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Passing Through Cafe #1
Passing Through Purgatory
When Oliver applied for a job in the Hell dimension on a whim, he didn’t expect it to turn his whole world—or his heart—entirely upside down.
Recently graduated at twenty-six, and two months behind on rent, Oliver Barnes is desperate. So desperate, in fact, that he applies for a job in the Greed district of Hell’s Pentagram. But when he misses his train and, subsequently, his job interview, he stumbles, instead, upon a strange little coffee shop in the middle of Purgatory’s barren desert—and into an unexpected opportunity.
It isn’t the job he came to Hell for, but maybe it’s exactly the job he needs.
As he navigates the demon dimension and tries to survive the ridiculous shenanigans of his unholy co-workers, Oliver soon falls head-over-ass for a tentacled lawyer with electric fingers and a deadly-sharp grin. Together, they discover that, sometimes, love and happiness can be just a train ride away.
Join Oliver and the rest of the eccentric staff of The Passing Through Cafe in Nik Knight’s new rom-com urban fantasy series, full of found family, embarrassing encounters, spicy situations, and love that crosses dimensions
Recently graduated at twenty-six, and two months behind on rent, Oliver Barnes is desperate. So desperate, in fact, that he applies for a job in the Greed district of Hell’s Pentagram. But when he misses his train and, subsequently, his job interview, he stumbles, instead, upon a strange little coffee shop in the middle of Purgatory’s barren desert—and into an unexpected opportunity.
It isn’t the job he came to Hell for, but maybe it’s exactly the job he needs.
As he navigates the demon dimension and tries to survive the ridiculous shenanigans of his unholy co-workers, Oliver soon falls head-over-ass for a tentacled lawyer with electric fingers and a deadly-sharp grin. Together, they discover that, sometimes, love and happiness can be just a train ride away.
Join Oliver and the rest of the eccentric staff of The Passing Through Cafe in Nik Knight’s new rom-com urban fantasy series, full of found family, embarrassing encounters, spicy situations, and love that crosses dimensions
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 13, 2024
About the author
Nik Knight
34 books667 followersNik Knight (they/them) is a born and bred Hoosier living in a top-secret location in Europe. They are a single parent to two wonderful gremlins, and they write love in all its forms.
When they aren’t busy adulting, Nik can be found in their writing nook, typing away as their fingers turn to nubs.
When they aren’t busy adulting, Nik can be found in their writing nook, typing away as their fingers turn to nubs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews
October 8, 2024
I need something depressing really quickly to come down from the giggling high this book has given me. Jesus, I can't stop laughing and my face already hurts from it.
It's not necessarily the kind of story I prefer and I was a little skeptical at first and had some trouble getting into it. But that's just me. All the ridiculously exuberant characters in here were a touch OTT too intense for me.
But, Oliver grew on me pretty quickly and then I couldn't help but giggle to myself constantly. All these demons are so wonderful. Not only are they amusing, there are countless hidden depths here and I look forward to more from this universe. Rusty, Gem, Toni, Jude, Zef even possibly Tad, oh I sense so much potential. I fear there is some addictive tendency here.
But this first part is about Ollie, the human, and Liel, the demon. My goodness, they are perfectly cute together. I love how the development of this relationship is set up. At first I thought it was annoying how long it takes to get to intimacy, but no, it's really perfect. They have enough sex ... incredible amount of sex when they finally get to it, but everything before that was deliciously worth it.
And the little romantic things ... and the visit to the parents ... and the declaration of their love. Oh yes, I have lots of little hearts in my eyes.
“Boring underwear, suits and ties, and only one pair of shorts,” Oliver tsked. “And I thought you’d be interesting.”
“You insult me, Mr. Barnes!” Oliver’s cheeks ached from smiling, but he couldn’t stop. “I have fun underwear, very immature and childish.”
“Oh? So it’s always a party in your pants?” Liel wriggled his brow cartilage.
“Yes, but it’s VIP only.”
Liel’s shoulders shook with his laughter. “No open door policy?”
“Nope, invite only.” Oliver hid his burning face in his pillow as Liel guffawed at the ceiling. 💗😂💗
He was here, and Liel was so close. And it was real. Oh god, it was real.
“What did you know?” Oliver asked. And Liel said, “I knew that loving you would be the easiest thing I’d ever do.” 😍🫠🫠🫠
It's not necessarily the kind of story I prefer and I was a little skeptical at first and had some trouble getting into it. But that's just me. All the ridiculously exuberant characters in here were a touch OTT too intense for me.
But, Oliver grew on me pretty quickly and then I couldn't help but giggle to myself constantly. All these demons are so wonderful. Not only are they amusing, there are countless hidden depths here and I look forward to more from this universe. Rusty, Gem, Toni, Jude, Zef even possibly Tad, oh I sense so much potential. I fear there is some addictive tendency here.
But this first part is about Ollie, the human, and Liel, the demon. My goodness, they are perfectly cute together. I love how the development of this relationship is set up. At first I thought it was annoying how long it takes to get to intimacy, but no, it's really perfect. They have enough sex ... incredible amount of sex when they finally get to it, but everything before that was deliciously worth it.
