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Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours
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Expected 1 Oct 26503 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 23, 2026
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️
Plot - 🌏🌏🌏
Why am I crying 🙈 this is such a beautiful, cosy and emotional read. I feel so incredibly full of love right now.
Every page, character and word written in this book has been written with so much love and care. You feel it more with every page.
The story is so overwhelmingly cosy and achingly romantic. We follow Ark ( a demon with horns 😍 ) and Cassia (a kitchen witch ) as they navigate a fake engagement in order to save different parts of their lives.
What follows is a tale of mischief, a little chaos and so much fun.
I fell in love with cassia and Arks story within seconds. The banter they shared was elite and I was chuckling so so much. Their private messages to each other were adorable and I couldn’t get enough of them.
There were so many beautiful aspects to this book, the spirit guarding the house, Arks family and poor school for unwanted children. This book healed something in me that I didn’t know needed healing.
Spice - 🌶️🌶️
Plot - 🌏🌏🌏
Why am I crying 🙈 this is such a beautiful, cosy and emotional read. I feel so incredibly full of love right now.
Every page, character and word written in this book has been written with so much love and care. You feel it more with every page.
The story is so overwhelmingly cosy and achingly romantic. We follow Ark ( a demon with horns 😍 ) and Cassia (a kitchen witch ) as they navigate a fake engagement in order to save different parts of their lives.
What follows is a tale of mischief, a little chaos and so much fun.
I fell in love with cassia and Arks story within seconds. The banter they shared was elite and I was chuckling so so much. Their private messages to each other were adorable and I couldn’t get enough of them.
There were so many beautiful aspects to this book, the spirit guarding the house, Arks family and poor school for unwanted children. This book healed something in me that I didn’t know needed healing.
July 30, 2026
"He could smother light and bend shadow to his will—and here he sat, undone by a Kitchen Witch with chamomile on her breath and gentle hands."
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Review of advanced copy received from author
This was a delightful treat. A cosy fantasy with a soft romance.
We follow the story of Cassia and Ark, who meet in a way that almost feels like fate, as they strike a fake engagement. Cassia to save the orphanage, and Ark so his mother would leave him alone about choosing someone.
Cassia is resilient, gentle, and loving. Ark is steady, quiet, and determined. Seeing them circle around each other was a delight.
I adored watching their interactions, they learned each other slowly, steadily, and gently. You can feel the instant connection and it's authentic rather than forced.
I loved the attention to their friends and family too, they stood out and felt alive and not just as additional characters. I hope we get to see more of them in the next book.
I got unexpectedly attached to Ark's parents. The second we were introduced to Delphyne with the description of her mating mark, I was in awe. And then meeting his father, and things click into place to why he had been absent in his sons' lives. It humanized them in an instant, showed them as people and not what they symbolize in their society.
Each interaction Cassia had with them captivated me. They truly care for their children, and they cared about Cassia. "Because you are loved by the one I love."
And isn't that the sweetest thing?
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Review of advanced copy received from author
This was a delightful treat. A cosy fantasy with a soft romance.
We follow the story of Cassia and Ark, who meet in a way that almost feels like fate, as they strike a fake engagement. Cassia to save the orphanage, and Ark so his mother would leave him alone about choosing someone.
Cassia is resilient, gentle, and loving. Ark is steady, quiet, and determined. Seeing them circle around each other was a delight.
I adored watching their interactions, they learned each other slowly, steadily, and gently. You can feel the instant connection and it's authentic rather than forced.
I loved the attention to their friends and family too, they stood out and felt alive and not just as additional characters. I hope we get to see more of them in the next book.
I got unexpectedly attached to Ark's parents. The second we were introduced to Delphyne with the description of her mating mark, I was in awe. And then meeting his father, and things click into place to why he had been absent in his sons' lives. It humanized them in an instant, showed them as people and not what they symbolize in their society.
Each interaction Cassia had with them captivated me. They truly care for their children, and they cared about Cassia. "Because you are loved by the one I love."
And isn't that the sweetest thing?
July 26, 2026
“I know you like I know my own shadows—by heart, and in the dark.”
~
I loved this book so much, it was such a sweet and cozy romance! There were also some added mystery and paranormal elements that I didn’t see coming and really enjoyed. The found family and the characters in this book were amazing and I loved them so much, both Ark and Cassia were so soft and sweet while also being tough when they needed to be. I got sucked right in and stayed up way too late to finish. There were so many adorable and sweet moments that had me giggling and then the end was so touching and I did in fact cry multiple times. Also all of the baking in this did make me want to go into this world and visit Cassias Bakery. Keep baked goods handy while reading this book.
I was waiting for that reveal at the end and I am so excited to see where we go from here in the next book.
Thank you so much to Enola M. Douglas for an ARC of this book! I was so excited to get the email and it lived up to every single one of my expectations! I am so ready to read anything and everything by her!
~
I loved this book so much, it was such a sweet and cozy romance! There were also some added mystery and paranormal elements that I didn’t see coming and really enjoyed. The found family and the characters in this book were amazing and I loved them so much, both Ark and Cassia were so soft and sweet while also being tough when they needed to be. I got sucked right in and stayed up way too late to finish. There were so many adorable and sweet moments that had me giggling and then the end was so touching and I did in fact cry multiple times. Also all of the baking in this did make me want to go into this world and visit Cassias Bakery. Keep baked goods handy while reading this book.
I was waiting for that reveal at the end and I am so excited to see where we go from here in the next book.
Thank you so much to Enola M. Douglas for an ARC of this book! I was so excited to get the email and it lived up to every single one of my expectations! I am so ready to read anything and everything by her!
Review of advance copy received from Autore
Review of an ARC provided by the author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and I think I actually screamed when I saw it in my inbox. Having already read and absolutely loved Whisked Away by Enola M. Douglas, I knew I was going to fall in love with this one too—and I was right.
Smoke, Mirrors & Misdemeanours takes place in a world where humans, witches, elves, and demons have been forced to coexist, while anyone without an ancient bloodline faces prejudice and discrimination. Cassia and Ark stand at opposite ends of this society, and their meeting feels almost like a twist of fate. From the very beginning, though, their chemistry is undeniable.
Enola M. Douglas has created wonderfully three-dimensional characters that are impossible not to grow attached to—and I'm not just talking about the protagonists. The supporting cast is just as memorable and full of life.
I expected to fall head over heels for Ark, and I absolutely did—he's the definition of a green flag. But it was Cassia who truly stole my heart. Her greatest strength lies in her kindness and resilience. Despite everything life has thrown at her, she never stops being compassionate or selfless, always willing to sacrifice what matters most to protect the people she loves.
This book will make you giggle, kick your feet, cry, and probably make you hungry. But above all, it will leave you with the comforting feeling of having finally come home.
( Italian review )
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ho avuto la fortuna di ricevere una copia ARC da leggere e penso di aver urlato quando l'ho vista nella mia e-mail. Avendo già letto Whisked Away di Enola M. Douglas ed avendolo amato sapevo già che mi sarei innamorata, e così è stato.
Smoke, mirrors & Misdemeanours prende vita in un mondo dove creature diverse ( umani, streghe, elfi e demoni ) si sono ritrovati a convivere loro malgrado, e dove le persone senza un lignaggio antico vengono discriminate. Cassia ed Ark sono ai due estremi di questa società, e il loro incontro quasi un capriccio del destino, ma colpisce fin da subito la loro chimica. L'autrice è riuscita a creare dei personaggi tridimensionali a cui è impossibile non affezionarsi, e non parlo solo dei protagonisti, ma anche dei personaggi secondari. Pensavo che mi sarei completamente innamorata di Ark, e non nego che così è stato perché quel ragazzo è una green flag assoluta, ma Cassia mi è rimasta nel cuore: la sua forza viene dalla sua gentilezza e dalla sua forza d'animo, nonostante le difficoltà della vita non ha mai smesso di essere buona e altruista, pronta a sacrificare ciò a cui tiene di più per le persone che ama. Questo libro vi farà ridacchiare, scalciare i piedi, piangere, vi farà venire anche fame, ma soprattutto vi lascerà una sensazione di essere tornati a casa.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and I think I actually screamed when I saw it in my inbox. Having already read and absolutely loved Whisked Away by Enola M. Douglas, I knew I was going to fall in love with this one too—and I was right.
