. Zara: a demon who loves organizing EVERYTHING and who's burnt out after 300 years working for Hell. The relationship that develops between these two is so sweet and endearing.
Fantastic found family: Ramona's roommates are definitely all characters, all delightfully quirky and caring. So important when her actual family treats her so poorly.
Fun magical world: the best neighborhood bar you can imagine and really unusual animals as familiar!
The emotional depth: I honestly was not expecting some of the scenes to hit me as hard as they did. There were definitely tears!
The spice: I am not gonna spoil this for you, but TRUST me when I say do not miss it and be sure to download the bonus epilogue!
I have high hopes that at least one of the secondary characters will get their own book, mainly Cammie. I have my theories about her, send me a message if you do too and want to discuss!
This is a definite 5 star read for me and I will be snagging this on audiobook whenever that comes out!
Innovative concept for how Hell works: Hell as a bureaucracy is fantastic! That would literally be Hell for me!
Loveable main characters: Ramona, because she's been hurt and betrayed and feels very relatable. Zara: a demon who loves organizing EVERYTHING and who's burnt out after 300 years working for Hell. The relationship that develops between these two is so sweet and endearing.
Fantastic found family: Ramona's roommates are definitely all characters, all delightfully quirky and caring. So important when her actual family treats her so poorly.
Fun magical world: the best neighborhood bar you can imagine and really unusual animals as familiar!
The emotional depth: I honestly was not expecting some of the scenes to hit me as hard as they did. There were definitely tears!
The spice: I am not gonna spoil this for you, but TRUST me when I say do not miss it and be sure to download the bonus epilogue!
I have high hopes that at least one of the secondary characters will get their own book, mainly Cammie. I have my theories about her, send me a message if you do too and want to discuss!
This is a definite 5 star read for me and I will be snagging this on audiobook whenever that comes out!
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