What do you think?
Rate this book
Raising Hell Downunder #1
Faking It with the Demon
An Australian feel-good paranormal romantic comedy
A fake girlfriend...
...from Hell?
Jilted by his fiancée, Ryan joked that a fake girlfriend would get his well-meaning family off his back. But he didn't mean it. He wasn't expecting his buddy to grant his wish like a damn genie in a bottle.
Torturing the souls of the damned?
Not as much fun as it sounds.
Zoephus wants out of Hell. She's willing to make a deal for the chance to escape. How hard could it be to play the fake girlfriend of a human, anyway?
For a demonic fake girlfriend, Zoephus isn't what Ryan expected. Since when are demons gorgeous, oddly polite, and hilariously ignorant of the modern world? He just hopes she won't break his coffee machine. Or his heart.
Bound together for fifty days, the lines of real and pretend begin to blur, emotions inevitably get involved, and yearnings intensify. But when truths and vulnerability are laid bare, hearts could be left shattered.
Can a heart moulded in the flaming depths of Hell truly love?
Faking it with the Demon is a feel-good, heartwarming fake relationship romantic comedy that's devilishly good fun. Set in sunny Sydney, this standalone romance promises cosy charm, no cliff-hangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
A fake girlfriend...
...from Hell?
Jilted by his fiancée, Ryan joked that a fake girlfriend would get his well-meaning family off his back. But he didn't mean it. He wasn't expecting his buddy to grant his wish like a damn genie in a bottle.
Torturing the souls of the damned?
Not as much fun as it sounds.
Zoephus wants out of Hell. She's willing to make a deal for the chance to escape. How hard could it be to play the fake girlfriend of a human, anyway?
For a demonic fake girlfriend, Zoephus isn't what Ryan expected. Since when are demons gorgeous, oddly polite, and hilariously ignorant of the modern world? He just hopes she won't break his coffee machine. Or his heart.
Bound together for fifty days, the lines of real and pretend begin to blur, emotions inevitably get involved, and yearnings intensify. But when truths and vulnerability are laid bare, hearts could be left shattered.
Can a heart moulded in the flaming depths of Hell truly love?
Faking it with the Demon is a feel-good, heartwarming fake relationship romantic comedy that's devilishly good fun. Set in sunny Sydney, this standalone romance promises cosy charm, no cliff-hangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Read
August 6, 2021Note to self: No.
Voice sucks. Even in third, the describing voice should be reflective or neutral. This doesn’t sound like a dude describing another dude… it’s sound like a FEMALE:
”And there was Wade. Wade with his scruffy blonde hair, fisherman pants hanging dangerously low on his hips, and bare chest on display, now covered with some serious ink that hadn't been there the last time Ryan had seen him. But it was still the same Wade that”
Dialogue is like reading a manual on putting together a bookshelf. Stiff. Boring.
Voice sucks. Even in third, the describing voice should be reflective or neutral. This doesn’t sound like a dude describing another dude… it’s sound like a FEMALE:
”And there was Wade. Wade with his scruffy blonde hair, fisherman pants hanging dangerously low on his hips, and bare chest on display, now covered with some serious ink that hadn't been there the last time Ryan had seen him. But it was still the same Wade that”
Dialogue is like reading a manual on putting together a bookshelf. Stiff. Boring.
November 23, 2020
I loved most of the book! She was hilarious and adorable and the story was really entertaining up until she became human, then I got bored with the drama and suffering!
September 8, 2021
Ok. 2.5* light read.
I actually saw book 3 first and although it's not a series as such, I wanted to read the first one. I hadn't read the author before and both the concept and location sounded different and refreshing.
Overall, it was ok. I liked the idea of Hell being quite a dull, corporate setting and that it wasn't set in America. It made a change from the usual description. I also liked Wade and the way his home was described - you could imagine being there.This for me was pretty much the best writing on the book.
Whilst it was nice to have a lead male with self confidence and insecurity traits, it went to far as Ryan just seemed to be doormat. This might be true for his personal side of things but very unbelievable for a character who supposedly runs a successful business. Zoe is written well and the author did well with some of the unique phrasing and characteristics. However, some dialogue was very repetitive- "Ryan snorted", "God zoe"....
Now, the major issue. The characters pretty much seemed lifted from Buffy. Remember Anja and Xander? This is essentially their story.
Whilst I like the ideas of the next book, I don't think I'll be picking them.up.
I actually saw book 3 first and although it's not a series as such, I wanted to read the first one. I hadn't read the author before and both the concept and location sounded different and refreshing.
