Oh No! There's an Ifrit in my Cosmic Cafe

Getting Cozy with Demons #2

by Ember Holt

I astral projected to cheat at poker and landed myself in witness protection with a brooding fire demon. Oops.

Now my family’s hiding out in northern Maine in a busted-up café my brother won in a shady bet. The place is a disaster: cursed sugar jars, haunted espresso machine, and oh yeah…a smoldering Ifrit who runs the interdimensional bar behind the walk-in freezer. He’s all fire, fury, and don’t-touch-my-cups energy, and we clash over everything.

We share a dangerously thin veil between realms we’re determined to fix—since we don’t want to see any more of each other than we have to. But when a pissed off mob mage sends his goons looking for me, suddenly Mr. Smoke-and-Glare decides I’m his problem to protect.

The longer I stay, the more I want to know what it’d feel like to melt under him. He might be bound to the bar, but I’m bound to him by something else entirely: temptation, tension and the growing certainty that this fiery demon might be the only one who can keep my family alive.

If he doesn’t burn my sanity (or my panties) to ash first.

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 30, 2025

About the author

Ember loves all things with heat! A glass of wine, a comfy, oversized sweater, and a spicy book next to a fireplace is her ideal night. She likes to read about powerful heroines and protective heroes, and write about them, too.

When she’s not writing, Ember is a fox in the henhouse, causing all kinds of hell. She enjoys making pasta while listening to big brass bands, taking long walks with her favorite audio books, playing D&D, and painting—but not very well.

Some of Ember’s favorite authors include Laura Thalassa, Shannon Mayer, and Raven Kennedy. Their powerful heroines inspire her daily to get out of bed and to do her best (or stay in it to keep reading!)

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Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAHA SUCKERS! I got to read this early and lemme tell you, I somehow liked it better than book one?!? 💅🏼🥵😁 (that’s saying something bc I loved book 1)

We get new characters in book 2 but the same aspects that had me coming back:
🌶️ that sweet, sweet spice🌶️
🔮 magic - unique and fun 🔮
🫶 found (& also blood) family 🫶
😈 sexy marshmallow demon who may melt hearts & other things 😈

I love these characters and how it’s true to the style of the first story but also uniquely its own. If you like cozy spicy paranormal ya best get on it sis 😇💅🏼🤭

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Ember for an arc of this! New auto buy author absolutely ate this up! The story, spice, the characters… Rhazdaddy lol love a cinnamon roll mmc who will kill for his lady. This is really well paced, funny has an excellent amount of story and spice and grabbed me right in! Have to go read book one now!

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phewww this had me breathless a number of times. Super hot, leaning towards kinky with plenty of action. Sure as hell ticked a number of boxes. Jiahui /Jade uses her astral projection magic to cheat and swindle to pay off her family's debt and support grandma Nai Nai and her little brother Ace. After an altercation with Chinese Mafia Zhao and a police bust, they had to go into hiding. They end up in the Cosmic Cafe in Maine with the Ifrit Rhazan, a fire demon. Sparks fly, punishment is involved which sparks even hotter episodes. Without revealing spoilers, be prepared for juicy scenes, plenty of magical creatures, even a firefluff Soot (demon pet), twists galore, a HEA and a family reunited. Absolutely another great read.
I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank you Ember, it rocked

[Kitchen, Home & Bookish Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic ARC read!
Had me giggling & kicking my feet, and I couldn’t put it down!
The spice was there, the romance, the characters and their parts in the book were all amazing!

[MB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to booksirens and the author for allowing me to read this book.


Quick read. Some interesting world building.

Readers that like romance and paranormal, fantasy, magic may like this book as well as readers that like some spice with BSDM.


What worked for me:

The Chinese American cultural and family dynamics.

The ride or die FMC devoted to her family, but still very much human making mistakes. The eldest child guilt.

The almost cozy setting.

The cinnamon roll pain feeding demon. That was interesting.

