That Time I Got Drunk and Saved A Demon (Mead Mishaps #1) by Kimberly Lemming

 

This is all because I dyed my hair pink, isn’t it? The one time I decided to stand out, and I get punished for it?

• Title: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved A Demon
• Author: Kimberly Lemming
• Publisher: Orbit
• Publication Date: 5/23/2023
• 279 Pages
• Standalone (Book 1)

• Plot: ★★★★★
• Spice: ★★★★★
• Tropes: Magic, Road Trip, Fated Mate, Blackmail, Loveable Rogue, Obsessed Hero, Enemies to Lovers

Trigger Warning:  Light BDSM, Dubcon, graphic Violence and Death, Sexually explicit content, and language that could trigger certain audiences. Also, mentions of Sexual Violence. 

Note to self, never dye your hair pink! However, that pink hair brought Cin to Fallon, so maybe pink hair isn't so bad after all. The first book from the Mead Mishaps series was an exciting adventure with spice in all the right places. Our FMC, Cinnomon Hotpepper, is a complete firecracker who just wanted a simple and boring life. She was the last person you'd expect to see on an adventure fighting monsters to save the world. At least until she meets the dynamic Fallon (no last name), they meet several people on their journey. All of which join them in stopping evil.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it was full of laughter and sarcasm. As well as allowing the characters the opportunity to grow and evolve beyond what they'd imagined they'd ever be. Though this book was extremely comedic, the author also included scenes that carried so much emotion and allowed the readers to experience the depth of the characters.  

Kimberly Lemming created a well-balanced book that felt lighthearted and exciting. I commend Kimberly for writing a character like Cin. Who is so flawed, but despite her fear and trepidation, her heart and values shone through as a true hero. 

 

Fallon gave me a deadpan stare. “I see now why Myva was able to trick your species into worshiping her.” “Yeah, well, at least we season our food.”

When I tell you this book is hilarious, I mean it's hilarious. The FMC and MMC are both extremely sarcastic and petty. The majority of their interactions will have you chuckling and smiling. However, they remain attached at the hip together. I really enjoyed the personalities of the characters most. Even the side characters in this book have funny personalities that blend together really well. Despite them being vastly different. 

Also, I appreciated the uniqueness of the universe that Kimberly created. It is so random and almost chaotic, you do not know what to expect. For example, it's set in a medieval time with no real plumbing and mead. However, they also have crawfish boils and Coke. I understand that could be confusing to some, but I enjoyed it. This book is a fantasy, meaning anything can be possible. Especially when magic is involved. It's refreshing, completely not based in reality, and I love it. In this book, we had a Black woman lead with a "Demon" love interest. Unexpected and appreciated. 

His head rose to look me in the eye. “You are not upset?” “No. They were rapists. Please kill rapists.”

Honestly, there are not many things about this book that I disliked, so I will just continue talking about what I enjoyed. Ultimately, watching Cin and Fallon's love blossom was definitely a highlight of the book. Fallon found ways to be close to Cin, especially when teasing her, which was obvious but adorable. Also, seeing Cin come to terms with her feelings was funny and sweet. 

Lastly, Fallon is unsure of human norms but knows he just wants to make Cin happy. He goes out of his way to ensure Cin isn't upset with him. Therefore, the push and pull between them was delicious. Their chemistry built naturally because of it. Making the spice on the page feel natural as well. There was a nice amount of verbal and physical foreplay that kept things exciting but not overbearing. The tension and buildup were perfectly paced throughout the book. However, the spice scenes are very spicy.

“My love, I’d sooner kill everyone on this ship to save you the embarrassment.”

Maybe it's me, but friends, find a lover that will love you and do for you like Fallon did for Cinnomon. Not only with his words but with his actions as well. I completely recommend this book to everyone willing to listen. This book was an exciting twist on a hero's journey adventure that I haven't read before. We met several new lovable characters in this book, so now I am excited to read the next books. So far, I love it and I hope y'all will too!