Overall, it was ok. I liked the idea of Hell being quite a dull, corporate setting and that it wasn't set in America. It made a change from the usual description. I also liked Wade and the way his home was described - you could imagine being there.This for me was pretty much the best writing on the book.
Whilst it was nice to have a lead male with self confidence and insecurity traits, it went to far as Ryan just seemed to be doormat. This might be true for his personal side of things but very unbelievable for a character who supposedly runs a successful business. Zoe is written well and the author did well with some of the unique phrasing and characteristics. However, some dialogue was very repetitive- "Ryan snorted", "God zoe"....
Now, the major issue. The characters pretty much seemed lifted from Buffy. Remember Anja and Xander? This is essentially their story.
Whilst I like the ideas of the next book, I don't think I'll be picking them.up.
October 15, 2020
DNF 78%.
Really cute concept, very little conflict. Would have been a great novella.
Really cute concept, very little conflict. Would have been a great novella.
September 28, 2020
A nice series starter. The story line was great the characters were okay. I'm not sure what it was, but it seemed like there was a serious lack of chemistry between the main characters. With a little refining this book could be great. It was a cute read and something that clean romance fans will enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2020
The driver stopped to let Ryan out because, with tons of goats everywhere, he couldn’t drive any further. Ryan walked through the goats to an old house and his friend Wade came out to greet him. Despite the clutter everywhere else in the house, the kitchen was modern and clean. Wade gave him some homemade beer, and they talked about what each was doing now. Wade said he was making a good living as a consultant warlock, and Ryan wasn’t sure if he was joking with him or not!
Ryan is a gentle soul who hates confrontation. His fiancée hurt him and he wasn’t in a hurry to find anyone else. He makes the mistake of talking about his family messing in his love life, and Wade decides to help him out. Zoe, who is a demon from hell who enjoys getting away from the “torture” of daily existence, and Ryan are matched up in a fake relationship by Wade. But it’s not a bad thing actually. Zoe helps improve Ryan’s opinion of himself, and their relationship actually deepens as they interact. But how can love and happiness exist with a demon? Is there a way to make this work, or are they both headed for disappointment or worse?
This is a surprising story that has laughter and lots of good feelings. The characters are sometimes quirky, but generally very likable. The story line is good and well-paced to keep the reader involved. Grab your copy and see what kind of a future awaits these two sweet characters that the reader will be cheering for.
Ryan is a gentle soul who hates confrontation. His fiancée hurt him and he wasn’t in a hurry to find anyone else. He makes the mistake of talking about his family messing in his love life, and Wade decides to help him out. Zoe, who is a demon from hell who enjoys getting away from the “torture” of daily existence, and Ryan are matched up in a fake relationship by Wade. But it’s not a bad thing actually. Zoe helps improve Ryan’s opinion of himself, and their relationship actually deepens as they interact. But how can love and happiness exist with a demon? Is there a way to make this work, or are they both headed for disappointment or worse?
This is a surprising story that has laughter and lots of good feelings. The characters are sometimes quirky, but generally very likable. The story line is good and well-paced to keep the reader involved. Grab your copy and see what kind of a future awaits these two sweet characters that the reader will be cheering for.
May 21, 2022
This is a cute but predictable romantic comedy with all the usual elements and a lovely demonic twist.
Ryan didn't ask for Zoe to turn up naked in his bathroom tasked with pretending to be his fake girlfriend for the next 50 days. Well... he didn't mean to, anyway. How was he to know his mate could actually summon a demon for that purpose? All he wanted was to get his family off his back after his last relationship ended!
Zoe is everything Ryan could have hoped for in a demon fake girlfriend - she's hot (no pun intended), kind, caring, and she sees him for what he truly is and cannot see himself. Right from the beginning she recognises his good qualities and never stops telling him. Unfortunately, she's not so good at reading herself, believing that having been a demon for centuries, she is incapable of love...
The supporting characters are also great, especially Misty the dog, Ryan's sister, the cleaner, the coffee barista, the old lady who reads sexy romance novels, and the group at the dog park. Not to forget Wade, who summoned Zoe in the first place. He's a very "interesting" guy!
The plot is predictable, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't make a good movie. In fact, I would LOVE to see this as a movie.
The only things stopping this being a 5☆ for me are that I've already read a book with a guy who didn't think he deserved love this year, and that one told it better. (Sorry!) Also I felt like it slowed in momentum around 60% through.
