Terrible Lovely Demon

Possessive Love

by Odessa Hywell

Ten years ago Maxton Grant was a frail sixteen-year-old slowly being consumed by an aggressive form of childhood cancer and teetering on the brink of death. Until, suddenly, he wasn’t.

The doctors called it a miracle, but Maxton knew the truth. An act of divine intervention wasn’t what saved him. It was Beau Holland, his hot-as-sin night nurse—a demon in disguise who was willing to make a deal with a dying teenager that gave him a second chance at life.

Now, a decade later, a chance encounter reunites Maxton with the demon from his past. Neither can fight the questionable chemistry that has always existed between them, but they struck a bargain, and Maxton must pay the price.

Is it such a terrible fate to owe a lovely demon a favor?

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Demons, LGBT, M M Paranormal

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2023

About the author

Odessa Hywell is a taboo MM romance author with a book addiction and coffee problem, who lives in the Southern United States with her husband, their teenage daughter, who mocks her for being short, and way too many animals.

Aside from writing and reading, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and playing video games.

Her favorite season is winter—hello, snow—but in the summer, she travels as much as possible.

Some of her favorite spots are The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Dead Horse Point, Moab UT, Gatlinburg TN, Helen GA, Silverton CO, Roswell, NM—plus honestly, a lot more. The list is nearly endless.

A few places she plans to go in the future are New Orleans, LA and Salem, MA during spooky season, Smuggler's Notch, VT during autumn, the Colorado Mountains during the winter, New York City, Washington DC, a cruise to anywhere, on a hot air balloon ride, on a train trip down the California Coast . . .

In 2021, she decided because she is married to a twin it was best NOT to publish her books featuring twincest and other questionable themes under her married name as her husband would not approve.

—His loss, honestly.—

If you know who Odessa Hywell is, don’t be a snitch.
Like Benjamin Franklin said, “Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead.”

www.odessahywell.com/shop

➡︎ Signed paperbacks, artwork, and stickers can be purchased from my website.
➡︎ Direct Download eBooks can also be purchased from my website.

Reviews

[BelleLovesRomance · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3/5 — Too heavy on the real-life angst for me 🫠
🌶 2.5/5 — Not even a demon with two dicks and tail play can stop me from crying 🥲

I love Odessa Hywell’s books, but this one? Not so much. It’s not the book’s fault tho—I should’ve known better than to pick up a story where the MC has cancer. I did read the blurb, it’s stated there, but in my defense, I saw one review that said this was too sweet and low angst for an Odessa Hywell book. So I thought I’d take my chances. 🫣

It also didn’t help that I was in a weird headspace when I chose this read. I spent hours deciding and landed on this one… turns out it was still too angsty and slice-of-lifey for me. Yes, there’s paranormal/demon/supernatural/magic in it, but the cancer storyline was just too real-life. It wrecked my heart—and not in a good way. 💔😭

Oh well… 🫠 I won’t spend more time reviewing because there’s another book screaming my name right now—one that promises fun instead of gutting me. 💔🥲

‼️ NOTE TO SELF ‼️

You already have your real life to serve you a daily dose of angst, Belle. DON’T GO LOOKING FOR MORE IN YOUR FICTIONAL READS. Always go for the unrealistic, too-perfect MCs, swoony, OTT, full of clichés! If they’re not those, you might as well pick up "War and Peace" or "A Brief History of Time" or "Atomic Habits" or some shit. 🤨

⚠️ Detailed spoiler below ⛔️

RC and MCs:
😈♾️ MM, vers
😈♾️ Maxton Grant 25yo and Beau Holland (he has been alive for more than a millennium)
😈♾️ Max: Works at his dad's mechanic shop
😈♾️ Beau: Demon disguised as a male human night nurse
😈♾️ Max as a demon: Vers, gay, coal black eyes with purple horizontal slit pupils, sharp chin, hollow cheeks, soft grey skin covered with purple gems, matching gem-tipped tail, white horns lined with the same gems that cover his body,
😈♾️ Max: Vers, gay, soft brown eyes, dark hair, scruffy jaw,
😈♾️ Beau as a demon: Vers, bi, coal black eyes with green horizontal slit pupils, forked tongue, tail, black horns that curl backwards almost a foot long and ribbed, unnaturally sharp nose and Chin, black spider veins creep along the skin, long nails pointed and sharp, coal black finger tips, coal black mouth, two dicks (one slightly smaller than the other, 6 or 7inches=15/18cm, 8 or 9inches=20/23cm), smaller than Max
😈♾️ Beau as a human: Vers, bi, green eyes, blond hair, smaller than Max