And the little romantic things ... and the visit to the parents ... and the declaration of their love. Oh yes, I have lots of little hearts in my eyes.
“Boring underwear, suits and ties, and only one pair of shorts,” Oliver tsked. “And I thought you’d be interesting.”
“You insult me, Mr. Barnes!” Oliver’s cheeks ached from smiling, but he couldn’t stop. “I have fun underwear, very immature and childish.”
“Oh? So it’s always a party in your pants?” Liel wriggled his brow cartilage.
“Yes, but it’s VIP only.”
Liel’s shoulders shook with his laughter. “No open door policy?”
“Nope, invite only.” Oliver hid his burning face in his pillow as Liel guffawed at the ceiling. 💗😂💗
He was here, and Liel was so close. And it was real. Oh god, it was real.
“What did you know?” Oliver asked. And Liel said, “I knew that loving you would be the easiest thing I’d ever do.” 😍🫠🫠🫠
December 6, 2024
Gross middle school humor and hypersexual one-liners don't really do it for me.
The romance was an aside to the veritable smorgasbord of secondary characters, mostly demons who work at the cafe with Oliver the human.
Every action required a loud verbal and emotional reaction from the large supporting cast.
This was cute and funny initially (Gem was particularly hilarious), but halfway through I was exhausted.
The author had a good thing going but didn't know how to stop. It's like when a kid gets a big laugh out of adults for an unintentional joke, so they keep repeating it over and over until it stops being amusing and becomes annoying.
The MCs don't meet up on page until 30%. Nothing happens with the relationship until 60%. The ending is lukewarm at best.
Oliver and Liel are in their late 20s/early 30s but act like overgrown frat boys. Everything is about fucking, drinking, puking, partying, fighting.
I should have DNF.
The romance was an aside to the veritable smorgasbord of secondary characters, mostly demons who work at the cafe with Oliver the human.
Every action required a loud verbal and emotional reaction from the large supporting cast.
This was cute and funny initially (Gem was particularly hilarious), but halfway through I was exhausted.
The author had a good thing going but didn't know how to stop. It's like when a kid gets a big laugh out of adults for an unintentional joke, so they keep repeating it over and over until it stops being amusing and becomes annoying.
The MCs don't meet up on page until 30%. Nothing happens with the relationship until 60%. The ending is lukewarm at best.
Oliver and Liel are in their late 20s/early 30s but act like overgrown frat boys. Everything is about fucking, drinking, puking, partying, fighting.
I should have DNF.
August 16, 2024
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
I had so much fun with this crazy group of demonic misfits at the Passing Through Cafe ☕︎.
Each character was so unique, and I loved the concept of a Hell dimension connected to the human world.
This was hilarious, quirky and fun and I kinda fell in love with every single one of these wacky dudes. [especially RUSTY, he’s so precious. A super grumpy pink care bear raccoon demon?? I need an entire book just about him, please]
Gem was also so fucking funny, he had me crying from laughter. I loved how the demons messed up human sayings, how they accepted Oliver in their group even if he was human. How they teased and fought with each other, but still protected and cared about each other like family.
This read was just full of fun scenarios, from a demon drag show to a crazy hangover, club dancing and horse riding. And let’s not forget the romance.
Liel and Oliver were HOT together — the dirty talk, the tension, the spice. Being used to Lily Mayne’s monsters, I wasn’t surprised by Liel’s different anatomy. Plus, you know…tentacle dick… enough said.
What did surprise me was Oliver’s dirty talk, ‘cause I did not expect super awkward babbler to have such a dirty mouth. But I loved it.
Their relationship wasn’t just sparks in the bedroom, they were also very sweet and lovely.
I really loved everything about this world, and I hope we see more of it in the future.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Demon x human
- Found family
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Multiple orgasms
- Phone sex
- Non-human genitalia (tentacle dick)
- Snowballing
“Welcome to Purgatory, baby.”
I had so much fun with this crazy group of demonic misfits at the Passing Through Cafe ☕︎.
Each character was so unique, and I loved the concept of a Hell dimension connected to the human world.
This was hilarious, quirky and fun and I kinda fell in love with every single one of these wacky dudes. [especially RUSTY, he’s so precious. A super grumpy pink care bear raccoon demon?? I need an entire book just about him, please]
“Do you want a yummy orange thing? It’s hard and kind of shaped like a dick, which seeing as you have a baby, I bet you’re into.” When the cow huffed at him, he shook his head quickly. “Oh, no shade, sis. I am also super into dick. Love it. Dicks all day. This is a judgment-free zone, babes.”
Gem was also so fucking funny, he had me crying from laughter. I loved how the demons messed up human sayings, how they accepted Oliver in their group even if he was human. How they teased and fought with each other, but still protected and cared about each other like family.
This read was just full of fun scenarios, from a demon drag show to a crazy hangover, club dancing and horse riding. And let’s not forget the romance.
“I want you,” he whispered in Liel’s ear, fingers tightening on his hips as the demon rolled his ass. “I’m all yours,” Liel vowed, head falling back on Oliver’s shoulder.
