The Demon and the Librarian

Monsters Hollow #1.5

by Chloe Archer

Yuki

Accidentally summoning a sexy demon at work totally isn’t my fault. It’s because of that new addictive soap opera, The Young and the Monstrous, I tell you! They just had to introduce a new mega-hot demon character, so of course I needed to do some research! But my insatiable librarian curiosity has gotten me into hot water, because now I’m magically shackled to a demon who claims he’s my mate. That can’t be a real thing, right? It’s got to be some kind of demon trick...

Kassiel

Being summoned is every demon’s fantasy. Some wait centuries for the momentous occasion. At barely two hundred years of age, I get my lucky day! The Interdimensional Gong of Demonic Destiny rings for little ole me! Wooing Yuki should be a walk in the park, but my trusty seductive wiles aren’t working on my prickly mate—and the clock is ticking. I only have two weeks to convince him to accept our bond or it will be permanently severed. My work is cut out for me, but I’ll do whatever it takes to sneak into his heart.

The Demon and the A Cozy M/M Monster Romance is a 30k novella in the Monsters Hollow universe a dapper demon dandy with a penchant for fine clothing, a far too curious librarian, a summoning involving dirty limericks, a holy water fail, food as the way to any being’s heart, forced proximity, fated mates, and an HEA ending. *Previously published in the Fated Mates MM Paranormal Romance charity anthology of 2023.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Demons, Novella, Magic

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2023

About the author

Chloe Archer writes queer sci-fi and paranormal rom-coms with laugh out loud humor, zany shenanigans, silly acronyms, and plenty of spice!

She currently call Minnesota home, but has lived abroad in places like Montreal, Edinburgh, and Tokyo. She’s hoping to relocate to Scotland permanently in the next few years if the stars align.

Chloe is a fur mama to two adorable Yorkies, Jasper and Teddy, and she loves them in a crazy dog mama kind of way. When she isn’t busy writing, she enjoys visiting friends and family, traveling, reading, binge watching movies and TV shows, and practicing her karaoke skills. She does a mean cover of Pat Benatar and Cher, or so she’s been told.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING 4.5 STARS

The Demon and the Librarian is book #0.75 in the Monsters Hollow series by Chloe Archer. This was such a cute, sweet story of fated mates between a fancy dressing demon and his human librarian!

Yuki Abbott is a human librarian. He’s just gotten his degree and got the job as librarian in Monsters Hollow. Yuki has developed a slight obsession with a soap opera, The Young and the Monstrous which leads him to do what librarians do best, research. He wants to know more about those sexy demons. But he accidentally ends up summoning a demon, one who claims they are mates and have to stay close together for the next two weeks while he woos him! Yuki has been hurt in the past and has no interest in letting it happen again so no, he is not interested in being bound to this demon in any way. But, maybe they can just have some sexy fun during their two weeks together!

Kassiel “Kass” Blackburn is two hundred years old and can’t believe it when the gong rings announcing he is being summoned by his mate! It’s his dream come true! Except when he meets him, his mate doesn’t seem to feel the same way! That’s okay, he has two weeks to convince Yuki that they are destined for each other.

This was so cute. This author has such a fun, cheeky way of telling these stories. Kass was adorable with all his terms of endearment and his efforts to woo Yuki! I also have to mention that Kass has a VERY talented tail! I’ll just leave that for you to think about! This was a fun, sweet, sexy story that made me smile.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Vanessa GLP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute 😊

[Xiomara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to finish, but it was so cute. I really enjoyed it. I thought it had so many cute and adorable moments. I really enjoyed how the relationship progressed and of course I got a happy ending I wanted which I love.

[Lori R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many swoony moments! Kass and Yuki are the sweetest!

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paranormal Romance
Series: Monsters Hollow
Format: digital - KU

This was a fun and quick little read! The plot was minimal, but it was quite entertaining and the characters were likable and amusing. I can see myself reading other books in the series.

