This novel is the perfect example of why Romance doesn’t work for me unless under very specific conditions. I thought this novel would fit my very stringent requirements, but unfortunately, I DNF’d this book at 60%, because I was bored and didn't like the MMC. The thing is, this book might work really well for others, so my critique might actually help people decide to read it (which is my intention, not to tear the book down).

The first reason I wasn’t into it is because the world-building is incredibly light. We have a fantasy land populated humans and where every 15 years demons escape from some realm where they were put by a goddess. We’re not given much beyond that (at least in the first 60%), and we don’t get much information about the demons as a culture - such as why there are different variants (including a werewolf? How is that a demon?) and etcetera. There’s no discussion of how the world is set up globally or how trade routes work or anything like that. Of course, I don’t expect high fantasy-level worldbuilding in a Romance, but what we do get was far too light for me. Yet, the story is predicated on a flimsy quest narrative, which worked well.

The book is also all over the place tonally. Sometimes, it’s very light and funny, and sometimes an entire city is razed to the ground, and no one considers the innocents (kids, animals, etc) that definitely died in the process. The narrative structure is whiplash-inducing.

By far, though, my biggest issue was the love interest. I loathed him. He was so incredibly disrespectful of her boundaries, threatened her family, and his cockiness was through the roof. The kind of guy you make any excuse to avoid getting into an elevator alone with.

I have no idea why she was into him, aside from him being physically attractive, because she seems like a woman who doesn’t take shit, and he’s a pretty big asshole. There’s no real banter in this novel to build up the sexual tension - in fact, the tension is all based on him leering at her and then being overly forceful about his attraction. There is a long passage where he describes all these sexual acts to her, but we’re not given her reaction, just this long monologue. There is an extreme lack of consent as well, and in fact, there is a disgusting line about how he tells her that she has no choice in the matter, implying that he knows her body more than she does. Not only that, but when ”love” was brought in, I had to stop reading as I became exasperated.

There were a few things I did enjoy in the book, of course. Cinnamon herself was a fun character, as while she's plucky, she isn’t an adventurous heroine (which was different). I also loved how she was a person of colour and curvy, which brings some much-needed diversity into the genre. I thought the two competing innkeepers in the one city were pretty funny, and there were also a few scenes here and there that were fun (in truth, I very much enjoyed every scene where Fallon was absent). Cin’s family dynamic felt realistic and was enjoyable to read, too.

Overall, definitely not my type of romance, if you can tell, but if you enjoy fantasy romance with non-human male love interests, the alpha male trope, don’t mind when consent isn’t explicitly given in sexual situations, and enjoy some comedy, you will likely have a good time with this.

I enjoyed this and the second one more than I thought I would and quite frankly got more than I bargained for. The titles alone hints of what fun you’re about to embark on, I just didn’t expect the journey that it took me down. I absolutely recommend these books and I will be adding them to my rotation of comfort reads!

Okay but if you want a book that has

- a perfect balance of fantasy and romance
- a quirky and loveable plot
- a sassy strong fmc
- a cast that's actually diverse
- steam
- characters that you can fall in love with

Why haven't you read this yet??

More of a 3.5 but I’m giving an extra half star just for the narrator.

I really had no plans to read this book just yet. I had kept the audiobook ready, so that I’ll pick up whenever I’m in need of something light. But when I couldn’t sleep yesterday night, I just thought why not and started the audiobook - and just didn’t stop.

I truly don’t know how to categorize this novel. It is fantasy but more like a mashup of all fantasy tropes and creatures we know - so we get a world where the demons (who can be dragons, werewolves, centaurs and more ) are subjugated but are actually nice people who just want to be free, and the person worshipped by all humans as a goddess is actually an undead witch doing the subjugation. So the stakes are actually pretty high, because the freedom of thousands of beings is on the line, who are otherwise tortured into a slave like existence - however the tone of the book remains funny and fluffy throughout. The writing is just easy breezy and hilarious, things happen fairly easily in our protagonist’s favor and everything gets neatly tied up in a bow towards the end. And we get some generous demon dragon smut to enjoy.

Our MC is called Cinnamon and you can guess, she is a cinnamon farmer. Our hero the demon dragon Fallon is able to get out of the clutches of the evil witch - again because of cinnamon( the spice, not the woman). Thus starts their journey together to destroy all the witch’s relics so she can be killed. On the way, they free more demons of a whole different variety, it all becomes a happy found family, all together on a merry way to kill the witch. In between blossoms the romance between Cinnamon and Fallon and lots of sexy time ensues.

Tbh, the book is short enough that you don’t even realize when they fall in love, they just do. And while I’m sure readers who love their smut would enjoy this book, I’m not sure if hardcore romantasy readers will feel the same, because the fantasy elements are sparse and the romance is mostly instalove, with lots of possessive feelings from our demon dragon.