Liel and Oliver were HOT together — the dirty talk, the tension, the spice. Being used to Lily Mayne’s monsters, I wasn’t surprised by Liel’s different anatomy. Plus, you know…tentacle dick… enough said.
What did surprise me was Oliver’s dirty talk, ‘cause I did not expect super awkward babbler to have such a dirty mouth. But I loved it.
Liel snarled, a vicious, chilling sound, and Oliver said, “Come on my fucking cock.”
Their relationship wasn’t just sparks in the bedroom, they were also very sweet and lovely.
I really loved everything about this world, and I hope we see more of it in the future.
“I knew that loving you would be the easiest thing I’d ever do.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Demon x human
- Found family
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Multiple orgasms
- Phone sex
- Non-human genitalia (tentacle dick)
- Snowballing
March 29, 2025
“Sorry, man. I was just fucking with you. Welcome to Purgatory,
How was this so gay and campy and laugh out loud funny but with some tender endearing moments sprinkled in there. This was everything, and I really enjoyed all the side characters and this found family with all the different demons at the Cafe.
‘A demon who’d tasted like metal and lightning. A demon with bright yellow eyes. “Oh fuck me,” Oliver said. “We never got that far,” the demon said. Another theatrical gasp from Gem. “Someone better get me a towel because the tea being spilled right now—” “Gem, shut up,” Rusty hissed
Gem whimpered. “I am so hard right now.” “I’m pretty sure that’s an inside thought,” Rusty said.
“I’m not entirely inept at social interaction,” Oliver muttered. “You shouted, ‘I have narcolepsy,’ at him,” Rusty said dryly. “Do you blame us for doubting you?”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
It wasn’t love, of course it wasn’t. But it tasted close, the promise of a maybe, of an almost, of an eventually. It was the comfort of sunshine on his face and a warm Sunday breeze on his skin.
😩😩😩😩😩😩😍😍😍😍😍
A great buddy read with my sweet angel Dani I linked her review as well! Can’t wait to read more in this world.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
How was this so gay and campy and laugh out loud funny but with some tender endearing moments sprinkled in there. This was everything, and I really enjoyed all the side characters and this found family with all the different demons at the Cafe.
‘A demon who’d tasted like metal and lightning. A demon with bright yellow eyes. “Oh fuck me,” Oliver said. “We never got that far,” the demon said. Another theatrical gasp from Gem. “Someone better get me a towel because the tea being spilled right now—” “Gem, shut up,” Rusty hissed
Gem whimpered. “I am so hard right now.” “I’m pretty sure that’s an inside thought,” Rusty said.
“I’m not entirely inept at social interaction,” Oliver muttered. “You shouted, ‘I have narcolepsy,’ at him,” Rusty said dryly. “Do you blame us for doubting you?”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
It wasn’t love, of course it wasn’t. But it tasted close, the promise of a maybe, of an almost, of an eventually. It was the comfort of sunshine on his face and a warm Sunday breeze on his skin.
😩😩😩😩😩😩😍😍😍😍😍
A great buddy read with my sweet angel Dani I linked her review as well! Can’t wait to read more in this world.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 4, 2025
This was such a good book! So fun and funny! Definitely laughed out loud and had such a fun time reading this. It is a more vibes than plot kind of book. Loved the demon world and all the characters (love gem) I am so excited to continue this series!
June 23, 2025
3.5*** stars
I’m not quite getting the hype. 🙈
Though it was cute and entertaining with a great cast of characters, I'll give it that.
I loved Toni and I’m intrigued by Rusty’s story but these books (if book one is anything to go by) are too long for my liking and for the story that is told. So it’s a big maybe if I’ll go for one of the other books in the series.
************
Passing Through Cafe
Book 1 - Passing Through Purgatory - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Gratification in Gluttony
Book 3 - Luxuries of Lust
I’m not quite getting the hype. 🙈
Though it was cute and entertaining with a great cast of characters, I'll give it that.
“[…] don’t apologize. I rather enjoy making you stupid. It’s charming.”
I loved Toni and I’m intrigued by Rusty’s story but these books (if book one is anything to go by) are too long for my liking and for the story that is told. So it’s a big maybe if I’ll go for one of the other books in the series.
************
Passing Through Cafe
Book 1 - Passing Through Purgatory - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Gratification in Gluttony
Book 3 - Luxuries of Lust
November 25, 2024
Brilliant worldbuilding, amazing cast of diverse characters, hilarious comedic plot, awesome social commentary, perfectly sweet and cute romance. I loved this and I can't wait to read more and spend more time with these characters.
May 26, 2026
4⭐️ super funny and light story. I loved all the characters together, the found family vibes, the snark and wit—so hilarious.
There is zero angst or drama in this book though… like literally the characters are always being sweet, hilarious, or horned up. I wanted some sort of conflict; felt weird without it.
Michael Lesley does a great job with the narration.
There is zero angst or drama in this book though… like literally the characters are always being sweet, hilarious, or horned up. I wanted some sort of conflict; felt weird without it.
Michael Lesley does a great job with the narration.
March 28, 2025
I had the most fun reading this!!! Another great pick for a buddy read by Jonathan Samuel!