That the author did include some insight into the FMC psychological need for sexual role-play and submission and BDSM without being clinical or too much exposition, and that it made her feel safe, and how lack of choice in some issues made her feel at peace. This is scattered throughout the book in situations that unfold not just in the intimate scenes.

Structure was nice and tight, good development, editing was pretty good. Very few problems there. My one problem is detailed below.

What did didn't work for me? This is really subjective.

I really did not enjoy the intimate scenes despite understanding what the author seemed to be trying to do and explaining submission and BDSM. I admit that I do not BDSM spice and that colors is my perspective – this is definitely not an attempted objective opinion, but just expressing why I did not love the book. Yes the author had trigger warnings and content warnings. Yes I read it anyway as I was doing this as an advanced read to review and I don't have any objections to the triggers or content. Like I said previously, I did appreciate that the author tried to not just tell but show the FMC needs.

However, my biggest problem and I guess I could categorize that as my opinion on a character development choice that I would place under structuring of the book, was in that the FMC meets the MMC as a virgin that has not even had a boyfriend and jumps immediately (yes, nearly immediately) into Submission and BDSM as if she understood it to a certain extent. I found the yes daddy immediate response to be rather jarring.

Yes there is complete consent during all scenes.

And yes, unfortunately this was yet another romance with anal play with no lube and a lot of dry humping, which I get really tired of reading.

Conclusion: I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I really did enjoy the small world, family, dynamics/culture inclusion. Didn't love some of the intimate scenes. Writing structure, very good, very few issues. A 3 stars for the book in general.

[Bookwyrm_in_KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, No! There's an Ifrit in my Cosmic Cafe is book 2 in the Getting Cozy with Demons series, but can be read as a standalone.

Jiahui is in trouble. The mob boss who owns her parent's debt wants her to help pay off the debt by using her astral projection powers for whatever nefarious things he wants. When his illegal gambling den is raided, Jiahui, her younger brother and grandmother need to hide out in a safe place before the trial that she will have to testify at. 

Luckily for them, her grandma won a contest and is now the proud owner of a space themed coffee shop in a quaint town that is far enough away to (hopefully) be safe. What Jiahui didn't expect was there to be an interdimensional bar sharing the same space as the cafe, just on a different plane. And that bar is run by Rhazan, an absolutely smouldering demon.

Rhazan and Jiahui have instant chemistry, but between giant, angry interdimensional cockroaches, angry monsters and law enforcement entanglements of the magical and mundane varieties, they have a lot to deal with before they can get their HEA. But in the meantime, they're getting nice and freaky. 😉

I loved Jiahui's snark and problem solving skills. And her grandma? A gem. And Rhazan seems like a grump at first, but it's just a defense mechanism. Underneath he's a big softie. And fans of book 1, never fear, there's an appearance or two of Apollo, Sylvie and Charlie. 🩷

Thank you, Ember Holt for the opportunity to advance read!

[Mindy ᵕ̈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

first off, huge thanks to ember for the ARC!! i am so grateful and so happy to immerse myself and get cozy with the demons again 🫶🏻

but shut upppp i LOVED this book. devoured it. when i wasn’t reading it i was thinking about it. when i was reading it i was wishing it wouldn’t have to end. now that it’s done i already miss it.

every single one of these characters were written with so much intention and felt so well fleshed out, i could so easily visualize them in my mind. rhaz is the epitome of “is a cinnamon roll, could kill you.” and jiahui is so strong and brave and BADASS.

i actually love the differences between incubus and ifrit. while i loved how cozy apollo’s story was, i was so invested in the action this book. it just made sense. and i was so excited to see sylvia and apollo and charlie! and i loved how this was way more of a fast burn, but that wouldn’t have worked as well for incubus! i think the pacing, the action, everything in this book was perfectly done.

and the spice was spicyyyyy they were so much fun. so much banter and laughing and it was wonderful.

again, i loved this book, i love their love, i love these silly demons and their mates. 10/10 forever

[Meruko · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
I received an online ARC, but my review is still an honest representation of my thoughts.