Genre and tropes:
😈♾️ MM paranormal romance
😈♾️ Demon/human romance
😈♾️ Nurse/patient dynamic
😈♾️ Fated love/soulmates
😈♾️ Hurt/comfort
😈♾️ Sweet, caring demon (Beau)
😈♾️ MC with cancer (Max)
😈♾️ Cancer relapse
😈♾️ Injury and healing
😈♾️ Best friend support
😈♾️ Supernatural deal
😈♾️ Second chances at being alive
😈♾️ Age gap
😈♾️ Magic
😈♾️ Pet names: Sweetheart, baby

Safety info:
😈♾️ Angst: Medium to high
😈♾️ OPD: No
😈♾️ Cheating/sharing: No
😈♾️ Third act breakup: No
😈♾️ Ending: HEA
😈♾️ Epilogue: No
😈♾️ POV: Dual, 1st person
😈♾️ Series structure: Standalone (Possessive Love series book #10, multi-author, sharing themes of demon/human pairing)

Spice and kinks:
Dry humping to completion, cum in pants, jerking each other off (handjob), frotting (in the shower), shower sex, blowjob, bareback, two dicks, topping from the bottom, anal sex and frotting at the same time, light somnophilia, snowballing, cum play, felching, finger fucking, double penetration, switching, marking, tail play

CW/TW:
Explicit sexual content between a human and a demon, strong language, childhood cancer, non-human genitalia, medical procedures, blood, violence, cancer relapse, child Abuse, temporary main character death, supernatural deal consequences

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrible Lovely Demon is such a fun and entertaining paranormal romance between Maxton and Beau. They meet in really emotional circumstances due to Maxton's intense cancer battle and his friend convinces Max to as a joke summon a demon. Ten years later the connection between Max and Beau is still as strong as ten years prior. Together so many steamy moments that help both grow and learn from one another.

Overall this is such a fun story that is unique and nothing I have ever read before. I loved this story and look forward to exploring more from this series.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Frida · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been so much more… First of all, I absolutely adored Leland. His idea of summoning a demon into a hospital room at night to save his best friend, Max, who was dying of cancer, was such a promising and intriguing concept. Said demon being Max's nurse, Beau, added a sweet and comedic aspect to the plot, because ten years later they became so much more than just nurse and patient. And I was actually rooting for these guys, because they’re both kind and gentle souls.

But right after the most important revelation to the plot, the dynamic changed, and the whole plot started to feel massively rushed. Although I could feel the chemistry between the two main characters, the life-extending decisions were made far too hastily. I missed an inner dialogue on both sides that could have manifested their decision. The dialogue between Max and Leland was way too superficial and lacked genuine depth. I don't have a problem with the HEA being slightly different than I initially thought it would turn out. But Hywell lost me on the way, and the plot fell short of selling me the reason for the way the book ended.

[Audi♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ONLY part I liked was Beaus 2 dicks.
2 stars for them.

[D.L. Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Well I was not expecting that!

From the little tidbits that I’ve latched onto I thought this was gonna be a super sordid, naughty tale.

You certainly got a taste but it was so much more!

I didn’t expect to cry and I did. I didn’t expect to fall head over heels for two sweet, loving men and I so totally did.

So much hurt/comfort, both platonically from when Max was a teen and Beau was his nurse, and romantically as ten years later they became so much more.

So many cute moments as the got to know each other and Beau introduced Max to a preternatural world. I was especially fond of The Bone Tarot, not only do I love witches, but also fated mates.

And of course, there was plenty of steam that built from a smoking twig and into an undying inferno.

Overall a wonderful comfort read that anyone would enjoy!

[Smutty Sully]

DNF 38% - no rating.

This was sad. I always gobble up every single Odessa Hywell book. But this was a different style and apparently it was too lighthearted for me. Too cutesy and fun. Where's my dark taboo stuff? 💔

I think this is a very likable book for other people who like sunshine-y demons and butterflies floating over a bubbling brook. Insta-love and insta-cute.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrible Lovely Demon is about Maxton, a teen dying of cancer. His bestie, Leland (who is awesome btw) comes up with the idea to summon a demon and make a deal to save him. Fast forward ten years, and Max runs into that said demon, Beau, and they have a strong connection neither can deny nor do they want to. What a great freaking story! I laughed, I cried, I swooned, it gave me all the feels!! Not to mention, it was filthy hot, and magical! Great world building, premise, and characters. I loved this so much! Definitely recommend!