I loved that the demon community lived alongside humans pretty harmoniously because usually there's always some kind of plot where the demons are trying to rule humanity, so it was pretty refreshing.
Every character in this book was so loveable. I'm completely obsessed with Rusty and I need his story ASAP please! I love Zef and I'm also hoping there was maybe some set up for a story with them in future too.... I would love an Ace story in this series so much. Gem was hilarious, both intentionally and not, and I really really hope he ends up with Rusty, but I also want to know who this Connor character is...
The humour was also amazing! I laughed so hard so many times, but one of my favourites was when Liel brought home the relationship plant and threatened it to grow .... Loved it!
Very excited to read the next book because I'm already super intrigued by Toni
I loved that the demon community lived alongside humans pretty harmoniously because usually there's always some kind of plot where the demons are trying to rule humanity, so it was pretty refreshing.
Every character in this book was so loveable. I'm completely obsessed with Rusty and I need his story ASAP please! I love Zef and I'm also hoping there was maybe some set up for a story with them in future too.... I would love an Ace story in this series so much. Gem was hilarious, both intentionally and not, and I really really hope he ends up with Rusty, but I also want to know who this Connor character is...
The humour was also amazing! I laughed so hard so many times, but one of my favourites was when Liel brought home the relationship plant and threatened it to grow .... Loved it!
Very excited to read the next book because I'm already super intrigued by Toni
June 13, 2025
i love this shit i'm not even kidding 😭😭
2 chapters in and i was in love 💘 the cafe staff are just so fun and chaotic!! in a good way ofc. the found family is just too strong cuz altho they have wildly different personalities they all support each other, it's so heartwarming 🤭
and don't get me started on the romanceeee i love the flirting / wordplays / negotiations, it's so cute and i could really see the connection between oliver and liel. there were a lot of funny moments, but it also didn't lack the deeper, more emotional parts.
the humor was lowkey juvenile but ig that's my laughing point lol, i'm an easily amused person 🤷♀️
4.5 stars 💫
2 chapters in and i was in love 💘 the cafe staff are just so fun and chaotic!! in a good way ofc. the found family is just too strong cuz altho they have wildly different personalities they all support each other, it's so heartwarming 🤭
and don't get me started on the romanceeee i love the flirting / wordplays / negotiations, it's so cute and i could really see the connection between oliver and liel. there were a lot of funny moments, but it also didn't lack the deeper, more emotional parts.
the humor was lowkey juvenile but ig that's my laughing point lol, i'm an easily amused person 🤷♀️
4.5 stars 💫
June 7, 2026
So funny and chaotic and silly and cute... I love rusty, can't wait to read his book 😎
September 14, 2024
It was amusing as heck that’s for sure, but the constant crashing of the coworkers in Oliver’s life got kind of annoying, and I honestly just forgot who was who towards the end. I wish we'd focused more on the relationship between the two MC as we didn’t even meet the love interest until 30% which felt weird and way too drawn out. There was a few chapters dedicated to side characters which just frustrated me honestly as, again, I wanted to see the two MAIN characters interact. Blegh. I don’t mind when books have several side characters, but when they start taking over the book, I get annoyed.
A weird note though, is that there seems to be a LOT of things borrowed from Lily Mayne. I understand these two have written a series together and such but it felt REALLY weird to see them complaining about despair syrups, Sharon's from accounting, cheating ex-boyfriends and finding out they cheated while leaving, and such when Lily Mayne did the same thing earlier with Impromptu Match. It also felt super uncomfortable to read about Oliver and Liel talk about having sex and having sex as some of their lines seemed to be taken DIRECTLY from Moth and Seraph, written by Lily.
Now, idk. Could be coincidence. Could be heavily inspired. But the whole thing made me wildly uncomfortable as Lily isn’t mentioned at all in the thanks or acknowledgements.
A weird note though, is that there seems to be a LOT of things borrowed from Lily Mayne. I understand these two have written a series together and such but it felt REALLY weird to see them complaining about despair syrups, Sharon's from accounting, cheating ex-boyfriends and finding out they cheated while leaving, and such when Lily Mayne did the same thing earlier with Impromptu Match. It also felt super uncomfortable to read about Oliver and Liel talk about having sex and having sex as some of their lines seemed to be taken DIRECTLY from Moth and Seraph, written by Lily.
Now, idk. Could be coincidence. Could be heavily inspired. But the whole thing made me wildly uncomfortable as Lily isn’t mentioned at all in the thanks or acknowledgements.
December 10, 2024
That was very cutesy and typical rom-com. You're either into it or you're not.
For me, it's a hit or miss with these types of books. But I can tell you that I was completely surprised by this little gem. I enjoyed it very much.
The story itself was (mostly) uneventful. Actually, the plot was more of a tag-along to the romance between Liel and Oliver, but that really didn't bother me. I think that was the reason I enjoyed this book so much.
I would like to point out that Liel went through a bit of a character change in the middle of the book. In the beginning he was the older, more established type, but as the relationship progressed he kind of lost those traits. I don't really think that's a bad thing, but I missed his old personality. I wish he hadn't changed so much.
But anyway. I definitely enjoyed this book a lot. A nice and slow romance is never a bad thing if you ask me.