Smoke, Mirrors & Misdemeanours takes place in a world where humans, witches, elves, and demons have been forced to coexist, while anyone without an ancient bloodline faces prejudice and discrimination. Cassia and Ark stand at opposite ends of this society, and their meeting feels almost like a twist of fate. From the very beginning, though, their chemistry is undeniable.
Enola M. Douglas has created wonderfully three-dimensional characters that are impossible not to grow attached to—and I'm not just talking about the protagonists. The supporting cast is just as memorable and full of life.
I expected to fall head over heels for Ark, and I absolutely did—he's the definition of a green flag. But it was Cassia who truly stole my heart. Her greatest strength lies in her kindness and resilience. Despite everything life has thrown at her, she never stops being compassionate or selfless, always willing to sacrifice what matters most to protect the people she loves.
This book will make you giggle, kick your feet, cry, and probably make you hungry. But above all, it will leave you with the comforting feeling of having finally come home.
( Italian review )
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ho avuto la fortuna di ricevere una copia ARC da leggere e penso di aver urlato quando l'ho vista nella mia e-mail. Avendo già letto Whisked Away di Enola M. Douglas ed avendolo amato sapevo già che mi sarei innamorata, e così è stato.
Smoke, mirrors & Misdemeanours prende vita in un mondo dove creature diverse ( umani, streghe, elfi e demoni ) si sono ritrovati a convivere loro malgrado, e dove le persone senza un lignaggio antico vengono discriminate. Cassia ed Ark sono ai due estremi di questa società, e il loro incontro quasi un capriccio del destino, ma colpisce fin da subito la loro chimica. L'autrice è riuscita a creare dei personaggi tridimensionali a cui è impossibile non affezionarsi, e non parlo solo dei protagonisti, ma anche dei personaggi secondari. Pensavo che mi sarei completamente innamorata di Ark, e non nego che così è stato perché quel ragazzo è una green flag assoluta, ma Cassia mi è rimasta nel cuore: la sua forza viene dalla sua gentilezza e dalla sua forza d'animo, nonostante le difficoltà della vita non ha mai smesso di essere buona e altruista, pronta a sacrificare ciò a cui tiene di più per le persone che ama. Questo libro vi farà ridacchiare, scalciare i piedi, piangere, vi farà venire anche fame, ma soprattutto vi lascerà una sensazione di essere tornati a casa.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, can someone explain why a book about a demon lord, a kitchen witch, fake engagement chaos and magical drama had me sitting here with the biggest “please don’t make me leave this world yet” feelings? This book was such a surprisingly comforting read. It had that perfect mix of cozy fantasy, romance, humor and emotional moments that sneak up on you when you least expect it. Cassia completely stole my heart. She’s the kind of character who carries so much kindness and strength even when life keeps throwing obstacles her way. I loved her warmth, her determination and the way she always tries to protect the people she cares about.
And Ark… excuse me while I scream into the void because this man (well, demon) is a walking green flag. Arkenoth could have easily been written as the intimidating demon lord, but instead, he surprised me with his patience, loyalty and the way he sees people beyond their status or bloodline. His dynamic with Cassia was honestly my favorite part of the book. Their banter had me smiling like an idiot and watching their relationship grow felt so natural and sweet. The world Enola M. Douglas created was another highlight for me. I loved the idea of different magical beings trying to coexist while dealing with old prejudices and complicated social rules. There was a lot going on beneath the cozy moments and I appreciated that the story explored heavier themes like grief, identity, family and finding your own place in the world without losing the magical charm.
The side characters were also fantastic. They brought so much personality, humor and heart to the story. The friendships, the found family vibes and even the little moments involving Starlight made this book feel like more than just a romance. Also… some of the creatures and unexpected little details had me saying “Okay, I love this place, when can I move in?”
If I had one tiny complaint, it would be that I wanted even more time with certain characters and parts of the world. I was having such a good time that I wanted extra pages to explore everything. Honestly, my biggest problem was simply that the book ended and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. This book made me laugh, got me emotional, made me root for characters I instantly cared about and gave me that cozy feeling of finding a story that feels like a warm blanket after a long day. It’s magical, charming and full of heart.
A huge thank you to Enola M. Douglas and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC before its release on October 1, 2026. I’m so grateful I got the chance to experience this beautiful world early and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
And Ark… excuse me while I scream into the void because this man (well, demon) is a walking green flag. Arkenoth could have easily been written as the intimidating demon lord, but instead, he surprised me with his patience, loyalty and the way he sees people beyond their status or bloodline. His dynamic with Cassia was honestly my favorite part of the book. Their banter had me smiling like an idiot and watching their relationship grow felt so natural and sweet. The world Enola M. Douglas created was another highlight for me. I loved the idea of different magical beings trying to coexist while dealing with old prejudices and complicated social rules. There was a lot going on beneath the cozy moments and I appreciated that the story explored heavier themes like grief, identity, family and finding your own place in the world without losing the magical charm.
The side characters were also fantastic. They brought so much personality, humor and heart to the story. The friendships, the found family vibes and even the little moments involving Starlight made this book feel like more than just a romance. Also… some of the creatures and unexpected little details had me saying “Okay, I love this place, when can I move in?”
If I had one tiny complaint, it would be that I wanted even more time with certain characters and parts of the world. I was having such a good time that I wanted extra pages to explore everything. Honestly, my biggest problem was simply that the book ended and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. This book made me laugh, got me emotional, made me root for characters I instantly cared about and gave me that cozy feeling of finding a story that feels like a warm blanket after a long day. It’s magical, charming and full of heart.
A huge thank you to Enola M. Douglas and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC before its release on October 1, 2026. I’m so grateful I got the chance to experience this beautiful world early and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely incredible! This book was like the warmest of hugs and has easily made it's way into my top books for the year!
If I could rate this book higher I would!
Enola's writing style is beautifully descriptive and vividly indulgent. I was invested in the plot from the first chapter. The story is moderately fast paced and flows flawlessly from start to finish. The world building and magic system are both solid and presented in a way that is easy for the reader to understand. I adored the entire concept of the land magic!
Every character in this book was perfection and I loved them all! From main characters to supporting characters to villains, every single one was brilliantly written.
Ark and Cassia together make my heart happy! I loved the banter between them and the respect they held for each other.
Cassia is a wonderful FMC. She is strong, funny, intelligent and very relatable. I adored her so much, her resilience and determination to ensure she did everything she could for Starlight was incredibly endearing and has sealed her as one of my favourite FMC's this year!
Ark is very similar to Cassia, his determination to carve his own path in life is commendable. Despite his bloodline and status he lives his own way and never looks down on those that the rest of high society see as beneath them. Absolute green flag MMC in every way and I loved him!
Lilibeth, Opalina, caius and Rhodes were all fantastic! They were like an unshakable wall of friendship and support. I really hope we get to see more of them all in the next book.
The children of Starlight deserve their own special mention! I loved the parts of the story involving them. I felt an overwhelming need to protect them all and they were such an emotional part of the story!
Delphyne took me by surprise, I did not expect to love her as much as I did and I looked forward to seeing her name appear on the page! She's an absolute queen!
