A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DATING A DEMON

A fake demon fiancé becomes inconveniently real when a scholarship student’s romantic dodge backfires spectacularly.

Eighteen-year-old Naomi bat Yardena, who presents white and Jewish, wants nothing more than to study cryptography at the prestigious Lyceum. But persistent suitors seeking access through her to her influential aunt inspire Naomi to tell an elaborate lie about being engaged to a demon. The ruse backfires when bronze-skinned Daziel, an actual demon, materializes in her dorm, insisting that their betrothal is real. As Naomi grapples with her spell-resistant supernatural lodger—who brings her croissants and uses his powers to improve her living space—the natural magic around the nation of Ena-Cinnai becomes dangerously unpredictable. Daziel’s domestic charm masks a hidden agenda, which might have something to do with the destabilizing disasters and the ancient scrolls Naomi is deciphering. The magic system is intertwined with letterform spellcasting and primordial beasts that govern natural forces. Naomi emerges as a pragmatic, driven hero, while Daziel’s initial deception gives way to genuine vulnerability. Their romance showcases genuine affection built on shared experiences, support, and easy banter. The secondary cast members, including Naomi’s cryptography cohort and dorm-mates, serve their narrative functions well, although some figures lack the depth their important roles warrant. Although the pacing occasionally stumbles under multiple subplots, the central mystery provides satisfying stakes beyond the romance. Jewish cultural and religious elements throughout the worldbuilding enrich the book.

A cozy fantasy that intertwines academic intrigue, magical peril, and slow-burn supernatural romance.