What do you think?
Rate this book
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
About the author
Bryce Oakley
27 books306 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 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!
May 3, 2026
oh theres like a ton of ai in this.
like ALOT.
like ALOT.
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
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
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!
June 2, 2026
I have truly never read a book character who chooses to be miserable like Ramona does. I get that she has had some shit luck, I really do, but she is determined to be stuck in her misery. Ramona is truly brilliant women who can decipher linguistic syntax off the top of her head. She can read dead medieval languages and clearly knows how to practically apply words to magic. She still somehow makes this seem like a piece of the equation to as why her life is shit. She actively pushes away people that honestly do no need to treat her with the amount of interest and kindness that they do simply because she chooses not to know them. Her struggles and frustration with them are so valid, but it was hard to keep making that excuse when she didn't really try to do anything for herself until a curse was the reason for everything bad in her life. Then she suddenly wanted to do better. It felt cheap to a lot of the none magic hurt in her life, like people where only shitty because of a curse that well and truly didn't make any sense.
She claims for a few pages to want to help those that the magic world outcasts as well as non magics, which she could do from go. She as an excuse at every turn on why she can't, why she is not enough, and why no one will want too when there have been people blown away by what she can do. Self worth is an issue and I get how hard it can feel to be enough and feel like you deserve to feel happy, but it just felt mind numbing with her by the 1000th excuse.
The last 100 pages felt overly stuffed with the next cool thing or "witty" comebacks that came out as 2012 cringe revenge novel. It was hard to stay engaged when Ramone fought every chance she got to be happy unless it was with Zara and even then, Zara could not save the end. Her contract felt watery and week, and honestly the fact that she was able to just walk away from hell after facing issues with hell for even being on earth felt lackluster. Threats were made against her about becoming more of a demon on earth, but the most demonic thing she did was get Ramona a raise that she did deserve and make a demonic strap on.
The side characters felt far more intriguing and god I would have loved to hear more about Kashvi, Posey, Cammie, Felix and Gerald. The little bits we got of them we so interesting and I kept hoping to know more, but they became supports to someone who was the least interesting out the coven. Speaking of side characters, i was a little iked by the fact that Ramona's ex was there just to be a right bitch, which in all fairness to Ramona, did cheat on her. Again it could be me, but the fact that she was like the only like described black women and the antagonist of her white ex. It just felt very...odd to me, but again i really could be over thinking it.
The curse that her sister gave her made legit no fucking sense. What do you mean her sister doesn't remember why she cursed her but remembered that she cursed her and has been trying to break it. The bother her Mother and Sister knew about the curse but still proceeded to be rich snobby assholes to her. But omg, they had a change of heart at the end and wanted to save Ramona, Gasp! I was really looking for this curse to be more and for there to be FAR more consequences for Iris. But again, maybe the authors whole point was to make Ramona the only one to "have it the worst."
This book just truly did not keep up with the momentum the beginning of the book had an fell flat as hell. I was hoping for so much more and as my first intro to Bryce Oakley, it was kind of a let down.
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!
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.
June 9, 2026
BAAABESSS!!! Bryce Oakley did it again!!! Let's dive in.
Ramona Greenbriar did not mean to summon a demon. She has a fake magic shop, a grimoire from a donation box, magic that has never once done what it was supposed to, and frankly enough going on without adding a three-hundred-year-old demon to the situation. And yet. Here is Zara, impeccably suited, going absolutely nowhere until the next new moon, adorably curious about the mortal world, and treating Ramona like she is someone genuinely worth the trouble. Which, for a woman who has been divorced and academically disgraced and is currently working retail, is a lot to process.
What follows is 400+ pages of slow burn, forced proximity, opposites attract, only one bed, fake dating, and a magical tether that broadcasts your feelings whether you want it to or not — and I could not be more grateful for a single page of it. Bryce Oakley stepping into paranormal is such a natural fit it's almost unfair. The world-building is so layered and imaginative — this magical space woven into a contemporary setting with such ease and specificity that it just pulls you in completely and does not let go.
But honestly? The thing that got me most was the found family. If you know me, you know found family is one of my absolute fav elements in queer literature, and this book delivers it so beautifully. These characters, this circle, this ridiculous apartment full of people absolutely refusing to mind their own business.... I loved all of it with my whole heart.
Zara and Ramona stole it, though. Completely. A three-hundred-years-of-patience demon who gives Ramona her complete, undivided attention and means every word of it, versus a woman who has spent so long being let down that being truly known feels genuinely dangerous, their dynamic is electric and earned and absolutely devastating in the best way. I swooned for a sapphic demon and I have not a single regret.
And the steam. Oh BABES. THE STEAM. There is a shadow strap. I will leave it there. You're welcome, and I'm sorry and please go read this immediately.
Get the bonus epilogue. You will want it. Trust me on this one.
Ramona Greenbriar did not mean to summon a demon. She has a fake magic shop, a grimoire from a donation box, magic that has never once done what it was supposed to, and frankly enough going on without adding a three-hundred-year-old demon to the situation. And yet. Here is Zara, impeccably suited, going absolutely nowhere until the next new moon, adorably curious about the mortal world, and treating Ramona like she is someone genuinely worth the trouble. Which, for a woman who has been divorced and academically disgraced and is currently working retail, is a lot to process.
What follows is 400+ pages of slow burn, forced proximity, opposites attract, only one bed, fake dating, and a magical tether that broadcasts your feelings whether you want it to or not — and I could not be more grateful for a single page of it. Bryce Oakley stepping into paranormal is such a natural fit it's almost unfair. The world-building is so layered and imaginative — this magical space woven into a contemporary setting with such ease and specificity that it just pulls you in completely and does not let go.
But honestly? The thing that got me most was the found family. If you know me, you know found family is one of my absolute fav elements in queer literature, and this book delivers it so beautifully. These characters, this circle, this ridiculous apartment full of people absolutely refusing to mind their own business.... I loved all of it with my whole heart.
Zara and Ramona stole it, though. Completely. A three-hundred-years-of-patience demon who gives Ramona her complete, undivided attention and means every word of it, versus a woman who has spent so long being let down that being truly known feels genuinely dangerous, their dynamic is electric and earned and absolutely devastating in the best way. I swooned for a sapphic demon and I have not a single regret.
And the steam. Oh BABES. THE STEAM. There is a shadow strap. I will leave it there. You're welcome, and I'm sorry and please go read this immediately.
Get the bonus epilogue. You will want it. Trust me on this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews