A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DATING A DEMON, by Hannah Reynolds, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, Feb. 3, 2026, Paperback, $12.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
A student finds herself accidentally betrothed to a demon—and investigating his connection to the magical irregularities plaguing her city in A Practical Guide to Dating a Demon, by Hannah Reynolds.
As a scholarship student at the magical Lyceum, Naomi would rather focus on deciphering ancient scrolls than dating. Especially since the only boys asking her out are less interested in a night in Naomi’s company than an introduction to her influential aunt.
So Naomi devises an excuse to turn down her persistent suitors: She claims to be betrothed to a demon.
Her story works perfectly. Until she arrives home one night and finds the demon Daziel lounging in her rooms, insisting he’s her betrothed. Naomi knows he’s lying—after all, the betrothal was never real—but the gorgeous and infuriating demon is surprisingly resistant to her banishing spells. And with his penchant for baking and home décor, it’s not so bad having him around.
Besides, she has other worries—like the ancient scroll she’s trying to translate, and the way the city’s magic has become suddenly unstable. But the more Naomi learns about the scroll, and the more she gets to know Daziel, the more it seems like she might be at the center of something bigger than she could have imagined. —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
After recently finishing a particularly meh romantasy, A Practical Guide to Dating a Demon comes as a breath of fresh air. No, it’s not the best one I’ve ever read, but author Hannah Reynolds does a good job at balancing romantic elements with other plotlines, allowing for an overall enjoyable reading experience.
The story is told from Naomi’s point of view. She’s a bit high strung, but likeable, and when she’s with Daziel, the story sings. Daziel is flamboyant and sharp and everything needed to contrast Naomi. In fact, he’s so interesting that I wanted to hear the story from his point of view.
The idea of the accidental betrothal works really well here. It’s believable, it’s smart and it makes you smile. Naomi and Daziel’s connection is undeniable, and their banter really makes A Practical Guide to Dating a Demon work.
Reynolds’ world building is solid as is her pacing and magical system. She leaves behind a number of questions, but it feels like there’s a followup planned.
A Practical Guide to Dating a Demon is a fast-paced romantasy that includes references to sex but is never explicit. It’s a slow-burn sure to sit well with fans of the genre.
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