HOW TO FAKE IT WITH A FAE

Boyles delivers a steamy fantasy romance series-starter that features an initially fake relationship and plenty of magic.

As the only witch in her family without any powers, Addie Thornrose of Nashville, Tennessee, is used to magic-wielding guys breaking up with her over it. It’s why, after her most recent boyfriend dumps her, she decides to swear off men. The only problem is that her grandmother’s sudden death has endangered her family’s magic, and to keep it from disappearing, Addie and her six sisters must marry—and soon. As Addie is the oldest, her family decides to throw a ball to help her meet potential suitors. While attempting to sneak out of the event, she runs into Feylin, a handsome man whom she previously met under unpleasant circumstances (which involved her accidentally throwing up on his shoes). Addie can’t stand him, but when she runs into her ex at the ball, she’s glad when Feylin rescues her by pretending to be her new fiancé. Then she learns Feylin is a fae king, and his declaration of their engagement has accidentally induced a powerful spell that prevents them from moving too far apart from each other. The only way to break the spell is to see the marriage through, which means that until the wedding, the pair will have to pretend to be head over heels. Boyles offers an easygoing storytelling approach that makes for a fast read: “It’s easier to pretend to love Feylin than I ever imagined,” Addie narrates at one point. “Which is annoying, I might add.” However, this casual manner also has its downsides, as the worldbuilding and character development ultimately lack depth. For example, Addie and her family are said to be from the South, but it’s easy to forget this, as there are few signs of it, other than the occasional use of the term y’all. Also, the instant sexual attraction that the main characters feel early on makes their continuing dislike of each other come across as rather forced.

A romance with an intriguing premise that’s hampered by an unfortunate lack of substance.