The themes of grief in the story are beautifully handled. Raw, heartfelt and very relatable to anyone who has ever experienced loss.
I laughed, cried, felt my heart break and piece back together! This was such a beautiful story and I can't wait for the next book!
Thank you so much Enola for the honor of being a part of your ARC team! ❤️ All opinions are my own.
If I could rate this book higher I would!
Enola's writing style is beautifully descriptive and vividly indulgent. I was invested in the plot from the first chapter. The story is moderately fast paced and flows flawlessly from start to finish. The world building and magic system are both solid and presented in a way that is easy for the reader to understand. I adored the entire concept of the land magic!
Every character in this book was perfection and I loved them all! From main characters to supporting characters to villains, every single one was brilliantly written.
Ark and Cassia together make my heart happy! I loved the banter between them and the respect they held for each other.
Cassia is a wonderful FMC. She is strong, funny, intelligent and very relatable. I adored her so much, her resilience and determination to ensure she did everything she could for Starlight was incredibly endearing and has sealed her as one of my favourite FMC's this year!
Ark is very similar to Cassia, his determination to carve his own path in life is commendable. Despite his bloodline and status he lives his own way and never looks down on those that the rest of high society see as beneath them. Absolute green flag MMC in every way and I loved him!
Lilibeth, Opalina, caius and Rhodes were all fantastic! They were like an unshakable wall of friendship and support. I really hope we get to see more of them all in the next book.
The children of Starlight deserve their own special mention! I loved the parts of the story involving them. I felt an overwhelming need to protect them all and they were such an emotional part of the story!
Delphyne took me by surprise, I did not expect to love her as much as I did and I looked forward to seeing her name appear on the page! She's an absolute queen!
The themes of grief in the story are beautifully handled. Raw, heartfelt and very relatable to anyone who has ever experienced loss.
I laughed, cried, felt my heart break and piece back together! This was such a beautiful story and I can't wait for the next book!
Thank you so much Enola for the honor of being a part of your ARC team! ❤️ All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Your honour, I love them!🥹💕
Oh my god, *this* book. Reading this book felt like stepping into a warmth bath or biting into a freshly-baked cinnamon bun. Enola M. Douglas writes beautifully, in a way that makes reading feel effortless and almost luxurious. I think, with this one book, she has become an auto-buy author for me. I’m so grateful to have received this as an ARC because I am utterly obsessed with the world and characters Douglas has created. Arkenoth, our green-flag demon lord with shadow magic, and Cassia, our brave, compassionate and vulnerable Kitchen Witch, are pure magic together. They have such a sweet relationship that progresses in such a beautiful way. The world Douglas has created is well-fleshed out but easy to navigate - a mix of modern human ingenuity and magic, with demons, witches, elves and humans co-existing in a somewhat stable peace but where anyone with mixed-blood is considered lower class and unsuitable for purebloods. The romance between our two leads blooms within this tension. The story touches on themes related to memory, grief, family, duty, and identity, and does so in ways that at times had me smiling and in other moments had me tearing up. The side-characters are also really well done and the friendships between them all felt so real and wholesome! There is also a mysterious and judgemental cat named Anuck who steals the show quite frequently. This novel isn’t just a cozy fantasy romance though - there is a really unique take on magic, class politics, and mysteries that remained unsolved by the end of book one but will clearly be picked up in book two! I’m so glad there will be a book two that follows Ark and Cassia again, because I am not ready to give them up yet. And there will be other books in the series that will focus on other characters and I am so excited to keep returning to this world! My only issue now is waiting to get my hands on a physical copy - and hopefully a special edition!!
Oh my god, *this* book. Reading this book felt like stepping into a warmth bath or biting into a freshly-baked cinnamon bun. Enola M. Douglas writes beautifully, in a way that makes reading feel effortless and almost luxurious. I think, with this one book, she has become an auto-buy author for me. I’m so grateful to have received this as an ARC because I am utterly obsessed with the world and characters Douglas has created. Arkenoth, our green-flag demon lord with shadow magic, and Cassia, our brave, compassionate and vulnerable Kitchen Witch, are pure magic together. They have such a sweet relationship that progresses in such a beautiful way. The world Douglas has created is well-fleshed out but easy to navigate - a mix of modern human ingenuity and magic, with demons, witches, elves and humans co-existing in a somewhat stable peace but where anyone with mixed-blood is considered lower class and unsuitable for purebloods. The romance between our two leads blooms within this tension. The story touches on themes related to memory, grief, family, duty, and identity, and does so in ways that at times had me smiling and in other moments had me tearing up. The side-characters are also really well done and the friendships between them all felt so real and wholesome! There is also a mysterious and judgemental cat named Anuck who steals the show quite frequently. This novel isn’t just a cozy fantasy romance though - there is a really unique take on magic, class politics, and mysteries that remained unsolved by the end of book one but will clearly be picked up in book two! I’m so glad there will be a book two that follows Ark and Cassia again, because I am not ready to give them up yet. And there will be other books in the series that will focus on other characters and I am so excited to keep returning to this world! My only issue now is waiting to get my hands on a physical copy - and hopefully a special edition!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have loved the other 2 books by Enola and this one is ANOTHER 5 STAR. Her writing is just absolutely phenomenal and I can't get enough of it. She writes magic straight into the books and each one comes out absolutely beautiful.
I'm not a big cozy vibes person but there are ones that were absolutely amazing that I love and this one by far is my new favorite. I absolutely adore Ark and Cassia and because he can't be forgotten Anuck. The intimacy and growth that these two have together though is amazing. Their banter is amazing, their moments together is like sparks igniting, and the drama that is present these two stand strong together. A baker and a demon make an interesting duo and the magic between them is beautiful.
The author writes everything so well it's easy so imagine and I would literally watch this as a movie (they'd have to make sure she was present and had all the say because this would be GREAT on screen). I love the differences between the characters backgrounds but also their similarities in feelings and such that encompass their backgrounds. The story is easily engrossing and I found myself sucked into the world immediately. Not once did I find it slow or unengaging. Let me tell you though that even just a kiss..... WAS AMAZING! The world and problems are deeper than simple surface level and honestly seeing what happens between the characters and be it their family, or the possible loss of home and such is real and the characters reactions were very genuine.
If you're looking for a small town, cozy vibes read where the demon falls first for the witch and decides to have a fake engagement to help her save the orphanage she helps run, features an amazing found family with the best of gal pals, an intriguing cat guardian, and banter as foreplay I would highly recommend this books. It's only just the start too and I'm in it for the long haul!!!
I'm not a big cozy vibes person but there are ones that were absolutely amazing that I love and this one by far is my new favorite. I absolutely adore Ark and Cassia and because he can't be forgotten Anuck. The intimacy and growth that these two have together though is amazing. Their banter is amazing, their moments together is like sparks igniting, and the drama that is present these two stand strong together. A baker and a demon make an interesting duo and the magic between them is beautiful.
The author writes everything so well it's easy so imagine and I would literally watch this as a movie (they'd have to make sure she was present and had all the say because this would be GREAT on screen). I love the differences between the characters backgrounds but also their similarities in feelings and such that encompass their backgrounds. The story is easily engrossing and I found myself sucked into the world immediately. Not once did I find it slow or unengaging. Let me tell you though that even just a kiss..... WAS AMAZING! The world and problems are deeper than simple surface level and honestly seeing what happens between the characters and be it their family, or the possible loss of home and such is real and the characters reactions were very genuine.