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Automatic 5

When a book can make me laugh and cry it is an automatic 5 star rating from me. Honestly, I didn't expect to have such an emotional response to the book, but here we are.
As with Odessa's other books, the steam was on point.
I need that Leland story thanks

[Caipi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly loved this book until an important decision was made around the 70/75% mark of the story. I couldn't handle the rest, it made me sad and angry. Sorry, it just wasn't the right story for me.

2.5 stars

[timtam (semi-slump) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars ✨
For being as short as this was I enjoyed it!

[m]

DNF @ 54%

I love the setup for this demon/human romance and I’m often a fan of Odessa’s books but this didn’t work for me. It’s very fluffy and sweet, a little instalove-y, and has the potential to have some scorching hot smut BUT since I wasn’t super feeling it I read some reviews and intentionally saw some spoilers for the ending and I think it’s best to give up now. It’s disappointing but not every book is for every person.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first- although this is a book that touches on some difficult subjects (childhood cancer, death), it is not a depressing book at all. We get an epic HEA that is really creative and satisfying.

Maxton is a teenager receiving treatment for cancer when he meets Beau, a demon who works as a nurse. Max has a poor prognosis until he and Beau make a deal. Suddenly, Max is healthy again with no trace of cancer. When the two meet again a decade later, Max is no longer a child. Sparks fly as the two get to know each other. But what price has Beau paid for the bargain he made?

I really loved the way the story progressed, and the way Odessa deftly handled such heavy subjects. This book will make you cry and then laugh out loud, all in the same chapter.

Sign up for Odessa's newsletter for Leland's story. Everyone deserves a friend like him.

Rating: 4.5
Angst: 3/5
Steam: 3.5/5

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - Double Wow

This book has just blown me away. It’s my first time reading anything like it, Demons, soul swallowers. I wouldn’t be averse to being able to bargain what happens in the hereafter, reincarnation, etc. if I was confronted with what happened to Maxton Grant when he was a teenager.

Max is dying from cancer and his distraught best friend forever, Leland Mary, is desperate to see Max get better. Leland is a bit weird, and he thinks a Demon would be able to help.!!!! Leland is an adorable best friend.

Leland has a notebook with instructions,he draws a circle, sprinkles some salt and draws some colourful lines. Seconds later Max’s nurse walks into the room.

Beau Holland is the kind of nurse that would make anyone get better soon. Plus he has Magic at his disposal.

What can he do for Max? Both Leland and Max look at Beau, frowning.
What happens Next?

I won’t gush about it anymore as I’ll only end up spilling the spoilers.

Get a copy of this Terrible Lovely Demon, and meet Max, Leland and Beau, you can thank me later by recommending something similar in this Paranormal, Demon world. 🤣😂😱❤️💥

I went into this one blind, didn’t know what to expect because the writer is Odessa Hywell and her books are usually specifically based in taboo genre as far as I know. This is not in that genre.

This one did make me cry real tears, I was out loud sobbing not for Max, for Leland Mary. What a strange family name, Mary. Oh and Leland gets his own story as a bonus read with Odessa’s Newsletter signup. ❤️❤️❤️

Medical Interventions like these should be covered by Insurance or on the NHS. 🤣🤣🤣

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book unfortunately left me feeling a bit sad. While the romance was very sweet, and I found the lore Hywell created about demons unique and interesting, a hasty decision that was made by the characters felt unnecessary, and even a bit cruel. While this decision allowed the leads to have their HEA, there was no reason it had to be done immediately. Even in text, the characters say there wouldn't be any major negative consequences to waiting, but they still proceed with actions that cause so much pain to characters who definitely don't deserve it. If Hywell wanted her characters to make this choice immediately, there needed to be something happening that would make it worse to wait, and that didn't happen. On another note, I adored Maxton's best friend, and am eager to read his bonus short story.

[Steph (Teacups & Tropes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Odessa for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was so fun! Terrible Lovely Demon follows Beau (a demon) and Maxton (a human). Max has cancer and in an attempt to save his life, his best friend Leland finds a summoning ritual for a demon. Beau, who actually is a demon, but didn't get summoned by Leland and Max, was actually Maxton's night nurse. Because Beau is the sweetest demon ever, he basically gives Max good health in exchange for a favor, not his soul.

Fast forward ten years and Beau and Max meet again, but Max is significantly more grown up. Odessa creates a world of fantasy and whimsy but leaves the religion at the door, thank goodness. The relationship between Beau and Max is so sweet but also super steamy. I laughed out loud and I may have even teared up near the end. This one really hit me in my feels but it DOES end in a HEA, so rest assured Beau and Max wind up together happy.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start this off simple read the trigger warnings for your mental health before going into this beautiful story.
They are their for a valid reason. If you are able to handle them, be prepared to dive into a beautiful, unique tale of love that comes from a decision of desperate need for something more to life. These two will help each other grow, love, and live for the time they get together. When hard choices are made, they will gut you, but you can understand them even when the fallout affects more than just oit main couple. The fun times are amazing and unique to all their own to give some lightness to this beautiful story.
Thank you, Odessa, for having the courage to take this idea of procession this way that may not be easy for all readers but a journey worth to be had.

[Amos24601 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a nice read. Beau and Max made for such an odd pair, but it worked so wonderfully.

Who knew that a 16 year old would make a literal life changing deal with a demon? What a unique premise for a book. The whole concept is intriguing to me. I feel like this is a whole world open to explore. Beau really was such a sweet demon. He makes this deal with a kid and never really intends to cash it in. I 100% loved Beau.

Max was also such a great character. He was genuine and earnest and never once looked at Beau as anything other than himself. He didn’t idolize him for being a demon and he didn’t run when he saw Beau’s true self. They really were such a great pair.

The heat is dirty and on point. Beau’s anatomy lends an extra special spice that was fantastic. Leland, Max’s best friend and non-romantic life partner, was some much needed comedic relief. Some of the subject matter is heavy at times and Leland knows just how to cut the tension.

This was such a good read and, honestly, I just wish we had more background about Beau and his world. Other than that, I loved everything about this story.

[book_reader_addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! It’s a short, sweet and hot story about a demon and human falling in love. The writing is so good that some events in the book made me cry because it made me feel it so much ❤️ Human and demon 🍆🍑 is seriously 🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Mimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

That decision Max made at 70% was certainly...a choice. 🙃🤨

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an adorable book full of love and smut but they didn’t need to do his family like that. 😒

[Jo_Reads_MM · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
Maxton is a super sweet 25 year old who is only alive and living in New York because he made a deal with a demon to cure him of cancer. Beau is the night nurse/demon who cured him. After a chance reuniting, they are drawn to each other like magnets but have to come to terms with the deal they made 10 years ago. Things I Loved About This Book: Leland - Maxton’s ride or die, til death do they part BFF, who was so desperate to save Max’s life he tried to summon a demon. He’s loyal and loves Max fiercely. It’s also highly entertaining that his internet browsing history for porn includes lots of tentacles. The fact that Maxton has been pining for his demon for 10 years, not just because he was the reason Max realized he was gay, or the fact that he saved his life, but because of Beau’s kindness and care as his nurse. How Max wasted no time in going after what he wanted with Beau after meeting again. Max was a sweet gentleman on the streets but a freak in the sheets.😏Beau’s double demon appendages for double the fun, and it was fun! The fact that Max has a romantic soulmate in Beau and a platonic soulmate in Leland, and both those relationships are equally important to him. It was equal parts sad, spicy, and sweet. The bottom line: it was a great time, and I recommend it!

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's Make a Deal

"I'm pretty sure I'm half in love with him. If not already all the way there.
It's too fast, makes zero sense, but... it's the truth.
I'm in love with Maxton Grant."

I'm in love with Beau and Max! I knew I was already going to love this book because 1) Demon 2) Demon by Odessa Hywell and 3) Well, that all has to do with Beau and his true demonic nature (two I say!). What I didn't expect was Leland. Let's pause for a moment and give kudos and lots more praise to the very best friend in all the universes. What really brought this book home for me was the level of love between them. Beau is a paragon among demons and I'll fight anyone who says he's not, and Max's heart blew me away. It's not just these two are sweet as candy with a big dash of spice because they are, and more. It's how they adore one another; how they cherish the other; how they protect the love they've found; and how everything these two are and do is pure magic. They're so much fun, kept my heart warm, among other things, and left me feeling like nothing bad can ever happen.