Overall, it's a great light read, perfect for those summer days by the pool! ☀️ 🍸 📚
Ryan didn't ask for Zoe to turn up naked in his bathroom tasked with pretending to be his fake girlfriend for the next 50 days. Well... he didn't mean to, anyway. How was he to know his mate could actually summon a demon for that purpose? All he wanted was to get his family off his back after his last relationship ended!
Zoe is everything Ryan could have hoped for in a demon fake girlfriend - she's hot (no pun intended), kind, caring, and she sees him for what he truly is and cannot see himself. Right from the beginning she recognises his good qualities and never stops telling him. Unfortunately, she's not so good at reading herself, believing that having been a demon for centuries, she is incapable of love...
The supporting characters are also great, especially Misty the dog, Ryan's sister, the cleaner, the coffee barista, the old lady who reads sexy romance novels, and the group at the dog park. Not to forget Wade, who summoned Zoe in the first place. He's a very "interesting" guy!
The plot is predictable, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't make a good movie. In fact, I would LOVE to see this as a movie.
The only things stopping this being a 5☆ for me are that I've already read a book with a guy who didn't think he deserved love this year, and that one told it better. (Sorry!) Also I felt like it slowed in momentum around 60% through.
Overall, it's a great light read, perfect for those summer days by the pool! ☀️ 🍸 📚
November 3, 2021
We read this book for episode 94 of our podcast. We love the fake girlfriend/boyfriend trope! What could make it even better? If one of the characters involved is a 900 year old demon of course! Zoephus (Zoe) is an unusual demon since all she wants is another chance at life as a regular human. Ryan is down in the dumps after losing his fiancé to his business partner when he confides in his friend who just happens to be a warlock. Thanks to a demon deal Zoe and Ryan are stuck together for 50 days, and naturally love ensues. This book is so sweet and the relationship developing between Zoe and Ryan feels so real. We loved watching these two characters help each other with their self doubts and weaknesses and gradually fall in love. For more of our thoughts, listen to episode 94 of Shhh We’re Reading Dirty Books found on any podcast platform!
March 20, 2023
Ryan unwittingly asks for a fake girlfriend just so his family will stop worrying about him, and his bestie summons him one, from Hell. Zoe wants to be human and agrees tot he contract for that price, and while no casual fornication happens, (intimacy does) Zoe can't love.
Here's what I didn't like: the voice was a little off in the beginning, but after a while it started to flow. I felt like this went on a little too long, I skimmed the last 12% I was a little annoyed how unsure and scared Zoe became when she was human. the chatter in the mildly spiced scenes.
Here's what I liked: this is very much stop being a bully to yourself type of book and I connected easily with Ryan over it. Doubt i'll do daily mirror aspirations like him, but there it is. This was cute, and easy to read.
Overall, fun and cute. Nothing serious.
Here's what I didn't like: the voice was a little off in the beginning, but after a while it started to flow. I felt like this went on a little too long, I skimmed the last 12% I was a little annoyed how unsure and scared Zoe became when she was human. the chatter in the mildly spiced scenes.
Here's what I liked: this is very much stop being a bully to yourself type of book and I connected easily with Ryan over it. Doubt i'll do daily mirror aspirations like him, but there it is. This was cute, and easy to read.
Overall, fun and cute. Nothing serious.
September 30, 2020
Fantastic story I loved it and this is the story of Ryan who goes to visit his old friend Wade their conversation turns towards Wade where he tells Ryan that he’s a practicing warlock Ryan gives him the look that says your crazy then Ryan tells Wade how his fiancée left him for his business partner and everyone is bugging him about getting into another relationship so Wade offers to get Ryan a fake girlfriend who is a demon now Ryan believes that his friend is crazy, but little does Ryan know is that Wade has summoned the demon Zoephus (Zoe) and he asks her to be his friends fake girlfriend. I loved this story there was plenty of chuckle worthy moments and I definitely recommend this book.
March 3, 2022
Great Intro to this author.
This is my first book by this author and I loved everything about this paranormal rom-com. The premise of the demon girlfriend is just amazing and the perception is even better. Makes you think about your beliefs. Loved the characters specially the pooches and the secondary characters were awesome.
Overall, the book is amazing and I have already added the author to my follow list. There was only one scene were a character was misplaced within the scene and you are left to wonder but since is part of the supporting characters things flow even with the discrepancy. Off to read nook two of this series.
This is my first book by this author and I loved everything about this paranormal rom-com. The premise of the demon girlfriend is just amazing and the perception is even better. Makes you think about your beliefs. Loved the characters specially the pooches and the secondary characters were awesome.