However, I want to appreciate the author for writing something which is genuinely funny all throughout and irreverent, thoroughly keeping us entertained. But special mention has to go to the narrator of the audiobook Hazel Addison who is just WOOOOOWWWWW. She takes the hilarity of the book up two notches with the absolutely amazing way she tells this story and I couldn’t have enjoyed this book without her voice - I especially haven’t read or enjoyed smut in quite a long while and this time, I didn’t even skip the scenes while listening. I feel like I may have found a new favorite narrator. If only to listen to her again, I’ll definitely continue this series.

★ ★ ★ .5 | 🌶🌶

18+ check TWs

Note: I try my hardest to not include spoilers in my reviews. However, spoilers and how you define a spoiler is subjective. Proceed with caution.

*A special thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

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This was such a quick and quirky read. I had so much fun reading it.

Now, was it life changing? Not really, no. But it was enjoyable, nonetheless. It was full of likable characters, that makes me interested in reading the subsequent books. There is also some interesting world building. Though I was a little confused by the historical setting with the modern language.

It has a POC FMC too, which I loved. As well as a plus size character.

This book isn’t without its problems, though. The plot is a little wonky with some parts feeling way too long and some— like the end— could have been longer.

It honestly gave Ice Planet Barbarians vibes. So I wonder if maybe if I continue through the series, if I’ll like it more. Which is what happened with ICB, it got better as it aged.

Overall, if you’re looking for a quick, but fun read as a palette cleanser or for something to plump up your reading goal, this is a great book for that. It also has a ton of re-readablity.

This book was SO much fun! I don't generally laugh at books while I'm reading, but I laughed so much! The banter between characters and the situations they get in were just hilarious. I totally relate to Cinnamon, as I too, am a Queen of Cheese.

Essentially, Cinnamon hates adventures because of something bad that happened in her past, that resulted in losing her sister. She tries to help a demon, who thanks her by trying to kill her. They end up having to go an an adventure together to help other creatures escape an evil witch. Hilarity ensues.

This book is also spicy. Like. Spicy. I wasn't expecting the spice, and it was a little much for me at some points. It look me out of the story a bit, not that they were written poorly. I just 1) wasn't expecting them (I went in blind reading this one) and 2) I was having such a great time on our adventures, I didn't want them to stop! That being said, the scenes were well written, the banter was still there, and I sure did blush.

I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this one and continue with the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Kimberly Lemming, and Orbit Books for providing me with an ARC of That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon.

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon follows Cinnamon who casually runs into a demon while on her way home after a drunken night. Right after, the demon goes savage and attempts to attack Cinnamon but, she saves herself by slapping him with a branch of cinnamon spice. The following day, after the demon comes to his senses, we figure out his name is Fallon and the goddess the humans worship, Myva, is evil and is keeping the demons captive. Fallon and Cinnamon are thus set on a quest to stop Myva and free more demons that are still under her spell.

The first thing that I want to do is to give Kimberly Lemming her flowers. This is an amazing book. I DEVOURED this in one sitting. Ms. Lemming, you are a lyrical GODDESS. I smiled, I laughed, I blushed, I squealed. This book flowed perfectly. The pacing of this book was spot on. Not only did I enjoy the world building and the main characters, I absolutely enjoyed the side characters. Brie, Felix, Usha and Ambrose are now my best friends. They all added so much to the story. This book was so amazing. There are no faults to this book in my mind. The only thing that I can say is that I wished the book was longer because I didn't want to leave Fallon and Cinnamon. They are so perfect for each other. That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon was the cutest romance that I've read a while. This book deserves, 5 stars. I've already downloaded, That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf. I squealed when I discovered that we're now following Brie! Hopefully Fallon and Cinnamon are going to be in the story as well.

Title: That time I got Drunk and Saved a Demon
Author: Kimberly Lemming
Release date: 1/2/2024
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Initially I was sold on the title alone! And a Fantasy Rom-Com?! Sign me up! It really felt like contemporary dialogue in a fantasy setting if that makes sense. I thought it was very funny and easy to read with nearly 300 pages. I really enjoyed our main characters Cinnamon and Fallon. Their relationship was so cute and just the right amount of 🌶️ I loved the world and their adventure in the book. Thank you @orbitbooks_us and @netgalley for the ARC!

Okay this was so much fun. It's cute , quirky and just the right amount of spicy.
Kimberly Lemming knows how to write a scene!
It felt so much like a shot one D&D campaign, the stakes were just high enough to be interesting and just low enough to not be horribly worried.
I cannot wait to just back into the Mead Mishaps series.