[sellURsouls · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently read Always Oskar and loved it so I looked at all the other books this author has written. When I saw this book was to be released in 1 day I got very excited because I just love demon-human romances.

(This is my first time reading a book in this series, which seems to be a multi-author collaboration of demon-human mm pairings.)

I was kinda disappointed. I don’t think it was the authors fault. All she typically writes is taboo mm romances so in order to write a book for this series she obviously had to add that vanilla flavour.

Overall, it was an ok book. However, I will go over some of the reasons I had to rate this book only 3 skulls:

- I found it fluffy. I had hoped there would be some angst with the demon deal, but no.

- Leland and Max were adorable but I almost shipped them more. I’m happy they got their HEA.

- Beau and Max talk about “needing protection” directly after deciding Max will willingly die of cancer to become a demon. Why are they worried about STD’s? Seems this part was just thrown in there to be like “see? They are being responsible!”

- When Max first sees Beau at the emergency room after 10 years Beau does not recognize Max at all. Later we find out they are “soulmates”. So why didn’t he even recognize him at first? He didn’t stand out to him? Also apparently Beau has been bullied by fellow demons about making Max’s deal, accepting only a favour and not a soul as payment. How does he not recall the face of the kid he made said deal with that ostracized him in parahuman society??

- I also hated how it kept being mentioned that Beau didn’t think of Max sexually when he first met him at 16. The author makes a point to say how the kiss meant lots to Max but nothing sexual to Beau. It gets brought up over and over and over again. I get it and all but it felt repetitive and unnecessary.

- The echo they meet at the end is only a child. And yes a child can sell their soul but the contract is 10
years so was the child 1 year old when they sold their soul??

- The math wasn’t mathing on how all the demon stuff works. Maybe it’s explained in the rest of the series. So do Max and Beau live off the souls of echos? Does Beau make real deals?

- Lastly, it’s just a me problem, but I don’t much like it when in mm romances they “switch”.

I will read this authors other stuff. I think her creativity was simply stifled by rules she probably had to abide by to publish her book in this series.

The book did have potential.

3 skulls 💀💀💀

[Becki Graves · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.
How a book that uses cancer as a plot device can get a 4 star rating I have no idea.
The writing itself wasn't terrible and I didn't even have as much of a problem with the age gap despite the fact that Max and his demon met when Max was sixteen.
Dying of cancer.

But when human Max decides he's going to let himself die of the very cancer he survived at the age of sixteen in order to "peacefully" make a break from his parents and give them "closure" because he decides to become an immortal demon after dating his Beau for a month I cannot even describe the visceral wave of disgust for this author that came over me, and I assure you, my vocabulary is voracious.

I'm not even going to say anything like "as someone who's loved one/friend/etc suffered from cancer,"

Because anyone who is intelligent enough to do a cursory amount of research into Cancer and the suffering those dying from it could tell you -

NO ONE.

NOT ONE GOD DAMN PERSON.

WHO HAS EVER SUFFERED FROM CANCER would actively make the choice to go through it again!!

The absolute lack of any kind of conflict for the couple paired with the overly dramatic, self serving choice to willingly die by wasting away of cancer shows a severe lack of any kind of standards as a writer.

While cancer is something that exists and plagues many people on large and terrifying scales the way this author used it for their character to essentially choose their own death shows they lack even a basic understanding of how horrendously painful and traumatizing the disease has on its victims and for that I cannot reconcile any enjoyment from this book, nor will I be continuing the series or any of their other works.

Which is disappointing because other than using childhood leukemia and relapse as a plot device to be played with I thought the author had potential.

I genuinely don't understand how anyone could read this story and finish it, let alone rate it anything other than the lowest score possible and I definitely recommend that you avoid this book if for no other reason than the fact that this person doesn't deserve to make a profit for using cancer as a tool for S**c*de.

Also, and this is so insignificant but also such an easy solution for avoiding the whole DEATH BY CANCER idea but,

IF THE DEMONS CAN CONTROL A GLAMOUR AS A HUMAN WHY TF COULDN'T THEY JUST MAKE THEMSELVES LOOK OLDER WITH THE SAME MAGIC. FFS.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I didn't know I wanted in a story involving a demon. The demon, Beau, isn't your typical demon. For one thing, he's physically smaller than most demons. And then there's the matter of his heart - he actually has one! Although countless centuries old, Beau remembers what it was to be human - to feel pain and despair. Perhaps it is what spurs him to seek out jobs as a nurse in various hospitals, and perhaps, it is what draws him to make a deal with a dying 16 year old Max. Max is dying of cancer and in typical teenage fashion, his best friend, Leland, proposes they summon a demon. Not entirely sure what they are going to do if it works, they are stunned when they discover that Max's hot night nurse is actually an honest-to-goodness demon - and he's willing to make a deal with Max: good health from then on for a 'favor" in the future.
Flash forward 10 years and, in a twist of fate, Max and Beau cross paths again. Only this time Max is a healthy, attractive man and Beau can't seem to fight his attraction to him.
The story really takes off from here as we learn more about the world of parahumans, which demons are a part of, and Max and Beau navigate the complexities of their attraction and budding relationship.
I was absolutely spellbound through the entire book. The author infuses so much heart and feeling into every word and I was either on the brink of tears or giggles through the entire thing. Beau was utterly adorable as a non-typical demon - one who fought insecurities, wrestled with his very demonic nature, and fell head over heels for the one human who made him truly feel! Max was the perfect compliment to Beau - strong and passionate, and not afraid to embrace the new world he was shown. I think they are one of my new favorite couples. Their love and support for each other was beautiful and perfect! Of course, I can't forget Max's best friend, Leland. That boy is his own brand of crazy and everyone should be so lucky to have such a devoted friend.
I knew I would like this story because the author is one of my absolute favorites - I just didn't know that I would fall completely in love with these characters as much as I did. This book is going straight to my list of favorite reads for the year and I honestly can't recommend it enough. I would give it 12* stars if I could! Touching, unique and utterly unforgettable! 💖

[OnePieceOfReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this - i needed a low angst, easy love-dovey read right now. But the ending feels a bit off to me - i just feel like Max could, as they say, have had his cake and ate it too, you know?

Spoilers start below - mostly me ranting about that ending... if you know you know:

Especially since his Dad vaguely suspected, which at that point, i really thought he would have confessed and it would have been an even happier HEA. It just feels unfinished-im not terribly upset with it, still a great fuzzy read, but i wish it had been longer and Max would have been honest with his family. They would have been so happy for them! Who wouldnt have wanted to see that!? #sigh

And i think i get the author was trying to convey how much Max cares for his family by having his ask "did i do the right thing at the end" but it just falles flat and left me feeling icky that it sends on such a note of self doubt when he could have taken more time to make a thoughtful decision! AND it almost makes it seem like he wants to change his mind but what do you do after that?? Just pop up and somehow apologize for forcing your family through another emotional hell! They would ahve all been so happy that he could live forever with his lover without cancer! Ik the whole paranormal world is supposed to be kept secret but whats 3 more people! And why you gotta put the weight of supporting your family emptionally on your bestie like that! What a dick move!

It also seems like his decision to rush his demon transformstion was for Beau to save his reputation in the demon community which was even causing him any immediate issue it sesms! Idk, there didn't seem to be a consequence for his rep sucfering and that seems like a super shallow reason to rush making your family greieve your death AGAIN!

Ok ok, im glad i got that off my chest, for a low ansgt book, the ending sure left me with a lot of angst >:[

But again i really did love the story and their love story, v cute, but like the longer i sit with that ending the more i think that Max is just a fucking dick for that end decision - like wow, i was really in your corner and now im upset that you played your family like that. Grief is nothing to take lightly, even if you should have "died ten years ago" - fuck you.

[Traci S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous, this was such a fun and creative premise. A demon who remembers what it is like to be human, Beau has been spending his long life nursing people in need across the globe. Maxton, is a teen cancer patient when his best friend Leland decides to summon a demon to make a last ditch effort to save Max’ life - for a “favor” of course. Ten years later, Maxton runs into Beau in a different hospital, only a little insulated that Beau doesn’t remember him at first. The characters in this are phenomenal, unique, complex, with a perfect blend of humor and emotion. I don’t think Beau quite understands why he is so drawn to Max or why he chose to save 16 year old Max’s life. But, I loved his human-ness and his affinity for taking care of others. I don’t think I’ve come across a character like him before. Max’s best friend Leland was also a standout, I loved him. He is hilarious and such a supportive presence. And Max, wow what a journey he takes! I will say, this isn’t always an easy read, but that’s a compliment. The author’s writing is really beautiful. Living through illness or watching those you love fighting disease is relatable for many and that keeps the story grounded despite the paranormal elements. I loved that I couldn’t predict where the story would or how a happy ending would be possible for Beau and Max, I flew through reading this to find out. Gosh, the way this works out is beautifully brutal. If a book is going to make me cry, I want it to be worth the tears. Max and Beau are absolutely worth it! I loved every word.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fated Mates

This book hurt and healed me in the best of ways and I can't recommend it enough.

I was incredibly lucky to beta (really, I was just a cheerleader, lets be honest here) read this ahead of time and I will forever be grateful for that!

There isn't a single character in this book that I didn't absolutely love. Leland is like the best friend anyone could ever wish and hope for (even the duct tape bag). Someone willing to summon a demon in your hospital room at night to help save you, as you die slowly from cancer. Even a decade later you can still see their incredible connection, even though he barges in and definitely cock blocks a time or two. But he's always there for Max, in the beginning and at the end. He never leaves his side and will do whatever he can to help him. -Where can I get one of these?!

Max and Beau were truly perfect together and I loved seeing their instant attraction grow to something more and more as we go through the book. How Max always wanted to see the true Beau, and to never hide from him. And Beau being that perfect, adorable lil demon that he is. He felt a connection to this teenager where he was willing to give him "good health" for a favor, that he never truly intended to cash in on. I enjoyed their dates, their simple small moments together, as well as Beau helping Max become secure in his form later on. They were absolutely perfect together and I'm glad they got the ending they did; they absolutely deserved it.

Now. Odessa is known for her "low angst, high heat."
LIES
The way this book absolutely BROKE my heart. Holy. Don't worry because you will absolutely get healed with the perfect HEA but there are some parts where you're feeling that pain.

But speaking of that high heat. WHEW. Now Beau has some *ahem* extra appendages and there are some scenes where they get absolutely wrecked while being used and I was HERE FOR IT. No shame here!

I absolutely loved these two. I loved the world Odessa built and I honestly can't wait to see if there's another book that may take place here!

[Liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn’t on ku at first and then it was. Tbh would have been better if it stayed on not ku. At least then i wouldn’t have read it.

This book is a mixture of a very sad story and hot sex scenes. I’m all for good sex scenes but not shortly after I cried my eyes out. I don’t like sad books. I would never read a Nicolas Sparks book voluntarily. I read a Colleen Hoover book once. I don’t like being sad after finishing a book. And I am fucking sad right now. It’s like with the notebook (never read, never saw the movie, know the plot). ‚But they are dying together at the end‘. Yeah and wasted have their life with not being together. I cannot be happy about that.
That being said I don’t like the deal concept of this book. It doesn’t make sense. Also their solution for their problem was horrible. And why did they have to do it that fast? They could at least think about it for a month. I’m sure there would have been a better way. So I get that Max got 10 years and beau therefore lost 10 years. Beau is around SINCE BEFORE THE ROMAN EMPIRE. How long is his life span? And if I understood that correctly, if he makes a deal and collects his life span extends. So how about making a few more deals, collects and equalize the Max deal? And even if that doesn’t work it’s not like the years really matter for beau. Therefore they could’ve told the family and spare them the heartbreak 🤷‍♀️ basically Max gave up his human life because beau got side eye from the demon community 🤨

Thought I could write this review without spoilers. Turns out I couldn’t.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrible Lovely Demon by Odessa Hywell is a sweet and surprisingly emotional romance between a demon and the human he made a deal with one desperate night.

Ever since being traumatized by watching The Family Stone, my best friend and I have a shorthand way of warning each other about a book or movie or show that brings on the waterworks: “Hidden cancer!” The cancer in this one is not so hidden, but it does bring about more tears than I was expecting from this short and sweet novel. So, be warned, but if that’s not a dealbreaker for you, I recommend this read.

Teenaged Maxton made a deal with a demon to beat cancer. Of course, the demon happened to be the night nurse he had a crush on, but after their bargain, he never saw Beau again. Until 10 years later, when he’s at the ER for a dog bite, but otherwise healthy as hell. Max wants to thank Beau for saving his life, but he’s also still undeniably attracted to the demon/nurse. The two can’t fight their feelings, but will the deal they struck get in the way of finding happiness together?

Beau is such a lovely and lonely demon, and I love how these two fit each other. I also loved Max’s best friend, Leland, who suggested summoning a demon to begin with. There is a lot to love in this short novel, from the sweetness and acceptance between Beau and Max to the hot encounters with various demon benefits. Definitely recommend.