Overall, the book is amazing and I have already added the author to my follow list. There was only one scene were a character was misplaced within the scene and you are left to wonder but since is part of the supporting characters things flow even with the discrepancy. Off to read nook two of this series.
December 9, 2020
Lovely and fun
This is a lovely and fun rom-com about a guy who who is a bit of a doormat, and the demon acquired to keep his family off his back. Ryan is the perfect book boyfriend. Zoe is adorable and awkward and desperate to be human again. Their journey to HEA will require them each to discover their own value as people, assisted by an able and intelligent dog.
This book is light, fun, amusing, and set in a wonderful location. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to reading more from this author.
This is a lovely and fun rom-com about a guy who who is a bit of a doormat, and the demon acquired to keep his family off his back. Ryan is the perfect book boyfriend. Zoe is adorable and awkward and desperate to be human again. Their journey to HEA will require them each to discover their own value as people, assisted by an able and intelligent dog.
This book is light, fun, amusing, and set in a wonderful location. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to reading more from this author.
January 23, 2021
This was SO CUUUUTTEEEEE!!!! Seriously, I absolutely adored it. Instead of the normal trope of male demon seducing female human, we have a FEMALE demon who lived on earth in the Viking age, and suddenly is thrown into 21st century life, and the girl has NO clue/filter on how to interact with people. The guy is sweet af. It's AUSTRALIAN so get it for the cute idioms. Overall, just a wonderful mild-sexy wholesome read.
April 11, 2022
Entertaining Read
Ryan was just dumped by his girlfriend. He feels bad and undeserving of a good relationship. His friend, Wade, decides to set him up with a demon fake girlfriend to keep friends and family off his back with their expections for him to get a new girlfriend. I like the humor, romance, and the out of touch reactions of Zoe to modern human customs. I look to another book.
Ryan was just dumped by his girlfriend. He feels bad and undeserving of a good relationship. His friend, Wade, decides to set him up with a demon fake girlfriend to keep friends and family off his back with their expections for him to get a new girlfriend. I like the humor, romance, and the out of touch reactions of Zoe to modern human customs. I look to another book.
April 21, 2022
Loved it!
Different take on Demons - they aren't necessarily evil. Just sinners hence landed in Hell. After completing their penance then can choose to stay on as demons. The demons' 'job' is to mete out punishments to the sinners.
Zoe is a darling. Love the way she speaks. Ryan is wonderful beta hero. He's intelligent, kind but has rather low self esteem and hates confrontation and conflict. There's a dog too (Ryan's)!
Different take on Demons - they aren't necessarily evil. Just sinners hence landed in Hell. After completing their penance then can choose to stay on as demons. The demons' 'job' is to mete out punishments to the sinners.
Zoe is a darling. Love the way she speaks. Ryan is wonderful beta hero. He's intelligent, kind but has rather low self esteem and hates confrontation and conflict. There's a dog too (Ryan's)!
May 22, 2022
Amazing! Funny and heartwarming
I seriously downloaded this because it was free on Amazon kindle. I couldn't put it down! The author has an amazing writing style. It's funny and charming and totally captures the personality of what I imagine someone from hundreds of years ago would sound like in today's world. It's a wonderful read and I can't wait to read more of her books, even the one's that aren't free.
I seriously downloaded this because it was free on Amazon kindle. I couldn't put it down! The author has an amazing writing style. It's funny and charming and totally captures the personality of what I imagine someone from hundreds of years ago would sound like in today's world. It's a wonderful read and I can't wait to read more of her books, even the one's that aren't free.
February 23, 2024
Demonic!
I really enjoyed this book!
Ryan is in a bit of a hole! His family and friends are adamant that he needs to move on and find love, after his fiancee leaves him for his business partner!
Zoephus, after being a demon for centuries, is still drawn to Earth and it's inhabitants.
When Ryan's friend Wade (a Sorcerer) offers to summon a demon (Zoe) to pretend to be Ryan's girlfriend, what could possibly go wrong?
A funny read, with a bit of sizzle!!
I really enjoyed this book!
Ryan is in a bit of a hole! His family and friends are adamant that he needs to move on and find love, after his fiancee leaves him for his business partner!
Zoephus, after being a demon for centuries, is still drawn to Earth and it's inhabitants.
When Ryan's friend Wade (a Sorcerer) offers to summon a demon (Zoe) to pretend to be Ryan's girlfriend, what could possibly go wrong?
A funny read, with a bit of sizzle!!
September 30, 2020
This was an adorable read with no darkness despite the fact that Zoe (Zoephus) is a demon, but she had an almost childlike approach to mortal life. Ryan was the perfect book boyfriend, genuine, kind, generous, even a bit self-conscious.
