That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
Author: Kimberly Lemming
Spice Level: 
Release Year: 2022
Picture this: you’re curled up with a book that makes you laugh so hard you nearly spill your coffee, blush at the steamy scenes, and cheer for characters who feel like your new best friends. That’s the magic of the Mead Mishaps series by Kimberly Lemming, starting with That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon. As someone who’s lost count of the romantasy books I’ve read, I can confidently say this series has earned its place as my #19 all-time favorite in the genre. It’s a wild, hilarious ride that blends fantasy, romance, and comedy in a way that feels like a warm hug from a mischievous friend. The story follows Cinnamon, a spice trader who just wants a quiet life, but ends up entangled in adventures with a demon named Fallon. The premise alone had me hooked, and the execution? Pure gold.
Let’s start with the humor, because it’s the beating heart of this series. Kimberly Lemming has a gift for crafting dialogue so sharp it could cut glass. Cinnamon’s wit is relentless—she’s the kind of heroine who faces life-threatening quests with a sarcastic quip and a roll of her eyes (okay, maybe not literally, but you get the vibe). Her misadventures, like stumbling into saving a demon while wine-drunk, are absurd in the best way, and I found myself laughing out loud more times than I can count. The romance is just as captivating. Cinnamon and Fallon’s dynamic is a delicious mix of enemies-to-lovers tension and slow-burn sweetness. Fallon, with his brooding demeanor and tendency to lose his shirt (a detail I’m eternally grateful for), is the perfect foil to Cinnamon’s fiery independence. Their chemistry sizzles, with steamy scenes that hit a 3.3 out of 5 on the spice scale—hot enough to make your heart race, but balanced with humor and heart so it never feels overdone. I loved how their relationship grows, blending playful banter with moments of genuine vulnerability.
The world of Mead Mishaps is a vibrant tapestry of magic and creatures that leap off the page. From demons to centaurs to orcs, every character feels distinct and adds to the story’s charm. The side characters, like Cinnamon’s family and friends, are so well-developed that I often found myself just as invested in their antics as the main plot. The magic system is thoughtful, and the world feels alive, even if it’s not the most complex fantasy setting I’ve encountered. Some readers find the modern slang and contemporary humor a bit jarring in a fantasy world, and I get it—it’s not traditional high fantasy. But for me, that modern edge makes the characters feel like they’re speaking directly to you, like friends sharing a wild story over drinks. It’s a bold choice that adds to the series’ unique flavor, though it might not be everyone’s cup of mead.
If you’re a romantasy fan, or just need a book to lift your spirits, Mead Mishaps is an absolute gem. I’ve torn through the first three books—That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf, and That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Human—and I’m counting down the days for the next one. Each book builds on the last, introducing new characters and deepening relationships while keeping the humor and romance front and center. Why is this my #19 favorite romantasy? It’s the heart. Cinnamon is a heroine you can’t help but root for—strong, sassy, and so relatable. Fallon is the perfect blend of protective and tender, the kind of book boyfriend who makes you sigh dreamily. The secondary characters steal the show just as often, and the mix of humor, steam, and adventure makes every page a joy. If you’re looking for a series that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even snort-laugh in public, Mead Mishaps is the one to pick up. Trust me, you’ll be as obsessed as I am.
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