For me, it's a hit or miss with these types of books. But I can tell you that I was completely surprised by this little gem. I enjoyed it very much.
The story itself was (mostly) uneventful. Actually, the plot was more of a tag-along to the romance between Liel and Oliver, but that really didn't bother me. I think that was the reason I enjoyed this book so much.
Because they’d slipped into each other’s lives so easily, like they were always meant to be there, and they’d simply fallen out of orbit until now. It was effortless, like breathing, like laughing, like living.
I would like to point out that Liel went through a bit of a character change in the middle of the book. In the beginning he was the older, more established type, but as the relationship progressed he kind of lost those traits. I don't really think that's a bad thing, but I missed his old personality. I wish he hadn't changed so much.
But anyway. I definitely enjoyed this book a lot. A nice and slow romance is never a bad thing if you ask me.
November 25, 2024
5 stars
This was such a fun, sweet, spicy, and heartfelt read. I love this so much. This story isn't just a romance but also focuses heavily on the forming friendships among the employees at the Passing Through Café. I love me a good found family story, and this was absolutely perfect. All of the characters are so interesting and well written. This story has some serious subject matter (like some heavy hitting truths through social commentary), but it's balanced out so well with well placed humor (hello, Gem, I'm looking at you). This rag-tag group of misfits has so much heart and care so deeply for each other, even if somewhat dysfunctional at times. This is an amazing read and so well done. I'm so looking forward to Jude and Toni's story that's up next in the series.
This was such a fun, sweet, spicy, and heartfelt read. I love this so much. This story isn't just a romance but also focuses heavily on the forming friendships among the employees at the Passing Through Café. I love me a good found family story, and this was absolutely perfect. All of the characters are so interesting and well written. This story has some serious subject matter (like some heavy hitting truths through social commentary), but it's balanced out so well with well placed humor (hello, Gem, I'm looking at you). This rag-tag group of misfits has so much heart and care so deeply for each other, even if somewhat dysfunctional at times. This is an amazing read and so well done. I'm so looking forward to Jude and Toni's story that's up next in the series.
July 30, 2026
“Consider everyone in this room seduced, oh my gods”
Maldita la hora que no lo leí antes. Siempre lo posponía entre mis lecturas porque me decía que iba a ser un poco tedioso y el “cozy”. No. Absolutamente no. Igual un poco de eso último sí pero por lo demás me saco el sombrero.
El argumento no es nada del otro mundo, pero sí que contiene pequeñeces que me hacen feliz: chistes verdes y escenas graciosas y juegos de palabras con doble sentido que quienes me conozcan saben que mi humor se basa en esto. Qué triste.
“Oh, fancy-pants McGee over here”
Tengo ganas de leer los siguientes. Mi corazón esta calentito.
Gracias.
“It’s my dick pic! Not yours!”
Maldita la hora que no lo leí antes. Siempre lo posponía entre mis lecturas porque me decía que iba a ser un poco tedioso y el “cozy”. No. Absolutamente no. Igual un poco de eso último sí pero por lo demás me saco el sombrero.
El argumento no es nada del otro mundo, pero sí que contiene pequeñeces que me hacen feliz: chistes verdes y escenas graciosas y juegos de palabras con doble sentido que quienes me conozcan saben que mi humor se basa en esto. Qué triste.
“Oh, fancy-pants McGee over here”
Tengo ganas de leer los siguientes. Mi corazón esta calentito.
Gracias.
“It’s my dick pic! Not yours!”
May 5, 2025
Paranormal MM
Demon / Human
Adorkable MCs
Found Family
Low Angst
So. Much. Humor
Unique Characters
Sweet & Spicy!
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
This was such a funny book! My goodness, I laughed so much. This probably has one of the most uncomfortably funny scenes between the MCs that I have ever read. The second hand embarrassment with this one is strong! But its such a blast. I felt the same after reading this as I did with Lily Mayne's Goliath of Wresting series, or TJ Klune's The Lightning-Struck Heart. Very fast paced humor, sometimes very juvenile humor, but it just works.
There were so many characters to keep up with, but that made the reading so much fun. Our main MCs in this story were so sweet, but man... they brought the heat! Make no mistake, even though there a lot of comedy, the spice hits! Our human MC Oliver may have had some embarrassing and awkward moments, but when the time was right, that man had a dirty dirty mouth.
There is very little angst here, an adorkable couple, and fantastic side characters. Just a really great read.
Demon / Human
Adorkable MCs
Found Family
Low Angst
So. Much. Humor
Unique Characters
Sweet & Spicy!
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
This was such a funny book! My goodness, I laughed so much. This probably has one of the most uncomfortably funny scenes between the MCs that I have ever read. The second hand embarrassment with this one is strong! But its such a blast. I felt the same after reading this as I did with Lily Mayne's Goliath of Wresting series, or TJ Klune's The Lightning-Struck Heart. Very fast paced humor, sometimes very juvenile humor, but it just works.
There were so many characters to keep up with, but that made the reading so much fun. Our main MCs in this story were so sweet, but man... they brought the heat! Make no mistake, even though there a lot of comedy, the spice hits! Our human MC Oliver may have had some embarrassing and awkward moments, but when the time was right, that man had a dirty dirty mouth.
There is very little angst here, an adorkable couple, and fantastic side characters. Just a really great read.
May 15, 2025
This was cute and super funny. Oliver was a softie and determined to be his authentic self, while also pragmatic enough to take a job at a coffee shop. The crew at the Passing Through cafe were funny and Gem is easily my fave. He may have made Oliver’s life more embarrassing, but Oliver didn’t have a lot of game initially after meeting Liel. Liel was sweet too, though with a lot more workaholicism and some klepto tendencies. They were adorable together.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: homophobia, transphobia, speciesism, reference to child sex work, roofie of side character, electrocution, joblessness
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: homophobia, transphobia, speciesism, reference to child sex work, roofie of side character, electrocution, joblessness
November 16, 2024
Ahh this book was so cute! Instantly fell in love with it and all the fun characters that make up the found-family vibes of this story. It was so funny in parts that it had me laughing out loud. And the amount of love and acceptance and respect the characters display filled my heart to almost bursting. I can’t wait to see where Nik takes us next in this amazing world they’ve created!
January 31, 2025
4.5 stars. This is a delightful PNR, queer rom com best enjoyed via audiobook. Micheal Lesley is a dream 🥰 The audio is full of drunken friends, ridiculous flirtation and steamy scenes with tentacles and electricity.
If you're looking for angst or trepidation you won't find it here. This is purely for laughs and second hand embarrassment. Nothing about this book will broaden your horizons or deepen your soul, it's just fun and overly dramatic wing man action meets 6 handed demons who are readily accepted into society wearing shirts that proudly proclaim them as 'cum dumpsters' 😅
Listen for all the above. I can't wait for the next book featuring our beloved trans man and his two dick love interest. I can't imagine anything boring with that pairing 🤭
If you're looking for angst or trepidation you won't find it here. This is purely for laughs and second hand embarrassment. Nothing about this book will broaden your horizons or deepen your soul, it's just fun and overly dramatic wing man action meets 6 handed demons who are readily accepted into society wearing shirts that proudly proclaim them as 'cum dumpsters' 😅
Listen for all the above. I can't wait for the next book featuring our beloved trans man and his two dick love interest. I can't imagine anything boring with that pairing 🤭
September 15, 2024
I think this book had a lot of potential but there was just way too much going on constantly in the background and with so many other people that it was hard to really focus or care much about the story and characters. There were plenty of fun and enjoyable aspects but unfortunately it was too overshadowed by the overwhelming amount of things happening at once.
Did Not Finish
June 22, 202530%
oh. my. god.
this literally gave me an headache. it was fun for about 2.5 minutes and then it became so damn annoying.
the side characters went from interesting to too damn present with their constant comments. everyone has to comment on everything. spare me.
also, where the fuck is the other main character?
oh. my. god.
this literally gave me an headache. it was fun for about 2.5 minutes and then it became so damn annoying.
the side characters went from interesting to too damn present with their constant comments. everyone has to comment on everything. spare me.
also, where the fuck is the other main character?
December 13, 2025
Absolutely obsessed with these characters and this universe. I laughed so much reading this book, it made my heart happy
December 28, 2025
I did enjoy this book, but I kinda wish it focused more on the main characters. It felt a bit chaotic with everyone popping up and interacting all the time. That was fun, yeah, but we barely see Liel and Oliver actually make progress until the end.
December 29, 2024
This was an adorable cozy read! (With a little bit of tentacles mixed in)
The found family was my favorite part! They were again all adorable.
The part where they all went to the farm/ranch. Hilarious. 😂
The found family was my favorite part! They were again all adorable.
The part where they all went to the farm/ranch. Hilarious. 😂
December 29, 2024
Brilliant PNR
This was my first read from Nik Knight, and I loved it.
The world-building is excellent, with the many different Hellish species, the connections with the human world, and the politics and history of the Pentagram (Hell world). I'm excited to see how the series develops.
The main characters were lovable and interesting. Ollie, with his background in rural Montana, trying to make a life away from the conservative farmland he grew up with. Lies, the demon lawyer, hiding his origins at work in a classist society.
I loved the way they kept coming together before they connected.
And the found family vibes of the Passing Through crew were perfect.
In this, you'll find:
✨️MM Paranormal Romance
✨️Pansexual human
✨️Gay demon lawyer
✨️Found family
✨️Missed connections
✨️Struggling to get a job & working at a cafe
✨️Classism, bigotry, some mentions of homophobia
✨️Non-consensual drugging
✨️Mention of SA
✨️Past as a sex worker
✨️Conservative rural family (but no rejection)
✨️A HEA without marriage or kids in the story
This was my first read from Nik Knight, and I loved it.
The world-building is excellent, with the many different Hellish species, the connections with the human world, and the politics and history of the Pentagram (Hell world). I'm excited to see how the series develops.
The main characters were lovable and interesting. Ollie, with his background in rural Montana, trying to make a life away from the conservative farmland he grew up with. Lies, the demon lawyer, hiding his origins at work in a classist society.
I loved the way they kept coming together before they connected.