Boy was I happy when I received an invite for this ARC, considering how much I loved the first book. This one had EVERYTHING. A great story, lots of actions, a decent but not overwhelming amount of spice and amazing characters. In many instances I found myself laughing out loud (I freaking LOVE grandma Nai Nai!!!). In some instances genuinely felt bad for Jiahui's circumstances. The inclusion of the (realistic) panic attacks and trauma... My poor heart.

Where the story maybe didn't score as much for me is in the spice. I really, really don't have a spanking kink, but despite that I found that the spice was well made enough that, for once, I didn't mind all that much if that wasn't my cup of tea. I instead enjoyed the intimacy and the complete trust between Jiahui and RhazDaddy (ahem I mean Rhazan), and the (quick) but good chemistry between them.

Anyway, long story short: I was very,very much looking forward to this book and it didn't disappoint, even if it wasn't always my cup of tea. I'm now hoping (and very much looking forward to) a book 3? :D

[Carly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book Review

Oh No! There's an Ifrit in my Cosmic Cafe
Author: Ember Holt
Release Date: December 30, 2025
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Genre: Paranormal Romance - MF
Summary: Demon, Smoking Nostrils, Multiple Realms, Terrible Coffee, Sunshine Brat & Cinnamon Roll Grump, Spice & a smattering of bad guys

This was the most unique paranormal romance I read this year.

I love the FMC & MMC banter and tension. Right out the gate I knew this was going to be spicy!
Ember did not disappoint! The spicy scenes are spicy and a little kinky but the main story doesn't get lost in nubs & growths (IYKYK).

The premise is original and anyone who likes paranormal, sweet moments, magic, sci-fi and spicy will love this!

The characters were written with such great detail and there are strong family ties. The settings fits the story perfectly.

Triggers: I don't have any and I am not here to helicopter your reading.
If you have triggers be good to yourself and check the authors website

#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #bookish #bookrec #books #bookaddict #paranormal
#ARC #romance #gettingcozywithdemons #romantasy #fantasyromance

[Rebecca Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I graciously received an ARC and I'm pleasantly surprised.

I went into this completely blind and was surprised by the plot. I didn't expect a plot like this in a cosy fantasy, and it really works. I was really invested in what would happen next. I loved the setting and oh my god, the Feng family are adorable. They are written impeccably well, it felt like speaking to my own family members.

My only thing I didn't get vibe with was the pacing. Both the pacing of the plot and the romance pacing between Rhazan and Jiahui. I felt like the story found its feet in the latter half of the book and after that, the pacing wasn't so much of an issue.

I'm also not entirely enthused with the nickname RhazDaddy. It completely broke my immersion each time I read it. But I understand that for some that it may be their favourite part.

Overall, it's wholesome, sweet, spicy, with an enticing plot. I had a good time reading it.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, Ember Holt — what was in your coffee when you wrote this, and where can I get some? Getting Cozy with Demons #2 is equal parts chaos, charm, and caffeine-fueled mayhem. I went in expecting a light paranormal rom-com, and instead found myself emotionally attached to a grumpy fire spirit who just wants to learn latte art without setting the espresso machine on fire.

Holt’s sense of humor is spot on. The dialogue crackles (sometimes literally), the banter is sizzling, and the entire “cosmic café” setting is the perfect backdrop for the kind of magical nonsense that makes you giggle out loud. The Ifrit is a walking HR nightmare, the barista is perpetually one spell away from a meltdown, and somehow, between the chaos, there’s still a sweet, heartfelt message about found family and self-acceptance.