⭐️rating: 4/5

This was so so so fun! I had high hopes for this book, and they truly delivered. I laughed so much! And not many books make me laugh out loud like this one did.

Cinnamon was so funny and so relatable as her life turned into a quest she never wanted. Not to mention every other character that was so fun!

Overall, this was a light, quick, and hilarious rom-com. It was so fun to read! And not to mention spicy🥵. I already read the second Mead Mishaps and Mistlefoe and I can’t wait to read the third! Highly highly recommend!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming is a quirky romantasy with a full cast of comical characters and silly shenanigans that is a perfect starting point for readers in the new year. The main character, Cinnamon, doesn't want to stand out in life. In fact, she seems perfectly happy to tend to her family farm and get a cat, have a low key, chill life despite her spicy namesake, and for it all to work out with ease in the end.

Everything goes head over heels in this comedy-whirlwind fantasy romance when she meets Fallon, a demon who may or may not be more than a few handfuls to deal with when he upends her entire life.

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon is a funny, silly story with fast pacing and rarely takes itself seriously, a befitting story for Cinnamon herself.

Thank you NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Kimberly Lemming for this copy to read and review!

I wasn't sure quite what to expect with this story, but I am happy to report it completely charming and wonderfully fun. I have been eyeing these titles on my Kindle for a long time so when they got picked up and published by Orbit I was thrilled to have an opportunity to review one! I smiled and laughed more during this book more than I have in a long time. The characters are just outright charming and the story pulls you along without you even realizing. I found myself eager to pick the book up and read more at any opportunity I have - my mark of a great book! I won't be waiting to start the next one. We're so lucky it's already available!

Honestly , i was going in blind. The title was so interesting to me plus the cover was so prettt .I saw it on tiktok alot. I thought i would give it a try. I was not dissapointed . It was interesting and fun ride to read a book like this .

Thank you for a diverse fantasy romcom story. It was a fun, easy, and quirky read. I originally saw the book when it came out, but I was much more intrigued to read it with the new cover illustration.

Such a perfect book with a wonderful blend of plot and spice. Loved the diversity and uniqueness of it and I cannot wait to read the others in the Mead Mishaps series!

Love the new cover. This book is absolutely hilarious. Cinnamon is one of the most relatable main characters I’ve come across in forever. This book is an amazingly written little box of cozy fantasy, fluff, and good smut. As a person with 5 siblings, I truly adored her connection with her brothers. And I could just eat Fallon up. perfection.

The Mead Mishaps series is so much fun. The covers have been revamped and they work really well in my opinion. I'm enjoying making my way through the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this digital copy.

This book was hilarious in all the eight ways. I loved that it was written in modern language, even though the world was typical fantasy. I also liked the different take on demons. Demons here aren't truly demons, more like mythical creatures and the humans just lump all of them into demons. I enjoyed the journey part of the story and the premise of the book. It was fun to see the banter and the foundation get laid between the FMC and MMC. The sprinkling of social justice and equality was done well. The spicy scenes were written well and not cheesy. It's a good easy read. Highly recommend if you're looking for a feel good story.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Orbit Books, and the author for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

“Last night, you demanded we bring you cheese and then stated that you were the cheese queen.”

Read if you like:
🧀 Cheese
🌶️ Spices (both the flavoring and the 🛏️kind)
🗣️ Great banter
🐉 Dragons

Cinnamon is not looking for adventure. She wants to stay in her quiet village, work on her family spice farm, drink, and eat cheese. Cin has a good heart and while going home after a night of drinking saves a man after a rock slide. The man, Fallon, turns out to be a demon, determined to slay an evil witch who is responsible for the enslavement of his fellow demons. Cinnamon finds herself in the middle of this quest, and enjoying it.

This was such a fun book to start the year with! Any FMC who hides snacks up her skirt and loves a good crawfish boil is my new favorite. I loved how even though Cinnamon wasn’t looking for adventure, she went with it and is hilarious. Fallon has great “I’ll worship you” and “kill anyone who harms you” energy, and it helps that he keeps losing his shirt. I wanted a little bit more of the adventure but loved this fast paced, fun cozy-fantasy. Can’t wait to read the next book.

This was a funny, sweet, spicy book that scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. Heroine of color named Cinnamon accidently saves a demon named Fallon. Cinnamon had believed demons were dangerous but it turns out the goddess she has worshiped has created a way to make them crazed and the spice cinnamon reverses the madness. Fallon and Cin go off to destroyed the hold over demons, gathering some friends on the way. The book is funny but also has steamy scenes with some light BDSM, mostly praise kink, one scene of being ties up, and some light spanking. It was a fun read and I will definitely read the next one!