And the found family vibes of the Passing Through crew were perfect.
In this, you'll find:
✨️MM Paranormal Romance
✨️Pansexual human
✨️Gay demon lawyer
✨️Found family
✨️Missed connections
✨️Struggling to get a job & working at a cafe
✨️Classism, bigotry, some mentions of homophobia
✨️Non-consensual drugging
✨️Mention of SA
✨️Past as a sex worker
✨️Conservative rural family (but no rejection)
✨️A HEA without marriage or kids in the story
July 22, 2026
5 Pippies Stars
⭐
ARC Read: 13/06/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you Nik Knight & GRR for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Adult Fantasy Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
👉 Slow Burn (Holy Moly It’s Hot! 🥵)
👉 Human x Monster/Demon (Gymnot)
💘 Insta Attraction
🤣 So Much Awkward Flirting
👉 Lawyer x Barista (Former Accountant)
🤭 Klutz MC
💥 Insatiable
🔥 Phone Sex
🐙 Tentacle Dicks (Non-human Genitalia)
💥 Electrical Fingers
🥰 Consent Kings
🤏 Light Exhibitionism
🤌 Possessive MC
👉 Klepto MC
💗💛💙 Pansexual Rep
🤏 Partially Long Distance
😈 Hell Dimension
🫂 Found Family
🎉 Tons Of Shenanigans & Tomfoolery
☕️ Cozy Coffee Place
👉 Rom-Com HILARIOUS
+ Dark Humor
👉 Low-Angst
🙌 Loving All The Characters In This World
Content/Trigger Warnings:
ARC Read: 13/06/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you Nik Knight & GRR for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Adult Fantasy Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
👉 Slow Burn (Holy Moly It’s Hot! 🥵)
👉 Human x Monster/Demon (Gymnot)
💘 Insta Attraction
🤣 So Much Awkward Flirting
👉 Lawyer x Barista (Former Accountant)
🤭 Klutz MC
💥 Insatiable
🔥 Phone Sex
🐙 Tentacle Dicks (Non-human Genitalia)
💥 Electrical Fingers
🥰 Consent Kings
🤏 Light Exhibitionism
🤌 Possessive MC
👉 Klepto MC
💗💛💙 Pansexual Rep
🤏 Partially Long Distance
😈 Hell Dimension
🫂 Found Family
🎉 Tons Of Shenanigans & Tomfoolery
☕️ Cozy Coffee Place
👉 Rom-Com HILARIOUS
+ Dark Humor
👉 Low-Angst
🙌 Loving All The Characters In This World
Content/Trigger Warnings:
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
“Told you.” Toni propped his hands on his hips, nodding sagely. “Greed guys can’t be trusted.”
“You all need to chill out.” Oliver brushed past Toni and headed for the kitchen. “Maybe he’s interested in me as a person and not just phone sex. And the flowers are romantic. It’s called wooing. Let him woo me; I want to be wooed!”
“You said woo way too many times,” Rusty said.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Series: Passing Through Cafe #1
Format: Ebook/ARC
POV: 3rd Person - Single POV
Plot: 5/5
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
“You should really start channeling your kindred spirit, Cheer Bear. You’d make more friends. Maybe even get laid.” As Gem patted his head, Rusty growled ferociously.
“I’m not interested in any of those things, and if you mention that fucking bear again—”
Cupping Rusty’s face, Gem squished it until his mouth puckered into fish lips. “Oh, sweetheart, I am literally just getting started.”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Main Characters:
5/5 - Oliver Barnes: 26yo, nicknames: Ollie, Mr. Barnes, darling. he/him. Human, work as a barista, former accountant.
5/5 - Liel Karakis: 31yo, nicknames: Mr. Karakis. he/him. Gymnot, works at a legal firm.
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 5/5
Romance: High Focus
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
“You taste good,” Oliver whispered against Liel’s hot, wet skin, and Liel shuddered. “I want to eat you out for days.”
“Oliver, please,” Liel whimpered.
“I’ve got you, baby.” Oliver crouched and wrapped his arms around Liel’s thighs, spreading them wider. With a sharp tug, he jerked Liel’s ass to the very edge of the table, and the demon squeaked. “You just lay back and let me worship you.”
“Oh fuck,” he choked out, and Oliver chuckled smugly. He couldn’t wait to obliterate Liel’s composure completely.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Humor: Over The Roof
Angst: Low Focus
Cheating?
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
“Now, Mr. Barnes, you must look away,” Liel said haughtily. “I’m about to unpack my unmentionables.”
“Is this Step Two of your fervent pursuit? Seducing me with your underwear?”
Liel pressed a hand to his chest with theatrical flair. “I would never! What kind of man do you take me for?” He produced a pair of dark, tight shorts with a flourish. “My underwear is very boring, so I don’t think it’s effective seduction material.”
“Boring underwear, suits and ties, and only one pair of shorts,” Oliver tsked. “And I thought you’d be interesting.”
“You insult me, Mr. Barnes!”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Favorite character?
This is my 1st book by Nik Knight.
Enjoyment: 5/5
Passing Through Cafe Series:
1. Passing Through Purgatory - 5 stars
2. Gratification in Gluttony - 5 stars
3. Luxuries of Lust - 5 stars
!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!