Tags and Content Warnings:
m/m, pnr, demons, monsters, novella, mating bond, librarian, clothing designer, wooing, courting period, accidental demon summoning, sweet demon, sassy librarian, chatting and messaging, explicit content, spicy, soulmates, dirty limericks as mating gifts, dual pov, series, short and sweet

Tropes:
fated mates, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and they were roommates… sort of

Spice:
🌶️🌶️

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yuki & Kassiel
Rating: 3.4⭐

- Librarian/Clothing Designer
- Human/Demon
- Fated Mates
- Courtship Period
- Tail Play
- Paranormal
- Dirty Limericks
- Forced Proximity

Yuki has a thirst for knowledge which gets him into a whoopsie by accidentally summoning a demon. Not any demon, his fated mate! Yuki doesn't believe Kass and is trying to find a way to send him back to where he came from. Kass only has so much time to court his mate. If his mate doesn't accept him, then he has to go back home and suffer an existence without ever truly experiencing love. The clock is ticking, who will get their wish first?

Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language

Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: 20's & 200

[Danis ❤️ MM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally read as part of a Fates Mates anthology. Super cute, quick story about a sweet librarian and the demon who's trying to convince him they're fated mates before time runs out.

[MN Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demons can only be summoned by their fated mates. That is a new concept for me in Demon tropes. Human librarian Yuki works in a paranormal safe community night library. While wondering the shelves, he finds a book and reads the inscription. Here comes Kassiel, his fated mate and fashion designer. He must work to get Yuki to accept their bond and only has two weeks to do it.

I loved this book and how Kass just went for it and the flowery words and stuff between them was great. I can't wait to read more about Monster's Hollow.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yuki loves being a librarian. One of the things that makes him perfect for the job is his insatiable curiosity, something he curses when he reads an incantation from a sketchy book and a dashing demon appears claiming to be his mate. Yuki is convinced it’s a trick but is also afraid for it to be true bc he’s convinced every partner will get bored of him and leave. Kassiel is only two centuries old, fairly young to be called by his mate, so he’s shocked but ecstatic when the portal opens for him. He isn’t prepared for Yuki’s sarcastic, uncooperative attitude, but he *is* intrigued.

I like that Kass has to earn Yuki’s partnership, which only starts to happen when they have an open and honest conversation. Yuki doesn’t really want the mate bond and is biding his time for the courtship period to end so he can get rid of Kass. While he can ignore Kass’s playboy pick-up lines, he finds it harder to ignore his kindness, charm and genuine affection.

For demons, bonding with their fated mate is revered bc it’s the only way they can experience romantic love. Kass yearns for that connection but recognizes he’ll have to earn Yuki’s trust. Though I would have liked to see Yuki falling for Kass since his emotional development happens off page, I found the story funny and entertaining. I enjoyed the setting of Mystic Hollow colloquially known as Monster’s Hollow as it’s a sanctuary for being of all kinds and the intros to the chapters that feature some hilarious forum chats and book excerpts.

[ME E · Rating 5 out of 5]

YUKI and KASS are life!!!

I loved this story so much. This is not only a wonderful intro into the author's Monster Hollow series (which I now plan to binge) but it's also a great story in general.

Kass is charming and hilarious and oh so sexy. He finds his perfect match when the Interdimentional Gong of Demonic Destiny rings and summons him to his mate! Ahhhh. Seriously I loved every word. 10+/10 Highly Recommend.

Can I also rejoice in the Asian rep?! Because seriously I need it all.

[Mama Bear's Fabulous Book finds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series!

I am adoring this cozy monster romance series by Ms Archer! Kassial is just so cocky and confident in himself, but is still a big softie. Yuki is a real spitfire. Whew..that man has some serious snark and I am loving it.

And Chucky! This "not a gremlin" is hilarious as Kass' sidekick.

This can totally be read as a standalone if you are on the fence about this series, but I will let you know this... Once you read one of these books, you will be hooked and immediately gobble up the other two full length books and one other novella.

My ONLY complaint is that I wished it was longer. But isnt that always the way when we love a story? We don't want it to end!!

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring!

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I need Kassiel to make me some delicious japanese food!!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so cute, I almost can't stand it. Yuki & Kass are so damn sweet.

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉."

Kassiel and Yuki take us on their journey in Tʜᴇ Dᴇᴍᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Lɪʙʀᴀʀɪᴀɴ by Chloe Archer, a novella in the Monsters Hollow series.

Kassiel has been waiting to be summoned by his fated mate for 200 years and when he finally gets his chance, he is met with Yuki, a prickly little librarian he needs to convince to bond with him.

Yuki is the new night librarian in Mystic Hollow. One night at work, he stumbles upon an interesting book and his curiosity gets the better of him. After reading the words aloud he summons Kassiel, a demon and his mate.

Kassiel and Yuki's journey is a quick read filled with snarky banter. I struggled a little with this one as I wasn't really feeling the connection between Kassiel and Yuki but nevertheless, it was still a nice little addition to the Monsters Hollow world.

If you enjoy...

🏳️‍🌈 MM • 😈 Paranormal • Monster • 📚 Demon • Human • 😈 Fated Mates • 📚 Age Gap • 🎙️ Dual, First

...this book may be for you!

I am excited to journey back into Mystic Hollow for Vash's story as I am a sucker for a Scottish hero.

🍁🍁🍁🍁

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adored Kassiel

Another novella set in Monsters Hollow to love. It's funny and sweet and Kassiel is simply a darling, who has finally found his own darling. Yuki is a bit spiky and can't believe that he accidently summoned a demon who announces that they are fated mates.
I loved Kass and Yuki together, with Kass trying to win over his mate while Yuki is trying oh so hard not to be won over, despite the fact that the demon couldn't be any more perfect for him. I loved Kass' sidekick, Chucky, too. He's a great character and made me smile.
I would have liked to see Yuki travel with Kass to the demon realm to meet his parents, who were lovely when we saw them at the beginning of the story. I'd also have liked to see the reverse, with Kass being introduced to Yuki's family, but this was originally a story for an anthology so I can't complain that it wasn't quite long enough for me.
In summary, Chloe is an author I love and she never disappoints, and her writing and characters always leap off the page.

[DC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really tried to like this more. The deniens of Monsters Hollow are a fun and fascinating bunch. But I felt a bit let down with this one. Kassiel took some time to warm up to, but once I did, I thought he was a total sweetheart. Yuki, on the other hand, dragged the whole story down for me. I found him a bit too passsive aggressive and his constant poo pooing on the idea fated mates was irritating and made no sense. He lives in a world with Otherworld beings and is magically tethered to a demon who stepped through a portal. But yet it is still too much of a stretch for him to believe in fated mates. He came around at the end and it was all sweet and such, but I still thought he was a jerk.
As for the writing, mostly good but the errors that kept popping up were just sloppy and pulled me out of the story.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuki and Kassiel story about a demon and human pairing was exhilarating and pretty hilarious as well as enjoyable.
I really liked to return to Monsters Hollow universe and see how another pairing find their happiness.
I really liked the fact Kassiel had to work to win Yuki love as well as truly enjoyed to see all his attempts in winning his heart.
I liked the Japanese aspect of the story, the library and their hobbies as well as the residents that give a hand in helping their progress.
I loved their mating ritual and all the attention Yuki receives aa well as the way they learn more about each other and find things in common.
I really loved the story and I want more of this universe and see more happy pairings.

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Demon and the Librarian may be shorter in length, but it is packed with charm, humor, and heart. Yuki is a wonderfully prickly and curious librarian who accidentally summons Kassiel, a dapper demon with a flair for the dramatic. Their dynamic is hilarious and irresistible, especially as Kassiel tries every trick to win over his reluctant mate.

The story blends laugh-out-loud moments with genuine sweetness, creating a romance that feels both playful and tender. The magical mishaps, the forced proximity, and the fated mates twist make this novella a fast-paced joy to read. Despite its shorter length, the relationship feels satisfying and complete, and it adds even more dimension to the Monsters Hollow universe.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I first read this in the Fated Mates Paranormal Anthology. I reread it when I decided I wanted to dive into this series and, yup, feel the same as I did then. So, I'll keep it as short and sweet:

This is definitely preferable to the Bogeyman novella in this series, as I felt it flowed much more naturally. It was a guy who accidentally summoned a demon, only to be told by said demon that they were fated mates. Yuki was not sold on this idea, as he'd had his heart broken before, so our dapper dandy demon, Kassiel, had his work cut out for him! It was funny, sweet, and I adored Kassiel's sidekick, Chucky.

Definitely recommend this, especially if you enjoy humor with your romance!

[Tracey Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my newer favorite authors, Chloe Archer's Mystic Hollow is a cool place to visit & helped make this one of my favorite stories in this bundle (that I've read thus far) and makes me even more eager for the Orc & the Manny, coming soon in this same series. Kass & Yuki were amazing together, the chapter-headers were great (she tends to do that in most of her books), & the snark, sass, chemistry, creativity & originality make this one super fun to read - with steamy bits to warm you up. Great job!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Demon and the Librarian is another entry in the Monsters Hollow series. The world the author created is an adorable place where monsters and humans live together in peace but not without some species and cultural misunderstandings.

Yuki is a serious librarian who accidentally summons someone who turns out to be hid mate. Kassiel was overflowing with confidence in his ability to woo his mate, though he didn't at first expect him to not know what he was doing. But as with most fated mate tales, the two find more and more ways that they complement each other.

[Elizabeth D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this in the Fated Mates Anthology and gave it a reread as the next Monsters’ Hollow book is coming out. This was a fun example of why reading spells (or limericks) aloud from books may not be the best idea. Yuki’s check ins with his online friends was entertaining as Kass tried to convince him of what was going on between them. It was fun to see them actually get to know one another and get past surface attraction and assumptions. I liked the twists to summoning and demon tropes. Everything happens fast, but I thought it made sense within the fated mate bond.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but I wish it were longer so we could have gotten more info about demons and mate bonds and such. I'm not sure why we got two short novellas to introduce us to the world we get when we start The Orc and the Manny, but to each their own. Both of them could have just been full length in this series. I definitely know some side characters that deserve books of their own so I hope the author takes those into consideration.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light, low angst, and quickly read. These are my favorite types of books. This story is a fated mates book between sexy demon Kass and cute prickly librarian Yuki. The pairing is perfect, a hopeful demon and grumpy librarian who isn’t sure that being fated to a demon is the romantic relationship he is looking for. Deciding to step up for their future, Kass pulls out all the stops to convince Yuki his heart is safe with him. This series is a great way to start 2024!!

[Kirstine Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the rare shorter stories (117 pages) that gets four stars.

When the elegant demon Kassiel is summoned the human realm to meet his fated mate, he is horrified by the beautiful man's wardrobe, not to mention footwear. Yuki is just generally horrified.

Yuki stomps a tragically shod foot in frustration. “For godsakes, I didn’t summon you!” He frowns. “Or if I did, I didn’t mean to. And don't call me darling!”

Delightful, every last bit of it.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Monsters Hallows universe from Chloé "Archer, and if you have read the prequel the Bogeyman and the Schoolteacher, you will understand that it is just a sweet fun heartfelt hilarious world. Get ready for heaps of snark and chemistry that we've all come to know and love from Chloé "Archer.
This is again a lot of fun!

[Nicole van Dongen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuki is the most adorable librarian ever! He's never been enough for his love interests to hang around for, so he has serious commitment issues. Kassiel is just the demon to prove that he's worth fighting for! Even though he starts off as kind-of a turd, he is the sweetest demon. These two are so adorable even when fighting. I think this is my favorite couple in Monster Hollow so far!

[Dreamcastle100 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, funny, tearful and touching story! I felt so sorry for the demons who were rejected by their mates.
My heart almost stopped at some moments, and tears rolled from my eyes.
And what happens if the mate refused, but changed their mind after a while, and wanted to be with their demon, but it was too late? What then?
Added to "favorites".

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Sweet fated mates story

Kass and Yuki's story is a nice take on the fated mates trope. Kass's arrival in Mystic Hollow which came as quite the shock to Librarian Yuki despite his part in the demon's appearance. The timeframe dictated by the mating lore lends itself to a shorter novel, so this feels like it's the right length, making it a quick but satisfyingly sweet read.