With a deal made in Hell, what could possibly go wrong?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With a deal made in Hell, what could possibly go wrong?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2021
I got halfway and quit.
Maybe it got better. Maybe i missed the best book ever written in the genre. Not so much a slow burn but more of a chaffing. I rarely start a book I am unable to finish and yet here I find myself. Truly hope in ended well and I'm the lone reader who missed out.
Maybe it got better. Maybe i missed the best book ever written in the genre. Not so much a slow burn but more of a chaffing. I rarely start a book I am unable to finish and yet here I find myself. Truly hope in ended well and I'm the lone reader who missed out.
January 21, 2022
Couldn't finish it
I'm not a quitter usually if I start a book I read it good or bad. But this one I just couldn't. The writing style just wasn't doing it for me nor the actual story.
Oh and how many times do you need to mention the character's name in 1 page before it's considered too many!
I'm not a quitter usually if I start a book I read it good or bad. But this one I just couldn't. The writing style just wasn't doing it for me nor the actual story.
Oh and how many times do you need to mention the character's name in 1 page before it's considered too many!
July 27, 2022
Omg
What an amazing book! This is so sweet of a story. I love how wade instead of getting Ryan a human just gets him a demon for a fake girlfriend. But Zoe is simply awesome, she is so smart. And she is so caring not what you would think of a demon. Also think Ryan should have taken cues from misty more dogs are great judges of people. I am so ready for the next book.
What an amazing book! This is so sweet of a story. I love how wade instead of getting Ryan a human just gets him a demon for a fake girlfriend. But Zoe is simply awesome, she is so smart. And she is so caring not what you would think of a demon. Also think Ryan should have taken cues from misty more dogs are great judges of people. I am so ready for the next book.
March 22, 2023
What do you get when you summon a soul-tired demon? You get the sweetest politest being. I had to remind myself frequently that Zoephus was a demon, not an angel. This was a fake-relationship romance that really played around with the trope and my preconceptions (as well as Ryan's). So sweet, so funny - just what a light-hearted romantic comedy is supposed to be.
November 28, 2020
loved it !!! it was so funny !!! loved Zoe...but Ryan is swoon worthy... Zoe is not what you would expect...from a demon...couldn't put it down !!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2021
This book is soo good
I can't believe I waited so long to read it. I laughed so hard and it touched my heart at how sweet Ryan was to Zoe even if he was freaked out at first. What a wonderful story! I'm jumping into the next now
I can't believe I waited so long to read it. I laughed so hard and it touched my heart at how sweet Ryan was to Zoe even if he was freaked out at first. What a wonderful story! I'm jumping into the next now
December 23, 2021
What a wonderful romance!
I was not sure what to expect when I read the ad for this book. I am very happy I perservered and opened it up. I could not put it down! It is a heartwarming story with a lot of truth buried in this most devilish tale.
I was not sure what to expect when I read the ad for this book. I am very happy I perservered and opened it up. I could not put it down! It is a heartwarming story with a lot of truth buried in this most devilish tale.
April 19, 2022
Faking it with the Demon
Wow!!! What a gr8 story. I enjoyed this sweet love story very much. Zoe was nothing like you'd expect a Demon to be and Ryan was the perfect man for her. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Wow!!! What a gr8 story. I enjoyed this sweet love story very much. Zoe was nothing like you'd expect a Demon to be and Ryan was the perfect man for her. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
March 17, 2023
Sweet, no drama
This is a cute story. Sweet all the way through. No showing off demon powers. Zoe might as well as been the secluded human she was pretending to be. Not a lot of paranormal in this story, but still sweet.
This is a cute story. Sweet all the way through. No showing off demon powers. Zoe might as well as been the secluded human she was pretending to be. Not a lot of paranormal in this story, but still sweet.
September 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Ryan, in some ways reminds me of myself.
I ended up highlighting a whole bunch in the last quarter of the book because a lot of what Ryan was thinking and what Zoe was feeling hit a little too close to home for me.
I ended up highlighting a whole bunch in the last quarter of the book because a lot of what Ryan was thinking and what Zoe was feeling hit a little too close to home for me.
September 29, 2020
This was a cute read from a new author for me. The concept was really good and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Read
October 6, 2020Cute
this title was acute and enjoyable read... Made me think of the tv show Lucifer. I hope the author makes a series out of this.
this title was acute and enjoyable read... Made me think of the tv show Lucifer. I hope the author makes a series out of this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews