Fresh off her finalized divorce, Lila Hartley’s idea of a celebration is a trip to the local bookstore in her new small town of Mistwood, West Virginia, a place known only for making tabloid headlines with sightings of Bigfoot in the bowling alley and rumors that the mayor is actually Mothman. Ready to get her groove back, this curvy girl dons her favorite party dress when she walks through the doors of The Devil’s Den, looking to treat herself to a cup of coffee and some raunchy romances to fill her empty hours.
What she doesn’t expect to find in this old church turned bookstore and coffee shop is its owner, Azrael Blackthorn - tall, dark, handsome, and a literal demon. His offer to make all of her problems disappear at the small cost of her soul has Lila taking a hard pass. But an unexpected curve ball further derailing her life gets her reconsidering. Too bad for Lila, the original price has gone up in flames - because this split-tongued businessman has decided there’s something he wants even more than Lila’s soul…
What happens when the terms of their arrangement really start to heat up? Will the truth about Mistwood have Lila turning tail back to her old life? Or can a certain demon convince her that this paranormal hotspot might just be the perfect place to find herself… and maybe even find love?
Welcome to Mistwood, WV - a small town where the monsters are real and so is the romance.
Dirty Deals Over Decaf is the first novella in a small town, monster romance series, and it includes open door scenes intended for adult readers. An Author Note about the content is included at the beginning of the book for your consideration.
Tropes: ~devil hero ~divorced heroine ~small town ~bargain /deal ~spicy
I really enjoyed this novella! I instantly clicked with the writing style and want to know more about this town that’s full of paranormal creatures! Also brownie points for a devil hero who looks similar to JDM (loved the Negan reference af the beginning 😉). Not to mention he owns a bookstore/coffee shop and enjoys reading romance novels.
If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics:
“Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes What doesn't kill me makes me want you more”
Listen, this book is like taking a shot of cinnamon whiskey—sweet, spicy, and over way too fast. You will enjoy the ride, but you’ll also wonder where your pants went by the time it’s over.
We’ve got Lila—freshly divorced and serving “Hot Girl New Beginnings” energy—rolling into Mistwood, a town so cozy it probably smells like pumpkin spice and mild danger. She stumbles into a bookstore (as one does), only to find it’s run by Azrael, a smoldering demon with more red flags than a matador convention. Naturally, sparks fly. And maybe a few infernal pacts get tossed around like party favors.
The story is part Hallmark movie, part “Oops, I Fell for Satan,” and I was living for the supernatural small-town vibes. Chupacabra? Check. Mystery? Check. Demon boyfriend material? Double check.
But heads up: this book doesn’t just move fast—it sprints like it stole something from Hell’s gift shop. One second you’re meeting the townsfolk, the next you’re neck-deep in demon flirtation, existential decisions, and magical mayhem. It’s less of a slow burn and more of a magical quickie in the bookstore stacks—with plot twists flying at you like horny bats in the night.
If you’re craving a cute, spicy, supernatural romp that won’t overstay its welcome, grab this one. But if you’re hunting for deep lore and slow-burn anything, you might want to look elsewhere—or just bring a seatbelt. Things escalate fast.
I went into this thinking it was just going to be super unserious and funny. To my surprise, I got a little choked up in the beginning. There’s a BRIEF topic of a parent having cancer in this book and as someone who has lost a parent to cancer the phrase “it is what it is” is near and dear to my heart. There were a lot of things that feel like it was written about my mom and my life and I just really resonated with the beginning of this book. Now down to the nitty gritty of the story itself. Lila just went through an awful divorce and ends up moving to a small, quaint town in WV. She goes to this bookstore with an amazing cafe and meets the owner and finds out.. he’s a demon! They end up striking a deal and the rest is history. I won’t say too much more because it is a shorter story but it packs a punch and truly got me out of my slump. If you want a cozy, small town, fall vibes type of book I highly recommend picking this one up. We all need an Az in our lives! He is THE book boyfriend.
So here’s the thing—I came for demons and dirty talk, not therapy sessions and fridge-magnet wisdom. Dirty Deals Over Decaf promised me monster smut in a small-town setting, but what I got was a lukewarm coffee shop motivational speech with a demon who talks like a guidance counselor.
Our FMC Lila is 35, curvy, freshly divorced, and full of potential. Loved that premise. I was ready to watch her get worshipped and wrecked by a morally questionable monster. But instead? We get cliché after cliché: the ex who didn’t love her curves, the tragic phone call about her mother’s cancer, the “reinvent yourself” life-coach speech from a demon named Azrael who has all the personality of a granite countertop.
The chemistry? Nonexistent. The smut? Cringe. The dialogue? Yikes. And don’t get me started on the author inserting herself into the story like this was a fantasy therapy journal thinly disguised as a romance.
I gave it 50%. That’s generous. I kept hoping the heat would kick in or the plot would save it. It didn’t.
This one’s for readers who like their monsters neutered and their sex scenes drowned in self-reflection. If you’re looking for something spicy and emotional? Keep walking.
This was an enjoyable quick, easy, and spicy read. This would have been a great read for me during October, but unfortunately, I was in a bit of a reading slump.
The imagery in this was so well done, that I had a great time trying to imagine how places looked- especially the massive Church that was renovated into a book store.
I wish I saw more between Lila and her ex- would have made for a great addition to the novella if he came groveling back just to be utterly destroyed by AZ.
Short + spicy + spooky season + emotionally intelligent mmc + plus size fmc … = smash
Extra points for my first fantasy tail f***ing
💬 Quote: “Some of the more detailed ones read like a downright instruction manual for what women truly desire. More men could learn a thing or two from adding a little more variety to their reading list, I’d say.” (And HE said it… PURR💅)
This was such a quick, fun, and sexy read. I can’t wait for the next in this series of small town monster romances. And I love the author’s nickname, the Moth Ma’am. LOL!
....i really wanna like this book.... 🤭🤭🫣the part where he tells Lila he's a demon.... 27%: .5🌶️/ 5🌶️ Don't talk about it be about it..... 40%: uugghhh.... this was so slow and then i got bored. you know... when you get to that point where you're rereading a paragraph more than once.... My best friend finished it. i told her i admire her for being able to continue, you go girl!!
A quick fun read that shows now all demon deals end how you may expect. It was such a cute read that I read it in one go. Sweet ending and curious to read the next book in this series.
There is something irrevocably sexy about demons. You don’t really know what you’re getting yourself in for, and that can be frightening, which is all a part of the fun when you’re reading monster romance.
Lila, our female main character, is newly divorced and ready for a fresh start. After moving to a new town, she decides to celebrate, not with champagne and caviar, but with books and coffee. My kinda gal. If there was no spice in this book, I would still be incredibly invested, due to the bookshop. Housed in an old church, more books than one could read in a lifetime, coffee shop and a whole section devoted to monster romance, I’ve got a new fantasy here, minotaurs just got pushed down the list.
Ordering a decaf and a sweet treat, Lila settles down to take in her surroundings when she meets the owner of her new favourite establishment, a charming older man by the name of Azrael. As they chat and get to know each other he reveals he’s a demon, her new home is full of monsters and he’d like to offer her a deal. A lot to swallow in a short amount of time, but this is a short book, so I’ll forgive the exposition explosion.
As demon deals usually go, he offers her whatever she wants in exchange for her soul. As tempting as it would be, she refuses, and they go their separate ways, until she finds out she does need a miracle, and she may as well ask her bookish demon for help but the deal is off the table. Azrael want’s something a little different in exchange, a date.
The rest of the book focuses fully on their date, so not really a plot heavy tome here, but that's ok. It’s a quick fun read, full of spice and warmth. Despite the “demons are scary” thoughts that have been hardwired into her, Lila realises Azrael is quite the cinnamon roll type of guy. Peppered between lustful tension and devilish deeds, there’s a nice amount of worldbuilding. We meet some of the other inhabitants of Mistwood, get a bit of a tour, and some incredibly wholesome moments like when Azrael fulfills his side of the deal.
The spice is well written, some daddy demon dom comes through which is always a treat and Lila is enjoying every minute of it. Azrael teases a bit, edging can be cruel when you’re just getting hot and heavy with the sexiest man you’ve ever seen, but he makes up for it by letting her go for a shopping spree in his bookshop. All she wants is hers. Swoon. She of course heads straight for monster romance, but don’t worry, we get back to the monster-fucking part of the programme quickly enough.
The fun really starts when they get to his bedroom, conveniently just upstairs from all those delicious books. We have claws, forked tongues, horns, you know, traditional demon stuff, then there’s tail play. If I didn’t know I wanted to be spanked by a tail, I do now. There’s also a bit of religious play, which, if this wasn’t included, would have felt like a missed opportunity. Come on now, a demon who lives in an old church and we don’t get some worship and some light scolding whenever she mentions “god? That would be a sin, plus the line “My name will be the only one on your lips tonight, understood?” made me feel all sorts of things. Mostly horny. This book is probably about 60% smut but it doesn’t get dull for one second. Crowe has an obvious talent when it comes to writing the spicy side of things and while I usually like a bit more plot, I couldn’t tear my eyes from the page.
What could be assumed as just a spicy story does have some hidden depth as well. Throughout, Azrael keeps reminding Lila to just do what she wants, say what she wants, start living for herself, and when she does, she finds herself really shining. It’s satisfying to see her grow from someone somewhat damaged to living life on her terms.
If you’re here for the spice, I would definitely bother or if you’re just here for a short fun read, would bother too. This is the first book in a relatively new series and I’m looking forward to future releases.
The content warning for "Dirty Deals Over Decaf" begins with a tantalizing promise: "And by that, I mean there's at least one chapter that has over five thousand words of pure, demon-lovin' smut." From that moment, I knew I was in for a thrilling ride. Lila, recently divorced and seeking a fresh start, finds herself unexpectedly thrust into a new world during a late-night bookstore visit.
Az, the alluring demon she encounters, quickly becomes the ultimate book boyfriend, even if he’s not of this world. Who wouldn’t dream of having free rein in a bookstore and an enigmatic demon offering to make your problems disappear? Written from Lila's first-person perspective, this quick, steamy monster romance delivers a satisfying happily ever after.
I'm particularly excited for the next book in the series, and I appreciate that readers can get Az’s POV through Crowe's newsletter. While a dual POV would have added more depth, Lila’s voice is engaging enough to carry the story on its own.
**Triggers:** - Explicit sexual content - Demon-related themes
"Dirty Deals Over Decaf" is a fun, quick read perfect for fans of steamy monster romances and small-town settings with a paranormal twist. Eden Crowe crafts a delightful story that keeps you hooked from start to finish, making you eager for the next installment.
This little spicey monster romance novella was just what i needed. The small town vibes are like Mystic Falls (the vampire diaries) meats Stars Hallow (gilmore girls)
Lila is a sassy, and confident plus sized fmc. She’s fresh from finally having her divorce finalized, and just moved to this new little town that’s known for its supernatural sightings. She takes it with a my groan of salt until she meets Azrael, a sharply dressed, s3xy as sin 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯.
Their bargain takes them on a date where he’s determined to show her what the town has to offer under its glamour. along the way he reminds her of who she is, what she worth, and what she wants.
i was hooked right from the beginning, and love the sassy humor Lila brings to the table. I also love how she’s so confident in herself and her body. it’s refreshing to read from a plus size fmc pov, even after how her ex husband treated her.
“He’s like the perfect mix between danger and Daddy.” “The white tie he’s paired with it would almost make him appear priestly, if it wasn’t for the unholy truth he’s hiding.”
The spice was Spiiicing, and it’s making me wish i had my own demon daddy too 😈
Thank you so much @edencroweauthor for the chance to read this amazing little novella. i can’t wait to see what happens in the next one! the little sneak peek has me hooked already!
I absolutely devoured this book. Everything about it appealed to me. I really wish I was Lila or could move to Mistwood. The story is so fast paced from start to finish. The characters are all brilliant. Love the couple in the diner and would be great to hear their story. The description of the magic at the lake was so good I could shut my eyes and picture it.
Honestly I didn’t want this book to end.
Lila is a recently divorced 30 something moving to a new town. Love the fact she is a curvy girl - as I am - which appealed to me. I’m also a great book lover and the bookstore seemed like a place I’d get lost in. The owner is the MMC in this book Azrael who meets Lila in the coffee shop within the bookstore. From there the rest of the book explores their first date. Which was both amazing and hot 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much Eden Crowe for letting me read this book. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
This a definitely a book for those who like romance with spice - check the trigger warnings. It’s not your normal type of romance due to the characters in the book who reside in Mistwood but they are what makes this book stand out from normal romance books. Anyone wanting a different type of romance book with spice go get this asap. I don’t think you will regret it.
Eden Crowe’s Dirty Deals Over Decaf offers a loose but tantalizing reimagining of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale. Lila, a book-loving divorcee seeking a fresh start, embodies the role of the beauty, while Azrael, the enigmatic demon with a penchant for the unconventional, is a captivating reinterpretation of the beast. Their story unfolds amidst a backdrop of magic and desire, as Lila navigates a world beyond her imagination.
This captivating novella sweeps readers into a world of magic and desire, and the TWs promise of a "demon-lovin' smut" chapter is no exaggeration; it's a fiery scene that ignites the narrative.
Crowe's writing is engaging and the pace is perfect for a quick, enjoyable read. While the novella is brief, it effectively develops Lila's character arc as she learns to embrace the unknown and assert her desires. The world-building, particularly the charming, magical small-town setting, is another strong point.
If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a generous dose of steam, Dirty Deals Over Decaf is a must-read. Crowe’s ability to craft a captivating world and develop endearing characters makes this novella a standout in the genre.
35, recently divorced, and new in town, Lila’s prospects for the future seem rather bleak. Lila moved to picturesque small town West Virginia to start over, reinvent herself after the divorce. It’s been weeks, she hasn’t even unpacked and hope seems like something in her rearview.
As a book lover, she turns to a source of comfort that many of us share, the local bookstore: The Devil’s Den a bookstore inside an old cathedral that of course includes a coffee shop. The handsome bookstore owner, looking like a character from one of her books, takes an interest in the new girl in town. The sweet silver-tongued Devil has her giggling and kicking her feet in no time.
Mistwood, West Virginia isn’t like most towns. It’s a haven of sorts- for the monsters, cryptids, and other things that go bump (or hump) in the night. I received an ARC of this book and am super excited to read the next installment about a certain Sasquatch in town. So grab this quick, cute read and see just how wild and wonderful things are in West Virginia.
Okay I downloaded this book for the cute cover, the fall vibes, and the fact that it was a monster romance. Lo' and behold, the book is set in the fictional town of Mistwood, West Virginia! Which had me SO excited because books are hardly ever set in my home state! Then come to find out the author is local too!? WHAT A FIND! I was just so giddy and happy this entire book! Basically she's a newly divorcee who moves to a small town. The town has a cute coffee shop/book store that is ran by a hot demon. She bargains with him, and instead of her soul, she bargains a date. Of course they hit it off and fall in love. Azrael is the epitome of gentleman and so swoon worthy. He validates her for who she is and motivates her to do big things. Plus he tries to cook for her while wearing a deviled egg apron... GET IT!? I died laughing. The best parts were all the Appalachian flavors added in like an appreciation for good biscuits and gravy and small town kindness/support. This book was such a pleasant surprise and I'm so glad I randomly came across it! It's cute and spicy... PERFECTION!
Firstly, if there's even a whiff of a cinnamon-roll MMC, that's me fully on board and fully invested! And that's certainly what our demon, Az, was! Without giving too much away, he's the bartering kind of demon, and doesn't ask for much in return for what he gives. I need three things from this demon: his house, his shop, and his skills 😏
Not only is he super sweet, but we get a brief tour of the town and some of its residents, which really has me excited for all upcoming stories in this series.
Lila was a great FMC. While the story is short (about a 2hr read—perfect for a one-sit vacation read!), there is a lot of personal development and she learns not only acceptance of the unknown, but the ability to ask for what she wants.
Surprise bonus chapter from the next book in the series at the end—can't wait to get my hands on it!
I found this story fast and entertaining. We follow Lila who has recently divorced and after that, moves into a small town that quickly reveals itself as a local monster hotspot. She meets Azrael, the local demon and bookstore owner, and he offers her a trade for her soul. At first, she's hesitant to accept but when she changes her mind, so does Azrael. A date for whatever she wishes. But which of them is getting the better deal?
I found the chemisty between the two main characters absolutely sizzling and their date was so adorable. Azrael really took the time to introduce the town to her and as they talked more, the two of them grew closer and closer. I also really loved how he put her first, both on their date, during their spicy scenes and even after (despite him being a little shit for a moment). And he did fix things pretty well even after the small mishap!
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this and enjoyed my time in Mistwood.
As a West Virginian, I’m always excited to find books that take place in my state! The cozy town of Mistwood is a place I would really like to visit.
Lila is trying to start life over - getting over her divorce from her less than caring husband and moving to a new town seems like the best way to go about that. She’s not too thrilled about her new apartment but likes the cozy little town it’s situated in so she sets out to explore Mistwood. Lila’s first shocker comes when she stumbles across a bookshop that happens to be owned by a demon. The second and biggest shocker is this extremely handsome demon will do A LOT to procure even just one date with Lila.
Will Lila make a deal with the demon and have the night of her life? Or will she get cold feet and return to her mundane life with a man that didn’t appreciate her?
I've got to be honest, when I start these monster novellas my hopes and my standards are low. I mean, how much quality can you really fit into 120(ish) pages? Oddly enough, with Dirty Deals Over Decaf, you can get quite a bit of quality in there.
This was such a cozy, happy little read. The brief bit of strife that Lila faces is quickly and honestly, pretty quietly resolved and we're left with a night long date between Lila and Azrael to fulfill a deal. Az takes Lila out and shows her the small, monster-filled town to entice her to stay. There's really not much to it at all and that's what makes this so well done.
I loved this. It was a great palate cleanser to help prevent a slump.
Oh my goodness!!! This was unreal, I absolutely love it. It was a quick read but so worth it, it doesn't feel quick but in a good way 😅. You're so immersed in the story that you will find it hard to put down. I love how confident Lila is in her own skin and the love she has for her mum.
Lila learns to put herself first and really understand what she wants with the help of Azrael. I love that we get to learn a little about the town and the people who live there, which prepare us for the coming books and I can't wait to continue this series.
This was given to me as an ARC read, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love the idea of the world Eden Crowe has started to create in the first installment of the Small Town Monster Romances series! Extremely HOT, pun intended, & sexy MMC could be my dream man (owns a bookstore/coffee shop) and can make all your dreams come true... for a price. The instant connection was palpable - the FMC's inner dialogue was hilarious, and I totally love her!
I can't tell you enough that these two have some wildly hot moments!! I devoured this book in hours and I need more!
" Cocking my head to the side, I ask with a curious expression, "Don't you mean an angel? The opposite of a demon would be an angel, wouldn't it? Not a human." He doesn't look the slightest bit put off. In fact, a grin tugs at the corner of his lips, "Whatever you say, Angel." " (Chapter 5)
" At first, I think the apron is covered in white polka dots, but upon closer inspection, I realize the pattern is, in fact, tiny devilled eggs. " (Chapter 9)
STOPP, this book was so cute 🥰
And there's a bonus chapter?? Yes please 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was HOOKED on this book before chapter one. I am a girlie that reads a trigger list like a menu and says “yes please” to almost everything on that list” the content warning. The fact that the FMC was not only a curvy woman but was also not freshly 21 or right out of school was refreshing and made it so easy to relate to her. When I started reading this I didn’t realize that it was a novella and was disappointed when it ended so soon. I could read 200 more pages or more about Azrael and Lila. This is a small town romance which isn’t usually my thing but it is also paranormal/ monster romance which is DEFINITELY my thing. I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go when Lila first declined Azrael’s deal and pretty much ran away from him upon finding out that he is a demon. I loved all of this novella and I can’t wait for more books to come out in the series so I can meet more residents of Mistwood.
The paranormal short romance with a very great smut, Dirty Deals Over Decaf is a must-read Eden Crowe's writing is engaging, captivating world and the pace is perfect for a quick. The world-building, particularly the charming, magical small-town setting, is another strong point. Wish the story was a bit longer. I can’t wait for more books in the series so I can meet more residents of Mistwood. This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy.
The only thing better than a smalltown romance is a monster smalltown romance! I Devoured this book, it was fast paced , filled with humor and spice.
our fmc is in her 30's plus sized, and recently divorced. to celebrate her recent divorce, she goes to the bookstore in her new town and finds out that the smalltown rumors of monster's living in her town are real when a Demon offers her a deal.
A cute, quirky, monster romance. This was an enjoyable, easy read.
I enjoyed the main characters and their banter throughout. I did think it was going to be more of a satirical comedy but it was more serious than I expected and I would consider it more cutesy romance.
I would consider this a slow burn being that everything really kicked off (🌶️) around 50%. However, it’s a novella so that did happen pretty quick. 😅
If you’re looking for a cute and easy read I totally recommend.
Lila & Az. Human & Demon. After her divorce Lila finds herself in a new small town trying to restart her life. Her love for smutty romance novels lands her at the local book store owned & operated by Az the local demon. Lila & Az make a deal for one date….but that changes the very way she thinks about her life. This book had such a good setting & a decent plot. I could have used a little more. But it was wonderfully written! Can’t wait to read book 2!