If you're looking for a small town, cozy vibes read where the demon falls first for the witch and decides to have a fake engagement to help her save the orphanage she helps run, features an amazing found family with the best of gal pals, an intriguing cat guardian, and banter as foreplay I would highly recommend this books. It's only just the start too and I'm in it for the long haul!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ARC Review
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
There are some books that entertain you, and then there are books that completely wrap you in their world. Smoke, Mirrors & Misdemeanours is definitely the latter.
From the very first chapter, I was captivated by the rich fantasy world where humans, witches, elves, and demons are forced to coexist despite centuries of prejudice and division. The world-building is detailed without ever feeling overwhelming, making it easy to become immersed in every page.
Cassia and Ark were an absolute joy to follow. Their chemistry develops naturally, and every interaction between them had me smiling. While Ark is undeniably lovable, it was Cassia who completely stole my heart. Her compassion, resilience, and unwavering determination made her such an inspiring protagonist, and I found myself rooting for her from beginning to end.
The supporting cast deserves just as much praise. Every character felt distinct, adding warmth, humour, and emotional depth to the story. The relationships—both romantic and platonic—felt authentic and meaningful.
What I loved most was the balance this book strikes. It delivers romance, adventure, mystery, humour, and heartfelt emotional moments without any one element overshadowing the others. One chapter had me laughing, the next had me on the edge of my seat, and by the end I was left with that bittersweet feeling that comes from finishing a story you never wanted to leave.
If you're looking for a fantasy romance filled with memorable characters, engaging world-building, slow-burning chemistry, and a story that feels both magical and comforting, I highly recommend picking this one up.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautifully crafted fantasy that felt like coming home, and one I'll be thinking about for a long time.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
There are some books that entertain you, and then there are books that completely wrap you in their world. Smoke, Mirrors & Misdemeanours is definitely the latter.
From the very first chapter, I was captivated by the rich fantasy world where humans, witches, elves, and demons are forced to coexist despite centuries of prejudice and division. The world-building is detailed without ever feeling overwhelming, making it easy to become immersed in every page.
Cassia and Ark were an absolute joy to follow. Their chemistry develops naturally, and every interaction between them had me smiling. While Ark is undeniably lovable, it was Cassia who completely stole my heart. Her compassion, resilience, and unwavering determination made her such an inspiring protagonist, and I found myself rooting for her from beginning to end.
The supporting cast deserves just as much praise. Every character felt distinct, adding warmth, humour, and emotional depth to the story. The relationships—both romantic and platonic—felt authentic and meaningful.
What I loved most was the balance this book strikes. It delivers romance, adventure, mystery, humour, and heartfelt emotional moments without any one element overshadowing the others. One chapter had me laughing, the next had me on the edge of my seat, and by the end I was left with that bittersweet feeling that comes from finishing a story you never wanted to leave.
If you're looking for a fantasy romance filled with memorable characters, engaging world-building, slow-burning chemistry, and a story that feels both magical and comforting, I highly recommend picking this one up.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautifully crafted fantasy that felt like coming home, and one I'll be thinking about for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't know exactly what I was expecting when I started this book, but it was definitely not what I got.
I loved this book.
I loved it so much that I stayed up until 11 PM to finish it... when I had to be up at 3 AM the next morning for work.
I regret nothing.
I read a lot.
A LOT.
And most of what I read tends to be on the darker side. This book was a little ray of light in all that darkness. It was exactly what my soul needed, even if I didn't know it before I picked it up.
I need more books like this.
More books by this author.
Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours is billed as a spicy, cozy fantasy romance, and it absolutely delivers.
A witch trying to save the orphanage she runs turns to a demon for help. The catch? She has to pretend to be engaged to him.
That is a massive oversimplification, but spoilers are a hard no around here.
The world-building is woven naturally into the story, giving you exactly what you need when you need it. There are no giant information dumps, just a world that slowly unfolds until it feels completely real.
And then there are the characters.
Cassia and Ark.
OMG.
I loved them so, so much.
Their banter, their personalities, the way they played off each other...
Perfection.
Cassia is so full of light and love, while Ark is broody on the surface but has so much more underneath. Watching (reading) them together was an absolute joy.
Even the side characters were fantastic. We don't spend a ton of time with their best friends, but we get enough that I completely adored them and immediately wanted more.
More of these characters.
More of this world.
More, please.
I loved this book.
I loved it so much that I stayed up until 11 PM to finish it... when I had to be up at 3 AM the next morning for work.
I regret nothing.
I read a lot.
A LOT.
And most of what I read tends to be on the darker side. This book was a little ray of light in all that darkness. It was exactly what my soul needed, even if I didn't know it before I picked it up.
I need more books like this.
More books by this author.
Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours is billed as a spicy, cozy fantasy romance, and it absolutely delivers.
A witch trying to save the orphanage she runs turns to a demon for help. The catch? She has to pretend to be engaged to him.
That is a massive oversimplification, but spoilers are a hard no around here.
The world-building is woven naturally into the story, giving you exactly what you need when you need it. There are no giant information dumps, just a world that slowly unfolds until it feels completely real.
And then there are the characters.
Cassia and Ark.
OMG.
I loved them so, so much.
Their banter, their personalities, the way they played off each other...
Perfection.
Cassia is so full of light and love, while Ark is broody on the surface but has so much more underneath. Watching (reading) them together was an absolute joy.
Even the side characters were fantastic. We don't spend a ton of time with their best friends, but we get enough that I completely adored them and immediately wanted more.
More of these characters.
More of this world.
More, please.
August 4, 2026
Well I’ll start off with saying I am super surprised. Cozy books aren’t really my cup of tea, so obviously I was hoping I would enjoy this book, but not expecting much. Welp, I did enjoy it. A lot.
The plot follows Cassia; a kitchen witch, who is struggling to save the orphanage that she has dedicated her whole life to. Because of this, she strikes a bargain with Ark; a demon, who is willing to offer her his aid, if she offers hers in return. Now my first thought was that I’ve seen plots like this before, same old strike-a-bargain, romance rises, etc… but this book surprised me in making the most unique and interesting scenes that still tugged at my heart strings.
Other than the romance being great, the plot itself was also great and quite clever. When I thought we only had one conflict to tackle, we had multiple, which is something I do appreciate.
The last half of the book I did find I enjoyed less. I think the number one thing for me is that there IS spice and for some reason I didn’t expect it and it was like a slap in the face. (Which is probably entirely my fault).
I also did feel like towards the end, things did feel rushed, or things weren’t explained well. For example, a character would justify his/her action and it didn’t really feel like a sound reason. Then again, I am quite nit picky about those things.
All that being said, the ending really did surprise me. I should have known the author was clever enough to lead us on an ending like that, but as I keep saying, this book was for sure, full of good surprises. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for allowing me the chance to read this arc! I will definitely be waiting for that book 2 now.
The plot follows Cassia; a kitchen witch, who is struggling to save the orphanage that she has dedicated her whole life to. Because of this, she strikes a bargain with Ark; a demon, who is willing to offer her his aid, if she offers hers in return. Now my first thought was that I’ve seen plots like this before, same old strike-a-bargain, romance rises, etc… but this book surprised me in making the most unique and interesting scenes that still tugged at my heart strings.
Other than the romance being great, the plot itself was also great and quite clever. When I thought we only had one conflict to tackle, we had multiple, which is something I do appreciate.
The last half of the book I did find I enjoyed less. I think the number one thing for me is that there IS spice and for some reason I didn’t expect it and it was like a slap in the face. (Which is probably entirely my fault).
I also did feel like towards the end, things did feel rushed, or things weren’t explained well. For example, a character would justify his/her action and it didn’t really feel like a sound reason. Then again, I am quite nit picky about those things.
All that being said, the ending really did surprise me. I should have known the author was clever enough to lead us on an ending like that, but as I keep saying, this book was for sure, full of good surprises. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for allowing me the chance to read this arc! I will definitely be waiting for that book 2 now.
July 27, 2026
*I received this ARC from the author*
I loved this!! This was really well written and the perfect cozy fantasy!
It’s an urban fantasy, with demons, witches, humans and elves. This story follows a half witch and a demon lord. She wants to save the orphanage her parents grew up in. He wants his mother to leave him alone about finding his Chosen. Enter, an arrangement of a fake engagement.
Cassia is a kitchen witch who does it all. She owns a bakery and helps out at Starlight orphanage every day. Both places her mother helped nurture and build. She’s headstrong and refuses to give up without a fight. She’ll do anything to protect the unwanted children.
Ark is an “idle” demon lord who wants little to do with who he’s been raised to be. He and his two friends have a business in locating magical artifacts and acquiring real estate.
Ark falls first and fast. He’s a green flag, which I don’t really see too much of nowadays. Their love blossoms fairly quickly but it’s such a beautiful thing to read. The side characters/friends are great. The magic system is really interesting and something I haven’t read before. There’s enchanted notes in the form of flowers and ravens.
Honestly, there’s quite a bit that happens in this book. But it never felt like anything was forced and it was laid out well and there was follow through. It’s a love story but it’s also much more than that.
It made me cry at times and it made me chuckle too. This was such a great read!
If you’re looking for something different, this is it!
I loved this!! This was really well written and the perfect cozy fantasy!
It’s an urban fantasy, with demons, witches, humans and elves. This story follows a half witch and a demon lord. She wants to save the orphanage her parents grew up in. He wants his mother to leave him alone about finding his Chosen. Enter, an arrangement of a fake engagement.
Cassia is a kitchen witch who does it all. She owns a bakery and helps out at Starlight orphanage every day. Both places her mother helped nurture and build. She’s headstrong and refuses to give up without a fight. She’ll do anything to protect the unwanted children.
Ark is an “idle” demon lord who wants little to do with who he’s been raised to be. He and his two friends have a business in locating magical artifacts and acquiring real estate.
Ark falls first and fast. He’s a green flag, which I don’t really see too much of nowadays. Their love blossoms fairly quickly but it’s such a beautiful thing to read. The side characters/friends are great. The magic system is really interesting and something I haven’t read before. There’s enchanted notes in the form of flowers and ravens.
Honestly, there’s quite a bit that happens in this book. But it never felt like anything was forced and it was laid out well and there was follow through. It’s a love story but it’s also much more than that.
It made me cry at times and it made me chuckle too. This was such a great read!
If you’re looking for something different, this is it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I said yes to this ARC for one very superficial reason: the cover. I'm a cover buyer through and through, and this one had me hooked before I even read the blurb. Thankfully, the story inside was just as beautiful.
From the very first page, the writing swept me away. It has such an effortless flow that I completely lost track of time while reading. The whole book feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, while still delivering an enchanting fantasy world.
One of my favourite things was how gentle the romance was. It takes its time, grows naturally, and never feels rushed. Even the steamy scenes are written with care and emotion, making them feel like a natural extension of the relationship rather than existing for shock value.
The magic was another standout. Raven-delivered messages, flowers carrying messages, and all the little magical details felt fresh and original. They're the kind of details that make a fantasy world memorable.
I also loved that beneath all the magic, the story explores how people are never just what they seem. Everyone carries hidden layers, unseen pain, and secrets, and watching those unfold was one of the most rewarding parts of the book.
And then Enola had the audacity to remind me this is the first book in a series by ending it on a cliffhanger. I closed the book needing the sequel immediately.
A magical, comforting fantasy with a slow-burn romance, memorable worldbuilding, and characters who reveal themselves one layer at a time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
From the very first page, the writing swept me away. It has such an effortless flow that I completely lost track of time while reading. The whole book feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, while still delivering an enchanting fantasy world.
One of my favourite things was how gentle the romance was. It takes its time, grows naturally, and never feels rushed. Even the steamy scenes are written with care and emotion, making them feel like a natural extension of the relationship rather than existing for shock value.
The magic was another standout. Raven-delivered messages, flowers carrying messages, and all the little magical details felt fresh and original. They're the kind of details that make a fantasy world memorable.
I also loved that beneath all the magic, the story explores how people are never just what they seem. Everyone carries hidden layers, unseen pain, and secrets, and watching those unfold was one of the most rewarding parts of the book.
And then Enola had the audacity to remind me this is the first book in a series by ending it on a cliffhanger. I closed the book needing the sequel immediately.
A magical, comforting fantasy with a slow-burn romance, memorable worldbuilding, and characters who reveal themselves one layer at a time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Review of advance copy
✨🖤 ARC REVIEW 🖤✨
Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours
by Enola M. Douglas
Thank you so much to Enola M. Douglas for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. 💙
✨ Behind every illusion lies a secret… and not every truth is meant to be revealed. ✨
Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours pulled me into a world filled with mystery, intrigue, and the kind of twists that keep you questioning what is real and what is carefully crafted deception.
Enola M. Douglas creates an engaging story filled with secrets, clever moments, and characters who must navigate a world where appearances can be deceiving. I loved the atmosphere woven throughout the pages — that feeling that there is always something hidden just beneath the surface waiting to be uncovered.
The characters brought their own charm and complexity to the story, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. Watching them navigate challenges, uncover truths, and figure out who they could trust added so much tension and excitement.
There is something so addictive about stories built around mystery and misdirection. Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours delivers a captivating escape filled with clever storytelling, unexpected moments, and a world where nothing is ever quite what it seems.
A fun and intriguing read that will keep you turning pages as you chase every clue and uncover every secret. ✨
Thank you again for the ARC, Enola M. Douglas! 💙
Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours
by Enola M. Douglas
Thank you so much to Enola M. Douglas for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. 💙
✨ Behind every illusion lies a secret… and not every truth is meant to be revealed. ✨
Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours pulled me into a world filled with mystery, intrigue, and the kind of twists that keep you questioning what is real and what is carefully crafted deception.
Enola M. Douglas creates an engaging story filled with secrets, clever moments, and characters who must navigate a world where appearances can be deceiving. I loved the atmosphere woven throughout the pages — that feeling that there is always something hidden just beneath the surface waiting to be uncovered.
The characters brought their own charm and complexity to the story, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. Watching them navigate challenges, uncover truths, and figure out who they could trust added so much tension and excitement.
There is something so addictive about stories built around mystery and misdirection. Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours delivers a captivating escape filled with clever storytelling, unexpected moments, and a world where nothing is ever quite what it seems.
A fun and intriguing read that will keep you turning pages as you chase every clue and uncover every secret. ✨
Thank you again for the ARC, Enola M. Douglas! 💙
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Format: eARC (Thank you to the author for providing an ARC!)
If you are looking for an overwhelmingly cozy, emotional, and delightfully romantic fantasy read, this is it! I was fully invested in Cassia and Ark's story from page one.
Cassia is a kitchen witch fighting to save her orphanage sanctuary, and Ark is the "Idle Prince" demon lord with horns, secrets, and a heart of gold. When they strike a bargain for a fake engagement, pure magic happens. Their chemistry is elite—the banter had me chuckling out loud, and their private notes back and forth were absolutely adorable.
What I loved:
The Romance & Tension:
The flirtation and slow-burn build between Cassia and Ark gave me full toe-curling, squeal-worthy butterflies. Plus, Ark brings the ultimate "touch her and die" protective energy!
Cozy & Wholesome Vibe:
Magical food, soul-healing cakes, and warm coffee. This book will genuinely make you hungry and leave you feeling so full of love.
Themes:
It tackles injustice and fighting for what’s right, but balances it so beautifully with forgiveness, found family, and healing.
It is cozy, achingly romantic, a little chaotic, and written with so much care. A perfect read (especially as the weather gets colder) for anyone who loves low-stress, high-warmth fantasy romance!
Format: eARC (Thank you to the author for providing an ARC!)
If you are looking for an overwhelmingly cozy, emotional, and delightfully romantic fantasy read, this is it! I was fully invested in Cassia and Ark's story from page one.
Cassia is a kitchen witch fighting to save her orphanage sanctuary, and Ark is the "Idle Prince" demon lord with horns, secrets, and a heart of gold. When they strike a bargain for a fake engagement, pure magic happens. Their chemistry is elite—the banter had me chuckling out loud, and their private notes back and forth were absolutely adorable.
What I loved:
The Romance & Tension:
The flirtation and slow-burn build between Cassia and Ark gave me full toe-curling, squeal-worthy butterflies. Plus, Ark brings the ultimate "touch her and die" protective energy!
Cozy & Wholesome Vibe:
Magical food, soul-healing cakes, and warm coffee. This book will genuinely make you hungry and leave you feeling so full of love.
Themes:
It tackles injustice and fighting for what’s right, but balances it so beautifully with forgiveness, found family, and healing.
It is cozy, achingly romantic, a little chaotic, and written with so much care. A perfect read (especially as the weather gets colder) for anyone who loves low-stress, high-warmth fantasy romance!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars. This was wonderful. I don't read a lot of cozy romance, I don't dislike them-just not always drawn to them. I have read this author's first book Whisked Away, and was very impressed. It has the most beautiful world building. This romance is no different. I was blown away by the world she built. It is detailed, whimsical, magical and cozy. This author's writing is so beautiful. Everything is clearly and wonderfully described. The FMC is a baker and I swear I could practically smell the baked goods! I loved all the little magical details that built the characters world and lives, everything was so creative and fun. The plot flows well, no significant downtime. The plot and romance melded perfectly. The real standout is the romance. It is told in such a natural way. The FMC and MMC have a short timeline together, but it never felt that way to me. All of their scenes together built their relationship brick by brick, nothing rushed. I cried multiple times, the FMC is a beautifully written character.
I have nothing bad to say about this book. I had no idea it was the first in a series, definitely assumed it was a standalone. I will most certainly read the next book, and really, I will read all of this author's books.
Big thanks to the author for an advanced copy. Looking forward to book 2!
I have nothing bad to say about this book. I had no idea it was the first in a series, definitely assumed it was a standalone. I will most certainly read the next book, and really, I will read all of this author's books.
Big thanks to the author for an advanced copy. Looking forward to book 2!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't even know where to begin with all the reasons I loved this book and why it is more than 5 stars. This author is so incredibly talented for the emotions she can evoke (I never thought I would cry during a sourdough making session that happened in a book but here we are). It is a perfect blend of cozy and deeply emotional, with spice.
The main characters are what blew me away with how complex and deep they are in a way where it isn't just a cute little kitchen witch and a shadow wielding demon in a whimsy winter town. (Don't get me wrong , I love the whimsy and the cozy baking, that's what it an auto-request for me on NetGalley) There are SO many layers to them that was breadcrumbed to us as the reader making it that much more of an emotional punch, hence all my tears lol. They also have such relatable flaws that really struck a deep chord with me, reason #52 this author is so insanely talented that she can create that with the exact right words.
The romance between Ark & Cassia has so much angst, YEARNING (all caps needed), chemistry, love, compassion, selflessness, kindness.
This book was just a perfect blend of everything I loved and I just know this book is going to be a tremendous hit. I am telling everyone I know to read it without a doubt. Thank you Enola for your brilliant creative mind, I'll be reading everything you have written and will write :)
The main characters are what blew me away with how complex and deep they are in a way where it isn't just a cute little kitchen witch and a shadow wielding demon in a whimsy winter town. (Don't get me wrong , I love the whimsy and the cozy baking, that's what it an auto-request for me on NetGalley) There are SO many layers to them that was breadcrumbed to us as the reader making it that much more of an emotional punch, hence all my tears lol. They also have such relatable flaws that really struck a deep chord with me, reason #52 this author is so insanely talented that she can create that with the exact right words.
The romance between Ark & Cassia has so much angst, YEARNING (all caps needed), chemistry, love, compassion, selflessness, kindness.
This book was just a perfect blend of everything I loved and I just know this book is going to be a tremendous hit. I am telling everyone I know to read it without a doubt. Thank you Enola for your brilliant creative mind, I'll be reading everything you have written and will write :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, thanks to the author for letting me read your book. 'Read' seems an insubstantial word for the experience I have had with this fantastic tale though!
What a beautifully crafted book it is. The story gave me pause to start with, thinking it was similar to others, yet it transpired to be so much more. You can feel the love woven through the chapters, for the characters, the story & the food, especially the food. The details of the later will leave you hungry, so I suggest having cake -homemade preferably - on hand with a pot of tea.
Once these wonderful characters entered my head, I found I was very much invested. Cassia is the most wonderful, warm, strong & caring FMC. Arc, the MMC is just right for her. Their story is intertwined to perfection. The story moves along at a good pace (too well for daily chores lol). The cast of family, friends & enemies are well written, as is the humour. What makes this book more compelling was how beautifully loss & grief was woven into the story. It isn't a sad tale, not at all, but the crafting of those human emotions resonated. I didn't read, I felt. Everything, if truth be told. I am sad to have finished, immensely glad to have found this story & excited for book 2!
This is definitely one of my favourites of the year thus far & I would give more stars if I could.
What a beautifully crafted book it is. The story gave me pause to start with, thinking it was similar to others, yet it transpired to be so much more. You can feel the love woven through the chapters, for the characters, the story & the food, especially the food. The details of the later will leave you hungry, so I suggest having cake -homemade preferably - on hand with a pot of tea.
Once these wonderful characters entered my head, I found I was very much invested. Cassia is the most wonderful, warm, strong & caring FMC. Arc, the MMC is just right for her. Their story is intertwined to perfection. The story moves along at a good pace (too well for daily chores lol). The cast of family, friends & enemies are well written, as is the humour. What makes this book more compelling was how beautifully loss & grief was woven into the story. It isn't a sad tale, not at all, but the crafting of those human emotions resonated. I didn't read, I felt. Everything, if truth be told. I am sad to have finished, immensely glad to have found this story & excited for book 2!
This is definitely one of my favourites of the year thus far & I would give more stars if I could.
July 24, 2026
Thanks, Enola M. Douglas, for this opportunity.
I received an ARC of this book; here is my honest review.
Warning: Don’t read this book on an empty stomach; you’ll raid your pantry after a couple of pages.
Definitely my type of book. I inhaled it. Plots that walk the fine line between cozy and “traditional romantasy” are such comfort reads. It has all the elements of a cozy story, but the stakes are higher, and the spice is, well… spicing. Both MCs are great; they have their own personalities, and they don’t lose them once they’re together. The secondary characters shine on their own; Opalina and Lilibeth are such good friends to Cassia and Caius, and Rhodes to Ark. The plot was not overly complicated, but the political and bigotry angle gave it a heavier feeling. The fact that Enola didn’t try to erase technology just because there was magic was very refreshing and made it more believable that humans can coexist with magical beings. I now know, thanks to this book, that messages/letters are a must-have microtrope; it adds a level of banter mixed with yearning that makes you giggle with excitement. This is book one of the Mystic Misfits series; the first two books are about Ark and Cassia. This story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.
I received an ARC of this book; here is my honest review.
Warning: Don’t read this book on an empty stomach; you’ll raid your pantry after a couple of pages.
