My Soul for a Donut | Layla Pine | A Sweetly Sinister Treat

I was lucky to get an ARC for 'My Soul for a Donut' and let me tell you this is a delightfully quirky and surprisingly engaging read that blends the seemingly disparate worlds of small-town charm and shadowy supernatural dealings with a generous sprinkle of dark humor.

From the moment you dive in, you're swept into the peculiar life of Jemma Bliss and SJ and do not forget Beezle and Bub, whose existence takes a delicious and bizarre turn with the arrival of a tempting, soul-infused sugary GF treat.

The introduction of the supernatural elements feels organic, starting with a subtle unease that gradually escalates into full-blown paranormal chaos.

What truly shines in My Soul for a Donut is the witty and engaging narrative, with a dry sense of humor that permeates even the most tense or bizarre situations. The internal monologue of the Jemma is particularly enjoyable, filled with relatable anxieties and humorous observations that make her instantly likeable, even as she navigates the increasingly surreal circumstances.

The plot, while seemingly centered around a cursed (or perhaps blessed?) donut, delves into the temptation to get a taste of the blissful GF sugary goodness, but it comes with a price! Like most things in life ;)

The pacing is generally well-managed, building suspense and intrigue as the mystery of the donut and its consequences unravel. There were moments where the narrative perhaps lingered slightly on certain details, but these never detracted significantly from the overall enjoyment.

While the "dark" elements might not reach the depths of truly grim dark fantasy, there's a definite undercurrent of the sinister and the potentially dangerous, particularly as the stakes surrounding the donut and its power become clearer. Layla definitely mastered the balance of this book with the lightheartedness and humor, creating a reading experience that is both intriguing and entertaining.

Overall, My Soul for a Donut is a refreshing read. Layla Pines has crafted a story that is both bizarrely humorous and surprisingly captivating. Those chapter titles had me in fits of giggles and was a good way to start the book!

If you're looking for something unique, quirky, and thoroughly enjoyable, with a touch of the supernatural and a whole lot of heart (and possibly a sugar rush), then I highly recommend sinking your teeth into this delightful debut.

Book Tropes:

• Enemies to Lovers
• Monster romance
• He falls first
• Fake dating
• Monster smut
  
• Slow burn
• Dark humour

Trigger Warnings:

• Death/murder (past)
• Sex that involves horns and tails