In short: utterly unhinged, surprisingly touching, and best enjoyed with something fireproof to drink.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am lucky enough to be part of Ember's Arc team, so she gave me this book for free.
I will get cozy with demons EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK! First Apollo, and now Rhazan? Yes, please!
Jade is just trying to take care of her family, and not get everyone kidnapped or killed, and along comes this sexy beast forcing his protection on her. I'd be okay with that. I'd probably be just as big of a brat about it, too. That's the fun part!
While it is 100% a standalone story, I loved the subtle crossover. When Charlie showed up, I almost choked on my dinner! I'll have a word with Ember about that one...
If you love stories with giant, hunky men and obscene amounts of spice, give this series a try. I don't think that you'll regret it.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC from the author.

We meet Jade, her brother Ace and her grandmother Nei Nei, who are moved into a witness protection program of sorts after blowing the whistle on a very bad mage. Jade's grandmother won a contest for a cafe in Maine, so they relocate for safety reasons but the place has its own paranormal activity. Insert sexy ifrit, Raz, who helps get rid of unwanted inter-dimensional pests and has Jade on edge. The more time Jade spends with Raz, the more she sees who he really is and yearns for more. When the mages son has his sights on Jade, the ifrit decides that she and her family need to be protected but at what cost?

[Dalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember Holt’s Oh No! There’s an Ifrit in My Cosmic Cafe is a sizzling fusion of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and witty chaos that delights on every level. Holt’s writing bursts with personality equal parts humor, heat, and heart as she crafts a vividly magical world hidden inside a run down Maine café where danger brews as thick as the espresso. The chemistry between the fiery Ifrit and the irresistibly flawed heroine crackles with tension, giving readers both laughter and longing in equal measure. A wildly inventive, spellbinding ride that proves Holt is one of the freshest voices in contemporary fantasy romance.

[Faith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it to about 24% (page 85) before deciding to DNF. I’m a mood reader, but this one was a struggle for me. The connection between Jade and Rhazan felt rushed and unnatural—more told than shown. The spice begins almost immediately, with a spanking scene the very night they meet, which made it hard to buy into any emotional chemistry. After that, Jade’s behavior shifts so abruptly it felt inconsistent with how her character was introduced.

There didn’t seem to be much reasoning or depth behind their bond, which left me disconnected from the story. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me, and I wouldn’t recommend it at this time.

[Love.bites.xoxo · Rating 4 out of 5]

while reading this ARC I was equal parts laughing, blushing, and clutching my chest. The humor, and the ache of found family in this story hit every note perfectly.

It’s the kind of book that makes you want to sip something strong and cackle at the chaos, Between the spice that scorches and the laughter that heals, Oh No, There’s an Ifrit in My Cosmic Café brews up something raw, tender, and irresistibly addicting.

Was a tad insta love but hey come on who wouldn’t fall in love with that cinnamon roll Rhazan is ?

[Arlo Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with any of Ember's books, I found this one to be written really well. The two main characters had really good character development and I liked how fast they hit it off. (I do like my fast burns lol) The drama and tension that was in the story due to the antagonists was spot on. I do appreciate how that plot point was resolved though. The FMC was definitely crafty; kudos to her ingenuity.

As always, will keep reading any books Ember puts out. Keep up the great work. :D

[BookishBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first ever ARC that I have received and I want to thank Ember Holt for writing such an amazing book. I read this book so quickly that by the last 20% of the book I had to force myself to slow down as I did not want it to end. It has a perfect combination of spice, cozy vibes and even has a little bit of action. I will definitely be checking out the first book in the series and will be watching for more stories by Ember!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book from Ember.

This was a fun romp through the cafe!!! Loved the energy of Jade and RhazDaddy. 😈. There was a nice mix action and steamy scenes. Overall a fun and quick read!

[Kristy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fits in Getting Cozy with Demons perfectly. It's inventive, unique, represents diverse cultures and values, funny, and spicy. Ember Holt is an auto-buy author.

[Candice Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC read. I really enjoyed this book. The series seems to get better as they go. Really fun and cute