Definitely my type of book. I inhaled it. Plots that walk the fine line between cozy and “traditional romantasy” are such comfort reads. It has all the elements of a cozy story, but the stakes are higher, and the spice is, well… spicing. Both MCs are great; they have their own personalities, and they don’t lose them once they’re together. The secondary characters shine on their own; Opalina and Lilibeth are such good friends to Cassia and Caius, and Rhodes to Ark. The plot was not overly complicated, but the political and bigotry angle gave it a heavier feeling. The fact that Enola didn’t try to erase technology just because there was magic was very refreshing and made it more believable that humans can coexist with magical beings. I now know, thanks to this book, that messages/letters are a must-have microtrope; it adds a level of banter mixed with yearning that makes you giggle with excitement. This is book one of the Mystic Misfits series; the first two books are about Ark and Cassia. This story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.
Review of advance copy received from Author
GUYS, I ATE THIS UP!!
This was such a beautiful, warm, cozy book and I really loved it with every bit of my heart!🥹 Starting from the very first chapter I was hooked and couldn't wait to keep reading on.
Here we read the story of Cassia, a sweet kitchen witch, who gets into a fake engagement with Ark, a demon with an influential upbringing to help each other at certain hurdles of their lives. Little do they know that the fake engagement might turn a little bit real along the way :3
Cassia and Arc really complement each other and their banter was ELITE!! Good spice too, hehe. I genuinely enjoyed every moment with them and I already miss them sooo bad. Even the side characters, Cassia's friends and Ark's friends were amazing and I loved them so much.
The plot was enjoyable and I really enjoyed it. There were sad parts, and happy parts, and I just loved it all. The writing was so beautiful and heartfelt!
I'm so glad Cassia and Ark's story doesn't end here though, and after the sneak peak of book 2, I cannot wait. Definitely one of my top reads of 2026 🥹
Thank you so much to the lovely Enola. M. Douglas for the ARC - honoured to be part of the ARC team! <3
This was such a beautiful, warm, cozy book and I really loved it with every bit of my heart!🥹 Starting from the very first chapter I was hooked and couldn't wait to keep reading on.
Here we read the story of Cassia, a sweet kitchen witch, who gets into a fake engagement with Ark, a demon with an influential upbringing to help each other at certain hurdles of their lives. Little do they know that the fake engagement might turn a little bit real along the way :3
Cassia and Arc really complement each other and their banter was ELITE!! Good spice too, hehe. I genuinely enjoyed every moment with them and I already miss them sooo bad. Even the side characters, Cassia's friends and Ark's friends were amazing and I loved them so much.
The plot was enjoyable and I really enjoyed it. There were sad parts, and happy parts, and I just loved it all. The writing was so beautiful and heartfelt!
I'm so glad Cassia and Ark's story doesn't end here though, and after the sneak peak of book 2, I cannot wait. Definitely one of my top reads of 2026 🥹
Thank you so much to the lovely Enola. M. Douglas for the ARC - honoured to be part of the ARC team! <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
Actual rating 4.5 stars but I rounded up!
I'm so grateful to Enola M Douglas for gifting me an eARC of her book! I'm happy to share my honest reactions.
This book was a cozy masterpiece of cottage core meets Supernatural! I loved the FMC so much. She was relatable, fierce, and determined. I loved how she fought for everything and everyone she loved, especially the misfits. The MMC was also my cup of tea, even if he can't have caffeine lol! I loved his quiet protectiveness and deep love for those in his circle. Together, they were so perfect.
The plot definitely kept my attention and was enhanced by the side characters! I hope to learn more about them. Starlight definitely gets the ending it deserves as well. There were some predictable things, but those were definitely overshadowed by the romance and character growth!
Enola did a wonderful job of evoking emotions, as usual. I laughed, cried, and was giddy while reading. If you're in the mood for a heartwarming story between a kitchen witch with a heart of gold and a broody demon who goes against the grain, then this is a book for you!
I'm so grateful to Enola M Douglas for gifting me an eARC of her book! I'm happy to share my honest reactions.
This book was a cozy masterpiece of cottage core meets Supernatural! I loved the FMC so much. She was relatable, fierce, and determined. I loved how she fought for everything and everyone she loved, especially the misfits. The MMC was also my cup of tea, even if he can't have caffeine lol! I loved his quiet protectiveness and deep love for those in his circle. Together, they were so perfect.
The plot definitely kept my attention and was enhanced by the side characters! I hope to learn more about them. Starlight definitely gets the ending it deserves as well. There were some predictable things, but those were definitely overshadowed by the romance and character growth!
Enola did a wonderful job of evoking emotions, as usual. I laughed, cried, and was giddy while reading. If you're in the mood for a heartwarming story between a kitchen witch with a heart of gold and a broody demon who goes against the grain, then this is a book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I know you like I know my own shadows— by heart, and in the dark.”
Well this was ADORABLE 🥹 This book read like a warm hug, a steaming cup of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows for sweetness and a day spent with friends. If you love cozy fantasy with a modern setting, I think you should pick this book up on a chilly day, grab yourself a cozy beverage and fall into this amazing world. 🩷
Ark was the biggest green flag MMC! The combo of Shadow Daddy with the purest intentions was so yummy! Cassia was so relatable and kind. Also I want one of her baked goods immediately. And the side characters and the found family we made along the way were so sweet and funny!!
I loved the themes of love— romantic, familial and platonic— and grief. It was handled so well, and all the vulnerable moments were so genuine I definitely cried a few times 🥹
I’ve read Enola’s writing before and loved it so I knew I had to seize the opportunity to apply for an ARC! Thank you so much for the ARC Enola and for sharing your writing with us! 🩵 I cannot wait for book two!
Well this was ADORABLE 🥹 This book read like a warm hug, a steaming cup of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows for sweetness and a day spent with friends. If you love cozy fantasy with a modern setting, I think you should pick this book up on a chilly day, grab yourself a cozy beverage and fall into this amazing world. 🩷
Ark was the biggest green flag MMC! The combo of Shadow Daddy with the purest intentions was so yummy! Cassia was so relatable and kind. Also I want one of her baked goods immediately. And the side characters and the found family we made along the way were so sweet and funny!!
I loved the themes of love— romantic, familial and platonic— and grief. It was handled so well, and all the vulnerable moments were so genuine I definitely cried a few times 🥹
I’ve read Enola’s writing before and loved it so I knew I had to seize the opportunity to apply for an ARC! Thank you so much for the ARC Enola and for sharing your writing with us! 🩵 I cannot wait for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely adored this book.
I fell in love with Enola M. Douglas through the Jewel of the Nine Kingdoms series, and Smoke, Mirror and Misdemeanors was no exception. While it's a much lighter read than the previous series, it's overflowing with heart and became such a cosy comfort read centred on found family.
My favourite parts were Ark and Cassia's magical correspondence...I loved their banter, and I completely melted when Ark preserved every flower that carried Cassia's messages so they'd bloom forever.
I also loved how food was woven into the story as an expression of care. Cassia nurtures everyone around her so naturally that it's no wonder Ark fell for her. Their romance unfolds beautifully, growing from curiosity to concern to love, and every step felt believable.
Also...
AHHHHHHHHH I WANT AN ARK FOR MYSELF.
I can't wait to read more of them in the next instalment.
I absolutely adored this book.
I fell in love with Enola M. Douglas through the Jewel of the Nine Kingdoms series, and Smoke, Mirror and Misdemeanors was no exception. While it's a much lighter read than the previous series, it's overflowing with heart and became such a cosy comfort read centred on found family.
My favourite parts were Ark and Cassia's magical correspondence...I loved their banter, and I completely melted when Ark preserved every flower that carried Cassia's messages so they'd bloom forever.