Hope this review was helpful.
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August 5, 2026
3.5 stars
June 18, 2026
I love this world!
This book was sweet, fun, and lovely to read. I def recommend the audiobook. The narrator is so good! I loved how it added depth to the story. I found Nik Knight through Lily Mayne and Im obsessed. Cant wait to read the next book. Its the cutest. Im so excited for Rustys book!!
This book was sweet, fun, and lovely to read. I def recommend the audiobook. The narrator is so good! I loved how it added depth to the story. I found Nik Knight through Lily Mayne and Im obsessed. Cant wait to read the next book. Its the cutest. Im so excited for Rustys book!!
December 27, 2024
Maybe this book is great for some people. Some people is not me.
To summarize, it felt like I was reading Hazbin Hotel fanfiction where people just made self insert character characters, and a bunch of their own OCs. It really had the feeling of a silly fanfiction that didn’t have any direction, but the author was just writing because they were having fun. There’s not a whole lot of direction in this book. Really, we just have some human man who ends up working at a café in purgatory, And then he makes a bunch of random demon friends. Then we don’t actually meet the love interest until we’re like a third of the way into the book, and then the story just goes to an instant attraction between those two. Their love story is incredibly boring, and completely relies. On the fact that one of the characters is a spooky monster.
There are so many long drawn out scenes and details between the random friend monsters, and even the two main characters, that are just so unnecessarily long. Further, the way, the characters talk and “banter” is so surface level and repetitive, that it just doesn’t have any impact. I felt like I was just looking at a bunch of random things happening to this group of people. There was no development. The one character who kind of had a slight interesting backstory, was never explored, and was also a pink raccoon for some reason.
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe some people love reading about random strange monsters that don’t make any sense, and don’t really do anything of substance. If this seems like the kind of thing you would like, then this book is for you.
To summarize, it felt like I was reading Hazbin Hotel fanfiction where people just made self insert character characters, and a bunch of their own OCs. It really had the feeling of a silly fanfiction that didn’t have any direction, but the author was just writing because they were having fun. There’s not a whole lot of direction in this book. Really, we just have some human man who ends up working at a café in purgatory, And then he makes a bunch of random demon friends. Then we don’t actually meet the love interest until we’re like a third of the way into the book, and then the story just goes to an instant attraction between those two. Their love story is incredibly boring, and completely relies. On the fact that one of the characters is a spooky monster.
There are so many long drawn out scenes and details between the random friend monsters, and even the two main characters, that are just so unnecessarily long. Further, the way, the characters talk and “banter” is so surface level and repetitive, that it just doesn’t have any impact. I felt like I was just looking at a bunch of random things happening to this group of people. There was no development. The one character who kind of had a slight interesting backstory, was never explored, and was also a pink raccoon for some reason.
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe some people love reading about random strange monsters that don’t make any sense, and don’t really do anything of substance. If this seems like the kind of thing you would like, then this book is for you.
July 10, 2026
Genuinely hated every moment of this.
Between the not meeting the love interest until like 30% in, pedophilia jokes (plural), the bestiality jokes (literally an entire 2 pages on if a character wants to “fuck or molest” a cow), the offensive gay stereotypes, the racial slurs (btwn demons and humans so not like slurs we have on earth but clearly supposed to be used in place of those ones)… yikes
There wasn’t a single even semi-likeable character either.
The parts that you could tell the author thought were “witty” were just cringey (NOT in a good way, in the way that a 13 year old boy thinks he’s being funny when he’s just being crude for no reason), boring, and absolutely full of stereotypes (like Jem or whatever tf his name was being literally nothing but horny and every single word out of his mouth having to be a sex joke like these are preteens discovering the word “penis” for the first time instead of full-grown adults). It was so immature and juvenile that it felt creepy listening to them CONSTANTLY talk about getting laid (there was ZERO depth to the characters beyond that).
There’s also a character who is very clearly ace that the other hyper-sexed characters keep saying he’s “hopeless” because he’s not interested in sleeping with someone else (that he just met).
Between the not meeting the love interest until like 30% in, pedophilia jokes (plural), the bestiality jokes (literally an entire 2 pages on if a character wants to “fuck or molest” a cow), the offensive gay stereotypes, the racial slurs (btwn demons and humans so not like slurs we have on earth but clearly supposed to be used in place of those ones)… yikes
There wasn’t a single even semi-likeable character either.
The parts that you could tell the author thought were “witty” were just cringey (NOT in a good way, in the way that a 13 year old boy thinks he’s being funny when he’s just being crude for no reason), boring, and absolutely full of stereotypes (like Jem or whatever tf his name was being literally nothing but horny and every single word out of his mouth having to be a sex joke like these are preteens discovering the word “penis” for the first time instead of full-grown adults). It was so immature and juvenile that it felt creepy listening to them CONSTANTLY talk about getting laid (there was ZERO depth to the characters beyond that).
There’s also a character who is very clearly ace that the other hyper-sexed characters keep saying he’s “hopeless” because he’s not interested in sleeping with someone else (that he just met).
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