Enola M. Douglas
Studio Mika
1 October 2026
403
eBook - EPUB
Fantasy
ARC via NetGalley
Aura Cassia is a Kitchen Witch with no lineage, a modest bakery, and an orphanage full of mixed-blood children about to be homeless. When a ruthless property magnate sets his sights on demolishing her sanctuary, Cassia storms the city's most exclusive gentlemen's club to demand a miracle.
Enter Varil Arkenoth: the 'Idle Prince' of the Demon District. Society whispers about his disregard for duties, but Ark guards a secret life far more dangerous—and purposeful—than his reputation suggests. He offers her a scandalous pact: play his fiancée for the Yulefrost season to ward off his mother's matchmaking attempts, and he will use his influence to save her sanctuary.
As their romp across glittering galas turn into late-night domestic comforts, the line between performance and reality blurs. In a world that values bloodlines over belonging, a stubborn baker and a demon with too many secrets must decide if their fake bond is worth a real war.
I greatly enjoyed Smoke, Mirrors and Misdemeanours. While a cosy fantasy in some respects, it still had some darker moments and some romantasy-style steamy ones, so I think it straddles both genres and would make a great transition piece for readers looking to dip their toes from one style to another. Both Cassia and Ark were well-developed characters who grew over the course of the story. I enjoyed, too, the fact that their relationship progressed at a reasonable pace and didn't feel like insta-love or insta-lust. The side characters were also memorable and well written, even those that did not appear for long; they still all felt distinct and necessary to the story. The book concluded in a satisfactory way while leaving room for more, and it did appear a sequel is planned. I, for one, will definitely read a second book. I still want to know the truth about the maybe-cat Anuck! I am notoriously stingy when it comes to giving five stars, so at first I planned to give this 4.5, but when I compared it in my mind to other books I've given that rating to recently, this one came out well ahead, so I have decided to go all the way with a five star rating.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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