I also loved how food was woven into the story as an expression of care. Cassia nurtures everyone around her so naturally that it's no wonder Ark fell for her. Their romance unfolds beautifully, growing from curiosity to concern to love, and every step felt believable.
Also...
AHHHHHHHHH I WANT AN ARK FOR MYSELF.
I can't wait to read more of them in the next instalment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I honestly don't even know where to start! Once you pick up this book, you won't be able to put it down until you finish it.
This story has everything I love in a book: drama, suspense, mystery, romance, heartbreak, and just the right amount of spice. The FMC is strong from beginning to end, and I loved watching her journey unfold. The plot kept me hooked the entire time, and the world-building was detailed without ever feeling overwhelming or slowing the story down.
One of my favorite things was getting both characters' points of view. I always enjoy dual POV because it gives so much more depth to the story and helps you understand each character's thoughts and motivations.
The friendships and found-family aspect were beautiful and added so much heart to the story. And that epilogue... I need the next book right now!
This book checked every box for me. The pacing was perfect—not too slow and not too fast—and I never found myself bored. I can't wait to read more from this author!
This story has everything I love in a book: drama, suspense, mystery, romance, heartbreak, and just the right amount of spice. The FMC is strong from beginning to end, and I loved watching her journey unfold. The plot kept me hooked the entire time, and the world-building was detailed without ever feeling overwhelming or slowing the story down.
One of my favorite things was getting both characters' points of view. I always enjoy dual POV because it gives so much more depth to the story and helps you understand each character's thoughts and motivations.
The friendships and found-family aspect were beautiful and added so much heart to the story. And that epilogue... I need the next book right now!
This book checked every box for me. The pacing was perfect—not too slow and not too fast—and I never found myself bored. I can't wait to read more from this author!
July 30, 2026
Thank you for this ARC!
This book walks us through Cassia, a kitchen witch, who loves baking and is a guardian and protector to an orphanage. Her strength, care, compassion, and resilience made her so easy to like and cheer for her. Cassia makes a deal with a demon, Ark, to protect the orphanage, in exchange for being in a fake relationship. We can all see that he clearly falls first 🫶🏽 the development between these two Characters felt natural. I have read other books in which the chemistry felt forced, with these characters, I can feel the curiosity, respect and worship they have towards each other. This book was warm with a happy ending. I am looking forward to book 2! And I want to know more about Cassias cat 🐈⬛ tropes you can expect:
- He falls first
- Fake dating
- Magic world
- Witch x demon
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book walks us through Cassia, a kitchen witch, who loves baking and is a guardian and protector to an orphanage. Her strength, care, compassion, and resilience made her so easy to like and cheer for her. Cassia makes a deal with a demon, Ark, to protect the orphanage, in exchange for being in a fake relationship. We can all see that he clearly falls first 🫶🏽 the development between these two Characters felt natural. I have read other books in which the chemistry felt forced, with these characters, I can feel the curiosity, respect and worship they have towards each other. This book was warm with a happy ending. I am looking forward to book 2! And I want to know more about Cassias cat 🐈⬛ tropes you can expect:
- He falls first
- Fake dating
- Magic world
- Witch x demon
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by this author and I am sold. This was such a cozy paranormal romance. Ark was such a green flag and they were such a cute couple. Seeing her grief and how she dealt with that and how it translated into their relationship once she realized their relationship was real was amazing. They have really great chemistry and interactions at the start of their "arrangement" and we get to see those gradually change and become a real relationship.
Both of the main characters are so well written but so are the side characters and all of their interactions. I loved Ark and Cassias friends. Then we had his parents who I turned out to really like, and I did not expect to lol.
4✨
1🌶️
Tropes
💙 fake engagement
💙classism
💙demon and witch
💙found family
💙grief and healing
Both of the main characters are so well written but so are the side characters and all of their interactions. I loved Ark and Cassias friends. Then we had his parents who I turned out to really like, and I did not expect to lol.
4✨
1🌶️
Tropes
💙 fake engagement
💙classism
💙demon and witch
💙found family
💙grief and healing
August 5, 2026
Thank you to Victoria Editing and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Right, so I’m gonna need the next book ASAP. Genuinely, I adored this. The plot, the world building, the magic systems, the characters, the found family and relationships? No notes, everything was fantastic. I thought the pacing was perfect and the writing was descriptive without being overly flowery.
I really liked Cassia and Ark’s relationship, the progression felt very natural and the banter was top tier. Truthfully I just wanted more of everything, this could’ve been 1000 pages and it wouldn’t have been enough. I probably experienced every emotion while reading. Laughed? Yup. Cried? Oh yeah. Get angry? You betcha. Was shocked? Yes! And then that ending!? I’m so excited for the next book.
Right, so I’m gonna need the next book ASAP. Genuinely, I adored this. The plot, the world building, the magic systems, the characters, the found family and relationships? No notes, everything was fantastic. I thought the pacing was perfect and the writing was descriptive without being overly flowery.
I really liked Cassia and Ark’s relationship, the progression felt very natural and the banter was top tier. Truthfully I just wanted more of everything, this could’ve been 1000 pages and it wouldn’t have been enough. I probably experienced every emotion while reading. Laughed? Yup. Cried? Oh yeah. Get angry? You betcha. Was shocked? Yes! And then that ending!? I’m so excited for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun cozy fantasy read!
The story follows Cassia, a kitchen witch, who strikes a bargain with Ark, a demon, where they will aid each other. I love a good bargain-to-romance book, and this one delivered on that in a unique and intriguing way that tugged at my heartstrings.
I appreciate that the author put attention and care into both the plot and the romance. The story really did strike a nice balance between the two, which had me turning the page to find out what happens next.
I will say that there were some elements towards the end that felt a bit rushed, to where things weren’t explained as well as I had hoped. But the ending also surprised me, which I really loved.
This author is clearly clever, and I can’t wait to see what they do in the sequel!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is wonderful, cozy and I loved it from the beginning.
In this dual PoV we get to see how Ark and Cassia feelings progress from their own side. I love the relationship that they build. Ark sticks up for Cassia in the public and she also knows how to stand her ground and do it for herself.
The banter throughout this story is perfection. I love the way their magic brings their messages to one another, its unique to that person which is a wonderful touch. The added friends also adding to that banter and recognizing feelings even if the MCs weren't saying it yet was lovely, because it shows they truly are close.
Themes:
🌃 Cozy Urban Fantasy
💕 Fake Engagement
🏡 Found Family
🪄 Witch x Demon
🏘️ Small Town Feel
🖤 Green Flag MMC
✨ Banter
🥧FMC 30
In this dual PoV we get to see how Ark and Cassia feelings progress from their own side. I love the relationship that they build. Ark sticks up for Cassia in the public and she also knows how to stand her ground and do it for herself.
The banter throughout this story is perfection. I love the way their magic brings their messages to one another, its unique to that person which is a wonderful touch. The added friends also adding to that banter and recognizing feelings even if the MCs weren't saying it yet was lovely, because it shows they truly are close.
Themes:
🌃 Cozy Urban Fantasy
💕 Fake Engagement
🏡 Found Family
🪄 Witch x Demon
🏘️ Small Town Feel
🖤 Green Flag MMC
✨ Banter
🥧FMC 30
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read as an ARC. I had such a good time reading this book. I was fully invested from the beginning as it was easy to read and follow. I found the characters charming, the MMC & FMC complemented each other so well, and both of them were fighting for something in different ways. I thought the story was intriguing; it had tension and injustice running through it, but there was also a lot of love and forgiveness, which made the emotions feel more realistic. There was also magical food (that made me very hungry), bargains being made, and a slow-burn romance that had me hooked from the first encounter. Overall, a delightfully magical book that shows the importance of family in its many forms.
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